Part 4

And So it Began

Their honeymoon was quick. Starfleet had allowed them 6 days on Risa. Afterward they had to return to Starfleet command for debriefings. The two enjoyed each others company. Kathryn had been a little afraid of marriage but her resolve soon disappeared with Chakotay's help and kindness.

They returned to Starfleet command with a surprise. Kathryn received news that she and Captain Klien were in line for Admiralty. Even thou Kathryn had been faithful to Starfleet principals her whole life, Starfleet had been interested in Captain Klien for years. He had provided key resistance against the dominion war.

That had meant a tie between Captain Janeway and Captain Klien for Admiralty.

The announcement was to be made at the Starfleet Academy dinner. The dinner was a few days away and Kathryn's nervous were on edge. Chakotay tried his best to calm Kathryn.

The day of the dinner Kathryn was a wreck. She couldn't sit still. Chakotay had come from the bedroom when he ran into a frantic Kathryn.

"How many cups of coffee have you had Kathryn?"

"About 8 or 9 why?"

"Kathryn its only 0900 how did you manage that?"

"I've been up since 0500."

Chakotay led her over to the couch. "You need to calm down Kathryn there is no way that you are not going to receive admiralty."

That night Kathryn was escorted by her husband Chakotay down the curved staircase that led to the banquet hall. Chakotay couldn't stop grinning as he led his new bride around and talked to some of Starfleet's finest.

The night passed quickly. Kathryn was just finishing her wine when Admiral Madison, one of Kathryn's old professors came up to the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen I would like to hank you at this time for coming. Now its time to introduce the new member of admiralty here at the academy.

Kathryn sat up straighter in her chair. Chakotay grinned at her and took her hand and smiled.

Admiral Madison cleared his throat. "Would you please give a hand to our new admiral, Captain Klein.

All of the voyager crew remained seated and clapped softly.

Kathryn began to shake as she clapped for Captain Klein's promotion. Chakotay knew that inside she was breaking apart. Everything that she had been loyal to for years was fading away.

Admiral Madison continued, "And let me introduce you to the new assistant to Mr. Klien, Captain Kathryn Janeway.

This time the room fell silent.

TBC