A/N: I'm sorry this chapter took so long guys. I actually had most of it written but then my computer decided to stop working and I had to get a new one. Luckily I had hand written most of the chapter so not all of it was lost. I started my second year of college this week so I'm not sure when I'll update next but I'll try my best to do it soon. As always I own nothing. I hope you enjoy this chapter and please review! :)

Chapter 4:

Jaffen exited the transporter pad with shaky legs, still not used to the sensations of being transported, arms loaded down with 2 duffle bags, the contents of which were all of his possessions. He walked towards Tuvok and Chakotay, whom came to greet him and welcome him aboard the ship.

"Welcome aboard Voyager Mr. Jaffen." Tuvok said in his customary Vulcan monotone. Jaffen just nodded in response, still not comfortable in the man's presence.

"I hope you can find her a comfortable new home." Chakotay said as she shook Jaffen's hand.

"I believe that I can." He replied

"Good. Now, there are a couple of things we have to take care of before you are officially and unofficial member of our little family." Jaffen nodded in response as he, Chakotay and Tuvok exited the transporter room and Chakotay continued to talk. "First we have to enter you into the computer, standard information, plus an identification picture. Then, we'll issue you a combadge, and as soon as were done here you can head down to sickbay and the Doctor can enter your medical history and start a medical file for you. When he's done with that you can sit with Kathryn. The sedative the Doctor gave her should be wearing off soon. We'll leave you and Kathryn to decide the matter of your living quarters."

The three men entered the turbo lift, after the doors swished closed Chakotay called out "Deck 2."

"It should take no more than 10 minutes and you can head to sickbay." Chakotay informed Jaffen.

Before the other man could respond the turbo lift doors opened and the three men left the lift with Chakotay leading the way towards his office. Jaffen trailed behind, glancing around at the bulkheads as he passed. The occasional crew member passed the group and as soon as they saw Jaffen a grin would appear on their face and they'd nod before heading on their way.

"Here we are."

Tuvok and Jaffen followed the first officer over the threshold to his office. Chakotay sat behind his desk as Jaffen took the seat in front of the desk. Tuvok opted to stand beside Chakotay. After pushing a few buttons, Chakotay looked up from his computer terminal and straight at Jaffen.

"Let's get started. Full name?"

After five minutes of questions, and Chakotay pausing to enter his answers, they were finished.

"Alright, you have been officially entered into the crew manifest as a civilian engineering consultant. Now it's time to issue you your combadge."

Chakotay opened a drawer in his desk and grabbed a combadge. After pushing a few buttons on his computer and activating and deactivating the combadge a few times he handed the device to the waiting man. He explained how to use it and told him if he had any questions either he or Kathryn could help him.

"Good. We're all dine here. So let's head to sickbay so the Doctor can examine you. Tuvok will take your belongings to the Captain's quarters for now, to get them out of the way."

"Okay." Jaffen replied handing his duffel bags to the Vulcan and watching him leave the office.

Chakotay stood up and walked around his desk. Jaffen made to follow but was blocked by Chakotay's extended arm.

"Before we head to deck 5 I'd like to say something: You better treat Kathryn like the queen she is. She has had so much hurt in her life, she doesn't need anymore. So if you hurt her, in anyway. Well… let's just say it'll be like you were never even here. Understand?" Chakotay said threateningly

"I understand, and I just want to let you know I would never hurt Kathryn intentionally. If I ever do you have my permission and request to hurt me as much if not worse than I've hurt her." Jaffen replied.

"That's a promise I will certainly make. Now let's get down to sickbay before the Doctor comes looking for us."

The two men left the office in search of the nearest turbo lift.

Jaffen followed the Commander through the doors of sick bay, his eyes adjusting to the dim lights. His eyes scanned the room in search of the woman who possessed his heart, finding her immobile body on one of the bio beds, covered with a blanket. The Doctor met the two men at the door and followed Jaffen's gaze to Kathryn's still sedated form.

He laid a photonic hand on the man's shoulder and said "The sedative should be wearing off soon and she'll regain consciousness in no time. In the meantime, she's fine. Let's head to my office."

Jaffen tore his eyes away from the love of his life and allowed the hologram to guide him towards a chair in his office. Seeing the Doctor had everything under control and having to return to the bridge, Chakotay nodded to the Doctor and left the sickbay.

The Doctor took multiple tricorder scans along with detailed holoimages of Jaffen for his medical records. After answering all the questions the Doctor had, Jaffen was finally allowed to see Kathryn. He slowly approached her bed, trying to make no noise. He grabbed a nearby chair and placed it by the head of the bed. He gently sat down and finally got a good look at the woman occupying the bed. Her pale features were relaxed in unconsciousness but the signs of previous destress were still visible on her gorgeous face. Jaffen reached his hand towards her face and carefully cupped her face, gently stroking her forehead with his thumb. He leaned forward to plant a kiss on her warm forehead as he lowered his hand to stoke her cheek. He pulled his hand away and reached under the blanket in search for Kathryn's hand. Intertwining their fingers, he gave the appendage a gently yet firm squeeze and settle in the chair, prepared to wait as long as it took for her to wake.

After a few minutes of admiring his love she began to move, her eyes fluttered and she shifted on the bed. Jaffen sat up, hand still intertwined with hers, waiting for Kathryn to open her eyes fully. She groaned as she shifted again and moved her head back and forth, alleviating the crick in her neck. Her eyes opened and her vision was blurry. She closed her eyes again and blink a few times before everything came into focus. She felt the warm presences of a hand in hers as her vision focused on the man who's hand it was.

"Jaffen." She said breathlessly.