We, the members of JetC3, humbly (yea right) have come to play with the characters created and owned by Paramount.
"Good morning, Voyager, and welcome to another fine episode of 'A Briefing With Neelix!' On today's show, we will be discussing new recipes in the mess hall, new holodeck recreational activities programmed by holodeck genius, Tom Paris, and the good doctor will give us an enlightening lecture on the effects of leola root on the human body." Neelix's smile faded. "But first, I'd like to make a comment on a current event that has been affecting this ship very greatly. I know that 'A Briefing With Neelix' is supposed to bring joy into your lives, but this is, what I think Ensign Kim would refer to as potatoes and gravy.
"A female crew member was assaulted by seven drunken male crewmembers recently because of a completely ungrounded rumor that she was abusing another male crew member. The female and the male she was allegedly abusing once were good friends, but now they will not speak to one another.
"I believe that as a family, we have to support each other in our times of trouble. We should show our sister and our brother that we support their friendship, and we care about them. We must all show that we do not share the views of seven foolish people. We must all show that we will not succumb to the viciousness of rumors. Voyager crew, if you believe that I am right, then I want you to talk to Kes in the hydroponics bay, and ask her for a yellow rose. Then I want you to take that rose, and hang it next to the door to your quarters. By tomorrow morning, Voyager will be decorated in yellow roses! And if anyone dares to hurt that female crew member again, they will have to deal with me first!
And now, back to the show! Doctor, you're on!"
***
B'Elanna quietly left Chakotay's quarters early that morning to report for duty down in Engineering. *Let him sleep it off,* she thought to herself. *He's gonna have enough of a hangover to deal with as it is.*
In the mess hall, she watched the broadcast of Neelix's show. He always managed to get people to watch it. Usually it meant they could just shovel in his *food* without looking at it. After she ate, B'Elanna made her way down to see Kes to retrieve two yellow roses. The one in full bloom she placed next to the door of her quarters, as Neelix had requested. The bud she snipped and attached to her uniform, just over her commbadge. *Let the bastards see how much I support the captain and Chakotay in this.*
***
Kathryn woke late that morning to the dull pain in her face, glad for once she was off-duty. "What was I thinking?" she groaned. "I'm *not* going to continue to keep these cuts and bruises as some sort of 'badge of courage.' I can't handle it."
Despite the rumbling in her stomach, she wanted to get her face fixed first. She doubted she could eat anything today anyway. The pain in her face would be fixed soon enough, but the pain and anger in her heart would take a bit longer to ease. After a quick shower, she slipped into her uniform, out of habit, and deftly twisted her hair up into the characteristic "Captain's do" that she always wore. Thankfully, she'd had so much experience with it, she could do it without looking in the mirror.
Walking out of her quarters, she noticed a yellow rose lying on the ground before her door. She picked it up, looked at it oddly, then carried it with her to return to Kes. As she walked down the corridor to the turbolift, she saw similar yellow roses next to nearly every crewmember's door. *What the hell?* she thought as she stepped into the lift. As she continued her journey to Sickbay, she noticed more yellow roses next to doors, as well as a number of her crew wearing yellow buds on their uniforms. *Okay, what's going on here? As pretty as it looks, this isn't protocol.*
Entering Sickbay, she turned to Kes immediately, handing her the rose. "Kes, I realize your roses are very special, but would you mind telling me why there are roses all over my ship? Why is everyone wearing them?" Then Kes turned around and she saw the dainty bud attached to the woman's top.
"I take it you haven't seen Neelix's show for today?" came the soft question.
"No. I just got up and wanted my face healed. As I was walking here, I saw yellow roses everywhere."
Kes motioned for Kathryn to sit on the biobed. "Then while I mend your cuts and bruises, I'll have you watch the show. I think you'll understand then." A few short moments passed as Kes healed the evidence of the attack, and Kathryn watched what Neelix had done. "There you go, Captain."
"Thank you, Kes," she said absently, then turned to leave. She stopped, picked up the yellow rose she'd found outside her door, then quickly walked out the door. Quietly, quickly, she made her way through the entire ship, amazed by the number of roses she found. They were on quarters doors, department doors, and on the crew themselves. She noticed that only a few very doors were left bare, mainly those of Dalby and a few of his buddies from the attack. But, she had to admit, a few of those involved in the attack now had roses on their doors. Repentance perhaps?
Finally, she found herself outside Chakotay's door. Fear gripped at her heart. She needed to talk to him, but what if it caused another attack? *Look around you, Kathryn,* she thought to herself. *Too many people care about you and will protect you from another attack like that.* Taking a deep breath, shoring up her courage, she rang the chime.
She heard him answer 'come in' and she stepped through the opening doors.
Chakotay looked up and was stunned to see her there. She was the last person he expected to ring his chime. It must be business.
"Yes Captain. What can I do for you?" he asked in a business like manner.
"I'm not here as Captain, Chakotay. I'm here as Kathryn. I want to apologize for my actions earlier in the holodeck. I acted unfairly. It wasn't your fault and I apologize if I hurt you." As much as she hated very difficult personal moments with staff as a Starfleet Officer and often the bearer of bad news, she was never this nervous usually. She worked very hard to keep her hands from finding each other for comfort and she stood erect waiting for his response.
Her formality had him puzzled. She seemed to be talking to him from her heart, but her stance was that of a young Cadet waiting for a well deserved reprimand. His brows must have been drawn together in his perplexity because he could see a small smile beginning at the corners of her mouth. It was contagious and his own lips began to twist into a laugh. Before anything else was said they both broke into a fit of laughter that was partly to relive the tension and partly because they felt ridiculous.
"All right then...uhmm would you accept an offer of coffee for your...uh...actions?" He asked. His eyes were smiling as much as his lips were.
"Gladly!" she responded with relief. "I'm so sorry for the way I have been treating you." she said as she walked to his sofa and sat down. "I know it's not your fault, I was just...stupid."
"I'm glad you're talking to me again, but considering what happened to you...I understand how you may feel cautious. You can rest assured that, that will NEVER happen again." He handed her the coffee and sat beside her. "I am the one who should be asking for forgiveness. It was my 'dedicated crew' that got out of hand. I can't tell you how awful I feel. If it wasn't for B'Elanna, I certainly would have made things a lot worse by now--she kept me from dismantling them one by one."
Kathryn couldn't help but grin at that picture. It had certainly crossed her mind as well. "I suppose we are both lucky then." She added. "We have to find a better way to deal with this incident than adding more violence. As for punishment, I think there needs to be something more done than just the temporary toss in the Brig. An attack on the Captain is mutinous and is very serious, I'm not going to let the crew think that they can get away with this because it was an act of passion."
She stopped at the look on his face at her choice of words and her cheeks grew warm. She almost stuttered as she attempted to continue her train of thought while dealing with the sudden images that were flooding her own mind. "I was hoping we could work together on this and come up with something appropriate. You know these people better than I do."
Chakotay nodded his head both at the suggestion of working together and of her comments.
***
The seven malefactors stood at attention in Security Chief Tuvok's office. The captain was seated at the desk, leaning back in the chair regarding them coldly. Just behind her and to her left stood Tuvok, straight, silent and intimidating. At her right hand and also slightly behind her was Chakotay. He was a fearful sight to those who deserved his wrath. He stood with his long legs in the traditional parade rest position, but his powerful arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes burned with black fire.
Janeway rose slowly and rounded the desk until she stood before the first offender. He was taller than she by a good bit and outweighed her considerably. She looked up at him forcing him to meet her gaze until his own shame compelled him to look away. She moved down the line, staring down each man who had assaulted her. When the last man had been subjected to her icy scrutiny, she turned and stalked out of the room. She had not said a word. It was not necessary. Her sentiments had been evident. You beat my body. You did-not-beat me.
The seven remained at attention as Tuvok stepped forward.
"You have committed one of the most contemptible acts imaginable. Were the decision mine, you would no longer be on board this ship. You are most fortunate that the captain, the woman you assaulted, is far more compassionate and generous than I.
Any of you who were officers are hereby stripped of rank. When you are not on duty, you will be confined to your quarters. To enforce this, you will be fitted with devices that will track and record all your actions. The doctor will implant them in such a way that they can be neither removed nor tampered with.
You have shown that you cannot be trusted in a group. As a result, you will not work together. You will not socialize with one another. You will be assigned to different shifts in unrelated departments.
The captain has decided that the situation will be reviewed periodically. It will be possible for you to earn the easing of your restrictions, but be forewarned that Commander Chakotay and I will have the responsibility of these reviews. Do not expect clemency for a very, very long time."
Chakotay watched the faces of the men as Tuvok spoke. One or two showed at least some remorse. Most appeared resigned to their fate. Only Dalby remained sullen and defiant.
Chakotay approached him, his anger barely restrained.
"Do you have a problem with any of this, mister." His voice was low, promising retribution of the most painful variety if answered incorrectly.
"No sir." Dalby drawled insolently. "Why would I have a problem with that whore's playmate or her pet Vulcan?"
Chakotay saw red. His lip curled in an enraged snarl and one powerful fist drew back for a vicious punch, but before he could deliver a flash of brown, black and gold streaked past him and Dalby found himself flat on his back blinking stupidly.
Chakotay gaped at the normally unflappable Vulcan whose face was now a mask of indifference.
"You appear to be surprised, Commander." Tuvok stated mildly. "Did something unusual happen?"
Chakotay regarded him with grim satisfaction. "No, not one damn thing." He turned back to the remaining six. "Anybody else see anything?"
Their voices came back as one. "No sir!"
The guards who were posted outside the office were summoned to escort the renegades to sickbay.
"We're obviously going to have to keep an eye on Dalby." Chakotay commented when they were gone. "What the hell did you do to him anyway?"
"It is a time honored method of dispatching an opponent. Perhaps you are familiar with it." Tuvok replied. "I believe it is called a Sucker Punch."
Chakotay regarded Tuvok with combined disbelief and amusement. He extended his hand to the grave Vulcan. Tuvok took it and shook it once before releasing it. They had found common ground in their loyalty to Kathryn Janeway.
***
"Come in." Kathryn called in response to her door chime.
Chakotay entered wearing in casual clothes, a concession to the late hour.
"You look very handsome, Commander." she commented, smiling. "Although if I had been expecting you I'm sure I'd have dressed differently." He returned her smile with one of his own as he came closer, invading her personal space.
*That smile's lethal! He ought to have a license for it or something. But I do love what it does to me!* Kathryn thought.
Chakotay extended one finger, running it across her pink satin clad shoulder. "You look wonderful to me." he said simply, honestly.
She could feel her heart beginning to race as it had always done when he touched her. The familiar wanting was welling up in her yet again. This was the point at which she usually backed away. She found she had no desire to do so even though she had always felt she ought to. She looked into those warm, dark eyes finding her own feelings mirrored there and in that instant, she made her choice.
"Oh the hell with it!" she muttered and her arms went around him as she turned her face upward to offer her mouth for his kiss. He cradled her head in the bend of his arm and wound the other around her slim waist, drawing her body full against his. Her scent filled him as their kisses and caresses escalated, then slowly retreated. He rested his forehead against hers, both of them catching their breath.
Kathryn sighed softly and cuddled closer, nestling against his chest as his fingers traced patterns on the small of her back.
"Chakotay?" she whispered.
"Mmmm?"
"When can we get back to that painting?"
Chakotay pulled slightly back from her to look into her eyes. "Whenever you're ready, Kathryn," he said softly, with a warm, sensuous smile.
"Now?" She whispered again.
"Now would be good." His voice had also dropped to a whisper.
She watched her hand as it moved to his waist and then proceeded to slide slowly up his chest to the fastening of his shirt. She smiled a secret little smile before she raised her eyes to meet his. "Let me help you prepare."
She was adorable with that streak of paint on her cheek and that old shirt she put on over the pink satin nightgown she'd been wearing when he arrived. She hadn't bothered to change in her eagerness to get back to the painting and that was fine with him. The shirt wasn't buttoned and her movements gave him enticing glimpses of pale pink satin and soft ivory skin.
It was a little chilly in the room, but Kathryn was too busy to notice. Besides, he was enjoying the effect the cool air was having on her body while protecting him from embarrassing himself.
Kathryn frowned and scratched her nose with the end of her brush, leaving another little streak of blue in its wake. Chakotay couldn't help smiling. She glanced over at him and back at the canvas.
"Almost finished. I just need to figure..." She made a few more small strokes. "Yes! There. I think it's done."
He reached for the robe he'd left on the near by chair. Shrugging in to it he asked, "Well, do I get to see now?"
Suddenly shy, she blushed but nodded and he came across the room to join her in front of the painting. "Oh. Kathryn!" he whispered, unconsciously sliding an arm around her.
It was a barren hillside in a storm. One gnarled tree in the background reached twisted black branches skyward. In the foreground stood a man, naked, his body silvered by the lightning flash. Himself. Naked, legs braced apart, back arched, arms upraised, fists clenched, head thrown back, hair whipping in the wind; the angry warrior, raging against the elements.
He stood beside her in stunned silence.
"Do you like it?", she asked softly.
"That's exactly how I felt. Before Voyager." He paused. "Before you...the last few days, too."
"But that's over now., "she said, allowing him to pull her fully into his arms.
"You have paint on your face.", he said smiling and tenderly removed it with the cloth she kept beside her palette.
"We won't let them win.", she continued.
"No, we won't", he agreed. He drew her closer. She looked up at him leaving their faces only inches apart. "I love you, Kathryn."
Her breath was warm against his skin as she whispered, "And I love you, Chakotay. My angry warrior."
"Not angry. Not any more."
He took her mouth as if he were taking her body, cradling her close, thrusting gently, loving her with everything that he was.
***
Tuvok looked around the room. "Seal the room ensign," he said to the woman standing behind him. "Tuvok to sick-bay. Doctor, please report to Crewman Dalby's room." He glanced at the body slumped over the desk. "Recording. Security Officer's log stardate 52103.4. At 2340 hours Crewman Dalby was found dead in his quarters by Ensign Jenny Delaney. He was late for his duty shift, and did not respond to a hail. I arrived on the scene five minutes later with Ensign Jelard. We've sealed the room, contacted the Captain, Commander, and the Doctor..."
"Lieutenant, what's..." Janeway looked in the room. "Hell. What happened?" She asked. Chakotay stood right behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders.
"It looks like suicide, Captain." Tuvok raised his eyebrow, his only acknowledgement of the contact between the two, though he did notice the light vermillion spot on her cheek. "Doctor." They all stepped aside to allow the holographic Doctor to pass.
He quietly looked at the body, running his tricorder over it. "Death was caused by a phaser, straight at his chest. Close range, weapon still in the victim's hands. No signs of any other person in the quarters for the past six hours. Death occurred between 2200 and 2300 hours." The EMH looked up. "I'm finished. I'll perform the autopsy in sick-bay. With the preliminary information, I'd list the cause as suicide, but I'll know more after the autopsy." He stepped back and Tuvok stepped forward.
The Vulcan gently removed the phaser from Dalby's hand. "Recording, security officer's log continued. The phaser used shows no sign of having been handled by anyone but the victim. There are no signs of a struggle..."
Kathryn leaned back against her first officer. "I...Oh gods, Chakotay..."
He didn't respond, but his arms wrapped around her, as they stood there watching their security officer conduct his investigation.
*Suicide?* Kathryn's mind screamed at her. *Suicide?* She pushed herself forward off of Chakotay aware that they were not alone and turned to look at him. His face was white and tight around his mouth.
"Chakotay? Do you have any explanation for this? I mean, he wouldn't put a phaser to his chest because of reprimand would he?" She looked as though she was just asking an ordinary question about an ordinary event, but her voice betrayed the horror she felt.
"No. Not normally. I mean, he was a hot head, but that's what kept him going. His anger was sometimes his strength. I was trying to help him channel it more effectively, but this...this doesn't make any sense at all." His head was shaking back and forth the entire time he spoke as if he was trying to clear the vision away before his eyes because it didn't make any sense.
"Doctor," Kathryn said turning to the physician who was just about to head back to sickbay where he could continue. "I want your autopsy to look for things that you wouldn't normally look for. I understand that it looks like a suicide, but I want to be absolutely sure."
It wasn't just looking for a murderer if there was one, it was the cold terror that stuck in her throat that if it was a suicide, there may be others who held her responsible for it. She had to know what she was up against. As her eyes swept passed Chakotay, she could see the same thoughts reflected in his gaze.
"Chakotay, I need you and B'Elanna in my ready room in 20 minutes." He nodded and put his hand on her arm before she could leave.
"I'm putting security detail on you immediately." He said with conviction. She was about to protest when his grip tightened on her. "Understood?" She glanced furtively at the others in the room and decided that she would let him have his way for now until they could discuss this further.
She strode briskly to her quarters to change. *What is going on, on my ship?* she yelled quietly to herself. *First I get mugged by my own crew because they think I'm holding their former Captain as a sex slave (I only wish), then I accept the fact that I think I love him, and then I reprimand the aggressors--one of whom decides to go and kill himself.*
"I have to get this under control before I have a real mutiny on my hands."
"Yes Ma'am." He'd agreed to the autopsy, what else could he do. He already knew what it would turn up. Dalby had been murdered.
*First do no harm.* The Hippocratic oath. Of course doctors weren't held to it anymore. It was a formality more than anything, else, and there were, after all so many shades of grey.
He took blood samples, he already knew what they'd show. Dalby had been injected with massive doses of sedatives before he had been murdered--enough sedative for a holographic doctor to shoot him at close range with a phaser and then position it in his body to make it look like a suicide. A holographic doctor, who had no fingerprints, and no other means of leaving a trace either.
Before his programming evolved of course, he never would have done it. He wasn't programmed to think like that. Holograms don't murder. It wasn't murder he told himself. It was perfectly justifiable punishment for a mutiny, and Dalby was merely first. He smiled once more when he realized how happy he was, that B'Elanna hadn't quite been able to undo the changes to his program. Otherwise, how would he have been able to see to it that the attack on the captain was avenged.
He raised his laser scalpel over Dalby's lifeless body. He had to make it look like he had been thorough, carefully he opened up the chest cavity, then sealed it again.
He made a few notes on his PADD. Lies, he realized, but for the best of reasons, crew moral was at stake.
He tapped his comm badge. "Doctor to Captain Janeway."
"Janeway here."
"Captain I have concluded my autopsy."
"Already," she was impressed. The doctor was nothing if not thorough.
"Yes. I have determined that the crewman died of heart failure brought on by a self-inflicted phaser shot to the chest. I'm uploading the data to your terminal now.
"Thank you Doctor."
***
Chakotay regarded a fidgeting Kathryn across the ready room table. She'd been like this since the doctor's autopsy report confirmed Dalby's suicide a couple of days ago. She needed to relax!
"Kathryn?"
"Mmm."
Bad mood. He was going to have to be careful. She hated being coddled.
"I was just thinking about how much we enjoyed the time we spent on that painting you did of me."
She smiled a little at that. "It was fun, wasn't it?"
"Especially the time Harry walked in on us," he laughed.
"I'll never forget the look on his face when he saw you standing there in your shorts. For a second I thought he'd swallowed his tongue," she replied. Good. She had a little if that sparkle back now.
"I didn't know it was possible for a human to turn quite that shade of purple," he commented and she laughed aloud at that. "We ought to it again."
"Do what, embarrass Harry half to death?" Progress. That was a giggle if he ever heard one. All right, time to go for broke.
"No," he said, "another painting. I'll do you this time."
Kathryn leaned back in her chair, frowning in confusion.
"But I thought you only did sand paintings on the holodeck."
"I usually do, but I can get the sand from the replicator and work on a tray," he replied. "A fixative ought to keep it from shifting between sittings."
"You're serious, aren't you!", she exclaimed.
"Sure," he said, walking across the room to perch on the edge of her desk on one hip. "I'd like to try something more complex than traditional symbols."
Kathryn regarded him quietly for a moment, mulling the idea over. He could almost see her thoughts. Finally she spoke.
"Do I get to keep my clothes on?"
Chakotay only smiled.
***
"Lieutenant Torres?"
B'Elanna looked up at the slight figure in her office doorway. It was Fiona Martin from stellar cartography. B'Elanna didn't know her well, but the young blonde woman seemed upset.
"Can I do something for you?", B'Elanna asked. "Come sit down."
She watched as Fiona lowered herself carefully into the chair opposite the lieutenant's desk. She was so pale!
"Would you like me to call the doctor? You loo..."
"NO!"
B'Elanna jumped at the loud exclamation.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I came because of the doctor."
"Maybe if you start at the beginning..." B'Elanna suggested, stifling the impatience she felt. The poor kid was rattled enough.
"A little while ago I broke a glass in my quarters and did a pretty good job of cutting my hand while I was cleaning it up. I went to sickbay to have Kes heal it for me, but she wasn't there. The doctor cleaned it and went to get the regenerator. When he came back he was acting...strange." The ensign drew in a shaky breath and continued. "He started telling me that the same instrument used to heal could also destroy if you knew how to make it. The next second he was all business again. He fixed my hand and gave me the usual instructions. You know, don't do too much with that hand and it might be sore for awhile, that sort of thing. I was about to get down from the table when he leaned over and put a hand down on either side of me so I couldn't go. He started telling me how pretty I was and that I really ought to stay awhile. When I said I needed to go on duty soon he got really scary. He said he could arrange it so I wouldn't have to leave in this creepy voice like in those old horror videos. That's when I told the computer to delete him. I came straight to you. I didn't know who else could fix him."
"Sure sounds like he needs some work." B'Elanna agreed. "Do you really have to be on duty soon?"
"No. I was only trying to leave without being rude."
"OK. Why don't we call the captain. I think she's going to want to hear this. I'll have someone start looking for the problem."
***
In Chakotay's quarters, Kathryn was just about to drop her robe over a chair.
"You're sure you won't let anyone see this thing?", she asked slightly nervously.
"I promise,", he smiled, "unless Harry puts in another unscheduled appearance."
She gave him a mock glare just as her communicator chirped.
"Torres to Captain Janeway!", came the disembodied voice.
"Saved by the B'Elanna!", Kathryn quipped and Chakotay groaned. "Janeway here."
"We're having problems with the EMH. He nearly attacked Fiona Martin when she went to have a cut healed."
"Are you in engineering, B'Elanna?"
"Yes, Captain."
"Chakotay and I will be right there. Have Harry come down too. Janeway out."
Kathryn quickly threw her uniform on, but didn't bother with her hair. She and Chakotay made their way to Engineering and stepped into B'Elanna's office to see the still-shaky Fiona Martin being comforted by the Chief Engineer. Harry came in a moment later, closing the door at the look on B'Elanna's face.
"Fiona, why don't you tell the captain and Chakotay what happened?" B'Elanna said softly, a hand on the woman's shoulder.
Slowly, hesitantly, and amid sobs and tears, the young woman told her story for the second time in twenty minutes. By the time she had finished, Harry was already calling up the EMH subroutines program. Kathryn took the young woman in her arms, letting her cry, so that B'Elanna could work with Harry in determining a cause for this situation.
"Come on, Fiona, why don't we go to your quarters and get you settled down a little?" she said gently. When the younger woman nodded, she turned to Chakotay. "Chakotay, I want you to stay here and work with Harry and B'Elanna. Get this thing figured out, and let me know as soon as you know anything. And then, shut off the program and have Kes perform another autopsy on Dalby's body. I suddenly don't trust the Doctor's report."
Chakotay nodded, calling for Kes as Kathryn led Fiona out of the office. ~~nearly two hours later~~
"Torres to Janeway."
"Go ahead, B'Elanna," Kathryn replied, glancing over at the peacefully sleeping Fiona.
"We solved the problem with the Doctor's erratic behavior. It seems I didn't fully eradicate the subroutines that comprised his evil alter-ego."
"And have you eradicated it now?"
"Completely. Harry and I shut down the EMH program and nearly had to reboot it from square one of his creation. Basically, he's lost some of his memory subroutines, but he'll be back to normal now." A brief pause. "How's Fiona?"
"Sleeping peacefully. I gave her an inducement that should let her sleep through the next six hours or so. I'm going to head back to my quarters now. Let me know if anything new develops."
"Will do, Captain. Torres out."
Kathryn sighed. She started to speak, but was cut off.
"Kes to Janeway."
"Yes, Kes? Have you begun your autopsy yet?"
"Yes, I have, and I'm basically done with it now. Where would you like to meet to discuss my findings?"
"Meet me in my Ready Room."
"Yes, Captain. I'm on my way."
"Janeway to Chakotay, Torres, and Kim. Please meet me in my Ready Room immediately. Kes has finished her autopsy. Janeway out." Leaving a quick note for Fiona to contact her if she needed anything, Kathryn quickly made her way to the Bridge. Walking down the ramp, she was met by the four officers. She ushered them in and motioned for them to make themselves comfortable before turning to Kes. "What did you find, Kes?"
"I looked over the Doctor's official report first, to see what he'd found. My first indication of something gone awry was the fact that only superficial incisions were made."
"Meaning?" Chakotay asked.
"Meaning he never performed a full autopsy. Basically the report the Doctor filed was bogus."
"So Dalby's death wasn't a suicide, but *murder*?" Kathryn said softly, going pale.
Kes nodded. "His system was filled with sedative-like drugs, which would enable the killer to fire on him at point-blank range without detection."
"But Tuvok found no signs of entry or exit, other than those of Dalby himself. How could someone have gotten in to kill him without a trace?" Harry asked.
"Or without leaving any fingerprints?" B'Elanna asked, then paled. "Kahless! Doc killed Dalby!"
"We can't be sure of that, B'Elanna," Kathryn replied, turning just as pale.
"Who else would be able to get in and out without a trace, Captain?" B'Elanna asked, standing. She began to pace as the theory formulated in her mind. "He knew the extent of your injuries, knew who was responsible for the attack, and had access to any medical supplies he needed to do the job. It's a perfect plan, and had he not treated Fiona the way he had, he'd have gotten away with it."
Kathryn was silent for a long moment, taking in all this information. It made a lot of sense actually. Finally she spoke, her voice shaking a bit. "As of now, the EMH program is permanently disabled until B'Elanna can be 100% positive that alter-ego's subroutines are inexorably eradicated. Until such time, Kes, you are the acting CMO. Tom Paris can help you if you get overwhelmed in Sickbay. And I want you to check in on Fiona Martin, make sure she's okay. Harry, I want you to help B'Elanna with this eradication project. And none of you say a word of what has happened until I say so. If anyone asks, the EMH was shut down temporarily for system upgrades. Is that understood?" Everyone nodded. "Good. Thank you for your dedication thus far. Dismissed."
She turned around, her back to them as they left. She heard the door hiss shut and, believing she was alone, let the tears begin to fall. Her shoulders shook with the intensity of her emotions. Suddenly strong arms pulled her into an equally strong chest. She struggled at first, unsure of who it was. "Shhh, it's okay, Kathryn, I've got you." Chakotay. He would protect her from these demons. And so she let herself release all the pent-up fears and tensions of the past two hours.
"When will it end, Chakotay?" she sobbed against his broad chest. "Will this ever be over?" She eased back slightly so she could look up into his eyes, seeing the tumult of emotions he himself was dealing with.
"I don't know, Kathryn," he whispered, as he eased her head slowly back against his chest., stroking her hair in a soothing motion. "I honestly don't know."
They stood there together for a long time, long after Kathryn's tears had dried. She felt safe, protected, loved. She was only human after all, and as much as she hated admitting it, she could not survive indefinitely without the companionship, warmth and love that went with a relationship with another human being. Not just another human being. Chakotay. Her First Officer. Her friend. Her loyal supporter. Her love.
*I love this man so much,* she thought. *He's given me so much of himself, freely, without asking anything in return. He's given me strength when I've needed it, to make the important decisions. He's backed me without question when the need arose. He's tried to be my friend and I know he'd like to be my lover. Maybe it's time.*
*I love this woman so much,* he allowed himself the luxury of acknowledging. *She's so courageous and strong. She doesn't balk at the tough decisions. I respect her authority as my superior officer but as a friend she is my equal. She needs me right now. I think she's finally admitted that she does need someone. I only hope I'm capable of giving her what she needs. Friendship, love, my soul. They're all hers for the asking. Does she know that? Maybe I should tell her.*
But still she stood there unmoving. She didn't want to break the contact, to loose the precious moment. His heart beat strongly within his chest, reminding her that he was a living breathing, human being. A person with needs and wants, the same as her own. A person who was struggling with the day to day life in an unknown part of space the same as she was. Another person who was alone, cut off from everything he had known and loved. But unlike herself, a person who had moved forward. A person ready to embrace a new life, but held back from it. Waiting. Waiting for her. She smiled, feeling suddenly happy. The past couldn't be changed, but the future sure as hell could. Suddenly the future looked very enticing indeed. Suddenly she felt as if she could face whatever it threw at her. Suddenly she knew she never had to face it or anything alone again. The answer lay in her taking one small step and she knew it was the correct one. The only one. It was time. Time to stop prevaricating and jump in heart and all. Time to give them both what had been inevitable since the day they had met. Time to surrender.
But still he stood there unmoving. He didn't want to break the moment, to loose this contact with her that was so rare. She felt so good in his arms. So right. A perfect fit, as if she belonged there. He'd waited all his life to find her. The woman who would mean more to him than life itself. And this was she. This fiercely protective, determined woman. He knew he would follow her to the ends of the universe if circumstances demanded it, willingly, without question. He had lost his family when he had been pulled into this strange, uncharted and dangerous quadrant, but he had found something better. His soulmate. The one who made him feel complete. And he vowed to himself that he would always be there for her, under any circumstances, no matter what the situation. She need never be alone, ever, except by her own choice. It was time to tell her. Time to take that step and let her know everything that was in his heart. Time for her to hear and decide where to go with the knowledge.
Pulling back at the same moment, they spoke simultaneously.
"Chakotay."
"Kathryn."
Surprise evident, they stopped and stared at each other. Then they smiled.
"You first," Chakotay said, gesturing with his hand. "What were you going to say?"
Kathryn smiled a beautiful smile in his direction, and his breath caught in his throat.
"Nothing important." She paused and moved back towards him. "Just this." She reached her two arms up and placed them on either side of his face. Then she brought his face gently down towards hers and touched his lips briefly with her own. Looking up into his eyes with all her wealth of emotion clearly on display, she whispered, "I love you, Chakotay. I'm yours, will you be mine?"
Chakotay didn't move a muscle, but the change to his eyes was so incredibly dramatic, that for a moment she almost forgot to breathe. To say they came alive would not do the situation justice. They danced with life, embracing it, exulting in it, sparkling with such an abundance of shimmering brilliance that Kathryn knew she would never forget that moment or look, as long as she lived.
Then, as if suddenly becoming aware that they had a purpose as well, his arms came up to surround her again, and she found herself abruptly crushed against his chest, in an embrace that threatened to do severe damage to her ribs. But it was only for an instant, before he relaxed his grip and she heard his impassioned response.
"Forever," he whispered. "And even longer."
***
Morning brought a sense of peace to Kathryn Janeway as she looked at the man sleeping beside her. She smiled at the sound of his soft snoring. It was a comforting sound, even if it did keep her up. No, that wasn't what had kept her up. She laughed quietly as she remembered last night.
She remembered the smiles on the bridge crew as they had left her ready-room together. And Tom had had the gaul to wink at them. She laughed quietly then looked at Chakotay as she ran her eyes down his shoulder, to the blanket, then beyond remembering how he felt and looked from last night.
There had been no words necessary when they'd entered her quarters. Before the doors had even shut they were in each other's embrace. Hands roaming over each other. Then desire took control. She flushed as she remebered their impatience as they had stood by her bed removing the last of their clothing.
The intensity of the feelings she was remembering brought a tightening in her stomach and renewal of her desire for him.
She leaned over and kissed his neck, smiling as he stirred. Then very deliberately started placing small butterfly kisses on his neck, his chest, his chin...
"Do you realize the consequences of what you are doing?" He asked with a quiet laugh.
She raised her head and kissed his lips. He wrapped his arms around her and rolled her under him. The kiss deepened as she felt the proof of his desire push against her belly.
*Chirrip.*
The sound of the communicator started both laughing. Reality returned as Kathryn reached for the nearest one.
"Janeway here."
"Captain," B'Elanna paused. "Am I disturbing something?"
"You managed," Chakotay grumbled. Kathryn shook her head.
"Sorry," the young engineer said. She smiled and looked around the empty sick-bay. She was happy for both of them. It was about time. Despite everything that had happened. "I've finished debugging the Doctor's program. I think I found all the irregular programming. But I can't guarantee it. Harry and I are working on safety program. We want it to be undectable to the Doc, so he can't deactivate it. We can analyze behavior and movements as needed."
"Keep me informed," Kathryn responded, before putting the communicator back on the nightstand.
She sat up, the peace replaced by the worries. "How do we tell the crew about the Doctor? Will we ever be able to trust him again???"
Chakotay brushed her hair back from her face. "Is there any way I could convince you not to think about that right now?"
Kathryn settled on one elbow and mischievously ran her other hand under the sheets, across his lower abdomen. "Hmmmm..." she arched an eyebrow.
"You're smiling! It's good to see you happy. You've been so serious lately."
"Have I?" She rested her hand on his chest and leaned over him. "More so than usual?"
"Yes." He pulled her to him for a kiss. "At least more so in the past year. Since we took 'Voyager' back from the Kazon you've had this determined 'come hell or high water' look about you." He ran his hand up and down her back. "Except when you were painting."
"I don't look determined when I'm painting?"
"You still look determined." He smiled. His hand rested on her bottom. "You *always* look determined, but when you're painting--it's a ... 'happy' determined."
"I find painting very relaxing." She pulled away from him a little and lay on her back. "You know what I was thinking?"
"Tell me." He rolled to face her, on his elbow now leaning over her.
"I was thinking how wonderful it would be to study with one of the great masters."
"Michelangelo?" He kissed her. "Renoir?"
"da Vinci! The man who married science to art!"
"Is this going to involve more time travel, because I think I've had enough time travel for..."
"No, no--" She sat up. "I could create a holodeck program."
"Kathryn, that's a wonderful idea!"
"There should be volumes of information in the historical database." She rolled out of the bed and to her feet. "It shouldn't take me too long to write the personality algorithms."
"Now?" Chakotay laid back on the bed, a little uncomfortable.
"Oh, I suppose this is not the best time is it? I should probably go talk to B'Elanna," with that her smile was gone.
"No!" He was on his feet now. "*I'll* help B'Elanna. *You* go get started on your holodeck program."
"I should do that later..."
He gently took her shoulders in his hands. "I insist, Kathryn." He squeezed her shoulders, "Now go," then ran his eyes up and down her naked body. "Well, get dressed first--then go!"
"Thank you, Chakotay." She disappeared into the bathroom.
Her comm badge, still on the night stand beeped. "Torres to the Captain."
Chakotay picked up the comm badge. "B'Elanna--this is Chakotay. Is there another problem with the doctor?"
"I'm going to have to put that project on hold for a while. Harry tells me that we're having communications difficulties with on of our long range probes. I thought the Captain..."
"The Captain is off duty right now, B'Elanna. I'll meet you at ops and we can take a look at it. Chakotay out."
Kathryn emerged from the bathroom, "What was that?"
"Nothing, really. Problems with a long range probe. I can fill you in later."
"You'll fill me in as soon as you know something," she chided gently.
"Aye, Captain," he kissed her on the forehead. "Enjoy your holo-program." She looked so happy. He made a silent promise to himself to allow nothing, short of a Borg attack, interrupt her day.
Really!
We humbly return the characters to Paramount and hope they don't blow it too much.