Rated NC17
 

  It was a beautiful ceremony, Tom and B’Elanna had welcomed their baby son into the family with a traditional Klingon  Kar’pitks, the celebration of a new warrior and a small private party on the holodeck.  Neelix provided the food, which was surprisingly good and Tom managed to spike the punch with just enough real alcohol to relax everyone.  Slowly, the guests drifted off until only the five of them remained.  They were seated on scattered pillows around the fireplace, B’Elanna was nursing Owen, Tom tossed a new log on the fire, Kathryn sat leaning her back against the couch watching and Chakotay lay with his eyes closed, his head resting in her lap.

     The four of them were good friends and very comfortable sharing this quiet time, without the need for conversation.  Tom, fixed the fire, poured them each another drink and returned to sit next to his wife and son.

“Chakotay.”  Kathryn’s voice was soft and quiet as she absently ran her fingers through his hair.

“Hummm?”  He didn’t open his eyes, just relaxed, enjoying the feeling of closeness in the room.

“Let’s have a baby.”  The silence grew deeper, no one moved or said a word, Tom and B’Elanna sat with mouths hanging open.

“Kathryn?”  Chakotay finally broke the silence, when she didn’t answer he sat up to look at her.  “What?”  Surely she could not have said what he heard--they were friends, very, very good friends ---but she never allowed their relationship to develop further.

  He stared at her, confused-she stared back wide eyed.  Neither was sure of what she had just said.

“I believe she just said she wants to have your baby.”  Tom offered, neither looked at him and B’Elanna put a finger to her lips to quiet him.

“Kathryn, is that what you just said?”

“I -er-well-I..”  She shook her head and took a deep breath.  “Yes-I think it was.”

“Oh.”  He studied her face, she blushed but she didn’t look away.

“Oh-that’s it-Oh?”  She wondered for a second what the hell she was doing -but pushed the thought away.

“I’m -in er-shock.”  He moved closer trying to read eyes.  “Yes.”

“Yes?  Yes, ‘Oh’ is all you have to say---yes, you’re in shock-- or yes, let’s have a baby?”

“You know how this is done---right?”  He was relieved when she smiled at this.

“Yes Chakotay, I’m familiar with the conventional method of producing one of those.”  She nodded toward Owen.

“Just checking.”  He sat back on his heals, took a deep breath and ran  his fingers through his hair. “OK--- sure--yes, let’s have a baby.”

“You’re sure you want to do this?”

“Oh, I’m sure-been sure for a long time.  You?”

“Very sure.”  She nodded solemnly.

“Kathryn?”

“What?”

“You think it would be alright if I kissed you now?”

“Yea, -----I think so.”

    On his hands and knees he crawled the short distance to her, then sat back on his feet. Placing his hands on either side of her face, he slowly lowered his lips to gently brush across hers.  He moved back to see her, but she closed the gab between them, her hands reaching around his neck to bring him back to her.  Lips softly pressed together parted slowly, tongues touching, tasting, gentle exploration, a kiss to be savored not rushed.  When she moaned into his mouth, he eased them out of the kiss, holding her gaze, kissing the fingers she trailed across his lips.
 
    He moved back to his original position, lying on the floor, his head in her lap.  She once again ran her fingers gently through his hair.

“B’Ella?”

“Yea, Chak”

“I think you and your husband should take Owen home now.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”  She handed the baby to Tom and got to her feet, before taking him back.  “Night Kathryn, Chak.”  She jerked her head at Tom and he jumped up.

“Yea, better go home, night.”  He gathered the baby’s things, stuffing them in a bag and called for an exit.
 

    They were alone with no sound but the crackling of the fire.  She continued to stroke her fingers through his hair, he fought the impulse to grab her and pull her down to him.

“Kathryn, wanna talk about this?”  His eyes still closed, he held his breath waiting for her answer.

“Yes-we certainly need to do that.”  She leaned down and brushed a soft kiss across his forehead.  “But not tonight.”

     He opened his eyes, she was still leaning over him, just inches away.  He stretched a hand up to touch her face, she turned into it kissing his palm.  He rolled off her lap and knelt beside her, cupping her face watching the crystal blue of her eyes turn to smoky navy.  Her fingers worked the small buttons on his shirt, slowly peeling it back allowing her to slip her hands inside.

“Computer engage privacy lock-authorization Janeway phi alpha.”  She continued to watch him, as her hands sought the fastener on his pants.

“Kathryn…?”  He stilled her hand, which had just found it’s way inside his boxers and now held him in a firm but gentle grasp.

“Chakotay?”  She tilted her head and smiled, the lopsided smile that always melted his heart.  “Are you gonna try and tell me you’re not interested?”  She tightened her grip slightly.

“Guess you’d see through that.”  His serious expression gave way to a wide dimpled grin, then he grew serious again.  “Are you sure ? ---- I don’t want you to rush this and regret it tomorrow.”

“My only regret is that I've waited so long.”  She stretched her mouth up to his, brushing his lips, nipping his jaw.  “I love you, Chakotay.”  She nibbled her way down his neck.  “I want to make love to you.”

  Her last statement washed away any resolve he had, he released her hand and allowed her to pushed him backwards to the floor.  Her hands caressed the muscles beneath the golden skin, her mouth spread moist open kissed across his chest closing around a taut nipple.  He raised his hips and she freed him from his clothing, her eyes drawn to his large, thick erection.  Unconsciously, she her tongue snaked out to moisten her lips and he shuddered at the feel of her warm breath, as she bent to taste him.  She drew her tongue along the underside, soft swirling strokes, light nips, he gasped, closing his eyes as she focused her attention, sucking, running her tongue along the slit, savoring the salty flavor.  He was losing himself to her sure gentle touch, to the hot velvet moisture encasing him, the gentle inquisitive fingers that seem to tough everywhere at once.
 
   “Kathryn.” His voice thick with desire, he raised up, gently moving her back, placing light kisses on her face, her eyes, tasting himself on her lips.  He deftly worked the tiny buttons on her blouse, spreading the panels, exposing the soft white lace of her bra.  His fingers moved slowly along the curved edge, dipping into the valley between her breast, she closed her eyes arching toward him, as his thumbs traced the dark dimpled outline of her nipples through the lace.  “So beautiful.”  He breathed against her neck, his tongue licking the sensitive spot behind her ear, sliding her blouse off her shoulders discarding it, slowly drawing his hands up her sides, one unclasping her bra, the other coming up to cup her breast.

    She moaned, her fingers stretching into his hair as his lips closed around her tightly knotted nipple.  She rocked against the palm cupped between her legs, gasping when he applied pressure.  She pulled back from him, standing to slip her leggings over her hips.  He knelt, burying his face in her auburn curls, assisting her in removing leggings and panties, breathing in the sweet musky scent of her.  His warm breath causing her to shiver, his tongue slipping between moist lips causing her knees to buckle.
 
   Lowering her to the floor, he spread her before him, watching her as he positioned himself above her, pressing their bodies together, leaning forward to capture her mouth.  Hands exploring, caressing, learning, moaning into each other’s mouths, gasping at the sensations the other created.  He groaned as she ground her hips up toward his throbbing member, trapped between their bodies, using her legs to pull him tightly to her.  Slowly he broke her hold, moving down her body, trailing a line of moist open kisses from her neck to her patch of wet curls.  Her fingers clutched at him as he pressed open her thighs, fingers moving through her wet folds, stroking, separating, exposing her most sensitive flesh to his eager mouth.  Her fingers wound into his hair, her hips bucking. as his tongue ran along her inner lips, exploring, touching, tasting, until she writhed beneath him.

"Godd--ohhhh--yessss."  She cried out clutching at him, his tongue lapping, as he nipped and sucked his way to her hot center.  His lips closed around her most sensitive nerves as his fingers slowly tested her, one entering her then two, she sucked in her breath sharply.  She tossed her head, gasping, thrusting against his hand, whimpering, moaning, crying out. "Ohhhh---Ahh-god ---Chakotaay, please."  He moved over her, she wrapped her legs around his hips.  “Now, pleeease.”  He eased into her, holding himself still, when she grimaced, she opened her eyes.  “It’s OK.”  Her voice deep and husky, as she brought his mouth down to hers, tightening her legs around him.  “I need you, Chakotay”  She breathed into his mouth.  He pressed his full length into her, she gasped and held him still, for just a moment before she began to move against him.  He moved in sure measured strokes, she met him thrust for thrust, grinding against him with each movement.  Suddenly, her body stiffened then convulsed, her inner muscles clenching and releasing him.  “Ohhh Chakoootaaay.”  She dug her nails into his back.

“Kaath goddKaa.”  His measured strokes disintegrated into hard quick thrusts, as her clenching muscles pushed him over, he spasmed spilling himself deep within her and collapsed bonelessly, his full weight pinning her to the floor.

    The gentle push at his shoulder, brought him back to the reality of the tiny woman trapped beneath him and he rolled them to their sides, still cradling her in his arms, stroking her back spreading kisses across her face.  She snuggled into his chest, her breathing finally evening out.  He could fell the tiny drops of water as they escaped soundlessly falling on his chest.

“Kath, are you alright?”  She nodded her head but said nothing.  “I love you.”  He kissed the top of her head, she shuddered trying to hold back her tears and he leaned back and raised her chin.  “Hey, what is it?---did I hurt you?” He brushed the tears from her cheeks.

“No.”  She smiled reaching up to touch his face.  “You were wonderful-I’m just a little overwhelmed.  I love you.”

   He leaned down, kissing her face, her eyes, her lips.  He pulled the blanket off the couch to cover them and she snuggled down against him again and drifted off to sleep.
 

   It was morning, his hazy mind fought to clear-he tried, without opening his eyes to determine where he was.  He wasn’t in bed, the surface was too hard, the air smelled of smoke and baby power and sex and the unfamiliar pressure on his chest was definitely a woman.  He lifted his head slightly and opened one eye, his movement brought his nose just close enough to the familiar scent of her hair.  It all came back in a rush.  He laid his head back down on the floor.

   This morning would probably be trying.  Kathryn would want to ‘set parameters’ define the relationship- working and personal.  She would outline and plan and carefully weight the consequences of each possible step---.  The thought made him smile, yes Kathryn would be the scientific Starship Captain and want every detail blueprinted, but he was used to that.  He would let her plan and he would stand back supporting her and loving her -just as he always had.  He chuckled, raising one hand to lightly trail across her hair and rest on her back.

“Chakotay.”  Her voice was thick and sleepy and the rush of warm air it sent across his chest made him shiver.

“Yes, Kathryn?”  He held back the chuckle, it was time.

“Chakotay.”  She raised her head, a very serious look on her face.  So serious that it frightened him at first, then she smiled.  “I love you.”  She wiggled up high enough to brush a light kiss across his lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    He thought about it now and laughed, that was eighteen months ago and life had changed since then.  Six months later, they were married on a small, rainy planet, Tom and B’Elanna were the only witnesses, but the party later, on Voyager, included the entire crew and lasted almost 24 hours.  Even Tuvok had taken part, drinking several toasts to the happy couple and to the great surprise of everyone, danced with the bride.  Being in a quiet sector of space, they were able to take four days off and hide out -thanks to the generosity of their crew-on the holodeck.

       It didn’t take long after that, for word to circulate around the ship that the command couple wanted a baby and the crew crossed their fingers, held their breath and waited, almost patiently, for the next nine months.  Finally the news was out-the Captain was three months pregnant and the party was on again.  Everyone was excited, this was somehow everyone’s baby and the crew couldn’t do enough for the Captain.  Two days later she had had enough.  Chakotay was in engineering with B’Elanna, when the announcement came.

   The Captain was having lunch in the messhall, or trying to.  Neelix offered her milk instead of coffee, Ensign Parker carried her tray to the table, Crewman Staubbi pulled out her chair.  When she had finished another crewman whisked away her tray and several more checked on her well being before she could get to the lift.  The doors opened to the bridge and the Captain marched to her command chair.

“Mr. Kim open a ship wide channel.”  She growled.

“Yes, Captain.” He punched the panel.  “Open Captain.”

“All hands this is the Captain.”  Her voice was pleasant but, clearly she was in Captain mode.  “By now everyone onboard is aware that the Commander and I are expecting a child.  You have all been very generous with your well wishes, for which we are grateful.  However, I want to make it perfectly clear-for those of you who may not have first hand experience with this- pregnancy is not a debilitating disease.  I am perfectly capable of doing today-all the same things I did yesterday.  While I appreciate your concern, it is not necessary to hold my chair or carry my tray---just treat me the same way you always have and things will be fine.  That, people, is an order.  Thank you again for you well wishes and concern.  Oh one more thing-Commander, this goes doubly for you.  Captain out.”  She nodded to Harry, who tried to suppress his grin as he closed the channel.  “Mr. Tuvok, the bridge is yours.”  She crossed to the ready room door and turned back.  “When the Commander arrives, and he will shortly.”  She smiled and shook her head.  “Tell him, I waiting.”

     She was only in the ready room ten minutes, when the chime sounded.

“Come in Commander.”  She turned from the view port, hands on her hips.

“Captain.”  His smirk defied his formal tone.

“I assume you heard my announcement.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I expect I will no longer have every stray Crewman or Ensign following me around, carrying things for me and pulling out chairs.”  Neither could hold back their laughter, she stepped forward into his arms.

“I’m innocent, really I didn’t do it.”

“Spirits---if they are this protective now, how will they be in four or five months?”

“They’ll get used to it, just..”  He stepped back and lifted her chin, to see her eyes.  “Please don’t over do it.”

“Me?”  She leaned back, tilting her head, as she smiled up at him.

“Oh no, now I’m worried.”

      After a while, things went back to normal, well almost normal.  As long as things remained quiet, the crew and the Commander, were content to let the Captain carry on her daily routine.  She was still awake, and in her ready room, long before alpha shift.  She still drank too much coffee, and she could still stare down any member of her crew, including the Commander, but at six months she just couldn’t find her hips to rest her hands on, while she did it.  Tom had recently declared that she was just “too cute for words”, a description, to her dismay, most of crew seem to agree with, including Chakotay.  It concerned her, mostly, because she feared a lack of control in a serious situation, her fears were unfounded.

    They were in the ready room, it was crew evaluation time again and they had mountains of work ahead of them.  They were settled on the couch, almost comfortable when the klaxons sounded, red alert.  He jumped off the couch scattering padds, as he went, he reached back grabbing her hand and pulling her up next to him----it wasn’t strictly necessary for him to help her up, it was just a lot faster.

“Report.”  She barked as they exited the ready room.

“Captain, we have detected an alien ship, advancing rapidly, weapons powered.”

“Time?”

“Intercept in 97 seconds.”

“Hail them Mr. Kim, full power to the forward shields.”

“No response Captain.”

“Evasive maneuvers Mr. Paris.”  She settled in her command chair  “Open a channel Mr. Kim.”

“Aye Captain, channel open.”

“Alien Vessel, this is the Federation Starship Voyager, we are on a peaceful mission and mean you no harm.  Stand down you weapons and…” The alien ship fired and the bridge rocked.  “Tuvok target those weapons, fire at will.”

“Aye, Captain” The calm Vulcan voice continued.  “Direct hit, their shields holding…”

      He was interrupted by another blast, this one harder than the last. The ship pitched, Tuvok hung on to his console, the command team were both thrown from their chairs. Consoles sparked and smoked, alarms sounded and damage and injuries flood in from the lower decks.

“Ready photon torpedoes.”  The Captain yelled from her position on the deck.  The ship rocked with another hit, sending her smashing into the railing, “Take out those damned weapons.”  This time when Voyager shook it was from the backlash of her own torpedoes.

“Direct hit, weapons off line.”  Tuvok reported.

“Captain, their life support is failing.”  Harry alerted.

“Hail them Mr. Kim.”  She pulled herself up on the railing.

“No respon---Captain, they’re gonna self-destruct.”

“Get us out of here, Tom.” She held tight to the rail trying to keep her balance.

“Full reverse, Captain.”  As Tom spoke the other ship exploded and Voyager rocked again.  Tom struggled to keep her right.

“Report.”  She yelled, as she made her way across the deck to where Chakotay lay, motionless.  She heard the reports, issued orders and listened to responses-- automatically.

“You OK?”  Tom was at her side, tricorder in hand.

“Yea, him?”  She found Chakotay’s pulse, as Tom did a scan of him.

“He’s OK, gonna have one hell of a headache when he wakes up, but nothing major.”  He eyed her.  “The baby?”

“He’s fine-mad as hell at the moment, but fine.”

“I would be too if you knocked me around like that.”  He smiled turning the tricorder in her direction.  “Humor me, let me make sure my god son is OK.”

“Sure.”  She sat still and let time take his scans.

“Yep.  Just fine”

“Kath-you OK?---the baby?”  Chakotay grabbed his head, groaning as he tried to sit up.

“We’re fine---you?”

“Been better.”  Still holding his head he glanced at the pilot. “Tom?”

“They’re fine.”  Tom raised the tricorder in his direction.  “I checked.”

“Thanks.”

“Now I want both of you in the ready room.”

“Shouldn’t she go to sickbay---just in case?”

“First of all-she’s fine, the baby’s fine, I just want both of you to take it easy---second, lifts are down and no way is she climbing down five decks.  Not on my watch.  Now go-both of you.”

      Kathryn wanted to protest but she knew Chakotay wouldn’t go without her, so she gave in.  She sat on the couch and he moved the table under her legs.  She didn’t have a lap anymore, but with her feet on the table he was able to lay down and put his head on her legs.  That way she was able to be comfortable and rub his head, while she issued orders and received reports over the comm. link.  Her ship was damaged and her crew was injured, this was as far removed as he could ever hope to get her.  Fortunately the damage was slight and the injuries minor.  Voyager and crew were in top form again in a matter of hours and the command team returned safely to their quarters.

      Several days later they found an uninhabited M class, it didn’t offer much in the way of minerals but the vegetation was plentiful and they were able to restock their fresh food supplies and give the crew a little break at the same time.  Most of the crew had enjoyed a few days shore leave, when Tom talked the doctor into letting the Captain out for a little fresh air.  He and B’Elanna were planning on taking 18 month old Owen on a day trip, Harry, Naomi and Sam were going along and now the command team as well.

      Their paradise was a beautiful sandy beach, lined by shade trees under which they enjoyed a picnic lunch.  Owen and Kathryn napped while the others took a hike around the edge of the lake.  When they returned, Kathryn and Owen were sitting in the water happily splashing one another.

“Hey boy, didn’t anyone ever tell you not to mess with the Captain?”  Tom scooped up his son, just as he sent a big splash right into the Captain’s face. “You are a lucky little fellow---if I did that she would space me.”
 
“Have a nice walk?”  Kathryn asked, as Chakotay helped her to her feet.

“Yea, you should have come it was beautiful.”

“We were very happy here.”  She took his hand and walked into deeper water.  “Let’s swim.”

“Sure you can?”  He teased.

“If not, I’m sure I’ll float.”  She splashed him.

“Not fair---I can’t fight back.”

“Since when?”

“Don’t make me dunk you.”  He stepped toward her.

“I’ll save you, Aunt Kathryn.”  Naomi jumped between them and Chakotay picked her up and tossed her in the water.

      She came up sputtering just in time to see him pick Kathryn up and dunk them both under the water.   When he stood up still holding her, she was gasping for air and spitting out water.  Her arms were around his neck, he brushed the wet hair from her face and kissed her.

“Ahh if you guys are gonna do that, I’m not playing.”  Naomi put her hands on her hips and stomped her way through the water.

   Chakotay set Kathryn down and lunged after Naomi, missing and going under the water right behind her.  The second try he grabbed her and tossed her in the air, laughing at her screams just before she hit the water.  Kathryn laughed as they chased around in the water, Chakotay throwing Naomi and even a few times when he let her catch him and drag him under.
 
“He’s just a big damned kid.”  B’Elanna joined Kathryn to watch, as Tom sided with Naomi, helping her dunk Chakotay.

“Which one?”

“Both.”  Their laughter was interrupted by wave of water aimed directly at them.  “Here.”  B’Elanna handed Owen to Kathryn and took off after the ‘children’.

“Well, guess it’s you and me again, kid.”  Kathryn took Owen back to play in the sand.

“Tuvok to Janeway.”  The static crackled above the weak transmission.  “Tuvok to Janeway.”  The call was repeated, before Kathryn could scramble to her feet and bring Owen back to the blanket where her comm. badge was.

“Janeway here Tuvok.”  She grunted, breathlessly as she stretched across the blanket to reach the badge.

“Captain?”

“Yes Tuvok, I’m fine.”  She heard the question in his voice and knew he didn’t doubt her identity.

“Captain, we are experiencing some difficulty with a rapidly intensifying ion storm, I am taking Voyager out of orbit, until it passes.”

“Can we transport?”

“That is not advisable at this time.”

“Alright Tuvok, contact me when you return.”

“Aye Captain.  Voyager out.”

“Well, boy.”  She turned to the child happily playing with Naomi’s shoes.  “Looks like we stay here a while longer.”

“Hey, thought we were going swimming?”  Chakotay trudged up the sand and flopped on the blanket, out of breath.

“We were-but you ran off to play with your little friends.”  She grabbed the handful of grass Owen was about to eat.  “No you don’t, boy.”

“Give me a minute, we’ll take that swim before we pack up.”

“Oh-We won’t be packing to fast-Ion storm.”  She traded Owen a cookie for the bug he wanted to eat.  “Here you eat this, I’ll take that---ugh-thank you.”

“How bad?”  He chuckled when Owen decided to use her belly to push himself to his feet, and quickly scampered away.

“Damn.”  She struggled to her feed and caught him.  “You better find ion storms extremely funny -or you’re big trouble, MR.”  She half carried, half dragged, Owen back to the blanket.  “Here, play with Uncle Chakotay-he loves to play.”

“Thanks”

“Get used to it.”  She plopped down next to them.

“So the storm?  How bad?”

“Bad enough for Tuvok to take Voyager into open space.”  Her turn to laugh, as Owen stuck his fingers up Chakotay’s nose.

“How long?”  He freed his nose.  “Hey little man, easy.”

“No telling.  I think we should be prepared to spend the night, in case they don’t get back.”

“OK, then I guess we make camp, before that swim.”  He stood up and pulled Kathryn up with him.  “Better tell them.”  One arm around Kathryn, Owen in the other they made their way down the beach.

    Fortunately, the climate was mild and even without the sun, the temperature remained warm enough to be comfortable.  They built a fire, more for effect than warmth and B’Elanna settled Owen down for the night.  Chakotay and Kathryn finally took their swim, in the dark, before changing into dry clothes and joining the others around the fire.

“Hey what were you two doing out there so long?”  Tom teased.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”  Kathryn eased herself to the ground.

“Surprising how well she can still move in the water.”  Chakotay grinned at them.

“It’s a great treat for my back not to have to support this weight for a while, but he doesn’t like being under the water much.”  She rubbed her hand over her stomach.

“How do ya know?”  The small voice reminded them of Naomi’s presence.

“Oh-- he kicks more.”

“He kicks you?”  Naomi’s eyes were wide.  “Does it hurt?”

“No.”  Kathryn laughed and reached out to Naomi.  “Come here.  Wanna feel it?”

“I can feel him?”

“Sure, Put your hand right here---now wait a minute.”  She pressed the small hand to her belly, smiling as Naomi’s eyes grew wider.  “There feel that?”

“Yea, wow- he moves.”  She put both hands on Kathryn’s belly and giggled every time he kicked.

    After a while, Sam coaxed Naomi away and settled her down to sleep next to Owen.  The others got more comfortable around the fire.  Chakotay sat behind Kathryn, gently working the over stressed muscles in her back.  B’Elanna was almost asleep with her head in Tom’s lap, Sam and Harry were using each other as pillows.

“We should really get some sleep.”  Chakotay nudged Kathryn.  “Why don’t you lay down?”

“You mean I should get some sleep.”  She laughed.  “Tell that to your son, he doesn’t show any signs of relaxing.”  She ran her hands over her stomach.  “Think he’s practicing Vulcan martial arts in there.”

“Here, lay back.”  He leaned her back against him, lightly rubbing his big hands over her belly.  “Let’s see if we can calm him down.”

“Humm, he always listens better to you.”  She chuckled as she snuggled back against his chest.

“Little chauvinist better learn to take orders from a woman, if he’s gonna survive on this ship.”  Tom got a punch from B’Elanna for his efforts.  “Hey, you’re supposed to be sleeping.”

“Well I’m not, so watch it.”

“Better?”  Chakotay’s breath ruffled her hair.

“Mummm, nice.”  Tilting her head she reached her arms back and drew his lips to hers.

“Tuvok to Janeway”

“Thank god, if I have to sit here and watch these two, you’ll start looking good to me, Wildman.”  Harry mumbled.

“It would take more that for me to find you interesting---Mr. Kim.”  Sam sat up and shoved Harry sideways.

“Janeway here.”  Kathryn shook her head at them.

“Captain, the storm has passed and we are able to transport now.”

“Acknowledged, Tuvok, give us a few minutes”

“Aye Captain, hail when you are ready.”

“Acknowledged, Janeway out.”  She sat up.  “Sam, B’Elanna, take the kids back, we’ll clean up here.”

“Why don’t you go too.”  Chakotay put an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.  “Please.”

“Yea, Captain you can trust us.”  Harry stood up and began cleaning up.

“Good thing Harry said that and not me, or she would never go.”  Tom laughed.

“OK.”  She waited for the others to pick up the kids.  “Janeway to Voyager”

“Tuvok here, Captain.”

“Tuvok, B’Elanna, Sam and I are gonna bring the kids back---five to beam up.”

“Aye Captain.”

“I’ll be waiting for you.”  She smiled at Chakotay, as she shimmered away.”

“I’m sure you will.”  He mumbled with a chuckle, as he stomped out the fire.

     Chakotay returned less than an hour later, Kathryn had barely enough time to check on the ship’s status, after the storm, and get back to their quarters, before he arrived.

“Tuvok is quite capable of taking care of things ya know.”  He knew she had only just gotten in.

“Of course he is.”  She came out of the bedroom in her nightclothes.  “Why would you say that?”

“Please Kathryn, do you really think, I believe you didn’t just get in?”

“Well……”  She ducked her head, looking up at him, as she stepped in and put her arms around him.

“Don’t play cute---you know I didn’t send you up here to work.”

“SEND me up here?”  She tossed her head back and raised an eyebrow.

“Well….”  He tried to stare her down, but they both dissolved in laughter.  “You are terrible.”

“Want some tea?”  She backed away toward the replicator.

“OK.”  He kicked off his boots and stretched out on the couch, putting his feet on the coffee table.  “Is he quieter now?”

“Sure, until I lie down.”  She joined him.  “Oops, see all I have to do is sit.”  She placed his hand on her rippling belly.

“Boy.”  He bent down and kissed her belly.  “Time for you to sleep, its daddy’s turn to bother mommy.”  He sat up and brushed a light kiss across her lips.  “Think he’ll listen?”

“Nope-but don’t let that stop you.”

“Wasn’t planning to.”  He settled back and sipped his tea, his eyes smiling, at her over the rim of the cup.

    She settled back against him, resting her head on his shoulder. He kissed her hair and rested his free hand on her belly.  They quietly finished their tea, both enjoying the feel of the soft kicks against their hands.  She struggled to place her cup on the table but was unable to bend forward far enough to reach, he took it from her with a chuckle.

“Arms are too short.”  She smiled and tried to push herself off the couch, with out much success.  “Guess my legs are too short too.”  She rolled her eyes, laughing as he gave her a boost off the couch.

“That must be the problem.”  He laughed.  “Come on let’s go to bed.”

“You go ahead, I’ll just clean this up.”  At his disapproving look, she gave him a small push.  “Go on get ready for bed, this will only take a minute.”

“OK, but don’t be long.”

            By the time he exited the bathroom, the living area was dark.  He found her in the bedroom standing sideways, in front of the mirror.  She had her nightgown pulled tightly around her belly and a very disgusted look on her face. He moved quietly up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

“What’s with the face?”  He nuzzled her neck, causing her to fall back against him.  “You are beautiful, ya know.”

“Thank you.”  She smiled, but he saw her rolled her eyes, in the mirror.  “I’m sure you are right by some definition-but -it’s just not very….”  She frowned, surveying her roundness again.  “---appealing.”

“Appealing?  You mean sexy?”  He almost wanted to laugh, but he knew she was serious.

“Well, yea -I guess I do.”

“You’re wrong, I find you very sexy.”  He took her shoulders and turned her to face him, tilting her chin up with his fingers.  “Kathryn, you are beautiful, strong, intelligent, compassionate and I could go on listing things all day-they all make you what you are and you, Kathryn, are very sexy.  The shape of you body doesn’t change who you are and it certainly doesn’t change how I feel about you.”  He placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

“You are sweet, Chakotay..”

“Nothing sweet about it-it’s true and further more this….”  He put both his hands on her belly.  “This is the most beautiful---the sexist, thing anyone has ever done for me.”

     He spread light kisses across her face, kissing each eye, her forehead, her chin, before pressing  his lips to hers.  His hands still caressed her belly, he whispered words of love, words of need, into her hair, as his big hands slowly gathered the material until he could raise the edge up over her and discard it..  He was kissing her, their mouths locked together tongues dueling, their hands seeking to caress wherever they could reach.  Tenderly, his mouth sought her swollen breast, arms supporting, steadying her as she arched toward him, gasping as his mouth covered the dark dimpled surface of her nipple.  Knowing her balance was precarious at best, he guided her toward the bed easing her down and stretching himself along side her.

Her hands were running over his chest, fingers rubbing over his nipples down his stomach.  He fondled her nipples, lightly squeezing her tender breasts, his mouth working down her neck across her chest to close around the pebbled darkness.  Her fingers traced lightly through the wiry hairs stretching to reach his penis, massaging its rock hardness, savoring the feel of his pulsating need, spreading the droplets of moisture, then bringing her fingers to her mouth to taste him.  He slipped his fingers easily through her wet folds, forcing her to sharply suck in her breath and emit a deep groan, as she opened herself wider to him.  He kissed her, feeling her lips tremble beneath his, tasting himself on her tongue, catching her moans in his mouth.   Sliding lower along her body,  he lapped at her breast, kissed a path across her rounded belly, nuzzling his nose through damp curls, before parting her thighs and easing himself between them.

He Kissed her inner thighs, his fingers caressed and stroked her, she strained increase the contact, her moisture flowing freely down her thighs.  As he lowered his mouth, she shuddered raising herself to meet him. His tongue lightly traced her lips, slipping deeper with each pass, tasting the unique flavor of her, delicately manipulating her as she writhed beneath him, moaning, mumbling.

“Chakotay.”  She gasped his name, as she clutched at the bed unable to reach him.  “Please.”  He replaced his mouth with his fingers as he raised up to watch her.  “Please-I need to touch you.”  She reached for him.  “I want to feel you inside me.”

  He moved over her gingerly, holding his weight off her, watching her face contort, as he buried himself deep within her with one powerful thrust.  She clutched at him, her hands pulling him closer, her nails raking across his body, she was unable to match him, as he thrust into her, so she stilled allowing him to set the pace.  Suddenly, she managed one powerful swing with her legs clamping him tightly to her, as she convulsed beneath him, crying his name between gasping breaths.  Her inner muscles grasping and releasing, the clutching hands, desperate cries, her body spasming beneath him, sending him crashing over after her.  His body spent and boneless, he collapsed over her.

When he was once again capable of rational thought, he realized his full weight was on her-them.  He pushed himself up looking at her with such concern, she had to laugh at him.

“Gods don’t laugh-are you alright?”  He moved to lay beside her.  “Did I hurt you-him?”

“Chakotay.”  She smiled and touched his face.  “We’re fine-it will take a lot more than that to hurt him.”

“I get scared-you know -god if anything ever happened to you-or him.”  He kissed her fingers.

“Nothing is going to happen.”  She drew him down, covering his face with kisses.  “I love you-thank you.”  She mumbled between kisses.

“I love you too-but thank me?  For what?”  He looked down at her and brushed the wisps of hair away from her face.

“For being you-for loving us-for everything.”  She rolled on her side and snuggled close to him as they drifted off to sleep.
 

     As the weeks passed and Kathryn’s size increased, it became more difficult to sit on the bridge for a long shift.  She had taken to spending more and more time in her ready room.  She still toured the ship, but mostly after shift and in the company of her first officer.  She spent less time in engineering than before, but on occasion, B’Elanna still called on her for assistance.  They were working together on a upgrade for the warp engines and were at a critical point, so Kathryn overstayed her visit to engineering, which brought her First Officer in search of her.
 
“Joe.”  Chakotay nodded as he entered engineering.

“Commander.”  Joe gauged him to be fairly happy, so he continued.  “Find them upstairs.”

“Thanks.”  Chakotay climbed to the upper level.  “Ladies.”  He stood giving them a stern look.

“Hi.”  Kathryn gave him a smile, trying to gracefully climb out from under the console.

“Don’t ‘Hi’ me.”  He gave her a hand up.  “You are not supposed to be here.”

“Yes Sir.”  She brushed herself off and straightened her uniform, tugging it over her belly.

“What am I gonna do with you?”  He couldn’t hold back the smirk as he shook his head.  “Finished?  You should eat something.”

“Yea, I think we got it.  Should be on line by tomorrow.”

“Kim to Janeway”

“Janeway here, Mr. Kim.”

“And she is off duty, Mr. Kim.”  Chakotay added, before Harry could answer.

“Yes, Sir I know, but I have something very interesting and I would like you both to take a look.”

“What is it Harry?”  She gave Chakotay a look.

“Captain, I think---I think it’s a worm hole.”

“We’re on our way, Harry.  Janeway out.”  She grabbed his hand.  “Come on Commander-let’s have a look.”
 

     They made it to the bridge, what Harry had detected did indeed seem to be a worm hole.  From the bridge they went to astrometrics, same results.  The Captain ordered a course change to bring them closer, and several probes to be launched, once they were with in range.  With nothing left to do but wait, they retired to their quarters.

“So, what do you think?”  She sat beside him.

“I think if it looks like a wormhole and it acts like a wormhole….”

“I know, it sure seems to be, but I mean -if it is-and it leads to the alpha quadrant….”  Her eyes told him her doubts weren’t about the wormhole or it’s destination, but rather their future.

“What then?  Is that what you’re saying?”

“Yea-what then.”

“Then we go home and ----deal with what ever comes our way.”

“I know-just that- there is so much they may not understand.”

“Worried about the Maquis?”  He pulled her into a hug.  “Or maybe a Captain who-very obviously-has been sleeping with the enemy?”  He laughed and squeezed her tighter.

“God something else to consider.”  She laughed too, but sat up and considered it seriously.  “I’m worried about you---more so than the others-you were their captain.”

“I know---whatever it is we will deal with it and hey-maybe it’s nothing to worry about at this point.  The rebellion ended years ago, there is no more maquis-except us.  We’ve been over this before, we know what we want to say and how we want this presented to Fleet.  Let’s see if this is even a way home.”

“You’re right.  This may be just another false hope…..”

“What hope?---that we get home or that we don’t?”

“I’m not sure which I hope for anymore.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Three days later they faced the reality.  What they found was not only a wormhole, but, it was stable, large enough for Voyager to pass through and ended in the alpha quadrant, just two weeks journey from
Earth.  Ready or not they were home.

   The crew celebrated, after 10 years, Voyager was back in federation space and soon most of them would be reunited with family and friends.  The command team spent their time strategizing and negotiating with headquarters.  All ship logs were transmitted to headquarters, all indiscretions by crewmembers, occurring in the delta quadrant, were considered to have been duly processed by the Captain, and entered into record with no further investigation or disciplinary action required.  The former Maquis were all to be pardoned, and all field commissions would be honored.  No charges would be filed against the former crew of the Equinox, all non-star fleet personal, including Neelix, Seven of Nine, Naomi Wildman and children born to Voyagers crew, were to be considered of equal status and receive the same treatment as any bonified member of the crew.  The Doctor was to be granted full sentinel status and allowed complete freedom and sole possession of his mobile emitter.

    Each concession had been painstakingly hammered out, before entering orbit around Earth.  The Captain and Commander wanted to reassure the crew prior to their first contact, that returning to federation space was a positive move and they would all be welcomed equally.  When they entered orbit, they were met by the Manhattan, a federation medical ship, and each crewmember was given a complete medical examination.  Once the entire crew was cleared, and the doctors confident the crew harbored no strange delta quadrant diseases, Voyager proceeded to Orian, the orbiting space station, to dock.

   Voyager, her Captain and crew received a warm welcome on Orian. Captain Pru’ssian provided a reception to welcome them and in the morning they would all transport to headquarters, where most would immediately be reunited with their families, and permitted extended leave.  The senior staff was expecting to be detained another few days, possibly a week, before leave, but not until after they were permitted to spend a few hours with waiting loved ones.

   Although they were offered accommodations on the station, most of the crew chose to spent this last night, on Voyager.  It was a more subdued atmosphere than it had been the last few weeks, a quiet sadness crept in on the realization that tomorrow they would leave, many for the last time, their home, this ship that had carried and protected them these past ten years.  Over the years they had become a community, relationships had been formed, children had been born, they had lived and laughed and cried together and now it would all change.  There were promises of keeping in touch and no doubt some of them would, but for the most part life would never be the same again.

   The Captain and First Officer walked the ship with mixed emotions.  Their mission accomplished, their crew home, they should have been overwhelmingly happy, but the nagging loss effected them too.  This was their family, they had shepherded this crew through the delta quadrant always hoping to get home but slowly resigning themselves to a life of wandering.  Now their seemly impossible goal accomplished, they needed to reorder their lives, find new goals, let go of the family they had grown to love.  Their wandering brought them to the mess hall where a large number of the crew had congregated.  They made their way across the room to where their small group of friends were seated.  Sam and Joe, B’Elanna and Tom , Seven, Tuvok, Harry and Jenny and assorted children gathered around the table.

“Well, this doesn’t look much like a celebration.”  The Captain commented as she approached.

“It’s finally hitting us-we’re home----but..”  B’Elanna looked to Tom for help.

“I guess it’s just that -well Voyager has been our home for a long time ..”  Tom shrugged, moving over to make room for them to sit.

“I know, it’s what we thought we wanted, but it’s still hard.”  Kathryn rested her hand on B’Elanna’s shoulder.  “It’s not the end-just a change.”

“Yea, but everyone always says they’ll keep in touch and all, but no one ever does.”  Harry put his arm around Jenny.

“Well, we will just have to make sure we do.”  She gave them a sad smile.  “Come on we’ve faced tougher things than this and stayed together.”

“She’s right.”  Tom jumped in.  “Besides.”  He patted her belly and slapped Chakotay on the back.  “I have to be around to teach my godson to fly----spirits know his father can’t”

“I’m still your superior officer Paris, be careful.”  Chakotay chuckled and they all laughed with him, but the mood was still solemn.

“I hate to break this up, but the kids still have to go to bed.”  Sam stood and gathered Naomi.  “Guess I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

“Yea -tomorrow.”  Joe joined her.

   The others agreed and slowly they drifted toward their own quarters.  Gradually Voyager settled down for the night.  In the morning, he found himself alone, her side of the bed wasn’t even warm.  He wasn’t really surprised, she never slept well anyway, being seven months pregnant made it harder and their sudden return to the alpha quadrant made it almost impossible.

“Computer locate Captain Janeway.”  He never even considered that she would be in their quarters.

“CAPTAIN JANEWAY IS ON DECK ONE, THE READY ROOM.”

   He got up and showered.  Looking around it was not surprising she hadn’t stayed here, most of their things were packed up and ready to be transported, this didn’t look like home any more.  He made a quiet journey up two decks crossed over the bridge, and rang the chime.  Protocol was still important.

“Come in, Chakotay.”

“Morning, You OK?”  He crossed over and kissed her cheek.

“Yes, just feeling lost.”  She leaned into him and he wrapped his arms around her.

“It’s all gonna be OK-just a little different.”

“I know, but -I’ll miss it.  This ship, this crew---it’s gonna be strange.”

“Strange is just part of our lives-remember?”

“Yep.  We’re Starfleet officers, weird is part of the job.”  She smiled up at him.  “Guess we should go.”

   The station was a buzz of activity.  People and belongings being shuffled from place to place.  The first of the crew had already transported to headquarters, the rest would soon join them.  The Captain and Commander had to make final arrangements with Captain Pru’ssian, for the remaining shipments then they would join the others at headquarters.  Reunions, receptions and parties promised to keep them busy all day and well into the night.

   Concluding their business on the station and accepting one last set of congratulations from Captain Pru’ssian, they finally transported to headquarters.  They materialized on the pad holding hands and  expecting a large crown of milling people, it was quiet.

“Strange.”  Kathryn looked around at the empty room and back at Chakotay, as they stepped down from the pad.

“I expected people…..”  He stopped when with a swish of the doors, Admiral Paris entered looking very serious.

“Captain, Commander.”

“Admiral?”  Kathryn whirled in his direction, registering the guards who silently followed him into the room.  “Admiral, I was assured no charges would be brought against any of my crew.”

“That is correct, Captain.”  He stepped closer regarding her sadly.  “Kathryn, they are here for you.”

“Me? Owen what is this?”  She stepped forward and felt Chakotay move behind her placing his hands on her shoulders.

“Katie, I’m sorry.”  He spoke in a whisper now.  “I tried but -well-- you are to be held for inquiry-
possibly court martial.”

“Held?”  Owen is that a little drastic-where do you think I’m going?”

“Katie, I don’t think you are going anywhere-but its been ordered.”  He held the papers out to her.

“May I see them?”  She reached for them and he nodded, handing her the papers.  “Nechayev ? --I don’t understand.  Owen, these papers say I’m to be held without visitors---solitary confinement for an inquiry?”

“It’s unusual Katie, but so are your circumstances.  You understand.”

“No, Owen I’m afraid I don’t.  You have all my ship’s logs, I have given you access to all my personal logs ---what is to be gained by holding me.  Perhaps you could explain. ”

“No Katie, I can’t.   I’ve already said all that I can.  Your advocate will meet with you later today, she can explain anything you have questions on.”

“Owen I’m not questioning the inquiry, that’s normal, certainly to be expected under these circumstances, what I don’t understand is…”

“Captain, You will come with me please.”  He stepped back, taking a formal stance.  When she stepped forward he put his hand out to stop Chakotay .  “Commander, you will not be permitted.”

“Admiral, I’m her husband certainly..”

“Commander, you are also her second in command, when we leave this room no further communication will be permitted between you, until the inquiry is finished.”  He signaled the guards and they moved outside the door.  “You have five minutes-it’s the best I can do.”  He moved to the door, standing with his back to them.
 

  She turned moving close to him and he wrapped her in his arms, holding her close and kissing the top of her head.  They stood silently holding on for just a minute, then she stepped back.

“Chakotay.”  She smiled   “We knew there would be an inquiry. …”

“Not like this.  There is no reason to do this.”

“I know, but this is how it is---so…”

“So what?  We gave them everything they asked for and more, they know everything we even thought of doing.”

“Yes and we were honest with them, that’s why this won’t matter-we don’t have any secretes.  It will work out.”  She moved back and laid her head on his chest.  “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss both of you-you take good care of him” He patted her belly then tilted her chin up and kissed her.  “I love you.”

“Katie, we have to go.”  He didn’t face them, just waited for her to join him.

“I love you too.”  She touched his cheek.  “Take care of yourself.  Find my mother and sister-try to help them through this.”  She backed away slowly, joining Admiral Paris, by the door.

“Admiral.”  Chakotay called after them, the Admiral turned back just outside the door.  “Take good care of them.  If anything happens to my wife and son, I will hold the Admiralty directly responsible.”

“Commander, I understand your concern and believe me, I will make every effort to ensure Katie and you son are well taken care of, but please don’t repeat that statement to any one else----not everyone here would be understanding or sympathetic of your position.  Some might even perceive your concern as a threat, please for Katie’s sake, if not your own Commander, keep your comments private.”
 

      Silently they walked, flanked by two guards, to the nearest lift taking it to the 24th floor and continuing down the empty corridor to the last door.  Admiral Paris entered a code in the door and followed her inside, leaving the guards outside.  The suite, consisting of a small living area, a bedroom and bath, looked comfortable enough, she wandered into the bedroom several of her bags were already there.

“Looks like you were expecting me.”  She returned to the living area.
 
“Yes, your personal belongings have been sent here.  You should find everything you need.  Your replicator will function with in certain perimeters….”

“You mean I can’t replicate a phaser?”  She sat on the couch, with a groan.

“Katie, are you alright?”

“Alright?  Your serious, Owen?”  She shook her head, dropped it to her hands and almost laughed.  “Owen, Fleet has been my whole life, I have just spent ten years of that life bringing my crew home from an unfathomable distance, against odds most people in the alpha quadrant couldn’t even conceive of.  We have been threatened, attacked, beaten, tortured, infected and assimilated and through it all we did our best to adhere to the principles set forth by this organization.  And my reward for this diligent service?”   She lifted her hands palms up indicating her surroundings.  “Locked up like a common criminal and you ask if I’m alright….”

“Hardly like a common criminal, You should be quite comfortable here, have everything you need.”

“I need some peace of mind, I need time to relax and time to recover from the most harrowing deep space mission a Starfleet Captain has ever been on.”  She threw her head back against the couch,  “I need my husband.”  She picked her head up and glared at him.  “Can I have any of those things?”

“Katie, I’m sorry.”

“Yes Owen, I’m sure you are----but that doesn’t do me any good.” She pushed herself off the couch.  “Does this thing produce coffee?”

“Yes.”

“Want some?”

“No, thank you.  I really must be going.”

“Owen, you didn’t tell me what this is all about.”  She came back across the room with her coffee.

“I have told you all I can.”

“Owen-there must be something…”

“Katie, your advocate will be here soon.  Her name is Korena Tolian, Commander Korena Tolian--- listen to her Katie, she fought hard for this case-trust her.”

“Why should I trust anyone here?-she fought for this-you’re telling me this was planned from the time I entered federation space?”

“I can’t tell you anything-talk to Korena.  He gave her a weak smile.  “I have to go.  Take care, Katie.”    He left her staring at the closed door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Chakotay left the transporter room.  He needed to find Gretchen and Phoebe, but he was hesitant about going to the reception area without Kathryn.  Most of the crew would be preoccupied with family and friends but she would still be conspicuously absent and he wasn’t prepared to answer questions---not yet.  He needed more information and he knew Kathryn would not want what should be a joyous homecoming for her crew, to be ruined by this unfortunate turn of events.

“Commander?”  The voice was soft and deep, but vaguely familiar.

“Yes?”  He turned and gazed into clear blue eyes, an older just slightly heavier version of his wife-crooked smile and all.

“I’m Gretchen Janeway….”

“Yes, Mrs. Janeway, that would be hard to miss.”  He couldn’t help but smile at her.

“Gretchen, please.”  She glanced around.  “Where is Katie?”

“Gretchen, we need to talk-is Phoebe around?”  He took her arm and turned her toward the door.

“Where’s Katie-Is she alright?”

“Yes, she’s fine.”  At her worried expression he continued.  “They both are.  Let’s find Phoebe and a quiet place to talk.”

“Alright.”  She waved Phoebe over and followed Chakotay out the door.

“Hi.”  Phoebe caught up with them.  “Where are we going?  Where’s Katie?”

“This way please.”  He avoided their questions and led them to an open but isolated area in the courtyard, settling them on a bench.

“OK, Now where is my daughter?”  Gretchen demanded.

“Kathryn has been detained.”  He spoke quietly giving them time to absorb what he said.

“Detained?----you mean arrested?”  Phoebe was suddenly angry.

“She is being held for inquiry.  We knew there would be an inquiry, but not that they would hold her.”

“Well where is she-when can I see her?”

“Gretchen, she isn’t allowed visitors.”

“What?!  That’s crazy.  I’m her mother.  I’ve waited ten years to see her-they have to let me see her.”

“Mom, calm down-let him tell us what he knows.”  She put her arm around her mother and turned back.  “Chakotay, what is going on?”

“I don’t know.  We transported down and Admiral Paris met us and took her into custody.  We knew nothing about it till he showed up”

“Owen?”  Gretchen shook her head.  “I can’t believe Owen would do this.”

“I don’t know the politics---- We have been out of touch a long time.  The order was signed by…”

“Nechayev?”  Phoebe offered.

“Yes, Paris seemed genuinely sorry.”  Chakotay ran his hand through his hair.  “How did you know---Nechayev-how did you know it was her?”

“Not hard, she is behind most things.  She’s become very powerful at Fleet, most of the Admiralty is afraid of her and she doesn’t like Katie.”

“I never knew that, Kathryn never even mentioned her.”

“She wouldn’t -she always thought I was crazy-thought Nechayev gave everyone a hard time and she does to some extent but she always had it out for Katie.”
 
 
 
 

   It was about an hour, it only seemed like a lifetime, before the door chimed and Kathryn called for it to open.  She laughed to herself, wondering, for a minute, what would happen if she didn’t answer it.

“Captain Janeway.”  The tall blond, very attractive, fortyish woman stepped into the room allowing the door to close behind her.  “I’m Korena Tolian.”  She extended her hand toward Kathryn.

“Commander.”  Kathryn shook the offered hand, as she studied the woman.

“I’m told you were expecting me.”  She moved to the table setting down the padds she carried.

“Yes, Admiral Paris said you would stop by.”  She almost laughed, this conversation sounded ridiculous, like this was a social call.

“Good.  Before we get started I wanted to congratulate you - not many could do what you have done.”

“Thank You, but I was only doing my job.”  Kathryn came close.  “I’m having some coffee can I offer you something?”  She moved past to the replicator.

“Yes, thank you, black.”  She seated her self at the table.  “In bringing your ship and crew home, you have accomplished the near impossible.”  She noted the skeptical look she received.  “Yes and you are rewarded by this.”  She gestured to their surroundings.  “Please Kathryn----may I call you Kathryn?”  Kathryn nodded her response.  “Good, please sit and let’s talk.”

“Commander…”

“Korena, Please---I hope to become your friend, as well as your advocate.”

“Why?”  Kathryn sat across from her.  “Why, would you want that?  Why did you ‘fight’ to be my advocate?  And why should I trust you?”

“Direct-I should have expected that.”  She smiled and took a sip of her coffee.  “OK fair enough.  I’m about to ask you to trust me with your future, it’s only fair you should understand a little about me and why I’m here.”  She sipped the coffee and sat back, carefully setting the cup on the table.  “I’ve followed your career almost from the start, when Voyager was lost it was quite a blow to me.”  She laughed.  “Sounds absurd when I say it out loud, but it’s true.”

“Should I know you?”

“No, oh we’ve been in the same room, but not so you would notice me.  I was just a kid.”

“So what did I do to deserve this following?”

“To start with, you stood up to my brother, I idolized him, he was my big brother, tall, handsome, strong, could have anyone he wanted or so it seemed to me.  You walked away, moved on, you had a plan for your life and you wouldn’t let him hold you back.”

“And this impressed you?”

“Yes-though not favorably at the time.”  She laughed.  “As I said I idolized him and you-well you -devastated him.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t remember devastating any young men---what’s your brother’s name?”

“My maiden name is Packer, my brother is Cheb-Cheb Packer.”  She smiled as the name registered and the recognition flashed across Kathryn’s face.

“Cheb? Your Kory-little Kory? -- Oh my, that was a long time ago.”  She remembered Cheb, how could she have forgotten him, she felt herself blush at the memories.  “But he effectively dumped me---when I was accepted--when I came to the academy.”

“It’s alright, I have long ago accepted my brother for what he is and not getting into the academy when you did was a hugh blow to his ego-but his own fault for not working harder.  And yes, he wanted you to think that-he wanted all of us to think that he dumped you and I did for a long time.  It wasn’t until I was a little older that I began to understand it was all a cover.  He never let go, he followed your progress for years and so I followed you along with him.  The difference was that he grew bitter and I became inspired.  I attended the academy because of you”

“Well that’s all very flattering but it doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

“No it’s only the beginning.  I’ve followed your progress through the years, your capture by the Cardassians, the accident at Tau Celti Prime, your switch from science to command.  You weren’t my only role model, I watched others, move through Fleet’s ranks.  Jamie Pious, Jesse Boardman, Alynna Nechayev.  All extraordinary woman of different ages and vastly different backgrounds, you have all made a name for your selves---some good some not so good.”

“Is that what you wanted -a name?  Is that what this means-- am I a stepping stone now?”

“No-you couldn’t know, being in the delta quadrant for the past ten years, but I’ve already got a reputation around fleet-not many want to take me on.  I’ve earned my place, just as each one of you have.  I didn’t do it through scientific break through, political maneuvering, extraordinary command ability or leadership.  I built mine one case at a time in a court of law, I haven’t always taken the popular position, but I’ve always fought for the one I believed in.”

“And what is it your want to fight for now?  What besides the obvious exposure, makes this case interesting to you?”

“As I said, you are not the only one who’s career I have followed.  I have closely watched Admiral Nechayev for many years.  With each promotion, staff admiral, vice Admiral and now fleet Admiral, she has become more powerful and more self-righteous.  In my opinion ---more corrupt and unbalanced.  She needs to be kept in check.  I don’t like her and I certainly don’t trust her.  She has tried to take out anyone she perceives as a threat-eliminate the competition so to speak, more than once.  She doesn’t much like either one of us, I’ve given her plenty of reason-been there to keep her in check each step of the way, you she is just afraid of.  Some of her attempts have been successful, this time she will lose.”

“You think Admiral Nechayev sees me as a threat?”

“Yes and you are one of a few woman who could pose a threat to her, but that’s not her only reason.  I’m sure you are aware of her role in the ill fated treaty with the Cardassians.”

“Yes, that treaty is indirectly responsible for the last ten years of my life.”

“Yes and one of the less shining moments in her career---the maquis were a thorn in her side, at one point, I believe it was after your disappearance, she ordered their elimination at any cost.  That mistake continued to plague her for years, she had to appear to rise above it and her crowning glory in that respect, came just weeks ago when she announced pardons for all former Maquis on board Voyager.  I didn’t trust what she said, it was not at all like her, so I began to investigate her reasons.”

“And you found what?”

“Through sources-sources we won’t discuss-I have learned you are her new target.  She hopes to satisfy her need for revenge against the maquis and eliminate a possible rival, while making an even bigger more powerful---more feared name for herself, by prosecuting you.”

“Because I married, Chakotay?”  She stood and walked around the room.  “Are you telling me one person can wield such power, that this one woman can bully the admiralty into an action like this?”

“She has---a week ago you were to be hailed as a hero, today you are here.  I’m not saying she can convict you or even bring this to trial, not if we stand up to her.  But she has put you here and she will push for more.”

“Convict me of what exactly?  What does she plan to charge me with?”

“That I don’t know yet.  If you accept me as your advocate, I will gain access to your ship logs as well as any information they may use against you.  Once we have that we will be able to anticipate her moves and counter them accordingly.”

   Kathryn paced the room, wandered toward the window-sunlight an unfamiliar sight.  She stared out the window at nothing in particular, whirling the last hour around in her mind.  Should she trust this woman?  Owen thought she could, could she trust Owen anymore?  She walked to the replicator, ordered two more coffees and returned to the table.

“When do we start?”

“Right now.”  Korena accepted the coffee.  “First we inform them of our agreement, then I will move to get you some visitors, while I get access to the logs.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     It seemed like they had been to every office, waited in every waiting room in the entire complex and again they were told to wait-some one would help them shortly.  Phoebe was furious, Gretchen grew more determined with each refusal and Chakotay was doing his best to remain calm, but if someone didn’t offer them some news soon one of them was sure to explode.

“Commander Chakotay?”

“Yes.”  Chakotay whirled around to face the tall attractive blond in the doorway.

“I’m Commander Tolian.”  She extended her hand as she came into the room and he took it.  “Korena Tolian, I’m your wife’s advocate.”

“Commander Tolian, when can I see her?”

“I’m afraid Commander that may be a while.”

“Excuse me, Commander.”  Gretchen stepped between them.

“Commander Tolian, this is Gretchen Janeway, Kathryn’s mother and her sister Phoebe Ruberts.”

“Mrs Janeway, Mrs Ruberts ---Please let’s sit down and I’ll tell you what I know.”

“Commander how is she?”

“Your wife is fine and I intend to keep her that way.”  She pulled a chair over toward the couch Phoebe and Gretchen were now seated on.  “Please call me Korena.  I have arranged for you, Mrs. Janeway to see Kathryn this afternoon.  It’s not much but it’s a start.  You Commander are harder-as her husband there should be no question of it-but as her first officer we have a problem.”

“What is going on, my sister is not a criminal-for god sakes she….”  Phoebe could barely contain her anger, throwing her hands up and moving off the couch.

“Mrs. Ruberts, I’m on your side.”  She motioned Phoebe to rejoin the others.  “I’m not certain what, if any charges will come out of this inquiry.  I will be investigating all the possibilities.  Commander I will be calling on you for assistance.”

“Anything”

“Good.  But first, I am going to arrange a personal physician for Kathryn-there is nothing wrong.  I merely want to be cautious and have a physician on call if we should need one.  I have some one in mind and I’ll be checking with her shortly, I’ll let you know more then.  I will have full access to the ships logs by tomorrow that’s when I will able to get a handle on what they might come up with as far as charges.”

“I thought we covered all possibilities before we entered orbit.”

“Yes, so did Kathryn and in fact you may have, but we will prepare for the worst---then if they have nothing -well and good, and if they come up with something we will be prepared.  Has any of the crew gotten word of this-I imagine they would be quite upset”

“Not that I’m aware of and yes we’ll be lucky if we don’t have a riot on our hands when they do find out.”

“I thought as much, it could work to our advantage, but only if we control it.  Nothing yet and nothing violent, but their support could be essential.”

“That will not be a problem-any one of them would die for her-taking on fleet is a small request.”

“We will go over the crew carefully also, it is unusual for a Captain not to have some enemies among her crew.  I would imagine a ten year mission would only increase the possibility.”

“This is an unusual crew and Kathryn is far from an ordinary Captain.”

“Yes Commander, I am aware of that.”  She stood.  “That is all I really know right now.  I have a few things to check on, if you will wait here I’ll be right back.”

   Again they sat and waited.  This time the wait was shorter and more worth while, Commander Tolian returned within an hour.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”  She entered followed by two guards.  “Mrs. Janeway, Mrs. Ruberts, these gentlemen will escort you to the twenty fourth floor.  You will be able to see Kathryn, shortly.   Commander, If you will come with me, we can discuss some of the things we mentioned before.”

“Thank you, Commander.”  Gretchen smiled at the woman for the first time, as she and Phoebe prepared to leave.

“Glad I could help.”

“Gretchen.”  Chakotay called after her.  “Tell Kathryn, I love her.”  Gretchen smiled and nodded, he watched her disappear into the lift before turning back.  “Comm---Korena, what now?”

“Let’s go to my office where we can talk privately.”
 

   The lift ride was short, they were met with more guards and escorted into a small office and scanned before being taken down a long hall to Kathryn’s quarters.

“Come.”  Kathryn called holding her breath as the door slid open to reveal her mother and sister.  “Mom, Phoebe.”  She could barely get the words out and had no time to recover before both women crossed the room and smothered her in hugs and tears.
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Chakotay and Korena spent hours going over the crew person by person.  He told and retold all the events and facts he could remember of their ten-year journey, searching for any scrap of information that might prove helpful in a trial.  It was essential for the Admiralty to understand the unique position,  Voyager, her crew and especially her Captain, had been forced to occupy on their ten year journey.  To do this it was essential Korena understood, as much as any outsider possibly could, just what they had been subjected to.  After several hours, the conversation turned to more personal matters.  Korena wanted to understand the command team’s relationship with the crew and most importantly their relationship with each other.  The strength of that relationship would be severely tested more than once in the next few months, she needed to know it could hold up.

“You and Kathryn have been married only a year?”

“A year and a half-yes”

“And you became lovers-when?  On new earth?”  She knew this was no one’s business, but she also knew that it was bound to be brought up and she wanted him to be prepared.

“No.”  He laughed.  “It’s been just about two years--- no one is gonna believe that now are they?”

“It is hard to believe, you admit to being in love with Kathryn almost from the start.  You lived within fifty feet of one another for years, you spent three months alone on a planet you believed to be your permanent home and yet you began this relationship only two years ago.”

“Oh no, we began this relationship the moment she appeared on my view screen.  We have spent the last ten years in an intense relationship, personal and professional.  Since the time we joined forces, we have worked together, challenged one another, alternately agreed and fought over every decision we’ve made.  We have been the best of friends and, at times, we almost came to blows, but we have always presented a united front- always worked together to bring this crew home.  She has been my commanding officer, my best friend, my biggest supporter and my worst nightmare, but until two years ago, not my lover.”

“Why?”

“Protocol-Kathryn believes the Captain should remain apart from her crew, that personal relationships should be avoided.  She didn’t want to undermine our command positions.  Our professional relationship has always been solid, we have been best friends and confidants, we couldn’t prevent the feeling we have for each other, but we could choose how we acted on those feelings.”

“So you dealt with this for eight years, then what-why the change-why then-what suddenly made it OK?”

“To be honest, for me nothing changed.  I never believed we should have let protocol stand between us, but I respected Kathryn’s decision.  For Kathryn it wasn’t suddenly waking up one day with a new outlook, it was more gradual.  She always believed we would get home, we both did, and then we would be free to pursue any relationship we chose, but years passed without finding a way home.  Eight years later we were still 50000 light years from earth, that’s a long, long way to travel.  People were going on with their lives, getting married having families, she’s only human---much as she would like to pretend otherwise.  She had to accept that getting home may take many more years and the reality is that she wasn’t getting any younger-if she wanted a family she would have to have one soon, she had to live her life where she was.  Not that anyone was giving up on getting home, just deciding to have a life while we worked toward that goal.”

“And how did this effect the ship-how did the crew feel about this change in your relationship?”

“The crew welcomed it, most thought it was long over due.  Finally being able to publicly acknowledge feelings most knew to be true anyway, had a very positive effect.”

“How about her pregnancy? --How does that impact her command?”

“Not at all.”

“Certainly it must have an effect.”

“It has an effect on her life, on her appearance and certainly it carries some physical limitations, but it has no bearing on her ability to command.”

“Physical limitations-that can’t be a good thing for a starship captain.”

“We all have physical limitations-captains included.”  He was beginning to tire of this line of questioning, she could hear the tone of his voice change. “The situation was not ideal, just the best we had.”

“Perhaps you should have taken command -at least temporarily.”

“Her pregnancy didn’t change the fact that she was the best person for the job.  If we are choosing captains by physical appearance perhaps Picard appears too old, Sisko too small, Cochran has a limp and certainly I should have been in command from the beginning-being over a foot taller and almost twice her size.”  There was a sharp edge to his voice now.

“OK.”  She knew he was tired and getting angry, she wanted to try another tactic.  “Let’s take a little break-coffee, tea?”  She moved to the replicator.

“Tea, please.”

“So how about other relationships aboard Voyager.”  She handed him his tea.

“Among the crew?”  He took a sip and set the cup on her desk.

“Yes, have you had other relationship among the crew?  Has Kathryn?”  She watched him over her cup, he wasn’t expecting this question.

“Yes, I have had several short term relationships with crew members over the years.  Kathryn has not.”

“Are you sure?”  She put the cup down.  “I will have access to all her personal logs tomorrow, so I will most likely know-but are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“And if I told you she told me differently?”  She was deliberately trying to provoke him, he was tired frustrated and angry, if he were going to waver it would likely be now.

“Then Commander, you would be lying.”  He spoke calmly and quietly, but she could see the fire in his eyes. “ I know Kathryn Janeway, maybe even better than she does herself and I can assure you she has never had a relationship with any member of her crew-besides myself.”

“You are certain?”

“Yes.”

“OK.”  She sipped her tea silently for a minute.  “What about -non crewmen-aliens?”

“Look I’m not going to discuss this with you-yes, Kathryn has had other ‘relationships’, but she will have to tell you about them-not me.”

“I’ll have her logs tomorrow-I assume they would be noted.”

“Yes, you will find everything thing there.”

“You seem sure-have you read Kathryn’s personal logs?”

“No, I have access to them-but I have never read them.”

“She gave you access to her personal logs?”  He nodded.  “And you never read them?”  He nodded again.  “I don’t understand-if she said you could, gave you access-why not?”

“There is nothing in there I don’t know---I trust my wife.”

“Commendable -but unrealistic.  No one trusts anyone that much.”

“You are wrong-I trust Kathryn that much.”  He put his cup on the table and leaned toward her.  “I think you will find the entire crew feels the same way.”

“It is normal to trust your Captain to a point, but I’m sure everyone has their doubts, even about her”

“Don’t be so sure-this was an unusual mission-difficult and extraordinary, without Kathryn we never would never have gotten home.  Has she made mistakes?---- certainly, she is only human after all,  but I have no doubt that without her, we would not be here today and I don’t think you will find anyone on that crew who will disagree with me.”  The anger in his voice was more then apparent now.

“Well Chakotay, if the crew is half as loyal as you are-we will have no problems in that area.”  She smiled at him.  “I’m sorry to have pushed you, but I had to know you could withstand it without wavering.”

“Korena, the problem here is not Kathryn, me, or the crew-the problem is that no one, who was not on that ship can understand what we went through.  No one living in the relative safety of the Alpha quadrant can completely comprehend life on a small ship, stranded a lifetime away from home, family and any reliable source of aid in a crisis.  It will undoubtedly seem to these people that we have deified Kathryn and in ways we have, because without her strength and unwavering faith in our ability to, not only survive, but to live and to return to our homes, we would not have been successful.”

“That’s why the crew is so important-all 147 of you can’t be wrong.  They are going to discount a good deal of the positive you say because you are her husband, but if everyone -and I will put each and every one of them on the stand if I have to-if you all say basically the came things-they will have to listen.”  She checked her chronometer.  “I’m sorry-it has gotten very late, I didn’t mean to keep you this long tonight.”

“It’s not a problem, Korena.  If I can’t see Kathryn, there is really no place I have to go.”

“I’m sorry Chakotay, I have tried..”

“I know its not you fault.  So what do I tell them when they ask?  We didn’t show up at the reception, so they are already alerted to a problem.”

“You tell them the truth-or as much of it as each of them needs to know.  There is an Official inquiry
and Kathryn will not be available until it is over.  Ask them to be available, to leave us a way to contact them if needed.  You know them better than me, you know how much to tell them.”

“The senior staff will need to know the entire story-I guess I’ll play it by ear.  What’s the time table look like?”

“They are only giving me a week to prepare this-not much time, but once we get started we can always ask to postpone.  We’ll play that by ear too.  Once I have access to the logs, I will get through them as fast as possible -ten years in three days is a tight call, but I need time to interview the crew.”

“You can’t possible do all that alone.”

“No, don’t worry I have a very competent staff---first we will cover the logs them set up interviews.  I’ll get going first thing in the morning, call me as soon as you have a handle on the crew’s reactions-yours will be one of a very few calls I will be taking.”

“Sounds like you have your work cut out.”

“Yes, but try not to worry---I’m a firm believer in justice and we are on the right side in this one---I have no intention of losing.”

“Nice to know.”  He stopped at the door.  “Korena - when you see her, tell Kathryn, I love her.”

“I suspect she already knows that, Chakotay-but I will.”  She placed her hand on his arm, nodding and smiling.  “Good night---try to get some rest and I will speak with you tomorrow.”
 

  It was 0230 by the time Chakotay found his way to his quarters, he keyed the code he was given, into the door and was surprised to find the room brightly lit.  He entered cautiously, after today he trusted nothing and certainly no one a fleet.  He checked the small entrance and made his way to the living area only to find he had four visitors waiting for him.

“Breaking and entering is a crime you know.”  His voice startled them.

“Where the hell have you been?!”  B’Elanna jumped up as he came in.  “It’s 0230.”

“Well mom-it’s a long story.”  He ran his hand through his hair.  “How did you get in here?”

“Please-Chak, that’s a federation lock-give me a break.”  B’Elanna laughed, rolling her eyes.  “Hey where is Kathryn?”  She watched his face fall.  “Chak?”

“Where were you guys today---everyone missed you.”  Tom jumped in the conversation.

“OK, sit down, I’ll explain.”

   Chakotay started with their arrival on the transport pad and filled them in on every detail he had right up to walking in and finding them there.  For a while they were silent, trying to grasp the full meaning of his words.

“My father did this?”  Tom shook his head.  “That bastard sat there all day and played nice with us -----He did this?!”  Tom was angry and pacing the room.

“Tom, he had orders, he…”

“Orders-hell-if he had any balls he wouldn’t let that bitch push him around!”  B’Elanna stood and tried to calm him.  “B’E don’t---He used to be able to stand up to people, what the hell is going on around here---god and Kathryn---god Chakotay how is she?”

“I haven’t seen her since he took her into custody.  Gretchen and Phoebe did, but I haven’t heard from them.  Korena said she’s OK.  She has a suite on the 24th floor replicator and all -not like she is in prison or anything.”

“Damn how could he do this!?!”  Tom was fighting mad.

“It wasn’t just him-they all allowed it to happen.  Tom, this won’t help her, come and sit let Chak tell us what we need to do.”  B’Elanna led him back to the couch.

“Yea, Chakotay, what can we do to help?”  Harry looked to be on the verge of tears and Jenny was already crying.

“Well, we need to stand together on this -that’s the first thing.”

“No question about that-the whole crew will be here as soon as we tell them.”  Harry assured him.

“I know, but we don’t want a riot -we want a strong, civilized show of support and Korena will want to talk to everyone-starting with the senior staff.”

“Speaking of which-we need to contact Tuvok.”  B’Elanna flipped on the monitor.

“B’Ella it 0300-it can wait till morning.”  Chakotay protested.

“Chak-I don’t care how he acts or what he says -he loves her too.  He would want to know.”  She keyed in the commands.   “Tuvok.”

“Lieutenant?”  A very sleepy and puzzled Vulcan appeared on the screen.

“I’m sorry to wake you.”  She hesitated, unsure of how to break the news.

“I presume you had something more on your mind than apologizing for waking me.”

“Tuvok-they arrested Kathryn-won’t let any of us see her-not even Chak.”

“I see---an unusual procedure.”

“Look we are at Chak’s quarters beta section number 5247”

“On my way, Lieutenant”

     The screen went dark before Chakotay could even protest and as his rooms were just down the hall, he was there in a matter of minutes.  They talked through what remained of the night, deciding to inform the crew the next day, before anyone left on leave.  Each of them would gather their assigned group and keep the discussion as low key as possible for now.  They wanted to be able to reach every crewmember if necessary, they weren’t completely prepared for the reaction they got.  Each and every crewmember elected to stay at HQ for the duration of the inquiry-no one was leaving until they could all leave-Their Captain included.

       The next week was difficult and intense, Commander Tolian and her aids interviewed the crew -right
down to and  including the children.  Starfleet began to apply pressure, command made an attempt to
‘encourage’ the crew to take their leave, offering them accommodations, for themselves and family
members, at resort locations of their choosing.  Failing in their more casual attempt, Fleet next let it be
known that any crewmember not leaving San Francisco within twenty-four hours, might find their leave
canceled and themselves reassigned to a ship, which may well be leaving earth behind for an extended
period of time.

    The crew maintained a low profile, refusing press interviews and showing no outward signs of protest,
just going quietly about their business.  The inquiry was delayed another week without explanation, and
when it finally began it was closed the public, only the Admirals, attorneys, Captain Janeway and whatever witness was currently testifying were allowed inside the building.    The crew assembled outside the building every morning and remained there until the day’s hearings ended, regardless of the weather.  Every morning on her way in and again in the evening on her way out, Captain Janeway passed through the courtyard where her entire crew stood and silently saluted her.

  Officially, Starfleet command had no comment on the case and the crew wasn’t talking either, the first
break the press got was a press conference, called by Commander Tuvok, one week into the hearings.  All
subspace channels carried the conference live, this was big news-their first look at what had gone wrong
with the triumphant return of the Starship Voyager.   Commander Tuvok stood behind the podium and in
his calm Vulcan manner explained that effective 0800 hours this morning he had resigned his commission, effectively ending his sixty year career with Starfleet.  His prepared statement went on to say, in what he personally believed to be an attempt to prevent his testimony, in the current inquiry, He had received orders to leave immediately for DS9 to join the crew of the Ultramar on a two year deep space mission.  Rather than forfeit his opportunity to give his sworn testimony in this case, he had opted to terminate his long association with Starfleet.  It was simple statement delivered in his usual unemotional manner and he refused to answer any questions, sending reporters scrambling after the deeper story.

    Once they had a taste of the story, there was no stopping them.  The reporters tried constantly to get people to speak with them, the crew were polite but answered only the most basic questions, then declined further comment.  The press began to speculate on the reasons behind the silence, when they quite obviously supported their Captain wholeheartedly.  The most obvious conclusion was that they had been threatened by Command and warned not to speak out, this idea took hold, painting a very bleak picture of the Admiralty and resentment ran high among the general public-and yet the crew had not uttered a single word.

   Mid way through the second week, the day’s hearings were brought to an abrupt end when the defendant was transferred to Starfleet medical center.  She had been rushed through the courtyard so quickly, and without warning, that she was gone before the crew knew what had happened.  A young ensign rushed into the crown in search of the Commander.

“Commander, Commander Chakotay.”  She yelled above the noise of the angry crew, searching.

“Here.”  He fought his way toward her. “I’m Chakotay.”

“Sir, Commander Tolian sent me to bring you to the medical center.  Your wife---The Captain …”

“What -What’s wrong with Kathryn?”

“Nothing -she’s in labor.”  She smiled at him.  “Sir, if you will come with me.”

“Chak-what is it-what’s wrong?”  B’Elanna ran up to him.

“Kathryn’s in labor-gotta go.”  The crowd fell silent and parted to allow them through.

    The medical center was only across the compound, so it only took a few minutes to get there---getting in however proved to be more difficult.  The entrance was swarming with reporters, and security stood at each entrance refusing admittance to any unauthorized personnel.  The young ensign showed her identification and was allowed to enter, but Chakotay was refused.  Nothing Ensign Walker tried worked to persuade the security guards to allow him in.
 
“Commander, wait right here-I will get you in there.”  She assured him before disappearing inside the center.

   In moments, Chakotay was surrounded, by reporters.  He told them only that he could confirm his wife was in labor, but not having been allowed inside he had nothing more to tell them.  The rest of the crew wasn’t far behind him and soon swarmed up the steps, led by Tom and B’Elanna.  They were all pushing forward and shouting, the crew had held its collective temper long enough -this was the last straw.  The commotion was just short of a riot, when Ensign Walker reappeared with a distinguished looking woman at her side.  The woman, of average height, wore her dark, gray streaked hair short and very little makeup, but she carried herself in a manner that conveyed power.  She followed Ensign Walker through the crowd and they quieted in anticipation.

“Commander, This is Dr. Darthmouth.”  The Ensign turned to the woman.  “Dr. this is Commander Chakotay-Captain Janeway’s husband.”

“Doctor….?”  His concern was evident on his face.

“Commander-you wife is doing fine, come with me and I’ll brief you as we go.”  She turned back toward the doors.  He followed her up the steps, one of the guards stepped up to speak with her.

‘I’m sorry Ma’am, but my orders say, he is not permitted in there.”

“Lieutenant -do you know who I am?”

“Yes Ma’am, I do, but..”

“Good then you know this is MY hospital and I make the decisions around here.”  She stepped past him but he stood firmly in Chakotay’s path.  “Lieutenant, step back.”

“Ma’am, with all due respect-my orders say, I am not to allow the Commander inside.”

“Who gave those orders Lieutenant?”  She spoke calmly but there was real fire in her eyes.

“Admiral Nechayev.”

“I see, and does she out rank me Lieutenant?”

“No, Ma’am”

“That’s correct Lieutenant, our ranks are equal and if we were at HQ, I would defer to her authority, but we are not at HQ lieutenant -we are at the Medical Center -MY Medical Center and here My word is final.  Do we understand each other, Lieutenant?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Good.”  She turned to Chakotay.  “Command this way.”  Turning back to the guard she smiled.  “Give Alynna my regards, Lieutenant.”

   Chakotay followed her down the hall and into the lift.

“Ninth floor.  Commander, I won’t be delivering your son-Dr. Harlin will do that, I find little time these days for the actual practice of medicine and obstetrics is not my specialty-however Korena Tolian is a friend of mine and for obvious reasons I am your wife’s Physician of record.”

“Thank you.  I can’t tell you how relieved I am to be here.”

“Well, let me assure you again, your wife and son are doing fine, I saw them when they came in and Dr. Harlin is with them now.”  She placed a hand on his shoulder.  “I’m glad I could help-You and Kathryn, as well as the rest of your crew, have been through enough….”  She laughed.  “And you may have noticed I have no love loss for Alynna Nechayev..”

“I noticed.”  He chuckled.  “And I am grateful for that too.”

“What she is trying to do is just wrong and I don’t know why the Admiralty is letting her do this-but Korena won’t let her get away with it.”  The doors opened.  “Now, let’s let Korena worry about that for now, Kathryn is waiting for you.”

   They walked through the sonic decontaminater on their way into the room.  He stopped when he heard Kathryn groan, watched her grimace and her hand gripping the side of the bed, she didn’t notice him, as he came in.

“Kathryn, how are you doing?”  Dr. Darthmouth spoke, as they entered.  “I brought you a visitor.”

“Kathryn.”  He was standing next to her before she saw him.

“Chakotay.  Oh I’m so glad.”  She reached for him, then clutched her stomach and gritted her teeth to stifle a groan.

   He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head and when she relaxed again he lowered her to the pillow.

“Kathryn, your doing fine-that son of your is anxious to get here.”  Dr. Harlin stood next to Chakotay, reading his tricorder.  “I’m gonna leave you two alone for a while, Dr. Darthmouth and I will just be in the next room if you need us.”

“Thank you doctor.”  She reached out and took Chakotay’s hand.  “I missed you-are you OK?”

“I’m fine-it’s you we’re all worried about.”  He kissed her fingers, bending to brush her forehead with his lips, she gripped his hand and closed her eyes.  “I love you.”  He whispered.  When she opened her eyes again, she laughed.  “That’s funny?”

“No -only that, there is little doubt of that--- I don’t see many people these days, but the few I do keep delivering that message.”  She reached up and traced his dimples.  “I love you, too.”

    The afternoon passed slowly, the doctors kept saying it was moving fast--to him it took forever, he couldn’t even imagine how long it was for Kathryn.  He was beginning to understand just how much stronger she really was then him-he didn’t think he could ever do this.  She squeezed his hand so hard, at times, he knew a few of those fingers must be broken, and the sounds she had made for the last hour went straight through him.  God he hated to see her like this.  The room had filled up, both doctors were here a few nurses and now the pediatrician came in.  They kept telling her to push, saying she was doing good, it just kept going on and on.  He was slightly behind her now, as she pulled herself up with every new push, he swore to himself that he would never put her through this again.  She cried out and fell back against him, a brief moment of rest.  She was sweaty her hair matted to her forehead, he brushed it back as she rested her head against him.  Spirits he hated to see her in pain.  Her eyes opened and she reached up to brushed away a tear he hadn’t even know he shed.  She smiled, a brief crooked smile and it started again.  Then suddenly, with a heart wrenching grunt and one last push, she fell back against him again and he heard his son cry.  She was crying and laughing, he spread light kisses across her face.

“He’s perfect, Kathryn.”  A voice was saying, they were still holding each other.  A hand touched his arm.  “Chakotay, come here.”  He look up bewildered at first, as the gloved hand held out a laser scalpel.  “ Come -cut the cord.”
 
  He took the scalpel, followed instructions and completed his son’s journey into this world.  The baby was lying on Kathryn’s chest, she lightly ran her fingers over his tiny body.  He watched them mesmerized by the strength of this delicate woman and the wonder of tiny life they had created.

“Chakotay---Chakotay.”  She reached out a hand to him and he took it.  “Come and see him, your son-isn’t he wonderful?”

“Oh spirits, he is wonderful-so tiny.”  He reached a finger out to touch a tiny hand and it grasped it, holding on tight. “Amazing.”

“He is.”  She smiled at the miniature fist closed around the big finger, then reached up and brushed the tears off Chakotay’s cheek.

“No-yes- but you are amazing.”  He kissed the fingers. “I love you.”

“Excuse me.”  The nurse was standing on the other side of the bed.  “If I can take him, we’ll check him over and clean him up---I promise to give him right back.”  She smiled as she unwrapped the little fingers from Chakotay’s hand.

   They watched as she took him into the other room, then another nurse took them to Kathryn’s room.  Some one had laid out a fresh nightgown, there was a bathrobe and slippers next to it on the bed.  The young woman helped Kathryn to the sonic shower and when she returned she found Chakotay sitting next to the bed holding the baby.

“Now there’s a holo image.”  She moved over next to them, fresh and clean and looking one hundred percent better.

“He’s so-so- spirits he is amazing.”  Suddenly he started to yell, Chakotay looked panicked and she laughed at him.  “What do I do now?---stop laughing at me and help.”
 
“OK -wait.”  She climbed into the bed and reached out to him.  “Here let me have him.”

     He watched once again amazed-she looked so natural, holding his son to her breast, he almost couldn’t imagine this was the same woman who commanded 150 people.  The dedicated, some times fierce, Captain who spent ten years fighting unbelievable odds to bring her crew home, who in a split second could destroy an enemy or make a decision that could send her crew to their deaths.  He knew she had done these things and had done them well, but now watching her with their son he realized, this was a part of her he had never seen-- never knew existed.  He moved closer, reaching out to stroke the baby’s cheek.

“Come in.”  She called at the knock, and Dr. Darthmouth came toward them.

“How you doing?”

“Good.”  Kathryn watched her closely.  “When will we have to go back.”

“I can only keep you here until tomorrow, maybe the next day and that is stretching it.”  She leaned on Chakotay’s chair, watching Kathryn nurse her son.  “She wanted guards here now.”

“Hell, I’m surprised she didn’t have them at the delivery.”  Chakotay grumbled

“Actually, she tried.”

“You’re serious?  Where the hell did she think I was going?”

“Yea, I know.”  She laughed.  “Korena told you she wasn’t stable-it’s true.”

“So now what?”

“Korena will be here in the morning to explain in detail, but basically you keep the baby at night and Chakotay will have to keep him in the daytime.  We are pushing for scheduled breaks, so you can breastfeed, something by the way, she finds primitive and barbaric---it is really making her nuts.”  She laughed then looked sad.  “Korena is good -she will beat this, I’m just sorry you are the ones in the middle.”

“We’ve beat tougher opponents than Alynna Nechayev.”  He took Kathryn’s hand.  “We will beat her too.”

“And we have you and Korena to help.---Thank You.”

“This should never have happened.  Someday soon we will all thank you, this case may be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.  The press is already having a field day.”

“What have you told them about the baby?”

“Just that he is healthy and you are both doing fine…” She laughed   “Oh and that Chakotay was on hand to cut the cord.”

“Nechayev is gonna hate that!”

“Yes she is, but she won’t mess with me and if I have to, I will put you in the hospital every other day.”  She shrugged her shoulders.  “There is no telling what complications can be caused by ten years in the Delta Quadrant.”

“Is it safe to upset her like this?”

“She knows she can’t touch me and if she tries to use you to get to me she’s lost---the press is breathing down her neck right now-she can’t afford to lose and we won’t let her win.  I want you to get some rest and let Korena worry about this-maybe you will have some complications tomorrow-hell we can get another day out of this.  Chakotay, you can stay right here with them.  I can have another bed brought in, if you’d like, but that one looks big enough to me.”

“Thank you Dr. I appreciate everything you’ve done for my family.”  He stood up.  “First I better go and tell the crew something.  I’ll just find B’Elanna and let her know how you are.”

“B’Elanna Torres?”

“Yes, have you met her.”

“Oh yea-a hand full that one, but she is keeping them in line.  Listen I’ll bring her up here, it’s better if you don’t go out there before Kathryn leaves.”

“That’s great, thank you.”

“Sure, will send her right up-but not too long OK?”

“OK.”

    To their great surprise the next time the door opened, in came B’Elanna, Tom, Harry and Tuvok. Chakotay would later swear that even Tuvok cried, when he held the baby.  They didn’t stay long, just long enough to share a few hugs and words of encouragement.  Before they left, to spread the good news to the remaining crew, Gretchen and Phoebe showed up.  They too had promised not to say long, but Gretchen told Dr. Darthmouth she had waited ‘almost fifty years for this girl to make me a grandmother and I gonna hold my grandson’, she had no trouble getting in.

   Finally they were alone, the baby asleep, in the bassinet beside the bed, it was early yet but it had been a long hard day, they were both tired.
 

“You better sleep while he does.”  Chakotay nodded toward the baby.

“You look like could use some yourself.”  She moved aside in the bed.  “Come lay down by me.”  He laid beside her and she rolled into his arms.  “God, I missed you.”

“I know, I miss you too.”  He pulled her close to him, her head tucked under his chin.  “It won’t be much longer.”

  It was warm in the darkened room, not too hot but a comfortable warmth surrounded them.  She was curled up against his chest, his hand idly caressed her back as he drifted in and out of sleep breathing in her soft scent.  Occasionally she shifted, returning him to semi-consciousness.  When a sigh escaped and he felt her hands press tighter against him, he realized she was still awake.

“Kathryn?”  He whispered.

“Hummm.”

“What’s wrong, why aren’t you sleeping?”

“Thinking.”

“About?”

“Chakotay, if this doesn’t work out the way Korena plans…”

“Kathryn, it will work out.”

“Chakotay.”  She moved back raising her head to look at him.  “We don’t know that..”

“Kath…”

“Please, I need to know you will be alright.---both of you.”

“We are gonna be fine.  This will all be over soon.”

“We can’t be sure of that.”  She put her finger on his lips to stop his protest.  “Please, let me finish.”

“OK.”

“If this goes wrong---I know, but if it does--I want you to take the baby, right away.  If I go to prison, I won’t take him with me.”

“You are not going to prison.”

“But if that should happen…”

“OK-just for argument sake -if it did happen, you can keep him with you.”

“Only for eighteen months, that’s not fair to him-we can’t let him stay with me and then suddenly tear him away and make him live with you.  You’ll almost be a stranger.”  She was fighting back tears.  She placed her hands on his chest and focused on them.  “And Chakotay I want you to move on-don’t think you have to wait for me.  You-both of you, need to start new lives.”

“Kathryn….”

“Please Chakotay, this is important to me- You won’t be alone, B’Elanna and Tom will help, Mom and Phoebe-they all will.  Please promise me you will.”  She no longer held back her tears, he could feel the dampness on his shirt when she rested her head on his chest.

“Alright Kathryn, if the worst happens----and I know that it won’t-but if it does, I promise I will take him-but ..”  He lifted her chin so he could see her face.  “Kathryn I will always be your husband - I want you to understand -  I love you and that’s never gonna change, no matter what the outcome.  If something goes wrong here, we will both be waiting for you.”  He brushed aside her tears, kissing her gently, lovingly, thoroughly.  “Deal?” She nodded and smiled, he kissed her again.  “Sleep, before he has us up.”
 

     Dr. Darthmouth, stalled the inquiry for two more days, keeping Kathryn at the center claiming it to be a medical necessity.  She cited Kathryn’s unusual medical history, including the alien virus which caused her to be confined to ‘New Earth’, her assimilation by the borg, as well as her age.  None of those facts could be disputed-even if Nechayev could have found a Doctor to challenge Darthmouth, no one in the alpha quadrant had ever dealt with these conditions before.

    Finally the hearings began again, Nechayev seemed more determined than ever, so did the press. Shortly after the first feeding, the tone clearly changed. Chakotay had been given use of a room not far from the hearing in order to keep the baby close to his mother.  Reluctantly, Nechayev had agreed to a schedule, unfortunately Kole hadn’t been party to the agreement and decided to demand attention half an hour before his allotted time.  Ensign Walker informed Commander Tolian, who requested they recess earlier than planned to accommodate the child’s needs---the Admiral refused.  Only after the commotion stirred up by this refusal, grew loud enough to over shadow the proceedings, did she relent and reluctantly call a recess.  Unfortunately for her, by this time, an especially creative reporter had gained access to the area where the baby would change hands, so that his mother could feed him.  It wasn’t long before his first hand account was transmitted across federation territory.

    The small room was divided by a force field, Kathryn sat on one side, Chakotay the other.  Ensign Walker took Kole from Chakotay and when the field was lowered she handed him over to the lieutenant on the other side, the field went back up.  The baby was then completely undressed and examined to be sure he carried no contraband-then redressed before being handed to his mother.  His distress was obvious to everyone within earshot and his, heart wrenching, cries were heard in every household capable of receiving a sub space transmission---the public was outraged.

   The hearings continued for another week, the pressure on the presiding Admirals grew with each passing day.  Nechayev pushed to go forward with a court-martial, the public called for an end to this fiasco, the federation council quietly encouraged a swift conclusion and even the admiral’s families turned against them on this issue.  Admiral Harrimen finally moved for an end to the testimony and called for a vote, Admiral Paris seconded it and over the vehement objections of Nechayev, they recessed for private discussion and vote.

Kathryn had finished feeding Kole and was watching as they passed him back to his father, when Korena came for her. The hearing had been in recess for over four hours and she spent as much of it with her son as possible.

“Kathryn, are you finished?  They want us back.”

“Already?”  Kathryn was surprised, for over a month now they had manipulated her life and everyone in it and it seem that it only took four hours to decide her fate.  She looked at Chakotay through the force field.  “I love you-both of you.  Take care of him.”

“I love you too-don’t worry we’ll be waiting just outside the door.”  He tried to sound encouraging, even thought it seemed to short a time to decide a person’s fate.  He stayed in place until the door closed behind her, then he took the baby out into the sunshine to await their fate with the rest of the crew.
 

  They returned to the room only to be kept waiting.  It was another hour before the Admirals filed back into the room.  She saw them and started to turn away, then straightened up and looked each one in the eye as they took their seats.  They seem nervous-hell what did they have to be nervous about?  Was someone about to destroy their lives, tear them away from their families?  No that power was in their hands, she had believed in Starfleet, had done her best to live up to its expectations and now she would find out if her entire life had been a lie.  Korena stood next to her, she could feel her hand lightly brushing her arm.  Each of the Admirals took a turn speaking, the voices droned on in her mind, she was having trouble comprehending the words, it took all of her strength just to stand there and look each one in the eye..  Some one mentioned her father, she heard the name of her ship, the maquis, Chakotay, Kole, service, honor dignity---it was all a blur.  They were all standing, facing her now, all but Admiral Nechayev.  Korena was hugging her, she didn’t understand, she looked blankly at Korena.

“Kathryn.”  Korena held her by her shoulders  “Kathryn, you’re free to go.  Do you hear me?”

“Free?”

“Yes, Kathryn -no charges-You’re free to go.”  She turned her around and toward the door.  “Go -Kathryn they are waiting for you.”  She gave her a nudge forward.”

“Korena.”  Kathryn turned back toward her. “Thank you.”  Korean nodded at her and she faced the door again.  Slowly she straightened up, squaring her shoulders and began to walk toward the exit, she passed out of the room and saw the sunlight through the outer door.  **They are waiting for me.**  She thought and started to run, she flung open the door and burst out on to the steps.

   She stood at the top of the steps, staring down at the sea of faces, her crew, all of them as far as she could tell, reporters, her mother was holding the baby, Phoebe and then ---he was there, running toward her.  People were yelling, cheering, cameras flashed and whirled, but she noticed only the tall dark figure trotting in her direction, she moved forward.  She reached the edge of the step and literally hurled her self into his arms.  He spun her around in the air, they were kissing and crying, their crew gathered around them.  They made room for Phoebe, Gretchen and Kole to come through and the crying started again.
It took a long time to cover the distance to the other side of the courtyard.  Kathryn stopped to touch each and ever member of her crew, as she passed, silently thanking each of them, once again, for their unwavering support.  At the end of the walk, she came face to face with her oldest friend.  The tall silent Vulcan stood stoically observing the celebration going on around him, his expression never changed as he watched her approach him.

“Tuvok.”  Her voice was thick with emotion, as she looked up to him.

“Captain.”

“Thank you.”  The tears welled up in her eyes.

“It was the only logical course of action.”  He reached his hand out brushing her tears away, with his fingertips.

    She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around her Vulcan friend, and didn’t even try to fight the tears, when his arms closed around her.

  In the background a male voice was speaking into a portable transmitter.  “And with the conclusion of these hearings, the family known as, the crew of the Starship Voyager has finally reached home.”

The End
 
 
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