GRAVITAS

Title: Gravitas, 26/26
Author: Jaye (Copyright June 2003)
Codes: VOY/TNG/DS9 Many Pairings NC-17

Disclaimer: Star Trek and all related characters and concepts are the property 
of Paramount. Gladiator belongs to Dreamworks SKG and Universal. No infringement 
is intended or profit made. This is NC-17 for adult themes, violence and sex. If 
you aren't interested (or aren't old enough), don't read it.

Archive: Drop me a note first so I know where it's going. Please keep the text 
(especially the disclaimer) intact.

Feedback: Sure but be kind, or at least constructive. E-mail is 
reader8901@fastmail.fm

Summary: Treachery raises the stakes and changes lives when the leader of the 
Terran Empire seeks to restore the Federation.

Note: Very AU, as chapters 1-14 were basically the film "Gladiator" set in a 
Star Trek universe. Now it's my own invention. No Maquis, no Delta Quadrant, 
etc. This is my response to Polly's Cha!Club challenge about movies. Sisko is 
older here than in canon.

***************

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX (CONCLUSION)

Kassidy ran her hands up Sisko's naked chest, her movements causing beaded sweat 
to gather into rivulets that meandered down his sides. She reached his shoulders 
and pressed her palms there, fingers curling around the muscles. Reveling in the 
slide of skin on skin, the press of naked bodies.

She thought he looked right at home against the scarlet sheets. Aboard her 
freighter, in the captain's bed. As comfortable as she had felt among the 
unbelievably luxurious appointments of his palatial suite at the compound. Over 
the last two weeks they learned they could easily fit themselves into each 
other's lives. Somehow, Kassidy wasn't surprised at the realization.

She braced herself to rise and hover a moment, her thighs quivering with the 
strain as she paused, her slick folds grazing the tip of Sisko's cock. One hand 
shifted back to grasp the engorged shaft and guide him into her depths. She sank 
slowly, feeling every centimeter as she joined them together. A physical 
expression of the connection she had found with the handsome man who'd beguiled 
her with his sly wit and unexpected honesty.

Sisko sighed, enjoying the sight of Kassidy's dreamy expression as she 
descended. His hands slid from her hips to her breasts, fondling the ripe curves 
as his thumbs teased dusky nipples already peaked with arousal. His low chuckle 
answered her purr of approval.

In moments like this he felt renewed, a sense of wonder filling him at having 
Kassidy in his life. He had trusted no one during his time in the arena, and 
precious few people since the day Jean-Luc Picard had set him free so many years 
ago.

Chakotay, with his stubborn integrity and impossible dream, had forced open the 
door to Sisko's guarded soul, inspiring him to become once more the man of honor 
he'd been in his youth. Former slaves turned friends B'Elanna and Tuvok had 
widened the breach, made the changes more lasting.

But while they and Tom Paris acknowledged all Sisko had done for them, that 
motley group couldn't truly appreciate what an effort, what a risk he had taken 
in joining his fate to theirs. Kassidy was different. She knew what it cost to 
be vulnerable in the real universe. And she accepted Sisko's love, his trust, 
cherishing them for the rare gifts they were.

She was a paradox: cultured woman and street-tough dame, altruistic optimist and 
worldly-wise pragmatist. She was his match in so many ways, and Sisko would 
forever be grateful for this treasure he had discovered long after he'd 
abandoned hope of finding love ever again.

He lifted his head, and the offer of his lips was instantly met. Mouths opened, 
tongues tangled as the couple continued the movements of a dance as ancient and 
primal as humanity itself.

************************************************************

Quark muttered Ferengi curses under his breath as he shifted in the pre-dawn 
chill, trying to find a comfortable position leaning against the alley wall. He 
wished he was back behind the bar on DS9, scheming and scamming.

Instead, he'd spent the last 14 days wandering the seedier sections of Bajor's 
capital city. Subtly making it known he had an eclectic selection of goods to 
sell. Goods that a certain clientele may have an interest in.

But there hadn't been even a nibble, from legitimate customers or those less 
savory. Quark shuddered every time he thought of the time wasted, the days that 
passed without a single credit acquired.

If word of this ever got to the Grand Nagus, Quark would be the laughingstock of 
Ferengar. That was assuming, of course, that he wasn't already for letting his 
nephew join the Federation Fleet.

Quark snorted in self-disgust. Some mercenary he was, allowing a young relative 
perfectly suitable for exploitation to escape his grasp. And to make matters 
worse, Quark was actually protecting young Nog's chances of attending the 
Academy (not to mention keeping himself out of jail). He was allowing himself to 
be used as a pawn in Odo's scheme to lure Wynn out of hiding with a promise of 
replacement power cells for her cloaking device.

But he'd seen neither hide nor hair of the wily Bajoran. Quark had moved from 
neighborhood to neighborhood, following the schedule Odo had laid out.

Of course, there'd been no sign of the constable, either. The only thing keeping 
Quark from cutting short his interminable stay on the planet was the knowledge 
that Odo would make his life on DS9 absolutely miserable if Quark didn't hold up 
his end of the deal.

Quark sighed and straightened, preparing to make his way back to his current 
lodging to grab a few hours' sleep. Soon enough he'd be traveling to the next 
point in this futile, but unavoidable, journey.

He comforted himself on his walk with a pleasant fantasy of billing Bajor *and* 
DS9 for his oh-so-irreplaceable assistance.

************************************************************

Kira could feel her sweat-dampened uniform sticking to her back as she squatted 
and carefully scanned the podium at the forefront of the open-air platform. It 
wasn't that warm a day, but her instincts were screaming at her that this was 
the time Wynn would strike.

The three candidates for First Minister were going to greet a small group of 
Federation delegates---including the current Admiral of the Fleet. Then each 
would-be Bajoran leader would give a final speech before tomorrow's elections.

Emotions were running high, people were milling about, and Kira's security teams 
were having a hard time with crowd control. It would be far too easy for Wynn to 
slip into the throng, striking at one of the candidates and plunging the whole 
city, maybe even the planet, into chaos.

The fact that Wynn had evaded all of the security sweeps---not to mention her 
face being on alert bulletins plastered on every street corner---galled Kira no 
end.

Fueling her anger was anxiety. Everything was riding on Kira---her choices, her 
arrangements, her people---and she *couldn't* fail in this duty. She wished she 
could be everywhere at once, guarding every candidate and each alien who beamed 
down from Voyager.

But that was impossible.

Kira sighed and stood, ruefully shrugging at the squad leader who'd finished the 
same scan moments before.

The older man simply nodded in return. He trusted Kira, and understood that 
sometimes you just had to check things yourself.

Security was serious business.

***************

Kira would not have been pleased to learn that four of those aliens from Voyager 
had already beamed down, along with their Bajoran colleague. Jake, Billy, Noah 
and Mort hunched in a booth in a capital city bistro. They gave sighs of relief 
when Tal set down her drink and slid in.

Jake shifted in his seat, eager to compare notes. "Okay, first off, I think this 
Quark guy is a dead end. He's shut up as tight as a clam---I couldn't get 
anything out of him. My dad said he thought it was odd for the Ferengi to be 
spending so much time away from his bar. He thought it might be part of some 
sting operation to get Wynn. I couldn't get a hold of DS9's Constable Odo or 
Kira of Bajoran Security to confirm his suppositions, but even if he's right I 
figure the woman isn't going for it."

"I heard that Wynn's got some sort of cloaking device that's keeping her off the 
Bajoran security scans," Billy contributed as he put his elbows on the table. 
"Apparently it's good enough to fool the Federation detectors as well."

"That doesn't bode well for the candidates," Tal said, her eyes worried. 
"Especially Kai Opaka. She won't accept even a single bodyguard."

"What about the other two---Shakaar and Jaro Essa?" Jake asked.

"Shakaar has agreed to a five-person squad." Tal snorted. "Between government 
forces and personal ones, Jaro's surrounded by a platoon."

"That's not too surprising," Noah pointed out, "considering he was the one 
actually poisoned." His brow furrowed. "From what I've heard, he's lucky he got 
that preventive shot. Otherwise, he'd be dead meat by now."

"Are you so sure? I mean, you have to wonder what Wynn's true intent was." Mort 
inched a little deeper into their huddle. "Why did she give him such a low dose? 
She had the perfect chance to kill the guy, but she didn't take it."

"Maybe it was a kind of warning to the government not to underestimate her," Tal 
suggested.

"I don't think so," Mort said. "She hasn't communicated any demands, or made any 
threats. If she was issuing a warning she never followed through."

"Or it could have been a test run." Jake sat up, struck by a sudden thought. 
"What if stalking the candidates wasn't Wynn's idea? Mort's right, she hasn't 
named her price for their safety. And our research doesn't suggest any political 
agenda. So maybe someone else put her up to it---she *is* an assassin, after 
all."

"But who would do something like that?" Tal asked.

"One of the candidates, most likely." Billy said.

"What are you suggesting? That Kai Opaka, Shakaar or Minister Jaro is somehow 
tangled up with Wynn?" Tal shook her head in vigorous denial. "I can't picture 
Opaka or Shakaar doing something so underhanded. And Jaro doesn't make any 
sense---*he* was her first victim."

"But he wasn't in any real danger," Billy pointed out. "He'd already received 
the counteragent, and it *was* a low dose of toxin."

"If your theory's true---how do we prove it?" Noah asked. "You'll have a hard 
time convincing anyone except Mort of a conspiracy." His grin took away the 
sting of his words.

Mort smiled back, shrugging off the tease. "At this point, you also can't 
eliminate any of the candidates---the attack on Jaro could be a double-bluff. Or 
someone else entirely may be pulling Wynn's strings."

"Or maybe Wynn's the one in charge of this operation. She could just be plain 
crazy." Tal sighed and spread her hands. "I don't see how we're any better off 
than when we sat down. Sure, we have a theory, but what do we *do*?"

"Well, we can try to find a connection between Wynn and the candidates." Jake 
propped his chin in his hand as he pondered the problem.

"Jake," Billy said slowly, "what exactly was Quark doing before you started 
talking to him, anyway?"

"Trying to offload some kind of power cells---the specs are in my notes 
somewhere." Jake shrugged. "Why?"

"Well, if that was the lure and Wynn didn't try to acquire them, then she didn't 
need to get the stuff from Quark. Maybe she got the power cells from her 
contact." Everyone's shoulders straightened at the idea. It was a place to 
start.

"Okay, sounds like we have a game plan." Jake paused a moment, then started 
issuing assignments. "Tal, mingle and try to get a sense of who's the likely 
winner of the election. Mort, see if you can hack into the candidates' databases 
and find evidence of power cells or anything else disappearing recently. Noah, 
Billy, we're each going to take a candidate and stick to them like glue. We'll 
all meet in a few hours at the greeting ceremony." He looked at his friends, his 
confidence suddenly faltering. "Uh, if that's all right with everyone."

The others grinned. "Sure, Jake, that sounds fine," Noah assured him.

"Yeah, *boss*." Billy nudged Jake's arm as the others chuckled.

Jake snorted. "Then let's get to work," he said.

************************************************************

"Great catch, Jelene!" Chakotay called as the girl deftly plucked the frisbee 
from the air. He smiled at her giggle of shy pleasure, then swiftly shifted to 
the right a few paces to catch the disc on its return journey. He expertly 
tossed the frisbee to Lucien, aiming it just a little high so the youngster had 
to jump for it. He knew the boy, like Koral, preferred a challenge.

His supposition was confirmed when Lucien grinned and, flushed with triumph, 
zinged the disc toward Koral. The frisbee was barely skimming the grass when it 
reached the girl, who fielded it with ease.

Suddenly Chakotay caught a mischievous gleam in Koral's eyes. He lifted his 
hands in automatic warning. "Koral, whatever you're planning---Heads up, Tom!" 
Chakotay shouted as the toy went spinning toward where Tom was seated on a 
blanket under a tree.

Tom, startled out his musings, automatically leaned out of the toy's path. He 
turned his head to watch the disc sail deeper into the woods beyond the edge of 
the meadow. "Well, Koral, looks like you've got some hunting to do," he said, 
grinning at her pout.

"I thought would catch it, Daddy T---you're supposed to be good at frisbee." 
Koral complained, then shrugged and started off toward the patch of trees that 
hid her quarry.

"I'll help you look," Jelene offered, skipping to her twin's side. "And he 
*would* have caught it if you told him it was coming," she said with a child's 
certainty in adult abilities.

"Last one across the field is a rotten egg!" Lucien shouted as he took off 
toward the trees. The girls accepted his challenge and put on a burst of speed. 
The three kids dashed across the grass and flowers and disappeared into the 
shadows of the trees.

"Be careful!" Chakotay called after them. Shaking his head, he made his way to 
where Tom was still sitting cross-legged by the picnic basket.

Tom couldn't contain his smile as he watched Chakotay walking toward him, no 
longer needing a cane. His throat tightened suddenly as he remembered how 
Chakotay had struggled in the early days of his physical therapy.

Now Tom's bronze warrior was back in fine form, strong and graceful and secure 
in his movements. To watch Chakotay simply cross a field, moving without pain, 
filled Tom with such love and joy---and anticipation.

The Doc had given Chakotay a clean bill of health, and the lovers had planned 
their private bonding ceremony for the night after Deanna and Will's public one.

Tom's expression turned speculative as Chakotay reached the blanket and laid 
down on his side, reclining on his left elbow. "So, Cha, what should we do to 
pass the time until our terrible trio returns?"

Chakotay flicked a glance toward the woods. "Depends." He reached his free hand 
to squeeze Tom's knee, letting his fingers drift up a jean-clad thigh. "What do 
you have in mind?"

Tom's heated gaze lingered over Chakotay's body, which even in its relaxed state 
oozed a kind of lazy sensuality. "Plenty, but what can I get away with?"

Dark eyes widened slightly, darkened. "May I suggest a meeting of the CPMAS?" He 
stretched, grasping Tom's nape to pull the younger man forward and down to meet 
his lips.

"Mmmm...," was Tom's only reply as he uncoiled and arranged his body to mirror 
Chakotay's. They came together as naturally as breathing, arms wrapping around 
each other, lips and tongues and breath mingling, fingers caressing.

Concentrating on each other, but also aware of their charges.

Even passion had to take a back seat to parenthood.

***************

Deanna chuckled at her husband's discomfort. "I really can't understand why you 
don't just unbutton your collar, Will---or better yet redesign the whole dress 
uniform. Everyone who wears it looks as if they're being punished."

"We are," Will grumbled morosely, tugging at the constricting fasteners at his 
throat, "we're being punished for being foolish enough to accept promotions to 
ranks where we have to put on dress uniforms."

Despite his discomfort, he was fighting to keep a grin off his face. He couldn't 
believe how happy he was, now that he had finally married his Imzadi. The woman 
who had offered him her heart a long time ago, even though they could only be 
together in secret. Will loved Deanna, and more than that, he was humbled by her 
devotion. He'd vowed to himself to always be worthy of it.

So far, so good. Their emotional bond had only strengthened in the weeks since 
the Betazoid wedding.

*That* had certainly been an event. Will wasn't sure he'd ever be able to look 
at his mother-in-law in quite the same way after seeing her in her birthday 
suit. Not to mention his own father.

He'd also never have guessed how many of his friends and colleagues harbored 
secret nudist aspirations. He'd never seen so much skin in all his life.

Will snorted, wondering which was more uncomfortable: grinning and bearing---and 
baring it all---at his wedding or strangling in the constricting Fleet dress 
uniform for the official greeting by their Bajoran hosts.

It was too close to call.

Deanna's smile widened as she caught the drift of Will's thoughts. She smoothed 
the amber silk of her own free-flowing garment, sending back her impressions of 
the softness of the material, the airy freedom of the long skirt.

Her thoughts shifted focus as she considered the dashing figure Will cut, the 
red-and-black Fleet uniform emphasizing the breadth of his shoulders. She would 
be the envy of the proceedings with him at her side, his ready grin and 
twinkling eyes charming the Bajorans, no doubt.

But when they were alone, later, Deanna knew that was when he'd let the façade 
of careless amiability drop. It was the passionate, tender soul beneath that had 
held Deanna in thrall for so many years. And always would.

She drifted over and kissed Will's cheek, sliding her own fingers underneath his 
collar to try and loosen it a bit. "Are you going to be all right?" she asked, 
her dark eyes clouding with concern. "Remember, they still haven't caught that 
assassin." Slender fingers clenched in the material. "Will you be able to move 
fast if you're this uncomfortable?"

Will was touched by the fear and worry he could sense emanating from Deanna. "Of 
course, I'll be fine." He tilted her chin to press a light kiss to her mouth. 
"Besides, there's been no indication this Wynn character will care about us at 
all. There's been no sign of her in the last ten days. She's probably left the 
planet."

"Be careful anyway. I waited long enough to get you," Deanna attempted to 
lighten the atmosphere, "I want some time to enjoy having you."

Will drew her into an embrace. "And how long do you think you'll need to 
accomplish that?"

She smiled. "Oh, just a lifetime or two."

***************

Minister Jaro waved at the bee approaching too close to his ear, then returned 
his gaze to the crowd of Bajorans gathered to get a glimpse of the Federation 
Admiral, and to hear the candidates' final speeches. He wondered where Wynn was 
hiding.

Despite the phalanx of guards around and the tiny phaser in his pocket, he was 
on edge. Wynn was out of control---he was beginning to think she might even be 
insane. The messages she'd left for him had been brilliantly concealed from the 
security forces, but their content was a mix of practical requisition orders and 
wild ravings.

Jaro had acceded to the demands and cautiously ignored the rest. He had covered 
his tracks as best he could, maneuvering carefully to avoid detection. He didn't 
want to actually win the election and then lose the position due to scandal.

Still, the tone of Wynn's communiqués disturbed him. He wasn't entirely 
confident that she'd only strike at the delegates and other candidates.

But all he could do was wait for Wynn to make her move---and stay out of her 
way.

Shakaar, seated next to Jaro, glanced at his competitor out of the corner of his 
eye. The older man was pale and sweating. It increased Shakaar's own unease. He 
had a feeling that somewhere in the throng of supporters and detractors Wynn was 
hiding. He surreptitiously fingered the knife tucked up his sleeve, wishing 
instead he had a phaser on his hip.

He'd faced death countless times while fighting against the Dominion forces, but 
he'd never felt so helpless as he had the last few weeks. Knowing someone was 
out there, targeting him in particular, was unnerving. Especially because his 
first instinct was to get under cover, find some barrier or protection to shield 
himself from the danger.

But that avenue had been closed to him by his fellow candidates. If they were 
willing to risk death to continue to be available to the people of Bajor, then 
he had to do the same.

He sighed and shifted in his chair, his eyes roaming over the crowd.

He may have to do it, but he didn't have to like it.

Kai Opaka fussed with her outfit, adjusting her hat and smoothing her robe. In a 
way, the small movements calmed her. Focusing on these tiny details distracted 
her from the major events out of her control. Things such as the outcome of the 
election, and the assassin no doubt lurking in a convenient shadow.

She stilled her hands in her lap, closing her eyes and simply feeling the sun on 
her face, the air moving in and out of her lungs, the sounds of the audience.

What would be, would be.

***************

Bariel and Kira hovered at the edge of the platform, their eyes never still as 
they constantly scanned the crowd for Wynn. "You really think she's going to try 
something here, in front of all these guards and witnesses?" he asked.

Kira sighed. "Under normal circumstances I'd say no. A smart woman would get out 
while she still could, while we're busy with all the security surrounding the 
delegates and the elections. But then a smart woman wouldn't have attacked Jaro 
and stepped up the hunt."

Bariel's brow furrowed. "So why is she still on the planet?"

"I wish I knew," Kira said. Her hand automatically moved to her phaser as 
sparkling columns preceded the arrival of the Federation representatives. A 
handful of security guards appeared first. Will Riker and Deanna Troi arrived 
next, along with Captain Cavit and two other officers from Voyager, Dalby and 
Henley.

Everyone seemed to pause a moment. Bariel could taste the metallic tang of 
tension in the air. His own body stiffened, and he had to remind himself to 
breathe.

***************

Jake was standing in front of the holorecorder at the front of the crowd, filing 
his dispatch for FNN. Billy was handling the video equipment, while Noah was 
taking care of sound. Tal stood out of view, watching the crowd.

Mort pushed people out of his way until he reached his friends. "I've got it," 
he hissed.

"Mort, I'm trying to---wait, what?" Jake whirled and automatically accepted the 
padd Mort thrust into his hands. "What have you got?"

"The power cells. It took me a while to trace all the dummy corporations and 
middlemen, but Jaro Essa arranged for some of them to be moved from one 
warehouse to another. Somewhere along the way the units conveniently 
disappeared."

"That's pretty flimsy, Mort," Tal said dubiously. "Especially if you're planning 
to accuse a Minister of collusion to commit murder."

"Well, technically, he'd only be guilty of aiding and abetting a fugitive," 
Billy pointed out. "Nobody's been killed, and only Jaro's been assaulted."

"That could change at any moment," Noah said gravely. All of them returned their 
attention to the people on the platform, and the crowd.

***************

Wynn mingled with the other clerics on the dais, her vedek's hood and robes 
concealing most of her features. The rest were altered in coloring and shape by 
the careful application of prosthetics and make-up, making her appear masculine. 
The disguise was good enough to get her past the checkpoints and onto the 
platform with the other religious representatives of Bajor.

Her hand gripped the hypospray tighter. It was loaded with 10 doses of the 
Cardassian toxin, plenty to fulfill her plans. The uninoculated aliens would be 
dead within an hour; the smug Bajoran candidates would take much longer.

Still, they would die eventually, and their impending agony was a pleasure to 
contemplate. Wynn smirked; all of her plans were laid. The funds Jaro had 
forwarded to her were transferred to offworld accounts. She had necessities and 
comforts laid in for a few days' stay at a secure location. Her passage on a 
freighter was booked under an assumed name.

She had debated simply leaving, taking advantage of Jaro's stupidity in giving 
her half of the latinum and credits up front. She might not have lived quite so 
well in exile, but the odds may have been better that she'd actually make it 
off-planet.

But her destroyed dreams and thwarted ambitions had proved bitter company in the 
isolation of her wait for an opportunity to leave. The more time she spent 
reliving the disappointments she'd experienced since Julian Bashir Picard's 
death, the greater the hate and contempt she felt for those Bajorans who *were* 
going to take their place in the spotlight as leaders of this world.

With such a potent form of revenge at her disposal, it was easy for Wynn to 
persuade herself that she could have both freedom and satisfaction.

So she'd laid her plans, and made ready to carry them out.

Now all she had to do was deliver the poison and slip away during the ensuing 
chaos. She moved forward with the other Vedeks as they approached the Federation 
delegates for the formal introductions.

Wynn's eyes narrowed as she realized that she could take care of the first 
candidate during her wait to shake the admiral's hand. She would pass right 
behind Kai Opaka. She could stick the self-righteous cleric, and Opaka would 
probably think it was one of the bees that were drawn by all the flowers and 
perfumes filling the air with their enticing scents.

She pulled her sleeve down, concealing the glint of the instrument. She 
approached the unsuspecting Kai, aiming for the small strip of skin visible 
between the woman's collar and her ridiculous hat.

Five steps, three, and then she was bringing up the weapon as her body blocked 
her movements from view---

Suddenly a hand reached out and encompassed her own, jerking the hypospray down. 
Wynn gasped as she realized the source of the interference. The Kai's hat wasn't 
real---it was alive!

Odo flowed off the unsuspecting Bajoran's head and into his usual form, still 
immobilizing Wynn's arm as he used his other hand to whip off her disguise. 
"You're under arrest," he said, satisfaction clear in his tone.

Jaro realized they had an alive---and likely very talkative---Wynn in custody 
and surged forward, pulling out his phaser, desperate to silence his partner in 
crime.

"You won't be needing that, Minister," Kira's smooth voice matched her movements 
as she plucked the object from Jaro's hand. "We wouldn't want anything to happen 
to the prisoner before her interrogation."

Their eyes met.

"Of course," Jaro conceded, stepping back. He moved toward the edge of the 
platform, his agile brain already plotting how quickly he could liquidate his 
assets and get off planet or into hiding.

A quartet of unfamiliar humans males accompanied by a slim Bajoran woman blocked 
his escape. "Minister Jaro," one of them said as a holorecorder was shoved in 
his face, "can you explain how power cells of the same type used by Wynn's 
cloaking device disappeared from your possession---"

When people's attention shifted to this new drama and began crowding around 
them, Jaro knew he was doomed.

As a thoroughly-secured Wynn was hustled off by a group of guards, Kai Opaka 
turned to face her rescuers. Her gimlet gaze froze Bariel, Kira and Odo. 
"Explain."

Bariel lifted his hands in a gesture of appeal. "You wouldn't allow any guards 
around you. We couldn't just let you blithely traipse around the planet without 
any sort of protection whatsoever."

Kira winced at the word "traipse" but added, "Constable Odo agreed to watch over 
you. Besides, it gave him a great vantage point to observe things."

"Indeed, Kai Opaka, I would hope that the happy end justified the rather 
underhanded means," Odo concluded, crossing his arms.

"I'd have to agree with the gentleman," Will Riker broke in. He had sidled over 
to hear the conversation. "I know that the Federation Council will be 
appreciative of all the actions taken by Mr. Odo, as well as the Bajoran 
contingent, in order to protect the Federation delegates."

He grinned at the Kai. "You wouldn't want to spoil this lovely opportunity to 
have the Federation in your debt by complaining, now would you?"

Opaka considered a moment, then shook her head and laughed. "I must commend you 
on your grasp of tactics *and* politics, Admiral." She turned back to the trio. 
"Very well, I'll simply thank you all for my life today, and quote the Terrans' 
proverb 'All's well that ends well'." She looked sternly at them. "Now get me a 
hat."

************************************************************
************************************************************

"That's quite a story. If nothing else, I must say this Kai Opaka has her 
priorities in order. The proper headgear is *always* important." Humor glimmered 
in Guinan's dark eyes under the brim of her own chapeau as she sipped her drink 
and regarded her companion. "So how did you learn all of this? It wasn't in the 
official reports."

Kate Pulaski grinned over her own glass. "Jake Sisko knows how important 
discretion can be to a good reporter---but I wormed all the juicy details out of 
him on a secure channel."

"My dear Kate, your powers of persuasion are unparalleled," Guinan complimented 
with a small bow. She was being sincere as well as slightly ironic. The almost-
immortal alien had planned to spend the rest of her time away from Enterprise at 
a luxury spa, being pampered and catered to. Those vacations helped balance her 
onboard life as a bartender and unofficial counselor to the large crew.

Instead, she was attending Kathryn Janeway's party to mark the successful 
capture of the assassin and the completion of the Bajoran elections. Kate had 
called out of the blue with an invitation. The promise of all the dirt on the 
events of the last few months had proved an irresistible enticement.

Even sage aliens weren't immune to the lure of gossip.

"I'm glad you think so," Kate chuckled as she linked arms with her friend. 
"Because now that Kathryn's taken I need a new gal pal to double-date with. So 
I'm about to persuade you to go out with one of two very interesting 
ambassadors...."

They disappeared into the garden.

***************

Geordi brought Leah's hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back. When 
he lowered them back to their sides, he was thrilled that she didn't let go.

He was head-over-heels in love with the serene and beautiful woman. He had found 
himself drawn by the softness of her voice, the gentleness of her demeanor. The 
hidden facets of her personality---a sly sense of humor, a fierce intelligence, 
flashes of passion---had been even more compelling. He had so many hopes for 
this unexpected relationship.

Theirs had been a cautious courting, two shy people getting to know each other. 
But though their progress had been slow, they had been growing closer in the 
passing weeks. Business conferences had turned into dinner meetings, and they'd 
been in constant communication when Leah had started visiting some of the less-
fortunate Federation worlds to evaluate their technological needs.

Leah gave a gentle smile as she felt Geordi entwine their fingers. She'd never 
considered dating a politician before---if nothing else, she always imagined 
hating a life in the spotlight. But Geordi was so low-key, so genuine and 
sincere and simply wonderful, that her life had become entangled with his just 
as easily as their hands were.

Her gaze warmed as she considered the strong but sweet man before her. Her lips 
curled ever so slightly, a secret smile.

Geordi didn't know it yet, but tonight he was going to get very lucky.

Leah knew that in meeting Geordi, she already was.

***************

"So ma'am, will the Admiral be returning on Voyager, or will Enterprise be going 
out to meet him?" Data considered the topic safe for a social situation. He'd 
been surprised when Tasha Yar had asked him to escort her to this function, but 
he'd readily agreed. He found he liked the tall blonde, who was fascinating in 
her mix of coolness and heat.

"We're off-duty, Data, you can call me Tasha," Tasha reminded gently. She was 
surprised at the calming influence the strange android exerted over her. Perhaps 
it was his guileless curiosity, or the childlike innocence of his golden eyes, 
but she never snapped at him. And she found his open wonder at being in space a 
striking contrast to the jaded veterans she usually served with. She smiled to 
herself at her uncharacteristic reaction to this unique person as she said, "But 
to answer your question, Will is planning to stick with Voyager to the Spilenta 
system. Enterprise will be picking him up there in a few weeks. We'll be heading 
out as soon as the refits are complete."

"Thank you for the information." Data hesitated, then offered, "You look very 
nice this evening, Tasha." And she did, a slim column of ivory in a pantsuit 
that was decorated with embroidered threads of ivy green. His eyes widened as 
his tough-as-nails colleague blushed, the delicate pink adding its own lovely 
accent to her cheeks.

"I, uh, thank you, Data, um---let's dance." Tasha quickly grabbed one pale wrist 
and led her escort to where couples were moving to the orchestra's dreamy music.

Neither one minded that it was a slow song.

***************

Rudy Ransom, Joe Carey, Reg Barclay and Marla Gilmore were idly discussing 
technological innovations with Lewis Zimmerman. All of them had been impressed 
with the independent development of the EMH's matrix.

"It was a personal request from Ad---former Admiral Chakotay," Zimmerman said 
with his usual pomposity, "I had no choice, really, but to let my creation 
continue on its own."

"Perhaps, but surely the spectacular success of your prototype makes up for the 
loss of the creation itself," Marla said as she leaned further into her husband. 
She glanced up into Reg's smiling eyes as she felt his arms wrap around her from 
behind.

"And now that the portable emitter technology is available, I'm sure your next 
version will be even more spectacular," Reg offered. He and Marla were actually 
consultants on the upgrades, so they had learned to take the researcher's 
whining with a hefty pinch of salt.

"I know the Guard will be very interested in having your EMHs installed in their 
Sick Bays as soon as the revisions and testing are completed," Joe said as he 
clapped a hand on Zimmerman's shoulder.

"Yes, and I have no doubt the Fleet will also find the idea of a holographic 
doctor for emergencies simply brilliant," Rudy concurred, following Joe's lead 
in keeping the mood light. "And it must be satisfying to know your creation has 
impressed the people of Dorvan enough to ask him to stay and help folks on the 
frontier." He shrugged. "And after all, aiding others is why you created the 
EMH. I'm sure he'll do a lot of good."

Reg nodded in agreement. "He's fulfilling his purpose. What more would any of us 
ask for?"

***************

Keiko put her empty plate aside and groaned. "I don't think I'll eat again for a 
week."

Jadzia chuckled, her light eyes twinkling as she glanced at her lover. "Oh, 
don't do that. You'd look just as good with a little more meat on those lovely 
bones."

"Flirt," Keiko accused, but grinned and reached a hand across the table to 
enclose one of Jadzia's. "You know flattery will get you everywhere."

"Not until Kathryn presents all of those commendations for valor and service to 
the Federation," Jadzia pointed out. She lifted a finger to rub against Keiko's 
palm. "I'm glad there aren't too many people here for the ceremony---and very 
little publicity. I became a scientist because I like the quiet life."

Keiko leaned in, admitting, "I was wondering if you wanted to be more...noticed, 
now that interplanetary relationships aren't frowned upon anymore."

Jadzia looked up. "Is that what you want?"

"No, not in this lifetime," Keiko said with a chuckle. "I'm perfectly content to 
labor in obscurity---outside the accolades from the scientific community, of 
course. The pay increase was a nice surprise, though."

A grin lit Jadzia's face. "True, but I bet it was a lot less expensive than a 
lawsuit in the long run. *And* a lot less damaging to the company's reputation."

Keiko's eyes twinkled mischievously. "I think we should put in for a nice long 
vacation somewhere. Put a little of that extra money to good use."

"Only if it's somewhere with a nude beach," Jadzia said, "You know how much I 
hate tan lines."

Keiko laughed. "Why should you care? You never even go out into the sun without 
full protection---you don't get tan lines, you burn, remember?"

Jadzia's smile was wicked. "I didn't mean on me."

***************

Mark discovered Kathryn hiding behind a pillar, looking out over her garden at 
the mix of people gathered there. He slid an arm around her waist. "It was nice 
of you to have the party here, rather than at the central palace," he said as he 
rested his chin atop her head. "Much more appropriate."

Kathryn's lips curled into her trademark crooked grin. "Because this is where 
the quiet revolution took place?" She sighed and nestled into Mark's embrace. 
She was glad that he had stayed by her side through the heady days of the 
transitional government, and even her taking up the mantle of Federation 
leadership.

She had been afraid it would be very lonely at the top. But now she knew Mark 
was in for the long haul. It brought her a peace and contentment beyond that of 
seeing her long-held hope of the new Federation fulfilled.

Still, the fact that she had finally accomplished that impossible dream---with 
more help than she could even come close to fully acknowledging---brought a 
quiet satisfaction. And a new determination to ensure that the abuses and 
excesses of power that the Empire represented would never again come to pass.

Kathryn knew she would succeed because she had so many good people with her. 
This team of such disparate individuals was unbeatable. She knew it in her 
heart.

And if her heart was a tad overly optimistic because she happened to be in love 
with Mark, so be it. Her attention shifted back to him as he replied.

"Not so quiet," Mark chuckled. "I seem to recall being told about a bit of 
phaser fire here and there." His arms tightened fractionally as he remembered 
how close he had come to never meeting this remarkable woman. It was almost too 
horrible to contemplate.

But even greater than his dismay at the realization of how events could have 
gone so wrong was the awe at how things had turned out so right. For the people 
here, and for all of the citizens of the Federation worlds. That a few dozen 
individuals had brought about such a sweeping change was remarkable.

That all of them were so humble about their contributions was astounding. Mark 
knew that the future was in good hands. Particularly the dainty ones of the 
woman he loved more than he believed possible.

***************

At the same time Kathryn's party was being held, the Dorvan celebration was in 
full swing. Rosera and the Doctor had received a long round of shocked applause 
at their unexpectedly moving performance. There were a few cases of napkins 
being hurriedly pressed into service as handkerchiefs when a particularly 
poignant selection was sung.

Now the open-air celebration had reached the last phase, after-dinner dancing 
and conversation. The lawn in front of the warehouse had been transformed into a 
pavilion, complete with lush foliage, tables, chairs, and a temporary floor. 
Small white lights were strung everywhere, mimicking the stars above.

Chakotay sat down next to Will and Deanna. He smiled at their glow of 
contentment. "I'm so happy for the two of you," he said. "And I have to thank 
you again for opening up your ceremony to so many other couples."

"It was such a lovely idea, Chakotay, how could we possibly resist?" Deanna 
smiled at the memory. "And it was a beautiful ceremony. I just hope I get to 
know all of the others better---after all, we'll be sharing an anniversary of 
sorts."

Chakotay nodded. "You were in very good company: Tuvok and T'Pel renewing their 
vows, Kassidy and Ben Sisko becoming engaged along with Lakanta and Gerron Tem." 
He grinned. "And of course, you and Will, and B'Elanna and Harry, tying the 
knot."

Will smirked. "Who would've thought our strait-laced young officer would end up 
with a half-Klingon ex-gladiator." He shook his head. "You could have knocked me 
over with a feather when I heard about it."

"But seeing them in person makes it easy to believe," Deanna said. She glanced 
over at their host, gazing at him knowingly. "So when will be hearing some news 
like that from you, Chakotay?"

"Yeah, when is Tom Paris going to make an honest man of you?" Will seconded.

"Not for a while," Chakotay said, his mood becoming wistful. "I don't want to 
rush this. The losses are still too fresh---it's going to take a little more 
time for the past to really be past."

He gave a rueful smile. "At least formally. In our hearts, Tom and I are already 
committed."

"I bet Jean-Luc would have approved," Will said reflectively. "He knew the bond 
you two shared."

"I like to think so." Chakotay sighed. "I sometimes wonder what he would have 
thought about everything that's happened."

Will reached over to lay a hand on Chakotay's arm. "I know Jean-Luc trusted you 
above everyone else in the universe, my friend. And you didn't let him down. So 
I believe he would be at peace."

"And happy that you found your way home," Deanna said quietly.

Chakotay blinked back a sudden mistiness. "Thank you," was all he said.

***************

Harry and B'Elanna swayed to the music, lost in each other.

"It's nice to have an official stamp on things," Harry said. "You know how 
bureaucrats love certificates."

B'Elanna chuckled and leaned in to nip her lifemate's ear. "Does that mean you 
are now formally obligated to fulfill your conjugal duties? How about this one?" 
She whispered a suggestion.

Harry blushed in embarrassment even as he flushed with arousal. "I can certainly 
put it on the list---I think I'm up to it."

B'Elanna's hand drifted down to confirm that statement for herself. She growled 
approvingly. "Then let's leave and turn this into a private celebration---after 
all, it is our honeymoon."

A moment later, there was no sign of them except for the breeze of their 
passing.

***************

"So Tem, does this mean you're going to stay with Lakanta all the time now?" 
Jelene asked as the young Bajoran ushered them into the warehouse to get ready 
for bed.

"Not yet, Jelene," Tem assured her. "We're only engaged, and Lakanta wants to do 
things properly. So we won't be living together until after the wedding."

Lucien looked back at his friend and caregiver. "It's cool that you two got 
together. I'm glad you're not going to be leaving to live on Bajor."

Tem smiled. "That's good to hear, Lucien. I would have missed all of you, too."

Koral tipped her head to the side. "Are you going to still take care of us 
sometimes even after you're married?" she asked wistfully.

"Of course," Tem said, crouching to get on the kids' level as he gathered them 
close. "We'll always be friends. But I will be spending a lot more time with 
Lakanta. I want him to come on some long visits to Bajor with me as well."

Never one to let an opportunity slip by, Lucien asked, "Do you think Lakanta 
will let us keep an eye on the puppies when you visit Bajor?"

Tem chuckled and ruffled his hair. "We'll see."

***************

Tuvok and T'Pel sat on a swinging bench in a quiet corner of the party. Their 
hands were touching in the ritual gesture of Vulcan communication between 
spouses.

No words were spoken, but the love flowed between them, a circuit of silent joy. 
It had been a milestone of sorts, to renew their vows to each other so far from 
Vulcan, before a mix of aliens unlikely to be found on their homeworld.

It might also be a turning point. A sign that perhaps they were ready to move 
their family to the frontier and make a life there. Tuvok as the head of 
Trebus's security force, T'Pel as a university teacher or administrator.

The decision was not yet made, but the speculation was...interesting.

***************

"I'll admit I was surprised that Anthwara agreed to speak blessings over so many 
aliens," the Doc said as he retook his seat beside Rosera. "My impression was 
that he didn't approve of non-Dorvans."

"I think it's more that he's concerned that Dorvan's tribes keep faith with 
their traditions," Lakanta commented. "I know that's the way I look at it."

"And he was probably pleased that so many people were interested in a Dorvan 
ceremony," Rosera added as she stirred her coffee. "It was pretty impressive---
only one native in the lot."

"I found it more surprising that he stayed as long as he did at the party." 
Lakanta stretched and wondered if he should go inside and see how Tem was 
getting along with the kids. "Actually, it was a shock to see all of the council 
members here."

"It's an endorsement of Chakotay's plans for Trebus." Rosera shrugged. "They 
want him to know that on a personal level they support him."

"Interesting. I must admit that these nuances of behavior elude me." The EMH's 
brow furrowed. "I'm not quite sure how to expand my program to understand it."

Rosera smiled. "Well, if you're interested in a tutor, I'll be willing to 
volunteer."

Lakanta's eyebrows rose; he wondered what was behind Rosera's oh-so-innocent 
expression.

He hoped the Doc realized what he was getting into.

***************

"I'm glad you guys were able to leave FNN indoors tonight," Tom said as he 
leaned against the bar, regarding the group of intrepid young people.

"The network was so happy about the coverage of Wynn's capture, Jaro's downfall 
and the Bajoran elections that we're pretty much off the hook for the rest of 
the trip." Jake shrugged. "And if we need to pitch a story on the fly, my dad 
said we could do something on the reform school he's starting."

"That figures---it would be great free publicity," Tom commented before his 
expression softened. "And it would help out his son."

"Yeah," Jake ducked his head. "The old man has really come through these last 
few months," he said gruffly.

"And Kassidy seems nice as well," Tal said, rescuing Jake from his momentary 
embarrassment. "She and Mr. Sisko make a striking couple."

"If nothing else, they're definitely together," Billy said with a grin. "I think 
they disappeared right after dinner."

"*I* think we need to change the subject," Mort said with surprising tact.

Tom nodded. "What's going down on Bajor? I know the folks from there and DS9 
felt like they couldn't get away for tonight."

"Wynn has been spilling her guts on quite a few topics. Shelby and a few other 
ex-Councilors are looking at more charges, not to mention some Bajoran politicos 
who were in bed with Jaro." Noah shook his head. "The new First Minister's going 
to have her work cut out for her rebuilding the government."

"It was great Kai Opaka asked Shakaar to be her deputy, though," Tal said. "I 
think they'll be able to handle it."

Tom set his glass aside. "So, will you folks be heading out with Will and Deanna 
when Voyager swings back?"

"Yes, it's time to go home to Earth," Mort said. "If nothing else, I shudder to 
imagine what FNN's computer system's going to look like when I get back to my 
desk."

"I'm sure it won't be beyond your ability to fix in a flash," Tal teased. "I'm 
more worried what your 'conspiracy search' programs have come up with while 
we've been away."

"Probably nothing as bizarre as what's really happened," Jake said.

"Truer words were never spoken," Tom said with a knowing smile.

************************************************************
************************************************************

The next night, Tom and Chakotay stood on a blanket in a secluded glen. A nearby 
fire painted them in flickers of gold; the stars provided accents to the light 
of the full moon.

The men clasped hands, their matching loose trousers, tunics and bare feet 
making them mirror images, bright and dark.

Chakotay cleared his throat and smiled at Tom. The younger man was practically 
vibrating with emotion. He hoped the feelings were good ones---anticipation, 
joy, love---the same as his own. Along with a sense of rightness, of destiny 
fulfilled. One that had been in the making since he'd first seen a scamp 
swinging from an air vent.

"Thomas Eugene Paris." Chakotay almost chuckled when Tom's nose wrinkled in 
dislike of the formal name. "Tom. Before the stars and spirits, this night I 
pledge myself to you, body, mind, and soul. I offer you my love in all its 
forms, my support in all your endeavors, my intent to walk the path of life 
together."

Tom's heart was too full, his throat too tight to speak for a moment. His 
universe compressed until all he knew was the gentle grip of Chakotay's hands, 
the glowing warmth of those dark eyes, that wonderful loving smile.

And he felt complete. Tightening his fingers, Tom inhaled and made his own vow. 
"Chakotay. Before the stars and spirits, this night I pledge myself to you, 
body, mind, and soul. I offer you my love in all its forms, my support in all 
your endeavors, my intent to walk the path of life together."

They stared at each other, letting the moment wash over them. Then both men 
moved as one, drawing together, their hands still joined. "I love you" was 
whispered by two sets of lips just before they touched.

The first kiss was solemn, reflecting the seriousness of the promises made. A 
brief but thorough tasting, in itself a pledge of devotion.

But when they drew apart, Tom grinned in relief and love and lust. He drawled, 
"Get naked, Cha, and let this CPMAS meeting begin."

"Giving orders already? You should have told me ahead of time you were hiding a 
bossy streak." Chakotay tilted his chin, eyes twinkling. "Nope. You want it, you 
come and get it."

Tom recognized the message behind Chakotay's teasing challenge. Tom was in 
charge tonight; Chakotay was going to let him set the pace. It showed a trust 
and commitment that warmed Tom's heart.

Anticipation heated his loins, though, as he deliberately stepped forward to 
gather the edge of Chakotay's shirt to lift it over his head. He tossed the 
garment to the edge of the blanket and took a moment to smooth rumpled black 
hair, enjoying the slide of the silky strands through his fingers.

Then draping his arms around Chakotay's waist, Tom drew the older man into 
another leisurely kiss. He tilted his head and shifted his arms, his fingers 
splayed over the smooth skin of Chakotay's back as his tongue mapped the 
contours of his lover's mouth. He felt the rough brush of Chakotay's nipples 
through the material of his own shirt.

Tom drew back and ran his lips along Chakotay's jaw and down, feeling the pulse 
beating in the strong throat. His tongue snaked out to lap at the notch at the 
center of the graceful collarbone.

He smiled at Chakotay's moan as he moved hands and mouth to trace the angles and 
arcs defining his mate's torso, tawny skin stretched over muscle and bone. He 
sighed his own approval as he felt Chakotay's fingers skim lightly along his own 
shoulders and neck, caressing.

Chakotay moaned again as he felt Tom's fingers work their way into his 
waistband, drawing his trousers down. He opened his eyes to look down his own 
naked body to see a fully-dressed Tom kneeling at his feet. "I think we're going 
to have to look at the CPMAS dress code again if you don't hurry up and get rid 
of those clothes." His voice dropped as his hands cupped Tom's face. "I want to 
see you, Tom, touched by moonlight."

"Soon," Tom promised as his own hands glided up the bronze legs, teasing the 
backs of Chakotay's knees. He felt the shudder pass through the powerful frame 
and smiled. He nipped his way along one thigh as his hands lifted to grasp 
Chakotay's ass. He kneaded the rounded muscles, his fingers dipping into the 
crevice separating them.

Chakotay's hands shifted to Tom's shoulders as he gasped. He spread his feet 
wider for balance and to give the younger man free rein. His erection brushed 
fabric and he made a low sound at the sensation.

"Yes," Tom murmured approvingly. He reached to the edge of the blanket and 
snagged the container of lube there. He coated his fingers, then let them drift 
back between his lover's buttocks. He looked up at Chakotay. "Tell me if it's 
too much, too soon."

Chakotay smiled at the concern, and leaned down to kiss his gratitude. He felt 
the first long finger slide in as Tom's other hand splayed over the small of his 
back, offering support and keeping him in place.

Tom drank the offered sweetness of Chakotay's mouth as his finger continued to 
work its way past the natural resistance. The channel felt so hot and tight he 
couldn't wait to be buried within it. His cock was hard and heavy, pressing 
against his trousers.

Both men shuddered and moaned as Tom pushed in a second digit. Chakotay clutched 
at Tom's shirt, his own fingers twisting into the cloth. He pulled away to tilt 
his head back as he straightened, gasping as Tom stroked his prostate. "Oh, you 
definitely have a talent for this."

"Thanks." Tom hurriedly worked a third finger into Chakotay's body, anxious to 
replace his hand with his cock. He was definitely ready for this joining. He 
twisted his hand, spreading the lubricant. Chakotay's cock, gleaming with 
precum, drew his attention. He dipped his head to lick at his lover's balls, 
then tasted Chakotay's essence as he ran his tongue up the shaft to swipe the 
fluid from the tip.

Chakotay moaned and pulled away, too close to risk more contact with that 
teasing mouth. "I'm ready Tom. More than ready."

"Then let's do it." Tom assisted his lover down to the blanket, then rose to 
bare his own skin to the night air.

"I was right---moonlight suits you," Chakotay murmured as he spread his arms and 
legs to welcome the lean body back into his embrace.

"You look like the heart of the flame," Tom said in return as he kissed 
Chakotay. When they had to come up for air he grabbed the tube and coated his 
cock, gasping at the coolness of the gel.

Again Tom supported Chakotay's back with one hand, while with the other he 
positioned himself at the glistening orifice. He pushed the head in, gasping at 
the instinctive grip of Chakotay's passage.

Chakotay braced his forearms against the blanket and arched, taking all of Tom 
into himself. He gasped at the blunt pressure, then relaxed into Tom's 
possession. He sighed and lifted a hand to lightly grip Tom's wrist in 
reassurance.

At that signal Tom began to draw out, feeling the channel sheathing him cling 
and massage his cock. He groaned and slid back in, his movements a little 
awkward but gaining confidence with each succeeding stroke.

Tom's gaze was fixed on Chakotay's face, at the expression of love and welcome 
dissolving into bliss. He quickened the tempo, pressing closer, wishing he could 
get close enough to share his lover's skin. His free hand stroked Chakotay's 
quivering belly and meandered through the sparse thatch of pubic hair, feeling 
the buildup of tension in his own body as well as the one beneath him. He palmed 
Chakotay's cock, desperately pulling at the engorged length.

Chakotay's head tossed as Tom began moving faster. He groaned his lover's name 
with each plunge into his flesh. Chakotay pressed his elbows harder into the 
blanket, using the leverage to lift himself higher into the strokes. Love became 
passion became need as he felt the pressure in his core, an inexorable rise that 
broke over him in ecstasy. He shouted Tom's name to the night.

Tom moaned in pleasure as he felt Chakotay buck beneath him. He kept thrusting 
into the tightness and the slick heat until his own body succumbed to the rush 
of lightning, the shock of electricity in his veins. He felt the quick jets of 
warm fluid as his cock loosed his seed. He fell forward, bracing his hands 
against the blanket, struggling to catch his breath.

Chakotay straightened his legs and wrapped his arms around Tom's waist. He 
pulled the younger man down, stroking the slim back covered with sweat. 
"Definitely an expert," he said dreamily.

Tom managed a weak chuckle against the strong chest beneath him. He lazily 
swiped his tongue against one flat nipple, watching it immediately peak in 
response as Chakotay groaned. "Certified by the CPMAS?" he asked.

"Certainly," Chakotay said as he gripped Tom's chin to lift his face. "But of 
course you may only hone your talents with members of the society. I'm sure 
that's part of the by-laws."

"As long as the guarantee is mutual, sounds good to me, Cha. You're the only one 
I want to use my skills on." Tom silently requested and received a kiss, then 
shifted most of his weight off Chakotay while keeping his head over the older 
man's heart.

"Same here, my love," Chakotay whispered as he felt Tom's body relax against 
him, heading toward sleep. He was content to stay awake awhile, enjoying the 
feel of Tom in his arms, listening to the fire, looking up at the stars.

************************************************************
************************************************************

A week later Chakotay, Tuvok, B'Elanna and Sisko were standing in the sunlight 
outside the warehouse, saying their farewells. Harry, Tom, Kassidy, and T'Pel 
had already departed for the spaceport.

The four stood together, hands laid on top of one another's in the ancient sign 
of camaraderie and teamwork.

Chakotay looked at each of these special people. He knew they had saved him as 
much as he had protected them. If they hadn't reached out to help, and stood by 
him in his most dangerous hours, he'd be long dead. They were more than friends-
--they were kin, siblings of the warriorr spirit.

They did not need to speak. They knew that near or far, they would always be in 
each other's thoughts.

B'Elanna embraced Chakotay, holding him for a moment in a fierce clasp. Then she 
stroked the braid on his wrist, gave him a quick smile and headed for the hover 
car. She knew she and Harry would be back soon, and often.

Sisko offered his forearm in a warrior's clasp that turned into a quick embrace. 
Then he drew back and mock-punched Chakotay's jaw before departing with a grin 
and jaunty wave.

Tuvok gazed a moment at Chakotay's serene face, so different from the cold and 
broken man he'd met on a slave ship what seemed a lifetime ago. He pressed one 
hand to Chakotay's shoulder, and felt a light grip on his wrist in return. A 
quick brush of minds, an exchange of thanks and reaffirmation of friendship.

Then the men parted and with a nod to each other, went their separate ways.

Tuvok settled into his seat. Sisko started the engine and as he swung the car 
into motion the three warriors looked back a moment, taking with them the image 
of Chakotay's parting smile.

************************************************************

On the spirit plane, the glen was no longer shadowed. Downed trees had brought 
the sunlight back to the forest floor. Blades of grass and bright flowers waved 
in the breeze, and the animals and insects busily hunted for their next meal. 
The scars of fire and turmoil were beginning to soften, the harsh edges blurring 
under the growth of new life.

Chakotay leaned against one ancient trunk, comforted that some of the old 
sentinels still survived all that had passed.

"Your world is much changed, my son." Kolopak's white hair was almost blinding 
in the sunlight as he crossed to his son's side.

"Yes, Papa. Some of it is my doing, and some not." He looked around at all of 
the differences.

"You are no longer troubled." Kolopak turned to face the same direction as 
Chakotay and laid a hand on his son's back. "Have you found your quiet life?"

"No, just a familiar duty." Chakotay turned to gaze into his parent's wise eyes. 
"One as husband, and father." He smiled ruefully, "Farmer and builder and 
teacher. On Dorvan, where you always wanted me to be."

Kolopak's expression was serious as he turned his son to face him and placed 
both hands on Chakotay's shoulders. "I was wrong to try to hold you here, 
Chakotay. You had a long journey to this point. A painful one. But necessary."

He smiled sadly. "Sometimes we have to leave home, or lose it, to find it 
again." His voice roughened as he drew his son into a quick embrace. "Know that 
I'm proud of you, Chakotay."

"Thank you, Papa," Chakotay whispered as he came out of his meditation, his 
breath still shaky from emotion. He picked up the akoonah, touched the braid on 
his wrist and decided that soon he would need to make a new medicine bundle.

But first he would go see if Tom was back from the spaceport.

It was a beautiful day, and Chakotay was determined not to waste one single 
precious moment of it.

He had a lot of living, and loving, left to do.

THE END