Chapter 6
Kathryn Janeway sat nervously in a small dressing room. Today was her
wedding day. The crew's ready acceptance of her relationship with
Chakotay had allowed the relationship they had begun on New Earth to
blossom.
"It's almost time, Captain," said B'Elanna softly.
The Captain looked up at B'Elanna. "I never dreamed I could ever be
this happy, B'Elanna," she whispered.
They both looked towards the door when they heard the knock. Kathyrn
nodded, so B'Elanna went and opened the door. Tom strolled in with a
bright smile. He greeted B'Elanna with a kiss, then walked over to
the Captain.
"It's time, Captain." He would give the Captain away as well as
serve as Best Man.
Harry was providing the wedding music with his clarinet. Kes had
provided flowers for the wedding, and Neelix had prepared the
reception feast. She smiled as she remembered Chakotay's firm
insistence that no Leola Root would be allowed. Tuvok would perform
the ceremony as acting Captain.
Slowly, she stood up, and took Tom's arm. B'Elanna handed her the
bridal bouquet. They walked to the door. Peering out, and seeing
that Tuvok and Chakotay were both in place, Tom nodded to Harry who
began to play the wedding march on his clarinet.
B'Elanna slowly walked down the aisle, carrying a bouquet of flowers.
After she took her place, Harry began the Bridal Chorus, and Tuvok
signaled everyone to stand. The crew, beaming with happiness, watched
as Tom walked their Captain down the aisle. They had waited for so
long for this event. When the Captain and Chakotay had returned from
New Earth, it seemed that first day as if nothing had changed, but
then after they had taken a vision quest, they had allowed the crew to
see the change in their relationship.
Tom carefully placed her hand into Chakotay's and took his place
beside Chakotay as best man.
Tuvok performed the ceremony flawlessly. When he introduced the new
couple, cheers rang out from the group assembled in the holodeck, as
well as from those who were at duty stations listening and watching
via viewscreens. This was what the crew had wanted for so long. They
all cared very deeply about the Captain's happiness, and it pleased
them greatly to see her with the man who loved her more than anything
in the entire universe.
The reception lasted long enough for the entire crew to celebrate with
the joyous couple. Finally, it was time to throw the bouquet and the
garter. Tom caught the garter, and B'Elanna caught the bouquet. Both
smiled as knowing glances were sent their way. Many people were
surprised that the Captain and Chakotay had beaten them to the
marriage altar.
Chakotay clapped Tom on the shoulder. "I guess you two will be next,
Tom."
He laughed. "We plan to be, Chakotay."
Kathryn and Chakotay left the holodeck amidst a flurry of confetti.
They hurried to their quarters to celebrate their marriage. The
warriors were now completely at peace. No more angry warriors, they
now knew the true meaning of peace because they had each other.