Disclaimer: Paramount owns all things Trek. I am just borrowing two of their characters for my story. No infringement is intended.

Letters

by Dee Price


Kathryn walked into her front room, tired after a one-month mission, and noted the message button on. Not interested in reading them at this moment, she inserted a PADD into the console, tapped the download panel and headed for a shower.

Later, in worn jeans and a tee shirt, she fixed herself a piece of toast, grabbed the PADD and as she sat on the couch, tucked her bare feet under her. The very last message made her heart jump.


Kathryn,
Hi. Thought of you a bit ago and just thought I would write a short note to see how you are. It's been awhile. I'm doing fine, how about you? Whenever you have a moment, drop a note sometime.
Chakotay


Chakotay,
What a pleasant surprise to hear from you! Awhile? How about six years? I've been keeping busy with Starfleet. I hope you are well and look forward to hearing from you again sometime.
Kathryn


Kathryn,
Hi. Been away for a while and was quite pleased to find your message. Yes, six years . . . It seems much longer than that. So Starfleet is still keeping you busy? Now why doesn't that surprise me? I hear after your 'vacation' they sent you out again. Find any criminals? Take care of yourself and write again when you have time.
Chakotay


Chakotay,
Again I was pleased to receive your message, but you never say anything about yourself! How are you doing there on Dorvan V? Yes Starfleet keeps one busy. That assignment after Voyager returned was for three months and no, I didn't find any criminals. I don't think they trust me to do that . . . I might get lost again! You take care also. I am going out on another two-month assignment next week, but don't let that stop you from writing.
Kathryn


Kathryn,
Well I suppose you are just about back from your latest adventure. I hope everything went all right and that the mission was a success. I have to admit I missed hearing from you. How are your First Officer's? Well, I know you are busy. Write if you have time.
As Ever, Chakotay


Chakotay,
I was very pleased to find your message. Arrived home about two hours ago and the mission was a success, but tiring. As to my First Officer's, you will laugh, but each time I turned to say something I almost called him your name! And as for writing, I will always find time to write you. I hope your life is going well.
As Ever, Kathryn


Kathryn,
I laughed when you said you almost called him my name. That might have been the first time a First Officer decked his Captain! Are you rested now? I imagine between Starfleet and your social activities you are pretty busy. A woman as beautiful as you must have all the men at your feet. Take care.
As Ever, Chakotay


Chakotay,
Who has time for social activities? And you should talk! All the women in the Delta Quadrant chased after you. Yes, I am getting more rest now, and won't be going out on an assignment for a while. How are you Chakotay? Again, you never mention what you are doing with your life. I sincerely hope you are well and just not telling me of any problems. Take care of yourself and please write soon.
Always, Kathryn


Kathryn,
Women chasing after me? Well I was duped by a Borg, had some unknown woman and kissed Species 8472. Personally I would have preferred to be chased by some other species . . . Yes, my dear Kathryn I am well . . . a picture of health. Living outdoors, with real fresh air to breathe helps a lot. I'm keeping busy with village stuff. I suppose I should mention I have a girlfriend named Victoria. The name sounds stuffy but she is very nice. How about you? Any boyfriends? Well, I guess that is none of my business. Take care of yourself.
Always, Chakotay


Chakotay,
I'm very glad to hear you are well. Your girlfriend sounds nice. Is it serious? I have a boyfriend name Brad. Take care.
Kathryn


Kathryn,
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but your last letter sounded abrupt. Are you all right?
Your Friend, Chakotay


Chakotay,
I didn't mean it to be abrupt and if it sounded that way I'm sorry. I was upset when reading your letter. Possibly I let that show. Sorry.
Your Friend, Kathryn


Kathryn,
My letter upset you? I'm sorry. You know I never want to upset you. What did I say?
Chakotay


Chakotay,
I'm all right now, so don't worry. It wasn't so much your letter it was just what . . . oh enough of that. I really do look forward to hearing from you - you know that don't you? Please take care of yourself and have a good life. Write again.
Your Friend Always, Kathryn


Kathryn,
I'm glad to hear things are better with you now, but I am still concerned for you. I have been building a home for myself and am a little sore. I could use a massage . . . hint. Take care of yourself Kathryn. I worry about you. Oh, I should tell you I am no longer seeing Victoria. It just wasn't going to work out. My mind . . . well anyway, it's over. Write soon, please.
Your Friend, Chakotay


Dear Chakotay,
I am sorry to hear about Victoria, but if your feelings weren't there it was best to end it. Strange, but I also ended my relationship with Brad. As with you it was obviously not going to work out and better to end it sooner than later, right? No need to worry about me my dear Chakotay. But you always made it a point in the Delta Quadrant to make sure nothing ever happened to me didn't you? I miss seeing you. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Love, Kathryn


Dear Kathryn,
Well it seems our relationships didn't work out. Maybe I should go back to the Delta Quadrant and find some of those women you said were always chasing after me. Sorry about your breaking up with Brad . . . well that's not altogether true. (smile) Yes I miss seeing you, too. After seven years together and then not seeing you for six years . . . it's feast or famine isn't it? Take care of yourself my dear Kathryn, and if there is anything I can ever do just let me know. Maybe if you have some time we could see each other again.
Love, Chakotay


My Dear Chakotay,
So you're not sorry about my break up with Brad? Well I'm not exactly crying over your break up with Victoria so we're even! Yes feast or famine. Well, personally I prefer feast. It would be delightful to see you again. I really have missed seeing my First Officer. Possibly we can arrange something next month. I am scheduled to be on Risa for a week of meetings with various Ambassadors. Maybe I can arrange a few days after that.
Love, Kathryn


My Dear Kathryn,
You say you miss seeing your First Officer? What about a guy named Chakotay? Risa sounds great to me. I would love to see 'My Captain' again. Just let me know the dates and I'll check my social calendar!
Love, Chakotay


My Dearest Chakotay,
Still have that sense of humor I see. What was it B'Elanna once said about you..."A wicked sense of humor." I think she's right. I did have the finest First Officer in Starfleet, but there is a fellow named Chakotay I would love to see. I miss him . . . a lot.
Love Always, Kathryn


My Dearest Kathryn,
Hi, my name is Chakotay. I hear you miss someone by that name and I'm volunteering to meet a certain Captain, although I prefer to meet someone named Kathryn Janeway. I miss that woman . . . more than she'll ever know.
Love Always, Chakotay


My Dearest,
And I miss you Chakotay. I will be on Risa in two weeks. We have five days of meetings scheduled then I will be free. Can you make it then?
My Love, Kathryn


My Dearest Kathryn,
Of course I can make it. I wouldn't miss the chance to see you again, even if only for a couple of days. I look forward to it. Let me know the exact dates you are free.
My Love, Chakotay


My Dearest,
The conference ends here in Risa in two days and I have arranged to remain here for the next three days for a vacation. Will you come?
Love Always, Kathryn


My Dear, Dear Kathryn,
Yes, I will be there! I have arranged for Transport and nothing short of death will stop me from seeing you. How about eleven hundred hours?
Love Always, Chakotay



Kathryn paced the hotel room like a caged animal. She was as nervous as a high school girl on her first date. Chakotay had said eleven hundred hours but not where or even which day. It was now 10:59 and she didn't know what to do. She had on a light blue dress similar to the one Chakotay liked so well in the Delta Quadrant. Slowly time went by but no contact was heard from Chakotay.

In a high state of nerves she contacted the Transport Office and inquired about the Transport from Dorvan V. When told it had left on time but had not arrived yet, her heart had a sharp pain. Had something happened? Had the Transport crashed?

She continued her pacing and when over an hour had gone by she felt a deep panic. Feeling the need for some fresh air she stepped out on the patio and inhaling deeply stared out at the horizon.

"Hello Kathryn," greeted a soft voice from the door.

She whirled around. "Chakotay," she whispered.

"I let myself in when you didn't answer. The door was slightly ajar."

She continued to just look at him, almost mesmerized. She had forgotten how utterly handsome he was! Regaining her composure she took a couple of steps into the room from the patio and stopped. Chakotay, standing just inside the door, turned, pushed it shut, then stood still.

"I was worried," she said huskily.

"That I wouldn't come?"

"You're late from the time you said and they told me the Transport left on time."

"There was a problem and they had to turn back to put us on another Transport. Sorry," he said apologetically, and then smiled and her knees almost buckled.

They stood looking at one another from across the room, a myriad of emotions filing across their faces while longing burned in their eyes. Finally they started moving slowly towards each other, and time seemed to stand still. At last they were virtually toe-to-toe.

"It's good to see you again," he said softly.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Chakotay," she said, her heart racing even faster.

He stepped closer, placed his hands on her waist, then slowly bent his head and lightly kissed her on the lips. As his lips left hers he slid his arms around her, pulled her tightly to him and as he placed his cheek against hers, whispered, "Oh Kathryn."

Immediately she slipped her arms around his neck, and moving her face slightly so that her lips were at his ear said quietly, "My dearest Chakotay."

She felt his lips brush her neck, sending chills down her spine and then he softly said, "I have a confession. There wasn't any Victoria, I just made her up."

She tightened her arms around his neck, and giggling quietly answered, "And I didn't have a boyfriend named Brad. I made him up, too."

He pulled his head back and looked deep into her eyes. With deep passion in his voice he said, "I've longed for this moment for thirteen years, and you have had my heart from the beginning. I love you so much Kathryn Janeway."

She nodded her head as her eyes glistened and whispered, "As have I, Chakotay." Then placing one hand on his cheek and tilting her head up kissed him with great passion. As she broke the kiss she whispered, "I love you Chakotay. Let's never be apart again."

"Never," he answered and pulled her even tighter to him.

They stood this way, in the middle of the room, their arms wrapped tightly around one another, for a very long time. Their love, at first hidden, then thought lost, was at last a reality.

The End.

June 1999
Edited May 2006

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