Author's Note: I know it's been a long time since I've added a chapter to this story, but real life and a reluctant writing muse are to blame! Thanks in advance for reading!


She was the captain, but Neelix was definitely the host when it came to entertaining visitors: the mess hall had been decorated, the tables set with festive plates and silverware, and the pizza was perfect.

Tylen swore that he'd eaten so many pieces that he'd lost count.

Much to Kathryn's chagrin, Chakotay aided his memory by announcing that he'd only eaten three and was quite welcome to a fourth. To which Tylen leaned back in his chair, patted his midsection, and assured him that he couldn't manage one more.

"That's all right," Chakotay rejoined. "Neelix can make you a doggie bag – so you can take some home."

Tylen smiled over at Lela. "Must be similar to a puffin pack."

"Yeah," Chakotay grinned, "a puffin pack. Only you don't have to give it to Selby. It's really for the people." He looked at Kathryn. "We take doggie bags home, and we don't have a dog - or a puffin." The last words were heavily laced with a fair share of suggestion, which Kathryn deigned to ignore, except for a brief explanation.

"I may have mentioned that our replicator doesn't always work properly," she said, also ignoring the strangled coughs that her words elicited from Tom, Harry, and the Doctor.

"You mention it a lot," Chakotay clarified.

And Kathryn couldn't even manage a well-placed glare with all the lighthearted laughter that rippled around the table.

She simply smiled. "Yes, I suppose I do." And she shrugged. "My cooking could most definitely stand some improvement."

"Well, with such a chef as Mister Neelix, one doesn't need to worry," Lela assured, glancing toward the end of the table where Neelix was seated, enjoying the conversation now that the meal had been successfully served.

The Talaxian beamed with pride at her compliment. "Thank you," he responded. "I don't always have the privilege of serving such appreciative guests." He angled a sideways look at Tom, who immediately defended himself.

"Neelix, I'm one of your biggest supporters," he claimed. "Who else, besides you, sings the praises of your Angla'bosque?"

"He's right about that," B'Elanna joined in. "Tom does love your Angla'bosque."

"And who doesn't?" Neelix replied. "You haven't lived-"

"Until you've tasted it," the voices chorused around the table.

"Yes, well, it is good," Neelix agreed demurely.

"If it's anything like this pizza, I'm sure it's wonderful," Tylen declared.

"Well, you'll just have to come back for dinner before we leave orbit," Kathryn extended the invitation.

With a glance toward his wife and a nod of her head, Tylen accepted. "We'd be honored. But," and he pushed back from the table, "now I'm afraid I've got to return to work. I have a council meeting at 1400 hours."

"And I'm eager to show you our medical facility," Lela added.

"And we're eager to see it," the Doctor stated. "I reviewed the data you sent. Your research is fascinating, and your projects so varied."

She nodded. "We do like to diversify our research. As a major trading hub in the area, we're able to glean new information from many different cultures. It keeps our doctors and scientists very busy."

Tylen coughed softly.

Lela sighed, giving him a gentle smile. "That's my husband's way of telling me it's time to stop talking."

He shook his head. "I just know that once you start discussing research, there's no tearing you away from a conversation."

"He's right," Lela concurred. "We really should be going. We'll have plenty of time to talk during our tour."

And they all agreed, getting up from around the table, thanking Neelix again, saying their goodbyes, and breaking into smaller groups of twos and threes, heading to their respective duties.

Kathryn stood; she and the Doctor planned to accompany Tylen and Lela to the transporter room, yet there was something she needed to do first. "Doctor, if you would go ahead with our guests, I'll be right behind you."

He nodded his understanding, as did Tylen and Lela, before they left the mess hall.

Kathryn turned back to Chakotay; his head was bent, his eyes staring toward the deck beneath their feet. She reached out and took hold of his hand. "I won't be gone long," she promised, knowing that he was remembering the last time she visited Telvek Seven. She squeezed his hand in hers. "You'll enjoy that new holodeck program." She glanced at Tom, who lingered close by. "Captain Proton's much better than a medical facility."

Chakotay shrugged, still not looking up.

"Hey." She touched her fingers to his chin, raised his head, clouded eyes meeting hers. "I'll be home soon."

"In time for dinner?" he murmured.

"Definitely in time for dinner," she assured.

And he sighed, squared his shoulders, stood up straighter. "All right."

She leaned up to kiss him on the cheek, but wasn't surprised when his lips intercepted hers, kissing her deeply, stealing her breath away as he had that morning – a kiss full of intensity and desire and a promise of memories made and lost and reawakening – fading lines in shifting sand.

~vVv~