No Longer Lost

by Joan Powers

Summary: Picard goes on an errand for a new friend. Janeway/Chakotay This is a response to a fanfiction challenge – write a ST: Picard/ST: Voyager crossover that brings Janeway and Chakotay into the ST: Picard world.

You don't have to know much about Picard to follow this story but there are spoilers for ST: Picard Season 1

Timeline: Post End Game ST: Voyager/ Post Season 1 ST: Picard

Genre: Crossover ST: Picard/ST: Voyager

Rating: K

A/N: Watching ST: Picard, I was excited to see characters such as Hugh, Data, Ricker, and Troi. I even liked Seven of Nine better without her ridiculous cat suit. I'd love to see Janeway and Chakotay in that world and to resolve their fate in Trek canon. This is a stretch but here's I how could envision that happening.

Thanks to Tracy and SuzJ1 for their encouragement.

The doors to the elevated train slid open. Picard made his way around the other passengers, feeling the dry heat of the day hitting him as he stepped onto the station platform. Villa Nova was a two-hour commuter train ride north of San Francisco. A smaller, more rural environment. If Picard lived here, he would most likely choose to use the transporter to access Starfleet Academy rather than taking the train. Yet, he'd selected the train today to enjoy the scenery and for the time that the lengthy ride provided for contemplation.

The past months had been turbulent. Meeting one of Data's daughters, only to see her destroyed before his eyes. Organizing a rag-tag crew for the frantic search for Soji. The frustrating dealings with Starfleet brass. The world nearly exterminated by an artificial intelligent race. Reconnecting with dear, old friends. Essentially dying and then being offered a new chance at life.

It was a lot.

After passing through the turnstile, he scanned the area. It wasn't a large station. When he reached the gravel lot, he observed a few parked cars and a single taxi hovering nearby.

He was looking for Kathryn Janeway.

The last time he'd seen Admiral Janeway was shortly after her triumphant return from the Delta Quadrant. She'd just been promoted to admiral. She'd been a speaker in high demand due to her unique experiences. Her talks were fascinating and highly engaging. Yet they seemed to drain the life out of her. When he'd met her afterwards for drinks, rather than being as animated as she'd been during her speech, she seemed listless. While she was still a beautiful woman, her blue eyes were unfocused, and her gaze tended to wander. Although she appeared to enjoy the recognition and attention provided by her achievements, she didn't seem satisfied. In fact, even though she'd finally returned from the Delta Quadrant, she still seemed lost.

He'd been surprised by her hard-nosed aspect, given the stories he'd read and that she'd shared about the strong bonds formed between her and her crew during their adversity. He'd read similar accounts from those that served under her. It was odd, almost as if they were discussing a different person. Their descriptions didn't resemble the emotionally brittle woman who'd stood before him.

Although he'd only met with her once before, he recognized Janeway, standing at the edge of the lot. She was dressed casually, in a pair of khaki pants and white tank top. She seemed different from the woman he had met years ago. Since time had passed, she'd put on some weight as one might expect. Yet she was still an attractive woman. He recognized her distinctive shoulder-length red hair and the husky voice that called to him. She'd aged gracefully, with soft lines about her blue eyes and mouth. He had a knack when it came to reading women. Something Beverly used to tease him about. Something about Kathryn Janeway finally seemed softer, happier, more content.

She explained that her house was close, so they decided to walk and enjoy the scenery. She'd been concerned he might have trouble locating it on his own, due to its remote location.

Along with serving as captains and admirals in Starfleet and both having been assimilated by the Borg, Janeway and Picard shared yet another major milestone. Both had made grand gestures as they departed Starfleet many years ago.

His was over the treatment of the Romulan evacuation. Frankly, he hadn't intended to leave Starfleet. Never in a million years did he think that the brass would actually call his bluff. To preserve his dignity, he'd been forced to retreat. While he'd spent years convincing himself it had been for the best, only in these past months did he realize that he'd been fooling himself. That in his own way, he'd been lost too.

When Voyager returned to the Alpha Quadrant, he'd heard the scandalous rumors about Captain Janeway and her first officer. Picard had no idea if they were true or not. He didn't especially care. Frankly given the nature of their circumstances, inappropriate relationships would've been the least of his concerns. And it did seem unfair to him that if the sexes of those involved had been switched, had a male captain been involved with a female subordinate, the story wouldn't have gotten nearly the attention.

After Starfleet's accusations died down, even when the two of them began to legitimately date each other, Starfleet did their best to keep them apart. He'd heard they were assigned to different space faring vessels with lengthy missions whose paths would rarely cross. They were seldom able to apply for leave at the same time. It almost seemed as if when the Starfleet brass couldn't officially charge Janeway with any violations, they were embarrassed by the gossip and were still out to extract their pound of flesh.

To his knowledge, there had never been an ounce of proof to substantiate any of the rumors. No one from Voyager had made any claims that the captain or first commander had behaved inappropriately. Nor had they filed any grievances. He didn't understand Starfleet's tenacious hold on the matter.

It hadn't taken long for Janeway to tire of this and issue an ultimatum. That Starfleet officially allow her and her former first officer to marry and then work together. Or they'd both leave.

As Picard and Janeway leisurely strolled along the gravel road and exchanged pleasantries, he was impressed that, even though he didn't know Janeway that well, she'd invited him to her home. Within fifteen minutes, they approached a wooden cabin surrounded by Douglas fir trees.

The room they entered was lovely, with high ceilings and exposed wooden beams. Large windows towards the back of the room revealed a stunning view of the valley. A stone fireplace covered another wall. Walls and shelves were decorated with an assortment of unusual artwork, many presumably artifacts from the Delta Quadrant.

A noise in another room caught Janeway's attention so she investigated, stepping towards it.

Her face lit up as she said, "Oh! You're home early!"

She'd stepped into another room, but he could see her reflection in a mirror. She hugged a tall man with greying hair. The two shared a lingering kiss.

He assumed this was the man she'd left Starfleet for.

When they stepped out of view and began to converse, Picard examined some paintings more closely. Then he scanned the bookshelves. There were several photos of Janeway, a tall man with a bronze complexion and a striking tattoo on his forehead, and a dark-haired teenager, who strongly resembled the older man.

She quickly returned. "Wine? On the deck? How about some food?"

"That sounds lovely."

He wondered how California grapes would compare with his French vintage. He chided himself, he should've brought a bottle with him, but this trip had been a last-minute impulse. He was doing a favor for a new friend.

On the Sirena, while traveling back to Earth, he'd gotten the chance to talk more with the crew, to get to know them a little better. Things he hadn't always had the luxury of exploring while acting as captain of a starship. He was delighted to spend time with Elnor and learn how he'd grown. He was proud of the man that he'd become.

When Picard talked with the crew about how wonderful it had been to connect with old friends such as Hugh, Riker, and Troi, it brought up memories for another crew member.

Memories.

And regrets.

Picard and Janeway crossed through French doors to a wooden deck with a spectacular view of the valley. He assumed they must spend a lot of time out here. She gestured for him to take a seat in one of the Adirondack chairs. A fire pit was nearby in case the nights became chilly.

He made a mental note that he really ought to visit his friends more often to enjoy their amenities. This fabulous view. Riker's homemade pizza.

Janeway filled three wineglasses. A few minutes later, the man joined them, carrying a tray of cheese and crackers, and a bowl of fresh strawberries. He placed them on a low table that was between them.

"Jean-Luc, this is my husband, Chakotay."

During their walk, they'd both agreed that since they were no longer in Starfleet, that rank didn't really matter. They were on a first name basis. Besides, all three of them had served as captain.

Rising and reaching for his hand, Picard said, "It's a pleasure."

"For me too. I've heard a lot about you," Chakotay said.

Chakotay selected the chair closest to his wife. Without conscious thought, their hands sought each other and intertwined. He absently ran his thumb along her palm. Both wore wedding rings. Picard had never been a fan of them. Somehow, they felt constricting. Maybe that's why his marriage hadn't lasted.

Picard relayed an abbreviated version of his recent adventures. Janeway and Chakotay spoke about what they'd been doing: speaking engagements, lectures, and writing books. And raising their teenage son.

He watched the two as they spoke. There was a certain ease between them. By his calculation, they must have been married for several years now. Yet they were still holding hands? That surprised him. He wondered how they'd preserved that spark. He'd always been good at starting relationships, but not at maintaining them. He was far too selfish. At least that's what Beverly said.

And she was usually right.

"Seven of Nine sends her regards." Picard said, broaching the main reason behind his visit. He'd tried to talk her into joining him, but she claimed she had other plans. When pressed, she confessed that she felt uncomfortable talking to her former captain.

"Kathryn, you made quite an impression on this woman. She wanted me to convey to you how grateful she was to you. For everything."

Janeway's face flushed. "I already know that. And I didn't do anything anyone else wouldn't do."

Her husband interrupted. "That's not true. I would never have brought her onto the ship. I felt it was too risky. In fact, we had several arguments about that." He grinned, remembering.

Her grin matched his as her eyes sparkled. "That's right." Turning to Picard, she said, "Not that I'm complaining about your company but why didn't Seven come with you?"

He had trouble understanding that himself. Perhaps it was due to her assimilation at such a young age that emotions would always be difficult for her to process and understand. He wasn't sure how much he should convey. The woman was clearly struggling with some issues.

"Seven feels she owes you a debt of gratitude that she never fully acknowledged. She didn't understand this for many years, and she feels ashamed by some of her past behavior."

"Ashamed? That's ridiculous! We all knew how hard it was for her. I'd never hold that against her."

Picard explained. "She appreciates that you never gave up on her. That you continued to challenge her. Even when she made things difficult."

Janeway urged him. "Please, if you see her again, tell her to come see us. We both want to see her. No one has anything to be ashamed of." She squeezed her husband's hand while emphasizing her statement.

The chime of the commuter rose in the background. Janeway and her husband exchanged a quick glance. Then he rose, entering the house to answer it. Picard was impressed with the effortlessness of their non-verbal communication.

They must've worked well together on a starship. He couldn't imagine being in a situation, working side by side with someone you loved for seven years yet unable to act upon it. If that were truly the case, it sounded tortuous.

At least they finally got their happy ending.

Picard removed an envelope from his vest pocket. "I have no idea what this is, but it was important to her that you read it." He assured her. "I haven't looked at it."

Janeway took the envelope, then slipped it open to remove the card. Her eyes grew bright with tears as she read. She took a breath and said, "Tell her this wasn't necessary. I already knew. It's in the past. It doesn't matter anymore. Tell her we care about her and miss her. Tell her we'd love to see her. She's part of the family."

"I will."

Chakotay returned. "Adriel won't be back for dinner."

"Busy with the horses?"

"Yeah. The things kids get you involved with," he said, more to Picard, while standing behind his wife.

"Any chance for a future Starfleet officer? We know he's got good genes from both sides."

"Hard to say. It's got to be his idea. He's pretty strong-willed." Chakotay playfully rubbed Janeway's shoulders as she nodded and chuckled in agreement with him.

"Wonder where he gets that from?" He teased his wife, who ignored the jibe.

"Would you care to join us for dinner?" Janeway asked.

It was an attractive offer. Yet he finally felt energized, like he had purpose. There were places to go and things to accomplish. His new accoutrements had provided exciting opportunities for him that his aging body never would've accommodated.

"Thank you. This has been lovely, but I must be leaving shortly."

How wonderful that they were both no longer lost.

THE END