Chapter 7
Chakotay was entranced.
He had already heard this story, he'd already been told by Kathryn that Elizabeth Bashir had had an affair with Gul Dukat, that she had been in love with him, that she'd committed treason for him.
But as much as he hated admitting it, Elizabeth had been right. She'd been right when she'd, even though indirectly, stated he'd feel different upon hearing her story…the full story. It wasn't anything he could've expected…it was almost like a romance from a holonovel. Actually, more than just that. It was the sort of story Nechayev would've died for, he thought ironically. And now, I am most likely going to be the one given that particular honor.
In spite of that, his mind had wandered to the details…the details of this magnificent tale.
Elizabeth Bashir had children with Dukat? That was something Kathryn had not been aware of, or had chosen to keep for herself. On the other hand…had Jake Sisko known of that part at all? He must've…but he must've kept it secret even now. The honorable thing to do.
She had not cared for the destiny of all the people of Bajor?
He'd been told of this before…but he still couldn't believe it. He was certain version would've denied that part. On the contrary…she'd pointed it out, she was proud of it.
Her best kept secret…and her greatest pride.
When his mind cleared, Chakotay returned his attention to Admiral Bashir.
Her eyes were enveloped by a mist…a mist of sadness…and a tear was trailing down her cheek. However, her features had also taken up another look…a look of hope and determination he'd seen on her face more than once. It'd never been this strong, though.
„Well, Captain…" She forced a smile, „Satisfied? "
He didn't know what to say, honestly. Satisfied…yes, she was an excellent storyteller. And the story itself was so touching it would've caused emotion within him even if it'd been told using only the fundamental verbs and adjectives.
Despite it all, despite his views, his opinions, his duty, a part of him could understand. It was unwilling to admit to it, he was unwilling to admit to it, but it was undeniable.
But he had to think of the Bajorans. He wasn't certain about what a Pah-Wraith was, but from what he had heard, it would bring great evils to the planet…perhaps even beyond. If it was allowed to rule, millions of lives could be ruined. Like another Occupation…only worse. A lot worse.
That thought was what overpowered his sympathy and his understanding of the love between Elizabeth Bashir and Gul Dukat. The good of the many was more important than the good of the few…or one…or two.
Thanks for that, Tuvok. He remarked on the inside.
„Admiral." He went on stalling for time, „Have you ever considered the fact the Pah-Wraith had been lying? That you won't get Dukat back? That it was just its way of reassuring you to free it?"
One of her eyebrows craned gently. For a moment, Chakotay thought he had been successful, that he'd made her doubt. But that would've been too good to be true…too easy. With another grin, she shook her head.
„Nice try, Captain. But even if it were true…I'd test it. I'd bring the pah-Wraith back. I have nothing to lose…and more than just a lot to gain."
Chakotay began racking his brains again. He had to stop her. He had to…
„Now, Captain…I don't know whether you understand me or not. I don't know whether you see why I'm doing this…whether you see how strong my motives are. But I don't care. I am going to do what I am supposed to do right here and right now. „
Before he had a chance to react, to fully grasp the meaning of her words, she moved over to a wall. At his outmost surprise, there was a console hidden there, in the dark. Within seconds, a forcefield was surrounding him.
„There's a purpose for your being here other than stopping me, Captain." Now, her face was nearly ecstatic, „You shall serve my purpose once more."
Once more…have I served you before? Chakotay, with a painful stab, realized he had once again. It made him feel guilty, old and stupid. Incompetent.
But there was nothing he could do, except for watching Admiral Bashir bringing her plan to life. He tried his hardest to remain composed, not to begin hitting the forcefield with his fists.
„Do you know what you're about to do?" He cried out, as Elizabeth typed in some sort of a code into the console. It illuminated the three of what appeared like sticks, placed to form a triangle. He had a gut feeling that these were what had emitted energy signatures Bashir had erased from the tricoder.
She laughed out loud, and he would've too had he not been in such a position.
„I've been working on this for five years, Captain. I think I know precisely what I'm doing."
True. No argument could've stood against that. In the middle of the three sticks, Chakotay noticed a square-like object…a book. The Book Of Pah-Wraiths. She must've spent millions to get that.
Finishing the typing, Elizabeth moved into the centre of the triangle, picking up the book.
„I had to learn to read Bajoran for this!" She remarked lightly. That remark cut into Chakotay's memory and, for some reason, later became the most vivid element of that entire night.
What she read, he didn't understand. All he understood was the fire burning within her eyes as the energy beams began to appear between the sticks, all he could grasp was that burning desire, the relief, the final resolution. He could see she'd waited for this for years. He could also see she wouldn't care if she died…it would've put out her misery.
Suddenly, a bright light started filling the cave; so bright he had to close his eyes. The last thing he saw was Elizabeth, holding up the book, astonishment all over her.
Then, after the brightness came the deepest darkness he had known so far.
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Elizabeth, too, had felt the light and the darkness.
Whatever this meant, it brought her joy and relief. If she had made a mistake, if she was dying, if this was death…then she was thankful. Because living without Dukat for the rest of her life would've been so much worse.
Now, whatever the outcome was, the pain would end…the heaviness of her heart would finally go away. She'd finally be able to breathe freely…a feeling she hadn't known for more than thirteen years.
The darkness twirled her all around, so she closed her eyes, waiting. She expected fear would come, but there was nothing…nothing at all. All feeling seemed to have disappeared from her, as if dissected. She didn't mind it one little bit…just as she didn't mind sinking into blissful oblivion… She thought of Illari and Procal, she thought of the life she'd leave behind…
„Elizabeth!"
The voice…that voice! Oh, she knew it so well! For countless times, she'd heard it in her dreams, whispering those three little words that sound so big into her ear…She'd never been able to forget that voice, to let it fall by the wayside…never.
But what did this mean? Was she dead? Was she alive? Had she succeeded or failed?
She noticed she was shaking…why? Was it because of shock? Was this too much for her…hearing him say her name after all those years? Or had this entire experience merely weakened her so?
I'll be strong for you. She repeating those words in her thoughts to her children, just as to Dukat…even though he'd already been dead then.
And she had been strong. Perhaps now time had come for her to let go of that strength. To be weak for just a moment.
She began to feel her body again…she could move her fingers. Then, she realized that she had not been shaking at all…someone had been shaking her! Who? Who?
Was it him? She had regained control of her eyelids, but was afraid to open them. What if it wasn't him? What if she'd failed, yet remained alive? What if those five years had gone to waste? What if her life had gone to waste?
„Elizabeth…" But that voice! That voice! It must be him, it must be him! Getting out of the turmoil of her thoughts, she felt something dragging her to 'the surface'. It was as if sunlight had shed her, as if a ray of Sun had danced on her face…suddenly, she felt she could breathe again, breathe with complete freedom.
I'll do it. I'll do it, and may all be damned if it isn't him.
So she opened her eyes boldly, determinedly, only to be flooded by a bright light. This time, though, it wasn't the Pah-Wraith light, but one more natural…the sun of Bajor.
At first, she was distracted by it, distracted by the fact she was out of the caves. Only the did she realize that someone had carried her out there.
As her eyes traveled to her savior, she felt her heartbeat increase. This was it..this was the moment of truth…
She was lying on the floor, on the grass…and above her knelt a man. A tall, dark haired, dark-eyed man. A Cardassian man.
And all the happiness of this universe poured into the heart of Elizabeth Bashir. It was impossible to describe…like a sudden spring, like air entering your lungs after hours without it, like cold water in June, like hot tea in December.
Elizabeth had seen many wonders and pleasures in the universe.
But none could've been compared to the elation she felt when she looked at her Dukat…and saw him looking back.
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They kissed. She jumped up, throwing her hands around his neck, planting the most passionate kiss of her life onto her lips. It possessed all the fire, all the love the human heart could've fathomed. He returned it, with equivalent vigor, his arms wrapping around her body. For more than just a few minutes, they remained like that, enjoying each other's touch and nearness, attempting to make sure it was true, that it was no dream.
They had so much to tell to each other…thirteen years, thirteen years of unspoken thoughts, events, words…
Elizabeth found that she couldn't speak. Not just yet. She was going to remember this moment forever. The moment of being in his arms, in his strong grasp again. She could've died now, died with ease. Her wish, her only wish, had been fulfilled.
„I've missed you." He spoke first, after nearly half of an hour, his voice more silent than a whisper.
She nodded; „Oh…I just can't believe you're back. I can't believe you're with me again. Oh, how I love you…"
He responded with another kiss. They could've remained like that forever, had something else not reached Elizabeth's mind.
„We aren't out of here yet." She pulled away with difficulty, looking up at him.
„What do you mean?"
„We aren't safe yet. We have to get away from Bajor." She inhaled deeply, „And I have a plan."
He didn't ask any questions; merely got up as she did and followed her with an amused expression on his face. For the first time in years, Elizabeth managed a genuine smile. She could've recalled that expression; one he'd use any time she'd have a plan. Any time she'd have an idea.
It didn't mean he doubted her wit or her intelligence. It merely was his way of teasing her. Before, she'd play offended at that, but now, she was too happy even for that.
Dukat only spoke when he saw they were approaching the Fire Caves.
„Why are we going back there?"
„The essence of my plan…is Captain Chakotay, who should be down there."
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Chakotay was woken by a loud sound. At first, he merely lied there, trying to discern what it was. Then, he realized it wasn't a sound…but it was the pain in his own head.
Not attempting to move, he waited for it to subside slowly. It indeed happened slowly, but finally he felt good enough to open his eyes.
It didn't take him long to remember where he was; nobody could've forgotten such an experience. But surprise did reach him that he recalled it when he became aware of his position.
Actually, he was surprised he was still alive.
He was covered with rocks. Not any sorts of rocks, though…big, heavy rocks with at least two meters in diameter.
Relief flooded him when he managed to move his legs and his arms. Nothing had been broken…a miracle, truly. He allowed himself to feel relaxed for a few seconds.
Then grim thoughts came back to him. Unless he was dragged out of here soon, he was most certainly going to die. Die of suffocation.
And he was certain Elizabeth Bashir was not going to bother with saving his life. Hell, he didn't even know whether she was still alive. Had she failed or had she succeeded? He certainly hoped for the former. Even if that might have meant his certain death. He was one…and there were millions and more on Bajor.
Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. His ribs hurt like hell…but not strong enough to lead him to suspect a fracture. That was something…even though it meant very little.
Hopes of help from the Victoria were in vain. Those people were so loyal to Admiral Bashir he wouldn't have put it past them to be participants of this devil's plan.
You are a dead man, Chakotay. Make peace with that fact.
An image of Kathryn flashed to his mind. His Kathryn, laughing, smiling, talking…and then he saw her dressed in deepest black, crying on his funeral. His funeral…he wanted to be buried on his home colony…next to his father and his mother. He wanted a traditional, Native American burial. Kathy knew that. He hoped she also knew how much he loved her…and he hoped she was not going to blame his death on herself.
Perhaps it was better if he did not survive. If Elizabeth Bashir had succeded, then it was certainly better that way. How could he ever look into the eyes of any Bajoran after so dumbly participating in her evil game? How could he ever forgive himself?
If she succeded…may God forgive me. May the people of Bajor forgive me…even though I would never blame them if they didn't. I wouldn't blame God if he had me burn in hell---
No. He didn't deserve forgivness…he deserved scorn and pain. He had become an uncapable old man. He was certain he could've changed something…
All of a sudden, he heard a sound. At first he thought it was his head again, but this time it wasn't. The sound was at first silent, than it began to grow louder and louder. It took him a few moments to realize what it was. And it made his heard pump blood faster.
It was someone moving the rocks.
The life that had passed before his eyes only moments ago was coming back now. With new strength, he tried to help whoever it was, he pushed the rocks as hard as he could. He was going to survive! And this must've meant she had not been successful, for she certainly wouldn't have tried to save me!
One by one, the rocks were moved away, opening a path to light. Breathing deeply, Chakotay saw that he could sit up. He did so, and then the final rock was moved away.
„Whoever you are, I owe you---"
„Your life…Captain?"
Chakotay froze. He didn't know that voice…he had never heard it before. But he had heard so many voices like his. Yes, it was a man's voice…and it sounded so cold, so smooth…so Cardassian.
With terror in his eyes, he slowly turned his head towards the speaker.
Gul Dukat's dark eyes were resting on him.
Next to Dukat stood Admiral Bashir, with a smile. A smile…he had never seen such a smile on her before. It was one full of pride, bliss, energy, success…Yes, it showed that she'd made it. Even without the smile, that much would have been evident.
Numbness overcame Chakotay. This could mean one thing. It meant one thing. He had failed. The Pah-Wraiths were free. And he was damned.
Chakotay found it impossible to speak, move or do anything at all during the following few minutes. As if someone had paralyzed him somehow-he could barely breathe. For a moment, he thought he was going to black out, but surprisingly he didn't.
Dukat and Elizabeth were silent during that time. Only later, when his mind began to function again, he started wondering why. Why had they saved his life? Why didn't they merely let him die?
Before he even had a chance to ask, the answer came to him on its own.
And made his jaw drop.
, „You shall serve my purpose once more."
They needed him; he heeded. They needed him for the final stasis of their plan. They needed him to complete this.
Well, then they had a problem.
Because he had no intention of aiding them in any way.
"No." His voice was hoarse, "I am not helping you."
Bashir stepped forward, laughing out loud. It made Chakotay realize what he'd subconsciously known before; no one was asking him anything. His statement had been more like childish stubborness than like serious opposition. Like a last attempt to make things right. The last, desperate attempt.
"Nobody asked you if you wanted it, Captain. As I've said before, you shall serve my purpose."
The coldness and the raw will in her voice didn't make him falter. As a matter of fact…it did, but only on the inside. His pride woke up and was vivid within him.
"I will not. What you are doing is wrong, Admiral. I would rather die than aid you."
Again she chuckled, unnerving and annoying him.
"Captain, Captain…" She came closer to him, "Do you honestly think that I was as stupid as to make a plan in which I actually require your cooperation? No, no." She shook her head, "I thought you knew me better than that."
The next thing he knew, Chakotay was feeling something plunged into his neck…and the world began to rotate before his eyes. No matter how hard he fought it, a curtain of blackness dropped over his face.
When he woke up, about an hour ago, he did so just in time to see himself and Admiral Bashir leave the caves…and then he was unconscious again.
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"Cardassia, ma'am?" Ensign Edmer was, for once, surprised by the orders that came from his Admiral.
"Yes, Ensign." He immediately regretted it, though, for when her eyes pierced his, he remembered that she was…always right; "Starfleet Command has entrusted us with a classified mission…Level 10 Security clearance. We are not to mention it to anyone."
"All right, ma'am." He st the coordinates; "Course set for Cardassia Prime."
"Thank you, Ensign." The unusual act of kindness left the young man sutpefied, but pleased, "If you need me, I'll be in my quarters. Do not disturb me unless it is urgent."
"Yes, Admiral."
Elizabeth nodded her head at him, then turning to the man standing beside her.
"Captain." She motioned at the turbolift, and was immediately followed by him.
The door closed behind them.
"Deck Six." The Admiral's face was still straight. Only when the turbolift began to emit sounds of movement did she look at the Captain.
He had been eying her for the entire time, and now that she did the same, a smirk curved his lips.
"I always claimed you'd make an excellent Gul."
"Well." Her regular face relaxed, and she turned fully towards him, "I suppose Admiral can suffice?"
"Certainly my kind of Admiral." He stepped closer, "Because I've never really met Starfeelt officials that demonstrated that sort of---"
"Iron grip?" Elizabeth cut in.
"Or that could finish my sentences." His remark was like a prelude to what would've been a kiss...for Elizabeth stopped his face from nearing hers with her hand. Her touch was gentle, though…evidently, she didn't want to stop him.
"Not now, Dukat." A mischievous glint appeared in her orbs, "We wouldn't want to…compromise Captain Chakotay after all the help he's given us, would we?"
Dukat did not move. He solely removed her hand from his face, gently caressing it.
"We would."
He leaned in, his lips pressing against hers. She closed her eyes, not to be forced to look at Chakotay's face. It proved very easy to see…or rather feel…this was Dukat. Every move of hid body, every move of his tongue, his lips…it all told her who he was undeniably.
She'd missed this…these tiny, daily mischiefs that seemed like adventures that broke the daily routine. The last time she had kissed someone in the turbolift was when Julian had been alive. Of course, it hadn't been nearly like this. Compared to Dukat, Julian was…had been…nothing. But she had liked him as a friend…
"It will take us exactly nine hours to reach Cardassia Prime at our present speed." She murmured into his ear, "How exactly would you like to spend them?"
His eyes met hers with a hint of playfulness.
"You know."
And, oh, if she ever did.
Nine hours were going to pass soon. Perhaps because they were so contenct in each others arms in her quarters that they forgot about the relevance of time. Or maybe it was because they were too happy to think about time. Or too preoccupied with other things.
"There is something I have to tell you." Elizabeth was leaning against Dukat's chest. He placed his arm around her shoulders, and she enjoyed the feeling of protection and safety it gave her. In spite of everything going on around them, she could forget it all in his arms.
"And it can't wait?" Dukat leaned in to kiss her again, and she did not resist. However, when he moved away, she gave an affirmative nod.
"It has already waited far too long."
"You have my ear, then." He smiled, "And a lot more, to be exact…"
For a few seconds, she stared dreamily into his eyes. Once they were back in her quartes, Elizabeth had restored his natural, Cardassian looks. It was such bliss to be able to stare at him as much as she liked…It felt almost too good to be true. She had to face constant fear he'd disappear into thin air, leaving her all alone again.
"It concerns…us."
Déjà vu hit her like a strong wave. There she was, about to tell him of the fact they had two children. Fourteen years ago, he had been telling her he'd had a daughter in the nearly same manner.
"I am listening." A hint of curiosity and apprehension was notable in his voice. Elizabeth knew he must've felt what she had before…fear that she'd tell him she loved him no longer. So, she hurried to tell him the truth.
"Thirteen years ago…you were killed. You died, leaving me all alone. But there was something you had left me…so I was not all that alone. Something that had kept me going, that had kept me alive without you."
Dukat was seeing what she was aiming at, because his eyes widened softly. Elizabeth finished before he could have spoken.
"Dukat…we have two children."
And she grew silent, watching his reaction and allowing the news to sink in.
Her eyes remained on his face as he gazed in front of himself for a couple of seconds, his face unreadable. Fear started to creep into her…what was he going to say?
Finally, after what had seemed like years to her, Dukat turned around. Elizabeth felt a huge weight disappearing from her chest when she saw the unmistakeable beam on his face.
"Another two? Well, I suppose I have offically made a record."
At frist, Elizabeth smiled. Then she began to laugh. Dukat laughed too, kissing her softly once again. She could never get tired of those kisses.
"What are their names?"
"Illari and Procal." She said happily, "Procal after your father."
"And they are…thirteen? Where are they?"
"On Cardassia. With…" How was he going to take this? Sighing slightly, Elizabeth let it out, "With your eldest son."
Confusion stroke his face for a moment, but it was gone soon enough, to be replaced by content.
"Do they know of me?" He asked.
"Yes…they do." She whispered, "They don't know that you are coming back, though…I didn't want to get their hopes up before…before I…"
The pause came to her because she was at a loss of words. Only now did she see how unbelievable all of this had been…Even though she had had so much faith in it, so much faith that she was going to be with Dukat again, she had not told Illari and Procal of her plan. Because she had, deep inside, known there was a probability it was not going to succeed.
Now that it had, she felt pleasure beyonf belief.
"I understand." Dukat did…and no words were necessary. Only another kiss.
"You are brilliant, Elizabeth. Brilliant." He whispered into her ear as he bit it slowly, "You did everything just the way I would have done it. Just the way I would have wanted it to be done."
That, she realized between the kisses, was the greatest compliment she had received in her lifetime.
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"He has not reported to you today?"
Kathryn Janeway regarded Admiral Alina Nechayev with concern in her eyes. But not concern for her. That feeling was for someone else. For her husband, Chakotay.
"He has not."
The answer that came nearly made her shudder. It evoked powerful emotions within her; powerful, negative emotions. As if every nerve inside of her had suddenly been activated. It was not like Chakotay to forget about his orders or neglect his duty, in spite of everything. In spite of Elizabeth Bashir and inspite of the terrible secret she'd kept. Nothing could get between Chakotay and his job.
Except for incapacitation.
Had he delayed the report in order to ready a story for Nechayev, he would've most certainly contacted her in time, to consult.
Something was wrong. Both her gut feeling and the facts were pointing at that.
If anything happened to Chakotay, she was never going to forgive herself. In spite of the righteousness and the honesty of it all, she was never going to forget it had been her who had insisted he investigated the Bashir matter. It had been her who had told him her true story, it had been her who had urged him to stop her without the Command finidng out anything about it. It had been her reposnibility…it was her fault.
The only question now was how to act. Even though she would've most gladly let everything go, every promise she'd made, every oath, every rule, and rush to Bajor with all the firepower Starfleet had in order to get Chakotay out.
But she whole-heartedly refused to do it. Because, in spite of her wishes, that would've made her no better than Elizabeth Bashir. Who had betrayed everything for her love.
Was she to tell Nechayev? No. She had promised to Jake Sisko she wasn't going to do that. But there had to be a way other than that…
"Admiral Nechayev." An idea sprang to her mind, and before she knew it she was voicing it, "Would you allow me to take my ship and investigate?"
Nechayev's eyebrows raised.
"Do you believe that matter to be so serious, Admiral Janeway?"
"No." Kathryn said, perhaps a tad too quickly, "But…my ship hasn't been out for a very long time. And we could take up that deuterium mining colonly mission by the way. It is close enough."
Slowly, thoughtfully, Nechayev nodded her head. Kathryn knew she'd said the right thing. The deuterium mining colony mission was the least desireable one at the moment. Starfleet Personnel were required to mine deuterium for two weeks due to a halt in production because of an epidemy of strong flu on the said colony. Whoever volunteered for that mission could do anything they wanted by the way.
"Permission granted." She finally had the consent, "And Kathryn…do bring him back in one peace."
"I will." But the gloomy side of her joined in.
Even though that might be easier said than done.
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Chakotay had been unconscious for hours. Or had it been hours? Perhaps days…perhaps even weeks. Time was of no relevance to him in this state. It was…to describe it with outmost simplicity, nothingness. Pure, utter oblivion. A sleep that was not truly sleep. Everything around him was black and he could not move a bone in his body. Yet he could look at the darkness clearly, feel the time passing, be aware of it all.
Every now and then, a new pain would erupt within his head, leaving him craving to move his arms and grab it. However, that proved to be impossible. Then he'd feel an itch, or a different sort of pain somewhere else. Again, he would experience the same problem. Eternal torture.
His mind would not stay focused-it ran from one event in his life to another for countless times, each time faster and faster. Soon, it became so fast he could not even follow. So he gave up on it. He gave up on everything.
Death seemed like such a pleasant event now. He nearly prayed for it, nearly asked it to come. He was certain he would've called out for it had he been able to utter a sound. He was certain he would've thought of it had he been able to think.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a voice was heard. Even though he couldn't have focused his mind enough to try and heed the words, even though he could only have heard the sound itself, Chakotay knew it to be one voice. And it sounded so familiar…
He felt a hipospray on his neck…or at least it seemed like a hipospray.
"Chakotay…!" Finally, he recognized a word! His name…someone was here! They were going to rescue him!
He made an attempt to move, but couldn't.
"Lie still." How had they seen he was about to move? The voice was commanding, but yet there was something in it…love, care, worry..
Kathy! It was his Kathy, next to him! That was her voice. At that realization, another wave of relief washed over him. If she was here…then everything was going to be fine…she was not going to hold herself responsible for whatever could've happened to him…Because nothing was going to happen to him.
Concentrating all his energy on it, Chakotay managed to open his mouth and emit a single word.
"Kathryn…"
"Be silent." Her voice had not softened completely yet…this meant, his mind was clear enough to tell now, that not everything was fine. It was simply her way of dealing with sadness…crudeness.
"You're going to be all right." She went on, probably reading the question in his eyes. Only then did he remember…he still was unable to see anything but blackness. That sent a series of chills down his spine.
"You are in the sickbay of the Amazon. " That was her ship…Chakotay felt more comfortable right away. The concept of still being in the Fire Caves, he had to admit at least to himself, had intimidated him greatly.
"You have been injected with a very large dose of something simillar to Anesthezine." Her voice cooled reasonably, "I suppose Elizabeth Bashir is not such a brilliant doctor as she evidently is an Admiral."
The sarcasm that dripped from her words evoked a smile on Chakotay's face. But he also gently shook his head(his strength was coming back). He was certain that Elizabeth Bashir had not made a mistake.
"She must've…planned…this…" He breathed.
"In that case, she had planned for you to come very near a brain stroke, experience a heavy concussioun, a complete disorientation of mind, and a temporary loss of eyesight."
Temporary. Thank God.
But there was a clear explanation of that.
"She must've wanted…incapacitate me…" He was not well enough to speak full sentences yet. Slowly, he began to dsicern blurry shapes around him. Kathryn, he realized, was the only person standing above his biobed. She must have respected the promise given to Jake Sisko and remained slinet about the whole affair.
Chakotay took in a deep breath, when a question crossed his mind. This one, he had to ask properly. It was the most important one.
"Bajor? What's going on on Bajor?"
Right away, he knew it was bad. Kathryn's lips turned into nothing but a thin line on her face, while her eyes were suddenly filled with strange emptiness. Every trace of hope dissapeared from Chakotay's heart.
"The Pah-Wraiths are free." Kathryn whispered, "I've managed a quick scan…they are spreading all over the surface. It is only a matter of time until the Prophets are destroyed."
"Is there anything…we can do?"
Please, let there be something, anything.
"No." She said firmly, "There isn't. I've spent the last five hours trying to think of a solution…but none came to me. None that does not break any of the Starfleet principles. Not even Admiral Necahyev could've thought of anything. She knows of this only as an incident…without the backstory." His heart began to sink, "But there is one, small chance…if we are asked for help by the Bajorans."
"Is that unlikely?"
Kathryn slowly nodded; "Yes. Highly. Thanks to Admiral Bashir, it is."
The image of an offended Kai Elani struck his mind. Damn it, Bashir had truly made a perfect plan.
"There must be something…"
For a few minutes, they both sat there in silent consideration. Chakotay could not believe it…he had been outwitted as if he were a mere naïve boy, not a man of his age…together with the entire Starfleet Command. Embarassment flooded him. He should've anticpitated something…he shouldn't have been so blind…
An idea hit him, all of a sudden. So suddenly it merely caused him to drop back into a lying position on the biobed.
Kathryn, who had seen it in his eyes-the glint, the hope, looked up right away.
"What is it?" She fired away.
"A plan." He breathed, "I have a plan." He moved closer to her.
"What if we got Elizabeth Bashir in our custody? What if we managed to accuse her of collaboration with the Pah-Wraiths…omitting the part about…" His voice came down instinctively, also because of Kathryn's sharp glare, "…Dukat? If we gave her to the Bajorans…together with her…lover, they'd see we are on their side. They'd let us help."
Kathryn's brow furrowed as she pondered this idea. Before she even spoke, Chakotay had seen there was something that bothered her.
"Giving them to the Bajorans, Chakotay…that would be as close to executing them ourselves."
"No, it wouldn't." Chakotay spoke with more certainity than he actually felt. The Bajorans were not a violent people, but they treasured their Prophets so…what exactly would they do to the woman who'd endagered them…or, by the time the succeed in hading her over, destroyed them?
"This is about millions and millions of people, Kathryn." Chakotay persisted, determined to amend his mistake.
"Does the Pah-Wraith have any intention of actually harming the people of Bajor?" Her tone was official now. That told Chakotay that she had inclinings towards his plan, but was not ready to listen to her heart…not just yet.
"It has the intention of destroying another race…the Prophets! And ruining the spiritual life of all the Bajorans!" He was still feeling dizzy, but tried to hide it. He did so successfully, his desire for redemption greater than anything.
"So you are suggesting we make a sacrifice?" Her head shook, "I'm not ready to do that, Chakotay. Whatever that woman might've done, she is a Starfleet officer. Therefore, she can only be trialed in one of our courts. By giving her out to the Bajorans, I would be abandoning every principle that I've respected since the beginning of my Academy days."
He swallowed. She was right. They could not break such fundamental principles…they could not become just like her solely to, in his case, redeem.
But he had not run out of options yet. He was not about to give up so easily. Not about to just let Elizabeth Bashir go away and the Bajoran people to go to hell.
"What about Dukat?"
Kathryn bit her lower lip slowly.
"Officially…" She began, "He is a dead man that had already been trialed for his misdeeds."
"But he is not dead, you know that!" Chakotay persisted again, "And he has committed another misdeed…cooperation with Elizabeth Bashir!"
"Technically, he hasn't. He never requested to be brought back to life…and you can hardly call…" She hesitated, looking for the right words, "…resurrection a crime."
"But that resurrection---"
Feeling stronger, Chakotay pushed away from the bed, getting up and facing Kathryn's eyes. He was hit by a lightning bolt of shock when she was the pity there. Pity. For him? For the Bajorans? He halted,a quizzical look overcoming him.
"Chakotay. I understand what you are going through. I understand that you feel guilty…that you want to…redeeem. But you have to let that go." He looked down, shaking his head slowly but surely. She continued, "It wasn't only you that had been fooled…it was the entire Starfleet Command! We gave her medals, we gave her power, ships…"
"But none of you was here when she was working on her plan." He muttered through his teeth, "I could've seen something…I should have."
The reprimand he felt for himself evenloped every word.
"Chakotay." She came closer, sitting next to him and placing an arm around his shoulders. In spite of everything, he found that feeling highly enjoyable…even though he shouldn't have felt joy, he didn't deserve it…
"You saw it all. You told me about it. Not a single thing escaped you."
"But I insisted on trusting her…" His voice grew quieter.
"The only thing you're guilty of is sympathy…and compassion. Now, that is no more of a crime than being resurrected."
For a few moments, they both stared aimlessly, Chakotay at the floor, Kathryn at Chakotay. Then, finally, he looked up, a small smile on his lips.
"Thanks for comparing me with Dukat."
They both laughed, Kathryn breathing a sigh of relief.
"We should recalibrate our main sensors to follow their ion trail with more precision." Kathryn was walking through the corridors quickly, "It would also help if we knew where they were heading…"
Chakotay, who was well enough to keep up with her pace, frowned for a moment.
"Cardassia Prime."He finally blurted out, "It's where their children are."
Her eyebrows raised dangerously.
"Children?" She nearly grinned, "Sounds to me like you have a lot to tell me about."
"You can't imagine." Jokes helped him, humour helped him, "Under one term…Nechayev does not find out."
"Certainly." They entered the bridge, Kathryn turning to her helmsman, "Lieutenant Sovok, set a course for Cardassia Prime, Warp 8. Mr. Malinson, " She faced the tactical operations officer, "Keep a track on their ion trail. If it leads to another direction---"
"Don't follow it." Chakotay cut in, getting surprised looks from everyone in return, "Sh---they are smart enough to give us a false trail."
Kathryn nodded; "Exactly. If their ion trail leads to another direction, stop and notify me of it."
"Aye, Admiral." Malinson nodded, turning back to his console.
"Captain." She turned to Chakotay, her voice reducing to whisper, "We have the honor of pursuin the currently most dangerous couple of the quadrant. May luck and God be on our side."