Star Trek Voyager : Homeward Bound

CHAPTER 10

Damn! After Seska left Janeway leaned her head back against the chair. Resting one arm on the desk she ideally toyed with her cup. For several minutes she replayed the conversation over in her mind, trying to remember every movement and expression on the Bajoran face. Attempting to recreate, not the words, but the tone.

Kathryn was sure, that for the most part, Seska was telling the truth. Especially as Seska was under the impression that Janeway already knew the basic facts. However, something was bothering the captain. The Bajoran had become very evasive over the question as to why she had remained undercover. Kathryn was sure that Seska had left something out. But what. And how important was that missing piece.

One thing Kathryn Janeway was certain of. The moment that they returned home, she was going to have one long, and frank, talk with her father.

Picking up her cup, holding it in both hands, she continued to slowly sip her coffee while reflecting on the latest turn of events. Events which could, and would, cause a major problem for both herself and Chakotay.

Perhaps, thought Kathryn, she should have asked Chakotay for deck washing duties. Being a Starfleet captain had been challenging. Being a Maquis captain…….

Which suddenly brought to mind the diner engagement with Chakotay.

Checking the time Kathryn, half out of her seat, gulped down the last of her coffee. She had just enough time to freshen up.

The meeting with Seska had taken longer than she had expected.

In fact, the whole meeting had taken a turn which had been totally unexpected.

In fact, the whole day had been full of unexpected twists and turns. Both good and bad.

She gave her head a sharp quick shake. What else was heading toward her?

Quickly exiting her office Kathryn headed for the turbolift.

Hearing the sound of footsteps Evans turned around. Seeing who was approaching he greeted her warmly. "Evening Captain, calling it a day."

She laughed. "A day! I believe that's it's been a day and a half!"

He nodded sympathetically. "For you, it certainly has been. I guess it's safe to say that you had little sleep last night. But I hope today is ending with you feeling….well…. more comfortable. Chakotay wanted to tell you the truth but he feared for your well-being. I'm sorry that you had to find out the way that you did."

Biting her lip, for a moment she studied her feet. When she looked up her eyes conveyed the sincerity of her words. "I'm glad that Chakotay did wait. Going through it a second time, as he watched the log records, must have been horrific. To say the least! But not as dreadful as having to sit there looking at me while trying to explain, trying to get me to understand what happened. This way I saw Cavit and Fitzgerald. I saw Tuvok, you and Chakotay. There were no questions that I had to ask, all had been explained."

With deep, genuine respect Evans looked at Kathryn Janeway. "Captain, I hope the day will come when you will regard me as a friend in the same light as does Chakotay."

She placed her hands on her hips. "Evans, I already consider you a friend. And, as such, would you please do me a favor. Could you call me Kathryn. At least when we're not on duty."

As the lift stopped before them he turned and grinned at her. "It would be a pleasure, Captain!"

Kathryn Janeway stood there shaking her head.

Laughing Evans stepped inside. "Coming Kathryn!"

She tried to keep the amusement out of her voice. "Are you Maquis always so undisciplined?"

Evans managed to keep a straight face. "Only when around prim and proper Starfleet captains."

Kathryn laughed. It felt good after the past couple of hours. "Well…Mr. Evans, it would appear, that thanks to Chakotay, I am no long a Starfleet captain. So….I guess that makes be a prim and proper Maquis captain."

With a gleam in his eye the Maquis commander learned against the wall. "Chakotay told me that he had to hold you down to pin the rank bar on you."

She gave Evans one of her twisted smiles. "Not exactly. I was just pointing out the negative side when he pulled rank. Threatened to call in both you and Tuvok, and put me in restraints to pin the bar on. I quickly saw the merit of discontinuing the discussion."

Evans tried to sound serious. "You certainly seem to bring out the worst, or the best, in Chakotay."

Exiting the lift they walked down the corridor.

Kathryn turned her head toward her companion "You've known Chakotay for a long time."

Evans nodded. "About five years. We both joined the Maquis around the same time. Been through a lot together."

Walking past Chakotay's quarters they stopped upon coming abreast of the door leading to the quarters occupied by Evans.

Realizing that he did not know Kathryn Janeway all that well, and that he could be entering forbidden territory, Evans was uncertain if he should voice what was on his mind. Placing his hands in his pockets, unconsciously, he studied the captain.

Sensing that something was on his mind, Kathryn returned the frank gaze.

It required only a few seconds for Evans to reach his decision. "Kathryn, I'm sorry that your ship was destroyed but…..I am glad to have you onboard. Over the years I have learned to judge people. You and Chakotay will make a good team. Perhaps the best there is. He will stand by you, as you will him. Trust him….He will do nothing to cause you pain."

Kathryn immediately understood the personal implications behind those last words. The whole picture came into focus. When she was first brought onboard, especially in the condition that she was in, as a captain Chakotay would have read her confidential profile. Learning as must as possible about her personal life. Which could, and would have, impacted on her recovery. And as a captain he would have discussed it with his, then, second-in-command Evans.

For a moment she stared at Evans. Of course! Chakotay's actions were now making sense. He was protecting and supporting her through this difficult period of adjustment. Making sure that she lost no more than was absolutely necessary. Protecting her in a way she had failed to realize.

Not only Chakotay but so too Evans.

Straightening her shoulders, she locked eyes with the young man before her. "It would appear, Mr. Evans, that you are as good a friend to me as you are to Chakotay. I assure you, I do fully trust Chakotay, and not just as a captain."

Catching her hidden meaning Evans gave her a deep, warm smile. "Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning."

"In the morning. Goodnight." Turning away she walked to the next door.

Before entering she turned back to Evans. "Mr. Evans, I consider it a privilege to have you as a friend."

Without another word she entered her quarters.

Once inside Kathryn quickly prepared for her rendezvous. While retaining her uniform she at least tried to wash the fatigue off her face. Realizing that was a hopeless task she ran the brush through her hair.

Satisfied that she had done all that was possible Kathryn headed for the door. Exhaustion was beginning to take its toll, and if it had been anyone else she would have cancelled. As much as she tried hard not to admit it, she was looking forward to the evening.

Outside the captain's quarters she smoothed her shirt and ran her hand over her hair. This Maquis was having a strange effect on her. She decided that her nervousness was due to being tired. Nothing more.

Taking a deep breath she pressed the buzzer.

Instantly the door slid open. Her mind flashed back to that morning, when she had sought admittance to Chakotay's ready room. Then she had felt an outsider, disliked and unwanted. This time his open doorway welcomed her.

She stepped inside. "Sorry I'm late. Got caught up in ship's business."

Chakotay, standing by the table, pulled out a chair. "That's supposed to be my line. Come have a seat, you must be feeling the effects of today."

His tone changed to one of chastisement as he teased her. "But you do know, that a crewman should never keep her captain waiting. It's a sign of disrespect."

Walking over to the chair Kathryn retorted. "Well Captain! That is very true. However….since you insisted that I also be a captain….where's my supper. As you said captain's should not be kept waiting."

Chakotay made a half bow. "My lady will not be kept waiting. All is ready."

Going to the replicator he returned with a tray bearing a bottle of red wine, two glasses and two plates containing vegetable lasagna from which a most enticing aroma was drifting. "I hope that this will be satisfactory. I'm afraid that I have no idea as to you preferences."

Kathryn appeared shocked. "Don't tell me! There is actually something that you don't know. And you admit it!"

He grinned menacingly. "If you are unsure of what I know, or don't know, it will keep you on your toes."

Keeping her mouth shut she glared at him.

Amused he just looked at her. After placing everything on the table Chakotay took his seat. Quickly filling the two glasses he placed one before his supper guest.

Picking up her wine Kathryn smiled. "I'm sure that you choice will be excellent. Do you always treat you second-in-command this way?"

With a wicked grin Chakotay retorted. "Do you always share wine with your captain?"

Kathryn raised her glass. "Touché."

Picking up his glass he touched hers lightly in a toast. "Here's to a quick and safe journey. May the sky spirits guide this ship true and keep her from harm."

She returned the toast. "May all those onboard soon see their homes and families."

Kathryn sampled the wine. "Very good. Now you're a wine aficionado. I'm soon going to be forced to open a new file for Starfleet. The unexpected accomplishments of the Maquis leader Chakotay. Unfortunately, at the rate that you are going, by the time we return home the file will be too big for this ship."

Chakotay laughed. "Thanks for the compliment."

Kathryn managed to keep a straight face. "Well, with all the black marks against you, I just figured that Starfleet needed to see a few good ones."

Chakotay shook his head. Yes, he definitely enjoyed sparing with Kathryn Janeway.

Kathryn grinned. "Now! About forcing me to accept the rank of captain. You do realize that Starfleet takes a dim view on Maquis captains who bully Starfleet captains."

Chakotay quickly retorted as he returned the grin. "I didn't bully you into doing anything that you didn't want to do."

She retorted by pretending to carefully examine her food. Lifting up the plat she looked at it from various angles. Then placing it back on the table she tested it with her fork.

Chakotay watched in amusement. "I give you my word, I didn't poison it."

She gave him a weird look. "Well, since my culinary experiences onboard Voyager have been….let's say less than perfect, I'm just being cautious."

Chakotay looked serious. "If it would make you feel better, I'll alert sickbay, just in case."

Kathryn made a face. "Well…I did survive your coffee for a week, and I did survive Neelix's cooking at lunch, I guess that I will survive this."

Putting on a brave face she took a bite.

Her look quickly changed. "This is good!"

Chakotay laughed. "Thank-you. It's an old family receipt which my grandmother taught me."

In a round about way he voiced, 'I told you so'. "I knew that you would enjoy it."

Kathryn shook her head. She was finding it difficult keeping a straight face. "The Maquis leader IS a cook, and a good one at that. I'll definitely have to update this skill into your intelligence file."

Chakotay just looked at her from the corner of his eye. Yes, this was much more pleasurable than eating alone. He would have to ensure that this became a frequent occurrence.

They finished the remainder of the meal in companionable silence.

When Chakotay moved the dishes from the table to the recycling tray Kathryn, wine glass in hand, moved over to the couch. Between the wine and the food she was beginning to feel very, very drowsy. Knowing that she would have to leave soon the captain tried to avoid getting too comfortable.

From her seat Kathryn was able to study the living area. Again she was pleased to find that Chakotay had not made any changes to her father's plans.

She found the area warm and relaxing. Quilts, of colorful native designs, covered the couch and three large arm-chairs. These chairs were set in a semi-circle in front of the couch with a small coffee table between. Around the room hung several native tapestries, lending color to the otherwise gray walls.

Walking over with the wine bottle in hand, Chakotay topped off both their glasses before claiming the chair opposite Kathryn.

His eyes danced with mischief. "So, you survived dinner. I guess there is no need to alert sick-bay."

Kathryn shook here head. "I guess not. Though it is rare that I am wrong, I'm glad to admit, at least in this case, I appear to have misjudged your abilities. That was an excellent meal. When we return to the Alpha Quadrant I'll have to hire you as my chef."

Chakotay opened his eyes wide. Though his tone was light his reference was to something slightly more serious. "Kathryn Janeway never wrong. Well, well."

She caught the hidden significance behind his words. "Well almost never. I admit, again, that I was wrong about you and your crew. But….in all honesty what about the Maquis which I haven't met. The ones back in the Alpha Quadrant, are they as decent."

Maquis Captain Chakotay grew sober. "The majority are. Unfortunately Kathryn, I have to admit, the answer is no. Just as there are Starfleet officers who do not deserve to wear the uniform, so too there are some in the Maquis. In any army there are always members who join for reasons that are wrong. Those who desire to use their authority as a way to abuse or dominate others. Those who are obsessed with power and then there are those who enjoying killing. And….the misfits of society, that no matter what, will never fit in or be trusted."

Looking down into his glass he hesitated for the moment. "When I first joined the Maquis there were many that I would never turn my back on. Upon becoming the Maquis leader I began to convince such people that they would be better off elsewhere. Evans, Ro and myself were constantly on the lookout for trouble makers. But there will always be those who I would never trust. The same as in Starfleet. There are those who you would never trust."

Kathryn nodded sadly. "Yes. I certainly found that out the hard way. The difficult part is knowing before they cause a problem."

For a moment both were silent, reflecting on past events.

Chakotay ran his finger along the rim of his glass. "I think, in that, both of us have learned a valuable lesson. We both saw the signs, they were there, but neither of us expected things to escalate. You and I will never make that mistake again."

Kathryn nodded. "That is a certainty. And speaking about what happened on The Explorer this is what I propose."

Chakotay listened to Janeway's plan. Though surprised, he had to admit that as a captain she had every right to address certain events relating to the rescue, and escape, of the Maquis. He realized that the former crew of The Explorer would never forget the part they played in helping the outlaws.

Not after Captain Kathryn Janeway got through with them.