"Chakotay, how long until we land?"
"About ten minutes Captain."
"Have you made sure everyone has someone to go home to, or with? I don't want anyone to be alone. And I want you, Seven and the Doctor to come home with me. I've already asked the Doctor and Seven, not that I can remember Seven's answer." She looked at him expectantly.
"Kathryn, I can't…."
"There's plenty of room." He looked uncertain. "Home cooking, though luckily not mine and if anything is replicated, I'll give up coffee for a month." She smiled at him and continued "And the transporter station is spitting distance if you and Seven want to go off for the day or whatever." The last sentence came out at a rush. "C'mon Chakotay, you don't want to be on your own at a time like this." And then a horrible thought struck her. "Or do you? Sorry."
She looked crestfallen for reasons that Chakotay couldn't fathom.
"No, you're right. It'd be wonderful to be in a proper home again. Are you sure your mother won't mind?"
Janeway looked delighted.
"My dear Chakotay, not only won't she mind, she'll be in heaven. Prepare to be spoiled rotten and fussed over like you never have. "
"I'm looking forward to this."
"Me too." She whispered like an excited child. "And now, we should return to the bridge for the big moment. You couldn't give me a hand could you? I don't think I can stand up."
"Kathryn, did the Doctor authorize your release from sickbay?" he asked as he helped her up. Chakotay noticed that her movements were slow and deliberate and that she was walking very stiffly.
"Let's just say, we had a full and frank discussion. And I won." He looked doubtful. "Honestly Chakotay, I'm all patched up, I've just got some bruising and muscle soreness which the Doctor has agreed to fix once we're home. He's going to give me something just as we land, as I suspect there's going to be quite a bit of gratuitous hugging. Or at least, I hope so." She smiled. "Are you ready for more hugs?"
"Yes ma'am."
The door chime sounded.
"Ah, Doctor. Good timing. I'll join you in a minute Chakotay."
"Attention all hands. It is my pleasure to inform you that we are about to land at Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco.
"I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate every one of you on your outstanding contributions to getting this ship and her family home. This is the finest crew I've ever had the honor to be a part of. It has been a privilege to be your Captain and to be part of the Voyager family. Now let's go home. All non-essential crew, please report to the Cargo Bay."
Janeway looked around the bridge at all the people that had become so dear to her. Her eyes met her First Officer's and they shared a moment of triumph. She reached across and took his hand.
"OK, Tom. Initiate landing sequence. Blue alert."
All the crew assembled in the cargo bay, ready to disembark once they were joined by the senior staff.
"Do you remember the last time we all walked out of the ship this way?"
"God, don't remind me Chakotay, I'm hoping this time it'll go a little better. And it's unlikely that there'll be Kazon in San Francisco."
Even B'Elanna joined them, without the baby. When Janeway threw her a quizzical glance, the young woman shrugged and said "Tom's father won't put her down. He's promised I can have her back when we're on the ground."
"OK people," Janeway addressed the group "Let's do it!" and aside to Chakotay she whispered "I hope I was right about the Kazon."
He laughed as the cargo loading door lowered to reveal a sea of faces looking expectantly up at them.
Janeway vaguely heard someone behind her utter an astonished oath at seeing the crowd awaiting them, before a roar of, what she sincerely hoped was cheering, rolled up from the mass of people.
For only the second time in seven years, she lead the whole crew off the ship this way. The first time was one of the worst moments of their voyage. This had to be the best.
Even the squad of the stuffiest admirals and politicians with their seemingly interminable official welcome home speeches couldn't dampen the satisfaction Janeway was feeling at this moment.
She tried to pay attention to the no doubt, heartfelt congratulations or whatever they were droning on about, but, as with almost every other crewmember of Voyager, she was scanning the crowd for familiar faces.
Only somewhat aware that yet another dignitary was shaking her hand, mentioning something about the Federation President being off world at the moment and murmuring some kind of apology, Janeway's eyes were sweeping the gathering. As the person let go of her hand a cheer went up and she realized that the official ceremony, or whatever it was, was over.
She turned to Chakotay who had managed to stay with her as they were enveloped by the throng as they stepped down from the podium.
"Chakotay, don't you and Seven get lost. I'm hoping to find my family soon." And to Seven she asked as quietly as the crowd around them would allow "Seven, are you OK?"
Seven smiled weakly at her Captain and managed to reply "I will adapt."
"Don't worry, hopefully we'll be home soon." She gave the young woman's shoulder and affectionate squeeze.
It was then she became aware of her name being called and Janeway turned her head to identify the source.
As she went to turn the other way, she caught sight of a small blurred figure heading towards her. Before she could register who it was, her mother had enveloped her in an emotional embrace and both women were soon crying. A few seconds later another woman with curly dark hair had joined them.
Reluctantly, they broke apart. Clasping the older woman's hand, Janeway turned to her first officer and introduced them, while wiping tears from her eyes.
"Mom, these are my friends and crewmates, Chakotay and Seven. Chakotay is also my first officer. This is Gretchen Janeway."
"Chakotay," said Gretchen in a voice so very much like her daughter's "welcome home!"
He went to offer her hand but as Kathryn had predicted, the older woman launched herself at him and gave him a strong hug that belied her size and then kissed him on the cheek. Gretchen then turned to Seven who looked a little alarmed at the prospect of being embraced, but didn't have time to plan her escape before being grasped. "Welcome home my dear." Said Gretchen, placing a gently kiss on her cheek. "Both of you, call me Gretchen."
Seven nodded mutely, again awash with emotion. She enjoyed the hug and kiss, and was again wondering if she was malfunctioning, making a mental note to ask the Doctor about it later.
"Mom, I've invited Chakotay and Seven to stay with us while we get settled."
"Darling, that's wonderful! There's plenty of room and we'd love to have you." she smiled at them both.
"Thanks Mom. There's one more for our party. The Doctor will be joining us too, but we seem to have lost him in the crowd. Oh, Seven and Chakotay, this is my sister Phoebe."
Phoebe had detached herself from the Captain and had moved to Seven, linking their arms.
"You and I need to talk, " began Phoebe to a now perplexed Seven "I have seven years of dirt to find."
Seven was completely baffled, but realized that this was some kind of humor.
Janeway realized her confusion and attempted to explain. "Phoebe is the Janeway version of Tom Paris." No further explanation was necessary. "And Phoebe, don't break her."
Harry had spotted his parents while he was still in formation listening, or rather not listening, to the speeches.
He could see his mother jumping up and down with glee, and next to her, his father, more restrained but with a smile that could illuminate several decks of Voyager.
With the completion of ceremony, chaos reigned and Harry was amazed at how everyone was almost instinctively finding their loved ones in the melee.
The crowd opened long enough for two figures to appear.
Harry's mother opened her arms to him and he couldn't get to her fast enough. His father, usually so restrained, joined their embrace and the three clung to each other.
Tom and B'Elanna had no trouble finding Admiral Paris and Miral. They were on the dais with all the other Admirals and politicians. It looked very much like he was showing her off. He was holding the baby like it was the most precious thing in the world, while talking to the other Admirals and gesturing toward Tom and B'Elanna.
"I can't help feeling that we're on the wrong Earth. Is that really my father?"
Just then they were joined by an older woman that B'Elanna didn't recognize but who threw her arms around Tom fiercely.
"Where did the old goat get that angel?"
"Mom! Mom, it's so good to see you again." he then introduced her to B'Elanna and explained about the baby.
"B'Elanna, it's so wonderful to finally meet you. Welcome home both of you." And with that Elizabeth Paris stood between them and took their arms and didn't take her eyes off her husband and the baby.
They were glad Tom's father had taken Miral. The crowd, although good natured, was fairly boisterous. B'Elanna could see that Tom was relieved and delighted at his father's, and his mother's for that matter, reaction to him and his new family. He now had his arm around her protectively, and both of them hadn't taken their eyes off their daughter and her grandfather since leaving the ship.
"Excuse me sirs." They turned to see an impossibly young ensign addressing them "Admiral Paris' complements sirs, and Ma'am," nodding in the direction of Tom's mother "the Admiral says to take your time. Miral is asleep and he is perfectly happy, sirs." They struggled not to laugh at the young man, delivering the message as though it was an official report. "The Admiral says he's ready to go home when you are. Sirs." He added.
"Thank you ensign. Please tell the Admiral that we need to take our leave of Captain Janeway first and he should get the buggy warmed up."
"Aye, sir." The young man left at a run.
"I see Dad is still terrifying his staff. Must be where Janeway learned her craft." He laughed.
"It's the only fun he gets." said his mother. "I'm sure he's a terrible tyrant. I'll go and try and get your baby back B'Elanna."
"We should find the Captain."
"I'll get your father and the baby organized. We've still got all the baby things from the last grandchild! You won't need a thing!" Tom's mother was practically jumping with joy as she headed off in the direction of her husband after she'd kissed and hugged both of them once more. "Don't get lost again." She ordered over her shoulder with a smile.
Tom looked down at his wife.
"B'Elanna, is it OK if we go home with my father and mom." He looked worried. Again.
"Of course it's OK. Your Dad and I had a good talk when the Captain was being treated. I really like him. He reminds me of you."
"You're kidding." He looked appalled at the prospect.
"A little bit." She laughed "But I do like him. I like them both. Let's go home, Tom."
"Mom, I've already got Chakotay to check, but will you make sure with the Voyager family group that everyone has got somewhere to go and someone to go with?"
"Don't worry Kathryn, as soon as we heard a few hours ago, we worked through the list with Starfleet and everything's OK."
"Good. Thanks Mom."
Gretchen examined her daughter closely. Something was amiss. Kathryn wasn't moving very freely.
Icheb had come to the Captain to take his leave. He was going home with Sam and Naomi.
"Phoebe, this is Icheb. Icheb, my sister Phoebe. Treat her like a suspected dangerous first contact." The Captain added conspiratorially to the boy.
Icheb looked alarmed.
"Hi Icheb. Does anyone ever call you Itchy?"
"Only omnipotent beings."
That stopped her.
After finally making certain that each of her crew were either staying with family or friends and that no one would be alone and saying goodbye to the Paris family and the Kims, Janeway joined her assembled group in readiness for the trip to Indiana.
"Mom, they followed me home, can I keep them?"
Gretchen just laughed. It was such a joy filled laugh.
Chakotay was amused at how Janeway's mother had now taken complete command while clasping her newly returned daughter's hand tightly. Except for a couple of brief minutes away to tend to various crew and to accept the official welcome home greetings, her hand hadn't left her mother's in something more than an hour.
Gretchen Janeway was ushering them towards a small shuttle. She explained that the distance from the house to the nearest transporter station was a "bit of a hike" and how Admiral Paris had made the shuttle available, with pilot, to take them all home.
The young pilot snapped to a perfect attention stance on the group's approach and Janeway was overcome with memories of her first meeting with Harry.
"Thank you for waiting Tony." Gretchen said addressing the young man, and then to the group "This is Ensign Lyota, our chauffeur for the day."
"At ease Ensign, before you sprain something." Janeway couldn't resist, but her tone and smile were warm.
They entered the shuttle and took their seats. Janeway's hand was still enveloped by her mother's.
Her mother explained that Phoebe's husband and son were on a civilian transport on their way to Betazed. They'd been notified, but it might take them a few days before they'd be home. They were about to begin a six month post."
Janeway remembered that Phoebe had mentioned in a letter that David, her husband, was a diplomat "She was to follow him there tomorrow, but she got held up finishing a commission. She was so angry at first, but now I know she's delighted. She wouldn't have wanted to miss this." Her mother explained.
There was so much catching up to do. Even though she had received personal letters through the Pathfinder project, they didn't seem real until she got the information first hand. She was still struggling with the whole Phoebe being married and a mother thing. Her husband must be a saint, she mused.
Sitting in the shuttle on the way home, her mother still holding her hand, telling her about little things. And it was the little things she craved, she'd discovered. Tidbits about Phoebe's husband (according to her mother, he was a saint) and their little boy. Their pets. Their birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases. Phoebe's changing hairstyle (she had to laugh at that one).
Phoebe was sitting in front of them keeping up a constant stream of chatter at the group. Janeway thought she should have been worried about what her sister was telling her crewmates, but she was feeling much too happy to care about it. Phoebe kept up a non-stop barrage of questions and exclamations directed mainly at Seven and Chakotay but she could hear that the Doctor wasn't being excluded. This indeed was her irritating little sister that she'd missed so desperately for seven years.
Her mother rolled her eyes at the now personal questions she was peppering Chakotay with and she and her oldest daughter shared a secret smile. It was if she'd never been away.
She was finally home.
On arrival the group retrieved their luggage from the shuttle as Gretchen Janeway marshaled them towards the front steps of the house.
Chakotay glanced back to the shuttle to see that Janeway was talking to the young ensign, smiling, touching his forearm. She was probably only thanking him for the flight, but from the look on the ensign's face, Janeway had a slave for life, his hero worship was so obvious.
Janeway joined the others when her mother returned for her and grasped her hand again, as if frightened that her daughter would disappear if she let go.
"Come in, come in. Welcome home everyone!" Gretchen, still clutching her daughter's hand was leading the group inside. "Phoebe, show our guests their rooms. Then everyone come back downstairs for coffee or whatever and a bite to eat."
Phoebe lead the small group up the stairs, talking animatedly to them all, explaining where everything was.
"There's bathrooms here and down there," Phoebe pointed vaguely in the direction of a doorway, "Doctor, you can have this room here, Seven, will this be OK for you and so, Chakotay, are you sharing a room with Kathryn?" Phoebe asked innocently.
"Er, no…we're not, I mean…um."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you, and don't worry, there are plenty of rooms. You don't have to share." Phoebe laughed. "But, I'll put you next door. Just in case." She added slyly.
The Doctor and Seven exchanged a glance. Phoebe and the Captain were related?
As Janeway watched them disappear upstairs, she felt a gentle tug on her hand and turned to look into the tear filled eyes of her mother.
"Welcome home, Kathryn." Was all Gretchen could manage.
They were still in each other's arms when Phoebe returned.
"Hey, Kathryn.." Phoebe spoke in the softest tone her older sister had ever heard her use. "It's great to have you home."
The three were still locked together when Chakotay, Seven and the Doctor started to descend the stairs.
Finally they broke apart.
Gretchen again kissed her daughter on the cheek. "Why don't you all get comfortable in the living room and I'll bring in the refreshments?"
"Sure," said a boisterous Phoebe, "so, Seven, tell me more about this Kashyk guy…"
Chakotay laughed out loud as Kathryn lunged at Phoebe.
From the kitchen came Gretchen's voice "Kathryn, don't hit your sister."
The group had sat around the fire (Kathryn had insisted on a fire, even though it wasn't really cold enough) until the early hours of the morning.
Janeway was still sprawled on the couch. She would've gone to her room when most of the others retired, but she found her muscles had seized up to the extent that she couldn't get up.
"Captain," the Doctor's voice was soft but insistent "I hope you haven't forgotten your promise for your treatment."
"On the contrary Doctor, I am willing but the flesh is weak. I can't move. And if Mom hears you calling me 'captain', we'll both be in trouble." She smiled weakly at him and he was more than a little shocked at her admission. He could tell by her eyes that she had a powerful headache as well.
"Please let me assist you, Kathryn."
He got her to her feet and gently but firmly helped her up the stairs to her room.
He waited while she prepared herself for bed and got his kit ready.
She lay on the bed, yawning.
"I know you're already tired, but I should give you a muscle relaxant. It will assist me in the healing process."
She was asleep before he'd moved the hypospray from her neck.
Janeway was at first confused when she opened her eyes and saw sunlight streaming through her window. After a slight feeling of disbelief, she relaxed and rolled over.
Her sister was poking her head through the doorway. At seeing Janeway awake, Phoebe threw herself onto the bed.
"God, it's so good to be home." she stretched luxuriantly under the covers.
"It's good to have you back." her sister replied in a shuddering whisper.
"You're not gonna cry on me, are you Phoebs?"
"I'm not promising anything."
There was a comfortable silence between the two sisters.
"I got sent up on a recognizance mission to see if you're okay. Mom was worried."
"I'm in Indiana Phoebs, it doesn't get more okay than that."
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger."
"Is that coffee I smell? Is breakfast ready?"
"Kathryn, it's 10.30. Everyone else's had breakfast. Chakotay has been charming Mom and Seven and I have been having quite the chat."
"Well, I suppose I should get up and salute the day." Janeway stretched lazily.
"The Doctor's been on the vid to someone all morning who looks just like him."
"Dr Zimmerman."
"Yeah, that's him. I'll have to kick him off so I can talk to my boys."
"I can't wait till they arrive. I think I'm going to like having my very own nephew to spoil."
"Me too. They're both very excited about meeting you finally. I like your friends. Chakotay is a hunk."
When Janeway didn't reply, she forged ahead.
"He doesn't have anyone on Earth?"
"Phoebs, he doesn't have anyone, he lost just about his whole family to the Cardassians. I think he may have a cousin or uncle somewhere though."
"I can't imagine what that would be like."
"You know Phoebs, I think Chakotay would enjoy a little sister." she eyed Phoebe speculatively.
"Do you mean the pest or hero worship variety?"
"Let's try pest first and see how he copes."
They both laughed.
"And hugs. He could really do with some hugs. He's very tactile."
"Why don't you hug him? You've obviously got the hots for him?"
She'd only been home less than twenty four hours and Phoebe was already driving her mad.
"You're delusional and I'm his Captain." That was all the answer she was prepared to give.
"I'm not the delusional one, but leave him to me."
Phoebe eased herself off the edge of the bed and walked slowly to the doorway, turning back as she reached the door."
"Welcome home, Kathryn." She said softly.
"Thanks Phoebs. I don't think I'm ever going to get tired of those three words." She had one last catlike stretch and moved to get out of bed.
"See you downstairs, sis." She said.
Janeway got out of bed, stretched again, checked her window to make sure Indiana was still there and then looked in her dresser to see if she had any clothes.
Janeway arrived in the kitchen dressed in jeans and t-shirt.
"Good morning!" she exclaimed cheerfully.
"Kathryn. Outside. Now."
Perplexed by the turn of events, Janeway meekly followed her mother out the back door.
"How do you feel this morning? Are you OK?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, honestly, I feel fine."
"Good because I think I want to kick your butt. What the hell were you thinking not getting treated as soon as you walked in the front door yesterday afternoon?"
"The Doctor…"
"The Doctor said nothing. I walked in after he had sedated you to treat your injuries. Kathryn why on earth did you let yourself suffer like that. My god, the bruises…I can't imagine how much you were hurting."
"I didn't want to worry you." Her voice barely a whisper now.
"Didn't want to worry me? Didn't want to worry me? Kathryn I've worried about you and your sister from the moment you were born. And what I've done over the last seven years, that was worry. But honey, you're home. You don't have to be 'The Captain' here, god knows I had enough of that with your father."
Janeway's head dropped. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
She looked so desolate that her mother realized there was more wrong than just being chewed out.
"No, Kathryn, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have flown at you like that." She smiled at her daughter. "I guess I was worried." She added with an attempt at humor.
Gretchen embraced her daughter.
"Feeling better?"
"Yes, sorry Mom. It's been a pretty stressful couple of days. I guess it just caught up with me." She gave her mother a watery half smile. "I might take a walk for a little while. Before I see the others this morning."
"Of course, darling. I'll have some coffee and muffins waiting for you when you get back."
"Thanks Mom."
Gretchen watched as Kathryn wandered down the track towards the creek. She could tell that there was something bothering her daughter, but was hopeful that she would confide in her eventually.
She sighed and returned to the house.
As she entered the kitchen, she was met be Chakotay.
"Is everything all right Gretchen?" he looked truly concerned. His eyes were following the lone figure walking away from the house.
"I think so Chakotay." She smiled and patted his arm, in a manner that was all Kathryn. "Tea?"
"That would be lovely, thank you."
She pottered about the kitchen, getting the pot and tea leaves ready, while waiting for the water to come to the boil, the old fashioned way. These Janeways take their beverages seriously, he mused.
"I'd better get some coffee ready too. Kathryn will want some when she's had her walk."
She bought the pot and cups to the table and motioned Chakotay to sit.
As she poured the tea, he could tell she was wrestling with her thoughts.
"Chakotay, how hard was it out there?"
He held his delicate china cup and examined the pattern.
"Hard. There were times I thought we'd never make it. But Kathryn never gave up. She's an extraordinary leader, Gretchen, you should be very proud."
"Yes, we've always been very proud of her." She sipped her tea. "It's just that she's so changed. I'm worried about her."
"It'll take us all a while to get back to normal, whatever that is.." he smiled "She's had an enormous responsibility for seven long years, but once the debriefings are over and she can really relax, I'm confident that your Kathryn will be back."
"Thanks Chakotay, I hope so." She sighed. "The counselors told us we have to give you space and not smother you when you first return. But I'll be honest with you, it's all I can do to let any of you out of my sight at the moment. I must have gone to Kathryn's room ten times last night. Just to make sure she was there. I haven't done that since the girls were babies." He smiled at her. "Don't laugh. I checked on you too."
He reached across the table and held her hand. They stayed like that for some time and quietly drank their tea.
"You know, it's very quiet upstairs. Phoebe is nearly forty, and I still worry that when she's quiet, she's probably up to something."
Chakotay laughed and agreed.
"Seven has really taken to her. She's not usually so relaxed around people she doesn't know very well."
At that moment, Janeway reappeared in the kitchen door, displaying nothing that might indicate how upset she'd been when speaking to her mother earlier.
"Ah, there you are Kathryn. I've made tea, but I'm assuming you'll want coffee?"
"Yes, coffee, please."
"Here you are," she handed her daughter a plate "and please, have a muffin. But just one. You don't want to spoil your lunch."
Janeway sat next to Chakotay and started to break apart her muffin.
"No, I can't stand it any longer. I'll have to go check on Phoebe. I don't want to expose Seven to too much Phoebe too early. There could be toxic effects."
Janeway laughed in understanding but Chakotay nearly inhaled his tea. He had never heard a mother talk about a child that way.
As Gretchen left in search of her younger daughter, Janeway offered Chakotay some of her muffin.
"Thanks. Are you OK? I saw you out in the garden."
She smiled and nodded her head, "I'm fine. Mom was just looking after me."
"It looked like you were in trouble. I didn't know whether I should have mounted a rescue mission." Chakotay laughed.
"She wasn't happy with me. She apparently came into my room last night when the Doctor was putting the final touches on my repairs from yesterday. Thinks I should have had them done as soon as I got home." He looked like he was about to agree with the sentiment and she raised her hand in resignation "I know what you're going to say, but you're on leave from being First Officer." she laughed and continued "But I'll tell you Chakotay, don't ever get on the wrong side of my mother. Of the two experiences, I would recommend assimilation." she smiled ruefully at him. "I've been home less than twenty four hours, and I've already had my first dressing down by a superior officer."
"I'm sure it'll be the last for a long while."
"I wish I was as confident about that. I've done a few things in the past seven years that I'm not proud of and I can only imagine what the review committee will think."
He looked concerned.
"Surely you don't think you'll face charges."
"I just don't know Chakotay. I hope not, but to tell you the truth, I'm more concerned with the crew at this early stage. I'll take one thing at a time, OK?"
"OK." He smiled and decided to change the subject "What do you think Phoebe's doing to Seven?"
Janeway laughed and shook her head.
"Not sure. But it's bound to be scary. Mom will save her though."
"They are getting along famously."
"Somehow I knew they would. It'll be good for Seven to make friends outside a command structure. If there's anything left of her when Phoebe's finished."
They were interrupted by the subjects of the discussion joining them.
Seven had been transformed. She was wearing an old pair of blue jeans and a soft, loose fitting pink blouse and her hair was down.
"Wow." said Chakotay. "Seven, it's the new you."
"I do not look….silly?"
"No, but you do look shorter."
"Sneakers." said Phoebe. "You hadn't used them for a while Kathryn, so I figured you didn't want them. Or the blouse. Or the jeans."
"That's OK, I never looked that good in them anyway. Have I got any clothes left, Phoebs?"
"Not really. Seven and I are going shopping later. We'll get you some stuff then."
At that moment, Gretchen entered the room.
"Kathryn, don't hit your sister."
"I wasn't going to, but it sounds like a fine idea."
"She was too Mom. She does it all the time."
