Over the next few days, Chakotay grew stronger until he finally opened his eyes and spoke his first words to Kathryn who had spent every moment by his side. They were "I love you."

A steady stream of visitors made their way through the halls of Starfleet Medical as most of the crew of Voyager and as well as close friends and family entertained and helped make plans for the upcoming nuptials for the couple. Kathryn and Chakotay had decided to make it official where it had all began: on Voyager. Admiral Paris had been honored to be asked to officially marry them within Kathryn's traditions and Chakotay's sister Sekaya would perform the Native American ceremony were they would take seven steps each with a vow or promise for their intended.

At his bedside, Kathryn playfully slapped Chakotay's hand away from her padd as she wrote her vows vetoing his obey requirement among other inappropriate public requests for affection. A quick reminder to him that she would then have just as much say in his vows quickly ended the argument.

Through the merrymaking, Seven remained sequestered in the psychiatric care of several doctors. The Doctor had once again verified that all of her Borg implants were functioning normally and Seven's behavior was psychological not physical. Perhaps a break not uncommon, he theorized, for a small human child who had been ripped from one family and then another and left by each one to adapt on her own.

The big day finally arrived a few weeks later. As everyone gathered on Voyager, Chakotay looked quite handsome in his traditional native garb with his sister and Tom standing up for him. Tom showed signs of the wicked bachelor party the night before and Belanna's occasional angry frown did not go unnoticed by him. He was going to pay for it but had partied enough to make his upcoming punishment worthwhile.

Harry began the first notes of the wedding ceremony on his flute as Kathryn appeared with her mother dressed in a lovely strapless ivory gown that hugged her petite figure in all the right places. Sapphire jewels that just matched her eyes accented the dress and a small hair clip adorned with feathers and other natural stones from Chakotay's native planet gifted to her by Sekaya held her loose updo in place. She carried a bouquet of peace roses in her hands as she made her way down the aisle to her future husband.

The two ceremonies were heartfelt and loving and no one, not even the bride and groom, had a dry eye when it was complete. As Kathryn and Chakotay gave each other their first kiss as husband and wife, the tension broke as the room burst into applause and Tom called out, "Okay, where's the beer? Let's party!"

The Doctor immediately snapped his fingers and the party music began as drinks flowed and a small man came barreling out of the kitchen carrying several trays of food. "Eat up! There is plenty for everyone! Dig in everybody!"

Kathryn and Chakotay turned at the sound of his voice and saw Neelix beaming at them. "Why the surprised faces, you two? Do you think after watching for seven years on that ship both of you dance around each other that I would miss this?"

"Neelix!" Kathryn ran over and hugged the Talaxian as Chakotay followed and clapped him on the back.

As they did, the doors to the banquet hall opened and a tall blond woman stepped just inside. A hat and veil concealed her face as she made a quick survey until her blue eyes settled on the happy couple. She caught Kathryn's eye and quickly turned around and left the party.

She walked briskly down the hall until she heard Kathryn's voice call out behind her. "Seven!"

Seven slowly turned as Kathryn gathered her gown up and walked towards her. "I don't remember your name being on our invitation list."

Seven arched a brow. "Sadly, it wasn't."

"A surprise, I know. You're allowed out for day trips?"

"Apparently. The doctors tell me I am making good progress."

"Don't believe them."

Seven looked down at her as Kathryn stepped closer. "I don't want you near my family again. And, now that we are married, Chakotay is my family. Stay away or I will make you very sorry I ever rescued you from that Borg vessel."

"Is that a threat, Admiral?"

Kathryn stared her down and said, "Yes."

Seven nodded and turned away as she walked down the hall. Kathryn watched her leave as Chakotay came up behind her. "Is that who I think it is?" he said.

"Yes." Kathryn turned to put her arms around his neck. "But she won't be bothering us any more."

"Is that so?"

"Seven's biggest liability is that she's predictable."

Chakotay looked down at her as he held her close against him. "What does that mean?"

"It means she is out of our lives forever."

He glanced down the hall which Seven had vacated. "You're sure of that?"

"Trust me." Kathryn lifted herself up and kissed her husband who gratefully let her take his lips in his and love him as they began their new life together.

Seven made her way to the transporter room but was stopped by a tall dark man as she entered. She looked up and recognized the pointed ears and familiar face. "Tuvok."

He nodded. "I would not let one of my oldest and dearest friends marry without me."

Seven's face showed irritation as she tried to push past him. "Enjoy the party."

Tuvok grasped her arm and pulled her back. "I am not here for the party. I have already expressed my well wishes. I am here for you."

"Me?"

"Yes. I have been advised of your actions against Admiral Janeway over the past several months. They are not acceptable."

Seven tried to pull away from the Vulcan's grasp but could not. "I have made progress."

"Not enough. Admiral Janeway has decided that you will benefit from a more hands on approach."

Seven glanced at his hands and then at Tuvok who pulled her forward to the transporter pad. "Where are you taking me? Unhand me this instant!"

"Relax. You will enjoy your time on Vulcan. I did for several decades."

Seven struggled in his grasp. "You have no right to take me against my will!"

Tuvok arched a brow. "Strange, since that is the exact behavior you exhibited against the Admiral."

"What is this? Revenge?" Seven almost thought she detected a faint smile in Tuvok's expression.

"Vulcans believe that you must challenge your perceptions or they will challenge you. It is time to address your challenge of perceiving Admiral Janeway as a threat. I can do that and it will be reinforced by several respected Vulcan elders."

"You're going to tamper with my mind? I do not consent to that!" Seven struggled mightily but to no avail as Tuvok held her tight.

"You don't have to." Tuvok propelled Seven onto the transporter and ordered the coordinates to take her to a waiting vessel that would take them both to Vulcan for Seven's treatment.

As they materialized on the ship, Seven's struggle grew stronger until she was silenced with a strong pinch to the shoulder and collapsed. As she was secured to a seat for travel, Tuvok nodded at the pilot who flew them away from Voyager. "Hail Admiral Janeway's personal comm channel. Tell her that Seven will no longer be an issue."

"Aye, sir."

Tuvok watched as Voyager grew distant. He could not see the groups of swirling party guests as they danced across the floor. The high banter that greeted every person as they mixed and mingled. Or the two newlyweds who made their way to the Captain's quarters and consummated their great love in the place where their journey had first begun.