Day 64
His daughter is born into a world of chaos and yet, everything seems to come to a halt at the doors to sickbay. This moment that has been so long in the making, that he worried might never come, finally has. And the result is pure joy.
"Hi, Daddy," his wife says with a smile that lights up the room. He looks upon the face of his child, she's perfect in every way. Her mother – his wife – is tired but not weak, she is thoroughly empowered by the new life she cradles in her arms.
When she hands the baby to him for the first time, he can hardly believe how tiny she is. The little one coos and wriggles, he bends to kiss her hair and nothing has ever felt more like love.
Daddy's not sure how much time passes in this blur of peace and new life. After a while, the family moves to the more comfortable surroundings of their quarters where Earth – and their Starfleet escorts – are on display outside the viewport.
The baby has just drifted off to sleep when there is a chime at the door.
"Come in," says his wife from where she is seated on their bed. She pulls her robe tight around her body.
"Captain, Commander," he says. "I'd like you to meet our daughter." He holds the baby tight, pride burns deep within him.
"Her name is Miral," his wife announces.
The captain all but runs towards them. He can see the stress and sorrow of the last few days melt away in the wake of good fortune.
"I see we made it," his wife says, moving to a chair.
Chakotay smiles, dimples peek through, and he nods. "That we did."
"What are you doing here? Surely there are a million things to take care of."
"And none of them, not a single one, will get in the way of us meeting our newest crewmember," the captain says, stroking the baby's dark hair. "Oh, B'Elanna. She's perfect. Congratulations."
Daddy watches as his wife beams with pride. "So, the two of you will finally be free to be together now. Think one of these is in your future?" he asks, gesturing to the baby, now asleep in his arms.
"Tom!" his wife hisses from behind.
The captain chuckles uncomfortably, glances to Chakotay who is wearing an expression of confusion.
"I'm not sure what you're implying," Chakotay says.
"Oh, come on. It's not a big secret that you two have feelings for each other," Daddy says, with a shrug. "And now that we're back, well, guess you don't have to worry about the whole parameters thing, am I right? Now you can finally cross all of those barriers that have been in your way."
Chakotay's jaw is set, his eyes narrowed.
"Tom," the captain says curtly. "Can I hold her now?"
"Oh, sure." He carefully maneuvers the little one into her arms, then Chakotay takes him with a hand on his shoulder and moves him out of earshot.
"Look," Chakotay says, "I'm willing to give you a little bit of leeway considering all of the new-parent stress you must be under. But I'd appreciate it if you don't discuss this theory you have regarding me and the captain. It's really none of your business."
"It's true though," he says with a flippant shrug. "You said it yourself, there's no use denying your feelings, and it'd be a damn shame to waste any more time."
"I'm not denying anything, I'm simply stating that what Kathryn and I decide to pursue or not pursue is our prerogative and not open for speculation."
"Right, right. Your secret is safe with me." Daddy can feel Chakotay's eyes on him still as he stares down to the Earth below. The tension is broken when his wife comes up close, carrying their precious bundle. "You know," he says, contentment in his heart. "I can't decide which sight is more beautiful."
"Oh, I think your wife and daughter would win that contest any day," the captain replies with a smile.
Daddy kisses his wife on her cheek and the baby on her head. The five of them all face the viewport now.
"It is hard to believe we're really home, isn't it?" the captain sighs, leaning in slightly to her first officer. "And just in time for you to start your family."
"It is rather amazing," his wife agrees.
"Home," Daddy repeats, his eyes trained on the lush planet below.
"Yes. We will do well here. We will do very well indeed."
Authors Note:
1. The original prompt was from MiaCooper and was a challenge to make Janeway (of sound mind and body) do something extremely out-of-character and give up command.
2. I had four lovely people read this story before I published it and all four had different interpretations of the ending. To be honest, it surprised me, but I think it's great (I have my own ideas, of course). Anyway, as Mia reminded me halfway through writing this, the first rule of Horror is to leave yourself open for a sequel...and apparently ambiguity is the best friend of suspense.
3. Thank you for reading!
