Star Trek Voyager characters are the property of Paramount Pictures

HEARTS ASTRAY

CHAPTER 30

2 WEEKS LATER

In the nursery at Manor House, which was now fully restored like the rest of the rooms, Kathryn worked on a fabulous mural that she'd asked her sister to sketch on the wall. This mural covered the entire wall and was of teddy bears having a picnic. There were four teddies in all, three boys and one girl, and they were all sitting on a blanket in the middle of a woods. Phoebe was working with Kathryn and they were each painting a section of the sketch. Phoebe was up a ladder painting the sky, while Kathryn was sitting on a chair painting the grass. Unlike her sister, who was wearing a pink overall, Kathryn was more casually dressed in blue dungarees over a white top.

"I'd forgotten how much fun decorating is," Kathryn said as she dipped her thin brush into a pot of green paint. "I really enjoyed painting the kitchen with B'Elanna and I'm really enjoying this now. I think I'll do our bedroom too. The beige is nice, but it's not really Chakotay's color. He likes bright and cheerful. So, I'm thinking mint or lemon. What do you think?"

"I'm thinking is this really my sister?" Phoebe laughed. "The Kathryn Janeway I knew wouldn't use the words fun and painting in the same sentence."

"I suppose seven years of the extraordinary has given me an appreciation for the ordinary," Kathryn answered. "I find myself taking pleasure in all kinds of things that I found a chore before...like shutting window-blinds or opening an umbrella. I'll never again take nightfall or rain for granted."

Suddenly, the door chime played. Phoebe put down her brush and made her way down the ladder. "I'll get it, sis."

"Thanks. It's probably only Mom. She said she'd be by later to inspect our work."

"She sure did! While I'm downstairs, anything I can get you?"

"A pineapple juice would be good. Thanks."

Phoebe went on her way and Kathryn got up from her seat so her mother could see the mural in full. There was still a lot of work to do on it, and most of it needed a professional hand like Phoebe's, but what Kathryn could do she would. As she waited for her mother to arrive, Kathryn studied Phoebe's newly painted sky and then fixed her attention on the teddies. The plan was to paint each teddy a different color. The boys were to be blue, green and yellow, and the girl was to be red. Phoebe had taken a lot of time over the sketch and had gone into painstaking detail. All kinds of foods adorned the picnic blanket, from apples and oranges to sandwiches and cakes, and the picnic basket, which was half covered with a checkered cloth, was just marvelous.

Footsteps echoed on the stairs now and Kathryn turned towards the door to greet her mother.

"Hi, Mom," she said. "How did..."

But it was not her mother who entered the room. It was Chakotay. Weeks of hell had taken their toll and his hair was disheveled, graying, and dark shadows circled his eyes. But as he slowed to a stop in the doorway, all Kathryn saw was the man she loved. He smiled as their eyes met and then, before Kathryn knew it, they were hugging each other and laughing and crying all at once. For a long time they held each other, their joy too deep for words, then Kathryn drew away and spoke.

"Welcome back."

"Thank you," Chakotay smiled. "But if that isn't a cushion under your clothes, am I in the right reality?"

"You are," Kathryn laughed. "And it isn't."

"Then you're pregnant?"

She nodded. "New Earth."

Chakotay drew her close and hugged her joyfully. "Oh Kathryn."

"It's hard to believe, I know, but not half as hard as it is to believe how much company we're expecting."

Chakotay drew away. "Twins?"

"Try quadruplets."

He stared at her incredulously. "Quadruplets?"

"Yes. Three little yous and a mini me."

Chakotay exhaled. "Now I know I'm in the wrong reality."

"Not unless I am too."

"How did it happen? How four?"

"Well," Kathryn smiled, "The Doctor will insist it was natural, despite the astronomical odds, but Q tells me, and I believe him, that the anomaly is responsible. It's a long story."

Chakotay said nothing, just tried to take everything in.

"What are you thinking?" Kathryn asked.

"That we're going to be changing a lot of diapers."

"Yes," Kathryn laughed. "Nose clips, please." She then fell serious. "But how do you feel about it?"

"Changing diapers or nose clips?" he teased.

"The babies."

Chakotay took her hands in his. "I think it's wonderful."

Happy tears filled Kathryn's eyes. "Really?"

"Of course. I love you and would gladly have a dozen babies with you."

Kathryn smiled. "Don't say that too loudly or The Wishers might hear."

"The Wishers?"

"Another long story, related to the first."

"I see. And here was me thinking all the drama had been my end for the last few weeks." He paused. "But how I feel about it isn't as important as how you feel about it."

"I'm over the moon. I know a lot of women would be terrified at the thought of four babies but I can't wait. I thought the chance for me had passed, that I'd never be a mother, so to be having children now is a dream come true. I'm grateful for each and every one of them."

"Me too."

For the first time now, Kathryn noticed how tired Chakotay looked, how drawn. He had clearly been though hell and that thought sobered her.

"But enough about me," she said. "How are you?"

"Right now, I'm fantastic."

"What happened? How were you captured?"

"The Atoners attacked me from their ship, crippled mine, and then tractored me onboard. I gave them good battle but I simply couldn't compete against their ship."

Tears filled Kathryn's eyes as she asked the question she wasn't sure she wanted answered. "Did they hurt you?"

"The Atoners, no. They handed me over to the Cardassians pretty quickly. As to the Cardassians...well, nothing that couldn't be fixed."

A tear ran down Kathryn's cheek. "What did they do to you?"

"You don't need details. I survived, I'm back, that's all that matters."

In other words, he didn't want to talk about it, at least not now. So, instead of questioning further, Kathryn squeezed his hand. "I've missed you."

Chakotay squeezed back. "I've missed you too. Like crazy."

"How was your sister?"

"Good. As soon as we saw each other it was like we'd never quarreled. We were just so glad to see each other."

"It must have been difficult...being back there."

"Yes. I underestimated how difficult."

Kathryn tenderly brushed her fingers against his cheek. "I've been so worried, so afraid for you. Your message it meant...it meant everything."

"I'm glad you got it. I wasn't sure. I wanted to send you another one, just to let you know I was in Federation space, but I dared not risk it. I didn't know The Atoners had been caught. I didn't know until Admiral Vale told me just now."

"I suspected as much. After I got your message, I didn't worry as much. I knew you'd be playing things safe."

"Yes. If we'd have been told about The Atoners, then I would have been more careful in the first place. But as I didn't know, my guard was down and I was taken by surprise." He paused. "But I'm not sorry I was captured. My capture helped The Atoners be captured and for that I'm grateful. The only thing I am sorry about is the burden you've had to bear. You shouldn't have had to announce our marriage and your pregnancy alone."

"Well," Kathryn smiled, "I kind of haven't. Only close friends and family know about the babies, and only my mother knows we're married. It hasn't been easy hiding my bump but, between baggy clothes and being a hermit, I've managed. I didn't want strangers to know about our babies before you." She paused. "But I'm surprised The Doctor didn't let the cat out of the bag. He's hardly the soul of discretion."

"He certainly isn't, but he was in a meeting so Doctor Melvin examined me. I didn't see Admiral Paris either as he has the day off. I spoke with Admiral Cox and he passed me on to Admiral Vale. She told me all about Mission Mousetrap and gave me this address for you." He smiled. "Hardly an apartment overlooking the Gulf of Mexico."

Kathryn laughed. "Juniors one, two, three and four, kind of put paid to that idea. But we do have an apartment on the Emerald Coast. In fact, I'm still living in it, and I thought we could keep it as a vacation home. It's right on the beach, central to everything, and has glorious sea views. You'll love it."

"I'm sure I will."

"You'll love this house too, Chakotay. It's everything we could ask for and more. It has six bedrooms, two living rooms, a kitchen, dining room, study, and even our own observatory."

"Quite a palace," Chakotay smiled.

"Yes. But you wouldn't have said that if you'd seen it two weeks ago. It was dilapidated."

"Really?"

"Totally. It had holes in the roof, broken windows, shabby paintwork, an overgrown garden, you name it! In fact, you can see the brochure. But then dear old Q paid a visit, did some razzamatazz, and the house was like new."

"Not like Q to be so generous. What did he want in exchange?" His eyes twinkled and he put his hand to her bump. "Are you sure those aren't little Qs in there?"

"I'm sure," she laughed. "They're definitely little us." She then put her hand to his cheek. "Come on, let's have a drink with Phoebe and then I'll give you a tour."

"Sounds good. But if Q did the decor, should I wear sunglasses?"

"For the dining room, definitely. It has the most hideous carpet I've ever seen and the walls are blue swirls on shocking pink. And don't get me started on the kitchen. It was so bad it gave me a headache. Picture red zigzags on green spots and you get the idea. But it's a lovely shade of coffee now. B'Elanna helped me paint it." She turned to the mural. "Phoebe's been busy on this masterpiece behind me. Quite something, isn't it?"

"It certainly is," he said, studying it.

"The idea was mine. It came to me as soon as I stepped in here. Well, maybe not instantly but almost so. I could just see it there, somehow. Four teddies having a picnic. I told Phoebe what I wanted and she drew it exactly as I imagined it. Uncanny, really."

"I can't wait to see it finished."

"Neither can I. I'm doing what I can to help, but I'm afraid that's not much. I'm kind of limited to background monotone. But it should be awesome when it's finished. The teddies are all going to be a different color and the blanket's going to be covered in little rainbows. The teddies represent our babies, of course. One for each of them. Because, if you couldn't guess, this room's going to be the nursery." She turned to Chakotay. "That is if you like this house. Don't be afraid to say you don't. There are plenty more houses. We can find one we both love."

"I do," he said. "I love it...just not as much as I love you."

Kathryn smiled. "Ditto to that."

They kissed softly, hugged, and then left the room.

Not wanting to intrude on Kathryn and Chakotay's personal time, Phoebe packed away her things and left as soon as they'd all had a drink. As evening was fast approaching, Kathryn showed Chakotay around the garden first, then around the house. All the rooms were still empty, as Kathryn hadn't wanted to pick out furniture alone, but already the house was looking like a home. Chakotay was most impressed with everything, especially the age and character of the house, and was as amused as Kathryn had been by the ugly decor in the dining room. The last stop of the tour was the main bedroom in the attic. This was a large room of quirky scarlet walls that, thanks to Q, had two arched windows looking out over the garden and beyond. Both windows had bright green windowseats and sleeping on one was Fluffy. He was curled up in a little ball and was sleeping so soundly that he didn't hear them come in.

"This is it," Kathryn said, "our future bedroom. What do you think?"

"Nice room," Chakotay smiled, "awful color."

"Yes," Kathryn laughed. "But after the kitchen, believe me it's tame. And, talking of kitchens, come in here."

She walked through an open doorway into what Chakotay expected to be an ensuite bathroom, but instead he found himself in a little kitchen. It had red, orange and white tiles on the walls, a stove of fluorescent green, a pink worktop, several purple cupboards, a blue sink, a turquoise replicator, and a bright yellow floor.

"Wow," Chakotay smiled. "I don't know what to gawp at more...the decor or the fact that I'm looking at a kitchen."

"Gawp at both, I did. But it's obviously a joke. Q knows I hate cooking so is teasing me with kitchens. Trust him for that!"

"Indeed," Chakotay agreed.

"But, unless you object, it can stay for the moment. It might come in useful if we're up here stargazing. It's not like we'll be sleeping up here any time soon. Not until the kids are four or five at least."

Chakotay smiled and his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"What's so funny?" Kathryn asked.

"The idea of us with kids," he said. "I still can't believe it."

"Neither can I, even though I look like I've swallowed a football."

Fluffy suddenly came into the room with a meow and Chakotay turned around. "A real cat? I thought he was a toy."

"No toy," she smiled. "Definitely real."

"Did he come with the house?"

"No," Kathryn said as Fluffy leapt into her arms. "He came with me."

"Really? You got a cat? I truly must be in the wrong reality."

"Well, I didn't get him exactly. He was given to me by Reg Barclay. I didn't like to tell him I'm more of a dog woman."

"I guess not," Chakotay smiled.

"And he's a real cute little fella," Kathryn said, tickling the cat's ear. "Friendly too."

"What's his name?"

"Fluffy. Poor thing hasn't had an easy start in life. His first owners abandoned him and his second owner died. Reg took him in and was going to give him to an old lady in his block, but when I called at his apartment looking for The Doctor, he gave him to me as a homewarming gift. How could I refuse?"

"Quadruplets," Chakotay said, "a cat, a manor house...any more surprises?"

"Just a big husky dog called Jake."

"Really?"

"No," Kathryn laughed. "I'm only kidding."

She walked back into the bedroom and Chakotay followed her. Holding Fluffy still, she made her way over to a window and looked out. Beyond the garden were houses in fields, and beyond the houses were woods. As Chakotay joined her at the window, Kathryn pointed to one of the houses.

"That white house over there, the one right before the woods, it's the house I grew up in. Strange, isn't it? From my bedroom window I must have seen this house peaking through trees a million times, but I never noticed it. Now it's where I hope to spend the rest of my life."

"Me too," Chakotay said. "And we will. Our time is now, Kathryn. Now and forever."

Kathryn turned to him and gazed deep into his eyes. "Yes," she said. "I finally feel that it is."

After showing Chakotay all there was to see at the house, Kathryn changed out of her dungarees into a green dress, and then had them beamed to their apartment in Florida. They materialized on the balcony, just as she planned, and spent a few moments admiring the view before venturing inside. When they did, Chakotay stepped back in surprise when a room full of people cried "Welcome home, Chakotay!"

Chakotay turned to Kathryn. "Kathryn Janeway, you sneaky devil."

"Not me," Kathryn laughed. "B'Elanna."

"That's right, big guy," B'Elanna said, stepping forward and hugging him. "Phoebe told me and I told everyone."

"Welcome back, friend," Tom said, taking his hand and shaking it. "I'm glad to see you still have a life I can call my own."

Amy, who was in the crowd waving a banner, rushed forward. "Hello, Chakotay! Hello, hello! I'm Amy Jackson and I'm so glad you're home!"

"Thank you, Amy," Chakotay smiled.

Tom turned to the crowd now, which included Kathryn's mother, sister, and many familiar faces from Voyager, and addressed them. "As you all can see," he said, "our former Captain has passengers of a different kind onboard. The father is, of course, our very own First Officer, and I'm sure we'd all like to offer our congratulations. So, on behalf of us all, congratulations to you both! May your darlings give you the sleepless nights our darling's given us!"

"Thanks, I think," Kathryn smiled as the crowd cheered. "Thanks to you all. I do indeed have passengers onboard but you might not believe how many. If you're thinking twins, then double it."

"Quadruplets?" Samantha exclaimed. "You're having quads?"

"We are," Kathryn smiled.

"Wow," Harry said. "That's one more than you told me. Where did the other one come from, Admiral?"

"It's a long story," Kathryn replied. "But I'll happily tell you it later."

"What are you having?" Samantha asked. "Or is it a secret?"

Amy cried out. "I know!"

"Go on then," Kathryn said. "Tell everyone."

"Three boys and one girl," Amy said proudly.

A couple of young ensigns whistled and a few cheered.

"But my pregnancy is not the only news we have to tell you all," Kathryn declared. "Chakotay and I are married."

Rapturous applause filled the room now.

"What was it, Admiral," Tom teased, "a shotgun wedding?"

Kathryn poked his stomach. "Nothing of the sort, Mr Paris. We've been married for years. Where do you think our babies have come from? They're all the babies I conceived, but could not carry, on Voyager."

Tom stared at her open mouthed and B'Elanna laughed loudly. "Oh Tom, she's only kidding. But see your face!"

"That's right," Kathryn smiled, "I'm only joking. But I got you going!"

"If not today," Tom said, "then when did you marry? By proxy?"

"Right before Chakotay left for Trebus. We just didn't want to go public until he got back."

The Doctor suddenly materialized before them and his face lit up when he saw Chakotay. "Commander!" he cried. "You're really back!" He stepped forward, scooped Chakotay into a firm embrace, and then studied him. "You seem to be all in one piece. A little rough around the edges, but nothing that a good haircut won't fix!"

Amy addressed Kathryn. "Aunt Katie, if you and Chakotay are married, where are your rings?"

"Good question," Tom said, "where are they, Admiral? Or did you get tattoos?"

"No," Kathryn smiled. "We have rings."

"Then put them on," B'Elanna urged, "show them off!"

"Oh yes," Amy cried. "Put them on, put them on!"

"We will," Kathryn smiled, "later."

"Do it now," Tom declared. "Seeing as you didn't invite us to your wedding, let us invite ourselves to your blessing." He turned to the crowd. "Tori, you're a Native American, come and perform us an Indian blessing."

Kathryn tried to protest. "Oh Tom, there's..."

"Every need, Admiral." He turned back to the crowd. "We all want a blessing, don't we?"

The guests gave an unanimous yes.

"Ok then," Kathryn smiled. "We'll have a blessing."

"Then go get the rings," Tom commanded, "and Tori will get what she needs."

As Kathryn went to fetch the rings, Tori, a tall girl with long black hair, came out of the crowd. "I really don't think I'm the best person to do it," she said. "I wouldn't know where to begin."

Tom turned to Chakotay. "Then Chakotay, fill her in. I know you're not from the same tribe, but how different can a custom be?"

Harry laughed. "I think you're displaying your ignorance, Tom."

Chakotay spoke. "If you all want a ceremony, then I can say a prayer that my people say at weddings. It isn't a blessing as such, but it asks our God to bless us."

Tom smiled. "Close enough for me!"

Kathryn returned with the rings, which were still in their box, and Amy jumped up and down excitedly. "Oh let me see, let me see!"

Kathryn opened the box and the two gold rings inside sparkled in the light.

"Oh awesome," Amy smiled. "Awesome!"

"Ok, Admiral," Tom declared. "Let's begin. Amy, you hold the rings. Admiral, get beside your husband."

Kathryn gave Amy the box and then stood beside Chakotay. "Seeing as you're boss, Tom," she said, "what now?"

"You and Chakotay will exchange rings and then Chakotay will say a prayer. But first, let me say a few words."

Harry teased. "Only a few, Tom?"

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that!" He turned to the crowd. "Ladies, gentlemen, and children, it is customary to welcome guests to a wedding blessing, so let me welcome you all. It is with great joy that I present unto you our bride and groom, Admiral Kathryn Janeway and Commander Chakotay. But it is not as an admiral and commander that they are with us today, but as our friends and our family. Seven, almost eight years ago now, most of us in this room were strangers to each other. But in the most difficult, yet most wonderful, of circumstances we came to know, care for, and even love each other. Like B'Elanna and myself, and many others on Voyager, our Captain and First Officer fell in love. So, now that we've welcomed Chakotay home, let's make this party a celebration of their love. Our newly weds will now put on their rings and then Chakotay will say a special prayer."

He then stepped aside and all attention fixed on Kathryn and Chakotay. Amy held up the box, her face glowing with pride, and Chakotay picked up Kathryn's ring. As he did, Kathryn held out her hand and he gently slipped the ring onto her finger.

"I gave you this ring as a token of our marriage," he said, "and today I give it to you again as a reminder of the promises I made to you."

Kathryn smiled, her eyes moist, and then she picked up Chakotay's ring and put it on his finger.

"I too gave you this ring as a symbol of our marriage, and I too give it to you today as a reminder of our vows."

Chakotay then clasped her hand in his and closed his eyes.

"O Great Spirit, maker of the sun that warms us and giver of the rain that cools us, bless us as we make our two lives one. Let our love shine on each other as your love shines on the world. Make our love as constant as stars, as firm as stones, as soft as snow, and as strong as a tree in a storm. When winds shake us, help us to hold each other up. When darkness surrounds us, help us be each others light. Bless us with many days upon this earth, and in our winter years may our love be as fresh as spring and as warm as summer."

Chakotay then opened his eyes and the crowd cheered. A few young officers cried "kiss, kiss, kiss!" until the whole room was demanding it.

Laughing, Kathryn and Chakotay wrapped their arms around each other and then, to thunderous applause, kissed softly.

END OF CHAPTER THIRTY