TITLE: A Walk on the Dark Side
AUTHOR: Darksusie – July 04
SERIES: Voyager
PAIRING: C/P (J/P, J/C)
RATING:	NC-17
SUMMARY: Now that Chakotay has been made Voyager's First
Officer, some of the crew think he's sold out, in
particularly a certain Tom Paris.
FEEDBACK: Any comments or constructive criticism most
welcome at Darksusie@yahoo.co.uk
DISCLAIMER: Voyager and her crew are the property of
Paramount. 
===============================================



The events of the last few months were still like a dream to
Tom, a bad dream.  To be thrown over 70,000 light years away
from home was hard enough to comprehend but the fact that
the renegade Maquis captain was now his commanding officer,
was as equally incomprehensible.  Even during Tom's short
stint as a Maquis, he and Chakotay had clashed.  They had no
common ground and Chakotay had never disguised his dislike
of the Starfleet brat. 

When the Captain had called Tom into her office and said she
was making him Voyager's chief helmsman Tom had been
stunned.  After the Maquis he had never expected to fly
again. His reputation and his life in ruins, to be asked to
join Voyager had been more than he could have hoped for.  To
be given the chance to fly, Tom had been elated.  The
feeling hadn't lasted.  Janeway had moved over and sat next
to him on her couch. He had become increasingly
uncomfortable under her lingering appraisal of him.

"You know Tom, unless we find a short cut home, we are going
to be out here a hell of a long time.  The crew are going to
have to look to each other for support and comfort."  Her
voice had been quiet but commanding.

Tom had looked down to where the captain's hand rested. 
When she had placed her hand on his thigh, it had left no
doubt in Tom's mind what comfort she was referring to. 

"I hope I can count on you to supply that support and
comfort?"  Janeway had squeezed Tom's leg affectionately,
seductively.   "A crewman could be rewarded if he played his
cards right."

Tom hadn't known how to react.  Janeway had seemed the type
to act by the book.  Her actions had gone against numerous
regulations but she was the boss.  In the Delta Quadrant,
her word was law.  There had been no one to lodge a
complaint with.  Chakotay would have laughed in his face,
Tuvok wouldn't have taken his word against the captain's. 
He had been on his own, again.  His eyes had travelled up
from the hand on his thigh and met with the captain's
glance. He found the captain reasonably attractive, and he'd
slept with people for less, a lot less, but Tom had hoped
that this would be a new beginning, a new start without all
the old baggage.

"Captain, I find you attractive but I'm not sure if…"

"Tom, how much do you want to be Lieutenant?  Are you
prepared to work with me, to our mutual satisfaction?" 
There had been no seductive smile, just an assured look that
said she had him by the balls.

The captain's hand had tightened even further on his leg. 
"It's your choice Tom, if you decline I shall be having this
same conversation with Ensign Kim."

Tom had taken deep breaths, trying to steady his mind.  He
couldn’t let Harry be ensnared by the captain.  Harry was
too upstanding, too loyal and Tom knew the ensign wouldn’t
be able to live with himself if he sold his integrity just
to please the captain.  On the other hand Tom didn't have
the same level of integrity.  Then a thought had occurred to
him.

"Nobody would allow you to make Harry a Lieutenant, he's wet
behind the ears.  Everyone would protest at you giving a
barely out of the academy ensign, such a quick promotion." 

Tom hadn't wanted to be her plaything but equally he hadn't
wanted Harry to be put in that position either.  But he knew
that Harry would do anything to please the captain,
including reluctantly becoming involved in this sordid
proposition.

"Mr Paris, I'm the captain of a ship over 70,000 light years
from regulations.  I can and will make whoever I want a
Lieutenant.  The question is do you want the post?"

Tom wasn't a fool.  He had seen the futility of the
situation.  At least if he accepted he would spare Harry the
humiliation of being the captain's whore.  He'd taken a deep
breath and nodded.

"Yes, captain, I would like to be a Lieutenant."

Tom had swallowed down the disgust, as her hand crept up and
rubbed over his groin.  Despite himself he had begun to get
hard.  One thing Tom could do was pretend, he'd been doing
it all his life.  She had leant over and kissed him, taking
charge even over this small gensture.  Janeway had moaned
and had then broken away. 

"Good.  As for our little collaboration, I'll see you
tonight in my quarters, at 2200 hours."

Tom remembered feeling bad, but not as bad as when the
captain told him that Chakotay would be his commanding
officer.  To say he had been shocked was an understatement. 
No one would have guessed the captain would take on the
Maquis as crew or that she would give the second most
important position on Voyager to the leader of them.

But since that momentous day the First Officer had not put a
foot out of place.  Tom and Chakotay had clashed a few times
but it had been dealt with professionally and with the
minimum of fuss.  Apart from shift Tom hardly ever saw the
Commander.  Tom had noticed that Chakotay had never been to
Sandrine's and very rarely sat with anybody in the mess
hall.  The only person he spent time with off duty was the
captain and Tom was relieved at that.

Since Janeway had promoted Tom, he had been at her beck and
call.  But just lately she had been spending more and more
time with the Commander.  The deal hadn't been as bad as Tom
had expected.  Janeway was a good lover, a bit on the
selfish side but none the less Tom was having a good time. 
Being Lieutenant gave him quite a few perks, bigger
quarters, more say in decisions, more opportunities to get a
reaction out of the Commander and Tom relished that the
most.  The one way to get to Tom was to ignore him and the
First Officer did this with regularity.  Every time they
clashed it was because Tom was trying his best to get a
reaction out of the unemotional man.  When he did finally
get a response it was always negative.  But that didn't
matter to Tom, a reaction good or bad, was attention he so
badly craved from the Commander.

Kathryn had been surprised and pleased at how quickly the
ex-Maquis crew had settled in.  Choosing Chakotay, though
not a popular choice with the Voyager crew, had worked out
well, very well indeed.  He was supportive, surprisingly
conforming and kept the Maquis in their place.  He was also
charming and good company. Kathryn had begun to look forward
to their weekly meetings at dinner.  Over the last few weeks
she had worn her hair loose, her casual clothes flattering
her slim body.  At every opportunity she made sure her hand
squeezed his shoulder, gripped his arm or she brushed her
body against his.  How his eyes on her body could arouse
her.  She was taking it slow but she could feel him
succumbing to her womanly wiles.  He was under her command
on the bridge, it was only a matter of time before he was
under her command in the bedroom as well. She enjoyed Tom
but she had come to realise that he was just a substitute. 
What she needed was a real man in her bed. She would get a
thrill out of making the Maquis warrior do her bidding.

B'Elanna sat with Ayala in the mess hall, watching their
erstwhile captain sitting with their present captain.

"Greg I just thought Chakotay would have put up a little
resistance.  I'm disappointed that he's jumping to her every
tune. You know she wants him, sexually I mean.  She
practically purrs when he's near. He may as roll over and
play dead because the Chakotay I knew and loved is well and
truly gone."

Ayala shook his head, sad at how things had turned out.  "I
don’t like to think about it.  It’s all right for you down
in engineering but I have to watch it nearly every day on
the bridge.  When he disagrees with her, it's only a token
gesture.  She pulls his leash and he comes to heel.  I tried
to call him on it but he just walked away.  He's a different
man and this one's not worthy to kiss the chief's boots."

Tom Paris and Harry Kim walked into Sandrine's ready for a
drink and some relaxation.  Even though the two crews worked
well together most of the time, when it came to socialising
they just didn’t mesh.  The Maquis sat on the right hand
side of the room, Fleet on the left hand side.  It was an
unwritten rule.  From the start the Maquis made it plain,
Tom's place was on the left.

That morning he'd disobeyed a direct order from the First
Officer when an alien ship had attacked them.  He'd done
some fancy flying and Chakotay had ordered him to back off. 
Tom had instinctively done an unorthodox manoeuvre but this
had caused a conflict to the Commander's orders. The end
result showed that Tom's action had been the right thing to
do but the pilot had expected the reprimand anyway.  The
Commander had stood up and indicated to Tom to join him in
the office but the captain had intervened.

"Go easy on him Commander, things turned out for the best." 
Janeway had smiled vaguely at Chakotay, as she concentrated
on planning what she would be wearing for their meeting that
night.

In the end Chakotay had distractedly reprimanded Tom and
then dismissed him.  Now as Tom stood with his back to the
room he started telling Harry about his time in Chakotay's
office.

"I expected more from the Commander.  You know he's got a
reputation for being a hard taskmaster and kicking butt. 
But now the captain has him under her thumb he's a total
pussycat.  I thought I'd get a harder time from him."  As
the pilot gave a derisory laugh, he felt hot breath on his
ear.

"You want a hard time Lieutenant?  You think I'm a pussycat? 
You think you know me, Mr Paris?  If I were you, I'd put
some thought into those questions because you may not like
the answers."

As Tom sensed the Commander moving away, he felt his
breathing returning to normal and then a tremor ran through
him.

"Whew that was close." Harry also let out a breath.

"He was just acting the tough guy.  He can’t stand up to
Janeway so he throws his weight around with us lesser
mortals."

"Oh no Tom, your back was to him.  You didn’t see his eyes."
A shudder travelled through Harry's body.

"What do you mean, Harry?"

"Let's just say I don’t have any trouble believing that when
he was in the Maquis he killed people with his own hands."

"Harry, that was the Maquis.  He's Janeway's lapdog now,
don’t worry she's well and truly neutered him."

"Let's hope you’re right Tom because the way he was looking
at you he's going to take you apart at the first
opportunity."

Tom turned around and saw that the Commander had sat with
Greg and B'Elanna at one of the tables. 

"You are reading too much into it Harry.  Look, at last he's
loosening up, that's the first time I've seen him in here. 
Relax, Janeway's lapdog is firmly in his place.  Pity really
because he was quite the man in the Maquis."  Tom's eyes lit
up at the memory.

"You're kidding me, Tom.  You were attracted to the
Commander?" Harry stared at his friend in amazement.

"He was different in the Maquis.  He didn’t like me but I
sure liked him.  When he shouted out an order everyone
jumped.  Not because they were afraid but out of respect for
him.  They were queuing up to spend quality time with him,
if you know what I mean.  He had the pick of the crew.  Of
course he didn’t pick me, he barely acknowledged me.  His
whole presence filled the bridge. All the crew on the Crazy
Horse would have laid their lives on the line for him. There
was always this dangerous edge to him, a dark side that no
one could fathom.  But when he praised you or smiled at you,
you’d have done anything he asked. When I heard his crew
were joining Voyager I hoped maybe things would be different
between us.  How wrong could I be?  He doesn’t want me but I
don’t want him either, now.  I wanted the tiger Harry, now
all that's left of the Maquis captain is a lap dog for
Janeway."

They both fell silent as Chakotay made his way over to the
bar.

"Good night Harry.  Goodnight Paris.  Hope you both sleep
well."

Tom and Harry watched as the Commander exited the holodeck.

"What did he mean by that?" Harry asked, not really wanting
to know the answer.

Tom shuddered, he was hoping, and he didn’t know why, that
Chakotay was at last showing his darker side.

Part 2

During the Seska fiasco, when traitors and Kazon took over
the crew's lives, the Commander and Tom's relationship
deteriorated further.  After Seska's death, Tom heard
comment more than once that Chakotay had retreated into
himself, that he was even more a shadow of his former self. 
Though Tom was a little concerned, it was none of his
business so he just shrugged it off.

But now those concerns came back.  Tom and Chakotay were in
a shuttle, on their way to a nearby friendly planet. 
Primarily to buy some goods and equipment at the local
markets but Neelix had informed them of an underground
group.  A group who could get them some much needed mineral
deposits that could be adapted to run some of Voyager's
systems.  It had taken some persuasion on both Chakotay and
Tuvok's part to even get Janeway to consider meeting with
the operatives.  The Prime Directive was clear in such cases
as this but as both senior officers pointed out sometimes
regulations had to be adapted to changing circumstances.  It
seemed to the First Officer that the Prime Directive was
only quoted when it suited Janeway and when it didn’t it was
conveniently forgotten.

Tom had protested to Kathryn about the away mission but she
had not budged on her decision, even after insisting Tom
make love to her for the third time. As they flew towards
the small, green and abundant planet, the atmosphere in the
shuttle was tense. The Commander was uncommunicative and
when he did talk, surly. The pleasant, placid pussycat of
the bridge was gone and in its place was the dark tiger with
a dangerous edge, from the Crazy Horse.  The words that
Harry had spoken a few weeks before about Chakotay killing
with his bare hands came back to Tom.  This was going to be
a two-day mission and Tom didn't know how he was going to
get through the next few days without either drugs or drink. 
The tension was affecting him, more than he would care to
admit. 

Tom landed the shuttle in the allocated space and then they
made their way towards the lodgings that had been designated
to them.  The pilot was pleasantly surprised when he looked
around.  Everywhere was neat and tidy, civilised and clean. 
Everyone they met was cheerful, calling greetings or waving. 
Chakotay was friendly to all the natives but didn't speak a
word to his companion and Tom was too nervous to say
anything.  He knew if he spoke up he would just put his foot
in it.

Tom stood to one side as the Commander thumb printed the
lodging's register.  They entered the elevator still not
talking and then Chakotay stopped abruptly outside a room.

"Right Commander, which room is mine?" Tom tried to plaster
a friendly smile on his face.

"This is it."  Chakotay unlocked the door and swung it back,
allowing the other man access.

Tom walked into the room and turned as Chakotay followed
him.

"Which is your room?"

"I'm in it."  Chakotay smirked at Tom's look of disbelief.

"Is this some kind of joke?  You mean we're sharing."  A
look of dread and panic clouded Tom's face.

"Lieutenant, it's not my choice.  We've come just as the
carnival has hit town and everywhere is full.  We were lucky
to get this room.  But I am sorry to disappoint you, we've
got separate beds."

Tom moved away.  "I assure you Commander, it's no
disappointment."

Chakotay smiled.  "As long as we are in full agreement on
that, Mr Paris."

Tom turned away, to unpack his things.  Chakotay's smile had
never touched his eyes and that worried Tom.  At this moment
he regretted more than anything that he had called Chakotay
a pussycat.

"Right Lieutenant, I think it is about time we had a look
around, get something to eat and discuss our plan of
action."

Tom turned and nodded and then stood glued to the spot as
Chakotay slowly peeled off his uniform.  As the Commander
pulled off his regulation vest, Tom felt a shudder of
arousal go through him.  Every muscle on the Commander's
arms and broad chest, were subtly defined and accentuated by
the bronze, glistening skin.

Tom still didn't move as Chakotay let his trousers slip to
the floor.  He didn't care if the Commander took him apart
for staring, however much he tried he couldn't take his eyes
off the view in front of him.  Chakotay's legs were equally
as powerful as his chest and Tom's eyes travelled up the
meaty thighs to the meaty package, barely concealed in
Chakotay's underwear.  His eyes moved up the hairless chest
and then his breath caught.  Chakotay had been watching Tom
all the time he had been savouring the sight in front of
him.  Tom blushed and prepared for the onslaught that was
about to come.

"I think you need to get changed too Paris."  With that the
Commander stepped into the bathroom.

Tom walked over to the window, opened it and took some deep
breaths.  He had been sure that Chakotay would haul his ass
over the coals for staring at him.  Just looking at the
Commander's body had aroused him more than any session with
Janeway ever had.  What he wanted more than anything now,
was for Chakotay to come charging into the room, throw him
on the bed and take him.  Tom wouldn’t stop him, wouldn’t
cry rape, wouldn't report him.  Tom would just thank him. 
He took another deep breath and turned around.  Chakotay was
stood, fully dressed, watching him.

"Is everything alright, Paris?  Do you need me to help you
with anything?"

Tom shook his head and dashed for the bathroom.  Closing the
door he leant his head on the cool tiles.

Tom wasn't sure if Chakotay had been genuinely concerned or
the bastard was toying with him.  What Tom needed was
Chakotay to help him with the erection that wouldn't go
away, that was what Tom needed.  He stepped in the shower,
he would have to take care of it himself before he stepped
out on the town with the Commander.  He knew it wouldn’t
take him long. Despite the three sessions with the Captain,
Chakotay's striptease had him longing for release.  Tom
stroked himself, conjuring up the image of a semi-naked
Commander.  He came, spurting all over his hand, as quietly
as he could manage and then dried off.  These two days were
going to be a challenge in restraint, Tom thought to himself
as he towel dried his hair and slipped into casual wear.

"Are you in pain, Lieutenant?"  Chakotay picked up the
currency off the table.

"No, why do you ask?" Tom picked up his things, hiding the
phaser and comm badge in an inside pocket.

"I just thought I heard you moan in pain, that's all." 

Tom blushed and turned his head so Chakotay wouldn’t see his
embarrassment.  "I just stubbed my toe."

They made their way down to the nearest eatery, neither
saying anything.   As the waiter moved away from the table,
Tom leant forward.

"OK Commander, what's the plan of action?"  Tom felt a
shiver run through him as he remembered Chakotay's ample
proportions.  He mentally shook himself.  He needed to keep
his mind on the ballgame not fantasising about what it would
be like to sample his commanding officer's cock up his ass.

"Well Paris, I want you to wander around the market place
and local shops and figure out what we need to purchase.  I
am going to meet our contact.  We'll meet back at the room." 
Chakotay took a sip of the local wine and savoured the taste
as it slipped down his throat.

"Commander, I don't think that's a good idea.  We should
stick together.  It may take us longer but in the long run
it will be safer."  Tom put down his fork and looked at
Chakotay earnestly.

"What's the matter Paris, worried this pussycat can't look
after himself.  That's the plan, understand Lieutenant?"

"Perfectly, Commander." Tom said sulkily.

"Good.  I've finished here, I'll see you back at the room."

Tom watched Chakotay exit the building.  He'd forgotten just
what an arrogant prick the Commander could be.

Five hours later Tom was pacing the bedroom.  He had
wandered around the market place and shopping areas, taking
his time to find out what was on offer. The local people had
been friendly and open, so he had spent time getting to know
them, finding more out about the area.  He'd made a list of
all the supplies they could purchase; it just needed
Chakotay's approval.  Now Tom was waiting for the
commander's return and he was getting increasingly worried. 
The comm badge was out of the question, they couldn't alert
the locals to their technology.  He had decided to give it
another 30 minutes and then he was contacting Voyager.  Just
as he began the round of pacing again he heard the passkey
in the door.

Tom turned to begin his tirade at the commander but was
silenced by the state the man was in.  Chakotay's clothes
were creased, slightly torn, his hair was ruffled, in fact
he looked like he had been in a fight or struggle.  Tom
moved closer, concerned but then he stopped.

"Commander, are you intoxicated?"  If this got back to
Voyager the commander would be in the brig for a week.

"You bet your sweet ass, I am.  And it is sweet, you're ass
Paris.  The sweetest on Voyager or so the captain thinks." 
Chakotay stumbled as he tried to take off his shoes.

"Sit down Commander before you fall down." Tom was unsure
what to do, he just wasn't prepared for this.  It was well
known Chakotay never got drunk.  At all times the Commander
needed to be in control of his actions.

Chakotay sat on the end of the bed and then fell back. 

"Did you meet the contact?  Did you get anywhere with him?" 
Tom stood over the dishevelled man.

Chakotay half opened his eyes and met the pilot's.  "Her,
and yes we made contact and yes I did get somewhere with
her.  I'll tell you in the morning."  Chakotay closed his
eyes again.

Tom moved away towards his own bed.

"Paris."

"What?" 

"Will you help me get undressed?"

Tom moved back towards him and helped Chakotay remove his
shirt and trousers, averting his eyes from the body.  As Tom
turned back around from folding the garments he heard the
soft snoring of a drunken First Officer.  For a while Tom
just stared.  Chakotay had climbed under the sheet but his
chest was exposed.  After turning off the lights Tom sat on
the edge of the bed.  The room was dark but the light from
the two moons threw a beguiling glow over the unconscious
body on the bed.   Tom whispered Chakotay's name but he was
only answered by grunts. For minutes Tom just looked over
the body laid out in front of him and then slowly he let his
hand caress the chest. The skin was smooth, silken even and
Tom let the feelings build up in him as he watched his pale
hand stroke the bronze muscles. Tom glanced up at Chakotay's
face but the intoxicated man hadn't moved.  Tom reached out
with his other hand and caressed the face, tracing the
mysterious tattoo.  He couldn't deny that he found this dark
and mysterious First Officer attractive.  Chakotay was
acting more like the Maquis Captain than Janeway's sidekick
and that thought caused a shiver of excitement to run
through Tom. Cautiously he lent over and placed a tender
kiss on each eyelid as his hand slowly worked his way down
the chest to the flat stomach.  Again he glanced up at the
sleeping face.   Carefully he pulled back the sheet, he just
wanted a quick look. Just to make sure that his imagination
wasn't exaggerating what he had seen earlier. He bit his
lip.  While he had been folding the clothes the Commander
must have slipped off his underwear.  But that wasn't why he
had bitten his lip.  The Commander's hip had a fresh bite
mark, his stomach had purple bites of passion and Tom looked
closer.  Chakotay's ample cock was covered in bright red
lipstick.  He hadn't been in a fight at all, he'd been
getting laid and by the looks of things it hadn’t been a
gentle coupling.  Tom pulled the covers back up and marched
over to the window. 

The pilot's mind was in turmoil.  Not only had his
commanding officer got drunk but he had also indulged in
sexual relations with an alien.  Tom had a dilemma; should
he inform the captain or ignore it and how should he deal
with it in the morning.  Tom knew that the hangover Chakotay
would have wouldn't improve the First Officer's equilibrium.

It had taken two hours of tossing and turning before Tom had
fallen to sleep and he was still tired when he was dragged
out of a dream by a loud groan from the next bed.  Feigning
sleep, he opened his eyes just to see enough of what was
happening with the other man.  Chakotay was holding his head
and groaning.  Tom covertly watched as the Commander got out
of the bed and stood and looked around.  He was still naked,
and now sported a morning erection.  Tom's breathing
deepened as he watched Chakotay absentmindedly stroking
himself.  Chakotay looked over towards the sleeping pilot,
stroked himself again, groaned loudly and headed for the
bathroom.  Tom took this opportunity to jump out of bed and
quickly get dressed.  As soon as Chakotay exited, Tom rushed
into the bathroom.  Closing the door behind him, he began to
think over how he was going to approach this.  Coming to a
decision to let the Commander take the lead, Tom headed back
into the bedroom.

"Good morning Commander."

"Good morning Lieutenant."

There were a few awkward moments and then Chakotay nodded
towards Tom.

"Do you want to go eat breakfast and we can bring each other
up to date."

Tom nodded in agreement, eager to hear the details of the
previous night and they both headed out of the door.  Tom
had to admit that Chakotay looked good for a man who had
been a drunken wreck only seven hours before. 

"Fill me in Paris on your findings yesterday."  Chakotay
began to tuck into a hearty breakfast.

Tom showed him the list of goods that would be useful for
Voyager and the Commander approved them all.  Tom took a few
bites of his breakfast but this morning he didn’t have much
of an appetite.  What to tell the Captain was still playing
on his mind. 

Chakotay looked up and gave a half smile.

"I suppose you want an update on my findings?"

Tom nodded.

"I met with our first contact, who explained he was only a
go between.  He took me to a club on the outskirts of town
where I met up with the second contact, a woman activist.  I
told her Voyager's story and she seemed sympathetic.  She
said she would talk to her boss but she thought that she
would be able to broker a deal.  We had a few drinks and
arranged to meet tonight."

"Is that who you got drunk with?" Tom kept his eyes down on
his food, unable to meet the Commander's gaze.

"I hadn't intended to get drunk, but that was some powerful
wine she was pouring."  Chakotay laughed quietly

"Is that who you had sex with?"  This time Tom looked up and
met the steady, hard glare of the First Officer.  "You know
it's against regulations."

Chakotay leant forward and grabbed Tom's wrist, "and how do
you know I had sex?"

Tom swallowed, as his throat went dry at the menace in the
Commander's voice.

"I undressed you remember, I saw the evidence."  Tom let out
his breath as Chakotay let go of his wrist and put his head
in his hands.

"It's not easy knowing Kathryn's sleeping with you." 
Chakotay said in a quiet voice before pushing his plate
away, rising and walking away.

Tom jumped up and followed him.

They walked around the market in silence, Tom thinking over
Chakotay's statement.  He'd never thought to consider that
Chakotay wanted the Captain.  No wonder the First Office was
on his back all the time, knowing she had rejected him for a
Lieutenant.  Tom had tried to be discrete but obviously word
had leaked out.

They arranged for the goods to be picked up the next day and
made they way back to the hotel.  Repeating the performance
of the day before, Chakotay began to strip off.  This time
Tom didn’t wait around he made a dash for the bathroom and
quickly cleaned up and got changed.

"The bathroom's all yours Commander."

As they sat eating their evening meal Tom wanted to discuss
what had been said, what had happened last night but
Chakotay's changeable and volatile personality held him
back.

"So Commander, where are we meeting the contact tonight?" 
Tom thought it best to stay on safe ground.

"Not you Tom, just me.  You can sample the local nightlife
if you want or just relax in the room.  But I will be
meeting the contact alone and before you jump in with
regulations, that's how they have requested it."

Tom knew it was a waste of breath protesting but he couldn’t
help sulking anyway.  The half friendly atmosphere
disappeared and only silent tension hung between the men.

"I'll be back later, don’t worry and don’t wait up."

Before Tom could think of some sarcastic reply Chakotay was
out the door.  Tom strolled listlessly around the town.  He
knew he couldn't spend another night, pacing up and down,
waiting for the Commander to return.  After a few drinks in
a local bar he made his way back, a little light headed but
nothing like the state Chakotay had been in the night
before.  He was surprised to see the Commander already
asleep in bed.  He noticed the case on the side.  Opening
it, he saw that Chakotay had managed to negotiate a
substantial amount of the mineral.  Tom didn't know if the
Commander was just a good negotiator or a good fuck.  Maybe
both, looking at the amount of minerals he had procured. 
Tom took off his clothes and pulled back the bedclothes. 
Changing his mind he moved over to the other bed and sat
down beside the Commander. Again he whispered Chakotay's
name and again all he got was muffled snores.  Tom pulled
down the cover and noticed new marks on the Commander's
chest.  He reached out and rubbed his finger over the
imprints of passion.  Again he felt arousal move through his
body.  Automatically his hand moved the sheet down, Tom had
a strong urge to see if Chakotay's cock was marked the same
as yesterday. 

Just as he was taking a look, his hand was held in a vice
like grip. 

"Like what you see Mr Paris."

Tom began to panic, "No it's not how it looks. I was just
checking to see if you were alright."  He tried to pull his
hand away but the hold became stronger.

"And do I check out alright, Mr Paris or do you need another
look?"

Before he could register what was happening Chakotay had
pulled him down and flipped him over.  Now as Chakotay lay
fully over him, the older man began moving up and down,
rubbing himself hard against the pilot.

Tom began to struggle but it was futile, he was at the mercy
of the older, stronger man.

"Please Commander you're wrong about this, about me."  Tom
could feel Chakotay's hot breath on his cheeks.

"But this is what you want Paris.  Don’t think I don’t know
you were looking at me yesterday.  I felt you caressing my
body.  I sensed your longing. How long have you wanted to do
that?"

Tom was aroused as Chakotay moved on top of him, their hard
cocks glided against each other and he moaned as the
Commander's movements became harder and faster.

"You're wrong."

"Oh no Paris, I think I've got it right.  I think you're
bored with the captain's dried up little pussy and you want
something a little more manly, something harder.  What you
want Lieutenant is the First Officer's cock up your tight
little ass.  Don’t you Paris, admit it?"

Tom knew a little more friction and he would climax.

His voice said, "no Sir, you're wrong.  Please don't do this
to me." 

But his body thrust up for more contact. 

"No Commander, you've got it wrong. I don't want you, I've
never wanted you."  Tom was finding it hard to concentrate
on anything but the feelings building up in him.

And then the contact was gone as Chakotay jumped up and made
for the bathroom.  Tom staggered over to his bed and curled
up into a ball of misery.

Tom heard the footsteps come over to the bed. "So Mr Paris,
do you think I'm a pussycat now?  Do you think you know me?"

Tom managed a miserable, "leave me alone."

"Answer me Paris, do you still think I'm Janeway's neutered
lapdog?  Isn’t that what you've been calling me.

Tom shook his head as he uncurled from the foetal ball.

Chakotay sat on the bed.  "Don't ever thing you know me
Paris.  Don't ever write me off.  Now, if you want to report
me for being drunk or in dereliction of duty, that's in your
right but I'll cut you a deal.  You don’t tell the Captain
about my little lapse and I'll not tell her about you
getting a good look at what’s she's missing."

"Look Commander you got the job done, let's leave it at that
and get some sleep and then get the hell out of here."  Tom
just wanted to be away from the Commander, from this planet
and from this increasingly weird situation.

Chakotay reached out and took Tom's chin in his hand. "You
know Paris, in different circumstances I think we could have
been friends."  Chakotay abruptly got up and walked over to
his bed.  Calling for lights, he settled down in bed.

Just as Tom closed his eyes, his mind in turmoil, he thought
he heard a soft, "Goodnight Paris."

Part 3

The briefing was over with quickly, Neelix wanted to put the
supplies in order and B'Elanna needed to work with the
minerals.  Tom had been expecting a warm welcome from
Janeway but she was distant, distracted.  At the end of the
briefing he hung back and asked if they were getting
together that evening.  Tom was a little put out when she
informed him that she was having dinner with the Commander. 
Not that he was desperate to get together with her, it was
just expected but the cancellation did give him chance to
spend time with Harry and B'Elanna.  Tom had noticed that
they had been getting very close of late.  He was pleased
for them, it made his sacrifice with the Captain more
bearable.  Not that the arrangement was all bad, bigger room
and plenty of sex wasn't exactly a bind.  But what he had
with the Captain was just run of the mill sex, the sex he
could have with anyone.  His body didn't respond like it had
with Chakotay down on the planet.  It could have been the
element of danger, the way Chakotay had totally dominated
him but Tom was sure it was more than that.  Despite the
strangeness of the situation, the arousal had gone to the
core of his being.

Kathryn poured them both a drink; she could see that
Chakotay had gone to some effort in his dress, casually
sensual.  A shiver of desire ran through her as she looked
over his powerful arms.  His hands could crush her but she
knew it was she who had the greater power over him.

"So Chakotay how did you and Tom get on, no arguments I
hope?"  She sat down next to him and handed him the drink.

"No we got on fine, we came to an understanding down on that
planet.  I think you'll find we have a more relaxed attitude
in our relationship.  Now let's forget about Mr Paris and
talk about us."  Chakotay put down his glass and then took
the glass from Kathryn's hand.

"Us Chakotay.  Is there an us?"  Kathryn looked down at her
lap demurely.

Chakotay reached out and stroked her face, "there is if you
want there to be."  Before giving her chance to answer he
leant in and kissed her passionately.  Her body felt like a
rag doll in his powerful grip. 

"Chakotay, you don’t know how I've dreamt of this moment." 
She gasped as he pulled her to him.

"There can be all the moments you want Kathryn, but…" 
Chakotay let her go and stood up.

"Chakotay, what’s the matter?"  Janeway jumped up as well,
her face flushed with arousal.

"I can’t share you Kathryn.  I know you have a relationship
with Paris but I don’t want to share you.  I want you for
myself."

Again she was crushed into a warm embrace and her lips
covered in a fiery kiss.  As she was freed from the embrace
she fought to get her composure back.  This was what she
needed.  She had wanted to dominate Chakotay but now she
knew that wasn't what she wanted.  She needed him to
dominate her, to take charge, to wrap her into his safe and
powerful embrace. 

"He's history Chakotay, I'll tell him tomorrow."

"Good, now let me make love to you."

Tom sat staring at the viewing screen, automatically making
minor course corrections.  He couldn’t turn around.  Every
time he did, he could see the Captain giggling and flirting
with the Commander and it didn't help his mood that Chakotay
was doing the same back.  Ten minutes before the end of
shift Janeway called Tom into her Ready room.

"Tom, sit down.  There's no easy way to say this, so I'll
just come straight to the point.  Our special arrangement is
over."

Tom began to argue but she put up her hand to stop him.

"Don’t worry your rank is safe but there will be no more
nocturnal visits.  You've fulfilled your purpose and well, I
might add.  But we've come to the end of the road. Oh and
another thing, before you hear it from someone else I'm in a
relationship with the Commander now."

Tom made his way to his quarters.  So the bitch was cutting
him loose.  On the planet Chakotay had said the Captain and
Tom's relationship hurt him.  But it had never occurred to
Tom that Chakotay would do something about it.  The pilot
felt hurt that he had been discarded so carelessly, that he
meant nothing to either of them.  But on the other hand it
meant he didn't have to respond to all of Janeway's whims. 
He didn't want to think of the jealousy that leaped up.
Because he wasn't jealous of Kathryn but jealous that she
was getting attention from Chakotay, the attention that Tom
craved so much.

He made his way to Sandrine's.  At first Tom couldn’t put
his finger on it, but he sensed something was different.  He
looked around, nothing had been changed in his absence. 
Then it came to him, both crews were sat together.  In the
two days he had been away the crews had settled their
differences and were now socialising as one crew.  Tom
scanned the room and noticed Dalby and Tuvok playing pool,
B'Elanna and Harry dancing to a slow number and then his
eyes alighted on Janeway, giggling at something the
Commander had said.  Tom snorted to himself, the cold
hearted bastards deserved each other.  He felt he had been
transported to another world, one where he felt increasingly
isolated.

For the next few weeks Tom kept himself to himself.  He was
surprised how little it hurt that he had been discarded but
he was a little put out that the Commander was giving him
the cold shoulder.  Tom had at least expected that Chakotay
would have had a word with him over the issue of the
Captain, even if it were only to gloat.

Maybe if it hadn't have been a bad shift, Tom wouldn’t have
said anything but as it was he was in a shitty mood as he
stepped in the turbolift.  Tom glanced at the Commander.

"So Commander, you got what you wanted after all."  Tom kept
his voice quiet and calm.

"Excuse me Lieutenant."  Chakotay's expression never
changed.

"You wanted Kathryn, so you took her.  No thought for my
feelings.  I think you just like playing with people's
lives.  Is that what you were doing down on the planet,
Commander, messing with my mind, just so you could get the
Captain?"

Chakotay stepped forward putting his hands on the wall at
either side of the pilot's face.  "Oh it's true I didn’t
want the Captain to be with you, but I'd be lying if I said
that I didn't enjoy our little interaction down on the
planet."

The doors opened and Chakotay put out his hand to stop them
closing.

"And I think Paris, you enjoyed our little interlude just as
much."

Tom watched as the Commander walked down the corridor.  A
tremor ran through his body. Tom didn't know if it was a
tremor of fear or of lust because Chakotay brought out an
equal measure of both in him.  But he had to admit to
himself, anything was better than being ignored by the
Commander.

Things were hectic over the next few days as Janeway decided
to take them off course to explore a group of planets that
had shown up on the sensors.  This had then resulted in a
heated battle and they had been lucky that they had just got
out of the conflict with only structural damage, minor
injuries and a fall in morale.  Tom had heard a few
complaints after that and not just from the ex-Maquis.  Some
of the Fleet crew had approached him and asked him to have a
word with the Captain about taking a more direct route home. 
What had brought home to him the seriousness of the
situation were the crew involved.  They had all been Star
Fleet through and through, and if they were getting sick of
the captaincy, how were the others' feeling.  The ones with
sympathy for the Maquis must be tearing their hair out.  He
hadn't been able to catch Janeway on duty so had made his
way to her quarters. 

Chakotay answered the door and Tom was unsure for a moment. 
The Commander was in his bare feet, loose pants and a
T-shirt but it was the bare feet that had thrown Tom.  This
more than anything said that the Commander was well and
truly at home in the Captain's quarters.  Chakotay lent on
the doorframe, his eyes never leaving Tom's.

"What can I do for you Mr Paris?"  Chakotay's voice was low
and Tom wasn't sure if there was a deeper meaning to the
commander's words.

Tom watched as Chakotay's hand slid up inside his T-shirt
and began rubbing his nipple.

Tom licked his lips nervously, his hand itched to reach out
and rub the other nipple. 

"I wanted a word with the Captain but if it's not convenient
I'll see her tomorrow."  Tom wanted to get away before his
body started reacting to the Commander.

Chakotay slipped his hand from out of his shirt and rubbed
it through his hair, giving him the just got out of bed,
after a good fuck, look.

Tom unconsciously sucked on his lip as the dark eyes still
held his gaze.

"Come in Tom." The captain's voice drifted over from the
back of the room.

Chakotay reached forward and rubbed his thumb over Tom's
lower lip and then stepped back to allow the pilot to get
by.

The meeting didn’t go well.  Tom didn’t know if Janeway just
wasn't receptive to avoiding extraneous exploration or that
the encounter in the door had just thrown him for a loop. 
But as soon as he could he got out and headed for a long,
cool drink.

Things settled down again. Tom still heard a few grumbles
but on the whole everyone got on with their job. 
Occasionally he would catch the Commander looking at him. 
Tom had tried smiling, nodding, looking away or just looking
back.  Chakotay just reacted the same, he would just look
straight into Tom's eyes and hold the gaze until Tom looked
away.

Over the next few weeks Sandrine's became extremely popular,
especially with the ex-Maquis.  People who only a month ago
hardly spoke were now firm friends.  Tom felt increasingly
lonely as couples paired off but he still made his way to
the bar, if only for a few drinks.  It was better than
sitting in his quarters brooding.  As he entered he noticed
Chakotay playing pool with Ayala, the Captain nowhere to be
seen.  He avoided going anywhere near the increasingly
strange First Officer and sat at the bar, making small talk
with Tabor.

After a few drinks Tom made his way to the men's room.  One
thing the crew had complained about when he'd programmed
Sandrine's, was the old fashioned public conveniences.  But
Tom had insisted they stayed, for authenticity.  Tom let out
a sigh at the relief of emptying his bladder and then became
aware that someone had joined him at the next urinal.  As he
looked up, to his dismay he saw the Commander was undoing
his trousers.  Tom valiantly struggled, but in the end he
lost and his eyes moved down for another look at the cock he
had last seen rimmed in scarlet lipstick.  He stood rigid,
as he watched Chakotay rubbing himself, mesmerised at the
languished strokes.

A low, whispered voice brought his eyes up to meet
Chakotay's.

"What do you think about when you're in your bed Paris?  Do
you think about thrusting hard into Kathryn?  Or do you get
off thinking about me thrusting hard into your tight, velvet
ass?"

Tom's breath was shallow, the hair on the back of his neck
stood on end.

Chakotay stopped stroking himself and reached out and slowly
let a finger trail down Tom's hardening dick.  As the finger
repeated the journey back up, Chakotay leant forward.

"Which do you like, soft and gentle or hard and powerful? 
Do you like to take or be taken? What's your preference
Paris?"

Gently, Chakotay gave Tom's balls a little squeeze. 
Chakotay did up his trousers, still not taking his eyes away
from the pilot's.  Tom was frozen to the sport, unable to
articulate any reply.  Taking Tom's face in his hand's
Chakotay tenderly kissed each eyelid, mimicking Tom's
actions down on the planet.  Still holding the chin, he took
a deep breath.

"Goodnight Paris."

As Chakotay turned and walked out, Tom slumped against the
wall.  He felt aroused, tearful, confused and angry.  The
Commander was toying with him like a cat with a mouse and
Tom couldn’t do anything about it, didn't want to do
anything about it.  This strange interaction between him and
the Commander was better than no interaction at all.

The next day Tom was sat at the helm, conscious that neither
the Captain nor the Commander had turned up for their shift. 
As the lift doors opened, Tom turned around to see if it was
either of them.  Chakotay's face told a picture in itself. 
Whatever had happened it hadn’t been good.  Tom had seen
this look before, often directed at him.  Chakotay was
barely keeping a lid on his temper and Tom didn’t want it
focusing on him.  He quickly turned around to face the front
and suddenly found a great deal of interest in the helm
controls.

After five minutes of unbearable silence, the Commander
barked out orders for a change of direction.

"Sir that will take us two weeks off course."  Tom spoke up.

"I'm well aware of that Mr Paris.  Follow orders or I will
have you relieved of duty."

"Yes sir."

It was made plain at the briefing that the course change was
because Janeway wanted to explore some stellar anomaly that
had shown up on scanners.  A chance to increase our
knowledge of the Delta Quadrant, she had said.

By the time Tom was relieved for lunch, morale had hit an
all time low.  Maquis and Fleet alike approached him to
complain and seek his advice.  Tom felt helpless.  He was
also surprised that they were seeking him out but Jarvis
said it was because he was the most approachable of the
senior staff.  Tom knew he wouldn’t get anywhere if he went
to see the Captain, in fact he'd get another flea in his
ear.  Then a thought struck him.  He would have to run it by
the Commander first but it could be the answer to this
situation.

For the first time since the crews had joined together, the
chief helmsman was back on the bridge five minutes before
start of duty.  Tom saw everyone look up, startled and
perplexed.

"Commander, could I have a few words with you before I take
over the helm."

Chakotay nodded, suspicion filling his face.  He indicated
for Tom to join him in the Ready room.

"I was thinking Commander, couldn’t the Captain take the
Flyer and visit the stellar phenomena, while Voyager
continues to Gwalchmai Prime.  We could take on supplies and
get some relaxation and the Captain would get to see what
she wants to see."

"That's a good idea, if the Flyer was up to it but…"

"Sir, I've been working on the Flyer in my off time.  I
assure you it's up to it.  I've enhanced the stabilisers,
Torres has enhanced the shields, all it needs is some minor
adjustments and it's ready to go."

"You've been working on it on your down time?  Why?"

Tom looked down at the floor, a little embarrassed.  "I had
a lot of free time on my hands and no-one to share it with,
may as well put it to good use."

"Good idea and good work Paris.  You go do the adjustments
and I'll go have a word with the Captain."

"Yes sir."  Tom was pleased. Chakotay had not only agreed to
his plan but had praised him as well.  The memory of
Chakotay's touch the night before surfaced but Tom pushed it
away, not willing to go there.

Two hours later Tom came back onto the bridge.

"Everything's ready Commander. Is the Captain willing to
consider this option?"

"Very willing, Lieutenant.  She'll be ready to go in 30
minutes, I want you to accompany her."

"But I thought I would .."

"No arguments Mr Paris.  You are to travel with the Captain
and meet up with us in two weeks time.  Is that understood?"

"Perfectly, sir."

"You may leave the bridge and prepare for your away
mission."

Tom turned and headed for the lift.  He had been looking
forward to some leave, maybe even some more strange dealings
with the Commander.  Now the bastard was getting rid of him. 
It would serve Chakotay right if Tom ended up back in bed
with the Captain.  But that thought left the pilot cold.

Chakotay sat smiling to himself as he surveyed the bridge. 
Maybe it wasn't going to be a bad day after all.

"Commander, the Flyer is now out of communications range."

"Thank you Mr Kim.  Helm resume our previous course and head
for Gwalchmai Prime."  Chakotay stood and looked around.

"Mr Tuvok, I am going to check a problem Torres brought to
my attention earlier.  You have the bridge."

Something was bothering Tuvok, he couldn't quite put his
finger on what.  If he didn’t know better he thought it was
something akin to intuition but logic dictated that nothing
was out of place.  He looked around the bridge and
everything seemed calm, normal, routine.  He calmed his mind
and began running a sequence of diagnostic routines to
ensure tactical was running at optimum efficiency.

As the lift door opened Tuvok didn’t look up but he did at
Harry Kim's gasp.  The First Officer was dressed in his
Maquis leathers and around him were a dozen key Maquis, all
similar dressed, all pointing phasers.  Tuvok moved away
from the console, automatically reaching for his weapon.

"That's not wise, Mr Tuvok.  Drop you're phaser."

Tuvok  put down his weapon and nodded to the others to
follow his lead.

"Before any of you do anything recklessly brave or stupid,
I'll tell you that Voyager is on lockdown.  As from this
moment I am acting captain."

"Mr Ayala, you and your team take the fleet crew to the
cargo bay."

Weeks before, as the crew had become increasingly unsettled
Chakotay had instructed the Maquis to socialise, to start
mixing in and to seek out sympathizers in the Fleet crew. 
Now he used this list to find out who could be trusted. 
Seventy percent of the crew backed Chakotay and he kept this
in mind as he carried out his plan.  Tuvok and Harry were
placed in the brig, as Chakotay figured they would be the
most dangerous of the crew.  The rest were put on lock down. 
The crew were informed of the unrest that had surfaced and
that the Commander would do his best to get Voyager home as
quickly and as safely as possible.

Chakotay allowed small groups to transport down to Gwalchmai
Prime and they managed to negotiate a variety of goods. 
None of the crew caused any problems, much to Chakotay's
relief.  In fact there was an upturn in the mood on Voyager,
the crew felt a renewed sense of hope.  During the time that
they waited for the Flyer, the majority of the crew had a
quiet word with Chakotay to offer their support and this
gave him confidence that he had taken the right course of
action.

The day came when Janeway and Paris were due back and all
away teams were recalled.  A few of the crew, including two
fleet, argued that they should just leave them.  The people
on Gwalchmai Prime would welcome them but Chakotay said no,
all the crew would be going home, including Lieutenant
Paris.

Chakotay had taken the precaution of allowing only his most
trusted crew onto the bridge and a large team of Ayala's
security were dispatched to the shuttle bay.  Tabor was
standing in for Harry and he informed Chakotay that the
shuttle was on sensors.

"Commander, the Flyer is hailing us."

"Put her through Tabor, audio only."

"Captain, welcome back. Visuals are down at the moment, as
we reconfigure them after routine maintenance.  I hope the
journey was worth the detour?  Is Mr Paris well?"

"It’s good to be back Commander and it was worth every
minute.  As for Mr Paris, he's kept me entertained."

"Yes, I can well imagine.  Everything's ready for your
return.  Chakotay out."

"I'm going to join the welcome home party, B'Elanna you've
got the bridge.

Chakotay arrived in the shuttlebay just as Paris and Janeway
were stepping from the Flyer.  He saw her gasp at the group
of armed Maquis surrounding the Flyer and he caught the
movement of the pilot reaching for his phaser.

"I wouldn't if I were you Paris.  As you can see you are
strongly outnumbered."

"Chakotay what is the meaning of this?" Janeway rushed
forward.

"I think the meaning's clear Kathryn, I've taken over
Voyager."

"If this is some kind of joke, it's in poor taste." 

"It’s no joke.  The crew got tired of you stopping to look
at every anomaly, every quirk.  Seventy percent of the crew
are behind me, including quite a number of the Fleet crew. 
The rest of the crew are on lock down.  You, Tuvok, Kim and
Paris will stay in the brig, at least in the short term.  I
will speak to you privately later."  Without a further word
or a backward glance Chakotay left the shuttle bay.

Chakotay sat in the captain's Ready room.  He hadn't wanted
to do this.  At first when the crews had got together he had
been prepared to put his feelings on the back burner. 
Despite their differences they had worked well together but
increasingly Janeway had gone against his recommendation,
put the ship needlessly in danger.  He had even risked
losing his former crew's respect just to make things work. 
But in the end it hadn't been enough. The crew were losing
their morale, losing any hope of ever getting home. More and
more the crew had come to him for counselling and up to
recent events quite a number had asked him about taking
over.  He had been pressured into this move, by the crew and
by Janeway's actions.

He readied himself and then commed Ayala.

"Mr Ayala could you please accompany Captain Janeway to her
office."

She came in shrugging off Ayala's hand and sat begrudgingly
in the chair opposite Chakotay.

"Oh good of you to still use my rank.  You had best have a
good explanation for this mister because you are going to be
a long time in prison when we get back.  Mutiny is a very
serious offence."

Chakotay stood, towering over her.  "Can't you come off your
high horse just for one minute and see what's best for
Voyager.  I have been forced into this action by the crew
who are unwilling to stand back while you indulge yourself
in every little adventure, every little ego trip that takes
your fancy.  The crew want to get home and as fast as
possible.  They think the only way to do that is with me in
charge.  I don’t want to hold you in the brig but for the
time being I see no alternative.  In a week's time I will
review things."

Janeway's face softened. "But Chakotay, what about us?  I
thought we had a good thing going, I thought you had
feelings for me."  Kathryn was trying to keep a hold of her
temper, find some way to get her ship back.

"I'm sorry Kathryn that this had to happen but as for me and
you, that's over.  I'm afraid you were only a means to an
end.  Mr Ayala escort the Captain back to the brig."

"You won't get away with this."

"Take her away Greg."

Ayala hesitated at the door. "Commander, Lieutenant Paris
has requested to see you."

"Request denied."  Chakotay began working on the data in
front of him.

"Commander."

Chakotay looked up, it wasn't like Greg to be so persistent.

"What's the problem, Greg?"

"Tom, I mean Mr Paris was very insistent, he's very
distressed. I think you should hear him out."

"Take the Captain to the brig and then accompany Mr Paris
back here." 

Chakotay gave a big sigh as soon as he was alone.  He'd had
enough work as First Officer.  Now he was Captain and First
Officer rolled into one he had double the work.  All the
crew who would make good First Officer material were
currently languishing in the brig.  None of them he could
trust, so all the work was on his shoulders.  All he needed
now was an insistent, distressed, fully pissed off
lieutenant to deal with.

Part 4

Ayala brought the pilot in and sat him down.

"Just wait outside Greg.  I'll call if I need you but I am
sure Mr Paris will behave himself."  Chakotay glanced at the
agitated Lieutenant.

"Anything."  Paris looked wildly at Chakotay.

"Excuse me." Chakotay was worried by the panic stricken
appearance of the man in front of him.

"I'll do anything, anything you want.  Please don't leave me
in the brig."  Tom was fighting hard to keep some pride but
he just knew he couldn't stay in there and keep his sanity.

Chakotay moved around to the side of the pilot.  Letting his
fingers trail round Tom's jaw, he lifted the pilot's face up
so he could look into his eyes.

"Anything, Paris?"  Chakotay's hand was caressing Tom's
neck.

Tom dropped his head.

"Anything you want Commander. I can't stay in there."

Chakotay dropped his hand and moved back round to the other
side of the desk.

"If I let you out of the brig, what do you think the Captain
will think, what do you think your good friend Mr Kim will
think?  I'll tell you what they will think.  They will think
you are a traitor.  Again."

Tom looked up and some of the defiant spark was back in his
eyes.  "In that case I'm with the majority of the crew,
including you.  Harry's sympathetic too he just won't admit
it.  Fleet crew have been coming to see me for weeks about
approaching you.  So I'm not just saying this because at the
moment you're the winning side.  I've been unsettled about
how Janeway's been running the ship more or less from the
start."

"But how do I know this is not just a ploy to get your
freedom, to take back the ship?  How do I know I can trust
you?"

"You don’t.  But I can't stay in there, I’ll go mad.  You
can keep me by your side, anything.  Please don't send me
back to the brig."  Tom tried to keep the sob out of his
voice.

Chakotay called Ayala in.

"Mr Ayala can you go pick up the reports on my old office
desk and accompany Mr Paris to his room to pick up bare
essentials.  Then stay with him in my quarters till I get
there.  Any problems, don't hesitate to restrain him and
throw him back in the brig."

Chakotay turned to Paris.

"If you in anyway disappoint me Paris, I will not hesitate
to make you suffer.  You understand?"

"Yes." Tom stood up, his whole body resigned to his fate.

"Yes, what." 

"Yes, sir." 

Chakotay sat back down, not only had he all the ship's
business to attend to but now he had the problem of what to
do with Paris.  He had to admit that the pilot had looked a
wreck.  Whatever had happened to him in prison must have
been real bad to trigger the panic that Chakotay had
witnessed on the younger man's face.

He passed over bridge duties to B'Elanna, explaining to her
what had just occurred.

"Be easy on him Chakotay, he was for you taking over the
ship as much as anyone.  He's not the bastard you think he
is."

"Let's hope you’re right B'Elanna or he'll be back in the
brig before he knows what's hit him."

Chakotay felt like he had aged 20 years in the last few
weeks.  As he headed towards his quarters he still wasn't
sure what he was going to do.  Chakotay dismissed Ayala and
thought for a moment.

"Stay sat there Paris and don’t move."

Chakotay checked all the drawers and cupboards in the living
area and bathroom, clearing away anything that could be used
as a weapon. 

Chakotay sat opposite Tom, just looking at the troubled man
in front of him.

"This is what's going to happen.  You will stay in these
quarters with me.  You will do exactly as I say.  I will
give you restricted access to the computer and replicator. 
Do not let me regret this, Paris."

"No sir."  Tom sat, head bowed, unmoving.

"What do you want to eat?"  Tom looked up, unsure at the
normal tone of voice the Commander was using.  As if this
was just a normal day, a normal friendship.

"Anything, the same as you."

Chakotay put the food on the table and Tom hesitantly joined
him. 

"Soup OK?"

Tom nodded and began to tuck into the spicy broth and crusty
bread.

"So was the trip worth it?" Chakotay asked between
mouthfuls.

"Not really.  We hardly collected any data of any use.  The
view was spectacular but it wasn't worth the detour."

The conversation was stilted, punctuated by awkward periods
of silence.  Chakotay cleared away the dishes.

"Did you bring anything to amuse yourself?"

"I brought some holonovels and a programme I'm working on."

"You're free to make yourself comfortable.  I'll be working
at my desk.

Tom settled down to his novel, occasionally looking over at
the desk.  Tom's eyes were beginning to close when he heard
the Commander move towards him.

"Don’t you ever get any off time?"  Tom tried to keep his
voice light.

"Not for the foreseeable future."  Tom watched as Chakotay
stretched his body to loosen the tension.  The Commander
moved into the bedroom.

Tom's stomach clenched nervously.  Chakotay's words came
back to him, 'you'd better not disappoint me'.  He took a
step towards the bedroom and then stopped.  His legs felt
like jelly as he tried to ignore the sick feeling in his
stomach.  He could do this.  He had agreed to it, so he
wasn't being forced.  The arousal he had felt for the
Commander had long since disappeared.  He fought down the
escalating panic.  It wasn't going to be like the other
times.  Surely the Commander wouldn’t hurt him, like the
others.  He took another step.  He had told Chakotay he
would do anything. He couldn’t go back into the brig,
watching, as the walls got closer, as the silence filled his
head to screaming point. 

"Paris, get in here."

Tom slowly walked into the bedroom, willing his legs not to
shake. At various times he had wanted the Commander but not
like this, not in these circumstances.

"Here's a couple of pillows, and a blanket, you can sleep on
the couch for tonight.  By the way, the door's security
coded and so is the bedroom.  In case you were thinking of
re taking the ship during the night."

Tom collapsed on to the couch, calling for lights.  His body
was shaking with relief, tears filling his eyes.  He pulled
the blanket around him, trying to control the shaking in his
body.  He was relieved that he didn’t have to go through the
humiliation he had been expecting but also relieved that
Chakotay wasn't the total bastard he had thought.  But then
again there was always tomorrow.

It only seemed like he had been asleep two minutes when Tom
heard noises in the background.  He opened his eyes slightly
and saw that Chakotay was getting his breakfast.  Tom
immediately jumped up.

"It's alright Paris, go back to sleep.  I'm on early shift."

Tom closed his eyes.  He couldn't sleep but he didn’t want
to get into any conversation. When he heard the doors
closing he got out of bed.  Looking at the time he realised
Chakotay had only managed at most 6 hours sleep.  The
replicator was on so he ordered juice and toast.  He tried
the door.  Walking to the bedroom he found the same level of
security.  There was nothing to do now except go back to
bed.

Twelve hours later Tom was climbing up the walls with
boredom.  He'd worked on his programme, had lunch, done some
exercises, read the remainder of his novel.  He was just
going to do some more programming when the doors opened.

"I'm sorry I left you so long.  I know you have a problem
with confined spaces.  I want you to know I didn’t do this
as punishment, I just couldn’t get away from the bridge."

"Commander, I don’t have a problem with being in here, its
prisons, cells, brigs that I have trouble with."  Tom was
pathetically touched that Chakotay had been concerned about
him.

"Paris, will you get us something to eat, while I get
showered?"

Tom nodded, the Commander looked dead on his feet.  Despite
the situation, Tom felt sorry for him.

Tom ate slowly as he watched Chakotay trying to eat his meal
as he worked on a report and then another report.

Tom cleared away the dishes, the Commander hadn’t uttered a
word, hadn’t even looked up.  Settling on the couch Tom
started another novel.  A couple of hours passed and Tom
looked up to see Chakotay with his head on the table,
asleep.  Tom walked over and put his hand gently on
Chakotay's shoulder, shaking him.

"Commander, I think you need to go to bed now."

Chakotay jumped up, startled.

"What do you think you are doing Paris?"  Chakotay
instinctively reached for his phaser, pointing it straight
at the pilot.

"Commander, I was.."

"Step back Paris, over to the wall."  Chakotay looked
around, everything seemed to be in place.

"I was just waking you so you could go to bed.  Sorry I
startled you."  Tom cautiously made his way to the couch and
sat down.

Chakotay backed towards the bedroom door.

"I'll see you in the morning."

Tom let out a deep sigh of relief.  He decided in future
he'd not bother, let the Commander wake up with a stiff neck
and sore muscles, what did he care.

But he did care.  He walked over to the reports that
Chakotay had been working on, just everyday stuff,
engineering reports, supply lists.  Tom sat down and began
to work on them, they were boring but necessary for the
smooth running of Voyager.  After a couple of hours he had
finished the pile on the table so he turned the lights out
and closed his eyes.  He didn't know why he was doing the
reports, he knew for sure that Chakotay didn’t deserve it
but the Commander had looked so tired. A few hours later he
was awoken by shouts from the bedroom.  Tom jumped up and
tried to get in but again it had been secured.  He tried
shouting but his cries were ignored.  As it went quiet in
the bedroom Tom made his way back to the couch. 

As the previous morning, Chakotay getting his breakfast
brought Tom out of sleep.  He stirred and sat up.  He was
surprised when the Commander brought him a cup of coffee and
sat down beside him.

"I'm sorry about last night, you just startled me." 
Chakotay looked contrite.  A look Tom didn’t often see.

Tom nodded in acknowledgement.

"Did you do the reports on my desk?"

Tom nodded again.  "I was awake and I thought it would help
you.  You're not angry that I did them, are you?"

"No, I'm grateful.  I haven’t much time for the First
Officer's jobs, I've enough to do with the captain's post
and the chief pilot's."

"Your flying Voyager as well.  No wonder you look like shit. 
You can’t keep on going like this."

"I've no option, the crew are depending on me."

Chakotay stood up.

"Let me fly.  Please Commander, I can’t get up to any harm,
you can keep an eye on me and it will give you time to catch
up."

Chakotay wearily nodded in agreement.  "We'll give it a go,
but don't try to do anything against me Paris."

The Commander left the rest unsaid and Tom got up to get
ready for his first shift under the new captain.

As they entered the lift, Tom cleared his throat.

"Commander, were you alright last night?  I thought I heard
you cry out."

"It was just a dream."  Chakotay looked away, a little
embarrassed.

Tom watched as the Commander's face clouded over.

"I dreamt you had startled me and I had turned and phasered
you.  I watched as you died in my arms."

Tom turned to say something but then the doors opened for
the bridge.

Chakotay felt a little better at the end of the morning
shift.  With Paris at the helm it had given him time to work
on some things while he sat in the captain's chair.  Come
dinner break they both walked to the mess hall. 

"Paris, you can go sit with your friends if you wish, just
be ready to return to the bridge, when I've finished."

Chakotay didn’t give Tom time to answer but sauntered away. 
Tom picked up the food and walked over to Geron, Tabor and
Ayala.  They weren't friends but Ayala had shown him some
compassion when he was in the brig.

"How's it going?"  Greg asked. Though Ayala normally didn't
have any time for the pilot he had felt sorry for Tom when
he had seen his distress and he had heard on the grapevine
that Tom had been sympathetic from the start.

"Strange.  Better than the brig.  Greg, I'm concerned about
Chakotay.  He's working all the time, he never relaxes,
doesn’t get much sleep.  He can’t keep on like this,
something will give."

"I know Paris, but he won't listen.  He's been like it since
he took over. He just doesn't want to let the crew down,
they've put their trust in him and he feels responsible. 
It's good to see you back at the helm, that will take some
of the pressure off him."

They ate their meals and then Chakotay indicated for Tom to
join him.  Greg walked with Tom over to the Commander.

"Commander can I have a quick word with you?"

Chakotay caught up with Tom a couple of seconds later.  They
chatted about various incidents that had occurred that
morning but soon lapsed into silence.

B'Elanna came onto the bridge to relieve Chakotay of his
shift.  As the Commander filled her in on the earlier shift,
Tom's replacement took over from him.  He looked around the
bridge, it was strange without Harry, Tuvok and the Captain. 
They got in the lift together and headed for Chakotay's
quarters. 

"I've requisitioned you a pull out bed, you should be more
comfortable tonight."

"Thank you."  Tom felt that some of the strain between them
had lifted, slightly.

Half an hour after their meal, Chakotay got up and moved
into his bedroom.  Five minutes later he came out dressed in
casual clothes.

"Get changed Paris, we are going out. Ayala has requested
our presence at Sandrine's."

Tom jumped up and hurried to get dressed. It felt like a bit
of normality was entering his life.  A shift at the helm and
then a drink in Sandrine's, it could almost be like old
times.  They entered Sandrine's and Chakotay got them a
drink.

"You go join your friends."  Chakotay turned to go sit down.

"Are you joining us?" Tom asked, hoping that he would.

"No, I'll sit at the back, I've work to do."

"But.."

"Paris, just go."

Before Tom had chance to say anything else, the Commander
turned and headed for a quiet part of the room, report in
hand.

Tom relaxed a little as he sipped his drink and listened to
the conversation.  But he couldn’t help glancing over at the
lonely, tired figure in the corner.  Later, he watched as
Chakotay got up and headed towards him.

"You don't mind if I join you for a drink?"  He sat down,
rather heavily.

"Chakotay, you're doing yourself no good.  It's been what,
over two weeks since you took over Voyager and you've been
captain, first officer and up to today chief helmsman. 
You've got to take a break."  Ayala looked worried.

"Soon, Greg, I promise."

Chakotay sipped his drink, listening to the conversation but
contributing little.  After a while he got up.

"I'm turning in.  Will one of you see that Mr Paris gets
home safely?"

Tom stood.  "No need, I'm ready myself."

As they walked down the corridors, Tom looked once again at
the strained face.

"Thanks for that, for Sandrine's."

"Thank Greg, it was his idea.  But I was sick of my quarters
as well."

They carried on in silence but Tom felt it was a
companionable silence, not the awkwardness of earlier. As
Tom came out of the bathroom, he saw Chakotay bent over
another report, his muscles at the back of his neck, tense. 
Tom, without thinking, reached out and began massaging the
hard shoulders.  Chakotay moaned and shut his eyes..
relaxing into the comforting massage.  Feeling encouraged
Tom rubbed the Commander's neck, eliciting further moans. 
Tom's hands moved down over Chakotay's chest and this time
Tom moaned.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing."  The Commander
jumped up, knocking over the chair and Tom in the process.

"I know your game Paris, it won’t work with me.  I'm not the
pushover the Captain was."

With those words ringing in his ears, Tom watched as the
Commander marched into the bedroom, the door shutting firmly
behind him. 

The next morning Tom pretended to be asleep when Chakotay
came in the room.  He heard footsteps coming towards the
bed. 

"Paris."  It was just a whisper.  "Paris."

Tom didn’t react.

He felt the bed dip as Chakotay sat next to him.  For
minutes nothing happened and then he felt a hand stroking
his chest.  Tom tried not to move, willing his body to
relax.  He felt coolness as Chakotay pulled the sheet down,
exposing part of his lower body.  A hand skimmed his hips,
stroking his thigh.  He heard Chakotay's breathing become,
slower, heavier. Then the sheet was pulled back up and he
heard receding footsteps.

He groaned and turned over as though in sleep.  Tom had once
read an old earth novel called Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 
That's what the Commander was like.  There was a dark side
to him, a side that Tom didn’t understand.  That side
frightened him, but also aroused him and attracted him to
the Commander.  But occasionally Tom glimpsed a tender side
and that attracted him too.

"Paris."  This time it wasn't a whisper but a shout.

Tom feigned waking up. 

"What.  What's happening?"  He sat up sleepily.

"Time to get up."

Tom blearily moved over to the replicator, ordering coffee
and toast he sat at the table.

"Commander, last night I was just trying to help."

"Paris I don’t want your help and I don't want to talk about
it.  Ok."

"Yes."

Chakotay looked across with disgust in his eyes.

"Yes, sir."  Tom added.

"You go cover your shift, I've some business to take care
of.  Ayala's in charge till I get back."

Tom nodded.

For a moment Chakotay was filled with longing for the man in
front of him.  Tom's hands on him last night had not only
aroused him but had filled him with need for companionship,
for someone to share his life with, someone to make love to. 
But before it was too late, Chakotay had come to his senses,
he'd seen through Paris' subterfuge.  Chakotay once again
looked at Tom, things could have been so different.  He
sighed and made for his desk.

"Paris, pass this report onto Ayala.  I'll see you on the
bridge."

"Yes sir." Tom turned and left.

Chakotay sat for a moment, trying to get his trouble
thoughts in order and then made his way down to the brig.

"So Chakotay, come to tell me it's all been a big mistake."
Janeway stood defiantly.

"Do you think for one minute I wanted to be in this
situation?  I've come to inform you that you will all be
allowed back into your quarters.  For the present you will
be confined there, but you will be allowed restricted
computer and replicator access.  This will be reassessed at
the appropriate time."

Not giving Janeway chance to answer he swung around and left
the brig.  Calling security he arranged for senior staff
quarters to be secured and the prisoners escorted there.

Tom looked around as the Commander came onto the bridge but
Chakotay never even looked at him.  The crew were informed
of the new status of Janeway, Tuvok and Kim.  Tom was
surprised at this move so soon but knew it wasn't a weakness
on Chakotay's part.  Tom knew the Commander didn’t want
anyone to suffer, that somewhere deep down he had a
compassionate heart, even if Tom didn’t see it that often.

At the end of shift Tom waited, as he had done for the last
few days, for Chakotay to hand over the bridge.  As they
entered the lift Tom gave a brief smile not knowing what
reaction he would get from the volatile and unpredictable
man.

"There was no need for you to wait, your belongings have
been moved back into your quarters.  Unlike the other's you
are not on lockdown.  You will continue flying and you have
free reign but make no mistake if I find you stepping out of
line, you will be back in the brig and this time I won’t
weaken to you."

Tom got out at his level, slightly stunned.  He should be
happy he was free from Chakotay's oppressive company but
somehow he felt as though he had been cut loose, that he was
drifting.  On some level he felt disappointed.  The first
thing he noticed on entering his quarters was that
everything he could use against Chakotay, either weapon or
communication  had been removed.  Two hours later he was
restless.  He had got used to the Commander's company, good
or bad, and now it seemed strange to be on his own.  He made
his way to Sandrine's and sat listlessly listening to the
chatter about the latest events.

Days went by and Tom was being driven with a need to get a
reaction out of the acting captain.  Since Tom had moved
back into his quarters, Chakotay hadn't spoken more than a
dozen words to him and they had been only to do with course
changes.  Tom craved a response from him, even if it was a
bad one.  Anything just so Chakotay knew he existed.

Part 5

A week had past since Chakotay had let Janeway back into her
quarters, when Neelix rushed onto the bridge, asking to have
a private word with Chakotay.  Neelix had been a surprise to
Tom, out of all the crew he had expected the friendly
Talaxian to be the most loyal to Janeway.  But Neelix had
been one of the first to back Chakotay, insisting that
though he had great admiration for the Captain that in his
opinion, the only way they would get through the Delta
quadrant alive would be if the Commander was in charge.

Thirty minutes later, a smiling Chakotay and Neelix came
back onto the bridge.

"Mr Paris, put in a course change to the co-ordinates I have
just down loaded to your console."

Tom looked down at the new direction.  "Commander, these
will take us two days off course."

"Just do it Lieutenant."  The smile disappeared from his
face.

"Yes sir." 

The next day a briefing was called.  For the first time
since the change Tom was included.

"I'll get straight to the point.  Mr Neelix has found out
that the planet we are approaching, Myrridin IV, has on the
other side of it a stable wormhole that could in theory take
us 15000 light years nearer home.  The problem is that the
government of this planet are suspicious of any outsiders. 
They have agreed to talk to me but I don’t want the rest of
the crew to know until we have something agreed.  Torres
will be in charge, with Ayala as second.  If you are wary or
suspicious of anyone taking advantage of my absence don’t
hesitate to put them in the brig."

"According to Neelix, these people are a friendly but
demanding race, once they’ve got over their reluctance to
meet. I don't know what reception I will receive when I get
down there.  I will take all precautions but if anything
happens to me, you will have to release the Captain and
again try to work as one crew.  That will be the only
practical way of getting home.  I will be away at most 2
days.  I need you to hold it together while I get back.
Paris you're with me."

Tom did the pre-flight check.  No word had passed between
them.  But Tom needed to ask a question and till he had the
answer he couldn't settle on the task in hand.

"Commander, why did you bring me along?"

"Because I don’t trust you enough to leave you on Voyager."

That was it, just a bald statement.  No other words were
said.  Tom felt hurt, he knew Chakotay didn't have much
regard for him but he thought the Commander knew him better
than that.

Two officials met them and asked Chakotay about all aspects
of Voyager and their journey home.  No detail was left
untold, they needed to know everything before they would
even consider taking talks to the next step.

"I will have you shown to your room.  You will meet with the
consol and will proceed to the next stage of negotiations
after you have had time to freshen up."  The official
clapped his hands and two burly security guards moved
forward.

"Take our visitors to the guest quarters.  Bring them to the
consul's office at 3 bells."

They walked in silence through the elaborate corridors
towards the left wing of the building.  The two guards
silently indicated that they should go through a large door. 
Chakotay stepped through first, checking to see if it was
safe.  Tom followed, also glancing around.  The room was
sumptuously decorated, two round beds were the focal point
of the room.  Cream silk curtains billowed from the windows,
which opened out onto a magnificent landscape.

"I see we're room mates again."  Tom said putting his bag
onto the nearest bed.

Chakotay just looked at him without comment.

Tom looked out the window, seeing if he could get his
bearings.  There was nothing except mountains and fields for
as far as the eye could see.  When he turned around Chakotay
had disappeared into the next room.  He had hoped to get
some kind of reaction from the commander, but so far he was
getting the same treatment as before – nothing.

Tom heard the door opening, he turned and tried not to stare
at Chakotay, who had just walked back in wearing only a
towel.  Tom watched as a water rivulet slowly trickled down
the broad chest. 

"The shower's all yours, Mr Paris."

Tom was tempted to jerk off while in the shower, but wasn't
sure if he had time.  He also wasn't sure if Chakotay was
unaware of the effect of his near naked body or he was
deliberately trying to mess up Tom's head.

Well he could play the same game.  Picking up a smaller
towel, that just barely covered his modesty, he wrapped it
round his waist.  Picking up another towel he walked into
the bedroom towelling his hair.  Chakotay was sat in a
chair, full dressed and looked up when Tom entered the room. 
Tom stood in front of Chakotay, his groin in line with the
Commander's face.

"So sir, what's the plan?"

Tom tried not to smile as he saw the blush fill Chakotay's
cheeks.  Dark fathomless eyes met beguiling blue.  Chakotay
stood and moved as close as he could to the pilot without
touching.

"The plan is, you keep quiet unless I say otherwise.  You do
not take part in any of the negotiations, is that
understood."

Tom nodded and moved over to the bed, letting the towel drop
as he reached for his clothes.  He sensed Chakotay's eyes
still on him and made a show of slipping on his clothes.  As
he put on his shirt he turned around.  Chakotay's eyes were
still on him.

The silence was broken by the sound of bells.  On the third
ring the doors opened and the two men from earlier came in
and indicated that Tom and Chakotay should follow them.

They led them back down the corridors to a large stateroom. 
Taking up the majority of room was a large round table. 
Chakotay was seated at one side of the table with the consul
and various other high officials.  Tom had been placed
further around the table with lesser officials and the
consul's younger son, St'etem.  Chakotay listened as the
consul droned on and on about all the regulations for
letting them pass through the wormhole.  As the warm air and
the boring monotone voice of the consul made the Commander
yawn, one of the officials suggested a break in proceedings
for refreshments.  Chakotay took a drink and moved towards
the other side of the room, where Tom was entertaining
St'etem.

Chakotay just heard the tail end of the conversation.

"I have enjoyed your company very much Tom.  You are a
handsome and intriguing man and I look forward to getting
better acquainted with you at the banquet tonight, much
better acquainted.  I have to go now, attend other
business." 

Chakotay pulled Tom to one side, grabbing Tom's arm roughly
and whispering in his ear. "What do you think you are doing
Paris?" 

Tom shuddered, at last a reaction.

"Just being friendly."

"There's friendly and being over friendly.  We are here on
business not pleasure.  Remember that."

Tom rubbed his arm where the Commander had gripped with some
force. 

Tom smiled to himself, he would remember it all right. 
Tonight he was going to flirt his socks off.   He would get
a reaction from the commander, no matter what.

The meeting resumed and the consul then moved on to
negotiating what could be traded for the short cut.  Voyager
didn’t have much to offer but they made a list and the
consul said they would discuss it later. At last the meeting
came to an end and Chakotay and Tom were again escorted to
their room.

They both got ready for the banquet, dressing in formal
Fleet uniform.  This time there was no overt display of
undressing.  As they waited for security to come back,
Chakotay gave Tom a lecture on behaviour.

"And I don’t have to remind you, fraternization with aliens
is forbidden."

Tom had stood enough of lecturing.

"I recall you forgot that last time we were together on an
away mission, Commander."

Tom fought for breath as his body slammed into the wall. 

"That was totally different."

Chakotay might have the advantage, with rank and weight but
Tom was not going to back down.  Not now, when he had got
the reaction he had so craved.

"So you're telling me that love bites and lipstick all over
your cock was just them saying hello.  We seem to have two
different standards here Sir."

Chakotay gripped Tom's shirt tighter.

"There were thing about that situation you are unaware of. 
Now I'm telling you to not step over the line."

The bells rung, the doors opened and the men beckoned them
to follow.  Chakotay let go of Tom's shirt and stepped back,
allowing the younger man to go first.

Once again the Commander and the pilot were sat apart. 
Chakotay noticed that as previous the consul's son was next
to Tom.  Chakotay tried to concentrate on what was being
said but his eyes kept wandering over to the cosy picture
the two made.  In a break in conversation he watched as Tom
laughed at something St'etem had said and gritted his teeth
as the consul's son picked up Tom's hand and raised it to
his lips.  Tom flushed, and not with embarrassment, Chakotay
thought, more like arousal.

Suddenly St'etem got up and approached his father, after a
few quiet words the consul apologised and they both left the
room.  Chakotay looked over at the pilot and Tom looked back
and gave him a saintly smile. Chakotay could tell his thin
veneer of calm was about to crack if he continued watching
Paris' antics.  A while later both the consul and his son
came back in, sitting in their respective places. 

"Commander Chakotay my son has put forward a proposal."

"Go ahead."  Chakotay had an uncomfortable feeling about
this.

"My son, bring Mr Paris forward."

"There is no need to include Lieutenant Paris in the
negotiations." 

"Oh but there is Commander."  The consul had a knowing smirk
on his face that Chakotay didn't like one bit.

"Voyager has very little to offer us in way of exchange for
use of our wormhole.  Your one asset as far as I can see is
your pilot.  My son has put forward a proposal that I think
will be satisfactory to both sides."

Chakotay jumped up.  "I have no intention of leaving Mr
Paris behind, he is an important member of our crew and
vital to our successful return home."

"Sit down Commander, you have misunderstood me. My son has
suggested that in exchange for access to the wormhole, he
has the company of Mr Paris for a full night."

Chakotay returned to standing again.  "That is just as
unacceptable."

Tom stared.  He hadn’t expected St'etem's proposal but that
Chakotay was passionately arguing against the arrangement
pleased Tom enormously.

St'etem moved forward.  "That is the price.  I want Mr
Paris.  You want the wormhole.  You have till the end of the
banquet to decide."

"I don’t need till to the end of the banquet.  Mr Paris is
not part of the deal." Tom felt a warm glow begin in the pit
of his stomach at the thought of how strongly the commander
was arguing for him.

"Please sit down commander.  We can talk further over the
meal."

The meal and discussions continued.  The consul led the
Commander into an adjoining office to show him plans of the
sector where the wormhole terminated.  Chakotay had decided
that as soon as they got the chance they were transporting
back.  This fiasco had gone on long enough.  No short cut
was worth what they were asking.

"This is all very fascinating but I cannot see that we have
a basis of discussion."

"Commander I am sure we can come to some mutual agreement." 
The consul was persistent but Chakotay had now decided that
this really wasn't worth the trouble.

"If you don’t mind I think we need to rejoin the others."

The consul tried continuing the discussions, lingering over
the plans.

"I would like to join the others."  Chakotay had reached the
end of his patience.

"If you insist Commander."  The consol bowed and stepped
back to allow Chakotay to move into the other room.

As Chakotay walked back into the room he looked around for
the pilot but Tom was nowhere to be seen.  He frantically
looked around for St'etem.

"Where's my Lieutenant?"

"Mr Paris is meeting his obligations.  Tomorrow we will
escort you to the wormhole."  The consul answered smugly.

Chakotay looked around in panic.  Tom couldn’t have been
gone long.

"Mr Paris belongs to me.  He had no right to agree to this,
do you understand.  You have insulted my people and me by
taking my Lieutenant.  If he has been harmed in anyway,
Voyager will retaliate.  He is mine, do you understand?"

"But Mr Paris agreed, for the good of your ship."

Chakotay itched to wipe the knowing look off the consul's
face.

"I have told you, only I can make that decision. Now take me
to him, NOW."

Chakotay was finding it hard to keep his raging temper as he
marched with the consul and security.  It seemed like an
eternity as they marched down corridors, up stairs, down
more corridors. Just before they opened the doors, the
consul stopped Chakotay.

"Commander, you may wish to reconsider this.  The wormhole
would cut your journey home considerably.  Even if he
belongs to you, Mr Paris has made it known that he finds my
son attractive.  He is willing to complete the deal.  By the
morning everyone will have got what they wanted.  Think
about it.  Surely one man is expendable for the good of the
rest of the crew."

"What do you mean expendable?"  The commander knew he was on
the verge of striking out and he also knew the odds were
against him if it turned violent.

"It's only one man commander." Chakotay didn't answer just
swung the doors open and then stopped in his tracks.

Tom was chained to the bed, naked, a gag in his mouth, a
look of pure terror on his face. Blood stained Tom's
reddened ass cheeks and tears ran down his face.  St'etem
stood over him, equally naked with a monstrous erection
jutting out towards the pilot.  He held some form of riding
crop in his hand, ready to strike Tom again.  Chakotay
strode over and quickly gripped his wrist stopping the
strike in mid flow.

"Untie him."

The security guards looked to the consul for confirmation.

"UNTIE HIM, NOW."  Chakotay roared.

The consul nodded and the pilot was untied. Tom quickly
pulled the sheets to him.

"Voyager."

"Go ahead Commander."

"Two to beam directly to my quarters."

They materialised in Chakotay's bedroom, Tom still shaking
with shock.  Chakotay pulled out some sleep pants and top
and threw them at Tom.

"Get these on."  Chakotay turned his back on the pilot as he
dressed.

He stormed out towards the bathroom and retrieved the dermal
regenerator.  Marching back in Chakotay looked at the
dishevelled man sat on the edge of the bed and fought down
the urge to strike him.  Anger, shock, worry and a crushing
sense of disappointment in the pilot, threatened to
overwhelm the commander.

"Turn over."

Tom hesitated.

"Now."

Chakotay roughly pulled down the pants and began the task of
healing the deep cuts.  When he had finished he pulled the
pants back up and threw the generator onto the bed.  Turning
around he clenched his fists as he unsuccessfully tried to
keep a lid on his temper.

"What the fuck do you think you were doing?  I gave you
strict instructions not to get involved.  You heard me tell
them you were not part of the bargaining.  What the hell
were you thinking?"

Tom's eyes were as wide as saucers, his body still deep in
shock.  "St'etem said you had agreed to it, that you were
busy with his father negotiating other things.  He said that
you didn’t want to force me but that if I were willing to
help you would sanction it. I just wanted to help Voyager,
help you. We needed the wormhole, I was just the goods used
for exchange.   He'd made it plain he found me attractive
and he was good company.  I just didn’t realise he was into
violence. I didn’t realise .."

Chakotay's fury boiled over and he backhanded the pilot
across the face knocking him to the bed. 

"No you didn't realise. You fool, you could have been
seriously hurt, even killed.  No short cut is worth that. 
You disobeyed my orders.  What were you thinking?"

Tom blinked back the tears and looked defiantly at Chakotay. 
"I was thinking that you used sex to get what we needed on
the last away mission, this was no different."

Chakotay roared with anger and dived on Tom, gripping his
wrists.

"I've told you, you don’t know all the facts and I knew what
I was getting into.  You obviously didn't.  What were you
expecting a nice little fuck, a pat on the head and on your
way.  You got more than you bargained for.  I saw the look
of fear on your face.  He was going to beat the living
daylight out of you and then rape you.  You would have been
lucky to get out of there alive.  He wasn't going to be the
pushover Janeway was."

Now the fear was receding, Tom was also getting angry.  He
knew Chakotay was partly right and that just angered him
even more. 

"What do you mean by that fucking remark."  Tom's face was
contorted with rage as he tried to get free but Chakotay
just tightened his grip.

"Well Paris, let's put two and two together.  Traitor and
renegade gets invited onto Voyager, sleeps with the captain
and then suddenly becomes chief pilot and Lieutenant.  Don’t
tell me your fucking ability and new found rank weren't
connected."

With a growl Tom flung the Commander onto his back and sat
astride him, this time gripping Chakotay's wrists hard.

"Do you really want to know what happened, you sanctimonious
son of a bitch?"  Tom wanted to strike the Commander but was
reluctant to let go of the wrists. 

"She gave me no option.  I didn’t want the rank, not at the
price she was asking.  But then she said if I wouldn’t she'd
ask Harry and I knew he wanted to please her so much he
wouldn’t be able to say no.  He'd have become the Captain's
whore and he wouldn't have been able to live with himself. 
I on the other hand could.  But I didn’t want to.  I didn't
give a fuck about rank I just wanted to protect Harry."

Tom rolled off the Commander, lying on the bed, his arm
shielding his eyes.  He felt empty, defeated.

Ayala's voice came over the comm link.

"Commander, the vice-consul wishes to speak to you."

"Put him through, audio only."

"Commander.  I have just heard what has happened to your
crewmember.  I wish to extend my utmost apologies.  The
consul and his son have been detained for their crimes
against you.  They say they did not understand that this Mr
Paris belonged to you. But I believe they did. I hope he has
not been harmed in anyway.  We would be pleased to escort
you to the wormhole without any exchange.  If you could be
ready in 4 of your hours."

"Thank you.  Mr Paris will recover given a little time.  I
will inform my crew and we will be ready."

Communication to the planet was cut.

"What did he mean belong to you?" 

Chakotay sat down resignedly on the bed.  He was tired of
playing games, of tactics, of subterfuge. 

"I told them that you had no right to make the decision to
be with St'etem because you belonged to me."

Tom gave a hollow laugh. "You must have found it real hard
to say that, the last person you want is me."

Chakotay rested a hand on Tom's thigh and looked into his
eyes.

"Things could have been so different."

Chakotay got up from the bed and moved towards the door. 
Once again the anger flashed through Tom and he jumped up
and grabbed Chakotay's shoulder, spinning him around.

"Oh no, don’t say something like that and then walk away. 
You've said that before now explain what you mean. How could
things have been different?  I'm sick of these shitty,
psycho games you keep playing with me.  If you wanted
Janeway so much why do you keep playing sexual games with
me?  What was that scene about in the toilets at Sandrine's? 
Why the hell are you doing this to me?"

Tom pushed Chakotay to the wall, gripping him tightly by the
shoulders.

"You once asked me what I dreamt about, Janeway's pussy or
the First Officer's cock.  I'm asking you Sir.  What do you
dream about, what do you really want.  Do you fantasise
about your cock in her or is it really me you want and you
just don’t have the guts to admit it."

"Get off me Paris, before this goes too far.  I've told you
I'm not the pushover Janeway was and I'm not the pussycat
you think I am."  With another roar, Chakotay pushed Tom off
him but Tom had seen the commander's phaser on the bedside
table.  Grabbing it Tom aimed it at the now enraged man.

"Don't think for one minute I'll not use it Chakotay, now
back off."

Chakotay sneered, "I knew it all along.  You're true colours
coming out now Paris.  Go ahead, go running to your sugar
mummy.  But remember I'm man enough to do brig time and
someday I'll get out and come after you."

"You don't back down do you.  I've got a phaser on you and
you're still shouting the odds.  Shut the fuck up.  I've no
intention of going to Janeway.  I've backed you from the
start but you're to blind to see that.  You're our best
chance of getting home.  Sit down."

Chakotay didn’t move.

"Fucking sit down."

This time the Commander moved and sat on the edge of the
bed.

"Are you doing this because you hate me so much?" Tom's
voice broke as the stress of the situation began to catch up
with him.

"I don’t hate you Paris, I've never hated you."

"I want some answers Chakotay. "

The Commander nodded. 

"Paris, were you telling the truth about Janeway, about your
rank?"

"I've told you once, yes it’s the truth.  I had no option, I
couldn’t stand by and watch Harry ruin his life. So you see
there was no need for you to be jealous. She soon dropped me
as soon as you showed interest.  To tell the truth I was
quite relieved."

"You want the truth Paris, I didn't really want her either."

"What?" Tom looked confused at the other man.

"Warfare tactics.  Divide and conquer."

"You've lost me."

Chakotay lay back on the bed, stretching out but keeping a
wary eye on the phaser.

"I knew from the start, it wasn't going to work, two
different styles of command.  But for the good of all the
crew I tried.  When she made you Lieutenant, I lost some
respect for her, lost some for you too.  Then she started
ignoring my advice, going out of our way. Involving us in
battles we shouldn't have been fighting. The crew were
unsettled, restless.  Many made it plain they would back me
if I took command.  I didn't really want to do it but I
needed to make plans in case the situation arose.  First
rule of warfare tactics, is know your enemy and there was
someone in the other camp I couldn’t get to grips with."

Chakotay went quiet and stared at Tom.

"Me?"

"Yes, you.  Tuvok, Janeway and Kim, would act predictably in
any given situation.  But you, you were as likely to do one
thing as another.  So I needed to isolate you.  Get you away
from the Captain.  So Mr Paris, I did what you did, whored
myself to Janeway.  That way I could keep a better eye on
you and at the same time lull her into a false sense of
security."

Tom couldn't take in what was being said.  He went quiet as
he thought over what Chakotay had just said.  "All that
makes sense, sort of, but what about all that sexually
threatening stuff you kept dealing out to me.  I just don't
understand what you were trying to achieve."

"Tactics.  Well partly and partly my ego.  I wanted to
unnerve you but then when I heard you had been saying I was
Janeway's poodle I wanted to make sure you knew otherwise,
my hurt pride I guess."

"But why the sexual element."  Tom was intrigued.

"Playing to your weakness or maybe your strength."

"I still don’t understand."

"Did I unnerve you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because it was unpredictable, at times it was frightening."

"Was it arousing?"

Tom stood quiet.

"Yes."

"And I bet that confused you.  I was threatening you and
arousing you at the same time.  So in the end you didn't
know how to react with me and that's what I wanted.  I
wasn't sure of your support so I wanted the upper hand if it
came to conflict. I needed you to be unnerved around me. If
I had just used threats or violence it wouldn’t have been as
effective.  You’re a sexual person so I used that aspect of
you to my best advantage."

Tom let his head and hand drop. Fatigue, delayed shock
taking its toll but Chakotay didn’t make a move to get the
phaser.

"Tom."

Tom looked up at the unfamiliar word coming from Chakotay's
lips.

"I need to inform the crew that we will be entering the
wormhole."

Tom nodded.

Chakotay did a ship wide announcement, informing the crew
about the wormhole and telling them of what procedures to
put in place.

"What do you want to do now, Tom?  The call's yours.  You've
got the phaser."

Tom looked up bleakly.  It had all been tactics.  Chakotay
had been toying with him all along.  He moved over towards
the bed and handed over the phaser.

"No the call's yours Commander."

Chakotay put the phaser on the bedside table.

"Tom, sit here.  I want to talk to you for a moment."

Tom sat down beside Chakotay, not allowing their bodies to
touch.

Chakotay looked seriously at the man at his side.

"Don't ever do that again.  Don't ever put yourself in
danger for Voyager.  You are much too valuable. Do you
understand?"

Tom didn't answer.

Chakotay sat up and clasped the pilot's chin firmly.  "Do
you understand, Tom?"

Tom nodded.

Chakotay lent over and placed a kiss on Tom's lips.

"Good."

Chakotay jumped up and looked down at the delectable but
confused pilot.

"Come on Paris, there's only one man who can get us through
that wormhole, and he's doing no good sat seductively on my
bed."

Tom got up and stood in front of the Commander.

"Are you still trying to unnerve me? 

"No."

"But you said that you didn’t like it that Janeway was
sleeping with me, you seemed upset."

"I was upset, because I didn’t want to think about you with
her, you with anyone."

"Me.  Chakotay, is this still tactics?"

"No Tom, it's not tactics.  It's want, it's need and it's
lust but I'm afraid it will have to wait."  He reached out
and pulled Tom to him.  "Everything I have told you is true
but what I haven’t told you is that I have wanted you for a
very long time.  I don't know if you feel anything for me
but I'd like us to try to get to know each other, properly
this time?"

Tom, his eyes wide with disbelief, managed a bewildered nod.

 Part 6

Some time later they were exiting the wormhole.  The crew
were ecstatic and as an added bonus there was an uninhabited
M class planet only a day away where they could land and do
essential repairs.  First thing was a celebratory party in
Sandrine's.

Each shift took it in a roster to have time at the party. 
Tom's shift was the last but when he eventually got there he
didn’t get a minute to talk to the Commander.  Everyone
wanted a word with Chakotay, a part of him.  Tom was still
unsettled by the earlier conversation, still unsure if
Chakotay was playing games.  He needed to talk to Chakotay,
straighten things out.

He was still thinking things through as he relieved himself
in the old style latrines.  Then he felt warm, moist lips on
his neck.  He looked around startled.

"Chakotay."

"Shh."

The kisses on Tom's neck became more insistent, as a hand
crept up his shirt to squeeze a nipple.  Tom glanced at the
door.  He looked down as a bronze hand firmly gripped his
pale cock and began stroking.  His head fell back on
Chakotay's shoulder as his hips began pushing against the
pumping hand. 

"Later Tom I am going to fuck you and then you are going to
fuck me.  I am going to suck you and you are going to suck
me and then I am going to fuck you again."

Tom couldn't talk he was coming so hard, as Chakotay held
him tightly.

If this was tactics, Tom thought, then Chakotay had won,
without a doubt.

"Are you alright?"

Tom nodded.  Placing a light kiss on Tom's nose Chakotay
turned and exited the room. 

Tom sat shuffling on his chair, wishing the party to end. 
He wanted to be alone with Chakotay.  He wanted to fuck and
be fucked and he wanted it desperately, with a passion he
couldn't contain.  Eventually all the well wishers drifted
off and Chakotay whispered to Tom that it was time to leave.

At last they were on their own and Tom was nervous.  They
had been building up to this moment and now Tom was scared
that he wouldn’t be any good, that nerves would stop him
performing and a little part of him still didn't know if
Chakotay was playing a game.

Chakotay stepped into the bathroom and Tom took this
opportunity to quickly get naked and slip under the sheet. 
Now the time had come he felt shy at showing his body.

Chakotay came back in, he obviously had no such
reservations.  Tom watched as he slowly walked towards him. 
His taut, hard muscles glowed in the low light.  He was a
magnificent sight and Tom felt the arousal began to stir and
build up.  Chakotay sat down beside him and pulled the sheet
back so he could see Tom's chest.  He began stroking,
touching every area.  Tom closed his eyes, just enjoying the
feelings that was coursing through his body.

He opened his eyes as the touching stopped.

"What's the matter Chakotay?"  Tom knew it had been too good
to be true. Chakotay was having second thoughts.

"I'm just looking at you, savouring every bit of your body."

Tom shuddered at the lust in the older man's eyes.

"Will you kiss me?"  They had never kissed and Tom, at this
moment, wanted it more than sex.

Even over this simple act, Chakotay took his time. 
Caressing the face, his eyes feasting on Tom's sparkling
eyes, the promising mouth.  Tom didn’t move, didn't speak
just kept his eyes on the sensual lips that were now
descending on him.  As their lips met Tom felt a jolt of
arousal shoot through him.  This felt so right, he felt as
though he had come home.  The kiss deepened and Tom pulled
Chakotay further to him, wanting as much contact as was
possible.  Their tongues reached out for each other, both
taking it in turns to suck and be sucked. 

Chakotay laid out fully on top of Tom, their bodies making
complete contact.  Chakotay was gripping Tom hard, biting
his neck with abandon.  Once again it stopped but Chakotay's
hand still caressed his face.

"Tell me you want me."  Chakotay's voice was low and sultry
as he moved to lie beside Tom

"I want you Chakotay, more than I've wanted anyone before."

Chakotay's hand had moved down and was now stroking Tom's
thigh and balls, avoiding the hard, aching cock.

Chakotay licked Tom's ear and whispered.  "Ask me to make
love to you."

Tom moaned, for a moment unable to speak as a finger stroked
his puckered entrance, not entering but just teasing.

The finger moved away.  Still Tom didn't answer.  A
well-lubricated finger slipped in.

"Take me, make love to me, fuck me hard, now.  Please."  Tom
didn’t know what part of his body needed the most attention. 
He wanted more in his ass, his cock wanted friction, his
lips begged to be kissed, his neck wanted to be bitten.

Another finger slipped in.

"Tell me what you want, Tom.  What do you want right now?" 
A jolt of pleasure surged through him as a third finger
joined the other two.

"I want your cock buried deep inside me.  I want…"  Before
Tom could say anymore, Chakotay was slowly entering him,
stretching him.

Tom opened his eyes and looked up, their eyes met and
Chakotay pushed all the way in.  Just as Tom was closing his
eyes, he heard a low growl as Chakotay pulled out and pushed
back in, over and over again.

Tom fought to bring his breathing and body back under
control.  The lingering feelings from the intense orgasm
still shook through his body.  Chakotay held him as the
trembling subsided, petting and kissing him.

"Tom."

Tom looked up at the seriousness of the voice.

"Don't think that this is just about sex, I have developed
deep feelings for you.  I hope you will be able to develop
feelings for me."  Chakotay pulled the limp and well used
body to him.

Tom leant up onto his elbow, staring down at the
sweat-covered face.  He traced the swollen lips with his
fingertip and then pressed his mouth to the man beneath him. 
Hearing a low moan he was encouraged to thrust in his
tongue.

"You have no worries there Chakotay, I care for you too."

Chakotay pulled Tom down on top of him.

"Are you trying to seduce me Lieutenant?"  Chakotay bit into
the pilot's neck, causing Tom to jerk and at the same time
thrust his groin into the commander.

"But you are so seducible Commander."  This time Tom bit
into Chakotay, causing him to thrust up.

"Tom do you want to fuck me?"

Tom gave a wicked laugh.

"Ask me.  Tell me what you want."

Tom didn’t wait for an answer, he lubbed up his finger and
was already preparing his lover.

"Tell me Chakotay."

"I want you to take me, up against the wall.  I want you to
thrust into me hard and call my name as you come.  I want
you to touch me while I call your name."

Tom didn't let him say any more but pulled Chakotay to his
feet and led him over to the wall.  Chakotay placed his
hands on the wall, wiggling his ass in invitation to Tom. 
The pilot knew the older man was well prepared so pushed his
cock in, in one push.  Chakotay shouted out and moaned.

Tom was in a frenzy of lust, pushing hard into Chakotay,
gripping the older man's chest with passion. 

"Your mine Chakotay, mine."

Chakotay shouted yes as Tom thrust in hard.

"Tell me."

"I'm yours Tom."

Tom reached around and began stroking the engorged cock.

"Only mine Chakotay, say it."

"Yours Tom, only yours."

Tom speeded up both thrusts and strokes.

Moans of release filled the air.

In the clear light of day, now the haze of lust had lifted,
Tom was unsure where everything was going.  He had woken to
an empty bed and had been filled with disappointment and
quickly following was doubt.  Tom made his way into the
outer room, but it was empty, not even a message.  Just as
he was ordering from the replicator he heard the doors open. 
Before he had time to react he was swept up into strong
arms.

"Sorry, I didn't want you to wake up alone but I had
business to take care of."  Chakotay took hold of his hand,
pulling him towards the bedroom.  "And now I've some
personal business to take care of."

They had landed on the planet and everyone began their work
on the maintenance.  Work was hard but the crew were in a
buoyant mood.  Tom didn’t see much of the Commander while on
shift but they made up for it when duty was over.  Two days
in and a briefing was called. 

"Everything is now in order.  At noon tomorrow we will
resume our course.  I want everyone to check their stations,
make sure everything is running to optimum efficiency.  Mr
Paris can I have a word with you?"

The others filed out and Tom hung back, worried by the
serious look on Chakotay's face.

"Tom I'd like us to have a meal together tonight, go for a
drink in Sandrine's, make love, just be together.  Are you
free?"

"Of course I'm free.  Are you alright, you seem disturbed?"

"A few things on my mind, that's all."

Tom put it to the back of his mind, looking forward to the
evening.  But Chakotay's mood from earlier carried over. 
The meal was quiet, subdued but the conversation livened up
at Sandrine's when others joined them.  Ayala asked if
everything was all right and Chakotay reassured him that
everything was fine.  They went back to Chakotay's quarter
and made love, this time it was gentle, tender.  Chakotay
held onto Tom as though he was scared he would lose him.

As they were falling asleep in each other's arms, Chakotay
turned to Tom.

"You know whatever happens, I want you to remember I care
for you."

Tom's stomach clenched.  "What do you mean, what’s going to
happen?"

"Shh, go to sleep Tom, everything will be alright."  Despite
Tom's protest Chakotay wouldn’t expand on his statement.

In the morning Tom didn’t feel any better, the worry over
the night before being made worse by restless sleep.

Chakotay was quiet, preoccupied as they walked to the
bridge.  A senior briefing was called straight away.

"I'll get straight to the point.  I have decided to release
the crew who are currently on lockdown."  Tom jumped up to
protest.  But Chakotay gave him a steadying look and he sat
back down.

"It will then be up to the crew how they want to proceed and
I will comply with whatever they decide.  We cannot carry on
as a divided crew and I only want what is best for Voyager. 
I want everyone to go to their sections and talk to their
people, explain what is happening.  Whatever is decided we
can only work as one crew and that cannot happen if grudges
are held.  Dismissed."

Tom hung back, till the last had exited.

"You bastard, you knew this was going to happen and you
never even mentioned it last night.  You said everything
would be all right.  But it won’t be will it Chakotay, not
if Janeway takes over again.  You'll be in the brig and
where will I be."  Tom sat down dejected.  "You couldn't
even discuss it with me, that's how much I mean to you." 
Tom jumped back up.  "Fucking nothing."

Chakotay grabbed him.  "I care for you, but how are you
going to feel about me, when I'm in the brig.  Will you
still want me then, when I'm on the losing side."

Tom pushed Chakotay's hands off him.  "Fuck sides, I'm not
with you because you're in charge. Is that what you think,
as soon as the captain's in charge I'll drop you.  Well fuck
you Commander."

Chakotay tried to grab him again but Tom was too quick and
moved out onto the bridge before the Commander could reach
him.

Chakotay was torn, whether to call Tom back in and talk to
him, though he doubted that Tom would obey, or speak to
Janeway.  Deciding that it was best to get it over with, he
called for the security team to bring in Janeway, Tuvok and
Harry. 

He explained to them that he intended to let the crew of
Voyager decide who would be in charge and wanted to know if
they would abide by that decision.

"Commander I will support whatever the crew decide.  I just
want what's best for Voyager.  I just want to get home." 
Harry hung his head, unable to look Janeway in the eye.

Tuvok spoke next.  "I support Captain Janeway in whatever
decision she makes."

Janeway got up and began pacing. 

"I cannot condone what you have done.  But, I suppose if the
crew sought you out that could be taken into consideration. 
Though what working relationship we will have, whichever way
it goes, I cannot at the moment imagine.  If the crew want
it your way I cannot see how I can work as your First
Officer.  It just wouldn’t work."

"If it goes my way, you won't be my First Officer.  I have
someone else in mind for that job.  I suppose if it goes
your way you won’t want me as your second?"

"No Commander, I don’t suppose I will."

"But I'll tell you one thing Kathryn, you will get all my
support.  All I want is the what is best for the crew, that
is all I ever wanted."

"I also want that.  But if this goes against you, you're
going to be a long time in the brig."

"The announcement stated that any crew wanting to back my
command had to go to shuttlebay one.  The ship's compliment
is 137 so we can soon see who has the backing.  Agreed?"

Janeway nodded.

Chakotay announced to the ship that it was time to be
counted.  Taking a deep breath he indicated to Ayala and his
team to accompany them. 

Standing outside the door, Chakotay took Janeway to one
side.

"Whatever happens, I want you to know that I never wanted to
hurt you, I never wanted this."

Janeway gave a curt nod in acknowledgement and they all
stepped through the door.  The commander couldn’t tell if he
had a majority but there was a large number of crew and that
alone gave him heart.  He looked around for Tom but couldn’t
see him and he felt hurt but not surprised.

"Computer, how many crew are present in shuttlebay one?"

"There are 101 crew presently in shuttlebay one."

"Even if we deduct us four," Chakotay indicated to the
senior staff, "I have the majority.  I think what we need to
do is sleep on this and all meet for a senior staff meeting
in the morning."

Janeway nodded, dazed by the crew's choice, by events.

"You can all go back to your duties, I will make an
announcement in the morning.  Thank you."  Chakotay
announced to the rest of the crew.

As Chakotay turned to go he glimpsed Paris just leaving
through the doors.  He hurried out after him.

"Lieutenant Paris, could I have a word with you?"

"Commander, I don’t think…"

"About ship's business."

"Alright."  Tom followed Chakotay to the Captain's office
and they sat down.

"I would like you to be my First Officer. Your rank will
stay the same as will everyone else's, even the Captain. 
You can of course decline this offer if you wish but I think
you would be the most suitable for the job.  I would like
you to consider my proposition and give me the answer prior
to the meeting in the morning."

"I don’t think that would be a good idea, Commander."

"Tom, please just consider it."

"Tell me one thing Chakotay.  Why didn’t you tell me what
you were going to do?  How could you make love to me and
then not tell me you were putting everything we had at risk? 
Tell me."

"Because I knew that if it went against me I would be saying
goodbye to you and I just couldn't do it.  I would have been
thrown in the brig and that would have been the end.  If
that was going to be our last time together I didn’t want it
clouded with sadness."

"But you also had doubts that I would stick around.  You
weren't sure if I would go crawling back to Janeway.  Is
that what you were thinking."

"Tom, it's just that …"

"Damn it, answer me.  Tell me the truth." 

"No I wasn’t sure of you."

Tom got up, gave a backward glance and then exited the room.

Chakotay stood and stared out the window.  It should have
been so easy.  A recon mission, picking up supplies and then
back to base in the badlands.  He had planned on going back
to his family on Dorvan V.  Instead he had ended up on a
fleet vessel, with a stubborn captain and recalcitrant
pilot.  A pilot who had increasingly got under his skin.

Chakotay slept little that night.  He knew that Janeway or
Tuvok as the First Officer wouldn't work.  B'Elanna was a
good choice but her expertise was needed in Engineering. 
Ayala was a good friend and a good security officer but he
wasn't First Officer material. Tom was the best choice and
would be good at the job, but as for a relationship, that
seemed to be as far off as ever.

Walking to the briefing, Chakotay thought how easy it would
be just to take a shuttle and go find a nice, friendly
planet to stay on.  Let Voyager, Janeway and Tom Paris find
their own way home, without him.  He knew he wouldn't do it
but it was nice, just for a moment, to dream.

He sat waiting for the others, going over in his mind, what
he would say to Janeway and Tuvok, hoping that they would
see what was most important, Voyager.  The chime rang and
Tom came in, sitting down without waiting for a greeting.

"I'll be your First Officer, it makes sense and the smoother
Voyager runs the more chance we have of getting home."

"Thank you, Tom. It will good to know I will have steady
support at my side."

"I don't know Chakotay, how do you know I just won't hand
Voyager over to Janeway when your back is turned?"

"Because I think I mean something to you."

"It's a pity I don’t mean something to you Commander."

They were interrupted when the door opened and the others
filed in. 

Chakotay looked around as he settled his thoughts. The only
way to approach this situation was to be confident and
strong.  He knew he had to make the mark straight away or
any weakness Janeway and Tuvok would use.

"We have gone over the why's and wherefores already and I
see no reason to discuss those issues again.  Staffing is
another matter.  Greg Ayala is joining the senior staff team
but he will still hold the same position in security.  As
will B'Elanna in Engineering.  As for Mr Paris he will drop
all sickbay duties and become my First Officer. He will
still be chief helmsman, nobody can fly us in an emergency
like Tom, but Baytart will take more of Alpha shift when
First Officer duties take precedent. Anybody got any
comments so far."

Nobody said anything.

"Good.  Now Mr Kim.  Do you want to continue in your present
post or would you prefer a job away from the bridge?"

Harry straightened up and coughed nervously.  "Sir, I would
like to continue working on the bridge."

Chakotay gave a reassuring smile.  "That's what I wanted to
hear, Harry."

Turning he looked at Tuvok.

"Tuvok, tell me your thoughts on your situation."
"You know I do not agree with your actions but as the
majority of the crew are behind you, sufficed to say I will
not hinder you.  Logically I am the best person for tactical
and security.  It is entirely up to you whether you trust me
to do my job in that role."

Chakotay nodded.  "I agree Tuvok and I do want you to
continue in that role."

Tuvok inclined his head in agreement.

"Everyone to their posts, I'd like to speak to Kathryn
alone.  Mr Paris you're in charge of the bridge."

Everyone made their way to the bridge and Chakotay and
Janeway sat surrounded by uncomfortable silence.

"So Kathryn, what are your thoughts?"

"Do you really care, Commander?"

"Yes I do."

"There was no need for it to come to this.  I knew from the
start you had ambitions, that First Officer was never going
to be good enough for you but I put it to one side for the
good of Voyager.  We could have worked together, come to
some compromise."

Chakotay stood up and stood in front of her, towering over
her.

"Like you blackmailed Tom into sleeping with you, was that
for the good of Voyager."

"Oh I see it all now.  It wasn't just Voyager you wanted, it
was Tom as well."  She threw her head back and laughed,
hysterically.  "And I had them both.  You must have hated
me."

Chakotay clenched his fists, wanting nothing more than to
slap the smug look off her face.

"You are wrong Kathryn, I never wanted Voyager."

"Oh but you wanted Tom and I had him.  Dangle a carrot in
front of him and he'll drop to his knees for you.  Good
isn’t he?"

"This is getting us nowhere.  Do you want a position on
Voyager or do you want to spend the rest of your time
confined to quarters."

"I think it best if I stay in my quarters.  The thought of
you and Tom, making cow eyes at each other on the bridge,
just turns my stomach."  Her lip curled up into a snarl.

"I thought it would serve your interest and Voyager's
interest if you worked at one of the Science stations."
Chakotay ignored any reference to Tom.

"No I don’t think so Chakotay.  Oh and by the way, Mr Paris
didn't take much persuading, I only offered him Lieutenant. 
What must he be doing for you for second in command."

Chakotay gripped the edge of the table and then when he had
his temper under control he tapped his badge.

"Mr Ayala please accompany Janeway back to her quarters."

Tom looked around when the Commander came onto the bridge
and noticed the lines of strain around his eyes and mouth.

Chakotay stood on the bridge, everything seemed business as
usual, or nearly.  Tuvok was back at tactical, Harry was
busy reading something on screen, Tom was flying the ship. 

"Mr Paris, could you get someone to cover the helm and then
join me in the ready room."  Chakotay still couldn't call
himself Captain, couldn’t say my ready room.  It still felt
unreal.

Tom came in and sat down as far away as possible.  Despite
the dark mood that had descended on Chakotay, he couldn’t
help but smile to himself.

"Please Tom could you sit here, so at least you can see what
data I am referring to."

Tom nodded and moved to a nearer chair, still keeping as
much distance as possible.

"According to the data we have accumulated I can see no
problem passing through this part of space.  Food stocks are
in adequate supply, though not abundant but I cannot see any
opportunity for re-stocking."

Tom nodded and leant over to see the display.  The
conversation continued and they discussed the way forward,
Janeway's reaction and all relevant business.

"Tom, thanks."  It was a simple statement but the simplicity
made it all the more heart-warming to Tom.  If they could
keep it business, Tom could see it working.  But he admitted
to himself that he missed Chakotay's touch, missed the
thrill of not knowing when Chakotay would make a move and
arouse him beyond measure.

They had been on the move again for eight weeks.  Janeway
was still in her quarters, still refusing to co-operate but
Chakotay and Paris' partnership on the bridge was working
well, Chakotay listening and taking heed to Tom's advice. 
But any personal contact was avoided by both of them.

Baytart was doing duty at the helm and Tom was in the First
Officer's seat, when Harry called out that there was a ship
within sensor range.  Chakotay was once again with Janeway
trying to make her see sense.

"Hail them Mr Kim."

"No response."

"Tuvok, any information?"

"Their weapons are ready."

"Red alert, shields."

"Tom, sorry I mean Lieutenant, the ship is hailing us."

"On screen, Mr Kim."  Tom turned to look at Harry and they
exchanged a smile.

"This is the Warrior ship, Oldanna.  What is your business
in Tanarian space?"

"I am Lieutenant Tom Paris, First Officer on Voyager.  Our
apologises, we were not aware that we had ventured into
anyone's territory.  We are a long way from our homeland and
are unfamiliar with this part of space."

"What position is First Officer?"

"I am second in command."

"I speak only to the first in command." The alien gave Tom a
look of contempt.

At that moment Chakotay stepped through the lift doors onto
the bridge, taking in the man on the view screen.

"You, are you the first in command?"

"Yes.  I am Commander Chakotay of the USS Voyager."

"Yes, I thought so. As soon as I saw you I could tell you
were a man of great worth.  We do not take kindly to
trespassers through our region of space.  We need to discuss
this.  You must come aboard my vessel."

"How far does your territory stretch?"

The man smiled, looking the Commander up and down.

"Handsome and wise.  It would take you 2 spheres to traverse
our space but to avoid it, it would take 12 spheres. 
According to the data we have transferred from your
databanks that would be 6 months in your measurements."

"My team will transport to your vessel to discuss this
matter."

"No, only you."

"Then I will.."

The screen went blank.

"What happened?" Chakotay looked around, confused at the
suddenly blank screen.

"Commander, I disrupted the transmission, made it look like
a malfunction.  It would be unwise to go over alone."  Tuvok
replied.

Tom jumped up, unsettled by the looks the alien captain had
been giving the Commander.

"I agree, you could be killed as soon as you got over.  We
can go around, six months is nothing."

"I agree with you both but the gain is worth the risk. 
Tuvok put them back on screen."

"Tuvok belay that order.  Commander could I have a word, in
private?"

They both moved into the Ready room.

"Tom."

"No, you listen to me Chakotay.  I'm either your second in
command and you listen to my advice or I'm just the
captain's poodle and told to sit and rollover.  You know how
that feels.  Now if you take me seriously I am saying that
no way do you go over there on your own."

Chakotay took a deep breath. "Sorry Tom, you're right."

They moved back onto the bridge. 

Chakotay nodded to Tuvuk to resume transmission.

"I'm sorry there was a malfunction in our communications.  I
would like to bring over my First Officer to be included in
the discussions, I rely on his advice on many things."

"I said, you alone."

"In that case we will turn around and avoid your space."

"Even though it will cause you delay.  You are a stubborn
man, Chakotay of Voyager.  You may bring him along."

"Tuvok you have the bridge."  The Vulcan and the Commander
exchanged glances.  Chakotay conveying the trust he was
putting in him.

Within seconds they were over on the alien vessel's bridge
and the alien captain, who had not said his name, was coming
towards them.

"Chakotay of Voyager, welcome.  I am Chief Bedwyrus of the
Tanarian Homeworld."

The alien completely ignored Tom and shook the Commander's
hand warmly and more than was necessary, in Tom's mind.

"Please join me in my office and we can discuss what happens
next."

Tom moved forward but the alien put out a hand to stop him.

"I am sure Chakotay can manage without your assistance."

"I'm sure he can, but our rules are plain.  I will accompany
him."  Tom moved the hand out of his way and stood by
Chakotay's side.

"He is very protective of you, Chakotay.  Are you and he
lovers?"

"That's none of your business."  Tom jumped in, not giving
Chakotay a chance to reply.

"I was just being curious, First Officer Paris."

All three stepped through the door.

"I will be straight with you Chakotay of Voyager, the only
way our ruling clan will let you through our space is if we
escort your ship during your journey."

"That seems acceptable."  The commander sat down, indicating
to Tom that he should
do likewise.

"Of course one of your crew members will have to be our
guest while we travel
together."

"You mean an hostage?"  Tom jumped in sharply.

"I mean, a guest."  The alien's eyes had never left the
commander.

"Go on."  Chakotay seemed equally taken with the alien.

"Commander, we cannot put any of the crew at risk."

"Tom, please let us hear Bedwyrus out."

The alien smiled, a wide smile at the commander.  "Thank
you."

"If we have one of you as a guest, that way we are assured
that you will have no harmful intentions.  Also we will,
hopefully have an exchange of ideas, cultures, many things."

"How long did you say it would take to traverse your area?" 
Chakotay seemed calm, accepting.

2 Spheres, 1 month in your measurements."

"I agree."

"Commander, could I have a word with you, in private."

Bedwyrus smiled.  "I will leave you for a moment."

As soon as the door closed Tom turned to the Commander.

"You cannot seriously be considering this.  You will be
putting a member of the crew at risk.  You don't know how
they will treat them."

"Tom, the only way we will get home is if we take risks,
calculated acceptable risks.  This is one.  I mean to be the
guest.  That way I won’t be putting anyone else at risk."

"Chakotay!"

"Please Tom, I need your support more than ever now.  You
will be in charge and Janeway will try to take advantage.  I
need to be able to count on you. Have I got your support?"

"I don’t agree with what you're doing but I'll support you,
you know that."

Chakotay put a hand on Tom's elbow and lightly squeezed. 
"Thank you."

The door opened and the alien chieftain came back in.

"Have we got agreement on this matter?"

"We have.  I will stay."

A smile crept over the alien's face.

"That is good.  I hope this will be pleasurable for you as
well as for me.  Do you need to go back to Voyager before
our journey starts."

Tom shuddered, he didn’t like this man at all.

"I need to get some things, speak to my crew."

"I look forward to your return."

As they materialised in the transporter room, Tom stopped
Chakotay from going through the door.

"Chakotay, I don’t trust him, be cautious."

"I will Tom."

They moved off to the briefing room and met with senior
staff.  Chakotay explained the situation.

"I don’t expect anything untoward to happen while I am over
there but if anything does I expect you all to pull
together.  I'll see you all in a month."

They all moved back to their posts but Tom hung back.

"Be careful Chakotay."

Chakotay leaned forward and tenderly kissed Tom's lips. 
"Thank you, for everything and I am sorry if I ever hurt
you."

Tom turned his back as his eyes filled up.  "Just come
back." Tom mumbled as he moved towards the bridge.

Seven days had passed with no contact and Tom was trying to
keep a lid on his worry.  Tuvok had kept him sane, had
stopped him from panicking.  Tom was sat in Chakotay's old
office, thinking over the time they had been on the away
mission and Tom had sat on the bed and stroked Chakotay's
chest.  It was a dark game they had played, the air of
danger, the sensual thrill, the concealed arousal, but in a
strange way Tom had enjoyed it.  Now he didn’t know if
Chakotay was playing those games with the alien.  Harry
announcing there was an incoming transmisson interrupted his
thoughts.

"Put it through Harry."

"Tom, is everything all right?  Are you all right?"

Tom looked at the view on the screen.  The commander looked
good, refreshed "Chakotay it is good to hear you and see you
again.  Yes, everything is all right over here.  How are
things with you? 

"Fine.  They’re friendly, cultured, easy to talk to."

They smiled at each other.

"Chakotay, I've been thinking over our disagreement.  I over
reacted.  I'm sorry."

"No it was my fault, for not trusting you.  I wish things
could have been different between us."

"I miss you Chakotay."

"What do you miss, my stubbornness, my stupidity, my
inability to see what a wonderful man you are."

"I miss your kisses, I miss you sneaking up on me in the
men's room in Sandrine's, I want you back Chakotay."

"I want to be back Tom."  Chakotay gave a smile that warmed
Tom's heart.

"I think about you Chakotay, just as I am dropping off to
sleep."

"What do you think about Tom?"  Chakotay's voice had dropped
to a husky whisper.

"I think about your hands on my body.  I want you so much."

Chakotay gave a low moan.  "Tell me Tom what you would like
me to do to you."

Tom looked away as he thought about their lovemaking.

"I'd like you to pin me to the bed, sucking hard on my neck. 
I want to feel you rubbing your hard cock against mine." 
Tom looked up as he heard Chakotay groan again.

"Chakotay, what are you doing?  Are you touching yourself?"

"Mmm, I'm imagining it's your hand.  I'm imagining thrusting
into you hard."

Tom could see the flush of arousal on Chakotay's face and he
wanted to see him climax.  "I'm moaning for you Chakotay,
I'm thrusting up towards you.  I want more of your cock
inside me.  Imagine how tight I am Chakotay, think about
pushing into me, biting my neck.  Imagine me coming for
you."

That was all Chakotay needed to push him over the edge and
his face screwed up in ecstasy.

"Thank you Tom."

Tom smiled, "it will give me something to think about
tonight as I try to fall asleep."

"Tom, I have to go now."

The screen went blank and Tom whispered goodbye.  That night
sleep was along time coming as he thought over his feelings
for Chakotay.

The next day Tom was surprised to be called to Janeway's
quarters.

"What can I do for you?"  Tom wasn't sure what to call her,
captain didn’t seem appropriate. 

"I wanted to see you Tom, I think I am ready to take up a
science post now."

"Well that's good Kathryn but I think it would be best if we
wait till the Commander comes back from his away mission."

She tried arguing, cajoling, but Tom was adamant.  He knew
her game, she thought he was weak, that she could take
advantage.  Tom had said he would look after Voyager for
Chakotay and he meant to keep his word.

Another week passed, reports and mundane business kept Tom
busy but he was looking forward, hoping that Chakotay would
get in touch again.  He was hoping that they would repeat
their conversation but this time he would be on the
receiving end of all that passion.  The day came and went
and Tom began to worry again.   Days passed and then when he
had given up hope of contact Harry informed him again of an
incoming message.

Tom took the call in private, not knowing what to expect. 

"Tom."

"Chakotay."

"Things still all right over there, no problems?"

"No problems.  I expected to hear from you sooner."

Chakotay went quiet and that worried Tom.

"The crew miss your presence.  In fact a few have commented
how much they miss your presence at the pool table and the
rations they win off you."  Tom laughed, an uncomfortable
laugh.  "Are they treating you well?"

"They can’t do enough for me, don't worry.  I have to go
now."

"Why, what’s stopping you.."  The image was gone.  Tom sat
for a long while just staring into space, disappointment and
worry delaying his return to the bridge.

Everything ran smoothly but the crew were on edge, nervous
for Chakotay and the future of Voyager.  Everyone was
counting the days down to when the Commander was due back on
the ship, but no one more than Tom Paris.  He longed to be
in Chakotay's arms again.  Their argument was in the past,
from now on they would just look to the future.

The month was over and Tom sat on the bridge nervously
waiting for the alien ship to communicate but so far there
had been no contact.  All hails were ignored.  Tuvok
counselled caution but Tom's nerves were getting the better
of him. Another day passed and just as Tom was on the edge
of doing something drastic, they were hailed.

On screen was Bedwyrus.  "First Officer, please come
across."

"Where's Chakotay?"

"Please come across."

Tom's stomach clenched.  He turned to the Vulcan, "what do
you think Tuvok?"

"I think, Mr Paris, that you do not have an alternative.  It
may be a simple invitation but if it isn’t it is the only
way we will find out Commander Chakotay's situation."

Tom nodded in acknowledgement of the truth of Tuvok's
statement.

"If I have not contacted you within 30 minutes, you do what
you have to do."

Once again Tom Paris was on the bridge of the alien vessel. 
Bedwyrus was in his seat but Chakotay was nowhere to be
seen.

"Where's the Commander, what have you done with him?"  Tom
fought to keep the panic from his voice.

"He will be here in a moment, he has gone to get some things
from my quarters."

Tom's stomach tightened further, Chakotay was in the
Bedwyrus' quarters. Tom had seen the way the alien chieftain
had looked at Chakotay, what if over the month the commander
had reciprocated those feelings. The doors opened and
Chakotay stepped through.  Tom had to admit he looked good,
relaxed.  The strain that had been on his face had gone,
leaving him looking younger, vibrant.

"Everything well with you Commander?"  Tom gave Chakotay a
warm, welcoming smile.

"Everything is fine, Lieutenant.  How are things on
Voyager?" Tom relaxed as Chakotay gave him an equally warm
smile back.

"As you left them." 

Chakotay had been looking forward to seeing Tom and he had
hoped that Tom had missed him too.  He turned to Bedwyrus.

"Thank you for your hospitality and for the information on
the next sector.  We will put it to good use.  But most of
all Bedwyrus thank you for your friendship."

Bedwyrus nodded and moved forward.  "It has been a pleasure
to know you, Chakotay my friend."  He embraced the Commander
and Tom heard the alien whisper in his ear.

"Voyager two for transport."  Chakotay said, giving one last
look at the alien.

As they materialised, Chakotay once again turned a friendly
smile on Tom.  The pilot's face was immobile, looking
straight ahead.

"I think it can wait till the morning for a staff briefing
but if you've a moment we could go over the last few weeks." 
Chakotay looked at the man he had missed so much.

"If you don’t mind Commander, I've pulled an extra long
shift, I'd prefer to wait till the briefing to hear your
update."

Before Chakotay could answer, Tom had walked out of the
transporter room door.  Something was bothering Tom or
discipline had slipped while he had been away.  Either way,
Chakotay would deal with it and soon.  Chakotay's first
reaction was to go after Tom but there was too much to do
and maybe giving him a little time to come around wouldn’t
be a bad thing.

During the briefing Chakotay noticed that Tom sat sullenly
as far away as possible.  Chakotay explained how friendly
Bedwyrus and his crew had been and was surprised when Tom
gave a quiet snort of derision.  He showed them maps of the
next sector and with the information Bedwyrus had given them
how they could avoid any unnecessary conflict.  Everyone,
except Tom, asked questions, curious about Chakotay's time
on the alien vessel.  They talked over the coming week's
roster and then everyone made their way to their stations.

"Mr Paris, if I could have a word with you before you go on
your way."  Chakotay waited till the others had gone.  "Is
there something bothering you, something you'd like to talk
about."

"No, nothing."

"Could we meet up and talk over things."  Chakotay tried to
keep it on a casual level, but he felt anything but casual. 
All he wanted to do was wrap the young man in his arms.

"Sorry, I've got plans.  Now, if you don’t mind, I've two
days off duty and I would like to go enjoy them."

Chakotay nodded, hurt and puzzled. He knew that there was no
use pushing the younger man so he decided to back off.  But
by the end of the second day Chakotay had not seen anything
of Tom.  He needed to get to the bottom of it by shift
tomorrow.  They would be working together and Chakotay
didn’t need Tom using that tone of voice in front of other
crew.  As the shift ended he called in Tuvok.

"Tuvok, how was Tom's behaviour on the bridge while I was on
the Oldanna."

"Exemplary Commander, why do you ask?"

"Since I came back he has been distant, on the borders of
subordinate.  I just wondered if you could give me any
insights to why that would be?"

Tuvok sat down.  "Yes I can, Commander.  Mr Paris is upset
at your behaviour while over on the other ship."

"My behaviour!  Explain."

"My observations led me to believe that Mr Paris was
anticipating your return with affection.  When he returned
with you, I noticed he was subdued.  I commented on it to
him.  He saidthat it was obvious that you had developed a
relationship with Bedwyrus, either for profit or personal
satisfaction.  Mr Paris wasn't sure which."

"He said what?  Did he say how he had come to this
conclusion?"

"No.  Is it true?"

"No, far from it."

"Maybe you need to speak to Mr Paris, put him straight."

"Oh I'll be doing that all right, Tuvok, don't you worry."

After meditating, showering and eating a meal, Chakotay
asked for the whereabouts of the pilot.  On hearing
Sandrine's, he set off determined to put Tom straight, once
and for all.

Looking around he couldn’t see Tom anywhere.

"Greg have you seen Paris?"

"He's taking a leak and I best warn you he's in one of his
sarcastic moods.  Don’t want to be scraping him off the
floor when he turns it onto you, which I am certain the mood
he is in, he will."

"Greg I need to speak to him.  If I promise not to splatter
his blood on the walls can you make sure we are not
interrupted?"

"It's done Chief."

Chakotay smiled as he entered the men's room.  They were
clocking up quite a number of dalliances in this location.
As Chakotay entered, Tom was just on his way out. 

"Where you going Tom?"

"Does it matter Commander?"

"It matters to me."  Chakotay moved into Tom's space,
causing the pilot to step backward.  "I sense you've got a
problem, Tom.  With me?"

Tom remained silent.

"I said Lieutenant, have you a problem?"

Tom felt a shudder go through him at the menace in
Chakotay's voice.

"Yes, I've got a problem.  I've got a problem with your
double standards."  Tom turned his back, trying to put a
little distance between him and the hot breath caressing his
face.

"You lecture me about sex with aliens but you do it
yourself.  For what, cutting six months of our journey.  How
low will you sink commander?  What next a blow job to cut
off a few days."

He felt gentle hands on his shoulder and a light kiss on his
cheek.

"I've never slept with anyone for profit.  Well, except
Janeway."

"What about that time you slept with that woman for the
minerals.  I saw the marks, I saw the lipstick around your
cock.  You can’t deny that was for profit."

"Oh I can."  Chakotay's hold on Tom was firm, his breath
caressing the pilot's neck.

"Do you want to know what really happened?  She was
beautiful, made it plain from the start she wanted me.  I
wasn't interested.  Then she asked if I was alone.  I began
talking about you and I began to get hard.  So very hard. 
All I could think about was fucking you.  She saw I was
aroused and took care of it.  When I got back to the room
and you began stroking my chest, it took all my will power
not to take you there and then.  The next night, we didn’t
even bother conversing.  We did the deal and then I took
her, all the time thinking of you.  So you see I don't sleep
with aliens for profit and I didn’t sleep with Bedwyrus for
a short cut home.

Tom wanted to believe him, he wanted to just let go and sink
into those broad arms.  But he couldn't, he had seen and
heard the evidence.

"Stop playing games Chakotay.  I saw the hungry look he had
for you.  I saw how reluctant he was to let you go.  You
were coming from his quarters when I transported across.  I
heard what he said to you.  Don’t take me for a fool, at
least be straight with me."  Tom began clenching his fists,
as the hurt and anger began building up.

Chakotay's hands were still gripping his shoulders and Tom
didn’t make a move to get out of them.

"You're right, he didn’t want me to return."  Tom's
shoulders fell in defeat but Chakotay still held him and
with a swift movement Chakotay spun him around.

"I didn't sleep with him. We became good friends, that is
all.  I talked over many things with him, things I couldn’t
talk over with people on Voyager.  He helped me get things
straight in my mind and I won't deny that friendship.  As
for coming from his quarters I was picking up the datapads
with the information on."

Tom looked down.

"Do you believe me Tom?"

"I heard what he said to you."

"What did you hear him say?"

"He said you were everything he had ever wished for."

Chakotay flung his head back and laughed.

Tom's temper, which was already on the boil, tipped over.

"Do you fucking care about anyone, anyone's feelings?"

Chakotay stopped laughing.

"He said, I hope you get everything you wish for.  He meant
you."

Tom looked up.  "Is that the truth?"

"You, Tom Paris are all I want, all I need, believe me."

Chakotay turned to leave, he'd said his piece it was up to
Tom to decide if he was telling the truth.  As Chakotay got
to the door he was grabbed from behind.   Tom had linked his
arms through his so that he was restrained at the back.  He
felt Tom's breath by his ear.

"But he wanted you, didn't he?"

"Yes, he wanted me."  Chakotay heard Tom's voice hitch but
he could tell that the other man was beginning to get
aroused.  Chakotay was a master tactician, he knew how to
play Tom.

"Did he touch you?"  Tom's breathing had deepened, his
temper and arousal causing his voice to shake slightly.

Chakotay didn’t answer but tried to break the grip Tom had
on him.  He only did this half-heartedly but Tom just
increased his hold.  This only served to arouse Chakotay
even more. He was not used to being dominated and this role
reversal was a surprise to him.

Tom bit down on his neck, not enough to cause pain but
enough to cause a jolt to shoot through the restrained man.

"Answer me, did he touch you."  Tom's voice was low, but
Chakotay could hear the temper simmering underneath.

Chakotay gave a small smile to himself.  "Yes, he kissed
me."

Tom let go of Chakotay's arms and turned him around. 
Quickly grabbing the Commanders hands he pinned them above
Chakotay's head.

"You said you were mine, you bastard."  Then Tom began
frantically kissing  Chakotay unable to get enough of him. 
Pulling the older man's shirt off he latched his lips onto a
nipple and bit lightly causing Chakotay to thrust forward.

"Did you want him?"  Tom bit the other nipple.

"No, I've told you I only want you."

"I want you to suck me."

"Here."

"Yes."

"Now?"

"Yes."

Chakotay sank to his knees.

"Show me Chakotay how much you want me."

Tom's head fell back as Chakotay's tongue began it's work on
teasing out his orgasm.  Tom grabbed a handful of hair. 
Chakotay winced as his eyes watered.

"Suck me harder."

Chakotay relaxed his throat but held on to Tom's hips as
they began thrusting more violently.

"You're mine.  You do not touch anybody else.  If I find, oh
fuck yes, Chakotay, yes." 

Tom shook as the intensity of the orgasm took over.  His
breathing laboured, he helped Chakotay to his feet and fell
into the warm embrace.  Eventually Tom pulled away and
looked into the warm eyes.

"I meant what I said.  I don’t share you."

"Tom, he tried to kiss me but didn’t succeed.  I told him
there was only you.  There will not be anyone else."

Suddenly Chakotay grabbed Tom's hands and mirroring the
stance of earlier he pinned Tom to the wall, his hands above
his head.

"You know, lover boy, that rule applies to you as well.  Now
are we going back to my place and take care of a little
problem I have."

Tom leaned forward and kissed Chakotay.  "That's more than a
little problem but I think I've got just what is needed."

Chakotay rubbed his groin into Tom.  "Let's go fuck."

The routine continued but the crew were more buoyant, less
likely to petty arguments.  Janeway was still stubborn but
most of the crew had settled down.  Baytart was at the helm,
Tom was at Chakotay's side.  It was a quiet day so Tom was
bantering with the commander, trying to get a blush or a
chuckle from him.

"Commander, there is a ship approaching off our stern.  It's
the Ol'danna, they are hailing us."

"On screen, Mr Kim."

"Chakotay my esteemed friend, I have urgent need to see you. 
Please come over to my vessel." Tom's hands had gripped the
consul, as he tried not to let the jealous feelings arise in
him.

Bedwyrus continued.  "Alone, if you would, we can dine while
we talk."

"I'll transport over in 10 minutes."  The screen went blank.

"Commander, if I may have a word in your office."

They both walked off the bridge, Chakotay knowing that every
member of the bridge crew knew what this was about.  Tom's
insecurity.

"You're not going Chakotay.  It's too dangerous."

"He's a friend, he won’t harm me."

"What about fuck you?"  Tom crossed his arms.

"You're being irrational now, Tom.  You know that won’t
happen.  He may have some news."  Chakotay reached out to
touch Tom but the pilot moved out of the way.

"You’re not going."

"Tom, I am going, I have to go."

"Chakotay don’t go.  I'm not asking as a First Officer but
as a lover.  Don’t go over."

"Sorry Tom but I have to."  Chakotay grabbed Tom before he
could do anything else and kissed him soundly.

"I'll be back soon."

Tom paced up and down the bridge, everyone watching with
hidden amusement.  An hour passed and the pacing became more
intense.

"Mr Paris would you like to be relieved of duty, I am sure
we can manage on the bridge till the Commander comes back?

Tom just gave Tuvok a filthy look and continued walking up
to Harry to recheck the monitor for the 10th time.

The turbo-lift doors opened and Chakotay came back onto the
bridge.  Tom's body momentarily moved forward, ready to
fling himself into his lover's arms but then he gained
control and realised where he was.

"Senior staff meeting in five minutes."

Chakotay headed for the briefing room, Tom got up to follow
but Tuvok caught his  eye.  He shook his head and Tom sat
back down.  Each minute seemed like hours as the five
minutes ticked down.  Tom wanted to know what had gone on
and why his lover had looked perturbed.

At last the reliefs came and the senior staff filed into the
briefing room.

"Bedwyrus has got hold of a piece of technology that in
theory can open up a rift that will enable us to get back
into the Alpha Quadrant.  As I say in theory.  The risk is
not the actual passage but the destination.  It has been
known to go wrong.  The probability is that everything will
be all right but there is also a chance that we could end up
even further away from home.  I want your advice."

Typically of B'Elanna she wanted to know how it worked. 
Chakotay brought up the diagrams on the screen and explained
everything Bedwyrus had told him.

"The bottom line is, is it worth the risk?"

Tom was the first to answer.  "We've got to give it a go. 
In my books we've nothing to lose.  At this rate by the time
we get home, everyone we know will be dead anyway.  Most of
us will probably be dead.  This gives us a chance."

Tuvok argued the case for logic but by the end of the
meeting the majority agreed that the obvious choice was to
at least give it a chance.  The next morning a ship wide
announcement was made and any dissenters were told to see
the First Officer to air their views before the move into
the rift commenced. Only a handful of people expressed their
concerns.  Just prior to the jump being made, Bedwyrus came
over to the bridge of Voyager.  He spoke to the bridge crew
about their courage and wished them every success.  Whatever
happened it was unlikely they would meet again.  He turned
to Chakotay.

"Could I just have a private word before you go?"

Chakotay nodded and moved towards the captain's office,
avoiding looking at Tom.

"On behalf of the people of Voyager I cannot thank you
enough."  Chakotay was filled with a feeling of great
emotion for Bedwyrus.  This man had gone out of his way to
help Voyager with no gain to himself.  This trait had been
seen sparingly while in the Delta Quadrant, and for that
matter in the Alpha Quadrant.

"My friend, I just wanted to say it as been a pleasurable
experience getting to know you.  I have built up inside me a
great deal of affection for you and if it wasn't for your
love of Mr Paris I would be trying to persuade you to stay."

The alien became quiet, staring out the window, his mind
going over possibilities lost.

"Chakotay, my dearest friend.  I ask one favour of you."

"If it’s in my power anything."

"Let me just once, feel your lips on mine, your arms embrace
me."

Chakotay didn’t hesitate.  Only two people existed at that
moment.  It was such a small thing to ask.

Chakotay leant forward taking Bedwyrus' chin in his hand. 
Their eyes met, an understanding passing between them. 
Chakotay lightly touched his lips to the other man's and he
heard a low moan.  His arms wrapped around the shorter man
and the kiss deepened, Chakotay sucking on his tongue,
causing further moans to break the silence.

Bedwyrus grabbed hold of the Commander's shoulders and
turned them around so Chakotay was leaning against the wall.

"Please kiss me again."

Before Chakotay could answer, he was being kissed, Bedwyrus
groin pressing hard into him, the alien's breathing now
laboured. Chakotay tried to struggle out of the grip but the
kiss became more ardent, the trusts more urgent.  Suddenly
Bedwyrus gave out a strangled cry and dropped to his knees. 
Chakotay, alarmed, moved forward to help the man to his
feet.

"Bedwyrus, what is a matter, what happened?  Are you hurt?"

The alien captain began to laugh.  "Only my heart."  His
face became serious.  "On my lonely nights I will be able to
think of this moment, when you brought me to fulfilment,
with your kisses, my Chakotay."

Chakotay gasped out in shock.  Then watched in stunned
amazement as Bedwyrus called for transport and was gone.  He
stood staring at the spot where the man had disappeared,
trying to gather some semblance of composure and at the same
time willing his obvious arousal away.  Five minutes passed,
then ten minutes.  Finally Chakotay felt calm enough to walk
out onto the bridge.  He again avoided looking at the pilot,
sure Tom would be able to read on his face, his guilt.

"This is a ship wide announcement.  We will be entering the
rift in thirty minutes.  Use that time to settle any
personal matters, we do not know what we will find at the
other side."

Turning to Tuvok, "I have some business to take care of, you
have the bridge."
Entering Janeway's quarters, he saw her sadly looking out
the window. 

"Kathryn, you know what we are about to do?"  She nodded. 
"I know you don’t approve but the decision is made.  I don't
know what we will find but I want you to know that I wish
things could have been different.  I wish we could have
stayed friends."

Without giving her chance to reply he turned and headed for
Engineering.  Calling B'Elanna over to him, he spoke quietly
so others couldn’t hear.

"B'Elanna you have been my dearest friend and supporter, I
just wanted to thank you."  They embraced and B'Elanna held
on to him, enjoying the security of his arms.

Heading back to the bridge Chakotay had a quiet word with
Ayala and then turned to Tom.

"Mr Paris, could I see you a moment in the ready room."

Tom, who was beginning to think that Chakotay had forgotten
he existed, got up on rather shaky legs and followed him
into the room.

As soon as the door shut, Chakotay grabbed Tom and held him
fast.  Whispering in his ear, "I love you Tom, nothing can
take that away."  Chakotay's grip tightened and again he
quietly declared his love.  After moments he let Tom go.

"Chakotay I."

"No Tom, whatever you feel tell me on the other side."

"But."

"On the other side.  Now if there are other people you need
to speak to you best do it now."

"There's nobody else.  I've spoken to Harry."

"Let's go do it."

Tom placed himself at the helm.

"Voyager crew, we're going in.  Whatever we find on the
other side, remember we still have each other."

Chakotay moved to stand next to Tom, resting his hand on his
shoulder.  Just as much to give himself comfort as to
support Tom.

The device that Bedwyrus gave them was activated and the
beginning of an anomaly began to open up. 

"Take us in Tom."

Within seconds the whole of the ship began to vibrate. 
Tom's hands were darting all over the helm trying to
compensate.  Minutes later the ship stabilised and Tom felt
a squeeze of approval.  The view screen showed only dense
blackness.  On and on they flew, the ship being directed by
the anomaly, Tom's only work to keep the ship stable.  After
60 minutes Chakotay was beginning to think he was a fool to
have even considered this idiotic scheme but then there was
a slither of light ahead.

"Any readings yet, Harry."

"No sir, consoles are dead."

The light started to get marginally larger.  Chakotay felt
that everyone must be holding their breath, just like him.

"Commander, the console has just come back online.  No
discernable readings as yet." All of a sudden Voyager
speeded up and then exited the anomaly.

"Harry, anything?"

All the bridge crew heard a half sob.  "Commander, we're in
the Alpha Quadrant."

Tom not waiting for Chakotay to give him the order, halted
the ship.

Chakotay exhaled out loudly, all eyes were on him. 

"Harry, any more information than that." 

Tom thought even after all this, Chakotay was still a cool
bastard when it came down to it.

"We are approximately 6 months from Deep Space Nine and I
see no other ships on the sensors."

Chakotay began a ship wide announcement.

"Voyager crew we are now in the Alpha Quadrant, 6 months
from Deep Space Nine.  We are holding this position until
tomorrow.  I am sure everyone needs a little time to get
used to the situation.  I think we need to relax, talk it
over with friends, get some sleep and then tomorrow we head
for home.  Party in the mess hall 1900 hours."

Turning to the bridge crew, "Senior staff meet at start of
shift tomorrow."

A roster was put in place for skeleton staff to work the
bridge and the party began.  Tom had been busy sorting the
roster out so he hadn’t seen Chakotay and was now sat
impatiently waiting at Neelix's counter watching the door. 
After 30 minutes Tom was beginning to despair but then
Chakotay sauntered in as though it was just another day. 
The whole room burst into applause, cheering, shouting,
yelling Chakotay's name.  Tom felt a lump come into his
throat.  The commander, his lover, with all his dark,
mysterious ways, had got them home.

Tom was chatting to Harry who couldn’t contain his
excitement, who either laughed inanely or sobbed
uncontrollably.  It was while Harry was laughing for the 3rd
time that Tom looked around and couldn’t see Chakotay.  He
got up and scanned the room, calling to Ayala if he knew the
Commander's whereabouts.  Nobody could remember seeing him
go.  He made his way to the Commander's quarters but
received no answer.  Asking the computer the commander's
location he was informed that he was in the large
observation deck.  Making his way there Tom was a little
concerned.  On entering he noticed how dark and quiet it
was.  Chakotay was just staring out of the window.  Walking
over quietly he surrounded the older man with his arms,
resting his chin on the solid shoulder.

"I missed you.  Is something worrying you?"

Chakotay let out a deep breath.  "I had some decisions to
make, I just needed time to put my thoughts in order."

"And are they in order now?"

Chakotay turned around and gave a small smile.

"I've decided to hand Voyager back to Janeway."  Tom began
to protest but Chakotay stopped him.

"She's the captain, she should take her home."

"She'll throw you in the brig."

"Six months and we'll be back."

"Then they'll throw you in federal prison."

"I don’t think so, the logs show that the crew requested my
actions.  But I'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

"Don't do this to me again.  How can I go six months without
you?

Tom burrowed his face further into his lover's neck.

"I need your support Tom."

Tom nodded.

"Good, let's go make love."

Next morning at the briefing, Tom was tense and the others
picked up on it.  Chakotay surveyed the room.  They had been
loyal to him, even Tuvok and Harry, who had been against the
takeover.  He couldn’t have asked for better backing.  He
had requested the presence of the captain and she sat next
to him, no emotion showing on her face.

"We are now home.  I've not communicated to Star Fleet
Command as yet.  I think that is the job of the Captain.  As
of 0900 hours, Captain Janeway is once again in command of
Voyager."

"Why?"  Janeway's face didn't show surprise, but stayed
immobile.

"I didn't want to take command from you, you know that.  You
should be the one to lead us home."

The captain stood.  "Would you make a ship wide announcement
stating this?"

Chakotay nodded and made the announcement.  Chakotay knew
there would be disappointment, dissention but he also knew
that they would obey orders and eventually settle down.

"Now Mr Ayala will you accompany Mr Chakotay to the brig?"

Ayala just stared, thunderstruck that she would make that
move.

"Captain, I don’t think…."

"Now."

"Do as the captain says Greg."

Chakotay gave one last look at Tom and then was gone.  Any
hope that the captain's incarceration in her quarters had
mellowed her was soon put to rest.  As soon as Tom sat down
for lunch disgruntled crew surrounded him. 

"It was Chakotay's choice, we can't do anything but put up
with her.  Luckily we won’t have long."

Cutting his lunch short he made his way to the brig, hoping
to get at least 5 minutes with Chakotay before resuming his
shift.

"No access Tom, sorry Captain's orders." Greg looked
sympathetically at the man he once hated.

After shift, Tom asked to see the captain in private.

"Have you a problem Mr Paris?"

"I wanted to request a visit to see the Commander."

"Request denied.  Mr Chakotay is in solitary confinement
until we dock at Deep Space Nine."

"But Captain."

"We could do a deal Tom."

Tom shivered, he could guess what the deal was but he asked
anyway."

"What deal."

"We resume our extra activities and I'll let you see
Chakotay."

"No deal.  I can wait."

"I don’t think so Tom.  A week, two week down the line,
you'll be desperate to get laid.  You may as well do it for
gain."

"Like I said, I can wait."

As the weeks went by, more and more crew were speaking to
him about what would happen once they got home.  All of them
said they wouldn't stand by and see Chakotay incarcerated
once they got back.  A team formed to come up with a plan of
escape once they got to DS9 and half of that team were made
up of die hard Fleet. A day away from the station they
finalised their plan.  They had thought of every
eventuality.  As they docked, only Senior Staff were
requested to attend the first meeting with officials. 
Chakotay was not invited but outside security was drafted in
to make sure he stayed imprisoned.  As soon as they got
back, Tom would implement the plan.

The meeting went on forever and it was plain that Chakotay
would be made the scapegoat for Janeway's incompetence. 
Tom's anger was mounting as they made they way back. 
Everyone, except Janeway, spoke out for Chakotay but the
powers that be were intent on making the ex-Maquis captain
pay.  As they boarded the ship, it became clear that there
was some kind of emergency going on.

"Report." Janeway bellowed out.

"The commander has escaped from the brig.  He has somehow
got to the shuttlebay and off Voyager without detection." 
One of the DS9 guards shouted as he frantically searched
through the computer logs.

Tom was stunned, if Janeway thought he was part of the plan,
she had only to look at his face to realise this was all
news to him.  He had thought of every eventually except
Chakotay escaping himself.

DS9 and Star Fleet were informed.  There was no trace of the
shuttle.  Tom made his way to Chakotay's quarters.  Looking
around, nothing seemed out of place, looking closer he saw
that Chakotay's medicine bundle had gone, as had photographs
of his family.  Dejectedly he made his way to his quarters. 
The bastard had left him, without a word, with nothing but a
broken heart.  As he sat morosely thinking about his
situation he glanced up and noticed a datapad on his desk. 
Hurriedly moving across he grabbed it up and sat on the
couch, frantically trying to get the entry on screen.

"Tom

If you are reading this, then this is goodbye.  I haven’t
seen you for six months, so I don’t know if you waited,
though Greg said you had.  Please believe me when I say I
didn’t want to leave you but I couldn’t risk them taking me
into custody.

You are the best think that could have happened to me. 
Please remember that I love you.  Try to think well of me. 
Have a good life.

Chakotay."

Tom stood staring at the words, the finality of the last
sentence.  The tears that threatened, didn’t fall.  He was
filled with anger, at himself for falling for the Commander,
for Janeway for turning out to be the bastard that she was,
but most of all at Chakotay, who had abandoned him without a
thought.  Two weeks it would take.  That's how long they had
been informed the circus that would welcome them home would
take.  Then he was on his way, on his way to find the lover
that had cast him off like an old coat.

Epilogue

The figure that entered Sandrine's was not the broken man of
years before. The journey into the Delta Quadrant had
strengthened Tom Paris.  This thing with Chakotay had hurt
him but never again would anything or anyone bring him to
his knees.  Only if you looked close did you see the shadows
under the eyes, the dull hopelessness  of someone who had
known a great love and lost it.

He had searched everywhere Chakotay had mentioned, all the
important places in his life but there had been no
sightings, no word.  He had simply disappeared without a
trace.

He looked around the room, it hadn’t changed, just looked a
little older, a little wearier.  Like him, like Sandrine. 
He blinked back the sudden moisture in his eyes as he saw
the woman, who he owed more than he could ever repay.  She
was busy behind the bar, playfully flirting with a customer.
As he stepped forward, she looked up and caught his eye. 
The customer forgotten, she rushed forward into his arms. 
Calling for someone to cover the bar, she bustled Tom
upstairs, sitting him in front of the fire, wanting to hear
his story.

Settling down with a large brandy, he told her everything
that had happened since he had left Sandrine's, a broken
alcoholic.  His voice broke, more than once but when he
recalled Chakotay abandoning him, his voice broke completely
and he had to stop to gain his composure.

"This man, Cherie, is important to you?"

"Even at the time Sandrine, I didn’t realise how much."

"And you have found no-one else to take his place?"

"I've not looked.  He was the last person that touched me. 
It's been a year, I have to get over it."

"My Tom, never give up on a dream.  I have to go back down. 
Have a little sleep and then come and join me."

Tom didn’t think he would be able to sleep, to many emotions
swimming about in his head but within a minute of lying down
in Sandrine's bed he was asleep.  A few hours later he was
awoken by his body's need for his lover.  Every morning he
had woken up, hard for Chakotay's touch.  Usually he brought
himself off but today he couldn't do it, not in Sandrine's
bed.  Looking at the time, he realised he had been asleep
longer than he had intended.  Quickly getting cleaned up, he
dressed and dashed down the stairs.  Hopefully Sandrine
would let him stay here for a while, tend the bar, while he
decided what to do next.

Sandrine smiled.  "You look better."

"Once again Sandrine, you come to my aid.  I'm looking for a
place to stay, do you know of anywhere?"

"You know you are always welcomed here, I have a spare room
always for you."

"I could tend bar for you."

"There I cannot help you, I have a bar man but I am sure we
will find you something.  Go sit over there by the fire, I
will bring you something to eat and when my help comes in I
will come over and join you, we can reminisce some more."

For the first time in a year, Tom felt some of the tension
lift.  This had been a good move, coming to Sandrine's. 
This was a good place to make a new start.  Sandrine placed
the plate and a glass of beer in front of him and smiled.

"I will be over shortly."

Tom sat quietly, listening to the talk, the clanking of the
balls on the pool table.  Savouring every mouthful of food
and drink he relaxed even more as he stared into the
hypnotic flames of the fire.

"May I join you?"

Tom smiled up at Sandrine. "I think this seat has your name
on it."

"Is the food good." She rested a friendly hand on his
shoulder, giving it a squeeze as she sat down.

"More than good, as is the beer and the company."

"I have wondered about you over the years, hoping that you
had found the happiness you were looking for, the happiness
you deserved.  It is sad that you lost it."

"Paris luck, Sandrine."

"He is handsome, no?"  Sandrine indicated to the bar man. 
"I think maybe you could make a fresh start, yes?"

Tom looked at Sandrine, puzzled and then realised she was
matchmaking.

"I'm not ready yet, even now things are too raw."

"But he is so handsome, take a look my Cherie."

Tom looked over at the bar.  He fought back a choked sob.

"Yes Sandrine, he's extremely handsome."

"He has been here for 5 months, asking everyone who came in
if they had seen you, heard about you.  In the end I gave
him a job.  He was a broken man, Tom when he arrived. 
Forgive him."

"5 months.  I never thought to look here.  I thought he had
left me."

I think Tom, your drink is empty.  Maybe you should go to
the bar and get another one."

Tom stood up, holding onto the table to steady himself.

Sandrine nodded towards the bar.

He had his head down, wiping a glass, all his concentration
on getting the smear off the edge.

"I'll have a beer, you bastard."

Chakotay's head shot up.

"Tom."

"Tom, is that all you have to say.  A year."  A tear rolled
down Tom's cheek.  "A year without you."

"Go you two, go sit down and talk.  I will tend the bar." 
Sandrine gave them a compassionate smile.

Chakotay picked up Tom's hand.  "You know when we first got
together B'Elanna told me that you would mess things up, you
couldn't help it, it was part of your nature.  But it's been
me from the start, playing games, making wrong decisions.
I've messed this up. I can understand if you don’t want
anything more to do with me."

"Oh no Chakotay, it's not that easy.  I want to know why you
just left me, why you didn’t take me with you?  Why you
decided to give Janeway Voyager when you knew there was a
risk that she would throw you in the brig?  Why you threw
everything we had away?"

"I gave Voyager back because I thought it was the right
thing to do and I foolishly thought she would do the right
thing in return.  When you were in the briefing, a Maquis
sympathiser tipped Greg off that I was going to be made the
scapegoat, they helped spring me.  There was no time to wait
and I couldn't risk getting you into trouble by
communicating.  I could just only hope that you would come
here.  I didn’t realise it would take you 6 months."

"Kiss me."

Chakotay lent forward, taking his time.  Tracing Tom's lips
with his tongue, then sucking on the lower lip before
kissing him fully.  Tom moaned, his arousal from his nap
reawakening as soon as Chakotay thrust his tongue in.  Tom
felt Chakotay's hand begin massaging his thigh and he opened
his legs, automatically.  The hand moved up further but not
quite reaching the bulge that was so prominent.  Chakotay's
hand reached up inside his shirt, playing with his hardened
nipple.

"I have great memories of Sandrine's Tom, great memories of
you, in Sandrine's."

Suddenly the hand and lips were gone.

"I'm going to take a leak."

Tom looked around, the encounter had been intense but no-one
was paying attention.  Then it dawned on him.  Chakotay was
still playing games.  He swallowed and walked over towards
the bar, he was more than a willing participant.  Entering
the toilets, he saw Chakotay lent against the wall, actually
taking a pee.  Quickly he grabbed from behind, encasing
Chakotay's arms in his tight grip.

"A year, you bastard.  A year without your touch, without
anybodies touch."  Tom's voice was low, sultry but with a
hint of anger, anger that was building up.  He pulled down
the trousers further and crudely spit on his fingers.  His
anger taking out any finesse to the act.  Then he was
pushing his fingers in.

"One year, one fucking year.  No contact, nothing." 

Chakotay groaned.  "Take me Tom."

"Oh I'm going to take you all right but in my time Chakotay. 
I'm in charge of this game, not you."  He pushed in another
finger.

Letting go of Chakotay's chest, he grabbed his face.

"Look in the mirror Chakotay.  Watch me taking you, fucking
you.  Watch yourself as you come and know it's me that's
doing it to you.  Me who's waited one fucking year for
this."

Tom drove his cock in and then waited.  Just then the door
opened.  Tom turned.

"Get out, it's closed."

Chakotay whimpered and looked down, pushing himself back
onto Tom.

"What did I say?  I'm in charge, look into the mirror." 
Tom's movements began speeding up.  He liked this, the
games, the dark side of Chakotay.  Tom reached around and
began stroking him, drawing out loud moans of pleasure. 
Chakotay looked up, his eyes catching Tom's as they both
stared into the mirror, both on the brink of climax.  Then
the look was broken as there was an explosion of lust.

Two years later.

Tom was content, he missed the games but it was worth losing
that for the security they had gained.  There was no need
for the all that, not now they were legally a couple.  The
dark side of Chakotay only came out when there was injustice
in the world.  But the sex was still good, routine but good. 
Chakotay had been exonerated.  Surprisingly Tuvok had seen
to that, speaking out against Janeway and in support of the
Commander.  More people had come forward and now they were
free and on Dorvan V.  Tom did a little flying, Chakotay did
a little lecturing.  They worked the family fields.  There
was nothing like fresh fruit for breakfast and newly picked
vegetables for lunch. Life was good.  That morning Chakotay
had put a call through asking Tom to meet him in one of the
bars that littered the waterfront.  They had been busy with
the harvest that week and it was nice that they were taking
time out for a drink and a chat.  Sometimes it was hard to
make time for each other.

Tom had dressed in his sexiest clothes, tight jeans and a
shirt the colour of his eyes. Chakotay wouldn’t be able to
resist him.  They would have a quiet drink and then back
home for some loving.  He entered the bar, a slightly sleazy
joint, which surprised Tom.  This wasn't Chakotay's usual
idea of socialising.  Tom sat at the bar, sipping a drink. 
He looked around but couldn't see his spouse.  Immediately
he was hit upon, a once beautiful brunette, who had seen
better days.

"Buy me a drink," she purred, while wrapping her body around
him.

"Lady, I'm spoken for."

She moved off.  Within minutes he was approached again. 
This time a guy.  Again he gave him the cold shoulder.  He
glanced at the time, it wasn't like Chakotay to be late.  He
ordered another drink.  A hand reached out and stopped him
paying.

"This one's on me."  A tall, dark handsome man held his
hand.

Tom looked, appreciating the view.  "I'm with someone."

The stranger's hand did not move from his.

"I don’t see anyone." His other hand was now on Tom's thigh. 
Tom didn't want any trouble, he just wanted Chakotay to turn
up.

"He'll be here and he won't be pleased you're manhandling
his goods." He knocked the hand away.

The man grabbed Tom's face and kissed him.

"I think you've got something that belongs to me."  A deep
voice made them both jump.

Tom looked up, Chakotay's face was unreadable.

"Too late, he's mine now."  The stranger kept his hand on
Tom's chin.

"I don’t think so."  Chakotay's demeanour had a slight
menace to it, which the man didn't picking up on.

"Look get lost loser.  I said you were too late."

"And I said he's mine."  Chakotay knocked the man's hand off
Tom.

"How about a wager, winner gets the blonde."  The stranger
smiled.

"WHAT!"  Tom jumped up, his face ready to explode. 

"Poker, the winner gets to fuck the blonde." 

The stranger smiled, rubbed his hand over his dick and said,
"Are you in?"

"I'm in."  Chakotay stared at the man, Tom forgotten.

"What the fuck are you playing at Chakotay?"  Tom's voice
was full of panic.

"Sit over there until one of us comes over and don’t move or
say anything." The stranger kept his eyes trained on
Chakotay.

Tom sat, not able to comprehend what was happening. 
Somewhere Chakotay had lost his marbles.  He didn't know
what to do so he sat where he had been told, his eye on the
door ready to run.

The game was tight.  Tom tried to interrupt but was told
again to shut up.  Sweat was pouring off his face by the
time the last hand was dealt.  Chakotay won.  Tom stood.  He
had no intention of being the prize.  In fact once they were
alone Tom was going to give his husband hell.  Chakotay came
and stood behind him, wrapping his arms around him. 
Chakotay started to bit his neck and despite the anger and
confusion running through Tom's brain, he couldn’t help
becoming hard.

Chakotay turned to the loser.  "I have to go now, claim my
prize." Chakotay's hand had strayed around to Tom's
hardening cock and slowly began caressing the bulge.  "And
what a prize he is."

Tom was pulled along out the side door and out into an
alley.  Chakotay, not giving Tom time to say anything, began
kissing him, hard.  Tom would be having words with Chakotay
later, much later.

"I want to fuck you Tom, fuck you till you beg me to stop."

Tom began opening his trousers.  This was like the Chakotay
of old.  His body ached to be taken, then Chakotay moved
away.

"Stay there, don't move.  I'll be back in a minute."

Chakotay re-entered the bar and moved over to the stranger. 
"Thanks Roberto, get yourself a drink."  He handed him some
credits and they smiled at each other.

"Enjoy your prize Chakotay."

"Don’t worry I intend to."

Moving back outside he pulled Tom to him and kissed him
savagely.

The few minutes Chakotay had been away had brought Tom back
to his senses. "What the hell were you playing at?  I'm not
some possession for you to wager on."

"Shut up Tom."

Chakotay was on his knees, hungrily devouring all of Tom's
cock.  Tom had no option but to shut up.

Standing up he forcefully turned Tom around.  "I won the
prize I'm going to fuck you now."  Tom shivered.

As Chakotay thrust in, he pulled Tom close to him, talking
quietly into his ear.  "You think you know me Tom Paris, you
think I'm a pussycat.  Don't ever think you know me."

Tom felt the arousal build up in him again.  He had thought
this side of Chakotay had gone, it was good to know it could
still make an appearance now and again.  Tom relaxed, his
body and mind fully submitting to the man who could still
take a walk on the dark side.

Notes:
1.	The tactics mentioned in the story are from a little
known tract - Susie's Book of Warfare © 2004
2.	I haven't a clue how big the Alpha Quadrant is or how
far DS9 is from anywhere (never watched the series) so if I
am so far of Star Trek facts to be laughable, please let me
know.