Kathryn Janeway was a pragmatic person. There was a reason or a cause for every action and reaction in the universe. Her greatest delight was in discovering and understanding the reason for the unknowns that crossed her path.

And yet, as she stared out of the long curved window of her room into crisp brightness of early morning, she was overwhelmed by the sheer, delicate beauty that stretched before her. Her need for analysis was sublimated by the aura of nature surrounding her.

It was early spring on this planet called Valpora. A small courtyard was immediately outside of her windows. The garden-like area was rimmed by tall white-barked trees, their slender branches cradling newborn green leaves. She gazed beyond the nest of trees, looking out upon a field as wide as an ocean, flooded with waves of pink and purple and mauve flowers... flowing in a pastel foam toward the shores of shadowed slopes of mountains miles away.

The sight produced a soothing effect on her, as if to affirm her decision to respond to the invitation from the Valporian leaders to visit their homeworld. And yet, she had not remembered this sight yesterday; all that she could recall was the small courtyard... with nothing beyond except gray nothingness. In spite of the increasing warmth that the daylight brought, she felt chilled, and pulled her thin robe more tightly around her. The Federation captain turned back to her room, reflecting on what had brought her to this planet...

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

Three days earlier, Voyager had entered this sun system. Seven planets orbited around a medium size yellow star, very much resembling Earth's own solar system. Long range scans had indicated life on two of the planets, both with humanlike populations. When the Starfleet vessel was within 5 light years of the system, communications were made with a space vessel from Valpora.

The scans from Voyager had indicated that the patrolling spaceship was fueled with a nuclear fusion chamber, comparable to a Starfleet "Defiant" class ship, and that it was capable of attaining speeds close to Voyager's warp 8.

"I've got contact with the ship, Captain. On screen now," Harry Kim had said of their initial contact.

Captain Janeway had stood to her full command stature, as the screen on Voyager's bridge focused on the interior of the approaching vessel.

"This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S. Voyager. Thank you for allowing us to approach your area."

The greeting face was one of kindness. It was a male face, appearing to be of an age similar to Janeway's. It was brightened by a sincere smile appearing in the middle of a thick dark beard on an elongated face encircled with long waves of similarly colored hair. Very round, very black eyes looked into hers.

"Welcome to you, Kathryn Janeway. I am Emmoran of the planet Valpora. We have been monitoring your approach to our star system for several diurnal cycles. Although we are not familiar with your ship markings, we sense that you mean us no harm." His smile became warmer as he spoke. "We welcome you to our system and would invite you join us, so that we may learn more about each other."

It was now her turn to repay with words of accord.

"It is our pleasure to meet you, sir. How may I properly address you?" she asked.

"Emmoran is sufficient. On Valpora, we have no ranks or classes; we are known only by our given names."

"Then I am pleased to meet you, Emmoran of Valpora. If I might ask, what is the nature of your current travel?"

"My crew and I are returning from trade negotiating sessions with the other populated planet within our system, the planet Vespra. We have differing climates and agricultures, so trading is proves beneficial to both planets."

Janeway brightened upon hearing of the availability of agricultural products from the two planets, and immediately followed through on her survival instinct.

"Emmoran, we are a great distance from our home quadrant, with many years of travel ahead of us. Perhaps we could do some negotiating also. I can tell from your ship that your technologies are similar to ours, but perhaps we could share some our methods with you in return for fresh supplies for our journey."

The serene face of the Valporian nodded in agreement.

"Kathryn Janeway, you and your crew seem to have an interesting story to relate about an odyssey so far from home. We always welcome those who come in peace, who wish to share stories and goods. We would invite you and your crew to visit our planet, so that we might proceed in learning more about each other. You are about two solar orbit cycles away from Valpora; that would give each of our groups time to adequately prepare for each other."

His face radiated as he continued. "And, it would honor us that you will be with us at our time of the Festival of Farewells. It is a time of stories and tales. Certainly you can add to the festivities with anecdotes and narratives of your own..."

"Thank you; we would be honored. Valpora will be a pleasant break for us," Janeway responded.

Emmoran continued, "Although I know that not all of your crew can visit at the same time, we would hope that all would have the opportunity to spend some time with us."

"We will certainly explore that possibility, Emmoran. You are most kind. Initially, I shall probably come with three or four of my crew, and then perhaps we can arrange for a rotation of leave for the rest of the ship. In the meantime, we look forward to your invitation and your festival time."

"The pleasure will be ours, I am certain, Kathryn Janeway. We will get back to you shortly to identify your needs for lodging."

The screen went blank. Janeway turned back to her first officer, who was still staring at the now dark screen.

"Well, Chakotay. What do you think of that?"

He looked up at her, a slow smile coming across his face.

"He seemed very open and sincere. I could not detect any secret agenda behind his invitation. It's about time that we found a society that didn't want us as trophies of the hunt or to assimilate us for energy sources or to harvest our vital organs," Chakotay quipped with his smile now migrating to his eyes. "And it would certainly do all of us some good to have some 'down time'."

The captain strode over to her chair, sat down and slowly crossed her legs. "Nonetheless, I think that initially I'll take several security people... just to assure myself that I'm not going to feed any of my crew to the lions."

Chakotay was now quietly laughing and shaking his head. *Kathryn Janeway... do you know how maternal you are? Never thinking twice about your own safety, but always concerned about your crew? It's a good thing you don't have children of your own; they would 'never' learn to fly on their own!*

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Now she was on Valpora. The day before, she had beamed down with Tuvok, Neelix, Seven and Lts. Nguma and Anstram. They had been greeted by Emmoran and several of his fellow negotiators. Although the welcoming party seemed to be imbued with leadership demeanor, true to Emmoran's earlier statement, there were no titles or ranks used among them.

Voyager's team had been given lodging in a large building which seemed to be reserved for visitors. Each person had been shown to a large suite-like room, elegant in its simplicity.

Janeway was the last to be shown to her lodging area. Emmoran alone was with her, and he continued as a gracious host.

"We hope that you and your crew will be comfortable. Tonight we begin our Festival of Farewells. It begins with a simple meal this evening, which we usually spend with our families. I hope you do not mind if I do not join you for this meal. However, you and your party will be provided for in a common dining room within this facility. A staff will lay the meal for you and then retire to their own homes. I certainly hope that this does not inconvenience you."

Janeway looked at him, her face distraught with the fact that it was they who were causing the bother.

"Oh my, no! It is we who are the inconvenience. I am terribly sorry to have you going to all this trouble for visitors when you are in the midst of a family time."

Emmoran placed his hand on her shoulder, his dark eyes soft and comforting. "Kathryn Janeway, this is the way we want you to observe our festival with us. It is proper for you to arrive here today... to experience the transition into the morrow. Now, I must take my leave. May peace be with you from evening to morning." He made a slight bow towards her.

Janeway was uncomfortable with the seeming intrusion at such a private time on the planet, but returned his calm respects.

"We thank you for your hospitality. May peace also be with you."

Then, she, too, bowed slightly towards him.

He turned and left quietly.

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

Her thoughts returned to the present, as they were interrupted by a muffled knock on her door. She realized that it was probably Tuvok... and she wasn't even dressed yet. She hurriedly walked to the door and opened it to be greeted by her ever-punctual security officer.

Tuvok scanned his captain's attire, raising an eyebrow at her lax attitude.

"Am I early?" he queried.

Janeway ushered him into the room.

"No... I'm late. I'm sorry, Tuvok. I'll be just a few moments. I was somewhat taken this morning by the view outside. Have you looked? Is it different, or am I imagining things?"

"No, Captain. I noticed the difference in the landscape also. It seems that there is a rapid growing season on this planet. There was no sign of vegetation in the adjoining field last night; and yet, this morning, it appears that indigenous flora have appeared overnight."

Janeway shook her head, as if to clear her thoughts.

"Well... good. I guess I'm not losing my mind. I could have sworn that there was nothing beyond the courtyard but a plain of rock slabs. We must have received some rain last night, and the flowers sprung up, just as they do in the deserts on Earth and Vulcan, following seasonal rain."

Tuvok walked over to the wide window, overlooking the vista. "I quite concur, Captain. Now, if I am not mistaken, we are due at a morning meal with Emmoran and his colleague, Legisum."

"I'm on my way," stated Janeway, as she ran towards her dressing area.

Ten minutes later, she reappeared, attired properly and according to protocol in her uniform, ready to meet with their Valporian hosts.

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

Seven, Neelix, Nguma and Anstram were waiting for Tuvok and Janeway in the dining area of their lodge, standing around the dining table.

The long table had been cleared from the simple meal of the night before. This morning, it was covered with a long white lace tablecloth. The table was laden with a variety of fresh fruit and welcoming warm-from-the-oven breads. Covered dishes were steaming with savory contents, and each place was laid with gold rimmed plates and golden utensils. A large vessel beckoned with an aroma that Janeway thankfully recognized as coffee-like. The windows were opened wide, allowing the now bright sunlight to flood the room. A delicate floral scent filled the room, seeming to come from the field of flowers outside.

Neelix' eyes were wide with glee, taking in the lavish banquet laid out before them.

"Captain, have you ever seen such a sight?" he questioned, his eyes hungrily devouring the meal set before them. "I do hope that we can..."

A noise indicated the arrival of others, and the door to the outside opened; Emmoran and Legisum came in.

Emmoran was smiling as always, but this time with a special delight in his face.

"Good morning, my Voyager friends. Welcome to the morning of the Festival of Farewells. We are honored to have you with us for this very special day in our annual cycle. Come... come... let us have our morning repast, before we join the others."

He led them to the beckoning feast. He seated the captain to the right of the host seat, which he assumed. Legisum ushered Seven to the similar position at the other end of the table, as he sat opposite Emmoran. Tuvok, Neelix, Nguma and Anstram filled in the other seated positions.

As soon as all were seated, Janeway turned to Emmoran.

"You are very gracious hosts. It is quite a treat to be able to share such a meal with you after months of replicated ship supplies," Janeway stated. "And the view outside... it is too marvelous for words. I don't believe I noticed all the flowers out there when we arrived yesterday."

"No, Kathryn Janeway, you did not, because they were not there. They only appear on the day of the Festival of Farewells. The flowers are the reason for our festival. They appear to remind us of our story."

"Mr. Emmoran, your comments are most provoking. I, too, come from a culture rich with tradition. I would like to hear this story of yours that culminates with today's festival," Tuvok stated with interest.

Emmoran looked at the stern man seated to the right of Janeway.

"I would be happy to share it with you. We on Valpora feel that each time we retell it to others that we can promote its message of hope and peace throughout the galaxy."

The Valporian man settled back into his chair, his face assuming an almost other-worldly countenance as he began his story.

"Like many other advanced planets, our current atmosphere of peaceful existence has not always been so. What you see of us today is the product of much spilled blood and many shed tears of our ancestors.

"Eleven hundred solar cycles ago, Valpora was a planet of fragmented societies, constantly warring with each other over the fertile areas of the planet. Dozens of small factions existed, each of them ruled by a different family. For tens of generations these families sheltered and fed hundreds of other families in exchange for their labor and allegiance.

"As the populations grew, the lands became depleted and produced less and less food. The ruling families were becoming more arrogant in their beliefs of one family being superior to another and thus, more deserving of land for their peoples. At first, there were trades for the precious land: agriproducts and crafted items were exchanged for privileges of land use. Then, the overlords of the areas decided that they could trade their people for products and land. They began with some of their craftspeople, in a well-meaning token of sharing a gift for a gift. But after many cycles, the people were being used as monetary tokens. The traded individuals brought with them the traditions and rituals of their particular grouping and were frequently ridiculed by their new hosts and lords. Soon, they were being treated harshly... beaten if they did not forego their heritages... forced to perform the menial tasks that all had shared before.

"The most brutal conditions existed for the outlanders who were traded to the family of Lucendum. Lucendum's land was bordered on all sides by areas far richer than his. He frequently used his traded people to make covert raids on the adjoining lands, to bring back agriproducts and other items useful for trade. Because the people were not of his family, if they were caught, he could deny any involvement.

"After twenty cycles, Lucendum had gained much in the way of products and people. He now decided that he wanted the land itself... and without any of the trading that had occurred previously. He called together many of the family and outlined his idea. He would call together all the young men between 16 and twenty four cycles, and train them in the use of agriblades as tools to destroy the families of the surrounding lands. For every male of the surrounding lands that they killed, they would be given a certain amount of the captured goods, and the surviving women. In this way, not only would they gain the good and property, but they could then spread the seed of their family into the surrounding families, further gaining glory and honor for the family of Lucendum.

"Lucendum spoke eloquently. All of the young men in his land answered his challenge and fell under his spell. They learned quickly how to induce mortal blows with the agriblades. Some even redesigned the ancient tools to produce even more devastating effects --- if a person survived a blow with the instruments, he would be injured in such a way that he would never live a good life again. His trained men would frequently attack in the darkest hours of the night, using surprise also as a weapon.

"Soon, Lucendum's power assumed all the surrounding lands. His mesmerizing words attracted many others to his side, and his promises of power and use of conquered peoples as vessels for his men called forth a deep, unknown lust among the young men. As blood was shed, their thirst increased for yet more. His horde was devastating all the lands now, destroying anything in its path just as a summer invasion of locobats. Any men who survived and were not maimed were being forced into slave labor, and the women were being desecrated; nothing seemed to be able to stop them.

"The phalanx of blood thirsty troops was rapidly approaching the farthest edges of the populated world. Soon, Lucendum would have all under his control. His men not only were raping the conquered women, but his agents were defiling the conquered lands also, by misusing them and poisoning them with unneeded treatments. The old ways were being lost, and if he were not stopped, the entire planet would soon be lost also.

"In one of the remote lands there was a man of twenty cycles called Murkon. Murkon had been on an investigating team to search out news of the approaching armies. He had observed from secret places how Lucendum's men fought and plundered. He also saw through their hypocrisies, and noted weaknesses in their overconfidence.

"Murkon returned to his land, and with an persuasiveness not unlike that of Lucendum, he charged the peoples of the far border lands to risk themselves and to stop the devastation of Lucendum's armies. Though the numbers of the advancing troops outmatched them, he had seen ways in which they could be weakened... and possibly stopped. 'What would we have to lose,' he challenged them, 'for if... no, *when* we are attacked, we will surely perish. If we prepare ourselves, there is a chance that not only will we survive... but that we can stop his malignant growth.'

"Murkon's words stirred the hearts of his fellow landsmen. They followed his cry for justice and survival and began preparations for the battle that they knew would come. They, too, forged lethal weapons from their agriblades and craft tools. They devised explosive devices from powders found within the nearby caves. They trained themselves in the disciplines of comrades on the battle fields.

"The women cried out against the battle preparations, urging their men to recall the lost skills of negotiating that could once more be tried. But they were silenced by being told that words took too long; actions would solve the problems more quickly and effectively... and that the outcome would probably be the same.

"And so, as the day of inevitable confrontation drew near, Murkon saw to it that all the women and children and old men were well kept in caves found in the mountains that surrounded the largest open area in their lands --- a wide open plain of rained-smoothed rocks, a field upon which no plant had ever grown.

"All was in preparation. From the distance, a dusty cloud and a muffled thunder announced the approach of Lucendum's armies. Murkon had divided his smaller numbers into three groups: one to meet their foes head-on; one to approach from the direction of the rising sun so as to force their enemy to look into the bright light in their advances; and the third group to swing wide around Lucendum's horde, to attack from the rear flank. All was in readiness.

"Lucendum's armies reached the rim of the great field. Scouting teams found no trace of the well-hidden groups of Murkon's prepared troops. As night fell, they set up camp, to prepare for the people on the other side of the plain.

"As the first rays of the morning sun broke through the tall trees to their right, Lucendum's legions were awakened by battle cries. They had little time to awake properly, much less prepare themselves for the ambushing warriors. But, they had faced battle many times, and quickly armed themselves and formed ranks. The battle had begun in earnest.

"The surprise factor worked initially for Murkon and his valiant corps. Even though they were one on one with their opponents, the element of shock was to their advantage. And they also kept themselves aligned with the blinding early morning sun to their backs. Blow for blow... wound for wound... death for death... the two armies matched each other.

"Just when it seemed that the sheer numbers of Lucendum's hundreds were going to gain the advantage, a loud whoop came from the rear of the battle field. Cylinders were flying through the air, landing among the rear troops of Lucendum, exploding either right above their heads, or as they landed among the startled men. Death froze the astonished expressions on their faces as they fell to the ground, not even seeing the faces of those who destroyed them. Unseen executioners silenced their plaintive cries.

"From sun-up to sundown the battle raged. The field of gray stones became dark red with the blood of the slain; feet were slipping on the slick surfaces, as life ebbed from the bodies, leaving them as cold and still as the stones upon which they fell. Voices became fewer and fewer, until the awakening stars found only silence. So devastating was the battle that not one survived... even Lucendum and Murkon fell victims to the massive slaughter.

"The silence became as a blanket over the lifeless plain. The blood itself dried to a blackness that matched the stones. All was still until a slight form was seen to approach the field from the surrounding caves.

"The draped figure of a woman was seen starting a cautious journey among the stilled armies. Her only audience was the stars above, and they alone heard her soft sobs and gentle call, 'Murkon... Murkon... where are you, my son?' Tenderly she looked at each lifeless face, crying out with pain other names with memories and affection.

"For hours she continued her search of love, for her son. She had almost reached the other side of the wide field, when she saw him, the long brown waves of his hair encircling his upturned, lifeless face. She knelt beside him, and cradled his head in her arms once more. Years slipped away, as she remembered holding him thus when he slept as a child... brushing away childhood nightmares; consoling imagined fears. Her hands lovingly caressed his cheeks once more, now cold and gray with death.

" 'My son, my son... your dreams are now over, as are mine. And yet, I can feel you call to me, telling me that a new world now awaits. Thank you for your promise... and thank you for letting me say farewell. For in teaching me how to say good-bye, you are teaching me how to live.'

"As the sun began a new day, the lone woman was joined by the hundreds of others who had lost sons and husbands and brothers the previous day. They all came to that inglorious place, searching for their loved ones, and saying their good-byes. And, as millions of tears fell, washing away the blackness of blood and the smell of death, a small flower appeared in place of every tear. Soon, no stone was left to be seen, and as the last farewells were sighed, the flowers covered all signs of the battlefield... no blood, no bodies were left, only the flowers remained. The survivors left their loved ones on that field, allowing them to become one with the flowers.

"When the women returned the following day, they were once more greeted by the stark gray field... no trace of the battle and its bodies... or the flowers... remained. In their grief and surprise, they questioned each other... what had happened? Had they imagined it all? Slowly... with assurances from each other, they realized the miracle that had happened, and vowed that none of the deaths would be in vain; that the flowers had provided them with the promise of new life.

"Following the battle of the Field of Stones, the hatred and divisive spirits slowly disappeared. New agreements were reached among the surviving peoples, and through words and actions, the people of Valpora vowed never again to destroy themselves or their planet. Oh, this did not happen quickly; it took many cycles to correct all the wrongs. Many more tears were shed, and words cooled slowly.

"However, every solar cycle since that day, on the anniversary date of that battle of long ago, the Field of Stones becomes alive with flowers. On that day, we go to the Field and say good-bye to friends and loved ones who have died during the previous year. If we cannot come to this place every year, then the years when we are able, we present all who have gone on since our last trip. In doing so, we are blessed with contentment, knowing that we have helped our loved ones go on to the next existence, and that they have allowed us to get on with our lives without them.

It is a cleansing, rewarding ritual for our souls. We are reminded of the fragility and fleetingness of life: the flowers are here, and then they are gone. And they remind us of the immortality of our souls... of rebirth with our tears."

Emmoran paused, allowing the visitors a few moments to reflect on his story.

"We know that your journey has been long, and that you have been away from the spiritual support of your own cultures. We ask you today, to join us in our festival... to allow your own spirits to become released from past burdens and revived for the times to come."

Emmoran became silent once more, looking around at his guests. The group was quiet; even Seven seemed to be affected by the power and vibrancy of his words.

Janeway shifted uncomfortably in her chair, but finally broke the silence, as she spoke softly.

"Are you certain that we would not be intruding? This... seems to be such a *personal* time for you," she stated hesitatingly.

"No, Kathryn Janeway, this is the very reason we ask you. For, we do not want to be strangers to anyone; we do not wish for anything but to welcome you with our entire beings. It is our joy to be able to share this time with you. In fact, I would encourage you to explain this to your crew and have all of them join us. I know that you cannot have all come at once, but perhaps over the day, you could let each of them join us for a short while."

The captain, looked down at her lap, trying to compose an answer that would be appropriate. She herself saw no need for such a ritual, but perhaps... others on the ship would.

"I thank you for your kind invitation. Perhaps my crew could benefit from the spirit of this day. I will go back to the ship and explain the... purpose, and let them come down as you call them."

Tuvok interrupted. "Captain, with all due respect, I probably have had more experience than you in the importance of such rituals. Perhaps I can better express to the crew the meaning and purpose of the Festival of Farewells."

With great relief, Janeway nodded in agreement.

"Very well, Mr. Tuvok. I shall remain here to continue our trade talks, and you will make arrangements for everyone to spend some time with our hosts during their festival."

Emmoran smiled at her acquiescence to his invitation.

"Please... now... let us break our fast, and begin our day."

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

True to his word, Tuvok had quickly and efficiently organized visits for all who wished to come planetside to join in the Festival of Farewells. Janeway watched from her room, as group after group of her crew joined the Valporians in their pilgrimages to the sacred field. Much to her surprise, it seemed that everyone on Voyager had chosen to participate. It was even more of a surprise when she saw even B'Elanna appear at the edge of the floral field, seeming to shed rare Klingon tears as she leaned against Tom's tall form, his own shoulders shaking with emotion.

Now, the day was drawing to a close. The sun was once more following its daily path behind the far mountains. And once more her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her door. She walked over and opened it, to be welcomed by the serene face of Emmoran.

"May I join you?" he asked.

Nervously, Kathryn motioned him in and said, "Why, of course. After all, this *is* your home!"

"Kathryn Janeway, I have noticed that you have not joined your fellow journeyers to the field today."

She swallowed, hoping not to insult his beliefs by stating her own private disbelief.

"I have no one to whom I must bid farewell. My crew is all here."

"Ah, but I can sense that is not true, Kathryn Janeway. I can feel that there have been life-changing events for you this solar cycle... events which you still cannot accept. That is what this day is all about... to admit losses in our lives, and accept the opportunity that those losses have opened up to us. Only by saying good-bye to our losses can we release them... and us... to new life. The flowers cannot bloom again until the seeds of our tears have been planted. It is time for you also to let go... to say good-bye... and allow yourself to be raised to new life."

He looked deeply into her eyes, and sensed that she was at least thinking about what he said.

"I wish you good night, Kathryn Janeway. May the Festival of Farewells bring peace to your troubled spirit."

He turned and left, silently closing the door behind him.

Kathryn Janeway had never felt so alone... not even on the Borg cube.

She slowly walked over to the windows and looked out onto the darkening expanse beyond the courtyard. For just a moment, she thought she heard voices calling to her. Maybe she *would* go out to the field...

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

She slowly walked to the edge of the field, now once more somber and gray, its stones cold sullen monuments to the vibrant life that she had seen there earlier that day. The sun had all but disappeared behind the mountains at the far side, its rapid exit bringing with it a chilled darkness. But the darkness and emptiness she felt within herself was even greater. Alone... in the end, she was always alone.

She turned, and realized that she was *not* alone. A looming shadowed form was about ten meters behind her; Chakotay had silently followed her, and was standing in her rapidly disappearing shadow.

"Why are you here?" she asked him, her voice almost lifeless.

"To be with you," he answered. "Now is not a time for you to be alone."

"My life is not yours; you cannot live it for me."

"No, I cannot. But, I am bound by duty... and friendship... to be at your side at difficult times. And I know you, Kathryn. Today was difficult for you. You do not want to admit that you have mortal needs like the rest of us. But... you are human, and you do have a human soul. Upon occasion, you have even let me see glimpses of it."

His weak attempt at a little humor brought a slight crooked smile to her pained face.

But he once again became serious, pulling her back to that place where she had to admit the frailty of her soul.

"Today, you finally were offered an opportunity to reach closure with parts of your life... people in your life... that you knew in your heart were gone... over. Let go, Kathryn; free yourself of the memories that are suffocating you."

She lowered her face, breaking the eye contact that had joined them. They both stood motionless; he, willing her to release herself and let her spirit fly free... she, clasping to the deathholds of her tortured recollections. Silent seconds became endless eternities.

Suddenly, she turned and walked into his opened arms. "Oh, Chakotay; why does it hurt so much?"

He held her close, hoping to calm the emotional tidal waves going through her body.

"When you love someone so much, it is difficult to say goodbye, whether through death... or time... or space. Until you finally let go, there will always be that gaping wound in your heart."

He moved back from her, barely touching her now.

"Kathryn, it's time for you to learn to say good-bye... to say good-bye to Kes... and... to Mark." His hands lost contact with her, as he backed away.

Her eyes looked fearfully into his, then calmed. She took a deep breath, and barely whispered, "I know."

He watched her as she slowly walked out onto the smooth surface of Field of Stones. He wanted to follow her, but knew that this was something that only she could do. He would wait for her... to be there when she needed him. No matter what happened in the next few moments, only she, and she alone, could experience.

Further out onto the plain she walked. She could feel the cold surfaces of the stones clear through the thick soles of her boots, reminding her of the harshness of death... and of life. Kes had followed her chosen destiny... and Mark had also. Even if Voyager did reach its return to Earth within her lifetime, he was gone from her. Now, out here on the Field of Stones, *she* was the one who was dying; *she* was the one for whom life had ceased. It was her old life that she must now mourn and for which she must learn to say good-bye.

The tears finally started flowing freely from her eyes; she made no movement to stop them. Rivulets became streams as they coalesced and covered her cheeks. Silent sobs shook her body. Her legs had been drained of any support, and she fell onto her knees which were torn by the hard surface.

He wanted to go to her, but remained firm in his resolve. He could see her body now in near convulsions, as her soul was finally unburdening itself from years of repressed emotion. Yet she was silent. Watching her was more than he could bear. He closed his eyes in a whispered prayer for her to be released of her burdens.

Suddenly, he was shaken out of his meditative trance by a primal howl, as if all the spirits of the earth had risen from the hollows below. And he knew... he knew that Kathryn Janeway had gone through the pangs of rebirth... the new birth of her soul. She had reached out and severed all the cords which had been strangling her for so many years... she had finally said good-bye: to her father, to Justin and Kes, and, finally, to Mark.

Her fragile body was in a small rounded mass, covered in shades of black and red, barely indistinguishable from the dark rock surfaces. But then, he saw something changing... movement, structure... and color.

And there, iridescent in the early starlight of night, in a wide circle which had sprung up around her... there appeared pink and purple and mauve flowers, wet not from dew but from her tears.

The blanket of color seemed to engulf her, and then to raise her body to its surface, floating like foam on the sea.

The small woman raised her body, her arms falling to her sides.

From her kneeling position, she looked at him across the distance. Her face had become radiant, and her eyes glowed with a light that finally invited him into her life... and into her soul. She extended her arms towards him, welcoming him into her new world.

And he started the final steps of the long journey that his heart had begun years ago.

A new Kathryn Janeway had been born, and he would be there for her.

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