Star Trek Voyager characters are the property of Paramount Pictures.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

FOUR DAYS LATER

Eyes closed, Kathryn stood in the middle of an empty, spacious, living-room that had logs for walls and wide windows that looked out upon a silver lake that glittered in the sun. Behind her was a magnificent chimney of gray stone, and to the left of the chimney was an elegant archway that lead into another room. In the wall to Kathryn's right was a sliding glass door, and an identical one graced the wall opposite.

"May I open my eyes now?" she asked, impatient to see where Chakotay had transported her. He had said it was a surprise, and this was one surprise she was looking forward too.

Chakotay, who was standing beside her, still in Adam's body, smiled. "Open away."

Kathryn immediately opened her eyes and they sparkled with joy as she recognised the view ahead.

"I know this place," she said, walking towards the window. "Lake George..."

"That's right," Chakotay replied. "You always said it was your dream to have a house overlooking the lake. Well, this is my homecoming gift to you."

Kathryn turned to face him, almost in disbelief. "You mean...the house?"

Chakotay nodded. "All yours."

Tears of joy filled Kathryn's eyes and it was a moment before she could speak. "I...I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything," Chakotay smiled, the look on her face saying more than a million words. He then reached into a pocket of his shirt, pulled out an encased silver chip, and held it out to her. "The deeds...they're in your name."

Kathryn closed the gap between them and took the chip. Tenderly, she ran her fingers over it and then looked up at him as a tear ran down her cheek. "No one has ever done anything like this for me. Thank you..."

Chakotay reached out and brushed away her tear. "It's not a fraction of what you deserve."

"What I don't deserve is you," Kathryn replied. "You're the most wonderful man...most wonderful person...I've ever met."

"Ditto," Chakotay whispered.

They gazed at each other for a moment, then Kathryn spoke, breaking the connection. "But how did you get this house? It's so hard to get a home here. No one lets them go..."

"I acquired the land," Chakotay explained. "It took some string pulling, but anyone from Voyager has a lot of pulling power these days. I designed the house and the frame-work was completed last night."

"You designed it?" Kathryn asked in surprise.

"Every detail. There's still some work to be done, but it should be ready to move in by the end of the month." He smiled. "Want a tour?"

Kathryn smiled in return and put the chip safely into a pocket of her jeans. "You bet!"

For the next hour, Chakotay showed Kathryn around the one-level home, and with every room she visited, she fell more and more in love with the place. There was a dining room and kitchen back to back with the living room, four ensuite bedrooms to the right of the house, and to the left of the house was a study, a music room, a spare room, a lavatory, and a room that Kathryn had yet to enter.

"A swimming pool!" she said in delight when she finally entered the last, and by far the largest, room. The walls were wood, like the rest of the house, but the ceiling was all glass.

"Actually, a holo-room", Chakotay smiled. "It can be anything you want it to be." He gestured to the glass ceiling. "But the roof is real...perfect for a holo-observatory."

Kathryn walked towards the pool, looking around and admiring the size and design of the room. "I always wanted a house with a holo-deck," she said. "I mean a holo-room." She looked up at the magnificent ceiling. "It's all so...amazing." She then turned away from the pool and faced Chakotay, her tone sober. "There's just one thing that would make it all perfect."

Chakotay closed the gap between them. "And what's that?"

Kathryn hesitiated with the words. "If this was 'our' home."

A sadness filled Chakotay's foreign eyes and he looked away. "I would like nothing more," he said quietly, "but let's not spoil the present by talking about a future that...that may never happen."

"It can happen," Kathryn argued. "We can make a home here...you, me and Adriena."

At this, Chakotay turned back to her. "I may not survive the switch-back," he answered. "I don't want to think about a future we can share because I want it so much that if..." He paused painfully. "If I am to die, I need to be at peace. I need to be ready for death."

"You're not going to die," Kathryn replied. "The risk of anything going wrong is less than five percent. Death is even more unlikely. We've done what needed to be done to ensure Adriena's future, but it was all just a technicality. Nothing is going to happen to you, except getting your body back."

A tear escaped Chakotay's foreign eye and fell onto a white cheek. "I need to be prepared, Kathryn. But I can't be if I think of... I just can't think about it."

Kathryn swallowed as an anxiety gripped her. "It's not like you to be negative," she said nervously. "Is there something more going on?
Something the Doctor hasn't told me?"

"No," Chakotay replied firmly. "You know as much as I do. I just..." He paused, struggled with the words. "I love you so much, Kathryn. For so many years I've longed for us to be together, but I never thought it would happen. I tried to stop loving you, tried so hard, but I couldn't. All my life I've been on the outside, stood in the shadows while others found love, and it's been such a cold and lonely place. To have a home here with you and Adriena, it's more than... I can't believe something so good can happen to me."

Gently, Kathryn put a hand on his arm. "So you think you're going to die."

Chakotay nodded.

"Well you're not," she said, tears in her eyes. "You're going to make it. I know that you are. All those things you said...they're true for me too. When Justin died, my whole world was shattered. I loved him so much that the thought of living without him was unbearable. I just wanted to die myself. I never thought I would love again, but I did, only to lose again." A tear ran down her cheek. "I won't lose you, Chakotay. I can't. You're going to make it and we're going to be a family. You, me, and Adriena."

As Chakotay looked into her eyes, his fears ebbed and he nodded. Then he couldn't help but smile. "Is that a proposal?"

Kathryn laughed softly. "Perhaps. Or... a proposal to propose."

"I see," Chakotay replied, eyes now twinkling.

They looked at each other for a moment, then Kathryn stepped away. "It's almost dinner time Irish time," she said. "What do you say to visiting the local restaurant and grabbing a bite to eat?"

Chakotay smiled happily. "Sounds good."

From the doorway of her bedroom, Kathryn watched fondly as Adriena sat with Blackie and her newest furry friend before the fire. The child was now officially recognized as Chakotay's daughter, and custody had, by his request, been temporarily granted to her. Adriena was sitting on a rainbow bean-bag, the two dogs at her feet, and they were watching her avidly as she carefully opened a large bag of doggie biscuits. Just as the child was about to hand the first biscuit to Blackie, the little brown and white dog beside him snatched it.

"Naughty, Patchie," Adriena laughed. "That was for Blackie. You mustn't be greedy."

She then reached into the bag again and pulled out another biscuit, this time successfully giving it to Blackie.

The sight of Adriena playing with the dogs warmed Kathryn's heart. She had bonded well with them and they would be good company for her, especially until she could make some friends.

"I see it's feeding time at the zoo," Kathryn smiled as she walked into the room.

Adriena looked up at her. "What's a zoo?"

"It's a place where many different animals are kept," Kathryn explained, "animals that we wouldn't get to see otherwise. There is a great one in Houston. I'll take you there one day."

"Really?" Adriena exclaimed. "You mean it?"

"Absolutely," Kathryn replied. "And there's lots of places we can go together...your daddy too."

Adriena's smile faded at that. "I don't want him to come."

Kathryn went over to the child and knelt before her. "You don't mean that."

Adriena's face hardened. "I do."

Kathryn put a gentle hand on the child's shoulder. "Just wait until you meet him," she said kindly. "You'll see that..."

"I don't want to meet him," Adriena cried. "I hate him!"

"No you don't," Kathryn answered. "You don't even..."

"I do," she yelled. "I hate him! And he hates me, that's why he left me!"

"That's not true," Kathryn tried to tell her. "I've told you, sweetheart, he's been very far away and..."

"I don't care," Adriena cried. "I hate him! I'll never go anywhere with him, ever!"

Kathryn was just about to reply when the door chime sounded. "We'll talk about this later," she said, getting to her feet.

With that, she went over to the door, peeped into the security monitor, and opened the door when she saw her visitor was Chakotay.

"Cha.." She bit her lip and quickly corrected herself. "Adam...Come in."

Chakotay stepped into the cottage and Kathryn noticed he looked pale and worried.

"We need to talk," he said.

Kathryn looked back at Adriena and addressed the child. "Adam and I are just going through to the kitchen. You take good care of the dogs."

Adriena nodded, her eyes heavy.

Kathryn lead Chakotay into the kitchen, and closed the door as soon as they were inside.

"What's happened?"

"It's Adam," he replied. "I just heard from the Doctor. He was certified brain-dead about half an hour ago."

"I see," Kathryn said quietly. "I'm sorry...for his sake."

"Me too."

There was a moment of silence, then Chakotay spoke again.

"The Doctor says the sooner I undergo the switch-back the better. I'm heading there now."

"I'll come with you," Kathryn said. "I'll just call my mother to watch Adriena."

"There's no need," Chakotay replied. "There's nothing you can do..."

"I'm coming," she said firmly. "End of discussion."

At that, Chakotay was gladly subdued. "Yes, Ma'am," he smiled.

In a sterile room in the sanatorium, Chakotay's body lay on a biobed, only technology keeping it alive. The unpleasant sight gave Kathryn a cold shiver, and she had to look away as the Doctor discussed the switch-back procedure with her and Chakotay.

"The process is quite simple," the Doctor explained. "You will lie down on the vacant bed, and once you are comfortable, I will perform a
transport switch. It should only take seconds."

"Then let's get on with it," Chakotay said. "Do I need to undress?"

"No," the Doctor replied. "You will suffice as you are." He gestured to a vacant bed, and Chakotay made his way over to it. "As he did so, the Doctor turned to Kathryn.

"You may remain or wait outside. It's up to you."

"I'm going no where," she answered. She then watched as Chakotay climbed onto the bed and lay down. The Doctor went over to him, examined him with a tricorder, and then went over to a console.

"When you're ready, Commander."

Chakotay looked at Kathryn, wanting to see her one last time, and she smiled softly. She could see that he was afraid, so was she, but she kept telling herself that it would all soon be over and everything would be as it should.

"I'm ready, Doctor," Chakotay said quietly.

The Doctor operated the console and almost immediately both Chakotay's and Adam's bodies disappeared. Seconds later, they
rematerialized, and the Doctor hurried over to where Chakotay's body lay. Kathryn expected Chakotay to sit up and talk, but he lay perfectly still. Anxiously, she stepped closer to the bed and saw that while he was breathing unaided, he was unconscious. "What's happening?" she cried. "Why isn't he conscious?"

"Give him time," the Doctor replied. "His body has to readjust."

Trembling, Kathryn reached for Chakotay's hand and took it in hers. "You can make it," she whispered. "I'm counting on you."

Every second that passed seemed like an eternity, then at last, at long long last, Chakotay's eyes fluttered and opened. Kathryn smiled happily, tears filling her eyes. "Welcome back."

For a long moment, Chakotay said nothing. Then he spoke. "Am I?"

Kathryn nodded and squeezed his hand. "You're yourself again."

Tears filled Chakotay's eyes and he squeezed Kathryn's hand, his joy and relief infinite.

The Doctor spoke now. "And you're going to be just fine," he said. "I'd like to keep you in overnight, just for observation, but everything went like clockwork."

Chakotay turned to look at the Doctor. "I'm really grateful, Doctor, for everything."

"So am I," Kathryn added. "There's just one thing," she continued. "I don't ever want Seven to find out about this."

"She won't," the Doctor reassured her. "This case is still classified, which means that no one involved, from myself to the social workers who dealt with Adriena, are allowed to speak of it. Adam Shaw will be declared dead from natural causes and no one will be any the wiser about what has happened." He paused. "You may talk to the Commander for a few minutes, but then I must ask you to leave. He needs to rest."

Kathryn nodded. "I understand."

The Doctor returned to the console, transported Adam's body to the morgue, and then left the room. When he was gone, Kathryn sat on a stool beside Chakotay's bed and took his hand in hers again.

"I'm so glad to have you back," she smiled through tears.

"I'm glad to be back," he smiled.

Kathryn kissed his hand and cherished his smile, his dimples, his dark eyes, his distinctive lips, and everything about him she had missed for so long.

"You can say it," he teased.

"Say what?"

"I told you so...that I'd make it."

Kathryn laughed softly. "I told you so..." She then reached out and brushed her fingers against his cheek. "It's finally over, we can now look forward to the future...together."

Chakotay nodded. "And I can't wait..."

Kathryn kissed his hand again, then looked at him sadly. "There's just one problem. Adriena."

"What about her?"

"She's very hostile to the idea of you coming into her life. I think she feels threatened, afraid that everything she has right now will be taken away from her. She's extremely insecure, not just about herself, but the feelings of others for her...even the dogs. I constantly need to reassure her that she's wanted and loved." She paused. "We've never really discussed what happens next...now you're truly you again...but I think it would be in Adriena's best interest to stay with me and get to know you slowly. In a few weeks she will love you dearly, I'm sure of it, but as we'll all be living together eventually, it seems unnecessary to traumatize her by making her live with you in the meantime." She paused and found herself blushing a little. "That is, of course, if you still want us all to live together and..."

Chakotay silenced her with a tender finger to the lips. "There's nothing I want more." He then took her other hand in his. "And I think you're right. Adriena's been through enough in her life to need another upheaval. And having been absent all these years in her life, I don't have the right to barge into it now and demand that she loves me. She's happy with you and the last thing I want is to hurt her." He hesitated with the next words. "Perhaps, when she is comfortable in my presence, we could all take a trip to Trebus. I really want to see my sister and I'd like her to meet both you and Adriena."

Kathryn smiled and squeezed his hands. "It's a date."

The door to the room suddenly opened, and the Doctor re-appeared. "The Commander should rest now."

Kathryn nodded and then, in full view of the Doctor, leant forward and kissed Chakotay's tattoo. "I'll see you in the morning...your time."

Chakotay smiled. "See you then."

Kathryn reluctantly got to her feet and gazed deep into his eyes. "I love you."

Chakotay's eyes moistened at that and he replied in whisper. "I love you too."

Kathryn then turned to leave and saw that the Doctor was watching them from the doorway, mouth open. "Don't look so surprised, Doctor," she said, walking towards him. "And you can close your mouth. As Mary Poppins would say, we are not a cod-fish". She then smiled at him warmly. "Goodbye, Doctor."

Then, without another word, she left the room.

"Well," the Doctor said when she was gone, "you certainly are a dark horse."

"And I don't ever want a blonde mane again," Chakotay teased. For the first time in such a long time, he was perfectly and blissfully content. The only time in his life he had ever felt this happy was when he was with Kathryn on New Earth.

"Mane or mare?" the Doctor teased in return.

"Both," Chakotay smiled.

"So," the Doctor said, approaching the bed, "is this a recent romance or have you both been dancing rings around us all on Voyager?"

"Let's just say," Chakotay answered, "our relationship on Voyager was romantically platonic."

"I see," the Doctor smiled, putting a hypospray to Chakotay's neck. "And, for what it's worth, I hope you will both be very happy."

"Thank you," Chakotay replied, closing his tired eyes. "Kathryn so deserves to be and I'm..."

He never got to finish his sentence as he fell fast asleep.

END OF CHAPTER FOURTEEN