Chapter 5 (In Which We FINALLY Find Out Why the Title Waiting for Grotto)
It had taken three more days of self-imposed confinement before Kathryn Janeway had booked passage off planet. She had decided on a trip to Grotto III, a largely unpopulated planet that had gained fame a few hundred years ago when the first explorers had found a cave system with beautiful crystal stalactites. There had been wide speculation that they might have been the creation of an intelligent species, however further analysis had confirmed that they were naturally occurring. A few months later another planet, Ezoti Prime was discovered with far more stunning caverns. It was closer to shipping lanes, and had more resources to attract settlers than Grotto III, which for all it's beautiful climate, had no significant mineral deposits, no large landmasses, and no large waterfalls, cliffs, gorges or other interesting tourist attractions. In short, Grotto III was largely ignored until the leader of a few thousand people looking for a simpler life happened upon the original survey report in an ancient database. He decided it was perfect for his particular group, which didn't include any of the 'hearty pioneers' so often part of colonization missions. The leader (a man named John Smith) had realized that most colonists did not really want the simpler life; what they wanted was a challenge, and a chance to escape their pasts. For all their pioneering spirit, they all saw visions of casinos, or factories, or research facilities, or advertising Meccas or some variation on the theme of whatever was present on a thousand other worlds.
John Smith and his followers didn't want that. They didn't want 'progress'. They wanted to work for their living, taking what they needed from the land, creating everything they needed for themselves. At the same time, they weren't adverse to techniques in farming, or manufacturing, or anything else, they just wanted to limit the things influencing their lives. They had no desire to limit the movement of their young people either, if they wished to leave, they would be encouraged to do so. If they changed their minds, they would be welcomed back with open arms.
Unfortunately, this posed a problem for the colonists; how would they finance trips on and off planet if their lifestyle choice had them spending their time either working for their own survival, or enjoying the life they had created for themselves? Anyone wishing to 'get ahead' in life or 'make something of' Grotto III was encouraged to find another planet to satisfy their ambitions.
A former Starfleet Captain, one William Rodgers, who suggested that Starfleet might be able to help them with their problem, provided a solution. Sure enough, Starfleet offered them protection and assistance, as well as regular trips to and from Grotto III in exchange for a small favour: Starfleet could use Grotto III as a place to send officers who for whatever reason wanted to disappear from public life for a while. The officers would agree to life within Grotto's rules, and Starfleet would provide the government with hard capital for their trouble.
After careful thought, John Smith and the rest of the colonists agreed to Starfleet's terms. They set a course onboard a Starfleet colony vessel for the Grotto system and the quiet obscurity they so desired. The deal with Starfleet turned out wonderfully for everyone involved; Starfleet had a way of removing some of its officers from media attention, Grotto got some capital and the added bonus of being able to pick the brains of some of the Quadrant's best problem solvers.
Or so the literature claimed. Kathryn Janeway was sceptical, but Grotto III still had her other options beat by a long shot. Staying captive in her mother's house on Earth was unappealing, as were the other planets Starfleet had made arrangements with. In each case, the planets were quite beautiful, but also quite populated; she would end up a prisoner of some high-priced hotel. Her time in Starbase four's brig had been quite enough. Whatever shortcomings Grotto III might have, she just hoped the promised freedom and privacy hadn't been exaggerated.
*
Janeway beamed off the U.S.S Bozeman and into the main (and only) transporter terminal of Kanto River, Grotto's capital, a few days later. She was dressed in civilian clothing, and carried a duffle tube. A harried looking man was at the console. He stepped toward her and extended his hand.
"Kathryn Janeway, welcome to Grotto III. I'm Ryan Blake, the welcoming committee."
Kathryn took his hand. "Thank you."
Blake led her toward the open door. He paused to lock it with a metal key before continuing down the short hall. "So, what did you do to get sent here?"
Startled, Janeway studied him for a sign of humour, but found none. She decided to answer the question as asked; "I've spent the past seven years bringing the Starship Voyager back from the Delta Quadrant."
"The Delta Quadrant, eh? That's pretty far away. Must have been quite a trip."
Janeway stared at him. Her experiences since returning to the Alpha Quadrant had led her to believe you had to be living under a rock not to know about Voyager. A slow smile spread across her face; a rock was just what she was looking for.
*
Chakotay sat in Ten Forward aboard the Enterprise, staring out at the stars, nursing a drink. He'd been onboard for three days, and already he knew things between him and Seven were over.
It had started almost as soon as she set foot onboard; he could feel a kind of electricity between her and the atmosphere of the ship. Captain Picard had been there to greet them, and she'd responded to his presence immediately. It had taken Chakotay a few moments to realise that it wasn't just Captain Picard she was responding to, it was Locutus, the Borg drone who had twice escaped the collective to maintain his individuality. It had been clear to Chakotay that she was suffering from hero-worship, even if she denied it.
Things only got worse as she got to know the rest of the senior staff; each had stories about the Borg and a thousand other species. Where other people she'd encountered since her return had treated her like some kind of leper, the crew of the Enterprise, having survived numerous encounters with the Borg accepted her without the blink of an eye. That type of camaraderie was something she'd missed since leaving Voyager, and her mistreatment on Starbase 4 had brought back memories of the crew's initial reaction to her. On the Enterprise, the crew had already accepted a once assimilated Captain, an Android second officer, a Klingon security chief, and a blind chief Engineer. Dealing with a former drone was no stretch.
For Chakotay, the reaction was mixed. The Enterprise had lost one of their own, Ensign Ro Laren to Maquis activity, but after the Dominion war, most Federation personnel had decided to let bygones be bygones.
Seven had started working with LaForge and Data in Engineering as soon as she'd gotten onboard the ship. The two officers, normally inseparable, welcomed an addition that could follow their conversations and contribute in a meaningful way. She'd helped them increase warp engine efficiency by 2% in her first day on the Enterprise. Chakotay, left to his own devices, had gone to the holodeck.
Not interested in recreating one of the programs from Voyager, he'd searched through the database, looking for something interesting. A kayaking simulation from former transporter chief O'Brien had caught his eye. He'd learned how to kayak as a child, and decided to see if he could still handle a boat. Four hours and one trip to sickbay later, he'd discovered that while he was definitely a little rusty, the muscle memory was still there. He'd gotten a roll on his third try. After half and hour of flat water, he'd decided to try some rapids. As he was nearing the end of his time, he decided to up the ante a bit, and had the computer produce a class three river for him to run. Everything had been going well until he'd let his elbows get out of position on a high brace. He'd managed to hold it and stay upright, but ended the program for a retreat to sickbay.
Clutching his left arm, he'd entered sickbay looking for help. What he found was a redheaded doctor who kept muttering about the program being a death trap. After having his shoulder re-located, he'd headed for his quarters for an early night.
That had been two days ago, and he'd yet to see Seven. Chakotay reached over onto the table beside him and picked up a PADD. It had the course the Enterprise was scheduled to take for the next month. It was essentially a long trip to DS9 and back, which would allow him to catch a shuttle to Dorvan V and the DMZ. Unfortunately, he found he no longer had any desire to return to his home world. Nor did he wish to freeload on the Enterprise for the rest of his leave. He knew Captain Picard would not object to his departure, he just had to pick a destination. Sighing again, he picked another PADD, this one containing his orders from Starfleet. After looking over the options they'd arranged for the thousandth time, he put the PADD down again in disgust; none of them appealed to him. Frustrated, he drained his drink and concentrated again on destinations close to the Enterprise's current course.
*
Chakotay's soul-searching didn't go unnoticed. At the bar Guinan polished a glass and watched Commander Chakotay. He needed a push in the right direction to keep him from wallowing in self-doubt, and she knew just the person for the job.
*
Commander Chakotay pressed the chime for the captain's ready room. He'd been summoned a few minutes ago. Chakotay had no idea what Picard wanted with him, but welcomed the distraction from his own frustrations in Ten Forward
"Come."
Chakotay straightened before entering the Captain's ready room. When the doors parted, he found Picard sitting at his desk reading form his computer screen. He looked up at the sound of the doors, and gestured for Chakotay to sit opposite him.
"Can I get you something to drink?" Picard was already on his feet.
"Tea, thank you."
Picard smiled. "Two teas. Earl Grey, hot."
Picard returned to his desk and offered one cup to Chakotay. He took a sip before addressing the Commander again. "So, how are you enjoying your leave, Commander?"
"It's been interesting. We've only been back in the Alpha Quadrant for a few days, and frankly, I keep expecting to wake up back on Voyager in the Delta Quadrant."
Picard smiled, "I can understand the feeling. It must be quite disorientating to be back. Of course your incarceration at Starbase 4 can't have helped matters."
Chakotay took another sip of his tea, though he usually preferred a more herbal blend, he decided the bergamot was a nice touch. "No, Sir, it didn't. I want to thank you for your help in getting us out."
"It was my pleasure, Commander. I've come to realize, as I'm sure you have, that we fleet officers need to keep an eye on the powers that be."
Chakotay smiled at Picard's comment. Chakotay had heard of the Captain's own imprisonment by the Cardassians, and guessed he might have found a supporter with the highly decorated officer.
"Now then Commander, I have received a request from Seven of Nine to remain onboard the Enterprise for the duration of her leave. Would you also like to remain here?"
Chakotay almost winced; bad enough to have Kathryn know about his relationship, but to have to air his dirty laundry to another flag officer…not something he had been looking forward to. "No, Captain, I would prefer to leave the Enterprise."
Picard leaned back. "I understand. Will you be continuing to DS9 as planned?"
Chakotay shifted in his chair. "No Sir, I would prefer to depart before then."
Picard crossed his arms. "Do you have a destination in mind?"
Chakotay looked down. Something about this man made him feel like a first year cadet again. "No Sir."
It was almost comical watching this grown man, this Starfleet Commander and former Maquis Captain squirm. Picard decided to give the poor man a break; after all he had really just been dumped, both by Starfleet and Seven of Nine.
Softening his voice, Picard continued, "Chakotay, I did not call you in here ignorant of your situation."
Chakotay's head snapped as he realized he'd been had. "Then sir, why did you call me in here?"
Something in Picard's eye seemed to gleam. "I believe I may have a solution for you Commander."
Chakotay's eyes narrowed. This sounded very much like a trap. "What kind of solution?"
Picard saw the change in the man sitting opposite him; he'd have to play like a master to take this endgame. "I understand you spent today on the holodeck kayaking."
"Yes Sir, I thought I'd take advantage of a wonderful program created by one of your former crew members."
"Indeed, Beverly was quite impressed; you almost made it to the end before dislocating your shoulder. I'm afraid Chief O'Brien was never so lucky. Have you considered spending your time off enjoying the outdoors?"
"I have, Sir. But if the reaction on Earth is anything to judge by, I'll need an armed escort just to get within sight of a body of water."
"Not necessarily true Commander. If you don't mind roughing it a bit, I believe Grotto III would give you an excellent opportunity to hone your skills."
"I wasn't aware Grotto offered kayaking."
"Commander, Grotto doesn't offer any activities; it tolerates those that are compatible with the Grottian way of life. Kayaking certainly falls within those parameters. There is very little white-water boating available, I'm afraid. Mind you Beverly did suggest you should stick to something a little calmer for the time being."
Chakotay smiled. "It sounds like it might be a good place for me spend some time. I'll take a closer look at the information."
"Oh, Commander, there is one other thing before you leave."
Chakotay, half out of his chair, sat down again.
Picard leaned forward and lowered his voice as he spoke, "now, normally I have no interest in meddling in the personal affairs of my officers," he paused, watching Chakotay's reaction. His features seemed to harden into stone, "but you're really not one of my officers." Another significant pause. "It has come to my attention that Captain Janeway has also decided to take her leave on Grotto."
Whatever he had been expecting Captain Picard to say, a comment on his relationship with Captain Janeway hadn't even entered his mind. He froze, mouth opening a fraction before he realized he had nothing intelligent to say and so clamped it closed once again.
Picard saw the emotions play over Chakotay's face and knew then that his information on the situation hadn't been wrong. Mentally he congratulated himself for surprising this cunning officer. Check.
"Commander, let me give you some advice from one officer to another; to Hell with protocol. You only live once and you might as well enjoy it. You aren't serving on the same ship anymore, and should anything happen while you are both officially on leave, well frankly Starfleet Command will just have to deal with it. You've given seven years to them, do you really want to wait any longer?"
Chakotay let out a low laugh. "No, Captain, I don't suppose I do. Of course the big question is, will she be willing?"
It was Picard's turn to laugh. "Commander, Starship Captains are a stubborn breed for sure, but even we will eventually see reason if it stares us in the face long enough."
"Thank you Captain, though I'd like to know, how did you figure it out?"
Picard smiled. "How else would a Starfleet Captain and the Maquis rebel she'd been sent to capture manage so well? Mind you I also received an interesting report from Commander Gomez. She in turn received a report from a Lieutenant Mertois, who seemed to spend in inordinate amount of time with your Captain while she was in the brig. It would appear that he also entered the gym while you and Captain Janeway were rock climbing. He'd intended to join her but you beat him to it. He found your interactions quite interesting, and reported them to Gomez, who is incidentally, a hopeless romantic. Guinan, the hostess in Ten Forward got wind of it, and sent it to me when she asked me to do something about the black cloud you'd dragged into Ten Forward."
Picard took the opportunity to spin his computer terminal, allowing Chakotay to see the report for himself.
After glancing at the screen, Chakotay got up to leave. "I think I'll take your advice Captain, and secure passage to Grotto III."
"Only the U.S.S. Bozeman has clearance to enter the Grotto system. We will rendezvous with her in ten days. Perhaps you should continue working on your kayaking skills in the interim."
Smiling, Chakotay turned to leave. "I'll do that Sir." He stopped just before the door and turned to face Picard again. "Captain, there is one thing I'm curious about."
"What's that Commander?"
"Well, Sir, you seem to have a pretty good idea of just how unreasonable Starfleet protocol is when it comes to interpersonal relationships. Why haven't you had that talk with Dr. Crusher?"
Picard froze, tea halfway to his mouth.
Chakotay didn't wait for an answer, he just grinned and left.
Checkmate.
*
Kathryn Janeway, formerly Captain of the Starship Voyager, lounged on the deck of her newest command, the Nomad. Though significantly smaller and slower than Voyager, she boasted an open deck perfect for enjoying the light from the nearby star. The crew on a whole was less demanding than Voyager's senior staff had been at the best of times, which also helped her keep her headaches and insomnia under control.
"Woof."
"Woof yourself." Kathryn had no interest in whatever it was that had caught Vanessa's attention.
"WOOF!"
"Fine, fine, what is it Vanessa?" Kathryn slowly raised herself onto her elbows. She'd been lying on the Nomad's deck, enjoying the sound of the waves and the wind playing at the sails. Unfortunately, the big dog who'd been lying beside Kathryn until a few moments ago showed no interest in leaving her alone.
"Woof!"
Kathryn ran a hand over Vanessa's course fur and tried to figure out what she was looking at. It didn't take long for Kathryn to spot the small plume of smoke rising from the beach off her starboard bow. She could see a single figure standing near the fire.
"What do you think Vanessa?"
The dog cocked her head to one side.
With a sigh, Kathryn got to her feet. "Alright, I'll be friendly." Placing her fingers to her lips, she let out a loud whistle. When the figure turned toward her, she clasped her hands above her head forming a large ring. Ryan Blake had taught her the Grottian sign; it was an invitation that could be accepted or declined without offence. The figure paused a moment, then clasped his own hands above his head, mimicking her gesture, and answering her question. He would come to visit.
Kathryn looked down at Vanessa. "Now look what you've done, we're going to have company."
Vanessa wagged her tail in response.
Kathryn sighed and took a quick look around the ship. Seeing everything in order she looked down at herself. Grey tank top and beige pants rolled halfway up her shins. Presentable. Running her hands over her head, she found her braid still in place. Satisfied that whoever was about to drop in on her wouldn't think she'd completely lost her mind; she looked back on the beach to check the stranger's progress. He was paddling a kayak, and was already about halfway to the Nomad. As she watched him approach her vessel, she couldn't help feeling that he seemed somehow familiar. Broad shoulders…straight back…and did he have some sort of mark on his forehead?
Oh hell.
Mind reeling, she tried to reconcile his presence on Grotto III with his last communiqué, telling her he was headed to some back-water planet with Seven of Nine. Eyes widening further, she searched first the kayak, and then the beach for any sign of her. The kayak (now damn close) was clearly a single occupant vessel, and it seemed that not even the fire remained on the beach.
Chakotay was now only twenty metres off her boat, and she still hadn't figured out what to say to him. Fortunately, he saved her the trouble.
"Captain Janeway!" Chakotay shouted to be heard over the noise of the wind and waves.
Kathryn made a show of looking behind her before answering, "sorry, no one here by that name. Just Kathryn and Vanessa."
Chakotay chuckled as he slowed his boat to hold position about 8 metres off the Nomad's starboard side. Though surfing parallel to the waves, he kept his body loose, allowing him to maintain his centre of gravity over the small boat. "Alright, Kathryn then. How are you enjoying your leave?"
Kathryn returned his smile and gestured around her. "Can't complain. Nothing but sun and ocean out here. No plasma storms or alien attacks. I quite like it actually."
Chakotay could tell. Even from this distance she looked like she'd gotten ten years younger. Tanned skin and tight muscles certainly helped, but Chakotay knew the real change was mental; she looked completely relaxed for the first time in ages.
"What about you Chakotay? Just in the neighbourhood, or did you have a reason for interrupting my exile?"
"I heard you were in the area, and thought you might need a first officer."
"I'm afraid that position's already been filled." She gestured toward Vanessa, "she doesn't give me as much lip as my last one, either."
Not sure if she was joking, or if she actually wanted to be left alone, Chakotay tried another tactic. "What about a chief cook and bottle washer?"
Kathryn chuckled. After spending over two weeks alone, company did sound nice. "Alright, the jobs yours if you want it. I'm afraid the quarters are a little cramped though."
Chakotay stiffened slightly as he realized that she'd just invited him to spend time with her aboard a small ship. Unfortunately, he chose the wrong time to loose his concentration. As soon as he stopped moving with his boat the waves took over, dumping him in the water.
On the Nomad, Kathryn was instantly alert. She knew it was possible to right a capsized kayak, but didn't know if Chakotay had the skill to do it. She watched as his paddle appeared alongside his boat. A moment later it was at right angles, one blade over the exposed hull, the other over the water. She watched him haul down on the paddle, trying to get leverage and get out of the water. She saw the blade slice into the water. His paddle was out of position. She watched him set up again. Another slice. He set up a final time, paddle once again traversing the boat and the surface of the water. He's taking too long. Suddenly his hands released the paddle.
Without a second's thought, Kathryn was in the air, diving into the warm water. She surfaced briefly about three metres away from his boat, catching a glimpse of his hands floating on the surface to one side of the kayak. Putting her head down, she did four quick strokes before raising her head again, just in time to see Chakotay slap the water with both hands, twisting his body up and out of the water in the process. She floated there, mouth hanging open in surprise. Chakotay just grinned that damned dimpled grin at her.
"You weren't really coming to rescue me, we're you?"
Sputtering a bit, Kathryn responded in kind, "After your first two failed attempts, I thought you might actually drown."
Chakotay just laughed.
"What was that?"
"That, Kathryn, was a hand roll."
Sceptically, "a hand roll?"
"Yes. A roll achieved with out a paddle. In other words, using only your hands."
Kathryn rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Chakotay," she replied.
"Grab onto my stern; I'll give you a lift back to your boat."
Obediently, she found the handle at the very back of his boat. She allowed her body to string out behind her as he picked up speed. She was quite enjoying the ride, as he pulled to a graceful stop next to swimming platform at the stern of the Nomad. Hauling herself out of the water, she held the kayak steady so Chakotay could get out. He pulled the boat up onto the platform before turning to face her.
"Nice skirt Chakotay."
"Thank you, Kathryn." Chakotay pulled off the piece of equipment and dropped it into the kayak's cockpit.
Suddenly aware that she was getting rapidly colder in her now skin-tight, dripping wet clothes, Kathryn decided to make a quick escape. "I'm going to get out of these wet clothes, Chakotay, is there anything you need to hang up?"
"Nope."
Kathryn beat a hasty retreat into the ship's cabin. In a few minutes, she re-emerged, dressed in khaki pants, and a loose brown shirt. Chakotay, sitting cross-legged, had spent the time getting acquainted with Vanessa. Predictable, she already had her head in his lap while he stroked her back and side. If she'd been a cat, she would have been purring.
"I see you've met Vanessa."
Chakotay looked up and smiled. "Where'd you find her Kathryn, she's beautiful."
"She came with the boat."
Startled, Chakotay looked up at her. "She came with the boat?"
Kathryn smiled and crouched down beside them, ruffling Vanessa's fur. "Yeah, the man who sold me the boat had found her. Turns out he was allergic to dogs, but didn't have the heart to put her back on the streets."
"Another one of your reclamation projects, eh?"
Kathryn laughed, "yeah, something like that." Standing, she gestured to Chakotay. "C'mon, I'll give you the tour."
Chakotay gave Vanessa one last pat before standing. He took off his life jacket and tossed into the cockpit with his skirt before following Kathryn into the ship.
Kathryn got a good look at his bronzed chest and stomach, before leading the way into the ship. She hadn't been lying when she'd told him it would be close quarters. They walked through the main cabin, which housed the small galley, head, shower, reclamation facilities and eating area. The two bunks were V berths in the very bow of the ship. Only a narrow walkway separated them.
"Well Chakotay, are you still interested in the position?"
"Do I get the port or starboard bunk?"
*
"What are you writing?"
Kathryn looked up from the hardbound paper book she'd been looking at to see Chakotay looking at her. It had been 15 days since he'd come aboard the Nomad. Aside from some tossing and turning the first night, everything had been going well. They had spent the past few days sailing through the Western Archipelago, spending most of their time in open water, enjoying the sun. Both of them had relaxed to their situation quickly, allowing them to laugh and joke without their respective command façades appearing.
For three days, however, it had been pouring. They had been forced to stay inside, and both of them were doing their best to fight off the cabin fever that was creeping up on them.
"It's the official Captain's Log."
"Really? How many Captains has this ship had?"
"Quite a few. She was built by Daniel Burks, a life-long Starfleet Commander."
Chakotay snorted. "Sound like anyone else you know?"
Kathryn chuckled.
"What about these books? Where did they come from?" Chakotay gestured at the copy of White Fang in his hand and the small library on a shelf above her bunk.
"Near as I can tell each Captain left one behind."
Chakotay took another look at the titles. Some of them were clearly a result of the situation. He doubted The Tempest, Moby Dick, The Old Man and The Sea, Gulliver's Travels and The Odyssey would make it into the same small collection otherwise. It was the others he found more intriguing. Aside from White Fang, there were also copies of Running in the Family, Silas Marner, To Kill a Mockingbird, Don Quixote, Huckleberry Finn, and Le Morte D'Arthur on the shelf. The last title was a copy of Dante's Inferno.
He pointed at the final book. "Your contribution?"
She scowled at him. "No, someone beat me to it. Any suggestions?"
"Robinson Crusoe?"
"A story about a man who gets stranded? Hits a little close to home for me thanks."
"Agamemnon? He gets home in a timely fashion."
"And is then promptly murdered by his wife. Next."
Chakotay thought for a moment. "What about Around the World in 80 Days? It involves a journey no one thought possible, a finite ending and encounters with all sorts of interesting creatures and people along the way. And no one gets killed. "
Kathryn smiled.
"And speaking of encounters with interesting creatures, what do you think about going ashore tomorrow? After today I'd like a chance to stretch my legs. I'll even cook dinner."
"A day on the beach, and a home cooked meal; I'd be a fool to say no. Tomorrow we go ashore."
*
Kathryn watched the waves play against the shore from her vantage point further up the beach. Yesterday's rain had left clear blue skies in its wake, and both Kathryn and Chakotay had been happy to get out in the open again. They'd spent the morning in the water, Chakotay had taught Kathryn the fundamentals of Kayaking. She'd grasped the basic strokes quickly enough, towing him around through sweeps and Dufeks, draws and pries. She'd had more trouble with hip-flicks and rolls though, and had spent an inordinate amount of time under water. After finally getting one roll with Chakotay's help, she'd given up in exhaustion. Laughing, Chakotay had left her to relax on the beach while he went off in search of food. Kathryn had intended to spend the day reading Silas Marner, but had fallen asleep under the awning she'd brought from the boat.
"You know, I'd swear you hadn't finished a single page in three hours. Did you fall asleep or something?"
Startled by his presence, she rolled onto her stomach to look at him. He was clad only in shorts, holding a bag in one hand and a small dead animal in the other.
"Chakotay! What's that?" Kathryn gestured toward the animal.
"Dinner."
"But it's meat."
"Yes, yes it is."
Kathryn's brow creased in confusion. "I thought you were a vegetarian?"
Chakotay smiled. "No, I don't eat meat I haven't killed myself. When you're stuck on a starship, it's easier to a vegetarian than explain your eating habits to everyone. I'll call you when dinner's ready."
"Would you like some help?" Kathryn felt guilty about how she'd spent her day.
Chakotay laughed as he walked away. "You can't work a replicator, do you really think I'd let you cook over a fire?"
*
Two hours later Kathryn woke to a light touch on her shoulder. She looked up to see Chakotay crouched beside her. Blinking a few times, she managed a sleepy, "hey."
He smiled and gently stroked her cheek. "Hey yourself. Dinner will be done in 45 minutes or so. I thought you might want to see the sunset."
She tried to sit up, only to find every muscle in her upper body on fire. Behind her Chakotay laughed, but gave her a hand up.
"It's not so funny when it happens to you, is it Kathryn?"
Climbing painfully to her feet, Kathryn turned to face Chakotay. "Damn that boat."
Chakotay reached out to put his arm around her, but thought better of it at the last minute. Instead he flipped her over his shoulder, holding her securely in place with an arm across the back of her legs. "Chakotay, what the hell are you doing?" Her voice was a little muffled, and he could tell she was starting to question his sanity.
"I've already gone hunting today, dinner's roasting on a spit as we speak, so I figured I'd complete the caveman image and go catch me a woman."
"And why shouldn't I protest this rough treatment?" Even as she spoke the words she knew the reason; over two weeks alone with him had brought her feelings for him rushing to the surface. From her position hanging down his back, she got a wonderful view of his posterior, and silently cursed herself for not getting this close to it before.
"I'll give you a backrub when we get there if you don't give me any trouble."
"A backrub and fireside dinner? What did I do to deserve this, Chakotay?"
She felt him shrug as he answered, "I think I missed your last birthday."
Kathryn laughed. She'd spent her last birthday in the brig on Starbase 4. "I think we were both a little preoccupied."
"No time like the present to make amends." Carefully he lowered her to the sand, then moved to kneel behind her. Strong hands were soon working their way into her shoulders, draining the tension from her body. When he could feel the knots starting to come apart, he leaned down to whisper into her ear, "I'll be back in a second."
True to his word, he was back a few moments later, handing her one of the metal cups from the Nomad. She took a quick sniff, and turned to him in surprise.
"Is this real wine?"
Chakotay smiled and resumed her backrub. "It is."
"Chakotay, where did you get real wine?"
"Captain Picard gave me a bottle before I left. It's supposed to be a good vintage."
Kathryn reached for the bottle, examining the label before speaking, "So you were onboard the Enterprise."
It was Chakotay's turn to be surprised. "Didn't you get my message?"
Kathryn let out a small sight before replying, "yes, but when you showed up here, I thought it might have been a cover."
"It wasn't." It was clear from his voice that he regretted not explaining this to her earlier. He didn't want there to be any doubt over why he'd come to see her.
"Chakotay," Kathryn's voice was barely above a whisper, "where's Seven?"
Chakotay's hands stopped, and his head slumped forward. Something else he should have talked to her about a long time ago. "She's still onboard the Enterprise."
"Oh."
He could tell this was hurting Kathryn, but he didn't know if telling her what had happened between him and Seven would make things better or worse. Deciding that lying would only hurt them both, he took a breath before answering Kathryn's unspoken question. "We were still involved when we boarded the Enterprise. We had planned to go Dranonia VII and Dorvan V as I told you. The last few weeks on Voyager hadn't given us any real time together, and we thought it might be a way to get to know each other better.
"Things changed the moment we stepped on board the Enterprise. Seven disappeared into engineering. I didn't see her for three days. Captain Picard was the one who actually told me she'd be taking the rest of her leave on the Enterprise, but I'd already figured it out. Boarding the Enterprise was like opening a window for her, she could finally experience her humanity among humans who'd never met her before, who didn't know her as Seven of Nine, the Borg drone. I think it might give her the opportunity to reinvent herself, to leave behind the collective for good."
Kathryn couldn't help but feel for his loss. "I'm sorry Chakotay, I wish it could have worked out for you."
Chakotay shrugged and resumed the interrupted massage. "I'm really not sorry. Things might have worked out for her if we'd stayed in the Delta Quadrant, but she would have missed out on interacting with people who don't know her life story already. I wouldn't take that from her for an instant. Besides, after spending some time alone on the Enterprise, I realized whatever feelings I may have had for her were gone. You can't start a relationship, then take a seven-week break and expect to pick up right where you left off. It doesn't work that way."
"You don't regret leaving her?"
"No, not for a second."
"I see." Kathryn seemed satisfied with that answer, taking a long sip of wine, and relaxing into his hands again.
"Besides," Chakotay's mouth was once again dangerously close to her ear. She could feel his breath playing over her neck, tickling the sensitive skin, "if I hadn't left her, I wouldn't have ended up here."
Kathryn's teasing tone matched his, "Chakotay, what are you doing here?"
"Giving you a massage. I thought that was clear."
"You missed you calling Chakotay, good comedians are always in demand."
Chakotay laughed at her sarcastic reply. "Captain Picard suggested I might improve my kayaking skills."
Kathryn actually turned around to give him a dirty look.
"Alright, the real reason? I came to Grotto III to find you."
Kathryn's head whipped around again, this time shock was etched on her face. "Me?"
Chakotay sighed. "Kathryn, we have spent the last Seven years together. We have survived just about everything, the Kazon, the Borg, the Vidiians, the Q. Getting sent back in time, having our ship taken over, having our memories erased. Most importantly though, we have survived each other. We have fought, but it's never broken our friendship, and in the end it's only made us stronger.
"I don't see that things should change just because we've gotten home. You are the most important person in my life. I promised to stand by you once, and I intend to do that, as your first officer, as your friend, as your chief cook and bottle washer, or in whatever other capacity you'll take me. I don't want to loose you."
Kathryn was dumbstruck. She'd known there'd been something special between them, but she'd never expected him to lay it out for her like that. She had absolutely no idea how to respond, how to tell him that she felt the same way, without also telling him that she loved him.
Seeing her reaction, Chakotay decided to try a different tactic; he reached behind him and grasped the small object he'd gotten with the wine. Reaching his hand around in front of her, he spoke again, "I found something in the forest today I thought you might like."
She looked down at his hand and gasped. Gingerly, she reached out to take what he was offering her. It was the most beautiful shell she'd ever seen, with paper-thin petals opening like a rose. Grasping it gently she realized that it wasn't a shell at all; it was metallic.
"It's made by a colony of insects. When they burrow in the sand, they absorb some of the native titanium into their bodies. This is the by-product." Chakotay kept his voice low, not wanting to spook her.
"Chakotay, it's beautiful." Kathryn was mesmerized.
"Like you."
Kathryn froze again. He spoke with such reverence; no one had ever spoken of her like that before, not Justin, and certainly not Mark. Slowly she turned to face him. He was looking down; unaware that she was studying him. As she watched, a single tear streaked down his face. Without thinking, and oblivious to her own tears, she reached out to brush it away. His eyes met hers, catching her. Faces inches away, neither knew how to bridge the gap.
Finally Chakotay spoke, barely a breath, "maybe we should define some parameters."
Laughing softly, Kathryn whispered back, "not on your life. I've been kicking myself since the moment I said that. This time there's no protocol for me to hide behind."
Chakotay let out a shuddering breath. This time it was he who had been left speechless. Without thinking, Kathryn drew him to her, holding his head to her shoulder, allowing him time to compose himself.
"Chakotay, we need to explore this, but I'm afraid. I've spent too long denying these feelings to open up to them completely right away. I need time." Kathryn hated every word that came out of her mouth, but knew if they didn't slow down, things could get out of control, leaving them both hurt.
Chakotay pulled her forehead to his whispering, "I've waited seven years, I figure I can hold on a while longer."
"Thank you." She was relieved he understood.
Closing the space between them, he gently pressed his lips to hers, lingering, but not asking for anything she wasn't ready to give. When they finally pulled away, he planted another quick kiss on her forehead before pulling her to her feet.
"C'mon, dinner should be ready."
*
Chakotay woke the next morning to find himself curled up behind Kathryn. They'd been unwilling to sleep apart, so after a bit of awkwardness, they'd settled onto a single blanket, spooned together. It made his heart swell to wake the same way he'd fallen asleep, and he revelled in the closeness they were sharing, even if she were still slumbering. Carefully, so as not to disturb her, he propped himself up to get a better look at the peaceful expression gracing her features. Relaxed as she was now, he could almost believe she'd never faced adversity in her life, never worried or wanted for anything. Though part of him wished he could have protected her from the pains life had dealt her, he knew it was her iron-will he loved so much. She was a survivor, and it intoxicated him.
Her breathing changed, and he could tell she was beginning to wake. She stretched slightly in her sleep, and Chakotay loosened his grip on her waist to allow her back to arch. Sliding her body tightly against his again, she broke the silence.
"Morning Chakotay." She snuggled her back against his chest as she spoke.
His fear that she might have regrets about their sleeping arrangement drifted away, and he pulled her closer again. "Morning yourself. How'd you sleep?"
He could have sworn she purred before answering, "wonderfully."
Kissing the base of her neck he whispered, "good," into her hair.
Rolling over, Kathryn met his gaze. "Chakotay, where do we go from here?"
"Wherever you want to Kathryn. As I said last night, I'm quite happy waiting, I don't want to push you-."
He stopped as she laid a finger to his lips, replacing it quickly with her own mouth, kissing him softly. "I meant with the boat. Where should we sail?"
He considered it before answering. His real reason for coming to Grotto III had been to find her. Now that he had her, he was content to follow wherever she would chose to lead. A weight had lifted from his shoulders last night; an anxiousness he hadn't known he'd possessed. He knew she might wish to stay and sail the open water. He was comfortable just to be at her side.
"I've found what I was looking for. As long as I can stay with you, I'll sail to the ends of the ocean with you."
"Actually, I was thinking of heading back toward Kanto River. I'd like to see my mother and sister again before my leave's over." She sighed quietly. "Whatever peace I was looking for when I came here, I've found in our time together."
Chakotay smiled. "I know what you mean."
Janeway stood up, offering him a hand. "Kanto River?"
Allowing her to help him up, he agreed, "Kanto River."
*
"Chakotay, what am I going to do with Vanessa?"
They had arrived in Kanto River the day before, and had been making preparations to depart. The Bozeman would be arriving in 36 hours, and they needed to make sure their departure requirements were met in order to gain permission to leave. The Grottian people were very strict about what could and couldn't leave their planet. Though the caves that had originally attracted attention to the planet had fallen from public interest, several other unique discoveries had been made, not the least of which were the unique metallic flowers Chakotay had shown Kathryn. The Grottians didn't want anything to leave that might attract tourists or 'pot-hunters'.
"She's a dog. You should be able to take her with you if you want." Chakotay glanced down at his PADD. "I think She's a class 18 exemption."
Kathryn picked up her own PADD. They were sitting in a small pub, drinking beer and going over the departure forms. Vanessa lay happily at their feet; drinking from a bowl of water the owner had given them.
Kathryn found the relevant exemption and skimmed through it quickly. "You're right Chakotay, thanks." She smiled at him, overjoyed to be spending this time with him.
He reached across the table to take her hand. "I don't want to leave her behind either."
They sat like that for a moment, before Kathryn broke the silence, "so, I think I'm done, except for storing the Nomad. And finding a copy of Around the World in 80 Days to leave with her. What about you?"
Chakotay glanced at his own PADD before answering, "I've got a few things I need to deal with in regards to my kayak, but otherwise I'm done, too."
"Split up then, and meet up back here for dinner?" They were staying in the small inn attached to the pub.
Chakotay drained his glass before rising. "Sounds good." He leaned down to give her a quick kiss before heading outside.
Kathryn looked down at Vanessa and murmured, "Well Vanessa, what should we do now that he's gone?"
Vanessa just cocked her head to one side.
"Don't know either, eh? That's about how I feel right now. Come on, let's go find that book."
*
"Tuvok's undergone treatment on Vulcan. He reports no other ill effects from his experience. He also sends regards from T'Pel."
"That's good to hear. Vulcan stoicism aside, it must have been incredibly hard on him to be away from his wife and children for so long." Chakotay's relief was genuine. Despite their rocky start, he had tremendous respect for the Vulcan, and was happy to hear he'd been reunited with his family.
Kathryn and Chakotay were sprawled on a couch in her quarters on board the USS Bozeman. The ship had broken orbit a few hours earlier, and after enjoying a dinner with Captain Bateson they had returned to the quarters she'd been assigned. They'd spent the evening going through the tomes of messages that had accumulated during their time on Grotto III. All communications bound for Voyager's crew were first screened through Starfleet HQ, a process meant to cut down on the shear number of message directed to the intrepid crew. No messages were deleted; rather those deemed to be of questionable interest were placed into another directory. Unfortunately, after more than a month away, they'd both accumulated enough messages to keep them busy on their way back to Earth.
"I've got a message from Seven."
"Oh?" Their time together had ended any jealousy she might have felt. Besides, she was the one in his arms, not Seven.
"Yes. She's been enjoying her time on the Enterprise. Looks like the Doctor decided to join her."
"That should be interesting." Beverly Crusher's opinion about EMHs was widely known. She didn't like them when they didn't have a personality, and somehow Kathryn didn't think she'd react any better to Voyager's Doctor.
Chakotay read a little further before responding, "it seems they got off to a bad start, but Commander Data introduced the Doctor to tap dancing. After their recital, she warmed up to him a bit."
Kathryn chuckled at the image of their doctor tap dancing, before focusing again on her own PADD. She settled back into place, her back against his chest, both of them leaning against the arm of the couch.
"Another request for an interview." Even with Starfleet's help, they still received offers of all sorts. Product endorsement offers were common, as were people looking to ghostwrite for them. Stranger were the occasional marriage proposal, and requests that they come to lead some religious group based on a Delta Quadrant culture. Interview offers were by far the most common, however, with every news service clamouring to speak with Captain Kathryn Janeway, Delta Quadrant Explorer.
"Who's it from?" Chakotay got just as many offers, as Maquis Rebel turned Starfleet Commander and First Officer of Voyager.
"The Federation News Service."
"You know Kathryn, if you did an interview, they might just leave you alone."
He had leaned forward before speaking to her, placing his mouth right beside her ear while he spoke. The combination on his gentle breath on her neck and ear, and the deep rumble in his chest as he spoke were slowly driving her to distraction.
"You may be right. I'll send a message to Jake Sisko tomorrow."
Chakotay pulled her tighter to him as he relayed his next message. "B'Elanna wrote me."
"How's she doing?"
Chakotay snorted. "She doesn't say. She doesn't say much of anything. I quote 'It's about time you old targ. You'd both better come to visit when we get back.'"
"How'd she figure it out?"
"Tom and Admiral Paris, I presume."
"Speaking of Tom, I have a message from him here, and he seems to be a bit more articulate than his wife." She scanned the message quickly before continuing, "Miral and B'Elanna are doing fine, they've spent their leave at Admiral Paris's place near Bridgeport California. He also insists we come and visit as soon as we're back." Kathryn turned her head to face him. "Chakotay, how'd they know we'd end up together? Just because we spent time on the same planet together, is it given that we'll see each other, let alone form so sort of relationship?"
Chakotay leaned down to kiss her briefly. "It sounds like the inevitable conclusion as far as Tom and B'Elanna were concerned." Chakotay consulted his own PADD. "I also got a message from Tom. Aside from offering his congratulations, he says the 'Janeway and Chakotay' betting pool will be awarded as soon as he gets confirmation of our involvement."
"He had a betting pool riding on us? Why does that not surprise me."
Chakotay laughed before continuing to read, "From what Tom says, it was his most popular."
Kathryn rolled her eyes but reached out to cradle the side of his face with her hand. "I just hope everyone's happy with the result, because I have no intention of giving you up."
Taking the hint, Chakotay swooped down to kiss her deeply. Eventually he released her, pressing his forehead to hers, whispering, "I'm not going anywhere."
Kathryn just smiled and turned back to her PADD. "My mother wants me to visit as soon as I get back. I know she understood I had to leave, but she misses me. I think she'd be hurt if I didn't spend some more time with her before my leave's over."
"I can sympathize with her. I've only been away from you for a few months at most since we met, but I missed you terribly." They both smiled at his melodramatic tone. "Besides," he continued more seriously, "I know how important family is. I'll stay with Tom and B'Elanna when we get back, give you two some time to catch up."
Kathryn's voice was barely above a whisper when she responded. "I was actually hoping you'd come with me."
The enormity of what she was asking was not lost on Chakotay; she was bringing him home to meet her family, to introduce him to her mother as something more than a friend or first officer, as her lover and companion. He swallowed heavily before answering her. "I'd be honoured."
"Oh Chakotay, I love you." It had left her lips unbidden, without forethought and for a moment she wished she could call it back, not wanting to expose herself.
"I love you Kathryn."
Four simple words strung together allayed her fears, and she relaxed back into his chest.
Not wanting to unsettle her further, Chakotay continued on, "Captain Picard sent me a message."
"Really? What does he have to say?" The Captain of the Federation's Flagship contacting her former Maquis First Officer piqued her curiosity.
"He wants to know if the wine worked."
"He knows?"
"He told me you were on Grotto. Seems his hostess got a report from Commander Gomez and Lieutenant Mertois about us. They were quite clear on what they thought about us not spending our future together."
Kathryn shook her head. "I'd like to see that report sometime. And remind me to thank Captain Picard next time I see him."
"Only if I get to shake his hand first." Chakotay kissed the top of her head again and returned his attention to his PADD.
Kathryn couldn't concentrate. After a moment she stood and extended her hand to him. "C'mon,
let's go to bed." Since their first night together on the unnamed beach, they'd made a habit of going to bed together every night, regardless of the time, just so they'd have the pleasure of falling asleep spooned as one.
Chakotay put his PADD down and followed her without hesitation, murmuring, "tired already? It's only 21:00 hours."
Kathryn turned to face him. "Who said anything about being tired?" She smiled as realization spread across his face.
"I thought you wanted to take things slow?" He needed to be sure that she really wanted this.
"We did. Are you okay with this?" Worry creased her brow as she wondered whether she was the only one who'd needed time.
"Of course. But once we do this, we can't go back. I won't give you up." Chakotay could barely restrain himself, but wanted to be sure things were perfectly clear between them.
"I'd be insulted if you did. I want you Chakotay, and right now I'm not going to settle for anything less than all of you." Kathryn was dead serious. She intended to posses him.
Eyes shining, Chakotay scooped her up, carrying her into the bedroom.
From her spot in the corner, Vanessa lifted her head, watching them disappear from her sight, before rolling over and falling back asleep.
*
Three days later Kathryn and Chakotay materialized on the drive up to Gretchen Janeway's farmhouse in Indiana. They hoped the fading light of dusk would mask their approach to any inquiring eyes.
Kathryn reached out and squeezed his hand briefly. "Thank you for coming here."
Chakotay brought her hand to his lips. "It's my pleasure. Besides, I want to shake the hand of the woman who raised you. She did a wonderful job."
Blushing slightly, Kathryn reluctantly let his hand drop and gestured toward the house. They'd agreed to keep things between them low-key; at least until Kathryn told her mother they were involved. The poor woman had had enough to deal with in the last while, what with her daughter being lost in space, then found seventy years away, brought back, imprisoned, finally returned home, only to discover she'd become an instant celebrity, and had been forced to leave the planet to escape the crushing interest in her life. Kathryn wanted to have some time with her mother before telling her she'd become involved with one of her officers.
As they approached the porch, they could make out a male human form standing by the door. A few steps later revealed the grey and black of a Starfleet uniform.
"Captain Janeway."
"Lieutenant Mertois. Still getting stuck with the graveyard shift?" Kathryn bounded up the steps and shook his hand.
"Actually I beamed in about an hour ago. Things have been quiet here since you left, but HQ wanted to make sure they stayed that way. How was your vacation?"
Kathryn smiled, "wonderful."
"Commander Chakotay." Mertois took the offered hand.
"Lieutenant, I owe you a debt of gratitude. That report you wrote concerning the two of us reached the right people."
"Sir?" Mertois was confused. He'd suggested that the possibility of a relationship developing between Voyager's command team was almost a foregone conclusion now that protocol could be put aside. He'd given it to Commander Gomez as part of a security-briefing package. In the same report he'd warned her against an almost certain attempt by Voyager's crew to rescue their Captain. He'd never expected Commander Chakotay to be thanking him for it.
"It seems Commander Gomez forwarded it to Guinan on the Enterprise. She got Captain Picard to give me a bit of a kick in my complacency."
"Sonya always was a hopeless romantic. So you two are…"
"Together." This time Kathryn spoke, confirming his suspicions.
"Congratulations. You've both been through so much, it's about time you found some happiness in your lives."
Kathryn smiled, and replied, "thank you. Please don't mention it to my mother though, she doesn't know yet."
Mertois smiled knowingly. "My lips are sealed."
Smiling at him one last time, Kathryn turned toward the door. Taking a breath, she rapped her knuckles against the wooden surface.
A few moments later the door opened to reveal a grey haired women, shorter than Kathryn, but clearly related.
"Katie! You're back!" Kathryn returned her mother's hug, holding her tightly.
Finally releasing her, Kathryn took a step back and gestured to Chakotay. "Mom, this is Commander Chakotay, my First Officer."
Chakotay started to extend his hand, only to find himself in Gretchen Janeway's arms. Smiling, he returned her bear hug.
"So you're the man who kept my daughter safe all these years. Thank you Commander."
"It wasn't easy, she's the most stubborn person I've ever met, but I think it was worth it in the end. And it's just Chakotay Mrs. Janeway."
"Well c'mon in you two. And bring your dog with you Kathryn."
Shaking her head, Kathryn herded Chakotay and Vanessa into her mother's house.