GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT

Title: Gentlemen's Agreement, 8/16 
Author: Jaye (Copyright June 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 EIGHT

/This is hopeless. Absolutely hopeless./ Neelix felt like
stamping his  foot in a rare display of temper. The Talaxian was
frustrated, and  could sense the irritation tightening the
muscles of his face. He paused a  moment in his hunt for
information.

A Voyager delegation had beamed aboard the Rutali flagship this
time.  The evening soirée was supposed to be less formal than
yesterday's  "information exchange". Also, hopefully, less
tense, though Neelix had been  as impressed as always with
Commander Chakotay's serene wisdom and  Captain Janeway's
iron-fist-in-velvet-glove diplomacy. He wondered if the  crew's
speculations were accurate, that the Rutali Regent had 
deliberately set out to disparage the First Officer's character.
It didn't make  sense. /After all, these people *did* choose the
Commander to be their  official liaison. And why did Nedal keep
staring at Tom Paris, of all  people? Very strange goings-on,
indeed./

So Neelix had decided to use this casual congregation to get the
lay of  the land. He wanted to gauge Rutali opinion of his
Starfleet  colleagues, and if he were lucky, provide the Captain
with an explanation for the  alien leader's odd behavior. But
his efforts thus far had been in vain.

All he'd heard were brief snatches of conversation, many to do
with  some kind of privileges, but no substantive clues to the
state of  Rutali-Voyager relations. Every time he approached a
gossiping group, the  participants abruptly stopped speaking,
turned to greet him and engaged him  immediately in conversation
involving the most bland of topics. He  found the assembled
ministers and pride leaders pleasant enough, but their 
diversionary tactics maddening.

He leaned against a bulkhead, absently noting the opulence of
his  surroundings. The large Rutali reception room aboard this
ship was much like  the grand hall on the colony world where
they'd first agreed to this  journey. A lighted domed ceiling
arched overhead. Everything was done in  white and gold, and
real flames flickered from torches set into slanted  sheaths in
the walls. The only bold color, outside their hosts' ornate 
garments, was the carmine-colored carpet beneath their feet. It
almost  exactly matched the shade of freshly spilled human
blood.

The Morale Officer wondered if he was losing his touch. He'd
been  having a similar lack of success finding out what was
going on with the  senior staff since they'd started the trip to
Ruta. Harry had been hovering  over Tom, while the Captain was
keeping a careful eye on Chakotay. And  rumor had it the pilot
and First Officer were spending quite a bit of  time together on
the holodeck. Neelix wasn't so sure about that one.  True,
neither one had shown up for dinner yesterday, but today all the 
evidence suggested the two were avoiding each other. Tom had
come in  earlier than usual for his meals, while Chakotay had
run late. But his  subtle inquiries had not garnered him
anything except shrugs and evasions  from the bridge crew. He
shook his head. /It's enough to make me doubt my  own skills at
scavenging./

Neelix suddenly sensed a sea change sweep over the room. Bodies
tensed  and turned toward the door, which had just opened to
admit the Regent.  The Rutali leader's night-black robes
whispered into the hush that had  fallen over the crowd.

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

Nedal's eyes challenged each of his subjects in turn as he
crossed the  hall; they all fell before his threatening gaze. He
coolly noted the  aliens from Voyager scattered among his people
as he crossed to a table  with an elegant display of
refreshments. He picked up a fluted glass and  stood poised a
moment, considering. As he strolled over to Captain 
Janeway---half a room away from the Larat and Tom
Paris---conversations  resumed and focus drifted elsewhere.

Kathryn drew herself up a little as the Regent approached. She
mentally  cursed the lack of uniforms at this gathering. Since
Ken wasn't  accompanying her she'd dressed for comfort in a
slim-fitting gray pants suit,  and had opted for flats instead
of her usual heels. She was sorely  missing the inches as she
sketched a small bow, then tilted her head back  to meet
suspiciously pleased golden eyes. "Regent Nedal," she murmured.

"Captain Janeway," the royal purred, nodding graciously. "I'm so
glad  the disagreeable turn of yesterday's discussion did not
keep you huddled  aboard your gallant ship."

/Great. It's going to be another one of *those* conversations.
No  wonder I'm a dog person./ "Of course not, Sir. After four
years in the Delta  Quadrant, my crew is used to outsiders not
being able to grasp the  dynamics of Voyager's society on first
acquaintance." She gave a smile that  didn't reach her eyes.
"I'm sure during your reign you've had to make  your own share
of awkward explanations."

"Yes, there have been some harsh demonstrations of Rutali
reaction to  alien interference. Of course, not many species are
afforded the close  contact with our people that comes with the
offer of Larat." Nedal's  answering smile was just as insincere
but more edged. "I have every  confidence that *you*, Captain,
understand the sanctity of a culture's unique  traditions. As
well as our need to preserve them, despite  the...opinions of
outsiders."

"Of course." The hair on Kathryn's nape began prickling in
reaction to  this not-so-subtle threat. She'd bet a month's
rations that one of her  crew was about to run afoul of a sacred
Rutali custom. "And I trust  that your people will be quick to
warn us when a transgression is  imminent. After all, one cannot
avoid pitfalls unless they're plainly marked."  Her tone
tightened. "Otherwise they're really just traps."

"Only for the unwary, Captain," Nedal replied, and departed.
Kathryn  took a large swallow of her drink to settle her stomach
as she was swept  into a debate involving six Rutali. She felt
the need to run and  protect someone, but wasn't sure who was in
danger, Tom or Chakotay.

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

Tom hovered close to Harry, nervously smoothing his dark green
tunic.  He was dressed much less provocatively than the last
time he'd attended  a Rutali off-duty function. He was trying
his best to hide in the  background. The blond had carefully
maneuvered his way around the room all  evening. Especially
since the Regent had arrived nearly an hour before.  Tom was
absolutely determined to avoid contact with Nedal---*and* 
Chakotay.

/Coward./ His lip curled as he considered his pathetic behavior
since  his temporary lover had carried him to the pool last
night. Tom had  managed to get ready for bed in record time, and
was curled under the  covers feigning sleep when he heard his
roommate enter. Chakotay had taken  the hint; he laid his head
on the outer edge of his own pillow and  promptly, silently,
dozed off.

Tom was surprised to follow him into dreamland so quickly. He
expected  the chaotic whirl of his thoughts to plague him for
hours. Instead he'd  barely recognized the even breaths
signaling Chakotay's slumber before  his own body succumbed.

He woke before the alarm, again refreshed, and once more wrapped
around  his still unconscious lover. Their bodies were arranged
as they'd lain  most of their first night together, on their
sides with Tom's limbs  wound around Chakotay like a vine
climbing a tree. This morning the older  man's hands were curled
into his chest; one of Tom's covered them. His  legs had
captured a strong bronzed limb, and his awakening manhood was 
brushing the sensitive skin of the older man's inner thighs.

Tom had fled, carefully easing his way back to his own side of
the  mattress. He'd risen, dressed and left a note about hitting
the gym before  sneaking out of the holodeck, carrying his
boots. He lied. He'd really  gone straight to the Mess Hall for
an early breakfast and hid in the  Airponics Bay until shift
began.

Puzzled brown eyes had touched him occasionally on the bridge,
but he'd  managed to avoid even work-related conversation with
the Commander. He  really couldn't untangle the situation in his
own mind, much less  coherently explain it to someone else. His
instincts---the same flight  response that had ended every
relationship he'd ever had---were now urging  him to dissolve
this bizarre agreement with Chakotay. /After all, my  Titan
would never understand that---/

"Kim to Paris; come in Paris." Harry waved his hand in front of
his  best friend's glazed eyes. He wasn't reassured when the
taller man started  shaking his head like he was coming back
from some long journey into  his own thoughts. Harry's face
creased in a concerned frown. "What's up  with you, buddy?
You've been walking around in a fog all day."

Tom snapped back to awareness, giving a typical devil-may-care
grin.  "Nothing, Har. Not a single little thing." He took a sip
of his drink.

"Uh huh." Mr. Kim was unconvinced. His tone shifted to
way-too-casual.  "So you and the Commander still joined at the
hip?"

Tom spat out the mouthful of liquid. "*What*?!"

"You and Chakotay. You've been practically living in each
other's  pockets the last few days, working on that secret
project." Harry's  expression turned speculative. "What did you
think I meant?"

"Exactly what you said. The image took me by surprise, that's
all."  /Just because my version had our hips joined front to
back with my cock  plunged up to the hilt in that gorgeous ass
doesn't *really* make one bit  of difference./

"So everything's going all right with the gift for the Regent?"

"Uh, it's fine. Coming along nicely." Tom could feel his cheeks
heat at  the unintentional double entendre. "I'm actually not
supposed to talk  about it."

"Hmmm. And you can't be having a work problem, it's clear
sailing from  here to Ruta. So---you must still be edgy about
the Regent."

Tom took the out, which was at least partially true. "I guess. I
mean,  one minute he's having a normal conversation like any
diplomat and the  next he's lambasting Chakotay and eyeing me
like I'm his next meal."

"Yeah, steak tartare. But you've been keeping clear of him okay
so far  tonight."

Tom relaxed a little now that he'd successfully thrown Harry off
the  scent. Of course, the moment he had a little free space in
his brain his  thoughts jumped right back to Chakotay. Which
automatically tightened  him up again. It didn't help that Tom
kept remembering gentle, powerful  hands on his body, massaging
away his tension. He sighed and set his  drink down on one of
the refreshment tables set along the wall. "Look  Har, I think
I've put in enough of an appearance. I'm going to head back  to
Voyager."

"Shouldn't you wait for the Commander? I mean, aren't you going
to be  spending another late night with him?"

"I guess. That's why I want to leave now, so I can get in some
'me  time' first."

"That makes sense." Harry leaned in and lowered his voice, "Do
you want  some company?"

"Nah, I'll be okay." Tom confirmed that the Regent was deep in 
conversation with some fellow Rutali, while Chakotay---crystal
seal sparkling  against loose-fitting midnight blue---was
speaking to Sisryn. "The coast  looks clear. I'll see you
tomorrow, Harry." The pilot edged around the  room and slipped
out.

Harry watched the door slide shut behind his friend, then
switched his  focus back to the crowd to check the location of
the Regent. His eyes  widened as he saw the intimidating
black-robed figure surreptitiously  opening a panel---apparently
a hidden door---and making a hasty exit.  Probably to waylay
Tom.

Harry immediately turned back toward the more conventional
egress,  intent on providing back-up for his friend. /And from
that avid expression  on the Regent's face, Tom's going to need
it./ His spin was abruptly  stopped by another, slighter body.
He grabbed Milady's elbows just in  time to stop her from
falling. "I'm so terribly sorry," he said, setting  the older
Rutali on her feet.

"Not a problem, my dear Mr. Kim. I'm used to being blown away by
the  enthusiasm of the young." One slim arm had claimed Harry's,
holding him  in place with surprising strength. "Where were you
about to fly off to?"  she purred.

"Um, I was just trying to catch up to Tom---Lieutenant Paris."
Harry  said, subtly trying to pull away. The woman wouldn't
budge.

"Oh, I'm sure your pilot can successfully navigate his way back
to the  departure chamber, and *we* haven't really had a chance
yet to chat,"  Milady said. She raised her brows. "Unless there
was something  urgent...?" Her golden eyes seemed to be taunting
him.

/Yeah. I'm afraid your more than slightly scary leader is about
to  devour my friend like a six-foot hors d'oeuvre./ Of course,
saying *that*  was a recipe for an intership incident. Harry's
shoulders slumped. He  knew he was trapped. "No, ma'am, nothing
I can't follow up with him  later." /I hope./

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

Chakotay dropped his hand from its absentminded stroking of the
seal of  Larat, and deliberately turned his back on Tom, the
Regent, and the  rest of the room. He tried to focus on Sisryn's
words, stifling a sigh. He  was having another one of those
days.

He had been awakened this morning by another unfamiliar
sensation. This  time it was Tom's cock nestling between his own
legs. He had held still  and continued his even breaths as he
sensed his companion cautiously  drawing away. Obviously hoping
not to wake his bed partner.

He'd kept up the charade as he heard Tom fumble into his uniform
and  depart. When the holodeck door closed, Chakotay had sat up
himself,  leaning against the headboard to try to solve the
mystery of Tom's odd  behavior.

There was definitely a pattern, and this morning merely
continued the  back-and-forth, hot-and-cold pendulum swing that
Chakotay was becoming  used to from his guide along these
hitherto untread paths of pleasure.  His brows drew together as
he tried to figure out the reason for this  latest withdrawal.
He decided to approach the question logically.

Embarrassment was unlikely. It wasn't really Tom's fault his
body moved  around in sleep; everybody's did. And he might be
ending up on  Chakotay's side of the bed because the environment
was just a little too cool  for his more slender form. It made
sense then that he would snuggle up  to Chakotay for warmth.

So, moving further back in memory, Chakotay considered the
events of  last evening. He was briefly distracted by a surge of
desire at the sheer  carnality of some of the memories, but
swiftly regained control of  himself. Tom had certainly been
enthusiastic about teaching his pupil the  intricacies of
male-male oral sex. And dinner had been a relaxed,  pleasant
meal of shared confidences between friends.

Therefore something occurred in the last part of the night to
set Tom  off. Chakotay mentally reviewed his own "oral exam," as
his  irrepressible Professor called it. Tom had seemed to enjoy
the experience (his  A-plus grade notwithstanding), so Chakotay
didn't think that was at issue.  No...it was what happened
afterward. He sighed as his thoughts turned  to the moment he'd
been avoiding throughout his internal checklist.

Chakotay hadn't expected anything in particular from his sated
lover  when he'd leaned over the pale form, his own arousal
aching and full. But  the tightness of the younger man's
handsome face and the screwed-shut  blue eyes told a different
story, one of self-recrimination and evasion.  Chakotay had
mentally shaken his head at the error in Tom's viewpoint.  So
he'd tried to wordlessly convey his acceptance of the status
quo,  then found his release in an intense kiss and the friction
of moving  against the sweat-slick skin beneath him. But Tom
apparently saw that lack  of...equal activities as a
shortcoming, causing him to avoid his  partner for some time
afterward.

The simple fact was that Tom didn't want to be taken. He seemed
to  tense up every time the action moved anywhere near his own
ass. Chakotay  understood that, and was okay with it. Honestly,
he really didn't have a  choice in the matter. Tom was doing him
a favor by helping him prepare  for his duties as the Larat, so
the blond got to call the shots. And it  wasn't as though
Chakotay was likely to need experience as a top. So  now all he
had to do was think of a way to reassure Tom that he wasn't 
going to be pressured into anything he wasn't willing and eager
to  participate in. The older man had no clue, though, on how to
communicate that  fact without tripping Tom's hair-trigger
self-defense mechanisms.

Chakotay sighed and took a moment to set all questions of duty
aside  and consider his real feelings on the matter. Yes, on a
well-hidden level  he *was* disappointed. Tom was his first
homosexual lover and he would  have liked to have had a partner
who was interested in exploring *all*  of the possibilities
their encounters created. But Tom Paris was the  only man he was
attracted to, and Tom clearly didn't want to---what was 
it?---catch as well as pitch. So, end of story.

He wasn't even going to ask for the reasons behind Tom's
reluctance,  partly because the answer could all too easily be
that the younger man  simply wasn't interested that way in
*him*. Chakotay would take what he  could get and count himself
lucky for the chance to spend this time with  the intriguing
blond. It's not as though he'd ever get another  opportunity.

/Besides, it helps to remind me that Tom isn't in this for the
long  haul./ Chakotay definitely needed to stay focused on the
reality of the  situation. Because he very much enjoyed
touching, and even talking with,  the younger man. The two of
them had clicked on a level they'd never  achieved in their
previous four years on Voyager. And some long-forgotten  part of
Chakotay's soul was giving a satisfied sigh at the intimacy. 
Far too much time had passed since he'd had someone special in
his life.

Surprisingly, gender wasn't even an issue. He hadn't felt any 
awkwardness that his current lover was a man. /But it's just too
easy to be  drawn into the siren's spell. I have to remember
that a week from now Tom  *won't* be sharing my bed. Nedal will.
And whatever I have with Tom will  be nothing more than a
pleasant memory./ On that depressing note,  Chakotay had risen
and gotten ready for his day.

His thoughts, and gaze, had wandered to the pilot once or twice
during  shift as Chakotay wrestled with the question of how to
subtly convey  that all was well. He'd been disheartened to see
Tom deliberately avoid  him. The Commander didn't feel he had a
right to push things, so he'd  tried to give the younger man his
space.

Including now, at the Rutali reception. Chakotay kept an eye on
the  Regent, making sure the royal wasn't hassling Tom, but
otherwise the he  stayed away. It hadn't been difficult, since
the pride leaders had taken  up much of his time rehashing
yesterday's exchange between himself and  Nedal.

Sisryn had rescued him from the latest group of groupies,
pulling him  away for a private chat. Though the request to
speak about an urgent  matter turned out to be a ruse, since
they'd merely exchanged pleasantries  once she'd maneuvered them
to a quiet corner.

"Ah, I see the Regent has left. Probably to say farewell to Mr.
Paris."  Sisryn suddenly had the Larat's full attention as she
commented on the  view over his broad shoulder.

"Nedal is after Tom?" Chakotay asked in concern as he turned
back to  the hall, confirming the absence of the rangy
fair-haired figure.

"Well, he exited the room just after your pilot. I suppose he's
simply  being a proper host and personally making sure a guest
finds his way to  the departure chamber."

/More likely his own bedchamber,/ Chakotay thought with a mental
growl,  but turned back to bow to Sisryn. "I'm sorry, but I
should go. The  Lieutenant and I have some unfinished business.
I need to catch up with him  before he gets back to Voyager."

"Of course." Sisryn pointed to a section of wall at the other
end of  the room. "If you open that panel, you'll find a
passageway. It will take  you more directly to your
destination." She accepted Chakotay's hurried  thanks with a nod
and watched the Larat gracefully wend his way through  the
crowd.

She raised a hand, giving in to the instinct to call him back.
But  after a moment of internal debate she sighed and instead
clasped the seal  around her neck. A weight, and responsibility,
she felt more heavily at  that moment than in all her time as
Chief Consul. She then straightened  her shoulders and searched
the hall, catching Milady's eye. She nodded,  then moved to a
group of Voyager personnel and Rutali to tap Captain  Janeway's
shoulder.

Kathryn turned and smiled a welcome to Sisryn. "Can I help you?"

"Captain Janeway, I hate to end a most pleasant evening, but I
believe  it is time for your crew to return to the comforts of
your ship. I  would be honored to escort your delegation to the
departure chamber." She  watched the woman silently signal her
people, and noted that Milady  accompanied the young Ops Officer
as he filed out the door. She collected a  few of the pride
leaders with a gesture, then moved to the head of the  crowd
with Janeway and led the way down the corridor. Her orders from 
Nedal were now fulfilled, but she felt no sense of
accomplishment, only  forboding.

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

Tom cast a last glance back into the hallway as he entered the 
departure chamber, simply a small conference room set aside for
people  transporting to and from Voyager. Apparently it was very
rude, in Rutali  opinion, to disperse your molecules in front of
your hosts.

Tom closed his eyes and leaned on the bulkhead beside the closed
door a  moment, sagging in his relief at escaping from the party
unnoticed. He  lifted an arm and was about to tap his comm badge
when his wrist was  grabbed. His startled gaze saw a matching
Rutali hand, claws sheathed,  pluck the small device from his
chest.

"You won't be needing that just yet, golden one," Nedal purred,
pleased  to see the shock in the blue eyes.

"Regent Nedal. How did you get in here?" Tom tried to relax
against the  wall, making his body reflect his casual tone of
voice. His wrist was  released as the royal flattened one palm
beside the pilot's head, and  let his heavier form advance to
within a few centimeters of Tom's. The  other hand toyed with
the comm badge, teasingly brushing a thumb against  it.

Nedal smiled, but ignored the question. He moved his lips close
to a  shell-like human ear to whisper, "I've had black sheets
put on the royal  bed, my goband, so your pale skin and sunlit
curls will gleam against  it like a star set in the night sky."

/Shit. I am *never* leaving Voyager again. I should have taken
Harry up  on his roundabout offer of a bodyguard./ Tom
considered his options.  Nedal was so close Tom really didn't
have the room to maneuver to get a  knee up to a viable target.
He also wasn't sure that, even with the wall  to brace against,
he'd be able to push that solid chest away.

Tom drawled, "That's flattering, honest, but I have another 
engagement." As he finished speaking he twisted his hips to
force enough space to  drop into a crouch, launching himself
away from the muscular alien and  toward the door.

Nedal grabbed a slender wrist and pulled, flinging the human so
Tom  landed on his back on the conference table, gasping as he
tried to regain  his breath. A quick move and both green-clad
arms were pinned under a  single Rutali hand. Fierce golden eyes
blazed into the pilot's as the  Regent pressed his body into his
prey's. "I'm afraid your Commander will  have to do without you
for a while," he growled and bore down even  more. "I will
provide you with a place to sleep...eventually." His lips 
hovered over Tom's as the younger man clamped his mouth tightly
shut and  tensed, vowing to fight this every step of the way.

Suddenly the pressure on his chest was gone as Nedal disappeared
from  view. Tom lifted his head and shoulders to see the Regent
pressed  against the wall this time, with Chakotay's forearm
across his throat.  "Regent Nedal," Chakotay said, his voice
calm and pleasant, "one of my duties  as the Larat is to act as
an advisor." His whole aspect became menacing  as he applied
light pressure to the alien's windpipe. "So I am very  strongly
recommending *you leave my people alone*."

The door suddenly opened to admit the Captain and Sisryn, with
Harry  and Milady a step behind. All four froze at the tableau
and  tension-filled atmosphere.

As Tom hastily scrambled to his feet, the Commander released the
Rutali  and stepped back. The pilot straightened his tunic and
picked up his  comm badge from where Nedal had tossed it on the
table.

The Regent shouldered Chakotay aside and stepped forward to
address the  newcomers, as well as the rest of the crowd outside
in the hall. "You  are all my witnesses. The Larat has
challenged me, by blocking my intent  to persuade the human Tom
Paris to my bed. By Rutali law, I now have  the grounds to
question not only his right to interfere, but also his 
worthiness to wear the seal of Larat."

Captain Janeway stepped forward immediately. "My First Officer
would  not unnecessarily involve himself in the private matters
of our crew."  Her eyes narrowed. "If my pilot didn't
consent---"

"The circumstances are irrelevant, Captain." Sisryn's voice was 
resigned but certain. "The affront to the Regent's authority is
all. The  Commander must now accept the challenge, or withdraw
all claim to the title  of Larat."

"And, of course, the honor and duty would be offered to another
worthy  candidate." Chakotay did not seem particularly
surprised. "Of course I  will accept the challenge. What form
does it take?"

The Rutali were excitedly whispering among themselves. Nedal
quelled  the disturbance with a glare. "We will meet in two
days' time in physical  combat." He gave a very feline grin.
"That should give you ample  opportunity to reconsider the
foolishness of fighting me."

"This is not a battle to the death," Milady spoke now, her tone 
communicating a warning to her leader, "unless of course Nedal
is willing to  wager *his* title and seal as well."

"Of course it is not a full blood rite. There will be no
*permanent*  damage." /That's what the rules say, anyway./
"Sisryn will contact you  with all of the protocols," Nedal
smoothly reassured as his eyes raked  the humans. He then moved
forward and lifted Tom's hand, delivering a  small nip. "I guess
our time together will have to be postponed," he  released the
pilot with an overly intimate smile, "for a little while, at 
least." He then turned and left the room by the concealed
doorway.

/So *that's* how he did it./ Tom thought, then glared at
Chakotay in  the continued silence the royal left behind.

Chakotay felt the blue eyes shooting angry flames in his
direction, but  ignored them. He looked to Sisryn, his gaze
conveying his awareness of  her part in this deliberate
contretemps. "I trust you will inform us  tomorrow of the
arrangements?" At her nod, he bowed to the general  company.
"Then the Lieutenant and I will bid you all good night."

Kathryn's fierce expression stopped Tom the second his mouth
opened to  protest. Before she could voice *her* disagreement,
Chakotay smoothly  continued. "Of course, Captain, we will
immediately file our reports."  His eyes pointed out to her the
eagerly listening aliens and crewmates  craning their heads into
the room. "But the debriefing would be better  conducted in the
morning."

The Captain flicked her eyes over their audience and conceded.
"Very  well, Commander. I look forward to some interesting
reading." Tom  swallowed when he felt her steely gaze. "From
both of you."

She tapped her comm badge. "Janeway to Voyager. The Commander
and  Lieutenant Paris are ready to return."

The acknowledgement had barely sounded in the small space when
the two  men disappeared. Kathryn whirled and dragged Sisryn and
Milady to one  side. "Now explain to me just what the hell is
going on," she growled.

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

Chakotay stepped off the transporter platform and nodded to the
Ensign  at the board. He heard the angry stomp of his companion
and turned. A  single hand rose to halt the anticipated angry
spout of words. "Not  here, Lieutenant."

"Chakotay, you---"

"Mr. Paris." The Commander met the angry eyes with little sparks
of  irritation snapping in his own. "Follow me, please. We need
to file our  reports." He turned and left the room.

Tom took a deep breath and counted to ten. Still simmering, he
entered  the corridor and sped after his CO. Who also happened
to be the man he  was fucking every night.

Chakotay was rather surprised that Tom managed to hold his
temper until  the privacy lock was engaged. He stood on the bare
grid and watched as  the long limbs began to windmill with the
younger man's agitation.

"I can't *believe* you, Chakotay." Tom paced the room, shooting
angry  glances at the source of his ire. "Who asked you to ride
in like the  damn cavalry, huh? I was doing just fine all by
myself, thank you very  much."

"So you were *happy* to be flat on your back on that conference
table?  What was your plan of escape, wait until his pants got
tangled around  his ankles and make a run for it?" Chakotay
shook his head, took a deep  breath and let his emotions settle.

He continued more quietly. "Tom, the Regent has been obsessed
with you  since Voyager made first contact. What happened
tonight was part of  some master plan to get you into his
clutches. It looks like Nedal wants  to accomplish that by
getting this collar off my neck and around yours."  He was
relieved to note that Tom had stopped his pacing and was 
listening. "That little scene tonight was arranged to provoke me
into  challenging him."

Chakotay shrugged. "I knew something was up when Sisryn sent me
after  you, but there wasn't any way to avoid the snare. I
certainly couldn't  stand by and let Nedal assault you, or
worse, drag you off to some  hidden lair on his ship."

Tom sighed and felt his own anger dissipate. If he were honest,
the  Regent had given him a bit of a scare and he *was* grateful
to have been  rescued yet again. Of course, he wasn't about to
share that information  with Chakotay. "I can't help thinking
that you've gone into 'shining  knight' mode, Chak. I don't know
how protective you've been with anyone  else, but I am *not*
some damsel in distress."

Chakotay moved to stand in front of Tom. His conviction was
clear in  the dark brown eyes. "I never thought you were. Tom,
the fact that *you*  ended up on that table made no difference.
I would not have acted any  differently if Nedal had gone after
someone I *wasn't* sleeping with. If  it were Harry, B'Elanna,
Seven, or any other member of Voyager's crew,  the result would
have been the same. There is simply no way I'd let  *anyone* be
brutalized."

He sighed and stepped back. "Now if you can't accept that, then
maybe  we need to end this right here. It's up to you. Either
way, I'll be  fighting Nedal the day after tomorrow, and in his
bed when we reach the  homeworld." He walked over to the control
panel and turned it on. "I'm  going to call up the bedroom
program and add a computer terminal, so now  would be a good
time to leave."

Tom shook his head with a rueful grin. "*You'll* be in the
Regent's  bed? Awfully sure of your victory, aren't you Chak?"
He sauntered over to  peer at the holodeck settings. "Put two
terminals in there. We'll want  to get the reports out of the
way quick." Tom knew he wasn't going  anywhere. His eyes drifted
down his companion's dark blue garments,  recalling the
exquisite curves they concealed and making his plans. "Then the 
real work will begin."

TBC