Chapter 1: Is This Home?

They're home. The thought was unbelievable, but no sight could ever compare to the blue and green marble that was Earth. It seemed especially bright and welcoming this time. Kathryn sighed in relief and disbelief as she sat on the couch of her ready room and watched Earth fill her windows. Maybe they were being tricked again by another telepathic pitcher plant, or maybe it was some elaborate plan by Species 8472. Her thoughts were interrupted by the chirp of her comm badge.

"Kim to Captain Janeway."

Hitting her badge, she responded, "Janeway here. What is it, Harry?"

"There is an incoming transmission for you from Admiral Paris. Would you like me to patch it to your ready room?"

"That would be great. Thank you, Harry. Janeway out."

Kathryn ran a hand through her hair and fixed her uniform before rounding her desk and opening her console.

"Admiral Paris, what can I do for you?"

The older gentleman smiled before putting on a serious expression, "Hello Captain, I've just gotten out of a meeting with the Federation Council. I wanted to discuss with you the plan for the next few days once Voyager docks. We've contacted most of the crew's families and . . ."

Kathryn leaned back in her chair for a moment after getting off with Admiral Paris. She stood up and ordered a coffee from the replicator. Taking a sip from the scolding liquid, she mulled over the information she had just received. The next few days were going to be hectic, but there was still no news as to what would become of the Maquis and the Equinox crew. The admirals were still deliberating that particular "issue" and probably wouldn't announce anything official until after everyone was debriefed. Kathryn sighed. It was great to be back in the Alpha Quadrant - to be home, it was a dream. But it wouldn't be real until she knew that every member of her crew was accepted and welcomed home. Once more, Kathryn was interrupted by the chime of her door.

"Come in."

Chakotay stopped in front of the steps trying to conceal his excitement, but failing miserably as his dimples were on display.

"Well don't you look like the cat that got the cream," Kathryn said as she too smiled in return since his happiness was infectious, if only it would reach her eyes.

"How can you not on this fine day in the Alpha Quadrant," Chakotay smiled and then stopped with a serious expression, "And you look like someone kicked your puppy, Captain."

She looked away, taking a sip of her now lukewarm coffee to distract herself. His formal address of her echoing in her mind.

He climbed the steps, approaching her with his hand out as if he were going to touch her, but stopping just short of actually doing so.

"Kathryn, what's wrong?" Chakotay asked gently.

Looking into those dark pools of his, Kathryn couldn't help but spill her guts. His ability to both put her at ease and challenge her with just his earnest expression of concern was enough to send her over the edge. And so she told him. Well, not everything she was feeling.

"I just got off with Admiral Paris. He wanted to update me on what will happen once we dock. He wanted to relay to me that Starfleet is still unsure on how to handle the Maquis and Equinox crew. He says that the Admiralty have agreed to let them off the ship and visit their families for now, but any formal action against them is unknown at this time and won't be announced until a thorough examination during debriefings." After rushing that out, Kathryn bit her lip as she looked to Chakotay to gauge his reaction.

But she received nothing. All he said was, "And that's it? That's all he said?"

"Yes."

"Then why are you worried, Kathryn?" Chakotay asked in slight confusion, putting his hands on his hips.

Kathryn was dumbfounded, "What do you mean 'why am I worried'? Aren't you the least bit concerned about what Starfleet will do with the Maquis? From reports from the last few years, there is a lot of anti-Maquis sentiment amongst Starfleet's Admiralty."

"Yes, I am a little concerned with what will happen to the Maquis members of our crew now that we are home. And once the adrenaline wears off, there might be some intense anxiety from the crew. But, Kathryn, we will deal with the situation when it comes to it. We shouldn't worry over what will happen weeks or even months from now. You shouldn't let that put a damper on our arrival home. This should be the time for you to be happy and relieved that you did it and got us all home."

Chakotay's little lecture put her at ease a little and all she could do was nod, wondering how he could be so calm at a time like this.

"Plus, I hear the Captain of this ship may look like a docile creature," Chakotay leaned closer to Kathryn and dropped to a whisper, "but she's a bulldog when any of her crew are threatened."

Suddenly, he straightened back up and looked as if he were in thought. "Or was that more like a Mama Bear?"

Kathryn laughed aloud at that, punching him in the arm as he joined in.

Caught in the moment, Kathryn blurted out, "Then that makes you Papa Bear."

They chuckled, but it fizzled out and morphed into awkward territory. Clearing her throat, she changed the subject.

"Wait, shouldn't you be flying this thing? We want to make an entrance, but not by crashing into Earth." She shot him a crooked smile.

"Ha ha ha. Very funny, Kathryn. I let Baytart take care of docking so I could come bother the captain."

"Well in that case . . . Report!"

"Yes, Ma'am. All decks report some damage from our exit of the Borg transwarp conduit, but I think we can worry about everything later. Mother and baby are well. Parties have sprung up all over the ship and in the mess hall. And McKinley Station has given us the all clear for Docking Bay 2. We dock in five minutes, err right now it seems," Chakotay said pointing out the window.

"Then let's go, Commander."

Together, they entered the bridge and sat in their respective seats. Once the ship jolted, locking into place, and the humm of the engines ceased, there was no doubt. They were home.

A/N: Hello, hope everyone is well. This is going to be a multi-chaptered story. It is my goal to actually finish a story so bear with me please. Reviews are encouraged and welcomed. Thank you guys! Stay safe and healthy!