Chapter 4: The Homestretch of Home

Long A/N: Hi guys! I am uber sorry for this late update. I started something new and now I am really busy, but I've been working on this little by little when I had time. Plus, this chapter ended up being longer than I expected. I apologize for any mistakes. I've tried my best to edit, however, I am imperfect so please bear with me.

Welcome to debriefings! This takes place two or so weeks after the last chapter. I didn't feel like writing all the bureaucracy and politics of Star Trek and I haven't really read the relaunch novels, or seen any of the new shows, so everything is general and purely speculations from what I know. Also, we have an unexpected guest in this chapter. Hope you guys enjoy!

How dare they?! Starfleet was founded on the basic principle of seeking the truth and they all lived in a Federation of United Planets meaning that there was no discrimination against others because thier uniqueness added to the whole.

Kathryn was in utter disbelief. She understood that Starfleet was going to question her decisions, especially instances where she toed the line a bit. Granted, they were going to chew her out for her breaches in protocol, but for the most part she did the best she could out there and only bent the rules for extenuating circumstances.

But who did they think they were to ask her such sexist questions? To question her virtue? To question if she was sleeping with the first officer? Hadn't she made it clear to them by her conduct? By upholding the protocols Starfleet put into place? Those protocols that governed and made her life miserable for 7 years. Yes, she was a woman. Yes, she stranded them in the Delta Quadrant to save an alien species. No, she didn't quite "capture" the Maquis like she was supposed to. And no, she most definitely did not sleep with her first officer. That had the whole room surprised, as Admirals visibly and audibly flinched and gasped. They all assumed she and Chakotay were together. She was terribly insulted and a little repulsed by their insinuations throughout the interrogation. How awful of them to think that just because she was a woman. She was a Starfleet Officer first - she had a job to do and she did it "without having a sexual relationship to manipulate the Maquis into submission." What pigs? And it came from Admiral Nachaeyev of all people! Shouldn't she have understood?

And when they questioned Kathryn on how she really got the Maquis to cooperate, she was fired.

The former Maquis members of her crew loyally served the very institution that did not loyally serve them. They were good people, not savages. Good people that were hurt and lost and needed something to believe in. They needed someone to believe in them. A reassurance that they were being heard.

What had Starfleet become since she left? It was frightening to see the strong institution she once believed in so wholeheartedly lose its moral stability after the war. It was a real gut punch. It all made her doubt herself and her future in Starfleet. She might need to call B'Elanna after all.

Kathryn found herself walking back to her temporary quarters in complete mental and emotional exhaustion. She just wanted to curl up with a tall glass of wine and read a book to distract herself from the nightmare their homecoming was shaping up to be. She hoped everyone else was holding up better than she was.

It was twilight, dark like her thoughts. In fact, Kathryn was so lost in thought she was startled from her wanderings by a hand on her shoulder. She turned around ready to defend herself against whoever dared attack her.

"Woah! Careful where you aim that fist, Kathryn. You could have seriously bruised my poor chest."

Kathryn gasped. "Chakotay."

"The one and only. I called your name, but you didn't hear me. What are you doing out here in the dark? Something on your mind?"

"You could say that. I just got out of debriefings, or should I call them interrogations. I feel like a criminal."

"I know what you mean." By this time they resumed walking side by side along the path.

"Oh, Chakotay, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to . . "

"I know, Kathryn. The debriefing process is difficult. It certainly knows how to dredge up old insecurities and doubts. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not particularly, no. I just want to relax and not think about Admirals and all my wrongdoings for at least another 8 hours."

"Well, if you don't want to talk about it would you like some company to distract you over a tall glass of wine and entertaining conversation?"

"How did you know that I wanted a tall glass of wine?" They had stopped walking, reaching the entrance to the Starfleet housing complex.

He laughed, "I know you, Kathryn. What do you say?"

"Well okay then, Mister. I think I have enough Chateau Picard left for two glasses. Follow me, Commander." She smiled a genuine smile.

"Yes, Ma'am!"

And so began their weekly meetings. Kathryn and Chakotay's after debriefing "detox" counseling sessions eventually turned to standing dinners on Friday nights - like old times. In that way, they could review what happened during the week and prepare for the next grueling one.

Kathryn found herself outside Chakotay's Starfleet lodgings with a bottle of wine, waiting. It was odd because he usually was there to open the door and greet her even if he was busy cooking. They had confirmed Wednesday that they were still on for dinner. Kathryn chimed again, but still no answer. She went to hit her comm badge, realizing too late that she left it in her quarters. She sighed. It was obvious he was inside if the faint music was anything to go by so Kathryn looked around before inputting his code from Voyager - the stardate he bought the Val Jean. It worked and she quickly slipped inside. The place was dimly lit with music playing from the bedroom where the shower could also be heard. That explained why he didn't answer the door.

Kathryn heard the shower stop. Deciding that he would be out soon, she made herself at home and poured two glasses of wine. Taking her glass, Kathryn walked over to the shelf on the far wall of the living room, browsing his selection. Dante's Inferno caught her eye. Kathryn set her glass down on the low coffee table and pulled the book out. It wasn't her copy, but it was an exact replica. She smiled to herself as she skimmed through the pages and read the elegantly scrawled notes that littered the margins. She didn't hear when someone entered the room.

"Who are you?! What do you want?" came an angry shout.

Kathryn's head snapped to attention. It was hard to see because of the dimmed lights, but across the room stood a . . . woman aiming something at Kathryn.

Kathryn didn't have time to dwell on the fact that a woman - other than Seven - was in Chakotay's quarters because her Starfleet training kicked in.

The unknown woman demanded to know who she was again and what she wanted. Kathryn put her hands up slowly and made a show of putting the book down before returning her hands to a non-threatening position.

Kathryn spoke softly, "I mean you no harm. My name is Kath-"

"Captain Kathryn Janeway?" the woman asked, lowering her weapon.

The woman took a step closer and called out, "Computer increase lights by 35%."

"Yes, I am. Who are -" the room brightened and Kathryn was able to clearly see her assailant now. The woman was tall and beautifully tan-skinned. She had a familiar looking tattoo on her left temple. Realization hit Kathryn.

Letting out the breath she was unaware she was holding, Kathryn stepped closer to the woman. "And you must be Sekaya, Chakotay's sister."

Kathryn held out her hand, but Sekaya bypassed it and engulfed her in a tight hug. After a stunned moment, Kathryn returned it with warmth.

While embracing her, Sekaya spoke. "Thank you."

"What for?" Kathryn asked, confused to what warranted her gratitude.

Sekaya pulled back, but kept her hands on Kathryn's arms. "Thank you for bringing my brother home to me. He is the only family I have left. And thank you for bringing him peace. The anger and restlessness that has plagued him the entirety of his life is gone thanks to you and your crew."

Kathryn smiled at her, at a loss of words. "I don't know what to say, but I am going to be honest with you . . . I couldn't have done it without your brother's support and friendship. He certainly knows when to tell me I am wrong, quite the contrary."

The women shared a hearty laugh.

Kathryn apologized, "I'm sorry for startling you. Chakotay and I usually have dinner on Fridays after we finish debriefings. I heard music so I let myself in."

Sekaya fully backed away and looked sheepish.

"No, that's okay. I thought it was Chakotay, but when I didn't hear him greet me and I saw an unfamiliar figure, I got a little scared. Sorry for attacking you, Captain." Sekaya said while holding up her weapon - a wooden spoon.

"It's quite alright, you were only protecting yourself and please call me Kathryn," she reassured and then amusement crossed her face. "Though I don't know how you were going to protect yourself with a wooden spoon. What were you going to do with it? Spoon me to death?"

They both laughed.

"Where is your brother anyway?"

"Oh, I have no idea. When he left this morning, he said that he would be home by 1900 hours. But it's almost 2000 hours now. Do you think he's okay?"

"Hmmm ... his debriefings must have run over time. I'm so sorry to intrude, I didn't know you were visiting. I'll leave so you and your brother can spend some time together -"

"No, please. You don't have to leave. Please stay. I'm sure he'll be home soon. Plus, I'd love to get to know you better, the woman that tamed my stubborn as a mule brother."

Kathryn paused, considering the offer. She didn't want to get in Chakotay's way after being reunited with his sister, but he wasn't here and Kathryn was really interested in getting to know his sister. In the end, her curiosity got the best of her.

"Well, in that case . . . wine?" Kathryn smiled and handed Sekaya the second glass of wine.

Over the next hour or so, Sekaya and Kathryn got to know each other pretty well, chatting like old friends. When Chakotay arrived home at 2100 hours, he shouted to his sister apologies for being late. He walked into his quarters drained from the day and ready to go to bed only to be greeted by the sight of his sister and Kathryn laughing at the kitchen table over empty bowls of - what smelled like - mushroom soup. The sight was unexpected, but filled Chakotay with an inexplicable sense of pleasure. He simply stood in the doorway of the kitchen, watching them as they continued talking - unaware of his presence.

Kathryn was the first to spot him. "Well well well! Look what the cat dragged in. Chakotay, where have you been?"

Sekaya turned in her chair to face him. "Yes, brother. We were beginning to worry about you."

Chakotay grinned. Walking over to the table, he sat down and grabbed a piece of bread from the plate in the center. "I'm so sorry, ladies. I tried to call, but I couldn't get away for even a minute. Today's interrogation ran way over time. I hope you didn't wait too long, Kathryn."

Sekaya placed a bowl of fresh mushroom soup in front of Chakotay while Kathryn winked at her and teased him. "Oh, no, your sister was good company . . . when she wasn't threatening me with a weapon."

Chakotay choked on his soup, "What?!"

He looked between the two most important women in his life, not missing their shared look that they knew something he didn't.

Sekaya shrugged in response. "It was only a wooden spoon and it's not my fault you let women break into your house, brother."

Both women finally broke out into hysterical laughter leaving Chakotay beyond confused.

"Am I missing something?"

When the women were able to control themselves once again, they launched into the tale of their unusual introduction earlier that evening and soon all three of them were laughing. Kathryn enjoyed being included in the little family unit Chakotay and Sekaya made. She enjoyed being able to kick back and enjoy the company of those dear to her without protocol.

Sekaya yawned suddenly when she noticed Chakotay and Kathryn started unconsciously communicating telepathically with each other during the conversation.

She excused herself as diplomatically and as quickly as she could. "Is it that time already? I better get to bed, I'm still not used to this time difference yet. Goodnight, brother. Goodnight, Kathryn." And she scurried to the bedroom in the back leaving just the two of them.

Chakotay and Kathryn sipped on their tea and coffee respectively.

"I'm sorry for not warning you about my sister. She didn't tell me anything, but she arrived earlier than I was expecting. She showed up at my door late Wednesday evening and between debriefings and spending time with Sekky, I forgot to mention it."

"Oh, that's perfectly alright. It was a surprise finding her here, but a lovely one. It's wonderful she was able to make it to Earth to visit you," Kathryn nonchalantly took a sip of her coffee.

"Yeah, I'm glad she came. I've missed her. She's all I got left," Chakotay said mistily before shaking his head, "I'm looking forward to meeting her family. When debriefings are over, Sekaya wants me to come back to Trebus and help with the rebuilding efforts. I want to spend more time with her, but I don't know if I'm ready to go back there after everything, you know."

Kathryn swallowed, "I understand. What does Seven think about it?"

"Oh, I haven't told her yet. You are the only one that knows. I haven't really gotten any free time these past couple of weeks. Starfleet is giving both the Borg and the Maquis a hard time. They don't quite trust us. I'd thought they'd change. I wasn't expecting teddy bears and rainbows when we got back, but things are definitely different. I am unsure what to do when everything is finished - resign and go to Trebus or stay in Starfleet. That's if they don't throw me in prison first. I am taking everything one step at a time, but my future is uncertain and I am conflicted."

"I know what you mean," Kathryn took a deep breath before continuing, "Chakotay, I'm seriously considering if I should leave Starfleet."

"What?" Her declaration caught him off guard.

"It's just like you said - they changed. They've changed so much and it's not for the better. I know the war weakened the Federation, but Starfleet is starting to turn it's back on the moral foundations on which it was built on and . . . I don't know, but when this is all over I might resign."

"Kathryn -" Chakotay was about to ask her a question, but Kathryn ignored him and vented what had been on her mind all week.

"Then again, when I think about it . . . what would I even do? Yes, I have degrees in Quantum Cosmology, Mathematics, and Computational Biophysics, but Starfleet is all I ever wanted. It's my whole life, the only thing I know."

Chakotay's voice was firm, but his words were emphatic. "Kathryn Janeway is the fiercest, most intelligent, and determined person I know. And she will be alright. She will want for nothing. If she does decide to leave, there will be plenty of people who would want her. I am positive that whatever she chooses in the end will be doing her best to help others because that is who she is. Who you are. Not a Starfleet officer, not a captain, but Kathryn Janeway who makes it her mission in life to help people. And I will always be here for you."

Kathryn was overcome with emotion, her eyes misting with tears. She stared into his eyes, smiling as she reached for his hand.

"Thank you, Chakotay. That means a lot. Know that I am always here for you too," Kathryn's hand finally laid over Chakotay's on the table. Instantly, an electric shock jolted them both and they pulled away immediately.

Looking everywhere but each other, Kathryn's eyes landed on the chronometer. "Wow, it is late. I have to get to Indiana early tomorrow to help mom with some last minute things for a little family get- together."

"I'm sorry I kept you up so late. Have fun tomorrow." Chakotay said, standing and escorting her to the door.

"I will, thanks. Goodnight, Chakotay." Kathryn smiled politely and slipped out the door.

Chakotay leaned his head against the closed door, taking a deep breath and expelling it slowly. Why did he feel like this?

The next day was Saturday - a day off. Chakotay caught up on some reports while Sekaya slept in and arranged for them to have dinner with Seven that evening. Once Sekaya was up, work was shoved aside so he could spend time with his beloved sister.

At 7:03pm, Chakotay and Sekaya arrived at the restaurant where they were to have dinner with Seven. It was a quaint, upscale restaurant in the fishermen's wharf that came highly recommended from several people. Chakotay spotted Seven right outside the restaurant.

"Hello, Seven." Chakotay greeted, kissing her on the cheek.

She looked at him with a quirk of her ocular implant. "You are 3.2 minutes late."

Sekaya spoke up, "Oh, I am sorry. That's my fault. It was such a lovely evening and I wanted to walk rather than transport."

Seven nodded. "You are forgiven. Yes, the weather is quite agreeable."

Chakotay stepped in then and introduced the two women. "Seven, this is Sekaya my sister. Sekaya, Seven."

The two women stepped closer to each other. Sekaya leaned in to give Seven a hug while Seven stuck out her hand to shake. They both paused in mid-action, unsure of what to do until Sekaya forced herself to shake Seven's hand.

"I apologize. I wasn't aware that hugging was customary during an introductory encounter."

Chakotay cleared his throat, "It's okay, Seven. There are no definite social protocols when it comes to meeting someone for the first time. And I probably should have warned you that Sekaya was a hugger."

"I'm so sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Sekaya supplied earnestly.

"No, it is alright. I am still getting used to interacting with other people. Thank you for introducing me to a . . . new way of meeting someone. Shall we enter the establishment? We are now 6.8 minutes late for our reservation."

They all agreed and Chakotay ushered the women inside. This was going horribly.

All through appetizers and the main course, Chakotay volleyed the conversation when it started lulling into silence. Sekaya tried her best to get to know Seven, but the young woman's curt and analytical responses stilted the conversation.

Chakotay needed a moment to himself so he escaped to the bathroom after they ordered dessert, leaving Seven and Sekaya all alone.

The women sat in silence, sipping their drinks.

Sekaya decided to break the ice. "Did you enjoy your meal, Seven?"

"Yes, it was acceptable."

Sekaya just nodded and took another gulp of her wine.

"Comma - Chakotay, informs me that you have children."

"Yes, I do."

"What are their designations and ages?"

"Aapo is my firstborn and he is almost 11. My other son Cualli is 9."

"They sound like lovely children."

"Yes, they are, but only when they aren't going off looking for trouble. You'll have the chance to meet them when you and Chakotay come to Trebus. In fact-"

Seven's brows raised in surprise. "I was not aware that the Commander and I would be visiting you on Trebus."

"Oh," Sekaya's eyes widened.

Just then Chakotay rejoined them. He sat down and put his arm around Seven's shoulders. "What are you two ladies gossiping about over here? Anything good?"

Seven cleared her throat. "Sekaya was telling me about her children and how I would have the opportunity to meet them when we visited her..

"Oh," was all Chakotay said, shoulders sagging a bit.

"It was my mistake. I shouldn't have said anything. I only just suggested the idea to him."

"I'm sorry, Seven, I should have mentioned it sooner. I was going to tell you when we had time to discuss things over. Plus, I haven't decided if and when I will visit, dear sister." He shot Sekaya with a pointed look.

"I know, I know, but I am just so eager to spend time with you and show you the progress the colony has made in rebuilding since the occupation. It is slow going and there is still a lot that needs to be done, we need all the help we can get."

"What is your position within the colony?" Seven asked Sekaya.

"I am a Council member of our tribe as well as a spiritual leader and healer."

"A worthy profession." Seven inclined her head in consideration.

"Yes, it is though it is most difficult. We don't have access to most of the necessary supplies. Our elders refuse the Federation's help. They do not trust them and persist in the idea of being on their own."

"An illogical course of action. If they are being offered vital assistance, it is illogical to refuse the help when it is clearly needed."

"Yes, Seven, it may seem and even be illogical, but look at it from their point of view. Their distrust stems from deep-rooted emotions and situations from the many generations before us. Those hurtful and humiliating instances in our tribe's history make it difficult for the elders to move past. The younger generation is more receptive to the aid, but the elders need convincing. They just want to preserve our culture and prove that we are self-sufficient."

Seven nodded, "I can understand the sentiment. Chakotay and I were once trapped within a barrier on a technologically advanced planet. Within the barrier lived a primitive civilization known as the Ventu. They were highly intelligent and resourceful people. When they were exposed by our technology the planet's government entered to study and aid the Ventu people, but I was concerned that their unique culture would be contaminated by outsiders and it most likely would have been had we not closed the barrier. The elder's feelings are illogical, but reasonable."

"That must have been difficult to experience. I agree with your assessment. It is the same with the elders and while the feelings can not be changed and remain ingrained in our history, this help is necessary in order for us to move on as a people. I can only hope to try and convince them otherwise. I was hoping you would be able to talk to them, Chakotay."

"Me? Why?"

"Well, the elders may be more receptive and open if they talked with you. You are both a Starfleet officer and a member of the tribe, they may be more inclined to listen to you and trust your thoughts on the matter. That is why you must come to Trebus," Sekaya reasoned with Chakotay.

To lighten the mood she added, "And of course, I want the boys to know their uncle."

Chakotay was pensive. He glanced over at Seven, meeting her eyes. "I think it is something we need to discuss, but I will consider it, Sekky."

"I will settle for that."

The rest of the evening went relatively smoothly. Together, the three of them walked to the transporter station. Before they parted ways to their respective pads, they paid their goodbyes.

"It was really nice meeting you, Seven." Sekaya smiled.

"The pleasure was all mine. It was nice to get to know the one Chakotay holds dear." Seven replied thoughtfully.

Sekaya blushed and gave Seven a half-hug and the former Borg didn't stiffen, but relaxed slightly and put a hand briefly on Sekaya's back.

Seven turned to Chakotay. "I must regenerate now. I will call you tomorrow. Goodnight."

"I'll await your call. Goodnight, Seven."

The couple shared a quick kiss and then Seven nodded at the transporter chief and dematerialized before their eyes.

When Chakotay and Sekaya returned home, they both immediately went to bed, exhausted from the busy day.

That wasn't so bad, was Chakotay's last coherent thought before sleep overtook him.

The next morning, Chakotay rose early and prepared a delicious breakfast banquet for his sister. He learned that his sister was a grump in the morning and had to be plied with food to be her usual sweet and rational self. Sekaya stumbled into the kitchen around 0900 hours, grunting her responses to his questions until he handed her a mug of tea. She was silent for a few minutes. It took time until she was coherent. For a moment, he was reminded of a similar experience like this he had almost every morning on a planet far far away from here.

"Good morning, brother," Sekaya rasped with sleep still lingering.

"Good morning, dear sister. Did you sleep well?"

"I slept fine, I don't remember falling asleep. I must have been more tired than I thought."

"Yes, traipsing all over San Francisco in sandals will do that to you. I made breakfast so eat up."

Sekaya brightened, "Ooo! Thank you!"

They piled up their plates and enjoyed each other's company. For a time, conversation lulled into silence as they concentrated on eating. It was then that Sekaya reflected back on the previous evening.

All through dinner, she had observed her brother closely, watching his interactions with Seven. Chakotay was an affectionate person, but last night he was a little too controlled. Yes, he kissed Seven here and there, put his arm around her, and held her hand once. And yet, it wasn't a relaxed and tender gesture, more like a calculated tactic. It was odd seeing her brother like that. And Seven was very stiff and a little reluctant it seemed with his PDA.

Chakotay must have caught the look on her face. "What's on your mind, Sekky?"

"I was thinking about last night," she vaguely answered.

"Oh. Thinking about Seven? What is your opinion?" He got right to the point.

"Well, actually I was thinking about Seven and you. Seven seems pleasant, she is very unique. For a better assessment, I would need to get to know her more. But from last night . . . what are you thinking, brother?"

"What do you mean?" Chakotay was going on the defensive.

"Chakotay, there are many things I noticed. One is that she still calls you commander when you guys are in an intimate relationship."

"Yes, she does, but come on, Sekaya. We were just on Voyager not too long ago and now we are here on Earth. We kept our lives on Voyager separate and were very professional with each other there. Seven just needs time to adjust, everything is new for her. You can't fault her for that."

"No, I can not, but I can fault you. You are not yourself when you are with her. I know you, brother. We have been apart for many years, but I know you. You are a strong, gentle, affectionate man. Last night, you were anything but. Everything seemed like it was an act. Like you were forcing yourself to be that way and I don't think Seven appreciated your advances either."

"I do not act differently." Chakotay was taken aback by her observation.

"Not consciously, but you do. And, Chakotay, she is young."

"Not you too. I know she is almost half my age, but seriously Sekky? When has age stopped anyone from loving another person."

"Brother, if you think I am referring to just her age, then you are blind. It is not her physical age, but her mental and emotional maturity that is lacking. You may be in a relationship, but this isn't love and you know it."

And he did know it, but he didn't want to stop. He didn't respond, only sighing in frustration.

Sekaya stood from the table and cleaned her plate. She stopped next to Chakotay, putting a soothing hand on his shoulder as she spoke softly to him. "Chakotay, I do not mean to upset you or criticize your relationship with Seven because it is your relationship, your business. I am just giving you some sisterly advice and you did ask for my opinion. I love you and I just want you to be happy. Now I have plans to go shopping with B'Elanna. I'll see you later, Chakotay."

Sekaya kissed the top of his head and ruffled his hair affectionately. She was almost out of the room when she stopped and threw over her shoulder. "And if I am being completely honest, I thought Kathryn was more your speed."

Sekaya departed shortly after that, leaving Chakotay plenty of time to contemplate her words coupled with his conflicted feelings of late. He understood what his sister was saying. Those same thoughts came across his mind, but he jettisoned them out when they were on Voyager because things were different there. However, now they were on Earth - things were supposed to be different, better. This was home afterall. He didn't have time to dwell and self-analyze himself because things were busy with debriefings. When all was said and done, he would think it through with Seven. Chakotay sighted, they weren't completely home were in the homestretch of home.

A/N: Hi again. I just wanted to apologize for any inaccuracies and/or offensive elements when mentioning indigenous/First Nation culture. For the purpose of this story, I have defined Chakotay as of Mayan descent so there is a common trend instead of all over the place. I absolutely hate how TPTB completely disregarded doing any proper research and fleshing out Chakotay's background. He was so general and everything was haphazard. It put me in a bit of a pickle writing wise as I like to be accurate and how can I be when he is so inaccurate? Therefore, I am sorry and please feel free to correct me. I am always open to learning something new.

Aapo - Father of many nations (Mayan origin)

Cualli - good (Mayan origin)

Thank you for reading. Please R&R and be safe out there!