NEW VOY Another Muse [PG-13] (J/C, P/T, K/7) Another Muse by Anne Rose Title: Another Muse Author: Anne Rose Email: anne3rose@yahoo.com Series: Voyager Rating: PG Codes: (J/C, P/T, K/7) Date Posted: 30 November 2001 Web: http://annerose.cjb.net Disclaimer: Voyager and its characters belong to Paramount Pictures. No infringement intended. Spoilers: Muse Summary: Kelis finds another muse to inspire his plays. J/C, P/T, K/7 (70K) Author's note: Every time I watch Muse I wonder what happened after B'Elanna ascended to the heavens. Did they just walk away from the dilithium, what about the Delta Flyer, who did B'Elanna tell about the play, and what did they think of it? You get the idea. Loved the episode, but the ending left a lot of questions for me. Another note - as far as I've seen, there is only one protocol Janeway hasn't bent or broken to suit her - you know the one. So I feel pretty comfortable having her bend the rules here and there if she feels the ends justify the means. © February 16, 2001 Archiving: I would be honored if you want to archive my story. Please let me know where it is so I can visit it. If you haven't seen Muse yet, you can read a great synopsis at Jim's site => http://www.treknews.com/deltablues/muse.html. ~*~*~*~ ~~~B'Elanna and Harry materialized in Voyager's transporter room.~~~ "One moment, crewman," B'Elanna said to the transporter tech. Leaning over the console, and keying in data, she ordered, "Lock on to these coordinates and beam up the Doc's holoimager." Harry looked at her quizzically. "We wouldn't want to leave any advanced technology behind, right?" she said nonchalantly. "Right..." Harry shrugged. It seemed reasonable, and yet, the holoimager was somewhat smaller than the Delta Flyer still sitting on the surface. Something about B'Elanna's expression sent a cold shudder through the ensign. He opened his mouth, about to ask her to let him in on the secret, but just then Tom burst into the transporter room. B'Elanna looked up and smiled as Tom bounded over to her. He looked like he hadn't slept in days, and was out of breath after his dash from sickbay, but now there was an exuberance that almost erased the stresses and strains of the last 2 weeks. Oblivious of the tech and Harry, he took B'Elanna's face in his hands and caressed it gently. His eyes darted over her, noting the fading bruises and other signs of her ordeal on the planet. He let out a deep sigh and pressed his forehead against hers, murmuring softly as he wrapped his arms around her. After a moment she pulled back slightly to look at him. "I wasn't injured that severely Tom. I'm not going to break," she said with a wry smile. Tom was still dazed, but no one could call him slow on the uptake. Instantly, he tightened his arms, pulling B'Elanna into a passionate embrace, and followed it with a kiss that threatened to depressurize the deck. After they separated, she gave Tom a sly look as she handed him the holoimager. "What's this?" he said, still reeling from the welcome, and relief at finding her alive. "Home movies from my 'vacation.' We can watch it... later," she said, pulling him into another intense kiss. He thought he could definitely wait until later to watch the home movie as he lost himself in the warmth of her embrace. Harry cleared his throat, again, reminding him where they were and that they were not alone. This earned him a glare from B'Elanna and a heavy sigh from Tom. Harry opened the door and waved his arm, motioning for them to go ahead. Harry smiled as he watched his friends stagger out of the transporter room and down the hall to the lift. 'It's hard to walk and kiss and uh..., hard to walk in a straight line while distracted,' he mused. Their "distraction" was interrupted by the beep of B'Elanna's commbadge. "Doctor to Lieutenant Torres and Ensign Kim. Report to sickbay immediately." She sighed and looked at Tom. They exchanged disappointed, impatient looks. After a moment's hesitation, she slapped her commbadge, "On our way Doctor." ~*~*~ The Doctor was just finishing up examining Seven when B'Elanna and Harry entered sickbay. He found nothing out of the ordinary to explain her complaint of a slight fluctuation in her ocular implant. This seemed an opportune time to "flex" his new bedside manner subroutines. Surveying her he said, "Seven, you'll be happy to know, I found nothing wrong with you other than normal anxiety that the whole crew has been experiencing during Lieutenant Torres and Ensign Kim's recent adventure. I'm sure you'll return to normal soon enough." He smiled at her as he delivered his diagnosis. "And now I must attend to our lost sheep." "Yes Doctor," she mumbled, as he finished. He didn't need a tricorder to detect the increase in her pulse and respiration as the away team entered. He followed her eyes and saw that Seven seemed to be conducting her own examination of Ensign Kim. Her eyes never left him as he moved through sickbay toward her and the Doctor. Her gaze swept up and down his body, taking in every detail. Perhaps their little talk, while Harry and B'Elanna were lost, had helped her put things into perspective. There was an odd expression on her face. With surprise the Doctor recognized it. She was not just concerned; there was something else as well. 'Apparently there's nothing like a life threatening situation, with almost two weeks of uncertainty, to make even the Borg reconsider the relevance of interpersonal relationships,' the Doctor mused to himself. Ignoring Seven for the moment, he turned his attention to the rescued away team. "It's good to have you back, B'Elanna, Harry. I'll have you checked out and on your way in no time," he smiled and passed the medical tricorder over them. "You both look quite well, considering your ordeal and what could have happened. You seem to have done a good job treating your own injuries. I see nothing that will require my considerable expertise today," he said with a wink. "Mr. Paris, please administer a hypospray of nutritional supplements to each of them, while I see to their superficial injuries." The Doctor began healing the last of the remaining wounds with the dermal regenerator. "B'Elanna, I see you brought my holoimager back with you. I realize you were busy, but..." he hesitated. A purposeful grin spread across B'Elanna's face, "Doctor, I think you're going to be very pleased with the images I brought back. They're on the imager along with some other cultural events I snapped for our resident anthropologist." The Doctor stared blankly. "For Chakotay," she explained. "Why don't you go ahead and download them to your console now. I'd like to take it with me, if you don't mind. And don't mention them to him - it's a surprise." He nodded. "Thank you," he said with excitement, "I'm honored that you thought of me when you were down there." "Not at all, Doctor, not at all," she replied. It only took him a moment to access the data, and hand her back the imager. "If there's nothing else, are we free to go?" she asked, slipping her arm around Tom. "I've put you on light duty for two days. I expect you to rest, following your debriefing with the Captain of course," he said. Raising an eyebrow and smirking he continued, "but I don't think any other restrictions will be necessary as long as you promise to rest and eat well. Just let me know if you experience anything unusual - physical or otherwise. And don't let the Captain keep you too long with the debriefing. All right?" "Sure Doctor, no problem," she said hoping off the table and practically dragging Tom out the door. Ensign Kim stumbled slightly as he prepared to leave sickbay, giving the Doctor and opportunity to indulge in one of his favorite pastimes, meddling. Grabbing Harry's arm to steady him, he said, "Seven, Mr. Kim has been through a harrowing ordeal. I'm a little concerned about him until he's had some rest and food. Would you be available to escort him back to his quarters and assist him until you're certain he can take care of himself?" "Certainly Doctor, if you think it is important," she replied with Borg calm. She took Harry's arm in hers and escorted him from sickbay. The Doctor turned back to his console to examine B'Elanna's pictures, humming a little melody with a smug expression on his face. A moment later his jaw dropped. ~*~*~ As Harry and Seven walked down the corridor toward his quarters, the crewmen they passed all wanted to stop him and inquire about his ordeal, or wish him 'get well soon', and a speedy recovery. These attempts to detain them met with the implacable Borg. One persistent crewman found himself pinned to a bulkhead when he failed to pick up on Seven's 'subtler' message. "Harry is ill, and the Doctor charged me with the responsibility to see that he goes immediately to his quarters, eats, and rests." The crewman looked a bit dazed when Seven released him, but he waved at Harry's back and wished him luck as Seven swept him down the corridor. "Seven, you don't need to be so forceful with the crew. They're just happy to see me. The Doc won't mind." Seven stopped abruptly and looked at Harry, "I have spent the last 13 days contemplating the various fates that could have befallen you, calculating the probability of each and..." she paused, suddenly uncertain, "and being a 'worrywart' according to the Doctor. I am not eager to repeat that experience. The Doctor prescribed immediate food and rest. You will comply." Harry blinked twice and stared at Seven with a goofy smile on his face. When he was awake, he would need to investigate this further, starting with whether or not he had heard her correctly, or if he was hallucinating. When they arrived at his quarters, Seven propelled him rapidly into his bathroom to shower and change, "Harry, I will require 11 minutes to prepare your meal. Please complete your shower and return by then." With that she closed the door and left him to his thoughts. In the privacy of his room, he thought about Seven's unusual behavior. He got undressed and into the shower automatically. As the water ran over him, his mind was preoccupied with the woman in the next room. Thoughts swirled around in his mind as he stood under the water. 'She never calls me Harry.' He took the washcloth and ran it over his chest. 'Why did the Doc call her a worrywart? What was she doing while we were on the planet?' He continued to scrub the dirt off his body. 'She calculated the probability of the possible scenarios for my loss and rescue.' He grabbed the razor to remove the stubble from his face. 'She worried about me, and she missed me.' A thought was forming in young Harry Kim's mind - a happy thought. His train of thought was interrupted by knocking on the connecting door. "Harry, you have been in the shower for 13 minutes. The meal is ready," she said, through the door. "I'll be right there," Harry called. He got out of the shower and pulled on sweat pants and a t- shirt. His feet were still bare when he stumbled out of the bathroom. Seven was waiting just on the other side of the door, and she took his arm as she led him over to the table. Harry noticed that there were two places set, not just one, and the table was arranged with various types of irrelevant items. There were matching green placemats and napkins, flowers in a vase, candles in crystal candlesticks, and a bottle of wine. "Seven, you didn't have to go to all this trouble," he said, a bit awed by the display. "On the contrary, the Doctor has taught me that decorations such as these enhance the experience of sharing a meal. The additional time and effort required demonstrate the value one places on the recipient. Is this not so Harry?" "Yes, I suppose it is," he said looking around the table. "Thank you Seven. I appreciate the effort you went to." "I am glad," she said as she joined him at the table, and they began eating their meal. After they had eaten half of their meal, Seven thought it an appropriate time to bring up another subject. One she had been considering for the previous 2 weeks. "Harry, you have always been kind to me, even when others on this ship were not." "Yes Seven, I've always tried to be." "And I have always appreciated that," she paused for a moment, and then continued. "The Doctor has also been of great assistance to me since my separation from the Collective. He has taught me many things, been my mentor and my friend." In spite of himself, Harry let out a sigh. "Yes, I know the Doctor has taken a great interest in your education and assimilation into this ship and crew." "Yes he has, but while you were lost, we talked a great deal. I talked to him at length about my concerns for your safety, and the loss I would feel if you did not return. I believe it was that concern that caused him to explain 'transference' to me. How a person can believe they have romantically feeling for a caregiver or a mentor, when really all they feel is gratitude. He went on to explain how this concept was one of the motivating factors in the ethical rules against Doctor/patient fraternization." Harry held his breath and concentrated on his plate as Seven continued. "He believes that his charm, combined with the safe haven he provided were the factors that led to my previous infatuation. This is why, when the life of the person I truly cared for was in jeopardy, I began to feel guilty, as if I were abandoning the Doctor. I now understand that I care for the Doctor, but the sense of obligation I feel toward him is not the same as love." When he looked up, he was caught by her eyes. He took a breath and tried to think. "Seven, why are you telling me this," he whispered. Seven nervously analyzed his reaction. His autonomic responses were within expected parameters for a man who was still very attracted to the woman in front of him. "I realized a number of things while you were away. We can be separated from each other at any time, and I would not want that to happen without you knowing... how I feel about you." At that point Seven began to falter. She broke eye contact with Harry and studied her plate. Harry stood quickly, walked around to Seven, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back into his chest. After a moment, Seven began to relax into him. "It's all right Seven, I care very deeply for you too." Seven turned in his arms and stood up, wrapping her arms around his back. They stood, holding each other for several minutes, until Harry shifted his weight, causing him to stagger slightly. Seven stiffened and pulled back slightly, "You require sleep. I am neglecting my responsibility. You must rest." And with that, she ushered him into his bedroom. He had no choice but to climb into bed and allow Seven to tuck him in. As he watched her prepare to leave, the pain of the last several days came flooding back to him. Days when he thought he would never see Voyager, or her, again. As she walked toward the door, he made a decision. "Don't go Seven," he whispered. "Please stay with me a while longer, and... just keep me company." Seven stared at him for a moment, contemplating something. Then she pulled off her boots and sat down on the bed beside him. He pulled back the covers and held out his hand. She hesitated again for a moment, looking into his eyes. Then she leaned over and let him gather her into his arms, pulling her back into his chest, and wrapping his arms around her. He sighed as he nestled his face into her hair. The tension and exhaustion of the past weeks slowly began to fade away. As she drifted off to sleep she heard him murmur softly, "I love you." She smiled and replied with the same words. ~*~*~ The following day, the senior staff, with the exception of Harry, was assembled in the conference room... As the briefing wound down, Janeway looked around the table at her senior staff. "I agree. We can't afford to leave the Flyer down there. Kelis figured out how to access your logs, there's no telling how much they could learn and how much damage it could cause," Janeway concluded. "Is there anything else we need to discuss?" B'Elanna hesitated for a moment and then blurted out, "Captain, I think we should do what we can to help Kelis in his efforts to bring peace to his planet." Janeway looked up at her from the PADD with the official report, thinking about what B'Elanna was asking. "We still need to get the dilithium, and a war will make that difficult." Janeway smiled at B'Elanna's obvious tactics. She held up a hand to prevent any more and wilder justifications. "I agree Lieutenant. I think we should finish what we started. Kelis' people are not warp capable, but from everything we've learned they are quite aware of alien races, or Eternals as they call them." She smiled as she continued, "and I think we can't afford to pass up a good supply of dilithium. Now, how would you suggest that we accomplish both?" "Kelis already knows about us and how to access our logs. We can select more of our logs, and send them to him." She looked at the Captain for approval. Janeway nodded. "We can key the archive to only respond to Kelis' DNA, or DNA close enough to be his descendant, to avoid it falling into the wrong hands," she spoke quickly as her enthusiasm took over. "I think we should also monitor the affect this has on them, so we can deactivate the archive if necessary. I can rig a holoimager to look like part of the amphitheater, and add a subspace transmitter to send the images to us. For the dilithium, I would suggest a covert operation. The less their Autarch knows about us, the better." Janeway smiled, it wouldn't be the first time they had skirted the prime directive, but this was clearly a good cause, and whatever damage there was, was already done. "Go ahead, and keep me updated on your progress." "I will Captain," B'Elanna answered. With the meeting over, the officers stood and headed back onto the bridge. Janeway caught B'Elanna as she walked by her and leaned over conspiratorially, "Where can I get to see the play that everyone on my ship seems to know about, except me?" she asked with a mischievous grin. "I hear it's quite the epic tale." B'Elanna looked uncertain for a moment, then glanced at Tom. He nodded and said, "I'll be showing in the new theater in a couple days actually, you could be the guests of honor at it's premier. It's part of the welcome home celebration for B'Elanna and Harry. There will be a little party afterwards in the mess hall to celebrate." "Sounds very nice, and I hear that even though it is "The Away Mission and Rescue of B'Elanna Torres," I have a few lines." B'Elanna laughed, "The Captain does have an important part in the play, but I'd be careful about identifying too much with her. She does a number of things I don't think you could imagine yourself doing." "Sounds interesting," Chakotay said. "I, for one, am looking forward to it. Save me a good seat Tom." Tom and B'Elanna exchanged another nervous look. "Sure thing," Tom said, and they left. Janeway watched them leave, and then turned to Chakotay with a puzzled but amused look. "I wonder what my character does in this play of Kelis' to make them react like that?" Chakotay shook his head, "I don't know, but I've heard that many of the crew are not themselves. Whatever it is, we won't have long to wait." She nodded. "And speaking of waiting, where was Harry for this meeting? It concerned him too." "Harry has a couple of days off to recover." She said, and then in a conspiratorial whisper, "I believe he's working on a personal project, with Seven." "Ah, that would explain why B'Elanna was complaining about loaning some of her engineering staff to cover Astrometrics for a couple days," he chuckled as the walked back to the bridge. "Yes, apparently the Doctor worked out his little doctor/patient ethical dilemma. It seems to have put Seven at ease also," she replied. ~*~*~ ~*~*~ After the briefing, Tom and B'Elanna walked down the corridor towards her quarters. "When did you start worrying about getting in trouble? Afraid of staying an ensign even longer than Harry?" she laughed, elbowing him in the ribs playfully. "I'm serious B'Elanna. We could get in a lot of trouble." "No, it's perfect. They're not the only one's portrayed in a romantic light. They are one couple out of many. In fact, if anyone should get upset, it would be me about that kiss of yours with Seven," she growled. "Well I think you don't need to worry about Seven. She seems to be quite occupied at the moment," Tom said while opening the door to her cabin. B'Elanna looked confused. "What is Seven up to? What did I miss while I was on that planet?" "Oh, just our resident Borg behaving with less then complete efficiency and detachment," he said backing B'Elanna across the room and through the bedroom door. "Of course I hardly noticed, due to my own anxiety-ridden state," he paused to place kisses along her neck and up her cheek. "But Seven and I worked together quite a bit to find you and Harry, and I noticed a few things. She was nearly as preoccupied as I was. Doc noticed it too, and I happen to know they had a little chat." He was working his way back down when he encountered the top of her jacket, "You must have been wearing this for days, wouldn't you like to change into something . . . pardon the cliché, something more comfortable?" She shrugged out of the jacket, and then grabbed his face before he could kiss her exposed shoulder. "I'm not changing *into* anything, until I get cleaned up." She planted another kiss on his lips, and then pushed him back. "And I'm not doing anything until you fill me in on Seven and Harry." Tom moved forward again, wrapping one arm around her waist, "She's obviously interested," he ran his other hand along her face, "and he's still interested." Pulling her closer, "The Doc sent her off to be his nursemaid till he recovers." He gazed into her eyes and murmured, "You connect the dots." His lips covered hers, as she pushed him backwards onto the bed. ~*~*~ The next day, the away team arrived on the planet surface near the crashed shuttle, and immediately split into smaller pre-arranged teams to survey the area and bring back dilithium. The partially repaired Delta Flyer was established as the command center and main beam-out site since it provided most of the amenities the away team would require and it's remote location would make discovery less likely. Another team of engineers arrived to complete the repairs, as B'Elanna and Chakotay headed off to meet with Kelis. He had arranged to meet them in a house just outside the edge of town, where they could come and go unnoticed. Chakotay set up a tricorder to scan the surrounding area for visitors, while Kelis set a bowl of fruit, some bread and a jug of water on the table saying, "You must be tired and hungry after your long journey. Please refresh yourselves while you tell me about it." B'Elanna smiled at him, "Now you want both of us to sing for our supper, is that it?" "You did say you were bringing more stories for me." He gave her one of his earnest and persistent looks. The ones she had grown used to in her time on the planet. She sighed, "I talked to Captain Janeway, and she agreed to help you. I can't stay here forever, telling you stories, so we did the next best thing." She reached into her bag, pulled out a small box, and handed it to Kelis. "This is a record of Shining Voyager's journey so far, and of blue- green earth and the Federation." Kelis took the box reverently and set it gently on the table. "In this record you wi 1ind stories of many warlike people who learned to value peace enough to set aside their differences and join together to create the Federation." "I don't know what to say." Kelis looked at her in awe. "You may have saved my people." "That's a bit of an exaggeration, Kelis. It's up to you to save yourselves," B'Elanna replied, somewhat uncomfortable with his worship of her and Voyager. "We're only providing a history, you have to turn it into plays that will move your leaders. The archive will speak only to you, and to your children. That should keep it and you safe from your leaders and their enemies." Kelis nodded in understanding. "I also have this second box that I want you to place on the wall of the amphitheater. It will allow us to watch your plays from Voyager, and to send you new stories, until our journey takes us too far away even for this device to reach us." "I will guard this with my life, B'Elanna Torres," Kelis vowed. B'Elanna nodded in response. "Now, I need to get back to the Flyer and make sure it's able to leave by the time all the dilithium arrives. You two will have to amuse each other. I've told enough stories for a while." With that, she picked up some fruit and a skin of water and headed back out to the hills where the survey teams were gathering "Winter's Tears". ~*~*~ B'Elanna was part way back to the shuttle when she ran into Tom, who was looking for the Commander. "Where's Chakotay, I thought he was with you?" "He was. We went to see Kelis. They're still in the house talking," she said maneuvering for a kiss. "B'Elanna, you left Chakotay with the poet? Our storyteller with the local poet - what were you thinking?" he demanded, but she cut him off with her lips. "Oh, I just thought that he would make for more interesting source material than me." Tom let out a low whistle, and looked nervously at B'Elanna. It would be interesting to see what Kelis did with that "material." ~*~*~ Chakotay sat at the table, regarding Kelis as the poet poured a glass of water for his guest. "You did an amazing job of weaving our logs into a play, but do you think it will be enough to keep your patron from amusing himself by attacking his neighbors?" "I know I can succeed, if I can find the right story to tell." Kelis said, drawing Chakotay in. "Perhaps you would tell me more about how you came to be on Voyager." Chakotay picked up a fruit and took a bite as he thought about his old ship. The anthropologist in him considered the setting and Kelis' other plays. The Starfleet tactician weighed the various options and probable outcomes. The lonely man he had become seized the opportunity Kelis represented. The right play could solve more than just Kelis' problems. "I was the Captain of the Liberty, a Maquis ship. Sworn enemies of the Cardassians. When the Federation made peace and signed a treaty with the Cardassians, Captain Janeway was ordered to take the Federation's newest ship, Shining Voyager, and hunt me down." Kelis gasped as the story unfolded. He sat on the edge of his seat and listened in rapt attention, as Chakotay continued. "Our ships were blown off course by the Caretaker and I met Voyager out here, far from home. We prepared for battle, to fight to the death. But then we learned of the Ocampa, a people who live their whole life in only 9 years. They would be destroyed by the warlike Kazon if we did not destroy a great fortress called The Array." "The battle with the Kazon was fierce. Alone, separate, we couldn't hope to survive. Together, there was a slim chance. Just as the Kazon ships were closing on Voyager, I turned my ship into the Kazon and rammed them. The Liberty exploded, taking the Kazon ships with it in a blaze of fire." "I expected Captain Janeway to imprison me and return me to the Federation. Instead she gave me the most trusted position on her ship - First Officer. And I have been by her side ever since." Kelis nodded his head, memorizing every word, tone, and nuance from his muse. He refilled Chakotay's water glass, and gestured for him to continue. Chakotay told Kelis story after story of his time on Voyager. When the sun rose, he was still weaving tales for Kelis, who was soaking it all in like a dry sponge. They finally had to call an end to it when the call came for Chakotay to return to the ship. Kelis took Chakotay's hand and thanked him, "The voices on the box will come to life now that you have told me your stories. I don't know how I can ever repay you." "You can repay us by writing good plays to unite your people, and we will enjoy them on Voyager as well," he said, and the twinkle had returned to his eye. Kelis paused for a moment, and then he looked at Chakotay with understanding, "I know just the plays to write first. I know you'll be very pleased!" Chakotay smiled broadly, "Good-bye Kelis - the Poet, Kelis - Friend of the Voyager Eternals." He left the house and headed back to the Flyer. ~*~*~ ~*~*~ Only a day later, the Flyer was space-worthy and returned to Voyager. The cargo bays were full of dilithium and other food and supplies the teams had gathered. Safely back underway, the crew now had time to relax and celebrate their good fortune in finding Harry and B'Elanna alive and well. That evening . . . Inside the holodeck, some of the crew were still finding seats as Tom walked to the front to introduce tonight's play. "Good evening, I'm glad you could all be here. Tonight we have something a little different. Instead of 20th century theater, we have a play from the planet B'Elanna and Harry just visited. The first thing you'll notice is that the characters in this alien poet's play are all familiar. The second thing you'll find is that you may not recognize the characters after all." "Now in a tradition of the stage that dates back to ancient times, I ask forgiveness of our patron in advance for anything that might offend in our humble play." With the last, he made a grandiose bow to the Captain, who was sitting with Chakotay, to one side, in the middle of the theater. She nodded and smiled. Tom gave the signal, and the play began. "The Away Mission of B'Elanna Torres." [Act 1] (A Chorus of 3 men in long robes began speaking.) Chorus: Captain's Log, Stardate 53896. B'Elanna Torres has requested permission to take the Delta Flyer and search for dilithium. Shining Voyager, far from home, far from the gleaming cities of Earth. Kelis: Headstrong B'Elanna Torres, and young Harry Kim, speed away from Voyager in the Delta Flyer in search of their treasures. (Chuckles are heard from the audience, and murmurs about the Chief Engineer's stubbornness.) Harry: I've trimmed the sails but the sea is rough. Maybe we should return. B'Elanna: I know what I'm doing. Chorus: A wave as high as a mountain struck the Delta Flyer. B'Elanna: Get into the escape pod. Harry: We die together. (Seven, sitting next to Harry, tightens her grip on his arm.) B'Elanna: No one is going to die! Go. Chorus: Young Harry Kim left her side and B'Elanna Torres was thrown against the rocks-the rocks of our very shore. Kelis: Which is where I, Kelis the poet, found her, broken, dying. She told me her story - and now I've told you. [End of Act 1] ~*~*~ ~*~*~ [Act 3] Chorus 1: Steady-armed Paris, bound by a sleep that brings no rest. Chorus 2: The door opens, and the shadow of a woman falls on the helmsman. His eyes open. Tom Paris: Seven of Nine, did you find B'Elanna Torres? Seven of Nine: I'm sorry to disappoint you. Tom Paris: Unpleasant news . . . Delivered by the most pleasing of messengers. (The audience gasps as "Tom" kisses "Seven". Then giggles and titters erupt around the theater. Tom is seen covering his face as an amused B'Elanna playfully slaps his arm. Harry is saying something to Seven, who shifts in her seat in an agitated manner. Harry strokes her arm and kisses her cheek. She calms a bit.) [End of Act 3] ~*~*~ ~*~*~ [Act 5] Tukok: When a friend is lost, the mind is split in half, Divided between memory of the past and fear of the future. Harry Kim, Ensign. Only a boy when fate took you from the arms of blue- green Earth. B'Elanna Torres-half-Klingon, half-Human. I am honored to call you my friend. ("Tuvok stares into the meditation lamp and contemplates his friends' fate. The scene continues...) ~*~*~ Kelis: Aboard Shining Voyager, Captain Janeway still searches for B'Elanna Torres and Harry Kim. Will they find them and bring them home. Only time will tell. Chorus: And so ends The Away Mission of B'Elanna Torres, half-Klingon - B'Elanna Torres, half-human - B'Elanna Torres, Chief Engineer of Voyager. [End of Act 5] [End of The Away Mission of B'Elanna Torres] ~*~*~ "The Rescue of B'Elanna Torres" [Act 1] (We next see Harry, welcomed home by members of the crew.) Janeway: Welcome home Harry Kim. My heart was heavy when we thought you lost. Harry: I have returned safe to Shining Voyager, but at what cost. B'Elanna Torres, Chief Engineer is lost and none may say whether she yet lives. Delaney Sisters: Come with us, and we will ease your cares. (wrapping their arms around "Harry" the "Delaney Sisters" welcome him home with warm kisses and escort him from the stage - presumably for more comforting....) (There is hooting from the audience and comments are heard about poor innocent Harry in the clutches of the crazed Delaney sisters.) [End of Act 1] ~*~*~ [Act 2] (The scene changes again.) Janeway: Chakotay, why must I be denied what every other female officer on this ship can have? Chakotay: Captain? Janeway: The privilege...of your touch. ("Janeway" touches the lips of her mask to "Chakotay's" and then allows both their masks to fall away. She steps forward and they embrace, sharing a kiss.) (Shocked gasps echo through the theater. Janeway sits up straighter in her seat, as does Chakotay, and both of them keep their eyes forward, trying to ignore the eyes they know are focused on them. "The pieces are starting to fall into place," she whispers to the man beside her. Chakotay smiles slightly, "Shall I reassign Tom and B'Elanna to waste reclamation?" "Tempting... very tempting, but I did forgive him in advance," she said with a hint of a smile.) [End of Act 2] ~*~*~ [Act 3] Janeway: Seven of Nine. Seven of Nine: Captain. Janeway: The Delta Flyer has been found, in pieces, on a rocky shore. Seven of Nine: And B'Elanna Torres? Janeway: No sign of her. Seven of Nine, you are my eyes and my ears. If anyone can find her, it is you. Seven of Nine: (to audience, mask lowered) Her eyes and her ears...and the viper in her nest. I, Seven of Nine, have no intention of finding B'Elanna Torres. I, Seven of Nine, am Queen of the Borg. Surprised? No one will be more surprised than Janeway when I take my revenge on Voyager. Say nothing-or you, too, will be assimilated. Seven of Nine: (to "Janeway", masked) Captain, I will comply. ("Seven" exits) Janeway: (alone, speaking to the audience) My enemies are everywhere...without and within. Seven of Nine is Queen of the Borg. Surprised? So was I. Tell her nothing, or I will lose my advantage... (the mask falls) and my ship as well. [End of Act 3] ~*~*~ [Act 4] ("Seven" lies on the ground, "Janeway" holds a spear at her throat.) Seven of Nine: My death is irrelevant. You will never see the gleaming cities of Earth-you will be assimilated. Janeway: And if I let you live? Seven of Nine: Also irrelevant. Janeway: You don't believe that. (She throws the spear down.) The battle is over. Go home. Seven of Nine: (getting to her feet) How foolish of you to let me go...Free to attack you again. Janeway: And again, and again, until all your drones and all my crew are destroyed-until everything we value is gone and there is nothing left... but our hatred. [End of AHarr] ~*~*~ [Act 5] Chorus: Finally, Voyager has reached our shores. Torres: Kelis the poet must say good-bye as B'Elanna Torres returns to the eternals in a dazzling blaze of light. Chorus: On a far-away, snow-covered peak. Torres: No. Right here, before your eyes. Lanya/Seven: Wait! She's not from across the Eastern Sea. She's an Eternal! I'm telling you, she's B'Elanna Torres. The real B'Elanna Torres! I saw her ship!!! Chorus: The lead actress, in a fit of jealousy, brands her rival an Eternal! Our patron rises to his feet to stop the play! Warlord: Nicely done! I almost believed you. Continue. Kelis: Stay. B'Elanna: Voyager needs me. Kelis: So do I. B'Elanna: No, you don't. You have all that you need right here. Kelis: I'll be inspired...every time I think of you. B'Elanna: One to beam... (Reconsidering and raising her arms) To ascend, to the heavens. Chorus: And so ends The Rescue of B'Elanna Torres, half-Klingon - B'Elanna Torres, half- human - B'Elanna Torres, Chief Engineer of Voyager. Kelis: These stories will continue, for as long as we have the breath to tell them... And as long as our patrons remain wise and compassionate. And Voyager will continue on her journey to the gleaming cities of Earth - where peace reigns, and hatred has no home. [End Act 5] ~*~*~ As the "curtain" came down, Tom walked to the front of the theater. "I hope you all enjoyed the play tonight. We'll be showing more of Kelis' work as we receive it. I think we'll all get a laugh from his interpretation of us. I know I sure did." He grinned broadly at this. "Now, you're all invited to the mess hall for a welcome back party for the stars of the play - Young Harry Kim and Headstrong B'Elanna Torres." The crew applauded and filed out of the theater. Tom collected B'Elanna and escorted her arm in arm to the party. ~*~*~ Janeway and Chakotay walked together down the corridor to the mess hall. She took in a deep breath again and blew ir tht slowly to steady herself. "Are you feeling alright Kathryn?" he asked with some concern. "The play didn't upset you that much, did it?" She smiled weakly, "Not the play itself, just the anticipation of the welcome we're about to receive from the crew." "They're more professional than that Kathryn. I don't think any of them will give you a hard time. After all, neither of us wrote the play, and we weren't the only ones in the play enjoying a romantic liaison." At that she looked up at him, searching for something in his expression. "Chakotay, I don't expect them to say anything, not a word. That's the problem. We both know the other scenes were a bit different from ours." He was about to reply, but they had reached the door to the mess hall. Letting their arms fall away from each other, they walked through the door. ~*~*~ The mess hall fell silent as the Captain and Commander Chakotay entered. Some crewmen stared at them, while others looked away. Hushed whispers and shuffling were the only sounds. "As you were Ladies, Gentlemen. This is a party, not an inspection." She said in her lightest command voice. She looked at Chakotay with a silent, 'I told you so.' He smiled and tried to look nonchalant, but the tension was getting to him too. "Let's get some punch and commiserate with the other "stars" of Kelis' play." He took her elbow and began guiding her through the crowd. A moment later the room was alive again, as the other recovered crewmember entered. Harry and Seven were greeted with thunderous applause as they entered the mess hall. Crewmen crowded around them and clapped Harry on the back, welcoming him back and wishing him well. The crew had been very tightly wound during his and B'Elanna's absence, and they were well on their way to unwinding even in the short time the party had been going. Slowly, they were able to make their way to the refreshment table where they found Tom and B'Elanna. Harry looked a bit dazed by the reception. "Good to see you Harry," Tom said. "Here, drink this," he said shoving a glass in Harry's hand. "B'Elanna got a similar reaction from the crew when she arrived." "Thanks Tom," he said as he sipped the drink and surveyed the room a bit warily. "So Seven, what did you think of the play?" B'Elanna asked. "It was wrong!" Seven sputtered. "It was all wrong, I would not engage in a romantic..." words failed her for a moment as she gestured toward the stage, that was no longer in front of her, "a romantic liaison with Tom Paris. I do not have those kind of *feelings* for him." She looked at Harry for assistance. He stepped closer and put an arm around her shoulders to calm her. "It's OK Seven. Look at what Kelis did to me. Do you think I'm interested in the Delaney sisters?" He tried to smile reassuringly at her, and gently rubbed her shoulder. "I do not understand why he so obviously rearranged the couples in his play. The only relationship he portrayed correctly was the Captain and Commander Chakotay," she blurted out in desperation. Harry stiffened, B'Elanna gasped and Tom looked around to see who had overheard her. "Not so loud Seven," Harry cautioned her. "You don't want the Captain to hear you say that." "Hear her say what?" Janeway said as she and Chakotay walked up to the small group. "Seven didn't like the play very much Captain," Tom filled in before anyone else could answer. "Is that so, Seven. Why didn't you like it?" Chakotay asked. Tom rolled his eyes, as B'Elanna drained her cup of punch. "I felt that I was grossly misrepresented - kissing Tom and attacking the Captain. I would never do any of those things!" She looked at Harry and he squeezed her shoulders again. Chakotay laughed, "It's OK Seven, none of us will think differently about you because of an alien's play. Kelis seems to be obsessed with romance. Maybe B'Elanna can get him to pair you with someone more acceptable in the next installment," he said indicat to Harry. "I'm sure she's just as motivated as you are." "Yes, perhaps that would be a good idea. B'Elanna, will you speak to Kelis and explain his error?" Seven asked. "I'll try Seven, but Kelis has his own ideas about how the play should go," B'Elanna shrugged. "What did you think of the rest of it? How did you think the rest of us fared?" Chakotay asked Seven. Janeway *looked* at him as he asked it. He gave her an innocent look. Tom and B'Elanna looked at each other and exchanged concerned looks. 'What is wrong with him,' Tom wondered. "I found the scene with Harry kissing the Delaney sisters disturbing and out of character for him. In fact there was only one scene that seemed plausible." As Seven continued speaking, Tom became aware that B'Elanna's glass was empty and they both turned toward the refreshment table and concentrated on refilling it. They pretended not to hear the rest of the exchange. Chakotay nodded, encouraging her to continue. "What scene was that Seven?" "I thought it was obvious - the scene with the Captain and yourself. It was the only scene in the play that paralleled reality. The masks were the perfect metaphor for the command structure and protocol, while your true feelings lay behind the masks." Chakotay heard the Captain choke on her punch, but he forged ahead anyway. "That's an interesting interpretation Seven. How did you arrive at it?" Seven smiled slightly, pleased with herself. "I did arrive at the conclusion on my own, through impartial observation and comparison of you together and with others. I understand from the conversations this evening that much of the rest of the crew share these conclusions." Before the conversation got totally out of control, Janeway interrupted, "That's a fascinating theory Seven, and you'll have to share the rest of it with me another time. Right now, the Commander and I have to mingle. Right Commander?" "Uh, yes, right Captain," he said, and they began to work theire h through the crowd. Harry watched them go with a smile. He hugged Seven with his free arm. "I hope someday they can be as happy as we are." ~*~*~ The party continued for a while, but after an hour Kathryn had had enough. She became restless. Chakotay recognized the signs. "Would you like an escort to your cabin?" She hesitated. "It would give me an excuse to leave too." "You do realize, the rumor mill will jump to warp if we're seen leaving together?" "And it will go to warp 10 if we don't. They'll really think we're hiding something," he said with a twinkle in his eye. She sighed, "After you." Chakotay took the arm she offered, and escorted her out of the mess hall. As predicted, crewmen they passed stopped what they were doing and watched them leave. The whispers started even before the door had closed behind them. When they were in the corridor, Kathryn struck up conversation to cover the awkward silence. "Did you see Harry trying to explain the play to Seven?" she asked as they walked along the corridor. "Yes, he seemed determined to make her understand that the crew wasn't laughing at her, but at the irony of Kelis' portrayal of all of us," he said. "Harry is very kind, and it's obvious how much he loves her. I hope they can be happy together." "Hmm... she seemed quite distressed by the scene of her kissing Tom. I think that must have been embarrassing for her." "She was kissing the wrong man in the play. I think that was the real problem. If she'd been kissing the right man, I don't think it would have bothered her," she stated with conviction. "You don't think it still would have made her feel uncomfortable?" he asked. "Uncomfortable? Possibly, she didn't seem uncomfortable when Harry finally gave up explaining and just kissed her," she said glancing at him. "He should have done that a long time ago." He looked at her, "Yes, he probably should have, but I'm sure the longer he waited, the riskier it seemed to him." "But it turned out alright for them in the end." "Yes it did, and I'm happy for them both." He stopped walking, "Here you are. Goodnight, and I'll see you in the morning." With that, he turned and continued walking to his own door, and went in, leaving her in the corridor. Kathryn watched him go, and sighed. Maybe Kelis had gotten all the couples wrong after all. She felt sad for the first time since they had rescued Harry and B'Elanna. Going into her cabin, she left the lights on low, stripped out of her uniform and fell into bed exhausted. There was time enough to worry about this tomorrow - when she had had a good night's sleep and her head was clear. Lost in thought, she pressed her hand against the wall that separated them, and then sighed, rolled over, and went to sleep. ~*~*~ Chakotay leaned against his door and closed his eyes. He took several deep breaths to steady himself. This evening had strained him almost to the breaking point. Maintaining a professional façade in the face of that play, and the crew's comments, was nearly impossible. Seven's comments were difficult enough, although he had enjoyed putting Kathryn on the spot. He thought about that and wondered why he had done it. Did he really expect to elicit some spontaneous declaration of love from her? When he realized that on some level he had hoped for it he sighed again. To top it off, Kathryn's discussion on the walk back had nearly undone him. Perhaps he was losing his grip on reality after all there years. It sounded to his fevered brain like she was discussing their 'relationship', and not Harry and Seven's. He really had to get a grip on himself. Tomorrow was going to be difficult enough without letting his imagination run away with him. He took another deep breath and walked into his bedroom, shedding clothes as he went. Climbing into bed he looked at the connecting wall. For a moment he pressed his hand up against it. Then he sank back down and tried to go to sleep. ~*~*~ ~*~*~ The next day on the bridge started out tense, but as the days went by, and the crew saw the command team taking it all in stride, people began to relax and went back to their normal routines. The next week Kelis' play centered around the events that brought them to the Delta Quadrant. He told a story about the building of Voyager at Utopia Planetia. It was amazing that Voyager was completed at all; given the way the construction crews conducted themselves. Very little work occurred, instead they seemed to do nothing but kiss and woo each other. Following this play, Tom initiated several new betting pools based on Kelis' "dramatic devices." Most centered around pairings of crew, but a few actually concerned themselves with anticipated plot twists and turns, sudden reversals, and mistaken identities. But week in and week out, the most popular pool involved how Kelis would arrange the couples this week. Kelis' next play told how Voyager came to be lost so far from home, and how the Maquis forged their alliance with them. ~*~*~ "The Hunt for the Maquis." [Act 1] (A Chorus of 3 men in long robes began speaking.) Chorus: Captain's Log, Stardate 48315.6. The Federation has made an alliance with an ancient enemy, the evil Cardassian Empire. But the alliance has a price - the capture of the Maquis. Fearless Captain Kathryn Janeway is sent to find them and bring them back to face their fate. Aboard Shining Voyager, she pursues the Maquis into the badlands, farther and farther from home, far from the gleaming cities of Earth. Janeway: Increase sensors, we must find the Maquis ship. Harry: The storms in the badlands have blinded us. We can no longer see their ship. Chorus: Another powerful eternal, the Caretaker, sends a wave as high as a mountain to sweep Voyager far out to sea. Voyager, thrown off course, and far from home, encounters the Maquis who have also been ensnared by the Caretaker. The Caretaker chooses a hostage from each ship, and takes them to his mighty fortress called The Array. Captain Kathryn Janeway, and Chakotay, Captain of the Maquis Ship Liberty, sworn enemies, must rescue Headstrong B'Elanna Torres, and Young Ensign Kim. (Still on the bridge of Voyager.) Janeway: Bring the Maquis Captain aboard, but watch him carefully. ("Chakotay," "Tuvok," and another officer walk onto the stage. The two security officers point spears toward them as they walk forward. The Chorus remains at the back.) Chorus. Fearless Captain Janeway and Stout-hearted Chakotay meet face to face for the first time. Each is uncertain how to greet their enemy, yet they are drawn together to save their ships and crew. ("Janeway" and "Chakotay" circle each other and then pause. They move again, drawn together, their masks reaching out toward each other, almost touching, when Chorus 1, steps firmly between them, separating the masks, and they turn and fall away. Chorus: Two Captains, sworn enemies with a common goal. They must put aside their hatred and join together to save their ships and their crews. [End of Act 1] (The play goes on, and Harry and B'Elanna are rescued. Janeway asked Chakotay to be her First Officer, and the play ends with them sitting side by side on the bridge.) ~*~*~ The plays continued. Each week brought another new play from Kelis, taking them further into the history of Voyager in the Delta Quadrant - or "The Saga of Shining Voyager far from Home" as Kelis titled his epic series. The plays were generally greeted with riotous laughter at the improbably twists and turns. The next day, Kelis' hapless victims could expect to be teased unmercifully, and the next week they would gleefully return the favor. Morale on the ship was at an all time high. Tom's betting pools enjoyed a brisk business due to Kelis' disinterest in continuity. Each week Tom set the odds on possible pairings, and the crew placed their bets eagerly. But Tom noted that no matter how confused the couples were during each play, at the end, Janeway and Chakotay were always standing together in the center of the stage, or sitting in their chairs on the bridge, as the play ended. The time went by so quickly that, after several months, Janeway was almost taken by surprise by the subject of this week's play. ~*~*~ "The Sacrifice of Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay" [Act 1] Chorus: The away mission has gone badly. The Kathryn Janeway, Captain of Voyager and Chakotay, her First Officer are struck down by a sickness for which there is no cure. Separated from their ship, they are forced to sacrifice themselves for the good of the ship, and live on a distant shore, alone and in exile. (The theater became strangely quiet as one by one, the audience realized the subject of this play. Unlike previous nights there was not a sound from the audience, not a giggle, barely the sound of breathing.) Chakotay: Look around us at the flowers and trees. Is this not a most pleasing prison? Janeway: Chakotay, I am determined to find a way to return to the ship. Chakotay: If we return, we will die. Be content here instead. Janeway: My duty requires it. Help me search for a cure. Chakotay: First, we must live through today, if we are to return to Voyager tomorrow. Chorus: Together they build a house, but morning after morning Kathryn Janeway leaves that house to search for a cure. Farther and farther away she travels in her search. While she searches, Chakotay fells the trees and carves from them their new life. [End of Act 1] ~*~*~ [Act 2] Janeway: Look here Chakotay; I have found many things to help me find a cure. Chakotay: While you were out searching, I prepared a meal. Sit with me and eat. Janeway: I cannot rest until I've found a cure. Chakotay: And I cannot sacrifice today for a tomorrow that may never come. Chorus2: Kathryn Janeway returns to the forest to search for a cure, but a fierce storm surrounds her. Lightening and thunder strike down the trees around her. Lost and frightened she tries to find her way home. Chorus: Through the forest Brave Chakotay seeks her. Searching for her in the raging storm. At last Chakotay finds her against a tree. He lifts her in his arms and carries her back to safety. Chakotay: I was afraid I wouldn't find you, that the storm had claimed you. Janeway: My traps and instruments, my work, I must save them. Chakotay: Kathryn, we must reach the house or we will die. ("Chakotay' carries her across the stage to the stone table and pulls both of them under it.) Janeway: I must save my research. Chorus: Chakotay holds onto Kathryn Janeway, stopping her from leaving the shelter to rescue her research, saving her life, but ending her hope of finding a cure. As the sun rises, Kathryn Janeway finds all her instruments and work destroyed. Janeway: (Looking over her broken equipment) It's all destroyed. I have no hope of finding a cure for us now. We are trapped here forever. Chakotay: We can make a life here. Look around this New Earth. We have everything we need. Janeway: (she takes his hand) I will try to see this world as you see it. [End of Act 2] ~*~*~ [Act 3] Chorus: In the weeks that follow they spend their days working side by side. Kathryn Janeway plants a garden and watches it grow. Chakotay continues to build their home. In the evening they eat together and talk of the future. ("Janeway" and "Chakotay" sit at the stone table eating dinner and discussing the day.) Janeway: (rubbing her neck) I'm not used to so much lifting. My neck will be very sore tomorrow. Chakotay: (moving to stand behind her) Perhaps I can help ease your pain. ("Chakotay" begins to massage her shoulder with one hand, while holding the mask in the other.) Janeway: (stopping him after a moment) We have to talk about this. Chakotay: All right. Janeway: I think we need to define some parameters...about us. Chakotay: (walking out in front of the table) I'm not sure I can define parameters, but I can tell you a story, an ancient legend among my people. It's about an angry warrior who lived his life in conflict with the rest of his tribe. A man who couldn't find peace, even with the help of his spirit guide. For years he struggled with his discontent, but the only satisfaction he got came when he was in battle, this made him a hero among his tribe, but he still longed for peace within himself. One day, he and his war party were captured by a neighboring tribe led by a woman warrior. She called on him to join her because her tribe was too small and weak to defend it's self from all its enemies. The woman warrior was brave and beautiful, and very wise. ("Chakotay" begins to lower his mask.) The angry warrior swore to himself that he would stay by her side, doing whatever he could to make her burden lighter. From that point on her needs would come first, and in that way the warrior began to know the true meaning of peace. (He lays the mask on the table, where they remain.) Janeway: Is that really an ancient legend? Chakotay: No but that made it easier to say. (He reaches out and takes her hand, weaving their fingers together. She stands, laying her mask on the table, and steps forward into his arms. He wraps his arms around her and they kiss.) (There was a collective intake of breath as "Janeway" and "Chakotay" kissed. No one giggled at this kiss, as if they knew they were intruding on something very personal. The only sound was of people shifting nervously in their seats. Although they felt uncomfortable seeing their command team's deepest secrets displayed on the stage, no power in the universe could have dislodged them from their chairs until the end of the play.) [End of Act 3] ~*~*~ ~*~*~ [Act 4] Chorus: Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay made New Earth their home. Voyager has become a distant dream. A life as far away as the stars themselves. ("Kathryn" and "Chakotay" are laying on the ground, tending their garden.) Chakotay: Kathryn look at the tomatoes, they are growing well. Janeway: Yes, and I find I enjoy planting things and watching them grow. Chakotay: You no longer regret leaving the ship. Janeway: No, the only thing I regret is denying myself, for so long, the privilege of your touch. (They kiss...) Chakotay: (his hand on her belly) Soon, I hope our happiness will be complete. I look forward to the day when our garden is not the only thing that grows here. Kathryn, I want to watch our children playing here, and know that this is truly our home. Janeway: I can think of nothing that would make me happier, and nowhere else that I could imagine being content. ("Janeway" and "Chakotay" kiss again, and continue while the Chorus moves forward and speaks.) Chorus: But this happy future is not to be. A voice speaks to them from the air. It is the voice of Tuvok of Vulcan. Tuvok who neither laughs nor cries, come to call them back to duty. Tuvok: We have found a cure for your illness and returned to rescue you Captain, rejoice that you can again fulfill your duty to serve this ship. (They break apart, and stand.) Janeway: (Walks to the left side of the stage and speaks to the audience, and by extension, to the crew.) How is this possible that after all these weeks they should return? My life is here now, my love is here. I will be torn in half... and die inside, if I return, and yet I know I must - because Starfleet has entrusted me with it's finest ship and the lives of this crew. (she straightens) I will forget what has happened here and return to guide them home. Do not say a word of this to my crew or to Chakotay. Chakotay: (Walks to the right side of the stage and also speaks to the audience.) How can this be. I have waited so long to hold my happiness in my arms, only to have it ripped away. But Voyager is far from home; I must honor my oath, no matter the cost. I vowed to serve heorednd if it cannot be as a lover, then it will be as her First Officer. And thus to prove my love, I will hide it away where it will not cause her pain. Do not say a word of this to her or to her crew. (They walk back to the center of the stage, and he picks up their masks.) Chakotay: (holding out her mask to her, with pain etched in his expression) A ship cannot survive without its Captain. Janeway: (pushing the offered mask aside) A Captain cannot survive without her First Officer. Chakotay: You will not be alone. I will stand beside you. In the years to come, remember this place, know that I love you still, and never mistake my silence. (The masks drop to the ground, forgotten for a moment. "Janeway" steps forward into "Chakotay's" arms and they share a final passionate embrace. They step back from each other, and he leans down to pick up the masks. He hands one to her. Turning toward the audience, they stand stiffly and place the masks back over their faces.) Janeway: Captain Janeway to Voyager. Two to beam up. Chorus1: And so, Courageous Kathryn Janeway, Heartbroken Kathryn Janeway, Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Ship Voyager, returned to Shining Voyager, sacrificing everything to protect her crew from the unknown dangers that lie ahead - with the Steadfast Chakotay, Chakotay the Gentle Warrior, Commander Chakotay First Officer of Voyager ever by her side. (Kelis walks to the front.) Kelis: I Kelis, a humble poet, heard this tale from the lips of the eternals themselves, and now I have told you. Will they ever find peace in their hearts, and will they ever return home. Only time will tell. But, these stories will continue, for as long as we have the breath to tell them... And as long as our patrons remain wise and compassionate. And Voyager will continue on her journey to the gleaming cities of Earth - where peace reigns, and hatred has no home. [End of Act 4] ~*~*~ The theater is silent, as the crew sat stunned for a moment. Then, quickly and furtively, they rose and began to exit. Kathryn had covered her face, unable to watch the scene unfolding before her. It was just a play, she told herself, and she knew the crew was watching her as much as the scene on the stage, but she couldn't bear it any longer. She had been holding it in for too long, too many years. She had known beforehand what the play would be about tonight, but she decided to go anyway. Kathryn told herself it would be amusing -- that she could laugh it off like the rest and go on. No one but she and Chakotay would know what was real and what was from Kelis' fertile imagination. But deep down, she knew that she didn't want to go on as before. They might spend the rest of their lives in the Delta Quadrant, enslaved by protocols written for other ships, and different circumstances. This was the battle she was really fighting as she had watched the play -- a battle with her own stubbornness, will, and pride. As the play had continued and she heard Chakotay's words again, they moved her just as they had that night. There was a fleeting twinge of anger that he had disclosed such private information to a stranger, knowing it would be put on display for her crew. But that was inconsequential compared to the turmoil she inflicted upon herself. She desperately wanted to let herself give in, and to take what Chakotay offered. It terrified her to think what would happen if she did, and she couldn't even think of what would happen if she didn't. Chakotay noticed her distress, and saw the unshed tears in her eyes. It tore at his own heart, and he reached out, putting his hand on her arm. At his touch, she began trembling slightly, and a tear rolled down her cheek. He took a deep breath when he saw it, but it did nothing to calm him. She was shaking now, and it was only a matter of time before what was left of her façade crumbled. He knew the crew were observing them, although most of them had the decency to avert their eyes and did not realize how deeply distressed the Captain was. It would be necessary to move her, and quickly, before the situation deteriorated further. He hoped they would be overlooked in the general confusion of people leaving the theater, headed to the party. He tapped his commbadge, "Chakotay to the Doctor. The Captain is unwell. Initiate a site-to- site transport -- two to beam to sickbay on my mark." Chakotay gathered Kathryn in his arms, standing her up. She clung to his arms and nearly fell. Tapping his commbadge, "Now Doctor." ~*~*~ They materialized in sickbay, beside one of the biobeds. It was Chakotay's intention to help her up onto it so the Doctor could examine her, but instead she slid her arms around his back, and hung on for dear life. Her sobs were louder now, and her body shook as she gave up any pretense of control. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight - fearful that she would never speak to him again after she recovered from this lapse. Gently, he stroked her hair, caressing her back and murmuring softly in her ear. At first he just apologized for the pain he caused her. Then as he rambled on, he began to speak of his feelings - first of his fears, then of his hopes, and finally of his love. He had reached a crossroads and passed it. He knew everything would change going forward, there was no way to stop it now that it had been set in motion, and in that critical moment, he bet everything on them going forward together. He breathed into her ear, "Kathryn, I love you... and I hope you can still love me." In his own concern and turmoil, he had failed to notice that Kathryn had calmed and was no longer crying. Her hands were slowly working along his spine and the pressure against his chest, as she breathed in and out, was still fast, but no longer erratic. As he said the words, her arms tightened, pressing them even closer together. She tilted her head up and looked at him. Her eyes were red frotookying, but he didn't see it. "Chakotay... I find that I can't continue like we have been. There's only one way I can go back and face the crew... and that is with you by my side. I can't keep lying to myself and to you. I need you... not just as my First Officer..." She smiled and he felt as though the sun had come out after years of grey skies. "Kathryn... I need to hear you say it before I'll believe this isn't a dream," he whispered, as he traced the edge of her mouth with his fingers. "Chakotay, I still love you," she said with a slight giggle at his touch. Any other laughter was cut short when he kissed her. She felt herself being lifted up and pressed backwards onto the biobed. Part of her mind noticed how un-captainly it was, but the rest of her enjoyed getting lost in the sensations until the rational part of her brain fell silent. After a few minutes, she heard a noise in the distance, through the haze in her mind. Another cough. Chakotay sighed and released her slowly. Once they were far enough apart to see each other, he smiled and brushed back her hair, away from her face. "I think the Doctor wants his sickbay back," he said. "And we have a party to attend. If we don't, there will be talk." Her hand caressed the side of his face, and he turned his face towards it, taking her hand in his, and kissing her palm. Leaning forward she said, "I agree, we need to go to the party, Chakotay, but you're wrong about one thing. There will definitely be talk. I guarantee it." ~*~*~ After freshening up a bit, and taking a few minutes to begin discussing their plans for the future, Kathryn and Chakotay walked arm in arm to the mess hall. The party was subdued compared to previous evenings. No one seemed to have the heart to celebrate after what they had learned. The mess hall hushed as the couple walked in together. The crowd parted as they moved forward. Seasoned, hardy Starfleet Officers found it difficult to meet their Captain and First Officer's eyes. Knowing now what had been sacrificed for their sake, the crew was uneasy and not a single snide comment or snicker was heard. As they approached the refreshment table, Tom stepped forward and raised his glass. He paused for a moment to survey the room. Then he said, "To the best Captain, and the best First Officer in the quadrant... in any quadrant!" 'Here, Here!' the thunderous cheers came from the assembled group. Many were in tears, and others close to it. When they finally began to quiet, Chakotay motioned to them that the Captain wanted to speak. As the room grew silent, Kathryn and Chakotay looked at each other, and then Kathryn turned to address their crew. "I think we have all had enough excitement for one day, so let me make this brief. Chakotay and I appreciate all your good wishes and support. We hope we will continue to have that support as we move forward," she paused and looked at him. "We wanted you all to be the first to know that Chakotay has asked me to be his wife, and I have agreed." There was a huge whoop from the crowd, and a near deafening roar of cheering, pounding on tables, and clapping. It only intensified when Chakotay took Kathryn in his arms and kissed her. ~*~*~ Epilogue They were married short time later. After wasting so many years, they were eager not to squander any more time. In the years that followed, they returned to New Earth, many times, on the holodeck, and watched their children playing under the trees, next to the tomato garden. ~*~*~*~ THE END