The Guardian
Part 1

by: AW

Date: September 2016
Pairing: J/C, P/T
Rating: MA
Length: 5,165 words

Kathryn wanted to cry. She had gotten her crew stuck on this god forsaken planet.

She stared around at the men and women who had once filled her ship and now filled her planet-bound life. This was the second time in as many months that she had been stuck supposedly for the rest of her life on an isolated planet in the Delta Quadrant.

She walked to the back of the cave where they had decided to break camp. It was secluded and quiet.

It was dark and she felt alone; if only Chakotay would come and at least visit her; follow her; love her.

She felt a silent tear roll down her face. It was only in the privacy of loneliness she would allow herself to let her emotions go.

She took in a deep breath and continued to explore the cavern.

She soon came across a quiet area where there was a door that looked like nothing she had seen before. The 'doorway' was covered by cobwebs and dirt.

The scientist in her was unable to ignore and the curiosity in her forced her to sweep the debris aside until she and saw an opening.

She stared at it; unable to place where she knew this construct from. It looked so familiar yet so strange.

Kathryn wracked her brain trying to come up with what she knew was important and familiar.

She heard a booming voice breaking the silence. "You search for answers; this doorway is your answer."

Kathryn searched her brain. "You're the guardian of forever, and this is a time portal."

The being nodded his head and pointed towards the portal. "Your answers will be there."

Kathryn stared at the being, "What about my crew?"

The being stared at her. "You'll be back before they know that you were gone."

Kathryn walked up to the portal and placed her hand through, pulling it out when she felt the heat. She stared at her hand and then back at the Guardian. "You're positive I'll be back before they realize?"

The guardian nodded and Kathryn looked once more at the cave and jumped through the time portal.

She opened her eyes and looked around. She knew this place. It was Venice.

She saw Chakotay sitting at a table in the restaurant apparently in wait for someone. They had spoken if they ever got home that they would meet in Venice and Kathryn felt a smile grace her features.

She saw the box he was holding and knew it looked familiar it was like the box that she was making based on his culture for him at home.

She watched the scene play out before her as Mark approached Chakotay and said something to him. She heard I'm sorry and watched as the box fell out of Chakotay's hands and hit the ground shattering.

Mark walked away and Kathryn watched the broken man. She wanted to run to him to tell him she was okay, but she wasn't his Kathryn.

She sighed and calmly walked up to him putting her small hand on his shoulder.

He stared up into her face as if he had seen a ghost. "Kathryn?" He shook his head. "It can't be: you're dead."

She let her hand run down his face and touch his lips. "Your Kathryn may be gone but I'm here."

He stared at the hair that she had flowing down to her waist. "What year is it for you?"

She stared at him, "Stardate 50032.7: We're on Hanon."

He stared at her, "So we just left New Earth not a month ago."

She nodded and stared at him, "What date is it for you?"

"2409 this is the year that you die."

Kathryn bowed her head. "Was Seska's child yours?"

Chakotay shook his head. Of all the things for her to ask him. "No Kathryn I have to children."

Kathryn felt herself letting out a deep breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. "We were supposed to meet in Venice today and instead I got a visit from your ex-fiancé telling me that you had died." She stared at him blue eyes shining with tears.

"Oh Chakotay, I am so sorry."

He shook his head, "Why did you say no on New Earth Kathryn?"

Kathryn stared at him. "I was afraid and now I've gotten the crew stuck on a planet." She looked at him, "I waited for you and you never came after we were on Hanon except for cutting my hair." She stared at him, "I was ready now to say yes." She stared at him, "I'm ready to say yes now Chakotay."

"You're not my Kathryn."

She laughed, "I will be in five years."

He stared at her. "True enough but you're not my Kathryn."

Kathryn approached him and let her lips meet his.

He appeared surprised; he had dreamed of this for years

He had always dreamed of her coming to him on her own accord.

But this was not his Kathryn; but if she had come to him willingly all those years ago would he have accepted? Was he going to accept now? Would this change everything and rewrite a new story for them?

He finally let himself go with it. He let himself enjoy it.

He let himself take her.

The kiss became more heated and Kathryn realized they were still in public and his hand had drifted down to her breast.

Their breathing became more ragged and finally the need for oxygen forced them apart.

She stared into his trusting and open eyes. "Shall we take this elsewhere?"

He closed his eyes and nodded.

They made their way to his quarters and she let her Starfleet uniform – out of date at this point – fall to the ground; and Chakotay stared amazed at the woman before him.

He looked at her face and noticed the lines of age that had adorned her perfect complexion were not there yet, but the fair Irish skin and the bright blue eyes – so expressive to those she allowed in – were still there allowing him the hopes and the opportunities that he had always dreamed of.

They slowly fell into the bed that he had not shared with anyone since he and Seven had parted ways: Hoping that one day it would be shared with his former Captain and love of his life.

"This can only be one night Chakotay then I have to go back and take care of my crew."

Chakotay laughed, "Tom came through for us with the Talaxians: He turned out okay."

She smiled, "Do Tom and B'Elanna ever stop dancing around each other and make a real go at a relationship?"

Chakotay grinned, "They have a six month old baby girl."

Kathryn nodded and once again let herself sink into this being. "I love you Chakotay, I always have and was just too afraid to voice it; but it stops today."

Chakotay stared at her thinking that his dreams had come true; that he was finally getting the life that he had always hoped for.

He pulled her close and hugged her then went down and dove between her legs tasting the sweetness that was Kathryn Janeway.

He stared at the long hair and voiced, "Please tell me you'll never cut it off like you did in my world."

Kathryn nodded not trusting herself to speak as she felt the orgasm building and the feelings she'd always known she had coursing through her.

She sighed and he continued his ministrations taking her to the edge and back. Then he stared at her, caught in the throes of passion and felt she was ready for him.

He took off his clothes and positioned himself above her silently asking if she was ready.

She nodded without saying a word and he entered her carefully and felt his world in completion.

Kathryn felt him enter her and she felt yet another orgasm building as he moved in and out of her allowing her to set the pace and feeling it happening yet again.

She had always known they'd fit together perfectly and now she knew from firsthand experience.

She could stay here but she knew that the crew of Voyager needed her now more than ever.

She felt herself coming down and stared into the loving eyes of the man she would always be there for and who she hoped would always be there for her.

"I have to go Chakotay just know that I always loved you and I'm sure she loved you too."

He stared at her once again, "Just promise me something. In five years once you reach earth you won't go on that mission to see that dead Borg Cube that ends up taking my Kathryn from me."

Kathryn nodded. "I promise and I'm sorry for you loss."

Chakotay nodded and stared at her. "And thank you even if it was only for a moment in time."

She smiled, "It was a great moment in time for both of us."

She walked through the portal and ended up once again on Hanon. She looked around and realized there was no one else around: No one had seen her come or go.

She skulked around the caves and eventually ended up coming out to the area where the rest of the crew were searching for food stuffs.

She saw Chakotay and pulled him into the darkness of the caves. She spun him around and her lips captured his.

He pulled back staring at her confused, "Kathryn?"

She looked into his eyes. "This is the second time in as many months that we are stuck on an uninhabited planet for supposedly the rest of our lives: I'm not waiting anymore."

He bent down and enveloped her lips once again. She pulled away. "I love you Chakotay."

His heart soared as he heard the words he had been waiting - it felt like forever - to hear. "I love you too Kathryn, we'll be together forever."

She stared at him, "You can't promise me that Chakotay."

He stared back at her, "I guess I can't but I can promise that I'll do everything in my power to make the time we do have the best that it can be."

She smiled at him and slowly removed her uniform jacket.

His eyes got wide with lust as he watched her remove the top layer. "Do you know how long I have waited for this moment?"

She smiled, "Should I keep going?"

"What about the crew?"

Kathryn smirked. "Do you want them to watch? Or maybe join in?"

Chakotay laughed. "You're a kinky little minx aren't you?"

She continued to remove her uniform. She was soon naked before him and he stared at the beautiful woman before him.

"I love you so much Kathryn and this is more than I could ever have hoped for."

She snickered, "You seem to be overdressed Commander."

Chakotay stared at her and began disrobing before her. Her eyes got wide and began helping him in taking off layer after layer.

Soon the command couple were staring at each other in nothing but their undergarments.

Chakotay came closer to her and brought his hands around to her back and began undoing the clasps of her bra. He slowly brought down the straps exposing her ample breasts and she closed her eyes as the cool night air touched her sensitive nipples.

Chakotay watched as her nipples stood erect before him and reached out to caress the tender breasts.

Kathryn drew in a deep breath as his fingers worked their way around her areolas.

He smiled and showed her the dimples she had fallen in love with almost the moment she first saw them.

He slowly stripped her underwear and saw the nakedness underneath.

"It's cleaner and they gave me a treatment when I was a teenager to stop the hair growth."

Chakotay laughed, "Well the hair on your head makes up for it; and I don't mind it one bit."

She smiled and kissed his lips once more. "Glad you're okay with it."

"Kathryn I'd be okay with anything as long as it's you."

She brought her small hands up and pulled down his boxers. "Silk Commander, that definitely isn't regulation."

He smiled and their lips met once again. She grabbed his stiff shaft and slowly guided him towards her opening.

He slowly began the up and down movements and she felt the orgasm building.

She screamed out as the completion of the orgasm hit her. She slowly let out a breath and stared at him. "I hope we didn't wake up the crew."

He laughed, "You think we're the only ones who are doing this type of thing Kathryn?"

She smiled, "We could be here for the rest of our lives."

Chakotay nodded and brought his lips down to hers once again. "I love you so much Kathryn." He smirked, "You are a loud one aren't you?"

She winked at him and drew him down to lay next to her. "We need to get some sleep; who knows what tomorrow holds."

He nodded and held her as she fell into a restful sleep probably the first one she had had since they ended up on this god forsaken planet.

B'Elanna stared around the community that the crew had begun to build over the past couple of weeks despite the fact that the Captain held on to the belief that they would get rescued.

She walked to the farthest corner of the camp beyond where most people treaded. She walked to the back of the cave looking for the Captain and Commander.

What she found was beyond what she had expected.

Huddled in the darkened corner covered in nothing but Chakotay's jacket lay the Command Couple.

She smiled. She knew that Chakotay had feelings for his Captain; but she'd never in a million years thought that the Captain felt the same way.

She turned and walked away. Maybe this was giving them some good things after all.

Later that day B'Elanna approached Chakotay.

"You really should make sure the place you consummate your relationship is more private."

Chakotay did a double take and then quickly caught himself. "What are you talking about?"

B'Elanna smirked. "Let's just say I've seen more of the two of you then I ever thought I would."

Chakotay blushed a deep umber. "Please don't tell Kathryn what you saw. It might scare her away."

"Your secret's safe with me Chakotay; but you really should be more careful if you do want to keep this a 'private affaire'."

Chakotay stood up straight, "Duly noted Lieutenant."

Chakotay walked out of the tunnels. "I have some stuff I need to discuss with the Captain."

B'Elanna raised an eyebrow, "I'm sure you do."

Chakotay shook his head. Good thing it hadn't been Tom Paris, he thought.

Then he thought about the fact that he wasn't even sure if Mr. Paris was still alive. He had made a valiant effort to try and save the ship now all he had to do was hope that Tom had indeed made it alive.

He shook his head this disaster had already taken the life of at least one member of the crew and he hoped there wouldn't be too many more.

He walked out of the caves and towards Kathryn.

She turned around and smiled at him. "Well good morning Commander."

He stared at her, "Not as good as last night."

Kathryn rolled her eyes. "Do you think Tom made it?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "I guess all we can do it wait and hope."

Kathryn looked at Chakotay, "I didn't think you liked Tom."

He let out a small laugh, "I just don't think that this crew needs to lose anyone else."

"Fair enough Chakotay but I think that this planet gave us some good things too. It made me see the light."

Chakotay kissed the top of her head. "Well, our chief engineer caught us in a compromising position. She says that we should be more careful if we want to keep this a secret."

Kathryn bowed her head, "Well I was hoping to keep us a secret for at least a little while."

"Well it was only B'Elanna and she said that our secret's safe with her until we bring it out in the open."

"Well you sound awful sure that this is going to work."

He stared into her eyes. "I know it is Kathryn."

She smiled, "I hope so." She smiled, "At least if it doesn't we had that one moment in time."

"Oh it will be more than that Kathryn I'm sure of it."

Kathryn just stared at him and brought her lips up to meet his. "Kathryn, what if the crew sees?"

She shrugged, "Then they see and we won't have to explain or hide anymore."

Around the corner B'Elanna watched with a smile on her face. Maybe despite the crew's dire circumstances things would be okay.

[2 days later – side of the mountain]

Chakotay stared at Kathryn. "I'm okay babe, and so is that woman that I saved."

She smacked him. "I could have lost you."

"I'm here to stay Kathryn."

All of a sudden they looked up and Kathryn saw Voyager gliding above. She smiled and looked at Chakotay.

They were all going home.

[6 weeks later – Voyager]

The relationship between Kathryn and Chakotay had progressed and the crew knew they were now a couple joined at the hip.

Kathryn seemed happier to the crew than she had ever been. Chakotay was delighted in the changes that had overtaken Kathryn.

That night they sat on the couch in her quarters that may as well have changed into their quarters.

They sipped on the wine that Chakotay kept hidden in the cargo bay. "So you never told me where you got the wine that you keep me supplied with."

He laughed, "I can't tell you all my secrets Kathryn."

She took another sip of the wine.

He glanced her way. "I think we should make the living arrangements permanent."

"Well you're here most of the time anyway."

He smiled and reached into his pocket pulling out a beautiful diamond ring. "Kathryn Janeway, would you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Kathryn stared at the ring. She stood up to reach out her hand nodded as she stood.

Chakotay placed the ring on her finger and smiled and then she collapsed.

He stared at the woman he loved that had agreed to be his wife then his brain kicked in and he hit his combadge. "Chakotay to sickbay."

He heard the acerbic voice of the Doctor. "Yes Commander, what is it."

"I need a medical team to the Captain's quarters. She just collapsed."

"Yes Commander, sending Mr. Paris over right away."

Chakotay drew in a deep breath, "Thank you Doctor. Chakotay out."

Five minutes later - what felt like the longest minutes of Chakotay's life - the door chimed and Chakotay let Tom in. "Okay so Commander what happened when she fainted?"

Chakotay was beside himself. "I had just proposed to her, she stood up and then she collapsed. We just found each other tell me she's okay."

Tom did a quick scan of her, focusing more on her stomach than anywhere else.

"Well?"

Tom's face scrunched up as he saw the readings. "Well, uh she appears to be fine but I need to get her to sickbay to check out some readings. "

Tom tapped his combadge, "Two to beam to sickbay."

And they disappeared and once again Chakotay was left alone with his thoughts.

[sickbay 20 minutes later]

The Doctor stared at the Captain lying on the bed with Tom and his tricorder making scans. "What seems to be the problem Mr. Paris?"

He looked at the Doctor, "I don't think there's a problem. She was in her quarters with the Commander: He proposed to her and then she fainted."

The Doctor took the tricorder with the readings that he had been taking. "Hmm, ah-huh."

"Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?"

"If you think the Captain has a bun in the oven then yes you are."

The two heard the Captain beginning to stir from the center of sick bay. "Captain? Don't try to move too quickly you gave the Commander quite a scare and you need to try to stay still until your blood pressure comes back up."

Kathryn shook her head. "What's wrong with me?"

"Wrong? Nothing. You fainted."

Kathryn stared at the men, "I have never fainted before in my life."

The Doctor smirked, "Well you're going to have to be more careful now."

The Doctor turned around quickly as the doors to sickbay opened and Chakotay came running in. "Is she okay? What happened?"

The Doctor looked at Chakotay, "Nothing happened Commander. Well nothing that isn't at least partly your fault anyway."

Chakotay looked at the Doctor confused. "I'm sorry I never did anything to her."

Tom smiled, "Oh yes you did Commander."

Chakotay looked at Kathryn confused. "Kathryn what is he talking about?"

Kathryn shrugged, "I have no idea Chakotay. Doctor?"

The Doctor walked over to the couple. "Well Captain, Commander you have an uninvited guest. Not necessarily a bad thing but a new crewmember will be here in about seven months."

Kathryn shook her head. "Are you saying I'm pregnant? We're having a baby?"

"It appears so Captain."

"But I was on boosters. I shouldn't be able to get pregnant."

"You were on the planet with the Commander for a couple of months; then you were on the planet you called Hanon for two months. You were due for your booster six weeks ago."

Kathryn covered her face with her hands. Chakotay was staring at his soon to be wife. "I never meant for this to happen Chakotay. I'm so sorry."

Chakotay stared at her. He went up to her, pressing a hand to her belly. "We're going to have a baby Kathryn."

She stared at him. "You're not mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad at you?"

She stared at him hesitant, "We weren't trying to get pregnant. I'm the Captain and you're my first officer."

He walked up to her and enveloped her in a hug. "It will be okay Kathryn; and there isn't much we can do about it now."

She stared at him, tears in her eyes. "I suppose not. When do we tell the crew?"

He laughed, "How about we get through the marriage first." He looked at her, "We'll get you through this Kathryn."

She nodded and turned around realizing the Doctor was still there. "How does everything look Doctor?"

He stared into her, "Well you are a little older than most first time mothers, but as long as you stay safe and you're careful… I don't foresee any problems."

She nodded and turned to Chakotay. "Well I guess we should be getting home."

He smiled and off they went.

[Paris Quarters – after shift]

Tom walked into their quarters. He looked around for B'Elanna. "B'Elanna?"

"In here Tom. What's up? You have a stupid grin on your face."

He looked at B'Elanna as if he was going to spill his guts then he closed his mouth. "I can't say anything B'Elanna: Doctor-Patient confidentiality."

B'Elanna stared at her husband. "Is it about the Captain?"

Tom turned around surprised. "What did you hear?"

"Just that she fainted and they're getting married. Chakotay needed someone to talk to, too."

He took in a deep breath. "So you know about the baby then?"

B'Elanna's mouth opened surprised. "What?"

Tom's eyes grew wide, "Nothing, you didn't hear anything from me."

B'Elanna looked wide-eyed at him. "Is the Captain pregnant?"

"I can't confirm that."

"Tom I caught them curled up together on Hanon. Everyone knows that they're a couple; it will make itself known soon enough so you may as well tell me."

He looked at his girlfriend, "Listen if I tell you, you can't tell anyone."

B'Elanna nodded.

"It's still early she's only about a month along: It's Chakotay's baby."

"Good thing Seska's wasn't his too."

"Not funny B'Elanna. This was a surprise to them both: They didn't mean for this to happen."

B'Elanna raised her hands in a surrender motion. "I won't even mention it. I won't tell until they do."

Tom nodded and brought her in for a hug. "Things are going to change on Voyager."

B'Elanna nodded.

[JANEWAY QUARTERS]

Kathryn walked into her quarters Chakotay in tow and walked up to the repliator. "Coffee: black."

She pulled the offending mug out of the replicator and brought it with her as she sat down in the living room. Kathryn pulled the mug up to her lips and smelled the aroma that was so engrained in her life.

She took one whiff of the coffee and quickly placed it back on the coffee table.

Chakotay walked up behind her. "Chakotay we were drinking wine this evening; and how much coffee have I had to drink in the last months?"

He walked up to her and was about to try to comfort her, when she kept going. She put her hands on her belly. "What if I hurt our baby?"

Chakotay took the coffee cup and put it back in the replicator and recycled it. "Hey don't jump the gun. The Doctor said she'd be fine."

She looked at him incredulous. "The Doctor didn't say it was a girl."

He laughed, "I always wanted a daughter."

She laughed, "That doesn't mean you'll get a daughter."

"But I can hope."

Kathryn put a hand on her abdomen. Does that mean you don't want a son?"

He smiled, "That means I will take whatever you give me."

She smiled a watery smile as she took what he said at face value. "I know this isn't what we planned for out here…"

"It was bound to happen Kathryn. A year ago, when we spoke of the crew beginning to have children and pairing off: Well here it is."

She shook her head, "Yeah but I'm the Captain do I have a right to do this?"

"You're the Captain you have to lead by example."

She began to cry, "But a baby?"

He tilted her head up, "Do you want this life?"

She sniffled quietly and nodded, "I think I always have, but I can't stop being the Captain."

He looked at her, "No one said anything about you not being the Captain anymore. You will always be the Captain - even if you're a mother too."

"To a child made by the Captain and the First Officer?"

He stared at her, "No one expects you to put your life on hold for seventy years."

"I am the Captain: I am supposed to put everything ahead of my own pleasure – my own life."

He sighed "So what are you going to do about our child?" He had a sinking suspicion. "There are only three choices: Have it, abort it or put it into stasis for a later time. No offense Kathryn but you're not that young if you decide to put it into stasis you won't have that many years to be able to carry it."

Kathryn drew in a deep breath and stared at Chakotay. "I have so much on my plate without having to worry about a child. Will putting a baby into the mix strain our command relationship?"

Chakotay looked deep into her eyes, "Will getting rid of this child strain our relationship?"

She let her jaw drop. He was basically telling her if she chose not to have the baby they were done. He was giving her an ultimatum.

"So you're basically telling me that if I don't have this baby we're done."

"That's not what I said Kathryn I just can't picture you aborting our baby not having a deleterious effect on us."

Kathryn dropped her head. "I need time Chakotay."

"Time's up Kathryn."

Kathryn walked out of her quarters and made her way to the messhall. She walked in and was attacked by Neelix with a steaming cup of black coffee. "Thank you Neelix; but I don't think I need coffee at the moment."

Neelix looked at her strangely and took the offending cup of coffee and gave her a plate with today's special on it. "Thank you Neelix."

Kathryn went and sat at her usual table in the back corner of the messhall.

Twenty minutes later Tom and B'Elanna came into the messhall for supper. They took their meals and made their way to the other side of the room to sit down for dinner.

B'Elanna stared at Tom. "Check it out Tom. She's sitting all by herself at a table at the back of the messhall. Where is Chakotay?"

Tom shrugged. "I have no idea B'E."

B'Elanna stood up, "I think I'm going to go and talk to her. She could probably use a friend right now."

Tom looked at her, "Good luck."

B'Elanna slowly approached the Captain. "May I sit down?"

Kathryn nodded, "I could use the company right about now."

She looked at her Captain, "No one will think any less of you if you go through with the pregnancy Captain."

Kathryn's jaw dropped open in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Tom didn't tell me I kind of guessed and then he was so flustered he couldn't really deny it." She watched as Kathryn let her head fall to her hands. "He wouldn't betray your confidence."

"So no one else knows?"

"Not yet but you can't keep it a secret for too long. You and Chakotay will make great parents."

She looked at her Engineer. "What if I choose not to have it?"

B'Elanna drew in a deep breath, "Could you actually do that? Chakotay would never forgive you if you aborted his baby Kathryn."

Kathryn looked at B'Elanna with eyes bright with unshed tears. "No I don't; and how could I run the ship without him? How could I ever look at myself in the mirror if I did that?"

"Then don't. I told you the crew wouldn't think any less of you just because you had a baby."

"Maybe you and Tom are willing to accept a Captain with a very big weakness but what about the rest of the crew? What about the other Maquis who are just starting to accept being on a Starfleet vessel? What about –"

"Captain, this all has to be talked over with Chakotay. This has to be yours and his decision. You can't let other factors influence your decision."

With that B'Elanna got up and made her way back over to Tom, leaving Kathryn with much more to think about than she cared to at that moment.

END PART I
TBC IN PART II