Disclaimer: Star Trek and all things Trek belong to Paramount. I'm just using the characters for my story.

The Healing

by Dee Price


The Doctor walked around Sick Bay humming a nameless tune. He stopped what he was doing and glanced over at Commander Chakotay, still lying in the coma-induced state he administered two days ago after repairing his injuries. But it was the Captain he was now worried about. She was there with her head on her arms at the side of his bed. She had come each night after her shift on the Bridge and stayed until he had ordered her to bed. The first night she had simply stood and moved to the bed beside Chakotay and spent the night. Last night he had made sure he specified it was her bed he was ordering her to.

He walked over beside her. "Captain?"

She raised her head and looked at him with bleary eyes.

"Captain, you should get some rest."

"I'm fine Doctor." She then looked at Chakotay, who now looked so peaceful. Turning back to the Doctor she asked, "When are you going to awaken him?"

"He should actually start waking up on his own in a few hours."

"Fine. I'll wait here."

"Captain!" It could be as long as four to five hours! You really must get some sleep. Don't make me give you an order."

"I'm staying Doctor. I want to be here when he wakes up."

"I assure you, Captain, I'll call you the minute he starts to stir."

Janeway turned and glared at him.

"Or you can stay here and look like the wrath of God. I'm only the Doctor. What do I know," and walked away.

Four hours later Kathryn was suddenly aware of a hand on her arm. Raising her head she saw Chakotay was looking at her. Smiling, she stood and moved up to him. Placing her hand on his shoulder she lowered her head and whispered, "Welcome back, Commander."

He swallowed and his eyes darted around the room. Then he looked back at her. "This isn't a dream . . . I'm not dead?"

Still smiling, but now with her eyes brimming with wetness, she took hold of his hand with both of hers. "No, it isn't a dream. You're in Sick Bay."

"I thought I would never see you again," he said in a voice barely audible. Then he smiled that beautiful smile she so dearly loved, closed his eyes and with a big sigh mumbled, "I'm here, Kathryn," then drifted off.

"His vital signs are all improving. I suspect by morning they will be normal," said the Doctor.

Kathryn jumped. She hadn't heard him move up beside her. "He's just gone back to sleep now?"

"Yes Captain. He will very likely drop in and out of sleep for the next day or two. He's experienced severe trauma and his body needs a lot of recuperation. By all rights he should have died in that fall, let alone live for five days. I must say his desire to stay alive is nothing short of a miracle, and if you'll allow me, you are that miracle."

Kathryn shook her head. "I assure you, Doctor, it was his Spirit that kept him alive."

"It certainly wasn't his Spirit, Captain,” argued the doctor. “You know as well as I that it was his love for a certain Captain that . . ."

"That's enough, Doctor!" Then she shook her head and looked at him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to speak so sharply."

"Hmmmm. Yes, well, you can deny it all you want, Captain, but . . ." and as the Captain again looked sharply at him, continued with ". . . but I think I have work to do at my desk."

Kathryn stood. "Doctor?"

"Yes, Captain?" he said from the doorway of his office.

"Thank you . . . for everything."

The Doctor smiled and in a gentle tone said, "Your welcome, Captain. Now why don't you get some rest? Outside of that fall, you look as bad as the Commander."

Kathryn nodded, looked at Chakotay and back to the Doctor.

"I assure you, Captain, I'll call you if there's any change. Now go."

She gave half a smile, turned and walked out the door, folding her arms across her chest and with her head hanging down.

The Doctor watched her leave and sadly shook his head. "One of these days, Captain," he said quietly, "You will admit it out loud and this whole ship will be happier."

* * *

Early the next morning, Kathryn and White Rain arrived at the same time and when White Rain apologized and started to leave, Kathryn quickly took his arm and brought him in with her. Chakotay awoke shortly thereafter and looked at the two of them. Smiling weakly he said, "By what the Doctor told me last night I owe you two a big thank you."

"Friendship does not require anything, Chakotay," said White Rain immediately. "You are my friend, my brother, my compatriot and you would have done the same for me."

"Don't be too sure, White Rain," said Chakotay with a smile.

Both Kathryn and White Rain laughed at this and Chakotay then looked at Kathryn and reached out for her hand. As she took hold of his hand with hers she smiled.

"The Doctor says your vital signs are now normal, your recovery nothing short of a miracle."

"And I would guess your stubbornness played a hand in that," he said trying to laugh. This effort caused him to cough, followed by a small groan.

Kathryn immediately stood. "We don't want to tire you. Besides, I see Tom, Harry and B'Elanna are at the door and I'm due on the Bridge. I have a feeling you're going to have a steady stream of visitors, Chakotay. Everyone is elated you are back with us."

Word quickly spread that Chakotay was in a wakeful state. A continual stream of friends and visitors began to drop by Sick Bay and chat for a minute, and if he were asleep they would stand silently at his bed and marvel that he was still alive. Chakotay was vaguely aware of people being there. At times he would be lucid enough to say a few words and other times he would either be so groggy or asleep he didn't know if anyone had been there or not.

The Doctor finally administered a light sedative after he realized the Commander was now trying to force himself to stay awake to say hello to visitors. Chakotay was just getting groggy when Kathryn stopped by. He immediately took hold of her hand and said as he had the first time he regained consciousness, "I didn't think I would ever see you again."

She smiled and said softly, " I must admit I had begun to feel the same way, but I kept hearing you calling out to me and finally your Spirit Guide showed me the way."

He frowned. "I don't remember anything other than falling."

"Sshhh. We won't talk about that yet. Go to sleep now. I'll tell the Doctor to stop the visits. After all, they have sixty years to see you," she said with a slight chuckle.

Chakotay closed his eyes and started to drift asleep. As his hand relaxed in holding hers, she stood, placed her hand gently on his cheek for a moment, stopped briefly to check with the Doctor, and then left for her quarters.

* * *

Early the next morning Chakotay awoke with a start and looked around. "Doctor?" When no one answered he decided to sit up, and after a struggle entailing more effort then he realized it would take, was finally sitting on the edge of the bed, light-headed and breathing heavy.

The Doctor suddenly appeared and said, "Commander! You shouldn't be doing that without someone nearby to assist you. You are not ready for this."

"I'm tired of laying on my back. A little exercise would be good therapy," he said wearily.

"I agree, but not until you are stronger."

"When will that be, Doctor? Next week? I can't get stronger laying on my backside!"

Kathryn walked in during this tête-à-tête and smiled broadly. "Well, looks like you have your fighting spirit back, Chakotay."

The Doctor turned to her. "Captain! Will you order him to lie back down? He wants to get out of bed!"

"Well . . . after laying on his back for three days, it seems like a good sign to me, Doctor."

"Not to mention five days in that damn hole," Chakotay added.

The Doctor gave an exasperated sigh. "All right. The Captain and I will help you walk a couple of steps. Will that make you happy?" he said sarcastically.

"Yes it will, thank you very much," said Chakotay just as sarcastically.

Kathryn and the Doctor each took a side and helped him take a couple of steps. "Easy Chakotay" cautioned Kathryn. "Remember you haven't been on your feet for nine days."

Chakotay grunted as sweat began to form on his forehead and he realized just how weak his legs were. "That long, huh. All right, Kathryn, for you I'll stop." After he was again sitting on the edge of the bed, he looked at the Doctor. "I do want to walk every so often, Doctor. I just can't lie there. I feel fine this morning."

"You feel fine because I healed you and kept you resting!"

"The resting is over, Doctor! Its exercise I need from now on, damn it!"

"Some gratitude, huh Doc?" said B'Elanna from the door. "Being a little testy today are we Chakotay?" she added walking over to the bed.

Chakotay groaned as Kathryn helped him lie back on the bed, and then she moved to the other bed and sat on its edge. Finally she could hold it no longer and started laughing.

"What's so funny?" asked Chakotay with a frown.

"You. This is just great! I'm sorry I don't mean to condone this bickering between Doctor and patient, but after what you've been through . . . well, it is just fantastic to see."

"Yeah," added B'Elanna with a laugh. "For a minute there I thought I was seeing the old cranky Maquis warrior again!"

"Ok, ok, you guys win," said Chakotay with a weak smile as he slid himself to a lower position. Laying his head back he sighed. Soon his breathing was deep and rhythmical and it was obvious he had gone back to sleep.

"Wore himself out . . . just like I tried to tell him," said the Doctor smugly.

Janeway and B'Elanna smiled at each other and left for breakfast. Just as they went out the door they met Tom and Harry.

"Chakotay just went back to sleep," said B'Elanna laughing. "The battle with the Doctor wore him out."

"Battle with the Doc?" chortled Harry. "The Commander is feeling better! That's great news isn't it, Captain?"

"Yes, indeed, Harry. By the way, if things are slow on the Bridge today I might have you two come down and walk him. That seems to be what he now wants."

"Be glad to Captain," said Harry.

"Oh come on, Harry!" groused Tom. "Why do you always volunteer me for things."

* * *

It was 1300 hours when Tuvok entered Sick Bay. "How are you feeling today, Commander?"

"Fine, Tuvok. A little winded is all. Tom and Harry just took me for a walk."

Tuvok stood silently for a moment then asked, "Commander are you well enough to answer some questions?"

"Questions? What kind of questions?" he asked warily.

"Lt. Torres, Ensign Kim and myself are attempting to investigate your accident. I thought maybe if you could . . ."

"I don't remember anything, Tuvok," said Chakotay sharply. Then he held up his hand and apologized. "Sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you."

"I didn't interpret it as yelling, Commander. But it would help if you could tell me if you noticed or felt anything when you materialized on that planet."

"Nothing. I wasn't fully materialized," he said with a sigh.

"Are you saying . . . ?"

"All right, Tuvok," he said quietly. "Look, I'll try to explain, but I don't really have much to tell you. I was just starting to materialize on the planet when I felt myself flying through the air.

I vaguely remember thinking at first that there must be a momentary glitch in the transporter, but it was like a . . . a magnet, like I was being drawn through the air."

"A magnet? You were being pulled?" Tuvok then noticed Chakotay's eyes had glazed over and his whole body was trembling.

"Are you all right, Commander?"

Chakotay's eyes slowly cleared and his body stopped trembling. He looked up at Tuvok. "I'm ok. I really can't tell you anymore. I was going through the air and then I fell into that hole and began that one long horrific free fall that never seemed to end."

"Are you aware if you were solid during your fall?"

"I don't know . . . no . . . maybe. I seem to remember at one time hitting a rock or something. That must have been when I broke my ribs. Maybe I hit my head, too, and was knocked out because I have no recollection after that, of how far I dropped or when I hit bottom."

"Did you regain consciousness at anytime?"

"Once. But I was in so much pain I passed out immediately. After that it was like a dream state. I kept thinking of Voyager, Kath . . . the Captain. That's all I can tell you."

"On the planet, did . . ."

"That's enough, Tuvok!" yelled Chakotay as he placed both hands over his face.

"Yes, Commander. Well, get some rest," and he turned and started for the door.

"Tuvok," said Chakotay quietly.

"Yes, Commander?"

"I'm sorry for yelling again."

"Apology is not necessary, Commander. Then as he turned to the door he appeared to mutter to himself, "I fail to comprehend the human compulsion to continually . . ."

The rest was lost to Chakotay as Tuvok disappeared into the corridor. He smiled. As upsetting as it was to talk about his 'accident' as Tuvok had termed it, it had been good to see him. And Tuvok was the first to bring up the incident and have him talk about it. Thinking again about his transport made his body start to shake uncontrollably.

* * *

Chakotay stalked around his room. He had spent five days in Sick Bay before convincing the Doctor he was well enough to leave. The Doctor had finally agreed, after first talking to the Captain, but had restricted him to quarters. Now he had spent four days here and it was driving him nuts. He felt like a caged animal!

Crewmembers had stopped by for visits, of course, with B'Elanna, Tom, Harry, White Rain and Kathryn coming the most often. He especially enjoyed it when Kathryn came and they had dinner together.

Tuvok stopped by again, but this time did not ask any questions. Instead he informed him there was no evidence of transporter malfunction and without samples of the rock, the situation would likely remain unsolved. Therefore, they had terminated the investigation. Chakotay merely nodded, but inwardly felt both relief and unrest.

The Doctor, of course, came three times a day, and Neelix brought Mushroom Soup every noon. Hell, even 7 of 9 had stopped by twice, but never entered the room.

Just then his door chimed and he yelled, "Come in!"

The door opened to reveal Kathryn. She was stunningly beautiful in white slacks and a white Satin blouse open at the neck. Her hair hung loosely down to her shoulders and a strand of Pearls with matching earrings completed her simple but elegant appearance. Chakotay stood there staring, mesmerized by her beauty.

Kathryn smiled as she walked in. "I hope your bark is worse than your bite, Chakotay."

"I'm sorry, Kathryn. It's just being cooped up in this room. I'm going crazy."

"Well maybe I can help. I just came from talking the Doctor into giving you a night out . . . under my supervision, of course," she added with a laugh.

Chakotay broke into a big smile and Kathryn felt her knees buckle. Damn him and that smile and those dimples! Damn him for being so handsome . . . Oh, what am I saying? I love him.

Gathering her wits about her she said, "We can have our dinner first or go down to the Mess Hall and mingle a little. The crew is anxious to see you."

"Having dinner with you sounds the most appealing, you look so beautiful tonight." Then he looked down at the floor for a moment before adding, "But I suppose with all the effort everyone put out rescuing me it would be proper to show them I'm up and around."

"Good," said Kathryn with a smile. "But I assure you we wont stay long. I don't want to wear you out so that we can't enjoy the rest of the evening."

"The rest of the evening?"

"Yes, I have plans for a restful, but delightful evening out."

"Doing what?"

"Now who is wheedling," she teased. "Come on, change into some comfortable clothes, we'll get the formalities over with, and then . . ."

"You're not going to tell me are you?" he said with a big smile.

Kathryn responded by sitting down on the couch, crossing her legs, and then with a big flourish, crossed her arms across her chest.

- - - - - -

When Chakotay and Kathryn finally walked into the Mess Hall, Chakotay was shocked to find the room crowded with wall-to-wall people. Obviously word had gotten around that he was going to be there - and Chakotay felt sure he could blame Tom for that bit of loose gossip. However, what surprised and embarrassed him the most was the applause that started upon his entrance. He looked at Kathryn who was smiling proudly.

"Kathryn, I . . . ”

"Enjoy it, Chakotay. They love you." Then to herself, Oh God . . . as do I."

Chakotay then turned to look at the gathering. Spotting White Rain and Lopez he walked over and gave each a bear hug. Then he turned to Tom who was standing nearby.

"I understand you think I owe you another life, Tom. What's your count now, two?"

"It's three, Chakotay, and don't try to weasel out of it."

"You know what, Tom," said Chakotay with a big smile, "I'd actually be happy as hell if I never had to pay off that debt."

"You and me both, Commander," said Tom with a laugh. "But that doesn't mean you still don't owe them to me."

Chakotay then put one hand on Tom's right shoulder, turned and put his other hand on White Rain's left shoulder. "Thank you both for what you did. I'll never forget it." Then he looked down at White Rain's hands, which still had bandages and smiled. "I see you still don't like the white man's medicine."

White Rain smiled and then he and Chakotay stood silently looking into each other's eyes, with unspoken words flowing between them until Chakotay finally said quietly, "Thank you, my brother."

Turning, Chakotay looked around the room, giving a personal nod to some faces before he spoke. "There are a lot of people in this room who were personally involved in helping with my rescue. And all of you were involved with your prayers and best wishes. As time goes on I will get around to each of you individually, but for now a simple thank you is the best I can do."

Then he looked once again at Tom. "At one time, Tom, I thought you were scum. At one time, you would never have even thought of going down in that hole. But you have changed and I have changed. We have both grown a lot over the last four years and I want to now tell you . . . want to now publicly acknowledge . . . I am proud to serve with you . . ." With that he reached out and grasped Tom's right arm at the elbow so their forearms were joined . . ."Proud to call you my friend."

Tom felt a momentary sting of moisture in his eyes. Blinking rapidly, he smiled and grasped Chakotay's right elbow and replied, "My friend."

Chakotay then moved around the room, nodding to most, but personally thanking those men he had been told volunteered on the rope. Kathryn soon moved up beside him and gently taking his elbow said, "I think it's been long enough, Chakotay."

After entering the corridor, Chakotay asked, "Ok, what is this 'rest of the evening' you mentioned."

Kathryn looked up at him. "I'm not sure it's a good idea now. You look exhausted." Then seeing the extreme disappointment that flooded Chakotay's face, she smiled and added, "Oh all right. Don't pout."

The evening turned out to be a midnight sail on Lake George, followed by a picnic on the shore by the light of a campfire, and ended with them roasting marshmallows. As much as he didn't want the evening to end, he was grateful to finally be back in his bed after grudgingly admitting to Kathryn he was exhausted.

But during the night the nightmares continued. He would awaken in a cold sweat and then toss and turn the rest of the night.

* * *

Two days later Chakotay returned to part time duty. Gradually over the next four days his time was extended until he was back to full time on Alpha shift. Kathryn felt ecstatic to have him once again on the Bridge, sitting beside her. And for Chakotay, returning to duty was like a tonic. His strength, his health, his enthusiasm and his "wicked sense of humor" as B'Elanna had phrased it, were now all back to one hundred percent. He felt like his old self once again . . . except for the nightmares.

The next day Voyager entered orbit around the planet Voss. Crews had beamed down periodically during the day to obtain the needed supplies and equipment.

Kathryn looked over at Chakotay. "Commander, I have to go down to the planet shortly and meet with Premier Klerk. Would you care to accompany me?"

Chakotay looked at her, his heart racing. His pupils momentarily flared open, then he smiled. "That's ok, Captain. I'll maintain watch on the Bridge while you go down. Unless it's required I go with you."

"No, not all, Commander." She hesitated. She had seen the momentary panic that had filled his eyes, and made a mental note to talk to him about it later. "It's just the customary greeting. I'll take care of it." She then stood and left the Bridge.

Chakotay looked down at the floor. She had seen it. She had seen he was afraid

That night Chakotay again was having a fitful sleep. He tossed and turned, got up and walked around, lay down and tossed and turned some more. This 'feeling' was eating him up and he couldn't stand much more! He reached up and wiped the sweat from his forehead, closed his eyes and tried once again to go to sleep.

After lying there a few more minutes, he sat up. "Computer, what time is it?"

"0530 hours," came the reply.

Dressing quickly, he tapped his Com Badge. "White Rain, meet me in the Transporter Room and bring Lopez with you." Then he left without waiting for a reply.

Reaching the Transporter Room Chakotay hesitated, then squared his shoulders, took a deep breath and walked in. As he stopped and stared at the pad he could feel every hair on his body standing on end. At the same time he broke out into a cold sweat.

A few moments later White Rain and Lopez entered. White Rain quickly surmised the situation and said nothing. Turning to Lopez he nodded for him to move to the Console and then stepped up beside Chakotay. Looking deep into his friend's eyes he saw the fear, then turned and stepped up on the pad and nodded to Chakotay to join him. After several seconds, Chakotay hesitantly moved onto the pad. White Rain then reached out with both hands and grasped each of Chakotay's forearms at the elbows. Chakotay instantly grabbed at White Rain's elbows. They stood looking at one another for a moment and White Rain could see Chakotay's heart beating wildly. Very quietly he said to Lopez, "Now."

As the Transporter began to hum, panic rose in Chakotay's eyes. "My friend." White Rain said calmly and squeezed Chakotay's arms.

Lopez, after initiating the transport stood for a moment and stared at the empty pad. Finally satisfied he moved to the wall, leaned back and lowered himself to the floor.

On the planet surface, as the two forms materialized, White Rain could still see the wild panic in Chakotay's eyes, and Chakotay had tightened his grip so much that White Rain's forearms felt numb. Gradually the panic dissipated to a quiet fear and finally a blank expression.

As they released each other's arms, Chakotay expelled a large sigh, only realizing then he had been holding his breath. He walked a few steps away from White Rain, hesitated briefly as he looked back, then turned and walked towards the horizon. White Rain grunted acceptance and moved to a nearby rock to sit and wait.

Chakotay walked for a while and then spotting a lonely tree walked to it and sat at its base. Staring straight ahead he said quietly, "Kolopak, my father, I am afraid. I am not worthy of being your son . . ."

Meanwhile Lopez, who was still sitting quietly, slowly opened his eyes and looked at the empty pad. After several minutes, he pushed away from the wall, stood and tapped his badge.

"Captain Janeway?" He waited, and then repeated, "Captain Janeway?"

After a few moments the Captain's very groggy voice came over the com. "This is Janeway."

"Captain," he said calmly, "This is Ensign Lopez. Could you please come to the Transporter Room?"

Kathryn, realizing something was happening, but also cognizant of Ensign Lopez' calm voice, replied, "On my way Ensign." Rising, she looked briefly at her uniform, then reached for her robe, put it on and headed out the door.

Down on the planet, White Rain sat with his face raised to the sky and waited for Chakotay to return. Soon he felt, rather than heard, Chakotay's presence. Smiling he said, "You can still move as silent as the wind, Chakotay," then opened his eyes to look at his friend.

Chakotay knelt down and looked at him. Placing his right hand on White Rains' shoulder he said, "White Rain, my friend, my brother, who always gives and never asks."

White Rain responded by placing his hand on Chakotay's shoulder, and looking deep into Chakotay's eyes said, "We are as a single soul residing in two bodies, my brother." They stayed in this position for several minutes while silently looking into the others eyes. Then they both stood and walked to the beam down spot. White Rain turned to face Chakotay and placed his right hand to Chakotay's right forearm and grasped his elbow. Chakotay closed his hand on White Rain's elbow and nodded.

As White Rain said "Now Lopez," he could see Chakotay's eyes were clear and his grip firm.

Meanwhile, Kathryn had entered the Transporter Room and looked at Ensign Lopez behind the Control Panel. She stood silently looking at this young man who simply returned her look impassively. A few moments passed, then Kathryn heard White Rain's voice say "Now Lopez," and Lopez immediately looked away from the Captain and down to his Console.

Working his controls, the transporter began to hum and soon two forms began glittering on the pad.

Kathryn moved to the pad and looked on silently as the two men, with right arms joined, materialized.

Chakotay released White Rain's arm, clapped him on the shoulder and turned to look at Kathryn. Stepping off the pad he moved wordlessly and enveloped Kathryn in an embrace, while White Rain and Lopez discreetly walked out of the room.

With his voice filled with emotion he whispered, "I think I'm all right now, Kathryn."

"I know you are, Chakotay, I know you are," she said as she tightened her arms around him.

But it was during this quiet embrace that Captain Janeway made her decision.

This had to end

* * *-

An hour later, Janeway strode onto the Bridge. It was now 0815 hours and she noted with quiet satisfaction the hum of activity as Alpha shift had assumed their stations and were busy checking systems. She glanced briefly at Chakotay's chair and her heart cramped seeing him there. He glanced up at her, gave a short nod and went back to work on his console.

Looking at Tuvok she noted him busily checking various readouts. Walking down to her chair, she turned and again looked at Tuvok.

This time he looked up at her and reported, "All systems are ready for departure, Captain."

Nodding, she turned and sat down, characteristically crossing her legs as she did so. "Tom, take us out, one-quarter impulse."

"Aye, Captain," came the reply and the ship began its subtle change from orbiting the planet below to heading once again for the Alpha Quadrant.

Soon the activity slowed as everyone settled into his or her routine. Ten minutes later B'Elanna entered and checked with Tuvok on one of the readouts, then moved to the Engineering console and sat down.

Kathryn decided that now was the time. Standing, she turned and faced Tuvok.

“Mr. Tuvok, give me ship-wide communications please."

Tuvok, after momentarily raising an eyebrow, tapped at his console, then announced, "Channels are open, Captain."

Janeway looked around the Bridge and noted all eyes were on her. Glancing down at Chakotay she saw puzzlement in his eyes. Straightening her posture, she lifted her head and began.

"All hands, this is the Captain. I have an announcement to make. For some time now, most, if not all of you, have been aware of the feelings Commander Chakotay and I had for each other."

Chakotay's heart lurched at her use of the word 'had.' What was she doing?

Janeway continued. "We have also been aware of the whispers behind our back, the sly smiles and . . ." she turned and looked at Tom. "The various bets and pots that have been running."

She glanced down at Chakotay once again and could now see fear and hurt building in his eyes.

"We have not and cannot do anything about our feelings because of Starfleet Protocol, and the integrity of the command structure. You, and we, are well aware of the pitfalls that could arise if your two Senior Officers were to engage in a relationship or even marry. The problems and pressures would be enormous, and not really fair to either of us."

She hesitated and took a deep breath in an effort to quiet her pounding heart.

"Chakotay has just been through a very traumatic experience, and although we are all glad he is back with us, this situation is not fair to him."

She then felt her throat constricting at what she was about to say.

"I'm telling all of you here and now this situation as it now stands must end."

Chakotay bowed his head and his heart started to cry,

"All whispers, all bets will end immediately."

Then looking down at Chakotay, who still sat with his head bowed, her tone changed as she said, "Because, there are special times when Protocol doesn't apply."

At this Chakotay's head snapped up and Kathryn could see the wetness that had formed in the corner of each eye.

"I want to publicly announce my very deep love for Chakotay. I have come to realize over the last two weeks, with the assistance and infinite wisdom I might add, of Lt. White Rain, that Chakotay and I are Soulmates and I want Chakotay to know that despite all the problems we will face in the future, I want him in my life . . . if he'll have me," and she extended her hand to Chakotay.

Chakotay immediately stood and that heart-warming, knee-buckling smile of his spread across his face as he took her hand.

Throughout the ship the only sound heard for a while was the rustle of fabric.

White Rain down in Security gave a whoop and turned with a smile to Lopez, who himself was grinning from ear to ear.

The Doctor, standing in the middle of Sick Bay said, "Well, it's about time!" and celebrated by spraying his Hypo Spray into the room.

On the Bridge, where they personally had seen the joining, a few exchanged high fives with a nearby co-worker, while everyone smiled broadly.

Everyone that is, except for Mr. Tuvok. But if you looked closely, looked deep into his eyes, you could see approval shining there.

Finis

July 1998

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