When Death Do Us Part
                                                        Captain_Crystal


Death. The end of life. A terrible part of it. Sometimes death was honorable, sometimes it was senseless. His was senseless.
Voyager had been in orbit of a disputed planet between the Bruidians and the Truiidians. Bruidia and Truiidia were sister planets and were populated by, at one time, the same species. Time and conditions provoked evolution of different kinds among the two worlds.
The Bruidians had claimed the fertile planet as well as the Truiidians. The end result was a bloody war that had lasted for fourteen generations. These people knew nothing else but war. Finally, Voyager had been called in as mediators.
After two months, they had finally reached a compromise that left both world leaders relatively happy. Kathryn stood to propose a toast.
“To our new friends. May the peace between these two worlds last for centuries!” Everyone shouted ‘Here, Here.’ But a loud male voice shot above the crowd.
“Never! Truiidians Forever!” The man screamed as an orange phaser beam streaked through the air heading right for Kathryn.
Chakotay had seen the man and jumped to push her out of the way and the beam pounded into his side. He fell to the ground in agony.
“Chakotay!” She screamed, running to his side.
“Somebody get a doctor!” B'Elanna yelled above the noise. Half of the crowd did as she commanded and ran for a doctor. The other half, however, were too busy pummeling the assassin to the ground.
“Kathryn,” Chakotay whispered quietly, using the last of his strength.
“Shh, don’t try to talk. Lie still. We’ll get you a doctor. You’ll be fine,” she assured him even as tears streaked her face.
“Kay, listen to me,” he groaned. “I love you. I think I always have.”
“Oh Gods,” Kathryn whispered, resting her head on his chest and hearing his heartbeat slow down.
“I love you, Kay. Remember that. I love you. You’ll make it. You’ll get these people home and you’ll live a good life. You’ll die an old lady, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And I’ll see you on the other side.” He took one last breath, and everything was silent.
“Oh please, no!” She cried, as she heard his heart stop its labored breathing in his chest. “Oh, Gods! Please, don't take him away from me!”
She lay atop him and let her tears fall for what seemed like hours. The one thing worth living for in her world was gone. How was she to survive now?
Those wanting a happy ending to this story, I am working on it. As all writers know, requests for the happy ending seem to make the writing go faster. Hint, hint!!!!!