He'd been in his quarters, changing back into his uniform, when he'd been hailed from the bridge.

"Bridge to Commander Chakotay. Commander, you better get up here right away. Something's happened to the Captain."

Now he was grimly making his way to transporter room 2. Tuvok had protested, of course, reminding him of his duty as commander of Voyager in the Captain's absence. But although the irritating government official he'd spoken to a few moments ago hadn't made all that much sense, Chakotay had been able to ascertain that it had been some kind of political abduction concerning Lefrekian affairs, and not an act of aggression against Voyager. The Captain was apparently unharmed, for the moment at any rate. He didn't see any immediate threat to the ship or any other member of the crew in the situation. And he was so incredibly, insanely worried about Kathryn, that he needed to deal with this himself.

The barrage of questions applied to the Lefrekian official had prompted him to invite them down to the planet where they could "discuss things in a more private, comfortable setting". Chakotay had agreed diplomatically, and cut the transmission before he lost his temper at the pompous, annoying man on the viewscreen. Then he'd ordered the return of all personnel to the ship. After that, of course, he'd had the obligatory argument with Tuvok over normal operating protocol at times like this. Then he'd left Tuvok to conduct scans of the surface to find any trace of the Captain's commbadge signal, and to see what Neelix knew about the whole thing.

He couldn't believe this had happened. He should have been with her today. He might have been able to prevent it - to protect her. Now he had no idea where she was, or if she was even alive - the official could have been lying in his assurances, after all. He clenched his fists involuntarily at that thought, ignoring the wary look he was receiving from Tom, who was accompanying him to the surface. Despite what the Lefrekian's said, Chakotay wouldn't really believe she was safe until he saw her with his own eyes.

They reached the transporter room and met the security detail waiting inside. A few moments later, the six of them found themselves in what appeared to be a large, airy reception area. Minister Thol, the official Chakotay had spoken to on the Bridge, hurried up to them almost immediately.

"Ah, Chakotay, you certainly wasted no time. But of course you are concerned for the welfare of your Captain. Now, let me once again assure you that she is unharmed. Really, it is a very routine procedure on Lefrek," he couldn't help but flinch from the murderous look in Chakotay's eyes, and continued nervously, "Ah, why don't I explain the situation a little better? She and Minister Enna were taken as the hostages of an opposing government faction. It is a decisive move on their part towards the conclusion of some negotiations we're currently involved in. It's a formality, really - just one more protocol to follow in the course of government proceedings. It is tedious, I know, but then so are many such proceedings, as I'm sure you're aware."

He seemed about to go on, but Chakotay interrupted him.

"Thol," he practically barked, then moderated his tone, "I'm finding it a little difficult to understand all this. You're telling me the Captain was taken as a pawn in some government power struggle?"

"Er... Well, no... I don't think that's exactly how I'd phrase it. You must understand, Chakotay, that we were not always the peaceful people we are now. Just one hundred years ago, our entire world was involved in the constant upheaval of war and international power play. But over the years we've reached a state of unity and peace - which was achieved, for the most part, through the development of many new laws and statutes. One of these was the 'Hostage Policy', which was, of course, initially intended to assure non-violence on either side in disagreement. Now, as I say, it has reverted to a mere formality - but one which must be observed if we are to uphold the current, peaceful standards of our society."

"I see," Chakotay managed after a moment of thought, "But why was Captain Janeway taken? She has nothing to do with these negotiations."

"Ah, well I'm sure it was intended as a compliment. The negotiations in question are quite high profile. It's considered an honour to be taken as a hostage in cases such as this."

Chakotay couldn't resist a frustrated sigh. Every part of him was screaming at him to do something - anything - to get her back. Every part of him, that is, except for a small voice speaking in the monotones of his first year instructor on Star Fleet policy. The Prime Directive is more than just a regulation. It is our most sacred principle... And he knew that it was that voice he had to be guided by in this. As much as he hated operating in the dark as he seemed to be, he had to find a solution that didn't interfere with the normal operation of Lefrekian life.

"Well, I'm sure Captain Janeway will be thrilled with the honour when she hears about it," he couldn't keep the sarcasm from his voice, "However, how do I know that she is being treated well? And when will she be released? Have you been in contact with these people?"

"Well naturally," he seemed almost surprised at the question, "Everything is moving along well. They are confirming the final stages as we speak, I believe. It could be tomorrow, perhaps the day after. No longer, I assure you. And as for how your Captain is faring - well, it goes without saying that she is being treated as an honoured guest."

Chakotay resisted the urge to strangle him. Was this entire planet insane? He'd never heard of such a ridiculous policy. He glanced around at the other members of the away team. Tom was standing nearby, observing with interest, and even a hint of amusement. The security officers had positioned themselves a little way away, and all wore looks of confusion on their faces.

He needed to get back to Voyager and see if Tuvok had made any progress. He didn't care what protocols he violated, if they could get a lock on her, they'd beam her out in a second. But if only he knew whether or not she was truly alright, he might be able to handle all this passivity with greater ease.

"Thol, is there any way I can communicate with this other faction? I need confirmation that the Captain is unharmed."

"Oh, yes of course," he replied immediately, "I'll just go and contact them and let them know you want to speak with her."

Chakotay couldn't do anything but stare as Thol turned and moved over to a console against the wall.

end scene 1

SCENE 2 - Janeway

"I can't believe we just have to sit here," Captain Janeway complained, tossing the fork-like implement onto the table before her.

The food really was quite good. Much better than the fare served up on a daily basis in the mess hall. Not that Neelix didn't have his moments. After four years as cook it would be impossible for him not to serve something palatable some of the time. And, of course, he made the best fudge cake she'd ever tasted. But on the whole, the food here had a lot more to recommend it. She just didn't like the conditions which forced her to eat it.

"Well, there really isn't much else to do but sit here. And we may be here for a while, so you may as well eat," her companion advised, smiling slightly at her obvious aversion to their current situation.

She was right, of course. When the sedative had worn off, Janeway had wakened to find Enna sitting calmly by her side. At first she'd been understandably distressed as she remembered being attacked, and it had taken a few minutes of fast talking on Enna's part to calm her down. Not that she'd been panicking. Rather, her Starfleet training had kicked in immediately, as it was supposed to in situations like this. She'd leapt off the large, luxurious bed she'd been lying on, all prepared to make a quick evaluation of their status and form an escape plan.

Once Enna had managed to get her to sit still for a minute and listen, she was astounded to hear the actual nature of their predicament. It was all so dreadfully absurd. And of course she winced every time she thought of what must be going on back on Voyager. Not that she didn't believe Chakotay to be perfectly capable of handling the situation. She just prayed that he realised that the best course of action was to go along with the whole thing.

Of course, she could have demanded that she be released, and they probably would have let her go. But she'd realised as soon as she heard about the Lefrekian's dependence on policy, that if she were to do so it would no doubt cause great dissension among the general public. And of course, according to the Prime Directive, anything that would affect the natural progression of an alien society's evolution had to be avoided at all cost. So the only real course of action was for her to sit here and play hostage. She almost felt the urge to laugh every time she thought of it. It really was absurd.

Though perhaps she should simply take advantage of the situation, since she had the chance. After all, if she ignored the fact that the door couldn't be opened from this side, it was almost like being on holiday. She and Enna had been placed in a large suite that comprised of two sleeping rooms, a spacious living area and, best of all, a monstrous bathing room with a bath the size of a swimming pool. Yes, she could probably make herself quite comfortable here.

At the moment, though, she was sitting across from Enna eating the evening meal. Yes, the food was undeniably good, but she was finding it difficult to relax. It was about an hour since she'd woken up, and about twice that since they'd been abducted. She'd commented to Enna on the dramatic nature of their capture, and Enna had replied, quite simply, that they had been abducted in such a fashion because that's how it had always been done. The answer had encouraged her belief that policy and adherence to procedure was a vital part of the Lefrekian's culture.

She wondered what her crew were doing. She could just imagine how worried everyone must be. But she trusted Chakotay to come to the right decision, even though she knew he'd be almost frantic to get her back. She hoped that whoever had been given the task of explaining matters to her crew did the job well enough to prevent them from taking any untoward action.

Enna smiled at her from across the table, and she couldn't help but smile back. She was trying to relax, but it was difficult. She knew it was silly, but she couldn't help wishing they could try and escape. Anything would be better than just sitting around here, waiting to be released. But of course she couldn't do anything of the sort. She had to just sit and eat dinner. It was incredibly frustrating.

Enna tried to start a conversation, but her mind just wasn't in her reply. She didn't mean to be rude, she just wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. She wasn't all that hungry, either, and said so. Then her thoughts drifted to the bath in the other room... That might be just the thing to help her relax.

A few minutes later, and she was immersed in the steaming water. Now this was more like it. She lay her head back against the rim and sighed in contentment. Her thoughts were just drifting again to her crew - or more specifically to her first officer - when Enna called to her.

"Kathryn, I'm sorry to disturb you, but some of your crew members are waiting to speak to you on the communicator. Do you want me to tell them to contact you later?"

"No!" she exclaimed, emerging rapidly from the water, "I'll be right out."

She gave herself a cursory rub down with a towel, then wrapped herself in one of the thick cream-coloured bath robes hanging nearby. Giving a wry thought to the remarkable timing exhibited by her crew, she hurried back out into the living area.

end scene 2

SCENE 3 - Chakotay

At first he'd just stood there, then Tom had sidled up to him.

"I can't believe they're going to let us talk to her just like that. If it was so easy, why didn't they let us do it in the first place?" the young lieutenant asked in a tone that clearly said he thought the entire situation was insane.

Chakotay shrugged. "I don't know. But I don't think we should assume anything we think is normal is the same for them any longer."

"And they seemed so normal before..." Tom muttered under his breath as they followed Thol to the computer terminal against the wall.

Thol was talking to a Lefrekian woman on the monitor. Chakotay recognised Enna - they'd met on their first day on Lefrek.

"And how's you're wife, Thol?" she was saying as they approached, "Oh, Chakotay, it's nice to see you again. Kathryn was taking a bath, so she'll be out in a few moments."

He could practically feel Tom's eyes widening behind him at that comment as they moved to stand before the comm screen. And then suddenly she was there. He hadn't realised until that moment that every single muscle in his body was tense as he nearly collapsed from the enormous wave of relief that washed over him.

His reaction at seeing her safe must have been clear on his face, because before he could say a word she said, "I'm fine Chakotay."

"Are you sure?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, I'm sure," she replied with a half-smile, "I've been told you've been appraised of the situation. I want you to return to Voyager and wait it out. Apparently I should be released sometime tomorrow."

"Captain..." he hesitated, aware of the hovering presence of Thol at his side. "Are you sure?" he asked again, knowing that she would receive the hidden message clearly; that she only had to say the word and they'd do everything in their power to get her out.

"Yes, Commander. Positive. Now I want all crew members to remain on Voyager for now. You can supervise the transport of supplies without leaving the ship. Neelix is aware of all the details. Speaking of Neelix, make sure he realises that he's not responsible for my being taken hostage. I know he'll feel guilty but tell him if he'd been there he would have just been taken as well, and then he wouldn't be able to help with the supplies. And tell B'Elanna to pay special attention to those anodine relay replacement parts we're getting and make sure they can be fully integrated into the system," she paused, wondering if there was anything she was forgetting.

"Don't worry, Captain, I'll take good care of Voyager till you get back," he assured her with a smile.

"I know. I have every confidence in your abilities," she said, her face softening as she smiled back.

Then with a few cursory goodbyes, they ended the transmission. Chakotay turned to face the rest of the away team, glad to see they had also relaxed slightly on seeing the Captain was unharmed.

"Ah, well. There, you see your Captain is fine. You'll be returning to your ship now? Well, I'll make sure that you are contacted as soon as they are to be released," Thol spoke up, obviously glad to be getting rid of them.

"Yes. Thank you for all your help," Chakotay replied politely, despite the effort it took to do so. Then, after the team had assembled, "Voyager, six to beam up."

They materialised on the transporter pad a few moments later. Chakotay immediately strode out into the corridor, leaving Tom, Ensign Gallagher, and the other security officers to discuss the peculiarities of the Lefrekian legal system. His thoughts were similarly occupied. What they'd learnt of Lefrek in their first couple of days there had in no way prepared them for that. It had seemed like the perfect place for shoreleave at first. He sighed. Perhaps they should just stay away from inhabited planets entirely. They always turned out to be more trouble than they were worth.

He fidgeted as he waited for a turbolift at the end of the corridor. He wanted to get to the Bridge so he could fill everyone in on the situation. The whole crew would be holding their breaths while the Captain's safety was in question. He certainly had been. He remembered with dread that feeling of terror upon hearing those words, "Bridge to Commander Chakotay. Commander, you better get up here right away. Something's happened to the Captain."

He'd been so afraid in that moment, and all the moments after that, until he'd seen her appear on the comm screen. A knot of fear, like a block of ice in his stomach, had been present while he made a mad dash to the bridge, while he gave orders and made his way down to the planet, and all the while Thol was giving his tedious explanations. And then he'd seen her face, and the relief had been unbelievable.

But that's how it always was with her. Whenever she was in danger, the fear was there. Fear that he might never see her again; fear that despite all his efforts, he might not be able to keep her safe; fear that she might die before he ever got a chance to tell her how he felt. There had been so many near misses too. Times when he'd been so sure that it was the end - that there would be no more chances.

He'd been given another chance today, he realised. It could have been so much worse. It could have been an act of aggression and violence instead of a perfectly harmless, if inconvenient, government proceeding. Thinking about it like that only served to heighten his resolve. Never again did he want to experience the fear that he might lose her without having told her that he loved her.

The turbolift finally arrived. As he stepped on he thought for a moment about what he'd been doing down on the surface that afternoon, back before all of this had started. He couldn't wait to perfect what he'd been working on. It would afford him the perfect opportunity to take the Lefrekian bartender's advice.

Then, just before the turbolift arrived at the Bridge, his thoughts returned to Kathryn. As overcome with relief as he'd been, he had in no way been oblivious to how she'd appeared sitting there. Her skin had been slightly damp, and her face was flushed from the heat of the water. Her hair was wet, and slicked back behind her ears. She'd looked younger and more vulnerable than the brave, impervious Captain he was used to. She'd looked beautiful.

Smiling at the memory, he stepped out into the bustle of Voyager's command centre and began to give out orders.

end scene 3

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Tom and B'Elanna have been caught making out in the turbolift times.