by Bingley
---

Takes place in and around the 7th-series episode "Lineage", which is basically ignored.

Note and Warning This is a follow-up to my earlier story "Bedbond." The alien criminal justice system involves torture. This is described but not too graphically.

Archiving: ASCEML, PKSP, and PK Elite. Elsewhere, please ask me first. I'm unlikely to say no. Feedback: gimme, gimme.

Disclaimer: Paramount owns Voyager and all who sail in her. This is just for fun, not to infringe their copyright or make a profit.

---

Tom smiled to himself in the darkness. Pregnant. He rolled over and snuggled up to his wife, curled one arm round her middle, and started nuzzling just below her left ear. He was surprised by the reaction. B'Elanna's elbow came sharply back into his stomach and she rolled out of the bed and up on to her feet. "Get off me," she snarled.

She stood there panting, while he lay on the bed with his mouth gaping. Suddenly she clutched her stomach and headed for the bathroom, only just making it in time to judge from the noisy vomiting. Worried, Tom got to his feet and followed her. B'Elanna had finished being sick and was standing over the sink splashing her face with cold water. He came up and rubbed her back gently. She pushed him aside not gently at all and started vomiting again. Tom was really worried now.

"Let me put some clothes on, and we'll go to sickbay and get the Doctor to look at you," he said.

B'Elanna nodded as he slipped into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. She was standing by the bathroom door as he came over to her and called "Two to beam to sick bay. Medical emergency."

As they materialised in sick bay, he took her arm to steady her. She was immediately sick all over the Doctor's nice clean floor. The Doctor didn't flinch as she vomited all over him, but Tom automatically leapt to one side to avoid the mess. "Suppose you tell me all about it, while I attend to your wife, Mr. Paris," the Doctor said.

Tom gave a brief account of what had happened. The Doctor picked up a tricorder and ran it over B'Elanna, while saying, "Did you notice, Mr. Paris, whether the vomiting got worse when you touched your wife?"

"Well, Doctor, now you come to mention it," said Tom, "I suppose it did."

"Look at these tricorder readings yourself."

The Doctor pointed out the signs on the tricorder, saying "This hormone is produced by Klingon females while they're pregnant. They continue producing it until they finish breastfeeding. Although its effects become less violent with time, its effects are mood swings and the vomiting you have already seen. Basically, Klingon females are unable to have sex while they're pregnant or breastfeeding. Even mildly sexually arousing physical contact will produce the vomiting. I can reduce the severity of the vomiting and her sensitivity, but I cannot overrule the hormones altogether." While he was speaking, he had picked up a hypospray and now injected B'Elanna with its contents.

"That should settle your stomach for the time being," he said to her. She nodded gratefully, and said "Keep away, Daddy boy."

"How do you feel now, B'Elanna?" Tom said.

"Better now. A bit drowsy."

"I think you should stay here till the morning," chimed in the Doctor. "And you, Mr. Paris, should see about getting twin beds for your quarters. If you have any problems getting a requisition for them from Commander Chakotay, refer him to me and I will explain that it's necessary for medical reasons."

---

Two days later Tom and B'Elanna were sitting in the armchairs in their quarters, waiting for their guests. Tom looked over at his wife and smiled. She was so calm while his stomach was flipping backwards and forwards. He leapt up when the door chime went, and hurried to the door. He found both the Captain outside waiting to come in and Harry heading down the corridor towards them. He invited them both in and after the usual pleasantries said, "If you'll excuse us Kathryn, Harry and I have some holodeck time booked."

Janeway looked surprised, but a glance in B'Elanna's direction told her that her Chief Engineer and friend wanted to have a woman-to-woman talk. She nodded, "OK, enjoy yourselves."

When they got outside, Harry said, "What was all that about? And what are you so nervous about? I've felt it building up all day."

Tom smiled. He should have known Harry would pick up on how he was feeling. The Kalaxar bed bond between them was much weaker now than it had been in the early days, but strong emotional states still got through. He decided honesty was the best way forward. "I've got some things to tell you, and I need your help, but you're not going to like this," he said.

Harry sighed. "All right, let's have something to eat and then go to my place. We can talk undisturbed there."

When they entered Harry's quarters, Tom looked round. It had been a while since he was last in here. He noticed a wooden bust of Harry standing on one shelf. The bust had a broad grin on its face. "Harry," he said, "this is marvellous. Where did you get it?"

"Neelix gave it to me one time when I was feeling down. He said I had to practice making the bust more lifelike."

Tom laughed. "Good for Neelix."

They sat down together on the sofa. "Well, go on, shoot," said Harry after a pause, looking as if he was expecting Tom to do so literally rather than metaphorically.

Tom sprang to his feet again, and started pacing up and down. He took a deep breath, turned to face Harry, and said, "B'Elanna's pregnant."

Harry jumped up and threw his arms round Tom, "Tom, that's marvellous news. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Harry," Tom replied. He hugged Harry back and gave him a quick peck on the forehead. "But there's more."

They both sat back down. Tom squeezed Harry's hand unconsciously as he continued. "According to Klingon custom, we have to choose a godfather for the baby now. Klingon women can't have sex during pregnancy and breast feeding and I'm supposed to have sex with the godfather to make it official." At this point, Harry snatched his hand back.

"Ohhhh no. No no no no no no no no no," he interrupted. "No way. I'm not going through that again. You broke my heart once. I'm not letting you do it again."

Through the bed bond, Tom felt the remembered pain and misery wash over him. His own feelings of guilt that he'd been the cause of it all stirred again. "Harry," he said for the he'd forgotten how many'th time, "I really tried to make it work. I wanted to make it work, but my basic nature was just too strong. I still love you dearly, you'll always be my sweet Harry, but my basic orientation is towards women. I can't go against my nature, you know that. Look how disastrous your own forays into heterosexuality have always been." He picked up Harry's hand, kissed the palm, and laid it back down.

Harry blinked rapidly while Tom took another deep breath. Here was the killer.

"I wasn't going to ask you. Whoever it is has to be willing to marry B'Elanna and adopt the child if anything ever happens to me. She wants it to be Chakotay. And this is where I need your help. How do I get Chakotay to agree to have sex with me while B'Elanna's unavailable?"

"Chakotay!" Harry squawked. "Tom, it's impossible. You know what he's like. He's professional enough on duty, but he's barely civil to me otherwise. I'm sure he still thinks the Captain should have put me in the brig for the duration or dumped me somewhere when the Doctor told her I'm gay."

Tom slumped down dejectedly, Harry had only confirmed what he'd thought. Now what? With a sigh he pulled himself together and looked over to where his friend was sitting staring at the floor, lost in thought. Tom stood up, and moved behind the sofa and started massaging Harry's shoulders. "What about you, Harry? How are you doing?" he asked gently.

"Oh, I'm all right. I still see Gus from time to time when I can't stand things any longer, but it's not the same with a hologram, is it? It feels wrong, dirty."

"Don't let the Captain hear you say that."

Harry sighed and leant back as some of the knots in his shoulders came undone. After a few moment's silence Tom said, "What about that High Councillor in today's meeting? Was it my imagination or was he giving you the eye?"

"It certainly seemed that way, didn't it?" Harry answered. "But there's something about him I don't quite trust."

"Uh-huh." Tom leant over and kissed the top of Harry's head. "I'd better be going."

"I suppose so."

"I love you, Harry." Bright smile to cheer him up.

"I love you, Tom. Good night."

"Good night."

---

Tom was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he felt mildly surprised to find himself outside the door to his and B'Elanna's quarters. She was sitting reading in one of the armchairs when he came in. "How'd it go?" he asked.

"Kathryn was flattered to be asked to be godmother, and agreed at once."

"What did she say to the acting as midwife bit?"

"No problem, she even volunteered to come to the Doctor's maternity classes with me. What did Harry say?"

"Pretty much what I expected him to say. There is no way we're going to get Chakotay to agree to this. It would be so much easier to have Harry as godfather."

"Tom, we've been over this. Harry is one of my dearest friends, and my human side knows that if in anything happened to you and he took over, I would be truly cherished and our child would have a stepfather to be proud of. Unfortunately my Klingon side has different criteria, and that's what's in charge right now. Tom, …" She bit her lip.

"What? Go on, tell me."

"This is what started the problems between my parents, when my father refused to find a godfather for me when my mother was pregnant. Then he left us, and there was no-one to take over." Tom could see the remembered rage and hurt in her eyes. He moved over to where she was sitting and sat on the arm of the chair. He laid one arm tenderly across her shoulders. She shrugged it off impatiently, and looked up at him.

"Tom, there's nothing I want more than to have you holding me in your arms, and the very thought of it turns my stomach."

He nodded unhappily, and moved back to the sofa.

"And Tom, be honest, can you really see Harry coping in a household with two Klingon temperaments? I know he would try his best but he would be miserable."

"All right, all right. Chakotay it is. Well, there's one consolation," he said with a grin.

"What?"

"If we both die, Chakotay and Kathryn will finally get together instead of all this on-off-on again pussy- footing round each other they go in for."

B'Elanna threw back her head and roared with laughter.

---

Harry sat in the captain's ready room waiting for the daily briefing to begin. He smiled a greeting when Tom and B'Elanna walked in, and allowed himself the luxury of basking in Tom's love for him for a few minutes. Even though the bed bond was weaker now, he could still sense the depth of Tom's generous love which had led him to give Harry his body. Although Tom had responded to the stimulation Harry had provided, Harry had always sensed that the raw, insistent desire he himself felt for Tom was absent; that was in Tom's love for B'Elanna. Yes, the pain when Tom broke off their affair had been unspeakable - Harry resolutely pushed the memory of the pain and misery away - but ever since he'd first sensed Tom's love for B'Elanna he'd known that Tom had done the right thing, and that Tom still loved him, and Harry was by and large content.

Tom smiled as he sensed what Harry was doing, and Harry felt himself drawn by the smile to dive down and down and down into those blue eyes.

"Mr. Kim," he heard the Captain's somewhat exasperated voice calling him.

"Sorry, Captain. I missed that. I was distracted."

"I was saying that the Trrox High Council have suggested we continue the negotiations for supplies and passage through their space on the planet. The away team will be Commander Chakotay, you, and Mr. Neelix."

Harry was careful to be seen to be paying attention through the rest of the meeting. Janeway told him to stay behind after the others were dismissed.

"Ensign," she said when they were alone. "If this 'distraction' of yours, continues I'll have to insist on you seeing Lieutenant Commander Tuvok. Perhaps he can help you control the bond better."

How to explain that he didn't want to control the effects of the bed bond, that they were what made life worth living, that without that assurance of Tom's love he would have nothing.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied in a hollow voice.

"Dismissed."

---

Harry stood on the terrace outside the reception hall. The daytime temperature had been rather hot for his liking but the evening was a very pleasant 20 degrees or so. A gentle breeze wafted up a scent reminiscent of jasmine from the public gardens below where people sauntered by, stopping to converse in small groups. The Trrox were tall and slender by human standards, most being about 7 feet tall. Both sexes wore kilts and short jackets that left the midriff bare. The males had thick hair on their heads, and the females were totally bald. Otherwise they looked human.

The reception in the room behind him had been a bit overpowering. It was hard sometimes leaving Voyager, where everybody knew everybody, to come down to a whole planet full of people, all except for half a dozen totally unknown. There were probably more people in the reception room than on the whole of Voyager, and his head was spinning from trying to remember the names of the Trrox he'd been introduced to. He turned as somebody behind him coughed, and smiled politely at the High Councillor who'd been on Voyager yesterday, Srak, wasn't it?

"High Councillor."

"Ensign Kim. I hope you're not unwell."

"No, quite well thank you. Just feeling the need for a little air."

"Yes, receptions leave me feeling that way sometimes as well. It's a beautiful evening," Srak continued, gesturing at the sky where the first stars were coming out. Srak gestured again at a seat in the far corner of the terrace. "Shall we?"

Harry nodded politely and accompanied the man over to the seat. They sat beside each other in silence for a while. When the silence started to make him uncomfortable, Harry said, "I'd better be getting back inside."

"No, wait, I have something to tell you," said Srak, "but it's difficult to know where to begin." The hesitation in his voice contrasted with his usually rather haughty bearing.

---

On the ship, Tom was pacing up and down in his and B'Elanna's quarters. His feeling of restlessness had been growing for the past hour. B'Elanna was watching him, her irritation visibly increasing. Suddenly he stopped and stood still, his eyes wide. Then he hit his comm badge. "Captain," he said.

"Janeway here."

"Captain, something's happened to Harry, I can feel it."

"Very well, come to my ready room."

When Tom arrived, he found Tuvok waiting for him with the Captain.

"What is it, Tom?" Janeway asked.

"I'm picking something up from the bed bond, Captain. Harry's in trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" Tuvok asked.

"I don't know." Tom shook his head in frustration. "I'm picking up very strong anxiety, foreboding." He shook his head again.

At that moment, the transporter operator's voice came through, saying "Commander Chakotay and Mr. Neelix are beaming up, Captain."

"Send them to my ready room when they arrive," she said.

Ten minutes later Chakotay walked through the door.

"Your report, Commander?" said Janeway.

"The negotiations went well today. The Trrox have agreed in principle to our passage through their space, and to let us resupply. Neelix has made contact with several merchants we might be able to do business with. Unfortunately there was an incident at a reception the High Council threw for us. Ensign Kim has been arrested on indecency charges. When he heard what had happened Neelix went into shock and is now in sickbay."

"What is Harry supposed to have done?" Janeway asked.

"He was caught in a compromising position with High Councillor Srak. The Trrox do not take too kindly to such behaviour. There will be a hearing tomorrow, and if Ensign Kim is found guilty the punishment is life imprisonment."

Tom heard a gasp from B'Elanna on his right. Seven of Nine raised an eyebrow in that irritating way she seemed to have caught from Tuvok. Remembering his own prison time, and their more recent time in the Akritirian prison he felt himself growing pale.

It was at that moment the Doctor called from the sickbay to report on Neelix's condition. "He was extremely agitated and in the end I had to sedate him. He kept insisting that you review the data in the tricorder he had with him, Captain."

"Play it back for us, Doctor."

As the scene played out before them, the silence in the room deepened. Two naked male Trrox wearing only hoods were brought into an arena and tied to posts. Whips rose and fell, brands burned into flesh, and pincers tore. After what seemed a long time, Tom heard Janeway say, with a slight tremor in her voice, "Is there much more of this, Doctor?"

"Umm, that's twenty minutes, so I would say another forty minutes or so to go."

"Well, I think we've got the general idea. Did Neelix say why he wanted us to see this?"

The Doctor shook his head. Tom spoke up. "That's what they're going to do to Harry."

Janeway's head swung round. "What makes you say that?"

"The level of anxiety I'm picking up through the bed bond, Captain. He's scared, and Harry's no coward. Also, why else would Neelix be in shock and want us to see this?"

"Doctor," said Janeway, "is there any chance of us being able to talk to Neelix?"

"I'm sorry, Captain, but he's heavily sedated. He'll be in no state to talk for at least six hours."

"I see. Chakotay, who's dealing with this matter down on the surface? I want this cleared up."

"It was the head of the High Council, Trrox-da Sarn."

"Get him for me."

"Captain, it's quite late in his time zone down on the planet. He may have gone to bed."

"Try."

Chakotay nodded. After a while, the Trrox appeared on the viewscreen in the ready room.

"Captain Janeway?" There was a touch of impatience in his voice.

"I'm sorry to disturb you so late, High Councillor, but I wish to clarify what is happening about the Ensign from my ship who has been arrested."

"Ahh, yes. There will be a hearing into his conduct tomorrow morning, and if he was at fault, our laws mandate a penalty of life imprisonment and arena service."

"Arena service?"

"We are not barbarians, Captain, even if our technology is not as advanced as yours. We do not kill our convicts, however heinous their crimes. He will provide entertainment in the arena. The entertainment is carefully calibrated so as not to kill or maim permanently. He will receive medical treatment after each session to allow him to enter the arena again. Convicts who no longer wish to serve in the arena have the same right of suicide as any other member of our society."

"High Councillor, we do have a law which makes all subject to the laws of societies we visit, but. . ."

"A wise policy," Trrox-da Sarn interrupted. "I am sure it must be distressing to you to discover that you have such a person among your crew."

"Be that as it may, he was ignorant of your laws. Would it be possible to seek clemency on those grounds?"

"It is true offworlders do sometimes have strange customs. Even so, I cannot believe you would condone such behaviour. However, I will have the hearing postponed by one day and in the morning I will send up the evidence for you to review together with information on our legal system. Until tomorrow Captain."

The screen went dark. B'Elanna immediately exploded. "Captain, you can't let those, those. . ." For once even Klingon obscenities did not seem to cover the situation. "You can't let them torture Harry until he kills himself in despair."

"I have no intention of doing so, Lieutenant, but there is nothing more we can do until tomorrow, so I suggest we all try and put this out of our minds, and have a good night's rest. We will reconvene here at 07:30 tomorrow morning. Dismissed."

---

Chakotay had almost finished breakfast in the mess hall the next morning when Tom and B'Elanna came in. He waved them over to join him. After the usual good mornings, he asked Tom, "How's Harry? Are you picking anything up through your link?"

"He seems less anxious, so I assume that they've told him the hearing's been postponed and that we are going to find a legal way to get him out of this."

Chakotay nodded and swallowed the last of his tea. He got up and paused at the table behind Tom's back to speak to Tuvok and the Captain, who had just come in. He could not help but hear Tom say, "As if he cared. You know what Harry said the other night. He probably thinks Harry's getting what he deserves."

Chakotay swung round and saw B'Elanna's eyes widen in shock at how near he still was. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Janeway shake her head at him. He swung back, looked at her, and then stalked out of the mess hall, his face flushed with anger.

---

In the early morning briefing, the Captain distributed the tasks for the day.

"Tuvok, you will investigate what actually happened down there. I've already requested the Trrox authorities to allow you to interview Harry and the witnesses. I will be reviewing the legal information they've sent up. Chakotay, please continue with your negotiations with the Trrox authorities for passage through their territory. Neelix, I'm glad to see you have recovered. I want you to continue exploring your commercial contacts, but while you're doing so keep your ears open for anything which will help us. Tom, you're bridge officer for today. The rest of you, normal duties. Chakotay, could you stay behind a few moments, please. The rest of you are dismissed."

When the others had left, Janeway said to Chakotay, "So. Were you angry because it isn't true or because it is?"

"I would have hoped Captain," Chakotay said coldly, "that everyone on this ship knew I would not abandon anyone under my command."

She nodded. "I'm sure they do, Chakotay." She laid a reassuring hand on his arm. "But that is not the point. That such a comment could be made at all indicates that there is something seriously wrong in your relations with one of your subordinates. Once this is over, I suggest you think about that."

Chakotay frowned for a while, and then sighed. "I can see how such an impression might have arisen, but it was unintentional on my part. I'll speak to Tom and Harry when I get the opportunity. "

"Thank you, Chakotay. I'll leave it with you then."

---

The cell where Harry was being held was bare but functional. The bed was probably rather short for a Trrox, but comfortable enough for a human. Ventilation and light came from a grille above the door. The toilet was just a hole in the floor and a bucket of water under a tap, which doubled as bathing facilities. There was a curtain the prisoner could pull round the toilet for privacy. When the guard showed Tuvok in, Harry stood up. The guard then left, locking the door behind him.

"How are you being treated, Ensign?" was Tuvok's first question.

"Not too badly. There's been no rough stuff. Some of the guards have been gloating a bit over this arena service as they call it. But otherwise I've been pretty much left alone. They fed me this morning. If I have to be in prison, this is not too bad a one to be in."

"Tell me what happened last night."

"Nothing happened. Srak approached me on the terrace outside the reception room and obviously wanted a private conversation with me. We sat down. He was finding it difficult to start in on what he wanted to say and the next thing I knew there were guards all over the place and I was being hauled off here. What seemed to be the officer in charge then informed me that I was being charged with indecency, and then described the penalty." Harry gave a slight shudder at this point.

"And you have no idea what High Councillor Srak wanted to talk to you about, or what happened to him after you were interrupted?"

"No."

"Nor why the Trrox should regard your conduct as so reprehensible?"

"Tuvok, I haven't done anything anyone could possibly see as indecent."

"Thank you, Ensign. I have to warn you that your story contradicts what the guards who arrested you are saying. According to their story, you were apprehended in an embrace with High Councillor Srak, with both your clothing and his in considerable disarray."

"Then they are lying."

"Quite possibly. I have not yet had an opportunity to speak to the High Councillor, and the guards have not satisfactorily accounted for what brought them to the scene in the first place. Ensign. . ." Tuvok hesitated for a moment, and then said, "try not to distress yourself."

The guard came back at this point to tell them their time was up. After Tuvok left, Harry went back to trying to distract himself by composing a duet for clarinet and piano in his head.


After leaving Harry's cell, Tuvok made his way to Trrox-da Sarn's office to request an interview with Srak. He found the office in an uproar. So many simultaneous shouted and agitated conversations were too much for the universal translator to cope with, and Tuvok had some difficulty in attracting anyone's attention. Eventually he was ushered into the inner office, where he finally learned what had happened.

"High Councillor Srak has been found murdered. His strangled body was discovered half an hour ago. It is the first time a high councillor has been murdered in more than a century."

"I see. How is the investigation proceeding?"

"The investigation has not even begun. We are waiting for the Chief Investigator to come back from her holiday on the moon of our second planet. Only she has the authority to conduct investigations into the lives of high councillors. She has of course cut her holiday short and will be back this evening."

"Perhaps as someone outside your hierarchy, I could offer my services until the Chief Investigator's return. It is not impossible that High Councillor Srak's death is related to the events of yesterday evening."

"Anything is possible. But what did you come to see me for?"

"I was hoping to interview the late High Councillor. But that is obviously impossible. May I ask you what happened to him after his conversation with Ensign Kim was interrupted yesterday?"

"He was told that he would be charged as soon as the Chief Investigator returned, and he left for his home."

"Alone?"

"His wife was with him."

"May I speak to her?"

"That would be up to her. She would be within her rights to refuse to be questioned by anyone other than the Chief Investigator. I will assign a member of my staff to accompany you to her residence."

"Thank you."

---

All government business having been put on hold after the High Councillor's murder had been discovered, Chakotay had returned to the ship. He found Tom having lunch by himself in the mess hall. "May I join you?" Chakotay asked.

Tom gestured to an empty seat while chewing on a mouthful of what Neelix alleged was moussaka. The colour was more or less right and it smelled like moussaka, but Tom appeared to be chewing rather more than moussaka normally required.

"Where's B'Elanna?"

"Chasing down some relay overload or other in Engineering with Vorik. I don't suppose they'll surface for another couple of hours. Neelix sent them down a tray."

Chakotay nodded. After a deep breath, he said, "I overheard what you said this morning."

"B'Elanna said you probably did."

"Can we talk about it?"

"What, here? Now?"

"How about this evening? We could have a drink in my quarters, and talk properly. Would 20:00 suit you?"

Tom's eyes narrowed, but after a while, he nodded.

---

High Councillor Srak's widow having refused to answer questions from a anybody other than the Chief Investigator, Tuvok reported back to Janeway.

"I have always found Ensign Kim to be a truthful officer even where the truth is to his disadvantage. He is capable of omission of the truth but not of direct lying in a convincing fashion. This, coupled with the guards' inability to explain what brought them to the scene, leads me to conclude that the most likely explanation is that he is telling the truth and his behaviour was impeccable. I am hoping that information on High Councillor Srak's movements after Ensign Kim's arrest will shed some light on the matter. If the Chief Investigator allows, I will accompany her in her investigations. As a sign of respect for the High Councillor's death, the courts will be closed tomorrow, so Ensign Kim's hearing has been delayed again."

"Very good, Tuvok. Janeway out."

---

At 20:00 on the dot, Tom rang the chime on Chakotay's door. He'd been uncertain what to wear, and had finally settled on a loose white shirt and a pair of casual trousers that he knew flattered him without being aggressively sexy. "Drink?" said Chakotay when he entered. He was still in uniform, Tom noticed.

"Uhh, what are you having?"

"Just a tonic water, but feel free to have something stronger if you want."

"Tonic water will do fine, thanks."

Chakotay waved Tom over to the sofa while he went to get the drinks. He handed one to Tom but instead of sitting down himself, he put his drink on the table and paced up and down the room a couple of times before sitting down in one of the chairs. Tom waited, determined that Chakotay would speak first.

"Tom, it's difficult to know how to start. Does Harry really think I hate him that much?"

Tom paused before answering, trying to gauge what Harry would want him to say. Finally he said, "He certainly thinks you don't think much of him, and that it's because of his preferences."

Chakotay got up and started pacing again. "I certainly never meant to give him that impression. In fact, I think he's handled a difficult situation very well."

"So, would it hurt to let him know that? Spend some time with him when you're both off-duty?"

"You might not want anything stronger, but I think I do. Whisky? Beer?" Chakotay ignored the untouched glass of tonic still sitting on the table.

"A small whisky, please."

Chakotay went over and got the drinks. He handed Tom one glass, and downed the other at a gulp.

"The truth is," he continued, "Harry's handled things much better than I have. I was ashamed of how I reacted when this first came up, and then, well, there was all that business with the Kalaxar and the bed bond between you. I didn't want to intrude."

Tom started to say something but Chakotay carried on regardless.

"Then you got together with B'Elanna, and Harry seemed to be taking more of an interest in women. So, I let things drift. I didn't want to interfere, to do anything that might make things more difficult for him."

"Difficult how?"

Chakotay ignored the question. "How is he now? I mean, well, is he still interested in men or has he changed over, or what?" His face was a deep red.

Tom took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. He leant his head back against the sofa. "When I was in prison, there were some guys who used to take men because they couldn't get women. I think Harry's the reverse. As far as he knows there isn't anyone else on Voyager like him, so he turns to women. Not like those guys in prison. He wouldn't hurt anyone, he just hopes they'll spark something off in him. He's a born romantic, with all this love to give out and nowhere for it to go. Apart from that alien, what was her name, Derran Tal, I don't think anything's ever come of it. Even then, he stayed here, didn't he, rather than go with her. His basic nature is still turned towards men."

"He's lucky to have a friend like you."

Tom opened his eyes and glanced sideways to where Chakotay was sitting in an armchair. "Is he? I sometimes wonder."

Chakotay frowned. "How do you mean?"

A big sigh from Tom. "Oh, I just sometimes think I've done him more harm than good. I encouraged him into hoping for something I couldn't give him. But what were you saying about making things more difficult for him?"

"Tom, this goes no further, OK? Except to Harry. I'm attracted to men as well as women."

Tom shot to his feet. "Bastard," he yelled. "Why didn't you say something, do something to help him?"

Chakotay spread his hands helplessly. "I thought he was going more for women and I didn't want to do anything that might change that."

Tom glared at him, his face flushed with anger. "You should have helped him." He ground the words out one by one.

"I thought I was helping."

Tom threw himself back down onto the sofa, still glowering at Chakotay. "Any other little surprises?" he said after a while.

Chakotay shook his head, watching Tom carefully.

"Is there anyone else on board that you know of who's similarly inclined?" Tom asked.

Again, Chakotay shook his head.

"So you're not seeing anyone?"

"No."

"Interested in anyone?"

"Tom, it wouldn't be practical, so I try not to think about it."

"And if it were?"

"Oh, I don't know." Chakotay sounded exasperated.

"The reason I ask is, because it might be."

Chakotay just looked puzzled, so Tom continued, "with me."

Chakotay seemed to be having trouble breathing at this point, so Tom got up and pounded him on the back a couple of times. Eventually, Chakotay forced out the word "B'Elanna?"

"Her idea. I'm going to comm her to come here to discuss it, if that's OK with you?"

"Have you gone out of your tiny mind?"

"It's a Klingon thing, trust me."

Chakotay sighed, but then nodded. "I suppose I'm going to have to, aren't I?"

After B'Elanna arrived and she and Tom had explained the situation, Chakotay said, "Let me see if I've got this right. You two want me and Tom to be lovers for about a year, and I have to promise to look after you and your child if anything happens to Tom."

"That's about the size of it," Tom said, while B'Elanna just nodded.

"I see." Chakotay let out a low whistle. "That's a hell of a responsibility you're putting on me. I'll have to think about it first."

"Fair enough," said B'Elanna, "but don't take too long."
She and Tom stood up to go.

Tom looked over to where Chakotay was sitting, still looking rather stunned by developments. "How about a good night kiss?" he said with a grin.

Chakotay blinked a couple of times, and then stood up and moved over to where Tom was standing. Tom had meant just a quick peck, but as his mouth met Chakotay's his arms moved up automatically round Chakotay's body. Tom felt his cock stirring, and the material of his shirt rubbing against his nipples as the kiss went on. With one hand Tom rubbed up and down the other man's back and with the other he pulled his head towards him, desperate to feel those lips even more. He felt himself being pulled in hard against the other man's body. It had been a long time since Tom had felt a male body holding him tight like this and only now did he realise how much he'd missed it. His eyes closed, he broke off the kiss with a moan and his head arched back exposing his throat. He felt the other man nuzzling the spot where his neck joined hisshoulders, and then a tongue licking its way back up his throat. He brought his head back to continue the kiss. As the other man's mouth opened, Tom's tongue flicked in and out, exploring greedily. Oxygen becoming a necessity, he finally moved his head back with a gasp, his arms dropping to his sides to release the other man.

"Wowww, Har," he said, his weight shifting to regain his balance as the other man let him go.

Chakotay said, "It sounds like I'm not the only one who needs to think about this." There was a wistful tone to his voice.

As soon as they got out of Chakotay's quarters, B'Elanna said to Tom, "What was all that about, then?"

"All what? This was your idea. All I did was kiss him and then. . . I didn't say that, did I? Tell me I didn't."

"You did."

"Oh shit."

"I think we need to talk."

Tom just nodded and trailed after her back to their quarters. Once they were inside, B'Elanna sat curled up in one of the armchairs with her feet under her and Tom lay stretched out on the sofa facing her. B'Elanna looked at him for a while, and then said "OK, Tom, what happened?"

"Lana, I know this is what you wanted, but when it came to it, all I could think of while I was kissing him was Harry."

"Why?"

Tom got up and started pacing back and forth. "I don't know. Because Harry's the only guy I've been to bed with? Because Harry's the only guy I've ever particularly wanted to go to bed with? Sure, I could probably function with Chakotay and I expect I'd enjoy it if it was a one-night stand, sex is sex after all, but this is getting into a relationship where I'd only be doing it to please you, and that's not fair on him really, is it?"

"So, why didn't you say all this before?"

"Because you wanted it so much and I never really thought it through until I was actually doing it."

B'Elanna bit her lip, staring at the floor. "So what you're saying is, Harry or no-one."

"I guess it is, yes."

"I don't know, Tom." She kept her eyes firmly on the floor. "Tom, the thought of you and Chakotay, it's quite sexy in a way, but I know I'd get you back when my body will allow it again. With Harry, I just don't feel so certain."

Tom stopped pacing and looked at her. He knelt down in front of her, steadying himself on the arm of the chair, and looked into her downcast eyes. "You're jealous of Harry," he said. It didn't sound like an accusation, just a dawning realisation.

"Of course I'm jealous of Harry," B'Elanna snapped, glaring at him. "You've got this bed bond which no-one else can share. How am I supposed to feel? And you never kiss me like that."

"I never thought you wanted me to. You've always gone more for the rough stuff," said Tom, feeling this conversation was getting out of control. "Anyway, who did I marry? Who's going to be the mother of my child?"

"So I'm just breeding stock now, is that it?"

"For God's sake, B'Elanna. I love you. You know that. What I feel for Harry is different. He's the best friend I've ever had. It wouldn't bother me if I never had sex with a guy again as long as I live, but if I'm going to, Harry's the one, just like you're the only woman I want. Look, when we got married I was prepared to be faithful to you for the rest of my life. You're the one who sprung this go and have sex with a man stuff on me."

B'Elanna leapt to her feet with a snarl and stalked into the bedroom. She could be heard punching the wall every so often. Tom watched her go, and when she showed no sign of coming out again left their quarters.

His feet took him automatically to Harry's quarters before he remembered that Harry was not there. He stood there irresolutely for a moment before making his way back home, resigned to spending a night on the sofa without having had the chance to pour out his frustrations into a sympathetic ear.

---

The next morning Tom felt himself being shaken awake. He opened his eyes cautiously. B'Elanna was looking down at him. "I'm sorry," she said. "Can we talk?"

"What time is it?"

"We've got an hour before we go on duty. We could talk over breakfast if we have it here."

"All right, let me have a shower first, and have some strong coffee waiting."

Tom's morning ablutions never took long, and he was starting to feel more human when he came out of the bathroom. B'Elanna had ordered scrambled eggs on toast for both of them, and a mug of hot coffee was waiting for him. After a few sips of the coffee, Tom said, "What's on your mind?"

B'Elanna chewed slowly on a piece of toast before answering. "I'm sorry I lost my temper last night. Part of me feels very threatened by the thought of you and Harry. On one level I know it's ridiculous, because you broke it off with him because you need a relationship with a woman, but I'm still frightened that I would never get you back if you started up with him again."

"You would get me back, you have to believe that. It's the reason why part of me doesn't want to do this. Harry would be devastated when he and I became just good friends again and you and I became more like husband and wife again. How do Klingons handle all this?"

"By choosing someone whose primary interest is in women."

A big sigh from Tom. After eating in silence for a while, he said, "What are you doing today?"

"Shipwide safety systems diagnostic. You?"

"Helping the Doctor test some samples Neelix brought back yesterday."

"Tom, I'll think about it. You and Harry, OK?"

"Thanks, Lana. Umm, we'd better get going if we don't want to be late for the morning briefing."

"Oh God. Is that the time?"


They arrived at Janeway's ready room with a few minutes to spare. To their surprise Tuvok was there, sitting in his usual place. When it came to his turn to report, he said, "Unfortunately, the Chief Investigator has indicated that she considers my presence will hamper her work, and has asked me to leave the matter in her hands. I have given her a full report on the results of my own investigations. She seems a fair-minded individual."

---

Harry looked up in surprise when he heard the door to his cell open. His attempts to make the time pass couldn't have been that successful. He was even more surprised to see Seven standing in the doorway. She came in and looked round. "Harry," she said in exactly the same tone of voice she usually used for saying "Ensign Kim".

"Yes, Seven."

"The Trrox have given permission for you to have a visitor today in view of your hearing having been postponed a number of times. I have therefore beamed down for a conjugal visit."

"A conjugal visit?" Harry squawked.

"That is what the Trrox said."

Harry did not have the chance to say anything more as Seven moved over to where he was standing, and then wrapped her arms round him and pressed her lips to his. When Harry moved his head back to try and put an end to the kiss, Seven started kissing one side of his neck, taking the opportunity to whisper in his ear "Comply." She then moved to the other side, this time whispering "Adapt".

Uncertain of how far Seven meant this to go, Harry decided to follow her lead. He put his arms round her and kissed her mouth and face. Seven's hands moved downward to get inside the top he was wearing, and then she stroked up and down his back and sides. He pulled back a little, uncertain how to reciprocate. He had never understood how exactly she got in or out of her dermaplastic garment. As if reading his mind, Seven removed it herself and stood naked in front of him. "Purely in the interests of efficiency," Harry thought, a trifle hysterically.

He quickly removed his own clothes and taking Seven by the hand, he led her over to the bed. They sat side by side and kissed again, hands exploring each other's backs and necks. Seven reached up and undid her hair, and Harry ran his hands through it. Another kiss and another. Harry moved his head down to nuzzle at her neck. She arched her head back to give him better access to her throat. Harry brought up one hand to fondle her breasts, and she mirrored his action, tweaking and stroking his nipples.

More and more aroused, Harry swung his legs up and around on to the bed, then pulled Seven down to face him. She looked down to where his erect cock strained upwards between them. Taking one of his hands she drew it down between her legs. Harry thrust one finger and then another inside her, feeling the warm moistness. Seven moaned and thrust back at him. While Harry lay there, the fingers of one hand inside Seven, the other hand and his mouth playing with her nipples, his hips were thrusting automatically rubbing his cock up and down against her legs. She groaned, her hands running through his hair and up and down as much of his back as she could reach. She reached down and pulled his head up for another long kiss, before flipping him onto his back. She knelt on either side of his hips and slowly lowered herself onto his cock. Once he was in she moved up and down, slowly at first and then faster and faster her head tossing from side to side, her long hair brushing backwards and forwards across his chest. Harry bucked upwards as he came, and then fell back. Shudders wracked her body, and she fell to lie next to him.

When he could, Harry turned towards Seven, and playing with her hair asked, "How long can you stay?"

"The Trrox gave permission for a visit of two hours. I have now been here for an hour and thirty minutes."

Harry sat up, glaring at her. "You were timing me?"

Seven gave him one of her cooler looks and said, "No. I merely consulted my internal chronometer. I wish to wash before leaving."

Harry pointed out the facilities and then flopped back down on the bed. She did not pull the curtain round so he watched as she poured water over herself from the bucket and then started soaping herself. He had to admit it was an arousing sight. He got up and went over to join her. He poured water over himself and then took the soap from her and continued soaping her. He then handed the bar back to her with a grin.

"Harry, this is not the most efficient way of bathing."

"No, but it's fun."

She gave him one of her fun-is-irrelevant looks, but soaped him down before pouring water over both of them. She then dried herself and got dressed.

"I suggest you also clothe yourself before the guard comes to fetch me," she said.

Harry nodded and complied. He felt they should discuss what had just happened but before he could say anything, the guard came and Seven was gone.

---

Harry had just finished doing press-ups the next morning after breakfast, which had consisted of fair approximations of toast and a hot milky drink, when the guard came to escort him to the hearing.

He was taken into a high-ceilinged room with brightly coloured murals depicting what looked to the untrained eye like a battle being fought hand-to-hand with the equivalent of swords and daggers. Three Trrox were sitting on a dais, presumably the judges.

Harry noticed Captain Janeway, Tom, and Seven sitting off to one side. He sat where he was told to and tried to give them a confident smile while the universe lurched and righted itself again as it usually did when he saw Tom unexpectedly.

First the arresting officers gave their story, that they had found Harry and the late High Councillor in a state of near undress on the terrace of the reception room. Harry tried to deny the story but the judges explained that he would be given his chance to speak after the evidence had all been taken.

The next person to give evidence was one of the prison guards. After explaining who he was, he asked if he could submit evidence in the form of film of the prisoner. The film was shown flat against one of the walls of the courtroom rather than as a holographic reproduction. Harry watched for a while wondering what the film could possibly show that might be relevant to the charge. He saw himself lying on the bed, tossing and turning, sometimes with the blanket across him and sometimes not. He remembered and felt the colour rise to his cheeks. This was the first night he spent in the cell, he'd been unable to sleep, feeling hot with the blanket on and cold without it.

He'd decided on his home-remedy for insomnia. Surely they weren't going to show what happened next. They were.

He watched in increasing horror as his image stood up and undressed and then lay back down on the bed. One hand squeezed and pressed each nipple in turn. The other hand wandered slowly down his stomach heading towards his semi-erect penis, grasping it firmly and moving up and down. The muscles in his legs visibly tensed and relaxed more and more quickly as his hand sped up. His back arched and his tongue stuck out as his eyes rolled up. His hips bucked up and down pushing his cock into the moving blur of his hand. The figure on the bed gave one last almighty heave upwards and froze, then the milky white liquid spurted out onto his arm and shoulder as he collapsed down onto the bed. His head lolled to one side and he turned, curled up into a foetal position and slept.

Harry glanced over to where his shipmates were sitting. Tom was staring at the screen, his expression unreadable. Seven was also looking at it with the slight frown she wore when she found human behaviour more baffling than usual. The captain was looking downwards with a glazed expression. Harry looked back at the screen to see his torture had not yet finished.

This time he was lying naked on the bed. After a few experimental tugs at his penis, he rolled over onto his side. He reached behind himself stroking the puckered skin around his rear opening. His hips started thrusting slowly, moving his penis so that it rubbed backwards and forwards along the sheet covering the thin mattress. His middle finger eased its way inside and he pushed back against it and then forward again, faster and faster. The figure on the screen twisted trying to get the finger in deeper but to no avail. Release came at last and the jerks and twists stopped, and once again he fell into a sleep.

Harry groaned and covered his face with his hands, desperately wishing for a spatial anomaly to appear and swallow him up. A wormhole back to that planet with the female race who killed their mates for their DNA would be very welcome just now. He peered through his fingers as the film continued. Now what? Oh, great. Seven's visit. Why would this planet of voyeurs have such strict rules against public indecency? At last, finally, the show stopped. The silence in the courtroom was deafening.

The judges conferred briefly, and then the one who seemed to be in charge said "Captain Janeway, the sexual physiology of your species seems rather different from our own. Could you explain to us what was going on in the film we have just seen?"

Harry's knuckles were white as he gripped his chair, wondering if it was possible to actually die of embarrassment. He was only aware of the commotion at the back of the room when a voice rang out, "Stop these proceedings."

A female Trrox strode forward into the room. The presiding judge raised an eyebrow in a Vulcan-like fashion and said, "What is the meaning of this, Chief Investigator?"

"The prisoner has been exonerated. A coup was being planned to make the late High Councillor's wife the new head of the High Council. When the guards saw Srak in private conversation with the prisoner, they assumed he was revealing the plot to him to warn Trrox da-Sarn and hastily trumped up the charges to discredit him. Madam Srak has confessed. I shall be interrogating the guards, but I see no useful purpose in continuing with these proceedings."

The chief judge nodded, and said, "I agree. Captain, your ensign is returned to you with our regrets for any inconvenience caused."

---

Back on the ship Harry could not meet Janeway's eyes as she said, "Harry, report to Sickbay for a complete medical check up, then take the rest of today off. I'll see you back at Ops tomorrow morning. And Tom, you're on Sickbay duty till lunch and then I want you at the helm."

Tom followed Harry from the transporter room. Once they were alone together in the moving turbolift Tom said, "Halt turbolift," and pulled Harry towards him in a bone-crushing hug. "God, you were hot in those movies, Harry," he said as he moved in for a kiss.

Harry turned his head, and then lifted his arms breaking Tom's hold. "Resume turbolift," he said, and continued, "No, Tom, I am not going to do this."

"Halt turbolift," Tom answered, but before he could say or do anything else B'Elanna's voice came from the communications panel in the wall, "Stop playing silly buggers with the lift controls, you two. I'm trying to run a diagnostic. Oh, and welcome back Harry."

"Whoops, sorry Lanna," Tom said not sounding in the least bit contrite.

---

The Doctor found nothing wrong. Tom and Harry arranged to meet for lunch but until then Harry was a free man. He knew what he had to do and decided procrastination was not going to make it any easier. Mentally squaring his shoulders he set out for the Astrometrics lab after checking that Seven was alone there.

"Ensign," she greeted him when he arrived. She continued monitoring the displays, seemingly oblivious to Harry's embarrassment.

"Seven, ummm, about what happened," he blurted out.

She looked at him briefly and then turned back to the control board. "What about it?"

"Seven, I took advantage of you, of the situation, but I didn't know we were being filmed. Honestly."

She shrugged. "On the contrary, Ensign. I took advantage of you. I wished to experience copulation and the Doctor said you were the ideal candidate for a first experience. That you would be considerate and skilful but would not expect or wish for any emotional commitment. I believe the term is a one night stand? "

Harry nodded, speechless.

"When the Captain said that you had been granted the right to a conjugal visit, and what that meant, I was the logical candidate. Obviously Lieutenant Torres could not go, and nor could the Captain. Also, the Captain did not feel it would be appropriate to call for volunteers from among the female crewmembers."

"Seven, what was the basis for the Doctor's recommendation?"

"I don't know. You'll have to ask him that."

"I will."

Harry made his way back to the Sickbay. "Back so soon, Mr. Kim?" said the Doctor.

"I'd like a word with you, Doctor if you're not too busy," said Harry, consciously imitating the tone Janeway used when she thought the hologram had been getting above himself.

The Doctor raised his eyebrows but ushered Harry into his office. "I've just been talking to Seven," Harry continued when they were inside, "and she tells me you recommended me as a sexual partner for her. "

"Yes."

"What was the basis for your recommendation?"

"Comments from Mr. Paris, of course. As far as I know he is the only person you have been sexually intimate with on this ship."

Harry nodded. "And where is Mr. Paris right now?" he said, with a dangerous note in his voice.

"Well, we're not very busy at present," said the Doctor, gesturing at the empty Sickbay, "so I sent him to try some midwifery simulations on the holodeck."

"Thank you, Doctor," Harry said sweeping out. The Doctor sat down weakly and watched him go. There was no doubt in his mind that Harry had it in him to be one of the great captains at some point in his career.

---

Harry was pacing up and down in his quarters with The Ride of the Valkyrie playing when Tom commed him. "Umm, Harry," he said cautiously, "lunch?"

"I'm in my quarters, Tom, come here." There was a touch of ice in his voice.

When Tom arrived, Harry was sitting in one of the armchairs and he pointed to the other. Tom sat down obediently, puzzlement and some degree of trepidation on his features.

"So, Tom, just how many people have you been discussing my sexual performance with?"

Tom's jaw dropped. "What? I what? You? With who?" he said intelligently.

"I gather from Seven that I owe her visit yesterday to your discussions about me with the Doctor."

"Oh."

"Yes. Oh." Harry stood up, crossing his arms across his chest, glaring. "As if it wasn't bad enough that my love life became an open book for the whole crew, now I find that you were sniggering about it behind my back with the bloody hologram of all people."

Tom stood up, starting to get angry himself now. "I was not sniggering," he said, his arms also crossed in an unconscious echo of Harry's body language. He took some deep breaths to calm himself down, and sat back down in the armchair, gesturing at Harry to sit down again.

"Harry, I wasn't sniggering." Tom's gaze seemed to be focussed on a spot beyond Harry's left shoulder. He sounded tired. "It was just after we'd stopped you know, all right, after I'd broken things off with you. I was missing you, missing your touch, missing your kisses, missing my friend, my lover, not sure if I'd done the right thing, pretty sure I hadn't really, the Doctor was being less irritating than usual, and I just wanted someone to talk to and the Doctor was there, and you know something Harry? I still miss you."

"You see me every day."

"You know what I mean. I miss having you as my lover."

Harry could sense the longing Tom felt. "Tom," he said gently, "you're a married man now."

"I know. Don't get me wrong. I adore B'Elanna. I couldn't live without her. The trouble is I can't live without you either. You know this Klingon pregnancy thing?"

Harry nodded.

"I did what she wanted. I tried to bed Chakotay. I got as far as kissing him."

"And?"

"And I called him Harry."

"Ouch."

"As you say, ouch."

"So what happened?"

"So, I had a long talk with B'Elanna, several long talks in fact, and she agrees that if I'm going to take a male lover it's going to have to be you."

"I don't know, Tom. What happens when she's had the baby? What happens to me then?"

"Harry, she wants a big family. We can work something out. The two of you have always been good friends."

"Share you, you mean?"

"I suppose it would come to that, yes."

Harry threw up his hands, then brought them down to rest on his temples and sighed. "And you think B'Elanna will agree to this?"

"She's practically agreed already."

"I always swore I'd never do this."

"Do what?"

"Get involved with someone who's involved with a woman. I'll always be the expendable one." Harry's arms were now wrapped tightly round his chest.

"Harry, it won't be like that. I promise. Whatever happens, even if it doesn't work out, there'll still be the bed bond, you'll still be special to me. You'll still be the best friend I ever had. At least give it a chance."

Tom got up and moved over to where Harry was sitting. Leaning on the arm of the chair he squatted down to bring himself down to Harry's eye level. "Please."

Tremulously, Harry stroked Tom's hand where it lay on the arm of the chair. He nodded. They both stood up, facing each other, staring into each other's eyes.

Harry made the first move, pulling Tom towards him and frantically raining little kisses over Tom's face. Then their lips met for a long, long, time. They shuffled in closer to each other, a moan passing from mouth to mouth and back again.

"Bed?" said Harry.

"I can't," Tom said. I've got to be on the bridge in five minutes. Harry, can I spend tonight here?"

Harry heaved a sigh and resolutely ignoring the little voice inside him still shrieking dire warnings, nodded. "Tonight."

"Nine-ish OK with you? I'll come round after dinner?"

Harry nodded and Tom threw his arms round him for another quick kiss and raced out of the door, a big grin on his face.

---

Harry had had lunch and been for a long walk on the holodeck, just because he could, and was writing up the piece for clarinet and piano he'd composed in the Trrox prison when he heard the chime of the door.

"Come in," he called.

B'Elanna came in. "I hear you've got a date tonight with my husband," she said in her most menacing Klingon growl. Harry nodded, very cautiously.

"Good," was the unexpected response. Then she dissolved into laughter at his expression of bewilderment. "Honestly, Starfleet," she continued, "I admit you weren't my first choice but if it's what Tom wants," and she shrugged. "Just let me know if he gives you any trouble."

"I know how to handle him, Maquis." Harry smiled.

"Harry," B'Elanna said, looking serious, "are you going to be all right with this?"

"We've done this before. Tom and I will still be the friends we always have been, and I'll have him in my bed as well. It's not very romantic, but then there's not exactly a queue of handsome princes just waiting to sweep me off my feet. What about you, B'Elanna, are you OK with this?"

"Harry, I know you'll make a great stepfather if need be, and that's all I care about right now."

"I'll certainly do my best."

B'Elanna smiled - the full smile only a few people ever got to see. "That's settled then. See you later, Harry." She turned and left before Harry could say anything more.

---

At 21:00 Harry was pacing up and down in his quarters, wondering whether to call the whole thing off. The door rang, and there was Tom in a simple T-shirt and trousers. He was holding a box of chocolates in one hand. "I think you said once that chocolates were always acceptable," he said with a smile which had Harry weak at the knees and strong at the groin. He blushed and stepped back to let Tom enter.

They sat on the sofa side by side, eating chocolates, while Tom brought Harry up to date with ship's gossip, including the story of how a malfunctioning comm badge had resulted in a passionate encounter between Jenny Delaney and Ken Dalby being broadcast to the whole ship.

When they had stopped laughing, Tom picked up Harry's hand and kissed the palm. Harry shunted in closer to nuzzle Tom's neck before starting a long open-mouthed kiss.

"I've missed this," said Tom. Harry said nothing, just beamed, stood up and taking Tom by the hand led him into the bedroom. They stood kissing again by the bed. Harry slipped the T-shirt over Tom's head and ran his hands up and down his naked back. He pulled Tom in closer in a big hug, licking his way along Tom's jaw towards his ear.

Tom unbuttoned Harry's shirt and removed it. With one hand he tweaked one nipple and slipped the other nipple between his teeth giving playful little bites. Harry gave a little shiver, and pulled down the zip of Tom's trousers. It appeared Tom was not wearing any underwear, so all Harry had to do was reach in and pull out Tom's cock. He gave it a few gentle pulls with one hand as he yanked Tom's trousers down and then tapped Tom's chest with the other. Tom obediently flopped down to sit on the bed. Harry knelt between his legs and cupped Tom's balls in one hand, feeling their weight as they rested in his hand. Then, he leaned forward gazing at Tom's cock, his eyes raking the length of it. Harry stuck out his tongue and licked Tom's cock in long, slow strokes. Shifting his balance slightly, he took Tom's cock into his mouth and bobbed his head backwards and forwards as he sucked.

Tom sighed in pleasure at the feel of the warm moist motion. He whimpered as Harry released his cock and then sighed again as Harry's tongue licked its way up his torso towards his chest.

While Harry licked his way up in long leisurely movements, he let his own trousers slide down to pool round his ankles. His tongue swirled over Tom's chest. He gave a little nip, one each side and then continued on his way up until he was lying on top of Tom. Harry rolled up onto the bed pulling Tom with him so that they lay on their sides facing each other. He spat into his hand and grasped their two cocks, rubbing them together as he looked into Tom's eyes, sinking down into their blue depths. Tom held him close as they thrust together, the rhythms of their thrusting matching each other. Their throaty pants and gasps also synchronised until Harry came, his cum spattering over their chests. He hadn't finished when Tom started with a guttural roar.

When he became aware of his surroundings again, Harry snuggled down, his head lying on Tom's shoulder, as Tom stroked his hair. At last Harry was back where he knew he was meant to be.

---

End