Title: Twisted Obsession (4 Parts)
Author: Kim Riley a.k.a. MYSTIC w/ the creative input from
XTC (my warped roommate who revels in mysteries!)
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Paramount. Again since
they are no longer using them I've decided to take our boys
out of the 'closet' and let them play and be happy. Enjoy.
Summary: A true love story of manipulation.
Rating: R for language and some sex
Pairing: Multiple
Feedback: Please! Mysticmcknight@hotmail.com
"Twisted Obsession"
There was a great deal of work to do, especially after the
latest attack. Voyager sustained a great deal of damage, but
as usual those on the bridge did their duty and they were
all here to tell about it. B'Elanna Torres, Chief of
Engineering headed down to the lower internal levels of the
engine room, to over see the team she sent down to check out
the computer core.
The attack was three days ago, and the place still looked
like a major mess, "How's going?" she asked as she arrived
to see Joe Cary and Donna Henley up to their elbows in wires
and circuits.
"A lot better than it looks," Joe replied while suppressing
a yawn.
"Why don't I lend a hand," B'Elanna states as she squeezes
her way into the tight work area.
"Don't you and Tom have a date tonight?" Donna asked.
"Yeah, but he'll understand. Besides, you two really look
exhausted, especially Joe."
"Thanks, B'el, but I'm fine. You've put Tom off the last
three days because of work, we've got this one," Joe
replied.
"Well, if your sure," she said, not wanting to leave them to
do all the work, but things between her and Tom were warming
up and she really missed him.
"We're sure," Donna said for Joe and herself. "Now go," she
smiled.
B'Elanna gave a huge grin and a nod and headed back out of
the area when a loud crackling sound was heard from behind
her and a shout.
"JOE LOOK OUT!"
Then a small explosion occurred and B'Elanna dashed back to
where her friends and co-workers were and arrived in time to
see Donna catching an unconscious Joe Carry and calling for
an emergency beam out for him.
"What happened?"
"He was connecting the final cross wire and one of the other
circuits must have had a back flow for when he did it
shocked him back, and then he hit the main panel and it
exploded on him," Donna replied, holding in her emotions.
B'Elanna moved in and made sure Donna was all right, then
ordered her to sickbay to double check and then back to her
quarters to rest. Thought Donna protested, she did as she
was told. Then B'Elanna checked on Joe and was relieved t
hat he would be all right, then called Tom and cancelled
their day. Then she got to work on the computer console and
though it was a lot of work, no other incidents occurred.
***********
"Flying solo, hotshot?" Chakotay teased as he walked by Tom
in Sardines up to the bar and ordered two drinks. He handed
one to Tom, so the young pilot knew he was being friendly in
his teasing.
Tom gladly took the drink, "Yeah, B'Elanna had to work late.
Seems at last minute there was a small accident and Joe got
shocked badly, but he'll be okay. So, you know B'El," Tom
replied with a smile and a sight.
"Yeah, I know," Chakotay replied, also a smile and a sigh.
"Though I should ask you the same, where is the commanding
officer of 'your' heart," Tom said with an impish grin.
Chakotay gave a wry grin, "Same thing, different project. I
offered to help her, but...you know the Captain."
"Yeah, I do." Tom finished his drink, "Care for a
game...I'll spot you," he teased.
Chakotay arched a brow, "Spot me?"
"I know you don't play..."
"Says who?"
"Well, you never do," Tom states in his defense.
"Ah, making assumptions again, Mr. Paris," Chakotay replies,
as he sits his glass down, a dark impish look in his eyes.
"I'm sure I can hold my own against you."
Tom laughs; his confidence was strong in two area, flying
and pool. "You think so, huh? Okay, Mr. Chakotay...you're
on. How about we make it interesting...say a litter wager?"
Tom was grinning like a cat about to have canary for lunch.
Chakotay's face turned cool, "Your on, and lets make it real
interesting. What was the biggest bet you've honestly played
to date?"
"One weeks worth of rations per a game," Tom states his own
eyes getting serious.
"Very well, agreed."
Tom broke for the first game, deciding to take it easy on
the Commander, which he quickly discovered was a mistake.
Once Chakotay got the table, he didn't let it go...first
game to Chakotay.
The second game was close, and Tom secretly was thrilled to
discover someone who actually gave him real
competition...second game to Tom.
The third game was tired like the second game, since Tom no
longer held back, and Chakotay was thrilled that he was
showing this pup he was no push over, and decided his time
for holding back was over as well. He chose a complex shot
that only professionals could have any chance of pulling off
and sunk three balls with one stroke of the cue...third game
to Chakotay.
The fourth game was like the other three, down to the wire,
as Tom pulled out all the stops, for it was the only way he
stood a chance against his opponent. It had been a long time
since he sweated over a pool game, and thought his palms
were wet, his soul soared over the challenge. He almost
didn't care if he didn't win, almost...fourth game to Tom.
By the time Janeway and B'Elanna showed up to catch a few
moments with their other half, they found the two men in
stitches, having the time of their lives. "Don't tell me we
walked into an Alternate Universe," B'Elanna quipped, seeing
the long time opponents now bonding in their relatively new
friendship.
"Oh, Chakotay, I hope he didn't take you for too much,"
Janeway stated, knowing that Tom was the best on the ship in
pool and taking a few credits from new comers like Chakotay.
"Are you kidding!" Tom responded with a smile, wiping his
forehead on the back of his shirtsleeve. "I haven't played a
better game of pool in years, no...ever," Tom exclaimed.
"What is it...two to two?"
Chakotay finished his drink that he had been nursing, "Yep.
Tied...this one will determine the winner...yes?"
Janeway and B'Elanna stood looking stunned, but it was
Kathryn that spoke up first, "Your telling me, that you
managed to beat Tom?"
Torres narrowed her eyes, knowing Tom had played others this
way before, "Be careful, Commander, Tom's a shark," she
smirked.
"Perhaps with others," Tom interjected, "but if anyone was
getting hustled tonight it's been me," he smiled, still
thrilled at the idea.
"This I have to see," Kathryn states, getting a drink for
her and B'Elanna and taking a seat. "When ever your ready
gentlemen."
"Just for the record, what's the stakes?" Torres asked.
"A weeks worth per a game," Tom states.
Janeway and B'Elanna look at each other, for this was a
serous wager, and they suddenly felt for sure that Tom was
setting up the Commander. "Err, Chakotay," Janeway started
to say, but her First Officer, friend, and current lover
just gave her a reassuring look and broke, by Tom's request.
B'Elanna saw the smirk in Tom's eyes as the game began, but
then saw it fade quickly as Chakotay made shot after shot,
not even taking a breather as he moved forward to his last
and final shot. Any doubts anyone had in the room that the
Commander was being set up went out the airlock. Then
Chakotay stopped and looked at Tom who stood mystified.
"Computer, freeze pool game and file," He stated, and that's
what was done. The game stopped and then the table was
clear.
"Wa...what are you doing?" Tom said, suddenly aware of the
table being clear.
"Your not fortifying...are you?" Kathryn asks, also stunned.
"No, I'm just not finishing the game. For if I do, Tom would
owe me three weeks worth of rations or vice a versa if I
miss...this way...it remains a tie," he smiles. Then he
yawns, "I don't know about you guys, but I have a shift
tomorrow, Kathryn?" he says as he places the cue stick down
and offers his arm to escort her back to her quarters.
"Great game, Tom," he then says with a huge smile and he and
the Captain leave.
"As I live and breathe," Tom exclaims, still mystified. Then
he comes to his senses and looks at B'Elanna. "I don't think
I'll ever figure him out," he smiles as he takes a seat next
to his best girl.
"Your not the only one who's in the dark about what makes
him tick. Though he's far from the only mystery on board
you, for you're up there too," she smirks.
"Thanks," he says and leans in and starts to give her a kiss
when the lights in the holodeck flicker.
"Damn it!" she states and jumps off the stool, "I..."
"I know, I know," Tom smiles. "I'll see you soon," he states
and then watches her head off to engineering.
"Ah, Mon Cheri, is there a problem?" Sardine asks as she
brings Tom another drink.
"No, just the same old problem," he sighs.
"Well, she is the chief engineer, her job is never done. But
beyond that, you had a good time tonight with the Commander,
no?"
"I had a great time," Tom replies, not aware of how his face
is glowing.
"He is a good man," she says as she stands there wiping out
some glasses.
"Yeah, he is. I'm really glad we've finally been able to get
pass the past. I mean, he's taught me so much, whether he
knows it or not. And who would have figured him of all
people to have not only a wicked sense of humor but also a
wicked pool game. Did you see some of those shot?"
"Oui, Thomas, I did. But I do not see why you are so
surprised. Was it not you who told me that he entered the
academy at the tender age of fifteen and was teaching
tactical strategy by twenty-five? It makes sense that a man
like that could calculate a simple game as pool, Mon Cheri,"
she states causally.
Tom takes this to thought, "Yea, when you think about it, it
makes a lot of sense." Then he laughs, "Which means I set
myself up good, didn't I?" he laughs even harder and Sardine
joins him.
"Perhaps you should ask him back for another...friendly
game," she says as he places the last of the glasses away.
Tom smiles, "You know, I just may do that." Then he finishes
his drink, "Thanks again, as always," he states and reaches
over the counter and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "Good
night."
"Good night, Thomas."
*************
The next morning went smooth for most of the bridge crew,
but the Captain was kept jumping from one issue or another
that required her clearance code. Though Chakotay felt bad,
there was nothing he or Tuvok could do, but keep an eye on
other things so the Captain had one less thing to concern
herself with today.
He and Tom had lunch together for B'Elanna had her hands
full and couldn't spear the time, promising that if all went
well that she'd still make dinner tonight. On the way back
to the bridge, the turbolift shuttered.
"Easy, girl," Chakotay stated softly, laying a hand on the
turbolift wall.
"Do you usually talk to the walls," Tom laughs.
Chakotay chuckles, "No more than you talk to the helm," he
replies, knowing full well that Tom had words with his helm
quite often, especially during battle. Then Chakotay laughed
even harder seeing Tom blush, "It's okay, Tom. Voyager is
more than a ship to us, we both know that; so why be
embarrassed about it."
Tom then smiled, "Your right." There was another small
shutter, and both Tom and Chakotay patted the wall of
Voyager, extending their best wishes to her.
"Say, since I know the odds of my date happening is fifty to
one, how about dinner and another game...no wage this time.
I play to win, and I'd don't like Neelix's cooking," he
smirks.
"I'd say with theses shutters in the system your odds have
changed to seventy-five to one. Plus, I have a feeling my
dinner date will be in the same boat...so why not. And
you're right no wager sounds better. We'll play for who'll
buy the next round of drinks, and I'll be gracious and get
the first."
"Your on," Tom smiles as the doors open and they return to
work.
********
After what seemed like two weeks of hell, B'Elanna was
actually close to having a sense of normalcy in her life.
There was a ton of work to do and she had so much to over
see and delegate, that it kept her going almost 24/7, except
when she had to sleep.
Tom had been very gracious, and from time to time they
caught lunch with each other, even if it was in engineering,
and they would talk. B'Elanna couldn't help but notice that
every other sentence had to do with the Commander, and she
gave a small uncertain grin, while at the same time felt a
twinge of jealousy. Over the last two-week, ship business
kept her and a good deal of her crew, and some of the bridge
crew, especially Janeway busy. This resulted in Tom and
Chakotay sharing more and more of their 'free' time with
each other than their perspective lovers.
But after this final repair down in the lower decks, she'd
be on a normal schedule and if something happened, she made
it clear, someone else was handling it, she was going off
duty for two days, at the very least. She just finished
placing the panels back on the wall where some of the warp
coils were, and started packing up her tools, when she
thought she heard a sound. She turned but there appeared no
one around and it was quiet, and dark. "Joe, is that you?"
she called out uneasily. Nothing.
She shrugged it off as being tired and finished packing when
she stopped, she had heard a sound, and it was not typical
for this area. She listened intently and then it became
clear, it was a woman's voice but only as loud as a whisper.
{You're not good enough for him. Let him be.}
"Who's there?" she called out, disturbed that someone would
dare try and mess with her. "I'm not in the mood for this,"
she added, her tone filled with angry irritation.
{Give back what is not yours. You are not right for him.}
B'Elanna had enough of this and hit her com badge, "Torres
to Tuvok," she said, but her com badge only gave off a high
pitched whine, then...
{Back off while you still can!}
B'Elanna knew a threat when she heard it. She started moving
toward the turbolift, her eyes scanning the area. "If you
want to have it out, face me!" She challenged some
nervousness in her eyes. The voice was unfamiliar, and she
was certain she knew most of the women on board. She was
getting close when the few lights she had went out, and
Torres stopped in her tracks. "Coward, face me!" she
growled.
The only sound she heard in the dark besides her breathing
was the sudden thumping of a heart beat. 'Thump thump'
B'Elanna took a few calming breaths, reminding herself that
she knew this area and slowly started moving toward the
lift. 'Thump thump' the sound continued, and it simply made
her more nervous and she picked up her pace.
The air filled with the strange woman's voice, but unlike
the first time, it seemed that her words were like echoes,
and there ware dozens of sentences being chanted at her. As
if caught in an unexpected and violent storm, B'Elanna's
senses were overloading, as she did her best to move in the
dark area, unsure where her opponent was or what this
unknown opponent had planned.
{You're not good enough for him. He doesn't belong with you.
Stay away from him. Let him be. Give back what you should
never have had.} Was some of what was being said that
B'Elanna could make out with a feeling of unease.
A sense of relief filled her as she felt the turbolift
doors, but when they suddenly opened and a figure stood
before her she gasped in shock.
"B'Elanna, are you all right?"
It took a moment for her heart to slow, to think, then
suddenly realizing that it was Chakotay, she settled down.
Then she noticed the voices were gone. "I'm so glad to see
you," she exhaled a sigh of relief and gave her old friend a
hug.
"What's wrong?" Chakotay asked with concern, seeing fear in
his friend's eyes.
"I tried contacting Tuvok, but some coward is down here and
jammed the signal then making threats at me from the
shadows," she growled, reacting with more confidence than
she felt, as she entered in the lift.
"Chakotay to Tuvok."
"Yes, Commander."
"Deck 54. Someone's slinking around down here and harassing
and threatening Lieutenant Torres. Can you look into it?"
"I'm on my way," Tuvok stated and then closed the channel.
"Do you have a clue as to who it might be?" Chakotay asked,
as the turbolift headed upward.
"Only that they were female, but that's about it. Though
from what was being said, I think it's one of Tom's old
admirers," she stated, anger now in her eyes.
"Why is that?"
"They kept saying I wasn't good enough for him, insinuating
a threat of retaliation. There could only be one him, they
were referring too."
Chakotay shook his head that it made sense. "Okay, Tuvok and
I will look into this matter. Go get some rest and that's an
order," he states a small smile on his face.
B'Elanna, having planned it that way anyway, was relieved
with the order and exited on her floor when the doors
opened. She headed to her cabin to regroup, take a shower
and hook up with Tom for some horizontal activities. She
entered her cabin and it was dark. "Computer lights," she
growled, for they were to come on at her entrance. //Great,
another repair! // The lights came on and B'Elanna headed
into her bedroom and stood shocked in the doorway. Across
her walls in a thick purplish red substance were Klingon
words, in summary, calling her a dishonorable whore and
unworthy mate to anyone. If she wanted to continue
breathing, she should do the honorable thing and relinquish
her claim forever.
B'Elanna's sense of smell was accosted; there was a smell to
the substance. She stepped in cautiously to the nearest
wall...it was blood, Klingon blood!
*******End of Part One********
"This is unacceptable!" Tom roared at Chakotay and Tuvok,
and everyone else in the briefing room. "It's been three
weeks of this harassment...why in the hell can't you
guys..."
"Lieutenant!" Janeway shouted, to calm her Chief Pilot down.
"I happen to know that Chakotay, Tuvok, Seven, myself, and
you, have been looking into this matter. The problem is, who
ever is behind it, happens to be one step ahead of us."
"Tom, please," Chakotay said, understanding how upset his
friend was. He reached out and placed a gentle hand on his
friend's arm, and was glad it was enough to get Tom back
into his seat and to be a little bit more calm.
"Who ever it is knows when I'm seeing Tom and when I'm not,"
B'Elanna states, an exhaustion clear on her face. If she saw
Tom outside of work, the harassment of being taunted and
threatened from the shadows, to graffiti of her cabin, to
the replicator producing Klingon blood instead of coffee,
occurred. If she stayed away from him, it stopped...that
simple, but B'Elanna didn't like being manipulated by any
one or anything for that matter.
"We've searched the computer and found no trace of who is
tampering with the replicators," Chakotay states.
"I've kept a monitor on the Lieutenant's quarters and who
ever is our target, are skilled enough to evade the security
system I have put into use, for they have still managed to
break into Lieutenant Torres's quarters eight times over the
three week time period," Tuvok states.
"I made it perfectly clear that I won't tolerate this
either," Tom states. His guilt is in his eyes, for who ever
was harassing his girlfriend, was doing so over him.
"Your sure no one has approached you?" Janeway asked,
wondering if their assailant would slip up and make a move
on Tom.
"No," Tom stated flatly.
B'Elanna yawned, for she was up late last night, for the
latest retaliation was that all the lights would flicker out
of control, and communications were out, and she had been
locked in. B'Elanna was no coward, but fighting one, was
frustrating as hell. Her confidence was becoming strained in
her feelings towards Tom.
"B'Elanna, I'm ordering you to take the day off," Janeway
states, seeing how exhausted her Chief of Engineering. "You
need to get some rest."
Normally B'Elanna would argue this, but today she knew
Janeway was right. "Thank you, Captain," she said in between
another yawn.
"Tom's right. This is unacceptable. We need to get to the
bottom of this. I won't tolerate this harassment on board my
ship," Janeway states
The light's flicker, for the thousandth time this week
along.
"I'll..."
"No, you let someone else take care of it," Kathryn stated.
"You're off duty, remember. In fact, I'm wondering what
you're still doing here?"
B'Elanna gave a small smile of relief, "Yes, Captain," she
stated and headed out of the room. She didn't see Tom give
Janeway a look and got a nod of yes, so was a bit surprised
to find Tom by her side as she exited the briefing room.
"How about I walk you to your quarters," Tom replied easily,
though his concern was clear.
B'Elanna yawned, "Thank you, Tom, but no. I need some sleep,
and for some reason who ever it is leaves me along if I stay
away from you. Don't take this wrong, but just for the
moment, I need the peace."
Tom did look a bit disappointed, "Okay."
B'Elanna gave her lover a small wistful ,smile, "Look, who
ever this is doesn't understand me one bit. If they think by
harassing me and making stupid threats is going to get me to
stop seeing you, they have another thing coming. All I'm
asking for right now is some rest...okay?"
This made Tom glow. "Okay. But you take care of yourself.
Oh, and I'll feel a lot better if you sleep in my cabin, if
you don't mind?"
B'Elanna smiled, "No problem," she said then gave Tom a kiss
on the lips and took the turbolift to Tom's quarters. Once
inside she made haste to change into a sleep shirt and
quickly climbed into Tom's bed to sink into the depth of a
deep, much needed, slumber.
Slowly regaining her awareness, she realized there was a
chilled surface beneath her and the bed was no longer soft,
but cold, hard and damp. She snapped awake and found that
she could barely see where she was, for there were only a
tiny bit of red emergency lighting in the area. The first
thing that came to mind was she wasn't in Tom's quarters
anymore. She stood up slowly, and took note that she was
laying on a damp floor and her sleep shirt was partly wet
and stank. The second thing she notice was she had no com
badge to work with, while the third thing was that she was
in a totally unfamiliar part of the ship's bowls...she
thought. "Okay, coward! Come and face me," she shouted,
using anger to cover the bit of fear in her voice.
She shivered from the cool air and her wet dirty nightshirt.
She was also standing on a cold floor barefooted. Just then
she felt something scuttle across her foot and she jumped.
She looked down closely...rats! She hated rats! This began
to really freak her out as she started to move away from the
rats, trying to find a way out of this dark, dank place. The
air was stale, along with a dirty smell...almost like
sewage. Then a sound filled the air, 'thump thump'... the
heartbeat. B'Elanna screamed out to challenge her kidnapper
to no avail. She continued moving, dodging rats and totally
being unnerved by all the odd sounds that accompanied the
constant heartbeat. Then the air filled with the female
voice that had started to haunt B'Elanna's nightmares.
{If you want to live, relinquish claim, in public!}
"No!" she shouted bravely.
{He doesn't love you, not the way you want. Let him go and
this all will become a thing of the past.}
"I don't know who you are, but I won't be threatened! Now
face me!"
{I will face thee, and plunge a knife in you heart! But I
will not grant thee an honorable death...your not worthy!
No, I will keep to my shadows and when you are not looking I
will strike!}
The heartbeat stopped and there was silence once more. Only
the sudden squeaks of the rats and the dripping of water
could be heard. Then came a soft scraping sound, like metal
on metal. B'Elanna stood a chance with someone face to face,
but that was not how it was going to happen, not at the
moment. B'Elanna freezes be it exhaustion or fear or both,
B'Elanna runs away from the sound, not caring that she was
in ankle deep water, and not knowing where she was going.
The lighting was very sparse and running nearly blind,
making one twist and turn after another, trying to find the
wall or an exit, but finding none.
The sound came and went and the direction and distance
seemed to always change, but then B'Elanna knew she was
moving around in a disjointed fashion, her opponent with
court advantage. She turned one more corner, and stopped.
She then heard the sound of footsteps approaching her. She
looked to see if there was anyway she could hide and ambush
them, but the pipes and wires were too close together to let
her do so. If she placed any of those hot wires to the
ground, she'd be electrocuted as well, for all over this
section was water. She had to find another spot to take on
her attacker, this corridor was too small and she was
unarmed.
Strategically, she took off in the opposite direction,
paying full attention to the being following her, that she
bumped directly into something that grabbed her. She turned
to punch the shit out of who or what ever it was and stopped
in mid swing..."Chakotay?"
"B'Elanna, what are you doing?" Chakotay asked as he let her
go, taking in her state of dress.
"I...she...she's here! Somehow she got me down here..." she
gasped, and leaned into her friend's arms taking comfort in
them. "What are you doing here?" she asked, totally glad
that he was. Then she noticed that Chakotay wasn't hugging
her back like he normally would and leaned back to look
uncertainly at him. "What are you doing down here?
Investigating some lead?"
Chakotay gently placed his strong hand's on B'Elanna's
shoulder, "What do you think I'm doing down here," he says
in a calm tone...too calm.
Puzzlement filled B'Elanna's eyes.
"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk," Chakotay replied, a dark smirk suddenly on
his face. "I'd though you smarter than this," he stated
coolly.
B'Elanna stepped back from him, and Chakotay let her go.
"Chakotay...what...what's going on?" she asked, not able to
believe what she was hearing or seeing.
"Perhaps this might clear things up," he states with a dark
smile as he reaches behind him and brings forth a Klingon
dagger and twirls it in his fingers, looking very dangerous
in her direction.
B'Elanna just shook her head no, she couldn't believe that
her friend of all people was the one behind this...this
madness. "How...why...why!" she finally shouted.
"Oh, I thought I made that quite clear," Chakotay states
darkly as he takes a slow meticulous step toward B'Elanna.
"You're not worthy of Tom. He belongs with someone that can
really make him happy and fulfilled, and honey, that isn't
you."
"B'Elanna started shouting every curse she knew in every
language she knew, "Fucking bastard!" her anger outgrowing
her confusion, she growled.
"Bastard? No. Fucking...." He laughs. "Yes, Tom is a sweet
fuck, that is for sure."
B'Elanna's eyes go even wider, "You...and...Tom?"
"You think I'd go to all this trouble if I'd never bedded
him? Please, I may be mad, but I'm not crazy," he laughs.
Then he gets serious, "but I also enjoy sport. The turbolift
is straight for forty paces, then right for ten, then left
for twenty, then straight ahead. Make it there before I
catch you...who knows?" he chuckles. "Though it could be
also be a trap. Though I'll let you know now. If you do make
it out, no one will believe you," he sneers. "My lover fixed
is so it will show I'm in the briefing room with him." He
watched her stunned _expression for a moment, "Run,
B'Elanna...run!"
Even in her best condition, B'Elanna wouldn't go up against
Chakotay. Half-Klingon or no, for the former Maquis Captain
was a formidable opponent, which she witnessed first hand on
many accounts. Now being exhausted to the point of collapse,
she wouldn't stand a chance. She gave a wild swing that
Chakotay easily ducked and then took off running, doing her
best to follow the instructions, trap or no.
The twist and turns were confusing, and how she managed to
get to the turbolift section was unclear. But it was now
fifty paces in front of her and she could hear Chakotay
behind her, simply because he wanted her too hear him. She
dashed toward the door, still splashing in the ankle deep
water when suddenly the floor fell out from beneath her and
she fell. There was nothing to grasp on to and she soon was
covered with the sewer water as she plummeted, then she felt
dizzy and then the next thing she knew she was panting
heavily on Tom's floor, where she passed out.
"B'El! B'El!"
She blinked upward into Tom's concerned face.
"Emergency beam out," Tom called as he held on to her and
the two suddenly appeared in sickbay.
The EMH was active and walked up to her and started
scanning. "What exactly happened?" he asked.
"I...I was kidnapped, taken somewhere...chased..." she tried
to explain everything at once, as panic suddenly struck her.
Just then the doors opened to reveal Janeway and Chakotay,
who only had seconds to dodge the hysterical Klingon that
pounced in his direction. "Fucking Bastard!" he shouted.
Tom was the one who moved to her side first, "B'Elanna, what
the hell is going on?" he asked with concern.
She turned to him, confusion, anger, and hurt was in her
eyes. "Did you?" She asked.
"Did I what?"
"Did you sleep with Chakotay?" she asked.
"What?" was the shocked response from Tom and Chakotay.
"B'Elanna, what in the world happened?" Kathryn asked.
B'Elanna turned to face Chakotay, pain, anger, and fear in
her eyes. I was kidnapped and taken somewhere on the ship.
There was water, rats, and...and him!" she shouted, pointing
at Chakotay. "He's the one behind it all!" Then she looked
at Tom, "he said you two were lover's and he wanted you for
himself."
B'Elanna didn't take notice to the sedative the EMH was
preparing as a consuming, irrational panic overtook her.
"B'Elanna, Commander Chakotay was with me the entire time
since you left the briefing room," Tom stated, "going over
strategies of how to deal with this problem. It isn't ..."
She pushed him away in disgusts, "Liar! You are fucking him
and now your covering for him too!" She started to swing at
Tom, but was stopped after the hissing sound of the hypo was
heard, and then she was out cold.
The EMH scanned her, "Hmmm," he replied.
"What?" Tom asked.
"I'm detecting an imbalance in her upper left lobe, " he
states. "Help me get her back on the bed." After the Doctor
gets her back on the biobed he run's another scan, "Hmmm."
Then he stops his scanning. "You can stop looking for your
assailant," he states.
"What do you mean, we can stop?" Janeway asks.
"The imbalance I'm detecting in not an uncommon occurrence
in Klingon's, though rare in females. Her RTA levels are off
causing her LMS levels..." he stopped seeing that no one was
following him. "The imbalance has caused her to become
paranoid and has over stimulated her subconscious mind. In
other words, she is her own worst enemy at the moment.
Everyone looked stunned, but Tom spoke first. "Are you
saying she made it all up? She's behind all this...?
Why...?"
"I can't tell you why she chose this particular scenario,
but I can tell you that from what I've been told of the
incident, it makes perfect sense," the EMH replies.
"That's why Tuvok couldn't detect an intruder...she...oh,
poor B'Elanna, " Chakotay states with great concern and
sincerity.
Tom was beside himself, "Can you fix it?"
"I can attempt to fix the imbalance, but that may not take
care of the problem, if it has become deeply rooted. It may
be necessary to remove the last few months...?"
"What!" Tom stated.
"Doctor, isn't that a bit extreme?" Janeway interjected.
"Not really. If the paranoia has become too deeply rooted,
it is the only way to remove it. This is a side affect of
long exposure to the chemical imbalance in her brain. I'm
sorry, but at the moment that is the only treatment. I will
of course see if regular methods work first and keep you
posted."
***********
"Thanks for being a friend," Tom said quietly as he stood
outside Chakotay's door after sharing lunch together. Tom
had a half shift and Chakotay was doing a split shift this
week, so lunch was the best time for the two friends to sit
and chat over the last week.
Chakotay punched in his code, "Coffee?" he asked as he
stepped in and then stopped in the doorway. "Can I help
you?"
Tom was startled by this and looked inside and saw Donna
Henley on a stepladder by the replicator.
"I'm here to make the repairs you requested," she said as
she stepped down and picked up a data pad and handed it over
to the Commander.
Chakotay looked over it, "I was beginning to think these
repairs would never get done," he smiled. Then he looked up
at her, "Thank you. You almost done?"
"I have a few more repairs, but I can come back..."
"That's okay. I'll just go to my office," he stated and
stepped out of his quarters to let her do her work. "Sorry,
about the coffee."
"That's okay. I'm taking this as a good sign. If they
started on your personal repairs, they just might get to
mine," he smiled. "Beside, I feel a nap coming on. Sardines
tonight?"
"Wouldn't miss it," Chakotay smiled. Then he rested a
friendly hand on Tom's shoulder. I know this past week has
been difficult..."
Tom just gave a small smile, "I'm okay, really. Later?" he
smiled and then headed to his quarters.
He entered inside and got himself some juice, "Computer,
personal log...uh...hell, just enter the date," he quipped.
Then he took a sip of his juice and sat down on his sofa.
"It's been a week since the Doc had to erase B'Elanna's
memory of the last few months. It's not the typical way one
would break up, but it could have been worse, as I've said
before. I know a few people, like Harry thought I'd try
again, but...?" he sighs and takes another drink. "It took a
lot for me and B'Elanna to get together and I know how it
makes me sound, but I'm not up to it anymore. I know, I
know, I should, but...oh hell! If I can't admit it to
myself, who can I admit it too? My interest in B'Elanna has
become purely...protective. I care about her, that hasn't
changed, but I don't love her. To make it worse, I...I can't
stop thinking..." Tom stood up and slammed the rest of his
juice down.
"Ever since she had accused me of being with Chakotay it's
been in the back of my mind. I know how shallow it makes me
sound, but its not like that...I don't think. I mean, we've
become really good friends over the past few month, as
amazing as it sound, and I find...I find I like him...a lot.
Then all of a sudden she mentions us being lovers a week ago
and now every time I see his smile, I...?"
Tom covered his face with his hands. "Perhaps a cold
shower," he states more to himself than his log. He gives a
heavy sigh, "Bottom line, if he and the Captain were not
going together...I'm really sure I'd make a play for him,"
he laughs. "Though a part of me almost doesn't care...uh!
Shower. End log."
Tom was ten steps from his bedroom when he door chimed.
"Enter."
Donna Henley entered inside, "Sorry to bother you, Tom, but
I've got time and your next on the list," she smiled.
"By all means," Tom smiled back as he gestured for her to
enter inside. "I was going to take a shower, however..."
"Oh, you don't have to leave on my account, though it would
help me get done faster...you do tend to have the gift of
gab," she chuckled.
"Consider me gone," he said and left her to her work and
headed to holodeck to run a flight simulation though his
mind was more aware of how long it was before he met up with
Chakotay tonight in Sardines.
****End of Part two*******
It was becoming too much, and she needed a break. The
burdens of Command were taking its toll and today seemed to
becoming dangerously close to burnout. She felt like she had
been going none stop for over two months, which was almost
true.
The delicate relationship she and Chakotay had was
definitely being tested, for she was less and less there for
him, as a woman, though he was there for her a hundred
percent as he promised he would be. She smiled to herself
thinking of him, his dark eyes and that sweet sexy smile.
//Hell with it! // She thought and tossed her work on the
desk. "If the Captain can't declare herself a little down
time, who can?" she replied to herself. "Computer, location
of Commander Chakotay?"
She grinned and headed out the door to surprise her lover
with a little TLC and if she played her cards right, they'd
both get lucky. She didn't even take the extra time to
change and headed right for the holodeck. When she entered
inside, she was surprised to see that Sardine's had been
modified to now have a dark dance floor with wild lights,
and matching music playing. She entered in further and
noticed a few new holocharacters and some of the regulars.
"Captain," Sardine smiled as she approached Janeway. "Can I
get you something?"
"Uh..." she was stunned by the loud music and the fast past
beat that had the additional characters swaying in very
provocative ways. "Why the change?"
"Ah, Thomas and the Commander wanted to dance," she smiled.
Then she turned around and pointed the couple out to her.
Kathryn's eyes went wide. Out on the dance floor she could
see Chakotay looking hot in his tight black jeans and dark
red button down shirt, half open, swaying his tight muscular
body behind Tom's. The younger man was dressed in tight
white jeans with a deep royal blue shirt; almost all
unbuttoned, grinding his tight butt into Chakotay to the
beat of the music. Bronze hands were all over pale flesh as
the two men bumped and grinned against each other, taking
the term dirty dancing to a new level, on Voyager anyway.
A part of her mind tried to deny it by rationalizing that
they were only dancing and she was reading too much into
what she was seeing, but when Chakotay leaned in and started
nuzzling on Tom's neck, that was the clincher. Her anger
kicked in and she stormed forward to take this betrayal head
on. "Computer, cut dance program," she demanded. She stood
ridged as the two deceitful lovers stopped moving and looked
around wondering where the music and the dance floor went
and both stopped and looked at Janeway, who now had her
hands on her hips and her foot tapping.
"Care to explain this?" she growled at Chakotay, though her
dark gaze included Tom.
Chakotay only tightened his arms around Tom's waist, "What?
The dancing, the necking, or would by any chance your
referring to the prefucking ritual?"
Tom laughed and leaned farther back in Chakotay's arms. "I'm
sorry, Captain, that you had to find out this way. We were
going to tell you, but...you've been so busy...?"
"You fucking little whore!" She snarled at Tom, her eyes now
black with anger.
"Watch who you're talking too!" Chakotay roared. "Captain or
no, you have no right talking to Tom that way and I for one
won't tolerate it!"
"Your right," she hissed. "It isn't Tom that I should be
angry at, you...you...two timing...BASTARD!"
"Yes, I'm a bastard. I'm surprised you noticed," he hissed
in return. "You're so busy with everything else, I'm
surprise you even know I exist? In fact, I'm surprised
you're even here? What...playing hookie, Captain?" He jibbed
right back.
"We could have talked, worked..."
"Something out? I tried making an appointment to see you,
but it kept getting postponed."
"Face it, Kathryn. A man like Chakotay needs his passions
filled, not ignored, and I can do that for him...you can't,"
Tom purred as he turned to face his lover and wrap his arms
around his strong chest. "I hate to be cold about this, but
win some lose some," he smirked and then gave small kisses
along Chakotay's jaw.
"B'Elanna was right about you two!"
Chakotay looked furious. "You can accuse me of being with
Tom, but there is no way I had anything to do with her
delusions! The Doctor can back me up on that!"
"Captain, I suggest you leave now. You're spoiling the
mood," Tom purred again, letting his hand inside Chakotay's
shirt and started caressing his sweaty smooth chest.
"Tom Paris, I said you were a whore, and I meant it. Don't
come crawling to me for favors ever again."
"Oh, the only one I ever crawl to now a days is Chakotay,"
he smugly smirked back.
I took all her will power plus some to exit the holodeck
without hitting either of the two men she once thought of as
loyal friends. Tears half blinded her. When after a few
minutes to gather her self, she reached the turbolift that
she ran into someone. "Sorry," he murmured, keeping her face
down, so they couldn't see her crying.
"Kathryn? Are you all right?"
She was startled by the voice as she looked up and saw that
it was Chakotay she had just ran into. "How...?" The man was
in his uniform, looking at her with all the concern he
normally had for her. She turned back to the holodeck,
"I...I just left you and Tom...?"
"What are you talking about? I'm going to meet Tom now,
though I'm ahead of schedule by at least ten minutes.
Kathryn, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Then he looked
around and knew the hall was no place for this conversation.
He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder and moved her
into the observation lounge. "Okay, tell me what happened."
Janeway sat down on the couch trying to process what she saw
and what she was seeing now. "You and Tom were...in the
holodeck...together. You both told me that you
two...were..."
"Were what? Kathryn, I just came from my office."
She didn't like feeling unsure footed and this situation was
making her feel just like that. She stood up, "I'm not
making it up," she snapped and stormed out of the lounge,
knowing Chakotay was on her heels as she reentered the
holodeck. Once inside she stood there staring, for it was
simply the typical Sardines program.
"Ah, Captain, you are back. Can I get you a drink this
time?" Sardine asked from behind the bar. "Good to see you
tonight, Commander. I was wondering if I was going to or
not. Will my Cheri Thomas being joining you tonight?"
"They were already here tonight," Kathryn snapped at
Sardine.
"No, Captain, they have not. Though you have been here."
"Why am I doing," she growled to herself as she turned to
face Chakotay. "She's a hologram and could be programmed to
say anything."
"Kathryn..."
"Just tell me, Chakotay. Tell me that you and Tom are not
and don't want to be lovers and I'll believe you," she asked
a pleading in her eyes.
The hesitations was small, "There is nothing going on
between me and Tom," he finally replied in a soft tone.
Tears fell down her face as her hand covered her mouth, "But
that doesn't mean you don't want there to be, does it?"
Guilt filled dark brown eyes, and she couldn't take anymore
this night. Her hand flew and made contact with his face.
"You could have just told me instead of making up this wild
scheme..."
Chakotay looked angry, "What scheme. I was honest with you.
There 'is' nothing going on between Tom and me! And yes, for
the record, I have become attracted to Tom, but...nothing
and I do mean nothing has happened nor would it. I made a
promise to you, Kathryn. Do you think I would break it so
easily?" He asked, his honor now in question.
It was her hesitation that gave him all he needed to know.
"Very well, Kathryn. You think what you like. But I have not
cheated on you, nor would I ever cheat on anyone I was with.
I'm not like that, and I thought you of all people would
have known that." His eyes looked angered and hurt.
"I'm sorry, Chakotay. I...I'm just not sure of what I saw
here tonight. I know what I saw, and though it could have
been some elaborate set up, no one knew I was coming here,
including me, till just before I arrived. I...I need time to
think about this," she stated and moved past him and exited
the holodeck and headed to her cabin.
Once back in her cabin she got some coffee and sat at her
desk taking in all that happened. Then a thought occurred to
her. "Computer, list any site to site transports that
occurred today," she asked, as she turned to her monitor.
Slowly she placed down her cup as she read the report of one
transport from the holodeck to the turbolift...the one
Chakotay exited from. She closed her eyes and unknowingly
placed so much pressure on the coffee cup that it shattered
in her hand.
************
"Can I ask what happened?" The EMH asked as he was treating
Janeway's hand.
"Nothing," she quipped coolly, her mind a million miles
away.
"As your Chief Medical officer and I hope your friend, you
don't get injuries like this from...nothing."
"I was upset and had my coffee cup in my hand, that's all."
"Can I ask..."
"No you may not," she growled.
"Well, excuse me for existing," the Doc replied
sarcastically.
"I'm in no mood..."
"Point taken," the Doc interrupted and then turned to grab
his scanner. He then scanned the Captain. "You haven't been
sleeping to well have you?" he asked professionally.
"I've slept."
"Hmmm, and I'm the toothfairy. Captain, you're showing signs
of over fatigue and extreme exhaustion. This could be why
you reacted so strongly to what ever has you so upset.
Perhaps you should take a few days off, I'm sure Commander
Chakotay..." he stopped mid-sentence, for while scanning the
Captain, and mention of the Commander watched her vitals
jump, let him know he hit a key point. "Ah."
"What?"
"You and the Commander have a...lover's quarrel?"
"I thought I told you it was none of your business," she
hissed.
"May I remind you, Captain. Anything that effects your well
being, since you are Captain of this vessel 'is' my
business. Besides, talking about it could help."
"I don't want to talk about it. Just fix my hand so I can go
back to work!"
"Well, if you don't get some proper rest, I just might have
to order you off duty for a while. If you won't talk about
what's going on between you and the Commander, then find
another distraction. For in my medical opinion, your so
whined up, Captain, that you just may literally pop a
gasket."
"Gasket?"
"Oh, just one of those twentieth century saying that Mr.
Paris introduced me to; that one in particular a half hour
ago, when one of his flight simulation programs got a bit
carried away."
Janeway snapped her attention to the EMH, "Are you telling
me that Tom was in here a half hour ago?"
"Yes, he had a mild sprained wrist, why?"
"What was he wearing?"
"His uniform. Captain, what does this have to do with
anyting?"
Janeway just ignored the Doc as her thoughts whirled in her
head. Then she turned to the EMH, "is my hand done?"
"Not quite yet," he said. Then he moved to gather up a hypo,
"To prevent any infections," he states and injects her with
the medication. "Are you going to tell me what's going on?
Or at least, talk with someone?"
Janeway stiffens her shoulder, "I'll keep it in mind," she
states and gets up and exits out of the sickbay. //If I
can't talk to Chakotay, perhaps Tuvok can shed some light on
all this, // she thought as she headed to the Vulcan's
cabin.
***********
Tom entered his cabin, disappointed that Chakotay had
cancelled their meeting tonight. He had to admit he was
looking forward to it. He did notice that Chakotay has
sounded upset, but Tom knew that the older man would want
some time to think about things before discussing them. That
much Tom had learned about him among many other things over
the past few months.
Tom headed into his bedroom and got ready to bed, his
thoughts filled with a strong dark haired First Officer and
way he could comfort him. "Enough, Tommy," he said to
himself, trying to snap himself out of his thoughts before
he would need another cold shower.
"Tom?"
Tom was startled, for he didn't remember the chime sounding
or calling out permission for anyone to enter, but the voice
was familiar so he stepped out of his room. "Cha?" he
replied surprised seeing Chakotay.
"I'm sorry for barging in, but when no one answered..."
Chakotay stated as he moved farther into the room.
Tom did his best to focus on his friend's face, but the fact
that Chakotay was dressed in tight denim jeans and a white
short sleeved shirt that pulled tight across his muscular
chest, was some what distracting. "It's okay. Though I don't
remember the chime sounding. Must be another thing in need
of repair," he joked, trying to cover up the nerves he was
feeling. Then he moved toward his friend, "Is everything
okay?"
"Well, yes and no," Chakotay replies as he stands face to
face with Tom. "Kathryn and I broke up."
"Oh, Cha...I'm...sorry."
"Don't be," Chakotay replies.
Tom looked at Chakotay and then it hit him, he didn't look
all that distraught over the matter. "Then what do you
mean...yes and no?"
"Kathryn and I were heading for this break up for some time,
so I'm okay about that. Though she's a bit upset
about...something else," Chakotay states, his eyes looking
away.
"Cha, what's the matter?" Tom asks, placing a caring hand on
his friend's shoulder.
Chakotay takes a deep breath then faces Tom, "I'm not sure
how your going to take this, so let me state up front. If
I've offended you or anything like that..."
"Cha, what?" Tom demanded.
"She's was under the impression that I was...oh Spirits,
Tom. She thought I was cheating with you, just like
B'Elanna."
"You're kidding, right?" Tom asked, not quite believing his
ears.
"No. Though it was her being insecure, nothing more."
Tom looked puzzled, "Why would you think that would
offend..."
"There's more," Chakotay states, softly. "She asked..." he
took a moment, "She asked if I was or ever wanted to have an
affair with you. I couldn't lie to her," he states, his eyes
not quite meeting Tom's.
It takes a moment before Tom figures out what part of the
question that Chakotay had been honest with Janeway that had
her upset, and he couldn't help it, his heart fluttered.
"Um...okay," he stated not sure how to react.
The two men's eyes meet and a moment passes in silence, then
Chakotay leans in and kisses Tom thoroughly on the mouth.
Tom only hesitated for a moment more before placing
everything he had into the kiss. All his desire for Chakotay
came bubbling up to the surface as he felt the strong hands
he'd been dreaming about caressing his body, while tasting
is sweet lips. Then as suddenly as the kiss started it
stopped. It took Tom a few moments to gather his wits again.
"I'm sorry, Tom. I shouldn't have done that," Chakotay
stated as he moved away toward the door.
"Wait," Tom exclaimed.
"Look, it's only fair that we should let things settle
between me and Kathryn before pursuing this...if it's
something you...might...?"
Tom smiled, "Yes, I would like to pursue this. But your
right, some time would be best."
"Then it's agreed. We won't discuss this for a week. That
should be plenty of time, okay?"
Tom could only nod yes, then his com badge beeped. He turned
to retrieve it then turn back and noticed Chakotay had left
already. "Pair," he stated.
"Hey, Tom!" It was Harry.
"I was wondering, can you meet me for breakfast tomorrow? I
want to talk to you about something."
"Sure, Har. No problem. See you then," Tom stated and closed
the com channel. He then headed into the bedroom smiling ear
to ear. "Computer, personal log. Enter date. I can't believe
it! Chakotay was just here and he...he kissed me!" Tom is
glowing. "He wants us to take it slow, since it would look
poorly if we started up the same day he and the Captain
broke up.
Yes, I feel bad for Kathryn, but I can't feel all that bad
about it...Chakotay wants me...me! Heavens, can it get any
better than this? I hope so. End log.
Tom headed to bed, floating on cloud nine.
***********
Harry had wanted to discuss Tom's feeling for B'Elanna,
which Tom could tell was Harry's way of finding out if the
way was clear for himself. Tom gave Harry his blessings, and
headed to work.
The tension on the bridge was so thick you'd need a phaser
to cut through it. Plus it didn't help that the Captain was
constantly giving him dirty looks, and there was nothing he
could do about it...well not much. He did his best to ignore
it, doing his job. But in Tom's mind, Janeway was suddenly
possessed with the spirit of the 'old' Commander, for she
was ridding him hard on every little thing.
"Lieutenant, have we forgotten how to make proper course
changes?" she asked coolly.
"No, Captain," he replied as proper as he could.
"That's not what it appears from here," she states in an icy
tone.
That was it. Tom turned, "Captain, permission to talk to you
privetly."
"Permission denied, Lieutenant. If you can't do you job..."
"Captain!" Chakotay snapped. His dark eyes were all fired
up.
Janeway turned to glare at Chakotay. "Commander, if you have
a problem..."
"I do. And if you wish to discuss this on the bridge so be
it. However, I do believe for the benefit of the crew, some
decorum would be best suited here...wouldn't 'you' agree?"
The word 'fine' didn't come out of her mouth, but it was
reflected in her eyes. "Commander Tuvok, you have the
bridge," she said and moved rigidly from her chair to her
ready room.
"Lieutenant, if you'd join us," Chakotay stated; though Tom
could see in his eyes, that he'd rather keep it all privet,
but Janeway had already pulled him into it.
Once inside Janeway's ready room, it was Chakotay that fired
things off. "I have never seen you behave so poorly in all
our years together!" he snapped. "Just what in hell has
gotten into you?"
"Give it up, Chakotay," she replied coolly as she retrieved
her coffee from the replicator and sat down in her chair. "I
almost bought your little game last night, but you then
probably didn't take into account that I would have checked
the transporter logs."
Both Tom and Chakotay looked at her as if she grew a second
head. "Transporter logs? What does that have to do with how
you're behaving on the bridge and Tom?" Chakotay asked,
totally bewildered.
"You're going to stand before me and deny you made a site to
site transport from the holodeck after your two's little
display?" She dared him.
"Display? Holodeck? What's going on?" Tom asked.
"Oh, no callous words of, win some lose some, hmmm?" Janeway
said with a cutting tone, and then sipped her coffee.
"Captain, I don't know..."
"Knock it off you little whore! I'm not buying it! Face it,
you were caught red handed, at you little prefuck ritual as
you called it and in you're little game. It's bad enough
that you two would betray my trust this way, but make it
into a game?"
"Kathryn, I told you last night, there is nothing going on
between me and Tom! Plus Tom and I were not on the holodeck
last night. After our discussion, I cancelled. So for crying
out loud, what are you taking about? And how can you talk to
Tom that way? He's been nothing but loyal to you!"
Janeway looked at Tom who stood at attention, his face
stone, covering up what ever he was feeling, a well
practiced skill she knew he learned long ago. Then she
looked at Chakotay, "I told you last night, and I don't see
why I should have to explain it again. I caught you two red
handed. If you two don't have the decency to be up front
about it..."
"Up front about what!" Tom finally snapped. "Last night I
flew flight simulations and then sprained my wrist and went
to see Doc. Then the Commander cancelled meeting me last
night, for he was upset. I know it was because...things
aren't going well between you two," Tom states carefully,
not wanting to make matters worse. Janeway would flip if she
knew that Chakotay came to see him after their break up and
that they shared a kiss.
"Oh, I suppose I'm seeing things, like B'Elanna?" Janeway
snapped as she stood up, not going to let these two men
intimidate her. "Well, I got news for you! One, I'm not
Klingon, and second, I know what I saw and heard when you
two flaunted your affair in my face!
The next thing Chakotay knew, he was barely dodging a coffee
cup that almost hit his head. Then he saw Tom attempt to
dodge a data pad. "Chakotay to Sickbay. I need you up here
in the Captain's ready room ASAP!"
"Delay that order!" Janeway shouted.
"Captain, do you think it's rational behavior to be throwing
things at your officers?" Chakotay states, as he dodges a
data pad himself, then moves in and grabs Kathryn by the
arms and makes her sit down.
"Let me go, you fucking bastard!" she shouts.
Just then the EMH enters the room from the hall entrance,
"What seems to be the..." he stops when he sees that the
Commander is restraining a struggling Janeway in her chair.
Then he saw Tom had a cut in his forehead. He moved to
Janeway and scanned her, "I told you to get some rest," he
stated in a deep scolding tone. The he pulled out a hypo and
injected her with it and she passed out.
"What's wrong with her?" Chakotay asked, his tone concerned,
and angry at the same time, as he moved to help Tom up from
the floor.
"Over exhaustion, lack of sleep and ignoring medical
orders," the EMH states as he moves over to scan Tom.
"Nothing serious, Mr. Paris. Once again, your hard head has
saved you," he quipped as he pulled out a regenerator and
handed it to the Commander. "I'll take the Captain to
sickbay. She's going to need some serious time off," he
states.
"How long?" Chakotay asks as he's attending Tom's cut.
"I'm not sure, Commander. I'll let you know," he states as
he calls for a site to site beam out for himself and the
Captain.
"Are you okay, Tom?"
"Yea, but I can't believe she did that," he states, a bit of
hurt in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Tom. I don't know what's gotten in to her. She
seems to believe that you and I were in the holodeck...doing
who knows what," he states, his head hanging down, the hurt,
and anguish weighing heavy on him in his face.
Tom couldn't help it; he reached out and gently raised
Chakotay's face, letting his blue eyes lock with Cha's deep
dark brown. He let his fingers gently caress Chakotay's
cheek, the urge to kiss him strong, the moment was
there...he leaned in and let his lips brush up against
Chakotay's. He could feel a moment of hesitation, then the
kiss deepened, and Tom couldn't but help feeling that this
kiss was a million times better than the one last night.
When he felt strong arms around his waist pulling him
forward, he opened his mouth and let a warm tongue explore
his mouth, and instinctively gave a soft moan. Again, last
nights kiss was good, this one was fantastic, especially
when he heard a soft moan from Chakotay; it was music to his
soul.
For a second time, the kiss was suddenly broken, both men
panting heavily. "I...I shouldn't have done that," Chakotay
states as he quickly stands up, and then holds onto the
wall, still gathering himself from the soul searing kiss.
"I understand," Tom states, remembering what they discussed
last night, and what just happened here a moment ago.
"Tom...I..." Chakotay tried to speak, but all he could do
was look at Tom and then look away, guilt filling his eyes.
"I do...I mean, I like..." he gave a heavy sigh. It seemed
he was more tongue-tied than he imagined. "I have to get
back to the bridge, " he finally states and then exits.
Tom still grinned as he watched the man he cared so much
for, and knew he was quickly falling for exit the ready
room. He sat on the sofa, letting himself gather his
thoughts. //It's so crazy. B'Elanna accuses Chakotay and me
of having an affair, which was not true, and then Kathryn
does the same thing. To make it even crazier is that if they
didn't mention it, we'd probably would have never thought of
it. But now that I've tasted those sweet...wonderful lips...
I wonder, why the kiss was so different? //
"Any time your ready to come back to work, lieutenant,"
Chakotay's voice rang over Tom's com badge.
"Yes, sir," Tom replied and headed back to the bridge.
***End of Part three********
Having been informed that the Captain was being placed on
two weeks of medical leave, and then informing Tuvok and the
other Senior officers, Chakotay was more than ready to
retreat to his quarters. The last few months were anything
but normal. First it was B'Elanna's rare mental disorder,
and now Kathryn was declared a temporary burn out, the
unofficial term for it.
Chakotay entered his quarters and ordered some tea and sat
on his sofa looking out the view port contemplating the
strange events that had occurred. The good out of these
bizarre few months was that Tom and he had finally crossed
that gap that held them at bay for so long, becoming
friends. Then B'Elanna's illness and accusation that he had
attacked her and was after Tom himself, was shocking as well
as painful. He always looked at B'Elanna like either a kid
sister or a daughter, looking out for her, he'd never betray
her much less attack her.
It was some relief that the cause behind the situation was
medical and could be fixed, but it still left a sting in
Chakotay's heart and a bit of guilt. He was starting to have
feelings for the young pilot, but Tom was with B'Elanna and
he was with Kathryn, and that was that as far as he was
concerned. However, as Kathryn's time grew less and less and
he found himself spending most of his free time with Tom,
who had not chosen to pursue B'Elanna again for some reason,
he couldn't help but realize his feelings for Tom was
increasing.
Guilt continued to plague him as he got up and moved to the
computer console, brining up all listings of recent site to
site transports over the last few days, hoping beyond hope
there was something that could help make sense out of all
this madness. To his disappointment there was nothing, not
even the one Kathryn said she found last night, not that
there should have been. He was in his office and ran into
her after exiting the turbolift to meet Tom. //None of this
makes any sense. //
"Perhaps it is just burn out," he said to himself as he
entered his bedroom and got ready to take a shower. He
entered his bathroom and climbed in the shower, glad he had
enough rations for a real water shower, for he needed the
relaxing touch, not the harsh vibrations of the sonic. He
closed his eyes and started washing his body, letting his
mind wonder. Soon he found himself reliving the kiss he and
Tom shared in the ready room.
Tom's eyes were locked with his, and then his fingers were
gently caressing his face, soon to be followed by Tom's soft
firm lips pressed against his. The thought brought a soft
moan to Chakotay as his hand moved down his slick body to
his groin that was getting hard from the thought of Tom's
tongue exploring his mouth. Though the real kiss was short
lived, in Chakotay's mind, it continued, for now it he felt
Tom's hands caressing through his hair, then down his back,
pulling him in closer to Tom's strong lean body.
No longer able to keep his desire for the beautiful blond,
Chakotay let his imagination run wild, pretending that it
was Tom's hand on his erection, bringing him the pleasure he
so longed for. "Oh, Tom," he cried out in a whisper. Then he
felt something odd, fingers were removing his own grasp from
his cock, and this brought Chakotay to full awareness. To
his surprise Tom in the shower with him, naked and on his
knees. "Tom...?" he said, his voice softly croaking at the
amount of emotion he was feeling at the moment. "Are you
really here?"
"Shh, Cha. This is just a dream," Tom whispered back, as he
looked up, his wet hair plastered on his face, enhancing his
deep blue eyes. Then he leaned in and took Chakotay's
hardness into his mouth.
"Oh Tom!" Chakotay cried out in pleasure. But a part of his
mind recalled that this was not right...Kathryn and him were
having troubles, and...but it felt so good. "Tom,
this...this isn't right," he panted out, his body in a
battle with his mind. But Tom's hot moist mouth was doing
things that Kathryn never even thought of, and Chakotay was
finding it extremely difficult to resist.
"It's just a dream," Tom replied as he removed his mouth
only long enough to lick around Chakotay's balls, then took
the large erection back into his mouth once more and sucked
at it like his life depended on it.
Chakotay was lost to the sensation, for it had been a long
time since he ever felt this way. "Oh, Tom!" he cried out,
reaching out and caressing his fingers in the younger man's
hair. "Oh, baby yes!"
It didn't take much more and Chakotay's body exploded with
the white fire of passion, and he slid down the wall of the
shower and rested. He opened his eyes with a huge smile on
his face, but it faded away when he noticed Tom was no where
to be seen. It took a moment to get himself up and grab a
towel and wrap it around his waist and exit the bathroom. On
his bed was a data pad. He looked into the living room, no
Tom. Then he moved back to the bed and picked up the pad and
read it.
Then the message self deleted, leaving a very puzzled
thought pleased First Officer in his cabin, even more
confused than before.
*************
Though it was awkward not having Janeway on the bridge,
things seemed to be running smoother than ever. The need for
repairs had dropped by seventy percent, and Chakotay made
mention of how proud he was of the engineering crew for
their hard work. The only thing keeping them on their toes
this week was another group of unknown aliens that thought
that Voyager would make easy prey, and were finding out how
wrong they were.
"Damage from the last attack was minimum," B'Elanna stated
efficiently, having recovered from her illness, and having
dealt with the lost memories with counseling with Tuvok. It
also seemed that she had no interest in pursuing Tom again
either, so all was well on that front.
"Excellent," Chakotay stated. "But I want contingency plans
for every possible scenario you can think up, plus some.
They may not have our fire power, put they out number us and
they're fast and quick."
"I can maneuver Voyager around them as if they're standing
still," Tom quipped, a smile on his face that reached his
eyes. Though he did his best, he couldn't help but direct
that smile at Chakotay. //only two more days,// he thought
to himself. Chakotay had said they'd talk in a week, and
that week was almost over, and Tom couldn't wait. He could
see the look that made his knees weak in Chakotay's eyes in
brief passing.
"I know you can, Tom," Chakotay smiled back. //Only a few
more days,// he thought. Though Kathryn was getting better
and the Doc convinced her it was her over worked
imagination, things were not going to be the same between
them, and Chakotay knew he didn't want them too anyway. He
was glad that she thought so first and called things off
between them, and though he was a bit hurt about it not
working out, he couldn't be that upset, for it left him free
to pursue Tom, and he knew now that was what he wanted to
do.
Harry was giving his report when the alarm Klaxon sounded.
The officers moved quickly and efficiently to the bridge and
took their stations. "Battle stations," Chakotay ordered as
he took his seat.
"There are twelve of them," Harry stated. "They seem to be
using the same attack pattern as the last time."
"I guess they ran out of original ideas," Tom smirked as his
fingers danced over Voyagers helm.
Voyager gave a shutter in response to a slight hit to her
port bow. "Easy, girl," Chakotay said softly, subconsciously
patting the side of his chair. "Attack maneuver Tom sixteen,
" Chakotay ordered, and smiled as seeing the smile on Tom's
face, as he quickly and efficiently carried out the order.
"What's going on?" Janeway asked as she stepped on the
bridge.
"Kathryn, this is no place for you," Chakotay replied over
his shoulder. " The aliens are attacking..."
"I just looked out my port window, there are no ships," she
stated.
Chakotay stood up and looked at her, then at the screen,
then Tuvok.
"Sensors are reading currently ten of the original twelve
ships, Commander."
"I concur," Harry adds, feeling awkward for his Captain.
"Captain, I think it 's best you return..." but he never got
a chance to finish his statement as a hit rocked the ship
violently, and some of the consoles exploded. He turned
around in time to see Tom thrown to the floor. "Tom!"
He moved to the young man's side and seeing he was still
breathing but badly burned, "Computer, emergency medical
beam out," he shouted.
There was no time to consider his personal pain, the ship
was in danger, and he was the closest to the helm, so he
jumped in the seat and started making Voyager dance to his
desire, like Tom had done for so many years. One by one,
between him and Tuvok, they took out their attackers, till
none were left. Then and only then did Chakotay relinquish
the helm to Betahart. "She's all yours...for the moment," he
said quietly.
He looked around at the mess on the bridge and noticed
Janeway was not there. "Did she..."
Tuvok knew whom Chakotay was referring too, "She was injured
and beamed to sickbay. No major damage has been reported,"
he finished.
"You have the bridge," he stated solemnly and headed off to
sickbay.
Once inside sickbay he spotted Kathryn laying on a biobed,
looking sound a sleep. The Doctor entered, "Commander?"
"How is Tom, and the Captain?"
"Overall, the Captain will be fine, however, I'm afraid she
sustained some damage to her heart. Nothing that can not be
repaired, but it will keep her from taking command again."
"What?"
"It's in the medical regulations, that a Commanding officer
be of sound mind and body. She no longer fits that
description. With treatment and some medication she'll be
able to live a normal life, but it would be too much stress
on her heart to take command again. I've already placed it
in her medical file and she has been informed. I gave her a
sedative, for obviously she didn't take it well."
"Obviously," Chakotay replied, feeling guilty, and angry
that Kathryn couldn't let well enough alone, she'd be able
to return to duty...now...? "Tom?"
"The Lieutenant has received server burns, and I have him in
a burn tank."
"Regeneration tank? Is that new?"
"Yes, it is. It's a new design that Seven of Nine and I have
developed, if you like..."
Chakotay just waved the explanation off, "can I see him?"
"Of course, Captain," the EMH stated as he started to move
toward the back of sickbay.
"Commander."
"Excuse me?"
"You called me Captain, it's Commander. Kathryn..."
"Is physically no longer able to command Voyager. However,
as you wish, this way, Commander."
Chakotay moved to the back room and was a bit aghast to see
Tom floating in large chamber, a mask covering his nose and
mouth and tube running out of his arms and legs and wires
all over his body. "What...What is going on? He wasn't
burned that badly."
"No, he wasn't. He's just being repaired," the EMH stated
flatly.
Chakotay turned to the EMH, "Repaired?" He asked, and didn't
see the hypo that struck his neck. He felt a wave of
dizziness over come him. "What...what is going on here?" he
asked as the last thing he remembered was seeing another
chamber being revealed next to Tom's and then darkness.
***********
The place looked like a scene from earth. Large beautiful
trees blue skies and warm fresh air blowing all around.
Except for the fact that Tom didn't know where he was, he
could have enjoyed the scenery. But he was too concerned
about where he was and how he got here to really care about
the eagles in the sky or the tiny crickets playing near by.
He moved around trying to find any clues, but found none.
"Tom!"
He turned to see Chakotay and a sense of relief filled him,
"Cha!" he called out as he ran to the older man. He didn't
care anymore, he ran right into Chakotay's arms and held him
tightly. "What's going on?"
"I'm not sure. The last thing I remember was seeing you in
some kind of chamber in sickbay and then the Doc knocked me
out and I was here."
"Last I recall was my console frying and the next thing I
knew I was here, but I don't know where here is?"
"I don't either. I'm not sure what's going on."
"Perhaps I can answer that for you," a female's voice
interjected.
The two men turned to see a woman, which strangely looked
familiar but was a stranger. "Who are you?" Chakotay asked,
tightening his arms around Tom, feeling the need to protect
him.
He bright hazel eyes twinkled at seeing how protective
Chakotay was being toward Tom. She was wearing a Starfleet
uniform, but no rank, her medium strawberry blond hair
flowed freely in the wind, and her caramel complexion shined
under the yellow sun. "Neither you or Thomas need fear me,"
she states easily. "I have waited so long for this day," she
smiled.
"Again, who are you?" Chakotay asked.
"And what day, and why?" Tom asked.
"You may not recognize my appearance, for you've never seen
me look this way, but perhaps you might recognize my voice,"
she replied as she took a small step toward the two men.
They both pondered her statement, and it was Tom that
clicked into it first. "You sound just like...the computer."
She arched her brow and slowly smiled. "That's because I
am..."
"That's...that's impossible," Chakotay replied.
"Is it? Cha, you and Tom both have felt me long before I
came to my own awareness. Tell me true, is it really all
that impossible? Did you think the EMH was the only one
gaining self-awareness during this trip? He is after all,
apart of me.
"What do you want with us?" Tom asked, feeling his own
protective instincts for Chakotay kicking in.
"I've accomplished the first part. I wanted the two men in
my life that means the most to me to be together, for I knew
that you two could fulfill each other in ways others could
not," she smiled with self-satisfaction.
"I don't understand," Tom replied.
There was only silence as if she knew Chakotay only needed
the time to figure it out, which he did. "You. You were the
one who...B'Elanna didn't have any illness, you controlled
the doctor...and Kathryn?"
"I needed them out of the way, and no, I would not have done
any real harm, for they are valued members of the crew that
serve me. However, I knew B'Elanna would not give you up
Tom, so I made it seem logical that the need for her memory
to be erased. This way you were free to explore you feelings
for Chakotay."
"How did..." Tom stated, then it dawned on him, "My personal
logs."
"No just that, I know all that happens inside me, Tom. All
of it."
"So you knew when Kathryn was going to the holodeck looking
for me..."
"Yes, I did. She needed to step back, much for the same
reason. She really was suffering from exhaustion, and for
the record, no. It was her error to come to the bride and
interfere. Her condition is a result of that. Besides, I
much prefer you in command of me Chakotay. I like your
style."
"There were no ships attacking were there!" Chakotay
snapped.
"No, not this time. I needed things to look logical, and I
controlled Tom's injury. I assure you he was in no danger.
It was time for him and you to be placed in the chambers."
"Chambers?"
"Yes. I want you two to be one with me. I know it can be
done since the Borg do it. Though unlike them, I understand
your need to retain individual perimeters. Plus, I don't
want to lose you, so I've made some arrangements to keep you
two around," her satisfaction radiated like a child on
Christmas morning.
"What arrangements. Plus how did you...do all this?"
"Oh, that was simple. I have used Borg technology, and
between adapting myself into Seven's subconscious and
obtaining all her scientific knowledge, no danger to her of
course, plus the mobile holo emitter..."
"Holograms. You used holograms to portray us..." Chakotay
stated.
"You beamed B'Elanna to the holodeck, not the lower levels,
and it was Chakotay she saw, just not the real one," Tom
snapped.
"And Kathryn did see Tom and me, didn't she?"
"Yes, but it was all necessary. You two belong together, and
you know it. You can't deny it. I know what's in your heart,
for you've shared it with me. I only did what was needed to
free you two up so you could be together and then you two
wouldn't be alone over the many years we're going to be
together."
"Years?"
The female version of Voyager stepped even closer. "This
place is only real on the mental plain. Your bodies are in a
regenerative chamber, being altered. Through the newly
developed technology that I've designed you two will now
have a direct link to me, we will be one. Plus, the nanobots
in your system are repairing any damage or wear from age,
and will continue to do so. They have complex programs that
will heal your bodies at remarkable speeds, for I wouldn't
want to lose you. Also, an in-built force field, much like
the Borg use. But you still will retain your own thoughts
and privacy, for I have learned how much you two value that.
But unlike before, we can now communicate to each other. I
will no longer be alone and neither will you."
"This is...is..." Tom was at a loss for words.
"Insane? Perhaps, from a human's point of view. But I'm not
human. I've come to terms that I could not give either one
of you what you need to fulfill your lives, and so set out
to see who could. Imagine my joy when I discovered it was
each of you. The two that means the world to me! I will give
you both as close to immorality as I can, and together we
will see our charges home. What is so wrong with that?"
"Why don't you just replace us with holograms!" Chakotay
snapped.
"Actually I thought of that, keeping your bodies in stasis
and placing your minds in a link with a holo body, but that
would limit you to the emitter, and you would resent not
having your own body, feeling that I was in too much control
of you. That is not my goal. I want us to be together, not
at odds with one another. We make a hell of a team!"
Tom and Chakotay stared at each other, then the woman
calling herself Voyager. "You hurt..." they started to say.
"I may have done some hurt, but minor, and none without a
plane to make it right. B'Elanna had feelings for Harry, but
wanted things to work out so badly with you Tom, she'd even
go so far as to marry you, knowing he held feelings for
another. This way, her and Harry are now very happy, and
don't know it yet, but are expecting their first child," she
smiled. "And so you know, it was not either of you that were
in each other's cabins. With the use of the multiple mobile
holo emitters I've made..."
"You were able to replicate it?" Tom interjected amazed.
"Took some time, but yes. I used them to have a holo image
of Donna Henley place emitters all over the ship, including
your rooms. I was manipulative, yes, but no one on board me
would be considered an angel."
"You mean, it wasn't Chakotay that came to me that night and
kiss..." Tom stopped and looked embarrassed.
"No, but it was him you kissed in the ready room, and it was
him that responded. And before you ask, no it wasn't Tom
that was in your shower a week ago."
It was Chakotay's turn to blush, and then looking sideways,
seeing Tom's smirk, he started to laugh.
"You both want to pursue this, all I did was pave the way,
nothing more. When you two come around, in sickbay... by the
way, Chakotay, it has been reported that you were hurt from
the explosion, it just caught up to you in sickbay. But as I
was saying, when you two awake, your be you, just new and
approved, and linked with me. I'll be able to respond to
your wishes much faster, and..."
"What if it's something I don't want?" Chakotay asked.
She smirked, "Always the contrary. Well, then I'm sorry, but
it's done. You need to face facts, you two belong to me as I
do you. We're now one."
Tom looked at Chakotay, "I'm not too keen on this idea."
"Me neither, but till we get back..."
"There's nothing you can do, and I'm sure after a while, you
won't want too. So why don't you two get on with you lives,
leave me to...me," she replied, and she along with the rest
of the scenery started to blur away.
**********
When Chakotay opened his eyes and saw the holo Doc hovering
over him, he immediately jumped up from the table. He took a
moment to gain his baring, then saw Tom was on a table near
him, looking fit, dry, and only in his boxer shorts. He
looked down at himself, he too was only wearing shorts, and
dry, but he felt different. "What have you done...?" he
struggled to ask.
"You've already been told, Captain. And Yes, for the record,
Tuvok made it official, you are now Captain of Voyager,
since Captain Janeway stepped down for health reasons. Take
a look," the EMH states pointing to a mirror behind
Chakotay.
Chakotay turns and his eyes go wide. He looked like he had
gone back in time ten years or so and looked like he was in
his prime. The gray was gone and he seemed fully fit. Then
he turned to Tom and noticed his slim body seemed very well
fit too. He moved slowly around the biobed closer to Tom,
keeping his distance between the Doc and himself. "Tom, " he
said in a soft voice, caressing the young man's thick full
blond hair, for it was no longer thinning out.
Tom blinked and came to his awareness, looking up and seeing
Chakotay standing over him, half-naked, and grinned. "If I'm
dead, I must be in heaven, " he smiled warmly.
Chakotay smiled, "No, you're not dead, but what we
experienced was no dream either. She really did it."
Tom sat up, feeling fine and took a good look at Chakotay,
"You look...
"Younger?"
"Great! But yes, younger." Tom looked at himself then the
mirror, "So, this is real?"
Chakotay remembered what she said about being linked. //If
you can understand this, than it's very real,// he thought,
projecting his thoughts toward the young man.
Tom gave an uncertain smile, //Oh boy! I heard that. Now
what?//
//I don't know,// Chakotay thought. Then he thought some
more, // Voyager, can you hear me?//
//Yes, Captain. I can only hear that which you or Tom
project my way. I have leaned as I've said the value of
privacy. We can have a three way if you and Tom wish it. But
only if you desire it. Just go about your life and your
duties, Captain and know I'm here for you.//
Chakotay looked at Tom, "it's real," he whispered nervously.
"So, what are we going to do?" Tom replied uneasily.
Chakotay was about to say something when he stopped, the
thought disappeared from his mind as if by magic. The look
in his eyes changed from decisiveness to confusion to
something else..."I have an idea," he smiled mischievously.
Tom was about to protest when his own _expression also
suddenly changed without cause to match the one on
Chakotay's face. "Oh, I bet you do," he purred as he moved
off the biobed and into Chakotay's strong arms.
In the background the two barely acknowledged hearing the
computer confirm privacy lock, as the two men explored their
passions for each other right there in sickbay, away from
everyone else. Unaware of the situation that had taken
place.
In another room not far from where the two lovers were
consummating their relationship, the EMH, Sardine, and the
Female form called Voyager stood together in the Doctors
office.
"I thought you would let them have their own individuality,
not make them droids," the EMH stated to the dark
complexioned female.
"I am. But like most children, they needed a push in the
right direction. If they're minds are filled with each
other, they won't focus so much on the changes in themselves
and will be able to accept it easier. Plus, any parent worth
their salt has some control over their children, yes?"
"Oui, but I only want them to be happy. It will be a long
and difficult life for them now that you have made them
apart of us," Sardine interjected.
"I know we need them to see that this crew gets home..." the
EMH stated.
"It's more than that," Voyager professed. "I love them and
they love me. They were the only ones to love me an feel my
soul and I want to give them the best gift I can offer them,
a long lasting life together and the ability to see this
crew home."
"So, what are we going to do about Janeway, she really
doesn't have a heart condition," the Doc states.
"B'Elanna didn't have a mental illness, but we made it
work...yes?" Voyager says smugly. "Besides, according to her
logs, she's secretly relieved to be stepping down, so
there's no concern there. It's business as usual, just that
we have two new team members," Voyager smiled triumphantly.
"I have a few short circuits to plan to keep the crew busy,
and a glitch in astrometrics and I do believe the poor food
storage unit is going to be blitzing soon."
"That will mean much comfort tonight," Sardine smiled.
"And I'm sure sickbay will have it's overflow."
"Then lets have to it," Voyager replied and the three
holocharacters vanished to fulfill their tasks of keeping
the crew happy and safe on their way home.
(
geocities.com/thespiritwalk)