Chapter 4:
"I quickly learned that I was to be her commander and nothing more. Because of this I waited for the day that I thought she would call me into her ready room for just more than the next mission. But it never happened. So I began seeing Seven or Annika as I finally started calling her. When I would see Kathryn at the academy, where we both started teaching after we returned, I could tell that my involvement with Annika hurt her terribly. It was then that I knew I couldn't live in this charade any longer. I immediately broke things off with Annika and went after Kathryn. Oh how she tried to push me way to try and protect that stubborn self of hers, but eventually she gave in and I became the happiest man in the quadrant. So you can see why Kiernan is so reluctant. "
"Her mother is talking to her right now. Let's go find them and figure this whole thing out."
Chakotay and Owen found themselves on the terrace with Kathryn and Kiernan and Kathryn rose to meet them.
"We know the two of you love each other very much," Kathryn began.
"And believe you me no one understands the situation that you have found yourselves in than me and your father."
"All those years wasted because of protocol, we missed out on so many moments together, but through all that my life was forever changed the day I finally decided to set my stubborn mind aside and give in to your father's requests."
"I want you to know that happiness, Kiernan. From the day I first held you in my arms and looked up at your father with such love and joy, knowing that our love had created something so precious. I promised myself that day that you would know that happiness and I won't let you let this opportunity pass you by."
"You have to realize that you only have one life, and where you are going you'll face death every single day. You never know if your next day could be your last."
"So I am telling you this as a mother, as a friend, and as your Admiral." Kathryn paused momentarily and looked at Chakotay in the same way she had looked at him in all those years lost in the delta quadrant then said.
"To hell with protocol, that is an order!"
Owen and Kiernan both stood at attention and at the same and said, "Yes Ma'am!"
They all laughed.
Kiernan then accepted Owen's proposal and they walked into the ballroom greeted by the applause of their fellow officers.