In the Arms of Family
Story by Janet and Christina
Written by Janet, Christina, Cybermum, Diane, Julie,Mary, Penny, and Rocky
Compiled by Janet

Act 3

"Bloody hell," Kira muttered, using one of the epithets so favored by the station's former Chief Engineer, Miles O'Brien. By the Prophets, she missed Miles! He'd only returned to Earth a short while ago, but it seemed like decades since she'd seen him or his family.

Instead of succumbing to musing about the past, she gave herself a mental shake and dragged her eyes back to the vidscreen on her desk, to the list of messages waiting there for her, the top one flagged "high priority" and blinking rapidly.

Pointedly ignoring the screen, she grabbed Sisko's baseball off its little stand, leaned back in her chair, and began tossing it into the air and catching it.

The docking clamps had barely been secured around Voyager before chaos hit her station. Subspace communications were still off the scale; Quark's was standing-room only; and in an astonishingly short period of time, the press had descended in their usual predatory fashion, trying to get the scoop on the mighty starship that had returned from the dead. Not that she wasn't glad to see Voyager back, but her cynical mind couldn't help but grouse about the timing. "You had to wait until *after* the war, huh?" She said, speaking aloud as she usually did when alone in her office. "You couldn't have made it a few years earlier?"

She sighed and returned to the unavoidable, reluctantly opening the first message, which was another terse recording from Commander Claude Jean Craig. She recognized the shops in the background as those near the wall of public vidphones on the promenade. There were people everywhere. The ID line on the message named him as Press Liaison for Starfleet's Department of News & Information. He had said he was supposed to be in charge of containing the press, but from what she could see, he wasn't doing a very good job of it.

"Colonel Kira, this is Commander Craig, with the Starfleet Department of News & Information," he began, identifying himself unnecessarily. "I wish to remind you that Voyager crewmembers have been ordered not to speak to the press. While I cannot order you or anyone else on Deep Space Nine not to talk to the press, I can suggest you take it under strong advisement, since I'm sure you know as well as I do how rumors and innuendo can too often be mistaken for truth. Thank you." The screen froze.

Yeah, right. Like she could stop Quark - or Mrs. Kim, for that matter - from talking to some guy from the FNN or even the Risian Ribald Daily.

"Bloody hell," she repeated, leaning forward and whipping the baseball across the room. It hit the door with a satisfying thump and flew immediately back toward her. She snatched it from the air in a well-practiced move, placed it reverently back onto its stand, and stood, addressing the vidscreen.

"Commander Craig, Mister Press Liaison, I wish I had ten minutes with you to explain just what it is we're trying to do around here - which is *not* playing wet nurse to some prodigal ship that didn't even have the decency to be around when we needed her..."

Kira stopped and blinked at the screen. What in the Nine Orbs was she going on about? She didn't have to explain anything to Craig, nor did she have to pay any attention to his precious *suggestion.* The station was crawling with media of every size and species! This was her chance to explain to the entire Federation and then some just exactly what it was they were trying to do around here. She slapped her combadge.

"Kira to Ro."

::...Yes, Colonel?::

Ears less trained than Kira's might not have picked up the moment's hesitation. Ro was preoccupied, something Kira recognized well from her days working with Odo. She hated to disturb the Lieutenant, given the way things were progressing on the station, but she needed her. Not for the first time, she felt a stab of sympathy for what Sisko had had to go through as captain. "You got a minute?"

::I'll be right there.::

Kira barely allowed Ro to enter the office before she started talking. Now that she'd had the idea, she felt like the clock was ticking.

"Is the lecture hall on the habitat ring available? The one with the newly upholstered seats? How fast do you think you can set up an "unofficial" press conference?" She paused for a breath and noticed with some chagrin that Ro was still standing by the door. She waved her in. "Sorry. Sit down."

Amused, but obviously curious about her superior's line of questioning, Ro fell into the chair opposite Kira's desk and answered her, without having to check the calendar. "Yeah, it's available. An "unofficial" press conference, huh?" She eyed Kira suspiciously. "But we're not supposed to be talking - "

"No," Kira cut her off. "It's been 'suggested' that we not talk to the press about Voyager, and, believe me, that's about all the closer Starfleet had better come to ordering this station to do anything. But the way I see it, there's no reason we can't talk to the press about other things. Don't you see? We can use the hell out of this! We can tell the whole quadrant what's been going on out here, starting with the twice-rotten conditions on Bajor and how the damn *Cardassians* are using up resources that should rightfully belong to us for the damage they did during the Occupation! The press'll eat it up."

Ro nodded. "Sounds good to me."

Kira's voice softened. "And we're going to do one more thing. We're going to remind them about the Maquis - not just the ones on Voyager, but *all* of them. Remind them the Occupation is over, the war is over, and that these people need to have their lives back, that children need to have their *mommies and daddies* back."

Ro shifted in her chair at this, but did not say anything. Kira pretended not to notice. "We can use this whole mess to our advantage, but we've got to move quickly if we want to be heard. The instant Starfleet sends for Voyager, we're screwed."

Ro leaned forward in the chair and snickered. "Funny you should mention that, Colonel. It's been a week, and there's still been no word from Starfleet about getting Voyager's crew back to Earth. I mean, there's been plenty of subspace communications, but it's all personal, mostly Voyager crew talking to family. I noticed one communiqué, to Janeway from Hayes, but that's been it. And since Janeway didn't turn around and give us a departure date, I guess that wasn't the summons to return. Wonder what's going on?"

Kira paused a moment to consider Ro's words, and then shook them off. She stood, and Ro stood with her. "Doesn't matter. Get out of here and grab as many press reps as you can on the way to the hall. Tell them you've got a story for them. Oh, and Ro," Kira paused and smiled wickedly, turning the vidscreen around so Ro could see it. "Be sure to keep clear of Commander Craig, Mister Starfleet Press Liaison. I have a feeling he won't take kindly to what we're doing."

Ro glanced at the screen and huffed in amusement. "I have a feeling you're probably right." She turned to leave and then turned back, pausing uncharacteristically. Kira knew the move.

"Something more, Lieutenant?"

Another hesitation and then, "Ah, no."

Kira knew whatever it was, it was probably far from "Ah, no," but she wasn't about to press her. If it was station business, Ro would advise her whenever she felt it was time. And if it wasn't, then it wasn't any of *her* business. Either way, she trusted Ro and that was all that mattered. "All right then. I'll meet you in the hall in ten minutes."

"Damn them all anyway," Janeway said as she threw her jacket on the bed. "All I want is answers." She turned to face Chakotay. "A few little answers, is that such a horrible thing?"

He shook his head. "No, it's not."

"We've been here eight days. Surely by now, they must have some idea what they plan to do with the Maquis and Equinox survivors."

"They probably do." He was giving annoyingly short answers.

"Maybe I should promote you to Captain and you can deal with the bureaucracy."

"That wouldn't be a good idea." He walked behind her and started to rub her shoulders. "It's bad enough that you made me first officer."

"Best decision...well maybe second best decision I made in the Delta Quadrant."

He leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Yes? So what was the first?"

She grinned. "I'm sure I can find a better decision..." Her frown returned. "I don't like not knowing."

"Neither do I, but getting mad isn't the answer." He sat down beside her jacket on the bed.

There was a long silence, then she nodded. "Good," he said with a smile. "That's better. Now, have you had a chance to contact Daeja Thev?"

"No. Between the arrival of my mother, Alicia Paris, and everyone else, I've been too busy. Anyway, should I be contacting a lawyer now? It seems so defeatist."

"She did offer, and she's in a much better position to learn what is going on." Janeway walked over to her window. Deep Space Nine filled the view. Daeja had been her friend from back during her Academy days. The Andorian lawyer had been in frequent contact as Voyager drew closer to the Alpha Quadrant. She'd offered to help Kathryn with the legal situation.

"I'll talk to her," she said with a loud sigh.

"Good."

"And the Maquis?" She asked. "How are they handling not knowing?"

"Reasonably well, considering. You did hear that the Bajor government is offering sanctuary for the Bajoran and Maquis members of our crew."

"Commander Craig explained it to me. I think he's terrified some of the crew might actually stay."

"They might," Chakotay said softly. She turned to face him. He raised a hand to stop her from interrupting him. "Kathryn, all of us lost friends and families during the war. Staying on Bajor means that we can start looking for them. Find out if they are dead or alive."

"And you?"

"I...I'll stay with you, see what the Brass has to offer."

She didn't voice her growing doubts about just what the admiralty would offer. "Thank you," she said instead. His answering smile warmed her. "Thank you for everything."

"Kathryn, please, contact your friend."

She sat on the bed with a resigned sigh. "Because you insist." She shook her head. "I still expect to wake up and find myself still in the Delta Quadrant."

He took her hand. "When you wake up, we'll still be in the Alpha Quadrant - and probably still on Deep Space Nine. Even if Starfleet is being stingy with the ticker-tape..."

"The what?"

Chakotay chuckled. "Apparently in the twentieth century they tossed small pieces of paper on returning heroes."

"I bet Tom told you this? It sounds messy."

"It probably was. But, the Bajorans have invited us down for a parade and celebration."

"I bet Commander Craig will love that..."

Chakotay shrugged. "This from the woman who took on the Borg...and won. You're going to let a press agent defeat you?"

"Put like that, I have no choice." She leaned over and kissed him. "We just won't tell him."

"Hello, I'm Nunk from Daily Fereginar News."

The two Talaxians greeted him warmly. Nunk continued to grin as he invited them for drinks. "My brother and I have traveled far to meet you."

"You have?" Sarexa asked as she glanced at Neelix. Nunk studied her, she was definitely a better choice. Her ears might be small, but she wasn't bad looking.

"You are the couple not from the Alpha Quadrant..."

"I've been studying the maps," Neelix said. "Fereginar isn't that..."

"I know," Sarexa interrupted, "I was just surprised that Ferengi would have reporters. They are..." she paused. "Umm...businessmen."

"That's correct, ma'am," Nunk said. "We are. But businessmen need news too. What is your homeworld like?" He frantically tried to think of other questions that a real reporter would ask.

Neelix laughed. "You're the first reporter to ask about Talaxia. The others keep asking about Voyager and what Starfleet has planned."

"I'm looking for a different angle," Nunk said, pleased with his response.

Sarexa smiled. Nunk decided she had a nice smile. Maybe, after they'd finished extracting nanoprobes, she would perform oo-mox. Her fingers weren't as long and dainty as the Romulan officer...He glanced up when he realized she was talking.

"The reporter from the Risian Ribald was looking for a different angle," Sarexa said. "She wanted to know if Voyager had been a love cruise."

"She also wanted to know about Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay," Neelix added

"And you answered her question, brilliantly." Sarexa reached over and patted Neelix's hand. The male Talaxian practically glowed. Sarexa took a sip from her drink. "We've become Voyager's unofficial liaison with the press. I know Commander Craig is official, but really, I think this idea of not talking to the press..." Neelix hissed at her. "Well, I think it is stupid. Which is why we're talking. Neelix here is the Talaxian ambassador to the Federation..." Nunk leaned back and reached into his pocket. The vial fit comfortably into his hand.

"So, Neelix," Nunk said, trying to regain control of the conversation, and in the process, cutting Sarexa off. "I hear you were a trader?" Maybe he could learn something about the market potential of the Delta Quadrant.

"Trader, ambassador, smuggler...You name it, I've done it."

"What's business like?"

Neelix snorted. "OK, as long as the Kazon don't steal your ship and leave you floating in space."

"The Romulans can be like that." Nunk maintained a neutral expression. Both Talaxians reacted to the name, but didn't respond. He changed the subject. "So, what do you think of the Alpha Quadrant?"

"I haven't seen much," Neelix responded. There was a shout from the other side of the bar. The pair turned to look behind them. Nunk quickly opened the vial and dumped an equal amount of the pale tan liquid into each of the Talaxians' drinks. About time Blunt created the diversion. Any longer, and these two would begin to suspect he wasn't a reporter.

"Exciting place," Sarexa said as she turned back.

"It's like bars across the galaxy. Probably someone discovered their purse had been cut," Neelix said.

"Here's to your new life in the Alpha Quadrant," Nunk said as he lifted his tankard. The two Ferengi lifted theirs in response. Neelix took several deep swallows, but Nunk winced when the female grimaced after only a couple of tiny tastes. "So, what are your plans?"

Sarexa continued to take several more tiny sips, while Neelix answered. "As the new ambassador from Talaxia, I could meet with the president. Or I might open a restaurant: the Talaxian Tap and Grill? I haven't come up with the perfect name yet."

Sarexa giggled. "Neelix was Voyager's cook. I helped. The Zornon...no that wasn't the name." She leaned over and tugged on Neelix's whiskers. Neelix's eyes opened wide, so did Nunk's. Oo-mox in public?

"Sarexa..." Neelix took her hands in his.

"You have cute whiskers," Sarexa said, freeing her right hand which she used to continue tugging.

"Not in public," Neelix whispered. Nunk stared, The dealer had told him that the tranquilizer would work in minutes. These two didn't seem anywhere ready to sleep. She leaned closer to Neelix and whispered something. "Now?" Neelix asked. He giggled as he clumsily stood. "Excuse us."

"But..." Nunk banged his head twice on the table as they hurriedly walked away.

"That was brilliant brother. Once again you blew it," Blont said as he sat down.

"It's not my fault. You bought a faulty - "

"Shut up," Blont hissed. "Everyone doesn't need to know. Follow them. I'm going to talk to that dealer about getting our latinum back. The tranquilizer was obviously faulty."

"Maybe we should capture the Borg male?" Nunk asked. His next suggestion would be that they just go home.

"No." Blunt pointed toward the bar. "It seems he's going to be adopted by some Starfleet admiral. Someone would miss him."

"And the female wouldn't be missed? It seems..."

"She is female, she won't be missed." Blont shook his head. "Follow them!"

Nunk stood. The two Talaxians were already out in the promenade. The ear rubbing was becoming more intense. "They won't go far."

::Ah, Commander Craig,:: Admiral Nechayev's image said. ::You asked for information about what to tell the press.::

"Yes, ma'am," Craig said, not sure if he was relieved or not that someone in the Admiralty was willing to give him information.

::I understand your predicament, but there are reasons that we are still unwilling to announce anything.:: Craig grimaced at those words, as his favorite Shakespearean quote leapt to mind. 'Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing...' He'd once considered a career in xeno-mycology - it was chance and the war that had landed him in his present position.

"Yes, ma'am. Colonel Kira is using the press that showed up to cover Voyager." He had to admit she was doing a pretty good job.

::My aides have brought me some of the coverage. We're trying to lever the Bajorans into cooperating...:: She didn't need to finish the sentence. Ever since the war, the Bajorans had done little cooperating - especially since the Federation had seemingly realigned themselves with the Cardassians.

Craig nodded. "The crew is anxious to tell their story..."

Nechayev glanced away and nodded, then returned her attention back to him. ::I'm sure they are. But we're trying to avoid them being tried by the press. You've seen some of the reports. Prime Directive violations, the Borg, and the whole affair over the Equinox. And there are some who think Voyager is receiving too much attention.::

"Admiral, ma'am, with all due respect, it would be best to order Voyager to leave Deep Space Nine as soon as possible."

::That's not possible - we're not ready for them to arrive at Earth. Outside of having them return to the Badlands, we can no longer keep Voyager in isolation. You'll just have to keep up the good work, and try to keep Voyager from having anymore adventures.::

He groaned, quietly of course. "Speaking of adventures, ma'am, the Romulans?"

::Taken care of. The Romulan government has assured us of this." She hesitated. "Starfleet intelligence is hinting that these rogue elements had outside help. We're still waiting for confirmation - but they apparently fled before the ship was captured. The two Ferengi brothers who weren't captured after that fiasco with the Pathfinder project.::

"Ferengi?" He stopped. There were those two from some Ferengi paper.

::You know something?:: she asked.

"Not really, ma'am. There are two Ferengi reporters on the station"

::There must be some profit somewhere in reporting. Admiral Hayes or I will contact you if there are any further developments. Good day, Commander.::

"Ma'am." Craig sighed when the connection was cut. "Computer, where is Captain Janeway?"

::Captain Janeway is in a meeting with Colonel Kira::

"And Commander Chakotay?"

::Commander Chakotay is on board Voyager::

Chakotay smiled as Mrs. Janeway sat down across from him. Voyager's Mess Hall was empty - most of the crew preferring to eat and explore Deep Space Nine. He was on duty and had stopped by to have a light meal.

"Hello," she said. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all, Mrs. Janeway, but weren't you supposed to meet with Kathryn?"

She raised an eyebrow as she sat down. "She had to cancel."

He wondered just what had come up this time. Their return seemed to be turning into a bureaucratic nightmare. "So instead, Mrs. Janeway, you decided to eat here?"

"You're here, and I was hoping to talk to you."

He nodded, wondering just what she knew. He and Kathryn had, so far, avoided any reference to their relationship, knowing that while the press would love it, Starfleet might not.

"And since you seem to be on a first name basis with my daughter, perhaps you can call me Gretchen?"

"Give me a few days on that one, okay?"

"I'd like to thank you for taking care of my daughter - and if you ever tell her that I said that, I'll deny saying it."

"Understood, Mrs...Gretchen." He smiled. Kathryn didn't like *being taken care of.*

"And now," Gretchen said as she leaned forward. "What are your intentions?"

Chakotay hesitated - wondering just how much Kathryn had told her. He decided on the safer answer. "First, find out if Starfleet plans on throwing me in jail."

"Chakotay," she said with a laugh. "I'm a mother. When my girls start mentioning the same man in every sentence, I pay attention. How long have you been together?"

"Eleven months, five days..."

"That's all?"

"That's all. We did a lot of dancing around each other for seven years." He smiled at the memories. "The crew knows, but we haven't told anyone else."

Gretchen nodded. "What are your plans?"

"I'm in limbo. We still haven't heard anything about what Starfleet wants to do with the Maquis...or with Kathryn."

"Do you think she's in trouble?"

"No, not really. She did make some decisions that many may not agree with. How much has she told you?" He didn't want to worry Mrs. Janeway - Gretchen - more than necessary.

"Some. Chakotay, I've been involved in one way or another with Starfleet for years. There is something going on - and the silence is worrying her - and me. She's worried about the Maquis and Equinox survivors - but she seems unconcerned about herself."

"She promised to contact a lawyer friend of hers."

"Daeja Thev? I've talked to her. Sensible and Andorian. An excellent combination." Gretchen smiled as she started to stand. "Take care of my daughter, Commander - although it seems you've done a good job, so far."

"Always," Chakotay said. He watched her leave, his thoughts returning to their homecoming. Romulans, lawyers, and admirals...

"Commander Chakotay!" Chakotay closed his eyes at the sound of Commander Craig's voice. Just what had happened now?