From: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani (currently aboard USS Honshu)
To: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, USS Libra (currently on Kelvaris)
Stardate 41496.0 (just after Kathryn arrived on the Honshu)
Chakotay,
I'm so sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye. The Honshu arrived early and I had to hurry, and I couldn't find you in time.
Forgive me?
Kathryn
From: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, USS Libra
To: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani
Stardate 41496.9 (that evening)
Dear Kathryn,
When you didn't show up for lunch, I made a few inquiries and heard about the Honshu's quick stopover. It's a shame they were in such a hurry – I'd been looking forward to having a bit more time with you. Your message got delayed, but I received it once the Libra came to pick me up.
I hope you have a safe trip back to the Al-Batani. I miss you already.
Lonely without you,
Chakotay
From: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani
To: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, USS Libra
Stardate 41499.7 (a day later)
Dear Chakotay,
I'm glad you got my message, even if it was delayed. I just arrived back on the Al-Batani. We're heading out for a survey now and will be passing through the Berussian Cluster. Communications are notoriously sketchy in that area, so I may not be able to receive messages for a while.
Good luck for your Academy application, and please let me know what they decide.
Missing you too,
Kathryn
From: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, USS Libra
To: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani
Stardate 41537.9 (two weeks later)
Dear Kathryn,
How are you? I just came back from an extended assignment (the circumstances are classified, so I can't say more). I've been thinking of you every day and missing you terribly. No word from the Academy yet, but rumors are that they will reach a decision this week. I'll let you know as soon as I hear something, and I still hope that we'll be able to meet again soon, either on Earth or elsewhere.
Stay safe,
Chakotay
From: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, USS Libra
To: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani
Stardate 41557.1 (a week later)
Dear Kathryn,
Good news! Starting this coming term, I'll be assigned to SFA. In addition to tactical and piloting skills, I may also get to teach an anthropology class, but that's yet to be decided.
I'm really looking forward to spending some extended time on Earth again. Are you still planning on being home for your mother's birthday? I want to see you, and I hope we'll be able to make some time while you're there. I expect to be leaving for Earth in about two weeks.
I hope you're doing well. I know you said you might not be able to receive messages, but please, when you get the chance, write me a note, however short. I just want to be sure you're ok.
Chakotay
From: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani
To: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, USS Libra
Stardate 41619.9 (three weeks later)
Dear Chakotay,
Congratulations! I was so happy to hear that the Academy accepted you. You're probably on your way to Earth by now. I'm really sorry I couldn't write sooner, but we ran into all sorts of trouble which knocked our comm offline for weeks. Imagine that – we were totally cut off in a remote region of space, with no messages, no news, mission reports, orders or updates from Starfleet for more than a month! It was strange to feel so isolated. I thought of you a lot, wishing you could be there with me.
Yes, I'm still planning on coming to Earth the month after next! I hope to catch a transport from DS8 in time to arrive about a week before my mother's birthday. I'll let you know as soon as I know for sure.
I look forward to seeing you again!
Kathryn
From: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, currently aboard USS Merrimac
To: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani
Stardate 41625.3 (two days later)
Dearest Kathryn,
I was so glad to hear from you, to know that you're alright and that I'll hopefully see you soon! I too wish I could have been with you while your ship had that comm blackout – aside from not having to worry about you, it would have been much more fun to be 'lost' together... I can only imagine what everyone's families must have gone through during that time, not to mention Starfleet Command. Another week, and they might have listed you all as MIA! Thankfully, it didn't get that far.
Yes, please let me know when you'll be arriving. By then I should be settled into my new schedule. BTW, does your family expect you right away or can you stay in San Francisco for a few days?
I wish the days would go faster, because I can't wait to see you!
Chakotay
From: Lt. Kathryn Janeway, USS Al-Batani
To: Lt. Cmdr. Chakotay, Starfleet Academy, Earth
Stardate 41644.4 (a week later)
Dear Chakotay,
I'm sorry I missed your subspace call earlier today. By the time I tried to call back, you had left the Merrimac. Will you be at SFA now or are you spending some downtime elsewhere first?
I ran a closed sim on the holodeck today. Please don't tell anyone yet, but ever since the conference I've started to seriously consider switching to command and have run some training scenarios. My scores were good, so I think I'll talk to Captain Paris before my leave. My mother would be so surprised if I turned up in a red uniform instead of blue!
I have to go. I hope we can talk soon – I miss you!
Love,
Kathryn
P.S.: I'll have a few days before I'm expected in Indiana.
-==/ End Part 1 \==-
On to Part 2...