Chakotay and It

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Star Trek VOY Fanfiction
Title: Chakotay and It
Author(s): Kelly Chambliss
Date(s): 2002
Length:
Genre:
Fandom: Star Trek: Voyager
External Links: Chakotay and It on heaven-of-mine archive, Chakotay and It on the BLTS archive

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Chakotay and It is a Star Trek: VOY story by Kelly Chambliss.

It was the winner of a 2002 ASC Award.

Reactions and Reviews

As usual with one of Kelly's stories, the imagery is utterly breathtaking. This story does a good job in sorting out the tangled web of C/7, J/7 and J/C, the conflicting desires and needs, the complicated circumstances in which the characters find themselves both on Voyager and beyond. I particularly appreciated the sharp observation about J/C on board Voyager--that he wanted her on his own terms and when that was not possible, he took full effect in playing the role of martyr. This is one of the aspects of Chakotay's character and behavior that has consistently bothered me, and it's good to see him finally called on the carpet for it. The psammead's lesson about dreams and desires, and their bearing on reality, is wonderfully executed as well. [1]

Kelly tangles up pathos and humor, children's fiction, some things that need saying to late-seaon Chakotay and the phrase 'parochial narrowness.' All of this in a story which provides a sense of resolution that doesn't rely on pity for its characters. Smartly done. [2]

Lovely. Kelly never fails to delight, to reveal something new in the characters we know and love so well. This is a very intimate portrait of Chakotay, of his feelings for Janeway and Seven both. Beautiful. [3]

I loved this lovely post-Endgame story from Kelly Chambliss. The author is so good at capturing the characters, from their voices, to the reflections you think they must be having. For instance, I like the observation of how the occasional dismissiveness in Seven's voice indicated how she sees personal, psychological issues as irrelevant and how that must make her a difficult person to confide in. I also like Kelly's insight that those very things that make Seven increasingly human are those things that would might make her more and more a stranger. Seven's personality, her growth, and her interactions with Chakotay struck me as true to both characters as did both their complex emotions for and their interactions with Janeway. I liked how Chakotay's dream of the desert tied in with what came later. And the story certainly takes a very unexpected and charming turn--and then turns around again when it forces Chakotay to face some uncomfortable truths. I like how this story tackles themes very familiar in Janeway/Chakotay stories and does so in fresh ways. I liked the bit of open-endedness in the conclusion. "Chakotay and It" is a lovely story that offers much insight into Janeway, Seven, and Chakotay. [4]

First, I was delighted to be reminded of a book I'd read in childhood but long forgotten. Then, I was stunned by the insight of this story. Although centered on Chakotay, I loved Seven and Janeway in this, too. Kelly writes with assuredness and wisdom in the way of relationships. This story was a treat. (Love the psammead, too. Great character). [5]

Chakotay and It is an inspired, fascinating and unique story! Kelly rips out all the stops for this one, borrowing a creature from early 20th century literature to bring the perfect original character into the mix. And this creature is perfectly designed to drive Chakotay crazy with his manner and speech! Hee! I love the psammead's lines! But more than anything, this story is an examination both of the road not taken and the view from the road Chakotay did select. I loved the alternate possibilities, the differences in his and Seven's attitude, and the way that no one is a villain in this piece. Very well done, Kelly, very well done! [6]

This is a well-crafted crossover that explores Chakotay's frustration about his relationship -- or lack thereof -- with Janeway. His thoughts at the end are priceless! The poor chump doesn't even know what to wish for. [7]

This is like Harry Potter meets Voyager! lol I loved reading it and can only imagine how much fun Kelly had in writing it. [8]

An alien creature shows Chakotay different possible realities about himself, Seven, and Janeway. Chakotay is expertly depicted as kind of a self-interested jerk here, but still remains a sympathetic character as he’s shown all of the ways things could have been. Each possibility is realistic and compelling.[9]

References