They were all sitting around the table having enjoyed a wonderful lunch.

True to her word, Phoebe was giving a delighted Chakotay the 'sister treatment' and she was even managing to get Seven to open up. There was much playful banter and Janeway had trouble keeping up with the conversation. She was feeling much to content and full to concentrate.

Chakotay lifted the last spoonful of dessert to his mouth. A look of ecstasy crossed his face. "Gretchen, will you marry me?"

"Well, it is the best offer I've had all day, but you realize that Kathryn would become your step-daughter."

"And don't forget me too, Pop," piped up Phoebe. "and you'd be an instant grandfather."

"You're right. There would be problems. Although the thought of finally being able to tell Kathryn what to do has some attraction."

"Don't give me that Chakotay, you've been bossing me around for years."

They all laughed and Phoebe continued her barrage of teasing at Chakotay, now calling him "Poppy". He parried and acted irritated, but Janeway could tell that he was enjoying himself enormously. Even Seven looked relaxed.

The Doctor was explaining that he would be visiting Dr Zimmerman that afternoon and was making sure that it was acceptable with everyone.

"Seven, have you had any contact with your Aunt yet?"

"No Gretchen, I have not."

"Well, she'd love to meet you. I've spoken to her several times."

"You have?"

"Oh yes. I've got her contact details if you'd like to call her when she gets back tomorrow. She was disappointed that she couldn't meet you yesterday."

"I…I wouldn't know what to say."

"I can be with you if you like Seven. It'd be lovely to meet some of your family." Janeway smiled.

Seven looked uncertain.

"If you think I should…" she looked like she was going to cry.

"We'll talk about it a bit later if you'd like."

"Thank you, Captain."

Gretchen had got up to answer an in coming call. She came back to tell Janeway that her Aunt Martha wanted to speak to her. Excusing herself, Janeway went to the study.

"So tell us some of your adventures" ventured Phoebe to cover an emotional moment.

There was an awkward silence, which the Doctor was only too happy to fill.

"Well, only a few weeks ago Voyager was boarded by yet another group of Delta Quadrant natives with a penchant for nastiness…" he began.

"Oh?" muttered an uncertain Gretchen.

"Doctor…" growled Chakotay in a low warning tone.

But he wasn't to be diverted. He started to warm to his topic and narrated as if telling an exciting bedtime story.

As Janeway came back into the room, he was at the tail end of the story.

"…it was very distressing at the time for the crew as you can imagine, as they believed the aliens had executed the Captain in front of them, but luckily, their energy weapons weren't as effective at a distance. Although badly injured, the Captain still managed to aid the crew in over-powering the invaders and retaking the ship. It was touch and go as to whether she'd survive but she…"

Gretchen made a noise between a gasp and a whimper.

"Doctor!" the Captain snapped. Her voice seemed unnaturally loud, even to herself.

For the first time, the Doctor noticed the effect of his story on his audience.

Gretchen and Phoebe looked stricken and both had tears in their eyes.

Seven looked sick.

Chakotay broke the silence, murmuring "Excuse me" as he rose and headed out the back door in a hurry.

Phoebe and Gretchen had pulled themselves together and Phoebe started to comfort Seven.

Her mother gestured to her daughter to follow her first officer.

As she got to the back door, the Doctor followed her.

"Captain. I'm so terribly sorry. I got carried away and I distressed your family with my thoughtlessness."

"Doctor, we'll all have to be careful what we tell people. We forget they won't necessarily understand what it was like out there."

"Well, I promise to be more tactful in the future."

"Thank you Doctor, is Seven OK?"

"I think so. She's a bit more emotional since her fail-safe was disabled."

"Good, I'd better go find Chakotay."

"Funny you should choose this particular tree to sit under."

She had approached quietly and slowly, trying to gauge his emotional state before speaking.

"Go away, Kathryn. Please."

His face betrayed no emotion but his voice was strained.

"Can't. Mom says I've got to make sure you're OK and bring you back."

"Not everyone can just turn off their emotions like you Kathryn. I'm fine. Leave."

"Chakotay, I'm not sure why you're angry with me." She studied him for a while and then added as she sat next to him "Would you like to talk about it?"

"So, now we're home you're prepared to actually have a conversation that might be personal in some way?"

She almost snapped back an angry retort but managed to control herself.

"I guess I deserved that."

They were both silent for some time. Finally, he sighed.

"No, of course you didn't deserve it. Sorry."

"No problem." she managed to reply, but she had been hurt by his tone.

"I really am sorry Kathryn. It's just that hearing the worst moment in my life related as if it was a 'boy's own' adventure was more than I could take."

"He was just trying to tell them an exciting story, Chakotay. He didn't realize the impact it would have. We've all become a bit blasé about some of the things that have happened to us and I'm afraid it's rubbed off on the Doctor somewhat."

"It's not that." He ran his hand through his hair, and turned on her. "Have you any idea what it's like to see someone you love die in front of your very eyes and not be able to do a damn thing about it?" his voice was harsh and angry.

"Actually, I do." her voice was almost a whisper.

His face registered his horror at what he had just asked her.

"Oh, Kathryn, I'm so sorry." He put his head in his hands.

There seemed to be an unspoken agreement to not say anymore. They sat together under the tree, Chakotay with his head down while Janeway absently rubbed his back in an attempt at comforting them both.

After a while he got up, helped her to her feet and they returned to the house in silence.

Janeway didn't know what to make of the previous conversation. Did he just say he loved her? And her 'death' was the worst moment in his life? It was probably just the shock and excitement of their return and the emotional turmoil of the past couple of months. She tried to put the whole thing out of her mind. Chakotay was with Seven and she just had to get used to that and get on with her life, there was no point in being fanciful.

The afternoon was warm and comforting. Lunch had been a treat and everyone seemed to be recovered from the upset of the Doctor's story.

Chakotay again realized just how much he had missed home cooking over the years. And being in a real home. When Gretchen had appeared with a plate of home made cookies, Chakotay had again asked her to marry him.

"Geez, Chakotay. You're proposing to my mother again. I really am going to require counseling if you keep this up. You never proposed to me when I made you dinner."

Phoebe made an indelicate snorting noise and started to laugh.

"Kathryn," Gretchen chided, "don't hit your sister."

Janeway was laughing as she carried some dishes out of the dining room.

Kathryn, Phoebe and Seven were still in the kitchen an hour later still cleaning up after the meal, although Chakotay wasn't totally sure how much actual work was being done, judging by the level of noise that was being generated.

He was relaxing with Gretchen on the porch, listening to the giggling emanating from the kitchen.

"It's music to my ears." said Gretchen, her eyes closed and a smile on her lips.

Chakotay grinned as another burst of hilarity could be heard. He even thought he could hear Seven laughing.

A scream rent the air. Chakotay was on his feet instantly. "Kathryn?" On alert, but uncertain what could possibly be wrong.

"I'd stand back from the door if I were you, Chakotay." Gretchen said mildly.

Before he could determine why she was so unconcerned, he heard the drumming of running feet down the hallway.

Suddenly, the front screen door flew open with a loud 'crack' as Phoebe bolted out, laughing hard as she jumped down the steps and took off at a run around the house. She was followed a second later by an obviously drenched older sister, who also leapt off the porch in hot pursuit.

They both disappeared out of view.

"They've been doing that for years." Said Gretchen with some emotion in her voice. "You'll know when Kathryn has caught her."

A more sedate Seven of Nine now appeared at the door with a bemused look on her face.

"Phoebe is very courageous," she began "I don't think even the Hirogen would ever consider throwing a pot of cold water over the Captain." Her eyes were dancing with delight. Phoebe was certainly a revelation to Seven.

Just then the two sisters reappeared, still running, with Phoebe still laughing and pulling away from her older and wetter sister.

"Phoebe's quick, but Kathryn's got staying power." murmured Gretchen as the duo again disappeared out of view.

Within a minute a loud squeal could be heard from the side of the house followed by yells of 'uncle' from Phoebe.

Kathryn Janeway appeared from the direction of the noise, laughing while trying to catch her breath. She was joined, as she reached the steps by Phoebe, who looked somewhat worse for wear, covered in dirt and grass clippings.

"She tripped," said Kathryn, indicating her sister.

"Yes, dear." replied her mother.

"Chakotay, you're supposed to protect me."

"Well, Kathryn, the Kazon are one thing, but I feel I have to draw the line at Phoebe."

Janeway laughed as ran her hand through her wet hair and then flicked water at him.

"I'll leave the drying up in the kitchen to you Phoebs. I'll just go and have another shower. Warm this time." She was still laughing as she entered the house.

"C'mon Seven," said Phoebe "we'll finish up and I'll take you into town. We'll get you and Captain Soggy some clothes. Maybe you too, Poppy." They both entered the house, looking for all the world like a couple of teenagers. Gretchen made a contented sigh.

"Wow," said Chakotay "was it always like this?"

"You have no idea. Still want to marry me?"

"Are you kidding? Gretchen, this is heaven on earth. It's been so long since I've experienced anything like this."

He was still a little shaken from the initial scream, realizing that it would take a while to acclimatize to not being constantly on the alert.

But this was certainly a side to Kathryn that Chakotay had never really seen. He again thought about the almost dour Captain of Voyager. Driven. Single minded. Serious. It must've taken quite a toll on the Kathryn he'd so infrequently seen. He had only experienced flashes of this person in the past seven years.

On New Earth. And, as much as he hated to admit it, Quarra. He thought about what had befallen her and Voyager in the extra years that had created the Admiral Janeway that had come to bring them home. He was uncomfortable with the thought.

The air was warm and the breezes gentle as they sat on the porch after seeing off Phoebe and Seven on their expedition or "retail away mission" as Seven had described it.

As Janeway had predicted, her sister and Seven had hit if off straight away. If asked, she wouldn't have been able to guess why they 'clicked', she just knew at some level they would. Even the age difference didn't seem to bother them.

It should become a relationship beneficial to both, if Seven survived, she had thought to herself wryly. Phoebe was like a human whirlwind, doing everything at warp speed. Seven was just the opposite but they had become inseparable since in the last twenty four hours.

"Seven told me about your time together in Astrometrics when you were injured." Chakotay gently interrupted the contemplative silence between them.

"Oh?"

"Yep. You had quite a chat."

Did she detect a hint of anger in his tone?

"I don't remember anything between losing artificial gravity and the Doctor waking me up."

"You thought she was Phoebe."

Yes, he was angry. Or, maybe not exactly angry, what? Disappointed?

"Well, they are so much alike." She tried to lighten the tone.

She didn't know why, but she was relieved when he didn't pursue the conversation.

They resumed their silence. At least it was more comfortable than before. After about thirty minutes, Chakotay noticed that Janeway was dozing. Not surprising considering her all too recent injuries and the excitement of getting home.

At the end of the path, a man was getting out of a hover car that had just pulled up quietly. A tall grey haired man alighted. Chakotay recognized him straight away. He'd seen his photo on the Captain's desk often enough in the early part of their journey.

Mark Johnson.

If Chakotay didn't know better, he would almost feel like he was experiencing jealousy.

"Red alert." He gave her a nudge.

Instantly she was on her feet. A little disoriented but ready for action. Chakotay was impressed. How did she do that? He smiled.

"What?" she looked accusingly at him, hands on hips. "I was resting my eyes, Commander, you'd better have a good excuse."

"Visitor." He replied, nodding towards the path.

She turned and held up her hand to shield it from the sun and squinted in the direction of the newly arrived car and passenger. Chakotay heard a sharp intake of breath and a little sigh before…

"Mark? Mark!"

She had vaulted the porch railing and was running at full force down the path before Chakotay could even make a comment.

Now that was impressive, thought Chakotay. He watched as she launched herself into the arms of her former fiancé and Chakotay felt a strange twinge of what he argued with himself still wasn't jealousy.

She seemed to be embracing the man that threw her over for someone else rather longer than he deemed necessary. Mark whispered something in her ear that made them both laugh uproariously. She took his hand and turned him back towards the house.

As they reached the base of the steps to the porch, Kathryn made the introductions.

"Mark Johnson, this is Commander Chakotay my first officer and friend. Chakotay, Mark."

The two men shook hands and smiled.

Mark looked back to Kathryn. "God Kath, it's so good to see you." He hugged her again. "Diane, my wife, will be here shortly with a little surprise for you."

"It's fabulous to see you again, Mark. What sort of surprise?"

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise would it?"

"You see what it's like for me Chakotay? I return from 70,000 light years away so my family can torment me."

Family? Mark wasn't family was he? However, he managed to reply.

"And your point is?"

"Great. It's a Alpha Quadrant conspiracy." Turning towards the front door she yelled "Mom, Mark is here to make my life a misery!"

"Good." came the reply.

Chakotay couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Janeway so animated and relaxed. She seemed genuinely interested in every detail she could glean from Johnson. She asked and he answered her very personal questions like it was the most natural thing in the world. He smiled when she snuck in a question about her surprise and was amused by Johnson's clever deflections.

It was as if they'd been doing it for years. Which Chakotay supposed they had been in a way.

Another vehicle pulled up beside Johnson's.

"That'll be Diane and your surprise."

"Mark, I know you're married, so your family doesn't count, right?"

"You're pathetic Kath, you know that." He reached out for her hand "Come meet my family."

Janeway took Mark's arm and they made their way down the front steps to meet her new guest.

As they approached the car, the woman got out and opened the back door. The little boy that got out of the car looked so much like Mark when he was little that Janeway gasped. The woman turned and smiled as they arrived.

"Diane, Kathryn Janeway."

"I've heard so much about you, I feel as though I know you already." Diane Johnson extended her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. All of you. So, is this young man my surprise?" she turned and extended her hand to the boy.

The boy's eyes were like saucers as he looked from his mother and back to Janeway and gamely put out his hand.

"No, sorry Kathryn. This is Brian and he's in charge of your surprise." Mark looked to the boy. "OK son, now."

The boy returned to the car, reaching into the back seat. He pulled out a small bundle of red fur and held it to his chest.

"Her name is Molly. Dad named her. My dog's name is Molly too. She's older than me. This Molly is only a baby pup. She's for you."

"Oh, Brian, she's lovely, thank you."

"She wasn't supposed to make you cry."

It had all been too much for Brian and he'd sat beside Janeway's chair on the porch and finally fallen asleep with the puppy, both exhausted by the excitement of the afternoon.

Phoebe and Seven had returned from their shopping and had joined the group on the porch.

"We went cave diving on Mars and Kath's father found us. He wasn't happy. You should have seen the look on his face. I thought we'd combust on the spot."

"It's hereditary!" laughed Chakotay.

"She's got it too?"

"Hey!" No one took any notice of Janeway's exclamation.

"Oh yeah. Big."

"Hey!"

"I believe that was a 'Grade 3' death glare." said Seven mildly.

"Death glare?" asked Mark

"Whoops, Grade 5" said Chakotay gleefully.

"Oh, yes. Edward did have a 'death glare'. He never dared used it on me. Kathryn's was usually combined with her hands on her hips. It was Phoebe who was generally on the receiving end when she was perfecting it."

"She's a terrible bully." added Phoebe, sweetly.

The Voyager contingent, with the exception of its Captain, all laughed heartily.

"You see what you started Hobbes?" she accused Mark "Now I'll never get any respect."

Gretchen laughed at her daughter and went inside to get more refreshments.

"Geez, where have all you people been all my life. This is the most fun I've had for years!" Phoebe was getting great enjoyment at her big sister's expense.

"Shut up, Phoebs." grumbled Kathryn at her sister.

"That, I believe, was a Grade 6. You are extremely fortunate Phoebe, any higher and it could have been fatal." deadpanned Seven.

"It's so lovely to be home where I'm appreciated and respected." sulked Kathryn to no one in particular. "Thank goodness my mother loves me." Pouting, she threw herself back in her chair with her arms folded.

"Kathryn Janeway! You've left coffee grounds from one end of my kitchen to the other. Get in here now and clean this mess up!" came the voice from deep inside the house.

She sighed tragically as she entered the house. On her exit, all the people on the porch erupted into fits of hysterical laughter.

"I heard that!" Kathryn's voice came from somewhere inside the house. More laughter followed.

"Damn, it's good to have her back." said Phoebe wistfully, looking inside the house, once the hilarity had died down.

"I must admit, I am seeing a side of the Captain I had never before imagined. She is certainly more relaxed in this environment. Even more relaxed than she was on Quarra." said Seven.

"Don't tell me, she was horribly serious, you had to use heavy machinery to get her to social occasions and she took every setback as a personal affront. And she locked herself in her room. A lot. What's Quarra?"

"Wow, you are related aren't you?" Chakotay was impressed. "We spent a bit of time on a planet called Quarra a couple of months ago. Kathryn was allowed to be a bit more laid back there." He shot subtle warning glance to Seven. She understood his meaning. No more horror stories for the family.

Diane got the sleepy Brian into the vehicle while Mark and Janeway lagged behind.

"Kath, I'm so glad you're home and safe."

"Thanks Mark. And thanks for bringing your family with you today. It's been a wonderful afternoon."

"I'm glad you've found someone too. Chakotay is perfect for you."

He noticed the pained expression before she had a chance to hide it.

"Oh, we're not together." She said lightly "Chakotay is with Seven."

"I'm so sorry Kath. So sorry."

Janeway marveled that even after seven years separation, Mark could still read her like a book.

He embraced her again and kissed her cheek.

"I'll call you and we'll have a quiet chat. Just the two of us, like old times?"

"I'd like that," she managed a smile "oh, and thanks for the puppy."

She waved to them as their vehicles quickly disappeared, then turned and walked back to the house.

"Kathryn," her mother called up the stairs "Owen's on the vid for you."

Janeway entered her father's study still enjoying the familiar smell of the room. She sat at the desk and spoke to the screen.

"Good morning, sir." She began tentatively. It was strange to be under someone else's authority again.

"Good morning Katie. I called to let you know that the reception is Wednesday night in the big hall. Dress uniforms, although if the Maquis don't want to…"

Janeway bristled

"My crew will all be appropriately dressed, sir."

"Of course, of course. Didn't mean to.." He had the decency to look embarrassed. He was about to continue when she interrupted.

"Admiral, what will happen to my crew?"

"Well, we've read all your logs sent through the data streams Katie, the debriefings will be short for them. Yours might take a while longer."

"That's not what I mean Admiral," she snapped, ignoring his attempt to get her to relax by use of her first name "the ex-Maquis and the Equinox crew…."

"Don't worry Katie, it'll be fine."

"With all due respect Admiral" she was trying not to get too angry "they've had no information and nor have I. I need to know their status, start plans…"

"Katie, I can't tell you what I'm not authorized to share as yet but.. but…" he was interrupted "there's someone here to see you."

B'Elanna entered the view screen carrying Miral.

"Have you ever seen such a beautiful pair of young ladies Katie?" He took the baby from her mother, cuddling her and moving aside to allow B'Elanna to access the screen. The admiral wandered off with the baby, asking Miral if she wanted to see the backyard.

"B'Elanna how are you?"

"We're all fine." She looked to check that the Admiral had left the room. "Tom and his father are getting along famously. The Admiral is besotted with Miral and I seem to be welcome too."

"That's great, Lanna." Janeway hesitated.

"Are you OK, Captain?"

"Of course, but I have to admit missing everyone already and it's only been two days!"

"I know what you mean."

Later that day, Seven finally mustered up the courage to call her aunt and was promptly invited to visit her in Sweden.

Janeway could tell that Seven was happy, but apprehensive, about finally meeting a relative and volunteered to accompany her. Janeway was a little surprised that Chakotay didn't seem interested in the trip that they'd arranged for that afternoon but decided it was best not to say anything.

Phoebe was to join them but had received a message that her family were due that night or early the next morning. She didn't want to risk not being at home when they arrived.

So it was only Janeway and Seven who transported to Sweden that afternoon.

Janeway immediately liked Irene Hansen. She was warm, friendly and not overly effusive. She did give Seven and herself a Gretchen-like embrace on arrival but seemed to understand that Seven was not completely comfortable with touching.

They had a lovely afternoon, with Seven learning personal details about her parents.

Janeway was so proud of Seven this afternoon. It was at times like this, as Seven sat with Mrs Hansen on the sofa with an album, totally engrossed with the stories she was hearing, that Janeway realized how happy she was to have brought Seven home. Especially as the young woman had been thoughtful enough to bring with them today some of the logs of her parents. The gesture had brought tears to the old woman's eyes.

When, hours later, they made to return to Indiana, Mrs Hansen requested that Seven return following the debriefings and spend a few days, if not longer.

"I'll make you some of my apple pie. It was always your favorite dessert."

"I did not know I had a favorite dessert." Seven answered shakily, seeming overwhelmed.

The old woman kissed both of them on the cheek and gave them both a hug before they set out on the short walk to the transporter station.

Seven was quiet on the way, and Janeway could tell that she was very affected by meeting her aunt.

"Thank you, Captain." Seven said in a very tiny voice. "This has been a wonderful day."

Janeway put her arm around the younger woman.

"Seven, the pleasure was all mine. Thank you for sharing it with me."