Summary:  Part 7 of "Home".

Copyright January 2001 Cassatt

With the sounds of her own pounding heart assaulting her ears, Kathryn stared at the people in front of her. Children. Boys. A small group of them, each looking frightened, each glancing at another, each hoping one of them would step forward and none of them did. Kathryn's brain tried to comprehend what she was seeing with only little success.

"Kathy..." Someone touched her arm, looking to her side she saw Phoebe. "Are you all right?"

Clarity returned, just as suddenly as it had left. She turned again, walking quickly, feeling her hands shake as her heart tried to slow itself. Post-adreneline rush, she thought. She heard her mother's voice reassuring the children, then the sounds of footsteps following her and finally felt the warm hand of her sister urging her to slow down. She stopped, breathing hard, her hands still shaking a bit, her mind dull.

"What happened back there?" Phoebe asked her gently.

She had no answer. She shrugged slightly. "Come on, let's go home," was all that came out of her mouth. She was grateful, though, for the closeness of her sister and her mother, who flanked her for the duration, not saying much and not expecting anything else from her.

Chakotay took one look at her as they entered and came immediately to her side, leading her down the hall to their room. Looking over his shoulder, meeting Gretchen's eyes, she nodded and took Phoebe and the food into the kitchen.

He helped her get her jacket off, then sitting himself against the headboard he pulled her to him, holding her, feeling her clutch him tightly. After a few minutes, her hold lessened as she began to relax.

"So, Kathryn, something happened on the way home. Are you ready to tell me what?"

She took a deep and slightly shaky breath. "I'm not sure what it was. I .... I was walking with mom and Phoebe, we were having fun, and suddenly I felt something following us. I, I thought they would cause us harm, I even reached for my phaser. I turned around and I couldn't even tell what was reality and what wasn't. If I would have had a weapon they'd be dead... all I knew was that I had to protect my family...."

"And so what was following you? Or who?"

"It's so embarrassing....it was just a group of boys. I have no idea what they were doing, probably just walking home, maybe they wanted to talk to me, I don't know."

Chakotay was quiet, rubbing her back, absently kissing her hair. "Sounds like a stress reaction. Maybe even PTS. I read the memo you forwarded that Starfleet sent us, believe it or not. Some of what you're describing is remarkably similar to the symptoms."

"I guess it does... so I'm what, falling apart?"

"No, Kathryn, not you. Impossible," he said with a smile, "but you could be having some reactions, finally getting home, things happening to me, being with your family again, trying to let go of the last seven years of unbelievable stress...."

She pulled herself closer to him, gently this time, and Chakotay felt her heartbeat, slow and relaxed now. "You could call Deanna Troi, if she's here. Maybe just to talk? I'm sure she'd come to the house, for you. The Doctor said he spent a lot of time talking to her, remember?"

She chuckled. "You don't know the half of it, actually. Maybe I'll give her a call tomorrow." He felt her tense up. "I'm not crazy, you know. I can handle what's happening to you..."

"Of course you can. Kathryn Janeway can handle anything. Spirits, who else took on the Borg three times and won? You just can't forget you're still human. We're not up there anymore, Kath, you don't have to be perfect. I certainly don't expect it."

She kissed his chest before pulling away slightly to look at him. He saw that she had returned completely to the here and now.

"Thank you, Chakotay. I'll think about what you've said, I promise. Will you go and see to mom and Phoebe? I'm just going to change my clothes and wash up. I'll be out in a few minutes." She moved herself to the edge of the bed and stood, then put out her hand to help him up. He cupped her face and kissed her softly.

Walking into the kitchen area, Gretchen came toward him taking his hands in hers. "How is she? Chakotay, please tell me, what's wrong with my daughter?"

"She's fine, just changing her clothes and taking a few minutes to herself. We think she might be having a bit of a post-traumatic stress reaction. Perfectly normal under the circumstances. There's a counselor I'd like her to call, Deanna Troi, from the Enterprise. She said she'd think about it. But she needs to be the one to tell you details."

Gretchen made a clucking sound. "Well, if I know Kathryn, she'll want to believe that she's fine and can handle anything. Stubborn..."

"As a Klingon." Chakotay agreed, smiling. He turned to Phoebe, holding out his hand. "Hello Phoebe, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

She shook it warmly and enthusiastically, with a little gleam in her eye. "Likewise, Chakotay, I've heard a lot about you, as I'm sure you know. Mom here is clearly taken with you so you must be someone special. And as for my sister's taste in men..."

"What about your sister's taste in men?" Kathryn's stern voice arrived before she did. They collectively turned to see her enter, looking relaxed with an answering gleam in her eye.

Chakotay's heart did a small flip flop. She was wearing the blue dress, and he hadn't seen it in five years. He felt his throat tighten but meeting her gaze, their eyes locking, he saw that she wore it for him, as a completion of their own private, broken circle, as a promise for the future they almost didn't have, and right then he didn't think he could love her any more. All of that was passed between them in what was probably the briefest of moments. An eternity of a moment. She came straight to him, putting an arm around his waist. He pulled her tightly to him, blinking back the beginnings of a tear and kissed the top of her head, feeling her take a shaky breath of her own.

"Now, Kath, don't get in a knot! I was just going to say that your taste in men has very definitely improved. Not that I don't like Mark! I only think that Chakotay here, well, he's much more your type. Okay, I think I'll shut up now..." Phoebe finished with a grin.

"Why stop there, Phoebe?" Kathryn challenged, smiling, "you can keep going with the good stuff about this man here. He's here for the long haul, and I won't stand for what usually happens to your boyfriends at family gatherings..." She laughed.

"Oh, right! Let's bring that up, again. Just because one time I happened to date a man who, well, was a bit unusual, and Uncle Steve gets into an argument with him, and we all know the rest! I mean except Chakotay, and he better not be told!" Phoebe tried to glare at all of them, but it dissolved in a fit of laughter.

Chakotay realized with a start that the sisters had exactly the same laugh. Phoebe was of a darker coloring, with green eyes, but still had that Irish flame about her face. He wondered if she took after Admiral Janeway instead of her mother, as Kathryn obviously did. He watched Gretchen looking at her daughters with such love, her eyes shining like Kathryn's. His mother's face came into his mind.... her long jet black hair flowing in the wind, her golden skin, brown eyes, her grace, strength and beauty overwhelming him even now. What would she think of the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.... he had already determined that years back. Sitting on the banks of a river, contemplating a woman he was cast away on a strange planet with, her determination to find a way out, her frustration with him for making concessions, he had again seen his mother's face. Another time when her old talks of love came back to him, encouraging him, giving him a bit of strength to carry his love for Kathryn like a beacon. He had been certain she approved of his choice that afternoon. He was no less certain now.

"...Chakotay?" Kathryn's voice broke into his reverie. "Are you still here?"

He focused on her looking up at him. "Yes, for the most part," he smiled softly. "Thinking about my mother." He was surprised at himself for the admission. "But I believe I need to start dinner, then I want to hear about this old boyfriend and Uncle Steve - Phoebe if I give you a glass or two of wine you think you might tell some tales?" He grinned as Kathryn pulled away, getting utensils out.

Phoebe grinned back. "Well....maybe. Of course, if you keep showing me those dimples, I'll likely tell you anything."

Kathryn turned from the drawer. "Yeah, Phebes, you got to watch those dimples. They can get you to do all kinds of things you had no intention of doing..." She winked at Chakotay.

He laughed, shook his head and went to the cold storage to get dinner supplies. Gretchen and he proceeded to make dinner while the other two got the table and drinks ready, the banter continuing, Chakotay enjoying every bit of it, even when they ganged up on him. Three strong women now in his life. He couldn't have been happier about it.

Dinner was simple, just pasta with balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil and fresh tomatoes, fresh bread, wine and a salad. Kathryn was allowed to grate the zucchini for the salad, a task she thoroughly enjoyed especially the addition of the man she loved with his arms around her waist, giving her occasional laughing kisses on the neck while she accomplished the task. They both knew that Gretchen and Phoebe had no idea what was so funny about grating zucchini but by unspoken agreement kept the joke to themselves.

Conversation flowed freely at the table as Chakotay was peppered with questions about his family, his history, his home planet, his mother and father, even his tattoo. He returned the favor getting all kinds of stories about Kathryn as a young girl, laughing to hear a different perspective told than what he had heard over endless candlelit dinners in the Captain's quarters. The baby stories he liked the best, of course. With spring on the way, tea and coffee were taken on the deck.

Kathryn watched Chakotay with her family, unbelievably content to see how easily he fit in, how often he smiled and even laughed in their presence. She wondered if his mother would have liked her as much. Maybe she'd ask him later when they were alone. She reached out and took his hand, needing to feel him, her heart swelling when he graced her with a smile. That small smile showing only one dimple, the same one he would occasionally give her on the bridge as though he had a secret meant only for her. In truth he did then, and did now. And it still made her heart skip a beat. The only difference was that now she could allow the reaction to show. She smiled fully at him and covered their hands on her lap with her other one, stroking the back of his hand, his wrist, his forearm. She let the conversation float around her, happy just to listen.

The front door chimed interrupting a particularly embarrassing story Gretchen was telling. "Reporters?" Chakotay asked her.

"I can't imagine, but then again I have no idea. Stay out here, just in case it is."

The door opened and to Kathryn's surprise there stood Emmaline Hansen, a man standing next to her, Anna and a plate of what looked and smelled like chocolate chip cookies.

"Good evening, Ms. Hansen, Anna."

Emmaline, holding the plate in one hand, touched the man with her other. "Good evening, Captain Janeway. This is my husband, Roger Hansen. But before I let him speak," she grinned at him, "I want to give you this batch of cookies. I know I like chocolate when I'm under a little stress and I thought you might be the same. I baked these today." She handed the plate to Kathryn.

Kathryn put the cookies near her face and inhaled deeply, feeling a smile creep across her face, no longer caring about propriety or privacy. She met Emmaline's eyes. "They smell wonderful! It's been seven years since I smelled that. No replicator can match it. Thank you so much. Please," she moved aside, "won't you come in?"

The three people came in almost hesitantly. It was Roger Hansen who spoke first.

"We're very sorry to intrude, Captain. Emma told me you were looking for information about some Hansen's who disappeared in deep space? With a girl named Annika? Well...I think I may be able to help you."

Kathryn stared at him. She wasn't sure she could believe him. He gazed back at her, completely guileless. "What were their given names? I mean it's not that I don't believe you, I just have to be careful." She said.

"Well, the two people I know about were Magnus and his wife, Erin. They had a little girl, Annika who was 4 or 5 when they left."

Again Kathryn realized she was staring. Those were Seven's parents, remembered clearly from logs, not just that her cousin was named the same. "Oh my God..." Was all that came out of her mouth for a minute. "Goodness. Please, come in, have a seat...in here...can I get you anything to drink?" They declined as she put the plate down in front of the couch, ushering them into chairs. "Excuse me a minute, I have to go and get some people to join us, I'll be right back..." She headed out to the deck, her mind not quite grasping how this had come about.

"Kathryn, what happened?" Chakotay saw the still slightly stunned look on her face.

She sat. "You're not going to believe it. I don't even, really. There are some people in the lounge area, the Hansen's - I met them this morning - they have information about Seven's family..." She stood and grabbed his hand, pulling him with her. "Come on..."

"You met some people this morning?"

"Yes, I forgot to tell you with everything else - you're going to like the story, later..."

Gretchen and Phoebe were right behind them, not wanting to miss anything, as Kathryn brought Chakotay into the lounge area. The first thing she noticed was Anna staring wide eyed at Chakotay.

"Roger Hansen, Emmaline Hansen, Anna Hansen, this is Commander Chakotay also of Voyager. He has an interest in this as well."

Chakotay stepped forward, releasing Kathryn's hand to extend his own, smiling at what he perceived were clearly stunned people. Roger met him, shaking his hand vigorously.

"Commander it's a pleasure to meet you. Let me say, for my family, welcome home, sir. We've been reading about your, um, situation and are, frankly, a little overwhelmed to meet you in person. We're very sorry to intrude..."

"It sounds as though it's a welcome intrusion. And thank you, it's actually great to be home. Please, have a seat..." Chakotay guided them back to the sitting area, Kathryn making more introductions of her family, getting settled on the couch with Chakotay next to her.

She picked up the plate of cookies and handed it to him. "Look, Chakotay, chocolate chip cookies! Homemade ones. Not replicated. Not Neelix's imitations..." She took a bite of one and hummed in appreciation. He did, too, sighs of delight following the humming.

"Spirits, Kath, these are good..." He suddenly realized everyone else was watching. "Excuse us..." He grinned. "Ms. Hansen, thank you, they're wonderful."

Kathryn laughed out loud. "You have no idea, it's the little things like this that you end up missing. I apologize for the rudeness. So, please talk to us. What do you know?" She tucked her feet under her and finished her cookie.

Roger spoke up first. "Well, Emma told me you'd been asking about Annika Hansen's background. I'd never heard her name, but I wanted to do something for you, after what you'd done for Anna today, so I called my second cousin who is something of the family historian.

He's been working on our family tree, well, actually picking up with it. One of our ancestors 100 years ago started it and his notes have been passed down. Charles, that's my cousin, he's sort of taken the lead on the project, so to speak. So Charles and I talked for quite awhile this afternoon and he promised to check it out and get back to me. You can imagine my surprise when he called me back only an hour later.

It appears there is some information there about a Magnus and Erin Hansen, scientists, who were lost on a deep space mission for the Federation about 20 or so years ago. He got this information from another cousin. Genealogy databases just sort of grow exponentially as cousins start sending in their trees, and that's what happened here. Well, anyway, not to drive you crazy, but as I said earlier there was a child, Annika, who went into deep space with them. She would be in her mid to late twenties by now. We don't have an exact date of birth for her. We're trying to get a hold of the woman who would be Annika's grandmother, but we haven't been able to reach her yet. That branch of the family isn't in very close contact. I think Magnus was an only child, so when he disappeared, his branch of the tree sort of got lost. His mother was married to the oldest brother of my grandfather and since he died, she keeps to herself. I've actually never met her. She lives in Minneapolis."

Kathryn looked at Chakotay who was looking at her, both of them plainly overwhelmed. Chakotay turned back to Roger. "Are you absolutely sure of your information? We don't want this to turn out to be a misunderstanding or something. No offense intended."

"None taken. I don't know how sure I can be. I mean, one of the cousins added Annika's family to the tree, the note says he remembers meeting them before they left Earth. I don't think there's any documentation, Charles hasn't gotten around to sourcing that branchlet yet. Do you have any images of your Annika? Maybe I could see if there's a family resemblance."

Kathryn suddenly saw that Roger's eyes were exactly the same pale shade of blue as Seven's. "I have one, just a minute." She dashed to their bedroom, digging through some still unpacked things until she found the image the Doctor had taken of everyone a couple of years back. Taken at a party the crew gave her when Kathryn found out her ancestor wasn't who she believed her to be. The irony of this wasn't lost on Kathryn as she walked back.

Handing the image to Roger she pointed out Seven, standing in front. Emmaline and Anna came to him, the three of them staring at the image as Kathryn curled herself back on the couch, reaching for Chakotay's hand and clutching it tightly. He squeezed in response.

"Goodness. She looks an awful lot like Jennifer," Roger said, "an awful lot, that hair, her mouth, even her build. What's that on her forehead?"

Kathryn looked at Chakotay, who shrugged his shoulders slightly, then replied, "It's a bionetic implant, and that's all I can tell you. She really looks like this Jennifer? Who is she?"

"Oh, just another cousin. We've got hundreds of them, or so it seems anyway. Let's see, Jennifer is the great-granddaughter of a woman who would be...the aunt to the man who was Annika's grandfather." He smiled at them, "got that?"

Kathryn chortled. Chakotay said, "Give her a problem in quantum physics and she'll give you an answer in a nanosecond. I think I've just seen her stumped for the first time..."

Roger smiled. "I know exactly what you mean, being in science myself. I wouldn't be able to repeat that again, I just heard Charles' voice in my head. Genealogists have a particular brain wave pattern, I'm sure of it."

"So," Kathryn said, "I'm wondering what we should do now. Starfleet is going to want proof, and besides it's not really up to them, it's up to Se...Annika. I need to talk to her, feel her out. I honestly don't know how she'll react."

Roger was still studying the image intently and Chakotay wondered what he was thinking. It looked as though there was more than family resemblance on his mind.

For the first time, Emmaline had a question. "Why wouldn't she be happy to find her family? It sounds as though she's all alone, aside from you and your crew, that is."

Chakotay answered her, "When we found Annika, she wasn't sure who she was. Something happened to her as a young girl at the time her parents ... died. Her emotional development stopped. The Captain has been helping her, along with the crew, remember her parents, learn about Earth, to grow up and discover Annika."

"That poor girl. Will she be all right?"

"She's doing well. She's extremely intelligent and has good people behind her."

Kathryn pulled herself off the couch, needing to move, to think. After receiving some affirmative responses to tea and coffee she went to the kitchen, Gretchen right behind. She heard conversation start up again, this time more relaxed.

"Honey, I know this isn't the time, but I wanted to take a moment and make sure you're doing okay." Her mother took Kathryn's face in her hands, looking deeply into her eyes.

"I think I am, Mom."

"You know that I'm always here for you. Whenever you want to talk, you just let me know. You don't have to be strong around me."

Kathryn embraced her gently, feeling how the years had taken a toll on her normally robust mother, the slightly more frail stature, the skin a bit thinner and felt her throat close a bit. "Chakotay said almost the same thing to me," she said quietly. "After what you did for us I don't need any reassurance there. I promise that I'll tell you some of the more difficult things we went through, soon, very soon. And I haven't dismissed his idea to have counseling either." She pulled back and smiled, "Although if you ask him, he'll claim I usually dismiss every suggestion he ever had. He's partly right. But we're not there any longer. Here -- I'll listen to him." She chuckled.

"That's my girl. Don't you lose him..." Gretchen hugged her once more then headed back to the living area. Kathryn shook her head, smiling to herself, picking up the kettle to fill. Roger came up to her as she was retrieving mugs from the cabinet.

"Captain, can I talk to you privately?"

"Of course. What is it you want to know?" At his amused look, she clarified, "Captain's prerogative, read people's and alien's intentions quickly. A hard habit to break after so many years."

"I see. Okay, here's what I want to know. Those are Borg implants on Annika's face, aren't they? I'm a research scientist in neurology and somewhat familiar with the Borg. Information has been filtering into the private sector for the past five years or so. That's what happened to Annika and her parents, isn't it?"

Kathryn's heart sank. "Do you know what the Hansen's field of study was?" She tried to stall.

"No."

She didn't really know what to do, just how far she could trust this man. It looked as though it was almost a certainty he was related to Seven, but did that in itself give him the right to know? Him being a scientist was a plus, he would understand how to help her. Kathryn studied her arms folded in front of her.

"Captain, I'm not asking you to betray Starfleet, really I'm not. I started this little research project today on a whim, not thinking it would really end up anywhere significant. But when I saw Annika's face, everything changed. I believe she is one of us, I don't know how else to put it. And if she truly is, I can't help but feel protective. Our family, though we are spread around a bit, and some branches don't communicate with others, we're still a pretty good group of people, we know our strength is in each other. I don't know what to do here..."

Kathryn raised her head and looked at him closely. "I confess, I don't know what to do, either. I think I do know, however, that you and your family are trustworthy. I mean, there aren't vidreporters beating down our door right now and you could have easily called them on me. That counts for something..." Her words to Admiral Paris came back to her just then. Wanting the world to give Chakotay the benefit of the doubt was like asking people to trust him, her and the entire crew. The lesson she had most tried to teach Seven. She made her decision.

"Let's finish the tea, then go back to everyone else and talk. I'll tell you what you want to know. But I think Anna might be a bit too young to hear it, and I'm afraid we don't have anything here to amuse her with."

"Don't worry, we'll take her to a neighbor's house, she won't mind."

Finally returning to the living area carrying a tray with mugs of tea, Kathryn saw Anna was deep in conversation with Chakotay while Gretchen, Phoebe and Emma were discussing gardening. Chakotay was smiling and nodding his head so Anna reached out, shyly, and touched his tattoo, tracing the lines. Hero worship, thought Kathryn, smiling to herself. After some small arguments Roger took Anna out the front door while Kathryn motioned Chakotay back to the kitchen with her.

She pulled some forgotten napkins out of a drawer. Chakotay leaned against the counter, his arms folded, watching her, sensing a bombshell was about to be dropped.

"So, Kathryn, what's going on?"

She sighed deeply. "I'm afraid we're in for an evening of it. Roger recognized the Borg implants, he's a neurological researcher in the private sector. While we've been gone information about some Borg technology has filtered out of Starfleet. They'll have a lot more information once this mess with you is over and they really start debriefing us all. Anyway, I've agreed to talk to him and Emma, to tell them what happened to Seven. I decided I had to trust them, Chakotay." She leaned against him and he held her gently, stroking her back, sighing deeply himself.

"I agree with you. There really isn't any choice, is there? Are you up for this? After this afternoon?"

"Well, it's not how I wanted the rest of the evening to go, talking about the Borg. I was so enjoying just the four of us." She was quiet for a moment. "But...I think I am. It's still my job, isn't it? To take care of the crew. If I start having a hard time, I'll ask you to take over..."

"As your fine First Officer of course I will. And just for the record, I think Admiral Paris will back you up on this one."

"Speaking of whom, I have a lot to tell you later about my meeting with him. Yes, he is very definitely in my, and our, corner."

They rested in each other's arms for another minute or two, relishing the reprieve.

"How about I fix another fire? I think the ambiance might do us all some good," Chakotay suggested. Kathryn agreed and they went back to the lounge.

Phoebe joined him on the hearth as he was setting more logs. "Is everything all right, Chakotay?"

"Yes, its just that something serious is about to start. We have to talk with the Hansen's about a difficult topic, one you and your mother need to hear as well, if you want an understanding of what we went through. Kathryn will be fine, don't worry. If she has trouble, I'll take over."

She put her hand on his arm. "Are you going to get married? Because I think you should." Phoebe moved her hand up and squeezed his shoulder before leaving. Chakotay stifled a chuckle, lit the fire and once sure it caught, left to wash up before sitting with the woman he loved.

After everyone was settled and Kathryn passed the cookies around, having her own deep need for chocolate, she asked Roger to explain what he had seen on the image of Seven.

He described the implant and gave a brief synopsis of the Borg. Kathryn and Chakotay were surprised at his knowledge. The other three looked shocked. Roger didn't have a full grasp, however, of the process of assimilation or life on a cube. Unfortunately, Kathryn did.

Keeping the conversation strictly on Seven she proceeded to fill them in on the rest of the story. What they had learned from Magnus' logs about the Raven, about their research, about their assimilation. She described as fully and as accurately as she could Annika, now known as Seven of Nine, how Voyager had 'acquired' her, what they did to help her, how she struggled with being severed from the collective, how much she had grown since. She tried to explain the collective 'mind', the lack of individuality, the strive for perfection. It appeared to her in looking around the room, they weren't understanding it completely. She turned to Chakotay.

"Would you be willing to give a better picture?"

He hadn't expected this, to describe his own experience with being linked. His intimate encounter with Riley Frazier had never even been talked about between the two of them. He hadn't thought about her in years. With a start, he realized he needed to talk about it, with Kathryn, and soon. He agreed and tried to explain what it was like.

Kathryn could see that Chakotay got through to them, so when he was finished, she then discussed the thousands of species, millions of beings the Borg had assimilated in the Delta Quadrant. Then she stopped talking and waited.

It was Gretchen who spoke up first. "So, Annika, being a drone, assimilated all those people, too? How awful for her..." She had tears in her eyes.

"Yes, Mom, she did. She, actually, has come to terms with that. She says that guilt is irrelevant." Kathryn wished she could feel the same.

Roger and Emma were studying each other, finally nodding slightly. "So Captain, Commander, it sounds as though Annika very definitely needs some family to help her. If she still has Borg implants in her she'll have some special requirements, correct? We'd like to be the ones, to help her. What should we do first?"

"Well," Kathryn paused, "first I need to speak to Annika, while you see what the woman in Minnesota has in terms of records. Perhaps she has a birth certificate? A DNA sequence card? Then I'll talk to my superiors. She's not technically Starfleet, it's complicated."

"So she's there at HQ undergoing tests? Sounds like a lonely existence."

"I brought a friend by to see her today," she turned to Chakotay, "the Doctor." He smiled. "She's asked for a few more of her, friends, to visit. I'll be calling them soon. Actually, you saw the news broadcast? The little girl who was hugging Chakotay, that is one of them. Naomi Wildman. She and Annika bonded, then became teacher and pupil. Though sometimes it was hard to tell who was teaching whom..."

Kathryn talked more about Seven's emotional development, about the Borg children, Icheb and the rest. She noticed from the chronometer that it was almost past Naomi's bedtime and asked to be excused to make the vidphone call. Again, conversation lapsed to more comfortable topics as she left the room.

Naomi answered, looking quite excited, to Kathryn's surprise.

"Hello Captain!"

"Naomi, I thought it was your bedtime. Why are you still up?"

Kathryn felt the presence of others in the room, turned to see everyone had followed her, unabashedly interested. Chakotay came and sat down with her.

"Commander! It's very nice to see you tonight."

"Hello Naomi. It's nice to see you, too. I was wondering why you're still up as well." Chakotay smiled at her.

"Well, we're having a 'welcome back to Earth' party. It was Neelix's idea. My, dad and Icheb wanted to play a game and mom said I could stay up and play, too." Naomi was grinning broadly.

"And how are you liking Earth so far?"

"It's just as you all said it was. Very pretty. I like it. I went to school today for the first time. I think I might have learned more than they know, but it was fun. Everyone was asking me about Voyager. And you, Commander."

Chakotay chuckled. "I trust you told them something good about me?" He teased.

Naomi giggled. "Yes, of course! About how you liked to hide things from Neelix." She started laughing and Chakotay joined her.

"I'm just glad he's not in the room with you right now, Naomi..."

Kathryn suddenly, looking at Naomi, saw how much she had grown. She interrupted. "Naomi, I saw Seven today. She'd like to visit with you, tomorrow. With Icheb and Neelix, too."

Naomi's laughter stopped. "Is she okay?"

"She's doing fine. A little lonely, a little bored. You know Seven, how much she hates wasting time. So are you interested?"

"Yes, please. I'd like that. Wanna talk to mom?"

"Yes, thank you. And Crewmember Wildman?"

Naomi stood at attention. "Yes, Captain?"

"Sweet dreams. Enjoy your father."

Naomi's eyes blinked more than necessary and she took a deep breath. "Thank you, Captain. Good night. And good night, Commander. Tell everyone I miss them?"

Chakotay took a deep breath as well. "Good night, Naomi. We'll be sure to pass that along."

Samantha came on the line and they discussed the next day, Sam offering to make all the arrangements with Starfleet, more than willing to take Naomi out of school for the day. After ending the transmission, Roger and Emma had more questions about Naomi which they answered, making a bit more small talk as the evening was winding down.

Kathryn eventually walked them to the door, assuring vidphone calls, getting numbers exchanged. Just as the door opened, she heard the vidphone beep, then Chakotay's voice answering. Pausing, the sound of Seven's voice came from the other side of the room. She turned to her guests.

"Annika." Their eyes glanced toward the vidphone.

"Can we listen? We'll stand out of the way, I just want to see her face, hear her voice, then we'll know for sure. I'm certain." Roger softly pleaded.

Kathryn thought for only a moment, then nodded.

Sitting down next to Chakotay again she held his hand to stay when he made a move up.

"Good evening, Annika. It seems late for you, why aren't you regenerating?" Kathryn had a strange sense of deja vu.

"Captain. They have turned off my alcove. This is the third night they have kept me from regenerating. They do not believe me when I tell them the implants will not perform at peak efficiency."

Kathryn shook her head in disgust, looking at Chakotay who muttered "...stupid..." in response. The sound of gasps and whispers was heard behind them.

"I'm sorry. I'll see what I can do about that in the morning. I do have some good news for you, however, I spoke with Naomi tonight and a visit is being planned for tomorrow, with everyone."

"Thank you. Naomi Wildman and I have much catching up to do, and Icheb may share his observations of Earth with me." Seven actually had a twinkle in her eye and a smile playing on the corners of her mouth.

"You're welcome. But how are you doing tonight, aside from the alcove problem?"

"I .... I am without much stimulation. I confess I was looking forward to the regeneration period. It, at least, provides me with some relief from the monotony. The tasks they give me are tedious and repetitive. As I said earlier, ping pong even appears interesting." Again the smile played on her mouth and Chakotay had the urge to chuckle.

"I'll talk to Tom and see what can be arranged. I agree with you, they do not understand your capabilities."

"Commander, I am glad you are no longer in your cell. I believe I understand what you were experiencing. How are you enjoying Earth?"

"Well, Annika, it is as lovely as I remember. I've had the chance to spend some time with the Captain's mother and sister. I think you would enjoy meeting them. Gives one some perspective on her and her ... quirks."

Kathryn swatted him on the arm, laughing along with him. Seven laughed too, her face lighting up. Chakotay noticed. "It's nice to see you smile, Seven."

"It is a pleasurable experience. And I would like to meet the Captain's family. I no longer feel that family is...irrelevant."

Kathryn and Chakotay both felt their hearts still, their laughter dying on their lips. He met her eyes, encouraging her to take the opening just presented. She felt the urging from those standing behind her in the shadows as well. She took a deep breath.

Seven was looking at her intently, assessing correctly that something had happened.

"Annika, I'm happy to hear you say that. Today something very strange occurred. I think I may have found some members of your family, what we Irish call your clan. We're not entirely certain without some documentation, but there is at least a 95% chance they are. How do you feel about that?"

Seven looked down, clearly shocked. Upon raising her head they could both see her eyes were moist. She asked in a quiet voice, "May I ask how this came about? I thought there were no records...."

Kathryn tried to think of a way to explain something she really didn't understand herself. She gave a version of it as succinctly as possible, describing meeting Anna, Roger's phone call to his cousin, the family tree research. "...there was a small note, with your parent's names, and yours on it. From someone who met them before they left for deep space. We've been visiting with them tonight, they've seen an image of you. Apparently you bear a striking resemblance to a cousin named Jennifer." Kathryn stopped, worried she was giving Seven more than she could process.

"...Jennifer..." Seven was whispering to herself as a tear slowly rolled down her cheek.

"We should have told her in person, Chakotay..." Kathryn spoke in a sotto voice directly into his ear.

"She'll be fine, Kathryn, she can handle this, give her a moment."

Seven eventually raised her head again and they both saw a light in her eyes they'd never seen before. "Captain, Commander, would it be possible for me to meet these Hansen's?"

"Of course, as soon as you'd like. Can I tell you something else about your family?"

"Please."

"You apparently have a grandmother still alive, in Minnesota. Your father was an only child."

She was quiet for just a moment. "That is correct. My mother had a brother, though....Uncle...Matthew. A grandmother? You have met the Hansen's tonight, do they know of my background? Do you see this as presenting any .... difficulties?"

"Yes, they do, and no I don't think it will present any difficulties. Your cousin is a research scientist in the field of neurology who has some knowledge of the Borg. He recognized your ocular implant. We think all they want to do is help you. That's what families do."

"As on Voyager."

Kathryn felt her throat tighten slightly. Chakotay put his hand on the back of her neck, to give her some comfort, to give himself the connection.

"Yes, Seven, as on Voyager."

"Thank you Captain. I would very much like to meet them, as soon as possible."

"I'll see what I can arrange. Perhaps somewhere away from Starfleet. I'll be in touch. One more thing, Seven?"

"Yes?"

"Turn your alcove back on and regenerate. That's an order. Let me deal with the consequences."

She smiled. "Very good, Captain."

"Sweet dreams, Annika."

"Thank you. Good night, Commander."

"Good night, Annika."

The transmission ended and Kathryn turned to gratefully accept a silent, tight embrace from the man she loved, she didn't care any longer who saw, they both needed the contact.

Roger and Emma left, thrilled and grateful, certain Seven was one of the family. Kathryn felt as though she had been up for two duty shifts at least, though it was still relatively early. She collapsed on the couch, listening to the sounds of her mother and Chakotay in the kitchen cleaning up the last of the dishes, chatting, laughing together as though they had known each other for years. Phoebe joined her.

"How are you doing Kath? I mean aside from tired. What an amazing evening, huh?"

"Amazing hardly covers it, does it. I feel....I don't know how I feel. Numb. Relieved. Exhausted. Happy. Glad you're here with me, and mom. I can't believe that meeting that little girl this morning lead to all of this. That experience in itself was enough..."

Chakotay and Gretchen came back into the room. Phoebe moved so he could sit with Kathryn who willingly curled up inside his welcoming arm.

"So, Kathryn, are you ready to tell what happened with Anna this morning?" He asked.

"Sure, you really won't believe it. She asked me for my autograph, told me she wanted to be a scientist in Starfleet when she grew up. It was overwhelming! I told Emma I would sponsor her if she ever wanted to really go to the Academy. Then she told me there was an image of Voyager over Anna's desk. The kids have been studying all about us since we established contact last year. I had people I looked up to when I was a child, but to be in that position...."

"Well, I think you are someone definitely deserving of hero worship," Chakotay said with conviction.

She turned and looked at him. "Speaking of hero worship, big guy, I saw how Anna was looking at you when I brought you into the room. Then later..."

Phoebe laughed, "I know that look on her face, Chakotay, I had it enough myself growing up. She was saucer-eyed! It was so cute. Then asking to trace your tattoo..."

Chakotay moaned. "I'm no hero, no matter what campaign my attorney has in mind. We all performed to the best of our abilities, that's all."

Kathryn looked at her mother and sister. "As his Captain, I just want to say that this man could definitely qualify for hero status. Not that others couldn't as well. He is just, selfless, he put his life on the line for us more times than I can count." She patted his knee.

He started to argue but she turned to him to cut him off. "What about that time in chaotic space, Chakotay? You put yourself in jeopardy and saved our lives when I asked you to, without question. It was difficult for you, but you did it. Don't you think that's heroic?"

"You know I would do anything you asked of me, Kathryn, particularly save your life, or the lives of my friends." He took her hand and studied it, as though the answer to why everything had happened was in their joined hands.

Gretchen spoke softly. "Would you be willing to tell us about it? It sounds difficult, but now I want to know everything, everything that wasn't in the monthly letters especially after hearing about the Borg tonight. I confess, I had little sense of how terrifying life could be for you out there. Maybe I just refused to think about it."

Chakotay met her eyes and felt almost the same pull that he felt when Kathryn was staring at him, when the Captain was staring at him. He smiled to himself. As though with Gretchen he had any more power to say 'no'. "I'll tell you Gretchen. But be prepared, most of it makes no sense...." He relayed as much as he could about their time in chaotic space and finished by turning to Kathryn. "You know, even though I was fairly out of it at the time, I did realize you were trusting me unconditionally to change the modulation frequencies. That meant a lot to me, particularly later on."

She knew he was speaking of when things became difficult between them yet one more time, when their command relationship was strained. One more time. Knowing that she, at least at one point, trusted him to that extent helped her as well later on. She kissed their joined hands softly, having one of those moments when the past seven years merged, condensed, and almost seemed a dream. The sensation of skin to skin was real to her.

"Chakotay, I believe that doing something that can cause you harm, that touches your most basic fear and continuing anyway constitutes an heroic act." Gretchen looked at this man who was now part of her family, thinking on all she had learned about him that evening, wondering what his parents were really like. She was sorry she'd never meet them. She only hoped they knew what a fine job they had done.

"I agree with mom and Kathy," Phoebe added.

"That may be. It's difficult to put that label on myself. I've been given many opportunities to test my own limitations. Sometimes I've failed. Sometimes not. I only know that there isn't much that I'm ashamed of. Some things I've done, certainly. But I don't think I would have made any major decisions differently. Besides, each one of them led me into the Badlands that day, and into the Delta Quadrant."

"Do you two ever think about that? Why you ended up there, together?" Phoebe's eyes were twinkling.

Kathryn turned around to look at Chakotay who met her eyes with one of his small grins. "Well, Kathryn, do you think about it?" He already knew the answer, having had this conversation many times with her. She frowned slightly then turned back to her family.

"I don't believe in fate. Or destiny. We ended up there because of the Caretaker." She narrowed her eyes, almost daring them to disagree with her.

Gretchen threw her hands in the air. "Kathryn! I know you've always said that, and I swear I can hear Edward when you do, but I frankly don't believe you. Never have. Maybe some day you'll admit that there are things that are out of your control. Maybe."

"Mother!" Kathryn glared at her.

"Chakotay, could you please tell me when did she start this glaring thing? I always think I'm going to be bucked down to an ensign or something..." Gretchen glared back at her.

He chortled, he couldn't help it. Even as he felt Kathryn pinch his thigh and he responded with an 'ow', he was still laughing. "I'm sorry, I can't answer that. She was glaring from the day I met her. It's actually quite effective," his laughter kept bubbling up, "she scared quite a few alien races into submission."

"It wasn't my look, sir, it was my photon torpedoes." She stared at him but couldn't keep a straight face, and grinned broadly.

"Actually, Gretchen, they teach a class in command school on it. Kathryn got an 'A'."

She pulled away and slapped him on the arm, still grinning. "Stop! You're terrible..."

"I mean, look what she did with the Maquis... We all turned Starfleet, we just couldn't resist that look..."

"Oh, I beg to differ there! Who used a little right hook on his Maquis crew to get them to fall in line, hm-m-m? There was no Janeway glare involved. They followed your lead, they would do anything for you, and you know it!"

"And whose lead did I follow? Whose glare caught me instantly? Had me? Head over heels?"

Their eyes locked and the room faded. Kathryn said softly, "the woman who saw an angry warrior on her ship, whose eyes were the darkest brown she had ever seen. A man she wanted by her side from that moment on."

"And she fought it every step of the way."

"She didn't fight every step. And she finally gave in, willingly."

Memories of their first night together came back to both in full force, and they wanted nothing more at that moment than to go down the hall to their bedroom. As reality wove back into their consciousness, Kathryn turned and leaned back against Chakotay's chest as he wrapped his arms around her. They met the eyes of her mother, looking at each of them with love and understanding.

"Well, I think that sounds like destiny, Kathryn." Gretchen said. Chakotay smiled at her, Kathryn merely shook her head. "And it begs the question. When am I going to have grandchildren?" Chakotay continued to smile but Kathryn's eyes narrowed.

"Mother. I am too old to consider children."

"Nonsense. You know that you can have children well into your fifties. Will you at least think about it? You two would be wonderful parents."

"We get the message, Mom. We'll talk about it, won't we, Chakotay?" She gently poked him in the ribs.

"Mm-hm." Chakotay smiled to himself. He wanted children with Kathryn, and secretly hoped she had thought about it prior to now.

To Phoebe it was clear the time had come to return to the hotel. She made the suggestion, pleased to have her mother agree. Plans were made between the four of them to have dinner the next night in the city. No plans were made for Phoebe and Gretchen to return to Indiana, and for that Kathryn was very grateful. Saying good bye to them at the transporter hub was still difficult, her consolation found in the arms of the man she loved as they walked slowly back home

"You know Kathryn, years ago, when you talked about having a child, I hoped someday you'd want that with me. But I was also realistic and knew I had no right to feel that way."

"Oh, Chakotay ... I'm so sorry. I hope you know how much I hated you being mocked like that. We do need to discuss it, don't we?"

"It?"

"Children. Us having them."

"And, so ... how do you feel about the idea?"

"Well, I used to want them. Back when I thought I still had time." She suddenly realized what she'd said and how it could sound. "Don't get me wrong," she said softly, "I would love to have children with you, I just feel sometimes that I'm too damned old."

Chakotay leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I don't think you're too old. Not at all. And I want you to know that we'd go into parenting as equal partners. No question. No arguments."

"I don't think I'd argue with that," she smiled as she rubbed his back.

"So it sounds as though we both want children, we want them with each other, and that we may be pushing the age thing just a bit, but it's not impossible. Does that about sum it up?"

Kathryn was quiet for a moment, lost in the possibilities. "Maybe just one more point to discuss. Boy or girl? For the first one, that is."

"Hm-m. Girl first. A little stubborn Kathryn to run around the house, giving orders to every living thing." Their eyes met in the glow of streetlights and moonlight. Chakotay hoped she could tell he was only teasing. She answered his mischievous look with one of her own.

"I think we should have a boy first. A little stubborn tattooed Chakotay to run around the yard, crashing his bike every other day," Kathryn said all too innocently.

"I am not stubborn."

"Yes, you are."

"And I didn't crash that many shuttles."

"Yes, you did."

"Well...just for that, I think I'll try and make you carry twins."

"You can't do that!"

"Watch me, Kath. I have very powerful sperm. And there are twins in my family line."

"You wouldn't do that to me..." She said this with a bit of trepidation.

"I might. I'd like to have 4 or 5 children, so best to get things off to a good start." He winked at her, pulling her close, relishing the feel of freedom, the delight in talking about the future.

"Remind me to keep up with my inoculations, big guy," she said ruefully.

"That won't help you get pregnant my love."

"Yes, I know."

"Oh. I see. Kathryn, I have something to tell you."

"What?"

"You were supposed to have an inoculations appointment today," he winked again, "so let's go home and practice."

"Practice?"

"Getting pregnant."

She stopped walking, turned in his half-embrace and pulled his head down to her. She kissed him deeply, sweeping her tongue past his teeth where it danced with his. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, tangling one hand in her hair, their lips and bodies melting together as their raw desire resurfaced. She murmured into his mouth, "I've wanted to do this for hours..."

"Me, too. So let's get home." He pulled out of the embrace, took her hand, and strode quickly down the sidewalk, laughingly pulling her along.

She stopped suddenly, causing him to stumble a bit. He turned to see Kathryn with wide eyes, staring at him. "Honey, what?"

"I did have an appointment today. I completely forgot..."

"I was only kidding!"

"I'm not. I missed my inoculation. Are you current?"

Chakotay was quiet for a moment, deciding what to tell her. "Actually, no. Mine was due last week and I really didn't see the point."

They looked at each other. Chakotay felt a grin break across his face. "Well, Kathryn my love, it looks as though that ole evil fate and destiny is playing tricks on us again."

"No it isn't, I just forgot, with everything that happened today..."

"And you forget appointments all the time," he chortled.

"But..."

"No buts. Let's go home and practice. Bunch those sheets. Roll in the hay. Get you knocked up..." Chakotay was laughing again, pulling her hand as he headed down the last block.

"I just love it when you sweet talk me, mister..."

"Kathryn, I have another confession to make..." His words caressed her ear, sending tiny ripples of anticipation down her spine. The sole illumination came from the open bathroom door, spilling onto the bedroom carpet. "But this one is true. Five years ago," he reached behind her, grasping the pull of her zipper, "whenever I saw you in this dress, as beautiful as you looked in it, my only desire was to do this..." He tugged the pull all the way down her back, then gently took the dress down her shoulders, and her hands, and her hips, leaving it to pool on the floor.

He met her blue eyes, swirling with desire as his head lowered to capture her mouth, softly, then deeply, feeling her hands traveling up and down his chest, to his sides, to his back. "Then this..." He again reached for the closure to an article of her clothing, unclasping her bra, once more taking something down her shoulders and to the floor. As his mouth left hers and moved down her neck to the soft breasts he loved so, kissing, licking, caressing, he took hold of the edge of her silken panties. "Then this." He slid them down her thighs, his mouth heading down as well, to her belly, her curly hair tickling his chin, her panties now at her feet. She lifted each foot in turn and he dropped the underwear into the pile, his hands returning to cup her soft bottom, her musky scent overwhelming him as he kissed and licked between her legs once, teasingly, promising more attention soon, rewarded with a soft moan from his lover.

He stood slowly, running his hands over her skin with a light touch, delighting in the slight squirms he elicited when ticklish spots were caressed. His hands traveled all the way back to her face which he cupped tenderly as their lips met again, parting, their breaths becoming short and hot. When his hands began to move of their own accord, down her neck to her breasts, fondling and caressing them then around to her back, Kathryn surprised him by jumping him, grabbing tightly to his shoulders, locking her legs around his waist and her mouth to his. She ground against his erection, now uncomfortably confined by his clothing, as he held her close succumbing to the sensations his body was enjoying. Her skin felt all the more incredible with only his hands knowing the softness of it.

"You have too many clothes on..." She breathed into his ear. He sat on the bed locked in their embrace and, letting go of her, leaned back on his hands. He unabashedly studied her body, sitting on his lap, not seeing a woman past her prime at all, but a woman who was breathtakingly beautiful. His eyes raised to finally meet hers, his grin matching her own.

"So, Kathryn, do something about it," he said huskily.

She set to her assigned task with pleasure, unbuttoning his shirt slowly, her mouth following her hands down his chest, finally pulling the shirt out of his pants. She stopped just as her hands grabbed the front to pull off.

There was a glint in her eye when she looked at his, "Chakotay, I have a confession to make. Five years ago, on the morning of the day you showed me the boat design, do you remember what we were doing?"

He remembered every last detail of that fateful, painful day. "Do you mean the walk we took?"

She smiled deeply. "Yes, our morning ritual, the walk down to the river. You were wearing your brown shirt. We sat for awhile, watching the birds, the sun rising in the sky. And, well, you may not believe it, but on that morning I was watching you as much as the sight before us. And on that morning, I wanted to pull the shirt right off you, to push you down on the ground, to climb on top of you and to make all the love I felt." She continued with her task, taking his shirt down his shoulders, lifting one hand then the other and tossing the shirt on the floor to mingle with her clothing.

He studied her face carefully. "Well, why didn't you?"

She leaned forward and kissed him, parting his semi-resistant lips with her tongue, thrilled when he eventually allowed her in with a moan. Their tongues danced together until she pulled back to give him the much deserved answer. "Oh, you know me, I had to plan it out first. Never let it be said that Kathryn Janeway doesn't analyze the hell out of everything. I had quite the evening planned for us..." She stroked his face with tenderness, seeing his eyes get moist.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" He wasn't sure he wanted the answer.

"I didn't want to hurt you. Stupid, I know, but I wasn't thinking quite clearly about us for a long long time after we got back on board, as you know. And even recently, I was afraid to hurt you. I want you to understand now, so that you will really accept how long I've loved you. Any children we have will be told that their parents loved each other always, no matter what obstacles were thrown in their path, they continued to love each other. And it will be the truth." She pulled herself to him and he let it happen, feeling things shift inside, completing what she had started earlier that evening in the kitchen, the pain of years past receding enough, just enough. "And Chakotay? You were right, earlier in the kitchen, that is why I wore this dress tonight."

He rolled her, smothering her neck with kisses, while she laughed softly in his ear. "I thought you didn't believe in things that were as intangible as nonverbal communication," he teased.

"I think after seven years of nonverbal communication between us I've got that one down..." She took to his neck as her hands fumbled with the fastener of his pants.

"Well...," he fell on her mouth, tasting all that she was, "verbally....I will tell you this is why I took the dress off..." His hands began to roam as hers continued to remove what clothing remained. They got themselves under the covers somehow where they practiced already learned techniques for loving each other, techniques that could also create a life now, the understanding of which only made the lovemaking more intense and more passionate. Other topics of conversation that seemed so important earlier were now rendered almost irrelevant. They would deal with those in the morning, when they let real life back into the circle.
 
 
 

End Part 7.

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