Disclaimer: Paramount rules. I’m just playing with their dolls.

Summary: A series of chance meetings reminds Janeway and Chakotay of the inevitability of their relationship. J/C Post-Endgame

Undeniable

by Mizvoy

Chapter 14 (Chronologically)

September 16, 2381 (three years four months after Voyager’s return)

Mark Hopkins Intergalactic Hotel Suite 818 0600 hours

“Did you hear a knock at the door?” Kathryn Janeway asked as she lifted her head from Chakotay’s chest. She’d been sleeping soundly, curled around his warm body, and she couldn’t be sure whether she’d heard a knock or dreamt it. She leaned forward, giving him a kiss to awaken him. “Chakotay?”

He rolled toward her, sliding his hand around her waist as he buried his face in her neck. “Ignore it. It’s probably just the maid.”

“At this hour?” She moaned, his breath delightful against her shoulder, and gave him better access to her ear before pulling away with an appreciative sigh. “I’ll get up and see about it. I have to use the bathroom anyway.”

“Just hurry back,” he mumbled, stifling a yawn as he snuggled into the warm spot she’d left behind. “It’s cold in here without you.”

She heard a second tap at the door as she scurried to the bathroom for a quick stop and then snagged the hotel’s terrycloth robe on her way back through the bedroom. Chakotay still slept on his side, snoring softly, his hair tousled, his face softened with sleep. She studied him as she pulled the robe over her nakedness, and a strong rush of affection washed over her. She wished she could ignore the interruption and snuggle back into his arms, but the last thing they needed was to have an overzealous maid walk in on them with a stack of fresh towels. Well, she decided, whoever was at the door, getting rid of them shouldn’t take long.

She walked into the living area and briefly surveyed the damage they’d done the previous evening. Their two small bags were just inside the door, right where they’d dropped them as they’d rushed into the suite. Because their assignments to the Beta Quadrant had precluded this annual reunion the previous year, they’d been anxious to remind themselves of their first time together, more than ready to openly acknowledge what had seemed such a dramatic surprise and a dangerous secret two years earlier.

In case the stranger needed access to the suite, Kathryn cruised through the room picking up the clothing that was strewn between the door and the living area and then replacing the sofa’s cushions that they’d tossed aside to give them more room to snuggle. After she’d flung their clothes into the bedroom and pulled the door shut, she headed for the door as the visitor knocked a third time, this time more insistently. Snagging her bra from the back of the sofa and stuffing it into her pocket, she reminded herself not to get angry just because the maid had erroneously disturbed them or because some overzealous Starfleet ensign had tracked her down for a signature.

She was nearly to the door when she finally acknowledged that she was awake and on her way. “Who is it?” she hissed.

“It’s Seven of Nine, Admiral. I need to talk to you.”

Kathryn stopped dead in her tracks, too stunned to move. Seven of Nine? She glanced over her shoulder to make sure the bedroom door was shut and then looked through the peephole. Sure enough, the tall blond stood waiting impatiently in the hallway, looking for the world like she’d just stepped out of a beauty parlor, her hair neatly coiffed, her makeup perfect, her blue-grey business suit snug and fashionable. Meanwhile, Kathryn thought, I look like I just got out of bed after a night of too much wine, too little sleep, and too much Chakotay.

With a sigh of resignation, she pulled her hands through her tangled hair and then opened the door. “Hello, Seven. I don’t guess I should ask how you found out where I was.”

Seven raised an eyebrow to see her former captain in such obvious disarray, even at this early hour. “I believe his name was Lieutenant Junior Grade Liam McGee.”

“Soon to be Ensign McGee,” Kathryn mumbled as she stepped back, gesturing for Seven to enter. She panicked slightly when she realized how awkward it was to be meeting with Seven while Chakotay was sleeping in the next room, but then she simply pushed the thought aside, refusing to feel guilty any longer. Chakotay’s relationship with Seven had ended more than a year earlier, and everyone, including Seven, was aware of Chakotay’s new romance with his former captain. “You’re here and I’m awake, so we might as well talk.”

“I regret interrupting you on what is obviously a romantic interlude,” Seven stated as she perched on the edge of the sofa, “but I have some important decisions to make and wanted to discuss them with you first.”

“I’m flattered that you want my opinion, Seven,” Kathryn said as she headed for the replicator. “But at this hour, I need some coffee before I can give advice about anything. Can I get you something?”

“No, thank you.” She waited as Kathryn carried a large mug to the other end of the sofa and sank into the cushions with a contented smile on her face. “It’s good to see you again, Admiral.”

“Please, call me Kathryn.” She took a deep draft of the coffee, groaning in satisfaction. She looked at Seven more carefully. “You look wonderful. When was the last time we met?”

“Almost two years ago. The Federation Day celebration at your mother’s house. Chakotay and I attended together.”

Kathryn remembered a hot day in Indiana, a large group of family and friends gathered around the Janeway family home for a picnic. It was just a few weeks after her second tryst with Chakotay at the Mark Hopkins, and she’d been sure that the former Borg had detected the electricity that had filled the air between herself and Chakotay. Kathryn had diligently avoided him all through that day, making sure that they were never alone, only to run into him in the empty house while everyone else walked to the town square to watch the fireworks display.

That dangerous, impulsive hour in her bedroom, their bodies tangling in the dazzling light of the pyrotechnics, convinced both of them that they needed to make permanent changes in their lives before their affair was discovered and before innocent people were hurt. The very next day, Kathryn had contacted Raoul Dugan and suggested Chakotay’s name as a perfect addition to the Remus study group, setting into motion the events that had led to their being together today.

“Ah, yes, the picnic.” She swallowed, hoping Seven would ignore the blush she could feel crawling up her neck. She redirected the conversation to safer ground, “I heard at the reunion in May that you’ve been on Vulcan studying the Kohlinar.”

“Yes. A waste of time. As a human I cannot repress my emotions, but must learn to manage them. I might have realized my error if I had spoken to you first.”

“Most humans wish they had better control of their emotions,” Kathryn comforted her, conscious of the irony of her words. If she and Chakotay had been able to control their love for each other, things would have turned out much differently. “And you might’ve talked to me first if you hadn’t felt as if I’d betrayed you. You must have felt that both Chakotay and I were disloyal to you, the way things have turned out.”

“Actually, I believe I owe both of you an apology.”

Kathryn nearly strangled on her coffee. “I think,” she finally said, looking her former protégé in the eye, “that we are the ones who should apologize to you.”

“No. You love each other.” Seven shook her head, looking a little ashamed. “I knew that sex could happen without love. I knew that a purely physical relationship was possible. But, I also thought that love inevitably resulted in sex, that individuals who were in love with each other would express that affection through the act of love.” She paused, gripping her hands in her lap. “And since I knew that you and Chakotay weren’t involved in a physical relationship, I naturally assumed you weren’t in love with each other.”

“Love doesn’t always result in sex, that’s true. But whether we were in love with each other was irrelevant on Voyager. We would never have acted on that love, and I would never have interfered with your relationship with him there.” She looked away, struggling to come to terms with her behavior. “But, once we were home . . . .”

“It doesn’t matter, Kathryn. Although I came to care for him, I chose Chakotay for logical, non-emotional reasons. He reminded me of Axum.”

Kathryn nodded. “Your friend from Unimatrix Zero. I remember meeting him.”

“They are very much alike. And Chakotay was older, wiser, more experienced. He didn’t look at me the way most of the other males did, as if I were a morsel of food to be consumed.”

Kathryn winced. “Is that the way it felt when they looked at you?”

She shrugged, having come to terms with her sexual attraction many years earlier. “After I was with Chakotay for awhile,” Seven continued, “I became used to being with him, and I was happy with him, but . . . he never really seemed happy to be with me. And I never really stopped thinking about Axum.”

Kathryn set her empty mug on the coffee table and slumped into the cushions, feeling a wave a guilt for the part she’d played in Seven’s unhappiness. “You came to understand all this on Vulcan?”

“Yes, with much help. I finally understand, Kathryn, how different love can be. I love both you and Chakotay, but as parents or friends or mentors. In many ways, I’m gratified to think of you as being together. You should be together.”

Kathryn felt tears sting her eyes and rubbed her face with her hands. Seven’s generosity and kindness affected her deeply. It was too early in the morning for such a serious discussion, and she was tempted to ask her friend why this couldn’t have waited until later in the day. Or later in the week, for that matter. “And this is what you wanted to discuss with me?”

“Not entirely.” She pulled a PADD from the satchel she’d carried in with her. “I also wanted your reaction to this.”

Kathryn activated the PADD and scrolled through the data. “Deep space scans?”

“From a probe launched some months ago in the Gamma Quadrant.”

“It’s too early in the day for me to figure this out,” Kathryn complained, pinching the bridge of her nose as a headache threatened. “What exactly am I looking for?”

“Starfleet has asked me to interpret any readings they receive that resemble Borg signatures.” She took the PADD and manipulated the readout, handing back to Kathryn. “Notice the telemetry now.”

“Borg signatures? Ah. Here. And here.” She straightened some, suddenly very concerned. “It looks like the ship is transmitting a Borg frequency?”

“Actually, it’s the frequency from Unimatrix Zero.”

Kathryn’s head snapped up. “Do you think the Queen is seeking revenge for our destruction of the hub?”

“No, I don’t. The source, as far as I can tell, is a small scout ship headed directly toward the Federation. It seems to be acting independently.”

“Rogue drones from Unimatrix Zero?”

“While I believe it’s probable, we won’t know for sure until we get a closer scan. Starfleet intends to send a ship to investigate, and I want to be on board.”

Kathryn hesitated only a moment before she made the connection. “Axum? Do you think this could be him?”

“I want to think it is.” Seven could barely contain her growing excitement. “He promised he would find me, and he knew where Voyager was headed. The timing is about right if he used every resource available to him.”

Kathryn took a second, more careful look at the PADD. “It’s a long shot, but I can see why you want to be there.”

“And that’s why I’m here so early this morning. I have a berth on the 0830 transport to DS9, but first I need to make sure I’ll be allowed through the wormhole asa member of the Starfleet crew preparing to intercept the vessel.”

“I see.” At last she realized why Seven was there-to ask for her help in arranging the posting on the ship being sent to the Gamma Quadrant. She wanted to be there in case the Borg scout ship was piloted by Axum, the man she loved. “Have you spoken to Admiral Harris about this?”

“I spoke to him about this situation, but he was unconvinced of my need to ‘assist’ when and if Starfleet makes contact with the scout ship.”

“I know Admiral Harris. In fact, until my assignment was changed to the Romulan crisis, I was supposed to work with him in the Gamma Quadrant. He’s a reasonable person.” She grew thoughtful, imagining the best way to approach the situation. “Are they sending the Delacroix?” At Seven’s nod, Kathryn put a reassuring hand on her arm. “Take the 0830 shuttle and leave everything else up to me. I’ll make sure things are settled by the time you arrive at DS9.”

“Thank you, Kathryn.”

“I’m glad I’m able to help, Seven. Chakotay and I both want you to be happy.”

She smiled sadly, “I know that, Kathryn.” Seven stood and walked to the window. “I realize this is a gamble, but I believe Axum is on that ship, and I don’t want to miss the chance to find him again.”

Before Kathryn could answer, the door to the bedroom opened and Chakotay appeared dressed in the briefs he’d found on the bedroom floor, his eyes squinted in the glaring light. “Kathryn, what’s going on out here? Who’re you talking to?”

“Seven of Nine,” she replied calmly, nodding toward their visitor. Somehow, she managed to avoid laughing as a series of emotions crossed his face—surprise, then shock, followed by embarrassment and panic.

“I’ll be right back,” he stammered, ducking into the bedroom.

“I don’t think he was expecting me,” Seven commented, her eyes twinkling with humor.

Kathryn chuckled. “To say the least.”

Chakotay reappeared at the door in his trousers and t-shirt, still barefoot. “Hello, Seven,” he said, looking more than a little embarrassed. “Is something wrong?”

“I apologize for interrupting your sleep,” Seven replied, “but I had a favor to ask of the admiral that couldn’t wait.”

Kathryn quickly summarized the situation and then stood up. “I think I’ll take this opportunity to give you two some time alone,” she said, walking to Seven’s side. “Have a good trip, and I hope you find Axum on that scout ship. Let me worry about getting you through the Bajoran wormhole and onto the proper ship.”

“Thank you, Kathryn.”

She walked toward the bedroom, stopping beside Chakotay and taking his hand. “I think you two need to talk,” she whispered, giving his hand a squeeze and reaching up to give him a kiss on the cheek. “You were right about her coming to us eventually, you know. I even believe that she’s forgiven us.”

Kathryn returned to the bedroom, closing the door behind her. As much as she would love to eavesdrop on the conversation between the two, she decided to take the high road and give them their privacy. Besides, she was still worn out from the wine, their late night, and the emotional discussion with Seven. Pulling off the robe, she crawled back into bed and burrowed into the pillows.

She felt better than she had in months. Talking to Seven had relieved her of the guilt she’d felt for becoming involved with Chakotay and effectively ruining their romance. She was also convinced that the former drone was well on her way to happiness. For the first time since she’d met him a decade earlier, she was totally free to express her love Chakotay publicly and without any reservations.

Later in the day, she’d make a few calls, start working on getting Seven assigned to the Delacroix. It would take the shuttle a week to reach DS9, so she had some time to think about the best way to proceed. In the meantime, she meant to enjoy the rest of their brief vacation. She closed her eyes with a smile on her face and drifted off to sleep.

Some time later, she reached for Chakotay, only to discover he wasn’t there. She looked around the room for him, trying to remember whether he might be in the bathroom, finally remembering that he’d been talking to Seven of Nine. She crawled out of bed, retrieved the robe, and made her way to the living room.

The room was bright with sunlight, and the blue sky that filled the windows was breathtakingly beautiful. Chakotay was sprawled on the sofa, his feet on the coffee table, quietly watching the day begin.

“Chakotay? Has Seven gone?”

He turned to her with a smile, holding out a hand as an invitation to join him. “She left about an hour ago,” he explained. “There was no way she was going to miss that shuttle. I just needed some time to think.”

“If I’m interrupting you, I can go back to bed,” she said as she settled next to him, her eyes widening at the site of a coffee pot and mug on the table.

“Help yourself,” he laughed, and she picked up the mug for a satisfying sip. “I’m afraid I’m learning some of your bad habits.”

“Coffee is a good habit.” She put the mug back on the table and slid her arms around him, snuggling into his side. “Do you need to talk?”

“I was just thinking about this suite, this hotel. So many important things have happened to me right here.”

“Yes. It was here that we finally gave in to that incredible attraction we’ve always felt for each other.”

“Which you continued to fight tooth and nail.” She could hear the frustration in his voice and looked up at him, a little surprised. “You just weren’t willing to accept that what was happening between us was meant to be.”

“Because of Seven,” she explained. “It’s really out of character for either of us to become involved with anyone who’s already dating someone else—especially someone as special to us as Seven.”

“What about Randy Wingate? You were seeing him, weren’t you?”

“That was never very serious. He didn’t go study the Kohlinar after I called things off.” They were silent awhile, enjoying the company and the view. “Besides, I think you felt guilty about Seven of Nine, too.”

“I was, but I’m not any more. I think she’s forgiven us, Kathryn, and I think she’s learned a lot about life from the experience.” He closed his eyes for a moment and then forged ahead. “I know it sounds bizarre, considering the intimacy of my relationship with Seven, but I found myself feeling paternal toward her this morning.”

“Well, there’s no reason to feel guilty about that. You aren’t her real father, after all. And, I have to admit that I sometimes feel maternal toward her, too.” Kathryn looked at the blue sky, imagining the spaceport overhead, with a transport ship preparing to leave for DS9. “She deserves to be happy, Chakotay.”

He shifted slightly, so he could look into her eyes. “Are you happy, Kathryn?”

“I am now,” she smiled up at him, giving him a peck on the cheek. “Do you believe in fate, Chakotay?”

“In some ways. I believe that there are good and bad choices in our lives, that our happiness depends on being true to our beliefs and feelings.”

She thought about that for awhile. “Maybe that was what made Admiral Janeway so sad. She hadn’t been true to her feelings about you, and she suffered because of that.”

“Maybe so.” He agreed. “And we were miserable when our relationship was in conflict with our beliefs about being honest and sincere with Seven and Randy.”

She sighed. “It all seems so complicated.”

“And so simple.”

“Simple?”

He smiled, and she melted at the sight of his dimples. “I love you, Kathryn. What could be more simple than that?”

“I love you, too, Chakotay.” She tightened her grip on him. “And you’re right. There’s nothing more simple, or more wonderful, than that.”