The BLTS Archive  Kumita's Touch
by Cheile (CelticKira@hotmail.com)

--

Set directly after fifth season's "Timeless".

Notes:  Flashback/vision sequences are marked with a plus (+) since
newsgroups won't italicize stuff and to make it more noticeable from
the standard double asterisk that indicates change of scene/POV.

Author's note: Well, this was originally a plot kitten I had offered
up on the VAMB forums for my fellow writers.... *looks at chewed leg*
It had other ideas. This story was inspired by the basic plotline of
third season's "Sacred Ground", but I think my version is better. ;)

Legal B.S.: I only own the Rishii and all their goods. Voyager ain't
mine. If it were, J/C would have been canon and I would have whacked
Seven upside her arrogant Borg head a la NCIS' Gibbs a L-O-N-G time
ago.

Spoilers/references: "Caretaker", "State of Flux", "Maneuvers",
"Resolutions", "Basics", "Coda", "Timeless" and Jeri Taylor's
"Pathways".

Pronunciations: In Rishii language, a single "i" has an "ee" sound
(i.e. Jasmi, Mandri, Tifaili). The double "i" and single "e" has an
"ay" sound (i.e. siraii, ishrane, Cyndre). The only exception to this
rule is the title for the high priestess (Shalii).

Rating: R, for hinting at the naughtiness and some language. No
graphic descriptions of the former.

Thanks: to Katesfire (KF), Sira, Layne and Cori for beta services
rendered, and to KF and Caffey for engineering suggestions.
(technobabble drives me nuts!)

Dedication: To the "priestesses" and "goddess" of the hour--my dear
friends from SPA: Jazzy, Manda, Cindy (Incognito), Norms, Jenn, Dream,
and Kumita. Love you ladies a ton! Enjoy your story!!

---
Captain's log, stardate 52152.1
---

It has been three days since our slipstream flight.  Though the
quantum drive has been dismantled and put into storage, a team from
engineering is working on the variables of perhaps putting it back
into use in the future--*

A slight shudder under her feet, followed by a much harder one,
startled Voyager's captain in the midst of her recording.

"Computer, pause recording."  Kathryn Janeway leaped to her feet,
heading for the door that led to the bridge.  She was only halfway
there before a third shudder abruptly rocked the ship, causing her to
lose her balance.  Thankfully she caught hold of the doorway just in
time to keep from tumbling out onto the bridge head first.

"What the hell is--"

"We've dropped out of warp."  Tom Paris stated the obvious, even as
his fingers were flying over his control panel.  When it flashed
several warnings at him and made a variety of beeps, he glared at it.
"And for some reason, I can't get us back *into* warp...."

"Janeway to Engineering.  B'Elanna, what--"

"--the hell is going on with those warp engines!!"  B'Elanna Torres'
snarl came clear through the commlink.  It was obvious she was yelling
at the other engineers.  "Sorry, Captain.  I just walked in when they
went offline.  We're on it, though I'm afraid it might be related to
our recent slipstream flight.  One was bound to conflict with the
other sooner or later and I have a sneaking suspicion this is one of
the aftereffects."

Kathryn rubbed a hand across her forehead.  "Call me as soon as you
figure out what's going on, B'Elanna."

"Will do.  Torres out."

Kathryn was about to return to the ready room, but finally detoured
for her chair.  With a sigh, she sat down, rubbing her temples again.
"Another day, another crisis," she said under her breath.  She turned
to look at her first officer, who was sitting to her left.  "Just
once, Chakotay, I'd like a break from that pattern."

"You know we'll get through it one way or another.  We always do."

She gave him a look of mild exasperation.  "But not always intact."

"But we'll never completely fall apart."  Chakotay's serious look
faded into a momentary grin.  "Fate knows better than to push you too
far."

"Watch it, Commander." Kathryn narrowed her eyes at him, but his grin
only widened.

"Captain, we're being hailed."  Harry Kim's announcement from ops
interrupted the sparring between captain and first officer.

"Where's the signal coming from?"

A long pause and some trilling sounds from Ops before Harry had an
answer.  "It's coming from the northern hemisphere of the fourth
planet."  A pause, and then he added, "This is odd....scans of the
planet show no signs of a warp-capable civilization."

"Are you sure the hail is coming from that planet?"

"Positive, Captain."

Kathryn exchanged a glance with Chakotay.  Their scans showed a pre-
warp civilization, yet they had subspace communication abilities?
That was a new one.  Kathryn rose to her feet.  "Transfer the call to
my ready room, Mr. Kim.  I'll take it in there."

"Aye, Captain."

The light on her ready room console was already flashing by the time
Kathryn got settled in her chair.  Tapping in her access code, she
completed the link.

The alien on the other end of the link had large dark eyes, lavender
skin and very black hair.  His ears--at least she presumed they were
his ears--strangely enough reminded her of Kes.  They resembled
Ocampan ears, but for the fact that they looked to her upside down,
the delicate tips pointing downward and behind instead of up.  He
squinted at her for a long moment, then a friendly smile broke out
across his face.

"Ah, my screen is working properly!  Greetings, Lady."  He inclined
his head.  " I am Torut, High Magistrate of the Rishii government."

"Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager."

Torut nodded again.  "Well met.  I have not heard of a Federation.
Whereabouts is it?"

"About 40,000 light-years from here, Magistrate."

"My word!  That is a far distance.  Unfortunately, we Rishii dislike
the overuse of unnecessary technology, so we cannot help you if your
vessel is damaged.  However, should you and your crew require
sustenance, you have come at an ideal time.  The eastern provinces
just beyond the capital are in harvest season."

"We are getting low on supplies, so that would be wonderful,
Magistrate.  Could a group of us arrange to beam down in a few hours?"

"'Beam down'?" Torut questioned.

"Transport," Kathryn explained.

Comprehension dawned in the Magistrate's eyes.  "Ah!  Understood.  I
am sending you the location of my estate.  You may 'beam' into the
central courtyard.  Someone will be waiting to escort you and your
crewmembers to the main hall.  I look forward to meeting you in
person, Captain Janeway."

---

"So far, it's looking good."  Kathryn gazed around the table at the
other members of the senior staff.  "By all appearances, Magistrate
Torut is willing to open trade negotiations, so as long as he's
sincere, then we can use this opportunity to add to our supplies while
engineering works on getting the problem with the warp drive fixed."

"Nevertheless, we should be prepared in case they are not as sincere
as they appear," Tuvok pointed out.

"I do not think we will have to worry, Commander."  This from Seven of
Nine, who refused a chair as usual and currently stood behind Harry's
chair.  At Kathryn's nod, she continued.  "Species 2861, who designate
themselves the Rishii.  They have the ability to be technologically
advanced, but choose not to be, except for what they call 'necessary'
technology.  This is limited to things such as long-range sensors--no
doubt how they sensed Voyager--and subspace communications in order to
trade with other species.  They tend to abhor what they designate
'unnecessary use of technology', but understand that other species are
dependent on it.  It is probable to assume they will look at us the
same way, Captain."

"Yes, the Magistrate did mention they would not be able to help us
with any repairs."  Kathryn turned to Joe Carey.  "Mr. Carey, what are
we looking at?"

"At least three to five days of repairs.  We have one gel pack needing
replacement--that will take no time at all.  The magnetic constrictors
need recalibrating, also easily done.  But the fluctuation in the
core's containment field is our major problem.  Every time we think
it's ready to go, it collapses again."  Carey shook his head.  "That's
why I'm here--the chief insisted on staying down in engineering and
trying to recalibrate it from scratch herself."

"Then I will leave you and B'Elanna to it.  I'm sure between the two
of you, you'll get it figured out."

"Aye, Captain."

"Commander, it will be you and I, Mr. Paris, Mr. Neelix and Ensign
Harper who will be meeting with the Magistrate.  Ensign Harper will be
accompanying us because she has been assisting Neelix in keeping track
of our supplies."  He nodded and Kathryn cast a final glance around
the table.  Sensing that no one else had anything to bring up, she
called an end to the meeting.

---

A few hours later, the away team materialized into an area that was a
riot of color and the heady scent of too many flowers in one place.
Tom bumped against something that looked like a dark blue tree,
sending a shower of tiny gray blossoms down on their heads.  He
blushed, mumbling an apology even as he tried to brush his share of
the blossoms out of his hair and then sneezed.  "Barely any breathing
room here--why didn't he have us beam to somewhere less crowded?"

Kathryn silently had to agree as she watched Chakotay duck a batch of
bright white overhanging blooms the size and height of Earth
sunflowers.  But there was little time left to look at any of the
other flowers.  They were no longer alone in this overgrown garden.

She immediately recognized Torut from their earlier communication.  As
he approached them, she could see that he was about Neelix's height
and build with very black hair pulled back at the base of his neck
into what appeared to be some sort of twist.  His lavender skin
clashed terribly with his cherry red robes of office.

The female by his side seemed almost childlike.  Her hair was a spill
of many shades of mocha and ebony and her large eyes were as black as
Torut's hair.  Oddly enough, she reminded Kathryn of Kes, but for the
coloring.  Her elaborate gown was a vibrant shade of ripe mango, which
also clashed with her skin tone, but her smile was sweet and
welcoming.

"Welcome to Rishii, Voyagers."  Torut indicated his companion.  "This
is my Lady, Tifaili.  You are very welcome to our world for as long as
you wish to remain, even if that be permanent."

"We thank you for such a gracious invitation, Magistrate Torut.  As I
mentioned to you before, we are on a journey back to our home, so we
cannot stay permanently."

"Then you may stay as long as you wish," Torut replied.  "You are
aware from our first communication that we frown on unnecessary use of
technology here.  Be sure to let your people know."

"The crew will be briefed before given permission to beam down.  It's
standard procedure on my ship," Kathryn assured him.

"Good!  Then there should be no problems."  Torut smiled broadly.
"Come, it would be extremely impolite of me to leave you all standing
out here.  Please."  He gestured to the path he and Tifaili had
arrived on.

The Magistrate led the away team to his estate house and into a large,
airy room.  It was obviously prepared for their arrival.  Two semi-
circular cushioned benches faced each other with a table between
them.  The table was set with a tray holding a large liquid-filled
dish, several square-shaped cups and various other containers and
dishes, all filled with unfamiliar contents.  Inside, the overpowering
mix of floral scents was greatly diminished, to everyone's relief--
especially Tom's.  Once inside, he managed to stop sneezing.

"My apologies," Torut exclaimed after all introductions were made.  "I
failed to consider that your people might have more sensitive systems
than ours.  I should have had you transport directly into this room."

"Quite all right, Magistrate," Kathryn assured him.  She glanced at
Paris, but he seemed to be doing much better now that they were
indoors.  He managed a smile for her as they settled on the larger of
the two benches and she knew he would be all right.

Torut settled Tifaili onto the smaller bench and she immediately began
ladling from the large dish into the cups.  "Ambassador Neelix
contacted me this morning before your arrival."  She handed Kathryn
the first cup.  "He said he wished to make us his latest specialty."

"Oh?" Kathryn cast a warning eye at Neelix.  He managed a sheepish
smile and shrug.

"Yes, he said it was a new brew of tea."  Having served everyone else,
Tifaili ladled a cup for herself and sat back, smiling at all of
them.  She watched Tom pick up a thin-spouted bottle and eye its
contents dubiously.  "That's *faiit*--a special sugar-syrup.  It's
very good, Lieutenant.  Try some."

"Let him check it first, my sweet.  That way he does not fall ill,"
Torut pointed out.

"Oh!" Tifaili cried.  "Yes, go ahead."  She watched with great
interest as Tom scanned first the bottle in his hand, then the whole
tray.

"It's all safe for us."

"Good!  Then we can enjoy our tea while you talk trade with my
beloved."

Tom cast the bottle of faiit one more suspicious glance.  "Looks like
the stuff B'Elanna uses to scour the plasma conduits," he muttered.
But he poured a generous amount into his tea anyway.

Tifaili watched the pilot's actions with amusement.  "I always like
the first taste to be pure."  She took a careful sip and her eyes
widened.  "Is this *leola*?!"

Tom winced at his first sip.  "Yeah....unfortunately."  His comment
was more to himself than the Magistrate's Lady.

"However were you able to afford it??"

"It grows in abundance in the area of space I am from," Neelix
explained.  His expression showed he was beyond pleased that Tifaili
loved his tea.

"Here, it is rare...and quite expensive.  Since you have an abundance,
would you be willing to trade for it?" Torut questioned.

Kathryn almost burst into laughter at the question, but she managed to
keep her "diplomatic face".  Barely.  "If you find it valuable enough
to trade for, Magistrate, that would be no problem at all."

"Good!  Now to discuss what we can give you in return...."  Between
Ensign Harper, Kathryn and Torut, a long discussion finally narrowed
the list down to a possibly variety of forty different kinds of
produce, "as long as they are all safe for your crew to consume".

"I regret that we cannot help you with your technology," Torut added.
"But it is the way of the Rishii that unnecessary technology can lead
to more problems than solutions."

"We believe that over dependence in technology makes one too
complacent," Tifaili remarked.  "No offense meant."

Kathryn gave a little shrug.  "None taken.  If that is your way here,
who are we to argue?"

"Exactly!" Tifaili gave the captain one of her sweet smiles.  "Just as
we would not look down on you for your reliance on technology.  It is
obviously Kumita's will that your Federation runs in that fashion."

"Kumita?" Chakotay echoed.

Tifaili brightened at the first officer's interest.  "Kumita is Lady
of the Universe, Commander.  She sees, hears and understands all."

"Like a head goddess."

"Exactly.  We have seven other deities, but Kumita is above all."

"I'd like to hear more, if it's not a forbidden subject."  Kathryn
smiled at Chakotay's enthusiasm.

"Not forbidden at all, Commander.  In fact, while you all are here,
you should visit Kumita's main temple.  It is not far from here and no
doubt the *Shalii* will welcome you and any questions you may have, as
well as tell you all the ancient tales.  Don't forget to have the
*Shalii* tell you my favorite tale--in which Kumita battled the
rithnit for a hundred cycles of seasons straight until finally
defeating it."

Torut smiled indulgently at his Lady.  "You could tell them the tale
yourself, my sweet.  You know it by heart."

"The *Shalii* tells it so much better, though," Tifaili countered.
"And it has so much more impact when you see the artists' depictions
of her with her battle blade."

Torut shook his head and rolled his eyes to the ceiling in a universal
gesture.  "Yes, my sweet."

Kathryn met her first officer's gaze with a smile of her own.  She
already knew he would want to visit the Temple.  He'd always been
fascinated with the spirituality of other worlds.  "Well I know where
we're going tomorrow, hmm?"

"You don't *have* to come, Captain."

"Actually, I wouldn't mind hearing Tifaili's favorite tale myself.  It
sounds rather interesting."

Meanwhile, Tom Paris had gotten Tifaili's attention with a mention of
flowers.  "I'll talk to Ensign Dana in biology about bringing some
rose cuttings down," Tom said as he dumped a copious amount of the
bright blue sugar-syrup into his second cup of tea.  He'd found that
the stuff made the hideous taste of boiled leola root tolerable.
"Roses tend to grow anywhere, Lady Tifaili, so you should have
yourself some rosebushes in no time."

"Wonderful!  What colors??"

"Just about any color you want."  Torut was smiling at his Lady's
enthusiasm as the helmsman went on.  "There is even one variety called
a peace rose.  Its color is similar to the color of your gown."

"This is my favorite color."  Tifaili smoothed the skirt of her gown.
"It is the color of the *siraii,* Kumita's sacred flower."  She then
clapped her hands.  "How soon can you bring these 'roses' down?  I am
anxious to see them."

"As soon as we beam back to the ship, we'll start making arrangements,
Lady Tifaili," Kathryn assured her.  "I'll send Mr. Neelix, Ensign
Dana, and a team back down with the leola root and the rose cuttings
tomorrow morning.  I will also inform the crew of your offer of
shoreleave, Magistrate, as well as your stipulations."

Torut bowed over Kathryn's hand as she rose.  "It is good to have met
you, Captain.  And I would like to extend an invitation to you, the
Commander, and anyone who wishes to accompany you to visit Kumita's
Temple on the morrow.  It is one of our most beautiful places and you
should have the opportunity to see it."

"I accept.  And I'm sure others will as well."  She exchanged a smile
with Chakotay.

"Excellent.  I will send word to the *Shalii* so that she will be
prepared for your arrival."  The Magistrate bid them all farewell,
fascinated with the concept of what Lieutenant Paris called a
"handshake", and then called one of the servants in.

"Report to the Temple and inform the *Shalii* that the Voyagers will
be visiting on the morrow."  The servant bowed quickly and hurried
away.

Tifaili stirred the last of her tea.  "Such a pity they won't stay,
Torut."

"Now, my sweet," Torut placated.  "I completely understand their
position.  If it were you and I and a group of our people stranded far
from here, my one concern would be getting us all safely home."

"True," Tifaili relented.  Then her face brightened again.  "The
Captain and her Commander--aren't they such a lovely pair?!  I wonder
if Kumita will cast a blessing upon them like she did with you and I."

"Perhaps, my sweet.  Time shall tell."

---

Later that evening, Tom walked into engineering.  He knew it was
likely a futile attempt to pull B'Elanna away from her work, but he
was hoping to wheedle her into coming down to Rishii and possibly
touring that temple.  If she didn't like the idea of visiting the
temple....well, he could just ask the Magistrate where the nearest
secluded beach might be.

After asking Vorik, Tom finally found the object of his search and
affections hanging half out of a Jeffries tube on the upper level.  He
decided after another minute that he rather liked this view of her--as
much as any other.  "Hey, B'Elanna, you got a minute?"

A thump, a bang, and a furious Klingon curse was his answer before
"Damnit, Tom!  How many times have I told you NOT to sneak up on me
when I'm working??"

"I said 'Hey, B'Elanna, and I'm down here.  How does that count as
'sneaking'?"

A tap on his shoulder turned his attention to Joe Carey, who had his
hands full with his toolbox and a gel pack tucked under his arm.
"Don't bother arguing with her--she's in full 'kelpie from hell' mode
right now."

"Carey, you *are* aware that I can hear you whispering down there.
Get up here and help me finish this."

Carey rolled his eyes.  "I'm coming, 'Lan."

"And don't roll your eyes at me."

Tom was the one to roll his eyes this time.  "Tell her I'll come back
later when she's ready to play nice with others."

"Very funny, Paris."

Tom turned, almost bumping into Neelix.  "Hey, Neelix--did you need
something?"

"Neelix!!  You better *not* be in here again!!"

"But Lieutenant, you are aware that I will be needing to start dinner
soon...."

Tom looked over at Carey.  "Um, what did I miss when I was down having
tea with the purple people?"

Carey raised his voice in order to be heard over the Talaxian's
protests.  "One of the heating coils in his stove overheated and
exploded right after you got back.  He's been panicking about it ever
since.  He's called twice and this is the second time he's come down
here.  She's about ready to kill--"  He happened to look up at that
moment and his eyes widened.  "'Lan, *put that DOWN*!"

"Then he better *get out of here*!" was the snarled answer.

"Fine, I'm leaving."  Neelix scowled up in the general direction of
where B'Elanna was located.  "But remember that your engineers have to
eat too!  And I can't give them dinner without a working stove!"  He
turned and stormed out.

Tom shrugged.  "He'll calm down.  He always does."

"True," Carey remarked.  "And there's always--"

"*Joseph*!  Did I not tell you five minutes ago to get your ass up
here?!"

"Yes, ma'am."  Carey rolled his eyes at Tom, who suppressed a snicker.

"And *don't* roll your eyes at me!"

---

Tom was disappointed that B'Elanna refused, of course, to even set
foot on Rishii; she had work to do.  But he decided to go to with the
command team to the Temple anyway the next morning.  It was something
to do and it was a chance to get planetside--and he hoped he could
come up with another plan to wheedle his lover into coming with him.
Harry took pity on him and decided to go along as well.  He had heard
enough from Neelix the night before--who had gushed about Tifaili and
Torut in between periods of bemoaning his broken stove--that it piqued
his interest enough to want to go.

To the surprise of quite a few, Seven of Nine also decided to go with
those who planned to visit Kumita's Temple the next morning.

"The Doctor says mingling with Species 2861 will be another important
step in my social development."  She didn't sound particularly happy
about it, but no one questioned her.

The five of them beamed down into a grassy knoll half surrounded by
trees.  Tom looked warily around and above his head before he took a
step, but unlike Tifaili's garden, the tops of the trees were all well
out of reach and nothing made him sneeze either.  Just a short walk up
the nearest hill sat Kumita's Temple.

The architecture was breathtaking.  It could have been a palace
instead of a temple.  It was built out of what seemed to be white
marble-like stone, but the stone had a shimmering metallic quality
none of them had ever seen before.  It was a good hundred meters in
height and perhaps twice that in length, built in an elongated oval
shape.  Five pillars marked the entrance at the top of the incline.

Compared to the summery weather outside, the Temple's interior was
cool, almost cold.  Mingling about the huge interior were people of a
variety of species, both Rishii and aliens, most unrecognizable.  Many
were obviously worshippers or worked in the temple, since they all
wore the same clothing--the males in tunics similar to Starfleet tank
tops and soft slacks in a misty gray, the females in long tunics that
could pass for dresses.  They gathered quite a few glances and
whispers upon entering.  A sudden disturbance at the other end caught
Harry's attention first, but was soon noticed by the others since a
clear path was being made for the three individuals as they approached
the away team.

The priestesses could have been sisters.  They were all Rishii--with
fiery hair in varying shades of auburn, offset by their pale eyes and
the Rishii lavender-hued skin.  Two of them had green eyes, while the
third had eyes that seemed to be on the paler side of hazel, almost
caramel colored.  They were all clad in the same style of dress--a
white gown whose top tied around the neck, leaving the back, arms and
shoulders of the wearer bare, and flowing to the floor.  Each had a
bronze-colored diadem resting on her brow, set with five black
stones.  Each also had a thick bracelet around the left upper arm, but
the stones were different for each of them--one had black stones, one
had deep violet, and one had milky orange.  When they moved, they
seemed to be barefoot, though it was hard to tell because most of the
Rishii wore gray foot coverings that appeared sandal-like in design
and the strappings often blended in with their skin tone.  As one,
they paused before the away team and joining hands, half-knelt and
then bowed their heads before rising back to their feet.

"Welcome, Voyagers," the tallest of the trio greeted.  "I am Jasmi,
*Shalii* of Kumita's Temple."

"Cyndre," said the one to Jasmi's left, the one with the onyx-stoned
bracelet on her arm and the caramel eyes.  She bestowed a gentle smile
upon them.  "Kumita's Blessings upon you."

"Mandri," the third one said sharply.  Her pale emerald eyes nailed
Janeway with a look that could almost be considered challenging.  Tom
was the only one to notice that, while Jasmi talked--bidding them an
elaborate welcome and asking if they would like a tour, Mandri's gaze
slid to Chakotay, then returned almost immediately to the captain,
with a definite narrowing of her eyes.  He smirked to himself.
*Either she's regretting her priestesshood or she's figured out in two
seconds what's between them, and I really don't think it's the
former.*

Kathryn noticed the look from the one who called herself Mandri and
raised an eyebrow in return, but said nothing.  If the other woman
disliked her on sight, that wasn't her problem.

Seven of Nine had no such qualms.  "What is your reason for giving our
captain a threatening look?" she demanded.

"Seven!" Kathryn said sharply.  "Drop it!"

"Do you speak to me?" Mandri challenged, though she knew very well the
blonde did.

"Answer my question."

"Priestesses, my apologies.  Sometimes Seven can be a
little....impulsive."  Kathryn turned to Seven.  "Seven, I said *drop
it*."

Seven's baby-blue eyes narrowed with irritation.  "The one designated
Mandri is a possible threat to you, Captain.  I will not comply until
she explains herself."

"Yes, you *will comply*.  Or do you wish to be sent back to the ship?"

Captain and ex-Borg glared at each other for what seemed like an
eternally long minute before the latter huffed an irate sigh.  "I will
comply."  *For now.*

Kathryn turned her attention back to the priestesses.  "A tour would
be wonderful.  This is a beautiful temple and I'd like to see more."
The others echoed their agreement.  Seven said nothing, but she did
not disagree to the tour.

"Very well, then.  Come."  Jasmi turned and began to lead them further
into the temple, Mandri and Cyndre flanking her.  Kathryn and Chakotay
were directly behind them, Tom and Harry behind them and Seven a few
steps behind the others.

Elaborate paintings covered both walls, spreading all the way down to
the far end, where a large statue that was obviously meant to be
Kumita stood.  Jasmi was leading them to the first painting on the
right.  It was completely black except for the center, which depicted
a flaming orb--obviously a star--and rising from it, a glowing
feminine figure.

"In the beginning, a dark void was all of existence.  Then the first
star began to form.  At first, a tiny point of light, until it began
to grow," Jasmi lectured.  "It grew until its brightness completely
filled the void, then it exploded.  When the explosion cleared, the
star was again a tiny point of light.  After a time, it grew again,
but this time stayed the size it would stay throughout its life.  And
out of the star's flame, Kumita was born."

"Sounds like a Trill myth I heard once," Harry remarked.  At the
curious looks from the priestesses, he hastened to explain.  "They say
their celestial goddess Astraea created all the stars in the universe,
but she appeared at the same time of the creation of the first star."

Seven stared at the painting with a critical eye.  "Creationism myths--
an example of many species' primitive beginnings, in which deities are
created in order to explain the ways of nature and the universe--"

Mandri turned on Seven.  "You dare to insult Kumita in Her Temple,
fichala?  While you are an example of a species that ruins
civilizations?!"

Jasmi laid a hand on Mandri's arm at the same moment that Kathryn
stepped forward.  She was attempting to smile for Mandri's benefit,
but they could all see the fury in her eyes.  "*Shalii* Jasmi, will
you excuse us for a moment?"  At Jasmi's nod, the captain grabbed
Seven by the arm and led her several meters away from the group.

"I don't know what is possessing you to behave like this, Seven--"

"I was merely stating a fact."

"--but I'm at the end of my patience.  One more stunt like that--and I
will have you sent back to the ship.  Am I *clear*?"

Once more, the two glared at each other before Seven relented.  "Very
well."  She watched the captain return to the group, making her
apologies to the priestesses.  Her eyes narrowed as they continued
on.  She did not really wish to be here, but the Doctor had insisted
that mingling with Species 2861 would expand her social skills, so
here she was.  Despite all that, she was keeping an eye on the one
designated Mandri.  It was more than just her suspicions that the
woman was a threat to the captain and she was determined to prove it.

"Not all of your acolytes are Rishii," Chakotay noted, watching the
quiet figures they passed by.

"That is correct, Commander," Cyndre said with a smile.  "Kumita
accepts and cares for all under Her eyes.  We long for all in the
universe to realize this, but since not all will, we will accept all
who come to us."

"This reminds me of recreations of the Parthenon on Earth," Tom
murmured.

"You have a temple to Kumita on your homeworld?" Jasmi asked.

Tom blinked, surprised she'd heard him.  "No, but it seems similar to
a temple built to another goddess of one of our very ancient cultures,
with the statue at the far end and these frescoes on the walls.  Her
name was Pallas Athene, also called simply Athena, the goddess of
wisdom."

"It is likely Kumita took another incarnation to appear to your
people's ancestors," Jasmi suggested with a pleased smile.  "It has
happened on other worlds, which is how many of our non-native acolytes
are drawn here."

They were getting increasingly closer to the statue, but stopped often
as Jasmi explained the story behind each of the elaborate and
beautiful fresco-style paintings along the way, including Tifaili's
favorite tale of Kumita's battling the evil force of demonic creatures
known as the *rithnit*.  Their artists had painted Kumita as a
breathtakingly beautiful woman with high cheekbones, a spill of
mahogany hair that appeared to flow nearly to her knees, and equally
dark eyes.  She could have passed for a painting of a human goddess,
but for the Rishii lavender skin and shape of the ears.

But the beauty in the frescoes was outdone by the forty-meter tall
statue at the Temple's far end.  Kumita stood, a faint smile upon her
lips and one hand outstretched to those she faced.  The other held
what was obviously a recreation of the elongated DNA-spiral shaped
blade she had used in the legend of the battle of the *rithnit*'s
Fall.

"Wow."  Tom's single word seemed to sum it up for everyone.

"It is but another example of--"

"Seven."  Kathryn's voice was like ice.  "*One. more. word.*"

Seven looked like she was prepared to protest, but finally huffed yet
another sigh of irritation and wisely did not finish her thought.

Cyndre bestowed a smile upon Tom.  "Kumita is no doubt pleased by your
reverence."

Tom didn't tell Cyndre what he was thinking--that the goddess reminded
him very strongly of B'Elanna--but her smile grew and it seemed she
guessed.  "Will you be bringing your *ishrane* to visit the Temple?"
she asked softly.

"I'll see if she's willing," Tom murmured, unable to take his eyes off
the statue.

Meanwhile, the command team, accompanied by Jasmi, drew ever closer.
Chakotay paused about three meters from the feet of the Goddess.  "The
colors are so vivid," he mused.  "So lifelike, as if She could lean
down and speak to us."

Kathryn gazed up at the Goddess' face, surprised at the faint chill
that suddenly went down her spine.  "It's an incredible work of art."
She found herself wondering if she might be able to recreate the
Temple in a painting when she had the time.  Painting Kumita herself
would be out of the question, however.  She would never be able to
come close to the stunning work of the Rishii artists.

She blinked, trying to break the spell of staring up at the carved
face.  But the deep dark eyes....*eyes like Chakotay's....*seemed to
draw her in.  She took another step forward, and darkness closed
around her, a darkness that abruptly shot through with rainbow
lights.  An aurora borealis before her eyes....or perhaps Kumita's
fiery birth from the first star....  And then a voice like crystalline
chimes in her head.

*It is time, Kathryn Janeway....*

And she knew no more.

Neither Jasmi nor Chakotay had noticed Kathryn take another step
forward until the choking sound she made distracted both from their
quiet conversation.  She stood frozen, both hands at her throat.

"Captain?"  Both spoke at once.

Kathryn collapsed where she stood, still for but a moment.  Then her
body began to convulse, almost violently so.  There was a storm of
shocked whispers from the Rishii nearby.

"Kathryn!"  Chakotay tried to move towards her, but Jasmi suddenly
threw up a hand, blocking his path.  The rest of the away team was
similarly stopped by others as well.  Cyndre gently restrained Tom
with a hand on his arm; Mandri imperiously blocked Seven's attempt at
advancing; another acolyte stepped forward to stop Harry, his look
pitying.

Chakotay watched helplessly as the convulsions ceased, and Kathryn's
body fell still on the floor.  She lay face down, sprawled as if lying
asleep in bed, her hair falling across her cheek.  Ignoring decorum,
he shoved Jasmi to one side and flung himself down by his fallen
captain, rolling her over and gathering her in his arms.

"Kathryn!  *Kathryn!!*"  She remained limp and cold, but when he
pushed his fingers against her neck, he could feel a very faint pulse.

"*You.*"  The near-snarl came from Seven.  She was glaring at Mandri.
"I was correct when I designated you a threat to the Captain."  She
turned to Chakotay.  "Commander, we must contact High Magistrate
Torut.  He and the Lady Tifaili will no doubt want to hear what this--
person--has done to the Captain."

"I have done nothing to her, you *fichala*!" Mandri hissed.  "Your
commander and Jasmi were closest--perhaps you would like to blame one
of them next??"

"Neither Commander Chakotay nor the one designated as Jasmi have made
any threatening gestures towards Captain Janeway.  *You* did."

"And exactly what did I do according to you, *fichala*?  *Look* at
her??"

"You--"

"Quiet!" Chakotay barked, cutting Seven off.  He glared at her, then
at Mandri, Cyndre, and Jasmi.  "I'm sure one or all three of you know
what has happened here, so I want some explanations!"

"It is quite simple really, Commander."  Mandri was first to speak.
Throwing a contemptuous look at Seven, she continued.  "Captain
Janeway has been Touched by Kumita."

"'Touched'?  What the hell is that supposed to mean?"  This from Tom
Paris, who was giving Mandri a look quite like the one still in
Seven's eyes.

Cyndre's voice was soft, almost unheard at first.  "It is something
that began happening five thousand cycles of seasons ago.  Kumita
hears, sees, and knows all, whether or not they follow Her way.  Every
individual is looked upon differently.  Some are seen as
extremely...."  She paused, trying to find the proper words.  "We say
'unworthy', but perhaps for your benefit, we should say 'difficult'.
Should one of these individuals enter this Temple, Kumita will Touch
them and their minds and bodies shall become dormant, until such time
as the judgment has been passed.  If the judgment goes well, She
restores the soul to the body and the individual continues on with
life.  If it does not, the individual's soul is cast to the *Trathi*--
and the mind and body die."

"What--what does the judgment entail?"  Harry finally found his voice.

"An individual close to the Touched must endure Kumita's Trial.  It
takes a cycle of at least two to four sunrises, sometimes much
longer."  Jasmi's gaze moved from Harry to Tom to Seven and finally to
Chakotay.  "Once the Judged submits themselves to the purification
that comes before the Trial, there is no changing your mind.  A word
of warning.  Whoever submits themselves to the Trial will be facing
the baring of their own soul.  And do not think to choose someone who
will try to use technology to trump the Trial."  She deliberately
looked at Seven when she said this.  "Choose carefully, for Kumita's
judgment is final."

"Well, that's all just peachy.  But first our Doctor will want to have
a look at the captain before we even go there."  Tom gave Jasmi a look
of annoyance as he slapped his commbadge.  "Paris to--"

"You cannot move her, Lieutenant."  The look on Mandri's face could
nearly be called a smirk.  "Else her soul will be cast to the *Trathi*
now and she will be lost completely."

"Oh, and we're supposed to leave her here to your *tender* care,
m'lady priestess?  I don't think so."  Tom was at the limit of his
patience and was about to add that maybe Seven had been right after
all, when Chakotay shot him a warning look.  The warning look then
turned on the trio of priestesses and Tom had to suppress his own
smirk.

"The Magistrate will be informed of this, and I will discuss with the
rest of the senior staff about this trial of yours."  Chakotay's voice
was deathly quiet as he locked eyes with Mandri.  "And if you harm her
while we are gone....you will answer to *me*."

Mandri said nothing in response to the implied threat, glaring down at
Chakotay.  An icy glint settled in her eyes as she watched the first
officer very gently--and reluctantly--lay the captain back down on the
floor.  He ran the back of his hand very lightly down her cheek, and
then rose to his feet.  He gave Mandri a final glare, and then turned
to Jasmi.  "Do I have your word that no harm will come to her until we
return, *Shalii* Jasmi?"

Jasmi's eyes narrowed very slightly.  "No harm will come to her,
Commander.  No one would dare risk Her wrath by harming one She has
Touched."  Her tone showed how insulted she was at the implication.
This would have intimidated most others--the *Shalii* of Kumita's
Temple was considered rather formidable.  But Voyager's first officer
was not cowed in the least.  He held her glare with a forbidding look
of his own as he tapped the pin attached to his tunic and spoke with
the person on the other end about 'beaming' back to the ship.  He
never broke the eyelock even as the strange particle light swirled
around the group and everyone but the captain vanished.

Many were disturbed by the visitors' sudden disappearance.  The other
Rishii especially were not used to the concept of transporting, though
some of them had heard of it.  That, combined with one of the visitors
being Touched, had generated an unsettled feeling in the sanctuary of
the Temple.  But Cyndre was already speaking to the nearest group of
worried supplicants and a few of the lower acolytes were following her
example.  Jasmi was grateful for this, as it would dispel the unease
much quicker.

"Get Normai, Jenri, and Dreanti.  They must prepare the Commander for
the Trial purification," Mandri ordered the lower acolyte nearest to
her.  After she gave him a few more details, he nodded to her and
hurried off to do what she'd asked.

"You are so sure Commander Chakotay will be chosen from the crew to go
through the Trial?" Cyndre asked as she returned to Jasmi's side, even
though in her heart, she knew the answer.

Mandri snorted.  "If he doesn't, you know the effort of whoever does
come to endure the Trial is wasted."  She flung a glance in the
direction of Janeway, who was being lifted from the floor and carried
into the back corridor by four other acolytes.  *He's the only one who
can save you--if you are even -worth- saving.*

---

"And we're just going to *let* them pull this crap?!"  B'Elanna had
already not been happy about being pulled away from her repairs and
the news of what had happened to the Captain had set her off.

"I don't see as we had much choice," Tom tried to point out.  "That
Mandri flat out told me if she was removed from the Temple, she'd be
'cast to the *Trathi*', which is apparently Rishii for dead meat."

"The *Trathi* is another part of their mythology," Seven of Nine put
in.  "Literally the designation means 'demon haven'."

The chief engineer snorted.  "So in other words, she's going to hell.
Unless one of us does Kahless knows what to save her life.  How do we
know they're not lying??  That this isn't some plot they use on
visitors??"

"I agree with Lieutenant Torres' suspicions.  The one designated
Mandri was an obvious threat to the Captain, even though she refused
to believe me."  Seven paused behind Harry's chair.  "We must speak to
Magistrate Torut."

"That has already been done," Tuvok pointed out.  "He assured us that
there is no proof that Mandri harmed Captain Janeway."

"Insufficient," Seven retorted.  "He could be lying for her."

Tuvok raised an eyebrow.  "To what end?"

"What about this 'trial'?"  The Doctor interrupted before Seven could
continue her tirade.  "Did they say what it is supposed to entail?"

"Only 'the baring of their own soul'," Harry Kim put in.  "And they
implied that using technology to trump the trial wasn't a good idea.
No doubt meaning that doing so would kill the captain."

"Great," B'Elanna muttered in disgust.  "So we can't even take the
Doctor down there to see if he can get an idea of her condition."

"And I cannot scan her from sickbay either," the Doctor added.
"Believe me, I tried every kind of scan I could think of.  Her
lifesigns don't register at all.  It's as if she's not even on the
surface."

Chakotay had been silent the whole time, listening to what everyone
had to say.  When an uneasy quiet finally settled over the conference
room, he finally spoke.

"I will be the one to undergo this 'trial' of theirs."

"What?!"  B'Elanna stared at him in disbelief.

"Commander, are you sure that is wise?"

Chakotay had expected nothing less from Tuvok.  He met the Vulcan's
eyes.  "If for some reason I fail, I know you can get this crew home.
And I'm sure Ka--the captain--would feel the same way."

Tuvok's eyebrow went up, but he finally nodded once.  "Very well."

"Dismissed."  Chakotay watched them all reluctantly file out.  "Seven,
I need to speak with you for a minute."

Seven copied Tuvok's raised brow, but stopped, waiting until they were
alone.  "Yes, Commander?"

"I want your word that you're not going to pull some trick while I'm
away--to try and rescue us."

"And if you require it?" Seven shot back.

"I'm sure I won't."

"What makes you so sure?"

Chakotay narrowed his eyes slightly.  "Are you questioning my orders?"

The look in Seven's eyes, as well as her tone, was defiant.  "What I
am questioning is your rash behavior, Commander.  Permitting that
woman Mandri and her associates to put you through an unknown 'ritual'
puts your life and Captain Janeway's life in jeopardy."  She paused,
then added, "This crew needs both of you."

"I'm aware of that, and I appreciate the sentiment.  But we have no
choice but to play by their rules.  I don't like it anymore than you
do, but if I save her life, then it will be worth it.  Now, do I have
your word--or do I need to speak with Tuvok about more drastic
measures?"

Seven gave him one of her aggravating cold stares before she gave her
answer.  "I will comply."  *But I won't like it*, the look on her face
added.

Chakotay watched her leave, cursing the headache that was beginning to
make itself known.  He turned to stare out the viewport at the planet
below and almost didn't hear the door slide open again.  But when his
mind registered the sound, he didn't turn around.  He had a feeling he
knew who it was.

"What is it?"

"You can't do this."

"B'Elanna--"

"Chakotay, don't you see?  This is some type of *trap*!"  When he
didn't respond or turn around, he heard her growl under her breath.
"They've got the captain and now they'll get you!  A convenient little
myth about that Kumita 'touching' someone, they rope another person
into coming to save their soul and bam!  Two new temple slaves!"

"I don't believe that.  And even if I did, how else are we supposed to
get her out of there?"

"Surely, there must be some way."

"There isn't.  We have no choice but to do it their way."

"We haven't even explored all of the options!  We might find something
the Rishii haven't considered.  Tuvok doing a mind meld with her, for
instance...."

"I will not risk Kathryn's life on 'what if's', B'Elanna."

A long pause of silence, then "I hope you know what you're doing".
Her footsteps retreated, only pausing as the door whispered open, then
closed again, finally leaving Chakotay alone with his thoughts.

---

It was early evening by Rishii planetside time when Chakotay beamed
down to the Temple's entrance.  He had spoken to Magistrate Torut one
last time, then handed command over to Tuvok until his return and was
prepared to do whatever it took to get Kathryn out of this place.  He
would get her soul back--even if it cost him his own.

It was much quieter than before, with only a few acolytes in sight,
and most seemed to have a task in mind, for they were hurrying this
way and that.  He was surprised not to see Jasmi waiting for him, or
even Cyndre or Mandri.  In fact, the acolyte that approached him was
not even a Rishii.  His skin was a sunset orange and very smooth,
except for on his forehead, where there was one thin, solid ridge
along the browline, and a pair of Andorian-looking antennae right
above it.

"You are just in time, Commander.  This way."  He led Chakotay towards
a doorway between two columns near the painting of Kumita battling the
*rithnit*.

"You aren't Rishii."

"Correct.  My people are called the Siintat.  We live in a system
about 500 light-years from here.  Twelve cycles of seasons ago, Kumita
called me into Her service and I came here to Rishii," he said
cheerfully.  "I am quite at peace here, working in the Temple.  Watch
your head," he added as they crossed the threshold of the doorway into
near-complete darkness.  "Your people are obviously taller than mine."

The Siintat repeated the warning a few more times as he led Chakotay
further down into what seemed to be a maze of catacombs.  They passed
countless doorways and entrances to corridors leading off in all
directions, and traversed at least half a dozen sets of stairs carved
into the bedrock.  Finally, his guide paused before one of the
doorways.

"Purification is done by water, fire and air," the Siintat explained.
"You must become focused.  Do not let minor and unnecessary thoughts
distract you; you must be prepared for your judgment, else it will not
go well and the Touched will be cast to the *Trathi*."

Chakotay glared at the younger man.  "That's not going to happen."

The Siintat's forehead ridge rose.  "You have no rights in the
decision.  The choice is Hers."

"I'm sure I can convince Her."

"Confidence is good, but take care.  Any subterfuge, and you risk the
danger of losing your own soul as well."

"What??  I was never told this."

"You are being told now.  Many in the past have tried to trick Her
with false thoughts or by other means.  It spelled their deaths.  Do
not follow their example, unless you wish to die with the Touched."

"I have no intention of tricking Kumita."  He knew better than that,
but he wasn't about to tell this arrogant acolyte that.  As soon as he
was told the Trial involved "the baring of the soul", as Jasmi had put
it, he knew that everything he was and had been would be exposed
during this ritual.  Including his long-buried feelings for
Kathryn....

"That is fortunate.  As long as you mean it."  The Siintat acolyte
gestured towards the doorway to the left.  "You may begin.  First by
water, then fire and air.  Prepare yourself and find your focus.  Once
you are finished, we shall continue."

Chakotay was forced to duck again through the doorway indicated, as it
was rather low.  Apparently the Rishii who had built the Temple were a
lot shorter than their modern counterparts.  He wasn't sure what he
was expecting to find, but a spacious room resembling something that
could have come from a Roman baths holodeck program wasn't one of the
things he'd imagined.

It was dark but for the half-dozen lit wall sconces, revealing little
except for equally dark walls and a slight shimmer on the water.  And
the water was hot; he could feel the heat radiating from the still
pool.  Slowly, he stripped out of his uniform, leaving it in a pile by
the door and approached the pool.  The sides sloped in a gentle
incline so that to enter it, you simply had to walk down into the
water.  It was almost too hot for his liking, but once he was fully
submerged, it began to relax him.

Time lost meaning as he slowly swam a few laps, then closed his eyes
and let the water float him about.  As the Siintat acolyte had
suggested, all idle thoughts and distractions began to fade away.
Even the concern that Seven or B'Elanna might do something rash to
disrupt the process was forgotten.  He found himself thinking only of
Kathryn.

When he finally grew tired of the water, he climbed the gentle incline
out of the pool.  Another of the inevitable low doorways led into a
smaller chamber than the one that held the heated pool.  It was even
warmer in here and, despite the sconces providing light, seemed hazy.
He could feel the heat of the mist surrounding him and his mind
surmised that it was definitely not an illusion.  Neither was the
painting on the wall to his left.  Still wary, he slowly stepped
further inside, noticing that the floor beneath his feet was warm as
well.  Then the realization drifted to the forefront of his mind; a
geyser or spring must be beneath this section of the catacombs.  In
the former room, it heated the pool.  In this one, it created the
mist, much like the saunas from his youth.  He realized now what they
meant by fire and air.

Chakotay settled himself on the floor cross-legged facing the fresco
on the wall opposite.  Another rendition of Kumita's birth, though
slightly more detailed.  The artist had captured more of Her form as
she arose from the star, with curves and shape of the ears more
defined; the shadows of Her facial features were even evident if one
looked close enough.  But it was obviously far older than the
paintings up in the main Temple: the colors were faded and, in a few
spots, gone altogether.  Though that could have easily been due to the
room's use.

His gaze roamed over it, mentally tracing random patterns over each
flare and ray of the star.  As he slipped into an even more relaxed
state, he began silently reciting the chant he always used when
meditating.  In his mind's eye, the glowing figure arose from the
star, but it was not Kumita who emerged.  Instead, it was Kathryn, her
hair glowing from the flame, her skin luminous, her arms reaching out
to him....

His eyes snapped open.  The painting seemed to waver before he blinked
and it came back into sharp focus.

What had disturbed him?  He was still alone, but for the silence and
the ancient painting.  Yet he had the sense that it was time.

Rising to his feet, Chakotay moved for the doorway.  Only a moment
later did he remember that he'd left his uniform in the room with the
hot water pool.  He hoped that he would get it back.  Nudity had never
really been an issue with him, but he had no desire to be seen by
Jasmi and her compatriots in the altogether.

Thankfully there was a bundle of clothing--though not his uniform--
waiting for him, tucked into a niche in the wall by the arch.  His
commbadge lay on top of it.  He quickly dressed and affixed the badge
to the tunic.  When he stepped out, he found himself back in one of
the corridors and a new acolyte--this one a very young male Rishii--
waiting.  The young Rishii smiled and gestured for Chakotay to follow
him, not saying a word.

Down one more set of stairs and into another chamber about half the
size of the last.  He had been expecting Jasmi to be waiting for him--
to finally begin the Trial.  But there was no one.

"Where is *Shalii* Jasmi?"

The young Rishii smiled.  "Soon, Commander."

*Not soon enough*, Chakotay thought darkly.  For an instant, he
wondered if B'Elanna's suspicions may not have been too far off, but
he squelched that thought.  He would not lose his focus.  He had to
concentrate on what lay ahead.

---

+He opened his eyes to find himself in a familiar forest glade.  And
sure enough, she sat just to his left.

"Why am I here?"

The look in her dark golden eyes was amused.  "I would think you would
know the answer to that."

"I need to save Kathryn's life."

"I know."

"But I have no idea what this trial is going to entail.  Shalii Jasmi
only said it involves the baring of the soul."

"She is correct.  You must be prepared to face many things you have
refused to face.  Now is the time to confront them all.  And it will
not be easy."

"Does that mean I'm going to fail?"

The wolf cocked her head slightly.  "Whether you succeed or fail is up
to you, my friend.  The question is--are you prepared to deal with
either outcome?"+

A touch to his face brought him abruptly out of his trance.  The wolf
and the forest glade vanished and he found himself in near darkness.
For an instant, he forgot where he was.  Then he remembered.  He had
begun meditating again while waiting for Jasmi to arrive and begin the
Trial, whatever it was supposed to entail.  If he succeeded, he would
save Kathryn's life.  If he didn't....his heart ached at the thought.

Light flared in his vision, temporarily blinding him.  He blinked to
clear it.  When his eyes finally focused, he found himself surrounded
by three different female acolytes.  Their gowns were the same as
those of the priestesses, but none wore diadems and their bracelets
bore only a single stone.

Chakotay found himself studying each of them.  They were all about
Kathryn's height.  Two were brown-haired, the first with mahogany
curls the same shade as Kumita's and the second with curls of a
lighter shade.  The third's hair reminded him of his spirit guide's
fur when the sunlight hit it--a sort of silver-shot gold.

"Is he with us now, Normai?"  This from the second.

The first touched his face again.  When he pulled away from her touch,
she nodded.  "Aye, he is with us now, Jenri."

"The trial will not be easy."  It was the second one--Jenri--again.
He was about to say he knew that, when the first one spoke again.

"But he is strong.  I could sense that from the moment they brought
him in."

"I, too."  The third came closer to Chakotay, her gaze intent.  When
she reached up a slim, small hand, he didn't move--until she touched
his tattoo.  He tried to pull back again, but she relentlessly
followed and he gave in.  He had little choice at this point, anyway.

Her fingers very slowly traced the design once, then a second time.
"Fascinating," she murmured.  She pulled back and nodded.

"What do you see, Dreanti?" Normai again.

"He is strong, as you said, Normai.  He has a warrior's soul and is
focused.  It bodes well.  But we know the final judgment is up to
Kumita.  It is Her will if the Touched one lives."

"Kathryn."  It was out before he could stop himself.  All three turned
to look at him.  "Her name is Kathryn."

Three inscrutable faces stared back at him.  The staredown seemed to
last for several minutes before it was broken when they all exchanged
a glance.  Dreanti smiled very faintly as she met Chakotay's eyes
again.

"Are you prepared?" Normai questioned.

"Yes."

"Then we shall proceed.  Come, Commander."

Each of the acolytes took a torch and with Normai in the lead, led him
through several more of the winding corridors.  It left Chakotay
wondering if part of the Trial was going to involve finding his way
out of these catacombs.

Finally, a sharp left turn and a small flight of curving stairs led
them into a chamber about the size of Voyager's bridge.  On the
opposite side of the room from the entrance was a much smaller statue
of Kumita.  She was seated on a pedestal, both hands holding the
circular *Kanich*--the Circle of Judgment.  Waiting in front of the
statue were Jasmi, Cyndre and Mandri.

"The Purification is complete?" Jasmi inquired.

"Yes, *Shalii*," Normai replied.

"He is prepared?"

"Yes, *Shalii*."

"Dreanti, what say you?  What do you see in him?"

Dreanti crossed from behind Chakotay to in front of him again.  Once
more, she reached up, splaying her fingertips over his tattoo.  "His
soul is strong, *Shalii*.  He is focused for what is to come."

"He will need it."  Mandri's voice was sharp.

"Come forward, Commander."  He did until Jasmi stopped him with about
two meters between them.  "Kneel."

Once he was in place, he heard the chanting begin behind him.  The
Rishii language was quite lyrical, though the translator understood
none of it other than the repeated use of Kumita's name and, once, his
own.  He took care not to flinch when Dreanti's cool fingers once more
settled across the left side of his brow.  Another hand gently touched
the back of his neck and a third copied Dreanti's move on the opposite
temple.

On the third repeat of the chant, the senior priestesses joined in on
the chanting.  As one, he saw their eyes slowly glaze over.  When the
chanting was completed a fourth time around, their focus seemed to
return.  Again, he was the object of a triple stare.  Cyndre's look
was almost gentle.  Mandri's was piercing.  Jasmi's was the only one
he couldn't read.

The priestesses stepped aside--Cyndre and Mandri to the left, Jasmi to
the right.  The focus Dreanti had twice praised was the only thing
that kept him in place when he saw what they'd been hiding behind
them.

Kathryn.  Lying at the feet of the Kumita statue.  Still so terribly
pale, especially since they had removed her uniform and dressed her in
the white gown all of the female supplicants of the Temple wore.  One
hand had been placed across her stomach, the other lay by her side.
Scattered on the floor under and around her was a wealth of mango-
colored petals from the blossom he knew was the Goddess' sacred
flower.  Even near death, she was beautiful.  His heart twisted with
grief again at the thought of losing her, but almost immediately that
grief was replaced by something else.

A fierce determination.

"Are you prepared?"

Jasmi's voice broke through his train of thought.  He met her pale
eyes with an almost furious look in return.  "I am."

She nodded, and Chakotay didn't miss the faint smile that touched her
lips.  "It is your turn.  Make your plea to Her, and if She accepts,
the Trial will begin."

He forced himself to look away from the priestesses--away from the
deathly still form of his captain and the woman he loved--and up into
the face of the statue.  For a long moment, he was at a loss.  But
finally the words came.

*I am not one of your Chosen, Kumita, but I entreat you for your
mercy.  Only You know why you have deemed Kathryn unworthy, and only
You can allow her soul to return to her body.  We are far from home
and she is trying to help us return there.  I hope I find favor in
Your eyes so that Kathryn may come back to us.  To our crew.  She is
the force that keeps us together.  Voyager needs her.  Our crew needs
her.*

He could very faintly hear the chanting begin again, felt the three
behind him slowly draw away, and then sensed that they were gone.  He
felt Jasmi, Mandri and Cyndre's presences still somewhere nearby.  But
nothing happened.  A sliver of panic arose, but he quickly pushed it
back down.  Forcing his thoughts to refocus, he tried again.

*I don't know if I am asking You in the right way, so I am asking in
the only way I know how.  Let Kathryn come back to us--to me.  -I-
need her.*

At that last thought, a huge light seemed to burst from the statue--a
blinding, rainbow light that engulfed him where he knelt.  And a cool,
crystal voice.

*Your judgment shall begin, Chakotay.*

And the darkness fell.

---

+At first, all was darkness.  Then a brilliant flare of light.

The forest glades of Trebus....a flash of someone running....the wind
in his face....

He challenged his father with a look....damned traditions.  This was
the twenty-fourth century....why did his father insist on harping on
the ancient traditions?

"Defiant....out of control from your first breath...."

The Academy....his uncertainty with returning after his first
year....his talks with Sveta....

Contrary....

"So much conflict in you...."

The Maquis....Sveta trying to convince him to join with her....his
refusal, until the Cardassians struck....his family dead, his village
in ruins....

"Always searching for a purpose...."

The Liberty carried away by the Caretaker, as was Voyager....the first
time he laid eyes on Kathryn....even as his fury had boiled over at
the sight of Paris, she had stepped in front of him, lecturing him....

And while part of him wanted to strike out at her, he couldn't help
noticing how very blue her eyes were....even though those eyes were
filled with a fire of her own....

"Still quick to anger....arrogant...."  The crystal voice sounded
fairly amused.

Seska's betrayal....her mocking message about being
pregnant....blaming himself for the Kazon taking Voyager....worry for
the babe, even though he eventually found out the child was not
his....

"Why must you run yourself in circles, when your path lies so clearly
in one direction?"

Arguments about every little thing, clashes that slowly gave way to
mutual trust....that mutual trust forging itself into a deep
friendship....New Earth and the closeness they built there, before it
was taken from them....verbal sparring and secret glances that, to
him, always held a deeper meaning....

Kathryn....

Her smile, her laughter, eyes that he could so easily get lost in....
his every thought consumed by her....

Kathryn....

The mission that nearly caused her death....trying to breathe the life
back in her and nearly failing....the alien entity trying to inhibit
the Doctor's efforts....begging her to hold on just a bit
longer....and all the while, struggling against the overwhelming
terror that he would lose her forever....+

---

"This is ridiculous."  Dark brown eyes glared through the briefing
room's viewport at the planet orbiting below.

"B'Elanna...."

"Don't you 'B'Elanna' me, Thomas Eugene Paris!  It's been thirty-six
hours since Chakotay's gone down there!  You can't tell me it's
supposed to be taking this long."

Tom sighed inwardly in exasperation.  Love B'Elanna Torres he did, but
there were times that he wished she had just a bit more patience.
"There wasn't exactly a time limit mentioned.  And things like this
don't exactly get done in an instant.  Remember that place where we
had shoreleave last year after getting out of Hirogen space?  Their
monks would go through trials that took a month at least."

"A month--"  B'Elanna's eyes narrowed on the innocent planet below.
No way in hell was she letting these Rishii keep Chakotay or the
captain.  Any longer, if she had her way about it.  Without another
word, she stormed out of the briefing room.

The sound of the transporter faded as Voyager's chief engineer
materialized at the forest's edge.  Just up the hill was a gleaming
building she knew to be Kumita's Temple.  Under Rishii's two small
moons--one currently near full, the other a waning crescent--the
Temple gleamed with an unearthly beauty.  One that went unnoticed as
B'Elanna ascended the hill.

She didn't notice the pair of Rishii women standing just inside the
columns marking the entrance until she was nearly on top of them.
Glaring at them, she moved to step around the nearest one.

"You may not enter."  The one who stepped forward to block her had
hair and eyes as dark as B'Elanna's own.

B'Elanna looked at the slender, petite alien girl in scorn.  "And
who's going to stop me?  *You*?"

"If I must."  Normai lifted a hand to push a stray curl behind one of
her ears.  The casual movement caught the moonlight as it glanced off
the milky orange stone encased in a thick bronze band on her upper
arm.

The blasé attitude infuriated B'Elanna.  Impatiently, she pushed the
girl aside.  The second priestess, who looked almost like a twin of
the first but with lighter hair, tried to grab a sleeve and missed.

"You cannot--"

B'Elanna spun to face them.  "And if I do?  Who's going to stop me?
Your *goddess*??  Will she strike me down like she did the captain in
order to enslave me, too??"  When she got no response, she smirked.
"That's what I thought--"

A hand came down on her arm.  With a low snarl, she spun to face the
person who had a hold of her--and a chill went up her spine.

This third priestess, also a Rishii, could have been an illusion of
the moonlight, with her pale eyes and hip-length hair of a silvery
gold.  But the hand that had stopped B'Elanna was real and it was
enough to remind her of why she was here.  Shaking the other woman's
grip off, she growled, "I'm here for--"

"Your Commander and Captain.  Yes, Lieutenant, I know."

"Then I suggest you--"

"Hand them over?  I'm afraid that's not possible until Kumita makes
Her judgment."

"I'm not about to *let* you--"

"Do them harm?"  Dreanti smiled softly at the enraged half-Klingon.
"You truly are far too impulsive and quick to think the worst of
everyone, B'Elanna Torres.  Such a way serves its purpose, but only
for a time."

B'Elanna was momentarily shocked into silence.  Her glare faded
slightly as the serene, chilling stare of the young priestess filled
her with unease.  When she pulled away, she realized that the
priestess' focus had turned to a spot behind her.  Turning, she
realized Tom was now there, standing only a few meters away.
Irritation rose inside, even though her common sense told her she
should have expected he'd come after her.

"B'Elanna, c'mon.  You know there's nothing we can do."  When she
didn't budge, he sighed and fixed her with a look of gentle
exasperation.  "I'll stand here all night if I have to.  You know I
will."

Before B'Elanna could react or say anything, Dreanti took hold of her
wrist, then held out her other hand.  When Tom stepped within reach,
she gently took his hand and joined it with B'Elanna's.  "Return with
your *ishrane*, Lieutenant Paris.  You and she will see that Kumita's
will shall be acted out in time, and shall come to accept it."

"If you think--"  But the young priestess had already stepped back out
of reach and Tom was tapping his badge.  The rest of B'Elanna's angry
words were lost as beamout commenced.

---

Cyndre studied Chakotay's face for a long minute, then touched his
throat lightly with her fingertips.  "His pulse is highly elevated.  I
believe he has reached the most difficult part of the Trial."

Mandri threw a contemptuous look at the still Janeway.  "But is she
worth his efforts?"

Jasmi's lips curved into a smile.  "Truly, Mandri, you were born in
the wrong era.  You would have made a fantastic warrior woman."

"Well, *look* at her.  His determination to undergo the Trial has
proven that his devotion for her is as endless as the universe is
deep.  And the Trial need not even be happening to know this.  I could
see that with one look into his eyes when they were introduced to us.
It is as plain as the skin etching he wears.  But has she not turned
him away at every opportunity?  Perhaps she *should* die."  Mandri
tossed her fiery braid back over her shoulder.

"But then he dies with her," Cyndre pointed out.

"Yes, as She has dictated--which would be an unfairness in this
case."  Mandri was standing over Janeway again.  In another time,
another place, another instance, she might have killed the other woman
where she lay.  But in the here and now, she sufficed with another
glance of sheer disgust.  "Not worth the gift he offers her...."

---

+He had been here countless times before, but only in the night.  Only
when he dreamed.  Only then he dared to have her as his own.  To touch
more than her hand, to hold her close, to tangle his fingers in her
hair and pull her against him.  To possess her--forever....

But his dream would never be fulfilled, so he'd kept it buried
within.  Now he had no choice but to watch--and who knew who else
would see his innermost thoughts?  He felt a faint breeze caress his
cheeks, but no one was there.  Or perhaps it was Kumita's presence,
observing and preparing to make judgment as the Rishii swore was done
in this ritual.

Almost as immediately as the sensual vision had come to the front of
his mind, it faded again.  Now he was assaulted by a blur of images--
scenes of the past four years, every moment they'd shared, no matter
how small, played before his eyes.  He could not help but think how
she rivaled Kumita in beauty....

"Is that really how you see me?"

Her soft voice startled him, but he didn't turn around.  He looked at
the memory in front of his eyes--one of many countless moments on the
bridge.  Her smile, her laughter, the fiery hair he longed to run his
fingers through, her azure eyes that he could easily drown in.
"Yes."

"I never knew...."  Her voice sounded almost regretful.

"How could you not know?  Couldn't you see it in my eyes?"

"I never knew, but I often suspected."

"You could have asked."

"I wanted to, so many times.  But I didn't take the risk because if it
didn't work out, we would have lost our friendship.  And that would be
far worse to me."

"I would never turn my back on you.  After four years, you should know
that.  I would risk everything for you."  In his mind's eye, he could
see her sprawled face-down after her seizure on the Temple's main
floor--and where she was now, lying so still before the statue of
Kumita.  "I am."

A new blinding light erupted in front of his eyes.  When his sight
cleared, Chakotay found himself alone in the chamber.  Kathryn's body
was gone.  So were Jasmi and the other priestesses.  Only he and the
statue remained.

But it was no longer a statue before him.  Piercing eyes as dark as
his own were studying his face.  The light in the room revealed
highlights in Her beautiful length of mahogany hair and gave Her
lavender skin a faintly luminous sheen.

"Are you prepared to accept your judgment, Chakotay?"  The cool,
crystal voice was definitely Hers, but She did not speak aloud.

He met Her eyes boldly.  "I already know I have no choice--that the
choice is Yours."

She nodded very slightly.  "That is so."  Her fingertips idly skimmed
over the edges of the bronze circlet in Her hands.  "The Kanich moves
as I decide.  If I deem you have passed, it will shine with light and
float up and then down and stop when it is exactly between you and I.
If I deemed you have failed, the light will leave it and it will fall
fast instead of floating.  At that moment, the soul of the Touched
shall be cast to the Trathi and you will regain your awareness."  Her
eyes studied his changing expressions.  "Are you prepared?"

"Yes, but I would ask a boon of you first."

"And that is?"

"If You should judge that I have failed, allow Kathryn to live.  Spare
her soul and cast me to the Trathi in her place."

"And if I should choose not to grant this boon?"

"Then cast me to the Trathi with her.  You have seen my past, my
present, my every secret.  You know that she is my life.  That it will
not be life for me without her in it.  It will be a mere existence."

Kumita's smile was very faint.  A new glow began to form--this time
from the Kanich.  "So shall it be."

The glowing circle rose from Her hands, slowly floating and turning in
mid-air, then began to descend.  It paused at a point where he could
reach out and touch it--and he wondered if he dared.  When at last he
gave into the impulse to do so, it flared with a brilliant light and
the space inside the Kanich became like a mirror.  He saw his image
reflected, then Kathryn's, then a blur of new images--the two of them
together, just like he'd always dreamed.  But he was focused on
Kathryn....her eyes, her smile....for the instant before the aura
around the Kanich faded.

"It shall all begin anew...."  The crystal voice was very faint now
and the figure of Kumita vanished as the darkness surrounded her.
From far away, he could hear the chanting of the priestesses, felt

something brush his face....+

Chakotay's eyes slowly opened.  He felt a heavy weariness try to sink
in on him, but he managed to shake it off as he looked up at the
statue again.  He remember every second of the--he wasn't sure if he
could call it a vision.  It had felt like much more than that.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Cyndre and Jasmi.  He heard
Mandri on the other side as the three of them renewed their chant,
their voices rising in volume into almost a scream....a wild, frenetic
cry....before they suddenly stopped.  After hours of chanting, the
sudden quiet seemed almost deafening.

And the silence was filled with a desperate gasp.

Chakotay's eyes riveted on Kathryn's still form.  As he watched, the
hand by her side twitched.  Then her chest slowly rose and fell.
Unable to stop himself, he tried to get to his feet, but the hours?
days? *how long had it been?* of spent kneeling in one place didn't
help him regain his footing.  A gentle touch on his arm--he thought it
was Cyndre, but wasn't she still a couple meters away?--helped him
stumble forward and he fell back to his knees at Kathryn's side.

An eternity seemed to pass before her eyes opened.  Unfocused at
first, but when they finally met his, a faint smile formed on her
face.

"Chakotay...."  Her voice was so faint he could barely hear it.  But
to him, it was the most beautiful sound in the world.

"I'm here."  Sliding an arm around her shoulders, he tried to help her
sit up.  She let out an exhausted sigh and fell against his chest.
Ignoring all thoughts of protocol and decorum, he pulled her close, as
much to hold her as to help her regain awareness.

"What--happened?"

"It's a long story."  Truly, he didn't want to explain it all to her
until they were safely back on the ship and the Doctor had a good look
at her.  Only then could he be reassured that she would be all right.
He felt her slump again and, when she didn't respond to him calling
her name, felt his heart stop.  But on the third try, she murmured his
name again and stirred.

"Hold onto me, Kathryn."  He gently brushed her hair back from her
face.  "Take your time to get your focus back, then we'll get you out
of here."

"....beam back?"  Her fingers brushed over his commbadge, but there
was no familiar chirp when she pushed hard enough to activate it.
"Guess not...."

"We're probably too far underground."  He took her hand, ignoring the
electric shiver that went through him when her fingers instinctively
curled around his.

"Are you going....to tell me....what happened?"  Her voice was a
little more steady, but still very weak.

"I will--when we get back to the ship."  Chakotay slowly pushed
himself to his feet, ignoring the fact that his legs were screaming in
protest after not moving for--how long *had* it been anyway?--and
bringing Kathryn to her feet as well.  But while he managed the first
couple of steps, she stumbled and almost slipped out of his arms.
"Easy, Kathryn.  One step at a time."  But no matter how much she
tried, her balance failed her.  He knew she'd never be able to climb
the steps that led out of the room, much less the winding path that
would lead them back up to the main floor of the Temple.

"Here."  He slid an arm under her knees and lifted her easily into his
arms.  When she murmured a faint protest, he shushed her.  "You can
put me on report later."

Chakotay ascended the stairs leading out of the chamber and tried to
recall mentally which way he'd been led in.  He noticed more of the
wall sconces were now lit and he began to follow the winding path they
made.  Before long, he felt like he was walking in circles, but
relentlessly continued on.  Seven turns and four more sets of stairs
later, he felt Kathryn slump more heavily against him.  She barely
responded when he tried to talk to her.  He had no idea if it was
exhaustion or an after effect of the unconsciousness, but it made him
move that much quicker.  A few moments later, a chill breeze suddenly
slapped him in the face and he turned towards it, following the
source.  Up another twist of stairs, through two low doorways and he
found himself back on the Temple's main floor.

Night had fallen on Rishii and the darkness was broken by a double row
of lit diamond-shaped braziers.  At first, the Temple appeared
abandoned.  But as he stepped further out into the center, a flash of
white and the glitter of bronze revealed Jasmi's presence.  One by
one, they appeared to encircle the *Shalii*.  Another shadow shifted,
and the light from the braziers glinted off Dreanti's pale hair.  A
third figure that at first glance might have been Kumita--Normai.  A
paler version of the former--Jenri.  Cyndre's gentle face, writ with
concern.  And finally Mandri, who threw a contemptuous glance at the
burden in his arms before locking eyes with him in a challenge as
clear as throwing down a gauntlet.

He refused to acknowledge any of them, especially Mandri, and nudged
his badge.  "Chakotay to Voyager--do you read??"

To his relief, Harry Kim's voice was perfectly clear through the
commline.  "Loud and clear, Commander."

"Two to beam up."

"Aye, Commander.  Stand by."

Mere moments later, he felt the tingle of the transporter beam envelop
them both and the firelit darkness of the Temple was replaced by the
blinding lights of main sickbay.  He blinked, trying to clear his
eyesight.

"Set her down here, Commander."  Chakotay heard the Doctor before he
actually could see anything other than a blurry form in blue and
black.  A few more blinks and the EMH came into better focus, as did
the biobed he was indicating.  Carefully, he lay Kathryn down, but
kept one of her hands in his.

The Doctor was already scanning and noting the results to himself
aloud.  "All vitals stable.  Neurological levels, however, are another
story...."  He punched in a new command on the tricorder and began a
different scan.  "Increased frontal lobe activity, but slowly
returning to normal.  No damage done, though--Commander, would you
move, please?  You're in the way."

Chakotay reluctantly let Kathryn's hand go and stepped back.
Meanwhile, the Doctor was frowning at his tricorder.  "I've never seen
readings like this.  Captain, you're going to have to stay here for a
few hours so I can run some deep neural scans."

For a long minute, there was no response.  Then, "I'm too tired to
argue, Doctor."

"That's not surprising.  Being comatose, even for a short period, will
do that."  He affixed a cortical monitor to Kathryn's temple and
hummed to himself for a moment as he adjusted the biobed's settings.
"Now you, Commander."  Picking up his tricorder again, the Doctor
turned it on Chakotay.  "Hmm.  Neuro levels slightly elevated, but not
the same degree as the Captain's.  Exactly what *were* you up to down
there anyway?"

Chakotay sighed.  "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"I'm taking you off duty for at least twenty-four hours, but I see
nothing here that's cause for confining you to sickbay.  Use it to
rest.  You're free to go, Commander."

Chakotay nodded, and turned to look at Kathryn one last time.  But she
appeared to be asleep.  He gently placed a hand over hers, but she
didn't stir.  When the Doctor gave him an annoyed look, he sighed and
left sickbay.  It seemed he would have to wait a little longer before
he talked to her.

---

Being a hologram, the Doctor had no concept of how a troubled mind
could keep the body awake.  Almost twelve hours later, Chakotay found
himself staring out the viewport in his quarters, studying the stars
and contemplating his experience.

His past....his present....Kumita holding the *Kanich*....Kathryn.

"*It shall all begin anew....*"  Kumita's words echoed in his mind.
It obviously meant that She had judged in his favor, had spared
Kathryn from the *Trathi*.  But was that all it meant?  Or did Her
words hold a deeper meaning?

He knew he wouldn't know until he talked to Kathryn.  He'd had the
computer notify him when the Doctor had released her to her quarters.
That had happened a couple of hours ago, and the Doctor no doubt had
also told her to "rest".  She could very well be asleep and, if she
were, he would hate to disturb her.  But he also knew her well enough
to know that she would likely have been kept up for the same reasons
he had.  Deciding to take the chance, he left his quarters and walked
the short distance to hers.  He rang the chime and heard her softly
bid him enter.  When he stepped in, he was surprised to find her still
clad in the Rishii gown.  She sat curled on one of the couches by the
viewport, arms wrapped around her knees.

"You haven't slept yet, have you."  It was a statement, not a
question, because he knew the answer.

She shook her head.  "Every time I close my eyes, I can't fall
asleep."  She patted the spot next to her.  "Come sit with me."

Chakotay settled next to her, studied the pensive look on her face.
"Why can't you fall asleep?"

"Well...."  Kathryn leaned her chin on her knees, staring at the wall
ahead of her.  "Instead of being able to relax, I
see....things....that make no sense to me."

"What do you remember?"

"We were standing before the statue of Kumita.  You commented that it
appeared very lifelike.  I agreed, and told myself I should try doing
a painting of the temple someday.  And then--everything started to go
dark, and I heard a voice say 'It is time'.  Then nothing....until I
woke up lying on the floor in that smaller room."  Kathryn sighed
softly.  "But now--whenever I lay down to try to sleep--I keep
seeing....glimpses of other things.  As if I'm
remembering....something different."

"Oh?" Chakotay felt an uneasiness growing.  She hadn't been able to
share any of his visions.  *Had she?*

"I saw you with a wolf--your spirit guide?"  At his nod, she let out
another little sigh, her brow furrowing.  "And then I saw--us."

"Us?" The uneasiness was beginning to turn to dread.

"It was like--my life flashing before my eyes.  Except it was limited
to my life here on Voyager."  Kathryn closed her eyes.  "When I saw
myself, I looked so different.  I remember asking you if that's how
you really saw me, and you said yes.  And I never knew....you saw me
like that.  But I should have, shouldn't I?"  There was a long minute
of silence before she continued.  "You've been there by my side for
the last four years.  You've been my support and comfort in my most
trying situations."  She opened her eyes and turned to look at
Chakotay.  "You've given so much of yourself--but I haven't given much
back to you."

Chakotay thought he might drown in her eyes.  "Kathryn, I--"

"I know you're going to say that's not true, but I know it is.  And
the last time I remembered something--different--made me realize
that."  Her voice fell to a whisper as the hazy flash of memory, now
becoming clearer, resurfaced.  "We were...."

"Making love...."

Him speaking the very words sent a shiver through her.  "Yes."

He watched the emotions that flickered in her eyes.  Uncertainty,
confusion, surprise, and even realization.  The last came with a faint
blush spread across her cheeks and he was sharply reminded of how he
imagined her in his dreams.  Her next whispered words brought him back
to the present.

"You've given....so much to me...."  Then she slowly held out a hand
to him, palm up.

The gesture was so reminiscent of New Earth that at first Chakotay was
frozen in place.  Finally, he lifted his own hand to meet hers.  Their
fingers twined together and he thought he saw a glimmer of tears in
her eyes.

He wasn't sure which one of them leaned forward first.  But that first
touch of her lips to his opened the floodgates of four years of
suppressed emotions.  Restraint lasted for only a nanosecond before he
dragged her against him, deepening the kiss.  Her fingers dug into his
shoulders as she returned the kiss just as desperately, only pulling
back when she had to come up for air.  The raw passion she saw in his
eyes made them even darker and sent another shiver through her.  She
leaned in for another intense liplock even as he pulled them both to
their feet and she stepped back, pulling him with her.

They almost missed the doorway.  She ignored the slight pain where
she'd banged her shoulder into the bulkhead, too focused on the way he
was nuzzling her neck, and led him in the right direction the second
time around.  This time, the only thing to stop their progress was
when he bumped her against the edge of her bed.

His hands skimming lightly over her bare back was increasing the heat
rising inside.  She reached up to pull hard at the lacings on his
tunic, and broke away in order to get it over his head.  Once it was
discarded, she paused to admire the sight of his bronzed skin.  She'd
seen him in various stages of undress before, but that usually
involved sickbay and some sort of emergency.  Now it was only them and
their desire.  Her hands roamed over his skin, lingering briefly on
each scar she discovered, and finally coming to rest over his heart.
He placed one hand over hers as he lowered his head to capture her
lips again.  But after only a few seconds, she pulled back, reaching
one hand behind her neck.  A quick tug at the knot there and the
Rishii gown slowly slid down the length of her body to fall in a soft
circle of gauze at her feet, leaving her clad only in starlight.

How many times had he imagined this moment--to see her as nature
created her?  All of his imaginings paled before the reality.
Spirits, but she was beautiful.  He reached for her, his hands coming
to rest on her waist before moving them upward.

Her eyes fluttered closed when his hands reached her breasts, a low
moan escaping.  She couldn't deny that she'd imagined this herself on
many an occasion, imagined him holding her, touching her, and much
more.  But imagining it was nothing compared to experiencing it.

One of his hands slid to touch her somewhere much lower, causing her
to cry out and dig her fingers into his shoulders for support.  If he
kept that up much longer, she wouldn't be able to stay steady on her
feet....  Then she was falling....no, he was lowering her to the
bed....she pulled him with her....and the last shred of coherent
thought fled as the tide of pent-up passion and need consumed them
both.

---

The next morning found Voyager's captain staring at the starscape
outside the viewport of her living area.  She'd awoken alone that
morning, but with a rose lying next to her pillow.  She was
disappointed that she hadn't awoken before he'd left, but also knew he
would be back.

Her morning routine had seemed to go much quicker than normal.  Even
her hair, which always wanted to be difficult, fell more or less into
place without too much hassle.  So now she sat on the couch in the
exact same spot she'd been sitting in the night before, watching the
stars.  When her door chimed, she called for him to come in and soon
felt him behind her as his arms slipped around her waist.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, yourself."  She leaned back against him, sighing when
his lips nuzzled her neck.  "Don't start that now, Chakotay, or we'll
never get to the bridge."

"You're the captain--you can always cancel our shifts."  Chakotay's
hands were now skimming her sides, with occasional little grabs that
meant he was threatening to tickle her.  After several failed
attempts, she managed to grab his wrists and turned to face him.  He
countered by leaning the short distance between them to steal a kiss.

"So....you're okay with this, then?"

Kathryn was surprised at the question.  But she could see by the look
in his eyes that he was serious.  "It wouldn't have happened if I
weren't okay with it.  And I know now that this should have happened a
long time ago."

"Well, they do say the best things in life are worth waiting for."
Chakotay closed his eyes briefly as her fingertips brushed over his
tattoo, then took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips.

"That they are," she said softly.  A quick glance at her chrono showed
that they would be late if they didn't get moving, as much as she
would have been content to stay right where she was.  "Walk me to the
bridge, Commander?"

His dimples flashed as he gave her a grin.  "You bet."  He offered her
his arm and they got to their feet, heading for the door.

"Bridge to Captain Janeway."

Kathryn rolled her eyes.  They weren't even late yet and Tuvok was
still calling.  "Yes, Tuvok?"

"We have received a communication from Rishii.  You and the Commander
have been requested planetside before we leave."

Kathryn raised an eyebrow.  "Guess Magistrate Torut wants to see us
one last time," she said to herself.  She shrugged inwardly.  "All
right, Tuvok, tell the Magistrate we're on our way."

"Magistrate Torut is not who made the request, Captain."

The command team exchanged a glance.  If Torut had not made the
request, that meant it could only be one other person.  "We're on our
way then."

---

They materialized at the foot of the hill where Kumita's Temple
stood.  Awaiting them was Dreanti.  She swept her skirts out in the
traditional bow, then arose a moment later.  Approaching Chakotay, she
briefly touched her fingertips to his tattoo.  A gleam entered her
eyes and she removed her hand.  Next, she reached for Kathryn in the
same fashion.  The gleam intensified and she suddenly smiled.

"Come," she implored.  "The *Shalii* awaits."

Dreanti led them up the hill to the Temple, and inside.  Kathryn
hesitated briefly on the threshold, but curiosity got the better of
her.  She didn't have long to wait.  Standing just past the first row
of pillars was Jasmi, flanked by Cyndre and Mandri.  As one, the
priestesses bowed, then arose.

"You are well, Captain Janeway?" Jasmi began.

"Our Doctor has determined I suffered no ill effects from being
'Touched'."

"And you, Commander?" Cyndre inquired.

"I'm fine, thank you."

"And you have accepted Kumita's Judgment?"

Kathryn met her first officer's eyes and, remembering the night
before, smiled gently.  He returned her smile with one of his own.
"I'm sure we can live with it."

Jasmi smiled as well.  "Good."

Kathryn noticed that Mandri had not yet said a word.  "So, Mandri.
That look you gave me when we were first introduced.  What was it
*really* about?"

Mandri eyed Kathryn for a long minute before responding.  "I'm sure
you know *exactly* what that look meant, Captain."

The two women exchanged a knowing glance before Kathryn answered,
"Yes, I suppose I do."

"And the *fichala*?  Are you going to tell her?"  A hint of the
challenge was back in Mandri's emerald eyes.

"Seven of Nine is an intelligent young woman.  I'm sure she'll figure
it out for herself before long."

"Indeed."  Another knowing glance.

Jasmi watched the exchange, an amused look in her eyes, before she
spoke up.  "We shall not delay you any longer, Captain.  Dreanti, let
us escort them back to the spot they arrived at."

The four priestesses accompanied them back down the hill, where the
*Shalii* swept out another low bow, along with her fellow
priestesses.  "Kumita's Blessings upon your path and may your journey
home be successful."

"Thank you, Jasmi."  Kathryn tapped her badge.  "Janeway to Voyager.
Two to beam up."

---

"Welcome back, Captain, Commander."

"Thank you, Ensign."  Giving Ensign Burleson a smile and a nod,
Kathryn headed out of the transporter room with her first officer at
her side.  She remained silent even after they'd entered the turbolift
and had ordered it to the bridge.

*I wonder how they knew--how -much- they knew.  But that doesn't
explain how I fell comatose.  If I had been near enough to be touched
by one of the priestesses, they could have done it, but I remember
being away from them--Chakotay was talking to Shalii Jasmi and I
remember stepping closer to the statue....was there something in the
air that could cause a temporary abnormal brain wave?  Or perhaps a
device embedded in the floor where I stepped?  No, that's
ridiculous....*

He knew that look.  "Computer, halt turbolift.  What's on your mind,
Kathryn?"

"A lot of things."

"Such as?"  He gently moved a stray wisp of hair out of her eyes.

"Wondering how the crew will react when they find out, for starters."

"I think you know they've thought we got together years ago and the
only thing to worry about will be Paris' next betting pool.  Now stop
avoiding the subject and tell me what's really on your mind."

Kathryn gave him a wry smile.  "Just trying to figure out how they did
it."

"Kathryn, when are you going to learn that some things in the universe
are just unexplainable?"

"When I figure them all out," she retorted, letting him draw her
against him.

He gave her a serious look.  "So then you're saying this is what I'll
have to put up with from now on?"

"And you aren't used to it already?"  His kiss stopped her from saying
anything further.  Some minutes later when they finally pulled apart,
she was breathless.  "So....are you prepared to live with the
'judgment' set upon us, Commander?"

Chakotay smiled at her teasing tone.  "If you can live with it, so can
I, Captain."

"Good."  She leaned in for a last quick brushing of lips before
drawing back.  "Computer, resume."

The lift began to ascend again.  He looked at her in surprise when her
hand suddenly stole into his.  Kathryn gave him one of her little
smiles.  He returned it and laced his fingers through hers, just in
time for the turbolift doors to open on the bridge.  They stepped onto
the bridge hand in hand, garnering more than a few looks of surprise.

"Tom, set our course--you know the direction.  Warp eight."

"Aye, Captain."  Tom quickly spun in his chair to enter the course,
which gave him the cover he needed to hide his escaping smile.  He'd
have quite a tale to tell B'Elanna when he saw her for dinner that
night.

---

Jasmi's sharp eyes scanned the sky, barely making out a faint glimmer
that, for an instant, brightened, then vanished.  She smiled and
silently wished the alien ship and its crew a safe journey home.

"I wonder how they will fare," Cyndre's soft voice broke into her
thoughts.

"I have a feeling all will go as it now should, Cyndre."

"Think you that they will remain so, *Shalii*?"

"I have little doubt."  Jasmi turned to Dreanti, who had remained
silent since the departure of Voyager's command team.  "Well Dreanti,
what say you?"

"It is as you say, *Shalii*.  All will go as it now should.  They are
connected.  I could feel it when I touched them."  Dreanti then smiled
at the dubious look in Mandri's eyes.  "Nay, Mandri, there will be no
going back to the way it was.  He has ever been her ballast.  She has
ever been his peace.  Now that they have truly come together, only the
next world will separate them.  It is as Kumita has willed it."

---

The End

---

for the curious....a list of Rishii terms:
Shalii ~ high priestess

fichala ~ insult for the Borg, applied to the feminine

rithnit ~ a force of demons that can combine into one form with
great power or many smaller demons with limited powers

siraii ~ Kumita's sacred flower, a five-petaled mango-colored
bloom

Trathi ~ the Rishii version of hell, literally "demon haven"