2
December 25, 2378
"When will the quarantine be lifted, Admiral? My people are anxious to see their families." Captain Janeway drummed her fingers on her desk and tried not to show her frustration.
"The full medical examinations will be completed within the week," replied Admiral Hayes. "After that, each crew member will undergo a full psychological evaluation before being released. We feel especially that the loyalty of the Maquis, the Equinox crew and the former Borg must be thoroughly evaluated before they are permitted to rejoin the general public."
"Admiral, I have no Maquis on my crew. We are one crew, a Starfleet crew, and the 'Maquis,' as you call them, have been serving loyally for the past seven years."
"Forgive me, Captain, if I don't take your word for it. You're hardly an objective party in this discussion."
"I see," Janeway replied coldly. "Am I to understand that my loyalty is in question as well?"
"No, no. Not at all. You're a hero, Captain. There's no question about that. You dealt a crippling blow to the Borg when you destroyed their hub, and for that, Starfleet Command is indebted to you."
"Then you can repay the debt by releasing my crew."
"As soon as the medical and psychological evaluations are completed, we will certainly do our best. Hayes out."
As soon as the communication ended, Janeway slammed her palm down on the table. Stuck on Voyager in the Alpha Quadrant or the Delta Quadrant, what did it matter? I bet you didn't bank on this, Admiral Janeway, she thought bitterly. The admiral had gotten home so many years later that she'd never had to face questions about the loyalty of her crew. Sixteen years later, the Maquis and the Dominion War had been a long forgotten memory. Now, they were still fresh in the minds of everyone at Starfleet Command.
Taking a deep breath, she placed another comm call. At least she knew she had one ally among the admiralty. Owen Paris appeared on the screen in front of her. "Captain Janeway."
"Admiral Paris."
"How's my granddaughter doing?"
"Strong and healthy. Mama and baby are doing just fine. Everyone is anxious to see you in person."
"As am I," Paris replied with a wistful smile.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Admiral, this quarantine. Admiral Hayes just told me that the entire crew is going to undergo psychological evaluations before being released, and even that didn't sound like a guarantee. I was wondering, sir, if you could enlighten me as to what is being planned for my crew. Admiral Hayes still talks of certain members of my crew as if they are criminals, your daughter-in-law among them."
"Yes," Paris replied with a sigh. "Unfortunately, Hayes isn't alone in his feelings. That's why it's so important that we do everything by the book. We don't want anyone to be able to argue, later, that procedure wasn't followed. The consequences of that could be even worse than this quarantine."
"I understand." Janeway paused. "Permission to speak freely?"
"Granted."
"Admiral Hayes implied that even those who 'pass' the psychological evaluation might not be free to go. I won't stand for any member of my crew being held in any way. They have proven themselves as loyal Starfleet officers, and they deserve better than that."
"I agree with you, Captain. That's why I've arranged for the psychological evaluations to be conducted by Counselor Deanna Troi. Counselor Troi is familiar with your crew and the circumstances of your journey. On top of that, I've known her for years. She will be fair. She doesn't share Admiral Hayes' bias."
"I appreciate that, but I'm still concerned. Chakotay, B'Elanna and the others have been through so much already. It took them a long time to accept Starfleet into their lives again and to see themselves as Starfleet officers. I don't want them to lose their trust in Starfleet now because a few admirals with grudges treat them unfairly. The same is true for Seven of Nine. Every member of Voyager's crew deserves the same treatment. If I don't have to go through it, they shouldn't either."
"Your devotion to your crew is admirable, Captain Janeway. They've been lucky to serve under you."
"I've been lucky to have them."
"May I say, on a personal note, thank you, for all you've done for Tom. He's told me about it in some of his letters. I can see that he's a changed man, and I'm sure a great deal of the credit goes to you."
"Admiral, Tom has changed his own life." She paused. "And I'm sure he'd like to hear how proud of him you are. I know that would mean a lot to him."
"I look forward to telling him, as soon as this quarantine is ended."
"Good," Janeway replied. "The sooner the better."
"I'll do my best, Captain. Paris out."
The transmission ended and Janeway slumped back in her chair. Ever since Voyager had burst into the Alpha Quadrant, she'd done nothing but talk to admirals and their aides. She'd thought the Delta Quadrant had been exhausting, but the Alpha Quadrant was no better. She had assumed that from Admiral Janeway's description of her own homecoming, theirs would be nothing but celebrations and joy. Instead it had been nothing but red tape and paperwork. Wearily, she stood from her desk and exited the ready room, passing through the nearly empty bridge. Voyager was docked at Utopia Planetia, and only a skeleton crew was required to be at their stations. Everyone else was free to roam the ship, remain in their quarters or use holodeck time.
"Captain," said Harry Kim, standing from the command chair as she passed.
"Ensign Kim," she replied, mustering a smile. "Report?"
"All systems normal, Captain. No problems to report."
"Glad to hear that something is working right," she quipped under her breath as she headed for the turbolift.
"Captain," Kim's voice stopped her.
"Yes, Ensign?"
"We're getting together at Sandrine's tonight, in holodeck one, for a little Christmas celebration. Chell is cooking, and everyone is bringing their favorite holiday dish, now that no one has to worry about replicator rations. I hope you'll join us."
"Christmas? I completely forgot about it," said the captain.
"Well, I hope you'll come to the party. It wouldn't be the same without you."
"Thank you, Harry. I'll do my best." She entered the turbolift and continued on her way to sickbay. As she passed, a few crew members wished her Merry Christmas. She acknowledged them politely, but her mind was too filled with everything she had to accomplish to pay much attention to their greetings.
She arrived at her destination, and the EMH greeted her. "Captain."
"Doctor." She looked around; sickbay was empty, but she still spoke under her breath. "I have good news."
The Doctor's face was full of hope when he asked, "Really?"
"Yes. I spoke to Admiral Felna about your status once the quarantine is lifted."
"And?"
"While the question of your sentience is still debatable as far as the admiralty is concerned, they feel that with the precedent established by the trial around your holonovel, you should be allowed to determine your own life. Lieutenant Barclay, Commander Harkins and Dr. Zimmerman all testified on your behalf."
"So, Starfleet won't claim me as its property?" the EMH asked anxiously.
The captain shook her head. "Your attorney wisely called up an old trial, that of Lieutenant Commander Data, an android who went through a trial to determine whether he was property, and who was determined not to be. Between that precedent and those set at the trial surrounding your holonovel, Starfleet has determined that they cannot claim you as property."
Impulsively, the Doctor threw his arms around her. "Thank you, Captain. Thank you. This means so much to me."
Janeway smiled, allowing herself to feel the first moment of genuine joy she had experienced all day. "I'm glad I could deliver the good news."
"And you, Captain, how are you? How is the rest of the crew holding up? I must say, I feel like now that we are back in the Alpha Quadrant, no one is coming to sickbay. I have to admit I've been a bit lonely."
"I hear there's going to be a Christmas party at Sandrine's tonight."
"Yes, yes, of course! I'll be there. I hope to see you there, too, Captain."
"I'll do my best, Doctor. I have a lot of work to do."
"It's good for you to take a break. Don't forget that!" the EMH called after her as she exited sickbay, waving his words aside.
Her next stop was to see Seven of Nine. "How are you feeling, Seven?"
"I am feeling somewhat unsettled. Life on Voyager is the only life I have ever known as a human. I cannot imagine what my life will be like once this quarantine is lifted."
"I'll help you, Seven. We'll get through this. You've come so far already. You're going to be just fine."
"Captain, do you think that Starfleet will punish me for the crimes I committed when I was Borg?"
The captain shook her head. "I'm not going to let that happen. You're not the same person now that you were then."
"A great many things have changed since I was Borg."
"Don't worry. I'll do whatever I can to protect you and help you through this transition. We all will."
"Commander Chakotay said the same."
"Of course," Janeway replied, trying to keep any emotion from showing on her face. "You know my door is always open to you, Seven." Janeway stood to leave.
"Captain!" Seven called, and Janeway stopped. "I wish to thank you for all you have done for me aboard Voyager, and all you continue to do for me, even now. I know that I… I have not always been the easiest to have under your command, but I want you to know that I am grateful."
"Oh, Seven," Janeway replied, stepping back to the other woman and enfolding her in a warm hug. "I'm proud of you." She squeezed Seven, and then released her.
"Merry Christmas, Captain."
Janeway felt sudden and unexpected tears well in her eyes, and she fought them back as she said, "Yes. You, too."
The captain exited the cargo bay and made her way to the quarters of all five Equinox crew members and every former member of the Maquis. After her conversation with Admiral Hayes that morning, she felt the need to assure herself they were all in good spirits. Surprisingly, none of them seemed upset or worried by the quarantine. Each of them wished her a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays. Most of them took a moment to thank her for something she had done to help them over the years, even Noah Lessing, with whom her relationship had been virtually nonexistent after Chakotay had stopped her from ending his life. "You gave me another chance. Rudy never would have done that," Lessing said to her. "Merry Christmas, Captain."
The former Maquis, who she knew much better than the Equinox crew, all seemed to be in good spirits. Ken Dalby offered her a drink, which she declined, and Ayala and Chell gave her some fresh baked cookies. "We're home, Captain!" Mariah Henley enthused. "And it's all because of you. Thank you for never giving up on us." Now, she had only one more stop to make before she had visited everyone on her list. Hesitantly, she raised her hand to the door chime.
"Come in," his deep voice replied.
She entered his quarters and inhaled deeply in spite of herself. There was something about the scent of his living space that was comforting to her. In some strange way, it smelled like home. "Commander. Is this a bad time?"
"Not at all," he replied, looking up from the project he was working on. She tried to see what it was, but he quickly put it aside, out of sight. "Come in. Can I get you a cup of tea? Cider? Coffee?"
"Coffee, please." He ordered two coffees from the replicator and handed one to her. "What were you working on?" she asked.
"Oh, just a project. You'll see it when it's finished." His eyes twinkled, and she knew whatever he was working on had to be something special. He looked at her, her tired eyes, her worn expression. "You didn't come here to enquire about my secrets, though, did you?"
She shook her head.
"What happened? Trouble with Starfleet Command?"
That was all it took for her entire conversation with Admiral Hayes to come spilling out. Chakotay sat and listened thoughtfully, letting Kathryn speak, allowing her to voice all her concerns and frustrations. When she had finished, he said, "You're afraid they're going to use these psychological evaluations against crew members of their choosing."
"Admiral Paris says he trusts Counselor Troi. The Doctor met her when he went to the Alpha Quadrant and met Lewis Zimmerman. I met her once, a long time ago, through Will Riker. I don't have any reason to doubt her judgment. But I don't like the way Admiral Hayes talked about the Maquis, the Borg, and the crew of the Equinox. We're all one crew. Those divisions don't exist anymore."
"You know that, and I know that. Hopefully, after the admiral reads Counselor Troi's report, he'll know it, too."
"You're awfully calm, Chakotay."
"For someone who could be going to prison for crimes he committed as a Maquis, you mean?"
She winced. She didn't even want to consider that possibility.
"I don't think that's going to happen, Kathryn. But if it does, we'll face it, together, just as we always have." He placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it.
"I hope you're right," she whispered.
"Do you really think Admiral Paris' daughter-in-law is going to be arrested or held for crimes committed over seven years ago?"
"Admiral Paris might be able to protect B'Elanna, but you…"
"Hey," he said softly, sensing her genuine distress, "we'll face it together. I'm going to be okay, Kathryn. We all are."
"Of course," she said, pulling away. "Well, I should go. I have about a dozen reports to get in to the admiralty before 0800 tomorrow."
"I hope the crew didn't forget to invite you to the Christmas party."
"Harry invited me, but I don't know if I'll be able to make it. I really have a lot of work to do tonight."
"Surely you can take an hour off to celebrate Christmas," Chakotay said.
"I'll try."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked.
"Unfortunately, no. There are some things that only the captain can do." She paused. "You and Seven enjoy the party."
She stood to go, but he stopped her before she reached the door. "Kathryn, Merry Christmas."
She bit her lip and blinked, looking at him with eyes full of both hope and sadness. "Let's hope it turns out to be one."
...
There was no Christmas for Kathryn Janeway that year. She never made it to the party at Sandrine's. In fact, she worked all through the night. Tuvok found her asleep at her desk in the ready room the next morning, and she was startled awake by the touch of his hand on her shoulder. "Tuvok!"
"Captain. I am sorry if I startled you."
"I must have fallen asleep finishing up my reports."
"That would seem to be the case."
She went to the replicator and ordered a cup of coffee, then turned back to her oldest friend. "Please tell me you have good news, Tuvok."
"In fact I do, Captain."
"Good. I could use some good news."
"I came to inform you that I have been cleared to depart Voyager and may leave for Vulcan immediately."
"Tuvok, that's wonderful."
"My treatment could easily wait for a few more days or even a few more weeks. My condition would not be affected."
"The sooner you can get treatment, the better, Tuvok. I don't want to take any risks with your mental health."
"You have obviously spoken to Starfleet Command on my behalf, as I am being released from quarantine before the rest of Voyager's crew."
Janeway pursed her lips. "I made them understand the urgency of the situation, as well as your value as a longtime, loyal Starfleet officer."
"Your efforts on my behalf were unnecessary, Captain, but they were appreciated. I am scheduled to depart for Vulcan immediately, and I will begin undergoing the fal'tor'vah as soon as I arrive. I have no reason to anticipate anything but a full recovery from my illness."
"That's wonderful news, Tuvok." Janeway stepped towards him. "Safe travels. Let me know as soon as your treatment is complete."
"I will, Captain. And may I add, it has been an honor serving with you aboard Voyager. I hope it is not the last time we will serve together."
"We share that hope, old friend. Safe travels." Impulsively, she enfolded him in a quick hug and then stepped back.
"Live long and prosper," Tuvok said, holding up his right hand and making the traditional Vulcan gesture.
"Live long and prosper, Tuvok." The Vulcan left, the ready room door closing behind him. Janeway took a long sip of her coffee and went into her private restroom to freshen up. She was well into her third report of the morning, describing the time they had unwittingly been thrown into the Q Civil War, when her door chime rang. "Come in."
"I didn't see you at Sandrine's last night."
She looked up from her computer terminal. "Chakotay. I know. I completely lost track of time. Tuvok found me asleep at my desk this morning." She gestured to the pile of PADDs next to her computer terminal. "Seven years worth of reports for Starfleet Command."
"Don't you have logs and mission reports you can submit to them, without having to write all these?"
"Of course I do." The captain paused. "And I'm sure that Starfleet will want to see those and go through them with a fine tooth comb. But I want to make sure that the crew is seen in the most favorable light possible."
"Are you sure I can't take some of these off your hands?"
"Thank you for the offer, but no."
"Does this have to do with Admiral Hayes' psychological evaluations?"
She nodded.
"I see."
"It's not that I don't trust you, Chakotay."
"But Starfleet Command doesn't," he replied bitterly.
"No." She stood, walked around the desk to face him, and placed her hand on his arm. "That's not it. There are a few admirals who share a lingering prejudice from the war. Only a few. My goal is to make sure that nothing we say or do will put you, or any other member of our crew, in jeopardy. Until everyone's freedom and autonomy is assured, we have to tread very carefully." She paused, seeing the anger simmering in his eyes. "Chakotay, if it was a matter of trust, I wouldn't have told you everything that Admiral Hayes said."
The fire in his eyes dimmed, and he nodded. "You're right. I understand." He covered her hand, still on his arm, with his own. "I just wish there was something I could do to help. I don't want you to have to carry this burden alone."
"I'm fine. If you want to help, make sure the rest of the crew is doing all right. I want to know if anyone is upset or has received any negative communication from Starfleet."
"Yes, Captain," he replied with a twinkle in his eye. "I'll report back this evening."
"Good. Now, I better get back to these reports."
He nodded, but instead of walking out the door, he walked over to the replicator. "Computer, half a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of tomato soup." When he turned around, she was already back at her desk, head buried in her computer again. He brought the plate over to her and perched on the corner of her desk. "I'll wager you haven't eaten today."
She looked up at him, first ready to protest, but then her eyes filled with gratitude. "You're right, I haven't. Thank you, Chakotay."
He winked at her. "Make sure you actually eat it. It better not still be sitting there when I come back."
She grinned, and replied mockingly, "Yes, sir." He left the ready room, and her troubled expression returned. She remained concerned about Starfleet's treatment of her crew, and even though it felt wrong to put more distance between herself and them just now, she knew it was what she needed to do to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing. Besides, she thought, Chakotay had Seven now, and the last thing she wanted to do was stand in the way of their happiness, especially now that the grim future of the admiral's timeline had been stopped.
...
In the end, Captain Janeway's efforts did ensure the freedom of every member of her crew. The former Equinox crew members would be required to undergo additional psychological evaluation and counseling if they wished to remain in Starfleet, but they were free to go home to their families. The former Maquis were pardoned and offered their field commissions on a permanent basis, should they wish to remain in Starfleet. Seven and Icheb were recognized as citizens of the Federation with all the rights and privileges due to them therein, and the Doctor had already received the good news of his autonomy. While everyone's future assignments, including Captain Kathryn Janeway's, were still completely unknown, the quarantine was lifted on New Year's Eve. This had given most people's families time enough to travel to San Francisco, and there were many happy reunions with family and close friends.
It had taken Admiral Paris about a nanosecond to fall completely head over heels for his new granddaughter, and as she watched them on the transporter pad, Captain Janeway knew that the Paris-Torres family was going to be just fine. As she watched the rest of her crew reunite with their families, Admiral Hayes' parting words lingered in her mind. You and your crew may have gotten off this time, but don't think that we won't be watching you and the rest of your crew in the future. The thinly veiled threat had not been lost on Voyager's captain, and while she had wanted to threaten Hayes right back, she had thought better of it and kept her mouth shut. They have a second chance, she thought. Don't you dare spoil it for them.
She saw off each and every member of her crew, making sure that they were all taken care of and had somewhere to go. Harry Kim's parents beamed aboard to greet her and thank her for taking care of their son; she assured them that the pleasure had been hers. The Doctor was off to visit Lewis Zimmerman on Jupiter Station, and Seven had left earlier that day for her aunt's in Sweden. She had dismissed the transporter operator and told him to get home to his family, and as far as she knew, there was only one other crew member besides her who had not left Voyager yet.
The transporter room door opened, and he stepped inside, a large Starfleet issue duffel bag over his shoulder. "Why haven't you left yet, Kathryn? I'm sure your family is anxious to see you."
"The captain stays with the ship, I guess," she joked. "I wanted to see everyone off, make sure everyone was doing okay."
"What about you?" he asked, stepping close to her. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, Chakotay. I'm going to see my family today; I can hardly believe it. What about you?"
"I'm going to my cousin's in Ohio. He's married now and has a young child."
"My mother tells me my sister is engaged. I guess I'm going to meet her fiance."
Chakotay grinned. "I hope you approve."
"I'm sure I will."
The conversation seemed to die on their lips, and Chakotay let the duffel slide off his shoulder and thump to the floor. For a long time, they stared at each other, both fighting their emotions. Finally, Chakotay stepped forward, taking her hand in his. "What are you feeling?"
She looked away from him, blinking rapidly. "I can't believe we did it. I can't believe we're here." She looked around the familiar transporter room. "I can't believe this is the end of the road."
"Not the end, Kathryn," he said, running his thumb back and forth across the back of her hand. "A new beginning."
"I'm filled with joy and excitement at the prospect of seeing my family again, and all the reunions I witnessed today. I'm also…"
"Also?"
"I'm also afraid of losing you… All of you," she amended quickly.
"I told you before, I'm right here."
She nodded slowly, fighting back tears. She couldn't believe that this was it; this was the last time she and Chakotay would stand here together as captain and first officer. There would be a formal ceremony, later, of course, so it wasn't officially the last time, but it was, in reality, the last time. It was the end of a journey that had lasted seven years and taken them across seventy thousand lightyears. It was the end of a road that had inexorably altered both of their lives, and she didn't know where she would go from here. Suddenly, impulsively, she threw her arms around him and held him close. She felt his strong arms encircle her, his hand in her hair, cradling her tenderly. Then Admiral Hayes' words came back to her. We'll be watching. She was sure that if Hayes and those like him were watching, they'd find a way to use this moment against her, or, more likely against Chakotay. As suddenly as she had launched herself at him, she pushed him away, breaking the embrace. "Thank you," she said, "for everything."
"Kathryn, I…" he started, but then she looked up at him, and he saw a warning in her eyes, a warning that made him stop. He gave her a subtle nod and picked up his duffel bag. "Let me know when you get to your cousin's," Janeway said.
"I will. Let me know when you get to your mother's." He stepped up onto the transporter pad, his eyes locked on her.
She broke his gaze to program the transporter, but when she looked up, she found he was still watching her. She met his eyes, drank in his gaze, basked in his regard one last time. She wanted to run towards him, to beg him to come to Indiana with her, so that she would not have to live without him another day of her life. But there was too much uncertainty — Hayes' warning, his relationship with Seven, their next assignments — so she gave him a nod and activated the transporter, watching his form shimmer out of existence.
She slumped against the transporter controls for a moment before programming in her own destination. She beamed a trunk of her belongings to the coordinates first and then set the transporter coordinates for herself. She stepped on the transporter pad and took one last, long look around her ship before she said, "Computer, energize."