Deep Down

Chakotay is on his deathbed. He is surrounded by his friends, who all prepare to say goodbye.

Everyone was there except for Tuvok. Tuvok had died several years earlier. B'Elanna and Tom were there with their two children, Miral and TJ. B'Elanna also had one more on the way, another girl. Harry who was now a captain of his own vessel, stood next to them. On the opposite side of the room were Seven and her aunt.

They all shared a few laughs and tears with Chakotay. And then the door to his room opened, and everyone turned. In came Admiral Janeway. She gave them all a small smile and headed toward Chakotay's side.

B'Elanna watched her former captain. She always thought that the two of them would have gotten married once they returned to Earth, but it never happened. They stayed close friends, and now their friendship was going to end.

Chakotay looked up at the women he had called his closest friend for years. He looked around the room and smiled at everyone. "Could you give me a moment alone with my former captain, if it's not to much trouble?"

Everyone nodded and proceeded to leave. When they had all gone, Chakotay took Kathryn's hand.

"I want to thank you Kathryn Janeway for being my friend for so many years. There were times that we fought, times that we cried, and times that we wanted to rip each other heads off. But mostly their were smiles and good times.

Kathryn began to cry, but he tightened his grip and her hand. "No tears Kathryn, only happy memories between us at this time in our lives."

Kathryn nodded, and wiped a tear away from her face. "Do you remember the time that alien boarded Voyager, and claimed to have been on Voyager but we had never met her before. And apparently her species were forgettable by any species that encountered it. I never told you this before, but I was jealous of her for years."

Chakotay looked confused. But then he remembered. "I remember her, but only small parts. But why would you be jealous of her Kathryn?"

"Because if you don't remember something, or someone, you don't have to face reality without them near you."

Chakotay stayed quiet for a moment. He realized what she was saying, and the memories of loosing his best friend came to his mind.

"I brought you a little present Chakotay. She picked up the bag that she had brought in and recovered the present. The present wasn't wrapped. He turned it over and had to laugh.

"You brought me a picture of Tuvok? I wasn't expecting that."

Kathryn put the picture on his table. "I brought it for two reasons Chaktoay. The first reason was I thought that you could get to say goodbye. The second reason that I brought it was so that Tuvok could be here."

"Thank you Kathryn."

"Chaktoay I.." The tears began to work their way back up to the surface, and Chakotay could sense her trying to hold them back.

"Kathryn could you come a little closer please?" Kathryn moved her chair closer to him. While she was still standing he began to speak. "You know Kathryn for years I always thought that Tuvok was spying on us. I used to think that he had bugged Voyager. Because every time I came close to kissing you, he would interrupt. But since he is no longer with us I guess I can do it safely now."

At that moment he found the strength to sit up in bed and pull her close. He kissed her softly. Kathryn struggled to keep her composure as her tears began to devour her. The kiss became deeper, as she sat on the bed next to him. Tears began falling from Chakotay's eyes.

And then Tuvok's picture fell over and crashed to the floor. They were both startled by it. But they both began to laugh. Chakotay took her hand one more time. "I have wanted to do that for years Kathryn, thank you."

Chakotay closed his eyes. "I'm very tired all of a sudden, I need to rest my eyes. Stay with me Kathryn.

Kathryn kissed his hand which was still attached to hers. "Good bye Chakotay, she whispered.

Chakotay awoke to trees all around him. He was walking through a large forest. From behind a tree he saw a shadow.

"Hello?"

The shadow turned.

"Do you remember me?"

"I'm sorry, I don't. Who are you?"

"Many years ago, you found me and my people. Your people called us the Sky Spirits."

Chakotay remembered.

The man smiled. "I am here because your journey has not ended with happiness. Your heart carries much sorrow. You must fix this before you can enter the sacred place of your family."

"I don't understand."

"You will."

Chakotay saw a bright green light, that became more luminous with every second. He closed his eyes.

He heard his name.

"Mr Chakotay the helm."

His eyes opened. He was on Voyager.

Kathryn stood in front of him. "Commander are you feeling OK?"

"I'm fine captain, sorry, I was just overcome with emotion."

Kathryn smiled at him. "I'm with your there Chaktoay. After 7 years we are finally home."

TBC