Chapter Text
Chakotay spent the day showing Kathryn around his homeworld; all the places he had taken for granted in his youth, he now appreciated with renewed wonder through his wife's curious eyes.
She peppered him with questions. What was that building used for? Where did he play as a child? What was the local wildlife like? Everything was new and exciting for her, and it was infectious. He found himself looking back at many things he had rejected as a young adult, with fresh appreciation.
Later that evening, they walked to the main town hand in hand, to join the community in celebrating the planet's longest day. The streets were lit with fuel filled lamps which flickered in the hazy sunlight. Decorations hung from the buildings and in the windows. Music drifted from the town square, the crowds growing as they approached.
They found his parents with some friends outside the bar, who ordered them drinks and filled plates with food. Kathryn was busy enjoying the street food when Chakotay found his attention being drawn away to a familiar set of brown eyes.
Excusing himself from the table, Chakotay went over to greet an old friend.
"Dasani," he said quietly.
She hadn't changed in the two decades since their misspent youth. Now both in their mid-thirties, they regarded one another with an understanding and acceptance which can only come with time. Understanding of one another and acceptance of choices they had each made in their lives. His to leave. Hers to stay.
"Chakotay," she greeted with a welcoming smile, then nodding over to the table he'd recently abandoned added, "I see you've brought a wife with you this time."
He glanced over his shoulder to Kathryn, "I'll introduce you in a moment," he promised.
"But not before you have a private word with me," her eyes narrowed.
He grinned sheepishly. "You've always been to the point."
"As have you," she reminded him.
Chakotay tugged on his earlobe. "My father suggested I talk with you about the Cardassian situation; share my thoughts on them."
She rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me. They're vicious. Conniving. They can't be trusted."
Opening up his palms he shrugged, "Well… yes."
Dasani frowned. "I know all of those things," she wasn't dismissive, but she sounded resigned. "We don't have much choice over the Cardassian interest in Trebus; not without bloodshed. However, we do have some control over the relationship; whether that's as a friend or foe."
Chakotay was quiet. "I can't see an alliance with them ever ending well."
"Perhaps you should come and see for yourself," she suggested softly. "See the mining operation on the south continent; the safeguards we have in place to protect the environment and native species. Maybe if I can convince you, then you can reassure Kolopak."
Chakotay's mind involuntarily flickered back to Sloan, to the device at the bottom of his bag, to the veiled threat hanging over his future with Kathryn. He refused to give in to those guised threats, however it would do no harm to take up Dasani's offer; see what was happening for himself.
Somehow he found himself agreeing and accepting the proposal. "It would be interesting to gain your perspective."
"Good," she smiled. "I'm heading down there at the end of the week; you can join me."
With the plan set out, Dasani changed the topic. "I understand your sister is extending her stay on Earth," she began conversationally.
"It's a long trip. It's sensible to make the most of it," he offered up noncommittally.
"I'm worried about the indefinite nature of the stay," it became clear Dasani was fishing for information. "Did Sekaya give you any indication when she might return?"
Chakotay held her eye, "When she's ready, I'm sure."
Dasani narrowed her eyes. "It doesn't look good for the community; for Kolopak. Both your father's children leaving makes people feel nervous. They look to him for guidance; what does it say when his own children choose to leave?" The woman revealed the true reason for her enquiry.
"That maybe it's time for change," Chakotay said carefully, "Maybe it's time to establish dialogue with the Federation again. Choose more suitable allies."
She pursed her lips. "The Federation aren't interested in a small planet on the outskirts of their territory," she commented.
"Have you tried?" Chakotay pressed.
Dasani gave him a long look. "I'm not wasting the effort, when I know what their response will be."
"What's that?"
"To leave."
-
Kathryn was so involved and animated with the group around her that she barely noticed Chakotay's absence from her side, until she glanced up and saw him chatting with a tall, elegant woman at the far side of the square.
They looked familiar with each other, standing close and leaning in as they talked. There was a tattoo on the woman's exposed shoulder, similar in design to the one which Kolopak bore on his forehead. It piqued Kathryn's interest. They were the only two people in the village she had seen wearing the symbol. She made a mental note to ask Chakotay about it later.
Noticing her gaze, Tananka reached out and clasped Kathryn's hand, "That's Dasani," she whispered.
Kathryn did a double take. Dasani was stunningly beautiful, in ways which were a polar opposite to Kathryn. Tall and physically foreboding. Short raven black hair and soft facial features. Make-up which accentuated almond shaped eyes and full lips.
Remembering Tananka's teasing of Chakotay the other night, Kathryn felt an unexpected rush of jealousy.
Just as she felt herself staring, the two of them began moving with purpose towards their table.
"Hello Dasani," Tananka stood and pulled the other woman into an easy hug.
Kathryn noted that Kolopak offered a tight nod, but made no effort to rise up from the table.
And then finally Kathryn was introduced, standing from her chair to find herself in the tight embrace with the other woman.
"It's lovely to meet you," Dasani said easily as they pulled apart.
"And you," Kathryn smiled politely.
"We don't often get visitors from outsiders; especially not from Starfleet. Tell me Kathryn, what are your first impressions of Trebus?"
Kathryn suddenly felt all eyes on her, as the small group waited on baited breath for her response.
"It's like home," she replied simply, much to the surprise of the small group gathered around her.
"Kathryn grew up in the countryside," Chakotay explained. "In a rural town, much like our own."
"Fascinating," said Dasani, "I assumed most Starfleet officers grew up at least part of their lives in space."
"Aside from a few holidays to Mars, I rarely left the planet as a child," Kathryn admitted, unsure of its significance.
"And when you have children of your own, do you plan to settle on a planet? To give them a similar upbringing?"
Kathryn faltered as she struggled for a response. It wasn't something she and Chakotay had discussed. If anything, it was a topic she'd be content to avoid for a while longer.
Feeling Chakotay's hand come down to rest on the small of her back, she looked over to see a patient smile tugging at his lips. "Steady Dasani," he gently admonished, saving his wife from needing to reply. "We've been married less than two weeks."
The community leader smiled indulgently. "When the time comes I hope you might consider settling on Trebus," she said with sincerity, and then with an affectionate hand on Chakotay's shoulder added, "I know everyone would be glad to welcome you, as well as see one of our own return."
-
As they walked back to the family house, Kathryn found herself pondering Dasani's words and the open invitation to live on Trebus. Settling permanently on a planet wasn't something she had given much thought to. She had made a home amongst the stars over the past decade, and couldn't imagine giving that up. However, children required permanence and security, and if she and Chakotay chose to start a family, it was a sensible consideration.
It occurred to Kathryn that whilst she and Chakotay had gently prodded at the idea, she didn't know his preference on where to raise a family, or when to start.
"Do you ever see yourself wanting to return here, to Trebus?" she asked after a while.
Chakotay glanced over at her through the corner of his eye. "No," he replied firmly, leaving no room for any doubt. "Don't pay any attention to what Dasani was saying."
"She had an interesting point," Kathryn said mildly. "About raising children on a planet; we both had wonderful upbringings; stability and consistency. Is that something you would want to replicate?"
Chakotay squeezed her fingers in his, but he didn't reply straight away. "It's not the place which is important to me, but the intention and the timing. When we're ready, I'm confident that we can create those things wherever we are."
Kathryn rested her head on his shoulder as they walked, he sounded so confident, and she felt so safe with him, that any obstacle seemed easily surmountable.
"Whenever we're ready?" she echoed quietly, remembering a time over two years ago when they'd had a pregnancy scare. Chakotay's easy acceptance of the situation and willingness to embrace the possibility had been terrifying to her at the time. "You mean when I'm ready?"
He squeezed her fingers in his. "I'm not in any rush," he gently reassured.
A wave of relief washed over her, but then a second of guilt. Chakotay had been clear about his desire for a family some day, with her. It wasn't a breaking point for him, but it was a preference, and although he wasn't pressuring her, he was waiting on her decision.
Meanwhile Kathryn was biding her time. She had requested the posting aboard the Gage so they could be together, even though it would be a step back in her career, it would give her the chance to consider the dynamic; test if it could work. She was a scientist at heart, and every hypothesis required data to validate. Living together permanently would give her that opportunity.
"Did you get your chance to talk with Desani about the Cardassian interest in Trebus?" she asked, feeling the need for a change in topic.
Chakotay nodded, "Yes. She invited me to visit the mining operation. I think she's hoping to win me over, so I can reassure my father."
"Will you go?"
"Yes, but even if I was convinced by the arrangement, the bigger challenge would be convincing my father." A beat passed before he added, "We're not exactly close anymore."
Kathryn could hear the pain of the admission layered in his voice. Whilst Chakotay and Kolopak were cordial with one another, there was a distance between them. "You were close once," she reminded him, remembering the many stories he'd shared of his childhood. "I know he was disappointed you chose to leave for Starfleet, but I get the sense there's more to it."
"It was more than disappointment in my decision, I think I broke his heart," Chakotay said quietly. "When I was fifteen he took me on an expedition deep in the rainforest to find the Rubber Tree People; our spiritual cousins. I believe it was his hope to bond and quieten my ' wandering spirit', but it achieved quite the opposite. It cemented my choice, which I broke to him halfway during the trip.
"I could tell he was devastated, but I refused to acknowledge it. The tattoo he wears above his forehead," Chakotay gestured to the blank canvas on the same position of his own face, "He got it during the trip, to honour our ancestors. But I think now, it's just a reminder of the last time we were together as father and son. That our patriline within this community ends with me."
His words suddenly added more weight to their earlier topic of discussion. Chakotay had no intention to raise children on Trebus. For pioneering people, it was quite the rejection. It seemed that Chakotay had dashed many of his father's hopes.
"I notice Dasani wears the same marking on her shoulder…" she probed carefully.
Chakotay scoffed. "That was possibly the final insult. Dasani and her father made a similar journey the following year. It brought them closer, and on their return she announced her intentions to join the council." He sighed, "I think seeing his friend succeed at his own perceived failing wounded him more than he'll ever admit."
Kathryn was quiet for a moment while she absorbed the story. "Do you think you'll ever find common ground together?"
Her husband sighed. "I don't know," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, "but I hope so."
****
Chakotay felt the heavy weight of the data extraction device in his pocket. An equal weight of guilt and foreboding on his chest. He hadn't decided whether or not he would use it, but found himself bringing it along in any case.
He wasn't entirely convinced that Sloan was part of Starfleet intelligence, but he couldn't think of any malicious reason for the lie, or any other explanation for how the man knew about Kathryn's request to join the Gage.
There was only one thing he knew for certain; the Cardassians were bad news. If there was anything he could do to uncover the truth behind their agenda, he was keen to expose it; expose them.
Chakotay took an instant dislike to Gul Dukat. He was cold and arrogant and sly. Everything he'd come to expect from a Cardassian Gul. But he was also unexpectedly charming and intelligent. Chakotay didn't like it one bit, but it was obvious that he had Dasani convinced.
The woman who had once dogmatically pursued Chakotay in their youth, now swooned placidly in the presence of Dukat as he showed them around the mining facility. It was Dasani herself who pointed out the efforts which they'd gone to, in order to protect the landscape. The unintrusive use of technology. The benefits of free energy which had been bartered for their community.
Chakotay was unfamiliar with such generosity and diplomacy from the reptilian race. It was the uneasy feeling that led him to surreptitiously place the surveillance device in a concealed crevice within the main control room.
They went down into the mine, and Chakotay was shown the cave networks they had found. Entirely new groups of sub-terran species which had been discovered. He even met a group of scientists from their own colony who were working closely to catalogue the findings.
When they returned to the main site, Chakotay pretended to only just realise he'd left his jacket behind. He was about to go back to the control room to look for it, when Dukat offered to escort him, unwilling to take no for an answer.
"I get the sense you don't trust our intentions," Dukat made the blatant observation as they walked.
Chakotay tensed, but tried not to show it. "I want what's best for my people."
"Trebus, or Starfleet?" The Gul questioned with a deliberate challenge in his eye.
Schooling his features he gave a definite answer, "Trebus."
"Ah," Dukat said with a knowing tone, "but they're not your people. Not anymore. If the stories are to be believed, you turned your back on their ways, and left without a backwards glance. You're as much Starfleet now, as that beautiful wife of yours."
They arrived at the control room and something in Chakotay's heart stilled. "Dasani told you about my wife?" he said carefully, focussing on collecting his jacket, whilst he surreptitiously disconnected the device and pocketed it.
"I've heard about your wife, yes," admitted Dukat.
Chakotay didn't like the way the other man said that, but something about this man's style spiked a sense of danger. He decided to close down the conversation.
"It looks like a slick operation you're running here," Chakotay redirected the conversation as he moved towards the door. "Dasani is certainly very pleased with the arrangement."
Dukat took a side step, purposefully blocking Chakotay's path to the door. Both men squared up against one another. Six feet of bulk between each of them. A physical altercation could go either way. "I know that my people have a poor reputation amongst Starfleet, but outside Federation limits we are well regarded and respected ."
Chakotay didn't miss the implied threat. It wasn't his place however to create any tension or stir up trouble. "I have no doubt," he said diplomatically.
Dukat regarded him with dark, penetrating eyes, pools of black which disappeared into the abyss. "I'm glad you understand," he said, stepping back away with a slick smile. "We don't want trouble any more than you do."
With an uneasy understanding, they returned to the exit where Dasani was waiting. She offered them a triumphant smile, believing to have made a breakthrough, but Chakotay thought it wise to hold back his reservations.
Boarding the transport to return to the northern hemisphere, the two old friends were quiet for a while as they travelled back to the main town. It was Desani who eventually broke the silence.
"I'm not naïve enough to believe that Dukat is a good man, or that the Cardassians aren't capable of terrible things. However sometimes it's better the devil you know."
Chakotay clasped his hands together, and leant forward onto his elbows. He was trying desperately to hold his tongue, unwilling to get drawn into this, however he needed to say something . "You've invited the devil into your backyard, Desani. I hope you're prepared to deal with the consequences."
Her jaw hardened. "What would you do, in my position?"
He imagined reaching out to the Federation, making political allies and entering a petition to join the collaboration of systems and planets. He would ask the Cardassians to leave, and then force them out if necessary. But it wasn't that simple. The high council would never accept outside help. Even if they did, the Federation would suggest they resettle somewhere safer. The Cardassians would never leave willingly and would out-power them in a fight.
Here he was, getting drawn in.
Chakotay couldn't answer without interjecting himself in the political affairs. He sighed. "I don't know if I would choose any better," he admitted, but not this , went unspoken.
-
It was late by the time Chakotay returned to the house. All the lights were off, and there was a restful silence about the place. It was almost impossible to imagine that only a few thousand kilometres away, an enemy was digging into their soil and desecrating the planet.
Despite the late hour, and busy day, he found himself unable to settle. Disturbed by worries about the Cardassian mining activity, the devious grin of Gul Dukat, and an uneasy request from Sloan.
Not quite ready for sleep he made his way out onto the veranda. The soft glow of a lamp at the back of the kitchen, told him that he wasn't the only one still up. Chakotay went to investigate, finding his father sitting on the back steps, staring up at the Trebun night sky.
The older man noticed his shadow lingering, and with a slight glance, shifted over and tapped the wooden planks in invitation.
Chakotay sat down beside Kolopak. Neither man said anything for a long while, allowing the silence to do most of the talking for them. As they had for the better part of two decades.
"When our ancestors first came to this planet, one of the first things they did was to name the stars and the constellations," Kolopak finally spoke. "It made this place their home, helped them to navigate the land and learn the seasons, by understanding the sky."
"You could do that again, on another planet," Chakotay said quietly, not liking the suggestion any more than his need to make it.
Kolopak sighed with a tiredness which stretched back generations. Centuries . "Perhaps, but not before we have exhausted every other option. It's not easy to give up a home."
"No, it isn't."
Kolopak looked at his son, really looked this time. "Where is your home now, Chakotay?"
"You once told me that home is just where you happen to be," Chakotay offered up neutrally.
The older man let out a soft laugh, and a reluctant smile consumed his face. "I did say that, didn't I?"
"Yes."
Kolopak laughed, freely and full bellied. Unsure if he understood the joke, Chakotay watched on carefully, and patiently waited for an explanation.
"You are the embodiment of our wandering spirit, Chakotay. You have no land, and you carry few possessions. You find a new home each night amongst the stars. I once accused you of abandoning our principles, shunning our way of life, but the truth is, that it runs through you."
Kolopak pointed two fingers into his son's chest for emphasis. "I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time for leaving all those years ago, Chakotay. Maybe you were right all along."
"I never set out to be right, or wrong," Chakotay insisted.
Kolopak reached out, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know; you were finding your own way. Can you find a way to forgive an old man for his stubbornness and pride?"
Chakotay closed his eyes, fighting back tears as his father spoke to him with a tone of acceptance he'd been waiting his whole life to hear. He turned to Kolopak, and met his gaze. "Of course I can."
The older man reached for him, and they shared a tight embrace.
"I love you, Chakotay," Kolopak declared as they pulled apart, briefly taking his son's face in both of his hands.
"I love you too," Chakotay just about choked out, relief washing over him at the release of almost two decades of pent up emotions.
Kolopak pulled back and despite the unshed tears in his own eyes, he was smiling brightly. "If your mother could see us now…"
Chakotay laughed, "She might say it was about time," he pointed out.
His father nodded with agreement, patting the back of Chakotay's hand for emphasis. No further words were needed to cement this new understanding between them.
Although their perspectives on life differed like night and day, their principles and ideals aligned. They were of the same blood and soil, and ultimately it was a bond which could never be broken. Chakotay felt an old ache in his heart ease up at the reconciliation.
A long silence stretched, as they each stared up at the stars and contemplated both past and future.
Kolopak was quiet when he next spoke. "Chakotay, can you make me a promise?" he asked hesitantly.
"I can try," he offered up.
His father smiled with acceptance. "If it becomes necessary, will you help our people find their way again?"
Chakotay looked thoughtful. "My life isn't here anymore," he stated, not unkindly, "However I will always do what I can," he promised.
Kolopak nodded. "That's all I ask."
Maybe it wasn't a fair ask, and whilst Kolopak didn't force the issue any further, he didn't rescind the request either. The idea was planted and left open and exposed between them.
With all three moons heavy in the sky, and the threat of sunrise only a few hours away, the two men eventually stood and bid each other a muted goodnight, before parting for their respective beds.
Arriving in his room, Kathryn was already fast asleep. He smiled to himself as he saw her lovely face, some of the worry and tension easing away from his shoulders at the sight of her. Whatever troubles his planet was facing, in Kathryn's presence, he felt a million times stronger to bear them.
Slipping under the covers beside her, he welcomed her into his arms as she shifted in her sleep and cozied up to him.