Kathryn sat in her readyroom waiting for word that Beta shift was on duty. She gazed out the viewport, her thoughts on the party plans. She wanted this to be an especially happy occasion since Katie's entrance into the world had been clouded by her mother's death. Over the previous months Kathryn had seen Chakotay slowly becoming himself again and was more than happy to be planning something fun and special. Her door chime sounded and she called "Come in." Her first officer, Greg Annavil, entered with a smile and handed her a padd.

"Thank you Commander." she said, placing it on her desk without looking at it. "Condense it for me, please."

Standing at ease, hands crossed behind him he said. "Beta shift is on duty. Ensign Kensington is filling in for Lt. Corbin who is in sickbay with a slight injury. All systems within normal parameters, and the diagnostics you ordered are being finished as we speak."

Kathryn smiled and stood. "I love it when a ship runs smoothly." She came around her desk and stood in front of him. "Are you sure you don't mind taking Beta?" she asked.

"Not at all, Captain. Glad to do my part to make Katie's party a success."

Kathryn smiled broadly. "You know, after all these years, it still amazes me how fast word travels on a ship without one combadge being touched."

Greg smiled and turned to leave. "Enjoy your evening, Captain." he said.

In her quarters Kathryn removed her uniform jacket and settled on the sofa with a padd. Slowly she scrolled through the items she had already listed: Invitations, cake, food, beverages, cups, flatware, plates, napkins, tablecloths and canopies. As she paused to think, her computer alerted her to an incoming call and she went to sit in front of her computer. When she touched a button, Chakotay's face appeared at the same time Katie's wails filled Kathryn's quarters. Kathryn's brows shot upward and before she could ask the obvious question, Chakotay said: "Can you talk to Katie?" Kathryn nodded. Chakotay bent, out of her view for a moment, then reappeared as he lifted Katie. "Look Honey," he said above her cries, "It's Aunth Kathryn."

"Katie, Katie," Kathryn said soothingly, leaning closer to the monitor. "what's the matter? Why all the tears?" Katie almost immediately quieted and reached for the screen with a chubby hand. "Hi, Katie Bug!" Kathryn smiled when she had the child's attention. "Chakotay, what happened?" she asked, still looking at Katie.

"I'm not sure but I think she had a nightmare. She woke up crying and I couldn't calm her down." he said, sounding very worried.

"She seems alright now." Kathryn said, smiling at Katie.

"I'm sorry, Kathryn. I just didn't know what else to do." Chakotay said sincerely.

Kathryn shook her head. "Please don't apologize. I'm glad you called."

Katie looked up at her father and blurted a strange word. "Yes, Sweetheart." Chakotay said and kissed her cheek.

"What did she say?" Kathryn asked. Chakotay gave her a look that told her he had no idea.

"Katie," Kathryn said as Katie looked back at her, "have you been a good girl?" Katie loudly blurted the odd word again. Kathryn looked at Chakotay and said, "You really have to find out what that word means."

Chakotay smiled. "I'll work on it." Katie began to wriggle, wanting to be put down. "Hold on." he said to Kathryn. She saw him walk to the other side of the room and put Katie in her playpen, surrounding her with her with toys. She reached for a toy and seemed happy to play for the moment. When Chakotay returned to the screen, he grinned sheepishly. "I owe you one."

"No, you don't." Kathryn said waving a hand.

"How are the party plans going?" he asked, changing the subject.

"I'm on it!" she answered. "I'll go over it with you as soon as I get back."

"When might that be?" he asked with his dimpled grin.

"As of right now, it looks like a week sooner than expected if I have anything to do with it." She answered with a sly grin.

"Don't work 'em too hard," he chuckled, "you don't want a mutiny on your hands." They laughed at the thought. "I won't keep you any longer," Chakotay added, more seriously. "Again, thank you."

"Stop." she said as she held up a hand for a moment before Chakotay smiled and said, "See you soon."

"Goodnight." she said, and ended the transmisison.