Kathryn gazed out the window in her quarters at the stars speeding past. Voyager had returned for them, thanks to Tom Paris and the Talaxians, and they were now on their way back to their true home – Earth.

She closed her eyes and smiled as she expanded her consciousness outside her mortal frame to encompass the small ship. She felt overwhelming hope and relief from the entire crew. She felt their joy at being back where they belonged. But she didn't find the one feeling she was looking for – fear at the revelation she had been forced to share after their battle against the beast.

Not a single one of them was afraid of her.

Relief bubbled up inside her as she realized she had been accepted for who she was by her people. She didn't have to worry about a lack of trust or a fear of her among the crew. Each and every one of them loved her and trusted her.

The door chimed behind her and she turned to face it, calling for her visitor to enter. Ensign Kayla Hayes walked in slowly, uncertainly.

"Ensign. This is a surprise. What can I do for you?" she asked, moving towards the sofa.

"I just wanted to say thank you," Kayla said. "Not just for everything you did for us while we were on the planet, but also for giving me hope and encouragement when I was homesick. I know now that that must have been you who answered my prayers."

Kathryn nodded. "And I realize now that it was not mere chance that led me to hear you. I'm glad I could be of help."

Kayla smiled and nodded. She shifted on her feet and half-turned back towards the door. "By the way," she said, "I think you're an amazing Captain, and you're clearly a wonderful Goddess too, and I know the whole crew feels the same way as I do. So if they don't say it… thanks. From all of us. For never giving up on us and never giving up hope on getting us home."

Tears blurred Kathryn's vision as she watched Kayla retreat to the door. "Thank you," she whispered as the doors swished shut once more.

She turned to face the window again, her eyes glinting brightly under the light of the stars.

She was loved, not just by the most wonderful man she had ever met, but by an entire crew of people. She had found her purpose and was already appreciated for it by her followers. Only one thing could make this moment better.

As if on cue, the doors swishes open as Chakotay made his entrance. He walked up behind her and slid his arms about her waist. She leaned her head back against his shoulder with a contented sigh.

Now, all was right with her world. Her crew was safe, they were on their way home, the man she loved was by her side, and she was not only accepted but loved for who she was.

Kathryn Janeway, Goddess of Hope Against Overwhelming Odds, was at peace.