Disclaimer. See chapter one:

Chapter 4

The following morning dawned bright and clear; the snow receding as the Delta-flyer fired up into the yellow/golden sky. Phelan had elected to stay planet-side with his fellow settlers in order to keep things moving forward and Magan out of trouble. He watched the small sleek ship disappear out of sight. A warning shout from behind him caused him to re-join the working throng; wondering at the cause.

Standing at the edge of the former settlement was a group of N'de. The elder man walked purposefully toward the leader, a dark silver grey individual with almost black ears, which stood erect. Amber eyes gazed steadily at the male upright's approach, quick to note the delta symbol on the male's chest. Something Kindred Spirit had said to look for; although he knew not why.

"Welcome, N'de," his voice clear; surprising most of his contemporaries.

"Morning, Old One. I Melvern. How address you?" the creature's voice clear and non-threatening.

"I Phelan, Melvern." The N'de bowed its noble savage head in acknowledgement.

"My people bring food, Phelan; to break the fast of the Dark Time. May we?" Phelan ignored the soft murmuring of uncertainty behind him; smiled warmly and indicated that the N'de proceeds. Warily the N'de pack walk forward past their leader; the settlers part just as warily, as the creatures move to the former open square. Magan whispered in Phelan's ear:

"Are you mad?"

"No, Magan," he continued so all could hear. "We are their guests here. What better way to thank them for our short stay here, than to break-fast. Come everybody," he encouraged, moving to where the N'de had spread quite a feast; of natural fruits and vegetables. Two young upright females; still in the teens, added what provisions they had and sat down near two small N'de, who were young females.

"We Chenoa and Chilali. You?"

"Er….mm! I Leonna," said one, her hazel eyes wide. The second at first couldn't quite find her voice.

"Stella," she said shyly, her face hidden by her long auburn hair. The two sisters said 'welcome' their tone reflecting the sincerity behind the word. Sensing that the tension was still tight, Chenoa huffed softly into Stella's hair, making her giggle. "That tickles," she laughed and spontaneously put her arms around the female N'de's neck; who gently whined. Everyone slowly relaxed and sat down. Phelan sat next to Melvern. Magan stood back arms folded defiantly across his chest. A hard head butted him from behind, pushing the upright male forward.

"You want to eat. Do you not?" asked Hakan, whose head had butted. Reluctantly the male nodded. "Suggest you sit then," pushing again, before Magan could change his mind. The two sat together, next to Netis who was still worrying over Freya; despite assurances that she was in safe hands.

When Magaski, accompanied by the Great White joined the feast all talk ceased, causing the male to hesitate.

"Welcome, Kindred Spirit. The first flowering will soon come now, thank you. Welcome to you, Magaski."

"Thank you for your welcome, Melvern. May we?" the female said.

"Please, Magaski and Kindred Spirit," Phelan said with a soft smile; noting the awe with which his fellows regarded the tall White N'de, as he silently sat beside the older female.

"These creatures are certainly polite," whispered one of his young companions in his ear. "They are treating us better than we deserve," he noted sadly.

"What is past is done. It is the future that is important. Learn from the past so as not to repeat similar mistakes," Melvern said, his voice quietly commanding. Chakotay smiled to himself; how often he'd heard those words, but spoken in a different phrasing, yet with the same quiet commanding tone.

The talk softly bubbled up again as the two different peoples ate together, in the strengthening warm sunshine. Something most thought they might never see again. Others had never seen this warm spring growth, hearing the birds singing their joyous welcome to the new day adding to the talk around the feast.

/\/\/\/\

Briefing room was once more in the Mess hall, in order to accommodate everyone. Neelix was making sure all had some nourishment also. Samantha Wildman had taken the three children to the holodeck to partake in the 'Flotter' programme, for which Paris was truly thankful; watching Janeway's face as she read his written report on his findings in the cavern. Breathing deeply she composed herself, before looking up at the pilot.

"You did the right thing, Ensign," pausing; seeing Rowena softly cooing over both her own newborn daughter and the silver-haired boy-child. Brandon followed her gaze and smiled.

"I think you can be assured that the boy will be well cared for, Captain Janeway," turning back to look at her.

"I don't doubt that," smiling herself. "From what Tatiana has said; her own people were as much visitors to this system as the rest of us. Without a reference point, there is no way of knowing where they came from or where the others went."

"Tatiana will always have a home with us," Rowena said, her tone telling her husband she would brook no arguments on the subject. Brandon grinned, shrugging his broad shoulders.

"If she wants to stay."

"That is a choice only she can make."

"We really didn't make her feel very welcome at first," shaking his head sadly.

"You acted in a manner you thought best at the time. No-one should fault you for that," said the Talaxian male, tone bright and understanding. "Your orders were not to say anything to anyone. Were they not?" His crewmates smiled softly amused. The Vulcan just lifted a surprised eyebrow, causing his fellows to grin even broader. Brandon realised this crew were very close-knit and why should they not be? He scolded himself. They had no reason to show him trust and friendship; yet they had given him and his people both.

"I suppose it's really a case of putting the past behind us and learning to forge a new life here," he mused to himself. "Captain Janeway, I'm going to say this now, before my courage desserts me and I don't find the time later," pausing a moment. The female quietly awaited his words, which made it somewhat harder. He swallowed and then plunged in; "I'm sorry for my abrupt behaviour when we first met. And thank you for your timely assistance and hospitality," he said in somewhat of a rush; feeling like a little schoolboy under this strong females patient gaze. To save him further embarrassment she quietly asked Markham for his report.

/\/\/\/\

The meeting had gone well she reflected as she and Tuvok returned to the bridge. Dalby and Markham were to assist Brandon and his team in surveying the fourth planet, where his peoples probes still gathered data; in order to discover first-hand if it really was suitably habitable for humanoid life. It had been decided to have a short meeting for the ship's senior staff, just prior to the shuttles departure, to clarify one or two things about the next few days schedule. She knew there was something bothering Tom Paris, but as yet she'd been unable to discover what. The pilot had already recommended landing 'Voyager' thus cutting down on transports; which could interfere with the obelisk and its repairs. The second watch were taking their places, as the two of them entered the bridge; moving down into the command area side by side. The new watch confirmed their current status; yet Kathryn barely heard them, looking at the command chair next to hers. A feeling of emptiness and loss assailed her, recalling Brandon's words and her own reply. 'If he wants to stay?' 'The choice is his to make.' Tuvok softly calling her name in a questioning manner, returned her to the present.

"Nothing, Tuvok," giving him a positive smile, making for the briefing room. Although the dark Vulcan said nothing, he wasn't fooled by her bravado, having sensed something of her mood regarding the Commander. She wasted no time on pleasantries and stood at the head of the table, even the others just stood, as they discussed some minor details of ship business.

"Mr. Paris. Is there something you haven't told us?" she asked, tone calm and neutral.

"Well. It's about Chakotay," gathering his thoughts and taking a seat. "The Great White N'de is Cmdr Chakotay," he said carefully, not looking at anyone. Janeway sat down carefully in her usual chair.

"Go on," she encouraged, her tone halting anyone else from questioning the male pilot, who just studied his clasped hands resting on the table in front of him.

"I'm not sure if I can explain it, Captain," looking up at her his eyes troubled. "Chakotay is physically asleep here and yet; he is also a N'de/Lupine on the planet below. I don't think he has taken over the body of one of these creatures. He is one. Kindred Spirit, I believe Tatiana calls him," he smiled pausing, looking down at his hand again. "He also prevented another N'de from drawing my blood," he added quietly. It was Torres who realised the significance of that, exclaiming:

"He saved you?! That means his life is his own."

"Yet you prevented the Doctor from waking him."

"I know, Captain. Now I'm not sure where I stand on this issue," troubled blue/grey eyes gazed at her, warily.

"I'm sure Chakotay will put you in the picture when he can, Tom. If you ask him," her tone light on the last.

"Yeah! Here he's Sleeping Beauty. Maybe I will," giving her a cheeky grin. "Translators are now working. We will hear the N'de as human speech. One of the reasons why the Silver ones – Tatti's people – kept contact with the N'de to a bear minimum; is because they do not see themselves as we see them. Any reference to them in their records was always as N'de, not wolves or Lupine," he explained, voice more confident.

"Then we shall do the same."

"The obelisk, will it require maintenance?" Seven asked, beating Torres to the question, which annoyed the Chief engineer.

"I should think so. The Silver ones used the same narrow frequency that Markham discovered; yet it wasn't enough to protect them, when the obelisk scrambled all computers within range; going into protective overdrive; if you like. I know Chakotay shutdown all the systems. I doubt he would have done so, had it not been damaged by the ion storm."

"Why the Commander?" Neelix asked, puzzled.

"Since the N'de are closely related to the Commanders native heritage. That I would have thought was obvious."

"To you maybe, Mr. Vulcan. I meant why him specially!"

"We can only hazard a guess," she began and then noted Tom soft knowing smile and spoke his name questioningly.

"I said this to him also," his smile broadening. "Only an N'de – and a rather large one – could enter the obelisk unharmed. But only a human would be able to understand how to operate the system and shut it down; plus his tattoo. Kindred Spirit!" Understanding dawned on her face, as it did for the others. Kim smiled seeing his friend's eyes bright with joy again.

"The best of both worlds," said Seven.

"Mr. Paris prepare the ship for landing. Lieutenant Torres, keep your repair teams small. Same goes for security, Tuvok. Doctor your N'de patient. Transfer her to the landing bay, but keep her sedated until landing is complete and then release her," she ordered. "Dismissed," she said getting decisively to her feet and returning to the bridge. She was looking forward to some shore leave at last, something that Chakotay had suggested; 'How long ago?' she thought. Her crew responded to her commands and orders with their usual efficiency and eagerly, as if they too realised shore leave was in the offering. They prepared the ship for landing. The shuttle asked for clearance and left the shuttle bay for their assignment on the fourth planet.

"Take us down, Mr. Paris," her order clear, sitting in her command chair.

"Aye, Captain," his hands flying over his console. Blue lights glowed round the bridge as he worked the conn, easing the ship into the correct flight trajectory for planetary entry. Engineering confirmed all plasma had been vented and warp drive shutdown. Thrusters were activated and inertial dampeners set to the planets atmospheric conditions. Carefully he guided the ship down through the outer atmosphere and towards the obelisk valley plain, gliding in from west to east.

/\/\/\/\

The river valley below the obelisk stood wide flat and clear of any snow; with the grass almost lifeless looking. A small group of N'de stood on the rise just before the alien structure and watched the bright blue sky. Soon a strange shape appeared in the blue haze, away over the western mountains, it swept towards them growing in size, its shape unlike anything most of them had ever seen before.

"Voyager?" the older female in group asked of the dark tattooed male beside her. He only nodded, dark eyes intent on the growing shape in the skies. Magaski smiled softly, patting his arm and turned her amber eyes up to the skies to see the ship that flung its strange shadow across the valley floor.

"Freya is on that?" Netis asked, his tone worried and disbelieving. "It's not big enough!"

"That's because it flies higher than an eagle. You Twit!" snapped Hakan. "Or weren't you paying attention when Chakotay explained about the vessel," his tone indignant.

"He is worried about Freya. Hush young warrior," Magaski quietly scolded, as the ship grew larger above the lower foothills, its shadow racing away as it flew in from the west. Soon it darkened the valley floor, below the obelisk platform, filling the area completely as it descended. Four feet-like structures locked into place beneath the lower main body and then the ship gracefully touched down, its dark shadow now tucked beneath it. The engine noise wound down returning the valley to its peaceful silence.

A silver-grey shape ran out from that shadow beneath the huge ship now at rest. Fair hair flying as she ran. Netis leapt up and ran toward the figure.

"Let him go, Hakan," said the tattooed male's quiet voice; halting the warriors shout and arresting his movement forward, as if he'd physically restrained the younger male. As they watched and waited; uniformed uprights came from beneath the ship's shadow or appeared from no-where beside it. "Security precautions," he noted with a smile; seeing the tall dark Vulcan among the others, PADD in hand, giving quiet orders. "It's standard protocol wherever the ship lands or docks. And Lieutenant Commander Tuvok is a stickler for protocols," his tone bright. Hakan relaxed at that and stood closer to the male. Netis and Freya soon joined them. She touched Chakotay's face a soft puzzled look in her amber eyes. For in spite of the Doctor's precautions, she'd awoken and seen the comatose male, but had been unable to speak to him. The Doctor had returned, sedated her and then she'd been awakened again and told she could leave. The male had indicated the exit point.

"Take good care of yourself and your cubs." Those latter words halted her run forward and she turned and looked at him. His smile, said all she needed to confirm his words.

"Thank you," she said, and then turned away to run. Her strong limbs carried her across the ground toward the others. She had to see him, to touch. Netis greeted her joyfully, yet she didn't pay him much heed, reaching the place where they waited. So he was real, her fingers feeling warm living flesh. Chakotay noted her puzzlement and held her hand in his; the warmth of him flowing through her.

"I'll explain soon, Freya," he said so softly, that only she heard him. Re-joining Netis, she spoke in his ear. Startled he stared at her.

"Ah! New life is stirring again," said Magaski. "Oh! I know that expression all too well. How often my mate would stare like that and asking 'How?' As if he didn't know," her tone playfully scolding. Chakotay grinned with her and then the laughter bubbled up and spilled over.

/\/\/\/\

Beneath the ship in its cool dark shadow most of the uniformed personnel looked up startled at the sound. Identifying it, they smiled and continued with their assigned tasks. Paris stood apart from the business, feeling the growing warmth of the systems sun, as he gazed up at the group of N'de; the Great White standing out taller and whiter than his companions. The released female had greeted the White, muzzles rubbing against each other. He wondered about it. A small warm hand slipped into his; giving it a soft squeeze, before looking down on her silver-haired head. Tatiana's small anxious face turned up at him. Kneeling down to her level; the laughter now just a whisper on the gentle breeze, he quietly spoke her name.

"I want to stay here. The Captain, Brandon and Rowena have all advised against it," her voice quivering with the threat of tears. "This is my home, or it was. What am I to do, Mr. Paris?"

"Tom," he corrected gently, which brought a watery smile to her young face. "Why not wait until the repair teams – ie: B'Elanna has completed their assessment of the damage to the obelisk. There is time to make a choice, Tatti." She threw her arms around his neck, burying her small body against his. Tom hugged her close, making her feel safe, warm and loved. Kitto and Naomi called to her, as he released her. "You go and play. Just don't get lost any of you," he called after them; as he stood and they fled from him.

"Mr. Paris," The EMH's abrupt tone made the pilot jump.

"Doc! Something up?" he asked, noting the usual worried facial expression of the male medic.

"Would you get our friend up there," pointing vaguely in the direction of the watching group of N'de. "To get some sleep. An active mind in a comatose body isn't an ideal situation to be in."

"I'll see what I can do, Doc!" he assured him, seeing Torres walking toward them. He clapped the medic on the shoulder and met the Chief Engineer, with a welcoming smile. "How's thing?"

"That depends," she snapped, glaring at him. The tricorder she carried was shut so abruptly, that he winced in sympathy. He indicated that she take the lead toward the obelisk.

Observing the way the female upright walked beside Tom Paris, he frowned very concerned.

"Looks like an angry female," noted Magaski.

"She can be," his reply quiet and thoughtful. Coming to a decision, he spoke more firmly. "Netis, you and Freya return to the village. Let Melvern know about Voyager. No arguments," his tone strong and commanding. "Hakan and Magaski will be with me. Now go!" he ordered. Reluctantly the two lovers left. Freya looked back once; he saw her out of the corner of his eye, but he resisted the urge to look round, even after she'd responded to Netis' call.

"We'll wait in the tree cover for you," she said, asking Hakan for his arm. "My legs aren't what they use to be, so easy does it." The young warrior grinned at the old woman and did as she bid, but he gave the tattooed male a worried glance. Chakotay smiled reassuringly, nodding his head softly, watching them disappear from view. Torres ridged forehead came into his line of sight, yet he didn't wait for her to draw level with him; but trotted off toward the obelisk.

"He might have waited," was her snapped angry comment from behind him. He only just caught Tom's soft remark about him not wanting to face her Klingon temper. "What did you say?" rounding on the male, who held up his hands in open surrender.

"Nothing! Nothing at all," he said, appeasing the irate female. He saw the White N'de step up the obelisk's pedestal, halt, and then move out of sight.

"Well at least he's opened the door!" her tone cold as she reached the open square that led down beneath the metal structure. A white muzzle appeared from around the side; yet Tom motioned for him to stay hidden. "You coming?" she asked.

"No. I don't think so. I'll just stay out here. See you later," he said, moving away from her.

"Suit your self," she snapped surly and turned abruptly and took the steps down into the obelisks now dormant computer control room. Paris breathed a deep sigh of relief, as she vanished from view, and then moved round the metal structure to where he knew, the Great White N'de waited.

"She sounded really angry," his tone puzzled and anxious; he cautiously moved closer to the upright male.

"I'm not sure as to all the complex reasons. I know most of them centre on you," gently touching the tall creature's shoulder. "You know her as well as me. If not better."

"Maybe, Tom," he said sighing deeply; leaning against the upright male's legs.

"Message from Doc. Get some sleep."

"I will," he paused unsure. "Tom?"

"We'll talk later. Sleep," he urged, feeling the creatures full tired body weight against him. The pressure eased as the animal moved off into the treed area. Tom followed some minutes later and found him curled up into a tight ball, tail over nose; with two others wrapped around him. Hakan lifted his head off the White's back to gaze at him with amber eyes. Tom only smiled and backed away leaving them to sleep in peace.

/\/\/\/\

In Voyager's sickbay, the Doctor registered the change in the mental activity of his patient. Realising its significance, he tapped his com-badge and called the ship's Captain.

"Good news. He sleeps." There was a soft pause and then her husky voice thanked him. The EMH asked the computer to dim the lights to night levels, whilst he returned to his office. A few minutes later having completed his reports, he deactivated himself until the next scheduled meeting. All was silent and dark, only the main bio-bed's sensors clicked and hummed, monitoring the sleeping male; as they had done over the preceding days. Now at last he really was asleep.

/\/\/\/\

The view was almost like being back home on her parents' farm in Indiana, except for the strange alien obelisk; yet it didn't mar the scene of peaceful tranquillity. The sun had been up for hours; as had she; standing at the viewports in her ready room, sipping her favourite hot black brew, watching the changing shadows of the early spring morning. Most of the trees, still stood bare branched reaching up into the warm blue sun-filled sky. Even from her high elevation, she could see the grass showing signs of stirring with new life in the form of early spring flowers. A lone bird sat high in one of the bare trees, his beak pointed to the sky singing. She wondered whether to open an external com-link in order to hear its song, but decided against it. Just seeing it singing its welcome to the sun was more than enough to bring a smile to her face.

The door buzzer intruded on the peace; sighing she turned from the view and called for the person to enter. The doors parted to allow the tall figure of her tactical officer to step inside the room. She smiled at him, sitting down on the couch beneath the viewports.

"Something wrong, Tuvok?" she asked, her tone a little teasing; patting the seat beside her. The Vulcan just cocked an eyebrow and sat down, as requested.

"Security detail is in place. I've limited the teams to three as requested, but shortened their duty shift to allow for more recreation time," he informed her; pausing thoughtful. She waited knowing he had something other than security protocols on his mind. "About Cmdr Chakotay," his tone measured. "What if he chooses to remain?" Janeway carefully put her now empty mug down on the low coffee table; her eyes taking in his usual flat expression. Yet there were some subtle signs, things she'd learnt to look for over their long years of association and friendship together and discerned that he was worried.

"The choice is his to make, Tuvok," her own tone as measured as his had been. His next words; although spoken quietly, were blunt none-the-less and gave her pause for thought.

"You would not be happy with it." It was sometime before she could think of a suitable reply; gazing out at the scene behind and below her again; re-calling all the times Chakotay had given her cause to discipline him; others where he'd supported her; given comfort, advice and been brutally blunt too. Friendship, trust and his loyalty; he'd become more than her First Officer, but a welcome friend. The Vulcan gently spoke her name, brining her back to the present. Their eyes met. She didn't need to say anything; this dark male knew the answer better than she did.

"He's a friend, Tuvok. If he makes that choice; as a friend I will have to accept it. I won't like it," she said calmly.

"True. I do not doubt, you'll be alone in that sentiment," he said carefully; she smiled and patted his arm. He didn't fool her as he went on to list those who would miss the Commander, which was almost the entire crew.

"Aren't you going to include yourself?" she teased. For a moment he looked affronted and then softly he nodded; face calm. "Just what did happen in that mind-meld?" she asked, quietly amused.

"Nothing important, Captain," he said, emotionless mask firmly back in place. Janeway smiled, getting to her feet to deal with the reports littering her desk and awaiting her attention. The Vulcan quietly left as she set to work; accessing the computer console for an update on the Away Team's progress on the fourth planet and leaned back in her chair; deep in thought. The reports lay on her desk in front of her, forgotten once more.

/\/\/\/\

The three children ran and laughed, carefree as they played in the spring sunshine; relishing the freedom. Unknown to them, amber eyes watched; strange eyes that followed their childish antics with both fear and anger. Careful, so not to make a sound the watcher moved within the green shadows, waiting its chance. Choosing its moment with care, as the silver-haired female came close it got ready to spring. Suddenly the watcher pounced, gently bowling the female over. She squealed with delight and fear, reaching up to grab the thick ruff rounds the N'de female's neck; that now stood over her sprawled form, softly snarling at the other two uprights. Tatiana laughed and pulled the unresisting female N'de on top of her and rolled.

In the trees other eyes watched wide in astonishment, as the one called Freya played with these upright children. Before he could move to intervene however, Netis – the female's mate spoke:

"Hello, Halmar. Nice day isn't it?"

"Nice day!" he snorted. "What is that?" pointing to the group below them; which now included Tora, who greeted the children with the traditional saying.

"We'd better return to the village. Melvern will explain," turning to leave.

"He'd better," muttered the reddish/silver white N'de, moving through the trees with his young warrior friend; leaving behind the shrieks of childish delight that rung through the air, which almost drowned out the growing bird song. Halmar stopped to listen to the blue bird perched high above him, singing a song of spring. Netis listened also.

"First flowering is really returning, just as the legends said they would. Thanks to Kindred Spirit," trotting off. Halmar followed the air around them full of quick-fired questions; the trees stirring from their long winters sleep.

/\/\/\/\

The late evening breeze stirred in his ears, softly waking him; yet he did not move, feeling comfortably warm with two bodies close to his. The one at his back made soft noises; but another sound jolted his other companion wide-awake. Ears erect eyes wide in alarm. She soon calmed, watching her two male companions.

"Sounds like that angry female," she said, noting the worried frown on his tattooed face. A male upright stormed past their sleeping place, shouting over his shoulder that the woman was impossible! She yelled some Klingon words at his retreating back, making Chakotay wince.

"You understand her?"

"Unfortunately; yes!" his tone rueful. "Hakan, follow him. Make sure he comes to no harm." The young warrior stretched and then trotted off into the gathering shadows after the upright, Tom Paris. Both remaining N'de got to their feet, stretching the kinks of sleep out of their lithe bodies. Magaski groaned a little, easing her stiff joints.

"I'm certainly not as young as I once was. Oh well!" grinning at him. He smiled in response, gently holding her arm aiding her walk over to the obelisk. Even from outside the entryway they could hear the female's angry mutterings. Chakotay wasn't happy. "You won't solve the problem from out here. You'll have to face her. The sooner the better," she told him, her tone softly teasing, scolding. "I'll make my slow way to the upper canyon," pointing in the relevant direction. He nodded worried. "You'll be all right, Kindred Spirit," she whispered, gently touching his cheek; before trotting off up toward the cliff face path. He waited until he saw her tail vanish from view and then went down the steps into the control room.

At first he thought the place was empty, but then he spotted her or rather the bottom half of her, producing out from under an open panel in one of the wall consoles. He could still hear her muffled cursing. He hadn't heard her use those particular Klingon curses in a very long while. It was a fair indication of her emotional well-being. Talking to herself, she wondered where a certain engineering tool was. Chakotay spied it, picked it up and trotted over with it. The next thing he knew; he was shaking his head dazed and picking himself up off the floor from the opposite side of the room to B'Elanna.

"I should have remembered. Working with you one always ends up with a few bruises!?"

"CHAKOTAY!" she exclaimed startled, scrambling out from under the console, only to stop and stare at him, from her seated position on the floor. Standing foursquare and looking rather dizzy was the tall white creature. Carefully he stood more upright, his white fur coat glistening in the rooms lighting.

"Haven't you ever seen a Lupine, before?" his tone teased. She blinked, trying to acquaint the familiar voice she was hearing with the creature standing across the room from her. "You still want this?" a paw touching the delicate engineering tool, he'd tried to give her earlier. B'Elanna nodded dumbly. "Then you'll have to come and get it," he said and then picked it up in his jaw and walked to the stairway.

"Oh, no you don't!" she said, scrabbling to her feet, realising where he was going. Having four legs was certainly an advantage, he reflected; bounding up the steps into the spring evening. Hearing her coming after him, curses flying; he hid in the bushes and waited until she'd cleared the obelisk pedestal he then ran back up dropped the tool into the opening and closed the door.

B'Elanna screamed at him. Not looking round – for he knew that sound all too well and what it meant – took off at full speed toward the same path, Magaski had taken earlier. He'd almost reached it; hearing her coming after him, when something; a hand he thought, spurred him on to greater speed; realising he had a full blooded Klingon hot on his heels hungry for his blood. Not daring to look round, his strong lithe body bounded forward up the steep path and on through the dense trees, hoping Magaski was closer to their planned destination; for he knew the older female would never manage to fight off B'Elanna, especially not in the woman's current mood. A voice called his name; in fact it came out more as an angry roar. Another called ahead of him.

"Magaski," he whispered, realising she was too close. "Keep going. I'll meet you from the other way," he responded. "And stay out of sight," his voice urgent. To make sure that Torres followed him, he moved back down the path a short way, toward his fire-breathing adversary.

Up above him, Magaski watched worried as he allowed the upright female to get within touching distance of him, before moving onto the more difficult path to the Upper canyon. She only hoped he knew what he was doing. For that path could lead to loss of life or limb; if one didn't watch their step. Careful to keep out of sight, she continued on her own trek; hearing the angry words that were carried to her on the wind.

Chakotay was being to wonder if he was doing the right thing with B'Elanna Torres; as the woman's curses hadn't diminished over the last hour of their climb; if anything they'd increased as she followed him, getting more profane each time they were uttered. He stood watching her climb the rocky incline. Suddenly her voice hit him, noting that she was much closer now, seeing her angry expression.

"If I ever…catch you," gulping for air. "You'll really…wonder what, hit you!" she said, reaching for the next handhold, but it gave way; thus she slide down on her front. Something or rather someone arrested her downward slide. The white furred jaw of the N'de held on tight to the material of her uniform sleeve; his body braced flat against the rocky plateau. Trying to keep her body still, she braced herself to find a foot hold, once there was a firm toe hold beneath her; she cautiously reached up and grabbed a handful of the thick fur of his neck ruff. With him pulling backwards and her pulling upward, she managed to climb up onto the small plateau beside him. They both lay there panting, with both fear and exertion. B'Elanna felt a cold nose touch her face as she slowly turned over to lie on her back. His tongue licked her face, tasting salt; her eyes closed.

"B'Elanna," his tone soft; moving to give her room to sit up.

She sat huddled arms around her up-drawn knees, feeling him nuzzled her ear through her hair, as her forehead rested on her knees. "I ought to…." She couldn't finish the thought, feeling drained. She looked up at him sitting in front of her; white ears pricked forward, brown/amber eyes gazing at her worriedly.

"Come, Lanna," he said softly, urging her to her feet; his jaw soft on her arm. Unsteadily she followed his lead up a more level path away from the plateau. Although it was very late and only the stars shone above their heads, it was easy to follow the path he took; for his white fur coat seemed to reflect the starlight making him glow. He also waited for her as she climbed over the more difficult terrain. Even at one stage suggesting she hold onto his ruff to aid her climb up the steep hillside. Soon they reached the top. The wide-open star field stood spread above and before them over the Upper canyon. The river below wound its way across the dark landscape like a silver thread weaving the rock buffs together. Torres stood there; hand still in his thick neck-ruff, not quite believing her eyes, yet letting the peace of the place fill her very being.

"You remember?" his voice asked, the soft timber not even intruding on the silence; just whispering over and with it, like a gentle night-time breeze. Torres' nodded and sighed deeply, remembering another star dusted valley, untouched by the pain, death and destruction of their fight with the Cardassians. Hot salt tears trickled unheeded from her human eyes, cleansing her.

/\/\/\/\

The silver/grey N'de padded behind the uniformed male, looking for all the world, like a dog dutifully following his master for a night-time stroll, through the spring stirring forest. Intent on his own mental musings, he was unaware of Hakan, until one of the security personnel asked; 'Who was taking whom for a walk?' Paris looked round at the young animal; starlight and flood lights around Voyager highlighting the silver in his fur coat. Amber eyes quietly assessed him.

"Come on, Hakan!" moving away into the darkness, heading for the silver ribbon of the river. The N'de trotted beside him, happily; leaving the black/gold clad upright male behind, mystified as to Paris' mood and attitude.

Soon they reached the river's edge, where they sat down side-by-side on the semi-sand-pebble shoreline. Softly Tom Paris broke the friendly silence between them.

"I don't know. What am I to do with that woman?" his tone frustrated, throwing a pebble into the smooth flowing water. Hakan just nuzzled his ear. "Hey! Cut that out!" trying not to laugh.

"Females! I haven't had much to do with them, as yet."

"Take my advice, Hakan. Don't touch them. They're not worth the hassle," tone sour.

"Really! That's not what I've heard about your antics with the female species."

"Chakotay, been telling tall tales again!"

Hakan sat head on one side puzzled by this male; whose tone of voice and words, said one thing and yet his body language spoke the total opposite. "You are a strange one," he commented politely. Paris smiled wryly, turning his head to gaze out over the silver flowing river; his thoughts remembering another star dusted valley and the people he'd known briefly then. Now he knew some of them better or so he'd believed until sundown. He sighed deeply.

Hakan lifted his head; ears pitched forward catching a sound on the night wind. Moving to the large rock that jutted out over the river, he sent his own voice ringing into the dark star dusted night; startling Paris. A clear call came back. Hakan felt a thrill go right through him as he answered the caller: "We'll come."

/\/\/\/\

The woman gazed in wonder down at the sleeping child; silver hair tousled about her small-relaxed face, lashes black against her pale cheeks. Rowena smiled softly, calling to mind the child's earlier assurance that she wasn't tired, her tone of voice strong; now Tatiana slept the sleep of an exhausted child, who'd enjoyed her day free from care and worry. The humanoid female tucked the bedcovers more securely around the child who murmured softly: "Mama!"

"Sleep little one," gently touching the girl's cheek. Tatiana sighed deeply. Rowena left her and checked on her own young daughter and the silver-haired boy-child; both slept soundly in the Moses basket crib. The quarters that Captain Janeway had assigned to this new mother were large and comfortable, yet practical too; sitting down at the work desk with its small computer terminal. She called up the information she'd been looking at an hour earlier, before being interrupted by the children's return to the ship. On the screen was a picture of the male who currently slept in sickbay, along with the data about him:

"Chakotay: Rank Commander – field commission. Born: November 19 2335. Federation Colony – Dorvan V. Native American Indian descent. Colony annexed to the Cardassians after Peace Treaty of 2370. Entered Starfleet Academy 2351, sponsored by Captain Sulu. Resigned commission, March 23. 2368 rank Lieutenant Commander. Joined Maquis Rebels, to fight against Cardassia and the Federation. Lost in the Badlands; 2371. Voyager assigned to find and apprehend him and his crew," she read softly. "Computer; information on American Indians, please."

#State which tribal region required. North, central or southern.#

"Erm! The Commander's tribe," startled, not realising there were more than one. The information shifted to reveal a list of tribes that had colonized the planet Dorvan V, where the man had been born. It was rather a long one. The door buzzer sounding made her jump; leaving the screen on, she went to see who was calling. Rowena smiled at the woman, standing outside the door.

"Am I interrupting?"

"No, Captain. Please come in," she invited cordially. Janeway noted the data on the working screen. "I hope you don't mind. I wanted to find out more about him," her voice timid and shy.

"You only had to ask," she said, shutting off the screen.

"I didn't mean to intrude," turning away. Janeway got the alien female to sit down with her on the couch under the area's viewports.

"You're not intruding, Rowena. Chakotay is a rather private individual. But then so are we all," her tone understanding. "What is it you wanted to know about him?" her question casual. "For it looks like you discovered more than you bargained for!" Rowena smiled.

"Yes. I'm not sure exactly," pausing to take in this strong woman; her red/brown hair lit by the starlight coming through the viewports. "Just trying to find names; for the new additions to my family. I want them to reflect something of the man, who in a rather unusual way has brought us together." Kathryn Janeway smiled, her features relaxed.

"I'm sure, he'd be honoured. Computer, display names of both sexes from Native American origin. Especially those tribes related to Cmdr Chakotay," getting to her feet and walking over to the computer terminal. "Did you have anything in mind?" noting the list was quite long.

"Well something to do with spring and inheritor. Neelix mentioned something about the latter," joining her, as the Captain tapped in the new instructions. This time the list was shorter. "I think those two," pointing at two names that were almost side-by-side along with their meanings.

"I'm sure he'd approve."

"I hope to tell him in person." Janeway only smiled, as the woman tired the names out verbally.

/\/\/\/\

Warmth touched her face; golden warmth, half opening her eyes, realising the warmth was the newly risen sun. A body stirred behind her making her back feel a little cold; hearing him stretch and shake his white furred body. His cold nose touched her cheek and she smiled warmly up at him.

"So you are awake," he said, his tone as warm as the sunbeams streaming into the cave. He moved to stand at the entrance, taking in the glorious scene; re-calling a similar valley on the habitable planet, they'd discovered within the Badlands and the friends who'd lived and worked with them. He sighed, knowing most of those friends were either dead or in Federation custody.

A sharp intake of breath and a half spoken call drew him back to his female companion's side. B'Elanna's eyes were wide with shock.

"She's dead," she informed him; softly stroking the still curled female's white furred body. Chakotay said nothing as he watched the Klingon female stroke the N'de in her lap. Quietly he returned to the entrance and sent out a long mournful cry.

"Mourn, Magaski!" Soon they heard an answering call from close by. Two males came into the cave, as others took up the call, sending its sad message round the planet. The silver/grey N'de nosed the cold fur body, before joining the Great White who stood in the entrance listening to the echoing calls. Tom Paris sat beside the female arms holding her close.

"She must have died in her sleep."

"I know she said she was tired. But I never thought…" leaving the sentence hanging, turning to face her male partner, anguish in her dark eyes. Paris held her close to his torso, gently murmuring soft quiet and comforting words as he rocked them both. Hakan watched puzzled.

"They know she's dead. Yet they still feel for her. Why?" he asked quietly of his companion.

"Their concept of death is different," the measured way he spoke gave pause for thought.

"You too, Kindred Spirit?!"

"Yes, Hakan," his voice quiet. He walked over to the two uprights and touched the female. "Bring her," nosing the stiff curled body. Puzzled they got to their feet; carrying the body of Magaski. Tom supported B'Elanna as they followed the Great White, Chakotay out of the cave. He led them to a semi-rocky place, where he started to dig away at the grass. As he did so his claws sparked on something beneath in the earth. Paris wanted to get a closer look, at the black substance that was revealed; yet he stayed with Torres. Hakan collected some near-by dry brushwood.

"Lay her here," his voice quietly commanding. Doing as asked, she felt the warmth emanating from the black gouge in the ground. Re-joining Tom, they watched as the two N'de laid the brushwood on top of the body; soon it started to smoke, then small tongues of yellow flame appeared burning the brushwood and the white body beneath.

"Coalite!" said Tom softly; as Chakotay sat close against his legs. Hakan stayed for a while then trotted off to find some break-fast; still puzzled by the uprights behaviour to Magaski's death.

/\/\/\/\

A lone howl broke across the morning stillness, halting the quiet activity beneath the star-ship. Puzzled expressions greeted each other as the call died away. Two uniformed figures walked toward them from the area north of the obelisk. Janeway realised they were her Chief Engineer and Conn Officer; she moved from under Voyager's shadow to meet them. Again the lone howl sounded causing the two to halt and look back over their shoulders in the direction from which they'd come.

"Tom. B'Elanna?" she questioned, once they'd come within hearing range.

"The N'de, Magaski, died last night in her sleep," the male paused, worried blue/grey eyes looking back up behind them. Janeway followed his gaze. Standing on the rise leading to the obelisk stood the White N'de. He lifted his muzzle to the morning sky and howled. Suddenly she felt herself go cold, seeing an empty seat in the command area on her bridge.

"Death among the N'de is rare. Now there have been two, in such a short space of time," Tatiana informed them, quietly.

"Get some breakfast," her tone a little harsher than she'd meant; noting that the creature was moving out of sight. She wondered whether to go after him; but the moment passed as she lost sight of him among the trees. Tuvok joined her, giving silent moral support as always. Sighing deeply she returned to the tasks at hand. Tatti worked happily with Harry Kim.

/\/\/\/\

Within the trees, dark brown/amber eyes watched the scene in the valley river plain feeling sad and very much alone. Quietly he padded away from the busy scene, tail down. Lopping at a steady pace; he soon reached the beach, he'd first encountered in his dreams or was he still dreaming?! Lying down on the warm sand, sheltered from the soft sea breeze by the fallen rocky outcrop, warmed by the sun's rays and lulled by the sound of the gentle surf, he drifted to sleep; sleep he badly needed, yet feeling empty.

/\/\/\/\