DISCLAIMER: Paramount owns it all.  If we owned it, it J/C would
happen.  They won't let it happen, so we have to create it ourselves. 
Story is mine.

Note:  This story switches POV's at times.



Peaceful Warriors
by Ronda Sexton (voyagerlady13@yahoo.com)


*Kathryn*

I slowly extended my hand out to Chakotay. He took it, entwining his
fingers with mine.  I could feel tears spilling out of my eyes and
down my cheeks.  I tightened my hold on his hand. I looked into his
dark eyes, those obsidian pools of black fire.  They ignited a fire
within me.  Suddenly, I was tired of fighting my feelings.  I'd been
attracted to him since the day he beamed aboard my ship.  Since that
time, I'd found in him a friend and a confidant.  Now, I was ready to
have him as a lover as well.


I stood slowly, never releasing my hold on his hand. Moving around the
table, I stood before him, looking still into those dark, soulful
eyes.  He gazed steadily at me.  "Kathryn, are you sure this is what
you want?"  he asked softly.  I nodded.  I wanted it more than
anything, and had wanted this for a long time.  He stood up and drew
me into his arms.  I buried my face against his chest.  We stood like
that for a while. Then,he gently lifted me in his strong arms and
carried me to his bedroom.  


He lowered me to my feet at the side of his bed.  His hands gently
cupped my face, lifting it to his lips for another kiss.  This one was
more intense, his tongue gently parted my lips and slid into my mouth.
 I eagerly met his tongue with my own.  I felt his hands move and
begin to loosen my robe.  As it fell to the floor, I began to remove
his shirt.  He pulled me down onto the bed.  As he gently removed my
gown, I stared up into his face. The love there was all for me. I was
no longer alone.  I had moved beyond my fears and accepted his love. 
I reached for his pants and unfastened them. Before I could do
anything else, he quickly shed them.


Then, he pulled me back into his arms.  His kiss nearly left me
senseless.  My hands began roving up and down his back.  He moved his
mouth to my breast and gently kissed the nipple.  Gasping, I twined my
fingers into his short hair.  "Oh, Chakotay." I gasped softly. He slid
his hands down to the waist band of my panties.  With infinite
gentleness, he drew them off, never allowing his lips to stop their
attentions to my breasts.  Then, he began stroking me between my legs.
 Soft moans came out of my mouth.  Never before had a man been so
tender with me.  I grasped his briefs and tugged them off his body.  I
felt his sturdy erection spring free against me.  My hand went eagerly
to stroke it.  He moaned in pleasure and rolled us to our sides.  He
drew my mouth to his again.  Our tongues danced with each other, as
our hands caressed each others most intimate, secret parts.  Finally,
when I thought I would explode from the sensation of wanting him, he
rolled me to my back. I watched in anticipation as he arched over me. 
I knew that any second now, he would thrust his throbbing penis into
me.  His warm hands slid under me, lifting me in preparation.  "Now,
Chakotay." I pleaded with him. That was all it took.  He slowly
thrust into me.  It felt so good.  He was big, and the brief pain of
entry faded as he filled me. We quickly settled into a smooth rhythm. 
My breathing quickened, and my moans filled the air along with his.
Sensations that had too long been denied me flooded my body. My climax
rocked my entire being.  I gasped out his name over and over again as
the waves crashed through my sweaty body.  I felt him stiffen and then
felt his seed gush into me. He shouted out my name as his climax
claimed him. He slumped down on me for a few seconds, then moved off
me and pulled me close.  "I love you, Kathryn. I have loved you for a
long time."  He kissed me softly.  "I love you too, Chakotay.  I was
just too foolish to act on it." 

We were both getting drowsy, so he pulled me closer and we drifted off
to a contented sleep, knowing we would awaken in the arms of the one
we loved in the morning.

****

*Chakotay*



The next morning, Kathryn woke up in my arms.  I had been awake for a
while.  I had watched her as she slept so peacefully, unlike the
restless stirring she  displayed when we were first settling in on New
Earth. I worried a little about her reaction once she woke up.
However, the loving glow in her beautiful blue eyes as she roused from
her slumber quickly dispelled all my fears.  I pulled her closer and
kissed her ever so tenderly.  "Good morning."  I murmured softly.


She returned my kiss eagerly.  "Good morning."  A mischievous glint
sparkled in her lovely eyes.  "What would you like for breakfast?  I
know what I want." 


Her hands drifted down my chest teasingly.  As she reached my penis, I
felt myself beginning to harden.  "So, you know what you want, do
you?"  I smiled at her and raised my eyebrows.  "And just what would
that be, Kathryn, ham and eggs perhaps?"  Her hand began caressing my
penis slowly and rhytmicly.  Then she brushed my lips with hers.  "Oh,
I see, I'm the main course."  I smiled devilishly at her.  


"You learn fast Chakotay.  I'm very hungry.  Let's have that main
course right now."  


I pulled her even closer, claiming her lips in a passionate, forceful
kiss.  As I prodded her lips with my tongue, she parted them, allowing
me access.  My hands roved over her shapely body, memorizing every
curve.  I kissed my way across her jaw, down her neck, finally coming
to rest on her firm breasts.  I began suckling first one, then the
other, enjoying the feeling of the nipples becoming more and more
erect in my moist mouth.  I shifted, and continued kissing my way down
her sleek body.  I paused and nipped at her navel, enjoying the
startled gasp this caused her to emit.  I smiled.  I couldn't wait to
see her reaction to what I had in mind for her next.  I planted soft
kisses down her stomach to the thick patch of pubic hair.  I nuzzled
my face in the patch for a few seconds, then moved down to the spot
that lay between her thighs.  I slowly began to lick her folds.  Her
breathing grew faster, and she began gasping out my name.  Her hands
reached down to my head, but I caught them in mine and held them.  Her
grip tightened on my hands as I continued to lick her, working my
tongue inside.  When I brushed my tongue across her clitoris, she
moaned loudly. I continued, until I sense she was on the very verge of
climax.  I moved back up her body, kissing here and there, and
reclaimed her lips once more.  She was squirming underneath me.  


"Oh, Chakotay," she gasped.  "I never dreamed it could be this good
between us.  I want you now.  Don't make me wait."  That was enough
for me.  I positioned myself over her and thrust into her hard.  She
sighed in estascy.  "Harder and faster, Chakotay."  I complied,
thrusting hard and fast with Kathryn meeting me with equal speed and
forcefulness.  Our climaxes claimed us only seconds apart.  I
collapsed down on her, and she held me tightly.  "Oh Kathryn, I love
you so much.  I don't think I could survive here on New Earth without
you and your love."  


"I know I couldn't."  she answered breathlessly.  I kissed her again,
savoring the sweet taste of her tongue on mine.  As much as I wished
we could lay there forever, there was work to be done.       


Reluctantly, I sat up.  "I think we need to eat now."  I smiled at 
her.  "We burned quite a few calories last night and this morning." 
She started to get up, but I stopped her.  "Wait, I'm bringing you
breakfast in bed."  


She raised an eyebrow at me.  "We do have a lot to get accomplished
today.  As much as I would love to spend the whole day in bed with
you, we just can't do it."


I smiled at her.  "Don't worry, I'll be good.  Anyway, after we work
all day, we can bathe together in your tub."  I tugged my robe on, and
walked into the main room to replicate breakfast.  I knew she liked
strawberries and cream, so I choose that.  Her smile when I brought
the tray into my bedroom was a sight to behold.  She had slid her gown
back on while I was gone.  I sat on the bed beside her and we ate and
made our plans for the day.


Kathryn was tending her garden while I examined the structure of our
dwelling to ensure its intergity had not been compromised during the
plasma storm yesterday. As I found an area that had been loosened by
the high winds, I secured it back in place.  Finally, when I was
satisfied that the "house" was now back in sound structural condition,
I joined Kathryn in her garden.  She was setting out the tomato plants
that she'd so lovingly tended.  Plopping down on the ground beside
her, I stole a quick kiss.  "So, Kathryn, how long until we have
tomatoes."  


She smile at me as she patted the dirt around the plant she'd just put
out.  "Three, maybe four weeks, it'll be good to have fresh food
again."  


I nodded in agreement.  Replicated food always seemed to be just a
little lacking.  "Need some help with the plants?"  I asked.  "I've
finished repairing the damage to the house from the plasma storm." 
She smiled and handed me a plant.  "Be careful, now." she admonished
me.  "It took a long time to get these ready for planting in my
garden."  


I laughed.  "Don't worry, I've tended plants before.  My mother liked
fresh vegetables, so we had a garden every year."


Later, that evening we sat soaking in Kathryn's tub.  Steam rose out
of the water.  We were both a little sore.  Muscles that we weren't
accustomed to using had gotten quite a workout the night before, as
well as this morning.  I reached for the soap, and gently began
soaping her soft body.  As my hands stroked her firm breasts, she
leaned back against me and sighed contentedly.  I'd been developing
plans to build a boat.  By tomorrow, they would be finished.  Then I
would tell her about them.  I wanted us to explore the river.  We
needed to learn all we could about our new home.  Kathryn turned and
began kissing me.  I pulled her close, enjoying the feel of her wet
body against mine.  I stood up, pulling her along with me.  By an
unspoken agreement, we got out of the tub and headed back to the
house......


****


*Kathryn*

I sat in the cool grass admiring my tomato plants.  In a few weeks,
we'd have vine ripened tomatoes.  I heard Chakotay's footsteps and
looked up.

"I'd like to get your opinion on something in the house."  he said
with a charming smile.

"Well, you know me, I always have an opinion on something."  I replied
brushing the dirt off my hands as I followed him into the house.  

A boat, my mind began to swirl with possiblities.  A chirping noise
interrupted my thoughts.  

"Tuvok to Janeway, Tuvok to Chakotay, please respond.  Chakotay's face
was sober as he handed me my com badge. 

After hearing Tuvok's message, I numbly walked to my room.  I was in
shock.  Chakotay and I had become so close here, how could we go back
to what was?



*Chakotay*

I sat at the table.  Kathryn had retreated to her room. I knew what
was on her mind.  Those damnable protocols. Just once, I wished she
could forget them completely.  I decided to leave her alone for a
while, let her sort things out.  Meanwhile, I would begin packing up
supplies.  Voyager would be here in thirty hours.  

When she finally came back out into the living area, I paused and
stared into her tear-stained face.  "Kathryn, are you all right?" I
asked softly.  

Tears began trickling down her cheeks again.  "We've just discovered
how much we truly love each other, now we're going to lose it."  she
whispered softly.

I shook my head.  "We don't have to lose it.  A crew that cares enough
about us to risk their lives, would also want us to be happy."

"I know, but will our love survive the demands that command places on
us?"  she asked hollowly.

"Nothing could make me stop loving you."  I assured her, as I took her
into my arms.



*Kathryn*

Voyager would be beaming us up any minute.  I hoped Chakotay
understood as well as he claimed to.  I was willing to continue our
relationship, but wanted to keep it secret from the crew for the time
being.  Not being able to openly love him was killing me inside.



*Chakotay*

Kathryn and I beamed aboard.  On the Bridge, no one would have ever
guessed the passionate love affair we had begun on New Earth was going
to continue.  We treated each other like virtual strangers.  It was so
hard.  I loved her so much.  I hoped someday she would be comfortable
with the two of us having a public relationship.  I sounded the chime
for entry to her ready room.  It was time for our 1800 meeting.  The
door slid open.  I walked in PADDS in my hand.  After the door slid
closed, she quickly walked over and embraced me.

"Oh, Chakotay," she sighed.  I pulled her closer nuzzling my face into
her hair.  After a few kisses, we reviewed the reports and planned to
spend the evening in my quarters.


*Kathryn*


Later that evening I quickly entered Chakotay's quarters.  I had
waited till the corridor was empty so that no one would see me. His
smile lit up the room.  He pulled me close, and I reveled in the
warmth of his embrace.  This first day back had been so hard.  Except
for those few minutes in my ready room, we had not been alone.  

"Chakotay," I murmured, as I rested my cheek against his strong chest.
 "How are we ever going to manage to keep this a secret?"  I felt his
arms tighten around me.  

"I still think the crew would accept this," he whispered softly.  

I began to tremble, and he rocked me gently.  How could the crew ever
accept the Captain and First Officer as lovers, I wondered.



*Chakotay*


I knew I had to do something, or she would break off our relationship.
 After the joy we found in each other on New Earth, I would not let
that happen.

"I have a suggestion."  I raised her face to look at mine.  "Let's go
on a vision quest.  Let's see what our Spirit Guides advise us to do."

She nodded at me, so I got my medicine bundle and we performed the
ritual.  



*Kathryn*


I opened my eyes startled to see Chakotay there with me.  That had
never happened before.  At his feet was a green and yellow snake.  I
looked down and saw the lizard at my feet.  The place was strangely
familiar.  I gasped as I realized it was New Earth.  Chakotay, we've
never been together on a Vision Quest before.  

The snake lifted her head.  "You are here together because this is
where you both felt the most peaceful."

The lizard nodded in agreement.  "You are two souls entwined as one."

Chakotay and I stared at each other wordlessly as our spirit guides
spoke to us.

The lizard began again.  "You allow your fear to control you, Kathryn.
 There is no need to fear your feelings for Chakotay.  He will stay by
your side.  You fear your crew will not accept their commanding
officers in a romantic involvement.  That is not so.  Look around you,
my child."

I looked and saw other animal life in the area.  Animal life that did
not belong on New Earth.  A black panther, sleek and strong, peered
from the bushes.  Above an eagle soared through the skies.  A panda
bear sat lazily in the sun.  An owl blinked sleepily from a tree
nearby.  A duck billed platypus waddled up out of the river.  The last
animal I spotted was a small kitten purring happily.  

The lizard continued, "These are all their guides.  Some have been
revealed, others have not.  However, all know that their companions
want both of you to be together. Your behavior towards each other upon
your return has disappointed many.  They had hoped your isolation
would have drawn you together."

The snake nodded in agreement.  "Yes, many were saddened upon your
return.  You both know what you must do."

Slowly, our awareness of Chakotay's quarters returned. I stared at him
questioningly.  "Did we just share the same vision quest, or have I
gone insane?"

He shook his head, "We were both there, Kathryn.  I did not expect
that either."

"Well, we know what we need to do now."  My voice was barely a
whisper.  He drew me into his arms.  We would not let our crew suffer
anymore.

As I relaxed in Chakotay's embrace, I pondered what we had just
experienced.  Even when we had begun a vision quest together, we'd
never seen each other.  This joint quest gave me the answers I had
sought.  Our spirit guides and those of our crew saw as one.  I lifted
my lips to his.  The kiss was sweet and tender.  

"I guess I was wrong," I whispered softly.  

He smiled at me.  "I guess so."  He stood, drawing me to my feet along
with him.  As I stared into the depths of his dark eyes, I knew that
home was only home with him.  Sliding my hands to his cheeks, I pulled
him down for a kiss again.  This one was intense and passionate. I
wanted to seal our relationship here on Voyager.  I couldn't think of
any better way to do that, than by making love to him tonight in my
quarters.  Soon, they would be our quarters.  

We continued kissed as we stumbled to my bed.  We paused only long
enough to quickly undress each other before tumbling down onto the
soft covers.  I sighed as he nuzzled my neck.  Tomorrow, we would let
the crew see just where we stood.


*Chakotay*


I lay there holding her in my arms watching her sleep. She was so
beautiful.  Tomorrow, Neelix was throwing a "Welcome Home" party for
us.  After the party, the crew would know without a doubt that our
relationship had changed dramatically.  We had talked for a long time
after the passionate lovemaking we'd engaged in.  We would not make
spectacles of ourselves, but we would allow the crew to see we did
indeed have a relationship.  

She wanted me to share her quarters with her.  I had readily agreed. 
Besides from watching Tom and B'Elanna, I knew that soon they would
need bigger quarters.  They are in love with each other as much as 
Kathryn and I are.  It would only be a matter of time.  At first, I had
not been pleased with the idea of Tom being with B'Elanna, but now I
have to admit that he has grown up a lot.  She is very happy with him,
she has told me this on many occasions. 

I was getting sleepy, so I pulled Kathryn a little closer and drifted
off to sleep.


*Kathryn*


Waking up in Chakotay's arms this morning in my quarters was heavenly. 
He was still asleep, so I lie quietly and watched him.  He was such a
tender, sensitive man.  Today, we would go to breakfast together.  If
he wanted to hold my hand or put his arm around me as we walked down
the corridor, I was going to allow it.  

The vision quest had taught me a great deal.  Yes, we were a
Federation Starship, but we were also a community.  We could not put
our lives on hold, hoping to get home one day.  I hoped our example
would encourage those in the crew with fledgling relationships to move
on to deeper commitments.  I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my
life with Chakotay.  I felt sure he wanted the same thing.

I felt him stirring in my arms, and then two deep soulful eyes stared
back at me.  "Good morning, love." he whispered softly.  I moved to
kiss him, and our lips met in a tender caress.  Oh, I wanted so much
just to stay here and make love, but we had duty this morning. 

Regretfully, we got up and dressed.  As we walked out of what would
soon be our quarters, he slid his arm around my waist as he'd often
done on New Earth.  I snuggled against him happily.  We strolled
down to the turbolift.  Tom and B'Elanna stood there, both with
satisfied smiles on their faces as they saw us together.

"Good morning, Captain, Commander," said Tom with his warm, friendly
smile.  

"Good morning, Captain, Chakotay," said B'Elanna with a glow of
happiness.

We both replied together, "Good morning, Lieutenants."

"I see our spirit guides were right, B'Elanna." said Tom with relieved
smile.  He turned to us.  "We were worried about the two of you.  You
were behaving like strangers."

"Well, we had a vision quest last night ourselves, and it clarified a
number of things for us."  I said softly. 

The lift doors open and we all boarded to head to the mess hall.


*3rd person*


Tom and B'Elanna walked behind the Captain and Chakotay.  Upon exiting
the turbolift, Chakotay had withdrawn his arm from around her waist
and taken her hand instead.  

Tom and B'Elanna could hardly wait to see the expressions on the faces
of the crew when the Captain and Chakotay entered the mess hall hand
in hand.  The door to the mess hall opened, and they walked in.  Tom
and B'Elanna hesitated inside the door, watching their fellow crew
mates react.  The buzz of conversation stopped and smiles broke out on
all the faces as they saw their Captain and First Officer walk up to
the serving line hand in hand.

"I think we've made a very clear statement to the crew,Kathryn." 
whispered Chakotay.

Nodding her head, she answered, "I know we did."  She turned to scan
the room with a smile.  

The crew suddenly aware that the two deserved privacy, resumed their
meals and conversations.  They did not want to make the couple
uncomfortable.  Everyone had longed for this to happen for so long
now, no one would dare risk ruining it for them.

Tom and B'Elanna moved next to them in line.  As they accepted their
portions, Neelix beamed at them.

"So Captain, is there anything special you would like at the party
tonight?"  he asked.

"Just do the usual luau, Neelix."  she answered softly.

"Certainly, Captain," he answered promptly, catching a warning glimpse
from Tom.  "I'll see you tonight then."

They took their trays and walked over to an isolated corner to eat.

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

Later that evening, as she dressed for the luau, Kathryn turned to
Chakotay.  "I can't believe how well the entire crew has accepted
this."  Her eyes shone with immeasurable joy.

"I knew they would, Kathryn.  This crew is totally devoted to you. 
They want you to be happy."

"I know," she answered softly.  "And, I am happy."  She walked over
and slid her arms around him.  "With you, I'm truly at peace with
myself."  She kissed him tenderly.

He held her closely for a few moments.  "I think it's time for us to
leave for the party."  

She nodded at him.  "Let's go."  

This time as they traversed the corridors, he kept his arm
possessively around her waist.  They had talked about decorum in her
ready room earlier.  They had decided that Voyager was more than just
a *Starfleet* vessel.  It was their community.  They would be the ones
to set the example.  It was acceptable in a community to touch
chastely in public.  They were going to be on Voyager for a long time.
 Barring any outside help, it would be a long 60 something years. 
They would have to build their community here.

The doors to the holodeck slid open.  Crew members were scattered
about the resort.  Some were dancing, others stood or sat about
talking.  They spotted Tom and B'Elanna sitting at a table.

"Let's ask to join them." whispered Kathryn to Chakotay.  

He nodded, "Let's go." 

They walked over to the table where the couple sat.  Both smiled as
Kathyrn and Chakotay approached.  This was what they had hoped for,
the two of them together. 

The Captain's happiness meant a lot to Tom.  If it hadn't been for
her, he did not know where he'd been now.  When she'd taken him out of
Aukland, he would have never dreamed that he would have ended up with
a second chance.  After they had become stranded here in the Delta
Quadrant, she had given him a comission.  He would do anything for her.

Chakotay had rescued B'Elanna from the Cardassians.  She would always
remember that.  She had learned so much from him.  She knew how much
he loved the Captain, and was so happy to see them together.

"May we join you?" asked Chakotay.

Tom stood up.  "Certainly, it's our pleasure." He beamed at them.  

They all sat down and watched the crew interact.  A slow sultry  song
began playing.   Giving Chakotay a meaningful glance, Tom stood up and
took B'Elanna's hand.

"Let's dance," he whispered softly.  

As he led her away, Chakotay took Kathryn's hand.  

"Do you want to dance with me, my love?" he whipsered huskily.

Smililng tenderly, she nodded and allowed him to lead her to the dance
floor.  He cradled her against him as they danced together.  They
could both sense the warm approval and joy of the crew at their
intimacy.  She knew that they had make the right decision.  The vision
quest was confirmed by the crew's reaction. For the first time since
Voyager had picked them up on New Earth, she felt truly at peace and
sensed Chakotay did too.  Tilting her head up, she kissed him softly.  

"You're no longer my *angry* warrior, you're my peaceful warrior, and
you've brought peace to my heart as well.
****


Kathryn Janeway sat nervously in a small dressing room.  Today was her
wedding day.  The crew's ready acceptance of  her relationship with
Chakotay had allowed the relationship they had begun on New Earth to
blossom.  

"It's almost time, Captain," said B'Elanna softly.  

The Captain looked up at B'Elanna.  "I never dreamed I could ever be
this happy, B'Elanna," she whispered.  

They both looked towards the door when they heard the knock.  Kathyrn
nodded, so B'Elanna went and opened the door.  Tom strolled in with a
bright smile.  He greeted B'Elanna with a kiss, then walked over to
the Captain.  

"It's time, Captain."   He would give the Captain away as well as
serve as Best Man.  

Harry was providing the wedding music with his clarinet.  Kes had
provided flowers for the wedding, and Neelix had prepared the
reception feast.  She smiled as she remembered Chakotay's firm
insistence that no Leola Root would be allowed.  Tuvok would perform
the ceremony as acting Captain.

Slowly, she stood up, and took Tom's arm.  B'Elanna handed her the
bridal bouquet.  They walked to the door.  Peering out, and seeing
that Tuvok and Chakotay were both in place, Tom nodded to Harry who
began to play the wedding march on his clarinet.  

B'Elanna slowly walked down the aisle, carrying a bouquet of flowers. 
After she took her place, Harry began the Bridal Chorus, and Tuvok
signaled everyone to stand.  The crew, beaming with happiness, watched
as Tom walked their Captain down the aisle.  They had waited for so
long for this event.  When the Captain and Chakotay had returned from
New Earth, it seemed that first day as if nothing had changed, but
then after they had taken a vision quest, they had allowed the crew to
see the change in their relationship.

Tom carefully placed her hand into Chakotay's and took his place
beside Chakotay as best man.  

Tuvok performed the ceremony flawlessly.  When he introduced the new
couple, cheers rang out from the group assembled in the holodeck, as
well as from those who were at duty stations listening and watching
via viewscreens.  This was what the crew had wanted for so long.  They
all cared very deeply about the Captain's happiness, and it pleased
them greatly to see her with the man who loved her more than anything
in the entire universe.

The reception lasted long enough for the entire crew to celebrate with
the joyous couple.  Finally, it was time to throw the bouquet and the
garter.  Tom caught the garter, and B'Elanna caught the bouquet.  Both
smiled as knowing glances were sent their way.  Many people were
surprised that the Captain and Chakotay had beaten them to the
marriage altar.  

Chakotay clapped Tom on the shoulder.  "I guess you two will be next,
Tom."

He laughed.  "We plan to be, Chakotay."

Kathryn and Chakotay left the holodeck amidst a flurry of confetti. 
They hurried to their quarters to celebrate their marriage.  The
warriors were now completely at peace.  No more angry warriors, they
now knew the true meaning of peace because they had each other.