Chapter 2: Is This Really Home?
A/N: I just want to give a shout out to those that are following this story or have left a review. You guys help me stay motivated to write and finish this story. So here it is. Enjoy!
"All hands this is the Captain," Kathryn started as she stood from her chair and walked around the center space, looking at each of her crew members on the Bridge as she spoke.
"We're officially home. And we couldn't have gotten here without each and every one of you. All of your hard work and support these past seven years is more than any captain could ask for and I am privileged to have served with you all. Thank you for your wonderful service. I am proud to call you my crew."
She took a breath before continuing, "Our arrival is unexpected to say the least. The next few weeks and months will be full of unknowns . . . But I know we will handle it together, and shoulder each other through these uncertain waters as we did in the Delta Quadrant. Today, I want everyone to forget their fears and worries about the future, and focus on celebrating and enjoying being home with friends and family. A skeleton crew of Starfleet personnel will come aboard to relieve us of duty and everyone will be allowed to beam down to Headquarters to spend time with friends and family that have arrived on such short notice. If you don't have anyone meeting you, please come to either Commander Chakotay or me and we will help you. It is currently 11h30 in San Francisco. Everyone is to report back to the ship by 22h00 . . . Now go have fun and celebrate with your loved ones. That's an order. Janeway out."
The excitement level on the bridge was palpable. Harry was practically vibrating with joy at being able to see his parents in person. Seven was quiet as usual, uneasy anticipation evident on her face. Chakotay was smiling broadly with his dimples on full display. Tuvok was Tuvok - his usual Vulcan stoicism albeit for a micro expression of relief.
Deck by deck, crewmembers left their posts to run to the transporter rooms as they were each relieved of duty. The senior staff - save for the Doctor and the Paris family - were the last to beam down to Headquarters and the scene that greeted them was overwhelmingly heartwarming.
Although Voyager's entrance into the Alpha Quadrant was unexpected, Starfleet was able to notify the crew's families on short notice. So those that were on Earth, or near it were able to rush to Headquarters and gather with other family members as they all awaited their loved one's return. By the time the senior staff was on the surface, a majority of the crew were already with their families or huddled with friends enjoying their time together.
Kathryn watched Ensign Wildman's tearful reunion with her husband as Naomi patiently waited to introduce herself to her father. From afar she saw Harry engulf his mother in a bear hug. Kathryn was so caught up in seeing her crew's much deserved happiness that she was startled when she heard her own name being called.
Kathryn turned to the sound of the call, immediately knowing who it belonged to. There no less than five feet away stood Gretchen Janeway. Everyone else in the room dissolved away as Gretchen ran to her long lost daughter and Kathryn met her halfway. Their embrace was bone crushing and tearful. Kathryn shut her eyes as she succumbed to her mother's loving embrace. Gretchen rocked her side to side, running her hand through Kathryn's hair as she softly whispered into her daughter's ear, reassuring her that she was alright and telling her how much she loved her.
When Kathryn finally opened her eyes and was able to see through the tears, she saw her sister Phoebe standing silently behind them with a flood of tears streaming down her face. Kathryn pulled back from Gretchen, managing to rasp her sister's name and pull her in for a hug.
As they hugged, Phoebe sniffed, "I'm sorry I'm such a mess. I told myself that I would be the strong one today so mom and you could cry all you wanted, but it's these stupid hormones."
Kathryn gave a watery chuckle in response. "Well, that seems entirely improbable given you're five months pregnant, Pheebs.
Gretchen joined the hug, clutching her daughters to her. After a time, the women separated.
"Let me get a look at you, Katie." Gretchen said as she inspected her daughter, humming and clicking her tongue here and there.
"What? I'm fine, Mom." Kathryn replied, getting annoyed and rolling her eyes.
"Don't you roll those eyes at me little miss! You may be a Starship Captain, but even starship captains need to listen to their mother and show some respect. And you are still too skinny for my liking. Did you eat at all?"
Kathryn sighed, "Really? I think I put on a few. . . Yes, Mom. I did eat . . . when I had time."
"Kathryn!" Gretchen chastised.
"What? I had a starship to run and we had to conserve our food and energy reserves out there." Kathryn's reality check saddened Gretchen visibly so Kathryn added, "But, you'll be happy to know that Chakotay made sure I ate regularly and tried to get me to cut back on my coffee intake."
Gretchen smiled at that. "Smart man! At least someone is able to get through your bull-headedness."
"Yeah, he was what kept me going out there. I don't think I would have gotten us home without him. Oh, there he is. Chakotay!" Kathryn admitted.
Meanwhile, Chakotay had been walking by while talking with Crewman Gerron when he heard Kathryn so he excused himself to join her.
From afar, Seven - who had just beamed down - saw Chakotay join the Captain and briefly saw their shared look. However, before she could make an assessment of it, she was approached by an older woman.
Putting her hand on his upper arm, Kathyrn introduced him to the Janeway clan. "Mom, I'd like you to meet Commander Chakotay, my First Officer and occasional pain in my side. Chakotay, my mother, Gretchen Janeway."
"Mrs. Janeway, it is an honor to meet you." Chakotay said as he shook hands with the older woman. She was slightly taller than Kathryn with the same blue eyes, but her hair was shoulder length and a greying brown.
"Oh, please call me Gretchen. Mrs. Janeway is my mother-in-law. And the pleasure is all mine, Commander." Gretchen responded in kind, taking in the tall handsome man.
"Well then, Gretchen, call me Chakotay."
"Is your family here, dear? I'd love to meet them."
"Mom," Kathryn started but Chakotay put his hand on top of hers, stopping her.
"It's okay. My sister was notified and is on her way here, but our home planet is two weeks from Earth." Gretchen nodded in understanding and took note of the look that transpired between her daughter and him.
Chakotay turned towards Phoebe. "And you must be Phoebe. Congratulations by the way."
Phoebe took his hand. "Phoebe Walker at your service. And thank you! It really is a pleasure to meet you. My sister can't stop talking abou . . ."
"Phoebe!" Kathryn interrupted, a blush creeping up on her.
"What? I would be to, especially with those dimples." Phoebe shrugged.
Gretchen decided to intervene.
"Phoebe, I think that is enough," shooting her youngest a pointed look before turning back to face Chakotay, who was tugging his earlobe nervously with an amused expression, and Kathryn who was red-faced with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, dear, you'll have to excuse her. Anyways, Chakotay, thank you for bringing my daughter back to us."
Chakotay chuckled, "Excuse me, Gretchen, but I think you have that mixed up. It was by Kathryn's sheer will that got us home."
"No, I'm not mistaken. Anyone who is able to put up with my daughter for seven years deserves a medal. Unfortunately, I don't have one so a home cooked meal will have to suffice. Since your sister isn't here today, why don't you come back to Indiana with us and join us for lunch?"
Kathryn remained unusually silent during the invitation, simply watching the interaction. Chakotay glanced at Kathryn and then saw a flash of blond in the distance, catching the backend of Seven's look in his direction as she talked with presumably her aunt.
Addressing Gretchen once more, he politely smiled, "I appreciate the offer, Gretchen , but I don't want to impose on your reunion. . ."
"Oh, nonsense! You aren't an imposition." Gretchen interrupted.
"Thank you really, but I need to check on the crew and see what Seven is doing."
Gretchen conceded, "Oh alright, dear. But, my offer still stands for a rain check for another time. Promise me you'll come over for a home cooked meal."
"Yes, ma'am. I promise. If you'll lovely ladies will excuse me I need to talk to some crew members. It was a pleasure meeting you. Enjoy your day," Chakotay said diplomatically, shooting a look at Kathryn again before leaving them.
Kathryn watched him pass some of the crew and their families, exchanging words with a few, and then stopping next to Seven who was talking to her aunt. She wistfully looked on as she saw him smile that thousand watt smile at Seven and her aunt as he shook hands and acted as a buffer for Seven and her aunt. She was interrupted from her thoughts by her little sister and mother who were talking to her. She put her guard up higher, hoping she let nothing show.
A captain's job is never done. Kathryn was able to transport back to Indiana with her family only after she made sure every member of her crew had somewhere to go for the time being whether it was with family or friends from the crew.
The three women beamed directly in front of Kathryn's childhood home on the farm. Kathryn stepped onto the porch in awe - oh, how she missed this house. It plagues her dreams in the Delta Quadrant. As she entered the house, she took a deep breath in, breathing in the scent of cloves and hay - the good kind.
Gretchen walked past Kathryn who had stopped in front of the fireplace mantle looking at the old and new pictures that adorned it. "I hope you're hungry. I made chicken salad before I left and put it in the chiller. Katie, why don't you go take a moment and explore the rest of the house while I get everything ready. Phoebe, go sit down and I'll bring you a glass of lemonade.
Kathryn nodded absentmindedly, taking everything in. She set about to rediscover her childhood home which brought an onslaught of memories that assaulted her as she entered each room. After her tour, she returned to the dining room to see that her mother had set the table and was assembling the sandwiches.
"Ooo, I haven't had your chicken salad sandwiches since I was a little girl. Did you make this bread fresh this morning, Mom? I could never program my replicator to make it like you."
"Of course not, Katie, because I make everything with love . . . and a little sweat and tears. Now go on and eat both of you."
Lunch was followed by coffee and Kathryn's favorite guilty pleasure - her mother's caramel brownies. While Gretchen cleaned up, Phoebe found her moment to satisfy her bubbling curiosity.
"So Katie . . . what's the deal with Chakotay?"
"What do you mean?"
"I know he was the Maquis terrorist you were sent to capture and out in the Delta Quadrant he became your first officer and from your letters you were friends . . ."
"Yes, your point," Kathryn prompted.
"There was no way you were just friends with a man as dangerously handsome as that, especially with those dimples. He's so sexy!"
"Phoebe!" Kathryn choked on her coffee.
Gretchen chimed in from the kitchen. "She's not wrong, Katiedid. If only I was twenty years younger . . ."
"Mom!" Kathryn couldn't believe her ears. Maybe this was all a dream. Or a nightmare.
"But, Phoebe, you're married."
"Yes and your point being? I'm married, not blind. I love my husband very much, but I'm still a woman. You must have a real heart of ice. How could you resist that? And the way he looks at you . . ."
"Phoebe, there was nothing going on. We were just really good friends," Kathryn paused before continuing, staring down into her coffee, "Nothing could ever happen. I was the captain. I had 146 lives depending on me to keep them alive and get them home. I couldn't afford to get distracted. . . There was a time when it was a possibility . . . when he was a possibility, but over the years . . . anyways it's too late now."
Phoebe decided to leave it at that, choosing not to comment and tucking the information away for a later time. A time when Kathryn was ready. Looking at her watch, she whistled.
"Is that the time already? I've got to go pick up the kids from school. Bye Mom, bye Katie. Love you. I'll see you guys later for dinner." And with that Phoebe was gone.
The rest of the afternoon found Gretchen and Kathryn on the porch sipping coffee and catching up until it was time to prepare dinner. Kathryn was finally able to meet her niece and nephew and brother-in-law. She quite liked her brother-in-law Eric. He was tall and quiet, yet had an energy about him that perfectly balanced out her sister. He reminded her of Chakotay, however she quickly pushed that out of her mind. Her nephew was ten years old and her niece just turned six and they were absolute darlings though a little shy around her since they didn't know her that well yet. After a delicious dinner and time spent with her family, Kathryn said her goodbyes early to be able to get back to San Francisco.
After a meeting with Owen Paris, Kathryn beamed up to Voyager only to be met by Chakotay in the transporter room.
"Did you have a good visit, Captain?" he smiled.
Stepping off the transporter pad, she replied, "Yes, I did. And you, Commander?"
She saw him quickly tug his earlobe before responding. "Yes. It is certainly great to be back on Earth, but I think the euphoria will wear off once debriefings start."
Together they began their trek to the bridge. "I don't doubt it will, but I'll fight for everyone. Every last one of them," she said, making eye contact with him.
Straightening up, she looked ahead. "Report, Commander."
He cleared his throat, "It's currently 21:41 and 128 crewmembers have beamed aboard and checked in."
"Wow, I wasn't expecting that many people to be on board already. I thought we might have had a few stragglers who would want to stay a little longer."
"Well, you did give them an order and the crew always listens to their captain, but I think everyone is a little overwhelmed. It's a lot to take in, one minute we're in the Delta Quadrant fighting the Borg and the next we're home and with our loved ones. And we've been gone for seven years, things and people have changed. I think subconsciously they are keeping a wide berth in case this isn't real. It's going to be an adjustment for all of us. Voyager was our home for seven years and now that we're back in the Alpha Quadrant . . . it's going to take time for us to re-establish home.
Kathryn nodded absentmindedly, "I understand. Well, I guess we'll just have to do what we did in the Delta Quadrant . . . adapt. I think we'll make it. And for those of the crew that are having a harder time than others, they will have their Voyager family to support them and a bunch of people willing to help them in the Alpha Quadrant. I will certainly help in any way I can. Maybe we should come up with a plan or some sort of system to deal with those inevitable situations. What do you think?"
"I have a few ideas about that. I'll start working on it."
By that time, they had made it to the bridge. Kathryn retreated to her ready room to finish reading the latest report from the Admiralty while Chakotay went to his respective chair to get a system's report.
When the chronometer struck 2200, Kathryn made her way to her seat on the bridge, passing a PADD to Chakotay with a nod. She then tapped her badge and addressed the crew.
"This is the Captain to all hands. It is 2200 hours. At this time would all non-Voyager personnel please transport back to Headquarters. It's been a long day for all of us with many happy and sad reunions. I want to let you know that we are here for you - I am here for you, Commander Chakotay, the Senior Staff, your fellow Voyagers. We created a family out there in the Delta Quadrant and just because we are back in the Alpha Quadrant that doesn't mean we have to lose that."
"The next few days are going to be busy. Starfleet is giving us time to pack our belongings and download all the data from our time in the Delta Quadrant. We will also be making sure the ship is running at peak efficiency for when Starfleet engineers come to study our modifications. During this time, we will have a crew rotation so you may still visit with family and friends. However, you must report back to the ship every night. Tomorrow, Starfleet Medical personnel will be coming aboard to conduct physical examinations on everyone to officially clear you to leave the ship."
"I want to thank you for your patience and cooperation. I will keep you informed as to what will happen next in the incoming days. Goodnight. Janeway out."
Kathryn and Chakotay shared a knowing look. The coming days were indeed going to be crazy and unknown, but they'd face it together like they always had. Kathryn smiled at his telepathic reassurance. She patted his hand, quickly pulling away and excusing herself to her ready room where she replicated herself a cup of coffee and started on her reports to Starfleet Command. It took her mind off her tumultuous thoughts until she couldn't take reading another word and found herself staring out at the view of Earth from orbit. It really was a breathtaking sight.
Voyager was gone a long time that she had almost forgotten. So much had changed since Kathryn received her commission of Voyager. During that time, Phoebe - ever the annoying little sister, blossomed into a beautiful woman with a family of her own. Her mom was still spry, but it was obvious she was getting older. Even Kathryn wasn't the same person.
Kathryn's shift in thought brought to mind a frighteningly pertinent question to which she had no answer for yet - Is this really home?
A/N: Thank you for reading! Please R&R. Stay safe and healthy everyone.