"Protocol"
by Andra Marie Mueller

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is for Corrie, who wanted an NC-17 "fight" story.

Disclaimer: Paramount is the legal owner of the characters of 'Star Trek: Voyager'. I just borrow them for my own nefarious purposes and to give them real lives

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"Damn the man!" Kathryn exclaimed aloud.

The commanding officer of the U.S.S. Voyager stormed through the corridors of her ship, muttering angrily under her breath and ignoring the curious glances her obvious fury was eliciting from the crew. The subject of her discontent was Chakotay, her First Officer and closest friend - not to mention the person most capable of sending her into a rage in the space of sixty seconds. They had been discussing - or rather debating - her decision to test pilot a shuttlecraft while orbiting an uninhabited M-class planet they had stopped at to refurbish supplies. Torres and Seven had recently completed modifications to the Delta Flyer's shields which would enable the craft to fly through extreme turbulence, an enhancement that could prove invaluable should an emergency arise with elemental conditions that prohibited the use of transporters. An ion storm on the far side of the planet was to be the testing ground, and given that things aboard Voyager were currently status quo, the captain had decided to fly the shuttle herself, anxious for anything to break the monotony of her day to day routine.

Her announcement had been met first with surprise, then official protest, from Chakotay, who had less than discreetly suggested that Tom Paris might be a better choice to pilot the Flyer.

"That's the pot calling the kettle black, Chakotay," Kathryn responded lightly. "If memory serves me correctly, you're about 0 for 3 in the shuttle piloting department."

Chakotay ignored the jibe. "With all due respect, Captain, in light of the planet's atmospheric conditions, it would be prudent to allow someone with more experience to fly the shuttle."

"Your concern is duly noted, Commander, but my mind is made up."

"Very well, Captain, but you should know that I intend to make an official protest in my log on the grounds that you unnecessarily placed yourself at risk."

Kathryn shot him an even look. "Do whatever you have to, Commander, as will I."

His dark eyes flickered with a final flash of quiet anger, but he held his tongue as she relinquished the Bridge to his care and headed for the shuttle bay.

************************************

Two hours later, Kathryn was still seething from their disagreement. While it wasn't the first time the two had argued, nor in all likelihood would it be the last, it was the first time he had openly challenged her on the Bridge.

"Damn the man!" she repeated. "Who the hell does he think he is questioning my decision in front of the crew?"

Knowing there was only way to answer the question and only one person who could provide it, Kathryn had exited the shuttle bay and headed directly for Chakotay's quarters. Tuvok had informed her that Chakotay had departed the Bridge shortly after she had departed the ship, giving instructions he was to be contacted only if something went wrong with the flight. Somehow his retreat to his own territory didn't surprise her.

He may have lost the battle but obviously he intends to win the war and on his own turf.

The thought passed through Kathryn's mind as she came to a halt in front of Chakotay's door and rang the chime. There was no immediate response, and when a second hail met with the same lack of success, Kathryn addressed the computer.

"Computer, verify the location of Commander Chakotay."

"Commander Chakotay is in his quarters."

"Override privacy lock, authorization Janeway Beta Three Zero."

The computer beeped in compliance and the doors swooshed open. Kathryn strode into the middle of the room and called out to her XO. "Chakotay, where are you?"

No answer. Her anger now shifting to concern, Kathryn made her way to the bedroom, finding it empty, but a discarded uniform lay on the bed. At the same time, the sound of running water coming from the bathroom suddenly stopped, and understanding dawned on her.

He's not injured or ignoring you, Kathryn. He was in the shower.

Mentally chastising herself for jumping to the wrong conclusion, Kathryn turned to leave before Chakotay discovered her, but she was a split second too late. Clad only in the bath towel wrapped around his waist, he stepped into the bedroom just as she reached the entryway, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw her. "Kathryn...what are you doing in here?"

She merely stared at him in embarrassed silence for a moment, the sight of him in next to nothing rendering her temporarily speechless and sending a wave of pure sexual desire coursing through her. There is no way in hell I am getting any sleep tonight, she thought idly.

"Kathryn?"

"Chakotay," she managed at last. "I apologize for barging in on you. I rang your door chime twice but when you didn't respond, I was worried that something might have happened to you."

He graced her with a faint smile. "Your concern is duly noted, Captain, but as you can see I'm fine."

More than fine from where I'm standing. The thought passed through her mind unbidden, bringing with it a belated realization of where she was. I'm standing in Chakotay's bedroom and all he's wearing is a towel. Oh, God. Don't go there, Kathryn. She quickly dismissed her wayward thoughts, ignoring the almost tangible sexual tension between them and forcing herself to concentrate on the conversation at hand. "Yes, well...why don't I wait for you in the other room?"

Without waiting for a response, she swiftly beat a hasty retreat into his living room. Chakotay watched her go with a smile that was part affection, part amusement. I do believe the lady liked what she saw, he mused. Permitting himself a small chuckle, he exchanged his towel for a pair of sweatpants before walking into the living room to join his unexpected visitor.

"So, Captain, to what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

"I want to finish what we started on the Bridge this afternoon," Kathryn said.

"I was under the impression we already had," Chakotay returned.

"Not to my satisfaction."

One dark eyebrow quirked upward at her unintentionally suggestive remark just as realization of what she had said registered, and she closed her eyes in silent mortification. She recovered just as quickly, however, and reopened her eyes to meet his gaze. "Why did you openly challenge my decision in front of the crew?"

"I wasn't challenging your decision, I was questioning it."

"A rose by any other name."

"There is a difference. I felt that your desire to add some variety to your routine by piloting the shuttle was an unnecessary risk and I said so. You chose to interpret it as a personal affront."

"Did it ever occur to you to express your concerns to me privately in the interest of maintaining protocol?"

"Protocol and Starfleet's official regulations dictate that the First Officer openly address any situation in which the Captain may be subjecting himself or herself to unnecessary risk. My job is to ensure your safety, Captain, and it was my sincere opinion that you were letting boredom override your judgement. If the new shield modifications had failed, or if something else had happened to jeopardize the shuttle's integrity, you would have crashed on the surface of the planet before you even had time to send for help."

Kathryn knew Chakotay was right, but stubborn pride would not allow her to admit it, even to herself. They held one another's gaze for several moments before she spoke again. "Well, it looks like we're going to have to agree to disagree on this."

"Is it so difficult for you to admit you were wrong?"

"It's not about right or wrong, Chakotay," Kathryn evaded. "It's about following protocol."

"There's that word again..." Chakotay grumbled. "I really wish I could erase it from your vocabulary."

"Tired of playing by the rules, Commander?"

Midnight blue met chocolate brown. A challenge, or a taunt. Either way he knew she didn't expect him to take the bait. Her mistake.

"Actually, Captain, yes I am."

Without giving her time to respond, Chakotay closed the distance between them and pulled her into his embrace before lowering his head to kiss her. Kathryn had imagined what their first kiss would be like, her fantasies ranging from romantic to ridiculous, but nothing had prepared her for the real thing. At the first touch of his lips on hers, every nerve in her body suddenly sprang to life, seemingly turning the blood in her veins to liquid fire. Her anger forgotten, rational thought obliterated, Kathryn slid her arms around Chakotay's neck and pulled him closer. Surprised by her reaction, but unwilling to sacrifice the moment by questioning it, Chakotay deepened the kiss while sliding his hands down her back to cup her rear and press her against him. The lightweight sweatpants did nothing to hinder his obvious arousal and the feel of his erection against her center elicited a small groan. The sound somehow penetrated Chakotay's passion fogged brain, and with every ounce of willpower he could manage he pulled away from her.

"If you want to maintain your precious protocol you'd better leave now," he managed breathlessly, "because if you stay, then all bets are off and we both know what's going to happen."

Indecision flickered across Kathryn's refined features for the briefest of moments before she flashed Chakotay the ghost of a smile. "I think it's time we re-wrote the rules on protocol," she said quietly.

"Kathryn..."

Kathryn's concession to follow through on what they had started shattered whatever fragile hold Chakotay had been maintaining on his self-control, and he barely managed to initiate a privacy lock on his quarters before pulling her to him. His mouth covered hers, tongues tasting and dancing as he divested her of her clothing before shedding his own. Their first full body contact sent flames of desire shooting through them, and Chakotay reluctantly broke off their kiss to gaze upon Kathryn. Her face flushed with a mixture of desire and shyness, she felt her nipples harden in response to his silent scrutiny.

"You are so beautiful..." he murmured.

Pressing a kiss to the nape of her neck, he placed a series of light kisses across her throat and down her chest as they sank to the floor, where his mouth claimed the erect tip of one of her breasts. The sensation elicited an answering moan from Kathryn, who threaded her hands through his hair as he suckled, his tongue lavishing the rosy peak while his hands explored elsewhere. One hand rested on her other breast; the thumb brushing against the nipple as his teeth gently tugged on the one in his mouth. His free hand slowly trailed down one slim hip before making its way to the juncture between her thighs, finding her warm and wet. Careful not to lose his hold on her breast, Chakotay slowly slid two fingers deep into her folds, feeling an answering rush of wetness as her muscles contracted around him.

"Oh, God...Chakotay...please..."

Reluctantly abandoning her breast, he continued to stroke her core as he trailed a series of wet kisses down her belly before replacing his hand with his mouth. At the first flick of his tongue against her pulsing clitoris, she arched against him, clutching at his hair while he brought her closer and closer to the edge. Her moans now barely audible whimpers, Chakotay continued his ministrations, his hands teasing her nipples while his tongue lavished her most sensitive spot. A gentle tug on her clit with his teeth sent her flying into oblivion, her body shuddering with the force of her climax as her world shattered into a thousand pieces. The final contractions had yet to subside when she felt his erection press against her and he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss as he slid into her. Once he was fully encased in her sheath, he froze for the briefest of moments, wanting to savor the sensation for as long as possible. But feeling the residual contractions from her release pulsing against him, Chakotay began to move inside of her. They moved in tandem, their bodies mating in perfect harmony, until Kathryn let out a strangled cry and arched against him, reaching a second soul shattering climax a split second before Chakotay. Afterwards, too exhausted to move and somewhat overwhelmed by the intensity of their combined responses, they simply lay in one another's embrace in companionable silence before eventually drifting off to sleep.

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Early the following morning, Kathryn roused herself from the depths of sleep, only to discover she was ensconced in Chakotay's bed - alone - and still as naked as the day she was born. Remembrance hit her then - of their argument, their confrontation, and their extraordinary night of lovemaking. She had a vague recollection of being carried into this room, but it was overshadowed by the more vivid memories. They had come together several times over the course of the night, each time as incredibly passionate as the first. Unwilling to deal with the ramifications of their actions just yet, Kathryn leaned back against the pillow as a contended smile spread across her face.

There's something to be said for making up the rules as you go along, she thought idly.

The scent of fresh coffee reached her then, and the telltale rustling in the other room told her that her XO - now her lover - was already up and about. Letting out a faint sigh, Kathryn reluctantly eased herself out of bed and grabbing one of Chakotay's shirts out of the closet, pulled it on before wandering into the living room. He stood by the window, bare footed but dressed in his uniform slacks and regulation T-shirt, sipping at a cup of coffee as he watched the passing stars. Crossing the room, Kathryn positioned herself in front of him, confiscating his mug and placing it on the coffee table before pulling him to her for a lengthy kiss.

"Good morning," she greeted when they finally parted.

"It certainly is," Chakotay responded. "Sleep well?"

"Absolutely."

"Thank you for last night."

"Thank you. It was...beyond description."

"Yes, it was."

Kathryn reached over to retrieve his mug. "Mind if I share?"

"Since you've already helped yourself to my wardrobe, I suppose I might as well relinquish my coffee. I know what you're like in the morning before you've had your caffeine fix."

One delicate eyebrow quirked in silent consternation. "Are you intimating, sir, that I am addicted to caffeine?"

"I'm not intimating anything. It's a fact."

She afforded him a glance of feigned annoyance before taking a tentative sip of the steaming brew.

"Umm...this is excellent coffee. What did you put in it?"

"Cinnamon with just a smidgen of nutmeg. It was my mother's favorite way to drink it."

"It's delicious."

"She'd be glad you approve."

Kathryn took another sip before speaking again. "Chakotay, about last night..."

Chakotay placed a finger to her lips to silence her. "Last night was the most amazing night of my life. Being with you...loving you...went beyond anything I could have dreamed of. I'll handle our personal relationship any way that makes you comfortable, but I won't let you pass this off as a one night stand or a casual encounter with no strings attached."

She smiled. "I don't intend to," she said simply.

Relief flickered across his handsome face and he flashed her a warm smile. "Thank you again."

"You're quite welcome. There is, however, still the unresolved matter of your reluctance to adhere to protocol..."

He rolled his eyes in mock disgust. "Spirits above, I hate that word," he muttered. "I should have fallen in love with an Ensign."

Kathryn went completely still at his casual revelation of his feelings for her, the expression on her face earning her a concerned glance from Chakotay. "What's wrong?"

"Do you mean what you just said?" she asked shakily.

"About hating the word protocol?"

"About being in love with me."

Chakotay's smile returned. "Of course I did," he said softly. "What do you think last night was all about?"

Brown met blue. Kathryn felt her eyes well with tears as she stared at him in silence for a moment before finding her voice. "I love you, too," she said at last.

He lifted a hand to gently caress her cheek. "I should hope so," he declared lightly. "I don't share my mother's coffee with just anyone."

Kathryn graced him with an adoring smile before an idea suddenly struck, and she reached over to tap Chakotay's combadge. "Janeway to the Bridge."

"Paris here, Captain."

"What's our status, Ensign?"

"Quiet as a mouse in church on Sunday," came the flippant reply.

"Looks like I'm not the only one who needs lessons in protocol," Chakotay remarked quietly, earning him a quelling look from Kathryn.

"A more efficient response would be appreciated, Mister Paris."

"My apologies, Captain," Paris said quickly. "All ship's systems are functioning normally and Commander Tuvok is scheduled to relieve me at 0600 for the start of the Alpha shift."

"Fine. Please inform him that Commander Chakotay and I will be slightly tardy in reporting for duty this morning. It seems I need to have a conversation with my First Officer about the importance of protocol."

"I'll make certain he gets the message, Captain."

"Thank you, Ensign. Janeway out."

Severing the transmission, she glanced at Chakotay. "Now then, Commander, let's start with a little review of proper interaction between a Captain and First Officer..."

He pulled her to him. "You haven't finished your coffee."

"The hell with my coffee. I've discovered something I like better."

"Mind if I share?"

"I'm counting on it."

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The End.