HI! This is my first attempt at a Fanfiction...well the first I've dared post on the `net. I think I should thank Hyacinthia Andrews for giving me the final push I needed to start one of these with the intent to post. Please don't be afraid to send feedback. I will reply. Send it to me at medison@pop.bmc.k12.nf.ca. Don't be to brutal. Legal crap. The characters and ship belong to Paramount and I am totally not trying to infringe on any copy write they hold so please don't sue me guys :-). Only the character Turai and her friends and planet are mine. I am not doing this for profit just practise. If you want you can make a hard copy just don't sell it O.k.? Now on to more interesting things. PS: I started this before the season premiere of voyager so Kes is still aboard and the borg chick isn't PAST AND PRESENT By Angel Girl The land was hilly and dark and it seemed that nothing dared to move. The only movement was in front of a foreboding bunker built into one particularly large hill. In front of it's dark doors stood two equally dark men. They had leathery skin and dark obsidian eyes that seemed as kind as a rattler about to strike and just as dangerous. Cardassians. The very word sent shivers down the spine of every person in the Federation and even most enemies of the Federation. It seemed no one would dare to oppose these two particularly lethal members of the traitorous race as they stood guard at their post. And no one did....usually. Out of nowhere it seemed and before they could move two short bursts of energy hit them and they slumped to the ground. "O.K." A deep voice said softly. "Let's go." A small group of people stepped out from behind tiny knolls of ground. All were dressed in dark clothing, most with contraband Klingon disrupters in their hands. The leader, a tall Native American looked at his partner, a tiny dark haired woman with the forehead ridges which showed her Klingon heritage . However it was plain she was not completely Klingon for the ridges were not as defined as most were. The man smiled. "Good shot, Torres." She half-smiled. "You're not so bad yourself, Chakotay." Chakotay sat upright in bed and glanced at his chronometer. 0303. Way to early for him to be up and yet he couldn't seem to sleep. He pushed a hand through his short black hair. Why now? Why after such a long time had passed? Why were the dreams coming now? He'd put his Maquis past behind him when he'd agreed to become Janeway's first officer so why were the dreams coming now. Everything was settled. He'd made his decision. And in the Delta Quadrant there wasn't a much of a choice, so why were these dreams...memories. Coming to him when he knew there was no way he'd ever see that life again. Perhaps because of his ever deepening feelings for Kathryn? A half-devil smile quirked at his lips at the thought of her. Everyday he sat next to her on that bridge and everyday he was struck by how beautiful she was, how in control , commanding, and yet so entirely feminine. How could a man resist such a temptation. Despite the wide gulf between them. The gulf that, out here so far away from the Cardassians, Starfleet and the Maquis, didn't seem so wide. It was all he could do sometimes not to tell here exactly how he felt. But then again how could he put the weight of that knowledge on her. For once they were back home, he knew that unless Starfleet had some miraculous change of heart...he would be put on trial for so-called crimes he'd committed as a Maquis in the DMZ. "Bridge to Commander Chakotay." Chakotay arced a dark eyebrow. Now there was something he had not expected to hear at 3:00 in the morning. "Chakotay here." "Commander we have a problem." The lieutenant commanding the bridge spoke quickly and evenly. "Indeed." Chakotay responded. `After all if there wasn't' he thought wryly, `would you be calling me this early?' Aloud he said. "What is it Lieutenant?" "Sir we've detected what appears to be a battle." "Out here? I thought we were between systems." "We are sir, we're holding position just outside the one where the battle is taking place." "Continue to hold position I'm on my way to the bridge. And notify Captain Janeway. She'll want to hear about this." "Aye Commander. Bridge out." Chakotay slipped out of bed and shook his head. "Never a dull moment." He said shaking his head. When he arrived on the bridge most of the senior officers were already there. All looking a little bleary eyed but all there. Tom Paris looked like he would fall over onto his pilot's console any minute as he eased into his chair. B'Elanna Torres former Maquis, current Chief Of Engineering sat at her console looking a little more alert. She nodded at him as he sat next to Janeway. Behind him Harry Kim looked like a little boy pulled out of bed to early, his dark hair just the tinniest bit tousled while across from him at his station, Tuvok the Vulcan Chief Of Security looked as though he did this every night. And finally next to him sat Captain Kathryn Janeway. She, too, looked a little bleary eyes her long light brown hair rippled down her shoulders. It was obviously to early for her to worry about a captain's appropriate appearance. "I'd say good morning Captain but I'm not sure it counts as morning yet." He said playfully. It was to early to worry about formality to. "For most of us it's not morning yet." Tom muttered from his station. "When I passed Neelix's quarters it sounded like a Bolian was choking to death." "You could hear him from the corridor?" B'Elanna said surprised. "Don't take it personally Torres. There isn't a single type of soundproof material in the galaxy that could keep him contained. "Paris replied and next to Chakotay , Janeway had to smother a laugh. "Status of the battle?" Janeway questioned to take her mind off laughter. "The smaller of the two ships is still fleeing Captain but it appears they either do not have warp drive or it is not functioning." Tuvok reported. Chakotay looked at the viewscreen. He could see the smaller ship fleeing the larger one as it attempted to dodge the energy bolts that seemed to come continually out of the larger ship. Part of him, obviously the Maquis part, wanted to yell for Paris to put Voyager between the two ships while the Starfleet part reminded him that it was none of Voyager's business, that no matter what the Prime Directive still applied. The smaller ship seemed to find a small burst of speed for it suddenly managed to reach the edge of the system and continue out into space. It's sensors must have detected Voyager for suddenly it changed course and headed for the Starfleet vessel. "The ship is broadcasting a signal on all channels," Harry Kim reported as he moved his hands across a his console. "Visual?" Chakotay questioned. "No, just audio." Harry responded looking up. Chakotay turned to Janeway. She nodded. "Put it through." She said leaning back. "....repeat unidentified vessel leave this system while you can..." A woman's voice spoke. "They will kill you you must leave now. Before it is to late." The message cut off and Janeway turned slightly to look at Kim. He shook his head. The message had simply stopped broadcasting. "Captain, I would recommend that we do as they suggest." Tuvok put in. "It would appear the other ship is intent on the smaller one and we would have time to get out of range." "But what about the smaller ship?" Chakotay couldn't help but put in. "They're warning us away. They are more concerned about us then they are themselves. We should help them." "May I remind you Commander that the Prime Directive prevents us from doing so?" Tuvok countered. "Not entirely, not in these circumstances. We can't leave them here to die!" Almost as if on cue the larger ship fired again and this time the blast hit the small ship dead on and it exploded in a fireball then just as quickly faded into debris. Apparently satisfied the remaining ship turned and headed back into the system before them at a low warp. "It would appear, gentlemen," Janeway said regret in her eyes. "That the argument has been solved for you." "Then again..." B'Elanna Torres' voice interrupted. "Yes Lieutenant?" Janeway queried looking at the beautiful woman. "Captain it appears a small pod was jettisoned before the ship exploded." Torres reported turning to look at them "There are alien lifesigns on board." Tuvok said after a moment off fiddling with his console. "Numbers?" Janeway questioned. "Two. The escape pod is losing structural integrity." Tuvok reported. Janeway and Chakotay shared a look. They had their excuse. "Mr.Tuvok lock on those patterns and beam them to sickbay." Janeway ordered calmly. Down at her station B'Elanna Torres grinned. She loved it when they rescued people. "Well Commander," Janeway said looking at Chakotay. "Let's go greet our guests." Kes and the Doctor were puttering around busily when Janeway and Chakotay walked in through the doors. On the biobed nearest to the doors lay a handsome man whom, to both Starfleet officers surprise, appeared to be perfectly human. "Doctor?" Janeway spoke softly as if afraid the sound of her voice would wake the unconscious man. "He's human Captain, well humanoid. He appears to the physical eye to be human but a tricorder scan proves otherwise." The Doctor reported picking up a tricorder and crossing the room to another biobed. "So what's the difference?" Chakotay questioned looking at the readout over the man's head. "Well," Kes cut in," For one thing his blood has a lesser concentration of iron in it, plus he seems to be slowly healing himself, and there is an unidentifiable energy field surrounding him. You can't feel it when you touch him but it's there." Janeway stood silently absorbing this puzzling information. Chakotay loved to watch her like this. Her intelligent mind moving swiftly through the information, sorting and questioning, trying to answer a question that, as of yet, had no answer. "Where is the energy supposedly generating from? "She asked finally. Kes paused her delicate features pensive. "That is the difficult part. There is no particular organ that generates the field, at least that we can find. However it does appear that the energy is concentrating in and around the brain." Janeway pursed her lips and looked up at Chakotay. The look in his eyes startled her. He was looking at her with almost a proud look, like he was proud of who she was and what she was doing. There was a hint of something else in his eyes as well....something she dared only in her dreams to hope for. Determinedly she pushed such thoughts from her mind and forced herself to the business at hand. "Well Commander, what do you think?" Chakotay shook his head. "I don't know Captain. I've never seen anything like it." Across the spacious Sickbay the Doctor was treating the other patient. He quickly finished and walked back over to Janeway and Chakotay. "Doctor, I'd like to be able to talk to one of your patients if at all possible. When will they wake up?" The Captain inquired looking down at the young man. 'One of 'they' is awake." A familiar voice spoke quietly. Janeway , Chakotay , the Doctor and Kes spun around to look at the young woman sitting up on the biobed. Long dark brown hair tumbled down over her shoulders and intelligent brown eyes met Janeway's blue ones. She was beautiful and in an ironic similarity appeared to be native American. She even had a tattoo. Five small bluish circles were tattooed up her well-defined cheek bones. "I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway, this is my first officer Commander Chakotay. you're aboard the Federation Starship Voyager. " The young woman nodded. "I am Turai. I was captain of the Orieana." "Would you care to explain how you ended up here?" Chakotay questioned. Turai turned a slightly bemused gaze at him. "You rescued me." "How did you end up battling a ship twice your ship's size?" Chakotay clarified, knowing she was avoiding the question. "We'd like to know." Turai stared him straight in the eyes without fear and Chakotay had the strangest feeling that he was a young boy again staring into the eyes of an elder of his tribe. "You may wish me to tell you but that is of no consequence if I do not wish to tell you." She hesitated her gaze travelling across the room to where her companion lay. "What of Tion? Is he all right? I will tell you nothing until I know." Chakotay noticed the condition she'd placed on her answer. It almost sounded like the answer a Maquis would give someone if they were in the same situation. "You may see for yourself." Janeway said holding out a hand towards the young man. Gracefully Turai slipped around the two Starfleet officers and hurried over to her friend. "He is unconscious but improving steadily. "The Doctor reported. "Thank you." Turai said then turned her attention to her friend. The young man lay unresponsive on the biobed yet when Turai took his hand in hers there was a change in the atmosphere of the room. It became charged somehow. As if expecting something to happen. Janeway and Chakotay shared a glance. They could feel it to, something was going on and they both suspected that the anomalous energy field had a lot to do with it. Seconds later their suspicions were confirmed when a golden energy began to emanate from Turai. Soon it covered both her and Tion and the young man began to moan. Kes stood in silent shock feeling, mentally , the power of the energy pass between the two aliens. Next to her equally shocked the Doctor held his medical tricorder up and scanned the two getting as many readings on the field as he possibly could. The energy field glowed around Turai and Tion for a few moments then slowly faded away. Turai stepped back looking visibly tired, as Tion sat up and looked at Janeway and Chakotay and then turned to look at the Doctor and Kes. He spoke to Turai in a language that was both beautiful and eloquent and even after a few moments the universal translator couldn't match Standard words to the exotic language. Tion was obviously agitated at waking up in an unfamiliar environment with strange people standing around and the speed at which he spoke gave it away. Turai's answer was calm and measured but this time the translator managed to make out one word. "Regime." Turai noticed the translation but continued to speak unperturbed. Finally Tion calmed down and turned to Janeway. "My apologies Captain." His voice was as gentle and warm as his companions and he to had the tattoos up his cheek except he only wore 3 where Turai wore 5. "But I mistook you for those who chased us." Captain Janeway shook her head, a smile appearing on her face. " I would make the same mistake if I were in your situation." Tion smiled and Janeway felt her blood pressure increase. She couldn't help herself, Tion was an incredibly attractive man. Next to her Chakotay felt jealousy well up inside him but he forced it away. Whom Kathryn was attracted to was none of his business. But he'd like it to be...his mind whispered rebelliously. "How are you feeling?" The Doctor questioned stepping in front of Tion and waving the small diagnostic wand of the tricorder over him. Tion gave him a puzzled look. Turai caught his eye and said, "Healer." Tion nodded and answered the Doctor." Fine. Thank you." The Doctor nodded and Tion spotted Kes. "And you are?" He said with a smile. "Kes." She said holding out a hand, which Tion kissed. "A beautiful name for one equally beautiful." Tion said smiling as he slipped off the biobed. He then turned to Janeway. "And I do believe Captain that we have not been properly introduced." Behind him Turai wiped the amused smile off her face and stepped forward. "Captain Kathryn Janeway this is Tion, Tion this is Captain Janeway. Tion is my first officer Captain." Janeway smiled and offered a hand for Tion to shake but instead he gently kissed the back of it. "It's a pleasure Tion." "Truly it is." Tion said smiling. He looked over at Chakotay and with a vaguely confused look on his face spoke a few words in what Chakotay had determined to be his native language. Chakotay shook his head. "I'm sorry but I don't understand your language." Tion turned and looked at Turai. She shook her head gracefully. "He is not of our people." "But..." Tion shook his head in a gesture much like Turai's. "Nevermind. I merely inquired as to your name." "I am Chakotay. Captain Janeway's first officer." Tion nodded and turned to look at Turai. They stared at each other for a few moments, at Kes' slight nod Janeway realised that they were communicating telepathically. This race just seemed to get more complex by the second, she thought to herself.. Janeway opened her mouth to say something when the ship lurched suddenly, knocking everyone to the floor. Chakotay was on his feet instantly and helped her to her feet . Out of the corner of her eye she saw Turai rise to her feet and help Kes up the turn to help Tion. "Weapons fire?" Chakotay surmised. Janeway nodded. "Let's get to the bridge." she started towards the door then looked back at Turai. "Would you like to come? I have the feeling you know considerably more about our attackers than we do." Turai nodded. "May Tion join us?" Janeway nodded and the quartet left sickbay before the doctor could protest at the loss of his patients. Frustrated he turned to Kes who shrugged and smiled sweetly. When Turai walked onto the bridge her eyes widened with surprise. Everything was so wide and open! It was like a regime ship yet....so different! The mental atmosphere was so much more pleasant! The camaraderie and loyalty each crewmember felt for the rest of the crew was so evident it was like getting into a nice warm bath, unlike the emotional atmosphere of a regime ship which was like a bucket of cold water in the face. "Report," Janeway said walking down to her chair. A young blond-haired man turned from his console in front of a large viewing screen. When he saw Turai and Tion his eyes widened momentarily and Turai felt his surprise. However just as quick as it appeared it was gone. "The ship has returned . They scanned the wreckage, then scanned us and opened fire." "No hail?" Chakotay put in. "Not as of yet." A young man reported. "Mr.Kim." Janeway turned to face him. Turai sized the young man's face up. If he were from her system she would have put him from the western continent of the fifth planet. "Open a channel." "Channel open." He said with a flick of his wrist across his console at the rear of the bridge. "This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager. We are peaceful and do not wish to attack you but unless you cease fire, we will attack." She nodded at Kim who closed the channel. There was a pause of a few minutes then Kim spoke again. "They are hailing us Captain." "Onscreen." On the screen appeared a man with black hair and even blacker eyes and tanned skin he wore a dark grey uniform with four bars on his chest. "I am Captain Dualan of the Regime ship Tarasno. You will surrender the traitors Turai and Tion to us immediately. They are wanted for terrorism crimes committed against the Regime." His eyes flicked over the faces of the crew until he spotted Turai. "So, Traitor. Is this a new Rebel ship?" Turai looked over at Janeway , who nodded her permission. The beautiful alien captain stepped forward and coolly met Dualan's eyes." No, Captain. They are innocents who rescued my crewmate and myself from the wreckage of my vessel." Dualan's cruel eyes seemed to grow more malicious and hate-filled with each word. "Liar!" He spat. "Is that why you changed course to intercept them?" "I wished only to warn them. When the Regieme hunts the Rebels it rarely cares who gets in the way as long as the Rebels are destroyed." Turai countered angrily. "Afterall isn't it the Regieme's policy to kill the apologise later if not never?" Dualan waved a hand in arrogant dismissal. "Whether or not that is true or not is of no consequence now. Surrender or we will destroy your vessel." "Why surrender?" Turai retorted. "You'll only destroy them the minute we materialise on your ship." "We would do no such thing." Dualan countered. "Right just like the `fair' trials you promise to those accused of a crime against the Regieme only to pronounce them guilty and sentence them to death by slow torture?" Turai's soft voice had turned angry and lethal. Her disgust and hatred at the other Captain quite evident. "Have it your way." Dualan said and closed the channel. "Shield's up!" Janeway ordered. "Mr.Paris I would suggest you get us away from here as fast as you can. Be creative." "Captain!" Turai interrupted. "May I suggest a route. I know a place where it will be safe to hide your ship." Janeway looked at Turai and tried to gauge whether the young woman spoke the truth or not...finally she nodded. Turai stepped down to the pilot's console and looked at Paris expectantly. Paris looked back at Janeway. The Captain nodded and he relinquished his seat. Turai plopped down and without hesitation plotted a course and engaged warp 8. "Captain," Tuvok said quietly. Janeway looked up at Tuvok then walked up to his station. "Yes Lieutenant?" "I must protest your actions. It is not logical to allow this woman to pilot Voyager." "Relax, Mr.Tuvok." Janeway said calmly. "She is merely plotting a course to a planet where we will be safe from attack until we can figure this out." "Captain, by the account of the alien captain Dualan both Turai and Tion are terrorists and most likely murders. It is not safe to allow a woman like that access to the pilot's console of a Starfleet vessel." "Mr.Tuvok....loosen up. As you can see she's already returned the console to Mr.Paris and has moved a safe distance away neither one is carrying weapons and I doubt they would attempt to take over the ship in any case since they are sorely outnumbered and outgunned. However, I would like an explanation as to what we just heard." At that she turned and walked back to her seat but remained standing. " I trust Captain," She said to Turai. "That you have a good explanation for all we have just heard." Turai sighed and looked over at Tion. "I guess you do deserve an explanation. But can we do it in private?" Janeway considered this request. "I would like all my senior officers to hear it." She gestured to a door across the bridge. "May I suggest we move this discussion to the briefing room?" Turai looked at Tion who shrugged, she returned her gaze to Janeway and nodded. Janeway gestured to her crew who waited for replacements to arrive then followed Janeway into the briefing room as behind them Turai nodded to herself, noting the efficiency of Janeway's crew. Turai waited until the crew was seated then began to speak. "As you have all heard I am a rebel. A terrorist. In your minds you must see me and Tion as careless murderers. But I beg you to put that idea aside, at least until I have had a chance to defend myself. For thousands of generations my system was ruled by a kind and benevolent family. The royal house of Oreania. They ruled with the assistance of an elected senate. Each planet elected 10 senators. Of those 10, 2 would be elected to the Royal Advisory Committee. They would be the ones who actually sat down with the King and Queen to discuss problems. Under their government the system flourished. Our planets working in harmony, no war. Our armies trained only to preserve the systems safety from those called the Borg. We enjoyed our peaceful society most pursued a life of leisure in the arts, sciences and music....we were so balanced and at peace we never saw the danger until to late." Turai paused, looking out the window. "Our destruction came ,ironically, not from without but from within. A young officer in our space fleet. He believed the government to be weak and insignificant. So he began gathering support amongst those of similar morals and....when the time was right. Stormed the castle on Oreania and murdered the King and Queen. He seized the throne and disbanded the Senate. He declared himself *Supreme* ruler. He executed anyone loyal to the royal family he could find and hunted down any of the remaining family he could catch. Thankfully he failed. General Kielos didn't know it but the Queen...Ileya, had given birth to twins. A girl and a boy. She entrusted them to a nurse, knowing the attack was about to commence and the nurse fled to a neighbouring system where she would be safe to raise the royal twins 10 years ago the twins returned only to find their once flourishing home dying within the cruel grip of Keilos Regieme. Angry at what was being done to their people founded the Oreanian Rebellion and pledged to return the system to the glory days of the Republic of Free Worlds. We haven't succeeded yet...but we will." Turai looked Captain Janeway in the eye. "Is that explanation good enough?" Janeway nodded. "Where are the Prince and Princess now?" "Fighting in the Rebellion. Unlike General Kielos they fight alongside their soldiers." Tion responded. "Captain Janeway," Turai spoke softly. "We would be grateful if you would be so kind as to return us to the 10th planet of our system." "Why the 10th?" Chakotay inquired. Turai grinned. "The Rebellion's Stronghold is there?" "How do you stay hidden?" Tom questioned. "With the mental abilities of our healers and the grace of the Father." Turai answered. "The Father?" B'Elanna said quizzically. "Yes The Father." Tion said calmly. "The One who is creator." Janeway rose. "Thank you Turai, Tion. I'm sure you would like to rest now." Turai smiled and Tion nodded. "Now that you mention it Captain. We are feeling a little stretched." "Well then allow me to escort you to some quarters where you can get come sleep." Janeway gestured to the door. "You?" Turai looked surprised. "Why not a junior officer?" "Well I'm heading that way myself and besides after what you've been through you deserve to be treated like a normal person." Turai smiled again. "Thank you Captain, you do me a great honour." "Not at all. Its merely a courtesy." The duo walked down the corridor, a few metres ahead of Chakotay and Tion who seemed to be deep in conversation. "Captain...Forgive me if I am being to forward but you care deeply for Commander Chakotay, don't you?" Janeway shot a glance at Turai. The woman was to perceptive for her own good. "Of course he's my first officer." Turai laughed softly. "It's more than that isn't it? Afterall I care for Tion but I don't look at him the way you look at Commander Chakotay." Janeway fought to keep her tone neutral. "I suppose not." Turai gave her an amused look. "Don't worry, I'm not planning on telling him. But I think you should. Afterall, who knows what his response would be?" Then, her dark eyes sparkling in mischief, Turai stopped in front of her quarters. "Good Evening Captain." Then she ducked in through the door, leaving Janeway standing in the corridor. Chakotay stepped up behind her. "Captain?" "That is one dangerously perceptive woman," Janeway commented half to herself before turning and walking down the turbo-lift. The next morning they stood on the bridge looking at the 10th planet of the Oreaniean System. Turai smiled as she silently watched the planet fill the viewscreen. She turned to Captain Janeway. "Would you like to take a landing party down with us? After rescuing us it's the least we can do to repay you." Altaira was a beautiful world. So much like earth that huge smiles appeared on the faces of the Starfleet officers when they rematerialized. "This place..." Tion said to Paris."...it is similar..to your home?" Tom nodded. "very much." "Then enjoy yourselves." Tion instructed with a smile. "Pardon?" Chakotay said a question in his voice. "As I told you yesterday. Our healers provide a constant mental screen of invisibility for the planet. It hides us from the Regieme. We enjoy relative safety here so enjoy!" Tion waved his arms expressively. Behind him Turai snickered softly. "Thank you Mr.Travel Agent." She gave him a slight shove. "However he is right. You are welcome to enjoy yourselves. Tion and I would join you but this is a world to be explored by friends..."She flicked a mischievous glance at Janeway and Chakotay." and lovers. You will not get lost, the paths are well marked and there are information pools placed at strategic points along each trail. Normally they are activated telepathically. But for those who are mindblind they can be activated vocally. We will program them to respond in your language. So please! Go! Enjoy yourselves with our thanks." At this Turai and Tion turned and walked up the gently sloping grass hill to a beautiful glass domed building. Janeway turned to her crew. "Well?" She asked, her eyes twinkling merrily. " Shall we take Turai and Tion up on their offer?" No one spoke but the looks on her senior officers faces was answer enough. "Commander Chakotay," Janeway turned to her first officer. She hesitated slightly...then, remembering Turai's words to her the previous evening, took a chance. "Care to join me on a walk?" Chakotay blinked at her words, he paused, hesitant to answer then remembered Tion's words `how will you ever know how she feels if you don't spend time with her, as Chakotay and Kathryn, leave the commander and the captain behind.' "I would enjoy it captain." Then echoing Tion and Turai's words said to the rest of the landing party. "Go! Enjoy yourselves!" The path they were walking on was beautiful, but not as beautiful as Kathryn, Chakotay decided. She'd taken her hair down letting it fall down over her shoulders and Chakotay couldn't stop looking at her out of the corner of his eye. `Great Mother she is beautiful' he thought to himself. Kathryn. He loved her name. He'd looked it up and discovered it meant Pure One, and watching her now that was exactly what he saw. A woman of beauty her soul untouched by the ravages of time. Someone he could truly loved. And someone who could love him. Kathryn sighed. This was how it should be. Peaceful, walking on a planet with the man she loved by her side enjoying natures beauty. Suddenly the implication of what she'd thought hit her. Love. She sneaked a glance at Chakotay. He was looking at a native bird flying overheard his profile strong, handsome, yet at the same time tender and gentle. A man she could love and be loved by. "Kathryn." Chakotay's touch was gentle. "look." Peering at them with big brown eyes from the bushes was a small animal which resembled an earth deer. "Oh..."Janeway knelt, wonder in her eyes. "Hello little one." She held out a hand. "Come here...I won't harm you." her tone was soft, gentle, welcoming. Slowly on shaky legs the tiny creature moved forward and sniffed delicately at her hand then pushed against her. Kathryn smiled and looked up at Chakotay. He was smiling as he knelt next to her. "It trusts you." He said quietly. "Just like I do." It was out before he could stop it. Afraid of what he'd see Chakotay looked into Kathryn's face... She was smiling. The tiny creature was forgotten as they slowly stood never taking their eyes off of each other. They stood quietly for a moment just looking at each other...a thought flitted across Janeway's mind `he's going to kiss me' and she was right. Seconds later she was in his arms and it seemed as if everything was perfect, all of Voyager's problems forgotten. The patchwork crew and all the problems that came with it vanished, the incredible distance of which they had yet to cover was gone....all forgotten for a few welcome moments. It could have...and probably would have gone on for hours had Janeway's commbadge not beeped. "Lt.Tuvok to Captain Janeway." Chakotay growled in frustration as Janeway pulled away with an amused smile on her face as she tapped her commbadge. "Janeway here." "Captain it appears the Rebels are planning something." "Something?" Chakotay said questioningly. "Yes Commander, an assault." Tuvok said his voice emanating from the tiny device. "On who?" Janeway inquired. "The Regieme would be the most logical assumption." Janeway and Chakotay looked at each other...Trouble. "All right Mr.Tuvok. We'll be right there. Janeway out." "I have lousy luck." Chakotay muttered. Janeway smiled tolerantly. "Why?" "The minute I get a beautiful woman in my arms a war breaks out." Janeway started to laugh. Chakotay projected the picture of a martyr very well considering the topic. "It hasn't broken out yet." She put forward. "Close enough." When they reached the Rebel compound most of the landing party was already waiting. Judging by the tousled hair of Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres and the fact their uniforms were just the tiniest bit out of place Janeway surmised she and Chakotay weren't the only ones `enjoying the scenery' Tuvok walked up and Janeway turned to face him. "Well?" "They are in the main building Captain..." "Well then...let's go talk to Turai." Janeway said striding up to the building. Turai looked up from a massive table when Janeway strode in followed by her command crew. "Captain!" Her face lit up with a welcoming smile. One which Janeway didn't return. "What are you doing?" Turai looked puzzled. "I don't understand? What are you talking about?" "You know perfectly well what I mean. you're planning an assault." "Yes." "Why?" Janeway demanded. "We're rebels Captain. Our goal is to overthrow the dictatorship we've been forced under. That means we use every advantage given us. And right know our advantage is time. For the first time in nearly five years the General is travelling with his fleet. The time to strike is at hand. If we blow this chance we won't get another for who knows how long? If we can do this it will finally be over. Don't you see? We have a chance to stop his tyranny. We have a chance to be *free*." Turai looked at the Voyager crew her dark eyes blazing. "With us in orbit over your world?" Tuvok put in from beside Janeway. "We have no choice."Turai said sadly. "I wish it could be any other way but by the time you could reach safety, the General would have as well and we'd lose our chance. If you were to join us there would be little danger of you being destroyed." Janeway never spoke she merely looked Turai in the eyes giving no hint as to her thoughts. "Join you?" Tuvok said, his voice as close to incredulous as a Vulcan could get. "It is illogical to make such a request." Turai flicked a glance at him then returned her gaze to Janeway. "I'd like to discuss it with my senior officers first." Janeway said calmly. Turai nodded. "As you wish." She picked up a device that resembled a PADD and stylus and left. "Captain," Chakotay moved to stand before Janeway. "We have to help them. How can we in good conscience ignore these people in the one time they need us." "Commander," Tuvok intervened. "The Prime Directive forbids us..." "Prime Directive!" B'Elanna burst out. "The Prime Directive didn't stop the Captain from destroying the Array, or joining the Illari in an assault to remove Tieran from power!" Janeway nodded. "Point taken." "They're right Captain." To Janeway's extreme amazement Harry Kim spoke up. "This is the one chance these people may have at freedom. We should do all we can to help them achieve it." Janeway looked at him. Harry was the last person she would have expected to take such a view. Harry's allegiance was 100% Starfleet. He usually sided with Tuvok...Usually. "Mr.Paris?" She said looking over at the pilot. Tom met Janeway's eyes steadily. "I think you know my response Captain." "Kes..." The petite Ocampan looked pensive." Well Captain. I can't see how we couldn't help them. I've been looking around their schools and hospitals...they're a highly advance culture. We can't let their culture and history be stamped out." "Captain..."Tuvok began, "Tuvok!" Chakotay interrupted. "For once in your life abandon Vulcan dictates. Think about the people of this system. They're highly logical and deeply philosophical. How can we sand by and let them be subverted!" "This is not the Maquis Commander!" Tuvok countered his tone of voice not changing. "Mr.Tuvok!" Janeway's voice had risen sharply. "that is enough thank you! I think based on the feelings of the majority of the senior staff we will join Turai and the Rebellion in their assault." Tuvok looked displeased but judging by the looks of agreement on the faces of the rest of the senior officers; it would be quite illogical for him to protest the Captain's decision. A few minutes later Turai returned and immediately began work on her assault plans again. Seeing her Janeway walked across the room to look at her. The beautiful Oreanian looked up and waited patiently not speaking. Janeway nodded. A small smile formed on Turai's lips as the implication of Janeway's nod sunk in. "Thank you Captain," Turai said softly. "You could not possibly understand how much it means to know you and your crew support us. It's been so long since anyone outside our system has cared." "Turai call me Kathryn." Janeway said smiling. "All right...Kathryn." "So now what?" Chakotay questioned walking up. "Now...we plan...then...we fight." Turai grinned fiercely. Behind her Tion stood in a doorway. He grinned and shook his head. "Oh brother." He said grinning mischievously at Turai. "Now what are you going to do to them?" "Nothing." Turai answered innocently. "We're merely going to plan our attack." Tion heaved an exaggerated sigh and flopped down in a chair. "May the Father guide us," He said then lowered his voice to a level Turai could safely ignore but everyone could hear. "Cause when Turai gets started we're going to need it." Amused Chakotay grinned over at Janeway, their eyes met and Chakotay's thoughts turned to something entirely opposite from amusement and as they took seats around the table he began to wonder what would have happened if Kathryn's commbadge hadn't chirped. Would they have ended up like Tom and B'Elanna `enjoying the scenery'? If Kathryn's mind had been thinking along the lines his had they would have. He was jolted out of his thoughts when Kathryn's foot nudged his. Coming through the door Tion had entered through, were three people, 2 men and a woman. "Captain Janeway this is Chiara, she commands our intelligence units, this is Solen, he commands our fighters and finally Allain, he commands our starships. Solen, Chiara, Allain, this is Captain Kathryn Janeway and her first officer Commander Chakotay." The three Oreaniens stepped forward to shake hands with each crewmember who introduced themselves, then everyone took their place. "Captain,"Chiara's voice was husky with the inflections of one who'd spent her life on the sea. "We wish to thank you for rescuing the..."Turai shot her, what appeared to be a warning look."...Turai." "It was something anyone would have done." Janeway said calmly. "Not here."Solen said angrily. "Not since the Regime." "Which brings us to our reason for being here." Turai interrupted. "Chiara, what do the spies say..." The meeting was long but productive and Chakotay and B'Elanna's knowledge of Maquis battle strategy came in useful, giving them new ideas about how to go about slipping fighters into position. While Janeway's experience chasing Maquis provided insight on the position the Regime Commanders might take. Never before had the differences between the Starfleet section of Voyager's crew and the Maquis section been so evident yet never so useful either. Janeway found herself thinking that the plan wouldn't have been quite so well thought out had Chakotay and Torres never been in the Maquis. And Janeway felt semi-smug pride watching Chakotay. She had to admit her heart had chosen well. So different from Mark...Mark...Janeway felt a pang of remorse, not for falling in love with Chaktotay, she would never regret that, she regretted not being able to explain to him that she no longer loved him the way she had. "Captain Janeway," Turai's voice was soft as it intruded into her thoughts. "Yes Turai?' "Do you have anymore to add?' Janeway forced her thoughts away from her past, which Mark was now a part of, and onto the plan they'd created. "No. Chakotay?" "No." He turned to Tom who'd been using his navagational skills to help plan the actual maneuvers the pilot's would be using in the attack. Tom shook his head and one by one each senior officer mirrored his action and Turai's 4 assistants did the same. "Well then...that's it. We leave in the morning." Turai rose. "Captain, you and your crew are welcome to spend the night here." Janeway looked at her senior officers who nodded. She saw the hopeful wish in their eyes then turned to meet Chakotay's gaze and saw the promise there. A slight shiver ran up her spine. "Yes thank you Turai. I think we would enjoy that." Shortly after everyone had gone into their rooms for the night a door opened and Tom Paris slipped out into the hallway. Silently he crept down the hall and tapped lightly on a door. Noiselessly it slid open and B'Elanna Torres stood there silhouetted by the moonlight in a sliky white nightgown. Tom smiled apprecatively and pulled her to him for a welcoming kiss. Carefully he maneuvered them through the doorway and the door slid shut again. Not even minutes later another door slipped open and Chakotay walked out. He stepped to the door next to his. Without him touching the chime it slid open to reveal Kathryn Janeway. Her hair was loose and she wore an emerald green robe over a matching gown and smiled in welcome. Chakotay's eyes were soft and promising but Kathryn also saw wonder there and realised he felt the same way she did. He couldn't believe it was actually happening. Slowly she held out a slender hand. It was only then she noticed it was trembling slightly. Hesitantly Chakotay held out a hand to take hers. His was shaking as well. They half-smiled at each other amused that they were acting like a couple of teenagers, actually teenagers probably weren't half so nervous. Slowly Janeway backed into her room and Chakotay followed, the door sliding shut behind them. The morning on Altaira dawned beautiful and bright. Sunlight wafted in through the oval window and fell across the pillows to touch two heads. Kathryn Janeway woke up to the welcoming feel of lips slowly working their way up her neck. She smiled and turned to look at Chakotay. He smiled. "Good morning." His voice husky and gentle. "Good morning yourself," Janeway countered cheerfully. She rolled over to face him and traced his tattoo with her fingers. He captured her fingers and pressed them to his lips. "Did you sleep well?" He inquired quirking a smile. "You should know you tired me out!" She teased playfully grinning. He chuckled. "And you think it wasn't mutual? You are one insatiable woman." "Me?" Janeway said innocently. "Yes you, Kathryn you are deceptively calm and composed but really you are demanding!" Chakotay accused playfully pointing a finger at her. Janeway dug him in the ribs. She'd discovered sometime last night he was ticklish on his sides. He pulled away and tried to give her a mock-stern glare. Janeway tilted her head to one side and smiled disarmingly. Chakotay grinned. "You're good." he said chuckling. "I know." Janeway replied smugly. "Lt.Tuvok, to Captain Janeway." The security officer's voice intruded into their bantar and Chakotay groaned yanking the pillow out from under his head and covering his face. Janeway sighed knowing why Tuvok was interrupting their morning. The assault. She knew it was a necessary evil but...she still dreaded it. Reluctantly she leaned over and picked up her communicator. "Yes Mr.Tuvok?" "The Rebellion ships are ready. Turai says Voyager may join the fleet at your convenience." "Thank you Lieutenant. I'll contact Commander Chakotay and we'll beam aboard. Janeway out." She put the communicator down and turning to Chakotay , pulled the pillow away to kiss him. "We've got to get dressed." She said tracing the pattern of his tatto, a gesture already intimately familiar. Chakotay nodded. "I suppose so." Janeway slid from the bed and tossed his uniform at him then reached for her own. They dressed quickly then Chakotay pulled Kathryn to him for one final kiss before they beamed aboard Voyager. "Tell me something." Kathryn said softly." Do you feel like you're about to go on a Maquis mission?" Chakotay thought for a moment then shook his head. "No. This feels different. It feels..."He hesitated searching for the right words. "It feels like I'm a Starfleet officer. One who's doing what he's been trained to do...protect the innocent." He pulled her to the window then pointed to the young Altairian children playing outside." Protecting them, and their future." Janeway smiled. "Is that why the Maquis banded together?" "Partly. But mostly , I think, because the Cardassians had taken so much we couldn't let them take anymore." Janeway nodded then tapped her communicator."Janeway to Voyager. Two to beam up." Seconds later they dissolved in two whirls or silvery- blue light. Janeway was suprised to see how large the Rebellion fleet was. She looked over at Turai, who stood next to her on Voyager's bridge. "I had no ides," She commented to the tiny Oreanien. Turai looked amused, "No idea of what?" "How organized you really are. It's one thing to organize a fleet on paper, quite another to put it into practise." "Well your Starfleet has been doing it for over one hundred years." Turai countered calmly. Janeway had seen to it that Turai got a chance to review the Federation's history. Perhaps it would help her to rebuild their government, Janeway had thought. "Yes but our Starfleet has the Federations backing. Technically you are a terrorist organization." "True. But all the planets of the system support us, they hide our ships and personnel bases. We haven't lost one to the raids yet." "Raids?" Chakotay said behind them. "Yes. The General has death squads called Hunters. They hunt down anyone remotely connected to the Rebellion and kill them. Fortunately they've never found anyone significantly connected to the Rebellion who cracked under torture." "That's hard to believe." Paris commented. "Well Lieutenant, nearly 30 years of oppression have made my people strong. We don't bow to torture of the body or mind. Not when there is so much at stake." Turai said softly a quiet dignity in her voice that made Janeway take a sidelong glance. Turai stood silently, her posture elegant...almost...regal. `I wonder...' Janeway thought to herself then dismissed the thought as quickly as it had come. Turai always spoke of the Prince and Princess in the third person. Also, as far as Janeway could tell, Turai had no brother. "Turai!" Tion's voice filled the bridge. "We're ready." Janeway and Turai shared a look, was it her imagination or was there a tiny flicker of fear in Turai's eyes. If there was it soon vanished. Turai lifted her chin slightly and said. "All ships ahead, Warp 9." The ship shuddered slightly as she leapt from impulse to Warp 4, then 5, then 6 and finally 9. When Voyager dropped out of warp they found themselves in the middle of a massive battle. Seated next to Janeway, Turai nodded grimly. "They may not have know we were coming but as always they're prepared." She looked up at Harry. "Ensign have you had a chance to look over that code I gave you?" Kim nodded. "It's fascinating and I think I have reasonable command of it. Enough to accurately decipher a message." "Good, thank you. Send the following message to all Rebellion ships, leave the Command ship alone, it's mine." Turai said calmly. "And attack." Turai watched quietly then turned to Janeway. "Captain, can you get me aboard the command ship?" "We can try." Janeway responded then turned to Tuvok. "Open fire," She ordered." Just enough to bring down their shields." Tuvok bent over his console and minutes later a dazzling display of phaser beams shot out from Voyager and struck the Regime ship. They kept it up for several minutes then Tuvok spoke. "Their shields are holding, Captain." "We'll see about that," Turai said, determination in every feature. She rose and walked to the viewscreen. "Hail Tion's ship please." "Yes Turai?" Tion's slightly breathless voice once again filled the bridge. "I need the shields on the command ship down." "Are *they* on board?" Tion's voice was soft. "Yes." Turai responded. "And Kielos is on board to." Janeway and Chakotay shared a look. The question evident in their eyes. *They?* "Done." Tion said and broke the link. Seconds later Tion's ship engaged the command ship. Then the small fighters attacked. The Regime ships tried to draw them away but the fighters ignored them. Instead other Rebellion ships moved to intercept the Regime vessels. All of this was watched anxiously from Voyager's bridge. Turai was hiding something. Janeway was sure if it. There was someone on the command ship, someone more important to Turai than her enemy Kielos. Turai hadn't volunteered any information and Janeway suspected she wouldn't answer any questions even if asked. "The shields of the command ship have collapsed." Tuvok reported and before Janeway could even speak Turai was hurrying toward the turbolift. Janeway nodded at Chakotay, Paris, Tuvok and Kim, B'Elanna was already waiting in the transporter room. No way was Janeway going to let Turai go alone. They materialized in a smoke filled corridor. Officers were hurrying in every direction. Most paid the Starfleet officers little or no attention. But one officer noticed and went to sound an alarm, before he could Turai shot him with a pulse of energy, hitting him in the chest. "Don't worry, he's only stunned." She said continuing up the corridor. She stopped suddenly and ducked into a small alcove a few feet from a door with a guard on either side. Turai looked at Janeway and shrugged. She shot one and went into a roll coming up on one knee to aim at the other one who'd drawn his weapon. He fired, it skimmed her shoulder causing her to cry out in pain but she shot anyway. With the two guards unconscious on the floor Turai ran into the room, the Voyager senior officers right behind her. A tall man stood in the center of the room. He had aristocratic features but a permanent look of cruelty on his face. A sneer further marred his handsome face at the sight of the beautiful Oreanian. "Turai." He said disgust in his tone. Without blinking Turai pointed her weapon at him, "Where are they?" "Ah yes, your fatal weakness. They're near. I'll tell you if you'll call off the attack." "You don't seem to get it." Turai said coldly. "I've won. The system is free. You're finished Kielos. Your tyranny is at an end. No matter if you tell me or not I will find them anyway. But it will go easier for you if you do tell me." "Easier how?" "I won't shoot you...yet," "All right," Kielos nodded. He held up his hands in defeat and Turai spun him towards the door. "Take me to them. NOW!" She ordered pushing him slightly. "Don't you dare do that again!" He seethed, glaring at her. "Do what?" Turai said innocently. Her features hardened and she shoved him again, harder. "That? I don't think you're in much of a position to give orders anymore so get moving before I shoot you here and now." He turned and almost laughed. "You won't shoot me. That's where you and I differ Turai, I'm not afraid to kill." "Oh really?" Turai sneered. "You didn't have the guts to look my father in the eyes. Instead you ordered him and my mother executed. You could never face your death as my father did. Or could you worry more about your children's lives when you knew yours was at an end like my mother? Let's find out shall we?" She leveled her weapon at his head. "Turai!" Chakotay walked up and pushed her arm down. "Don't. It's not the right way." Turai looked him in the eyes. For a minute Chakotay thought she was going to hit him and shoot Kielos anyway but after a long pause she nodded. Chakotay stepped away and looked at Janeway. The meaning of what Turai'd said wasn't lost on either one but now was not the time to discuss it. Turai shoved Kielos into the corridor. Instantly everything in the corridor came to a dead stop. Turai half-smiled at the expressions of shock on the officers faces. "As you can see," She said calmly." The Regime has fallen. The General is no longer ruler. The Rebellion, with the help of all our planets, will remove corrupt leaders from power and elections will be held to replace them," "What about the Prince and Princess!" Someone shouted. "Will they return to rule?" Turai smiled. "They already have. They are the Rebellion's leaders. They've fought alongside Rebellion soldiers for nearly eight years and finally we are free!" To Janeway's amazement most of the officers shouted with excitement, others looked close to tears, but almost all were happy. "Doesn't look like you're to popular a guy," Paris remarked almost casually to Kielos. "You know Tom," B'Elanna said grinning. "I'd say by the look of things you're right, he's as popular as a Cardassian Gul in a room full of Bajoran freedom fighters." "Considering the circumstances that analogy is pretty accurate." Harry Kim said as they followed Turai and a very nervous Kielos into a turbo lift. It was easy to tell the news had reached the prison deck when they stepped out of the lift. The prisoners were on the outside and the guards were in the cells. At the sight of Kielos being held at phaser-point by Paris the freed prisoners let loose a cheer. Turai barely noticed. Janeway watched the young woman as she anxiously scanned every face in the crowd. "Looking for someone?" She asked softly. Turai looked over at her surprised, as if she hadn't realized the Starfleet Officers were still with her. She nodded and returned her attention to the crowd. No sooner had she done so when a tiny voice called out. "Momma!" Turai spun and there, running across the deck, was a tiny little girl with long dark curls and eyes very much like Turai's. "Maia!" Turai swept the little girl up into her arms and spun her around. Before the dumfound Starfleet officers eyes Turai the calculating freedom fighter vanished as if she'd never existed to be replaced by Turai the loving mother. "Turai!" A man spoke and Turai, still holding Maia turned to look. "Solen," She smiled as he pulled her, little girl and all, into his arms. They stood silent for a moment, obviously enjoying their reunion. Finally Turai seemed to remember her audience and turned to face them. "Captain Janeway, I would very much love for you to meet my husband Solen and my daughter Maia." What followed was days of celebration and then the revelation that yes, Turai and Tion were the Prince and Princess. To Janeway and Chakotay it was no surprise. They'd realized it in Kielos' quarters. The former ruler of the Oreanian system had been taken back to Oreania to await trial for the murder of the King and Queen, treason and the murder of countless innocents. So now as the time for celebration and Voyager and her crew were right in the middle of it, hailed as heroes of the Oreanian Republic. Anyone wearing a communicator or a Starfleet uniform was treated like royalty and now Janeway found herself at yet another party. This one was however, a farewell party. After nearly two weeks of shore leave and celebration, Voyager was preparing to continue on her journey back to the Alpha Quadrant. Turai, the new Chief of State, and Heir Apparent to the Oreanian crown had supplied Voyager with anything and everything they could have asked for or dreamed for. Neelix was busily organizing all the food stores they'd been given, B'Elanna was happily anticipating getting a chance to upgrade several key systems on Voyager with the equipment they'd received, Tuvok was busy preparing several shipments of torpedoes for Voyager, Turai'd insisted that they take them upon discovering they were fast running out. All sorts of holodeck programs and other forms of entertainment were awaiting off-duty officers when they left the system. And much to the Doctor's glee, every variety of medicine and medical technology the Oreanians had had been offered and graciously accepted. All in all, Turai and her people had been more than generous and Janeway would truly miss Turai's presence. "Kathryn." Janeway turned and smiled at the subject of her thoughts. Turai smiled in return and sat down next to her. "Everything seems so different now," Kathryn laughed softly. "Yes, you've won and you have your family back." Turai chuckled. "Yes I suppose you're right. There is something else however that I see as quite interesting. I'm told there's another wedding in the works." Janeway smiled. Only a day before she'd had the extreme pleasure of officiating the wedding of Lt.Paris and Lt.Torres, the wedding had been truly magical. Taking place in the beautiful gardens of Turai's family palace. Tom in his dress uniform and B'Elanna in a beautiful Oreanian gown that Turai had coaxed her into wearing. Never before had Janeway seen either one so happy. Tom's eyes never left B'Elanna's from the moment she appeared the garden and no one could blame him. B'Elanna had never looked so beautiful. Janeway glanced back towards the party. The newlyweds stood close together talking with Tion and his fiancee. They were obviously enjoying married life. Kathryn turned back to Turai. "How'd you know? Chakotay only asked me this morning." Turai grinned. "As my nurse always said, little pictures have big ears." she nodded towards Maia, who was sitting on Chakotay's shoulders. "The little squirt!" Janeway said laughing. "She spied on us?" Turai's shoulders shook with laughter and she nodded. "She's turning out just like me. "Sneaky." Then she smiled sadly, "Tis' a pity we won't get to see the actual wedding. And since I won't be there I get to give you your present early." She handed Kathryn an Oreanian PADD. "It's a holoprogram...of the path you and Chakotay walked on while we were on Altaira. Since your home is so far away I doubt you'll every return to show your children where your romance truly began to deepen." "Thank you Turai," Janeway hugged the younger woman. "I'm going to miss you." "As will I, Kathryn Janeway." Turai looked up. " But neither I nor my people will ever forget those who helped us win back our freedom." "What will you do now?" Chakotay spoke as he joined them. Sitting next to Janeway, Maia in his lap. "Rebuild...and move on." Turai held out a hand for Maia who immediately ran to her mother. "Speaking of moving on. We should be leaving, we're not going to get home just sitting here." Janeway said standing. She nodded at the Paris's who walked over. They were joined moments later by Tion, Solen and Tion's fiancee, Daria. "Thank you Turai," Tom said." For the holoprogram." Turai had also given the Paris's a holoprogram of the garden in which they'd been married. "You're welcome Tom, It's the lease we could do after what you did for us." Turai smiled as the Starfleet officers stepped clear. "Good bye my friends." "Good bye, Turai." Janeway said softly. "Take care of her," Turai admonished Chakotay. "She's one special woman." "Promise," Chakotay responded with a grin. "That goes for you to mister." She warned Paris, who also grinned." And you behave! Good luck B'Elanna, I think you're going to need it." B'Elanna laughed." I think I can handle him." Maia ran forward to kiss each one then rant back to her parents. Janeway tapped her communicator. "Janeway to Voyager, four to beam up." When they disappeared in a swirl of silvery-blue light Maia looked up at her mother. "Where are they going?" "Well, little one. They're going home." Three days later.... The chime sounded in Janeway's quarters and she looked up a smile on her face. "Come." Chakotay walked in and her smile brightened. "Hello love." He smiled as well then sobered. "Kathryn, I need to say something." Feeling a little nervous Janeway nodded. "Go ahead," "I need to apologize for my conduct over the past few weeks." "Regretting our romance?" "No, never that." He kissed her fingers. "That and everything to come is something I will never be sorry for. No I mean my conduct as an officer during our alliance with the Rebellion." "What do you mean?" Kathryn questioned already knowing the answer. "I allowed my beliefs as a former Maquis to cloud my judgment as a Starfleet officer. Responsibly I should have worried about the ship's safety, not the Oreanians..." "Stop right there. I've heard the same argument from Tom and B'Elanna . All three of you are wrong. For starters, any captain I know would have joined the assault, Picard, Sisko...they'd have deliberated just as I did with their crews and most likely come to the same conclusions we did. It might take them a little longer but they would have. Now, your Maquis instincts helped us win this battle, you know that, in fact I've put commendations down on every one of your files, even Tuvok says your conduct was exemplary. He doesn't say that often so take it when you can get it. And besides I severely doubt Admiral Delaniea will court marital you for letting common sense and your beliefs `color' your decision. Understood?" "Yes Captain." Chakotay responded. "Good then get over here and kiss me." "YES CAPTAIN!" He responded enthusiastically. :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) I know I know, super sappy ending but hey! I figure after all the stuff the writers have put Janeway and Chakotay through on the show they deserve a little playful romance! Kudos to the writers who finally put Paris and Torres together and married two DS9 senior officers YEAH for Worf! It was starting to look bad, Tuvok was the only married man on any of Star Trek's shows. I think they should hurry up and get to work on Chakotay and Janeway! After all we Trek fans have suffered long enough! Romance is an integral part of life! I'm thinking about doing a couple of Fanfics about other shows, like Poltergeist: The legacy and Highlander. In fact I've got a couple of crossovers floating around in my little head. If I suck, someone stop me. Hyacinthia my writing buddy, (Interesting since we live on opposite sides of the continent, I'm a Newfoundlander. Eastern Canada for those of you who have no idea where Newfoundland is) she encouraged me to write this one and my friends who've read it when I was writing it (Patricia Windross: world's best trek critic and my editor thanks!) and they said it was good. I also want to mention my best buddy Joni (Who I am writing a highlander fanfic for Christmas. Richie forever. Me...I'm partial to Methos) Feel free to email me at either the address I gave above (Which I could read quicker) or Muary@hotmail.com (Don't ask, my boyfriend calls me Muary and I could kill him for it sometimes.) All criticism is welcome just don't destroy my little ole' ego. (Trust me it is small) If anyone thinks I should write a sequel to Past and Present, tell me! I'll write it cause I'll mean I get to skip off my Lit homework. (Yes like any normal teenager I hate school, my last year of High school! Thank God!) anyway gotta go! Trek forever! (I'm really not nuts. Really well sort of.) bye! Angel Girl Smileys for everyone :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-):-)