Neelix watched her slim silloutte stumble between the dinning tables until she collapsed onto the floor. Slowly he stood and looked around at what was once the bustling starship voyager. The craft was quiet as the old friend death had already taken the ship into its loving arms. The eery mist loomed among them awaiting for its final guests to join. Feeling the fire in his lungs slow him down he trugged towards the beautiful mess on the floor.

"Captain?" He murmered

He crouched down beside her as she pushed herself up into a sitting position.

"Just you and me now, Neelix." Janeway croaked to her final companion

"I guess so" the small creature said as he sat beside the ailing captain. They took one anothers hand and huddled against a support beam.

"How much longer?"

"I don't know."

Neither would have guessed such an end for Voyager. A simple death, getting caught into a poisonous nebula with no way out. Hours they thought, schemed, attempted and failed as one by one their brave little family took a final breath. Now all that were left was a stubborn captain and a resilient chef.

"May I ask you something?" she murmured

"Of course"

"Could I have been better?" She asked as she turned to him. He watched her for a long moment until he could find the words to speak.

"You were and are the greatest Captain, friend and woman I have ever had the privilege to work with." He said as he patted her hand. She smiled tearfully.

"Thank you for being the joy we always needed. You have been so sweet to me from the moment we met. Thank you. Its been been an honor to serve with you Mr. Neelix." She squeezed his hand firmly in hopes to further her point

"I have to tell you something. I just don't want you to be cross..or..or..or..when…when…were about…"

"Nelix" she said softly "out with it"

"From the moment I saw you I just felt…I loved Kes and I would never…never but I felt.."

"I know you fancy me." she said with a small chuckle

"You knew?" he flummoxed

"Im stubborn not blind. Im sorry I'm not the right woman for you in this lifetime. Maybe the next."

"Maybe the next. Hey we will find out real soon."

"Should we set the wedding date now?"

The two let out a small laugh until the amusement hit home and their faces fell reawakening to their reality.

" I just wanted to get them home…I just…" she whispered as tears trickled down pale cheeks, she let out a few staggered breaths as her grief surfaced past her bravery.

"Its ok. Try not to hyperventilate it hurts more then remember" he reminded her gently. She nodded slowly allowing a few more tears to fall but began to ease into normal breaths. They felt a cold chill creep through there bodies and their limbs grow heavy. Slowly she slid her body to lay on her side and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Im glad we get to go together…"

"Me too."

"I just wish…I got to get to know you more."

"Me too."

He felt her head grow heavy as it slid down to his chest. She gave his hand a weak squeeze. "Its ok, you did well. You can sleep." Her body went limp. He let out a sob.

"Sweet dreams….Kathryn" he whispered as he slipped into an endless slumber.