A month later, they were still avoiding one another's eyes. Still they hardly spoke outside of duty. The inevitable, interminable turbolift ride alone together passed almost in silence. Seconds before they would have reached their destination, Captain Janeway barked out, "Halt turbolift," her voice breaking as she did so.

Chakotay stared hard at her, but waited for her to speak. Seconds passed while she regained control of her voice. "This isn't working, Chakotay. We need to talk."

"Kathryn, there's nothing to be said. We can't go back. We can't go forward. The only question is, do we hold on?"

"Hold on to what? Hold on how long?"

"The only way to find those answers is in the doing. There are no promises between us - no guarantees. This side of the Alpha Quadrant, there can't be. Computer, resume turbolift."