Stepping Stone

Title: Stepping Stone
Note: Part III of the Stone Heart Series
Author: Kim Riley aka MYSTIC / MysticMcknight
Pairing: C/P
Rated: R
Summary: sequel to Another brick from the Wall. Can Tom save Chakotay
and his unborn children from the likes of Seska?
Disclaimer: Everything but the idea and the talent that went into this
is Paramonts, the rest is all mine.
Feedback: Please! Mysticmcknight@hotmail.com

"Stepping Stone"

"Captain, we have to get him back!" Tom cried out, looking distressed.

"We will. Mister Tuvok, locate that ship. Mister Kim, trace that
transporter beam, it should give us more of a lead to finding the
vessel. Mister Paris, turn us around, ahead warp factor four till we
get a lock on that ship," Janeway ordered. She watched as her crew
snapped into action.

"Captain, I have a lock on the Kazon ship, but they're now out of
transporter range and moving fast," Tuvok replied.

Before Janeway could say a word, she felt Voyager speed up. Tom was
manipulating the controls, his determination set on his face. "Mister
Paris, let us know when we're in transporter range."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. He then started muttering curses of death
against the Kazon and specifically Seska for messing with his husband.
He then increased the ship's speed once more.

"Tom?" Janeway asked.

"Yes, Captain?"

"We'll get him back, but I'd like to get there in one piece if you
don't mind," she said as easily as she could, reminding him he had a
duty to consider as well.

"Understood, Captain," Tom replied and decreased the ship's speed to
just over the Kazon vessel's.

************

Chakotay felt the beam when he was in the turbolift, but by then it
was too late, there was nothing he could do. When he could see again,
he noticed that he wasn't on a transporter pad, but in a cell. He
didn't see anyone around, but he knew where he was and why.

He thought about demanding to be released, but just then, one of the
twins kicked, he smiled then paled. // No! I can't let her find
out!// He looked around, except for a wide bench attached to the
wall, there was no place to hide and it wasn't very dark. Suddenly,
he heard footsteps. He turned towards the bench, moved into the
farthest corner and knelt down, his back to the entranceway. It was a
maneuver not only to attempt to hide his condition, but render a
deeply desperate prayer. // I could just say I got fat?// He thought.
Then realized he was wearing the damned shirt...stating in bold
letters.Twins.

He didn't need to turn around to feel her presence, it now made his
skin crawl. He kept his calm as best he could and kept his head down
in a prayer position. He heard an all to familiar cackle that was
uniquely Seska. "Send me back," was all he said, firm, but not harsh.

"Ah, my dear Chakotay." He heard her say with way too much dark
pleasure in her voice. "I have wanted to get you back on your knees
before me for some time now, but this isn't quite what I had in mind,"
she chuckled. "Ah, come now. What's with the praying? No matter what
you may think.I'm not a demon!" she shouted.

"What do you want, Seska?" he asked dryly, still not moving from his
extremely uncomfortable position.

"Why, I want what I've always wanted.you, my love."

"I am not nor will I ever be your love. Plus, I hate to break it to
you, but I'm married now," he stated with pride as well as some
satisfaction at knowing how that information would sting. // That was
good!// He mused. Then hearing a strangled growl, No, that was bad.
Yes, you know in your heart that you and Tom are one, but you also
know she's going to be even more pissed. How's she going to react
when she finds out you're carrying Tom's children? No, not good at
all.big mouth!//

"That's impossible!" Seska yelled with fury. "There was.no
one.besides," she was heaving air trying to think of the words she
wanted to use. "By your own code, Chakotay, you know you'll be with
me!" she finally said.

"What madness makes you say that?" he slightly chuckled.

It was now her turn to chuckle. "Because I'm carrying your child,
Chakotay," she replied with triumph.

What!? How.calm down Chakotay, calm down.you have two little ones
you know for a fact is yours right now, so stay calm.// "How can that
be?" he asked, risking a slight glance over his shoulder. //She's not
showing.which means Tom's must have come first.thank the spirits for
this much.//

"Oh.just a bit of DNA and some medical skill," she smiled. "You're
going to be the father of a healthy son," she grinned.

"How far along are you?" he asked, making sure he was correct in his
assumptions.

"Two and a half months," she beamed. "Though targ for brains thinks
it's his.I know better, since I did the procedure myself. So, aren't
you going to congratulate me.us, that is?"

Chakotay turned away from Seska. //If I weren't already with child,
she'd be correct. Even if I were already legally married to Tom, I'd
still want to do the right thing, but now.// he smiled a bit. //She's
going to go over the edge when she finds out.but I won't be able to
keep it from her for long. I can't stay in this position much longer.
Oh, Spirits! What do I do?// He remained silent and tried to place
himself in a meditative state, hoping to elevate the severe discomfort
he was feeling.

"Uh, come on, Chakotay?" he heard her say. "We used to be good
together and can be again. Urgh! You and your obsessive prayers.
Fine! I'll be back, when I'm sure you've come to your senses." He
then heard her walk away.

He breathed deeply and focused on the movement of the twins. He found
their life force soothing, strengthening and joyful. Soon, he felt
himself reach the desired state and was again in his safe place, his
wolf by his side, but she was watching something. He moved to see
what it was. To his surprise, it was a cobra and a mongoose, battling
it out, but the mongoose was unusually slow. "What's wrong with it?"
he asked with concern.

He heard the shewolf respond, "Both are soon to be parents, but unlike
the copra, the mongoose has the disadvantage of carrying the child
with her into battle. She is realizing that her old way of war will
not be successful and she must adapt soon, or she and her unborn
children will die."

"What can she do?" he asked, knowing the scene was symbolic of his and
Seska's current fight.

"Watch and learn," the wolf said.

Chakotay watched as the mongoose kept her distance, led the cobra away
from it's hole, then made a dash for it, knowing that the snake would
beat her to it. As the Cobra did and started to enter it's hole, the
Mongoose bit the snake's tail, forcing the snake to move farther in.
It was too narrow for it to turn around, but it was determined to pull
the mongoose inside with it.

"If the Cobra is successful in luring the mongoose inside her den,
where the tunnels widen out and she can then strike freely, the
mongoose is dead," the wolf said quietly, still watching.

The snake was more than half way in, dragging the unwilling mongoose
closer into the hole. When the snake was well over half way in, too
far to change directions, the mongoose let go and ran as fast as she
could into the woods. The battle was not a matter of wining, but
finding a way she could safely escape. The cobra would have to wait
for another day.

"I'm not sure how to use this knowledge," Chakotay started warmly.
"But, I thank you for it and all you've done for me."

"There are depths of strength and love that go beyond the
understanding of those who are in the circle of motherhood. You
possess this as well, use it to protect you and your children,
Chakotay. And know your mate will do the same," she said. He then
felt himself leaving, the pain of being on his knees filled his body.
He pushed and with a lot of effort, got himself up. He found himself
still unguarded, so sat down, as best he could and rested.

***********

"Captain, we're in transporter range," Tom stated as professionally as
he could.

"Captain, I am detecting a pattern scrambler in their shield
harmonics. If we attempt to beam the Commander back, he would be
killed," Tuvok said.

"Sensors have located him. Deck seventeen. He's alone and well,"
Harry added, seeing the stress on his friend's face.

"Captain, what are we going to do?" Tom asked, his composure failing.

"Mister Tuvok, hail the Kazon ship," she ordered.

"They are responding, Captain. Putting it on view screen," Tuvok
responded.

The screen lit up, but instead of Seska's Kazon puppet, it was the
woman herself, looking like the cat who had the canary for dinner.
"Why, Captain Janeway. Are you contacting me to congratulate us?"

"What are you talking about, Seska. You kidnapped Commander Chakotay.
I want him returned unharmed, now. Do you hear me?" Janeway replied
through clenched teeth.

"Oh, I would, but.you see, I don't think Chakotay will want to go
back, being that he's going to be a father," she said triumpetly,
smiling her wicked grin.

Janeway was truly puzzled. Of course Chakotay was going to be a
father, but why would it keep him from returning? Only one way to
find out, "Yes, Seska we know, but how would that prevent him from
wanting to leave.did you threaten him?" she asked, her eyes darkening.
She then caught a glimpse of pure hate well up in her chief pilot's.

"Threaten, Chakotay? Now why would I do such a terrible thing to the
man who is the father of our child?" she replied in mock innocence.

"Your child?" Tom snapped, unable to remain silent anymore.

"Ah, Tom.why yes!" Seska stepped back a bit and rubbed her hand over
her abdomen. "Almost three months. And he'll be strong just like his
father," she grinned.

Tom whirled to face the Captain, something was not right here, he knew
it, he hoped the Captain knew it too. By the look in her eyes, she
knew something was amiss. She shifted in her seat. "Does, Commander
Chakotay know of this?" she asked calmly, trying to figure out the
situation.

"Oh, yes," she beamed, then settled a bit. "But, you know how he is.
Instead of welcoming the news, he just prays about it," she smirked.
"Oh and Captain, you really shouldn't be so lenient on your officers.
I do believe I'll have to help him get back into shape," she
chuckled. "I'm sure I'll come up with a few ways on how to deal with
that," she grinned. "Oh, I'm sure he'll be contacting his wife soon
to let her know the bad news, but all's fair in love and war," she
smirked again. Her expression then turned serious, "Oh and Captain.
This ship's shields have pattern scramblers, so there won't be any
transporter tag with my Chakotay, get it?" She then leaned forward
and clicked off the communication channel.

"Wife?" Tom asked, looking at the Captain.

"Out of shape?" she responded.

"It would appear that Commander Chakotay has found a way to keep his
true condition from Seska for the moment and has informed her that he
was already married, to sway her from pushing his code of honor
against him," Tuvok added as to clarify things for them.

"How does a man who's five months pregnant, hide his condition when
he's as big as.he is?" Tom asked, forgoing the joke. Though he was
pleased that his lover was as usual, handling himself with skill and
his natural grace.

"Praying!" Janeway snapped her fingers. "He was beamed into the cell,
moved into the far corner and assumed a praying position. His back to
the entranceway, so all Seska could tell was he looked heavier than
normal.poor man," she let out a deep sigh.

"He won't be able to keep his condition a secret from her for long,"
Tuvok interjected.

"Senior staff to my office on the double. I want Voyager so close to
that Kazon ship, that Seska could reach out and touch us, understood?"
she commanded as she got up and headed to her office, knowing her
orders would be carried out.

*************

When all her senior staff were seated, missing one First Officer, she
looked deadly serious at everyone, as did Tom. "Okay, suggestions?"
Janeway asked.

B'Elanna spoke up first. "I've gone over the readings. There is no
way to beam him out as it is, though the frequency is marginal, I can
taper it to make an opening.but," she trailed off.

"But what?" Tom asked, then looked skittish realizing he overstepped
here, just a bit.

Janeway nodded her understanding, then looked at Torres to continue.
"But?"

"Well, the opening would be small and possibly unstable, I really
don't want to risk it with him, much less the twins. It's just too
dangerous," she looked grim for a moment.

"If out is not in order, how about in?" Tom inquired.

B'Elanna looked a bit more enthusiastic. "Well, it would make the risk
lower," she replied. "But, they would detect it," she added.

"It sounds like a good distraction is called for here," Tom mused with
a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"What did you have in mind, Lieutenant?" Janeway asked.

"Well, they have their sensors on Voyager, so if she dispatched a
shuttle, they would be very interested in what it was doing," Tom
replied.

"I see," Janeway responded in thought.

"We could also use the shuttle to send a signal that would increase
the harmonics frequency and increase the odds of the beam in," Harry
chirped.

"All right. Since we can only send one in, this is what we'll do.
Tom," Janeway began, the mention of his name had him on the edge of
his seat. "You take the shuttle after Harry and B'Elanna."

"The shuttle?" Tom interrupted, completely unsatisfied with this plan
already.

Janeway could see why Tom would be objecting. "Yes, Tom. The shuttle.
Tuvok will go after Chakotay, your our best pilot and we'll need
our."

"Captain." Tom pleaded, knowing he was pushing it here, but this was
his lover; he didn't care about his rank. "I need to go. I have to
go, Cha is waiting for me to come get him, I know it. If I don't.I.I
have too," Tom insisted, trying to keep his hysteria under control or
she'd never allow it. Deep down he did know that he had to be the one
to save his mate, it was primal, spiritual, a must.

"Tom, I know how you feel, but."

Tuvok was the one to interrupt the Captain this time. "Forgive me,
Captain. But under the circumstances, Lieutenant Paris' mind will not
be focused on flying the shuttle and it would decrease the odds of our
success, where if he is to head the rescue he will be.more focused
than anyone here."

Janeway looked at her old friend. "And that would be the.logical
thing to do?" She asked, not quiet convinced.

"Perhaps, not the most logical, but the most pragmatic that would best
suit this situation," he replied.

"Very well," Janeway decided, shifting in her chair. "Than mister
Tuvok, will take the shuttle after Harry and B'Elanna have made the
harmonic frequency changes, while mister Paris heads the rescue of
Commander Chakotay.

"You do realize that you'll have to get the shields down for us to get
you both back safely?" B'Elanna asked.

"Yes. Don't worry. I'll get them down and get Cha back unharmed,"
Tom replied professionally. file://And kill the bitch with my bear
hands,// he added silently.

"All right. How long before you're ready to go?" Janeway asked,
looking at Torres.

"I'll have everything ready in half an hour," B'Elanna quipped. She
didn't even wait to be dismissed before moving form her seat. Harry
waited for the Captain's nod then followed after the engineer.

"I'll go over the shuttle's check list in preparation for the flight,"
Tuvok said, his logical reason to leave Tom and the Captain alone to
talk.

After they were alone, Kathryn moved and poured two warm cups of
coffee from the mess hall thermos that Neelix had provided. She
brought it over and placed one cup down before the young man who was
trying to hold it all in and placed her free hand on his shoulder.
"He'll be okay," she said motherly. "Seska won't harm him."

"Normally, I'd buy that," Tom began, his voice shaking. "But, what
kept him safe was that she's obsessed with being with him. Marriage,
children, the whole typical package. What scares me is what she'll do
when she finds out.she can't have that."

"Are you saying that she might.?" Janeway wanted to kick herself for
even bringing that idea out into the open.

"Hurt the children?" Tom asked for her. "I've thought of that, but I
know Chakotay will some how keep her from doing that, as best he can.
But yes, I think she would." Tom then chanced a look at his long
term Captain, letting her see the tears on his face. "I know it
doesn't make sense, but I know he's waiting for me to get him home,
that I'm the only one he'd ever truly let rescue him, if you know what
I mean?"

Kathryn smiled warmly. "Chakotay is a very strong and prideful man.
You've reached places in his heart I don't think any of us would have
had a clue existed if not for you. So, yes, to some degree, it makes
a lot of sense. Go.go get ready to bring your husband to be home,"
she said as she patted him on the shoulder, then watched the young man
smile his gratitude and walk out.

*************

Chakotay was tired and didn't think he could keep the pretense of
prayer up much longer. He had to face Seska, but with coolness he
didn't feel. He did his best to control the tears he felt from the
frustration of feeling so vulnerable. He knew he couldn't fight, not
like he wanted to, so he had to be cautious and rely on others to help
him out; something he hated, but then he thought about Tom and how
wonderful having the young man in his life had been. He remembered
all that he and Tom had learned on this life's journey they were on
together and knew that Tom would come and rescue him, all he had to do
was placate Seska till he got here and wait. That was going to be the
killer.

He heard steps and by the light echo he figured it had to be Seska
again. He pushed himself up, turned his back and walked to the
corner, still thinking of how to handle this situation. He then heard
the beeping of buttons being pushed and the end of the low electronic
hum that accompanied the force field. He stole a small glance over
his shoulder and saw that Seska still wore that damn canary-eating
smile.

She swayed her way slowly towards him; he turned away from her. "Come
on, Chakotay," he heard her purr as she strode slowly towards him.

"I'd prefer that you didn't touch me," he said dryly.

"Aw, but it could be just like old times. You know.rekindle old
flames," she replied eagerly.

"I'm afraid we'll have to object to any rekindling," he said coolly.

Seska laughed, "We?"

Now is as good a time as any,// he thought and turned around. "Yes,
'we'," he replied with pride gleaming in his eyes.

"What!?" Seska shouted and jumped back a few steps as she got a good
look at Chakotay and the shirt he was wearing, advertising his
condition. "What kind of absurd 'joke' is this?" she demanded, fury
and irritation filling her voice.

"I don't think my children are a joke, Seska. I would have thought
that you of all people would have realized that by now," Chakotay
replied, resting his hands on his enlarged stomach.

"This is ridiculous!" she snapped. "You're.you're not." she stuttered
in shock.

"It only goes to show you, Seska. You were wrong about me then and
you're wrong about me now. So, let's put this foolishness aside and
let me go."

Seska's eyes were still wide and locked onto the word twins. She
instinctively reached out to touch his enlarged stomach to see if this
was for real, but by Chakotay's reaction of placing his hands in front
of them and stepping back, was enough to tell her.this was indeed
real. "Unacceptable!" She shouted.

Seeing the danger in the female Cardassian's eyes, he knew he had to
get some control over this matter before she decided to strike
blindly. "What is done is done," he said calmly. "Besides, I thought
you'd be happy that your son would have siblings his own age to play
with," he added; though he still didn't believe her. That's when he
saw it, the glint of light from something metal.

Instincts he never even knew he had, kicked in, as the hair on the
back of his neck furled, he saw Seska moving towards him with a
dagger in her hand. His right arm intercepted the blade and deflected
away from his abdomen, as his left hand grabbed the wrist that held
the knife. He may not have the same maneuverability, but he did have
strength, even if she was a Cardassian. He flicked her wrist and
heard the crack. Then pushed her back, while kicking the blade behind
him under the bench.

Their eyes locked as she cradled her broken wrist and he, his gashed
arm. The fire, the anger, the determination was clear in both pairs,
but Seska had an advantage, she moved out of the cell and knowing
Chakotay couldn't, she reached where a pulse rifle was stashed in a
wall cabinet.

Chakotay watched with horror as he saw Seska reach for the rifle, he
knew he couldn't do a damn thing about it in his condition. Fear
filled him, not for himself, but his unborn children. "If you harm my
children, I'll not only hate you forever, but I'll kill that bastard
you're carrying with my own hands!" He swore, desperate to save his
and Tom's children.

Seska had been facing Chakotay when he made his declaration; the rifle
set on heavy stun, enough to harm the brats, but not him. She
hesitated at hearing his words. //Would he really do that?// she
thought, for the first time wondering just how much the man she loved
had changed and how far he would go. //Not that much,// she decided as
she leveled the rifle at Chakotay's stomach. "You can make all the
empty threats you want, love. But let's face it, you'd never hurt
your own child, no matter how much you're angry with me. Besides,
you'll thank me for this later," she smirked and took aim.

Chakotay turned around hoping his body could take the pulse and closed
his eyes when he heard the shot. He braced himself, but realized he
didn't feel anything, then he heard a clunk. He turned to see Seska
on the floor, the rifle near by. Tom stepped over her as he rushed
over to hug his lover. "Tom!" he cried, never happier to see his love
then right this moment.

Tom hugged his love as tightly as he could without hurting the little
ones. "It's okay," he soothed, feeling the tremors of his love
sobbing. "I'm here, Chakotay. I'm here. It's going to be all right,"
he said again as he kissed the older man on the top of his head. "We
need to get out of here, which means I need to get the shields down,"
he smiled confidently.

Chakotay looked up into those beautiful blue eyes. "My angel," he
whispered. "Once again, my saving grace.and my hero."

"Mmm."

"Shit, she's coming around," Tom snarled.

"Tom! She's pregnant.the phaser blast."

"I knew she was and it was on the lowest setting possible," Tom
replied, though wishing otherwise as he moved and grabbed up the pulse
rifle.

"We need to take her with us," the Commander stated.

Tom looked at his love, but understood. They needed to be sure if she
was telling the truth or not. "All right. I saw a computer console
at the end of the hall here. I'll get her if you think you can handle
the shields?" he smiled in his best teasing smile.

"Trust me, Paris. I may not be able to see my feet, but I can still
handle a computer," Chakotay replied in his best Commander tone with
just enough edge to make his love laugh.

************

"Welcome to Voyager," the EMH greeted as Seska woke and found herself
on a Starfleet biobed, restrained. She looked over and saw Chakotay
sitting up on another bed, being fussed over by the Maquis trader, Tom
Paris. She growled in fury.

"Uh, that is precisely why you are restrained," the Doctor responded
as he moved over to the computer and ran some testes.

"Well?" Chakotay asked the Doctor.

"Give me a moment," he replied, still working the computer.

"Your lucky you're pregnant, bitch! Or else you wouldn't be
breathing!" Tom fired off at the Cardassian lying across from his
love. He even made a step in her direction, but a hand from Chakotay
brought him some sense of balance to his temper. He turned, hugging
and kissing his lover. "I'll be all right," he whispered.

"Oh, Great Gul!" Seska shouted in disgusted. "It was bad enough
knowing you found someone else, even to go as far as bearing children,
but.this? But this.this perversion with a male? And not just any
male, but the fucking Maquis trader himself?"

Tom felt his fury boiling again, but it was Chakotay who spoke first,
"Face it, Seska. You just weren't man enough for me," he replied, then
kissed his angel.

"How interesting to note that your brand of wit, Lieutenant, is
contagious," the Doctor quipped as he moved back towards Seska. "It
would seem, miss Seska, that you are in error. Commander Chakotay is
not the father of your child," he said, then looked over to see two
very relieved men.

"That's impossible! I preformed the procedure myself!" she snapped.

"Oh, I did detect the DNA sample and egg you had implanted, but you
were already pregnant at the time. Quite surprising to know that
Kazon and Cardassians are compatible species," he mused. "Oh, I also
took the liberty to remove all traces of Commander Chakotay's DNA from
your body. We wouldn't want any more attempts of unwanted conception,
now would we?"

Chakotay was relieved. Suddenly, he sat up straight and placed Tom's
hand onto his stomach. "He kicked," he said, a whole new expression
coming over his face as he lit up like a Christmas tree.

Tom beamed with joy as well. "How do you know it was he and not she?"
he asked.

"Because," Chakotay was about to say when he grinned even wider. "That
was her kicking."

"I love you," Tom said, caressing were his children were growing.

"And I love you too, Angel."

"Oh, Great Gul! Sedate me or something, so I don't have to listen to
this!" Seska shouted.

Just then, Janeway walked in with Tuvok and several security officers.
"Well?" she asked, looking at the Doctor and Chakotay.

"Seska's the proud mother of the first half Cardassian, half Kazon
child in the Delta quadrant," Tom piped in.

"Ah, well then this will make this a bit easier," Janeway stated, her
joy of knowing that Chakotay wouldn't be plagued by her, at least by
this aspect, was a great relief.

"What easier?" Chakotay asked.

"The Kazon are demanding Seska be returned, because they believe she's
carrying their leader's child. Since it's true, as much as I want to
lock you in the brig for life, I think it wise for the moment to let
her go."

"What!?" Tom snapped, his eyes burning with the injustice of it all.

"Lieutenant Paris. There are five Kazon vessels heading this way. If
we return Seska, they have no reason to pursue us and have given their
word that they would not, under a Kazon oath," Tuvok responded.

"Like that has any value!" Tom snarled.

"Mister Paris," the Captain warned. The young man was close to
crossing the line with her.

"Hon, it's okay," Chakotay said, soothing his love by rubbing his hand
down Tom's back. "I really don't think I would like the idea of her
here on this ship, even in the brig, in the least bit. Her leaving,
knowing that we're together and she has no ties to me whatsoever, is
enough. Let it go."

Tom looked into the eyes of his beloved and saw that this was what he
truly needed to have, peace of mind and he couldn't resist him
anything. He relaxed his posture and turned to the Captain. "I
apologize, Captain," he said sincerely.

Both men watched as Seska was taken by armed guards to the transporter
room that would send her packing, then back at the Captain, who was
smiling from ear to ear.

"What?" Tom asked, not able to keep a smile from his own face.

"Oh, nothing. The two of you make the cutest couple," she chuckled.

"I'm glad you think so, for I believe were due to be married soon,"
Chakotay replied, a huge grin himself.

"Ah, yes. Well, I also thought you both would be glad to know that
we've located an M-class planet that has more than enough of what we
need to get power levels back up so this wedding doesn't have to be on
hold much longer," Janeway added with a grin.

"Really, how soon?" Tom asked eagerly.

"We're three days away, so I'd say to plan for a week from today.
What do you say?"

"I say, what are we waiting for," Tom said with his joyous inpatience
as Chakotay just laughed at his young love's enthusiasm.

"Well, then, I'll let you two plan. Oh and Commander, our deal
stands, but you have the next three days off to rest and that's an
order," she smirked and left.

Tom looked to see that even the holo Doc had left them, so he wrapped
his arms around his love again and kissed him deeply. "I can't wait
to be.hey, what will I be? Mister Kotay?" he asked with a teasing
smile.

"Well, since my people don't use last names, I was seriously thinking
of taking yours."

"Bad idea," Tom responded coolly.

"Why?"

"I told you about my father and I'm not exactly proud of being a
Paris," Tom replied.

"All the more reason to give you the pride you deserve in being who
'you' are," Chakotay said, taking his love's face in his hand and
gently looked deep into his eyes. "You are everything to me. Can you
look me in the eye and tell me you are worthless?"

"I.I couldn't be, if a man like you loves me," Tom whispered back,
really seeing all the love, admiration, and respect his soon to be
husband had for him.

"Then I have an idea," Chakotay smiled with a gleam in his eyes.

***********

The warm wind blew through the open green meadow as the sun shined
brightly, accenting all the color nature had to offer. The sound of a
babbling brook echoed in the distance as people crowed together, to
witness the joining of Tom Paris and Chakotay. The planet had not only
been inhabitable, though no one lived there, but beautiful and Tom and
Chakotay both agreed that this was the place they would take their
vows.

The night before, in a smaller attended ceremony, Chakotay performed
the rights of his tribe and he and Tom were now bound in spirit as
well as in body as he inducted his husband into his family and his
life. The fresh tattoo that Tom now wore like his mate, still
glistened as if still wet from the ink of last night as the sun shined
down on them both. Tom dressed in sky blue, that accented his eyes,
without shoes, faced his love, who wore what he believed was the first
time, pure white. The purity of the color seemed to darken his skin
and add to his glow his spirit was pulsating as they stood together in
front of Captain Janeway, who insisted to make it legal, wore her
uniform, but swore to change for the reception.

"We have traveled a long way, and may still have a ways to go," she
said. "But as we do so, we are reminded of what it is we travel to
and fight for on such special occasions when two very unique and
loving souls find one another and the purity of love is born. In the
days when ships only sailed the seas, it was always the Captain's
greatest honor to hold the power to unite such blessed beings."
Janeway looked at Chakotay and Tom with such pride, she could have
just burst.

"Do you, Thomas Eugene Paris, take this man, Chakotay of the Creek
nation to be your lawfully wedded husband. Through sickness and
health, through good times and bad, to honor and cherish so long as
you both shall live?"

"I do," Tom replied as a small tear rolled down his cheek.

"Do you, Chakotay of the Creek nation, take this man, Thomas Eugene
Paris to be your lawfully wedded husband. Through sickness and
health, through good times and bad, to honor and cherish so long as
you both shall live?"

"I do," Chakotay said, also a small tear running down his cheek.

"The rings," Janeway said.

Tom took the golden silver band he had made especially for Chakotay,
from Harry, his best man and friend and took Chakotay's hand and
placed the ring on his wedding finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."

Then Chakotay took the silver ring with an engraved wolf on it that he
had made just for Tom from B'Elanna, his best 'man' and best friend.
"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With the power invested by me, I do pronounce you wed!" Janeway
stated happily.

The crowed cheered as the married couple kissed long and deeply, only
to stop at the sound of the Captain clearing her throat. "Save it for
the honeymoon," she teased.

Chakotay smiled at his new husband. "So how do you feel, mister
Paris?"

"Wonderful!" Tom replied. "And how do you feel.mister Paris," he
smirked.

"Wonderful," he said and kissed his husband again.

"Well, with two mister Paris' on board, this just may get confusing,"
Kathryn teased as well wishers pushed their way up to the newly
married couple.

"For technical reasons, let's just stick with Chakotay," the Commander
replied.

"Hey, let's get this reception on the road!" B'Elanna shouted.

All was well as the newlyweds enjoyed their friends, their
surroundings and their love.

**********

"Honey, that's the eighth time you've been up tonight. Are you sure
you're all right?" Tom asked from bed. It was 0330 and he had bridge
duty in the morning. Even if his loving, though miserable, spouse was
forced onto maternity leave, due to the fact he was now eight months
pregnant.

"I'm sorry, Tom. But, the Doctor already told me that this was just
another typical thing about being pregnant."

"So, along with swollen fingers and ankles, lower back pain, it's
normal to piss every five minutes," Tom replied, trying not to let his
tiredness and annoyance of his lack of sleep to enter his voice. He
watched as his love and husband, looking very tired himself, waddled
out of the bathroom, only to take a half seat on the edge of the bed,
a scowl on his face.

"Honey, come back to bed, it's late," Tom said trying to be
supportive.

"Why? I'll only have to get up again, might as well save me the
hassle and stay up. I'd stay in the bathroom, but the toilet is just
too uncomfortable to sit on," he grumbled.

"Why don't you go see the Doctor?" Tom suggested.

"I told you, he said it's nor.mal," Chakotay snapped, his tired
irritation showing.

Tom had been through this far too long to let it get to him anymore.
"Honey, I'm sure it is. But, you haven't slept well in two days and I
know that isn't healthy for you or the children. Perhaps, if you talk
with him, he can help you get the rest you need, huh?" Tom could see
his husband tossing the idea around in his head.

"Oh, all right. I'll go see the quack," the big man snipped as he got
up with a push from Tom and retrieved his robe.

"I do believe the doctor is right," Tom smiled. "My wit is rubbing off
on you." Tom started to push off the covers.

"What are you doing?" The Commander's side of him now showing. "You
have an early shift tomorrow and I am 'quite' capable of walking to
the infirmary myself, thank you very much."

Tom had seen this side of his husband a lot too and it was the
I'm-still-independent-and-don't- you-forget-it mode. "Okay, okay," he
acquiesced as he lay back down. "But, if your not back in my arms
within an hour, I'm coming after you," he teased.

"Hell, it'll take me that long just to get there," Chakotay muttered
as he started out of the room.

Tom was tired and didn't realize he had fallen back to sleep till the
ship shuttering violently, startled him awake. The first thing he
took into account was that Chakotay was not with him. The ship
shuttered again as the red alert claxon sounded. Tom jumped out of
bed and grabbed his uniform. "Paris to Chakotay," he said while
slipping his clothes on and started for the door. No answer. "Paris
to Chakotay!" Tom said again as he started running towards the lift.
He was forced to the other side of the hall as the ship rattled
violently again. He got to the lift to see several other crewmembers
gathered, but no lift had arrived.

"We'll have to use the other ones, or the shafts!" Tom shouted as
another boom of an explosion echoed throughout the ship. His mind was
filled with fear for his husband, but he was a Starfleet officer and
he knew Chakotay wouldn't expect anything less than his best as an
officer during a crisis. He turned, ran to the other turbo lift and
hot tailed it to the bridge.

The ship had been under attack from an aggressive race called the
Kalkston, that had believed that if they captured Voyager, they could
possess all it's technical wonders, but fortunately they had failed to
take into account that Voyager's technical wonders would kick their
ass for trying. Tom Paris sat back in his chair, giving a deep sigh
of relief as the Captain gave the all clear and stepped the ship down
from red alert.

"Sickbay to lieutenant Paris," the Doctor's voice came over his com
unit.

"Paris, here," Tom replied, puzzled for a moment.

"You'd better get down here, there's been an accident."

The End