Anne's Rose Garden - When in Rome

Harry and Seven rounded the building, heading toward the local marketplace. The air was fresh and clean, the suns were shining, and what passed for birds were singing. It was a lovely day for some R&R planetside. It was made all the brighter by the companion on his right arm. Since the natives didn't allow their males to roam about freely, it was necessary for the men to be accompanied by a female crewmember at all times.

Seven, on the other hand, or arm in this csse, was not contemplating the scenery. "Ensign Kim, I believe it will be most efficient if you allow me to select the items for purchase based on criteria you outline. You will then exchange local currency for the goods and we can return to Voyager promptly," she said.

"Seven, the point of shore leave is to relax, to get away from the routine of the ship. And while we're on the subject, it's not going to be very convincing if you keep calling me Ensign."

"Very well... Harry. I relax and discontinue my routine tasks when I regenerate. Is that not sufficient?"

"No, Humans require more than just sleep or regeneration to maintain their mental health. We require time away from the stresses of our normal routines, to just be human beings together, instead of crewmembers separated by rank and department. Time on lovely planet like this is perfect for that purpose." They rounded another building and discovered a small park.

"Ah, I believe I understand. It would be impossible for Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay to do that on bridge of Voyager." She pointed towards a couple in the park. The man was leaning against a tree with the woman leaning against him - their arms wrapped around each other.

Harry glanced briefly at the couple, "Exactly Seven, you would never see the Captain and Commander doing... that..."

Harry gaped, not believing his eyes. The couple in the park was, in fact, his Captain and First Officer. "Uh, Seven, they must be pretending to be a couple like we are, since only joined males are allowed out in the public areas." He stared at them. "I'm...uh, sure they are just..." He trailed off as Chakotay nuzzled Janeway's neck. Chakotay said something Harry couldn't hear, and they both laughed.

"You are in error, Harry. They are too far away to fear being overheard, so we must assume what they are saying is intended for each other, and not for an audience of the local residents," she concluded.

"Alright Seven, I suppose that's true, but we don't know what they're saying. It could be about the crew schedules or the warp engines."

Seven gave him an odd look, like she was explaining something to Naomi. "Actually, I can hear them, quite clearly. The Captain just expressed that she was glad none of the crew were around to see them. Commander Chakotay replied, 'You mean Paris. If Tom could see us, we'd be the subject of one of his betting pools again.' The Captain replied, 'Don't talk about Tom and his pools. They give me a headache.' He said, 'Well, we can't have that. Not when we have this lovely planet all to ourselves - at least this corner of it.' She smiled and said, 'Well, why aren't we taking advantage of it.' And then, the behavior we are observing now commenced."

"I'd never have believed it. Tom always said there was more to those two than meets the eye, and I always laughed at him."

"Will you inform Mr. Paris that he was correct?" Seven arched her human eyebrow. She was curious what Harry would do with this information.

"No! I'd never do that to Captain Janeway. If she knew that anyone knew about them, it might cause her to pull back again, and I wouldn't want to be responsible for that!

"And don't tell the Doctor. He's the biggest gossip on the ship." Tightening his grip on her arm, he swung them around. "Come on Seven, let's get out of here before they come up for air. I don't want them to look around and see us watching them kiss."

Harry hoped Seven would get into the swing of things by helping him, but hadn't shown much enthusiasm for window shopping. Finally, he insisted that Seven purchase something for herself.

Harry used to dread shopping with his mom, either when she was looking for dresses and shoes or worse, when she was shopping for him. But watching Seven shop was different. It was like opening Christmas presents. She would disappear into the changing room and emerge looking completely different. With a little prompting from Harry, one of the clerks had encouraged Seven to take her hair down. 'It was a good day,' he reflected.

He had helped her pick out a lovely basic dress with a matching scarf and shoes. Now Harry wanted to help her find something more interesting, something to wear to parties on the planet, and later to Sandrine's.

They entered a shop with daytime dresses, formal and informal outfits and evening dresses. Along one wall, and clustered around several tables were accessories to complete the ensembles. A woman walked up to them, "Welcome to my humble shop. What can I help you to find?"

"Ah, well you've come to the right place. I have something for every occasion. Just tell me where you're going and I know we can find just the thing."

"She needs something for a party. Maybe a formal outfit and an informal one," Harry volunteered.

"I understand completely." She gave a little bow. "Please, come sit over here and relax, and I'll bring you some things." She handed them each a glass, and then disappeared.

Harry and Seven looked at each other, and sipped cautiously at the local drink. "Not bad," Harry said. "I should bring some back for Neelix."

He noticed Seven fidgeting. "Seven, shopping is supposed to be fun. You get to try on things you might not ever wear. It's almost like pretending you're someone else for a little while."

The saleswoman returned with dresses and led Seven back to the changing area. While they were gone, Harry heard familiar voices approaching. As they got closer, he could begin to make out what they were saying.

"That's your most ridiculous argument yet. The currency costs us nothing. I think you're just afraid."

"I am not afraid. I'm just..." Captain Janeway stopped in mid sentence as she emerged from the racks and found Ensign Kim seated in front of the changing rooms. "Good afternoon Ensign," she said in a tone very different than that of a moment ago.

The saleswoman spared them any further explanation when she handed Chakotay a glass and whisked Janeway into the changing area. Chakotay settled himself on a chair next to Harry, and sipped his drink.

Seven was the first to emerge. She was wearing a simple brown dress, falling just below her knees. Seven looked up at Harry and over to Chakotay. She didn't look surprised to see him there.

Harry assumed her Borg hearing had alerted her to the Captain and First Officer's presence, again.

She addressed the clerk as she tugged at the shoulder, trying to adjust it. "I believe this is incorrect."

The woman pulled on the shoulders for a moment, then smoothed them, and stepped back to survey the situation. "You're right dear, that's just not working for you. Take it off and try the next one."

Seven nodded. As she returned to the dressing room, she passed Janeway coming out.

Janeway was wearing a simple green dress that also hit just below the knee. It had a high collar, and was loose fitting though the bodice. She turned around for their benefit, and Harry watched as Chakotay looked her over carefully, and then shook his head.

She looked at him and sighed. "I didn't think so either." Janeway leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, "but I didn't want to disappoint the saleswoman."

Janeway and Chakotay exchanged a glance. Harry saw the look, but he was sure he was missing something when Chakotay answered. "I don't like it. Give her something else to try, please."

Janeway grinned at Chakotay and then turned and threw the clerk a helpless look and shrugged.

The clerk understood. Men could be difficult to please, but she was always up to the challenge. "Try on the blue one, dear. I'm sure he'll love that one." As Janeway disappeared, the clerk walked over to the men. "How are you two today? I take it you know each other?"

Chakotay glanced at a low cut, green dress with short, full sleeves, and then looked guiltily back at Harry, wondering how he would react if he saw his First Officer indulging himself. Harry reached over to a rack and pulled out a long, flowing sapphire blue dress and handed it to the woman. "I won't tell, if you don't." He winked at Chakotay.

Chakotay smiled and handed the green dress to the clerk. She nodded approvingly at them as she took their choices. "It will take them a few minutes to put these on. Look around and see what else appeals to you."

Harry watched Chakotay linger over a couple dresses, then hesitate and move on. Meanwhile, Harry had draped several over his arm. "Commander, why don't you pick out a couple? I had to tell Seven that shopping is supposed to be fun and a bit fanciful, do I have to give you the same speech?"

Chakotay considered him, and then shook his head. "It's not that simple," he started.

Harry put his hand on Chakotay's shoulder. "Yes, it is." He looked into the other man's eyes, seeing the concern there. "If it helps, Seven and I know. We walked by the park earlier today."

"Don't worry. We think it's wonderful, and we won't tell a soul. You're secret's safe - so enjoy yourselves a little. If you can't do that with us around, we'll go to another store."

Chakotay nodded slowly. "It has to start somewhere. I'm just glad it's you and Seven, and not Tom." He chuckled and his shoulders eased. He walked back over to the racks and pulled out three dresses he had been considering earlier.

"I know," he chuckled. "And those will look wonderful on Seven. Let's get that clerk's attention."

The next hour flew by. It was a relief for Harry to have a friend to confide in. One who knew his secret and wouldn't trivialize his feelings or joke about it. Harry sensed that Chakotay felt the same. He hadn't seen him this relaxed in ages.

Harry and Chakotay anxiously awaited each new dress, and were an appreciative audience. Janeway emerged in another green dress Chakotay had selected. It was a tasteful design, but cut low in the front, and lower in the back. What fabric there was in the bodice, hugged her closely and then flared out slightly at her hips. It had a long skirt with a slit up the side that made it easy to move.

Janeway turned around, so Chakotay could make an informed decision, and he nodded as he gestured, circling his right hand for her to turn around again. As she spun around, his eyes went wide as the skirt opened slightly and he noticed just how high the slit went.

She smiled at his expression, and walked over to the empty chair next to him. She watched his face as she sat down, catching the edges of the dress at the knee as the fabric threatened to all fall away. His mouth fell open, and she laughed and leaned in towards him with a wicked smile. "Are you sure you'd like me to wear this to the ship's social events?'

Chakotay leaned towards her. "I would insist, but the events would be for only the most senior staff."

Harry could see Janeway's hair stirring with Chakotay's breath and saw a shiver run through her. He smiled and looked away, hopefully before she noticed him.

But Janeway did notice him turning, and suddenly became aware of her surroundings. She started to pull back, but Chakotay stopped her. "It's ok."

"They know, and it's all right." He smiled and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

She relaxed and her face brightened as a smile spread across it again. "In that case," she whispered, as she leaned forward. "I guess there's no harm in thanking you for your lovely compliments." She closed the distance and kissed him gently. When she looked up, Seven was observing her.

Harry couldn't make up his mind where to look, but as Seven caught his eye, she was all he could see -- mesmerized by the sight of her in the sapphire blue dress. "Seven, you look absolutely beautiful," he breathed.

Seven walked to Harry, leaned down, and she rested her hand on his cheek. "I think I should also thank you for your compliments." Before he could react, her lips were pressed softly against his. His eyes closed and he reached up to take her face in his right hand. After a moment they parted. Seven smiled at Harry, and then turned and headed back to the dressing rooms with Janeway.

Chakotay looked over at the stunned ensign. "Well, you've had an interesting day, haven't you?" Harry was still staring towards the dressing rooms.

Janeway selected a couple more dresses, then she and Seven selected accessories to go with them. Janeway paused for a moment and considered putting back some of the items from her pile, but Seven pointed out that it was far more efficient to replicate local currency and purchase goods than it was to replicate the items onboard. It was all Janeway needed to rationalize the extravagance. The clerks loaded the men down with sacks and containers as they left the store, but over the packages you could just see the broad grins on their faces, as they walked back to the beam out site.

Janeway dashed into her quarters and tossed her purchases onto the table. Without turning to see if Chakotay was still behind her, she fell into the couch throwing her head back and flinging her arms up over it.

Chakotay deposited the rest of the purchases on the table. Then he contemplated Kathryn, sprawled on the couch. When she didn't move, he walked over to her. "I'm not sure how to interpret this, uh," he waved his arm at her, but didn't finish. Looking at her with mixed amusement and concern, he asked, "What's on your mind, Kathryn?"

She didn't move her body, but she cocked her head and opened an eye. "I have no idea what I'm thinking or feeling right now. I had a lovely day, on the planet, with you. Then I played older sister to our resident Borg. She and Harry found out about us. And now we're going to a party, where we get to pretend that we are pretending to be together. It's just a little bit too surreal." She closed her eyes as she finished.

Chakotay sat down next to her and pulled her over to lean against him. "Let's take the most important things first."

He continued, "How did you like just being Kathryn and Chakotay down on the planet today?"

"Well," she said with a wink, "I do want to get home eventually. Someone's got to fly the ship."

"Ah yes, flying the ship. Speaking of that, how do you feel about the crew finding out about us?"

"The 'crew'? Do you mean Harry and Seven, or Tom?" She rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed again, "I want *us* to be official. I don't want to hide like we're doing something wrong, but I'm afraid of what will happen when they find out."

"Kathryn, the crew has been through worse than this," he laughed. "They're not going to fall apart just because their Captain and First Officer finally admitted to themselves that they're in love. They all knew it a long time before we did."

"You mean me, actually, don't you?" Then Kathryn lifted her head to look at Chakotay for a long moment, "It's not the crew falling apart that I'm worried about. It's you and me." She kissed him gently. "No, that's not completely true either," she hesitated and looked away. "It's me I'm worried about."

She looked into his eyes. "What if something happens, someone says something, and I panic?"

Chakotay smiled and pulled her close to him. "Kathryn, I've never seen you panic. Why would you be afraid of that now?"

"That's not true. I panicked on New Earth and after we returned I retreated into my work. I let fear decide our futures, not protocol, or regulations. And I wasted all that time." She buried her face in his chest and whispered, "What if it happens again?"

"It won't *happen* again. It will be a decision you make of your own free will, Kathryn." He reached down and brought her face up to his again, forcing her to meet his eyes. "You can choose how to react to the crew. But, if you choose to pull back, you need to understand that it will break my heart, and I don't think I could ever recover from that again. Not after how far we've come this time." He looked at her, searching her face. "Make no mistake, this is it, Kathryn. I love you, more than life itself, but this is all or nothing for me. No turning back, and no starting over."

"I know," she whispered, "I don't want to go back again, ever. I don't want to hurt either of us again... and I don't want to waste any more time." She stretched up and kissed him again.

He returned the kiss, wrapping his other arm around her, and pulling her onto his lap. She rested her head on his chest. They sat quietly for a while, listening to each other's breathing and marveling in how short the distance is between happiness and despair.

He moved his arm slightly, and began massaging small circles in her back. As she snuggled into him, he widened the circles and began tracing first her spine and then along the muscles of her shoulders and down her arms. "How soon do we need to leave?" he asked, as he leaned over and nuzzled her ear.

"Too soon," she said, chuckling and pushing his face away. "I have to take a bath, get dressed, read a few reports, polish the Jeffries tubes..."

He cut off any more possible tasks when he covered her mouth with his. After a minute his lips began to wander slowly across her cheek to a spot under her right ear. As he moved on, and began to nibble on the base of her neck at the shoulder, she gasped and pushed him back again. "No, you're not getting around me that way. I have to get cleaned up and dressed for the reception tonight, and you're not making us late!"

Chakotay pouted but didn't move to let her up. "I could help. I bet there's a spot on your back you can never reach..."

She put both her hands on his chest and pushed him back. "No! You can't. We need to be on time. It would be rude for the captain to show up late. Now hurry back to your own cabin and get ready.

Chakotay sulked for a moment until Kathryn gave in and kissed him. It was a childish ploy; he knew it, and he didn't care. He was reveling in the giddy, 'new relationship' stage they were at in spite of the years they'd been pursuing each other. Reluctantly he stood up, pulling her with him. After a final kiss he headed out the door and back to his quarters.

Kathryn sat back down on the couch for several minutes, her arms wrapped around herself, lost in thought. She would make this work, and nothing would stop her - especially not herself! The computer interrupted her thoughts, alerting her that time was slipping away. She slowly got up and headed into her bathroom to start the water.

Kathryn was putting the final touches on her hair when the door chimed. Chakotay had given her a little extra time, but - ever the diligent first officer - he was making sure his captain would not be late to the party.

She finished touching up her hair and makeup, and picked up her wrap, while he walked over to her. She felt warm arms slide along the green silk at her waist and warmer breath caressed her neck and ear. "I thought we agreed that dress was only for very private parties," his voice rumbled softly.

Kathryn was wearing the dress Chakotay had selected. It was a tasteful design, but it was cut low in the front, and even lower in the back. What fabric there was in the bodice, hugged her closely, and then flared out slightly at her hips. It had a long skirt, but there was a slit up the side that made it easy to move.

She laughed and spun around in his arms. "I believe I heard you say that. However, I don't remember agreeing to anything of the kind." Kathryn kissed him playfully and ducked out of his arms. "We need to get to the transporter room, Mister. No time to dawdle." She turned and thoroughly surveyed his outfit for the first time.

Somehow he had managed to find time to pick up a new suit from a shop on the planet. It looked much better than the usual Federation fashions. 'Men so often look like they are wearing the upholstery from the couch or some unimaginative drapery,' Kathryn thought. The suit he had on was a soft grey. The fabric was supple, draping over his shoulders and then nipping in at the waist, making him look taller, somehow.

She drew her eyes slowly down his body, letting her appreciation show in her expression, and then leisurely let her gaze wander back up to his eyes. He grinned and held out his hand to her. "We'll have to finish *that* conversation later," he said, as they walked to the door.

Kathryn batted her eyes at him, "I don't know what you mean. I didn't say a word."

There was a queue at the transporter room by the time they arrived. Kathryn gave the crowd an appreciative once over. "I'm glad to see you all enjoyed the local shops. You will do the ship proud tonight." The crew murmured their thanks as they moved aside so that Kathryn and Chakotay could get to the transporter. 'Sometimes it's good to be the captain,' she thought to herself.

Kathryn and Chakotay took their places on the transporter. Several other officers stepped onto the pads next to them. "Energize," she ordered. The transporter room disappeared and was replaced by the flora of the planet.

A small delegation of the locals was waiting to greet them and usher their guests to the site of the festivities. Kathryn pulled her wrap around her shoulders as she prepared to meet the reception committee. They exchanged simple greetings and one of the older couples stepped forward. They were introduced as the city's elders, and explained that they would be escorting them to the festival hall.

Taking Chakotay's arm, Kathryn followed them through the city until they came to a large open area. In the center was a complex that looked more like a large circle or amphitheater than a public building.

The hall had massive doors evenly spaced around the entire perimeter. As they approached, the doors were all in motion, receding into the adjoining walls, and creating large openings allowing you to see all the way through the building.

As they walked, Kathryn noticed that while the trees and shrubs seemed to be growing everywhere; they were, in fact, contained in specially designed wells to allow them to grow up through the floor. It created the impression that they were still outside.

Their host explained that in good weather, like tonight, the doors could be slid to the sides and the roof retracted. In the winter, the walls remained closed so events could be held indoors.

Chakotay and Kathryn were led through the rows of tables and across an empty section of floor, to the front of the room. They were seated at the long head table which was elevated a few feet above the rest of the room. From her vantage point, Kathryn could see the rest of the crew taking their seats.

Kathryn watched as the rest of the senior staff arrived and were seated. Tom and B'Elanna were a couple chairs to her left, Harry and Seven were seated to the right, and Neelix and Sam Wildman were to the right of them.

Tuvok had prevailed upon the captain to remain on the ship. He explained that while he would be willing to pretend to be married to some member of the crew if the safety of Voyager was at stake, this was not such an occasion. Kathryn agreed, and besides, with only a skeleton crew, leaving Tuvok in command was reassuring. And Kathryn wanted to relax tonight.

Tom leaned across the empty chairs between them and caught the captain's attention. "Where's Tuvok?"

Kathryn leaned forward to talk past Chakotay. "He didn't feel he could give a convincing performance married to Megan Delaney. I agreed. So he's in command while we're enjoying ourselves."

Kathryn purposefully misunderstood him and nodded past herself to the right. "Yes, I think Harry and Seven are doing a splendid job. Who would have thought she was such a good actress?"

Tom was about to say something else to clarify, but he was cut off when the elders took their seats.

Chakotay whispered in Kathryn's ear. "I'd say that signals the start of phase 2."

Kathryn giggled loud enough for Tom to hear and leaned against Chakotay. "Begin when ready." She caught Tom's surprised look at hearing her giggle and winked. Then Chakotay put his arm around her and pulled her back so she was blocked from Tom's sight. Kathryn turned to the right and winked at Harry and Seven.

Harry nodded and wrapped his arm around Seven. Then he leaned over to her ear and she started giggling as well.

"I'd say we're off to a good start," Chakotay said. "A little misdirection, and now we're free to do whatever we want. I could get to like these diplomatic dinners."

The server set a single plate in front of the two of them and Kathryn allowed herself to relax. She noticed Harry and Seven happily feeding each other from their shared plate. Tom and B'Elanna were doing the same. She decided not to think about the crew sitting out in the tables in front of her, and instead, only concentrated on the man sitting next to her.

Chakotay held up a piece of fruit to her on their fork and Kathryn leaned forward and opened her mouth to take it. She smiled as she tasted it. Then it was her turn. She took the fork and speared a piece of fruit for Chakotay.

"Think how much energy it would save, only replicating half the dishes and utensils."

Kathryn chuckled and popped another bite into his mouth. "You may have a point there."

As the meal ended the elders rose from their seats and the hall quieted. The woman addressed the crowd and gave the traditional welcome to the festival. She pointed to the flowers and fruit trees and told them it was a time to celebrate fertility and family. For the newcomers she explained that there was a festival each season based on the planets old growing seasons.

"There is a festival for the planting season, growing, harvesting the crops and for the winter when life appears to end," she said. "This, our summer festival, is centered on growth and family. I am pleased there are some among our visitors who will be joining us our festivities and in our ceremony," she continued, indicating those seated at the head table.

The elders led their guests down to the floor below as the tables emptied and locals and visitors gathered in front of the platform. When everyone had assembled music began to filter though the trees and the couples started to sway and swirl around the room in time with it.

Chakotay and Kathryn watched them for a moment. The steps were not that different from a waltz or similar ballroom standard. "May I have this dance?" he asked, and held out his hand.

"I'd love to." Kathryn took his hand and they launched themselves into the stream of dancers, trying their best to imitate the steps.

Fortunately the locals didn't seem to care if the visitors were getting it right or wrong, and they were nimble enough to glide out of the path of errant Voyager couples. And with each successive song, the crew's dancing was improving, much to their hosts' delight.

On one of their circuits, Kathryn noticed Tom and B'Elanna eyeing them. A moment later Chakotay found Kathryn pressed tightly against him.. He looked down and saw the mischievous gleam in her eye. She, then, flicked her glance to the side and when he followed it, he discovered Tom. A knowing grin spread across his face.

"Not unhappy, just surprised," he clarified. "I've never seen you so relaxed around the crew."

When that song ended, Chakotay suggested they take a break. He'd seen Tom and B'Elanna leave the floor and decided to follow them. Tom had found two chairs at Harry and Seven's table. By the time Kathryn and Chakotay arrived, Seven and B'Elanna were sitting between Harry and Tom, and all the nearby chairs were taken.

Kathryn pouted rather uncharacteristically when it looked like they wouldn't be able to sit with the others. Chakotay patted her arm and tried to console her, all the while trying to suppress a grin.

But it was Harry who seized the opportunity. He tugged gently at Seven's hand and they exchanged a glance.

"We don't need both these chairs, Captain," Seven exclaimed in a bubbly tone that had everyone doing a double-take. Before anyone could argue, she hopped up from her chair and relocated to Harry's lap.

Harry grinned and wrapped his arm around her waist. With the other arm he gestured to the empty chair between him and B'Elanna.

"Thanks, Harry," Chakotay said. He sat down, and Kathryn joined him immediately.

She had stepped around the chair so she could sit in Chakotay's lap, facing to the right and Harry, with her back to Tom. Then she slid her right arm up around Chakotay's neck and leaned against him as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. "So, Harry, are you and Seven enjoying yourselves?"

"I'm glad to hear it. But we're definitely off duty, so you really should call me Kathryn."

She smirked as she heard a sputtering sound and turned to see Tom setting his glass down on the table as B'Elanna patted his back. "Are you all right, Tom?"

As Kathryn turned, the slit in her skirt slid open, starting to reveal her legs. Chakotay caught the fabric as it began to fall away and secured it against Kathryn's thigh.

Tom's eyes were drawn to Chakotay's hand on Kathryn's leg, and it was only a sharp *pat* on the back from B'Elanna that drew his eyes back to the captain. He coughed again before speaking. "I'm fine...Kathryn."

"Are you having fun too, B'Elanna?" Kathryn absentmindedly ran her fingers through the hair at the back of Chakotay's head as she asked.

"Yes, this is the best diplomatic function I've been to, ever. I wish all our trade negotiations were like this." B'Elanna grinned and then smacked Tom on the back again. He wisely stopped coughing after that.

Kathryn nodded and then turned back toward Harry and Seven. She chatted quietly with Harry for a few minutes, all the while moving her left hand up and down Chakotay's right arm.

From Tom's angle, he could see Kathryn's arm moving, and Chakotay's left arm around her back, but he couldn't make out what was going on between the two of them. Kathryn varied the angle of her arm, keeping Tom's interest, and using Harry and Seven's faces as a guide to whether or not she was being successful. And judging by that, she was driving Tom insane with curiosity.

At the end of the next dance, the music changed and grew quieter. The elders had moved to the front of the room again. All eyes were on them as they thanked their guests and announced it was time to begin the final activity of the festival. The man and woman each talked for a few minutes, extolling the virtues of love and family. Then they called all the participants forward.

People were flooding by and Kathryn and Chakotay stood started to move along with them. Tom's eyes widened as he saw them go. He jumped up and edged himself and B'Elanna over to the captain.

He caught her arm and she and Chakotay stopped and looked at him, puzzled. "Kathryn, let B'Elanna and me represent the ship."

Kathryn looked amused. "Tom, it's not a question of us or you, we can all participate."

He tried again. "As much as I'd love to see the two of you together, Federation law recognizes local customs and laws, and this ceremony could be legally binding. Now B'Elanna and me, we're interested in children, and with a human and a Klingon, we can use all the help we can get."

Kathryn laughed. "The elders fully briefed me on the ceremony. I'm sure it's not what you think. But that's sweet of you to be concerned." She patted Tom on the shoulder, and looked over at Chakotay. "No, as captain of the ship, it's my duty to represent us, and to portray Voyager in the best light. What would they think if I declined?" She looked over at Chakotay and caught his eyes. "What would my crew think?"

Chakotay looked surprised for a moment, and then he smiled gently. "I think your crew would always support you, Kathryn." Then he squeezed her hand and nodded.

Tom tried to stop her, but she brushed him aside. She heard his panicked voice one last time over the crowd as she and Chakotay moved forward. They laughed together as they approached the front.

One of the elders greeted them. He smiled like a grandparent looking at a favorite grandchild. "It is good that you enter into this with joy. The Festival of Life is a joyous time, to be celebrated by all the people. It is an honor to have you come and celebrate it with us."

"The honor is ours," Kathryn replied. "We are grateful that you have allowed us to participate in your blessing."

The elder's smile broadened. "Please, come stand over here." He led them to the center and then stepped onto the raised dais and waited. A couple was passing through the crowd, and approached them. The woman handed Kathryn a simple ceramic bowl. She turned it over in her hands and then held it, waiting for instructions. The man handed a small pitcher of liquid to Chakotay, and then they moved on to the next couple.

Chakotay smelled the drink cautiously, and grinned at Kathryn. "Are you really sure you want to drink this?"

He managed a slighted look. "What kind of first officer would I be, Kathryn, if I allowed us to drink some unknown substance."

She caught his eyes again and held them. "I'm not the slightest bit worried. But in this instance I'll defer to you. What is your judgment of the beverage, as my official taster and protector?"

He carefully sniffed the pitcher and grinned. "Fruit juice, unfermented, perfectly harmless. At least as far as I can tell without a tricorder." His face grew more serious, and leaned in a little, "It's definitely not the juice you should be worried about."

She looked straight into his eyes, "Good, in that case, I'm not worried about anything." She started to say something else, but was cut off by the elder beginning his speech.

The ceremony was quite brief. The elder told a story of ancient times on the planet, and the importance of the family. After that he gave instructions to the assembled and enthusiastic couples.

Kathryn watched Chakotay intently as he poured the liquid from his pitcher into the bowl she held in her hands. When he finished, she raised the bowl up, and drank part of the juice. It was very sweet and some of it ran down her chin. Chakotay reached up with his hand, and ran his fingers along her face, wiping off the extra juice. His eyes never left hers, as he put the fingers up to his mouth to lick the juice away.

When he was done, Kathryn held out the bowl to him and he drank from it. It was an awkward shape, and he felt the juice dribbling down his chin as he drank. Then he felt something hot on his neck, as Kathryn's lips and tongue cleaned away the juice. She licked her way back up his chin to his lips.

Chakotay wrapped his free arm around her and kissed her. The bowl and pitcher made the embrace awkward, but they managed.

When they looked up again, the elder had concluded the ceremony, but like them, many of the couples seemed unaware of it and remained preoccupied with each other. The lingering couples slowly moved away, heading toward their homes. Tom and B'Elanna stood nearby, still staring at their captain and first officer.

Kathryn noticed them, and couldn't resist winking at Tom, just before she went back to remove the last little spot of juice from Chakotay's neck. Then, turning around, they sauntered hand in hand past the two dazed lieutenants. As the walked by, Kathryn called over her shoulder, "I think you were right, Tom, about the ceremony. I'll have to remember to listen to you next time."

Tom watched them go with a confused look. Chakotay shrugged at the helmsman, and let Kathryn lead him away, towards the local equivalent of a bed and breakfast inn.

Harry and Seven, who had witnessed the proceedings from a safe distance, took the opportunity to catch Tom and B'Elanna off guard. "What was that all about, Tom?" Harry asked innocently. Seven cocked her head, also very interested in Tom's assessment.

"You're not going to believe this, but I think Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay just got married."

Harry laughed and Seven stared at him with Borg condescension. "I am certain you are mistaken. The captain and commander were merely respecting the local customs. Perhaps you should transport back to the ship and ask the Doctor to examine you. These local beverages often contain hallucinogenic properties."

"No! Seven, Harry, I'm serious! Did you get a good look at them during the ceremony? There was no requirement for the kind of, uh, contact they were engaging in," Tom sputtered.

"I'm sorry, Tom, I missed that. All I saw was them, drinking from the bowls. The other couples were moving around so much, I missed parts. And then, of course, there was you and B'Elanna to look at. Are you sure what you were doing was part of the official ceremony?"

Tom actually blushed slightly. "Never mind that, Harry! And what B'Elanna and I were doing was no different than the captain and commander." He thought for a moment. "Maybe there was something in that juice after all?"

"Say goodnight, Tom." B'Elanna's tone was rough, with an undercurrent of Klingon amorousness.

Tom lost his train of thought for a moment. Then he blinked and said, "Goodnight, Harry, Seven."

Harry and Seven laughed as they watched him leave. Once they were gone, he tapped his combadge. "Tuvok, I have a message from the captain."

"She and Chakotay just got married. You're in command. She'll see you in a week. If anything happens, she has every faith in your ability to handle it, without contacting her."

Seven slipped her arm into his, "We have several hours of shore leave left. We should make efficient use of them."

She pointed toward one of the exits. "I heard some of the other's talking. There is an establishment that features dancing, 50 meters in that direction." At his surprise, she gave him a smug grin.

Epilogue

The next month's communication with SF Headquarters was "interesting" to say the least. The reply from 'fleet was even more so.

The senior staff sat around the briefing room table as the captain read off the relevant points. Admiral Paris was delighted he was going to be a grandfather. Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay were still married.

The captain went on to explain. "It seems that since the Doctor didn't find any *mind* altering substances in the native juice, we have their apologies, but they can't find anything to invalidate the ceremony. They are of the opinion that the ceremony is binding and valid." Janeway set the PADD down on the table. "Oops."

The comment was met with chuckles from the assembled staff. B'Elanna patted her belly.

She picked up the PADD again. "They did offer us a number of options, we need only imprint these documents, and they will annul the marriage." She looked over at her husband and smiled.

"We informed them that in light of the upcoming birth of our first child, Commander Chakotay and I felt it prudent to remain married."

Kathryn and Chakotay both raised an eyebrow, and B'Elanna kicked him under the table.

Tom stifled an, "Ouch," and grimaced. "Sorry, Captain, but I would have loved to be a fly on the wall during that conversation."

Kathryn nodded and couldn't hold back a smile. "As I was saying, since Starfleet had already agreed to the validity of the marriage, we decided to leave things exactly the way they are."

Earlier that day, Kathryn and Chakotay were in the Astrometrics communicating with home...

Admiral Paris had delivered the news about the marriage and was now explaining their options.

Kathryn interrupted him and took Chakotay's hand. "Admiral... Owen, I appreciate all the trouble you've gone to, but we won't be needing that. Tom and B'Elanna aren't the only ones expecting."

Owen was shocked at first, but then his surprise gave way to something else. "Congratulations, Kathryn, Chakotay."

Then Owen gave her a sly smile. "So, was this whole thing just a tactical ploy?"

Kathryn looked at her husband, and then back to the screen. "No, not all of it. Some of it was just good clean fun."

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© 2001 Anne Rose

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When in Rome & Bread and Circuses

by Anne Rose

Epilogue

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