GRAVITAS

Title: Gravitas, 22/26
Author: Jaye (Copyright February 2003)
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 chapters 1-14 were basically the film "Gladiator" set in a 
Star Trek universe. Now it's my own invention. 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 TWENTY-TWO

L'waxanna Troi was in the middle of a high-drama hissy fit. "Why don't you get 
married on a garbage scow circling Rigel VII. It can't be any more obscure---or 
insulting!"

"Mother, that's enough!" Deanna Troi rarely lost her temper with her flamboyant 
parent, but this time L'waxanna had simply gone too far.

Deanna stalked over to where the older woman was lounging on a sofa in a VIP 
suite. It suddenly occurred to the counselor that her shoulders had been tense 
since the moment her mother stepped aboard Enterprise. She was going to need 
more than a simple tap on her relaxation point to ease the stress she felt. "I 
don't see what you have to complain about," Deanna said bluntly, "Will has 
already agreed to a full Betazoid ceremony."

"On Earth," L'waxanna reminded with a wave of her blue-green cocktail, "and he 
insisted that the guests' nudity be optional."

Deanna bit off a sigh of annoyance and decided not to argue the point. "In any 
case, the trip to Dorvan has nothing to do with you."

"Of course it does." L'waxanna stood, an expression of aggrieved insult on her 
features. "My baby, the heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed, is planning to fly 
out to the farthest reaches of civilization to subject herself to some barbaric 
*human* tribal ritual. You'll probably be painted purple and forced to dance 
around a fire or something. And you think that's no big deal? What will my 
friends say?"

Deanna' voice naturally slipped into that overly patient tone her elder always 
inspired. "Mother, there isn't going to be a ritual, just a blessing. And Will 
hasn't asked Chakotay yet whether something like that can be arranged." She 
perched on the arm of a chair. "We haven't even had time to schedule a date for 
the trip. But we *are* going."

Deanna looked at her mother, unconsciously pleading for understanding. "Chakotay 
is one of Will's oldest and dearest friends. The poor man *finally* began to 
regain his health only ten days ago. He won't be able to travel any time soon. 
So it makes sense for us to go to him." Her eyes warmed as she smiled in fond 
remembrance. "Both Will and I planned this, to say thank you after all this 
time. Chakotay helped us find the courage to be together when interspecies 
relationships were frowned on, and he always supported us."

The half-Betazoid's lovely face settled into determined lines. "So it's only 
right Chakotay gets to celebrate our marriage with us."

Touched by her daughter's distress, L'waxanna relented. "Oh very well," she 
huffed, conceding with her typical martyred air. "I suppose I can always tell 
them you're spending your honeymoon going back to nature or something."

Deanna just shook her head and changed the subject.

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

Joe Carey dubiously regarded the prisoner in front of him. "So Jonas, I hear you 
want to cut a deal."

Michael Jonas twisted his hands into the shirttails of his prison outfit. His 
incarceration had actually been okay so far. Nobody hassled him. He got food, 
exercise, and counseling on a regular basis.

Unexpectedly, he started to feel guilty about his work for Julian, despite the 
fact he'd been a slave at the time. And found the nerve to do something about 
it---but for a price. He nervously cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah. I want you to 
commute my sentence, give me early parole or something."

Carey's brows drew together. It wasn't an impossible request; Jonas's term was 
lighter than some because he hadn't really done much harm. Carey shuddered. And 
if *he'd* been a slave of Julian Bashir Picard, he'd probably have done anything 
and everything the evil bastard ordered too.

"What'll you give me in return?" he asked, his voice and expression carefully 
neutral as he perched on a corner of the interrogation room table.

"There's---there's somebody you didn't catch." Jonas fidgeted, running his hand 
through his thinning hair as he avoided the Guard leader's eyes. "She wasn't 
working for the Emperor." He grimaced. "But she could have been." Jonas shivered 
in memory. "She was ruthless enough for him."

Carey felt a prickle on the back of his neck. He leaned forward slightly, trying 
to maintain his casual air. "Who is she, who did she work for, and why should 
this interest me?"

"Her name's Wynn." The words tumbled out of Jonas's mouth in a rush. "She was 
Councilor Shelby's slave---Bajoran. They kept tabs on Julian's enemies for him."

He looked up into Carey's kind eyes. "She and I were working on the same project 
when the Empire fell: Finding the person who killed Julian's pet spy and 
assassin, Seska."

Carey's eyes narrowed. "And what did you learn?"

"Nothing." Jonas's mouth twisted in bitterness. "By the time I found out 
anything Wynn had already gotten the goods on Tom Paris."

Long-honed instincts kicked in. Carey was sure they were going off course. He 
straightened with a shrug. "Then it's case closed. We've indicted Shelby for 
giving the orders for the crimes committed by her slaves. If we can track Wynn 
down we'll prosecute, but right now it's low priority. She gave us the slip." 
Still, something was tingling in his memory, a connection he just couldn't make.

"You don't get it." Jonas's voice rose with his agitation. "That Bajoran bitch 
was on to Seska. And Seska was a top hit woman. She never left a trace. She had 
this stash of poison---I think it was Cardassian." He stared at Carey. "*I* went 
to recover the stuff, but your people got there first. Problem is, you only 
found a few grams. I'm pretty sure most of it was gone."

Carey pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose a moment, trying to maintain 
his calm. He knew that a cache of poison was hidden somewhere on Bajor. Unknown 
innocents on that beleaguered world were in jeopardy.

But at least now they knew the would-be assassin's identity. It was a relief and 
a new anxiety all at once. Wynn by herself was a danger. Wynn with the poison---
that was chaos in the making. "All right, Jonas." Carey said, rising and 
signaling for the prisoner's escort. "I'll talk to the prosecutor and judge and 
see what we can do." He hurried to his comm panel to contact DS9 and Bajor.

At least now he could put a name and face to Kira's and Odo's quarry. Carey only 
hoped they could stop Wynn before she carried out her fiendish plan---whatever 
it may be.

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

"You're stepping on my head!"

"Shhh! Someone'll hear you," Koral hissed in annoyance as she scrambled over the 
sill and onto the window seat. She leaned over to help Jelene up, momentarily 
taking hold of a scraggly bunch of wildflowers, then handing them back. The 
twins hopped down to the floor to make room for the three boys.

"I told you I could do it," Lucien crowed, his chest puffing proudly. "Tem 
taught me how to switch off forcefields."

"Are you sure we weren't followed?" Leo asked, cautiously peering out the window 
to make sure no one was on their trail.

"Nah, we gave them the slip, all right." Andrei spoke with the cocksure 
certainty his position as oldest in the group gave him. "There's no way they 
would think we doubled back."

"I still don't know about this," Jelene said, biting her lip uncertainly.

"*You* wanted to put the flowers in here as a surprise," her sister reminded. 
"Don't be such a fraidy-cat."

"I'm not!" Jelene stamped her foot. "Am not! Am not! Am not!"

"Are too!" Koral taunted, her eyes flashing.

"No she's not." The soft voice made all the kids jump. They spun to see Chakotay 
sitting up in bed in pajamas, staring at them. They all flushed and looked down, 
knowing they'd been caught.

Jelene suddenly broke ranks, dashing across the room and climbing on the 
mattress to throw her arms around Chakotay's neck. Then she waved the bunch of 
blossoms under his nose. "I thought you'd like to have these," she said shyly, 
"since you can't go down by the stream yet."

Chakotay closed his arms around his thoughtful niece, giving her a grateful 
smile. "So you decided to bring the outside in for me this afternoon? What a 
wonderful present." He tilted her chin. "But shouldn't an adult be with you?" he 
asked, brows rising. By the tone the kids knew the jig was up.

But his twinkling eyes told them he was glad to see them. Koral climbed on for 
her own hug and kiss. Then she shrugged. "Well, Gerron Tem took us for a picnic. 
We saw all the flowers on the banks and Jelene thought you might like some." She 
faltered, then said, "I knew the way, so I said we could just...come back...and 
put them in your room while you were in physio---physico---"

"Physiotherapy." Chakotay looked at the three boys. "And you decided to tag 
along?"

Leo just cowered and flushed guiltily. Lucien scuffed his sandal against the 
rug. Andrei rolled his eyes at the other two and answered. "Yes, sir. Lucien had 
to close down the forcefield for them, and I knew the girls weren't tall enough 
to climb in by themselves." He ducked his head sheepishly under his elder's 
steady regard. "It seemed like a good idea at the time," he finished lamely.

"How about now?" Chakotay's expression became more stern as he set the girls on 
the floor and stared at them. "Koral, Jelene, I *know* you know better than to 
just go running off."

"But we wanted---"

"I know you wanted to bring me the flowers, Jelene." Chakotay's face softened as 
he gathered up the spilled blossoms from the blanket. "But that doesn't change 
the fact that Tem and the others are probably frantic with worry for you. Do you 
think scaring them like that is fun?"

A chorus of "No, sir" accompanied downcast eyes and shuffling feet.

"All right. For now, let's tell them you're all right." Chakotay raised his 
voice. "Computer, open a comm channel to Gerron Tem."

"Gerron here." The young man's voice held an edge of anxiety.

"Hi, Tem. This is Chakotay. I just wanted to let you know that your intrepid 
band of explorers is safe with me."

"Thank the Prophets," Tem said fervently. "I thought I'd have to mobilize the 
whole planet. No one knew where they'd gotten to."

"I can imagine. Please let the others know. I'll keep an eye on them until you 
all get back. Use the stroll to unwind."

"Okay, I'll pass on the good news. Thanks again. Gerron out."

Chakotay looked at the quintet. "First things first. Computer, replicate one 
standard glass vase, 15 centimeters in height. Also, five juvenile wristbands 
with Federation-style communicators embedded in the weave." He focused on Leo. 
"Would you get them for me, please?"

Delighted with the responsibility, Leo forgot his anxiety and skipped over to 
the unit. Then he carefully carried the items back to dump them on the bed. 
Chakotay filled the vase from the pitcher of water on his bedside table, then 
arranged the flowers. He paused a moment to admire them. "Thank you," he said 
softly. "They're beautiful."

Then he turned back and lifted the wristbands. "Okay, people, I don't think you 
want to worry your folks any more than you have." He tossed one to each child. 
"So be sure to wear these from now on so we can contact or locate you."

Lucien grinned as he slipped his on. "Like belling the cat?" he asked with a 
knowing look.

"Exactly," Chakotay returned his grin. "You're certainly too fast for me these 
days."

Koral looked up at the comment. "Why are you still in bed? I thought you were 
better."

He leaned over and picked her up again, sending silent thanks to Tuvok and T'Pel 
for the lack of pain in the movement. "I am. But I still get tired easily." He 
leaned in to share a secret. "The Doc sent me in here to take a nap."

"A nap!" Jelene clambered back up to her earlier perch on the big bed. "Does 
that mean we can have a story?" Big dark eyes begged.

The boys perked up. "An adventure, with lots of fighting?" Lucien asked 
hopefully.

Chakotay chuckled to himself and decided not to mention that traditionally the 
person going to sleep got the story. Instead he shifted more toward the center 
of the bed and patted the mattress, inviting the guys to find their own seats.

A few scrambling moments later, everyone was settled. Chakotay's voice took on 
the traditional cadence. "This story is part of a dream I've had many times. 
It's the tale of a brave, clever, colorful alien named Neelix. He dwells in a 
place very far away, across the galaxy, in a mysterious realm called the Delta 
Quadrant...."

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

Data cradled his pet tabby cat, Spot, as he stared out the windows of his tiny 
apartment. He regarded his reflection set against the night sky.

The uniform looked good on him.

He smiled to himself at the gleam of the comm badge on his chest and the pip on 
his collar. He was now a full-fledged Ensign in the Federation Fleet.

He was still dizzy from the whirl of the last few days. So much had changed for 
him, so quickly.

Tomorrow he'd begin his term of service on the Federation flagship, Enterprise.

He never expected such a placement when he'd cautiously returned to the Academy 
to inquire about re-enrolling. He'd been just a few credits shy of graduation 
when Emperor Bashir Picard had "cleansed" the cadet ranks all those months ago.

Data had lain low for a while after the Emperor's death, hoping folks would 
forget the android's role in the gladiator games. He was fortunate that the 
holocam operators hadn't considered him photogenic; they didn't show him very 
often so not many people had recognized him.

Eventually, his dream of exploring space had reawakened, and he'd finally 
decided to submit an application for a return to the Academy. Along with an 
engineering report he'd never gotten to finish.

Apparently it had impressed his professors enough for him to skip the remaining 
classes and immediately report for duty under Admiral Riker himself.

Data was looking forward to meeting his new colleagues. He'd received a message 
from the ship's Chief Engineer, Lt. Commander Kurt Bendera, welcoming him aboard 
and mentioning some projects Data would be working on.

It certainly sounded interesting. And the Enterprise even allowed pets. Spot, 
with the uncanny telepathy cats sometimes had, purred her approval.

Data's mouth twitched into an unfamiliar smile as he contemplated the dark of 
the night, and the brightness of his future.

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

Tom stepped over the threshold and stopped. Warmth blossomed in his chest as a 
smile stretched his lips at the sight before him.

Six bodies lay sprawled, fast asleep on Chakotay's bed. The man himself was 
lying on his back in the center. Koral and Jelene had snuggled down on a broad 
shoulder apiece. Leo and Andrei had each claimed a leg, their heads pillowed on 
Chakotay's thighs over the blanket.

Lucien was to one side, facing the others, his hands tucked beneath his cheek. 
Strong bronze fingers rested on his hair, unconsciously making a connection.

Tom's thoughts were drawn back over the last ten days. He and Chakotay had spent 
hours together, talking about their plans and dreams, aspirations and 
expectations.

It was surprisingly easy to mesh their lives together. As if they'd been 
awaiting the chance for years and didn't know it.

Tom had no desire to return to Earth, except to visit their friends. He was 
happy to build a life amid Dorvan forests and fields.

Chakotay had finished his tenure among the stars, content to be the caretaker of 
Trebus, rather than the universe.

Both men wished to leave the Imperial limelight behind, to fade into the 
background of the Federation.

To live in peace. In hope. In love. Together.

The next step was to let the twins and Lucien know their decision. Tom had 
mentioned his hopes when he first arrived on Dorvan, but then dropped the 
subject. So the men were going to face their charges together. *That* had been a 
memorable evening. Tom's smile widened at the memory.

The Doc was letting Chakotay get out and about, using a walker to tour the 
facility and venture onto the lawn just outside the warehouse. Chakotay started 
renewing his relationships with his old friends and making new ones. He was also 
getting to know his nieces again, and Lucien as more than just Tom's son. Tom 
had programmed a private dining room and the five of them ate together for the 
first time a few nights ago.

Tom had been trading looks with his beloved all evening, considering and 
rejecting a dozen openings. Chakotay finally broached the subject by asking the 
twins if he could officially adopt them.

"Would that make you our father?" Jelene asked, tilting her head.

"Well, honey, you and Koral called your dad that." Chakotay leaned forward, his 
expression serious. "And I don't want to take his place, or your mother's. I 
want you to always remember them and how much they---and everyone else---loved 
you."

"Then what would we call you?" Koral's forehead crinkled in confusion.

"I don't know," Chakotay replied quietly, "Who do you want me to be?"

The two exchanged speaking looks in the way of twins, silently communicating. 
Then they whispered together.

Tom laid his hand over Chakotay's, feeling his tension. He knew that the girls 
had expressed some doubts about whether Chakotay even wanted them. If they 
decided they would be happier living with Rosera or Lakanta, or some other 
family, Chakotay would accede to their wishes.

But Tom was afraid it would break the older man's battered heart. Tom squeezed 
the hand under his, offering his support.

He was also proud of Lucien's respectful silence. His son was waiting as 
anxiously as they were for the girls' decision.

After what seemed like an eternity, Koral and Jelene looked up with identical 
beaming smiles. "We've decided," Koral blurted as both girls jumped up to run 
around the table to give Chakotay a hug.

Tom caught the glimmer of moisture in three sets of dark brown eyes as Chakotay 
returned the embrace. Chakotay's voice was huskier than usual as he murmured, 
"Does this mean it's okay if you stay with me?"

"Oh yes...Papa Chakotay," Jelene said with an emphatic nod of her head.

"Papa C for short," Koral noted with a quick kiss. Then she leaned back and 
looked slyly at Tom. "And we'll call you Daddy T."

"Me?" Tom felt his insides melt as he received his own set of embraces. He 
looked at the two faces, their dimpled smiles so much like their uncle's. "How 
did you---?"

"Oh, please, Dad. You told us yourself weeks ago. And we're not babies. You two 
have been kissing every chance you get." Lucien grinned. "I think you'd get 
arrested if you weren't getting married at some point."

Tom could feel the heat of a blush creep up his face even as he shook his head. 
"We're not getting hitched for a while, mon cher, so keep that under your hat." 
He shook a half-serious finger. "And you're getting pretty close to the line, 
mister. Careful you don't cross it." He sobered. "Are *you* okay with this? With 
us?"

"Yeah, Dad." This time Lucien hopped up and squirmed his way into the family 
embrace. He grinned. "I might even start calling you Daddy T. It's cool."

Tom rolled his eyes, but hugged his son in gratitude as the knot in his gut 
dissolved completely.

Then long strong fingers set on a broad palm came into his vision as Chakotay 
ruffled Lucien's hair. Chakotay winked at the boy. "I think you should call him 
that too."

"No way," Tom protested with a laugh. "You are *not* ganging up on me already."

"What are families for?" Chakotay chuckled in return. Their gazes locked.

They stared at each other, feeling their bond expand into a circle as their new 
family ties took hold.

Tom shook his head as he came back to himself with a happy sigh and stepped 
forward. He put his hand on Lucien's shoulder and gently shook the small form. 
"Mon cher, time to get up for dinner."

A sleepy rumbling protest was all he got in response. That and a pair of 
twinkling brown eyes observing his efforts.

"Hey," Chakotay greeted Tom softly.

"Hey yourself." Tom replied. He leaned far over for a brief kiss, then drew back 
with his own grin. "So, need some help here?"

"Just a bit," Chakotay chuckled. He eased himself up carefully, cradling the 
girls. "Hey sweethearts," he called softly. "I need my arms back."

Tom shifted to the bottom of the bed and nudged the other two boys. "Okay, guys, 
up and at 'em."

"Okay okay," Andrei said as he blinked and sat up, stretching. Then he seemed to 
snap awake as he bounced a little on the mattress. He turned to Chakotay. "That 
was the *best* story!"

Lucien perked up. He leaned up on his elbow, nodding vigorously as he looked at 
his father. "You missed it, Dad. There was this trader named Neelix, and he took 
on a whole planet full of bad guys to rescue his girlfriend."

"Not by himself," Koral said as her chin jutted out. "Kes *did* help him."

"Kes was an Ocampa---she looked like an elf," Lucien supplied helpfully.

"And she was very wise," Jelene said as she wriggled and smiled dreamily. "And 
they really loved each other. I was so happy she decided to leave with him to 
see the galaxy together."

Leo's nose wrinkled. "At least there wasn't *too* much mushy stuff."

"Yeah, well, you'd better go see your mom before she makes you *eat* mushy stuff 
for being late to dinner." Tom shooed all the kids off the bed. "Lucien, Koral, 
Jelene, Tem's waiting for you to make sure you wash your hands. Don't dawdle."

The kids straggled out, chattering about Neelix and Kes's fate.

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

Tom sat on the bed and picked up one of Chakotay's hands. He absentmindedly 
threaded their fingers together as he teased, "So when will you spin me a tale?"

Chakotay looked at their joined hands and softly smiled. They'd been sharing a 
couch or a chair for some pretty heavy make-out sessions or curling up together 
for long conversations, but Chakotay thought it was time for the next step. "How 
about I tell you a bedtime story?" he asked, glancing at the younger man through 
his lashes.

Tom swallowed, overwhelmed for a moment by his feelings of insecurity. He 
definitely didn't want to be a disappointment as a lover, and he knew he was 
pretty inexperienced.

He hesitated too long. Tom saw uncertainty washing through Chakotay's expression 
and hastily spoke up, raising the golden-brown fingers to his lips for a quick 
kiss. "I'd like that. A lot," he said, then admitted quietly, "but I'm not sure 
exactly what sleeping with a man is like."

"Well, with *this* man, it's just sleeping. At least for now." Chakotay raised 
his free hand to caress Tom's face, tracing a thumb over his lips. "Maybe a 
good-night kiss to go with that story."

"How could I turn down such a tempting offer?" Tom planted a quick kiss of his 
own and rose. "Need any help getting dressed for dinner?"

"No, but could you get the kids ready for bed afterward? I think it's time to 
talk to Greg, and Ben."

Tom tilted his head to the side, his face pensive. "So you're going ahead with 
what we discussed?"

"Yes. It feels right to me." Chakotay searched his love's face, anxious for 
approval. "You understand?"

Tom just nodded, and leaned in for another quick kiss. "Yes, I do, Cha," he 
whispered, then leaned up to leave. "See you in a few."

Alone, Chakotay sighed and bit his lip, struck by uncharacteristic doubts. He 
was grateful Tom understood. He hoped his friends would as well.

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

Kassidy chuckled as she closed her bag. "Well, at least we were here long enough 
to make it worth my while to unpack, and then pack up again."

"You knew this was going to happen?" Sisko turned to give his lover a 
speculative glance.

"I thought it might, yes. Dorvans are very traditional." Kassidy wandered over 
to give Sisko a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Don't feel too bad. Chakotay 
did tell you how grateful he was for all you'd done."

Sisko ran his fingers along Kassidy's nape, feeling her shiver in pleasure as he 
gathered her close. "I know. And in a way I'm glad he wants to choose his own 
crews for the rebuilding. There's a lot to be done at the compound, and all of 
my artisans are here."

"And we have an open invitation to come back, not to mention B'Elanna and Harry 
joining us when Chakotay's a little more mobile."

Sisko gave a wicked grin. "That'll give us time to make sure the staff suites 
are properly soundproofed."

Kassidy returned the leer with one of her own and pulled his head down to claim 
his lips.

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

Greg followed Chakotay's halting steps into his bedroom. He was glad to see his 
former comrade back on his feet, but anxious to get this conversation over with.

He had a feeling that the sword hanging over his head since that fateful day in 
Jean-Luc's cabin was about to fall.

A few steps past the doorway he paused, fidgeting, until Chakotay settled 
himself onto the edge of the bed and waved Greg over to a chair placed nearby.

Greg blinked, sat, stared, swallowed, and panted anxiously as he waited.

Chakotay watched Greg a long moment, then said quietly, "I'd like you to leave."

"What?" Greg had expected a blistering rehash of his betrayal, not this quiet 
mix of determination and regret. "Why?" He leapt to his feet to pace. "I can't. 
I need to help you, to make amends. I need---"

"And I need you to go." The hint of desperation in his tone stopped the other 
man in his tracks. Chakotay took a deep breath, holding on to his calm and 
control. "I can't have you here anymore, Greg. It---it hurts too much."

Greg slowly crossed back to his chair and sat, sensing Chakotay's struggle to 
explain.

"Greg, I know you want to help rebuild Trebus. And I'm sorry if you feel like 
I'm setting you adrift." Bronze hands lifted, opened, an unconscious plea for 
understanding. Chakotay explained, "I look at Leo and Andrei, I see Sue laughing 
with you, and all I can think about is that because of you my own wife and son 
are buried in a field, lying forever silent in graves I dug with my own hands."

Chakotay hands returned to clench his knees, marring the smooth lines of 
material with his tense grip. "I know it's not all your fault. It's Julian's, 
and the men who pulled the triggers." He looked up, a hint of anguish twisting 
his lips. "And mine, for not being here." He paused. "But you are also partly to 
blame."

Greg felt the echo of that truth in his own soul. He winced in sympathy as he 
saw Chakotay shift and grunt with frustration. He knew the other man was wishing 
he could spring to his feet and walk out his agitation, but of course he 
couldn't. Not yet, at least.

Chakotay shook his head at his own impatience, then calmed down and looked at 
his friend once more. "You keep reminding me of the past, and a future that will 
never be. I feel like I can't focus on what's here and now. The blessings that 
brighten my life. I can't let go of the anger, and I have to. I have to." He 
sighed. "I don't want to hate you, Greg. Or Sue, or Leo, or Andrei. But I'm 
afraid that's what will happen, if you stay."

He offered a rueful smile. "I don't remember who said it, but someone told me 
once you wouldn't leave until I punished you, or forgave you. I do forgive you, 
but I have to rebuild my world a little more before I can invite you to be a 
part of it again."

Greg's brow furrowed as he considered Chakotay's words. Then he stood. "We'll 
pack up and hitch a ride with Kassidy and Sisko. I think the boys will enjoy a 
trip to DS9." He held out a hand. "Thank you for your forgiveness, Chakotay, and 
your honesty." He looked down, his voice dropping. "I wish you all the best."

"I know." Chakotay took the offered hand and held it. "Take care of yourself, 
and your family. You're a good man, Greg. Please, promise me you won't feel 
guilty for being happy."

"Okay." Greg almost sagged with relief as he was tugged down into a quick 
embrace. Then he stood and laid a hand on Chakotay's shoulder. "Promise me the 
same, old friend."

Chakotay smiled. "I promise."

Greg's head was high and his back straight as he left the room. Chakotay watched 
him go, then sighed as he felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. He tenderly 
stroked the braid that never left his wrist. "I still miss you both, so much," 
he said softly, "but I also know that life goes on. And that you want me to be 
happy. So I'll do my best."

He was still smiling as he slowly made his way to the bathroom to get ready for 
bed.

TBC