Course Correction Studio

Tag: Kathryn Janeway

  • Sweetest Sin – Chapter 9. Scratch

    When Dani materialized in the Enterprise’s transporter room, familiar faces awaited her. Captain Picard, Will Riker, Counselor Troi, Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay all watched on eagerly as Dani’s form solidified. She had hardly taken one step off the transporter pad when her parents engulfed her. It was as if they were in too much of a hurry to even take turns. Both of them embraced her at the same time.

    “Welcome home,” Chakotay said, a huge grin on his face.

    “You don’t know how relieved we are to have you back,” Kathryn beamed.

    “It’s good to be back, “Dani said, with a little smile. It was the truth. It was nice to be back in a place where the majority of the population didn’t hate you. She’d had two days to grieve for Dukat and look at the situation more objectively while being transported to Federation space. While she knew it would be a long while before she would be over Dukat, she was no longer in the state of shock she’d been in the night her life had changed – again.

    Dani looked from her parents to Captain Picard, Will and Deanna. “Captain,” she greeted.

    “Lieutenant,” Picard said. “I told you we would find a way to get you home.”

    “I know,” Dani said. She silently wished that they wouldn’t have been successful. Living among Cardassians hadn’t exactly been the highest point in her life, but she would gladly return if it meant she could have Dukat back. How ironic that the decision she had dreaded making months ago was now crystal clear. She looked up at Picard, trying her best to look happy, but feeling somehow that she was failing. “I never doubted that you or anyone else here would keep trying.”

    Picard smiled gently. “Welcome home, Lieutenant.”

    “Thank you, sir,” Dani said.

    Deanna had watched the interaction between Dani and her parents and now watched the exchange between the woman and the captain. What she found odd about the entire ordeal was that she didn’t pick up any sense of elation or joy from Dani. On the contrary, there was an overall sadness about the lieutenant that seemed out of place for someone who was returning home from captivity.

    Picard continued. “We’ll be on a course to Earth within the hour,” he informed Dani. “Starfleet wants to debrief you as soon as possible.”

    Dani nodded. She’d expected that. In fact, she’d been preparing for it and would continue to prepare for it until the Enterprise arrived at Earth.

    “Right now, I suspect that you want to see your quarters again,” Picard surmised.

    “Yes, sir,” Dani said.

    “Very well. I’ll let Will escort you.”

    Dani nodded and turned to her parents. “Let’s have dinner later on, okay?” she suggested.

    “Whatever you want to do,” Kathryn said.

    Dani smiled and turned to Will next. “After you,” he said, gesturing to the door. Dani led the way out of the transporter room.

    “How was your trip?” Will asked once they’d left the others.

    “It was fine – considering … ” Dani said. Her trip from Cardassia had been uneventful, even peaceful, providing her much time for reflection. The others on the little ship left her to herself in her little cabin, which was the way she’d wanted it.

    “Dani,” Will began, “what happened was not supposed to happen.” He felt the need to speak on the matter, even though he expected it would still be a touchy subject for her. “Killing Dukat was never part of the plan.” Will, along with Captain Picard and Admiral Necheyev, had received a report on what had transpired on Cardassia’s surface. Will, who had held a crucial role in the planning of the rescue attempt, had never called for Dukat’s murder. He knew that doing so would have crushed Dani. But somehow, it had happened anyway, and it was obvious, at least to him, that Dani was having a difficult time dealing with it. “You were supposed to leave Cardassia, but Dukat was supposed to be remain alive.”

    “Well, that isn’t the way it happened, is it?” Dani reminded him. She didn’t see the use in him telling her what should have happened. It wouldn’t make any difference. “Dukat’s dead, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.”

    She and Will walked into a waiting turbolift. He hated that she was so upset. She wasn’t outwardly angry or sad, but inside was a different story. There was something in her voice and her eyes that was painfully melancholy. “Do you want to talk to someone about this? Deanna maybe?” he asked after giving the lift its command. The car began to move.

    “I think that would be a good idea,” Dani admitted. “There’s a lot I’m trying to cope with right now. I know that I can trust her.”

    The lift doors opened after a short ride. “I’ll have her meet you in your quarters at whatever time is convenient for you.”

    Dani nodded. She and Will walked to her quarters in silence. When they reached her door, Dani input the code, which she initially thought she’d forgotten. The doors slid open and she walked in, finding that the area was as she had left it. A little smile couldn’t help but come to her lips. The place was a mess.

    A little box sat in the middle of the floor. It was the only new addition to the room, but Dani knew exactly what it was. She quickly walked over to it and opened the grated door at its front. Sherlock scurried out to Dani and began to lick her face in his customary fashion.

    Will looked on, a surprised expression on his face. “Who’s this?” he asked.

    Dani looked up at him, smiling. “This is Sherlock. He was a gift.” She picked up the little dog and walked over to Will with it. “Sherlock, meet Will Riker. Will Riker – Sherlock.”

    “Very pleased to meet you,” Will said, delivering a nice scratch to the crown of the dog’s head. He looked at Dani. “I can’t wait ’til Data hears what you named him.”

    “Actually, I didn’t name it,” Dani revealed. “I think he already had the name when Dukat got it from the trader.” Dani bent down and the dog jumped from her arms onto the floor. When she stood upright again, she saw that Will seemed to be studying her, trying to assess her appearance. “What?”

    “How do you feel?” he asked.

    “What? You mean physically?”

    “Yeah.” It didn’t seem to Will that pregnancy was having that much of an effect on Dani’s physique. If he’d calculated correctly, she was supposed to be over three months along. Maybe Cardassian growth rates were different from humans.

    Dani looked at him oddly for a moment before it became clear to her why he was so concerned about her health. “Will, I’m not going to have a baby,” she told him regretfully. “I lost it a few weeks back.”

    “Oh, Dani. I’m so sorry. What happened?”

    “I don’t know.” She walked over and sat on the couch. “The doctor has been trying to pinpoint what the problem was, but he doesn’t really know, either.”

    “I’m sorry to hear that.” Will walked over and sat beside Dani. “You would have made a great mother.”

    Dani smiled unexpectedly. “You know, you saying that reminds me of that conversation we had about kids. Back before I left? I said that kids were a long way off into my future and that I didn’t want to pass on my messed up genes anyway.” She let out a little laugh. “It’s funny – who knew that that far off future would only be a few months away?” She looked at Will, her smile fading. “What are people saying about us? What all do they know?”

    “I haven’t made any kind of elaborate announcement, if that’s what you mean,” Will said. “I think everyone pretty much assumed that the plans for the wedding were on hold once the news about Starr broke. Then, after our meeting, I sent out a mass message to let everyone know officially that the wedding was off.”

    Dani nodded. “That’s good. I hate to think about what might have happened if thousands of people showed up for a wedding that wasn’t going to happen anymore.”

    Will chuckled. “You have to admit – it would be kind of funny, wouldn’t it? Kind of like the ultimate practical joke.”

    Dani laughed, too, an image of the whole scenario popping into her head. “Yeah.”

    The door chime interrupted them. “Come in,” Dani said. The doors slid open, and Deanna Troi walked in. Dani and Will stood.

    “I just came by to see how you were settling back in,” Deanna said with a smile.

    “Okay,” Dani said. She managed to return Deanna’s smile. “It’s a little strange. I feel like I’ve been gone for years, but it’s only been a couple of months. It’s nice being back.”

    “I thought you might like to talk,” Deanna said, testing the waters.

    Will took this as a cue for him to make his exit. “I’ll leave you two alone,” he said, beginning to make his way to the door.

    Dani called to him before he could leave, though. When he turned and looked at her, she said, “I’d really appreciate it if you would stay.”

    The request caught Will by surprise, and he glanced at Deanna briefly. “Okay. I’ll stay, if you want.”

    “I do, if you don’t mind,” Dani said.

    “You know I don’t.” He walked back over to the couch.

    Dani looked to Deanna. “Won’t you sit down?” She watched as the counselor sat in a chair next to the couch. “I’m sorry about the mess,” Dani said, sitting back down on the couch, Will also reclaiming his seat beside her. “I haven’t exactly gotten around to cleaning, yet. When I left, I was sort of in a hurry … “

    “It’s quite all right,” Deanna assured her. “Sometimes, a little disorder is a good thing.”

    “Don’t I know it?” Dani said. “It seems like every time my life seems to get a little order in it, something happens to disrupt it.”

    “Why don’t you tell me about that?” Deanna suggested.

    Dani looked at Will and then back at Deanna. Before she went any further, she had to make sure she knew the rules that were going to apply here. “Everything I tell you is confidential, right?” Dani asked. “You can’t go back and tell Captain Picard or Admiral Nechayev what I said?”

    “Everything that is said here stays here,” Deanna said. “I’m here to help you; not betray your trust.”

    Dani nodded. “Then there’s something you have to know before I tell you anything about what’s happened over the last three months.”

    “Okay. Go ahead.”

    Dani sighed deeply. “First of all, I feel like the biggest fraud in the universe,” she said.

    “A fraud? Why would you feel like that?”

    “Because what Hea Starr told you wasn’t exactly the truth about what happened,” Dani began to explain. “Well, it’s the truth as he saw it, but he didn’t see what he thought he saw. I didn’t choose to remain on Cardassia because I thought it would ensure his freedom; I stayed because I wanted to be with Dukat.” Her eyes looked up at the ceiling. She couldn’t believe she was actually volunteering this information. “I couldn’t pass up another opportunity to be with him, so I basically turned my back on everything I knew. But Starr saw me do it, and he must’ve thought … the point is, everyone thinks I’m this hero, but I’m not. I’m just a selfish deserter.”

    “Dani, it isn’t selfish to want to be with someone you love,” Deanna said.

    “I know, but duty was supposed to come first, over anything else, and I ignored that. I shouldn’t even be in Starfleet anymore. Do you know that what I did is grounds for a court-martial? People have been let go for a lot less.”

    “You can’t beat yourself up about that,” Deanna comforted. “You didn’t have any control over what Starr thought.”

    “I could correct it, though,” Dani said.

    Deanna realized what Dani was offering to do. She didn’t think it was a very wise course of action, considering that it would probably effectively end her Starfleet career. “If that’s what it takes for you to be happy with yourself, then that’s what you should do,” Deanna advised. “But you should only do it if it’s going to make you feel better about yourself. Don’t do it because you think other people will respect you for it.”

    Dani nodded. In all actuality, she had contemplated telling the truth about the nature of her purpose on Cardassia. But ultimately, she’d decided against it. What purpose would it serve now that everything was said and done?

    “I have something else I need to tell you,” Dani said. “It’s something that you probably need to know to counsel me effectively, I guess. I was pregnant … but I miscarried. The father was Dukat.”

    “Dani … ” Deanna trailed. The woman really had been through a lot.

    “No, wait. There’s one more thing I want to say before you say anything else,” Dani said. “I loved him. With every fiber of my being. But if it meant that he could be alive today, I would have never chosen to stay on Cardassia with him.” She choked up and had to stop for a moment. “Excuse me. I’m sorry,” she said, once she had regained her composure. “I’ve come to realize that the reason he is dead today is me. If I had never gone to Prime, there would have been no rescue attempt. And he’d be alive.”

    Xxx

    Jean-Luc Picard was standing at his replicator sipping on a fresh, steamy mug of Earl Gray tea when his ready room door chimed. “Come,” he beckoned. The doors slid open and his ship’s counselor sauntered in. “Counselor – what can I do for you?”

    “I’ve just had a meeting with Dani Janeway,” Deanna said.

    Picard walked from around his desk and settled into one of the chairs across the room. Deanna claimed the small sofa across from him. “How is she?” Picard inquired.

    “Not good,” Deanna admitted.

    “Oh, dear,” Picard said. He had suspected as much earlier when Janeway had first transported aboard. She’d seemed a little out of sorts for a person being reunited with her family. “What seems to be the problem?”

    “Dani is dealing with a lot of emotions at the moment,” Deanna said. She wanted to give the captain a good idea of what was going on with one of his officers, but at the same time, she didn’t want to reveal anything Dani had been adamant about keeping secret. “I can’t go into much detail, but she’s dealing with guilt, grief, loss. She’s trying to hold it together on the outside, but I’m afraid she won’t be able to keep it up much longer. If she doesn’t get some rest soon, there could be some serious emotional damage.”

    Picard leaned back in his seat and crossed his legs. He could order the counselor to tell him the cause of these feelings Janeway was having, but he knew Deanna wasn’t one to talk about her patients. He could only guess at what, or who, was at the root of these feelings, but he had more than an inkling about what was going on. “Counselor, have you ever heard of Stockholm syndrome?”

    Deanna thought for a minute. That name sounded familiar … then it came to her. “Yes, sir,” she said. “That’s a condition that hostages sometimes develop. They begin to identify with their captors. In extreme cases, the hostages no longer wish to be free and actually want to join the people who abducted them.”

    “That’s right,” Picard said. “Could that possibly be an explanation for Janeway’s condition?” He knew that wasn’t it. But it would offer ample explanation. Especially to Starfleet Command and Headquarters.

    Deanna’s eyebrows rose. It was an avenue she’d never considered … until now. “Yes, sir. I do believe that could explain why Dani has been taking Legate Dukat’s death so hard.”

    “I see … ” Picard said. “And what would be your recommendation on a course of action for Lt. Janeway?”

    “I recommend that she take a medical leave of absence. Immediately. She needs time to recover from this. It’s all been very traumatic for her. I would say she needs at least six months away from active duty, but I suspect it will take her much longer to get completely over this. There’s no guarantee that she will ever be completely over it.”

    “I hear that isn’t unusual for sufferers of Stockholm syndrome,” Picard commented.

    “Not at all, sir,” Deanna replied.

    “Well, then. Make out your report and include diagnosis and treatment suggestions,” Picard said. “I’ll send my recommendations along with yours. I’ll see to it that Lt. Janeway’s leave begins as soon after the debriefing as possible.” He stood, as did Deanna. “Dismissed.”

    Deanna nodded, wondering on the way out if this whole Stockholm business was just a coincidence or if the captain knew more than he’d let on.

    Picard walked back around to his desk. He’d hated that this had all turned out so bittersweet. They’d gotten their people back, but at what cost? The emotional well being of one of his officers? Damn that Nechayev for sending Janeway to Cardassia in the first place. She’d known what she was doing when she’d handed down that assignment. Anything to catch Janeway in the middle of something that would get her kicked out of the ‘Fleet. But Picard had something for the woman that he knew she would never have anticipated. A little-known, nearly forgotten condition that he’d happened to come across in some recent research. The funny part was that any doctor who examined Dani Janeway would probably come to the same ‘conclusion’ he and his ship’s counselor had come to, and there wouldn’t be a thing Nechayev could do about it. The miracles of medicine …

  • Sweetest Sin – Chapter 1. Surveying the Damage

    Story #6 in the “More than a Lifetime” series

    Author’s Note: This story is the sixth in a series of stories that do not follow cannon and should not be taken as such. The previous stories, in order, are: 1) Delta Wild, 2) Homecoming, 3) Graduation, 4) A Love Less Ordinary, and 5) Return to Normal. The events in these stories occur in an alternate universe in which Chakotay’s stint with the Maquis happened much earlier in his life. He is married to Kathryn Janeway, and they have a daughter. In this universe, Voyager did not combine with a crew from a Maquis ship, but instead reached the Delta Quadrant with a small loss of life and most of her crew in tact. The events of “First Contact” and “Insurrection” have already occurred in this timeline, but “Nemesis” has not. The Dominion War occurred, but with vastly different results. Many of the events of the final season of Deep Space Nine didn’t occur, which means the characters that died during the season are not dead in my story. Please overlook any other inconsistencies or errors pertaining to the original Star Trek universe as the author’s ignorance.

    1. SURVEYING THE DAMAGE

    Jean-Luc Picard looked at each of the faces of the Enterprise E’s senior crew, seated around the large conference table in the observation lounge. He hated meetings of this nature, but it was necessary that they be informed of the bittersweet results of their most recent mission. They all knew that Federation Ambassador Hea Starr had been successfully rescued from a labor camp on Cardassia Prime. They also knew that both Will Riker and Danielle Janeway had gone to Prime to rescue Starr and that Janeway hadn’t returned to the Enterprise with Riker and Starr.

    “As I’m sure you’re all aware of by now, Lt. Janeway did not return to the ship with Commander Riker and the ambassador. I have been informed that she is being held on Cardassia Prime as a prisoner of the Cardassian state,” Picard said, simply stating what was already known by his senior staff. “Now we’ve got to try to find a way to get her back.”

    Will Riker looked down at the table. She doesn’t want to come back, he thought.

    Picard continued. “I’ve been in contact with Command, and they are in the process of -“

    The captain was interrupted by the sound of the observation lounge doors swishing open. He swiveled around to see who had just joined his meeting – late. Ambassador Hea Starr made his way to an empty seat at the table.

    “I apologize, Captain. I didn’t mean to interrupt you,” Starr said, settling in at the table. “Please – continue.”

    “Ambassador – good of you to join us,” Picard said. “I’m pleased to see you are in good health.”

    “All thanks to your skilled officers and medical staff,” Starr replied with a smile. He was a handsome, middle-aged human with warm, dark eyes and wavy salt-and-pepper hair. “If not for them, I wouldn’t be here right now. Chances are, I probably wouldn’t even be alive.” Starr had escaped from Prime with Riker nearly three days earlier, and had been on board the Enterprise for nearly twelve hours.

    “Yes,” Picard began again, “actually, one of my officers is the purpose of this staff meeting.”

    Starr’s smile faded. “Lt. Janeway,” he said sadly.

    “I was just telling my crew how headquarters has initiated negotiationtalks with the Cardassians in hopes of freeing Lt. Janeway,” Picard said. “It is our hope that the treaty we signed with them at the end of the Dominion War will play to our favor.”

    Starr nodded. “She is the reason that I am in attendance at this meeting,” he revealed. “I didn’t want the opportunity to tell everyone what kind of officer the lieutenant is to pass. She wasn’t forcibly taken by the Cardassians.”

    Will’s head shot up in the ambassador’s direction. He had been dreading the moment when he’d have to reveal to the captain, to everyone, what Dani had done. She’d abandoned the Federation and Starfleet for Dukat. So far, he hadn’t been able to bring himself to offer that information up to anyone. He hadn’t been planning to unless he was ordered to. But it looked like Starr was about to spill the beans right now. When Will had made his decision to keep to himself as long as possible, he’d forgotten that the ambassador had been standing right there when Dani had done it. He’d watched on as Dani had thrown away her Starfleet life.

    His heart sinking to the pit of his stomach, he watched and listened as Starr continued.

    At Starr’s last words, everyone at the table had looked at each other, obviously puzzled.

    “Ambassador, what do you mean she wasn’t taken forcibly,” Geordi asked. “You don’t mean she wanted to go with them?”

    “Oh, yes, Commander, that’s exactly what I’m saying,” Starr said. “Lt. Janeway went with the Cardassians willingly because she wanted to make sure they released me. She offered herself as a bargaining chip. I saw her do it before my very eyes. She offered herself to them for my freedom.”

    Will looked at the ambassador, surprised. He had not been expecting that to be the description of what had transpired on Cardassia. Starr had apparently seen Dani’s decision as a heroic notion.

    The Enterprise’s first officer thought about Dani and her situation. Perhaps, he thought, it had looked like Dani had turned herself over to the Cardassians in exchange for Starr’s life. Suddenly, there was a bright spot in all of this darkness for Will. If, somehow, they were able to get Dani back, her career might not necessarily be over. In his heart and mind, though, Will knew the ambassador’s version of what had happened wasn’t accurate. Concurring with Starr’s story would mean knowingly lying to the captain, Nechayev, and all of Starfleet. Could he do it?

    Meanwhile, the meeting had been continuing, Will oblivious to what had transpired in the minutes since Hea Starr had given his account of what had happened at the prison.

    “Starfleet has commenced negotiations with the Cardassians for the return of Lt. Janeway,” Picard was saying. “At the moment, those are the only actions being taken. However, it has been made very clear that if negotiations are not successful, other measures will have to be taken.” The meeting’s attendees all looked at one another, understanding the implications of the captain’s words. They would have to attempt another rescue mission if the talks failed.

    “By my projections, it is highly unlikely that the talks will be successful,” Data said. “We must remember that Starfleet is at fault in this situation for breaking into a Cardassian prison and aiding the escape of a prisoner of the Cardassian state. And it appears that we may have no choice but to repeat our infraction.”

    No one liked that prospect, but it looked like the most likely option would be what Data had suggested.

    Picard nodded. “That’s all the information I have for you at the moment,” he concluded. “You are dismissed.”

    Everyone at the table rose and began to file out of the lounge. “Number One?” Picard said. Will, who’d been on his way out of the room, turned to face his captain. “Sir?” he said.

    “Will,” Picard said, approaching his first officer. “I realize that this entire ordeal must be very difficult for you.”

    Will sighed. “I won’t lie to you. It certainly hasn’t been a picnic.”

    “Well, I assure you – we’re doing everything we can to bring Dani home. You have my word that I will do everything in my power to make sure that Dani is returned safe and healthy.”

    “Thank you, sir,” Will said. “I appreciate that.”

    Picard hesitated a moment before continuing. He knew Will wouldn’t like what he was going to say next. “In the meantime, I think it would be best if I took you off this mission.”

    “Sir -” Will objected.

    “Will, you’re much too close to this one,” Picard explained. “Take some time off. Get your head together.”

    “Sir, I appreciate the gesture,” Will began, “but I’d prefer to remain involved with this.”

    “Will, I understand what you’re going through. I really do.”

    “Then, you’ll understand my desire to want to do something, to feel useful. Frankly, sir, the only way you’re going to get me off this mission is to order me off it.”

    Picard studied Riker. He certainly didn’t want to pull the younger man off this mission. He truly did understand that the woman Will loved was being held captive. The man wanted to do whatever he could to make sure she returned home again.

    Picard nodded. “Very well, then. You shall remain a part of this mission. But Will, if you, at any time, feel that you no longer wish to remain involved, please don’t hesitate to inform me.”

    Will nodded. “Aye, sir.” With that, he left the observation lounge.

    When Will entered the turbolift, Deanna Troi followed him right in. “Deck 8,” Will said. The lift obediently began to move.

    Will knew why Deanna was here, and he wanted to tell her that he didn’t need to talk to anyone, but he knew that wasn’t the case. He needed to talk. Desperately. And there was no better person to talk to than the woman standing next to him. He looked down at her.

    “I don’t even know where to begin,” Will said. He and Deanna were both on the sofa in Will’s quarters. “I don’t know how to begin.”

    “Let’s begin with you,” Deanna suggested.

    “I feel absolutely horrible, Deanna,” Will expressed. “I should have never let them give her this assignment. I should have never let her agree to this assignment.” Will paused and reconsidered. “I know it wasn’t exactly her choice, though. I know it was an order, but I should have … done something.”

    “So, you feel responsible for Dani’s presence on Cardassia right now,” Deanna surmised.

    “Yes,” Will said honestly. His thoughts wandered back to those final moments on Cardassia when he’d watched Dani choose Dukat over him. That had hurt like a knife. “Maybe,” he continued, lost in his thoughts, forgetting that Troi was sitting beside him, “Maybe if I’d done something, anything … she’d be here right now.”

    “You’re right,” Deanna told him. “Dani didn’t have any control over this assignment, and neither did you. Will, this isn’t your fault. You obviously did everything you could to ensure Dani’s safety.”

    No, I didn’t, Will thought. If that were the case, he’d have shot Dukat when he’d had the chance, grabbed Dani, and gotten the hell out of there.

  • Return to Normal – Chapter 1

    Story #5 in the “More Than a Lifetime” series

    Author’s Note: This story is the fifth in a series of stories that do not follow cannon and should not be taken as such. The previous stories, in order, are: 1) Delta Wild, 2) Homecoming, 3) Graduation, and 4) A Love Less Ordinary. The events in these stories occur in an alternate universe in which Chakotay’s stint with the Maquis happened much earlier in his life. He is married to Kathryn Janeway, and they have a daughter. In this universe, Voyager did not combine with a crew from a Maquis ship, but instead reached the Delta Quadrant with a small loss of life and most of her crew in tact. The events of “First Contact” and “Insurrection” have already occurred in this timeline, but “Nemesis” has not. The Dominion War occurred, but with vastly different results. Many of the events of the final season of Deep Space Nine didn’t occur, which means the characters that died during the season are not dead in my story.

    Chapter 1

    The turbolift halted, and the doors opened, revealing ship’s counselor Deanna Troi, who had been waiting patiently for the lift to arrive.

    “Goodmorning, Deanna,” said Will Riker, who was already occupying the lift..

    “Will – goodmorning,” Troi said, stepping into the lift and joining the commander. “You’re just the person I wanted to see.”

    “Really?” Will asked. The lift doors slid shut, and Deanna instructed it to go to the bridge, Will’s destination as well. “What can I do for you?” Will asked.

    “Well, it’s about Dani,” Deanna revealed, with some degree of caution in her voice.

    “What about her?” Will inquired, caution creeping into his own voice.

    “I’ve been fielding some concerns about her serving aboard the Enterprise,” Deanna said.

    Will looked at her, puzzled. Why would anyone be concerned about Dani Janeway, Will wondered silently. He already knew the answer, though. He didn’t even know why he was trying to pretend like he didn’t. He had a feeling he knew the exact words that were going to come from the counselor’s lips.

    Deanna continued, answering Will’s unasked question. “People are concerned about her relationship with Dukat.”

    “She no longer has a relationship with Dukat,” Will said, immediately tensing at the subject of conversation. He knew it. Dani’s relationship – former relationship – with the infamous Cardassian was going to be a hot topic for weeks, perhaps months, to come. It had all ended almost a year ago, with the execution of the former gul by the Romulans, and Dani had moved on, apparently. She and Will had resumed their romantic relationship three months ago during one of his visits to Deep Space Nine. They were together again, just like the old days. Despite the fact that Dani was leaving DS9 having served Starfleet to the best of her abilities, and one rank higher to show for it, he and Dani both knew that her past relationship with Dukat would be all that a lot of people saw for a long time to come. It wasn’t something that was just going to go away. That much was obvious, given the fact that Dukat had died almost a year ago, and people were still talking about him and Dani.

    Deanna had expected the automatic defense that Will projected regarding Dani, and she understood his need to do so. But it didn’t change the fact that there were people on board the Enterprise who didn’t want Dani there. “Regardless, they’re questioning her loyalty to Starfleet,” she said.

    “That’s absurd,” Will said. “Dani’s as true to Starfleet and the Federation as you and I are.”

    “I know that, but many don’t.” Deanna didn’t like being the bearer of a lot of unpleasant news, especially on a day when she knew Will was excited, but there was more that he needed to be aware of concerning the crew’s attitude toward Dani Janeway. “People are also concerned that she’s going to be on the receiving end of some special treatment,” Deanna added hesitantly.

    “Special treatment?” Will couldn’t believe his ears. “Computer, halt turbolift.” The lift came to a complete stop. Will turned to Deanna. It wasn’t enough that Dani would have to deal with the backlash of her relationship with Dukat, was it? She would also have to deal with the backlash of being her. He didn’t know why it was so hard for people to accept that the daughter of Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay could come up through the ranks and prosper without the help of “connections”. “Who exactly has been coming to you with these ‘concerns’?” Will asked. It came out more harshly than he’d intended, especially since he knew Deanna was only doing her job by informing him. He knew she hated it as much as he did. She knew Dani, too.

    “A significant number of officers,” was Deanna’s calm reply. “There are a lot of people who don’t want Dani on this ship, Will.”

    Hearing her say the words Will had known were true was hard. How could people hate so much the woman he’d come to adore? He merely turned to the turbolift doors and said, “That’s unfortunate.” Dani didn’t deserve this kind of reception, he thought. All she’d ever wanted to do was be a good officer. “They don’t even know her,” Will said quietly. “But I don’t have time to go and personally talk to every officer on this ship who has a problem with Dani Janeway.”

    “I’m well aware of that,” Deanna said. She understood perfectly Will’s sentiments, and she thought he was well justified in feeling the way he did. But he did have a job to do here, as she did. In coming to him, she had hoped that this would aid him in his tasks as first officer. She continued. “But as the ship’s first officer, personnel matters do fall into your duties. I’m asking you to talk with the department heads and ask that they not give any special treatment to anyone.”

    “None of them would ever do that,” Will defended.

    “I know, but it would put a lot of people at ease if you talked to them.”

    Will considered the proposition. He had to admit he had thought of the possibility of personnel problems concerning Dani. He’d even submitted to the fact that those problems weren’t just possibilities; they were likelihoods. He just didn’t want to believe it. He acquiesced and nodded in response to Deanna’s suggestion. Calmer, he said, “Perhaps it couldn’t hurt. Computer-“

    “It would also be a good idea if you treated Dani like you would treat any other junior officer while you’re on duty,” Troi interrupted.

    “Of course,” Will said, bristling at the silent implication that he would ever act in such an unprofessional manner. Deanna picked up on it.

    “Will, I’m not suggesting that you would behave otherwise,” Deanna was sure to add. “It’s just a reminder.”

    “I know,” Will said genuinely with a sigh. He was getting all worked up over this, and Dani wasn’t even on board yet. Deanna was just trying to help, and he was snapping at her like she was to blame for all that she’d told him. “I appreciate it,” Will said sincerely, thanking the counselor for her help. “Computer, resume.” The turbolift began its ascent once again.

    “I just didn’t realize the effect having Dani aboard would create,” Will continued. “I’ve been aware of how we should both behave on duty. And I knew a few people would have some qualms with her because of Dukat and her relationship with me, but is it really that many?”

    “I wouldn’t have come to you if it were only a few people who had expressed concerns,” Deanna said.

    The turbolift came to a halt again, this time at its destination – the bridge. The doors slid open, and Will and Deanna glided onto the bridge. Data, who had been in command, stood from the captain’s chair and relinquished control to Will.

    “We have arrived at Deep Space Nine,” Data reported.

    “Thank you, Mr. Data,” Will said. “On screen.” A visual of the space station Deep Space Nine appeared on the view screen at the head of the bridge. Will tapped his comm badge. “Bridge to Captain Picard,” Will began, “We’ve arrived at Deep Space Nine.”

    “Very well, then, Number One,” Picard’s voice sounded through the badge.

    A few moments later, Captain Jean-Luc Picard emerged from his ready room adjacent to the bridge. His sight went directly to the view screen.

    “Captain, Colonel Kira is hailing us,” the communications/tactical officer reported.

    “Put her through,” Picard instructed. The viewscreen image of the space station was immediately replaced by that of Colonel Kira Nerys. “Colonel,” Picard greeted.

    “Captain Picard,” Kira said, “How good it is to see you again.”

    “It is good to see you as well,” Picard said. “How are things on the station?”

    “Things are running quite smoothly, fortunately,” Kira informed him. “Captain Bunche sends his regards. He regrets that he won’t be in attendance at the reception this evening. He was called away on official business. I’m sure you understand.”

    “All too well, Colonel,” Picard responded. He had been looking forward to talking with Captain Bunche again. They shared an interest in archeology, which made for wonderful conversations. He’d gotten to know Bunch much better than Ben Sisko, DS9’s former captain, who had taken a leave of absence to spend time on Bajor. The Dominion War hadn’t afforded Sisko or Picard the opportunity to become friendly with one another. War had a habit of doing that.

    Picard continued. “I understand we are to be taking on a former crewmember of yours.”

    “Ah, yes,” Kira said, “Lt. Janeway. I must say I’m sorry to see her leave. She’s become a valued member of the DS9 crew. We’ll miss her.” It was true. Despite Dani’s connection to Dukat, Kira had grown very fond of the young woman. She was a hard worker, a good officer. She would make a good addition to the Enterprise team. “She should be arriving shortly,” Kira said.

    “Captain,” the comm/tactical officer began, “Lt. Janeway’s shuttle has just docked in shuttlebay two.”

    “Thank you, Lt.,” Picard said, directing his attention back to the colonel. “I’ve just been informed that my new officer has arrived. If you’ll excuse me, Colonel, I’m going to go greet her.”

    “By all means, Captain,” Kira said. “I look forward to seeing you at the reception this evening.”

    “And I, you,” Picard said.

    Kira smiled warmly. “Kira out.” The communication was terminated, and Kira’s image was replaced by the image Deep Space Nine.

    Picard looked at Will and Deanna. The three filed off the bridge into the waiting turbolift.

    “I imagine this particular occasion must be a joyous one for you, Will,” Picard said, once the lift doors had closed.

    Will smiled, not even attempting to hide it. “Yes, sir. It is,” he said. Despite his earlier conversation with Deanna, he was still excited about Dani’s arrival. “It’s very fortunate for the Enterprise that Lt. Janeway will be joining the crew. She’s a valuable asset that any captain would be proud to have serving on his ship.”

    “Oh, yes,” Picard replied. “She graduated at the top of her class at the Academy and completed command school. And she’s matured into an excellent officer.”

    “That she has, sir,” Will agreed.

    The turbolift continued for a few moments before coming to a halt. When the doors opened, Troi, Riker, and Picard stepped out, walked down the corridor and into shuttlebay two.

    Will waited anxiously as the shuttle hatch opened. He noticed that his heart rate had risen, as had his body temperature. His palms were also sweaty. He had already begun to wipe them on his uniform when he realized that Deanna was looking at him. She could probably sense how he was feeling, although she didn’t say anything.

    Will turned his attention back to the shuttle, and there she was. She was just as beautiful as the last time he’d seen her, if not more so, and one rank higher. Her eyes rested on him briefly before falling on the captain.

    “Permission to come aboard, Captain,” she requested.

    “Permission granted, Lt.,” Picard said. Lt. Danielle Janeway stepped off the shuttle gangplank and onto the deck of the U.S.S. Enterprise 1701-E. Picard stepped forward with his hand extended. Dani stepped forward as well and met him, shaking the captain’s hand. “Welcome aboard,” he said.

    “Thank you, Captain,” Dani said.

    “It’s good to have you back on board the Enterprise,” Picard said.

    “It’s good to be back on board, sir,” Dani replied.

    “How are your parents?” Picard inquired. It had been a while since he’d last seen Admiral Janeway and Captain Chakotay.

    “They’re well. My father is enjoying his teaching post at the Academy, and my mother is keeping busy at headquarters.”

    “Very good.”

    “Welcome aboard, Dani,” Deanna said warmly.

    “Thank you, Counselor,” Dani said.

    “Hello,” Will said.

    “Hello,” Dani said, looking up at Will, briefly. She couldn’t afford to gaze at him to long. If she did, she wouldn’t be able to look away.

    “The commander will be showing you to your quarters,” Picard said. “It’s good to see you again, Dani.” He turned to Will. “I’ll be on the bridge.”

    “Aye, sir,” Will said, as the captain left the shuttle bay. He turned his attention back to Dani. “If you’ll follow me.” Will, Deanna, and Dani left the shuttle bay. None of them said very much during the journey to Dani’s quarters, probably because of the awkward situation the three of them were in. A man, his ex-lover, and his current lover – and all of them officers serving on the same ship in positions where they would all inevitably interact with each other. Despite the friendly smiles they sported, one didn’t have to be an empath to sense the tension and uneasiness surrounding the three officers. When they reached their destination, the tension wasn’t lifted.

    “Well, this is it,” Will said casually as the three of them walked in. “I hope it’s to your liking.”

    “Oh, yes. Definitely,” Dani said, looking around the living room area.

    “I know it’s not the lap of Cardassian luxury you’re used to,” Will said.

    “Believe me, I think I can adjust,” Dani assured him. “It’ll be nice to get back to a real bed for a change. I’d had about all I could take of those hard Cardassian excuses for beds.”

    A long, awkward, silent moment followed. No one knew what to say next. Finally, Deanna spoke up.

    “I’d better get going,” she said. “I’ve got to see how things are looking for tonight.”

    “Right,” Will said. Deanna nodded to them both before exiting. Will and Dani looked across the room at each other. They walked to each other and embraced.

    “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that,” Will said.

    “I bet I do,” said Dani.

    “I wanted to gather you into my arms when you first stepped out of the shuttle.” He looked at her. “But with the captain there. And Deanna…” Dani reached up and pulled Will’s head to her own. Her lips met his for the first time in months. When she pulled away, she expected him to pursue her and was surprised when he didn’t.

    “You haven’t seen me in three months, and all you want is one kiss?” Dani asked. She had to admit, she was somewhat confused.

    “I don’t think I can afford any more right now,” Will said, a hint of a smile on his face.

    “Affordability was never a factor before,” Dani pointed out, raising one eyebrow.

    “If I get involved now, I’m not going to want to leave for the rest of the day, and I am currently on duty. And tonight, we’re holding a reception and dinner for some of the admirals tonight.”

    “That sounds like fun,” Dani said, lacking enthusiasm.

    “The captain would like for you to be in attendance,” Will informed her.

    “Me?” Dani certainly wasn’t anyone important enough that her presence would be missed at a reception for admirals. Was she? “Why?”

    Will was surprised that she didn’t know. “Well, you’re only one of the most talked-about officers in the ‘Fleet,” he said.

    Dani was suddenly aware. “That was almost a year ago,” she said of her relationship with Dukat. Most of her colleagues on DS9 didn’t talk about what had happened between her and Dukat. Because she no longer heard anything about the whole subject, she assumed others on other ships had put it to rest, as well. She was wrong. “I thought everyone would be over that by now. I am.”

    “Captain Picard and Colonel Kira just want to show everyone what kind of officer you really are,” Will said, trying to justify everything. “He wants to give who ever wants it a chance to talk to you personally.”

    Dani stepped away from Will. She didn’t want to be hearing what she was hearing. “I can’t believe this. You’re telling me the whole purpose of this reception is to put me on display?”

    “No, that’s not the purpose of it at all. It’s just a get-together for the admirals. But the captain and Deanna both thought it would be a good idea. It would kind of serve as another opportunity for you to clear your name. Frankly, I think it’s a good idea, too.”

    “Why didn’t anyone discuss this with me?” Dani asked. While she, too, believed this was a good idea, she was a little upset that the decision to go along with it had been made without her consent.

    “That was inconsiderate of us. On the behalf of all of us, I apologize. But, Dani, you’ve got to realize what a good opportunity this is for you to explain your side of things.”

    “I do realize the opportunity. That’s why I’m not madder than I am. What time should I be there?”

    “The reception starts at 1800 hours.”

    “And I was so looking forward to getting re-acquainted with you,” Dani said regretfully.

    Will took her hand and pulled her to him. “We can still do that,” he assured her.

    “Tonight?” Dani asked hopefully.

    Will shook his head regrettably and said, “No, I don’t think so. We don’t know what time this is going to be over with, and I have an early shift tomorrow.” He kissed her. “And so do you.”

    Dani looked up at Will’s neatly-bearded face and could tell he wasn’t joking about the shift.

    “See you tonight,” Will said, this time kissing Dani on the cheek instead of the lips. He walked to the door and said “Dress uniform,” before walking out.

    “I hate those things,” Dani said once she was alone.

  • A Love Less Ordinary – Chapter 6

    Dani Janeway opened her eyes at 7 a.m. sharp at the sound of her alarm blaring in her ears. As she slowly sat up, attempting to gather her thoughts for the day, an alarming thought hit her like a phaser jolt – it was the day after her and Dukat’s interview with Jake Sisko.

    She stood and wandered into her living room, not exactly knowing how she should feel or what she should do. What was on the other side of the doors of her quarters? Would there be an angry mob? Or would no one care? Would people be as cold as ice to her? Or would they treat her like they always had, only to talk about her behind her back they were sure she was out of earshot?

    Dani looked at her computer console. Maybe she should check her messages for the morning…

    She sat down at her desk to access her messages. The first one was from Jake, confirming that he’d posted the interview with the Federation News Service. He’d attached a copy of the finished article to his message. Dani opened the attachment and skimmed over the article. It seemed pretty accurate and balanced, to Jake’s credit. He’d actually presented them for what they were: two people who were in a relationship and merely wanted to live their lives with the same opportunities as others in their position. Maybe this whole thing wouldn’t be so bad after all. Maybe when people read this, Dani thought, they’d be more receptive to the idea of her and Dukat together.

    When Dani read the next message in her terminal, that optimistic thought quickly dissipated. “You should be ashamed of yourself, you Cardie-loving bitch,” the message read. “The uniform you wear would be better-deserved by a Romulan, you traitor! Get off that station and go to Cardassia with that spoonhead and all the others of his kind.”

    Dani quickly deleted the message. Maybe the article hadn’t had the effect she thought it had after all. It hadn’t if the previously opened message was any indication. Dani moved on to the next message. This one was from a familiar face – Emma Shale. Dani immediately rolled her eyes and accessed the message.

    “Well, what a nice surprise!” it read. “Dani and Dukat – has a nice ring to it, if I do say so myself. So, I guess this means you’ll be resigning your lofty position on Deep Space Nine. I always knew you wouldn’t make it. Thanks for proving me right!”

    Dani angrily deleted the message, a sense of dreadful foreboding of what the remaining 43 messages on her terminal were about. And it was only 0700 hours. The day hadn’t even started, yet.

    Damn, she thought. What she feared most was becoming reality.

    She rose from her terminal, intending to return to her room to dress, but paused when the door chimed. ‘Somebody’s here to confront me in person,’ she thought. And here she was in her pajamas, a skimpy shirt with no sleeves and a matching pair of shorts.

    The door chimed again, and she dismissed the issue of her clothing, or lack thereof. “Come in,” she said. The doors slid open, and Dukat glided in. “Marac,” Dani said. She was relieved that it was him and not some angry reader.

    Dukat noted her sigh of relief. A glance in the direction of her computer monitor confirmed his thoughts. “I take it you’ve read your messages for the morning,” he surmised.

    “Some of them,” Dani replied.

    “They weren’t encouraging,” Dukat guessed, again correct in his assumption.

    Dani merely shook her head to the negative. She took a few steps and sat down on the sofa. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so insulted so many times in such a small amount of time,” she said. “And that was just one message.”

    “I don’t mean to sound pessimistic,” Dukat said, joining her on the couch, “but I don’t think you’ve seen the end or the worst of it.”

    “I know you’re right,” Dani said. “And that sucks.”

    “Danielle – I’m here for you,” Dukat told her. “We will get through this. Together.” Dani looked at him, unsure. “We will,” he insisted.

    When Dani walked into Ops that morning, she had that feeling that everyone had been talking but had suddenly stopped when she’d stepped off the lift. She quietly and quickly made her way to her station. She logged in and began to review the sensor readings from the day before. She hadn’t even been working ten minutes when Captain August Bunche stepped out of his office. “Ensign Janeway, could I see you in my office please?” he summoned.

    Dani looked at Kira momentarily before making her way across the room to the Captain. She followed him into his office adjacent to Ops. She stood at attention until he instructed her to sit, which she did.

    “Ensign,” Bunche began, “I believe you know why I have called you here. It appears that your relationship with Dukat has become public knowledge, thereby making it official to some degree.” Dani nodded, wondering where the captain was going with this.

    Bunche continued. “I’ve known about this relationship for weeks, as has most of the station,” he said, “but command is just now only hearing about it. This whole scenario makes them nervous, Ensign.”

    “Sir?” Dani said. She didn’t quite understand what he meant. Nervous?

    “Ensign, I received orders this morning to relieve you from your duties until further notice,” Bunche revealed.

    Dani couldn’t believe her ears. “What?” she managed to say.

    “Personally, Janeway, I think an officer’s private life and what he or she does off-duty is his or her own business and does not necessarily have any bearing on that officer’s on-duty performance. However, as I’m sure you’re well aware, you are, by no means, just an average officer, and Dukat is…well, Dukat. Starfleet is afraid of a scandal, which is where this is headed.” ‘It’s probably already

    reached that point, Bunche thought, regretfully. “I’m sorry, Ensign,” he said, and he truly was. This was a good officer, and she had the potential to be one of his best eventually. “I’m going to have to follow through on these orders,” he informed her.

    Dani couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She’d barely been on duty a couple of months, and already she was being suspended. This had to be some kind of record for the shortest time on duty before being relieved of duty. “Am I to be confined to quarters as well, sir?” she asked, making every effort to appear to be taking the news in stride.

    “No, I don’t believe that’s necessary,” Bunche said. “I do hope you understand Headquarters’ reasoning behind this, Ensign.”

    “Yes, sir. I do.”

    Bunche nodded. “You’re dismissed.”

    And so that was it, Dani thought. Her Starfleet career was probably over. She nodded to the captain and rose. She left the office and Ops without so much as even a glance at anyone on her way out. It wasn’t because she was too embarrassed to look at them; it was because she was too mad.

    The lift doors slid open, and Dani steamrolled through them and down the corridor toward her quarters. Once she entered her quarters, it was apparent to her that she wanted, needed to throw something, kick something, hit something. She would go to the gym and work off all the pint-up rage she was feeling.

    How could headquarters dictate to her how she was supposed to live her life? Who were they to tell her who she was supposed to be romantically involved with?

    She unzipped her uniform jacket and peeled it away from her body. It was then that the communications beacon on her terminal started to beep. She walked over to her desk and sat down at the computer. The comm, the screen showed, was from her parents. As she activated the message, hoped it was a recorded message and

    not actually live, with someone on the other end. Immediately, an image of both Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay appeared on the screen.

    “Dani,” Kathryn said, “we were just about to give up on you.”

    ‘Damn,’ Dani thought. ‘If only I’d come in a few seconds later…’

    “Yeah,” Dani began, “Sorry about that. My shift in Ops just ended.” She studied her parents’ expressions. They weren’t giving up anything. What did they know? “What’s up?”

    Kathryn and Chakotay looked at each other and then back at Dani. “Dani,” Kathryn began, “there have been some rumors floating around Starfleet. Very disturbing rumors. Concerning you and,” Janeway swallowed, “Gul Dukat. I’m sure you had to have heard of them by now. They’ve been floating around now for about two

    months.”

    So they had heard after all. “I have heard them,” Dani replied.

    “And I’m sure you’ve heard of the article on the news service concerning you this morning,” Kathryn said.

    Dani nodded. “Yes.”

    Kathryn continued. “Well, Sweetheart, we just wanted to hear your take on this. I mean, is this something that began as a prank or joke that spun out of control? Something like that? Or…it’s just that we expected what people were saying to die out, but the stories keep coming, and the article this morning-“

    “You want to know if it’s true,” Dani interjected.

    “That’s right,” Chakotay said, speaking for the first time. “We want to know so we can put an end to these despicable lies. Tell us you’re not involved with Dukat so we can stop this.”

    Dani’s head hung. Her heart was beating like a mad drum. Her stomach was nothing more than a twisted knot.

    “Honey, it’s okay,” Kathryn said. “We know that words hurt, but it’s not the end of the world. It isn’t-“

    “They’re not just words,” Dani broke in. She rose her head and looked at her parents on the monitor. They were both speechless. They didn’t know what they were hearing. “I can’t tell you that I’m not involved with Dukat because I am. They’re not just stories. That article on the Federation news wire is real. I did the interview with Jake Sisko yesterday. The things that people are saying…are true.”

    Dani watched her parents and waited for some kind of response, but they just sat there in silence for a few moments. She wanted to say something, but wasn’t exactly sure that there was anything she could say that would make things any better. She opened her mouth to speak anyway, but before any words left her lips, her father suddenly reached over and angrily ended the transmission.

    Dani was left staring at a blank screen. Tears welled up in Dani’s eyes and didn’t hesitate to fall down her cheeks. The worst had occurred. And Dani hadn’t been prepared for it.

    Dani rose from her desk. It was official, now. If her parents had heard, chances were, everyone had heard. Her worst fear had come true. Her parents had found out about her and Marac, and her father’s reaction had been worse than she had expected. He hadn’t said a word. She’d expected him to say something, even if it had been to just yell, but he hadn’t said anything. Dani hadn’t expected that.

    She understood perfectly his reasoning for his actions, though, and she couldn’t blame him. She understood what he believed. He just didn’t understand what she believed.

    Two and a half hours later, Dani, who’d previously left for the gym for a nice long workout, returned to her quarters. The intense regimen she’d embarked on had been successful in helping her alleviate some of the stress of the situation. It could not, however, get rid of the pain she felt as a result of being virtually disowned by her parents, or by her father, at least. When she thought about the sadness, the anger in her rose again. When the anger rose, she felt like punching something. This was the process that had manifested itself throughout her workout, which was why she’d continued for so long. She could never completely get rid of the feelings, and if there was any remnant of any feeling, the process started all over again. It was all so useless. What she really wanted to do was crawl into bed, burrow under the covers, and hide from the universe forever.

    Dani sank down onto the couch and buried her head in her hands as the tears came. Her entire life was falling apart, and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. Well, there was one thing she could do, and doing it would probably get everyone off her back. But she couldn’t go down that road. Not because everyone else dictated that she should.

    The door chimed, and Dani’s head sprung up. “Who is it?” she asked. She wasn’t used to asking that. She usually just told whoever was out there to come on in. She didn’t think it was such a good idea to be so open now. Whoever was on the other side of that door might wish she were dead or something.

    “It’s me – Marac,” Dani heard Dukat say from outside.

    She almost breathed a sigh of relief. “Come in,” she invited. She stood as Dukat entered.

    “I thought we were meeting for lunch,” Dukat said. “What happened?”

    “I was relieved of duty this morning,” Dani informed him.

    “What?” Dukat asked, walking over to her.

    “I went to Ops for my shift this morning, and the captain told me that he had been ordered, by Command, to relieve me of duty.”

    “Because of me?” Dukat asked. Dani nodded and reclaimed her seat on the sofa.

    Dukat sank to the couch beside her. “I didn’t realize such drastic steps would be taken,” he admitted.

    “Me either,” Dani said.

    “I can’t see you any longer, Danielle,” Dukat said suddenly.

    Dani’s head snapped around to face Dukat. “What?”

    “Your whole world is falling apart all at the expense of me. Getting rid of me is the obvious solution to this conundrum.”

    Dani studied Dukat. He was right. It was the most obvious solution. But it wasn’t the only solution. “I’d rather not do that,” she told Dukat. Dani realized that she wouldn’t be willing to put herself through all this drama if she simply cared for Dukat or merely liked him a lot. “I love you,” she revealed.

    Dukat looked at her. He couldn’t believe his ears. Only a few days ago, she’d said that she couldn’t say those words, that she couldn’t tell him she loved him. But now she could?

    “I realized,” Dani began to explain, “that I wouldn’t be letting myself go through all this if I didn’t love you.”

    “Are you sure you aren’t letting yourself go through all this merely to prove a point?” Dukat asked her.

    “What point would that be? My whole life is a wreck. Everything I’ve ever worked for is slipping away. I know I’m stubborn, but I don’t think I would go so far as to risk everything just to prove someone wrong.” Dani stood and turned to face the viewports. “I just wish I could get away from this all.”

    Dukat stood and joined her at the viewport. “I have to go away to Cardasssia IV for business in a few days,” he told her. “I’d like you to come with me.” She turned and looked up at him as he continued. “I could arrange for my ship to leave early, perhaps as early as tonight, if you wish.” Dani returned her attention to the viewport, as placed his hands on her shoulders and whispered into her ear, “I can take you away from all this, if only for a little while, a

    few days. We’ll go somewhere where we’ll be completely secluded, away from everything that’s troubling you. Danielle, come with me.”

    Dani turned and looked up at him again. “Can we really leave tonight?”

  • Graduation – Chapter 7. Thanksgiving

    Thinking back to that same year that she’d had her falling out with Emma, Dani remembered that she had been so glad when that first break of the year, Thanksgiving break, had come around. Besides the obvious reason, that she’d have a week-long break from her heavy load of course work, the time off would also afford her some time to spend with her parents.

    Dani had always thought of Thanksgiving as an antiquated holiday that didn’t have much meaning anymore. But both her parents had always held firm that celebrating it was about more than celebrating what some pilgrims and Native Americans did hundreds of years ago. Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay thought of it as a time for families to get together and spend some quality time with one another. When Dani had been younger, she’d scoffed at that idea. But now that she was older and away from her family, she understood the relevance of the holiday all too well and was glad her parents had decided to uphold the traditions that surrounded it.

    Xxx

    When Dani awoke Thanksgiving morning, the sweet aroma of dressing baking in the oven invading her nostrils. She opened her eyes. Her father must be downstairs cooking Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen, she figured.

    Dani looked at the chronometer on her bedside table. 9:32 a.m. It’d been ages since she’d slept this late on a weekday. Her usual rising time was 6:00 a.m. She sat up, happy to be home.

    Chakotay’s had been away on assignment last Thanksgiving, so Kathryn and Dani and gone to her aunt Pheobe’s and had dinner with Kathryn’s mother and Phoebe’s family. This year, though, both Kathryn and Chakotay were home, and what’s more, they had invited some former members of Voyager’s crew for dinner. It was going to be one big feast. The only person missing was Will. The Enterprise wouldn’t be back to Earth until December, so Will had promised to be home for Christmas.

    After showering and dressing, Dani headed downstairs. As she made her way down, she heard two voices talking in the kitchen. One was her father. The other was not her mother. It was another man.

    Dani walked into the kitchen. “Will?”

    Will Riker turned around, a turkey baster in his hand and a wide grin on his face. “Hi,” he said.

    Dani walked over and kissed him. “Hi. What are you doing here?”

    “Our mission was postponed, so we got an early leave,” Will informed her.

    Dani turned to her father, who was standing on the other side of her. “Good morning, Dad.” She kissed him on the cheek.

    “Good morning,” Chakotay said. He was busy chopping collard greens and placing them into a pot. “Did you sleep well?”

    “I always sleep well in my own bed,” Dani said, smiling at her father.

    “Good. Is your mother up, yet?” he asked.

    “No, I don’t think so. I haven’t seen her.”

    Kathryn appeared in the kitchen doorway. “What’s this?” Kathryn asked. “I’m the last one up? I must be slipping.”

    “Good morning,” Dani, Chakotay, and Will said in unison. Dani walked over to Kathryn and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

    “Let me finish doing that” Kathryn said, offering to take over the turkey basting for Riker. She approached him, and he handed the baster to her.

    “Thanks,” he said. He and Dani walked into the living room and sat down.

    “When did you get here?” Dani asked him.

    “Late last night,” Will said. “I was going to wake you, but you were sleeping so soundly. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

    “I wish you would’ve. I was dreaming about you, anyway.”

    Will smiled. “Were you?”

    “Yeah.”

    “What was I doing in this dream?”

    “I wouldn’t feel right saying it out loud in my parents’ house.”

    Will’s blue eyes seemed to light up. “It’s that bad?”

    Dani nodded and smiled. “So, how long are you going to be here?”

    “Only a few days. Our mission was rescheduled. The Enterprise leaves orbit Saturday at noon.”

    Dani wanted to complain, but she knew he had no control of it, short of quitting the ‘Fleet.

    “I know it’s not long, but we’ll make every moment count,” Will said. “I promise.”

    “It’s more than enough time. I didn’t think I’d get to see you at all. Now I find that I get to spend two whole days with you.”

    “I don’t know how much of that time we’ll actually get to spend alone.”

    “Yeah, I know – Harry, Seven, Icheb, Tom, and B’Elanna are all coming over.”

    “Don’t forget Data,” Will added.

    “Data’s coming?”

    “He’s never been to a real Thanksgiving dinner before.”

    Dani nodded. “That’s ten. Perfect.”

    Xxx

    “Harry, could you pass the salt, please?” Tom asked.

    “Sure,” Harry said. Harry picked up the salt and passed it to Tom, who was seated beside him. Both were at the Janeways’ dinner table with eight other people.

    “So, how did you two meet,” Tom asked Dani and Will. He looked at Dani who, in turn, looked at Will.

    “Actually, we’ve known each other for quite a while,” Will said.

    “Since I was a kid,” Dani said.

    “Really?” Tom.

    “Yes,” Will said.

    “Well, then I suppose that the question I should be asking is how you came to be a couple.”

    “I’m surprised you don’t already know,” Dani said. “I would have thought everyone’s already heard about it courtesy of the Federation News Service.”

    “It was after Voyager returned from the Delta Quadrant,” Will began. “We reunited at a reception. The rest is pretty much history.”

    “Wonderful,” Harry said. “Any wedding plans?”

    Everyone’s head snapped up. Their eyes fell on Dani and Will.

    “No,” Dani said. “Not at the moment.”

    “But in the future?” Seven probed.

    It was like a tennis match. Everyone’s head was following the conversation as if it were a bright yellow ball.

    Dani looked at Will before answering. “Well, we have talked about it, if that’s what you mean.” Kathryn and Chakotay both went white. Dani saw it and quickly added, “But we both agreed to wait until after I graduate from the Academy, at the very earliest.” Kathryn still looked as if she would faint.

    “You’re getting married?” Tom asked. “Way to go, Dani!”

    “This is most unexpected,” Icheb said.

    “You’re telling me,” Harry said. He’d broached the initial question, but he hadn’t expected that Dani would actually be ready for marriage. Not now. He looked at her. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

    “Lt. Kim has a point,” Data said. “Marriage is a big commitment.”

    “Dani, I can’t say that I agree with your decision to marry at such a young age,” Chakotay said.

    “I’m 22,” said Dani, but it was as if no one heard her.

    “I have to agree with your father on this one, Dani,” Kathryn said. “This could be a mistake. I mean, you aren’t…pregnant, or anything – are you?”

    Dani and Will looked at each other, as everyone else at the table continued to talk about their ‘engagement.’

    “Excuse me,” Will said. No one even knew that he was trying to speak. “Hey!” Everyone ceased talking and looked at Will. “Thank you,” he said. “Now, no one, at least not Dani or I, is getting married. We said we talked about it. That’s all.” Everyone looked at one another and went back to enjoying their meal. Dani and Will looked at each other, amazed at how quickly that whole conversation had escalated. It was intriguing. It had given the both of them a look into everyone’s train of thought concerning the course of their relationship, and it’d been very revealing.

    Xxx

    “I can’t believe how wild dinner got this afternoon,” Dani said. She and Will were sitting on the porch swing. Night had fallen, and things had settled down considerably since dinner.

    “Yeah,” Will said. “Who knew one little question could cause so much of an uproar?”

    “I’m sure Harry didn’t mean any harm by asking,” Dani assured him.

    “No,” Will said, agreeing with Dani. He pulled Dani closer.

    A gentle breeze blew through. Dani pulled the thick blanket draped over her and Will closer.

    Xxx

    Data, Harry, and Tom observed Dani and Will from inside.

    “Out of all the people I imagined Dani ending up with, Will Riker was the last person on that list,” Harry said.

    “Last?” Tom asked. “He wasn’t even on my list.”

    “I, too, was surprised by the coupling at first,” Data said. “However, after observing them together and considering their history together, I have come to find that they are quite well-suited for each other.”

    “I never meant that they didn’t make a good couple,” Harry said. “He just seems a bit…” He searched for the appropriate term.

    Tom didn’t bother with searching for ‘appropriate terms.’ He completed Harry’s statement for him. “Old?” he said.

    Harry looked at Data. “No,” he said. ‘Old’ didn’t quite fit. “It isn’t exactly that. I mean there is an obvious age difference, but that’s not really it. It’s just…”

    Tom took a sip of his glass of water and tried guessing again. “He’s a bit of a player in the relationship game.”

    Harry and Data looked at each other and nodded. Tom had hit the nail exactly on the head.

    “I just wouldn’t want her to get hurt, you know?” Harry said.

    “Lieutenant,” Data began, “may I remind you that the commander and Dani have been in a monogamous relationship for over two years.”

    “Data’s right,” Tom said. “Besides, anyone can change.” Tom was a living testament to that statement. He’d first boarded Voyager an irresponsible, womanizing ex-con. When he’d disembarked for the final time, he’d been a responsible family man with a wife and kid.

    The three of them once again returned their gazes to the couple sitting on the porch.