Disclaimer & Author's Note see Chapter 1
Spoilers: None. From This point on the Voyager Crew is home
Beautiful Disaster
Chapter 18: Part 1 – Would It Be Beautiful
They were docking. Everyone was anxious to see family and friends. Kathryn was looking forward to seeing her mother and Tom was looking forward to meeting her. B'Elanna's father, Harry's parents, Naomi's father, Seven's aunt, everyone was there. As the senior staff began to release the crew from the duty stations that were secure, both Kathryn and Tom were dreading seeing Admiral Paris in person. They were going to stand firm in their relationship and weren't going to hide it. She had even put her ring, usually on a chain around her neck, on her finger. Once the other members were off the senior staff disembarked.
They were greeted with cheers and applause. Their families all crowded in close to greet them. The time they'd spent in the Delta Quadrant had sealed a lot of rifts in loved ones and created others. Kathryn and Tom watched sympathetically as Harry introduced his parents and Libby to B'Elanna and Miral. Libby hadn't accepted that Harry had moved on. She didn't take meeting B'Elanna very well and stormed off crying. Harry's parents welcomed all three with open arms.
Chakotay and Seven went to meet Seven's aunt, a frail old woman in her seventies. Tuvok was greeted by his son and his wife. That left Kathryn to be enveloped in a hug from her mother and sister. Gretchen Janeway was an older and slightly softer version of her daughter and Phoebe must have taken after Admiral Janeway's side. She was tall with waves of chocolate brown hair. Admiral Paris joined them as Tom was also scooped up into a hug by Gretchen. The Janeway's and Paris' had know each other for many years and Gretchen remembered Owen's youngest child very well.
Kathryn was ecstatic to see her mother and sister. Tom was happy that she was happy and it gave him a glimpse of what a family should be like. But the welcoming arms of Gretchen Janeway and the smell of her sweet perfume pulled him in and he hugged her back tightly, thankful to be part of a true family again and washed in a mother's love.
Admiral Paris clapped Tom on the shoulder as Gretchen released him. It was awkward, but despite their previous disagreements, he was happy to see his son. Tom and Kathryn pulled back into a more formal demeanor. It was hard for her not to say something regrettable to the Admiral.
"It's nice to see you in person, Captain, Lieutenant." Admiral Paris said easily, like everything should be perfect because they were back.
"Likewise, sir. It's good to be home." Kathryn answered. Tom remained silent. He had nothing to say to his father. It was then the Admiral noticed the wedding rings on their hands and how close they stood. He began to turn red. They had told Gretchen about getting married, but hadn't told Admiral Paris or Starfleet Command. While it wasn't specifically forbidden, it was frowned upon and they would be reassigned to separate ships. They had discussed the possibility. They both agreed it was Voyager or nothing.
"You do realize you'll be separated because of this. And Tom, how could you? You've possibly ruined Kathryn's career and whatever you've managed to salvage of yours."
"We've already discussed this, Admiral. We've decided that we stay together on Voyager or we stay together in the private sector. Either way, we stay together." Tom finally spoke. Kathryn nodded in agreement. The Admiral turned even redder, if that was possible.
"You do realize that after the debriefing of its crewmembers, Voyager will be decommissioned. They want to promote you to the position of Admiral and after your almost spotless record aboard on Voyager, they were going to promote you as well Tom. I lined up a position as first officer for you on a new ship in anticipation of your return. You're ruining those chances, both of you."
"We understand. We'll take our chances." With that she took Tom's hand and led him away with her mother and sister. They would be debriefed of the course of the next two weeks. Then they would have a few months off to visit their loved ones and renew old acquaintances. Then they would all be reassigned. She wasn't sure what they were going to do, she and Tom, but as long as they were together, they would be ok.
Kathryn led the way towards the edge of the throng of people. Mark was waiting with Molly. It was so surprising to see him after the letter he had sent about marrying someone else. Tom must have felt her reaction because he covered her hand with his own and gave it a squeeze.
"Mark, what a surprise." She said as Molly suddenly lunged toward her, jumping and yipping in excitement. She leaned down and got reacquainted with the dog.
"Your mom asked me to come and bring Molly. I was hoping she would remember you. I've missed you, Kath." He said quietly. She studied his face, reading his eyes. He was offering her the friendship they'd once shared without the previous romance. She was happy to have that with him.
"Its good to see you, Mark. I'm glad you came. I know I wrote you a letter saying I was happy for you, but I wanted you to know that I moved on as well. I had started to before I got your letter. This is my husband, Tom Paris. Tom, this is Mark Johnson." They shook hands easily. Tom could tell that Mark posed no threat to their relationship. He was secure in Kathryn's love.
They talked for a few more minutes before they went their separate ways, Molly on Mark's heels, Kathryn and Tom with her mother and sister. Once upon a time, she thought, it would be beautiful, like a dream, to be home, but she wasn't sure that her illusion of how things could be, would stand up to the way things actually were.