The BLTS Archive - In Sickness and In Health
by Jennifer Presley (jlpresley@aol.com)

---

Disclaimers: Paramount/Viacom may own the characters and the Budget
Barbie Camper they travel in, but I let them have more fun! This story
contains NC-17 material-if you are not ancient enough, please don't
read!

---

The soft murmur of voices and the sounds of the sickbay monitor faded
into the background as Captain Janeway sat next to the biobed upon
which Commander Chakotay lay. He was still and pale, the only movement
came from his shallow breathing.

Janeway clutched his right hand in hers, and used her left hand to
gently wipe the sweat off his brow. The fever had been running rampant
through his body for 3 days and he hadn't stirred from his coma-like
state in over 18 hours.

She sighed and rested her forehead on the side of his chest. She knew
she was committing a breach of protocol, but she couldn't leave him
The Doctor still wasn't saying whether Chakotay was going to live or
not, and she couldn't imagine her life without him.

"Captain, maybe you should get some sleep." Kes' quiet voice broke
into her thoughts.

Janeway straightened and smiled sadly at the Ocampan woman. "No, Kes,
I can't leave him." She looked down at the comatose man again, despair
and tears glistening in her eyes. She didn't see the look of
compassion on Kes' face when she spoke next.

"Kathryn, it's not your fault. There was nothing you could have done."
She placed her hand on Janeway's shoulder, offering comfort to the
grief-stricken woman.

Hot tears spilled out of Janeway's eyes as she whispered, "I should
have noticed earlier. I should have said something sooner..."

---
~Three days earlier~
---

Janeway sat back in her chair, looking in concern at her First
Officer. Ever since they had left Xeros V, 2 days earlier, she had
sensed a change in Chakotay. He hadn't joined them in the Holodeck for
the officer's pool tournament last evening, and in the morning
briefing he hadn't contributed anything. Then since coming onto the
bridge, he hadn't said a word to anyone, just sat quietly reading
through the stack of PADDs left by Lt. Tuvok.

Finally, Janeway leaned over and placed a hand on his arm. "Chakotay,
are you all right? You don't seem like your usual self." She didn't
make an attempt to mask the concern in her gaze.

Chakotay looked at her with a tired smile on his face. "I'm fine,
Captain. Just a little tired." His normally golden complexion seemed
pale.

Janeway continued to stare at him, inwardly debating with herself.
"Commander....Chakotay. Maybe you should report to sick bay. You do
not look well at all." She was becoming even more concerned as she
took in more signs of malaise evident in his manner.

Chakotay slowly sat back in his chair. "No, Captain. I appreciate your
concern, but I'll be fine." He darted a look at her face, clearly she
wasn't convinced. He hoped she wasn't going to make it an order. Then
at the look on her face, he knew what she was going to say next.

"Commander Chakotay. Either you report to sick bay immediately or I
will have you escorted there." Her eyes pleaded with him to obey her.

A hush had settled over the entire bridge. Everyone had stopped what
they were doing to stare at their commanding officers. Neither Janeway
or Chakotay noticed, they were still staring at each other.

Finally, Chakotay conceded his defeat. He nodded deferentially to
Janeway, then slowly pushed himself to his feet. He wavered slightly
as a wave of dizziness washed over him.

Janeway stood and placed her hand on his arm. "Chakotay?" Her husky
voice pierced the inner fog of his mind. "Do you need help?"

Chakotay looked at her. He could see the apology in her eyes for
pulling rank on him, along with worry for him. "No, I just got up too
fast. But, thank you." He turned and made his way towards the
turbolift. He only made it halfway before collapsing.

Instantly, Janeway and Paris were at his side. "Chakotay!" Janeway
called, her voice alarmed. She slapped at her combadge. "Transporter
room 1. Initiate emergency transport to sickbay for Commander Chakotay
and myself. Mr. Paris, you have the Conn."

The doctor and Kes were waiting for them as they re materialized on
the floor in sickbay. Paris had alerted them to the transport in
progress.

"Captain, what happened?" The EMH knelt next to the Commander's prone
body, his tricorder taking readings from the unconscious man.

"I don't know. He's been subdued for a couple of days and generally
looking ill, so I told him to report here. He was walking to the
turbolift when he fainted." Janeway looked at the doctor. "Do you have
any idea what could be wrong?"

The doctor shook his head. "No, I'm going to need to run some tests
first. He's running a high fever and I see evidence of some sort of
pulmonary involvement." He stood and tucked the tricorder into his
belt. "Help me get him onto a biobed."

---

Three hours passed before Chakotay stirred. His eyes opened, and
focused on Janeway, who was standing across the room, talking to Kes.
"Kathryn?"

She hurried over to him, a smile lighting her beautiful face. "Hi, how
are you feeling?"

"Awful, if you want the truth," He croaked, "Can I have some water?"
He gulped it down when she held the glass to his lips. "Thanks."

Janeway grinned at him, even though worry was still present in her
liquid gaze. "You're welcome." She paused for a moment. "I...I've been
worried about you."

Chakotay glanced over at the doctor who was walking over to them
holding a PADD. "I'm sorry I put you through that, Kathryn." He broke
off as the doctor spoke.

"Ah, Commander. How are you feeling?"

Chakotay rolled his eyes and let Janeway answer for him. "The same,
Doctor. What have you found?"

"Humph. Well, Captain, Commander. I have found evidence of some type
of bacterial infection. You must have come into contact with it on
Xeros V."

Chakotay suddenly began to cough, turning himself away from Janeway
weakly. When he was able to speak again, he looked back at the EMH.
"Well, if it's a bacterium, is it contagious? Will you be able to cure
it? I need to return to duty as soon as possible."

A faint frown crossed the doctor's face. "I do not think that this
particular infection is contagious, as no one else has come down with
any of the symptoms. But, I'm afraid that it's not going to be that
easy to find a cure. I have yet to identify the specific microorganism
responsible."

"Well, Doctor. I'll not interfere in your research any longer."
Janeway said, then turned back to look at Chakotay. "I have to return
to the bridge. Let me know if you need anything, okay?" She smiled
softly at him, then made her way out of sick bay. It was the last time
she saw him conscious.

---

"Captain?" The doctor's voice startled her out of her reverie.

"Yes, Doctor. I'm sorry." She turned back to Chakotay, noticing no
signs of improvement. "I take it you haven't found anything."

"Let me show you, Captain." The EMH led her over to a console. "I have
isolated the bacteria responsible, but I haven't been able to
synthesize an effective cure." He brought up a visual of an
innocent-looking microorganism.

"The bacterium is similar in effect to a soil saprophyte found on
Earth, Nocardiosis asteroides. It causes initial symptoms that are
very similar to those of the Commander: fever, cough, weakness. If
left untreated, it can cause lung lesions and eventually it can lead
to metastatic brain abscesses." He hurried to reassure Janeway as fear
leapt into her face. "I'm not saying that will happen, Captain. Those
are just possibilities if this bacterium acts like the Earth one."

"I understand, Doctor. And thank you. I know you've been working on
this non-stop." Janeway hesitated, then continued. "We've set course
to return to Xeros, hopefully they will have the cure we need. We will
be in hailing range in 28 hours."

"I will continue my efforts, Captain. You can count on that."

---

"Captain, the Xerosians are answering our hail." Ensign Kim's voice
seemed to fill the Bridge. Until he had spoken, nothing louder than a
whisper had disturbed the silence.

Janeway nodded at him. "On screen please, Harry." She stood and bowed
ceremoniously when Prefect Ogala came into view. "You honor us with
your presence, Prefect."

Ogala returned the bow and replied. "The honor is mine, Captain. It is
good to see you again. But, we were not expecting you, is there
something we could do for you?" The Prefect cocked his head in
puzzlement.

"Yes, thank you, Prefect. One of my officers, Commander Chakotay, has
come down with a bacterial infection that is unknown to us. I was
hoping that one of your healers might know of it and be able to help
us find a cure." The bleakness of her expression served to heighten
the urgency of Janeway's request.

"Please accept our sympathies, Captain. I will do whatever I can to
expedite your search." Ogala turned to his right, and quietly
conferred with one of his aides. Finally, he turned back to Janeway
and bowed again. "We will have one of our most esteemed healers
contact you as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to let me know
if there is anything else that I can do to help. Good thoughts and
happiness, Captain."

Janeway bowed. "Thank you, Prefect Ogala." She then sank down into her
chair as Kim closed the channel. Her head was throbbing and she wanted
nothing more than to return to sick bay to be with Chakotay. But she
knew that there had already been a lot of speculation on their
relationship because of the amount of time she was spending at his
side. Besides, B'Elanna Torres was sitting with him, and B'Elanna
would contact her if something happened.

Janeway sighed to herself and then stood. "I'll be in my ready room.
Tuvok, you have the bridge." She barely acknowledged his response as
she left. When she reached the sanctuary of her ready room, she sank
down on to the couch in front of the window, and buried her head in
her hands.

"Oh, Chakotay. Please don't leave me." She was intensely afraid that
he would die before she could tell him how she really felt, how much
she loved him. This must be what he had felt like when she was dying
on that planet.

She remembered the images of him weeping and holding her body to his
heaving chest. His pain had been palpable, and she had been frightened
to learn of the depths of his feelings for her. Then his stoicism in
the face of her death. If she lost him, she didn't know if she could
bear it.

Janeway sat, silently recalling the times they had shared. How long
she sat, she had no idea. The passage of time was irrelevant to her.
But she was jolted out of her misery by a signal at the door.

"Come." Janeway called, as she stood and made her way over to her
desk. Kes entered and walked over to stand in front of her. "Kes, has
something happened to Chakotay?"

Kes shook her head. "No, Captain. There hasn't been any change in his
overall condition, but the Doctor has been in contact with Healer
Alcala. The Healer knows of the microorganism and he and the Doctor
are discussing how to adapt the cure for use in the Commander." Kes
smiled at the profound look of relief that passed over the Captain's
face.

"Thank you, Kes. For everything you've done." Janeway moved around her
desk and hugged Kes. "I'll be right down to see him."

---

"Ah, Captain, good afternoon. I trust you have heard the news?" the
EMH fairly glowed with excitement.

"Yes, Doctor. Kes informed me. Have you been able to replicate the
necessary compound?"

"Yes, we have. The Xerosian healer transmitted the information and we
started Commander Chakotay on it 20 minutes ago." He led the way over
to Chakotay's bedside. "As you can see, his temperature has dropped 2
degrees and his pulmonary functions are gradually returning to normal.
I anticipate a complete recovery, barring any unforeseen
complications."

Janeway smiled at the doctor. "Thank you again, Doctor. Is it okay if
I stay here with him?"

The EMH snorted. "Would it make any difference if I said no? It's not
like anyone listens to me around here." He walked away, shaking his
head and muttering something about enforcement of visiting hours.

Janeway ignored him as she pulled a chair over to sit next to
Chakotay. Visibly, he didn't appear much different, but she could see
he was having an easier time breathing and his color was beginning to
return. She settled into the chair, content to sit and watch him
sleep, now that he was out of danger. Finally, the strain of the past
few days caught up with her, and she fell asleep with her head on the
side of his biobed.

A gentle caress on her cheek. Janeway stirred in her sleep, but didn't
awaken. The gesture was repeated, and a single spoken word worked it's
way into her slumber.

"Kathryn."

She sat bolt upright and found Chakotay staring at her, a smile
lighting his handsome face. She blinked the last vestiges of sleep
from her eyes and smiled back.

"Chakotay, welcome back." The emotion in her voice warred with the joy
in her eyes. "I...I've missed you."

"It's nice to be back." Then he looked at her questioningly. "How long
have I been unconscious? And how long have you been sitting here? You
don't look like you've gotten much sleep at all."

"You've been in sick bay for 6 days now, Chakotay. For a while, we
didn't know if you were going to make it or not." Janeway attempted to
evade the second half of his question.

"Six days?" He smiled wryly. "Guess I've missed out on a few things.
But you didn't answer my question." He narrowed his eyes at her. He
wanted a truthful answer.

She hesitated briefly before answering. "I've been here for a day and
a half waiting for you to wake up, and 2 or 3 days before that. I was
worried....I thought I was going to lose you." Her voice cracked on
the last few words. She turned her head away from him in a vain
attempt to hide her tears from him.

"Oh, Kathryn, come here." Chakotay gingerly pushed himself into a
sitting position, then pulled Janeway into his arms. "It's okay, the
doctor says I'm going to be fine." He pulled back slightly and smiled
at her. "But it's nice to know you were worried about me."

She smiled innocently back at him. "Well, I had nothing better to do,
anyways." They laughed together, as he hugged her tightly.

---
~Two days later~
---

"Commander. Welcome back." Paris greeted Chakotay as he walked onto
the bridge. The doctor had finally given up at getting him to rest,
but had told him in no uncertain terms that exercise had to be kept at
a minimum for at least 5 more days to give his lungs a chance to
return to full capacity.

Chakotay nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Tom. It feels good to be
back." Then he winked. "Almost as good as it feels to be away from the
doctor." Everyone laughed, except Tuvok who raised his eyebrow. He
looked like he was about to comment, when the turbolift doors opened
and Janeway walked out onto the bridge. She paused for a moment, her
eyes roaming the crew members present, only staring at Chakotay a
moment longer than necessary.

"Good morning. Commander, it's nice to see you up and about." Then she
smiled, her eyes full of mischief. "But didn't I hear the doctor say
you needed to rest more before returning to duty? He assured me that
it was no problem for you to stay in sickbay for a few more days."

Chakotay groaned dramatically. "Oh no, Captain. That's quite all
right." Then he smiled slyly. "It must have been all the *personal*
attention I was getting. I feel 100% better."

She snorted as she took her seat. Two could play this game. "Yes, Kes
did an excellent job. She went above and beyond the call of duty in
caring for you." She looked at Chakotay out of the corner of her eye.
He was biting his lip to keep from laughing out loud.

Then he leaned over and whispered. "I was thinking I might need some
more *personal nursing* tonight. Perhaps you might like to help me
with a sponge bath?"

The look on her face was well worth the rumors Paris would be
spreading. From the way his shoulders were shaking, he had heard every
word. Chakotay sat back, immensely pleased with himself.

Janeway sputtered for a moment, frantically trying to think of a
snappy comeback. Then a wicked grin crossed her face. "You know, I
might just take you up on your offer." It was his turn to stare, mouth
slightly open.

"Captain?" Ensign Kim spoke. "Prefect Ogala is hailing us. "

"Thank you, Ensign." Janeway bowed as soon as the Prefect came into
view. "Prefect Ogala, I thank you again for the assistance you have
given us."

Ogala inclined his head. "I am happy we were able to help, Captain.
Commander Chakotay, you look well."

Chakotay walked up to stand beside Janeway. "I owe you and your people
a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, Prefect. Please pass my
heartfelt appreciation to Healer Alcala."

"Of course I will." He bowed a final time. "I will say farewell once
again, Captain. I wish you happiness for your long journey." Ogala
disappeared as the signal was disconnected.

"Mr. Paris. Set course for the Alpha Quadrant, warp factor 6." Janeway
sat back down in her seat and began to check her schedule for the
upcoming day as Paris acknowledged the order. Life could begin to
return to normal, now that Chakotay was back by her side. She smiled
secretly to herself, as she began to plan their evening.

---

The chime on his door sounded. Chakotay, deep in his trance, did not
respond. His guide was running alongside him, her shaggy fur blowing
in the wind. The chime sounded a second time and when he failed to
respond again, she punched in the override codes for the lock.

"Chakotay?" Janeway paused for a moment, before entering. She had been
slightly apprehensive when he hadn't answered the door, but when she
found him in meditation, she understood. He hadn't been in contact
with his spirit guide in over a week. She walked over to the couch,
kicked off her shoes and sat quietly, watching him.

Chakotay sensed her presence in his room before he opened his eyes. He
smiled slightly, and sat for a moment longer before turning to her.
"Kathryn. I wasn't expecting you so early."

She tilted her head. "Early? How did you know I was even going to
come?" Then she laughed at herself. "Never mind, don't answer that.
I'm sorry I disturbed you. I should have left."

Chakotay stood and moved to sit next to her on the couch. "No, I'm
glad you didn't. We need to talk." He reached over and took her hands
in his.

"Talk? I thought I was going to give you a sponge bath?" Janeway
laughed. "Can you imagine the bets that Tom is placing? I can't
believe you said that!" Then she sobered. "But, we do need to talk.
Let me go first."

Turning to face him fully, she sighed thoughtfully. "Chakotay, I
realized when you were sick the extent of my feelings for you. I can
honestly say you mean more to me than I ever thought possible. I have
never cared for someone as I do you." She frowned slightly. "I don't
really know how to handle this. The Academy didn't offer a course in
falling in love with your First Officer."

Chakotay made as if to speak but she placed a finger on his lips.
"Please, I'm not done yet." She rose to her feet, and paced for a
moment before returning to stand in front of him. "I can't say how
this is going to affect the crew, or even our relationship as
commanding officers. But, I just know that I don't want to risk losing
you without telling you how I feel. I love you, Chakotay." She pulled
him to his feet, and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you."

His heart felt like it was about to burst from happiness. "Kathryn,
ever since New Earth, you've known that I have feelings for you. But I
have never told you in as many words. Instead, I used stories to hide
the true nature of my feelings. I won't hide them from you anymore."
He brought his hands up to her face, holding her gently.

"I love you, Kathryn Janeway. I have since the first moment I saw you.
You are the most beautiful, giving woman I have ever met. I have never
met anyone as strong as you, and with as much faith in yourself and
the people around you." Then, words faded as Chakotay lowered his head
and kissed her for the first time.

Time seemed to stop as they kissed. He traced the line of her lips
with his tongue, then dipped it into her mouth when it opened. She
returned his ardor, tangling their tongues in a rhythmic dance of
passion.

Chakotay pulled Janeway to him, his arousal evident through his
clothes. She pulled back slightly and looked at him, love shining
luminously in her eyes. He reached up and gently tucked a stray lock
of her hair behind her ear, before kissing her again. She moaned and
wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer.

His hands roamed over her body, touching places he had dreamt about
many times. He unfastened her tunic, letting it slide off her creamy
shoulders. His breath caught in his throat as he saw that she wasn't
wearing anything underneath. His hands caressed her breasts, rubbing
the nipples erect. He trailed kisses down her neck, only stopping when
his mouth took the place of one of his hands.

Janeway gasped and clutched Chakotay's head to her tightly, tangling
her hands in his hair. The sensations were overwhelming her, and she
started to quiver as her knees buckled. Chakotay caught her, and
lifted her up in his arms.

"Kathryn, are you sure?" He asked, wanting to make certain she wasn't
having second thoughts. There would be no going back once they
consummated their relationship. The burning desire in her eyes
answered him, as she struggled to find her voice.

"Yes, Chakotay. I am sure. I want you to make love to me."

He kissed her as he carried her into his bedroom, then let her slide
to her feet. She began to fumble with the buttons on his shirt,
desperate to see him. Finally she succeeded, running her hands along
his chest. "You are beautiful, Chakotay." Her hands dipped lower, one
hand sliding into his pants. She gently caressed his aching member,
feeling it grow harder.

His hands pushed hers aside, and in one swift move, he divested
himself of his remaining garments. He gently pushed her down onto the
bed as his arousal pressed against her belly. One hand drifted down
into the soft curls and he pressed lightly, causing a shaft of warmth
to fill her.

Janeway managed to choke out a plea. "Now, please Chakotay. I can't
wait any longer." She spread her legs wide, allowing him unimpeded
access to her body. With one deep thrust, he merged his body with
hers, crying out her name. They rocked against each other, their
tongues mimicking their lower bodies.

Chakotay felt her tightening about him, as her climax approached. He
began to thrust faster, as she wrapped her legs around his hips,
trying to force him deeper inside her. Their whispered words of love
combined as he exploded within her, filling her with his essence. He
collapsed on top of her, his softening member remaining inside her, as
they gradually returned to awareness.

Eventually, Chakotay began to rise from her, intending to shift his
weight from her. Janeway protested drowsily until he rolled onto his
back and pulled her on top of him. Then they drifted off to sleep,
content in their newfound love.

---

"Good morning, love." Janeway stretched and smiled as Chakotay greeted
her with a kiss.

"Um, it is a good morning." She gently caressed his tattoo. "What's
for breakfast?"

He looked at her in mock astonishment. "You mean, you actually want to
eat?" He nuzzled her neck and laughed. "I was looking ahead to fooling
around some more before we have to report for duty."

"Now, Commander, we can fool around in the shower. But I'm hungry now,
remember, I had an eventful evening." She colored slightly,
remembering the various times they had awakened, finding new ways to
pleasure each other.

"Oh, all right. I guess we could eat first." His voice trailed off as
he stared at her speculatively. "Can I at least eat my breakfast off
you?"

Janeway laughed and threw the pillow at him. "You are incorrigible!"

"Yes, but that's why you love me so much." He grinned back at her.
"Gee, I wonder if this counts as exercise. The doctor told me to avoid
strenuous activities for a few days."

"Well, if you get sick again, I'm not going to be the one to tell him
what you were doing, or with whom!" Janeway's smile faded. "But, let's
not joke about it. I almost lost you once, I don't want to risk it
again."

Chakotay, who had been rising to get breakfast, stopped and looked at
her. "Kathryn, I'm fine. I promise to remain as healthy as I can, for
you."

A heartbreaking smile spread across her face. "It doesn't matter,
Chakotay. I love you, and I always will, in sickness and in health."

---

The End