Story #6 – YOU NEVER KNOW

By Shalee

 

 

Day 89

 

Returning from evening rounds of the village, Tuvok, Security Chief of the late Starship Voyager observed an uncommon sight as he neared his shelter. The Vulcan stepped quickly back into the shadows his keen hearing and eyesight leaving no doubt as to the identity of the couple a few meters away. Locked in a passionate embrace, the two seemed only enthralled with each other. Strangely, the encounter left him with feelings of angst. Though the emotion was more from a paternal perspective than a romantic one, it still disturbed him when he couldn't suppress it. As Tuvok debated his next move, the couple parted with whispered endearments and moved toward their respective homes.

 

It wasn't until his shelter mate neared, that he made his presence known. "Good evening, Commander… "

 

"Tuvok!" Chakotay huffed startled by the Vulcan's sudden appearance. "Gods, you scared the hell out of me. What are you doing?"

 

The dark man was taken slightly aback by the Indian's seemingly unwarranted attack. "I apologize, Commander; would you rather I would have interrupted your moment with captain?"

 

Chakotay rubbed a hand over his face and sighed as he realized the former security chief was attempting to be tactful. "No, I appreciate your discretion. This relationship… Kathryn and I…  has been a long time in coming. I don't want anything to rock the boat, now that things are moving along."

 

The two men continued to talk as they entered their shelter and prepared for sleep.  "Your attraction to each other has not escaped my notice, Commander."

 

"But… " Chakotay prompted with a bemused expression as he sat down on his bed to pull off a boot. Yet, the Vulcan remained silent; so he tried a different tact. "Tuvok, I have nothing but honorable intentions concerning Kathryn."

 

"I would not expect anything else from you, Commander, knowing your nature and the captain's. My only concern is that Kathryn not be harmed. She is important to me."

 

Chakotay smiled a little, "I know, as you are to her. I'll that care of her. I will try to make her happy, Tuvok; I promise."

 

The Vulcan bowed slightly in acknowledgment, "Thank you, Chakotay." Then he turned away to begin his evening mediations.

 

Chakotay sighed as a strange feeling of relief spread over him. He felt as though he had been given parental permission to court his love. In a way, he had. He shook his head slightly as he glanced at the Vulcan sitting crossed-legged on his bunk. 'Will wonders ever cease?' He thought as he moved toward his own bunk and lay down to sleep. There was no doubt in his mind what he would dream about.

 

Day 90

 

Late evening – Voyager New Hope Colony

 

Kathryn Janeway's Personal Journal:

 

Today is a one to remember, my friends. We have regained what was thought lost. I-- Oh, the hell with it. We've got replicators back! My crew…  my family of miracle workers… has done it again, though their methods were a bit unorthodox! I wish I could reward them accordingly, with commendations of the highest order in Starfleet; but all I can offer is my thanks, my respect and a parental sense of pride. Well done, everyone!

 

Day 90

 

Mid-morning –

 

"I can't believe you managed to something like this a secret." Kathryn Janeway said as she stood with her hands on her hips and surveyed the faces around her. In the background, perhaps only to her ears, she could hear the gentle thrum of the central power station's reaction chamber, something that seemed reminiscent of Voyager's warp core.

 

"It wasn't easy; we didn't want to get everyone's hopes up… especially yours," B'Elanna explained.

 

"I understand. Now… tell me how you did this," Kathryn demanded in a mockingly stern tone.

 

"Aye, aye, Captain," Harry acknowledged with a sharp salute.

 

"Well, as you know the bio-neural gelpaks were damaged by the plasma surge that hit Voyager. It caused a reaction in all the gelpaks aboard, that acted almost like a virus. It disrupted their ability to function normally. But in examining all the gelpaks, we found the ones on the shuttles and in the portable replicators had not sustained the same amount of damage; they were salvageable. And well, to put it simply, it all comes down to nanoprobes. We used them to purge and clean the gelpaks.

 

"You did what?" Kathryn incited as her eyes roamed the group.

 

"That's not all; they're working better than they ever have! We've managed to get the computer command processor on-line, along with the database. Everything was intact, but not assessable without the gelpaks." B'Elanna seemed to babble on, not even noticing her former captain's eyes growing larger and larger. "Captain, we can have replicators back. We have all the foodstuffs and raw materials we need here. We should even be able to replicate new gelpaks as we need them. Medical supplies and building materials and all the little amenities that we've been doing without. We can… "

 

"Whoa, B'Elanna; I get the message. This is wonderful. I'm very proud of all of you." Kathryn told them meeting the eyes of all those assembled. "Life here just got better." She paused for a moment to look directly at one individual as she spoke in a husky tone, "Chakotay told me, not to look upon Voyager's demise not as a tragedy but as a gift – that her spirit lives on in everything taken from her. I truly see that now, here in this place and in you people."

 

Kathryn allowed the tears she had been holding back to finally fall as she accepted the glass of wine someone had miraculously produced. "Here then is my toast to one tough little ship and her terrific crew. Voyager is dead; long may she live."

 

Everyone repeated the toast and burst into cheers. Hugs and whispered praises were taken with modest acceptance. Even Seven got a hug from Kathryn. Though stiffly accepted, it was taken nonetheless.

 

~*~

 

Day 112

 

Almost four months.

 

That's how long it had been. One hundred and twelve days since the Starship Voyager

had come to rest on this planet. There had been many challenges and many triumphs. Unfortunately, good fortune doesn't last forever.

 

Samantha Wildman had come down with it first, then Harry, Megan Delaney, and 10 others. In two days, the doctor's clinic ward was full and understaffed as new cases cropped up each day the epidemic dragged on. On the fourth day since Sam had taken ill, the doctor finally ascertained the cause. A microbe had infiltrated the colony's water supply. The filters had been immediately adjusted to detect it and no new cases had cropped up in the last twelve hours. The doctor had engineered a vaccine against new cases and had doled it out to the victims it seemed to be working for all, save one.

 

The holographic physician hesitated to disturb the woman who dozed in the chair in his office. He knew Kathryn Janeway was exhausted. She had been there at the clinic helping to nurse the ailing of her brood. Like an overprotective parent she stayed, even after ushering the other volunteers to bed. The doctor's most vivid memory was of her sitting with Harry Kim as he lay delirious with fever, soothing with tender words and a cool hand at his brow as the young man called for his mother.

 

With a deep sigh, or what passed for one in a hologram, the doctor gently put a hand on his former captain's shoulder and shook her gently.  " Captain…  Kathryn… "

 

"Yes… doctor?" Kathryn murmured as she came immediately awake, years of ingrained Starfleet training kicking in. Her deep blue eyes searched his for a clue to the problem. Immediately she knew.  "Sam… "

 

"I'm sorry; she's not responding to the vaccine and her condition is slowly degrading. Involuntary support systems are shutting down. Cardiac and pulmonary function, kidneys… I'm afraid it only a matter of time," the doctor informed his former captain solemnly.

 

"No!" Kathryn Janeway cried as much as whispered. She stood and went to the doorway of the office.

 

There she was met by Chakotay, his dark gaze offering what comfort he could. Kathryn took a deep breath and walk across the hall into another room to stand at the foot of Sam Wildman's bed. Chakotay was just behind her bracing her up with a strong hand on her shoulder. Kathryn bowed her head for a moment, then lifted her gaze to meet holographic sympathetic blue eyes. "Can I…?"

 

"Of course, but don't stay to long; she tires easily."

 

Kathryn nodded and moved to the blonde woman's bedside. After a moment's indecision, she sank into a chair positioned nearby and gently took Sam's hand. This brought the younger woman out of her dozing state.

 

"Kathryn… "

 

"Ssshhh; don't talk now, Sam. You need to rest."

 

She nodded and gripped Kathryn's hand tighter. "Lots of time to sleep later. I need to say some things. Please… "

 

"Okay… " Kathryn responded with a nod, "I'm listening." Unobserved, Chakotay slipped from the room, his own mission in mind.

 

"Naomi… " Sam whispered. "Promise me, you'll help take of her.

 

"Sam, you'll be there to take care of her… when you get better."

 

"No," Sam shook her head, rising up in the bed as best she could and gripping her hand tighter. "I'm not going to get better; I know that. Promise me, Kathryn… "

 

"I promise," Kathryn whispered her voice rough with emotion. Sam smiled weakly and lay back down on the bed.

 

"Neelix will try, but he can't do everything. Naomi will need a woman's presence. Someone to tell all she needs to know about growing up. She'll need a confidant, friend… and a mother."

 

"Sam, I'll do everything I can to protect and care for Naomi. She already has my love and always will." Kathryn proclaimed as she heard a soft whimper behind her, then felt a hand touch her shoulder. She looked up and saw Neelix standing there with Naomi's hand clutched tightly in his. Kathryn returned her attention to Sam. "You have company; I should go… "

 

The woman in the bed didn't release her grip immediately and Kathryn had to meet her soft blue gaze. "Thank you, Kathryn," Sam whispered. "And whatever happens, remember to follow your heart." Kathryn looked confused for a moment until she realized Sam was talking about Chakotay.

 

"I will, Sam, I will… " Kathryn murmured as she rose, delivering a soft kiss on Naomi's shining blonde curls as she passed by. With a solemn nod to Neelix, she moved to the doorway where Chakotay stood. There was only a moment's hesitation before she was in his arms, burying her face in his chest. Strong arms encircled Kathryn's small frame as Chakotay gently drew her with him out of the room, leaving only the principals of the drama remaining in the room.

 

In the hall outside, Kathryn and Chakotay joined Harry, B'Elanna, Tom, Tuvok and Seven for a silent vigil. A half hour or so later, Sarah Hickman came to take Harry home but he refused to go. Instead, the two took up residence on the bench next to Tom and B'Elanna. Seven and Tuvok were conversing at the end of the hall.

 

In two chairs, near to the door, Kathryn sat next to Chakotay, her head pillowed against his arm. She looked for all appearances to be sleeping, so when she spoke, Chakotay and the others were startled. "It's not fair, Chakotay."

 

"I know, Kathryn. Life and death rarely are."

 

Kathryn shifted and lifted her head to look at him, "Yes, but this should have been preventable. We've gotten complacent in our little community; we're not on our guard and we should be."

 

"Kathryn, you're talking about trying to prepare for every little difficulty throw our way. It can't be done; something will always sneak through the cracks. The most we can do is learn and be aware. Nothing is for sure in this life."

 

"Tell that to Naomi." Tom quietly injected. "She's too young to understand this.

 

"Yeah, if you think about it, this is the second time she's lost her mother," Harry said remembering to their encounter with the duplicate Voyager and it's destruction as well as his own death and rebirth. "It's enough to confuse anyone."

 

"Perhaps I could help Naomi." Seven volunteered stoically. "I have suffered a similar situation." She paused as all eyes turned in her direction. "I know what it is like to be an orphan… " She faltered as emotion unfamiliar washed over her. " …to be alone."

 

Before anyone could speak, the doctor came out of Sam's room. The look on his face told the story. Naomi then appeared from behind him and Kathryn was there to gather her up in a tight embrace.

 

"Neelix says that Momma's gone to the Great Forest and she'll be there waiting for me, always." Naomi proclaimed solemnly as silent tears slipped down her cheeks to blend with Kathryn's. The older woman looked beyond the child's blonde curls to see Neelix kneeling at Sam's bedside. Gently, he lifted one of her limp hands and slipped a golden band on the third finger. Tears run unchecked down his mottled cheeks as he kissed his love tenderly. Then he laid his head on her chest, their hands tightly entwined. One alive, one dead… yet together, forever.

 

~*~

 

Day 114

 

It was a somber day. The sky was gray and the ground covered with pristine whiteness from the snow the night before. In a tiny clearing devoid of sound, save the occasional sob or muffled voice, the former crew of Voyager stood gathered around the final resting place of their friend and crewmate. As each pondered his or hers own mortality, their captain's voice strong and husky intoned a solemn eulogy.

 

"Today, my friends, is a sad occasion, for we come to bid good-bye to one of our own. Samantha Wildman was a kind, compassionate woman; a fine officer, wonderful mother and a dear friend. She had the heart and strength of a lioness, always protecting and always nurturing. May we all aspire to her example."

 

Kathryn Janeway paused to shallow the lump of emotion that had formed in her throat. "Sam, we'll miss you,” she whispered as she placed a hand on the rough hewn wooden coffin. When she moved away, others came forward and spoke of remembered events and conversations. Finally, Tuvok moved up to intone a Vulcan prayer, then it was done. In pairs, threesomes and singles, the gathered voyagers moved off, leaving only a solemn foursome behind.

 

"Kathryn… "

 

Lost in thought, the woman looked up startled to see Neelix and Naomi before her.

"Yes, Neelix?"

 

"I.. well… could Naomi… " the Talaxian stammered as if unsure of himself.

 

"It's alright, Neelix; Naomi can stay with me." Kathryn reached out with her hand; the little girl grasped it immediately and moved forward, not stopping until she was placed tightly against Kathryn's side. She gently stoked Naomi's blonde curls, making unconscious soothing sounds. Her voice caught Neelix as he started to move away. "Neelix, take how ever long you need; we'll be here when you come back."

 

"Thank you, Kathryn," Neelix acknowledged his former captain and the man behind her with a nod and flashed an encouraging smile at Naomi before he disappeared through the trees.

 

"I hope he'll be alright."

 

"He'll be fine," Chakotay affirmed as he placed an arm about her shoulders. "I told him he could stay on the lake for as long as he wanted. I'm not working on the Edgewater anymore until spring."

 

Kathryn nodded and cast one more look at gravesite. She knew once they were gone, the volunteer detail would finish up, gently lowering the coffin and respectfully covering it before erecting the polished stone marker. It would undoubtedly be the first of many stone in the coming future. The clearing could hold as many as thirty graves before it was necessary to enlarge it. Kathryn could only hope that that time would be very long in coming. Finally, with gentle prodding from Chakotay, the threesome started back for the village.

 

As they neared their destination, tiny flakes of white started to fall. The seasons were changing just as life and times needed to. To go forward was the only alternative; life was just to short. Kathryn took a step closer to Chakotay, trying to convey what words couldn't. They exchanged gentle smiles. Their time was at hand; fate had declared it. Because… for all you do, to try and prepare for the future, in the end, you just never know…