Story #5 – EDGEWATER
by Shalee

Day 85

Another day was waning and with it another triumph for New Hope and for one of its inhabitants, though a minor one in the face of the larger event that occurred a week ago.

Voy-Com 1, the Colony's first satellite, complete with communications array attached, was launched the old-fashioned way, like a rocket. Breaking free of the surly bonds of the planet, only to settle gently into a high orbit completely clear of the magnetic field that encircled the small world, it went off beautifully and was now functioning normally and sending back data galore. But to that one individual, even that paled to what he was about to do.

 

There was sense of urgency to Neelix's pace as he moved through the shelters. In one hand, he carried a bouquet of wildflowers that he had gathered this morning as the other fiddled with his jacket. Reaching his destination, the Talaxian almost turned around and ran back the other way. Then sound of girlish musical laughter coming from within the shelter grasped his attention. Straightening his jacket one more time, Neelix took a deep breath and knocked on the door. There was a muffled conversation from within and then suddenly the door opened.

 

"Neelix… "

 

"Hello Samantha; I'm sorry to be late."

 

"Late, nonsense; you're right on time. Please come in." The blonde woman admonished gently as she moved aside to allow him entry.

 

"Uncle Neelix!" Naomi Wildman exclaimed as she immediately rushed to him for a hug. Momentarily forgetting the flowers he held, Neelix scooped the child up.

 

"Hello sweeting; how are you tonight?"

 

"Okay; I'm staying with Aunt Kathryn!"

 

"Really; well, that's very special. I hope you'll be a good girl," Neelix told her as he set her down, only then did he take note of the flowers. "Oh dear… "

 

The forlorn look on the normally jovial face made Sam chuckle softly. "It's all right, Neelix; they're still beautiful and will make the shelter smell wonderful. It was very thoughtful of you to remember that they're my favorite," Sam told him as she carefully removed what remained of the flowers from his hands and laid them on the table.

 

The Talaxian was all but beaming, when there came another knock the door. Sam opened it to allow Voyager's former captain to enter.

 

"Hi Aunt Kathryn; I'm ready," Naomi chirped as she picked up her overnight case.

 

"So, I see… " Kathryn Janeway answered, smiling down at the child as she took her hand.

 

"Captain… Kathryn, are you sure this isn't a problem?" Sam asked for what had to be the tenth time, still having problems calling her former commanding officer by her first name.

 

Kathryn gave her a subdued variation of 'The Look' and steered Naomi toward the door. "Naomi and I will be fine; you and Neelix enjoy yourselves."

 

"Thank you, Kathryn!" Neelix extolled as he grasped Sam's hand. Kathryn smiled at them both as she steered her young charge out the door.

 

The couple inside stood awkwardly for a few moments, then Neelix spoke, "Would you like to take a walk?"

 

Sam breathed a soft sigh of relief; Neelix always knew just what to say.  "I would love to; let me grab a coat."

 

Neelix helped her on with it and then offered his arm.  “Shall we go?"

 

Sam smiled and slipped her arm into his. Stepping into the night, they both noted the temperature had dropped a couple more degrees. Sam leaned in a little closer as they walked. Neither said a word as the moved from the main part of the village, onto the trail that led out of the valley toward Ocampa Bay, seven kilometers away. The Bay, really a finger inlet less than a kilometer wide and two in length, was part of one of the four vast oceans that covered this world. Each had been named for a deceased member of the Voyager crew. The body of water that fed Ocampa Bay was the 'Kes', named of course for their Ocampan friend. The others were the Hogan, Suder and Stadi. The last was Kathryn's suggestion; the Betazoid woman had been Voyager's first helmsman and a good friend to her. Tom Paris had seconded the motion for reasons no one brought up in front of B'Elanna.

 

About a hundred or so meters further on, they met Chakotay with his medicine bundle under his arm.  "Evening, you two; nice night for a walk."

 

"Yes it is," Neelix replied jauntily tightening his grip on Sam's arm.

 

"How's the boat coming?" Sam asked.

 

"I have the keel laid, and need to finish the storage building before winter sets in. Good thing it’s on the lake. Ocampa Bay is already feeling the pull of Artemis, we travel further from the sun. The tide is higher than usual as Diana wanes," Chakotay told them citing the planetary forces that gripped this new world of theirs. The twin moons, once believed to be just one, had elliptical orbits that ran counter to each as they traveled around the sun. That data along with astrometric calculations and information gathered from the recently launched satellite, indicated that they would have four months of summer, six months of fall-winter and four months of spring. That meant their years would be two months longer then a normal Earth year. They had arrived late in the third month of summer.

 

"So, when are you going to show Kathryn? Everyone's getting anxious. It's hard to keep anything from her and we're running out of ideas." Sam asked.

 

Chakotay smiled, "I know. We have an anniversary of sorts coming up day after tomorrow. I thought that would be a good time."

 

Sam nodded, "You should probably let her know you're back. It's been two days, and Naomi misses you."

 

"I'll do that. Have a good time you two. See you later."

 

The couple waited until the big man of out of sight, then Neelix asked, "So, how long to you think it will be before he and Kathryn get together?"

 

Sam shook her head, "I don't know, they're taking it slow for Kathryn's sake. She's still adjusting; I know how she feels."

 

Neelix stopped and turned to face his companion. He placed his hands on her shoulders, "Slow is okay with me."

 

"Really, I know it's been a long time already but… "

 

"No; the longer one takes to get to know the other, the less surprises there will be later on."

 

"I don't know about that; I kind of like surprises," Sam told him with an impish grin. Then she surprised Neelix as well as herself by edging forward to place a tender kiss on one whisker covered cheek.

 

Neelix's eyes grew wide and then gathered her into a tight hug, "Me too, dearest; me too."

 

Sam chuckled softly as the two pulled apart and continued on their walk.

 

~*~

 

"Aunt Kathryn, tell me a story," Naomi Wildman piped up as she was being tucked into bed.

 

The former captain of the starship Voyager smiled down at her young charge. She still found it remarkable how resilient children could be. The half human, half Ktarian little girl had been born in the midst of battle, and had survived along with the rest of the crew on Hanon after the Kazon had marooned them. She had lived through countless other dangers and incursions that went with life on a starship; yet none of it seemed to have had a lasting negative impression on her. Perhaps, that was a tribute to all those who tried to keep her life somewhat normal: her mother, Neelix, the Doctor, Harry, Tom, B'Elanna, Chakotay and herself all had a special place for Voyager's only offspring.

 

"Well, you know, your Uncle Chakotay is the storyteller," Kathryn began as she sat down on the edge of the bunk and smoothed the covers. "But I do know one he told me. It's about an angry warrior."

 

"Uncle Kotay tells good stories," Naomi announced knowingly.

 

"Mmmm," Kathryn nodded.  Her eyes focused on a time and place long ago as she began. "Now, the angry warrior was in conflict with his tribe. He was a man who couldn't find peace even through his spirit guide. For years he struggled with his discontent, but the only satisfaction he ever got was in battle." She paused to gauge the little girl's reaction and noted her eyes were almost closed; odds were Naomi wasn't hearing a word she said.

 

But Kathryn continued the old familiar story in a low voice. "One day he and his war party were captured by a neighboring tribe, led by a woman warrior. She called upon him to join her because her tribe was too small and weak to defend itself from all its enemies. The woman warrior was brave and beautiful, and very wise. The angry warrior swore to himself that he would stay by her side, doing whatever he could to make her burden lighter. From that point on, her needs would come first. And in that way, the warrior began to know the true meaning of peace."

 

Kathryn took a deep breath as the emotion that came with the story washed over her.  The retelling of the legend made her remember that the anniversary of their stay on New Earth was the day after tomorrow. No doubt Chakotay was planning something. She had to admit once again – the man was good to her and for her, everyday it seemed they were getting a little closer. Maybe, 'someday' was not that far away.

 

After a moment, Kathryn leaned down placed a tender kiss on Naomi's upturned cheek and ran a finger along the three little spikes on her forehead.  "Goodnight, Sprout," she whispered, calling the little girl by the nickname both she and Chakotay used for her, as the half Ktarian child seemed to sprout up every couple of months.

 

With gentle sigh, Kathryn rose and moved to the other side of the room. Sitting down at her desk, she had just started to make her daily log entry when her commbadge sounded.

 

Outside Kathryn's shelter, the one she had refused to have replaced with a more permanent one until everyone else had theirs, Chakotay paused in the act of knocking. He smiled to himself as he listened to the low tones coming from within. It seemed both he and Kathryn were once again on the same wavelength.

 

Deciding it was not the time to make a personal appearance, he walked a distance away from the structure and tapped his commbadge.  "Chakotay to Kathryn…"

 

"Janeway here," came the hushed acknowledgment.

 

Chakotay smiled again at her standard acknowledgment. Old habits died hard for Kathryn.  "Evening, Kathryn; just wanted to let you know, I'm back."

 

"How was Ocampa Bay? Did you contact your spirit guide? What did she say?"

 

There was low chuckle on the other end.  "The tides are changing. Yes. And how about I tell you at breakfast?"

 

"Sounds good; are you cooking?"

 

"I wish!  No, just Neelix's latest breakfast surprise, served by whomever he left in charge." Chakotay answered with a grimace.

 

Kathryn laughed softly, "Well, we can't miss that, can we? Naomi and I will see you in the morning."

 

"Count on it. Goodnight, Kathryn."

 

"Goodnight, Chakotay."

 

~*~

 

Morning broke over New Hope, with pale sunlight glinting brightly off the light covering of frost on the ground. Soon, sounds of awakening filled the small valley. Inside, one of the newest structures of the fast growing village Tom Paris rolled over in his bed to encounter the warm form of his wife. Propping himself up on one elbow, Tom leaned over and draw a finger lightly over the brow ridges of the face of his beloved. B'Elanna Torres-Paris let out a soft sigh and opened her eyes to see her husband hovering over her.

 

"Morning… " Tom whispered bringing his face closer to hers.

 

"Mmmm, morning… " B'Elanna answered as she accepted the kiss he offered.

 

"Did you sleep well?"

 

"When you let me sleep… " B'Elanna answered with a laugh as she gave him a push so she could get up.

 

The blonde man lounged back in the bed, a cocksure grin on his face. "I didn't hear you complaining last night."

 

B'Elanna threw a pillow at him with a low growl and headed for the bathroom.

 

Tom rose as well, and was straightening out the bed when his wife called out to him.

"Did you happen to notice Harry last night?"

 

Tom moved to the doorway, his gaze was playful as he watched his better half through the frosted glass of the shower.  "You mean, did I notice who he was with?"

 

"Yeah," B'Elanna responded as she stepped from the shower.

 

"Sure; he and Sarah have been spending a lot of time together," Tom answered handing her a towel as he took her place.

 

"Sarah Hickman," the half Klingon mused. "I don't see the attraction."

 

"Why? She's smart, pretty and they're close to the same age."

 

"I know, I know, but… "

 

"But… " Tom prompted as he stepped out of the shower, wrapped a towel around his waist.

 

B'Elanna bit her bottom lip, her eyebrows knitting together slightly in annoyance.  "I don't want to see him hurt."

 

"Give him some credit, B'El. Harry's a big boy," Tom whispered soothingly as he rested his chin on her bare shoulder. "But I do kind of wonder, if he was drawn to Sarah because she's like Kathryn or if there's something else. You know, how much he looks up to Kathryn as captain and a mother figure. Maybe he has complex or something. It could get kind of kinky."

 

B'Elanna whirled and punched him in the shoulder, "You're a sick man, Tom Paris."

 

"Yeah, that's why you love me." Tom bantered as he rubbed his arm.

 

"Among other reasons," B'Elanna threw back with a low chuckle and disappeared into the bedroom, leaving her husband with a highly amused expression.

 

~*~

 

Day 86

 

In the mess hall area of the central building, referred by the populous as 'Chez Neelix' Kathryn Janeway scanned the room a maternal gaze. These people, her family, had come a long way in just a few months. They had taken hardship and turned in into an opportunity to use old skills and make new dreams come true. Tightening her grip on Naomi's hand, Kathryn moved into the serving line.

 

"Captain, Naomi--"

 

Kathryn looked up startled, to see the EMH behind the counter, doling out breakfast.

"Doctor, what's this? Did you draw KP duty while Neelix is gone?"

 

"I wish; unfortunately, this is Seven's attempt to get even with me for all those nutritional supplements and behavioral lessons. She volunteered me to be Neelix's replacement for today and tomorrow," the emergency medical hologram stated begrudging as he spooned a blue colored concoction onto Kathryn's plate.

 

Kathryn chuckled as she looked at the plate, then the EMH and at the plate again, "Dare I ask, what this is?"

 

"Brambleberry pancakes--"

 

Kathryn was aghast. It was Naomi who spoke up.

 

"Doctor Hologram, Neelix always cooks it first on the grill. He makes little round cakes. They're very good."

 

"Ahhhh, so that's what happened. I knew I was missing a step somewhere. I'm a doctor, not a master chef."

 

"Thank god--"

 

"Captain?" The EMH inquired, not quite hearing her whispered entreaty.

 

"Nothing Doctor, I think I'll pass on the pancakes. Maybe just toast and fruit. With juice for Naomi and coffee for me."

 

"Kathryn--" Chakotay said as he came up behind her. Relief spread over the woman's face at the very sound of his voice.

 

"Uncle Chakotay, you're back!" Naomi declared jubilantly as she flung herself into his outstretched arms.

 

"Mornin' Sprout-- How are you today?"

 

"I'm good. Aunt Kathryn told me a story last night."

 

"Did she? I bet I know which one it was," Chakotay intimated as the trio moved to a table and he plopped the little girl into a chair. Then, he flashed a glance at the woman across from him. Kathryn smiled as she placed hers and Naomi's plates on the table. She sipped her coffee, or what passed for it here on New Hope as Naomi chattered away, seemingly holding Chakotay enthralled. Watching them, Kathryn found her mind wandering.

 

"Chakotay to Janeway--"

 

Kathryn looked up startled automatically moving to slap her commbadge. Chakotay reached out and grasped her hand in mid-motion. Her eyes flew to his as she realized that he had been talking to her for a couple of minutes.

 

"Sorry," She murmured with a sheepish smile. Noting that their hands were still intertwined, she gently pulled hers away. Chakotay understood that action, Kathryn not being one for public displays; but it bothered him a little anyway.

 

"Hey, it's okay. I was just asking what you make of that." Chakotay pointed to another table around which were grouped Tom, B'Elanna, Harry, Seven, Vorik, and Joe Carey.

 

"They're probably the work on the central power station. It's nearing completion. However, maybe you would like to go help?

 

"Oh, trying to get rid of me already. I just got back from exile."

 

"Self-imposed, mister," Kathryn reminded as she wagged a finger at him

.

"Mmmm, guilty." Chakotay admitted as Naomi tugged at his sleeve. He in turn gave her his full attention. "Sorry, Sprout; we don't mean to neglect you."

 

"That's okay; I like listening to grownups talk. I learn all sorts of things, when they think I'm not paying any attention."

 

"Oh really; well, Chakotay, we'll just have to be careful from now on," Kathryn mused as she directed a secretive glance towards the dark man.

 

"Oh yes; can't have little ears hearing about grownup things," Chakotay responded, giving Naomi a little nudge and Kathryn a wink. "Now… can we?"

 

"Oh, Uncle Kotay, you're funning me. Uncle Neelix does that and so do Tom and Harry. I'm a big girl. I can understand all sorts of things. I just like to know what they're," Naomi told them emphatically as she pointed to the other table, "talking about. BUT I know it's a secret, so I can't tell," the little girl declared at she folded arms across her chest in a defiant posture.

 

Chakotay and Kathryn looked at her then at each other before they burst out laughing.

"Okay Sprout; we'll take your word for it. Now, how about that ride in the Phoenix I promised."

 

"Oh yes, Uncle Chakotay. Can Aunt Kathryn come too?" Naomi piped as she bounced out of her chair and grabbed his hand.

 

"Oh, I don't know if she wants to, not after the last time," Chakotay answered, eyeing the woman across the table as he stood at Naomi's insistence.

 

"Just try and keep me on the ground, buster." Kathryn announced as she joined them and the trio bustled out of the room.

 

~*~

 

"Boy, doesn't that look like the perfect little family unit." Tom Paris observed as the former commanding officers of Voyager left with Naomi Wildman sandwiched between them, her small hands in theirs.

 

"Yeah; I sure hope they get to together soon. They deserve some happiness, too, just like everyone else," Harry Kim said wistfully.

 

"Would you two quit with the matchmaking? We have to get the power on-line," B'Elanna Torres-Paris admonished as she exchanged PADDs with Vorik.  She nodded as she rechecked his calculations with her own, then Harry's and handed it off to Seven, who scanned it, then nodded. A triumphant smile spread across her dark features. "People, if this works, life here just got a little better."

 

"When do we let the captain in on this? It's been a little hard to keep her in the dark, seeing as she's at the station everyday over seeing things," Joe Carey observed.

 

"That's why Sam got her to baby-sit… so, if this works, we could surprise her," B'Elanna said as she got to her feet.

 

"B'Elanna, is not it wrong to keep something this important from the captain?" Vorik asked in typical Vulcan fashion as Seven concurred.

 

"Look, you two; do you really think it would do Kathryn any good to be disappointed if this doesn't pan out? She's having enough trouble adjusting as it is. Besides, as much as she hates surprises, when we do plan something, it better be good."

 

"Though your logic is somewhat flawed, I concede to your plan," Vorik acceded. 

 

"As do I," Seven answered with a nod then left the group to talk to the EMH.

 

"Way to go, Vorik; we'll make a human out of you yet," Tom extolled as he slapped the Vulcan on the shoulder.

 

Vorik raised an eyebrow at the former helmsman and replied perfectly deadpan, "In your dreams, Paris… " Peals of laughter followed the group as they exited the hall.

 

"What was that all about?" the Doctor asked Seven as she joined him in cleaning up.

 

"Tom Paris… "

 

"Ah!" the hologram replied, the name alone being enough of an explanation for him.

 

~*~

Fortunately, for Chakotay, the ride in the Phoenix was not as eventful as the previous one. Yet, he still had to chuckle.  After their little ‘adventure’ in the Phoenix, Tuvok decreed that all New Hope inhabitants attend a refresher course on survival techniques, with, of course, himself and Kathryn telling about their experience and the methods they used. Nobody seemed to believe their story in its entirety, so both vowed to deal with hecklers who had not chosen to remain anonymous, namely, one Thomas Eugene Paris. It was that very thought that Kathryn picked up on when she called his name.

"Hey, care to let me in on it?"

"Paris," Chakotay answered with a smile.

"Ah!" Kathryn acknowledged, "I hope B'Elanna will understand in case Tom spends the next five years picking rocks for that stone wall I've been thinking about for New Hope."

"Oh Kathryn, what a devious mind you have."

"Thank you," she answered, inclining her head toward him slightly.

"As for B'Elanna, she'll undoubtedly take her overseer duties very seriously."

That brought a chuckle for both of them at the mental picture the comments conjured up. However, it had Naomi looking at them very curiously.

"Well, Naomi, are you having fun?" Chakotay asked.

"Oh yes, Uncle Kotay," the little girl replied delightedly. "Can we fly faster?"

Chakotay looked up to meet Kathryn's gaze with a mischievous glint, "What is it with women? Always wanting vehicles like hovercraft, shuttles, starships…  to go faster."

"The faster we go, the more we do and see," the auburn-haired woman told him as she matched his look. "Right, Sprout?"

"Uh huh, that's right, Aunt Kathryn. So, can we?"

"One track mind… " Chakotay muttered as he banked the hovercraft over Paris Ridge, then leveled out onto Voyager Plain as the vehicle began to pick up speed.

"Get used to it, buddy," Kathryn teased as she hit him lightly on the shoulder.

"Aunt Kathryn, look!" Naomi piped up interrupting the couple's banter. Still smiling, Kathryn followed the line from the little girl's pointing hand to what had piqued to her interest. The smile faded as the older woman paled at the image.

Chakotay swore under his breath as he too looked to where Naomi had indicated. He had forgotten that Kathryn hadn't been out here for a couple of weeks, as she had spent all her time recently at the Central Power Station. During those weeks the object in their line of sight had been altered drastically – Voyager for all intents and purposes was no lmore. Attempting to lessen the impact, Chakotay abruptly started to turn.

"No, Chakotay," Kathryn hissed as she grasped his arm. "Bring us closer."

"Kathryn… "

"Please… "

The dark man nodded reluctantly and maneuvered the Phoenix around until they were within a few hundred meters of the ship. Or what was left of it. Voyager was hardly even recognizable, as only the girded superstructure of the saucer remained, balanced on the two front landing struts with the aft section resting the crater of its own making in the pale soil of the plain.

"Is that Voyager, Uncle Kotay?"

"Yeah, Sprout," Chakotay murmured as Naomi moved closer to him and Kathryn moved further away.  She was unable to tear her gaze from the sight of her beloved ship. Chakotay sighed and was about to say something when a new voice broke the silence.

New Hope to Phoenix… "

"Chakotay here; hi, Sam!"

"Chakotay, are you coming back soon?"

"We can. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Neelix and I would like to talk to Naomi, if that's okay?"

"Of course; we'll be there in about ten minutes."

"See you then. New Hope out… "

"Chakotay… "

"I know," he murmured as the craft came down to rest on the soft surface. Kathryn rose, touching his shoulder briefly before she stepped out. "Do you want me to leave you and to come back later?"

Kathryn nodded. "In couple hours, okay?"

"Okay," Chakotay answered as Naomi looked at him with questioning eyes. "It's all right, Sprout. Your Aunt Kathryn just wants to say good-bye to an old friend." Naomi nodded and they both watched as the petite woman walked away, becoming smaller as the Phoenix lifted off and headed toward New Hope.

 

~*~

 

Two hours later, Chakotay found Kathryn next to Voyager, perched on a discarded storage container. He approached slowly, not wanting to startle her, for her was sure she had heard the Phoenix land. Yet, in retrospect, it was he who was surprised when it was she who spoke first.

 

"You know, of all the horrible ways I'd envisioned for the destruction of Voyager, the possibility of her being slowly picked apart was not one of them. It seems almost like a desecration." Kathryn sighed as looked at Chakotay. "Sounds pathetic doesn't it, to feel so sentimental about a hunk of metal."

"You know better then that, Kathryn."

"Do I? Then tell me, oh Mystic One; what should I feel?"

Chakotay stared at her puzzled by her attitude. Suddenly, it hit him. She wanted… needed… a reason for it all; something to make it all mean… something.

"We've had this conversation before, remember?"

"I can't forget. I've tried as you said 'to let it go'. That's part of the reason I've stayed away," Kathryn whispered, her voice as well as her body trembling with barely contained emotion.

"So, if you didn't see it happening, then maybe, it wasn't real... "

"Yes." A single word… an anguished breath… signaled the breaking of the dam. Chakotay caught her as she slumped forward and together they sank to the ground. Heavy sobs racked the slight frame of the woman who had commanded Voyager with such strength and resolve. Chakotay rocked her gently as his hand tenderly stroked her hair, all the while murmuring soothing nonsense. When her body stilled, Chakotay answered her question.

"Kathryn, I can't tell you how to feel. However, what I feel and believe is that everything has a spirit or life force that must be freed when its time has ended. Everything, be it person, animal or object, has an essence that lives on in those it has touched. If we remember Voyager, its spirit will be freed. In everything new that is wrought from her, she will be born again."

Kathryn lifted her head to look back at her ship, then brought her gaze to Chakotay. He trailed a finger across her cheek to wipe away the remnants of tears. "From the power station to the aqueduct to Voy-Com, a mighty spirit lives on. You said it yourself… like the Phoenix, born from the ashes. We have a new home, built from the ashes of our old one. It's time to rejoice, not to mourn."

Kathryn nodded slowly as she caught his hand and held it against her cheek.

"Thank you, Chakotay."

“You wanted to know what my spirit guide said… "

"She said what you just told me?" Kathryn asked a bit doubtfully.

"Essentially, yes; and a little more… which I'll keep to myself for the time being," Chakotay said as he pulled her up to stand a bit shakily.

Kathryn still had his hand as they stood for moment in the shadow of Voyager. She whispered something that Chakotay didn't quite catch then she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Come'on, oh Mystic one; let's go home."

Chakotay chuckled, "Whatever you say, Captain… "

 

~*~

 

Day 87

It was late afternoon when Kathryn was finally able to get away from Sam Wildman and Neelix. They had come to her earlier that afternoon with a not-unexpected request… they wanted to get married. Of course, Kathryn agreed to perform the ceremony, which they decided would not take place for a few weeks.

Now, after they left, she was rushing around to get ready; she had been running late all day, having not awakened until after nine. But, she had to admit that after yesterday, she needed the rest and today she felt better than she had in weeks. She glanced at the time knew Chakotay was due any minute. Quickly running a brush through her hair one last time, she chose to leave it loose around her shoulders, using a dark blue ribbon to keep it out of her face. A moment later, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," she called out reaching for her coat. Turning she saw Chakotay in the doorway with a picnic basket in one hand.

"Hey, beautiful; is all that for me?" he teased as he allowed his gaze to travel over the woman before him. A smile lit his eyes as he recalled the blue dress she wore was from New Earth, one his favorites.

"Nope, it's for Tuvok," Kathryn taunted back as she looped her arm through his as they started on the trail out of the village toward Lake Promise.

"Oh well; maybe I should just step aside and let you two… ow!"

"Watch your mouth, mister," Kathryn said as she slapped his arm.

"Yes, ma'am!" Chakotay answered with dimpled grin as he made a show of rubbing his arm. Kathryn smiled back as the walked soon leaving the village of moving along the perimeter of the lake. Finally, she couldn't stand it.

"Chakotay, are you going to tell me where we're going?"

"Nope!"

"Evil man!"

"Yep."

"Chakotay… " Kathryn charged as they paused on the trail.

The dark man was hard pressed not to burst out laughing at the pout on Kathryn's face coupled with her captain's stance. She seemed to have changed since yesterday, maybe seeing Voyager was good therapy.

"Okay; but I can't tell you where we're going."

"Why?"

"Because we're there!" Chakotay stated simply with a broad sweep of his hand.

Kathryn stopped and finally took a good look around, noting they were on the far side of Lake Promise. The lights of the village and the power station could be seen in the distance as night encroached. On closer examination, she saw the area had been selectively cleared of trees, yet enough remained to still make it a beautiful setting. Seeing that she was about to speak, Chakotay grasped her hand and put a finger to her lips. Gently he drew her towards the shore and towards what looked like a log cabin sitting partly in the lake on stilts. Her eyes grew wide as she realized what it was and why Chakotay had brought her here. She remained silent as they walked across rough planking that extended out on form a dock that ended about twelve meters into the lake. They came to a stop on the end of the dock. Chakotay then turned to look at the woman beside him as he took both of her hands in his.

"Kathryn… " Once again the way he said her name, like a caress, made her knees go weak. Kathryn met his gaze and Chakotay found himself awash in deep pools of indigo. "Kathryn, two years ago, you and I thought we would be spending the rest of our lives alone, on a planet much like this one. We began to make a home, you and I. It's a time that I know we both cherish and regret in some ways having to leave. Now, this isn't New Earth and we're far from alone, but it's my hope that we can continue to make a home here… together."

"Chakotay, I… "

"Ssshhh, don't answer, not until you're really sure."

Kathryn nodded.

"Okay, now for the pièce-de-résistance." He took her hand once again and led her to a side door in the cabin. Pushing it open, he flipped on a generator and the interior was bathed in a bright light. He heard Kathryn gasp and whisper.

"The boat!"

"Yep, of course she's far from finished but... "

"But… Chakotay, it's wonderful! When did you find the time?" As she spoke, Kathryn circled the boat impressed by the detail… and love… put into it.

"A few hours here, a few hours there; it's amazing what can be accomplished." The dark man beamed as he went on to point out what he had planned.

"You're the who's amazing, my friend," Kathryn whispered as her gaze roamed the structure, taking in the designs still posted on the walls and on the drafting table in one corner. One thing struck her as odd; these designs comprised more than just a boat.

"So, now that you've seen it… how about joining me on the dock for dinner?"

"I’d love it," Kathryn answered as she moved away from the drafting table and followed Chakotay outside.

An hour later, they were sitting on the end of the dock. The picnic basket was empty and they were basking in the moonrise over the lake. Leaning back against one of the pylons, Chakotay shifted so that Kathryn could sit beside him with her head on his shoulder.

"So, what do you think?" Chakotay asked quietly entranced by the woman at his side. Bathed in moonlight, she appeared to be an apparition ready to disappear at any moment.

"I think that you're that most wonderful and sainted man I've ever met. And I can't for the life of me understand why you put up with me," Kathryn ventured as she sat up and looked him straight in the eye.

Chakotay had to choke back a chuckle as he realized she was dead serious, yet he couldn't help but banter back. "Obviously, I have a deep masochistic streak." The woman raised an eyebrow in mock indignation. "In any case, Kathryn, know this. You would have to the equivalent of a Klingon targ before you could even have a chance of getting rid of me. I see too much; I know you too well. Never have you flat out indicated that you had no interest in me. If you had, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Am I right?"

Kathryn canted her head slightly and gave him one of her wonderful half smiles as her eyes misted with tears and she nodded slowly. With slow purpose she leaned in to touch her lips gently to his as her fingers trailed lightly across his cheek. When she pulled back to look into his eyes, Chakotay laced his fingers through her hair and brought her to him again. There was no resistance as their lips leisurely explored each other.

Surprisingly, it was Chakotay, who pulled away first, catching his breath and calming the pounding of his heart. Kathryn sighed, as she relaxed against his chest, her head nestled beneath his chin. His breath stirred her hair as a soft exhale proceeded his words.

"That was nice," Chakotay whispered.

Kathryn smiled as her fingers played with material of his tunic, where it met the bronzed skin of his neck. "I thought… it was about time," she replied simply, drawing away a little to look into his eyes. "Because I do have feelings for you, Chakotay." She suddenly dropped her gaze. "But I can't be sure if they’re lustful or romantic; you make it very hard to tell the difference."

Chakotay used two fingers and gently tilted her face up to look at him. "Or the similarity. I also have had those feelings, as well as being very protective and worshipful."

Tears sparkled in Kathryn's eyes as she nodded her understanding and then threw her arms around him in a furious hug. "We make quite the pair."

"We do indeed," Chakotay returned with a low chuckle as he pulled her up. They stood in the moonlight for a moment, wrapped around each other. Finally, gathering their basket, they started down the trail, pausing only to make sure everything was secure with the boat.

As the couple walked arm and arm along the shore back toward the village, Kathryn whispered a verse that gave Chakotay a name for their boat, as well as the answer to his dreams.

"Come my love, walk with me
Here by the edgewater
Alone you shall never be."

 

Haiku verse by Kaede Busche