I wake up in the morning to an empty bed, so I dress quickly before heading toward the kitchen. As I open the bedroom door, my nose meets the bitter smell of coffee. Picking up my pace, I am expecting to see Chakotay. Instead, I find Kolopak.

"Chakotay said that I needed coffee ready if I expected to live to see another sunrise." He says as he hands me the coffee mug.

I'm disappointed that Chakotay isn't the one handing me the cup, but I am glad to see that Chakotay got his sense of humor from his father.

"I would've let it go today. I'm fair like that. Tomorrow, however..." I say while wagging my finger.

"Your mother is the same way with her tea. I almost didn't get a second date because I didn't have the correct blend."

"Did you have the correct blend the second time around?"

"Of course I did. And every day since."

"You and Chakotay are very similar, father."

"Too similar at times, I think. There is love, but our relationship has been wrought with miscommunication. With you helping your mother mediate, I feel confident in our ability to avoid future distance."

"Where are Chakotay and mother?"

"They are at Anam."

"Anam?"

"It is a large rock a mile away from the village. Villagers go there to connect with their spirit guides. Yatzil took Chakotay today so she could apologize to the spirit world about how long her son has been away. Tomorrow, he will probably take you."

"I would like to go."

"You are leaving the morning after?"

"Yes. I meet in front of the Federation Council in five and a half weeks and must prepare. The transport takes two weeks to get back to Earth."

"The Federation Council. That sounds important. What are you presenting?"

"Specs and a couple of items regarding defense I'd like to see instituted for the future."

"I feel that there is much mystery about you, daughter. I will be pleased to learn of the woman who has stilled the Angry Warrior."

A gleam in Kolopak's eyes makes me think that he knows more than he is letting on.

"Do you know something, father?"

"Only what the spirits have allowed. I know that you have saved many condemned people, and that my son has saved you."

"You are wise, father. And hopefully you are also correct."

"The spirits have said it is so. And they know far more than you or I."

"Your mother and Chakotay should be here soon. It is already midmorning, and they left before dawn."

"Midmorning? I must've slept for over twelve hours."

"You need the rest. Help me prepare the meal."

I laugh for a few seconds before I realize he is serious.

"Father, I can't cook. Chakotay has to make my toast."

"I will be patient."

"I hope you have backup food."

Kolopak teaches me how to make fry bread. Mine is slightly blacker than his, but he seems pleased with the effort. After the fry bread is finished we slice cucumbers, tomatoes and goat's cheese.

We are placing the last of the food on the table when I hear the front door open. Chakotay and Yatzil enter the dining room smiling.

"It looks wonderful, father."

"Thank Kathryn."

"Kathryn? You did this?"

"I only helped. Your father was very patient."

Though, when I look at the plate of fry bread, I notice that my burnt pieces are suspiciously missing.

"Don't let her fool you. I did very little."

I give Kolopak a smile to show that I know what he is doing.

"Thank you daughter. I am famished after the hike to Anam and back."

Chakotay comes forward and gives me a quick kiss before sitting down and filling his plate with the offerings.

As we eat our lunch, I get to know my new family more.

"Kolopak and I met when we were babies, but I didn't like him much. I only said yes to his picnic because my friend wanted to go with Kolopak's friend. Then he forgot to bring my tea."

"But the rest of the dates worked out well, Yatzil. Obviously." Kolopak moves his arms as though to encompass the whole room.

"Yes, they did. It was our first spirit walk together that made this possible." Yatzil repeats his encompassing gesture.

"Your first spirit walk?"

Kolopak doesn't seem to be surprised that I don't know much about spirit walks since Chakotay pretty much forgot his heritage a decade ago.

"Many couples will go on a shared spirit walk to introduce their animal guides to each other. When Yatzil and I entered for the first time, my spirit guide knelt at her animal guide's feet then proceeded to give him a bath."

"His spirit guide showed me that our relationship would be fulfilling and loving. I have not regretted a day with him since."

"We will go to Anam tomorrow, Kathryn. It is much easier to experience than to describe."

"For today, you should probably introduce her to members of the village." Kolopak suggests.

"I wish your sister was here, but she left for Dorvan V two weeks ago on business. I am sure she will be at your wedding though." Yatzil adds.

"We will be back for dinner. Mother. Father."

Chakotay spends the rest of the day introducing me to every person in the village. The children are mostly interested in my hair. The members of the tribe have hair ranging from dark brown to black. My waist length auburn hair is a novelty.

After a long day of introductions, we eat a quiet meal before retiring for the evening.

Once in bed, Chakotay turns to me. "Thank you for suggesting this, Kathryn."

"I knew it would be good for you. I wouldn't have wanted to come otherwise. Besides, you just doubled my family."

"I mean it. I could've lived my whole life without making amends. In the spirit walk today, the spirits told my mother about what you saw. She knows how close Trebus was to destruction."

"Your father said something this morning."

"Ten years. That is all they would've had left. I know in my heart that no matter the circumstances, no matter the outcome, no one will leave Trebus."

"I got that feeling today. I also got the feeling that the spirits have shared the message with quite a few villagers."

"Our vision today showed Trebus as nothing but dust. Then it reversed to what Trebus is today. The only difference was a woman with hair like fire sitting cross-legged in the center of town. They know more than just the destruction. They also know the reason the destruction won't occur. They are thanking you."

"Is that why so many people made comments about my hair?"

"Yes. You saved my people, Kathryn. You saved my family."

"That's another thing father said. I saved people, but you saved me. He is right. If Voyager would've happened, my guilt would've been so heavy that you alone could ease my burdens."

"The Angry Warrior will always ease the burdens of the Woman Warrior."

I lean over and give Chakotay a soft kiss before placing my head over his heart and go to sleep.