I wrote this about twenty minutes after I saw "Counterpoint" for the first time. I've always been more of a Janeway fan than a J/C'er in the strictest sense, so I had no predilection to hate Kashyk. In fact I was rather intrigued by him, and this fanfic is the result.

***

Kashyk was silent for a long time after the warships began their journey back to Devore. Eventually he left the command centre. Prax found him in a meditation chamber some hours later, staring out at the Kolyan Kolyar. Kashyk's back was turned and he didn't notice Prax's entrance. Prax was about to quietly leave when Kashyk spoke.

"I was sorry to leave."

Prax nodded. That much had been obvious. "Janeway."

"Kathryn. She was Kathryn." Kashyk turned and gave Prax a bitter smile. "I was tempted to impound Voyager and bring her to Devore as my wife. Mother of the heir to the Imperium."

"I doubt that Imperator Lenan would have apporved of a Gaharay in the breeding line."

"My brother always did lack a sense of humour." Kashyk sighed deeply and turned back to the Kolyan Kolyar. "Funny ... this ... loss hurst almost as much as the deaths of Lantara and Tentran did."

Prax nodded but said nothing; Kashyk had disembowelled the last man who referred to his wife and son, killed in an assassination attempt on his brother, the Imperator. Lenan the Impotent Imperator.

"I thought about defecting and going with her."

Prax was surprised at this admission and filed it away in his mind. Lenan and Kashyk had a sister, and at some futured time she might decide to advance her position. Evidence of possible treachery might one day prove valuable.

"Yes sir." This fascination with a Gaharay woman would not to beneficial to Kashyk. Or Prax, unless he could somehow distance himself from his general.

As if invading Prax's thoughts, Kahsyk suddenly closed up. "Leave me," Kashyk ordered.

"Sir?"

"After Kathryn the Kolyan Kolyar have lost their appeal. I wish to say goodbye in private."

"Aye sir," replied Prax and he left Kashyk to his thoughts.

Private thoughts. Just the way the Devore preferred them.

END

Question, comments, praise, snide remarks, money, adoring worship and chocolate can be sent to: elizabeth_barr@yahoo.com.au

Copyright © 1999 Elizabeth Barr

Star Trek ® is a registered trademark of Paramount Pictures registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Star Trek: Voyager is a trademark of Paramount Pictures.