Walking onto the bridge the next morning felt strange. Not good, not bad, just strange. Kathryn hadn't been prepared for how her stomach would drop through the floor when she saw him, sitting there just as he did every day. The memory of that kiss was strong and insistent in her mind, threatening to turn her legs to jelly.
Seeing his expression, he didn't seem to be fairing much better. Were they being crazy? Was a relationship between them just going to be too much of a distraction?
Without a nano-second's pause, something in the back of her head stated firmly 'No'. Who knew how long it was going to take them to get home? Love with this beautiful, sensitive, heart-stealer of a man wasn't something she was prepared to deny herself anymore. Somehow they were going to figure it out.
"Chakotay can I talk to you in my ready room please?"
She wasn't really sure how to describe the look that washed over his face at her words - there seemed to be so much going on there. But the overriding emotion she could discern was fear. He was afraid.
The only way this was going to work was if they were both committed 100% to making it work. And she needed him to be the one telling her that they were doing the right thing. She couldn't handle having enough strength for both of them personally as well as having the strength for the entire crew professionally.
If she was honest, his hesitation was only making her want him more. Had she naively thought that the moment she proposed the idea of taking things further he'd be throwing himself at her? Either way, they needed to talk about this.
She turned towards the ready room door listening for any sound that indicated he was following her.
"Captain I'm getting massive energy readings about a quarter of a light year ahead".
"Report Mr. Kim". She reluctantly turned back towards Ops.
"I'm not sure Captain, but whatever it is it's covering a huge area of space - we're not going to be able to go around it".
"Tom, take us in for a closer look - bring us to within 100 thousand kilometres."
"Yes Ma'am"
"Janeway to Seven"
"Yes Captain"
"Transfer whatever data you have on this area of space from Astrometrics to the conference room and report there. We'll have a briefing in 15 minutes. Janeway out".
"This is a binary star system, home to eight planets two of which are class M. One of the planets is inhabited by a space faring civilisation, although they appear to be considerably less advanced than the Federation and I doubt they have the ability to travel outside of the sector".
"What can you tell us about the high energy phenomenon?"
"One of the system's stars is a White Dwarf which appears to have recently become a Type 1a supernova. This is due to matter falling onto it from the companion star over a period of time".
"So this is a cyclical event?"
"Yes Captain, once the explosion has dissipated the event would reset".
"I see. But surely the energy from a supernova wouldn't pervade over such a wide area?"
"Not under normal circumstances, no. Binary star systems of this nature are not unusual, but this one is unique in that the stars are embedded in a huge nebula. The high energy particles produced have reacted with the dense matter of the nebula resulting in almost total ionisation".
"An ion triggered cascade reaction..." Kathryn stared out of the viewport in wonder.
"How long will it last for?" Chakotay asked.
"It's hard to say Commander. According to my calculations the huge size of the companion star has produced a supernova of sufficient energy that a displacement spike has occurred".
"You mean part of the nebula has been liquefied!?"
"Indeed, due to energies well above the threshold displacement level, the ballistic phase of the reaction will last much longer than normally observed in supernovae - likely days rather than fractions of seconds".
"So what are our options?" Kathryn turned back from where she had been staring out into space, listening to them talk. Her tone suggested she already knew the answer.
"There is very little we can do Captain. Entering the nebula is not an option, we have very little data on the exact conditions inside, but at best every electrical system on the ship would be disabled by the ionisation..."
"That includes, I assume, our brain activity?"
Seven nodded.
"...At worst it would be akin to flying the ship into a fission reactor".
There was a long and heavy pause. Everyone appeared to be reluctant to say what they were all clearly thinking, Kathryn and Chakotay exchanged meaningful looks before the Captain finally said,
"So we're stuck here..."
"Captain there's a vessel approaching off the port bow. They don't appear to be armed"
"Hail them Mr. Kim"
"Channel open"
"This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. To whom am I speaking?"
A towering iridescent-green skinned alien with large gold eyes appeared on the viewscreen.
"Greetings Captain Janeway, I am Nil-es Bahk First Gan of the Inerian Royal Fleet. Is there anything I can help you with? Do you have business in our system?"
"We were merely passing through, Gan Bahk, but it seems we have encountered a little... obstruction".
"Ah yes, the Ion Cascade. Your timing is... unfortunate. I'm afraid you won't be able to leave the sector in that direction for around 10 of our solar days".
"I see. Perhaps then we could talk to you about trade?"
"I can do better than that Captain. Given your circumstances I would like to extend the hospitality of the Inerian Council and invite you and your crew to join us for a feast. We are a people who like to celebrate and it would be our honour to receive you".
"That is extremely kind of you Gan, I would be equally honoured to accept".
"Excellent. Please excuse me Captain, I must contact the surface to make preparations. We will look forward to your arrival in 4 hours' time - please feel free to make use of our space dock".
"Thank you again Gan. Janeway out".
Their first view of the Inerian Royal City was breathtaking. Towering spires of something resembling marble reached towards the sky. They had materialised in some sort of viewing dome that afforded a very favourable aspect across the sea of beautiful architecture.
After allowing them a few minutes to take in the scene, the Inerians who had been sent to meet them gestured towards a series of turbolifts at the side of the room. A short ride later and they arrived in a similarly stunning open and airy hall, lavishly decorated with delicate stone carvings. In the centre of the room a vast table was set for the meal.
"Welcome Captain Janeway to our Royal Banqueting Hall. I hope it meets with your approval?"
"Oh indeed Gan Bahk, it is nothing short of spectacular."
"Please let me introduce you to our council."
The senior staff were introduced to a raft of official looking Inerians before being ushered to their assigned seating. The food was all delicious - the Inerians appeared to be predominantly vegetarian which pleased Chakotay, and he took the opportunity to try everything on offer, asking the tall particularly green tinged alien to his left to tell him the names of each of the dishes.
The Inerian sitting next to Kathryn was slightly paler in colour and appeared extremely cheerful and curious about the Voyager crew,
"So I find it utterly fascinating that your 'Federation' ship is made up of people from different worlds and different races. I'm sure you must have realised that we are not as advanced as yourselves and that we only have contact with a few nearby planets along with whoever happens to be passing through."
"But you continue to make progress."
"Oh yes, of course, we have some very able scientists - perhaps I could interest some of you in a tour of our research facilities during your stay with us."
"We would be delighted".
The man turned to Chakotay.
"Commander, I'm particularly interested in your culture. You are from a very spiritual people not dissimilar to our own, are you not?"
"Yes, my people are very spiritual".
"But you yourself have not always been so?"
Chakotay looked at the man in surprise, "How do you know that?"
"Ah. Our people have an ability we have not observed in any of the other races we have met. Call it a sixth sense if you will. We sense things about others - impressions, images. It's a little hard to describe".
"You're telepaths? I must tell you, it is considered the height of rudeness in the Federation to read another's mind without permission".
"I do apologise Captain, but I must assure you we cannot read your thoughts and we have no intentions towards deception. Perhaps I should have mentioned this sooner but we are always wary of bringing it up with other races as it has caused... uneasiness in the past".
"Apology accepted. And I understand your reticence, but I think openness would have been better. However, let us continue - assuming Commander Chakotay is comfortable with the conversation".
"I have no objection Captain", Chakotay replied, although as the Inerian had rightly anticipated, he did feel a little ill at ease.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, the council members led the Voyager crew over to an area of the hall that was clearly set up for recreation.
Standing before something which looked akin to many thousands of gaming tables across the Federation, Tuvok looked down at the intricate arrangements of tiles before him.
"They look like pieces from an ancient Earth game called dominoes", Tom said.
"I do believe you're right", Chakotay agreed.
"What is the nature of the game?" Tuvok asked the nearest Inerian.
The man handed Tuvok a ball.
"You must choose the correct point in the grid to drop the ball - that is the one which will result in all of the tiles falling".
"I see", Tuvok squinted down at the sweeping tracks of standing tiles before him.
"It is like dominoes. At least like the old domino courses that humans used to set up. They'd hit the first one and the wave would pass along the track until all the dominoes fell. Well at least they would if the course was set up accurately enough", Tom commented.
"Ah, the challenge here is not in the accuracy of the course - the puzzle is laid by the computer. The challenge is in choosing the one point which will cause all tiles to fall with a single drop of the ball".
Tuvok was still staring intently at the table, waving his fingers above the layout, making a series of comparisons.
"Too difficult for you?" the overseeing Inerian asked, smiling, "don't worry it takes years of practice to learn how to spot the subtle signs that indicate the correct choice".
Tuvok leaned out and dropped the ball into one of the many slots in the clear cover over the table. The five other members of Voyager's senior staff that were gathered around the table all leaned forward as one to watch the chain reaction as the tiles began to tumble.
The tension was palpable as the course of the wave continued. At the moment just before the last few tiles fell, when they all realised at practically the same instant that Tuvok's choice had been the correct one, Kathryn's hand fell upon Chakotay's shoulder, squeezing gently - balancing herself as she leaned over from behind the others.
He glanced up at her with a smile, but she was too intent on watching the table to notice.
The last tile fell, as did the face of the Inerian.
"Remarkable", he exclaimed, "I don't believe I've ever seen anyone successful on the first try".
"Nothing to Kal Toh, eh Tuvok?" Harry asked with an amused smile.
After the initial shock, the Inerian smiled up at them.
"Would anyone else like to have a go?" As he asked this he tapped a few buttons on the console next to him and the computer sent down a whole series of metallic grabbers that intricately reset the table for a different puzzle.
"I would, but I suspect we'd be pushing our luck", Kathryn smiled.
"I'll take a turn". Chakotay's face was surprisingly serious as he volunteered.
Kathryn glanced at him in surprise. What was this all about?
The Inerian looked into Chakotay's face, then to Kathryn's, then back at Chakotay again with the smallest hint of a smile. He handed one of the small pale yellow balls to the Commander.
Chakotay's eyes narrowed as he focused on the table.
Behind his back, Harry leaned in to Tuvok, Tom and Kathryn, "Do you think he's got any chance?"
"I guess we'll soon find out", Kathryn answered with a raised eyebrow.
An hour or so later at one of the bars scattered around the central atrium, the senior staff were consoling Chakotay on his lack of success.
"You almost managed it Commander" Harry said encouragingly.
"Almost doesn't cut it though does it?" Chakotay replied.
"Perhaps we could take a little walk?" Kathryn asked him, gesturing to the pleasant, plant strewn walkway that encircled the large social area. She had no idea what had got into him, but she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
She offered him her arm and he took it. They walked together towards one of the staircases that led to the upper walkway. Ascending the stairs they took a few moments at the top to pause and look over the quite spectacular and beautiful building.
"This reminds me of looking down on the warp core", Kathryn let out a small laugh,
"It's a lovely place but I'll be glad to be underway again. It feels strange to be on terra firma for any length of time".
"You aren't glad of the break?"
She looked at him at this question.
"I might be. We'll see how I feel after a couple more days. Perhaps the itchy feet will wear off with a little relaxation".
They resumed their slow perambulation, pausing every so often to look at the exotic plants that adorned the walk. At one of these pauses, Kathryn looked up at Chakotay and asked,
"What was that all about? With the game?"
"What do you mean, what was it all about?"
"Your determination to win it. I've never seen you competitive like that".
"I guess I just... I don't know really. It kind of annoyed me, the way Tuvok was just able to do it like that".
Kathryn smiled wryly and patted his arm.
"Are you seriously telling me that your ego was threatened by Tuvok?"
He looked down in an attempt to hide his embarrassed grin.
"It was wasn't it? Well I never had you down as macho Chakotay". Her expression was a mixture of surprise, confusion and a hint of amusement.
"I don't know really, I guess I just... wanted to impress you."
She laughed so hard she practically snorted.
"Chakotay that is incredibly endearing, but you're an idiot."
She continued walking and left him standing before a particularly colourful flower. He was forced to jog slightly to catch her up. By the time he'd reached her, an older looking Inerian wearing flowing robes had met them walking around the pathway in the opposite direction. He looked intensely at Chakotay for a few seconds before saying,
"Perhaps I could suggest a challenge at which you may have a greater chance of succeeding?"
Chakotay looked at him somewhat confused.
"If you would both come with me, I could tell you more about my culture and put before you what I hope will be an interesting proposition".
Looking to each other with surprised curiosity, Kathryn and Chakotay followed the Inerian as he led them away.