Chapter 5: Coming Home
After two and a half grueling months of debriefings, they were finally coming to a close. Leave was so close that Kathryn could almost taste it - sweet sleep and all the homemade caramel brownies she wanted.
Almost, but not quite yet. She needed to get through her personal private hearing and the official public hearing where the crew's fate would be decided.
This meeting was to decide her fate. Kathryn sat before a panel of Federation judges, Council members, and Starfleet Admirals in a sterile grey room at Command.
Currently, Nechayev was speaking. "Captain, it has come to our attention that you've violated the Prime Directive numerous times. Some think once too many. Granted, some instances are justified because of complicated circumstances . . . but what is to say that you will not do it again? What assurances can you give us that you will not do it again?"
Everyone in the room stared at her in silent anticipation. This was the moment that would most likely break her career, Kathryn thought. This was it and she was going to make sure that it was worth something. She stood confidently and approached the podium to speak.
"With all due respect, I can't give you any assurances." Everyone in the room gasped in shock and murmuring broke out.
"What do you mean you can't make any assurances? Are you saying you would willingly violate the Prime Directive again?"
"No, I would not willingly break it. I try my best to live and uphold all Starfleet protocols and most importantly the Prime Directive above all else. Yet, I can't promise you for certain it won't happen again. That would be deceitful, unrealistic, and unbecoming an officer. That is the truth. But I can promise that if it ever happens again when the rule must be bent, it would be within good reason in which the Federation or the galaxy was in immediate danger." Kathryn stated with all the confidence and poise she could muster.
Admiral Hayes was the first to recover.
He cleared his throat and leaned into the microphone, "Thank you for your honesty, Captain. I think that draws an end to today's session. We will let you know our decision when we have it. Thank you for your service, Captain and congratulations on making it home."
After that, everyone stood up and quickly filed out of the room leaving Kathryn all alone and stunned in a big grey sterile room.
Kathryn walked to her temporary quarters in a daze. She honestly thought that they would deliver a swift blow and let her loose right then and there. Kathryn was numb, neither anxious about their decision nor excited about it. She was just . . . neutral.
As soon as she walked in through the door of her quarters her communications system alerted her to an incoming transmission.
"On screen." Kathryn commanded.
"Please restate the request." The computer responded.
Kathryn shook her head to get the cobwebs out. This wasn't Voyager. "Accept Transmission. Visual and audio."
On the screen of her terminal, Admiral Paris' smiling face popped up.
"Captain, I have great news. You will not be charged for what happened while you were in the Delta Quadrant. And even greater news that I am pleased to tell you about is that on behalf of Starfleet, we would like to offer you a promotion to Rear Admiral."
"What?!" Kathryn was shocked beyond belief. "Why? I wasn't expecting Starfleet to promote me, more like demote me. What happened, Owen?"
"Well, I can't go into too much detail because it is classified, but let's just say there was much heated debate over whether to make you an admiral. Listen, you deserve this and they agree with that. However, as mentioned earlier today, you broke the Prime Direction once too many times for their liking and even your counterpart Admiral Janeway broke the Prime Directive to get you home sooner. Some of the Admiralty and the Federation Council believe that you might abuse your power and influence to break the Prime Directive like your counterpart. The majority do not think you would do that. In my opinion, I think it is a great offer and you deserve this, Katie. This is something you have waited your whole life for."
Kathryn got a far off look, nodding her head absently as she replied in honesty. "I don't know, Owen. They were just questioning me like a criminal and now they are patting me on the back and putting me on a pedestal by giving me a promotion. . . I don't know."
"Katie," Admiral Paris started, but Kathryn cut him off.
"Let me think about it, okay?"
Admiral Paris nodded "I understand, Katie. I don't mean to rush you and pressure you into accepting, I just want what is best for you, what your dad would want for you. This is a big decision so take all the time you need."
"How long until I have to give you my answer?"
"You just got back and you are starting leave, so we'll say in a month."
"Okay, I can do that. Thank you, Owen."
"Of course, Katie. Anything for Edward's little golden bird. I'll see you at the next hearing. Don't stress about everything, go enjoy the evening, relax, and get some sleep. Okay?"
"Okay," Kathryn smiled and ended the connection. This was a lot to take in, but maybe a hot bath and a good book would relax her mind.
The room was packed. The media took up almost half of the room while the other half was filled with family members and friends of Voyager's crew. And for the first time in months, the crew was all together, happily chatting like old times despite the nervous tension and anticipation of what the fateful day would bring.
Kathryn's eyes roved around the room, watching the wonderful sight that was her crew with their smiling faces. A loud bell rang and the noisy chatter ceased immediately. The entire assembly stood as the Federation President, Council Members, and Starfleet Admirals entered the room and took their respective seats. Once everyone was seated again, the harsh sound of the gavel signaled the commencement of the hearing.
President Zife cleared his throat and leaned towards the microphone before him. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here today to decide what shall be done with the Maquis and Equinox members of the U.S.S Voyager. This decision was not made lightly and took much deliberation. We have carefully inspected all personal logs, personal records in the Alpha Quadrant and Delta, and reports from superior officers, along with Captain Janeway's reports and recommendations. Your captain has been very insightful and helpful in our investigation, earnestly making us aware of your outstanding service under her in the Delta Quadrant. However, this is not the Delta Quadrant. After a thorough investigation, the Federation Council and Starfleet have come to an agreement concerning your transgressions. Will all Maquis members please stand."
A sea of officers stood at attention.
"On the charges for treason against the Federation and various counts of murder, you are all hereby . . . pardoned."
Sighs of relief and a murmur sprang from the audience, but was quickly quieted as the President continued.
"We believe you have served a sufficient sentence of seven years in the Delta Quadrant. Likewise, your field commissions will be honored and you will be reinstated into Starfleet if you so choose. All of you will be compensated for your efforts and service aboard the U.S.S Voyager."
The room was once again filled with cheerful applause and they sat back down. Chakotay flopped back into his chair in dumbfounded shock. Kathryn - who was sitting next to him - put her hand on Chakotay's knee, giving it a squeeze. He turned to look at her and they shared a triumphant smile.
"Now will the former crew members of the U.S.S Equinox please stand. You will serve no incarceration for your crimes, but you will be discharged from Starfleet."
The five Equinox members somberly accepted their punishment, nodding their understanding before sitting back down.
The president addressed the whole room, but focused more on the media as he put on a show. "I thank you ladies and gentlemen for your time and cooperation throughout this investigation. I apologize that the Federation is not what you left it seven years ago, but we are strong and rebuilding and I sincerely look forward to all that you will do in those efforts. I wish you the best on your future endeavors. It is with greatest pleasure that I announce that a homecoming gala will be arranged to celebrate your miraculous return and grant you your official promotions. Once again, congratulations and welcome home!"
Thunderous applause broke out, photos were taken, and hands were shaken. After the pomp and circumstance, the crew and their families lingered, absolutely delighted in the outcome for their friends. Someone even suggested that they all head to the real Sandrines for a celebration of their own. To which everyone was in agreement.
Kathryn watched as Chakotay made his way to Seven who was sitting a few rows away from them. When he approached, Seven stood and smiled at him. He returned it, leaning in to whisper something in her ear. She watched as Chakotay put his hand on the small of Seven's back and escorted her out of the building, slipping off into the night. Suddenly, Kathryn didn't feel like celebrating.
A few weeks later, Kathryn was enjoying her new found freedom of unlimited coffee and fresh air. Gone were the days of having to get up early for debriefings, staying up late writing reports, and attending the publicity stunt that was Voyager's homecoming gala.
The gala was . . . nice. Dignitaries from all over the Federation were lining up to meet and congratulate them on their return, which was a comforting reminder of what she fought so hard to uphold in the Delta Quadrant - that unity of different species. The food was delicious, but then again anything that was fresh and not leola root was phenomenal. It was nice to indulge in real champagne after many years. Kathryn forgot the flush that came along with drinking so it was a pleasant sensation. What made her night was being able to personally bestow promotions to her hard-working crew. The face Harry made when she announced him as Lieutenant Harry Kim was priceless and something she would cherish. The only downside to the evening was having to enjoy everything the night threw her way alone. Kathryn was forced to watch Seven hang on to Chakotay's arm all evening as he lavished her with attention, kissing her cheek here and sliding his arm around her thin waist there. After that nightmarish night of glamor, everyone went their separate ways. A few stayed in contact with her, but most were off enjoying their time away from Starfleet like she was. At least for the time being. Yet, even though she had no Starfleet responsibilities, she had mandatory counseling sessions to attend and a little matter of deciding whether or not accepting the position of Rear Admiral.
Kathryn sat in a rocking chair on her mother's porch, sipping coffee and enjoying the brisk Indiana morning as she contemplated the issue. A creak from the screen door alerted her to another presence.
"I thought I might find you out here," Gretchen said as she sat in the chair next to Kathryn's and wrapped herself in the wool blanket Kathryn handed her.
"I've missed mornings like these. When the frost is slowly melting as the sun rises, but it's still cold out," Kathryn sighed in peace.
Gretchen chuckled, "You used to hate being out of bed before the sun rose and you absolutely hated the cold."
"I guess some things change. I love space, but we spent so long out there that I'm looking at everything with a new perspective. I want to cherish everything and not take anything for granted."
"Words to live by. What's on your mind, dear?"
Kathryn looked at her mother, "What do you mean?"
"Ha, it may have been seven years, but I think I know when my child is hard at work mulling something over in that brain of hers. She gets this little look of determination on her face and this cute little crease between her brows."
Kathryn gasped and raised a hand to feel her forehead. "I do not!"
"Yes, you do. Now are you going to tell me or am I going to have to guess?"
"Fine, you win, Mom," Kathryn paused a moment, finding a way to properly formulate her thoughts into words.
"I'm thinking of leaving Starfleet, Mom."
Gretchen leaned forward in her chair, now paying close attention. She was not expecting that to come from her straight-laced daughter.
"Kathryn, what brought this on?"
"After my last debriefing, Owen called me to tell me that I'd been cleared of any charges and that … I'm being promoted to Admiral."
Before Gretchen could respond, Kathyrn continued, "And I told him I would think about it. I've been sitting on this for a few weeks now and I have to give him my answer next week."
"I think you did the right thing. This is definitely an important decision and you are taking the time to think about it, but what I don't understand is why you are being offered Admiral and thinking of leaving. What happened?"
Kathryn looked at her mother and then looked down into the dark depths of her coffee. "Everything . . . nothing. Ugh! I don't like what Starfleet has become. I feel like they are putting on a front and doing things more so for publicity than actually trying to help others rebuild from the war. I'm so conflicted. This is something I've wanted since I was a child - to be just like Daddy. However, I feel like I changed out there in the Delta Quadrant and I'm seriously questioning if Starfleet is the same institution I believed in. I know it wasn't going to be the exact same - that would be ignorant of me, yet I don't like the direction that it's taking. I don't know what to do, Mom."
Gretchen put a comforting hand on her daughter's arm. When Kathryn finally looked at her, Gretchen tenderly stroked the hair out of her child's face. "I will support you in whatever you choose."
Gretchen sat back in her chair, rocking the moment into silence. Then she spoke softly, "Did you know that your father had a similar choice."
"Really? I thought Daddy was excited about reaching the admiralty."
"Oh he was, but back then, he had some of the same concerns you just voiced. Now I'm not going to tell you what he decided because you already know, but I'll let you figure out why. That is something you must come to on your own and will help you make the best decision. I will give you a hint though . . . you said that you've wanted this since you were a child, right?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Kathryn opened her mouth to answer, but quickly shut it to contemplate on the reason. When she was young, she always wanted to be just like her father and always strived to impress him. However, as a child and into her teens, she had a desire deep down that fueled her studies.
"I wanted to make a difference in the world, as cliche as that sounds."
"Mmhmm . . ." Gretchen prompted.
"And I guess this way I am being given an opportunity to incite that difference even though it feels like they just want me to be their token Admiral for the public." Kathryn finished and glanced at her mother for confirmation.
When Gretchen nodded and smiled at her like she had won the state science fair, Kathryn continued, "I do want to help. Like I was saying earlier, I have a new perspective on things and I want to help rebuild the Federation in the best way for the next generations . . . I think I'll accept their offer."
"Now you know why your father was focused on work all the time. You are very much like him, Katie. He'd be proud of the woman you are and all you've worked for."
Tears gathered in Kathryn's eyes. She gave her mother a watery smile, "Thank you."
Gretchen slapped her knees and stood up. "Feel free to use the comm unit while I go make us some breakfast."
Gretchen had just opened the door when Kathryn called out to her, "Thank you, Mom. I really needed that. I'll strive to do my best."
"I know you will, darling," Gretchen beamed and stepped into the house.
Kathryn drained the last of her coffee. She knew it was going to be a difficult process; the admiralty wouldn't like or listen to her ideas at first, but she'd work on them. She wanted to help all those that the Federation failed to help like Chakotay and so many others. Kathryn stood and followed her mom into the house. She had a call to make.
"Dinner was delicious, Seven. Thank you," Chakotay complimented as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
After the craziness that was their homecoming, Chakotay was glad to be able to finally relax and breath. It was especially nice to enjoy Seven's cooking and spend a quiet evening after not seeing her for a few weeks since the start of leave.
Chakotay kissed her Seven's cheek and she stiffened slightly. He didn't let his hurt show and dutifully gathered their dinner dishes and proceeded to the sink.
Running the water, Chakotay grabbed the sponge and poured soap on it. "I've finally tied up some loose ends so I think I'm ready to book that transport to Trebus. What do you think, Seven? Are you ready to visit my sister now that we are on leave?"
Seven joined him and dried the dishes he handed her. "No, I am not."
"What's the matter? Is it having to use the portable regeneration unit, or something else?" Chakotay asked concerned that something was wrong.
"There is no issue and my portable regeneration unit is sufficient. I have received several prospective job offers from numerous institutions including the Daystrom Institute. They have offered me a prominent position in their research team studying the Borg and the events within Unimatrix Zero."
"That sounds promising. What do you think you will do?" Chakotay said with interest.
"I have already accepted the Daystrom Institutes offer. I start in approximately two days." Seven stated as a matter-of-fact as she put the dishes away in the cupboard.
"What?!" Chakotay shut the sink off and turned to Seven, wiping his hands with a towel as he tried to comprehend what she just told him.
"I do not understand your reaction. I have accepted-"
"Yes, I heard you the first time. What I don't understand is why you accepted a job when you know we were planning to visit Sekaya?"
Seven seemed unphased by his prickly tone.
"We have not made any permanent plans to visit your sister and I must secure my future in the Alpha Quadrant. We are not on Voyager anymore."
"I understand that, Seven, but we are in a relationship and in a relationship we make decisions together for our future. When did you accept the job offer?"
"3 weeks ago the Daystrom approached me and I accepted the next day."
"You've known about this for 3 weeks and just now tell me days before you start? Why didn't you tell me when you first found out about the position?" Chakotay could not believe what was happening.
"I did not wish to cause you harm because I had prospects for the future and you have not yet received orders as Captain. You seemed disturbed by your promotion as well and I did not wish to disturb you further."
"Seven-" Chakotay paused trying to get his head wrapped around everything that was happening. Apparently, his girlfriend didn't want him to feel bad because she had a job and he didn't. Was this a nightmare or some kind of alternate universe?"
"Seven, open communication is important in any relationship no matter how the other person may or may not feel about a certain topic. I have no problem that you have a job offer and I don't. Honestly, I don't want to think about Starfleet or any kind of work for the next couple of months. I spent too much time doing that in the Delta Quadrant. Starfleet can take their time, I'm not going anywhere. I want to take my time deciding what I want and spend time being with my family."
"And I am eager to start working."
By this point, the two of them stood in front of each other in the middle of the kitchen. The heated air around them deflated as did Chakotay's shoulders.
Chakotay broke the silence, speaking softly, "We both want different things."
"Yes, I believe we do. It would be an inefficient use of time and resources to continue. Chakotay-" Seven took a breath before continuing, "I wish to terminate our relationship."
Chakotay was quiet for a few moments, mulling over the sudden onslaught of conflicted feelings he'd been ignoring the past couple of months.
"Okay." Was all Chakotay could say.
Seven suddenly seemed unsure. "Then we are . . . no longer romantically involved, correct?"
"Yup, we are no longer in a romantic relationship, Seven."
"Chakotay, although we are no longer in an intimate relationship, I do not wish to lose your . . . companionship."
"We can remain friends, Seven. I'd like that very much."
"Good. . . I should leave," Seven suggested as she turned to walk out the kitchen, out the door, and out of his life.
"Seven, wait, before you go . . ." Seven faced him once more.
Chakotay began unsteadily, "I want to apologize."
"Explain. It was I who initiated the termination of our relationship."
"Yes, but I wanted to say that I am sorry. I hope that I didn't hurt you with the way I handled things in our relationship. I hope I did not mislead you or dissuade you from relationships, Seven, because they really are rewarding and fulfilling. But that's only when you are with the one you are meant to be with and I don't think we were meant to be. Maybe be on Voyager, but not in the Alpha Quadrant. However, that doesn't mean to say that failed relationships are terrible and a waste. Sometimes they are, but other times you can learn things about yourself as I think I have. I'm ready to settle down and you are at a stage in your life where you aren't ready for that yet. I'm sorry if I forced you or pressured you in any way, that was never my intention."
"There is no need to apologize. You have not done anything wrong and I think you handled everything admirably. I too have learned many things from you for which I am grateful."
"Even though we aren't together, you can always come to me if you need anything. I will always look at our time as special and will have a special place in my heart for you, Seven. You are indeed a very unique individual and I am glad that I could get to know you more."
"I will keep that in mind and I too will treasure our relationship. Thank you, Chakotay. You are a very gentle, patient, and kind-hearted individual. I will . . . miss you." Seven gave him a small smile and Chakotay returned it.
He escorted her to the door like the gentleman he was.
"Goodbye, Seven."
"Goodbye, Chakotay." Seven whispered and quickly left a friendly kiss on his cheek. And then she disappeared into the night.
Chakotay leaned his head on the door, taking in steady, cleansing breaths. When he was feeling okay for the moment, he walked over to his terminal and sat down.
Chakotay stepped off the transport, his duffle slung over one shoulder and his hand raised to ward off the sun. He squinted in the hot, dusty environment looking for something. He heard it rather than saw it.
"Brother!" came a joyful call before a slender figure slammed into him at full tilt.
"Oomph! It's nice to see you too, Sekaya." Chaktoay beamed as he eagerly returned her hug.
Sekaya stepped back and pulled him along, weaving through the crowd to the main road.
"I'm just so happy to see you, Chakotay. Welcome home," Sekaya said as she swept her arm in front of her so he could see the village from the transport station's vantage point.
Chakotay inhaled sharply. The village was bustling with activity and for a moment, Chakotay felt like a little boy again when he used to just stop and watch everything around him. It was a lot to take in and tears threatened to spill. However, there was a bubbling sensation in his chest that overwhelmed everything - it felt like he was coming home.
A/N: Hi. Hope you enjoyed. The deed is done, they are broken up. Please R&R and be safe out there guys! The next chapter might be a little late, but once we hit 7 and on, it should be a breeze. Until next time.