"Look out!"

The warning nearly came too late as a book skidded to a halt in front of Ayala's foot and a box crashed to the ground just to his right. He had been wandering down a quiet residential street near the center of town enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and the brisk winter air on Voyager's third day in orbit around a pleasant planet known to its inhabitants as Konstin.

It was Ayala's first chance to take some shore leave in nearly six months. He had started in the main commercial district and browsed through a few stores to get a flavor of the culture then stopped for lunch at a small café that catered to the city's visitors from the many ships in orbit. His server at the café had suggested he visit a nearby park if he was interested in seeing some of the native plants. Ayala had followed his directions to the park. Most of the trees in the park were evergreen and beautifully maintained.

One side of the park bordered the commercial area, another a river, the third seemed to lead to an industrial complex of some sort and the fourth had opened into the neighborhood Ayala had been traversing. When Ayala reached the other side of the park, he had no trouble choosing which way to go. He had seen the commercial center and the industrial area looked like every other industrial area on a dozen planets, so he turned toward the peaceful residential area. Housing nearer the park had been for single families but this block was devoted to low-rise apartment buildings.

The shout had come from one of the apartment buildings and Ayala looked up to see that the voice belonged to a young woman trying to carry several boxes down the steps. Apparently, the box with the book had been on top of the stack in her arms.  She carefully made her way down the rest of the steps and stopped next to him.

"I'm so sorry. Did anything hit you?" Her voice was low and husky, but her expression conveyed an almost childlike concern that he might have been hurt.

Ayala found himself staring into bright violet eyes nearly level with his own. They stared at him from an otherwise ordinary face bundled against the cold. Strands of dark brown hair pushed their way out from under her hat.

"Are you all right?" The concern in her voice had increased but the question jerked Ayala into action.

"I'm fine." As he spoke, Ayala realized she was standing there holding boxes of things precariously balanced. "Here, let me help you."

Ayala quickly shifted the majority of the stack to his arms. "Now, where do these go?"

The woman's initial protests faded quickly as she picked up the items from the ground.  "They go in the back of my transport."

Ayala glanced toward the street and decided that hers was the one with boxes partially filling the back of the passenger compartment. He walked towards it and waited for her to join him. She quickly opened the door and started loading the boxes.  As she stood up and closed the door, she sighed.

Ayala studied the woman's face briefly. The sigh should have been in relief at completing her task but sounded more like she was sad and worried.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, why?"

"You sounded sad."

"Oh." The woman actually looked at Ayala for the first time. She seemed to study him for a moment. "It's just that I've lived here for a long time and I'm sorry to be leaving."

"Well, I'm sure you'll be happy in your new place." Ayala tried to cheer her up but she gave him a funny look so he changed the subject. "I should apologize. My name is Ayala. My ship is in orbit for a few days."

"Hi, my name Mirlinda Alani, Lindy to my friends."

"Pleased to meet you Mirlinda Alani." Ayala acted on an impulse. "Would you care to join me for a cup of coffee or whatever its substitute is here?"

She shook her head. "No, you'd better call me Lindy. Pleased to meet you, too, Ayala, and I'd love a cup of chotkae." She motioned toward the transport. "Get in. There is a small café just a few blocks away. We can go there."

Ten minutes later, they were settled at a table with hot drinks of something that reminded Ayala of hot chocolate.

"Mmm, this is good. I hope they included this in our trade arrangements."

"It's a favorite among the children. If they didn't, I can show you a store where you can buy the mix to take with you." Lindy smiled at his obvious enjoyment. "Tell me about your ship."

Ayala regaled Lindy with half a dozen stories of their adventures in the last three years but spent most of his time recounting the changes they had made since the birth of Taylor and RT. Lindy was soon laughing as he recounted a tale he had heard from Joe Carey about the trials and tribulations of having an 8-months pregnant chief engineer. Ayala enjoyed watching her laugh. When he finished, he took a sip of his chotkae.

"Your turn. Tell me about Konstin."

The light faded slightly from Lindy's eyes but her smile remained fixed. "Well, I have nothing so grand to tell. When I was young, we lived away from the city. I had a wonderful time there, running and playing in the fields. After my mother died, my father moved us to the city to be closer to his work. He tried very hard to spend a lot of time with me but he was a very busy man and it was difficult. He was killed in an accident when I was nine."

"I'm sorry, Lindy. It must have been very difficult for you."

"It was, but I managed. The government has programs here for children without parents so I had a foster family."

"I doubt it was the same."

"No, but I got along all right. I was allowed to choose my field of study and the school I wished to attend. I've been out on my own now for five years."

"What did you study?"

"I think you would call it structural engineering, but we are much more specialized than many of the people we trade with."

"How specialized?"

"Well, my basic training included structures like houses, office buildings and factories. My more advanced training dealt with ocean vessels and flying transports and the basics of closed environment structures like submarines and space stations. My specialty is closed environment systems under extreme pressure, either internal or external. I prefer to work with space stations but I am also trained to design deep sea facilities and ships."

"That must be exciting."

"Oh, I've never been on either. I'm still too inexperienced to inspect a project on site."

"Well, that's something to look forward to then." Ayala missed the shadow that crossed Lindy's face because he was drinking the last of his chotkae. "If I can get permission, would you like to come see my ship?"

"Really? Could you do that?" Lindy's eyes lit up at the thought of visiting a ship in orbit. "Don't do anything that would get you in trouble."

"I won't get in trouble for asking. Chakotay is on duty this afternoon. He won't mind me asking as long as I don't disobey orders."

"Is he the captain?"

"No, but he will know whether it's ok to have visitors on board."

"Well, if you're sure you won't get in trouble, I'd love to visit your ship."

It took Ayala only a few minutes to contact the ship and receive permission for Lindy to come on board for a visit. He stood and paid the bill for their drinks.

"Let's go then." Ayala held out his hand to Lindy, which she smilingly accepted.

A few minutes later, they were standing next to her transport.

"OK, I'm going to call for us to be transported to my ship. You don't have to, but most people find it easier the first time if they close their eyes. Ready?"

Lindy nodded and Ayala signaled Voyager to transport them up. When they materialized on Voyager, Lindy grabbed Ayala's hand.

"You all right?"

"I think so, yes." Lindy smiled hesitantly. "Oh, that is such a strange feeling. Is it supposed to feel like that?"

"Yes, that's how it's supposed to feel. I guess I'd forgotten my first transporter ride." Ayala studied Lindy for a moment. "Come on. We can't stand here forever. They need this for others."

As Ayala led Lindy off the transporter padd, the ensign at the controls spoke. "Lieutenant, the Commander asked that you make the bridge your first stop."

"Ok, thanks, Davies." Ayala added a smile to his words. He pulled off his coat and turned to help Lindy with hers. He stuffed both coats in a storage locker before he led Lindy toward the door. "Come on, Lindy. Chakotay is going to know the minute we've beamed aboard. He must want to meet you."

Ayala tried to walk at his normal pace through the corridors but Lindy was glancing around with interest at the various panels and signs so she was moving more slowly. She seemed puzzled when they stopped at the door for the turbolift. Her expression cleared when the door opened and she realized it was a lift.

"What do you think so far?"

"It's all very interesting. I've done the structural designs for similar vessels but I've never seen what they put over all the structural components." The lift started moving and threw Lindy a bit off balance. "Oops! That caught me by surprise. Our lifts give an audible signal before they start to move."

The lift slid to a halt and the door opened onto the bridge. Lindy stepped off ahead of Ayala and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the view screen. Konstin turned slowly beneath Voyager. There were only a few scattered clouds so it was easy to see the division between land and water.

Chakotay stood and motioned Ayala and Lindy forward. Lindy didn't notice him until Ayala gently nudged her from behind.  "Commander, this is Mirlinda Alani. Lindy, this is Commander Chakotay our first officer."

"Welcome aboard, Mirlinda Alani."

"Thank you, Commander." Lindy's eyes moved back to the view screen. "If I don't see anything else, this sight alone is worth the trip."

Ayala spoke quietly to Chakotay. "Why aren't we in synchronous orbit, Chakotay?"

Chakotay smiled. "I mentioned you were bringing someone to see the ship and the captain thought your friend might like to see the view from here. Synchronous orbit is boring after about two minutes so we obtained permission for a faster orbit. We'll resume synchronous orbit in about fifteen minutes. That's why I wanted you to make this your first stop."

"Thanks. I was only planning on the mess hall and hydroponics, places like that. You've made this special for her. Be sure to thank the captain for me."

"You can thank her yourself. She wants you two in her ready room as soon as Ms. Alani is ready."

Hearing her name finally got Lindy's attention back on the others.  "Please, call me Lindy, Commander."

"All right, Lindy. Now, if you can pull yourself away from the view screen, the captain would like to meet you."

"The captain?" Lindy sounded nervous. "I wouldn't know what to say to him."

"The captain is a 'her' and if you start with 'hello', you'll do just fine." Chakotay smiled and motioned them toward the ready room. Lindy followed Ayala to the door. Her eyes darted around the door while she waited for it to open.

"Come in." A pleasant voice spoke before they had moved far enough into the room for the door to close. "Welcome aboard Voyager."

Lindy had been surprised when she heard that the captain was a woman and had expected a tall strong woman. She was more surprised to see an obviously pregnant woman nearly twenty centimeters shorter than she was. She stopped and stared.

Kathryn smothered a laugh but allowed herself to smile. "Is something wrong?"

Lindy flushed with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry. I was expecting a man to be captain until just a minute ago, then…." She didn't know how to continue.

"I'm pregnant. It's not a big deal, at least not for four more months." Kathryn patted her belly then held out her hand. "I'm Kathryn Janeway."

Lindy flushed again. "I'm Mirlinda Alani and I must apologize for my manners, Captain. Please don't think ill of my people because of me."

"I don't mind. Your reaction is refreshing after some of the pompous fools I've met over the years. Why were you expecting a man to be captain?"

"My culture seems to be very much likes yours in many ways. Men and women are given the same educational opportunities and nearly all of the same job opportunities. But from what I've learned from Ayala, in many ways, we are quite different. Centuries ago, we were a very patriarchal society. While many things have changed, the place of women socially has not changed as much. I guess the best way to explain it is to say that a woman has a male 'protector' her entire life. Her father serves in that capacity and transfers the responsibility to her husband. An uncle, brother or son may also serve as a protector.  When a woman is employed, the employer assumes the role of protector while she is working. Men take that responsibility very seriously. Women can work in any profession but are seldom allowed to hold the top position in any company though many hold the second position.

"We also place a high value on our families so many women leave their jobs while their children are young." Lindy suddenly realized how her words might sound to the captain. She rushed to explain. "I'm sorry. I don't mean that a woman who keeps working while she has young children is uncaring. Oh dear, that sounds even worse."

Kathryn laughed gently. "It's all right. I understand what you mean. All of us on Voyager are painfully aware of that conflict. My husband makes it much easier for me to carry out my responsibilities to my ship and my family."

The two continued talking for a few more minutes before Lindy glanced at an impatient Ayala.  "I really want to thank you for allowing Ayala to bring me to you ship. I doubt I'll ever have another opportunity to visit a ship in orbit again. I'll never forget what Konstin looks like from up here. It's beautiful and so peaceful."

Kathryn smiled. "I need to talk to more people like you, Mirlinda Alani, if only to remind me how marvelous it all is."

"Please, call me Lindy, Captain." She glanced at Ayala. "I think we'd better go and let you get back to your work."

"Oh, I won't get any more work done today. In about two minutes, Chakotay will come through that door and tell me my shift is over and to get off my bridge."

Ayala smiled knowing that Kathryn was exaggerating slightly but Lindy looked appalled. "Your first officer can order you off your bridge?"

Kathryn laughed. "No, not exactly. He's my husband and very good at finding reasons for me to rest more. Stick around and watch him in action. He should be here in about thirty seconds."

"Maybe we should leave before he comes. I don't want to cause any trouble."

The chime sounded before Kathryn could say anything. "Too late. There he is."

Chakotay entered the room smiling before addressing Kathryn. "Captain, I believe you have an appointment to meet Taylor in a few minutes."

Kathryn smiled and turned to Lindy, pointedly ignoring Chakotay. "I told you he was good at thinking up reasons. Taylor is our eighteen-month-old daughter. Chakotay promised her this morning that I would pick her up early from day care this afternoon. Lindy, why don't you come with me and make the daycare center the first stop on your tour of Voyager?"

Lindy was wishing she could fall through the floor until she caught the broad grin on Chakotay's face and saw the twinkle in Kathryn's eyes. Then she realized that they were teasing each other and relaxed enough to speak. "I don't want to impose, Captain."

"You won't be imposing. I'd like you to meet my daughter and the other children. They don't get to meet many people."

"If you're sure, I'd love to meet her."

"Commander, you have the bridge." Kathryn motioned Lindy to come with her as she headed for the door with Ayala following.

As Ayala passed him, Chakotay reached out and tapped his arm. "Make sure the captain stays in the daycare center. If I find out she went on a tour of the ship with you, I will not be amused."

"I understand, Commander. You do realize I can't actually stop her?"

Chakotay nodded as Ayala picked up his pace to follow the women. Shaking his head and chuckling, Chakotay followed them all to the bridge.

Later, Ayala and Lindy were laughing as they walked down a corridor. When Ayala stepped to the side and stopped, the laughter died.

"Well, that's it. You've seen as much of Voyager as I can show you. Believe me, what you missed is not all that interesting unless you are really into the applied mechanics of some pretty esoteric physics."

Lindy's voice was soft as she spoke. "I can never thank you enough for bringing me to see Voyager. I've truly enjoyed seeing the ship and meeting a few of your friends as well as your captain. You've made the whole day very special for me. Thank you."

"The day doesn't have to end just yet." Ayala met Lindy's eyes. "Have dinner with me? You pick the restaurant – any restaurant."

"I couldn't impose on you. You've done so much for me already."

"It's no imposition. I've already missed dinner in the mess hall so I have to eat on Konstin anyway. Join me so I don't have to eat alone." Lindy had a look in her eyes that mirrored the captain at her most stubborn but Ayala persisted. "Please."

Lindy relented wondering if she were making a mistake. "All right. But nothing too fancy, all right?"

"You pick the restaurant, just make sure they have good food."

"There's a small place near the parking area where we left my transport. It's one of my favorites but it's not very fancy and is probably not very active tonight. Most of its business is at lunch."

"It sounds perfect. Let's get our coats."

Ayala led Lindy into the transporter room and helped her on with her coat making sure she was bundled against the cold air of Konstin's winter night. They beamed to the parking area next to her transport.

"Do you mind if we walk?" Lindy's question surprised Ayala.

"Not at all. Which way?"

Lindy pointed to their left and Ayala extended his arm for her. She took it and they headed down the sidewalk talking and laughing. It seemed to take no time at all to reach the restaurant. As Lindy had predicted, it was not crowded. When Ayala saw an open fireplace with a fire burning brightly off to one side of the main room, he immediately requested they be seated near it.

When they were settled, Ayala asked Lindy if they had any local wines. After admitting that there were several that were considered to be very good, she asked if they could have a hot spiced fruit juice that was quite popular during the winter.

"Are you trying to save me money, Lindy?" Ayala was suspicious of her motives.

"No." Lindy flushed and realized that she would have to explain. "Wine is something that is served to people you don't know. The juice is something that is shared by family and close friends. I'd really rather have the juice tonight."

Ayala smiled into her eyes. "If I had known that, I would never have suggested wine."

They took their time ordering, listening to the suggestions of their server. They traded childhood tales while they ate. When the server asked if they wanted dessert, Ayala looked at Lindy. Her face looked like a guilty child.

"You know what I'd really like?" She paused until he smiled. "I'd like a big mug of chotkae. It would be the perfect ending to a perfect meal."

"Chotkae it is then." Ayala turned to their server. "We'll have two large chotkae, please."

They talked and sipped their chotkae until they noticed the staff was making preparations to close. Ayala excused himself and went to deal with the bill, relying on the host to help him sort out the local currency. Lindy joined him in a few minutes and he helped her on with her coat.

When they emerged from the restaurant, Lindy shivered from the cold. Ayala was glad of the excuse to wrap his arm around her shoulders and pull her close as they walked back to the parking area. Lindy stiffened but didn't pull away. After a few steps, she relaxed and put her arm around his waist. They took their time, reluctant to end the day.

As Lindy was punching in her code to open the transport, Ayala spoke. "Let me see you home and help you unload all your things."

"You don't need to do that."

"I insist. After all, it's my fault you didn't get it done this afternoon."

Lindy's eyes filled with tears. "Please, no. I can manage."

"What's wrong? Do you think I'll hurt you?"

"Oh, no." The tears spilled down her cheeks. "I know you wouldn't do that. Please, I promise I can manage everything on my own."

"Something is wrong. Unless you tell me differently, the most likely explanation is that you think I would hurt you."

"All right, you can help me unload my things."

"You do think I'll hurt you, don't you?" Ayala's voice conveyed the pain he felt.

"No, I don't. Please believe that." Lindy's sincerity was clear but it was mingled with fear on her face and in her voice.

"Well, something is wrong." Ayala tried a different tact. "Look, back in the restaurant we were good friends, almost family. You can tell me."

Lindy's resistance faded as she looked into his eyes. She sighed. "All right. But please, get in the transport where it's warmer. This might take a while."

When they were both settled in the transport insulated from the cold night air, Lindy started talking quietly.

"You know I was moving out of my apartment. I let you think I was moving to a new place but I'm not. I lost my job a few weeks ago and I have no money to pay the rent for an apartment. I've already sold most of my things but I have enough to pay to store the few items I've kept. I was taking them to the storage locker."

"Why is your father letting this happen? Isn't this the kind of thing he would protect you from?"

"My mother died when I was four and my father died when I was nine, remember? Neither had any brothers and I was an only child. The government provided for me in a group home and made sure I received a good education but once I was employed I was on my own. Since I lost my job, I have no protector."

"Why can't you get another job?"

"Normally I could. There are many openings in my field, but because they all make inquiries of past employers, I've been turned down for all of them. My former employer decided to add some duties to my position that would never be mentioned if I had a protector." Lindy paused and saw the question in Ayala's eyes so she continued. "He wanted me to share his bed. If he made such a demand of any woman with a protector, the protector would have intervened and the matter would have ended. But without a protector, it is his word against mine, and no one would believe me instead of him.

"When I refused to go along with the new 'duties' of my position, he told me my services were no long required. When he is asked about my work, he says I am incompetent and unwilling to learn so no one is willing to hire me."

"What are you going to do?"

"Tonight I was going to sleep in my transport. Tomorrow I was going to sell it if I could."

"And tomorrow night?"

"I'll be all right, Ayala."

"No. You won't be all right. Now tell me what you're going to do tomorrow."

"There is one job I know I can get." Lindy paused but Ayala's steady gaze prompted her to explain further. "There are hotels who specialize in making business travelers comfortable. They provide all the comforts of home – including a woman. I'm young and would be a welcome addition to the staff of any of them."

"Lindy, you're not serious, are you?" Ayala couldn't believe she meant what she had said.

"I have no other options. If it were summer, perhaps I could delay it a few days. I'll have food and shelter and a little money to spend on myself. It might not be the life I would have chosen, but it's not a bad life."

Ayala had never been forced to deal with some of the problems that could develop when a visitor becomes involved in another culture for only a few days. He knew he shouldn't interfere but didn't know how to stay uninvolved. He also knew that taking her back to Voyager that night would result in too many questions, questions that he wasn't ready to answer. He finally settled on a compromise.

"Look, I have money left. Let me at least get you a room in some small hotel so you don't have to sleep in this transport."

"I don't want you wasting your money on me."

"When we leave in a few days, it will be worthless to me. Let me do this for you. Let me give you one more night in comfort and safety."

"You are one very special man, Ayala."

They drove across town to an older neighborhood where Lindy parked her transport in front of a small hotel.

"This is older but it has a reputation for being clean and safe. Will it do?"

"It's not nearly good enough for you, but maybe I'll have enough to pay for two nights."

Lindy pulled a case out of the back of the transport and they went inside and Lindy filled out the forms while Ayala sorted through the money he had left. He only had enough for one night but he could get her one of the better rooms with what he had. Lindy took the key to her room and they moved to a corner of the lobby to say their good-byes.

"Ayala, thank you for a wonderful day."

"I wish I could make tomorrow just as wonderful for you."

"All I have to do is close my eyes and remember how Konstin looked from the bridge of Voyager and any day will be wonderful."

Lindy stopped talking but something in her manner made Ayala think she had more to say.

"What?" He urged her to speak. "What aren't you saying?"

Lindy refused to meet his eyes but answered his question. "This has been a wonderful day. For the first time since my father died, I feel like someone actually cares about me. You've already done so much to make me feel special."

Ayala's voice was soft. "You are special and you made today special for me, too. Is there something else you needed?"

"It's not something I need. It's more like a favor." Lindy paused.

"Tell me. If i can help, I will." Ayala watched Lindy's face as she struggled to decide whether to proceed. "I promise, if it causes me any problems or I don't want to do it, I'll tell you."

"You know this new job I'm going to get? Well, I don't have any qualifications."

"No qualifications?" Lindy's words made so sense to Ayala at first. When Lindy flushed with embarrassment, he understood but she was already trying to explain.

"I have no experience. That's the part that scares me the most about tomorrow. I'll be with a complete stranger who might not even ask my name. You've been so nice to me and, well, would you be willing to help me get some experience tonight?" Lindy finally looked up. "I'd rather it be with you than a stranger."

"You're not trying to repay me for today are you?" Ayala stared Lindy in the eyes seeking for the answer there. "No, I don't need to be paid for today or for getting you a warm place to sleep tonight, Lindy."

"Please, Ayala." Lindy's voice was pleading. "Tonight I can still choose who holds me. I'd like it to be you. I want it to be you. Please."

Ayala closed his eyes and tilted his head down. Leaving Lindy now was hard. If he stayed with her tonight, leaving later would be even more difficult. He struggled to balance what he wanted with what was right, what she wanted with things neither of them could control. There were no easy answers. Slowly he lifted his head to look at Lindy again. He wasn't sure he understood all he saw in her eyes, but he found enough to make his decision. Hoping they both wouldn't regret his decision, he nodded his head. Lindy sighed gently when he nodded and wrapped an arm around his waist as they headed down the hall to her room.

Ayala woke the next morning with Lindy sprawled across his chest still sleeping soundly. During the night, he had come up with a solution to Lindy's problem.  He thought it through, making a mental list of things he needed to do if it were to work. When the sky started brightening, he carefully reached for his combadge on the table next to the bed. There was no point waking her any earlier than necessary.

He tapped the badge. "Ayala to Voyager."

"Voyager here. Are you ready to beam up, Lieutenant?"

"No, I was just checking the time."

"It's 05:55, sir."

"Thank you. I'll get back to you when I'm ready to return. Ayala out."

The conversation woke Lindy. Ayala could tell when she realized she was in bed with someone. She stiffened and then relaxed settling back down to sleep longer.

"Hey, Mirlinda Alani, it's time to get up."

"Do I have to?"

"Probably not, but I do. Get up and join me for breakfast?"

"Why do you have to get up? It's too early for breakfast."

"Not on Voyager it isn't. I have to report for duty in two hours.'

"Why can't we sleep for another hour?"

"I need to shower and I'm hungry." Ayala had intended to wait until they were up to mention his idea but decided that now was as good a time as any. "I thought of a solution to your problem."

"I told you, there isn't one." Lindy was nearly in tears. "You don't live here. Your Voyager is a wonderful place for everyone but our ways are different. Don't you understand? I've tried everything. I have no choice. Please let me enjoy these last few hours."

"You have a choice. You can get married."

"No one would want to marry me. Especially after spending last night with you." Lindy's voice was sad and resigned.

"I would." Ayala waited until Lindy understood his meaning. "Will you marry me?"

"I know you mean well, but if you aren't here, I still have no protector. You've honored me just by asking. Thank you."

"I didn't plan on leaving you behind on Konstin, Lindy." Ayala's words confused Lindy. "I want you to marry me and come with me on Voyager."

"Leave Konstin?" The thought had never occurred to Lindy until that moment. "I don't know if I can do that."

"I know it's sudden but we don't have time. I can probably borrow enough money from some friends to pay for this room another night, but Voyager leaves tomorrow. We don't have a lot of time." Ayala shifted to get up. "You can think about it over breakfast. All right?"

"I'll think about it."

Ayala sighed in relief that she hadn't answered with an outright 'no'. He pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her. Lindy's response was hesitant but willing and Ayala deepened it slowly. He finally forced himself to break the kiss and get up.

"We have to get going or I'll be late for duty."

By 07:00, Ayala and Lindy had beamed to Voyager. The ensign in the transporter room didn't question Ayala's assurance that Lindy had been given permission to return. They made their way to the mess hall where Ayala hoped they would not run into the captain or Chakotay. He wasn't ready to explain things just yet. After they had selected their meal, Ayala chose a table as far from the command team's usual table as possible. He was hoping others would join them and they wouldn't be noticed if Chakotay or the captain came in.

After they started eating, Lindy spoke. "What would I do if I came with you?"

"You're a trained engineer. There has to be something you could contribute on Voyager. I'm sure B'Elanna could put your knowledge to good use on Voyager. If not, then you can learn a new skill."

"B'Elanna?"

"Our chief engineer. You didn't meet her yesterday."

"You mean she would say I was useful to make me feel needed or because she feels sorry for me?"

"You wouldn't say that if you knew B'Elanna. Trust me, she will never lie to you about your work or her opinion of it. She's one of the best engineers I've ever known and I've known quite a few." Ayala decided that now was the time to push for a more definite answer. "So, will you marry me?"

"If your captain says I am welcome to join the crew and you have a definite place for me to work, then yes, I will marry you."

Ayala sighed in relief and really smiled for the first time since Lindy had told him the entire truth about her situation. Ayala checked the time and knew he had only a few more minutes before he had to leave. He looked up as Joe Carey walked up carrying a tray.

"Mind if I join you?"

"Sure, sit down." Ayala spoke quickly. "Joe, this is Mirlinda Alani. Lindy, this is Joe Carey, one of our engineers. Joe, Lindy is a structural engineer. She can explain her specialty better than I can."

"Pleased to meet you, Lindy."

"I'm happy to meet you, too, Lieutenant."

Joe smiled. "You're learning to read our rank pips pretty well."

"Not really. You two seemed to speak to each other as equals, so I just assumed you were the same rank."

"Ah, a woman sure to be acceptable to Tuvok." Joe was clearly joking but Lindy was puzzled.

"I'll explain later." Ayala glanced at the time again. "Look, Joe, can you do me a favor? I have to be on the bridge in three minutes. Can you make sure Lindy is ok until lunch?"

"Sam will be here in a few minutes. She can take Lindy down to daycare for the morning. B'Elanna will probably be there for at least part of the morning, too." Joe smiled. "Sam told me you visited yesterday with the captain."

"Sam? She was the other little girl's mother?"

"Yes. Carrie is our daughter. I imagine you noticed RT. He's B'Elanna's son but he takes after his father not his mother."

"Thanks, Joe." Ayala interrupted the conversation as he stood to leave. "Lindy, I have to go. I'll come get you for lunch, ok?"

"All right." Lindy looked nearly as uncertain as she sounded. She allowed her eyes to meet Ayala's for a moment then nodded her head with more confidence. "I'll be waiting for you."

Ayala arrived at the daycare center slightly later than he had planned. Hoping that Lindy hadn't decided to change her mind he walked in to find her deep in a conversation with B'Elanna. He didn't understand more than every third word of the conversation but decided that was a good thing.

B'Elanna was the first to notice him. "I think your lunch date has arrived."

"Already?" Lindy looked up to see Ayala standing next to her chair.

"Ready to go?" Ayala wasn't going to drag Lindy away from a conversation with B'Elanna.

"Yes, I think so." Lindy and B'Elanna both stood.

"It was wonderful talking with you, Lindy. I should have been taking notes. Enjoy your lunch." B'Elanna turned to Ayala and continued seeming slightly irritated. "Do you have any idea when Tom is going to get his lunch break?"

"Actually, he left the bridge about ten minutes before I did."

"If he thinks he's going to get out of eating lunch with his son again today, he has another think coming." B'Elanna was clearly irritated as she moved toward the door asking the computer to locate her husband.

Ayala took Lindy's hand and led her toward the door. "I thought we'd eat in my quarters. You should see where you'll be living, don't you think?"

"I'd like to see your home."

"Our home."

Lindy smiled. "Your home -- for now."

They ate soup and sandwiches and Ayala introduced her to hot chocolate. Lindy explored his quarters briefly, more than slightly surprised that they were completely self-contained. Before Ayala left, he asked Lindy where she wanted to spend the afternoon – in the daycare center or his quarters. She chose his quarters saying she might take a nap.

Ayala was on the bridge when Chakotay returned.

"Commander, I'd like to have a word with you in private when you have a moment."

Chakotay looked puzzled. He and Ayala had known each other for many years, and for him to make what amounted to an appointment to talk was very unusual. He considered the request briefly then nodded but it was the end of the shift when he finally stood and moved toward the ready room.

"Lieutenant Ayala, please join me in the ready room."

Ayala quickly turned his station over to his relief knowing that Chakotay's timing was not coincidental.

"What did you need to see me about, Lieutenant?"

All of Ayala's wonderful phrases and detailed explanations disappeared leaving him with blunt statements. "Mirlinda has agreed to marry me. I was wondering if you would ask the captain to perform the ceremony."

"You want to marry a woman you only met yesterday?" Shock and a trace of anger were in Chakotay's voice.

"Yes, sir." Ayala stared at his friend wondering why he was angry. It was the last reaction he had expected.

"Why?"

"With all due respect, I don't think that's any of your business, sir."

"It is if it's going to increase the drain on this ship's resources. Why? And don't try to tell me you fell in love at first sight." Chakotay's voice indicated that he wouldn't believe Ayala if he did tell him that.

"Why not? You did." Ayala knew he was bordering on insubordination, but he was not going to take the implied insults silently.

"I didn't get married the next day and we weren't thousands of light years from Federation space at the time. Now tell me the truth. Why?"

"All right. You want the truth? You can have it. I can't honestly say I love Lindy and she hasn't claimed to love me." Ayala sighed and forced himself to calm down a bit. Succinctly he explained the circumstances and customs that had led to his decision to marry Lindy. "I may not love her but I like her. I enjoy her company and I want to make sure she has a good life."

"You mean you want to use Voyager to get her out of a tight spot."

"Why don't you want me to help her?" Ayala was completely at a loss to understand Chakotay's reaction.

"What is she going to do in a month or a year if you decide you don't want to be married to her anymore? We can't bring her home and there is no guarantee that there will be any other ship that can either."

"My desire to make a commitment to a future with Lindy is real. I'm sorry you can't see that." Ayala's voice was hard. "Will you ask the captain to marry us?"

"No." Chakotay was definite. "And if you ask her yourself, I'll tell her I think it's a bad idea and would set a terrible precedent."

Ayala was stunned by Chakotay's refusal. He stared at the man he had called friend for so many years.

"Then you leave me no choice, Commander. Lindy and I will get married on Konstin and I'll stay with her."

"You won't find work on Konstin."

"I'll find something. If nothing else, if I stay, she might be able to get work." Ayala headed towards the door but stopped before it opened. "My next assignment is Alpha shift tomorrow. You'll have to get someone to cover it in my absence. I'll be off the ship within the hour."

Ayala made the circuit of Deck Six four times before he had calmed down enough to return to his quarters. Forcing a smile on his face, he entered to find Lindy asleep on the couch. He decided to let her sleep while he packed his few personal items. He had almost finished when the chime sounded. He could hear Lindy rousing as he instructed the computer to admit the visitor. To say he was surprised when he returned to the living area and found the captain, first officer and chief engineer talking to Lindy was an understatement.

"Captain, Commander, I wasn't expecting you. Hello, Lieutenant. What can we do for you?" Ayala crossed the room to stand with his arm protectively around Lindy's waist.

"I believe you requested that I perform your marriage ceremony. Was I misinformed?"

"No, Captain. I didn't realize that you could do this for us." Lindy was clearly thrilled that Kathryn could perform the ceremony.

"Good. I took the liberty of asking B'Elanna to act as your witness. You two certainly seemed to be getting along well this morning."

"Thank you. I'd like B'Elanna to stand with me."

"What's going on, Chakotay?" Ayala wasn't ready to let things move forward any further until he knew what Chakotay had been doing. "What were all those questions in the ready room about?"

"I'm sorry I had to be so rough on you. I had to know how far you were willing to go to protect Lindy. When you decided to leave Voyager, I knew that you had truly made the commitment with your heart." Chakotay glanced over at Lindy.  "You've already made the commitment with your heart, too, haven't you?"

Lindy flushed and nodded. "Yes. I knew at dinner last night that no one else would ever touch my heart the way Ayala has. If he hadn't, I could never leave my home, no matter how dire my circumstances."

Lindy turned to the captain. "There was one more condition to my agreement to marry Ayala."

"Oh?" Kathryn was curious.

"Is there really a place for me on Voyager that I can contribute to the safety or welfare of the ship?"

"Let me answer that." B'Elanna spoke up before Kathryn could speak. "There is. You had three or four good suggestions when we were talking this morning. Given a little time to learn about Voyager, I'm sure you'll have a lot more. There is a place for you in engineering as soon as you want it."

"That's good enough for me. Is it good enough for you, Lindy?" The captain was clearly willing to accept the chief engineer's word on the matter.

Lindy smiled and nodded.  "That's good enough. Thank you."

An hour later, Kathryn and Chakotay were the last to leave the impromptu wedding reception. Chakotay paused as he was escorting Kathryn out the door.

"Ayala, you're off the duty roster for the next 48 hours. I suggest you get all Lindy's personal effects tomorrow morning. Oh, don't unpack. I'll be assigning you larger quarters in the morning. And don't forget to have Lindy visit sickbay for a complete physical. Lindy, if you can use any technical or reference books in your specialty, get them and have Ayala draw the funds from the ship's account in the bank on Konstin. If you think of anything else you need, let me know so we can make arrangements to get it before Voyager leaves."

Chakotay and Kathryn both smiled at Ayala and Lindy. They spoke in unison before they turned to leave.

"Welcome aboard, Mirlinda Alani. Welcome home."