DISCLAIMER: Voyager her crew and all of their toys belong to Paramount. I don't own any thing because the idea for this story again came from Sheri. No infringement intendedCAN'T GO HOME AGAIN
First place in purple comet
RATED NC 17
“It opens all sorts of possibilities." She paced in front of the viewport, she was nervous, unsure, not at all the Captain he knew. "If this works---godds, we could be home--well, at least in the alpha quadrant by tomorrow." She spun around looking at him, the crooked smile was there and something he couldn't put his finger on.
"I know." He smiled at her; she was so excited. "Your mission complete."
"Our mission--Chakotay." She crossed over to him, touching his face as she smiled up at him.
"Captain to the bridge." Tuvok's voice blared over the comm.
"On my way." She answered automatically, not taking her eyes off his. "It's time." She didn't move.
"Kathryn, they're waiting." He studied her face as she looked at him, for a minute he saw there everything he had waited to see these past seven years, then the Captain snapped back.
"Yes, we better go." She dropped her hand, smiled a little more, then turned and exited to the bridge; he followed.
"Report."
"Captain, we are at the designated coordinates, the wormhole is 2 million kilometers off our port bow." Tuvok reported.
"All Stop, Mr. Paris. Janeway to engineering.--- B'Elanna, shields ready?"
"Shield reinforcements in place, all possible power has been diverted to shields. Deflector pulse set to reinforce aft shielding, if necessary---We are as ready as we're going to be."
"Mr. Kim---stability?"
"Yes, Ma'am --as a wormhole gets--we will destabilize it somewhat and the ride could get rough, but it's stable and it ends in the alpha quadrant." Harry looked up and smiled.
"Janeway to Wildman."
"Wildman, Captain."
"Are the children secured? It could get rough."
"Aye Captain, short crewmen are secured."
"Harry, open a ship wide channel." She glanced to her left, when their eyes met she smiled, reached over taking his hand and holding it. "All hands, this is the Captain." She squeezed his hand and continued, never taking her eyes from him. "We are at the vortex of the wormhole, secure your stations and prepare for a rough ride---see you in the alpha quadrant---Janeway out." She nodded and Harry closed the channel. "Go to yellow alert. Mr. Paris, take us in." She gave his hand another squeeze and turned to face the view screen. "On screen, Mr. Kim"
She watched the swirling walls of the wormhole close around them, then widen again. They had calculated their journey though the wormhole to be no longer that two minutes--if things went bad, it would be a long two minutes. She still had hold of his hand. The ship rocked than jolted forward.
"Report"
"Our warp trail is destabilizing the wormhole." Tuvok checked the readings. "A shock wave is forming---impact in 45 seconds."
"Bridge to Engineering--B'Elanna the defector pulse to the aft shielding- now-- All hands this is the Captain--brace for impact." She grabbed her chair with her free hand. "Time until we clear."
"37 seconds."
The wave over took them, tossing them from side to side. Wires sparked and the viewscreen blinked out. He tightened his grip on her hand. Smoke poured from a console behind them, the klaxons blared, warning lights blinked and damage reports poured in. Suddenly, the view screen lit up and the ship stilled. The Captain rose and crossed closer to the screen, the Commander beside her.
"What do you see, Commander?"
"Stars--systems—familiar stars." He smiled at her. "The alpha quadrant."
"Harry, open a ship wide channel."
"All hands, this is the Captain. Welcome to the alpha quadrant. Welcome home."
Harry, reversed the channel and the swell of cheers that swept the ship could be heard across the bridge. The bridge crew smiled around at one another and for a moment the Command team stood frozen before the view screen. Then she stepped back and for the first time let go of his hand.
"Report"
The damage reports flowed in, nothing major and only minor injuries were reported They were home and they were in one piece.
"Janeway to Wildman."
"Wildman here, Captain. All the short crew came through with flying colors."
"Great news, Samantha---Janeway out."
They spent the rest of the afternoon putting the ship back together. The Captain had contacted Starfleet and been assured a warm welcome was awaiting them upon reaching earth, which would take them another two and a half weeks. Nelix was planning a party on the holodeck for the next evening, but tonight the senior staff and a about half the crew was able to attend a small gathering in the mess hall. The senior staff sipped Champagne and circulated among the crowd, eventually standing together by the viewport; all but the Captain and she was headed in their direction.
"Well, Captain, you did it." Tom congratulated her.
"We did it, Tom--teamwork got us home."
"Team work and the universe's most stubborn Captain." Chakotay raised his glass. "To the Captain."
"The Captain." They said in unison and downed their champagne.
"Another, Captain?" B'Elanna held the bottle.
"No thank you, B'Elanna, I'll celebrate more at another time. Right now I still have work to do." She smiled "Commander, are we still on for dinner?"
"Yes, of course."
"Good, give me ten minutes to change and this may take some time, plan on staying for...."
"For desert, Captain?" Tom cut her off smirking.
"Actually." She looked at Tom rather blankly and then tilted her head and smiled that crooked smile at the Commander. "I was thinking more along the lines of-----breakfast." As she left the mess hall, the senior staff stared after her, with their mouths hung open.
He stayed in the mess hall as long as he could stand it. Between his own impatience, which he tried hard to hide, and Tom and B'Elanna, it was barely fifteen minutes. He stood outside her door, chuckling to himself about his nervousness. Thinking how ridiculous he was, this was his best friend, the woman he loved for almost seven years now---but suddenly she was offering him-- at least he thought she was --offering him what he'd wanted for years and he was nervous---hell, he was terrified. The door slid open and she was standing on the other side watching him.
"Are you going to spend the night outside my door--or would you like to come in?" She held two glasses of champagne and handed him one as he entered.
"Sorry, I..." He chuckled. "Guess you caught me off guard."
"Come in and sit down." She moved toward the couch. "Before you fall down." He followed her in and sat rather stiffly on the couch. "Am I making you nervous?" She sat next to him. "Dinner will be ready in a little while."
"Kathryn, did you..." As he watched her relaxed manner, he began to wonder if she really meant it.
"Mean what you thought I meant? Yes." She laughed. "Of course --you are not under orders here---if you would rather not..." She stopped and studied his face, putting down her glass and leaning in very close. "I have waited a very, very long time for this opportunity---if you have any objections, you better voice them soon." She ran her hands across his chest, fingers working open the fastener on his jacket, sliding it off his shoulders. "Chakotay, are
you here with me?""Oh I'm here--Kathryn. I'm not quite sure who you are though." He smiled as he watched her, she took his glass and put it on the table.
"You are over dressed." She moved the jacket off his arms and tugged the bottom of the turtleneck out of his waistband. "Are you going to help me or do I get a laser cutter?"
"A laser cutter?" He pulled the turtleneck over his head, laughing.
"Too many layers of Starfleet." She slid her hands under the tank top, capturing his mouth with soft, moist, demanding lips.
He pulled her closer deepening the kiss, his tongue parting her lips, her tongue snaking out to meet him. He ran his hands down her back, discovering no barriers between them, but the light fabric of the dress it's self. When she pulled back, she looked at him with smoldering eye, then leaned in and trace the lines of his tattoo with her tongue. She pushed up the tank, finally sitting back and pulling it over his raised arms, dragging her nails lightly down his
body. As her eyes held his, she moved off the couch, kneeling to remove his boots. She ran her hands over his thighs, brushing lightly across his straining erection, as she worked the fasteners on his trousers. He lifted his hips letting her to remove pants and boxers together. He groaned as her hands ran up his inner thighs parting his legs and allowing her to move between them. His breath caught as she licked her lips, then lowered her head to taste him."Kathryn." He hissed, his hands tangled in her hair, as the velvet moisture of her warm mouth closed around him. "Godd." He moaned, sucking in his breath, as her lips and tongue caressed him.
He fought for control, as he gently moved against her at an increasing pace. Her teeth grazed him, tongue flicked and explored him as she suckled him ---working with each thrust to take him deeper. His fingers twisted her hair, his grasp tightening, his breath coming in short gasps, she reached her hand up to free herself from his grasp. He released her hair and grabbed her hands, groaning when she withdrew from him and stood up. She slid the dress off her shoulders, watching him, as she allowed it to fall to the floor. She stepped out of it, moving forward into his waiting arms.
Placing her knees on either side of him, she bent to capture his mouth, as she straddled him. His mouth crushed hers, one hand cupped her breast, thumb stroking the stiffened nipple. She moaned into his mouth, as his fingers sought the hot, wet flesh between her parted thighs. She leaned back and he trailed a line of kisses down her neck, his mouth finding and closing to suckle the dark pebbled surface of her nipple. She moved over him, slowly lowering herself, gasping as she took him in.
"AAHHH godds" Groaning as she arched forcing her breast into his mouth, grinding against his fingers with each thrust. Digging her nails into his shoulders, she threw her head back, crying out as her inner muscles gripped him forcing him over with her.
She slumped against him, her head resting on his chest. He kissed the top of her head, stroking her back, as they worked to regain their breath.
"Kathryn?"
"Humm."
"Kathryn?"
"What?" She raised her head to look at him. He was smirking at her. "What?'
"I'm just checking--making sure this is really you." He laughed.
"Who else would it be?" she dropped her head back to his chest, swatting at him. "No--belay that--I don't want to know." He laughed and she swatted at him again.
"Are you always in command mode?" He chuckled, resting his head against hers.
"Actually, there are times I prefer not to be." She raised her head resting their foreheads together. "In fact I'm looking forward to you showing me your command style--after dinner."
"Oh, you really do intend to feed me?"
"Certainly." She lifted her head, then gave him a quick kiss. "Just as soon as you fix dinner." She jumped up out of reach. "I'll be in the shower." And she dashed for the bathroom.
She heard him laughing as the door swished closed. He shook his head, this was a new dimension--nice, but different--even after all these years, there were things he didn't know about her.. He checked the replicator--it was already programmed, so he activated it and joined her in the shower.
"Hey, did I invite you?" She was standing in the flow of warm water, both arms raised to apply shampoo to her hair.
"Nope, I did." He stepped in with her. "Here, let me." He moved her hands and began a soft soapy massage of her scalp.
"Mmmm, I think I'll let you stay." She turned and leaned against him.
"Unfortunately, not for long---dinner will be ready in about ten minutes."
"Damn." She turned and began to lather him, drawing gentle soapy circles on his body.
He returned the favor, then moved them back into the warm water to rinse off. She lifted her chin to allow the water to rinse the shampoo from her hair and he leaned down and covered her mouth with his. He reached one hand behind them to the control, switching off the hot water and quickly stepping out, before she was caught in a shower of ice cold water.
"AAHHHH--CHAKOOTAAY---YOU ARE A DEAD MAN." She screamed at him, as he held her in place from outside the shower. "What the hell are you doing?!!"
"Just cooling you off, so we can eat." He laughed and let her go--running from the bathroom.
"I can still throw your ass in the brig!" She yelled after him jumping out and wrapping herself in a towel.
"Shall I call security for you?" He stood looking very innocent--and totally naked in the middle of her living area. "I wonder how Tuvok would record this in his log?"
"Very funny--I'm getting dressed." She headed to her bedroom, stopping but not turning back. "Chakotay- if it's dinner you want---put some clothes on."
"Yes, Ma'am."
When she returned, he was dressed in new, comfortable clothes--fresh from her replicator.
"Ahh the alpha quadrant and it's endless supply of energy." She said as she appraised his outfit.
"Nice for a change ---no rationing."
"Yes, now about that dinner."
"Kathryn--you actually are hungry?! My lord this day is full of surprises."
Dinner was waiting on the table and she really was hungry. They ate in silence for a few minutes, a highly unusual state for them, as each tried to find something neutral to discuss.
"This is very good--if I do say so my self." He commented.
"It is good, but I programmed it--you just pushed the button."
"True--but what is programming, but pushing buttons?"
"OK so neither of us cooked it--it's still good."
"Kathryn?" She looked up at him. "This is a ridiculous conversation."
"Yeah It..." She was laughing and couldn't finish.
"OK, OK.." He tried to stop laughing. "OK tell me --what the hell was that?"
"A tactical decision." She smiled, waving her fork for emphasis.
"Tactical?--Like the best defense is a good offense?"
"Exactly." She was chuckling. "I was a wreck--you were pacing outside my door---the computer told me--so..."
"So you attacked?"
"Yes."
"Like a good Captain.."
"Yeah, before one or both of us backed out--or passed out."
"You are amazing." He shook his head. "Starfleet training --that kept us at a distance for over six years---has now served to bring us together."
"Yep--it worked --didn't it."
"Your plans usually do."
The conversation flowed easily after that, they were themselves again. Dinner finished and cleaned up they retired to the couch for coffee.
"Have you thought about what happens, now?" She was leaning back against him as they sat together.
"Tonight--or when we dock?" He snickered.
"Tonight we've thought about for years. I mean when we dock."
"I don't know--I don't think I'll stay with fleet--not in deep space anyway."
"Had enough adventure? Yeah, I know how you feel, but I'm not sure I could do anything else for them. Can you see me teaching?"
"You have a wealth of knowledge to share--why not?"
"Cause I'd have to figure it all out myself, never let anyone learn by trying and I be yelling "DO IT" all the time. I just don't think I have the temperament to teach."
"And I don't think you can walk away---fleet is in you blood."
"True, but if you're not..." She sat up and looked at him, the hesitation was back, for a minute. "I don't want to do anything without you."
"Then we'll decide together--we don't need all the answers now--we have time".
"I love you." She took his face in her hands.
"Are you going to attack me again?"
"No, but I am going to kiss you." She leaned in, pressing their lips together.
They spent hours-there -on the couch--kissing, touching, talking, learning--beginning their new life--their future. Even when they retired to the bedroom they had little time for sleep. It seemed they had just drifted off when the computer sounded her wake up.
"CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500 HOURS. CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500"
"Computer reset 24 hours." She snuggled closer to his sleeping form. "Godds--I just went to sleep."
"Shhh--you'll wake me up."
"We have to get up." She snuggled down.
"Yeah." He drifted back to sleep, until she pushed him. "What?"
"Gotta get up--if we don't show up --god --Paris will really have a field day."
"So--what more does he need than your invitation to breakfast?"
"Speaking of which, we better have some --he's sure to ask how it was."
"Satisfying--I'll just tell him it was satisfying." They laughed and she rolled over him landing on the floor--he caught her hand. "Hey, don't go."
"We have to." She gave him a quick kiss. "Come on--we have work to do."
They showered, managed a quick breakfast and made it to the bridge with five minutes to spare. Just before the door opened, he kissed her then they jumped apart, smirking as the door opened. She stepped off the lift and was met by four security guards, not members of her crew.
"What is the meaning of this?" She demanded as they stepped around her, weapons drawn.
"Captain, if you would join me in the ready room." The voice was familiar, she spun around to see who it was.
"Admiral. What is going on here?"
"Captain--your ready room, please." Spoken politely, yet unmistakably and order.
She hesitated, then stepped forward and the guards moved behind her ushering Chakotay into the lift.
"Admiral --What is the meaning of this? Where are they taking my first officer?"
"Captain." He ushered her into her ready room and the lift descended.
She stood stock still, composing herself, trying to clear her head.
"Kathryn, come and sit down."
"No, Owen what the hell is going on? What are you doing on my ship and where the hell is Chakotay?"
"I will explain, please sit down."
Reluctantly she joined him on the couch. Something was very, very wrong, he looked as uneasy as she felt.
"Owen --tell me."
"Katie--I'm sorry. The Maquis have been arrested, they are already on their way back to earth."
"What are you saying? You removed them from my ship?"
"Yes, most of them were removed hours ago---" He studied her face closely. "I only left him until now, because the computer told me where he was." He saw the understanding dawn on her.
"What do they plan on doing?--what happens now?--they assured me we would all be welcome."
"The Maquis are criminals--they will be put on trial and they will all go to prison." He was calm and so matter of fact.
"Trial--we need to get there." She stood up and slapped her comm badge. "Janeway to Paris" there is no response "Computer locate Lieutenant Paris." She spun to look at Admiral Paris, half knowing the computers response.
"LIEUTENANT PARIS IS NO LONGER ABOARD VOYAGER."
"Owen--my god --he is your own son!"
"Kathryn, he is a criminal--he has a sentence to serve."
"This is insane---" She started to leave.
"Captain, please come back and have a seat." The use of her rank stopped her cold. "We won't be going to earth just yet."
"Why not?"
"You and the rest of the crew will remain here until the trial is over and the criminals have been incarcerated."
"Have you lost your mind? I have to be there." She sat down beside him. "Owen--why are you so sure they will go to prison?" She was beginning to understand--she didn't want to.
"Kathryn---it's all decided. The trial is a sham--they are going to prison, there is nothing you can do about it. Don't endanger yourself or your crew by trying."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing---Owen this can't be happening."
"It is, Kathryn, and you better accept it--for your own good--you can't stop it and if you try or if you tell anyone what I've told you--you will be on your own--I will deny it and Starfleet will destroy you--and what's left of your crew. ----I'm sorry"
"This is what I fought---we all fought--- so hard to get back to--the almighty Starfleet that I taught them to trust in? My god!" She paced the room. "There must be something I can do ---something you can do."
"No --telling you the truth is all I can do--and that could get me court-martialed." He got up and put his arm on her shoulder, she pushed it off. "Katie --I'm sorry."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That was three months ago --it stood out in her mind like yesterday. They had been held aboard Voyager for a month before they returned to earth. The trial was long over by then and everyone of them in prison, she wasn't even able to find out where. Voyager received a hero's welcome, but it was empty. She tried to find out what happened, to find out where they were taken --no one was talking, especially to her. She resigned her commission, as did every other member of her crew.
Admiral and Mrs. Paris, had politely declined to even meet their granddaughter, six month old Lanna Paris, so Kathryn had taken her home to Indiana. She stayed at her mother's for a while, visited with her sister for a few days, then moved herself and the baby into the old farmhouse, that had once belonged to her grandmother. She had no idea what to do from here.
At present money wasn't a problem--Starfleet had made a big show of giving her seven years back pay, including interest. She almost refused, but that would have been stupid--after all she earned it. She had followed the rules, run a tight ship, carefully guarded protocol and against all odds brought her crew home. Then they betrayed her--she would find a way--someday, somehow--she had beaten the borg, the Hirogen, the Vidiians and countless other enemies--she would not be defeated by fleet.
The noise in the upstairs bedroom brought her back to the present. She slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor. Lanna was standing in the crib, when Kathryn came in she smiled up at her at her.
"Hello, angel." Kathryn picked her up from the crib.
"Mama" Lanna smiled for her.
"No baby --not mama --how will I ever explain this?" She hugged her. "I'll find mama, soon I hope."
The sound of a shuttle caught her attention, she checked the clock. 0700, too early to be her mother, she went down stairs to investigate. She carried the baby out on the pouch and waited for their visitor to disembark. A man got out, walked around the back of the shuttle then toward the house.
"Captain?" He called out as he approached.
"Harry--god Harry is that you?" She hurried down off the porch.
"It's me, Captain--How are you?" He looked her over as he approached.
"It's Kathryn now Harry" She said as he reached them and wrapped his arms around both of them. "No more Captain--just Kathryn."
"Hi Lanna--God it's good to see you--not easy to find though."
"I'm sorry -- hiding out, I guess." She stepped back and looked him over. "Come in, it's a long trip out here, have a drink--can I get you something to eat?" She led him back to the house.
"I was worried about you. How ya doing?"
"I'm OK---come sit we'll talk--any news?"
"Nothing--It's tighter than a drum--you?"
"No--I tried everything and everyone I knew--nobody will tell me any thing--hell most won't even talk to me." They went inside, she put the baby on the floor and fixed them a drink. "So what are you doing now?"
"Actually--- nothing." He stopped playing with the baby and sat back next to her. "I'm kinda lost too--Voyager was my life and it's over--a little lost I guess--besides they gave me plenty of money so I don't have to do anything for a while."
"I know--at least we can eat." She gave a half hearted laugh. "Have you seen anyone else?"
"I saw Sam and Naomi--there OK, but it isn't working out with Greskrendtregk."
"Too bad, I guess seven years is too long to wait"
"I guess." He looked around. "Nice place, yours?"
"It is now--used to belong to my grandmother."
"Good place to hide--good for the baby too, but I don't know about you--don't you miss having people around?"
"Yeah, I do--but the ones I miss are the crew and I don't even know where most of them are."
"Well, I'm right here--so that makes three of us." He looked up with that old innocent Harry smile and she had to laugh.
"Gods, Harry it IS good to see you. I didn't realize how lonely I was."
"I know the feeling, I think we should get some of the crew together--we can find them--hell we've done tougher things."
"Yes, we have--hey you can stay a while? As you can see, I have way too much room."
"Why not--I have no place to go--nothing to do--I'd like that. Maybe together we can figure something out."
"Maybe--now let me get you something to eat."
"Err, well..."
"Harry, I have replicators--I promise I won't make you eat my cooking." She laughed and punched his arm lightly and he laughed with her---it was good to laugh.
Harry stayed the night and the next and a week later he was still there. They laughed and talked and walked and plotted. They were gonna find a way --to what-- they weren't sure--how--they had even less of an idea, but at least they each had someone who understood that.
She was bringing the baby out on the porch and she suddenly reached for the railing for support. Harry jumped up to catch her.
"Hey, you OK?"
"Yeah, take the baby, please."
"Sure." He grabbed the baby in one arm and used the other to steady her. "You don't look so good."
"I'm OK." She smiled and sat on the step. Harry sat beside and the worried look on his face made her laugh. "Really--I'm OK"
"Yeah, well what was that? You didn't look OK."
"Well, Kid if you're gonna hang around, I guess I better tell you."
"Is something wrong with you?"
"No, I'm not sick or dying or anything---just pregnant." She watched him try to figure it out.
"Oh my god--the night we got through the wormhole?!!" He hadn't meant to say it out loud and he blushed when he realized he had.
"Yeah --isn't that something--one night in seven years and bam." She laughed trying to ease his embarrassment, then turned away so he wouldn't see her tears.
"Kathryn, it's gonna be OK." He put his arm around her shoulder and Lanna reached out to her.
"Mama."
"Oh Harry, how do we explain to her? We have to do something, she needs her parents----and this baby need it's father."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It had been over three months since the wormhole---sometimes it seemed like a lifetime and at others -only yesterday. He remember the excitement, the anticipation and then the exhilaration--after seven years they were home. The crew had celebrated and- Kathryn---god he could still feel Kathryn in his arms. He sat on the bunk and hung his head.
Most of his time here, was spent in this room--this cell--alone. His meals were taken in here, alone --- he was let outside into a walled off area once or twice a week, but there were rarely any others there and when there were, they never spoke to him. He had been separated from the rest of the Maquis that first day and hadn't spoken to any of them since. He had hardly spoken to any one in months. At first they left him alone, but after a time the guards seem to delight in torturing him--nothing physical after all this was the 24th century--just small taunts things to make him think, wonder, doubt--they enjoyed it.
They spoke of the other Maquis, said they betrayed him--went free at his expense. They taunted him with bits of information--Voyager's hero's welcome--and Kathryn, they discovered they could get to him with her. He tried not to let it show--but it had. They said she was promoted for turning him over--played her part real well--used him and the others, for her own benefit---Admiral Janeway, returning hero. He didn't believe them--but it was getting
difficult--why hadn't she contacted him?He hadn't received communications from anyone since he's been here. He thought perhaps his communications had been intercepted, but they assured him that was not the case. If he received any, they would pass them aong--no one wanted to communicate with him. He knew they were lying, of course, but it was getting harder to maintain faith in this desolate place.
Sometimes he tried to figure what benefit anyone got from his isolation--there was nothing he could tell them--he had already been isolated, as far as the maquis were concerned--if there were any maquis left--by seven years in the delta quadrant. He knew nothing--couldn't supply information, contacts, secrets of any kind---it didn't make sense.
Other times he just thought of her. Where was she? What was she doing? Had she given up on him? Today, he just tried to remember her touch, her smell, that crooked smile, the sparkling blue eyes that could cut you to the quick. He remembered the look on her face, when they broke apart in the lift---just before the doors opened on this hell--the look that said she was his and always would be. No, he would not believe them--she was out there trying to reach him--he knew it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry spent the summer at Kathryn's and together they took care of Lanna, searched for and contacted former friends and acquaintances, seeking any information they could find. They obtained an address that correspondences could be sent to, but had never gotten a response to any messages they sent.
Lanna's first birthday was approaching and they used it as an occasion to bring together some of their former crew members. Neelix came, happy to be reunited with his friends, especially when Sam and Naomi showed up. Tuvok and T'Pel made the trip as did Joe Carey and Annika Hanson, the former Seven of nine. The Delaney sisters brought along their new husbands and the old house was filled with laughter, for a change. Kathryn's mother was there and her sister Phoebe with her two children. Gretchen and Phoebe were the only ones, except for Harry, who knew before today of Kathryn's pregnancy.
Kathryn took Tuvok on a tour of the grounds shortly after his arrival, T'Pel declined the invitation wanting to give the old friends a chance to catch up. He hadn't seen Kathryn since they both left San Francisco and was more than a little surprised at her condition, but true to form he didn't question it.
"How have you been, Kathryn?" He was his usual calm self, taking things as they were and knowing she would explain whatever she felt appropriate.
"I am well, my friend, and..." She laughed. "Obviously pregnant ---as if you hadn't noticed."
"Indeed--it would be hard to deny." He studied her face. "This seems to please you, I am happy for you."
"Thank you, Tuvok. It does please me--except...." She took hold of his hand.
"Is something wrong?"
"Only that I wish Chakotay were here. I wish I even knew if he knows, I've written, but I don't know if he gets my letters."
"Oh, the child belongs to the comm----Chakotay, then?"
"Yes.." She laughed again "Tuvok--who else?"
"Surely I wouldn't know--but ...." He arched an eyebrow in a manner she knew signaled humor. "You did say Harry has been spending time here."
"Harry! Oh gods---TUVOK--I'm old enough to be HIS mother!"
"As I remember my human physiology, that would not preclude your conceiving a child together, and stranger things have been known to happen."
"This is not one of them---though truthfully --he has been a god sent--sometimes I don't know what I would have done with out his help--he has kept me sane these past months."
"I am sure you have done the same for him. It has been a difficult transition for all of us." He continued to walk without taking his hand from hers. "I too have delved into the situation to no avail." He stopped and took her face in his hands. "Kathryn, If you need anything--If I can be of any assistance--you know I am here for you."
"Thank you, just knowing that is a help." She smiled and he let go of her face. "Tell me how is it for you? How is your family, T'Pel?"
"We are well, I have become reacquainted with my children and met my grandchildren, I am adjusting to this quieter life." He stopped walking again. "I am, as is T'Pel, concerned for you."
"I'll be alright." They had made a circle of the property and were back at the house.
"We better join the others--we will talk again." She nodded and he took her arm as they climbed the slope to the porch.
It was six months after the taking of their maquis shipmates, this small group sat on the porch of an old farmhouse sipping cool drinks, watching the children play and looking like any group of friends enjoying a sunny day. The birthday girl was running across the lawn, the other three children in hot pursuit
"She runs like her mother already." Harry observed.
"She must be a handful--if she's anything like B'Elanna." Joe touched his nose and everyone laughed.
"Yeah, she is, but I'm really hoping they can take her back before she gets anything like her father!" Kathryn laughed and stood up." I'm going in, anyone need anything?".
A few people nodded and Harry helped Kathryn collect glasses and bring them inside.
"I explained to them about the baby---hope you don't mind, I just though it easier for me to explain all at once than for you to do it over and over again."
"Thank you--it does make it easier."
"Yeah, they think we'll make great parents." He teased.
"Harry!!!" She swatted at him. "You didn't!"
"No I didn't. I just wanted to see your reaction."
"Why?"
"Well, some wondered."
"Tuvok teased me too--god Harry, I love you --but not like that."
"I know."
"Harry?" She walked over to him. "You OK?"
"Yes---I don't think of you that way---anymore." He laughed and backed away "Come on, Kathryn you know a guy has to have some fantasies--especially about his lady Captain."
"Harry." She stalked him, he stopped and put his arm around her shoulder.
"Kathryn, I'm teasing--really--come on don't be upset."
"Excuse me!" Phoebe came into the kitchen and Harry jumped back, causing them all to laugh. "Kath, you have another gentlemen caller." Phoebe made a face, when Kathryn gave her a questioning look. "Mr. Johnson is here to see you."
"Mark?!"
"One and the same." She grinned at her sister's surprise. "I'll take this one and send in the next." She helped Harry with the drinks and left the kitchen.
Kathryn paced the kitchen, Mark---she hadn't seen him since she got back---she hadn't seen him in seven years. He sent her a message when she got home, but he was in south America --or somewhere, she couldn't remember right now. She heard his footsteps---a strange wave of nostalgia passed over her, before she turned to greet him.
"Kath." He spoke quietly from the doorway. If he was surprised when she turned to face him, he didn't show it.
"Mark." It was all she could manage; they studied each other.
"Welcome home. How are you Kath?" His eyes took in her rounded shape and she laughed.
"Good---larger than when I last saw you, but good and you?" She took a hesitant step forward, then closed the distance and hugged him. "It's good to see you."
"Good to see you, too---you look --round, but great."
"So do you---sit, let me get you a drink--tell me what you’re doing." She poured him a drink and sat beside him.
"You have guests, I don't want to keep you, but I would like to talk." He took a sip if the drink. "Maybe tomorrow?"
"Sure, but please stay awhile---have some cake--it's Lanna's birthday." She saw the questions in his face. "Lanna belongs to former crew members---her mother is a maquis and her father---Tom Paris ---I've been taking care of her."
"I see." He nodded his understanding--he knew what happened--everyone knew. "I'm sorry about what happened to them."
"Yeah, me too. She looked down, then smiled at him.
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End part one.