Disclaimer:All the usual. Paramount and Viacom own Star Trek and all it's properties. Don't know diddley-squat about Gunsmoke, but the same applies to both. No infringement intended.

Almost Gunsmoke

by Dee Price


Two figures could be seen in the distance walking across the barren expanse of the plain. Dirt kicked up at each step and occasional tumbleweeds rolled across their path.

"I don't understand this, Chakotay. How did a time loop send us into the past and where are we?"

"I'm not sure I understand myself, Kathryn, but somehow when we managed to release the shuttle from that time loop we ended up in this dry, barren plain. As to where it is, all the shuttle sensors showed before we managed that semi-crash landing, was that we are somewhere in the southwest of the United States, in the late 19^th Century. It sure is hot here," he said as he ran his uniform sleeve across his forehead.

"Our sensors showed a town about two miles from where we landed. I sure hope no one finds that shuttle," said Kathryn.

"Me, too. It would be rather difficult to explain. I think the town is just over that rise we are coming to."

"What did you say it showed? The Earth's nineteenth century?"

"Late eighteen hundred's to be more exact," replied Chakotay.

At that moment a horse and rider came over the rise and headed straight for them. "Play it cool Chakotay," said Kathryn.

"The uniforms will be difficult to explain judging by his clothing. I have an idea. Take off our jackets and wrap the arms around our waist. It might help some."

As the rider rode up both Kathryn and Chakotay noted he had a metal star of some kind pinned to his vest.

"Afternoon," came the baritone voice. "I'm Matt Dillon, Marshall of Dodge City, the city just over the rise. "You folks need help?"

"Not really Marshall," replied Kathryn with a smile.

"Where are your horses? Most folks don't walk this plain and the next town is several days away."

"I'm afraid our horses were scared by a snake, bucked us off and then ran away," said Chakotay recalling childhood stories. "By the time I determined my partner wasn't injured it was too late to find them."

"I see," said Dillon as he rested his forearms on the pommel of the saddle. "Where you folks from? Haven't seen clothes like that around these parts."

Kathryn, her mind working quickly on early American history, said, "We're from the East and wanted to see what the West was all about on our holiday. We thought these clothes might be appropriate for riding, but I must say, so far this trip hasn't been that enjoyable," she said as she frowned at Chakotay. "By the way, my name is Kathryn Janeway."

Matt placed his hand to his hat and said, "Pleased to meet you maam." Looking at Chakotay he asked his name.

"My name is Chakotay."

Dillon stared at him a moment, his blue eyes narrowing into a squint to avoid the sun. "You're an Indian."

"Yes, but I am third generation," Chakotay lied. "My grandmother married an Indian."

"What tribe? You don't look like any of the tribes in this area."

Chakotay smiled. "To tell you the truth I really don't know. The family didn't discuss it."

"And that mark on your forehead?" he asked pointing to it.

"A mark of respect for my Grandfather's tribe," replied Chakotay softly. "It was their mark so I took it on when my fa … grandfather died."

"Nice thing to do," nodded Matt. "Well look, I can take you back to Dodge and it's likely your horses will show up sometime looking for water." He looked at Kathryn. "Maam if you put your foot in this stirrup," he said as he released his foot, "And take hold of my arm I can swing you up behind me, but I'm afraid the gentleman will have to walk."

Kathryn struggled to get her foot up to the stirrup momentarily and then took hold of his arm and Dillon easily swung her up behind him.

"Just place your arms around my waist, maam. The horse's gait will be a little rough back there and I don't want you falling off."

As Chakotay walked beside the slow moving horse, Kathryn asked about Dodge City and while Matt Dillon explained about Dodge, Kathryn looked at Chakotay and mouthed, "What are we going to do?"  Chakotay just shrugged his shoulders.

Upon entering Dodge, people on the boardwalks stopped and stared at 'these strangers,' and when the Marshall stopped in front of the jailhouse, two young boys stopped their play and looked intently at Kathryn and Chakotay.

"Run along now; don't stare. You know that's not polite," cautioned Dillon. The boys immediately took off on a run while Matt swung one leg over the horse's head and slid out of the saddle. Turning he held up his arms to Kathryn and assisted her down. Once standing beside him she realized just how tall he was, that it wasn't her imagination when he was on the horse.

"We have a Boarding House where you can get a room, or the Hotel down at the end of the street," said Matt.

"Thank you very much," said Chakotay. "Is there someplace to eat? We are both hungry."

"Well the hotel has a dining room, but most of us eat lunch over at the Long Branch Saloon. However, the lady might object. It's not exactly a place for a refined woman . . . "

"That is fine, Marshall," said Kathryn quickly. "I'm known as being ahead of the times where I'm from, which doesn't please my mother that much," she added with a laugh.

Dillon smiled. "Well then I'll take you over and introduce you to Miss Kitty. She owns and runs the place."

As they entered the Long Branch the noise and talk immediately stopped as everyone turned to look at Kathryn and Chakotay, making them feel very ill at ease. Kitty walked over with a big smile.

"Hello Matt. Who are your friends?"

"These people are from back east. This lady is Kathryn Janeway and her friend is Chakotay. I found them wandering a couple miles outside of Dodge. Their horses got spooked by a snake and ran off."

"Pleased to meet you folks," said Kitty. "I'm Kitty Russell, owner of this establishment, but most folks just call me Miss Kitty."

Both Kathryn and Chakotay nodded and smiled at her. "Where a bout's back east are you from?" she asked.

Kathryn quickly said, "We are both from Philadelphia."

"You've traveled quite far then. You must be thirsty. Can I get you folks something to drink?"

"I'm afraid all our belongings are with the horses, so we don't have anything to compensate you for that," said Chakotay, "Unless you let me work for it."

"Well it will be on the house then," and she turned to the bar. "Sam bring a couple of drinks for these folks."

"Actually, Kitty," said Matt, "They are hungry. Can you rustle up a couple of sandwiches for them?"

"Of course. I'll be right back. Just make yourselves comfortable at this table."

As they sat down a jingling was heard and looking in the direction of that sound they noted a short man with a scruffy beard ambling toward them, his heels scuffing the wooden floor as he walked, with each step making that jingling noise.

Dillon nodded at him. "Festus. Anything wrong?"

"No nothin's wrong Matthew," he said as eyed Kathryn and Chakotay. "I just heard we have us some new folks and I came over to take a look see."

After Matt introduced them Festus scrunched up his right eye and said. "How's come you be riding on the plain in them there clothes? They ain't rightly proper for this country."

"They are from back east, Festus, and you hush now. That's not polite to criticize someone you don't even know." With that Dillon turned, put his hand on Festus' shoulder and turned him for the door. "Now why don't you go back and watch the office."

"But nothin's going on Matthew. I didn't mean no disrespect, you know that," he said, protesting Matt's taking him all the way to the swinging doors.

"I realize that Festus, but just go on now. They don't need strangers jawing at them."

Festus grumbled all the way out the doors, turned once he was out and squinted back over the top before walking away.

Matt smiled as he returned. "Sorry about that folks. But Festus is . . . well he's just Festus."

Chakotay chuckled. "No problem, Marshall. I imagine we do look pretty funny, but we don't even have a change of clothes."

At that moment Kitty returned with a plate holding two sandwiches and overheard the remark about the lost clothes. "Well here's a sandwich for each of you and as for clothes, I think I have something that will fit you Kathryn. When you are finished eating we'll go back to my room and see what we can find. As for you Chakotay, maybe Matt can find something for you," she said as she looked over at Matt. "How about it Cowboy?"

"Maybe Doc has something up in his room or knows where we can get some. I'm afraid mine would be a mite long for Chakotay."

* * * *

Later in the afternoon everything had been taken care of. Matt had taken them to the Boarding house and arranged a room for them. It would be paid for by Chakotay helping split and haul wood along with some general clean up, while Kathryn could help in the kitchen. Chakotay snickered at that and quickly turned his back so he could avoid Kathryn's glare.

However, before leaving the Long Branch, Miss Kitty had fixed up Kathryn with one of her dresses, but that ordeal had proven to be quite an eye opener, for both of them.

After picking out a dress Kathryn had been reluctant to try it on in front of Kitty but Kitty had said, "Oh let's not be shy Kathryn, after all we are both women," and proceeded to take hold of Kathryn's shirt and pull it up.

Immediately Kitty stopped and stared as Kathryn stood there not knowing what to say. However Miss Kitty quickly said, "Well, I guess the East really is ahead of us.  What do you call that?" she said pointing at the bra.

"It's called a brassiere or bra for short. Why, what do you wear?"

Kitty hauled out a corset and Kathryn stared at it, her mouth open. "I've never seen such a thing. How do you put it on?"

Kitty then had Kathryn take her trousers off and again was surprised at the underpants, but did not say anything, just proceeded to slip the corset on Kathryn and started to tighten it up.

Kathryn gasped and after a few minutes as Kitty continued to tighten it said, "No, no, wait. Take it off!" As Kitty hurriedly removed it Kathryn shook her head. "You mean you wear such a contraption! How on earth do you breathe? That is pure torture!"

"Well yes, this is what we wear. It's just part of the dress. As we are raised with it I guess we just don't know anything else." She smiled. "Until you get used to it, it does constrict your breathing a little."

"A little! Kitty I thought I was going to die! No thank you I will just wear the slip and the dress."

Kitty then looked at Kathryn standing there in her underpants and brassiere. "I have to admit, as skimpy as that is it sure looks more comfortable." Then she got a little smirk on her face. "You don't by chance happen to have an extra pair that I could wear in the privacy of my room do you?"

Kathryn looked at her and then both of them fell into each other giggling like mad.

Eventually Kathryn and Miss Kitty came out of the back and Chakotay's admiring glance told her she looked pretty.

After arriving at the boarding house the landlady provided some clothes for Chakotay that she still had from her late husband. After Chakotay had changed he frowned.

"These clothes fit rather tight in . . . " He stopped and looked up, his face flaming with redness.

Kathryn laughed. "I don't know, Chakotay. I think you look rather handsome in those . . . what did they call them . . . jeans?"

Chakotay tugged down at the waist and grinned at Kathryn. "If you say so Captain."

"Do you think we can try contacting Voyager? Is there any chance at all?" she asked quietly.

"We can try," he said as he pulled the Com badge from his jacket. However, all they received for their effort was silence. Both put the badges on the inside of their clothes, with Chakotay placing his inside the shirt and Kathryn, after having Chakotay turn his back, placed hers on her bra.

"Well, I better get to work," said Chakotay. "Kathryn, as far as this room, maybe I can earn enough to get separate rooms."

Kathryn waved her hand in dismissing it. "I'm not worried," she said, but with a smile added, "But I get the bed. Captain's privilege." Chakotay grinned, put on his hat, tipped the brim to Kathryn in the manner he had seen Matt Dillon do and left the room to go chop wood.

For an hour Chakotay chopped wood. After the first ten minutes he had removed his shirt and his dark skin now glistened with moisture from the afternoon heat.

While in the middle of this Festus walked up. "Howdy Chakotay."

Chakotay in the middle of swinging his axe grunted as the blade hit the wood with a resounding crack, sending the two pieces falling to either side of the chopping block. Looking at Festus, he wiped his brow, smiled and said, "Hello Festus."

"Look like you're quite handy with that there axe. You got quite a pile there."

"Just earning our board and room. It's the least I can do. He swiped his hand over his forehead again and shook his head. "Sure is hot today."

"Yep," said Festus, "It's hotter than a jug full of red ants." Chakotay chuckled at that remark.

A man rode by and seeing Chakotay and Festus stopped and stared.

"Anything you be wantin' Mr Parkins," asked Festus.

"That's an Indian. What's he doing chopping wood for Ma Smalley?"

"He's a helping her out, that's what."

"Dirty Indian. Shouldn't be allowed in town," he growled.

"Now you just shut your tater-trap and be on with you. This ain't none of your business!" said Festus taking a step towards him. Parkins gave a dirty look towards Chakotay and giving his horse a kick in the ribs, turned and rode towards the center of town.

"I'm sorry about that Chakotay," said Festus. "That Parkins, fella, he be a bad un, so be warned."

Chakotay nodded his head as he watched the man ride away. "He does seem to have something against Indians."

"His wife ran away with one quite a spell back and he ain't over it. Still holding a grudge I reckon. Well I best be gittin' back. Matthew is probably got something for me to do. See you later," And Festus walked away, his spurs jingling with every step.

Deciding he better start stacking his pile of wood Chakotay commenced that task. Shortly Kathryn walked up with a basin full of water.

"You are supposed to wash up and then come in for dinner, Chakotay," she said as she admired his chest. You are probably going to be good and sore tomorrow. Looks like you have chopped a lot of wood."

"I think you're right as to being sore, Kathryn. Haven't done anything like this for many years." He took the basin from her and after placing it on the chopping block splashed his face several times, taking his hands through his hair and around his neck. Bending over the basin he then splashed under his arms and over his chest, and as he straightened Kathryn handed him a towel.

"Thanks. Even though that was very cold water it felt pretty good." After drying off and putting on his blue shirt both he and Kathryn headed inside.

* * * *

Following dinner Kathryn and Chakotay decided to walk around the town. Most folks nodded politely to the town's newcomers as they strolled by. Nearing the Long Branch an elderly gentleman with gray hair and a mustache came around the corner.

He nodded. "You must be the new folks I've heard about. I'm Doctor Adams."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Adams," said Kathryn.

"Well no need to be formal. Most folks just call me Doc or Doc Adams. I understand you are from back east, around Philadelphia?"

"Yes, on the outskirts," lied Kathryn.

Adams nodded, wiped his hand across his mouth and chin. "Well I'm heading for the Long Branch to wet my whistle. Care to join me? I understand the lady isn't adverse to sitting in a saloon, although I can't say I agree with that, seeing's as how she is so refined and all."

Kathryn laughed. "Like I told the Marshall, I'm way ahead of my time, I guess. Chakotay and I would be honored to join you," and they headed for the Saloon and pushed the swinging doors wide open as they stepped in. Music was being played on the old piano at the back, and quite loudly at that. Most conversation in the room was almost a shout to be heard above the piano.

Both Chakotay and Kathryn had a Sarsaparilla, to the amusement of the Doc. "You at least don't drink whiskey, Miss Janeway."

After some thirty minutes of small talk, Festus walked in and started a jawing away, as was his custom. "Festus, hush up," said the Doc. "The way you carry on it would drive a refined lady to drink."

"Now no need to be that way, Doc. I'm just trying to be friendly with these here folks."

At that moment Parkins walked into the Long Branch and after looking around he spied Kathryn and Chakotay and scowled, but seeing Doc Adams and Festus with them walked to the bar and ordered a whiskey. His walk indicated he had already had a few drinks. He took the drink Sam fixed for him, drank it in one gulp and turning, said quite loudly, "This town is going to hell in a hand basket. Since when do we allow Indians and a woman in a bar?"

Festus reacted immediately. "Now I done told you earlier to hush your tater-trap, Parkins. These folks is a visiting from Philadelphia. Now be gone with ya."

"First time I've seen the law stick up for an Indian, Festus," he said with a sneer.

"Hush up now or I'll thump you 'til your ears ring like the liberty bell. Now git on out of here." Turning to Sam he said, "Don't you go and serve him any more, Sam, he's had enough."

"You can't throw me out of this bar, Festus."

"No, but I can," came Miss Kitty's voice. "Now Mr. Parkins I suggest you leave these folks alone and walk out those doors," she said in a steely voice.

Reluctantly, and showing some respect for Miss Kitty, he slowly turned and headed for the door. Just as he started through Matt walked in. Nodding to him he said, "Parkins" and then went on in and after asking if he could join the group and receiving nods from all, sat down.

"Trouble?" he asked upon seeing the various expressions.

"Nothing we didn't handle, Matt," said Kitty. "Parkins just seems to resent Chakotay, kept referring to him as an Indian, and didn't like seeing a woman in here."

Matt shook his head. "The way he's going with that chip on his shoulder he's just likely to end up at Boot Hill."

"Boot Hill?" asked Chakotay. "Is that another town?"

Adams snickered. "In a way of speaking, Chakotay. It's the cemetery up on the hill."

"Oh," he said as his face flushed slightly.

"Yeah," added Festus, "If'n he ain't careful old Percy will be seeing him right soon."

Dillon slapped his hand on Festus' shoulder. "I think it's about time we made our rounds Festus."

"I reckon it is about that time, Matthew," he said standing up.

Matt looked at Chakotay. "You are welcome to join us if you want Chakotay. We just walk around town making sure everything is all right."

"I'd like that Marshall. Do you mind Kathryn?" he asked as he stood and pushed his chair back.

Kathryn waved her hand. "I'm fine. Kitty, Doc and I will just sit here and talk until you get back."

"Well I'm afraid it will just be you and Miss Kitty. I'm tired and am going to get some sleep. Goodnight ladies," and he turned and ambled toward the door with Festus joining him and jawing "You didn't do anything today Doc. How's come you be so tired?"

"Because I am, that's why! Can't a man go to bed early without you questioning why for heaven's sake."

Matt and Chakotay smiled at one another, Dillon tipped his hat to Kitty and Kathryn and he and Chakotay headed out of the Saloon.

Kathryn sat watching Chakotay walk away and out the swinging doors and when she looked back found Miss Kitty looking at her. Kitty smiled. "You have quite a man in Chakotay."

Kathryn smiled. "Yes he is a very nice man, a true gentleman and a . . . "

"No, Kathryn," said Kitty as she reached out and patted Kathryn's hand. "I said quite a man you have."

"Oh no," sputtered Kathryn. "You don't understand. We . . . "

"Oh now don't try to tell me there is nothing between you two, that you are just friends. I have eyes."

"But that's the truth. We . . . "

Kitty leaned back and laughed. "Kathryn I can see the way he looks at you, how protective he is of you, and the way you look at him, especially when you don't think he's looking. Just now for instance, as he walked away you couldn't keep your eyes off him."

Kathryn's face felt hot. "But we can't . . . we . . . " She stopped and looked at Kitty and then giggled as she realized she couldn't hide the truth from this knowledgeable woman.

"Yes, he is quite a man isn't he?" she said softly. Leaning towards Kitty she said, "And what about you and Matt? You are quite lucky to have such a big handsome man."

Kitty smiled. "Matt and I have been together for many, many years. He may act tough, and is tough in his job, but underneath he is a great big, loving pussy cat." At those words both women burst out into laughter

As they sat giggling Matt, Festus and Chakotay walked by heading for the other end of town. Hearing the women laughing Matt looked in and then glanced at Chakotay and smiled. "Mighty fine woman, that Kathryn."

He smiled. "Yes, a mighty fine woman."

"You and Kathryn be together don't ye?" asked Festus.

"Well not exactly, Festus," said Chakotay. "I mean . . . "

"But it's as plain as the nose on my face that you two care for each other Chakotay. What in tarnation do you mean 'not exactly'?"

"Well we work together . . . "

"Festus, you hush up now. If Chakotay doesn't want to talk about his relationship with Kathryn then he doesn't have to."

"Alls I meant Matthew is some people just belong together, like you and Miss Kitty and the same goes for Miss Kathryn and Chakotay here. Anyone can see that. Just look at him right now. Why his face is flushed, his . . . "

"Festus go back and lock up the office!" said Matt sternly. "Chakotay and I will head back to the Long Branch."

"There ye go again Matthew. Hustlin' me off just when a good conversation starts up. A man has a right to talk ifn he wants."

"The only conversation is you Festus. Now go on back." Festus walked off mumbling to himself.

"Sorry about that Chakotay."

"It's all right Matt. As you say, Festus is just Festus."

Matt looked at him. "You know he did have a point. You and Kathryn . . . well, you just seem a good fit."

"Thanks. I'd like to think so too." Said Chakotay.

As they neared the doors they again heard the women laughing. Before pushing them open Matt said, "Well now would you look at that. They seem to have hit it off. I wonder what those two ladies have been up to?"

Chakotay chuckled. "They're women Matt, what else?" Both men started laughing as Matt pushed the doors open and they walked in.

"What did you do with Festus?" smiled Kitty.

"Told him to go lock up the office," said Matt. As he sat down he asked, "You ready to have our usual nightcap, Kitty?"

Immediately Kathryn started to stand. "Well Chakotay," said Kathryn. "I think we should go back to our room and let these people enjoy the evening," and as she rose Matt also stood. Nodding in appreciation of that respect, she smiled and taking Chakotay's arm they left.

Back in their room they discussed possible ways of returning to their timeline. The only thing they could figure out was to somehow get back into that time loop and see if that would throw them forward this time.

"Well it's been a very eventful day, Kathryn. I suggest we both get some sleep," and he walked over to the chair and after sitting down started taking off his boots. "I must say these boots are not very comfortable."

Kathryn nodded and stood there uncertain as to what she should do. She watched Chakotay as he took one of the pillows and the top blanket from the bed and lay down on the floor, turning his back to her.

"Goodnight Kathryn, sleep well."

"Chakotay that floor isn't going to be very comfortable!"

"I've slept on hard floors before, Kathryn. I'll be fine," he replied.

Eventually she sat down on the bed and after undressing slipped under the covers.

Before too many minutes had passed Kathryn heard a sound and rose up. She listened for a few minutes and after realizing it was a bed squeaking in the next room lay back down. The squeaking continued and she once again rose up on her elbow.

"What on earth . . . ?"

Soon the squeaking became rhythmical and was accompanied by moans and groans. All of a sudden she realized what it was and her face felt hot as she flopped back down.

"Oh" was all she managed to say.

Chakotay, knowing what it was from the beginning just chuckled. "Go to sleep Kathryn. I'm sure it won't last long."

* * * *

The following morning Chakotay rose and groaned. "Haven't slept on a floor since I was a kid. Forgot how hard it can be."

"I'm sorry Chakotay, I wish there was something I could do."

Chakotay turned and looked at her, biting his tongue to keep from saying what he thought would solve the problem.

After getting dressed they walked down to Delmonico's and saw Doc Adams sitting alone at a table. He waved for them to join him and as they sat down he said, "Good morning you two. Get a good night's sleep?"

Kathryn's face immediately flushed but she stammered out "Fine."

Doc just looked at her in his quizzical yet knowing way and as he looked back down at his steak, smiled.

It wasn't long before the jangling of spurs could be heard. "Oh no," muttered Doc.

"Mornin' Doc. Mornin' Miss Kathryn, Chakotay. Mind if I join you?" and without waiting for an invitation he pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Festus, don't you know not to invite yourself to a table where people are having a private conversation?" said Doc in a grumpy voice.

"No need to be so grumpy there Doc. I join you every mornin'. You get up on the wrong side of the bed did ye?"

"No I didn't get up on any wrong side of the bed! Just one morning I would like to have a peaceful, quiet breakfast without you jawing my ear off."

Festus scrunched his right eye "That's what you get for going to bed so dang early last night. You done slept into the crankies!"

"Oh what's the use," said Doc as he looked in exasperation at Kathryn and Chakotay who were having a hard time holding back their laughter.

Miss Kitty walked in and Doc immediately waved her over.

As she sat down Festus said, "You be a mite gentle on the Doc here, Miss Kitty. He ain't feelin up to snuff this mornin'."

"You sick Doc?" asked Miss Kitty in a very concerned voice.

"I'm fine and I'm not cranky," he said in a loud, grumpy voice as he stood and fished in his vest for money to pay for his breakfast. "I'll leave you folks to put up with Festus and his palaver," and he left the table.

Kitty, understanding immediately what had transpired smiled and turned to Kathryn and Chakotay. "Have a good night's sleep?" she asked, looking directly at Kathryn. Again Kathryn blushed.

Following breakfast Chakotay had the bill put on his 'tab' and he would pay it later by doing some work. He and Kathryn walked around town for a spell, but spent most of the day at the Boarding House, working with their TriCorder and discussing how they might get back to their timeline.

After they retired for the evening, they again heard the bed squeaking in the next room but soon the hotel was quiet. An hour went by and Chakotay, with sore muscles from all the wood chopping, groaned as he tried to get comfortable on the floor.

Kathryn felt sorry for him, knowing how uncomfortable he must be. Making a decision she raised up on her elbow, the bed squeaking as she did so.

"Chakotay?"

"Yes?" he answered immediately, showing he was not asleep.

"I know you are suffering on the floor. Why don't . . . ?" she cleared her throat and then started again. "Why don't you come into this bed? It's certainly large enough for the two of us."

Chakotay's eyes opened wide in shock and he was absolutely silent.

"Chakotay did you hear me?" Kathryn whispered.

"I heard you Kathryn. But I don't think it's wise."

"Why not?"

Chakotay sat up. "For one simple reason, Kathryn. I'm a man and you're a woman."

"But I trust you Chakotay."

"It's not that Kathryn. I have sat beside you on Voyager for almost seven years. Sat beside the most beautiful woman in the world. On Voyager I can keep busy, but we are not on Voyager. We are in a room, alone, and I assure you Kathryn, if I get into that bed it's going to squeak just as much if not more than the bed next door." That said he lay back down.

"Oh," said Kathryn softly as she also lay back down. She became aware that not only her face was hot, but her loins as well and pulled the sheet up over her mouth. She knew what Chakotay meant and found herself wanting him . . . desperately wanting him. Would it be so bad? She wondered. Would they be able to face one another in the morning and if they get back to Voyager would they be able to maintain the command structure if they made love? But what if they couldn't get back to Voyager? She groaned softly. Not soft enough.

"What did you say?" asked Chakotay.

She pulled the sheet down past her lips. "Nothing," she said and immediately pulled the sheet clear up over her head. She squirmed on the bed, her desire becoming stronger and stronger. Each movement she made caused the bed to squeak. Finally she sat up, threw the covers back and sat on the edge. She sat thus for several minutes before she finally said, "The floor wont squeak will it?"

* * * *

The next day started out as a peaceful, sunny and very warm day, but then it happened. Chakotay and Kathryn were walking through town when a very drunk Parkins came walking towards them.

"Well, well, if it isn't our visitors." Looking at Kathryn he said, "How is it that such a beautiful woman like you takes up with a dirty Indian?"

Kathryn's blue eyes became hard. "First of all Mr. Parkins, his name is Chakotay and he is not a dirty Indian! Second, you don't even know us, so I fail to understand your antagonism."

He smiled and reached out with his hand, placing it on Kathryn's cheek. "Oh now Missy, no need to be so haughty. Besides, I would be a better man for you," and he grabbed her with his other hand and roughly pulled her to him.

Chakotay grabbed the man's arm and jerking it away gave the man a shove, pulling Kathryn back as he did so. Stepping in front of her he said, "You leave this woman alone and don't you dare touch her again!"

The man's hand flashed down to his gun. As his hand rested on the butt he said, "No Indian can talk to me that way. I'm calling you out, Mister."

Chakotay frowned, not understanding what the man said, but fully understanding the intent of the man's action.

"I don't carry any weapon as you can plainly see."

"Then get one!"

"Look, I'm not going to fight you," said Chakotay softly. "Just don't touch this woman again."

Parkins looked at Kathryn and sneered. "You ain't no lady to take up with an Indian, you are just a whore!"

Chakotay, incensed, quickly reached out with both hands and shoving the man against the wall, placed his forearm against the man's neck. "Don't you ever speak that way to Kathryn again, you hear me. You are scum and the next time you insult her I will fight you with my bare hands!" Releasing him he backed up until he was beside Kathryn.

Across the street the storekeeper, Mr. Lathrop, who was sweeping out in front of his store and had observed the whole incident, quickly put his broom down and hustled towards the Marshall's office.

"Marshall!" he shouted as he entered. "Parkins is causing a ruckus with those city folk and I think he called him out."  Dillon immediately rose, and grabbing his rifle strode quickly out the office and toward the threesome.

"What's going on here," he bellowed as he neared them.

"That Indian attacked me, Marshall. Arrest him!"

"I will not arrest anybody until I find out what happened." Turning to Kathryn and Chakotay he asked, "You folks all right?"

"We're fine Marshall," said Chakotay. "Mr. Parkins here insulted Kathryn and in the process I shoved him away from her and he said something about 'calling me out'."

"I saw it, too, Marshall," said a man lounging against a post. "Parkins had no call to insult the lady, but he did call that Indian fellow out."

Parkins nodded his head. "I'm calling him out, Marshall. No Indian can rough me up and get away with it."  Looking at Chakotay he pointed his finger. "Tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock, Indian, and you better have a gun!" With that he walked away.

Dillon looked around at the crowd that had now gathered. "All right folks. On your way. It's all over with." As the crowd began to disperse he looked back at Kathryn and Chakotay. "I'm sorry for that, but now we do have a problem. Better come with me," and he extended his arm towards his office, where Festus was standing in the doorway, his rifle at the ready.

After putting his rifle away Dillon sat down at his desk and looked up at them.

"What problem, Marshall?" asked Kathryn. "He instigated the whole thing."

"I realize that Kathryn, but you see out here in the west there is a code of honor. Parkins feels Chakotay, an Indian, insulted him and unfortunately Indians don't have many rights out here. He feels he has to defend his honor."

"But he insulted Kathryn, Marshall!" exclaimed Chakotay. "I just defended her. If anything it's the other way around."

"I'm sure that's true, knowing Parkins, but he called you out in front of a crowd of people and now feels he has to carry through with it. I stopped it today, but he could call you out at any time from now on and if I'm not around . . . "

"You mean Chakotay has to fight him?" asked Kathryn incredulously.

"Whether he wants to or not, and I'm afraid with Parkins' mood he just may shoot Chakotay in the back." Dillon leaned back in his chair and sighed.

"We'll leave town then, Matt," said Kathryn. "Chakotay is a peaceful man and has never fought unless to defend himself."

"I wouldn't even know how to handle a gun, let alone fire one," said Chakotay. "I wont stand much of a chance."

Festus scrunched up his eye. "I'm afraid Chakotay is right, Matthew. He don't stand no more a chance in a gun fight than a grasshopper in a henhouse."

Without wanting to Chakotay burst out laughing at that statement and soon Kathryn giggled and then Matt chuckled.

"Festus you do have a way of defusing tension," said Kathryn after she stopped laughing.

"Well I don't rightly know about this defusing you talk of, but truth is Chakotay will end up in Boot Hill unless we teach him how to handle a gun."

"He's right Chakotay. Even if you never use it, out here in the west you best learn how to handle one," and reaching down to his pulled it out of its holster and handed it to him, butt first.

Chakotay stared at, refusing to even reach for it. Looking at Dillon he asked, "What if I refuse to fight him?"

"Then everyone looks at you as a coward Chakotay," said Festus.

"Better a live coward than a dead hero," he replied. "I can't learn how to fire a gun before 8 o'clock tomorrow morning."

Dillon chuckled. "Well I've never seen an Indian yet that couldn't defend himself in some manner."

"Maybe I can convince him to fight with our fists instead," said Chakotay, "But I wont use a gun." Turning to Kathryn he smiled, "Don't worry, Kathryn, you wont lose your first . . . me on your first vacation."  He nodded to Matt and Festus. "See you in the morning," and taking Kathryn's arm they walked out the door.

"What are we going to do, Chakotay," Kathryn whispered as they walked along the boardwalk heading back towards the boarding house. All along the way people stopped and nodded to them without saying a word. Chakotay remained silent and just nodded back.

After dinner Kathryn and Chakotay sat in their room with Chakotay studying his TriCorder when there was a rapping on the door. After Kathryn watched Chakotay slip it back into his Starfleet jacket pocket and put it under a pillow on the bed, she walked to the door and opened it. Dillon, Kitty, Festus and Doc all stood there.

"Evening," said Matt. "May we come in?"

"Of course," said Kathryn as she stepped aside.

"What is it Matt?" asked Chakotay.

"Well we have been talking about how to avoid that confrontation in the morning and the only thing we can come up with is to slip you folks out of town. I know that seems cowardly, but after all you are from the east and don't understand the way things happen out here.

"I can let you borrow Ruth and you can leave now," said Festus.

"Ruth?" asked Kathryn. "Why would we borrow you wife or girlfriend?"

Doc laughed and rubbed his cheek with his hand. "Ruth is Festus' mule, Miss Janeway."

"You folks is gotta be out of town," said Festus. "Ruth will come back on her own. She knows where her keep comes from."

"Well I thank you for the offer Festus, but I won't run away."

Immediately Festus started a jabbering non-stop, protesting Chakotay's decision. After five minutes of hearing Festus talk, Chakotay suddenly stood, exasperation clearly showing on his face.

"Stop Festus! Kathryn and I are from the future and we will simply 'poof' and disappear!"

The room became deadly quiet. Not one sound was heard for a long time. Suddenly Adams started chuckling. "That is the first time I have ever seen anyone make Festus shut up and not have a response of some kind."

Kathryn and Kitty, along with Matt started laughing as they looked at Festus' dumbfounded expression.

Finally Festus chuckled. "Well I be a lop-eared mule. You really had me there."

Chakotay slapped him on the shoulder. "I'll be fine Festus, and thanks to all of you for your concern." Nodding their heads the four left, leaving Kathryn and Chakotay standing in the middle of the room staring at one another.

"For a minute I thought you had blown our cover Chakotay," said Kathryn as she held back laughing.

"I'm sorry Kathryn, I just got tired of his non stop talking," said Chakotay with a chuckle.

"So what are you going to do?"

"I'll show up and see if I can talk him out of it someway. But right now it's time for bed and if I'm going to be killed in the morning I want a good night's sleep first."

Chakotay! That's not funny!" exclaimed Kathryn.

"Sorry," he said as he retrieved his pillow and blanket. "Sometimes humor can relax you."He hesitated and stood looking at Kathryn.

She looked at him holding the pillow and blanket. They had made love last night, starting on the floor but had moved to the comfort of the bed despite its noise. She had discovered that Chakotay was a fantastic lover, the best lover she had ever had in her life. Afterwards they had discussed it, the breaking of protocols, and made the decision that if by chance they made it back to Voyager they would maintain their relationship, but very discreetly and only in their private hours.

She smiled at him and patted the bed beside her. "We might as well enjoy tonight if you are going to die in that fight tomorrow morning," she said in an attempt to be humorous.

Chakotay grinned and slipped in beside her. Soon the bed was . . . well you know.

* * * *

AT 8 a.m. the next morning the town of Dodge City was deathly quiet. People stood in various doorways, silently waiting to see what would happen. Inside the Long Branch Kathryn and Chakotay sat with Miss Kitty. A shout was heard from outside.

"All right Indian! I'm waiting. Are you too cowardly to even show up?"

Chakotay stood, and as Kathryn reached out and took his hand, he squeezed it and walked out the doors. The sun was still low in the east as well as bright and Chakotay immediately noticed Parkins had positioned himself with his back to it, forcing him look directly into the glare of the sun.

Chakotay walked out into the middle of the street, arms held out from his side. "I'm unarmed Parkins. I don't want to fight you."

"Then I guess I'll just have to kill you anyway."

"Can we not settle this in another manner like gentlemen?" asked Chakotay. "I'll fight you with my fists if you insist on fighting, but I wont shoot a gun."

"Sorry. Guns is my choice," he said as his hand was placed just above his gun, his fingers twitching.

Chakotay dropped his arms, and placing his hands on his hips said, "All right, shoot. But even here in the west, if you shoot an unarmed man you have committed murder and will be hung."

Parkins blinked at that, but finally shook his head. "Not if it's an Indian."

Suddenly Dillon walked out into the street, cradling his rifle, and stood beside Chakotay.

"What are you doing Marshall?  My quarrel is with that Indian. He insulted me!"

"It's the other way around Parkins," shouted Chakotay. "You insulted my woman," and no sooner were the words out of his mouth than he wanted to bite his tongue. He dare not look over to the saloon where he knew both Kathryn and Miss Kitty were standing, and his face felt hot.

He heard a jingling on his other side and looked. It was Festus and he too joined him, cradling ol' Bessie in his arms.

"You have three of us now, Parkins," shouted Matt.

"No matter, I'll get the Indian first," he responded.

The doors of the Long Branch could be heard swinging back and forth and Sam, holding a rifle, walked out into the street to stand beside Dillon. As he did that Mr. Lathrop walked out of his store and strode purposely into the street to stand beside Festus.

"You people are all crazy!" shouted Parkins. "What are you doing sticking up for an Indian?"

While he shouted that two more men who had been standing idly by on the sidewalk suddenly joined the group in the street.

Dillon, now noting it was seven to one nodded his head to Parkins. "Just walk away Parkins. Get on your horse and ride out of town and I wont arrest you."

Parkins stood, licking his lips, nervous sweat forming on his upper lip just below his nose. Clearly he was taken back by this show of support for Chakotay. After a long moment of silence and indecision, he moved his arm out from his side.

"All right Marshall, but I wont be back. I wont live in a town that supports Indians," and he slowly backed up a few steps, turned and while still watching the group from over his shoulder walked to his horse, mounted and rode away.

A big sigh went up from the group, Doc Adams, standing beside Miss Kitty swiped at his face in relief he wouldn't have to treat anyone and Kathryn quickly moved out to Chakotay and smiled in relief.

"You had me worried, Cowboy," she said using Miss Kitty's term of endearment for Matt.

"Believe me I was worried myself," he said with a grin. "Thanks to all of you for your support. It is very much appreciated," he said as he looked at all the men. The various members of the group smiled, touched their hats or nodded and dispersed.

As everyone trooped into the Long Branch Chakotay whispered to Kathryn outside the doors for several minutes before they walked in and joined them. After having a sarsaparilla they stood to leave and asked Matt to join them in their room in an hour.

Exactly one hour later Matt showed up at their door. After having him sit in the chair Kathryn began to talk. They told him they really were from the future, had gotten trapped in some kind of time loop and ended up here. The whole time Kathryn talked, with Chakotay adding something at various times, Matt sat quietly, his expression unchanged. Only his eyes seemed to show an occasional flicker of emotion or surprise.

Finally Kathryn stopped and Matt sat there a moment longer before finally saying, "You know I kept thinking there was something unusual about you folks, but I just couldn't put my finger on it. It does explain everything."

"We need your help now, Matt," said Chakotay. "We need you to take us out to our shuttle. We think we can return to our timeframe by reentering all the same coordinates and entering that time loop again."

Dillon nodded his head, his eyes still showing awe at what he was hearing. He smiled. "Of course I'll help, but what if it doesn't work?"

"Then we couldn't have been stranded with better folks," said Kathryn.

* * * * *

Some thirty minutes later Matt returned with an extra horse. Kathryn and Chakotay were waiting outside the boarding house and Chakotay helped Kathryn up behind Matt and then mounted the spare horse.

"Where you be heading at this hour Matthew," called out Festus as they rode by the Marshall's office.

"Just taking these folks over to the next town, Festus. They want to see it and then will catch the stage from there. You take care of things now."

"I will Matthew," he said, "But why leave in the middle of the day. Cain't they stay and at least have lunch?"  As both Chakotay and Kathryn shook their heads he waved and said, "Well then, take care of yourselves. Sorry to see you folks go."

Some four hours later Chakotay, who had been using his TriCorder, raised his arm and pointed. "Our craft is over behind that rise."

As they rounded the rise and Matt saw the shuttlecraft, his eyes opened wide. "You mean that goes up in the air?" he asked.

Chakotay dismounted and helped Kathryn down. As she walked to the shuttle, opened the hatch and disappeared inside, Chakotay smiled. "Not only goes up in the air, but beyond your sight Matt. It goes up into Space."

Kathryn appeared at the hatchway. "Everything is operational, Chakotay."

"Good. Well, Marshall, you are about to see the future. Just remember you can never tell anyone about this."

Matt nodded as he walked to the door and peered in. "Unbelievable," he said as he saw all the lights flashing. "Are you sure you can get back to your . . . future?"

"We're going to give it a good try. We have studied it every night in our room. Thanks for everything, Marshall."

Chakotay shook hands with him and went up front to the cockpit, while Kathryn walked up to Matt and gave him a big hug, much to Dillon's embarrassment.

"Take care of yourself Cowboy and don't let Miss Kitty get away. She's one in a million."

He smiled and said "I might say the same to you about Chakotay . . ."

Kathryn suddenly remembered something and held up her hand before Matt could say any more, said she would be right back and had Chakotay return to talk to Matt for a few minutes. After spending some time at the Replicator she walked to the hatch and handed Matt a package wrapped in newspaper.

"This is for Miss Kitty. It's a present from me and you are not to look at it Marshall. I expect you, on your word and as the law, to obey that wish."

"I give you my promise, Kathryn, I will give it to Kitty the minute I return and will not look at it in the meantime."

Before he could say any more Kathryn smiled, bid him goodbye and turned into the shuttle, sealed the hatch door and the whine of the engines was heard.  At this sound Matt's eyes grew wide

Slowly the shuttle lifted off the ground and moved forward, gathering speed. As it flew away it made a sharp turn and headed back over Matt's head, waggling the shuttle as they did. The shuttle then banked again and headed almost straight up and soon was out of sight.

"Well I'll be," said Dillon. He stared up into the sky a moment and then mounted his horse, looked again up at the now clear sky and said again, "Well I'll be . . . " Shaking his head he turned and headed back in the direction of Dodge. "It's nice to know the world survives," he muttered, "And to think I can't tell anyone." He chuckled then in a deep baritone sound. "And just who the heck could I tell anyway? They would all think I was crazy as a loon."

Meanwhile Chakotay and Kathryn punched at their respective consoles, entering various numbers and coordinates.

Chakotay looked at Kathryn. "What was in that Package you gave Matt for Miss Kitty?"

Kathryn got a very secretive smile on her face, as she said, "That's between Miss Kitty and I."

"Oh I get it, a woman thing," he said with a smile.

Kathryn laughed as she punched at her console. "Yep, a woman thing."

At last satisfied, they nodded to one another, Kathryn smiled and said, "Let's do it, Cowboy," and as Chakotay laughed he punched the console and the ship shot forward.

Needless to say they entered the time loop and with the new coordinates they had set to automatically feed from the sensors, were flung forward in time. As space at first became distorted and then again clear both looked around. Kathryn smiled and excitedly exclaimed, "There's Voyager, Chakotay. We did it!"

"Yes maam," said Chakotay. Looking at Kathryn he smiled. "I kind of liked that town and those people. I am going to go into our database and see if I can find anything on Dodge City and a certain Marshall by the name of Matt Dillon."

"Just make sure I'm with you when you do that," said Kathryn with a chuckle. "It sounds most interesting."

Meanwhile Matt Dillon sat by his campfire, deciding he wanted to spend the night out on the prairie and think about what he had just seen. As he stared up at the sky and all the twinkling stars, he shook his head in wonder. "To think one of them might be Kathryn and Chakotay," he mused.  Leaning on his elbow he started to chuckle.

"I would give my eye teeth to have seen Festus' reaction if he had seen that machine take off. I can just imagine what he would have said." Matt then laid his head back on his saddle and broke out in a long, loud laugh.

FINIS

Dec. 2000

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