As Kathryn straightened her dress uniform in the mirror Chakotay walked up behind her and kissed her shoulder.

"You look beautiful Kathryn, stop fussing."

"I just want to look presentable for the Admiralty."

"Your future colleagues already think very highly of you. I'm sure of it"

She smirked, "Yeah well not all of them."

"I think Owen Paris will take down anyone who tries to harm his shining star."

"Stop it!" She said as she laughed. "Leave me be, I am nervous enough already without you making fun of me!"

"I am not making fun! Just trying to lighten the mood." He turned her around to face him. "See? It worked, now you're smiling

instead of scowling. Mission accomplished."

"Thank you. I guess I have been on edge, I'm sorry."

He lifted her chin "Don't apologize, I know you're worried. I am just proud of you for how far you've come."

"I couldn't have done it without you." She pressed her lips to is in a tender kiss. Chakotay had begun to deepen the kiss when they were interrupted by the comm beeping.

Kathryn jumped out of his arms and ran quickly to her desk, she straightened her uniform and then answered it.

"Admiral Paris."

"Hello Katie. Are you ready for the day?"

She sighed and sat down in her chair. "I guess I am as ready as I will ever be."

"Katie you deserve this. Honestly I cannot believe that is taken them over a year to promote you. I put in for your promotion as soon as you got back, but I am glad that you have worked hard to prove to the other admirals that you deserve this."

Kathryn glanced at Chakotay over the top of the screen, not missing him smirk as his point was proven.

"I am thankful for all the work you have done to help me get this far."

"And I can't wait to work with you some more. So what do you say we meet backstage before the ceremony? I have been asked

to walk you on."

She smiled widely. "Thank you Owen, I'd love that."

"I know I am no substitute for you father, but I will do my best. He would be proud of you. See you tonight."

The link ended.

Kathryn stood and walked to Chakotay who immediately opened his arms to her. She hugged him and closed her eyes as she pressed her head to his chest. She stayed like that for a few moments before Chakotay said "Kathryn, he's right your father would be proud. We all are."

"Thank you Chakotay." She gave him a quick kiss and then went to put her shoes on. He watched her go and was surprised when she stopped mid-step and stiffened like she had been frozen in place.

"Kathryn?"

He didn't receive any answer. So he walked to her quickly and grabbed her shoulders so she was facing him. "Kathryn what on earth is wrong."

"Stage… he said stage…"

"What? What are you talking about."

"Owen. On the comm he said he would meet me backstage. My promotion is supposed to be a small ceremony at headquarters, NOT on any sort of stage."

Chakotay winced internally as he realized the Admiral's slipup, hoping he could cover it.

"I'm sure he just meant outside of the conference room, it was probably a joke or a misspeak. He knows that you wanted a small ceremony."

"I hope you're right, but leave it to Owen Paris to make other arrangements."

He laughed, "That's true, I mean he knows how much you love attention and recognition."

She hit him on the arm.

"Hey! I'm just kidding."

"I know, now let me find my shoes."

As she walked away he turned around and sighed a breath of relief, that was close. He knew that she really hadn't wanted a big to-do but he was sure she would enjoy what they had planned. At least he hoped she would, after all she had only asked for the small ceremony because she thought everyone would be to busy to attend. Boy was she wrong.

He rubbed his hands on his pants trying to get himself to calm down and stop sweating nervously. He then went to find his shoes. Once he was totally ready he went to put on his jacket, after he grabbed it from the rack he put a small box into his pocket and slipped the coat on just in time for Kathryn to come around the corner to get her jacket.

They stood together in the turbolift and he squeezed her hand. "You ready?"

"Yes, I am, finally."

She kissed him and they started on their way to headquarters.