Yes, the hallway is no place for a serious discussion, but this is Voyager. Normal rules don't always apply. I stop walking midway between the turbo lift and my quarters. Our hands are still entwined. Inertia pulls him back to me.

He's confused, "Kathryn, what is it?"

"I meant what I said earlier."

"About what?"

"Now." He's still confused, "I know Neelix is going to want to make a fuss: a cake, a party. Tom is going to want to throw a bachelor party for you. The girls are going to want to throw a hen party for me. They're going to want a big ceremony – a big celebration. But, I don't want any of that, I – "

He's doing it again. He smiles and kisses me in understanding. The corridors are empty so we aren't going to scandalize the 'kids' (I know they love it, though). "Shhh. I know that being Captain is center stage enough for you. I think you know me enough to know that don't want any of that either. So, what?"

"You. Me. Tuvok. Tom. B'Elanna. Lake George. Tonight – before dinner."

"Should we tell them beforehand?"

"Let's surprise them".

We have enough replicator rations saved between the two of us for the rings: two plain gold bands. I have a cream coloured dress I've never worn hanging in the back of my closet. Mom gave it to me before I left.

"You never know, you might need it one day, Katie. You know – one of those dress functions. A party maybe!" She wouldn't take no for an answer as she packed it away in my trunk.

"Mom, you know full well that I'll be wearing my dress uniform at functions and it's a little much for me anyway".

"Stop arguing Katie. Don't ever argue with a mother's intuition".

It's fairly modest, hitting just at the knee. The top is shaped into a wide V and if my breasts had been larger, it might be a little too revealing. A soft mauve coloured band of fabric cinches the waist and folds into a large bow at the back. It's perfect, I think, as a smooth my hands over the fabric. Thanks, Mom.

My hair's grown out a little in the past couple of months. It hangs slightly past my shoulders. Chakotay loves it. He loves to run his fingers through it. It mesmerizes him – the softness, all the colours. He tells me he can't wait until it's as long as it was when we were on New Earth. He'll have to wait a little while for that. I part it to the side and leave it down. I pin the same piece that falls in my face off to the side, slightly twisting it.

It's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony, so I've sent him to his old quarters to get changed. His quarters. I'll put a requisition in tomorrow to have the barrier between the rooms taken down, combining the spaces – making room for her, maybe for all of them. One at a time, Kathryn. I smile. I can't wait to meet you.

"Janeway to Tuvok"

"Tuvok here"

"Tuvok, meet me in Holodeck One in ten minutes".

"Aye, Captain."

"Oh and Tuvok, it's not Captain tonight – it's Kathryn."

"Very well. Tuvok out."

One down. I told Chakotay to call B'Elanna. That leaves Tom. He's such a troublemaker, but he's such a good man at the same time. I think of Tom as that pesky brother that Phoebe and I never had – you know the one that pulls your hair, teases you, but always stands up for you and let's you know in subtle ways that you're loved.

"Janeway to Paris."

"Paris here."

"Tom, you busy this evening?"

"No ma'am. B'Elanna's just told me she's got plans, so I'm free. What do you need?"

"Meet me at Holodeck 1 in 5 minutes"

"Yes Ma'am! Do I get a hint?"

"No. And don't 'ma'am' me this evening! Tonight its just Kathryn. Janeway out."

I smile. I can almost see the questions looming in Tom's eyes and the confusion written all over his brow. These 5 minutes are going to be an eternity for him. The little kid in him demands no less.

I hear a thud at the wall, a subtle knocking. I pad over to our shared bulkhead and knock back like a kid at summer camp involved in some late night contraband commination with the boys on the other side of the wall. I chortle as I realize that I am surrounded by a bunch of big children. The wall is supposed to be soundproof, but I think they skimped a little on the materials, "Will you marry me?" I hear the smile in his muffled voice.

"Can't wait" I call back. And that's the truth. I can't wait to marry him.