Disclaimer: see chapter 1
She woke, suddenly aware of three things. She had fallen asleep on her couch, she wasn't alone, and the red-alert klaxons were sounding. They both sat up suddenly and Janeway called for the bridge.
"Captain," Tuvok's voice said. "There is a fire on deck four. Security and engineering teams have responded."
"What?" She rubbed her eyes and started over. "What happened?"
"We have not ascertained what happened..." The ship lurched and she fell against Chakotay. A quick glance out her window was all she needed to know that they had returned to normal space.
"Maintain our position. I want a complete scan. We'll be on deck four." It wasn't until later that she realized Tuvok never asked who *we* was.
She found her way to her closet and pulled out her uniform. She heard Chakotay leave. She didn't have time to think about what had (or hadn't) happened as she dressed. Minutes later she followed him to deck four.
She could smell the smoke and feel the heat even before she could see it. An eerie light reflected against the darkened walls. Engineering had cut power, except for emergency lighting, to the deck. Several of the crew passed her dressed only in their pajamas.
"Captain," Harry said, his voice muffled by a mask. "Here." He handed her a mask, which she donned. There were probably toxic fumes as well as the smoke.
"Report!" Her voice echoed strangely. They rounded the last corner. Thick grey smoke poured out of an open door. She watched as the security and engineering teams sprayed fire-retardent into the room.
"Fire suppressant system broke down. Transporter room one is fully engulfed."
"Injuries?"
"Susan broke her wrist while we were evacuating the living quarters."
"What the hell happened?" They both had to step against the wall when another security team passed them.
"A short." She could hear the frown in his voice. "It looks like transporter room one is a complete loss. We're trying to save the others."
Harry raised a hand and she could see the reflection of the flickering light in his mask. His lips were moving, probably talking to the teams. She wanted to get closer to see what was going on.
"Captain. They've contained the blaze. Joe figures another five minutes before it is out." There was another pause. "The fire was pretty much contained to the transporter room and the jeffries tube above it."
"I want a complete report...Work with B'Elanna on salvage." She didn't like the idea of losing one transporter. "Venting?"
"As soon as the fire's out," Harry nodded as he tapped his ear. "Excuse me, Captain." She nodded and followed him forward.
The normally clean walls of her ship were concealed with soot and ashes. Over the door of the damaged transporter room a large black scorch mark covered the ceiling. She ran her hand over the ash; the wall was warm and left her fingers covered in grey.
"Captain?"
"Commander. How bad?"
Chakotay shrugged. "It could have been worse. The transporter pads will have to be replaced. And it will take a while to remove the smell."
She nodded. The smell would probably linger for several weeks. "Keep me informed, I'll be on the bridge." She smiled and touched his mask. "I'll see you later." Now to handle the third event of the night.
She arrived on the bridge a few minutes later. Seven was standing at the ops station. She was wearing her gold uniform.
"Captain. Warp engines are down," Seven said before Tuvok could speak. "We should have the slipstream engines adjusted and recalibrated in twenty-three point two hours. Warp engines will be online in half-an-hour."
"Thank-you Seven. Mr. Tuvok?"
"We have rerouted power around the damaged relays. All systems except the warp and slipstream engines are nominal." He glanced at the screen. "Captain, they are ready to vent deck four."
"Very well. Do it." She glanced at the screen then down at the console. No other ships in the area--which considering the usual Delta-Quadrant mentality--was probably good.
"Venting complete." Tuvok said.
"Good. Seven, while we are stopped, determine our position and calculate any course adjustments."
"Of course, Captain. I have already commenced that operation."
Of course. Janeway didn't smile, but she did acknowledge the ex-Borg's efficiency.
#
Two hours later she trudged back to her quarters and possibly a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. She yawned several times.
"Kathryn." She turned slowly.
"You should be in bed." She smiled at his wonderful grin.
"So should you," he stepped toward her.
"We...Chakotay, we..." She lost her thought as he ran his fingers along her chin.
"We what?" She sighed as his breath hit her cheek. Then he leaned closer and kissed her cheek. "Good night, Kathryn."
She stood outside her door and watched him disappear around the corner. She almost called his name, then shook her head. "Good night, Chakotay," she whispered as she entered her quarters. "Sleep well."
"Captain's personal log, stardate 52415. What am I going to do with Chakotay? A rhetorical question, I know--since only I can answer the question. But what am I going to do? For four years he seemed satisfied with our friendship--but I now believe that was a facade. Since we have begun our journey he has dropped hints that he wanted more...that he wanted me. But I chose to ignore those hints to maintain protocol and decorum. But since the night of the fire those hints have become less subtle. In fact about all he hasn't done is announce his intentions publicly. But the crew knows--if the comments and smiles that have followed us are any indication.
"Twenty-four hours after the fire we re-entered the slipstream and he invited me to dinner in his quarters. Since then we've had dinner together almost every night. All I have to say is 'when'...But when is when?"
"Captain, the colony governor is requesting to speak with you," Ensign Waters said from the ops station.
Janeway nodded slightly as she stood. "On screen." She looked up. "Governor Planor, thank-you for responding so quickly."
"Captain Janeway, how can I not meet with the captain of a ship with such an incredible technology. May I be the first to welcome you to Xylap Prime."
"Thank-you." She raised an eyebrow slightly. Was he too polite--or was it Delta-Quadrant paranoia?
"And how may I help you?" The long-eared alien said. She briefly wondered how Xylapans avoided tripping over their ears.
"We need to make a few repairs to our ship and replenish our supplies."
"Excellent, excellent. What are you willing to trade for the supplies?" The governor's face lost some of its jovialness as it picked up a more concentrated look. His eyes turned a darker shade of red.
"We have a variety of minerals: iron, copper..."
He shook his head. "We have minerals..." He smiled suddenly. "We don't have this technology that allowed you to magically appear in our space two star-cycles ago. Would you be willing to trade?"
"I'm sorry Governor Planor, it is against the laws of our Federation to trade in technology." Damn, she thought, she should have guessed. The Xylap ships that had accompanied them in had been very curious...and had tried several times to scan Voyager.
"A Federation," he said ominously. "That is far, far, away. Think about this offer." Planor disappeared.
Janeway glared at the blank screen for a second before looking at Tuvok. "Analysis."
"The Xylap ships are well armed and travel in convoys. Individually they would pose no threat."
She nodded as she tapped her combadge. "Janeway to engineering."
"Torres here. Captain, we heard. Without the supplies we will not be able to complete the repairs to transporter room one."
Janeway let out her breath. She wanted that transporter repaired--but not at this price. She again tapped her combadge. "Janeway to Astrometrics. Do you have the new route plotted?"
"Yes Captain." Something about Seven's voice made Janeway wonder if she'd insulted the ex-Borg. There was a long pause before Seven continued. "Captain, I have sent the new course to the conn and view screen." The screen flickered and a map appeared.
"Captain," Waters called out excitedly. "Fifteen Xylap ships are on an intercept course."
Janeway glanced at her console, then the screen. "Red alert. Mr. Paris adjust our course. Warp five. When we are clear of system, engage the slipstream engines. On screen." The map vanished to be replaced by the image of 15 small ships. She watched the screen as they drew away.
"They are not pursuing," Tuvok said. "We shall be able to engage the slipstream engines in fifteen minutes."
"Maintain red-alert until then."
#
She stared at the data PADD Seven had given her ten minutes after entering the slipstream. She'd read it three times, they'd known...but to be so close--to see the light at the end of the so-called tunnel.
In two months they would be home barring any unforeseen incidents...
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door chime. "Come in." She smiled. "Hello Commander." She handed him the PADD and motioned for him to sit beside her.
He was silent while he read, his expression clouded. "It seems incredible." He whispered. "Just 6 months ago we were in the Delta Quadrant with a lifetime journey in front of us...Now..." He put the PADD down and took her hand. "One journey is ending and another begins."
She placed her other hand over his. "A different journey." She leaned forward and kissed him. He freed his hands from hers and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. His lips melded with hers as their desire entwined their bodies on her sofa. Somewhere in the back of her head she had one last coherent thought.
She pulled back and traced the pattern of his tattoo with her index finger. "I love you," she said softly.
"Damn it Doctor, you can't do this to me!" Even in the corridor, B'Elanna's voice was strong. Janeway didn't hear the Doctor's response--but she could feel the frustration he was probably showing--it set her head to pounding more. B'Elanna wasn't an easy patient under normal circumstances--and this close to her due date she had become impossible. The Doctor had informed the captain that effective immediately he was placing B'Elanna on limited duty. The lieutenant's reaction had been very verbal.
Janeway was on her way to rescue the Doctor. She hesitated as the doors slid open revealing B'Elanna sitting on the bio-bed, and the Doctor holding a tricorder over her. "You need to relax Lieutenant. Your blood pressure has climbed ten points in the last five minutes. Good morning Captain."
"Captain," B'Elanna said. "Please tell the meddling quack I am fine..."
Janeway rubbed her forehead to try to alleviate the pain. "It's his decision, Lieutenant." She emphasized her rank.
"I am perfectly capable of continuing with my duties." B'Elanna stopped speaking when Janeway glared at her. "Yes ma'am." She looked sullen.
"Lieutenant Torres, this is a surprise?" Janeway continued to stare at the woman.
Reluctantly Torres admitted it wasn't. Everybody had known that the last month of her pregnancy she would be on limited duty. B'Elanna had even agreed to this.
"Lieutenant, why don't you return to your quarters and take a nap." Janeway looked at the Doctor who smiled at her suggestion.
"An excellent idea, Captain." He backed away from B'Elanna. "Everything is progressing as expected. Even your temper." B'Elanna slowly slid off the bio-bed. Everything she did was slower. She then waddled to the door. No one laughed. B'Elanna had punched Tom when he had made a comment at the wrong moment three days earlier
"Thank-you, Captain," The Doctor said when B'Elanna had left. "She was threatening me with a memory wipe."
Janeway smiled. "How is she doing?"
"Her blood pressure is high...I've placed a monitor on her. I expect it will go down when she relaxes." He started to pack his equipment. "How are you?"
"Just a headache again."
He frowned. "Most interesting." He took the tricorder and scanned her. "The preventative treatments are affecting some crew members more than others. I'll make an adjustment." He worked quickly--seconds later he had the hypospray ready.
#
"Good evening, Kathryn," Chakotay whispered as he slipped into her bed.
She rolled over and smiled at him. "So, how was the bridge tournament?"
"Remind me not to partner with Megan. She really gets involved..." He kissed her. "I also remembered why I don't play anymore either." Kathryn laughed. He'd been dragged in at the last minute when someone had mentioned he could play.
"While you were playing, I finally read Harry's report on the fire." He'd given it to her that evening.
"You trying to tell me that I am distracting?" He ran a finger along her chin and down her neck.
"Of course. Aren't you even a little bit curious why the ship nearly burned up?" She lifted her eyebrows in mock anger.
"Oh let's see...A gel pack blew, causing a power overload in the back-up switch which triggered a cascading power build-up in the previous circuit..." He laughed. "I read it while waiting for the doctor to win."
"Good, wouldn't want the crew to think you were lying around doing nothing..." Her smile grew wicked as she rolled closer to him.
"Nothing?"
#
Several hours later she sat at her desk staring at the screen. She'd woken up fifteen minutes earlier; and try as she might, she couldn't get back to sleep. Chakotay was still asleep and she didn't want to wake him. She'd had bouts of insomnia before--but then there hadn't been someone in the other room who would be willing to sit up with her...or hold her...
"Stop it, Kathryn," she said softly as she stared at her personal log in the half-light of her desk lamp. "Continue log." The computer beeped in acknowledgment, but she didn't speak. Finally the screen shut itself off, and she leaned backed in her chair.
What she wanted to say wasn't the kind of thing one put in any log--even personal ones. Not when in about 31 days her life, decisions, situations, whatever and everything would be scrutinized; and a bunch of Admirals would be second-guessing her. But they would be home.
Home. The Alpha-Quadrant. Earth. Where there was a war. A particularly vicious war with the Cardassians...And Romulans...And some group called the Dominion.
At their last stop there had been a discussion on the most expedient way home. The course through the Gamma-Quadrant had been nixed because of this Dominion. They'd settled on taking the extra week and avoiding any problems.
After the meeting, she and Chakotay had decided where would be the best place to leave the Maquis. There were several choices, but they had picked a minor planet near the Klingon homeworld as the first choice. She still didn't like leaving the Maquis, but she had agreed to it anyway.
"You should be asleep," a deep voice said behind her.
"Couldn't." She turned in her chair so she could see him. "And so should you."
"Kath...What's wrong?"
She shrugged, not sure if she could put her feelings into words. "I just can't sleep. I've been thinking."
He raised an eyebrow, but somehow knew that humor wouldn't work on her--and avoided the sarcastic remark she knew he was thinking. "It does seem incredible. In a month we will be back--and even if the slipstream engines quit tomorrow there would only be about eight years left in our journey."
"It's just such a..." She spread her hands slightly to show frustration at her inability to think of the words. "I don't know. For close to five years this has been our ultimate goal and it's soon to be a reality."
"The journey has been the exciting part, not the ending." He knelt beside her and took her hand. "No matter what happens, I'll be there for you."
She smiled. "I promise I won't tell anyone, but you are such a romantic."
"Just with you, my love," he whispered as he pulled her out of the chair into his arms. "Just with you."
Kathryn sank back into her chair. One of the many perks of being captain--especially when the Morale Officer was a Talaxian--was attending performances she normally wouldn't have. Not that Harry's wind quintet was bad--they were actually quite good. She just found small doses of chamber music went a long way. And that small dose had been reached over thirty minutes ago. She casually glanced at the program: only three more pieces. She returned to thinking about the mission that had caused them to be dragged into the Delta-Quadrant in the first place.
She smiled slightly at just how that task had been completed, but was distracted by a noise in the back. She turned to look and saw the shadows of a departing couple. She didn't have that option, and Neelix would probably complain about their manners tomorrow at breakfast. Her thoughts returned to the mission and the follow-up report. The one that for four years she had not written. She'd written the other reports based on Voyager's new mission: To seek out and explore...
Her combadge chirped and she tapped it quickly. "Janeway here," she said in a hushed whisper.
"Captain, you'd better report to sick-bay," Chakotay's voice said.
She slid out of her chair wondering why she'd been summoned to sick-bay. She could feel everyone's eyes on her as she exited the holodeck.
Chakotay was waiting for her in the corridor outside sick-bay. He didn't look like something bad had happened--she couldn't describe how he was looking. "What happened?"
He nodded toward sick-bay. "B'Elanna's in there..."
She smiled and felt her eyes water. "Now?"
"Yes. The Doctor figures she'll be in labor about eight hours." He took her hands and smiled. "Voyager's second child."
"And this time may there be no crisis to mar the event!"
"Hear, hear," Tom said as he exited sick-bay. He was rubbing his jaw. "One child I think is plenty."
"Are you all right?" Janeway asked.
"I'll live." He looked wistfully at the door. "The Doctor sent me out." There was a string of Klingon curses from behind the closed doors. "The verbal stage. I've spent the past few weeks reading about Klingon birthing practices. And I thought their marriage practices were barbaric." He laughed half-heartedly. "If the male is not in as much if not more pain than his mate, it is considered bad luck." He rubbed his jaw again.
"Finally, a ritual that makes sense," Janeway said with a smile. Both the men glared at her.
"Pain sticks," Tom said with a laugh. "Before you say anything about being elsewhere." He flexed his jaw. "I think we have a fair start on the good luck part." There was another string of curses from sick-bay. "I should get back there..." He looked at the door. "And I might be late for duty," he gallantly said as he marched back into sick-bay.
"Late..." Chakotay chuckled. "I'll notify Rollins that he'll have bridge duty tomorrow."
"Captain, Commander, I just heard." Neelix shouted as he ran toward them. "Is everything all right? Do they need compresses?"
"The Doctor has everything under control..." Janeway said as sharp scream penetrated the door. Neelix looked at the door his eyes wide.
"Talaxian child birth is a peaceful process where both parents are in a meditative state...Perhaps I could assist B'Elanna..."
"No!" Both senior officers said at once.
"You see, Neelix," Chakotay continued. "This is a private time for them."
Neelix nodded vigorously. "I understand. I would make Tala Mol Dor, a traditional post-partum meal for the new mother. It helps rebuild her strength." He sighed. "But without Leola Root, I fear it would not be effective."
Janeway placed a hand on his shoulder. "You might want to have plenty of coffee and food. When the crew hears, they will be gathering in the mess-hall."
"Of course, Captain." He was beaming again. "An excellent idea. I can provide updates too." He trotted away.
"Tala Mol Dor?" Chakotay asked after the Talaxian had entered the lift.
"I don't want to think about it." There was a male shout followed by a thud. "Perhaps Tom could use some armor?" Janeway noticed Chakotay was still holding her hand and absently wondered if Tom had noticed.
#
Neelix was carrying a tray of sliced breads and cakes around to the tables. There was a steady stream of customers this evening, Janeway noticed. For six hours the mess hall had become the news hub. She had come in a few minutes earlier with Tuvok. Chakotay had gone to the bridge.
"Any news?" She asked Neelix. She was probably as well informed as the Talaxian, but he really was enjoying being the carrier of news.
"There was a thud ten minutes ago. Poor Tom." She nodded in sympathy. Tuvok quirked an eyebrow but was silent.
Neelix knew her too well. Before she'd even taken her seat he'd placed a cup of coffee in front of her. "Commander," Neelix said. "Would you care for a cup of trilsh tea. It is very relaxing..." Neelix frowned slightly when the Vulcan declined. "Very well Mr. Vulcan, your usual." He looked at Janeway. "Vulcan's are not a culinary adventurous race, are they?" He just shrugged and walked toward the replicator.
She bit her lip slightly. "Not culinary adventurous?"
"I do not comprehend this reference. I have had to be adventurous several times in the Delta-Quadrant." He paused slightly. "Every time Mr. Neelix has cooked." How he managed to maintain a straight face had to be due to his Vulcan control, Janeway decided. She smiled.
"You told a joke?"
"Merely a statement of fact, Captain." They both looked toward the door as a boisterous crowd entered: the two Delaney sisters and friends. Megan lifted a bottle.
"To the soon to be parents!!" Jenny poked her sister and whispered something, then the twins looked at Janeway. "And to our wonderful Captain." There was more cheering.
"Perhaps I should place security personnel on alert?" Tuvok started to stand.
"Tell them to keep a low profile and just guide the more disorderly to their quarters." She stood. "We'll let them party. They deserve it." Excuses for a good party were few and far between. And tonight they had two. "I'll be on the bridge."
"Very good, Captain." They left quickly.
"Captain's log, stardate 52583.7. At oh-four-seventeen, B'Elanna and Tom became the proud parents of a baby girl. They named her Elaine Kathryn Paris. She's gorgeous." Kathryn looked up at Chakotay and gave him a wistful smile as she continued. "I believe this is the first time I've stayed awake all night for such a happy reason." He laughed as he sat on her ready room desk. "Mother and daughter are doing well, and the Doctor expects Tom to come around soon too." The father had tripped five minutes after the birth of his daughter and had hit his head. "I think he has brought enough good luck to his family that some of it must seep over to the rest of us."
She glanced at the chronometer. She was scheduled for early duty shift--which began in a little less than an hour. "You should get some sleep." He had the day off.
"On one condition, I finish your shift. I'll be here at twelve-hundred hours."
She agreed. The one thing about traveling in the slipstream was it was boring. For the most part they were undetectable--so no one bothered them. The problems of the past seven months were mostly mechanical. It was the most peaceful and restful period the crew had seen since being dragged into the Delta-Quadrant.
Jenny had delivered the dress several weeks ago with the instructions not to let anyone see it until this night. Kathryn had been true to her promise and hidden the dress. She hadn't even looked at it since the night Jenny had handed it to her.
Tonight she was fingering the soft, silky material. The black dress had a deep red overtone under certain conditions. She'd spent the past ten minutes finding some of those conditions. But time was against her--and she had to finish dressing.
She had planned her arrival to take place about an hour after it had started. And, she had to admit as she spun in front of her mirror, to make an entrance. The dress had short sleeves, with a conservative neckline and a long full skirt. But the color was good on her, and it showed off her figure. She was looking forward to a certain commander's reaction.
#
Her timing was perfect, as usual. She'd developed a knack for showing up at these things at the right moment--after they'd started, but before everybody began to wonder if she was coming. She smiled and walked in step to the music--whatever it was, the couples on the floor were enjoying themselves. She looked around again and frowned slightly.
"Captain...wow!" Tom was grinning at her.
"Tom."
"He's not here."
"Oh. I wasn't looking for anyone. And B'Elanna?" She pretended to not see his smile.
"She's over there," he pointed to a small crowd near the buffet table. "She and Elaine have gathered quite a crowd." He offered his arm. "We both seem to be without a partner. May I have this dance?"
She nodded.
#
She spent a few minutes chatting with B'Elanna and Naomi. The young girl was Elaine's self-appointed *aunt.* She had hovered around the baby for the past hour. Samantha was hinting it was time to go.
Elaine forced the issue when she began to fuss. B'Elanna reluctantly announced she and Tom were leaving. Tom made a show about taking his daughter from B'Elanna and proudly carried her around the room to say good-night. Janeway had to laugh. It was Elaine's first public appearance--and she seemed to love the attention.
Naomi and Samantha followed a few minutes later with less pomp.
"Hello," he whispered. "You look gorgeous Kathryn." She turned and smiled.
His grin made her blush some. "Chakotay." He looked delicious in the black formal wear. "What happened?"
"A personal problem. One of the crew just learned she was pregnant and wasn't very happy. I was talking to her and the father."
Janeway looked surprised, but things like this still happened. "Will they be all right?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. I mediated for a while--but the couple did need some time to talk, alone." He took her hand. "May I have this dance?"
"I'd be honored Commander."
Captain Kathryn Janeway stood slowly and gripped the side of her chair. Commander Chakotay moved to stand behind her as she prepared to say those words that would return them to normal space and Federation Territory.
"Lieutenant Paris," she said in a crisp formal tone that didn't hide her excitement. "Prepare to return to normal space." She smiled slightly. Ship wide communications were open.
"Very good, Captain," Tom replied. "Standing by."
She took a deep breath as she gripped her chair harder in preparation for the lurch that would follow. "Do it."