White Shores Are Calling: An alternate ending to Voyager.
Forget Endgame, here is how I envision the end of Voyager. Takes place about halfway through season 7, so basically, no Jaffen or Seven/Chakotay (cause that is just icky). However, Seven is one of my favorite characters so this story won't ignore her... Actually, I love every character on Voyager, so they will all get their moment to shine. And, of course, this is Janeway/Chakotay all the way! Enjoy :)
The morale of the crew being so high, Neelix confided to the Captain he feared he was permanently out of a job. Janeway grinned as she watched the passing stars out the window of her ready room, remembering Neelix's excited but worried visage. She leaned against the wall, coffee in one and her other on her hip. Funny, now that the Alpha Quadrant beckoned them from only six weeks away even the replicated coffee tasted better.
Six weeks. In less than two months Voyager would be home. A freak run in with the Borg, and an accidental slide into a transwarp conduit, had ended all of Janeway's fears of getting her crew home in the flash of phaser fire. In three days, the deep space federation research ship Calypso would rondevu with Voyager. Janeway shook her head, hardly able to believe their escort home lay only a few light years away.
The news, and subsequent celebrating in the mess hall had put Janeway in a contemplative, almost sentimental mood. As the stars of unfamiliar space passed by, Janeway took another sip of coffee. The last seven years, with all the adventures and camaraderies formed, were nearly at an end.
The chime at the door interrupted Janeway's thoughts.
"Come in," she said, without taking her eyes from the passing space.
"Captain," Janeway heard the familiar voice of her first officer. "We're receiving another transmission from the Calypso."
Janeway finally turned, and took in the sight of Chakotay from across her ready room. The way he clasped his hands behind his back, and his slightly tilted forward stance told her he was eager about something.
"Yes?" She encouraged.
"Captain Taren wanted to speak directly with you. I had Tuvok route the transmission here."
Janeway nodded, set her coffee on the table in front of the couch and rounded the bar that lined the lounge area of her ready room. Chakotay turned to leave, but instinct pricked at Janeway.
"Stay Commander. If it is so secret he'll ask me to dismiss you..."
Chakotay looked slightly surprised, still on edge, but he nodded. Janeway flipped the view screen around and punched a few buttons.
"Captain Taren, it's nice to see you again. I look forward to seeing you in person." Janeway greeted with sincerity.
"As do I," the older gentleman agreed. Janeway remembered reading about Captain Taren during her days at the academy. She knew he was beyond retirement, but his missions continued to be successful enough that Janeway reasoned they must have postponed his departure from Starfleet.
"A personnel issue has been brought to my attention that I think is rather delicate," the captain stopped when he looked at Chakotay. Janeway followed his gaze and made eye contact with her first officer. She knew he would go if ordered.
"Chakotay is better at dealing with personnel issues than I am. I would like him to say, unless you have some objection?" Though Janeway turned her back to him, she could almost feel Chakotay's eyes on her, thanking her for the implicit trust. Janeway was no fool. She knew presenting a strong front between herself and all Maquis crew members was vital at this stage. Starfleet had yet to decide what to do with the Maquis on board, and Janeway remained determined to get each one of them a full pardon.
"No...no objection," Taren said. Janeway didn't think he sounded convinced, but she waited for him to continue.
"A lot has happened in the Alpha Quadrant since you've been away."
Janeway folded her arms and fought the urge to roll her eyes. She had a foreboding feeling Captain Taren was one of though long winded, never get to the point kind of officers.
"As you know, Starfleet has been sending us transmissions for months now. I think we're caught up on the basics." Janeway told him.
"Not on information too classified to submit over unsecure channels," Taren quickly added. He ran a hand over his bald head and sighed deeply. "To be honest Captain, even I've been kept in the dark. Only two members of my crew know the entire purpose of our mission in deep space."
Janeway straightened her back. The frown that formed on her brow was the result of words Taren had just spoken. The severity in his voice sent a chill down her neck. She was glad Chakotay stood so near.
"What does this have to do with personnel issues?" Janeway asked. Taren clasped his wrinkled hands on the desk in front of him.
"One of those crew members is Chancellor of the Betazoid Counsel on the Arts."
Chakotay moved forward, and the surprise on his face was mirrored by the surprise that Janeway felt.
"No one told us you had a VIP on board," Chakotay said.
"I wish it were only that simple." Taren replied. "The Chancellor would like to speak with you herself." Taren stood up and for a moment the chair was void. Janeway took the moment to exchange a glance with Chakotay. He seemed as bewildered as she was. When Janeway looked at back at the screen she came face to face with the Chancellor. A beautiful woman, with white luminescent skin, and large tight curls falling over her shoulders.
From the dark tint of her eyes, Janeway guessed she was a full Betazoid.
"Captain Janeway," she greeted warmly. Even from over the view screen Janeway felt that unusual calming quality she had encountered in some Betazoids.
"My name is Jurleena Sen."
"Nice to meet you," Janeway said, her patience for this meeting was beginning to wear thin. Chakotay must of sensed her frustration because she felt his finger tips lightly brush her shoulder.
"What is this about a personnel issue?" Janeway asked, using the most patient tone she could muster.
"My married name is Jurleena Sen-Hansen. I've been a widow for twelve years. My husband was human. Eric Hansen. Brother to Erin Hansen."
At first Janeway frowned, not understanding what this had to do with anything. Then, as the names repeated in her head she let out a short gasp.
"Erin Hansen is the mother of Annika. You're Seven of Nine's aunt."
"By marriage," the Chancellor added. "Starfleet was unaware of this when they sent the Calypso to meet Voyager. Until I looked at your crew manifest a few days ago, even I was unaware. I wanted to tell you and ask, since you know Annik-Seven of Nine- whether this information should be shared with her."
Janeway blinked a few times to fully digest the information. Then she dropped her shoulders.
"I don't see why not. It's up to you. Seven is a unique individual, but I can't even venture a guess as to how she will react." Janeway explained. The Betazoid woman looked fatigued for a brief moment.
"You can't imagine how Voyager has complicated our mission." The chancellor said almost to herself.
"What exactly is your mission?" Janeway asked a bit flippantly. She knew she wouldn't get an answer but Starfleet secrecy gave her a headache.
The chancellor's warm eyes landed directly on Janeway.
"I know this is frustrating, Captain Taren is at his wits end with us, but there is a reason for secrecy."
"There always is Chancellor," Janeway replied sarcastically, knowing full well she was pushing her luck.
"I would like to meet my niece, if you will allow me permission to come onboard."
"Of course," Janeway said, softening her tone. "But if you do tell her, I would like to know. Seven is..." Janeway suddenly could not find the word she needed. Special? No, that wasn't it, everyone on the ship was special in their own right. Janeway had a bond with Seven, something she had a difficult time understanding herself. The word finally came but Chakotay was the one who said it.
"...a friend."
"I understand," the Chancellor replied, "Until we meet." The transmission ended.
Janeway leaned against the desk and folded her arms. She shook her head and waited for Chakotay to give her his opinion as he usually did.
"That will be a lot for Seven to take in..." Chakotay started and then trailed off.
"It's a lot for me to take in. A Betazoid Chancellor of Arts on a deep space mission?" Janeway unfolded her arms and paced the length of her ready room. She lifted on hand in the air and let the other rest on her hip. "A mission that the ship's captain doesn't even know about?"
"I have to admit, it does sound suspicious." Chakotay's calming voice always helped Janeway to think better.
"I was excited to meet with the Calypso but now I'm not so sure," Janeway continued. "Maybe it would be best to forgo the escort and let them do whatever it is they're doing."
"Do you think they are rouge Starfleet agents?" Chakotay asked, with a slight hint of humor. "They were up front about not being able to divulge details about the mission, and about Seven."
Janeway stopped pacing and let her hands rest at her sides.
"You know I take pride in Starfleet, but the two things I hate most, the temporal prime directive, and secret missions. My skin just crawls when I hear either because I know it means headaches and disaster."
"Then don't think about it. We are six weeks from the Alpha Quadrant. We should be focusing on what to do when we get home," Chakotay said. Janeway could not help the lift in spirits she felt.
"You're probably right," she agreed, albeit reluctantly. Then she noticed his posture went back to the anxious, on edge stance he had when he first entered the room. He turned to leave, but Janeway decided not to let the issue pass.
"Is there something on your mind, Commander?"
Chakotay turned, and kept his gaze averted to the ground. He apparently needed a few seconds to overcome what almost seemed like shyness, before he met her eyes. When he did, she couldn't help but beam at him. Sometimes his soft-spoken gentle demeanor affected her as if watching a small child eat ice cream for the first time.
"Have you made any plans yet, for when we get home?" He asked. Janeway laughed and stepped up the carpet back to her coffee, forgotten on the table.
"Aside from a six week stay on the Cretorian Beaches?"
Chakotay laughed and followed her to the sofa. Neither of them sat down, but the mood seemed much more relaxed. Even so, as Janeway sipped her now cold coffee, she could see Chakotay still had an air of apprehensiveness about him.
"That sounds good to me too, but, I am serious," he responded.
"Well," Janeway thought for a moment, a little taken aback by his tone. "I supposed I'd like to go home to Indiana...see what is left of the farm. It may sound strange, but a hard day working in the dirt is very appealing to me right now." Janeway stared at a spot over his right shoulder as she dreamed up images of her hometown in her mind. When she snapped out of it she lifted the cup to her lips.
"What about you?" She asked before taking another sip. Chakotay took a deep breath, one so deep she watched his broad shoulders move with the action.
"It depends on whether Starfleet decides to pardon the Marquis. My homecoming might be a lifelong stay on a detention colony." He avoided her gaze, and Janeway thought she knew what was bothering him. His apprehension had to do with the Marquis.
She took a few steps toward him and put a reassuring hand on his arm.
"Chakotay, you know I won't let that happen. You're conduct on this ship, B'Elenna's conduct, and every other Marquis crew member has been exemplary."
Chakotay once again averted his gaze to the floor. She could see her words were not yet quit enough to convince him.
"I will do everything in my power to see Starfleet gives all the Marquis a full pardon. You know I won't let you down." Janeway tried to get Chakotay to look up at her but he kept his focus averted. She patted his arm a few times in reassurance before she ended the contact. He was in pain, and until they got home and she talked to Starfleet she could do nothing to help him.
"Kathryn," he finally spoke, very softly. She turned to look at him, he gaze finally meeting hers. She narrowed her eyes, his expression had changed drastically from when he first entered.
"When we get to Earth, despite what happens with the Maquis, I will no longer be your subordinate officer," Chakotay said and took a few steps toward her.
Janeway tore her eyes from him and looked out the window. Her heart jumped to her throat and she felt the temperature in the room rise about fifty degrees. She tried to calm herself. Her imagination was running away with her. He could not be hinting at what she thought he was hinting at.
"You've kept me at arm's length for seven years. The time is coming when we can be together and I'll be damned if I'm going to let you just walk away. I want to marry you, Kathryn."
Chakotay put his hand on her shoulder. Janeway remembered a day almost seven years ago, outside the cargo bay, when Chakotay had preformed the same action. Speech left her, and her throat felt dry. She still looked out the window. This moment felt like the culmination of all the worst nightmares she'd ever had.
"Chakotay," she finally managed to say. She continued to look out the window, and steeled herself against his touch.
"We've been through too much together. I'll admit there was a time...," Janeway took her eyes from the stars and turned slightly toward Chakotay, but she didn't look at him. "But it has long since passed."
Chakotay took her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. His strong grip alarmed her.
"Do you really mean that? Over the last seven years I've thought you might care for me, but I've never been certain. When we were stranded on New Earth, when Mark broke your engagement, the late night suppers in your quarters. Was that all in my head?" Chakotay let go of her, but his voice was elevated.
Janeway could not look at him. She kept her head turned and her eyes closed. She felt the sting of tears, and the urge to punch him across the jaw for twisting her stomach into knots.
The chime at the door sounded far away and faint. Janeway swallowed hard, and even when the chime rang the second time she felt unable to speak. Until she was sure her voice could answer without wavering, she dared not attempt it. Finally, on the third and obviously irritated chime, Janeway spoke.
"Come in," she said. Chakotay turned to look toward the door, and Janeway took advantage of his averted gaze. As Seven walked into the ready room, Janeway quickly wiped away the tears, one on each side of her face.
"Captain, are you alright?" Seven asked, with a hostile glance toward Chakotay. Janeway cleared her throat.
"Yes, fine. What is it?" She sounded a bit more harsh than she intended to. Seven inhaled, titled her head to one side and then continued.
"I thought you might like to know, I've detected a heavy concentration of Borg vessels thirty light years from our current position."
"Borg vessels? This close to the Alpha Quadrant? What are they doing?" Janeway asked. She brushed pass Chakotay and approached Seven of Nine. The former drone handed Janeway the PADD with the findings.
"Unknown. I suggest we alert the Calypso of our findings." Seven suggested.
"Agreed." Janeway exited her ready room, followed by Seven and Chakotay.
"Harry, open a channel to the Calypso," Janeway ordered. She felt Chakotay take his place at her side, and only for a moment did her mind linger on the conversation they just had. The thought, he just asked me to marrying him! flashed through her mind before she regained her focus.
"Captain Taren," Janeway said once the view screen was active.
"Captain Janeway, this is a surprise. Is everything alright?"
"We thought you might like to know, our long range scans have detected a large concentration of Borg vessels thirty light years from our position."
Captain Taren frowned, but he did not look as surprised as Janeway would have liked. She sent a glance to Chakotay, wondering if he noticed the same thing. His eyes told her he agreed, and she was grateful his willingness to support her as captain had not been impaired by their recent disastrous conversation.
"We are aware of the Borg vessels captain, but thank you. In recent years Borg attacks in Federation space have increased." Taren explained.
"And you're ship was sent to find out why," Janeway said out loud, relieved to know at least a little more about the Calypso's purpose.
"Precisely," Taren answered.
"You know captain, things would be a lot simpler if you would have just come out with the truth," Janeway replied, and thought she heard Chakotay scoff. Taren frowned again, then nodded.
"The rondevu coordinates are safely out of the way of any stray Borg vessels," Taren reassured.
"We will see you in three days Captain," Janeway said. Taren nodded and the second transmission to the Calypso that day ended.
"Captain," Seven asked from her console above the captain's chair. "If the Calypso is studying the Borg, it is an inefficient use of their time to escort us back to the Alpha Quadrant."
"Maybe they've completed their mission," Harry answered before Janeway could. The Ensign was obviously eager to see some new Starfleet faces.
"Or maybe getting us home safely is a higher priority," Tom added.
"Either possibility is logical," Tuvok put in his two cents worth as well. Janeway held up her hands.
"We can ask when we see them in three days," Janeway said, and Ensign Kim grinned from ear to ear. Seven inhaled, and a look of distain over took her face.
"Still, I fail to see how a research vessel could offer Voyager any useful protection," Seven remarked.
"Long range scans have detected the Calypso has a state of the art defense system, one that can rival Voyager's," Kim added, with a triumphant glare at Seven. The tidbit of information caught Janeway's attention. She turned and looked at Ensign Kim.
"I was going to included that in today's report. Long range scans just picked it up."
Janeway nodded and started toward her ready room.
"Chakotay, Tuvok," she said and walked through the door. Normally she would not have invited Tuvok, but Janeway had enough to worry about right now. Inviting Chakotay alone might cause a repeat of the earlier conversation, and that was not something she was willing to deal with at the moment.
When both men were inside and the door had swished shut Janeway began.
"When we meet with the Calypso I want you to be on your guard. They are up to something, and I don't want Voyager to end up in the middle of another Borg battle, not when we're this close to home."
Tuvok and Chakotay exchanged a glance.
"We could decline their help," Chakotay suggested.
"That would be illogical. We have no proof of a hidden agenda. Two ships have a better chance of getting to the Alpha Quadrant than one," Tuvok countered.
"Agreed." Janeway replied, "but I still want you to look for any suspicious behavior. Remember the Equinox."
The two senior officers nodded, and seemed to understand her point. Perhaps Janeway was being paranoid, but after the run in with the prime directive breaking crew of Equinox, she wanted to take no chances.
"Dismissed," she said. Tuvok turned and left promptly, but Chakotay lingered.
"Captain-" he started.
"I said dismissed." Janeway's tone was hard. Chakotay clenched his jaw, glared at her, and for a moment she thought he would disobey her orders. Finally, he turned and marched out of the room.
Once he was gone Janeway sunk into her chair. She put her hand to her forehead and wondered if going back to the Alpha Quadrant would really be all she hoped.