HER STORY ~ a poem ~ (G) My mission had been to bring him back, This fugitive, this outlaw, this Maquis. Circumstances instead put him at my side Where he served as first officer to me. I sensed his anger just below the surface Though outwardly ever calm he appeared. Diligently he worked to earn my trust Unaware betrayal wasn't what I feared. His kind, gentle nature granted an easy calm, I could find solace in his deep brown eyes. The immediate and intense attraction I felt Was an awakening although by surprise. My heart was supposed to belong to another, My intention was never to betray, Yet the pain of separation slowly faded While my feelings grew for Chakotay. Our closeness grew quickly, it was precious to me, I was comfortable with him from the start Very aware as the long journey continued He was taking a firm place in my heart. Forced to remember my Starfleet training Hiding behind an invisible wall, At times I secretly cursed and despised The harsh denial of that protocol. My longings by day became my torture at night With dreams of him sharing my bed While a reality of being possessed by him Was over a line where I could not tread. My mission had been to bring him back, This warrior, this Maquis... now my friend And while keeping a distance during the journey I knew he'd own my heart in the end. -- Camryn, April 2005 Flip back to the Poems & Prose Index page!