| Author:
Saklani
Pairing: G/B/Janeway Rating: NC-17 Feedback: < [email protected] > Disclaimer: Viacom is Borg - that pretty much says it all. Notes: Part of the "Garak Fuh-q Fest" Archiving: ( Cardassian Choir )
Captain Kathryn Janeway idly sipped her coffee and read Lt. Torres' uninspired engineering report. She shifted in her chair, attempting to get comfortable. Finally, she discarded the padd and walked over to the view ports. * I cannot seem to concentrate today. Everything seems so damned unimportant. What's the matter with me?* "Seems obvious to me," an annoyingly familiar voice said from behind her, "you're neglecting yourself, Kathy." Janeway spun around, "Q! How dare you...." "Oh please Kathy, let's not start that again. I am merely here to repay my debt to you." "Debt?" "For stopping the Q's Civil War of course. I always repay my debts, as dear old Jean-Luc can attest to." "If I remember correctly, your idea of repaying your debt was turing the senior staff of the Enterprise into Robin Hood and his Merry Men. You then endangered their lives in one of your pointless games." Q smiled, "Not so pointless, as it reminded Jean-Luc of the importance of love. A lesson you, dear Kathy, could use." She regarded him coldly, "Perhaps, but I doubt you are qualified for the task." Q's grin widened, "We'll see about that." He snapped his finger, and Kathryn vanished mid protest. ********** Suddenly transported to an unknown planet, Elim Garak found himself facing a petite, but ferocious looking, human female. Her lips curved in a sneer, her blues eyes flashed, and she pointed a phaser right between his eyes. Garak expected her to kill him at any moment. "Who are you?" she demanded. Garak attempted nonchalance, "I might ask the same of you." "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager," she snapped, her anger growing. "Now, who are you?" *She is an imposing woman. I wonder if she realizes how attractive her anger makes her?* I am Mr. Garak, resident tailor of Deep Space Nine." "A tailor?" she spat. "You expect me to believe that?" "Yes," Garak responded mildly, "because it is the truth." Their eyes locked, and both stood motionless for several tense moments. Finally, Janeway relaxed a fraction and loosened her hold on the phaser. "How did you get here?" she asked. "I do not know. One moment, I was working in my shop,the next, well...." He shrugged, "I have no idea where here is." *Q, you bastard! Strand little Kathy with a Cardassian; I bet you think this excruciatingly funny.* Janeway noticed the man studying her intently, his blue eyes intelligent and disconcerting. "I know who brought me here, and probably you as well. Are you familiar with the Q Continuum?" Garak inclined his head slightly, "I remember Dr. Bashir mentioning a Q once. Something about an all powerful, omnipotent.... pest?" Janeway nodded. "That's Q." "Why should Q wish to strand the two of us on an unknown planet?' Janeway pursed her lips in annoyance. "His idea of a joke. Forgive me Mr. Garak, but I have had unpleasant encounters with Cardassians in the past. I am sure Q knows that and thought this whole scenario exceedingly funny. He's done things like this to me before." "So, what do we do now?" The human gazed firmly into the Cardassian's eyes. "I won't lie to you, Mr. Garak, I do not trust Cardassians...." "A wise viewpoint," Garak interjected. "....but, until Q ends this, we will be better off working together." She holstered the phaser and closed the distance between herself and Garak. Garak looked down into the Captain's face. *So small, yet so strong. This gesture of trust is hard on her, but how well she hides it.* "Thank you, Captain. Indeed, we are much better off as a team. Food, water and shelter seem our primary concerns. Perhaps a bit of scouting is in order." Janeway nodded and pulled out her tricorder. She scanned, then indicated a direction. He moved that way with the captain slightly behind him and to his left. She attempted to keep an eye on him, the tricorder and the terrain. Consequently, the going was quite slow, but the two finally ascended a large rise. There, they got their first real look at the area. "Oh my," Kathryn breathed. In front of them stretched miles of hills, each covered with flowers. Every hill seemed ablaze in purples, pinks, reds, blues, yellows and every other hue imaginable. Grasses of golden brown grew everywhere the flowers did not. A gentle breeze carried glorious scents and waved the grasses. Snow capped mountains rose up at the edge of the horizon, their peaks jagged and foreboding. The sun shone vibrantly in the azure blue sky. A few puffy clouds floated lazily. Below them, a herd of large herbivores grazed. They resembled American Bison, but stood twice the size. On their heads grew horns resembling those of musk ox, but scaled to fit the larger beasts. Their coats were spotted like an appaloosas. For a moment, both Cardassian and Terran forgot their predicament. They stood, side-by-side, admiring the view. Then, Janeway regained her sensibilities and pointed into he distance. "My tricorder indicates a source of fresh water about two miles from here." Garak nodded, then glanced at the grazers. "I suggest we circumvent these creatures by a wide margin." "Agreed." They started out again, proceeding cautiously past the herd. The beasts showed no interest in the odd intruders. Their pace was again snail like. Janeway realized she could not keep her eye on her tricorder, the terrain and Garak. *I must trust him, there is nothing else for it.* Garak noticed with amusement and relief that the Captain no longer kept a wary eye on him. they traveled in silence until they ascended a final hill and stopped by the banks of a small, clear creek. Kathryn took readings, then smiled. "The water is safe to drink." She instantly took a few swallows of cool water. Garak also drank a little. "I don't suppose you know how to fish, Mr. Garak?" she asked. "It is not a skill normally needed by a tailor," he replied vaguely. She gave him a long, appraising glance, then said, "I am afraid Starfleet captains are not called upon to fish much either. Still, I am willing to try." She gazed at the large, silver fish swimming lazily on the bottom of the stream. "They look like a potentially good meal." Garak also regarded the fish, "If we fish with our hands, I do not think we will be very successful." He looked around, then walked over to a large, dead tree. Janeway followed and scanned the tree. She indicated its benigness, and he broke off a few long sticks. "I suggest we sharpen the end of these and use them as spears." Janeway nodded and looked for something to sharpen them with. She picked up a few jagged stones. She traded one with Garak for a couple of sticks. The two sat down in a patch of shade and began working. After a time, Garak spoke, "I thought Voyager was lost several years ago." Janeway did not glance up. "We were taken to the Delta Quadrant by a powerful entity called the Caretaker. We've been trying to get back ever since." "It must have been hard on you," he said sympathetically, thinking of his own exile. Her voice became soft. "My crew lessened the burden. They've always kept the hopes of getting home alive, no matter how bad the situation. I miss them already...." She broke off and attacked her stick with a vengeance. *Why am I saying all this to him? He's a strange Cardassian. I've got to be more careful.* *She opened up for a minute. I still have the ability to coax truth out of people.* He stood up. "I think this spear is ready. I'll give it a try." Garak waded into the river, suppressing a shiver. Janeway finished the rest of her sticks, then glanced up at the Cardassian. He stood motionless, arm poised, ready to strike. *He looks so natural as a predator,* she thought. She moved into the river, chose a spot and also readied herself. For several minutes, neither spoke or moved. Suddenly, Garak struck, startling the Captain. She heard him utter a curse and knew he missed. She resteadied herself and saw a particularly large fish approaching. *Patience, patience, Kathryn. Let him come.* The fish came within a foot, and she thrust hard with her stick. She pulled the spear out, a large fish impaled on it. "Bravo Captain, that is a considerably sized fish. At least one of us will eat tonight." She looked at him with annoyance. "I do not intend to let you starve, Mr. Garak. I am perfectly happy to share my catch." *I hit a sore spot. How much more annoyed with me you would be if you knew I watched your performance. You are truly a magnificent woman, Captain.* "Forgive me my poor joke, Captain. I know you will share as will I." She nodded and carefully stashed her prize on shore. Garak returned to his fishing, and Kathryn allowed herself a moment to study him. *He is not unattractive. Those eyes seem to see right through me. I have heard interesting things about Cardassian's ridges, too. I wonder if any of it is true?* She became annoyed with herself again. *I am giving Q ample cause for amusement with these random thoughts. I will not prove him right. I won't!* She reassumed her place,and they spent the next few hours in silence. ********** The fire crackled, casting a soft light on Elim Garak and Kathryn Janeway. Each had eaten a goodly sized fish and several sweet fruits they had picked. Now, both gazed moodily into the fire. Neither felt willing to share anything about themselves, so all conversation lagged. Finally, Janeway stretched. "We will have lots to do tomorrow, and we both need rest. However, until we are familiar with the planet, I think somebody need to stand guard." "A sensible precaution, Captain. If you do not mind, I will take first watch. I am not really tired yet." She nodded and began making herself a place to sleep. Just before settling down, she pulled out her phaser and held it out to Garak. For a moment, he looked surprised. He quickly suppressed the reaction and took the weapon. She lay down. After awhile, she drifted into uneasy slumber. ********** A terrible scream woke her from slumber. Janeway jumped up, confused and terrified. Her gaze focused on Garak who stood alertly in front of the still blazing fire. She instantly remembered their situation. Another scream filled the night, but this one was different. "That sounded human!" Janeway cried. She seized a blazing torch from the fire and ran toward the noise. "Captain!" Garak shouted, but she ignored him. Cursing, he followed her, phaser at the ready. More screams echoed from ahead of him, and he ran faster. He came into a small clearing and stopped, stunned by the sight. Two figures battled a large predator. The animal appeared reptilian, but long red feathers decorated its head. The tan scaled creature stood eight feet tall on its hind legs. It slashed at the humans with the wicked claws on its hand and feet. Janeway attacked fiercely, pushing the torch into the animal's face. Garak recovered, set the phaser on kill/disrupt and fired. With an agonized wail, the creature vaporized. "Thank you, Mr. Garak," Janeway said. "Garak?" a new voice said. "Garak, is that really you?" "Doctor Bashir?" Garak questioned. *JULIAN!* Janeway cut the reunion short, "We should get back to the fire before more of those predators come." She picked up Bashir's medical kit and phaser. Handing them to him, she started back to their campsite; the men followed close behind. Once back, Janeway added timber to the fire while Garak and Bashir settled down. The Captain surreptitiously studied the human, unaware that Garak did the same. *He's beautiful. I've seldom seen a man so beautiful,* she thought. Julian attended to some cuts on his arms and torso. His golden skin gleamed in the firelight and one delicious nipple peeked through his torn tunic. His hazel eyes sparkled and his soft lips pursed in concentration. Both Garak and Janeway moved their eyes, when he suddenly looked up. "Garak, can you help me with the cuts on my face? I cannot really see them." "Of course, Doctor." Garak gently healed the wounds on Julian's face. Janeway concealed her surprise. The young doctor knew the Cardassian and appeared to trust him completely. *What a perfect pair they make,* she thought. She felt an irrational stab of jealousy. While Garak mended his face, Julian pondered the odd situation he found himself in. Stranded with a man he found fascinating and a fearless, attractive woman. A Captain, no less! "I'm Doctor Julian Bashir, " he said once Garak finished, "CMO of Deep Space Nine." "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of Voyager." "A pleasure," he said warmly, "although I wish our meeting had occurred under more pleasant circumstances." She smiled, "As do I. Do you know how you got here?" Bashir shook hi head, "I was in the Infirmary, then suddenly, I was here." "Wherever here is" Garak mumbled. Kathryn lifted her chin in defiant anger, "I am sure Q brought you here, too." "Q? Why should Q want to do that?" "The Captain seems to think he is playing a joke on us, "Garak explained. Bashir considered this for a moment, then nodded. "He is renowned for putting people in dangerous situations for his own amusement." Janeway growled her agreement, and the men looked at her. Both were struck by her attractiveness and wondered at her own unawareness of it. She glanced at them and found their eyes on her. She flushed even redder, but held their gazes firmly. They glanced away first. The contact broken, Janeway said, "Mr. Garak, I believe it is my turn to stand guard. You and Dr. Bashir need rest." Julian started to protest, and Kathryn said, "I could make that a direct order, Lieutenant." Her smile softened the words. He answered the grin. "All right, all right, I will surrender peacefully." The Cardassian handed Janeway back her sidearm. "Thank you Captain, I am feeling a bit tired." The two males settled down and fell into slumber. Janeway listened to their soft breathing and a kept a close eye on the surroundings. Suddenly, there was a brilliant flash of light. "Hello, Kathy," said Q, smirking. "Q," she snarled. "Shhh, wouldn't want to wake Elim and Julian," Q whispered. "Return us immediately," Janeway ordered. "Not a chance. This situation has fascinating possibilities, and you have so much to learn." "Fascinating possibilities?" the Captain growled. "They are already attracted to you, dear Kathy, and each other." Q smiled lewdly, "Enjoy yourself." "Q!" Janeway yelled, but he was already gone. ********** Kathryn Janeway slowly walked through the rolling hills of the planet she had called home for over two years now. As always, she failed to notice the splendor around her. Her spirit hung in tatters. Her tenacity and fierce will served her well as a Starship Captain, but failed her in her private life. Because she refused to let Q 'win', Kathryn remained alone. She kept Bashir and Garak at a distance. Unfortunately, here there was no ship to run, no crew to worry about.... There was only loneliness. *I walk these hills every morning at this time,* she thought, *and give them time to be together. Time to express their love without my intrusive presence.* She winced inwardly, remembering the only day she had returned early. The noise of their love making struck her deeply. Her insides constricted, her heart ached fiercely, and she fled. *Now, they have each other, and I have my pride. My damned pride....* Lost in thought, kathryn did not notice the dinosaurid until it was upon her. She whirled in time to get her spear between herself and the predator. The impact of its charge snapped the spear, sending Janeway sprawling. She reached for her phaser and found it gone. Kathryn looked up at the approaching beast and a strange calm filled her. *Let it end,* she thought, as the creature struck. ********** Julian and Elim flew toward the site of the attack on Kathryn. The Q-sent foreboding gave them extra speed. They arrived just in time to see the predator tear into Janeway's side. "NO!" Julian yelled. Elim wasted no words. With dead-on aim, he reduced the dinosaurid to particles. Both men rushed to Kathryn. "We're here, Kathryn. Please hold on," Julian said, starting to work on her injuries. Elim gently grasped one of her hands, wishing he could help the doctor. "Just let it end," Kathryn murmured. The men exchanged a brief glance of shock. "No, Kathy," Garak pleaded, "fight. Please, you must fight." ********** *Just let it end....* Kathryn Janeway found herself floating in oblivion. She saw nothing, for there was nothing to see. Darkness surrounded her, and she felt panic close in. "Hello?" she called, frightened. "Is anybody there?" "I never thought i would be ashamed of you Kathryn," a voice said through the darkness. "Daddy?" she whispered. "I never thought you would just give up." Her father sounded sad. She felt deeply ashamed. "I know," she murmured, "but I could not bear to be alone any longer." "Whose choice was it to remain alone, Kathy?" her father said angrily. Janeway felt her own ire rise. "I couldn't let Q win!" she snapped. "You would rather die, then admit you were wrong?" he demanded. She fell silent. Her face burned in shame, and her eyes teared. The voice sighed softly, "Q did win. Today, you proved your need for love as surely as if you admitted your feelings for Elim and Julian." Janeway remained quiet. She knew the truth of his statements, and this knowledge stung through to her core. Her father sounded angry again, "And, if it weren't enough that you hurt yourself, you also hurt them." "NO!" she protested. "I never hurt them. They have each other. What need have they for me?" "Foolish, blind, Goldenbird," he said affectionately, "they love you." "No! No, they love each other, not me," she spoke, denying his words. "Of the rest I am guilty, but not of hurting them." "Did you never notice their expressions when you pulled away from them? How happy they were when you let a bit of Kathryn show through? How sad they became when you denied them closeness? How often they encouraged you to join them, trust them? Did you really miss these things?" She broke into sobs, covering her face with her hands. "They love you, Goldenbird, and they want you to love them, too." "I do," she sobbed. "I love them terribly. Beautiful Julian with his sharp mind and gentle soul. Charming Elim with his once concealed passionate nature and his glib tongue. I love them; I do. And now, it's too late. " "No Goldenbird, not yet. You can make it back to them." She raised her head, "How?" "Put your iron will to good use. Fight death, Goldenbird. Fight death...." "Fight," Janeway echoed. "Fight." ********** "Fight," she whispered and opened her eyes. She lay in their small home, and Julian sat next to her. Elim hovered anxiously a few feet away. "Julian. Elim. I made it." She tried to sit up. Julian stopped her gently. "Not yet, Kathy," he said, "you need rest. Your wounds were quite severe. I thought we were going to lose you." Unexpectedly, Kathryn burst into tears. Huge sobs wracked her body, and she wept uncontrollably. Elim moved quickly behind her and started stroking her hair. Julian made soft hushing noises, tenderly holding her hand. These actions only made her crying worse. She felt so unworthy of their attentions. "Everything's going to be all right now," Garak reassured her. She shook her head. "I don't deserve this," she cried. "I treated you both unforgivably. I hurt you." "Forgiven and forgotten." Julian answered. "We love you very much, Kathy," Garak said. "We hated seeing you push us away because we knew you hurt yourself." "And I love you,"she whispered. "I have loved you for so long." She reached out and caressed Julian's face. Then, she caught Garak's hand and kissed it tenderly. "I wish I could show you how much," she whispered. "You have," Julian answered. "You came back to us," Garak finished. "I had to," she whispered. "I couldn't leave you." ********** Kathryn stretched her muscles, glad to be home. Julian looked up from the table. "You were gone a long time," he remarked softly. She hung her head, "I was so happy to be outside again. I guess I lost track of time. Forgive me?'" She looked up pleading from under her lashes. He laughed happily. "When you ask like that, how can I refuse?" He walked over and kissed her softly. "Hey, don't start without me," a teasing voice said from the doorway. A thrill of anticipation ran through Janeway. She moved away from Julian and sat down, attempting to calm her hammering heart. "Never," Julian answered. "Good," Elim answered, hanging up his coat and walking into the kitchen. "So, what's for dinner?" "I made vegetable stew." "I'll take a triple helping," Elim said. "That's about the only thing you make right, so I have to eat a lot when you do serve it." Julian swatted him, but Kathryn felt ashamed. "I can help you tomorrow, Julian. I'm not an invalid any longer." "Can you cook?" Elim asked. She flushed, "Well.... no, but I can learn." "Of course you can," Julian assured her. "Not if you teach her," Elim quipped. "Oh, and you're a great chef?" Both men laughed, but Kathryn remained silent. "I think you both do a wonderful job," she said softly. "Thank you," Elim answered, shooting Julian a concerned glance. He quickly served the food, and the three ate in silence. The men kept a close watch on Kathryn who had once more become uncommunicative. When Kathryn finished, she stood and quietly gathered all the bowls. She took them to the sink and began washing them. After a few moments, Elim stood and gently laid a hand on her back. The human stiffened. "What's the matter?" he questioned gently. "I just wish I had been of more help to you. These past months, I laid around while you worked. I want to do my part. I hate feeling like I'm sponging." She spat out the words with emphasis. "You're not. There will be plenty of time for you to help." "Besides, " Julian also answered, "we like taking care of you." She turned toward them and smiled. "What did I do to deserve you two?" Julian blushed, and Elim looked away from her openly admiring gaze. Still smiling, Kathryn moved away and entered their living room. She sat in front of the blazing fire and waited. A moment later, they silently walked over to her. Elim sat on her right, and Julian on her left. Eventually, Kathryn placed a hand on each of their thighs, signaling her readiness. "Be gentle," she whispered, "it has been a long time." Their answers were tender kisses to her neck and face. She sighed, willing her body to relax. Hands soothed her tight muscles, and she responded to them. Eventually, she completely gave in to the sensations. With gentle tugs, her clothes came off until she lay exposed. Again she shivered, feeling vulnerable. Still, she allowed them to lead her. She shut her eyes. They laid her back on the soft fur rug in front of the fire. Someone kissed her face, while the other ran his lips over her stomach. Fingers ran over her sides, down her legs, along her neck, through her hair. "Oh Gods," she whispered before lips closed over her mouth. She surrendered to his silent demand and parted her lips. A skilled tongue explored her thoroughly. Meanwhile, the other man touched the side of her breasts. Light nips started up the side of one breast and down the other. Her nipple remained wanting, and she moaned her frustration into the mouth of the one kissing her. "Patience," a voice murmured. The nips went up her other breast, but still avoided her nipples. She arched and reached out, trying to guide the infuriating mouth to her need. Someone caught her outstretched hand and placed it back by her side. The lips around her mouth moved away. She cried out softly, wanting them back. Then, she felt breath over each of her breasts. She uttered a loud cry of pleasure as a mouth closed on each of her nipples. She entangled her hands in her lovers' hair, as their skilled ministrations drove her wild. She could tell Julian by his soft, silky curls, and Elim by his longer, coarser mane. On her left breast, Julian ran his tongue back and forth over her tit. Garak suckled the other, making soft sounds. Immersed in waves of pleasure, Kathryn pushed into their mouths. The warmth of their bodies, their loving attentions to her body..... she lost herself in them, calling incoherently. The mouths moved down toward her center. She spread her legs, eager for this. One pulled back, allowing the other to touch first. A tongue lapped at the wetness around her folds. Teeth carefully pulled at the lips. "More," Kathryn demanded. "As you wish." She recognized Elim's voice. A tongue pushed into her, forcing a cry of longing out of her mouth. In and out he plunged his tongue, touching every part of her he could reach. Finally, he began assaulting her clit with his tongue. Her senses overloaded and she came hard, screaming her delight. There was a hushed whisper, and she felt a new touch. Soft, surgeon's fingers touched her drenched lips, fondling gently. Instantly, she rocked her hips in time with the careful strokes. One digit slowly pushed into her, carefully moving deeper inside. Another joined the first, massaging her every pleasure area. Then, he placed his mouth over her clit and began his own assault. Julian worked slowly, and Kathryn felt new fires build up inside her. Each stroke, each move fueled them. They blazed brighter and hotter, until they exploded into nuclear holocausts. Exhausted, Kathryn lay on the rug. She slowly recuperated, listening to the soft rustle of them removing their clothing. Eventually, she opened her eyes and admired their bodies. Elim seemed all ridges and silver scales, His impressive manhood possessed three small ridges of it's own. A natural liquid leaked from between the scales of his penis, lubricating it naturally. Julian's skin glowed golden in the fire. His erection was no less impressive than Elim's. The tip weeped with longing. Kathryn sat up, as Elim moved behind and Julian in front of her. She trembled all over when Elim massaged her tight buttocks. He ran one finger over the opening between her cheeks. "Can you do this?" he asked softly. "Yes," she answered excitedly. Julian leaned over and captured her mouth while Elim inserted a slick finger into her. She felt Julian's erection pushing insistingly between her things and spread her legs. Her shift in position helped Elim prepare her. He stretched the taut, virgin tissue until he thought her ready. Elim positioned himself behind her and pushed in. Kathryn gripped Julian's hips tightly, forcing herself not to cry out in pain. "Slowly," Julian cautioned Elim. Elim paused, allowing Kathryn to get used to his presence. Suddenly, she pushed back against him, forcing him all the way in. At the same time, she grabbed Julian and pulled him into her other side. She paused to savor the moment, feeling remarkably full. Both men gasped, stunned by her actions. They too took a moment to enjoy the sensations. Then, Kathryn began moving slowly. The other two match her rhythm, thrusting in time with her. back, forth, in, out, together.... three as one. Kathryn's hands roamed all over the men's bodies, squeezing a ridge here, pinching an ass there. She came, once, twice, three times, until both men gasped simultaneously. They emptied their seed deep within her, some spilling down her thighs and buttocks. As they filled her with their essence, she orgasmed wildly. Throwing back her head, she uttered a long, thrilling , primeval scream. Their bodies crashed limply to the rug, still molded together. Harsh breathing slowed into deep breathing, and Kathryn knew her men were asleep. *Yes, they are mine, and I love them. I will always love them. Always.* ********** Kathryn Janeway knew death awaited her. She did not mind for death would reunite her with Elim and Julian. She believed that deeply. She gazed around the house they spent their lives in. *So many memories.* She reviewed the many times they made love in this house. She thought of the terrible day they lost Julian, how she and Elim wept for weeks. She remembered Elim's own death which left her alone. Only, she never felt alone. She knew they waited for her and watched over her. Now, she would finally join them. Kathryn Janeway closed her eyes and prepared to sleep forever. ********** A sound startled her, and Kathryn opened her eyes. She stood in front of the view ports on Voyager. She whirled around and saw Q sitting on her desk. He smiled, but the smile lacked its usual mockery. "Welcome back, Kathy." "Q," she whispered. "It wasn't a dream, Kathy. It all happened. And now, Elim, Julian and you have been placed back at the exact moment I took you away." "And they...." "Remember? Of course. They still have each other, Kathy." She nodded understanding. "And I?" "Whatever you want, my dear Kathy. You now understand the importance of love, and hopefully see that even you need it." "Yes," she whispered, "I do." "There is a man aboard this ship who loves you dearly. You could love him, too." "Not now, not so soon after...." "I know. He's already waited five years. I don't think a little more time will adversely affect him." "Thank you, Q. I owe you more than I can ever say." He bowed and answered sincerely, "A pleasure, Captain." He vanished in a flash. She returned to her windows and star gazed. Her thoughts drifted over everything she had learned. *So," she thought, *love must come first, above all other things." Her office door chime broker her reflections. She turned and called, "Come." A handsome Indian entered. She smiled warmly at him. He answered her unusually friendly smile with one of his own. She walked over to him, ready to start this life anew. *I will never forget you, my beloved Elim and Julian. Never.* END [ main page || basics || pairings || list || tales || disclaimer || links ] |