First, I would like to apologize for the HUGE delay to this chapter and promise you that I will do everything I can to have the next chapter up hopefully by next weekend. Life has been a little ridiculous in our house the last couple months but I promise I will not leave this story unfinished.
A couple notes: No, this isn't a DS9 story, it isn't a crossover, but I found the whole concept plausible and likely. Just a smattering of Kira who is my 2nd favorite Trek female. Also, I am very well aware that it would take at least 12 if not 56 day to get from Earth to DS9…but if the writers can fudge those same facts, then I can imagine it'll take 36 hours at max warp in a shuttlecraft… That's what imaginations are for. Enjoy!
=/\=
Chapter Seven
True to her word Chakotay had been able to talk with Kathryn via subspace daily for the nine days she had been on Deep Space Nine. She would often take moments out of her day and exchange text messages and though it wasn't the same, it was definitely making the separation easier. As he'd promised her, he'd been keeping himself extremely busy.
His classes were due to start the following week and he had thrown himself into planning his lessons and lectures. He'd worked so diligently that the entire semester took him a little more than a weekend. With that headache out of the way he focused on the baby's room. He wanted to surprise Kathryn with a crib, rocking chair and a dresser when she got back. He spent long days out in a shed he'd turned into a workshop and he had to admit the physical labor was very therapeutic.
Every now and then he invited guests for dinner and every couple days he and Gretchen would have lunch together before he helped her out around the house. She would ask about his lesson plans, ask about the house and whatever projects he was working on. And then she'd ask about Kathryn, who called her every couple days.
The first week of mediations had been one of formalities and introductions. The meetings in all were a party of nine, three delegates from each group. Kathryn couldn't help but be grateful for Chakotay's increased security suggestion—this was quite the high-profile event and emotions were charged. In light of the damage of the war and the last thirty years of fighting she could tell everyone was tired. The occupation of Bajor, the retaliation of the Maquis and the encroachment of the Founders had left everyone scarred but hopeful.
"Hi," she said when Chakotay's face appeared on the console. They'd taken a break for the day and she'd gone back to her quarters to rest and place a call. "I miss you," she told him before he could respond. Her urgency and the sight of her brought on a dimpled grin.
"Hi and I miss you too. How's it going today?" He could see faint dark circles—one's that had been her constant companion on Voyager threatening to return.
"We're finally talking—it's progressive. But everyone's heated." She sighed and ran her hands through her hair. She took in the sight of her husband. He looked tired as well, but she could see beads of perspiration on his face and neck that made his golden skin glisten. "Were you out in the shed?" she wondered.
"Actually I just got back from lunch with your mother. We've had a bit of a heat wave and the snow melted so I ran," he took a long draw from a bottle of water and threw his head back as he settled into his chair. "I just got back right as you called." He turned his head back to the screen, enjoying the appreciation he saw in her eyes. "Tell me about the rest of your day. What are your plans?"
"Not sure. We still have a few more hours to go after the break," she paused to take a bite of a sandwich—the breaks were brief and if she wanted to talk to him, multi-tasking was a necessity. After she swallowed she continued, "Tonight the Colonel invited me to the holosuite." She rolled her eyes in feigned annoyance.
"That could be fun, a good break—what would you be doing?" He sincerely hoped she wouldn't take time for herself and not add to her growing stress.
"I'm not sure exactly. I've heard that the residents have some twentieth century night club that they frequent. From what I've read one of the characters is a lounge singer with a progressive matrix comparable to our doctor." She sighed again and took another bite.
"I've heard about him, are you going to go? You need to kick your feet up and relax a little." He hoped he wasn't pressing too hard—he learned years ago that getting Kathryn to take a break required careful and methodical insistence.
"I still have a lot of reports to go through," she replied with a defiant shake of her head. "I'm not sure it's a good idea, maybe in a few days when I feel a little more caught up."
"Kathryn, there will always be reports. You were more than prepared for this trip, I know for a fact you take notes during every session and when you're not taking time out to talk to me or your mother you're pouring over those notes and researching specifics for rebuttal arguments." He stopped, forcing her to meet his concerned eyes across the light-years. "I'm pleased to see you eating and I was shocked and thankful that you stopped in to see Dr. Bashir but I need you to take care of yourself as well. I know you and Kira take lunches together and I'm glad you've found a friend but I'd really appreciate if you'd take some time off, for you." She reached out and touched his cheek on the screen, imagining the warmth of the gentle caress.
"Oh, Chakotay," she whispered. As much as she wanted to protest his concern was in every line of his face. He knew her better than anyone ever had before.
"I just worry about you," he admitted with a sigh, meeting her fingers on the screen. "I wish I could be there to help you and to hold you. But since I can't, go with Kira tonight. Enjoy yourself." She nodded her acquiescence as her commbadge interrupted.
"Kira to Janeway." Kathryn offered him an apologetic smile.
"Janeway here."
"We're just about ready to start up again, Admiral."
"Thank you, Colonel. I'm just finishing up here."
"You have a few minutes, give Chakotay my best." He chuckled as a smile for his old friend graced his face.
"Thank you, Kira." He responded. "Oh and take good care of my girls this evening." They heard a laugh from the comm.
"I'll do that, Commander." She replied. "It's good to hear your voice."
I'll be in the conference room in a minute, Colonel. Thank you." Kathryn broke in. "Janeway out." She eyed her husband with precision and a raised eyebrow while his eyes twinkled with delight. "Well, it seems I will be taking the night off regardless." It was said in jest and she contained her mirth at his interference.
"Kira's good company. Have fun and don't work too hard." His lips were smiling but his eyes were already feeling the goodbye. "Give our little one a nudge for me. I love you both."
"We love you too. I'll talk to you tomorrow." She closed the channel with an exaggerated sigh, pushing herself up and carrying her tray to the recycler. She appraised her appearance in the mirror one last time, running both hands along her swollen barely contained abdomen. "Let's go encourage a peace treaty so we can get home to Daddy." She grabbed a few PADDs from the table and made her way down the corridor to the Promenade, running into the Colonel along the way. She smiled at the woman who was becoming a fast friend and they fell into step with each other. "I thought you were already in the conference room."
"Oh, I was," she agreed and shook her head. "But I got called to handle a dispute between Quark and a passing Klingon. I swear, one of these days I wish I could just let him get what's coming to him." Both women shared a hearty laugh; Quark certainly had a reputation that wasn't lost on the Admiral. She remembered hearing a story from Tom Paris who had rescued a young very green Ensign Kim from the luring manipulation of said Ferengi prior to their departure from the station seven years ago. "So I take it from your husband's enthusiastic request that you'll be joining me at Vic's tonight?" Kathryn fought the urge to roll her eyes and admitted defeat.
"It was everything but an official order that I quit working for at least one night. He's just feeling a little helpless; it's not so much a safety issue at this point as much as a distance thing." She paused as they stepped into the conference room that was already filling and she quieted her voice. "I think he'd like nothing more than to put off his weekend plans and the start of classes and hide out in my quarters for a while." They both took their seats and the Colonel leaned close with a mischievous grin.
"Well, then let's be as persuasive as possible and ask the Prophets for some points of reasoning." They nodded and sat up as Admiral Ross called the meeting to order.
=/\=
Chakotay leaned back in his chair and ran his hands over his face in exasperation. He glanced out the window at the shuttle parked on the lawn and began to contemplate the ramifications of the idea formulating in his mind. He tried to reconcile his inner battle with logic and duty but his desire and longing was quickly superseding his own argument. Anticipation began to outweigh everything else and he tugged his ear while tapping a few buttons on the console.
"Colonel, I know you are back to deliberations but I was hoping to ask a favor. I was thinking of…taking a trip before classes begin on Monday and I was wondering how you felt about my surprising a certain Admiral. I'd be discreet, keep to her quarters—I know this situation is tenuous at best, I don't wish to cause any problems, which is why I'm coming to you with this first. If you don't think it's wise, I will of course understand. I know you're a busy woman but I was thinking I'd head out tonight if you're able to respond that quickly. Either way, thank you—for the consideration and also for being there for my girls. Chakotay out." Once he'd ended the transmission he bolted from the chair and began packing a bag. He tried to reign in his thoughts enough so a negative reply wouldn't be too much of a disappointment but he had a feeling the Colonel would be understanding, so he continued. He gathered clothes, his medicine bundle, lesson plans to review in flight and tried to decide who needed to know his potential whereabouts.
Four hours later after a light dinner and an unsuccessful attempt to meditate he received an incoming transmission. He raced to answer it and exhaled in relief at the sight of the smiling Kira that greeted him. She laughed at his response.
"Commander," she said with a slight nod. "It's good to see you."
"You too, Colonel. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly." He eyed her carefully, hoping to gauge her response from her posture and body language. He held his breath and waited for her reply.
"You're welcome. It's not every day I get a request to smuggle someone aboard my station. But perhaps we can discuss that in length at dinner Friday night?" He blew out the breath he'd been holding and dimples burst forth of their own accord. "That is of course if you two won't mind the intrusion.'
"I think we can tear ourselves away long enough to endure a dinner," he joked with a wink. "I really owe you one."
"I have some provisions of course and I also want you to know, since this is kind of a covert operation that I'm keeping copies of all our transmissions. Better safe than sorry where Starfleet is concerned." He nodded his understanding and agreement. "I'm sending you coordinates to a friend of mine on Bajor, his name is Talar. I can't very well hide you and your shuttle so you'll leave it on the planet and he'll escort you and I'll get to see two old friends this weekend. Once you've docked we'll beam you straight to your quarters…where you'll stay until his ship departs to take you back. I've already arranged everything and informed my chief of security of our intentions."
"Believe me, I understand. I just knew if I put off this little excursion it would be out of the question in a few weeks. I really do owe you, you know."
"I'm aware—better make it a great dinner. From what I understand your wife is less than handy in the kitchen. Not to mention the issues that have arisen with her replicator since she arrived." At this he had to outwardly guffaw as he slapped a hand on the desk.
"I can't tell you how many times I showed up for dinner to the sight of her on the floor surrounded by pieces to her gutted replicator on Voyager. She must have disassembled and reassembled that thing at least five times in seven years. At least she's consistent." They shared a smile at Kathryn's expense and he saw Kira glance toward the door and wave someone in. "I'll let you get back to work. I'm on my way."
"See you soon. Kira out." Before she'd even faded from view Chakotay was halfway to the door, verbally setting the alarm system before he would out of the house and hurrying for the shuttle.
From the shuttle, once he'd cleared the atmosphere and engaged autopilot he put in a call to Gretchen explaining his spontaneous plans and arranging for dinner together after his first day of classes Monday. He also placed a careful call to Tom and instructed him as to his whereabouts and instructed him to break it to B'Elanna when the time felt right but to keep it between the two of them. Tom had chuckled in understanding and made him promise to give the Admiral a hug from them both. At maximum warp he was due to arrive Thursday morning to Bajor. Once he'd rechecked his flight coordinates he grabbed his medicine bundle hoping to calm his nerves with some meditation.
=/\=
Kathryn felt a little foolish standing outside the entrance to the holosuite in an elegant green gown with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders. It seemed to be too much trouble to get so gussied up for an evening with photons and lights but Kira had assured her that it was worth it not to hear Vic carry on about uniforms in his bar.
"You look great!" Kira exclaimed when she approached in an equally stunning red dress. "I think that shawl was a stategical move," she observed and with a look around Kathryn opened her arms wide.
"Oh yes." She admitted, casting a look in the direction of her unobscured stomach. "Though tasteful this dress leaves little to the imagination and does nothing to conceal our secret." She brought her arms back around carefully replacing the green satin shawl. "No one needs to know just yet." She smiled and absent mindedly rubbed circles through the fabric, following Kira through the doors and into the twentieth century.
The hologram onstage with a voice like velvet was crooning some song about New York to a modest sized lounge filled with other holograms and humanoids alike. Kathryn had to admit, he was good and the atmosphere was very relaxed. When Vic saw them enter he nodded and winked mid song. Apparently the Colonel visited frequently enough to have built a report with the singer. She followed Kira to the bar, careful to hide her stomach beneath the ledge.
"So, what do you think?" Kira wondered.
"It's impressive, and he's got a wonderful voice." She took a deep cleansing breath trying to allow the days stress to evaporate as she exhaled. She heard the song come to a close and watched Vic descend the stage toward them, cheerfully greeting and shaking hands with his audience along the way. When he reached them he engulfed Kira in a hug, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Colonel, I didn't know you were coming for the set." He raised one of her hands, as if to get a better view of her ensemble and whistled. "You never cease to amaze me." He leaned in close to her ear and lightly asked, "Any word from our friend?" His tone was gentle as was the supportive arm around her shoulders. Kathryn saw a flash of pain in her friend's eyes before they closed and she shook her head. Vic gave her a side hug and turned his attention to the Admiral. "I wondered when the likes of the great Admiral Kathryn Janeway would ever do me the honor of a visit." He took a hand in his and suavely brought it to his lips. "But I never thought you'd be quite so beautiful." Kathryn was charmed, yet rendered almost speechless. Surprised by a hologram…yet again.
"A pleasure, but how—"
"I may just be photons and force fields, Dollface but I listen when people want to talk and for the last six months you and that rag-tag group you brought home seem to be the talk of the town—or space station as it were." He smiled brilliantly, looping her arm through his, leading him to a table. Once the ladies were seated he turned around a chair to join them. "What are we drinking tonight, ladies?"
"White wine," Kira responded.
"Club soda for me," Kathryn requested and Vic's critical eye ran the length of her body and settled on the mess of satin and criss-crossed appendages. He nodded.
"Haven't told anyone yet, huh?" His accuracy was edging on intrusive and Kathryn shifted nervously in her seat. He noticed and continued gently, "Hey, Sweetheart I'm not a gossip—I just hear a lot of talk from everyone." He leaned closer and his blue eyes pierced her own. "For example, I know that tattooed husband of yours would do anything in the universe to be sitting right here instead of me. The love you kids share is outta this world. Someday I'd like to witness it for myself." He kissed her hand once more and headed for the bar.
"I should have warned you. He's as perceptive as a Betazoid. Scared the hell out of all of us the first time we met him." Before Kathryn could respond Vic had returned with their drinks. He set them down and gestured to the one in front of her.
"Long Island Iced Tea; less the Long Island. Tastes better and it'll help you avoid the heartburn." He glanced at the stage then bid the women farewell.
"He's remarkable—and here I thought the Doctor was one of a kind," Kathryn remarked as Vic began bellowing out his next song. The women eased back into their seats relishing in the atmosphere and the first ounce of calm they'd seen in a week. Kathryn was loathe to admit how right Chakotay had been—she needed the distraction.
=/\=
The air was crisp, clear and surprisingly warm when Chakotay climbed out of his shuttle on Bajor. Talar had instructed him to land the shuttle in a small hangar on the back of his property, guaranteeing him no one would bother it there. The man was about twenty years his senior with kind eyes and rugged Bajoran features. He had an air of wisdom and though he couldn't explain how Chakotay could sense the man knew suffering. But then, he thought to himself, what person alive on Bajor didn't at this point?
"I'm afraid my craft isn't much to look at—might not be as smooth a ride as you're used to," the man told him as they climbed into their seats at the controls. Thankfully they'd wasted no time on the planet and if all went as planned they'd arrive right in the middle of Kathryn's lunch break.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Friend." Chakotay replied. "Believe me, I've piloted far worse—and crashed far better." He smirked as he added the last part. "By the time Voyager made it home I'm sure Kathryn and our Chief Engineer were convinced I'd lied about training as a pilot." They shared a laugh and began pre-flight routines.
"Then I suppose it's a wonder you made it here in one piece," Talar joked once they'd begun their ascent.
"Apparently I just need the proper motivation." They fell into a comfortable silence while the shuttle left the upper ionosphere and punched into the black of space. Chakotay's nerves were taking a beating with each minute that passed. He couldn't wait to see the look on Kathryn's face and he hoped against hope that she wouldn't be upset.
When they were within hailing range Talar contacted the station informing them of his ETA and requesting permission to dock. Once they were granted it Chakotay exhaled heavily and broke into a smile.
"Here goes nothing," he said clapping a hand on Talar's shoulder. "Thank you, Talar. I've enjoyed your company and I appreciate your assistance." The men shook hands before Chakotay slung his bag over his shoulder.
"I'll be waiting Saturday morning—cherish her, Chakotay," he called to him as he headed for the main compartment to wait for the transport.
"I always have," he promised right before the doors sealed shut.
=/\=
Kira was trying not to pace her office and was silently wishing she hadn't skipped breakfast. Talar was due any minute and she'd asked OPS to let her know when he'd docked. She'd woken up that morning with a feeling of foreboding. She couldn't tell if it had to do with her subterfuge but it hadn't left her—she couldn't seem to shake it. So she inhaled deeply, internally asking the Prophets for protection and clarity and then tried to imagine the surprise she was assisting.
"OPS to the Colonel."
"Kira here. Has he docked?"
"Affirmative, Sir."
"Thank you, Kira out." She walked to her console and prepared to make the transport. "Kira to Janeway."
"Yes, Colonel?"
"Are you still in your quarters, Admiral?" She hadn't been intentionally blunt but the sooner she'd transported him the sooner she could grab something to eat, their break was already half over.
"I am. Is there something I can do for you?"
"No—but I did want to tell you I convinced Ross to cut tomorrow's deliberations to a half-day." She'd almost forgotten but was glad she had found some sort of cover.
"That's a great idea."
"I'll see you in a half hour." She smiled to herself, her fingers hovering over the console. One more string of commands. "Kira out." She took a minute to laugh and aloud imagining the shock and joy that those few commands were about to inspire. She sent a brief message to Talar who was waiting to board the station until notified and then tapped the controls calling for a site to site beam out.
=/\=
"Commander Chakotay is unavailable," the computer replied, again and Kathryn groaned in frustration. At least yesterday when he wasn't home it had rerouted to the shuttle, she thought. The day before she'd caught him on his way to and from San Francisco, but for the third time today she wasn't able to raise him. She groaned again and tapped the keys to begin recording a message instead.
"Hi. You are impossible to reach today. If I'm lucky you'll get this soon and I can see you before recess is over." She sighed and looked directly into the screen hoping he'd be able to see the longing in her eyes. "I miss my sounding board. I miss your laughter and the sound of your voice. Though I'm certain we're making progress I fear we may still have a long way to go and I'm not looking forward to another two weeks without feeling your arms around me. I—"
"Kira to Janeway." She sighed again and paused the recording. The news of a half-day seemed glorious and she was relieved as she unpaused the recording once the comm closed. She was still trying to refocus and finish her message when the door chime sounded. She pushed her chair back and offered the screen an apologetic smile as she disappeared to answer it.
"Can I help you?" She questioned as the door slid open. Her two guests pushed their way in and a green light of a disruptor blast filled the room. One of the men quickly lifted her while the other removed and chucked her comm badge. They vanished in a swirl of blue just as Chakotay materialized a few feet in front of the desk.
