Alright, this is dedicated to my pondies at JetC13. Hopefully they'll add to and help me finish it.
This is a dream sequence. Pure imagination and hopefully a lot of fun. I also invite other ponds
to join in. If you are interested, please let me know. Disclaimer: Standard, if you don't know it
by now, you probably never will. Paramount owns all. All hail the monarchs.
Interludes
Kathryn Janeway stared in wonder at the sight before. A radiant sunlit sky reflected off of a clear purple pond. Echoes of the unknown flitted across the surface. The rippling water lapped enticingly at the roots of an ancient willow tree. "Oh Chakotay...it's so beautiful. Thank you for convincing me I needed shore leave."
He placed his arm on her shoulder and smiled. "My pleasure, Kathryn. I found this place yesterday after we gathered supplies. Come." He guided her to the tree and slide downto the ground. Carefully he pulled her down as well. He cradled her carefully between his thighs. She started to protest. "Sit still and enjoy...just for a minute." With a soft sigh she settled against him and closed her eyes.
"Do you hear it Chakotay? Its almost like a series of whispery giggles. Listen."
He smiled as the whispery voices surrounded him. "You can almost imagine someone is talking to you."
A chuckle from the branches of the tree drew their attention upwards. "Someone is talking to you. You haven't quite learned to listen."
A shocked gasp escaped Kathryn as a small, fluffy gray cat with a lavender underbelly dropped from the tree. The creature ambled over to them and proceeded to make herself at home in their laps. A rumbling purr erupted from the furry throat as Chakotay began to scratch her ears. "Oh yes, just like that." Large brown eyes closed in contentment as the creature enjoyed the company.
"Do you have a name, Little One?"
Purrrrrrr..."Yes, I am Cat, resident furball of pond 13."
"Pond 13? Is that the name of this place?"
"This place," Cat lifted her head and looked out over the clearing, "is pond 13. Our home world is known as JetC. There are several ponds here, but ours is most unique." The little cat's voice echoed with pride. "Ours is an unusual group of guardians. Tell you what, I like you and I'm sure my pondies won't mind. I offer you a swim in the pond. It is quite safe. Once there, you will share a dream. Reality can be a dream, and a dream reality. The choice is yours." Cat jumped up and sauntered to the water's edge. "Come on then! I'll guide you in." She offered them a puzzled look as they stood and stared at her in confusion. "I haven't got all day you know. It's a gift, and a precious one at that."
Well?"
Kathryn glanced at Chakotay with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Commander?" With a shrug, he followed her to the edge.
"Smart humans aren't you?" With a shake of her furry head, Cat jumped into the water and
began to swim for the center.
Shedding their jackets, the officers followed her out. Chakotay grabbed onto Kathryn as a whirlpool swirled up around them and pulled them under. Just as they lost consciousness, they heard an impish chuckle. "Vision granted."
********
They were dancing. A brief thought of how odd it was entered their minds before it drifted off. Kathryn pulled Chakotay closer. "Happy anniversary, my love."
"To you as well. Have I told you I love you, today?"
She nodded. "Of course, but it's always nice to hear it again."
Tom and Neelix pulled out all the stops for this one didn't they." Chakotay glanced around the romantically lit room. Several other couples were dancing.
"I'm glad everyone has had a chance to make it." She hugged him as the music stopped. Her eyes searched the room a moment, before settling on the person she was looking for. She nudged Chakotay's arm.
"Hmm?" He turned his head, following her direction. At the corner table, sat a little girl, about five years old. The child was forlornly studying the dance floor, her small auburn head cradled in her palm.
Chakotay smiled. "If you will excuse me, my love, I see a young lady who needs someone to dance with."
Kathryn smiled and walked with him over to the table. She leaned down and kissed the child on her head. "Be back in a minute, Sweetie." The child, who had grinned as they approached, nodded solemnly. Kathryn headed towards the buffet table.
Chakotay bowed before the little girl. "My Lady, may I have the honor of this dance?"
Big brown eyes stared up at him before the little girl flung herself into his arms. "Oh yes! Please!"
Chakotay grinned as he led her out onto the dance floor. He stopped as the child tugged on his sleeve. "Daddy?" the voice barely a whisper. He glanced down into tearful eyes. "What is it, Little Love?"
She swiped her sleeve across her face. "I don't know how to dance." The tone was mournful.
Chakotay hugged her to him "Then I'll just have to show you, won't I?"
Chocolate brown eyes gazed up at him with hope and adoration, and she nodded.
With the timeless gesture of fathers and daughters, Chakotay positioned the tiny feet on his and began to waltz slowly around the room.
From her place at the table, Kathryn smiled.
**********
They awoke under the willow tree. Their uniforms were dry, but as they had worn them into the pond. For a moment, they both lay together reflecting on the dream.
Chakotay hugged Kathryn tightly. "It was a dream, right?"
She looked at him in confusion. "I don't know."
"She was so real, Kathryn. My arms ache to hold her." He glanced down at her. "I do love you."
She tipped her head forward and rested it on his chest. "Oh, Chakotay...what are we going to do?"
He sighed. "Nothing, until you're ready."
A soft voice chuckled at them. "You two are really something." The gray cat ambled into their view. "Wait a while, and enjoy this place. Perhaps another guardian will invite you to take another swim." Their eyes widened at the thought.
"Was it real?"
"Depends on you, doesn't it? Oh! Kathryn, enjoy those hands, they're talented." With another chuckle, the silvery body disappeared. The only signs of its presence were the ripples in the pond, that faintly resembled paw prints.
To be continued...
Copyright © Catherine Lee 1998