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Subject: NEW: The Healer Triad VOY C/f, C/P/f G to NC-17 1/14
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THE HEALER TRIAD
Author:  Stormraven and Mystic McKnight
Series: VOY=20
Codes: Chakotay/Tamara, Chakotay/Paris/Tamara eventually, J/Dalby,=20
P/T, K/S, Neelix/m
Part: 1/14
Rating: NC-17
Archive: Wherever just leave the credit please and let me know where=20
please.
Summary: Chakotay is enslaved some 3,000 light years from Voyager and=20


Commander Chakotay was enjoying some overdue shore leave on the M-
class planet below in Voyager's orbit. Samelon was very earth like so=20
much that it was hard for the crew to tell the difference.  With a=20
lightly packed travel bag over his shoulder, Chakotay had received=20
permission to spend two days up in the mountains as part of a=20
spiritual retreat.  With all of the pressures, he needed a break to=20
meditate, besides he was still stinging from Janeway pushing him away=20
again by insisting that their friendship remain as it was. He spent=20
the entire day hiking up the side of the mountain arriving near=20
sunset at the waterfalls described to him by their hosts.

After an invigorating swim in a calm pool, he sat down on a large=20
flat rock warmed by the sun and began his meditation. Two hours=20
later, he was so deep in meditation that even his hunter's senses=20
failed to warn him of the approaching danger. Snapping out of his=20
trance, he whipped his head around at the sound of rustling in the=20
underbrush that he never felt the stun beam hit him from behind and=20
darkness fell over him.

************

Captain Janeway was blaming herself for Chakotay's disappearance=20
while in her ready room nursing her sixth cup of coffee that day. Her=20
First Officer had been missing now for seven days and they were no=20
closer to finding him or any trace since the day he was overdue to=20
come back from shore leave.=20

`Damn, I promised I wouldn't cry again today.' Tears were slipping=20
from her blue eyes as she tried to read the PADD's in front of her.=20
She was only in her ready room because the EMH and Tuvok threatened=20
action unless she took care of herself with rest and food for the=20
next 48 hours.=20

************
Chakotay knew he was in serious trouble when he awakened to find=20
himself in the cargo hold of a ship bound and gagged minus uniform=20
and com badge. From the sounds and sights by the dim lighting, he=20
estimated there were more than a hundred in similar straits. Despite=20
the hard floor, he fell back to sleep.  Once he was awaken to be fed=20
and given a cup of bitter brew but was wonderful to his dry throat.=20
Attempting to communicate with the guards earned him a beating.

The starship full of slaves and other cargo entered a transwarp=20
conduit after three days of travel from Samelon taking the First=20
Officer of Voyager with it. Nearly three thousand light years away,=20
the ship reentered normal space and entered orbit around Rashela, an=20
M-class planet with an agrarian society and warp technology that=20
still ran on the monarchy system and slaves for cheap labor. There=20
the cargo was transported to an orientation and training center via=20
shuttlecraft.

Orientation was simple; Chakotay was bathed and given a pair of=20
simple knee length trousers to wear leaving his chest and back bear=20
to the elements. His bounds were replaced with silver metal bands 1=20
inch wide and placed securely on both wrists and ankles. Lastly a=20
collar of the same metal was fastened around his neck and torched=20
shut.  Training was simple. Keep your eyes downcast, do what you are=20
told and you'll be treated fairly. Easy enough when beaten to your=20
knees a few times to accomplish that part of the training to learn=20
how to assume the position for a master or mistress.  He had some=20
ideal of what was going on by watching everyone around him. Verbal=20
communication was next to impossible without his communicator for the=20
universal translator.  When he did try to communicate, he was beaten=20
so he kept to himself and thought about Kathryn and Voyager.

How long had he been gone from Voyager and was he still in the same=20
sector of space? He knew this was a different planet from experience,=20
but was he further along than Voyager, way behind or so far off the=20
path home that he may never be found by his crew and captain. He had=20
to stop a panic attack at the thought of being left alone as the only=20
human on this planet. Questions ran rampant through his head, but no=20
answers appeared. The most immediate thing was survival and hope for=20
the opportunity to get off this planet.

The next day, all the slaves were rounded up, shackled together and=20
herded down the street to the local auction block. In the holding=20
pen, Chakotay tried to look calm, but his head was pounding and his=20
heart was in his throat as he fought to keep his panic at bay.  The=20
sun was in his eyes and he squinted to try and see what was going=20
on.  One by one, they were put up on the block and sold off to the=20
highest bidder. He could only hope that his owner was kind to his=20
property.

There was a hand on his shoulder and he jumped looking with startled=20
eyes into the cold white eyes of the guard. He gestured for Chakotay=20
to step up to the block to be sold. A hard shove in his back sent him=20
stumbling up the steps when he hesitated. Each slave was placed with=20
the sunlight in his or her eyes. A fierce bidding took place,=20
although Chakotay didn't have any idea what the final price on his=20
head was. There was a shout and some giggling off to one side and a=20
hand pulling him from the block.

When it was over, he found himself in the custody of three teenage=20
humanoid boys.  The guards shackled his arms behind him and attached=20
a short walking chain between his ankles.  The tallest boy showed the=20
bookkeeper a medallion who in return handed over a paper receipt-
proof of the transaction. After a short leash was attached to his=20
collar, the boys led him away to their wagon, which was loaded with=20
supplies.  His leash was attached to the tailgate and the chain=20
between his ankles taken off so he could keep up with the wagon.

One boy, the youngest looking, brought him a drink of water for which=20
he was grateful and then they started off. One boy drove the team=20
while the others walked guard with what appeared to be phaser rifles=20
similar to the ones on Voyager. They moved at steady pace all day and=20
only stopping occasionally for water and a short meal during the heat=20
of the day.  It was late at night, two days later, when they arrived=20
at the village and Chakotay was stumbling blinding and ran into the=20
back of the wagon.  On the outskirts of the village, they stopped at=20
a two story house set back a ways from the road.

The boys expected him to help unload the wagon and care for the=20
livestock. He was so exhausted he didn't take much stock of his=20
surroundings as they guided him back into the kitchen where they=20
cleaned him up and fed him some gruel.  When he was done eating, they=20
shackled him to the kitchen roof beam by his forearms standing on his=20
tiptoes.  Turning the lights out, they giggled as they left Chakotay=20
in the darkness.=20

His limbs had long since lost any feeling, only the pain of standing=20
up for his tiptoes for two days kept him conscious while sweat and=20
tears blinded his eyes. A sound of the back door opening, a growl=20
caught his attention and a voice made his breath catch.

`Knock it off, Andy. We can deal with the supplies in the morning.' A=20
lovely female voice came through the doorway of the back hall. `I=20
just want my bed.'

He understood her! She was speaking English!

"Hello!" Chakotay cried out. `Please help me!'

He heard soft footsteps come into the kitchen and a soft lantern=20
light filled the kitchen. A blurry figure filled his vision and a low=20
growl followed by a sniffling of his ankles.

`Who the Sam Hell are you? How long have you been in my kitchen?' The=20
anger was evident in her voice.  He lifted his head towards the sound=20
of her voice and as swiftly lowered it remembering the training he=20
had received at the hands of the slavers.

`My god, are you human?' Her voice broke seeing the collar on his=20
neck and realized what the boys had done.  They had somehow found a=20
male human slave by the sheerest chance and had purchased him so she=20
could have help around the house and possibly a companion.  Lifting=20
his head, she saw the dark eyes in pain and the tattoo over his left=20
forehead. `You're the one.'

`Yes, I'm human.' He got out while another wave of pain rolled over=20
his body and she felt it with her empathic senses.

`You're hurt.' Her whole demeanor changed. The healer in her=20
automatically extended her power to him to heal his wounds dulling=20
the pain while she assessed his condition to determine the best way=20
to let the male down from the shackles without further injury to=20
himself.=20

Dragging a sturdy chair behind him, she explained everything that was=20
going to happen in a low soothing voice and Chakotay found himself=20
responding to her. `When I lower you down, place your arms around my=20
neck and shoulders so I can brace you to sit down. You have been=20
standing there for quite awhile, haven't you?'

`Two days,' he managed to whisper.

She got in front of him and braced herself against him, using her=20
left arm to push the lever that would lower him down. She looked up=20
and realized what a big man he was and was thankful for the darkness=20
to hide her sudden blush. The back of his feet hit the floor and he=20
screamed as relief flooded his body at such intensity, he swooned.=20
Feeling the shift in his weight, she got him seated and found herself=20
sitting in his lap with his bound hands draped around her neck and=20
shoulders. While waiting for him to awaken, she let her healing=20
energy ease the wounds and soreness of his body, which she was=20
beginning to discover, was quite beautiful.

His dark eyes flickered open and took in the position of her body and=20
his arms. She saw the smile on his handsome face when he became aware=20
of the situation.

`You know if I wasn't so tired from that last healing session, I'm=20
awful tempted to take advantage of you.' She smiled wickedly at=20
him. `What are you called, handsome?'

`Chakotay. Can I take a rain check on that being taken advantage of?'=20
His smiled widened and his dimples flashed.

`We'll see about that rain check. Now, just a couple of small details=20
and we can get some sleep.' She ran her fingers over his arms and=20
found the injuries were healed. `Raise your arms, please.'

`My injuries. They are gone and I am not so tired anymore. How did=20
you do that?' He asked curiously.

`I am a Healer.' She replied as he lifted his arms.

Sliding off of his lap was hard to do because it was a comfortable=20
place to be and she found herself not wanting to leave. Rummaging=20
around in a drawer, she pulled out a gold medallion and a pair of=20
pliers. His eyes were unreadable as she turned towards him and he=20
pulled away from her hand.

`What is that?' Chakotay asked with ice in his voice.

`The mark of the Healer Tamara. That's me. I know your command of the=20
language=85'

`That's bullshit! It`s your sign of you ownership over me.' He=20
blurted out and watched with horror as the friendly green eyes turn=20
icy with anger.

`Well, gee whiz. I guess it is, so get down off of your high horse=20
and learn a few facts about this planet and society before you decide=20
to lead the revolution, pal.' The anger and sarcasm dripped from her=20
voice as she lifted his chin and used the pliers to fasten the=20
medallion to his collar. `I've been on this planet for five or six=20
years and I believe we can help each other, but only if you decide to=20
cooperate and not turn into a fucking martyr.'

He could feel the anger coming off of her in waves and felt ashamed=20
for saying what he had. Tamara turned away from him and put the=20
pliers away as a massive furball came bouncing into the kitchen and=20
wrapped his massive paws around her ankles sprawling her on top of=20
him with a growl. Chakotay froze.

`I'm sorry, Andy.' She gave the furball a big hug. `This is Chakotay.=20
I hope he'll stay and at least give us a chance to help him get off=20
this planet.'

Andy smiled at Chakotay with his whole furry canine snout and 4 inch=20
incisors and a set of three purple eyes watched him. A black tongue=20
reached out and slurped him on the face, while sniffing him to get=20
his scent for memory.=20

`You must be a good man if Andy trusts you with my safety. Usually=20
when I get upset or angry, he rips the house apart to get whomever is=20
making me upset.' Tamara explained as she put the teakettle on and=20
than opened up the back door. `Andy, guard.' The dark furball leaped=20
out and vanished into the nighttime shadows.

`My apologies, Healer Tamara.' Chakotay said sounding contrite while=20
realizing he did indeed need her help and also keeping his eyes=20
downcast. They needed to make the best of this situation and=20
antagonizing her would only make it worse.

`Would you care for some tea? I imagine you are quite dehydrated.'=20
She pulled two cups down from the cupboard and placed them on the=20
table.

`I would, please. Do you have anything to eat?' He also lifted his=20
wrists to show that they were still chained together.

`Stand up.' Tamara said as she placed sweetener and cream beside the=20
teacups.

Chakotay stood up slowly, his legs felt like jelly as he grew dizzy=20
and blackness overtook him falling to the floor before she could=20
catch him. Tamara sighed and sent Andy off to the village for help to=20
get the big man into a bed. Kneeling, she traced the blue tattoo on=20
his forehead curious about it from a vision she had had of this same=20
man two years hence. A growl from Andy told her that help was on the=20
way.

A short time later, Chakotay was bathed, changed into new clothes and=20
placed in bed in the back room of the house. Reading his vital signs=20
with her healing sense showed her that he was literally exhausted=20
mentally and emotionally. She sensed an auburn haired woman with blue-
gray eyes was behind it, but she needed to wait until both of them=20
were fully rested before exploring his pains. Drinking her tea, she=20
studied his features and found him to be of Native American descent=20
and drop dead gorgeous. She blushed fiercely while letting her=20
thoughts and eyes roam at will over his body.

`Does it meet with your approval, Healer Tamara?' He opened dark eyes=20
full of questions, concern and a bit of humor.

`Yes, it does.' Tamara grew bold. `You go to a lot of trouble to keep=20
my attention and I've only known you less than a night.' She grinned=20
at him.

`I try.' He smiled.
She snorted in mock exasperation. `Get some sleep, Chakotay.' And=20
went upstairs to her room.

Andy tried to lick Sarina's ankle as she entered the house quietly to=20
begin breakfast and get the Healer's appointments lined up for the=20
day. A low moan from the upstairs bedroom caught her attention.=20
Knowing what to expect, Sarina grabbed the medicine bag and headed=20
for the stair, not showing any surprise when Chakotay appeared on the=20
stairway behind her. The whole village had known of his arrival=20
before sunrise.

`What's wrong?' He hissed in her ear.

`Most likely a dazzle headache from doing too many major healings=20
last night. If it is, you close the curtains while I get some=20
medicine in her.' Sarina whispered over her shoulder.

Entering the bedroom, they saw the healer lying very still while=20
clutching at her head and moaning in pain. Sarina opened the bag of=20
medicine while Chakotay closed black curtains on the three bay=20
windows. Pouring a thick clear liquid in a cup, Sarina leaned over=20
the huge bed.

`Tamara, drink this.'

`Is it the clear stuff?' One green eye peeked through her fingers.

`Yes, it is.'

`Don't want any nightmares, Sarina. Go away.' She sounded like a=20
small child not wanting any of the bad tasting medicine.

`Looks like this fine man standing behind me can chase those=20
nightmares away.' Sarina coaxed her to take the cup.

`Chakotay, will you please stay and keep the nightmares away?' The=20
pain in her green eyes was evident.

`As you wish, my lady.' Not quite certain what else to say he stayed=20
silent as he watched her drink the nasty tasting liquid he could tell=20
by the loathing on her face. `What can I do?' he asked Sarina.

`Sit by her for now. Hold her hand; talk to her or whatever she=20
wants. I'm going to get a few things and I'll be back shortly.'=20
Sarina left the bottle of medicine on the nightstand and went back=20
downstairs.

Chakotay stood there unsure what to do for her. If they were on=20
Voyager, the Doctor could take care of this with a hypo spray.
`Blankets tangled.' Tamara whispered seeing the indecision on his=20
face. He straightened the bedcovers making her comfortable and=20
noticed her trim ankles and slender calves.

`Is there anything else I can do for you?' He sat down on the bed=20
beside her.

`Tell me a story, Chakotay.'

Sarina appeared in the doorway with a tray and set it down on the=20
dresser. `I brought some cool water and cloths for her forehead and=20
eyes. There's tea for the both of you and breakfast if either of you=20
are hungry.'

`Thank you.' He brought the bowl of cool water and cloths over to the=20
nightstand. Wetting a cloth and wringing it out, he gently place it=20
on Tamara's forehead.

`You've done this before, handsome.' Her words were becoming slurred=20
as the medicine started to take effect.

`My mother used to get migraines once in awhile and I would help my=20
aunts take care of her like this.' He smiled as she started to drift=20
off.

`You're hired.' She smiled as she went to sleep.

Sarina motioned for Chakotay to follow her downstairs.=20

`What about Healer Tamara?' He asked when they reached the kitchen.

`She'll be out for awhile. Has she explained your duties yet?' Sarina=20
poured two cups of tea and they sat at the kitchen table.

`No, she hasn't. I wasn't quite up to anything last night.' He sipped=20
the hot tea gratefully.

`So we noticed when we put you to bed last night.' Sarina=20
smiled. `It's simple. You were bought to be a body slave. To take=20
care of Healer Tamara and help out around the yards in your spare=20
time.'

`Why me and not someone else like another woman?' Chakotay asked as=20
he felt destiny stepping in.

`You are also big and strong enough to carry her home. Sometimes, the=20
healing takes more out of her than she will let on and collapse=20
afterwards. The Royal Family has a very special interest in Healer=20
Tamara since she is the only one of her kind on this planet.' Sarina=20
watched Andy saunter in and lie down beside Chakotay wrapping his=20
massive paws around the man's ankles in absolute trust. `I see Andy=20
is quite taken with you.'
Chakotay reached down and found the spiky looking fur extremely soft=20
and a deep grating sound from behind the closed purple eyes. `I see.=20
There's more to this than that. I sense that you both knew of me=20
already before I even arrived here.'

`Two years ago, she had a vision of a human male with a blue tattoo=20
such as the one you have. Tamara painted this a few days later.'=20
Sarina got up and uncovered a painting on the wall of the kitchen. It=20
was his own face he was staring at. The black hair, dark eyes, tattoo=20
and dimples, he knew what Sarina said was true.

`We believe some things are destiny. It appears this is one of those=20
times.' He looked at Sarina. She was a native of this planet with the=20
throat and shoulder ridges she had; Tamara on the other hand was from=20
Earth or a human colony in the alpha quadrant. `How did Healer Tamara=20
come to be here?'

`You'll have to get her story from the source if your owner wishes to=20
tell you. I think it is time for you to resume your duties upstairs.=20
I need to reschedule her appointments.' She left the kitchen and went=20
into the office.

Going back upstairs, he straightened up the bedroom drank the tepid=20
tea and changed the cloth on Tamara's forehead. She was sleeping=20
painfree for the time being and he had time to study her. Another=20
redhead in his life, he had a sudden thought of Kathryn Janeway. He=20
wondered if they were still looking for him and if the Calvary would=20
come over the hill.

He dozed off and on through the morning sitting in the chair while=20
getting up every so often to change the warm cloth on her forehead=20
for a cool one. A whimpering caught his attention as he was startled=20
awake from the sounds in her bed. The nightmares had started.=20
Carefully, he sat on the edge of the bed and stroked her face trying=20
to calm her down. Instead, she got more agitated and screamed when he=20
tried to hold her down. Now he was at a loss of what to do for her.

`You're going to have to lie down, pull her close to you and reassure=20
her that everything is okay.' A very irritated voice came from the=20
doorway.

Chakotay looked up to see Sarina glaring at him from the doorway.=20
Under her gaze, he gathered Tamara to his chest and lay down beside=20
her with her back to his chest and he crossed his arms in front of=20
her. Almost at once, she calmed down and snuggled against his warmth.

`Shhhh, Tamara. It's okay. I'm here and the nightmares are gone.' He=20
glared at Sarina before he remembered to downcast his eyes.=20

`I'll bring some lunch up after a while. She'll be hungry when she=20
awakens.' And she was gone.

The healing part of Tamara reached out to the pain of the pair and=20
enveloped them in a deep healing sleep. It lasted through the day and=20
into the night giving them both peace and mental healing they both=20
needed. Sarina checked on them from time to time, but otherwise left=20
them alone. Sleep was the best medicine.

Tamara awakened to a clear head, a warm body at her back and a large=20
hand under her shirt playing with her breasts. She went rigid in fear=20
at this invasion and felt him pull back and remove his hand. Going=20
from fear to raging anger with her instinct for survival, she reared=20
up and brought her left elbow down smashing into Chakotay's face full=20
force, knocking him out instantly. Leaping from the bed, she tripped=20
on the blankets and fell heavily to the floor landing on her left hip.

`Sarina,' she yelled as she rolled over to examine her hip and winced=20
at the pain in her left elbow. There was going to be a big bruise by=20
the end of the day. There was no response from Sarina, but she could=20
hear Andy whiffing around the back door. Reaching in to her=20
nightstand, she pulled out a wicked looking long dagger.

Chakotay came to a few moments later and felt blood running down his=20
face from a broken nose and a cracked cheekbone. Pain lanced through=20
his head as he sat up and tried to stem the flow of blood. Out of the=20
corner of his eye, he saw Tamara sprawled on the floor pointing a=20
large dagger in his direction. He felt the anger, fear and shame=20
radiantly from her.

It was puzzling to him for just a moment until he realized what he=20
had done and felt a stab of fear for himself and a wave of shame and=20
self loathing washed over him. Last night had felt so right with her=20
in his arms and the peace she had given him while he had slept. His=20
hand had gone under her shirt, because he had been dreaming of=20
Kathryn Janeway. Another wave of shame filled him as she glared at=20
him with icy green eyes. Her copper hair was flowing over her=20
shoulders and he immediately put his dark eyes on the floor because=20
he could no longer bear to look at the pain he had caused her.

`You're hurt. Come here, Chakotay.' Once again her demeanor changed=20
to that of a healer.  Only healing, love and concern filled her now=20
abruptly replacing the anger, fear and shame. The dagger fell to the=20
floor, as she reached out her hand to him.=20

Chakotay found himself responding to her voice as he slipped out of=20
the bed and knelt at her side full of shame, fear and self-loathing=20
at what he had done to her. Tears fell from his dark eyes as her=20
hands caressed his face and he felt the cool healing wash over him.=20
When she was done, he placed his head in her lap crying for her=20
forgiveness.
She gathered him in her arms and held him while he cried himself out=20
for this situation, his actions against her and the loss of Kathryn=20
and Voyager. Humming softly, she caressed his hair and brow while=20
doing a surface scan of his thoughts and projecting some calm into=20
his chaotic whirlwind. Awhile later, he calmed down and looked up=20
into her green eyes to find forgiveness and concern for him.

`I am sorry, Healer Tamara. Can you ever forgive me?' he asked softly=20
daring to hope a little that this beautiful lady could forgive his=20
transgressions.

`You are forgiven, Chakotay.' She smiled at him. `However, I do have=20
a slight problem.'

`Whatever you command, my lady.'

`Can you rotate my left leg for me? I popped my hip out of joint when=20
I landed on the floor.'

`Are you in pain?' He got to his feet squatting beside her with a=20
surge of panic and guilt.

`No, I am not in pain, Chakotay. Focus on my words and not your=20
emotions.' Tamara stated. `Now, help me up. Time enough to deal with=20
the emotions later.'

Gently, he lifted her off of the floor and was rewarded with a loud=20
pop, as her hip slip back into place on it's own.

`Put me down, Chakotay. I am not a porcelain doll.'

`I am sorry, Healer.' He kept his eyes averted as he put her down.

`Now go and fix some breakfast and tea. I'm famished.' She remarked=20
and watched Chakotay's smile lit up his eyes and his dimples flashed=20
making her weak in the knees.

Coming down the stairs, he heard Sarina coming in the back door with=20
Andy on her heels. As he hit the last step, he felt the furball rush=20
by him and dash up the stairs to his mistress. There was a squeal of=20
delight from the bedroom.

After breakfast and going over her appointments with Sarina, Tamara=20
headed into the village with Chakotay in tow while Andy was running=20
circles around them and chasing birds.

`What species is Andy, Healer Tamara?' Chakotay asked as he shifted=20
the medicine bag from one hand to the other.
`The closest translation I've ever come up with is mood-sensor. He's=20
very sensitive to emotions.' Tamara answered. She sensed more=20
presence nearby. `The children are nearby watching you, Chakotay.'

 `How many children are in the village?' he was curious.

`Around three hundred. This is the main orphanage for the planet.'=20
Tamara answered.

With his background in hunting and tracking from his forefathers, he=20
could feel curious eyes watching him from the trees and underbrush.=20
He saw Tamara smiling at him and he responded with a big smile of his=20
own dimples and all. `Kids are the same from one side of the galaxy=20
to the other, aren't they? Curious about everything.'

`I guess so. I'll have to take your word on it, Chakotay.' Something=20
sad passed in front of her eyes for a brief second and her smile=20
returned just as quickly.

The children got bolder as the entered the village and soon the=20
healer was surrounded by more than a dozen all trying to get her=20
attention.  She answered all their questions with ease, laughed at=20
their jokes and hugged them when they showed signs of crying. It was=20
quite a crowd by the time they reached the medical clinic where=20
Tamara had her office; Tamara waved bye and shooed them off for it=20
was almost time for school. They were still a little leery of=20
Chakotay.

`They adore you, Healer Tamara,' Chakotay chuckled as they went into=20
the clinic and entered a brightly lit hallway. There was a large=20
waiting room and reception area at the end of the hall. Tamara=20
stepped through a door bearing her sigil like that on his medallion.=20

Sitting at her desk, Tamara activated her computer terminal to bring=20
up her list of appointments barring emergencies. Chakotay was=20
interested in what kind of technology the planet had. Were they a=20
space faring race or just had visitors from time to time.

`Healer Tamara, do these people have star ships?' He tried not to let=20
his excitement show.

`Chakotay,' Tamara commanded him telepathically. `Shut-up.'

He glanced at her in sudden shock. `Now assume the position and stay=20
there until further notice.' Her sudden fury took him by surprise as=20
he dropped to the floor.

`How dare you speak until spoken too=85?' She began a verbal triad at=20
him. Mentally, she said, `Chakotay, the wrong words or gestures could=20
bring the government down on us. There are eyes and ears everywhere.=20
Please play along and I'll explain everything later.' `Perhaps, I=20
should send you for retraining.'

Chakotay caught on and quickly started trembling in fear while=20
mouthing pleas for forgiveness. With his forehead pressed to the=20
floor and ass high in the air made him a delectable sight to=20
Tamara. `Gods, I would like to ravish this handsome hunk. Oh, well!'=20
She sighed. `I can dream. Maybe I would have a chance to help him=20
gain some peace in his life if this Kathryn didn't have such a hold=20
over his sensitive soul. If you love someone enough, you should be=20
able to set him or her free to find peace. It's only been a day and=20
you're in love with him or is it a simple case of lust. Or just the=20
loneliness of not having another human around for so long.'

A tear fell down her cheek as he turned his to stare at her in wonder=20
noting the trail of the teardrop. Tamara did not realize that the=20
link between Chakotay and her was still open and he was hearing her=20
thoughts. `Time to get some fucking paperwork done. Creator, I just=20
want to go home, I'm so tired of it all. Let's see it would be about=20
2006 right now in California. Mom and Dad retired and the=20
grandchildren graduating from high school. I bet they would love to=20
know about Kathryn. She's got her grandfather's eyes and=20
recklessness.' Images of a four-year girl with red hair and green=20
eyes appeared before him.

`Work, Tamara. First appointment is after lunch. Broken hip. Letter=20
to Labor Board regarding Chakotay's status as slave or is there=20
someway to have him as a free person like myself.' The link closed=20
down between them when her concentration shifted fully on her work.=20
Lunch came and he was allowed up long enough to eat, have a drink and=20
relieve himself in the bathroom.

`Chakotay, there's a tree out back with a bench if you wish to try=20
and meditate for awhile. The kids won't be out of school for a least=20
another hour.' Tamara remarked as he stepped out of the bathroom. `I=20
have a translation program for you. It will only take a moment to=20
give it too you.'

`Yes, Healer.' He stood in front of her with his eyes staring at her=20
shoes.

Placing her hands on both sides of his face, she mentally downloaded=20
the translation memory into his memory. When he briefly glanced at=20
her, he saw the tears in her eyes.

`What is it, Healer?' He reached up and brushed the tears from her=20
silky smooth cheeks.

`Kathryn is a lucky woman. You had better go. My next appointment=20
will be here momentarily.' She disappeared into the exam room leaving=20
him confused by her erratic behavior and wondering how she knew about=20
Kathryn Janeway.

Stepping out the back door, he quickly found the tree she was=20
referring too. It closely resembled a huge willow tree and he was=20
fairly well hidden under the branches sitting on the bench to enjoy a=20
little time to himself. Finding his calm and center, he settled into=20
a light trance to meditate.

Tamara finished seeing her patients for healing and made plans to eat=20
supper at the clinic. It would be a long night with three couples=20
expected to deliver their babies tonight. She grabbed another cup of=20
heartleaf tea to get some energy in her. Heartleaf tea had the=20
closest thing to caffeine on this planet. What she wouldn't give for=20
a cup of real coffee. Sarina dropped off a list of appointments for=20
two days hence since she would be up most of the night and sleeping=20
through the next day. Finishing her tea, she poured a fresh cup for=20
Chakotay and stepped outside the back door of the clinic and smiled=20
at the sight that met her eyes.

Chakotay was surrounded by nearly half of the children of the village=20
while telling the story of lazy coyote and busy beaver. Three of the=20
littlest ones were in his lap and arms while all the others sat=20
quietly listening aptly to his tale. She caught his eye and raised=20
the cup to show she had something for him to drink. He waved for her=20
to come over and sit with them.

Weaving her way through the mass of youth, Tamara managed to seat=20
herself on the bench and not spill the drinks. He finished the tale=20
leaving big smiles on their glowing faces. Gratefully, Chakotay=20
sipped the tea she handed to him.

`I hope you know some more stories, handsome.' Tamara chuckled.

`Why?' He was mildly curious.

`Because you just became a storyteller and you will get no peace from=20
them.' She indicated the children. `Right, guys?'

The children cheered which made Chakotay blush at his new status in=20
the village and Tamara laughed.

`May we please have another story?' A little four-year old boy with=20
green eyes and red hair asked looking up at the big man without fear,=20
just wonder.

`Healer Tamara, do you mind?' Chakotay smiled with real pleasure=20
showing his dimples at her. She could see he truly enjoyed the being=20
with the children and they were starting to like him as well.=20
`This is between you and them, Chakotay. I just came out to tell you=20
to get a nap. It's going to be an all night session.' Tamara threw up=20
her hands in mock surrender and leaving him to the mercy of the young=20
ones.

The night session was long with three births, but Chakotay observed=20
that Tamara handled it all with ease right down to the broken wrist=20
that came in during the middle of a contraction. He helped where he=20
could and ended up falling asleep from lack of a nap. The children=20
had dragged three more tales out of him before the adults had=20
returned to claim them for evening dinner and activities.

Sunlight was peeking in the windows when he felt a hand running=20
through his hair and down his back. `Hey, sleepyhead! It's time to=20
get going.'

`Sorry,' he stood and stretched. `How do you do this?'

`Practice. Plus I get this whole day to sleep and just be lazy.' She=20
grabbed her bag and headed out the back door with Chakotay on her=20
heels while Andy came lumbering up wanting to play.=20=09

Dropping her bag, she started to wrestle with furball while Chakotay=20
looked on in amazement. A few moments later, they ganged up on=20
Chakotay by tackling him to the ground and wrestling with him in the=20
soft grass. He responded in delight by tickling Tamara on her ribs=20
until she squealed. Andy jumped on Chakotay and he came up with a=20
mouthful of fur choking and laughing.

Tamara and Chakotay were laughing so hard that they didn't notice the=20
Prince and his entourage standing nearby looking on with disapproval.

`I see you have time for play, my dear Healer. Maybe I should assign=20
you more responsibility.' Prince Deevick, Crown Prince of Rashela=20
announced his presence to the pair.

Tamara responded to the Prince standing there by getting up, giving=20
him a short bow from the waist, and remain standing in his presence.=20
Andy crouched low to the ground beside while Chakotay stayed low to=20
the ground. His sixth sense told him to stay invisible as possible=20
with this man.

`Good morning, Prince Deevick. What brings you to this little corner=20
of your Kingdom?' Tamara asked with a light sneer in her voice.=20
Chakotay felt a stab of fear and wondered at her foolishness or=20
daring.

`Why I came here to check on you, my dear. Kathryn is wondering are=20
you coming for your monthly visit in a few days.' Deevick asked as he=20
appraised his Royal Healer from head to foot. Reaching out, he pulled=20
a blade of grass from her red hair, which was tumbling down around=20
her shoulders. She didn't flinch, but Andy growled and Chakotay was=20
starting to get a little angry himself at the prince.

`Tell my beloved daughter, I will most certainly be there.' Tamara=20
said with laughter in her voice.

`You know, my dear. We should make another child. We throw such=20
beautiful offspring.' Deevick placed his arm around her waist and=20
drew her close to him smelling the perfume of her body and hair.

Andy's growl grew dangerous and he crouched to leap and Tamara could=20
hear a rumble of protest in Chakotay's chest. Tamara pushed herself=20
away from Deevick and warned them, `Quiet, guys.'

`This must be your new toy. I heard about him, a male from your own=20
species, is he not?' The prince turned his attention upon=20
Chakotay. `Stand up, so I can see you, slave.'

Deevick could see the rage in the big man being held in check by=20
incredible control. The slave kept his eyes downcast, as a tremor for=20
control shook his entire body. Tamara stepped in between them with a=20
hand to her forehead.

`I fear, my prince, I have need of this one's assistance. After such=20
a long healing session, I fear I may have a headache coming on.'

Tamara rubbed her forehead to emphasize the point. It was a bold lie=20
and both knew it, yet it also allowed the prince to bow out and not=20
lose face in front of his peers. Deevick knew if he pushed her, she=20
would find a way to flaunt him in public and shame him. Her healing=20
power and their daughter were the only things between her and death=20
at this stage of their games. Both also knew that one day, a dazzle=20
headache could kill her.

`You need to rest, my dear. I hope the headache will not impede your=20
upcoming visit to our daughter.' With that, he turned on his heels=20
and left followed by his entourage.

Andy and Chakotay were wound up like springs as their eyes fixated on=20
Tamara's frozen stance. Chakotay went to move towards her to offer=20
comfort when a look from those icy green eyes froze him to the spot.=20
A few calming breaths later, she relaxed and Andy whimpered in relief=20
as his tongue reached out and licked her ankle.

`Tam, are you all right?' His voice was worried. He would have been=20
happy to throttle the prince for her.

`It's getting late. Retrieve the bag and let's go.' She started=20
walking along the road to the house without a backward glance while=20
Andy walked beside her with worry in his big purple eyes. Grabbing=20
the bag, Chakotay trotted after her.

Arriving at the house, he made breakfast while she took a shower and=20
crawled into bed falling asleep almost instantly. When Chakotay=20
arrived with the tray of food and tea, he sighed when he found her=20
asleep. Setting the tray down on the side table in case she awaken,=20
he went back downstairs to his room in the back of the house lying=20
down on the bed, but sleep eluded him.

For the first time since he had been captured, Chakotay had time to=20
think things out. Like how to find a way off this planet and maybe=20
find a way back to Voyager. First he needed to find out exactly in=20
relation to the last place he knew Voyager had been. Looking out the=20
window, he watched the sun rise higher in the sky and wondered if=20
Voyager was still looking for him or had they given up and headed for=20
home once more.

Healer Tamara, now that lady was a contradiction in terms. Sweet and=20
gentle one second, ice and hard the next plus the erratic behavior.=20
She said she would tell him her story, but they had not gotten a=20
chance to do it yet. At least, she had a wonderful sense of humor and=20
was a flirt to boot. Courage and bravado too, the way she took on the=20
Prince idiot. It was apparent there was a history of sorts between=20
them. Somehow, they managed to have a daughter between them and she=20
was living with the Prince.

He was starting to get sleepy and nod off when there was a scream=20
from upstairs and Andy started to howl in fury. Heart pounding,=20
Chakotay sprang off the bed and ran upstairs to find Tamara drenched=20
in sweat in the midst of a nightmare. She was thrashing around and=20
tangled in the bedclothes. Gathering her in his arms, he held her to=20
his chest whispering softly in her ear while she gradually calmed=20
down enough so he could straighten the bedclothes.  Curling up with=20
Tamara in his arms, he fell soundly asleep.

In the early afternoon, he opened his eyes and found a pair of=20
mischievous green eyes watching him intently. He blushed. He reached=20
over and brushed the red hair back from her face. With the back of=20
his hand, he caressed the side of her face from cheek to chin and=20
than withdrew his hand.

`Been awake long?' he asked feeling barriers pop up between them.

`Long enough to know I like watching you sleep,' she mused. `I can=20
see the little boy in your face while you're relaxed in sleep.'

`Is that good or bad?' he quipped with a smile as the barriers came=20
back down.

`Both and trouble for me, I can see," she smiled rolling her eyes up=20
at the ceiling.  He chuckled feeling more relaxed around her than=20
before.

`Do I get to hear your story?' His dark eyes were serious.

`All right. Where do you want me to start?'

`In the beginning like every good story.' He said as he settled back=20
against the headboard.

`In the fall of 2002, I was on vacation in England visiting=20
Stonehenge. I had always wanted to visit that particular spot. It's a=20
power point in the midst of quite a few legends. My sister and I got=20
there very early and had the whole place to ourselves. After visiting=20
Stonehenge, we decided to hike up the nearby hills.' Her eyes closed=20
remembering. `It was foggy as only England can get the good fogs.  My=20
sister went back to her car to get her water bottle and I went up=20
ahead to look for a descent trail. Going around a cliff face, I heard=20
a crackle pop and saw a bluish and silvery outline as I walked into=20
what Deevick tells me was a spatial and temporal rift. Some kind of=20
fracture of time and I wound up at Deevick's feet literally.' Tamara=20
paused and looked at Chakotay. `Does any of this make sense to you?'

`Actually, it does. I can explain it all the details if you want to=20
hear them.' He answered. `I would like to hear the rest of your tale=20
first.'

`I was in a great deal of pain from doing some kind of mutation=20
coming through the rift.  It was weeks before I realized anything and=20
everything was wrong with my life. My first clue was watching three=20
moons rise one night and all the stars were in the wrong place. Than=20
I noticed the people around me were different, human looking, but=20
with differences in the throat and neck ridges. That took awhile to=20
get used too. Meanwhile, Deevick and his gang of scientists had=20
figured out what was happening to me. I now had the ability to heal=20
and some telepathic sending and receiving, not much at actual mind=20
reading.' Her face showed the displeasure of the unpleasant=20
experiences.

`Three months had passed and I acquired Andy. He's a story for=20
another time. Deevick's cronies put over a hundred implants in my=20
brain and body to monitor and learn how I heal. It had become second=20
nature to me by than to heal injuries and commune with the Royal=20
Telepaths. Deevick tried to do some kind of programming on me, but=20
the implants blocked it so I just pretend when it comes to the=20
healing around him, but not for much longer. Most of the implants=20
have been burnt out when I get angry. Anyway, Deevick had moved me to=20
the Palace to be the First Royal Healer and be in constant attendance=20
on the Royal Family. This of course, threw me in the middle of the=20
politics of the palace.' Her voice grew husky at the memories.=20
Chakotay got up and brought her a drink of water for her grateful=20
throat.

`A couple of months later, one of Deevick's peers dared him to find=20
out what a human female was like in bed. I mean the guy has a harem=20
when he decided to take up the dare. Deevick got his chance the night=20
I saved the King, his father, after the assassination attempt. Since=20
I was standing right next to the King, I was able to heal his wounds=20
right away. By the time the physician got there the King would've=20
died of his injuries.'

`It was not pleasant. Deevick said he was showing me gratitude for=20
saving his father's life. I was having a dazzle headache at the time=20
and couldn't put up a fight except for yelling, which didn't do me=20
any good. Deevick had his way with me and as a result I had Kathryn=20
nine months later. I fell in love with her at first sight and I ended=20
up staying in the palace for another year.' Tears fell down her face.=20
When Chakotay wanted to comfort her, she waved her hand no at him.

`The tension between Deevick and I had been building for months=20
erupting into public spats and embarrassing the prince along with the=20
Royal Family. The King decided to separate us and I was moved here to=20
the orphanage and assigned to work in the medical facility. Kathryn=20
stays at the palace and I get a few days each moon triad to visit=20
with her.' Her voice trailed off as she glanced at the picture of her=20
daughter on the dresser.

`She's not allowed to come and stay with her mother?' Chakotay=20
couldn't believe that they wouldn't let the child stay with her=20
mother on occasion.=20

`Kathryn is a princess of the blood and next in line to the throne=20
after Deevick hence she has to stay protected. I have been in the=20
village nearly four years now.' She finished and stretched.=20

`I'll bet it's been pretty lonely for you,' Chakotay found himself=20
wanting to hug and comfort her, but she had drawn a boundary.

`Between work and sleeping, it can get pretty busy. However, there=20
are days when I want to scream and kill something in a bloody rage.'=20
She said venomously and he actually drew back from her in surprise.

`Kill something?' There was an actual trace of fear in his=20
voice. `Have you killed before?'

`I've killed three assassins and four of Deevick's guards when he=20
tried to ambush me a couple of years ago. Andy has gotten three of=20
his own. Each death made me sick for days and I still feel guilty.'=20
She admitted. `Most of the time, I go for long walks or runs to work=20
the anger out. I believe if it wasn't for Kathryn or the children I=20
would've gone over the edge a while back.'

`What stopped you?' He prompted falling into his role as counselor=20
like he was back on Voyager as First Officer.

`You.' She stated flatly.

`Me?' He was taken back by her answer.

`I had a vision of you in the market place being sold as a slave and=20
you were looking at me for help. I painted your picture so we could=20
keep an eye out for you.' He looked so puzzled, she had to=20
laugh. `You have the answers to the questions, Chakotay.'

`Which questions are those, Tam?' He asked softly.=20

`Later. When we get to the palace in a few days.' She crawled out of=20
the bed and did a full body stretch, which caught his attention, and=20
he felt a tightening in his groin. `Let's get something to eat, I'm=20
starving.' She headed for the stairs with him following close behind=20
with the untouched breakfast tray.

After hearing her story and the odds she had gone through to survive,=20
his admiration and respect for her grew. He was still leery of her=20
mood swings but chalked it up to the stress she was living under all=20
this time. When they had eaten, they hiked up into the hills to watch=20
the sunset.

************
Week 4

Tom Paris couldn't believe it as he sat down at the helm of Voyager=20
in a daze. Commander Chakotay was missing and the Captain was giving=20
the order this morning for Voyager to continue on her way to the=20
Alpha Quadrant.

The Commander has disappeared while on shore leave nearly a month ago=20
and outside of finding his communicator and uniform there was no=20
trace to be found of the Maquis captain. There were reports of=20
raiding parties in the area and other people missing from local=20
villages and outlying areas with no clues to there whereabouts=20
either.=20

The planetary government admitted that they had only a vague idea of=20
where the raiders had taken the missing people via the local=20
transwarp conduit. Without the right technology, there was no way for=20
Janeway to track down the ships carrying the stolen people.

`Captain?' Tom questioned with a tear in his blue eyes looking up at=20
her to confirm the orders.

`You heard me, Mr. Paris. Set course for the Alpha Quadrant at warp=20
six.' Janeway said coldly as she turned to sit in her command chair.

`Yes, Captain.' The helmsman said quietly with a lump in his throat=20
and blurry vision as his fingers danced over the panel. Never again=20
would he tease or anger Chakotay or feel his presence behind him. He=20
wondered how B'Elanna was doing. No one could fill Chakotay's shoes.

The entire crew mourned the loss.

************
Chakotay found himself slipping into Tamara's routine of clinic work=20
and all night sessions while enjoying the children after lunch with a=20
tale or two whenever time permitted. At the house, he kept it clean,=20
cooked their meals and worked in the yards. He watched Healer Tamara=20
as she healed the scrapes, bumps and bruises on the children. She=20
listened to their woes and held them while they cried or just needed=20
some reassurance. Here with the children is where she showed her=20
greatest potential with patience and gentleness. He could see the=20
love she had for youngsters.

`Were you a teacher back on Earth?' Chakotay asked on their way back=20
to the house.

`No. I never got around to finishing college. I was the oldest of=20
eight kids so I got a lot of practice in babysitting. Before I came=20
to Rashela, I worked for a school district in California.' She=20
smiled. `I've had a lot of people telling me I should be a teacher,=20
but I don't have the patience.'

`I don't think you give yourself enough credit, Healer Tamara. The=20
children adore you and I see them hanging on your words and actions.'=20
Chakotay replied honestly seeing what she didn't.

`Don't say anymore. I refuse to get close to the children. What=20
Deevick is doing unthinkable and I can't handle the pain. I enjoy=20
their company and through their eyes I see the world as it was meant=20
to be, but I cannot change my feelings. Please change the subject.'=20
Her eyes were bright with unshed tears and her voice threaten to=20
break.

When they reached the house, she dismissed him for the night and=20
locked herself in her room. Even Andy ignored him for evening, which=20
left Chakotay feeling dejected as he ate a cold supper and slept=20
little that night.

`Let's go. My ride will be here shortly.' A cold voice hissed at him=20
startling him fully awake. `Get the black cloaks out of the closest.'

Wiping the sleep out of his eyes, Chakotay pulled his clothes on and=20
grabbed the cloaks out of the closest. Stumbling into the kitchen, he=20
realized it was still nighttime as he came to stand beside the=20
dinning table, which held two opened leather bags. Tamara was piled=20
various items of clothing and personal items into them.

`There is a cup of tea for you on the counter.' Tamara said without=20
looking up. `Put the cloak on. It's warm.'

Gratefully, he slipped on one of the cloaks, sipped the tea and=20
started to get warm. Tamara picked up a pair of felt slippers and=20
handed them to him. He looked her curiously for all the slaves he=20
knew including himself went barefoot.

`We're going to the Royal Palace and standards are very high even for=20
the slaves. I'll explain the other policies while we're in the air.'=20
She closed the bags and slipped on the other cloak and he realized=20
that she was in full Healer Regalia. Fancy crap, she had called them.

There was a roar outside of the house as a hover car sat down gently=20
in the front lawn. They entered and made themselves comfortable in=20
the overstuffed seats. Tamara ignored the car while Chakotay looked=20
out the window and watched the scenery go by. When he looked back at=20
Tamara, he noticed she was gripping the arms of her chair and her=20
knuckles were white. Her eyes were closed and she was mouthing=20
something, but he couldn't make out what it was.

`Tamara, what's wrong?' His voice full of fear for her.

`I'm scared to death of flying, I hate it with a passion and if you=20
ever tell anyone, I'll don't know, but I'll think of something.' She=20
threatened and looked to see him laughing as he reached over and=20
hugged her.  To his surprise, she returned the hug. `Guess it's a=20
little childish to be afraid of flying.'

`No, it's a valid phobia even in the 24th century, Tamara.' He said=20
as she leaned against his chest, resting her head on his shoulder.=20
Keeping his arms around her, he kissed the top of her head and rested=20
his cheek on the top of her hair inhaling the scent of her.

All too soon, they landed in a side courtyard of the Palace designed=20
for the hovercraft. Carrying the bags, Chakotay followed Tamara=20
through the corridors of the vast castle losing his way after going=20
through a fourth corridor that looked exactly like the last two.=20
Halfway down the fourth one, did they stop in front a wooden ornate=20
door marked with the Healer's sigil.=20

`This is when we stay when in residence.' Tamara remarked as she=20
opened the door to her suite of room. The suite contained three=20
bedrooms, office, and private bath, dining area and receiving area=20
for visitors. She directed him where to unpack the bags and had him=20
join her on the couch.

`We didn't get a chance to talk on the air car about policy in the=20
palace, Chakotay.' She stopped when saw the anger on his face, and=20
felt his emotions churning under the surface, more slave stuff. Her=20
temper snapped he would just have to realize that that was the way=20
things were done here. Tamara reached over took his chin in her hand=20
and pulled his face close to her watching him wince at the pain she=20
was causing in his jaw.

`Listen to me and get off your fucking high horse, mister. Do you=20
want a chance to get off this rock or not? Just shake your head yes=20
or no.' her icy green eyes froze him. He shook his head yes.

`Now to do something like this is going to require planning, timing,=20
and money of which I have and you don't. Are you following this so=20
far?' He shook his head yes.

`You are on public records as a slave; hence you must play the part=20
until we find a way to free you legally. I need to have the control=20
release from the labor board to do that for your collar and bands.=20
Still following.'  He nodded yes.

`Can you make believe that is an undercover mission and you are the=20
operative who needs to get in touch with his contacts to get back to=20
home base of Voyager? Can you do that?' A nod yes.

`If you screw up here in the palace, there is no guarantee that I can=20
protect you if your behavior in public is less than perfect. You=20
could be sent to the mines as the worst case scenario and I don't=20
know if I could get you out. Now are you ready for this? I brought=20
you along because I wanted you to meet Kathryn and get to know her.'

`Yes, Healer.'

`Now for the hard task and I want to apologize in advance. There will=20
be times of verbal cruelty that you must bear. I will try and block=20
what I can. Keep your eyes downcast at all times. Obey instantly,=20
speak only when spoken too and don't hesitate to ask me anything in=20
private. All right, Chakotay?' She let go of his chin and to her=20
surprise, his eyes were dark with desire.

`Yes, Healer. I do have a question?' His breathing was erratic.

`What is it, Handsome?' She teased with a lock of hair on his head.

`Can we get together sometime as a couple? Dinner and dancing?'=20
Chakotay asked a little apprehensive.

`Are you asking as the slave or as the man I see under all this=20
fa=E7ade?' Tam felt herself melting under his intense gaze.
`Does it matter?' He grew bolder by pulling her into his arms.=20
Cupping her face gently with his right hand, he kissed her lightly on=20
the lips and she responded by kissing him back.

Her arms found their way up around his neck while her lips demanded=20
more from him. He groaned in arousal when she shifted to sit in his=20
lap. His hand found her breast through the fabric=85there was a knock=20
at the door and they jumped apart. Tam stood up instantly and=20
straighten her clothes.

`Can you get to the bedroom?' She noted his discomfort. `I will take=20
care of this.'

`Thanks.' He was grateful for the respite to compose himself as he=20
walked as fast as he could out of the room.

After regaining his senses, he came out of his bedroom with eyes=20
downcast, into the receiving area only to find she was gone. He tried=20
the door to the suite only to find it locked. Why would she go off=20
and not tell him? And when would she be back?

It gave him a chance to ponder over what she had said. Majority of it=20
was true; they would need each other to get off this planet. There=20
was no way she was going to let him lead a revolution if it would put=20
her daughter at risk. His control and patience had definitely been=20
off kilter lately with everything that had happened to him since his=20
enslavement. Maybe some meditation was in order to help him find some=20
answers.

A couple of hours later of meditation and Chakotay was feeling calmer=20
and in control for the first time in weeks. He stood and strutted=20
enjoying the relaxing of his muscles as he saw how much tension had=20
flowed out of him. A shower would feel good right now. Grabbing a few=20
things, he headed for the bath. With the door shut and the water=20
running he didn't hear the commotion in the outer room.=20

************
End of Part One


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