by Dakota

Kathryn took a deep breath of air. She had to admit to herself that it felt good to feel the sunshine on her face and to breathe air that hadn't been recycled a hundred times. She glanced at her companion and knew also that she would never admit it to him. Chakotay saw her looking at him and smiled but didn't ask her why she was smiling. Damn the man! He probably knew what she was thinking.

Chakotay walked over to the small building near their beam down location. It was the office of the rangers of the park they were visiting. The park itself was on a planet with a very advanced civilization with a flare for both theoretical and applied technology. Kathryn suspected they were well ahead of the Federation in several areas. Despite that flare, the inhabitants of Liruta had retained an appreciation for nature beyond that necessary to simply survive. This park was part of a protected area that covered nearly 10% of the planet's land area. Kathryn glanced around at the gently rolling hills dotted with trees that slowly gave way to steeper hills to the south and forest to the northwest other. She wondered which Chakotay had selected for their day of hiking.

Voices at the door of the building drew her attention. She saw Chakotay and a Lirutian exit the building talking amiably. After a few more words, the Lirutian returned to the building and Chakotay walked towards Kathryn.

"Ready to go, Kathryn?"

"As ready as I'm going to be. Which way are we going?"

"I thought we'd head toward those foothills. There are some beautiful streams along the paths in that direction. It will let us enjoy the sun more than if we went into the forests." Kathryn didn't wait for Chakotay to pick up the small pack with their lunch and water before she started off down a path. She paused after about five meters and turned. "Is something wrong?"

"Were you expecting to be in the sun all morning?"

When she shook her head ruefully, Chakotay grinned and rummaged through the pack. He pulled out a jar and tossed it to Kathryn. "There you go. Sunscreen formulated to block the harmful rays from this sun, compliments of the doctor."

Kathryn opened the jar and started applying the cream to her face. Chakotay walked over to her and watched, making sure she didn't miss any spots. Kathryn was slightly irritated that she hadn't thought about the effects of the sun on her skin and was glad that once again Chakotay had remembered, but she wasn't going to tell him that. She had become so accustomed to his watchful eye that she took it for granted. Once he was satisfied that she was protected from the sun, he took the cream from her hand, turned, and together they headed down the path.

Two hours later, they had crossed one small stream and reached a second, larger stream. Rather than trying to cross it, they had turned up stream seeking a picnic spot. Now they were comfortably settled among large rocks near the base of a waterfall about twenty meters high. The flow of water over the falls was slow, as waterfalls go, so the noise was not overpowering. The mist from the falls cooled their skin as they enjoyed the warmth of the sun. By unspoken mutual consent, they stayed along the stream rather than hiking farther into the park. They talked and explored the area for an hour or two.

They were debating whether to try to cross the stream or to continue following it to its source when they heard the crack of underbrush. Chakotay quickly stood and scanned the trees in the direction of the sound. What he saw was unsettling and he quickly motioned for Kathryn to move toward him away from the sound and remain silent. Not waiting to gather their supplies and the remains of their lunch, he took her hand and headed toward the stream. Carefully he led the way across the rocks to the center where he stopped.

Kathryn turned to see what had motivated their abrupt retreat across the stream. What she saw looked like a cross between a hippopotamus and a bear. One put its foot firmly in the middle of their tricorder where it lay on the rock. Three of the animals had stopped to investigate their lunch giving Kathryn and Chakotay time to study them in greater detail. All three were dripping water as if they had recently crossed the stream as they sniffed through their things. Chakotay looked downstream on the far side and saw another group of the same animals, presumably part of the same herd. One raised its head to sniff the air.

"What are they?"

"I'm not sure. The guide mentioned some creatures that can be dangerous if provoked but the closest is supposed to be thirty kilometers east of us. I'm not sure if these are the same creatures. I had the specifics in the tricorder in case we needed them along with those of the more benign inhabitants of this forest."

The group of animals started moving toward the waterfall about the same time as the first three started towards the stream, seemingly intent on investigating Kathryn and Chakotay. Chakotay needed no further encouragement; he took Kathryn's hand and led her farther along the rocks. Kathryn didn't know what he had in mind until he abruptly pulled her through the falling water and under a ledge. He was as surprised as she when he realized that what appeared to be a small sheltered area turned out to be a shallow cave about ten meters wide and five meters deep. Without the benefit of direct sunlight, the cave was much cooler and their wet clothing increased the effect of its chill. The floor was surprisingly dry considering the flow of water, something that could not be said for Kathryn and Chakotay. Both were now soaked to the skin. Assured of at least a few minutes before they were followed under the falls, Chakotay slapped his combadge.

Static, then a broken acknowledgment was his reward.

"Chakotay to Voyager. You're breaking up." He moved as close to the water as possible. This time he could understand the reply.

"There's something causing interference, Commander. Can you move out into the open?"

"No, the captain and I have taken shelter in a cave to evade some native creatures. Can you beam us out?"

"Negative. We can't get a transporter lock on you. What is your situation?"

"We're in a cave behind a waterfall. The animals don't seem inclined to follow us through the falls to the cave, but it's cool in here and we're both soaked. We had to leave our supplies outside."

"Should we beam down a rescue team?"

"Negative. We're in the national park area and weapons are forbidden. Without weapons, a team would be in danger from the animals. Until they move on, no one is coming or going from this cave."

Chakotay moved closer to Kathryn near the back of the cave. She was rubbing her arms trying to generate some warmth. She had already squeezed as much water as she could from her hair and skirt. Both had jackets that they had taken off while eating but which were now being enjoyed by the native fauna among the rocks.

"Are you all right, Kathryn?"

"Just chilled. I'll be fine. Looks like we're going to be here a while."

"I think so. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize unless you planned this." Kathryn smiled ruefully. "It was a wonderful day right up to the point when our uninvited visitors showed up."

They talked about the crew and recent gossip, reports they had read and reports they hadn't, anything to take their minds off the temperature. About an hour later, they were interrupted by the crackle of a combadge and Chakotay moved back to the front of the cave.

"Commander, put your communicator as close to the front of the cave as possible in an area at least a meter square."

"Acknowledged. Give me five seconds to move away."

A few seconds later, the transporter beam appeared and, after several failed efforts, a number of items lay on the ground. Chakotay retrieved his combadge and looked skeptically at the items. "Chakotay to Voyager. I'm not sure what it is we have, but it seems to have arrived. Some of it is definitely damaged. How did you manage this much?"

"B'Elanna noted that while we were nowhere near meeting the minimums for live transports, we were almost at the minimum for bulk ore. So we thought we'd try sending you some supplies. We included a tricorder, but we're not too confident that it will be useful. We're keeping an eye on your animals and will contact you as soon as they move on. Oh, we checked the water and it's safe to drink."

"Understood. Tell B'Elanna thanks from both of us for the effort. Chakotay out."

Kathryn walked over to the pile of supplies and together they sorted through it. As expected, the tricorder was a solid block of plastics and metals. There were several blankets but only one was still in a single piece large enough to use; the others looked like they had been shredded or torn up for rags. There were several mugs they could use to get water from the fall. The food was an interesting issue. After debating what exactly it had been when it left Voyager, they agreed that it was probably not a good idea to try to eat it unless they were stranded for several days. The ration bars however seemed to have arrived in perfect condition – which may or may not have been a good thing.

Chakotay picked up one of the smaller pieces of blanket and used it to dry as much of himself as he could. He then picked up the one intact blanket and held it out to Kathryn. "You need to get out of those clothes. Even in this light, I can see you shivering. You can wrap up in this until your clothes dry." He knew how cold she must be when she didn't even protest, but took the blanket off to a corner. While she was exchanging her clothes for the blanket, Chakotay took one of the larger pieces of blanket and spread it in a slight recess.

"Kathryn, you can sit here. It's not as warm as that rock outside, but it's the best I can offer." He took her clothes and spread them and their shoes along the back wall of the cave hoping they would dry before rescue arrived. He had no desire to listen to Tom's comments if the captain beamed aboard clad only in a blanket.  He filled both mugs with water and carried them and the rest of the supplies over near Kathryn. Picking up another piece of a blanket, he moved behind her and started drying her hair.

"You don't have to do that." Kathryn twisted away only to be turned back around.

"I know. It's easier for me to do and you'll be warmer the sooner your hair is dry. Now hold still."

Chakotay rubbed her hair for about ten minutes before he was convinced it was as dry as a blanket could get it. During that time, Kathryn had stopped shivering and relaxed.

"Feeling warmer now?"

"Much, thank you. What about you? Aren't you cold?"

"I'm fine. Why don't you try to sleep? It will make the time pass faster. I'll stay awake in case Voyager signals us."

After fussing and protesting for a few minutes, Kathryn finally consented and lay down to sleep curled in her blanket. About two hours later, the combadge crackled. Chakotay moved back toward the front of the cave. Tuvok was calling to check on them and to report that the animals seemed to have settled down outside the cave for the night. Chakotay reminded Tuvok that if they were both asleep they might not hear the low crackle of the combadge if they tried to make contact during the night.

As he returned to their 'campsite' Chakotay decided there was no point in staying awake. He was cold and very drowsy. His shirt was dry but his pants were still damp. He had checked Kathryn's clothes and they were still too damp to wear. He turned them over before sitting down again to eat a ration bar. Kathryn was sleeping soundly, her breathing slow and regular. He touched her hand. Finding it warm, he knew she was comfortable. He carefully spread the remaining shreds of blanket and lay down hoping to sleep.

Hunger gradually roused Kathryn from sleep. She snaked a hand out to get a ration bar and allowed cold air to sneak in under her blanket. The events of the day came back to her as she pulled the blanket closer and ate the bar. There was very little light in the cave, barely enough to make out the shape of Chakotay where he lay a few feet away. Only when he shifted in his sleep did Kathryn realize he had nothing but his damp clothes to keep him warm. She sighed. He was always making sure she was safe or comfortable. Why couldn't he find a way to take care of himself at the same time? Well, this time she would be the one taking care of him.

"Chakotay." He didn't react to her call. "Chakotay!"

He turned over. "What is it, Kathryn. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine except for one thing. My first officer is being negligent of his own health."

"Your first officer was sound asleep before you woke him up. That isn't being negligent of his health."

"Sleeping isn't. Being half frozen is."

"It wasn't this cold when I fell asleep. Thank you for waking me and bringing the temperature to my attention."

"Chakotay, get over here and share this blanket with me."

He didn't move.

"Do I have to make that an order?"

"No." Chakotay stood and gathered the remnants that had been his bed and moved them next to Kathryn's piece. Kathryn snaked a hand out to touch the hem of his pants and found them damp.

"Lose those trousers before you lie down."

"What?"

"You heard me, take them off, your shirt too if it's still wet. You're not getting those cold wet clothes next to me. The object here is for both of us to stay warm." He hesitated and she softened her voice. "Please don't argue, Chakotay. You know I'm right."

Slowly he removed his pants and sat down next to Kathryn. He pulled some of his remnants over his feet knowing the blanket wasn't long enough. "My shirt is dry. OK?"

"OK." Kathryn waited until he leaned back to lie down before she raised the blanket for him to move closer. She had known he was cold but hadn't realized quite how chilled he would feel. She didn't try to stop him from turning on his side to face away from her, but after he had settled, she wrapped her arms around his chest and moved her legs next to his. He stiffened, and then slowly relaxed into her warmth. Kathryn fell asleep only after he stopped shivering and had been sleeping peacefully more than an hour.

Sometime during the night, Chakotay rolled over on his back so Kathryn woke to find herself sprawled across his chest. She was slightly surprised at how at ease she felt waking so close to him and how comfortable she was lying in his arms. She was reluctant to move in case she woke him. The light in the cave slowly grew brighter, heralding a new day. As the animals outside began splashing around in the water, Chakotay's breathing changed indicating he was awake, too.

"It's ok, Chakotay. I'm awake." Chakotay stiffened when he realized how close they were. "Didn't you sleep better over here than you would have across this cave?"

"You know I did, Kathryn."

They were both quiet for a few minutes, not know what to say. Finally Chakotay slid away from Kathryn and out from under the blanket. "We'd better get up before Tom or Tuvok beam down and rescue us before we're ready to be rescued."

Chakotay dressed and then brought Kathryn's clothes over to her. He passed her another ration bar and refilled their water cups. They had finished eating and collected their supplies before they heard voices outside. They exchanged looks when they realized that to join the others, they would have to go through the falls again. Kathryn spoke.

"Let's let them come in to find us.  Maybe they'll have umbrellas."

They both smiled at the thought of a wet rescue and sat down calmly to await the arrival of their rescuers, intent on enjoying the expressions on the faces of the people who came under the falls.

After a busy day and lots of knowing looks from a certain helmsman, Kathryn and Chakotay finally relaxed in Kathryn's quarters over coffee near the end of Beta Shift. As Chakotay was leaving to return to his own quarters, Kathryn stopped him.

"Don't go. You owe me a favor."

"I do?"

"Yes. Last night I helped you stay warm while you slept. I was hoping that you might return the favor tonight."

"What exactly are you suggesting, Kathryn?"

Kathryn moved to stand behind him. "I'm not sure exactly – at least not tonight. I do know that when I woke up this morning, it felt right. If you're willing, I'd like to explore just where we can expand those parameters I set so long ago." Kathryn's voice was faint and uncertain. "If you're interested."

Chakotay turned away from the door to face Kathryn. "I'm interested so long as you're aware that I am definitely going to be pushing those parameters as far as possible."

"As long as you don't try to eliminate them all in one day, or night. I really want to enjoy the exploration."

"Oh, you'll enjoy our exploration, Kathryn, and we will eliminate all those parameters."  He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. "That I can promise you."