Kathryn Janeway walked through Starfleet Headquarters' regal banquet hall. Starfleet was holding yet another celebration for the Voyager crew and she was sure she had probably thanked the entire city of San Francisco by now. Still, there were more well wishers and she stopped and graciously greeted each person as they stepped up to welcome her home.

She brushed a stray tendril out of her face as she shook hands. Her hair was piled on top of her head but in a looser, softer style than what she normally wore on duty. She took care not to catch the train of her formal gown under anyone's boots. She would have preferred her standard dress uniform but Admiral Paris had requested that the crew dress in more celebratory attire so they would stand out amidst the uniformed crowd.

"It's so good to have you back," her latest admirer said. She gave her standard smile and answer. "Thank you. It's good to be home." As the small talk continued, her eyes wandered across the room to Tom and Belanna who were busy showing off little Miral, Harry who was holding court with several young women, and Tuvok who sat quietly with his family.

She kept scanning the room and finally found Chakotay and Seven dancing together on the floor. Her heart dropped as she faded back into the conversation around her. Kathryn quickly ended it by saying, "Thank you so much. Would you excuse me, please?" She held up her dress and retreated into a quiet secluded corner of the room.

"Hello, Captain."

Kathryn turned to see the Doctor walking up to her from behind. He smiled and added, "Or is it Admiral now?"

She gave him a big hug and noticed he had altered his appearance for the night to a smart tuxedo suit. "It's Admiral now but I'll answer to anything you want to call me, Doctor." She caught his naughty look and waved a finger at him. "Within reason. Remember, I still outrank you and your new position hasn't been determined yet by Starfleet. So how have you been, Doctor?"

"Well, now that I've been threatened, I guess I can't complain."

She smirked and said, "Well, that's a change. The Alpha Quadrant must agree with you more than the Delta Quadrant did."

He placed a hand over his heart. "I beg your pardon. I have come to give you my sincere greetings and you wound me with your words, twice. I will have you know, Admiral, that I exhibited nothing less than the utmost professionalism while I was aboard Voyager."

Kathryn laughed. "Yes, you did. Most of the time. But, we'll debate that later." She leaned close and said, "Don't worry, Doctor. I'll keep your secrets."

"Humph!" The Doctor gave her an annoyed glance and scurried off leaving her to her laughter.

She shook her head and made her way to the bar and ordered a drink. As she waited for the bartender to return, she felt a pair of hands on the small of her back. She jumped at his touch and his voice. "Good Evening, Admiral. You look stunning tonight."

Kathryn turned and found herself face to face with Chakotay. He was dressed in a deeply colored suit and tie that perfectly set off his golden skin and dark coloring. He looked incredible and his eyes telegraphed the same sentiment towards her as they looked her up and down. "Your dress matches your eyes. It's very pretty."

She caught her breath and found her voice. "Thank you. It's nice to see you again, Chakotay." She watched him study her and knew she couldn't hide the blush of red that was coloring her pale skin. She had missed seeing his smile and having his presence near her every day. "How are you and Seven faring these days? Adjusting back to civilian life?"

"Seven?" Chakotay frowned a bit. "She's fine. I just left her with Tuvok. I believe she's meeting his family for the first time tonight."

Kathryn's drink arrived and she took a sip. Glancing over at Tuvok's table, she said, "Really? I hate that I'm missing that. I'm sure it's quite the conversation."

Chakotay grinned. "You know, she met her aunt just a few weeks ago. Starfleet was able to locate her and bring her here."

Kathryn grabbed his hand. "They did? That's wonderful!"

Chakotay covered her hand with his. "Yes. I'm sure she would love to tell you about it sometime."

Kathryn felt his soft touch as her hand warmed within his. Chakotay took her drink and placed it back on the bar. His grip tightened as he pulled her to him and said, "May I have this dance, Admiral?"

She hesitated. "Oh, Chakotay, I don't think that's appropriate."

"Okay, may I have this dance, Kathryn?"

Her blue eyes met his brown ones and her heart jumped again, this time with joy. She quickly took a breath to still her emotions and resisted as he led her to the dance floor. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"It wouldn't be appropriate."

Chakotay shook his head. "You keep saying that. What wouldn't be appropriate?"

"You're with her." Kathryn tossed her head in Seven's direction.

Chakotay followed her gaze and then turned back. "You're jealous of Seven?"

She shook her head and said, "I'm not jealous. I'm just trying to be respectful of your relationship with her." She took her hand back and folded her arms around her waist. She bowed her head and waited for him to speak.

Chakotay stepped forward and took her by the arms. "Kathryn, could you and I have a future now that we're back home and off that ship?"

Kathryn attempted to step out of his grasp but he held her tight. She slowly lifted her head to him. She watched as he waited for her answer and then smiled and reached up to bring his head towards hers. She gently brushed a quick kiss across his cheek. "Goodbye, Chakotay. Have fun tonight." She pulled out of his embrace and quickened her step as she left the party and her former first officer behind.