CHAPTER FOURTEEN
DEFIANCE
Kathryn looked at the six unfamiliar faces before her on the screen in Astrometrics. Starfleet Command had appointed Admirals she did not know to judge her case so that they would not be biased towards her one way or the other. The committee was also equally divided, three men and three women. A thin stern looking man with gray hair who had introduced himself as Admiral John Carter, spoke.
"I must insist that Commander Tuvok be present."
"There's no need," Kathryn began. "I can answer all..."
"I insist upon it."
Kathryn had to relent. "Very well, Sir." She hit her commbadge. "Janeway to Tuvok."
Tuvok's voice answered. "Go ahead, Captain."
"Transport to Astrometrics immediately. Starfleet Command demand your presence."
"Understood, Captain."
The link terminated and Kathryn once again addressed the Admiral. "I understand your concerns, but I promise you they're unwarranted. Regardless of my relationship with Chakotay, my commitment to this crew is absolute."
A dark haired middle aged woman sitting next to him, spoke. "We feel you have compromised your position irreparably, Captain. We cannot trust that you will do your best to bring your crew home while you are involved with a Maquis criminal."
"Chakotay is my First Officer," Kathryn replied. "You recognize him as my First Officer."
"In unofficial capacity," another Admiral replied. "Officially he is your prisoner. And as Captain, you should have respected that."
Tuvok suddenly materialized and Kathryn felt both relief at no longer being alone, and concern that he would now have to know.
"My presence is required," Tuvok stated, not knowing why that was so.
"Yes," Admiral Carter replied. "And we are disappointed that Captain Janeway did not arrange for you to be present."
"I was hoping we could clear this up without involving anyone one else," Kathryn replied.
"No, Captain," Admiral Carter answered. "You did not want anyone else to know..."
Tuvok sensed that all was not well. "What is occurring?"
"There has been much opposition to the Captain's relationship with Commander Chakotay. It's feared that because of it, the Captain will delay getting Voyager home. Therefore we have decided that you should be Captain instead."
Tuvok processed this information and then responded. "Such fears are unfounded. Captain Janeway's commitment to this crew is absolute. I will not replace her as Captain. The Captain's abilities far surpass my own."
A large balding man who had not yet spoken, did so. "Captain Janeway cannot be trusted. Her relationship with Commander Chakotay has seriously compromised her credibility. He is a former Maquis and an official prisoner aboard your ship."
"Commander Chakotay is a fine First Officer and as dedicated to getting our crew home as the Captain. Your fears are groundless. Neither the Captain's relationship or her pregnancy compromises her position."
Kathryn gasped at the mention of her pregnancy and the Admirals turned to each other in surprise. Then Admiral Carter addressed her.
"You did not inform us that you are pregnant, Captain."
"It makes no difference to my ability to Captain this ship," Kathryn rpelied coolly.
"No one is questioning your abilities, Captain," he replied. "We are only questioning your commitment. And what further testimony of your lack of it do we need?"
A female Admiral spoke up against him. "Objection. Pregnancy is permitted for serving captains."
"In all normal circumstances, yes, but what does it say about the Captain's committment to the crew to be starting a family with her Maquis terrorist husband when she has a crew to get home?"
"You recieved my notes on Quarren," Kathryn answered. "When we were under mind-control, the Commander and I had a relationship and my pregnancy is a result of that. You will find all dates correspond."
"Dates can be manipulated. How old are you now, Captain? There can't be many fertile years left. I say you and the Commander wanted a child and made one as soon as you got back to the ship so you could say you conceived on Quarren..."
"Objection," the woman said again. "That is supposition only and there is no regulation against the Captain conceiving a child if it is her wish. The issue at hand is the Captain's personal involvement with a Maquis criminal. All else is irrelevent."
"It is far from irrelevent," he answered. "The truth is that the Captain has all the luxuries of home on her ship and is in no hurry to return to the Federation!"
"That is not true," Kathryn cried. "I am doing everything I can to get this ship home, everything!"
"Even if that is true," the woman continued, "because of your relationship with a Maquis criminal, it would be in everyone's best interest if you resign as captain of the ship."
"No," Kathryn replied. "I will not abandon my crew! I promised them I will get them home and I will!"
"Then if you will not resign," Admiral Carter continued, "you leave us with no choice but to relieve you of your rank." He turned to Tuvok. "Commander Tuvok, as of now, we promote you to Captain and make you Captain of Voyager. Kathryn Janeway, we strip you of your rank and demote you to Commander. What position you hold on the ship is up to you and Captain Tuvok to decide."
Kathryn tried to protest... "But..."
"That is our final decision. Captain Tuvok, we will speak with you in more detail tomorrow. We are running out of time and..."
The connection terminated and the screen went blank. Kathryn stared at it, not quite believing what had transpired.
"We will contest their decision," Tuvok said calmly. "You are Captain of this ship and I do not accept promotion."
Kathryn turned slowly towards him and smiled wanly. "Thank you, Tuvok."
For a long while, Kathryn watched Chakotay sleep. Petal whimpered in the living room, wondering why she was suddenly kept in a dog pen and not allowed to roam her territory freely. But Kathryn couldn't let her run wild around the quarters incase she jumped on Chakotay's leg. The animal never disturbed them during the night, she had learnt that was time to sleep, but she was very energetic during the day.
A million thoughts raced through Kathryn's mind, a million emotions. She was angry, furiously angry, and yet at the same time she was scared too. And on top of that she was so desperately worried about Chakotay. He didn't need this at the moment, but now she had no choice but to tell him.
At last Chakotay stirred awake. Kathryn forced a smile as his eyes fixed on hers.
"Good morning," she said quietly.
"Good morning," he smiled.
Kathryn walked over to the bed and Chakotay knew instantly that something was wrong. Kathryn was pale, drawn, and her eyes avoided his. He lifted himself up into a sitting position.
"What's wrong, Kathryn?"
Kathryn sat down on the bed and compelled herself to look at him. "I've been stripped of my rank."
Chakotay was quiet a moment as he tried to make sense of this. "I don't understand."
"Starfleet Command don't think I'm the best person to captain Voyager. Because of our marriage, many people fear I won't do my best to get this crew home. The longer we take, the longer you won't have to go to trial. So, they've decided to make Tuvok Captain instead."
Anger welled inside Chakotay. "But that's ridiculous..."
"He says he won't accept, but if I continue as Captain because we're too far away for them to enforce their decision, I'll no longer be welcome in Starfleet when we return." She paused. "I knew there would be some opposition, but I never expected this." Tears welled in her eyes. "We've done everything we can for this crew, Chakotay. We've sacrificed so much, and still do. You're just as dedicated to getting this crew home as I am."
Chakotay took her hand in his. "We'll fight this, Kathryn."
"I don't know how we can, what we can do..."
"We'll find a way."
Kathryn lowered her eyes. "I feel I've let the crew down," she said quietly, "and yet at the same time I feel I've let you down by thinking that ... And I feel I've been so selfish ... so terribly selfish in being with you..."
Chakotay squeezed her hand. "Kathryn, you're the least selfish person I know. You're always thinking of the crew, always. And our relationship has been good for the crew too. Us being together really makes them feel like one crew, one family. For so long I had my concerns about us, and I know what you mean about feeling selfish. I used to feel that too." He paused. "But we've done nothing wrong, Kathryn. We've done nothing that we don't permit for any other member of this crew. And we've considered the crew first and foremost every step of the way. Remember how happy everyone was when we told them we were together? Remember how happy they were on our wedding day? And remember how happy they were when we told them about your pregnancy? The crew love you, Kathryn. They trust you. They know that no matter what, you'll do your best to get them home." He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "They'll never serve under Tuvok while you reside on this ship. You are their captain. No one else. You." He squeezed her hand again. "Leave this to me and the crew, Kathryn. This is something that belongs to us."
Kathryn nodded. He was right. This was a battle that she couldn't fight. It was a battle she didn't have the right to fight.
At Chakotay's insistence, Kathryn went to take Petal for a walk in the holodeck, and in her absence, Chakotay summoned Tuvok. He arrived promptly and made his way into the bedroom.
"You wished to see me, Commander."
"Yes," Chakotay replied.
"And I presume what you wish to discuss is the latest decision by Starfleet Command."
Chakotay nodded. "That is correct."
"Then let me first say that I have no intention of becoming Captain of this ship. In fact, I have already consulted the crew, and we are all in unanimous agreement that Captain Janeway should remain Captain of Voyager and you as First Officer. There is no reason for the status quo to change. The Captain's relationship with you has not been detrimental to this crew in anyway, and Starfleet Command's logic is flawed. A relationship does not have to be romantic or sexual for emotional bonds to develop between two human beings. Captain Janeway could just as well delay getting this crew home because of a friendship with you or Lieutenant Torres or any other Maquis member." He paused. "I intend to speak with Starfleet Command tomorrow. In the meantime, every member of this crew is giving testimony to Captain Janeway's dedication and commitment, and I shall send the file tomorrow."
Chakotay smiled. "Thank you, Tuvok. And I would like to give a testimony too."
Dressed in his Starfleet uniform, Chakotay slowly sat on a stool in the Cargo Bay, and then lay his crutches beside him. He looked up at Tom who was filming. "Are we ready?"
Tom answered. "Ready and rolling..."
"Alright then." Chakotay took a long pause, and then began to speak to the camera.
"As you are all probably aware, my name is Chakotay, First Officer of this ship and husband of Captain Janeway. When Kathryn and I first met seven years ago, we were enemies. I was a Maquis rebel and she was a Starfleet Captain sent to capture me. If our ships had met in the alpha quadrant, we would have fought each other. She would have fought to capture me, and I would have fought for the liberty of my crew, so that we could fight for the liberty of people oppressed by the Cardassians. I'm not proud of my Maquis activities, but fighting the people who had caused such atrocities on my homeworld was the only way I believed I could avenge the deaths of my family. My mother, father, and all but one of my siblings, were brutally murdered. My youngest sister, Rennay, was amongst many women beaten and raped before being killed.
I had dedicated my life to Starfleet and was teaching at the academy at the time. When I heard about what had happened on my homeworld, I was devastated, completely devastated, but I believed the Federation would support my people and oust the Cardassians. But instead, they handed our homeworld over to them. Not only was I angry, incredibly angry, but I was also grieving. I turned my back on Starfleet and the Federation because I felt they had turned their back on my people. But I was wrong to resort to violence. There were other ways I could have fought for the liberty of my people. But at the time, there didn't seem to be any other way. I know this has very little relevance to the matter at hand, but I wanted you all to understand something of what could drive otherwise peaceful men and women to join a fighting force like the Maquis.
Neither Captain Janeway or myself had any control of the events that led to us being stranded in this quadrant. Destroying the array that would have been our only way home was the only thing Kathryn could have done in the circumstances. We couldn't let a whole civilization die at the hands of the Kazon, just for our convenience. From the moment we were stranded, it didn't matter whether we were Starfleet or Maquis. We were 75,000 light years from the Federation, and even at maximum warp it would take us a lifetime of traveling to get home. Because of our circumstances, Captain Janeway made me her First Officer, and B'Elanna Torres, Chief Engineer. Most of us thought we would never see Earth again. Many thought we should not even try to make it home but find an m-class planet and make a new home there.
But from the very beginning, Captain Janeway fully believed that we would make it home. And her faith gave others faith. Without her, I don't know what would have happened to us all. I very much doubt we would have made it this far. Her ability as Captain surpasses the ability of any captain I have ever known, as does her dedication and commitment to this crew. Kathryn has sacrificed so much for this crew and for years had no personal life at all.
Entering into a relationship was not something Kathryn and I did lightly. We are both aware of our responsibilities to this crew, and both of us are dedicated to getting this crew home. We all want to get home, Starfleet and Maquis alike. I want to see my sister again, my cousin, my homeworld. I want Naomi to meet her father. A starship is no place for children, and as a father to be, I want my children to be raised on Earth and know the difference between night and day or summer and winter. I want them to know their grandmother, their aunts, their cousins, their family.
Life on Voyager is dangerous. Life in this quadrant is dangerous. Always there are hostile species ready to attack us, always there are anomalies or diseases or lifeforms like the one that has just cost me my leg. On a personal level, Kathryn and I have very little time to spend with each other and always we are aware of the risks to each others life. It's by no means an easy existence. I love Kathryn. I love her with all that I am and all that I could be. And I've loved her for a very long time. She has loved me for a long time too, but for years neither of us acted upon our feelings because of our positions. But denying what we felt was only causing us both pain and ultimately was not good for either our working relationship or our personal well being. Over the years I watched Kathryn change from an affectionate fulfilled woman to a lonely, withdrawn, woman living without even basic human comfort. And I was lonely and hurting too. There was just no point in either of us living that way. But we would have continued to do so if the crew had not been in favor of a relationship between us. But not one crew member objected to us being together. On the contrary, they were all very much in favor of it."
And our relationship has not in anyway interfered with our responsibilities and obligations to this crew. This crew could ask for no better captain than Captain Janeway. No captain could be more dedicated, more determined, more trusted by her crew, more committed, more capable, or more conscientious. In Captain Janeway's hands, this crew is in the best possible hands." He paused. "That's all I would like to say. Thank you."
Tom cut filming as Chakotay reached for his crutches and then approached his First Officer. "Every one is behind the Captain, Chakotay. Every one. The things I've heard today ... The things the Captain has done for people ... things none of us even knew about. There's no way after listening to everyone's testimony that Starfleet Command will deprive the Captain of her rank."
Chakotay materialized in his bedroom and slowly made his way over to the bed. It took a lot of effort to bridge the small gap and he was glad to finally reach the bed. As he sat down, he heard the main door open and Kathryn come in. She put Petal in her dog pen and then made her way into the bedroom. She stopped in horror when she saw Chakotay was in his uniform.
"Chakotay, what the hell are you doing?"
He took a deep breath. He had hoped to go and give his testimony without her finding out. "Everyone is giving a testimony to Starfleet Command about your commitment and dedication to this crew. I wanted to aswell. Tuvok helped me to change and I transported to the Cargo Bay."
Kathryn was silent a moment. "Everyone is giving a testimony?"
Chakotay nodded. "You are well loved, Kathryn. No one is going to let Starfleet Command deprive you of your rank."
Kathryn smiled wanly. "That means a lot." She walked over to her husband. "But you shouldn't have gone, Chakotay. The Doctor said complete rest."
"I know. But I had too. I wanted too."
Kathryn put her hand on his shoulder. "Let me help you undress."
Chakotay got to his feet again and balanced himself on his crutches. Kathryn undid his trousers and let them fall to the floor. Chakotay kept his eyes on the floor and she could tell that he was hating every moment of her helping him. He was a very independent, private, man. She then helped him to sit and pulled away his trousers, leaving him only in his boxer shorts. His jacket and T-shirt he would be able to remove himself. He would want to remove them himself.
"I hope you watched carefully," Kathryn said softly as she drew away, "because when I'm as big as a whale, I'm going to need you to help me."
At that, Chakotay looked up at her and the shame in his eyes disappeared as a soft smile graced his lips. Kathryn put her hand to his cheek. "We help each other, Chakotay. That's the way it is."
Chakotay reached for her hand and held it in his. "Thank you."
Kathryn squeezed his hand. Then she looked deep into his eyes. "Are the crew really all testifying?"
Chakotay nodded sincerely. "As I said, Kathryn, they all love you."
The Doctor examined Chakotay and Kathryn watched, holding Petal in her arms. The poor creature had been confined to the dog pen all day and had given such a sorrowful cry when she saw Kathryn and the Doctor ignore her and make their way into the bedroom, that Kathryn just couldn't leave her there. She was also glad of the small comfort the feel of the animal in her arms gave as the Doctor examined her husband.
"Better than I expected," the Doctor said at last. "If you wish, Commander, I can operate on you tomorrow. I have no appointments in the afternoon."
"I don't think tomorrow would be such a good idea," Chakotay continued. "Not with all that's happening."
Kathryn stepped forward. "I think tomorrow would be wonderful. I don't want you suffering a moment longer than you have too, Chakotay. I want you to have it tomorrow."
"Alright," Chakotay answered.
The Doctor smiled. "Then it seems we have a date, Commander."
"We certainly do." He then paused. "What will the operation entail, Doctor? How will the new leg work?"
"It's extremely complicated to explain," the Doctor answered. "Artificial limbs are rarely used these days because we have the technology to reconstruct even the most severely injured limbs, like your legs following the accident. But we have long been able to create artificial limbs with both sensation and natural appearance, providing neural damage to the rest of the limb is not too extensive. This is done by regeneration, extension, and manipulation of severed nerves, the reconstruction of muscle, ligament, and veins around an artificial titanium based bone framework, and the extension, regeneration, and grafting of skin to cover the limb."
"I see," Chakotay answered. "So in effect, my leg will appear and feel like it always did, only it will have metal in the place of bone?"
"Essentially yes," the Doctor replied.
"How long will it take?"
"It varies from person to person, but at the least three hours and at the most five."
The next morning, Kathryn and Chakotay waited anxiously in their bedroom for Tuvok to arrive after speaking with Starfleet Command. Chakotay watched as Kathryn sat on the edge of the bed, slowly sipping a glass of water. She had been quiet since they woke up and hardly eaten anything. He put his hand on her shoulder and could feel the tension in her muscles. He was very worried about her. She was biologically old to be experiencing a first pregnancy, let alone twins, and the demands of life on Voyager wasn't at all conducive to a healthy pregnancy. He began to knead with his fingers, wanting to alleviate some of the tension.
Kathryn smiled a little. "That feels good."
"Then come close and I'll massage both shoulders."
Kathryn put down the drink and climbed onto the bed. She lay back against Chakotay, mindful of his leg, and closed her eyes as he began to massage.
"I'm going to have to arrange a memorial service for Greg Harris and Frix," she said, finding it impossible to relax despite the magic of Chakotay's touch.
"We'll think about that later," Chakotay said gently. "Let's settle this matter with Starfleet Command first. Otherwise everyone will be too concerned about what's going to happen to do their memories justice."
Kathryn nodded. "You're right."
Chakotay caressed Kathryn's shoulders. "This isn't doing any good, my love. You're much too tense."
Kathryn drew away from him. "I can't help it. What if Tuvok's words and the testimonies make no difference?"
"They will, I'm certain of it."
Suddenly the door chime sounded and Kathryn got to her feet. As she went into the living room, she picked Petal out of her pen, and bade who she expected to be Tuvok, to enter.
Tuvok came in and Kathryn showed him into the bedroom. As they entered the room, Chakotay tried to gauge from Tuvok's face whether his face bore good news or bad, but his Vulcan countenance gave nothing away.
Kathryn spoke. "What happened, Tuvok?"
"I made my objection to Starfleet Command clear, and told them that I will not replace you as Captain of this ship. I told them of the opposition of every single crew member to their decision, and that each crew member has given testimony to your dedication, bravery, and commitment to getting this ship home. They will view the testimonies and give us their final verdict in twenty four hours time. I have no doubt their verdict will be in our favor."
Kathryn forced a smile, wishing she could believe it as much as he did. "Thank you, Tuvok. Thank you for all that you have done."
"No thanks are necessary, Captain," he said sincerely. "Starfleet Command are in grave error."
The afternoon was long as Chakotay underwent his operation. Kathryn tried to concentrate on a pile of work that had been neglected over the past couple of days, but her mind was too clogged with interference and she couldn't think clearly. She got up and was about to replicate a hot drink when the door chime sounded.
"Come in."
The doors opened and Samantha Wildman came in. "I'm sorry to bother you, Captain," she said, clearly anxious, "but I'm worried about Naomi."
"What about her?"
"She's locked herself in her room. Apparently she overhead Neelix talking with Seven about the Commander's operation, and all we can conclude is that she misheard what he was saying and thinks that because the commander injured his legs rescuing her, its her fault he lost his leg." She paused. "She won't let me in, Captain. But she'll talk to you, I know she will."
Kathryn went over to Samantha and put her hand on her shoulder. "I'll come right away."
Samantha showed Kathryn into her quarters and over to Naomi's bedroom door.
"Naomi, honey," she said, after knocking the door, "the Captain is here and would like to talk to you."
There was no response.
Kathryn spoke next. "Open the door, sweetheart. Please."
At the sound of the Captain's voice, they heard movement inside, and then the door unlocked.
Kathryn turned to Samantha. "Let me go in alone."
Samantha nodded her consent and Kathryn went in. She looked around the room as she did so and couldn't help feel a twinge of sadness. It was a pretty room, full of all that a child needed, but at the same time it was still a room on a starship with nothing to see out of the window but stars flying by at warp speed. Her eyes were drawn to the bed and she found Naomi lying upon it, face down, crying. The child's needless pain knifed her heart and Kathryn went over to her. She sat on the bed and gently stroked her copper hair.
"Why are you crying, sweetheart?"
There was no answer.
"Is it because of Commander Chakotay's operation?"
Naomi hesitated, but then nodded.
"Then there's no need to cry, honey. The Commander's going to be just fine."
But her words did no good. "It's my fault," Naomi cried. "It's my fault he lost his leg."
Kathryn caressed the child's sobbing back. "That isn't true, honey. He lost his leg because an unknown lifeform devoured it."
Naomi cried a little longer and then turned to her slowly, her face drenched in tears. "But they wouldn't have eaten it if there hadn't been a rod in it. And the only reason there was a rod in it was because he hurt his legs rescuing me."
Kathryn brushed her fingers against the child's red raw cheek. "If there hadn't been a rod in it, sweetheart, the lifeform would have devoured the Commander instead, just like they did Greg Harris and Frix. The rod saved his life."
Naomi's tears ebbed now. "It did?"
Kathryn nodded. "So don't cry anymore, honey. There's nothing to cry about."
Naomi sat up a little now, but there was still a darkness in her eyes. "What will the Commander's new leg be like? Will he be able to walk on it?"
"Just like he did his old leg."
"Really?"
Kathryn nodded again. "And it will look the same too." She smiled softly. "Come round to our quarters tonight and you can see his leg for yourself. Would you like that?"
Naomi hesitated, but then nodded with a smile.
The operation was a complete success and Chakotay was already on his feet when Kathryn arrived at sickbay. He was wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt and the Doctor was performing what appeared to be a test on his leg. The Doctor looked up at her as she entered and beamed a smile.
"I'm happy to say the Commander's leg is as good as new, Captain. Better than new, if I may say so." He drew away from Chakotay. "Take a look, Captain. You won't know the difference."
Kathryn studied Chakotay's leg and indeed it didn't look any different to his right leg. Chakotay's own skin covered the limb and there was no scar or mark whatsoever to suggest there had ever been an amputation.
"Amazing, Doctor," she said. She then looked up at Chakotay. "How does it feel?"
"Just like my old one," he smiled. "I really can't tell the difference."
Kathryn saw the truth of that in his eyes and smiled in return.
"However, your leg will need regular check ups," the Doctor continued. "Once a week to begin with, and then two or three times a year, just to make sure that everything is working as it should be."
"Understood."
"Also try and use it as much as you can for the next few weeks. Try not to stay inactive for too long."
Kathryn smiled. "Not much chance of that on this ship, Doctor."
After a beautiful meal, Kathryn and Chakotay cuddled up together on their couch. Petal took her usual place at their feet and was glad that normality had returned to her little existence. She hated being confined in the dog pen and being left in the living room alone all by herself all day and all night.
"It will be alright tomorrow," Chakotay said softly. "I just know that it will be."
Kathryn nestled closer to him. "Let's not talk about tomorrow. It will come soon enough. What I would like to talk about is you. You've been through hell the past couple of days."
"I'm fine, Kathryn," he said. "Truly. I was scared at first, but this leg feels just like my old one and I know how lucky I am just to be alive." He kissed her hair. "But what Starfleet Command has done to you..." He paused. "You've sacrificed so much for this crew, sacrifice so much still. It makes me so angry that they question your dedication and commitment. No captain could be as dedicated to their crew as you."
Kathryn drew slightly away from him. "You've been so brave through this, Chakotay. You're always so brave."
"Not as brave as you," he answered. "You're the bravest person I've ever known."
Kathryn had to smile. "Seems we have a mutual fan club here."
"It seems we do."
She then gazed into his eyes. "But whatever happens, I'm not sorry for what's happened between us. I never could be. And if Starfleet Command does say they're sticking with their decision, then I'll defy them and remain Captain anyway. As they say, they have no way of enforcing their decision."
"If you do that, they will never let you remain in Starfleet when we get home."
"I know," she answered. "But then my mission will be complete."
Chakotay's eyes dulled and he lowered them. "I always dreaded this, always feared this..."
Kathryn gently raised his head with her fingers. "I love you, Chakotay. If it came to a choice between you and Starfleet, there would be no contest."
Chakotay's voice was barely a whisper. "But Starfleet means so much to you..."
"And you mean a million times more."
Tears welled in Chakotay's eyes and Kathryn traced the course of his tattoo.
"When we first got stranded, I insisted on us remaining a Starfleet crew because we needed those principles and values to survive. And they've served us well. But we could survive out here without being a Starfleet crew. I think many crewmembers would actually welcome not being a Starfleet crew, especially former Maquis. I won't betray this crew. I promised them I would get them home, and I will get them home. If Starfleet won't support us, we'll do it without them." She smiled. "We've done pretty damn good so far."
Chakotay had to smile at that. "We certainly have."
Kathryn gazed into his eyes and then lowered her lips to his in a gentle kiss.
As she drew away, the door chime sounded.
"My guess is Naomi," Kathryn smiled. She drew away from Chakotay and stood up.
"Come in."
The door opened and Samantha and Naomi came in.
Kathryn smiled. "It's good to see you both. Come and sit down."
Samantha went to sit down while Naomi went over to Kathryn. She held out a shiny red parcel, wrapped in a gold ribbon.
"For the Commander."
Kathryn laughed softly. "Why don't you give it to him yourself."
Naomi nodded and then slowly went over to Chakotay. She stood a little distance away from him and held out the gift at arms length. "For you, Commander."
Chakotay took the present. "Thank you."
He began to undo the wrapping and Kathryn noticed that Naomi looked at his legs the whole time.
"A box of chocolates," Chakotay said, removing the paper. "That's very kind of you."
Kathryn went over to them. "Any coffee creams amongst them?"
Chakotay opened the box. "There just happens to be one or two."
Kathryn smiled, scoured the contents, and cheekily pinched a chocolate from the box. She then turned back to Naomi. "Would you like to see the Commander's leg now?"
Naomi hesitated and then nodded.
Chakotay put down his chocolates and then rolled up his left trouser leg.
"As you can see," he said, holding it out, "it's just like my old leg."
Naomi studied his leg curiously and he could tell she wasn't sure whether this was his artificial leg or his real leg, so he rolled up his right trouser leg aswell.
"You see? Just the same."
He wriggled his toes in both legs. "I can even wriggle my toes."
A smile broke across Naomi's face now as she saw his toes wriggle through black socks.
"So everything's alright now, Naomi," he said kindly. "Everything's alright."
It was quiet in Astrometrics while Kathryn, Chakotay, and Tuvok waited for Starfleet Command to contact them. At last, the transmission came through and Admiral Paris appeared on the screen. From the look on his face, Chakotay knew immediately that he bore good news. His eyes were bright and he seemed eager to speak with them.
"It's good to see you again, Captain," he said, smiling as he spoke.
"You too, Sir," Kathryn said nervously.
Tuvok cut straight to the point, a sign that he was more anxious than his Vulcan exterior displayed. "Have Starfleet Command reached a decision?"
"Yes," Admiral Paris replied. He then turned to Kathryn and smiled warmly. "You are to remain Captain of Voyager."
Kathryn smiled in return, joy and relief consuming her. "And Chakotay?"
"He may remain in his unofficial capacity as First Officer." He paused. "Starfleet Command are impressed by your dedication and commitment to your crew, and wish me to tell you that you are a credit to Starfleet and to the Federation. They sincerely apologize for misjudging you and want to wish you and the Commander every happiness in your personal life."
"Please convey to them my gratitude," Kathryn replied, "and my assurance that I will continue to serve this crew to the best of my ability."
Admiral Paris nodded with a smile. "I will, Captain." He paused. "And I would like to congratulate you both on your pregnancy."
Kathryn smiled again. "Thank you, Sir."
"We will communicate with you once a week, every Monday, unless something comes up. All other days of the week you may use the eleven minutes of communication time with the Federation for the crew to talk with their loved ones." He paused. "And that's about all I have to say today, so I'll let you get on with passing the good news, in both respects, to the crew." He smiled. "Good day to you all."
"Good day, Sir," Kathryn replied, Chakotay and Tuvok echoing.
As the connection terminated, Kathryn turned to Chakotay and Tuvok.
"I can't thank you both enough for what you've done," she said sincerely.
"As I said," Tuvok answered. "No thanks are necessary. We did nothing but speak the truth. No captain could be more dedicated to his or her crew than you."
"No captain at all," Chakotay smiled. He then lay a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'll gather the crew together in the mess hall and we can inform them."
"The crew have already gathered there," Tuvok replied. "They are eager to know Starfleet Command's decision."
"And I think you should tell them," Kathryn continued. "You did most of the work. The Commander and I will be along in a moment."
He gave a nod. "As you wish, Captain."
With that he left the room, and the doors closed behind him. Kathryn turned back to Chakotay and smiled.
"My ship and my man," she said, eyes sparkling. "But one way or another, I would have kept you both."
Rapturous applause filled the air as Kathryn and Chakotay arrived in the Mess Hall. Every member of the crew was on their feet and cheers and whistles abounded.
"Thank you," Kathryn smiled. "Thank you so much."
"No need to thank us," Tom said, stepping forward. "It's us who want to thank you. What you have done for us all has always been way beyond the call of duty. Not only are you the best captain we could ever have, you're also a wonderful person. I know I speak for the entire crew when I say that you've always been more than just a captain to us. You've also been a friend."
There was more applause at that and the crews sincerity touched Kathryn's heart.
Chakotay now addressed the crew. "We also have more good news. Starfleet Command will only communicate with us one day of the week. That means the eleven minutes of contact we have with the Federation every other day can be used for you all to speak with your loved ones."
Once again cheers and clapping filled the room.
"But of course," Chakotay continued, "we only have one channel of communication, which means everyone will have to take turns. To be fair to everyone, we'll do a draw and those names pulled out first will get to speak to their loved ones first. We'll transmit the order of draw back home, so that our loved ones will know when to expect to talk to us." He smiled. "But I think we'll all agree that there is one little person who should have honorable first place, someone who has waited long enough to meet her father... Miss Naomi Wildman."
At this the crew cheered again and everyone turned to look at Naomi who smiled proudly.
Then Neelix emerged from the kitchen carrying a large cake on a tray. It was heart shaped and covered in coffee cream.
"Just a little something I replicated to mark the occasion, Captain," he smiled. "It symbolizes the love and respect we all bear for you."
Kathryn smiled, again deeply touched. "Thank you, Neelix."
He put the cake down on a nearby table and picked up a sharp silver knife he had put next to it on the tray. He then held it out to Kathryn. "If you would do the honors, Captain."
Kathryn went over to the table and Neelix handed her the knife. Kathryn looked at the pretty cake for a moment and then raised the knife, about to cut into it. She was stopped by Neelix's sudden exclamation.
"Oh wait, not yet, Captain. We must get a picture ... Wait a moment..."
With that, Neelix disappeared into the kitchen and appeared seconds later with his camera. "Alright," he said, addressing the crew in an authoritative manner, "all gather behind Captain Janeway. Commander Chakotay, you stand beside her."
The crew did as he said and Chakotay took his place beside his wife.
"Now all smile please," he said, "On the count of three. One, two, three..."
Everyone smiled as the picture was taken, and then Kathryn dug the knife deep into the cake.
END OF CHAPTER FOURTEEN
