Disclaimer: see Part One
I got this background from Kay's Kornucopia go and pay her a visit, she has some great graphics! J
Annie carefully made her way in to Sickbay. It wasn't the first time since she had spoken to the Doctor two weeks ago, but she had a feeling this would be her last.
Annie stepped in, taking slow deep breaths, she looked around and couldn't see the Doctor.
"Computer activate EMH"
"Please state the Annie, what's wrong?"
"Today is the day" the Doctor escorted Annie to a biobed, then began his preparations.
Kathryn sat in her command chair, surrounded by her familiar bridge crew.
They were laughing at one of Tom's lame jokes when the Doctor hailed them from Sickbay.
"Sickbay to Mr Paris"
"Go ahead Doctor what can I do for you?"
"Please report to Sickbay"
"On my way, Paris out" Tom stood, allowing another to take his place at the helm.
"If you'll excuse me duty calls "
"Sickbay to the Captain" the Doctor once again interrupted the calm, friendly atmosphere of the bridge.
"Yes Doctor"
"Please report to Sickbay"
"Doctor?" Kathryn narrowed her eyes towards the ceiling, as if he were there.
"It's time" Kathryn's face fell and she quickly turned to face Chakotay, then stood up.
"I'm on my way Janeway out. Chakotay you have the bridge"
Chakotay nodded but caught her arm before she left.
"Let me know" Kathryn saw the concern in his eyes, it mirrored her own.
Kathryn nodded "I will. Mr Paris looks like I'll be joining you"
Kathryn strode into the turbolift alongside Tom, she turned to face the doors and saw Chakotay's concerned face before the doors closed.
Kathryn walked into Sickbay to hear the soft cries of a baby and a variety of beeps coming from several areas of Sickbay.
Kathryn walked up to Annie on the biobed her eyes were closed. Kathryn's eyes were drawn to Annie's chest to ensure that she was breathing. She was.
Tom had moved over to the small infant, lying in the incubator, to check her vitals.
"Don't we have a good pair of lungs on us" he chuckled and cooed at the baby girl.
Kathryn didn't notice the Doctor move up behind her.
"Captain "
"Is she ?" Kathryn continued to watch Annie.
"Fine for the moment. Can I speak to you Captain?"
"Certainly Doctor" Kathryn bent down and pressed her lips to Annie's forehead. "I'll be back soon" she whispered into her ear.
Kathryn moved into the Doctor's office.
"I'm afraid I have some good news and some bad news"
Kathryn bowed her head, then looked at the Doctor through her eyelashes. She took a deep breath before speaking.
"Give me the good news"
"Annie has given birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl" Kathryn breathed a sigh of relief. "I did have to transport her out of her mother and into an incubator, due to the fact that Annie was far too weak to give birth by natural means"
Kathryn sat down, then looked up at the Doctor and gave him a sad smile.
"And your bad news Doctor?" she sat back into her chair.
The Doctor sat opposite her and watched her for several moments as she brought her hand to her head, moving her fingers from her forehead down to her chin.
"Annie's dying"
Kathryn gave a sad laugh.
"Tell me something I don't know Doctor"
"No I mean she's dying " he watched her as her eyes went wide as realisation dawned.
The Doctor leaned forward so he was resting his elbows on the table before he continued.
"Being pregnant placed a great strain on Annie's body. She's been in here everyday for the past two weeks and each day she has been progressively worse than the day before "
Kathryn's gaze moved over towards Annie, all the while listening to the Doctor.
"Her tumour has grown immensely " the Doctor shook his head "I'm surprised she made it to Sickbay by herself "
"She's a strong willed young woman Doctor" Kathryn continued to watch Annie, every now and then watching Tom working over her new granddaughter.
"I know Captain but unfortunately Annie's strong will won't save her " Kathryn turned to look at him "and neither can I"
They sat there for several minutes each consoling their own thoughts. Kathryn's hands rubbed her face before coming to rest on her lap.
"How long?"
"I'll be surprised if she makes it through the night" he spoke sympathetically.
Kathryn could feel her breath catch in her throat.
"I thought we would have had longer" Kathryn licked her lips to add moisture to the dryness she found there. "She seemed " she shook her head "I guess she was a good actress"
The Doctor just nodded his agreement.
Kathryn stood and moved out of the office. She went to the baby first.
"Hello there! Aren't you the most adorable " Kathryn stroked the baby's cheek with her finger, while trying to hold back the tears. As Kathryn looked round the incubator she noticed a nametag it said "Megan 'Meg' Kathryn Janeway"
"She's named her" Kathryn said out loud.
"Yeah it's a beautiful name"
Kathryn looked up to see Tom beside her watching the little girl.
"She'll end up breaking a few hearts" Tom chuckled.
"I said the same thing when Annie was born" Kathryn smiled softly. "She looks like Annie so small and soft "
Tom looked at his Captain.
"Are you all right Captain?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah I'll be fine " Kathryn looked over at the sleeping Annie "I'll be just fine"
Kathryn remained in Sickbay by Annie's side. She contacted Chakotay to update him on the situation, then informed the crew of baby Meg. She could hear the cheers in Sickbay. Kathryn didn't inform them of Annie's condition.
Kathryn later left Sickbay, pushing baby Meg in her incubator. They arrived at the turbolift and entered.
"Bridge" she spoke to the computer.
She looked down into a pair of piercing baby blue eyes.
"Well this is your new home and we're going to see where I normally work" Kathryn swallowed the newly formed lump in her throat, that's when she noticed how dry her mouth had become.
The turbolift doors opened, she pushed the incubator onto the bridge.
"And here we are!" she said as jubilantly as she could.
The bridge crew turned when they heard their Captain's voice. There they saw her lifting a newborn baby out of an incubator.
B'Elanna, who had been working at the Engineering station, walked up to them.
"Oh isn't she adorable. My I?" Kathryn nodded and handed Meg over to B'Elanna. B'Elanna began cooing and talking to the baby, while she gurgled contently back, she then looked up at Kathryn.
"How's Annie?"
They stared as one another for what seemed like an eternity.
"Captain"
Kathryn continued to watch B'Elanna, noticing she was speaking yet her lips weren't moving.
"Captain" a hand rested on her shoulder and she turned to face Chakotay.
"Kathryn?" he whispered.
"I'm going to my Ready Room I uhm need a coffee" Kathryn said quietly.
She cleared her throat before continuing.
"You have the bridge Commander" Captain Janeway said and strode off the bridge and into her Ready Room.
Chakotay and B'Elanna watched as the doors closed behind her.
"Chakotay, what's wrong?" B'Elanna asked in a hushed tone.
"I'm not sure B'Elanna" he turned to face her "Look after the baby for a moment, will you?"
"Sure!"
"Tuvok, call all senior staff to the Briefing Room"
"Aye Commander"
"You have the Bridge Lieutenant" Chakotay moved to the Ready Room.
Kathryn entered her Ready Room and moved to sit behind her desk.
The room felt empty, there was energy missing, but she soon decided that it was more to do with her than the room itself. Kathryn silently looked round the room till her gaze came upon the stars streaking past the window. She just watched them allowing her mind to remember.
"Captain Kathryn " Kathryn followed the voice and found herself looking into familiar, secure, brown eyes.
"I never heard you come in" there was no anger in her voice.
"After the third chime I decided to let myself in"
"I'm sorry I never heard the chime"
"There's no need to apologise" he paused watching her carefully "What's wrong?" he leaned forward and allowed his hands to rest on her desk.
Kathryn swallowed, then took a deep breath.
"Twenty minutes ago Annie died"
"What?" Chakotay sat down, shock written over his features.
"Apparently she was worse than she let on after the Doctor transported the baby from her, she fell asleep " Kathryn could feel the unshed tears beginning to burn her eyes "she never woke up"
"I thought she'd we'd have more time" Chakotay shook his head.
"So did I" she took another breath "I have to inform the crew"
"Tuvok is assembling the senior staff in the briefing Room" Kathryn nodded
"Where's the baby?" she asked anxiously.
"B'Elanna has her for the moment" he placed his hands over hers.
"Good " she whispered.
She stood and walked round to face Chakotay. He stood up and embraced her, kissing her forehead.
They pulled apart, staring at each other, neither speaking. They quietly moved out of the Ready Room towards the Briefing Room.
The senior staff sat in silence, trying to take in the words that their Captain had spoken.
She had pretty much told them everything, including the fact that Annie was indeed her daughter and not her niece.
"Why didn't she say something? We could have made her more comfortable" Neelix said helplessly.
"She tried to but couldn't. And I don't think she wanted to be made to feel comfortable" Kathryn replied.
"I can't we were dancing and having so much fun at the party I would never have guessed" said Harry quietly, remembering their fun night two weeks ago.
"That was her plan" Chakotay spoke softly.
"Where's Meg B'Elanna?"
"Samantha took her back to Sickbay, so the Doctor could check her over"
"Okay well if you'll excuse me, I have to get things ready for the baby and she's going to need feeding soon" Kathryn stood and quickly left.
The room remained silent for several minutes.
"I can't believe it I thought she was just sleeping" Tom held his head in his hands.
"Her memorial will be the day after tomorrow, you may say something if you wish" Chakotay paused "I'd like you to inform members of your staff as you've seen the Captain is taking this understandably hard and what with the baby " they nodded their understanding, then silently left.
The senior staff silently filed into the briefing room and each took their seats. Kathryn was the last to enter. She was as composed and controlled as ever when she took her seat, but here eyes were red and puffy, why try to hide the obvious?
The room remained silent, awaiting Kathryn to speak and inform them as to why they were here.
Kathryn looked at the familiar faces round the table, she gave a sad smile before speaking.
"Firstly I want to thank those of you who spoke such kind words at the memorial" Kathryn's voice began to quake, so she paused to compose herself. "The Doctor came to me after the memorial and gave me these two data chips. One is for Meg and the other is for us they're from Annie" Kathryn held up the chips that had been clutched in her hand. "She wanted us to see ours, so I've uploaded it onto the computer and it's ready to watch. Computer play recording"
Everyone turned to face the screen on the far wall of the briefing room.
Kathryn watched Chakotay out of the corner of her eye. He was watching her, if she looked at him now, she'd burst into tears. He then turned to face the screen.
Annie's smiling face filled the screen.
"Hello all!" Annie gave a small wave "If you're watching this, then I've died and this is my way of saying goodbye to some extremely special people in my life. As you can see I'm still in my party dress and I've yet to remove my mask of makeup" Annie touched her face and smiled "Did you like my dress? It's pretty isn't it?"
Kathryn's eyes narrowed, now it came back to her. Now she remembered where she had seen the dress before.
Annie continued.
"It's a replica of a dress I saw years ago in my real mother's wardrobe. I had to let mine out in the waist area though" Annie laughed then frowned suddenly "I never saw the dress on her"
"I had a great time tonight I had a lot of fun. I was supposed to say something about my illness tonight, but the moment to tell you 'I'm dying' never came up"
Kathryn put her head down and rubbed her forehead with her hand, her eyes were beginning to sting again.
"I therefore decided to do this computer recording while I have Kathryn's quarter's to my self she's out somewhere I don't expect her back anytime soon" Annie began to waggle her eyebrows.
Kathryn's head shot up, her eyes wide. She looked around the table to find everyone except Chakotay watching her. They were all smiling. Tuvok just raised his eyebrow.
"I uhm I was with uhm " Kathryn smiled nervously, she might as well let them know something "I was with Chakotay, not that it's any of your business"
Chakotay turned to face her, he was smiling and his eyes were gleaming.
Tom snickered.
"You can wipe that look off your face Tom, I'm not saying anything more" Kathryn told him flatly.
Annie's voice interrupted their exchange.
"Q knew I was dying I was pretty miserable back on Earth, but by bringing me here he changed all that " Annie began to cry. "This is harder than I first thought it would be." Annie took several deep breaths before she continued "So thank you Q and thank you all for making me feel so welcome" Annie smiled at them all, then scratched her brow. "Okay " she sniffled "time for the personal messages" Annie cleared her throat.
"Neelix " he watched her intently "I just wanted to say 'thank you' for enlightening my taste-buds" everyone tried not to laugh at Annie's obvious humour, so obvious Neelix missed it. "I can safely say that I've never tasted anything like your cooking before."
"I think we can all say that" said Tom.
"Why thank you Tom" Neelix said smiling.
Kathryn sighed and shook her head, poor Neelix.
"Seven, I know we didn't know each other all that well, but I hope my being here has helped you somehow in dealing with your individuality, humanity anything. If not, at least you'll get to see my little girl grow up" Seven didn't do anything. But Kathryn knew she would indeed be affected in some way.
"Harry! Harry, Harry, Harry, the Ensign who knew exactly how to make me smile and who dances exceptionally well I may add you kept that one quiet!"
"I'm a man of many talents" he chuckled, the others except Tuvok and Seven joined him.
"B'Elanna the only person onboard, who has taught me a whole new vocabulary Klingon swear words. They've come in very handy, thank you B'Elanna!"
B'Elanna laughed and shook her head.
"Doctor my wannabe saviour. I know you tried your best Doctor, I also found out that you've been doing tests against my wishes but I thank you for trying anyway" the Doctor looked round the table, noticing the looks he was receiving.
"I had to try" he stated defensively.
"I know Doctor thank you," Kathryn said quietly.
"You're the best hologram a person could have, take care of yourself and my little girl" Annie finished.
The Doctor smiled in response. If a hologram could have blushed, he would have.
"Tom my favourite helmboy!" everyone laughed at the nickname "Now you Tom you know hot to have a good time as I found out tonight. I still can't believe you and Harry did that" they watched as Annie laughed at the memory. "I hope you'll pass that on to my daughter, as well as your jukebox and knowledge of the 20th Century" Tom laughed "Oh and Tom make sure those replicator rations I won are put to good use!" Annie winked at him.
Everyone turned on Tom, who had paled considerably.
"She uhm she won the bet concerning you and Chakotay" he said sheepishly.
Kathryn and Chakotay both raised their eyebrows, then Kathryn spoke to Tom.
"I'm sure you'll find something perfect to replicate for Meg, Tom!"
"Yes Captain"
"Now to my favourite Vulcan" Tuvok paid close attention, steepling his fingers together. "I don't suppose you know this Tuvok, but I used to have a crush on you when I was younger"
Kathryn felt like laughing, she watched Tuvok out the corner of her eye.
"It's true your stoic face would always make me smile. You were often my anchor. Everytime you said something that touched me in some way, I would note it down in my diary and read through them when I needed help over the past few years. Suffice it to say, my diary has been well read, what with Voyager disappearing and then Brian dying" Annie's voice began to quiver "I'll miss you Tuvok"
Kathryn sat watching Annie, when she felt a hand on her knee. She looked at Tuvok who continued to watch the screen. She too turned back to the screen allowing a lone tear to fall. Kathryn then placed her hand on Tuvok's and gave it a gentle squeeze before he removed it.
"Well now that leaves two very extraordinary, precious people left" Annie's voice continued to quiver, her emotions running high "I have so much to say to both of you and no idea where to begin. You've both had an impact on my life and I'm grateful for that. I'm also grateful knowing that my little girl will be loved and safe with both of you," the tears were beginning to fall freely down Annie's cheeks. "You both, as with all of you, will get to see some things and do things I will never get the chance to do with my child and my god am I jealous"
Kathryn began crying silently, she could no longer hold back the tears.
"But I entrust you both with my daughter's life because I know I know you'll look after her" Annie began wiping away the tears.
"When I first met you Chakotay I thought you were gorgeous and your ass your ass was right there." Annie used her hands to emphasise her point. "I thought I had died and gone to heaven right there and then!" Chakotay laughed as did Tom and the others. "But I was never the sparkle in your eye, was I? That sparkle was there long before I arrived. It was mirrored I her eyes as well, but she didn't let it out as often as you, did she? But I don't think I ever wanted to be 'that' sparkle in your eye not that kind of sparkle anyway. My feelings soon changed. They changed from respecting you as a sexy male friend " she laughed "to respecting you as a father figure, something I've lacked all my life"
"Oh Annie" Chakotay whispered. His heart felt like it had been ripped out then replaced but with something missing.
"You were the father I always wanted, always dreamed about" they could all see the unshed tears in her eyes. "It got to the point over the past few moths where I would dream about you stroking my hair, singing me to sleep or even telling me a story. I often wanted to ask you but I thought it would sound stupid coming from a grown woman."
Chakotay shook his head.
"It wouldn't have Annie I would have gladly done any of those things" he spoke quietly.
Kathryn bit her lip, trying to erase the pain her heart was feeling.
"You were my shoulder to cry on, my diary to keep my secrets, fears and hopes. No wonder she loves you."
Kathryn turned her head when she heard a choking noise from the table. It was B'Elanna, trying her best not to cry in front of everyone. Kathryn turned away again as not to embarrass her.
"Be that special father figure to my little girl. I love you Chakotay Daddy " Annie began silently crying again, but blew a kiss to Chakotay.
Chakotay placed his hand on his forehead. He was going to need to go on a vision quest later.
Kathryn closed her eyes, knowing full well that it was now her turn.
Annie's voice was shaking when she began again.
"When you got lost out here, you took a big part of me with you. I thought that part of me had died because well I thought you were dead. After Q brought me here and I saw you, I felt somewhat complete again" Annie rubbed her forehead. "When Brian was killed I never thought I'd find peace again, I thought I'd die alone and that scared the hell out of me." Kathryn felt her heart tighten "Dying still frightens me I don't particularly want to die, but unfortunately I dont have that much choice in the matter, do I?" Annie breathed deeply "I love you Mom and I " Annie's tears were flowing "know you'll be a wonderful mother to the baby. You can be the mother you've always wanted to be. You can watch that little girl's eyes light up and know it's all because of you." Annie closed her eyes, then brought her hand up to her lips and kissed it hard, then blew it to her.
Kathryn caught it with both hands and held it to her lips. Her tears were uncontrollable now, her shoulders were moving up and down
"I never got to say goodbye before and you what? I'm not going to say it now" she gave a teary laugh "No I'm going to say 'see you later' and hopefully we'll meet again, in a place that's not so painful"
Annie looked at the screen once more and placed her hand on to it.
"I love you" the screen then went blank.
Kathryn swung her chair round to the rest of the table, everyone had gone, bar Chakotay. He sat quietly watching Kathryn.
"I miss her so much" she finally spoke.
"I know I miss her too" Chakotay stood and lifted Kathryn into his arms and they just held one another.
They were pulled apart by someone clearing their voice. It was Naomi.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you Captain Commander, but someone needs your attention" a baby began crying.
Kathryn smiled at Naomi and walked up to her and took Meg from her carrycot.
"Thank you Naomi. Hello beautiful what's wrong with you hmm? You hungry?" Chakotay just watched as Kathryn sat down and pulled out a bottle of formula and began talking to her new daughter.
7 Months Later
Kathryn stood in the doorway of her bedroom, with Chakotay's arms wrapped around her waist, rubbing her slightly swollen abdomen.
"Are you going to play it tonight?" Chakotay whispered in her ear.
Kathryn stood, watching Meg, lying peacefully in her crib. She then turned to her husband-to-be.
"Yeah I owe it to Annie and to Meg" Kathryn smiled.
Chakotay nodded and moved into the living area to allow Kathryn to be alone.
Kathryn took a deep breath and walked over to the crib. Kathryn smiled instantaneously.
"Hello Meg hello!" Kathryn brushed her small auburn locks out of her eyes "I have a gift for you yes yes I do" Meg began gurgle and move her legs excitedly. Kathryn laughed.
Kathryn brought her fingers to her lips and kissed them, then placed her fingers on Meg's lips.
Kathryn then moved back over to the door.
"Computer play recording Janeway Alpha One"
The computer beeped and Annie came onto the screen. She was smiling.
"Hello little one, how's my little girl?"
Kathryn smiled and walked over to where Chakotay sat.
"I know you'll be having a wonderful time with your Mommy and Daddy. You're a special little girl who is loved by so many people."
"I'm going to read you a story, but first I want you to know how much I love you and that if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to just reach out and grasp it, never be afraid to do that. Okay Once upon a time " Annie's voice was quiet enough to lull the little girl to sleep, eventually, but the silence of the cabin allowed Kathryn and Chakotay to hear each word.
They lay on the couch holding one another, listening to their elder daughter telling their new daughter a story.
Their lives were just beginning and it was all thanks to Annie and the love she held inside.
The End
"Never be afraid to reach for what you want you never know you may just get it!"