Sitting up in bed, Kathryn Janeway glanced at the nearest chronometer through half-opened eyelids. The plaintive cry sounded again, completely rousing her, and she slipped out of bed to pull a white silk robe over her shoulders.

"I'm coming, sweetie!" This was the fourth night that her six year old daughter had woken up from a nightmare- recurring nightmares which usually centered around her mother's numerous away missions. It was becoming less possible for either of them to get a complete night's sleep anymore, and Kathryn was beginning to worry about her daughter's mental stability. Not to mention her own, as well.

Kalena Janeway was sitting up in bed as she entered the room, arms clutching an old yet obviously much loved stuffed dog. Her eyes were wide, onyx irises catching the artificial light as Kathryn activated it and slid onto the edge of the bed. The child leaned into her mother's soothing embrace, dog clutched in tiny hands.

"Mama, I had another-"

"Nightmare. Yes, I know. Was it the same as the others, baby?"

"It wasn't the same this time, Mama." Fresh tears stained the front of the white robe. "You weren't here... I was on the bridge with Commander Chakotay, and we were watching you on the viewscreen...you looked happy."

"Then there's nothing to worry about." Kathryn smiled, embracing her child tightly, and stroking her back. "It wasn't as bad this time."

"But Mama-" Something in her voice made her mother stop and listen. "Mama, Chakotay-"

"What about him?" Worry creased her forehead as she waited patiently for a reply. "What was wrong?"

"He wasn't happy, Mama. He looked at me, and he told me that you were going away with Daddy, and that.. you weren't taking me with you. Why not?"

Kathryn frowned slightly. She'd managed to avoid that question for months, not feeling ready to answer it, and not wanting to hurt her baby by revealing the true reasons. But somehow...somehow tonight seemed as good a time as any.

"Your daddy doesn't know about you, Sweetie. I never was able to tell him."

Kalena seemed to accept the fact, although her mother wasn't sure if it was because of her growing fatigue, or a sudden understanding. But she assumed fatigue was the answer.

"You'd never go without me, would you?"

"No, of course not." Kathryn kissed the top of her head, laughing softly. "Never."

"I didn't think so." Worry still tinged the child's voice, and her mother lifted her into her arms.

"Now, how would you like to sleep with me tonight, hmm? I've got a long duty shift starting tomorrow, and you'll get a chance to see Naomi for a while."

A smile, and it seemed now that the nightmare had vanished in her daughter's mind. "May I? And will I get to see Neelix, too?"

"You will when I pick you up for dinner. Now, try to get some sleep, and I promise I'll be in soon."

"Yes, Mama." Kalena burrowed under the coverlet, and soon was fast asleep under her mother's watchful gaze.

Kathryn reached out, fingers lightly tracing the faint ridge that traveled across her daughter's brow and down to blend with the tiny nose. Dark brown hair- nearly jet black, fanned out over the pillow, and she smoothed it affectionately before heading into the living room. A book lay on her favorite chair, red ribbon marker in place, and she settled to read it thinking that perhaps it would help to quell her now raging insomnia. Then again, perhaps it wouldn't.

"Good Morning, Captain." Commander Chakotay entered the ready room, greeting his best friend with a grin, and handing her a datapadd containing the weekly duty roster.

"Hmm?" Kathryn glanced up over the edge of her coffee cup, taking a moment to breathe in the pungent aroma of almonds and honey. "Oh, good morning."

Chakotay waited as she took yet another sip of the murky brown liquid, and mentioned the roster again.

The Captain glanced at it momentarily, and affixed her thumbprint to it before sliding it back across the desk surface.

"You look terrible, Kathryn."

"Ohh.." She leaned back, setting her coffee aside and reaching up to rub her temples. Fatigue was evident on her face, and Chakotay took a seat, waiting expectantly. "I've got to admit, I've been better, Chakotay."

"Kalena?"

"Yes, Kalena. She's still having nightmares, and this was the fourth night in a row I've gotten up to comfort her. If this continues, I'm not sure how either one of us will be able to take it."

"Try getting off early today." The first officer suggested, smiling. "I'll take some of these reports for you, and that should give you time to relax a bit."

"No, I can't." Kathryn gestured to the padds scattered over her desktop. "I've got to pick up Kalena at 1900, and I really can't leave her with Ensign Wildman any longer than that. And then there's B'Elanna's report on the warp core maintenance- I'd like to read that one before my shift ends."

"Let me take it." Chakotay replied. "You do what you can, and I'll finish the rest."

"Thank you." Kathryn finished off her coffee and held back a yawn. "Oh, I'm not sure if I can run the rest of the week like this. Eventually I'll be out of replicator rations."

Chakotay smiled, reaching forward and taking up the padd containing B'Elanna's report. "Well, if worse comes to worse, there is always Neelix to turn to."

"Don't remind me. I still have his weekly menu to approve." She murmured, reaching for another padd. "If that's all, Commander..."

Her friend turned, and glancing back over his shoulder to see his Captain hard at work, hesitantly walked out the door.

Hours later, Kathryn set down the last padd and stood up, taking her coffee mug to the replicator and keying in the sequence that would send it back into oblivion. The warp stars streaking past the window were soothing to her, as was the gentle murmur of Voyager's engines under her feet.

She touched her commbadge. "Janeway to Ensign Wildman."

"Wildman here, Captain."

"How's Kalena doing?"

"Fine, Captain." The young woman sounded pleased. "She and Naomi are still on the holodeck, in the Flotter simulation."

"Good. Thank you. I'll be down to get her in five minutes."

"We'll see you then, Captain. Wildman out." Kathryn sighed, rubbing her temples and brushing back several loose strands of hair away from her face. She'd managed to finish all of her work, skipping lunch, and somehow she knew Kalena would be famished when she arrived to pick her up.

"Janeway to Janeway."

"Kalena here, Mama." The child did of course have her own commbadge, and her mother had been thankful for that more than once. "Are you off duty yet?"

"Actually I am, angel. How would you and Naomi like to meet me in the mess hall for dinner? Naomi, can you hear me?"

"Yes, Captain." The young half-ktarian child spoke from the background, breathing heavily. "Can we finish this chapter first?"

Kathryn laughed softly. "Of course you can, Naomi. Just make sure you and my daughter are there in ten minutes, all right?"

"Aye, Captain."

Silence, and Kalena spoke up again. "I'll see you soon, Mama."

"Yes, Kalena. Janeway out." She headed for the door, stepping out onto the bridge and attracting the gaze of several crew members as she did so. Chakotay stood to relinquish the command chair, but she shook her head. "Commander, I'm going to get Kalena. You have the bridge."

"Aye, Captain."

She noted the worry in his gaze...she was overtired, and overworked, and he knew that. But she didn't need nor want his babying, and he had to know that sometime. "Tuvok, you have the bridge." He was stepping into the turbolift with her before she knew it, and the doors slid shut on Tuvok as he took the center chair. "Deck six. Captain, may I join you?"

"For dinner with Kalena, Naomi, and myself?" She laughed, a sound he wasn't accustomed to hearing anymore. "Are you sure you'd like to?"

"I haven't seen Kalena in a few days, and I would." Chakotay replied, expression serious. "It would be good for you to have some help, Kathryn."

"I'd love that, but I can't." She replied. "My daughter is my own, and there's nothing more I can do."

"You could try what I suggested before."

"No." Her eyes narrowed. "No, Commander, that option is out of the question."

"Captain-"

"I said no, Commander. Kashyk is not to be informed of this. Understood? I don't care how far we are from Devore space. You are not to make contact with them under any circumstances. Is that fully understood?"

Chakotay frowned, nodding with obvious reluctance. "Are you planning to go to the Doctor with Kalena's nightmares, then? There's nothing more you can do, Kathryn, if you aren't going to get help."

"I'm taking her tomorrow." The Captain replied. "I'll have time then."

The doors slid open, and they hurried down the corridor torward the mess hall. As the two officers rounded the corner, a small form hurled itself at Janeway, wrapping tiny arms around her neck.

"I missed you, Mama."

"And I you, angel."

Chakotay stood by, silent as Kathryn Janeway embraced her little girl with a smile on her face.

"And look who Mama brought with her."

"Chakotay." Kalena tranferred herself from one hug to another, and it was now Kathryn's turn to watch. He would have made a wonderful father. She spotted Naomi lingering near the doors to the mess, and tapped her on the shoulder.

"How's my captain's assistant?"

"I'm fine, ma'am." Playing the part beautifully, Naomi snapped to attention. "Kalena and I came early, Captain."

"Thank you, Naomi. At ease." As Kalena disengaged herself from Chakotay's grasp, her mother took her hand.

"How about some dinner, honey?"

"What's on the menu?" Chakotay asked lightly. Kathryn glanced over her shoulder, her expression one of curiosity. "Captain, you approved it."

"Oh, yes. I'm not sure."

Neelix was bent over behind the counter, and raised his head just as Kalena and her mother approached. "Captain, good to see you! And this beautiful young lady as well." He added, smiling down at the younger Janeway. "What'll it be today?"

"Do you happen to have any of your Gaba roast left, Neelix?"

"Of course. And Kalena?" "Um.." The child mused for a moment, running a finger over the smooth grey of the countertop. "I don't know... Neelix, do you have tomato soup?"

"Tomato soup?" The talaxian smiled, taking two pudgy green fruits from a bowl and presenting them to Kalena and Naomi. "I seem to remember Mr.Paris enjoying a bowl of tomato soup now and then. I think I can manage to get a bowl for you."

"Thank you. Mama, can I have a piece of chocolate cake after my soup?"

"That all depends on what you eat of your soup, baby." Kathryn smiled as Chakotay stepped forward to take the two orders as Neelix produced them. "Now why don't you help Commander Chakotay take these to our table while Naomi orders what she wants?"

"Yes, Mama." She took the silverware and followed Chakotay obediently as he led her toward a table in the far corner. Naomi stood and spoke with her godfather, and once sure the older girl was all right, Kathryn headed for the table. As she approached, an earlier thought rose unbidden in her mind, when she saw how well Chakotay was doing with Kalena. He would have been wonderful...someday, he'll make a perfect father for Kalena. For Kalena. That last sentence made her stop in her tracks, surprised at the thought. Chakotay as Kalena's father.. that would have been a better arrangement for all, but it was never to be, thanks to her mother's rather fatal attraction to a passing alien visitor.

"Captain." Chakotay's deep baritone brought her back to reality, and she blinked as a hand passed before her eyes. "You looked worlds away for a moment. Penny for your thoughts?"

"I'm afraid that just a penny wouldn't do it, Chakotay." For a moment, she was tempted to ask him about her daughter, ask what he would think about staying with them, to help out... but the youthful face peering at her from behind him stole her train of thought. "Enjoying your soup, angel?"

"Yes, I am." A smear of red streaked one rounded cheek, and with a quick swipe of her uniform sleeve, Kathryn erased it. "Is Chakotay staying with us?"

"Staying with us? Baby, I-"

"For lunch, Kathryn." Chakotay whispered in her ear, and she could almost hear the grin on his face. "Just for lunch."

"Of course." A nervous laugh ensued as she looked behind her. "Naomi, what have you got there?"

"Salad." The red-haired girl wove her way through empty tables until she was able to wriggle into a seat across from Kalena. That left the remaining two chairs- also positioned directly across from each other - to the Captain and Chakotay. "With vinegarette dressing."

"Vinegarette?" Chakotay smiled, taking a seat. "Somehow I find it hard to believe that Neelix would have something as normal as vinegarette in his kitchen."

"You never know." The Captain speared a slice of Gaba roast and chewed thoughtfully. "He has been known to have several pounds of Columbian roast hidden away for me."

"Really?" A raised eyebrow brought a laugh forth from Janeway's lips. "Kathryn-"

"What?" Their eyes met, but a youthful voice broke the spell, and the two officers looked away in what almost could be called relief.

"Mama, can I go back to the holodeck with Naomi?" Kalena had finished her bowl of soup and leapt out of her seat, along with the young Wildman. "Go ahead, sweetie. Just be back home in an hour."

She watched the two girls run off, noting with a smile that Naomi hadn't yet finished her salad. There was a distant look in her eyes, and her fork no longer moved from her plate to her mouth. Chakotay reached for her hand and she jumped at the contact, the light in her eyes dimming momentarily.

"Captain, how about a walk in hydroponics?" "I'm sorry, I must have drifted." She smiled, bringing her fork back to her lips. "That sounds wonderful, Chakotay, but I've got work to finish, and I should do it before Kalena gets back."

Chakotay nodded in understanding. "Are you going to be all right?"

"That's fine with me. " He took their plates to the recycler as she stood and straightened her uniform, and together they left in silence."

"And so far, the effeciency of the warp drive has increased by eighty-eight percent, according to B'Elanna's calculations." Chakotay set his padd down and glanced at his Captain, only to find her staring at a small picture near the window. At close examination it turned out to be Kalena's baby portrait, and the first officer took it up in his hand.

"She looks just like him." Kathryn murmured, propping her chin up with one hand. "Sometimes it seems that there's very little of myself in there at all."

"I wouldn't say so." Chakotay studied the snapshot carefully. "She's as beautiful as her mother. Any man will be lucky to have her."

"Mmm.." There was no other response, and as he returned the picture to it's spot, he touched her hand.

"Kathryn, do you miss him? You haven't been yourself lately, always off on some planet light-years distant, and I'm wondering about you."

"Miss him?" A brief chuckle, and she brought her eyes up. "I haven't missed him, nor did I ever really love him. Kalena was an accident, although it may have been the best accident of my life. Kashyk murdered thousands of innocent people, but his daughter will never be like that..." She glanced back at the window, trailing off. "I won't let her."

"You may not have a choice, you know. Children often take on characteristics of parents they've never known."

"She's my daughter, and he has no knowledge of her. She may grow up to look like him, even speak like him, but never will she be him. Kalena is going to make her own choices, even if I have to suffer to make it so. I'd work every day of my life to make sure she takes her own path."

Chakotay nodded. Her feelings for her daughter were strong, as it was for most parents, and yet he felt as strongly as she. Kathryn wasn't about to let her child grow up to be like the man who abandoned her. But in order to keep her from going his path, Kalena needed guidance. Guidance which her mother- no matter how much she tried- would not always be able to give her.

"That's a noble idea, Kathryn. I'll do anything to help you, you know that."

"I do." She covered his hand with hers, staring into his eyes. "But I need to do this on my own. I'm alone with her, and it's my fault."

"It was never your fault." He reached to embrace her, holding her slight frame cautiously in his arms. Her breath was warm against his neck, and her arms came up to wrap around his body, completing the circle.

"I let him have me. Even for that short time..I let him have me when it should have been you." She whispered hoarsely, mouth pressed against his uniform collar. "I didn't love him."

"But you came out of it with Kalena, and I for one know you wouldn't change her for anything." Chakotay pulled her away, smiling. "I'll be here to help you when you need me."

"Thank you." She composed herself quickly, reaching forward to grasp one of the padds sitting on her coffee table. "Now, I've been thinking of re-assigning Ensign Golwat to Astrophysics, since she's seemed unhappy with her present assignment. What do you think?"

"That shouldn't decrease efficiency in that department, Captain. I think everyone would benefit from a few new faces."

"Agreed. Then that leaves me with-"

"Mama!" The miniature whirlwind that fell into her lap left Kathryn speechless for a moment, until she finally wrapped her arms around the tiny visitor.

"Honey, Chakotay and I are trying to work." Obedient, the little girl stepped down and stood back to regard the two adults somberly.

"Sorry, mama."

"That's all right. How was the holodeck?"

Kalena smiled, and by the brown stains on her teeth, it was evident that she had been eating chocolate recently. "We played three Flotter chapters, and Sam gave us each a piece of chocolate from the replicator."

"That was nice of her. But what have I told you about Sam?"

The child appeared thoughtful, then nodded. "I'm not to call her Sam, but in respect I'm to call her Ensign Wildman."

"Good girl." A strong embrace, and Kalena set her eyes on Chakotay again.

"Commander, are you staying with Mama?"

"Only until we get these reports done." Chakotay gave her another hug, and smiled over her head at the eldest Janeway. "Then I have the early shift tomorrow."

"All right. Mama, do I need to get ready for bed?"

"Yes. And after that, maybe Commander Chakotay would tell you a story." She looked at him with pleading eyes, and he nodded, knowing she would never finish her work otherwise, unless he did. Anything to help, as he'd told her.

"Of course I will." With a bright grin, Kalena hurried from the room, and Kathryn shot a thankful glance at her first officer. "Thank you, Chakotay."

"No problem. And I have just the story in mind." The shock in her eyes made him smile, and soon after a grin lit her face. He'd been joking, but so deadpan that he very well may not have been. He spotted a hardened stain on Kathryn's sleeve, and gestured. "You'd better get that out before it sets."

"Good idea. I'll do that while you're putting Kalena to bed." Halfway across the room, she stopped, turning. "Thank you, really."

"Don't mention it." He headed into Kalena's bedroom, where he found the little girl dressed in a delicate flannel nightgown and cuddled securely under the pale blue coverlet. "Are you ready for a story, Kal?"

"Yes, please." Manners had been instilled while she was young, and Chakotay could definitely detect a hint of Janeway within the voice tone. There was no question- Kalena was her mother's daughter. "Can I hear the one you told me about? The... angry chief?"

"Not chief, honey. Warrior. The Angry Warrior?"

"Yes, that's the one!"

"All right, then." He perched on the edge of her bed, smiling down at the eager young face. She's so much as I imagined Kathryn would be as a child. "It's about an angry warrior, who lived his life in conflict with the rest of his tribe........"

When Kalena had fallen into a deep slumber, Chakotay carefully moved back into the living room to find Kathryn Janeway asleep on the couch, dressed in a smooth white satin robe. The peach-pink straps of her nightgown were barely visible near the opening. As he approached, she moved slightly and opened her eyes.

"Oh, I must have fallen asleep." Massaging her neck lightly with one hand, she smiled. "Is she asleep?"

"Yes. Halfway through the story."

Her face bore an expression of uneasiness at that. "And what story was it that you told her, exactly?"

"An ancient legend."

"Which one?" She sounded angry, turning her head so that he could look directly into her ocean blue orbs. "Which one, Chakotay?"

"I think you know."

"No. I told you not to tell her that one! What if she pieces it together? We both know she's a precocious child, and it's only a matter of time before she discovers-"

"Discovers what? Kathryn, there's nothing here for her to discover, and you know that as well as I. There would be, but you're.." He couldn't finish, unwilling to hurt her any further, but by the look on her face, she already knew.

"No, you wouldn't. I can't hurt you, Kathryn. You know I'm not prepared to do that."

"Why not? Because I have a child? Because I'm Kathryn Janeway, the mighty Starfleet captain who gave in to temptation and can't handle her responsibilities? Is that it?"

He crossed the room to the door, shaking his head. "No."

"Then what? Chakotay, I expressly asked you not to tell my daughter that story. Tell her anything you like.. about the Vidiians, the Kazon, even the Borg. But not that legend!"

"You're afraid it would uncover something, but it won't. You're doing a good job at hiding her from her father, Kathryn, so how would she manage to discover a secret buried within an ancient legend?"

Silence. "I don't know."

"Well, please, Kathryn, try to figure it out. Until you do, you're only going to be hurting yourself. And your daughter. You once told me that your father never tried to shield you from life, so why shield your daughter? Would he want you to do that?"

She opened her mouth to reply, but a sudden chirp drowned out her words. The hour wasn't a late one, so it was no surprise that someone found it prudent to interrupt the Captain's off time.

"Seven of Nine to the Captain."

A sigh came from her lips, and she reached for the commbadge on her table. "Janeway here."

"Captain, I have discovered something on long range sensors that I believe would be useful to us. Please report to Astrometrics at once."

Her gaze met Chakotay's, and he nodded. "I'll be on the bridge, Captain."

"Good-night." Kathryn got up to change, and her first officer made a hasty retreat. At that point, both were unsure of what would happen next, and neither one knew how they would go on.

"What is it, Seven?" Astrometrics was devoid of all life, other than the single former-drone who lurked behind consoles. When Captain Janeway entered, Seven didn't bother to look up as acknowledgement, something which she seldom ever did.

"I believe I have located an asteroid belt suitable for collecting our required nutritional suppliments, Captain." Bringing up a colorful display, the younger woman pointed out a miniscule blip on the sensor grid. "Approximately six point eight light years off our present course."

"It should only take us a few hours to reach." Janeway replied thoughtfully. "However, I'm not sure we can afford to go off course just yet."

"We can adjust our course if it means ensuring the well being of this crew." Seven countered. "You have often encouraged me to place other's before myself."

"That's right. Can you assure me that this place will offer us exactly what we need?"

"Good. I'll have B'Elanna get to work on it immediately." The Captain turned to leave, but something made her turn back, regarding the ex-borg thoughtfully. "Seven?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"Have you ever thought.... about how your parents taught you when you were a child? What mannerisms they imprinted on you?"

Seven paused, then continued to move her hands across the console. "I have not."

"You're telling me that everything they taught you is completely forgotten? Nothing remains?"

"Yes."

"I don't believe that." She neared the console, staring up into Seven's cold blue irises. "I don't believe that, and neither do you."

"I do not care what you choose to believe, Captain. I do not possess these memories, nor do I wish to." Seven stared at her for a moment, then frowned, even deeper than was her present one. "Captain, you are attempting to engage me in verbal battlement. If so, I am busy with pressing needs at this time. It will have to wait until later."

Janeway blinked, surprise settling in on her face. "No, Seven... I'm sorry. I didn't intend to make it seem that way."

"I do not understand. Then why-"

"Never mind." Janeway shook her head. "I'd like an update of your progress in one hour."

"Aye, Captain." And Astrometrics was once more awash with the sounds of Seven's console, as she returned to her work. The Captain stood there, a silent observer, then without a word spun on her heels and exited. The corridor was empty, suiting her present state of mind, and knowing that Neelix or Samantha were with her daughter, Janeway headed for the mess hall intent on having a late night cup of coffee before attempting to turn in.

"Captain, may I speak with you?" She blinked back to reality, noticing that Neelix stood beside her in the turbolift. I must not have been paying attention. He got in when I wasn't looking.

"What? Of course, Neelix." Sam must be with her, thank goodness. For a second I was ready to run straight back there. "What is it?"

"It's...well, it's Kalena."

Kalena.

"What, Neelix?" All traces of fatigue or confusion vanished within a single nanosecond. "What's wrong with her?"

"Oh, nothing wrong, exactly." The cook nervously ran mottled fingers through his straw-like whiskers. "She's had another nightmare, Captain."

"A nightmare."

"That's right. Samantha has her in Sickbay right now."

She hurt herself. Oh, God, no.

She turned to him, hands reaching for his shoulders and holding them as he winced lightly. "Neelix. What's wrong with her?"

"She fell off the bed. Nothing serious, it only requires a simple proceedure to seal up the wound." He was trying his best to sound like he knew-it-all, but the Captain had no time to stand by and listen to idle attempts at soothing her. She pushed past him the second the lift stopped, and ran the remaining deck and a half to the main Sickbay.

"Where is she, Doctor?" The EMH followed her as she barged through the door, a tricorder in his hand.

"On biobed one. Captain, she's going to be all right. It was a simple scratch."

"A scratch? Neelix told me-" "One might realize by now that Mr.Neelix's narratives are often a bit, shall we say, exaggerated." The Doctor replied. "She's been asking for you."

"Baby?" Her daughter was sitting up on a lone biobed, clutching her stuffed dog and smiling. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Mama. I had a scratch, but Doctor fixed me up good as new." She gestured to the pale bit of skin streching over her right brow. "Can you see it?"

"No, Sweetie. The Doctor did a wonderful job." She embraced the child tightly, stuffed animal pressing against her chest. "Now, how about some ice cream in the mess hall before you go back to bed?"

Kalena surprised her by declining, claiming that in this case fatigue overruled hunger, and the two Janeway's returned to their quarters, intent only on the lingering promise of sleep.

Captain Janeway stepped out of the turbolift, a mug of coffee in hand, and nodded a good morning to her Operations officer as he yielded command back to her.

"How was the night shift, Harry?"

"Just fine, Ma'am." The young man was full of energy, and as he prepared to leave the bridge Janeway handed him an exhausted coffee pot sitting beside the command chair.

"Ensign, next time make sure you bring enough for the entire bridge." She winked, and he smiled sheepishly as he left with his cargo.

"Up and at 'em!" Tom Paris appeared only moments later, fresh and rejuvinated after a long nights sleep, although Janeway suspected the night hadn't only been for sleeping. "Good morning, Captain."

"Good morning, Tom." He took his place at the conn, able fingers running over the controls. "What's our status?"

"Steady course for Earth, warp six point three." He replied, checking his readouts. "It looks like a smooth ride."

"Torres here." The engineer came back sounding a bit winded, and the Captain found herself wondering as to the source of that.

"Are you all right, B'Elanna?"

"I'm fine, Captain." As always, it seemed B'Elanna's klingon pride had taken a bit of a brusing at the concern. "I was helping Vorik re-install the plasma injectors, and we had a bit of a problem with the EPS conduits."

"Is everything repaired?"

"Yes. Did you need something, Captain?"

"As a matter of fact, I did." Janeway smiled. "B'Elanna, are you and your staff up to a collecting a few dilithum samples?"

"Yes, Captain. Where are we getting this dilithium from?"

"Check the long-range sensors." She suggested. "You'll find an asteroid belt less than two light years away. I thought you'd be interested in taking a closer look."

"I am." Torres replied, eagerness creeping into her tone. "May I have permission to take a shuttle into the belt? See what I can collect from there?"

"I was just about to suggest that. Voyager would be a tight fit, I suppose. But I'd like someone to go with you."

"Of course, Captain."

"Take Ensign Paris. He's the best pilot we've got, and you're going to need him." She nodded to Paris, who readily gave up his station and jogged up into the turbolift. "Report any findings back to us."

"Aye, Captain. Torres out."

"Did I miss something?" Chakotay stepped out of the conference room, fresh from a meeting with stellar cartography. "You seem happy, Captain."

"I am." A smile lit up her face as she spoke. "We've found a rich source of dilithium. I've sent B'Elanna and Tom to investigate. Seems to me we've got a good chance of getting my coffee back."

"Sounds good to me." Chakotay was silent, and his Captain sensed it at once.

"Chakotay?"

"I was thinking...." He paused. "Would you and Kalena like to join me at Neelix's gathering? I know it's late for her, but you know how much she admires Neelx's decor."

Janeway chuckled. "Chakotay...if you call what she did four years ago 'admiring', I'd have to question your judgement."

"As many times as I've questioned yours, I doubt you'd even catch up." he laughed. "Pick you up at eight?"

"Perfect. We're set to meet the shuttle at 1900. I just sent B'Elanna the time and coordinates."

"Then I'll see you." He turned to his work and she to hers, but her mind was on other recent happenings.. and the shuttle.

"Mama, I can't tie my bow."

"Baby, hold still." Kathryn attempted to tie the flowered ribbon around her squirming child's curly dark hair, but to no avail. The tight ringlets she had applied less than an hour before were limp and dangling, the miniature flower-print jumper no longer as crisp as it had once been.

"Mama, I'm hungry!"

"Honey, I'll take you in a minute. Mama isn't ready herself, yet." The door chimed, and Kathryn gave the ribbon one last tug. "There. You keep Commander Chakotay occupied while I change my uniform, all right?"

"But I'd like to watch!"

"Young lady, that's an order." As she scurried away, Kalena stepped boldly up to the door and unkeyed the lock, allowing Chakotay entrance. In a rather tame hawaiian shirt and khakis, he lifted the tiny figure into his arms and squeezed, swinging her high into the air and down again. "How's my recruit?"

"I'm perfectly all right, thanks."

Sounded like she'd been spending too much time around the Doctor, Chakotay surmised, grinning.

"Mama's getting ready. She can't decide on what to wear."

"Really, then? Well, I think you and I will have to transport her there, because if I know your mama, she's not the most punctual when it comes to these things."

"And do you really know me as well as you think you do?"

The two turned at the husky voice coming from the next room, and Kalena raced to be by her mother's side.

"Kathryn, you look lovely." It was true, and even Kalena said so..with a daughter's admiration. The Captain stood in the doorway to her bedroom, arms crossed in her usual commanding poise, occasionally reaching up to self conciously pat down her short, clipped auburn strands. She'd decided to wear a one piece dress of simple blue print awash with large white flowers. Chakotay smiled at her appearance, reaching for her arm as she stepped into the room.

"Thank you." She turned to straighten Kalena's dress, giving the go-ahead for the little girl to run straight to the holodeck. "Remember what you do when you get there, all right? Right up to Neelix?"

"Aye, aye, Mama." The girl raced forward and around the corner, out of the sight of two commanding officers who were clearly enjoying each other's company. Kathryn watched on for a moment, then relaxed onto the arm of her escort with a sigh.

"She's sweet." Chakotay commented, wrapping his hand around hers and giving it a tight squeeze. "She's a precocious child, Kathryn. A few times she's stopped to visit me- wanting to know why her mother's been so upset, wondering if there was anything I could do to help. I didn't like what I had to tell her."

"What did you tell her, Chakotay?" She stopped, and he had to laugh at the anxious look on her face. "Nothing more than I usually do, Kathryn. That there was nothing I could do."

"All right, then." She relaxed again, and they resumed walking. Upon stepping through the holodeck doors they both attempted to put on the best mask they could- hers the ever-strong captain, his the obedient albeit caring first officer.

Kalena burst through the holographic bushes near the entrance, followed by Naomi Wildman, and when Kathryn saw her now rumpled and worried hair, her brow furrowed with intense frustration.

"Kalena Mari Janeway!" she snapped, and the party around them suddenly halted as the small child slid guiltily up to her parent.

"Mama?"

"Don't you mama me, young lady! What have you been doing?"

"Please, Captain. I beg your pardon, but it was my idea." Naomi stood ramrod straight, disheveled hair and jumper making her a pitiful yet amusing sight to the two adults. "We were on a treasure hunt for Neelix's silver spoon."

"And I found it!" Kalena added, face glowing with pride. "But Naomi wanted to take it back to him."

"Yes, so I-"

"Please, that's all right. Just... calm down. And honey, since you found it, let Naomi take it back to her godfather."

"Yes, Mama." They ran off again, and Janeway put a hand to her temple in mute exasperation.

"Something wrong, Kathryn?"

"No, nothing. Just a headache, that's all." She replied, and the silence that followed tipped Chakotay off to suggest that it was something much bigger. Big problems were usually the ones Kathryn Janeway preferred to handle alone.

The lighting in Neelix's resort program was programmed in to imitate the effects of an actual fire, and Chakotay nudged his date... if that was really what he should call it....with a smile. "At least I don't have to light these particular fires, you know."

"Yes." She gave him a strained and rather forced smile. "That's right. You never could light a fire, Chakotay."

"But I could have taken up position as ship's barber." He cracked, squeezing her hand again. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"Yes, but thank you for asking." She looked around, eyes drawn to the crowd that milled throughout the program. A certain amount of chatter ensued from the corner where the newly programmed dabo tables were located, and she noted with a slight sparkle in her eye that Harry Kim happened to be one of the patrons.

"Lei?" A petite native girl- native to Earth's Hawaii, that is- approached with two brightly colored lei's, and presented them to Chakotay.

"Kathryn?" She turned, and he slipped the brighter of the two around her slight neck. "Here you go." He received a nod in reply, and with a measure of discretion, Chakotay took her wrist and tugged her behind a straw partion.

"What's wrong?" He found himself demanding now, rather than asking. "You've been like this since we've gotten here, and I won't accept another 'I'm all right'. You have to tell me what's going on!"

"I don't have to tell you anything." She hissed, rubbing her temples more violently than before. "I have a headache, and I'd rather not ruin my daughter's evening by spending it in Sickbay. You know she's insist on staying with me, and I have a difficult enough time saying no to that little girl, Chakotay!"

"Well if you tell me what's wrong, then maybe I can-" Her fingers on his lips hushed him in mid-sentence, and he looked at her questioningly.

"All right, fine. You want answers?" Her eyes lowered, and then she met his. "I can feel something, Chakotay."

"Feel something? What?"

"I don't know." She answered. "Maybe something, perhaps nothing. I wish I could figure that out somehow." A clear chirp interrupted their conversation, and she looked down at her commbadge as it repeated.

"Captain to the bridge. Repeat, Captain to the bridge."

"Report." All business, headache forgotten for the present, Captain Janeway marched onto the bridge still in her tropical attire. Chakotay closely followed, taking a place near Tuvok for a brief appraisal on the situation.

"There seems to be a ship approaching at low warp, Captain." Ensign Starr glanced at her display, expression slightly disturbed. "It's a little hard to get sensor data- a nearby red giant is sending off large amounts of theta radiation.

"Understood, Ensign. On screen." The view shifted, and Janeway smiled at the sight of Voyager's shuttle, turning in orbit around the planet's moon. "Hail them." she ordered.

"Sorry, Captain. I can't get the comm-link open."

"Are tranporters operational?"

"Negative." Starr apologized.

"That's fine, Ensign. Tuvok, lock onto the shuttle with a tractor beam. I want them brought into the shuttle bay immediately."

"Aye, Captain." He nodded, and entered the commands needed. "We have a lock. Towing them in."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I'll be down there if you need me."

"Aye, Captain."

Chakotay caught up with her in the lift, just as the doors were about to close.

"Captain?"

"Chakotay, please."

"Computer, halt turbolift." He faced her, unfettered her blunt reply. "Captain, you know something, don't you? Something no one else- not even Tuvok- can. Is someone sending you a telepathic message of some kind?"

"I'm not sure. Chakotay, I can assure you, I don't know any more than I've said. I'm worried about my officers, and I'm sure you are as well. Am I right?" He nodded. That was all he could do at that point, and she smiled tightly. "Good. Computer, resume."

When they stepped into the shuttle bay, B'Elanna was just ascending the ramp, hair in disarray, face smeared with soot and surface burns. "We got the deuterium, Captain." She coughed, taking support from a nearby bulkhead. "Tom's purging the cargo hold now."

"Tom?" The Captain left her engineer and hurried into the small craft, searching for her pilot, who she found still at the main controls. "Do you need any help?"

"No thanks, I'm doing fine, Captain." The blond pilot tapped a last panel and leaned back with a smile. "B'Elanna had a rough time of it, and after we picked up that distress signal-"

"Distress signal." Janeway cut him off, placing a concerned hand on his sooty red shoulder. It left a clean mark on him, and a pattern of dirt on her own palm. "Tom, Voyager was prevented from communicating with you. Surely you know that we have no knowledge of any distress signal. Our long range sensors weren't operational."

"B'Elanna didn't say?" Paris frowned. "Captain, I-"

"Captain Janeway."

An eerily familar voice came to her ears, and with a start Janeway pivoted, brushing her hand on her thigh. "Kashyk."

"What are you doing here?"

Once Kashyk had been cleaned up- his face and clothing was formerly smattered with and plasma burns- Janeway had escorted him to the conference room and, once there, proceeded to dress him down as best a captain could. At least, as best she could to one who was not of her own crew, much less her own species.

"What am I doing here? Kathryn, I was injured. Your crewmen were kind enough to rescue me and bring me to Voyager, I'm surprised you aren't very pleased."

"Pleased with them- or with you? Am I expected to get on my knees- to rejoyce because you came here? Or do you expect some sort of a friendly greeting? Well I'm sorry, Kashyk, but Voyager's hospitality is no longer open to you."

"Kathryn.."

"Stop that." She ordered. "I understand you were injured, but that still doesn't answer my question. What are you doing here? It ought to be clear enough to you that I want an answer. And I want it now."

"Fine, then. I was traveling with a fleet of my warships, headed for a space station no more than... eighty parsecs from here. We were tracking a well known criminal. He was a telepath, Captain, who had eluded our ships for weeks- until we had no choice but to pursue him outside our territory. Nevertheless, his friends were less than happy to see us."

"And?"

"And I managed to mask the signature of my scout ship within these asteroids." Kashyk finished lightly. "Needless to say, I'm very lucky Voyager came along. My medical supplies were about to run out.. I could never have made it another week without help."

"Well you got it. And fortunately for you, I've taught my officers to be courteous, so you'll recieve nothing but kindness from the members of my crew." Janeway rounded the conference table, sliding into her chair and glaring at him sternly. "But hear this- don't expect any more than what you're given. You'll be well guarded at all times, and I won't be there for you to cajole, nor plea bargain. You've already caused me enough-" She stopped. Pain and suffering? Never. "Enough.... headache for one day."

"So you did sense me?" His expression was pleased; hers was not. "I knew the bond between us was stronger, Kathryn. Dispite your distaste, this will not disappear."

If you only knew, she thought bitterly. "Maybe not, but I'm willing to put up with a little headache if it will keep you away from me." She stood up, motioning for the guards near the door.

"Take the 'Inspector' to his cabin. And make sure he isn't disturbed."

"You're making a mistake, Kathryn. You and I have more in common than you think." Kashyk's parting words faded as he was whisked away, and Captain Janeway leaned back to sigh in deep pain. He was too close now, and at the moment, she couldn't wish to be farther away. The reports that had been on her ready room desk were now taller, if that were possible, and no sooner had she entered the room did she attack them with gusto. It was something that would hopefully take her mind of the new passenger, and she'd welcome it if it would.

"Kadis-kot. I win!" Kalena promptly bellowed, reaching to remove her pieces from the brightly colored game board.

Naomi stared, unblinking, before reaching to take her own. "Kalena, that's the fifth game in a row. Let's play something else."

"No, Kadis-kot." The younger insisted, but Naomi would have none of it.

"I'm going to the holodeck." She climbed to her feet, annoyed. "You can stay here."

"No!"

"Yes, mama!" The child slapped her commbadge eagerly. "Mama?"

"Honey, Commander Chakotay's going to pick you up today, all right? Mama's got work to do."

"All right." As if on cue, the door chimed, and Naomi leapt to answer it. "Hello, Commander."

"Hello." Chakotay walked in, smiling at the two girls. "Kalena, are you ready to go see Neelix?"

"Yes, Commander." The young Janeway grinned, glancing at the kadis-kot board and resuming the cleaning process. "Mama, he just got here."

"Well, then, you'd better get going, sweetheart. Have the commander bring you up to my ready room after you've eaten dinner."

"Yes, ma'am."Chakotay picked up Kalena and swung her around playfully. "We'll see you soon, Captain."

"Sounds fine, Commander. Janeway out."

"So, what's for dinner?" Chakotay set the girl down, and after they'd bid Naomi farewell, led her down the lighted corridor. "Paga loaf? Ju-Jubi roast?"

"No. I'd like.. Gaba berries and turkey." Kalena replied, certainty manifested in her childish tones.

"I'm sure Neelix has some for you." They rounded a corner, Kalena laughing quietly as Chakotay gently tickled her neck. But they stopped, abrupt, at the sight of an alien walking toward them with an armed escort.

"Commander, who's that?" The child whispered, tugging the man down to eye level. The alien looked at them, eyes resting on Kalena for the barest moment before flickering upward to Chakotay's face.

"That's a Devore soldier." Chakotay replied, unsure of what to do. "His name is Kashyk."

"Is he mama's friend?" Visiting dignitaries often were the 'captain's' guests, Chakotay supposed, so it was no wonder that the child had inquired about it.

"No, Kalena, he's not." Staring at the 'prisoner', as the captain had referred to him, Chakotay wondered exactly how long Katrhyn was planning on keeping this a secret from her daughter. But as he looked back up, he realized that the girl was no longer standing beside him, but had made her way forward, standing just in front of the restrained alien.

"What's your name?" It was her sweet innocent face that made Chakotay smile, but the look immediately vanished as he saw Kashyk squirm within his hand restraints.

"Kashyk." An odd look came over his face as he glanced downward. "And you are?"

"Kalena Janeway." The child stared upward, grinning. "I'm the Captain's daughter." "Captain Janeway's little girl?"

The tone of his voice alerted Chakotay, who reached subtly for his commbadge, applying slight pressure. "Chakotay to Janeway."

"Janeway here." Her voice, rough yet smooth, emerged from the ornament. "What is it, Commander? Is Kalena all right?"

"That depends on your definition of all right." Chakotay replied, quietly. "She's talking to Kashyk. We ran into him in the corridor, and she began a conversation while I was occupied."

"Occupied with what, Commander? Get her away from there!"

"Captain, you have to tell her. I'm sure Kashyk has already made the connection, and it's only a matter of time-"

"I believe we've already had this discussion, Commander, and the results are the same. No."

"Captain-"

"Listen, Chakotay. I don't care how you do it, and I don't care if my daughter is having tea and biscuits with the man. I want her away from him, and I want it done now."

"Captain, please."

"Do it, Commander. I'll talk to you later."

"Aye, aye. Chakotay out." Frowning now, he closed the channel and approached the security detail. "Let me have a moment."

"Sir, we were ordered to keep a strict eye on-"

"I understand that, Ensign.." He had to think, glancing at the woman's face before he knew. "O'Connell. But I'm telling you, it's all right."

"Yes, sir."

As the detail despersed, Chakotay pulled Kalena off the carpet, lifting her onto his shoulder for a moment. "Kalena, can you do something for me?"

"Sure."

"Go straight to the mess hall and talk to Neelix. I need to have a moment alone with her friend."

"Yes, sir." The girl moved off, and Chakotay advanced on Kashyk, who stood casually staring at the retreating crewmen.

"I'm surprised Kathryn hasn't had me confined to the brig." He spoke, voice smooth as silk. "Instead she sends you."

"I'm not here to scare you, Kashyk. I'm here to warn you." Raising one hand, Chakotay tugged on the loose collar of the Devore's slate gray jacket. "You even speak to that little girl again, and so help me, I'll make sure you never see the light of day."

"My daughter, you mean?" A laugh, not evil, nor menacing, reached his ears. "You think I don't know? She's beautiful, isn't she? A product of true genius, and your wonderful captain. Kathryn's a lovely woman."

"You.." Chakotay's large fingers twisted into the thin cloth, all his reserve barely keeping him from tugging the man off the ground. "You touch Kathryn again, and..."

"I do have a right to my child, Commander." Cold now, the voice was calmer than expected. "Kathryn may try to keep her away, but unless you're prepared to jettison my body into space, I highly doubt that will happen."

"The thought had crossed my mind." Releasing him, Chakotay turned. "O'Connell!"

"Yes, sir!" The raven haired woman appeared at a jog around the corner, drawing her phaser readily. "Sir?"

"Take him back to his cabin." Chakotay's eyes grew hard, angry. "Make sure he isn't disturbed."

"Aye, sir." As they left, the two rivals caught each other's gaze, and a current passed between them. They both wanted the same thing, for different reasons, and a woman and child were in the middle.

"So you're saying he wants my daughter?"

Captain Janeway drank her coffee slowly, setting the cup aside as she rose to pace her ready room vigorously. Chakotay drank his own with caution, blowing steam from the hot liquid and following her with his eyes.

"His daughter as well, Kathryn. Would it hurt to let him spend time with her? She'll never need to know, and it can't be that far fetched to strike a deal with him."

"Far fetched barely touches the subject, Chakotay." She stopped to study his expresson, azure eyes widening. "You're serious?"

"Very."

"I won't consider it."

"Then you may just be putting yourself and your daughter at risk, Kathryn. She's going to ask questions- things you aren't prepared to answer. What happens then?"

"I'll think of something."

"Something? What will that be, Kathryn? Will you tell her she was a special gift to a lost spacefarer? Or was she found on your doorstep? A present from a diplomat? What will it be?"

"Stop it." Fury flashed in her eyes as she snapped, only to be replaced by grief and remorse as she collapsed on the grey couch cushions. "Oh, Chakotay, I'm sorry."

"So am I."

"I don't want anything to happen here." She whispered, taking her mug from the table, and folding her hands gently around the parimeter. "I just want-"

"Your daughter to be safe. Yes, I know." He smiled at her, a pillar of strength and comfort, and as she began to lean forward, the door chime interrupted the serenity of the moment.

"I'm sorry." She apologized, standing up. "Come in."

"Captain." Tuvok entered, hands clasped in firm Vulcan posture, behind his back. "I apologize for the interruption, but our 'guest' wishes to speak with you. I have told him that you are very busy, but he insists-"

"It's quite all right, Tuvok." Janeway sighed, abandoning her mug again, and turning to Chakotay. "I'd like to speak to him alone, Commander."

"Of course, Captain."

Kashyk was ushered in, and the two senior officers hurried out, with Chakotay's face being the last she saw as the doors slid shut. Kashyk was unrestrained, and settled himself smugly into a chair. "Captain Janeway, how pleasant to see you again."

"I wish the feeling were mutual."She answered dryly, moving to sit behind her desk, putting some space between them.

"And do you really?"

"No." She stared at him, folding her hands. "What's this about, Kashyk? If it's a request to take Kalena, then you should know my answer already."

"It's not that, exactly." The devore inspector was silent, then leaned forward to balance on the desktop. "I'd just like to see her, Kathryn. Spend some time with her before I'm forced to leave Voyager."

"Why?" She demanded. "You've gone for years not knowing her- what makes you think a few days are going to make an ounce of difference?"

"Kathryn, you know as well as I that a few hours can make a lot of difference." He emphazized, and her eyes flickered upward with the briefest flash of recollection.

"In this case, I fail to see the point." She stood up and moved, far to the viewport, still keeping her distance. "Bottom line- I don't want her to know you, I don't want you to know her. Understood?"

"Kathryn-"

"I refuse to have any part of your greed, Kashyk. And don't you realize, your daughter has never known you? She's never going to know you- it's your futile quest for something you'll never have, Inspector."

"I doubt that." He approached her slowly, and she met his gaze steady-on, unwilling to waver and lose sight of her hatred. But as he neared, and carefully put his hands on her shoulders, she did just that. "I love you, Kathryn."

His kiss was electric, sending shivers down her spine. She melted, lips burning, anger consuming her, yet extinguished by the smothering of his arms around her. She kissed him back.

"I missed you."

"Kashyk.."

His hands slowly began to move down her arms- only then as his lips touched her neck did she realize her mistake, and pushed him away.

"Stop!" She pushed him away, sitting up and staring into his ebony eyes with a glowering hate. "Get out of here."

"Kathryn."

"No." She bit down on her lip, so hard that blood spurted from the wound and into her open mouth. Pressing a sleeve of her uniform onto it, glowered at the man before her "Security-."

"Kathryn, don't.."

"Get out!" She slapped her commbadge, taking the sleeve from her lip and throwing the soiled garment aside. "Janeway to Chakotay. Report to my ready room."

"Captain." The security detail entered directly behind Chakotay, taking the angry Kashyk by his arms.

"Oh, no.." She sighed, sinking to the couch as Chakotay entered, and Kashyk was pulled away. "Chakotay-"

"Kathryn, did he injure you?" Her first officer sunk down beside her, arms wrapping around her and pulling her close. "Are you hurt?"

"Not in the way you might think." She replied, eyes saddened as she looked past at the closed door. "It was I who hurt him."

"How so?"

"I won't let him see Kalena." She rose, turning toward the viewport.

"Kathryn, this wasn't your fault. He shows up unexpectedly, you're forced to make a choice that you decided was the right one."

"No!" She gasped for breath, suddenly unable to speak. "No...no...it was...the most romantic thing I've ever...I felt something between us for a minute, Chakotay. That's why I stopped, before it went any further. He kissed me- I was almost ready to give in...but I can't risk letting him get close to her."

"Kathryn.." He embraced her even more tightly, rocking her back and forth on the hard grey rug. "Everything will be all right. You've still got Kalena, and she loves you more than anything."So do I.

"Oh! Kalena!" Her voice was like that of a wounded animal as she leapt to her feet. "Computer, locate Kalena Janeway."

"Kalena Janeway is in the mess hall."

"Janeway to Tuovk."

"Tuvok here, Captain."

"Lieutenant, get a security detail to the mess hall and find Kalena. If you see Kashyk anywhere near her, and I do mean anywhere, you have my direct authorization to use whatever force nessessary to ensure my daughter does not speak to him. Is that understood?"

"Aye, Captain. Tuvok out."

Janeway stared at the wall for a moment, eyes hardening. "Chakotay, I think I'll stay on the bridge for a few more hours."

"Do you mind some company?" His eyes twinkled; she took his hand and squeezed it, smiling.

"Thank you."

"Anytime." He replied, and they headed back to duty, minds echoing with a single, unspoken word. Kalena.

"And what's your favorite game, Kalena?" Kashyk held tight the girl's hand as he led her down the corridor. In the shuttle bay, he knew, were two shuttlecraft being prepped for launch to the asteroid belt. Voyager had held position there for several days, according to Kalena's brief desciption.

"Kadis-kot." Kalena's bright voice snapped him out of his reverie. "Mama can't even beat me. Often Naomi can, but not too much."

"Is that so?" Kathryn would be tracking them down at any time, he surmised, beginning to move faster. His daughter-his- pulled his hand cautiously, wide eyes gazing up at him. "Where are we going?"

"Your mama told me to take you for a tour of the asteroid belt while she's working." He lied, lifting her to his shoulders. "Is that a good idea?"

"No." Kalena answered promptly. "Mama wanted to go with me." As she reached for her commbadge, Kashyk snatched her hand.

"Honey, your mama knows where we're going. Don't you worry." They were in the shuttlebay now, boarding the shuttlecraft Electra. Setting Kalena in the passsenger seat, Kashyk ran his fingers over the touch pads, beginning the launch sequence- knowing that within seconds, Captain Janeway would be detecting their launch, and would come after them with the deadliest of force.

"Sit tight. We're going for a ride."

"Captain." Ensign Ayala had replaced Tuvok at tactical, and when he spoke, Captain Janeway was able to detect a hint of emotion, which betrayed all demeanor. She turned at his voice, eyebrow raised in questioning.

"What is it, Ensign?" Ayala peered downward, squinting at his readouts.

"I...I'm detecting an unauthorized shuttle launch, Captain."

"Who is it?"

"I'm not sure." He almost looked disturbed at that realization, but with a start the Captain understood how that was possible.

"Remodulate external sensors to scan for refractive shielding." She ordered briskly. Chakotay cast a confused glance in her direction, which she fielded his unasked question without faltering. "I have a theory, Commander."

"Kashyk?"

She nodded, rising to her feet. "Ensign Kim, inform me when the shuttle has safely cleared Voyager, and get a tractor beam on it."

"Aye, Captain." Janeway looked straight ahead, eyes locked on the viewscreen. "How did he get out?"

There was a pregnant pause, then a voice responded. Kim's. "There's something wrong, Captain. With that particular shield roation, I can't get a lock on them."

She swore under her breath, turning to Chakotay and inhaling deeply. "Commander, any thoughts?"

"We could disable the shuttle, maybe-"

"No." She cut him off, glancing around the bridge at the assembled crew. "No one is to fire on that vessel as long as my daughter is on board. Understood?"

"Understood, Captain." Chakotay watched her carefully, eyes thoughtful. "What are you planning, Kathryn?"

"Harry," Pivoting slightly, the captain looked up to Ops, catching Harry Kim's watchful eye. "Can we transport over to the shuttlecraft?"

"If I can find a momentary window..." Pause. "Yes, Captain. I think so."

"Good. Then I want a transport directly to that vessel. Put me in the cargo hold- I can work my way up while Kashyk's busy-"

"Captain, you can't do this." Chakotay protested. "You'll be putting Kalena in even more danger if you do."

"I disagree."

"And it wouldn't be the first time." He countered, persistant. "It isn't safe for you, and as your first officer, I'd be wrong not to point out this particular mistake, Kathryn."

"I'd have to say, I wouldn't have objected." She looked at him, eyes thoughtful, then turned back to the viewscreen. "Ensign, carry out my orders."

"But Captain..."

"Harry." Her voice was thick with warning- Harry stared down at his console, fingers tapping in the commands. "Keep a lock on me...match his course and speed as necessary. It shouldn't be too difficult to keep tabs on his shuttle.."

"Aye, Captain." She turned to Chakotay then, pulling out her phaser and changing the setting.

"Commander," And the blue haze seized her in a flurry. "...you have the bridge.."

Kashyk watched curiously as the image of Voyager remained still on his viewscreen. "They're up to something.." He murmured uncertainly. "What's going on, Kathryn?"

"I want Mama." Kalena's plaintive wimper came quite clearly from the rear cabin- her father turned to watch her wriggle around the bench she sat upon, and he got up to join her.

"I know you do, Kalena, but your Mama and I have a few misunderstandings to work out. For a while, you're staying with me."

"But I want to go home." The child responded, moving away from him. "You're not my daddy. Mama wouldn't want you to take me anywhere!"

"That's right." Kathryn Janeway moved swiftly, pinning her ex-lover to the ground even before he knew what was happening. Her elbow pressing firmly into his jugular, she brought her face close to his. "If you ever, ever touch my little girl again, I'll hunt to the farthest reaches of the galaxy."

"So," Kashyk sputtered, breath catching in his throat. "You found the fluxuation in my shields, did you? No one but you, Kathryn."

"Kalena." At her mother's summon, the girl was at her side in an instant. "Honey, get to the comm-panel and open a channel to Voyager."

"Yes, mama."

"Kathryn-"

"Stow it." His hand reached for her arm, taking it in his strong grip, and she lashed out at him in anger. "Let go of me."

"You're not taking her-"

"Get away!" She slammed her fist into his nose, pushing him back and charging for her daughter, who sat by the helm, staring wide eyed. "Baby, is that channel open?"

"Yes.."

"Janeway to Voyager." Her voice was crisp, direct. "Can you get a lock on us?"

"Yes, Captain." Ensign Kim responded, but his tone told her that there was something more. "we're going to have to beam you out one at a time- that fluxuation in his shield grid won't allow for more."

"That's quite all right, Harry." Kneeling, Captain Janeway got down to Kalena's level, a smile overlaying her worried features. "Honey, Ensign Kim is beaming you back to Voyager. Are you ready?"

"You're coming, Mama?"

"Yes, baby. Just after you."

"Captain-" The comm-link was beginning to falter, it was now or never. "Energizing."

"I hear you, Ensign." Janeway kept her eyes riveted to Kalena's, as the tiny form was seized by a column of blue. Moments later, "Do you have her?"

"Yes, they do." Kalena's voice was barely discernable from the static that now disrupted the comm-link. Footsteps sounded through the interference, and as Janeway turned to check systems, a heavy hand on her shoulder made her look up in surprise.

"Kashyk.." Blood spurted from the break in his nose- both eyes were blackened around the edges..but what frightened her was the feral anger that drove him forward. His fist came down hard, slamming into her head and dropping her body to the floor. Looking up, she rolled to avoid another rain of punches that came down toward her, and her phaser fell out of reach.

"Kathryn, don't make this any harder." She knew, somewhere, that there was a phaser hidden within the tiny cabin. But where, she wasn't sure, and it would take a certain amount of time for her to get it once she knew. He had his arms around her middle then, squeezing the air from her lungs- she gasped for breath, and brought her leg back sharply.

"Janeway to-" Her hand reached for the commpanel, striking it to re-open a channel. "Janeway to Chako-"

"No!" Kashyk had somehow recovered quickly, and as he leapt forward Janeway caught sight of a phaser, wedged safely between two consoles. As she fired, not checking the setting, she felt a curious sense of peace come over her as her opponent fell limp and rubbery to the deckplates.

"Chakotay to Janeway." A pause. "Captain, please respond."

"I'm all right, Chakotay." She chuckled, rubbing a small trail of blood from her brow. "Can you tractor the shuttle?"

"Not yet. The shields-"

"Are disrupting the hold. Yes, I know." She deactivated the shield matrix, and smiled. "How is it now?"

"We've got you, Captain. Tractoring you into the shuttle bay now."

"Home again, home again.." She murmured, and her smile grew even larger as she thought of just who awaited her on board.

Captain's log, Stardate 58743.2

After following the ion trail of an alien vessel that matched Kashyk's earlier account of a 'refugee' from the imperium, we've managed to locate the ship in orbit of a nearby planet. It seems that this alien was not the only one to escape the unjust laws of the Devore, and so we've decided to leave our dear inspector in their capiable hands. I've ordered Voyager on a direct course for the Alpha Quadrant, and have set aside some quality time with Flotter and Kalena on Holodeck one.