Star Trek Voyager: Hollow Resolve (J/C Rated PG-13)

[superwoman]

This is goooood!

[Josi Rockholt]

More please,

[Cathexis]

Thanks. More to come as I finish what I started.

[Cathexis]

I have edited and re-setup the story, as follows up-to-date:

Storyline Fiction
STV: Hollow Resolve
By:
Katharine Rachel-Anne King

Part I: "What You Leave Behind"

Silence swept through Kathryn Janeway's quarters as she slept soundly aboard the U.S.S Voyager. Beside her lay the muscle-bound, olive-skinned form of Commander Chakotay, who absent-mindedly stroked his companion's delicate auburn hair. He couldn't sleep for whatever reason and, for fear of waking Kathryn, he chose to stay with her instead of returning to his own quarters. He also knew how much Kathryn enjoyed waking up to the sensation of his lips upon hers, followed by a passionate series of sensuous intimacy. Of course the two would fall asleep again until the shift alert urged them to dress and head to the Bridge for duty.
Today, Janeway was to lead a small away team (at the disapproval of Lieutenant Tuvok) with Chakotay (which, if he'd been human, would have infuriated the Vulcan Chief of Security) to the surface of an M-Class planet, similar to Earth. The plan was to gather any edible food for Voyager's reserves and to dig out as much dilithium as possible from a few underground mines. However wonderful the mission turned out, things did not fair so well for the Captain and First Officer.
In fact, both officers contracted a contagious disease. Later, Harry Kim ran a sensor scan on the planet's atmosphere and found that it contained a biochemical healing agent. So Kathryn and Chakotay were forced to resign from command of Voyager, thereby transferring the Captaincy to Lieutenant Tuvok. Chakotay and Janeway took whatever supplies and rations they could from the ship's stores down to the planet, where they planned to live for the rest of their lives.
Before Voyager broke orbit, Kathryn made a final announcement to her crew from the surface. She spoke in an affectionate yet somber tone, making sure to leave those formerly under her command with an optimistic view of the future, as well as the past. Chakotay made ready to build a home for the both of them on what they were now calling "New Earth."
The first week went by without much incident for the pair. In fact, Kathryn and Chakotay were so caught up in settling down, that they began to drift apart. The explanation seemed to be that Kathryn had begun to wonder what to do about her relationship with Chakotay. Part of her, the logical side, told her to stay tough-minded and practical, which meant to stop the intimacy. The other part, however, the more venturesome side of her, told her to talk to Chakotay and work something out before things start to become really awkward!
Kathryn made up her mind while planting sees for a vegetable garden one morning. She resolved to approach Chakotay over dinner later in the evening. Unfortunately for her, Chakotay didn't seem to want to hold so much as idle chit chat with her during the entire day.
After a time, he headed into the house and worked on a design for a bathtub-for Kathryn, of course. He wanted to reassure her of his feelings about her. Lately it seemed to him like she wasn't interested in their once healthy physical relationship, which worried him a great deal.
Hours passed while Chakotay secretly worked on his plans for Kathryn's tub. He was also working on his own build in order to successfully recapture Kathryn's attention in that special way. As he went about his business, Kathryn continued planting and water her garden. Later she went out to collect wood for a fire.
Kathryn hummed to herself as she picked out the perfect kindling, thinking about Chakotay in his isolated corner of their new home. She wondered why he seemed so far away from her. There were many times where the two would just glance at one another, or exchange only a few tense words.
When Janeway felt she had enough wood, she collected herself and headed back to the house, which greeted her with a dull gray silence. Kathryn still seemed as though she couldn't believe that this is where she was to spend the rest of her life: 70,000 lightyears away from the only place she ever really called home with the only person she ever really considered herself to be in love with, including Mark.
After she assembled the kindling next to the house, Kathryn wiped away the sweat with the back of her hand and went inside to check on Chakotay. Chakotay had not been expecting her to be back quite so soon, so he'd been scattered most or all of the supplies he'd been using. Thus, Kathryn toed cautiously across the soft floor, noticing that the lights behind the house were on full power. Chakotay, however, was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly, the Commander popped out from behind a covered structure. Kathryn made sure to notice that he was gleaming profusely with sweat. She also noted that he was beaming at her.
"Close your eyes, Kathryn-quickly!" He said excitedly. Kathryn did as she was asked until Chakotay told her to open them. He unveiled the odd looking structure which made Janeway laugh for a moment before she said anything.
"This? This is what you've been doing all this time?" she continued,"and all-for me?"
"Yes," Chakotay answered.
Kathryn stepped up to run her hands along the delicate frame of the spa, smiling up at Chakotay now and then.
"It's beautiful, Chakotay!"
"I'm very glad you like it," Chakotay said,"but would you like to try it out?"
Kathryn glanced back to the tub.
"I'd be delighted to," she paused, "but only if you'll join me."
Chakotay thought for a second and nodded amiably. The afternoon progressed into a quiet evening as Janeway and Chakotay ate their dinner together, laughing and reflecting. For Kathryn, being away from Voyager was more difficult than she had expected it to be. She had thought that she was stronger than this, but the truth was that she really missed her crew. Chakotay comforted her with his wit and reason, and it made all the difference for Kathryn.
After they finished eating, Chakotay led Kathryn to the spa and helped her to get in before joining her. Janeway closed her eyes, relaxing as she slid into the warm water. Chakotay laughed to himself, enjoying the expression on his lover's face. Kathryn's eyes fluttered open at the sound of his laughing, and for a moment she felt awkward. He stopped laughing and regarded her quietly until she moved forward to embrace his lips in hers. Chakotay wrapped his arms around Kathryn's narrow waist, motioning softly in the water. Before he could do anything else with his elegant hands, Kathryn pulled back and stared at him intently.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Chakotay asked, but his only reply was Kathryn standing and leaving the spa, "Kathryn!?"
Kathryn rushed into the house where she dried and dressed herself. Something had frightened her about the encounter, she didn't know what. But somehow she felt the strong urge to stop. She wasn't angry and she wasn't in tears, but she was definitely confused about something. Chakotay came inside a few minutes later, but by the time he got up the nerve to ask Kathryn what had happened, he found her asleep in a sectioned off room. He decided to let her alone for now, so he shuffled around until finally retiring to bed.
The next morning, Kathryn was out hunting for berries and other things by the time Chakotay awoke. At first he thought about going out to find her, but then he realized that she'd probably speak to him when she felt it was appropriate. So he set his mind to making a decent breakfast and some coffee for Kathryn.


Part II: "Concerning Love"


Kathryn eyed Voyager's First Officer with predestination in her smile. She knew he was up to something, and she knew she had ways of finding out what that something was. Chakotay sat beside her, grinning with a warmth that seemed to radiate throughout the Ready Room. It felt nice to be able to go about things normally again-that is to say, normally enough. Chakotay moved to sit closer to his perplexed colleague.
"Kathryn, face it- you'll never get me to talk." He tried to sound serious, but the Captain could see right through him.
"Look, mister, I know you're up to no good, so you might as well surrender while I'm still feeling generous," It was a lie. In truth she had no idea at all about Chakotay's plans. All she figured was that it had something to do with her birthday, which was just three days away. Chakotay rested his hand on hers and spoke calmly.
"I'm not up to a thing, and if I were, it would be none your damn business. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some reports to finish before tomorrow's staff meeting." Kathryn practically sniggered at the tease. This was definitely about her birthday; she was certain of it now.
Chakotay left, chuckling as he went. Kathryn slammed her hand on the sofa-seat. Damn that man, she thought. Foiled again! She sat there for a few minutes wondering what she could do to prepare for whatever it was Chakotay had stirring. Then again, snooping around behind his back probably wasn't the smartest idea, and Kathryn wasn't entirely sure she wanted to spoil the surprise anyway. She resolved to let Chakotay have his fun until the opportune moment revealed itself.
The day, if you could call it a day, drew late and the Captain was due to meet with Lieutenant Torres in Engineering to go over a few minor repairs. She left the Ready Room and stepped into a turbolift.
"Deck 11, Engineering," she said, and the lift began to move. When it stopped, she headed straight into the bay to greet her Chief Engineer.

*****

Chakotay guided Kathryn to his quarters, making sure his hands sufficiently masked her azure eyes. She could not have been more shocked by the party he had set up on the holodeck via the rest of the crew. Now, she couldn't imagine what else he could possibly be planning.
"Almost there," Chakotay cooed in the captain's ear as he halted her just outside the entrance to his room.
"I promised I wouldn't look, Chakotay. Now remove those big strapping hands before I call for Security. Got that?" She was only joking, but all the same, Chakotay did as he was ordered. He tapped a few buttons and the gray door slid open.
"You can open those lovely blue optics of yours now," Chakotay took Kathryn's soft, pale hand as she blinked her eyes several times. Candles lit, lillies, roses, and a small silver box which lay upon the lavishly decorated table-for-two. Kathryn turned to meet the quietly beaming gentleman who had generously orchestrated the view which lay before her gaze.
"Chakotay, it's beautiful," she gripped his hand gently with hers and smiled. A singular tear glittered down her smooth visage. The room seemed to glow around her in silent celebration. Chakotay cleared away her tear with his fingers, then lifted her chin so their eyes met once again.
"Now I know it was worth it to keep this all a secret," Kathryn's smile widened as she laughed. She looked back to the kindred spirit who had done all this for her; for her!
"I'm very grateful, Chakotay. Thank you." Kathryn ran a hand over the small box, pondering its contents.
"I was hoping you might join me for dinner before you open it. There's something I need to talk with you about that's going to change a lot between us." Chakotay led the overjoyed, yet quizzical captain to one of the ebony chairs and motioned for her to be seated. He then took his place at the opposite end of the glass table and the two began to eat, laughing and joking happily.
The evening was slowly drifting toward, what Chakotay was hoping to be, a romantic end, as Kathryn occasionally fixed her eyes upon the box. The two officers had been, up to this point, reminiscing about Earth, the Maquis, and life as they'd know it before the Caretaker.
Eventually, Kathryn asked Chakotay if he wouldn't mind continuing to mentor her with her spirit guide. Of course and jovially at that, the gentle man agreed. He even offered to help her get back in touch with her guide that night, but Kathryn was more interested in the still unopened box.
Chakotay caught her staring hard at the little cube, smiling to himself; it was time.
"I suppose I should let you open it now, " he said, trying to be careful to word everything just right. He wanted so much for the night to end as perfectly as possible. Kathryn reverted her stare away from the gift as he picked it up and placed it in her hands. She looked at it for a moment, her heart beating faster than it had ever before. She steadily unwound the ribbon which held the lid shut and unveiled the container's secret. To her delight, she found herself staring at a solid gold pocket watch, engraved with a note:
To Kathryn,

For I dipped into the future, far as human eye can see; saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be, and that wonder, is you.

Ave Astra...

~Chakotay (2374)


Kathryn looked up at Chakotay, tears now flowing as she smiled flawlessly. They looked at one another for what seemed like ages before Chakotay lowered his head to softly leave a kiss on Kathryn's trembling lips. When they broke apart, Kathryn's mood seemed to change.
"I, uhm...I've got to go...it's late and, we have work tomorrow," she said with a hint of awkward uncertainty. Chakotay ran his fingers through her deep auburn hair before she left, wiping another not-so-joyous tear from her eyes. Chakotay was stunned. His night, it seemed, had not ended so perfectly. Now all he could do was sit alone and bury his face in his hands.

*****


Kathryn hurried to her quarters silently. She tried to calm herself as she passed by random crewmen, but by the time she reached her destination, she could contain her upset no longer. The disturbed Captain collapsed on her bed, shocked at the events that had just transpired only a few moments before now. How could she have let her guard down after what happened down on that planet last year? What is wrong with me, she repeated over and over to herself. At last she was calm (she hadn't been too hysterical, but quite perturbed at the very least). This was not what she had in mind when Chakotay invited her to his room. Or was it?
Finally, she came to think that perhaps Chakotay's actions weren't so stunning after all. What is wrong with me, she repeated once more, a wonderful thing has just happened and here I am acting like a child, crying for no reason. On the other hand, she also knew that it was a rare thing for her to tear up like this. And when she did cry, it was for a reason. Maybe she was just taken aback because she hadn't ever really considered how Chakotay felt about her, or vice-versa. Yeah, right.
Kathryn smirked at the memory of Chakotay's sweetly silken lips upon hers. What was she so afraid of, anyway? Why was this getting to her so miserably? Chakotay was in love with her-in love with her! The more she concentrated on that kiss, the more she began to put the pieces together. What she'd said on that planet a year ago-it had cost her the best relationship she could ever have asked for, which in turn placed a burden on Chakotay. Her words, no matter how well-intended they were meant, had really hurt him. Hell, they'd hurt her! She loved him, so why was she doing this to herself? She was only making things more awkward between the both of them.
Part of it, she thought, was because something inside her still wanted to believe that Mark was waiting for her. Odds were not in her favor, because Mark had probably moved on by now. He probably thought she was dead! She couldn't really blame him because, had the roles been reversed, she might have done the same thing.
After an hour of solid reflection, Kathryn determined to perform a risky move. She crossed the room and replicated a new outfit, changed, and left the room.

*****

The door chimed and Chakotay looked up. He too had been delving deep into his own reflection pool for the last hour, trying to figure out what it was he had done wrong. He paused before answering the impending alert.
"Come in," he said in a murky tone. The door slid open to unveil the trim figure of Kathryn Janeway wearing a satin black neglech�, complete with soft auburn hair which lay perfectly around her neck. She stepped in, eyes fixed on Chakotay as she approached his tall form. He stood and started to speak, but Kathryn gently placed a hand over his mouth to quiet him, then embraced his lips deeply. Several moments passed as the two officers engaged in an intensely intimate moment.
It was Kathryn who broke their kiss; tears began to slide down her flushed cheeks. She smiled at the Indian hunk.
"Chakotay, I'm s-" She started to say she was sorry, but before she could finish, Chakotay interrupted, caressing away the droplets of uncertainty.
"Don't...there's nothing to apologize for." When Chakotay spoke, Kathryn laughed and rested her head on his chest, breathing softly. They stood there for a time, holding one another.
"It's hard to believe this is happening to me," Kathryn whispered.
"Is it? Kathryn, from the moment I laid eyes on you back on that planet, carrying yourself so perfectly, I wanted you to love me-because I was so taken with you."
"But-you never said anything- why?" Kathryn asked, grasping Chakotay's hand firmly as they stood there.
"You made it pretty clear that you were off-limits," Chakotay explained,"so I backed away."
"I didn't want to, Chakotay, but-"
"Mark," Chakotay said. Kathryn laughed and nodded in regretful acknowledgement.
"I didn't want to be unfaithful," she said, "It would have been more devastating for me to have felt guilty about Mark than for me to be here now, with you. I'm willing to take the chance that he thinks I'm dead if it means being with someone I love." Chakotay smiled in reply, caressed Kathryn's face once more, and met her lips warmly once, sinking his hands into her hair.

*****

Kathryn awoke the next morning to see Chakotay's handsome dark face watching her quietly. She smiled at him and reached closer to let him kiss her lightly on the forehead. She lay back down, but Chakotay (who began to whistle) rolled off the bed and made his way into the bathroom to take a shower. Kathryn closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep. She lay like this for some time until Chakotay emerged from the other room, fully clad in his Starfleet uniform and still whistling jubilantly.
He began to assemble a quaint little breakfast for the two of them whilst Kathryn pulled up enough strength to get up and take a shower herself. After much effort, she succesfully made it off the bed and into the bathroom.
Chakotay busied with breakfast while the Captain performed her somewhat normal hygenic routine. He smiled to himself, remembering last night. It had been perfect after all, and Kathryn turned out to be quite the lover he had imagined for so long. In fact, in some ways she had exceeded his expecations (and vice-versa).
When she finished, Kathryn changed into uniform and came out to join her tall, dark and handsome companion, glowing euphorically. She laughed when she noticed Chakotay was wearing an apron that read "Kiss me, I'm Indian", and then kissed him before sitting down to eat.
"I just have one question," she began,"What in Hell are we to tell the crew?" Chakotay smirked and chuckled for a moment before he answered.
"Word travels quickly around here. I'm sure they'll figure it out soon enough, but that's not my main concern," he paused momentarily, "my question is, is this what you want?" He waited patiently for a few minutes while Kathryn considered his query.
"More than anything else, I want to be happy and until last night, I don't think I'd ever been as content. So, yes-this is what I want," another pause," what about you?"
"Of course." Chakotay reached across the table and rested his hands on hers. They stared at one another for a short time before Kathryn took a croissant and changed the subject.
"How are repairs?" She inquired in a stern voice.
"Seven hours, maybe less if I can talk B'Elanna into speeding things up a bit."
"I'm glad to hear it-and Seven of Nine? How is she holding up after that last attack?"
"Actually, she contacted me earlier, looking for you." Chakotay beamed. If Seven had been trying to get a hold of the Captain, it meant that she'd already figured things out. Kathryn came to the same conclusion and an instant later, they both burst out laughing.
Then came the chime-it was Seven of Nine, no doubt come to see if Captain Janeway was indeed where the computer had placed her. Kathryn and Chakotay stopped laughing immediately, so as not to appear "guilty" when the galant first officer went to greet Seven.
As the door slid open, Seven seemed to be peering at Chakotay.
"Seven, this is a surprise!" Kathryn said somewhat sarcastically. She stood and crossed the room to escort Seven of Nine out as she nodded to her first officer nonchalantly and headed out to the corridor to report for her shift.
"Captain, I have been trying to reach you for several hours-I've been unsuccessful until now." Seven stared blankly at Kathryn as they walked. The Captain cleared her throat and spoke cooly to the arrogant young woman.
"I'm sorry-I was going over some critical data with the Commander. I've been with him all night, trying to come up with some new ideas on how to avoid a confrontation with Q." Kathryn knew that Seven wasn't buying the story. How on God's green Earth could they defend themselves against something as powerful as Q? It was preposterous, and Seven was aware of that.
"I see," she replied, arching a brow,"Regardless, I have some information about Species 8472; it seems that they have constructed an edifice which contains a realistic simulation of Earth-Starfleet Headquarters included." This piece of news left a stain on the rest of Kathryn's day. All she could think about was what Species 8472 would be doing playing Human on their equivalent to a holodeck. Then she realized that they were quite possibly devising a plan to infiltrate the Federation, and were using this holo-structure to train for the invasion. What really pissed her off was the fact that there wasn't a damn thing she could do to stop them.
Hours later, B'Elanna informed the Captain that repairs were finished, and Harry alerted her of an M-Class planet a little ways off course, which he suggested would be a healthy source of r&r as well as a distraction from the stress of the previous encounter with the Collective. Kathryn had to admit that the crew was in desperate need of shoreleave, so she hailed the planet to let them know Voyager was on its way. However, before they reached their destination, a small vessel representing the planet met them and escorted them the rest of the way. When Voyager arrived, her crew learned quickly that the people of Sekaris were quite hospitable. Unfortunately for Kathryn, Mr. Gath was a little too hospitable.
It took a great deal of explanation on her part to finally make the persistent Magistrate understand her relationship with Chakotay. Afterward, Gath left her alone (save for the diplomatic side of things). Added to her frustrations was the ordeal over the spacial trajector.
Of course, Tuvok going behind the Captain's back along with three of her finest officers (B'elanna, Mr. Carey, and Seska) hadn't been very helpful or comforting either! It had actually devestated her quite severely.
Now, nearly three weeks later, Kathryn was starting to feel safe again. The incident over that damned trajector had affected her to such a degree that it became almost impossible for her to be with Chakotay, let alone work casually with him. But now she was beginning to relax, which made Chakotay happier each time he spoke with her.
Kathryn sat at the turqoise and gray desk, tapping buttons on her console rhythmically. She was still puzzled about that holo-structure Seven had told her about. Meanwhile, she, Tuvok, and Commander Chakotay were conducting an investigation which seemed to indicate someone onboard Voyager was a traitor. Seska was the logical choice, seeing as how she was really Cardassian, and had contact with the Kazon-Nystrim sect somehow. Chakotay, on the other hand, wasn't taking the news lightly, which started to interfere with his relationships, especially between himself and the Captain. He really wanted to believe that Seska was innocent, but Kathryn suspected it was more personal than he let on.
After she left, Seska had left a mark on Chakotay's character. Even Janeway couldn't say much to help him move on. There was something about Seska betraying Voyager's crew that had driven a wedge between the Captain and Commander. But Kathryn was stubborn and persistent, and planned to resolve her issues with Chakotay as soon as was possible, privately of course.
For the present, she continue to find a way to stop 8472.

Part III: Q-Cords

When the door chimed, it startled the Captain momentarily. She hesitated before acknowledging the alert. Seven of Nine sachayed into the Ready Room, head held high.
"Captain, I must speak with you." She said in a forward voice.
"Go ahead, Seven." Kathryn regarded the girl with a cool composure.
"It would seem that our impending destruction by way of Species 8472 is on hold."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Q has decided to 'pay us a visit', as humans say; he is waiting to see you as we speak."
Kathryn stopped for a moment to think.
"Now this is curious," she said, "why couldn't he just appear out of nowhere as usual?"
"I may have an explanation!" It was Q, standing where Seven had been a moment ago.
"Q!" Kathryn stood up, appalled to see him use Seven as a toy.
"Alas, yes-it is I, Q," he said in a false Elizabethan tone.
"I should've known you'd pull something like this-why have you been stringing us along--having us crawling out of our skin worried about the possible destruction of our race..."Kathryn stared fiercely at Q, mustering every ounce of flaming anger available to her.
"A test, dear Kathryn, to see if I can trust you," Q oozed with delight at the expression on the distraught Captain's face. An instant later, he spirited Kathryn away to her quarters and fitted her with a pink dress.
Roses laced the room and romantic mood music echoed whilst Q held Kathryn close to him with a rose between his teeth. Janeway struggled to back away and when at last she broke free, she had to keep herself from strangling the menace that stood before her.
"You had better give me one good reason why I should believe you-or rather, why you tampered with me and my crew this way." Her voice dipped into a dangerous octave. She could feel her hands shaking involuntarily.
"Kathy dear, I'm only trying to warm you up," Q replied slickly.
"Why should I believe you?"
"Perhaps you shouldn't," he clapped his hands together and continued in a patronizing voice,"I have an offer that I'd like you to consider fairly."
"I want you to get the Hell off this ship-now...is that clear?" Kathryn said sharply.
"Crystal,"Q replied, evanescing. Kathryn threw her hands up an then slid them down her face discouragingly. She decided that a hot bath might help to calm her nerves, so she set about to do just that.
******

Just as our utterly aggravated protagonist began to settle down in the bathtub, Q appeared next to her, grinning wickedly.
"Kathy, face it: we're meant for each other-"
"Oh please," Kathryn rolled her eyes. Q leaned over to kiss her, but his lips met her toes mid-motion.
"Goodbye, Q." She said cooly.
"Fine, I'll leave, and I'll never come back...and then you'll have missed the opportunity of a lifetime, as usual."
"I'll have to be terribly brave about that," said the Captain to herself. After Q disappeared, she closed her eyes and sank down further into the warm water.
Kathryn found herself in the Briefing Room the next day, trying to explain what Q had done.
"So, you're saying that this whole 'impending doom' thing was just a rouse?" inquired the voice of a furious Tom Paris. Kathryn sighed and nodded.
"Ha-ha," Tom said disdainfully.
"Since we know now, we shouldn't waste any more time on the matter," Janeway pointed out.
"The Captain's right, we have to put this all behind us," Chakotay said, looking for a sign of support from Kathryn.
"Now what do we do?" B'Elanna needled.
"Now? Now we continue our journey," Kathryn replied. B'Elanna hesitatingly looked downward and then back up at the Captain, and nodded with a small grin.

*****

A small whining sound emanated from behind the oval table in Kathryn Janeway's Ready Room. She halted her research to find out where the noise was coming from. She peered cautiously over the table's surface to see a furry chestnut face and a pair of amber brown eyes yipping softly at her. The Captain almost melted right there as she knelt down to pick up the puppy and sat with it for a few minutes. But something told her to look up, so she did, and found herself eyeing Q sharply again. The puppy was a ploy. She got to her feet, still holding the pink-tongued furball in her arms, and sighed.
"Nice try," she said moving to sit on the teal sofa with the puppy. It kept pawing at her to stroke its flurry red ears.
"Come now, Captain...I think she really likes you..."
"This isn't going to work, Q."
"What's that?"
"Whatever it is you're scheming in that perverse brain of yours."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh? Well I think you know exactly what I'm talking about-it didn't work then and it's not going to work now."
Q simply crossed his legs and lounged on the sofa, chuckling.
"Don't be a fool, Janeway," he said,"although you are right-it didn't work."
Kathryn eyed her opponent carefully.
"I need you again, Kathryn-my son failed to meet the necessary expectations that I set for him. He didn't quite turn out to be the revolutionary peacechild I had hoped for." Q's mood seemed to change from coolness to desperation. He actually seemed concerned this time.
"That's not my problem, Q-if you had told me about your species'" she paused momentarily, "mating process in the first place, I might have been more inclined to help you, but you didn't, and I'm not going to pay for your deception again. Frankly I can't say I'm too surprised about the boy."
"But-Kathryn-"
"Not again, Q...my decision is final," she warned," and if you force the issue, you won't like the consequences." She remembered quite vividly what Q had put her through the last time the Continuum was at war. He conveniently neglected to inform her about the mating rituals of the Q, and as a result he successfully deceived her into making love to him. And as if that wasn't bad enough, he allowed his former mate to steal the baby from her before it had even been born!
Q shrugged and ignored the threat casually, "I'm here because I feel just awful for misleading you. I want to set things right again, not only with the Continuum but with you, Kathy dear!"
Kathryn considered the sentiment and after a moment, she uprooted herself from the couch, thrusted the puppy into Q's hands, and left the Ready Room without another word.
Disappointedly, Q flashed off and set about to devise a plan for persuading the stubborn Captain to forgive him for his transgressions. It was his hope that Kathryn would mate with him once more, in a last-ditch attempt to save the Continuum.

*****

Meanwhile, Janeway sat quietly in her chair on the Bridge, talking to Chakotay so the others couldn't listen in.
"I know what he wants-he wants to join with me...to mate again. But as I informed him sternly, I will do no such thing as long as I'm certain he isn't up to something more perverse," Kathryn explained, "What do you think?"
"I think you should stick to your gut on this one, unless you really want to get involved again." Chakotay took Kathryn's hand in his and squeezed gently. He hadn't been able to say much to her, let alone touch her since Seska left, but now he felt sure they needed each others' support, both emotionally and physically. Kathryn attempted a weak smile.
"I'm not certain about much of anything right now, Chakotay," she said, dropping her hand and shifting herself away from her first officer. Chakotay turned, letting his grasp on her hand release completely.
Their shift ended a few hours later, so the bridge staff began to depart, bidding each other goodnight. Soon only Kathryn and Chakotay were left, save for the nightwatch officers.
"Well I suppose I should catch some sleep," said Chakotay,"Care to walk with me Captain?" He tried to sound convincingly casual, but his heart begged for mercy as he stared at the woman he loved so deeply. She turned to answer, setting down a pad and regarding him politely.
"I'd be happy to," she spoke with such ease that it made her own stomach tighten and twist. It sickened her to be able to act as though nothing was bothering her, and she hated herself for possessing such a talent.
The pair of senior officers entered the turbolift together, appearing as if they were engaging in idle conversation. But the moment the lift door closed and the two were alone, Chakotay lunged forward quickly, wrapping his arms around the Captain and embracing her with a kiss that took her off the ship and into a moment of sheer bliss.

Part IV: Mind Matters

"But, Captain-!"
"No, Lieutenant, and that's my final word." Poor Tom, Kathryn thought to herself after reponding to his request so harshly. He wanted permission to run the Fair Haven program 24/7, and the Captain was aware of just how much power it would need to run perpetually.
"But-"
"Dismissed." With that, Tom receded and started to leave the room with his eyes fixed on the floor. Janeway returned to her work but a moment later, she stood and spoke.
"Lieutenant!" She cried.
Paris turned on his heel and stared at the Captain, "Yes ma'am?" He asked.
"Catch me at the next Shoreleave, okay?" She offered. The clouds in Tom's eyes seemed to disappear as the sun came out for him. He smiled, sniggered, and nodded in agreement.
"Yes ma'am!" He said, leaving with a skip in his step. Kathryn beamed after him before she continued what she'd been doing earlier. Meanwhile, Chakotay was running diagnostics and trying to locate a proper place to refuel Voyager. According to Lieutenant Torres, there weren't any dilithium asteroids for at least another six lightyears. Since they both knew that the Captain would not find that acceptable, they were determined to find some other source.
"Are you absolutely sure about those readings?" Chakotay double-checked with B'Elanna before running his fingers over the same buttons on the console in front of him. He seemed to be more frustrated over the matter than Torres.
"Of course I'm sure," B'Elanna said defensively," and I'm also sure that if you keep working on the same damn thing instead of looking for another solution, you'll wear yourself out."
"I know," answered Chakotay," I know..."
"You know, I think I might have missed some of the sensor scans while we were freaking out over that asteroid." Torres said.
"Really? Then that must mean we'll have to go back over the last five hours worth of sensor readings." Chakotay's voice wavered slightly. This was getting on his nerves to the point of indiscreet frustration. Lighten up, his mind kept telling him, we'll find it-don't be stupid.
"Actually, I can narrow it down," a pause, " just give me a few minutes to sort this mess out."
"Right." As B'Elanna worked furiously at her console, Chakotay went over his own readings in an effort to help her more efficiently.
Up on the Bridge, Tom and Ensign Wildman were having a most controversial conversation.
"-she does seem to have a kind of odd glow about her, now that I think about it..." Samantha said, reflecting on the Captain's strangely upbeat demeanor today.
"No kidding," Paris replied, "but I mean, don't you think there's something a little funny about all this? How Seven wasn't able to reach her for so long? And how Chakotay wasn't heard from either during all that time? I tell ya, Sam...something is definitely going on around here, and I'm just the one to get to the bottom of it." Tom smiled slyly at Wildman as her eyes widened. Suddenly she felt like a first or second-year cadet, gossiping about affairs between professors at the Academy.
"Tom, don't you dare!" She said between snorts of laughter. "That's really not a good idea...I'm warning you!" More laughter on the Bridge until the Captain made her way out of the Ready Room with a padd in her right hand.
"Would someone like to explain to me what's so funny? I seem to have missed the joke." Kathryn said in an almost suspiciously casual tone.
"Actually, Captain-" Tom began but was interrupted by Ensign Wildman.
"What Lieutenant Paris means to say is that he made a speech error, and we were laughing because we misunderstood..." Samantha trailed off as Janeway smiled mildly and took her seat in the Captain's Chair.
"Well, maybe I shouldn't keep myself so isolated...I'd be more apt to catch the laughs around here." Kathryn said, tapping her commbadge lightly. "Bridge to Engineering, status?"
"Chakotay here, Captain. We've had a spill of luck after hitting a few bumps."
"Glad to hear it, Commander...what have you found?"
"We're picking up faint traces of dilithium on an M Class planet. It's a little out of the way, but not by much." By the sound of Chakotay's voice, Janeway could tell he'd wanted her to be pleased with his research.
"Good work, Chakotay!" Kathryn said, "Tom, set a course, warp 7."
Tom nodded. "Aye, course laid in, warp 7"
As Voyager sped along at its own comfortable pace, the Captain and First Officer were conversing about some interesting things. Kathryn pointed out how she'd noticed the other officers greeting her differently ever since she and Chakotay coupled up. She also reflected on how ironic it was that only a year ago, she and the Commander had been sitting in the same seats, gossiping about who might pair off and when. It had been a way to amuse and distract each other from the stress of dealing with some disgruntled crewmembers. In those days, the Starfleet officers and Maquis crewmen had only just begun to warm their toes in front of the fire together, thus casting quite a load on Kathryn and Chakotay (Janeway especially, seeing as how she'd chosen Chakotay over many other qualified Starfleet officers onboard).
Nonetheless it was nice to be able to chat openly and amicably with Chakotay, Kathryn thought to herself. After all, if they were to be damned, the Captain thought it was best to be damned and loved all at the same time!
"Captain, we're approximately 20 minutes from Alkatraz Prime; the Electorine is hailing us from the surface," came the sound of Harry Kim's distinctly eager voice.
"Onscreen." Kathryn stood. The viewscreen flickered from the shot of stars wisping by to the careworn, yet kindly face of a woman no older than the Captain herself. She wore a brilliantly white frock, complete with some sort of broach that blatantly set her apart from the other officials buzzing and humming around behind her. Her hair was set high in some sort of intricately adorned net, and, running along the edges of her hairline, were bluish gray spots, similar to a Trill. However, they seemed to form an unfamiliar pattern. Among the many intriguing aspects the Electorin possessed, the bridge crew seemed particularly interested in the woman's unmistakably gray-white eyes.
"Captain Janeway, I am Zorito'Mal Arazai, Chief Electorin of A'Lkatraz Prime."
"It's good to hear from you, Electorin; you had us worried for a while there." Janeway beamed at Arazai with a hint of genuine concern.
"Why is this?" Zorito'Mal inquired.
"We've been trying to hail your government office for an hour now, no reply."
"Ah, yes...we've been having some difficulty receiving long-range transmissions as we are updating our communications technology. Also, the war has created some rather-unexpected disturbances among my people..." The Electorin's voice trailed off, along with her enthusiastic smile.
"Well, I hope I can help-the Elector has told me a little about the war, and I think I can offer you some diplomatic aid, in return for permission to extract dilithium from your mines." Kathryn watched the Electorin carefully, still grinning politely.
"Of course, Captain," Arazai paused, "there will be plenty of time to discuss the details of our agreement with you once you arrive-if you'll excuse me, I have much to do before we meet again." Before Kathryn could say anything, the communication cut out and she was left to stare back out into the stars.
"Tom, what's our ETA now?" She asked.
"Seven, no, six minutes at present velocity, Captain."
"Very good, Lieutenant." Kathryn sat in her chair again, suspecting something odd about the people of A'Lkatraz.

Part V: Xirixx I



Voyager successfully made the rendez-vous six minutes later, boosting Tom's ego just a touch. Kathryn hailed the Electorin who acknowledged her pleasantly, as before. This time, Zorito'Mal only needed to clear the ship's crew for access to the surface and run them through a routine security sweep (as this was a time of war among these people, Janeway felt more than delighted to comply). The sweep took only a few hours and when all was said and done, Kathryn and her Senior Staff were finally allowed to meet the Elector and Electorin of the planet of Alkatraz Prime, who both smiled warmly as they greeted each other.
"Captain Janeway, it's good to finally meet you in person and, may I say how beautiful you are, that is to say how beautiful your people are!" The Elector said jovially. "I am Kyoxis Arazai, Chief Elector of the Council of Alkatraz Prime." Kyoxis kissed Kathryn's hand lightly.
"We are delighted to know the ones whom many stories have been told of," spoke Zorito'Mal in a silken voice. She, too, kissed the Captain's hand lightly and curtsied politely.
Chakotay seemed slightly uneasy at the sight of this, but decided it was probably an age-old tradition for these people. He smiled cheerfully as he stepped forward to shake hands with the Elector, "As are we in knowing the hospitality of a fine people," Chakotay said. Kyoxis grinned graciously and motioned for Janeway and her officers to follow him into a larger room filled with eager young faces.
"These, Captain, are my children-all 124 of them!" Kyoxis led Kathryn over to the group as they all knelt obediently and then each caressed her left cheek with a kiss.
"Come and meet our eldest daughter, Xirixx-Xirixx, this is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S. Voyager," presented Zorito'Mal. Xirixx was an extraordinarily beautiful woman with fine features and the iciest blue eyes Kathryn had ever seen-bluer than her own. When she strode forward, her body moved with a grace and elegance unlike any human. She was definitely unique. "A pleasure, Captain..." she said in a voice similar to Zorito'Mal's. She approached Kathryn with a diplomatic yet seductive air about her. Then, as her brothers and sisters had done, Xirixx kissed Janeway's cheek, but this time was different. Kathryn felt the strangest sensation, as if Xirixx were trying to lure her into a deeper more sensual act. Kathryn closed her eyes and Chakotay stepped forward as if to keep her from falling into a trance, but as soon as he placed a hand on her, she acted as if nothing had happened-as if all time had simply stopped. Xirixx also behaved as though she had no idea what had taken place between herself and the Captain. She eyed Chakotay suspiciously, knelt before Kathryn, kissed her hand, and smiled platonically, stepping back next to her mother. Chakotay glanced at Kathryn, trying to study her mood, but to no avail. He could sense nothing other than sheer diplomatic pleasure from her. Xirixx smiled at him kindly and turned to beg her parents' pardon.
"Mother, Father, if I may be excused, I have work to do." Xirixx began to head for the nearest exit. Kathryn caught her gaze before she whisped out of view.
"Of course, dear...but be sure to be back in time for our banquet for Captain Janeway's crew!" Zorito'Mal called after Xirixx in vain. She knew her daughter would return-Xirixx rarely ever let her down.
Kathryn turned back to her hosts and beamed brightly. "Well, I'm sure I'd love to have a tour of the Council Hall, Electorin-"
"Of course, why not!" Kyoxis interrupted, "Zorito'Mal would be happy to give you one. I've got to finish preparing the banquet. Captain, your staff is welcome to enjoy the grounds of the city of Cirrus as long as they like-that is, at least until the ceremony of course!"
"Thank you, Elector, you are most kind," Kathryn laughed and nodded thankfully, "My officers really deserve the R&R you're offering." Zorito'Mal chuckled softly at the comment.
With that, Kathryn followed the Electorin (along with a few other officers, including Chakotay and B'Elanna) on a tour of the Council Hall. Meanwhile, the rest of Voyager's crew basked in the hospitality and kindness of the Alkatran people. Harry Kim became especially interested in the War that was going on, while Tuvok and Seven of Nine consumed by the Alkatrans' Defense and Security Protocols.
"It is an amazing fact that these people have managed to develop such mental abilities, wouldn't you agree, Lieutenant?" Seven inquired to Tuvok as they looked over the files together.
"Mmm," came the reply. If one didn't know better, one would think that the Vulcan was preoccupied by other matters.
"Is something on your mind?" Ventured Seven as she turned to face Tuvok, who did the same.
"I am simply puzzled by these Alkatrans. They have such potential for revolutionary feats, and yet they waste time with war." Tuvok stated firmly.
"I do not believe that is what's really bothering you, Lieutenant," said Seven of Nine.
"Pardon?"
"You seem to be, to coin a phrase, 'on another planet'."
Tuvok turned to gaze back at the computer console beside him. He hesitated a minute before saying anything. Seven stared curiously at him. It was unbecoming of a Vulcan to display emotions of any sort, let alone hesitation. She knew this was a sign that whatever it was that was "bothering" him was indeed a problem.
"Did you not notice the display of seductive affection which transpired between Captain Janeway and Xirixx Arazai?" Tuvok questioned blatantly.
Seven furrowed her own brow, trying to think of a quick explanation. She came up with nothing of any usefulness, so she decided to respond with an efficient "yes".
"It occurred to me that this is something that all Alkatrans partake in when welcoming foreigners to their planet. However, during the proceedings I felt an empathic impulse from Xirixx that was unlike anything coming from her siblings during their greetings."
"What was this impulse?"
"Sexual inclination," Tuvok answered flatly. "What's more, I believe that the feeling is mutual."

Part VI: Xirixx II

At the conclusion of the tour, Electorin Arazai returned Kathryn, Chakotay, and B'Elanna to their previous position in the Entrance Chamber of the Hall. Zorito'Mal informed them that the ritual banquet was about to begin and to go into the Dining Chamber once the carillon was struck ready. After this, the Electorin excused herself to check on the arrangements. While they waited, Kathryn noticed the rest of the Staff assembling in the Entrance Chamber with her and the other two officers. Many other crewmen from Voyager came to wait with them. About ten minutes later, the Dining Chamber doors slid open and Xirixx came through, motioning for the crew to enter. As they filed into the magnificent room, Xirixx hung back to personally escort Kathryn to her seat, which was (oddly enough) next to her own. Chakotay found a place on the opposite side of the long, ivory table. Voyager's crew noted how every Alkatran in attendance was still on his or her feet while they were sitting down. This, as was later explained to them, was a sign of respect and admiration.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, and distinguished Liazons of Alkatraz: It is a great honor to have the crew of the intrepid U.S.S. Voyager with us today. I am especially pleased to present to you the commanding officer of this magnificent ship, Captain Kathryn Janeway!"
Applause met the auburn-haired, twinkle-eyed Janeway as she stepped forward beaming politely.

To Be Continued...

[1/1]

Very funky. I'm hooked!

[Cathexis]

Yeah, I hate to have to keep vamping and re-vamping it but I think it's better in several parts lol.

Thanks

[Cathexis]

While I continue to work on Hollow Resolve, here is another fic...


Strange New World
Part I: The First Duty

Description: Kathryn Janeway comes across a peaceful if not strange planet called Namiria III, which is host to a single-gendered female species. The hospitality of these women is unending and soon enough, the High Electorin of the Council becomes attracted to Voyager�s captain. More to be revealed as you read! A story in 7 parts.

By:
Kat King



Kathryn Janeway sighed softly as she stared through the glass view port, gazing at the stars that flickered by. She knew it would be a while before the ship reached the planet it was headed for, so she�d decided to take a break from the daunting stack of PADDs that had piled up on her desk. She turned to look at them with contempt and frustration, and then moved across the Ready Room to pick one up, groaning miserably. This was never going to be finished if she insisted on procrastinating. Usually she was right on top of things like this, but today, only thoughts of the upcoming mission captured her focus. This planet�s population, according to Neelix, is known for its beautiful and exotic women, which Kathryn had considered to be a positive thing, until Neelix continued. Apparently, there are no men on Namiria III. This�d struck the captain totally off guard, for Neelix seemed to have a cautious and low tone as he said this. He also informed her that their mating rituals might be more unsettling to her once she witnesses one herself. Kathryn shook her head, laughing lightly at the thought of two Namiri women �mating� but caught a glimpse of Neelix frowning with genuine puzzlement and decided to stop. Now, Kathryn couldn�t help but kick herself for laughing about such a thing. Some cultures are just different, she told herself, and we must learn to adapt and tolerate single-gendered peoples. From that moment, she resolved to be more open-minded about the Namiri.
�Chakotay to Captain Janeway.� Chakotay�s deep voice interrupted her thoughts, but she decided it was a welcome distraction.
�Janeway here.�
�Captain, you�re needed on the Bridge. We�ve arrived at Namiria III.� From the sound of his voice, Chakotay didn�t seem to be very happy, only slightly perplexed.
�On my way.� She set down the PADD that she�d been holding and left the Ready Room with a light sashay in her step. Once she stepped onto the Bridge, she immediately directed her sight to the view screen, which displayed an absolutely gorgeous blue planet, similar to Earth. At once, Kathryn felt a pang of sadness as she realized that it was not her home world that slowly rotated on the screen before her. A tense moment swept over the Bridge crew as they gazed at the planet�s surface, watching the swirling white clouds roll and shift over its surface. Tuvok, however, was the only officer (surprise, surprise) to speak up after a while.
�Captain, I am reading no signs of a Namiri envoy or any other welcome party coming to greet us. It would seem that perhaps they do not possess the capabilities to do so.� The Vulcan�s voice was emotionless, as usual, but one of his eyebrows was raised in light fascination with the planet. Kathryn turned to Harry Kim, who nodded at once, almost reading his Captain�s mind. He opened a channel for her and she spoke clearly.
�This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager. Is anyone receiving this signal? Please respond.� For what seemed like ages, an awkward silence fell between the ship and the sanctuary on the view screen. Finally, a response met Janeway�s eager eyes as the screen wavered momentarily and then settled on the pale face of a woman with disturbingly blue eyes. The woman�s visage was smooth and clear, save for a strange pattern of spots similar to a Trill�s markings. She wore a navy cloak that boasted an emblem and five pip-like attachments, distinguishing her from the other figures on the background. She smiled brightly, beaming at Kathryn, but studying her at the same time.
�Hello, Captain Janeway! I am Varaxae Yaxar, High Electorin of the Namiri Sodality. It is my wish to convey a warm welcome to you and your crew, which is legendary among my people.� This Electorin�s voice was strikingly identical to Seven of Nine�s and Kathryn found herself intrigued by the woman�s disposition. She seemed to hold a powerful yet soft presence among her people. Nevertheless, Janeway responded cheerfully.
�Your greeting is much appreciated,� Kathryn glanced about the Bridge to see its officers staring at the Electorin, as if entranced by her beauty, and then whipped back around to complete her sentence, ��I�m afraid you will have to excuse my Bridge officers. They seem to be in some kind of coma.� The Electorin�s cool expression flickered into one of misunderstanding for an instant. She did not know what Janeway meant at all. �Apologies, you see they are fascinated with your planet because it resembles our own. I must admit that I too find your world to be quite familiar.�
�It�s quite alright, Captain. Please, join me for a celebration of your arrival. I can assure you, you are most welcome here.� As Varaxae said this, Kathryn got the distinct impression that she meant this more toward her than toward anyone else.
�Thank you, we would be delighted!� Janeway answered, �We�ll be beaming down at 1900 hours.�
�Until then, Captain Janeway.� Varaxae nodded diplomatically and the screen wavered back to the blue orb that was Namiria.
Meanwhile, Chakotay assembled the away team, thinking madly about Captain Janeway. Had he really given up on all attempts to recapture her love? Kathryn was busy finishing up the reports in her Ready Room now, thoughts racing about first contact with the Namiri. She wondered about their traditional greetings with alien races and worried that she might insult the Electorin in some way. Something else nipped at the very back of Kathryn�s mind as well�that look that the woman had given her before cutting the commlink. She seemed to have smiled mischievously, sending a kind of telepathic wave through Janeway�s mind. Or was it her imagination playing tricks on her. Could it be possible that the Namiri are a race of telepaths, she wondered to herself, or am I just being my inquisitive self again? As she mulled all of the preparations over and over, Kathryn failed to hear the door chime sound. In walked her first officer, beaming brightly.
�Hi.�
Kathryn glanced up to see the tattoo above Chakotay�s right eye and knew instantly who it was. She returned her gaze quickly to her work until she realized he was holding something in his hand. �What�s that?� She asked.
�Just a little thinking-of-you rose, that�s all�a beautiful gift for a beautiful woman,� Chakotay winked as he gave her the peach-hued flower. She accepted it willingly, took in the rose�s intoxicating scent, closed her eyes, and smiled up at Chakotay.
�Thank you, Chakotay��
�Oh, it�s nothing really, I just-� Before he could finish, Kathryn held up a hand to shush him.
�That�s not what I meant,� she paused, looked down at the rose, set it down, and continued, �Chakotay, you have been my trusted right-arm for the last five years of our journey together. You�ve been my guide, and my conscience. I�ve grown to care for you a great deal over these last years, and I just want you to know how much it matters to me that you love me. But-� This time it was Chakotay who interrupted.
�I know what you�re going to say, Kathryn, but it won�t work. I see so much loneliness in you�now, more than ever, and I can�t help but worry about you. Hiding behind those pips won�t save you from the simple fact of the matter, and that is that you need someone to be more than just a guide. You need physical comfort, and you�re not going to find it in anyone who�ll feel for you the way I do. Kathryn, stop pretending that I don�t love you, that I don�t have these feelings or that I don�t want to capture your lips each and every time that I see you.�
Kathryn was speechless. How could she turn away from him so coldly and act as though she didn�t reciprocate his feelings. She stared into his charcoal eyes, searching for a reason to deny him the opportunity to pull her away from the desk and touch his lips to hers. As hard as she tried, Kathryn found only the protocols against this type of behavior that should save her from such actions, but Chakotay was making it impossible for her to concentrate on anything but his piercing gaze. Finally, she stood and moved around the desk to face him directly. �Listen to me, Chakotay,� she struggled to find the right words. It was not her intention to hurt him, but she felt that she needed to do and say the appropriate things, so she continued slowly, �there is no way for this to work, and you know it. If you care for me as you do, you will respect my wishes to create some space between us while we are negotiating with the Namiri. I cannot shirk my duties to this crew in a selfish whim to steal away into your arms and abandon everything else. If I do that, I�ll have betrayed everyone onboard, including you and me. That�s a risk I�m not willing to take right now, Chakotay-or ever. Give me the space I am asking for, only until we have a secure partnership with these people. Perhaps, when all is said and done, I can devote more time to this situation.�
Chakotay stared at her, awestruck and silent. He felt suddenly regretful to have approached her like this, so direct and hopeful. How could he be so selfish to think about his needs when he knew how Kathryn felt? Above all, the first duty is to the ship, she�d always said. He had been a fool to try to convince her of anything other than that philosophy. Their relationship would have to wait, that was all there was to it. So Chakotay smiled at Kathryn and nodded gently, lowered his head and met her lips with his lightly. Kathryn closed her eyes as she received his kiss politely, and smiled again.
�You really should get back to work on those,� Chakotay whispered and then straightened up, building up a collected Starfleet composure, �I�ll notify you once the away team is ready to go.�
�Thank you.� Janeway stared once again at her first officer before he left. Now he understood what she�d meant by her words earlier. Chakotay strolled out of the Ready Room with a determined attitude. He headed to his chair and took a seat, working on the console between the Command Chair and his seat.
At 1900 hours, Voyager�s First Contact Team (which, besides Janeway herself, consisted of Chakotay, Tuvok, B�elanna Torres, and Seven of Nine) was ready to depart for the planet�s surface, so Commander Chakotay tapped his badge and informed Captain Janeway, who answered, �On my way.� When they arrived, a montage of Namiri women, whom Kathryn assumed were the official welcoming party, greeted the FCT. One of the women, a younger girl no older than Kes if she�d been human, approached Kathryn and smiled cheerfully.
�Hello, Captain Janeway, I am Tyraea Thetis the Electorin�s personal Vicek, or Assistant.� The girl was thin and wore a bleach-white cloak, upon which was the same emblem Janeway had seen on the Electorin�s attire. Beneath the image lay four silver pips and a black one. Her hair was a reddish blonde and her eyes were a gray/white hue. All of the women here seemed to have shockingly colorful eyes. They had the ability to see right through a person.
�It�s nice to meet you, Vicek Thetis. May I inquire as to when the Electorin will come to meet us?�
�Actually, Captain, I�m right here.� All eyes turned to fall upon the devastatingly beautiful figure of the High Electorin, Varaxae Yaxar. She�s even more stunning in person, Kathryn thought to herself. Something about this woman captured the attention of everyone in the room and held them prisoner with her words. �Please, let us continue. I am most eager to know all of you.� She scanned over Janeway�s team, smiling all the while as she prolonged a look at Chakotay. Kathryn�s demeanor suddenly reverted to one of slight jealousy. She moved closer to the Commander, smiling warningly at the Electorin.
�This is my First Officer, Commander Chakotay,� Kathryn began introducing the team, placing a certain amount of emphasis on the �my� in her first introduction of Chakotay. She realized then that Varaxae and her people had probably never seen a male before. She felt guilty for her jealous thoughts, but continued on introducing until at last Seven of Nine stepped forward to speak.
�It is an honor to meet you, Electorin Yaxar. I have memories from my time in the Collective, of a small group of your people, before they were assimilated. You were-are a most enlightened species from what I have learned of your culture�s traditions and beliefs.� Seven stepped back a pace, waiting for Varaxae�s reply.
�Yes, well, thank you, Seven of Nine. Captain,� said the Electorin, �I applaud you for your efforts in saving this poor creature from the wrenching grip of the Borg. When they passed through this system, it took the combined efforts of all of my people to save our small sanctuary from assimilation. I am glad to see that it is possible to break free from their grasp on individuality.� She smiled at Kathryn and Seven.
�How exactly did you �save� your people?� The Captain asked curiously.
�Oh, forgive me, Captain�you see, the Namiri are a race of telepaths. We also have psychokinetic abilities passed down from generation to generation. It is tradition among my people to learn the ways of Psycho Kinesis in order to become enlightened by our gods.�
�I would be most interested in learning more about these abilities and the history behind them, if you would be willing to �enlighten� me, Electorin.� A laugh exchanged between the two leaders, breaking the vague diplomatic tension that came with every first contact mission. Varaxae nodded happily, promising to lead Kathryn on a psycho spiritual path, similar to the ones Chakotay used to mentor her about.
�Well, shall we proceed with the festivities? We are so eager to show you our hospitality, Captain Janeway.� Varaxae announced.
�Go right ahead!�
With a word to Tyraea, Electorin Yaxar led Kathryn and the rest of the FCT to a grandiose hall with lavish and intricate decorations strewn about its interior. A table was fixed at the end of the hall for the Captain and her officers to sit and watch the entertainment. Before everything began, the Electorin offered to Kathryn the option of allowing the rest of Voyager�s crew to beam down for some respite from the stress of their journey home. Kathryn approved, tapping her commbadge and making the Shoreleave announcement to the crew. Shortly afterward, officers began beaming into the hall and around the area. Some that seemed to get lost trying to find the hall were guided by some of the Namiri Welcoming Officers. At last the entertainment and festivities got under way, but after a time, the Electorin grew bored and decided to lead Kathryn away from the hall.
�Come, Captain, I wish to show you something,� Varaxae said soothingly to Janeway, who followed curiously. The Electorin led Kathryn out of the main building and onto a terrace that overlooked the Namiri valleys. She smiled approvingly as Kathryn took in the amazing view. The Namiri System was a trinary star system, meaning it had three suns, but to Kathryn�s confusion, only one was just beginning to set on the horizon. Another was almost fully beyond it. Varaxae noticed the look of puzzlement on the Captain�s face and laughed, �there is always at least one sun in our sky at all times on Namiria. There is never a full-dark hour on this planet.�
�No nighttime?� Kathryn asked inquisitively, �Then you don�t sleep?�
Varaxae laughed again softly, �Of course we sleep, Captain.�
�In our system, we only have one sun, so you see, we�re used to having a nightfall-it�s when we sleep.� Kathryn turned to face Varaxae. �Or make love.� She waited to see a reaction, but was disappointed when Varaxae only nodded in comprehension.
�I would be quite curious to see such a system, or even your home world. What was it called again? Earth?� Varaxae spoke with such a different type of accent, similar to a Betazoid�s, but still foreign to Kathryn.
�Yes, Earth.� With the mention of her home planet, a small tear filtered through the composure Kathryn was trying to maintain in the presence of the High Electorin of the Namiri Sodality. Varaxae sensed the pain behind Kathryn�s words and motioned to rest a sympathetic hand on the petite captain�s shoulder.
�You will find your home, Kathryn. I know it.� She said quietly and encouragingly to Voyager�s captain. Kathryn nearly missed the change of rank title to first-name, but decided to ignore it anyhow.
�If there were someone who might be able to help us get there faster�� Janeway�s voice trailed off and left a solemn silence between her and Varaxae, who caressed a hand across the captain�s warm cheek.
�Would you like to begin the Rk�Ma, the Awakening, now?� Varaxae continued to softly move her fingers through Kathryn�s delicate hair. Janeway was faintly shocked by the tactile contact with the Electorin, but made no move to stop it. Instead, Varaxae halted her movements and searched Kathryn�s eyes before she spoke again. �Forgive me, Captain. I have forgotten our differences�it�s just, my culture is much more physical. I did not think before acting. I apologize.�
Kathryn looked into the eyes of the Electorin, forming a smile on her lips. �Don�t. There�s no reason to be apologetic. I�m just not accustomed to this type of contact.�
Varaxae gazed at Janeway for some time, taking in the aura of the captain�s presence. She marveled at the color of Kathryn�s eyes, a deep blue. Deeper than the Jetrin Sea, she thought to herself. Before she realized what she was doing, Varaxae closed her eyes and captured Kathryn�s lips with her own, catching the woman off-guard. Kathryn began to pull back right away, but something forced her to stay entangled in the softness of the Electorin�s lips. The two stood there, embraced lightly, kissing hungrily. Kathryn�s tongue searched for Varaxae�s eagerly, dipping in and out of her mouth once in a while to allow Kathryn a last move to kiss her companion�s forehead. When they pulled away, centuries later, Kathryn�s eyes filled with tears and she rushed to leave.
�Wait! Kathryn, please! Don�t go!� But before Varaxae could get very far, Janeway had already ordered one of the crackerjack transporter officers to beam her directly to her quarters. There, in the safety of her room, Kathryn wiped away the tears and hurried to the bathroom, where she quickly undressed and slipped into the sonic shower. How could she have been so foolish, she asked herself aloud to no one in particular. This was outrageous! How could she have allowed her feelings to overcome her judgment, again! It had first happened with Commander Chakotay, and now this time, with the High Electorin of the Namiri Sodality. Several hours later, Janeway had found comfort in the security of her own bed and had fallen asleep when the door chimed. �Come in,� she said swinging her legs over the edge of the bed to get up and regain her composure. It was Chakotay, come to ask why she�d left the party so early.
As she lied through her teeth that she had work to do, Chakotay eyed her suspiciously. He knew better than that, that she�d already completed all the reports, and that she definitely wasn�t okay. Although, she tried to smile and laugh it away, he couldn�t help but scowl. �You�re laughing, and I don�t believe you.� He said coolly.
Kathryn looked away from him, directing her eyes to the view of the planet�s surface below Voyager. �I don�t know what you want from me, Chakotay, but whatever it is, you�re not going to get it tonight.� She bit her lip as soon as she said this, feeling angry for letting such cold words slip out. She had lost her composure, and it was too late to get it back. Chakotay was hurt now, and it was she who had hurt him. He let out a frustrated sigh and lifted her chin back to face him with a stern but broken expression on his perfectly chiseled amber-hued face.
�Listen to me right now, because I�m only going to say this once. I don�t know what�s going on with you Kathryn, but I do know that there definitely is something going on. I�ve tried to be patient and understanding about all of this, but enough is enough. You keep running from your problems and they�ll come back to haunt you a hundred-fold! Now, are you going to tell me what is wrong or do I have to use what energy I have left trying to figure it out on my own?!� Chakotay�s frustration and anger showed through his eyes, not just through his resonating voice. After an awkward silence between the two, Kathryn�s eyes fluttered as she attempted to explain the difficulty she was in. But all that she could muster was a cry for help.
�I�m so lost, Chakotay�please, help me�this is all so frustrating�� She rested her head against the Commander�s chest, listening to the steady pulse of his heartbeat beneath the uniform and tunic. Kathryn had no one else to trust in more than this man before her. Her guide and conscience. Her love. But who could ever take away that kiss between her and the Electorin? Certainly not Chakotay, and certainly not Veraxae. The truth was that no one could erase it. All that was left to do was for Kathryn to go back and try to explain her feelings for Chakotay to Veraxae, in the hopes that the charming woman would be understanding and respectful of her wishes to work on a relationship with Chakotay. But for now, Chakotay was here with her, trying to bear the burden for her, trying to take the confusion away. Here, in his arms, Kathryn was more at peace with herself than ever before, and though it was a strange feeling, she knew she would depend on that contentment later on.



Finis

Part II on the way!

[Cathexis]

By the way, you may now access all of this wonderful fan fiction at:


http://www.jetcthefarthershore.cjb.net

Please come by, and yes the site is under construction, but if you have ANY J/C, J/7, or J/O.C (original/other character) Fics of your own you wish to submit, please send them to me and I will post them ASAP! Oh, I also have a Flash Version of the site. PM me if you'd like that link! Thanks, Kat

[ApolloMissions]

Your an awesome writer. You could be a famous writer.

[ApolloMissions]

How many stories have you written?

[Cathexis]

I have 4 stories currently under construction and 3 fanfics. 2 of those fics are J/C FanFic Series...Hollow Resolve and Strange New World, which are separate from one another and both have 6 parts each so far our of 10. The one non-j/c is based off of my rpg Star Trek: The Thin Line (aka Star Trek: Cathexis).

To be accurate lol, in my entire life so far (and I'm young still) I have written 50 stories and almost 100 poems.

Thanks! That really means a lot to me

[Cathexis]

No one's commenting on this one anymore! Should I start a sep thread for SNW?

[Cathexis]

ATTENTION:

I have compiled all of my fanfiction onto one website, so that you may all go check them out and sign the guestbook one you've finished!

JetC The Farther Shore can be accessed at:

http://www.tfsthejetcalliance.cjb.net

THANKS!

[Cathexis]

Star Trek Voyager: The Farther Shore--Home Of the JetC Alliance!

Please check it out! Updated stories coming soon!