CHAPTER 26

Up and down, up and down, for the past fifteen minutes Kathryn Janeway had worn out the carpet in her quarters. Over an hour had elapsed since she had left Chakotay, and he would be expecting her for supper. However….there was no way that she would walk into his quarters on time, especially not after that stunt about the couch. He had earned the right to wait.

Stopping in the middle of the living area she placed her hands on her hips. Damn him! He had known exactly how to maneuver her, exactly what to say to provoke a reaction. Well, next time she would see about that!

After another five minutes of pacing she decided that Chakotay had waited long enough. Not to mention that she was looking forward to supper. Making her way to his quarters Kathryn pressed the buzzer, immediately the door slid open.

Stepping inside she spotted Chakotay busy preparing the table.

In the process of pouring two glass of wine he looked up and grinned. "Come sit down. You're right on time."

Kathryn gritted her teeth. From his tone of voice, and the amused look on his face, he had expected her to be late.

Her expression only caused Chakotay to chuckle out loud. Which earned him a Kathryn Janeway death-glare.

Silently admitting defeat, and promising herself revenge, Kathryn walked over to the table and sat down.

Picking up her glass of wine she graced Chakotay with a lopsided smile, while the light in her eyes danced with mischief. "I think you and I will be at war for the next seventy years."

Chakotay, reaching down for his wine, pointed his glass in the direction of his guest. "Here's to many enjoyable battles of wits between two friends."

Extending her arm Kathryn touched her glass to his. "I'll drink to that. At least the trip won't be dull. Now, what's for supper?"

He laughed. "I'm glad to see that you're anxious to once again try my cooking."

Deadpanned Kathryn looked at her host. "Well….so far I have not ended up in sickbay, and….I guess anything would be better than Neelix's cooking."

Turning away, towards the replicator, Chakotay grimaced. "You're right on that. Neelix does have some strange culinary ideas. However….it doesn't say much for my cooking. Perhaps I should invite others for supper, they might be more appreciative of my cooking."

Once Chakotay had returned with the plates, and had taken the seat opposite, Kathryn retorted. "Well….I know where we could, eventually, find a good assortment of food tasters. The Federation never brought charges against you for stealing the designs of this ship. When we return home my father could have you tried for theft of classified material. That way the prison inmates would be able to test your cooking skills."

Chakotay just shook his head. He didn't dare pursue that line.

Laughing, knowing that she had won this round, Kathryn tasted her food. "All joking aside this is wonderful."

A satisfied smile spread across Chakotay's face. He enjoyed watching Kathryn's enthusiasm as she attacked the food that would not be long on her plate.

Then after a moment he grew serious. "Unfortunately, we may soon have to forgo replicated meals. Neelix knows only this immediate area of space therefore, once we leave this sector, we'll be completely on our own. According to the stories that he has heard, even after leaving the Kazon and Vidiians behind, we will not be traveling into a peaceful area. While you were still recovering I discussed our energy and spare part supplies with Tuvok and Evans. So far I haven't implemented replicator rationing, but since replicators require large amounts of energy, I will have to."

Kathryn laid down her fork. "Yes, Tuvok mentioned the energy reserves and the problem that we might be facing. If we're unable to replenish our supplies this will be a serious situation. We must keep our EPS network up and running, any space station around here where we can stock up on necessary parts?"

Chakotay shook his head. "Doubtful, most are under Kazon eyes. Those that are not….Neelix warned that they are not exactly trustworthy. We will have to double check any purchases or trades that we make, and be very careful with whom we deal.

Janeway's face was very serious when she continued. However, there was the telling gleam in her eyes. "Replicator rationing will be terrible. I must have my coffee!"

Chakotay looked up. "You mean that you are more concerned about your coffee than going without my cooking?"

She managed to retain the stern visage. "Food….I can go without, but I can not survive without my daily ration of coffee."

Rubbing a hand along his chin he leaned back. "That could be serious. If you can't survive without your coffee, Evans will be overtaxed if he has to re-assume the second-in-command spot."

Kathryn glared at him. "I see that you are more concerned about Evans than you are about me."

Managing to keep a straight face Chakotay gave a small shrug. "Evans has never tried to trap and send me to prison."

She locked eyes with him. "May I remind you, I not only tried but was successful."

With deep respect Chakotay looked at her. "Believe me….I do not need reminding."

A slight gleam appeared in his eyes. "Perhaps I should start replicator rationing with my second-in-command. As penitence for planting a spy in my crew."

Kathryn glared. "Believe me, you do not want me without my coffee! Though I have to admit, I would miss your cooking. I never realized how important it was to have cook onboard. Perhaps Starfleet should start a new position, I would recommend you for chief chef anytime."

He managed to keep a straight face. "May I therefore suggest, when we return, that you do not have your father lay charges. If I'm in prison we would be unable to have supper together."

Kathryn looked him in the eye. "If you were cooking for the inmates I'm sure I could arrange something with the warden. In fact, perhaps he and I could dine together."

Chakotay heaved a sigh. He had lost that one. Two wins against his one, and the evening was still young. He decided to go easy on the wine, he needed a clear head to cope with his opponent.

Looking down at her plate Kathryn Janeway smiled. As usual she was completely enjoying herself.

The remainder of the meal passed in companionable silence. Both dwelling on the bizarre twist of fate that had brought them together. To this strange point in time when two former enemies, who had become trusting friends, could enjoy a peaceful meal and pleasant bantering.

After Kathryn had helped to clear away the last of the dishes, wine in hand, they walked over to the couch and chairs. Chakotay smiled when Kathryn sat in one of the chairs, purposely avoiding the couch.

She looked up, mischief danced in her eyes. "I fully intend to stay awake. Especially as I notice that you left the blanket, conspicuously, folded on the couch. I'm afraid it won't be needed."

Sitting in the chair opposite Chakotay shrugged. "Just wanted to be prepared in case I had an overnight guest. After all I wouldn't want you to catch a cold, as second-in-command you have a lot of work."

Legs stretched out before her Kathryn twirled the glass in her hand. "I'm glad to see that your concern is strictly out of fear that I would miss work."

Settling back into the comfort of his seat Chakotay gazed down into his wine. Looking up there was a sad smile on his face. "It's hard to believe that just a few months ago we were enemies."

Elbows resting on the chair's armrests, holding the stem of the glass lightly in both hands, Kathryn returned Chakotay's sad smile. "Yes, it is hard to believe."

She uttered a small laugh. "You said that perhaps one day we would be friends, I never thought that time would come. So, so much has happened since Syzygie. That day when we met I was surprised, and impressed, at how controlled you were. Obviously you were very angry. I guess I sensed that there was something unusual about you, but I wouldn't admit it."

Running his hand through his hair he nodded slowly. "Yes I was furious, especially with myself. Then when I found out about Tuvok, believe me, it took all of my self-control not to lash out with my fist."

He grinned. "Now, I'm glad I didn't. But you're right, who could ever have predicted that one day we would be close friends."

He ran his hand through his hair. "Especially after our meeting in the shuttle bay at the Justice building."

Kathryn gave a small laugh. "Yes, I was rather cold, wasn't I?"

The smile that he graced Kathryn with clearly showed his growing affection. "Oh, not too cold. I only required the entire trip to the penal colony to thaw out."

Chakotay reached for the wine bottle. "But I have to admit, from the moment that you emerged from your hiding place on Syzygie, there was something about you that intrigued me. I'm not sure what it was, if it was your confidence or the air of command, that no nonsense attitude. Something told me that you were different. I felt a connection, that our paths had crossed for a reason. Something more than sending me to prison."

Kathryn leaned over so that he could refill her glass. "As strange as it may seem I also felt the same, though I tried to ignore it. I was intrigued by your conduct while on Syzygie and during our meeting onboard The Explorer. Slowly I began suspected that your description in Starfleet's intelligence file didn't touch on the real person. And you proved that I was right."

Hesitating a moment she took a sip of wine. "Despite how we met, from the moment that we encountered trouble in the Badland, I knew you could be trusted. When we were talking on The Array, I was glad that I was stranded with you, and not one of the other Maquis captains."

Chakotay drank some wine as he put his thoughts together. "I felt the same way about you. If it had been another Starfleet captain, I doubt that things would have turned out the same."

Looking down Kathryn nodded. "Probably not."

He added softly. "For some reason fate brought us together, now we have to see what it has in store for us."

Kathryn ran her finger along the rim of her glass. "Let's hope the hard part is behind us. From the moment of our arrival this Delta Quadrant has tested and pushed us to our limits. I hope that our whole trip home will not be as trying."

Chakotay grinned. "Well I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one to test Kathryn Janeway."

She looked up. "Believe me mister, this Delta Quadrant has pushed me more that you ever could. Especially now that I know the real Maquis leader and not the Maquis terrorist."

The grin on Chakotay's face deepened. "Well….are you so sure that you know the real me. I assure you that I can still be full of surprises."

Kathryn sipped her wine. "If the surprises are as pleasant as you being a cook I'll look forward to finding out. Now if you are an interior decorator perhaps we can remodel the quarters. Or….if you are a singer you could entertain the crew. With the way that you designed these uniforms I suspect there is a tailor hiding within you."

She ran her fingers up and down the glass. "Yes, I'm certainly interested in your other talents."

Chakotay decided that silence would be the best defense.

Laughing Kathryn changed the subject. "Have you given any more thought to tomorrow and the staff-meeting? It should be interesting."

Chakotay grimaced. "That might be an understatement. It's going to be hard enough telling them that we're planning to rescue a group of Cardassians. Added to that…..Seska telling them the truth about herself. I'm expecting a few explosions."

Crossing one leg over the other she shifted her position. "Perhaps we should speak to Javis before the meeting. I think that it's important to know what his feelings are and to be sure that his origin is protected. Also since he can sense the moods and feelings of others, he might be able to give us some insight into Seska. Both while you were in the Alpha Quadrant and now. We might have a better idea if she is telling the truth and what her general attitude is."

Chakotay nodded. "Good idea, I didn't think of that. Perhaps we should speak to him now, in a less formal atmosphere."

She nodded. "I agree."

Chakotay touched his comm badge. "Chakotay to Javis."

"Javis here."

Chakotay nodded at Kathryn. "If you're not busy could you come to my quarters?"

Javis sounded puzzled as he replied. "Yes Sir, I'll be there in a moment."

Closing the connection Chakotay looked at Kathryn. "This should be a good indication of how we can expect the crew to react. If we can control Javis then the others should not be too big a problem. Also his attitude will have an effect on his crewmates."

Kathryn turned her head, for a moment she stared out the window above the couch. "Making decisions is hard enough for a captain, having to worry about your crew's reaction makes it all the more difficult. A crew is trained to respect and obey their commander, but how they feel about the choices a captain makes does matter. It plays a large part in crew moral."

Just then the chime rang.

Chakotay looked over at the door. "Enter."

Javis stepped inside. If he was surprised to see Janeway he did not show it. "You wanted to see me Sir?"

Chakotay nodded. "Yes. Something has come up. Captain Janeway and myself, not only feel you should be informed, but also your insight could be of great help. Please, have a seat."

Javis slowly walked over to the couch. He sat on the edge, his hands folded between his knees. Feeling deep worry emanating from both captains he looked from Chakotay to Janeway. "Is something wrong?"

Chakotay made a face. "Sort of. It concerns Seska."

Slightly relieved that the source of the concern was Seska, and not the captains themselves, Javis relaxed.

Chakotay ran his hand along the arm of the chair. "Evans tells me that you were uneasy when she joined the crew."

Javis nodded. "I sensed that Seska was concealing something. I also had the feeling that she was attempting to control her thoughts and feelings, that she had had some training in placing barriers around her own mind. I didn't think Seska was the simple Bajoran refugee that she claimed to be."

Kathryn looked over at Chakotay. "Knowing that you had Betazoids in your crew could explain the attempt to shield herself."

Chakotay nodded. "It makes sense. As far as the crew is concerned Javis is from Earth. Seska probably let her guard down when he was around."

Janeway gently encouraged Javis to continue. "Did you sense anything else about her? It's important that we know as much as possible."

For a moment Javis hesitated, not quite sure how to put his impressions into words. "For the first couple of months I felt anger directed at, what appeared to be, Chakotay and the rest of the crew. Then that changed. I could feel a difference in her attitude. She was more relaxed with all of us and the mention of Cardassians produced feelings of unease. I also felt confusion and uncertainty. But then, several months ago, I began to sense deep and painful sadness. At times it appeared to almost overwhelm her."

Kathryn glanced over at Chakotay. "What about now, since we've been in the Delta Quadrant?"

Javis looked at her with intent eyes. "When you became Chakotay's second-in-command she appeared to be afraid of you. And the last day or two something had her very upset, and very frighten. However, when I ran into Seska this afternoon I sensed a feeling of hopefulness mingled with that fear."

Chakotay looked at the young man. "Javis, this is very important. This afternoon did you get the feeling of deceptiveness from her?"

Javis shook his head. "No. In fact for the past few days I never once received that impression. It's the first time since I met her."

The captains looked at each other.

Chakotay took a deep breath. "Javis, you were right about her. Seska is a Cardassian spy altered to look Bajoran."

Javis nodded. "That's what I suspected. But if you were aware of this why did you allow her to remain onboard?"

Leaning forward Chakotay placed his glass on the table. "At first we were using her to send false information back to Cardassia. But, as you noticed, things changed. She found out the truth about her government, that they were not on the road to peace. Then after learning about their alliance with the Dominion, not only did Seska began to side with us, her husband started a resistance movement against the Cardassian government."

Javis sat quietly, trying to understand what Chakotay was saying. Fighting to keep his emotions under control, to retain a clear head.

Janeway could see, and understood, the conflict Javis was waging with himself. "Javis, the sadness that you felt in Seska came from the loss of her husband and son. They were fleeing Cardassia when their ship disappeared. She thought that it had been destroyed, instead it was brought here, into the Delta Quadrant."

Hands gripped tightly together Javis stared down at the floor. A small part of him was glad that the Cardassian Seska and suffered as he had. But deep down inside he knew that it was wrong. Nobody should have to suffer as he had. The Cardassians had killed his family in cold blood. Now Chakotay was telling him that Seska, a Cardassian sympathetic to the Maquis, had lost her husband and son because of her support.

Bother Kathryn and Chakotay watched Javis closely. Their hearts went out to this young man.

Chakotay spoke gently. "Javis, have you told anyone that you are from the Gamma Quadrant?"

Javis shook his head. "No. You told me not to. I've been very careful always sticking to the story that I'm an orphan from Earth."

Kathryn leaned forward. "This is going to be very hard on you, but I want you to remember that only a couple of weeks ago you hated me as you do Seska. You gave me a chance, now we are asking you to do the same for her."

Chakotay kept his gaze tightly fixed on the man before him. Carefully monitoring his reaction. "We discovered that there is a group of Cardassians being held by the Kazon. We're fairly certain that her son, a boy of ten, is among them. We don't know about her husband but we do know that this group is comprised of resistance fighters. Cardassians, fleeing for their lives, who were opposed to the alliance with the Dominion."

Javis, raising his head, looked straight at Chakotay. "You're planning a rescue, and you're worried about what I will do with Cardassians onboard."

Kathryn smiled to herself, evidently this crew knew their leader.

Chakotay nodded. "Yes, if it's feasible. Part of the reason revolves around the child. The other because they are part of the resistance group that I had been working with."

Javis, once again staring at the floor, rubbed his hands along the sides of his face. "Will you allow them to remain onboard?"

Kathryn glanced over at Chakotay before replying. "We don't know. First of all it will depend largely on this crew, and on you. Your safety is of paramount importance. It also depends on finding a planet where they will be safe. These Cardassians became hunted because they condemned the actions of their government. In other words they are on the same side as the Maquis. This has to count for something."

For several long minutes the three sat in silence. Kathryn and Chakotay watched Javis as he sat there, head bent, waging a battle with himself.

When he looked up his face revealed the struggle that had gone on. "I….I don't know how I would feel with Cardassians onboard."

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, I just don't know. But I will give both of you my word that I will not attack, or harm, any of them."

Chakotay nodded. "Fair enough, and we give you our word that we will take your feelings, and the rest of the crew, into consideration when deciding what to do afterwards, that is if we are successful."

Javis stood up. "It's hard. Before it was so simple, I just hated everyone that was Starfleet or Cardassian. But Captain Janeway and her crew would never do what….what that other officer did. They are now my friends. Could I ever feel the same way about Cardassians….Thank you for tell me, and asking my opinion about Seska. At first I could sense that she lying about something, but I don't thinks that is the case now."

Kathryn look up at the distraught young man. "Your insight into Seska has been a great help. Both Chakotay and I would appreciate it if you would continue to monitor her. If you sense anything that could endanger you, or the crew, come to us immediately. Also, this may be very difficult, but once the Cardassians are onboard you could be the biggest advantage that we have in watching them."

Javis looked from Janeway to Chakotay. "I'll do my best. I understand what you mean, nobody knows about my extra senses. They will not be on guard around me, but I'll be on guard around them. That I promise you."

Chakotay smiled up at him. "I know that I can count on you. Goodnight we'll see you in the morning."

Nodding to the two captains Javis walked to the door.

When the door slid open Javis turned around. "Captain Chakotay, this also must be hard on you. The Cardassians killed your parents, will you be able to accept them as members of this crew?"

With that Javis left.

Kathryn looked up at the ceiling. "Well that didn't go as badly as I expected. Javis appeared rather calm considering everything."

Chakotay pulled his ear lobe. "I expected him to start shouting as he did that day onboard The Explorer. I think you, and probably your crew, have forced him to do some serious thinking. He's far more settled than he was before. However….he's right. Will I be able to accept them as part of this crew?"

The mischievous light reappeared in his eyes. "I will have to give serious thought about your replicator rations, make sure that you have enough coffee. I'm glad that we spoke to him tonight, you do come up with some good ideas, wouldn't want to lose you."

Placing her arm on the armrest she cradled her head. "I'm touched by your concern."

He grinned. "Glad to please you."

She smiled. "I'm pleased that some good has come of this mess that we find ourselves in. Tom Paris, Javis have both benefited since we arrived in the Delta Quadrant. Perhaps more good will come from the Caretaker's actions."

Chakotay leaned his head back against the chair. "I hope you're right. We have a long way to go and much can happen."

Kathryn stood up. "Well I think that I'll call it a night. Tomorrow will be another long, and difficult day."

Smiling, a sly smile on his face, Chakotay also rose to his feet. He pointed toward the couch. "You are welcome to stay."

Shaking her head she grinned at him. "I prefer my own quarters."

Walking towards the door Kathryn turned around. Devilment clearly glowed in her eyes. "A certain Maquis leader forced me to use all my wits, and chase him across the galaxy, you can bet that I plan to return the favor."

With that she left.

As the door closed behind her she could here Chakotay's laughter. Laughter that followed her all the way back to her quarters.