GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT

Title: Gentlemen's Agreement, 5/16 
Author: Jaye (Copyright May 2002) 
Codes: C/P NC-17

Disclaimer: Star Trek, Voyager and all related characters and
concepts  are the property of Paramount. No infringement is
intended or profit  made. This is NC-17 for m/m sex. If you
aren't interested (or aren't old  enough), don't read it.

Archive: Drop me a note first so I know where it's going. Please
keep  the text (especially the disclaimer) intact.

Feedback: Sure but be kind, or at least constructive. E-mail is 
reader8901@fastmail.fm

Summary: An alien royal makes Chakotay an offer he can't refuse.

Note: Slightly AU, P/T never happened and I don't know how canon 
Chakotay dresses off duty. Also, Tom's 30, Chakotay 39.

***************

PART FIVE

/You are hopeless. Absolutely hopeless,/ Tom reflected with 
self-disgust as he woke yet again to find himself wrapped around
a sleeping  Chakotay.

It was the same every time. Chakotay was keeping to his own half
of the  bed as tacitly agreed, but Tom's body seemed to have a
complete  disregard for the border. Somehow in the depths of
slumber it migrated into  forbidden territory, as if drawn to
the satin heat of the older man's  skin.

At least they were facing each other now. Chakotay must have
rolled  over since the last time Tom skittered back to his own
cold section of  sheets. The first two times Tom roused it was
to the scent of citrus and  sandalwood, his face pressed against
his bedmate's neck, one hand  resting on the bronzed back and
the other arm tightly hugging the smooth  torso. Even his legs
were in on the betrayal, entwined with more muscular 
counterparts like living chains to keep Chakotay in place. Worst
of all  was his cock. Both times it was nestled under---almost
between---those  luscious buttocks. /I'm lucky I didn't poke the
guy. *That* would have  been one hell of a wake-up call./
Strangely, he felt more refreshed  than he had in a long time,
despite his interrupted sleep.

Tom figured it was almost time to rise. Faint light was starting
to  arrive through the exposed windows. He used the increased
illumination to  assess his situation. The two men were
practically nose to nose, both  on the older man's pillow.
Chakotay's hands rested against Tom's chest,  while his own arms
were again tightly wrapped around the bronzed form.  Their legs
were a hopeless tangle. Tom used one hand to lift their 
coverings for a cautious peek. Yep, morning erections were right
on  schedule, semi-aroused cocks yearning toward each other. Tom
shifted slightly,  brushing their tips together. He bit his lip
to keep from moaning,  blood rushing to his penis.

/*That* was not your brightest move, Tommyboy./ He shifted his 
attention to Chakotay's face, trying to distract himself. He
went over a mental  checklist. No snoring. No talking. No
thrashing (heck, the man barely  moved). Doesn't mind being
cuddled. /Be honest. Doesn't mind being  engulfed./ Tom narrowed
his eyes, looking for signs of wetness. No obvious  drool.

He kept looking, for pleasure this time, drawing the spread and 
topsheet down to let his eyes roam over his companion's face and
body. The  older man's features relaxed in sleep; he looked as
innocent as a little  boy. Until you noticed how enticing those
partly opened lips were. How  alluring the sight and feel of the
fire-brushed skin curving over solid  muscles. Tom couldn't hold
back his groan this time as his cock got  even harder, nudging
its partner.

Chakotay roused and opened his eyes to a vision of Tom faintly
glowing  in the light of morning. The blond hair was
sleep-tousled, inviting  fingers to muss the short locks even
more. The wide mouth quickly curved  into a mischievous grin,
but the sapphire gaze held the smoke of desire.  The rising
Rutali sun sparkled on the hairs adorning arms that held 
Chakotay in a surprisingly strong embrace. All he had to do was
slide his  own hands behind the long white neck and they would
be fully skin on  skin. He glanced down, recalling the odd
sensation that woke him. One  move and they would be cock on
cock too, dark and pale lengths touching,  rubbing...

Chakotay felt his own erection stir to fullness. He quickly
jerked his  focus from their rampant manhoods to meet Tom's
knowing grin with an  uncertain smile.

"Now that we're both 'up'," Tom's innuendo earned him an eyeroll
from  his bedmate, "I think I should demonstrate my version of a
time-honored  survival technique." His eyes danced with mirth
and anticipation.

Eyes simmering like hot chocolate narrowed as Chakotay responded 
suspiciously, "What can you possibly do here in bed?" he asked,
even more  confused when Tom kicked the covers to the bottom of
the mattress, leaving  them completely exposed.

Tom's expression turned wicked as he leered at the muscled form
set off  by pristine white sheets. "Rub two sticks together to
start a fire," he  said, shifting one arm down the wide back to
jerk their hips together.  /Ah...that's more like it./

"Oh." The syllable was low and drawn out as Chakotay moaned at
the  brush of Tom's body against his own. The miniature
filaments scattered over  the pale skin tantalized, setting his
nerve endings tingling. He moved  his arms to curl around
slender shoulders. The older man rubbed his  chest against
Tom's, feeling the rasp of golden curls against his  sensitive
nipples. His head went back as he made another low sound, 
unconsciously offering his throat.

Tom was in sensory heaven as he dove for the skin above the 
gold-and-crystal seal, which glistened in the dawn. He breathed
in Chakotay's  scent as he began sucking at the base of the
coppery neck. Tom moved one  hand into Chakotay's hair to hold
his head in place, while the other  spanned the older man's butt
to keep them thrusting together. He let his  fingertips wander
along the cleft, pleased at Chakotay's hum of approval.

Chakotay felt long fingers trying to grab his hair. He obliged
by  arching his neck even more as teeth started to graze his
skin. He sent his  own hands into the soft waves adorning Tom's
head, brushing the skin  around the neat ears, tickling behind
the lobes. He felt the mouth on his  neck pause as Tom issued an
appreciative moan.

The older man took advantage of his bedmate's distraction to
make his  own move, cradling Tom's nape and lifting the blond
head so he could  stare into dilated blue eyes. He stroked his
top hand down Tom's side and  back, enjoying the texture of the
ivory flesh.

Their lower bodies were still moving together, cocks finding
purchase  against each other and slick firm bellies. Two sets of
eyes closed as  their mouths joined, mating in a dance that
built the fire between them.  Their pace quickened, limbs moving
restlessly as the tension increased.  Then Tom ripped his mouth
from Chakotay's to groan as semen splashed on  both their forms.
The heat of Tom's release set off his partner's, and  Chakotay
gave a low growl as his cum joined the liquids coating the two 
sweaty, panting bodies.

"Well, Lieutenant, you've impressed me again." The Commander
kept a  straight face as he continued. "That was quite a blaze
you created. Your  fire-starting skills are certainly more
advanced than mine. Perhaps you  should lead the next survival
exercise---"

"No! I mean, no thanks, it only works in particular settings,"
Tom got  into the spirit of the teasing as his gaze drifted over
his companion,  "and needs *very* specific materials for
ignition."

Chakotay grinned and quirked an eyebrow. "So the exact
circumstances  must be reproduced to achieve similar results?
I'll keep that in mind."

Tom relaxed and returned the grin, comfortable with this
easygoing  Chakotay. He was sorry to hear the computer warn,
"The time is now 0700."

"Rise and shine," Chakotay said, but thought /In this light, you 
already do./ He stretched and almost stopped midway, flustered,
when he felt  blue eyes ranging up and down his body. "Do you
want the shower first?"

/No, what I want is you while *we're* in the shower. Then
leaning on  the sink, maybe against a wall in the hallway, and
when we get back to  the bedroom.../ Tom cut off his lascivious
imaginings with a blink. "Uh,  sure," he said and beat a hasty
retreat to the bathroom.

Chakotay got up, conjured a robe and began punching in a
breakfast  order. He was a little confused by Tom's attitude.
First he agreed to help  Chakotay, then backed out. Without
warning he changed his mind again.  Tom practically ignored
Chakotay's reactions when they first got into  bed last night,
then tenderly initiated him into the ways of male-male  sex. As
they went to sleep the younger man insisted on keeping a
distance  between them, but woke Chakotay with both of them
sharing his pillow  for a hot quickie. *Then* Tom leaves skid
marks running to the bathroom.

/I don't understand him, that's for sure. But I'd like to; I'd
very  much like to./ Chakotay had always been aware of Tom
Paris's breezy  appeal, but now he found himself more and more
attracted, and not just  physically. He sighed and pulled a tray
of covered dishes from the  replicator. On the way to a small
table with two chairs, he decided not to think  about Tom, or
the situation. The younger man was helping him prepare to  share
Nedal's bed. That was the true purpose of their time together. 
All the reasons for Tom not wanting a real relationship with
Chakotay  still existed. And he would do well to keep that
firmly in mind.

***************

Tom debated turning off the hot water as he quickly washed
Chakotay's  semen and his own from his body. Perhaps an icy
shower was just what he  needed to snap back to cold reality.
/Fact One: Chakotay *isn't* your  type. He knows it; you know
it. Fact Two: He would never have approached  you if he didn't
need your help. In four years neither of you showed  the
slightest interest in the other. Fact Three: You're teaching a 
temporary paramour before handing him over to another man.
That's it; nothing  but a favor between friends./

Tom stepped out of the cubicle and wiped condensation off the
mirror.  He stared into blue eyes softened and filled with the
afterglow of  pleasure. He tightened his mouth and brows
sternly. /It isn't important how  much you *like* having
Chakotay as a lover, in and out of bed. Keep  your mind on the
job, Paris. A week from now you'll both be pretending  this
never happened./ He sighed. /No matter how much you wish
otherwise./

He quickly dried off and dressed in a photonic robe to sit down
to  breakfast with Chakotay. He lifted the cover off his dish in
surprise.  "Peanut butter toast? How did you know I like peanut
butter toast?" He dug  into the warm, perfectly crisp
PB-slathered slices with relish, washing  them down with the
still-cold glass of milk.

Chakotay smiled at Tom's obvious delight. "I just checked your 
replicator history. That seemed a more appropriate way to start
the day than  tomato soup and grilled cheese."

Tom swallowed and forgot all his minutes-old admonitions as he
entered  a lighthearted debate. "Have you ever *had* soup for
breakfast?"

A dark eyebrow quirked. "No, but---"

"It's a perfectly acceptable method of nutrition, vitamins and
minerals  in a broth of warm tasty goodness. Some Asian cultures
thrive on it.  And you know what they say: 'Don't knock it 'til
you've tried it'." Tom  shook his finger, trying not to laugh.

Chakotay's eyes twinkled. "Well," he drawled, "I'll make sure to
follow  your advice, since the proverb held so true last
night..." he was  pleased not to blush this time, "...and this
morning."

Tom nearly choked on his mouthful of milk as he realized exactly
what  Chakotay referred to. He looked up and caught the
"Gotcha!" in the  amused gaze and nearly lost it again.

Dimples flashed as Chakotay grinned. Then he drained his cup of
tea and  set it down with a hesitant expression. "Tom, I was
wondering if you  would have dinner with me."

The pale forehead wrinkled in puzzlement. "I don't remember
anything in  that book about needing to know how to prepare
meals."

"Oh, there isn't. I just wanted to say 'Thank you.' For
everything that  you're doing." Chakotay shrugged. "I programmed
a palace garden...maybe  we could dine al fresco?"

Tom's mind was saying /No. No. No. You were going to keep this
casual.  Dinner together----bad. Bad. Bad. Bad./ But he looked
at that handsome,  hopeful face and said, "Yes." He couldn't
deny (though he tried to) his  joy at seeing the delighted smile
that crossed the bronzed features.

Chakotay *knew* he shouldn't be so happy about this. /Just keep
telling  yourself, it's not a date./ "That's great. Shall we
meet here at 1900?"  At Tom's nod he continued. "I'm sorry that
I'm picking the setting  again after saying that you could, but
I'd like to try and get familiar  with different places on Ruta
before...you know."

Tom was rather surprised that he hadn't minded---or even
noticed---that  discrepancy in their arrangements. He let his
companion off the hook.  "No problem. You handle the venue and
the food," he gave an exaggerated  leer, "and *I'll* arrange the
entertainment." /Gotcha!/ he thought as  he earned his first
blush of the day.

Chakotay decided he needed some cool water for his burning
cheeks. He  felt like closing the throat of his robe against the
brush of that  interested gaze. He'd never been so affected just
by the touch of another  person's eyes. He pushed his chair back
and rose. "I'll see you on the  bridge," he said and fled.

Tom finished his breakfast with a satisfied grin, dressed, then
exited  the holodeck to begin the day.

***************

Harry shifted on Tom's couch, anxious for his pal to arrive.
He'd spent  a restless night wrestling with nebulous concerns
stirred up by the  Rutali Regent's behavior and very concrete
questions about the odd  situation between Tom and Chakotay.
He'd set the computer to let him know when  the communications
and/or privacy lock was released from the holodeck.  It never
sounded, so apparently his best friend had spent all night  with
the First Officer.

The Ensign had gotten ready early this morning, then let himself
into  Tom's cabin to await his friend's arrival. He was so keyed
up that he  paced, then chose a seat, fidgeted, and got up to
pace again. He'd just  plopped onto the small sofa when Tom
breezed in.

And stopped in shock to see someone on his couch. "Uh, hi Harry.
What  brings you to La Maison de Paris so bright and early?"

"Where have you been? What's going on with you and Chakotay that
would  have you locked down in the holodeck for 12 hours?" Harry
had gotten up  to pace. "Are you in trouble? Was it some kind of
disciplinary thing?"  He stopped in front of the blond. "Nobody
but the Captain could contact  you."

"Easy, Har, slow down. Take a breath. Take a seat," Tom tried to
stall  for time to come up with an answer that didn't break his
promise to  keep quiet about his and the Commander's
arrangement. He steered his still  jittery friend back to the
couch and pushed him onto the cushions. Then  he sauntered over
to the replicator. "Can I get you anything? Drink of  water?
Eggs Benedict?"

"Answers, Tom. All I want are answers." Harry crossed his arms
and did  his best impression of He Who Will Not Be Moved.

"It's not a big deal," Tom shrugged, affecting a casual air.
"Chakotay  asked for my help on a...project, and we got so
caught up in the  details that we decided to crash on the
holodeck instead of heading back to  our cabins." /Yeah, that
sounds good./

Harry's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What kind of 'project'
would  involve the both of you---and no one else?"

"It's a...kind of present, for the Rutali. For when we reach the 
homeworld. A very special gift." Tom sobered as he considered
the truth of  his statement. "It's for Nedal, actually."

The younger man jumped up at the mention of the Regent. "He's
the real  reason I'm here, Tom. Last night, he was trying to
find you. He was  *very* insistent about contacting you."

Harry paced with remembered agitation. "There's something not
right  about that guy, royalty or no. He gave me the creeps."
Harry stopped in  front of Tom. "We went to Holodeck One last
night and discovered the  lockout. I don't think he was happy to
learn you were with Chakotay."

"Did he say anything?" Tom tensed in his own reaction to the
mention of  the intimidating alien.

"No." Harry answered. "But he gave off a really menacing vibe."

"Well, there's not much I can do about the situation." Tom said,
trying  to shake off his unease. "We're going to be having
meetings back and  forth between our ships all week. The best I
can hope for is to stay out  of his way."

"Don't be alone with him, okay Tom? He's major bad news."

"I'll do my best." The pilot's lips quirked. "I don't suppose I
could  just hide under the covers for the next few days. Or tell
the Captain to  change all her plans 'cause the Rutali head
honcho gives us the  heebie-jeebies."

Harry laughed. "I'm not even sure if I could spell that for the 
report."

Tom headed to the bathroom, dropping a grateful hand on his
friend's  shoulder as he passed. "Thanks for the warning, Har.
I'm going to brush  my teeth. You want to head out? I'll meet
you on the bridge."

"Not a chance, buddy. The least I could do is give you an
escort."

Tom's voice wafted from the tiny room. "Just make sure my
corsage  matches my uniform."

Harry chuckled and relaxed into his seat, wondering what kind of
gift  the Commander and Tom were planning for Nedal. /I know
what I'd like  give him. A genuine Starfleet issue boot. Mine.
Toe first./

***************************************************************

"You want me to *what*?" Chakotay kept his voice down; he
couldn't  possibly have heard Milady correctly. She and Sisryn
had pulled him into a  secluded corner of the conference room
during a break in an  "information exchange" aboard Voyager.

The Commander was already keyed up from a tense shift on the
bridge,  trying to decode the nonverbal messages flying between
Tom and Harry.  Adding to the stressed atmosphere were the odd
looks both the Ensign and  the Captain were bestowing upon
himself and the Lieutenant. All in all,  his day had been going
downhill since he stepped out of the holodeck  that morning.
Milady's absurd request didn't improve it.

"I said, we want you to seduce the Regent." Milady regarded
Chakotay  with faint exasperation. She had come up with the
scheme after Nedal had  abandoned her in the garden the night
before, leaving the air thick  with threats. She decided to
explain. "It's obvious that he's not  interested in you, even
though you're the Larat. The pride leaders are starting  to
notice his indifference. You need to get his attention, now, and 
keep it."

She leaned closer and lowered her voice even more. "Nedal is a
virile  man, and you are an attractive one. Given the right
persuasion, he won't  mind if you begin your duties a few days
early."

Chakotay's full lips tightened. "But I will."

"Because of your friend, right?" Sisryn quickly answered the
man's  surprised expression. "There's a---a glow about you,
Chakotay." She  blushed. "It's obvious he changed his mind."

The Commander could feel himself blushing and wanted to hide his
face  in his hands. At this rate he'd have permanent scorch
marks on his  cheeks by the end of the week. "Yes. He's agreed
to help me prepare until we  reach Ruta." He met the two women's
eyes. "I am not the sort of person  who cheats on a lover. Even
a temporary one."

"I understand that, Chakotay, but this is not a matter of sex,
but  politics." Milady lightly gripped a black-sleeved arm. "The
title of Regent  is not a hereditary one. Nedal holds his power
through a delicate  balance of intimidation and perception. This
situation could upset that  balance and lead to a power
struggle. If it does, you, as the Larat, will  not escape
unscathed. You could be viewed as less than worthy for not 
attracting Nedal, or even end up serving someone else. It could
happen,  if his position is challenged and he is defeated by
another."

Sisryn touched Chakotay's other hand. "I know that this is not
your  problem, Chakotay, but please try to see things from our
point of view.  Nedal may not be the wisest man, but he has
brought stability to our  government. As I told you when the
offer of Larat was extended, your tenure  of service could be a
guarantee that Nedal's reign will last. It makes  sense that
your reward---your trip through the wormhole---would reflect 
that. *If* nothing disruptive happens before your term begins.
Surely  avoiding upheaval is worth the inconvenience."

Chakotay sighed and gently pulled free of both their grips. "No, 
Sisryn, Milady, it isn't. I'm sorry, but this is more than
convenience, or  sex or even politics." He looked from one woman
to the other. "It's a  matter of honor. And I will not
compromise mine, even if it would shorten  Voyager's journey. I
would do much to ensure the well-being of my  people, and help
yours, but not that."

He attempted to comfort the crestfallen women. "I *will* try to
engage  him in conversation, find out if we have any similar
interests. Perhaps  that will generate some reaction. Hopefully
a more positive one than  pure uninterest."

"I hope so, Chakotay, I truly hope so." Milady looked into
implacable  dark eyes. "I also hope that this lover of yours is
worth it."

"Make no mistake, Milady. He is."

***************

Nedal's golden eyes were currently fixed on the cozy little trio
just  returning from a sojourn in the corner of the room. His
gaze flicked  over the human who wore the crystal seal,
expecting the same shivery  awareness he'd generated in Tom
Paris and his young friend. Instead, the  Regent was surprised
that his trip back up the loose-fitting uniform ended  with
Chakotay's calm and unafraid expression. He even saw the dark
eyes  warm a little as the Commander offered a courteous nod and
small smile.  /So, this one who would be the Larat does not
quail at the hunter's  gaze./

The Rutali could not deny the human's many attractive qualities.
Though  older than some of the other Voyager crew, the liquid
eyes, fine  features and smooth skin were indeed pleasing to
look upon. No doubt they  would be just as enjoyable upon closer
acquaintance with Nedal's own  anatomy.

But Chakotay had not the fair curly locks or sky-blue eyes of
Tom  Paris. Most definitely, he also did not share the slight
fear his goband  exhibited when he shivered in Nedal's claws.
From experience, that  awareness of danger always led to
complete submission. The same would hold  true with the blond
pilot when he felt Rutali passion.

The Commander did not seem to share that...respect...for the
Regent's  superiority. *That* one held himself differently,
moved as if he owned  the ground he walked on as well as all he
surveyed.

/Perhaps he thinks he owns Tom Paris as well,/ Nedal mused. He
had been  furious to learn that the Lieutenant was out of *his*
reach last night,  but apparently completely available to
Chakotay. One who was not even  the leader of this ship or its
pride. /By the Celestials, the man bows  down to a tiny woman I
could snap in two!/

The Regent smiled; it wasn't a pretty sight. He watched the
assorted  Voyager crew and Rutali reassemble around the
conference table as he  returned to his seat. /I think it's time
to exchange a little information./

"Captain," Nedal noticed the female did not startle easily
either, "I  have been studying human theories about their own
development. There is  one I find most intriguing. It is called
'Survival of the Fittest'."

"Yes, that is part of a principle called 'Natural Selection'."
Kathryn  propped her elbows on the table as she answered.
"Basically, it views  life as a struggle in which similar
organisms compete for resources.  Those best adapted to the
environment are most likely to live long enough  to find mates
and reproduce."

"That's the one. It seems very Rutali in its sentiment." Nedal
relaxed  and folded his hands, claws sheathed. "Except in rare
circumstances,  leadership of the prides, and even the Regent's
office, is contingent  upon one's ability to fend off rivals to
their claim."

"It does sound like a prime demonstration of the theory in
practice."  Janeway agreed. "There are sometimes examples in
Federation cultures as  well."

"Which makes me curious...how can *you* be the leader of
Voyager's  pride?" Nedal was pleased by the stunned reactions
around the table. "Your  First Officer seems to be a strong
enough man, yet he obeys you instead  of taking this ship for
himself."

His gaze flicked to the Larat. "Perhaps that appearance of power
is  mere illusion, and he is as weak as his submissive position
to you." The  Regent leaned forward, pressing his point home as
he extended a claw and  drew vague shapes on the tabletop in a
desultory fashion. "I have  learned that the Commander was a
captain himself, who lost his ship at the  start of your great
journey. Such a failure among our people would  result in a
decrease in stature. The loser would be stripped of title, 
position, wealth, property, *mate*"---meaningful look at Tom 
Paris---"...perhaps even life. They would be deemed unworthy of
*any* possessions."

Nedal took advantage of the continued silence to lean back and
swivel  his chair to face Chakotay. "Perhaps you can explain,
Commander. Why you  are lapdog to an obviously weaker opponent,
how you can still hold a  post of some responsibility among your
people. How you could have this  crew's respect, and why would
*anyone*"---another speaking glance at the  golden one---"be
willing to spend time with such a unworthy being as  yourself."

As soon as he became the topic of discussion Chakotay had sent
an  inquiring glance to Milady and Sisryn. They shook their
heads slightly  indicating their surprise at Nedal's attack, but
he sensed secrets in the  way they evaded his gaze. /So much for
civil discourse./ Cool brown eyes  narrowed slightly as Chakotay
lightly touched Kathryn's wrist, defusing  the explosion he felt
building within his quietly growling Captain.

"It's easy enough to explain," the Commander said, completely 
unruffled. "With all due respect, Regent Nedal, you don't have
all the facts.  While it is true, 'Survival of the Fittest' does
occur in nature and in  humanoid societies, it does not express
the code we all live by. That  principle is contained in
Starfleet's unofficial motto, 'The needs of the  many outweigh
the needs of the few---or the one'."

Chakotay's voice fell into the age-old rhythm of the
storyteller. "It  is true, my vessel was brought to the Delta
Quadrant by the Caretaker  some days before Voyager, and was in
better shape after the trip. Voyager  was a crippled ship, with
a disoriented crew---perfect targets. But  Captain Janeway and
her people were also fellow unfortunates, tossed a  galaxy away
from home. When she offered an alliance, I thought my people 
would best be served by cooperation until we could make our
return."

He continued the tale, "So we worked together to find kidnapped
crew  and arrange our trip back to the Alpha Quadrant.
Unfortunately, our  actions incurred the wrath of a race called
the Kazon. During battle, I lost  my ship because it was the
only way to save Voyager, the much larger  vessel." He spread
his hands. "The needs of the many took precedence.  Then Captain
Janeway offered a new, permanent alliance. To build one crew, 
one people. And she wanted my help."

Chakotay shrugged. "No one's needs but my own would have been
served if  I tried to wrest control of Voyager from her. So I
accepted the  position of First Officer. I made a promise to
stay by my new Captain's side,  to lighten her burdens and share
her path. I have given my word, and I  will not break it."

Chakotay looked into each set of golden Rutali eyes in the room.
"If  that appears weak to you then so be it. But I tell you now
there are many  kinds of strength: the bonds of community, the
power of conviction, the  integrity of personal commitment."

His voice and face turned bleak. "I wish there was a way to make
you  understand. I have killed enemies with my bare hands,
squeezed out their  lives as I watched the light die from their
eyes. It was necessary, to  save myself and those under my
protection." He paused. "But it is not a  cause for rejoicing,
or a sign of strength. If you cannot see this,  then my words
will never change your way of thinking."

Chakotay looked at Nedal. "Your standards are valid for your own 
people, but it is unwise to measure others by them." He then
spoke to the  Regent only, his message clear, "You would also do
well not to judge by  appearances. We are all more than we seem,
and there is no telling what  anyone will do when their family
is threatened."

Nedal conceded for now, but his anger simmered, shimmering in
the air  around him. "Your answer has been most enlightening,
Larat. May you  continue to so successfully represent your
people." He rose, signaling the  end of the meeting. "I think we
have all been given enough to think  about this day."

Kathryn was a little shocked to be offered an apologetic bow
from the  Regent as she also stood. "Pray forgive me, Captain,
for my  *hypothetical* question. I merely wished to provoke
discussion. I am sure you are a  worthy leader in both peace and
war." The accompanying smile was still  rather menacing.

"Thank you," The Captain's own smile was tight as she moved to
escort  the Rutali out of the conference room. "I'm sure we can
arrange some  proof, if you have any doubts about my
qualifications."

"There is no need." He stopped and kissed her hand gallantly,
"Good  evening."

The Captain noted that the golden eyes had again moved to study
Tom.  "No need to part so soon, Sir. I will escort you to the
transporter room  myself. All of you," she said, her gaze
flicking over the other Rutali  representatives, including a
subdued Sisryn and a speculative Milady.

Kathryn then waved a black-clad arm to round up the few
straggling  pride leaders who were part of the day's delegation.
"Now, you must all be  eager to return to your vessel. Please,
follow me." She made sure to  wait outside the door until all of
the Rutali preceded her, then herded  them down the
corridor---subtly, of course. When a glowering Nedal  looked
back toward Tom her smile just got wider.

***************

Harry stuck to Tom's side like glue as they entered the
corridor. He  still had bad feelings about the looks Nedal had
been sending Tom. /And  damn, could the guy make it any more
obvious he hates Chakotay?/ "How  about we get dinner and then
head to Sandrine's to shoot some pool?" he  asked.

"Um, no thanks, I already have plans. I'm just going to grab a
quick  shower and have a working dinner with Chakotay. You know,
for that  project I mentioned this morning."

Tom felt a gentle grip on his arm and hot breath caress his ear
as  Chakotay slipped beside him, then held him back a moment to
whisper, "What  a pity. I was so looking forward to getting
slick, sudsy hands in your  hair. *All* of it." Then he was
gone, gliding down the hall, pausing to  say good evening to
Harry.

/He wants to wash my hair? Chakotay wants to.../ Tom's
imagination  helpfully supplied him with a picture, certainly
worth more than the one or  two words Tom could come up with. He
hoped his eagerness (and sudden  hard-on) weren't too obvious as
he dashed past Harry, who had turned back  to see what was
keeping the blond. Tom called out, "Wait up,  Commander!" When
the strong form paused, Tom called over his shoulder, "Sorry, 
Har, but I think Chakotay and I need to get started---right
now."

Tom didn't stick around to see Harry's jaw drop in shock at his 
friend's enthusiasm as he hurried to Chakotay's side.

Tom wanted to grab the gorgeous brunet and run full speed to the 
holodeck, but managed to keep to his companion's more sedate
pace until they  reached the appropriate door.

A burning blue gaze caressed Chakotay. "I guess we could just
use  holographic toothbrushes this time. Then we wouldn't have
to leave until  shift starts tomorrow."

"Sounds like you've got it all planned." Chakotay's eyes were 
twinkling, but also radiating the heat of desire.

"Oh, yes, I definitely have plans for you," Tom said in a voice
so  throaty he barely recognized it as his own. Then he followed
his Titan onto  the holodeck and heard the door click shut
behind them.

TBC