She Came Out of Nowhere
Disclaimer: Well, Paramount still owns all the Star Trek: Voyager and Deep Space Nine characters, but the others are mine!
Hmm, inspiration? I don't know, probably, but I don't know what from. Hope you like it anyway.
"Seven to Captain Janeway."
"Janeway here. What is it?"
"Captain, I have found something in Cargo Bay 2. Could you come over and have a look?"
"I'm very busy, Seven. Can't someone else help you?"
"I do not think so. This requires your help."
"What is it that you've found, Seven?"
"A child."
"I'm on my way. Janeway out."
Kathryn left her Ready Room. "You have the Bridge, Commander. I'll be in Cargo Bay 2 should you need me."
~ * ~ * ~
"Okay Seven. Show me where the child is. It is not Naomi Wildman playing hide-and-seek, is it?"
"No Captain, it is not Naomi."
Kathryn crawled under the cargo Seven had pointed out. She saw a little girl, approximately 5 years old, with dark brown curls and green eyes. She was human.
"Hello there, won't you come out?"
The little girl crawled towards Kathryn, who herself was crawling back into open space. The girl was dressed in a torn flower dress, and her feet were bare. Taking Kathryn's hand, she hid behind her. Kathryn motioned Seven to step back, and then lowered herself to the girl's level.
"There's no need to be afraid. What's your name? My name is Kathryn and this is Seven."
"I'm Sarah."
"Hello Sarah. Would you like to come with me? We could find you some new clothes."
"Okay."
On their way to Kathryn's quarters, people gave the Captain questioning looks, but decided against asking her how the girl came to be here.
~ * ~ * ~
While Sarah was enjoying a bath, Kathryn replicated some clothes for her.
"Janeway to Chakotay."
"Go ahead, Captain."
"Could you call for a senior officers meeting. There's something we need to discuss."
"Will do. Chakotay out."
"Who was that, Kathryn?" Sarah had come out of the bathroom and was dripping on Janeway's carpet. Kathryn walked over to her and rolled her in a large towel.
"That was Chakotay. Do you know where you are?"
"No, but I think I'm on a ship, and I also think you're the boss, because that Mr Chakotay and Seven called you 'Captain'."
"Very perceptive, Sarah. You're on the starship Voyager, and Chakotay is my First Officer."
"O, well he sounds really nice."
"He is very nice. Sarah, people will have a lot of questions about you, so I think that it will be easier for you if I ask them, and tell the others about it, okay?"
"'Kay."
"Before we do anything: are you hungry, do you want something to eat?"
"Can I have anything I want?"
"Anything."
"A chicken sandwich and some milk, please."
While Kathryn was ordering lunch for both of them, the door chimed.
"Come in."
"Hi Kathryn, I thought that maybe we should talk about the 'what we need to discuss' later."
"Very well, Chakotay. I would like you to meet our newest addition to the crew: Sarah. Sarah, this is Commander Chakotay."
Only then did Chakotay notice there was someone sitting on Janeway's couch. A small girl with large green eyes. Kathryn joined her and was surprised when Sarah climbed on her lap, and started to eat her sandwich.
"Well, Chakotay, it isn't like you to be lost for words. Anything would be an improvement by now."
Kathryn's words were lost on the man. All he could think of was how comfortable the girl and the Captain looked together.
"Hello, Chakotay?"
"..."
"Kathryn, I think he didn't hear what you said. He only stares at us."
"I think you're right, Sarah. Commander Chakotay!" Kathryn's voice had an air of command over it.
"I'm sorry, Kathryn. What were you saying?"
"I only commented you on your eloquence, your way with words."
"I apologise. Hi, I'm Chakotay, I'm sorry I didn't notice you earlier. How are you?"
"I'm fine, would you like a bite from my sandwich?"
"No thanks, Sarah, I will have a sip from your milk."
~ * ~ * ~
With that the ice was broken between Sarah and Chakotay. Kathryn and Chakotay asked her where she was from and how she got here, but the little girl didn't know. They went to the Conference Room, and crewmembers would look at the unusual trio passing: a little girl between Voyager's most senior officers, each holding her hand.
It was decided that Sarah would stay in the Captain's quarters, and that during the day, she would join Naomi Wildman. That night, after Sarah had fallen asleep during Chakotay's bedtime story, Kathryn felt more at peace than she had in a long time. She was standing in the living area looking at the stars, when Chakotay came to stand behind her. Their reflections were the only things that moved.
"She's something, you know that?"
"Mm, what?"
"I was saying that Sarah is really something. She's only been here half a day, and already she had managed to wrap everybody around her little finger."
"Yes, her social skills are impressive: I think she even managed to get the beginning of a smile from Tuvok, before he was conscious of it at least."
"She's precious. You know, it amazes me how well she fits in. Almost as if this is where she really belongs."
"I know what you mean, hell, even I am comfortable around her."
"Why wouldn't you be?"
"You know why, Chakotay! If it weren't for the fact that Naomi has known me her entire life, she would stay away as far as possible..."
"That's not true, Kathryn. You're her favourite aunt, she loves you. Besides, the way Sarah reacts to you should tell you enough."
"No, I'm just the one who rescued her from Seven."
Chakotay turned her around, and forced her to look at him.
"Now you listen, I am not going to let you do this to yourself. You have a wonderful personality and Sarah feels that, that's why she chose you, okay?"
"Still..."
"Kathryn, do you agree?"
"'Kay."
"Good, now, I'll postpone the meeting and I'll meet you tomorrow morning for breakfast. We might as well introduce Sarah to Neelix's cooking as soon as possible."
"'We', Chakotay?"
"Why yes. Sarah chose you, you chose me..."
Kathryn had to smile, "... and you chose Sarah. Nice analogy."
"But, you'll meet me for breakfast anyway, right?" He flashed her his most persuasive smile, "and then I can accompany you to Sickbay, because the Doctor must have a look at her."
"You can be very persuasive, mister, but, yes, we'll meet you."
"Great, see you tomorrow. Good night, Kathryn."
"Night, Chakotay. O, before I forget, thanks for helping me today."
"Any time, 'mom', any time."
"O my, you think Sarah thinks of me as her mom?"
The panicked look on Kathryn's face made Chakotay hold out to her. She stepped into his bear hug, "Yes, but don't worry. I know you'll be a wonderful mother, ...and, all she needs now is an even greater..."
"Father! Don't worry, Chakotay, I think that little lady has already handpicked one."
Kathryn looked up into his face, and she couldn't suppress those feelings inside her. 'Yes, he is her father, because I am her mother. He belongs to me as I belong to him.' Chakotay saw the raw emotions in her eyes, and he very slowly leaned towards her, just as Kathryn leaned towards him. Their lips met halfway, and they barely kissed. Chakotay looked into Kathryn's eyes and saw what he needed to see. They kissed again, this time a lot less carefully. Just as their kisses increased in passion, a small voice from the bedroom reached their ears.
"Kathryn? Kathryn?"
They went in, only to find Sarah sitting in the middle of Kathryn's bed with tears running down her cheeks.
"I'm here, sweetie, it's okay."
Sarah practically jumped into Kathryn's arms and started crying. Chakotay moved in beside them gently stroking Sarah's back. When the girl had calmed down, she looked up into their faces. Kathryn wiped away her tears and gave her kiss.
"Now, did you have a bad dream?"
"Yes, I was alone, and when I called there was no answer, I called again, but I was still alone."
"You're not alone. You have me and Kathryn, we'll be here for you from now on."
"Yes, and we're not going to leave you, okay?"
"Will you stay here tonight?"
"Stay here, of course, silly, this is my bed you're sleeping in, I'll be..."
"I meant Chakotay."
"Oh."
"Well, will you?"
"That depends on the Captain, she..."
"Mm, Commander, back to titles again? I guess if you don't feel up to staying her with two women. I'll just have to tell Tom..."
Kathryn couldn't even finish her sentence, because Chakotay was tickling her. Before they knew it, they were in a tickle battle, and only when Chakotay yelled 'stop', did Sarah and Kathryn leave him alone. They were so entangled and tired that Sarah immediately fell asleep, all draped over Kathryn and Chakotay/
"What do you say, 'Commander', anyway out of this without waking her?"
Chakotay was already moving, and quietly undressed while Kathryn was watching him intently. He then lifted Sarah up, and put her down in the middle of the bed before slipping in next to her.
"I got you out of this, the rest you have to do yourself... tonight." She caught the speculative gleam in his eyes. As Kathryn got ready for bed, turning off all the lights and securing the door, Chakotay had already fallen asleep. Both he and Sarah had drifted over to the middle of the bed, so Kathryn slipped in beside Chakotay.
"...what?"
"Chakotay, I thought you knew everything about me?"
"Why? What are you doing here?"
"Well, mister, this is my side of the bed: move over!"
"I can't, Sarah is there."
"In that case. Excuse me." Kathryn climbed on top of him, only to wriggle her way in between Sarah and Chakotay. "That's better. Sleep tight, Chakotay."
He wrapped his arms around her as she spooned up to him. Kathryn drew Sarah close to her and gave her a kiss, "good night, Sarahbird." "Night, mommy."
~ * ~ * ~
"Tuvok to Janeway. Captain, are you alright?"
Kathryn lazily stretched, only to find herself stuck between two people. Trying to reach her commbadge, she accidentally hit Chakotay's head.
"Ouch, are you always this violent in the morning?"
"Shut up. Janeway here. Go ahead Tuvok."
"Captain, is everything under control? You didn't answer your commbadge: I was ready to call Commander Chakotay to check up on you."
Kathryn could feel Chakotay's laughter rumble under her. "That won't be necessary, Tuvok. I don't think Chakotay would have been of much help to you. What can I do for you?"
"We have detected a class M planet: it's suitable for humanoids, there are no native inhabitants, and there seem to be plenty of mineral reserves. The climate is very agreeable, almost like summer on Earth, and Mr Kim told me to tell you that scans have shown that there is no Leola Root."
Chakotay couldn't stop his laughter anymore, and Kathryn just had to laugh with him.
"Is something wrong, Captain?"
"No, all is fine. Chakotay told me a joke, that is all." Kathryn tried not to look into his eyes, but she failed miserably. Being this close to him, after all, she was draped all over him, took away the carefully constructed barriers. As she was moving towards him, Tuvok budded in once again...
"Captain, can I send down an away team?"
"By all means, and let me know the results. In the meantime, Commander Chakotay and I will start looking at shore leave schedules. Janeway out."
"R&R? Sounds wonderful, you know, we could take Sarah down..."
"Commander, will you just shut up and kiss me!"
"Aye sir, ma'am, Captain, sir!"
"Kathryn?"
They both grunted, but Chakotay did manage to steal a kiss before Kathryn sat up to wake Sarah.
"Right here, did you sleep well?"
"Yes," and she climbed on Kathryn's lap.
"I had a great dream, and now I'm hungry."
"That makes two of us. Chakotay, how are your breakfast skills?"
~ * ~ * ~
"Well, this is certainly a surprise, Captain. You realise that you should have immediately come to Sickbay as soon as you found our newest crewmember. This is clearly stated ..."
"Yes, thank you, Doctor. That's enough. Now, would you please do a full check on Sarah? And fill out a new medical file?"
"Yes, Captain."
"Tuvok to Janeway."
"Yes, Mr Tuvok."
"Captain, your presence is needed on the Bridge."
"Thank you, Tuvok, I'm on my way. Janeway out."
"Kathryn do you really have to go?"
"Yes, sweetie. Chakotay will stay with you though, and I will be back as soon as I can, okay?" Kathryn kissed the little girl, and was about to kiss Chakotay too, when she remembered where she was. "I will see you later, Commander."
"Yes, Captain."
"O Captain, before you leave: what surname do I put on Sarah's records?"
"Why 'Janeway' of course. Goodbye, gentlemen." Leaving a very stunned Doctor and Commander, Kathryn went to the Bridge.
~ * ~ * ~
Harry Kim had discovered an anomaly that demanded the Captain's presence on the Bridge, yet Kathryn couldn't help but stop feeling a little jealous of Chakotay. They had spend a wonderful day together yesterday, and she felt that she was finally part of a family again.
"Captain! We have data coming in from the probe: it's a wormhole!"
"Well done, Mr Kim. Anything else yet?"
"No Captain."
"Right, back to work. Let's see if this could be our ticket to get closer to the Alpha Quadrant. Janeway to Chakotay."
"Chakotay here. How can I be of service?"
"Could you come to the Bridge? There is something interesting going on here."
"On our way. Chakotay out."
'Our way: great, Sarah will come too!'
~ * ~ * ~
"Wow."
"You like, Sarah?"
"Yes, can I stay here, Kathryn?"
"For now you can, Sarahbird."
Kathryn was filling in Chakotay on all the details, when she was interrupted by Harry, which almost caused her to drop Sarah from her lap, but the little girl held on tight, creating a peculiar image: Captain Kathryn Janeway barking out orders, while balancing Sarah on her hips.
"Captain, it's the Alpha Quadrant! And the wormhole is stable and large enough."
"Great work, Harry. Tuvok, open a shipwide comm channel."
"Yes, Captain, channel open."
"This is the Captain. We have encountered a wormhole, which leads to the Alpha Quadrant. However, at this moment we don't know yet what lies beyond, and, considering our track record, whether this is the right time line or universe. All personnel with questions please direct them to Commander Chakotay of myself. Janeway out."
"So much for shore leave. Captain, someone's trying to make an audio link via the probe."
"Answer their hails, Mr Tuvok."
"It's Commander Worf of the Defiant."
"On screen. Commander Worf, I am Kathryn Janeway of USS Voyager. You have no idea how good it is to see you."
"The feeling is entirely mutual. Welcome home! I have already contacted Starfleet HQ, and they told me to accompany you to DS9."
"Lead the way, Commander. Mr Paris?"
"Yes Captain?"
"Show them how smooth this baby runs!"
"Aye Ma'am."
"Kathryn?"
She looked at her chair, where she had put Sarah. "Yes, sweetie?"
"There's something bleeping here."
Kathryn sat down in her chair again, only to find that Sarah was now sitting on Chakotay's lap. Several messages were blinking, requesting a meeting with the Captain.
~ * ~ * ~
The ride through the wormhole was smooth, and almost and anti-climax compared with their earlier ride into the Delta Quadrant. It would take 31 hours to get to DS9, and while Sarah was with Naomi, Kathryn and Chakotay listened to almost all their crewmembers. All of them were glad to be back in the Alpha Quadrant, but most were apprehensive of what was going to happen.
As Kathryn finished up on her log, she received a message from Starfleet. Due to their help in the war against the Dominion, the Maquis were no longer fugitives. Starfleet told her that all of her Maquis crewmembers would be cleared, and they could choose what they wanted to do. She realised this message probably solved most of the problems of the crewmembers. It even solved her own problem. Now, all she had to do this afternoon was to pick up Sarah, and then take a long bath.
"Kathryn?"
They were sitting in bath, and Kathryn found out that Sarah took as much pleasure in taking a bath as she did: the little girl was so familiar for her, she really was her daughter. "What is it, Sarah?"
"Well, you know how Naomi calls her mom 'mommy'..."
"Yes."
"Well, I thought that since you are like a mom, maybe I could call you 'mommy' as well?"
"I would like that you know, that way you really are my little girl."
When they had thoroughly finished enjoying their bath, and sat on the couch, Kathryn picked up a PADD, which had pictures of her family.
"Sarah, when we get back, there are going to be a lot of people who want to meet us."
"I know, Chakotay told me."
"He did? What did he tell you?"
"Well, that I would see your mom and your sister."
"Did he say anything else?"
"No, only that you liked dogs, and then I told him that I didn't know what 'dogs' were, and he took me to this room, and showed me all these dogs."
"What did you think of them?"
"They're cute and cuddly, just like Chakotay."
This made Kathryn laugh uncontrollably. Sarah was a bit confused, and when the door chimed, she had to open it.
"Hello Sarah, how are you?"
"I'm great. Chakotay, why is mommy laughing so hard?"
Chakotay at first didn't catch the 'mommy' bit, because it sounded so natural coming from this little girl, then he saw Kathryn, who only laughed harder when she saw him.
"O...I'm sorry, Chak.. otay! It's just so funny!"
"I don't know, Sarah. Do you think we should call the doctor? It looks serious to me."
"No, I think she's laughing because I said something."
"What did you say?"
"That I thought dogs were cute and cuddly..."
"...and that they were just like you!" Kathryn seemed to have returned to normal, but when she looked at Chakotay's face, she completely lost it again. Sarah decided to stop looking at Kathryn, and tried to open the files on the PADD, but Chakotay had to help her. On it were various pictures from Kathryn's childhood, ones she'd never shown Chakotay.
"Sorry about that. Here, I'll give you the tour, you can't look at pictures without knowing who is on it."
Sarah climbed in her lap, and Kathryn leaned back against Chakotay who put his arm around her.
"Now, where do I begin."
"Torres to Chakotay."
"Chakotay here."
"Hey, Big Guy."
"Hello, B'Ela, what can I do for you?"
"Hello B'Elanna!" Sarah wanted her friend to know she was there too.
"Hi Sprout. Shouldn't you be in bed?"
"I think we should be the judge of that, Lieutenant."
"Oops, sorry, Captain." B'Elanna saw Tom's face light up, and he mouthed 'rations' to her.
"Don't worry, B'Elanna, I won't bite. If you want to talk to Chakotay you are just going to have to lure him away from here first."
"O no, Captain, it's just that, well, it's good that we, that is Tom and me, caught you two together...sorry, that's not what I wanted to say, it's just that, well, you know..."
"Little Bee?"
"Yes?"
"Why don't you and Tom come over to Kathryn's quarters, okay?"
"Great, yes, we'll be there."
"Kathryn's quarters?"
"Mm, what, sorry, but I think you need to let more people in on your secret."
"What secret, Chakotay?"
"That your mom's name is Kathryn, and that it is okay for others to use it."
"O, don't you like your name, mommy?"
"Sarahbird, it's too complicated to explain, but I do get the point, Chakotay. Seeing how nervous B'Elanna was, I guess it is the right time to let down those guards."
"See, I told you that hanging around me would pay off someday."
Her door chimed. Sarah leapt up from where she sat and ran to the door to open it. Chakotay noticed that Kathryn had not intention of moving, and he'd never felt so content.
"Hello B'Elanna, hi Tom!"
"Hey there, Little One." Tom swept her up in his arms and put her on his shoulders.
"Look mommy, I can reach the sky!"
"Captain, sorry to disturb you, but you see..."
"B'Elanna, why don't you and Tom have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?"
"Captain, you can use my rations. It seems that I got lucky!"
"Thank you, Tom, but this one's on Chakotay."
"Isn't she awful? Just because I am nice to her once, doesn't mean that she can take my rations!"
"Care to challenge me, Chakotay?"
B'Elanna and Tom were completely oblivious to their commanding officers' banter. "Now, Tom, B'Elanna, before we continue I'd like to tell you something."
This got their attention, because they both knew that something wonderful had happened in these quarters. "For years now, Chakotay has helped me come to grips with certain facts, " to emphasise her point, Kathryn took Chakotay's hand in hers, while Sarah was already making herself comfortable on his lap. "And today I finally realised that he was right all along."
B'Elanna and Tom looked at each other, exactly knowing what the Captain was going to say next. "That's why I have decided to no longer be the Captain in the Ivory Tower, but to come down to the place where mere mortals live."
"Ooh, great speech, 'Captain'."
"Chakotay, darling?" Kathryn's voice was smooth as silk.
"Yes, Kathryn?" "Please shut up. So what it boils down to is that because we were in such a special position out there, I feel that we truly have become one family, and because we have this peculiar tradition of not calling their relatives by their titles, could you find it in your heart to call me 'Kathryn' when we're not on duty?"
B'Ela saw the pleading look Chakotay gave her, but she had decided a long time ago that the Captain was her friend, so she jumped up and on impulse hugged Kathryn. "Kathryn, don't you know how long we've waited for you to come to your senses. But to be honest..."
"we thought you were going to say something completely different," Tom blurted out.
"Well. Now, as for the reason why you wanted to see us?"
"B'Ela, I'll take this one. You know that we respect you very much, and, I can only speak for myself here, but Kathryn, you're like this mother-older sister figure for me."
"Right, whereas you, Old Man, are like that to me. So you see, we know it's complicated, or it will be, but what we really want from you..."
"is to give your blessing to our marriage!"
"O Tom, B'Ela, your getting married, that's wonderful!" Both Kathryn and B'Elanna started to cry, and Tom noticed that even he and Chakotay were emotional. More hugs followed, but Sarah found herself standing on the couch looking at these funny grown-ups.
"O right, and before we forget. Sarah? Will you be our bridesmaid together with Naomi?"
"Of course, B'Ela," and she jumped from the couch right in the arms of B'Elanna.
~ * ~ * ~
After Tom and B'Elanna had left to go tell Neelix to announce the engagement, peace once again returned to her quarters.
"Sarah, why don't you get ready for bed, and when you're ready, Chakotay'll come over and tell you a story."
"Okay, mommy."
"Chakotay will tell you a story?"
"Yes, you're the ancient legend man, you tell stories!"
"Kathryn Janeway?"
"Yes."
"You're a wicked woman."
"I know." They were sitting on the couch, and Kathryn remembered the message she received from Starfleet. "Chakotay, Starfleet sent me a message about the Maquis."
He felt that he was not going to like what she would say next.
"...and you're all cleared."
"What? Cleared?"
"Yes, cleared of all charges. You see, the Federation had been at war against Cardassia and the Dominion, and apparently they came to their senses regarding the Maquis."
"That's great! O Kathryn, you don't know how I've been wondering about what we were going to do. Half of the crew is anxious to find out about the Maquis. This is great!"
"It is, isn't it? Sorry, I didn't tell you sooner, but I was occupied."
"Mm, occupied, I'll show you occupied." He drew her closer to him, and they just held on to each other, enjoying their perfect fit.
"I can see Sarah's claim though, but you're nothing like a dog"
"O no?"
"Nope, more like an overgrown teddybear."
"Right, that's it." He picked her up, and carried her to the bedroom over his shoulder.
"Chakotay, put me down!"
He dumped her on the bed; just a Sarah came out of the bathroom in her pj-s.
"I'm ready for my story now."
"Okay, here we go. There's one thing however: for the best story-experience, you need to be under the covers, all tucked in."
"Sure thing!" As Sarah wiggled herself under the covers, Kathryn laid down on her belly, also ready for the story. This left little room for Chakotay to sit on the bed, but he moved in, squirming his way into the middle position, only to be claimed immediately as a pillow by two women.
"Okay, all ready. Let's see, where shall I begin..."
Kathryn listened to Chakotay's voice as he spoke about a great adventure of a beautiful princess, and she realised what he had meant, all those years ago on New Earth. About finding peace. Her peace had come in the form of an angry Maquis Captain and a frightened little girl, who'd shown up out of nowhere. She was already making plans for a large party at her mother's house, when Chakotay nudged her softly. Sarah had fallen asleep. Kathryn got up and walked over to the other side of the bed to help Chakotay away from Sarah. They both realised that he wouldn't be staying the night.
"You see, you tell the best stories: they always lulled me to sleep as well," she whispered.
Chakotay just gave her a 'I'll get you for that later' look, but didn't say anything. Sarah was completely tucked in, and when they entered the living area, they actually felt slightly uncomfortable around each other.
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, I probably should go to my quarters to prepare for tomorrow."
"Yes, I guess you should. I'll post the message from Starfleet, that way most of the crew will sleep better."
"Okay, well, see you for breakfast?"
"Yes, o, and Chakotay?" They were standing in front of the door. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For giving me peace," and Kathryn hugged him hard. Chakotay looked down at her, and took her face in his hands, "I love you, Kathryn Janeway, wonderful Captain of the USS Voyager."
"And I love you, Chakotay, my gorgeous warrior." They kissed, and enjoyed the leisurely pace at which their lips moved together. All too soon they reluctantly let go.
"Commander?"
"Hmm..." Chakotay's face was buried in her hair.
"You are one great kisser."
"You know what, Captain? You're not so bas yourself." They let go of each other, and with one final kiss, Chakotay went outside to go to his quarters.
~ * ~ * ~
"Chakotay to Janeway."
"Go ahead, Chakotay."
"Good morning, beautiful. Just making sure you're ready to have breakfast."
"Hi Chakotay, we're ready. Are we going to uncle Neelix?"
"Not really. If you could meet me in Transporter Room 2 in 10 minutes, I'll show you where we're going."
"We'll be there. Kathryn out."
Chakotay grinned at Kathryn's last remark. One hour ago, they had docked at DS9, and she had informed him that this would be a good opportunity to show Sarah that a lot of people would be interested in them.
When they materialised near the Promenade, Chakotay lifted Sarah up. They'd agreed she'd feel safer this way, but also realised that reporters might show up asking her questions. By now it seemed as if the entire quadrant had come to DS9. Chakotay had a surprise for Kathryn, because at the restaurant, Gretchen and Phoebe, and her family were waiting for them. In fact, most of the Voyager crew's relatives were on the Station. He'd reserved a table for them in a secluded area.
"Look at that man, mommy! He had big ears."
"Sarah, it's not polite to point at people. You'll find many different looking people here."
"Hello Captain Janeway. It's a pleasure to see you back safe and well."
"Thank you Quark, it's good to be back."
"And who is this delightful young lady?"
""I'm Sarah."
"Hello Sarah, welcome to my restaurant."
"Thank you, Mr Quark."
"You're welcome. Now, Captain, Commander, if you would follow me, your table is right there in the corner."
"Thank you Quark. We'll let you know when we're ready to order."
"Okay, Commander."
As they walked over to their table, Kathryn noticed people were already seated, and just as she was about to tell Chakotay, she saw who it was."
"Mom? Mom!" Sarah looked up to see her mom run towards an older woman. The two hugged and kissed each other, and Sarah could see they were both crying. Then she saw another woman, a bit younger than her mom, but they looked similar.
"Sarah, that's Gretchen Janeway: Kathryn's mom, and the other woman is Phoebe, your mommy's sister."
"O, they all look like each other."
"That's because they are family."
Phoebe stepped up to her mother and sister to complete the circle. Phoebe's husband Peter and Chakotay walked towards each other, knowing from experience to leave Janeway women alone, for now.
"Hello, I'm Chakotay and this is Sarah."
"Hi, I'm Peter, and this is Kathy," Peter managed to lift a 3 year old girl, while balancing a baby boy in his other arm, "and this is little Edward."
"It's good to meet you. Kathryn's been dying to find out what her namesake is like."
"Yes, well, I wanted to know what my Kathy's namesake is like!"
"I can imagine. Do you think they know we're still here?"
The three Janeways finally let go of each other, only to find that the rest of the family was already sitting down.
"Right, now, where do I start? Mom, Phoebs, this is Chakotay, my First Officer."
"Mrs Janeway, Phoebe, nice to finally meet you."
"Same here, Chakotay. So did she capture you, or did you have to capture her?"
"Phoebe, please, I'm not finished yet!"
"Sorry, Kats."
"Good to see you, Chakotay. And who's the adorable young lady?"
"This is Sarah, Mrs Janeway..."
"Please, Chakotay, call me Gretchen."
"Okay, Gretchen. You're a lot easier about your first name than that daughter of yours. It took me two years to finally find the courage to call her Kathryn, and even then did she give me the 'look'."
"I did not give you the 'look', I may have stared at you, but it was not..."
"Relax Kathryn."
"Mmmph..."
"O Kathy, lighten up, don't be such a grouch!"
"Shut it, Phoebs!"
"Girls! Both of you. Now, we have all these people around us, and you certainly don't want them to think that you're fighting, understood?"
"Yes mom." "Yes mom."
"Good, now, Sarah, do you know who I am?"
"Yes, you're my mommy's mommy. She looks like you."
"That's right, Kathryn's my daughter."
"Mom? I'll explain later. Now, Phoebs, in your last letter you told me you were pregnant. I assume that Peter is holding your baby girl?"
Little Kathy jumped forward, "No, he's Werward. I'm mommy's little girl, I'm Kathy."
"Well, hello, Kathy, I'm Kathryn. You're a big girl, I thought you were still a baby."
Chakotay felt Sarah stiffen when Kathy climbed on Kathryn's lap. Kathryn saw it and gave Sarah a big smile.
"Sarah, I'd like you to meet Kathy, she's your cousin."
"Hi Kathy, I'm Sarah."
"Hi Sarah, that's my brother Werward, and that's my daddy. Where's your daddy?"
Sarah looked away with tears in her eyes. Chakotay looked at Kathryn and showed her what she needed to know.
"Kathy, have you met Chakotay yet?"
"No."
"Well, Kathy, this is Chakotay and he's Sarah's daddy."
Sarah looked up at Chakotay and gave him her biggest smile, which made its way to his heart to forever stay there. "Yes, Chakotay is my daddy and I love him very much."
~ * ~ * ~
Gretchen and Phoebe had observed the whole scene, and they were very anxious to get Kathryn alone.
After breakfast Chakotay and Peter took the kids for a long walk around the Station, while Kathryn took her mom and Phoebe to her quarters.
"Kathryn?"
"Yes?"
"Give us the intimate details, now! He is absolutely gorgeous. If I wasn't happily married, and if he wasn't so obviously in love with you..."
"Yes?"
"Well, you know."
"I'm afraid I do know."
"So, what's the story?"
"Mom, Phoebs, you better sit down, this is a long story."
FIN
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