I loved the episode Dreadnaught, but was disappointed in how things turned out. The writers could have taken things much farther...

Enjoy! Please R&R, comments are always appreciated :D

~Cissa

From the moment Kathryn entered the bridge, Chakotay knew something was wrong. A serious look on her face she commenced, "Gentlemen, I believe our best chance at stopping Dreadnought now is to set off a large antimatter explosion directly in it's path." Trying to figure out her plan Chakotay chimed in with, "To work, it would take more energy than all of our photons put together. "

"Or more to the point, it would take a warp core breach," Tuvok finished, getting to the heart of the matter. All of a sudden Chakotay knew what Kathryn was going to do…she was going to sacrifice the ship, herself, in order to save the planet in Dreadnought's path.

"You'll be in charge of the evacuation, Commander," she said after a moment's silence.

"I'm not leaving you on the ship," he said immediately, without thinking. He didn't know what would happen, but he did know one thing – he couldn't lose Kathryn. She was his life, and he wasn't going to just let her go.

"Captain's prerogative. Get the rest of the crew to the escape pods. I'll send the senior officers to join you in a few minutes." Her face was cold and hard, yet determined. Chakotay knew there was no way of talking her out of this ridiculous scheme of hers, but he had to try. As she turned to go, he reached out and grabbed her arm, his look pleading with her not to go through with this.

"We don't have time to debate this, Chakotay," she said, looking him straight in the eye, her look just daring him to contradict her. It was at this moment that Chakotay knew it was completely useless. She had made her choice and there was no going back. He nodded.

"Everyone except senior officers, with me," he called, leading the crew. At the door her turned around for one more look of her; the last look her would ever get of the woman he loved. She had already turned around and was standing in front of her captain's chair.

"Computer, initiate the self-destruct sequence. Authorisation Janeway pi one one zero. Set it at twenty minutes," she called; then those horrible words from the computer:

"Warning, self-destruct sequence has been initiated. Warp core overload in twenty minutes."

Turning around, Kathryn gave him one final look. This time he could see the fear behind her actions, normally so well hidden. He knew her too well though for her to hide anything from him. She gave him a sad little smile before heading back to her captains chair. Turning around he left to direct the evacuation of the crew members – he had twenty minutes and time was of the essence. He had to forget about Kathryn and do his job. Problem was…he didn't think he could…

…

In the split-second after Chakotay grabbed her arm a flood of emotions ran through Kathryn. She had come to care for this kind, gentle, handsome man who was her first officer…more than she ever thought she could care about anyone ever again. She knew what she had to do, but her feelings for him were making it very difficult. Still, she steeled herself and did what was necessary.

"We don't have time to debate this Chakotay," she said. For a second they stared at each other until he nodded his assent and began the evacuation. She turned away from him and gave the order, hearing the computer confirm the self-destruct sequence that would end her life in twenty minutes. Turning back around, she saw Chakotay looking at her. For a second her guard dropped, and she could tell he saw straight through her…all her fears and insecurities. She gave him a little smile, hoping to reassure him the she turned around before she could completely break. Already she could feel the tears threatening to run down her cheeks…knowing she would never see him again.

…

"The missile's containment field is collapsing," Tuvok reported several minutes later. B'Lana had managed to get inside Dreadnought and was working on disabling it from within. Apparently she had finally been successful!

"Beam her back, now. Hang on!" Kathryn ordered, getting them out of the way just as Dreadnought exploded.

"Warning. Self destruct sequence has been initiated. Warp core overload in one minute," the computer chimed in, reminding Kathryn of her imminent demise.

"Computer, terminate self destruct sequence. Authorisation Janeway pi one one zero." "Confirmed. Sequence terminated," the computer said, causing Kathryn to let a sigh of relief. Voyager was safe. The planet and people below them were safe. Her crew was safe. Chakotay was safe…

"Janeway to Torres. B'Elanna, are you," she began, checking up on the person who had risked so much to save them all.

"She's here in Sickbay, Captain. Please turn to your Emergency Medical Holographic channel," a voice said over the com system. Running to the EMH channel, Kathryn turned it on to talk to the Dr.

"Doctor, I forgot about you," she admitted quite bashfully.

"How flattering. I wanted to advise you that I took the liberty of beaming Lieutenant Torres from the Transporter room to Sickbay. She is somewhat singed around the edges but should make a complete recovery."

"Very good, Doctor. Janeway out," she said with a sigh of relief. "Mister Tuvok, prepare to retrieve our escape pods. Let's bring our crew home." Bring Chakotay home…to me, she thought wistfully.

"Aye, Captain," Tuvok said, preparing for the arrival of the pods.

…

Chakotay was watching the view screen, waiting for the last moments of his beloved's life, still praying for a miracle. Suddenly Dreadnought exploded, leaving the planet and Voyager intact.

"What just happened?" he asked Tom who was sitting next to him in the pod.

"I don't know. Maybe B'Lana found a way to detonate the missile."

"But then that would mean…"

"B'Lana could have been in the bomb when it exploded…" Tom finished, his face going white.

"I'm sure she's alright Tom," Chakotay said, comforting his friend. He knew Tom cared deeply for B'Lana, though he tried to hide it.

"I hope you're right Chakotay, I hope you're right."

The com screen chimed. He turned on the screen, seeing the beautiful face he never thought he'd see again.

"Kathryn!" he exclaimed, forgetting official protocol in his joy "um…Captain. I'm glad to see you're okay."

"Thank you Commander," she said, always professional, though Chakotay could see a little smile spreading across her face, "I'm glad everything worked out."

"Captain," Tom butted in, "Is B'Lana?"

"She's fine Lieutenant," she said with a knowing smile, "She's in sickbay right now being treated by the doctor. I've called to give you the all clear. You are free to return to the ship."

"We'll be there in a minute," he said, smiling and turning off the screen.

"Lieutenant, let's go home."

"Ay ay commander," Tom said, taking the controls and steering them back to Voyager.

…

Entering the bridge he saw her standing there, beautiful as ever. Spotting him she smiled her dazzling smile and walked towards him. Throwing caution to the wind, he ran to her engulfing her in his arms and kissing her deeply in front of the crew. Surprised at first, Kathryn soon warmed to his embrace, running her hands through his hair.

After several minutes they broke apart. "Captain…he said," drawing back ashamed of his sudden outburst of feeling, "I…I'm so sorry."

Walking towards him she cupped his face in her hands, "Did I give you permission to stop commander?" she said a gleam in her eye and a mischievous smile playing about her lips. He smiled, pulling her close and kissing her again, this time to the cheers of the crew.

"I love you Kathryn Jaeway," he whispered.

"And I love you Chakotay."