Back in her quarters, once Kate stepped into her bedroom, she stopped dead in her tracks and gasped. Laid out before her on the bed was one of the most gorgeous dresses she had ever seen. It was a tropical print halter design with a background of blues, purples and greens, which would make the color of her eyes pop. A note lay on the bed beside of it.
'Your Mom and I thought we'd take the liberty in helping you design your outfit for the evening. If you don't like it or already have something else in mind, just keep it for future use. It's up to you to choose your shoes and all the accessories, but I know no matter what, you'll be the belle of the ball. I'll be by a little before 1900 to pick you up. See you soon. Love, Dad'
Kate slowly picked up the dress and held it before her. It was stunning to say the least and very tasteful. Someone had gone to a lot of thought to design this for her, and she would most definitely wear this to the party. She lay it back on the bed as she showered and started getting ready for this shindig. She had no idea what to expect, but she was going to go in with an open mind and try to enjoy her evening.
A few minutes before 1900, her door chime rang. She was still in her bedroom getting ready and hollered out "Come in," to whomever was at the door. She heard him say her name and knew, naturally, that it was her father. "I'm in here. Almost ready."
She could hear him nervously pacing around her quarters before she finally asked, "Would you mind giving me a hand?"
Not sure what he was about to walk in on, he carefully peered around the corner, and she couldn't help but laugh at his expression. "Don't worry, Captain, I'm fully dressed, I just can't get my necklace clasp hooked for some reason."
He carefully approached her from behind as he was in awe at her sheer elegance. "I thought you never took it off?" he quizzed.
"I typically don't, but I was trying to do something different with my hair and it got caught, so I took it off to fix my hair and now I can't get it back on for some reason. I think it might be the strap of this gown that's throwing me off. And thank you, by the way, for this. It is absolutely gorgeous!"
She had been looking down and hadn't paid much attention to what he was wearing, but when she glanced in the mirror watching as he carefully refastened the hook on her necklace around her neck, she was momentarily shocked at seeing him out of uniform, which was such a rare occurrence. He was wearing a black shirt that had some sort of tropical design. It was more form fitting and the first few buttons were undone. If he wasn't her father, she might would have made a pass at him. She shook her head and thought to herself that her mother had to have been crazy for not wanting to spend the rest of her life with this gorgeous man.
"All done," he added while patting the back of her neck. She had finally given up on attempting to do something different with her hair and ultimately elected to wear her hair completely down with a few curls added here and there for affects. Taking a step back from her, he simply smiled. "You, my dear, look absolutely amazing. So beautiful. It's hard to believe I'm your father at times because you are so gorgeous just like your mother."
She laughed a hearty laugh that showed all her fine lines, dimples and teeth. "Really? I think you're pretty darn handsome yourself, Dad, and Mom's not too shabby herself. So, hey, crossing your two genes, we came up with sheer perfection." He raised his eyebrows and simply shook his head. "I'm just kidding. As I know I am far from perfect. But thank you for your compliments, and I like what you're wearing it is very relaxing looking, which is good to see you relaxed."
He slipped back around to where he stood in front of her and pulled out a bouquet of flowers. She was stunned as it was an assortment of her favorite flowers, and she had never told anyone on this ship anything about her favorite flowers. She gasped as she inhaled the fragrance.
"These are my favorites. I mean all of my favorites," she was speechless.
He simply smiled and said, "I know," to which she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. He slightly chuckled and then replied. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but with both of us having darker hair and somewhat darker complexions and wearing these tropical motifs, I almost feel we look more Hawaiian tonight than Native American."
She couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I'm not of a darker complexion as you are, since I did inherit some of Mom's genes there, but I guess you're right. Although, the Hawaiians are Native Americans in their own rights. But, I guess we'll fit in with the surroundings a little more than the others. Maybe I should've requested we have teepees, wigwams, totems and huts and such for this party. Couldn't you imagine Mom's reaction to that?"
He smiled and laughed, but Kate couldn't help but notice the way his body language changed when she mentioned her Mom. She knew something had transpired and she needed to get to the bottom of this and fast.
"Oh, no, what happened? I know something's wrong. What'd she do this time?"
He shook his head. "It's nothing. Really, it can wait."
In a manner, so eerily similar to her mother, both of her hands were on her miniscule waist and hips in a manner of seconds. Chakotay knew this was about to turn serious, especially when she cocked her head to one side and raised an eyebrow straight up.
"No," she stated adamantly and affirmatively. "If she's done something, I need to know about it because I'm not about to walk in to tension city and have to put out some fires nor do I want the two of you playing nice just for my sake. Open up and spill it."
He chuckled to himself at how much she was like her mother and how quickly she could transition into that role. It was very similar to how Kathryn could transition from Kathryn to Admiral, but fortunately for Kate, she had a better grasp on how to handle both roles.
"When she and I were talking about your wanting the children at the party tonight, she made the comment about how hard-headed you were. I jokingly said it was like dealing with Phoebe at times. She handled that pretty well, but then I opened my mouth and suggested that she needed to take you to see Gretchen and Phoebe. And, well, let's just say, she did not handle that too well. She tried to keep herself as composed as possible, but she basically told me I had no right to tell her what she needed to do with her daughter. I retorted back reminding her that you were our daughter and that I felt that her mother and sister deserved the right to know they had a granddaughter and niece. She didn't respond but I could tell she was processing it, and then she spun on those heels and had her mad walk down the hall."
Kate couldn't help but laugh. "The mad walk when her arms get to swinging so fast it's like she's about to go straight into motion and fly?"
He smirked, "You've noticed that, too?"
"Of course. That's one of her trademarks. But you know what, I don't blame you for bringing it up. You caught her off-guard with it, and that's one thing she hates more than anything - being caught off-guard. She's probably not likely mad at you, as much as she is upset over the fact that you thought of it, and pointed it out to her before she had ever considered it herself. I imagine she's considered it but dealing with how her family is going to react, she's not sure how to prepare for that because just as she hates how she's hurt you and me, she doesn't want to hurt them either with confronting her secret head-on.
"I know it's gnawing at you, but she's had all day to simmer, so who knows maybe you can take her on a midnight stroll down the beach or whatever Neelix has designed for this holodeck program tonight. Don't let her get your feathers ruffled. That's what she wants most is for others to get upset. It's all about control. Keep peeling the layers away. Of course, I'm a fine one to speak since she and I have had our fair share of battles. But I just remind myself that I'm better than that and I have to think with an open mind and clear head. Keep pushing forward. She has to fight her own demons or let them consume her one. But the choice is hers, not ours."
He extended his arm to her, "Well, dear wise one, I think our presence is required at your gala, or the two of our heads might end up on the mighty one's chopping block. But, you're right, the choice is hers. I think it hurts us just to see her struggling so much, and not allowing herself to just let go, be real and have fun. You're so level-headed that when you switch your roles, you anticipate it and rarely change your overall persona. But, as far as a midnight stroll on the shoreline, well, I'm not getting my hopes up for that or anything else. Shall we?" he indicated while motioning for the door.
She placed her arm inside of his, much as she likely would do forthcoming on her wedding day as he escorted her down the hall to the turbolift that they took to the holodeck, where they could hear the ruckus of the festivities as soon as they departed. As they approached the main doors, Kate slightly tightened her grip on Chakotay. She didn't like big celebrations, and he could immediately tell she was slightly apprehensive.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I know you don't like celebrations, about as much as like I don't like them either. But we're all family here, so just have fun."
She turned to glance over at him. "Same goes for you, too, Captain," she added just as the doors to the holodeck slid open revealing a breathtaking, exotic tropical environment and an uproar of applause break out at her sudden appearance.
Neelix animatedly grabbed her as soon as she walked in the door. "Oooh, Commander, you look absolutely ravishing this evening," he stated while draping a beautiful red and purple lei around her neck.
"Thank you, Neelix, and please, it's just Kate when we're off-duty. Thank you for all you've done to make this evening so magical. This is so, so lovely."
He beamed with pride as he draped a lei around Chakotay's neck. Everyone's eyes were practically glued to their Captain and Commander, as they knew the rumor mill would be in full swing now. Neelix ordered the party to begin and everyone broke up into their little groups.
Tom, Harry and B'Elanna had been standing together when Chakotay and Kate walked in the door and they watched the fiasco with Neelix from afar.
"Hot damn," Paris stated. "She looks amazing," which resulted in a slap on the arm from his wife. "Sorry, I mean it's not that you don't look hot, too, honey, but I mean…"
She laughed. "I know, Tom. She does look breathtaking. I thought she was a dead-ringer for the Admiral, but I can definitely see some of Chakotay in her, too."
Harry ssh'ed them. "Guys, remember, not everyone knows about her connection to Chakotay. Keep it down."
"Well, if they don't figure it out tonight, they're going to think something else is going on with the two of them arriving so cozily together," Tom countered.
B'Elanna raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Well, based on some of my conversations with Kate, we need to somehow make sure that Chakotay leaves with the Admiral tonight."
Harry shook his head. "Speaking of which, where is she? I don't even see her here."
The three glanced around and suddenly realized that indeed the Admiral was missing in action. They couldn't react too out of character as Chakotay and Kate were fast approaching them.
"Cat got your tongue, Mr. Paris?" Chakotay asked.
"Uhh, no boss, I just. You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Commander," Paris stammered out attempting to change the subject. After Tom made his comment, Harry and B'Elanna all followed suit with comments on the Commander's appearance. Almost bashfully, she responded with appreciation. She soon left the trio and the Captain talking to mingle with many of the other guests, but she suddenly realized that someone was missing.
Kate saw Galina standing near the children's play area and she strode over. "I hope you're not assigning yourself as babysitter tonight, Ensign."
Ensign Amaez turned and her mouth dropped when she saw how different Kate looked out of her uniform. "Wow, Kate, you look incredible. And no, I just walked over to see what they had set up for the kids."
"You look quite lovely yourself, Galina. I saw Lt. Kim spying your way earlier."
"Oh, hush, Kate. You know I'm out of his league."
Kate shook her head and laughed. "I doubt that. Lt. Kim doesn't have the greatest track record for keeping a steady girlfriend. Hey, I have a question, have you noticed anyone who is missing tonight?"
Glancing around briefly, Galina's eyes locked with Kate's. "I wasn't going to say anything, but I haven't seen her at all and I've been here for a while. It's kind of odd, isn't it? I mean wasn't it her idea to throw this celebration as a thank you for your service and sacrifice?"
Kate nodded and glanced around again, this time catching Chakotay's eyes as she continued to scan the crowd. "That's what I thought, too, Galina, but it's really odd that she's not here," she muttered to Ensign Amaez but she couldn't shake the feeling that Chakotay was watching her every move. "I'll be right back."
Kate strode away from Ensign Amaez and was heading back towards Neelix when Chakotay stepped out in front of her. "I know who you're looking for. I just asked B'Elanna, too. No one has seen her all evening."
Kate was determined and Chakotay knew she was about to ask the computer to locate the Admiral but he shook his head. Kate side-stepped him as Neelix was making his rounds with a platter of food and was heading towards where Kate, Chakotay, Tom, Harry and B'Elanna all stood.
"Mr. Neelix," she stated before Chakotay could stop her. "I'm sorry to interrupt but do you happen to know where…" and she froze as the doors to the main holodeck slid open and there stood her mother.
"Holy shit," Kate muttered in sheer amazement at the transformation of Kathryn Janeway and the attire that she was wearing.
From behind her, she heard Chakotay inhale loudly along with gasps from B'Elanna, Tom and Harry. All were completely stunned not just by how she had styled her hair but let alone what she was wearing. Kate rolled her eyes towards Galina Amaez, whose mouth had literally fallen open, as had Mr. Neelix'. To say she looked stunning was an understatement. She looked smashing. Kate was truly mesmerized by the sheer beauty that still existed within her mother. She was so used to seeing her mother wear her Admiral's uniform or occasionally dressed down at her home, but she had never seen her dressed so fashionably.
Even at an older age, Kathryn Janeway still looked incredible. The flaming reddish hair had been toned down to a darker auburn and it was styled in a very professional looking manner. But her dress, which was tropical themed, was very, very form-fitting and quite low-cut. It was most definitely not Starfleet issue. She spun around and the look in Chakotay's eyes was all that Kate needed to see. He was beyond smitten. He had likely never seen Kathryn look like this either, and Kate couldn't hide the smirk on his face as she nudged him in the side and brought him back to reality.
"You better calm thyself down, Captain, or God only knows what might happen on that seashore tonight."
His eyes blared open and then down at her where he was met with a wicked smile from his own daughter. She glanced back towards where her mother was making her grand entrance, as she had obviously become the talk of the room, which was a relief to Kate. She just shook her head in sheer amazement, as she didn't think the great Admiral had it in her to dress in such a revealing manner. Kate couldn't help but speculate what the reason was behind this. Was this another game that the Admiral was playing, toying with her and trying to one-up her own daughter? Was she playing with Chakotay's mind and driving him insane? Or was this some sort of crazy fantasy where she truly had always wanted to let her hair down?
The Admiral wasn't dressed provocatively nor distastefully in any way. Her outfit was a bit more revealing than what anyone was used to seeing out of her, but it was nothing X-rated by any means either. Nonetheless, Kate, in some strange way, liked seeing this side of her mother. She slowly stepped away from Chakotay and the rest of the command team and made her way towards her mother.
"I was wondering if you were going to skip out on this event," Kate stated while reaching out to embrace her mother.
"Well, someone had some last minute accommodations that they wanted made, which required Mr. Neelix and I to put in some extra overtime, and it delayed me a little in getting ready. I'm sorry I wasn't here for your grand entrance. What do you think?"
She'd held out her hand and Kate took it allowing her mother to spin around to show off her full dress. Kate smiled when Kathryn faced her again. "Mom, I don't know what to say. You look incredible, absolutely amazing. You look so beautiful. Thank you for all your hard work. Thank you for everything. But, I've never seen you dressed like this, and it's good to see you let your guard down and show off your beautiful inner, and well outer self."
Kathryn smiled at her daughter and kissed her on the cheek. "No, my darling, you are the beautiful one both inside and out. You look like a perfect princess tonight. Pocahontas couldn't even compete with you."
Kate rolled her eyes. "Really? Pocahontas? Seriously, Mom, that's not even funny!" she added with a laugh. "I know a lot has happened over the past few weeks, and I know something has happened today and you better not be playing any sort of crazy games," she paused gazing at her mother for a reaction before she continued. "But, for once, listen to your heart, be the real Kathryn with no strings attached and have a great time tonight. If you won't do it for yourself, do it for me, okay?"
Kathryn took her daughter by the hand and reached out and touched her cheek with her free hand. "Always for you, honey."
Kate eyed her mother suspiciously until Neelix barged up and interrupted, which caused Kate to step away and retreat to a corner with Galina to continue their discussion. Kate was completely bewildered by her mother's transformation and she wanted to watch from afar how she and Chakotay may interact together this evening. Over the course of the next hour or so, Kate couldn't help but watch how her parents kept a distance from each other. From what she recalled, neither had even uttered a word to each other, but they neither could keep their eyes off of each other, especially Chakotay as he was following Kathryn's every move with great protection almost as if he had reverted to his days as being her First Officer.
B'Elanna strolled over towards Kate and pulled her to the side. "I've been watching them the whole evening. I know what you're thinking, and we have an idea of how to get them to actually speak."
Kate's curiosity was piqued. "Just why is that so important to all of you?"
B'Elanna understood the reason why Kate was asking her this. "Kate, all of us served with your parents for seven years on Voyager well before you even came along. They were in love with each other but dodged it at every step of the way. We saw how much they loved, cared and respected each other, and to be honest, I think all of us considered them to be the Mom and Dad over the ship and ultimately over us. We wanted them to be happy and ultimately knew they could be happy together if they'd just give it a try. So, now that we know at some point, they did obviously get together because along comes you, we want even more for them to get together. Obviously, I don't know how they feel about each other, but they can't keep their eyes off each other tonight. They are in love and somehow they need to unearth those feelings and see where things will lead. Their avoiding each other tonight is obvious like the plague, but we've got something planned but need your help."
Kate cocked her head sideways as she watched the Doctor, Tom, Harry and even Galina step up onto the stage.
"Oh no," Kate stated as B'Elanna glanced up at them.
"Come on, Kate. We have our very own Voyager band. Granted, we aren't the best, but if we can get you to sing with us, which Chakotay does on occasion, I think it might just bring them together and then who knows what may happen."
Kate rolled her eyes and pondered the idea for a moment. She glanced over to where Chakotay was standing mingling with some crew members and watched her mother doing the same but further away. It was now or never.
"Fine. I'm not singing right off the bat. You guys go ahead and start your show or whatever and I'll join in later, but this better work because I don't typically sing for just anyone."
B'Elanna winked at her and turned to walk away but Kate grabbed her by the arm.
"Wait! Did you say Chakotay sings with you guys some?"
B'Elanna laughed. "Actually yes, and he is quite good but he doesn't let many people know about his hidden talent."
Kate just shook her head as B'Elanna walked away. "These people never cease to amaze me," she mumbled to herself while eyeing Galina, who also had failed to tell Kate that she was a member of this little party band. As the band struck up their tunes, Kate made her way to the kid's area and played with them for a little while. She told them that she had been asked to sing a song and wanted their input on what she should sing. They were all excited and couldn't wait to hear her and gave her a number of suggestions. She told them to keep it a secret as it was going to be a surprise for the Admiral and the Captain, which made the kids all the more excited.
Tom gathered everyone to the middle and announced that they had a surprise guest who would be joining the band that evening. Everyone assumed it was going to be the Captain, as he had done that on one prior occasion, but when he didn't join them on stage, everyone started to speculate who it would be. The lights dimmed as Galina started playing some soft notes on the piano to a song from many years prior, and out of the darkness, as wispy clouds of smoke drifted up on the stage, their commander, Kate Janeway stepped forward breaking out into the infamous song entitled, Skyfall.
As Kate sang through the first verse and chorus, the children crowded the stage and were mesmerized, as were most of the rest of the crew. As she was finishing the first verse, she couldn't help but additionally watch as both of her parents had made their way in to the outer skirts of the crowd watching her in sheer awe. She didn't pay much attention to the words of the first verse, but when she started to sing the words to the second verse and chorus, it hit her as to how appropriate and fitting they were for those two people. She glanced to her right where B'Elanna was singing with her, and she simply gave her a smile and nod to continue.
Skyfall is where we start
A thousand miles and poles apart
Where worlds collide and days are dark
You may have my number, you can take my name
But you'll never have my heart
Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)
When it crumbles (when it crumbles)
We will stand tall (we will stand tall)
Face it all together
Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)
When it crumbles (when it crumbles)
We will stand tall (we will stand tall)
Face it all together
At sky fall
Approaching the latter verses, B'Elanna stepped closer to Kate as she had noticed something in the crowd. She noticed that the Admiral had moved to stand directly beside of Chakotay, and she didn't think Kate had noticed because she was so wrapped up in the song. As Kate was about to sing the final tag line, which ultimately defined her parents, B'Elanna nudged her to watch them carefully.
Where you go I go
What you see I see
I know I'd never be me
Without the security
Of your loving arms
Keeping me from harm
Put your hand in my hand
And we'll stand
As Kate sang that portion, she and B'Elanna watched Kathryn as she glanced upward at Chakotay knowing those words were so appropriate. Anywhere she went, Chakotay went. Whatever she saw, he saw. She never felt complete except when she was secure and safe in his arms. Instinctively, she reached for his hand and held it in hers. He looked down at her and beamed with pride.
If B'Elanna and Kate hadn't been watching, they wouldn't have picked up on the motion as it was so swift and so faint. They were in the midst of a packed crowd and it was hard to even notice they were holding each other hands and looking deep in to each other's eyes, but Kate and B'Elanna had witnessed it all and as they continued the song, they couldn't help but smile and wink at each other. The sky might just fall tonight and crumble, but Kate knew that those two would face whatever came their way together.
As she finished the song, the kids erupted in to a loud cheer. They really had no idea what she sang, but they were just overjoyed to see Miss Katie singing. After continued pestering, Tom convinced her to stay up on stage and sing some more with the group. At first she protested, but she finally caved to them and continued singing a variety of other songs much to the delight of the rest of the crew.
Chakotay eventually released Kathryn's hand but instead, he wrapped his arm around her lower waist and pulled her closer to him slightly. They still hadn't really spoken, but the looks they shared spoke volumes. In some ways, it was the sound of their daughter's voice that had brought them back together. Seeing how relaxed she was, how at peace she was, how she melded with their crew so well, it was a large family reunion in many ways, and having her sing a song that touched both of their hearts, brought them together to watch her perform and ultimately charm the entire Voyager family.
The way Mr. Neelix and Mr. Paris had designed the tropical atmosphere had the band's stage situated in a park that sat right on a boardwalk with the ocean and beach behind the stage and miles and miles of shoreline for everyone and anyone to explore. Some of the kids were covered in sand and others were soaked from their waterpark and dips in the clear blue waters. To Kate, this truly felt like being back on Earth on some tropical island with the breeze blowing in her hair. After a few moments, she noticed that her parents had left the crowded grassy area where many of the other crew members had sat down or were eating their dinners and mingling. It was a relaxing atmosphere, and deep down, she was excited at the possibility that the two of them had vanished together.
As Paris came back up to the microphone, Kate stepped over towards B'Elanna who spoke up, "I saw them leave together and head that way. Looks like Chakotay was taking her on a stroll on the boardwalk or maybe even the beach."
Kate smiled and glanced at the entire band who all had their fingers crossed, even Ensign Amaez, who Kate hadn't completely been truthful with, also seemed excited over the possibility that romance was in the air.
"Let's not get our hopes up, B'Elanna, but let's allow them some privacy, as well."
Paris stepped back and joked, "I don't think you really want to see where you came from, do you?"
Kate popped him on the arm harder than she anticipated, which caused some laughter from the crowd as they really had no idea what was transpiring. "No! I do NOT need to witness that first hand and neither do you, Mr. Paris. But, we will all see tomorrow, how their moods are, especially the Captain's when he comes on the bridge and I think we'll have our answer, and maybe you can cash in on your bets, Paris."
Paris knew he was going to like Kate. She was serious about her job, but she had a playful side to her that he knew he could joke around with and have fun. She had a little more edge to her than her mother or her father. This was going to be a fun voyage up ahead.
Chakotay still hadn't uttered a word as he and Kathryn strolled silently down the boardwalk together. He reached out and took her by the hand again, which caused her to slightly look up at him. He smiled down at her with one of those smiles that just made her want to eat him. "Want to walk out on the beach?"
It was the first thing he had uttered all evening towards her, and she simply nodded in return allowing him to lead the way. However they had designed it, as they stepped foot out on to the gorgeous tropical sandy beach, the sun slowly began its descent into the crystal blue waters across the horizon. Chakotay had no idea if this was based on some real tropical island somewhere, but this was his tropical paradise and he had the woman that he loved at his side.
Kathryn watched as the sun reflected across the blue waters and she gasped. "This is so, so lovely, Chakotay."
He smiled down at her as he watched the water reflect and sparkle in her crystal blue eyes. "No, Kathryn, you are lovely."
She paused and then ever so slowly turned her head allowing her eyes to meet his where she saw a look she'd only ever witnessed one or two other times. His eyes were filled with such passion and hunger and burning with a desire that caused her to ache internally.
"Chakotay," she barely breathed out of her mouth as his eyes were so powerful in studying her entire body that she could hardly breathe.
He gently reached up and cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand. "I've never seen you look more breathtaking than you do tonight. You are beyond beautiful."
He let his hand linger on her face as she turned her face to rest in the palm of his hand. Her eyes filled with tears as she could see the sincerity in his look, as well as the passion.
"Thank you," she barely could speak. She placed her right hand on his chest toying with the collar of his shirt and smirked. "You look pretty dashing yourself, Chakotay. Black shirts on you always did drive me a little crazy."
He stopped her before she could continue as he didn't want things to get too out of hand too fast.
"Come on, let's walk a little further."
He couldn't keep his eyes off of her and that dress. His mind was wandering to places that it didn't need to go, and he kept reminding himself to slow the pace, as he had no idea where Kathryn's thoughts lay concerning him, ultimately them. They continued to hold hands as they walked down the shore. Kathryn pulled him a little closer to the water so she could get her feet wet as they continued to walk away from where the party was continuing to unfold. She could feel his gaze upon her body, and she began to wonder if even she should've worn the dress.
A little ways down the beach, they found a secluded tiki bar, where they popped in and ordered a few drinks. They didn't recognize any of the other patrons as being part of their crew, so they felt they were pretty much isolated with other holograms. They elected to take their drinks out onto the patio and continue to watch the sun set. Chakotay noticed a few other men glance in Kathryn's direction, and he placed his arm around her almost as if he were marking his territory and daring them to cross the line. The tiki bar had a band playing as well, and when they started to play a slow, melodious tune, Chakotay shocked Kathryn by asking her to dance. As they spun slowly around the dance floor, their bodies were pressed close together and Kathryn felt beyond secure and safe. In that instance, any hesitation she ever felt vanished. All the chats she'd had with her sister about this man and how Phoebe kept telling Kathryn she was utterly crazy for letting him go, came rushing back to her and she knew she had been crazy. She knew this was where she wanted to spend the rest of her life, yet she didn't think Chakotay could possibly ever forgive her for the way she had treated him over the years, let alone for lying to him and hiding their child from him.
Sensing her mind drifting, Chakotay pulled her back out to the shoreline and they continued to walk before she stopped walking and stood directly in front of him. Without her heels on, their height difference was noticeable, but he could tell she wanted to say something.
"Chakotay," she started and stopped, hesitating over the next words and how to proceed. "Tonight, I've realized, actually I confirmed for myself, that this is where I want to be. This is where I want to spend the rest of my life. To hell with Starfleet and their damn protocols. I've let a good thing slip through my grasp for many, many years because I was too stubborn and hard-headed to open my eyes and let my heart lead me. Maybe I was scared of losing control and ultimately I was terrified because of my past, which I shared with you in that personal log entry. But nonetheless, I made a wrong, wrong choice back on New Earth when I slammed the door on us. I want us, Chakotay. I want you more than anything. I love you with every fathom of my heart, mind, body and soul. I don't want to spend another day without you. But, I've hurt you in so many ways and continue to lash out at you. I hurt you by denying you so many times. I hurt you by accusing you of things that you never did. But ultimately, I lied to you about my, our daughter. I don't know how you could ever forgive me enough to even want to spend any time with me. I just know that I love you more than life, and I'm ready to quit Starfleet if that means I can spend my life with you."
Chakotay was about ready to cry himself as this was his Kathryn talking, and he knew it was coming from her heart. He cupped her face in both of his hands and stared deep into her eyes almost as if he were reading her soul.
"Kathryn, what you just said is something I've been waiting years to hear you say. I fell in love with you the first moment I stepped onboard Voyager when I was still a member of the Maquis. When you stepped up in to my personal space. I loved your bravery, your daring courage. You were beyond fearless and beyond charming. Over the course of the years, I kept longing for you, and when we were trapped on New Earth, I almost felt as if my fantasy was becoming reality. I was beyond prepared to spend the rest of my days with you on New Earth, and no matter how stubborn you were in abiding by Starfleet protocols, I knew deep down in your soul, that you had a longing and a need for satisfaction and completion.
"Yes, there were times we both found satisfaction in other areas, but it was because we were both too scared to allow our true feelings to collide. Uniting Janeway and Chakotay was a powerful experience, and I truly felt that time stood still and that the universe shifted. I was never the same again after that evening on your birthday. That's one reason I wrote the Angry Warrior Story in words in your card. I meant every word I had said on New Earth, and I wanted that to always ring true. It's with you that I've only ever found true peace. It's always you whose needs would come first. It's always you who I would risk my life to protect. I love you, Kathryn. I always have. I always will.
"There is no one else who can capture my heart quite like you have. While it was hard for me to digest the reality of the fact that I have a child, actually a grown woman as a daughter, I've accepted that, and I've pushed it behind me. We have her now, Kathryn, and that's what's most important. We love her now all the more. I don't hate you nor does it change how I feel about you for not telling me. I will still affirmatively stand my ground and say that Phoebe and Gretchen need to know, but you have to make that decision. I'm tired of us fighting and bickering. It's time to let all the tension go. You don't have to quit Starfleet because I've already committed to retiring as soon as this mission is over. Maybe I'll then work at the Academy and teach classes or else I'll just transition into the housewife role. But either way, I want you by my side. I want to wake up with you in my arms each morning. I want to see that glorious smile every single day. I want to hold you and make love to you the way that you deserve to be held and loved. I love you, Kathryn Janeway, my Captain, my Admiral, but most importantly, my Kathryn."