GRAVITAS

Title: Gravitas, 13/26
Author: Jaye (Copyright September 2002)
Codes: VOY/TNG/DS9 Many Pairings NC-17

Disclaimer: Star Trek and all related characters and concepts are the property 
of Paramount. Gladiator belongs to Dreamworks SKG and Universal. No infringement 
is intended or profit made. This is NC-17 for adult themes, violence and 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: Treachery raises the stakes and changes lives when the leader of the 
Terran Empire seeks to restore the Federation.

Note: Very AU, as this is basically the plot of the film "Gladiator" set in a 
Star Trek universe. Some scenes and dialogue closely mirror the film (though 
it's starting to drift away from the exact plot). No Maquis, no Delta Quadrant, 
etc. This is my response to Polly's Cha!Club challenge about movies. Sisko is 
older here than in canon.

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

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Tom hurried into Julian's chambers. He paused in the center of the room, finally 
glimpsing a figure in the shadows. "You sent for me, sire?"

The Emperor stepped into the light. Tom shivered slightly but held still under 
the other man's scrutiny.

Julian walked around his brother-in-law, assessing him, measuring, judging. He 
stopped directly in front of the younger man and asked, "Where have you been all 
day?"

"With Lucien. He hasn't been feeling well and I didn't want him to be alone." 
Tom lifted his shoulders. "He gets ill so rarely that when it happens he gets 
cranky, then clingy."

Julian simply nodded slowly, still watching him.

Tom swallowed nervously, then stepped a little closer to the silent man. "Was 
something troubling you, sire?"

"Yes." Julian moved away to perch on the edge of his desk. His eyes trapped wary 
blue counterparts. "Do you think Janeway has a new lover?"

"Councilor Janeway?" Tom asked, trying to control his breathing as every hair on 
his body lifted in warning. "I don't know."

"She's been disappearing from her house at night, but no one can figure out how 
or why." Julian leaned back a little more, tilting his head. "She thinks I don't 
know about it."

"Let her have her secrets." Tom shrugged.

"Oh no, my sweet," Julian cooed. "If there is one thing I will not have in my 
Empire it is secrets that are not my own." He beckoned Tom forward.

Tom forced himself to move to Julian's side. He felt delicate fingers brushing 
along his cheek as Julian said calmly, "Janeway will soon discover the danger of 
crossing me. And all her plotting will be for naught. As will all of the cheers 
for the new champion of the Colosseum---so much noise, forgotten. Nothing can 
stop me. Soon they will see my greatness and tremble before it."

Tom shifted to look into eyes glittering with malice. "But not tonight," he 
said, hoping he spoke the truth.

"But not tonight," Julian confirmed. His hand moved to cradle Tom's jaw. "Before 
long all of my plans for the future will be set into motion, and all of the 
pieces will fall into place. And anyone who resists me will rue the day they 
were born."

His face twisted with sudden hate. "Chakotay, especially," he spat, "will wish 
he'd died in the Badlands. This I swear."

Tom stood frozen as Julian continued to pet him.

Julian's gaze turned reflective as he began stroking his thumb along Tom's lower 
lip. "Do you remember what my father said once, that sometimes he feared life 
was nothing but a frightful dream?"

Tom nodded.

"I think he was right. And I only have you to share it with." Julian pressed 
against the firmly closed lips. "Open your mouth," he ordered.

Tom obeyed and felt the pad of Julian's thumb running across his teeth.

"You know I love you," Julian said, staring deeply into Tom's eyes as he removed 
his thumb from Tom's mouth and licked it slowly.

"And I love you," came the automatic response. Tom felt naked and exposed under 
that piercing gaze. He wrenched his eyes away. "I'd better get back to Lucien."

Julian nodded again with a small smile. "You must tell him to be strong. He is 
still the heir to the Empire." He leisurely examined the slim body before him. 
"At least for now."

Tom escaped, terrified of the dark future he'd glimpsed in Julian's eyes.

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

Tom's hands were still trembling when he turned on his comm screen. He nearly 
collapsed with relief when Harry Kim's face immediately appeared. "You'd damn 
well better have everything set," he said grimly.

Harry automatically bristled at the peremptory tone, then noticed the worry in 
the pale face of the Emperor's brother-in-law. He felt a flash of sympathy for 
the delicate position Thomas Paris found himself in. "The arrangements are made. 
Voyager will be here soon---the ship was already on its way to the Sol system 
for a complete overhaul."

The Ensign leaned forward. "There's an ancient access tunnel that runs under 
Sisko's compound to a park a few blocks away. I'm going to have a hovercar 
hidden nearby. Sisko can send Chakotay to me around midnight. As soon as the 
Admiral's aboard, I'll head for a shuttle stashed nearby and signal Voyager. 
When Sisko lowers the forcefields around his compound they'll sweep in and beam 
up everyone there, then swing over to New Orleans to get Sisko's father."

"Sisko is not going to like that. He may demand that all of his people are 
transported first," Tom pointed out.

"I know, but this is the only way it's going to work. Once Voyager moves in all 
hell's going to break loose. Chakotay needs to be on his way to the Enterprise 
to take command before that happens." Harry's face reflected his determination.

Tom sighed. "All right. I'll see Sisko in person, since he'll probably also want 
some latinum for all the profits he's going to lose in this deal."

"At least he's willing to consider letting the Admiral go," Harry said quietly. 
"He could just as easily have slit Chakotay's throat to try and gain the 
Emperor's favor."

Tom just nodded. Then his eyes shifted uncomfortably. "I have one more request."

"I think I know what you want. If you can get yourself and your son out of the 
palace, Voyager will take you with them." Harry's gaze was solemn. "We don't 
know how people will react to Julian's overthrow, or how the Emperor will take 
his downfall." He shrugged. "But we figured it would be better to get the kid 
out of harm's way."

Tom almost sank to the floor in relief. Instead he smiled at the earnest young 
man on the screen. "Thank you. Hopefully we'll all be safely away from Earth 
soon."

"Yeah. And it'll be good to see Admiral Chakotay on a starship again, back where 
he belongs." Harry smiled back. "Good luck."

Tom nodded. "To you too."

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

Chakotay clicked off the padd in his hand. Sisko had tossed it to him as the 
gladiators returned to the dormitory after the day's surprisingly fair matches. 
The former admiral had immediately gotten to work. He had recorded his plans for 
the immediate neutralizing of the Imperial Guard vessels. He hoped it would be a 
temporary action. Chakotay believed that honest Guard commanders could be found 
and persuaded to join the Fleet officers in deposing the Emperor and his corrupt 
officers and officials.

Together the two armed forces of the Empire would unite to secure armories, 
vessels, the sensor nets, and computer systems. Then the Council would call a 
special session to elect a temporary President. They should also formalize the 
transfer of power back to the Council, and arrange elections on all of the 
member worlds so that every citizen, regardless of species or birth planet, 
would once again be represented fairly.

Chakotay hoped the media outlets would be invited to broadcast and record these 
first steps in the return to the government of old. He knew it was absolutely 
necessary that the people of the Empire agree and support the changes that were 
coming, or the Federation would die before it could even begin to be reborn.

When he'd finished outlining his strategies and suggestions for blocking 
possible Imperial countermoves, Chakotay had used the remaining space on the 
padd to convey as much as he could of Jean-Luc Picard's principles and 
philosophy. Therein lay the heart of the murdered Emperor's dream for the 
restored Federation.

Chakotay recounted conversations they'd shared over the years about honor, duty, 
integrity, honesty. Little did Chakotay know at the time that Jean-Luc was 
trying to instill in his protégé a belief in the importance of seeing the truth 
and doing the right thing despite the personal cost. Yet Chakotay had learned 
the lesson well, and now he knew it needed to be passed on to others.

So he had spent hours this day conveying his thoughts, trying to prepare his 
people---all the people---as best he could to face the future. The Empire was 
about to be changed forever. Definitely for the fairer, hopefully for the 
better.

Chakotay sighed, laid the padd on his bunk and rubbed his sore throat. He was 
surprised to see a glass of water appear before his eyes. He accepted it and 
nodded gratefully to Tuvok before swallowing the soothing liquid.

"It was simple to anticipate the physiological effect of such a lengthy speech," 
Tuvok explained as he moved to his own bunk. He considered the man sitting 
across from him. "Your words were eloquent."

Chakotay's brows rose; this was high praise from a Vulcan. "Thank you. I was 
just trying to explain my purpose, my point of view. At first, a lot of people 
won't understand or agree with what I hope to achieve. They at least deserve to 
know *why* their universe will be so radically reshaped."

Tuvok pondered a moment. "You sound so very certain that you will succeed. Such 
overconfidence is illogical, especially considering our situation." His open 
hand indicated the dormitory of gladiators. Fellow slaves.

"But situations can change." Chakotay gave a small shrug. "There are always two 
battles to be fought, the one against your enemy and the other against your own 
weaknesses and fears. To lose the latter is to lose both. Sometimes the only 
power we have is the strength we find in ourselves."

He sighed. "I hope for victory; I'm not certain of it. But I do know that to 
bring about the return of the Federation, each and every citizen on *this* 
planet needs to defeat their fear of the unknown, to conquer their feelings of 
smugness and superiority, and open their minds and hearts to their fellow man 
and woman."

"A formidable undertaking," Tuvok said with a raised brow.

"I don't know if my words will do any good, but I figure it can't hurt." Dimples 
flashed and faded as Chakotay gave a small, self-deprecating grin. "We need all 
the help we can get, because there's nothing more stubborn than a Terran." He 
leaned forward. "But if we can get Earth to accept our plans, then the rest of 
the Empire will follow."

"Indeed," Tuvok acknowledged. He stared at Chakotay a long moment, then said, "I 
think the people of all planets would do well to follow your example."

Chakotay was startled by the unexpected compliment, but his own reply was 
stilled as the door opened to reveal Sisko. The newcomer gestured impatiently. 
"Admiral, come quickly."

Tuvok and Chakotay shared a quick look, then Chakotay rose and approached, 
taking care to bring the padd with him.

Sisko's hooded eyes tracked his approach. "Congratulations, Admiral. You have 
very persuasive friends."

Chakotay noted the absence of guards as they walked down the hall. "Thank you 
for the padd," he said, but only got a grunt in response. His eyes narrowed 
thoughtfully as he took in the older man's tension. "You look worried, Sisko. Is 
this about your son?"

Sisko stopped and rounded on Chakotay. "Who told you about Jake?" he snapped.

The broad shoulders lifted in a shrug. "This is a small place, and people don't 
have much to talk about." He peered at the other man. "You're scared for him." 
It wasn't a question.

Frustration burst from Sisko in a sweep of his arms. "He refuses to leave Earth 
with me. He doesn't see that it's for his own good." He paced the width of the 
hallway as he gritted, "He's just so stubborn. He doesn't want to 'hide under 
tables', or 'miss the story of the century'." Sisko snorted. "He doesn't use the 
brains he was born with, and he's going to get himself killed."

"No," Chakotay said softly. He looked at the padd in his hand; his gaze 
reflected speculation. "Jake is a journalist, yes?"

Sisko paused and turned back. "He'd like to be, that's for certain. What do you 
have in mind?"

Chakotay allowed a small smile. "Just a way for all of us to get what we want, 
Sisko." He started walking again, approaching the room at the end of the hall. 
"Send him to me after we're done here. He won't be completely out of danger, but 
I'll get him off Earth. I promise."

Sisko stopped his slave with a hand on one bronze arm. "And what will it cost 
me?" he asked pointedly.

"Nothing," Chakotay replied. When surprised dark eyes met his he continued, "The 
Emperor has already murdered my son. I'm not going to let him have yours."

At that moment Sisko understood what Jake had been trying to tell him about this 
man. That the integrity and bravery weren't just for show. He was the real 
thing, a true leader. Sisko suddenly regretted the haggling he'd just done over 
the price of Chakotay's freedom.

With a shrug he got over it; what's done is done. He motioned Chakotay into the 
room. "Jake will be waiting for you," he said as he shut the door between them. 
He walked slowly toward the building's exit, still thinking.

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

Julian waited behind his desk as Councilor Shelby entered his domain. The blonde 
fairly radiated anticipation, as did the older Bajoran woman following her like 
a shadow.

The Emperor grandly gestured to the two chairs in front of his desk, permitting 
the ladies to be seated in his presence. Only Shelby accepted the offer, though. 
Her attendant stood behind the Councilor's chair, a clear indication the 
stranger was a slave. His lips thinned as he realized this woman was no one of 
consequence.

"What was so important you had to see me tonight, my dear Elizabeth, and who is 
your...hard-used companion?" He grinned to himself as the rather plain-faced 
alien stiffened at the insult.

Shelby ignored the jibe to her slave and leaned forward, eager to share her 
news. "This is Wynn, sire, my personal...investigator."

Julian's brows rose. "And what, exactly, has she been investigating?" he asked 
silkily.

"The disappearance of your spy, sire." Shelby knew to tread lightly. "I hoped to 
further serve you by putting my people to work in finding out what happened to 
Seska." Shelby paused, then said carefully, "I was aware of how much 
you...valued her."

"It's true," Julian mused, leaning back in his chair, "Seska's...enthusiasm for 
discovering the truth nearly rivals my own. I do enjoy her 'interrogations', 
despite their inevitable fatality to the unfortunate being questioned. She 
certainly does her share to keep the prison populations down."

His gaze flicked to the older woman, then back to his ally. "But why did you 
take this upon yourself, without my authority?"

Shelby snorted, secure at least in this opinion. "Because while Seska was a top 
covert operative, Jonas is a joke. He couldn't find his own lunch, much less 
Seska's killer."

"You're sure she's dead, then?"

Wynn spoke up, "We don't have a corpse, sire, but all indications point to it. 
There were a few bloodstains found in Janeway's garden. Not enough 
circumstantial evidence for an accusation, but---"

"But enough to know the Councilor has struck a blow against me." Julian's anger 
toward his enemy distracted him from reprimanding the upstart slave.

"Not exactly, sire," Shelby interrupted. "Or at least, not alone."

"What do you mean?" Julian asked, his voice a low and dangerous growl.

"There was another person's DNA found in Janeway's garden."

The Emperor shrugged dismissively. "Of course there was. Janeway's garden 
parties are famous and very well attended. I wouldn't be surprised if you found 
*my* DNA in her garden."

"But that would be impossible." Shelby settled back, savoring the moment. "While 
it's true many of us were there a week or so ago, it rained between the 
Councilor's last party and the night Seska disappeared."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "Then the sample had to be recent. Who is it?"

Shelby met the fierce gaze. "Thomas Paris. Your brother-in-law."

The sallow face froze in shock, then settled into lines of denial. "That's 
impossible. Tom is mine, and his son my heir. He would not be so foolish as to 
try and betray me."

Wynn protested, "But his blood---"

Shelby quickly raised her hand, silencing her slave. The Councilor hid her own 
satisfaction, recognizing that Julian at this moment was very capable of killing 
the messenger. "Nothing is certain, sire. But his DNA was there." She carefully 
suggested, "Perhaps you could ask him what he was doing at Janeway's home?"

"Not now, he's with Lucien." Julian's gaze sharpened with a sudden suspicion. He 
rose with determination.

Shelby also jumped to her feet, hoping she hadn't just gambled away her life.

Julian caught the flash of fear and smiled grimly. "Don't worry, my dear 
Councilor. I won't do anything---yet. Not until I hear the truth from Tom's own 
lips." He gazed at the two women. "We will see whether you will earn my 
gratitude, or my wrath."

He left them contemplating their fates.

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

Lucien was lying on his bed, bored out of his gourd. He rolled onto his stomach 
and reached over the side of the mattress to his satchel. After a few moments of 
fumbling he extracted his prizes: two polished stones, each with a different 
symbol etched deep into their surfaces.

Satisfied, he flopped back onto his pillow and examined the stones. One was a 
milky blue-green and the other opalescent white. He turned them this way and 
that, watching the light bounce off them. He rubbed his thumbs carefully over 
the carvings, feeling the smooth lines tingling against his skin.

"I see you have them both," came a voice from the doorway.

Lucien dropped the rocks, startled. He bolted up, only to relax when he saw his 
uncle glide into the room. "Hello, Uncle Julian," he said.

"Hmm...you're feeling better, I take it?" Julian asked as he seated himself on 
his nephew's bed.

The boy bit his lip a moment, uncertain how to answer. Finally he shrugged and 
replied, "Yeah, I guess."

"That's good." Julian laid a hand against the boy's forehead. "At least there's 
no sign of fever."

"Uh, nah." Lucien fiddled with the stones, uncomfortable lying to his relative.

"I noticed you playing with those when I came in," Julian said smoothly. "I 
haven't seen them since before you were born."

"Yeah, Dad gave them to me." Lucien displayed his treasures proudly. Then he 
confided to his uncle, "I'm hoping Chakotay will make one for me. But I doubt 
he'll have time when he's an Admiral again."

Julian went very still a moment. Then without missing a beat he ruffled the 
boy's hair. "I'm sure he will. No matter how busy he is, he always was willing 
to do things like that."

"I want mine to be red---or black---something really neat." Lucien smiled and 
comfortably slumped at his uncle's side.

"You know," Julian was suddenly struck by a thought, "you really should come and 
see *my* stone from Chakotay."

"You have one too?" Lucien's head came up as his eyes brightened with interest. 
"Cool."

"Yes, I'm sure your father told you, Chakotay gave one to each of us, your mom 
and dad and me." He stood and held out his hand. "Why don't we go look for it?"

Lucien suddenly recalled his situation. "Uh, maybe I should let Tem know where 
I'm going...?"

"Oh, I'm sure we'll see him in the hallway, or we can comm him from my room." 
Julian tilted his head, musing aloud. "Maybe I should give you my stone, too, 
then you can keep them all together." He smiled. "Of course, you'll have to find 
it first---like a treasure hunt."

"Okay," Lucien agreed as he hopped off the bed and bounced his way out of the 
room.

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

Tom approached Chakotay the second the older man stepped into the room. Catching 
the other man's wrists, he spoke urgently. "Julian is on to Janeway. We've run 
out of time. At midnight, Sisko will lead you to a tunnel. Follow it to a park. 
Harry Kim will find you there and get you on a shuttle to rendezvous with the 
Enterprise."

Chakotay quickly took in Tom's anxious demeanor. Setting the padd on the table, 
he gripped the slender shoulders. "Are you and Lucien all right?"

"For now," Tom answered. He absorbed the warmth of Chakotay's hands seeping 
through his tunic, and the caring and concern swirling in the dark eyes. 
"Voyager will be coming to pick us up as soon as we get out of the palace."

Some of the tension ebbed from Chakotay's body at hearing the plan. He 
surrendered to an overwhelming urge, so long denied by time and distance and 
circumstances. He carefully lifted one hand to cradle Tom's cheek. "You've done 
so much to help me. I'm sorry you've had to put yourself so much at risk."

Tom leaned into the caress, closing his eyes a moment. He felt again that sense 
of rightness, that he was where the universe wanted him to be. He sighed and 
looked at Chakotay. "I only did what I had to," he said simply.

"No, Tom. You had no obligation to me, or anyone else. All you had to do was 
keep safe. To be strong for Lucien," Chakotay said tenderly. Oddly enough in 
this moment when they were on the brink of revolution, when his fate was still 
uncertain, all he felt was a strange sense of peace. He finally had Tom in his 
arms, even if it was only for a moment.

Tom's hands had dropped to span Chakotay's waist. He leaned forward a moment, 
absorbing the feel and scent of the man he loved. "I'm so tired," he confessed. 
"Julian hates all the universe---and you most of all."

"Because Jean-Luc chose me," Chakotay nodded, sliding his own arms around Tom, 
pressing into the strong, slender frame.

"No," Tom said, leaning back to look at Chakotay. He raised a hand and ran his 
fingers over the place that once held the Dorvan's tattoo. "Because he loved 
you." Blue eyes met brown. "Because I loved you."

"That was a long time ago," Chakotay whispered. He caught the slender fingers 
and drew them to his mouth for a kiss.

"No. That was yesterday. And this moment. And the rest of my life." Tom held his 
breath, searching Chakotay's face for his reaction.

Chakotay smiled softly and placed one palm over Tom's heart, remembering a day 
long ago. "That's a promise I can't refuse," he said. "And the knowledge is a 
joy I will never regret." He let his heart show in his eyes. "I love you too. 
Still. Always."

"I've felt alone all my life," Tom admitted, "except with you."

Chakotay slid his hand up Tom's chest to run along the pale neck and circle to 
the nape. He drew Tom's head down and kissed him. For the very first time.

Tom opened his mouth to moan at the contact, and heard an echoing sound deep in 
the older man's throat. He pressed closer to Chakotay, entwining arms and legs 
and tongues and breaths. They strained to absorb each other, each recognizing 
the missing half of his soul. Consummating a union almost two decades in the 
making.

Chakotay opened his lower hand against the small of Tom's back, clamping their 
hips together. While their kiss continued to range from rawly passionate 
grinding to sweetly tender brushing, his other fingers stroked the skin of Tom's 
neck, comforting yet also comforted by the simple touch.

Neither man knew how long they stayed locked together. But eventually they drew 
away, both of their bodies immediately craving the return of its mate.

"I should go," Tom breathed.

"Yes," Chakotay whispered. His eyes mapped Tom's face one last time, then drew 
him down to brush his lips across the wide forehead. "Good luck." His voice 
trembled slightly.

Tom just nodded, overwhelmed by the emotions of love and loss.

He turned away, picked up his own computer from the table and walked to the 
door. At the threshold he stared for a moment, then disappeared into the 
corridor. The door clicked shut behind him.

Chakotay took some time to catch his breath and rein in his feelings. To tuck 
this bittersweet memory into a special place in his heart. And to look forward 
to their reunion.

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

Jake burst into the room, tired of waiting in the hall. Also, he was a little 
unnerved by the brief blast of intensity in the face of the man he recognized as 
Thomas Paris. He'd never figured that decorative addition to Imperial functions 
would have such deep emotions.

He stopped short when he recognized a similar struggle for control in Chakotay's 
expression. When the man looked over at him, though, he was pure Admiral.

"So, you're Sisko's son, the journalist." Chakotay's eyes seemed to pierce the 
younger man's façade of bravado.

"Yes---well, not exactly. I've done a few stories, but right now I'm mostly a 
researcher." Jake was vaguely surprised to hear the unvarnished truth tumbling 
from his lips.

Chakotay's mouth twitched a moment into a ghost of a grin, but he quickly 
recalled the seriousness of the situation. "And you'd like to interview me?"

"Yes, Admiral Chakotay, I would." Jake's hands clenched unconsciously with 
tension. "We've figured out most of what happened to you, the how, but not the 
why." He tried to read the older man's eyes. "Are our suspicions true, that 
Julian Bashir Picard is responsible for what happened to you? Why did the 
Emperor destroy your village? Why is he trying to have you killed in the arena?"

Chakotay quirked a brow. "You don't waste time asking the easy ones, do you?" He 
walked over to the table and picked up the padd.

Jake automatically reached for the slim instrument as Chakotay approached, only 
to have it tilt out of his reach.

"There's no time for an interview, but I'll make a deal with you, Jake." 
Chakotay gazed at Sisko's son, wondering if he'd take the bait. "You help me and 
I'll guarantee you a front-row seat for the biggest event since James T. Kirk 
declared himself Emperor."

"What are you talking about?" Jake frowned suspiciously.

"A good tactician always has a backup plan. I want you to be mine." Chakotay 
indicated the padd. "I've put orders on here for Captain Will Riker of the 
Enterprise. I want you to contact a Betazoid named Deanna Troi. Say to her, 
'It's not much of a wedding present but Chakotay sends you and your Imzadi all 
the best wishes for a future free of shadows.' Then ask her to contact Will and 
tell him you are the messenger I promised."

"And then I'll be on the bridge when they make their move," Jake surmised as he 
eyed the padd a moment, then shook his head decisively. "No, wait a minute. My 
dad put you up to this, didn't he? I'm not going to play it safe just because he 
thinks I can't handle myself."

Frustrated, Chakotay grabbed the younger man's shoulders. "This has nothing to 
do with you, your father, or even me. Jake, these plans could change the course 
of history. If I don't make it to my rendezvous with the Enterprise, then it's 
possible everything that a lot of people have risked---or lost---their lives for 
will not come to pass. I can't take that chance. So I am begging you, forget 
your own petty ambitions and arguments with your father. Take the padd to Will."

Chakotay snorted at the younger man's stunned expression. "I'm sorry, but I 
don't have time for subtle persuasion. If you're going you need to leave now."

Jake moved away and crossed his arms. "And if I'm not?" he asked defiantly. Jake 
had already committed himself mentally, but some small part of him still 
resented being manipulated.

Chakotay sensed the young man's agreement. Dimples flashed briefly as Chakotay 
grinned. "Then you won't get access to what else is on this padd. The musings of 
Admiral Chakotay of the Imperial Fleet. His memories of times spent with Emperor 
Jean-Luc Picard, recalled on the eve of his escape from slavery."

"Shit," Jake said, then found a smile of his own. "You set me up, didn't you?"

All mirth gone, Chakotay shook his head gravely. "No, Jake. There are things I 
want the people of the Empire to know and understand. So I'm entrusting them to 
you."

Jake nodded and walked up to the living legend. He held out his hand, and felt 
it enclosed in a strong, sure grasp. Then the padd was pressed into it.

The men walked to the doorway and into the corridor. There they parted company. 
Chakotay returned to his bed to await the stroke of midnight. Jake walked to the 
house to hug his dad good-bye.

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

Tom transported into his usual spot and spent a long moment regaining his 
emotional equilibrium. Calm once more, he stepped into Lucien's bedroom.

And felt a rush of cold dread when his eyes fell on the empty bed.

"Lucien! Tem!" he shouted, fear echoing in his voice.

Tem skidded to a stop in the doorway. "I'm sorry, sir. He was already gone when 
I walked in with---"

"Never mind that!" Tom snapped. He grabbed the young Bajoran's shoulders and 
practically shook him as he growled, "Where is he?"

"With the Emperor," Tem gasped. He landed in a chair as Tom shoved him aside.

Tom's heart beat frantically as he dashed down the hall, desperately hoping he 
wasn't too late.

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

Julian and Lucien looked up as Tom flung himself into the room.

"Hey Dad," Lucien called from his seat beside his uncle. They were behind the 
desk in Julian's suite.

"Yes, hello Tom. We were starting to worry about you," Julian purred. His cold 
stare pinned Tom into place. "I was just telling Lucien here the story of an 
Emperor from long, long ago. His name was Claudius, and he was betrayed by those 
closest to him."

Tom closed his eyes and felt despair wash over him. It was clear Julian knew. He 
opened them again and unsteadily made his way to a chair set in front of the 
desk. He watched anxiously as Julian slung his arm around Lucien's shoulders. On 
the desk's shiny wooden surface sat three carved stones: one aqua, one white, 
and one a dark purple with reddish streaks.

His only consolation was that Lucien was obviously unaware of the tension 
thickening the air.

Julian stroked the boy's hair, his eyes never leaving Tom's face. "But Claudius 
knew they were up to something. They were busy little bees. So he sat down 
across from the one he had trusted, who had wounded him most deeply. And he 
said, 'Tell me what you've been up to, my busy little bee. Or I shall strike 
those closest to you. I will bathe in their blood and make them beg and sob for 
the sweet release of death'."

He leaned down to press his cheek against Lucien's. "And what do you think 
happened then, Lucien?"

"I don't know, Uncle," the boy said with wide eyes, beginning to feel anxious.

Julian smiled. "The little bee told him everything."

And swallowing his rage and his despair, throat aching with unshed tears, Tom 
began to speak.

TBC