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

---

Disclaimer:  The characters are the property of Paramount.  I
just like playing with them a little.  The story and the character
Lieutenant Paris Len Chayton, is mine.  Neither I nor Paramount
are making any money off of this story.

NOTE:  This is the sequel to "Destiny".  For those of you who
haven't read it, you may wish to do so in order for this
story to make sense.  And, also, it's not the conclusion.

Hugs and kisses to Britta for beta reading for me again.  If you
find any mistakes, they're mine - not hers.

WARNING:  This is a C/P story, involving sex between two
men.  If this doesn't float your boat, don't read it.  Simple?  I
think so.  If you are under the age of 18, leave now while you
still can.

(c)1998 JanitaMB a.k.a. Blackcat

---

Tom and Chakotay had been together for almost 10 months
and seemed blissfully happy.  Len observed the two together
and for a moment, thought that he ended up in the wrong
universe.  Knowing that he hadn't,  he was determined to fix
what happened between his parents so he would know and be
raised by both of them.

Len never knew both of his parents, only one - Chakotay.
Chakotay taught him everything about his Native
American culture.  He also taught him about Tom - told him
how much he loved him and hated to leave him behind.
Starfleet had perfected the Warp 10 flight, and after he was
born, while still on maternity leave, Chakotay managed to
gain passage on Voyager (thanks to his Aunt Kathryn) and
tried to find Tom.  They returned to the planet that Tom was
left on only to find that he was killed in a piloting accident.

Chakotay never got over Tom's death.  He continued to live
his life, raising Len to be a wonderful, well adjusted man, but
he never allowed another person in his life romantically after
Tom.  Len knew that he was a constant reminder of Tom to
his father.  There were times when Len would catch Chakotay
looking at him and smiling - his presence bringing to life
bittersweet memories.  He had Tom's eyes, and his sense of
humor and compassion.  Sometimes, when Len was a
teenager, Chakotay would observe him interacting with his
peers and it would remind him of how Tom was around
B'Elanna and Harry.

Len loved his father, and had such a strong desire to know his
other father that when offered the chance to test the prototype
Starfleet Time ship, he couldn't refuse.

Len didn't lie about knowing the Admiral.  Grandpa Owen,
as he called him, loved and cherished him.  Chakotay saw to
it that the Admiral learned what a wonderful person Tom had
become.  Chakotay was 6 months pregnant when he met the
Admiral.  Owen Paris was more than surprised to see a
pregnant man walk into his office with information about his
son.  But he allowed Chakotay to speak, and afterward,
shared with Chakotay how much he missed Tom.  He told
him that after Voyager was officially declared lost, he
mourned his son's death.  He felt so guilty for how he treated
him, and realized that even though Tom made mistakes, they
were just that - mistakes.  Deep down inside, the part which
the Cardassians that tortured him couldn't touch, he loved his
son.  He was devastated that he wasn't able to tell him so.
Then when he found out that Voyager had made contact with
the Federation via it's EMH, he  sent a letter to Tom telling
him how proud he was of him and that he still loved him. He
also said he would do anything he could to make sure
Voyager got home as soon as possible.  With the help of a
friend and colleague at Utopia Planitia, he put together the
research team to perfect the ability to travel at Warp 10, and
the first star ship fitted with the new technology was, of
course, Voyager.  It was unfortunate, however, that Tom
never received that letter from his father.

After hearing the Admiral's true feelings and sensing his
sincerity, Chakotay told him that the baby he was carrying
was Tom's.  Then Owen Paris did something totally
unexpected.  He hugged Chakotay and actually shed a few
tears.  He told Chakotay that he wanted to take an active part
in his grandchild's life, to make up for what he lost with
Tom, and he did.  Len's grandpa adored him, and after Len
graduated from Starfleet Academy, Admiral Owen Paris died
of old age, but he died a much happier man.

Len had come to know Tom during this time period, and he
loved him very much.  As much as he loved Chakotay.   So
many times he wanted to tell them who he really was, but he
knew he couldn't, so he kept a tight grip on his emotions -
telling himself that when his work was done here, everything
would be like it should.  What he didn't quite understand was
why Tom felt he couldn't return with the crew to the Alpha
quadrant.  He asked his father why in his own time period,
and Chakotay said that Tom wouldn't tell him.  So Len would
have to find out in order to stop what was going to happen.

---

The planet they found in the unexplored star system turned
out to be an asset.  It was inhabited by a race of humanoids
called the Cathesians.  A very hospitable and spiritual  people
who were fascinated by Voyager's story and more than willing
to aid in their journey home.  They provided Voyager with
food and supplies that were much needed, and allowed
Voyager's crew to spend shore leave on their planet.

Tom and Chakotay beamed down to the surface of the planet
and occupied a small bungalow surrounded by a beautiful
exotic garden on one side, and a glorious view of a deep blue
lake on the other.   As much as they wanted to enjoy the
exquisite  grounds surrounding the bungalow, it would have
to wait.  They, along with Captain Janeway and the rest of the
senior officers, had been invited to a reception by Ambassador
Kamen of the Third Province.  The reception was in
celebration of the harvest.

They entered the reception hall and were greeted by a lovely,
petite woman wearing a flamboyant pink and yellow dress.
Her auburn hair fell in long waves past her shoulders, with
one small section threaded through brightly colored beads.
Her eyes were a deep emerald green, that emanated warmth
and friendship.  "Greetings!  My name is Anya and I'll be
your hostess today," she said taking Tom's and Chakotay's
hand.  "Come! You are to sit at the Ambassador's table as his
honored guests!"

Anya led them to the table and they were seated along with
Captain Janeway, B'Elanna, and Tuvok.  Minutes later Tom
looked toward the entrance and noticed Len and Harry were
being brought to the table.  Tom leaned over to Chakotay and
whispered "Look who just arrived.  Cute couple aren't they?"

"Yes they are." Chakotay agreed, then realized what Tom was
up to.  "Tom, you're not going to play matchmaker are you?"

"Cha, what ever gave you that idea?" he said in exaggerated
surprise.

Before Chakotay could answer him Anya was seating Harry
and Len at the table.  Once the guests were seated, she noticed how
they each interacted with one another.   A warm smile graced
her face as she regarded these humanoids who were so
different from her and her people, yet similar in many ways.
"Such a beautiful family," she said with heartfelt honesty.

"We're not related," voiced Janeway, although she was unable
to hide the pride she felt at Anya's statement.  She regarded
the crew of Voyager as her family.  A family that never
disappointed her in any way.

"Maybe not, but you all are close - like a family."  Anya
replied, eliciting smiles from everyone at the table except for
Tuvok.  She walked around to where she had seated Chakotay
and Tom.  As the others were engaging in various
conversations,  she said so only they could hear,  "You two
are bond mates.  I can tell.  Such a beautiful couple."

"But, we're not married," Tom replied, somewhat surprised
that this woman would assume they were, but not offended in
the least.

"Marriage does not have to occur for two such as you to be
bond mates," Anya replied, "It is just a formality.  The love
you two share is stronger than any formality."  She took the
liberty of placing one hand on each man's chest, closing her
eyes as she felt the strong pulse of their hearts thudding.
"Your hearts beat together," she said gazing once more at the
two bewildered looking men, "You are bond mates."

Tom blushed while Chakotay entwined his fingers with his
lover's and asked, "How can you tell?  Is it because we came
in together?"

"Oh no Commander, I just know.  Now, I'll be bringing
drinks over soon.  And I have something very special for you
two."  Smiling, she left their table.

The Ambassador overheard their conversation and confirmed,
"It's true you know.  She has a gift and can tell when two
people are in love.  She made the same observation of the
Captain and her engineer."

"What engineer?" Chakotay and Tom said in unison.

"Why, Ms. Torres of course," he replied, looking to each of
them, and wondering why astonishment graced their faces.
"Didn't you know?"

"No we didn't." Chakotay said, glancing briefly at Kathryn
and B'Elanna, as Tom was at a loss for words.

Noting the time, the Ambassador said, "Oh, it is time!"  He
stood up and called for everyone's attention so he could make
his speech.

"Thank you, thank you.  I'd like to welcome everyone to the
Harvest Day Celebration.  As you all know, we've celebrated
this day in honor of our ancestors, who worked so hard to
make this land rich and fulfilling.  Once again, our crops
have exceeded expected growth.  So much so, that we have
more than enough to offer others."  Applause erupted
around the room.

Once it quieted down, he continued.  "This is what our ancestors
worked so hard for.  Not only to
provide food for themselves, but for others on our home world
who are in desperate need.  Their efforts have brought
to extinction famine and hunger on our world, and we thank
them, and our Holy One for blessing us."  He raised his hands
to the sky giving thanks as he gave honor to his god, the rest
of his people following suit.

"This year, we have been given the opportunity to expand our
contributions to our newest friends from the Alpha quadrant."
He looked around his table at the Voyager crew as he spoke.
"Their Captain, Kathryn Janeway, has told us of their
incredible journey - their one goal being to return home.
We've given them food and supplies that will aid them in
their journey.  And as an added surprise, a gift will be
presented to them at a later time."

Murmurs began around the room as Chakotay leaned over to
the Captain and said "Another gift?  Do you have any idea
what it is?"

"None," replied the Captain equally bewildered as the rest of her
crew.  "I suppose we'll find out soon."

"Now, everyone eat, dance and enjoy yourselves!" the
Ambassador proclaimed.  Everyone in the room applauded as
the hostess of each table brought drinks.

Anya came carrying a large assortment of drinks to the
Ambassador's table.  She sat a drink down in front of each
person.  When she reached Tom and Chakotay, she placed
their drinks on the table and said to them, "This is a special
drink for bond mates to share.  May your lives be happy and
fruitful!"

The matchmaker in Tom decided to find out what Anya
thought about Harry and Len.  "Anya, what do you think of
those two over there?"  He whispered and gestured in Harry
and Len's direction, much to Chakotay's annoyance.

"Oh, they are," she paused, briefly assessing the two men,
after which, correcting her prior statement.  "No, they will be
bond mates."

"They aren't now?" Tom asked.

"Oh no.  It's too soon.  But they will be.  It is their destiny."
she said smiling as she left their table once more.

"Tom, what are you up to?" Chakotay asked looking at his
lover.

"Nothing Chakotay."  He smiled and lightly brushed
Chakotay's lips with his own.  "Now, lets have a drink shall
we?"

Tom picked up Chakotay's glass and handed it to him, then
picked up his own.  They had the same drink as B'Elanna and
Kathryn.  Both took a sip of the fruity substance and decided
it was pleasing to the tongue.  It gave them both a warm
mellow feeling as they sipped it.

Shortly after, food was served.  It was a beautiful assortment
of fruits and vegetables for the recent harvest.  After eating
and finishing their second glass of the special drink,
Chakotay and Tom spent the better part of the evening
migrating from their table to the dance floor.

After a while, Tom lost site of Chakotay.  He found him
standing out on the balcony looking at the three moons of
Cathesis.  Tom quietly walked up to his lover and put his
hands around his waist.  Chakotay started at first, then
relaxed into Tom's embrace.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" he murmured into
Chakotay's ear.

"Just needed some air," he said as he caressed the arms
circling him.

Tom was enjoying feeling his lover in his arms, and suddenly
got an incredible urge make love to him.  "Why don't we get
out of  here, hmm?" he said as he softly planted kisses on the
back and side of Chakotay's neck.

"Mmm," Chakotay moaned, "That sounds like a great idea."

Moments later, a trail of clothes could be seen from the living
area into the bedroom of their small bungalow.  Soft sighs
could be heard from the two as they lay together, Tom nestled
between Chakotay's legs.

Tom kissed Chakotay, letting his tongue delve deep into his
mouth.  He loved the way he tasted, the way his tongue felt as
he sucked it.  Tom knew that the roof of Chakotay's mouth
was extremely sensitive, so he took the tip of his tongue along
it causing a deep moan to escape his lover.

Chakotay wrapped his arms around Tom and continued to
kiss him feverishly for a long moment.  Then Tom grabbed
his arms and held them on either side of his head.  This was
when Chakotay realized that Tom was in the mood to take
total control.  He loved it when Tom did this.

Tom looked at Chakotay for a long moment, their breathing
the only sound in the room.  As the light from the three
moons cast a faint glow across the bed, Tom lowered his
mouth just above Chakotay's ear and whispered,  "Don't
move.  Stay in this position unless I move you. Okay?"

All Chakotay could do was nod.  He reached behind him and
gripped the bed post in an attempt to adhere to Tom's request.
He knew it was going to be difficult not to touch him.

Tom began his slow loving by licking around Chakotay's
sensitive ears, and was deeply satisfied with the gasp that
Chakotay made as a result.  Chakotay turned his head to give
Tom better access, as his lover made a slow, fucking motion
with his tongue inside the small crevice.  Tom observed that
Chakotay's breathing quickened while he kissed and sucked a
slow trail down his neck.

Chakotay was moaning now.  Tom lifted himself slightly and
slid down to where his mouth had better access to Chakotay's
chest.  He noticed that his lover had become tense.  "Relax
baby," he said in a low desire filled voice, "you'll enjoy it
more."  Chakotay relaxed, letting his muscles sink into the
soft mattress of the bed, causing a brief smile to break across
Tom's face.  "Good," he replied at Chakotay's compliance, "so
good."  Then he gently took the tip of his tongue around
Chakotay's nipple, only his warm breath tantalizing the
nipple itself.  Even though his tongue never actually touched
the nipple, it hardened from the teasing, and was extremely
sensitive when Tom finally did stroke his wet tongue across
it.

"Yesssssss." Chakotay hissed at the feel of Tom's tongue on
his skin.  He didn't know how much he could take, even
though he also new that Tom was nowhere near finished
with what he wanted to do. Tom didn't realize the depth of
what he did to Chakotay.  He was like a living aphrodisiac -
taking Chakotay places sexually that he had never been
before.  "Tom, you're driving me crazy," he managed to gasp
as he felt Tom's tongue stroke over his other nipple.

"I've only just begun," he murmured as he kissed a leisurely
path down Chakotay's torso.  He settled his tongue over
Chakotay's navel, licking it, ever mindful of the tip of
Chakotay's cock laying just below it.  Moving from his navel,
he licked around the weeping member, never actually making
contact with the long thick shaft that he knew ached for his
touch. Then, after slowly running the tips of his fingers down
the length of Chakotay's body, he said in a low voice, "Turn
over."

Chakotay did as he was instructed and Tom sat straddled on
his lover's ass, slowly stroking the tips of his fingers up and
down Chakotay's lovely back with a feather light touch.
Chills coursed through Chakotay's body, and he moaned his
appreciation to Tom's actions.

"So beautiful," Tom whispered.  He brought his fingernails
lightly across the small of his lover's back causing another
gasp to escape from Chakotay.  "You like this?" Tom asked.

"Oh yes," he moaned, "Yes I do."  He felt Tom lift himself up,
then felt his legs being spread apart and waited in
anticipation for what he thought would be next.  Then he felt
Tom's soft lips on his ass cheeks, as Tom's fingernails
traveled the length of his thighs.  "Oooh, I like that too," he
purred.

Tom lowered himself, settling between Chakotay's spread
legs, then he parted Chakotay's round cheeks with dexterous
fingers, letting his tongue delve into the opening of his lover's
body.  Chakotay was moaning constantly now and writhing
from Tom's deeds.

Tom continued to lick Chakotay until he was completely
oblivious to anything else but the sensations coursing through
his body.  Tom could tell his lover was quickly approaching
the point of no return, so he stopped licking him and
instructed him to turn over once again, knowing that a
position change would be an adequate distraction.

As Chakotay changed his position on the bed, Tom liberally
lubricated his fingers and cock using the body oil they
brought with them.  He watched his lover as he inserted one
well oiled finger inside his body.  His expression was that of
pure ecstasy as he felt a second finger join the first.
Chakotay was writhing once again as he felt a third finger
being added.  Tom turned his fingers inside Chakotay's body,
ever so often brushing against his prostate causing Chakotay
to cry out.  "Please, Tom," he pleaded, "Now.  Fuck me,
now."

Tom, his cock pulsing between his thighs, wanted more than
anything to be inside Chakotay.  Moving closer to his
intended destination, he slowly pushed himself inside his
lover's body.  Chakotay was so warm and tight, Tom had to
struggle to maintain control.  When he was buried deep inside
him, he rested his body on top of Chakotay's, adjusting to the
extraordinary tightness surrounding him.

Chakotay still held firmly to the bed post, remembering
Tom's request not to touch him.  Then Tom lifted his head
briefly to gaze into Chakotay's desire filled eyes and Chakotay
couldn't help himself.  He let his arms come around his lover,
desperate to touch him after all this time.  Tom ached for his
touch as well and gave no disapproval when his request was
disregarded.

Tom slowly began thrusting in and out of Chakotay's body.
The warmth that surrounded him was incredible and he saw
stars with every powerful thrust he made.  An erotic rhythm
was created, as Tom lifted himself with both arms and
continued pushing impossibly deeper into Chakotay.
Chakotay reached down and stroked his cock in time with
Tom's thrusts.  "Harder," Chakotay gasped, then moaned in
bliss as Tom pounded into him.  Chakotay came first, in
thick spurts, over his and Tom's chest.  Tom's orgasm quickly
followed as he filled Chakotay with his seed.

Tom collapsed on Chakotay, both men attempting to bring
their breathing under control.  Then Tom lifted himself once
more, looking into Chakotay's eyes.

For a long moment they just gazed at one another, Tom
tracing his lover's tattoo with a fingertip.  Then he took his
hand, spreading his fingers slightly and beginning at the top
of Chakotay's forehead, lightly brushed the tips of his fingers
down Chakotay's face - gently caressing his eyes, nose,
cheeks, lips in one stroke.  "You are the most beautiful person
I know."

It was such an intimate act, full of unconditional love,
Chakotay almost cried.  "I love you so much Tom, I can't
imagine my life without you," he replied while gently
stroking Tom's cheek.

"I can barely remember life before you Chakotay." Tom
whispered, "I love you too."  Tom kissed his lover deeply one
last time, before moving off of and spooning behind him, both
falling into a deep, contented sleep.

At that moment of satisfied bliss, the two lovers were
completely unaware of the changes taking place in Chakotay's
body.

---

Len woke up to the sun shining brightly through the window
of his bungalow, with an armful of Harry.  This was their
fifth day on the planet - this being the first time they actually
slept in the same room, much less the same bed together.
They talked for hours the night before, at some point falling
asleep, fully clothed, on top of the bed.  Now, he was spooned
behind Harry with his arm wrapped possessively around his
waist.  It felt so good and had been too long since he held his
lover.  He only wished he could make love to him, but he
knew he couldn't, or at least shouldn't.

In his time period, Harry was captain of a Millennia
Class Starship, the USS Wanderer, on which he was the
senior pilot, and Harry's soon-to-be spouse.  He didn't look
much different than he does now.  Gray hair was streaked
through the black, and his face, although showing the signs of
age and experience, was as handsome as ever.  As he lay
there holding the younger version of his lover, he reflected on
the past two months.

So far, his fathers were deeply in love, and he could find no
reason why Tom would not return to the Alpha quadrant with
everyone else.  With the futuristic technology he possessed, he
was able to hack into the personal logs of just about any crew
member, even the Captain's, undetected.  He had thoroughly
scanned Tom's and Chakotay's logs, and could not find a
single entry that would help him in ascertaining Tom's
reasons for not returning with Voyager to the alpha quadrant.

He remembered viewing Tom's personal logs, noting several
entries where he mentioned his father.  How he hoped that
someday he could prove that he was not the, as Tom so
eloquently phrased it, *royal fuck-up* that he assumed his
father thought he was.  It saddened Len to know that Tom
had such a low opinion of himself, and was relieved that
Chakotay was there helping to build his self esteem.  And
even though he had all this information on Tom, he didn't
have a shred of a clue why Tom would want to stay in the
Delta Quadrant.

As he pondered over this, he began softly stroking Harry's jet-
black hair which caused him to moan in pleasure.  "I'm
sorry," Len whispered, "I didn't mean to wake you."

Harry snuggled closer to Len and said "Mmmm, feels good."
He turned over in his sleepy haze and brushed a light kiss on
his lips.

*Spirits, I miss this,* Len thought as the kiss deepened,
Harry's lips parting allowing Len's tongue entry.  Harry loved
to wake up in the morning and make love.  In Len's time
period, they started many days in this manner, and although
Harry was younger now, he felt the same, tasted the same,
smelled the same, and made Len want him so badly it was
painful.

He rolled on top of Harry, kissing his full lips, and
quickly disregarding all the reasons why he shouldn't be
making love to this younger version of his lover.  He reached
between them and slowly unzipped Harry's shirt, exposing the
soft flesh beneath - the skin he longed to touch since he first
appeared in this time period.

Len slipped his hands inside Harry's shirt, softly caressing his
nipples as he kissed his lover's neck.  Harry was in seventh
heaven.  He never experienced such sensuality from someone
he had never been with before.  It was as if Len knew exactly
what would give Harry the most pleasure.  Len had kissed his
way down Harry's chest and was about to undo his pants
when Harry's comm badge chirped.

"Torres to Ensign Kim..."

"Damn," they both said in unison as Harry slipped out from
under Len and with an erection that could probably punch a
hole in the nearest wall, went to retrieve his comm badge
from the table.

"Kim here, and this had better be good," he said, forgetting
Starfleet etiquette.

"What's your problem, Starfleet?"  B'Elanna's annoyance clear.

"Sorry B'Elanna," Harry said, glancing longingly at the
beautiful man lying on the bed, "You caught me at a bad
time."

"I'll let it slide this once." She said playfully.  "You're not
going to like this either, but, we need you here on Voyager for
a couple of hours.  There's a problem with the warp core and I
could use your expertise."

Sighing his disappointment, he said, "On my way.  Kim out."
He looked over at Len who lay silently on the bed with his
arm thrown over his eyes.  "Looks like I have to go."

"Yeah, I heard," frustration evident in his voice, "Oh well,
occupational hazard.  Will I see you later today?"

Harry moved to sit next to Len, then leaned over kissing him
deeply once more.  After they parted, Len smiled forcing his
beautiful dimples to appear. "I'll take that as a yes."

"You can count on it."  Harry confirmed, gazing lovingly at
the handsome face that grinned up at him.  "Hanging around
Chakotay must really be rubbing off on you."

"Why do you say that?" Len asked.

"Because when you smiled just now, you looked like him." he
replied gently stroking a finger down Len's cheek.   Harry,
not realizing the hidden meaning behind his own words,
grinned at his would-be lover. Then after straightening his
clothes, he hit his comm badge and requested beam-out.

Len watched as Harry dematerialized before him.  As he sat
in the beautifully decorated room, he thought to himself, *I'm
running out of time.*  He knew that the visit to this planet
was a major turning point for Voyager's return home.  He just
needed to make sure Tom returned with the rest of the crew.
He mentally went over all the information he recently learned,
then did the same with what he learned from his father and
grandfather in his time period.

One thing that stuck in his mind was the fact that Tom
seemed to be completely unaware of Grandpa Owen's feelings
toward him.  He also remembered that Chakotay told him that
Tom never received the letter his father sent him through the
array.  B'Elanna was the one who told him the message never
got through.  He would have to speak to her.

"Lieutenant Chayton to Lieutenant Torres."

"Torres here, go ahead,"

"When you have some time, can I speak to you about a
personal matter?"

---

Meanwhile, Captain Janeway and Tuvok were meeting with
Ambassador Kamen.  "I hope you are enjoying your stay on
our planet," he said.

"We are, and we appreciate your hospitality," replied
Janeway, smiling graciously at their host.

"Your story has truly touched the hearts of many on my
world," the Ambassador began, "and we wish to help you as
much as we can."

"Thank you Ambassador, but you and your people have been
more than generous.  We couldn't possibly need more,"
Janeway said.

"Ah, but that's not true.  We do have one other thing you
could use.  You don't realize it, but you are less than 6 light
years away from home."  He held in his hand a small data
disc.  "Contained in this disc is a map that will lead you to a
certain part of space approximately 5.5 light years away.
Once you reach these coordinates, a modified probe set at a
certain frequency and launched will open up a temporary
singularity in space.  Fly your ship into the singularity and
you will be in the Gamma quadrant, directly in front  of a
naturally occurring singularity.   It will take you to the Alpha
quadrant.

Tuvok raised an eyebrow, intrigued by what he just heard.
"Ambassador, are you referring to a worm hole?" he asked in
his ever passive voice.

"A worm hole?" he repeated unfamiliar with the phrase.

"Yes, a tunnel in space." Janeway offered.

"Yes!  Exactly.  The probe will create the first wormhole
which can only be used once.  It will take you to the Gamma
quadrant wormhole.   Unfortunately, the Gamma quadrant is
ruled by a race  we call the Changers.  Very dangerous from
our observations.  So you must use caution.

She gazed at it with a child-like wonder for a brief moment,
then asked  "A stable, artificial wormhole?  How did you
acquire this technology?"

"We developed it many years ago.  It is used strictly for
exploration and the restoration of planets.  Only our most
secret officials are even aware of the technology."  He stood
up from his desk and walked over to an electronic display,
calling up various visuals of star charts within the Alpha, Delta
and Gamma quadrants. It clearly confirmed the location of the
Federation, Cardassia, and the entire demilitarized zone.
Within the Gamma quadrant were clearly labeled areas of the
Dominion, and the wormhole which leads to Bajor and DS9.
"We have used it to travel back and forth from your part of
the galaxy for many years now.  We find M-class planets that
have been devastated by famine and/or war, and attempt to
help by leaving on each,  seeds to rebuild the vegetation and
plant life.  The seeds are able to extract moisture from deep
within the planet's core.  No one knows of our gifts to the
planets."

Captain Janeway sat looking at the star charts with barely
contained astonishment.  "Are you saying that you've known
about us?  About our crew?"

"Yes.  Please, allow me to explain.  About four years ago, one
of our scout ships was exploring the Alpha quadrant when it
intercepted a transmission.  It told of a starship that was lost
in a gaseous area we know as the "Firelands", but was noted
as the *Badlands* in the transmission.  We were unaware
that the message referred to you until you made contact with
us.  After hearing your incredible story, the Council members
met and it was decided we would do everything possible to
help you return home."

"Ambassador, how is it that you possess such knowledge
about the Federation, and the Federation has virtually no
knowledge of you?" inquired Tuvok.

"We enter different parts of the galaxy undetected, observing
many of your worlds.   Our ships are equipped with a
camouflage device that makes us invisible to others and
virtually undetectable.  Perhaps we should modify your ship
with the device as well to protect you from the Changers."

The Captain and Tuvok sat in the Ambassador's office, slowly
absorbing the information they just heard. It was obvious that
they were aware of the Dominion and the dangers in that
region of space - referring to them as *Changers.*  Could it be true?
That these people  have known about Voyager all along?  It
could be some kind of trap.  Both officers knew first hand
how many times they had been mislead for various reasons by
various alien races.  With the technology these people seemed
to possess, they could have easily extracted information from
Voyager's database, without alerting the sensors.
Ambassador Kamen noted the skeptical faces before him and
decided to play his final hand in proving that he and his
people were sincere.

"Captain Janeway, Mr. Tuvok, I realized that this is hard to
believe.  And I will be honest with you.  We felt that you
would be cautious about accepting what I've just told you of
our people.  So we scanned your ship's informational database
for the one thing that you don't have.  The transmission we
intercepted."  He again went over to the display and punched
in a code.  The United Federation of Planets starfield
appeared, then disappeared to be replaced by the somber face
of Admiral Owen Paris.

"This is Admiral Owen Paris.  It is with deepest regret," the
Admiral began, "that I inform the Federation, that the USS
Voyager starship was lost in the Badlands on stardate
48315.6.  They were on a mission to intercept a Maquis
raider, and were scheduled to return to Deep Space Nine less
than 1 week later.  Voyager has not been heard from since
that date.   Search vessels have been dispatched to the
Badlands in an attempt to locate the ship."

"The Federation will do everything in its power to find
Voyager.  On a personal note, as a parent of one of the
passengers on board Voyager, I share the concern of others
with family members on board, as well as the rest of the
Federation citizens. We will keep you informed of our
progress.  Thank you." And the screen showed the starfield
once more before the Ambassador shut off the display.

"Now, do you feel more comfortable with our gift to you?"
asked the Ambassador hopefully.

"Forgive us Ambassador, for being cautious," Janeway began,
"we have been treated generously before, only to be
endangered at a later time.  This gift you've given us is more
than we've ever been offered.  And you want nothing in
return?"

"On the contrary, we want two things in return.  One, that
you keep our visits to your quadrant secret.  We understand
that you may need to brief your officials, but we ask for total
concealment  beyond them."  The Ambassador smiled warmly
and added "Two, that you go safely home and rejoin your
families."

"Thank you Ambassador, we appreciate your generosity."
Tuvok replied.

"Thank you doesn't seem to be enough for what you've given
us Ambassador.  Our crew will be delighted to hear of this
gift."  The Captain couldn't wipe the smile from her face.
"We will probably be departing soon in light of this.  We're
all anxious to get home."

"Understandable.  However, we must fit your ship with the
camouflage device so you can enter the Gamma quadrant
and leave unharmed. Our technicians will work with your
engineers to install the device." He gestured for his guests
to exit his office.  "Come.  We have much to do."

---

Meanwhile, B'Elanna was in her quarters changing before she
returned to the surface.  She and Kathryn were celebrating
something special so she wanted to look nice for her lover.

As she pulled on her dress, a short black dress with a form
fitting bodice, thin straps, a flare skirt and a lace black jacket,
she mentally ran through  her conversation with Len.

Len wanted to know if Tom ever received the letter sent from
his father through the array.  The letter was received,
however due to the interference caused by the Hirogen, it was
almost completely unreadable.  That is, until now.  She work
on it until she was able to retrieve a readable message and
was pleased she had.  Tom's father wrote him and told him how
relieved he was that he was still alive.  And he also told
him he loved him.  She knew Tom would be pleased to
receive it and told Len of her accomplishment.  He seemed
happy with the news himself.

She checked the time and noticed that she was now late for
her dinner.  She checked her outfit once more in the mirror
and with a satisfied look, she exited her quarters with the
padd containing the letter in her hand.  She was in a hurry to
meet Kathryn and was about to enter her cabin again to leave
the padd for later when she noticed Vorik walking down the
corridor.

"Vorik!" she called out getting the young Vulcan's attention.

"Yes, B'Elanna?"

"Vorik, I'm late for a dinner date.  Could you do me a favor?
Drop this off at Tom Paris's quarters.  I'd really appreciate it."

"I will B'Elanna."  Vorik replied.  Before handing it to him,
B'Elanna coded in a privacy lock.

"Thanks.  I owe you one."  She said and quickly disappeared
down the corridor to the transporter room.

Crewman Kenneth Dalby overheard the brief exchange
between the two officers, and once Vorik was alone in the
corridor, walked up behind him greeting him in a friendly
manner.

"Hey Vorik, where you headed?" he asked.

"I must drop this off at Mr. Paris's quarters."

"But weren't you headed down to the surface?"

"Yes, however, I..." Vorik began.

"Well, why don't you let me take care of this for you." Dalby
said convincingly.

Vorik briefly considered the offer, then decided to take
advantage of Dalby's generosity.  "Thank you Kenneth,"
stated Vorik dryly and handed over the padd.

As Dalby watched the Vulcan disappear down the corridor,
he reviewed the padd.  *She put a privacy lock on it.  That's
easily breakable,* he thought as he began working with the
padd while proceeding to his own quarters.

He entered his quarters and continued working on the padd
until he was able to bypass the privacy block.  Then he read
the letter to Tom from his father.  "Oh isn't that sweet..." he
said in an eerie manner.  "It certainly won't do for that
lecherous traitor to receive such a sweet letter.  I'll have to fix
it."

He modified the letter, using his Maquis skills to hide his
tampering.  Then with a special technique, also learned in the
Maquis, made a site-to-site transport of the padd into Tom
Paris' empty quarters that went undetected by the ships
sensors.

Extremely pleased with himself and what he had done, he left
his quarters to transport down to the planet's surface.  He
wanted to do everything in his power to make Tom unhappy.
In addition to the fact that to him, Tom represented the lowest
level of human being conceivable, he was jealous of him.  He
considered Tom to be a dishonorable man, capable of turning
on his own mother to suit his selfish needs.  How anyone like
him could be accepted by their First Officer, enough to
consider him a lover, was beyond him.  He thought he would
be good for Chakotay at one time, but the Commander didn't
share his feelings.  Now Tom was using him, making
Chakotay fall for him.  Dalby knew one day Tom would show
his true colors and break Chakotay's heart, and for that he felt
Tom deserved no happiness, no acceptance, and no love.

Chakotay and Tom were still on the planet's surface enjoying
their shore leave.  Both unaware of the changes about to take
place in their lives.  The happiness that both men shared was
about to take a drastic step in the wrong direction - a
direction that would change their lives forever.  Only their
son could save them now.

---

The End