Summary: A new president, a new life, and new opportunities

Rating: R

Finally able to take a break, Kathryn decided to remain on leave for the foreseeable future. However, she found that every so often, a member of the admiralty or the Federation Council would contact her for input on managing the relationships she’d forged the year prior.

It was a month after the political shake-up when Kathryn and Justin were in the sitting room of the presidential palace. A young woman walked into the room and asked, “Admiral Janeway?”

“Yes?”

“President Truov will see you now.”

“Thank you.” Kathryn nodded and then asked Justin, “Would you wait for me out here?”

He smiled. “Wasn’t too long ago that I was protecting you from the president, not letting you walk into the lion’s den alone.”

Patting his arm, she said, “And you did an excellent job.” Kathryn followed the young woman through the foyer and into another room that looked to be an assistant’s office. They paused in front of a set of large, wooden doors that two security guards opened for them.

The young woman held out her hand and said, “Right this way.”

“Thank you.” As Kathryn walked in, she was instantly greeted by the interim president.

“Come on in and make yourself at home. Can I pour you some coffee?” Truov asked as she waved Kathryn over to a small sitting area.

“That would be nice, thank you.”

A welcoming smile on her face, she said, “I took the liberty of requesting the decaffeinated variety because of the baby. I hope that’s okay?”

“It’s not okay, but it’s what the doctor ordered,” Kathryn joked as she accepted a cup. “Thank you, Madame President.”

The older Coridanite woman paused and chuckled softly. “I was just trying to decide if I should call you Admiral Janeway or if my new station means that I should use your given name. You surprised me by using my title.”

Kathryn sat down on a comfortable-looking settee. “It’s my experience that one should always use a title until given permission otherwise. And yes, you may definitely call me Kathryn.”

“Thank you, Kathryn. Please call me Isela, because I’d like for us to become friends.”

“I’d like that as well. One can never have too many.”

Isela nodded her agreement as she sat across from Kathryn. “I want to thank you for coming to France today. I’d planned to call on you at your home, but my aide insisted that it would be more appropriate to ask you to travel. I’m not sure it matters, but I’m trying to abide by the proper decorum that this job demands.”

“How are you liking the job so far?”

“May I be honest with you?”

“Of course, Isela.” Kathryn gave her what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “That’s what friends are for.”

“Right you are,” she said, appearing instantly more relaxed. “I’m a little on edge and feeling out of my element with this position, although I haven’t told anyone else that.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” She took a sip of coffee before saying, “I’ve read some about your background. You’ve been a council member for a few years, and before that, you were a government official on Coridan. Is that right?”

“That’s correct. I was a senator for my province – a moderately populated area on the main continent of the planet. My mentor nominated me to the Federation Council based on my expertise of writing legislation, and because she believed that my ideas were exactly what the Federation needed. I was appointed quickly because we were having trouble finding a Coridanite willing to go.”

“Why was that?”

“Same reason that so many other planets have left the Federation. There was a strong movement among my people that we should withdraw our membership along with the other planets in our sector. The position I find myself in now is far from what I ever imagined myself doing.”

“I can imagine, but now that you’re here, you can make the best of it by helping planets like your own.”

“You’re right.” Isela nodded. “I haven’t decided if I want to run for this office. The council wants my decision by the end of the week.”

“It’s a big decision.”

“Yes, but I think you should be the one throwing her name into the hat. Not me.”

Kathryn shook her head. “Not right now.”

“Does that imply a ‘someday?’”

“I don’t know,” she said thoughtfully. “We’ll see what life brings my way. So far, my path has been chosen by circumstances out of my control. I’d be naïve to think that I can somehow direct my fate at this point.”

“And you’re going to be a mother soon.”

“That’s right.” Kathryn caressed her swollen belly. “This child is a miracle, and I don’t want to miss a moment of his young life.”

“As a woman, I’m pleased you feel that way. My children are adults now and I wish that I’d had more time with them when they were young. But as you say, circumstances affect priorities. I was a widow and I needed to provide for my family.”

Sympathetically, Kathryn said, “Oh, Isela, I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you for your concern, but now I’m happily remarried and my children have grown up to be wonderful people.”

“You seem very proud of them.”

“Oh, I am. They’re thrilled about my temporary assignment and want me to continue.”

“You have an extraordinary opportunity here.”

“Do I?” Isela shook her head dismissively. “I’m sorry, Kathryn. This is not what I called you here to talk about.”

“It’s all right,” she said kindly. “I suspect you don’t have many you can talk openly to, do you?”

“Not who would truly understand, but if I’m to be a competent president, I should try to act confident around everyone.”

Kathryn couldn’t help but laugh. “I thought the exact same thing about my role as captain of Voyager.”

“And how did that work for you?”

“I found out that it’s lonely at the top.” She tilted her head and asked, “May I offer you some advice?”

“I would love some,” Isela replied earnestly.

“You have a unique opportunity to be the leader of a team that can set the Federation back on the right path. You don’t have to do it alone, and in fact, I believe that most of the leaders and council members I’ve spoken to would love the opportunity to work together to rebuild the trust that we’ve lost.”

“But they need a strong leader.”

“Yes, they do, and as long as you don’t pretend to be something you’re not, they will follow you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that you should be yourself. For example, if your intuition tells you that the best way to meet with someone is to call upon them at their home, just go. Don’t let an aide tell you that it’s not proper.”

“You have a point.” She nodded. “I am the president, after all.”

Kathryn chuckled. “Yes, you are, and you have natural abilities that are your strengths. In the meetings I attended with you, I noticed that you were quiet until everyone else had their say, and then you combined what had been said with your own ideas to present an alternative that at least two thirds of the room could stand behind. Keep doing that.”

“Assuming I can figure out an alternative that works.”

“Not necessary. A good leader listens to their constituents and decides on a course of action that is best for all. That action may simply be that the group needs to do more research before coming to a conclusion.”

Isela nodded thoughtfully. “I see your point, and I know for a fact that we’re all tired of a leader who pushes his own agenda.”

“Precisely. This Federation, as it stands now, wants reassurance that they’ll be heard, that they’re all important, and that there’s not even a hint of dishonesty in the Council. I don’t think it’s all that important how the Council makes a decision as long as they’re representing the needs of their people.”

“Your original proposal was to request an oversight committee. How important is that to re-uniting the Federation?”

“That was to keep the previous administration from doing any more damage, and while I trust that you have significantly higher ethical standards, we don’t know what the future holds.”

Isela nodded. “And right now, we know who to trust. We should put safeties in place while we can.”

“Right. The people want to trust the government again.”

“I agree, and you and your staff have made great strides in that direction. They’ve been a blessing to have around over the last month. Do you think they’d be interested in continuing while you’re on leave?”

“Some might. Commander Kim will be taking a new assignment in August.”

“Oh, I hate to lose him.”

“He’s a good man.”

“Yes, he seems to be. As for the rest of your group, I plan to ask Admiral Khurma about putting them on your flagship to continue your work. What do you think?”

Kathryn took a moment to think before replying, “Bernie Young, captain of the Pioneer, would be the one to lead any diplomatic conversations, and my staff would need to report to him.”

“That should be easy enough to arrange, wouldn’t it?”

“Should be, if they want to go back into space. The choice would be up to them.”

“I’ll mention it to Khurma,” Isela said. “And as for you, do you plan to officially resign from Starfleet?”

“No, I’m just on an indefinite leave of absence.”

“Would you be interested in an assignment from me every so often? Assuming I’m elected, that is.”

“Depends on what’s involved.”

“I can understand that.” Isela topped off their coffees as she said, “When you’re ready, perhaps you can let me know what your stipulations are.”

“Do you have something specific in mind or do you just want to keep me on the back burner?”

“The Romulans are having an election for a new praetor. I spoke to Khurma about the situation and he said you might know something.”

“Oh, that.” Kathryn gently scratched her temple. “Do we have any intelligence about the candidates?”

“No, but when I find out, should I contact you?”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I’ll want to get involved.” She tapped her coffee cup for a moment while she thought. “I can tell you that if the new praetor is someone besides a Romulan named Rabom, then we need to proceed with the utmost caution. If he is elected, then he may want to talk to me about a diplomatic or scientific partnership.”

Isela leaned forward, rapt with attention. “So choice A is really good for the Federation and choice B could be really bad?”

“That’s my understanding.”

“This election may be happening within the month. I think that would be too soon to ask you to go.”

Kathryn nodded. “I’m not traveling again until after this baby is born, and even then, I have no desire to go to Romulus. However, if you want to pick my brain, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“Thank you, Kathryn. I’ll rest easier knowing that.”

She smiled graciously. “It helps to have a sounding board, I know.”

“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to use you as one for awhile.”

“Sure, but I think for your image, we should keep it private. I’m ready to bow out of the public eye for awhile and I don’t want anyone thinking that I’m influencing you.”

“I appreciate that. Should I let Admiral Khurma know?”

“If you want, although if we’re just a couple of friends getting together for coffee, that doesn’t involve him.” Kathryn raised her index finger. “One more piece of business…”

“What’s that?”

“If the Romulans want to talk to me, don’t send the Pioneer in my place. They’re not equipped for that.”

“Who would you send, then?”

“Enterprise, but ultimately, that’s Khurma’s decision.”

“I really do appreciate your advice, Kathryn. More than you know.”

“Call me any time, but I’m sure that if you just step back from any conflict and listen, you’ll do the right thing. In a democratic government such as ours, you don’t have to stand alone and you’ll never run out of opportunities to hear opposing views. Our council will never fail to point out every possible side to any issue.”

Isela laughed. “Only you could make that sound like a positive thing.”

“No,” Kathryn replied with insistence. “You can too, and you will. I have the utmost faith in you.”




Kathryn had the bathwater running and was about to take off her robe when Chakotay stepped into the doorway. “Hi there, handsome,” she said as she went to give him a soft kiss.

“Mmmm, that’s nice,” he said as he drew her into his arms. “I missed you today.”

“That’s what you get for going to work.” She pulled away to turn the water off. “Did you get your curriculum planned?”

“Pretty much, but I’m sure it wasn’t as exciting as your trip to France.”

“France was… interesting.” Kathryn opened a container of bath salt and poured some into the hot water.

“What’s that for?”

“Soothes achy muscles and makes my skin beautiful.” She untied her belt as the water began fizzing with bubbles. “And it’s fun.”

“Feel like some company in there?”

“I’d love some, but you’ll smell like a girl.”

As he started undressing, he said, “I can always take a shower afterwards.”

“All right, then.” She took off her robe and waited for him.

He licked his lips as he gazed at her. “Wow, you look amazing, Kathryn.”

“You just saw me this morning, honey.”

“Yeah, but you were in bed. I rarely see you standing up when you’re completely nude.”

Turning to the side to show him her profile, she caressed her swollen belly. “We’re nearing five months now. I’m getting big.”

“Yes, you are.” He kneeled down and placed a kiss on her stomach. “Your thighs are filling out, too.”

“They feel stronger.”

“Come on, let’s enjoy this nice bath.” Holding his hand out, he steadied her as she stepped into the tub and slid down between his legs.

With the two of them in the bath, the water was so deep that Kathryn was immersed up to her neck in the luxurious warmth. She snuggled back against Chakotay and closed her eyes, sighing with contentment as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

He quietly asked, “Comfortable?”

“Mmmhmm.” She resituated her head against his shoulder and asked, “Want to hear about my trip?”

“Not just yet,” he whispered into her ear before his lips began nuzzling the side of her neck.

“That’s nice,” she mumbled as she gave him better access.

His hands caressed over her belly, the bath salts making her skin soft and slick. “I love this so much, Kathryn.”

“Me pregnant?”

“Oh, yes,” he said with intensity. “I feel like I can’t get enough of looking at you and touching you.”

“You’re in luck, then, because I can’t get enough of you ogling and touching me.”

“Is that so?” He soaped up her hardened belly and whispered, "I love you."

Love you... too." She wanted to fall asleep in his arms, but didn't want to miss the feeling of contentment that infused her. "This really is remarkable, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. How did you do on your feet today?"

"Okay, I guess."

"You guess?"

She moved his hand to her right side and pressed his fingers into the soft tissue. “This has been feeling sore all day, and it’s stronger now. I did a little research and I believe it’s the ligaments being strained by the weight of the pregnancy.”

“You might mention it to Dr. Joe, just in case.”

“Did he ever say where the damage to my uterus is located?”

“Not that I recall, except that it would be where the placenta would eventually grow.”

“I see him on Friday.”

He lathered up her sponge and began washing her. “So, tell me about your visit.”

“Truov asked to use me as a sounding board, especially on a situation that is stirring with Romulus.”

Chakotay froze. “You’re not…”

“No,” she flicked him in the arm. “Trust me.”

“Ow!” He rubbed the sore spot as he said, “I do trust you. Really.”

She grumbled under her breath before continuing, “Sounding board only. There’s an election taking place and Khurma told her that I might know something.”

“I don’t think you ever did tell me what you learned from the Romulan went to see.”

“Hmmm,” she said as she thought about it. “No, I don’t suppose I did. Communications were so poor out there that I wasn’t sure it was safe. Remind me later to ask Harry about Enterprise’s communications system, would you?”

“Sure. Are they going out there?”

“Not at this time, but I did recommend that if anyone should need to go, it should be Picard. Truov wants to put my staff on the Pioneer and send them out to continue my work.”

“I like Bernie a lot, but he’s not savvy enough to deal with an adversary as intimidating as the Romulans.”

“Agreed. And Picard has experience with them. I read about his interactions when I was on my way out there to meet with Rabom.”

“And who is Rabom?”

“Influential Romulan who wants to be Praetor. He asked to meet because he believed me to be Earth’s most influential human.”

Chakotay nodded. “During the past year, I can see how an outsider would have that perception.”

“He wanted to establish a cooperative relationship and warn me about some rumors involving another Romulan who was seeking power. If the other one is elected, we will need to be on our toes.”

“Go on,” he encouraged.

“There’s really not much more to it. Rabom and I hit it off really well, but his vagueness regarding this other Romulan was disconcerting. Harry and Justin spent a couple of weeks trying to dig up information, but without a name, there wasn’t enough to go on.”

“I guess we just stay on alert.”

“That’s basically what I told Truov.” Kathryn leaned her head back so she could catch Chakotay’s eyes. “If we do learn something soon, I’d like to go back on limited duty.”

“To do what?”

“Participate in conversations about to handle the situation.”

“Whatever you feel like you need to do.” He covered his arm where she’d flicked it. “Because I trust you.”

She quirked a smile. “Smart man.”




A few weeks later, Kathryn and Chakotay held hands as they walked up to Tom and B’Elanna’s door. She said, “It’s nice to be able to do this again.”

“Have dinner with friends?” Chakotay asked.

“To be able to walk up the sidewalk without a four-point security team. I’ve missed the freedom to just be able to go to a friend’s house without an advance perimeter sweep”

He pulled on his ear and ducked his head in embarrassment. “I was just thinking about what happened last time you and I were both here.”

“When was that?”

“The night when I did what was possibly the second most stupid thing I’ve ever done.”

She stopped and looked at him curiously. “We haven’t been here since that night we fought?”

“I have, but you haven’t.” He scratched his jaw. “Funny how you knew exactly what the second stupidest thing was.”

Kathryn tilted her head in sympathy as she stepped into his arms. “I want you to remember two things.”

“What’re those?” he asked as his lips grazed her forehead.

“I was clinically depressed and you won me back.”

“I’m incredibly thankful for the second thing, but the other makes me feel like a heel for not having recognized it and for having instigated it.”

“Shhhh,” she soothed. “Don’t you go getting depressed on me, now.”

“How could I possibly be depressed with you in my arms, swollen with my child?”

Kathryn stretched up onto her toes and kissed him, but it was short-lived because Tom came outside.

“Would you two stop making out on my sidewalk?”

Chakotay gave her another quick squeeze and said, “I guess we’d better finish this later.”

“Might be for the best.” She turned in his arms and put her arm around his waist to walk the rest of the way. “Tom, you have impeccable timing, as always.”

“How so? Were things about to get really interesting?”

Her eyes widened as she joked, “I guess you’ll never know.”

“Get in here, you two,” B’Elanna called out from the kitchen. “Chakotay, I need your help.”

“With what?” he asked as he followed her voice.

“Dinner. Tom is busy with Miral and I’m not even going to ask your wife.”

“Hey!” Kathryn said, her hands on her hips. “I’m getting much better in the kitchen.”

“Yes you are,” Chakotay noted. “But I know that you’d much rather help with Miral than throw a salad together.”

Miral yelled, “Cookie!”

Tom replied, “Eat your green beans first, little one.”

“Cookie!”

“Green beans.”

“Cookie!”

Tom shook his head. “Green beans.”

Kathryn tried not to smile. “How long do you two usually go at this?”

“As long as it takes.”

B’Elanna said, “Until he gives in, which perpetuates the problem.”

“I don’t give in.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

Kathryn looked down at the tray and noted, “Looks to me like she’s smashing them, not eating them.”

Tom said, “She wouldn’t eat them at lunch, either. Last week, she couldn’t get enough.”

B’Elanna said, “At lunch, she wanted Tom’s food, not her own.”

“What were you eating?” Chakotay asked.

“Leftover tuna steak,” Tom said as he cleaned up the green bean mess. “Not exactly kid friendly, but she was in scavenger-mode.”

“And at breakfast, she didn’t want her applesauce, she wanted my bagel,” B’Elanna said.

Kathryn fingered one of Miral’s curly locks. “Not that I have any expertise with children, but sounds like she wants to sink her teeth into something hearty. Enough of the mushy stuff.”

“Hmmm,” Tom said as he walked over to the pantry, pulled out a bagel, and handed a chunk of it to his daughter. “Bagel?”

Miral’s face lit up as she grabbed it and yelled, “Cookie!”

They all laughed and Kathryn said, “Well, she thinks she won, but maybe a cookie is anything other than what she’s currently eating.”

“Or just something chewy,” Chakotay pointed out.

Kathryn pulled up a chair and put her elbows on the table near Miral. “Is that yummy?”

“Cookie,” the little girl said as she gummed the big chunk of bread.

“Yummy.” She smiled as she helped clean the bits of green beans off the little girl’s shirt.

Tom asked, “Are you ready for one of these?”

“Oh, yes. I can’t wait.” Kathryn added, “But I do want to try to hold onto the pregnancy until the end of September. Joe thinks it’s do-able if I take it easy.”

“You’re only five months. Are you showing signs of pre-term labor?”

“No, but he’s had to repair the placenta once already. It’s in a vulnerable location.”

B’Elanna said, “Then I’d better move up my plans for a baby shower.”

“A shower? You don’t need to do that, Lanna.”

“Of course I do. Phoebe and I’ve already been talking about it.”

A slow smile spread across Kathryn’s face. “I’m happy to hear that. Did she tell you she’s expecting, too?”

“No, really?”

“In January.” Kathryn turned in her chair to face B’Elanna. “For the shower, my staff would probably like to attend, and most of them will be heading out on the Pioneer on August 20th. Think you could swing a party that quickly?”

“Sure! We’ll get right on it. How big a party do you want?”

“That’s up to you.”

Chakotay asked, “Can the men attend?”

“Of course,” B’Elanna replied. “Can’t wait to see what Harry gives you guys.”

“What did he give you?” Kathryn asked.

“Cloth diapers with a Starfleet insignia,” Tom replied. “We used them as burp cloths.”

“Oh yeah,” Kathryn said with a chuckle. “I remember now.”

As B’Elanna set the vegetables and potatoes on the table, she asked, “Any dates we should avoid?”

“Only August 8th. We’re attending a wedding in Alaska.”

“Whose?” Tom asked.

“Will Riker and Deanna Troi, from the Enterprise.”

B’Elanna asked, “Speaking of the Enterprise, what is it with that ship and Harry? He mentioned that he’s going out again in September, but you said your staff is going on the Pioneer.”

Tom added, “Yeah, he’s been on the Enterprise more lately than he’s been with you.”

Kathryn shared a look with Chakotay and then asked, “What did Harry say about his departure in September, exactly?”

“Just that he’d be headed out and wanted to spend some time with us before he went. Why do you ask?”

Kathryn tapped her comm badge. “Janeway to Commander Kim, San Francisco 974.”

“Kim here. What can I do for you, Admiral?”

“What’s your current location?”

“I’m at my parent’s house, but we haven’t started dinner, yet. Do you need something?”

“We’re at Tom and B’Elanna’s, and they seem in the dark about your upcoming adventure on the Enterprise.”

Tom asked, “Was it supposed to be confidential or something?”

“Not exactly,” Harry replied. “Kathryn, didn’t you tell them about it?”

“Nooo,” she said carefully.

“Oh, well, that would certainly explain their lack of reaction. I assumed that as often as they see you, they already knew.”

“Knew what, Starfleet?” B’Elanna demanded.

Harry said, “I’ve been assigned to the Enterprise permanently, and I’m shipping out September 1st.”

“Wow!” Tom replied. “What position?”

“I’m replacing Commander Data who is being promoted to first officer.”

“Seriously?” B’Elanna asked. “Bridge officer on the Federation flagship?”

Harry chuckled. “Now that is the reaction I was looking for.”

Tom said, “This calls for a party. Wow, I think we need a huge one. A real blow out.”

“Sounds good,” Harry replied. “Listen, I need to go, but we’ll talk some more tomorrow.”

Kathryn asked, “Apple pie tonight, Harry?”

“Oh, you bet,” he replied, sounding less than thrilled. “I’ll call you on Monday, Kathryn. There are a few things I want to go over with you before I speak to the security commission next week.”

“Looking forward to it, Janeway out.”

Once the line was closed, Tom asked, “Our little Harry? Second officer on the Enterprise?”

Chakotay set the baked chicken down on the table as he replied, “No, he’ll just be ops. Second officer goes to the third highest ranking bridge officer, regardless of their post.”

“Oh,” Tom replied, seemingly confused. “I figured a ship as large as the Enterprise would have ops and a second officer.”

“Every ship has a second officer, Tom,” Kathryn replied.

“But Voyager didn’t.”

“Remember the guy with the pointy ears?” Chakotay asked as he sat down beside his wife. “Or have you blocked him from your memory?”

Tom rolled his eyes as they started passing the food. “You never referred to him as your second officer.”

“Chief of Security has a nicer ring to it, don’t you think?” Kathryn asked.

“Still,” B’Elanna said. “Ops on the Enterprise. That’s quite a coup for our Harry.”

Kathryn nodded. “He really impressed Picard on several occasions. First time was in finding me.”

“How was Harry involved, other than being onboard the Pioneer?”

Chakotay replied, “He was the one who found her. Didn’t you all know that?”

“No,” Tom said as she shared a look with B’Elanna. “Wow, this is a night for surprises.”

“The way Picard tells it,” Kathryn described, “Harry calculated the frequency of a transmission faster than Data, and because of the improvements Harry made to both ships’ sensors, they were able to track the location of the freighter where I was being held.”

B’Elanna asked, “Let me guess… Borg sensor technology?”

“I’m sure that Annika would know which species it came from,” Chakotay noted.

“Amazing,” Tom said. “Just amazing.”

“What’s Harry going to do about his relationship with his doctor friend?” B’Elanna asked.

“Amy?” When they nodded, Kathryn continued, “Dr. Crusher is taking her under her wing, but Amy will be doing some additional training at Starfleet Medical this fall before joining the Enterprise in January.”

“Doesn’t that work out nicely?” Tom winked. “I don’t suppose you had any pull in arranging that?”

“Not as much as you would think. Amy has to earn the right to stay on the Enterprise, but at least she’ll have the opportunity.”

Miral threw her chewed up bagel chunk onto Kathryn’s plate and announced, “Done!”

“I’m so sorry!” B’Elanna said as she tried to grab the disgusting object.

Kathryn held up her hand. “It’s fine, Lanna.” She simply moved the slimy bagel to the edge of her plate. “It’s not like a well-loved piece of food is the worst thing I’ve ever had to contend with.”

“Still, that’s a slobbery mess,” Tom said as he reached across and plucked it off of her plate.

Kathryn looked at the sweet little toddler with a forehead full of ridges and smiled. “You really are a mess, you know that?”

“Play!”

“I’ll be happy to play after dinner.”

“Play!”

Kathryn shook her head in amusement. “How about a cookie?”

“Play!”

“Here you go,” Tom said as he put a wafer cookie down on Miral’s tray.

She immediately threw it on the floor. “Play!”

Tom unhooked the tray and picked her up. “Miral is a girl who knows what she wants. Remind you of anyone?”

Kathryn smiled at B’Elanna who was eyeing her husband with annoyance. “Lanna, I have a feeling people will say the same thing about my child.”

“People always say that about the children of strong-willed parents.”

Chakotay added, “Just remember, ladies, that it’s the strong-willed parents who make the best leaders.”

B’Elanna asked, “Have you two decided on a name, yet?”

“We’ve tossed a few around, but haven’t come to any decisions. You have any suggestions?”

“You want suggestions?”

“Sure, if you’ve got a good one,” Chakotay replied.

B’Elanna sat back in her chair, completely surprised. “I got about ten a day on Voyager. I was so sick of baby names that I would’ve liked to have throw a well-loved piece of food in a few faces.”

Kathryn and Chakotay exchanged looks and together, said, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. After all, we used your suggestion, Kathryn.”

“My suggestion and my name.”

“I guess we should’ve asked your permission, first.”

“Of course not,” she said earnestly. “I’m truly honored.”

“So, what names have you come up with? Are you sure it’s a boy?”

Chakotay answered, “Dr. Joe has confirmed it. We are definitely having a boy.”

Kathryn said, “We’ve thought about both Indian and traditional names.”

“But we’re torn,” Chakotay finished. “It’s not necessary to have a special name to acknowledge one’s heritage, and I think we’d be giving the kid a leg up if we gave him a normal name.”

B’Elanna said, “I understand, what with having a Klingon name all my life. However, we went with mom’s name for Miral because of my experiences on the Barge of the Dead. I want her to ask about her name some day.”

“I can see the value in that, but in my father’s tribal tradition, his name goes to the first born grandson. Sekaya already used Kolopak.”

Kathryn asked, “Have you given anymore thought to naming him after one of the fallen Maquis?”

“Bendara?” B’Elanna asked. “You two were very close.”

Chakotay shook his head. “He died because of Seska, and I don’t want to be reminded about that, especially when I look at my son.”

Kathryn said, “I thought about Scott, but I don’t want to rule out an Indian name, yet.”

Tom returned and asked, “Scott?”

“Possible name for our son.”

“Scott Janeway. Has a nice ring to it.”

“Yes it does,” Chakotay said. “I like it a lot.”

B’Elanna asked, “What are your ideas for Indian names?”

“Anthwara was my grandfather, Kotawa was his grandfather. Kulkulkan was the name of the sky spirit, which we could possibly shorten to Kulkan. Tokala is a cunning fox, Cheveyo was a spirit warrior.”

“What about using one of those as a middle name?” Tom asked.

“That idea has some merit.”

Kathryn squeezed her husband’s hand and said, “We’ll have to give it some thought.”




It was a cool August day when Kathryn and Chakotay arrived in Alaska for Will and Deanna’s wedding. They were ushered into the garden where the guests were gathered for the ceremony.

Beverly walked up and drew Kathryn into a hug. “It’s so wonderful to see you!”

“You, too. I was hoping we’d get a chance to visit more while you’re here.”

“I know, but we barely made it back to Earth as it is.” Beverly held Kathryn at arm’s length and gave her a good once over. “You look wonderful! Radiant!”

“You’re supposed to say that to the bride, not the guests.”

“Don’t you worry. Deanna looks gorgeous, too.” Beverly turned to Chakotay and gave him a quick hug as well. “Good to see you. Kathryn tells me that you’re taking good care of her.”

“As much as she’ll let me,” he joked.

“Hey, now,” Kathryn playfully jabbed his ribs. “I’ve been good.”

“Yes, but we have to keep up the pretense of you being stubborn, don’t we?”

Kathryn rolled her eyes and turned back to Beverly. “Is Deanna nervous?”

“Not at all. She’s more than ready to be married.”

“How long have they been together?” Chakotay asked.

Jean-Luc walked up and asked, “Will and Deanna? They’ve been dancing around each other since the day I met them twenty years ago!”

“Hello, Jean-Luc, good to see you.” Kathryn took his hand for a handshake, but she was surprised when he pulled her into a quick hug.

“You look positively wonderful, my dear Admiral.”

“Thank you. Despite being almost six months pregnant, I feel better than I have in a long time.”

“I’m so glad to hear it.” He offered his hand to Chakotay. “Good to see you again as well.”

“You, too, Captain.”

“Please, call me Jean-Luc. I feel we’re going to be old friends, soon.”

Kathryn raised an eyebrow. “In that case, one of these days, you’re going to have to use my given name, too.”

“We’ll see, we’ll see.” He leaned towards her and asked, “Could I have a moment alone, Admiral?”

Beverly gave him a look. “No business today, remember?”

He kissed the back of Beverly’s hand and said, “We’ll only be a moment.”

As they walked away, Kathryn mentioned, “I’m not up to date on much. Believe it or not, I really am on sabbatical.”

“Oh, this isn’t about business. I just want Beverly to think it is.”

“Why?” Kathryn asked with amusement.

Once they’d arrived in a far corner of the garden, he turned to her and said, “I have a personal request.”

“All right.” She smiled softly. “What can I do for you?”

“This, uh, is… Well, let me just come out and say it. I want to surprise Beverly when we return to Earth at the end of the month.”

“What kind of surprise?”

“I want to ask her to marry me.”

Kathryn’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow!”

“Now, now, dear Admiral. Don’t give me away. She’s likely watching us.”

“All right,” she said with a chuckle as she schooled her features. “Might I make a suggestion, though?”

“Of course,” he encouraged.

“As romantic as that is, a woman likes to make plans for these types of occasions.”

“Hmmm, I see your point,” he said as he rubbed his chin. “Well, if she wants to, we’ll put it off, but I’m not prepared to propose until then. Of course, there’s no guarantee that she’ll accept.”

Kathryn laid her hand on his forearm. “I doubt that’ll be a problem.”

“Oh, I don’t know. We have gotten rather stuck in our ways.” Jean-Luc patted Kathryn’s hand. “Regardless, I’d like to ask you to officiate. I think it would mean a lot to her.”

“If that’s what she would like, then I’d love to.”

“You have reservations?”

“Her family is from Scotland. What if she wants a traditional Scottish wedding?”

He nodded with interest. “That would be lovely, too.”

“Just let me know. I’m happy to be a guest, an attendant, or an officiate.”

“Will do.” He tilted his head and asked with sincerity, “How are you feeling these days?”

“I’m doing pretty well.”

“Finding enough projects to keep you busy, I hope?”

“Many,” she laughed. “Mostly, I’ve been writing. Chakotay and I are working on a text book for Delta Quadrant Studies and I'm finally getting a chance to do some follow-up accounts from a few of Voyager’s more remarkable adventures.”

Very interested, he said, “I’ll look forward to reading them.”

“Actually…”

“Yes?”

“I’ve been approached to write a book about the Q.”

He tried to cover his laugh. “A whole book? It’s just one letter!”

“It would be a short one. Are you interested in co-authoring?”

Running his hand over his bald head, he replied, “I’m not sure, but let’s talk more about it next week. I’d love to know what direction you’re taking the book.”

“None, yet. I haven’t gotten that far, nor have I agreed to do it.”

“You might not want to, because ‘he’ would enjoy it a little too much.”

“Good point,” she smirked. “Stroking that ego might not be wise.”

He put a hand on her elbow and guided her back to the others. “Now, I must attend to my duties as best man and see if Will needs any last minute advice.”

“You’re going to advise him on marriage?”

“Heavens, no. I was thinking more in terms of how to make a quick escape!”

Kathryn laughed with him. “I doubt there’s much of a chance he’d want to.”

“Me, either,” he said as they returned to Beverly and Chakotay.

Beverly asked, “Did you solve all of Starfleet’s problems?”

“No,” Jean-Luc replied. “But we might be collaborating on a book in the near future.”

“About?”

Kathryn replied, “The Q.”

Chakotay cringed. “Must you?”

“No, but it might be fun.”

“Then I suggest you use the title I’ve come up with…”

“Must you?” Kathryn interrupted.

Jean-Luc said with barely contained amusement, “I really want to hear this.”

Kathryn cleared her throat. “It’s not polite.”

“Neither is Q,” Beverly pointed out. “Let’s hear it.”

Chakotay tugged on his ear and announced, “Omnipotent or Just Impotent.”

Beverly and Jean-Luc laughed heartily, Kathryn rolled her eyes, and Chakotay turned a charming shade of pink.

“That’s perfect,” Jean-Luc replied as he patted Chakotay’s back. “Absolutely perfect.”

Kathryn made a shooing motion with her hand towards Jean-Luc. “Weren’t you going to check on Will?”

He laughed again and kissed Beverly on the cheek. “And you should be tending to the bride, my dear.”

Beverly’s eyes widened at the unusual public display of affection. “Aren’t you being the romantic one?”

“It’s a wedding. When in Rome…” he tossed over his shoulder as he walked away.

When he was out of ear shot, Beverly shook her head in amusement. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him over the last few weeks.”

Kathryn noted, “He seems very happy.”

“Yes, and that’s strange considering he’s losing two members of his senior staff.”

“Perhaps he’s just embracing change.”

“Perhaps,” Beverly said with a sigh. “But I don’t know whether to be happy along with him or to keep watch for the other shoe to drop.”

Chakotay said, “I say enjoy the good times while they’re here.”

“Good idea.” Beverly nodded towards the back of the garden. “I’d better go check on Deanna. I hope you’re staying for the reception?”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Kathryn replied.

Once Beverly was gone, Chakotay took Kathryn’s hand to escort her to their seats. He said, “I hope you’re not too sore at me for telling a dirty joke.”

She chuckled. “No, honey. It was fine.”

As they sat, he noted, “Seems like it was only a few days ago that we were the ones getting married.”

“I know.” Cozying up next to him, she sighed happily. “Feels like we’ve been together forever, and that you just showed up on my bridge pointing a phaser at me a few days ago.”




“Duty,” Jean-Luc stated. “A starship captain’s life is filled with solemn duty. I have commanded men in battle. I have negotiated peace treaties between implacable enemies. I have represented the Federation in First Contact with twenty-seven alien species. But none of this compares with my solemn duty today as best man.”

Kathryn stole a quick glance at Chakotay and laughed, but instead of paying attention to the best man’s toast, Chakotay was focused on Kathryn’s leg under the table. He was drawing tantalizing circles on her thigh.

Jean-Luc continued, “Now, I know on an occasion such as this it is expected that I be gracious and fulsome in my praise on the wonders of this blessed union.” He paused and looked at the happy couple. “But have the two of you considered what you are doing to me? Of course, you’re happy, but what about my needs? This is all a damned inconvenience.”

Everyone chuckled as he continued. “I mean, while you are happily settling in on the Titan, I will be training my new First Officer. You all know him. He’s a tyrannical martinet who will never, ever allow me to go on away missions.”

Kathryn shifted slightly in her seat to move closer to her husband as Data replied, “That is the regulation, sir. Starfleet Code Section 12, Paragraph Four…”

“Mr. Data?”

“Sir?”

“Shut up.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Jean-Luc said, “Fifteen years I’ve been waiting to say that.”

During another moment of laughter, Chakotay whispered, "Am I bothering you?”

Kathryn smiled. "Yes, but don't stop."

Jean-Luc continued, “No, seriously. Will, Deanna, there’s still time to reconsider. Yes?”

The happy couple looked at each other and shook their heads. “No.”

“No?” Picard patted Will on the shoulder. “Oh, very well, then.”

He picked up a champagne flute. “Will Riker, you have been my trusted right arm for fifteen years. You have kept my course true and steady. Deanna Troi, you have been my guide and my conscience. You have helped me recognize the better parts of myself. You are my family.”

Speaking loudly so the audience could hear, he said, “And in best maritime tradition, I wish you both clear horizons. My good friends… make it so.” Jean-Luc raised his flute and toasted, “The bride and groom!”

Everyone echoed, “To the bride and groom!”

After taking a drink, Kathryn turned to Chakotay. “That’s you, you know.”

“Me?” he asked softly.

“My trusted right arm, my guide, and my conscience.”

He winked at her and smiled lovingly. “And you are the same for me.”

“A perfect match, then,” she replied, patting his hand.

As they watched the bride and groom dance, Chakotay cleared his throat and whispered into her ear, “You know what else you are?”

“I am many things, but do tell,” she encouraged.

“You’re mine.”

“Yes, I am, and thank you for not letting me forget it.” She elbowed him playfully.




Once the reception was in full swing, Kathryn said, "Come with me to get some water?"

"Sure," he said as he took her hand and walked towards the drink table with her. However, before they arrived, Wesley Crusher came up and said, “Admiral Janeway, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Wesley…”

“…Crusher, I know,” she said with a big smile as she shook his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you from your mother.”

Chakotay said, “If you’ll excuse me for just a moment, I’ll get you a drink, Kathryn.”

They nodded at Chakotay and then Wesley said, “Hopefully, Mom didn’t bore you with singing my praises. She tends to do that.”

“No, not at all. I love hearing about your adventures. In fact, some time, I’d love to talk with you at length regarding your experiences with the traveler.”

Sympathetically, he said, “I'm afraid that’s confidential, ma’am.”

“Confidential in Starfleet or with the traveler’s species?”

“The traveler. What I discovered is beyond human comprehension – I don’t mean to sound condescending.”

Chakotay returned and handed her a glass of ice water.

“Thank you. Have you met Lieutenant Wesley Crusher?”

“No, I haven’t.” He shook the young man’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant.”

“A pleasure to meet you, as well, Captain. I also had the honor of meeting your grandfather, Anthwara.”

“Did you?” he asked in surprise.

“Yes, when the Enterprise was sent to evacuate Dorvan V in 2370.”

“Ah,” Chakotay said with a sigh. “Yes.”

Kathryn rubbed his back and said, “I wish I had known him, too.”

Wesley commented, “He did what he thought was honorable.”

“Oh, I know. When my tribe relocated to Dorvan, they worked very hard to build what they had there. In my opinion, they were a little too proud of it.”

“You were born and raised on Trebus, right?”

“That’s right,” Chakotay replied, clearly impressed.

“Have you thought about rebuilding your tribe there? That planet is still habitable.”

“No, I haven’t.” He nodded towards Kathryn. “My life is here, and my sister is happily settled on Banora. That, and we’d need a lot more people to build a colony. I don’t know that I'm up to that.”

“I understand.”

Kathryn felt that the conversation had come to a lull, so she said, “Wesley was just telling me about some of his adventures. You returned to Starfleet during the war, right?”

“That’s correct. I felt the need to fight for my home, and once the war was over, I decided to return to my normal life for the time being. You know that I'm stationed on the Titan?”

“In engineering, I believe?”

“Yes, I'm leading a team that is testing a new warp propulsion design out of the Daystrom Institute.”

“Oh?” Kathryn asked. “What’s new about it?”

“Are you familiar with Dr. Holmes’ work?”

“Yes, I did a little reading on him because he’s dating a young woman from Voyager.”

Wesley furrowed his brow and shook his head. “No, he’s dating a woman who is new to his team, Janet Willow. She’s not in Starfleet.”

Kathryn exchanged a look with Chakotay and then asked Wesley, “Dr. Richard Holmes?”

“That’s the one. Who was he dating from Voyager?”

“Annika Hansen,” she frowned. “I guess I need to call her.”

“Oh!” Wesley said with a smile. “Yes, he and Annika used to spend a lot of time together, but I didn’t think they were dating. I haven’t seen her around in the last couple of months.”

Chakotay rubbed his jaw. “Yeah, sounds like we definitely need to check on her.”

Kathryn sighed. “Regardless, I’d love to hear about this new design. Does B’Elanna Torres from Utopia Planetia know about it?”

Wesley nodded. “Yes, she does. B’Elanna is amazing. I love talking to her.”

“As do I,” Kathryn replied as Beverly came over. “Perhaps I’ll make a trip out to see both of you sometime soon.”

Beverly said, “I see you’ve met my son.”

“Yes, we have. I'm eager to hear more about this new warp design he’s working on.”

“It’s over my head,” Beverly mused as she squeezed her son’s shoulder. “I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Wesley shrugged and told Kathryn, “See?”

Laughing, she replied, “A mother has the right to dote on her son.”

Chakotay said to the Crushers, “If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to take Kathryn for a spin on the dance floor.”

“By all means,” Beverly said happily. “Enjoy yourselves.”

As they walked away, Kathryn said, “It feels so good to be here with everyone.”

“I am. I'm very happy."

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