It was surreal to the Captain. For so long she deprived herself of a relationship. She loved Chakotay but would never act on that love, to the point of almost denying it. Protocols mandated that she not be allowed to actively pursue a relationship with a subordinate. But did she actively pursue this? No! But it happened any way. And she finds herself happy that it did!

And now she finds herself pregnant! What will the crew think? How will she manage? What kind of mother will I make? All these thoughts ran through her head in the time it took to get back to her quarters and send him a message through the center console that sits between their seats on the bridge.

"I'm back from seeing the doctor and need to see you! Please come ASAP!"

Beside urgent, Chakotay thought the message had an ominous tone to it. "Mr. Tuvok, would you mind taking the bridge?

"Not at all Commander."

"Thank you. I'll be in contact with you soon." With that he was out of his seat and into the turbo lift quickly. So quickly that Tom and Harry exchanged glances. With a shrug of their shoulders each thought the same thing: "what's up"?

Ringing her chime she quickly opened the door.

"Kathryn, what is it? The request sounded urgent."

"It is. I just came from the doctor."

As she was smiling he realized she did indeed have news, it just wasn't of the negative type.

"Well, is everything alright?"

"Yes it is. Other than he'd like to see me gain weight and lay off the coffee, he said our DAUGHTERS are fine, small but fine."

"We're having a girl? That's wonderful news Kathryn."

Hugging her and twirling her around which she promptly told him to "stop! it's making me dizzy." She said to him, "Chakotay, did you hear what I just said? Our daughters are well. Daughters Chakotay, as in two."

"Twins Kathryn? We're having twins?" I can't believe it!"

"Believe it because it's true! I couldn't believe it when he told me. He said you could come by any time and he'll show you the approximate projection of the scan he took. They are beautiful Chakotay. Two tiny little miracles."

"You have made me so happy Kathryn. When can we tell the crew?"

"I've been thinking that I want to keep this between you and me for just a while. Let's let them see us together and gradually let them come to grips with us a couple, then spring the pregnancy on them in another month or two."

"Your figure may change by then you know."

"We'll see. I want to enjoy you for awhile, is that OK?"

"It's very OK. How about I pick you up for dinner at about 1800 hours? You and I can walk arm in arm into the mess hall and start those tongues a wagging"

"Sounds good to me. See you then. I hope this anti nausea drug works or I'm not going any where but my bathroom. We'll see later."

With that he was back to the bridge with a very big grin on his face and Kathryn started to research girls names.

"Chakotay, you look like the cat that swallowed the canary," commented Tom.

"Oh, do I now?" Opening his mouth he said "Look, no feathers."

And he resumed his seat. "Steady as she goes Tom."

"Aye sir."

Later that evening during the evening meal all eyes began to turn towards the couple that entered the room. There they were, arm in arm.

"Well would you look at them? Smiling like they are on a date. And you all thought I was nuts thinking that they were secretly a couple. Looks like I was right all along."

"Well well flyboy. Looks like you're right."

"WOW! The Captain and the Commander. They do make a happy couple."

"Harry, close your mouth."

"Shut up Tom, I'm surprised, that's all."

"It's OK Harry, he loves to gloat. So, maybe you should plan a party Tom. Then we'll be able to see them socialize together. Like a date or something."

"B'ella, that's a great idea! How about a Hawaiian Luau?"

"Let's get Neelix in on it too. Why don't you go over to their table now and ask for their input?"

"Maybe you should let them have a bit of privacy Tom."

"Harry, if they wanted privacy, they wouldn't be in the mess hall."

Getting up, Harry watched Tom approach the Captain and discuss the party. By the affirmative manor in which she was shaking her head and smiling he knew they would be planning a party by weeks end.

"Kathryn, are you ready yet? You've been in there long enough. I'm sure you look beautiful. Let me see."

"I'll be right out. I'm finishing up with my hair."

In moments she emerged from her room. She looked radiant in a tropical, strapless, tight fitting sun dress."

"WOW! You look great."

"I don't look fat?"

"Kathryn, it's only been two weeks. You said yourself you haven't gained weight yet. But it will come so we can't keep this a secret too much longer."

"I know, but I love the way the crew has responded to us as a couple.

Do you know I have been stopped in the hallway just to let me know it was about time we made it official! They all saw what I was denying to myself. I'm sorry Chakotay, I've wasted so much time hiding behind protocols.

"Kathryn, (holding her around the waist and looking into her eyes), we both hid behind protocols. Don't look back with regret, look forward to what the future holds for us. We'll be a family soon. Let's go see our other family."

The party was a huge success. Every one was dancing and enjoying the feast Neelix prepared. Tom also had replicated some alcohol since the ship was well stocked. All who were there were enjoying the punch he made, all except the Captain he noticed.

"Captain, I see you haven't had any of the punch. It's really good. Can't I get you a glass?"

"No Tom, I'm enjoying this replicated ginger ale. My stomach has been a bit queasy so I'm taking it easy."

"Have you seen the doctor Captain?"

"I'm fine Tom, thanks for your concern. Nothing to worry about."

With that she strolled away and began talking with Samantha Wildman. Tom immediately sought out B'lanna.

"B'ella,(pulling her aside to speak quietly) the captain isn't having any punch."

"So?"

"Don't you think that's strange?"

"No. I've never seen her drink."

"But I've never seen her with a boyfriend either but she's here with one now."

"OK. What are you saying?"

"I bet she's pregnant!"

"Tom! You have GOT to be kidding!"

"Mark my words my dear. We are going to be hearing the pitter-patter of little command feet on this ship pretty soon."

The rest of the night went along well. By 2300 hours the party was dwindling down. Kathryn and Chakotay had meandered over to the water's edge. The holographic setting was perfect for what Chakotay had planned.

He reached into his trouser's pocket and pulled out a ring. He turned to Kathryn and got down on bended knee.

"Kathryn, we may have been somewhat tricked into the situation that we are finding ourselves in. But I have always wanted it. Since first laying eyes on you on your bridge, when I left my Maquis ship to join yours. As our crew joined into one, I'd like you and I to join as one. Will you marry me?"

"Oh, Chakotay, it's beautiful!"

Looking into his eyes she responded by wrapping her arms around him and kissing him. As they did so they heard a cheer coming from the party area. In their joy they forgot about the crew and were in their own world. The revelry brought them out of it and they laughed.

"Yes Chakotay, let's get married. The sooner the better."

And so began the courtship of Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay.

End of part one. Part two will be along soon….I hope.