Disclaimer: What isn't owned by Paramount and Jeri Taylor (Mosaic) is a pitiful amount and I can't see either of them wanting it.

VOYAGER - THE 'LUCKY STAR' SHIP
Overcoming Objections
By Amanda Darling
adarling@geocities.com

A relaxed Kathryn and Chakotay returned to Ohio as the sun was setting.  The day had been beautiful, and both had spent it enjoyably.  Kathryn would have returned home, except that Chakotay reminded her she had agreed to stay and drink a pot of coffee with him.  Chakotay invited her for dinner again, at which point Kathryn asked, "What about your cousin?  Is he at a lengthy meeting again?" She asked with mock innocence.

"Nah, he's probably there.  I'll kick him out, though."

"I thought this was his house!"

"It is, but he can stay with his fiancée." He paused, deciding to tease her a little.  "It totally puts him out," he said with a deep sigh, "considering he loves this girl, to expect him to spend time with her - what a thought!"

She laughed and shoved him playfully.  "Alright, alright, I get the point.  I'd love to stay for dinner."

"I'm very glad.  What can I serve you?"

"Currie with rice.  That was one of my favorite meals on New Earth."

When they reached Chakotay's borrowed residence, Janeway met Reykoch before the two men had a short eye conversation, after which Reykoch disappeared.  Janeway heard the front door close a little while later, and felt slightly guilty for kicking the man out of his house, despite Chakotay's earlier words.

While Chakotay was cooking, she entered the family room, using the computer to call up the day's journal.  She dialed the extension for The Terran Daily Telegraph and once it had appeared on her screen, stopping blinking and nearly stopped breathing.  Front page, top of the journal, was a photo of herself and Chakotay, in the boat in Central Park, staring intently at each other in a lover's gaze.  There was a story to accompany the piece about potential new Starfleet policies, about the press conference and the article did not fail to note that she had denied that a relationship had existed between them.  She called out Chakotay's name but her voice was hoarse and the call had only come out as a weak whisper.  She tried again.  "Chakotay!"

Her voice was still weak, but strong enough to be heard and Chakotay came into the room, drying his hands on a tea-towel, asking: "What is it, Kathryn?" before he saw the screen.  "Oh gods," he exhaled slowly, pulling her into an embrace almost unconsciously, but it was a gesture they both needed.  She held tight to him, knowing she would not give him up for Starfleet, and feeling an overwhelming sensation of peace and self-acceptance at that thought.  Whatever happened, whatever the result, they would be with each other until the end.  However, warm fuzzy feelings would not solve their problem.

"Kathryn?" Chakotay asked, wondering where he stood in Kathryn's books in light of this issue.

"Yes, love?  Are you wondering what I think about us concerning all of this?" He nodded.  "I think you're more important to me than some damn set of rules and procedures that has gotten me into nothing but trouble for several decades at least.  I can't pretend I don't love you, and I wouldn't want to anyway.  Whatever problem I have with this will be resolved with Starfleet, not by shutting you out."

He smiled, briefly closing his eyes in relief.  "Thank you," he said simply.

She hugged him.  "Don't thank me.  It's not something you should have to feel thankful for.  It's just what you deserve.  Actually, I really should have told the press that 70,000 light-years is a long way from home and let them draw their own conclusions.  We wouldn't have gotten into this mess in the first place.  I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," he chided her gently.  "You couldn't have known." The timer rang for dinner and they forced themselves not to think about the article and photo.  After all, there was nothing they could do.  If Starfleet had a problem with it, they would contact them.  After dinner, Chakotay said spontaneously, "I think we need a vacation."

"A vacation?" She raised her eyebrow.  "Now?"

"Why not?"

"Because Starfleet will kill us?"

"I don't think so.  They very rarely annihilate individuals.  The most they could do is torture us, whereas we could press charges, sue them for tons of credits and with the winnings, we could retire and spend the rest of our lives on a cruise boat on some exotic islands somewhere."

She laughed as he told her this pensively, as if he was seriously considering it.  "You're crazy, do you know that?"

"Crazy about you, yes.  How about Risa?"

"Hey, I didn't even agree to go."

"Why not?  Don't you like me?" He asked her with innocent puppy-dog eyes, flashing the dimples that had always stolen her heart.

"Of course I do.  I just don't think we can decide to take a week off."

"Why not?  Starfleet will survive - they did for nine years."

"But we have so much that needs attention now."

"Yes, like us spending some time together.  Kathryn, I hardly know you." He sounded like someone complaining to his girlfriend of three weeks who had cancelled another date, even though apologetic.

"You should apply for an Admiralship," she told him, with a sweet smile.  "You can bullshit your way through anything."

He snorted, trying not to spit out his mouthful of wine.  It burned his throat, but he tried to swallow it and ended up coughing when it went down his windpipe.  "That was not fair," he informed her.

"Of course not.  But it was true," she added, once he had taken another sip.  Luckily, he fared better this time.

"Just for that, you are coming to Risa for a week of absolutely nothing, which you need.  You haven't taken a vacation in nine years.  Don't you deserve a short one?"

"Well...."

"Risa, one week, maybe two.  Think of it.  Gorgeous beaches, warm water, and nothing even remotely Starfleet."

"Sold," she agreed quickly at the mention of no Starfleet.  "But won't people see us?"

"No.  There are so many people we won't be noticed."

"You think?"

"I do.  I also think...."

She didn't fully realize what he was doing until the cool weight of the item rested at the base of her fourth finger.  He kissed her as he put the ring on her finger, a kiss of promise and gentleness and eternal love.  "Marry me," he asked as they pulled away from the kiss.

"If I like the ring," she returned instantly in the same heated voice.

He laughed out loud.  She had always been able to break up a serious mood with one of her comments, to give her a moment of repose, to take stock of the situation and analyze it.  If she was comfortable with the situation, she would bring the seriousness back, otherwise, she would make him wait, racked with her own indecision, drag out his anxiety until she had settled something within herself.  He knew she would eventually say yes; it was only a matter of time.  All he needed was one, sweet night of-

"I accept."

"What?" He was slightly confused about what she was talking about, but on some level, must have realized what she had said.  He had not expected her response so soon.  "What?" He nearly fell out of his chair.

"If the offer is no longer standing...."

"What?  No, of course not - I mean, still standing!  Oh, Kathryn!" He pulled her fiercely into his arms, sealing the vow with kisses pressed all over her face and neck.  She returned the ardor, guiding his lips to hers where the fire erupted with their tongues, sparking them both and sending shockwaves through them as the strength of their emotions hit them.

Neither wanted her to leave that night.  If she returned home, her mother would undoubtedly want to speak to her and neither of them wanted that for Kathryn.  Chakotay offered her his bed, and that he would sleep on the sofa-bed in the family room, and she accepted, but told him she could sleep in the family room, but he wouldn't hear of it.  She was a guest, and while she pointed out that he was also a guest, he said she was more a guest than he and that he was playing host.  Chakotay knew Reykoch would not be returning to his home that evening.  Most of the time, now, he slept at Lisa's house because he didn't want to "cramp your style, little buddy." He had clapped Chakotay on the back, and Chakotay had decided that the next time he chose a favorite cousin, it was going to be someone younger than himself.

Kathryn and Chakotay talked a little longer, until Chakotay showed her the guestroom where she would be sleeping.  She glanced around the room - not that messy for a bachelor - and he told her he'd be downstairs if she needed him.  He picked up a pair of pajama bottoms, plaid flannel in blues and greys, and gave her a long kiss goodnight at the door before leaving with a bit of a shy smile that puzzled her.  He seemed faintly embarrassed for displaying so much emotion, but they were engaged, for heaven's sake.  She was surprised he hadn't suggested slyly that they both share the guestroom 'they way we had on the first night home.' She could imagine him saying that with innocence worthy of any angel, dimples lighting up so there was no way she could refuse.

Uh-huh, Chakotay.  Just like the first night.  My ass... And his, she added pensively.  Oh, well, all in good time.  Though he certainly is taking his bloody time.  Does he think I'm not ready?  Luv, I've been ready for eight years.  She shook her head.  These were not the thoughts of a Starfleet Captain.  She changed into a silky nightgown she had just replicated, tied her hair back in a loose chignon so it wouldn't fall in her face as she wrote her personal log.  She often wrote in the evenings, not every day, but whenever something important happened.  Her engagement counted as important.

Chakotay was also wondering what was going on in his mind.  He had never really been very good at figuring himself out - others yes, himself, no.  What was he doing?  Yes, he wanted Kathryn.  He wanted her more than he'd ever wanted another woman - so what had made him wait?  Was he waiting for her signal?  Gods, if he was, that could take forever.  No, that wasn't it.  He was waiting out of respect.  He knew her upbringing was traditional.  He had researched her heritage some time ago on Voyager.  He could remember coming across a reference of many people's morals being chastity before marriage.  That wasn't true with Kathryn's case because she mentioned she had lived with Mark and Justin before she'd been separated from each of them, but maybe it was his respect towards her.  Her heart and soul and mind meant more to him than her body did - not that her body didn't mean a lot to him, mind you - but he had fallen in love with her spirit, not her physique.  There was something special about waiting until the night of the wedding, but on the other hand.... This was all to confusing for Chakotay.  He could send his mind spinning trying to figure himself out.  Alright, no more of this.

In her room, Janeway was admiring her ring.  It was beautiful.  Chakotay had explained that the rock in the center was a precious stone from his tribe that was often used to indicate marriage or engagement.  It was the equivalent of Earth's diamond; her background was also represented by the tiny circle of diamonds around the turquoise stone.  The band was a smooth, cool gold.  She was admiring it, deep in thought, when her combadge beeped.  She jumped at the sound, and answered it instinctively.  Years of Starfleet had conditioned her to that response.  "Janeway here."

"Hi, beautiful, it's me."

"Hello, me.  Forget something?"

"To tell you not to let the bed bugs bite?"

"I would have expected you to do the biting," she said in a sensual tone.  "No, seriously, was there a reason, or did you just miss me?"

"Isn't that enough of a reason?"

"Absolutely.  I'm missing you, too," she smiled tenderly, then grinned.  "You do realize we're holding a conversation over a comm channel when we're not more than thirty feet away from each other."

"Do you want me to come to your room so we can close the channel?" He asked, expecting her to rebuff and say she needed her sleep.  It was, after all, the middle of the night.

"...."

"Kathryn?"

"Yes, I want you to come... but not in order to close the channel."

Desire slithered through him.  "I'll be right up," he said hoarsely.

She closed the channel and put down the padd she'd been using to write her log.  She preferred manual to vocal interface at night.  She stood up in order to meet Chakotay on an equal playing field.

He rapped on the door softly, waiting for her quiet, subdued, "Come in," before entering, unsure what he'd see.  She was waiting for him, standing near the center of the room, serious, expression innocent, looking almost frightened with her eyes wide open.  But she knew this was right, and was less frightened than nervous, though she wanted this to happen.  He neared her, pushing the door closed absently.  He had eyes only for her.  He knew she saw his desire in his eyes, unable to hide it, and saw her eyes develop the same hunger, pupils dilating as they were pulled like magnets towards each other.  Their eyes held, watching the other intensely, until the gap was closed and their vision of the other blurred and they closed their eyes, letting the waves of love wash against them.  Their lips met in the gentlest kiss they'd shared.  It grew into a passion that when they parted, they were both reeling, desperate for breath.  It was as if neither had been truly aware of their physical wantings of the other until this moment.  Their lips met again, barely a chance for a repose, but they found the pull was irresistible, and the desire threatened to overtake them.  They fell back against the bed, lips devouring the other.

Chakotay woke with Kathryn there, her face like a sleeping angel, their limbs tangled from the passion they'd indulged.  Oh, my, Kathryn, that was good.  She had lived up to every fantasy he'd ever had, which was quite impressive, considering he'd been fantasizing about her for seven, eight years now?  Of course she hadn't fulfilled every dream all at once, but over the course of the multiple times they had engaged in what Kathryn had delicately called on Voyager, in reference to some members of the crew - especially Jenny and Megan Delaney and Tom Paris in the early years - as 'pleasurable encounters', she had shown him a passion he would never have attributed to her.  He credited himself with the reason for the passion.  He was feeling pretty good about himself at the moment.  He looked back at Kathryn, taking her hand and looking at the ring he had so carefully constructed.  He decided it was a beautiful reflection of the love and separate heritages they shared.  He would have liked it even better if he'd been able to fuse together the turquoise stone and the diamond, but that had proved impossible.  He was still quite pleased with the results.  He would have to remember to ask Kathryn if she wanted a wedding band as well, or if she just wanted the ring he'd given her yesterday.  He knew that most traditional Terrans still appreciated the symbolism of the two rings, but that most modern Terrans had lost the custom.

He watched her for some time, then decided he should either get up or go back to sleep, or else he would end up waking Kathryn, and he wasn't sure how she would react to being woken after such an energetic night.  She certainly deserved her sleep, after her performances yesterday, and earlier that morning, Chakotay decided.

He found going back to sleep impossible, and finally got up, untangling himself from Kathryn, hoping she would wake.  Sadly, she did not, and Chakotay laid out a robe for her on the chair and left the room.  He called up yesterday's journal, in order to find out the rest of the news, and he found that he was only vaguely upset about the article now.  He only felt slight anger towards the photographer who apparently considered nothing private.  Hey, guy, how about I photograph you making out with your wife and put that on everyone's computer screen.  Would you still think so fondly of that lack of privacy then?

While reading an article about a food shortage on Woeytuze, his console beeped an incoming message.  He didn't really want to answer it, because he suspected it would be Starfleet, but he did, on the off-chance that it was his sister.  "Hello." He said to the older woman who appeared on the screen.  Her eyes were a dark blue, skin wrinkled but not pale, with white hair streaked with gray.  She had a strong jaw, and Chakotay guessed easily from where Kathryn got it.

"Chakotay, I presume?"

"Mrs. Janeway, what may I do for you?"

"It's Mrs. Paris now, thank you," she said pristinely, and he suddenly remembered.  How had he forgotten?

Kathryn's mother squinted at him, and he felt like he was a first-year Academy cadet on inspection.  He actually squirmed, sensing she was definitely unhappy with his attire, and what it most likely meant if Kathryn was there.

She finally spoke after a long, hard look at him.  He swore she knew exactly what had happened between himself and Kathryn - both the engagement and long-overdue consummation of a relationship which had really begun eight years ago.  "My daughter spent the night with you, didn't she?"

It was not a question.  Chakotay got the feeling that if he said yes, she would be angry and upset with him, and if he said no, she'd demand to know where she was, and if anything had happened to her, he'd be blamed.  He decided to go with the truth.  "Yes, she did."

"You seem like a straight-forward man."

"And you a straight-forward woman."

She sent him a look of disapproval and Chakotay decided he would respond only when she expected him.  She had not expected him to at that point.  "Let me make myself clear.  I am assuming that you are this mysterious friend whom Kathryn has been running off to see nearly everyday.  Am I correct?"

"Yes."

"I have studied your file.  I know your background, I know you're a danger to my daughter.  I don't know what possessed her to choose to love you - probably a lack of choice." Chakotay could almost see her sniffing, nose high in the air.  She declared valiantly, "I don't believe in terrorism, and I know that Kathryn doesn't either." She was clearly waiting for his response.

While there were many things he could have said, he chose to remain simple.  "The Maquis are not terrorists."

"Yes, I know all that.  You call yourselves freedom fighters.  It's all the same, one's just a little easier on your consciences."

"The Maquis never purposefully hurt a Federation civilian.  Our fight was with the Cardassians and Starfleet.  Selling out a group of people with only a casual shrug is a despicable thing for an 'advanced' civilization to do." Despite his best attempts to stay calm, he knew tensions were increasing with his future mother-in-law.

"People were dying every day."

"And they continued to, because it was easier in the new DMZ - less people were watching, Starfleet didn't care.  Look, Mrs. Paris, I'm not interested in arguing about the Maquis and the DMZ - they're long gone now."

"Or are they?  Will your rush off and join the next 'good cause' that you hear of, leaving Kathryn hurt and alone because she can't see the truth?"

There, now that's what this discussion is all about.  Finally.  "I don't need to justify my love for Kathryn to you.  This is not your affair."

"It is.  Kathryn has made mistakes in relationships and can't see the obvious for herself."

"With all due respect, it's you who can't see the obvious.  I am dedicated to Voyager and what is best for her crew, as every First Officer should be.  And if you really need to hear this, fine!  I have loved your daughter for eight years and I held out that love for most of that time alone.  Kathryn wouldn't let us have a relationship because it might jeopardize the crew's safety.  I totally accepted that.  I never pushed her." He could tell that Mrs. Paris was listening more carefully now.  Well take that, you old bat!  "I have been at her side every minute that she needed me and every minute that she wanted me.  I care for her as much as you do.  She has obviously chosen to be with me on many occasions here in the Alpha Quadrant, which demonstrates at least a close friendship.  I promise to never hurt her, because her pain is my pain.  We are meant to be together.  Please don't put a damper on her happiness." Ooh, that was very well done, old boy.

Mrs. Paris pressed her fist to her mouth, bowing her head, and Chakotay was horrified.  He hadn't meant to start her crying!  He suddenly saw things through her perspective.  How awful for her, her daughter suddenly arriving home after nine years of being light-years away, choosing to spend her time with her First Officer rather than her family and she finding out about her daughter's boyfriend not from her daughter, but the newsjournal.  "I'm so sorry," he said quickly, flustered, unsure what to do.

She looked up and he saw that she was laughing, tears welling in her eyes and she tried to stifle her hilarity.  When she'd finally caught her breath, she was still chuckling.  "You'll do.  You'll do, Chakotay."

Slightly mollified and quite confused, Chakotay thanked her politely, which set her off again.

"Commander, I've just realized why Kathryn fell in love with you, and I'm kicking myself for not seeing it earlier.  For better or for worse, you have so much in common, but your differences - oh, they'll keep your life interesting forever!  You are much like my husband once was." Now she turned serious, even humble.  "Promise me you won't ever let your job become more important than your family."

He knew the history of this and replied, "I promise.  Nothing could take me away from Kathryn."

She relaxed, smiling.  "Welcome to the family."

Chakotay's jaw dropped.  "How did you know?"

"Know what?" She asked in confusion.

"Uh, nothing."

"Are you engaged?"

"Umm...."

"I don't believe it!  I don't believe she got engaged before I'd even met you!  Where is that girl?  Please get her on the channel now."

"Uh, she's still sleeping."

"Oh, I suppose she would be."

Chakotay raised an eyebrow, a flush sliding over his features.  Was this woman half-telepathic and fooling him?  She certainly seemed it.... How had she known?

She smiled at his reddened cheeks and winked.  "I just meant that she used to sleep in late on days when she didn't have school."

"Oh." Chakotay felt his cheeks darken more.

"Don't worry about it, dear, I was young once, too.  Would you like to come to dinner tonight?  I'm sure Kathryn won't mind if I invite you."

"No, I should hope not.  I'd love to come.  Should I bring anything?"

"Just my daughter."

Kathryn woke up with bright sunshine on the bed.  She stretched, expecting to find Chakotay near her.  She was disappointed when all she found was empty, tangled sheets.  That would never do.  She'd have to train him to stay in bed until she woke, or he could wake her.  Mark had waited, Justin had woken her, but that was primarily so she could have breakfast with him before he went off for the day.  She suspected Chakotay would wake her for an entirely different reason.... Perhaps she should not offer that he wake her, or else she might never get any sleep.  A lazy, sated smile spread over her face as she leaned back against the plush pillows, her head sinking into the fluffy mass.  She rolled over to check the chrono.  Well, no wonder Chakotay'd left!  It was well past a respectable time to awaken.  She rarely slept this late, though she didn't usually have nights as... active... as the previous one.  She wondered if sleeping until nearly 1100hrs would become a regular thing with Chakotay.  She yawned and while she would have preferred to stay in bed a little longer... remembering... she rose.  She put on the robe he had left on the back of the chair for her.  It was white and simple, smelling vaguely like him - a hint of pine and earth and a spice she couldn't identify other than belonging to him.  She tied the belt securely around her waist, sticking her feet into a pair of his moccasins which were too big but much too soft to part with.  She combed her fingers through her hair as she walked downstairs.  In the kitchen she picked up a mug of black coffee and went to find Chakotay.

Chakotay was in the family room and looked up when she entered.  He put down the book he'd been reading and pulled her onto his lap, kissing her.  She pulled away after a moment, an apologetic look on her face.  "Sorry, I must have awful morning breath.  Let me go brush my teeth and I'll be right back." She started to stand.

"No, not this time, Monkey.  It's all part of the realization my dream has finally come true.  You're here with a smile and cup of coffee in my bathrobe in the morning." It was how he had always imagined it.

"Alright," she agreed, but took a liberal sip of the steaming coffee, then offered the mug to him, though she warned him it was straight-up.

"I still don't know how you drink it without any sugar," he told her, but took a sip anyway, adding only a minor grimace at the taste.  "Breakfast?"

"Only if it's you."

After lunch, Kathryn took Chakotay to the cornfields in Indiana, explaining that she was avoiding her mother.  "Actually...." Chakotay said, and Kathryn glanced at him, reading something in his expression.

"Do you know something I don't?"

"Your mother called this morning and we had an interesting conversation." He didn't want to say more and she didn't pressure him.  He'd tell her eventually.  "To make a long story short, we're expected for dinner at 1800."

After an hour, they returned to Reykoch's house, which was empty.  Kathryn experienced a twinge of guilt.  "Shouldn't we let him live here occasionally?"

"He could have had it when we were out."

"Seriously, Chakotay."

"Kathryn, he's more than happy to have an excuse to be with Lisa 24, 7.  If Reykoch wanted me out, he'd say so.  He's very straightforward.... A little like your mother." He offered and it was Kathryn's first clue as to how the conversation had gone.  "I like her," he added.

"I'm glad.  I like her, too, when she's not bothering the hell out of me."

"She's just worried about you.  It's a parental requirement.  Look it up in your child's handbook."

She stared at him.

"What?"

"Sorry, that's just something my mother said to me.  Did she mention it?"

"No.  I picked it up from my mother, who was always saying it to me."

She smiled.  They were just like two peas in a pod.  That was another of her mother's favorite sayings.

"So when I meet your mother in person, should I introduce myself to as the man you're going to marry?"

"God, no!  Are you crazy?  My mother would throw a fit!  I can't get married without her, and if she knows about it, we have to do the whole family thing and there's no way of keeping Starfleet out at that point.  No, if we get married, I'd rather it just be," she seemed to hesitate, thinking this would upset him, "us, and maybe Tom and B'Elanna to witness.  I don't know what your wishes are, or what is customary among Native American Indians, but that's what I would prefer."

"A private wedding for private vows, oh, that's a toughie, Monkey.  I don't know if I can handle it," he teased her.  "Kathryn, if you told me the only way you would marry me was if we took our vows bungy jumping off the ancient Toronto, Canada C.N. Tower, I would only insist that the ropes were strong," he said, leaning over to kiss her.  "A private ceremony is fine, especially considering I still have had no word from my sister."

"You still haven't heard from her?  Why don't you contact the government of her world and ask for her address or commlink.  I'm sure they'd have it on file."

"I'm... not sure if I want to talk to her.  She's changed very much, and hates Starfleet with a passion.  She was the one to cut ties with my cousin because he refused to move back to Dorvan V and marry some good, traditional 'homegirl'.  I don't think she would accept me living on Earth, marrying you, more importantly being a part of the institution that tore our family apart.  I think it would be best if we didn't see each other.  She may very well know I'm home and simply doesn't have anything to say to me."

"I'm sorry, Chakotay."

"Why, Kathryn?"

"Because if it wasn't for me and Voyager, you probably would have called her by now."

"Maybe, but I did choose this.  You mean more to me than my sister's empty platforms.  My family shared a past, but my sister has not been able to let go and explore a future.  Please don't blame yourself.  If I really wanted to speak with her, I would have." He paused a moment.  "So when are we getting married?"

"You're set on pinning down a date quickly, aren't you?"

"The faster we're married, the less time Starfleet has to hear of it and try to convince you otherwise."

"I am not easily convinced.  Chakotay, this is my choice.  I love you.  I want to be your wife.  I want to be there every minute of your life and drive you nuts because you never have any time to yourself!" She laughed.

"Hey, I can handle it."

"Alright, how about on Risa?"

"Sounds perfect.  There are Justices of the peace a dime a dozen there."

"Exactly.  And we should get married at... sunrise."

"Sunrise?  The notorious late-sleeper Kathryn Janeway actually suggests getting married at sunrise?  You do know what time the sun rises on Risa, don't you, love?"

She took a swipe at him.  "Of course I do!  I just think it would be romantic.  A new dawn, a new beginning, a new day.  Your love has given me a new life... the rising ray of sunshine that always brought a smile to my heart and my lips whenever I needed it most." She leaned over and hugged him tightly.  "Will you do this, for me?"

"Of course, Kathryn.  Do you want to get married at the beginning of our vacation, or the end?"

"Beginning, though I will need a day or two there at first to find something to wear.... Maybe we could send Tom and B'Elanna a note during their trip to Kilnar III and ask them to get her mother to keep the children two days and come and witness our wedding...." She was lost in thought until Chakotay mentioned that it was nearly time for them to get ready for Gretchen's dinner, and that they would need to hurry and obtain tickets for a shuttle-bus to Risa if they were to leave in the next few days.  They compared shuttle services and booked tickets for a shuttle that would be leaving in two days' time.

Before they left for Kathryn's mother's house, they brushed their teeth in the washroom.  He stood behind her after they'd done their teeth and took the hairbrush from her.  He stroked it through her long tresses as she glanced up at the mirror and stopped speaking.  Chakotay looked up, looking at her via the mirror.  "What is it?"

"I was just thinking about how we look together."

He put down her hairbrush and wrapped his arms around her waist, his cheek resting against her temple.  "And?"

"And I think we look good together."

"I'm glad, because I really wasn't looking forward to dyeing your hair if you didn't."

"My hair!  What about yours?"

"Hey, I'm not the one who thinks we look less-than-perfect."

"I didn't say that!" She protested in a laughing outrage.

"You said good.  That's not the same as perfect.  If you meant perfect, you should have said so," he told her, returning to brushing her hair.

She threw up her hands in defeat.  "Alright, alright!  We look perfect together.  Happy?"

"I was never unhappy."

"Oh you!  What am I going to do with you?"

"Well...."

"Chakotay, my mother?" She reminded him.  They would be late if they didn't leave five minutes ago.

"What about her?  She doesn't want to watch, does she?" His expression was one of put-on outrage.

"Ew!  No, Chakotay, we have to get to my mother's house."

"O-hoh," he said, making the normally one syllable word two.  "Why didn't you just say so?"

"I give up!" She exclaimed, kissing him firmly, then grabbing his hand and they flew down the stairs together.

When they arrived at Gretchen and Owen's condo (only a little late), Tom greeted them at the door.  He had to bring up the photo, of course.  "Come in, come in.  Congrats, by the way, for making it into all the newsjournals." His grin was twice-over smug.

As the trio moved into the living room where Gretchen, Owen and B'Elanna were, Janeway asked, "Paris, please."

"Come on, dear sister, lighten up.  What's done is done."

"Mom," Kathryn said plaintively, "Why did you have to marry his father?"

"Sibling rivalry," Gretchen sighed.  "I thought you'd gotten over that."

"Nope, now that I've found out I have another sibling, I have to make up for all the times I've missed.  Right, Tom?"

"Right, Jerkhead."

"Helmboy," she threw back, and Paris looked surprised.  "Something Chakotay mentioned one night," she explained, then when she saw his raised eyebrow, she raised her hand to rest against her temple and side of her cheekbone, saying, "That so did not come out right."

When she'd raised her hand, she brought into view the ring on her fourth finger.  B'Elanna and Tom's eye widened.  Gretchen grinned, exchanging a look with Owen.  She had told him earlier that day that the pair had become engaged.

"Uh duh, Kathryn?" Paris found his voice.  Now that they had found out they were siblings, he called her by her first name.  Kathryn glanced up.  "Yes, Paris?"

"You're wearing an engagement ring."

She looked at her hand.  "Really?  You're right.  Now where did that come from?  Oh, yes.  I picked it up off the streets on the way over here," she teased gently.  "Yes, it is an engagement ring, yes, Chakotay gave it to me, yes, I accepted, no, we haven't set a date yet." She quickly glanced at Chakotay to make sure he didn't slip up and mention they were planning to marry on Risa.

B'Elanna and Gretchen oohed and awed about the ring and Kathryn explained the significance of the center stone as Paris was quizzing Chakotay about the engagement.  Owen had slipped away to find a bottle of champagne - neither he nor Gretchen had thought of it earlier.

At dinner, Kathryn mentioned she and Chakotay were planning a trip to Risa and asked what her mother and Owen thought of the idea.  "I think it sounds excellent," Owen beamed, glad to see his stepdaughter so obviously happy.  "Starfleet will survive, I'm sure."

"Have you heard anything from them?"

"They're not happy, but that's only because they feel you should have come and told them you were in a relationship.  They don't like things out of their control."

"Maybe it's time they had to learn to adjust to a surprise," Chakotay said quietly, passing Paris the corn.

"Maybe it is," Owen agreed, raising his champagne flute in Chakotay's direction as a tribute to the statement.  "They've been too damn comfortable for a few years at least."

"If Starfleet has a problem, it's really their problem.  I don't know what they'll do - that's all that worries me.  I know that a Captain gets to choose her own First Officer, but I wouldn't be surprised if they created some kind of clause that states spouses cannot be First Officers," Kathryn said, a frown on her face.

"Couldn't you prove to them that you had handled things fine on Voyager when you were serving together?  I'm sure you never let personal feelings get in the way of what was right for the ship," Owen guessed.

"Well," said Kathryn, thinking of the incident when the Kazon had taken the ship.  With most other crewmembers, she would have been tempted to tell them the risk of retrieving their child was too great.

"Well," said Chakotay, thinking of the Borg incident.  They hadn't gotten over that for a long, long time, and both probably still thought they were right.

"Well," said Tom, thinking about the time Janeway and Seven had been kidnapped by the alien with the slipstream technology.  Chakotay had used Voyager for pursuit, endangering all their lives.

"Well," said B'Elanna, thinking about when Chakotay had been seduced by the female Borg.  Kathryn had snapped at everyone for weeks.  Come to think of it, Chakotay hadn't been that cheerful either.

"I see," Gretchen said, noting that all were uncomfortable and skillfully steered the conversation in another direction.

After Tom and B'Elanna left, Kathryn spoke privately with her mother for a minute.  She returned to where Chakotay and Owen were talking and asked if Chakotay would come over here for a moment, please, love?  "Mom wants to speak with me later, and I get the feeling we're in for a long chat.  Do you want to stay the night?  I've got the guest room all to myself," she added and he grinned, having heard the story that she had shared the room with Tom and B'Elanna.  "Nah, I'll get back to Ohio.  I'll let you get a good night's sleep - but no excuses on Risa."

"This isn't an excuse."

"Sure, sure, that's what they all say." He kissed her, told her he'd be back not the next morning but the one after that to pick her up for their transport to Risa and said goodbye to his soon to be in-laws.

Kathryn was right.  She and her mother talked for quite some time.  She packed as they talked, having told her mother they would be leaving in a few days, actually the same transport as Tom and B'Elanna, who were finally leaving to visit B'Elanna's mother.  They had dragged out the time because they were having an excellent time on Earth, and B'Elanna really had no desire to see her mother.  Tom had told her privately that he'd been the same way with his father, but she didn't think this was the same.

"Babydoll-" Gretchen started.

Here it comes, thought Kathryn.  "Mom, I know.  You're afraid I'm making a mistake.  You don't think that Chakotay is the right man for me.... Ten years ago, I would never have thought I'd end up marrying the man whom I was sent to catch in the Badlands for his Maquis activities.  Things change.  Please don't ask me to tell you why I love him because I don't think I could sum it up for you."

"Then how about I tell you why you love him?"

"If you want," she shrugged, folding several of her dresses and packing them into the suitcase.

"Because he makes you smile and laugh, because he's with you whenever you need him and whenever you want him.  Because he has loved you for eight years and never gave up on you, even though you did little to encourage him, because he accepted you and understands you.  Because he will never hurt you, and because you're meant to be together."

"Who told you that?" She asked, sitting down on the bed and looking at her mother in amazement.

Gertchen patted her daughter on the knee.  "He told me, Kathryn.  When Chakotay and I spoke this morning, I demanded that he tell me what rights he had to you.  Those were some of his answers, with a few of my own observations added.  Kathryn, you're wrong.  I think you're perfect for each other.  I wish you all the happiness in the world.  I'm glad you weren't alone out there."

Kathryn froze.  "Did he tell you that as well?" She asked, barely breathing.

"No."

Kathryn squeezed her eyes tight and whispered, "That's why I love him, Mom.  Because he never let me be alone."

It took her several minutes to get herself together after that.  They continued talking, about a lot of things: Mr. Janeway and Kathryn's childhood, Phoebe, old loves, Owen, Starfleet, what it meant to wear the uniform, the Federation, the Maquis, the Cardassians, the long-ago Peace Treaty that had changed life for many people, and a plethora of other subjects.  When Kathryn went to bed after the discussion, she felt as if all her emotions had been purged.  She felt drained, but totally at peace and content.  That was what she had missed most in the Delta Quadrant.  And she had it back.  She felt fortified with her mother's and Chakotay's love against whatever life would throw at her.