Chakotay woke up feeling warm and contented.  After a few seconds, he realized the warmth came from a body sprawled across his chest.  A flood of memories from the previous evening followed that realization.

Voyager was in orbit around a planet that was home to a race of people who prided themselves on their hospitality. They wouldn't even consider trading until after Kathryn had agreed that most of Voyager's crew would be allowed to attend a gathering to celebrate their new friendship. Their hosts had gone all out with the plans – researching what foods and beverages were safe for their guests, what kind of music they enjoyed and getting opinions about their most popular music forms so they could also enjoy it, favorite flowers, even the colors that would be the most pleasurable.

The result of all their hosts' research resulted in a cacophony of color, scents and music that rivaled anything Risa could produce. There were burning candles around the perimeter to provide atmosphere but the main lighting was hidden in the branches of trees surrounding the outdoor patio. The food was inside long low buildings that resembled gazebos and there was enough of it to feed Voyager's crew for a week. There were tables and chairs scattered on the patio and along the paths leading through the adjoining gardens. There were secluded nooks for those who wanted privacy and a large open area for those who preferred to dance. The gathering had started well before sundown and was expected to run far into the night.

Kathryn and Chakotay had arrived at the party together but were soon split up as they talked with their hosts. About halfway through the evening, Chakotay discovered that Tom had been one of the primary sources of information about the comestibles and beverages suitable for Voyager's crew. He became alert immediately and checked the beverages being offered. Sure enough, most of the beverages had been liberally spiked. Chakotay made a mental note to deal with Tom in the morning.

Something else was of greater interest at the moment – Chakotay had had several of the spiked beverages yet was not feeling the effects of the alcohol.  He glanced at the nearly empty glass in his hand, and then returned it to a table for used glasses and got a glass of juice. He studied the others from Voyager who were talking and dancing. A few seemed to be showing minor effects from alcohol – mostly people who had come down to the planet for the opening of the gathering. Suddenly it struck Chakotay, something in the local juices must be delaying the effects of the alcohol. If he were correct, even if they stopped drinking now, in a few more hours when the impact of the alcohol was at its peak, Voyager's crew would be very uninhibited to say the least. He only hoped that he had realized what was happening soon enough to avoid embarrassing himself later in the evening.

Chakotay's next thought was Kathryn. He had lost track of her for the most part but had seen her three or four times. He searched his memory – if he was correct, each time he had seen her, she had been holding a glass with a different colored beverage in it. He quickly scanned the crowd to locate her.  Ah, there she was with one of the trade commissioners. He made his way through the crowd to join her.

Kathryn glanced up as Chakotay approached and smiled at him but never lost track of her conversation with the trade commissioner. As Chakotay waited for an opening to speak to her privately, two people from the mining consortium joined them. Chakotay watched her as she spoke – she was animated and clearly enjoying herself.  When her glass was almost empty, a young server appeared with another filled with a different beverage. Chakotay declined when asked if he would like another drink. As the first trade commissioner moved off, another replaced her and the group shifted. When Kathryn stepped closer to Chakotay, she took his arm. Chakotay was surprised when she didn't release it. He slowly felt the buzz from the alcohol increasing over the next hour. Kathryn finally seemed to realize that something was wrong and turned to look at Chakotay. He took advantage of the brief opening to speak to her directly.

"Kathryn, I think it's time we returned to the ship." He didn't realize he had called her by name instead of rank, but she did.

"I think you're right, Chakotay." Kathryn turned to the others in the group. "Ladies, gentlemen. Thank you for a wonderful evening. It's been quite pleasurable and your hospitality unlike anything we've encountered. Now if you'll excuse us."

Ten minutes later Chakotay found himself on Voyager in the corridor outside his quarters with Kathryn on his arm. Kathryn was still laughing and talking and had only relinquished her hold on his arm for the transport.

"Aren't you going to invite me in to discuss how the party went?"

"Of course. Would you like some tea?" They stepped inside and Chakotay started toward the replicator but was stopped by Kathryn's slight tug on his arm. As soon as the door closed behind them, she turned to him and pulled his head down to kiss him. The sudden movement made Chakotay's head spin and he grabbed her to maintain his balance. She responded by pulling him closer. Their second kiss was ardent and getting more passionate as the seconds passed but his memories faded at that point and he could recall no further details of the evening.

Kathryn roused gradually and slowly started nibbling her way across his upper chest bringing Chakotay back to the present.

“Kathryn?”

“Mmmmmm, good morning. You taste wonderful.”

“Why are you still here?”

Kathryn ignored his question and continued to explore his neck and face. Chakotay enjoyed her efforts but his mind was racing. Before he could come up with anything intelligent to say, she spoke again.

"You fell asleep on me last night, mister. I expect you to make it up to me this morning."

“Do you know what were you drinking last night, Kathryn?”

Kathryn pushed herself up slightly so she could look at Chakotay easily. “Of course. Just about every type of fruit juice on the planet. I know better than to get anywhere near something Tom helps concoct."

Kathryn's hands started moving over his body leaving Chakotay in no doubt about what she meant when she returned to an earlier subject.

"Now, are you going to talk all day?"

Chakotay's only response was to pull her head down to his and prove that he was a man of few words and considerable action.