Hunters
Kathryn Janeway moaned softly and opened her eyes, letting them adjust to the light before she took a deep breath and looked beside her. Laughing softly she moved and sat up, looking down at the sleeping child beside her. "I see that you learned to transport yourself," she chuckled softly running her hand over Quinn's soft red hair. Crawling out of bed, Kathryn picked up Quinn and walked into the next room laying her in her crib, before walking into her bathroom. "Computer, notify me if Quinn Janeway moves from the crib."
"Acknowledged."
Twenty minutes and a sonic shower later, Kathryn walked past the sleeping baby into her living area and over to her replicator. "Coffee. Black… my sweet nectar. Oh have I missed you," she smiled taking a sip of the brew.
"Chakotay to the Captain," rang through Kathryn's ears.
"What is it Chakotay?" Kathryn asked sitting down on her couch.
"Just seeing if you've lost your daughter," Chakotay asked from his quarters.
"What are you talking about?" Kathryn asked standing up and walking into Quinn's room seeing the little girl gone. "Do you have her?"
"I sure do. She just appeared a few seconds ago," Chakotay explained. "It seems our little girl has learned how to transport herself."
"So it seems. Give me half a second and I'll come and get her."
"Ah don't worry about it. Meet you on the bridge in twenty?"
"You got it."
"So there I was, putting my pants on and Quinn appeared in my arms," Chakotay told the senior staff as they all laughed and Chakotay lifted Quinn in the air. "She just wanted to see me."
"He's that loveable," B'Elanna laughed as Kathryn chuckled. "Well there we go. That should work, I hope. Now you should be able to see wherever Quinn goes. I hope."
"Oh me too," Kathryn laughed, as Tom and Chakotay were trying to teach the little girl how to fly the ship. "Those two never get bored with her do they?"
"Never," B'Elanna smiled. "Tom seems to have this fascination with teaching children to fly."
"Do not," Tom replied as he and Chakotay helped Quinn.
"Point well taken," Kathryn grinned as a beeping was heard. "Ensign?"
"Ma'am, we're getting a subspace transmission," Harry said.
"From whom?" Kathryn asked, standing up and walking over to the Ops station.
"Starfleet," Harry said nearly amazed. Tom and Chakotay turned around, Chakotay holding Quinn to his body. "I'm getting something… It's gone…"
"What happened?" Kathryn asked, looking at the younger man.
"I'm not sure. The transmission just… stopped," Harry said a bit bamboozled.
"Locate the source. See if you can get it back," Kathryn ordered as Chakotay walked up and handed the mother her child.
"It looks like - Captain, the transmission was sent along the same network of alien relay stations we used to send the Doctor to the Alpha Quadrant," Harry said brightly.
"Starfleet Command must be using them just like we did," Chakotay added.
"Harry, can you clear the interference from that message?" She asked, looking at the young Ensign as she lightly bounced Quinn.
"Yes ma'am," Harry added excitedly.
"They said they wouldn't stop until they found a way to get us home," Tom added with a grin.
"Nonetheless, we can't assume they've been able to devise a plan this quickly," Tuvok pointed out to the pilot.
"They're communicating with us. That's a big step," Kathryn smiled as she looked excitedly at Quinn who smiled back.
"Okay, I've reprocessed everything we've received. I've cleared out most of the interference. Here it is," Harry grinned as he patched through the transmission.
This is Starfleet Command to the USS Voyager. If you are receiving this message please study it carefully. We have information that…
"That's all we got. It looks like the bulk of the transmission is lodged in one of the relay stations," Harry said with a bit of regret.
"Can you tell which one?" Kathryn asked.
"It's about three point eight light-years from us on a heading of two seven four mark one three," Harry answered.
"Set a course, Tom," Kathryn said as she walked back down to her chair.
"Last time we used one of those stations the people who build it weren't too happy," Chakotay warned sitting down.
"We'll deal with that if we have to, but I'm not going to lose this opportunity. We're going to find out what the rest of that message says," Kathryn smiled as she placed Quinn on the floor.
"If you say so," Chakotay replied sitting down on the floor with the child. "She's growing like a weed."
"I know. Soon she'll be too big to play with you," Kathryn joked.
"Bite your tongue," Chakotay said grabbing the little girl and tickling her, causing laughter to be heard on the bridge.
Kathryn laughed and looked up at Harry. "Penny for your thoughts Ensign?"
"Maybe they've figured out a way to get us home," Harry offered.
"How can they get us home from sixty thousand light years away?" Tom asked sceptically.
"Who knows what technological advances Starfleet has come up with since we've been gone. They might have developed a whole new way of travelling through space," Harry countered.
"Since it was technology that brought us to the Delta quadrant in the first place, it is a reasonable assumption that technology could bring us back again," Tuvok added.
"Starfleet found a stable wormhole to the Gamma quadrant. Maybe they've discovered one that leads here," Chakotay agreed.
"This kind of speculation can be intriguing, but be careful about setting yourselves up to be disappointed," Kathryn piped up not wanting them to get their hopes up.
"I'm just happy my folks know I'm alive!" Harry grinned happily.
"I imagine there were quite a few celebrations when people got the news," Kathryn laughed. "Especially my mother about Quinn."
"Probably, but I can see where it might make things more difficult for some. I'd guess a lot of people had given up on us, done their mourning, gone on with their lives, and found some kind of resolution. Now they get word that we're alive but so far away that we might as well be dead," Chakotay said realistically.
"Some people might feel that way but, not my mom and dad," Harry grinned.
"At the very least, we know the relay stations extend almost all the way to the Alpha Quadrant. If Starfleet has found a way to use them to transmit messages we'll be able to stay in constant contact with people at home. That has to be comforting," Kathryn grinned bending down and picking up her daughter.
"I'm sure it is, but I think it's more comforting to think that Starfleet is going to get us home. If no one objects, that's what I'm going to do," Harry said as Tom rolled his eyes and Kathryn smiled bouncing Quinn.
"I like your thinking Harry," Chakotay laughed.
Kathryn smiled and looked down at the child leaning down and kissing her on the head. Today was going to be a good day.
"Goodnight sweetie," Kathryn whispered as she lay Quinn in her crib. Taking a deep breath she left the room and looked at the PADD sitting on her table. She had already read it once and then twice, and she was tempted to read it a third time. But she knew what it said. A part of her was expecting this, a large part of her expected that Mark would find someone else, but there was a small part of her that was completely devastated. Taking a breath she picked up the letter and scrolled down to a specific passage. A passage which made her smile with all she had…
I was completely surprised and elated when I found out about Quinn. When Starfleet contacted your mother, she contacted me and brought me the holographic image that your Doctor brought with him. I couldn't believe how gorgeous she was. She looks just like you, your little clone. I'm so proud of you Kat. I'll be here when you come home, the first hug you'll get. Get that little girl home safe and sound. She's your life now.
Mark
Taking a breath, Kathryn walked back into Quinn's room and stood above her crib. He was right, this little girl was her life and she had to get her home safe and sound. Reaching down she brushed Quinn's already auburn hair. "I'll get you home. If it's the last thing I do."
"I learned very little about them, but I believe we should consider them extremely dangerous. They seem to lack any moral centre," Tuvok explained to the Captain.
"Do you know why the relay network was so important to them?" Kathryn asked looking at the Vulcan.
"No. I assume they used it for communications as we did."
"Well they won't be using it any more," Kathryn said.
"They won't be pleased about that, Captain. I doubt we've seen the last of them," the Vulcan said as the chime rang.
"Come in," Kathryn called as Chakotay walked in holding Quinn.
"If you'll excuse me. Commander," Tuvok acknowledged, before walking out of the readyroom.
"Repair teams have inspected the ship from stem to stern. Except for some maintenance that's needed on the warp coils, everything seems fine," Chakotay informed her as he placed Quinn in her playpen.
"I suppose so. Want some coffee?" Kathryn offered.
"Thanks," Chakotay smiled.
"Cream and sugar?" Kathryn teased taking a sip of her own coffee before standing up and picking up Quinn, who was much to involved in trying get out of her play pen.
"Two sugars."
"Oh, two sugars!" Kathryn laughed.
"You know, you drink too much of that stuff," Chakotay added as Kathryn took another sip of her coffee.
"Really?"
"If I'm not mistaken that's your third cup this morning," Chakotay added.
"Fourth. And on a day like today it won't be my last. Coffee - the finest organic substance ever devised. It's got me through the worst of the last three years. I beat the Borg with it… Oh, I'm sure Voyager will be fine, but I'm worried that the crew might be a different story. I think they were hoping mail call would become a regular part of their day," she said truthfully. "But realistically it won't be."
"Neelix is putting together an impromptu party. He thought it might cheer them up," Chakotay smiled.
"Good idea. When will it be? I've always loved a good party," she laughed as Quinn tried to drink her coffee.
"As soon as he can get people together," Chakotay chuckled at Quinn.
"Leave it to Neelix to come up with the right idea at the right time."
"How are you doing?" he asked as Kathryn tried to move her coffee from Quinn's reach, but the little girl fussed until she got the mug; which Kathryn kept in check so that Quinn couldn't get at it.
"Me? I'm fine," Kathryn smiled.
"You'd say that if you'd just had your legs torn off by a Trakarian Beast. Look what you've been through in the last few days. We finally make a connection with home and then it's ripped away from us. We manage to make another enemy who's going to try and hunt us down and destroy us, and on top of that…" Chakotay trailed off as the look on Kathryn's face sobered a bit.
"It's all right. You can say it. On top of all that, I got a Dear John letter. It wasn't really a surprise. I guess I didn't really expect him to wait for me considering the circumstances. It made me realise that I was using him as a safety net, you know, as a way to avoid becoming involved with someone else," Kathryn explained.
"You don't have that safety net anymore."
"That's right. Then again, my life is far from uneventful here in the Delta quadrant. How many Captains have the opportunity like this? One in a million? Besides I'll always have Quinn, and she's all I need. It's not like I would have had a chance to pursue a relationship even if I had realised I was alone," Kathryn smiled as she dipped her finger into the coffee before letting Quinn suck on it. The little girl made a few noises
"You're hardly alone, and to my way of thinking, there's still plenty of time," Chakotay smiled touching Kathryn's hand with his own and reaching over and touching Quinn's head.
"Plenty of time," Kathryn smiled with a small nod.
"Neelix to the Ready room. The party's about to begin and there are only two people and a baby missing," Neelix said over the com.
"We're on our way," Kathryn chuckled as she stood up, Chakotay placing the coffee mugs on the table, causing Quinn to make noises of protest. "And you my little Quinn. You are too young to be addicted to coffee. Though I'm very proud of your taste."
"You have to be kidding! I'm not going to let you corrupt this little girl. We already have enough problems trying to keep you from stealing everyone's replicator rations for your coffee addiction."
"Why whatever are you talking about Chakotay?" Kathryn asked with a grin.
"Oh haha," Chakotay chuckled. "Deck two. Its bad enough she has me wrapped around her finger, now the coffee. She's going to be worse than you."
"Now Chakotay, how could you say that," Kathryn teased.
Chakotay laughed tickled Quinn's stomach. "You're such a good little girl. Just remember coffee is good, but bad when you drink it like Mommy."
"You lie," Kathryn laughed.
Later that night, Kathryn walked into her quarters; she quickly changed Quinn into her pajamas without waking the child before setting her down in her crib. Just as she sat down on her couch, the doorbell rang. She quickly stood up and opened it to see Seven standing in front of her.
"Seven?"
"Captain, I am here to give you this. It seems one of the files that was encrypted as a letter from one Gretchen Janeway."
"My mom?" Kathryn replied taking the PADD. "Thank you Seven," Seven nodded before Kathryn turned around and sat in her chair.
To Captain Kathryn J. Janeway, USS Voyager Delta Quadrant
From Gretchen E. Janeway, Earth
My Darling KatieBear
When Starfleet contacted me and told me that you were alive, I was completely ecstatic. You are my daughter and I love you more than life itself. At first I couldn't believe that my KatieBear was alive. I was afraid I'd lost you forever, I never gave up hope on you being alive. When we lost your father and Justin, I didn't want to let you go on that ship, but I couldn't stop you. You had your mind made up and I wasn't going to stop you. You were too much like your father.
We never gave up on you. Even after Starfleet did, Mark, your sister, and I never gave up hope that you were alive. You're my baby girl and I don't know what I would have done without you. Then when your Doctor came… I knew that you were alive! Then I found out about Quinn Shannon Elisabeth, and I couldn't for life of me stop crying from happiness. Being a grandmother to this little girl amazed me and I couldn't stop.
Mark asked me after two and a half years if you were ever going to come back, I didn't know… he even asked me if you would mind him getting on with his life… I knew you would have wanted the best for him.
And your sister, Katie, your sister had two babies. Both boys. You're the aunt of two beautiful baby boys. Starfleet is making me keep this short, but my Kathryn Julianne I love you more than life itself and you are one of the reasons I kept on living after your father's death.
I love you
Your Mother
Kathryn smiled as tears fell from her eyes. "Mommy…"
"Ma ma," Kathryn heard from Quinn's room, standing up she wiped her tears and walked into the next room to see the little girl looking about ready to cry. Kathryn sniffled and picked the baby up. "Ma..."
"That's right, I'm Mama," Kathryn whispered. "Its okay Baby. I'm here."
Quinn sniffled and wrapped one of her little arms around her mother's neck, and the other she used to grip at her shirt. "Oh honey, I'm here, I'm not going to leave you."
"Ma," Quinn whimpered, Kathryn nodded and walked with her daughter into the living area, grabbing her extra blanket and bottle before walking out of her quarters and to Chakotay's. Using a spare finger, she rang the bell and continued to rub Quinn's back.
"Bad dream?" Chakotay asked opening the door to see his two favourite Janeway's.
"I honestly don't know, all she's saying is 'Ma', and wont let go of me," Kathryn said softly walking in and sitting down on Chakotay's couch. Chakotay nodded and sat beside the two, rubbing Quinn's back softly.
"Hey there sweetiepie, what's the matter?" Chakotay asked the little girl who slowly started to loosen her grip on her mother. "There we go. You want to tell us what the matter is?"
"Ma…ad," Quinn mumbled reaching for her bottle, which quickly re-appeared in her mouth.
"Kathryn, are you okay?" Chakotay asked, trying to decipher what Quinn had meant by 'ma and ad'.
"I got a letter from my mother," Kathryn replied softly. "I miss her."
"Don't worry, you'll see her soon," Chakotay replied, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear.
"I miss my Mommy," Kathryn said with a soft laugh as a few tears slipped, as Quinn's small hand came to her cheek, her blue eyes looking worried. "Oh Quinn, I'll always be here for you. You'll never have to miss me like I miss my Mom."
"I'll make sure of that," Chakotay whispered draping an arm over Kathryn's shoulder. He leaned more into the two and ran his hand over Quinn's head. "I promise you. You too," he added to Kathryn.
Like it? Hate it? Please let me know! Thanks so much to Blondie for the beta! You rock the Kazzzba!
