“Captain, I am pleased to inform you that Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Paris are beginning to wake.”

“Excellent, I’m on my way.”

“Tom, how are you feeling?”

“Hungry.” The pilot rubbed his eyes sleepily, “How long was I-“

“Nearly 2 days.”

Tom nodded, “Oh, Chakotay said I should ask you-“

“Go ahead Tom, you can ask me anything.”

“Do I still have to live with Tuvok?”

Janeway laughed softly and smiled gently at him, “Are you sure you’re ready to live alone?”

“No, but I won’t be living alone.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’ll be living with me.” A soft voice interrupted. Chakotay came over to sit next to Tom, who favored him with a blindingly bright smile, and drew the younger man into an embrace. Tom snuggled happily into Chakotay’s chest.

Janeway watched them with surprise. How had she missed this?

Tom must have read something in her expression because he rushed to reassure her, “I’m ok now captain, well, not ok but better. I have someone to take care of, and someone to take care of me.” He looked at Chakotay and added quietly, “Someone who knows the depths of my soul and still loves me.”

Chakotay smiled at Tom, a smile she had never seen before, and Janeway got the distinct feeling she was intruding on a private moment. Time for a tactical retreat, “I’d best get back to the bridge, Gentlemen,” She smiled at them, “Congratulations, why don’t you take tomorrow off? You’ll need time to move Tom into Chakotay’s quarters.” She left

“Chakotay?”

“Hmm?”

“Can we tell Harry first?”

“Of course. How long do you think before the whole ship knows?”

“I give it an hour.”

“Then we’d best tell him fast, and B’Elanna next, if she finds out through rumors she’ll rip out my lungs and wear them as a hat.”

Tom pouted, “She better not, I want you hale and healthy so I can have my way with you.”

“Oh?” Chakotay leaned forward and whispered seductively , “And what way would that be?”

“Why don’t we hurry and spread the news so I can take you home and show you, and you can make good your promise.”

Tom rang the chime for Harry’s quarters nervously, gripping Chakotay’s hand hard, he desperately wanted his friend’s approval. Harry came to the door. Only seeing Tom his eyes lit up and he rushed to hug his friend, “Tom you’re alright! I was worried when the Doctor wouldn’t tell us what you had.”

“Yeah Harry,” Tom hugged his friend back, “I’m alright.” He pulled away, “Um, there’s something I have to tell you.” He looked to his right and Chakotay stepped forward. Automatically Harry stiffened, “Commander.” His mouth fell open as Chakotay put his arm around Tom who snuggled into it and wrapped his own arm around Chakotay’s waist.“Tom?” Harry asked in confusion.

“Chakotay and I are together, how, well that’s a long story.”

“I’ve got time.”

“We should invite B’Elanna.” Chakotay suggested, “Get all these explanations out of the way.”

“Expect for the Captain, and Tuvok, and the rest of the crew.” Tom pointed out. “The captain and Tuvok already know half of the story, and the rest of the crew can figure it out on their own.”

Tom nodded his agreement.

Here ends the Lift the Veil Series. But don’t worry. There’s a sequel called Truth Unveiled, and several short interludes before that. The first one will be called Rumors.