Paramount owns everything, but the words . They are mine. I promise to return the characters they way I found them when I am finished. Maybe a little happier.

Written By: Dreammaker_V

I'll never forget the day I received the news that Voyager and her crew were alive and in the Delta Quadrant. I felt overjoyed and afraid at the same time. My heart was full that they were safe and alive, but also heavy that I may never see my Kathryn again. So you can imagine how excited I was when we were told Voyager had made it back to the Alpha Quadrant. I was there with my other daughter Phoebe and her family. Together we waited and waited alongside the other crewmember's families. After what seemed like days, but was probably a couple hours, Voyager docked. Several security teams boarded the vessel. When I asked someone why the security teams? The reply was, "They're taking the former Maquis into custody until this whole mess can be sorted out. There are still some people who think they should be incarcerated."

I knew that if the Maquis had helped My Kathryn and her beloved ship make it home, she would not give them up with out a fight. I knew my little girl would go to the ends of hell and back for the people she cared about. I was to soon find out how much she cared about a certain member of the Maquis.

The Starfleet crew members lined the walkway to show their support for their Maquis friends, as a security team took the former rebels off the ship. The Maquis were led by a very handsome man, with naturally tan skin, dark eyes and the most perfect jawline I had ever seen.. He had Commander rank bars. He was a proud man you could tell. He walked straight with his head held high, And eyes forward. On his right was Captain Kathryn Janeway, My Kathryn. She was talking to him. Marching in step with his, staring at the horizon. The only way you could tell he was listening to her was every once in a while he would nod his head. He never looked at her, or she at him, but to these mothers eyes there was something there. Once they arrived at the Security Hovercraft, he turned to face Kathryn, saluted and so all could hear, "Captain Janeway, it has been my pleasure serving you."

My Kathryn, being the captain she is, saluted back to this man and replied, "Commander, No, it has been my pleasure. You are the finest first officer I could have hoped for. I will see you at the interrogation." With the slightest of movement, I saw her whisper something else to this man. It was in a split second, even Phoebe didn't see it and Phoebe sees everything. Then he was gone and my beautiful daughter was left standing there.

Turning on her heels, Kathryn found us immediately. After several minutes of tearful helloes, lots of hugs and kisses, we walked to the park and settled at a table for a little bit of catch up. Phoebe told Kathryn of how she met and married her husband, Bob, while Kathryn played with her new nephew, Edward. We talked of Indiana. Kathryn explained some of what had happened to them in the last 6 years. There was a lot she wasn't telling us. Every few seconds you would see her look towards the detention center. Only the top was visible from where we sat, but I could tell she'd rather be there. Looking at my daughter I reached out and touched her hand. "Kathy, Lets me and you go for a short walk."

Both of us standing, we began to walk down the small narrow path to the lake at the end. Reaching over to take my hand Kathryn asked, "How are you Mother? Really?"

" I'm much better now that you're home and safe. But I want to talk about you. How are you? Are you glad to be home? Tell me about that handsome First Officer." I asked.

She gave me a shocked look, then turned back to the lake. "I'm fine, Mother. I really am. I'll be excited about being home, when the rest of my crew is free to go home to their families."

Turning back to me, but looking at the top of the detention center again. "There is nothing to tell. Commander Chakotay is the Maquis Captain I was sent to capture and return to answer for his crimes against the Federation. When we were thrown into the Delta Quadrant, a number of the Starfleet and Maquis crew were killed, the Commander and I merged our crews into one Starfleet crew. In the beginning it was not easy. We fought each other at every turn. Once we decided to get along, and the crew saw that, they started to work together. Later Chakotay and I became friends. When you're the Captain you can't get too friendly with the lower ranks. He was the one person I could turn to. He has become my best friend, as well as the finest First Officer I've ever had the honor of working with."

I knew she was holding something back. Not telling me everything. Since Kathryn wouldn't say anything at this time, I made it my mission to find out what she was keeping from me. These eyes may be old, but they still see. These are a mothers eyes.

I watched as Kathryn went to the detention center everyday for weeks, while her crew was awaiting the proceeding that would decide their fates. Freedom or incarceration. Sometimes I'd go with her, sit outside and wait. Each time she came out, when she thought I wasn't looking, I'd see the depression and hurt on her face. I knew she visited with all her crew, but there was always something in her eyes and facial expressions when she talked about this Commander. I'd see pain, indecision, but mostly I'd see love. At night I watched as she sat out under the night sky. My Kathryn would get this far away look in her eyes. Not like she'd get when she looked at the stars. This look was different. It was as if she were wrestling with something big. One day I asked Phoebe if Kathryn had mentioned anything to her and Phoebe said "No."

When I went on to explain that faraway look. Phoebe responded with "Oh Mother! Kathryn has always had that look when she was looking at the star. It doesn't mean anything. I think your eyes are playing tricks on you." But I knew my eyes were not playing tricks. I knew Kathryn was in turmoil.

The day the proceedings started was hard for Kathryn. She sat in the front row with Tom Paris and a couple others from the Voyager crew. She sat in that same spot that day and every day. I sat in the back and watched. Not just my Kathryn, I watched this Commander. I watched as he walked in each day eyes forward. Not looking at anyone. I watched as they both listened to all testimony. I watched as he'd walk past me every evening. And I watched as he and Kathryn both gave a time honored Starfleet nod as he passed her on the way out every night. Every night I watched as there was a look in both of their eyes, if only for a moment, and only for each other. If no one else saw it , I knew it was there. There was something between this man and My Kathryn.

The day of the verdict, Kathryn asked if she could speak to the Commander. They had not spoken since the day he was taken into custody. The counsel finally relented and told her she had five minutes. As I sat in the room with them and the guard, I watched. They were very professional.

"Commander, How are they treating you? Some of our crew said that you are not being treated very well. I was told they are well taken care of , but that the security seems to take thing out on you because you were the leader. Is this correct?" She asked.

" Captain, Thank you for your concern , but I'm fine. I'm not being mistreated" Quietly came his reply. Even this old lady could see this man had dark circles under his eyes, bruises on his face, and he had lost weight since returning here.

Kathryn stepped a little closer to him. She laid her hand on his arm. They looked into each others eyes, no words spoken, and sparks flew. This was not the Captain and Commander. This was personal, not just a man and woman. A man and woman in love. I needed more, something solid before I confronted my daughter, or she would deny it. She'd need proof that I knew what I was talking about. She'd give me all the old reasons why she was not in love with this man. How it was against all Starfleet rules and regulations. I'd wait. I'd find what I needed to convince her. But for now I watched them both through a mothers eyes.

The day the verdict was to be read. Kathryn asked that I sit with her on this day. She reached over and took my hand as the Admiral banged his gavel to call the court in session.

"Will the Maquis please rise?" They all stood, tall and proud. "Commander Chakotay, Maquis crew. The purpose of these court proceedings has been to establish if you are to be tried for your crimes against the Federation and Starfleet. Upon reviewing the testimony of all parties involved it is the opinion of this court that all charges be dropped and that you be awarded your current ranks with all the rights and privileges associated with them. Cases dismissed." With the sound of the gavel, the court room erupted into cheers. I saw the relief in Kathryn's eyes as she looked at her crew, especially the handsome man now on her left.

After several minutes of congratulations from crew and their families, Kathryn turned to the Commander and said, "Congratulations Chakotay! What are you going to do now? Will you stay with Starfleet?"

Interrupting, I announced, taking each of them by an arm, "Right now, you're both taking this old lady to lunch." The Commander looked confused and Kathryn just laughed. I looked up at the man to my side and declared, "I'm sorry. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Gretchen Janeway, Kathryn's mother. May I call you Chakotay or would you prefer Commander?"

"Chakotay is fine. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Janeway. Kathryn has told me a great deal about you and your family. I would be honored to take you to lunch." He said still somewhat in shock.

Pulling them both along, I declared, "Call me Gretchen, Please. My Kathryn hasn't told me anything about you, except you're a great First Officer and her best friend."

He turns and looks at Kathryn, that look is there for the briefest moment. When he tells me, "Mrs. Janeway there is really nothing to tell." Deciding not to push too soon, we make our way to a little cafe' at the edge of the park. Lunch was quite enjoyable. I watched and listened as the two of them fell into easy conversation. I enjoyed the playful banter that went on between them. I noticed the small touches also. Kathryn excused herself, leaving us alone, but not before a, "Be nice, Mother."

I tried to get Chakotay to tell me all about the relationship between my daughter and himself. All he'd say was the same lines Kathryn gave me. All about how they were friends. How she was the finest Captain he had ever served with. As Kathryn came back to the table. There was that look that passed between them again. I don't care what they say, these two are in love. They just don't want to admit it. I will find a way to help them - I love my daughter and I want her to be happy. This man makes her happy. I can tell. I see it as only a Mothers eyes could.

"Kathryn, Why don't you invite your friend to Indiana. We are having the Covered Bridge Festival in Rockville next week. He might like to see it. The house has plenty of room, and you two could just let down and unwind. No Starfleet to get in your hair." I tried to sound nonchalant.

Kathryn looked at me with suspicious eyes, then turned to Chakotay. " That is a good idea. Why don't you come for a while. You could meet the rest of the family. It is quiet in Indiana. I would love to show it to you. Besides I know we could both use the rest."

Smiling Chakotay answered, "I'd like that, but I have to go see my cousin first. Let them know I'm all right. How about if I come at the end of the week?"

"That would be fine, plan on staying a few weeks. That way you can get a real feel for Indiana." I say. All three of us standing. I motion for him to bend a little. He does and I place a soft little kiss on his cheek, before continuing, "It was a real treat meeting you. I look forward to your visit." With that Kathryn and I left, but not before I see that look pass between them. Looks only seen through a Mothers eyes.

The week passed slowly. Kathryn seemed so lost all week. She received a message that Chakotay would arrive on Friday, on the 5:15 shuttle, this perked her up some. It is now 3:07 and she is pacing the room. "Kathryn, sit down. You are going to wear a hole in my carpet." I say to her. All week long I've tried to get her to open up as to how she feels about this man. She insists he's just her friend. "Sit Kathryn! Tell me the truth. You wouldn't be this nervous about this man if you were just friends. Tell me what your heart is saying to you."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I told you we're just friends." She replies still pacing.

"I think you are in love with this man. You are just too stubborn to admit it." I say to her reaching for her arm to still her moving form.

Looking at the hand on her arm, Kathryn whispers, "That would be against everything Starfleet has taught me. Protocol says..."

Interrupting her mid sentence, "I don't give a damn about Starfleet or their protocols. I'm Not concerned with the Captain either. I want to know how Kathryn, my daughter, and the woman feels."

With tears in her eyes, Kathryn sits down and says, "I don't remember how to be just Kathryn, the woman. I have been the Captain for so long."

"Kathy, just tell me what's in your heart. I see the way you look at him, and he you. I see the sparks fly every time you two think nobody is looking." I add pulling her to me in a gentle hug.

"I've tried so hard to to fight it. I've tried to push him and these feeling away. Like the Maple tree in the yard, he has remained strong and sturdy. Always at my side. Always there when I need him. He has always found ways to ease my burdens, even if it meant more for him. He has bailed me out of more jams than I am aware of. He has sacrificed his own happiness to see that I remained safe, healthy and sane. Most importantly, he has always made me feel loved. Without asking for anything in return. I know he loves me. He has for a long time."

"Okay, now tell me how you feel about him!" I add, "Listen to your heart, not your head."

"How do I feel. When he is with me I feel safe, protected. When he is away I feel like a part of me is missing." Kathryn answers, quietly.

"Are you in love with him? More importantly does he know how you feel?" I probe further.

"I love him more than I've ever loved anyone. He completes me. I've never told him how I feel. I think he knows I care a great deal for him." She utters.

"You should tell him. I think you and Chakotay have been through so much these past years. It is time for you both to be happy. You make each other happy. You, my darling daughter, have to let go of your fears. If you don't you will lose him. He may have stood by you in the delta Quadrant, but you're home now. How would you feel if he went to his home world and never contacted you again? You would be devastated. You have to let him in completely, Kathryn. Give him your heart and soul." I tell her.

Smiling at me, she looks up and asks, "How do you know all this? You seem to be able to tell me what is in my head and heart, just by looking at me."

"It is easy." I respond. "You're my daughter and I love you. I liked Chakotay the moment I saw him walk off Voyager. He held his head high. He is not ashamed of who he is. I knew from looking at him, he is a strong, proud but gentle man. I see things through a Mothers eyes. Someday you will understand. Now go get ready! Chakotay will be here soon." Kathryn kisses me softly on the cheek and mouths Thank you as she heads for the stairs.

He's been here for a week now. I watch them together, The way they steal looks at each other, then smile when they get caught. They've begun a great and lasting relationship. I've watched the hand holding as they walk through the cornfields. I have seen her push him against the maple tree and kiss him with a passion I didn't know Kathryn possessed. I've seen the way he flashes those dimples and she melts into his strong arms. He calls her Kath and she actually likes it. I've watched her trace his tattoo with such tenderness it makes him shiver. I've seen her introduce him to her old friends with such love and pride it fills my heart. And I've observed the way they need to touch each other, just the slightest of touches to make sure this is all real. These eyes see the intensity of the love they have for each other. They have something most people only dream of. Phoebe is even jealous. We have all welcomed Chakotay into our family. We found out why our Kathryn loves him so much. He is a strong man with a kind heart, soft voice, gentle soul and loyalty to Kathryn.

He has proven to this family that he is totally devoted to her and now to us. Chakotay came to me a couple hours ago and asked me if he could ask Kathryn to marry him. Of course I gave him my blessing.

A few moments ago as I headed for bed, they were saying good night at Kathryn's door. I heard Chakotay say, "I love you Kath!! Will you think about spending the rest of your life with me? Will you think about marrying me?" Having said that he kisses her passionately, and turns to go into his room.

Knowing I'm watching as I have done for weeks now. Kathryn grabs his arm, pulls him to her, answering "I don't need to think about it. Yes I will marry you." Before he can move to his room again, she pulls him through her door. I laugh as the door closes. I hear Kathryn say, "Good Night, Mother. There are some things that shouldn't be seen , even through a MOTHERS EYES.

Done.

 © 1997 kbeard@indy.net

On the Mothers Eyes sequel "Life with Mrs. Janeway"