This story takes places shortly after the Fourth season
Episode `Nemesis'-- And is after all, and henceforth, 
purely a work of fiction . . . 

 All hail Paramount!! (How's that for a disclaimer)

Star Trek: Voyager
`Hidden Talents'

By
 Shalee Stewart


	Night on a starship.
	That had to be the cruelest joke of all. 
	It was always night in space. Blackness -- 24 hours a day; seven 
days a week; 52 weeks a year. A cold darkness punctuated only by the 
light of a trillion billion stars. Yet, even the stars seemed cold this night 
for the lone being who traversed the lower decks of Voyager.
	Chakotay couldn't sleep. It was as plain as that. AND when 
sleep eluded him, the first officer prowled the ship. It always amazed 
him how many people and sounds he encountered during his nightly 
treks, then again it was never really quiet on a starship. Not with the 
constant thrum of the warp engines and muffled hum of countless con-
versations being held on the other side of the walls he past.
	The Native American commander released a sigh. It had been 
two weeks and Chakotay was still recovering from being captured and 
brainwashed by the Vhori. Although, he hadn't minded being planet-
side despite the circumstances, he would have preferred the peace of 
the nights on New Earth. 
	New Earth, the image rose unbidden and blanketed his mind 
with a sudden yearning. He felt a need to be with the person, with 
whom he had shared quiet moments on a planet, now hundreds of light 
years away. But she would only push him away. They had grown apart 
in the past few months. More so after the encounter with Borg and 
Species 8472, they couldn't seem to get past only being proper Star-
fleet officers, even when they were alone.
	Unconsciously, Chakotay turned and began to walk at a brisk 
pace, back the way he had come. The path that would lead him to the 
deck where he was quartered. He only managed a few steps before he 
sensed something almost intangible. Then he heard it in reality; the 
gentle strains of music. A piano? Accompanied by a low, slightly lilt-
ing voice, that seemed familiar, yet he couldn't quite place it. Not re-
alizing why, he allowed himself to follow the music to its source. Mo-
ments later, Chakotay was shocked to find himself at the entry to Jef-
fries Tube 7 on Deck 14, yet without the slightest hesitation, he 
climbed inside.
	The former Maquis found as he moved closer, the music with its 
accompaniment seemed to surge and pulse around him. His very soul 
was encompassed as he paused at crossection of an accessway. The 
acoustics here were incredible and as the purveyor of his rapture began 
again, Chakotay could now distinguish the words to what must have 
been a ballad. For, they  lay heavy on his heart.

	"If I had only known--
	It was the last walk in the rain . . .
	I'd keep you out for hours in the storm."

	The voice seemed to quaver for a moment, then continued	--

	"I would hold your hand
	Like a life line to my heart.
	Underneath the thunder, we'd be warm.
	If I had only known--
	It was our last walk in the rain."

	Slowly Chakotay, got up his nerve and peered through the 
hatchway to behold the owner of the voice that held him so beguiled. 
The person's identity shocked him but pride swelled his chest as his 
eyes drank in the visage of . . . Kathryn Janeway--

	"If I had only known--
	I'd never hear your voice again.
	I'd memorize each thing you ever said."

	As he continued to listen and watch, Chakotay realized he 
shouldn't really be surprised by this . . . the Captain of Voyager was a 
woman of many talents. Though, he wondered what had spurred her to 
such an exhibition of sorrow. Her face was mask of grief and Chako-
tay only wanted to take her into his arms. 

	"And on those lonely nights.
	I could think of them once more,
	Keep your words alive, inside my head . . . 
	If I had only known--
	I'd never hear your voice again."
	
	I am an intruder here, Chakotay thought to himself as he noted 
tears rimming her eyes. Not wanting to interrupt, he decided to leave 
the same way he come but as luck would have it, he made a less than 
graceful departure. Stumbling over his own feet, the first officer fell 
against the bulkhead with a grunt, putting himself in the open. The 
music stopped abruptly and he felt Kathryn's smoky azure gaze settle 
on him. Chakotay swallowed hard as he watched the expression on her 
face change from startled to angry to sad.
	"Captain, I sorry. I didn't--" Chakotay began haltingly.
	Kathryn shook her head, "It's alright, I knew I'd be discovered 
sooner or later, but I always thought it would be B'Elanna or another of 
the engineering team. I didn't think--"
	"You didn't think it would be your first officer in the middle of 
the night."
	Kathryn smiled slightly, "Couldn't sleep, Commander."
	"Apparently, neither could you."
	"Touch‚--"
	"Kathryn, what's this all about? I mean--"
	"Why am I sitting in a Jeffries Tube . . . in the middle of the 
night . . . singing?"
	"Yes--"
	"I couldn't sleep," Kathryn bantered though her heart wasn't 
really in it.
	Chakotay suppressed grin, "Kathryn--" He warned.
	"Okay, I needed to do this."
	"Why?"
	Kathryn sighed, "It's a long story."
	"So, I'm listening."
	She stared at him for a long moment.
	Kathryn Janeway had more than surprised as she realized, she 
was not alone, and more so for the identity of the intruder. Now, the 
look in those deep brown eyes was mesmerizing.
	Slowly, Chakotay came to sit before Kathryn. He said nothing 
as he gently took her hands in his and waited for her to pull away. She 
didn't. Only the flash of panic that swept over her features, belied her, 
before it was gone.
	"Chakotay," Kathryn said though her voice was but a whisper.
	"Please Kathryn, I only want to help. Tell me--" Chakotay gently 
urged.
	Kathryn shook her head, "I can't--" It was then he noticed her 
hands were shaking in his. He gave them a squeeze and released her, 
to lift the slim keyboard into his lap. He played a few notes experi-
mentally and then looked at her. 
	"This is interesting--" He observed as he studied the instrument.
	"It was a gift from an old classmate. She's a concert pianist. 
Nella wanted something easily portable and this fit the bill perfectly. 
You can roll it up and put in a travel bag. She replicated one for me 
before my last mission and gave it by making me promise I'd practice 
more."
	"Nella--" Chakotay mused thoughtfully, "That wouldn't Nella 
Darin, Stellar Sciences, would it? She's tops in her field."
	"The same and she's a commander now. Chief of Stellar Cartog-
raphy on the Yorktown-C, formerly posted on the Enterprise-D." Kath-
ryn smiled covertly. "Rumor had it, she and Jean-Luc Picard were an 
item, but Nella never talked about and I didn't press her."
	"Why do I sense, you're trying to make a point here?" Chakotay 
bemoaned. Kathryn cocked her head slightly as she looked at him.
	"Tit for tat, Commander."
	Chakotay sighed and nodded, "I haven't been very talkative 
lately either, have I?" Kathryn was silent as they stared into each others 
eyes. Cerulean on sable. The effect, left him feeling intensely vulner-
able as he pushed on, "I'm still trying to work through what happened 
with the Vhori." 
	"I know, so am I--" Kathryn whispered as she dropped her gaze 
and to Chakotay's surprise, softly sang the next verse of the song, sans 
the piano. 

	"You were the treasure in my hand.
	You were the one who always, stood beside me.
 	So unaware,  I foolishly believed.
	That you would always be there.
	But then there came a day--
	And I turned my head and you slipped away."

	She fell silent again as tears slipped down her cheeks. Under-
standing now, Chakotay laid the keyboard aside as tenderly took her 
into his arms. Kathryn stiffened then slowly allowed herself to give 
into the comfort that was being offered. Chakotay smiled to himself as 
her arms crept around his waist to hold him tightly while she buried 
her face in his shoulder. Long moments passed before she seemed to 
gather herself and whispered the last verse of the song, never leaving 
his embrace. 
	
	"If I had only known--
	It was my last night by your side.
	I'd pray a miracle, would stop the dawn. 
	And when you'd smile at me.
	I would look into your eyes.
	And make sure you know.
	My love for you, goes on and on . . . 
	If I had only known--
	If I had only known--
	The love I would've shown.
	If I . . . had only known--"

	Chakotay felt as though he had been hit point-blank with a 
phaser. `Was Kathryn admitting, finally, what he hoped she was.' He 
stared down at the profile of the woman, who was snuggled comforta-
bly against his chest. `No, I won't speculate, until I hear the words.' 
Nevertheless, his arms moved to tighten the embrace as he lowered his 
head to gently brush his lips against hers just as a low cough was 
heard. The couple jerked guiltily apart as Ensign Vorik appeared from 
one of the maintenance shafts.
	"Captain. Commander. I had no idea. I apologize." The Vulcan 
intoned looking about as flustered as a Vulcan could.
	"It's alright, Ensign," Janeway assured him as she picked up her 
keyboard. She glanced at Chakotay, offering a fleeting smile of thanks, 
then she exited into an access tunnel. The first officer watched until 
she was gone from sight, momentarily lost in thought. When he came 
around, Vorik was staring at him. Chakotay said nothing as he quickly 
followed Janeway's path. Vorik responded to the officers abrupt de-
parture with an arched eyebrow and went on with his work.
*   *   *   *   *
	 A couple of days later, Chakotay found B'Elanna Torres, Tom 
Paris and Samantha Wildeman huddled at a table in the mess hall, dis-
cussing something reeking with vital importance. As the first officer, 
neared the table Torres called him over almost at the same moment 
Kathryn Janeway entered the room. Obviously torn, Chakotay reluc-
tantly took the chair across from Paris. He started to eat mechanically, 
his gaze never leaving Janeway as he remembered how it felt to hold 
her in his arms.
	Torres exchanged a look with Paris and Wildeman as she said 
his name, "Chakotay-- Voyager to Chakotay--" It took the second call 
and a nudge from Torres' foot to bring the first officer back to reality.
	"B'Elanna, what?"
	"Where were you?"
	"In Jeffries Tube 7 on Deck 14, I'll bet--" Paris quipped glee-
fully. It earned him a kick in the chins from BOTH Torres and Wilde-
man AND a hot glare from Chakotay.
	"Look, Vorik said he came upon you and the Captain, the other 
morning, he DIDN'T elaborate further," Torres said in an attempt to 
smooth Chakotay's ruffled feathers.
	"But of course, EVERYONE else, is putting their own spin on 
things."
	"Well, rumor had it, it was the Captain who was providing late-
night entertainment recently for whoever has been up and within 
range." 
	"Yeah, who woulda thunk it. That she could sing at all," Paris 
offered up with awe. "It's going make Harry's Birthday party some-
thing to remember."
	Chakotay found himself smiling slightly as he said, "It was a 
surprise to me, too." Then after a thoughtful moment. "Harry's party, 
she's gonna sing for him?" It was statement more than a question.
	"Yep, along with Sam, they're gonna do a duet. Harry doesn't 
know it yet, though," Paris provided with a grin, "AND it did take a 
lot of convincing."
	"AND coercing, but I said anything for Harry. It's just this once 
after all." Everyone jumped at the sound of Janeway's voice and were 
a bit stunned as she casually pulled up a chair between Chakotay and 
Wildeman. "So, of course, I couldn't refuse."
	"Just this once. Oh, I hope not," Chakotay murmured  to him-
self.
	"So--" Paris began as he eyed Janeway and Wildeman thought-
fully. "Whattaya gonna sing?"
	The two exchanged a sly smile.
	"That, my dear, Mr. Paris . . . IS for us to know and you to be in 
awe of," Janeway replied impishly. Wildeman suppressed a giggle and 
Torres slapped a hand over her mouth to keep all out laughter from 
erupting. Chakotay simply leaned back in his chair and grinned. This 
was a side of Kathryn Janeway he and everyone else, rarely saw, much 
like the side he alone, had witnessed a few nights ago. Tomorrow eve-
ning should prove very interesting indeed. 
*   *   *   *   *
	 Kathryn Janeway looked around nervously as the crew began to 
gather in the Holodeck. She wasn't sure she could go through with 
this, even for Harry. BUT, she told herself, I promised. So, with steely 
determination Kathryn made her way to the table where Tuvok, 
Wildeman and Chakotay sat. The Doctor and Seven were seated with 
Master of Ceremony Neelix; Torres, Paris and Kim were at a neigh-
boring table. 
	Sliding in next to Chakotay and Wildeman, Kathryn noted the 
decor created by Paris with the help of Torres and Chakotay. It was a 
very good representation of a late-twentieth century nightclub or what 
Paris called-- a honky-tonk on `Karoake Night' and everyone wore at-
tire appropriate to the genre. The atmosphere was made complete with 
sawdust on the floor and smoke-filled air as a five-piece band 
twanged-up er, tuned up in one corner of the stage. With a soft sigh, 
Kathryn turned to Tuvok and began a rather disjointed conversation.
	Chakotay looked on Kathryn Janeway's pre-performance jitters 
with silent mirth and admiration. The latter was partly due to what she 
was wearing -- black denim pants or jeans smoothly encased her slim 
figure, hugging tightly at the hips and waist. A white long-sleeved silk 
shirt with collar and little pearl buttons allowed tantalizing glimpses of 
rounded flesh through the open neck as she moved. Capping the en-
semble, bottom then top were the three-inch high black pumps and a 
riotous mass of tawny curls. He realized it must of taken her a couple 
of hours to get ready and Chakotay more than appreciated her efforts. 
As he watched her, his minded drifted back to their encounter in the 
Jeffries Tube AND the kiss he and Kathryn had shared --their first 
kiss. Unconsciously, Chakotay touched his mouth as the memory de-
voured him, both so scared to go too far . . . and both wanting to. He 
had imagined in his my daydreams, what it would be like feel those 
teasing lips under his, but the dreams had nothing on the reality. If 
only--
	"Commander--"
	Chakotay turned startled at the soft entreaty to find Sam Wilde-
man, dressed similarly to Janeway, smiling at him.
	"Yeah, Sam," He answered in the same tone.
	Wildeman took his arm and leaned in close, "You're staring at 
her."
	"I was?" Chakotay murmured embarrassed, then a slow grin 
spread across his face as he turned and nodded at her. "I was--"
	Before Wildeman could respond the lights dimmed dramatically 
calling their attention to center stage. A spotlight picked MC Neelix in 
sequins as he sauntered on-stage amid musical fanfare and applause.

	"Good Evening, All. Welcome to Club Delta Quad. This is a 
variation on our Talent Night theme and we hope you enjoy it as 
much. We have many new and notable appearances for you this time, 
as well as return engagements. So, sit back, relax, and remember, 
there will be refreshments, in honor Ensign Harry Kim, both at inter-
mission and after tonight's performance. Please wish him a very 
Happy Birthday." At his table, the young Ensign tried to conceal a 
blush as all eyes focused on him. Paris chuckled as he elbowed him 
none to gently in the side as Neelix continued. "Now, onto our first 
performers-- Please welcome, `Crewman Hjalmer `Hondo' Swedlund 
and the `Voyager Players' with their rendition of- `A Phaser Fight at 
the DQ Corral' . . ." 
	
	Kathryn Janeway only half-listened as the Talaxian droned on 
and when the first act took the stage. She had been well aware of her 
first officer's gaze and knew the direction of his thoughts. She too, 
was a bit overwhelmed by what had occurred between them. There 
was so much, they needed to talk about before their relationship, if one 
could call it that, would progress any further. Perhaps, later they could-
- Janeway stopped at the low whisper in her ear.
	"That's our cue, Captain--" Wildeman informed her. Kathryn 
nodded and rose to follow her backstage. Ruckus laughter followed the 
antics of `Hondo and the Players'. It reminded Janeway as her eyes 
widened and she suppressed a chuckle, that one of these days she was 
going to have that talk with Ensign Hickman in Astro-Physics.
	Chakotay smiled at Kathryn Janeway's reaction to the act on-
stage, even he had to admit it was hilarious to watch the pseudo-
Janeway(a.k.a. Hickman) and Chakotay (a.k.a. Swedlund) face off in a 
Starfleet/Maquis version of the Earps and Clantons. Of course, with 
comic rather than serious undertones as Hickman yelled at Swedlund 
for shooting her hair, which was piled high on her head in an elaborate 
do. An easy target to say the least. It reminded the first officer of a 
comment he had made once, involving an apple. The parody went on 
thus and ended in a lavish but hysterical truce that rivaled the balcony 
scene from `Romeo and Juliet' as Swedlund's Chakotay promised his 
undying devotion to Hickman's Janeway.
	Applause and echoes of laughter, followed the `Voyager Play-
ers' as they were herded from the stage by Neelix. Once again, im-
mersed in a spotlight the MC asked Harry Kim to join him. It took 
both Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres to get the reluctant guest of honor 
on-stage. All Harry was told, was to just play along and make believe 
he was on the bridge. Then with a little Holodeck magic the wooden 
planks beneath his feet changed and he didn't have to pretend any-
more. Now, as he took his station all he could do, was wait and see 
what was in store for him. From that moment onward, Harry's life and 
image of his mentor was never the same. For as the lights dimmed 
slightly, Harry heard a low husky voice begin to sing and a spotlight 
singled out the form sitting in the command chair. The young Ensign's 
mouth dropped open, enough for Paris to land a shuttle if he wanted to, 
and he could only stare as Kathryn Janeway sang--

Author's Note: words in paraphrases are unaltered lyrics

	"I've known about you for a while now--
	When he leaves me, he wears a smile now.
	As soon as he's away from me--
	In your arms, is where he wants to be . . ."
	
	Janeway rested her chin in her hand in silent contemplation as 
another voice almost as throaty came from the area of Tuvok's Tactical 
Station. At the visage of Samantha Wildeman, Harry Kim's mouth 
dropped open another notch-- two shuttles.

	"But you're the one, he rushes (home to) to serve so- -
	You're the one, he (gave his name to) has to trust so.
	I rarely (never) see his face,
	In the (early mornin')in mess hall at night (light)--
	You have his mornings; his daytime's;
	And sometimes I have his nights . . ."

	As she sang Wildeman moved across the upper deck to gently 
chase Harry down to the command area and a waiting Janeway. To-
gether they joined in the chorus, urging the chagrining ensign into the 
helm position.  

	"But does he love you; does he love you?
	Like he loves me; like he loves me--
	Does he think of you; does he think of you?
	When he's holdin' me--
	And does he whisper; does he whisper, all his fantasies?
	Does he love you? Does he love you?
	Like he's been lovin' me . . ."

	With a wicked smile, Wildeman laid a hand on Kim's shoulder 
rather possessively. Harry responded akin. Another notch -- three 
shuttles.

	"But when he's with me, he says he needs me--
	That he wants me. That he believes in me."

	Kathryn Janeway's features twisted with a slightly hurt look, 
tingled with longing as her hand rested on Kim's other shoulder. His 
reaction told everyone, there was now room to berth `Voyager'.
	
	"And when (I'm in his arms) we're on the bridge--
	Oh, he swears there's no one else.
	Is he deceivin' me? Or, am I deceivin' myself?
	I'm deceivin' myself . . ."
	
	The women faced each other for a moment, then released their 
hold to move slightly apart as they sang. Harry sank a bit into his chair 
in apparent relief.

	"Does he love you; does he love you?
	Like he loves me; like he loves me--
	Does he think of you; does he think of you?
	When he's holdin' me--
	And does he whisper; does he whisper, all his fantasies?
	Does he love you? Does he love you?
	Like he's been lovin' me . . ."

	Janeway walked a few feet away and crossed her arms as she 
turned to face the audience with self-effacing resolve.

	"Oh, I should not lose my temper--

	Wildeman answered, with her own resolution as she slid her 
hand up Harry's arm in a tender caress.

	Oh, I should not be ashamed.

	Janeway answered with her own plea as she moved closer again.

	For, I have everything to lose--"
	
	Wildeman stood firm.

	"And I have, nothin' gain--"

	Then they came again face to face each with a possessive hand 
on Harry's shoulder as they sang the chorus. 

	"Oh, does he love you; does he love you?
	Like he loves me; like he loves me--
	Does he think of you; does he think of you?
	When he's holdin' me--
	And does he whisper; does he whisper, all his fantasies?
	Does he love you? Does he love you?
	Like he's been lovin' me . . .

	Janeway took a few steps away as she picked up the phaser ly-
ing conveniently on a nearby console and pointed it at the couple, who 
embraced in mock-horror. A slow-malicious smile curved Kathryn's 
lips as she depressed the trigger. A brilliant flash, masking a trans-
porter beam, filled the stage; and when it faded, only Kathryn re-
mained. She half turned to the audience a wistful look of resignation 
on her face and the last line of song slipped past her lips as she sank 
into the command chair. 

	"Oh, does he love you?"

	The lights went out the moment the music slipped away. It left 
the assembled group to gather themselves in a stunned silence for sev-
eral seconds before thunderous applause erupted. The lights resumed 
normal illumination to reveal a slightly overwhelmed Harry Kim sitting 
once again next to Tom Paris at their table. On the stage, that had re-
turned to its original configuration, a similarly UN-vaporized Wilde-
man and Janeway took their bows amid a standing ovation, cat calls 
and wolf whistles. Flustered and embarrassed but with big smiles, the 
two women took their leave and returned to the table. 
	A half hour Intermission followed, then the Doctor took the 
stage and initiated a riotous dialogue featuring the `Screams and 
Dreams of Harry Kim, Adventures in Sickbay'. Of course, Harry 
looked as if he wanted crawl under the table the whole time. The rest 
of the evening moved by at impossible speed and before anyone knew 
what was happening, it was time for the finale. 
	"Ladies and Gentleman, I regret--" Neelix began as he retook 
the stage, "to inform you that our scheduled final act of the evening 
has been canceled, due to an untimely visit to Sickbay. It's seems En-
sign Parson's has broken his leg." The Talaxian scanned the audience 
hopefully, "Perhaps, someone else would like to fill in. I'd hate to see 
such a wonderful evening end like this." Of course, no one did. But as 
a fierce whispering ensued, it became clear nobody really wanted to 
volunteer.
	Chakotay looked at Janeway with a question on his lips. She 
met his gaze with a rueful smile and wrapped her hand around his and 
lifted both into the air before Chakotay could react. Neelix saw imme-
diately.
	"Everyone, we have our volunteers. Commander Chakotay and 
Captain Janeway."
	Kathryn tugged Chakotay reluctantly to his feet, "But Kathryn," 
he complained, "I can't sing."
	"You don't have to, just play." Janeway answered as she called 
out, "Computer, One baby grand piano situate stage left and provide 
sheet music for Janeway ballad 73." The instrument appeared and 
Chakotay, not wanting to be a bad sport, sat down. Kathryn gave him a 
few moments to study the music as she perched herself on a tall stool 
with microphone in hand.
	"Harry, this is for you. For your courage, insight and nobility. 
May we all benefit from it, for many, many years." Kathryn then nod-
ded to Chakotay. On cue his fingers danced across the keys and the 
Captain of Voyager began to sing in a whispery voice-- 

	"Fly, fly little wing
	Fly beyond imagining
	The softest cloud, the whitest dove
	Upon the wind of heaven's love
	Past the planets and the stars
	Leave this lonely world of ours
	Escape the sorrow and the pain
	And fly again--"

	Kathryn paused as she caught Chakotay's eye, he simply smiled 
and gave her a slight nod. The smile was returned, eyes sparkling as 
she sang--

	"Fly, fly precious one  
	Your endless journey has begun
	Take your gentle happiness
	Far too beautiful for this
	Cross over to the other shore
	There is peace forevermore
	But hold this mem'ry bittersweet 
	Until we meet--"

	Chakotay was more than moved, by his captain's performance. 
His gaze never left her as she raked a hand through her hair in an al-
most sensual gesture. And when she turned, the look she projected at 
him as so provocative it nearly made him miss a note. She smiled at 
his reaction and sang on-- 

	"Fly, fly do not fear
	Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear
	Your heart is pure, your soul is free
	Be on your way, don't wait for me
	Above the universe you'll climb
	On beyond the hands of time
	The moon will rise, the sun will set
	But I won't forget--"

	Kathryn found herself unable to breathe as she felt the hotness 
of the gaze centered on her. Chakotay was unable to tear his eyes away 
as her voice dipped into an even huskier tone.

	"Fly, fly little wing
	Fly where only angels sing
	Fly away, the time is right
	Go now, and find the light . . ."

	Kathryn ducked her head as the song faded from her lips, then 
she brought it up to lock her gaze on the blushing ensign. She spoke 
then with a breathy tone, "Happy Birthday, Harry--"
	This brought the crowd to their feet after several seconds, led by 
Kim himself. Chakotay joined Janeway center stage and slipped an 
arm around her waist as they bowed. `There's almost nothing like 
making love to someone with your eyes,' he thought, `--almost noth-
ing.' As the applause died down Neelix hustled on-stage and the com-
manding officers of Voyager slipped backstage and off the Holodeck. 
	Finding themselves alone in the corridor, Chakotay took Kath-
ryn's hand and led her to a secluded alcove. Kathryn pushed her hair 
back and looked up to meet Chakotay's dark eyes. There was an un-
spoken question in them, that was answered when she slipped her arms 
around his neck. Chakotay ducked his head to meet her halfway.
	They were both lost to sensations evoked by the kiss that deep-
ened almost immediately. When they broke apart, both struggled to get 
their breathing under control. Their eyes locked and dark sable was 
rocked by cerulean fire. Chakotay dragged a gentle hand through tou-
sled russet curls as he drew Kathryn against him.
	"Dare I ask, what other `talents' you may be hiding?"
	Her lips quirking into a mischievous smile, Kathryn replied, 
"The same goes for you, Commander. Do you think you're up to find-
ing out?"
	"Oh, believe me, I do love a challenge."
	Kathryn's answering chuckle was smothered by another kiss.
Finis 

Shalee, 
Casting Muse in Hues--

Songs 1 & 2, by Reba McIntyre
Song 3 by Celine Dion


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