The next several weeks saw the continued work on the colony as unnecessary items on Voyager where transported down. Name suggestions for the planet were also taken, inclusive of Terra Delta, Tierra Nueva, Terre Nouveau, Harbour and Odysseus, among others. As per usual, ever crew member got to vote on the name, which would be revealed when Voyager made her final landing, for now.
During those weeks Kathryn and Chakotay grew ever close. Her proclamation of 'slow' became a thing of the past, the two of them going on official 'dates' almost every night of the week now. They certainly hadn't come out to the crew, and had no intention of doing so, though both where certain that various people already had an idea, which was solidified when B'Elanna cornered Chakotay on his way to the bridge.
"Okay, Old Man," she crossed her arms, eyeing him. "Spill it, how long have you and the Admiral been going out?"
"What are you talking about, B'El?" he questioned, trying to sound entirely innocent.
"Well, starting with that stunt at the party, you two have, obviously, been getting closer," the engineer stated, as though it was a known fact.
"I have no ide…" he started, only to be cut off by B'Elanna's knowing smirk.
"Chakotay, just between friends. You and the Admiral?" she questioned again, causing Chakotay to raise his hands in concession.
"We've been… dating for several weeks. Officially since the party," he offered up in response.
"That's a long time, Old Man, especially if you include these last seven years," she winked, causing the Captain to give her that 'look' that clearly said he was trying to be annoyed with her, but couldn't.
"So, Chakotay, when's the wedding?" she enquired with a wink and a laugh.
"B'Elanna," his voice warned her.
"Oh, come on, what better way to leave Voyager than a wedding?" the engineer laughed, patting Chakotay's arm. "Just playin' with yah, Chakotay, so long as you warn me before you two come out."
The man nodded. "Of course, though that'll likely be awhile, Kathryn said she wanted to take it slow," he noted.
"Seven years, Captain, is slow. You don't get much slower than that," was her parting remark before she finished her trek to Engineering.
Chakotay simply shook his head and went to Janeway's door. Once she exited they made their way to the bridge, though it was all but unnecessary at this point.
"Ever felt like your presence isn't needed?" she questioned once the reports had been given and the still unofficial couple sat down.
"You will always be needed by this crew, Admiral," the Captain said, squeezing the hand he held over the console.
"Captain's right, Admiral," Tom gave as he turned around in his chair and offered his boyish grin. "Both of you."
"Well, it does when Tom's being serious," Harry choked before falling silent in, what was sure to be, a monotonous day. In fact, it was monotonous enough that Kathryn only lasted half of her usual time before exiting for her Ready Room, leaving Chakotay in charge.
Chakotay could only manage a sigh before looking at the screen. "Where're the Kazon when you need them?" he muttered with another sigh. He even managed another bored sigh before giving Tuvok the bridge and walking to the Admiral's Ready Room, where he was promptly let in.
Once in he sat down, not waiting for an invite. "I hate to say it, Katie, but I miss the Kazon, or even the Borg," he stated, making himself comfortable on the couch.
Kathryn smiled. "I know what you mean. Soon, though, we'll be facing more 'close to home' problems," she responded, ordering him his usual tea before picking up her coffee from the desk and walking to the couch. "Tea?" she offered, handing him the mug, which he promptly took with a smile.
"Thanks, Kath," he said, stretching his long legs out on the couch.
Janeway rolled her eyes before setting her coffee down and lifting her first officer's legs so she could sit. Chakotay promptly readjusted himself to suit Kathryn's needs.
"I ran into B'Elanna today," he noted, non-chalantly.
"Nothing unusual there. What did she have to say?"
"She asked when the wedding was," he responded, just barely managed to suppress a grin.
"She did what now?" she sounded slightly aghast at this.
Chakotay raised his free hand. "I didn't tell her, Kath, she figured it out on her own," he responded. "Though she's of the opinion that if we do go married, it should be here, on Voyager. She also said that seven years is slow," this time he was unable to hide his grin, causing Kathryn to laugh.
"It would be quite the final even, wouldn't it?" she offered. "Though I hope she doesn't expect it in the next few weeks," Kathryn said, not ruling out the possibility.
"Don't tell her, or Tom, that, it might ruin their fun," Chakotay gave, sipping at his tea.
"They'll get so caught up in colonizing and their daughter that they'll forget about it," she gave, taking a large gulp of the steaming liquid in her mug.
Chakotay simply offered another laugh before the two fell into their usual talk. They discussed the living arrangements on the planet, as well as the current status on the names of their new home.
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AN: Continued, of course, in chapter 26, should be a gooder.