The beginning was lost in time.  Some thought it had always been so - that there had always been Gelaheern, the ones who ruled, and Kilbratahr, those who served them.  Stories survived; stories that were told mother to daughter down the ages, using the rhythm and cadence of the old places.  They were tales unfazed by all scholarly research or polemic - whether presented for or against the way things were; tales and songs that remained untouched by Ahkara.

What Ahkara meant for the Kilbratahr was that some might become doctors or, teaching what was permitted, teachers to their own kind.  Those prepared to turn away from the old ways, might even preach the Gelaheern religion whose god's symbol was the binary star of this solar system.  A religion, that some Kilbratahr still resisted despite Gelaheern efforts.  Resisted the way the Kilbratahr usually resisted most things from the Gelaheern, without appearing to, using tiny gestures that suggested a kernel at their centre untouched and untamed by kilbrathe.  If Ahkara, if an inhabitant of that nebulous realm between the two groups, a Kilbratahr could become more or less her own person.  To be granted Ahkara was the dream of many Kilbratahr; to be finally free of kilbrathe, the life of servitude.

But it had never been granted to one of hers.

It is too dangerous to love.  It is too dangerous to care so much, she thinks her heart might burst just from looking at the tiny hands and feet.  Watch them grow.  Look suddenly one day and see glimpses of the strong young thing in the making, running to fetch Master's sought after item or a wrap for Mistress against the creeping chill of the night.  The wonder of it catching in her throat as she struggles to turn away from the alluring scene, with its inherent peril, and back to the task at hand.  That bright young thing, no troubles in his eyes yet, though from her body and a gift from the Goddess, is not hers to hold.  She dare not voice in any way the one hope that runs through her like her own blood; that the first pain known to this young one - not yet ten springtimes old - will not be the heartache of the Ritual of Parting and the terror of being forever separated from the only place he ever called home.  She knows this one will be gone soon too and  numbness will take his place; prayers of  'Please Goddess, no more!' as futile as the hope.

The big house surrounds her.  The demands of the Gelaheern remain.  There is nothing left to do but continue, as so many before her have done.
 <><><>

The captain was a bit disappointed, Tom realised.  It had been something of a wild goose chase.  Those readings, easily seen and tracked from Voyager, had proven more elusive when the two of them began this investigation from the shuttle.  They hadn't really learned much more out here than they had from Voyager's bridge.  But still they chased every small blip, hopeful of a meaningful glimpse.  She was such a good commanding officer, so completely a captain, it was easy to forget that her first love was science.  Voyager's de-facto science officer.  Paris smiled despite the disappointment he keenly felt for her sake.

For his part, it was a joy to be out in darkness putting this little craft through its paces.  As much as he loved flying Voyager, there was a special something about piloting a shuttle that always made him feel a bit like a young boy allowed to indulge in his most secret, most longed for desire.

There was something else too and Tom hesitated to touch it.  It was too much right now, much more than he wanted to think about.  But it refused to be banished to a more convenient time and place.  There was too much quiet here.  The captain wrapped in her own thoughts and no doubt intent on what could possibly be done to salvage some part of this little venture;  the silence of space and his delight in flying Discovery;  it all invited an un-looked for introspection.

He nearly snorted until he remembered Janeway and was loathe to give an explanation for his sudden amusement.  Since when did Tom Paris want to be anywhere near this sort of contemplation of self?  Since life on the bridge, and sometimes off it, had become so confusing.

It had been about a  year; one year since that nightmare, since the look in Chakotay's eyes as if a dagger had been plunged repeatedly into him, punctuating each word Tom spoke.  Never anything else, once Tom made it clear their relationship was over; just that first look of shocked disbelief, very nearly a refusal to comprehend what Paris was trying to say.  Then, there was nothing, only Lieutenant and Ensign for the longest time and not hide nor hair of the commander once his duty shifts were done.  But there had been Harry and healing and the knowledge that at least one other person in his world understood about Akriteria, that dark place that nearly swallowed them.

Chakotay struggled on.  Tom knew that the captain and gruff B'Elanna in her special way, were looking after him and he was truly thankful that the man had such friends.  He wanted to be such a friend but knew that it was the last thing Chakotay would accept from him now.  In the midst of being so happy with Harry, Tom began to understand that he was hurting for his former love.  He dismissed the suspicion that what he felt was pity, perhaps even guilt.  The simple fact was that he was not oblivious to Chakotay's pain.  Paris had chased the commander relentlessly, battering down every barrier, every defense once he realised the depth of his feelings for him.  Took him, made him his though common opinion was that the two of them were matter and antimatter.  It hadn't been far from the truth whenever they collided in bed; the centre of suns and galaxies  -- and  the strength of  character the man possessed that seemed to finally provide that rudder Paris had lacked much of his turbulent life.

Shit, he furiously thought.  It was over and done with.  Behind him for better or worse and in just a few hours,  Harry Kim would be bursting to get to the end of his shift and Tom into his bed.  Harry was always like that whenever away missions demanded one or the other's participation.  It was as if he needed to feel every inch of his lover, know that he was there back aboard in one piece, safe and sound to love again.  Gentle, loving, tolerant Harry.

Paris ran a long range sensor sweep and began to speculate what Harry would arrange for this evening.  Yet another squabble, just before he came away on this mission, niggled at him.  Damned if he could think what had caused this latest fight and that was the scary thing.  In the calm that followed, their arguments invariably seemed trite and Paris was at a loss to explain the rise in frequency and intensity of these quarrels.  He hoped Harry had a romantic dinner planned for his return to Voyager - soft lights and music and the opportunity to make up, make amends for his own inexcusable behaviour for the rest of the night.  Harry, indolent, covered in sweat and sticky with the evidence of their passion, was a breathtaking sight.

The sensors began dutifully blinking at him and Tom had picked up the primitive warp drive ship in a matter of seconds.  The captain stirred beside him, noticed quickly how the pilot worried his bottom lip as his hands flew over the controls.

"What is it, Tom?"

"Alien ship, Captain.  Primitive warp drive.  If we we're spotted, we shouldn't have a problem out-running them."

 "Rather far from home, aren't they?" she queried and leaned close to him to get a glimpse of what the sensors were showing.  "They can only be from this solar system here...."

 "First contact situation?" 

Janeway hesitated and in that second, the alien craft detected Discovery.

"We've been sighted, Captain.  They're heading our way."

"Weapons armed?"

 "No Ma'am.  But they're doing a hell of a job jamming us.  We're unable to contact Voyager ...."

She gave a small sigh.  "Open a channel, Tom."

 "Yes, Ma'am.  I've got audio...."

 "Unidentified ship, you are trespassing through Aegesis space."

Janeway pinched the bridge of her nose and Tom hid a snicker.

"We were unaware that you claim this area of space.  We're from the other side of the galaxy and on our way home.  We definitely meant no offense."

There was silence for a minute as Kathryn and Tom held their breaths.

 "Can we run if we have to?"

"I'd guess it would take them time to get their weapons on line and I could probably get us out of here before they do...  but it's a gamble, Captain."

"We would be delighted if you'd be the guests of the Aegesis Alliance.  Engaging tow beam now."

Janeway and Paris exchanged startled looks as Discovery shook with the force of the energy field as it hit the craft.  His favourite expletive was on the tip of Tom's tongue until he remembered who was with him and he turned to the sensors.

"No chance of shaking this.  Looks like we'll be visiting the Aegesis homeworld whether we want to or not."

He could see that Janeway was already wondering what this new race might want from Voyager.

<><><>

Chakotay sat silently in the captain's chair while around him Voyager's senior bridge staff went efficiently about their tasks.  Before him sat Ensign Pablo Baytart, for Tom Paris and Captain Janeway were in a shuttle that was now about twenty minutes late.  It was not late enough to raise an alarm.  Knowing Kathryn, hot on the trail of abnormal subspace readings, she had probably just lost track of the time.  This unexpected development did not sit well with the commander and he disguised his concern by calling up the crew rotation schedule he had completed this morning.

He had not been easy about the captain's insistence that she should go chasing these readings.  She felt there was a better chance of pinning the phenomenon down in a smaller more manoeuvrable craft and Chakotay had known instantly that if she were going on this mission herself, Tom was the only one he would trust as pilot.  Still, he'd felt it necessary to suggest that Harry or Seven of Nine would do -- with predictable results.

"I'm stuck on this ship all the time, Chakotay," she'd begun with that smile calculated to make him putty in her hands.  "I think I can safely take a few subspace readings.  Allow me a little bit of fun once and awhile."

As if command were such a burden to her.  But he'd flashed her a smile of understanding and acquiesced and now, sitting in her chair, wondering just when he should give full reign to his alarm, Chakotay could think of a few more reasons why he was relieved that Kathryn and Tom and not Tom and Harry had gone on this mission.

The commander liked to think that he was not one to pay inordinate attention to rumours.  They could be useful for gauging the mood of the crew but beyond that, at the very most, many of the rumours were good only for a laugh.  However lately there'd been a few remarks about Tom and Harry's year-old relationship.  Chakotay stopped himself from sighing, willed his heart rate back to normal.  Even after so long, it was difficult for the older man to think of the two young men together; so hard to think about the fact that a little more than a year ago, Tom and Harry had nearly not survived the Akriterian prison nightmare.  Tom, his wonderful love, had returned a changed man, convinced that he and Harry had no choice but to give whatever it was that had sparked between them in that unspeakable place a chance.  Chakotay had been devastated but convinced in the marrow of his bones that it was only difficult circumstances that had formed this bond between Paris and Kim.  With the return to the daily routine of life aboard Voyager would come the realisation that Harry was not the one for him.  Or so Chakotay hoped and this hope had sustained him for days that became weeks that rolled agonizingly into months.

To nearly everyone, Chakotay and Tom's parting had seemed amicable enough.  There had been no public fireworks -- though all agreed such things were not the commander's style.  He had been so civil, if understandably distant, to the two young lovers.  A strong man, it was thought, who loved the complicated pilot enough to let him go.

During those first few weeks after Tom left him, after his shift ended Chakotay would often retreat to his quarters and lay down bone tired, not caring whether or not ship's morning found him breathing still.  Kathryn was there for him, unheeding of his protests that he was fine, that she needn't worry.  Soon, despite himself, he began to look forward to her visits, the check-ins she made under pretense of some aspect or another of ship's business.  What made her quiet support so precious to him was her restraint.  Chakotay knew he did not ever have to say anything about Tom and Harry.   Instead of offering sympathy or gently prying, both of which Kathryn knew would be unwelcome, she began discussing the rising tension between Seven and B'Elanna and what could be done to diffuse the situation.  Chakotay nearly laughed out loud when he remembered the suggestion he had made and the very attractive flush the captain had tried to conceal, looking for all the world as if she were trying not to consider the merits of the commander's suggestion.

 He couldn't lose her friendship too.

He stole a glance at Harry Kim, busy at Ops.  The ensign must know down to the second when Tom Paris could be expected back on board.   There was no outward sign of worry about him, though.  Very professional, Chakotay thought, for the young ensign; young still, but such a far cry now from that baby-faced kid that had befriended Trouble in a bar on Deep Space Nine.  Chakotay forced his eyes back to the PADD he held.  Perhaps this was his punishment and Harry's reward.  Harry saw immediately in Tom Paris what others hadn't wanted to see or even refused to see.  Perhaps it wouldn't be so hard to take if Chakotay didn't believe he'd atoned for his sins of pride:  if Tom hadn't taken him, loved him fiercely and obliterated that hateful past they shared.

He didn't believe in sin.  What was lost could sometimes be regained and yes, sometimes not.  He did believe in fate and maybe he was destined to always love that irritating man.  Harry was what Tom wanted right now but if that ever changed....

It was too easy to believe these current rumours, too easy to hope.  How could he build his happiness on the misery of others to say nothing of the fact that he had yet to see real signs of tension in the relationship?  Little spats, tight expressions now and then did not a breakup make.  These were only signs of settling, that the romance was moving towards something a little more permanent.  The commander did not want to dwell on just how that made him feel.

He thought to look up at the viewscreen, to search the simulated stars as if he could spot that missing shuttle moving erratically out there.  But movement from Ops caught his eye and he looked Harry's way.  Kim was staring at him and Chakotay could only describe the look on his handsome face as one of speculation.  He wasn't quite certain why his heart skipped a beat as Harry turned back to the controls before him and began to run a systems diagnostic - for the third time, Chakotay was sure.  Perhaps the ensign wasn't as calm as he was trying so hard to appear.  The commander was sympathetic:  tendrils of worry were growing slowly around his heart as well.  He thought perhaps it was time to up the ante.

"Harry, begin long range scans.  Let me know the minute you pick up anything that could be the captain's shuttle."

 "Aye, Commander."

The two men exchanged a knowing look.
<><><>

Harry didn't wanted to leave the bridge once his shift was over.  He could feel Chakotay watching him without overtly appearing to as he took noticeably more time than was necessary handing over Ops to his replacement and he noted that the commander seemed in no rush to leave the bridge himself.  Finally, Harry entered the turbolift, wondering if a little time spent in the mess hall would be adequate distraction. He thought a little diversion would also be good for Chakotay but expected the commander to remain on the bridge until some trace of the missing shuttle was found.

When he wasn't preoccupied with thoughts of Tom and the state of their relationship, Harry sometimes wondered about the first officer and the captain.  He knew they had a deep friendship and at times, he thought he could see that friendship developing into something more.  It was about time Chakotay was happy.  Way past time, Harry thought, for the commander to begin at least contemplating another relationship. 

The messhall was about half full, a soft hum welcomed background noise to thoughts difficult to face.  For once, the meal Neelix prepared was something approaching palatable and Harry munched pensively, trying to decide just why the state of Chakotay's love life should concern him.  The answer was ridiculously simple, even if he wanted to deny it with his last breath.

Tom was still in love with the man.

 Perhaps Tom didn't even know this himself.  Harry shook his head.  Not one to dwell on feelings that were deeply buried, Tom Paris.  Those feelings, once released, were just too terrifying, too overwhelming and Harry knew that Paris shared them with very, very few.  He was one of the fortunate ones.  Perhaps what tied his guts in knots, turned him completely inside out, was that Chakotay was another.

Harry was trying not to let their recent spats bother him.  Sometimes so public in nature, escalating in frequency and intensity, their fighting was now the talk of the ship.  Sometimes it scared him to argue so.  Other times, he convinced himself that Tom picked these fights in order to take the blame and then have the pleasure of begging Harry to let him make it up to him.  Tom Paris, contrite, eager for forgiveness and in Harry's bed; a tightness uncurled in Harry's belly, snaked across every nerve ending.  He felt a stirring between his legs and wished Voyager was traveling at warp 9.9 instead of the calm and steady pace of warp 6.  Paris was amazing at those times, accommodating and imaginative, whether taking Harry slowly or at the speed of light.  The contentment afterwards was sometimes almost unbearable as they lay together heart to heart.  At these times, after the intensity of their lovemaking, it was possible to forget Tom's slightly creased brow, the faint tension that dissolved slowly as Harry caressed his lover and sleep crept over the yielding body in his arms, almost his completely.

And that was the crux of the matter; not completely his.  Their beginning had been bewildering.  It was the only word Harry could think of to describe the start of their relationship; to wake up one day and realise that what you needed most in the world, but did not dare hope for, was suddenly yours.  He didn't know if he could ever speak about what happened in Akriteria and by coming to him, Tom postponed indefinitely the need to explain or examine the experience.

 Just before the captain rescued them, Harry had been certain, as he stood over Paris' pale, still form, that they were both minutes away from a gruesome death.  That had not been the worst of it.  Even now, the memory of it brought the blood to Kim's face:  he had nearly killed his best friend when Tom, sick and delirious, had dismantled the tool that had been their only hope of escape.  He'd never know how he managed not to beat Paris to death nor how it was that later, physically healed and fed and back aboard Voyager, Tom looked at him with such tenderness in his eyes.  "This man is my friend," Tom repeated for Harry the words he had heard Harry say as Paris lay dying on the prison floor:  "no one touches him."

The bond was there, was real, forged in the impossibility of explaining to anyone else what such an experience can do; how it opens eyes and hearts.  Things left unspoken  become so obvious.  Had they always loved each other?  Akriteria, now safely in the past, seemed just the impetus needed for that next step in their relationship.  A year ago, Harry  couldn't think about Chakotay.  He needed Tom too much and knew that Tom needed him.  The feel of their arms around each other, bodies pressed close, had been like an anaesthetic, had blotted out the pain, the horror and the guilt.

Becoming aware of Chakotay and the state he was in after the breakup was like being woken suddenly from a very deep sleep; in the grip of disorientation so strong, it was impossible to tell where you were.  That gave Harry pause.  Was he really so oblivious?  It was becoming more clear to him over these past few days, that Tom was not.  Since the start of their relationship, Paris never spoke about Chakotay;  never told Harry what the relationship with the commander had meant to him.  If ever Harry had been so inclined, it would not have been hard to know Tom felt.  Nor would it have been difficult to guess that Tom's silence on these important things came from more than the honest desire to spare his new lover's feelings.

Harry suddenly thought that if he could be certain he'd see Tom again, he'd work up an anger and energy for a fight that would make their previous disagreements pale in comparison.  As it was, he could only sigh and wonder if he was going to keep the one thing that matter more than anything else in his world.

He happened to look up just as Chakotay entered the room.  He watched as the first officer selected a light meal, then moved towards an empty table that gave him a view of the passing stars.  The commander ignored the infinite dark and seemed intent on the food before him.  It suddenly hit Kim that, unless the captain or B'Elanna joined him, the man was always alone.  It was none of his affair, Harry thought with a frown.  It shouldn't matter to him at all, how Chakotay's free time was spent.  The young man took in the hunched shoulders, the bowed head and something tightened inside him.  It dawned on him then: anyone the Maquis warrior might take to himself would never occupy that space left vacant by Tom and though he suspected it would be futile, Harry wanted someone to try.

Kim disposed of his dishes and started towards Chakotay's table.  The older man looked up and surprise lit his face before he calmly smiled.

"Hi, Harry.  What can I do for you?"

 Feeling just a little awkward, Harry slid into an unoccupied seat.  He could see no emotion in the commander's eyes, only the First Officer's concern for a fellow crew member.  An irrational anger flared briefly, tinged with panic that he wasn't entirely certain why he had sat down here in the first place. 

"Nothing, Commander.  I just thought I'd join you for awhile."

He couldn't believe his audacity and held his breath as he waited for Chakotay's reaction.  The older man was still smiling as he moved food around his plate. 

"Not too bad this evening," Harry continued, looking pointedly at Chakotay's plate.

 "Don't jinx us.  Neelix is just getting the hang of presenting us with edible meals.  I'd hate for anything to spoil our current run of luck."

Harry chuckled.  "Poor Neelix!  You know, I think he's getting better.  Dinner really wasn't too bad this evening."

"I rest my case."

"Well, maybe he's finally gotten a better understanding of alpha quadrant taste buds."

Chakotay laughed and Harry couldn't help grinning in response.  The twinkle in the older man's eyes was genuine and a peculiar sense of understanding, a glimpse of Chakotay's appeal, took Kim by surprise. 

Chakotay must have misinterpreted the look on the other man's face for he said, "Don't worry, Harry.  I have a feeling we'll find them."

Harry nodded distractedly.  "Yeah.  I'm not panicking yet.  The captain rarely gets to go on missions like this.  Maybe some of my youthful enthusiasm has rubbed off on her this time."

The commander looked sharply at his unlikely companion.  Youthful, indeed but it did not escape him that 'young Ensign Kim' had become a convenient persona for Harry to use, much as Paris used to use that 'devil may care' attitude.  He chuckled.

"Kathryn probably has enough 'youthful enthusiasm' for the whole ship when it comes to getting in a shuttle and chasing anomalies like this one."

Harry had relaxed a bit.  There was a far away look to the ensign, Chakotay noted and he suddenly knew who was on Harry's mind.

Harry smiled quickly.  "It isn't exactly purgatory for Tom, either - getting to fly a shuttle.  I think he loves flying shuttles almost as much as he loves flying Voyager."

He flushed, suddenly acutely uncomfortable at his casual mention of Tom's name.  Chakotay merely replied, "He'd probably say the two were pretty different - like trying to compare apples and oranges."

Chakotay had gone a little too still, Harry noticed.  Perhaps it was time he took his leave.  He had not been certain of his purpose when he first sat down, what he'd do or say.  But now Harry had the feeling that whatever it was, he'd accomplished it and to remain any longer would be somehow inappropriate. 

"It's been a trying day,"  Chakotay suddenly, softly said.

We never really talked about everything; about him, Harry thought.  Truthfully, Kim never imagined that Chakotay would want to.  The desire to break down the wall, to have it all out, was suddenly very strong, made more immediate by that missing shuttlecraft.  He could not form the words, however, and found himself saying instead, "You're worried about the captain, aren't you?"

The commander laughed and Harry's heart jumped in his chest at the humourless sound. 

 "Of course.  Kathryn is a dear friend and very important to me."

The 'but' remained unspoken between them.  It was as much of an opening as Chakotay would allow.  Harry realised it and realised also, a panic swooping down and sinking razor talons into him, that he wasn't ready for this conversation.  Chakotay must have sensed it.  He fell silent and allowed the opportunity to escape them.

Dark eyes like his own fastened upon him, met his gaze steadily and the ensign wasn't certain what he saw in them; steel, certainly and perhaps calculation, a coolness.  A look to cause Harry to bite his lower lip.  He wasn't certain what else to say.  Any word or gesture of friendship suddenly seemed so insignificant.  Insincere was the word that sprang to mind.  Harry sighed and turned to the stars:  they reminded him of Tom.

If  Chakotay noticed Harry's discomfort, he chose to ignore it.  If there was more the commander wanted or needed to say, Kim never heard it.  The awkward silence seeped into infinity before them until Harry suddenly realised that they had sat there for quite a while, wrapped in secret thoughts.  When he chanced a furtive look, Chakotay was also watching the stars, his face completely smooth.  It was impossible for the ensign to guess the commander's thoughts.  He shifted nervously and Chakotay looked at him with guarded eyes.

"Get some rest, Ensign.  We won't be any use to anyone if we are both dead on our feet."
<><><>

It could have been Earth, Tom decided.  Very Terran blues, whites and turquoise swirled together to give the Aegesis homeworld the same gem-like appearance that suggested home to Paris.  As they descended, Janeway and Paris watched deep forests rush under them, a carpet of various green hues.  Now and then huge mirrors seemed to wink at them as they hurried over large still lakes or angry, churning rivers like large snakes against the land.  Presently, the lush country fell away behind them and more rugged terrain appeared.

It seemed uncertain that they would see any of the centres of civilisation of this world.  Their hosts seemed friendly but restrained.  The surprising alien craft landed at a facility whose location was obviously chosen for its remoteness.  He couldn't help noticing how small and sleek Discovery looked beside the ponderous vessel that had towed them here, alien script that reminded the pilot vaguely of old Terran Middle Eastern languages flowing down her sides.

Writing that was long and graceful, like their hosts, he reflected and looked again at the well-armed guard their small party had unobtrusively acquired.  It was difficult to tell male from female, except perhaps by the lilt of the voice and when Tom realised suddenly that he was having less trouble distinguishing the sexes, he wasn't entirely sure why.  Tall and thin, skin like polished ebony,  faces whose features bore their hairlessness well, Paris could more easily imagine these people as artists - dancers, musicians, painters. Their large eyes, nearly devoid of white, fascinated him.  He looked away.  The beauty of those eyes, glimpsed a certain way, was like watching something untamed watching you.

A hover craft brought them to a city which, Janeway was informed, was not their largest but functioned as the seat of government for the united planet.  They landed on the top of a building so high, it was difficult to make out the bustling life below them. 

"Understand,"  Commander Io began as she led them inside, "You are our first offworld visitors!  We have so much to ask you.  We are hoping that you can tell us much about things we are only just starting to understand and explore."

Janeway did not so much as blink as they all stepped into a waiting lift that sped them to the destination Io selected.

 "I'll be happy to tell you what we know about the region of space around you."

It was difficult to tell just how the captain's remark was taken by the Aegesis commander.  She nodded, making a sound the universal translator ignored.

Practically kidnapped, Tom thought, and now they expect us to share knowledge with them!  Perhaps what was needed here was a crash course in interplanetary manners.  He held his tongue, however.  So far, he'd seen very little that suggested the Aegesis were naturally trusting souls.  Though not explicitly aggressive, it was quite clear they left little opportunity for surprises.

They found themselves in a large room, the most prominent feature of which was a long table at one end.  Tom's attention was immediately drawn to the floor to ceiling windows and a view that could only be described as breathtaking.  Janeway spared not a glance towards the view, intent instead on the people sitting around the table.  Some were dressed in civilian dress; bright colours that did everything to emphasis the darkness of their complexion.  A handful were dressed as Commander Io was dressed and by the change in her demeanour, Janeway and Paris guessed a few around the table were her superiors.

When they were seated and comfortable, someone said, "I'd like to officially welcome you to our world, Captain Janeway."

The speaker was female, introduced simply as Rees, who was a little shorter than her companions and of slightly heavier build.  The universal translator described her position as second legate and Tom wondered if he and the captain were considered aliens too dangerous for the first legate to meet.

"I am glad to be here, Second Legate.  It's a great pleasure to be the first to welcome the Aegesis Alliance into the galactic family."

Slight nods of approval rippled around the table.

 "We are curious, Captain.  How is it we can communicate so easily?"

Kathryn Janeway smiled.  Tom recognised her expression.  She was about to give an introductory lesson on the technology of the com badge.

"This little device is a communications device.  It translates what you say to me and what I say to you."

"Really!  A most useful device if one has to deal constantly with offworlders.  Perhaps later, you can explain its workings to our scientists?"

"Perhaps, .  But I have questions of my own, if you'll permit...."

Like when will we be able to contact or rendezvous with Voyager, Tom thought with more than a little annoyance.

"We all would be more than happy to answer any question you have, Captain Janeway."

"How long have you had warp drive?"

Rees looked at the male beside her.  The decorations on his chest were unlike anything Janeway or Paris had ever seen, yet there was no mistaking what they were, nor his position amongst those assembled.

 "We've had warp drive for nearly a century now,"  he began.

"Allow me to introduce Rafa, commander-in-chief of our combined military."

Janeway nodded.  "It's hard to believe that you have had warp drive for so long and we are your first visitors."

There was a titter around the table.  Kathryn looked about her, gauging the effect of her words.  She could not catch a lot of what was being said amongst the Aegesis and mentally, she kicked herself.

It was Rafa who spoke. 

"Captain Janeway, I wish we had a more satisfactory explanation for this but..."  he shrugged.  "We know we are not alone.  Our tracking technology is probably not nearly as efficient as yours but certainly adequate enough for us to know that we have interstellar neighbours.  But they haven't seen fit to make contact and the closest we get to them is reading their tracks in space."  The graceful male moved his hands in a gesture of nonchalance.  "We are not going anywhere.  It's the general feeling that when it's time, we will make contact."

Bigger fish to fry, Tom translated and watched as his captain did the same, nodding carefully.  

 "Will we be permitted to see the city?"  Tom was surprised to hear himself asking.

Kathryn was smiling indulgently at him and he smiled back.

"Of course!"  Rees exclaimed.  "Commander Io has been temporarily assigned to you.  You can tour our city - go wherever you like.  I should tell you...."  Rees paused and the captain and the lieutenant had the impression that she was struggling with embarrassment.  "We've arranged an informal dinner this evening.  It isn't as small as I would have liked ...  You see, so many of our leaders and scientists would like to talk to you..."

Kathryn smiled indulgently.  "Second Legate, we'd be honoured to attend.  We are as curious about you as you are about us."

There were murmurs of approval and bright smiles.  Janeway fastened her eyes upon the table and continued in a low voice.  "There's just one thing."

"Yes, Captain?"

She looked up to meet Rees' curiosity and continued, "I would like to contact my ship."

There was a distinctive shift in mood.  From the corner of her eye, Janeway noted that Io also stiffened slightly.  She waited, preparing herself for what was to follow.

Rees smiled.  "You may contact your ship.  But you must appreciate our position...  the first time anyone from another planet has visited.  I think it unwise to have too many of your people scattered over our world...."

Kathryn nodded.  "My ship will maintain a high orbit over your world.  Unless you decide otherwise, my crew will remain on board.  It will take them a little while to reach us and as soon as they arrive, Mr. Paris and I can be on our way...."

Rees' expression changed immediately.  "We don't mean to be inhospitable, Captain!  I am just being cautious for all involved."

"I quite understand, Second Legate."

 "I'm glad you do.  You and Mr. Paris must want a little time to yourselves now.   Commander Io will guide you to your rooms.  If you lack for anything, she is the one to address."

"When can we expect your ship once it has been contacted?" Rafa asked suddenly.

"About twelve hours."

When Rafa did nothing to acknowledge his captain's reply, Tom felt a twinge of unease and was grateful that the meeting ended quickly.

"This building is relatively new,"  Io was explaining as Kathryn and Tom were ushered to yet another wing of  the impressive structure.  "It's a multi-purpose centre.  The important ones amongst us can meet here, carry out business and rest and relax in complete safety.  Here we are."

Io entered first.  Aegesis apparently valued comfort.  Light from a wall of windows flooded a large common room.  The sofa and matching chairs, over-stuffed and inviting, dominated the room.  Heaped in a corner, in a pile shouting with colour, were large over-stuff pillows.  When he looked at the snow white carpet, Paris immediately wished his boots off and his toes snuggled into the soft fibre.  Near the window was a table that could comfortably sit four.

Kathryn, with nothing to distract her now, moved towards the table to stare across the alien expanse before her.  The sky still looked high, wide open, even at this height and silver, lavender and mauve smeared where the double sun travelled lazily to meet the horizon.

 Io pointed.  "Those two doors at the end lead to sleeping chambers.  You'll find the washing facilities off those two rooms.  I've taken the liberty of ordering a little food and drink for you.  It should not take long to arrive."

As if on cue, a soft chime sounded.  Their silent companion answered the door, his body blocking the entrance for a second.  When he moved aside, a young, small female, the large tray she carried nearly as big as she, carefully entered the room.  Neither Io nor the guard spared her a glance as she slowly headed towards the table.  Tom stepped forward.

 "That looks heavy!  Here, let me give you a hand."

That Paris smile, designed to put anyone at ease, was turned full force upon the little creature.  She only grasped the tray more firmly, a sense of panic about her.  But she did not meet his eyes as she tried to wrestle the tray from him.

The guard made a quick sharp sound and the female immediately relinquished the tray.  The universal translator had not translated his command but there was hardly any need for it.  Io paid no attention to the commotion.  She appeared completely intent upon the view before her.  The girl disappeared and Tom was left holding the tray.  He felt vaguely as if he had somehow transgressed, though he had only meant to help.  He gave a little shrug and placed the tray upon the table.

After glancing over and sampling some of the food and drink, the captain approached Io and commented on the view.  Tom only half heard their small talk for something about the incident with the young female bothered him.  He wasn't completely certain what it was.  Yes, the guard seemed to have a peculiar reaction to what he thought was a perfectly natural instinct to help someone struggling with a heavy burden.  But perhaps he had leapt into the situation without considering that there might be some social code that made his behaviour inappropriate.  He inspected the food himself and put the incident out of his mind.

As he munched various Aegesis delicacies, he was suddenly aware of Io taking her leave of them.  "I will leave you now and return in twenty minutes.  Sef will be outside your door.  If you need me, he will contact me."

With that she was gone.

 Janeway smiled at Paris and Tom could easily see her relief at finally having the opportunity to contact the ship.As Kathryn hailed Voyager, just before thoughts of home, of Harry, Chakotay and the emotions they each stirred in him flooded Tom, in his mind's eye he saw the timid girl once again.  There had been something different about her but he was damned if he knew what exactly it was.  Same complexion, same lack of hair, about the size of  Second Legate Rees;  Tom cocked his head with the effort of grasping a wisp of  something seen yet unseen.  He looked at Kathryn, eyes sparkling, a contentment rolling off her that had not been there mere minutes before and it was as if he sustained sudden and extensive meteor damage.

The swell of her chest, the pleasing roundness of her hips;  the silent one had been quite noticeably female.
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