A eulogy, Apology and an Encounter

Chapter 4

Sevens funeral was held a few days later. All of the voyager crew were present for the ceremony with the exception of Harry who was currently on his honeymoon. Chakotay did his best to channel the news his way, but he was in another star system.

As the funeral progressed many of the crew came up to say a few words about Seven. B'Elanna told a story about a baby shower gift. Naomi spoke highly of the friend she had in Seven. The only person who did not say anything was Kathryn.

As the funeral was concluding, Chakotay made his way to the podium. He stood slightly with his head transfixed on the coffin. And then he began to speak.

"My friends I would like to thank you for coming to this ceremony. It means a great deal that you are all here today. Seven was a wonderful member of our family. And even thou her stay on Earth was a short one, I can honestly say that Seven brought a certain humanity to many. Even thou sometimes she struggled with fantasy and reality she never let fear get the best of her. She was always willing to speak her mind regardless of the consequences.

And then Chakotay took a deep breath. The tears were dripping from his face like a stream. He took a moment to walk over to the coffin and slowly he ran his hand along the smooth surface. He removed his hand and mutely walked back to the stage. As the coffin entered the ground his eyes did not watch. He just stood in front of the podium like a stone statue.

Everyone began to leave. Everyone but Kathryn. She remained seated and watched Chakotay. He remained frozen at the podium lost in his own thoughts. Kathryn's mind still remembered what Seven had said that day. That thought still made her uncomfortable. And even recalling what Seven had said made her quiver.

Finally after a lengthy silence. Chakotay spoke. "Kathryn why are you still her, everyone else is gone and you are still here." Kathryn walked over to Chakotay and muscled the courage to say, "I have always been your friend and I will always be here for you as a friend." Chakotay curtly thanked her and then made his way quickly away from her. Kathryn stood alone for a moment before she went the other direction.

Six months later-

Kathryn was at her desk going over some reports. She glanced over at the time, and tried to hurry. It was almost noon, and soon her sister would arrive to take her to lunch. She glanced out the window. The trees were just beginning to blossom. She sighed to herself, and continued to work on some PADDS.

Pheobe ran across the grounds. She was late. And Pheobe was never late. How could I be late? I left the same time that I always do. Never mind she thought. Jolting up the stairs and around the corner she lost her balance and suddenly hit the man in front of her causing both of them to fall to the floor. Pheobe now thoroughly embarrassed began to laugh.

"I am so sorry sir, I tripped and fell." "No harm done, are you alight?" "I'm fine other than the fact that my ego has just been tainted." She looked up at the man for the first time and suddenly swallowed hard. He must have heard her because he began to grin at her. Pheobe who was now embarrassed and blushing for the first time in her life, smiled at the man, and then bolted.

The man on the stairs watched her bolt. He laughed a little to himself and continued his climb up the stairs.

Pheobe ran into her sister's office out of breath. Kathryn smiled at her sister. "Your late, you are never late, she pointed at Pheobe and saw the grin on her face. "Oh no Pheobe you met a man didn't you?"

Pheobe grinned wider as she sat in a comfortable chair. "I didn't actually meet him I sorta ran into him on accident. But o lord what a smile! Kathryn laughed at her sister. "Well Phoebe don't leave me in suspense what's his name?" "Damn I knew I forgot something!"

Kathryn really started to laugh then. "Shall we go to lunch now? Pheobe nodded as they both left the office.

TBC