The next six weeks pass quickly. It's so different from the dark period I remember from the first time around. Because my gloom is tempered, I actually make progress with the counselor. I'm finally working through things that should've probably been dealt with years before now.

The counselor seems pleased with my work and has put in a recommendation that I be allowed to return to work. Ultimately the Admirals will decide, but I have no reason to doubt that they will allow me to go back. Daddy was approved this morning. He, however, didn't lose a fiancé. He is also much more important to Star Fleet than I currently am. Vice Admirals are a lot less expendable than lowly lieutenants.

Either way it goes, I'm currently making my way towards Admiral Paris's office. I have never been comfortable with calling him Owen, even though he is an old family friend.

All three Admirals are already present when I arrive. Looking around I see a fourth Admiral – my father. His presence makes me think this will be good news.

"It's good to see you looking so well, Katie." Owen says before he sits down and gets ready for business.

"After reviewing the file your counselor left and the physical given by the head of Star Fleet Medical, you are hereby allowed to return to duty. We do understand if you still need time."

"No time, sirs. However, I would like to ask something while you are gathered."

Three curious faces peered back at me.

"I would like to switch to the command track. I know it requires two Admiral level signature…"

"Now I know why you are sitting there like the cat that got the canary, Edward." Admiral Paris joked.

"Can't a father be proud of his daughter?"

"Edward, I swear that if you go on like you did when Phoebe opened her gallery, we will all rethink your leave." Admiral Livingston joked.

"I won't Teddy. I won't. This will be much worse."

"Retirement is starting to look good." Admiral Paris volleyed back.

"Well gentlemen?" I questioned trying to remind the Admirals of the topic that started this all.

"Well that one goes without saying, Katie. Edward may be horrible when he's gloating, but it's worse when he's morose."

"Just do what my mom does when he gets in a mood. Stuff him full of brownies." My innocent look isn't fooling my daddy, but these past six weeks have been full of a lot of good natured ribbing between myself and my father.

"Well gentlemen, my family has some celebrating to do. I'm sure my wife is expecting us home soon. I'm also sure she has some brownies to mark the occasion."

"I am pleased to see you looking well. Both of you. And welcome back." Admiral Ingen says. Speaking for the first time since I entered. The Betazoids I know normally spend time silently assessing a situation instead of having to feel it out like us humans. It's kind of weird to think that Ingen has been in my head this whole time, but I threw up on him when I was a baby, so this isn't the worst shared experience we have. As soon as I have that thought, Ingen chuckles.

I smile politely. With head nods, my father and I make our exit.

"I'm glad that's over with. I expected that I'd get to go back, but I was still nervous."

"That's understandable. You've been through a lot. They all wanted to have clear consciences before they let you go back to work."

"Exactly where my fear rested. I was scared they would deny me based on feelings they expect me to have. I can't explain it exactly, but the counseling has made me feel like I am starting to heal."
"They saw that. Owen was telling me before you got there that Livingston and Ingen were going to let him have the final say. It wasn't until you were in the room that Owen decided you could handle it."

"Well I'm glad he did. I'm excited about moving to the command track."

"Don't tell your mom Goldenbird, but I accepted Starfleet's offer to extend my leave. I want to surprise your mom with a couple weeks together. This crash put into perspective how many times I put Starfleet in front of my family And anyway, now there's another Janeway in the business. If one Janeway is tough, two Janeways are unstoppable."

When I looked away from my father's face, I realize he has led us into Boothby's garden. Right in front of the peace roses. If Boothby wasn't so particular about his flowers, I would pick one to bring to my mom. But if Boothby wasn't so particular about his flowers, he wouldn't be Boothby.

"They're beautiful."