Third Place
in Blue Alert
Rated NC 17
Kathryn was working in her garden. It was becoming a pitiful little excuse for a garden and she didn’t really have much time for it anymore, but she found she loved working here; it relaxed her. She supposed it was the memories; memories of a time they had been free to be happy together. The young man startled her when he stepped around the side of the house after his knock at the front door had gone unanswered.
“Ms. Janeway.” He winced at her startled reaction.
“Oh!” Kathryn jumped up and wiped the garden dirt from her hands on her pants.
“Sorry, Ms. Janeway. I didn’t meant to frighten you, but you didn’t hear me knock and well, I know you’re usually home, at this time.”
“Just surprised me, Jimmy. I still don’t get much company out here.” Kathryn smiled at the young man.
Jimmy was a local boy; his family had a farm not far from Kathryn's home. El Mirage was a small community spread out over countless acres of farmland and centered around a town so small it would have fit on deck five. Jimmy supplemented the family income by making local deliveries for the farmers and occasionally an outside source that made use of El Mirage’s brand new transport station. He made occasional deliveries to Kathryn’s house; he knew when she was home.
“Ms. Janeway, it’s from Starfleet again.” He looked sadden by his own words. “Shall I send it back undeliverable?”
“Oh, them again?” Kathryn smiled but the pain was still evident in her eyes. “Yes, thank you. I’m sorry to make you come all the way out here for nothing.”
“It’s my job.” He entered a quick note on the padd he carried in his pouch. “At least every now and then they give me a good excuse to make sure you’re all right.”
“I’m fine, Jimmy, and please thank you mother again for the preserves she sent over last week and tell her I’ll be at Tuesday’s dinner.”
“Yes, Ma’am, I will.” He smiled and nodded leaving Kathryn to her garden.
The original invitation had arrived months ago, at the time Kathryn hadn’t realized what it was so, she had accepted delivery. HQ was planning a celebration to coincide with the anniversary of Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant. All of the original crew was invited and the admiralty hoped as special guest Voyager’s former captain would help lead the celebration.
Kathryn had considered
several answers but in the end she merely recycled the padd.
~~~^^^~~~
Kathryn wasn’t always welcome El Mirage. When she came to live there just five months earlier the local people weren’t happy. No one was openly hostile of course, they weren’t that kind of people, but it was clear they didn’t need or want her there. The didn’t need the hoopla that came with the famous, or at that point infamous, Captain Janeway and they had no use for the throng of reporters that tried to follow her. The quiet community of El Mirage liked its small size and small town brand of privacy. In El Mirage it was OK, even expected, that you would know your neighbors' business, but outsiders needn’t bother to come snooping around.
The house had originally belonged to Chakotay’s cousin. It had been passed to Chakotay and now- well, now she lived in it. Jimmy had been one of the first people she met; he had given her a ride out from town that first night.
Kathryn had seen him watching her as she left the transport station, carrying her one small travel bag. It was a warm clear night and the house was only two miles from town, Kathryn hoped the walk would tire her out enough to sleep.
“Captain—Ma’am.” The young male voice hesitantly called out.
“Yes?” Kathryn knew she wasn’t the most welcome new resident this town had ever had so she wasn’t sure what the young man wanted.
“It’s a long walk at night to your house, ma’am. I could give you a ride, if you’d like.” When Kathryn didn’t answer, he continued. “Sorry, I’m Jimmy Huston. My folks have the farm just south of your place.” He held out his hand and she took it.
“Nice to meet you, Jimmy. Please call me Kathryn.”
“Oh, no, Ma’am! My momma would have my head if I ever did such a disrespectful thing.”
“I see.” Kathryn smiled. “Well, Jimmy, I’m not a captain anymore and I really dislike being called ma’am. I guess we’ll have to work it out.”
“Yes, Ma’am- er..” He grinned. “Can I help you with your bag?”
"Thank you. I can handle the bag, but that ride sounds good. I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”
Jimmy nodded and led the way to an old ground vehicle. He watched her reaction with a smile.
“It’s only an old pick-up truck. Not the fancy sort of hover stuff you’re used to, but it gets me around.” He opened the passenger door for her.
“Well, since I don’t have any transportation at all, I guess I can’t really complain now can I.” Kathryn tossed her bag on the seat and climbed in.
Jimmy jumped into the driver's seat and fired up the engine with a look of such pure joy Kathryn had to shake her head to keep from seeing Tom behind the wheel.
“Something wrong?” Jimmy laughed at her expression.
“Not at all. I was just thinking my pil...” She rolled her eyes. “Tom Paris loves vehicles like this.”
“He was your pilot on Voyager. His dad is an admiral or something.”
“Yes, that’s the one. Nice man, loves to drive and it doesn’t matter what.”
“Don’t know if I could drive a starship.”
“I’m sure you could if you wanted to.” Kathryn grabbed the door as the last bump in the road bounced her in the air. “Not many bumps in space.”
“Dad says I’d find them if there were.”
They laughed and Jimmy told her a little about the town and his family. He told her how a few weeks ago some reporters had tried to get several people to show them her house, but no one would.
“They aren’t happy to have me here, are they? The people in town don’t seem to like me much.”
“It’s not that, Ms. Janeway. Hell, they don’t even know you. It’s just that we have a quiet community here and we keep to ourselves and kinda take care of each other. Folks just don’t want a lot of fuss, reporters and vids and such.”
“Well, neither do I, Jimmy. I came out her to get away from all that. I hope I don’t make trouble for you people.”
“I’m sure it will work out.” Jimmy parked next to the front porch and hopped out of the car.
“Thank you, Jimmy.” Kathryn let him take her bag and help her down from the truck.
“I’ll just get the lights and check around back then I’ll be going if you don’t need anything else.” He took her bag and headed toward the house.
“Thank you, Jimmy, but I’m sure its fine.” Kathryn followed him up the stairs.
“Ms. Janeway, I know you’re a – well you were a starship captain and you can take care of yourself and all- so please don’t be angry, but as I said, around here we look out for each other. It's only right.”
Jimmy waited until she opened the door then stepped in and checked the three large rooms that made up the house. He went out the back door and came back in the front. Kathryn stood by and watched.
“Looks fine, Ms. Janeway.” Jimmy shook his head and smiled. “I saw those men bring your stuff the other day. Is the transceiver working OK?”
“Yes, it's fine. We tested it.” She smiled. “You know, if it breaks down, I can probably fix it.” Kathryn laughed.
“I’m sure you can, but if you need anything, just give us a call.”
“I’ll remember that, Jimmy.” Kathryn stood on her toes to kiss his cheek and laughed at his blush. “It’s nice to know I have at least one friend. Thank you.”
“You know,” He laughed. “you look bigger in the vids.”
“It’s the boots – damn those boots.” Kathryn laughed and it felt good.
“I better be getting home.” Jimmy walked to the door. “I’ll be headed into town tomorrow, early afternoon. I’ll stop by in case you need something.” He nodded and closed the door before she could answer.
Jimmy stopped by the next day and the day after that. He made quick visits every other day or so, just to see if she needed anything and occasionally he would bring her fresh groceries on his way home. About two weeks after she moved in Kathryn was doing her breakfast dishes when there was a knock on her door. It was too early for Jimmy to be passing by. Kathryn dried off her hands and opened the door. A woman, probably only slightly older than Kathryn, stood smiling on the porch.
“Hello, Ms Janeway, I’m Patricia Huston-Jimmy’s mother.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Huston.” Kathryn extended her hand and smiled. “Please come in.”
“Thank you. Please call me, Patty.” She picked up a bag from the porch.
“Only if you will call me, Kathryn. Jimmy refuses to.” She laughed. “Quite an nice young man you have there.”
“Thank you.”
“I was just going to have a cup of coffee. Can I offer you some?” Kathryn ushered her into the kitchen.
“I’d loved some.” Patty placed the bag on the table and lifted out a plate of brownies. “I’m told you fancy these.”
“Carmel brownies? Oh, my favorites!” Kathryn brought the coffee to the table and tasted a brownie. “Ummm wonderful.”
“Thanks.” Patty stirred her coffee. “Have you settled in?”
“Yes, it’s quite comfortable, very nice here and-quiet.”
“Too quiet?”
“Sometimes, but that’s why I came here.”
“I’m sorry, I should have come over sooner. I didn’t want to intrude and I wasn’t sure..”
“If I was the fearsome renegade the press made me out to be?” Kathryn smiled and took another brownie. “Its OK. I didn’t listen to half of what they said and I’m afraid to look at me sometimes.”
“Well, Jimmy tells me you aren’t anything like some of those stories.” Patty was uncomfortable trying to explain. “I have to apologize. I know better than to believe that stuff. I’m not usually so easily swayed or so narrow minded.”
“I know.” Kathryn smiled. “I’ve met your son. Its easy to see he was raised by good hard working people with sound values.”
“Thank you. We try to be and we try to take care of one another around here.”
“So Jimmy told me.”
“Well, I just want you to know that I plan on basing any future judgments on who you are here and now and not on what Starfleet says or the press or anyone else.”
“I appreciate that, Patty. Its been a long time since I’ve been allowed to be just Kathryn. I’m not sure I know how to do that yet, but I’m working on it.”
“Well if you need any help just call.”
“Thanks.” Kathryn took a long drink of her coffee. “So, Jimmy says you’re farmers.”
“Yes.”
“Maybe you could give me a hint about how to grow something out there.” Kathryn gestured toward the dry dusty patch that was her backyard.
“Irrigation!” Patty laughed. “This is Arizona, lots of irrigation.”
Kathryn showed Patty the area she planed to plant and discussed various types of plants and how to best irrigate them. Patty didn’t stay long after that since she needed to get home and prepare the noon meal for her husband and crew, but she promised to come back. She had some small plants that Kathryn could use to get started and she said she would bring them by the next morning.
It was almost dinnertime when Kathryn heard another knock on her door; this was her day for visitors.
“Hi, Kathryn, I’m Jim Huston.” The big man in work clothes held out his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” Kathryn smiled and shook the large hand.
“Patty said you had a garden that needed some tilling. I’ll just bring the tiller around back, won't take a minute.” Jim put his hat back on and unloaded the machine from of the back of his pickup.
It took Jim more than a minute but twenty minutes later when Kathryn brought him out some lemonade he was almost finished.
“Thought you might like a drink.”
“Yes, thanks. Still pretty hot out here.” Jim took a large swallow of the lemonade. “Pretty ambitious garden. You ever done this before?”
“I grew up in Indiana. Daddy was 'fleet but we always grew a few crops. I had a nice sized garden once on a planet far from here, but …” Kathryn sat on the back steps. “Well, I couldn’t stay.”
“Must be an exciting life, being a starship captain.”
“I love the stars; space is amazing, so much to learn.” Kathryn laughed. “I loved my work. It’s the bureaucracy of the Alpha Quadrant I don’t care for. Maybe I am too much of a renegade now.”
“I don’t know the details, but from what I‘ve heard you and your crew got a pretty raw deal.”
“Thanks. I think so too.” Kathryn took his glass. “I might have understood. I always believed in 'fleet-until they lied.” Kathryn shrugged, shaking her head slowly as she got up off the steps. “I’ll get you some more.”
Kathryn refilled the glass and Jim finished tilling the garden.
~~~^^^~~~
Patty visited regularly after that and Kathryn had been a guest at their house for dinner. She met several of her other neighbors and learned that all were genuinely nice people who enjoyed their quiet lives. Without fail, everyone had offered assistance in whatever form she might need. Two months into her stay, Kathryn had become quite comfortable with her new life.
Once a week or so, a few neighbors gathered at the Huston's for dinner. The last few times Kathryn had been included. After she had helped Patty clean up from dinner, Kathryn joined the others on the big front porch.
“I ran off another bunch just today.” Jose Perez the manager of the transport station grumbled.
“Won’t they ever leave her alone?” Jim spotted Kathryn in the doorway, the others got quiet. “Hi, come on out and have a seat.”
“Did I interrupt something? You got awfully quiet.”
“No, of course not.” Jim stood and leaned against the railing. “Here have a seat.”
“Thanks.” Kathryn sat in the midst of the quiet. “You’re lying, Jim.”
“Kathryn, it's nothing. Just let it be.”
“I’m an explorer remember? I don’t like not knowing.”
“She’s right, Jim. She has a right to know.” Patty joined her husband at the railing.”
“What’s going on? What are you all keeping from me?”
“Reporters.” Jose reached over and took her hand. “They’ve been coming around, every so often. Snooping. We just asked them politely to leave our town.”
Kathryn was confused when everyone laughed.
“Don’t let them upset you, Senora.” Jose slipped into a typical old western speech flavored by his Hispanic heritage and the other howled with laughter. “Betsy, she is always polite- she is a real lady.”
“Betsy? What is so funny?” Reporters looking for her did not amuse Kathryn and she didn’t understand what the others were laughing about.
“Don’t mind him, Kathryn.” Patty choked on her laughter. “He still thinks this is the Wild West.”
“Betsy?” Kathryn looked from one laughing face to another. “I had a compression phaser rifle that Chakotay nicknamed Betsy.”
“Then you have the idea. Jose here has some 20th century shotguns and he likes to persuade folks with them.”
“Them varmints won’t be bothering you no more, Senora.”
“You didn’t?!”
“Oh, Senora Janeway, I would not lie to you.”
“Won’t threatening reporters get you into trouble?”
“Not as long as the sheriff of Maricopa County is my baby sister!”
~~~^^^~~~
“Kathryn?” Patty called through the door when no one answered her knock.
“Hi, be right out. Coffee in the kitchen.” Kathryn called from the bedroom.
“Came on business today, Kathryn.” Patty poured the coffee and sat at the table waiting. “You up for a little shop talk?”
“Shop talk? You’re a farmer and I’m a former starship captain, We don’t sound much alike to me.” Finally, Kathryn joined Patty in the kitchen; still dressed in her bathrobe.
“Are you OK?” It was past ten, Kathryn was always showered and dressed long before this.
“Yeah, fine.” Kathryn sat across the table.
“Sleep late?” Patty looked her over carefully. “We could talk another time if you don’t feel well.”
“No, I’m fine really.” Kathryn smiled knowing the woman seated across from her was only concerned. “I’m just tired. I do have to ask you something though.”
“Sure, what do you need?”
“I need the name of a good doctor around here. I can’t afford to transport to San Francisco too often.”
“A doctor?” There was alarm in the other woman’s voice. “Kathryn, are you sick?”
“No, Patty. Nothing like that.” Kathryn reached across the table and patted Patty’s hand. “I need the name of a local obstetrician.”
“Obstetrician!” Patty’s eyes got round with shock, she half rose from her chair. “Kathryn you’re..? Oh my god, why didn’t you say something?” Patty sat back down and studied Kathryn’s face. “This is a good thing?”
“Yes, this is one of the few good things in my life.” Kathryn laughed; she knew Patty had a million questions running through her head.
“OK. Umm, when? How far? Who? Oh damn, it’s none of my business—are you OK?”
“I’m OK. I’ve been seeing a doctor in San Francisco, but I can’t afford the transport fees and he is just too far away. Anyway, I'm seventeen weeks…”
“You're so thin! Are you sure…?” Patty didn’t want to upset her but she didn’t look over four months pregnant.
“Not really thin. You just don’t know how very small I used to be.” Kathryn laughed. “Besides, I have been hiding it well in loose clothing.” Kathryn stood up and opened the front of her robe. “See, he’s really there and don’t worry, the doctor says he’s fine.”
“You hid this well.” Patty laughed as she smoothed the nightgown over the round of Kathryn’s tummy. “Me! I looked like a cow by this time.”
“And as to who..”
“That’s none of my business. If you don’t want to tell me, it's fine.”
“It’s all right. Chakotay is the baby’s father, we did manage sometime together before Starfleet betrayed us.”
“Ohmygod, Kathryn.” Patty came around the table and hugged her. “I read the rumors naturally, but you hardly ever mention him and so I thought..”
"Most of what you heard is just rumor. Chakotay was my best friend, my trusted ally and only confidant while we were in the Delta Quadrant, but he was also my first officer. I was fool enough to believe the things that Starfleet drummed into me in command school, so there were boundaries our relationship couldn't cross."
"Oh, Kathryn, how difficult that must have been for you- both of you."
"Yes, but I'm very lucky. Chakotay is a wonderfully patient man. He stood by me and supported me all those years." Kathryn smiled though her eyes filled with tears. "We never would have made it home without him; I couldn't have done it alone."
"Does he know?" Patty poured more coffee and sat down.
"Yes. It's part of why I haven't gone to see him actually. He's worried that the circus the press created around the trial would follow through and might endanger the baby. So we agreed that I would stay here and he would come to me when he was released."
"I though they wouldn't let you see him. I mean, didn't it say only family? He lost his family didn't he?"
"We are family, even Starfleet couldn't argue that. The 'vacation' we were on when they arrested him was actually our honeymoon. It's the one secret Starfleet didn't leak. I guess it served their purpose. It would have made it a bit more difficult to brand me the renegade captain and drum me out of their ranks if the public saw me as only defending my husband."
"You should have used that, fought them with everything you had. Why did you let them do this?"
"We were prepared to fight. We spent a large portion of my back pay on lawyers, but it didn't look promising. And then they offered Chakotay a deal. In return for his guilty plea, the rest of the former Maquis got a quick disposition of the charges against them. They would get each probation; he would get ten years less the time he served on Voyager and with time off for 'good behavior'- which includes my coorperation. He will be released before the baby is born."
“How could you stand to let him do that? My god, how can you trust them?”
“He stood by me all those years. He respected the things I felt I needed to do for our crew. I couldn’t deny him this. He needed to do this. B’Elanna and Tom have a brand new baby. Mike Ayala has been away from his boys for over eight years. Ben Carlson came home to a deathly ill wife. Mariah Henley is pregnant. Jor and Tabor are planning a wedding. The list just keeps going on. All good people who worked hard to get our ship home. People who deserve a second chance to have a life.” Kathryn daubed the tears before they could fall. “I don’t trust 'fleet-not anymore, but I have no choice.”
“I don’t understand. Didn’t you know how the Maquis were to be treated?”
“No. HQ assured me we were one crew and all of the members would be treated the same. We went through two months of debriefing and were all released. The first sign that something was wrong was when the back pay credits didn’t show up in Chakotay’s account. At first I wasn’t concerned, or maybe I was just too caught up in sneaking off to get married.” Kathryn laughed. “We wanted to avoid the press nonsense.”
“They just arrested him with no warning?”
“Basically. We had taken a couple of weeks to ourselves and then we called Tom and B’Elanna to tell them we had gotten married. Tom was crazy. He told us they had arrested B’Elanna and several other former Maquis that he knew about. I told him we would be right home, but we never even finished packing. They took Chakotay away and I had to fight like hell to even see him again.”
“Isn’t Tom’s father an admiral? Couldn’t he help?”
“That’s one of the saddest parts. He was also a good friend of my father and my mentor all through the Academy, but he was worse than the rest. He actually told me that fraternizing with criminals would not further my career and asked me to advise his son of the same.”
“I take it he wasn’t happy about your marriage.”
“To say the least. He actually yelled then proceeded to tell me we could have it quietly annulled before word leaked out, like I was some kind of confused child who didn’t know what she had done. When I refused, he told me point blank that my career was over. And from there it got worse.”
“The others have been released?”
“Yes, but we are all keeping a low profile until Chakotay is free. We have contact but we limit it.”
“When do you expect Chakotay?”
“They promised no more than eight months—just enough to prove their point- two weeks of which he served before the lawyers managed to get him released on bail. That should bring him home two weeks before the baby is due.”
“Will you be OK 'till then? I know you said you used a large part of the money they gave you on lawyers.”
“I’ll be fine. I have some money left, enough for now. I’ll have to find work after the baby comes. I have some pretty fancy degrees. Space isn’t the only thing I’m suited for- that is of course if anyone wants me.”
“Well, I guess that brings me to why I originally came over this morning. I have an offer for you.”
“Offer?”
“Before you start thinking this is some kind of gift, I want you to know the committee has thoroughly checked you background, before sending me here to sort of ‘feel you out’.”
“What committee?”
“Remember when I told you the cooperative we have here is more than just farming.”
“Yes, it handles the irrigation, the hydroelectric plant as well as the research and development aspects. A lot of territory covered by a small organization. What about it?”
“You’re right, it’s a small organization, member owned and member run but we are losing an important member and Miguel Stamos- you met him, I think.” Kathryn nodded. “Well, he’s retiring and moving to Venezuela. He and Jim had the idea that you might help out. You own land here, its small but it qualifies.”
“Doing what? Research of some kind?”
“It wasn’t what they had in mind, but if you would be happier doing that, I’m sure we could use the help.”
“Just what did they have in mind?”
“Miguel runs the hydroelectric plant and oversees the irrigation and the research departments. He was hoping I could talk you into taking over for him.”
“I don’t know if I’m qualified for this.”
“Kathryn, we checked and doubled checked before I came here. You are a class five engineer and having been a captain in Starfleet, you certainly have plenty of management experience. You’re a trained scientist, so research is right up your alley and irrigation is a basic concept. Your record certainly shows that you can think on your feet and make the tough decisions. After facing the Borg, a few Maricopa County environmental protesters should be easy.”
“I’m a bit overwhelmed. I do need a job, I just wasn’t expecting such a big one.”
“Look, you don’t have to answer now. I just came to give you some time to consider this before they make a formal offer. You’re right, small as we are; it’s a big job. We won’t hold it against you if it’s more than you want to take on. Just think about it. And if you want something less demanding, I’m sure we have room for that too.”
“When is Miguel leaving?”
“Not for a few months, but we would like to have someone in place. Maybe get some time to work with Miguel.”
“I’ll be having a baby in a few months.”
“I think we can work around it. We have come a long way from expecting you to squat in the field then return to work.” Patty rinsed her cup in the sink. “Now, I'll get you that name you asked for and let you think a while.”
“You know, I actually worked in a power plant once.” Kathryn rolled her eyes. “But that’s a story for another day. I’ll think about it, thank you.”
~~~^^^~~~
Kathryn took the job. When the formal offer was made two weeks later, it involved much more compensation than she thought this small co-op could afford but she was assured with a laugh that it was less than Miguel had made. The deal was that she would oversee it all but only actually work part time until after the baby came; Kathryn even believed it herself at the time.
Kathryn worked mornings, at least that’s what she called it, and of course, it was Captain Janeway’s idea of morning. Kathryn would arrive at the plant around 0600 hours and work until about 1300 hours. If things were quiet, which they usually were, she would go home and nap for a few hours and then spend some time in her garden and her evenings on the front porch.
Six weeks into her new job, Kathryn relaxed on her front porch sipping lemonade as she watched the sun go down. It was an exceptionally warm evening and the slight breeze across the porch was more than welcome. Even in the heat, she preferred the night air to the environmentally controlled atmosphere indoors. As the sun slipped below the horizon, Kathryn spotted lights coming up her driveway and from the rumble and rattle that accompanied them, she knew it had to be Jimmy’s pickup.
“Ms. Janeway.” Jimmy yelled as he jumped out of the passenger side of the truck.
“Hi, why are you riding shotgun?” Kathryn could see people in the cab and a couple in the back but she couldn’t tell who they were.
“Found this hot shot outside of town who said he can drive anything.” Jimmy made a big scraping bow toward the truck. “Damn, if he wasn’t right.”
A woman and baby came around the back of the truck and started for the house; the others followed.
“B’Elanna?!” Kathryn jumped up. “Is it really you?”
“Hi, figured it was about time.”
Kathryn hurried down the steps and hugged mother and baby together.
“God, it's good to see you!” Kathryn held out her arms and Miral nearly jumped into them. “Hello, Angel.” Kathryn kissed the giggling baby.
“Kathryn?”
“Tom.” Kathryn spun around. “I should have recognized that driving.” She hugged him.
“I found these guys walking down the road. Hope it was ok to bring them here.”
“Oh, thank you, Jimmy.” Kathryn kissed his cheek.
“Hey, how about me?” Harry stood with his arm around Celes.
“Harry! Celes!” Kathryn hugged them both. “Come inside and get a drink.” The sudden excitement was making the heat unbearable. “It’s cooler in there. Jimmy, you too.”
“Thanks, but I'd better head home. I’ll just get their stuff out of the truck.”
“I’ll help.” Tom followed Jimmy to the pick up.
“Thanks again, Jimmy.” Kathryn called before she led the others into the house.
Kathryn set Miral on the floor and headed to the kitchen for something cool. Retuning with a tray of drinks, she found everyone seated around the large fireplace.
“Isn’t it warm enough for you guys?”
“Almost.” B’Elanna laughed. “But its beautiful stone work even without the fire.
“Yeah, it is. Chakotay’s cousin built it.” Kathryn saw how the mention of his name had made everyone quiet so she changed the subject. “Hey, what’s this?” She pointed in the direction of their bags.
“Our stuff, well, mostly Miral’s. She doesn’t know how to travel light.” Tom ducked B’Elanna’s swing. “Besides you didn’t think we were traveling to the ends of the Earth for one drink did you?”
“Arizona isn’t that far!” Kathryn took her own swing at him. “I was talking about whatever is hiding under that blanket.”
“Kathryn, since Chak won’t have time and Miral is a little too big for it now and well it’s what family does isn’t it?”
“What?” Kathryn wasn’t accustomed to seeing B’Elanna struggle with her words.
“Go look.”
Kathryn crossed the room and slowly pulled the blanket back. She couldn’t hold back the tears as inch by inch she discovered the cradle Chakotay had hand carved for Miral.
“We thought the baby could use it and then you could give it back if we needed it or maybe pass it to Harry and Celes when the time comes.” Tom embraced Kathryn, as she turned teary eyed to face him.
“Thank you. I’m hoping
Chakotay is home when the baby is born but you’re right, he won’t have
time for anything like this. We’ll take good care of it.”
“So Cap..” Harry laughed when she raised her eyebrows. “Kathryn, I hear you have a big new job.”
“Yes, that it is. I handle the day to day running of the hydroelectric plant and over see several other parts of the co-op.”
“So it’s like being captain all over again?” Celes asked.
“Almost. Only these folks aren’t Starfleet trained or disciplined.” Kathryn laughed. “So it's more like captaining a whole ship full of Parises!”
“I’ll have you know, I’m an important, respected businessman.” Tom balked at their laughter. “Well, OK, maybe not respected-yet-but important.”
“I’ll have to give him credit on that.” B’Elanna shook her head. “I thought he was nuts when he said we should fight 'fleet for the rights to the systems we designed for the Flier, but ..”
“The case has been decided?” Kathryn was suddenly all ears. “ I didn’t hear anything, tell me!”
“Just this morning.” Tom couldn’t contain his grin. “We beat them, Kathryn. I can’t believe it myself, but we won!”
“Ohmygod! Congratulations.” Kathryn hugged them both. “Come on, out with it!”
“Well, to make a very long and sticky story short. The judges decided that arresting B’Elanna as a war criminal, ignoring her exemplary service on Voyager and not awarding either of us back pay, proved that Starfleet never considered us in their employ. And since neither of us worked for 'fleet, they have no right to the systems we developed while on Voyager. We have been awarded a cash settlement, full exclusive rights to our systems and you will love this—the Flyer!”
“The admiralty must be livid.”
“Oh, you bet and Pop—you could see the smoke coming out of his ears.”
“So what are your plans now?”
“First we had to come celebrate with you, 'cause none of this would be possible without your faith in both of us.” B’Elanna was teary eyed, shaking her head in disgust at her own sentimentality. “Then we are going into business. We are working on a few new designs and if they ask real nice and pay a big price, we may even lease some of our new technology to 'fleet.”
“Junior here has already signed on.” Tom patted Harry on the back. “And if you ever tire of that new job, we would love to have you and the big guy, too.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.” Kathryn laughed. “Though I’m not sure I could work for you.”
“That would be a switch.”
“So, Celes, are you joining up, too?”
“Me, Cap..Kathryn?” Celes laughed. “You can’t be serious. No, I do have plans though. I’m going to start a day care.”
“Excellent choice. I think you will be wonderful at it.”
“Thanks.”
They chatted a while longer, reminiscing, sharing what news they had of other members of Voyagers crew. B’Elanna nursed Miral and dressed her for bed.
“Why don’t you put her in the bedroom. You and Tom can sleep there tonight.”
“We can’t put you out of your bed.” B’Elanna could already see her protest was futile. “Where will you sleep?”
“The couch pulls out. I’ll sleep there, sorry Harry, you're younger than I am, so you get the floor. Celes, you get to choose, the floor with Harry or the share the bed with me.”
“Yeah, big choice!”
Celes laughed. “I love you, Harry, but I’m sharing the bed with her!”
It wasn’t long after that they all settled in for the night. First thing in the morning, Kathryn contacted the plant and after making sure everything was running smoothly, she took the day off. She was on the back porch with her coffee when B’Elanna and Miral joined her.
“Morning.” B’Elanna sat next to her. “Beautiful out here, now.”
“Yes, I’ve grown to love it here.” Kathryn sighed. “It will be even better when Chakotay comes home.”
“How are you doing?” B’Elanna searched her face. “I feel so guilty.”
“Don’t. You didn’t do this.” Kathryn took Miral. “I’m OK and he’ll be home soon.
“I know, but he did it for us. And just when you finally got together.”
“He did it because it’s what he wanted to do and we’ll be together for the rest of our lives. It's hard now, but it will be worth it.”
“Ladies.” Tom called out the back door. “Breakfast is ready. Come in and eat before it's cold.”
“He cooks too?” Kathryn laughed as she lifted Miral and headed toward the kitchen. “What have you done to our bad boy?”
“Domesticated him.” B’Elanna laughed as she opened the door. “You should see how persuasive a bat’leth can be.
Harry and Celes were already seated when Kathryn and B’Elanna came into the kitchen. Tom shuffled the plates around the small table and everyone sat down to eat.
“So who got invited to the reunion?” Harry laughed when Tom choked. “Not you I take it?”
“No, not us. We were suing fleet until yesterday.” B’Elanna laughed. “And not you either once they find out you are working with us.”
“Oh, I don’t know. They invited me.” Kathryn poured more coffee. “Have some nerve, don’t they?”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. I didn’t answer and I’ve refused delivery of all the other notices.”
“Well, I hear that most people ignored them and the few who stayed in 'fleet have been ordered to be there.” Celes offered. “Billy said Mort Harren told Nechayev that the probability of him attending such a sham of a function was even lower than the chances of her getting laid!”
“Bet she loved that!” Kathryn almost spit out her coffee. “What did she do?”
“Threatened to court martial him. But you know how that phased Mort. He said it would be interesting to see her explain the charges in court and left her standing in her office with her mouth hanging open.”
“Good for him.” Kathryn glared at Harry. “You going?”
“Celes and I laughed until we cried and then we threw the padd in the bay.”
"Mine came directly from Owen. It was a cute little personal note that told me that I would be letting my crew down if I didn’t show. After all, no good Captain would desert her crew. And he had the nerve -- not so delicately, I might add- to tell me that my husband would not be welcome, but I was free to bring a suitable escort. I wish I had it here to show you.”
"Jesus, I'm ashamed to be his son."
"Not your fault, Tom. Don't let it bother you."
"So what did you do with it?"
"I thought of several things but I couldn't reach any of them from here, so I recycled it."
"You know what I think?" Celes stopped playing with Miral and faced the others. "I think we should have our own reunion."
"That's a good idea." Kathryn agreed.
"The Starlight Room!" Tom laughed.
"What?'
"It's almost across the street. We should hold the real reunion on the same night - across the street!" Tom had the old fire in his eyes.
"Oh, god! That's a great idea. See and everyone wondered why I married this man." B'Elanna turned to catch the concern on Kathryn's face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's a wonderful idea. I just think we should keep it quiet until Chakotay is released."
"Yeah, we don't want to jeopardize that."
"We get a non-interested party to book the place and we keep it quiet, just among the crew, until it's too late for 'fleet to cancel. Then we issue invitation an to the press!" The wheels were turning; Tom Paris was in full prank mode.
~~~^^^~~~
Their two-day visit ended all too quickly and soon Kathryn found herself surrounded by the silence of her empty house. The quiet wasn't entirely unwelcome. She was used to living alone now and she needed the rest. After Miguel left for Venezuela, she still had a few employees who weren't ready to accept her as his replacement. It was an odd feeling once again to find herself in a position of having to prove she could handle the job, but it was understandable. She was small, she was new, she was a woman and she was pregnant. It was a lot for some of the men to take all at once. El Mirage wasn't the most progressive society she had ever encountered.
It took almost a month and a minor crisis but Kathryn began to feel her people had confidence in her. The committee was very pleased with her accomplishments and some of the workers had made the swing from resistance to protectiveness. Kathryn sought a balance.
The small ground vehicle that came with Kathryn's position rattled into the driveway. It was almost dark and much later than Kathryn normally worked these days, but the computer system that controlled the irrigation on the lower farms had gone down two days ago and it had taken some long hours to get it up and running again. She made a mental not to look into replacing some of the older components.
Kathryn kicked off her shoes the second she stepped inside the door. She was sweaty and tired and her stomach growled reminding her she hadn't taken time to eat since breakfast. She adjusted the settings on the environmental controls. The cool air would be welcome tonight.
Kathryn worked her jeans down past her belly and flopped down on the couch to peel them off.
"Can I help?" His darker hands covered hers as he knelt to help her. Kathryn gasped snapping her head up to see his face. "Hi, I didn't mean to scare you."
"Chakotay." It came out in a rush of warm air, tears welled up in her eyes and her hand moved to cup his face.
Slowly the corners of her mouth formed a tiny crooked smile, her head tilted slightly to the right and she drew his face closer to bring their lips together. The kiss was soft and warm, a gentle expression of love. Kathryn pulled back before it deepened. She studied his face; he brushed the tears off her cheeks.
"You're early. I didn't expect you for another month." Her eyes took a quick inventory returning to lock with his.
"A gift from our friends at 'fleet." He smiled.
"We have friends there?" Her fingers traced the depression in his cheek.
"Probably, but none that I met." He wiped a dirt smudge off her nose, placing a kiss on the tip. "They want you at the reunion so I'm here to convince you."
"Are you free? Is it official?" Her one hand slipped into his hair.
"I have all the paperwork. I'm a free man." His hands slid down to rest on her belly.
"Then they can go to hell."
Kathryn's stomach growled breaking the mood.
"And when was the last time you had something to eat?" Chakotay rocked back on his heals.
"I've been busy-- the computer was down and, the lower acreages have had no irrigation for two days and ..." Kathryn laughed. "And you have no idea what the hell I'm talking about."
"Well, I understand computer and irrigation, but I have no idea what all that has to do with you." Chakotay stood up, taking her hands and pulling her to her feet. "But if you come in the kitchen and let me fix you something to eat, you can explain it all to me."
"Sounds good, but first a quick shower." She pulled her damp blouse away from her sticky skin. "It's been a long, hot day."
"OK." Chakotay stepped back and looked at her. The shirt she wore tented out over her belly barely covering it, she wore no jeans and in her bare feet she was a good foot shorter than him. He smiled reaching out to run his hand across the round of her belly. "Look at you."
"I must be a sight."
"A beautiful sight." With one hand he tucked her hair behind her ear. The baby kicked and he chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm missed so much in this short time."
"We'll make up for it." Kathryn stepped closer reaching her arms around his neck to draw him closer.
Her mouth captured his, her lips expertly working until her tongue slipped in to tangle with his. Chakotay pressed their bodies together hungrily responding to her eager kisses. Reluctantly, Kathryn drew back.
“I need that shower.” She smiled and quickly fled into the bathroom.
~~~^^^~~~
Kathryn came into the kitchen fresh from her shower. She wore a loose knee length sleeveless shift and no shoes. Her still wet hair was brushed back from her cleanly scrubbed face. She looked beautiful to him.
"Have a seat." He kissed her head as he carried their drinks to the table. "You can fill me in while we eat."
"OK, where shall I start?"
"First tell me about you, about the baby. Are you ok?" Chakotay placed their salads on the table and sat across from her.
"We're both fine. The doctor says he's completely healthy and should be with us in about eight more weeks. I've seen scans. He has all of his fingers and all his toes. He's prefect. Except maybe at night when he likes to kick the hell out of me."
"I'm sorry you had to do this all alone." Chakotay took her hand across the table.
"I wish you could have been here too, but you're here now. Besides, I've been very lucky. I feel great, a little tired sometimes but I haven't been sick or anything." Kathryn laughed. "A little awkward and big, definitely big."
"You aren't exactly big." He made a face. "Larger than normal but ..."
"But I feel like a cow!" Kathryn laughed.
"Well, you don't look like one- or maybe I've been away from farming too long." He laughed when she raised her eyebrows at him. "Now tell me what this is with computers and irrigation."
"Oh, I have a job."
"Farming or programming?"
"Yes." She laughed. “And running the power plant."
"I see just a little part time thing to fill in the empty hours."
"Yes, exactly."
They laughed and Kathryn spent the next couple of hours filling him in on her life in Arizona. The people she had met, the friends she had made, as well as her new job. She told him about Tom's plans for the 'counter reunion' and took him on a tour of 'the farm' formerly know as her garden that qualified them to become part of the co-op.
"So basically all that's left for me to do now is flip on the irrigation device every now and then and let my wife take care of me." They detoured through the kitchen, picking up cold drinks on their way to the front porch.
"Yep, that's about it. A real gentlemen farmer." She sat close to him on the swing. "And change diapers of course."
“Of course.” He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “Kathryn, I have missed you so much.”
“I know. I didn’t know it was possible to miss some one this much. All those years that I took for granted that you would be beside me and then you were gone and I didn’t know how to go on.”
“Well, you seem to have done well,-not that I ever doubted you could.”
“Being able to do something and having the will to do it are very different. I don’t think I could have stood it if I hadn’t known you were coming home.”
“I never would have lasted if I had to stay longer.” Chakotay looked off into the darkness his expression darkly intense. “Or if I didn’t have coming home to you to look forward to.”
“Want to tell me about it?”
“I will, but not tonight. Tonight I just want to be here with you.” He kissed her forehead. “OK?”
“Sure.” She snuggled closer. “Whenever you’re ready.”
“Why don’t we go to bed?”
“Ummm now that sounds promising.”
“I was thinking of just some quiet talk and holding you while we sleep, but if you’re interested in something-more..”
“I have been waiting around in this hormone enraged body for six months for you to get home.” Kathryn laughed and pushed herself to her feet. “I guess I could wait longer.” She picked up their glasses and headed into the house.
“So,” Chakotay came up behind Kathryn wrapping his arms around her as she rinsed the glasses. “Tell me about these hormones.”
Kathryn laughed drying her hands on the towel before she turned in his arms and put her hands on his shoulders.
“Let’s get ready for bed.” She laughed when he raised both eyebrows. “I mean changed—dressed, er undressed, whatever.” She pushed both hands against his shoulders. “Let’s go.”
“Then you’ll talk to me?”
"Talk?" Kathryn shook her head and took his hand pulling him toward the bedroom. "Sure, let's talk."
"Have you thought of names?" Chakotay sat on the bed and pulled off his shoes.
"I have, but .." Kathryn unbuttoned her dress. "Have you?"
"Not really. What did you come up with?" Chakotay tossed his shirt on the chair and stood to remove his pants. Tossing them over the shirt he sat back on the bed. He watched her, waiting for an answer.
"I like Edward Kolopak. In my mind I keep calling him Kole." Kathryn looked up to gauge his reaction, but suddenly found herself very self-conscious under his scrutiny. "What do you think?" Kathryn turned away before removing the dress and pulling on her nightgown.
"I like the name." Chakotay took her shoulders and turned her around. "And I think Kole is a great nick name."
"Good." Kathryn tried to move past him toward the bed.
"Hey." He tilted her chin up so he could see her face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Let's get into bed, OK?" Kathryn smiled and he just nodded and followed her to bed.
"Kathryn, something changed a minute ago." Chakotay rolled on his side to face her. "Please, tell me what just happened."
"Nothing happened." She snuggled closer resting her head on his arm. "It's silly but no one has really looked at me-- not the way you just did and I got this picture of how I must look to you now."
"And?" He brushed back her hair stroking his hand down her arm. "You don’t think you are beautiful? Guess that’s no surprise since you never did." Chakotay laughed. "Oh, you don't think I'll find you sexy-- is that it?"
"I never thought about it before. It never mattered-until right now.”
“You’re right. It’s silly.”
“I know. At least intellectually I know, but the feeling is still very real.” Kathryn’s eyes pleaded with him to understand what she had no idea how to explain. “It surprised me.”
“Me, too. I never thought you would react like that, but then I guess I didn’t help much.” He traced her jaw line with one finger gracing her with his best-dimpled smile. “I come home after six months to my- what was that you said? Ummm hormone enraged wife and I ask her how her day was, tell her I just want to talk.” He laughed.
“Stop laughing. I’m not that bad!” Kathryn reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. “Besides you’re tired. It’s a long trip even by transport from New Zealand.”
“Oh, we are a pair. All the way home all I thought about was you. All afternoon I went crazy waiting for you to get home.”
“You were here all day?!”
“A good part of it. I had no idea how to reach you.”
“Oh god, any other day I would have been here napping by two at the latest.” She laughed, holding her finger to his mouth. She could feel his surprise when he mouthed the word nap. “It’s something else you will learn about.”
“No wonder you looked so tired when you came in.”
“I was, but not too tired for you.” Kathryn reached up and kissed him gently. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you, too.” Chakotay lowered her to the bed and cupped her face. “You-will–have–to–help-me–catch-up-on-what-I-missed.” He punctuated each word with a kiss. Chakotay’s mouth found hers as his hands slipped across the smooth silk of her nightgown to fondle her breast. “Tomorrow.” He mumbled into her mouth.
Chakotay felt her nipples harden in response as she hungrily devoured his kisses. Eager hands were touching every exposed part of him within her reach, moaning in loss and anticipation as his mouth moved kissing down her throat, tongue lapping at the hollow at its base. His hands moved lower, sliding over her belly, as his lips closed around a silk covered nipple. Kathryn held his head to her breast, gasping as his fingers brushed across her, moving down her thigh to the edge of the nightgown and sliding back up. Chakotay raised the hem above her hips and she sat up to allow him to remove it. He dropped the gown on the floor and eased her back against the pillows with a kiss. Breaking the kiss, he sat up to look at her. Kathryn closed her eyes.
“Kathryn.”
When she opened her eyes he smiled, holding her gaze as his hands took a slow tortuous inventory of her body. Kathryn’s chest heaved as they watched each other’s reaction to the sensations created by his warm fingertips on her hot flesh. Kathryn stretched out the fingers of her left hand, at first just barely able to make contact with his throbbing penis, then wrapping around it. Her thumb spread the drops of moisture on the tip causing him to hiss through his teeth. The air was suddenly charged between them. The waiting and longing of the past six months crashed into them. Kathryn gasped as his fingers slipped into the sea of wetness between her legs.
“Ohgod, Chakotay.” Kathryn closed her eyes spreading her legs wider, her hips bucking at his touch. “Please.”
Chakotay slowly investigated her soft depths, gliding through the slick moisture, watching her lose herself in the intense sensation, feeling his own need intensify. Two fingers penetrated her, his thumb worked of over her sensitive nerves leaving Kathryn mumbling incoherently as she writhed on the bed. Chakotay bent to her, his lips captured a taut nipple, as her mumbling turned to cries and her body convulsed thrashing beneath his hands.
Chakotay moved beside her, whispering his love as he stroked her gently, bringing her slowly back to him. He spread soft kisses across her face until her hands grasped his head and drew his mouth to hers for an intense kiss. Her mouth took possession of his, as their tongue dueled fiercely. Her hands caressed his skin, fingers grazing his nipples as she maneuvered him onto his back. Kathryn moved up bending over to run her tongue in gentle circles around his nipples before sucking one deeply, causing him to groan. Slowly she moved lower, her hands reaching between his legs, cupping him, stroking his thighs, as her tongue trailed hotly across his lower belly.
Kathryn breathed in the warm musky scent of him, shuddering at the warm rush of wetness it caused between her own legs. She took him in both hands, stroking, drawing him closer so that her tongue could lap at the salty moisture that seeped from the tip. His hips bucked, his hands tangled in her hair as she sucked him eagerly, her tongue caressing his pulsating flesh.
“Kathryn.” With a husky gasp, he involuntarily thrust against her. “Stop, please - not…” he groaned grasping for control.
Understanding his garbled plea Kathryn raised her mouth from him and straddled him. She leaned over kissing him deeply sharing his own taste with him. His one hand found her breast, stroking and teasing the nipple until it puckered under his touch, Kathryn moaned as she moved herself over him. He pushed one hand between her legs, as she lowered herself inch by inch until he was buried completely.
Kathryn leaned back arching as she slowly raised and lowered herself smoothly, steadily building the pressure. His fingers gently worked her over sensitive nerves, reveling in the murmured gasps and pleas that escaped as her muscles clenched and her body shuddered. Kathryn cried out and he grasped her hips tightly, his own thrusting uncontrollably as he spurted deep inside her.
Kathryn dropped her head to his chest, gasping for air, as he rolled them to their sides. She clung to him, as he stroked back her hair kissing away the salty tears of happiness that had dampened his chest.
~~~^^^~~~
Chakotay woke with a start; he wasn’t alone. He slowly opened his eyes. The room was dark and unfamiliar. A soft body, a gentle sigh and Kathryn snuggled closer to his side. His memory cleared. He was home with Kathryn; everything was good. Chakotay relaxed turning to hold her as she snuggled against his chest. He let his hand drift down her back gliding over her hip and coming to rest on her belly where it pressed against his. Kole was sleeping now, too. Chakotay smiled. He had certainly been awake and protesting last night. The more Chakotay thought about the name the more he liked the sound of it. It was fitting their son should be named to honor both their fathers and yet Kole would be a name uniquely his own.
Kathryn opened her eyes and smiled at him. She quickly rolled back and pushed herself out the bed.
“Where you going?”
‘Ahh,.” Kathryn laughed as she grabbed her robe and hastily wrapped herself in it. “I have to pee. It's something else you’ll learn about. In case you didn’t notice last night, it happens about every ten minutes these days!”
~~~^^^~~~
Chakotay was in the kitchen when she came out of the bathroom. Two cups were already on the table and breakfast was on the stove.
“Coffee still a good thing?” He gestured toward the cups.
“Yes.” Kathryn put her arms around him, smiling crookedly. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome- but for what?”
“For being you. For loving me and never giving up. For coming home.” Kathryn laughed. “For making breakfast. I’m starved.”
“More to learn about- you actually eat these days?”
“Like the proverbial horse.” Kathryn took her plate from him and headed to the table.
“What time do you have to go to work?” He refilled her empty coffee cup and sat down.
“I’m usually there by now.”
“So I’m a bad influence already?”
“Guess so. I thought if you wanted to, you could come with me. I have to check on the computers and drop by the power plant. If everything is still up and running, I could take the day off.”
“Oh, the Arizona version of hiding in the ready room?”
“Something like that and I get to show you off.”
“Your husband the ex-con.”
“Hey, that’s almost a status symbol around here. We still have people here who prefer the old west. Mexican banditos and Federales, and they were on the side of the banditos!” Kathryn laughed. “We have a manager at the transport station- Jose Perez, you’ll meet him- he delights in chasing away reporters with an old Smith and Wesson rifle.”
“Interesting crowd you run with these days.”
“You sent me here.”
~~~^^^~~~
Chakotay blended in quite easily with the new life Kathryn had begun to carve for them. He slowly became aquatinted with her new friends, making them his as well. Several job offers came in, the most appealing from a local university where he could teach the subjects most dear to him, while maintaining a flexible schedule. He had time to decide and he made it clear he would not be making any major decisions until after the baby was born and he and Kathryn decided the best course for his care.
Visits by former crewmembers became frequent once everyone was sure it would not jeopardize Chakotay’s freedom. And the plans for Tom’s reunion pushed ahead. The timing was close. Kathryn was due just one week after the planned reunions, but the doctor had assured her transport would not be a problem. He added with a wink, in the worse case, San Francisco had decent medical facilities.
~~~^^^~~~
The admiralty finally learned of Tom’s plan, but it was much too late to stop the very expensive, very public charade that was hyped as Voyager’s reunion. Top Federation officials would be on hand to play host to an impressive list of intergalactic dignitaries. Starfleet brass would be out in force. No expense had been spared; the food, the music and even the quiet understated decor had been carefully planned to the finest detail. As the night approached only one dark cloud loomed on the horizon. Not one single member of Voyager’s crew would be in attendance.
When the night arrived, a very embarrassed admiralty did their best to smile at the press and provide a united front, while across the street only a block away the real party was in full swing. Admiral Paris stole off to his office and watched his public humiliation on sub space news.
“As you have just seen, everything is very proper and dignified in the ball room that is housing the official reunion for the crew of the Starship Voyager. One might even say its stuffy and boring.” The young reporter left the official gathering and hurried down the block toward a large noisy crowd as the production team struggled to keep up. “But the real party is just down the street. As you can hear, the music is loud and lively and here the atmosphere is truly one of celebration. Each member of the crew we spoke to earlier was careful to point out that this reunion includes civilians, ex Borg and former Maquis as well as past and present Starfleet members- every single crewmember that returned a year ago, is present here tonight. All of their families and most of their friends have come together to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of this group of individuals, both during their journey and since their return. The many difficulties faced by this courageous group of people on their long seven year journey home was compounded by their less than warm welcome upon returning to the Alpha Quadrant. Many people, this reporter included, considered the treatment of previously non-Starfleet members of Voyager’s crew atrocious. Civilians were completely disregarded and left to their own devices in a completely unfamiliar environment. Those that had been freed from the collective were unduly detained and interrogated to the point of dissection, before being cast aside. Starfleet even turned on its own when it dishonorably discharged the former members of the Equinox crew with only a cursory investigation and a sham of a trial. And while we are on the subject of shams, all the former Maquis were arrested and threatened with long-term incarceration, possibly at facilities hosted by the Cardassian government. After several months of secret trials all but one were suddenly freed and given probation. The remaining prisoner, the former Captain Chakotay, was sentenced to ten years in Auckland, a Federation Penal colony located New Zealand, in what appears to be a convoluted deal worked out by the admiralty to reiterate their power. The details of the deal have been unavailable and the crew remained reluctant to talk pending his release, which came less than two short months ago. The final blow to this tightly knit group came when their captain, Kathryn Janeway, was unceremoniously drummed out of 'fleet for no greater crime than marrying the man she loves. Speaking of the happy couple, I see them approaching now.” The reporter hurried over to try to intercept the couple on their way into the party.
“Captain, Commander!” The reporter called above the noisy crowd that gathered around them. “Please, just a few questions.”
Kathryn heard the reporter call and glanced up at Chakotay. He bent low and whispered in her ear; she nodded. They exchanged kisses and hugs with many of friends that surrounded them and slowly made their way past the crowd to the young woman with the microphone.
“Captain, Commander, thank you.”
“Please, it’s just Kathryn and Chakotay.” Kathryn spoke for both.
“OK. I see you have quite a crowd here so I won’t keep you from the party, but could you tell me why you are here and not at the very posh hotel down the street?”
“It’s rather simple actually. All of our former crew- a very close knit family actually, who worked together to bring Voyager home- all of us are present here tonight. We are here to celebrate together with friends and families now that we are all finally free to pursue our futures.”
“I must tell you Ca-Kathryn than I for one found the treatment of some of your crew as well as yourself appalling.”
“Thank you. We have enjoyed the support of many good people like yourself and we have survived this the same way as we survived our seven years in the Delta Quadrant- together. This will only serve to make our bonds stronger and our futures brighter.”
“Speaking of bonds. Your marriage was perhaps the best-kept secret since your return. Why do you suppose word of it took so long to surface?”
“I can’t really be sure. It is a bit odd, however, that so much classified information slipped through the cracks so to speak and yet this very public record never surfaced.”
“Are you implying some one in power didn’t want it known?”
“I’m simply saying it seems odd to me.” Kathryn smiled and the young woman changed tactics.
“Back to the question of the celebration. Is it true that some former crewmembers did not receive invitations to the official reunion?”
“Yes. The invitations were issued to only the surviving crew who were listed on the roster when Voyager departed DS9.”
“Does that mean you were invited?”
“Yes, I received a limited invitation.”
“Limited how?”
“I was advised as to the proper escort for such a function.”
“Which I assume did not include your husband?” The reporter looked toward Chakotay and was rewarded by the famous dimpled smile.
“Correct. Starfleet clearly considers ex-criminals to be unsuitable escorts even for disgraced ex-captains.”
“Just what is the reasoning behind your discharge?”
“First of all, we must make it clear that the records states that I voluntarily resigned my commission in the light of Starfleet’s findings.”
“And those findings would be?”
“The board of inquiry was unable to find fault with any particular decision or subsequent action taken in the Delta Quadrant. Some unusual actions were necessary but then our situation was extremely unusual, which the board quite reasonably took into account. What they did determine was that I had spent far too many years outside the structure of Starfleet and had developed a line of reasoning that is independent and may not be compatible with the necessary hierarchy of Starfleet in the Alpha Quadrant.”
“So, if I may paraphrase, Starfleet is asking the public to accept that you voluntarily resigned your hard earned commission, gave up your life’s work along with forfeiting all retirement benefits- which we all know at your level and length of service would be considerable. And you did this because you are a leader, who can think on her feet, who can still command respect even from a mismatched group of people who have lived and work together for over seven years. And because you can do this with or with out the support of a major military organization.”
“Yes, you could phrase it that way.” Kathryn merely smiled and held tightly to Chakotay’s hand.
The camera still rolled but there was a frantic commotion behind the crew as several official looking individuals tried to stop the interview. The reporter ignored the first signal to wrap up, but she knew they would cut her off shortly and she could even lose her feed if she didn’t end this soon.
“Kathryn, thank you for your time. I won’t keep you from you well deserved celebration any longer. You and your crew are truly amazing and I wish each of the best,- although judging by your records it hardly seems necessary. Good luck to you in you new life and with you new family.” The reporter turned back to the camera. This is Madison Page Lindo reporting live from downtown San Francisco and the boisterous reunion of the Family Voyager!”
The End
