Forwarded by the ASC-VSO Posted: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 22:18:09 -0000 In: alt.startrek.creative From: "Janeway Voyager" janeway.voyager@ntlworld.com Title Star Trek Voyager - Coming Back to Life Author Janeway Voyager Series Voyager Rating NC-17 Codes J/f Contains lesbian sex scenes, and much angst. Part 1/4 Summary Six years after the return of Voyager, a news reporter wants to write about what has happened to the crew since their return. Is the Captain about to meet her match? Warning: This work contains lesbian sex/love scenes. If this is not your cup of tea then I suggest you do not read it. Email: Feedback is most welcome. janeway.voyager@ntlworld.com COMING BACK TO LIFE - by Janeway Voyager Lisa Ross sipped her champagne and thoughtfully glanced around the room. The Anniversary of the return of the Star Fleet Voyager crew had once more been a triumph of family and a celebration but, she noted wistfully, tinged with sorrow - she could only guess what effect the seven years in the wilderness of the Delta Quadrant had had upon the crew and how it's influence had permeated every aspect of their lives since their return. Her reverie was halted by the intervention of the chinking of glasses and the room fell silent. 'I propose a toast: To Star Fleet's finest. The crew have been home now for 6 years yet the family is as strong as ever. To, The Family' 'The Family' All in the room raised their glasses in unison, and as Lisa took a sip of her drink she saw among 'the family', wistfulness, regret, thankfulness and affection all wrapped up in a frozen moment of reflection. 'Lisa? To what do we owe the honour?' Lisa looked into the smiling eyes of the handsome man and took the offered hand. 'It's great to see you again Harry. How long has it been?. Eight years - no, must be nearer ten! I'm here to cover a story for the Star News.' 'Star News eh? We are honoured indeed. I read all your Bolian War coverage. That was a huge story. Four years in a war zone. Things must have been tough for you. I read all your transcripts. I'm impressed!' 'Seven years in the Delta Quadrant would seem to me a far worse fate. At least I chose to go there unlike you and the crew' 'So what's your angle on our little adventure. I'd have thought everything would have been written by now' 'Well yes, from the aspect of the 'adventure' as you call it but I want to do a more personal take on the story. I want to write about life after the Delta Quadrant. What life has been like since the return of Voyager and how that's affected the individuals now we are six years on. I was hoping to start with the Captain but she seems rather withdrawn. I don't want to intrude, especially tonight.' Kim glanced over at the Captain and allowed himself a moment of reflection. 'I can see you are very protective of her. She must mean a great deal to you - to all of you' Harry pulled himself back and smiled 'Yes - she's a very special lady. Look, why don't I introduce the two of you. I'm not promising she will give you an interview but......' 'What is it Harry?' Lisa interrupted, noticing some reluctance in his voice 'Off the record?' 'Of course. I'm not here as a gossip columnist and I don't intend to write anything that would break a confidence - that's not my style. You should know that' 'No - of course not. I'm sorry but as you say, we are very protective of her. It's just that she's a very private person and I know that she took the deaths of the crew we lost very hard and very personally. Most of us have managed to get our lives back on track since we got back. It was hard I don't deny, but for the Captain - well, let's just say we would all like for her to find some happiness. Perhaps if you can get her to talk about what she went through it would help but promise me you'll not say or do anything to hurt her' 'I promise Harry' 'And I'm sorry for asking. You are after all, a very respected journalist and it's a long time since our college days. I always thought you'd join Star Fleet' 'And I always thought you'd be a journalist' They both laughed and took a large quaff of champagne then Harry held out his arm, old fashioned style, and Lisa happily took it. 'Come on then. No time like the present. Let me introduce you to our Captain. By the way, have you got a partner? The last I heard was that you were single again. I was sorry to hear about....... ' 'Yes....single again Harry. It's been three years since......Look! Are we going to meet this Captain or are you going to spend all night interrogating me? ' said Lisa with a smile forming. ' 'Hmmm....you may just be what our captain needs' 'HARRY!' They both laughed again and made their way across the room. ************* ' Excuse me for interrupting Captain but there's someone I'd like you to meet' 'Yes Harry, by all means. Just a moment ' She called after the retreating figure, 'Save me one of those delicious Raliken vol-u-vents Belanna.' 'You got it !' Janeway turned back the two to them. 'Well, it's very nice to meet...? The question hung in the air. 'Lisa - Lisa Ross' 'I'm Katherine Janeway. You've kept this quiet Harry. I didn't know the two of you were......' 'No........I mean......we aren't......I mean .......' 'Friends Harry, I just meant friends' Janeway looked at Lisa with amusement and they both laughed. 'It's OK Harry' Lisa said hardly containing her own amusement 'I think I can handle it from here' 'Great......I'll be going then........I have to see Tom about.......' The last of Harry's words were lost in the crowd and the two women faced each other again still smiling. 'Let's start again shall we? I'm Lisa Ross. I'm sure people are always saying that they've heard a lot about you but the fact is that I have so it's nice to finally meet the great Captain Janeway. Lisa put out her hand and Janeway took it warmly. 'It's nice to meet you too Lisa. What brings you to our little reunion?' 'I work for the Star News and am hoping to write a story about the crew so Admiral Paris arranged for me to come tonight and hopefully start to get to know you all.' 'Ah....a journalist. Well I'm sure you must be highly thought of if Admiral Paris arranged this so please don't take this personally........It's just that I prefer not to involve myself in interviews. I'd be happy to introduce you to our press officer who would be only too pleased to talk for hours on Voyager and he has the crew profiles.......' 'I have just lost two strips of gold pressed Latinum' Lisa interrupted. 'I'm sorry?' 'Admiral Paris almost quoted you word for word. I just lost my bet' Janeway starred at her then couldn't help herself and let out a characteristic laugh. 'Well we can't have that can we? I do have some free time coming up but I'll warn you, I won't be very forthcoming but at least you'll win your bet. Now if you'll excuse me I really must mingle. Contact me at Star Fleet Headquarters tomorrow morning and we'll arrange something........It was nice to meet you Lisa' And then she was gone leaving Lisa both elated and sad at the same time. She hadn't expected to be so intrigued by this woman or stuck by her underlying sorrow. This story was going to be harder to write than she had ever anticipated.......for more reasons than she cared to acknowledge. ***************** Lisa duly arrived at Star Fleet headquarters at the allotted time. The 'orders' from the press office had been quite specific. '1400 hrs in Captain Janeway's office and you will have 30 minutes and no more.' 'It's a start' she thought as she knocked on the door and heard a positive voice inviting her in. 'It's nice to see you again Captain. Thank you for seeing me' The two women shook hands and Janeway gestured for Lisa to sit down in the chair opposite her desk. 'Barriers' Lisa thought to herself . She even uses the furniture to prevent people getting close to her. 'Well what did you have in mind for this interview Lisa? I must say, I think just about everything has been written about Voyager over the years but we can't have Admiral Paris thinking he was right can we? How can I help you?' Lisa sat and carefully contemplated her reply. She's forthright and professional and very very guarded. My God, this woman is in so much emotional pain. I can't do this to someone carrying so much hurt. 'Well if we promise to keep this to ourselves, Admiral Paris will be none the wiser and I will win my bet. I don't believe you're ready to talk to me Captain. I don't want to waste your time or mine on going through what the press officer could easily tell me so if it's OK with you, I'll leave you to your work - and your.....sadness' Janeway immediately sat up in her chair, tilted her head slightly and looked intriguingly at Lisa 'My sadness? Whatever do you mean?' 'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It's just that I was hoping to get to know the real Katherine Janeway. As you say, the Captain Janeway story has been told in full' 'And you want an exclusive?' replied Janeway not a little annoyed at this turn of events. 'Actually no. I am a journalist yes, and I don't deny I am attempting to write an account of what the Voyager crew have gone through since their return but I am not a sensationalist. I have a professional standing within my field just like you Captain, and I do not deal in heartache and exposé. I can see this is a little too close for comfort for you so I think it best we leave it at that?' Janeway leaned back in her chair and studied the woman in front of her. She liked her frankness but was uncomfortable yet fascinated with her uncanny insights - insights that Janeway had hidden deep inside herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by Lisa standing and offering her hand. She took it but was surprised to find Lisa didn't break the contact and their eyes met........ Janeway was completely taken aback by her own reaction and rendered helplessly wordless. She heard Lisa speak but it was as if she were far away. 'Captain? CAPTAIN?' 'Oh.......yes......I'm sorry Lisa' She let go of her hand and sat back her chair still reeling from the realisation of the instant attraction she felt when their eyes met and then went to dismiss it but found herself saying, 'Do you drink coffee?' 'Coffee?' 'Yes. Would you like a cup of coffee?.......or tea?.......or whatever you would like to drink. I was about to go for my ritual afternoon coffee and you are welcome to join me. Perhaps we could start again. I'm still not promising any interviews but the least I could do if offer you some refreshment' Have I just had 'one of those moments' or have I imagined the attraction Lisa said to herself. God, I'm out of practice but it has been three years........No.......she couldn't possibly be.........I've made this mistake before remember...... 'I would love to join you' she said to her utter surprise. Janeway arose from her seat and motioned toward the door. 'Then lead the way. The dining room is just out the door and to the right.' 'Star Fleet certainly knows how to treat its officers' Lisa said taking in the plush surroundings of the dining room. 'Well this room is used for visiting dignitaries but when they are in short supply, I take a little advantage. One has to have some privileges of rank' Janeway smiled. 'Please - have a seat' she added gesturing towards a large sofa by the window. 'That's one barrier overcome' Lisa noted to herself then said, 'I apologise for being too personal about the sadness aspect. I really am not here to pry - my professional observation can be a curse sometimes. It tends to overlap into all aspects of one's life and I didn't intend to embarrass you.' 'No......really. It didn't embarrass me just took me by surprise that's all. I expect we have the same problem sometimes separating our work and our private lives' 'For you especially. It can't have been easy for you during the seven years in the Delta Quadrant?' 'It wasn't easy for any of the crew' Janeway replied a little too defensively. Lisa could see the invisible walls start to go up around the Captain and her heart went out to her. 'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.......Look Captain. Let's make a deal. I promise not to write a word about the real Katherine Janeway and you can hopefully relax and treat me as a friend having a chat over a coffee......which I hope you can regard it as. A deal? 'Yes, and I'm sorry too Lisa. I would like to regard you as a friend and knowing I can trust you would help that friendship - it's been so long since.......' Her words trailed off into wistful silence. 'Since what Katherine? May I call you Katherine?' 'I would like that.' Katherine smiled then once more looked into the distance as if the words were being dragged from her soul. 'Being a Captain has meant certain sacrifices and having friendships out of Voyager has been somewhat limited not least due to being in the Delta Quadrant ! A Captain's life isn't all plain sailing' 'You mean lonely' Janeway looked shocked at the words as if it were the first time she had ever realised how true they were. She bowed her head fearful that Lisa would see her reaction then slowly raised it only to find she was staring into the face of her 'confessor' 'Why am I telling you this Lisa?' she said, still their eyes locked 'I haven't........' 'Loved?' Again the words took Janeway aback. Who is this woman that could get to her very soul within minutes of them meeting? She searched the eyes looking upon her and saw only compassion and understanding and instinctively reached out for her hand but was interrupted by the chirrup of her comm badge. 'Ransom to Janeway' Janeway held the gaze then to Lisa's dismay put on her Captain's persona and stood, tapping the badge to reply. 'Yes Admiral, what can I do for you?' 'Can you join me in Ops Katherine. I think there's something you should see' 'Certainly Admiral. I'll be right there' She turned to Lisa but visibly softened as she once more met her gaze. 'I'm sorry. Duty calls. Perhaps we could.......' 'Have dinner?' 'Do you always finish peoples sentences? Janeway smiled and although she fought it found herself replying that she would love to have dinner. 'Tomorrow?' asked Lisa' 'Tomorrow it is - I'll be in touch after I've seen to the Admiral' 'I know just the place' replied Lisa surprised at herself for being so forward. 'You'll love it' 'I look forward to it' Janeway shot her a wonderful smile as she saw her to the door and it was still there as she entered Ops. **************** The restaurant turned out to be in nothing less than a perfect location. Nestling in the foothills of the Colorado mountains, it had been built during the 20th century and despite the additions of modern living, had managed to retain the charm of the period. As Lisa materialised in the transport reception area, Janeway, having arrived a few minutes earlier, went up to greet her. 'This is a wonderful place Lisa. Why didn't I know about it before now?' Said Katherine, her enthusiasm blatantly obvious. 'Hi Katherine' Lisa smiled, delighted to see her companion so happy. 'You don't think I tell everyone about this place do you? And you'll be glad to know Star Fleet doesn't know about it either. We shouldn't see a uniform in sight - and by the way, you look wonderful out of yours' Katherine laughed 'I presume you mean in civilian clothes?' Lisa blushed at the faux pas and then they both laughed, linked arms and strode into the restaurant. **************** Lisa had forgotten how wonderful the meals were and they both happily tucked into their food with gusto, enjoying the fresh produce and fine wine. Neither hardly ever stopped talking and laughing throughout the meal so it was sometime before they left the table, and both groaned as they took a comfortable seat on the patio. 'I won't need to eat for a week!' said Katherine 'That chocolate pie was just.......just.......' 'Orgasmic?' They both fell into laughter again and were still giggling when the waiter placed two very large Brandy's on the table. 'I didn't order these Lisa said to no one in particular. 'I did' said Katherine picking up both drinks and handing one to her friend. Her expression changed to a more serious one. 'Lisa, I want to thank you for tonight. I really can't remember when I was so.......' 'Happy?' 'There you go again, finishing my sentences.' She laughed. 'Yes, I am happy and I've had a wonderful time. Here's to a friendship that I thought I would never have again' 'Because you wouldn't allow yourself to be happy?' 'Are you sure you're are not a counsellor rather than a journalist? ' Katherine turned with a wry smile teasing her lips then leant forward to look straight into the eyes of Lisa. 'How do you see these things in me? No one has ever.......' 'Seen you the way I have?.......the way I do? I feel privileged Katherine, that you have let me see the real you. I came to you as a journalist writing a story and ended up......' she stopped herself finishing the sentence. 'Ended up doing what? ' 'Now you are finishing my sentences' They both smiled but Katherine was not about to let her off the hook so easily. Her voice soft now she said, 'Tell me Lisa.......what were you about to say?' 'Wow........I think I've had far too much to drink. What say we order coffee?' The moment passed and Katherine let it, now somewhat fearful of the answer and of her own inability to not let the wine and Brandy make her say something she may regret - or was it that she would regret not saying it? A coffee was definitely what they both needed! Reluctantly the time came for them to depart and they made their way to the transport reception only to find quite a few irate people remonstrating with the manager on duty. Katherine moved into the crowd and quickly came back out urging Lisa to the front desk. 'The transport has broken down and they can't get an engineer out to repair it until tomorrow and all these people are going to need rooms. I suggest we hurry and book ours before they run out.' A very stressed man greeted them at the desk. Full of apologies, it was quickly evident they were not the first to cotton on to the problem. 'I'm sorry ladies but all I can offer you is one room. As you can see, they are in short supply tonight and this is the last room available. They both looked at each other and then at the approaching crowd. 'We'll take it' they both said in unison. ******************** The management had kindly arranged for overnight things to be in the rooms. The replicators had worked overtime, no expense was spared and all the guests would have everything they needed for an overnight stay. So it was with a certain amount of acceptance for a comfortable night, that Lisa opened the door. Neither was prepared for the sight of the one very large bed that dominated the room. 'Ah........it's a single room' said Lisa stating the obvious. 'I can't fault your observation skills' replied Katherine wryly, walking into the main area. 'Well beggars can't be choosers. At least we have somewhere to stay but if it's a problem........' 'No. Of course not' Lisa stated, annoyed she felt and sounded so unsure. 'This will be fine.......Look, they've left us a bottle of champagne! What say I open it and we have a nightcap?' 'I'm going for a shower. I'll be back for that champagne before you know it' said Katherine heading towards the bathroom, then turned towards Lisa, looked pointedly at her and said in a very alluring voice 'Anyone would think you're trying to get me squiffy!' She left Lisa opened mouthed. My God she's flirting with me......or is she? Maybe she was just making a joke......yes......no......I don't know!!! But there is an attraction......but that could just be wishful thinking on my part.......she's vulnerable and she's just enjoyed a night out with a friend and is making a joke........she has no other feelings toward you than that Lisa so just open the champagne and have a nightcap and......... Damn you Kayla Petersen.........why did I ever get involved with you? All it did was mess up any relationship since. Huh......what am I saying? Relationship is rather overstating it don't you think Lisa? I haven't even had a relationship since you - you put paid to that didn't you? Now I can't even recognise a relationship when I see one! Lisa's thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of Katherine in the doorway wearing a long cream, silky and very sexy night dress. 'What do you think? Not bad for hotel issue?' said Katherine doing a twirl 'Someone has very good taste. Now what about that nightcap?' Lisa was eternally grateful she had a task with the champagne to perform to take her eyes off the extremely attractive form of Katherine Janeway walking towards her. Fumbling with the foil wrapping, she gasped when she felt Katherine's hand on hers and heard the sultry words, 'Here, let me.' In silence, Katherine expertly opened the bottle and slowly poured two glasses, handing one to Lisa as she stood directly in front of her offering up her glass in a toast. 'To.......friendships' 'Katherine........I...........' 'What is it Lisa?' When she didn't reply Katherine stepped back, confusion swelling up inside her. 'I'm sorry......I didn't mean to embarrass you. Perhaps it's better if.......' 'No......Katherine please' Lisa quickly made up the space between them and looked into the eyes of Katherine seeing the hurt she has just inflicted. 'I'm the one that's sorry. It's just.....' 'Just what Lisa?' I'm either about to make the best decision of my life or the second worst move in the history of all time. Lisa carefully took Katherine's glass from her hand and laid both of them slowly on the table then turned back to her and placed her hand on the side of Katherine's face. 'Katherine Janeway, I hope with all my heart that you feel the same way otherwise this is going to be the shortest friendship on record and the most embarrassing' Without waiting for an answer, she reached forward and kissed her, their lips meeting in a soft lingering embrace. The two women starred at one another and both saw the answer in each other's eyes. 'How could you not know Lisa? You must have felt the attraction' then added with a mischievous grin, 'I thought I was giving off the right signals' 'Ah signals......yes, you were, or at least I thought you were but I've never been very good at signals.......not had the Star Fleet training you see' Both women laughed grateful for the release of tension. 'Look' said Lisa 'Why don't I go and have a shower and we can start again with that nightcap?' 'I'd like that' replied Katherine in her low soft voice, a smile lighting up her eyes. End of Part 1/4 -- Stephen Ratliff ASC Stories Only Forwarding In the Pattern Buffer at: http//trekiverse.crosswinds.net/feed/ Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCL/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:ASCL-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. 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