Note: This is a short event on the Obla-De timeline. It occurs six months *before* the events in Rules and Regulations.

By: Sara Jordan

Kathryn woke abruptly as a heavy object landed across her midsection. As her eyes snapped open she found two twinkling eyes staring into her sleepy face.

"Mom!" Kol shook her shoulder. "Mom, get up. I need to get ready."

Kathryn smiled at her son. "Isn't it a little early?"

Kol shrugged. "Come on Mom." he pleaded.

Kathryn looked at the squirming boy on top of her, he was obviously too excited to contain himself. "Alright, I'm up. Where's Daddy?"

"I'm right here." answered Chakotay walking in from the bathroom. "Kol, get off Mommy and let her get ready. There is plenty of time before you need to leave."

"Alright, I'll go get my stuff packed." he answered brightly. Bounding off the bed the little boy raced across the floor and into his own room.

"Put on the clothes we picked out last night." called Kathryn as he disappeared.

Chakotay watched him leave and began to chuckle. "I heard him up at 0530. He'll be exhausted by dinner time."

Kathryn smiled as she climbed out of bed and pulled on her robe. Rounding the foot of the bed she stepped into Chakotay's arms. "Let him be excited, you only have one first day of school. He'll never be this excited about it again."

Chakotay pulled Kathryn more snugly into his arms and nodded. "Guess you're right. I just hope he doesn't burn out by lunch." His gaze shifted from amusement to lust as his eyes traveled over her thinly covered body. "Speaking of excitement, I could get excited if you keep standing here in that robe" As if to prove his point he leaned down and kissed her. His hands drifted across her body and settled around her breasts. His thumbs danced across her nipples and Kathryn arched her back in response.

Glancing at the clock she smiled. Maybe Kol's impatience would pay off. "Computer initiate privacy lock on bedroom door." she ordered. The close of the door brought a smile to Chakotay's lips. Without a word he scooped her into his arms and lay her back on the bed.

Half an hour later Kathryn kissed her husband's chest and pushed herself away from his warmth. "Guess I better get ready myself." As she stood and pitched her discarded nightgown into the laundry she smiled down at her happy husband. "Can you start breakfast? We have a lot less time than I originally thought." She didn't wait for him to answer, but headed straight for the shower.

When Kathryn was dressed she found Kol and Chakotay putting the last of breakfast on the table. "Hurry up Mom! We're having pancakes! Are you both going to walk me to school? I hope Tuvok likes the apple I replicated for him! Maybe we'll have physical education today and get to go to the Holodeck, Martin Ayala said last year they went to the Bajoran Peace Park for hikes! That would be fun!"

Kathryn laughed as she took her seat. Reaching out she pulled Kol into her lap and began to gently rub his back. "Shh. Kol you are far too excited. You have to calm down, stop yelling and don't talk so fast. I know you are excited about your first day of real school, but you must get yourself under control."

As she talked quietly and caressed his back Kol seemed to settle down. Chakotay smiled at her as he took his seat. "Thanks, he's been talking a blue streak since I came out of the bedroom, all at a high decibel rate."

Kathryn kissed the dark head resting against her chin. "He's just excited." She looked down at her son. "Do you think you could eat your breakfast now?" Kol nodded. "Ok. Hop on over to your chair."

Breakfast went smoothly, Kol only occasionally forgetting to keep his voice below a shout. When the dishes were cleared it was finally time to think about heading to school. The sight of Voyager's command team being pulled through the corridors of the ship by a straining six year old was enough to make several crewmembers laugh- at least silently, no one would dare laugh openly at the Captain.

Voyager's school was really a converted crew quarters. It had become a necessity some years earlier when Sam Wildman's daughter had been joined by a growing number of crew offspring. Voyager now had ten children ranging from Amanda Wildman to Ayala's new baby, Charles. The school was staffed by volunteers just as the Care Center for younger children. Tuvok had assumed the duties of curriculum design and supervised and coordinated the growing school. Kathryn had not been surprised, she alone realized how much their exile had cost Tuvok-his own children were very important to him. Most people underestimated the importance Vulcans placed on family. She was glad her friend was able to be involved in the lives of Voyager's children.

On this first morning of the new year the Captain and her family found "Principal Tuvok" putting the finishing touches on the classroom. He looked up as they entered, and Kathryn managed to spot the brief smile that tugged at his mouth as Kol solemnly approached the front of the room.

Reaching into his bag Kol pulled out a bright red apple. "I brought this for you, Tuvok." he said shyly.

The Vulcan reached out to take the fruit, his eyebrow arched in question.

"It's a human custom, Tuvok." explained Chakotay hoping to convey the importance of the gift before Kol's feeling were hurt.

Tuvok nodded. "I am aware of the significance, Commander. I am only surprised that young Kol would recognize the tradition."

"I looked it up." boasted Kol. "I found out all kinds of things about Terran customs."

Tuvok nodded in understanding. "I see. That is most gratifying to know. Such initiative is encouraging, and a sign of proper educational priorities." Kol beamed at the praise.

"Please take your seat, Mr. Janeway." continued Tuvok. "Other students are arriving and we must begin out lessons promptly on time."

Kol nearly floated across the floor to find his desk. Giving Kathryn and Chakotay quick kisses he took his seat. "Bye, Mom. Bye Dad."

Kathryn smiled at Chakotay. "I guess he's going to be fine. I think we've been dismissed."

Chakotay ruffled Kol's hair. "I'd say so. See you this afternoon, pal." Taking Kathryn's hand he led her out of the room. As they headed toward the turbolift Kathryn surprised him by breaking protocol and slipping herself into his embrace. She leaned against him as they waited for the lift, and he glanced down worriedly. "Are you alright?"

Kathryn sighed. "Yes, he just seems so grown up. I miss my baby."

The doors swished open and they stepped into the lift. Since they were now temporarily alone Chakotay wrapped her tightly in his arms and kissed her. "Computer, halt lift. If you really miss having a baby I'd be happy to help you try for another."

Kathryn's eyes sparkled. "Here in the turbolift? Haven't we discussed this before, Commander?"

"Here, in your Ready Room, in our quarters, in a J-tube, on the Bridge, anywhere you want."

Kathryn's tone was one of complete shock and indignation. "The Bridge!"

Chakotay laughed. "Don't tell me you've never thought about it."

Kathryn actually blushed. "Well, maybe. But it is not an option!" she added. "Totally against regulations."

Chakotay chuckled darkly and kissed her again. "Computer, resume." Just before the doors swished open on the Bridge he leaned down and spoke quietly into her ear, his lips just brushing her soft skin. "It's a long shift, just think about it."

Kathryn was totally unprepared to tackle command as she took her seat. Thoughts of her First Officer and a new set of Bridge protocols kept flashing through her mind.