The BLTS Archive- Destiny
#4: Reverberations
by JanitaMB, a.k.a. Blackcat (janitamb@aol.com, blackcat66@email.com)

---

Disclaimer:  The characters except for Lt. Len Chayton
are the property of Paramount.  I just like playing with them
a little.  Neither Paramount nor I are making any money
off of this story.

WARNING:  This story involves male/male relationships and
explicit sexual encounters.  If this doesn't float your
boat, don't read it.  Simple isn't it?  If you are under the
age of 18, leave now while you still can.

This is the continuation of the "Destiny" Series, which
includes Destiny, The Gift and Decisions.  This segment may
not make since unless you've read the first three.

Author's Note:  When I started this series, I never intended
it to go on this long.  But since then, it's grown bigger
than I anticipated.  I was never one to write angst, however
this story seems to have quite a bit in it.  I think I'm
getting good at it - is this a good thing?  Hope so.
Anyway, this segment has its share of angst.  Many mixed
emotions involved here, so I'm inserting a "hankie" alert.
Oh, btw, it's not the last segment.  ;0)

A special thanks to Britta - the one who catches my errors,
checks me on my redundancies, and helps me to post a
presentable story.   You're a life saver, hon.  :0)  If you find
any errors, they are mine and mine alone.

As always, feedback is appreciated.

(c) 1999 JanitaMB aka Blackcat

--

Saying goodbye to the Captain turned out to be harder than
he expected. It was tearful, and Tom felt overwhelming
remorse for having to leave. But he had to do what he felt
was right. It would be better for everyone concerned if he
didn't return.

Once he was transported to the surface, he stood in line,
waiting to board a ground transport. For the first time in
four years, he was out of his uniform for good. Clad in a
loose fitting white t-shirt and blue jeans, his only
possessions were in the Starfleet travel bag he carried. He
briefly took in his surroundings noting several businesses
that lined the streets. The smell of food wafted through
the air from nearby restaurants, as the natives were busy
going about their early evening routines. Most were on
their way home after putting in a long day at their jobs.
Others were taking in the sights, enjoying their leisure
time. All in all, it was a pleasant evening, but Tom
barely noticed. Still heavyhearted from his most recent
decision, he was unable to appreciate much beauty in
anything. Alone on an unfamiliar planet, he doomed himself
to live a very lonely and secluded existence.

The hatch to the shuttle opened and he watched others as
they boarded the small craft. Stepping aboard, he thought
he heard someone call his name, but when he attempted to
turn around to see, he was hastily pushed further inside by
someone in an obvious hurry.

He found a seat, near one of the windows, watching as the
shuttle became more and more crowded. Tom, with the help of
a few of his new friends, managed to secure a job as a pilot
test flying new star ships. That would at least give him
the opportunity to do one thing he always loved. Because
the fleet yard was located on such a remote part of
Cathesis, they provided housing for the employees if they
needed or wanted it. Of course, they had their choice of
living anywhere on the planet, but for Tom, it was
convenient enough. It would give him the opportunity to
explore the planet more thoroughly at a later time. And he
had plenty of that - time.

Finally, when the transport seemed like it was filled to
capacity, it started moving. He received some scrutinizing
looks from others on the transport. He looked so different
from them, and the presence of an off-worlder seemed to
cause a mild level of excitement and speculation. Ignoring
the stares, Tom peered out the window, saying one last
goodbye to his past life, then noticed someone running
towards the moving shuttle. He wouldn't have even looked
twice, except that the figure looked nothing like the other
inhabitants. Like himself, this person stuck out like a
sore thumb. As the figure moved closer he immediately
noticed the black hair and the red and black uniform. <It
couldn't be...> he thought.

"Chakotay?" he said, unaware it was out loud.

Tom immediately jumped up and made his way, semi-roughly
toward the front of the vehicle. "Let me out!" he demanded.

---

Chakotay shouted to Tom but he couldn't be heard above the
hustle and bustle of the others in what seemed to be the
busiest section of the planet imaginable. Pushing his way
through the crowd, he tried to reach the shuttle before it
departed. But his efforts were in vain. The shuttle pulled
off and began picking up speed quickly. Chakotay ran as
hard and as fast as he could in order to reach it, knocking
people over that happened to have the misfortune of being in
his way. His only concern now was getting Tom's attention.

It was like he was the star of one of Tom's old 20th century
action vids. Fueled by adrenaline and extreme
determination, Chakotay ran after the transport as if it
were a life tether. He ran the equivalent of two blocks,
jumping over bushes, forcing his way through miniature
crowds, completely unconcerned with the people he mowed
down. <If I could just make it to the next stop...> he
thought. His mind told him he could do it - that he could
somehow catch the transport before it went too far. But his
body in its delicate condition said otherwise. As his lungs
began to burn, he felt sudden sharp pains in his lower
abdomen. Moaning loudly, he clutched at his stomach and
fell to the ground, doubled over in agony. He could go no
further.

Tom managed to convince the disgruntled transport operator
to stop the vehicle long enough for him to disembark. Once
he was outside, the shuttle lurched forth, resuming its
previous course, and he looked back trying desperately to
find Chakotay, but he couldn't see him. Had he been
hallucinating? Was he so distraught at the thought of
leaving his lover behind that he was already imagining him
in obscure places? <Great Tom, now you're seeing things> he
thought.

Making his way back to the main square, he noticed a small
crowd had gathered in the middle of the street. As he moved
forward, toward the growing group of pedestrians, he noticed
what looked like the red of a Starfleet uniform in the
center of the conglomeration. "Oh no! Please! Let me
through!" he shouted.

He pushed his way to the center and saw his lover lying on
the ground in obvious pain. "Chakotay! What's wrong?"

The pain was too severe, rendering him speechless, save the
moaning. Tom immediately pressed the comm badge on
Chakotay's chest and shouted, "Paris to Voyager, medical
emergency! Two to beam directly to sick bay!" Shortly
afterward, both felt the familiar tingle of the transporter.

---

Captain Janeway just finished listening to one of the most
incredible stories she'd ever heard. This man before her,
the spitting image of both his fathers, was her "honorary
nephew".

"Len, you do know that you may have changed the entire time
line." She stated meaningfully. "You've definitely gone
against the Prime Directive..."

"Aunt Kathryn, I've been drilled with the importance of the
Prime Directive my entire life - from you and from Dad, so I
hope you forgive me when I say, to hell with the damn prime
directive." He loved his aunt, but sometimes she just
couldn't see the big picture. And he noted that annoying
quality apparently had been with her before he was born.
Defiantly facing her, he asked, "You mean to tell me that if
you had the opportunity to change events in your life, you
wouldn't take it?"

"That still doesn't excuse..."

"The hell it doesn't!" he interrupted adamantly. "Do you
have any idea what it was like growing up with only one
parent? Always wondering if he didn't return because maybe
he didn't want you? Having my father live his life alone,
without romantic companionship because he couldn't bear to
give his heart to anyone else? Do you know what it feels
like to have your father look at you and see longing and
loneliness in his eyes because you look so much like the one
he lost? No, you don't. And until you do, don't tell me
about how important the Prime Directive is."

"Len...please, calm down," she began, realizing that arguing
with this young man would be futile. What's done is done
and there's no changing it now. Besides, she herself had
disregarded the prime directive many times, using the goal
of returning home as her justification. And it didn't
escape her that like Tom, Len had his own insecurities about
himself due to events in his life. Maybe he was right to do
what he did. In any case, she couldn't bring herself to
judge his actions any further. Walking around her desk,
away from Len, she placed both palms on her desk and lowered
her head. "You're right," she said, looking to him once
more, "I'm not one to preach the importance of the prime
directive."

Len's shoulders slumped, his body feeling suddenly fatigued.
"I'm sorry Aunt Kathryn, I shouldn't have lost my temper."

She again walked to her would-be honorary nephew, rested her
hand on his arm. "Apology accepted," she replied
forgivingly. "Now, maybe we can help locate Tom by scanning
the surface."

"I know a technique that will help to locate him quickly
even without his comm badge," Len replied.

"Good." She exited her ready room with the Lieutenant in
tow. Once on the bridge she said, "Ensign Kim, I want you to
work with Lieutenant Chayton to find Mr. Paris on the
surface."

"Captain?" Harry asked bewildered.

"He's on the planet surface with no comm badge." She
replied.

Harry had no idea what was going on, but he had a bad
feeling in his gut. Even if it meant working in close
contact with Len, he would do what he could to find his best
friend. "Aye Captain."

Len joined Ensign Kim at the ops station and began showing
him how to enhance the sensors. Once the sensors were
modified and began their sweep of the planet, Len took a
chance that maybe Harry would let him explain himself.
"Harry, we need to talk," he whispered.

Harry's eyes rose from the console and peered into sad blue
eyes. He wasn't angry anymore, just deeply hurt and wanting
answers. "Yeah, we do..."

It was then that they received the urgent request for an
emergency beam out.

---

As they instantly materialized in Sickbay, the EMH came on
line. "Please state the nature of the..."

"I don't know what happened," Tom interrupted as he helped
the doctor get Chakotay to a biobed, "I found him doubled
over in pain on the ground. I don't know why!"

The doctor immediately pressed a hypospray to the
Commander's neck to render him unconscious, then ran a
medical scan. "He's hemorrhaging internally. We'll need to
repair the damage or we'll lose him."

"What? How?" he asked incredulously.

"Mr. Paris, I'll explain everything in detail later. Right
now, we need to save his life! Prep him for surgery!" the
CMO ordered, then commed Seven of Nine requesting that she
report to sick bay.

Tom did as ordered, stripping Chakotay of his uniform, then
activating the biobed scans. As the device covered his
body, he mumbled repeatedly to himself, "I shouldn't have
left. It's all my fault..." Then, he noticed the readout on
the scanner. "What the hell?" he muttered, as he saw what
appeared to be a uterus, slightly different from that of a
human female, and inside, a small fetus. "Oh my..." Tom was
speechless.

Just then Captain Janeway arrived with Seven of Nine in tow.
The Doctor asked Seven to assist him with the surgery while
the Captain pulled Tom to the side. "What happened?" she
asked the former Lieutenant.

He gave her as many details as he could and when he
explained about what he saw on the readout, he noticed she
wasn't alarmed by the information. "Captain, what's going
on? What's happened to him?"

"I think the Commander should explain that to you." She said
meaningfully. "Don't worry, Tom. He'll be fine." She lay
a comforting hand on his shoulder, then noticed the time.
"I have a staff meeting in five minutes, and a final meeting
with the Ambassador shortly after that. Tom, you're welcome
to sit in on the staff meeting - that is, if you're staying
on board Voyager."

"Thank you Captain, but I'm not leaving until I know he's
all right." Tom gazed at his unconscious soulmate and
couldn't help feeling guilty for having left.

Janeway nodded her understanding, then turned to the Doctor.
"Keep me informed of his status."

"Yes, Captain," he acknowledged. Prepped and ready, and
with Seven assisting him, the operation began.

---

The staff meeting went as well as could be expected
under the circumstances. Janeway informed everyone
that the Commander was in sick bay and Tom was with him.
She wasn't, however, giving out any information on his
condition. It was a mutual agreement between herself and
Len that no one else be informed of Len's true identity.
The Commander's pregnancy would come to light in due time.

Lieutenant Chayton did not attend the staff meeting.
Instead, he began making final preparations for the return
to his time period. With help from the Captain, the other
engineers who continued to be baffled by the ship's
constant problems were given other assignments so he could
be alone to make repairs. He was deeply concerned with
Chakotay, however, he had a feeling all would be well now.
Tom was back and even though it wasn't confirmed, he felt
his other father would be returning with the rest of the
crew.

Len concentrated on making the repairs, keeping himself
occupied and his mind free from pondering other problems in
his life. He was underneath the main console when he heard
a familiar and endearing voice.

"Hey."

"Harry?" Len crawled out from under the console and looked
directly into the eyes of his lover. "Hi, I thought you
were in a staff meeting," he said nervously.

"It just ended. I asked the Captain if I could take the
rest of the shift off for... personal reasons. She seemed
to understand." Harry noticed Len's tattoo. "It looks good
on you."

"What?" Len asked.

"The tattoo. Decided to become part of Chakotay's tribe?"

"Oh, I did some research on my family history. It turns out
we're from the same tribe," he lied. "Small universe, huh?"
he said, half smiling.

"Yeah," he answered sadly. Harry seated himself next to Len
on the deck of the shuttle with his legs propped up and his
arms around his knees. Turning his head, he regarded the
apprehensive man sitting next to him, and waited for him to
say what he had to say.

Len nervously glanced at the laser wrench he held. Sighing
deeply he looked into Harry's eyes. "I'm so sorry. I
never, in a million years, meant to hurt you."

"Len," Harry began, his voice filled with emotion. "How
could you come here, make me fall in love with you, and not
tell me you were married?"

"I'm not married, Harry."

"You might as well be," Harry countered. He stretched his
legs out in front of him and took an extreme interest in his
hands resting in his lap. "Tom was right, I usually go
after and fall in love with the unattainable."

"Tom told you that?" Len asked.

"Yeah. At the time I thought he was full of it, but now..."
he trailed off, not knowing how to continue.

After a long pause, Len took Harry's hand and looked him
straight in the eye. "Harry, I can't apologize enough." He
reached and gently touched his cheek with his fingers. "I
had no idea when I got here, that I would meet you and fall
in love. You have to believe me. I never set out to use
you or hurt you."

Harry nodded his belief. He knew Len was telling the truth,
but it didn't make him feel any better. Peering longingly
into his eyes, his own emotions in turmoil, he asked,
"You're going to marry him aren't you?"

Len felt so guilty for what he had done. Aunt Kathryn was
right...if you chose to go against the prime directive, you
would pay the price one way or another. His actions
reverberated - hitting him full force, as he looked into the
distraught eyes of his lover. Harry had no idea that Len's
betrothed was in fact himself, only older. "I'm committed
to him, Harry. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, I know," Harry replied sadly. He lifted himself off
of the deck of the shuttle and began to exit through the
hatch.

"Harry," Len called. Harry stopped in his tracks, not
turning to face him. Len moved behind him and placed his
hand on his waist. Turning Harry so he faced him, he gently
traced the full lips, feeling Harry's shallow breath on his
fingers. Then, caressing his face, shaky fingers making his
nervousness evident, he kissed those lips, longingly,
attempting to portray all the love he felt for the young
man. Harry, in spite of himself, wrapped his arms around
Len, holding him tightly, pouring all his emotions into the
embrace.

When they pulled apart, Len said, "I'll be leaving soon -
flying my own ship back to Federation space."

"I know," Harry sighed. "Against my better judgement, I want
to see you before you leave."

Len's heart melted at Harry's words. "I was hoping you'd
say that. When I finish here, I'm going to look in on the
Commander, then I'll come by your quarters."

Harry gave a half-hearted smiled and nodded. After slowly
letting Len go, he turned and left the shuttle. Len
reluctantly went back to work.

---

Tom sat in sick bay, vigilantly holding Chakotay's hand.
The operation went well and the womb with the fetus was
still intact. A strong heart beat could be seen and he
hadn't felt such relief in his life. Checking the bioscans,
he noted that the child was indeed his. He didn't know how
it happened, but he was filled with pride just the same.

However, he still berated himself for leaving, and even
more for shutting Chakotay out. If it weren't for his
stupidity, Chakotay wouldn't be recovering from surgery now.
With his free hand, he rubbed his own hair in worry and
lowered his head, silently vowing to be honest with his mate
from now on.

He decided he would return to the Alpha quadrant after all.
In the short time he sat there, worrying about Chakotay, he
went from being deeply saddened and hurt by his father, to
not giving a rat's ass what the man thought. He deserved
some happiness in his life, and he had that with Chakotay.
If his father didn't like that, well, fuck him and the horse
he rode in on. He never had to see the man again if he
didn't want to.

Four hours passed before Tom was stirred out of his thoughts
by a slight squeeze to his hand. He looked up abruptly into
the groggy eyes of his lover. "Hey, you," Chakotay said.

"Hey yourself." Tom smiled and softly caressed his lover's
smooth face. "You scared me to death, you know." Tom said,
meaningfully.

Chakotay took in his surroundings noting he was on Voyager
in sick bay. "What am I doing here?"

"What's the last thing you remember?" Tom asked while
checking his vital signs.

Chakotay, through his sleepy haze, tried to recall the
events that lead to his current situation. "I remember
beaming down to the surface and trying to get your attention
but I couldn't. I tried to chase the transport and...oh my
god, the baby!"

"Shhh," Tom cooed, "The baby's fine." He watched as
Chakotay sighed in relief. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was on my way to tell you, when I discovered your
message," he admitted. He regarded Tom as he lowered his
head guiltily. "Tom, what happened? Why did you feel you
couldn't come home with me?"

Tom looked into his lovers eyes with regret, saying, "I
didn't want to return because I didn't want to face my
father. But that's all behind me now. I want to go home
with you, that is, if you will have me."

"I nearly killed myself to catch you and you're asking me if
I'll still have you? Tom, you never cease to amaze me," he
said smiling.

Tom grinned broadly then kissed the man he loved earnestly.
"I'm so glad you're all right," he said as he leaned his
forehead against Chakotay's.

---

Captain Janeway entered sick bay and immediately moved to
where the Commander was lying. Tom was sitting there
watching him sleep. He looked tired and she figured he was
probably hungry. She placed her hand on his shoulder to get
his attention. "How's he doing?"

"The Doctor says he should be able to go home in about 24
hours," Tom replied, never taking his eyes of his sleeping
lover.

"So I take it that you'll be staying here on Voyager?" she
asked knowingly.

"I would like to, Captain." He regarded her with tired
eyes.

"I'm glad to hear it, Lieutenant," she answered smiling.
"Now, why don't you go get some food and a shower."

"No, I'll stay here until he..."

"Tom, don't make me make it an order." She could see the
fatigue in his eyes. Even though she knew it would be
futile for her to tell him to go and get some sleep, she
could at least insist he get some food in his stomach and a
relaxing shower before he settled on one of the biobeds for
the night. "I'll stay here with him until you get back."

He grinned at her, gratitude in his eyes, then kissed
Chakotay on the forehead before leaving. "I'll be back
soon," he said to her, then exited sick bay.

Kathryn sat with Chakotay as he lay sleeping. She knew Len
must love him in order to take the risk he took to make sure
he and Tom stayed together. She mentally compared Len to
Chakotay as she sat gazing at his fine looks and striking
features. He was truly a handsome man. Suddenly his eyes
fluttered open. "How are you feeling?" she asked warmly.

"Very tired," he replied. "But better. Where's Tom?"

"I sent him to get something to eat. He'll be back shortly.
It would take wild animals to keep him away from here
tonight."

Chakotay smirked at her words. "How's Len doing?"

"He's fine, Chakotay. He's preparing to go home." She said
regretfully. "Too bad he can't stay, I was beginning to get
used to him being around."

"Me too," regarded Chakotay. "But he'll be here soon
enough," he said, placing a hand on his abdomen.

"Chakotay, have you told Tom about Len?"

"No, I haven't had a chance."

"Good," Janeway voiced. "I think the less people who know
about him, the better. We'll just keep it between you and
me."

"Captain, I think that..." he began, but before he could
finish, the subject of their conversation walked in.

Len strode into sick bay, making his way to the biobed
Chakotay lay on. After checking to make sure he was alone,
save Chakotay and Janeway, he pulled up a chair and asked,
"Dad, how are you feeling?"

"I'm doing better," Chakotay smiled at Len showing his
reassurance. "I hear you'll be leaving soon."

"Yeah, when we get to the worm hole coordinates, I'll leave
Voyager's shuttle bay and return back to my time period.
Starfleet will be happy to know that the new time ship
works," he noted.

"We'll arrive at those coordinates at 1300 tomorrow
afternoon," Janeway confirmed.

"Dad, I need to talk to you before Tom gets back."

"I guess that's my cue," Janeway said decidedly. Feeling
extremely close now to the young man sitting next to her,
she rested her hand on his shoulder, saying, "We'll talk
later. Oh, and make sure he doesn't go anywhere." She
teased him, then left sick bay.

"So, what's on your mind?" Chakotay asked sleepily.

"I know you're still tired, but I wanted to talk to you."

"About?" Chakotay asked.

"Tom. Did he tell you why he didn't want to go home?"

Chakotay paused trying to remember what Tom had told him.
He was still somewhat groggy at the time, but finally the
haziness cleared from his memory. "He said he didn't want
to face his father."

"Why would he say that?" Len asked.

"Well, Tom never had a good relationship with his father in
the past," Chakotay noted. "Maybe his fear got the best of
him."

"That's what I thought too. So while I was here, I spent a
lot of time trying to convince Tom that Grandpa Owen had
changed. But I guess it didn't work." Then Len remembered
something. "Dad, did Tom ever get a letter from his father
sent through an array?"

"That letter came through, but according to B'Elanna the
transmission was lost or unreadable," Chakotay remembered.

"B'Elanna said she had been working on it and was able to
retrieve most of the message. She said she would make sure
he received it. Maybe he never did," Len remarked. He
frowned, in deep thought, then said, "Maybe it's time I had
another talk with B'Elanna."

"No, I'll talk to her," Chakotay decided. "The less
attention you draw to yourself, the better."

"Well, I think Tom should know what his father really thinks
of him."

"You know what the letter said?" Chakotay asked.

"Yes. I don't know word for word, but I know personally,
that he wanted to make amends with Tom. That's why I think
he never received it." Len peered at the gentle eyes of his
father and said, "Maybe I should tell him who I really am."

"The Captain thinks we shouldn't tell him..."

"Tell who what?" Tom asked as he strode into sickbay. He'd
showered and changed, and after eating a replicated meal, he
looked like he felt much better.

Chakotay and Len just looked at one another, and in that
single glance, Tom was able to tell they were talking about
him. "Ok, now that I know *who*, you two want to tell me
*what*? He asked, then placed a gentle kiss on his lover's
forehead. He was so glad to see Chakotay looking better, it
wouldn't have mattered what they had to say. Nothing could
break his spirits now.

"I might as well tell him," Len decided. Turning to Tom he
said, "But you've got to promise it goes no further than
us."

"No problem." Tom replied, grinning. "No one else will hear
it from me."

"Tom," Chakotay began, "This is serious. You can't tell
anyone else. Not Harry, not B'Elanna..."

"And especially the Captain, since she gave us a direct
order not too." Len stated.

"Maybe I'd better sit down for this one," Tom said
nervously. Seating himself in the chair next to Len, he
peered into his blue eyes saying, "I'm ready, shoot."

"Okay," Len looked at Tom apprehensively. "How should I say
this?" he muttered.

"The direct approach would be nice," Tom responded anxiously.

"Well...I know about the pregnancy. I've known for some
time."

"Chakotay, you told Len before you told me?" he asked
incredulously.

"No-no, Tom, he didn't tell me. I knew about it before he
did, actually." As Tom looked at him like he was growing a
second head before his very eyes, Len continued, "I know
about it because, the baby he's carrying is me. I'm your son,
from 25 years in the future."

You could have heard a pin drop. Tom was so silent, Len
wasn't sure he was even breathing. "Dad?" he asked
tentatively, "Aren't you going to say something?"

"I...I really don't know what to say," Tom stuttered.
Reaching out to touch Len's cheek, he now realized why Len
looked so familiar to him when he first came on board
Voyager. He had his eyes, and Chakotay's flawless skin.
Then he noticed Len's hands, taking one in his own, turning
it over and examining it. They were exactly like his own,
save the skin color, but the nails were the same, without
the moons, and the fingers long and slender. "My God," he
whispered as he looked into eyes that were the mirror image
of his own. "Oh my God...why? Why did you come here?"

"Are you angry?" Len asked, very afraid of the answer he
would receive.

Tom's gaze softened noting the apprehension in Len's eyes.
Filled with unfamiliar emotions, he hugged Len to himself
tightly, saying, "No, not at all!" Just knowing this man
was his son made him want to protect his feelings, no
matter how old he was. He realized the unfamiliar feelings
were that of a parent for his child.

Len returned the embrace, welcoming it and sighing with
great relief. He'd been longing to hug Tom from the time he
met him and could only settle for a handshake without
blowing his cover. "Well, at least you took it better than
Dad did." He explained, a smile on his face as he pulled back and
looked at Tom once more. "He didn't believe me and tried
to take my head off at the neck."

"Chakotay?" Tom questioned.

"He's right. I didn't believe him at first. I thought he
was the reason you left." He looked away sheepishly and
said, "Obviously I wasn't thinking too clearly at the time."

"Hey, it's okay, Dad," Len said meaningfully. "It was a
pretty big pill to swallow. Besides, it was worth it to see
you two together again."

"So, you came here to make sure we stayed together?" Tom
asked incredulously.

"Something like that..." Len answered beaming. He didn't
want to give away too much information.

"Well, I'm glad you did, because if you hadn't, I would
never have known about you." Tom took his son's hand in his,
still marveling over the whole situation. "I have so many
questions, I don't know where to begin."

"Sorry, Dad. I can't give you any more information. I've
changed the timeline drastically as it is."

"You do realize," Chakotay began, "That things may be
significantly different when you return to your time period,
don't you?"

"Yeah, I know," Len stated. "When I get back, everything
will be different, I'm sure."

"Wait...what about Harry?" Tom asked, "Does he know?"

"No, and I can't tell him either," Len answered sadly.
"Which reminds me, I have to go. I promised him I would see
him before I left tomorrow." Kissing both his fathers,
he turned to leave saying, "I'll stop by tomorrow before
I leave." Then he left sick bay.

****************

Len arrived at Harry's quarters at 1800. He was
unexplainably nervous as he pressed the chime. A muffled
reply signaled the door to hiss open and he stepped inside.

In the semi-darkened room, Len could make out a lone
silhouette. Harry, still in his uniform, stood staring out
the view port at the stars streaking by. "Hi, Harry."

"You know, I keep telling myself I shouldn't do this," Harry
began, not turning away from the stars. "That I shouldn't
give myself to you anymore than I already have." He felt
Len move to stand behind him - could feel his breath against
his neck as a hand gently rested on his shoulder. "But it's
too late." Turning and gazing into the blue depths before him
he said, "You were right when you said I was yours."

"Harry, whether you know it or not, or even believe it, I
belong to you too. I always have, and always will.
Someday, I'll prove that to you," he said as he gently
brushed a strand of hair away from Harry's forehead.

"How could I possibly resist you?" Harry whispered. "I know
I've said this before, but I can't help it - I think you're
so beautiful. So beautiful..." Softly, he traced the lines
of Len's tattoo with his fingertips, then gently pulled him
in for a kiss.

The kiss was long and tender leaving both breathless. Len
wrapped his arms around him pulling him as close to himself
as possible. He wanted to somehow project to Harry what he
was feeling - desire, longing, deep emotional love, and
sorrow for what he had done.

Somehow, they made their way to Harry's bed, urgently
fumbling with zippers and buttons, then removing the
unwanted and restricting fabric. They lay on the bed, Len
on top as Harry's legs wrapped around Len's muscular thighs.

They moved slowly against each other, their bare erections
touching, causing each to gasp. Len kissed and nibbled at
Harry's neck, then slowly and deliberately made his way to
the erect nipples. Using his tongue he stroked the hard
nubs continuously, alternating between the two while
listening to Harry moan and gasp at the incredible
sensations.

Len wanted to explore every inch of his lover's body.
He wanted him to feel absolute pleasure. Kissing his way
down his lover's rippled stomach, he reveled in his smell,
his taste, the way his skin felt against his tongue.
Harry lay trembling with anticipation as Len took him
completely into his mouth.

It wasn't rushed. It was slow and soft, portraying
all that he felt for the man beneath him. His skin was warm
and Len could feel the rod pulsing between his lips. He
loved the smoothness of the skin, the feel of the throbbing
vein on the underside, the taste of pre-cum as he stroked
his tongue across the tip. It was all so incredible, as if
he were learning Harry for the first time.

Harry's mind had shut down. All he could do was feel the
tongue stroking him, the hands caressing him. It was nearly
too much, and yet not enough. He wanted more. Amazingly he
gained control of his thought processes long enough to warn
Len. "I'm so close...but stop, I don't want to yet..."

Len slowly came to a stop, then moved up the length of
Harry's body until he was gazing into his ebony eyes. "Tell
me what you want, baby. Tell me - I'll do anything you
want."

Harry hesitated as he took in the raw desire in his lover's
eyes. Finding his voice finally he said, "I want us to
be one. I want you inside me."

"Anything for you, baby, anything." And his lips came to
rest on Harry's once more while he fumbled at the nightstand
until his hand felt the familiar jar. Noting the lid was
off, and without breaking the kiss, he plunged three fingers
into the cool gel, coating them well with the moist
substance. Then in a gentle caress his hand moved between
their bodies until his index finger located Harry's opening.
Slowly, he slipped a finger inside, this time breaking the
kiss so he could witness his response.

He wasn't disappointed. Harry's eyes closed and his head
rolled back in ecstasy. His lips parted slightly allowing
moans and whimpers to escape his throat, as a second,
then a third finger was added. They brushed his prostate
and Harry cried out, his cock jumping in response.
With his fingers still pushing in and pulling out of the
warm tightness, Len lifted his body off of Harry and watched
as Harry's legs involuntarily raised off the bed and bent up
towards his chest. He was ready - Len knew it.

Withdrawing his fingers he reached for the jar retrieving a
generous amount of the gel and coating his erection with it.
Placing his hands on Harry's hips, he positioned himself at
the entrance. Then with one stroke, he entered the waiting
body beneath him, crying out at the feeling. It was almost
too much, but somehow, Len managed to keep control and
after a few moments began to move.

"Oh spirits, Harry," he whispered, closing his eyes while
leaning his head back. "Oh god, Harry, you feel so good..."
he breathed, while building a steady rhythm.

Harry's head rolled from side to side now, as he moaned
and cried out. It was too much. He was so close, as he felt
himself being lifted up.

Len reached down and pulled his lover to him, never breaking
contact, but wanting Harry to face him as he made love to
him. Harry wrapped his arms around Len's neck and moved up
and down on the cock inside him. It was exquisite,
incredible, and extremely emotional. Harry locked his gaze
on Len's and all that could be heard in the room was their
heavy breathing and occasional words of endearment. Then
Len reached down wrapping his fingers around Harry's cock.
That was all it took, Harry's head fell back and he cried
out as he exploded all over Len's hand and his own chest.

His uncontrollable spasms caused Len's orgasm to be pulled
from him. He saw stars exploding behind his eyelids as he
emptied himself into the body now impaled on him. Both men
collapsed in a boneless heap on the bed, breathing heavily,
still wrapped around each other.

As their breathing slowed, Len thought he felt wetness on
the side of his face that rested against Harry's cheek - a
moisture other than the sweat they generated from their love
making. He looked up and noted that tears were streaming
down the side of his lover's face.

Len looked at Harry in inquiry as Harry said, "How am I
suppose to live without you now?"

Tears built up in his own eyes, Len held and kissed Harry as
he wept, and he silently berated himself for what he'd done
to the only person in the universe he truly loved.

---

The next day arrived all too swiftly. Chakotay was released
from sick bay under strict orders from the Doctor to refrain
from any extreme physical activity for the next three days.
Janeway granted Tom the time so he could be with and care
for his lover while he recovered.

At 1300, Voyager arrived at the coordinates of the wormhole.
Len had said goodbye to both his fathers earlier in their
quarters. Tom had officially moved into Chakotay's
quarters, much to the expectation of most of the crew,
and he stopped by knowing Chakotay wouldn't be allowed to
leave. After several kisses and heartfelt hugs from both
his fathers, he left and reported to Shuttle bay two where
his ship awaited.

After making the final checks to the shuttle's systems, he
stepped out into the bay where the Captain waited to send
him off. "Good luck, Lieutenant," she said smiling pleasantly
at him.

Len hugged her tightly saying, "Thanks, Aunt Kathryn, for
everything. I'll see you in a few months."

"I guess so," she said, somewhat misty-eyed. As they
separated, someone entered the shuttle bay. It was Harry.
"Inform me when you're ready to leave the docking area." She
said in her official tone, then turned to leave the two
officers alone.

"I'm really going to miss you," Harry said, pulling him into
a warm embrace.

"Yeah, me too." Len pulled back to gaze into ebony eyes.
With his hands still wrapped around Harry's waist, he
said,  "Listen, if when you get home, you happen to see
me,  please don't leave without at least saying hello."

"I will, Len." Sighing deeply he said, "I love you."

"I love you, Harry Kim." With that he kissed him one last
time, then reluctantly let him go and entered his shuttle.

Harry watched as the hatch closed, then he sadly exited the
shuttle bay, returning to his station on the bridge.

Once the shuttle was outside of Voyager, the Captain gave
the command to enter the wormhole, and within minutes they
were in the Gamma quadrant.

"Activate the cloaking device, Ensign Kim."

"Aye, Captain." His fingers played gracefully over the ops
station and Voyager became invisible to any and everything.
All that was left was to travel the six months undetected to
the wormhole coordinates that would lead them to Deep Space
Nine.

---

Len watched as the great, and for him, historical ship
entered the wormhole and disappeared from his view screen.
Then, laying in the coordinates for the Terran system, and
setting the temporal signatures to those of his time period,
he pressed the controls and at the flash of a brilliant
white light, instantaneously landed 25 years later in the
Alpha quadrant, right in view of Earth. As soon as he
appeared in the Alpha Quadrant, he felt, rather than saw
that things were different. It seemed warmer - more inviting.
To the Federation, his trip was instantaneous - for him,
he'd  been away for six months. It was good to be home.

He hailed Star Fleet. "This is Lieutenant Chayton Len
Chakotay-Paris requesting permission to land. Please
respond."

The screen shimmered and two familiar faces greeted him.
"Admiral Tom Paris here with Captain Harry Kim. Your
security codes have been confirmed - I'm sending you landing
coordinates. Welcome home, son," he said warmly. Then
Harry smiled broadly and said, "I'm glad you made it back in
one piece."

"Was there ever any doubt?" Len asked, grinning.

"Not from the second best pilot in the Federation," Tom
noted playfully.

"Second best?"

"That's right," Chakotay stepped into view, looking to Len,
much happier than when he left for the past. "Tom's the
best pilot."

"Yes, but I taught him everything he knows," Tom said to his
soulmate, as he gently caressed his hand.

Beaming at the view screen, at the three most important
people in his life, Len put the shuttle on auto pilot and
relaxed for a moment as it landed at the fleet yard in San
Francisco. Len knew that everything was as it should be
now. But in the next few days, he would find that things
were significantly different. Life for him would become a
little more interesting.

---

The End