Path: newsspool1.news.atl.earthlink.net!stamper.news.atl.earthlink.net!elnk-atl-nf1!newsfeed.earthlink.net!newsswing.news.prodigy.com!prodigy.net!newsfeed.cwix.com!border1.nntp.dca.giganews.com!nntp.giganews.com!newsread.com!newsstand.newsread.com!POSTED.monger.newsread.com!not-for-mail Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated Approved: ascem@earthlink.net Organization: Better Living Thru TrekSmut Sender: ascem@earthlink.net Message-ID: <20041227063921.39733.qmail@web80306.mail.yahoo.com> In-Reply-To: <6.1.2.0.2.20041227010106.0245b5e8@mail.earthlink.net> From: Mriana MIME-Version: 1.0 Mailing-List: list ASCEML@yahoogroups.com; contact ASCEML-owner@yahoogroups.com Subject: N2U, Resolutions- My Version, J/C, NC-17 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Lines: 1318 Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 13:55:14 GMT NNTP-Posting-Host: 209.198.142.218 X-Complaints-To: Abuse Role , We Care X-Trace: monger.newsread.com 1104155714 209.198.142.218 (Mon, 27 Dec 2004 08:55:14 EST) NNTP-Posting-Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 08:55:14 EST Xref: news.earthlink.net alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated:86348 X-Received-Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 05:56:00 PST (newsspool1.news.atl.earthlink.net) Title: Resolutions: My Version (Or the way it should have been) Author: Mriana=20 Rating: NC-17=20 Betas: Elorie Alton and Aeris Series: Voyager Pairing: J/C Archiving: Please ask. Disclaimer: All that is Trek is Paramount and I am but a lowly fan with a = better imagination than TPTB, still I get no financial reward for my talent= s, what little they are. Feedback: Please. Note: This is a re-write of Resolutions, the way it should of been, but TP= TB were to afraid to do. lol Not sure if this qualifies for the Golden O,= if so, great! If not, hope everyone enjoys my version anyway. :) =20 Chakotay=92s POV: It has been seventeen days since we were placed in stasis due to a virus we= now carry. During that time, the doctor had no luck in finding a cure for = the virus we had contracted from insects on this beautiful planet. Therefor= e, we=92ve been beamed down to the surface to possibly live out the rest of= our lives. Disclaimer is on intro page and fanfic menu page. I emerge from stasis and she is the first thing I see. Even after all this = time in stasis, she is beautiful. I can=92t help but watch her stare out in= to the distance with a soft breeze blowing through her hair as she addresse= d Voyager. The only thought I have now, as I watch her is, =91I can=92t think of anyon= e else I would rather be stranded and possibly spending the rest of my life= with on this planet.=92 She=92ll be the first person I=92ll see at the bre= akfast table every morning and the last one I see before I go to sleep at n= ight. When she turns around to see what was beamed down to us, I realize I had a = silly grin on my face, so I quickly begin to look through the things they s= ent us. End POV =93It looks like they transported the contents of the whole ship!=94 Chakot= ay exclaimed as he scanned the various items that Voyager had beamed down t= o them. =93We may have to be here for a while. Petri dishes, protein analyser, DNA = sequencers, everything I need for my research is here.=94 =93Do you really think you can find a cure?=94 He asked her and then though= t, =91I=92d be happy if she found a cure, but somehow, I have the feeling s= he might be having wishful thoughts.=92 =93It may take a while, but yes I do. If I can find a specimen of the insec= t that infected us, I can begin analysing protein co-factors. That might gi= ve us the information we need to find out what it is in this environment th= at's keeping us from being sick and how to replicate it.=94 =91Spirits!=92 Chakotay thought. =91If the doctor couldn=92t find a cure, w= hat makes her think she can? She=92ll be obsessed about this until she does= , so I might as well get our shelter set up while she goes through the petr= i dishes and other equipment. We each have something to do and I need to ge= t mine done before it gets dark.=92 =93Does it matter which way these things go?=94 Chakotay asked as he held a= panel of their new home for inspection. =93I guess it depends on whether you're in a beige mood or a grey mood,=94 = Janeway replied with a smile. =91He=92s so strong and handsome,=92 Janeway thought as she watched him wit= h the panels. Then she shook her head, =91I have to keep my mind on finding= a cure for what ails us and not on his muscles.=92 =93That's not much of a choice. Couldn't Starfleet come up with something a= little more cheerful?=94 =93Like polka dots?=94 She said with a playful smile. =93I was thinking more of a tasteful pinstripe,=94 Chakotay replied. =93May= be something in blues and greens. Well, I suggest we put the grey on the ou= tside and the beige inside.=94 Janeway nodded in agreement, =93I like that. I've always looked better in b= eige. Actually, it might be kind of interesting, roughing it for a while.= =94 Chakotay chuckled. He could not imagine her roughing it even for a day, =93= Roughing it? Let's see, we have shelter, furniture, research equipment, tri= corders, a replicator. It's too rough for me.=94 =93We don't have a bathtub,=94 she frowned. =93A bathtub?=94 =93I love a bath. It's my favourite way of relaxing.=94 =93Captain, I'm sure you can learn to love the sonic shower,=94 he said to = her as he thought, =91I have a lot to learn about her still, but I think I = could surprise her with something.=92 =93You know, Chakotay, it occurs to me, we aren't exactly in a command stru= cture anymore. Maybe you should call me Kathryn.=94 =93Give me a few days on that one, okay?=94 Chakotay tried to give her a sm= ile, as he silently thought, =91I would not mind being on a first name basi= s with her. The Great Spirit knows how much I care for her and this time to= gether could be very nice. Thing is, we could be here for the rest of our l= ives.=92 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two days later: =91What I wouldn=92t give for a nice warm bath right about now. Three days = here and I feel like I=92m going crazy without a bathtub. Oh, the sonic sh= ower is nice, but a warm bath would be even better,=92 Kathryn thought to h= erself as she checked the traps and analysed the samples she had collected,= none of which carried the pathogen that had infected them. =91I can=92t be= lieve I am alone with the most handsome man in the world. I guess if it has= to be, I would not mind being Eve with him on this planet.=92 She smiled w= ith the last thought. Kathryn released a loud sigh, =91I wonder where he has been spending most o= f his time lately?=92 As if on cue, Chakotay walked up to her. He smiled his endearing smile as h= e greeted her warmly. =91Sometimes I feel as though I could melt everytime I see his smile,=92 sh= e thought. =93Catch anything?=94 He asked as he admired her dress. She was wearing a green dress, which flattered her red hair and complexion = in a way that he found most appealing. He only wished she would relax a lit= tle more and let her hair down a little. He preferred seeing her hair down = rather then pulled back into a bun. =93Just the same ones as yesterday and they don't seem to carry the pathoge= n that's infected us. Where have you been?" She asked him curiously, as she= faced him. She appreciated the rugged look Chakotay=92s vest, shirt, and j= eans gave him. Some how it gave him it a somewhat more Native look which sh= e could not help but be attracted to as she observed him. "Oh, in the woods," he informed her with a mischievous smile. "For the past two days you've been spending a lot of time in the woods. Is = something going on that I should know about?" "Ah, not yet." =91Now I know he is up to something!=92 She could not help but ask, "Not ye= t? What's that supposed to mean?" "It means when it's time for you to know, I'll tell you." "Don't I even get some hints?" "I'm building something." =91Interesting. He=92s getting creative while we=92re here,=92 she thought= . =91Still, I just can=92t help but to try and pry. My curiosity is getting= the better of me.=92 "Building? What could you be building? And why can't = you tell me?" "You can't stand it, can you? You're like a little kid wheedling..." *Voyager to Janeway,* Tuvok=92s voice interrupts our playful conversation. =93Janeway here,=94 she replied as she straightened and put on her command = face. *We are about to move out communication range. How are you fairing?* Janeway=92s POV: =91I feel like my heart is breaking. Everyone we know and love is leaving, = but unless we can find a cure, we may never see them again. A part of me wa= nts to cry, but I must stay strong, after all, I=92m still the captain, at = least for the moment.=92 =93We're doing quite well. I'd like to speak to the crew now,=94 I swallow = hard as I try to think of something quickly before time runs out and Voyage= r is out of communications range. I really didn=92t want to say good-bye to= our friends, but if we were to stay aboard, it could endanger the whole cr= ew and I couldn=92t possibly do that. *Your comm link has been put through to the entire ship.* Tuvok informs her= . I take a deep breath as I mentally put on my captain persona and address th= e crew once more, "This is Captain Kathryn Janeway. I've never liked saying= good-bye, so I'll make this brief. I want you all to know that serving as = your captain has been the most extraordinary experience of my life. No capt= ain could ask more than what this crew has given - bravery, compassion, and= strength of character, but I think what I'll miss most is the fun, the tim= es we joked together, the games on the holodeck. I'll remember the laughter= more than anything. Although Commander Chakotay and I won't be with you fo= r the rest of your journey, we know that you'll be the same steadfast crew = for Mister Tuvok as you have been for us. We wish you a safe and speedy jou= rney home. Our thoughts will be with you. Janeway out." My strength as captain was slipping away as I feel a tear roll down my face= and I say the last few words. I know I am going to miss them dearly. Chakotay puts a hand on my arm to comfort me and I place my hand on his in = return. =93I=92ll be fine.=94 =93We=92ll both miss them,=94 he tells me sympathically and I know he means= it. Still, I continue to fight back the tears. =93I know, but in time, it will get easier.=94 End POV. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few days later, they were more relaxed as they were settling into their n= ew home. Chakotay had been busy trying to make a home for them, while Kathr= yn had been trying to find a cure for their condition. =93OK, I need you to close your eyes,=94 he told her, wanting to surprise h= er with what he had been working on the last few days. =93Why?=94 Kathryn asked guardedly. =93Because it won=92t be a surprise if you see it before I=92m ready for yo= u to see it.=94 =93What if I trip over something?=94 =93I promise you, I won=92t let you trip over anything. Now close your eyes= .=94 Chakotay guided her as she walked blindly in the direction he was leading h= er. To Kathryn, it seemed like a long walk to their destination. Anxious to= see what it was he wanted to surprise her with; she felt like a child on C= hristmas day. =93OK, you can open your eyes now,=94 he told her as they stood before a la= rge oval shaped tub. =93A bathtub! Chakotay, you built this?=94 She could not believe he had don= e that for her. She wanted to grab him and hug him, but for some reason she= refrained from doing so. =93I did,=94 Chakotay replied with his dimpled grin. Kathryn loved that smile and she knew just could not resist it. =91If only = I could show him just how much I appreciate him, but I can=92t.=92 =93It=92s wonderful! But you shouldn=92t have,=94 she replied as she caress= ed the side of the tub in an effort to keep from throwing her arms around h= is neck and kissing him. =93I wanted to. I figured it was the least I could do for you.=94 =93Such wonderful craftsmanship! Where did you learn to do this?=94 =93My father taught me.=94 =93You know what I=92d like to do right now, Chakotay?=94 =93Take a bath?=94 =93You read my mind,=94 she replied with an appreciative smile. =93It really wasn=92t hard,=94 he smiled back at her. =93I=92ll just go ins= ide and finish the painting I was working last night.=94 He started towards= the house so that she could have some privacy. =93Chakotay?=94 =93Yes?=94 He inquired as he turned back to face her. =93Thank you.=94 =93My pleasure,=94 and with that he headed to house. =91God I love that man!=92 Kathryn thought as she turned back to the tub. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Finally, the tub was filled with warm water and Kathryn slowly submerged he= rself into the tub, enjoying the liquid warmth that surrounded her. She sig= hed with satisfaction as she lay back against the wall of the tub. =91Kathryn Janeway's Personal Log, Star date 49690.1. Day 24 of our stay on= the planet we've named "New Earth". As of yet I've been unable to make any= progress in finding a cure for our illness, but a soak in the tub Chakotay= built will hopefully help me focus on possible solutions.=92 She smiled as thought about how much love must have gone into making the ba= thtub for her. =93He can be so sweet.=94 =93Chakotay, are you there?=94 She needed to hear the sound of his voice. Somehow being in the open air, although behind a wall of privacy, made her = feel a bit vulnerable. On Voyager, she would have had plenty of privacy and= the computer playing some soft music as the bathed, but there was no compu= ter to play her favourite songs on this planet. =93No, I left an hour ago,=94 he replied jokingly. She smiled and shook her head, =93I was thinking, maybe looking for protein= co-factors is the wrong approach. Even if I can't find a specimen of the i= nsect that infected us, I could try to learn something about the bio-molecu= lar evolution of this planet's ecosystem.=94 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back in the shelter, Chakotay was working on a sand painting as he listened= to her talk. He was not sure what to think about her suggestion, so he gav= e the only reply he could think of, =93Can't hurt to give it a try.=94 =91She=92ll never give up and just accept being here,=92 he thought sadly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Outside, Kathryn jumped as suddenly heard a noise not too far from her. Sta= rtled, she cried, =93Chakotay!=94 She jumped out of the tub and quickly wra= pped a towel around her body. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alarmed, Chakotay discarded the sand that was in his hand and rushed out of= the house. It did not take him long to reach Kathryn=92s side. =93What=92s wrong?=94 He could feel his heart pounding hard with worry. Are= you alright?=94 =93Someone's in the woods!=94 She stated excitedly as she sounded uncharact= eristically vulnerable. =93Over there. It looks like some kind of primate.= =94 =93I've detected primate life signs here, but I've never seen one,=94 Chako= tay informed her. He was not sure how to react. =93He=92s cute,=94 she commented when the little ape became visible. Then s= he beckoned to him, =93Hello. Are you hungry? Is that why you came here? I'= m Kathryn. He's Chakotay. We've had to move into your neighbourhood, but I = hope we can be friends.=94 Chakotay watched her as she spoke to the creature. =91She=92s so cute, but = does she really believe he understands her?=92 Kathryn sighed with disappointment as she watched the monkey depart from th= em, =93Maybe he'll come back.=94 =93Looking for a pet?=94 He asked with a smile and briefly thought about ho= w beautiful she was. =93No. I=92m looking for a clue about primate physiology on this planet. Th= ey must have to contend with insect bites too.=94 =91I can=92t believe I=92m standing here, talking to my captain and admirin= g her while she is dressed in nothing more than a towel! I think I need to = get back into the house,=92 Chakotay thought as he looked at Kathryn. He fe= lt his arousal building and knew he had to get away from her before he did = something he probably shouldn=92t. =93Maybe we=85=94 She stopped in mid-sentence as she realized why Chakotay = was looking so uncomfortable and pulled the towel tighter around her. =91Oh= God! I=92m not dressed and he=92s staring at me,=92 Kathryn thought. =91Th= is can=92t be good.=92 =91If she knew what I was thinking, she=92d take her phaser and shoot me!= =92 Chakotay thought as he tried to conceal what he was feeling. =93Um, excuse me,=94 he said awkwardly and departed for the house. =91Spiri= ts!=92 He scolded himself. =91I can=92t believe I was starring at her in a = towel! She is beautiful though. Stop it, Chakotay, before you get yourself = into trouble!=92 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once she was back in the shelter, Kathryn wrapped a robe around herself. Th= en she walked out into the living area and began to work again on trying to= find a cure for what ailed them. =93Maybe we should be out looking for other primates. I might be missing so= mething important,=94 she commented, not mentioning a thing about their pre= vious encounter. =93Kathryn, the Doctor worked for weeks trying to find a treatment for this= disease.=94 =93Yes?=94 "You've been at it twelve hours a day, seven days a week since we got here,= and we're still no closer to a cure than we were the day we were infected.= =94 =93I'm not sure what you're getting at,=94 Kathryn asked puzzled. =93My people have a saying, =91Even the eagle must know when to sleep=92. M= aybe it's time we both considered that.=94 =93You mean quit, give up?=94 She was obviously not ready to do that, her d= etermination was very apparent. =93Why do you have to see it as defeat? Maybe it's simply accepting what li= fe has dealt us, finding the good in it.=94 =93There may be a day when I'll come to that, Chakotay, but...=94 She pause= d for a moment before continuing. =93I'm a long way from it right now. I ne= ed to keep looking.=94 =91She is so damn stubborn, but I guess that is one of the things I love ab= out her. I just wish she could accept the fact that we maybe here for a ver= y long time, maybe a lifetime,=92 Chakotay thought with a sigh. =91She migh= t be a lot happier if she could do that.=92 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning, Kathryn was hard at work again. She was not about to give= up, but Chakotay did not say another word about it. He just let her go abo= ut keeping herself busy. =93I'm going to check the insect traps in Beta 4. What are you up to now?= =94 Kathryn asked Chakotay. "Making headboards=85=94 =93Headboards?=94 She asked with shock. =93I've noticed you sometimes sit up in your bed to read. Figured you might= as well have a comfortable backrest.=94 =93That's very thoughtful of you, Chakotay. You've done so many things to m= ake our lives easier. The cooking for example. I hate to cook.=94 "But what I do makes you uncomfortable doesn't it? Every time I do somethin= g that adds a personal touch to the shelter, you resist it." Kathryn sat down on a nearby stump, =93Sometimes it feels as though you've = given up, that you've focussed on making a home here instead of finding a c= ure that will let us leave.=94 "I can't sacrifice the present waiting for a future that may never happen. = The reality of this situation is that we may never leave here. So yes, I'm = trying to make a home, something that's more than a plain grey box." Kathryn stood and anxiously headed off to check the traps, "Someday I may h= ave to let go, but not today, ok? I've tried a new glucose bait in the trap= s. I have a feeling this might be the day I make a breakthrough." She walked off to check traps, leaving Chakotay behind and frustrated, =91I= just wish she could accept having to be here. I know she appreciates what = I do, but I don=92t think she appreciates it like I would like for her to,= =92 Chakotay thought as he went back to work on the headboards. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kathryn was in the woods checking the traps when she heard a sound. She was= hoping Chakotay had decided to keep her company. =93Hello? Chakotay?=94 Kathryn stopped when she saw her little friend again= . She smiled as she addressed the monkey. =93Hello again. Well, you certain= ly cover a lot of territory. Or are you following me? Do you understand me?= There. Know what that is? That little insect just might be what gets me ou= t of your backyard. What do you think of that, huh?=94 The monkey excitedly pointed toward the sky. =93What is it? What's happened to the sky? If you're suggesting I should ge= t out of here, I agree.=94 Storm clouds gathered overhead and the wind began to blow. Kathryn and the = monkey ran for cover as the trees bowed to the hard gusts of wind. She kept= tripping and falling over the debris that the wind tossed about, but she c= ontinued to clutch the case with the samples in it close to her. Finding it= hard to keep her balance as the wind blew even stronger she fell again. =93Kathryn! Kathryn! Are you hurt?=94 Chakotay yelled with panic in his voi= ce as he helped her to her feet again. =93No. I couldn't keep my balance while carrying the case.=94 =93Give it to me,=94 he ordered. =93What's happening?=94 She asked as she handed him the case. =93It seems to be some kind of storm. Our tricorders don't recognize it, bu= t it sure packs a wallop! I don=92t think we want to stick around to find o= ut what it is exactly, either.=94 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once inside the shelter, they ran to the table and crawled under it for saf= ety. The roar of the storm grew louder just as gale force winds tore the ro= of off the shelter allowing the rain to pour in on top of them. Chakotay tried to comfort Kathryn by holding her close to him, as the storm= howled through the house. All they could do was watch as the turbulent sto= rm tossed all that they had around the place. They started to wonder if the= table would be enough to protect them as they felt the force of the storm = grow even stronger. Then the raging wind knocked all the samples Kathryn ha= d collected to the floor, causing them to shatter. =93Oh, no!=94 Kathryn cried as she watched the samples fall. She tried to b= reak free of Chakotay=92s grasp as she saw all her hard work destroyed by t= he storm. Chakotay clung tighter to keep her from going after what was left of the sa= mples. He knew if she left the shelter of the table, she would be seriously= hurt. The blustering wind, flying debris, and hard rain caused Kathryn to surrend= er and bury her face into Chakotay=92s chest. She felt defeated once she re= alized there was nothing she could do. Chakotay was not sure if she was crying or just protecting her face. At tha= t moment, he did not care. All he cared about was keeping her safe from har= m as he closed his eyes to stop the sting of the small particles that hit h= is face. The storm continued to rumble through the house for several more minutes, b= attering them and anything else in its path. It seemed like almost a lifeti= me before it finally stopped as fast as it had begun. Slowly, the two of them emerged from their shelter and looked at all the di= sarray that left behind in the storm=92s wake. Everything that they owned w= as strewn across what was left of their home. Some of was salvageable, the = rest had been ruined and left unusable. Chakotay watched Kathryn as she examined the remains of the samples. Her ha= ir was a mess and she was soaked from the rain, but he was thankful she was= unharmed aside from a few scratches. =93Well, so much for that,=94 she sighed with defeat. =93Let's check outside. Maybe some of the insect traps are still intact,=94= Chakotay suggested hoping it would give her some encouragement. As the two of them walked outside to see what was left of the equipment the= y had, Chakotay knew she was sadden by the loss of her research. He wanted = to say or do something to make things better for her, but he was at a loss. =93None of this is salvageable either,=94 she stated as she tried to hold b= ack tears of defeat. =93There's no way I can continue to do my research now= ,=94 Kathryn informed him sadly. =93I'm sorry,=94 he replied in sympathy. He truly felt bad for her and want= ed to comfort her, yet he also hoped that she could move on with life on th= e planet now. =93Well, that's one way of letting go,=94 she stated as she tried to shake = off her feelings of failure. They heard a noise and turned to see what it was. It was their furry friend= again. =93You=92re back!=94 She said with a smile as she squatted down to the ape= =92s level. =93You were trying to warn me about the storm weren=92t you?=94 He made a soft vocal sound and nodded as if he had understood. =93Thank you,=94 she replied with a smile. =93You come to see if we are alr= ight?=94 =93You still think he understands you?=94 Chakotay asked with a smile. =91I= love how she appreciates animals and she so damn cute when she talks to th= em. I wonder how she was with her dog.=92 =93Well, I think he was trying to warn me about the storm when I saw him la= st. I=92d like to believe that at least.=94 =93I wouldn=92t be surprised if he was, but I don=92t know if he can unders= tand you.=94 =93Oh he=92s a smart little monkey. I think he does,=94 Kathryn insisted wi= th a smile. Then she addressed the primate again. =93I=92m glad to see you = found shelter and are safe too.=94 Once the monkey was sure his friends were fine, he ran back into the woods. =93Well, so much for that,=94 Kathryn said as she dusted off her dress. =93I don=92t think you can domesticate him, Kathryn.=94 He was glad to see = something finally bring a smile to her face. =93I don=92t want to domesticate him,=94 she insisted. Then she looked arou= nd at the storm damage once more and the distressful look returned to her f= ace. =93Well, maybe I do, come to think of it or at least make a friend of = him. There=92s no sense in trying to find out what keeps them from getting = sick from this virus now.=94 =93Oh, I think you=92ve made a friend already,=94 Chakotay reassured her as= he tried to hold back a chuckle. =93He seems to like you.=94 She smiled at him, =93Maybe, but I think we need to begin cleaning this mes= s up.=94 =93Why don=92t we clean up inside, have dinner, and call it a night?=94 Cha= kotay suggested. =93We can always take care of this tomorrow.=94 =93You=92re right,=94 she said as she cast aside a broken petri dish. Then = she observed him. He too was wet and had a few scratches on his face and ar= ms, but was otherwise unharmed. Finally, she added, =93The important thing = is, we are both alive and fine.=94 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After a nights rest, they began cleaning up after the storm. Kathryn appear= ed to be in better spirits, which Chakotay was glad to see. Yet there was s= till a feeling of loss as they picked up the remaining debris. =93I've been thinking,=94 Chakotay said thoughtfully as he admired her gree= n cat suit. =91Green suits her well,=92 he thought before continuing, =93Th= ere's plenty of wood available here. I could probably add rooms to the shel= ter; give us a little more living space.=94 =93How would you mill it?=94 Kathryn asked curiously. =93I could do a certain amount with a phaser, but I was actually thinking o= f logs.=94 =93As in log cabin?=94 She asked, as she seemed to be more accepting of the= ir plight. =93I built a few of them when I was growing up. My father thought it was im= portant that I learn how.=94 =93When I was young, my parents took us on backpacking trips. They thought = we should all keep a connection to our pioneer roots. I hated it. No bed, n= o replicator=85=94 =93No bathtub,=94 Chakotay added. =93No bathtub. I guess I was always a child of the 24th century.=94 =93Well, maybe those camping trips helped prepare you for life here.=94 =93Oh, no! Life here is much better than that,=94 Kathryn said with a smile= as she thought, =91It=92s much better, because you=92re here and making a = home for us.' =93I think that's the first time I've heard you say anything positive about= being here.=94 Chakotay was almost certain that Kathryn was finally accept= ing the fact they were on the planet to stay, possibly for a lifetime. There was the sound of someone approaching and they both turned to see who = it was. It was their furry little friend who had apparently come to check o= n them, at least in Kathryn=92s opinion. =93Well, hello there,=94 Kathryn kneeled to greet the little primate. =93I = haven't seen you in a while. Where have you been?=94 =93Do you really expect him to answer you?=94 Chakotay asked as he kneeled = down beside her. =93Not really. I just sense intelligence in him, and I could swear he came = to warn me about the plasma storm,=94 she told Chakotay. Then she went back= to talking to her little friend, =93Come here, fella. Come on.=94 =93I doubt that he can be domesticated, at least not very easily,=94 Chakot= ay scoffed. Satisfied that his human friends were fine, the creature went back into the= forest. Disappointed that their guest had left so soon, Kathryn sat down on a nearb= y rock. =93Well, we have plenty of time; the rest of our lives,=94 she fina= lly said. =93That's a long time. At least I hope so,=94 he smiled at her as he graspe= d one of her hands in his. =91She is so beautiful, especially when she is r= elaxed and not concentrating so much on successful perfection.=92 There was a brief pause between them as they stared into each other=92s eye= s. Both of them were yearning for the other=92s touch, even for a moment. =91God he smells good. I wonder if he=92s wearing cologne or if that is the= soap he uses.=92 Kathryn finally broke the silence between them, =93Well, I can't give you o= rders anymore but I can suggest that we get back to work.=94 =93Aye, aye, Captain,=94 Chakotay replied jokingly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later that evening, Chakotay was painting as Kathryn rubbed her neck and ro= lled her head to get out the kinks from the day. Her neck and shoulders ach= ed so badly and she was wishing they had some muscle relaxers or something = to take away the discomfort. =93I guess I'm not used to that kind of work. My knots are getting knots,= =94 Kathryn announced with a groan. Chakotay stood and walked over to her, =93Here, let me help.=94 He moved he= r hair around to the front of her and began massaging her shoulders and nec= k. =93Oh, that feels good.=94 Kathryn moaned as she thought, =91Just what I ne= ed. He always seems to know what I need.=92 =93I've had a lot of practice at this. My mother used to get sore necks all= the time. I was the only one she'd trust not to make it worse.=94 =91He has wonderful hands,=92 Kathryn thought. =91I think I could live with= this kind of service forever!=92 =91She=92s so beautiful,=92 Chakotay thought. =91I wouldn=92t mind giving h= er massages for the rest of my life, if it made her happy.=92 =91I feel like putty in his hands. If he wanted to, he could give me a full= body massage!=92 Kathryn thought. Then she suddenly stiffened. =91No, I=92= d better leave the room before my thoughts get too far out of hand.=92 Kathryn suddenly stood as she gave him an uncomfortable smile, =93That's mu= ch better. Thank you. Well, I'm gonna go to bed now. I'll see you in the mo= rning.=94 =91What was that all about? Did I say something wrong?=92 Chakotay thought.= Instead of asking, he confusedly replied, =93Sleep well, Kathryn.=94 There was still uneasiness between them. Kathryn was unsure of her feelings= and wanted to have some time to think, =93Yes. You too.=94 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Finally, in her room alone and lying in her bed, Kathryn was wide-awake pon= dering their developing relationship. =91Am I wrong to think he has feelings for me? I mean, I know he cares abou= t me as a friend, but would he even dream about being lovers. No, I shouldn= =92t be thinking like this, although, I feel like I am falling deeply in lo= ve with him or maybe I was already in love with him. I don=92t know. He=92s so kind and gentle. He cares about trying to make a home for us and = he has great hands. Oh, God! Those hands! I wonder if they are just as good= making love as they are with massages. Kathryn, stop this! You can=92t be = thinking such things! He was your first officer; yet, I can=92t help but th= ink something more is developing between us. I can=92t sleep. I think it=92= s time he and I talked, if only to find out where our relationship is going= .=92 Kathryn got out of bed, put her robe on, and headed back out in to the othe= r room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ While Kathryn was in her room thinking about the two of them, Chakotay look= ed across the room toward her bedroom. He was also having similar thoughts = as he sat back down at the table to paint. =91If only she felt as I do. Everytime we seem to be getting just that much= closer, she pushes away from me. She probably doesn=92t share my feelings.= Maybe I should just give up trying to show her how much I care about her.= =92 Suddenly, the door to her room opened, and Kathryn announced, =93We have to= talk about this.=94 =93All right,=94 Chakotay agreed, not sure what =91this=92 was or what she = was about to say. =93I think we need to define some parameters about us.=94 =93I'm not sure I can define parameters,=94 he told her, his feelings for h= er were showing very clearly now, =93But I can tell you a story, an ancient= legend among my people. It's about an angry warrior who lived his life in = conflict with the rest of his tribe, a man who couldn't find peace, even wi= th the help of his spirit guide. For years, he struggled with his disconten= t. But the only satisfaction he ever got came when he was in battle. This m= ade him a hero among his tribe, but the warrior still longed for peace with= in himself. One day, he and his war party were captured by a neighbouring t= ribe led by a woman warrior. She called on him to join her because her trib= e was too small and weak to defend itself from all its enemies. The woman w= arrior was brave and beautiful and very wise. The angry warrior swore to hi= mself that he would stay by her side, doing whatever he could to make her b= urden lighter. From that point on, her needs would come first. And in that = way, the warrior began to know the true meaning of peace.=94 Tears of joy ran down Kathryn=91s face. She knew now that he was feeling th= e same feelings as she was, but she had to be sure. So she asked, "Is that = really an ancient legend?" "No, but that made it easier to say." =91He is feeling the same way I=91m feeling,=92 Kathryn thought as she reac= hed for him. Their hands touched and they could feel the love between them.= =93What would you say if I asked you to keep me company tonight?=94 Chakotay=92s heart jumped to his throat, =93You mean, share your bed with y= ou?=94 =93Yes.=94 He smiled at her, =93I wouldn=92t say =91no=92.=94 Without releasing each other=92s hand, they stood and went to Kathryn=92s r= oom. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There was an awkward silence between them at first as they stared into each= other=92s eyes, searching for reassurance that this was what the other wan= ted. Finally, Kathryn made the first move as she put her arms around Chakot= ay=92s neck as she passionately captured his lips. Neither of them said a word as Chakotay pulled her closer to him and their = bodies touched. Chakotay caressed her tenderly as their lips slightly parte= d and their tongues began to dance and intertwined with each other. Their excitement grew as they felt each other=92s body, anxious to feel the= warmth of the other. Suddenly, Chakotay pulled his mouth away from hers an= d she looked at him questioningly. =93Are you sure this is what you want, Kathryn?=94 =93Don=92t say a word; just make love to me before I change my mind.=94 =93Kathryn=85=94 She gently placed a finger on his moist lips, and then removed his shirt ex= posing broad muscular chest. As she ran her hand across his tanned male phy= sic and wrapped her arms around him again, she was sure she wanted him more= than any thing at that moment. Once again, she reclaimed his mouth with hu= ngry urgency. He tried hard to let her set the pace, but his desire was getting the bette= r of him as the silky touch of her lips caressed his. As her lips parted in= vitingly, his tongue invaded her mouth and mated with hers once more. As his lips slowly made their way to her neck, she tilted her head back inv= itingly. His hands caressed her hips as his lips and tongue brushed over he= r tender flesh, and then he gently suckled it. Kathryn moaned softly with pleasure as he slowly removed her robe, brushing= her breasts with his hands as he pushed the robe over her shoulders and al= lowed it to fall to the floor. Then his hands slid down her back and eventu= ally made their way under her nightgown to caress her hips. Finally, they f= ound their way under her panties, sliding them down just enough for them to= fall off her, allowing his hands to touch her heated bare flesh. His lips began hungrily devouring neck as he caressed her hips. The feel of= his warm mouth on her neck increased her burning arousal and as if sensing= this, he removed his lips from her neck to draw her nightgown over head. T= hen he let it fall to the floor also as he pulled her close to him once mor= e. Now their bare heated chests touched each other=92s as they drew their l= ips together again. She wanted more of him as her hand captured his manhood and began teasing i= t. Still, it was not enough, so she undid his pants. Her mouth slid to one = of his nipples as she pushed his pants with his underwear down lower, allow= ing her hand access to his growing erection. She cupped his manhood and beg= an kneading it. Her tongue teased his nipple unmercifully and groaned with pleasure. Desire= took over as she made her way to the other nipple and taunted it before mo= ving down his rock hard body. Once her warm moist lips reached his pulsatin= g shaft, they gently ran over the end of it, sending gratifying shivers up = his spine. Then her hot wet tongue circled his penis lovingly. When her mouth finally enveloped it and began moving up and down it, Chakot= ay began to feel overwhelmed with pleasure. He strained to control himself = as he pushed her away. He did not want their first time to be over quickly,= but rather last for as long as possible. Kathryn looked at him with shock and uncertainty when he suddenly pushed he= r away. Had she done something wrong? Without saying a word, he looked into her blues eyes adorningly as he picke= d her up, carried her to the bed, and gently laid her on it. Then with gent= le reassurance, he laid beside her as he embraced her and kissed her swolle= n lips. She relaxed in his arms once more as they continued their loving foreplay. = Everything seemed right once again, as she sensed his desire for her. All s= he wanted was for the moment to last forever as he teased her neck again an= d she threw her head back again to allow him access. Devouring her soft flushed skin, he suckled her necked excitedly as he hear= d her moan of satisfaction. He wanted nothing more than to please her as he= made his way to her breasts and began teasing her unmercifully. As he bega= n to suckle one breast, he fondled the other with his hand. As his tongue taunted her nipple, she groaned and arched her back to get cl= oser to him. The palm of his hand grazed the other nipple making it more er= ected, causing him to want him more. When his tongue ran tantalizingly acro= ss her chest to the other breast, she gasped throbbing desire. Her chest he= aved with burgeoning arousal when his mouth eagerly captured it, suckling i= t with unending passion. His hand began to massage the other now swollen breast as she gasped with g= ratification. As he repeated his actions to her hardening breasts, his own = desire grew as he felt her heated flesh against his. Even so, he wanted to = satisfy her needs before the night ended as he continued his ministrations = to her. He made a trail down her inflamed body with his warm moist lips as she ran = her fingers threw his hair. Her need for growing even stronger as she tried= to bring him closer to herself, even so, he continued his journey down to = her passion-moist depths. =93Oh, Chakotay!=94 She groaned as his hot tongue teased her swollen bud. Kathryn began to rock her hips to the rhythm of his tongue as it began to e= xplore the very heart of her womanhood. The sensation he was sending throug= h her body made her gasp with pleasure. She whimpered and lowered her hips = back to the bed when he paused for a moment, then let out a sigh of satisfa= ction when he began to taunt her with his finger and his tongue. Once again, she raised her hips, causing him tease the center of her very n= eed. Suddenly, spasms of pleasure ran through her core as she called out hi= s name again. Chakotay continued to tease her unmercifully as she shuddered with pleasure= . When she let out a sigh of satisfaction, he slowly moved back up her body= with wet kisses. =93Oh God, Chakotay!=94 She exclaimed in gratification. He smiled at her as he looked into her eyes, =93I=92m not done with you yet= !=94 =93I hope not!=94 She said as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed hi= m hungrily. She could feel his aroused manhood against her inflamed entranc= ed and suddenly she wanted more of him. She rubbed her molten need against his hardened shaft as he nibbled on her = neck, trying desperately to become one with him. As she reached down to gui= de him into her wet heated core, she whispered in a husky voice, =93I need = you!=94 He felt his engorged penis enter her hot wet sheath as she gave herself to = him fully with a groan of sweet pleasure. They began to move as one, slowly= at first, but their excitement soon grew and their movements became faster= . =93Oh God! Yes! Chakotay!=94 She screamed as their pace quickened and his t= hrusts became deeper. As she felt him plunging deep within her, a rush of o= verwhelming spasms seized her. Suddenly gasping for breath, she let out onc= e last cry of ecstasy. Hearing her uninhibited cries of fulfilment, Chakotay abandon himself to th= e moment as he thrust deeper and harder into her. =93Oh Kathryn!=94 He call= ed back to her as blissful spasms flowed through him and his hot molten see= d spill into her. As he collapsed on top of her and she wrapped her arms around him lovingly,= she could feel him continuing to spasm inside her. Finally, she sighed, = =93Oh Chakotay, I can=92t begin to tell you how much I love you.=94 =93I can=92t begin to tell you how long I=92ve waited to hear you say that,= =94 he smiled as he raised his head to look at her. =93I love you too; Kath= ryn and I hope you never forget that.=94 He kissed her once more before rolling off her and cradling her in his arms= . =93I only wish I could show you how much.=94 =93Oh you have and then some,=94 smiled as she looked into his eyes. =93I j= ust wish this moment would never end.=94 He kissed her again and then held her tight against him as she settled into= his arms. Her body melded perfectly against his and he too hoped this mome= nt would never end. Soon they were fast asleep and very content. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the early morning sunshine, Kathryn was happily looking over her garden = and enjoying her morning coffee. She was pondering the night before. =91Last night was so wonderful. I think all the kinks in my neck are gone,= =92 she thought with a smile as she wiped the dirt off her hands with a tow= el she had brought outside with her. =91His hands were as good as I had ima= gined them to be. Life here isn=92t so bad. I know I can get use to being h= er with him around. I have no idea what I would do if he wasn=92t around.= =92 Chakotay walked up beside her and interrupted her thoughts, =93So, how are = they coming?=94 =93Very nicely. We should have vine-ripened Talaxian tomatoes in a couple o= f months, unless this planet has the equivalent of tomato bugs. Oh, they're= awful,=94 she replied as she looked up to him with a satisfied smile. =93I would never have thought of you as a gardener,=94 he stated as he sat = down beside her. =93I grew up around farmers. My parents insisted we learn some basic garden= ing skills.=94 =93Did you hate that as much as camping?=94 =93Of course! Who wanted to muck around in the dirt when you could be study= ing quantum mechanics? But I find it very satisfying now, watching the seed= s sprout and grow." =93If your tomatoes could spare you for a minute, I'd like your opinion on = something in the house.=94 =93Well, you've come to the right person,=94 she said as he helped her stan= d. =93I always have an opinion.=94 =93Really?=94 He said with mocked shock. =93Could have fooled me!=94 She playfully punched him on his shoulder as they walked into the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once in the shelter, Chakotay led her over to the computer to show her the = design. After a few seconds he asked, =93What do you think?=94 =93It=92s a boat!=94 =93You said you wanted to explore the river. I think I could build this.=94 She was not sure what to say, but knew he was very creative with his hands.= It would not surprise her if he could make the boat. Finally, she replied,= =93We could go on a camping trip.=94 =93I'm not sure we could fit the bathtub in the boat,=94 he teased. =93Well, that's all right. I'll have the river.=94 Suddenly, they were interrupted by Tuvok=92s voice calling them. *Captain J= aneway, do you read me?* They both froze. Somehow they knew something was about to drastically chang= e in their lives. They were not sure if they wanted it to change. =93Do you hear that?=94 Kathryn asked. =93Yes,=94 Chakotay replied. *Captain Janeway, do you read me? This is Tuvok calling Captain Janeway and= Commander Chakotay. Please respond.* =93This is Janeway,=94 she finally answered. *Captain, it's good to hear your voice. We have news,* Tuvok informed her. =93What is it?=94 *We have medicine, which we believe will effectively treat your condition. = We plan to be in orbit within thirty hours.* Kathryn realised that their comfortable life and newfound closeness was abo= ut to end. She was not sure if she was happy or sad, because she did not wa= nt to give up her relationship with Chakotay. Chakotay looked back at her as he also realised the same thing. He was not = ready to go back to protocol and boundaries, but was afraid that it would s= oon return to the way it use to be again. At the same time, he could not al= low himself to be selfish or deny her of her wants and desires. Kathryn resumed her command voice, =93We=92ll be ready when you arrive.=94 *=93Very well, Tuvok out.* Suddenly, Kathryn looked sad and vulnerable, =93I guess we only have one mo= re night here.=94 Chakotay nodded, =93Yes, it would seem like it.=94 =93It may sound strange, but I=92m not sure I want it to end.=94 =93I think I understand.=94 =93Yet at the same time, I wouldn=92t mind being back on Voyager.=94 =93Well, we do have tonight,=94 she said seductively as she wrapped her arm= s around him. =93And what are you proposing?=94 Chakotay asked playfully. She suddenly kissed him as though it was going to be their last, and then s= he said, =93I have an idea. That bathtub is big enough for two people, why = don=92t we spend part of our last night together sharing it?=94 Chakotay had an intrigued smile as he replied, =93Sounds like a plan, if yo= u=92re sure about that.=94 =93I=92ve never been more sure of anything in my life!=94 She insisted as s= he took his hand and dragged him to the tub. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thirty hours later, Kathryn stood outside the modular shelter, in her unifo= rm, looking sad and mournful. She was not ready to give up her new relation= ship with Chakotay, but she was ready to take up her life again as a star s= hip captain with all its responsibilities. Somehow, she was feeling she cou= ld not have both. Or could she? =91It would be too complicated,=92 she thou= ght sadly. =91Yet I really enjoyed our last few nights together. The back r= ub, our night of passion, and our bath that was more than a bath together. = We may never have that again.=92 =93Ready?=94 Chakotay asked as he slowly approached her. She tried hard to hold back the tears when suddenly her little friend bolte= d out of the woods and stopped in front of them. =93There you are!=94 Kathryn she exclaimed as she knelt down to addressed t= he monkey happily. =93At least I get to say good-bye. Feel free to use the = house.=94 Then she stood as she punched her comm badge and tried hard to co= mpose herself, =93Janeway to Voyager. Two to beam up.=94 Kathryn and Chakotay shared one last look that was full of meaning, as they= stood ready to beam aboard Voyager. Neither of them wanted this to end or = at least their newfound love, but they knew what was to be once they return= ed to the ship. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Chakotay and Janeway walked onto the Bridge, everyone turned to greet th= em with smiles. =93Welcome back, Captain, Commander,=94 Tuvok greeted. =93The Doctor tells me you contacted the Vidiians after all,=94 Janeway inf= ormed Tuvok. She was not sure if she wanted to throw him in the Brig or tha= nk him. After all, he did bring her and Chakotay=92s new life to an end, wh= ich in some respects was good for they would see Earth again, but bad in ot= her respects. Tuvok placed his arms behind his back and stood erect as he flatly stated, = =93I disobeyed your order, Captain. I am prepared to accept the consequence= s.=94 "If I didn't know you better, I'd say your decision was almost emotional. T= hank you all,=94 Janeway said as she took on her air of authority once more= . =93Well, we've lost time with all this. Let's see if we can make up some = of it. Mister Paris, warp 8." =93Aye, Captain,=94 Paris replied as he turned around in his seat to face h= is console. Janeway and Chakotay returned to being a ship's Captain and Commander. Ther= e was not even a hint of the warm personal relationship that developed betw= een them on the planet. Rather, Janeway took the lead in making the busines= s of running the ship more briskly than before as they resume a course for = the Alpha Quadrant and home. =93Commander, we'll need to review the ship's systems,=94 she addressed Cha= kotay. =93I'll handle propulsion, environmental and communication. You'll b= e responsible for sensors, weapons, and transporters.=94 He looked at her with some confusion, but understood her changed demeanour,= =93Aye, Captain. I'll have a report to you by 1800 hours.=94 =93Check with phaser maintenance. See if they solved that problem with the = pre-fire chamber temperature.=94 =93Yes, ma'am. I'll see to it.=94 The two of them fell silent once more as Janeway felt like her heart was ab= out to break. =91I can=92t do this,=92 she thought sadly. =91I need Chakota= y not only as my friend, but as my lover. I can=92t go back to what we were= . We can=92t go back, but how do I tell him?=92 =91Can we do this?=92 Chakotay asked himself. =91Surely we can continue wit= h what we had on New Earth and still command this ship together. We=92ve wo= rked through many things before; surely we could manage command and a perso= nal relationship. Can=92t we?=92 Chakotay and Janeway turned toward each other as they spoke at the same tim= e. =93Captain?=94 =93Commander?=94 =93Go ahead,=94 Chakotay tried to hold back a chuckle. =93May I see you in my Ready Room for a few minutes?=94 =91Here it comes again. Boundaries and protocol once more,=92 Chakotay thou= ght. =93Yes, ma=92am,=94 he finally said. =93Tuvok, you have the Bridge,=94 Janeway informed. They both rose and headed to her Ready Room. Once the doors closed, Paris s= aid, =93I wonder what that is all about?=94 =93If the Captain wanted you to know, she would have spoken to the Commande= r on the Bridge and not requested a private meeting with him,=94 Tuvok stat= ed flatly. =93However, I am curious myself, because they have not been on V= oyager for more than ten minutes. I am not aware of any discretions that Ch= akotay may have committed.=94 =93She doesn=92t just talk to people in her Ready Room when they are in tro= uble, Tuvok,=94 Paris insisted. =93You are correct, but if he has done something deserving a compliment, it= would have been on the planet, therefore, she would have already commended= him below.=94 =93If she had time,=94 Harry added. =93It is a puzzle,=94 Tuvok stated as he raised an eyebrow. =93However, if = it is something we need to know, we will find out soon enough.=94 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ =93Chakotay, I can=92t do this!=94 Kathryn exclaimed with panic in her voic= e once the door closed and she had turned to face him. =93I=92m not sure what you mean?=94 Chakotay asked with confusion. =93I don=92t want to go back to the way things were between us.=94 Her eyes= filled with unshed tears as she continued, =93I can=92t go back. I don=92t= think we can go back.=94 =93I don=92t want to either, but what about commanding this ship and gettin= g us back home?=94 =93I=92m not sure I want to hide behind protocol anymore, not after what we= have been through,=94 she said with a tear finally rolling down her face. = =93What we had these last few weeks was beautiful and I don=92t want it to = end just because we have managed to return to Voyager.=94 =93I don=92t either, but are you sure it is what you want?=94 =93I know it=92s what I want; I=92m just not sure we can run this ship toge= ther if we have a personal relationship. You had a point when you said a pe= rsonal relationship could get in the way.=94 =93I only said that because I thought it was what you wanted.=94 =93I don=92t know what I want anymore, but I do know I can=92t go back to b= eing just friends or just a command team. Not now. Not after=85=94 =93We made love,=94 she shook her head. =93It was more than that.=94 =93I agree.=94 =93I haven=92t asked you what you wanted,=94 Kathryn stated remorsefully, t= hen turned away from him. =93I=92m sorry; maybe I shouldn=92t have said any= thing.=94 =93On the contrary,=94 Chakotay stated as he placed his hands on her should= ers trying to get her to look at him. She turned to hear what he had to say= , =93Kathryn, you=92re apart of me, of my life, my soul, my very being. Jus= t as much as you need me, I need you. I don=92t think I could stand a day w= ithout you in my life.=94 =93That=92s just it,=94 Kathryn began. =93If you were on an away mission an= d something happened to you=85=94 =93That is apart of life, Kathryn,=94 Chakotay insisted. =93We could be on = Earth and I take a deadly fall rock climbing or hang gliding. It would stil= l be the same.=94 =93No,=94 she shook her head. =93It wouldn=92t, because I wouldn=92t send y= ou on something like that, but I would send you on a mission and if anythin= g happened to you, I don=92t think I could ever forgive myself.=94 =93Could you even if we weren=92t in a relationship?=94 Kathryn did not say a word, just stared at him as she thought about his que= stion and all the people that had died under her command. She had not allow= ed herself forget what had happened to any of them and all because she sent= them on away missions or dangerous assignments. Finally, she answered his question, =93No, I couldn=92t.=94 =93So, what difference would it make if we are or not?=94 =93It wouldn=92t.=94 =93Kathryn, I can=92t go back to the way things were either. I don=91t want= to go back.=94 =93How can we command this ship and get as back home as a couple?=94 She as= ked tearfully. Chakotay pulled her close to him, =93We=92ll manage. We always have. We mig= ht even do better if we didn=92t fight our feelings for each other.=94 =93I love you, Chakotay,=94 she said as she threw her arms around him. =93And I love you, Kathryn,=94 he replied. Then he kissed her passionately = and all the concerns they had before disappeared. Their lives changed on New Earth and they knew they were not going to allow= protocols or boundaries keep them apart. Mriana Mriana, Daughter of the Sixth House of Betazed-http://mriana.bravepages.com= =20=20=20 Bridge To Sickbay- http://mriana.bravepages.com/fanfic/PC.html Chakotay's Lodge- http://mriana.bravepages.com/fanfic/Voyager/ChakotaysLodg= e.html [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ASCEM messages are copied to a mailing list. Most recent messages can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCEML. NewMessage: