Disclaimer: I don't own anything Star Trek related (which, essentially, is everything in this story) and I don't profit from it, unless you count my own gratification at the end work.

Spoilers: Currently there's just spoilers to Endgame

Summary: What happens when Voyager is offered a way home, but no guarantee on the final status of the crew?

Pairings?: Currently just hints of JC.

Rating: K+ for this bit.

Home. That's been her goal for the last seven years, four months and fifteen days. Now they where just one month away. Presuming they started the necessary adaptations to Voyager immediately. Kathryn, however, had a crew to talk to, which was exactly why she was currently situated in the briefing room, waiting for her senior staff to arrive.

She had called the meeting for 1900 hours, it was now 1855, five minutes after she entered the briefing room. Those last five minutes had found the feisty, auburn haired captain pacing the length of the room. It was mid-stride that the door whooshed open, revealing Janeway's tall first officer.

"Much more of that and you'll wear a hole through the deck, Captain," the serene man stated, offering a moment of humour to lighten the mood of his commanding officer, who could only roll her stormy eyes at him.

"I'm fairly sure that the carpet's already worn thin in that sport," he pointed out.

"Don't make me demote you back to ensign, Commander," she attempted to look entirely serious, unfortunately the crooked grin dancing across her lips betrayed her amusement.
Their banter was interrupted by the arrival of the rest of the senior staff.

"I've received some encouraging news," Janeway started, "Starfleet has found a way to get us home," she paused to let this sink in.

"What's the but?" this was Tom Paris, wanting to know everything.

"But," Kathryn picked up, "The discussions regarding the Maquis, you, Tom, Seven, Icheb and the Doctor aren't looking encouraging from this end," she eyed her diverse senior staff. Two Maquis', three if you include Tom, one former Borg, one very self-sufficient hologram, one Vulcan, an eager ensign and a Talaxian, most of whom where in question. "We can be ready to go in around a month, if their approximations are correct, but I won't take my crew into a firing squad," another pause to let this sink in, her crew offering murmurs of surprise.

"I've been in discussion with Admiral Pairs, Starfleet is aware that preparations won't start until this crew decides to go home. You'll need to talk to your personnel, let them know, find out what they want to do, and report back here tomorrow at 1900,"this finished the captains long monologue.

Harry turned to look at his captain. "Ma'am, what if it's a split vote?"

"I fully expect it will be. Everyone who wants to stay in the Delta Quadrant will be given the opportunity to colonize one of the M-Class planets in the area," she noted glancing from officer to officer, finally settling on Chakotay.

"I suppose that, so long as someone wants to go back to Earth, you'll stay on this ship?" questioned the first officers. Upon receiving her affirmative nod he carried on. "So long as you're staying on Voyager, Captain," he resisted the urge to use her given name, "So will I."

Kathryn finally settled into her chair at the head of the table. Slipping her hand under the table it took little time for her to find the warmth and comfort that Chakotay's hand provided.

"Captain, I don't know about everyone else, but I won't go somewhere that B'Elanna could be taken away from me," Paris interjected.

Harry piped up now. "I'd love to get back to Earth, Ma'am, but so long as we're all together, I'm home."

These only got a weak smile from the auburn haired woman. "I appreciate your sentiments, but I need the same information from the remainder of the crew. Dismissed," she stated in her best authoritative tone, which was pretty impressive.

Seven of the nine senior staff stood and made a hasty retreat. Kathryn, however, had yet to move, and Chakotay knew his captain to well to leave when she needed someone.

"You made the right decision, Kathryn, giving the crew a say in what is done is one of the best thing you could have done," he gave, running his thumb across her knuckles.

"What do you want, Chakotay? I know you'll play the loyal first officer, but, what do you want?" She gave him that look that she knew would prevent him from lying.

"I want to make sure you get home safely, and if that me..."he was cut off by the voice of Ensign Kim.

"Captain, incoming transmission from Starfleet."

"Patch it through to the briefing room, Harry."

"Aye, Ma'am."

With that the face of Admiral Owen Paris appeared on the screen. "Captain, Commander," the look on his face conveyed what Kathryn had feared.

"I take it Starfleet has decided against letting my crew be?" she questioned.

"I'm afraid that the fate of the Doctor, Maquis and Lt. Paris is not looking up, however, the former Borg are free..." he trailed off, knowing this wouldn't sit well with the command staff.

"Thank you, Admiral, I'll let you know our decision tomorrow," she stated, knowing she'd be in contact with the admiral as much as necessary.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow, Captain, good night and good luck," with that the screen went blank Kathryn turned to Chakotay.

"I suppose I'll have to tell the crew about this latest development. They have the right to know so they can make the decisions they feel are right," she gave, sighing.

Finished with her self-pitying she called the senior staff back to the briefing room.

TBC

Reviews are most welcome, especially as this is my first ever published fanfic.