Disclaimer see chapter one:
Chapter 5
The Doctor's brief report that his resident patient was asleep again was good to hear; yet they still didn't know if their 'Sleeping Beauty' – as Paris had nicknamed him – would wake up. The morning briefing had been sombre. No one had brought up the idea of waking the male with a 'true loves' first kiss', although it had crossed her mind when Tom Paris had first used the fairy-tale name. No; she'd been right at the beginning, he had to come out of it himself. Not having him around was proving a problem; watching a small group of crew arguing among themselves, through her quarter's viewports. Janeway returned her wandering thoughts to the reports that awaited her attention; but her mind just wouldn't focus on the job at hand or the words on the PADD's. Tapping her com-badge, she ordered Seven to report to her quarters. Whilst she waited she looked at the scene below her again noting spring's continuing march across the valley plain beneath the ship. Her door buzzer sounding alerted her to another's presence.
"You wanted to see me?" the fair-haired woman said, on answering the summons to step inside.
"Yes, Seven. Please sit down," she invited, taking a seat herself. The former Borg-drone sat on a low stool, waiting puzzled as to why she'd been asked here; since there was no pressing need for information or data or such like; but this was Captain Janeway a puzzling human.
"Seven. How do you feel about Cmdr Chakotay?" the Captain asked quietly.
"Feel? I do not understand," she said, puzzled by the question.
"About the man himself; his view of you; that sort of thing," Janeway said her tone casual.
"He is a fair and efficient individual," ignoring Janeway's amused smile; she listed the man's attributes from her perspective. "Shall I continue?" she asked, surprised by the growing grin on the female's face before her.
"No, Seven; that's not quite what I had in mind. Although I'm sure he'd be flattered by your… interesting views," trying not to laugh. Sighing to calm herself, she added. "I meant how do you view him?" she asked leaving the question hanging between them. A deep frown crossed the young female's face.
"I'm uncertain as to what answer you require. I………"
"Seven. This isn't an exercise in mathematics. It isn't about what answer I want. But about how you feel," stressing the last two words. Slowly the female stood; almost as if she would leave, yet the blonde just stared out at the day lit scene through the viewports; her thoughts miles away in time and space.
"You are no doubt referring to the time when I first came aboard," her words thoughtful. "To when the Commander distracted me in order to break my link with the collective?" she said carefully, as if thinking out loud.
"I suppose, I am," Janeway acknowledged.
"What I felt at that time is irrelevant."
"No, Seven it isn't;" Janeway said moving to stand beside her. "It has shaped how you view us, me; but especially Chakotay. Give it some thought."
"I have, Captain," Seven said, turning to face her. "It is irrelevant. Cmdr Chakotay is a unique individual. One I have come to respect; although, there are times, when he is wrong." Janeway smiled ruefully. "He has taught me much about many things, without even trying." That revelation caused Kathryn Janeway to stare surprised. Seven smiled herself, relaxing a little. "As to what; that had better remain mine," her voice quiet.
"Seven. You're becoming more human everyday," her smile broad and friendly.
"Yes, Captain," her tone Borg-like. "Is that all you require?" she asked. Janeway nodded, still surprised, if not a little amused at what Seven had revealed. Back ramrod straight, movements sharp and crisp, the blonde female moved to the doors.
"All of us need secrets. Now it appears you have yours," Janeway said, as the doors opened. Seven paused between them, thus holding them open; head on one side, puzzled, she listen; but no further comments were spoken by the room's occupant, so she moved forward allowing the doors to swish shut behind her.
/\/\/\/\/\
She thought deeply about her conversation with Janeway, whilst making for sickbay and her routine check-up with the Doctor. Once he'd finished, she moved uncertainly over to the sleeping male; but the EMH calling her name in a questioning manner, caused her to leave the area rather abruptly. It was only when Harry Kim mentioned the Commander by name that her feet led her back to his sleeping side. Unknown to her the Doctor saw her, but decided to leave well alone, this time.
"You are a strange man, Commander," speaking softly. She paused to gather her troubling and puzzled thoughts. "As I said to Captain Janeway, you have taught me a great deal; without even trying," frowning as she gazed down at him, wondering what to say or even why she was there at all. "I know not why I stand here talking to you. Since you do not respond," she said, stopping again unsure of her reason for being there. "This is irrelevant," a little angry; feeling she should leave, yet she stayed. "You are a special individual one I've… I advise you to return," she snapped in her usual Borg tone of voice. With that she turned on her heel and left without a backward glance. The EMH watched her go, from the safety of his office and then moved to stand by the main bio-bed.
"I think that's the closest she's ever likely to come to saying; she misses you," he observed.
In the last few days many of the crew had come in to talk to the comatose male, each with a tale to tell, yet all had said much the same thing. Bending closer to the man's ear he whispered. "Come home, Commander." The facial features stirred, his body stretching softly and then with an inaudible sigh he was still again. The Doctor switched himself off, leaving sickbay silent once more, or was it? A soft melody played, distant and brief.
/\/\/\/\/\
Freya found him sound asleep on the beach where she'd first encountered him. Careful so as not to awaken him, she approached and sat quietly beside his prone form; taking in his strong dark relaxed features, with the tribal mark over his left eye. She felt it was an usual place for it to be, since the N'de only put it on things not themselves. He stirred, murmuring softly what sounded like a song; then his eyes opened their darkness regarded her and smiled.
"Am I that fascinating?" he asked casually. She blushed shyly, giving him room to sit up.
"You said, you would explain," she quietly reminded; looking at him through her eyelashes.
"I hadn't forgotten. I'm not sure, I know how or where to begin," he confessed, sitting cross-legged; dark eyes gazing out over the hazy sea to the distant horizon. The silence settled comfortably between them, taking in the scene, each lost in thought. Softly at first, he started to speak about his very first view of the beach. Freya listened attentively, noting that he used the same gentle singsong mode her grandfather had used. Puzzled and yet trying to understand; she didn't interrupt him until he came to the tale of the Great White.
"I remember Grandpa and even Magaski telling me about this one and the legends surrounding the Great White. One who was of our kind, yet not; linked to us through the Wise Ones and the Long Way. A true N'de."
"They were right, Freya," he paused, taking her hand in his and meeting her eyes. "I am N'de in the truest sense of the word. The people, is what it means. My ancestors are descendants of ones known as Inheritors, a gift of collective memory from beings known to my people as the Sky Spirits. This tattoo is a sign they wore and in the same place," his smile gentle. "My people's tribe are from these inheritors called Chamusi or Rubber Tree People. Along with other tribes called Navajo, Chokonen, Dakota, Powhatan, Mayan, Aztec, Olmec and many others. These are N'de," he said, turning his head to gaze down the sun-lit beach.
"Are you saying; we are not?" her tone puzzled.
"No, Freya. You are what you are," he said, bringing his gaze back to her fair face. "But the settlers, the Voyagers and even the Silver ones do not see us as we see ourselves. To them we are Lupine." She blinked at him startled. "So too is a very special friend," he added softly. She smiled, understanding dawning in her amber eyes.
"Melvern was right to call you, Kindred Spirit. You are that to everyone here at this moment in time," her fine face alight with her revelation.
"So Magaski tried to tell me. But I refused to acknowledge it until…"
"…until you halted the singing metal," she finished for him, smiling. "You belong with them, Chakotay; not us," gently touching his face. "They care about you. 'He melts away, to travel the Hanging Road from whence he came.' You go home."
"I will soon," touching her face with a soft caress, his dark eyes full with his smile. Freya held his hand against her cheek, feeling his strength and warmth; then she leaned forward and softly kissed his left cheek. Getting swiftly to her feet, she challenged him and set off at a full run down the beach, sand flying in her wake. Startled a moment he sat and then took off after her. Soon they were running side-by-side; Great White and young silver-white, jaws grinning, tails streaming out behind them, lithe bodies striding out in union. It was quite a sight to watch as the two creatures raced for the sheer enjoyment of being alive in the late afternoon sunshine. All too soon they were lost to sight among the dark bud breaking trees of the forest that lined the edge of the sandy shore.
/\/\/\/\/\
The male upright sighed softly, having watched the racing pair. He moved out of the shadow of the trees and sat down on the rocky outcrop that jutted out into the sea at that point; which protected the small semi-circular bay from the worse of any stormy weather. The sky before him, turned into a beautiful red/gold pink reflection of the sea as the sun set behind him, throwing his shadow ahead of him to meet the growing dusk-light creeping in from the east. A chill nip in the air did not force him off his rocky perch; he just pulled his jacket tighter around him and waited. Soon his waiting was not in vain; seeing the white lithe creature trot back down the shore alone, toward him. Paris wondered why he felt so nervous about this meeting or maybe it was the chilled air that made him shiver. This was Chakotay – alright in a different form – but still the man he knew.
His mind flew back in years to a very similar feeling; the time his father Admiral Owen Paris had talked to him about entering Starfleet. It had been more a lecture on the virtues of a career in Starfleet, than a father – son discussion. Unable to say a word, very much in awe of this man, if not a little afraid of him; he'd just listened and said 'yes, sir' and 'no, sir' in what he'd hoped were all the right places.
"Tom?" the familiar voice made him jump. "You alright?" Paris nodded dumbly, feeling the creature very close. "I won't bite!" he said softly.
"Eh!? Oh, very funny," he responded, not looking at the animal sitting beside him, but stared out over the darkening calm sea and yet not really seeing it.
"I mean it, Tom. I won't bite." Something in the male's voice caused the nervous tension in the young man's body to ease; thus he relaxed, head bowed.
"I was reminded of the time my father, talked – as he put it – lectured more like – about my joining Starfleet and getting through the Academy. Keeping up the time honoured family tradition. Head for the top," realising his tone and gestures reflected those of his father; he stopped abruptly and muttered an apology, looking down at the wave washed pebbles, beneath his perch.
"Why should you be?" The mild tone caused Tom to turn sharply to look at the animal; taking in the fine noble head, marked with the tattoo above the left eye. Eyes that were deep brown/ amber colour, kind, willing to understand and gentle. "Your father obviously had a nasty bite!" pausing to grin. "I don't."
"Yeah!" turning away to gaze at the still sea and remembered. "You know, I really wanted to join the naval patrols. But the only uniform and insignia that my Dad recognised was that of Starfleet; Admiral preferably," Tom paused deep in thought; yet he was aware of the N'de/lupine moving closer still. As he talked he absently played with the creatures soft silky ears, like those of a dog; as it had rested its head in his lap. Aghast at what he was doing and to whom, he suddenly stopped.
"Why stop? It feels good!" he said tone indignant and softly teasing. "Tom. I am what you see," his voice reassuring. "Tell me more about Owen Paris," gently nosing the man's hand to caress his ears again. Tom just sat there stupefied and blinked rapidly, his heart rate slowing as he relaxed again. Hesitantly he stroked the white furred head, as it rested once more in his lap and spoke not of his father, but of how he'd felt about the man who'd given him not just one second chance, but two and why he'd reacted the way he had aboard the Maquis fighter.
Chakotay listened, realising this seemingly arrogant young man was opening up; trying to explain his actions and reactions; not that they needed any explanation, because his behaviour aboard Voyager spoke volumes for him. The N'de just let him talk, knowing it was good for them both.
"As to why I risked my life to save yours, on Ocampa. I suppose at first I thought I'd done it for purely selfish reasons. 'What I could get out of it!' that is not how I responded to your plight, despite my words," he said, sighing deeply. "I wanted to save you. If that makes any sense?" he said, finally falling silent. For a long moment he wondered if he'd said too much, as the creature moved to sit up bringing it's head level with his.
"Yes, Tom. It makes a lot of sense," the male voice genuinely sincere. "You're not quite the rascal you make yourself out to be. As B'Elanna, well knows." They grinned at each other and then Paris sobered.
"You saved me from Hakan. That means the debt has been repaid. Yes?" his words measured. The creature nodded in a way very characteristic of the man, Chakotay. "Then in sickbay I prevented the Doctor from waking you, thus saving your life again. So where does that leave me? Is the debt – the owning of your life – mine again?" his tone uncertain and almost pleading.
"Only if you want it to be." Paris stared startled, not really sure if he'd heard right. "You saved my life on Ocampa, thus initiating the ownership. According to tribal law, I could only claim my life back, by saving yours; which I did by stopping Hakan from attacking you and drawing first blood," he paused and took note of the other's expression of dawning comprehension of the situation. He continued, "I wasn't thinking of that debt when I flew at Hakan. If first blood of the enemy was drawn, nothing would have been solved peacefully." Disappointment clouded the young male's face; so he added, "But as you've mentioned it and your subsequent actions. The owning of my life again? Only if you want it." Tom found himself fighting back the tears that suddenly threatened to spill over.
"You'd…you'd treat me as a friend?" he said, gulping to keep the tears at bay. 'I won't cry. I mustn't,' he admonished himself, hearing Chakotay's puzzled question; had he not always been? "No! Well maybe. You sure have a strange way of showing it!"
"Perhaps; or maybe it is your view of my actions. I'm still your commanding officer." That did it for Tom Paris; he laughed the tears streaming down his face. 'A wolf of a Commander,' he thought, laughing all the more. Chakotay frowned puzzled and then realised what he'd said and in what form; but decided against explaining it, as he licked the male's face tasting the salt. Having calmed down, but still with a cheeky grin on his boyish features, he put his arms around the Great White N'de, holding him close for a short while, smelling his clean musky scent. Then he let go.
"I'd better get back to Voyager," wiping at eyes and cheeks as he scrambled across his rocky perch to the landward end; for the tide had turned.
"Tom. If you ever want to talk…"
"I know. You're always available to listen. I haven't forgotten; just hadn't gotten around to plucking up the courage to ask," his smile rueful.
"I'm not your father, Tom Paris!"
"I know you're not," he acknowledged, standing on the sandy shore looking up at the N'de. "Kindred Spirit," he added his voice quiet. With that he walked away. The white Lupine stayed rooted to the spot surprised; yet he knew he shouldn't be, calling to mind a lonely silver-haired little female with the light hazel eyes. He whispered her name, Tatiana. The sound of a small hover vehicle that the settlers used reached his alert ears, catching a glimpse of the craft as Paris flew it back toward Voyager. Chakotay moved off the rocky outcrop and was about to leave the area to re-join Freya at the village, when a soft whimpering sound halted him. Standing very still he listened carefully; as his heightened senses strained to hear it again, but only the night wind touched him. Its invisible fingers caressed his body bringing with it a soft and unmistakable scent. Slowly he followed it to source and found hidden in the snow-free undergrowth at the beach edge, a small human body. Its face was streaked with shed tears, yet the little female was sound asleep. Bending down his strong gentle hands lifted her into his warm embrace. Chakotay held her small body against his, softly brushing her silver hair off her sleeping face. She stirred and snuggled closer to his warmth. Smiling down at her, he eased himself to his feet, with the girl-child held securely in his arms; he walked to the N'de village; quietly humming a tune his mother had sung to him when he couldn't sleep.
/\/\/\/\/\
Freya met him on the outskirts of the village worried by his absence; but on seeing the bundle he carried, she quickly aroused Tora and made up a bed for the sleeping child in their tepee. Inside the round tent, Chakotay laid the child down on the prepared bedding rugs. Tatiana stirred feeling bereft of his warmth, softly calling 'Mama!' in her sleep.
"Hush, little one. Sleep," he said, sitting down besides her, gently drawing the rugs up to cover her. He softly caressed her cheek and hair until her settled with a deep sigh. The two females watched quietly amused.
"You're good with children, Chakotay," Tora said, her smile broadening. "You'd make a lovely father." Freya looked sharply at her friend, but Chakotay only smiled and got to his feet, to stand outside. The sights and sounds of the stirring village caused him some pain, as he remembered another similar village – his own birthplace – as teeming with vibrant life as the present one was, the dawning spring light banishing the night shadows as it brightened the eastern sky above. Freya joined him whilst Tora went and teased her mate, the fiery-headed, Halmar. He chased her faces alight with their laughter; soon they disappeared among the trees. The fair-haired female tucked her arms round his sighing with pleasure.
"New life will come from them too!"
"By 'big leaf' there will be many new mouths to feed and brains to teach."
"Do you have a family?" she asked gently.
"No. I could have taken a mate, but chose not to," his tone telling her that the subject was not really open for discussion. His dark eyes watched the sisters, Chenoa and Chilali beating the corn into meal for bread, softly singing in rhythm to their joint pounding.
"You'll stay to break-fast?" anxious. Chakotay's eyes sought her amber ones and smiled. There was no need for words, thus Freya relaxed, squeezed his arm, before answering Harelda's call to join her. Thus she left him. For a moment he stood, soaking up the busy scene before him. Women weaving, others were spinning what looked like wild cotton heads. Males arrived with baskets of berries and wild fruits from the surrounding forest. All of this was so very familiar and comforting to him and yet he kept seeing other faces, many now long dead. Some would still have been alive if Starfleet had heeded the colonists' warnings about Cardassia. 'NO!' he scolded himself silently. He knew his people had chosen to stay on Dorvan V and come under Cardassian rule, but that had not stopped their new masters from exploiting them. 'That argument is now dead; best forgotten.' He returned to the tepee where Tatiana slept and kept watch over the girl-child. His hands were not idle though, playing and shaping the reeds he'd found within the tent, as he'd seen his Grandfather once do, before the family curse/blessing had descended upon the old man. As he worked he hummed the tune he could hear the workingwomen singing, at peace with himself.
/\/\/\/\/\
Janeway sat at the head of the briefing room table, quietly listening to B'Elanna Torres report on the state of repairs to both the alien obelisk and overhaul maintenance of the ship.
"I would say we'd need only another day or two to finish the repairs on the obelisk. After which it can be brought up to full working order."
"That I believe would be unwise, Lieutenant. According to the data Mr. Paris retrieved from the Silver ones computer; if any human DNA is detected on or in orbit of the planet it will be removed. And that's putting it politely," she explained.
"Then why did the Silver ones survive here so long, only to die later?" Neelix asked.
"Tatiana's DNA is different enough not to be recognised as human. The same could not be said of the settlers or anyone aboard Voyager. Notable exceptions – Vulcan's and Talaxian's," the Doctor informed; his voice strong and matter-of-fact.
"Why did they die? Basically they were electrocuted when all computer functions within range of the obelisk were scrambled. This also included the settler's ship in space. It wasn't a pleasant sight Hakan and I discovered," pausing to mentally banish the nightmare images. "Especially as to….how they protected the data storage…….and the maturation unit," visibly shuddering.
Janeway nodded in sympathy having read his report on his findings in the Silver one's habitat cavern; which she was now sure left a lot out of what he actually saw.
"I believe, B'Elanna only Chakotay can re-activate the obelisk unharmed," her tone quiet, hiding the pain of how she felt about their 'Sleeping Beauty'. Their meeting was suddenly interrupted by the anxious figure of Rowena with Phelan in tow. It was the male who spoke:
"Sorry to barge in like this, Captain," he said his arm around the woman's shoulders. "But some of our folks are making unpleasant noises; saying they want to stay. I've tried telling them that this isn't our home; to no avail."
"Tatiana is missing!" the woman said, her voice distraught. 'This isn't good news,' Janeway thought, asking if anyone had seen the silver-haired child.
"I was out last night," Paris said carefully, after everyone else had given negative responses. "I borrowed one of the settlers hover vehicles and took it to the wooded sea-shore," he explained.
"I know the place," said Phelan. Kathryn Janeway looked a question at her conn-officer.
"I went to see a friend." She smiled her understanding. "It is possible Tatti could have hidden in the vehicle without my knowledge. It took me awhile to work out the controls," he admitted cheekily. Grins and half-amused smiles greeted this news.
"Even so, she could be almost anywhere!" Rowena said.
"Indeed. Phelan, where and how far is this wooded shore line?" she asked. Seven called up the maps Voyager had made of the surrounding area onto the computer monitor and the old man pointed it out; about south-east of their current position. As they discussed organisation of search parties where and how to search, security reported in to Tuvok that there was a potential riot about to erupt down below. The Vulcan acknowledged them saying he'd join them in a few minutes.
"Keep weapons on stun," he advised, before closing the com-link.
"What's the latest reports from the Away Team?" she asked, startling Kim; who replied:
"Fine, Captain. They said it is everything they'd hoped for. Ideal."
"Good. Transfer their report transmissions to at least three PADD's and then bring them to me," she ordered, getting to her feet. "I think it's time we sorted things out here. Don't worry, Rowena. I won't forget Tatiana," she smiled at the worried woman, standing embraced by Neelix. Janeway dismissed the crew and asked Tuvok and Phelan to accompany her.
/\/\/\/\/\
The scene beneath the sleek Starship was not a pleasant one that greeted her hard gaze. Finding a box, she stood upon it with Phelan and Tuvok flanking her. Slowly the angry hubbub died, having become aware of the female's silent presence.
"Now perhaps we can talk in a civil manner. Who is your spokes person?" her voice strong and commanding. No-one could mistake the authoritive ring in her voice; this woman knew what she was about and wouldn't tolerate insubordination. Magan boldly stepped forward. If Janeway heard Phelan's sour muttered comment, she chose to ignore it.
"What is the problem?"
"Well, now that the obelisk is deactivated and that winter has gone," pausing to gaze at the people around him. "We've decided to stay here," he said, lifting his head up defiantly and ignoring the old man's angry glare.
"I see; and what of the N'de?" That caused a gruff muttering to ripple through the small crowd.
"They'll have to go somewhere else," a voice shouted amid murmurings of agreement from the burly settlers. Harry Kim gave the report PADD's to Lt.Cmdr Tuvok as he'd been asked and then returned to the safety of the ship, eying the crowd warily. Phelan felt anger rising in him, yet like Janeway remained silent. He knew she could handle the matter and was content to let her do so.
"From where I stand you have a two-fold problem," she noted, hands on hips. "Without the obelisk you'll be very venerable to the ion storms that frequent this system. With it you'll be destroyed." Muttering broke out again but this time she continued to speak, raising her voice to be heard. "The obelisk was programmed by its builders to protect the N'de from all threats, but especially from those with a recognisable DNA pattern. That every one of you and most of my own people possess."
"Then is stays shutdown!" another voice shouted. Magan said nothing, folding his arms across his chest and looking very smug. Maybe things would go his way after all. The Council had been wrong in their choice of leaders, especially Brandon; feeling warmed by the power that the dissenting voices instilled in him. Magan's only problem would be Phelan, but he was an old man. Janeway was explaining that the obelisk's cloaking shields protected the planet from all the effects of the ion storms; without it they'd be sitting ducks to the entire storm's fury.
"Wasn't it an ion storm that caused it to malfunction in the first place?" asked a young voice from the now silent crowd.
"That is true. But the storm should have passed through the system when all the inner planets were on the opposite side of the sun," Janeway informed them and said nothing more, allowing the information to sink in. the same young voice spoke again:
"Nothing could have prevented the malfunction," the owner stepped forward. Phelan realised it was Stella barely out of her teens. "Is that why the obelisk hurt the Silver one leaving Tatti alone?" The mood of the crowd was rapidly changing; both Phelan and Janeway sensed it, one of guilt perhaps. Magan also noted the change feeling the wall of discontent dissolve behind him. The female Captain stepped down off her box and took hold of Stella's hand then faced the crowd.
"An Away Team, made up of Brandon and Jabez; plus two of my own crew are right now checking the planet your ship was programmed to land on. Reports so far indicate that all the information your people first received about it are true. It's an ideal place for you to set up your new home. My Tactical Officer, Mr. Tuvok; has these reports available should you wish to read them," she said and then smiled softly. "My apologies for not allowing you access to them sooner," giving Stella's hand a gentle squeeze. Smiles broke out around her among the mainly male group; even her security personnel, who stood discreetly in the background relaxed as the mood became less tense. "We do have an additional problem," pausing so to get their attention. "Tatiana is missing. Has anyone seen her?" The murmurs that drifted through the crowd were now one of deep concern. "We believe she may be somewhere between here and the wooded sea-shore."
"The N'de won't harm her," piped up Kitto.
"I'm sure they won't, young man. It is the fact that we don't know where she is," Janeway assured him. A tall burly gruff surged forward toward Janeway; causing some alarm amongst the security team.
"We'll help look for the little one," his voice gruff with emotion, yet confident. Others also took up the call. Magan's face was crestfallen; felt Phelan grab his arm in a strong grip.
"What did you hope to gain?" he whispered angrily in the male's ear. "Don't answer that, Magan. I really don't want to hear it. Be thankful I won't be telling Brandon about all of this," his tone firm; hearing Janeway and Tuvok organise the search teams to be made up of both settlers and Voyagers. "You'd better come with me. Where I can keep an eye on you," forcing the younger man ahead of him. "We'll go with Tuvok, Captain," he said. She nodded assent and watched their team of four sets off together in a southeast direction.
/\/\/\/\/\
The full rich melody wafted around the tent, a delight to the ear. The music danced through the airwaves and the rather surprised flute playing male. Once the tune had run its course he stopped and stared at the instrument that had produced the wonderful tune with the aid of his lips and breath.
"You appear to have a natural aptitude for music, Chakotay," Harelda said giving him a bowl of the morning's stew and some fresh baked corn bread. He took the items having laid aside the flute.
"I have never played before," he admitted quietly, tucking into his first proper meal of the day.
"Maybe," she said softly, noting that the small female was still soundly asleep. "Pity our resident music teacher isn't here. She would have taught you much. She loved the flute," moving to leave.
"Who was she?"
"Magaski," the female replied, throwing the name over her shoulder as she walked out of the tent, so didn't see his stunned and startled expression.
"Maybe she did teach me," his voice quiet, deep in thought as he recalled the vivid dream he'd had whilst with Magaski and B'Elanna. Tatiana stirred, yet did not awaken. Having finished his meal he picked up the newly made flute, turning it over in his strong hands. Several times he put it to his lips as if to play, but each time he forced the urge away. Then a soft voice – one he knew well – spoke:
//Play! It is begging you// she said. He briefly hesitated wondering why him, then again he knew why; taking a deep even breath he put the flute to his lips and once more he played. The tune was different, but still sang clear and pure, around the tent and out into the morning air; causing many to stop their work and listen. It sang with the joy of life, friendships, love, peace and happiness. Melvern stopped in his own task; calling to mind the older female – Magaski - who'd been wise beyond her years, even when he'd been a boy now many seasons gone. Her joy and zeal for life sang in the music, now soaring through the spring morning air, like a snow-fed bubbling brook.
"Chah-moz-ee, White Swan," he whispered as the tune faded.
Suddenly an angry shout sounded from the woods – breaking the music's magic spell. Halmar appeared with Tora in tow; both having run hard and fast. Chakotay stood in the tent's entrance flute in his hand, eyes anxious.
"The Settler's and Voyagers come!" the red-head male announced his tone angry, looking as if he'd take on anyone who crossed his path.
"Why?" The mild toned question had a calming effect as the Great Chief and his chosen warriors joined Helmet Glory.
"How should I know? I didn't stop to ask," the warrior snapped; turning to Melvern. "We should have done what Hakan had suggested in the first place," his anger burning within him.
"And defy the Law of the Wise Ones?" Before anyone could respond to that, Tora spoke:
"Tatti!" pausing to draw breath, her enforced run had knocked out of her. "They were calling for Tatiana," her voice stronger, looking at Chakotay.
"What will you do?" Melvern asked him, his hand on Halmar's chest, halting the hot-head warrior both in speech and actions.
"I'll take her back to them. They need not come here."
"Even so; we shall still move from here. At least for the time being," he said, his tone brooking no argument. He gave clear orders to his people to break camp and move to the higher grounds; something they had not done in almost a full season. The N'de's quietly and quickly went about their business of dismantling their village. Chakotay watched them for a moment feeling sad and then returned to the inside of the tepee to ready the sleeping girl-child for their trip back to the river plain and the alien obelisk. Freya silently joined him and said:
"She won't leave with them; the Settlers. How will you persuade her?" Seeing him wrap up the flute and put it in the child's clothing.
"I don't know, Freya. Things are moving faster than I thought they would," his tone and eyes anxious. She knelt beside him.
"Magaski's death has hit you hard. Hasn't it?" He could only nod, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. "Yet I believe it is not only her, but many other things you've found here," gently rubbing her hand across the back of his taunt shoulders. It comforted him; sighing deeply to hold back the rushing tide of emotions; he bent forward and gathered the still sleeping child into his arms.
"I'd better go," carefully getting to his feet. As they emerged from the tent Harelda gave him a small bag with some provisions and place it on the child.
"The Great Spirit protect and guide you, Kindred Spirit," she said her amber eyes moist.
"You too, Sea Duck," he replied; feeling Freya standing close to him. Melvern gave him the warrior's salute, before gathering his people together and leading them away form the site and off to the high ground. The site was now just an empty wooded clearing with no signs that it had ever been occupied. It left him feeling equally empty; hearing the tepee behind him come down.
Elki and Halmar soon had it packed up for carrying, leaving nothing behind, only an empty patch of bare ground. Only Elki acknowledged his quietly spoken traditional farewell. Halmar scowled sourly.
"Halmar; The Wise Ones who brought your kind here went to great lengths to protect the N'de from their enemies. Honour them please, in not drawing First Blood." His soft-spoken words touched the redheaded warrior. "Remember there are many types of courage………"
"…One is knowing when not to fight," he finished for him, grinning. Elki called his name sharply, so he hurriedly said a quick farewell and ran to catch up with his friend and hunting companion; soon he disappeared from sight. Lifting his burden into a more comfortable position, he and Freya left the wooded clearing in the opposite direction off toward the obelisk. Netis and Hakan joined them, having been keeping a discreet eye on the searchers, as well as staying hidden from the searching teams of four uprights apiece. Hiding in the dense undergrowth of the newly growing ferns, they silently waited for a near-by team to pass. Chakotay laid down his sleeping bundle and eased the kinks out of his burden muscles.
"You'd better go," he advised quietly. Freya kissed his cheek gently and then joined Netis her mate. Hakan clasped Chakotay's arm in the traditional warrior's manner – hand up above the wrist.
"Good hunting, Shikasha," he said startling the tattooed male. Recovering his surprise, he responded confidently:
"Good hunting to you, Shikasha," his smile broad. The three friends melted away into the undergrowth, watching warily for the search teams, thus leaving him alone with the girl-child who began to stir for her long slumber. Slowly she surfaced from her deep sleep and smiled up at the noble white head of the N'de standing over her. A human voice calling her name startled her, seeing his ears pitch forward to catch the sound.
"They are looking for you, Tatiana," he said softly. "Did you not tell them?" She looked away shame-faced.
"I want to stay here with you," turning her large sorrowful eye on him, as she sat up beside him.
"Neither of us can stay, Tatti," his tone telling her, her silent pleadings were falling on deaf ears; whilst he kept alert for the searching uprights. "You know the rest of the sayings about the Great White as well as I," he gently reminded her; softly nosing her silver hair. She sat hugging her knees against her chest. "Who's to say you can't visit," he added, almost as if he was teasing her.
"Don't!" she snapped, responding to the teasing and feeling hurt.
"I mean it, Tatiana," cold nose against her cheek. "The obelisk will need periodic maintenance. The N'de won't be able to do it." Slowly she smiled, lifting her head to look at him.
"That tickles," trying to sound annoyed and failing miserably. "Will I be able to say goodbye to the real you?" He returned her smile.
"I don't see why not. You'll have to ask Captain Janeway's permission," he teased softly.
"I'd better say sorry too. Hadn't I?" He grinned with her; then she put her arms around his thick-ruffed neck. "You're special, very special, Chakotay," she whispered into his ear and then let go.
"We'd better return to Voyager," his tone of voice very matter-of-fact, hiding his own emotions about leaving this place. Tatti happily got to her feet, picked up the food pouch and the flute and purposefully set off. Most of the search teams had moved past them, so they walked unworried toward the starship. The girl-child ate some of the food and then put the flute to her lips and played beautifully. Chakotay recognised the tune, yet said nothing realising Magaski had passed her talent from him to the young silver-haired female.
"Mother always said I had a natural ear for music. Once heard always remembered," she informed him, happily. As they walked she played it again, the birds sang in union, filling the blossoming spring air with the sounds of the joy of life.
/\/\/\/\/\
Some kilometres away Tuvok stopped in his tracks, listening. Paris' team joined him.
"You hear it?"
"Yes, Mr. Paris," he said simply; checking his tricorder. "Readings indicate a small humanoid female with a large Lupine creature, moving in a north-west direction."
"Paris to all teams," hitting his com-badge. "Return to Voyager. Repeat, return to Voyager," he ordered closing his com-signal.
"That is not wise," the Vulcan cautioned.
"Tuvok; some of these Settlers are just itching to shoot one of the N'de. I'd rather they didn't start taking pot shots at anyone. Especially the Large White," his voice quiet on his last sentence, standing close to the dark male.
"Look! There's one!" shouted a male in Tom's party. Magan lifted his weapon that he'd been hiding under his clothing. Phelan shouted at him, as he sighted the Lupine. Tom and Ayala flew at him knocking off his aim. The fire-stick's shot sounded loud within the trees, throwing splinters off the bark next to the motionless Lupine. All bird song had ceased abruptly. Breathing heavily the three males scrambled to their feet. Tom angrily swung the weapon hard against the nearest pine tree trunk smashing it.
"You fool!" he snapped advancing forward, but stopped short of the target of his anger, when Tuvok called his name. Ayala held the scowling male, yet he cowered from the glare aimed at him from his fellow settlers.
"We had better return to Voyager," said the cool toned voice of the dark Vulcan. They all silently moved off with Paris bringing the broken weapon – fire-stick – with him.
Hakan stood there frozen to the spot long after the uprights had moved out of sight. Netis and Freya cautiously edged toward the young warrior and touched him. Startled he blinked at them and then the three were running swiftly through the woods toward the large Starship in the river plain, anxious for Chakotay. Melvern, Elki and Halmar, having been drawn back by the sounds of the fire-stick's shot, soon joined them. It didn't take them long to reach their objective, the stand of trees at the head of the valley to the south of the obelisk. Carefully they edged forward through the thick summer undergrowth to see what would transpire with the uprights, their ship and Kindred Spirit.
/\/\/\/\/\
People milled about beneath the graceful ship as she sat on the level plain of the meandering river. At her bow rising above the valley floor stood the alien obelisk, silent now against the snow free dark cliff face. Both uniformed and settler uprights mingled, standing or sitting quietly chatting among themselves; some strolled in from the direction of where the settler's village has once sat, bringing with them the last of their presence there. Suddenly a shout went up and all turned to the rear of the ship seeing a dark speck growing larger. The Delta-flyer was returning making for the shuttle-bay at the ship's tail end. Tom Paris, who brought up the rear of their returning search party, smiled especially as the large ginger-haired gruff figure of Brandon with Jabez materialised among the people; whilst the flyer docked within Voyager.
Excited chatter greeted his group as they continued their descent toward the ship. Brandon spotted them and strode over leaving poor Jabez to field the many questions thrown at him by his contemporaries. The Voyagers just watched amused. The gruff male gave Phelan such a bear hug that it practically lifted the older male off his feet.
"Put me down. You big oaf!" he shouted in mock anger. Brandon did so gently, grinning broadly.
"Oh! Phelan you should see it. It's………….so…wonderful," his expression one of sheer boyish delight. A shout behind him, curtailed whatever else he might have said; turning to find his wife – Rowena – flinging her self into his large embrace.
"Brandon! I was worried about you," kissing him deeply, her smile watery.
"Well! That is a welcome!" he said his arm around her, holding her close and moving back toward the crowd around the harassed Jabez. Magan sulked, yet forced a grin when Phelan pulled him with him. The talk bubbled with excitement as the two returnees regaled their friends with all that had happened on the fourth planet, soon to be their new home.
/\/\/\/\/\