This chapter is in lieu of a much longer story that was supposed to follow up with a reunion and string tying for several things brought up in the series. Unfortunately, the full story is going very slow and may not make it. Please accept my apologies and this chapter instead… or for now.

Three years later…

The lone shuttle was a sleek if small thing, only big enough for two to travel comfortably. It was big enough though.

Telvan IV and its two moons glowed like a large blue and green marble against the blackness of the eternal universe. Around it the rest of the system's planets and single sun were devoid of natural life. A few had mining colonies, but they weren't within view of Telvan IV. The planet was a pretty picture and it was largely uninhabited due to a treaty making it a safe haven from development and all but the most responsible travellers.

The shuttle, known to its occupants as Mobeus II, had secured permission to explore the precious gem for a month. It was a special gift of thanks for saving the lives of several top diplomats and members of an alien royal family.

Starfleet officer Captain Chakotay, the pilot of Mobeus II, smiled as he watched Telvan IV grow larger and larger. It had been his idea to utilize the goodwill of the assisted alien race to secure this haven for as long as Starfleet would allow him to vacation. Voyager was undergoing upgrades and repairs anyway and the entire crew was due for a good, long rest so Starfleet had agreed to his request for a month away. He could already tell it was the best idea he'd ever had… well, one of his best ideas.

His gaze strayed to the simple wedding band around his left ring finger. It was a tradition he'd never been enthusiastic about, but he thought he'd miss it if the ring wasn't there. The band of mixed gold and silver metal was a symbol for something of great importance he didn't take lightly or at all for granted. Indeed, he'd had to wait too long for his wedding day for it to be unappreciated.

How long had he waited for his wife to settle her mind and her conscience before he could even think of asking her to marry him? Much longer than three years. In fact, it had all started on Voyager years ago. He should have seen it the moment he learned of her history. He should have understood that their shared experiences were such that though he'd started out hating her for what she seemed to be sooner or later he'd love her for what she could become and the partnership they would create. From having to work with many differing types of personalities and many people he just plain didn't like, Chakotay had quickly grown to tolerate and even appreciate the contributions she made to the ship. When they grew closer it had been surprisingly easy to spend time working and even relaxing at her side. Without her Voyager would not have made it home, but then that could be said of many people on the ship. They had been a team, every last one of them. Chakotay had just happened to fall in love with one of the strongest and most commanding of them.

He shook his head when he thought of his past relationships, wondering how he could have ever wanted anyone but his wife. He chalked it up to not knowing what he wanted, but even that didn't fit. Picturing their faces and their personalities, Chakotay knew he definitely had a type and it was anything but average. Perhaps that had been why he'd first been attracted to Kathryn Janeway. She was a strong, independent, driven woman with common sense, above average intelligence and great humanity. Such a combination wasn't found often. He'd been uncommonly lucky to find it in several women, but only one who held that extra something that made his love for her certain.

There was movement behind him and Chakotay swivelled in his chair to watch his wife approach, lunch in tow. Not that her cooking was the only thing that he appreciated about her, but Chakotay was extremely grateful in that moment that Kathryn Janeway had set the limits she did on their own friendship. Now that he'd become used to it Chakotay didn't know how he could survive without Seven of Nine's cooking.

"What?" Seven was bemused by the silly grin on Chakotay's face as he watched her set out their lunch.

"What?" He shook himself from his musings and tried to remember if he'd said anything.

"You had a strange look on your face. What were you thinking about?" Seven handed her husband his cup of tea and inhaled the delicious scent of pesto ravioli with hidden delight. It had become one of her favourite meals since she'd returned to Earth and tasted the pasta dish made with fresh ingredients. A few pots of herbs followed her everywhere as a result. Chakotay and Voyager's crew teased her off and on about it.

"I was just thinking about how lucky I am." Seven didn't understand and quirked a brow. Chakotay smiled widely. "I love you."

Seven smirked as though he were very silly. "I love you too."

Setting aside his plate, Chakotay leaned forward and captured her lips with his. Gratified to see her pupils dilated when he pulled away, Chakotay couldn't help grinning once more.

"Happy first anniversary, Seven."

"Happy anniversary," Seven whispered as she leaned forward for another kiss.

The sensors beeped to indicate they could begin their landing, but Chakotay absently pressed a button to silence them and continued to show Seven just how much he loved her. Telvan IV would still be there in an hour.