Disclaimer: Paramount owns all of Trek. No infringement intended. I'm just borrowing some of their characters.

CHASING GHOSTS

by Dee Price


Kathryn emitted a loud, disconsolate sigh as she turned her head and looked out the kitchen window. The flowers, in full bloom and beautiful, weren't even given a glance. She held a PADD, which contained a letter from Chakotay. A Starfleet messenger, without a word of explanation, had delivered it to her one month after Voyager returned to Earth. After another mournful sigh, she looked back at the instrument.

Kathryn: I am writing this letter in the event something happens to me. Tomorrow we will dock at Earth.

You did it Kathryn. You got us home, just like you always said you would. I have no idea what Starfleet has in mind for me, and even though you insist all the Maquis have performed 'beautifully', in your words, and that nothing will happen to us, I am not so sure. In the event they incarcerate or even execute me there is something I want you to know.

I love you Kathryn. I'm sorry you are hearing those words for the first time in this manner. I'm sorry I'm not holding you in my arms and tasting those wonderful lips of yours that I have desired for seven very long years, as I tell you of my feelings

Kathryn lay the PADD down on the kitchen table and wiped away a solitary tear that was forming in her eye. She knew this letter by heart, having read it for what felt like the millionth time. Rising she walked to the stove and poured herself a cup of tea and sat back down at the table.

When Voyager had docked the euphoria was immense, not only among the crew, but with Starfleet as well. An Admiral had beamed to the ship and congratulated her and shook hands with Commander Chakotay, smiling and telling him what an excellent job he had done.

Kathryn had felt so proud of her crew and eagerly looked forward to completing the debriefings the Admiral had stated would begin the very next day. During the first day, the Senior Officers were together in the morning and had lunch together. At the afternoon session they had each been taken to separate rooms for personal debriefing.

That night, she and Chakotay had dinner together at her mother's home, per her mother's specific request. Her mom had immediately taken a liking to Chakotay and said as much to Kathryn after he left. However, before leaving Chakotay had made a strange statement, telling her he wasn't sure what Starfleet was up to and she might not see him again. She had laughed if off with the remark "Starfleet is likely to keep us busy for at least a month with these debriefings, and during that time I'm sure we will not see much of one another."

The second day everyone met at Headquarters and as each crewmember was led away by an Officer she had called out, "Dinner tonight?" He had nodded and that was the last time she ever saw Chakotay again. He didn't show up for dinner nor had he been seen by anyone else from that day on. In fact, B'Elanna Torres also disappeared that day and had not been heard from either.

She made inquiries but each time Starfleet assured her everyone was being debriefed in private and that 'everything was all right.'

She sighed, picked up the Padd and continued reading the letter.

You are a special and wonderful woman Kathryn. My Spirits led me to you and knowing you has been the best thing to ever happen to me. You quieted my angry spirit and I found peace being at your side for seven years. Yes, we had some bad moments along the way, but I wouldn't change a thing. Well, yes I do wish I could have told you my feelings, especially on New Earth, but then you knew how I felt from that time on didn't you?

I had hopes and plans to spend the rest of our lives together, but I am very afraid this will not happen, hence this letter. If I am wrong I will make it up to you. Also, if anything does happen I will, at the first possible chance, make every effort feasible to contact you.

She dropped her hand to her lap and again glanced out the window. A cold nose nuzzled her palm. Looking down at her dog Brandi, she smiled and started petting her head. Brandi rose up on her hind legs and placed both front paws on Kathryn's thigh and whined.

"I know. You think I'm not paying enough attention to you don't you?" Without warning Brandi leaped onto Kathryn's lap, jostling the table and knocking the cup of tea all over its surface.

"Oof! Brandi! You're too big to be held on my lap you silly thing!" said Kathryn laughing. Brandi's response was to start licking Kathryn's cheek. Giving her a tight hug Kathryn then made Brandi get down and the dog, after a momentary pleading look, curled up at Kathryn's feet. She stared at Brandi a moment before rising to clean the table. That done, along with a fresh cup of tea, she again looked at the letter, but paused momentarily to reflect before once again reading.

It had now been a year since Chakotay and B'Elanna had disappeared. Despite what he had said in his letter Chakotay had never contacted her in all this time and that made her extremely fearful as to what might have happened. She had made every type of inquiry possible, twisted all the arms she could, poured over Starfleet's database with a fine tooth comb, but the last reference to Chakotay was the debriefing during the first day back. She had read that report intently, but found nothing amiss or portending what was to happen.

During the year she had been sent out on two different missions, both successful. But it felt so strange to have a completely new crew, new faces and new First Officer. She had found it very unsettling both times. In the meanwhile she had kept up her inquiries regarding the Maquis. It seemed strange to her only Chakotay and B'Elanna of the Maquis had disappeared. The remaining members had completed their debriefings, thanked her for getting them home and then supposedly left for parts unknown. It was only later she discovered most of them had been given prison sentences, but inquiries as to their whereabouts, as well as her request to visit them, was turned down.

Of late, all her inquiries regarding Chakotay had been met with an impassive face and the same, sometimes sharp, response. "I'm sorry Captain Janeway, I don't know, I can't help you." She ranted, yelled and threatened, all to no avail. Chakotay and B'Elanna had essentially 'disappeared'. She hoped and prayed they had not been quietly executed. If she ever found that to be true, she would raise a public holy terror with Starfleet.

Picking up the letter she looked at it now with tears in both her eyes and continued reading.

We had some wonderful times together, Kathryn, if you call battling the Borg wonderful. Species 8472 wasn't any picnic either. But you beat them both with your expertise. This isn't to say you didn't make mistakes, because you did, but maybe that's why I love you so much.

Know that you will always be in my heart, Kathryn, and in the future if you somehow feel down or lonely, or even in a critical situation on some mission, know that I am with you, that I will always be with you wherever you go because my spirit resides in your heart. I will always . . . .

The doorbell interrupted at that moment and Brandi set off on a run, barking all the way. Kathryn shut off the Padd, placed it on the table and walked to the front door. As she opened it she saw the somber, blue eyes of Tom Paris.

"Tom! How wonderful to see you. Come in, come in."

"Hi Captain. I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said after stepping inside.

"No you're not. When did you get back?"

"Just an hour ago. I just wanted to check with you right away to see if . . ."and he stopped and just looked at her.

"I'm sorry Tom, I haven't found out anything, despite all my efforts. But I will never give up until I find them."

"I know you won't, Captain, neither will I. Well I don't want to disturb you. I have to report to Starfleet first thing in the morning to debrief and Dad already contacted the ship on the way in and arranged for us to have dinner together tonight."

"Give my regards to Admiral Paris, Tom"

"I suppose you have tried to question him some more?"

Kathryn smiled. "I think he is ready to phaser me I have pestered him so much."

Tom nodded. "Well I'll give it another shot tonight, even though it will lead to another argument. Oh," he said as he started to reach for the door, "have you heard from Harry?"

"I believe he will be back next week, Tom."

"Good, well if you hear from him before I do tell him to give me a call."

"Will do."

Tom hesitated a moment. Kathryn sensed he wanted to say something else, so just silently waited. Finally Tom looked at her and said, "Captain, I just want you to be the first to know. Tomorrow morning I am resigning my commission. I've thought long and hard about it, from every possible angle, but I always come back to the same conclusion. Any organization that does what Starfleet has apparently done and keeps it secret doesn't deserve my loyalty."

Kathryn nodded. "I'm sorry Tom. I sort of suspected you might be doing that, but to be honest that thought has crossed my mind as well. In fact, I've though about it quite often in the last five months."

Tom nodded, "You do what you think best, Captain. Talk to you later," and left.

# # # # #

Two weeks later Kathryn was called in and assigned a covert mission. It seems the Cardassians were up to something along the Neutral Zone. Kathryn's initial reaction was to turn it down, but when they said she would have the new ship The Phoenix, with all its latest technology, she couldn't resist. Besides, she told herself, one last mission then I will also resign my Commission. Tom is right. They don't deserve our loyalty.

After being briefed on the mission she made a special request to Starfleet for Tom Paris and Harry Kim to be included in her crew. Although Starfleet had indeed received Tom's resignation, they had not as yet acted on it, saying it was 'being processed.'

Tom snorted when Kathryn told him that, but accepted the assignment. "One last mission, but for Captain Janeway, not Starfleet," he had said. Harry of course, although now a Lt and just back from his mission, readily agreed. "An honor to serve with you again, Captain," was his immediate response.

The Phoenix was a small attack ship with a compliment of 50 crewmembers. As they left Earth orbit Janeway addressed the entire crew.

"All hands, this is the Captain. We are heading out on a secret mission, but you are a topnotch crew. I handpicked all of you, based on your experience, expertise and ingenuity. Do your job and I know this mission will be a resounding success. Good luck to us all. Janeway out."

Kathryn smiled as she thought of the crew. Not only had she selected everyone, but her eyes lit up when she noticed the names of several of Chakotay's old Maquis crew on the list of candidates. She was told they had served their time and had been released and she did not hesitate a second on selecting them. If they ran into trouble on this mission, their 'Maquis way of thinking' just might come in handy.

Her First Officer, Commander Dawson, was an older Starfleet veteran and had served with her on one of her previous missions, so she felt comfortable with him, even if he was always uptight and straitlaced about rules and regulations. Sort of reminded her of Tuvok in that respect. At Tactical she had Lt James Scott, highly recommended and an expert in the use of Phasers or Torpedoes. Unbelievably Starfleet had pulled Chief O'Brien off another mission to be her Chief Engineer. He was an expert in that Engineering room and she welcomed his addition.

"Bridge to Engineering."

"Engineering here, Captain." She smiled at the Irish brogue of O'Brien.

"Report Chief. How is that Quantum drive performing?"

"I'll have her purring like a kitten before you know it Captain. She'll be putty in my hands," was the reply.

Kathryn smiled and glanced at Commander Dawson, who was frowning. "He's not being impertinent Commander, and he's one of the very best."

Dawson nodded. "I'll keep that in mind, Captain," he said stiffly.

The day was uneventful as they made their way to the Neutral Zone. Chief O'Brien soon had the engines fine-tuned, and the rest of the crew became familiar with not only their duties but their new shipmates as well. Tom loved the feel of the new drive, but made several adjustments of his own. All in all, everything proceeded smoothly.

That night in her quarters Kathryn sat on the couch staring out into the dark night. As was her custom she had Chakotay's letter in hand and had already read it twice. The words were almost as if coming from a ghost. "Chakotay, where are you?" she asked softly. "I feel your spirit with me, but I need to see you. I don't want your spirit, I don't want your ghost, I just want you." Suddenly she shivered and realizing she was cold, glanced at the letter one more time, turned off the Padd and after placing it in her drawer retired for the night.

####

Eventually The Phoenix reached the specified area as stated in her orders and the ship and crew started their stealthy patrol.

"Harry, stay alert for anything. At the slightest glitch in any of your readings let me know immediately."

"Aye Captain, but what are we looking for?"

"Absolutely anything that doesn't look right, so anything you have doubts or suspicions about I want you to sing out."

"Yes ma'am," he replied and then looked up with a grin, remembering the early days on Voyager when Janeway had told him 'it wasn't crunch time yet Mr. Kim.' Janeway smiled at him and then turned her attention to Commander Dawson as he leaned toward her.

"Captain, don't you think it's time everyone is informed of what our exact mission is?"

"Not just yet Commander. I'll let everyone know when the time is right."

For four days they patrolled the area with nothing unusual to report. However, the crew was edgy, more from not knowing what they were looking for than any danger. At last Harry called out, "Captain, sensors appear to indicate something one hundred thousand kilometers ahead, but I can't get a reading on what it is."

"Red Alert!" immediately called out Dawson.

Janeway instantly stood and pressed her Com badge as she said, "Tom, stop all engines. Engineering, take Impulse and Quantum Drive offline, but stay ready to bring them back at moments notice. Lt Scott, arm all Phaser and Torpedo Tubes, and all hands - no noise, we are now in a silent mode. Harry, bring up the screen so I can see what the sensors are showing."

The only thing heard on the Bridge was the hum of the various panels as Janeway and Dawson, along with everyone else on the Bridge, staring intently at the screen.

"I don't see anything, Captain," whispered Dawson.

"Me either . . . yet. Stay alert Chakotay . . . I mean Commander," and she felt her face flush from the error.

"There!" whispered Harry.

"I see it, just a little distortion in space. Lt Scott, send one of the small Torpedoes to those coordinates, only set it to discharge before it gets there."

"Like a beacon of light, Captain," he said with a knowing grin. "Torpedo on its way."

As the torpedo exploded in a brilliant ray of light, the faint outline of a ship was clearly seen.

"Cardassian," said Tom excitedly.

"Excellent eyes Tom," said the Captain. "Be alert people. Harry . . . sensors?"

"The ship is now heading toward us, Captain. Apparently the torpedo caused them to move!"

Suddenly the ship uncloaked right in front of the Phoenix, and was undoubtedly Cardassian. A commander appeared on screen.

"I am Commander Setak. You are out of your territory Captain."

"I am Captain Janeway of the Starship Phoenix and we are not out of our territory. We are on patrol in this sector, but are having trouble with our engines at the moment, that's why we are sitting still. You were cloaked Commander Setak. May I ask why? This is neutral territory."

"You are wrong Captain, this is not neutral territory. Besides, we have a right to be here as much as you."

Janeway ignored his statement and said in a firm voice, "You were cloaked, Commander, leaving us doubting your intentions."

"I assure you Captain we are merely on patrol, as you say you are."

"Then I request you remain uncloaked so no one can misinterpret your purpose, and fire on you Commander Setak," said Janeway strongly.

He nodded and with a smug smile broke communication and flew by in an uncloaked mode.

"Captain," protested Commander Dawson. "When we first saw him he was clearly in Neutral territory, a violation of the treaty!"

"But he uncloaked, made himself known and did not threaten us in any way Commander. Harry, keep a sharp lookout from now on. There just might be more of those 'ships on patrol.' Engineering, bring Impulse and Quantum Drive back online."

The rest of the day was a 'nervous Nellie' day as Tom expressed it, but there weren't any more encounters with any Cardassians. However, there were plenty of jumpy, nervous crewmembers. As they neared outpost 12 Janeway again called for silence throughout the ship and The Phoenix entered a high orbit.

A 'gut feeling' caused Janeway to maintain silence and covertly order an investigation of the outpost. Lt Scott gathered an away team and headed for the Transporter room. Janeway turned the Bridge over to Dawson and shortly thereafter the away team beamed down to a location on the backside of the outpost. They stealthily made their way through the underbrush until they reached the outskirts of the settlement, and then each person was ordered to spread out to obtain information from various sectors and report back in thirty minutes.

As each returned, all reports mentioned seeing Cardassians, but Janeway, from her position near the entrance, saw the most telling. A small shuttle landed in the clearing and unloaded more soldiers as well as what were obvious crates of armaments.

"They have taken over this post, Captain," whispered Lt Scott. "Why hasn't anyone reported this?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Lt. and right now if I were to guess I would say they have probably taken over some other outposts with a sneak attack before any alarm could be sounded. Let's get back to the ship."

Once back on Phoenix, Janeway called the senior staff together and informed them of what they had discovered and what her theories were.

"So what do we do, Captain? What are our orders?" asked Harry.

"To observe, Harry. That's the bad part. Our orders were to patrol and observe, while looking for anything unusual. We are not to provoke or instigate a battle or take the outposts back, we are only to watch, and once we find out everything we need to know we are to get back to Earth and report this to Starfleet."

"I suggest we have found out what we need to know, Captain," said Dawson.

"You're right Commander. But there is something else we don't know as yet. How many Cardassian ships are out here and what they are up to?"

"It's obvious what they are up to, Captain," said Chief O'Brien. "They are occupying outposts and either claiming them as Cardassian or they are going to use them as jumping off places to launch an attack on the Federation, and from my experience I would say it's the latter."

"I think you are right, Chief, but we still have to stay out here and somehow find out just exactly what their plans are. All right, I want you all to stay on high alert, as we can't afford to be disabled or captured. Dismissed."

Janeway continued her 'nonchalant' patrol for the next two days, meeting another uncloaked Cardassian ship. Its Captain exchanged pleasantries, but again no aggressive tendencies were noted.

"Not like them to be so polite," Tom snorted after the second encounter.

# # # # #

On the third night Kathryn was in bed, three quarters asleep, with Chakotay's letter lying in her outstretched relaxed hand.

Just remember I am always with you Kathryn, no matter where you go.

Kathryn bolted upright and looked around, then realizing it was a dream lay back and tried to quiet her beating heart. Suddenly she smiled. The last three days had been nerve wracking, but those words of Chakotay's were of great comfort to her way out here. Still she wondered what had happened to him. Picking up the letter she started to glance through it, and then with a soft sigh, laid it on her chest. "Oh Chakotay, where are you? I hope you are still alive. I will find you Chakotay . . . no matter how long it takes I will find you, even if it is only your bones. At least then I will know." After another few minutes of running Chakotay's letter through her mind, she drifted off to a restless sleep.

# # # # #

During the next week Kathryn made contact with two more Cardassian ships, making a total of four. The encounters were of the friendly type, merely greetings, but she felt an undertone now that she hadn't detected before.

Then it happened. As they neared Outpost 10, four Cardassian ships suddenly uncloaked in various positions around the Phoenix and Janeway's heart cramped at the realization they were surrounded.

"Harry! Why didn't your sensors detect them?" she shouted as she stood. Meanwhile Commander Dawson ordered Red Alert and Shields to full maximum.

"They are hailing us Captain," said a shocked Harry.

"On Screen," called out Janeway angrily.

"Captain Janeway," purred the voice of Commander Setak. "We meet again, only in different circumstances."

"What is the meaning of this, Commander?"

"As you can see we have you encircled, so I suggest you stand down your weapons, lower your shields and no one will be hurt. We hereby claim the Starship Phoenix as Cardassian."

"In a pig's eye!" snapped Janeway. Tom couldn't contain himself and chuckled.

"I don't understand the meaning of that remark Captain, but I know I don't like the tone. Now stand down and be boarded!"

"You won't get this ship Setak! We will go down fighting and in the process a lot of your men will die."

Setak shrugged his shoulders. "Death is irrelevant to Cardassians and would be a small price to pay for that ship, Captain."

"We will self-destruct before we let you have this ship!"

"Captain, they are powering weapons," called out Harry.

Almost simultaneously with his announcement the ship rocked with explosions as all four Cardassian ships fired their Phasers.

"Shields down to 70% Captain," called out Lt Scott at Tactical.

"What the hell," said Janeway in amazement. "Why so much so fast? Fire at will, Lt. Aim for their weapons array. Tom is there anyway out?"

"None Captain, they have us boxed in."

"Then we'll go down fighting. Keep firing Lt and concentrate on the lead ship. Tom, drive straight at that ship. Maybe they'll chicken out and move at the last minute."

"Doubtful Captain, he's twice the size we are, but maybe our size and speed will let us slip by," responded Tom, as he engaged engines. The Phoenix lurched again as more explosions rocked the ship, throwing some people to the deck.

A few moments later Lt Scott shouted, "Got him, Captain!" and Janeway turned to the screen and saw a red glow on the lead ship, followed by an explosion and the ship tilted to Port.

"Good shooting Lt. We should be able to get by him. Tom, Quantum Drive now!"

Almost simultaneously, The Phoenix rocked with another explosion.

"Quantum engine just went offline, Captain," shouted Tom. "All I can give you is full impulse!"

"Do it!" Slapping her Com badge she hailed Engineering. "O'Brien, what happened? We need that Drive!"

"Sorry Captain, that last torpedo caused a leak in the core and we had to shut it down."

"How long O'Brien? We've got three Cardassian ships on our tail!"

"Better than surrounding us like before, Captain, and one against three?" he mused. "I feel sorry for those Cardy's"

Janeway couldn't contain her laughter. "The Quantum Drive O'Brien. Get on it."

The Phoenix rocked with explosion after explosion as the Cardassian ships pursued and kept up a constant barrage of torpedoes and phaser fire.

"Impulse engines are now offline," called out Tom.

Janeway whirled and looked at him. Tom stared back as Janeway said, "Nothing?"

"Sorry Captain. Once our inertia stops we are 'dead in the water' so to speak."

"Shields down to 10% Captain and Environmental Controls are failing," called out Harry.

Another explosion ripped through the Phoenix knocking more people to the deck. "Tom is there a meteor field around here you can guide us to?"

"Sorry, clear water ahead," he said with a smile.

Janeway stood and looked around. Lt Scott was still firing, but suddenly he stopped and looked down at the Captain and in a matter-of-fact tone, said, "Weapons are now non functional, Captain."

"What the hell," Janeway muttered. "This ship was supposed to be top of the line with new technology. How can those Cardassians beat us up like this?"

"Unless Starfleet was lying," snarled Tom.

"That's enough of that insubordination, Lt," barked Dawson

Janeway held up her hand. "Easy gentlemen, easy." She looked around the Bridge. Everyone was looking at her, waiting for her next decision. She looked at Harry, and then Tom.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen. I should never have asked you on this mission. Computer, initiate self-destruc . . ."

"Captain, the Cardassian ship is hailing us," said Harry in the quiet of the Bridge.

The Phoenix had now stopped and as Janeway turned forward to the screen she noted the Cardassian ships had again 'surrounded' her. "On screen, Harry, let's give him one last say. Maybe we can lure them closer, initiate self-destruct and take a few of them with us." She looked up at the screen and waited. The face of Commander Setak appeared.

"Captain. You are now defenseless. Save your crew and surrender," said Commander Setak softly.

"I can't do that. They all knew the risks when they accepted this mission."

"But you humans value life so. I'm sure they don't want to die, Captain."

Tom stood. "Better to die than suffer your torture Commander. We've heard what you do to prisoners."

"Rumors, all vicious rumors. We just want the ship. You and your crew will be put down on the nearest outpost where you can contact Starfleet," he purred.

Janeway, her mind working overtime to think of a possible way out of this mess to save the ship and crew, raised her hand.

"What assurances do I have my people will not be mistreated and that we will be turned over to Starfleet?" she asked.

"My word as a Commander in the Cardassian Empire."

"In a pig's eye," whispered Tom.

"Don't believe him Captain," said Harry. "As you said, I knew the risks when I signed on for this mission. Don't feel sorry for me or anyone else on this ship!"

Suddenly a ship materialized off the port bow of The Phoenix and started firing torpedoes at the Cardassian ships. Caught completely unaware, one immediately exploded into tiny fragments and the lead ship became severely disabled. The unknown ship turned and shot past the Phoenix, heading for the Cardassian ship sitting behind her. Surprised by the sudden appearance of this ship, its Captain was slow to react, and suffered the impact of a torpedo right on the Bridge.

Janeway stood transfixed, as did the Bridge crew, watching this strange ship ram one torpedo after another into the final Cardassian ship. As it turned to make another run, another torpedo was launched, hitting the weapons array of the enemy ship dead center. The explosion turned the blackness of space into momentary, brilliant daylight.

With two Cardassian ships now tiny fragments, this 'savior' then swung around in front of The Phoenix, and took a position between her and the lead disabled enemy ship.

"That unknown ship is hailing us Captain," said Harry, his voice tinged in awe.

"On screen, Lt. Let's see who this is."

The visage of a young man appeared. His face was fully bearded, his hair long and he wore no uniform to speak of, but he was obviously humanoid. A sudden smile appeared on his face, showing perfectly formed white teeth. His smile seemed to light up his whole face.

"Are you all right, Captain?"

Janeway smiled. "We are fine now, thanks to you. I don't recognize your ship. How may I address you?"

"I'm sorry, where are my manners? My name is Batay. Our Captain was called down to Engineering but ordered me to contact you. Can we assist you in repairs? You look completely disabled."

Janeway hesitated. His ship had obviously saved not only hers, but also all the lives of her crew, and yet she couldn't let a strange race see Starfleet technology.

She smiled gratefully and replied, "Thank you for your offer, Mr. Batay, but now that the Cardassians are no longer a threat, thanks to your intervention, I believe we will be able to successfully initiate our repairs."

He nodded his head and stared at her a moment, making Janeway feel oddly uneasy. Shortly he smiled. "Fine, but if you have no objections, we shall stand by in a cloaked mode while you attend to your repairs, and watch for any other . . . predators."

"I appreciate the protection, Mr. Batay. When may I speak to your Captain? I would like to personally thank him for his aid."

"I'm sure he will hail you before you finish your repairs. Batay out," he said with a smile and the screen immediately turned black.

"That seemed like a sudden sign off," said Tom.

"Have any of you ever seen a ship like that before?" asked the Captain. "Tom, Harry?"

"Completely strange to me, Captain," said Harry and echoed by Tom, who added, "It's obviously better than anything Starfleet has, and I didn't see any markings or identification."

"Agreed," she replied softly as she absorbed this information. Looking up she said, "All right, let's get busy with repairs. Engineering?"

"Engineering here, Captain. I don't hear anymore shooting. Did we scare them away?"

Janeway smiled. "Not quite Mr. O'Brien, we had a little help. How long on repairs?"

"Oh a couple of days give or take," he said.

"Give or take what Chief?" asked Janeway with a small laugh.

"Sorry for being so flip Captain, but I didn't relish the idea of being in a Cardassian prison and I'm feeling rather euphoric at the moment. I should have the engines up and running in about a day and a half."

"Thank you Mr. O'Brien, and for your information, we wouldn't have ended up in a Cardassian prison."

There was silence for a moment and then Chief O'Brien was heard to mutter, "I didn't need to hear that."

For the next eight hours everyone on the ship kept busy with repairs. Finally exhausted, Kathryn headed for her quarters. As she neared the door Harry suddenly hailed her.

"Janeway here. What is it Harry?"

"The other ship, that Batay fellow? He wishes to speak to you privately Captain. He said either your Ready Room or your Quarters would be fine."

Janeway frowned but said, "I'm almost at my quarters, Harry, so patch it in there."

"Yes ma'am. I'll tell him."

After entering her quarters Kathryn tapped her computer panel and in a few moments Mr. Batay appeared.

"Good evening Captain, I hope I'm not disturbing you. You look quite tired."

"To be honest I am Mr. Batay. I was just heading to my quarters to retire for the evening when you hailed. What can I do for you?"

"Just wanted to report there are no signs of any 'bogey men'." He smiled at that statement and Kathryn thought what nice blue eyes he had. "How are your repairs going?" he asked.

"Quite well thank you. By this time tomorrow night we should be resuming our patrol."

"That is good to hear. I'm afraid we have to be moving on in the morning Captain, but will keep you on our sensors and if any danger should appear, we will return. Good luck to you."

"Thank you Mr. Batay, I appreciate that, but we will be fine. I see I am still not getting to thank your Captain."

Batay pursed his lips and shrugged his shoulders. "We have a problem in Engineering that is causing him great concern, but he told me to pass the word that he was glad to be of assistance and wishes you well in the rest of your journey. Batay out."

Kathryn stared at the black screen a moment but was too tired to think about it and headed for bed.

# # # # #

The following afternoon all repairs were completed and the Phoenix once again continued its patrol of the neutral territory. Another week passed without any further confrontations or problems, and then suddenly a Klingon ship appeared.

"We are being hailed, Captain," said Harry.

Kathryn stood as she said, "On screen."

The unsmiling face of the Klingon Captain appeared and without introducing himself said, "You are far away from your planet, Federation."

"I am Captain Janeway of the Starship Phoenix and we are patrolling the neutral territory. I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."

"I am K'Ghar and my only purpose is to warn you of a 'devil ship' that is out here."

Kathryn immediately thought of Batay but decided to play it cool. "We are not aware of any 'devil ship' as you refer to it. We were attacked by Cardassians, however, but managed to fend them off." With this last statement she fervently prayed the Bridge crew would not betray her with any surprised expression.

The Klingon growled. "Cardassians! Out here? We will look for them!" he shouted and the screen went black.

"Captain, that mystery ship . . ." began Dawson quietly.

"Will remain a mystery ship, Commander. He did help us, not harm us, so why say anything?"

"I understand," said Dawson with a smile.

Another week passed and The Phoenix roamed deeper and deeper into the Alpha Quadrant. There had not been any further incidents - in fact, everything had been very quiet.

Suddenly Harry called out, "Captain, I am showing two ships, but they are at the extreme range of our sensors."

"Are they in visual range, Mr. Kim?" she asked as she turned back to him.

"Barely."

"Put it up. Let's see if we can make anything out."

A blurred image appeared on the screen, but was clear enough to determine it was indeed two ships.

"Bring us a little closer Mr. Paris," she said softly, "But not too close."

As The Phoenix moved in slowly, the image gradually cleared, until at last a Klingon and Romulan ship were clearly seen in what appeared to be somewhat of a 'face off'.

"Hold position," said Kathryn sharply. "What are they up to I wonder?" She silently watched this silent 'duel'.

"They are powering weapons," called Lt Scott.

"Tom, we don't want to get involved in their problem. I want you at moments notice to go to Quantum drive and go hard to port when I give you the word."

"Yes ma'am," said Paris as he held his hands ready at the panel.

# # # # #

The 'mystery ship', which had previously saved The Phoenix, also sat a distance from the Klingon and Romulan vessels, silently watching.

Suddenly Batay said, "Captain, The Phoenix has moved into a position on the far side of our two 'friends'."

The Captain stood and stared intently at the screen for a moment and then glancing down at Helm, said, "Take us over to that side and put this ship directly above The Phoenix."

As the Captain sat back down the ship moved at lightning speed high above the two enemy ships and swung in behind The Phoenix. Slowly it moved above Janeway's ship and then stopped.

"Why above, Cap?" asked Batay.

The Captain smiled. "Because I think when that ship moves the Captain will drive hard and fast to port."

"I hope you're right Cap and she doesn't suddenly decide to rise straight up," said Batay with a grin.

"She won't, but right now I'm wondering what those other two are up to."

# # # # #

On The Phoenix, Janeway sat with muscles taut and eyes and mind centered on the two vessels up ahead.

Suddenly the Romulan ship turned and faced directly toward the Phoenix. Janeway had barely tensed at this move when, without warning or provocation, they fired at The Phoenix.

"Tom!" was all Janeway had time to yell when the torpedo struck.

Tom's fingers danced on the helm panel even as the ship shook from the explosion.

"The Klingon has turned and is firing also," yelled Harry. "Wait a minute - they are firing at the Romulan!"

Just seconds before The Phoenix slipped into Quantum Drive and flashed out of sight, they were hit on the Starboard side.

# # # # #

"The Phoenix was hit Cap, but I don't think it was seriously damaged," called out Batay.

"All right, let's give those two fellows out there a little of their own medicine. Fire two torpedoes at each ship and disable them!"

"I think the Klingon was firing at the Romulan," said Batay as he glanced over at him

"Right now we can't be choosy," replied the Captain firmly.

Immediately the ship de-cloaked and four torpedoes were on their way and impacting in the armaments section in the unsuspecting ships. Explosions violently rocked both and fire immediately broke out in various areas, followed by more explosions and then both ships tipped and stood motionless.

"Good shooting. Move in," ordered the Captain.

Boarding parties were dispatched to both ships and an hour later, after the away teams had returned, the Captain ordered helm to follow The Phoenix' trail.

Three hours later they found the ship, sitting motionless in space. However, a Cardassian ship was sitting nearby and phaser fire toward the Phoenix was seen.

Although this mystery ship was still quite a distance from the Phoenix and Cardassian ship, the Captain frowned at this encounter and rose from his command chair.

"Destroy the Cardassians," he ordered without further hesitation.

Immediately upon de-cloaking, the attack began and soon the Cardassian ship was a disabled, burning hulk.

"The Phoenix?" asked the Captain as they resumed their cloak and moved toward Janeway's ship.

"Looks like they are basically okay and now starting repairs, Cap."

The Captain nodded. "Send a team to the Cardassian ship and then you know what to do," and he left the Bridge.

# # # # #

Janeway, and all the bridge officers, had sat and silently watched the 'devil ship' attack the Cardassian vessel which had periodically been raking them with Phaser fire. Now that they were not in any further danger, needed repairs would at last be initiated. Janeway rose and headed for engineering.

Fifteen minute later Harry hailed the Captain.

"Captain Janeway."

"Janeway here," she said as she lay under a panel in Engineering."

"Captain - that mystery ship? It's hailing us."

Kathryn immediately moved out from under the panel and to a communication panel on a sidewall. "Patch it here Harry."

Within moments the visage of Batay appeared. "Captain Janeway! Our sensors show you have again been damaged. Do you need assistance?"

Kathryn smiled at the young man. "Mr. Batay. We meet again. You do seem to come from nowhere at most propitious times. It was rather 'fun' to watch you disable the Cardassian ship that we have been trying to keep at bay. Are you this 'devil ship' we've been hearing about?"

Batay broke out in laughter. "Devil ship? Never heard that and I don't think we are devils, merely good Samaritans."

"I would agree Mr. Batay. At least you are that to us."

"Well as I asked before, do you need any help with your repairs?"

Kathryn shook her head. "We are coming along fine, Mr. Batay. We suffered some damage earlier from a Romulan ship and then more from our 'friends' phaser fire out there before you arrived, but our Chief Engineer states he has things under control."

"Very well. Just in case, and as we did previously, we will stand by. Batay out," and the screen went black before Kathryn could say anymore. She smiled and turned back to her work.

The following morning repairs were completed except for some damage to the Quantum Drive, which O'Brien said could only be repaired back on Earth. As they only had two days left on their mission, Kathryn decided to head for home.

When within hailing distance of Earth she informed Starfleet of her early arrival and was directed to a docking port on the backside of Planet Utopia. From there the crew was taken by transport back to Earth.

Following debriefings they were all given a week's leave, with the stipulation that orders to go back out would soon follow. Naturally Starfleet had a media event on Janeway's news of the Cardassians taking of outposts, and Starfleet, acting the enraged Federation planet complained loudly and bitterly and other Federation nations joined in. The Cardassians apologized, of course, saying their Captains must have misunderstood their orders and all troops and ships were withdrawn from the invaded outposts.

Repairs to The Phoenix took two weeks and at last the crew was recalled and once again sent on patrol to the Neutral Territory, with orders to also make sure the Cardassians had indeed left the specific outposts.

Janeway's first stop was Outpost 12 and the Cardassians had indeed left, but the Starfleet crew assigned here reported all equipment had been either destroyed or was missing. Her next stop was Outpost 10 and Janeway found the same situation. She noted a transport was currently delivering supplies and equipment, and sent a message to its commander asking him to report to Starfleet that so far everything was normal: no Cardassians had been sighted.

Two weeks later, after having reached the far edge of the Alpha Quadrant, and starting their return journey, Harry reported a Cardassian ship was showing on his sensors. Janeway, as she had in the first mission, ordered all drives to full stop and then sat silently and watched the ship's approach on the view screen.

"Harry, is he outside the Neutral Zone?"

"Yes ma'am and he has now hailed us."

"Let's see it," she said as she stood.

The visage of a Cardassian immediately appeared, and surprisingly he smiled. "Good day Captain. I am Gul Vetar and we are on patrol. I note your engines are offline. Do you need any assistance?"

"First, I am Captain Janeway of the Federation Starship The Phoenix and as to any problems, no we are doing fine. Just a few minor repairs we thought we would take the time to fix now."

"Very well. Might I ask if you have had any encounters with what we call 'the devil ship?' It has been harassing our ships of late."

"I'm sorry Gul Vetar, we have not," she said while suppressing a smile. "Do you know who it is and why is it attacking you?"

"We do not know Captain. We thought perhaps you would," he said with somewhat of a smirk.

"Sorry I can't help you. Our patrol has been very quiet and peaceful."

"Well good day to you then. We will be on our way," and the Cardassian ship flew on by.

A week later, while nearing Outpost 8 a Cardassian ship suddenly de-cloaked in front of them and phaser fire tore into the lower area of the ship.

"All shields to Maximum and Red Alert," Commander Dawson immediately called out.

"Open hailing frequencies Harry," said Janeway as she stood.

"Open," he immediately replied.

"This is Captain Janeway of the . . ." Her words were cut off by more fire from the Cardassian.

"Return fire," she snarled. "Let them feel the wrath of The Phoenix for this unprovoked attack!"

Scott immediately started a response and the two ships danced in constant movement for better position to hit a vital section of the opposing ship. Explosions shook and rattled each ship, momentarily lighting up the blackness of space before quickly dissipating. The battle lasted for over thirty minutes with both ships suffering major damage. At last, and still without identifying itself, the Cardassian ship turned and slowly 'limped' off.

Janeway, who had been thrown to the deck several times and was now on her knees from the last blast, looked around. Other crewmembers were pulling themselves back to their stations, although some had rather dazed expressions. Lt Scott, however, was still at his post and hurried down to help her to her feet

"Engineering," Janeway said as she acknowledged his aid and sat in her chair. "Do we have enough power to make it to Outpost 8?"

"Barely Captain," replied O'Brien. "Not only is Quantum Drive down but all Impulse engines. I think we need a shove by some friendly bloke out there."

Kathryn smiled at his humor. "Thank you for the friendly advice, Chief. Tom, with whatever propulsion you can get head for Outpost 8 and Harry, when we are within hailing distance inform them of this attack."

When at last Harry was able to contact the Outpost, a Federation Officer, identifying himself as Lt Appleton appeared. When informed of the attack, Appleton, who seemed unduly nervous, nodded his head and said that once orbit above the outpost had been achieved, a crew would be sent up to help with repairs.

Harry frowned on this. The usual procedure was for a team from the damaged ship to beam down and get the needed equipment. He looked closely at Appleton and suddenly noted his eyes kept constantly darting to the right. Deciding to play it cool, he smiled and said at the moment the Transporter was offline and he would get back to him.

On that statement, Janeway stood and looked back at him.

"Harry?"

"Captain, something isn't right. Lt Appleton was very nervous and he said the opposite of what the message usually is."

Janeway stood a moment, digesting what she remembered of the conversation and then nodded her head in understanding.

"It's quite possible our 'friends' have taken this Outpost," she said in a quiet tone.

Harry nodded. "It might be, Captain, especially since we were unexpectedly attacked and this was the closest Federation Outpost where we could make repairs."

"Tom," she said as she faced Helm. "Keep going past the planet and Harry, tell them the Captain has decided to press on, that damage is not as extensive as previously thought." She sat down and added with a smile, "When we are out of sensor range we will take a shuttle and go back for a look."

# # # # #

Janeway, Lt Scott, Miles O'Brien and two security guards crept slowly to the edge of the station. She had deliberately kept the group small in case they were captured. If they did not return in one hour Dawson was given strict orders to leave. As they drew closer all five suddenly froze at the words coming from behind them.

"Don't move or you will be shot, Captain Janeway."

The source of the voice then moved in front of the group. It was Gul Vetar who smiled.

"So you cannot quell your curiosity?"

"What are Cardassians doing at this Federation Outpost?" she said angrily as she stood.

"Because it is not Federation, it is Cardassian," he said, again with a semblance of a smile. "Now move. You are all my prisoners and soon the vaunted Phoenix will also be in our hands."

"In a pig's eye," muttered Lt Scott.

"Nicely said, Lt," added Miles.

The group was herded into one large room and silently sat while awaiting the 'Cardassian torture' they knew would inevitably come.

Gul Vetar finally walked into the room with three guards and started asking questions. Each question was met with silence, resulting in first Miles and then Lt Scott receiving a beating. When the last question was met with silence a guard moved in to Janeway and a smashing blow to the face sent her careening to the floor. Immediately Lt Scott and the two security guards launched themselves at the guards while O'Brien headed for Vetar, but after a brief, and valiant but futile effort, all were subdued and their hands tied behind their backs.

Finally with the words, "You will talk, Captain," Vetar left the room.

"How long have we been here, Captain," muttered Scott between his swollen and bleeding lips?

"Long enough that Dawson has headed out," Janeway whispered. Her jaw felt like it was broken and it hurt to talk.

After what seemed several hours, but was probably only one or two at the most, the group heard Phaser fire coming from the other rooms. This continued for several minutes, along with cries of pain, until at last everything got quiet.

A muffled voice was then heard. "Captain Janeway?"

"Here," she croaked in a painful whisper, and then Miles joined in with a louder voice.

Again everything became quiet for several long minutes. Suddenly the group heard their door being unlocked and tensed, all being unsure of who had won the firefight and feared the worst: that a Cardassian would enter. Slowly the door swung open, the backlighting only revealing a silhouette of a tall man. All held their breaths while their eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering into the room. The silhouette moved toward them and at last Kathryn saw his face.

She stared with unbelieving eyes and finally rasped, "Mr. Batay!"

He quickly moved toward her and started to untie her hands. "Are you all right Captain? Sorry it took so long. We had to determine a 'quick entrance', so to speak."

"How did you find us?" she whispered as she rubbed her wrists while he untied the remaining group.

"Stroke of luck you might say. We were going by and saw your shuttle heading for the Outpost. As we knew the Cardassians were here we followed and tracked everything on our sensors. The Cardassians sure like to pick on you don't they?" he said with a smile.

"I need to get back to my ship," she said.

Batay turned to another silhouette now standing in the doorway and nodded. As this person moved forward Batay said, "Not until our doctor treats you. We have also taken the liberty of moving your shuttle closer."

As the 'doctor' bent down Kathryn frowned. He was dressed in all black with a hood over his head, leaving only his eyes uncovered, and yet Batay had been in his usual informal type uniform. Without a word, the doctor assessed her wounds.

Following treatment of the entire group, the doctor immediately left, and then Batay led them through the complex.

"Sorry for the mess," he said with a smile as they walked by countless Cardassian bodies. "Our maid hasn't arrived yet."

As they walked out into the fresh air, everyone took a deep breath. Kathryn then smiled. Their shuttle was indeed parked out front. She turned to him.

"Mr. Batay, I don't know whether you are my guarding angel or what, but I will never be able to repay you. I note that once again your reclusive, 'shy' Captain is nowhere to be seen."

Batay smiled. "We are just glad we were able to help. As to our Captain, he remained on board to make sure other Cardassians did not make an appearance and thus has been protecting us all."

Kathryn stuck out her hand, and as she shook his hand while the other's boarded the shuttle, said, "I guess thank you is all I can say, but someday, in a different circumstance, I hope to meet not only you and your Captain, but your entire crew so I may personally thank them."

"That would be nice, Captain," he said with a rather shy smile. "Pleasant and safe journey." Batay then pressed his badge and simply said, "Now, Captain," and disappeared in a transporter beam.

Kathryn shook her head and smiled as she entered the shuttle. Lt Scott had the motor online and they immediately took off and headed in the direction of The Phoenix. It took them a full day to catch up as Dawson, per orders had left the Outpost and was continuing a slow return to base.

For the next two weeks The Phoenix limped towards Earth while the crew worked on repairs. They had suffered much more damage than originally thought, which disturbed Kathryn greatly. For a supposed super ship, the Cardassians seemed to handle the Phoenix quite easily and she was going to have a few words with Starfleet upon their return.

On this day Kathryn, dead tired from a full day of assisting on repairs, as well as feeling very grumpy, left engineering and headed for her quarters. A tired Captain would not do this crew any good, so she had decided she needed some rest. She threw her soiled, dirty jacket on a chair after entering her room and fixed a sandwich, along with continuous tired sighs. After that was consumed she was about ready to retire, when Dawson hailed her.

"Captain. That mystery ship has suddenly appeared again and Mr. Batay wishes to speak to you privately. I told him you were in your quarters and I did not wish to disturb you, but he seemed quite adamant," Dawson said in an indignant tone.

"It's all right Mr. Dawson," said Kathryn. "Patch it in here. I'm too tired to go to sleep right away anyway. Besides I'd like to hear what he has to say this time." She moved to her console and sat down.

Shortly the visage of Batay appeared. "I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you Captain."

"It's quite all right Mr. Batay. Your appearance is rather surprising as we are not being attacked by Cardassians," she said with a laugh. "What is it you wish?"

"We note you are still making repairs and it has been over two weeks. Are they coming along all right or are you having some difficulty?"

"They are actually coming along quite well now. We might even finish them by morning and then will head back home at a normal speed"

"That is good news." He was quiet a moment as he stared at her.

"What is it Mr. Batay? I'm really quite tired and ready to go to bed."

"I'm not being impertinent when I ask this Captain, but are you alone in your quarters?"

Janeway frowned at such a personal question. Did he have some private information he wished to share? If so, he already knew from sensors she was alone!

"What concern is that of . . . ?"

Her statement was disrupted by the sound of a Transporter beam behind her and she grabbed for her Phaser as she turned. What she saw made her go completely numb, as well as speechless. Her hand went limp and the Phaser dropped to the deck

"Chakotay," finally whispered Kathryn. "I thought you were dead! Where have you been? I've been frantic with worry!" she said fervently.

"I'm sorry, Kathryn, it's a very long story." They both stood silently looking at one another. Finally Chakotay asked, "You got my letter?"

"Yes" was all she said and both immediately moved forward and clung tightly to the other without saying a further word.

After a long moment, Chakotay's arms relaxed and Kathryn raised head so she could look into his brown eyes. Both had tears streaming down their cheeks, but each was too choked with emotion to say anything. Quickly Chakotay's arms again encircled her, pulling her tightly to him. Kathryn's heart hammered as she silently rejoiced in the immense pleasure of not only feeling his arms around her, but knowing he was alive.

After several minutes Kathryn again pulled back. She placed a hand tenderly on his cheek as she looked at him. "I thought I had lost you," she whispered. "Please tell me what is going on? The beard, long hair, certainly not a uniform."

Chakotay smiled, but kept his arms loosely around her waist. "As I said Kathryn it's a very long story. But there are some things that must be taken care of first," and he pressed his Com Badge. "Shane?"

"Right here Skipper," came the soft reply. Kathryn immediately recognized the voice as that of Batay's.

"Now," and immediately the sound of a Transporter was heard.

Kathryn turned from Chakotay and watched as a very confused Tom Paris materialized in the middle of the room and in his nightclothes.

"What the hell?" he muttered. He looked around, saw Janeway and as he said, "Captain?" he caught sight of Chakotay and his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.

The sound of the Transporter started again and the form of a smiling B'Elanna Torres materialized, dressed in the old Maquis uniform.

"B'Elanna!" the twin shouts rang out from both Tom and Kathryn, but B'Elanna had eyes only for Tom and flew into his arms.

Kathryn turned back to Chakotay. "Now I really insist on knowing what's going on here!"

Instead Chakotay pulled her to him and bending his head, kissed her, softly at first then with increasing passion, which Kathryn returned in full as she clung tightly to him, unwilling to let his lips leave hers. At last he pulled his head back.

"We don't have much time, Kathryn," he said softly, his eyes burning with desire.

"Make time. I want to know what's going on," she said as best she could under his constant rain of kisses.

"All right," he finally said, "but you won't like what you hear," and he led her over to the couch. Tom and B'Elanna joined them with Tom agreeing quite vehemently he wanted to know why he and the Captain had been put through hell for the last year.

B'Elanna smiled, but first gave Kathryn a big hug then sat down beside Tom. "I'll let Chakotay do all the explaining," she said as she took hold of Tom's hand.

Chakotay looked at all three then headed for Kathryn's computer and tapped in some commands. The face of Batay appeared. "Shane, is everything okay?"

"All safe and sound Cap so don't you worry. Cloak and sensors are at full."

"Good, this explanation is going to take awhile."

Shane grinned, a very lascivious grin, causing Chakotay to laugh and say, "Knock it off Shane, not that - not now anyway."

Shane then laughed and said as he signed off, "Take your time, we're not going anywhere." Chakotay turned off the panel, and shaking his head walked to the couch and sat down on the coffee table so he was facing the threesome.

"First of all, remember the night at your mother's, I told you I might not see you again?" he said as he looked at Kathryn.

"Vividly," replied Kathryn.

"Well I guess if have to start back at the debriefings and move forward." He took a deep breath before commencing his explanation. "It all started the next morning when they separated us for personal debrief. At first the questions concerned me but gradually they involved you. As you probably remember some of us didn't show up for lunch that day, as we were kept sequestered in another room. Following that they kept all the Maquis separated from the rest of Starfleet for a week, and then we were all escorted to some secret place. During . . ."

"Why?" interrupted Kathryn indignantly. "What were they accusing you of?"

Chakotay looked at B'Elanna.

She smiled. "You better tell her Chakotay. Better to hear it from you instead of someone else."

"Hear what? What was going on?" asked Kathryn.

"All right, Kathryn, I'll explain if you will stop interrupting and asking questions. It will go a lot faster." At her confused nod Chakotay started again. "Well the truth is they were going to either court martial or demote you to Lt. for all the Prime Directive violations they found you committed in the Delta Quadrant."

"Me!" she exploded. "We bent some of those rules, yes, but we had to, to survive!"

"We told them that, over and over," said a patient Chakotay.

"It was only when Chakotay suggested another way did they back away from you, Captain," said B'Elanna. "They were adamant on disciplining you."

Chakotay held up his hand and B'Elanna leaned back. "When I realized they were going to punish you I asked them to punish the Maquis instead. That's when they suggested a plan. It was . . ." and Chakotay hesitated a moment. "It was as if they were waiting for me to make that suggestion. Their attitude changed immediately!

"Anyway, it seems they felt the Cardassians were up to something but couldn't prove it, so I agreed to their plan after discussing it with the group, and a certain number of us, including those already in jail while we were in the Delta Quadrant, were sent into intensive training for three months, with no communication allowed at anytime." He looked at Kathryn and said softly, "I'm sorry for that Kathryn." She just looked at him, still stunned by what she was hearing.

"In the meantime Starfleet was developing a super secret stealth, top-of-the-line attack vessel and after our training we spent another three months making suggestions and then training on that ship after its completion. They seemed to like our 'devious Maquis' minds," he added with an insolent smirk. "When our training was complete we were sent out here and for the last six months have patrolled and investigated various Cardassian areas."

Kathryn quickly said, "On our first mission we found they had taken over several outposts, Chakotay."

"We know, we reported those to Starfleet months ago."

Kathryn frowned and held up her hand. "Now I am totally confused, Chakotay. Starfleet already knew? I don't understand this whole scenario. You say you have a super secret vessel? We have a new top-of-the-line vessel ourselves, yet the Cardassians always seem to beat us quite easily."

"Beat the crap out of us is more like it," interjected Tom angrily.

"Well that's another part of the story, Kathryn. You don't have a top-of-the-line vessel, it only appears that way to you," said Chakotay.

"That's impossible! We have the new Quantum Drive and our Sensors are twice as good as the next ship - our armaments too! If we didn't have top technology my people would have discovered that immediately on our first mission."

Chakotay smiled, almost condescendingly. "Yes, you have the new drive and sensors. They had to make it look good, as Chief O'Brien and Harry would have easily discovered anything wrong, but you don't have anything else."

"Our armaments . . ." began Kathryn.

"Were handled by Lt. James Scott," said Chakotay.

Kathryn looked at him, her shocked look gradually giving way to an open-eyed new awareness.

"He's one of us Kathryn. He was recalled back to Earth to 'join' your crew' and only the first Torpedo in that original contact with the Cardassians was a new one to make you believe . . ."

Kathryn suddenly shot up from her seat, walked a few steps, stopped and was quiet a moment. Finally she turned and looked back, her face burning in anger. "We have been a ruse haven't we? We didn't have a thing - we were bait!"

Chakotay stood and walked to her, enfolding her in his arms for a brief moment. "I'm sorry Kathryn, that's true," he said as he led her back to the couch. "You were out here to lure the Cardassians out. They had intercepted a Starfleet misinformation message saying their best ship was out here and naturally, the Cardassians had to have it. We couldn't blow their cover of what they were doing until they made an aggressive move, and fortunately or unfortunately, you were the one Starfleet appointed to draw them out. The famous Captain Janeway - what a coup to capture you and this so-called super ship!"

"I'll be damned," muttered Tom, a deep scowl on his face. "But what about the earlier battle when they had us surrounded?"

"We were right there," said B'Elanna emphatically, "but we were depending on Scott to use that one torpedo and get you out of that mess."

"And if he hadn't?" asked Tom.

"We would have attacked earlier," said Chakotay.

"Actually we were always nearby, Captain," said B'Elanna. "We weren't going to let anything drastic happen to you.

"I'd say being captured by the Cardassians was a little drastic," said Tom.

"Yes, but again we were there, Tom. We had to let them believe they had really captured Captain Janeway before we could move in," replied B'Elanna.

Kathryn rubbed her forehead. "I can't believe I was fooled like that. I hand picked this crew Chakotay!"

"Starfleet recalled Scott and the three other Maquis you have on your crew, from our mission and inserted them on the list as available, knowing you would pick the Maquis and likely Scott with his expertise at Tactical. Kathryn, don't blame yourself or feel bad, the plan was sound."

Kathryn stared at him a moment. "A Maquis plan . . . your plan, wasn't it? You put yourself and all of the Maquis in danger to save me. After all they had gone through in the Delta Quadrant, how could you do that!" said Kathryn, rising anger in her voice.

"They volunteered - every one of them, Kathryn. They respected you and what you did out there in the Delta Quadrant and didn't want you to suffer the humiliation of demotion or court martial from Starfleet," Chakotay said softly, and then sat back, knowing Kathryn had to get rid of her anger.

She stood and walked around the room, thinking, evaluating, and even arguing with herself. Tom, B'Elanna and Chakotay sat quietly watching, knowing her and knowing what she was going through. After five minutes of guttural sounds, shouts of anger and rubbing her forehead or arm, she finally turned and looked at Chakotay.

"The Klingons and Romulans?"

"We were sitting right above you."

Kathryn shook her head and started pacing again. At last she stopped.

"What's the rest of this plan?"

"We have to stay out here another year and then our part is over. You will go back and report to Starfleet that the Cardassians have again taken over an Outpost, and you were temporarily captured."

Kathryn reflected for a moment and then looking at Chakotay asked, "Going back, if I may, whatever happened to the disabled ships, the Cardassians, as well as the Klingon and Romulans."

"They came and retrieved their ships and found they were missing a number of things. As expected they did not and will not, say much of anything. They were given misinformation and were soundly defeated, and that is hurtful to their pride," said Chakotay with a smile.

"What do you mean 'missing a number of things' Chakotay?" asked Tom.

He grinned. "Each time you were making repairs after a battle, we boarded the disabled vessels and pretty well stripped them. Took their cloaking devices, their warp drives, their database, their logs of all messages and dispatches, stuff like that. And in each place we left little messages, like 'Sorry it's not here", "Oops, lose something?" or "Finders keepers, losers weepers."

B'Elanna laughed. "I told you Chakotay had a warped sense of humor, Captain."

Kathryn, despite her chagrin and anger, burst out laughing. After regaining control she asked about the Cardassian crew from that first battle.

"Most of them were dead, and those that had critical injuries, we . . ."

"You didn't murder them!" exploded Janeway.

"Kathryn they were dying, and in great pain. There wasn't anyway they were going to survive. In fact they kept asking us to kill them, but all we did was to administer injections to ease the pain, a humanitarian gesture I think considering what they do to prisoners."

"Commander Setak?" asked Kathryn.

"Dead. He watched us strip some of his ship for a few minutes then expired."

"Are you sure there wasn't anything you could have done to save them, Chakotay?"

"I'm sure Kathryn. There were five survivors in that Cardassian ship that we treated. All they know of us is how we look. They kept asking who we were and our only response was "The Protectors," so the Cardassians know someone with a super ship is out here, but they don't know who."

Kathryn grinned as she walked to the Replicator and without asking anyone ordered four coffees.

"They are calling you the Devil Ship," she said with a husky laugh.

Chakotay smiled at that term as he helped her bring the coffee cups over and all four sat silently for a few minutes, deep in their thoughts as they sipped the hot beverage.

"Regarding Outpost 8, why were you nearby?"

"Simple. As you have realized, you were the bait and as B'Elanna said, each time you came out on a mission we located you and just trailed along."

"And Mr. Batay was always the contact. Why couldn't you show yourself?"

Chakotay sighed and looked sadly at Kathryn. "As it was, I was virtually disobeying orders to remain quiet by having Batay talk to you. I couldn't, as much as I longed to, make contact of any kind. That would have given our strategy away, but rest assured Kathryn, I sat in my Ready Room and watched you on my screen."

Without warning Kathryn sharply sat her cup down, stood and looking at Chakotay said, "I would like to join your crew Chakotay. I was turning in my resignation when I returned from this mission, but this will just make it a little earlier. Commander Dawson can take the Phoenix back to Earth."

"Whoa, whoa," said Tom. "If the Captain joins you I do too!"

Chakotay looked at Kathryn a moment, desire apparent in his expression. Finally he stood and took hold of both of Kathryn's shoulders.

"I'm afraid that's not possible Kathryn. In order for this to look good you must take The Phoenix back and report what the Cardassians are now up to. They have to see your face and your voice making this statement about the outpost, just like you previously did."

"But Starfleet could report me missing in action . . ."

"No Captain," said B'Elanna. "Listen to Chakotay. It has to be this way. It's only one more year and then we'll be back . . . forever."

"But in one year anything can happen!" cried out Janeway. "Look what has happened to us in the Delta Quadrant!"

"That's true Kathryn, but with our ship, and the cloaking device, we are actually pretty safe out here. Please, it has to be this way for just a while longer," said Chakotay as he pulled Kathryn to him in a tight hug.

"But I don't want to be separated from you again," she said, her voice full of emotion. "I have worried half to death for a year all ready. I can't take another year!" She looked at him longingly. "What about I join you after I complete this mission? For a solid year I have looked for you, Chakotay. I have badgered Starfleet every day and walked the floor at night trying to ease my mind and think. "

"My mother used to refer to that as 'chasing ghosts'," said Chakotay.

"Chasing ghosts?" she asked.

"Getting up in the middle of the night because your mind is so active you can't sleep. Whenever I did that she said I was 'chasing ghosts' trying to clear my mind."

Kathryn smiled at that, and then looking at Chakotay again said, "Please. Let me come back - I want to be with you."

Chakotay laughed as he looked at Tom and B'Elanna. "Still a wheedler, isn't she? I'm sorry Kathryn," he said as he looked back at her. "As long as I know you are safe back at Earth I can do my job - but we still have the rest of tonight," he said teasingly.

Tom stood and grabbing B'Elanna's hand started for the door. "It won't do any good to waste time then. Goodnight you two."

After the door closed Chakotay pressed his Com Badge. "Shane, are you there?"

"Aren't I always?" he replied with a laugh.

"I'll be spending the night here. Keep those sensors at full power."

"Gotcha, and - enjoy, Skipper!" Shane was still laughing as he signed off.

# # # # #

Janeway returned to Earth and reported to Starfleet what she had discovered about the Cardassians, as well as her capture, saying only they were able to overpower one guard and fought their way to freedom. She played ignorant and left out their encounter with Chakotay's ship and her knowledge of his agreement with Starfleet, who praised her efforts publicly and sent warnings to the Cardassians. Janeway smiled into the cameras, acting the role, all the while seething inside at the charade.

Two months went by, and true to Chakotay's words, the Cardassians, thoroughly embarrassed at the discovery of their plan became quiet, and peace seemed to descend on the Alpha Quadrant. Rumors continued to float about that there was some 'devil ship' out there, but nothing was ever proven.

One day she received a hail from Starfleet ordering her to report to Admiral Ross the next morning. She arrived right on time and was quickly shown into his office.

After a few minutes of small talk, the Admiral smiled nervously. "Captain, you are going to leave on a secret mission, and I might add, it is highly classified," and he tapped his console. "Is the shuttle ready?" A confirmation was heard and Ross turned back to Kathryn.

"You will leave here and be taken by a freighter into the Alpha quadrant where you will oversee equipment and supplies being taken aboard a certain ship."

"What's so secret about that Admiral," she asked.

"I think it will answer a lot of your questions. But we need confirmation that the equipment will be used as ordered. We trust you on reporting the truth."

Kathryn seethed with anger at the subterfuge, but maintained a passive expression while saying, "I see," all the while wondering if this was Chakotay's ship or some other top-secret ship she didn't know about.

"I think you will understand Captain," said the Admiral with a quiet smile.

She was immediately taken to a Shuttle, taken to the Earth Transport Bay and transported to a freighter. Two days later the freighter came to a halt but as she looked out into space she didn't see any ship. There was a rapping on her door and an Ensign requested her to come with him. She followed to the Cargo Bay where a transporter was just being initiated and several barrels disappeared in its beam. The Ensign led Kathryn to another pack of barrels and then nodded to the Lt by the Transporter. A moment later she felt the tingling and soon materialized in the Cargo Bay of another ship.

"Captain Janeway, this way please," said a voice to her left. She nodded at the unfamiliar face, but noted he was wearing the same clothing she had seen Batay wear. After walking through a few corridors, which were completely devoid of personnel, they stepped onto a lift, went up one deck, exited and turned left. All during this walk Kathryn had tried to take note of the ship's interior but the route and corridors didn't appear any different than most ships.

Upon reaching the first door, the man pressed the button and as the door swished open he said, "Go on in. This will be your quarters while you are here. You may freshen up if you wish. Dinner will be brought to you in one hour," and he immediately departed.

Kathryn slowly stepped in and looked around. Again it appeared like a normal, familiar ships quarters she was used to seeing. She washed up before noting there were not any windows in this room and wondered why. Shortly she heard a rapping on the door with the call, "I have your dinner, Captain." The voice sounded muffled but she felt no fear.

Upon opening the door she saw a man with a hood over his face and he hustled into the room and placed the tray on a counter. Turning to her, he reached up and started to remove his hood as he said, "Actually it's dinner for two," and as the hood came off Kathryn saw a smiling Chakotay. She immediately moved into his waiting arms.

After a tight embrace and many kisses, they sat down to eat. Chakotay had said no questions or explanations until after dinner so they bantered in small talk.

Finally, with dinner over, Kathryn leaned back and looked at Chakotay. "Explanation time, mister. Why am I suddenly allowed to see you?"

"It's very simple, Kathryn," he said with a large smile. "We needed a lot of supplies and equipment, as well as sending some of our confiscated equipment to Starfleet, so a drop off point was established to meet the freighter. In addition to that request I asked that you be allowed to come out and see what or who has saved you. Starfleet of course refused, so I sent another message demanding it, saying that with what you had been through, discovering what the Cardassians were doing, being bait, your ship battered, you and some of your crew captured and tortured, it was the least they could do, and if they wouldn't do that I would return to Earth, end my mission and go to jail. As we have been so successful I guess it convinced Starfleet, plus I believe they knew that other than being mad about not getting the mission yourself you would remain silent."

"I see," smiled Kathryn. "So the Maquis have Starfleet by the tail, so to speak."

Chakotay laughed. "Well we have been so successful I think they had to give in."

"Will I be able to tour this 'mystery super ship' and meet Mr. Batay?"

He nodded. "Most of the crew will be on the Bridge at 2100 hours as that's the time I arranged for you to see them. It's almost that now so if the Captain wishes . . ."

"I wish," she said rising to her feet and she and Chakotay stepped out into the corridor and headed for the Bridge. As the doors swished open, the chatter that was going on immediately stopped and all heads turned to watch Captain Janeway and Chakotay walk in.

Kathryn stopped and the first person she saw at Security was Lt Ayala. Smiling, she moved to him, gave him a big hug and said, "It is so nice to see you again, Lt."

He grinned and rubbed at his whiskered face as he replied, "It is nice to see you again as well, Captain."

Chakotay led her around the Bridge and she smiled, thanked and hugged each Maquis as she was introduced. She soundly hugged B'Elanna when she reached her and both women had moist eyes. Then she saw White Rain and Lopez standing to one side and hurried over to them and they each joined forearms.

"My brothers," she said with a big smile. They responded "My sister." Then she moved on around the Bridge. However besides Chakotay, B'Elanna, Ayala, White Rain and Lopez, the only other person she recognized from Voyager was Mulcahey, which made her frown internally and vow to ask Chakotay about this.

Then she came to Mr. Batay, who stood tall at his First Officer's chair. He smiled broadly and nodded his head as she came to him.

"It's nice to see you Captain, in a scenario where you aren't being battered by the Cardassians."

Kathryn laughed along with everyone else on the Bridge and reaching out hugged him tightly. "Mr. Batay it is an honor to meet you in person. Although I saw you at Outpost 8 you were quick to disappear."

"Hello Captain," said a voice from behind. Kathryn spun and then grinned widely.

"Doctor! So it was you who treated me at Outpost 8?"

"One and the same," he said with a big smile.

She faced everyone on the Bridge. "It is an honor to see some of you again and to meet the rest of you. What you are doing is marvelous and I'm glad Starfleet finally recognized your talents." Everyone chuckled at this.

"I wish you well on the rest of your mission and I fully expect to see you all back on Earth when you return." She then looked at Batay. "And you young man, I would like to invite you to dinner when you get back. I feel from all our ship to ship conversations that you are part of my family."

He chuckled and replied, "It would be an honor, Captain Janeway."

"All right, everyone. Playtime is over. It's time to get back to work," said Chakotay, and with a lot of complaints, hoots and catcalls, they all returned to their stations.

Once back in her quarters she asked, "Chakotay, that wasn't all the Maquis from Voyager. Are they still in jail?"

He grinned. "No. Originally they were part of this crew, but . . ." and he hesitated as he looked at her.

"Fess up," she said with a scowl.

"Starfleet has built another ship like this one and some of Voyager's crew is now on it, plus more Maquis were released from prison to fill in on both ships."

"Another ship! I should have had that assignment!"

"No, Kathryn, you shouldn't, for reasons you will find out later, but," and he rose and went to the console. "I'll introduce you to the Captain of that other ship," and he hailed Batay and said, "Shane, patch #2 into this console."

As Kathryn sat down beside Chakotay she waited and suddenly the face of Ken Dalby appeared. He smiled upon seeing her and said, "Captain Janeway! Fancy meeting you in a situation like this."

Kathryn smiled. "Mr. Dalby! You are the Captain?"

He laughed. "Yep. Can you believe it?"

"I must admit it stretches the mind for a malcontent such as you to be named Captain of a super ship by Starfleet."

"Doesn't just stretch the mind Captain, it explodes it," he said with a raucous laugh.

"Who else is on your crew that I know?"

He pursed his lips a moment as he thought and then said, "Well there is Chell, Geron, Tabor and Henley. I have a good crew Captain, and with the Chief there," he said as he nodded at Chakotay, "we are in good company, plus shooting at the bad guys is fun."

"I wish you well Mr. Dalby," said Kathryn with a smile. He nodded at Chakotay and the screen went black.

She looked at Chakotay and frowned. "You are still holding information back from me. What else am I going to discover?"

Chakotay rubbed his chin. "Well I guess you will find out when you get back. Lt Scott sent a message with the freighter that he couldn't rejoin us as yet because you will be sent out on another mission - again as bait." Chakotay grinned as he added, "You do it so well!"

Kathryn playfully punched his shoulder as he continued, "Starfleet feels the Romulans are partners with the Cardassians and while each are presently behaving, we are supposed to start watching the Romulans. That's why the Maquis on your ship, plus Jim haven't returned to us."

"I see." Laughing, she added, "Well with you and now Mr. Dalby watching my back, I feel quite safe taking more pot shots." Getting serious she asked, "Do I get a tour of this super ship before I leave in the morning?"

He nodded and said they could do it now, but after that he wanted to spend the rest of the evening with her.

She smiled. "You better believe you aren't going back to your quarters later."

Chakotay grinned. "Kathryn, these are my quarters."

# # # # #

Shortly after Kathryn returned from her 'visit' with Chakotay, she was assigned another covert mission to patrol the neutral zone. Although very few in Starfleet knew Admiral Ross had allowed her to see Chakotay and the new ship, before leaving the Admiral had talked to her privately in her Ready Room.

"As you now understand, you are being protected, so I hope it doesn't interfere with how you react out there, Captain."

"You know me better than that to say such a thing Admiral."

He nodded. "I just had to say it out loud. There is something else you should know. As these attack ships have been so successful we are extending Chakotay's time out there by another six months." At Kathryn's shocked, as well as forlorn look, he smiled. "He agreed to it as long as more Maquis are either released from prison or given assignment to the next ship we are currently building."

Kathryn's heart was now hammering in her chest. Another six months added on to his time! That was well over a year! She just hoped nothing happened to any of them during those missions. She looked at the Admiral.

"I think he has served Starfleet well. He has shown his honesty and integrity as well as his ability by showing what the Cardassians were doing. Release more Maquis to take that crew's place or when the next ship is built and let him come home."

"I'm afraid not, simply because of what you just said. His expertise out there is proving invaluable. He'll make it back safely, Captain."

"May I request when we finish my mission that I am allowed to transfer to his crew?"

"No I'm sorry. That request is turned down."

"But. . ."

"No, Captain. And that is final," he said sternly.

Kathryn clamped her mouth tight and said, "Yes, Admiral."

####

For the first two weeks of the patrol nothing happened. Then Romulan ships started to appear. Their Captains always hailed and greeted her in a very friendly fashion.

"You'd think they wanted to party with us they are being so friendly," mused Tom after the last ship went on its way."

Kathryn smiled but didn't respond. It really didn't matter. She knew Chakotay and Dalby were out there somewhere, tracking her every move. She smiled contentedly at that thought.

During the third week a Romulan ship was spotted sitting stationary near Outpost 9. Kathryn hailed him and asked if there was a problem.

He smiled. "No problem at all, Captain. We are merely exchanging greetings with the crew on the planet."

I bet you are thought Kathryn, her senses coming to full alert. A moment later she saw a shuttle returning to the Romulan ship and almost at the same time heard Harry mutter something and look up.

"Captain! Something's wrong at the Outpost. I just got an emergency signal!"

"Red Alert," called out Dawson.

"Shields to maximum, Mr. Scott," added Janeway. She then turned to Harry. "Did they say what the problem was?"

"Apparently they didn't have time as it wasn't a full signal. It was cut off three-fourths the way through."

Janeway stood and looked back, first at Harry and then Scott. "Anything, gentlemen?"

"Something isn't right," muttered Lt Scott. "I don't see anything wrong on my panel, but my skin is crawling."

Suddenly Harry called out, "The Romulan's are firing at us Captain," and the ship rocked with an explosion.

"Evasive maneuver Gamma five, Tom," Janeway called out.

"Captain, two more Romulan ships have appeared. They must have been cloaked and here all the time," said Harry.

"Mr. Scott, do your best," said Janeway as she turned and sat down. "Harry, on screen. Let's see all those ships."

All three ships started firing at The Phoenix. As it rocked with one explosion after another Lt Scott returned fire, first with Phasers and then Torpedoes. As the ships battled Kathryn kept wondering when Chakotay and Dalby would suddenly appear and join in.

"Shields down to 30% Captain," called out Harry.

"Aim for their armaments, Lt Scott. Let's see if we can disable them!"

On Chakotay's ship he was maneuvering to take out the lead ship, while Dalby was positioning for the second.

"Now Shane!" called out Chakotay and the ship de-cloaked and darted for the first ship, firing torpedoes as it moved. Dalby followed suit mere seconds later and suddenly the Romulans were faced with fire from three ships.

"The Devil Ships!" cried out the Romulan Commander on the ship Chakotay was attacking. "Where did they come from?"

As the battle progressed The Phoenix was clearly getting the worst of it. Chakotay had finally damaged the first Romulan ship and was making a swooping curve to return. Dalby was hitting first one Romulan ship then the other as he darted between them

On The Phoenix, Tom kept moving and twisting the ship in desperate movements to avoid being hit. However, on his last evasive maneuver he found himself face-to-face with one Romulan ship and Kathryn's eyes widened as she saw a torpedo launched and it was coming straight for the Bridge. Instinctively she braced herself and tightly gripped the arms of her chair.

"Noooo," cried out Chakotay as he saw the torpedo, and yelled for helm to fire full phasers. Even as he did this he knew he would not deflect or destroy that weapon . . . he was too late! "Full speed helm. Move in front of it," he said calmly as he sat down. 'Let it hit us."

Suddenly over the Com came Dalby's yell. "I've got it Chief," and his ship darted directly at the torpedo.

Kathryn watched as the small attack ship moved into the path of the torpedo and then exploded into a million pieces. Her heart thudded against her chest. Was it Chakotay?

She didn't have time to think about it. They were battling for their lives as she heard The Phoenix returning fire.

Suddenly Lt Scott called out, "Got him Captain!"

The Romulan ship in front of her shuddered with several explosions and then the entire ship disintegrated. Tom immediately turned toward another Romulan as Janeway said, "Good shooting Lt. Now we have even odds. Two against two."

Chakotay had stared horrified as Dalby's ship exploded and the Bridge had gone deathly silent for a moment. He shook it off.

"Come on people. We will mourn later! Ken did his job now it's up to us. We have to protect The Phoenix!"

His ship, with the crew now very angry at the loss of their friends, seemed possessed as it flew in and around the two remaining Romulans, keeping up a vicious and constant fire on both ships while The Phoenix ducked and moved and seemed able to fire at only one.

Suddenly one Romulan ship exploded in a huge fireball leaving only one more of the enemy. Chakotay moved in on it, cutting underneath The Phoenix as he moved into position.

"Ayala, fire the big one," said Chakotay.

Ayala nodded, knowing he meant the super torpedo that Starfleet had developed. He armed it, tapped his panel and said, "Mr. Big is on its way."

The remaining Romulan ship seemed to light up for a moment and then simply disintegrated in a tremendous explosion.

"Hang on for the shock wave," yelled Chakotay as the pilot tapped furiously at the panel to move the ship out of harms way.

Both The Phoenix and Chakotay's ship were tossed around like matchsticks as the shock wave moved past them. Crewmembers were thrown about each Bridge like rag dolls until finally quiet settled in.

"Is everyone all right?" asked Chakotay as he pulled himself to his feet and looked around.

Acknowledgments came from everyone and finally Batay, on one knee near his chair, and with a big smile, looked at Chakotay.

"Shall we check in with The Phoenix Cap?"

He shook his head. "Not yet. Wait and see what they do. I need an away team to go down to the planet and see what the Romulans were up to, Shane, so gather a team of six and head for the Transporter Room. I'll send the coordinates once we find a good beam down point."

"Aye Skip," Batay replied as he nodded to Ayala. Slapping his Com Badge he contacted B'Elanna and told her to meet him for transport to the surface. Lastly he contacted Security and asked for a team of three.

Chakotay turned to Mulcahey. "What do sensors show in the Outpost complex?"

"A lot of Romulan activity inside, Chakotay, and it looks like only a contingent of six guards around the perimeter."

Chakotay moved up to Tactical and checked the sensor readout. "We've got to move them outside," he grumbled and immediately targeted an area of three Romulans and opened fire with his Phasers.

In the complex of Outpost 9, as the explosions reverberated and shook the building, the Commander ordered many of the troops outside

"They are moving out Captain," said Mulcahey from OPS.

Chakotay nodded. "Find me an empty room inside the Outpost and patch it to the Transporter Room.

A few minutes later, Shane, Ayala, B'Elanna and the three Security guards materialized in a room and began to slowly and quietly move about. They encountered a few Romulans but quickly put them down.

On The Phoenix Kathryn was busy checking on damage and casualties. Ten had died, fifteen were injured and there were breeches on decks ten and eleven. Repair crews were already heading for the sites.

"Lt Scott. We need an away team to check on the Outpost."

"Yes Captain."

"And to be on the safe side take a team of ten," Janeway ordered, "Also keep your Com badges open. At the slightest sign of trouble we will beam you back to the ship. I'm sure I don't need to remind you to be careful and stay alert. Set your coordinates to a site on one side of the base." She turned to Dawson. "Commander if you are not injured you go with him."

Scott and Dawson left immediately. Kathryn sat down in her command chair and her thoughts suddenly became filled with Chakotay. She shook it off. She still had work to do.

"Captain," called Harry. "That one remaining mystery ship is firing phasers at the Outpost."

"That means they have found Romulans on the ground," she muttered. Slapping her Com Badge she said, "Transporter Room, make sure you beam our party well away from the activity down there."

As the Phoenix away team materialized on the planet they were quick to realize there was a firefight going on as they heard all he explosions and yells, as well as the whine of phasers at the complex.

Nearing a vantage point near the complex, Dawson ordered Scott to slip up to the window on this side to observe how many Romulans were inside. "There might be too many of them and we'll have to beam back to the ship," he growled.

Scott crept stealthily to the building and when only fifty feet away made a mad dash and hugged the shadows of the building. Slowly rising he peered into the building and was shocked to see Ayala. Starfleet can't find them was his only thought as he crouched back down. Then he smiled. Slowly rising again he gave a distinctive whistle. It sounded like a bird to most people but in reality was a Maquis signal.

Ayala looked up upon hearing the whistle and was startled to see Scott's face at the window. The only thing Scott did was slice across his throat with his hand. Ayala immediately understood the meaning. Get out! Starfleet was on the surface, and he scurried from the room.

On Chakotay's ship Mulcahey called to Chakotay. "Captain, we show a party beaming down to the surface from The Phoenix.

"Damn. Was the Captain in the away team?"

"It's hard to tell. It's a team of six men and four women.'

Chakotay slapped his Badge. "Batay. Gather your team. Starfleet has just beamed down. You have to get out of there!"

"Aye. Ayala just hailed and said Jim had just signaled him the same thing. We are ready Cap." A moment later Chakotay heard the Transporter and knew his group was now off the planet.

Meanwhile, on the planet, Jim Scott ran back to Dawson and reported the Outpost was full of Romulans. "Way too many for us Commander," he lied.

Dawson frowned, wanting to fight and yet not wanting to endanger his team. He called The Phoenix. "Captain this Outpost is swarming with Romulans. We are vastly outnumbered even with fire from that ship up there."

"Get back here then, Commander. We will report this to Starfleet."

On Chakotay's ship, he breathed a sigh of relief as Batay and Ayala walked back onto the Bridge and reported Starfleet hadn't seen them, thanks to Scott.

"Captain, a freighter is approaching," said Mulcahey from OPS.

"Starfleet? Is it our contact?"

Mulcahey was quiet a moment as his hands moved across his panel and then he looked up and nodded. "It's Starfleet and its configuration matches our contact."

"When they are within hailing distance let them know what has happened. They can get a message back to Earth about this invasion. Meanwhile I'll be in my Ready Room and he looked at Batay. "Patch me in Shane."

Kathryn sat quietly in her command chair. So the Romulans and Cardassians were allies and trying to take over Outposts - to do what? Probably they will attack the Federation someplace, or even Earth. She felt relief her away team had returned safely and she had Tom turn the ship towards Earth. They would make repairs as they slowly moved away from this Outpost.

"Captain. That mystery ship is hailing us."

Kathryn's heart jumped. Was it Chakotay or Ken? "On screen, Harry."

She sat waiting, feeling weak and her heart was pounding so hard she placed a hand over her chest. Suddenly the face of Batay appeared and she couldn't contain her relief. She glanced down at Tom and saw him visibly slump, rub his hands over his face and then swivel around to her and smile. She smiled back.

"We meet again Captain," said the smiling face of Batay.

"Indeed Mr. Batay and you are a very welcome face to see."

"Yes ma'am. Are you all right? I'm afraid you took quite a beating. The Romulans obviously have better firepower than the Cardassians."

"We have suffered casualties and many injuries, Mr. Batay. We are currently starting repairs and will be heading back to Earth now. I want to thank you again for your assistance."

He nodded and in a grave, quiet tone said, "We have suffered also."

"Yes, I saw the ship move in front of that torpedo. That Captain saved us and I'm very sorry you lost your friends," she said in a breaking, husky voice.

His face became very somber and he was quiet for a long moment. Kathryn knew he was hurting deeply.

"They did what they had to, Captain," he finally said in a soft voice. "Speaking of which, our Captain wishes to speak to you privately. It looks like you will finally get to meet him," he said with a smile.

Kathryn immediately stood and said to Harry, "I'll take it in my Ready Room," then nodded to Batay. "My thanks again," and she hurried off the Bridge.

As she sat in front of her console she nervously waited and then the countenance of Chakotay appeared.

"Hello, Kathryn."

"Chakotay," she said as she reached to the screen and placed her hand by his cheek. "I was worried it was your ship that saved us."

He nodded soberly. "Actually I was moving to do just that, but Ken got there first," he said in a sorrowful tone.

"I'm sorry, Chakotay, and this may sound selfish and heartless, but I'm glad he got there first." Chakotay didn't respond and just looked at her for a few moments.

Finally he cleared his throat. "We lost a lot of friends and comrades today. I just hope Starfleet respects that."

"I will make sure of it," replied Kathryn.

Chakotay suddenly held up his hand and said he would be gone a moment. When he returned he smiled and said, "Good news. Our contact just hailed us and they had picked up the battle and relayed it to Starfleet. They are already amassing an armada to come out here. I told them you were safe and heading back to Earth."

She smiled and asked, "When will I see you again?"

"Well according to the contact, when this mission is over. They feel if the Romulans are now beaten off this outpost and with the Cardassians having been defeated before, we just might have peace descend on the Alpha Quadrant. In the meantime I have been informed that they have finished another attack ship and are training a crew of Maquis, which is now the last of them being held in a prison. Once they report out here we will be relieved and come back home."

"That is wonderful news, Chakotay!" said a smiling, Kathryn. "How long then?"

"My guess would be about nine months. I have to get back, Kathryn, but first," and he pulled his hand up from beneath the desk and held a red rose toward the screen and smiled. "For you, my love."

"Oh Chakotay, it's beautiful. I wish I could take hold of it."

"Just remember my spirit is always with you, Kathryn. Take care and safe journey back home."

Kathryn placed her fingertips on her lips and then placed them on the screen, conveying a kiss to him. He smiled, that endearing smile of his, and then the screen went black.

# # # # #

Nine months went by and no word was heard from Chakotay. With her vow of secrecy to not reveal her knowledge of his mission, and because very few in Starfleet knew she had been apprised of the situation by Admiral Ross, she continued to make her usual irritating inquiries to Starfleet about her 'missing Commander'. She had resigned her Starfleet Commission upon return from the last mission and had tried to keep busy with various activities. Making these calls was one of them

Starfleet had indeed driven the Romulan's off Outpost 9 and with a very public display of the battle on the news. Shortly thereafter, peace descended on the Alpha Quadrant as both the Cardassians and Romulans were publicly humiliated and castigated by Federation members.

However as time moved on, there still wasn't any word from Chakotay. Because of this, her fear and anxiety increased. He had told her nine months and it was past that now.

Then, one evening, ten months after the battle at Outpost 9, Kathryn sat reading Chakotay's original letter. She found great solace and comfort in it, even though she could recite it sight unseen.

Suddenly the doorbell startled her, and after looking at the time, lay the Padd down and walked to the door. A clean cut, tall, young and very good looking Lt stood stiffly at attention and Kathryn's heart did a flip flop. Was it bad news about Chakotay she wondered?

"Captain Janeway?"

"Yes, I'm the ex Captain Janeway," she said, emphasizing the word ex.

He smiled. "May I come in for a moment ma'am? I have to speak to you."

Trembling with fear at possible bad news she indicated for him to enter. "Very well. It's late Lt. Do you have word of Chakotay? He's not . . ."

The young Lt smiled, and then chuckled. "Oh no ma'am. It's nothing like that," he said as he stepped inside and turned to face her as she shut the door.

Kathryn looked at him for a long moment, and then smiling said, "Come sit down Lt., or should I say Mr. Batay."

He laughed loudly. "Captain Chakotay told me you would recognize me, so I guess I lost the bet. Tell me what it was."

"Your eyes, Lt," said Kathryn with a grin. "When you smile your eyes light up with an expression that is hard to forget. Now Lt., what about Chakotay? Is he alright?"

"Oh, yes ma'am. He said to tell you he's tied up in debriefing and will see you later tonight. Actually I have to get back myself, but Captain Chakotay forced Starfleet to let me tell you that we got back two hours ago." He laughed then. "I think the Captain sort of has them over a barrel."

Kathryn chuckled. "Personally I'm glad to hear someone has. What about your mission? Did Lt Scott and the other three Maquis rejoin you?"

"Yes ma'am, they were brought back a couple days after you returned to Earth."

"I hope everyone is safe and sound."

"Yes ma'am. No casualties. Also, Lt Scott, Ayala and Mulcahey, as well as White Rain and Lopez said to extend their apologies to you for their part in the plan."

"And all the while their tongue is firmly in their cheek as they laugh over how they deceived Captain Janeway . . . especially Lt Scott."

Batay grinned. "Don't feel bad Captain. We Maquis have pretty 'devious minds'."

"Starfleet should be grateful. Thank you Lt, for your courtesy and help out there."

"Yes ma'am. Weird though," he said with a sudden serious expression.

"What is weird, Lt?"

"Starfleet pulling us out of prison and sending us out to spy and kill Cardassians when that was what they killed and put us in jail for."

Kathryn shook her head in wonder. "Like I told my Ensign Kim one time, 'weird' is part of the job. Tell me Lt., when you first went out on this mission, what about the rest of the Maquis in jail? Did they resent you for being released for that mission?"

"Oh no ma'am. They were happy for us. Actually all the Maquis are now out of prison and two ships are still out there. Well, except for Sveta."

"Why not her?" asked Kathryn.

He smiled. "Sveta still hates Starfleet with a passion, ma'am, and even though she was asked by Captain Chakotay to be on his mission she didn't want to mess it up with her hate."

"So what happens to you now Lt Batay?"

He grinned. "Well you know Chakotay's deal with Starfleet. If the mission proved to be successful any participating Maquis would receive full pardons, and the mission seemed particularly successful."

"I'm glad for you," she said with a big smile. "I hope this doesn't sound impertinent Mr. Batay, but I discovered while in the Delta Quadrant that the Maquis were not only brilliant and loyal members of my crew, they were also wonderful human beings. You were not on Chakotay's ship and I find that, although you would have been lost from your loved ones for an indeterminate amount of time and facing unknown dangers every day, I would really have liked you to have been on the crew of Voyager at that time."

He grinned. "Thank you ma'am. That almost sounds tamer, but you see, at the time Chakotay took that mission I happened to be in a Cardassian prison."

Kathryn's hand went to her face. "A Cardassian prison? Oh I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Batay."

"Yes ma'am," He was quiet a moment knowing she knew first hand about Cardassian prisons and torture, and then smiled and added, "but later Starfleet staged a covert rescue of some of their personnel and seeing me, and not being an alien or Cardassian, they took me with them, and then I ended up in a Starfleet prison."

Kathryn said, "Oh dear!"

"Yes ma'am," he replied, and then with a smile added, "But the food was better and no torture. Then Voyager returned and Chakotay struck his deal with Starfleet and I was one of the first people he asked for."

"Well I'm glad you were able to survive all that. I'm very glad to have met you Mr. Batay and I hope we keep in contact. I consider you a good friend. I also still want you over for dinner sometime."

He smiled and said, "Thank you ma'am. Well I really have to get back. They will have my hide now for being gone so long. Any message for the Captain?"

Kathryn smiled widely. "Yes tell 'Captain Chakotay' that rank doesn't hold any privileges in this house."

Batay laughed loudly as he left. "I'll tell him that ma'am, you can be sure of that."

At 1800 hours Kathryn's doorbell rang. Her heart pounded with anticipation as she raced to the door and opened it. Chakotay stood there, holding a single red rose, dressed in civilian clothes and looking more handsome than she ever remembered. He was now clean-shaven and his hair cut like he had worn it on Voyager.

Kathryn slowly backed up and Chakotay stepped in, closing the door behind him. He stood looking at her for several moments, soaking in the moment as well as her beauty.

Slowly, he moved to her. "Hello Kathryn," he said quietly as he handed her the rose.

Kathryn took the rose, inhaled its aroma and smiled. "Hello Chakotay," she said in a quiet voice.

Chakotay moved to her, slipped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close. Stretching her neck upward she lightly kissed him on the cheek and then as they hugged, both uttered a sigh of deep content.

"No more chasing ghosts," she whispered.

"No more chasing ghosts, Kathryn. I'm home."

In a low, husky voice, Kathryn said, "Welcome home, my love."


The End
March 2000
Enlarged Dec 2002
Edited June 2006

Please use my feedback form              Back