Disclaimer:The usual. Paramount owns everything Trek...but they don't own our minds so the story is mine.I am simply borrowing some of their characters.

Almost Casablanca

by Dee Price


Ilsa looked up at Rick, her eyes brimming with tears. "But what about us?"

He smiled.  "We'll always have Paris.  We lost it for awhile but found it again last night."

Ilsa looked down for a moment, shaking her head.  As she started to speak Rick cupped her chin and lifting her face said tenderly, "Here's looking at you, kid."

The movie "Casablanca" was playing.  Tom had discovered it in the 20^th Century database and had set up the Holodeck to show it.  All the senior officers, plus a great many of the crew were there.

As the motor of the plane was heard in the background of the scene, Chakotay looked over at Kathryn and saw her dab at some tears and noted B'Elanna, sitting beside her, was doing the same.  Kathryn momentarily took her eyes off the screen, saw Chakotay looking at her and hurriedly looked away, then over at B'Elanna.As the two women saw they were both crying, they giggled then turned their attention back to the screen.

The scene continued with the confrontation between Rick and the Nazi Major Strasse, the Major was shot by Rick and as the French Gendarmes rushed up in a car, Captain Louie Renault looked at them, said "The Major has been shot," looked at Rick for a moment, then continued with "Round up the usual suspects," much to Rick's relief.

As the movie ended with Rick and Captain Renault walking off into the fog and the words, "Louie, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship," being uttered, Tom had the lights in the Holodeck turned back on.

Kathryn hurriedly wiped at her cheeks then stood.  "That was absolutely wonderful, Tom. Thank you for finding it and showing it tonight."

"You're welcome Captain."

Neelix bubbling with enthusiasm said, "That was fantastic! A wonderful show!But tell me, why did the woman go off with the other man and why was it in black and white?"

Tom laughed.  "Well because the story is about a bittersweet romance, Neelix and the fact Rick lost his love again is what made the story so great.  As to black and white, they hadn't yet learned how to photograph in color. Remember this was...uhm . . . the year 1942."

"I see," he said frowning.  "Well I still say Rick and Ilsa should have been together," then as Naomi came up to him, he took her hand, said it was her bedtime and they walked off.

As Kathryn started to leave, Chakotay quickly came up beside her and said, "I'll walk you to your quarters, Captain."

She looked at him, uncertainty in her eyes for a moment as they turned into the corridor.  "That would be nice Chakotay," she finally answered.  They walked a dozen or so steps in silence and finally Kathryn peeked at Chakotay out of the corner of her eye and saw a slight crinkle at the corner of his lips.  "Not a word, Chakotay. Not one word!" she admonished in a stern voice.

"What? I didn't say anything Kathryn," he protested.

"No, but I know what you were thinking."

He smiled as he continued to look straight ahead, and then responded with "Well let's just say that I think it was wonderful the Captain showed her human side tonight," and they continued their walk in silence.

* * * * *

Two weeks later Voyager was slowly orbiting a planet. Kathryn sat in her Command Chair with her right leg crossed over the left and staring absently across the Bridge.

"Chakotay to Captain Janeway," crackled through the stillness.

"Janeway here.  What did you find, Chakotay?"

"Captain, you are not going to believe this."

"Believe what, Chakotay?"

"This is absolutely . . . I'm speechless!" he responded.

"What are you trying to say Chakotay?"

"This place, Captain.  I just can't believe it!"

"Chakotay, what are you talking about?  What did you find?" said Kathryn, exasperation starting to show in her tone of voice.

"Captain this is awesome," chimed in Tom Paris. "I agree with the Commander. It is absolutely unbelievable!"

"I know," continued Chakotay. "It's . . . I'm just at a loss for words, it's just . . . "

Janeway stood, placed her hands on her hips, and in her most authoritarian tone, barked, "Commander Chakotay, report!"

Silence ensued for a few seconds, and then the very contrite voice of Chakotay was heard. "I'm sorry Captain, it's just that it … well, remember that movie Casablanca we saw a few weeks back?"

"Yes Commander I remember," she answered still in her Captain's mode of voice.

"Well … this town is an exact duplicate!"

"What!" exclaimed Janeway.  "What do you mean?"

"Just what I said Captain.  This town is an exact duplicate of Casablanca and Tom agrees with me and he should know."

Tom's "Yes maam" could be heard in the background.

"Beam down here and see for yourself Captain," said Chakotay.

Kathryn immediately spun around and headed for the Turbolift, telling Tuvok he had the Bridge and walked smartly into the lift.  A short time later she materialized beside Chakotay, Tom and two Security guards.

As she stood looking around a bewildered look crossed her face, then slowly changed to a delighted smile.  "You're right, Chakotay!  It looks exactly the same.  What do the TriCorder's show?" she asked, excitement building in her voice.

"Everything humanoid, buildings solid . . . "

"No projection? Any possible danger?"

"No and people just look at us and keep walking."

"So I've noticed.  Let's scout around for a bit.  Everyone put your phasers away," and they proceeded to slowly stroll down the street.

A couple of blocks later they turned the corner and all stopped short.

"Look at that!" exclaimed Kathryn pointing to the sign.

"Almost creepy," said Tom as he read the sign . . . 'Nick's Café Morocco'.

Seeing people wander in and out Kathryn smiled, curiosity evident in her expression. "Let's see what's inside," and the group walked through the doors.

Kathryn gasped, Chakotay chuckled and Tom gave a resounding, "Wow!"

"I can't believe this.  Are we dreaming? This is like de-ja vu," she whispered.  "It seems almost identical to Rick's Cafe Americain in the movie!"

Just then a gentleman in a white coat and trousers approached."Ah good evening my friends! I am Nick.  Welcome to my Cafe." Then with an appraising eye at Kathryn he smiled. 

"What a beautiful woman we have here," he said as he placed a hand on Kathryn's forearm. "And with four escorts . . . that hardly seems fair.  May I show you to a table mademoiselle?"

Kathryn glanced at Chakotay, made a quick darting glance around and sensing no problem smiled sweetly. "You are making me blush, sir, but I'm afraid we do not have time to stay at the moment."

"And what is mademoiselle's name?"

"I am Captain . . . uhm, I am Kathryn Janeway."

"Ah Captain!  You must be from that ship that is above this planet."

"You know?" said Kathryn surprised.

"But of course.  We have some highly sophisticated scanning equipment, but we just prefer to remain simple in appearance.  After all," he said sweeping his arm toward the room, "this place is for pleasure, Captain, for crews to sit back, relax and have some fun."

"What is the name of this planet?" asked Kathryn.

"This planet is Morocco and this city . . . well . . . we call it Shangrila.It has an enticing, pleasant sound, a lure of mystery, intrigue and romance in its name, don't you think?A perfect place for fun and relaxation.Might I suggest you give your crew some time off, Captain?"

Kathryn turned to Chakotay just as he said, "Might not be a bad idea Captain.They could use some R and R."

"Exactly what I was thinking, Chakotay.  Let's get back to the ship and set up the rotation."

"And mademoiselle, it would be a great pleasure to see you again, later tonight perhaps when the band is back from their break? We have a dance floor as you can see, and also our piano player, Ram, will be here."

Kathryn smiled and as she and the group turned to leave said, "Perhaps."

Once back on the ship Chakotay arranged blocks of the crew to go down to the planet in two-hour shifts.  Once that was set, the first group eagerly beamed down.

* * * * *

At 1900 hours Chakotay stopped by Kathryn's quarters and they headed for the Transporter Room.  Both were dressed in casual attire and although not saying anything, each secretly admired how beautiful or handsome the other appeared.

As Kathryn and Chakotay entered Nick's the band was playing and the mood seemed rife with high excitement from the patrons. 

"Ah, my beautiful lady has returned!" exclaimed Nick as he rushed up."May I show you a table? We have the best in the house for our guests!"

Kathryn smiled and she and Chakotay followed Nick to a table. Nick then turned to a waiter he called Mischa and ordered a special vintage wine, held a chair for Kathryn and after she sat down he smiled.  "Order what you wish.For this handsome couple it is on the house," and at that he bid adieu and left.

As Kathryn looked around the band started to play and various couples around the room moved onto the floor and started dancing.  She smiled and shook her head as she looked at Chakotay.

"I am positive I am going to wake up in my quarters and find this is all a dream."

At an adjoining table, Tom was grinning like a schoolboy on Prom night as he looked around, his face exuding excitement.  He leaned toward her. "This is fantastic, Captain. It's like we are back on Earth in the 20^th Century! Boy is this going to be great."

Chakotay chuckled.  "I'm afraid I have to agree with the Captain.  I feel like I'm in the middle of a dream."

The waiter Mischa appeared and set two glasses of vintage wine in front of them.  "Our very best Monsieur, Mademoiselle.  I shall return later and take your order."

"I keep thinking this is some Holo Program, Chakotay. Like they read our minds or something, but the Tri Corder's showed them as real people." Then she took a sip of the wine and exclaimed, "It's real! It's not synthahol!"

Soon they ordered and were totally enjoying the taste of real food.The band started playing a slow ballad and Chakotay looked around for Tom and B'Elanna, but they were not at the table. As he turned and looked the opposite way he caught sight of them going out the door.  Rousing up his courage he suddenly stood, extended his hand and said, "May I have this dance Kathryn?"

Kathryn was surprised, yet delighted and Chakotay escorted her to the dance floor where they assumed the dance position, with a great deal of space between them.As they moved around Kathryn smiled."You surprise me Chakotay, you are a very good dancer."

He smiled sheepishly.  "You're just being polite Kathryn.  If I make it through this dance without stepping on your toes then you can compliment me."

As the music continued and without knowing how or when, they found themselves dancing cheek to cheek and their bodies pressed together. Chakotay was absolutely sure Kathryn could not only feel but also hear his heart it was hammering so hard.

Without the music seeming to end, the piano started playing and Ram started to sing.

"You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh, the fundamental things apply as time goes by . . . and when two lovers woo they still say I love you on that you can rely ..."

As the song and words registered on Kathryn and Chakotay's mind they pulled apart, both looking momentarily startled, but as the song continued their looks changed to an unmistakable longing as they gazed deeply into each other's eyes.  A small smile tugged at Kathryn's lips.

"I can't believe this," she said softly, and then her head, almost imperceptibly, started moving towards Chakotay as she stared at his lips.

As desperately as Chakotay wanted that to happen he knew this was not the place and pulled her tight to him again, placing his cheek to hers.

The words of the song again penetrated their minds. "Woman loves man and man must have his mate, that no one can deny.  It's still the same old story, of fight for love and glory, a case of do or die . . . "

Chakotay tightened his arm around Kathryn's waist and he felt her fingers slip up into the back of his head.  The song continued and Chakotay wished it would never end, but finally . . .

"As … time … goes ... by . . . "

Chakotay escorted Kathryn back to the table and as he sat opposite her their eyes locked until finally Kathryn said huskily, "I think our time is up.We best head back to the beam up spot."

After complimenting Ram and thanking Nick, they walked out the door, only to find a thin layer of drifting fog. Turning the corner they started down the street, but noticed it was totally deserted of people and the lamppost lights seemed very dim.

Kathryn looked up the street. "I wonder where everyone is?Wasn't this a bustling busy street earlier?"

Chakotay nodded. "Yes I believe it was," he said in a whisper.

Both simultaneously stopped and turned to one another, the mood from the dance still evident in their expressions, and as Kathryn moved in close to him and tilted her face up, Chakotay slipped his arms around her and bent his head, kissing her in a sweet, tender, yet passionate kiss. Neither seemed willing to end it, but finally Chakotay pulled his head back and looked at Kathryn.

"Chakotay … I'm sorry, that shouldn't have happened," Kathryn suddenly gasped as she started to step back.

He kept his arms tight, preventing her from moving and said softly, "Don't be sorry Kathryn, I think that is something we have both wanted to happen for some time now."

"But … " and at that moment laughing was heard coming down a side street behind them and Kathryn and Chakotay immediately turned and walked on to the beam out spot.

As they arrived at the designated area they saw Neelix with Naomi and Samantha Wildman.

"Hello you two!" called out an enthusiastic Neelix. "Wasn't this just a wonderful place?"

Kathryn smiled and agreed it was.  Then looking at Naomi asked. "And how about you Naomi?  What did you do?"

"Oh Captain," she said with a big smile, "Neelix took us to a place that had some brown liquid with bubbles that tickled my nose! And then they put some ice cream in it and I thought it was going to explode!" she said laughing.

"We had a great time Captain," said Ensign Wildman. "Thank you for stopping here."

Kathryn smiled, asked if they were all set, then tapped her Com Badge.

"Voyager, five to beam up."

* * * * *

The next morning, Kathryn was up early and headed for Engineering. After checking with B'Elanna that all systems were operating at 100% and they had gotten all the supplies they needed, she headed for the Turbo Lift.  As the doors slid open and she was about to step in she was momentarily startled to see Chakotay running for the lift from the opposite direction, but an Ensign was also boarding, saving what Kathryn felt might be an embarrassing moment.

However, the Ensign got off on the next deck and Kathryn and Chakotay stood quietly as the doors slid shut. 

"Bridge" said Chakotay, breaking the silence.

Kathryn suddenly turned to him.  "Chakotay about last night I . . . that shouldn't have happened. . . . Maybe it was just the mood of the moment, the song, dancing ... I don't know, but . . . "

"Are you sorry, Kathryn?" he said, his eyes pleading with her.

She hesitated a moment then looked into his eyes and knew deep down she really wasn't.  "I … we're officers, on a Starship and … "

Taking a deep breath she looked away for a second then looked back at him, longing as well as sadness evident in her eyes.

"I know, Kathryn," he said with a tinge of sadness in his voice, "I know."

"But ... what about us?" started Kathryn, and then stopped.

He smiled softly.  "We'll always have Shangrila.  We lost it for awhile after New Earth, but found it again last night."

Kathryn opened her mouth to say something but Chakotay reached out and cupped her chin with his hand.  A sad, longing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Here's looking at you, kid," he said tenderly as he stared into her shimmering blue eyes.

At that moment the Turbo slowed to a stop, they faced forward and as the doors slid open Kathryn and Chakotay stepped out onto the Bridge, where as Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay they would assume their duties to lead Voyager and it's crew safely back home to the Alpha Quadrant.



The End

July 1999

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