Rated NC 17

By Elorie Alton

Disclaimer: All Voyager characters are the property of Paramount. No copyright infringement is intended.

"What’s taking them so long?" Tom paced, glancing at the door to the forward compartment of the Delta Flyer. His companions, seated at a small card table, followed him back and forth with their eyes.

"Tom, checking this shuttle out takes time," B’Elanna putting her hand on his back attempting to calm him down.

"B’Elanna, Chakotay is flying my ship. We’ve got most of the senior staff aboard and the Captain’s letting Chakotay fly!"

"Tom, be fair. Someone has to check our work," Harry said, looking up from the deck of cards he was shuffling. "The captain and commander don’t need us looking over their shoulders while they do it, now why don’t you sit down and play Gin with the rest of us."

"Harry is right Tom," B’Elanna said. "Just play a couple of hands of Gin and pretty soon we’ll be at that beautiful picnic spot the captain let you pick out, and you can pilot back."

Tom sat in the empty space between B’Elanna and the Doctor. "Ok, deal me in."

Harry handed the cards to Seven, who quickly shuffled them. Then she dealt out hands to Tom, B’Elanna, Harry, Celes, the Doctor, and herself.

"I’m still uneasy, " Tom said as he arranged his hand. "You know the old Starfleet axiom?"

"What’s that?" Celes asked.

"Never put all your ranking officers in one shuttlecraft."

=^=

Kathryn sat on the small jump seat next to Chakotay, watching him pilot the Delta Flyer towards a beautiful blue green planet.

While Voyager’s senior officers were taking a much-needed break, the rest of the crew were participating in a training drill to evaluate emergency readiness. The captain and her first officer put together a few hours of rest and recreation for the department heads and let Tuvok oversee the drill. This would be their last chance to relax until evaluations were finished.

One concession was made to Harry. He was allowed to bring Tal Celes along. Celes was beginning to blossom into a confident young woman with first Captain Janeway’s attention and now Harry’s friendship. The way they lit up when they were together told everyone they were falling in love.

Kathryn relaxed watching Chakotay. He was such a handsome man, and again she was astonished that he would willingly belong to her. They told the others to wait in the rear compartment while they checked out the new flyer. What they really wanted was some time alone.

They began their relationship the night before Kathryn willingly stepped onto a Borg cube. The fear of never having another chance pushed them together that night, the relief of making it through the ordeal brought them together again when it was over, and in the process both discovered just how much they needed each other.

She remembered their conversation in her quarters, that conversation destroyed the last of the barriers between them.

=^=

Her attention returned to the present and she reached over to put her hand on his back, making a connection with him. They had no need for conversation during these rare moments, just finding simple pleasure in the time alone.

Chakotay smiled at her, "I hate to tell Tom this, but this new flyer is working great. I only detected a small power variance in the starboard nacelle." Chakotay began the landing sequence, and then turned to her. "One more thing before we let them in Captain," and rising to her face, he caught her lips in a brief kiss.

"Tonight," she whispered in promise.

"Tonight," he answered her.

Then she flipped on the inner ship communication system and called the rest of the crew to join them.

"Tom," she greeted the pilot as soon as he entered the forward compartment. "Everything seems to be performing within acceptable parameters. In fact, except for a small imbalance that Chakotay detected, neither of us could find anything wrong. Please pass my congratulations on to your team. Your ‘Hot Rod’ Shuttlecraft has passed inspection."

Tom breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you Captain."

"People we have a ship to land, so take your places," Captain Janeway ordered.

Tom moved down to the pilot’s station, taking the small jump seat. He itched to take over but he could only watch Chakotay’s hands dance over the controls. Harry took the Ops station on the starboard side of the cabin while Seven seated herself at the tactical station on the port side. The Captain took the engineering station leaving B’Elanna, like Tom, watching.

Chakotay landed the Flyer in a beautiful secluded mountain valley. A clear blue lake spread across the lower part of the valley reflecting the surrounding mountains with their snow-covered tops. It was the perfect place for a picnic.

=^=

As soon as the Flyer landed everyone quickly hurried to secure the Flyer so the fun could began. Blankets were spread on the small sandy beach while Chakotay and Tom cleared a space for a campfire, and others gathered firewood.

When the fuel was laid to his satisfaction, Chakotay kneeled down to start the fire with a mechanical lighter he pulled out of his pack.

"That’s cheating, Commander. I thought Indians started fires by rubbing two sticks together?" Tom asked as he brought additional kindling.

Kathryn grinned seeing the frown on Chakotay’s face, "Tom, I think the commander has the fire well in hand and doesn’t need your observations," she warned and laughed at the puzzled expression she got from the pilot.

Kathryn turned away from the men and called to B’Elanna. Together they began scouting around for more dry wood, quickly finding plenty of fallen branches from the near by trees.

"This looks pretty good." Kathryn scanned a large branch with her tricorder. "It’s dense enough to make a nice fire and is free of any toxic resins that might contaminate the air or our food."

"You did scan it for life forms didn’t you, captain?" B’Elanna asked before she touched the log.

"Yes," the captain laughed. "There isn’t anything there to jump out at you Lieutenant. The only things alive here are those pretty little blossoms," she said pointing at some small star shaped flowers scattered in the sunny areas.

"You’re sure?" B’Elanna questioned again. "The scans of this planet picked up a lot of life forms."

"Very sure, B’Elanna, the tricorder shows nothing. Our long range scans showed this area to be relatively free of larger animals."

"Captain, it’s not the large animals I have the problem with, it’s those small slimy things that hide under brush and jump out at you when you expose them, which I want to avoid. I know that doesn’t sound much like a Klingon Warrior, but I’d rather face a bat’leth than a snake."

=^=

Tom heard the warning in the Captain’s statement and decided it would be wise to let Chakotay tend to the fire. He removed the volleyball equipment from the Flyer and set up the net in the middle of a large sandy spot next to the lake.

Harry and Celes pitched a small tent, so those changing clothes wouldn’t need to return to the Flyer for privacy. Then they placed a collapsible canoe on the sandy beach. Harry thought a short canoe trip after lunch would be just the excuse he needed to get Celes alone.

Seven and the Doctor set a portable table in the shade of a large tree and brought out seating for everyone.

"I fail to see the relevance of spending time in this endeavor, when it could be put to better use by overseeing the performance of the Ensigns Delaney," Seven observed.

"Now Seven," the Doctor admonished. "The whole idea was to allow our assistants free reign. Our absence should allow us to make a clearer evaluation of their performances when the time comes. I for one, have full confidence in Ensign Wildman and Crewman Gilmore."

"If my assistances were as serious as Sam Wildman and Marla Gilmore, I would not be as concerned. But Megan and Jenny Delaney are another matter. It would not surprise me to find that they have arranged some kind of… tryst in the astrometrics laboratory while I am gone."

"Nevertheless, Seven, you are here and you should try to enjoy the experience."

"It is extremely difficult to enjoy a situation that involves eating out of doors. Doctor, there are insects. I do not want to ingest one with my meal. There is also the fact that my heels continue to imbed themselves in the soil." She grunted slightly pulling at her left foot freeing it only to have the heel of her right foot sink into the soft ground.

"Seven, you are wearing the wrong clothing," indicating her normal outfit that covered her completely at the same time leaving little of her body to the imagination. "Everyone else is wearing casual clothing."

He knew it was his own fault, he had designed the suit but lately he was getting tired of seeing other men ogle her. "You need flat soled or athletic style shoes. Why don’t you replicate a pair for yourself and change into your swim suit then we will be ready to swim after lunch."

"If you say so Doctor," and she slowly walked back to the flyer stopping to pull one heel or the other out of the dirt.

=^=

Seven stood in front of the replicater studying the menu. She carefully read the descriptions of various shoes, unable to decide which one would be the most efficient style. She scrolled back and forth, comparing the descriptions, one was designed for walking, another for speed and still another for hiking, and all claimed comfort.

"Do you need help, Seven?" Tom asked. "What are you looking for?"

"I need a pair of shoes without heels to become imbedded in the soil of this planet," she said perusing the replicater menu.

"What you need is a general play shoe." Tom began to study the pictures over her shoulder. Finally he reached around her and jabbed at a simple oxford style. "Just like this one. It’s called a sneaker, Seven."

She entered her code and picked up a pair of white canvas shoes that appeared in the repository of the replicator.

"Thank you Lieutenant Paris," she said taking the shoes and disappearing into the aft section of the Flyer.

=^=

Chakotay hustled around the fire, preparing the food so he could start lunch as soon as the fire died down into low embers. He had brought replicated potatoes and corn for roasting. For those who ate meat there were frankfurters and a variety of toppings for hot dogs.

"Do you want me to help with these," Kathryn picked up a couple of the small red potatoes, and grinned a challenge at her lover.

"Kathryn," he hissed under his breath. "Put those back. In case it slipped your mind, we have an agreement. You will not, and I repeat will not attempt to cook today."

"But Chakotay, I don’t want anyone to think there might be something I can’t do." She whispered back, giving him a mini glare. "There have been rumors."

"If I let you cook, your ineptitude will not be just a rumor. There will be witnesses that can attest to your incompetence." The humor in his dark eyes flashed.

Laughing she swatted his arm then ran her hand down his leg, "Maybe my talents lie in another direction."

Catching her hand, he held it for a heartbeat, letting memories of the last few weeks wash over him, "Oh Spirits, yes they do."

"Anyone up for a game of volleyball?" Tom called out as he tossed a multi-colored ball in the air and caught it.

The interruption caused Chakotay to drop her hand. "Why don’t you go show Tom how the game is played, Kathryn?" he grinned, giving her the full effect of his dimples.

"Tom, do you think you can take me on?" The captain bounced up on the balls of her feet in that Captain Janeway way that said she was ready to take on the world.

"As long as I get Harry, you owe me for all the pool games I’ve lost to you," Tom answered.

"Ok, you can have Harry, but I get B’Elanna." Kathryn retorted. "Now how do we split up the other three, because the Commander has to cook!" she laughed glancing at Chakotay, who was busy setting up a grill for the hotdogs.

"You can count me out, captain," Celes laughed. I was never very good at Bajoran sports, and even worse at the Terran ones, but I can help Commander Chakotay with lunch."

Chakotay grinned at Kathryn, holding her eyes with his for a moment, and then turned to the Bajoran crewman. "Thank you Celes, I appreciate the offer."

"Ok," Tom said, "I’ll take Seven and you can have the Doctor."

"Where are you going to take me, Lieutenant Paris?" Seven asked joining the group. The conversation quieted as everyone turned and gaped at her outfit.

"Ahem, Seven! That is an… interesting swim suit!" The doctor managed to speak first while everyone else just stared at the woman in the full body swimsuit. Except for the sneakers on her feet, Seven’s suit appeared to be just another of her skin-tight suits.

"I understand that this style suit is most efficient when swimming. Its design cuts down on the friction allowing the swimmer to achieve greater velocities in the water."

"Which is fine if we were holding races, Seven, but we were only going to engage in a little recreational swimming," the captain explained.

"Is my suit inappropriate, captain?" Seven asked.

"No, not at all Seven. It just looks uncomfortable."

"I am quite comfortable, Captain."

"Ok, I see, then would you care to join us in a game of volleyball?"

"I am not familiar with this game." Seven stated, trying to think of a way out.

"It’s ok, Seven, we’re just playing for fun. You can learn as you go." Harry patted her on the back then led her to the far side of the net.

After a shaky start everyone had a good time. Seven was uncomfortable at first but as she played she overcame any awkwardness and in the end turned out to be an acceptable volleyball player. The Doctor surprised everyone by turning out to be an excellent player.

Kathryn and her team gave Tom’s a sound defeat, much to the pilot’s dismay. Then Chakotay called them to lunch as Tom was trying to talk them into a second game.

Soon everyone was seated around the table passing dishes back and forth, enjoying the food, the company and the conversation.

"I am glad that Neelix is babysitting Naomi and Icheb this time around." Harry said loading his hot dog with onions, chili and cheese. "He would have insisted on cooking."

"Don’t you like Neelix’s cooking Harry?" Tom teased as he slathered mustard on his wiener.

"Mr. Neelix has been known to be, shall we say, excessive in the use of certain pungent ingredients in his creations." Seven stated carefully inspecting her potatoes before spearing one piece with her fork.

"That’s an understatement! He even made some Klingon dishes worse than they were to begin with." B’Elanna passed the dish of roasted corn to Kathryn.

"Now be kind," their captain ordered. "He makes nutritious dishes from what is available, and that saves wear and tear on our replicators." She buttered her ear of corn then took a bite of it. "Chakotay, this is almost as good as Indiana corn fresh out of the garden. How did you replicate this?"

"I didn’t replicate it. I started the plants in hydroponics, and then took the seedlings back to my quarters so I could watch them. Surprised, Captain?"

"Yes I am, Commander. You are a very resourceful first officer Mr. Chakotay."

Seven continued to closely inspect every morsel of food before she attempted to eat it. Finally she began to roll her corn over, checking it from every angle.

"Seven, what are you doing?" Harry asked.

"Checking for insects." She calmly continued to inspect her ear of corn until satisfied, and then she took a bite. After she chewed and swallowed she continued, "I have researched picnics, and discovered that they are often disturbed by insects, predominately ants, followed by flies and mosquitoes."

"Seven, I personally checked each picnic area under consideration for any animal life signs. I chose this spot specifically because the surrounding mountains made the containment of insect life easy. All it took was a special vibration through the audio system of the Flyer to put insect life to sleep for approximately ten hours. After the captain and commander’s problem involving insects several years ago. I have been extra careful. I don’t want to be first officer to Captain Tuvok again."

"Really Mr. Paris," mischief twinkled in the captain’s eyes. "And I seriously thought about leaving you with Mr. Tuvok as acting First Officer."

"Please Captain, don’t do that to me again. I’m sure that Mike Ayala and Joe Carey will do just fine." Then mischief twinkled in Tom’s eyes too. "Of course B’Elanna was disappointed that she couldn’t leave Carey in charge of Engineering."

B’Elanna frowned at Tom. "I have no problem with Joe being on the bridge. After all, I do have Susan and Vorik to take care of my engines, thank you," then changing the subject she continued, "What are the plans for this afternoon."

"Since I’ve already spent most of my time cooking, I’d like to do some exploring." Chakotay looked over at Kathryn. "Are you up to a short hike, to look around, Captain?"

"Yes I would, that sounds like a wonderful idea."

Everyone enjoyed the meal, even the Doctor. He couldn’t eat but did take pictures with his holoimager, and enjoyed the conversation. He even joined in the clean up after the meal was over.

=^=

Kathryn stopped a moment to look back at the picnic site. Tom was chasing B’Elanna around the picnic table. It looked like he was trying to dunk the engineer in the lake, and the others were already swimming.

She thought Chakotay had a good idea suggesting this short hike; she wanted him to herself and couldn’t wait for their planned dinner tonight on Voyager.

"Just a little farther, Kathryn." He held out his hand offering his help as they scrambled over the loose rock next to a stream. The small creek danced down the hillside, babbling a sweet song as it jumped over rocks and leaped downward in small waterfalls, until it emptied in the lake below.

"Chakotay, this water is too warm to be snow melt," Kathryn said putting her tricorder back into the small pack she carried.

"I noticed that too, it’s one of the reasons I wanted to explore here, I think there might be hot springs ahead."

Moving faster Kathryn caught his hand and pulled him with her, "Come on, what are we waiting for?"

Sure enough, just around a bend in the stream the couple found a series of pools that emptied into each other, each one a little hotter than the one below it.

"Oh Chakotay, this is going to be heaven." Kathryn began stripping down to her swimsuit. She used her tricorder to check the water and finding the pool with the perfect temperature she stepped in.

Chakotay removed his outer clothing too and then settled down next to her letting the warmth of the water seep into his bones. They sat side-by-side, legs stretched out in front of them, eyes closed, her hand in his. The peace of this warm place quietly accented the deep feeling of the lovers. It wasn’t long until she was sitting in his lap, her top down around her waist, enjoying the feel of their skin touching, and the soothing sensation of the warm silky water.

Kathryn snuggled in closer, unexpectedly aware of the scent of him. He smelled of spicy cologne, sunshine, with a little wood smoke thrown in for good measure, but mostly he smelled like Chakotay, and that produced feelings of warmth, security and love.

He buried his face in her hair, aware of the lingering pineapple scent left by her shampoo. He loved the way they fit together, so perfectly. No other woman had felt so good, so right. His arms were made to hold her, her body designed for his love.

"You smell good." She said snuggling in closer.

"That’s funny I was just thinking about how good your hair smells, and wondering how several of those pretty little flowers would look in it," he nuzzled at her neck.

"Maybe I’ll pick some and make a garland for you," she laughed enjoying their closeness, and the promise of more for tonight. They drifted in their half aroused state, not wanting to end this aimless freedom, living just in the moment.

However it wasn’t long before they heard the sounds of others following the stream to its beginning. They had time to rearrange their clothing and bodies, again sitting side by side when Tom and B’Elanna arrived.

When she caught sight of the younger couple, the captain called out to them, and they scrambled around until they reached the pool where Kathryn and Chakotay sat.

"How’s the water?" Tom asked, his cheerful voice offset by a flash of disappointment in his blue eyes. "I didn’t know we would find anyone up here!"

Kathryn, realizing the couple also wanted a place to be alone in, answered, "The water is great, but the commander and I need to leave now. We have things to do back at the camp."

"Don’t let us run you off, Captain." B’Elanna said. She knew that Janeway and Chakotay so rarely got to step out of their command posture that she felt like they were invading the older couple’s privacy.

"Don’t worry you’re not running us off, there are some readings I want to take, Chakotay and I need to make additional holographic recordings. A program featuring this lake would make a wonderful addition to our holodeck."

They slipped on their clothing and were already down the hill, before the younger couple could settle themselves in the hot water.

Tom and B’Elanna sat just as quietly as Janeway and Chakotay had earlier. They enjoyed the warmth of the water, the beauty of the area, especially the pretty little star shaped blossoms that seemed to be popping up everywhere.

Tom plucked one of the flowers, breathed in its sweet floral scent for a moment and then ran it down B’Elanna’s cheek, caressing her face with the soft velvet petals.

He was leaning down to kiss her when B’Elanna growled and then arched upward biting his jaw hard enough to break the skin. It was always a surprise when she turned Klingon on him, a very welcome surprise. He knew he would have to woo her with love poems while ducking the heavy objects she threw, but the effort also brought great rewards, because sex with B’Elanna in Klingon mode was the best sex he had experienced in his entire life.

Tom rolled on top pinning her against the side of the pool, glad that they had decided to leave their swimsuits behind. He held her still for long moments as he nipped and bit at her skin leaving love bites on her neck and shoulders. B’Elanna gathered her considerable Klingon strength, pushed him off her and climbed out of the pool. She crouched at the edge, growling at him, daring him to try to take her.

Klingon sex at its best was part seduction and part duel. The male proved his prowess by conquering his mate, while she teased seductively only to scratch and bite when he got near her. God, Tom thought, he loved B’Elanna like this and just the sound of her low growls was enough to give him the king of all hard-ons.

Tom tried entrancing B’Elanna, circling her, telling her exactly what he was going to do once he caught her. He threw in a little erotic poetry that he found in Voyager’s database, carefully staying on the balls of his feet like a boxer, in case he had to duck.

She twisted and turned, moving forward then retreating, crouching low but ready to spring away. Repeatedly, she moved back and forth, joining her lover in the old Klingon mating dance.

Tom watched her, biding his time, aware that her eves continued to stray down, her attention caught by the sight of his erection bobbing out in front of him. At the first opening he quickly moved forward, pinning her to the ground, rolling her to her back.

She caught his scent and buried her face in his neck, the Klingon part of her needing to fill her nostrils with the smell of him.

With one fluid action Tom moved between her thighs penetrating her. B’Elanna stilled at his entry, the need to bite and scratch abandoning her, leaving only the urgent need to mate with this man who could conquer her.

Then came the moment that Tom loved most, the moment when B’Elanna switched from would be assailant to voracious lover. Pleasure surged through him as she arched up kissing him deeply, stabbing her tongue into his mouth. He loved her aggression, loved knowing this strong woman was his, and adored knowing he belonged to her.

Running her fingers in the short hair on the back of his head she held him in place plundering his mouth, penetrating him in an echo of her own penetration by his body. The need to fight now replaced with a hunger that shrank the world down until it contained just these two people, joined together in a beautiful bed of small white flowers.

The sensation of his cool human flesh against her skin drove her desire upward. Wanting more, she locked her legs around his waist driving him even deeper, and still it wasn’t enough.

B’Elanna’s movement beneath him pushed Tom’s arousal higher and he could no longer hold himself still within her. He began to stroke in and out of her wet Klingon warmth. He relished the heat of her body against him, her feverish hands stroking down his back, and her amazing sweet torrid channel, that squeezed and released him with the same rhythm as his thrusts.

"Oh God, B’Elanna," he cried out, speeding his movement. "You feel so good, Baby." And he began to hammer into her body.

She stroked down his back finally cupping his ass, feeling the muscles constrict. His cool penis caressed her hot walls as no other ever had. His love, as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot summer day, added fuel to the fire within her.

They moved together, faster and faster, their exhilaration climbing. Building sensations that flooded through them with a fervor that demanded release. They strained against each other until Tom groaned out his orgasm, pouring his seed into her body.

The sudden coolness of his ejaculate within her pushed her into her own orgasm. Her muscles clinching around him, and both of them rode out the maelstrom, as joy, pleasure and their love for each other whirled around them in unknown colors and sounds.

Tom rolled to his side still cradling her in his arms, whispering his love to her.

"God, B’Elanna, you are so beautiful." The absolute reverence in his voice thrilled her now as much as his body had only moments before.

"I don’t know about that, but you are like some golden warrior, that only Kahless could have sent to me," she answered running her hand along his arm.

"I’ve always thought you were beautiful, but right now laying here with this glorious day shinning down on us, and all these pretty little flowers popping up around us, you are the most beautiful, most desirable woman in the universe. I love you B’Elanna Torres."

She let the words sink in for a moment, letting herself believe, maybe for the very first time that this wonderful man, really did love her. She leaned over rolling him and taking his mouth again in a deep kiss. His bare skin felt wonderful against hers. The sun warmed them and a sweet floral scent surrounded them.

Her breath caught as she felt her Klingon blood begin to surge through her body again.

Tom saw the look in her eyes change; he could almost feel her skin heating as she pushed away from him and plunged into the pool.

"Again!" You want to do that again!" He grinned, already feeling his arousal returning. "Today’s your lucky day Tommy boy." And he dove in after her.

=^=

Harry put his oar into the water maneuvering the canoe toward a shady cove. They swam with the Doctor and Seven for a while, but his growing awareness of Celes’ body made him seek a way to be alone with her. It didn’t take much urging to get her to agree, in fact she shyly told him she was waiting for him to ask.

The canoe was actually a boat shaped shell covered with an impenetrable skin, and the only seat provided was in the rear where Harry sat steering it. From his perch he had a wonderful view of Celes reclining in the bow with a bouquet of the small white flowers lying next to her.

She was running her fingers through her hair, unbraiding it so it would dry. It was a long, silky, dark haze which floated in the gentle breeze coming off the lake. He wanted to run his fingers through it, to see it spread around her nude body, to feel it against his chest as he made love to her.

Celes watched Harry, she could see his pectoral muscles flex as he dug the oar down into the water then switched sides and dug into the water again. The sight of his beautiful golden skin caused her to tremble. This trip was going exactly where she wanted it to. She was ready to make love with Harry.

Abruptly the dazzle of the sun’s reflection on the water gave way to shadows as the canoe entered a shady cove. The cooler air was refreshing almost invigorating, with a delicate breeze, that wafted over them filling their nostrils with a lovely floral scent.

Native birds twittered and chirped among the trees, their brightly colored bodies darting back and forth, busy with their small lives. Occasionally one’s voice would sing out mournfully as if calling out to a missing mate.

"This is nice," she whispered almost to herself, and then shyly smiled at Harry.

He guided the canoe through the low hanging branches of willow like trees that crowded around the quiet pool and shielded them in shadows.

"I know something nicer," his voice a whispered invitation.

She raised her eyebrow silently asking what.

"Come here and sit next to me," he said, pulling his oar out of the water, letting the boat slowly drift with the slow current.

"No," she smiled again. "Come sit with me, there’s more room."

He needed no farther invitation. Putting down his oar he moved next to her.

They laid on their sides facing each other in the narrow boat. Quickly arms slipped around the other and lips connected.

Harry immediately began combing his fingers through the silky length of her hair, amazed by the weight of it. He thought she was very pretty, her creamy complexion contrasting with the deep brown of her eyes and hair.

Celes was quiet, he supposed her shyness had its roots in her early years. Her parents were refugees from the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, and she grew up feeling displaced and insecure.

"You ought to wear your hair down more often," he said drawing a fist full up, rubbing the dark strands against his cheek, breathing in the scent of it.

She snuggled into his chest, kissing his face and moving down to his mouth. Her tongue darted out to caress his lips, and then to plunging inside when he opened his mouth.

Harry returned her kisses, moving from her mouth to her eyes and finally kissed every Bajorian ridge on the bridge of her nose. He again ran his fingers through her silky hair, drawing her face back to his.

"I want you Celes, you’ve become my life," he whispered before he took her mouth and rolled them slightly until he was half on top of her, the movement rocking the boat gently. He put one leg between hers pressing his erection against her thigh.

"Please," she whispered back. "I need you Harry, I love you too."

They pushed each other’s clothing off, with caressing hands, stopping only for deep kisses. Their new love had created strong feelings. But as strong as these feelings were, they were secure in the knowledge that this was forever.

He kissed her shoulders, and dipped his head to take a dark nipple into his mouth causing her to shiver and pull him closer. The aroma of the flowers wove a barrier around them, closing off the world outside. They touched, kissed and tasted each other until the power of their passion mastered them.

They arranged themselves side-by-side, facing each other, then he pulled her soft thigh up around his waist, and joined them. He pushed himself as deeply into her as possible, and then paused to savor the feeling of heaven.

They slowly began to rock together, concentrating on the sensations created by their action. The friction of their bodies against each other built an incredible arousal.

The boat drifted along with the current rocking faster and faster as the couple’s movements became more frantic. Celes moaned when her orgasm hit, and the ripples of her vaginal muscles pulled Harry into his. Finally the boat stilled as the couple rested against each other, and the world returned.

Harry moved slightly away from Celes’ body just as the canoe drifted out into the sunlight. It took them a moment to realize they were in full view of everyone.

Harry reached for his trunks, trying to retrieve them from their perch on the side of the canoe only to miss and push them into the water.

"Oh God, Celes, I lost my trunks," he groaned.

"It’s OK, just move the canoe back and I’ll get them."

Crouching low in the boat, Celes reached over the side trying to snag them while Harry used the paddle to return the boat where the trunks floated on the water.

"Just a little closer," she requested.

"Watch out Celes, we are getting very close to the picnic area."

"I’m being careful," she stretched out her arm trying to grab the trunks, brushing them with her fingertips.

=^=

Seven and the Doctor strolled casually through the open meadow, enjoying the beauty of the mountains, and the sounds of nature around them. Small rabbit like creatures chased each other through the grass as if playing tag and when caught they tumbled playfully like kittens.

"The aroma of these flowers is very pleasant," she said holding up a blossom she had picked.

"Smell is an important sense, Seven. I have altered my program to produce my own scent. I have also included an artificial pheromone. Do you find it agreeable?"

She moved closer, attempting to inhale his aroma. "I find your scent very agreeable, Doctor. It adds an interesting new facet to your programming."

She stopped in front of him halting their progress, and looking into his eyes, she spoke. "I think I would enjoy kissing you, Doctor."

"You do?" His voice rose in anticipation. "I have thought about kissing you for quite a while now, Seven. What led you to this fancy?"

"When I rediscovered Unimatrix Zero, I found I had another life buried in my memory. I had a friend there named Axum I enjoyed kissing him very much."

"Are you in love with him, Seven?" He helped her down to sit among the white flowers and joined her.

"I think I was once, and for a while I thought I was still in love with Axum, but I have been thinking about that time and I find I have changed. My time with Axum was the dream of a drone yearning to be free. I am free now Doctor, and no longer that confined person. I do not want my old Borg dream. I want something real. I want you." Leaning forward she rested against him.

"There are those who would gladly point out to you that I am a hologram and therefore not real either," he held her close for a second then reached into her hair, releasing it to fall down to her shoulders.

"No doctor, they are wrong. You are very real."

She moved closer still in his arms, raising her face to him, kissing him softly, plunging her tongue into his mouth. He returned her kisses starting a nice hum that traced through her body.

"Well I can see you did a lot of practicing, Seven," he said, breaking their kiss for her to catch her breath.

"I am not sure, but I believe you may be the superior kisser, Doctor. Though I believe that I need to try this again, just to be sure."

The Doctor smiled pulling her to himself for a second time, sucking on her bottom lip for a moment before he nudged his tongue into her mouth. Caressing her tongue, he finally drew it into his own mouth, sucking until she groaned with the pleasure.

"How about that for an example?" he asked as he moved from her mouth to nibble below the implant in front of her right ear.

She caught her breath as he touched his tongue to the implant, sending pleasant jolts of energy through the remnants of her Borg system.

"I find that very pleasurable, doctor, and your contact with my implant was as pleasurable as regeneration."

"I hadn’t realized that you enjoyed regeneration, Seven."

"Yes I do, why do you think I have been reluctant to give regeneration up, but this action may prove to be just a gratifying. I suggest farther exploration. I wonder how it would feel if you touched the others?"

"Why don’t we find out?" he said drawing his hand down her right arm, rubbing the second star shaped implant through the fabric of her swim suit. "Seven, I would think you might be a little warm in this."

"I had not noticed any discomfort until now," her voice breathy as he skimmed over her arm again. "Doctor, that is very pleasurable."

He turned her so she sat between his legs with her back to his chest and reached around her, cupping her left breast and rubbing his thumb over her nipple. "How does this feel, Seven?"

"I know of no implants in that area of my body, but what you are doing feels very nice."

"Wouldn’t you like to take the suit off and allow me to touch your naked breasts?" he whispered as he again kissed the implant in front of her ear.

"Please," she moaned and pulled at the closures on the front of the suit, releasing her breasts to tumble into his hands. They were soft and pale, generous mounds of flesh tipped with peach colored nipples.

His breathing subroutines registered the heightened sensory input and adjusted his simulated breath so he breathed deeper. His new protocols were working perfectly to his relief as he felt his simulated penis lengthen and become ridged.

His hands captured her breasts again and circled her nipples gently with his thumbs. The exquisite pleasure was unlike anything she had known before. Her eyes closed and she relaxed back into his arms, turning her face slightly into him, snuggling into his neck.

She moaned in protest when he released her and began tugging at her suit. He pushed it off her shoulders only to have the suit stop at the top of her right arm. He tugged again, jerking at her right arm, disturbing her dreamy state.

"Doctor…"

"I can’t get it off, the sleeve is stuck on your arm," he hissed.

"My implant! It’s hanging on my implant!" she cried as she jerked at the fabric with her Borg hand, ripping it from her body. Desire fired her strength so that she tore at the elastic fabric trying to pull it from the various implants on her body. Finally the fabric gave away coming apart in pieces leaving her sitting nude among the fragments of the swimsuit.

"Seven?" the Doctor couldn’t believe his eyes. He had expected to be initiating a shy Annika, not the aggressive Seven-of-Nine, in the act of love.

"You have too many clothes on, remove them now!" she growled.

He quickly complied, touching the small controls on his mobile emitter. His shirt and swim trunks shimmered away leaving him clad in only a band around his right arm that held the emitter.

She grabbed him, pulling him down over her.

"Doctor, you have fur on your chest." she rubbed her breasts against him, enjoying the soft friction of his hairy chest against her sensitive nipples.

"My research indicates hair on a male’s chest is a sign of virility. I can change it though if you don’t find it pleasing," His fingers brushed against the small round implant just under her navel.

"Aaahh," she moaned. "Doctor, that is definitely better than regeneration, even better than kissing Axum. Do not stop!"

His subroutines glowed with his own pleasure, as she pressed against him, her breasts heaving, brushing his chest with every breath. It was wonderful. "Do you want to proceed farther Seven, would you like to have intercourse with me?"

"Yes! Hurry, this feels so good, I want to experience it all. Copulate with me, Doctor!"

He rolled down on his back pulling her until she was on top, his hands at her hips, then he complied, thrusting up as she slid down on his erection. She felt the pinching sensation as he broke through her hymen but that small pain did nothing to stop her desperate need. She stilled only for a few seconds as she adjusted to him and then began moving up and down.

"Ooohhh! This is so good, Doctor! Shall we repeat crude statements to each other? I have heard that uttering such statements can help build pleasure in certain people."

"I don’t think we need that, Seven. Just seeing you like this is all the additional stimulation I need."

"I agree," she whispered as she moved up and down over him, her magnificent breasts bouncing with their rhythmic movements.

He watched her face contort as she neared completion. He wondered how long he would need to hold off, he did a quick scan of his programs and readied himself to ejaculate when her orgasm started. He knew she was near when suddenly she threw back her head crying out in pleasure. He released the simulated sperm into her body as she collapsed down on his chest.

She lay on top of him as small jolts of pleasure continued to run through her system, brought on by his release.

"Doctor, I would like to do this again, it was a most enjoyable experience," Her voice still breathy.

"Do you mean you would like to continue to copulate, even after we return to Voyager?"

"Yes, I only see one problem."

"What is that, Seven?"

"One of us is going to have to get private quarters."

=^=

Kathryn and Chakotay scrambled through the loose rock, making holographic recordings of the area. They climbed a little way out of the valley, through a barren rocky area, and now could see out to the plains beyond. The white flowers spread out over it as far as the eye could see.

She heard Chakotay’s intake of air, "Kathryn, is that what I think it is?"

She looked to the area he indicated, noticing for the first time a cloud of dust. Raising her tricorder she began to take readings, then glancing at her data, she took the readings again.

"Chakotay, that’s a herd of animals moving very fast, coming directly for this valley."

"I wonder what spooked them, Kathryn. It looks like a stampede." he climbed up next to her.

"According to these readings they are in some sort of a mating frenzy, there are numerous signs of recent sexual activity. I think we need to get back to camp. They could be very dangerous if they decide to enter this valley."

He helped her down from her perch and they quickly made their way back to the Delta Flyer. On the way she began the attempt of contact the rest of the crew, "Janeway to Paris," then waited a moment for Tom to answer.

"Paris here," his answer was breathy.

"Tom get back to the Flyer, there’s a problem and we need to leave."

"Yes, Captain, we are already on our way. B’Elanna had a little accident."

"Is she ok? What happened?"

"I think she cracked her collar bone, we’ll be there shortly, and Captain, I just tried to raise the Doctor and he didn’t answer."

"Chakotay and I will meet you there, Janeway out."

Within ten minutes they met the younger couple. Tom had tied his shirt around B’Elanna, keeping her arm immobile.

"What happened B’Elanna?" Chakotay questioned, his dimples in full tease mode. "A Klingon with a broken clavicle usually means one thing, but I thought it was the male that suffered."

Tom blushed, "It’s kind of embarrassing." Looking down at his feet he continued, "She was throwing rocks at me and one ricocheted." He looked back up in time for the others to see a flush of pink creep over his face.

"Chakotay," Kathryn whispered as she checked the readings on her tricorder. "It must be mating season here. Everything is having sex, apparently including some of our crew."

"We didn’t Kathryn," he whispered back.

"I know but I want to. There is something in this environment we didn’t detect. We better leave as quickly as possible."

They only had a short walk and rounding a thicket they reached their camp. No one was in sight.

Kathryn saw the canoe first; Celes was crouched low, reaching out of the canoe to grab something that floated on the water. Abruptly the canoe tipped onto one side then rolled over spilling the couple into the water.

The captain breathed a sigh of relief when both young people popped to the surface. Chakotay and Tom were already in the water swimming toward the couple.

She slapped her combadge, "Janeway to the Doctor."

"The Doctor here, Captain, what can I do for you?" his voice was sluggish, as if he had been sleeping.

"B’Elanna has been injured, and Harry and Celes just capsized their boat. We are fishing them out of the water, but we need you here."

"On my way, Captain."

Chakotay swam out ahead of the other three heading toward Kathryn. "Captain, we need a couple of large towels," he called out to her, a big grin on his face.

She grabbed up two towels that were lying on the ground, and then watched as Tom escorted a very red-faced Harry and Celes back to shore. She pushed down a giggle when she realized the both young people were completely nude. She did smile though as she handed towels to the couple.

Kathryn turned to check on B’Elanna. The Doctor was already at the engineer’s side, a tricorder in his hand scanning for damage. Next to him stood Seven, holding the pieces of her swimsuit together. Kathryn Janeway wondered if everything on this damn planet had sex this afternoon except her. The unfairness of the situation just grated.

Gathering her people together she ordered the crew to break camp. They were going back to Voyager.

"I want everyone to be very careful, there is something we don’t understand working here," she paused a moment then added, "Those of you who have lost or had your clothing destroyed, please replicate yourself something to wear."

=^=

They quickly packed up everything and stowed it in the Delta Flyer. The captain kept close watch on the entrance of the valley monitoring the movement of the larger animals outside. All the animals she scanned appeared to be in a frenzy of sexual activity, and scans of the crew showed a build up of hormones, indicating they too were being affected by unknown factors on this planet.

They carefully beamed everything aboard using the flyer’s transporter and completely filtered the air inside to lessen the chance of bringing back whatever it was that was causing this.

As soon as everyone was aboard, Captain Janeway gave the order to leave.

Everyone took their places and Tom began his preflight check.

Kathryn and the Doctor continued to monitor the situation from the screens at the Op’s station feeding all the data into a special file for study. The captain suspected that something air born was responsible for the effect, but so far they only detected an abundance of pollen that tested out as benign.

"Captain we have a problem," Tom called. "There is so much pollen out there that I can’t get the forward air intakes to seal properly."

"What were they doing open, Lieutenant," the tone of her voice betrayed her exasperation.

"Neelix wanted us to do a little gas mining. He asked me to bring back nitrogen. He needs to restock our supply so he can make more fertilizer, Captain. For some reason the shielding failed," Tom continued to check the status of the Flyer. "It appears that the small imbalance, Chakotay detected earlier caused a failure in that particular shielding system. I’m sorry, Captain, that should not have happened."

‘Can you estimate the time needed to clean them out, Mr. Paris?"

"I’ve started flushing the system, Captain, but it could take three or four hours at this rate, and I don’t think we could speed it up enough to risk sending anyone back outside to manually clean the vents."

"I agree Tom," the captain opened the COM system from the Ops station and opened a channel. "Janeway to Voyager."

Tuvok’s calm voice answered, "Voyager here Captain."

"Tuvok, give me an estimated time for Voyager to reach these coordinates."

"I estimate that we should reach your position in approximately one point six hours captain. Is there a problem?"

"Yes, we have a build up of foreign matter in the Delta Flyer’s air intake system. It’s going to take a while to flush it out. We are experiencing other problems and I want you to alter course for these coordinates. We may need assistance."

"Affirmative Captain, we are altering course now."

"Contact us when you achieve orbit, Commander."

"Yes Captain, Tuvok out."

Captain Janeway looked around at her companions, "I suggest we try to find some answers. Doctor, I want you and Seven to see if you can pinpoint what is causing that behavior," She motioned at the forward viewport and its view of the myriad animals engaged in sex.

"Captain, I can see the hormonal levels of the animals outside rising even as we speak. We seemed to have filtered out whatever is causing the effect because ours are decreasing" the doctor reported.

Chakotay cleared his throat, "Captain, I suggest Mr. Paris and I replicate some food. Sounds like hungry work to me."

"Good idea, Commander, and don’t forget the coffee. In the meantime, we’ll continue taking scans. B’Elanna, would you check on the intake valves and see if the flushing can be sped up."

"Aye, Captain."

=^=

Chakotay was setting a variety of sandwiches on the small table in the aft section, when Seven entered, carrying a sealed stasis container. She opened it and took out an arrangement of the white flowers.

Seeing the question in the commander’s eyes, she spoke, "I have examined these and found that the pollen from the flowers is harmless, except in the case of the buildup in the intake valves. I think they would be attractive here." She sat them on the table, turned on her heel and marched back to the forward section.

As soon as the door slid shut behind her, Tom burst out laughing. "I wonder how that little tryst this afternoon went."

"Whatever happened this afternoon is a private matter between the two of them," Chakotay said handing plates to Tom.

"I know that, it’s just that they both seem so pleased, and Seven keeps smiling. Chakotay, it’s eerie. She has smiled more in the last couple of hours than she has the whole time she’s been aboard Voyager."

"Like I said, Tom, it’s none of our business. They are apparently happy so just forget it. The Doctor has proved to have a certain creativity in dealing with other expects of his life, and I have no doubt that he will continue. Both of them are so much more than they were when they stared. Tom, leave it alone!"

"Ok, you’re right, but I can’t help wondering. Are we ready to eat?"

=^=

After another round of speculation with no resolution, Kathryn knew everyone needed a break. They had ran scans of the water, the soil, the plants themselves and even the pollen that clogged the Flyer’s intake valves, and found nothing to explain the behavior out side the ship.

They could see the hormonal levels of the animals increasing until they engaged in an act of copulation. There would be a sudden decrease, and then the levels would begin to build again.

Seven excused herself for a moment to go to the aft section, and then returned moments later to examine the readings of the various animals.

Kathryn stretched, trying to relieve the kinks in her back. She let her mind wander-contemplating Chakotay, as she often did in free moments. A total awareness of him descended on her, much like it had earlier that afternoon. She decided that she couldn’t get back to Voyager soon enough.

Shaking herself she stood and looked around her, everyone but the Doctor seemed to have relaxed and she decided this would be a good time to see what Tom and Chakotay had prepared.

A feeling of arousal hit her as soon as she entered the aft section; there was something sweet and seductive in the air. She immediately looked for Chakotay, and found his eyes dark with barely contained desire.

Tom reached for B’Elanna, pulling her to him, burying his face against her neck.

Seven gave a low growl and turned, draping herself around the Doctor’s back.

Kathryn shook herself again, breathing in the familiar sweet scent she recognized as she saw the vase of flowers on the table. Grabbing up the vase, she turned to the Doctor pushing it into his hands.

"Scan the scent, Doctor, I think these are our problem and then get rid of them."

"Yes, captain," He disentangled himself from Seven, and within moments he had taken readings and then dropped the flowers, vase and all, into the recycler.

"There is no need to get rid of my flowers," Seven moaned. "I checked the tissues and pollen and they are harmless."

"It’s not the pollen of the flowers themselves, it’s the aroma. Did you check that, Seven?" The captain stood in the middle of the room her hands on her hips. "Doctor, you’d better run a scan of our hormonal levels."

"Captain, I found that Commander Chakotay, Lieutenant Paris, and Seven show a marked increase in their levels, probably due to a longer exposure to the flowers, and the rest of you show a more moderate increase."

"Check again in a few minutes, to see if the levels are decreasing."

Then she directed her attention to the others. "I know this is extremely difficult but you are going to have to show some restraint until we can solve this problem. B’Elanna, please refilter the air to remove the aroma."

B’Elanna reluctantly disengaged herself from Tom and started toward the forward compartment.

With the removal of the flowers, Chakotay seemed to regain some control, but both Tom and Seven were breathing heavily, struggling with unseen forces within.

Returning to the forward section, B’Elanna sat in the pilots seat and began to set the controls that would filter the air. She was aware that each moment her control slipped a little. She didn’t see Tom following her down into the pilot’s area until he was holding her, urging her down, kissing her, running his hands over her until all coherent thought left her, until she could only slide down on the floor with him.

Harry also followed, but seeing Tom with B’Elanna down in the pilot’s area, he turned away, trying to give the couple privacy, only to walk into Celes.

She put her arms around him, pushing her hands up under his shirt, kissing him. He tried to pull away from her for a few brief moments, struggling until he gave up and maneuvered her to the floor behind the ops station.

=^=

"Captain," the Doctor turned as Seven ran her hand up his back, then down to cup his buttocks. "The hormonal levels are not dropping," then catching Seven’s hand he hissed, "Seven, now is not the time for this behavior."

"I want you, Doctor!" she cried. "If we do not copulate now, I will die, please!" She ripped at the front of her catsuit using her Borg strength to tear it from her body.

The Doctor struggled with her, trying to hold the front of Seven’s suit together. Finally he turned to the captain and commander. "Please, would you go up front for a few minutes and give me some privacy to take care of this situation."

Having already seen more than they cared to, Kathryn and Chakotay entered the passageway between the two compartments, and quickly signaled the door to shut behind them. It took only a moment for the couple to realize that what was happening in the aft compartment was also happening in the forward one. They backed into the passage way and shut that door too.

"Dammit," Kathryn cried. "It’s bad enough that I spent all afternoon, keeping my hands off of you and now look at us."

She finally gave in and leaned against Chakotay. There was barely enough room for both of them to stand. Within seconds he realized his strong captain was crying.

"Why are you crying, love?" He ran his hands down her back. He wanted to ease her pain, but at the same time her closeness made the deep ache of desire flare.

"It’s not fair, I want you so badly, Chakotay," she cried into his chest. "The only thing that kept me going all afternoon is thinking of the night together we planned. Now here we are, and as soon as Voyager gets here I’ll have to be the Captain for hours. Everything on this planet is making love but us, Chakotay, it’s just not fair."

"We have now, Kathryn," he said gathering her closer in his arms. "I know this is a pretty tight squeeze, but it will do. You need me as much as I need you," he whispered tipped up her chin then softly kissing her.

Soft kisses became yearning desperate ones, quickly fanning the fires that had been building all day.

She kissed him back as she jerked his shirt open. The buttons flew around the passageway ricocheting off the walls. Then she nudged the garment off his shoulders and it fell to the floor. She pulled her own shirt open then leaned forward, her breasts nuzzled him, and her nipples, already hard, moved like heated beads across his chest.

They kissed and touched, caressed and stroked, all the while yanking at the others clothing until they stood, bodies pressed together, wearing only their hiking boots and socks.

He squatted, his back against the aft compartment door, pulling her with him until she sat on his lap facing him, his erection brushing against her. Lowering his face to her breast, he caught a rosy nipple in his mouth and began to suckle her, and when his fingers brushed against her clitoris, she could only moan and rock against him.

Her wet heat grazing against his hardness almost made him lose what little control he had, as waves of blinding desire descended on him. He rocked forward until he was on his knees with Kathryn’s body pinned to the forward door. She wrapped her legs around his waist then arched to allow him access and he shifted her down onto his steely shaft.

Then without allowing even a moment for Kathryn to catch her breath, Chakotay began to pound into her, driving deeply into the sweet haven of her body. Each piston like stroke of his thick hardness propelled them closer to completion, and all she could do was hang on to him.

Her orgasm rolled over her in exquisite relief, a dazzling explosion of fulfillment that caused her to cry out and collapse against him.

Her shuttering, clenching spasms triggered his release, and he came in a jarring pulsing climax that flooded her with his seed.

=^=

Tuvok stood behind the helm, watching the planet grow larger in the view screen.

"Mr. Rollins, are we in transporter range."

"Affirmative Commander."

"Have you regained contact with the Delta Flyer"?

"Negative Commander, The scans for like signs account for everyone but the readings are erratic, Sir. Something is definitely wrong."

"Mr. Ayala, you will accompany me to the surface. Mr. Rollins, keep an open link and a transporter lock on all of us. Mr. Carey, you have the bridge."

"Aye, Sir."

=^=

Tuvok could hear labored breathing as soon as he materialized, looking quickly around he immediately saw Lieutenants Paris and Torres engaging in an intimate act on the floor next to the pilot’s seat.

"Lieutenant Paris, Lieutenant Torres, explain your actions," Tuvok’s calm voice overpowered the moans of the couple. Tom looked up in surprise, and then struggled to stand and find something to cover himself with at the same time.

Tuvok turned away only to find Harry and Celes peering out from behind the Ops station, also in a state of undress.

"Where is the Captain?" the Vulcan calmly asked, his right eyebrow in a raised position.

"She is in the rear compartment," Tom waved at the closed passageway, trying to cover himself at the same time.

"I would suggest that each of you find your clothing." And he moved to the door. Stopping when it didn’t slide open, he used his override. He punched in the "open" command and stepped aside just in time for a startled Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay to tumble out of the door, just as naked as the first two couples and obviously also engaging in an intimate act.

Tuvok’s eyebrow lifted all the way to his hairline, while Mike Ayala, who had been quietly watching everything, broke out into loud laughter.

Chakotay lay on top of the Captain, obliviously spent, a deep red flush spreading across his upper torso.

"Well, Mr. Tuvok, I see you made it, and in record time," was the captain’s only statement, as she peered out from under her first officer’s body.

"Ahem, yes Captain, our scans indicated trouble, so we endeavored to get here earlier than anticipated. Are you all right," he said looking down at her.

"I have had better days," she grabbed Chakotay when he tried to move away from her. "Mr. Chakotay, would you be kind enough to stay where you are until we are decently covered."

He rose up slightly and grinned, "Yes, Captain, I believe I can do that."

"Are the Doctor and Seven in the aft compartment, Captain?" the Vulcan asked.

"Yes, Tuvok, they are."

"Do I want to open that door, Captain?"

"No Mr. Tuvok, I don’t believe you do."

=^=

Kathryn’s earlier prediction proved correct. It did require several hours of her time to get everything settled. Rumors flew around the ship in such amazing speed, that nothing could be done to contain them.

While she knew that both Tuvok and Mike Ayala could be trusted to keep their mouths shut, the open link that connected both men to Voyager did not. In no time at all everyone on board knew something about what had happened to the people on the Delta Flyer.

The senior staff meeting was subdued as a tired circle of people met late in the evening to hear the Doctor deliver his report.

"After studying the results of scans made here and on the surface, I have concluded that there is no residual effect on any of you, from this afternoon’s exposure. Apparently the aroma produced by the flowers heightens the awareness of pheromones, increasing the likelihood of mating and the production of offspring."

Captain Janeway shifted in her chair and looked at the Doctor, "My concern, Doctor is the troubling possibility of the situation degenerating into a mating frenzy," Kathryn’s low voice revealing little of the fear she held inside her. "We could have become involved in an orgy like the native species on that planet."

"No, Captain," the Doctor spoke. "According to the data I’ve gathered, that wasn’t possible."

Everyone looked up for the first time meeting each other’s eyes.

"What do you mean?" Chakotay asked, openly reaching for Kathryn’s hand.

"It was the pheromone factor, Commander. Humanoids are not particularly sensitive to pheromones. Because of that, they have not developed a generalized species aroma. In fact pheromone attraction in humans would be unique and confined to those persons already experiencing an attraction to each other. In other words Mr. Paris was attracted to Lieutenant Torres and not Crewman Tal or to the captain."

"That doesn’t explain Seven’s fixation on you, Doctor?" Captain Janeway asked, as the Doctor sat down.

"In fact it does, Captain. I had just added an artificial pheromone to my program," he leaned back in his chair smugly confident, oblivious to the suppressed laughter around him.

"Thank you Doctor, for setting our minds at ease," Kathryn squeezed Chakotay’s hand then released it. "I know how tired everyone is, so I think we should call it a night and get some rest. Dismissed."

The Briefing Room quickly cleared and a short time later found Kathryn and Chakotay in her quarters. They sat together on her couch, her head on his shoulder, his arm holding her close.

"What are you thinking," Chakotay asked her kissing the top of her head.

"How relieved I am that everyone knows about us."

"Kathryn?"

"That way we won’t have to explain to anyone why we are moving in together," she softly laughed.

"I don’t just want to live with you, I want to marry you, Kathryn," he pulled her closer.

She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling, "You read my mind, Love. Come on take me to bed and we’ll start making plans tomorrow."

He stood, took her hand and pulled her up from the couch just as her combadge beeped.

"Doctor to Captain Janeway."

"Janeway here Doctor."

"Captain, I have just discovered one side effect from this afternoon and need to see you first thing in the morning."

"Doctor?" Chakotay’s voice rising.

"Oh, Commander, you are with the Captain. I really need to see both of you. It seems that the effect also promoted fertility. Normally the birth control boosters that you get would negate this, but you are both at the end of your cycles and you may not have had enough protection to prevent pregnancy."

He paused to complete silence, "Captain, Captain are you there? Commander? Doctor to Captain Janeway or Commander Chakotay…."

The End

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