~*~

(This is a continuation of "Celebration", a J/C story written along the lines of the JAG episode, "Lifelines". This story again 'borrows' richly from two subsequent JAG episodes, "Adrift", Part 1 and Part 2. Thanks, JAG, for some beautiful scripts! These J/C stories are being told in the form of scripted dialogue.) Disclaimers: Mea culpa, oh great Paramount and Star Trek, for once more I'm playing around with your (TM) stuff. But, I'll treat them nicely, not nastily, like you do! (Oh, but you guys over at JAG -- keep up the good work! At least you know your audience! ) ~*~ (It is two days before the wedding of Chakotay and Seven. At Seven's request, they have decided to go through with a traditional earth wedding. Seven's aunt has stepped in with vigor and instructed her niece on all the traditions and preparation. Although Seven hasn't quite 'bought into' the entire production - it isn't logical or efficient - she agrees to go along with the idea, to show Chakotay and her other human companions that she is truly trying to adapt to her human heritage. Seven has asked the EMH, much to his chagrin, to 'give her away'. As she puts it: "You have been like a father to me". With a mix of pride and pain, he reluctantly agrees. She and Chakotay have selected only one attendant each. When Chakotay asked Tom Paris to be his best man, the younger man was shocked, based on all their past disagreements. But, as Chakotay explained to him, he had learned to respect Tom over their years together, and now he, Tom, as a good husband and father, was proving to be the example to him, Chakotay. Seven had never developed any close relationships on Voyager, except with Captain [now Admiral] Janeway. However, even though the admiral had seemed happy with the revelation of the blossoming relationship between Seven and Chakotay, the former Borg sensed a rapidly growing split in their former closeness. She decided that it was due to the divergent directions each of their lives had taken when they returned to Earth and saw no reason to pursue the distancing any further. With Chakotay's growing closeness with Tom, Seven finally decided that she would ask B'Elanna to stand with her at the wedding. B'Elanna was not overwhelmed with the invitation, but Tom convinced her that she was the most 'logical' choice. The scene opens in a hall on a high floor of Starfleet headquarters. Chakotay is waiting for a turbolift when Admiral Janeway comes down the hall. He's hoping that the turbolift will come before they have to speak to each other, but this doesn't happen. He nods politely to his former commanding officer and she stops to speak to him. ) JANEWAY: Coming in tomorrow? CHAKOTAY: (Uncomfortable, trying not to make eye contact) No; too much to do. JANEWAY: See you at the wedding then. (She starts to leave. ) CHAKOTAY: (Taken aback somewhat) The wedding? What about the rehearsal dinner? You were invited! JANEWAY: (Stops short; turns to face him) Chakotay, I'm sure we talked about this; I told you I couldn't come. CHAKOTAY: No, we never talked about it… and just why can't you come? JANEWAY: (Embarrassed, caught in her own trap) Um… I'm going out on the Nautilus, to supervise the trial runs of the three new Delta Flyer models. CHAKOTAY: You're going out on a starship? JANEWAY: Yes, that's right; that's usually where one conducts tests for space worthiness of shuttlecraft. CHAKOTAY: Where? JANEWAY: Not too far, just out to the Orion nebula. CHAKOTAY: (Somewhat peeved) You didn't tell me about this, Kathryn. JANEWAY: (Reaches out and touches his arm, much like in the days of Voyager) Don't worry; I'll be at the ceremony. Look, Chakotay, it's not my schedule; it's Starfleet's. CHAKOTAY: Well, what if Starfleet changes its schedule and you don't make it to the ceremony? JANEWAY: (Somewhat patronizing) You let me worry about that. CHAKOTAY: Why does either of us have to worry about this? I mean - couldn't you do this some other time? JANEWAY: The shuttlecraft are ready now, and Starfleet wants to put them into service as soon as possible. Chakotay, you know important something like this is. CHAKOTAY: I'm sure you could have gotten them to delay it for a couple of days. For this you're risking missing my wedding? JANEWAY: I don't consider it a risk. CHAKOTAY: No; the truth is that you don't consider it important. Kathryn, we're best friends… JANEWAY: Now that isn't fair… or true! First off, this test was arranged several weeks before you and Seven had selected a date. And, secondly, if you need me at your wedding, (a little huffy now, her cheeks redden) maybe you should reconsider whom you are marrying. (Pause, look. He's obviously upset now, too. ) Uh… oh, no; please, Chakotay… CHAKOTAY: (Pulls away; knows he can't win. ) All right. (Deep breath, then forced smile) Go on; you need to do your job. JANEWAY: Aren't you going to wish me luck? (He looks at her, lowers his head, shaking it, knowing that she's as stubborn as always. Turbolift arrives and he enters. They are still looking at each other as the doors close. ) ~*~ (Seven and Chakotay are cleaning up from the evening meal in their apartment. Their furnishings bear the imprint of both of them, albeit they are rather sparse and purely functional. ) SEVEN: (Collecting items from table, handing them to Chakotay) What time do Tuvok and T'Pel arrive? CHAKOTAY: (Quickly looks at chronometer) At 2030 - I'd better get going! SEVEN: (Turns and looks at Chakotay rather seriously) I am curious. Does Tuvok approve of us? CHAKOTAY: (Slight laugh) Does that really matter? Besides… he doesn't get a vote! (He places the last of the dishes in the recycler. ) Remember - the last time he saw us, he didn't even know that we were… dating. Oh, by the way - we have to call the restaurant and cancel one of the rehearsal dinner meals. SEVEN: (Looks up from table where she cleaning up) Oh? Who is not coming? CHAKOTAY: Kathryn. She's doing the one-day shakedown for the new Delta Flyer shuttles. It sort of took me by surprise. SEVEN: Hm. The Captain… er… Admiral always does seem to add her little bit of drama to everything. All right; I shall take care of it. CHAKOTAY: (Rather darkly) It's just not the kind of behavior you expect from your best friend. (He turns to leave, giving Seven a quick peck on the cheek.) SEVEN: (Icily) As long as she is just your best friend… CHAKOTAY: (Grabs her in a slight hug) Seven… we've been down this road before. You know that she's my best friend - and I thought you considered her yours, too. SEVEN: She has been more a mentor to me, I believe. CHAKOTAY: (Breaking eye contact, before she can read anything there) Now… I really must go to meet Tuvok and T'Pel. (Seven turns, her back to him. ) SEVEN: Very well; I hope their flight has been a good one. ~*~ (It is now the following day - the wedding day minus one day. Janeway heads out to the USS Nautilus. It is an Akita-class ship, in service for only two years. The ship's captain, Xendu N'Danga, is young but has a fine reputation already for handling the needs of a large starship. It is obvious that he has met Janeway before and he is pleased to have her with them. He is in the transporter room when she beams aboard. ) N'DANGA: (Briskly walks up to her, to help her off the platform) Admiral Janeway; always a pleasure to have you on board. JANEWAY: Thank you, Captain, (she looks around as they begin to walk out of the transporter area) although it is going to seem strange to have someone else as the head of operations on a starship. N'DANGA: (Smiling)Would you like to take command? JANEWAY: (Laughing) Oh, no! I've had enough of that position for a while! I'm just here as a Starfleet 'spy' to see how these shuttles are working now. N'DANGA: (Joining in her laughter) Well, Admiral, I think you'll find that we've done quite a bit of improvement in them over your original shuttle. JANEWAY: (Remembering the demise of the original Delta Flyer in the showdown with the Borg) That original was a damn fine design, Captain. But… nothing says even good can't be made better. That's what we're here to try out. N'DANGA: We've got several of the best young helmsmen in the 'Fleet with us to do the runs. I think they'll put the ships through their paces pretty well. (The doors open and they enter the hall. ) Now… let's get you to your quarters and then we can talk further. JANEWAY: Yes, I'd like to meet your helmsmen as soon as possible. N'DANGA: I thought you would. I've scheduled a briefing with them at 1300 in the briefing room; testing is scheduled to commence at 1530. (They arrive at the turbolift and get on. ) JANEWAY: I'm presuming that all of the shuttlecraft runs are going to be performed in the next twenty-four hours? N'DANGA: That's what our orders are. We'll commence when we're about a light year from Earth. JANEWAY: Good. (She turns to N'Danga) I hate to be an 'eat and run' guest, Captain, but I really have to get back to Earth tomorrow. N'DANGA: (Surprised) Oh? Why is that? I thought we would have the pleasure of your company for at least a couple of days. JANEWAY: Personal matter, I'm afraid. N'DANGA: Nothing serious, I hope. JANEWAY: (Trying to put on her best 'happy face') No, quite the opposite. I'm hoping to be back for a wedding. (They have arrived on the deck where Janeway will be staying. The doors open and they walk, continuing the conversation. ) N'DANGA: (Smiling) Oh? Anyone I know? JANEWAY: Yes, I believe you've met. It… it's my former first officer… from Voyager … N'DANGA: Ah, yes… Chakotay - he's a fine man; well, good for him! And the wedding is tomorrow? I'm presuming it will be later in the day… JANEWAY: Um… actually, it's in the morning. 1100. If you read my orders, you'll find that Starfleet has given me approval to fly one of the shuttles back to Earth. N'DANGA: 1100? Even at warp 7, that's cutting it awfully close, isn't it? JANEWAY: Not for a Delta Flyer. With your new enhancements, I can push things along at warp 7.5; there shouldn't be any problems. (They have arrived at her quarters) N'DANGA: Well, I hope you're right, Admiral; I'm just glad it isn't me doing it! JANEWAY: (Shrugging) I've had closer calls. N'DANGA: I'm sure you have. Let's see now… looking forward to the briefing… as I recall, you like coffee… strong and black. JANEWAY: (Smiling) You've been reading my classified dossier, haven't you? N'DANGA: (Nodding) Well, we have to know these things if we're going to keep the brass happy. JANEWAY: Thank you; I do like my coffee, Captain. 1300… right? N'DANGA: That's right. (Turning to leave, then as an afterthought) Oh… by the way… who is the lucky bride? JANEWAY: (her face suddenly serious) You may have heard of her - she's the former Borg whom we 'adopted' on Voyager during our 'tour' of the Delta Quadrant - Seven of Nine, now known by her human name, Annika Hansen. N'DANGA: (Surprised) Whew! Who hasn't heard of her! Well, I must say - that's a most unusual match… it isn't one I would ever have imagined. JANEWAY: Nor I, Captain. (She activates the door and enters. ) See you in a little while. (As the door closes, N'Danga is confused by the expression on her face. ) ~*~ (Chakotay and Paris have flown a shuttlecraft to Taos to pick up the rings Chakotay has had made for the wedding. The two men are in a small flat-roofed shop, a respite from the high desert sun. The artisan, a petite woman with long black hair pulled back into a ponytail, is showing them the completed products: medium width gold bands with embossed symbols of their Delta Quadrant voyage. The woman smiles silently as Chakotay picks up each one and examines it. ) CHAKOTAY: What do you think of them? TOM PARIS: Um… they look like wedding rings to me. CHAKOTAY: Well, they aren't just that to me; they're my future. (He fondles the rings and hands them to the woman, who begins to polish them again and put them into boxes. He looks at Paris. ) Do you still look at yours? TOM PARIS: (Smiling, as he looks at his and twists the ring on his finger) Oh, yeah, sure! CHAKOTAY: Do you remember the very moment you said 'I do'? TOM PARIS: (Slight laugh) You bet I do! CHAKOTAY: What were you feeling? TOM PARIS: Well… nauseous. I had just eaten a piece of cold pizza. (Chakotay laughs and shakes his head; will Tom ever treat anything seriously? ) CHAKOTAY: I've got to admit that I'm a bit nervous. TOM PARIS: Why? CHAKOTAY: Because now I have a beautiful, intelligent woman who loves me and now I can't make any more excuses. TOM PARIS: Why should you think that you need to make any excuses? Come on, man; be happy! I'm happy for you… and you should be happy for yourself, too. (Chakotay tries to smile) You are happy, aren't you? CHAKOTAY: Yes, of course. It's just that… TOM PARIS: It's just that… you've been a bit too quiet lately… even for you! CHAKOTAY: (Thoughtfully) Let me ask you something. Kathryn is out doing this shakedown flight… TOM PARIS: (Chortling) That sound's like the Captain… CHAKOTAY: She's going to miss the rehearsal dinner and probably be cutting it close on the wedding… TOM PARIS: And that's upset you. CHAKOTAY: Am I being unreasonable? TOM PARIS: Well, you know the Captain and ship responsibilities… everything else takes second place. Look, Chakotay, I think the only thing for you to do is not to take it personally. CHAKOTAY: (Sighing) Yeah, I guess you're right. (Tries to brighten a bit) Tom, if I should begin to falter… TOM PARIS: (Gently slapping his friend on the shoulder) You won't, my friend; I won't let you! If I can do it, you can, too! CHAKOTAY: What if I just look your way? (They laugh and turn to go. The woman clears her throat and they turn to her: she has the rings for them, which they seem to have forgotten. ) WOMAN: Excuse me; your rings, sir? (Tom laughs and goes back for them; Chakotay turns serious. ) ~*~ (It's briefing time on the Nautilus. Captain N'Danga has summarized the new features of the current version of Delta Flyers. Admiral Janeway nods in appreciation as he lists many improvements over Voyager's originals. ) JANEWAY: Well, I must say - this is one thing that Starfleet has modified with aplomb - although it's quite different when you have a shipyard with all supplies handy, rather than having to make do with what a starship's replicator can produce. N'DANGA: The Borg technology has made a big difference, Admiral; our accomplishments wouldn't have been the same without them. JANEWAY: Mm… yes; good old Borg technology! However, it still can't beat real brains and real hands doing the work. (She looks at the three pilots sitting at the table, a human male and female and a Bajoran male. ) With the enhanced power conduits and computer interfaces now in place, you folks can probably just kick back and read a holonovel during flight. (General laughter around the table) N'DANGA: There's just one little concern. It looks like our tests might be given a little bit of a rougher trial than we anticipated. JANEWAY: Oh? How's that? LT. HRJAK: (Bajoran pilot) Um… astrophysics tells us that there is a large plasma disruption moving into the test area within the day. We may begin to feel some effects from its prodromal phases during our test flights. LT. CHIVAS (human female): Couldn't we just by-pass the storm? There're other areas we can go to test the ships. Why hazard it with a plasma storm right off the bat? N'DANGA: (Smiling and holding his hand towards Janeway) Want to field this one, Admiral? JANEWAY: (Looking at younger officer with her characteristic smile) Because, Lt. Chivas, in real-life situations, you don't get to choose your flying conditions. Trust me; I've been through them all. N'DANGA: Right! You fly with the circumstances you're given - all the time, every time. We'll test them in the storm and elsewhere. LT. CHIVAS: (Blushing) I... I didn't mean that we should shirk from any responsibilities, Admiral. JANEWAY: Of course not! If you can start out with ideal conditions, then you should. And certainly would not to jeopardize any of you - or these craft - with any obvious hazards. However, with the increased polarization capabilities built into the parametallic hulls of the new DFs, the effects of plasma storms should be minimal. LT. HOWARD: (human male, who reminds Janeway of a young Tom Paris) Right! And, besides, we'll be going out in two at a time, so the other can always be within communication - and transport - range of the other. I'm ready, Captain… Admiral… JANEWAY: (a twinkle in her eye) Tell you what - I'd like to take one of these flyers out myself. N'DANGA: Uh… do you think that's wise, Admiral? I mean… you haven't flown one of these models yet. JANEWAY: All the more reason I should get my feet wet; after all, I'm going to be flying one of them alone back to Earth tomorrow. N'DANGA: (Confused and then horrified) I thought that one of our crew would be accompanying you and doing the flying, Admiral! JANEWAY: Nonsense! I've probably flown more than all three of you folks put together (Their faces cloud over; they feel they've been insulted; she realizes her mistake) Oh - please forgive me! I didn't mean to say… LT. HRJAK: (Wanting to make peace quickly - no one wants to think that they are slighting the admiral) No offense taken, Admiral; it's just your well being we're concerned about. JANEWAY: And no offense is taken. (She rises. ) I think we'll make a fine squadron, folks; I look forward to flying with each of you. (She finishes off her cup of coffee) And you, Capt. N'Danga, make a fine cup of coffee. Until later, gentleman, Lt. Chivas… (She leaves. The three younger pilots immediately begin quizzing their captain on the soundness of the admiral's request. ) ~*~ (Later that 'day'. The newest 'Delta Flyers' have been doing well all day long; Admiral Janeway and the captain are happy with the results. They are now in his ready room, having gone over the findings. Janeway is on the upper level, from yet another cup of her favorite coffee, looking out the long starport window. Captain N'Danga finishes up his report and walks up beside her. ) N'DANGA: I really don't think you had to take one of the ships out there, Admiral, with the rough conditions and all. JANEWAY: (Turns, stern but a glint in her eye): Why? You didn't think I could do it? Captain, I haven't lost my touch, just because Starfleet thinks I should be chained to a desk. N'DANGA: But you seemed to have sought out some difficult situations with your flight - almost if you were trying to prove something. JANEWAY: Maybe I was. (Turns to captain, sighing. ) You know, Captain, part of me still lives on starships. N'DANGA: Is that why you're missing your best friend's wedding? JANEWAY: I'm not going to miss it; I'll be there. That's why I'm leaving within the hour. N'DANGA: Admiral, with all due respect - it's getting worse out there; I really don't think you should take a chance. JANEWAY: (Serious, looking out into deep space) I need to go. N'DANGA: Why? Are you giving the bride away? JANEWAY: (Trying to stifle a laugh) I only wish… N'DANGA: (Not 'in' on her joke) Then why risk making the trip? Wait until we're out of harm's way. JANEWAY: Because I need to be there. (Turns and looks at him. ) Remember… you yourself had me remind the younger pilots that we have to fly in all types of conditions; we're not given our choice in these matters. N'DANGA: All right; but I'd really wait if I were you. JANEWAY: That's just it; I'm not you - I'm me. And I have to go. ~*~ (The wedding rehearsal is over and the members of the wedding party and other friends are gathered in a private upstairs room of a San Francisco restaurant. In addition to the wedding couple, those in attendance are Tom and B'Elanna; Tuvok and T'Pel; Samantha Wildman, her husband and Naomi; Harry and a new friend - who reminds his Voyager crewmates of his old girl friend, Libby; the EMH; Admiral Owen Paris and his wife; Seven's aunt and Padre Morales, the officiating clergyman. A couple of waiters are serving pre-dinner drinks and hors d'oeuvres; the conversations seem to be lively and happy. Admiral Paris walks over to Chakotay, attempting to make some small talk but also trying quiz Chakotay about his future. ) ADMIRAL PARIS: Well, Chakotay - long term… what are your plans? CHAKOTAY: Long term? (Chuckles, shaking head) Just to get through the week. ADMIRAL PARIS: Have you discussed family? CHAKOTAY: Um… yes, we both want one. Just when and where is the question. ADMIRAL PARIS: Mmm. I'm presuming you'll be staying here in San Francisco. CHAKOTAY: For the time being. However, Seven… er… Annika is anxious to follow through with Starfleet's suggestion of taking a commission as a science officer. I guess we'll see what happens after she finds out what positions are available. ADMIRAL PARIS: I don't think she'll have any problem there! With her reputation, she can probably have her pick of anything available. Any you? Do you plan on staying with Starfleet forever? After all, she is a bit younger than you. CHAKOTAY: (Looks uncomfortable, shifts on his feet and glances away from the older man. ) Uh… well… ADMIRAL PARIS: I'm sorry; I probably misspoke on that topic. Guess you haven't given that much thought. CHAKOTAY: (Flashing a weak smile) No, sir; that's all right. And - yes, I have… I do. Every day. I just never can get past the question. ~*~ (Back on the Nautilus, Janeway prepares to head back to Earth on Delta Flyer SC-02. The plasma storms have intensified and are even throwing some of the starship's electromagnetic systems into a flux. ) N'DANGA: Admiral, I really wish you would wait. JANEWAY: I'll be fine! We both saw today that these ships are virtually foolproof. N'DANGA: At least take Howard or Chivas with you. JANEWAY: Nonsense; I'll be fine. Besides - you need all of them to finish up the runs. Please… this decision is mine and mine alone; I take full responsibility for anything that might happen. I will so note that in my logs… and you do likewise. N'DANGA: (Sighing and shaking his head) With all due respect, Admiral, I've heard that you are one very stubborn woman - and now I know it firsthand. JANEWAY: (Laughing) I won't ask you where you heard that from, Captain. (The door silently slides up and she tosses in her bag. She turns and extends her hand to the tall man.) It's been a pleasure, N'Danga; I hope we can work together again. N'DANGA: Same here, Admiral. I'd take you on as a helmsman any day! (They both are laughing as the door slides closed. N'Danga quickly goes to the launch observation area and the shuttle doors open. Janeway takes off into the turbulent space outside. ) ~*~ (Meanwhile, back at the rehearsal dinner/party. Chakotay approaches Tuvok; T'Pel stands silently by her husband's side. The two Vulcans appear uncomfortable at the mainly human gathering. Chakotay, with his usual diplomatic manner, attempts to put them somewhat at ease. ) CHAKOTAY: Tuvok… T'Pel… I really appreciate that you came; it wouldn't have been complete without you here. TUVOK: (Acknowledging Chakotay rather formally) Indeed, we are honored with your invitation to include us with all your nuptial celebrations. (He scans the area) I notice that Admiral Janeway is not here; I thought that you would have included her tonight, also. CHAKOTAY: Oh, she was certainly invited. It's just that she's away on a thirty-six hour project - certifying the latest models of the Delta Flyer. (Trying to remain cheerful. ) However, she'll be back before the ceremony. TUVOK: (Looking puzzled) I find it most interesting that she is not here tonight. CHAKOTAY: (Sighing) You know Kathryn… Starfleet business always takes priority over social activity. TUVOK: Has she contacted you since she left? CHAKOTAY: (Nervously) N… no. Why should she do that? TUVOK: It is not like her to at least wish you the best. CHAKOTAY: (Trying to lighten up the conversation) She didpromise to be here tomorrow. TUVOK: And are you ready for tomorrow? CHAKOTAY: (Even more nervously) Uh… well, sure; of course! TUVOK: It will not long now. CHAKOTAY: (Seriously, attempting a smile) Thirteen hours and twenty-seven minutes. TUVOK: (Raises an eyebrow, responds with Vulcan seriousness) Twenty-six minutes. (Chakotay seems to pale a shade or two. ) ~*~ CLICK here TO GO TO PART 2! Blast back to the Home Page!