Title: A New Live I

Author: Sentinelhuntress

Fandom: The Sentinel; Star Trek:Voyager

Rating: none

Status: finished

Archive: Heuradys' Page: http://members.100free.com/users/heuradys/index.html

Stormwolf's Page: http://www.oocities.org/Stormwolf_Dawn/

E-mail: sentinelhuntress@gmx.net

Series/Sequel: continues right after Stormwolf's Imperial Sentinel: Homefront; AU to her IS series from that point on! But it's not necessary to have read it to understand this fiction.

Warnings: none I can think of... Neelix' cooking? Gen

Thanks to Heuradys for taking care of my typos and grammar, to Otter and Carol for helping me with the fandoms and to Kira for encouraging me to continue this.

Comments and feedback are welcome flames are ignored.

Send me your comments

Summary: a wormhole throws Blair and Jim out of Imperial space right in front of the Starship Voyager. Will they stay onboard and start a new life or find a way to return?

Disclaimers: The Sentinel owned by Pet Fly Inc. and Paramount as far as I know; Star Trek Voyager owned by Paramount in other words they aren't mine, no copyright violation intended by this fiction.

The Universe of Imperial Sentinel was used with permission.

Information about Star Trek:Voyager were taken from this pages:

DELTA BLUES Voyager Review Archive http://www.treknews.com/deltablues/seasons.html

STAR TREK VOYAGER ENCYCLOPEDIA http://www.oocities.org/Hollywood/9299/encatoz.html

// // thoughts

01 *****************

The female wolf led him through the unfamiliar jungle, heading to a destination he couldn't see. He followed his spirit guide, keeping an eye on the jungle surrounding them.

Reaching a clearing she stopped. In the middle lay a gorgeous black panther, an equally beautiful grey male wolf standing on guard next to him. Sensing them the panther looked up, its blue eyes dull and lifeless. The female wolf moved closer, but a deep growl coming from the male wolf stopped her. The animal bared its teeth, daring them to come closer. The panther rose swaying slightly, moving slowly in the female's direction, but a chain on his collar linking him to the male wolf stopped his movement. The panther looked up at the dreamer with a plea for help shining in his dull eyes, and the male wolf carefully but resolutely pushed him away from the pair, back into the cover of the trees.

*

Startled, Commander Chakotay woke up back on the Starship Voyager and in the safety of his bedroom. What a strange vision. Never before had he met two other spirit guides... But, before he had a chance to recall his vision and try to analyse it, the intercom blurted to life, the voice of Ensign Kim demanding his presence on the bridge at the same time as the ship started to rock.

"What happened?" Captain Katherine Janeway called out, storming onto the bridge followed closely by her First Officer, Chakotay.

Voyager was shaking, making it hard for the crew to stay on their feet or even at their stations, while the pilot, Tom Paris, fought to keep her steady and out of harm's way.

"We got caught in some turbulence created by that wormhole. It opened up out of nowhere..." Ensign Harry Kim answered from Ops, hands flying over his console. Already two other consoles had blown up. Thankfully, no one had been working at them.

"Tom..." Janeway started, but something shot out of the wormhole catching her attention.

"Hang on everyone!" Tom yelled manoeuvring Voyager out of harm's way preventing a collision.

Janeway turned to Harry, "What is that?"

"A shuttle. Badly damaged," he answered staring at the screen.

"Any sign of life Tuvok?"

"Two life forms. Humans, Captain," the Vulcan answered calmly.

"Beam them to sickbay," Janeway ordered. "Chakotay, you have the bridge and inform the Doctor; Tuvok, you’re with me. I want to see our guests. And Harry, try to get whatever is left of their shuttle in one of our hanger bays."

*

"Doctor?" Janeway addressed the Medical Hologram who finished examining the two unconscious men laying on the bio beds separated from the main part, where Ensign Wildman and two other ensigns took care of the crew members with minor injuries. The Hologram turned to the Captain and Tuvok.

"They are both unconscious, some minor bruises, one broken rib, a slight concussion, nothing I can't handle," the Doc reported, looking up from his scan and stepping aside to let them get a better view of their guests.

The smaller one was dressed in a white outfit, now dirty and burned after the accident. His curly brown hair was shoulder length and partly burned. //He’ll have to cut it// the Captain absently registered.

The other man, larger than his companion, was dressed completely in black and had short brown hair. She frowned, her gaze falling on the gold collar, engraved with the images of panthers. //A ring for a leash?// Something looking very much like tag dangled from it. Janeway bent down, careful not to wake the man, and took it in her hand, trying to read what was engraved on it. "Tuvok?," she looked up at the Vulcan, straightening again since she couldn’t decrypt the signs.

"The other man has something similar in the form of a bracelet," the Doc said, showing them the golden item. This one was decorated with the images of wolves running, playing or sleeping.

"Master and Slave?" Janeway guessed, looking at the unconscious men, nodding at the ring on the collar and its fitting counterpart of the bracelet. She had seen similar images in old textbooks years ago.

"It appears to be so, Captain," Tuvok replied, then turned to ask the Doc, "Is there anything unusual about them?"

"If we weren't in the Delta quadrant, I would say they are from Earth. They are humans, through and through," Doc said. "Is the ship intact? It would be helpful if I could get their medical records."

"I'll get B'Elanna on that. Inform me as soon as they wake up," Janeway nodded shortly to him and left with Tuvok.

*

Jim scanned the room carefully, keeping his eyes closed as he noticed that he wasn't on board Blair's shuttle anymore. Touch afforded him with the knowledge that he was laying on a bed unrestrained. Smell told him he was in sickbay, the odours the same everywhere. Hearing reassured him that his guide was alive and sleeping somewhere next to him. Puzzled, Jim realised that he wasn't lying *under* Blair's bed as he would normally be. He couldn't detect any serious injuries, which would require that he be positioned next to his guide. //Maybe they're not familiar with the protocol regarding Sentinels.// Jim guessed. That answered another question: they definitely weren't aboard an Imperial ship. After waiting a few more minutes, when he couldn't detect any other heartbeats nearby or getting closer, he finally risked opening his eyes. //Yup, sickbay, // he affirmed his earlier suspicion staring at the grey ceiling. He sat up and nearly jumped from the bed upon hearing a bald man addressing him.

"Good, you're awake." Jim hadn't heard or smelled anyone else in the room! It seemed as if the man, obviously the doctor, had shown up out of thin air.

"How do you feel?" the Doctor asked. Getting no answer, he frowned. According to his scans the patient should have been able to speak. //Maybe he's in shock.//

Jim kept an eye on him but remained silent. Instead, he ignored the man’s talking and investigated his surroundings, taking in what he saw, still puzzled why he couldn't sense the man. Maybe an odd reaction to a medication. Blair should be able to figure it out.. Finally, the frustrated Doc placed his hand on Jim's chest, and pushed him back down on the bed.

The door opened with a hiss, and a young dark-haired woman entered sickbay holding a pad in her hands.

"Lieutenant Torres! Did you find what I asked for?" the doctor greeted her while keeping an eye on Jim.

"Yes, I found the medical records. Do you know anything about people with enhanced senses? Sentinels?" She sounded puzzled.

"I'm familiar with that phenomenon," he replied," but not that name."

Jim sat up , dislodging the doctor's hand, nervous and confused. The very second Lieutenant Torres came in he was able to hear her heartbeat. There had to be something wrong with the man. Knowing now that it weren't his senses, and ignoring the mild headache he tried scanning them again.

"What's wrong with him?" B'Elanna asked, confused when Jim seemed to sniff them out from his position. //Not even a scent from him!//

"Nothing, Lieutenant. Now, if you would please go?" the Doctor hurried her out. A quick scan of the pad disclosed the names of his patients.

"So, Mr. Ellison..." he never got a chance to finish that sentence.

"What are you?" Jim blurted out, no longer able to keep quiet. And with Blair unconscious, someone needed to find out what was going on anyway. And since that wasn't an Imperial doctor...

"I'm the Doctor of this ship," Doc replied, surprised by the sudden reaction, "You are aboard the Federation Starship, Voyager." //Federation?// Jim had never heard of them, but stored that away for another time.

"I mean "what" are you? You have no scent, no heartbeat, no temperature; if it weren't for sight and your voice I wouldn't be able to *say* you're *here*." Jim explained, staring at the Doctor.

"I'm a hologram. It's absolutely normal that you can't read me with your senses," Doc explained.

Jim grew still as the Doc pushed him down once again. Then the doctor turned his attention to his other patient, aware of Jim following every of his movements.

Just as the Doc was about to inform the Captain that one of their guests was awake, Blair stirred, opening his eyes. "Jim?" Panic and concern coloured his question, and ignoring everything else in his fear for his Sentinel, he tried to sit up. Groaning, he fell back, holding his ribs.

With a disapproving frown, the Doc kept him from trying it again.

"Lay still. Mr. Ellison is fine and right next to you," he informed the confused man who now searched the room trying to see his Sentinel.

"I'm here, Chief," Jim whispered. Eyes focusing in on Jim, Blair let out a relieved sigh. Then he frowned, realising they weren't in familiar surroundings.

"Where are we? Who are you? What happened? Is this..." Again he tried to sit up and was stopped by the strong hand of the Hologram.

"Will you lie still, or do I have to use a force field to keep you down?" the Doc asked, annoyed, "You're not helping your ribs to heal if you keep this up."

Listening amusedly to the argument between the Doc and Blair, Jim closed his eyes, trying to relax. Blair would take care of everything. He frowned at his own thoughts. When had he become that dependant? When had he stopped fighting Blair? A sudden pain shot through his head.

Hearing Jim's pained groan , Blair ignored any further comments the Doc made. He slid from his bed and hurried to his Sentinel's side. Laying a hand on his shoulder, Blair noticed the tension lines in Jim's forehead and around his eyes, closed tightly against the pain.

"Jim?" Getting no reaction, Blair looked up at the Doc, who ran a scanner over Jim's head frowning at the confusing and strange readings. "Did you give him something?" Not waiting for an answer, Blair looked around and found his little satchel on a nearby tray. Quickly he retrieved it and the needed drug inside.

"I only gave him a standard painkiller," Doc said while watching Blair, who took a syringe and ampoule out of the satchel.

With a glance at the Doc, Blair exlained, "The drug is called Docile, and it functions as a painkiller and sedative. It was created specifically for Sentinels," with a trained hand he rolled up Jim's sleeve injecting him with just enough to take care of the pain, "It's harmless for them, but it's addictive and lethal to 'normal' humans who use more than the minimal painkilling dose." Blair finished, petting Jim till the line of pain vanished, leaving him a bit drowsy.

"You're not concerned it may interact with what I gave him?" the Hologram scolded, continuing his scanning, amazed about the changes. "Obviously there isn't one. Mind leaving me a sample to study and replicate? With this ship's record of finding trouble, you'll need it!"

Exchanging a few more words with him, the Doc called the Captain, telling her that they were able to meet with the senior staff in the next hour. He wanted to make sure Blair wouldn't suffer from his cracked ribs unnecessarily and that Jim would recover from that mysterious headache. They spent the time exchanging information and discussing the weird reaction Jim had shown to the injection.

Before they were led away, Blair promised that the Doc would get the chance to learn more about the Sentinel. Jim rolled his eyes, not looking forward to that!

*

Janeway met with B'Elanna, Chakotay, and Tuvok in the Captain's ready room, her office placed next to the bridge.

Janeway met with B'Elanna, Chakotay, and Tuvok in the Captain's ready room, her office placed next to the bridge. To the Captain's surprise Neelix joined them, following B'Elanna, eager looking and very excited, but also, it seemed to her, a bit concerned about something.

Receiving a short nod from the Captain, B'Elanna began her report. "Looking through the data it shows that our two guests are from a system that's part of the Elium Empire only a few light years away from the Ocampa homeworld, where our voyage home began. That's why I asked Neelix to come; he knows more about them than I could extract from the damaged ship."

"Mr.Neelix, what can you tell us about them?" Janeway asked, smiling at the excitement Neelix radiated, happy that he could help with his knowledge once again.

"Captain," the Talaxian began without much introduction, "the Eliums are great people and despite some disadvantages they brought peace and freedom to large parts of their system. Their Emperors are known to stern but fair. Now, Blair Sandburg and Jim are members of the personal Imperial household," Neelix' excitement calmed visibly, "Blair's the Guide to Jim, a Sentinel, who is the property of the Empress. In their culture Jim's a 'pet"." Neelix paused, unsure how to continue. Chakotay frowned at the Talaxian's uncharacteristic behaviour.

"What is this pet business exactly? Could that become a problem while they stay on Voyager?" Janeway asked into the unexpected silence , sharing a knowing glance with Tuvok. It wouldn’t go over too well with the resident Bajorans on board. Their people had just freed themselves from slavery. And besides them, they could expect trouble with other crewmembers as well. Slavery wasn't tolerated in the Federation. And the thought of a human being held as a pet disgusted her privately. Neelix's voice brought her back out of her thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, Neelix continued. "What ever the reason was, two hundred years ago, a law was declared that Sentinels, persons with enhanced senses, become pets. They are the property of the Empire and live isolated from the rest of the society till the day they are bonded with a guide. That has something to do with the connection of the spirit guides," he looked up at Chakotay. "The Sentinels have no rights, aren't allowed to learn reading and writing, are dependant on their guides in everything, aren't allowed to do anything without their permission - not even speak or interact with other people besides their guide." he drew again a deep breath, "and the guides are allowed to punish them as they seem fit."

Neelix stopped to let that sink in and B'Elanna took over. "According to the personal log, Jim is a special case since he wasn't detected as being a Sentinel until a year ago. According to the ship’s log they were on their way home from visiting Mr. Sandburg's mother, when the anomaly showed up and catapulted them over here, right in front of Voyager. The data are too badly damaged to get more information. . That's it."

"Did you say that Mr. Ellison was a free man before he was diagnosed as a Sentinel?" Chakotay leaned closer to the young Klingon.

"According to that file, yes."

"Is there a note about their spirit guides?" Janeway looked, puzzled, at her first Officer. He sounded as if he already knew the answer.

"If I remember correctly there were a wolf and a panther mentioned," she answered.

"Those are the two animals engraved on the collar and bracelet," Janeway turned to Chakotay, "Why the interest in them?"

"Just before we met them I had a vision about a wolf and an imprisoned panther. The panther seemed to be trying to get away, but the wolf didn't let him. What if that is a sign to help them?"

*

An hour later, a security officer led Blair and Jim to the conference room. The fact that Blair had leashed Jim earned them some strange looks, making Jim all too aware that these people weren't familiar with that treatment. Blair didn't seem to realise that, or simply chose to ignore it.

As they entered the room, the guard took position outside, while Captain Janeway greeted them and offered them seats. Jim sat down at the floor next to Blair's chair. Absently, Blair stroked the side of Jim's head in a petting motion, attempting to keep the Sentinel calm, but Jim got the feeling that Blair was petting him to stay calm himself.

"Welcome aboard Voyager, gentlemen, I'm Captain Janeway," Janeway began and introduced them to the rest of her staff. Jim tried to ignore the strange looks and concentrated on the several members, shutting out the conversation between Blair and Janeway. He wouldn't be allowed to say anything anyway.

In front of them sat Tuvok, from a race he had never met before, with pointed ears and uncomfortably high body temperature. Next to him sat Commander Chakotay, human like themselves, a fascinating tattoo on he side of his head. //Reminds me of a shaman I met years ago.// The man had had a similar marking. The next two young men were Ensign Kim and Chief Pilot Lieutenant Paris; there was nothing special about them except that Paris was staring at Jim's collar in dismay. The young woman next to him, Chief Engineer Lieutenant Torres, with some strange ridges on her forehead was holding Paris's hand under the table, obviously, to Jim, trying to steady Paris, while she herself kept a calm facade. But her heartbeat was as frantic as Paris'. Jim froze, seeing Neelix, who had watched the pair from the first minute they'd entered the room. How did a Talaxian end up on this ship? What had happened? Maybe they would get a chance to talk later. Without Blair nearby.

The last person was a woman called Seven, who now stood up, joining the Captain at the head of the table. The Captain had introduced her as an ex-Borg. That was a race he was familiar with, they had tried to assimilate planets on the border of the Empire without success. He had seen one of their cubes a few years ago and remembered one of their failed assimilation attacks vividly. Sensing the uneasiness of his Sentinel, Blair laid his hand gently on Jim's shoulder reassuringly, making a mental note to keep Jim away from the Borg.

Watching or looking at the star map on the screen, Jim listened to her explanations.

"The situation is as follows: We're here, and according to your maps and our sensor readings you came from here," Seven pointed at two locations very far away from each other; the Empire was far behind them. "Without the wormhole reopening to bring you back, travelling in your shuttle would take 5 to 6 years." Seven glanced at Janeway.

"Since we're forced to stay in the orbit of that planet to finish our repairs, we can wait a few days for the wormhole to open up again to send you home," the Captain offered. "When we're finished here, I see following options for you if that does not happen: I could offer you the opportunity to stay aboard and become part of this crew, like Neelix; you could stay on this planet waiting for another hole to open, come with us to next larger Starbase, or start your travel back on your own."

"Thank you for your help and offer. Maybe there'll be an opportunity for us to get back home in the next few days, the opportunity that I would like to take. Till then I'll like to stay aboard, and maybe there'll be a way that I can help you with spare parts from my shuttle." Blair replied politely with a slight bow. Janeway smiled.

"There's just one thing left then. Your ... Sentinel," she nodded at Jim, "are there any rules that should be mentioned? The majority of the crew on this ship isn’t familiar with the rules of slavery since it isn’t allowed in the Federation and not common among our allies."

"Oh, don't worry about Jim. I think it's the safest to keep him in my quarters for the time we're staying here. That won't be a problem for you?" Blair tightened his hold on the leash, looking at the Captain, daring her to say otherwise. Jim rolled his eyes. Great, just what he needed!

"It's an unusual situation for us. But won't that be a bit harsh? After all, we're going to stay at least for a week... it can become boring," Chakotay interjected, noticing Jim's annoyed reaction to that news, "and I'm sure if we explain the situation for the time being to the crew there won't be a problem." Mentally he crossed his fingers, knowing that they could expect trouble from the Maquis crewmembers. He had to make sure that they knew the consequences should something happen to the young Guide.

"I really would prefer to keep him in the quarters for the duration. It is a new environment, and like you said, your crew isn't used to a Sentinel. It can lead to difficulties. Maybe in two days," Blair offered, hoping to get away with that compromise, and was rewarded with a smile.

"Lieutenant Paris will show you, then, to the guest quarters. If you need something, ask him. He's also the medical assistant, so should there be a problem with your Sentinel…" the Captain rose from her chair, signalling the end of the meeting. In one swift motion, Jim got up from his kneeling position, his eyes following Neelix out of the room.

Blair waited with Jim till everyone else had left the room before they followed the pilot to their quarters.

*

"Here we are," Tom announced, opening the door by entering the private code, explaining it to Blair. They entered, leaving the security guard outside. It was one of the larger quarters, meant for couples, with an extra room. Tom showed them where everything was, got them limited access to the Computer, and explained how the replicator worked. It was slightly different from those used in the Empire. "If you need something, one tap on this communicator," Tom demonstrated to him, "say the name of the person you need to contact and you can talk. I'll pick you up tomorrow then."

"One question before you go, Lieutenant Paris," Blair stopped him, "Can you make sure that I'm the only one able to open that door? And I mean the *only* one," he made it more clear with a glance at Jim.

"Sure." Tom frowned. He hated the thought of being caged but shoved his uneasiness away, "Just give me a moment," he murmured, typing in some commands, repeating them verbally to make sure the computer made the changes. "Now you're the only one next to the Captain, First Commander and the Doc who can open that door," turning to face Blair, "be it to get in or out." After a moment's hesitation and one short look at Jim staying in the background, he continued, "Sir, since your... Sentinel is restricted to the quarters. I," he stopped, "well, would it be okay to give him access to the computer? I mean to the archives and library. Like the Commander said, it can get boring." Jim gave him a grateful look.

Blair nodded his agreement a few moments later. "I think that's okay. Thanks, Lieutenant Paris."

"You're really okay with that, Chief?" Jim asked, looking at the door closing behind Tom.

"Yes," Blair grinned, "I'm okay with that."

Spotting some of their stuff on a table in the main room, Blair took care of that, while Jim threw a sensory net over the quarters, getting to know the new living area.

An hour later they settled in for the night. Jim curled up next to Blair using him as a pillow, his heartbeat steady and reassuring, grounding him in the unfamiliar surroundings.

02 *****************

Blair, still half-asleep and wearing his sleep crumpled clothes, stood in the doorway of the bathroom, waiting patiently for Jim, who had hoped to skip the daily, morning ritual of Blair washing him since there was no bathtub for that like the one they had at home. It was meant to deepen the bond between Guide and Sentinel, but Blair insisted wordlessly on it. With a sigh, Jim gave in, undressed, and stepped into the shower, passing Blair. Looking at the younger man, Jim couldn't resist the temptation; he had to ruffle the now shorter hair of his guide. The Doctor had shown considerable talent cutting out the burned chunks of hair, and even managed to give him a decent haircut. Grinning, Jim avoided a swat with the towel from the grumpy man. Turning on the water, Blair began to wash him from head to toe.

A short time later, Jim sat, dressed in his newly replicated black clothes, on the couch in the main room waiting for Blair to finish up in the bathroom and to get dressed himself. Blair wouldn't allow him to touch the replicator to get breakfast since he wasn't sure what kind of food they offered. Tom had said that everything would be safe, but Blair didn't trust him yet.

Blair knew that Jim wasn't happy about staying behind, and as hard as he sometimes tried to fight it, Jim felt uncomfortable leaving his Guide running around alone on a strange ship. But Blair didn't feel that he was in any danger. The captain seemed to be a decent woman, and the First officer had that aura… Blair needed to talk to that man one day.

"I trust you not to try and overwrite the security code for the door! I'm sure nothing will happen while I'm gone," Blair repeated his thoughts.

Jim only stared at him for a few minutes before nodding with a sigh. "I won't go anywhere."

"I'll be back in a few hours," Blair smiled, petting Jim before leaving the rooms, sealing the door behind him.

With a deeper sigh, Jim turned away, glancing around the room. There wasn't much he could do besides getting familiar with their new quarters (that took an hour), mapping out the ship with his hearing (which he gave up after nearly zoning), or 'playing' with the computer. Jim soon discovered that he was able to access most of the public files. Tom had even opened them a mailbox for private messages.

He settled down at the computer terminal, looking for material about the Federation and the ship, when he came across some files with copies of previous episodes from the daily show, 'Briefing With Neelix'. Jim opened one out of curiousity and soon was caught up in the program. The show provided news of general interest, interviews with crewmembers, musical performances, recommendations for new holodeck programs, previews of upcoming meals, regular updates on the ship's progress, and commendations for outstanding crewmembers. He realized that this was probably the fastest way to truly learn more about Voyager and her crew, and he doubted that Blair, out amongst that crew could learn as much.

Hours later, Blair returned to check on him and found his Sentinel totally fascinated by the show, so fascinated he didn't even register Blair's entrance.

*

While Jim familiarised himself with the ship, Blair met with the captain and Chakotay in her ready room.

Janeway and Chakotay were waiting for him and, after the captain offered him some of the brown, bitter liquid Neelix called 'coffee', they settled down in the chairs.

"So, I'm curious. This Sentinel law, or whatever you call it, it's only something about forty to fifty years old. How did it come about?" Chakotay asked bluntly.

Blair leaned back, wondering for a few minutes how Chakotay knew about the law, but recalled that they had looked through the computer on his shuttle for the medical files. //Must have found more than those. Or Neelix told them.// Glancing from commander to captain and back, Blair collected his thoughts. "Well, since we aren't anywhere near the Empire, I think it's safe, but it has to be kept between us." Blair made eye contact with the two commanding officers; both nodded their affirmation.

"It's *not* common knowledge in the Empire. Jim knows about it, too, and so far it's one of the few things that's kept him from running." Blair sipped his beverage before he continued. "There is an alien race the Kierlians, parasites. They like to use Dutrian eggs and such as a food source, but they are unable to use Dutrians as hosts." He set the cup aside after he nearly poured his coffee on the floor by moving his arms animatedly as he talked. "The Dutrians are a scorpion-like race, but much, much larger." Blair got up and began pacing in front of his rather amused audience, holding his hands up, indicating the height of said Dutrians.

"They are our neighbours, so to speak, and the only thing between the parasites and the Empire. Anyway, the Dutrians use their poisonous tails to fight the parasitic creatures. Now, Sentinels are immune to the poison, and the parasitic creatures haven't yet come across the Empire or Sentinels, because they are being kept back behind the borders by the Dutrians. If the parasites manage to find out about the Sentinels, then they will use them to defeat the Dutrians – who are, so far, winning the war."

Chakotay glanced, amused, at the captain, asking with his eyes, "Doesn't he need to breathe?" Janeway bit her lower lip to keep from chuckling. She had asked herself the same question.

Oblivious to the looks, but as if he had heard them, Blair took a deep breath and continued. "The Dutrians wanted to have the Sentinels killed, but the emperor at the time made the pet deal. Anyway, if the Empire doesn't keep its part of the bargain, the Dutrians will allow the parasites to cross the borders into Imperial territory, after they kill the Sentinels themselves." Blair stopped, now breathless, watching the pair in front of him. Getting serious again, they shared a concerned look.

"These parasites, are we anywhere near them?" Janeway leaned closer.

"No, Captain, in fact they are very far away from this position," Blair reassured her, waving his hand vaguely, pointing at a place behind them. "In the opposite direction of your course."

"Good. Because that would be one of the last things we need now."

*

The next few hours were consumed by showing Blair the ship – the standard 'tourist route' as Tom liked to call it, because the Captain gave that to every visitor that came aboard Voyager.

By dinnertime, Blair had made an appointment for Jim with the doctor for the next day. The doctor had again voiced his curiosity about Sentinels and more then bluntly reminded Blair about his promise. The phenomenon of all five senses being heightened wasn't unheard of in the Federation, but so rare in the last centuries that the doctor barely found references in his program. It was only natural that he would ask to be allowed to study it.

"Mr. Sandburg, I would like you to join us for dinner in the mess hall," Chakotay invited, his attempt to get the young man to open up obvious. Blair knew very well that he couldn't say no without risking the older man's anger, but he didn't know them well enough to decide whether or not to trust them that much.

"I would like to, but I have to look after Jim first. I don't want him to be left alone too long," Blair remarked.

Janeway smiled at that, knowing full well where her first officer was heading. "You can bring him with you, of course. That would give the crew a chance to see you two and cool down the gossip about him." She laughed lightly at Blair's puzzled look. "Voyager is a small ship, Mr. Sandburg, news is making the rounds fast, and more than once the original message has changed into something totally opposite. Also, every new rumour is more than welcome, and you must confess, leading Jim on a leash along the corridors yesterday was like throwing coals on the fire."

"By now it varies from Jim being a slave, to a kinky method of punishment, to Jim being your sex slave, or that it is a fashion style on your homeworld, to only mention a few. You see, you're the ship's number one topic," Chakotay grinned.

Blair grinned back at that thought and shook his head, curls flying. "The only problems with bringing Jim along are that it's important that Jim won't be touched by anyone other than me – that could lead to a rather violent reaction if he doesn't know the person well enough –" Blair objected, ignoring the little voice of Jim in the back of his mind telling him that this was only one of the many things to keep control over Sentinels, and that Jim doesn't have *that* much trouble with being touched, after all the inhabitants/members of the Empress' household loved petting him at every occasion, "and I really don't know what of Mr. Neelix's cooking is edible for him and what would harm him. The doctor and I planned to cover that later."

Janeway frowned. "In that case, it may be better to let Jim stay in your quarters till you and the doctor have determined what is safe. The replicator in the kitchen isn't working at the moment. I don't want to risk anything. Did you find something on our replicator menu for him?" She hated the thought of Jim starving on her ship if they didn't.

"That was no problem, Captain," Blair reassured her.

"Well, then, we'll wait for you in the mess hall," Chakotay said, and they parted.

*

Entering his rooms, Blair registered, amused, that whatever Jim was doing required his total concentration. It had been a while since he'd managed to sneak up on his Sentinel. "What's that?" he asked, leaning over Jim's shoulder.

"What?" Jim gasped, looking up startled at his guide. Blair grinned with victory before he turned and ordered some food from the replicator.

"I found this show by Neelix by accident, and somehow lost myself in it," Jim explained, joining Blair at the table and looking suspiciously at the food.

"I'm not staying long. I have an invitation from the captain to join her and Commander Chakotay, and later I'm meeting with a Lieutenant Joe Carey from Engineering to take a look at my shuttle. See if we can repair it, or if it's a lost cause." Blair watched Jim settling down at the table. "Any problems with your senses? Can I leave you alone?"

"Everything's fine. Go and have fun." Jim took a bite and looked up, hiding his disappointment about being left alone again.

Blair wavered between leaving Jim there in the safety of the quarters or taking him to the mess hall, but the fear about his Sentinel's well-being won out.

"If anything comes up, you know how to reach me," Blair said, pointing to the communicator lying on the table nearby.

"'Kay, Chief," Jim acknowledged, watching Blair leaving. Shoving the plate away, he got up and carried the half-eaten meal back to the replicator. //Great, more hours to spend alone.// One good thing about this place was that he at least had some distraction while waiting for Blair to return. Compared to the time early in his 'partnership' with Blair, it was paradise. When he had to wait alone in his rooms for Blair to return from his studies, when he had to hide the books from others, reading that was tolerated only by Blair.

He smiled, remembering the few good times he had reading 'White Fang' aloud to Sentinel Talia while they were waiting for their dating guides. Before they had been killed by Lash…

*

Naomi Wildman was one very bored six year-old girl. Being the only child on the ship didn't help at all. Well, she had tons of uncles and aunts, but right now none of them had time for her.

Her mother, Ensign Samantha Wildman, had left to work with the doctor; Uncles Tom and Harry were on bridge duty; Aunt B'Elanna had been called to an emergency down in Engineering where she, Naomi, wasn't allowed to be; her godfather, Neelix, was busy in the mess hall and she had so *no* desire to help him in the kitchen; and, last but not least, Seven wasn't available either, overseeing repairs up in Astrometrics where it was too crowded for Naomi to stay.

Sighing, she went searching for something to read in their family quarters. Looking through some pads on the coffee table where she thought she'd seen her favorite story that morning, Naomi instead found a pad with one of the few articles about enhanced senses. Curious, she read through it, finding it very fascinating despite the dry language. To be able to see that well! She grinned at that thought. Smell could be a problem with some of the strange stuff that Neelix sometimes created in the kitchen. In addition to the medical text, she found a short note about Jim and what the Doc had found out about his senses during his brief stay in sickbay.

Maybe she should go visit Neelix. The best chance to meet or learn more about their visitors was in the mess hall. The centre of the gossips and rumours!

Walking through the mess hall door, Naomi looked around, searching for Neelix, but before she found him, her mother showed up, and they both returned to their quarters.

03 *****************

The next day found Samantha Wildman talking to Neelix in the mess hall, working through a list with Blair, who had brought Jim along, trying to figure out what was edible for the Sentinel and what they should ban for the time being till they could test it.

Naomi sat quietly beside her mother watching the silent man with open curiosity. Samantha had tried to convince her daughter to stay away, but if Naomi wanted something she got it. In the end she gave in, making sure Naomi understood to stay away. #You may look but don't touch or talk to him.#

Now, Naomi got her chance. Jim looked bored, obviously disliking that everyone was talking over his head, ignoring him sitting on the chair next to Blair. Observing the mess hall, his eyes caught Naomi's, a sudden understanding passing between them. Oh yes, she knew that feeling. It happened to her, too. She gave him a shy smile, which he answered.

Blair watched the silent exchange, but ignored it, concentrating on the discussion. They had met the Wildmans that morning in the mess hall. Samantha had invited them over, and soon she and Blair began talking, Blair absently touching Jim now and then, Jim used to it. But, as Blair began petting his head and neck, Jim had enough and grabbed Blair's hand giving him the understanding to stop that. The angry glare of his guide promised him at least a lecture later, but Jim could care less at the moment. He had seen Naomi's wide eyes, and it was too unnerving for him anyway. Even on a good day.

A short time later, Neelix joined them.

*

Sam sensed the growing restlessness of her daughter, but also her stubbornness not to go as long she could be close to Jim, whom she found "cute". Samantha grinned recalling Jim's embarrassed smile as he overheard Naomi whispering that in her mother's ear.

"Blair," Sam interrupted the vivid discussion between him and Neelix," would it be okay for you if I take Naomi and Jim back down to the quarters. Joe is expecting you in a few minutes at the hangar, and I have to take Naomi back anyway. Your quarters are on my way."

Blair looked up, puzzled. He had totally forgotten his meeting with Joe. They had planned to take a look at the shuttle yesterday, but an emergency in Engineering had kept Joe occupied. "Thanks for reminding me, Sam," he smiled, then looked at Jim who didn't seemed to be too bothered by the thought of going back "alone". Naomi was grinning from ear to ear, looking thankfully at her mother. "Okay. If you really want to..." Blair said grinning, guessing where the idea had come from.

"Of course!" Sam rose from her chair. "We'll see you, then, later at sickbay. Don't forget it, or Doc will be very unpleasant!" she threatened.

"Jim," Blair whispered loud enough only for his Sentinel to hear, "behave. We may not be longer getting home..." leaving the sentence unfinished knowing Jim would get his message. Jim rolled his eyes at Blair in answer, but followed Sam out of the mess hall without saying a word, Naomi bouncing next to him.

"I would say Naomi has a crush on Jim," Neelix chuckled, turning to a grinning Blair.

*

Suddenly, the lift stopped, the lights going out.

Naomi banged against her mother, knocking her out as Sam's head hit the wall. Burying her daughter under her unconscious body.

Naomi trembled blinking unseeing into the darkness. She shrieked as a hand touched her without warning, and tried to calm herself the same moment, knowing that it only was Jim.

"Shhh, it's me, Jim. Let me have a look at your arm, little one," Jim soothed her. He could see how frightened Naomi was, and cursed himself for forgetting that it was pitch dark for her in there.

"My name is Naomi, not little one!" she corrected him, glad to be distracted, making him chuckle. Now that he mentioned it, she felt the throbbing pain in her lower arm.

"Mom! What's wrong with mom?" Panic in her question.

"She's only unconscious," Jim tried to calm her, laying Naomi's hand on her mother's face. He had rolled Sam's jacket up and carefully positioned it under her head after he made sure that she hadn't hurt her neck or head.

Naomi calmed down immediately. Spotting again her strange forehead, Jim tilted his head slightly, running his curious fingers along her exocranial ridges. Something he had wanted to do the very first moment he had seen them the first time in the mess hall. Three little "horns" running down vertically in the middle of her forehead. He had never seen anything like that. She didn't flinch when his fingers touched her and waited patiently for him to finish.

"What race are you?" Jim removed his hand.

"My mom is human, and Dad's Ktarean, a race in the Alpha quadrant," Naomi stopped, "Can you see without light?" Jim grinned at the girl now bouncing with curiosity.

"Yes, Naomi, I can." Jim sat down as comfortably as he could manage and took the hurting child his arms, resting her head at his chest while he rubbed her back to calm her down. And kept listening to her mother.

"So, I bet you can tell me what that funny stuff Neelix served back in the mess hall was. I've never seen something so green..."

Naomi chuckled. "You should see the purple stuff..."

Naomi finally fell into sleep secured in Jim's strong hold, listening to him while they waited for the rescue.

*

Watching mother and daughter leaving sickbay, Naomi waving goodbye at Jim, Jim waited for Blair to get him. Luckily no one had been seriously injured during the sudden system failure.

Jim suddenly scrambled to the floor, head in his hands, moaning in pain.

"Jim!" Blair exclaimed, walking through the door to sickbay just in time, rushing to his fallen Sentinel, "What is it?"

"Head hurts," Jim groaned.

"Help me lay him on the bed," the doc ordered, running his tricorder over Jim, while Blair and Tom helped Jim. Blair stayed at Jim's side, running a soothing hand over his arm.

"Hm, I can't find anything wrong..." the doctor frowned, "just like the last time. Well, that rules out that the attack had been triggered by my injection."

Jim had closed his eyes and gritted his teeth together as he tried to force the pain down to a more acceptable level.

"Easy, long slow breaths," Blair instructed his Sentinel with a soft voice, guiding him to dial down the pain. Feeling Jim relaxing, Blair kept his voice low, asking what the source for the pain could be. A few minutes later, the pain stopped as suddenly as it had appeared, but what had triggered it was still a mystery.

*

Finally the Doc had to let them go, since they couldn't figure out what caused the sudden headache. Under strict order to stay in the quarters and rest, he allowed them to go, not able to help whether Jim stayed or not. The readings hadn't revealed anything being wrong, nor could Blair find out anything while talking Jim through several relaxing exercises, which the doctor, on the other hand, found helpful and added them to his program, planning to try them out later.

Tom accompanied them back to the quarters just in case the headache should attack again. They walked in silence along the corridors. Jim watched Blair toying with the hypospray Doc had given him, should Blair feel that he needed to use the Docile. It *was* an improvement to the needle, but also gave Jim a good idea *how* he would spend the rest of the day.

Someone suddenly ran into him from the side. Out of instinct Jim grabbed the person, steadying her. Instead of letting her go in an instant he was caught by her striking resemblance to Megan Conner, one of his former ranger colleges. From his time before…

"Uh, hi, sorry, I was... I didn't," the ensign stammered, staring in his blue eyes.

Jim smiled at her. "No harm done. You're okay?" Still holding her. //The same eyes as Megan.//

A sharp hissed "Jim!" from Blair made him let go of her, and his face turned blank. Harry, who had followed the ensign, took her arm upon seeing the anger in Blair's eyes. "You okay, Tabbi?" She nodded, finally recognising who she had run into.

Blair felt uneasy under the stares of Tabbi and Harry aimed at him, passing them as they continued their way to the quarters.

Jim could hear Tabbi murmuring that she hoped he wouldn't get in trouble because of her unthinking actions.

*

As soon as the door close behind them, Blair turned around facing his Sentinel, holding his hand up, shutting down what ever Jim might have planned to say.

Glaring at Blair, Jim crossed his arms, waiting for what would follow.

"First you broke the rules by talking with Naomi. That I can understand, trying to calm a frightened child. But that now with "Tabbi"..." Blair shook his head.

"Chief! Should I have let her fall down?" Jim tried to defend his actions.

"Of course not! But you were supposed to let go of her as soon as she was steady again on her feet! And not to start," Blair waved his arms searching for words, "flirting with her!"

"I wasn't "flirting"!" Anger gleamed in his eyes.

"Yes, you were! And it's not acceptable for a Sentinel to do it!" Blair paced the floor from door to window.

"Oh, I see," Jim's face turned blank again, "I wasn't the well trained *pet* you wish me to be!" He spat out. "News flash! We aren't in the Empire any longer!"

"That doesn't mean we won't return! That doesn't allow you to simply ignore the rules if you wish to!" Blair stopped in front of Jim staring, anger and... disappointment in his face. "Jim, I know you hated to be forced into that life, but that *is* your life! You can't change that!" Blair continued, calmer now.

"If you really could understand my situation, then you would have let me die when I had the chance!" Jim replied equally calm.

Blair blanched. "No, I couldn't! And you know that! You were meant to be my Sentinel!"

"Here we are again! *Your* Sentinel, *your* possession! Why do I get the feeling that's all it’s about?" he asked angrily, well knowing that he was unfair to the younger man. Blair had treated him differently, not always like the regular, well-trained Sentinel who knew his position in society since birth, which he wasn't, but it still stung.

Blair fell silent with a sigh. //Why does he have to be so damn stubborn?//

"Chief, I don't hate being a Sentinel. It's the social position that comes with it that I loathe. I want my life back. Is that so hard to understand? That I want my life back? This could be the chance!" Jim ran his thumb along Blair's jaw line. "Sometimes I just wish it never had happened..." he let him go, sadness in his eyes.

Blair stopped him. "Don't. Don't wish that. Yes, I can't even start to imagine what it must have been like for you to lose everything, but... but I thought we had something... besides being Guide and Sentinel... "

"No we don't." Coldness in his voice, as he turned his back to his guide, looking out the window, watching the planet below them.

Blair stared unseeing at the back of his Sentinel. //"No we don't." That's it? Nothing more?// Blair grew cold. Hugging himself he slid down the wall, eyes still on Jim. He had really thought there was something growing between them. Or had he only imagined it? Jim was a Sentinel. And Blair was his guide, the one person he had to listen to. Had to... maybe that was the problem. Jim was never fond of following orders which he thought were arbitrary. Or Blair made him follow, by using the certain nuance in his voice. The one Jim couldn't resist. Blair knew it was hard for Jim to trust him... words from a recent conversation came back...

# Blair had sighed angrily. "You are going to have to learn to trust me, Jim. I know it's hard. I know this," he touched Jim’s collar, "doesn’t help. But you have to learn to trust me."#

//Why...// someone softly patting his face dragged Blair out of his depressive thoughts. Jim crouched in front of him.

"Hey, Chief, you okay?" Jim asked, the concern shining in his eyes. He had expected for Blair to start one of his lectures about Guides and Sentinels, how they were meant to be together, trust and commitment to the Empire and the Empress. But not this breakdown.

"Why do you have to make it so hard? You know we can't stay. Regardless of what the Captain said or offered, we have to try and get..." Blair began.

"Who said we have to? We're years away from the Empire. Who says that they know we're alive? What makes you think we would survive all alone out there? And the wormhole? We don't know if it is stable enough to fly through again. Hell, it almost killed us the first time! Beside the shuttle is toast." Jim held out his hand helping Blair to stand up. "So, why are you still so adamant to try and go back?"

"It's what they would expect from us. The Empress would." Blair sighed, refusing to accept that they were stranded in this part of the Galaxy.

"You're afraid of this new situation!" Jim suddenly grinned, "You're afraid!"

"No, I'm *not*!" Blair protested vehemently. "You're imagining things. You only want to persuade me to stay here. Forget it! As long as there's a chance to find a way back, I'll take it!"

"I'm *not* going back," was all Jim said, growing cold again, determination in his eyes.

"Well, we'll see about that when the time comes," Blair answered emotionless. He had enough.

With a sigh Jim turned away, rubbing absently at his temples. Blair instantly got concerned.

"Headache back?" Blair asked while he prepared the hypospray.

"Not really, just an uneasy feeling..." Jim answered, groaning at the sight of the spray. "Blair that..."

"Doc said you need to rest, I say the same, so shut up and to bed with you!" Blair ordered, back in charge again and not willing to allow his Sentinel to overpower him.

There was a light breath of air on Jim's neck just above the collar, and then the hypospray was pulled away. Jim fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Blair sat silently in the main room, the door to the bedroom open, sohe could see his sleeping Sentinel, wondering what to do.

He spent the rest of the day trying to figure it out.

04 *****************

It was so confusing. Naomi didn't really understand the relationship between Blair and Jim. Her mother had tried to explain it to her when she asked, and had one angry child to calm down as soon as Naomi started to get the meaning of the word "slave". Now she wanted to spend as much time with him as she could.

Searching for Blair, whom she had seen earlier on his way to Neelix, she found both of them in a very agitated discussion about some social structures. The two were getting closer, talking, discussing and sharing their experiences about other races.

Stepping up to them, she tugged at Blair's sleeve.

"Mr. Blair... where is Jim? I want to show him... and you," she added," the new Holoprogram uncle Joe and uncle Tom made me, if that's okay with you," she asked politely as she had promised her mother.

Blair thought about that. "Jim can't come with you, Naomi. He's grounded," Blair answered with a smile, "maybe tomorrow, yes?" He ruffled her hair.

"Grounded?!" Naomi was shocked, "But... but he's a grown up! Grown ups don't get grounded!"

"Well, Jim does. In my culture he doesn't count as an adult." That wasn't entirely true, but he couldn't come up with another explanation so fast.

"What did he do?" The girl looked up with huge eyes. That was something new for her.

"He did something that's forbidden for him," Blair continued, seeing now two pairs of confused eyes on him. He continued, "Jim isn't allowed to speak with others. And he..."

//Not allowed to talk with others?!// But they had talked...

"But he was only helping me!" she got distressed, "I didn't want to get him into trouble!" Naomi was close to breaking into tears.

"Shhh," Blair tried to soothe her, kneeling down to be on the same eye level with her, putting hands on the child's shaking shoulders, "It's *not* your fault." He paused a few moments. "It was not right for him to do that, but I can understand that you were frightened. But he talked with others, too, later, and for that I had to discipline him."

Her eyes grew wide. "You *spanked* him?!" She had overheard a conversation between two crewmembers one day who referred to disciplining children as spanking. Something her mom had never done to her.

"No," //Not this time// Blair reassured her, "no, I didn't spank him. He's only restricted to our quarters for today," he sighed, cupping her face in his hands, "Would you like to visit him after dinner? I'm sure he won't mind some company. And it really wasn't your fault." A big smile was his reward.

"I would like that," she bounced happily and then frowned. "Are we allowed to talk with each other?"

"You have my permission as long as we stay on Voyager, okay?" She surprised him with a strong hug. "If you can wait a few more minutes I'll come with you. We didn't have breakfast." He finally remembered why he had come to the mess hall in the first place, before he got side-tracked by Neelix.

"Okay!" Spotting her mother, Naomi ran over to her. She had to tell her about Jim's grounding and where she would be today. And she had to get some things out of her room.

*

Jim had been surprised seeing Blair returning with breakfast *and* Naomi. Even more when Blair gave his okay to Naomi's showing them the program in the afternoon. Blair had "reminded" him sternly what he expected of him before they left. Blair kept in the background watching Jim and Naomi.

Jim smiled at Naomi, who kept on chatting since she knew it was all right, explaining and telling him about the ship and the different holoprograms she was allowed to use.

*

Jim looked suspiciously at the food in front of him. Naomi giggled, watching him testing the wobbling purple something. He glanced at her and had to grin. Blair was talking with Joe about what to do with the shuttle, standing a few feet away.

"You can eat it," Neelix suddenly peeped up, appearing next to them, coffee cup in his hand. Sitting down he continued ignoring the startled sentinel. "I asked Tom to check it, and he compared it with your file and gave his okay. Now, try it," he urged him. Jim looked at the food critically, it smelled funny, it wobbled, and it was purple. Carefully he took a mouthful. A small bit. By now Neelix and Naomi were watching him closely. Surprised Jim took a second bit. "It's good," he grinned making a point to address Naomi. Neelix beamed. Now he had two who liked his cooking!

*

Tired, Blair headed for his quarters. He had left Jim there after they had with Naomi's and Joe's help, gathered their belongings and equipment from the shuttle. It was beyond repair, and Blair had given his okay to recycle what was still useable. Well, looked like he had to finally face the fact that they were stuck.

Suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks.

Blair stared at his spirit guide standing in front of him blocking his way to the door. The last and only time the wolf had shown himself this way was the day Blair found his Sentinel, had saved him from death by starving. But somehow he knew that this time it had nothing to do with Jim.

The wolf looked at him and then walked along the corridor, leading him. Blair hurried to follow.

They halted in front of Cargo Bay 2 now hosting the Hydroponics bay set up by Kess to grow food since the replicators and emergency rations were limited.

There, Blair saw Chakotay sitting cross-legged deep in meditation, surrounded by the quiet and peace of the ships "night".

The wolf sat down next to the Indian, looking expectantly at his human. Blair frowned but then shrugged, sitting down mirroring the commander's position.

Soon he found himself in the spirit world, the jungle. A strange wolf was waiting for him...

"You're not my guide," Blair whispered.

"No, she's mine," the voice from behind Blair startled him.

"Commander?!" Blair was confused. Till that moment he never had met anyone else on his spirit walks.

Chakotay smiled. "So, the other wolf belongs to you then," he continued, "Do you know why they brought us together here?"

Blair shook his head. "No, I don't know... I never met anybody else here besides Jim’s guide or mine... Does it happen to you often? Meeting someone else?" Blair started eagerly, excited to have found another.

Chakotay chuckled at that enthusiasm. "I don't know. She hasn't talked to me, only brought me here, where I found you..."

Blair's eyes grew. "Talk to you? Your guide actually talks to you?"

"Yours doesn't?" Blair shook his head.

By now Blair's guide had joined them. It was obvious that the two wolves were tense, but they stayed calm, not threatening each other. Chakotay remembered that strange dream he had had before they met Sentinel and Guide. //I have to talk with Blair about that later.//

"Well, looks like we are supposed to follow them, again," Blair commented, pointing at the retreating animals leading the way.

When they reached the clearing from the commander's dream the wolves came to a halt. The female turned to sit next to her human, while the male tried to approach the black panther in the middle of the clearing. He looked up when sensing the wolf, the blue eyes still empty. But this time he hissed at the wolf, trying to crawl backwards away from him.

Blair gasped. "That's Jim's spirit guide... why would he... I don't understand..." Blair looked up at the Commander, the plea to help him understand clearly written in his blue eyes.

Then the guides vanished, and the two men woke up in the real world.

"Wow! That was strange," Blair whispered. He was shocked by the panther’s reaction.

"Blair," Chakotay laid his hand on the younger man's shoulder, "Look after Jim, and then meet me in my quarters, I think we have a lot of talking to do, to figure out what the vision means. And I have to tell you about a dream I had."

*

"Blair, why is it so hard for you to consider the option of staying with us?" Chakotay asked later, looking the young guide directly in his eyes. "I guess Jim would like to."

"Of course. He's been bugging me with that since the first day! It's just... I'm not sure that's the right thing to decide now. I mean, as long as we stay here in this orbit, there's always the chance that the wormhole will re-open..." Blair fell silent. //Coward! You know you have no other option left than to stay. Or to ask the Captain for a shuttle! And that will never happen!//

Chakotay waited patiently for the younger man to continue. He personally would enjoy having him around, someone who understood the way of the spirit guides.

Blair rubbed his eyes tiredly. "...what happens when someone comes through to get us now? ... what happens when the hole opens when we're gone and an Imperial ship comes through to follow us? And by then Jim would be too used to this new free life of his. It would kill him to go back then. After all the Empress is very fond of him..." he sighed. She never would give Jim up easily if she had the chance to get him back!

"Don't worry," Chakotay smiled, holding Blair's arm, "we'll take care of that when it comes to it. I'm sure we'll find a way to keep you on Voyager. So, taken the case that there is no threat from the Empire..."

"Then I guess I'm happy to stay," Blair interrupted him, finally smiling," that is if the crew doesn't kill me first."

"Did someone threaten you?" Chakotay frowned. "I know there could be a problem. Did someone cause trouble?"

"No, nothing like that. Just the general bad vibes I got," he sighed, "Just don't let Jim know that! When should I tell the Captain? Would she really let us stay?" Blair was suddenly afraid.

"Of course! Or she never would have offered you that!" the Commander reassured him, "How about now? I guess she's still up, reading some reports."

But Blair shook his head. "I want to tell Jim first, and then we can go to her tomorrow first thing." Grinning and with a nod Blair stood up. "Thanks for your help. Think we can repeat that spirit walk someday? I would love to learn more of your ways!"

"The same here Blair. It's good to have someone else who respects the old way on board, I'm looking forward to it," Chakotay smiled and watched him leaving.

Blair returned shortly to their quarters, checking on the sleeping Sentinel, watching him in the dark room for a while. Yes, it felt *right* to stay, and he really would be happy to, but it also made him feel like he was losing the ground under his feet. Everything he believed at...

Wandering through the empty corridors, he found himself entering the mess hall. He took a seat in a dark corner of the now empty room and stared out into space, imagining that he could see the bluish green sphere of his home world. Thinking of his family, he grew sad. A rough tongue licked his hand, and, looking down, Blair stared into the yellow eyes of his spirit guide next to him. Somewhere in the shadows he saw a pair of glowing cat eyes watching him.

Neelix had just finished his preparations for breakfast when he saw Blair entering and walking straight to the window, giving the impression of some one plagued by heavy thoughts. Switching off the lights, Neelix walked up to Blair and stood silently next to him watching the stars. He could be a patient man. Blair continued to stare into space oblivious to Neelix 's presence.

After the third sigh Neelix just had to say something. "You okay, Blair?"

Startled, Blair turned to the voice. "Oh, Neelix," he grinned at the Talaxian, "I'm fine. No problems. So, know a good program that we could use to relax? Something Sentinel-friendly?"

Neelix grinned back broadly. "I'm the morale officer! It is my job to know such things! Did I ever..." he began, dragging Blair out of the chair and along to the door.

They left the mess hall, Neelix telling Blair about the wonderful Hawaiian holoprogram he had created for the crew to relax and that it was used for celebrations every now and then.

And he had the feeling that there would be a reason for a celebration soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

end for now

Look out for Part II somewhen next year...