This first part is going to be a bit slow. But it's needed to build the story and get to the good stuff.

No infringement intended, I only own my characters

Flash forward

Chakotay was sitting in her new quarters, her feet in his lap. They had finished his wonderful dinner and were enjoy each other company as he read to her. Just then the door chimed. They looked at each other confused as to who it might be. Before she could tell the person to enter, Captain Janeway barged in. She took one look at the two of them and lost her temper. "What the Hell is going on here Chakotay? You cancel dinner with me staying something came up!" Before Chakotay could answer, "With all due respect Captain. You don't own him! He can spend his free time however he wants. With whom ever he wants!"

Personal Log

There is an old saying 'You can never go home'. Well the crew of Voyager found that out.

After arriving at Earth's Space Port, to a hero's welcome. We first were confined to the ship, until every member had been examined physically and mentally. There was also a lengthy debrief of every member of the crew. Once completing and each member was allowed to move about the Space port. It took almost a week to complete.

Then we were paraded around Star Fleet, the academy and a few embassies, for almost 3 weeks. After which we were given 3 weeks of shore leave but restricted to North America. That sent up a yellow alert in my mind and Chakotay's.

Then every member of the crew was ordered to return to a housing complex at Star Fleet Command. We had another 3 weeks of investigations and hearings. About command decisions and how well we represented Star Fleet in the Delta Quadrent. And also what was to be done about the now ex-Maquis.

End log

Chakotay and I were being escorted down the hall at Star Fleet, to a closed door meeting. I was in my Star Fleet uniform, however Chakotay was now in civilian clothes. I admit part of me wouldn't have minded his old leather Maquis vest. But it was probably better that he was in plain black pants and a lovely green dress shirt. As we made our way down the hall we unexpectedly were approached by Ambassador Carolina. A woman who found out Voyager was home and made it her business to. Pick up as many family members of my crew and bring them to Earth. Some she even had to go out of her way to get. I don't know why she did it other then the reputation of her colony on Tyty 2. They were a very loving and excepting planet. May people that were of mixed races found their way to Tyty 2.

The ambassador is wearing a black dress with fringe and calf high leather boots. She also has a large wrap almost like a blanket. It is also black but has reddish trim and triangles with a deer like animal in the center. Her salt and pepper hair is pulled neatly back. Her 2 aids or guards with her, are dress in teal and grey.

"Captain Janeway and her Commander Chakotay, it is good to see you." Our escort tries to tell her we are wanted, somewhere. When she say she knows and give him a stern, look our escort backs down. "I trust you are well?" She has her hands buried in her wrap, like a Vulcan would have in their robe. "Yes, under the circumstances, I'm well. How about you Chakotay?" He smiles that smile, "Like the Captain said, under the circumstances, I'm doing well. I would like to thank you for aiding in bring so many of Voyagers family to Earth. Some would have had no way to get here if it wasn't for you."

The Ambassador smiles and takes Chakotay's hand in hers. "I only wish I could do more. I have done all I possibly can." She squeezes his hand and seems very concerned. I wonder if she knows what the decision is. She turns to me after letting go of Chakotay and placing her hands back in her sleeves for a minute. She takes my hand now, "Captain, you made the very best of a difficult situation. I truly have done all I can and hope you will understand (she looks at our hands). There is no need to speak about this."

Our escort insists we get moving, and the ambassador gives us one last look. It's almost a pledging look. I know she has slipped something into my hand, but I conceal it. I wonder if she slipped something into Chakotay's.

When we get to the hearing room it's empty, and we are left alone. Chakotay bends to adjust his pant leg, slipping something in his boot. I adjust my sleeves, hiding mine. We don't have a chance to speak before they come in. It's a panel of 15 members of Star Fleet. Now Chakotay and I will find out our fate and the fate of our crew.

The minister that does all the speaking is a Vulcan named T'Black. "Captain Janeway and Mr. Chakotay, you are here to answer not only for your decision and actions, but also that of your crew. The knowledge you have gained of the Delta Quadrant and the technology you have brought back is both impressive and disappointing. Most of the crew have stood behind you in your decides. So their fate now lies in your hands." Chakotay and I look at each other. Chakotay knows I want to interrupted, he gives me his please don't look. So I hold my tongue.

"Voyager and all but a few crew members will accompany the star ship Thatcher and Alpine back to the Badlands. There has always been unusual reading there. After Voyager disappeared we sent ships looking for you. There were many strange reading. They found nothing like you describe. No other ships ever disappeared. We want you to retrace your path." I can't hold my tongue anymore. I interrupt and try to remind them it was the 'Caretaker' that brought us to the Delta Quadrant. That after he died no other ships should have been sent to the Quadrant. The Vulcan doesn't look happy I interrupted him.

"The member of the Maquis are wanted people, not just by the Federation. After you and your crew complete this task. Your crew will be give amnesty and the Star Fleet members will be able to request a honorable discharged or continue to serve at new posts." "And if we don't want to go back to the Badlands," Chakotay askes. "That is simple. All the members of the Maquis will be tried and whatever sentence each person gets. The time on Voyager will simple be deducted from their sentence."

My angry warrior is about to explode. "Admiral T'Black, are you asking us to decide for the whole crew with out talking to them?" "That is precisely what we are asking you to do. You made the decision to destroy the Maquis ship. And you Captain decided to destroy the Caretaker's array. We will leave you now. You have 10 minutes to decide." Chakotay is about to lose his temper. I grab his arm as the member file out.

"Kathryn, they can't do this! This is nothing short of blackmail!" "Chakotay, there is no need to speak of how unfair this is." I take his hand as Carolina did. He looks at my hands and nods. I'm sure they must be listening, why else would she have used those words. We sit on a bench. "Chakotay, what is on your mind? What tiny thing is bouncing around your head?" I give him a knowing look at his boot, he nods again.

"I'm thinking that this is not an empty threat. How about you?" "I'm thinking this the best deal we'll get, for our crew." "Maybe we should ask about what they meant by most of the Star Fleet crew." "Agreed."

They file back in for our answer. We ask about what they meant? Who would be allowed to leave Voyager? They named 18 Star Fleet names, most of them are older crew or have good reasons to for needing to return to their homes. Being strong armed, we agree to the terms. But ask for a condition to be amended, Star Fleet will relocate anyone of our crew, who does not continue serving. To a place of their choosing within a month of completing this trip. They agree, now how do we tells the crew?

Personal log (On route to the Badlands)

Voyager is underway to the Badlands with two other ships. We are being accompanied by the science ship Thatcher and the security ship Alpine. Voyager had 22 new crew added and 3 diplomatic observers.

Thankfully Chakotay volunteered to watch over the diplomats and Seven is watching over the scientist. Admiral Effory is the most admit about observing the crew daily. The Bajoran Ambassador Don Johan and the Betazoid Ambassador Mel are not as high maintains.

End log

Engineering is busy as always. While the ship was in the Space port for repairs, she also got outfitted with some new experimental equipment. B'Elanna is speaking with a crewman when she sees Chakotay coming with Effory and Don Johan. Before B'Elanna can make a run for it Chakotay calls out to her. B'Elanna makes eye contact with Petty Office Airiann, they share a not again look. "Lt. Torres, our guests would like to know what you are working on today." B'Elanna takes a breath as she turns, "Commander Chakotay, today we are still familiarizing ourselves with the systems that have been added to Voyager." Admiral Effory didn't look pleased but then he never did. He was in his 50's with blond and white hair. Only standing about 5' 3" almost always with his arms crossed in front of him. "You have been doing that for the last 2 days. Is there a problem with them?" "No, I want to make sure if there are any problems we can react without having to guess." "I can appreciate that. Nothing like having to fix something on the fly or without the right parts." Ambassador Don Johan said. She had been in the resistance as a medic. She was a thinner woman that was only a little taller than Effory. She had a piece of her left ear and the smallest finger on her left hand missing.

After about 20 minutes Airiann decided to save B'Elanna or maybe she was saving the Diplomats. "Commander Chakotay, I hate to interrupt but I need Lt Torres. Lt, I need you to look over something." Effory looked her up and down, "Weren't you the crewman that interrupted us the day before yesterday?" Airiann's eyebrow went up in a way that would have made a Vulcan proud. Chakotay jumped in, "This is Petty Officer Airiann Sage. She is a very capable individual and Lt. Torres entrusts her many jobs that need a good eye." Airiann looked down trying not to blush, she was always embarrassed when complimented. "Petty Officer Sage you say?" Don, Johan looked at her then at Effory. "Commander Chakotay, could we visit the sickbay?" Don, Johan asked. Trying to give a reason for them to leave engineering. She was no fool and knew Effory was being extra hard on the ex-Maquis. Chakotay motioned them to the hall.

B'Elanna put her arm on Airiann's shoulder, "What took you so long?" "I can't just set a timer. So don't get fussing at me? (she paused) Here I thought your daughter got that from Tom." Airiann smirked at her. "Hey watch it you, or I'll cancel Tom's and your play date." "Really, are you going to go play space man with Tom and Harry in the holodeck." B'Elanna stopped for a moment, "That was kind of an empty threat wasn't it? Oh well, let's get back to work."

Personal log

We had reached the Badlands. Chakotay beamed over to the Thatcher and took the helm. He flew the in the genrale direction he had 7 years ago. Paris was at the helm of Voyager and followed with the Alpine trailing behind both of us. We didn't know what to expect, but we didn't expect a spatial anomaly to send up back to the Delta Quadrant. This time we exited in a turbulent spin and came out at a different point in the Quadrant. The Alpine was nowhere to be found. And the Thatcher was 14 hours ways at warp 9 and was in distress.

We got there in time to rescue a 3rd of her crew and Chakotay. Before the ward cord breached and the Thatcher was lost with the rest of her crew. Our crew was devastated to be back in the Delta Quadrant. Merle the ships counselor, which was one of the new 22 crew members. Suggested I limit the diplomates to their deck, until the crew had a chance to settle down.

End log

Janeway sat in her ready room staring out the window. She was pinching the bridge of her nose trying not to cry. They should have told Star Fleet to go to hell. Why did they let them strong arm them? Now that the Thatcher had been lost with 2/3rd of the crew still on board. The housing on Voyager was now at 92%. Some how Admiral Paris had pulled a few strings. Tom and B'Elanna had been allowed to keep their daughter with them, on this trip. Which now was both blessing and a curse.

Her door chimed, she walked back to her desk and cleared her throat, "Come." Chakotay entered with a padd in his hand, "I'm sorry to bother you Captain." His voice was flat, and he hadn't looked up yet. It wasn't the way he used to enter her ready room, but their relationship had changed. "What is it, Commander?"

Chakotay tried to keep his voice even, he was dealing with so many personal issues. The diplomats crabby about things was not helping. "Ambassador Don Johan is not happy about her allotment of monthly replicator rations. And would formally like to request you increase them by 35%." He lowers his padd and looked at the captain. "There lucky I gave them as many as I did… Stranding us out here!" She said the last part under her breath through clenched teeth. She thought she saw the corner of his mouth go up. He hadn't smiled since he and Seven had stopped see each other. No one knew what happened, after the crew got back from their 3 weeks shore leave. They had decided to stop pursuing their new relationship.

"I could tell them we will look into it for next month. That will give you 2 ½ weeks. To decide what you want to do." Janeway nodded at him. He turned to leave but she stopped him. It was almost the end of their shift. He hoped she wasn't going to ask him to dinner. He just couldn't do that anymore. He was never able to have Kathryn and he wasn't over Seven yet. He just wanted to be left alone. After going to counseling per Star Fleet request. Seven had decided she was not ready emotionally ready for a serious relationship. Maybe down the road, she had told him. When she had broke things off. Janeway had always kept him at arms length other then 'New Earth.' Seven and he were just starting to heat up like teenagers and then she calls it quits. What was wrong with him or his approach?

"I'm sorry," the Captain had been talking to him and he hadn't heard her. "I said, thank you for dealing with them and keeping them safe." "From the crew or you," he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Both I guess. If this first test jump works, the crew may be less aggressive." "We'll be at the coordinates for the first jump in 2 days. If that's all Captain, I'll let the Ambassador know about the rations." "Of course, dismissed."

Personal Log

One of the newest things Star Fleet was trying, was something tentatively named a Slip Space Portal. Like a wormhole it allowed for travel over a great distance. So far there had not been a lot of field test done with this new technology. But Star Fleet had seen fix to install it on Voyager. Just in case, they said, we got an opportunity to test it.

We attempted our first slip space portal. I was surprised, but it worked. It was a bumping ride but we were able to come out near the system we were aiming for. Which would have taken us 1 year to travel at warp 9. Unfortunately, we bumped into a band of salvage mercenaries. They engaged us in a firefight. We took some damage and no casualties. One of our cargo bays did loose presser and B'Elanna has a team cleaning it up. It housed most of engineering supplies. Hopefully we didn't damage or lose any thing.

We are orbiting an M class moon. I've approved some shore leave while we make repairs. The diplomates don't seem to realize the shore leave is also meant to help them. As the crew blows off some steam, they we be less hostile to them. It also give us a chance to find some indigenes food to help replenish supplies.

End log

B'Elenna and Tom were relaxing in their quarters, after finishing their shifts. "How are the two most beautiful girls on the ship?" Tom asked sitting next to B'Elanna as she finished feed Miral. "Well, one of us has a full belly now." B'Elanna teased as she kissed him on the cheek. "I suppose that means you want me to replicate something for us?" "Unless you would like to changed her wrapping." "Diaper, and no I'll get the food." B'Elanna laughed as he got up to lay the table.

"Sage to Torres," the com rang. "Torres here." "B'Elanna I need you to come to Cargo Bay 2, right away." "Airiann, your still not working on checking supplies, are you?" "Yes, and your going to want to see this." Her voice had a hint of grime in it. "On my way," B'Elanna turned to Tom. "Look like you get to changer her Diaper, after all." B'Elanna smiled as she handed or their daughter over and left.

"Petty Officer Sage to Commander Chakotay." Chakotay and Janeway had just exited the turbo lift, on the officers deck. "Go ahead Sage," he said after tapping his com badge after stopping. "Are you busy with the diplomates, Sir?" "No, go ahead," whatever she need to say. She obviously didn't want the pips to know. "I called Lt Torres, but you're going to want to see this to. I'm in Cargo Bay 2." "Acknowledged."

The Cargo Bay had two dozen storage crates waiting to be lifted up and put back. Chakotay entered just before B'Elanna. They both made their way to Airiann and another crewman. He was handing Airiann a towel to wipe her hands. They had a sticky blueish green jell on them. "Alright Airiann, what's this abouuut?" The last word B'Elanna sputtered out, her eyes getting wide. Airiann's body language was that of disappear and dismay. "Well, I went to get replacement gel packs for the Slip Space, Warp Core interface. This is what I found." She pointed to the container that held 1/3 of the gel packs. B'Elanna looked as though she was going to tear the whole cargo bay apart. As she let a few Klingon cruse words fly. Every gel pack had been damaged and had leaked out. "What about the other two cases," She asked. "That one was recovered after being sucked out when the haul breeched." Airiann flip the lid on the other container. All the packs had been damaged too. B'Elanna slammed her hand down on a nearby crate, and stormed off to the other end of the bay for a moment to collect herself.

Chakotay looked at the packs in both crates. "These are the gel packs the go in the interface to allows us to slip through space?" "Yes Sir, the other crate is undamaged and full. But that means we won't have enough to get us home. Like those Dippy mats said they would." Chakotay gave her a look for saying Dippy mats on purpose. Airiann pressed her lips tight together and looked down. B'Elanna walked back over, and Airiann gave her an, I'm sorry look.

"It's not your fault Airiann. But we need to figure out what we are going to do." B'Elanna said with a growl to her voice. Chakotay placed his hand on her shoulder. "For now let's divide the remaining pack in to, two containers. Keep one here and one in Engineering. I'll inform the Captain and see what we can do to replace them." "Yes sir," Airiann said. Chakotay walked out of the cargo bay.

"I'll find some containers so we can get started." B'Elanna said turning to go to the side of the bay. "B'Elanna, we can do it. Go home, play with Miral." "That's sweet Airiann," B'Elanna said with a half smile. "I'm sure this will be my fault somehow, so I might as well help get it cleaned up. You two get some bio gloves on, and get a bio clean up kit. While I look for two smaller containers to, divide that last crate."

Chakotay went to the Captains quarter and told her what had happened. She sent a message to her chief officers telling them she wanted options by the morning meeting.
In the confronts room Kathryn and her chief officer discuss the options. After Seven explained how the gel packed worked and what they were made of.
"The main component that we are missing is stem cells." Seven explained most calmly. "Can we synthesize some," Kathryn asked. "No, it has been tried, before discovering that human stem cells give the most accurate exit point." Franklin the new senior science officer said, with his Australian accent. He continued, "The gel packs have been tried with animal stem cells as well. They do work, but you must make shorter jump to insure you come out where you are aiming." Tom was so confused by all the science talk. "So let me ask, where and what are the best ways to get the stem cells you need?" Lt Franklin Gibson was chosen to be Voyagers science officer because of his experience with the new slip space drive. "I'm sure the doctors will back me up. The best source for what we need would come from the placenta of a humanoid. I'm guessing that if I had 6 or 7 placentas and also the anemic fluid. With some of Seven's nanobots I could possible make some. But it would take time." "Great anyone we know pregnant?" Tom joke fell flat.
Kathryn was pinching the bridge of her nose, "Options people." "The logical thing would be to grow the required amount of fetus in sickbay." B'Elanna looked at Seven, "grow babies? They're not vegetables, you can't just plant them and hope they grow!" "Of course, when there are at the size needed for the stem cells and placentas. We would just terminate them." Seven said so logically. "Terminate them?!" Tom, Harry and B'Elanna all said at once. Even Tuvok looked discussed by her coldness about the suggestion. "OK People," Kathryn put her hand up for silence. "Lt Gibson, I want a list of all the items you will need and a time frame for making replacement packs. Seven I want you to give him a hand. Dismissed." Everyone got up to leave. Kathryn looked out the window as Chakotay, walked up beside her.
"Captain, do you want me to tell the diplomates?" Kathryn let out a deep breath. "Let's wait until Gibson comes up with a list. In the mean time tell the crew we will be leaving orbit as planned. Heading for the next spot to make a jump." "Yes Captain," he seemed like he want to say something. "What is it Commander?" She turned to face him, her arms folded and hands rubbing as if she were cold. "It's just, Seven's suggestion about growing babies or fetuses. I can't see how we can even consider it." Kathryn smiled a sad smile. "Don't worry Chakotay, I wasn't planning on it. I just couldn't grow a baby like a tomato plant. Now if any of the crew were to get pregnant. That would be helpful." She said softly and rubbed Chakotay's arm. She pulled it away suddenly as she realizes he might take it the wrong way.
Chakotay caught her hand and held it, "Kathryn, I know you have been giving me space. I really do appreciate it, but I do also miss my friend." "I do too," she resisted the urge to touch his face. "Perhaps we could do a science experiment of our own?" The corner of Kathryn's mouth ticked up, "And what might that be?" "Well, I thought we could start by going over reports like we used to, with a cup of coffee after lunch in your ready room. Just for starters and go from there." He let go of her hand. "I'd like that," she smiled. Seven was leaving astrophysics for the day. She saw Airiann, who was a sensible person. Perhaps she could explain why her suggestion about the fetus was poorly received. Seven picked up her pace to catch up to her. "Petty Officer Sage, may I have a word?" Airiann slowed and turned to Seven, "Of course, what can I do for you?" "You are friends with both Paris and Torres, correct?" "Yes Seven, I am." "At today's meeting I made a suggestion and it was poorly received. I was wondering if you can explain why." Seven explained what was said and how they reacted. "Why was it so poorly received?" Airiann had stopped dead in her tracks. "Wow Seven, there is no good way to make that suggestion. It's wrong to create a human life, just so you can terminate it for parts. Do you understand? It's a living feeling thing." "But humans do that with animals, example cows for beef." Airiann took a breath trying to find the right words. "Seven, you are right. People do raise animals for food. But what you suggested was not about an animal. You also made it to a new mother, who just gave birth to a baby. Who is also still probably a little hormonal." "If the fetus was grown in a lab, then I do not understand why there should be an emotional problem." "Seven, it is a very delicate dance science has to do. But the eggs and sperm to make this fetus have to come from somewhere. If someone needed help conceiving a child and wanted my eggs. I might say yes. But I can tell you won't be getting mine just to dissect later. I'd probably punch them in the face." Seven thought she might have to rethink her former though of Airiann being a sensible person.