Chapter 9

July 2379

"How long will you be gone?"

"A couple of days," replied Chakotay, taking a sip from his coffee cup, while reading over a message on a PADD.

"Oh that's not too bad."

Kathryn and Chakotay sat at their dining room table eating breakfast before she had to go to work. Chakotay had just received a message from Starfleet Academy informing him Cambridge University was interested in having him speak about his recently published research paper. His initial excitement had slowly been replaced by a somber mood.

Kathryn noticed Chakotay's change in attitude. He hadn't even looked up from the PADD. After a long moment of silence, she realized he wasn't giving up any more information willingly. She was going to have to force all the details out of him.

"When will this talk happen?" Kathryn asked.

"Depends."

"Depends on what?"

"My schedule."

"Well, you are fairly free since the Academy is currently not in session."

"Right."

"Chakotay, is there something wrong? Normally, I don't have to pry information out of you. It's usually the other way around."

Chakotay sighed heavily and finally looked up from his PADD toward Kathryn. "I'm sorry. I'm just trying to process all this information. I'm honestly just overwhelmed at the moment."

Kathryn reached her hand out and grasped his. She gave him a soft smile and said, "You will do great. I read your work and it is amazing. Besides, you speak in front of a large group of people several times a week. It's not much different than that."

"Kathryn, this is completely different. Well, not completely, but almost. Whenever I lecture, I speak to a group of cadets. They are young and are still learning. Also, I'm usually familiar with them. However, this, this thing I've been invited to is going to be composed of many respected researchers and scientist," Chakotay said, while tapping his finger on the PADD.

"Oh, Chakotay. You'll do fine. You are just stressing yourself out over something small. Everything is going to go smoothly and you have plenty of time to prepare."

"I know. I truly am honored but I just feel this…pressure. I'm sure it will pass once I get all my thoughts straight."

"Trust me. You'll be great," Kathryn said, standing up from the table, placing a kiss on his lips, and walking to the kitchen with her empty coffee cup. "Plus, you can just use your charm to win everyone over."

"I don't do that."

"Oh no. Of course you don't," Kathryn replied in a mockingly serious tone.

Chakotay couldn't help but chuckle. After a moment he asked, "Do you think you could join me?"

"I'm not sure. It's somewhat busy at work right now. I'll let you know for sure once you settle on a date," she yelled from the kitchen.

"Well, I hope you can."

"I do too. I would love to see Professor Chakotay in action," she said, peeking her head out of the doorway, a mischievous smile on her face.

Chakotay laughed. She always knew exactly what to say, and do, to make him feel better.

=/\=

It was a rather warm day for the end of July, Chakotay noted, as he made his way through the Cambridge campus. However, he was sure his discomfort with the temperature was due to his elevated stress. He was scheduled to give his speech in about fifteen minutes which gave him enough time to make it to the special events lecture hall and have a couple minutes to settle down.

When he finally arrived at the hall, he was greeted by the Chancellor and several professors from the Anthropology Department. He still had time before he had to begin so he decided to take a seat and observe his surroundings.

The lecture hall was twice, if not three times, as large as the one he lectured at the Academy. That was somewhat intimidating. However, the audience was almost in darkness since several spotlights were focused on the podium obscuring his view. In a way, that made Chakotay relax. He could just pretend he was in his own lecture hall at the Academy.

He couldn't help but let his mind wander to Kathryn and how right she had been right when he initially received the invite. She told him everything was going to go smoothly and it was the same as lecturing at the Academy. He so desperately wanted her to be there, but she had been unable to attain leave from Headquarters. She had been very supportive of him while he wrote his paper and afterwards when it was published, that he felt she was part of the reason for his success.

Chakotay noticed the Chancellor stand up and make her way toward him.

"Are you ready, Professor Chakotay?" she asked, smiling.

Chakotay nodded and the Chancellor made her way to the podium. The voices that drifted toward the stage from the darkness slowly began to fade into silence when they noticed the figure approach the stand.

"Welcome everyone to Cambridge University. I hope you are having a wonderful time so far. I am truly delighted to have our presenter here today. As USS Voyager'sformer First Officer, he has insight into species we never dreamed existed. In the seven years Voyager was lost in an unexplored section of space, countless of first encounters were made. In his research paper, Species 8472: The Unknown Creatures of Fluidic Space, he recounts various meeting with this specific creature. At the end of the lecture, he will gladly answer all of your questions. Well, before I end up taking up any more of your time, please help me in welcoming Professor Chakotay from Starfleet Academy."

The loud applause overwhelmed Chakotay as he got up from his chair and walked toward the front of the stage. From the sound of the clapping, he was certain there were more people in attendance than he originally thought there would be. The crowd grew silent once he took his place at the podium.

"Thank You Chancellor T'Vin for that wonderful introduction and I also want to thank Cambridge University for inviting me to speak about my research paper today. Also, thank you everyone for showing interest in my paper I really do appreciate the support from everyone." Chakotay paused briefly. "The journey on Voyager was long, arduous, and never dull. They were seven very long years. However, those seven years drastically altered my life and I would not change that for anything. As many of you know, I was a Maquis outlaw when my crew and I first encountered Voyager in the Delta Quadrant. Due to Captain Kathryn Janeway's confidence, trust, and extraordinary leadership skills, my crew and I were able to integrate with hers and work as one. Together we managed to survive various encounters with several hostile species. Today I will be speaking about Species 8472, creatures that started off as enemies and ended up as uncharacteristic allies."

Chakotay spoke continuously for about forty minutes on the topic. He detailed their first encounter with Species 8472 and their threat to the Borg. He went on to explain how they attempted an alliance with the Borg in order to protect themselves. Lastly, he talked about the most interesting aspect, the fact Species 8472 created a simulation of Starfleet Headquarters as a training ground in case of an invasion from Starfleet. He finished on the note on how they had managed to work together to come into agreement.

When he finished he asked, "Does anyone have any questions?"

A voice from the audience came through the darkness.

"Yes. This person, Valerie Archer, what exactly happened between the two of you in her residence? I feel the details are vague in the article."

A giant grin spread across Chakotay's face as when recognized the voice. Even in the darkness, he knew it was Kathryn. She had such a distinctive voice and he loved everything about it. How she had gotten there, he didn't know, and he honestly didn't care. He was just glad she had managed to make it to his presentation.

"If you don't mind, I can discuss those details with you after the lecture on a one-on-one basis," replied Chakotay, in the most composed tone he could pull together.

"That sounds acceptable, Professor."

Chakotay had to close his eyes briefly and slightly lower his head as he desperately tried to suppress a laugh.

Once he had regained his composure, he asked, "Anymore questions?"

He spent the next twenty minutes or so clarifying some points and speculating whether Species 8472 posed a threat in the Alpha Quadrant. Chakotay was certain Species 8472 were not a threat to this sector, but the creatures may show an interest in the area in a non-aggressive way.

When no one had any more questions, Chakotay said, "Thank you all for joining me today. I hope you had a wonderful afternoon and found this lecture informative. I appreciative everyone taking time from their busy schedules to attend."

He was greeted with a loud round of applause as the lights in the audience slowly brightened. Chakotay noticed the hall was almost filled to capacity, which made him feel a great sense of pride, but those feelings didn't last long because he was a tad too preoccupied by one thing: finding Kathryn in the audience.

His quest was soon interrupted by several people that wanted to congratulate him or ask him a couple questions not related to Species 8472. By the time he was left alone, the hall was empty. Kathryn was nowhere to be seen. Maybe it wasn't Kathryn? Could I have possibly imagined it? As he was about to walk out of the hall, the Chancellor's aide walked in with a PADD.

"Professor Chakotay, I have a message for you," he said, handing him the tablet.

Chakotay thanked him and once the aide left, he read the message:

Meet me at the Petrillo's Italian Restaurant, right off the campus.

–K

Chakotay grinned. At least I know I'm not crazy, he thought, and began his walk toward the restaurant.

=/\=

Chakotay entered the restaurant about thirty minutes after leaving the lecture hall. The place was somewhat empty and it wasn't what Chakotay expected at all. He was used to the Italian eateries in San Francisco that had a very themed look. This place was quite the opposite: very modern and stylish.

He looked around quickly at the tables and didn't spot Kathryn. He was about to ask the host if he had seen her, when he noticed her sitting at the bar drinking a glass of white wine. She looked radiant. She wore a black knee-length, short sleeved dress that hugged every curvature of her body perfectly. He had never seen her wear that dress before. He took a moment to take in her appearance, before making his way toward the bar.

"Well, hello there," Chakotay whispered, as he leaned against the bar, placing an elbow on the countertop and clasping his hands together.

Kathryn looked unfazed. She slowly moved her head toward his direction. "Excuse me? Do I know you?" she asked, raising one eyebrow, looking somewhat confused.

Chakotay figured he would play along and answered, "No, but I couldn't help but notice a beautiful woman sitting alone and I thought I would introduce myself."

"Oh I see. Well, I'm Kathryn Janeway," she said, smiling and reaching her hand out to shake his. "And you are?"

"I'm Chakotay. It's a pleasure to meet you," he replied, taking her small hand into his and shaking it gently.

"Chakotay. That's an interesting name. It's very…distinct. And so is that tattoo of yours."

"I've been told that before. This tattoo represents the memory of my father. It's a somewhat lengthy story. Do you mind if I take a seat?"

"No, go right ahead."

Chakotay took a seat right next to Kathryn. He moved a bit closer to her which caused her to casually glance at him, but she didn't move away. He ordered himself a glass of white wine to accompany her.

"So Kathryn, do you come here often?"

"Actually I don't. This is my first time here."

"Oh"

"I'm actually waiting for someone. But I feel I have to warn you, he's somewhat of the jealous type."

Chakotay couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh really?"

"Yes. It's a terrible trait, honestly, but I find it so endearing," she said, with a smirk.

"Well this person is a very lucky to have such a beautiful woman as his companion."

Kathryn blushed. "Well, he is very handsome himself. He's also very charming, smart, and very considerate. He knows exactly how I liked to be touched."

Chakotay choked on the wine he was drinking and exclaimed, "Kathryn!"

Kathryn burst into laughter at Chakotay's dumbfounded expression. "I was wondering how long we could keep this up," she said, while still laughing.

"I hope you don't go around telling people that," Chakotay said, wiping some wine from his lips with a napkin.

"Oh of course I do. I scream it from the rooftops daily."

"How much wine have you had?" Chakotay asked, jokingly.

They both laughed together, as Kathryn placed a hand on Chakotay's thigh and squeezed it softly. They leaned in closer and share a tender kiss.

"Your presentation was perfect, Chakotay. You did an amazing job," Kathryn said, when they pulled apart.

"I wish I knew you were going to be there. You really caught me by surprise."

"That was my plan all along."

Chakotay laughed. "Well it worked."

Kathryn leaned in closer and placed her hand on his cheek. "I really am proud of you, you know?"

Chakotay gently took hold of her hand and placed a soft kiss on her wrist, "I know. But I didn't do it all by myself. I have you to thank as well."

They both smiled at one another and sat in silence for a bit, gazing into each other's eyes. After a moment Chakotay said, "How about we get a table and have something to eat."

"I'm not going to argue with that."

=/\=

After they finished their meal, Kathryn and Chakotay decided to take a stroll through the city. It was still light out and they had plenty of time before the sun started to set.

They walked hand in hand taking in the sights of this historic town until they came to a quaint little park.

"How about we find a bench and relax a little," suggested Chakotay.

"Sounds like a good idea to me. All this walking, and that filling meal, has made me somewhat tired."

Chakotay laughed. "Me too. There's a nice bench over there, right under that tree," he said, while pointing in the direction of the location.

They both took a seat on the wooden bench and Chakotay wrapped his arm around Kathryn. The sun was beginning to set and there was a slight chill in the air. They huddled a little closer together to keep warm.

"It's so beautiful here. I've been to this city before but never truly enjoyed it like today. I guess I never took the time to take in the little things," Kathryn said, leaning her head back, resting it on Chakotay's arm, and closing her eyes.

"I know what you mean. Same thing happened to me in San Francisco. All those years while at the Academy, before I joined the Maquis, and I don't think I ever took the time to explore the city until we returned home."

"Maybe our time on Voyager taught us to enjoy what we have around us," said Kathryn, lifting her head from his arm and looking at him.

"I think so. But it also helps when you have amazing company to enjoy it with," Chakotay replied, leaning in closer to Kathryn to place a kiss on her supple lips. "I wish you didn't have to go home tonight."

"Who said I was going home?" she retorted.

"I just assumed. I mean you do have work tomorrow."

"I do, but I can transport over in the morning. I don't have anything on my schedule until noon. Unless you don't want me to stay?" Kathryn asked, pursing her lips and pretending to have her feelings hurt.

"Actually I don't. I want to gallivant throughout the city alone at night. See what trouble I can get myself into," he said, while side-eyeing Kathryn.

Kathryn playfully gasped and exclaimed, "How dare you!"

She jokingly tried to swat Chakotay's arm but he had faster reflexes. He managed to get hold of her hand and draw her closer to him. He kissed her passionately on the lips, then on her cheek, onto her jawline then down and up her neck. Kathryn could only let out a quiet moan.

"Of course I want you to stay," he whispered in her ear.

"Maybe we should make our way back to your room."

"I like your way of thinking," he replied, as he placed one quick kiss on her lips.

They both stood up and made their way out of the park. Chakotay had a feeling he wasn't going to get a lot of sleep tonight.