A/N: Thank you to everyone who has read this, and a special thanks to those who have reviewed. It is much appreciated. I hope you've enjoyed the story.

Oh – and this little chapter should probably be a mild 'M', so be aware.

Epilogue

One Week Later

Chakotay woke with the dawn. He still wasn't used to seeing daylight instead of the darkness of space through Voyager's windows, but now, on the morning of the ship's planned departure, he realised he was going to miss the sun.

Or perhaps, he thought to himself, as the pink blush gave way to a brilliant sunrise, it was just that the events that had transpired while they'd been set down here in the sunlight would always make him remember this place fondly.

He propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at the woman lying beside him. Kathryn was still fast asleep, tipped toward him on her side with one hand pillowed under her cheek. He studied her face, so youthful in repose, and then couldn't help letting his gaze drift lower. She was naked, as was he, since neither of them had bothered with nightclothes before falling asleep after their lovemaking of the previous evening. His movement had disarranged the sheets she had pulled around her, exposing her breasts. The sight of her combined with the memories of the previous night stirred in him a fresh arousal. Chakotay glanced at the timepiece on his bedside cabinet, calculating just how much time they had before they were due on-shift.

He spoke to her softly. "Kathryn?"

She mumbled faintly, turning onto her back but failing to wake. The dawn light shone on her pale skin.

He couldn't resist. Leaning forward, Chakotay laid his tongue against the underside of her breast, just where the soft skin met her rib cage. Lazily, he licked upwards in a slow curl that ended by curving over her nipple. His touch elicited a low moan. Kathryn arched her back, her eyes still closed, and he slipped his arms beneath her, sliding up to kiss her soundly on the lips.

"Well," she said, sleepily, eyes still shut. "That's one way to wake up."

He smiled against her neck, and then kissed it. "Coffee?"

"Do you have to leave the bed to make it?"

"That is the accepted wisdom, yes."

She opened her eyes to look at him. "Then no, I don't want coffee."

He grinned. "Truly a moment for the history books."

Chakotay felt her move beneath him. He watched with pleasure as she stretched languidly, lifting her arms above her head and flexing her feet, the motion pressing her bare skin even closer to his. When she relaxed, Kathryn reached down to run her hands over his back, smiling at him softly. The look in her eyes - happy, aroused, affectionate - was one he'd never forget.

"What time is it?"

"Just after 0600."

"Big day today."

"Certainly is."

"And yet," she added, before pressing her lips to his, "no need to rush, is there?"

Two hours later, Captain Kathryn Janeway stepped onto her bridge. Though over the past week she had been helping prepare Voyager for the ship's return to space, this was officially her first duty shift since the Doctor had released her from sickbay. Lieutenant Tom Paris turned at the sound of the turbolift doors opening, and stood as she walked down the steps. Commander Chakotay did the same, rising from the First Officer's chair with a smile on his face.

"Welcome back, Captain," said Paris. "Hasn't been the same without you."

Janeway smiled. "Thank you, Tom." She looked around at all of the Bridge crew. "Thank you all. Now, I think it's high time we got back to our journey. All hands, this is the Captain. Take your posts and stand ready. Mr Tuvok - code blue."

"Aye, Captain."

"Mr Paris, retract the landing pylons and disengage inertial dampeners."

"Aye, Captain."

Janeway walked toward her chair. Chakotay was still standing, his hands clasped loosely behind his back. She allowed herself a moment to note that he looked different, somehow. It took her a few seconds to realise that the tension she'd always seen in his shoulders had vanished. She smiled, and saw the gesture echoed in his eyes.

"Landing pylons stowed, Captain," Paris reported.

"Very well, Mr Paris. Let's take Voyager back up to where she belongs. Set a course for the Alpha Quadrant. Warp six once you've cleared the ionosphere."

"Understood."

Janeway took her seat and raised her chin. "All right, Lieutenant. Engage."

[END]