"A Separate Peace"
by Andra Marie Mueller

PART SEVEN : 'Indiana Bound'

SUMMARY : As their relationship deepens, Kathryn takes Chakotay home to meet her family

See Part one for author's notes and disclaimer

*************************************

That afternoon, the lovers had managed to sequester themselves in the corner of the Mess Hall to share a private, yet brief, lunch. Having finished their meal, they were enjoying a few moments of togetherness before duty forced them back to the Bridge.

"That’s your third piece of apple pie, Chakotay," Janeway remarked. "For someone who prides himself on being a strict vegetarian, you certainly have quite a sweet tooth."

Chakotay smiled. "Blame my mother," he replied. "She made fresh pies at least once a week while I was growing up, and I became addicted to them."

"My mother is a good cook, too," Janeway said, "but if I ate desserts the way you do, I’d gain thirty pounds inside a week. It’s cosmically unjust that you can put away as much junk food as you do and still maintain a physique that sports ten percent body fat, tops."

Chakotay’s smile widened. "If it’s any consolation, I think your body is beautiful just the way it is," he declared.

Janeway flushed at the compliment. "Thank you," she said, then changed the subject. "It occurs to me that even though we’ve been as intimate as two people can be, I actually don’t know very much about you."

"You’ve read my personnel file. What you see is pretty much what you get."

"Your file tells me about you as an officer. I want to know about you as a person."

"What do you want to know?"

"Whatever you want to tell me."

Chakotay considered her reply for a moment before answering. "Fair enough," he said. "I have two sisters, both younger. I run and swim to stay in shape, but I also play a mean game of hoverball. My favorite food is mushroom soup; my favorite dessert is apple pie. I drink coffee when I’m on duty, hot chocolate when I’m not, and I take both with a dash of whipped cream and a touch of cinnamon. I prefer ice water to synthehol, hot water showers to sonic ones, and redheads to blondes."

"Have you ever been in love?" Janeway asked.

"I’ve had other relationships," Chakotay evaded.

"That’s not what I asked."

Chakotay held her gaze for a beat then repeated his previous statement. "I’ve had other relationships, but none of them mattered until the day I met you."

Janeway responded to Chakotay’s comment with a faint smile, the quiet solemnity of his tone emphasizing its honesty.

"It’s your turn to spill the beans about yourself," Chakotay said after a moment.

"I have one sister, also younger. I play tennis and velocity to stay in shape, but can’t play hoverball to save my life. My favorite food is beef Wellington; my favorite dessert is German chocolate cake. I drink black coffee when I’m on duty, hot tea with lemon when I’m not. I prefer champagne to synthehol, bubble baths to showers, and men who are tall, dark and handsome."

"What about your love life?" Chakotay pressed. "Any ex-boyfriends I should be forewarned about?"

A shadow of remembered grief flickered across Janeway’s features for the briefest of moments before she answered. "I was engaged once," she revealed. "His name was Justin Tighe. We served together on the Icarus."

"From your use of the past tense I assume he’s dead?" Chakotay prompted gently.

Janeway nodded. "He was killed in a shuttle crash in the Tau Ceti system three years ago while we were testing the prototype of a small attack craft. My father was supposed to be with us, but he came down with the Terellian flu at the last minute and cancelled. Justin and I were finishing the final test flight when the thrusters malfunctioned and sent us crashing into a frozen ocean on one of the moons. I was somehow thrown clear of the craft and escaped with only bruises and a broken leg. Justin was piloting the craft, though, and was trapped inside when it sank."

"I’m sorry," Chakotay said quietly.

"It took me close to a year to get over losing him; and once I had, I vowed I would never again get involved with a fellow officer." Janeway cast Chakotay a sheepish look. "So much for maintaining protocol."

Chakotay sent her a warm smile and reached over to take her hand in his. "Everything happens for a reason, Kathryn, and I know the Spirits have one for bringing us together," he said quietly.

Janeway flashed him an adoring smile. "I think I’m going to like having you around."

"I assure you the feeling is mutual."

 

The days passed, and Janeway and Chakotay drew closer with each one. Passionately involved within a week, it took less than a month before they were in love, yet they managed to keep their relationship a secret, or so they thought.

Early one evening, Chakotay had just finished his shift and was about to head for the Mess Hall to join Janeway for dinner when he received a summons from Morgan.

"Morgan to Chakotay."

"Chakotay here."

"Lieutenant, would you please step into my Ready Room?"

"On my way, sir."

Relinquishing the Bridge to the night shift, Chakotay crossed over to enter the captain’s Ready Room.

"You wanted to see me, Captain?"

"Yes. As you know, John Reese will be leaving tomorrow to assume the first officer’s position on the Explorer, which leaves me without a chief of security. Starfleet had made several recommendations, but I’d rather give the job to you."

Chakotay blinked in surprise. "Excuse me?"

Morgan smiled. "You’ve been on this ship for almost a year now, Chakotay. You’re familiar with how I run things; the crew likes you and respects you. Why should I bring in an officer I’m going to have to spend weeks breaking in when I’ve got a perfectly acceptable candidate right here?"

"I’m not quite sure what to say…"

"Say you’ll take the job."

"Of course I will, sir. Thank you."

The two men exchanged a handshake, and then Morgan affixed a third pip to Chakotay’s uniform collar. "Well, Commander, I’d better let you go. I’m sure you want to share the news of your promotion with Lieutenant Janeway."

Surprise again flickered across Chakotay’s face. "You know?"

Morgan’s smile widened. "I know," he said simply.

The captain offered no further commentary, and Chakotay knew it was Morgan’s way of letting him know he approved of Janeway and Chakotay’s relationship. Not wanting to press his luck by pressing the issue, Chakotay bid the captain farewell and left the Ready Room, then made his way to the Mess Hall. He spotted Janeway at a corner table, engaged in casual conversation with the ship’s chief engineer, Jana Burke, and made his way across the room to join them.

"Good evening, Ladies. Do you mind if I join you?"

"You can have my seat, Chakotay," Burke offered and stood up. "I have the night shift this week, so I’m due in Engineering. Enjoy your evening."

Burke headed out of the room as Chakotay settled himself into her chair, then flashed Janeway an apologetic smile.

"Sorry I’m late. I had an impromptu meeting with Captain Morgan."

Janeway quirked one delicate eyebrow. "Really…what about?"

"He promoted me to lieutenant commander and gave me Reese’s position as security chief."

"Chakotay, that’s wonderful news! Congratulations."

"Thanks. He also let it slip that he knows about us."

"He does?"

Chakotay nodded. "He didn’t voice any objections, though, so I think he’s okay with it."

"He must be or he wouldn’t have promoted you," Janeway pointed out. "At least now we don’t have to sneak around the ship at all hours of the night."

"Thank goodness for small favors."

"So, have you given any thought to what you want to do when we get to Earth next week?"

"Well, I’m assuming you’re going to spend a couple days with your family, so I thought I would head to one of the National Parks and do some camping."

"I have a better idea. Why don’t you come home with me? I want you to meet my parents and Phoebe, plus it will allow us to be together on your birthday."

"Ah, yes; the big three-oh. I don’t suppose we could just skip it?"

"No."

"I didn’t think so."

"May I take that as a yes?"

"Are you sure you really want me tagging along?" Chakotay pressed. "You haven’t seen your family for close to three months, and I can meet them another time."

Janeway flashed him an affectionate smile. "Chakotay, I love you, and I want you to be with me. My family will understand, I promise."

Chakotay returned her smile. "Then I guess it’s settled," he conceded. "I have to ask, however, that you not make a fuss over my birthday. We can have a private celebration once we’re back on the ship."

"You’re such a spoilsport."

"I love you, too."

 

One week later, the Liberty settled into orbit around Earth, and shortly thereafter Janeway and Chakotay transported to her parents’ home in Indiana. They materialized in the front yard, where a very pregnant Irish setter greeted them.

"Hello, Bear," Janeway greeted. "I see you’ve been busy while I’ve been gone."

"The redheaded females in this family do seem to be rather passionate," Chakotay remarked.

Janeway shot him a knowing look. "Very funny."

Just then the screen door opened, and a beautiful young woman Chakotay assumed to be Janeway’s sister stepped onto the porch. She looked to be about four years Kathryn’s junior, with the same fair skin and facial structure, yet her eyes were sky blue and her short hair a light blonde. Spotting Kathryn and Chakotay, she let out a delighted shout.

"Kath! What are you doing here?"

"It’s nice to see you, too, Phoebe."

Phoebe made her way down the steps and walked over to hug her sister, then shot Chakotay a curious glance. "Who’s Mister Tall, Dark and Handsome?" she asked.

"Chakotay," he supplied helpfully, and extended his hand. "You must be Phoebe."

"Last time I checked," Phoebe returned, and they exchanged a handshake. "I don’t suppose you have a twin brother?"

"Phoebe…" Kathryn said warningly.

"What? It was just a question."

Janeway shook her head. "What happened to Bear?"

"Mark’s dog jumped the fence again," Phoebe told her. "He’s offered to find homes for the puppies."

"Maybe I should offer to exchange the puppies for you," Kathryn suggested dryly. "Are Mom and Dad around?"

"Mom’s in the kitchen making lunch, but Dad’s over at Headquarters in a meeting with the Admiralty," Phoebe told her. "Apparently the Cardassians are stirring up trouble again."

Kathryn nodded, then turned to Chakotay. "Well, are you ready to try your charm on my mother?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be," Chakotay returned.

Climbing the steps, Kathryn and Chakotay wandered into the house, where they were immediately assailed by the aroma of fresh cooking. Making their way to the kitchen, the two discovered Gretchen Janeway removing a tray of bread from the oven.

"Something smells delicious," Kathryn remarked.

Gretchen turned at the sound of the voice, and flashed her daughter a warm smile. "Katie…you actually made it!"

Kathryn walked over to embrace her mother, then crossed back to stand at Chakotay’s side. "Mom, this is Chakotay."

"A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Janeway," Chakotay replied. "Kathryn speaks very highly of you and the admiral."

"I find that hard to believe," Gretchen returned lightly, "but in any event, welcome to our home."

"Thank you," Chakotay responded, then turned to Kathryn. "I’m going back outside and retrieve our bags. Be right back."

Pressing a brief kiss to the top of Kathryn’s head, Chakotay excused himself and exited the kitchen. Once he was gone, Kathryn glanced expectantly at her mother. "Well?" she prompted. "What do you think?"

"Katie, I barely exchanged ten words with the man," Gretchen admonished. "Wait until I’ve had the chance to get to know him before asking for my opinion."

"Okay, but what’s your first impression?" Kathryn pressed.

Gretchen sighed. "Well…he’s certainly easy on the eyes, and his manners are impeccable," she replied. "Most importantly, though, is that you’re obviously crazy about him."

Kathryn nodded. "I really think he’s the one, Mom."

Gretchen flashed her an indulgent smile. "I’d wait and see how he gets along with your father before you start sending out wedding invitations, Katie."

"Are you kidding?" Kathryn countered. "Dad’s going to love him."

 

"Your father hates me."

Kathryn sighed. "He doesn’t hate you, Chakotay," she assured him. "He’s just…overprotective."

The two were sequestered in Kathryn’s old room, lying in bed as they discussed Chakotay’s initial encounters with her family.

"Kathryn, you didn’t see the expression on his face when I was offering my opinion on the conflict with the Cardassians," Chakotay protested. "If looks could kill, I’d be having a funeral tomorrow instead of a birthday."

"You’re becoming paranoid in your old age," Kathryn chided. "Just give him another day to warm up to you."

"Fine, but I hope I don’t get frostbite in the meantime."

Kathryn flashed Chakotay a suggestive smile, and the hand that had been resting on his chest idly began to drift downward. "If it’s heat you’re looking for, Commander, I’d be happy to offer my assistance."

Chakotay returned the smile. "What a generous offer, Lieutenant," he said. "Remind me to put a commendation in your file."

Kathryn’s chuckle was smothered by Chakotay’s kiss.

 

Unaware they were the topic of discussion upstairs, Gretchen and Edward Janeway were having a similar discussion in their bedroom.

"So what do you think of Katie’s new boyfriend?" Gretchen asked.

"She obviously adores him," Edward answered, "and I do believe Phoebe was drooling in her dessert."

"Edward…" Gretchen admonished.

Edward permitted himself a small smile. "Sorry," he said, then released a sigh. "Chakotay is an intelligent, considerate, insightful young man who seems to love Kathryn as much as she loves him and treats her with more respect and affection than anyone ever has. Unfortunately, he’s also going to break her heart."

Gretchen shot her husband a surprised look. "What makes you say that?"

"I’m not sure, Gretchen. It’s just a feeling I get, as a father and a man. He’s got a fire in his soul, that one, and if Kathryn doesn’t find a way to put it out they’re both going to go up in flames."

 

A few days later, Janeway and Chakotay were seated side by side on the front porch of her parents’ home, sipping lemonade as they watched Ebony torment Bear. A birthday gift from Janeway to Chakotay, Ebony was an eight week-old German shepherd puppy, his name derived from his coal black color. Unable to leave him with Kathryn’s parents due to Bear’s pregnancy, they two were discussing how they would bring him back to the Liberty with them.

"We can’t exactly stuff him in a suitcase, Kathryn," Chakotay pointed out. "Aside from the fact he wouldn’t fit, the minute he started to whimper or bark we’d be goners."

"Why don’t we just ask Captain Morgan if we can keep him on the ship?" Janeway suggested. "It’s not against Starfleet regulations to have a pet."

"Most of the pets people keep on starships are either in a glass bowl or weigh under ten pounds. A large dog is going to require a bit more maintenance."

"Maybe we could replicate you a pair of sunglasses and pass him off as your Seeing Eye dog," Janeway offered.

Chakotay let out a hearty laugh. "I think we’d be better off stowing him in a suitcase."

**********************************

Part 8