Star Trek Voyager characters are the property of Paramount Pictures.

LIBERTIA

CHAPTER 10

EIGHT WEEKS LATER

Back amongst the stars, soaring through space. Wrapped in a silky blue robe, her long hair loose over her shoulders, Kathryn sat before a window and looked out at the streaming stars as she'd done a million times before. But the ship she was on now, the flagship of her fleet, was not Voyager. It was a bigger and grander ship called, in her honor, The Deltana. Voyager was now a museum and, while it saddened her that her beloved ship would never fly again, it pleased her that the great ship would be preserved for future generations. Few starships had that honor and she could think of none more worthy. No matter what they had faced in the Delta Quadrant, what battles they had fought, Voyager had come through for them. That vessel, tiny in the vastness of space, had kept them safe and got them home.

But The Deltana was an impressive ship too, presently housing a crew of over 200, and her quarters were, for a starship, palatial. Aswell as a large lounge, lavishly decorated with gold and glass furniture, there was a regal dining room with a long table that could sit ten, a small study, a grand bathroom that had a heavenly huge bathtub, and two bedrooms. The second was small, containing only a single bed and a few pieces of furniture, but her own was enormous. It had a king size bed, beautifully adorned with white satin covers, a shimmering carpet of coral, closets and drawers of gleaming gold, and a soft windowseat of silver velvet where she was sitting now.

Sitting and thinking about the mission ahead.

Thinking about Chakotay.

They had been in touch a few times since he had left, and he officially knew of her commission, but their messages had always been brief and to the point. They had to be as anyone's eyes could read them. Not once had they been able to say 'I love you' or anything of a personal nature. But it was enough that she knew he was still alive.

At least, she told herself it was enough.

It had been five months since they'd last seen each other and it felt like a lifetime. And yet, only like yesterday. Never would she forget their goodbye. He had stood before her, ready to leave, and they had hugged and kissed like it was their last time.

For all they knew, it could be...

But then, unexpectedly, a red light filled the room. Kathryn turned around, governed by instinct, and did so just in time to see Chakotay materialize. He was dressed in black, his clothes bulky and heavy, and was armed like the warrior he now was.

"Hello, Kathryn," he smiled.

In an instant, Kathryn was off the seat and standing before him. "Chakotay? Is it really you?"

He nodded. "B'Elanna lowered your shields just long enough for me to beam in."

B'Elanna was The Deltana's Chief Engineer. While initially the half-Klingon had not wanted to get involved in the war, not now she had Miral, as soon as she knew of Kathryn's commission she had insisted on coming along. And, after some consideration, Kathryn had agreed. B'Elanna's links with the Maquis would be invaluable and it was only right to let her finish what she had started. Tom, however, was not onboard. There was no way they could bring Miral to a warzone and, given the danger of the mission, they felt it was only fair for him to stay behind. That way, if the worst happened and B'Elanna did not return, Miral would still have one parent.

"But no one must know I'm here," Chakotay went on. "No one must know we've met."

Gently, Kathryn took his strong hands in hers and squeezed them. "You have my word."

There was no doubt at all in her mind now that this really was Chakotay. Just seconds in his company had told her that. Just one look into his eyes. She could feel him, feel his presence, and she could feel his love. Warm, kind, tender.

"In case I need to beam out suddenly," he said, "I'll get to the point of my visit. I've had word...let's just say on the grapevine...that you may be in danger. Not from us, and not from the Cardassians, but from a dark element within the Federation that wants to hold on to our colonies at any cost. Some are in the Council, some in Starfleet, and some might be on this very ship." He reached into a pocket, pulled out a black box, and carefully opened it. Inside there was a tiny silver microchip. "I've had this from...a friend. It's a sophisticated tracker that is far beyond anything the Federation presently has. It can be tracked light years away and is totally undetectable without a special device, which I have. I want you to be fitted with it. That way, if anything happens I'll know where to find you."

Once, Kathryn would have told him that she didn't need it, that he was just being overprotective, but there was no denying the danger she stood in. It was real and deadly.

"I'd like to say I don't need it," Kathryn said, "that you're worrying for nothing, but I know my life's in jeopardy. I've heard whispers too and have been personally threatened more than once."

At this, Chakotay put his hand to her cheek. "But no one's hurt you?"

"No," she reassured him. "No one's hurt me."

Chakotay was visibly relieved at this but there was still concern in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Kathryn. I'm sorry you're bearing a burden that should never have been yours. When I asked you to help, I had no idea things would come to this."

"Neither did I. But don't be sorry. This commission is an answer to our prayers and a burden I'm happy to carry. Besides, it isn't mine alone. It's yours too. Sometimes we're...we're chosen." Tears filled her eyes. "And we will succeed. While the Cardassians haven't made any promises, the understanding is they will relinquish their claim to the colonies if we do ours."

"Yes. But they may impose conditions. They don't like the idea of us making an alliance with the Federation. They may insist that we don't."

"Maybe. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. All we can do is take things one step at a time. Speculating on guesses achieves nothing."

"No," he agreed. "But it's good to be prepared. Promise me you'll have the tracker fitted."

Kathryn nodded. "I promise. I'll have The Doctor embed it tomorrow. He doesn't have to know what it's for."

"Is that our doctor?"

"Yes. He's Chief Medical Officer of this ship. Tuvok is Captain and Harry is Chief of Security. In fact, there are quite a few Voyagers onboard, including our honorary member Reg Barclay. He's sharing quarters with The Doctor. Or rather, I should say that The Doctor is sharing with him and his cat."

Chakotay smiled. "His cat? Really?"

"Reg wanted him along and Tuvok, despite his Vulcan logic, didn't have the heart to say no. I'd have insisted on a cattery! And with good reason. I've had ten complaints this week about the damn thing caterwauling in the middle of the night!"

Chakotay could only laugh.

"He's escaped a few times too, getting into all kinds of places he shouldn't, and we've had a hell of a time trying to catch him. Just when we're close, he runs someplace new. I swear he gives a whole new definition to the game of cat and mouse! He's the mouse, we're on chase."

Chakotay laughed again.

"But he sure lightens things up around here so it's not all bad. Neelix once said that every ship should have a Neelix and I'm inclined to agree. Even if that Neelix is a four legged furball."

"How is Neelix? Have you heard from him?"

"Briefly, a couple of weeks ago. He's about to become a father so that's all he can talk about now. If the baby's a girl they're calling her Kathryn. If a boy, Tuvok...at least for middle names."

Chakotay teased. "I could be offended. No Chakotay."

Kathryn laughed. "Well, maybe he'll have twins and you'll have your wish. Hell, he may even have triplets. Apparently Talaxian babies can multiply at any time. Who knows. He may end up with an entire senior staff of babies!"

"Wouldn't that be something?" Chakotay laughed. "But definitely Tuvok deserves the honor if it's a boy. Their friendship runs deep, even if they don't admit it. I'm glad also that Tuvok's your captain. Now, more than ever, you need someone you can trust."

"Yes. I had reservations at first, because he's still in recouperation and I didn't want to take him from his family again so soon, but he insisted. B'Elanna did too. She wants and needs to finish what she started and I understand that. We all do."

"Except this was never your quarrel, Kathryn."

"No, but I made it so when I accepted the mission to capture you. That decision started a journey that the Delta Quadrant was just a part of. Our time there wasn't the beginning and it wasn't the end. It was the middle road that led us to now. Because this is where it ends, Chakotay, and I believe the end will be good."

"So do I. But that doesn't stop me worrying...about you."

"I worry too...about you. I know the fighting has eased now that peace is on the horizon, but dozens are still dying every day and you have as many enemies as me."

"Yes. But I'm harder to find than you. There are hundreds of Maquis ships but just one Federation fleet."

"I know. But let no one underestimate us. We may only be ten in number but we're a force to be reckoned with."

"I don't doubt it. But I hope you're not the only admiral assigned to this fleet. You need backup."

"And I have it. While I'm in charge, I have two deputies. The first is Geoff Carter, who I have to say wasn't too happy about me getting the job over him, and the second is my old friend Abigail Reese. They're both on other ships but we get together often."

"I'm glad. Carter may be a grouch but his heart is in the right place. He's helped us a lot over the years at considerable risk to himself."

"Yes. He's a good man and a very clever one. The more I get to know him the more I like him. It's just too bad he rubs people up the wrong way. He'd be in charge otherwise."

"Well, I think they have the right person in charge. I'm proud of you, Kathryn. What you've achieved it's...incredible."

"Thank you. But I'm proud of you too. If I've given your cause a strong voice in the Federation, you've given it the face of respectability. But my being here isn't just down to me. Everyone is tired of this conflict. A way out has been sought for years. I've just provided a means to an end."

"Much more than that. What's happening now...this fleet, the upcoming negotiations...that's all because of you. No one else would be trusted. That's why your life is in such danger."

"I know. But I won't be bullied and I won't be threatened. I'll see this through. Millions of lives and the future of nations depends on it."

At these words, tears filled Chakotay's eyes. Kathryn truly was the most courageous and selfless person he had ever known. A wonder he had been in awe of since the first day they had met. Whatever she felt, however afraid, she would always put the needs of others first. And that humbled him. As did the knowledge that this amazing, beautiful woman, who had made history more than once, loved him. He didn't feel worthy and yet he could not trust any other man to love her. No man could love her enough.

"Just don't forget about your life," he whispered. "Don't die for a cause that will live on without you."

Kathryn took his hands in hers. "I could say the same to you. But I'm not afraid of dying. I never have been. I'm just afraid of living without achieving all I can."

"I understand. And I wouldn't expect any less of you. But for my sake, don't take unnecessary risks. If anything happens to you, I..."

Kathryn silenced him with a finger on the lips. "We're both going to survive this. Don't doubt. My security is as high as it can be and, well, now I have your tracker. Besides, we're only days away from Cardassian space. In a few weeks, maybe even less, we'll have a peace settlement and independence for your colonies. Keep the faith. Our goal is in sight."

"Yes. But out here you're vulnerable, Kathryn. Look how easily B'Elanna got me onboard. If she can do it, so too can someone with a deadly agenda."

"I know. But I'm on my guard, I promise."

"Just don't let it down. Not even for a second."

Kathryn put her hand to his face and brushed her fingers against his cheek. "I won't. I never do. But I refuse to be a prisoner of fear. Don't you be either."

Chakotay took her hand in his and kissed it. "I wish sometimes you weren't as defiant. Then you'd be easier to keep safe."

Kathryn smiled, and then she laughed.

"What is it?" Chakotay asked. "What's so funny?"

"Just something someone said," she replied, "about having greater respect for you after fighting a round with me. He said it must have been hell trying to protect me."

"I wouldn't say it was hell," Chakotay smiled, "but it certainly was a challenge. Few captains are as hands on. Most delegate."

"Which, to my mind, is the coward's way out."

"And you're right. But it makes a First Officer's job harder."

"Unless he wants to be captain. That could have been you. But it wasn't. You'd have given your life for mine."

"In an instant."

Their eyes locked and then Kathryn squeezed his hand. "Do you have time for a drink?"

"I'm afraid not," he said sadly. "This really is a fleeting visit. Any moment now I'll get the call out."

"I thought as much. But I hoped."

"Maybe next time."

"Maybe. But stay in the shadows. You're safer there."

"Yes. But I'm watching your back. Always."

"Thank you. But watch your own first. You can't help me if you're dead. While this room might not suggest it, this ship is a mighty fine warship. She's three times the size of Voyager and armed to the hilt."

"So scans told me. And there's no reason why a warship can't be comfortable. I'm glad you have pleasant quarters. I do."

Kathryn smiled. "Pleasant is a bit of an understatement. Honestly, Chakotay, I've never seen grander quarters. My lounge is like something out of a Regency novel and my bathroom belongs in a palace. I know Starfleet wants to impress any diplomat I entertain but they didn't have to go so OTT. Look behind you and you'll see what I mean."

Chakotay looked behind him and saw elaborate, almost gaudy, gold furniture lining a marble-effect white wall.

"Yes," he laughed. "Definitely OTT." He then turned back to Kathryn, a glimmer in his eyes. "But I hope you won't be entertaining anyone in here."

Kathryn laughed now and then wrapped her arms around his neck. "Only you...in my fantasies."

Chakotay smiled and then they kissed. Kissed until a voice crackled on Chakotay's commbadge.

"Rhona to Chakotay. Five more minutes max."

Reluctantly, and regretfully, Chakotay drew away. "Understood."

As the connection terminated, Kathryn took his hands in hers. "When we were on Voyager, I couldn't imagine a day without you. I think I even told you so once. But now a day seems nothing when I'm living weeks and months without you. But I miss you. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, I'm always aware of an empty space beside me. A space that you should fill. My only comfort is the hope that one day you will again."

"I will, Kathryn. Remember, we belong to each other."

Kathryn nodded, remembering that sacred night they had finally consummated their love, and then she leant into him. His clothes were rugged, but his embrace was soft.

A balm for her soul.

A haven from the storm.

A mutual solace.

But then, all too soon, it was over.

"I really must go now," he said, pulling away. "I'll be in touch when I can."

"As will I. And thank you. Not just for the implant but for being here. In truth, more for that."

Chakotay put his hand to her cheek. "I'll come again...if it's safe. If not, I'll see you when I see you."

Kathryn nodded. "Take care, Chakotay. I love you."

"I love you too."

They then kissed, hands and lips locked, and then Chakotay requested a beam out. It came in seconds, lighting the room like a red flame, and Kathryn watched with tears in her eyes as it disappeared and took Chakotay with it.

END OF CHAPTER TEN