Kathryn was reviewing a proposal to make some changes in the communications system to improve Voyager's communications link with the Alpha Quadrant.  She understood most of B'Elanna's explanation but a few points on the actual procedure were vague.  She was about to call Chakotay to come discuss the scheduling when she became aware of another person in the room.   She was ready to call security when she recognized Captain Braxton.

"Hello, Captain.  I hope you don't mind my barging in like this."

"Captain Braxton.  I didn't expect to see you again.  To what do I owe the honor?"

"I, that is we, have a slight problem that you can help me eliminate."

"Would you like some coffee while you tell me about this problem?  I take it that it has something to do with maintaining the time line, correct?"

"Correct and yes, I would like some coffee while we talk.  I'd also like your first officer to join us since I need his help as well as yours."

"Both of us?  Taking a chance with polluting the time line aren't you?"

"No more than is necessary, I assure you."

"As you wish."  Kathryn opened a comm line to the bridge and asked Chakotay to join her.  When he entered he was quite surprised to see Braxton sitting comfortably in a chair sipping coffee.  Uncertain how to proceed he fell back on regulations: formality was never a mistake.

"Captain, you wanted to see me."

"I did.  Please, help yourself to something to drink and join us.  It seems Captain Braxton has a small problem that we can help him eliminate."  Chakotay considered getting something a bit stronger than tea but the presence of Captain Braxton made tea the only safe beverage.  Whatever Braxton wanted could not be the result of a small problem.  He took his tea and joined Kathryn on the couch near Braxton's chair.  Once he was seated, Braxton began his explanation.

"First of all, I need to give you a little background.  You know we monitor activities in the past to prevent or reverse changes as a result of tampering either by accident or design.  We also have people studying the past – our history – who live in a particular time period for a number of years.  For a variety of reasons, we insist that people from their own era provide their medical care.  Medical personnel are sent to check on them twice a year.  Until recently we thought nothing of sending the same people regularly.  One of the doctors became involved with a group over a period of visits and eventually became involved in their criminal activities.  Those activities had no impact on the time line but the doctor used his advanced knowledge and capabilities to make sure the person he blamed for uncovering, and ending, the group's criminal activities never existed.  I'm going to call this person Jane.  Well, Jane was not the only reason they were caught so her death did not change things as the doctor wanted.  However, Jane was supposed to live for more than ninety years and during those years she touched many lives including scientists and government officials.  Those lives had a profound impact over the years and without Jane's influence, encouragement, and support that impact was greatly diminished.  I am here to put right the tampering and to make sure Jane does exist."

"You still haven't told us how this affects us?"  Chakotay spoke quietly but with an edge to his voice that made it clear he wanted specifics not generalities.

"I would prefer not to get too specific but I can tell you that the doctor did not act directly on Jane or her parents.  He went back further and found two people he could manipulate only slightly and prevent Jane from ever existing."  Braxton waited while Kathryn and Chakotay reached the obvious conclusion.

"And we're those two people?"  Kathryn asked even though she knew Braxton would not be talking to the two of them if they weren't.

"Yes.  This doctor was a psychologist and had access to the most recent developments and equipment of his era.  He used his knowledge and equipment to plant suggestions in your minds that have, and effectively will, prevent Jane from ever existing.  We know that he approached you, Kathryn, while you were a prisoner of the Cardassians.  We also know that he approached you, Chakotay, while you were briefly unconscious during a Maquis raid.  Neither of you would have been aware of any change.  We believe he exaggerated some of your natural tendencies and convictions to carry out his plan.  This means there was no noticeable change in your behavior and significantly increased the chances of his plan being successful."

"Why haven't you come back sooner?"  Chakotay asked the question Braxton hope to avoid.  Braxton put down his empty coffee cup.

"You do push for more than I like to tell, don't you, Commander?"  Braxton sighed knowing he had to answer.

"We were hoping you would overcome the suggestions on your own.  But you haven't.  The time is quickly approaching when we have to act.  I chose this time because if you decline, I can go back in your past and do as you suggest, Commander, and remove the inhibitions without discussing it with either of you.  Having them removed without warning will surely cause noticeable changes in your behavior, which is something I would prefer to avoid.  I would much rather do this with your consent and it will be much easier for you if you know what has happened."

"Do we have time to think about this?"  Kathryn clearly did not like the implication that she had no choice about the proposed procedure, or rather that her only choice was whether she knew about it.

"Only as long as it takes for someone to need to see you urgently enough to interrupt your conference with the Commander."

Chakotay rose and took their cups to obtain refills for them all.  When he returned, he addressed Braxton.

"I'd be interested in knowing just what 'natural tendency' of mine was enhanced enough for me to prevent a person from ever existing."

"Well, I'd rather not disclose that information unless you agree."

"What difference does it make?  If we don't agree, you'll change time and we won't ever have had this conversation."  Kathryn's voice was far more callous.

"You're starting to get entirely too comfortable with temporal paradoxes, Captain."

"Not by my own choosing, believe me.  Now, I believe the Commander asked you a question."

"As you please."  Braxton seemed impervious to her mood.  "Captain, the natural tendency the doctor enhanced was your commitment to serving and protecting the people under your command.  You always had this conviction but it has been taken to the point where it overrides everything else in your life. Your desire to get this ship and crew home eventually affects Jane's existence.

"Commander, the natural tendency the doctor enhanced was your conviction to doing what was right not just what the laws or regulations required. One of those 'right' things is allowing people to make their own choices and living with the consequences. Seska's actions a few years ago are the result of your allowing her to choose rather than forcing her to do what you thought was right. Of course, nothing you could have done would have changed Seska but you didn't try. Without the tampering, you would have at least tried."

"So I will be less willing to allow people to make their own choices? How can that affect this Jane's existence?"

"At some point in the future the Captain will have to make a choice. You will allow her to make it and not try to change her mind once she's told you her decision. That choice eventually ensures that Jane never exists."

"You're saying I choose to prevent Jane from existing? I would never do that."

"No, at the time you won't even be aware that anyone's existence is at risk. You'll just be making a decision to protect your crew and increase their chances to reach the Alpha Quadrant. Nothing more."

"I make decisions like that all the time."

"That's exactly my point. One day, that decision will ensure that Jane never exists. Without the enhancements you might make a different decision or Chakotay might try to convince you of an alternative that you accept."

"How much will this affect our working relationship?" Chakotay had questions of his own. "Any significant change would be noticed by the crew very quickly."

"Our studies indicate that the impact on your professional relationship is extremely minimal. That's one of the factors in my decision to come now instead of earlier. You've built a solid command relationship that has withstood conflicts and decisions that would have torn apart other command teams. The few changes we predict are not adverse but actually strengthen your command."

"What about our personal relationship?" Kathryn's voice was quiet now. "He's my best friend. That friendship is based at least in part because he does let me make my own choices."

"Your personal relationship will change slowly but steadily. Your friendship evolves and becomes stronger." Braxton hoped that was enough to satisfy Kathryn because he was not prepared to elaborate further. Kathryn glanced at the chronometer and saw that the shifts changed in five minutes.

"Captain, can we continue this in my quarters. We need to turn the bridge over to the next shift and I'd rather we weren't disturbed until we're finished. That will be easier in my quarters."

"Of course, I'll meet you there. May I bring some wine for dinner?"

"As you wish."

As they approached the door to the bridge, Kathryn gave him her instructions. You have the bridge until relieved. Change into something casual and meet me in my quarters as soon as possible."

"Yes, Captain." Chakotay spoke as they entered the bridge where he took his seat. Kathryn crossed the bridge to the turbolift without further delay.

Chakotay arrived about five minutes before Captain Braxton to find Kathryn in slacks and a light sweater. She was standing at the replicator muttering under her breath. Since there was no coffee cup nearby, Chakotay thought that dinner was the least of their problems.

"What seems to be the trouble?"

"This thing is still holding a grudge because I once called it a toaster. It refuses to give me any coffee."

"Did the doctor mess with it again?"

Kathryn sighed. "I didn't think of that. I bet that's the problem." Quickly her fingers flew over the controls. "That's the problem. Would you...?"

"Of course." Chakotay quickly requested a cup of black coffee and handed it to Kathryn. "You owe me one."

"How many does that make?"

"Cups of coffee or favors?"

"That many, huh?"

"That many. What did you have planned for dinner?"

"I was thinking chicken or eggplant parmigiana with salad and bread sticks."

"Would you like me to deal with your 'toaster'?"

"Would you? Just get whichever you want then one of each. I'll take whatever Braxton doesn't want."

"What won't I want?" Captain Braxton had appeared near the viewport startling both of them with his question.

"Your dinner. Would you prefer chicken or eggplant parmigiana?" Chakotay spoke before Kathryn.

"Chicken would be my first choice if that's not a problem."

"Not at all." Chakotay moved to the replicator and place their orders. Kathryn and Braxton both helped carry plates to the table. Braxton opened the wine while Kathryn retrieved glasses and they were all ready to eat as Chakotay brought the main course. During dinner they discussed many items of common interest, or rather Kathryn and Chakotay discussed things while Braxton listened or asked a question now or then. After they ate, they all cleared the table and took the rest of the wine to the couch. Braxton broached the topic they had gathered to discuss.

"Have you decided?"

Chakotay spoke first. "I'll agree to this provided that Kathryn does as well. I'll be honest the only reason I'm agreeing at all is that I'd rather know what was done to me and why we both change. This way at least I have the illusion of some control over the situation and can actively be part of regaining complete control of my life."

"Chakotay summarized my feelings pretty well. As much as I hate the idea that someone tampered with our minds, I mind even more allowing you to leave so you can do the same. At least with you doing it here and now, we know what is going on."

"Well, there's no time like the present. If it's all right with you, I can have our doctor come over here and complete the procedure this evening. He said it would take about a half hour to treat you both."

Kathryn and Chakotay exchanged looks. This was happening quickly. Was it too quickly?  Chakotay waited for Kathryn. He would support whatever decision she made. Kathryn finally gave a brief nod and they both turned to Braxton. "Send him over, Captain. There's nothing to be gained by waiting."

In only a few minutes the doctor was there with a small handheld device not much larger than most tricorders and a bag of hyposprays. He stepped forward to shake hands with them.

"Captain, Commander. It's a pleasure to meet you. If it's all right with you, it will be easier to carry out the treatment in the bedroom. It will only take about fifteen minutes each. Captain, would you like to go first?"

Chakotay stepped forward. "I'll go first. If there are any unexpected adverse effects it's better if you find out with me than with the Captain." His stubborn expression silenced Kathryn's protests before they started.

Forty minutes later, Kathryn and Chakotay had said their farewells to Braxton and the doctor and were silently trying to sort out any changes that might be evident. His parting comment had confused them both. "Oh, by the way. One other factor in my coming to talk to you today is that you're both off duty tomorrow. Use the time to adapt to your new circumstances."

Unable to make sense of his comment they finally resorted to their familiar and comforting routine. Kathryn got coffee and tea from the replicator and joined Chakotay on the couch. She handed him his tea as she sat down. He put his arm around her shoulder as he spoke.

"Did the doctor say tell you what was in that third hypo? He told me the first was to increase the efficiency of the treatment by that machine and the second one was an antidote to counter the first, but he never mentioned the purpose of the third."

"And my third one had my name on it. I'm sure the others just had general labels on them. I wonder why?"

"I didn't notice that but it is curious. Do you feel any different?"

Kathryn answered the question and they continued talking about how they might change as a result of the removed enhancements of their natural tendencies. After nearly an hour they had no better suggestions than when Braxton left. As silence fell, Chakotay realized his hand was playing with Kathryn's hair and that she was sitting much closer to him than normal with her hand gently stroking his thigh. Slowly he stopped playing with her hair and returned his hand to the back of the couch hoping Kathryn didn’t notice. She did. He knew as soon as she realized what she was doing for her hand jerked to her own lap. He saw a slight flush creep up her neck as she realized he had noticed her reaction. Neither moved nor spoke for more than five minutes.

"This is silly, Kathryn. This is the kind of small change Braxton told us to expect."

"I'm not sure I consider this a small change. I know, I touch you all the time but not like that."

"Why not?"

"You know. I can't risk..." Kathryn stopped as she realized she was getting ready to quote Braxton. Anger flared through Kathryn. "Braxton knew! That son of a…"

"Calm down, Kathryn. What do you mean? What did he know?"

"He knew what I really wanted and wouldn't allow myself because I needed to get this ship and crew home. That urgency to get them home still exists but not at the expense of one thing. Tell me, why were you twirling my hair?" It was Chakotay's turn to blush.

"I was hoping you hadn't noticed that. I'm not sure why. It wasn't a conscious decision. I stopped as soon as I realized what I was doing."

"Why did you stop?"

"Habit."

"Habit? Not because you don't want to force me to question a decision I've made?'

Chakotay thought about the question and realized she was right. "You're right, Braxton knew."

They sat quietly and eventually Chakotay pulled Kathryn closer to his side. "Are we still going to follow habit or let ourselves act as we would have without the doctor's manipulation?"

"I hate to admit it but the whole point was that we would know we were acting as we should have been since we met. We were just doing what we would have been doing if that doctor hadn't messed with our minds. There's just one problem, Chakotay. Right now I might know that I'm acting as I truly would but I feel like I've been manipulated." Kathryn stood while she was speaking and wandered over to the viewport. Chakotay followed and gently but deliberately put his arm around her waist.

"Me, too. Well, at least we both know how our behavior will be changing. I know what I've wanted for years. That hasn't changed and I'll give you some time to sort out what you want and make a decision about us. From what Braxton said, I don't think I'll be accepting 'no' quite so easily from now on."

"I don't want to say no, Chakotay, but I don't know how to say 'yes'."

"You just did."

Gently Chakotay pulled Kathryn around to face him. His lips brushed hers waiting for a response. Tentatively at first but then more firmly, Kathryn returned his kiss. Suddenly she pulled away.

"This just feels too… too cold-blooded.  I'm sorry."

Chakotay hid his disappointment but pulled her back into his arms for a hug.  "It's all right.  I understand. Get some sleep and I'll meet you for breakfast.  As Braxton mentioned, we both have tomorrow off."

They met the following morning for breakfast deciding on the mess hall. Kathryn grabbed her usual toast and coffee, Chakotay deciding to brave out Neelix's latest breakfast concoction then both headed to their usual table, greeting crewmembers as they moved along.

Kathryn had to admit that when it came to her feelings for Chakotay she felt slightly less inhibited but still did not know how to proceed. Knowing what she did, it seemed foreign to simply express her feelings or act on impulse. She briefly wondered if Braxton would have been better going back and undoing it from the beginning. How could she go back to how she should have been when it had been like this for so long? Would all this work? Only time would tell.

"You look lost in thought," said Chakotay as he took a bite off his breakfast.

"Hmm, just thinking of… well all of this," she said. Gesturing to his food, she asked, "So, how is it? It looks rather…"

"Don't say it. If you don't look at it, it's rather tasty," he said. He dipped the spoon into the food then held it over the table for her.

She wrinkled her nose yet still took the bite, smiling as she realized he was right -- it wasn't as bad as it looked. Suddenly the toast didn't look as appetizing. She reached for her spoon and began helping herself to his breakfast.

"Hungrier than you thought?" he asked with a chuckle.

She looked up at him with an innocent face, "You don't mind, do you?"

"Well, I'd much rather feed it to you but…"

"Well," she said, her smile beaming, "what are you waiting for, I'm hungry."

Chakotay took the next spoonful and offered it to her; she gladly took it, enjoying the game until she realized that they had caught the attention of quite a few people. Kathryn sat back and picked up her toast, trying her best to hide the guilty look.

"I don't think we even realize when we are doing it," said Chakotay, trying to break the awkward moment.

She shook her head, "And if it wasn't so foreign to the crew, I suppose no one would have thought twice about it. God, Chakotay, this is going to take some getting used to."

He nodded, "We will, Kathryn, and I think we will enjoy the process."

They finished their breakfast and headed out of the mess hall, not even realizing that they joined hands as they began the tour of the ship that they usually took on their days off.

They ended their tour back at Chakotay's cabin. As soon as they entered Kathryn took in her surroundings, realizing she had spent far too little time here. She made her way around the room, taking in all the items from his past symbolizing his tribe, touching them as if to bring her closer to them.

Chakotay just stood back, letting her explore. He knew that she was seeing things from a different perspective now, even is she wasn't ready to admit it. He had always wanted to share this with her, make her a part of it, but something always held him back; now he knew what.

She stopped at the medicine wheel, "I would love to learn how to use this."

He stepped a bit closer, "I would love to teach you, along with many other things."

She turned to face him and opened her mouth to speak but her combadge interrupted them, " Torres to the Captain."

"Janeway here," she answered back.

"Captain, I'm sorry to bother you on your day off but I could use your help," said B'Elanna.

Kathryn sighed, "I'll be right there, B'Elanna."

Kathryn looked up at Chakotay, "I'm sorry, I'll be back as soon as I can." She moved up to him and gave him a soft kiss on the lips then ran out of his quarters.

She stopped once the doors were closed, putting her hand to her mouth, suddenly realizing what she had just done. She smiled to herself, really beginning to enjoy the lack of inhibitions, it was different but it was good.

Kathryn returned an hour later, wondering what Chakotay's reaction would be to her earlier kiss. She knew he wouldn't mind but she was sure he would have something to say about it. She wasn’t expecting anything to happen so fast, not sure if she really wanted the crew to know yet, but a part of her was thrilled anticipating what was to come.

She rang the chime to his quarters and entered as the door opened. She blushed slightly at his grin, "Glad you came back," said Chakotay.

"I'm sorry about earlier …" she began.

He didn't let her finish, "I'm not," he said before wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her close and latching onto her mouth with his.

Kathryn was lost in sensation, her mouth covered by his, her tongue dueling with his. Shivers ran up and down her spine as his hands traced an invisible path down her back to her buttocks and back up again. She groaned as one hand cupped her buttock, kneading it, then moved down to her thigh, raising her leg. She wrapped it around his, bracing herself then felt him hoist her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as he slowly walked towards the bedroom, his intent clear.

Kathryn tried to find the objection buried somewhere in her mind but nothing would come, all she was aware of was the friction on her hot center at every step he took. She could feel the tingle begin, deep in her center. It amazed her that he could create such intense feelings in her, with all her clothing still on.  He reached the bed and slowly let Kathryn slide onto the bed, then wasted no time divesting her of her clothing.  Once he had her completely naked he stood and stripped off his clothes then covered her body with his.

His words were punctuated with kisses, "I told you I didn't think I would take 'no' as an answer any more but, Kathryn, if you have any objections…"

"Yes, Chakotay, all I want is to say 'yes,'" she moaned between his kisses.

He made a path down to her auburn curls, placing gentle kisses along the way. He looked up to meet her eyes, and upon getting their ok, he dove in. She cried out when his tongue met her bundle of nerves, bucking up to him. He continued his assault, licking and sucking to bring her to her peak. As he felt her convulse and scream out, he left his position and once again climbed up to meet her lips. Chakotay positioned himself between her legs and placed his hard member at her opening, and let just the tip slide in. She wrapped her legs around his waist and urged him on.

He slid in the rest of the way with a groan, and then began slowly moving in and out; Kathryn met him thrust for thrust to bring each of them to a fast climax. He was desperately trying to keep control but the contractions of her second orgasm triggered his, and he spilled his seed into her, collapsing on her totally spent.  He turned to his side, keeping his softened member within her as they both drifted off to sleep.

Chakotay woke a short time later to find himself in bed alone.  He could hear Kathryn out in the living area and grabbed his boxers to put them on but stopped when he saw her. She was standing by his desk obviously reading something on the computer terminal. She had one of his shirts on but it was unbuttoned.  Although the shirt came slightly below her hips, he could tell she had nothing on underneath.  He approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her. "Did you sleep at all?"

"Hmm, a little bit. I was just glancing at Seven's report, nothing I need to worry about now it seems," she said as she shut off the computer and turned to face him. She raised her eyebrows at his state of undress, "There are definitely more… pressing matters to attend to here."

Chakotay slightly chuckled at her tone, "Oh, I think you could say that."

She opened her mouth to speak but found it covered by his, as his tongue snaked to duel with hers. He suddenly pulled her away, "I want you," his voice insistent.

"Oh," she began but found her mouth covered by his once again. He broke away once again, and turned her around then nudged her to move down to her hands and knees.

"Are you comfortable?" he asked, once she was done.

She shifted slightly then nodded, jerking when she felt him move behind her.  She groaned as she felt his member at her dripping entrance then felt it slowly slip inside. He waited only a moment before beginning to thrust.  Kathryn braced herself for his assault knowing her position didn't provide her a lot of options. She was surprised to feel an orgasm build despite the lack of clitoral stimulation so she wasn't going to complain. The sensation was building and it would not be long before it would explode.  His thrusts began to falter and she knew he would come soon, she concentrated on her own orgasm until it hit, rolling over her in waves that nearly made her arms give out.

Chakotay shuddered then spilled his seed deep inside her. He collapsed briefly on her, then after regaining a small measure of strength he sat up, pulling her with him to sit in his lap, "I definitely want to thank Braxton for this," said Chakotay.

"Oh god, yes," said Kathryn.

Six weeks later Chakotay woke to find Kathryn gone, as usual.  Wondering where she had disappeared to this time he dressed hurriedly and made his way to the mess hall.  Neelix greeted him gleefully and asked about the captain.  That told him she hadn't been there yet.  He selected his breakfast and went to their usual table.  About ten minutes later, Kathryn walked in and sat down across from him.  She swiped a piece of his toast and took what was left of his juice.  Smiling like the Cheshire Cat she ate while he just stared at her.  Chakotay continued to stare until she was forced to speak.

"Good morning.  I've figured out the mystery of the third hypospray."

"You have?  How?"

"You can figure out how I know once I tell you what was in them.  They were the counteragents to our birth control boosters.  It also means that Jane must be a descendent of ours, which means at some point we, or at least Voyager and some of the crew, get back to the Alpha Quadrant. All in all, I have to say this has been a very good morning."