Non-Fraternization 101

If someone had told Kathryn a week ago that she would be sneaking around her own ship on a normal day, she would have laughed in his face. It was undignified and humiliating, and above all, it was so very unlike her.

Unfortunately, it was also reality.

Now, while she had to fall back on every stealth technique she had ever learned, she wondered why she had insisted they pass through Mignonan space. The detour around it would have taken a month at most, but no, they had had to take the short cut. The Mignonans had seemed friendly enough. A bit on the paranoid side, but friendly. Little had she known what she was getting them into when she agreed to let a delegation stay on board for the duration of their trip through Mignonan space.

"'Fraternization between colleagues is intolerable'," Kathryn recited the Chancellor's words, mimicking his voice. "'You can't expect males and females to do their assigned duties when they work side by side with their bed partners.'" Her blood pressure still increased at an insane rate when she remembered his little speech. On any normal day, she would have kicked his sorry behind off her ship, but as life goes, the day had been anything but normal. In order for them to be allowed passage, she had had to agree that her crew would abide by the Mignonan's rules, including their strict non-fraternization policy. And as if that was not bad enough, part of the delegation's job was to ensure that they did.

Perhaps, Kathryn mused, if she got lucky, Tom and B'Elanna would put her out of her misery. At least then she would not have to try and blend into the non-existent shadows of Voyager's brightly illuminated corridors anymore. This situation had to be the worst for them. Instead of sharing quarters like every married couple ought to, Tom was sleeping at Harry's place while B'Elanna shared with Ensign Wildman and Naomi. The Mignonan did not even tolerate that crewmembers of the opposite sex had their quarters on the same deck, much less shared quarters.

"It could be worse," Kathryn said to herself, in an attempt to see the bright side, but was forced to hold back the burst of hysterical laughter that threatened to bubble forth. Who was she trying to kid? What could be worse than being restricted on your own ship?

The answer became plain when she heard footsteps somewhere behind her. Not taking any chances, her head snapped from right to left to determine the best route of escape just in case those footsteps belonged to a Mignonan. Not that she intended to find out. Even her best no-nonsense tone of voice would not help her explain what she was doing on a supposedly male quarters deck during off-duty hours.

The footsteps grew louder and, by Kathryn's calculations, where just around the corner. The corridor stretched out in front of her; she could not possibly make it to the next cross section in time. Seeing no alternative, she made a beeline for the closest quarters, keyed in her override code, and dove inside. Now, simple physics dictated that any object in motion would remain in motion, unless stopped by another force. That other force turned out to be a broad chest, which Kathryn bumped right into. At her speed, though, nothing short of a solid wall could have stopped her, and the force of her impact sent both the broad chest and Kathryn herself sprawling to the floor, knocking the breath out of them both.

Great. Now she would go down in history as the only female Captain who jumped one of her crew. To make matters worse, she did not even know who she was lying on top of, but was not quite prepared to find out, either. Knowing her luck, this chest would belong to Tom Paris. She would not only hear about it for the rest of her life, but she would also have to deal with the wrath of his half-Klingon wife. Her eyes tightly shut, Kathryn mentally counted to ten.

"This adds a whole new dimension to serving under you," rumbled the chest.

Kathryn's eyes snapped open; she would recognize that deep, rich timbre anywhere. She just couldn't fathom how she'd ended up in his quarters without noticing. It was ridiculous, really. Four days worth of pent-up tension broke free then, as she burst into laughter, her head dropping against his torso. Luckily, his chest muffled her voice, or else whoever had been on her heels would have heard her.

Chakotay, for his part, lifted his head just high enough to watch the shaking redhead atop him in amusement, patiently waiting for her to calm down until he could pick himself up off the floor. Spirits, he had missed her these past few days. He had not realized how used he was to spending the evenings with her until they had been forced to put an end to that for the time being. Now that she was here, he felt complete again. Who cared that they were sprawled across the floor?

Kathryn's laughter gradually subsided. Grinning, she folded her arms on his chest to rest her chin on them. "You're just the person I need to talk to."

"After-hours? How can you," he replied, a note of mock indignation slipping into his voice. "This is a direct violation of non-fraternization protocol thirty-one, eighth paragraph, line three."

She blinked mutely at him.

"I had a lesson in non-fraternization 101 the other day."

Kathryn's brows shot up. "What did you do?"

"I'll tell you all about it, but let's get more comfortable first."

She appeared to give it some thought, but her eyes were sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I don't know. I'm quite comfortable."

"I'll buy you coffee." The pressure on his chest suddenly disappeared. He blinked. "That was fast."

"I'm out of rations," she said by way of explanation, then offered a hand to help him get up off the floor. Once he had found his footing, that same hand shot out, palm up, fingers slightly bent. "Coffee."

Chuckling, Chakotay ordered a cup from the replicator while Kathryn made herself comfortable on his couch. Passing it over, he settled next to her. Kathryn's face lit up as soon as the scent hit her nostrils, and closing her eyes in pleasure, she breathed in deeply. Next thing he knew, she had emptied her cup. "Ah, I'm much better now. Thanks." Pulling her right leg beneath her, she faced him. "So, what did you do."

He shrugged. "I had the audacity to inquire about B'Elanna's day when I accidentally met her on my way back here."

Her mouth opened and closed again, disbelief flashing across her face. "That's all?" she managed at last. "You just asked about her day?"

"Yup."

Slumping against his shoulder, Kathryn groaned. "I'm tired of putting up with this kind of insanity. Let's maroon the Mignonan on the next M-class planet and be on our way. I want to go back to normal." She paused. "Or what passes for normal on this ship."

For just a moment, Chakotay indulged his fantasies. Why wait for the next M-class planet? Any planet would do as far as he was concerned. With a sigh, he snapped out of it, and put his arms around her instead. "Not an option. We'd never make it out of this region of space before their government notices something's up."

Kathryn leaned into him some more. "You had to shatter my beliefs, didn't you. I wonder why I keep having you around."

"Easy answer," he replied grinning, and hugged her close. "For the coffee." That elicited a chuckle from her. "It's only four more days, then we're out of here and back to our regularly scheduled madness."

"That's four days too many," Kathryn whined. "I had to sneak around my own ship to come here, Chakotay. Are you sure we can't abandon them?"

It was such a pathetic comment that he would have laughed, had he not been sure she would retaliate. "Positive. You know the rules: comply with local law. So that's what we'll do for another four days."

He was right of course, but she wondered if the ends justified the means. She could not remember a time when she had felt more alone than in the past few days. To have him so near, yet so far away just about killed her. Shivering, she snuggled closer. "It's much more fun when I'm the one reminding others."

Chakotay gently rubbed along her arms. "Come on now, Kathryn. Tell me what brings you here."

"I missed talking to you."

He could certainly relate to that. "Why didn't you just call me?"

There was a subtle change in her mood then; she grew serious. "It's not the same. Though you're a master of giving the verbal equivalent of a hug, I prefer the real thing. It puts me at ease every time."

Chakotay drew back just far enough to stare at her in surprise.

She smiled at seeing his expression. "Don't tell me you didn't know. Why do you think I spend more time in your quarters than in mine?"

Her shining eyes spoke volumes, but he was not convinced. He had been through this too many times to jump to conclusions. He gestured towards the view port. "The view maybe?"

"Among other things," Kathryn replied as she considered him with an appraising glance, not paying the least attention to the star field. She may have come here for a friend, but she found that was not all she needed. "I missed you," she simply said. "I missed you badly."

The note of sincerity in her voice had him throw caution to the wind. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, he cupped her face between his broad hands. When she encouraged him with a smile, he slowly lowered his head. Millimeters in front of her lips he stopped. "Do you, by any chance, know the penalty for kissing?"

"Who care-"

The pressure of his mouth cut off the rest of her answer.

*

Vlok stared at the doors in irritation, waiting for the turbolift to reach Deck 2. All he had wanted to do was talk to Captain Janeway, but she turned out to be quite an elusive individual. He had spent the past thirty minutes trying to get hold of her, but had managed to miss her by just a few moments each time. By the time he had reached the bridge, he had been told she was in Engineering. When he had arrived there, the feisty Chief Engineer had informed him that Janeway had gone off duty.

Vlok briefly remembered the feral look in the half-Klingon's eyes and repressed a shudder. If all members of her species had a temper like that, he sure was glad that they lived in the Beta Quadrant. It was strange enough being on a vessel with a mixed crew, something that was unheard of on Mignon; he could well do without further complications.

The turbolift stopped and Vlok was about to head towards Janeway's quarters, but thought twice. She could be just about anywhere on the ship, but more importantly, it would be nothing of short of impossible to explain what he was doing on a female quarters deck. Drumming his three feet on the floor, he contemplated his options when a female crewmember passed by the turbolift, an ensign if he interpreted the pips on her collar correctly. However, it was the badge on her chest that attracted his attention. If memory served, it was not only a communications device but also a locator that all crew were required to wear. Including the Captain.

Vlok grinned. Or what passed for a grin for a species whose mouths appeared to be nothing more than thin lines on their faces. "Computer, location of Captain Janeway?"

"Captain Janeway is in Commander Chakotay's quarters."

Being a tripedal species did have advantages. There were times when the third leg in particular really came in handy. Now was one of them, as it kept Vlok from toppling over in shock.

*

The sound didn't immediately register in Kathryn's passion filled mind. She was a bit too preoccupied with the sweet sensations Chakotay's lips were evoking. Gods, the man sure had an imaginative mind; the things he could do with his mouth alone were nothing short of amazing. And they had not even gotten past kissing yet. She dreamily gazed at him with glazed-over eyes, when he lifted his head for a moment. Those delicious lips moved to speak.

"Ahem, Captain."

They blinked, then jerked apart. Or rather, they would have if Kathryn had not been draped all over his chest. As it was, Chakotay could hardly move, and all she accomplished to do was lose her balance and fall off the couch. She rubbed her head and winced. "Ouch."

Chakotay's concerned face immediately was on level with hers. "You okay?"

She nodded and let him help her get up. Then her head snapped around to the intruder, trademark glare firmly in place. "Have your people no regard for privacy? How dare you enter without permission?" She paused when her own words sank in. "How did you enter without permission?"

Vlok had the good sense to look sheepish. At least, that's what Chakotay thought he looked like. He was not exactly paying much attention, as he had trouble keeping Kathryn from launching herself at the Mignonan. Though the sentiment was much appreciated, he feared she would only manage to make matters worse.

"I was looking for you, Captain," the small Mignonan replied, flailing helplessly with his arms. Kathryn briefly wondered whether that was a sign of fear or embarrassment. "The computer told me I'd find you here, but neither of you reacted to the door chime."

"That explains why you're in here, not how you got in in the first place." When Vlok opened his mouth, Kathryn held up her right hand. "No, forget I ask. I'm not sure I want to know. I'll have my Security Chief look into it."

An awkward silence fell upon the room then. Neither Kathryn nor Chakotay quite knew what to expect now that they had been caught. But remembering Chakotay's penalty, Kathryn suspected she wouldn't like it. "Should have marooned them," she muttered under her breath. That earned her a stern look from Chakotay, who was well within earshot, as his hold on her hadn't loosened one bit.

He chose the more rational approach. "What happens now?"

Vlok was slowly but surely getting a grip on himself, putting his hands behind his back. "I'm not sure, to be honest. This is highly unusual, most certainly inappropriate behavior, but it's also unprecedented. I must report you."

Kathryn had had enough. "Computer, seal the doors. Vlok, sit down. Chakotay, let go of me. The three of us are going to have a little chat now, and no one will leave this room until I say so. Is that understood?"

Recognizing the underlying note of steal in Kathryn's voice, Chakotay did as he was told. His patience was wearing thin too, after all. He'd be more than happy to discuss things and find a solution rather than spend the next four days in the brig - or worse. Now he wasn't quite sure what could be worse, but with the Mignonans anything was possible. He'd rather not take any chances.

Vlok wasn't nearly as happy to oblige. "I protest! Captain Janeway, you agreed to abi-"

She was practically on top of him before he knew it, effectively cutting him off with a glare. "Sit. Down."

Chakotay, who had made himself comfortable on the couch by now, watched the scene in amusement. "I wouldn't argue," he told the flustered Mignonan. "She's the only one who can re-open the doors, and she's stubborn enough not to do it if she doesn't get things her way."

Kathryn looked over her shoulder, grinning briefly. "Thank you. I think." By the time she turned back to Vlok, he had slid down the wall and was sitting on the floor. She raised a brow. "I didn't exactly mean right there. Anyway," she said, starting to pace, "I think I have to explain a few things to you. This," she made a sweeping gesture with her hand, "is not a Mignonan vessel. We come from a totally different cultural background with a different set of rules. Friendship means a great deal to us, regardless of the gender."

Vlok gave that some thought. "Do you kiss all your friends?"

Chakotay growled at the implication. Kathryn blushed. "No," she allowed. "But that's not the point. The point is, we don't let friendships interfere with our duties. On the contrary, they help us improve. Without my best friend," she cast a glance at Chakotay who was watching her intently, "I would have made some pretty bad decisions over the years."

Vlok was not convinced. "That's the Commander's job, though, keeping you from making those decisions."

"True. I'm just not generally receptive to the *Commander*'s input. My friend's is a different matter, entirely."

"That's all very interesting, but what do you expect from me now?"

"To not report us." Kathryn tried for her best Captain's stance, shoulders squared, hands on hips, chin stuck out.

"I can't do that. You're the command team, you're supposed to set examples for your crew. If I let you get away with this, they'd take your lead and probably disregard our opinion in the matter. And, if you remember, Captain, you agreed to abide by our rules. That was the main factor in our decision to grant you the right of passage."

"How about a compromise, then?" Both Vlok's and Kathryn's head snapped around to Chakotay, who had been remarkably quiet up until now. Chakotay was unperturbed, his gaze was solely fixed on Vlok. "Would you consider an alternative to reporting us if it ensured our full cooperation from now on?"

"Consider it, yes." Vlok appeared interested, head cocked to one side. "What do you have in mind, Commander?"

"I'm in charge of the duty roster. I could put myself on Gamma shift for the duration of our trip through your space. That way, it'd be impossible for the Captain and me to see each other, other than in passing by. She'd work while I'd be sleeping, and vice versa."

Both Kathryn and Chakotay held their breath then. There was no telling what the Mignonan's decision would be, as his impassive expression didn't leave much room for interpretation.

"Alright," Vlok eventually said. "But this will be the only exception."

They exchanged looks, then nodded in unison. "We can live with that."

*

"I can't live with this," Kathryn complained, a petulant note slipping into her voice. The knowledge that Chakotay was running late for duty due to their little chat via the comm link didn't help matters any.

Chakotay touched the view screen, as though that would bring him physically closer to her. He could imagine how she was doing, he wasn't much better, just better at hiding it. "Sure you can. Only two more days, Kathryn."

"Are you asking me to be patient? Hello? Have we met?" She was rewarded with those dimples that she'd love to touch right about now.

"Come on, Kathryn. There isn't a whole lot we can do about this. It could have been worse, you know."

"Yes, I know," she sighed. "Doesn't mean I like this situation any better now, but I know."

The sadness he could read in her eyes nearly made him take a chance and go over to her quarters, but he reluctantly dismissed that idea. There would be no more exceptions if they were caught once more. He wasn't all that eager to find out what would happen in that case. "Let me tell you a story," he offered instead, hoping that it would help improve her mood.

It seemed to work. Her face lit up and she leaned in, propping her elbow on the desk and placing her chin in her hand. Her eyes sparkled in anticipation. "An ancient legend?"

He flashed his dimples again. "It might be, one day. Want to hear it?"

"Love to."

Chakotay cleared his throat, then began the tale in the customary soothing tone he always seemed to use when telling stories. "It's about a beautiful red head whose vocabulary didn't include the word 'patience'."

"Uh-oh, not sure I like it."

"Hush. You can judge it afterwards." He grinned. "As I was saying, it's about a beautiful red head whose vocabulary didn't include the word 'patience'. One day she was caught in a compromising position with her best friend because of that. Not that her best friend was complaining, mind you. Their punishment was to spend the next four days apart, which only served to make the red head even more impatient. Her best friend was used to waiting, and rather spent those days thinking about all the things he'd do to her as soon as they'd be together again. In his mind, he pictured how he'd kiss her thoroughly until she'd have all but forgotten about their hardship. How he'd slowly undress and make slow, sweet love to her until she begged for mercy. How he'd keep her at his side and never let go of her again. And in that way . . ." His voice trailed off and a frown etched itself onto his forehead.

Kathryn would have none of that. "And in that way . . . ?"

"And in that way her best friend began to know the true meaning of . . . impatience."

She burst into laughter. "Told you I couldn't live with this. Seems as if I'm not the only one."

"Two more days, then I'm all yours." He cast a brief glance downward and grinned sheepishly. "Now I'd better have a cold shower before I report for duty. Good night, Kathryn."

A throaty laugh was the only response he got before she severed the link.

*

Knowing that Chakotay would be asleep, Kathryn didn't bother with the door chime but let herself into his quarters using her override code. She had come here right from the transporter room to which she had escorted the Mignonan delegation for their imminent departure, needing to see Chakotay immediately now that they could see each other again. Kathryn understood and appreciated that Chakotay had put himself on Gamma shift, but it had just about driven her insane. Now that she quietly padded into his bedroom, she vowed to herself that next time, and there wasn't a doubt in her mind that there'd be a next time, they'd take the detour, come hell or high water.

Carefully sitting down at the edge of his bed, she watched him sleep. The covers had slid down to his waist, baring his smooth chest. Her fingers yearned to touch him, but she caught herself. When the last four days hadn't killed them, she could certainly wait a bit longer and let him have his rest. He'd need it, she thought, grinning to herself.

"Do you want to keep staring, or would you rather join me?"

"You're awake," she accused, blushing.

Chakotay opened one eye just in time to see her turn a nice shade of pink. He chuckled. "Well?"

Kathryn kicked off her boots and got rid of her uniform jacket, then edged closer to him. "Shove over. You're taking up way too much space." He gladly did as he was told and lifted the covers for her to crawl beneath them. With a content sigh, she snuggled close to him and used his chest as a pillow. "This is much better."

"I'll say." His arms wrapped around her, holding her tight. He had been waiting for her actually, reckoning with her impatience, hoping she'd come by as soon as they left Mignonan space. He was sure was glad that he'd been right. "I could stay like this forever."

"I can think of a few more things I'd rather do." Turning her head, she gave him a seductive smile. She lifted her left hand and traced his lips with her thumb. "Like ki-"

Kathryn certainly was beginning to enjoy his way of shutting her up. Four days of merely fantasizing about his mouth had tested her patience, of which she had very little to begin with, as he had pointed out to her. And what little she did have left her as soon as she felt the pressure of his mouth on hers.

In an instant, she was all over him, hungrily devouring his mouth. How she had coped without this for so long, she would never know. At this very moment, though, she didn't particularly care to think about it either. Chakotay's mouth was working hers open, exploring its moist warmth, tickling her palate with his tongue. Kathryn moaned, her hips starting to undulate of their own volition.

The movement elicited a gasp from Chakotay, and he momentarily broke their kiss to catch his breath. Seizing her by her waist, he held her still. "You're wicked," he whispered against her lips, mischief sparkling in his eyes. "But so am I." As if to prove his point, he swiftly roller her onto her back, reversing their positions and effectively putting himself in control. His legs pressed down on hers, his weight immobilizing her.

Kathryn had no intentions of struggling; she quite enjoyed being handled for once. She was working on pure instinct now. While she let her hands wander over his smooth chest, her mouth latched back onto his. Such soft, delicious lips; they were to die for. She'd take them anywhere she could get them . . .

Chakotay could apparently read her mind. His mouth traveled downward over her chin, along her neck, showering every square centimeter he could reach with feathery kisses, licking and nibbling his way along her hot skin until he was met by fabric. He chuckled. "You're overdressed, Kathryn."

The state she was in, she didn't care if he tore off her clothes. All she wanted was to feel his skin on hers, his body on hers, his mouth on hers . . . or any other part of her body. "Don't let that stop you." Chakotay didn't. What little she was still wearing came off in a hurry, and before she knew it his mouth continued to trail its moist path downward. Fire burned within Kathryn, shooting all the way down to her hot center. He reached her breasts and started nibbling at them, one by one, paying equal attention to both of them. Broad hands joined lips and together they brought her to heights she hadn't climbed in too long a time, and all she could do was hang on for the ride.

Chakotay then slid one leg between hers, nudging them apart while at the same time moving along her flushed body until his head was on level with her damp curls. His tongue shot out and quickly flicked over her labia. Her hips rose off the bed at that, the action accompanied by a low moan. He had to seize both her thighs then to keep her from bucking wildly while his teeth grasped her sensitive nub.

Kathryn's eyes snapped open, hands flailing against the mattress for support. "Ohhhh . . . don't stop . . ."

"Not a chance, love," he murmured against her slick folds, causing a wave of small tremors to shoot through her. They quickly built up to higher levels, as Chakotay was relentless in his goal to make her come. It didn't take much more prompting on his part. He let go of her left thigh to dip one thick finger into her opening, pressing into her, then withdrawing it completely only to sink in deeper the next time.

Kathryn went completely rigid for a moment, then the wave crashed over her and she came hard with a cry. She grabbed the headboard for support as her body arched off the bed, hips bucking wildly against his mouth and hands.

Chakotay growled in approval as he felt her walls tighten around his finger, felt her shaking against his mouth. Knowing that her clit would be too sensitive now, he pulled away and sat back on his haunches. Before Kathryn had a chance to come down from her high, he grasped her still spread legs, drawing her close and impaling her with his throbbing member. He easily slid into her slick opening and began to set an agonizingly slow rhythm.

Kathryn uttered a prolonged moan and locked her ankles around his waist, pulling him deeper into her. Her neck bent backwards, pushing her torso off the mattress as she held on to the headboard for dear life.

While Chakotay increased the pace, one hand sneaked slowly up her body to cup a breast, twirling the pebbled nipple between his fingers. His own release was approaching; he felt his control surely but slowly slipping away. Lowering his body on hers, he sought her lips and cut off the constant string of small sounds of pleasure. In response, Kathryn rotated her hips against his pelvis, causing additional friction that snapped the last shred of control he had left. With one final, deep thrust, he spilled into her moist heat, groaning into her mouth. She came scant seconds later, contracting wildly around him, milking him dry and draining his energy.

Ready to collapse, Chakotay rolled off her and onto his back, taking her with him. She came to rest on his glistering chest and placed her head over his heart, listening to its erratic beating, sure that it matched her own. "You've been holding out on me," she complained good-naturedly once she had had a chance to catch her breath. "This wasn't like your story at all. If I had known what I was missing out on . . ." She felt his laugh long before she heard it.

"You never asked." Feeling her shiver in the cool air, Chakotay reached for the covers and pulled them over their heated bodies. "Besides which, would you really have given in if I had bragged about my skills?" It was a purely rhetorical question, and they both knew it.

Kathryn made herself more comfortable then, sliding off his chest to be able to settle her head in the crook of his arm. One leg remained draped over his. "You know," she began after several moments of silence, "I'd really like to see Vlok's face now. Can you imagine his reaction to seeing us like this?"

Chakotay snorted. "Oh, please. You had to spoil the mood, didn't you? I'd already repressed all memory of him."

"Don't you think you're being a bit unfair here?"

He thought about that, then turned his head to look at her. "No. Why?"

"We likely wouldn't be in this bed now if it hadn't been for the Mignonans' non-fraternization policy."

"I've been thinking about that. Why, exactly, is that?" he asked.

"Easy answer. I love a good dare."

THE END

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