Part 2

The news of the command team becoming engaged spread through the ship at warp speed. So many congratulatory notes were being sent through their computer stations and personally they were being stopped for handshakes, platonic kisses, and the occasional hug. The whole crew felt the same way.

"It's about time" was the most common statement they kept hearing.

"I guess that answers your question Kathryn as to your worry that the crew may not accept this proposal, pun definitely intended."

"I guess so Chakotay. So when should we do this?"

"Next month is Prixen. What better way to celebrate family than bringing our Voyager family together with our wedding?"

"That's a great idea. I'm sure Neelix will be thrilled to help plan this little shindig."

"So who will be your maid of honor Kathryn?"

"B'lanna will be my matron of honor. How about you? Whose your best man going to be?"

"I think I'll keep it with the Paris' and ask Tom."

"Let's ask them now? We're all off duty. I'll call them to my quarters.

"Janeway to Mr. and Mrs. Paris"

"B'lanna here Captain, what can I do for you?"

"Are you and Tom available for a discussion on a ship's matter soon?"

"Yes we are. Shall we come to your Ready Room?"

"No B'lanna, could you meet me in my quarters?"

"Be right there. Tom, get dressed, we have to go see the Captain about something."

"What does she want?"

"I have no idea but when the Captain calls you to her quarters it must be something good. She wouldn't call us there if it were a serious disciplinary issue."

"Do you think we have to put our uniforms on?"

"No, she sounded relaxed. We're off duty. Let's go like this. We look alright."

Within a few minutes they were granted entrance. "Come in you two. We have something we would like to discuss with you."

"Hello Chakotay."

"Hi B'lanna, how are you? And you Tom, good I hope."

"We're fine, thanks. So what is it that you want to discuss Captain?"

"Well, Chakotay and I have a few requests. First, would you help us organize our wedding? We were thinking about doing it at Prixen? What do you think?"

B'lanna was immediately excited. "Yes! That would be great! Neelix is always trying to find an event to center Prixen about. The Talaxian holiday which celebrates family will really be a family celebration."

"I agree, said Tom, We can decorate the Mess hall or create a holo program of gardens. I think I could tweak a program already in there to make a beautiful wedding setting."

"There is another request we have."

"Both Tom and B'lanna looked at him. "Anything, name it."

"We would like you two to be our attendants, our official witnesses."

"We'd be honored!" both of them said in unison.

They spent the next two hours making plans, and just enjoying a social gathering as opposed to a staff meeting. They made no mention of the babies; that would come in a few weeks.

Kathryn had never really had people into her quarters, Just Chakotay for dinners where they discussed ships business and such. But she was so relaxed that Chakotay told her they should entertain crew on a regular basis.

" It really is a pleasant way to spend an evening." She said to her fiancé while putting coffee cups into the recycler. " I agree, we will do it more. At least until we're up to our eye balls in diapers!"

They both laughed and called it a night. Kathryn was yawning and Chakotay said they had an early staff meeting. Kissing goodnight they went to their respective beds. Kathryn wanted to maintain their sleeping arrangements until their wedding. She didn't want to offend anyone on board, although she thought, "they're going to know we've slept together already" when she announces her pregnancy. "Oh well, there are some species, the Bolians for one, that feel it offensive to take such liberties before the wedding. She had Bolians serving under her and had to respect their mores too, how ever frustrating it was.

The wedding was here. Naomi looked beautiful as she walked down the aisle dropping rose petals as she went. Her favorite color was purple so Kathryn allowed her to replicate a dress that she exclaimed, "I feel like a princess from a holovid B'lanna came in next in a stunning gold strapless gown that hugged her figure and she carried a bouquet of white roses.

As a holographic musician began the wedding march, Tuvok took his place in the front and Kathryn walked in on the Doctors arm. She was radiant and Tom whispered into Chakotay's ear the same sentiment; then added that if he did anything to hurt her he would answer to him."

Knowing that the whole crew held her in high esteem he knew that was said with her safety in mind so he just smiled and said, "don't worry Tom, I'll spend the rest of my life devoted to her."

"I know, I just felt I had to say it."

With that the ceremony was beautiful. Prixen celebrations were begun and Tom gave this years' toast.

"As we celebrate our family, we celebrate the beginning of a new family. Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay; we are here today to witness your joy and union in love. But we also celebrate your becoming man and wife, partners in life. May you always know joy, happiness, and peace, and may your new life together be filled with good blessings."

Feeling already blessed, the couple looked to each other, than to the crew gathered together. All lifted glasses in a toast and all enjoyed the reception. Chakotay could see that Kathryn was getting tired so he suggested they retire for the evening.

"Wasn't it great Chakotay? I had a great time."

"I did too. And I couldn't be happier. Thank you for giving me everything I'll ever need."

They were officially off duty for 4 days. Tuvok took the bridge with Tom and Harry and the happy couple had sailing on Lake George and a beach house in Bermuda to occupy their time. Every morning the Captain checked in with OPS and every evening she contacted Tuvok before 2300 hours, "just to make sure all was going smoothly."

It was a relaxing few days and on the fifth day when the Captain emerged from the turbo lift, Harry stood at attention, as did all the bridge crew, and announced "Captain on the bridge". She was all smiles and replied, "As you were" and resumed her place in her chair.

At the staff meeting early into her 16th week, Kathryn finally announced her pregnancy. As she began the meeting she started with "I would like to take this opportunity to make an announcement."

All in attendance were full of smiles. Kathryn could sense their excitement. She looked at the faces of those she trusted and could see their excitement. She purposely held out her news until the end.

"Commander Chakotay will be taking an away mission to the M-class planet we picked up on sensors yesterday. I'd like you Neelix to go to scout out possible food sources. Tom, you'll fly the Flyer and be medic, B'lanna, have Joe Carey take the Engineer role, and Seven, search out mineral stores to replenish what we need."

She looked around and saw some bewildered faces. She knew there was already talk of the possibility of her being pregnant; she saw the whispering when she entered a room. She saw people give casual looks to her body noting the slight bulge below her waist. She also enjoyed watching them squirm when she caught them looking.

"Oh, one last thing" as she stood after dismissing them, "I'm going to have twins in about 24 weeks."

She loved catching them off guard.

"Really Captain? (Harry)

"That's great." (Tom)

"How are you feeling?" (B'lanna)

"Do you know the gender yet?" (Neelix)

"In answer to you all;

"Yes"

"Thanks"

"Great, now."

"Girls."

"Congratulations Captain, Commander" replied Tuvok. The beginning of a family is quite a unique time in your lives. If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you Tuvok, we may need lots of advice and you're the father of four!"

Then all except Tuvok hugged her and shook hands with Chakotay.

Plans for the mission went along well. The Delta Flyer was made ready and at 0700 the next morning the four crewmembers were on board and heading for the planet three hours away. The atmosphere was fine for them but getting through the asteroid field that was sending off nucleogenic particles made transport through them impossible. Sensors worked sporadically when a direct line to the surface was found but it was lost quickly. The Flyer was able to deflect most of the smaller pieces and travel without difficulty, just no warp speed.

The day was uneventful. Neelix was able to collect seedlings of some useful plants. Seven and Chakotay surveyed the caves for ore. Tom and Joe gathered equipment needed for mining. The work was hard but by 1600 hours enough dilithium was extracted from three veins found in the walls the team decided to call it quits. They returned to the ship to shower, eat and rest. Tomorrow Chakotay would bring another crew. If it didn't get so cold at night they would have camped down there. Beside that, B'lanna was anxious to start refining the ore and get it stocked into storage containers. It could be a long time before they found it again so when they did find it they took what they could. There seemed to be no one calling this region for themselves so the Captain felt she could take it.

After a long shower, Kathryn had Chell bring a meal for them from the mess hall as Chakotay was getting a nice massage tonight. When he emerged from the shower she had the table set, candles burning, and soft music playing. After their meal she had him lie on the bed and she began with his shoulders and neck.

"Um, this feels great Kathryn. Your hands work like magic. Keep it up, lower, that's it, right there. Ah, yeah, oh yeah." Before she knew it he was snoring.

"Well, you deserved it my brave warrior." Kissing him she pulled the covers over him and went out to finish cleaning up. Calling down to Engineering she asked B'lanna how the dilithium was.

"Captain, it's a good grade. It's holding up to the heat and it will be fine for use in the core. Another day like today and we'll be full."

"That's great B'lanna, thanks."

"How's Chakotay?"

"Asleep, why do you ask?"

"Tom is too. He was beat when he got back to the ship. They worked really hard. But he wants to go back tomorrow instead of using replacements."

"Chakotay said the same thing." Said it felt good to be doing physical work."

"They're all alike. May I go with them tomorrow Captain?"

"Sure B'lanna, I'd like to go myself."

"Are you sure that's safe Captain?"

"Yes, I would never send a crew to do something I'm not willing to do myself."

"But the babies."

"That's the only reason I'm not going. I let Chakotay overrule me on this one."

"I agree with him. We'll see you tomorrow night then. Good night Captain."

"Good night B'lanna."

With an occasional check in the team on the surface was working hard, stopping only for water breaks and an afternoon meal. We have enough I'm sure Chakotay. Let's call it a day."

"I guess so. Are the containers full?"

"Seven has all but this last one stored in the hold in the Flyer. Let's get this one to her so we can get the gear stowed."

Chakotay began replacing the lid and putting the tools together. Tom brought the tools to the Flyer while Chakotay checked the area for anything they may have left. Making a final check he was making his way to the opening when a sudden shifting in the rocks rained dust down on him. Coughing, he tried to clear his eyes when the rumbling sound was heard, then felt. With a curse he stood but found it hard to see. The turns in the tunnel suddenly became riddled with fallen rock and having trouble seeing Chakotay tripped and hit his head. The crew on the flyer felt the vibrating too and quickly called over their comm. links on their uniforms.

"Chakotay, come in" Tom called.

"There has been a cave in" Seven stated. Usually so calm they heard the distress in her voice.

They immediately ran for the cave opening as Voyager was contacted.

Harry heard B'lanna calling and all on the bridge could hear the urgency.

"Voyager,there has been …..We are trying….No answer….."

"Voyager to Delta Flyer, come in" Harry called.

"Voyager, do you copy?"

"B'lanna, what happened?"

"Cave in…..trapped….. hasn't answered"

"Keep trying Harry, we'll get through one of these attempts. Meanwhile Ensign Wildman, see if you can determine the extent of the seismic activity on the surface."

"There is none Captain. It was just the tunnel from what I can decipher."

Tom and Seven were frantically pulling rocks of the pile that accumulated in front of the opening. Finally B'lanna programmed the transporter to do the same. Tom and Seven ran back to the Flyer to get medical equipment. Piling it into the anti gravity stretcher and getting back to the site with Joe Carey they were inside as soon as they could fit. B'lanna was with them as soon as she finished.

Finding Chakotay on the floor facing down Tom scanned him before he let anyone touch him. Joe removed rocks with Seven and B'lanna.

"Fractured skull, no neck fractures" he was calling out as he ran down his body. "Ruptured spleen, Kidney laceration, right hip fracture, right femur fracture. OK people let's get this done as quickly as possible. B'lanna, keep running this over his skull to keep the swelling down. As soon as I get the force field splints on his right side we'll roll him onto the stretcher."

Tom worked quickly and they had him in the Flyer in 15 minutes. Seven and Joe took control of the Flyer and began their assent from the surface. Voyager was calling but it was erratic at best.

"I'll get the doctor as soon as we're in communications range."

Within moments Voyager was heard calling over the communication system. "Delta Flyer come in."

""Voyager, this is Carey. There was an accident while we were cleaning up. There was a collapse of the tunnel walls near the Commander. He's in the back now and Mr. Paris is communicating with the doctor, Carey out."

Knowing the Captain was listening to this he purposely did not report the Commander's condition.

"Mr. Carey, was he awake?"

"No Captain."

Now trying to keep the panic out of her voice but not really succeeding she called out, is he alive!"

"Yes Captain. But at this time Mr. Paris is with him in the back."

"What is your position Mr. Carey?"

"We are out of the ionosphere and traveling on our expected course. We will be in transporter range in one hour, as soon as we're out of this asteroid field."

"Thank you Mr. Carey."

She was stunned for the moment and Tuvok could see it as well as those on the bridge. She was processing it in her mind. Chakotay was alive, but unconscious. It could be a concussion or something worse.

"Captain, may I suggest you go to your ready room to call sick bay directly?"

"Yes Tuvok, you have the bridge."

She couldn't get into the room fast enough and call the doctor.

"Janeway to sick bay."

"Captain, I am presently speaking with Mr. Paris concerning Commander Chakotay. I will notify you as soon as I can, Doctor out."

Feeling the tears welling up in her eyes she couldn't just sit here. Getting up she called into Tuvok to explain to him she couldn't wait, she was going to sickbay to discuss the matter with the doctor.

"Aye Captain."

Rushing into sickbay she listened as Tom discussed her husband's condition.

"Yes, the fracture was midshaft, I used the osteoregenerator on it but kept it in the splint." I'm ready to rescan the spleen now and I'll send the result through my tricorder."

"Good, I'm receiving it now. It looks good Mr. Paris. There is a hematoma formed as you said but hasn't increased. I think you have it under control. Are you keeping up the cerebral anti inflamatory treatment?"

"Yeah, B'lanna hasn't stopped. She keeps running the light over the frontal and occipital regions. I think he must have hit his head in the front and went down. Then more rocks rained down and those hit him in the back."

"It's as good an assumption as any. Keep it up Tom and transport as soon as you can."

Looking the Captain in the eye he said "Captain, please sit down."

"Just tell me he's alright."

"As you heard he is not alright. As soon as I get him back here I'll need to perform surgery. If a hematoma develops in his brain it in itself is life threatening. I'll deal with that first. Next, his spleen is also ruptured but Tom has that under control. The bleeding has walled itself off and the pressure is keeping it from bleeding any further. Mr. Paris already healed the fracture to the hip and femur but he'll have to stay off the leg for at least two days. We just have to wait and see."

"I see." Sinking into the chair she remained quiet.

"Captain, go back to your office. I'll call you when I have more to tell."

"No, I'll just wait here. I couldn't get anything done. I want to be here when he gets here."

She didn't know how much time went by. She receded into her thoughts. How much time she wasted by pushing a relationship off and now that she is in it, it may be ripped away.

"Every one I have ever loved has been taken from me. Am I destined to be alone?' Then looking down and putting a hand on her abdomen she realized, no, she was not alone, but would she have to raise her children alone?" Then she did something she very rarely did. She cried.