Gretchen felt, as she readied her charges for their first day of debriefings, that it was like getting the girls ready for their first day of school. Although individually they all tried to seem cheerful and excited, Gretchen realized that all of them were, if not worried, concerned about what the coming days would bring.
Chakotay had to be anxious about the fate of the Maquis, Seven was uncertain about her reception as a Borg and the Doctor was about to begin his struggle for recognition as a sentient being.
But her daughter. Her daughter had all these worries in addition to how many others, she couldn't imagine. And, just like her father, she was projecting a confident demeanor, which allowed those around her to draw strength. It seemed to be working on her crewmates but her mother wasn't fooled.
As the group arranged themselves around the table eating breakfast, Gretchen contemplated their seating plan and thought it revealing.
Chakotay was seated at the end, with Kathryn next to him. Interestingly, Seven had positioned herself close to Kathryn rather than Chakotay, as if for protection. She looked sick and wasn't eating and reminded Gretchen of a frightened doe. Kathryn was rubbing Seven's arm inconspicuously. She thought that if Seven could've got into Kathryn's lap, she would've. It was a rather extraordinary relationship she had with the young Borg woman. She hadn't expected Kathryn to come back from the Delta Quadrant with a twenty-something year old daughter of her own.
The Doctor sat the far end of the table, next to Seven, looking pensive.
Chakotay had crumbled a muffin on his plate and Kathryn was taking bits of it.
"Kathryn, get your own muffin."
"No thanks, Chakotay, I'm not really hungry." As she followed the mouthful of muffin with a sip of coffee.
Gretchen smiled. So far, between the two of them, they'd consumed five muffins. She would have said they acted like an old married couple. They had such obvious affection for each other and were so comfortable together.
It was also interesting to her that Seven didn't seem the slightest bit jealous, and in her position, she would've been.
She wondered, not for the first time since Voyager's return, if her daughter and her first officer realized that they were in love with each other.
The first day of debriefing hadn't turned out to be so bad.
After a short seminar of sorts with the whole crew present, the senior staff were to be interviewed individually and the others being done in groups of five, and even ten.
Janeway was surprised by the relaxed tone her session had.
"Captain we have, of course, reviewed your logs as you have transmitted them over the past twelve months. In our talks we will concentrate on some of the major events of your mission. This is not an inquisition."
The two admirals and captain of the panel all smiled.
"Now, we just want to clear up a few details about the Caretaker…"
And so it began.
They were just about to touch on Species 8472 and the Borg when Admiral Tek determined it was time for lunch.
"I'm sure you'll want to join your crew for lunch. We will resume in an hour."
"Thank you, sir." They rose to go "Sir, when will I know what's going to happen to my crew?"
"I understand your concerns Captain, but I'm afraid I don't have any information for you."
"Yes sir."
Despite the very cordial welcome they had all received so far, she couldn't help but worry about the fate of the Maquis and the Equinox crews.
As she entered the commissary she was greeted by various members of the Voyager crew. All reported extremely fair treatment and so far, the debriefings were not too intimidating.
Chakotay was already having his lunch with Harry and they both rose as she approached the table. She smiled and murmured a quiet "as you were", but Harry was already ushering her to a seat at their table and moving off to get her lunch.
Janeway and Chakotay had only just begun to compare notes when Harry returned with a light lunch.
"Thank you Harry. You know you're going to have to let me learn how to get my own food soon. I don't think I've had to get my own meal in over a week." He just smiled at her and went to get some coffee.
The three were soon joined by Tom and B'Elanna.
"Where's Miral?" asked the Captain.
"Sleeping. They've organized a nursery of sorts and we've both been permitted to check on her during our sessions. We've even got a nanny."
"A what?"
"My dad organized it. They've got someone looking after her while we're tied up."
"Is it just me or is everything better than we could ever have expected it to be?"
"No Chakotay, even at my most optimistic, I had never anticipated a welcome like this. Still, I won't be satisfied until I know the whole crew will be free at the end of it all."
"Well, even the Maquis and Equinox crews have been invited to the ball tonight."
"Yes, that's an excellent sign, I agree. But that reminds me. I want everyone in our dress uniforms tomorrow night. Can you get the word out Harry, please?"
"Yes Captain." He had finished his lunch "If you'll excuse me, I'll start right now."
"Chakotay,
I think it would be a good idea if the whole crew met here half an
hour before the debriefings start every day. That way, people can
easily find us if they have any concerns or they're feeling a bit
lost."
"I'll let the debriefing coordinator know and
she can make sure everyone knows."
"Ready to go Kathryn?"
"We're just waiting for Seven, Chakotay."
"Oh, of course."
The group had made their way home that afternoon, feeling relieved that things were going so well.
It was clear that nothing dire was going to happen to Seven. Seven had reported to Janeway that her they seemed very interested in what she could share about the Borg, but they had assured her that she was free to go at any time. They had even hinted at a commission for her, and she was seriously considering it.
Janeway silently rejoiced that at least one of the Voyager crew was safe now that they were home, although, she did realize the irony of a Borg drone, well, ex-Borg drone, having the best result so far.
Icheb also was welcomed into the fold. He had almost immediately been offered entry to the Academy at the second year level. He had several months in which to consider his decision but Janeway thought he'd eagerly take the opportunity.
The most surprising thing about Icheb was where he had found a home. Janeway had thought that he would stay with Samantha and Naomi but apparently Harry's parents had insisted on him coming home with them, although Sam had indicated that he would always have a home with them too. Both families had the good sense to let him decide with out too much pressure.
It was nice to see him wanted.
The Doctor had met Dr Zimmerman again that day and had been invited to stay with him on Jupiter Station and he had agreed, so it was just the three of them that were greeted at the door by Gretchen on their return to Indiana.
Today, however, Gretchen wasn't alone. A small boy was with her, holding her leg and watching the arrivals with interest.
"This is Edward. Edward, this is your Aunt Kathryn."
"Voy?" he asked, looking at his grandmother.
"Yes, Eddie, from Voyager."
The boy's face lit up with a smile, releasing his grandmother's leg, he reached to Janeway's pant leg and dragged her inside, without a backward glance.
"He wants to show her the puppy." Gretchen explained to Seven and Chakotay as she took her daughter's brief case from Chakotay. "Come in and meet David."
They had then been greeted by Phoebe who introduced her husband to them. David and Eddie had arrived early in the morning and it had been decided that they would not wake the rest of the household, and would meet everyone on their return from the first day's debrief.
Kathryn Janeway couldn't help but feel a little jealous of her younger sister. Phoebe's husband was a delight. Intelligent, witty, handsome and calm. The two balanced each other perfectly and Phoebe seemed almost serene when around David.
But it was Eddie that most affected her. He has a little younger than Brian, but bright and inquisitive. Phoebe informed her that it was only a matter of time before the toddler wanted a Starfleet uniform.
"He's so like you sometimes, it's uncanny. Poor kid."
Kathryn took a swing at Phoebe.
Eddie took an immediate shine to his new aunt and didn't want to let her out of his sight. He followed her around the house, into her room and delighted in being with her in the backyard playing with the puppy.
Gretchen had organized Aunt Martha to mind Eddie while they were at the ball that night. Phoebe hadn't thought the plan likely to succeed as Eddie now seemed to be attached to his new aunt. However, it became apparent that nearly three straight hours of following her around the house and playing with the puppy, along with the disrupted sleep the night before, had finally taken its toll on the boy. He had fallen deeply asleep on his Aunt Kathryn's bed while she was getting ready for the evening. He had even followed her into Seven's room while she was helping the young woman prepare for the evening. Phoebe had bought Seven an evening gown while they'd been shopping together but had strangely gone missing in the last hour or so. Janeway suspected that Phoebe and David were making the most of having Eddie out of their hair for a short time.
"He won't wake until morning I'd reckon." said Phoebe when she finally came in looking for him. "Can he stay here Kathryn?"
"Of course, best not to disturb him."
In the rest of the house, the other attendees were almost ready to leave when Aunt Martha arrived. She greeted all of the household with a hug and a kiss, including Seven and Chakotay. She received her instructions and contact details from Phoebe.
Although they had spoken at length since Voyager had returned home, Kathryn received a huge hug from her favorite aunt.
"Been looking forward to that for a few years," she said gruffly, "but Kathryn, what the hell did you do to Shannon O'Donnell?"
Their hovercar contained Janeway, Gretchen, Phoebe, David, Seven and Chakotay. The vehicle pulled up in front of the venue. People were everywhere it seemed to Janeway. A roar of approval from the crowd made them jump as they alighted. Holovid cameras were everywhere it seemed, and the party was a little nonplussed by the attention. Janeway could sense rather than feel Chakotay move closer and take position at her left shoulder as he had done countless times before. Not for the first time did she feel safer with him there.
A Starfleet liaison person rushed towards them and scooped them up and lead them up the red carpet and inside the building. Tom was waiting for them just inside.
"Captain, Commander. If I could have a moment before you go in?"
The liaison person, who still hadn't introduced himself, gathered up the remaining group and ushered them through a side door and disappeared, leaving them alone in an ante room.
"What's the problem Tom?" Janeway asked.
"No problem. It's just that there's a timetable and you're not due in for another minute." He shrugged towards the entrance to the main ballroom. "I haven't seen that much brass since, well actually, I don't know that I've ever seen that much brass."
"Should I be worried?" she looked nervously towards the door.
"Well, I don't think they're quite as scary as Species 8472. But I think you'll be OK. There's my signal, give me a ten count and then follow me in." and with that cryptic remark he ran inside.
"Chakotay let's make a run for it. We'll go home and I'll show you where the secret stash of brownies is."
"Kathryn, don't be a sissy. And I know where the brownies are. Phoebe showed me."
"Traitor."
He wasn't sure whether the remark was directed at him or her sister. He looked at her with admiration as she straightened her shoulders and nodded at him.
"OK, let's do it."
He again took up his position to her left and just behind her and followed her into the room.
If they were startled by the reaction when they got out of the car, they were truly shocked at the sight greeting them on entering the ballroom.
The crew of Voyager was lined up at attention just inside the door. And it seemed the rest of the Federation and Starfleet were just behind them. It didn't seem physically possible for that many people to occupy one room. The sound of the room erupting into applause was deafening.
"So much for a quiet entrance" murmured Janeway to her first officer.
They were immediately gathered up by the still nameless PR person, and introduced to a plethora of assorted dignitaries, political leaders and brass. They shook hands with people who they had no idea who they were, they had their photos taken and their faces started to hurt with all the smiling.
What followed was just a blur for both the Captain and Chakotay. When next they regained their senses, they discovered themselves split up, with him seated at a table with the rest of their party, all the Paris's and several sundry admirals, whereas Janeway was put on the official table.
From her vantage point at the high table, she could see a small group of the crew talking animatedly and laughing together all over the room. Maquis and Starfleet were together with no distinction seeming to be made.
Admiral Hayes, the windbag, was babbling happily away to her and somehow she managed to make correct responses at appropriate intervals. Suddenly, she wanted to be among her crew rather than apart from them as she had kept herself for so long.
She could see Tom and B'Elanna laughing with Tom's parents at their table. Seven and Chakotay looked stunning together and the sight was almost physically painful for her. He had his arm on the back of her chair and both he and Seven were laughing with Phoebe. The pain of seeing them together was almost as intense as the hunger she was feeling. She realized with dismay that yet another course of food had disappeared from in front of her before she'd taken a bite.
Harry suddenly appeared at her shoulder and she turned as she heard him explain to someone he had a message from her mother. Looking up him, Harry smiled and bent down to whisper in her ear.
"Don't worry. Your Mom said to tell you "Toasted cheese sandwiches"."
Janeway almost burst into tears. Toasted cheese sandwiches was something her mother would make for her father when he'd return from an official function. She managed a nod to Harry and it was a few seconds before she was equal to looking towards Gretchen.
Her mother was smiling back at her and blew her a kiss.
After the initial shock of her and Chakotay's grand entrance and the round of official speeches, Janeway was a little comforted by the seemingly equal treatment of all of her crew. But she still had nagging doubts and they were not being allayed by any of the Admirals that she had so far approached for information.
There were speeches by the President of the Federation (obviously back from wherever she'd been) and various Admirals. Thankfully, she hadn't been called on to respond until last.
Her speech had been brief and heartfelt. She again congratulated all her crew on getting home, remembered the ones who didn't and then finally made a toast to the whole Voyager family.
The atmosphere relaxed after the initial official 'hot air' section, as Tom had named it.
Janeway was glad she had asked if her crew could wear the old style dress uniforms, it made it easier to find each other amid the crush of Starfleet hangers-on who teemed the room. It seemed all of Starfleet was here. And dignitaries were everywhere.
The only worrying time had been when she spied Phoebe and Tom had discovered each other. The pair looked like they were gleefully exchanging tidbits with each other. Kathryn groaned and wondered what the damage would be.
The rest of the evening was a blur.
Before they had even sat down on the second day of debriefings, the Captain asked about the fate of her crew. She asked again when they returned from lunch and yet again before she was dismissed in the afternoon.
Each time she received no more than an almost bemused reply which amount to "you'll know when we tell you".
Her debriefing had so far centered around the major command decisions she had made over the last seven years as well as some subtle questions about the relationship between the Starfleet and Maquis crews.
She had replied tersely that she only had Starfleet crew on her ship.
Her agitation had only increased when Chakotay had shared with her at lunch that his questions were largely based on Maquis activities before entering the Badlands during the early part of his debriefing. It didn't ease her concern when he reported that though after lunch they'd concentrated on exclusively Delta Quadrant information, he too had answered questions on the integration of the crews.
Today had been the most grueling of the debriefings so far. They had questioned her closely and minutely about issues concerning the Borg and the alliance she had attempted to forge with them.
So it was a quiet group that made their way home that afternoon. Janeway seemed very preoccupied and neither Seven or Chakotay were willing to interrupt her musings.
The mood was broken though when they arrived at the house to more hugs and kisses from Gretchen who welcomed them at the front door. Moments later, Janeway was seized by Eddie who was only too delighted to have his new best friend home.
After his news for the day was delivered at lightening pace, he took off in the direction of the backyard to get the puppy. Janeway didn't bother changing out of her uniform before she joined him.
She had woken up that morning with both the puppy and Eddie in her bed. She had been exhausted after the ball and didn't even realize that Eddie had joined her. She had been awakened by Phoebe and David's laughter at her door when they had gone looking for the missing boy.
Janeway was already dreading her sister and her family leaving. Although David had got special leave to return to Earth on Voyager's return, he would have to leave for his new post after the weekend.
A week with Phoebe didn't seem enough after seven years and a few days of Eddie and David was way too short.
"Captain, may I speak with you privately please?"
"Of course, Seven. Come out to my office."
Janeway lead her young charge out to her tree. It was still light and the late afternoon was holding on to its warmth.
"So, Seven…?" she left the question hang.
"Captain, I do not dislike you." Seven blurted out nervously.
"Well, I'm glad to hear it, but what's bought this on?" she looked closely at the young woman. "Seven is everything going well at the debriefings? No one is being difficult are they?"
Seven shook her head.
"When you were injured in Astrometrics, just before we arrived home, you said that you thought I didn't like you. I was very distressed that you would think that."
"I'm sorry Seven if I upset you. I don't remember much of what happened. You'd have to admit though, we had been a bit distant with each other up to that point and I guess it was preying on my mind. I was worried about you."
"I understand, thank you." She looked uncertainly at Janeway "I believe my relationship with Commander Chakotay contributed to our estrangement. You told me you were upset with the Commander's and my relationship."
"I did?" Janeway squeaked. No wonder Chakotay was angry or whatever, the other day.
"If I had realized you had romantic feelings towards him, I would never have initiated the relationship."
Shit.
"Seven," God, what was she going to say? "Seven, my position as Captain precluded any relationship with any of my crew. Chakotay, is and was, free to pursue, um, happiness with you."
"I see." The young woman considered something for a few seconds. "I do not believe Chakotay is achieving happiness with me."
"Seven…"
"I believe I have been experiencing what the Doctor calls a 'crush'. I do not believe I am experiencing 'true love'."
"Seven…"
"He does not look at me the same way that David looks at Phoebe. Or the way Lieutenants Torres and Paris look at each other. Or even the way he looks at you. When we were preparing to return to Indiana after the first day of debriefing, he had forgotten I was with him."
"Look, Seven, he's had a lot on his mi…"
"Phoebe says that he's 'kidding himself' if he thinks he isn't in love with you."
Janeway made a mental note to strangle her sister at the first opportunity.
"Seven.."
"Phoebe says you are 'made for each other'."
"Seven…"
"Phoebe says she should just hit you both in the head so you'll realize you should be together. I don't understand how this would help, but I believe she was being humorous."
"Seven…"
"Phoebe says you have something called 'the hots' for him."
"Seven, please!"
The young woman stopped talking.
"Seven, it's been a stressful couple of days. Don't jump to any conclusions, you've got plenty of time to work through these concerns with Chakotay. Phoebe's only known you for a couple of days, you've known Chakotay for years."
Janeway suddenly felt exhausted. This wasn't going very well and she had no idea what to say to her protégé.
"I apologize if I've distressed you, Captain."
"It's not your fault Seven." She attempted to give the young woman a reassuring smile. She was fairly certain it looked like a grimace. "But promise me you won't do anything rash. Think through all this. Give yourself time to assimilate everything." Her smile was genuine this time.
"I will Captain."
The debriefings started on time as usual. Some of the lower decks crew had reported that their official debriefs were completed. They would be now assisting technical staff in the downloading of information collected during the voyage and explaining some of the modifications to the ship's systems before starting their two months leave after the weekend. None of them, however, had been either ex-Maquis or Equinox crew.
Janeway again asked about the fate of her crew and she was somewhat surprised that she was told to report to the main conference room at the end of that day's session.
So. This was it. Well, she thought to herself, if they damn well thought that they could railroad her crew, they were badly mistaken.
As she answered yet more questions about the "status of the Maquis", she plotted a strategy for dealing with Starfleet. Her anger mounted as they seemed obsessed with commendations she had entered for Ayala, Gerron and Chell for what they'd termed "their latest adventure".
She snapped.
"It was no adventure, Admiral. I lost a very valuable member of my crew at that time. Crewman Lessing died attempting to protect me and those three particular crewmembers were badly injured attempting to free their crewmates and the ship. I'd thank you not to trivialize that."
"Captain," Admiral Tek appeared chastened "I meant in no way to make light of a very traumatic incident. I apologize if I gave that impression."
She nodded at him but inwardly she was seething and at that moment she didn't think she could open her mouth without being up on charges for insubordination.
Now they were asking about B'Elanna's performance. Janeway managed to reply to their questions, but was becoming increasingly irate as more and more tedious details of both the Equinox and Maquis crews were required. Surely they'd read her logs.
Well, Starfleet wouldn't know what hit them this afternoon. She had it all planned by the time the afternoon's session was complete. She'd go on the offensive as soon as they'd finished talking, and she'd use all the weapons she had at her disposal. Her celebrity, her family, hell, she'd even use Naomi if she had to.
Her crew recognizing her contemplative moods had given her a wide berth at the lunch break. Harry watched her carefully and put coffee and a sandwich in front of her. By the look in her eyes, someone was in serious trouble. He smiled to himself as he realized that she didn't even register the food once she'd sat down. She just consumed it with a faraway, yet strangely unsettling, look in her eyes.
At another table, the rest of the senior staff observed her.
"It's got to be about this afternoon. If she doesn't get what she wants, I almost feel sorry for Starfleet." Tom remarked.
"I think we all know what she wants." B'Elanna looked around the table. "But I've been getting the feeling that it's going to be OK for us."
"Maybe it's the Equinox crew." Added Harry.
"That's probably it, but I don't think she'll be really happy until this is over and everyone is free."
