Lieutenant Lombardo named the planet ‘giardino bello’. This meant beautiful garden in his native Italian language and it just stuck, after all the planet lived up to its name. Uninhabited except for its natural wildlife Giardino was like the garden of Eden in space, a warm climate, edible plants, fruits and enough Duranium ore just below the surface to keep Belanna stocked in raw material to make repairs to Voyagers battered hull.

It was just what they needed after spending three weeks battling there way across ‘Tenant’ controlled space. Voyager took one too many hits and lost two crewmembers to the vacuum of space before they managed to escape beyond Lord Chivex’s boundaries. Janeway had taken the deaths very hard and insisted they landed Voyager on Giardino for some R and R while Belanna made repairs. It also gave her an opportunity to escape the scrutiny of her crew for a few hours each day while she came to terms with the loss of yet more of her friends, as she now considered all of her crew, and reconcile herself with the fact that she would probably loose many more before they reached home.

The sunlight streaming through the branches of the tall dark red trees warmed Paris back and shed light on the animal path that had been worn into the undergrowth before him. If he stopped and listened, he could hear the soft humming and occasional murmur of someone ahead but he was in no hurry to meet up with them. After nearly three months cooped up on board Voyager, he was enjoying his freedom.

Janeway leaned out a little bit further over the fallen tree trunk that she lay upon and stretched her hand with its cake crumbs to the waiting eager mouth. The orange beak gently scooped them up then looked for more but Janeway was all out and she softly apologised to the multicoloured duck shaped creature on the water below her.

From the riverbank, Paris watched as Janeway, lying on a tree that had bridged the clear stretch of water in front of him, fed the five-feathered friends she’d made. Her uniform was dirty, her hair was tangled and the water reflected its ripples onto her face but he saw beyond the flaws to the beautiful women she was and when she smiled his heart light up and he smiled too.

Brushing the last of the crumb remnants from her hands into the water Janeway caught a movement to her right and glancing over she saw Paris crouched on one knee watching her. He had a huge grin on his face and for a moment in time under the shadow of the trees, he reminded her of Justin. The thought of her deceased fiancé sent a shiver down Janeway’s spine while at the same time causing her heart to flutter.

Shaking the feeling off, she called. “Mr Paris how long have you been there?”

“Long enough.” Paris replied.

Getting to her feet carefully Janeway walked back along the tree trunk to the bank. By the time, she reached it Paris was waiting his hand held out to offer support as she climbed down. Accepting it, she jumped but landed a little too close and had to place her free hand on Paris shoulder to steady herself, he smelt of the blossoms he had walked through and was still smiling at her.

“I guess Chakotay sent you to find me?” Janeway said more of a statement than a question. 

Paris stepped back to allow her room to stand steady before answering. “He was muttering something about a certain someone going AWOL without her combadge but he didn’t actually send me.”

Paris eyes lingered on the place where Janeway’s combadge should have been and her own followed his briefly before snapping up again. “Well you can report back, that I’m ok.”

Disappointment crossed Paris face as he said. “I was hoping to stretch my legs a bit more first.”

“Then why don’t you join me?” The words came out of Janeway’s mouth before she could stop herself. It wasn’t that she didn’t want him to come along she had just planned on spending the afternoon in some solitary thought.

“If you don’t mind?” Paris said studying her face.

She did but hid her expression of discontent by smiling broadly and adding. “I heard there was a water fall down stream about half a mile.”

“Sound great let’s go.”

Paris set off and Janeway joined him matching his large strides with two of her smaller ones.

“What’s the rush?” she asked.

“Huh!” Paris replied than realising he was leaving her behind slowed his pace. “Sorry.” He apologised.

Janeway just grinned.

As they walked, she began to relax and started thinking that it was nice to have some company especially as Paris wasn’t that much of a talker, not like Neelix, or even Tuvox who liked to point out every new flora and fauna they past. He was considerate too, lifting up branches so she could walk under and holding her hand as she stepped across obstacles. Soon though she noticed he kept looking at her, almost as if he wanted to say something but didn’t want to disturb the silence between them. It began to bother her so taking the lead she looked back and said. “What?”

“Huh!” Paris responded perplexed.

“I though you wanted to say something.” Janeway expanded.

“No I …Nothing it’s just….” Paris stumbled over his words and his steps causing them to stop.

“Just what.” Janeway asked again.

“Just that it’s nice to see you smiling again.”

Bemused Janeway replied. “I didn’t know you were keeping track.”

“I’m not it’s…..” Paris stepped in front of her and turned so the sun silhouetted him and his face fell into shadow.

“When ever I see you smile, what ever danger, catastrophe or near death situation were in I know inside everything’s going to be ok.” There he’d said it.

“Oh Tom!” Janeway reached out and placed a hand on his chest. “Have things been that bad?”

“I think loosing Rick and Jennifer hit everyone hard but you take everything so personal.” Paris placed his hand over hers and squeezed it gently. “I know where Chakotays coming from when he worries about you and I can’t help being just as concerned.”

“In that case I had better attempt to smile though my adversities a little more often.” Turning her hand in his she took it and squeezed back. “Come on before Chakotay sends out a search party for you.”

Janeway kept hold of his hand the rest of the way to the waterfall; every now and then, she would grip it ever so slightly harder to let him know she was ok and smiling.

It felt natural to Paris to walk along the riverbank hand in hand with his captain, silently enjoying the beauty of this new planet and he was a little sad when there journey came to an end.

Kneeling at the edge of the fall Paris peered over. “It’s about a 50 foot drop.” He called back but Janeway had joined him and kneeling at his side rested a hand on his shoulder as she too looked over.

At the bottom the water pooled in a basin before running off into the thick undergrowth. The pool appeared deep but the water looked inviting.

“We could probably climb down the rocks.” She said not revealing her ulterior motive.

“We could also break our necks.” Paris said airing on the side of caution.

“And I though you were a daredevil.” Janeway teased.

“On a holodeck with safety protocols or with the right climbing gear maybe…”

“Its a few feet and look there’s plenty of foot holds.”

Paris had to agree it did look climbable he was just concerned about Chakotays reaction if anything should befall his captain while she was in his care.

“Well I’m going.” Janeway said impatiently.

“Wait.” Paris stood his arm held out to hold her back. “Let me go first I’m heavier so I can check the rocks will hold.”

“Good thinking.” Part one of her plan was working so far.

The climb down wasn’t as hard as either of them expected and except for one loose rock there decent was uneventful. Needless to say, Paris stood at the bottom watching Janeway’s every move ready to catch her if the need arose.

The pool was ringed by large boulders that had fallen and formed over million’s of years of evolution but Janeway didn’t care about that as much as how they made perfect platforms for diving off.

“I fancy a swim.” She announced out of the blue.

“What!” Paris exclaimed.

 “Come on the waters not that cold.”

“That’s not my concern, you don’t know what might be in there, or for that matter how deep it is.” He could have added and Chakotay would have my guts for garters if he found out but knew one word about the commander and she would have dived in regardless.

“Its deep enough for a shallow dive and we’ve yet to find one dangerous species on this whole planet in or out of the water.” Janeway was already stepping out of her clothes, within moments she was down to her undergarments.

“This is not a good idea.” Paris reiterated while doing a quick scan of the area just in case anyone was watching. As his eyes moved back to Janeway he couldn’t help but notice just how much flesh regulation undergarments exposed, and how fine and smooth her flesh was.

But Janeway shaking her head and laughing ignored him, climbed one of the larger rocks and dived in.

Scrambling to the edge Paris held his breath for the five seconds it took her to surface again seven feet from the bank.

“Wow!” Janeway yelled. “The temperatures perfect.”

“Good at least you won’t catch a cold.” Paris replied.

“Come on Tom join me.”

Paris shook his head.

“Do I have to make it an order or will clucking like a chicken do.”

“I’d prefer an order that way Chakotay can’t jump up and down on my head when he finds out.”

“Ok then, Lieutenant Thomas Eugene Paris I order you to swim with your captain.”

“I’m going to make you regret this.” Paris kicked off his shoes and began to strip.

Janeway watched, treading water as she slowly revealed a firm muscular body that had obviously been out in the Giardino sunshine.

“That’s a nice Tan you have Mr Paris.” Janeway called.

“Hours of picking fruit for Neelix’s preserves. Paris replied nonchalantly and removed his pants to expose equally tanned legs.

Janeway thoughts on weather his tan was all over were cut short as he dived headfirst into the pool beside her and splashed water in her face. Clearing her eyes she spun around to face him but he wasn’t there. Figuring he was pulling a fast one she spun around again expecting him to appear behind her but he was still no where to be seen and except for the few ripples she was making the water was calm.

“Tom!” Janeway called more than a little worried. Had he hit his head, become tangled in the weeds, been eaten by a large river monster. “Tom!” She called out again this time louder and with an edge of fear. It was then that she heard his laugh. Turning to face the water fall she looked carefully at the stream of water where it met the pool and there behind the cascades she saw him hiding. Shaking her head she swam over and through the water curtain.

As she came through Paris grabbed her arms and pulled her towards him. “Told you, you’d regret this.” He said chuckling.

“That wasn’t fair.” Janeway protested grabbing hold of his shoulders and finding a foot hold on the underwater ledge that Paris was standing on.

Slipping his arms down to her waist for extra support Paris gazed into her smiling eyes, it had been worth it. She’d lied about the temperature of the water though and he couldn’t help but notice how her wet top clung to the two pert peeks of her breasts.

Unaware of her exposure Janeway peered into the gloom behind Paris head. “It’s a cave!” she exclaimed, twisting out of his grasp to climb up into the dark void.

“Hay wait!” Paris said but too late, and he could do nothing but follow her.

The cave didn’t go very far and neither did Janeway. What she saw once her eyes had adjusted to the weak light filtering through the water stopped her dead. Sitting with its back to the wall was the skeleton of a Tenant Alliance officer, he was still dressed in his uniform and holding a phaser.

“His legs broken.” Paris said examining the bone sticking out of the torn cloth at an odd angle. “He probably died of blood loss and shook.”

“Strike one for the good guys.” Janeway responded, as feelings of grief and vengeance rampaged through her heart for the two crew she’d lost in there recent skirmish’s with the Tenant’s.

“We should get back.” Paris said, sensing her change of mood and feeling her shiver beside him.

“Yes.” Was all she said before turning and slipping back into the water.

By the time, Paris pulled himself out of the pool onto the sun-warmed rocks Janeway had already dried off but instead of getting dressed, she sat on the grass, staring at the waterfall, her legs tucked up beneath her chin just as she had done as a child under her fathers desk while playing hide and seek.

She looked more sad and alone than he had ever seen her before and he desperately wanted to say something but his combadge beat him too it.

“Paris here.” He replied, pressing the comlink as he plucked it from the uniform draped over a rock.

“Lieutenant have you seen the Captain on your travels?”

It was Chakotays voice, and Paris glancing over at Janeway, sort her permission before responding. She nodded briefly in an affirmative manner but her body language and the deep sigh she emitted told him she wasn’t happy.

“I’ve found her.” Paris replied, watching Janeway as he spoke. “Do you wish to speak with her?”

“Yes!” Chakotay answered brusquely.

Paris handed Janeway the combadge then stood back to give her some privacy. He could tell she had picked up on Chakotays tone of voice and that she wasn’t at all pleased with Voyagers commander but he didn’t expect her next move.

“Commander are you alone?” She asked tersely.

“Yes I am.” Chakotay replied confused.

 “Good because this message is for your ears only. The last time I checked I was the captain and the one wearing four gold pips and you were my subordinate. As captain I have the right to my privacy and if that means leaving the ship without my combadge then that’s what I will do. I do not expect you to send out search parties to spy on me or drag me back.”

“I didn’t send Paris out to look for you.” Chakotay blurted out in his own defence.

“Not officially no, but you inferred that I needed looking for. I am not a child who needs calling home for tea. I will find my own way back when I am ready and not before, understood.”

“Perfectly.” Chakotay responded in a suitably chastised voice.

“Excellent! Janeway out!” Closing the link before Chakotay could say anything else she held it up for Paris to take.

Approaching cautiously he took the combadge from her fingers. “If you want me too I’ll leave.” Paris ventured, expecting her to say yes and being surprised when she said “No”.

“No, please stay.” Janeway replied looking up at Paris, and once again realising how much he was like Justin. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes and as she lowered her gaze back to the grassy floor, they slipped down her hot cheeks.

 “Captain?” Paris keen eyes saw the drops glistening in the afternoon light and he immediately dropped to his knees beside her. For a long time she didn’t respond, but he waited patiently for her to gather her thoughts and speak. All the time watching helplessly as more tears ran down her face.

“I sometimes wonder if I’m doing the right thing.”  Janeway eventually said, while wiping the back of her hand over the rivulets of salty water on her cheeks. “Some days I believe I will get you all killed before I ever get this ship home.”

“I don’t believe that.” Paris said realising for the first time that underneath the facade of a strong women able to captain and command a starship light years from the support of the almighty Federation, was a frightened, venerable women who desperately sort answers and support for the task she had set herself and her lost crew.

“There are some that do, I’ve heard the whispers and read the logs of those that doubt my command.” Her voice trembled when she spoke betraying her calm exterior.

“They are fools, I believe with all my heart that you will get us home and….”

“Rick and Jennifer believed I would get them home too.” Janeway snapped at Paris breaking him off mid sentence. “They believed right up to the moment they died, horrible deaths in the vacuum of space.” She  turned and looked him straight in the eye. “In the three years we have been struggling to get this fraction of the way back to federation space I have lost twenty five crew, how many more will I loose before we even make it half way, thirty, fifty, a hundred. And how long before I loose someone close to me like Tuvox, Chakotay or you?”

“We all knew what we were signing up for when we joined Starfleet, not one member of your crew past or present has any right to complain, condemn you or otherwise judge your command.” Paris spoke with conviction, giving her no leeway way to interrupt him. “The only person onboard Voyager who is innocent in this whole misfortune is Naomi and she would follow you to the ends of the delta quadrant and back if you asked.”

“The question Tom is, do I have the right to ask.” Tears abated by his words Janeway now sort his counsel.

“These say you do.” Paris gabbed up her uniform shirt and the four gold pips on her collar glinted in the sunlight. “Starfleet don’t hand these out in lucky bags, you have to earn them and earn the right to the responsibility that comes with them.”

He was right and she knew it but the only thought that passed through her mind was ‘why do you remind me so much of Justin’. 

“I know you feel the pain of grief for every person lost under your command. I watched my father recede a little further into himself every time he lost an officer and I still suffer inside for causing the deaths of my friends.” Paris paused to take a breath and take stock of Janeway’s reaction to his words. “He never gave up though and you didn’t give up on me so I’m dammed if I’m going to give up on you.”

Janeway laughed and smiled, “I’m not giving up Tom.” She said resting a hand on his shoulder and moving closer to him. “I just needed someone to remind what I’m fighting for.”

This time Paris smiled. “In that case I hereby dully remind you that you are our captain and without your guidance and sacrifices we wouldn’t have got this far and will never make it home.”

Paris face was now centimetres from Janeway’s and she was wondering what he would do if she closed the gap and kissed him, when she suddenly felt Paris slip his hand under the wet tangle of her hair and then gently cradling her head lower his mouth to hers. It was more of a bumping of lips than a kiss but it sent shock waves through Janeway’s body and mind. She knew he should not have done it but she didn’t protest when once more he drew closer and pressed his mouth again to hers.

This time though his lips lingered longer and moved softly, sensually teasing and tugging hers into submission. Under his administrations she crumpled, her tough veneer broke away and she found herself responding to Paris with an intense hunger.

As she moulded her mouth to his, Paris lost all consciousness of the world around him. The tiny bubbles of pleasure bursting inside him were intoxicating and he didn’t want them to stop. Only the need for air forced him to release her.

Raising a hand to cup his face Janeway tenderly traced her thumb over Paris now moist lips and stared up into the blue pools of his eyes, in them she saw once again the face of her lost fiancé and felt the pangs of love that she had for him. Love that she unconsciously now transferred to Paris and drawing him back down to her she re-instigated their kiss. However, this time she was in control and parting his lips she slipped her tongue into Paris mouth.

Instantly he reacted by seeking her out with his own tongue and entwined it in a dance of mutual satisfaction, before sliding his free arm around her waist. From there he glided his hand under her vest up to the soft mound of her breast and squeezed it firmly. He’d expected her to object and push him away so was pleased when she didn’t. It was her next move that shocked him into gasping for air.

Feeling Paris hand travel up her rib cage then envelope her breast registered on Janeway’s senses but her reaction to his manoeuvre was to counter with one of her own. Letting the hand behind Paris head drop into his lap she sort out the growing hot flesh nestled between his now parted legs and stroked it through the cloth of his damp shorts. It immediately grew firmer under her touch and quivered in anticipation of what might come next. Her fingers were still trailing up and down its length when Paris pulled away from her and drew back to a position where he could take in her whole face.

Licking the taste of her from his lips and quickly lowering his hand from her breast Paris took a deep breath.

“Cap….Kathryn.” He stumbled.

“What is it Tom?” She asked while still caressing his screaming flesh.

“Is this what you really want?” He had to know before he allowed her to go any further. Before he allowed himself to go any further.

“I….Yes.” Kathryn stumbled in reply swallowing hard to prevent herself from crying again. It wasn’t something she had planned and it wasn’t something she had ever imagined herself doing nevertheless it felt right and she wanted it, she wanted him, Thomas Eugene Paris, her lieutenant and con officer.

Returning her swollen lips to Paris mouth she deepened the kiss they had parted from then with her free hand pushed against his shoulder forcing him onto his back under her. Once grounded Kathryn dragged her lips from his and sitting up straddled his legs.

Lying prone and defenceless Paris could only watch as Kathryn freed his penis from the restraints of his shorts then almost at the same time lowered herself onto the hot firm rod. Sitting bolt upright to face her Paris felt the cloth of her shorts slide down the length of his flesh and gasped in torturous rapture at the sensation of her fiery cunt enveloping him.

Throwing her arms around Paris neck Kathryn sank her head onto his shoulder and shivered from the ecstasy of what she had done. Each shiver was followed by a deep breath as she tried to control the sensations emanating from the apex of her legs.

Tracing kiss’s along Kathryn’s arm then up her neck Paris began to calm his own sensations and enjoy the feeling of being inside her. Taking his lips up to her cheek he whispered into her ear, ‘when ever you’re ready’.

They held each other like that for an immeasurable amount of time, then they moved, slowly at first, barely a motion really but it built up to a rhythmic rise and fall. Holding onto Tom’s shoulders Kathryn lifted herself up and down, relishing in the pleasure that each penetration emitted. Soon she began to writhe and squirm, twisting her hips and panting for breath as the eclectic fingers of her orgasm began to take over her body and mind. 

By this time, Paris was screaming from his own build up of pleasure and was seeking to release the pressure off his swollen member. It came in a painful explosion as Kathryn raised herself to the tip of his penis then dropped with her full weight back down onto him. It was a full thirty seconds before he realised she had come as well and holding her tightly he sank back down onto the grass wrapping his legs around hers to keep them together.

“Tom you can’t tell anyone about this.” Janeway said calmly.

“Who would I tell?”

“I’m serious, no one can ever know.”  Janeway raised herself up so she could look Paris in the eye. “This never happened.”

“Then there is nothing to tell.” Paris responded taking hold of her chin and looking directly back at her before pulling her into a kiss.

As he released her Janeway reluctantly spoke the four words that would break the bond between them.

“We should get back.

They walked back to Voyager in silence, each lost in there own thoughts of what had just happened between them. Both silently hoping it would not change their friendship or more importantly the respect they had for each other.

Voyager was nestled in a clearing at the foot of a ridge. The evening light had moved around to gleam of her silver hull and as Janeway stepped from beneath the shadow of the forest she noticed that the wound in her side from the Tenant torpedo had been sealed. 

Belanna had worked hard but the patch wasn’t quite the same shade as the rest of the hull. It’s presence reminded Janeway of the crew she’d lost and she stopped to consider again whether it was worth risking the lives of those that were left in there seemly futile attempt to return home.

“Captain?” Paris stood beside her and followed her gaze to Voyager and the hull repair. “Damn!”

Just at that moment two fighter ships de-cloaked, briefly casting a shadow over them before zooming across the valley towards Voyager. The air was almost electrified as they opened fire double phaser banks in an attempt to penetrate Voyagers shields.

Slapping the combadge on Paris chest Janeway opened a channel. “Chakotay what’s happening?” she demanded.

Chakotay was standing in the middle of Voyagers Bridge watching the attack on her view screen. “They are the Kreen, they say this is their planet and we have to leave ASAP.”

“How many ships and why haven’t we returned fire?”

“Our weapons are still off line and as for numbers, it’s hard to say, more ships are de-cloaking as we speak.”

The hair on the back of Janeways neck prickled and she turned just in time to see a formation of ten ships guns bared heading straight for them.

The survival instinct in Paris was telling him to head back for the cover of the forest, however when Janeway began running in the direction of Voyager he had no choice but to follow her. They got to within fifty yards of the pulsating shields before a second wave of ships sent them diving for cover.

Hitting the ground hard and knocking the wind from her lungs Janeway took a full thirty seconds to recover enough to realise that the weight on top of her was not moving. Twisting beneath Paris so she could roll him off, Janeway saw that the ground around them was smouldering from the phaser fire, so too was Paris right leg. A twelve inch gash was seared into his calf muscle and the smell of burnt flesh hung heavy in the air.

“Tom!” Janeway called his name aloud and shook him hard. There was no way she could carry him, he had to wake up. “Tom!”

The pain hit Paris about the same time Janeway slapped his face and he returned to consciousness screaming from both.

“Ahhhhhh…..”

Paris opened his eyes and prepared to scream again but Janeway stifled him with a well placed hand then looked across the clearing searching for something.

“Captain?” Naomi called out as she ran from the trees and headed for Janeway.

One of the ships attacking Voyager also saw her and peeled away to make a turn that would bring it in line with the child.

Pulling Janeway’s hand from his mouth Paris yelled “Go!”

She didn’t need telling twice scrambling to her feet Janeway ran, not for her life, not for the lives of her crew, but for the life of the little girl that would follow her to the ends of the delta quadrant and back.

Forcing the pain to the back of his mind Paris pressed down on his combadge. “Chakotay extend Voyagers shields as far as they will go NOW!”

“Its ok Tom I see them.” Chakotay replied, already working the console beside him to take over the shields. Extending them would weaken them especially with the salvo after salvo of phaser fire they were taking however Chakotay judged the risk was worth taking and he knew none of his crew would think differently.

Janeway reached Naomi and gathered her tear streaked face into her arms just as the ship bearing down upon them opened fire. Ducking and covering the tiny body beneath her she waited for the heat of the phasers strike but it didn’t come. Glancing up she saw the shimmer of Voyagers shield inches from her face then felt the tingle of a transporter beam. As she dematerialised she turned to see Paris limping towards her also dissolving as he too was transported.

They rematerialised together on a transporter pad much to the relief of the lieutenant at the controls. Crossing the room to him Janeway put Naomi down. “Go find Neelix and stay with him.” She told the girl.

“But Neelix is still outside.” Naomi said wiping the tears from her face with one hand swipe.

Acting swiftly Janeway rose and tapped open the transporter controls comlink. “Chakotay how many crew are unaccounted for?” 

“Eleven, Neelix has a group collecting wild mushrooms about 2 kilometres into the forest behind the ridge. I can’t risk lowering the shields with this bombardment and the Kreen are ignoring all my hails for a cease fire to retrieve them before leaving.”

“That must be how the Tenant officer was left behind.” Paris said, limping across to Janeways side.

“Captain you can’t leave Neelix!” Naomi squealed.

“Don’t worry.” Janeway said looking down at the girl. “I’m not leaving anyone, I promise you. Now go with Tom to the doctor.”

“Whoa, your going to need the delta Flyer to pick up that many crew and no one can handle her as good as me under fire.”

“Your injured?” Janeway said turning to face Paris.

Standing as straight as he could without wincing, Paris responded. “I don’t need my leg to fly.”

Normally she would have argued but he was right on both counts and they didn’t have the time to argue. “Ok.” She said, nodding at Paris then speaking to Chakotay over the still active comlink. “Tom and I are taking the Flyer to fetch Neelix and his mushroom gang. As soon as were clear launch Voyager, we’ll catch up with you in orbit.”

“Aye captain.” Chakotay replied.

“Naomi, sickbay.” Janeway ordered.

“Aye captain.” Naomi replied.

As Janeway joined Paris back on the transporter pad she watched her young charge skip through the doorway and out of sight. Only minuets ago she’d nearly been killed but the incident was now far from her mind as she bounced away. If only I could be that carefree again Janeway mused.

The transport took them directly to the bridge of the Delta Flyer. Limping to the front Paris lowered himself carefully into the pilot seat.

“Would you like me to fetch you a pain killer from the med bay?” Janeway asked feeling somewhat overly concerned for his wellbeing.

“Thanks but no.” Paris replied looking back over his shoulder and smiling. “I’ll need to keep my reactions sharp if I’m going to dodge those Kreen fighters.”

Janeway nodded and slipped into the seat behind the operations console. “Let’s go then.”

Chakotay watched as the Delta Flyer exited from Voyagers aft hanger deck. Twisting and looping around the Kreen ships as it avoided the phaser fire then moved away. He knew Paris wouldn’t go directly to Neelix, no need to give there position away before necessary. He had already warned the Talaxian to prepare for the Delta Flyers arrival and to keep radio silence until contacted again just in case there communications were being tracked. He knew that Paris was gifted when it came to flying under pressure and under fire, yet something was niggling him that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Letting it pass he sat back in his command chair and met the eyes of the officer at con.

“OK lieutenant Grimes; let’s make a move of our own.”

The bridge lights turned blue as Grimes initiated the sequence of events that would lift Voyager, helicopter style up out of the clearing then into the atmosphere and space.

Paris winced as another direct hit from the kreen fighter on his tail jolted his leg.

“You know we could fire back.” He said over his shoulder at Janeway.

“I was saving that as a last resort.” She replied.

“Well this cat and mouse game is getting us now where and Neelix is running out of time.”

“Very well.” Janeway moved across to the tactical station. “Voyager is clear of the planet and holding orbit, yet she is still under fire from the majority of the Kreen. This ship seems to be the only one chasing us so if we take him out we should have a clear window to pick up everyone.”

“I’ll feign a power loss; let him get a little closer for you.”

“No need, I can hit him from here; just hold her steady for me.” Janeway set the Kreen ship in her sites and fired two photon torpedoes. As she did, Paris pulled the Flyer up into a loop that would take him clear of any possible debris.

The Kreen pilot’s reactions however were too sluggish, and the torpedoes hit his ship from beneath, cracking his engines reactor, and causing a cascade explosion that ripped the vessel apart. Paris was already on his way to pick up Neelix before the first fragments of broken hull hit the ground.

“Shields at 80%.” Tuvox announced from Chakotays right.

“Belanna any chance of weapons before Christmas?” Chakotay bellowed over the open comlink to engineering.

“I’m doing the best I can.” Belanna replied caustically. “You were the one who insisted I concentrate on the hull damage first.”

“Yes well now my demands have changed.” Chakotay threw back. He knew she was working above and beyond Starfleet standard and that it was his order for the breach to be repaired first that had left them without weapons. He also knew that the decision had been a personnel one, his concern for Janeway’s state of mind over the crew that were killed swayed him into making what now had been a bad choice. “Sorry Belanna I know your doing all you can, I would just like to give the Delta Flyer some cover upon her return.”

“I can give you forward phaser banks……now!” Belanna declared as she pushed an isolinear chip back into place. “The rest you may have to whistle for.”

“Sorry I can’t whistle.” Chakotay quipped then nodded to Tuvox who immediately began taking aim and firing upon the Kreen ships darting around them like mosquitoes.

“Several of the ships are returning to the planet.” Harry Kim announced from his station at ops. He’d heard on the ship grapevine that Paris his best friend was injured and his anxiety for him showed in his voice.

“Paris can handle them.” Chakotay replied but he too was getting worried about the length of time it was taking them to retrieve the missing crew.

As Paris brought the Flyer in low Janeway broke radio silence to Neelix who was hiding just beyond the forest edge.

“Were coming in for you now.” She said.

“Were all ready.” Neelix replied looking around at his group. He couldn’t see them all in the evening shadows but his earlier head count had been accurate.

“We’ve got company!” Paris suddenly yelled glancing back at Janeway who was opening the Flyers rear exit and lowering the boarding ramp.

Stepping beyond the doors threshold, she called out to the faces emerging from the trees. “Quickly come on!”

Neelix stood at the bottom of the ramp and counted his people as they scrambled up it. “Seven, eight, nine….who’s missing? Someone’s missing.” He began flustering.

Janeway stepped off the ramp and joined Neelix. “Who is it?”

“Jared, he was at the back.” Neelix replied turning to head back into the forest. “Jared!”

Janeway grabbed his arm before he could disappear into the gathering darkness. “I’ll fetch him you get aboard.” She told the Talaxian steering him up the ramp then vanished before he had a chance to object.

“What’s happening?” Paris called, getting nervous about the two Kreen ships that were bearing down upon them.

“Jared’s missing the captain has gone after him.”

 “Damn her!” Paris cursed.

“Can’t you beam them aboard?” Neelix asked squeezing through the crowd of crew to stand behind Paris.

“Jared yes, the captain no!” Paris answered while running a scan on the forest for the pair of them. “The captains not wearing a combadge I can’t get a lock on her.”

Neelix was just about to ask why the captain was not wearing her combadge when the Flyer bucked beneath his feet.

“We can’t stay here were a sitting target.” Paris activated the rear door controls and prepared to lift off. “I’ll have to circle and comeback for them.”

Missing another phaser blast by inches Paris swooped the Delta Flyer up and over the trees, circling the canopy while zigzagging to avoid the Kreen ships.

Jared came around with his own name ringing in his ears, it took awhile though to realise it was someone calling out to him as the pain shooting up from his ankle was disorientating. He didn’t even know which way was up from his position on the floor all he could do was turn his head in the general direction of the voice and yell.

Janeway heard his call just as the first shots from the Kreen ships blasted the forest behind her. Looking back, she could see where the explosion had torn the trees apart, a sight that spurred her on towards the petrified form of her ensign.

“Jared?” She called out kneeling beside him and resting a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Captain.” Jared mumbled trying to focus on her face. “I twisted my ankle.”

He’d actually broken his ankle; Janeway could see the bone jutting out at an odd angle. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry about ensign.” She said gently turning him over so that his head was resting on her lap. “Now lets both go home shall we.”

Activating Jared’s combadge Janeway called up to Paris in the Delta Flyer. “Tom things are getting a little hot down here,”

“Things aren’t too cool up here either.” He responded banking the delta flyer to avoid the Kreen phaser fire. His passengers squealed in protest as they were tossed around the flyers forward cabin but he ignored them. “How’s Jared?”

“Injured.” Janeway replied then ducked to cover her face and the ensigns as Kreen phaser fire decimated an area of forest close by them.

Paris heard the explosion and crunch of falling trees over the open comlink “Hang tight I’m on my way back for you.”

“Hurry Tom.” Janeway said unable to cover up the desperation in her voice. She knew she had been stupid coming into the forest in search of Jared, especially without her combadge. It wasn’t that she couldn’t be beamed up without it but under the circumstances it would be safer. If anything should happen to the flyer mid transport her data stream could be lost or become unstable.

“I’ll prepare the med bay.” Neelix said patting Tom on the shoulder before disappearing between the crew crowded behind him.

The Delta Flyer had the luxury of a medical scanner and emergency surgical equipment situated in its lower deck area. It had only been used once before but proved to be a vital piece of equipment. It was also something Paris intended to recommend being added to all the larger Starfleet shuttles, as soon as they got back home of course.

Twisting and turning so the Kreen ship didn’t suspect where he was headed Paris made best speed back over the tree tops. Glancing behind him at the gaggle of crew he considered asking one of them to take over the transport so he could concentrate on his flying but there wasn’t time he was fast approaching Janeways location and with a lock established from his console he didn’t want to risk loosing them by transferring it.

Parts of the forest were now alight from the phaser fire and the smoke was blowing towards Janeway and Jared making them cough. Each uncontrollable spasm jarred Jared’s ankle causing him to yelp with pain. Seeing his face contort in agony reminded Janeway of Paris leg injury and she wondered for a moment how he was coping, then remembered his words ‘I don’t need my leg to fly’. She also recollected from her Starfleet academy history class a story about a 20^th century World War 2 pilot who had carried on flying even after he had lost both his legs. She was still thinking about the man’s bravery when the transporters beam from the Delta Flyer swathed them in its tingling glow.

As soon as they materialised on the deck before him, Neelix moved to gather Jared up in his strong arms and place him on the prepared diagnostic bed. Rising to her own feet Janeway followed the Talaxian.

“Sorry Neelix.” Jared said trying to sit up.

But Neelix was too busy administering a hypospray to the young mans neck to pay any attention. “Not your fault.” He finally said pushing Jared back down so he could get a better reading on the display above his head. “You appear to have broken your ankle.” He announced smiling down at his patient. “Nothing the doc can’t fix once we get back to Voyager.”

Jared returned Neelix’s smile then as the drugs took effect passed out.

“If you’ve got things under control here I’ll join Tom above.” Janeway said then quickly exited before Neelix suggest that he should give her a check up too. However as she climbed the steps to the upper deck another blast from the Kreen ship on there tail rocked the Delta Flyer sending Yeoman Ford cart wheeling into her.

Catching the women Janeway pushed her down to the floor. “Sit down all of you on the floor now.” She bellowed at the mêlée of crew before her. Instantly they dropped to the deck. “Good now stay there.” Looking at them properly for the first time she saw that they were all young and all non commissioned officers from Voyagers lower decks. She rarely got to see these crew men and women and wondered if the expressions of fear on there faces were normal and if so how had they coped over the last three years of there journey and how were they going to cope with the years to come. Moving to stand behind Paris she turned to address them. “I’m sorry for shouting but if were to make it back to Voyager in one piece Mr Paris needs to be able to hear himself think.”

“Sorry ma’am.” Several of the seated crew mumbled softly.

Nodding in appreciation Janeway turned and joined Paris, out of the front view screen she could see Voyager and the Kreen ships still swarming around her. Tuvox though was making things hot for them with the aid of the forward phaser banks. She was just wondering why the aft ones were not functioning when Belanna’s discoloured repair patch came into focus. This time however, instead of punishing herself over the loss of valuable crew she praised the talent and ingenuity of the ones she still had.

“Chakotay to Delta Flyer.”

His call broke into her thoughts and she unconsciously straightened her posture before replying. “Janeway here, what’s our status?”

“These Kreen are worse than summer gnats.” Chakotay joked, pleased to hear her voice. “We only have forward phaser banks but apart from that were all set to go.”

“Understood, as soon as were on board take Voyager out of this system best speed.”

“Aye captain.” Chakotay confirmed then closed the comlink.

“Clear us a path Mr Paris then take us in.” She ordered out loud then more softly with her head bent to his ear and a hand resting on his shoulder. “Will you come to my quarters later?”

Paris eyes remained ahead on his console but his mind wondered to the possibilities of her invite. Some of them he found not at all unpleasant and he released his own hand from the Flyers control long enough to gently squeeze hers as an affirmative reply.

Janeway gathered up the Compad’s that had fallen off her ready room’s desk, she had just left Paris and Jared in sickbay after refusing treatment for her own minor cuts and abrasions. Chakotay had followed her of course and now stood a few feet away waiting for the right moment to speak.

“Don’t even think about saying it.” Janeway said letting out a deep sigh and rubbing the furrows on her forehead.

“Some one has too.” Chakotay responded. “You could have been…”

“Killed!” Janeway finished for him, then turned and walked to the other end of the room where she could gaze out at the stars zooming past at warp speed. “We could all be killed tomorrow, these are uncertain days and I don’t intend to live them by worrying about what might or could happen.”

“That may be true but why take unnecessary risks?” Chakotay moved to stand behind her. He wanted to reach out and take her in his arms but protocols and his promise prevented him.

“I’m not in the mood for this.” Janeway spun around and looked Chakotay in the eye. “I’m sorry Ok, I won’t do it again. There are you happy now.”

“If I thought you meant it I would be.” Her attitude was beginning to bother him.

Closing her eyes for a moment to gather herself Janeway took a step closer to Chakotay, she considered him a friend and yet she was treating him like an adversary. Worse, she wasn’t letting him in on the reason why she was acting this way. She’d chosen instead to unburden herself on Tom, and in doing so probably made a big mistake.

“I am sorry.” She repeated more slowly and with true emotion. “I’m also sorry for what I said earlier, I was rude and insensitive.  If I behave like this again don’t hesitate to remind me.” Closing the gap between them, she placed a hand on Chakotays chest. “Forgiven?”

“Of course.” Chakotay replied placing his own hand over hers. “I know how bad you take loosing people; I just wish you would let someone help you through it, instead of trying to handle things on your own.” He wanted to say ‘me’ instead of ‘someone’ but didn’t. “Were all in this together you know?”

She knew he was right but before she could say another word, a yawn escaped.

“You’re tired I can handle things here.” Chakotay moved closer and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Get some sleep we’ll start things afresh in the morning.” Then before she could react to his gesture, he let go of her hand turned and walked out of the room.

Janeway stood there for a while with the imprint of his kiss cooling then fading, before she moved; when she did it was to call up a site to site transport to her quarters.

Rubbing sleep from her eyes Janeway rose and retied the belt of her dressing gown before calling enter in response to the door chime.

She had been waiting for him, when sleep over came her so it was no surprise when Paris stepped over the threshold.

“Captain, I’m sorry it’s late, you were asleep.” He said, hovering in the doorway so it couldn’t close behind him. “I’ll come back tomorrow.”

“Tom.” Janeway called, and then indicated that he should join her in the centre of the room.

The only light came from her bedroom, casting a long shaft of illumination across the carpet to where she stood silhouetted against the stars beyond her window.

“It’s not too late and you were invited remember.”

Moving as close as he could without touching her, he breathed in the sent of her freshly washed hair, observed how her sleepy eyes sparkled in the light, admired how the peach colour of her night clothes complemented her skin tones and appreciated the way they hung seductively over her rounded hips and breasts.

“Why did you invite me here?” Tom asked confused.

“There is something I need to tell you.” Janeway replied while slowly and sensually running her hands over Tom’s chest. “If…If you hadn’t kissed me today.” Mentally she remembered the moment his lips had touched hers and lowered her eyes briefly with embarrassment. “I would have kissed you.” Lifting her face, again Janeway slipped her arms around his shoulders and leaned against him. “Probably like this.” Tilting her head, she placed her mouth to his and pressed gently.

Unprepared Tom encircled her waist with his arms to steady himself then pressed back. Her lips reacted automatically, opening to his allowing the kiss to be completed.

Once the embrace was initiated Janeway found herself wanting more and she ran her tongue across his teeth to show her desire. Not wanting to disappoint Tom opened his mouth and accepted her inside. It wasn’t long though before his own desire formed a hot spot between them and pulling her hips against his he moaned with pleasure.

“I want you.” Tom said dragging his lips from hers.

To Be Continued..............

I’m in a bit of a quandary as to how to end this story, will they? Wont they? Should they? I can’t decide.

Janeway allows Tom to make love to her but ends it all in the morning.

Janeway says no and evicts Tom from her room saying she had made a big mistake.

Chakotay enters Janeways quarters when she is late in the morning and finds them in bed together.

Janeway begins a secret affair with Tom but they struggle to keep it from Chakotay and Belanna.