Epilogue: A Memorable Party or The Introduction of Tom the sheep

A flock of sheep grazed in a large pasture behind the house. Trying to escape the afternoon heat, they huddled in the shadows of the trees, unaware that they were being watched.

Kathryn sat on the porch, an abandoned book on her lap, marveling at the sight. She loved living here, with the animals and the nature, and especially with the man she loved.

After they declared their love for each other and she decided to stay, they had gone through a time of adjustment. While both were blissfully happy to be together, Chakotay couldn't shake the fear of her leaving him and pretend none of it had happened immediately. She did everything to make him feel at ease, she was the happiest she'd ever been and hadn't had any intention of leaving, and eventually his doubts evaporated.

He opened up completely then and that was when they began to contact and visit their crew. Everyone was happy to reconnect with their former command team and Kathryn and Chakotay were glad to see them thriving and promised to stay in touch.

Visiting their crew brought them involuntarily closer to Starfleet again, and Kathryn noticed that she didn't miss it and its strict rules but she knew she needed to make a decision about her career eventually. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do, unlike Chakotay who seriously considered taking a teaching post. She thought about going back into science but she didn't put herself under pressure. She had plenty of time and, for now, she was busy enough here.

Since they finished the extension the previous year, the house had now a large kitchen, a living room and, in addition, a study with high shelves full of books. Chakotay made jokes that she had, from the very beginning, designed the house to her expectations so he shouldn't have been surprised that she wanted to move in with him at some point.

When they were done with their own home, he began to build one for her sheep, a small stable with pastures around, surrounded by a wooden fence. She bought five pregnant sheep, and in spring, they had brought eight lambs into the world, stubby, resistant, and very cute little creatures.

She smiled at the lambs. They had grown so much since their birth and as one of them approached its mother, nudged her belly with its nose, and she stopped to let it drink, Kathryn sighed. She had never found something more calming than watching a lamb suckling.

Since they began to nibble at solid food, too, she couldn't resist bringing them treats. But not now, she decided and took her book. It was too hot to move.

Engrossed in her reading, she didn't see or hear a thing until suddenly a voice called out questioningly from beside the house.

"Hello? Somebody home?"

Excited, Kathryn sat up. "Harry? Harry!" she exclaimed. "Is that you?"

Harry walked around the corner and climbed the stairs. "It is me," he grinned, happy to see his former captain again.

"Oh, Harry!" Kathryn jumped from the lounger and hugged him dearly. "How are you? How was the mission? Do you have a girlfriend yet?" She held him at arm's length and studied his face.

He chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Fine. Good. No."

She laughed. "Come on, sit down. I want to hear everything in detail!"

She shoved him to the table and they sat down.

"There isn't much to tell. Life aboard a starship… You know how it is."

"I do," she nodded.

"But it's nice not to be the ensign anymore."

"I can imagine," she laughed. "And the mission?"

"It was a huge success."

"Good," she said, approvingly. "It's just sad you weren't at the anniversary. We missed you."

"I hated not being be there. Actually that's the reason why I came. I have an idea."

"Oh?" Curious, she leaned closer.

"In a couple of weeks another anniversary is due. The ten year anniversary."

Kathryn leaned back and a surge of guilt washed through her body.

"I know it's not your favorite day," Harry said quickly, aware of her feelings. "But it's the day we all met, the day circumstances set the foundation for our family. We can't just let that day pass."

"You're right," she nodded, brave. "What do you have in mind?"

"A party, a get-together. I thought we could rent a ballroom…" He looked around. "But now I think here would be a perfect place for the party."

She looked at her huge garden. "It is a place for a party…"

"So what do you say?"

"I would love to see our crew."

"I bet a lot of them feel the same."

"It's just… I have some very bad memories of that day."

"Well then, let's make some new ones, some happy memories."

She smiled at him with tears in her eyes and cupped his cheek with her hand. "I don't know if I can, but I'm willing to give it a try."

Harry returned her smile and Kathryn dropped her hand and pulled herself together. "Okay," she said, clapping her hands once. "We need a plan. Why don't we call Tom and B'Elanna? I'm sure they would love to help us."

Harry nodded. "Good idea, Captain."

"I'm not your captain anymore, Harry," she told him.

Harry blushed to a deep red. "I'm sorry, Admiral."

She cringed. "Please don't call me admiral."

"You didn't resign, did you? Rumors have it you turned your back on Starfleet."

"I'm still on sabbatical and I don't know if I will come back. But I certainly didn't 'turn my back on Starfleet'."

He nodded, glad. "So what should I call you?"

"Kathryn."

"I can't do that," he shook his head vehemently.

"Of course you can. Do it," she encouraged him.

"No."

"Come on. Give it a try."

"I don't think I could ever do that."

She laughed throatily. "You'll adapt."

"Never."

She laughed even more. "You'll find a way."

"I don't think so," he laughed with her.

"One day, you can," she assured him.

"If you say so… Ma'am."

He said it with a happy twinkle in his eyes and she was reminded that he wasn't a bit that green ensign anymore she had taken aboard her ship all those years ago. She was very proud of what he had become but he still earned a playful death glare for his 'Ma'am'.

The front door rattled and Chakotay's voice echoed through the house. "I'm home."

"On the back porch!" Kathryn called out. "And keep your clothes on. We have company."

He came out, his head tilted to the side. "That was one time!"

"And Phil got a pretty good view." She nodded towards his midsection.

"It was embarrassing enough, it'll never happen again."

"Too bad."

He bent down and kissed her.

"Harry!"

"Nice to see you, Chakotay," Harry said, somewhat flustered by what he just witnessed.

"How is our favorite Starfleet lieutenant?" Chakotay asked, giving Harry a friendly pat on the shoulder as he rounded the table and sat down.

"Pretty great. I just came back from the deep space mission."

"Harry, tell Chakotay about your idea," Kathryn said, rising from her chair. "I'll call Tom and B'Elanna. Maybe they have time to beam over here now."

She made her way inside and Harry told Chakotay of their plan.

"I like the idea," Chakotay said. "What did she say?" He nodded towards the house, implementing Kathryn.

"She still struggles with the memories of this date, but she likes the idea, too."

"Good. I'm glad you asked her. I didn't know how to break the topic of that date."

"It's tough for her."

"Very," Chakotay agreed.

Kathryn came back and sat down. "Tom and B'Elanna are on their way. When Tom heard about what we want to do, he couldn't be stopped."

"Poor B'Elanna," Harry said.

Kathryn waved her hand dismissively. "She's looking forward to see you."

"I'm looking forward to see her, too."

"You can't imagine how big Miral is," Chakotay said.

"Oh, I think I can. I received many, many, pictures during the last year."

"They like to share," Kathryn chuckled.

"They do indeed," Harry grinned.

It didn't take long before Tom, B'Elanna and Miral arrived. Harry was astonished at how much Miral had grown, pictures or no pictures.

They talked about their lives and didn't get to the actual planning and when Miral thought it was boring, she picked leaves and blooms Kathryn told her the sheep liked.

With her small hands full, she walked to Tom.

"Daddy…" She held up her hands with the leaves and blooms. "Can we bring them to Tom the sheep?"

Tom lifted Miral into his lap. "Of course, Sweetie."

"Tom the sheep?" Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Kathryn allowed the children to name each a lamb. Miral…" Tom wriggled his knees so she bounced up and down and the little girl squealed in delight. "… decided to name a male lamb Tom. To not be confused he's called 'Tom the sheep'."

"There's also a 'Commander the sheep'," Chakotay chimed in, rolling his eyes.

"I named him," Kathryn grinned and nudged Chakotay with her elbow.

To see his former command team engage in a playful banter made Harry happy and he smiled, amused.

"Tom the sheep makes nonsense all day," Kathryn told him. "Since he found out how to escape, we have to pick him up somewhere else every day."

"I guess you found the right name for the lamb, Miral," Harry teased and Miral smiled, pleased.

"Wanna come see Tom the sheep?"

"I'd love to."

Miral looked with her big brown eyes at B'Elanna. "Mommy too?"

"Sure."

"Go," Kathryn said. "I'll grab a PADD and then we can start planning our party."

The four of them rose and Chakotay took Kathryn's hand when the others were out of hearing range. "You're really okay with this party?" he asked quietly.

Nodding, she looked at him. "I am."

He searched her face.

"It's not my favorite day," she admitted under his scrutiny. "But I'd love to see our crew."

"If we do it here we can't sneak away."

"I don't need to sneak away," she assured him and touched his face gently. "You don't have to be concerned. I'm really fine with it."

Suddenly Tom jogged up to them. "I hate to interrupt. But Tom the sheep is gone."

"Again," Kathryn sighed.

"I suggested a forcefield," Chakotay pointed out playfully. "You didn't want it."

"I know. I wanted to get away from technology but I'm beginning to regret that decision."

Laughing, he patted her thigh and they got up to search for the missing lamb together.

=/\=

The ten year Voyager family party was a huge success. Nearly every one of Voyager's former crew was present in Kathryn's and Chakotay's backyard, including their families and loved ones. To be safe, Tom suggested putting up large tents, but the weather was fine and the adults were sitting outside, enjoying the warm summer evening, while the children were playing between the newly planted fruit trees. There was plenty to eat and drink and everybody had a great time.

Kathryn had only caught glimpses of Chakotay all evening. They were mingling through the crowd, chatting with the crew and their families, but when the sun stood low over the horizon, he came to her and took her elbow. "Would you…," he inclined his head to a quiet corner.

She nodded her head and followed him. "What is it?" she asked.

"I…," he stopped and looked down at his hands.

Something was on his mind, and she was concerned by his uneasiness. "Chakotay?"

He looked up and smiled at her. "You look beautiful tonight."

She wore a white summer dress, in her hair a white flower she got from Maya.

"Thank you," she smiled widely. "You look quite handsome yourself."

He grinned at her, his eyes shining with love and affection. "I wanted…," he stopped again and played nervously with his fingers.

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes, it's just…" He looked around to see if someone was watching them and took her hand. "Come with me."

"Chakotay…," she said, looking back as he led her through the trees to the lakeside. "We can't leave."

"We'll be right back."

At their secret spot at the lake, he stopped.

"Would you care to enlighten me what we're doing here?" she asked, looking around the place where they spent many blissful hours for a sign.

He nodded and took a deep breath. "I need to do something important."

She frowned, confused.

Holding her hand firmly in his, he dropped to one knee and her breath caught in her throat. "Kathryn, I never thought I would be so lucky and meet anyone who is as passionate, loveable and caring as you are. I know we've been through a lot in the past but I never stopped loving you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you…"

He paused, gathering his courage, but she couldn't hold back.

"Yes!"

His face broke into a grin. "I didn't ask yet."

She cleared her throat. "Sorry. Go on."

"Kathryn Janeway, will you marry me? Will you make me the happiest man alive?"

"Yes," she nodded her head with emphasis. "Oh, yes, I will!"

He smiled relived and took a ring out of his pocket and slid it onto her finger. Then he jumped up and kissed her soundly.

"I know you're not into long-time engagements, so what do you say about getting married now?"

"Now?" she asked, surprised.

"Owen can marry us. We could do it here, alone, or in front of our family and friends."

Tears sparkled in her eyes. "Here. With Mom, Phoebe, Sekaya and Tom and B'Elanna."

"I'd love that," he agreed and kissed her again.

After a second, she broke the kiss. "Come on," she said in a hurry and dragged him back to the party. "Let's get married."

He laughed and knew better than trying to stop her.

They found Owen and quietly asked him to officiate their wedding. He was honored to do so and without causing suspicion, they stole their witnesses away from the party.

The ceremony was short and moving. Sekaya and Gretchen cried at the happiness of their loved ones and even Tom stifled a sniff when his father made a wonderful speech about love and never giving up hope. Kathryn had the distinct feeling that Owen had prepared himself and she glanced at Chakotay, but his face gave nothing away.

When Owen finally declared them husband and wife they kissed just as the sun touched the water behind them.

Blissfully happy, they made their way back.

"Where do you come from?" Harry asked, confused, when he saw the group emerging from between the trees.

"Oh, we were just…" Chakotay looked at Kathryn.

"We were just getting married," she said joyfully, holding up her hand with the brand new wedding ring.

Harry's jaw dropped. "You got married!? And I wasn't there…"

"Come on, buddy." Tom laid his arm around Harry's shoulders. "I'll get you a drink."

"I mean… it was my idea to throw the party. Shouldn't I have been there then?" Harry protested but Tom shoved him to the bar.

"Stop complaining. We're celebrating now!"

With warp speed, the news of the marriage spread around and Kathryn and Chakotay received congratulations and best wishes. The crew was over the moon and requested a first dance. Reluctantly, Chakotay offered Kathryn his hand and they entered the dance floor.

"It's the happiest day of my life," Kathryn smiled at him, swaying to the music.

He opened his mouth to say something but held back.

"What?" she prompted.

"You do know what date it is?"

"I forgot!" she realized, tilting her head away from him. "It's like Harry said," she smiled. "I have to make new, happy, memories."

He ran his hands up and down her back and she rested her head against his shoulder.

"You're a great dancer."

"I'm not."

She chuckled against him. He was the lousiest dancer she knew. But she was too happy to care.

On the other side of the garden, B'Elanna inspected the buffet table when something caught her eye.

"Tom! Your namesake is eating the lettuce!" she called out furiously.

Tom saw Tom the sheep stealing one lettuce leaf after the other. He wasn't eating them and a pile of leaves lay at his feet.

Sneaking up to him, Voyager's former helmsman grabbed the lamb like a cowboy and carried it away.

When Tom came back, Kathryn was standing next to B'Elanna.

"I brought Tom the sheep into the stable," he told them. "He can't get out of there."

"All alone?" Kathryn asked.

"Yeah."

"Get him out. Or at least put his mother and sister with him. He can't be alone."

"You put me in isolated confinement once," Tom pointed out.

She lowered her head and glared at him. "You are not a sheep."

"Okay, okay, I'll get him out. Come, Miral, we get Tom the sheep out of the brig."

He lifted his daughter into his arms and left to bring the lamb back to the other sheep.

After doing so, they joined Kathryn, who stood next to the dance floor.

"Tom the sheep is back where he belongs," Tom said.

"Thank you."

"Can he stay forever?" Miral asked.

"I'm afraid that's not possible."

"Why not?" Tom whined, and Kathryn wondered who the two year old was, Tom or Miral.

"If I keep him, he needs to be castrated," Kathryn pointed out.

Instantly, Tom's legs snapped together. "I guess he have to leave then…," he told his daughter.

"But don't worry," Kathryn addressed Miral, tapping the little girl's nose. "I'll make sure he'll live a happy life and doesn't end up on anyone's plate."

Miral nodded her head, her eyes bright. Seeing her Mommy she wriggled out of Tom's arms and ran to B'Elanna.

"Ever thought of having children?" Tom asked when he saw Kathryn looking after Miral with a longing glance.

"I gave up on the idea of having children long ago. And we're happy. Very happy." She touched the ring on her finger and smiled widely, leaving no doubt that she was happy. "We love the life we share now."

Her eyes found Chakotays who danced with Phoebe and they smiled at each other.

"Never even talked about it?" Tom asked softly.

"Of course we did. But we came to the conclusion that we had waited too long. The time for having children has passed."

Tom nodded at her, accepting her answer. What Kathryn didn't expect was, two months later, a Doctor's appointment would teach her otherwise.

For now, she smiled at Tom and he offered her his arm. "May I have a dance with the bride?"

Her smile turned into a radiant beam and she took his arm. "You may."

They laughed and joined the others to celebrate until the light of the new day.

The End

A/N: I want to thank you all for reading and the reviews you wrote! I appreciate every single one :)