Kathryn was seated on the sofa in her quarters, a mug of coffee in her hands and her eyes on the stars streaking past her window at warp speed. Her mind drifted back to the night before, when she had lain in her lover's arms, savouring his warmth by her side. It had been three days since she had given the order to leave New Earth behind. Her belongings were unpacked, and her quarters were back in their former order, but she couldn't help feeling there was something missing. She had grown accustomed to seeing his belongings alongside her own, his clothing strewn about in his usual untidy manner, his books on the table beside the bed. He had given her space that first day to regain her equilibrium, to find her captain's mask again. But last night she had shown up at his quarters a little before midnight and flung her arms around him as soon as the doors closed behind her. They had made love that night under the light of passing stars.

"Maybe we could rethink these living arrangements," she had suggested later. "It's easier to sleep with your arms around me."

"I'm sure the captain could be persuaded to approve the change of living quarters," he had smiled. They had agreed then that before the week was out, he would move his belongings into her quarters.

The ring of the door chime pulled her from her reverie.

"Come," she called, and smiled when she saw Chakotay enter. He approached the sofa and pulled her into his arms.

"Do you know... how hard... it's been..." he said between kissing her, "to sit next to you... all day... and not touch you?"

"Why do you think I escaped to the Ready Room as soon as I could?" she replied. "Do you think the crew has noticed that things are different between us?"

"Who cares?" Chakotay tried to reclaim her lips, but her finger stopped him.

"I care," she said. "I care because if our relationship affects the smooth operating of the ship and crew, we might have to rethink the way things are going."

"Kathryn, the crew won't object to you being happy. A happy captain makes for a happy crew."

"That sounds like something you'd put on a coffee cup."

"Hm. Idea for your next birthday present, perhaps?"

She laughed and walked around him towards the replicator. "I hope Neelix hasn't prepared anything extravagant. I really don't like when people make a fuss over me." Her empty cup shimmered into oblivion, but still she kept her back to him.

"Don't worry, I asked him to keep things simple." There was a beat of silence. "Kathryn, are you okay?"

"Perfectly."

"Look at me."

She turned and found him behind her. He held her gaze for a moment then said, "You're having serious second thoughts aren't you?"

She nodded. He pulled her close in a tight embrace.

"Whatever happens," he said, "whatever anyone says or does, we'll face it together. You and me. Always."

She smiled into his chest. "I'm not alone."

"You'll never be alone. I and the whole crew are with you one hundred percent."

"And speaking of the crew, I suppose we'd better not keep them waiting."

"They wouldn't start without their guests of honour, would they?"

"Hard to say."

Hand in hand, they walked out of her quarters and made their way to the mess hall where most of the off-duty crewmembers were gathered. A banner hanging from the ceiling read "Welcome Back" in large letters with "Captain and Commander" in smaller writing at the end.

"Captain! Commander!" Neelix was at their side as soon as they entered. "We're so glad to have you with us!"

"And we're very glad to be here," Janeway responded, leaning in to Neelix's embrace.

One by one, the crew came over to express their joy at having their commanding officers back on the ship, and one by one Kathryn thanked them and returned their handshakes and hugs. Throughout it all, Chakotay never left her side, remaining a strong and sturdy presence as she fought down the emotions that came with being back among the people she thought she would never see again.

As Kathryn was picking at a plate of questionable-tasting snacks Neelix had given her, Ensign Kayla Hayes sidled over and offered a shy smile. "I'm glad you're back, Captain," she said. "Commander Tuvok's a good captain, but it's not the same without you."

"Thank you." Kathryn touched a hand to the young woman's shoulder. "I'm glad you all came back for us."

"I don't know if it means anything to you, but I prayed for your return," Kayla said. "I didn't want to give up hope that we'd have you back with us."

Kathryn smiled. She had heard the woman's prayers, even though they were light-years apart. Her thoughts had drifted constantly to the crew in mourning and comfort had seemed like the least she could offer them. She was glad she had made a small difference for them.

As the evening wore on and various crewmembers came and went, sharing smiles and greetings with the command team on their way, the Mess Hall slowly emptied and the Captain and Commander soon left to return to their quarters, hand in hand.

"It's nice to feel wanted," Kathryn commented as they stood in the lift. "It's nice to know our presence makes a difference to them."

"I've told you before – the crew cares about you," Chakotay said. "Your presence inspires them and gives them courage."

"They think I'm inspiring?"

"Your determination is what keeps them going. They'd follow you to the ends of the galaxy if you asked them too. Look at everything they went through just to have you back with them. You need to stop doubting yourself and the love and loyalty you inspire in others."

Kathryn smiled and squeezed his hand gratefully. "Even after all these years, there's still a few lessons I have yet to learn."