Greetings, reader number ! Thanks for your interest!

This story is second in a series. It is recommended that you read The Challenge first, as this is a sequel to it.

Disclaimer:

Now for the boring stuff.

We've all heard it, read it, know it by heart, and can recite it in our sleep…

The fact is, Paramount and its parent company Viacom own the entire Star Trek Universe and its characters. Paramount/Viacom do not, however, own the imaginations of the fans, of which I am one. No copyright infringement is intended.

The stories I write are for my enjoyment, and now that I've gotten the guts to publish a couple on the internet, for the enjoyment of other fans like myself.

Rating:

This story is rated NC-17 for adult situations. So if you're under age 18, you cannot read this. Find another story to occupy your time.

Miscellaneous:

Comments are always welcome, but let's not be too critical, I'm not a technogeek. You know how sensitive we artists are to criticism.

Please respect my copyright of this story and do not publish, reprint or distribute publicly without my permission. In addition, if you'd like to write a sequel, please notify me first.

Dedication:

We are all on a journey to our own Alpha Quadrant. Hopefully, this will make the journey a little easier to bear.

This story is respectfully submitted to all the friends I have yet to meet.

And to Ghostwriter, and Siobhan, I look forward to burning up the airways with you once again as Sweet Victory begins to unfold….

Sit back and enjoy….

Live Long and Prosper my friends…

Battle Lines

Written by Cheryl E. Moore

3/3/98

********

Chakotay slowly opened his eyes as his senses took in his surroundings. The gentle hum of the sensors were beginning to annoy him.

He had answered her challenge over ten days ago. The challenge had been made and accepted, yet here he was, still hooked up to all these blasted machines!

He thought to himself, "Another week in Sickbay and I will surely die." He longed to sleep in his own bed, under his own covers, with the gentle sounds of either his Native American music, or a Mozart concerto playing softly in the background. Most of all, he longed to have Kathryn lie down next to him, instead of just being seated next to him here in Sickbay. How his body ached for the warmth of hers. How he longed to feel her touch on his skin instead of through the medical garments draping his body. He sighed heavily. "Yes…." He thought, "One more week of this and I will kill myself!"

The Doctor approached his bedside. "Well… Glad to see you're awake Commander. How are you feeling this evening?" He scanned the tricorder over Chakotay's body.

"How do you think I feel? How should I feel?" His voice was annoyed and terse.

The Doctor raised his eyebrow and frowned at his patient's annoyance. "I see…. Perhaps I should ask if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort…."

Chakotay sighed heavily and closed his eyes. His whole body was in pain. These last two and a half weeks had been a constant reminder of his injuries. He sneered at the Doctor. "The same pain and discomfort I've felt for the last two weeks! When is it going to end Doc? I'm not sure how much more of this I can stand."

The Doctor leaned over and picked up a hypospray from the table next to Chakotay's bed. "Commander… You must realize that the injuries you suffered in the shuttle accident were quite extensive and severe. The regenerator can only do so much. It cannot perform miracles. You must give it time to do its work. In the meantime, however, I can give you something for the pain."

Chakotay frowned at the hypospray in the Doctor's hand. "Not again Doctor… Please… Just for a couple of hours let me stay coherent…." He winced in pain.

The Doctor frowned and shook his head. As usual, his bedside manner was stoic and dry. "Commander, you're body needs complete rest and relaxation if it is going to mend properly, and it is not going to get that if you continue to refuse pain medication, and remain tense and distraught."

"I know that damn it… But I've been glued to this bed, hooked up to these blasted machines, and under constant sedation for close to two weeks!! I'm sick and tired of it!"

"Commander, please…control yourself. Losing your temper and getting frustrated will only hamper your efforts for a complete recovery. The sedation has been for your own good. If I can't keep you calm and free from pain during your waking hours with this," *he displayed the hypospray in his hand* "then I will do so with a sedative, so that you're forced to rest." He reached for another hypospray.

Chakotay raised his hand in protest. "No! Computer! Deactivate Emergency Medical Holograph!"

Nothing happened. Stunned, Chakotay started to speak again as the Doctor grinned. "It's no use Commander. You're authority codes have been deactivated for the time being. You cannot 'send me away' no matter how hard you try."

As the grin broadened, Chakotay's face turned a lovely shade of red. "Damn it…. Who the hell?"

Before the Doctor could reply, the doors to Sickbay opened and Kathryn came striding in. She quickly glanced at the agitated faces before her and a grin crossed her lips before she could stop it. She noticed that Chakotay's color had momentarily taken on a reddish hue….

The Doctor raised his brow and smirked. "Commander… the 'who'…."

Kathryn smiled and nodded at the Doctor, biding him to leave them alone for a few moments. She turned to face her beloved…. "I gather you tried to deactivate the Doctor."

"Bitch…"

Kathryn raised her eyebrow at his choice of words. He was indeed quickly on the mend and an evil grin crossed her lips. "So now I'm that to you am I?"

Chakotay winced from the pain his anger had brought to the surface. "Go to Hell."

She leaned over and kissed him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Only if you send me there first…."

His anger left him undaunted by her kiss. His eyes narrowed. "Damn it Kathryn. Have you forgotten that I'm still First Officer of Voyager?"

"No." She spoke with a tone of sarcasm.

"Then why did you take away my authority codes?"

"I know you too well Chakotay. I know your mind and how it works…. Or have you forgotten what we've shared in the last two weeks…?" Her face was beaming with delight. Their first skirmish in two weeks.

He mimicked her sarcastic tone. "Nooo. But that still doesn't explain why you removed my authority codes."

She began to trace his tattoo with her fingers. Knowing full well that his defenses would weaken at the touch of her hand. Having a full compliment of ammunition, she pressed her cheek against his and whispered into his ear. Her voice was soft but determined. "Because this is my ship Chakotay. I am the Captain. And as First Officer, you will obey my orders. You are not fully recovered. Deactivation of the Doctor could result in you placing your life in jeopardy. And you will not. Repeat. Will not do that as long as you are under the Doctor's care, and under my command. Until you are released and out of danger, your codes remain deactivated. I'll say it again…I need you by my side Chakotay, not on your death bed. I will not go through that again. Do I make myself clear?"

He closed his eyes to try and fight the onslaught of her attack. Her fingers were sending flashes of fire to his already ravaged nerve endings. Damn her weapons…he thought to himself…. He countered her volley with one of his own. "Perfectly…. As First Officer, I'll abide by this decision of yours for the time being. But let my remind you Kathryn… I am also a man whose will and determination will not be put off by you, as a female…or your feminine weapons. I will win this battle between us, and you will surrender to me." His own voice was strong as his eyes narrowed with his resolve. She would surrender to him or else….

An evil grin crossed her lips and her eyes sparked with desire. She kissed him once more. "We shall see who surrenders to whom Chakotay. But in the meantime, you're to follow Doctor's orders and get the rest you need." She had picked up the hypospray, and as she smiled down at him, she administered the sedative to the side of his neck.

His eyes briefly displayed the shock at her deceit…. "You'll pay for…." His words trailed off as he succumbed to sleep once more.

As the Doctor walked over to her, she was smiling a wicked smile. She was already looking forward to their next skirmish. The battle lines had indeed been drawn….

She kissed him tenderly on the cheek. "Sleep well my love. We will resume our battle at a later time." She turned to face the Doctor. "Doctor. You wanted to speak with me?"

"Yes Captain. Please, let's talk in my office." He turned and motioned her into his office.

Kathryn turned to face him as he sat down at his desk. "Other than the Commander's stubborn pride and arrogance, what's so important that you call me away from the bridge at this hour?"

The Doctor frowned. He picked up the PADD lying on his desk and handed it to her. "These are the reports of the Commander's condition over the last two weeks. They define his condition from the first hour he arrived here in Sickbay to now. I won't lie to you Captain, they're very graphic."

"So? What's going on Doctor?" Her eyes narrowed as she scanned through the reports. Her stomach turned at the descriptive text. The Doctor was right. They were very graphic…too graphic for her….

"Take note of the last 72 hours Captain. The Commander has been experiencing nightmares. I expected that he would. It's the mind's defense mechanism coming to grips with the tragedy that has befallen him. But I'm concerned with the results of these nightmares on his body's regeneration and healing process."

"I don't follow you Doctor."

"The nightmares have, at times, been extremely violent in nature. That is why I've had to keep him so heavily sedated for the past three days. I'm afraid of the harm he may inadvertently inflict upon himself or another, such as yourself, as he thrashes about. I'm afraid some damage has already been done."

Kathryn glanced over at Chakotay's sleeping form. "What damage?"

The Doctor pointed to the last entry on the PADD. "The degeneration of bone tissue and nerve synapses along the spinal column has increased."

Kathryn lowered the PADD. Her heart sank as her stomach turned over. "What are you saying Doctor?"

The Doctor sighed and lowered his head. "If the degeneration continues, the Commander could become paralyzed."

She felt herself falter at the word. It couldn't be true. Not Chakotay! "That's impossible!"

"Not impossible Captain. Very probable. The chance of paralysis is still great, despite the regenerator. Need I remind you that he was buried under the weight of that bulkhead for over eight hours. In addition to his internal injuries, the Commander suffered extreme trauma to his spinal cord. The bulkhead missed severing it by only a few centimeters." He paused as he noticed the color leave Kathryn's cheeks. He decided he'd better change the direction of their conversation. "What the Commander needs is complete rest and relaxation if he is to fully recover. His stay here in Sickbay has lasted over two weeks. That's enough to make anyone restless despite sedation. With that in mind, I've made a decision. I'm releasing him from Sickbay tomorrow under strict orders of bed rest and no physical activity for at least two weeks. After that time, I will re-evaluate his condition, and determine if he can return to a light duty status."

"I see. Are you sure it's wise to release him Doctor?"

"Commander Chakotay needs a change of scenery Captain. And another person other than myself to tend to his wounds and aide in his recovery. He needs you Captain."

Kathryn felt herself blush. Obviously, the emotional actions of a woman desperately in love and in fear of losing her loved one, over the last two and a half weeks had not gone unnoticed. Tom and B'Elanna knew because of their own perceptions and nearness to the situation. Harry knew because of his friendship with Tom. Tuvok knew because half the time it was him that carried her back to her quarters talking in her sleep of her love for Chakotay. Hell, after her emotional outbursts following the accident, the entire crew now knew her true feelings for her First Officer. She sighed. Hell, they were in the Delta Quadrant. StarFleet regulations be damned! "Just tell me what to do Doctor."

"Keep him calm and relaxed. Make sure he gets plenty of bed rest and eats properly. And above all…" He took a deep breath as the pregnant pause became longer. "NO physical activity whatsoever… other than a brief walk from his bed to the couch or to the bathroom."

"Doctor really…." Kathryn's cheeks were hot.

"I'm serious Captain. Any kind of strenuous exertion could be extremely harmful. His body needs time to heal from his injuries. The tissue and nerve synapses must be given time to regenerate properly, otherwise he will become partially, if not fully, paralyzed."

The words rang in her ears and stung her eyes. "I understand."

"Oh, one more thing Captain…. The Commander has not been told of this. I thought it best for the time being. In his current mental state it would not be wise."

"I don't understand."

"Until the nightmares pass, and his emotional scars from the accident have healed, I don't want to take the risk of depression setting in. The Commander's pride could be his undoing. His battle will be difficult enough as it is."

She felt dazed and confused. How could she not tell him? They had shared their souls, their thoughts…. Still, the Doctor was right. Chakotay would be difficult enough to deal with over the next two weeks without the added knowledge that he could become paralyzed if he wasn't careful. He hated being a burden and relying on anyone to help him. No doubt he would try and do things himself rather than let her or anyone else come to his aide before the two weeks were finished. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. She suddenly felt like she was back at StarFleet Academy during Hell Week…only this time, it would be for two weeks. Two very long, Hell Weeks…. She opened her eyes and looked at the Doctor with determination. "I'll do whatever is necessary Doctor. I just need him back on the bridge, by my side…."

"Good. Then it's settled. I'll release the Commander into your care tomorrow morning."

"Doctor? What about the nightmares?"

"I'll give you a supply of hypospray sedatives along with the pain medication. I realize his reluctance to them, so wait until he has fallen asleep, then administer one. It will help keep him calm during the night and lessen the risk of harm to either himself or you."

"Thank you." She turned and walked out to Chakotay's bed. He looked so peaceful and handsome in his sleep. It would be a difficult two weeks at best. She kissed him tenderly on the lips before turning and exiting Sickbay.

********

As she walked down the corridor, her pace was slow and thoughtful. No doubt this would be a great battle of wits between them for the next two weeks. Chakotay would not take kindly to her protecting him. It was his stubborn manly pride that felt as if he should always be the protector.

Battle after battle, they had fought. Together as Captain and First Officer of Voyager, bound to their sense of duty and protocol, and together as friends. They had battled their emotions for four long years, only to almost lose everything to a collapsed bulkhead. She shuddered at the memories the thought invoked.

During the last two weeks a horrible battle had been fought and won. But this battle that she would fight was for both of them…the lines in the sand had been drawn and there was no turning back now. She had won the battle for his life, but now she had to win the battle for his soul. Paralysis could destroy him. She knew him too well. Four years together had taught her one thing. Chakotay was not reliant on anyone.

She remembered the verse… "Pride goeth before a fall…." And Chakotay was certainly proud. Proud of his heritage. Proud of his strength. Proud of his strong will and determination. Proud of everything he stood for as her First Officer. "Damn his stubborn, strong willed, arrogant pride!" she thought to herself. He could still be an Angry Warrior when he wanted to be.

Her pace picked up. Her stride became determined. She would win this battle. Her Angry Warrior needed to be saved from himself. Shit…. She would cross the battle lines of Hell if necessary, to save him.

********

She sat down on the bed next to him. "Comfortable?"

Chakotay gazed into her eyes. "Yes."

"Good. Care for something to eat? I'll spring for some replicator rations so you won't have to eat Leola Root casserole."

Chakotay shook his head. "No. Not now anyway. Maybe later." He took her hand in his and stroked her cheek with the other. "Kathryn…I love you."

She smiled before leaning over to kiss him. "I know." The kiss lingered for a moment before she pulled away from him. She reached over and picked up a PADD from the table beside his bed. "I've got a briefing in ten minutes with Tuvok, Tom and B'Elanna regarding the warp core. This might help pass the time while I'm gone." She handed it to him and slowly rose, her hand lingering in his. "Get some rest. I'll be back by lunch."

Chakotay smiled and called after her. "I'll expect you to be on time Captain."

"Don't worry Commander. I'll be early." The doors slid closed behind her.

Chakotay laid his head back against the pillow and laid the PADD down on the bed. He rubbed his legs to try and get rid of the tingling and numbing sensations that were overtaking them. "Damn it! I wish this would stop!" He glanced at the PADD and picked it up. 'War and Peace'…. "Damn! How long does she think it's going to take for me to fully recover!" He smiled to himself and began reading. No doubt it held other significance other than just passing the time…. He glanced at the chronometer next to his bed. 0900. Three more hours before their next confrontation….

********

The doors slid open and she stepped inside quietly, fearing that she might awaken him. She glanced towards his bed and gasped when she saw it was empty. "Chakotay?" She couldn't hide the tremor in her voice.

He emerged from the bathroom in a robe. "Sorry…. Didn't hear you come in."

Her eyes narrowed. "What are you doing out of bed?"

He was towel drying his hair. "I needed a bath."

"You were supposed to remain in bed Chakotay."

Her voice was tense and he looked at her with a frown. "Relax…Kathryn. I just wanted to soak in a tub of hot water for awhile. Thought it would help relax me so I can attempt to talk to my Spirit Guide…"

She forced a smile and pretended to ease a bit. "I'm sorry. Of course. You know I'm the same way. I should've known."

He kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Besides, I figured it would help stop these irritating numbing sensations I'm having in my legs."

She pulled away from him suddenly as her eyes flew open in fear. She realized her shock and tried to compensate for her error of emotional display. "What?"

He studied her for a moment. "Hey… don't have a stroke. They're gone now. Probably from the walk from Sickbay earlier this morning."

She smiled and put her hand on his chest. "Probably. Now do me a favor and get back in bed. I'll replicate some vegetarian lasagna for lunch."

"At least you're not cooking. I'd hate to be released from Sickbay, only to eat my last meal four hours later." He grinned as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

She picked up a pillow and hit him with it. "Just for that, I should have Neelix bring you some Leola Root casserole."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me." She stared down at him with an evil grin on her face.

He countered with one of his own. "For lunch? I thought we were having lasagna…." He reached up and pulled her down to him, falling back on the bed as he did so. He felt a twinge and grimaced.

Kathryn had put her arms out in front of her as she fell against him, hoping to break the full impact of her body landing on his. Fearful of what it might do. "Chakotay!" She pushed herself up quickly and looked into his face. She caught the look on his face as he grimaced from pain. She realized she needed to remain calm lest he read her concern. "Are you alright?"

"I'm OK. Just a twinge." He pushed himself back up to a seated position.

"Serves you right. Now get in bed before you hurt yourself, or worse, me." She forced a smile. As she helped him settle in, plumping the pillows behind his back, she kissed him on the forehead. "Now really Chakotay. The Doctor said complete rest and relaxation."

"I'm not an invalid Kathryn."

"I didn't say you were. You just need to rest for awhile. Doctor's orders."

He put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her to him. "I just want to be close to you Kathryn."

She closed her eyes and nuzzled his cheek. "I know. Me too. But let's not overdue it the first day after you've been released. There'll be time for that later…."

"You'd make me suffer by waiting?" His gaze penetrated her core.

"If it meant the difference to your complete recovery…yes…as long as it took. Afterall, you waited for four years, what's another two weeks?" She grinned devilishly.

He smiled into her face as he released his volley. "You know…your other career goes unnoticed and unrecognized."

"What career would that be?" Her eyes widened at his remark.

"That of Mistress of Torture." She hit him playfully on the chest, as he pulled her to his lips.

********

Kathryn sat in her ready room, smiling at the skirmish that had taken place a couple of hours earlier at lunch. "Mistress of Torture, indeed…" she thought to herself. She turned back to the PADD on her desk and smiled an evil grin before speaking softly to the screen in front of her. "I'll show you Mistress of Torture Chakotay…. In two weeks, if the Doctor releases you, you'll beg for me to stop the torture I have planned for you…. I will take no prisoners when I win this battle between us…."

The chime pulled her away from her devilish fantasies as it signaled for entry.

"Enter."

B'Elanna entered and smiled. "How's our patient doing?"

"Tuvok's playing chess with him."

"Oh oh. Chakotay hates to lose at anything. You know how he gets. Are you sure that's wise?" B'Elanna grinned.

Kathryn mirrored B'Elanna's all knowing grin, knowing too well 'how he gets' when he loses. She smiled at the thought of what she had planned… Perhaps losing wouldn't be that bad…. "It's alright. I think Tuvok is going to lose this one."

"Tuvok?"

"He understands his duty to the Commander and to this ship."

B'Elanna couldn't help herself. The grin broadened. "In other words, you gave him an order."

"Implicit I might add."

Their laughter echoed onto the bridge.

********

1900 hours. He slowly opened his eyes. He'd been trying to forget the pain that he was feeling and avoid using a hypospray. He wanted to be coherent when she joined him for dinner. He'd been dreaming of her in his arms once again and he felt his pulse quicken at the thoughts of taking her sweetness in his mouth as he had done then, in their place of heaven…. His thoughts were only of taking her body over and over again, until they each collapsed from exhaustion. Their time in heaven had been brief and he sighed heavily. "Kathryn…my love…"

The doors opened and she entered, quietly placing the tray on the table next to him. She kissed him tenderly on the forehead and couldn't help but notice the pain in his brow. Her eyes darkened with concern. "Are you alright?"

He struggled for the words. He needed to reassure her lest she give him the hypospray and put him into a medicated haze. He nodded and forced a smile from his lips. "I'm fine. Really. Now that you're here." He struggled to push himself up and grimaced in pain once more.

"Chakotay… You're in pain. Haven't you taken anything?" She turned to the table and picked up the case with the hyposprays. Her face turned pale when she saw that it was still full of capsules. She fumbled to put one into the hypospray as he placed his hand on her arm.

"Please Kathryn… Not yet. Let me spend the first evening with you free from a medicated fog that only dulls my senses. I want to look upon you with clear eyes, and touch your skin with hands free from numbness."

Kathryn's eyes grew misty. "I don't want you to be in pain Chakotay. The Doctor told me that you shouldn't get tense, that it could cause…." She stopped the words from coming forth. She couldn't let him know. Not yet anyway. She closed her hand around the hypospray.

He pulled her close to him. "Please… not now… I'll let you give me one later, perhaps after we eat… What's for dinner?"

She forced a smile and turned to the tray. She hated to see him in pain. "Potato soup and fresh bread."

"Smells wonderful. I take it you used some rations."

"If I can get you to eat so you'll get your strength back, I'll drain my entire account for the month. But then, next month, dinner is on you…." She smiled as she filled the spoon with the hot liquid and raised it to his lips.

"It's a deal…. Are you going to feed me as well?" His eyes sparked with the intimacy of her feeding him. He was going to enjoy the next two weeks immensely if this kept up.

"Whatever it takes Chakotay… whatever it takes…." She seemed to read his thoughts and she grinned.

********

As Kathryn took care of the tray, Chakotay shifted to try and get more comfortable. The pain was becoming more intense and he wished now that he had taken the hypospray two hours earlier. He felt ill, and thought he was going to lose his dinner. He got up and made his way to the bathroom. The spasms overcame him as Kathryn rushed to his side with a damp cloth. "Oh Chakotay!" She pressed the cloth to his forehead and wiped his face as the spasms subsided.

He was doubled over in extreme pain but managed a grin for her benefit. "So much for dinner."

Kathryn was not amused. She helped him to his feet. "That's it Chakotay. No more protests. I'm giving you a hypospray."

He gripped her shoulder in pain as he leaned on her for strength and followed her to the bed. "No more protests…." He laid down carefully, allowing her to pull his legs up and cover him with the covers. He was shuddering with nausea as another wave passed over him. He grabbed her hand and closed his eyes. "Please no… Not again…"

She pressed the hypospray to his neck. "Sssh my love… it will pass. Just lay back and relax."

He felt the medication flow into his veins and soothe the pain attacking his body. The wave of nausea subsiding slightly as he leaned back against the pillows. Kathryn was stroking his tattoo tenderly with her fingers, attempting to calm his tension. He reached up and pressed her hand to his cheek, nuzzling it before kissing her palm gently. "Please…stay with me…."

Her eyes welled with tears. She pressed the covers around his shaking form. "Chakotay you need to rest…."

"Please Kathryn…. I've been in Hell these last two weeks with you by my side, and not being able to feel your body next to mine. Please…. I promise not to try anything…. I just need to be with you…to hold you in my arms…." He shuddered again and doubled over, leaning his head off the bed as Kathryn grabbed the cloth.

She stroked his cheek and hair until the wave subsided. His eyes were filled with tears as they gazed up at her, pleading for her to stop the spasms wracking his body. As he collapsed back onto the pillow, she undid her blouse, quickly removed her leggings and crawled into the bed behind him, gathering his shuddering body into her arms. "Sshh… Just try and relax…. I'm here Chakotay…. I'm here…." She repeated it softly against his ear, as she continued to stroke his head and back, feeling him relax as the pain medication took effect and the nausea subsided. She began to hum softly, gently kissing his back and shoulders as he drifted off to sleep, his hand clasped firmly on her arm that was cradling him.

********

She glanced at the time display next to the bed. He had been sleeping peacefully for close to three hours now. Her own eyes were heavy with sleep as she shifted. She had not moved her arm, fearful of waking him, but now it had fallen asleep. She gently pulled it free of his grasp, and rubbed the feeling back into it.

He shifted slightly, and she felt his body tense. She shifted closer to him, placing her hand on his side to calm him. He was lying on his right side and she realized as her hand stroked his back and side that she could feel the scars from his wounds. She raised the cover slightly and gazed at the scars along his back, side and abdomen. She couldn't tell where one stopped and another began. Her eyes welled with tears as she realized the Doctor had been right. Chakotay had practically been cut in half. She felt a wave of nausea and closed her eyes to force back the urge.

Chakotay shifted again, and she lowered the cover quickly, afraid that he would awaken. She knew he'd not want her looking at the scars too closely, at least not until they were healed completely. He stirred and reached for her hand in his sleep. She gave it freely and wrapped her arm over him. She nuzzled her cheek against his back as her tears dampened his skin. "I love you Chakotay… I'm here…." She closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

Several moments passed. She had fallen into a sleepy haze and didn't notice that his breathing had quickened. His body was tensing and shuddering from the images in his mind. His face grimaced in agony as the pain became stronger. He moaned and Kathryn bolted upright. "Chakotay?" Her face studied his features…. The nightmares….

She glanced at the table. She needed to get the hypospray. She started to cross over him but she lost her balance and collapsed on top of him. He grabbed her arms and dug his fingers into her biceps. She gasped from the pain as his fingers unwittingly assaulted her. She pressed her hands against his chest as he rolled over onto his back. His hold tightened and she cried out in pain. "Chakotay! Wake up! Please…. " Chakotay was fighting the bulkhead…only she was the bulkhead.

His cries became tormented as he pushed against her weight, digging his fingers deeper into her arms. She closed her eyes against the pain, and struggled to free herself without hurting him. She managed to free her left arm and reached for the hypospray…. As her weight shifted, he lost his hold and she fell to the floor next to the bed. Frantically, she reached up on the table and grabbed the hypospray. She leaned over him and pressed her hand against his chest, straining to keep him still, tears streaming down her face, as he continued to thrash about. His hands clenched her shoulders and she grimaced once again. She managed to press the hypospray into his neck as his hands released their hold on her. His breathing slowed and he slowly relaxed as the sedative took effect.

Kathryn sighed heavily as the tears fell to his chest. She glanced down at her arms. They were bruised and bleeding from their struggle. "Oh Chakotay…your pain must have been so great…." She laid down next to him, wrapping him in her arms once again and cried herself to sleep.

********

She awoke early and dressed quickly. She didn't want him to see the bruises and scratches on her arms. She was gazing into the mirror at the puffy red eyes that betrayed her struggles of the prior evening, when her comm link chirped. "Tuvok to Janeway."

"Janeway here."

"Captain… you're needed in the bio-metrics lab. There's been a minor confrontation."

She sighed. "On my way. Janeway out." She walked over to Chakotay's sleeping form and kissed him softly on the lips. "Duty calls my love." She started to turn, then thought twice. She reached for the hypospray and pressed it gently against his neck. "I'm sorry Chakotay. But you do need to rest… I don't want to find you dead on the floor when I return…." She stroked his cheek and sighed once more. He'd never forgive himself if he knew what he had done to her in his tormented sleep.

As she entered the corridor, she rubbed her arms gently. This was going to be a long two weeks, and only twenty four hours had passed….

********

The doors to Sickbay closed behind her as the Doctor came out of his office. "Please state the nature… Oh Captain… How did the first evening go?"

She approached one of the bio-beds and rolled up her sleeves. "Not well I'm afraid. I forgot to give him the sedative until it was too late."

The Doctor frowned as he ran the tricorder up and down her arms. "How is the Commander?" He reached for the dermal regenerator.

"Sleeping. I administered another sedative before I left. I didn't want to risk him having another occurrence like that one last night. At least not while he's alone. I'm afraid…." Her words trailed off.

"A good precaution Captain. Perhaps you should consider having someone with the Commander round the clock…. There… you will have some residual pain and bruising for the next couple of days. After that, they should be good as new. Providing of course, that you and the Commander do not have another wrestling match."

"Thank you Doctor." She got down from the bed and approached the doors.

"Oh Captain… Please keep me apprised of the Commander's condition, especially if the Commander should experience any numbness in his legs."

Kathryn's heart sank but she did not turn back to face the Doctor. She closed her eyes at the thought. It had only been the walk back to his quarters yesterday morning…. "Of course Doctor." The doors closed behind her. She sighed heavily as she headed for the turbolift.

********

It was evening before she managed to get free of her duties. The gentle sounds of ancient drums and flutes greeted her. The lights were dim, save for the few candles that were burning. Chakotay was seated on the floor, meditating, his medicine bundle in front of him. She quietly sat down across from him. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked up at her. She smiled. "Any luck?"

"No. I guess I'm still out of sync. Too much medication. I can't concentrate, my mind's in a fog." He replaced the akuna and folded the pouch gently, visibly frustrated. He slowly pushed himself up, his face betraying the pain as he straightened.

Kathryn raised her hand to help him. "Chakotay… Anything I can do to help?"

He sat down next to her and took her hands in his. "Just stay with me. I've missed seeing your face all day today. I take it you've been busy."

"Unfortunately. The day started with a confrontation in bio-metrics of all places, and it went downhill from there. The warp core went off-line again today, and between B'Elanna and Seven arguing about possible solutions as to a permanent fix, and Harry and Tom arguing about the transporter re-alignment…." She paused, pushed the hair out of her face and frowned.

Chakotay put his hand under her chin and tilted her head so that he could kiss her. "Perhaps it is I that should be helping you."

She pushed herself away playfully. "Oh No! You're under strict orders for the next two weeks! Complete rest and relaxation is what you need."

"I could still give you a hand with some of the reports. Come on Kathryn. I'm not an invalid. If you won't let me help you with the physical demands of Voyager, then let me help with the mental ones. I can still file and review reports. It might help lighten the load you're bearing."

She smiled. Just like Chakotay… not even out of Sickbay for less than 48 hours, and already wanting to get back to work and ease her burdens. "I'll take it under advisement Commander. In the meantime, I can tell that you've gone without your medication again today. How can you expect to relax when you're body is wracked in pain?" She kissed him on the cheek as she reached for the hypospray.

"Kathryn…" Chakotay growled as his eyes grew dark with frustration and he put his hand on hers and closed his fingers tightly around it. "I don't need any medication! What I need is for you to give me some of my responsibilities as First Officer. I cannot sit idly by for the next two weeks and do nothing!"

"Well you'll just have to Chakotay." Her own eyes darkened with resolve. "I need you well and back at my side as First Officer of this ship. The bridge hasn't been the same without you since the accident. So you will follow the Doctor's orders and get well. Don't make me pull rank on you Commander."

"Damn you! Let me help! I will go mad cooped up in here for the next two weeks!" Chakotay reached over and put his hands on her upper arms and she winced and stifled a cry from her lips. His eyes narrowed and he pulled her closer.

She struggled to pull away from him, knowing that she had divulged her secret. "Chakotay please."

"Why do you pull away from me Kathryn? What's happened?" He started to roll up one of her sleeves, but she yanked her arm away and stood quickly. He stood and grabbed her from behind, turning her to face him.

She tensed and stepped back. "Please don't. It's not anything. I just ran into one of the bulkheads in Jeffries Tube 8 today. I wasn't paying attention. Too engrossed in duties and such, like worrying about whether or not you're taking your medication." She smiled, hoping that he would believe her, as she reached for the hypospray.

His face softened, and he stroked her arm. "I'm sorry. See. Cooped up in here for less than two days and already having delusions of paranoia. Can you imagine what I'll be like at the end of two weeks?" He grinned and pulled her close.

Their brief skirmish over, she grinned playfully. "Oh heavens… Maybe I should get you some work to do. I've been putting off writing that report on the transporter malfunction last week…Perhaps you should write it." She raised her eyebrow.

Chakotay feigned a pain in his side. "Ohhh. Please no. Not that. Anything but that. How about a report on the warp core or phaser malfunctions?" He pulled her close and kissed her passionately.

"Oh Chakotay!" She playfully hit him on the chest as she melted into his arms. She felt herself warm at his touch as the kiss seared her lips. His hands were traveling down her spine and to her waist. Her thoughts began to wander. Wander back to ten days ago and…. She felt his body tense suddenly and it bolted her to the present. "Chakotay?"

He leaned on her for support as he gasped in pain. "Kathryn…I need to… Help me to the bed."

Her face darkened in concern. "Of course." She wrapped her arm around him and headed for the bed.

They'd only taken a few steps when Chakotay gripped her hand. "Kathryn…" His eyes rolled back into his head and he slumped to the floor.

"Chakotay! Janeway to Ensign Kim! Two for emergency transport to Sickbay immediately!"

********

As the Doctor ran the tricorder over him, Chakotay frowned. "Really I'm alright."

Kathryn was tapping her fingers on the bio-bed, visibly frightened and enraged. "Sure you are. Your eyes always roll back in your head as you collapse in my arms, scaring the living daylights out of me."

The Doctor replied stoically. "A common reaction when one faints. Commander, can you tell me what happened?"

"Well I don't really know actually. I'd spent the majority of the day reading and trying to talk with my Spirit Guide. Kathryn…ah, the Captain…came by to see me… I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my back, and everything went black."

"I see…. Captain, did you notice anything out of the ordinary?"

"Nothing… Except that I expect the Commander didn't take any pain medication again today." Her eyes narrowed at Chakotay with an all knowing gaze as she offered her reply through her teeth.

"Is that true Commander?" The Doctor turned to look at Chakotay and frowned.

"Well…" Chakotay shifted under the weight of their gaze.

"Never mind. Commander you really must take your condition more seriously. You have been gravely injured, and you must not risk further injury by refusing to take the medication. You need to rest! Do you realize what could've happened to you if the Captain had not been with you? You could've fallen and seriously injured yourself further. You could've hit your head…."

Chakotay put his hand up to stop the Doctor's banter. "You've made your point Doctor."

"What good are my orders if you're not going to follow them!"

Kathryn put her hand up. "That won't be a problem Doctor. I'll make sure Commander Chakotay follows orders…." Her eyes narrowed as she glared at Chakotay. "He is still my First Officer and he will obey my orders…or else…."

Chakotay returned her gaze with one of his own. This was going to be a long two weeks….

********

Five days, three hours, twenty seven minutes and thirty six seconds…. Chakotay shifted on the bed and sighed heavily as he raised his arm over his head. This routine was getting old. Read, meditate, listen to music, meditate, read…. "Damn the Gods! I've got to get out of here and do something or I'm going to go mad!"

Kathryn entered with a bottle of wine and a plate of cheese and fruit. "I thought you already were." She grinned at her patient.

"Damn you Kathryn! I can't take much more of this. I need to do something! Please!"

Kathryn sat down on the bed next to him and stroked his brow and cheek. "Chakotay. It's only for a few more days. Relax and enjoy the time off. Here I brought some wine and cheese."

"I'm not hungry." He growled. "And it's more than just a few days. It's now eight days, twenty hours, thirty two minutes and twenty seconds…."

"Glad you're not counting the minutes waiting. You know if you don't behave yourself, the Doctor won't release you to light duty status. You'll be back in the same boat you're in now…and I know you wouldn't want that… Now here, drink." She handed him the glass.

He took it and sighed. "You're not cutting me any slack are you?"

As she let the wine caress her palette, she smiled. "Nope. I need you at full capacity for what I have planned for you," she glanced at the time, "eight days, twenty hours, thirty minutes and ten seconds from now…" An evil grin crossed her lips.

Her smile always warmed him and he touched her cheek. "And just what is that?"

"My other career." She kissed him tenderly.

His arms wrapped around her and pulled her down to his chest. He felt her heart quicken as her breasts pressed against him. One hand reached into her hair and grabbed the back of her head, pressing her lips to his passionately, his tongue forcing her mouth open. His other hand reached down to her buttocks and squeezed them.

Kathryn couldn't resist him. It had been too long. Her breath quickened and she pressed her body into his, shifting so that she could lay on top of him. Her hands were on either side of his cheeks, as she kissed every line on his tattoo. She raised herself up, and straddled him, pressing his face between her breasts.

He opened her tunic and cupped her breasts with his hands, pressing them together as he teased her nipples to erection. She moaned, feeling herself warm inside. She lowered the tunic from her shoulders, exposing her chest to him.

Chakotay gazed up at her. "My love. My Kathryn…. How I've wanted this… How I've need this…" He moaned passionately as he hardened against the feel of her mound. "I want you now! I can't wait another eight days!" He pulled her down on top of him once more as his mouth covered hers forcefully, his hands pulled at her tunic. Frustrated at its refusal to release her, he grabbed the back of it and yanked it from her body with force. As Kathryn gasped in shock, his eyes fixed on the bruises on her upper arms. "What the…?!"

Kathryn folded her arms quickly, grabbing her upper arms with her hands as she rolled off of him. "Oh God!" She grabbed the remnant of her tunic as she turned her back to him, tears welling in her eyes.

Chakotay stood and grabbed her shoulder to turn her around. She winced from the pain as his grip fell on another reminder of their struggle only four nights earlier. "Where did you get those?" His eyes narrowed.

"Chakotay please… They don't hurt. I told you! I ran into a bulkhead the other day. I wasn't paying attention!" She tried to turn away from him but his hold tightened.

He studied her face and lowered his eyes to scan her upper arms. He forcefully pulled her hands away and held them away from her body so that his view would not be hampered. "Does a bulkhead leave finger shaped bruises on both arms?" His voice was filled with anger.

The tears began to fall. "Chakotay…. Please… let me go…."

"Who did this to you?!" He shook her.

"Please! I can't!" She struggled.

"Tell me who did this to you!" His voice was filled with rage. "Tell me!"

"No! I can't… Please… just let me go before you hurt yourself!" She twisted in his grip.

"Tell me Kathryn! Tell me who hurt you like this!" He shook her violently as she fell to her knees in tears.

His rage was scaring her. Not for what he would do to her, but for what it could do to him. The Doctor's words were ringing in her ears… +"Any kind of strenuous exertion could be extremely harmful. His body needs time to heal from his injuries. The tissue and nerve synapses must be given time to regenerate properly, otherwise he will become partially, if not fully, paralyzed." + Paralyzed…. the very word chilled her to the bone. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, he'd die first before hurting her… +he'd die first before hurting her+…. The thought kept resounding in her head as he gripped her shoulders once more.

He knelt before her, studying her, his eyes filled with rage at the thought that someone had injured her. Injured his Kathryn. "By all the Gods! If you won't tell me, I'll find out for myself!" He released her and pushed her back forcefully, rising to his feet. He turned and headed for the doors.

Kathryn scrambled to get her bearings and reached after him, raising her hand after him. Tears streaming down her face, she screamed after him as the doors slid open. "Chakotay! No!! Please! Stop!" His back was to her as he paused, with clenched fists. The words that came forth were not her own and she yelled them with rage and fear… Fearful of the harm they would cause. "You did! You did this to me!" She collapsed on her knees, trembling and crying.

Chakotay turned quickly to face her shrunken form, heaped on the floor in front of him. He raced back to her and put his hands on her shoulders…. "Kathryn… my God! How?!"

She couldn't look at his face. She couldn't look at the hurt she had just caused him. She was sobbing and the words were barely audible. "The other night…you were having a nightmare…."

Chakotay wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. His rage was gnawing at him. He'd hurt her. Whether on purpose or not. He'd hurt his Kathryn…. Tears streamed down his face as he slowly rocked her sobbing form. "Oh Kathryn! Why didn't you tell me?"

Her sobs ebbed slowly as he stroked her hair, and kissed the top of her head softly. In between sobs, she tried to explain… "I knew you'd react just like you did now…. Please Chakotay! You didn't know what you were doing…. You were having a nightmare about the accident…. I made the mistake of trying to climb over you to get to the hypospray…. Please…. Don't blame yourself…. Please…."

"Oh my love… I've hurt you…. Because of my own pride and stubbornness."

She gazed into his eyes. "Please don't Chakotay… I'm alright. They're almost gone now. I'll just make sure I give you that sedative earlier…" She smiled up at him, but the look in his eyes troubled her.

He slowly stood, pulling her to her feet. He walked over to the dresser and pulled out one of his shirts. He turned back to her and pulled it over her head. She stood there dazed. "Though it's only a few feet, you'll need this to get back to your quarters."

She gazed into his eyes. "Chakotay?"

"Goodnight Kathryn." He motioned her to the door.

She turned on him. "No! I'm not leaving!"

"Please Kathryn…. I don't want you here tonight. I couldn't live with myself if it happened again."

"But Chakotay, the sedative…."

He shook his head. "No. No more sedatives. Now please…. Don't make this any harder than it already is."

"Chakotay. You can't be alone. The Doctor warned.…"

He stopped her. "To Hell with him. Please. I can't hurt you again. Now leave!" He pushed her through the doors.

The doors closed behind her as she stood there dazed. Two and a half weeks ago she would've entered in his security code, but not tonight…. Tonight he needed to be alone. Tonight he needed to come to grips with what had happened four nights prior to this one.

She pressed her hand against the door to his quarters… "Oh Chakotay… I love you…. Please take care…."

She slowly walked back to her quarters and crawled into her own bed. She pressed her hand against the bulkhead separating their quarters as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Thoughts invaded her sleep…. With no sedative, the likelihood of nightmares would be greater…. And with the nightmares… the thrashing… the chance of injury to his…. Her eyes opened wide and she realized that the screaming was not her own…. "Chakotay!"

********

She entered his security code and entered quickly. He was enthralled in his battle with that damn bulkhead once again. She reached for the hypospray and pressed it against his neck.

As the sedative took hold, his body slowly relaxed and his face eased from the pain which had his body in its grip. Kathryn took a damp cloth and wiped the sweat from his face and neck, attempting to cool his body temperature, and soothe his raw nerves.

His hand found hers and gripped it tightly. He was asleep but he spoke softly… "I'm sorry Kathryn…. Please forgive me… Please forgive me…."

She pressed her cheek to his and stroked his forehead with the cloth. "I forgive you my love…. I love you Chakotay…." She placed the cloth on the table, placed another hypospray on the ledge above the bed, and crawled in next to him.

This was her ship, and she would not be put out on this night, nor any other…. She'd defy him to challenge her decision to return to him tonight. To hold him in her arms and take away his pain and his nightmares. She'd do whatever it took to keep him safe… and whole….

********

She stirred to the shift in Chakotay's body. Her arm was draped over his chest and she felt his breathing quicken. She opened her eyes and raised herself up slightly to look into his face.

Chakotay's face was clenched in pain. His hand reached up to hers and gripped it tightly. "Kathryn… the pain…"

"Where?!"

"My back…. Sharp…. Can't breathe…." Tears streamed down his cheeks. He was staring at the ceiling. His body began to shudder with spasms of pain and he clenched her hand, he turned his head towards her, as his eyes pleaded with her to stop it.

She grabbed the hypospray and pressed it against his neck. "Janeway to Tuvok. Transport us to Sickbay immediately!"

********

As the transporter haze vanished, the Doctor had been activated and was waiting with Tricorder in hand.

"What happened this time?!"

Kathryn's jaw was clenched in fear. Something in the look on Chakotay's face had her frightened to the core…. His back… the pain was in his back…. "The Commander experienced another nightmare tonight. I awoke to his screams. By the time I got to his side, he had been thrashing about wildly for God knows how long."

"Didn't you administer a sedative?" His look was grim as the Tricorder registered something he didn't like.

Kathryn's heart stuck in her throat. "I…. I wasn't with…. No. Not until I reached his side and the nightmare had him in its grip. Doctor… what's wrong?"

The Doctor turned to face her. His face was grim and concerned. "Perhaps I was too hasty in my decision to allow the Commander to return to his quarters."

"What are you saying?"

"Captain, nothing is definite. I won't know until I conduct some further tests."

"Doctor. Tell me what's going on. What's happened tonight? What's wrong with him?" Her stomach turned over.

He turned back to Chakotay's form as he administered a hypospray to his neck. He did not want to face the Captain. "The Commander appears to be paralyzed Captain."

Kathryn gripped the side of the bio-bed as she felt her knees give way. "No…"

The Doctor grabbed her shoulders to steady her. "Captain. I cannot determine at this time if the paralysis is temporary or permanent. Please, try not to jump to conclusions."

Kathryn stared into Chakotay's face. "I should've stayed… I should've given him the hypospray earlier… It's my fault…."

"Captain, you cannot blame yourself for this unfortunate turn of events. As I stated, I was too hasty to allow the Commander to leave Sickbay before his wounds were completely healed. I must take the responsibility for this not you."

"Oh Chakotay… I'm so sorry!" She buried her face in his chest. "I'm sorry. I should've known…." Her sobs became hysterical.

"I will not allow you to go through this again Captain…." The Doctor pressed a hypospray into her neck and placed her on the bio-bed next to Chakotay's. He frowned. This was becoming all too familiar.

********

Kathryn stirred and rose from the bed. She placed her hand on Chakotay's chest as he slowly opened his eyes.

"What happened?" His eyes focused on her face.

Kathryn closed her eyes and blinked back the tears. "You don't remember?"

"I remember a sharp pain and then… I couldn't breathe…."

She forced a smile to her lips. "You're fine now. The Doctor wants to run a couple of tests before he releases you again."

"What kind of tests?" His eyes darkened. She was hiding something.

She turned her eyes away from him. His gaze was too penetrating. She sighed heavily. "I'm not sure Chakotay…."

"Kathryn… What are you not telling me?" His eyes narrowed and he reached for her hand.

"Nothing…." She tried to pull away.

"You're lying." His grip tightened around her wrist.

She turned away from him. She wasn't going to tell him the truth. She couldn't…. "Let go of me Chakotay."

"Turn around, look me in the eye, and tell me the truth Kathryn… What's wrong?"

"Chakotay I can't. Please don't ask me again. Please…." She couldn't face him knowing that it was her fault. She broke free of his grasp and ran from the Sickbay.

"Kathryn!" He started to move and realized that he couldn't. His eyes widened with the realization and he stared at the Doctor. "Damn! What's wrong with my legs Doc?!"

The Doctor placed his hands on Chakotay's shoulders and held him down. "Commander, please try and remain calm. Further excitement will only cause more damage. You must remain still!"

"Why can't I move my legs?!" His hands gripped the bio-bed as he tried to push himself up.

"Commander! Calm down or I'll be forced to give you another sedative!"

Chakotay looked into the Doctor's face and laid back down against the pillow, fear gripping his very soul. His voice was gripped in fear as he spoke. "What's wrong with me Doc?"

The Doctor reached for a hypospray and Chakotay tensed. "Relax Commander. It's only a mild sedative. It will relieve some of your stress. You must try and relax. I won't know more until I've conducted some further tests."

"Tests for what?"

He sighed. "Paralysis Commander."

Chakotay's eyes closed in desperation. "No…."

"Commander. It may be only temporary. Residual effects from the swelling caused by your injuries and trauma to your spinal column. These nightmares you've been having have taken a toll on your body's normal healing process. I won't be sure until I have more conclusive findings. Do you feel any sensations in your lower extremities? Any numbness or tingling of any kind?"

Chakotay opened his eyes and stared at the equipment surrounding him. He shook his head. His voice was barely audible. "No."

"Any pain? Sharp or otherwise?" He continued scanning Chakotay's legs and lower abdomen.

Chakotay closed his eyes once more. "No. Nothing… I can't feel a damn thing…" His voice betrayed his feelings of dejection. He suddenly felt as if his whole life had been ripped to shreds, at the hands of that damned bulkhead. His mind was full of fear and dread. Paralyzed…. He couldn't be…. Not that…. It would mean only one thing… He couldn't be with Kathryn…. He closed his eyes, as tears began to fall. His beloved Kathryn would be lost to him forever….

The Doctor closed the tricorder and studied his patient for a moment. "Commander. Three weeks ago you laid here in this very Sickbay fighting for your life against tremendous odds. You beat those odds. And there is a chance that you can beat these odds as well. But you must be optimistic about this."

"Leave me alone." His eyes were fixed on the lights over head.

"Commander."

"I can't deactivate you but I can still give you an order…Leave me alone!" His voice was harsh and full of hate. He'd lost his Kathryn. He'd lost his soul….

"As you wish. Perhaps some time alone to reflect on your thoughts would do you well. May I remind you, that the Captain is very concerned about your condition. She would not like to see you like this."

"She won't. And neither will anyone else for that matter. I don't want to see anyone." His jaw stiffened.

"Commander really…. Need I remind you that there are people on board this ship that are deeply concerned for your well being. Most notably, the Captain. It would not be prudent of you to shut them out of your life at this time. You will need their strength and friendship to help you with this battle."

Chakotay heard his words in a fog. 'Battle'… she'd known. She'd known and she didn't tell him. He closed his eyes at the thought that plagued him the day of the accident as he and Tom left Voyager… 'she didn't trust him to take care of himself…' His voice was vehement. "I said no Doctor. I don't want to see them…any of them! Especially the Captain! Now leave me alone!"

"So… I was right when I told Captain Janeway…"

"Told her what?"

"That you're pride will be you're undoing."

"You go to Hell."

"I'm a hologram Commander. I can't…. Nor, unlike yourself at this moment, do I choose to…." The Doctor turned and entered his office, frowning at Chakotay's futility.

********

Kathryn was standing by the window in her ready room when the chime signaled for entry. She wiped the tears from her cheeks as she spoke softly. "Come."

Tuvok entered. "Captain. Are you alright?"

She blinked back the tears that were stinging her eyes. "I'm fine. Please sit down. Would you care for some tea?"

Tuvok raised his brow at her calmness. He sensed she was extremely distraught. "Thank you. May I inquire as to the Commander's health this evening?"

"You wouldn't have asked me that unless you already knew."

Tuvok inhaled deeply as he took the cup from her hand. "Yes. The Doctor informed me of the Commander's condition an hour ago. I thought it best not to invade your thoughts. However, considering the late hour and your reluctance to retire, I feel inclined to do so."

Kathryn sat down, lowering her head in her hands. "Tuvok he's paralyzed and it's all my fault!"

"How may I ask? You did not force the bulkhead of the shuttle to collapse on the Commander and cause serious injury to his body."

"Tuvok it's too late at night for Vulcan logic. You don't understand! I should've given him the sedative before I left. The Doctor said it would keep him calm until the nightmares passed, so he wouldn't thrash about in his sleep. It could've…it caused… further damage to his…."

"Captain Janeway. You could not have known that Commander Chakotay would experience another nightmare such as the ones he had previously. You cannot blame yourself for this latest series of events as you did after the shuttle accident."

"But Tuvok… It's my fault! I sent him on that shuttle, to his doom, and now I've caused this…. And all because I wasn't strong enough to stand up against him!"

"I beg to differ Captain. Your strength of character and determination are two of the traits that the Commander admires about you. The Commander was well aware of the risks involved in heading an away team to the surface. He knew the risks when he and Lt. Paris took that shuttle into that atmosphere. And he was aware of the risks involved by not taking a sedative to help him sleep."

"No…"

"Excuse me?"

Kathryn closed her eyes. "No he didn't… The Doctor thought it best not to tell him under the circumstances…. He didn't want to cause Chakotay any undue cause for alarm… He'd already been in a state of mild depression from being cooped up in Sickbay for eighteen days."

Tuvok raised his brows and sighed. "I see…. Nevertheless, you cannot blame yourself. If the Commander is to survive this latest barrage of stumbling blocks on his road to recovery, he will need that strength of character and determination that you possess in order to survive."

"Stumbling blocks?… Hell… It's a damn brick wall!"

Tuvok would not be swayed. "Then might I suggest a 'bull dozer'." He stood and looked down at her. "Captain Janeway. During these last four years I have observed your relationship with Commander Chakotay on both a professional and personal level. Both of you have met with repeated challenges and life threatening situations, to this crew and to each other. You have met them head on, together. It is your combined strengths that have kept this crew alive and safe. Three weeks ago, that combined strength and determination that you share, brought the Commander back from death's grip. I suggest that now you combine your strengths once again and bring him back among the living, and by doing so, purge your own sense of guilt." He walked to the doors and as they slid open, turned to face her. "This battle is no less life threatening than the one he fought three weeks ago Captain. But if he loses this one, he will take others that care equally for him…including yourself…. Please remember, Captain. You are Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. Your first duty is to this ship and to this crew. Do not allow your own emotions of guilt to overshadow those responsibilities. Good night Captain."

She gazed after Tuvok as his words hung thick in the air surrounding her. He was right, as always…. She was Captain of this ship, and therefore, had to be strong against all odds. Chakotay needed her strength once again to fight this battle. A battle of pride…. His pride would be his downfall unless she crossed the line….

********

Two days had passed and Kathryn had had enough. Chakotay had refused to see her for two days in a row, and she wasn't going to stand for it. She was still Captain of this ship. He would not keep her at bay any longer.

"I'm sorry Captain. Commander Chakotay is still refusing visitors." The Doctor's face was stern.

"That's nonsense! And I've had enough of it!" She pushed her way by him. She strode over to his bedside and glared down at him. "Just what nonsense is this? Why have you refused to see me? Or anyone for that matter!" She would not have him refuse her. She prepared for battle.

"Please leave Captain. I don't wish to see anyone right now." Chakotay didn't turn to her. His gaze was fixed on the panel next to his bed.

She hated it when he called her Captain and protocol did not demand it. "Bullshit! You're feeling sorry for yourself!" Kathryn's fists were clenched in rage as she vented her fury.

"How am I supposed to feel? Fine? Delighted? Thrilled?" His voice was harsh.

"How about enraged! Infuriated! Determined!" She screamed at him.

"Seems like you're feeling enough for both of us." His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. His own fists clenched with anger.

"Well somebody has to! You've given up! You laid here for two and a half weeks fighting for your life, and now you're going to throw it all away because you've lost feeling in your legs! Damn you to Hell Chakotay!" Her eyes flashed the rage in her soul.

"I'm already there Captain. You're a little late with your choice of words."

She slapped him. "I stayed by your side night and day, praying over your lifeless body that you would come back to me. I needed you by my side Chakotay! Not on your death bed, and yet, here you now lay, lifeless! You've let this drain the very life from you! The very life that I fought to save!"

"Perhaps you were wrong to save it Captain. There is no life left in me now. I lost it two nights ago. You wasted your time for nothing. Now please leave me alone."

Her face was flushed with anger, rage and desperation. Her eyes stung with tears as she fought them back. She had to remain strong. She had to win this battle. "No. I will not. I love you Chakotay! I can't stand by and watch you do this to yourself! You haven't eaten, you've refused to see anyone. My God! B'Elanna is your best friend and you've refused to even talk to her! How do you think this is affecting her? Or for that matter, Tom, or Harry, or Tuvok, or anyone else that cares about you!"

"They don't need to be around me. I don't need their help. And I certainly don't need their pity!"

His anger only fueled hers. "Pity! They want to help you Chakotay! They're your friends! Your crew! You are still First Officer of Voyager! You have a duty to this ship and to this crew! And you cannot perform it when you're feeling sorry for yourself and drowning in your own sense of pride and self pity!" She couldn't hold back the tears any longer. "And what about me Chakotay? Do you think I pity you? Do you think I don't share in your pain? I love you! I want to help you!"

"You can't help me! Not anymore! Now get out! I don't want to see you Captain."

"Captain…? Chakotay… it's me Kathryn…. Please don't turn me away. Please let me help you through this. Together we fought the battle for your life. Please… together we can win this battle too. Do I need to get the dagger and challenge you to cross the battle lines once more?"

Chakotay's eyes were glistening with tears. "Get out Kathryn. Get out before I say something I will regret."

She stiffened. "Then say it and be done with it. I will not have this come between us Chakotay. Not after four years. Not after what we've meant to each other. Especially not after that night. You can't deny what happened Chakotay. You can't deny 'our place of heaven'…"

He closed his eyes and bit his lips before responding to her. He loved this woman more than life itself, but he would not subject her to a life with an invalid. He chose his words carefully. Driving the dagger through her heart as he felt his own break. "That was a mistake Kathryn. It will remain a fond memory but nothing more. There is nothing between us. Not now. Not ever. Now get out."

His words cut her to the core. She recoiled back. "You can't mean that."

"I can and I do. If I am able to return to duty after this 'battle' as you put it, then I will do so as your First Officer. Nothing more. We were right to draw the imaginary battle lines between us. We should have never overstepped them. You are Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. And until you relieve me of my command, I am your First Officer. Our duty has always been, and forever will be, to this ship and to this crew, and to see to it that we return them safely to the Alpha Quadrant. I'll obey your orders as First Officer, but I no longer wish to further our relationship other than on a strictly professional level as protocol would dictate. Now good evening Captain. I'd like to get some rest and be alone." He turned his face away from her.

Kathryn was stunned. In her heart she knew he didn't mean those things. He was trying to protect her. She knew it… He'd hurt her deliberately to keep her from the pain he thought his condition would inflict upon her.… Yes, she thought, he's only protecting me…. Or was he? She gazed into his eyes, searching for the love they had shared…. She saw something that chilled her to the bone. Something in his eyes betrayed more than what the words had said. She placed her hand on his, but he pulled it away. She couldn't hide the tears. They streamed down her face. "Oh Chakotay…."

The Doctor came over and administered a sedative. Chakotay's respiration and blood pressure were going through the roof. "Captain. I think it best that you leave. I'm afraid your presence at the moment is only agitating the Commander…. Captain?…. Captain Janeway?"

She was in a daze. Chakotay had pulled away from her like she was a horrible disease. His words rang in her ears. He'd hurt her. He deliberately ripped her heart out. She barely heard the Doctor. "Hmm… Oh…yes… I'm leaving…. Doctor…if he needs anything… or wants to see m…."

The Doctor sighed. He had heard their exchange of words. "I will notify you immediately Captain…. Captain, I think you must know… emotions such as this are quite normal under the circumstances. The Commander is venting his anger and frustration at the one person he cares most deeply about."

"How could he have said those things to me? Doesn't he know how I feel?" Her voice was frail and weak. Her eyes dazed.

The Doctor walked to her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Captain. Commander Chakotay knows exactly how you feel. It is that feeling that is tearing him apart as a man."

She couldn't focus on his words and she gazed into his face searching for answers. "I don't understand."

"The Commander loves you Captain. But he feels at the present time that that love will be of little consequence if he cannot share it with you in a physical sense."

Kathryn pulled back from him. Her eyes darkened. "But he's more than just that to me. We've shared so much over the years. My God! We've shared our souls Doctor! How can he forget that?"

The Doctor glanced at Chakotay's sleeping form and back to her. "I imagine Captain, that is the one thing he cannot forget. And it is that very thought that is destroying him now…for now, the Commander believes that the likelihood of it ever happening again is non-existent. Give it time Captain. Perhaps, if his condition changes for the better, he will come around."

"How much time? Time enough for him to waste away physically or worse yet mentally? Angry at the world? The crew? Himself? Time enough for him to consider doing something drastic? No Doctor. I don't have that kind of patience. Something must be done, and it must be done soon. Before it's too late…." She gazed at Chakotay and exited the Sickbay.

********

She walked slowly along the corridor. She was in a daze. Chakotay's words were ringing in her ears. Her heart was breaking at the sound of his voice, the look on his face, the pain in his eyes…. She stopped, as her eyes widened and she inhaled deeply. She knew what his eyes had betrayed… He was planning to do something drastic….

She hit the comm link. "Janeway to Tuvok."

"Tuvok here Captain."

"I want a twenty four hour security detail placed both in and outside of Sickbay. Commander Chakotay is to be kept under close watch. No one is to be allowed entrance other than myself or you, is that understood?"

"Perfectly. May I inquire as to the reason Captain?"

"Battle lines Tuvok. Battle lines…. I'm afraid the Commander may try and cross ones that have no return."

"Understood Captain. Tuvok out."

********

She entered her quarters and collapsed on the chair next to her dresser. Her face was stained and reddened from the tears she had shed. Chakotay had hurt her so deeply with his choice of words. She wanted to kill him herself. She needed answers. Answers to the questions that were gripping her soul. She'd talk to her Spirit Guide but knew that she was too upset to concentrate. How could he have hurt me like that? "Oh Chakotay… Please don't shut me out… I love you!" She buried her head in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably until sleep overcame her.

********

She stirred in her sleep. Her dreams this night were familiar, quiet, comforting…. She touched the rock as the salamander looked up at her.

"You are troubled?"

"Yes. It is Chakotay. He refuses to let me help him with his battle."

"A battle?"

"For his soul. He is paralyzed. It is destroying him. It is destroying me."

"Then you must fight Kathryn."

"But I have been fighting. I've been fighting for three weeks and I am weak. I don't know how much longer I can go on like this."

"You will go on for as long as it takes. You love him."

"I do love him. But this battle has him torn. He does not feel whole."

"It is your love that will make him whole."

"How? How can it make him whole when he refuses me?"

"He cannot refuse you in heaven Kathryn. In heaven all things are possible…."

"Heaven? I do not understand…"

"You will…. You will." The salamander scampered off as her dreams faded.

********

She sighed heavily as her eyes opened to the dim light of her quarters. Her neck was stiff from the position she had been sleeping in. She raised her head and pushed the hair back from her face.

Her eyes fixed on the dagger lying peacefully on the dresser top. The Doctor had returned it to her care several days ago. She picked it up and studied it, as memories of that night flashed in front of her. The dagger perched so stately in the equipment keeping him alive…. Her challenge to call him out to battle…to fight death and come back to her…to stay with her for an eternity….

Her eyes focused on the replicator rations that Tom and B'Elanna had given her… she tilted her head slightly as her fingers touched the silvery metal… "Replicate something lovely Captain…You deserve it." She smiled wistfully to herself. She had intended on doing just that until the Doctor's voice sent her into hysteria running for Sickbay that night. In her efforts to take care of Chakotay and return to her duties as Captain, she'd completely forgotten about them…. She picked them up and fondled them in the palm of her hand.

The words were echoing through her memories…. "Replicate something lovely Captain…You deserve it…. Ours to remember for an eternity, my love…. Our place of heaven…. Where we can be together as a man and a woman for an eternity…." Her eyes widened. That was it! Heaven! Her Spirit Guide had given her the answer. "In heaven all things are possible…." Everything would be alright in heaven! They could be together as a man and a woman….

She closed her hand around the rations. She would replicate something lovely alright. It would shine with iridescence, and have an ethereal quality about it…. She would take them both to their place of heaven….

If the Doctor and medical technology couldn't perform miracles, then by all the Gods she would! Love could move mountains! Hell! Love could perform miracles…! And the love she had for Chakotay would take them once again to their place of heaven, and he would be alright. She knew it! Chakotay would be alright.

She put the rations down once more and raced to Holodeck One. Time was of the essence…. Heaven could not wait….

********

She dismissed the guards quietly and glanced over at his sleeping form. The Doctor came out of his office. "Please state the nature…"

"Deactivate Emergency Medical Hologram." Her voice was soft and determined. She walked over and stood by his side as she touched his cheek lightly with the back of her hand. He was so pale and drawn from not eating and the constant state of depression he had been in for the last four days.

She reached over to the table and took a hypospray. She fondled it briefly before placing it against Chakotay's neck as she brushed her lips over his. She smiled to herself. She had infiltrated the enemy's compound and was kidnapping the leader. She would take him back to her compound and make him surrender to her. She would win this battle yet…. She crawled up on the bio-bed and positioned herself so that she was cradling Chakotay in her arms. "Janeway to Paris. Activate transport to Holodeck One."

"Acknowledged. And good luck Captain…."

********

The transporter haze vanished as Kathryn pulled her arms tighter around Chakotay's still form. Her face was determined. No doubt he would be in a rage when he awakened, but she didn't care. She didn't care about anything but saving Chakotay. She'd cross the battle lines of Heaven or Hell to save this man….

She gazed at the images before her. This program had taken her three days to write. It had to be perfect. Or at least near perfection as possible. This was her chance to make things right. This was their place of heaven….

The light surrounding them was soft and ethereal, as it had been that night. The stars were like diamonds, the planets like gems…even the sands surrounding them were opalescent…. Yes, she smiled to herself, she had brought him to heaven.

Chakotay stirred, and she stroked his temple with her fingertips, tracing the lines of his tattoo. He shifted as he felt the touch of her fingers. His eyes slowly opened as the effects of the hypospray wore off. He stiffened as he realized that he wasn't in Sickbay anymore.

She tightened her hold around him. "Sshh… you're with me now Chakotay…"

His eyes fought the medicated haze. He tried to focus on the images in front of him. His voice was weak. "Where?"

She leaned down and kissed him tenderly. "In our place of heaven my love. Where we can be together as a man and a woman for all eternity." Her hands stroked his chest.

Chakotay gazed up at her. His eyes full of questions. "Kathryn… I don't understand…."

"Understand only this Chakotay. I love you. I will not let any more harm come to you. You will not fight this battle alone. As you have been by my side these last four years, so I stay by yours now. I will not leave you. We are one. Body, mind and soul…. Our spirits are one for an eternity…." She kissed him again, passionately, as her hands continued to stroke his chest and arms.

Chakotay gazed into her eyes with sorrow consuming his soul. "Kathryn…please…don't… Leave me. I don't want to hurt you anymore…"

"You will only hurt me if you refuse to let me be with you Chakotay. You are my life. My love. I cannot live without you by my side. Please…let me help you…. Let me do this…." She continued to kiss him on the forehead, the cheeks, the lips. She wanted to wipe away his pain. She wanted to make him feel the love that she felt in her innermost soul. She wanted to make him whole.

Chakotay couldn't stop the tears from welling in his eyes as he reached up and touched her cheek, taking a handful of hair and pulling her mouth to his. Her kiss seared his lips. "Oh Kathryn! My love…."

Kathryn gazed into his eyes. "Chakotay… I love you so much. I want you… I want to make love to you…."

Chakotay stroked her cheek and neck. His hand gently grazed her breast, pausing there as it cupped it instinctively. He pulled it back, clenching his fist. "Kathryn… Please stop. I can't…. My legs…."

She pressed his hand against her breast, holding it there, squeezing it beneath her own. "We are in heaven my love…. In heaven, anything is possible. Now everything will be alright."

Chakotay's eyes narrowed. He was fighting himself not to wrap his arms around her. His soul wanted her. And he cursed his body, his legs for disobeying his soul…. "We are on the holodeck Kathryn!"

Kathryn would not be put off. Her hand pressed against his thigh as her lips covered his once more. Her tongue forced his mouth to obey. She moaned as his hand pressed against her breast as she had bid it to do. Her words were soft against his cheek. "We are in heaven whenever we are together my love. Come…let me take you there…. To our place of heaven once again…. It will be ours to remember for an eternity…."

Her hands were everywhere. He felt his breath quicken as she massaged his nipples to erection. Tears streamed down her face and mixed with his own. He felt himself falling. It was all too real… The stars ….the planets….they were the same….the sand and the water…her clothes…. His hands touched her garment. Her robes…they seemed to be glowing, radiating light…shining like they had done that night when he had come to her…. His eyes tried to focus as she continued to caress him, cradling him in her arms…. Her kisses lingering everywhere they touched…. His mind was in a whirl. Everything was the same…. She had recreated Heaven so she could save him from Hell. He could no longer resist her. His arms wrapped around her pulling her down to him. "Damn you to Hell."

She smiled down at him as she laid her body next to his. "Only if you send me there first…." She claimed his lips once more.

She straddled him and loosened the robes around her shoulders. She let them fall, tossing them to the side effortlessly. She unfastened the medical robe he was wearing and pushed it from around his shoulders and back, her hands stroked the inside of his thighs. She smiled at him as she lowered herself onto her knees between his legs. He put his hands on her shoulders. "Please Kathryn … don't…."

"Don't what? Tease? Torture? You're on my battlefield now. You're my prisoner Commander. I will do with you what I will…." Her eyes flashed. She felt like the devil incarnate. She knew that in his weakened condition he would not be able to fight her and she would relish it to the very end.

"Kathryn….Please… I can't…." The words were stifled. He felt her mouth take him. He felt himself hardened within the hot confines of her mouth. He lowered his head back, and closed his eyes. She was taking him to heaven by way of hell. He couldn't believe the sensations she was bringing forth from his lifeless lower body. He gasped her name. "Kathryn!"

She moaned as she felt his emotions pulse inside her mouth. She closed her eyes, and said a prayer of thanks. It was working…. She would take him to heaven or she would die in Hell trying….

She moved her tongue over his hardening member with ease. She closed her mouth tighter as she approached the tip of his shaft, teasing the head as she gripped it between her lips. She repeated the process over and over. She was relentless as her hands stroked and scratched his testicles, massaging them and pressing them upward, as she claimed them with her mouth. Her hands moved upward to continue their onslaught of his member. They massaged and squeezed it, as her mouth continued to suck and lick the entire length of it, slowly bringing it to near completion and then releasing it before he exploded.

Chakotay groaned. He couldn't control his hunger for her. His need for her raged within him and he clenched her shoulders. "Kathryn. Please… I beg of you… Let me take you in my mouth."

Kathryn looked up from her object of devotion and smiled. Slowly she ran her tongue over her lips, moistening them as Chakotay watched. His breath was quick as his eyes pleaded with her to give him the same satisfaction. She raised from her knees and tilted her head slightly and brought her lips to his. "In due time my love…. I have not finished with you yet." Her mouth found one of his nipples and she gently bit it, teasing the tip with her tongue as she did so. She slowly positioned herself over his hardened shaft and let her bare folds caress his skin.

Chakotay felt like he would explode. She was sending exquisite sensations to the lower half of his body and tears streamed down his face. In her hands he was now feeling the sensations that only days before he thought were lost forever. He arched his hips instinctively to meet her moist mound. "By all the Gods Kathryn! Please!"

"Not yet Chakotay. I want this moment to last. I want you to surrender to me. I want you to swear to the heavens that you are mine, and mine alone… that you will no longer lock me out of your life… refuse me the pleasure of your company… ever again… Swear it Chakotay! Swear that we are one for an eternity. Swear that you will never again refuse me! Swear it." Her hands and mouth were relentless. She ground her hips against his, as her juices spilled forth onto his straining shaft.

He groaned once more. The sound coming from deep within. "I swear it!"

She put her hand to the tip of his member and positioned it ever so lightly at her opening. "Swear what Chakotay! I want to hear you say it… Swear it to me… to the heavens…"

"Please Kathryn!" He arched once again, but she moved her hips to avoid his spear.

"Swear you are mine Chakotay. No more battle lines between us. Real or imaginary. Swear…"

Chakotay grabbed her head and gazed into her eyes. "I swear by all the Gods in heaven I am yours! We are one Kathryn! For an eternity… we are one! No more battle lines I swear it. Now, please…I must have you. Please let me taste your sweetness as I have dreamed of doing for over three weeks!" His mouth claimed hers as his hands intertwined in her hair. His tongue forcing her mouth open to meet his hunger. His arms wrapping around her and pulling her to his chest.

She resisted and smiled down at him. She covered his mouth with a searing kiss once more before turning and lowering her swollen folds onto his waiting mouth. She lowered her body down onto his chest and abdomen as her mouth found his shaft once again. It was now moist with her own juices, and he shuddered in ecstasy as she claimed it once more.

Chakotay was dreaming. He had to be. This could not be real. How could this woman be in his arms, bringing forth these reactions from his body? His mouth eagerly took her juices. They were sweet, she had cleansed herself with peppermint oil, and his tongue and lips drank the juices like a man dying of thirst. His tongue forced its way inside her folds as she shuddered with delight. His hands spread her folds wide, as his tongue teased and licked her hardened nub. He nipped at it with his teeth, claiming the juices that spilled forth as a result.

Slowly he inserted his fingers into the moist opening that was now red and swollen with desire. She shuddered as he continued to tease her, massaging her with his own sense of torture.

Kathryn answered his torture of her swollen nub and folds with torture of her own. She continued to suck on his shaft relentlessly. Her mouth tightening and teasing it until it was under her complete control. It swelled with desire as the head became dark. She felt his sacks tense and the shaft quiver as it filled with his juices. She moaned in delight as her own juices spilled forth, drowning Chakotay in her sweetness, as he released his own. Her hand continued to massage the shaft with his hot juice as she licked and teased the head, sending wave after wave of exquisite pleasure through his loins.

Chakotay shuddered and wrapped his arms around her waist and back. He groaned as he arched against her mouth. "Kathryn… Please…"

"Please what Chakotay?" She raised her head so she could look back at him. Her voice was low and husky. Her eyes flashed her desire. "Remember who I am. You must beg me to give you what you want…." Her hands continued their onslaught against him.

Chakotay closed his eyes and tilted his head back. This was sheer Heaven and pure Hell. She was torturing him in pain and pleasure like no other he had ever known. He grabbed her buttocks and squeezed them roughly in his hands. "Please Mistress! Take me! I am yours! I swear by all the Gods in Heaven and Hell!"

She smiled devilishly as she raised up, turned and repositioned herself over him. She took his chin in her hand and squeezed it tightly, forcing him to look into her eyes. "Tell me what I want to hear Chakotay. Tell me or I will continue my torture of you." She slowly rubbed her moist folds on him once again, feeling him hardened beneath her.

Chakotay's eyes glistened from the tears of love he felt for her. He placed his hands on either side of her face and locked his gaze with her own. "I love you Kathryn. I cannot live without you. You are my life, my love, my soul. With you I am whole once again."

She closed her eyes and grinned as she lowered herself onto his shaft, guiding it with her fingers, as she clasped her hand over his sacks, gently squeezing them. She started to move slowly, resting her other hand on his thigh for support, raising up and down on him as he swelled inside her.

Chakotay placed his left hand over her breast as he massaged her nub with his right. He too began his movements slowly, then with urgency as he felt the nub swell and hardened to his touch.

Kathryn began to ride him faster, her hips bucking against his hand. Her hand tightened around his testicles as she pressed her middle finger against his perineum causing him to moan and arch against her.

She threw her head back wildly, as her pitch became fevered. She was breathless. She cried out for him to thrust harder. "Oh Chakotay! Harder… Please… Oh God! Please! Take it!"

Chakotay grabbed her hips with his hands and met her motions with wild thrusts of his own. His own desire matching hers. He thrust against her hard, driving himself deep within her as she had commanded. His hands squeezed her hips, and he moved his right hand so that his thumb continued to massage her nub feverishly.

As he felt her tense and tighten around him, she lowered her head and locked her eyes on his. Only one word escaped his lips as she brought him to completion…. "Kathryn!" His whole body shuddered from the release and he gasped for breath.

Kathryn's body shook from the aftershock of their passion, and she collapsed on top of him, taking his head in her hands and kissing him tenderly on the forehead and cheeks before claiming his mouth. Her words were soft and tender against his lips. "Chakotay, my love… You are my life. Separately, we are only halves. Together, we are whole. We are truly one for an eternity."

Chakotay could only wrap his arms around her, as tears fell from his eyes. He closed his eyes and kissed her passionately. He did not want her to see the fear and grief consuming him. His legs were numb once again….

Kathryn had crossed the battle lines of Heaven and Hell to save him from his pride and he would not surrender to it, nor to the grief consuming him at this very moment… not now… not ever again. In her arms, he was whole….

The end?????

Only Sweet Victory will know for sure….

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