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"Yeah," he said. He couldn't think of anything else to say, and was acutely aware of Chakotay's gaze boring into his back.

Trima did something entirely unexpected. She stepped forward and kissed him quickly on the cheek. The place where her lips had touched seemed to tingle.

"Let us go," she said, and just that quickly, she ceased being the insecure Silent One and became Trima, Culil of Sumar-ka, with important duties to perform. His face still burning from her kiss, Paris followed. Chakotay brought up the rear.

The celebration was similar to that with which the Sumar-ka had initiated them into their bosom, except it was more subdued. Paris started feeling slightly unwell again and just wanted the thing to be over with. He was ready to go, Trima had kissed him, dammit, which was a bit of a problem, and he wanted to be gone, to be home with B'Elanna, which was where he knew he belonged.

They came, one by one or in pairs or family units, to say farewell. There were no trinkets or offerings this time; the villagers seemed to know that Paris and Chakotay would not wish to be laden with gifts. The food was delicious, as always, and Paris knew that this

was certainly one of the things he would miss most about this place.

Trima sat away from them after she had performed her ritual role. She gleamed in the moonlight, but not like an Ice Princess, not anymore. Paris knew her now, and despite the coolness of her demeanor he knew her great beauty disguised the warm heart of a confused, caring woman. He was going to miss her, too.

At last it was over, and Chakotay rose, as they had agreed he would.

"My people have no wish to disturb the peace of Sumar-ka," he began. He smiled a little as he added, "Nor do they wish to endure your Ordeal, necessary though we all know it to be." Answering smiles went around the small circle. "So we shall take our leave now, but we will carry forever in our hearts the memories we have shared with you."

Paris rose now, too, somewhat unsteadily, and he and Chakotay gave the threefold salute common among the Sumar-ka, touching temples, throat, and abdomen. There was a shuffling sound as every single member of the village rose and did likewise. Then there were no more words. Paris cast a last, quick look at Trima. Surely it was a trick of the moonlight that made her eyes gleam, as if with tears.

They turned and left.

After a few moments, Paris said in a low voice, "I'm going to miss these people."

"Me too," Chakotay said. They said nothing more until they met up with the Recovery crew.

"Did it go well? Did they suspect?" The young man who rushed forward to greet them looked slightly familiar to Paris, which he knew was impossible.

"Not a thing," said Chakotay. "Tom, this is Shamraa Ezbai Remilkansuur. He's Khala's brother."

"That's why you look familiar," said Paris. "Khala's in good hands."

Ezbai nodded, a rapid movement. "Let's go. The sooner we get past the no transport zone, the sooner our doctors can begin treating you."

Paris found himself wishing he'd brought his staff, the lovely one they had made for him when he was ill the last time. It was a shame, really. He knew that whatever pleasure he had found here, he was always going to associate this place with being sick or injured. They hiked for a bit, their going slow in the thick jungle foliage and hampered by lack of light. From time to time they would rest, and men they'd keep going. Tom lost track of how long they had been hiking. It seemed like forever.

Suddenly Ezbai paused. "We've lost some people," he said, glancing around. "Ioni, Kelmor, Travya-"

At that precise moment, Paris's combadge chirped. He felt himself grow weak, for he knew that signified only one thing.

Trima was in danger.

CHAPTER 14

"CHAIRMAN KALEH, "SAID JANEWAY CRISPLY" I REMEM-BER you from our last encounter." She had heard Tuvok issue the orders to put up their shields and sound a red alert.