Kathryn was just slipping into something more comfortable when her door chimed. It was late and she couldn't understand who would be at her quarters. She smiled as the doors opened to produce Chakotay. "Commander," she stepped aside and let him step in, "what can I do for you?"
"I know it's late, so I won't keep you long," he stated.
"Not at all . . . can I get you something?" She asked making her way to the replicator. "A coffee? Some tea? Tuvok has a wonderful Vulcan blend he shares with me on occasion."
"I think I'll go for the coffee," he knew that was what she would be having.
"A man of my own heart," she laughed. "Black?" she asked.
"I guess I could try," he shrugged.
"Computer, two hot coffees . . . black." One moment and a whirling sound later the cups appeared and she sat with him.
Chakotay took a sip and tried to hide his grimace at the strength of the liquid before opening the discussion, "Did the ambassador of Raylex contact you yet?"
"Oh yes," Kathryn sighed, "it seems as though he, too, has put a bounty on our heads.
"I can't say that I'm surprised," Chakotay said and thought a bit to himself. Kathryn was one of the few women he had ever encountered where intellectual conversations were both stimulating and engrossing. She didn't allow her heightened sense of knowledge to color her outlook on others nor did it produce an ego to counter with. "The Raylexians depend heavily on the Vidiians for medical supplies. It's only natural they would turn against us in time," he continued.
"Yes," Kathryn rubbed her forehead, "but I was hoping that we could have at *least come to some sort of agreement with them. But I'm finding out that there's no real means of bargaining, beyond weapons firing, in the Delta Quadrant. Or maybe I'm just tired."
"Probably the latter," Chakotay leaned back against the sofa. "I must admit that lately I have felt strained as well."
"From these reports," Kathryn took a PADD from the coffee table and waved it in front of her, "I'm gathering that everyone is teetering on the edge of oblivion."
"Are you sure it wasn't Neelix's main course on your Uniform that sent you a hint?" He joked and was delighted to see her eyes sparkle with that fire. She was beautiful when her inherited Irish temper took over.
"Don't remind me," she warned and took a sip of the coffee. She looked down at her cup and then back at him, with a deep breath in she exhaled in a hurry. "I really was looking forward to that meal with you, Tom, Harry and B'Elanna." She was disappointed.
"You're always welcomed to join us, Captain," he hated the formalities but wasn't sure if he could say her real name, even though they were off duty.
"I thought poor Harry was going to stab himself with his fork," she laughed her eyes crinkling at the sides with amusement as Chakotay joined her. She paused, "I'm trying . . . so hard Chakotay. Do you think they notice?"
"What do you mean," Chakotay set down his cup.
"I'm trying to be more . . . accessible to them. Not so . . . untouchable. Am I doing the right thing?" she asked quietly.
"You are Captain, and yes they do notice, but these things take time," he explained.
"Do me a favor, Commander. Actually two," she stated.
"And . . . what would that be?" he queried.
"One, look after them when I can't. That means not only when duty calls, but also on a personal level. You've made such headway integrating yourself with all of the crew, even with your Maquis background, that you've made me jealous," she laughed. "And secondly," her mood turned more relaxed, "call me Kathryn . . . when we're not on duty." She paused, when he just nodded his head silently, "Unless of course you're not comfortable . . ."
"No, no," he interrupted, "Kathryn works just fine. Would Chakotay work for you in the same way?"
"Of . . . course," for some reason she had been taken off guard, but pleased just the same.
"Speaking of letting loose, Neelix knows of a spacial 'hub' where the crew might be able to take some time off."
"Hmm . . ." she thought for a moment, "how far off course?"
Chakotay looked down at his hands and then back up at her, "Ten light years."
"Oh Chakotay," she sighed, "that's a major course alteration, tactically, for where we're at."
"Kathryn, on our current route it's nearly *twenty light years to something that's even relatively close."
"Yes, but," she raised her eyebrows, "you know what happens when Neelix suggests something like this . . . something always ensues." She looked at him intently, "I'm not saying that I won't do this for the crew, I just need to know more before I can make a decision. We've got the Vidiians, the Kazon and now the Raylexians to worry about."
"I understand and that's why I asked Neelix to have a PADD full of information about this 'hub' on your desk tomorrow. At least it should be more entertaining than reading about how the Doctor insulted another patient?"
Kathryn laughed, "You're right."
He stood and they walked to her door, "Thank you, Captain . . . er Kathryn, for your time tonight."
"Of course, Chakotay. Goodnight," she watched him go with many thoughts filling her tired mind.
CONTINUED IN PART 6!
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