Chapter 8
Chakotay slowly opened his medicine bundle. He set out his Akoonah, the blackbird wing, the rock from the river, and a recently added item—a picture of Kathryn. He placed his hand and on the Akoonah, closed his eyes, and began the ritual.
A-koo-chee-moya. We are far from the sacred places of our grandfathers. We are far from the bones of my people. On this day, I ask to speak to my father. He whom the winds call Kolopak. I need his wisdom on this day."
He heard the crackling of a fire and opened his eyes. His father sat across the fire from him. Chakotay sat down to hear what wisdom his father might impart to him.
"My son, how is the son you spoke of?"
"The woman was wrong, our Doctor confirmed that the baby was not human, but was in fact Cardassian and Kazon. It was not the first time she deceived me. She masqueraded as a Bajoran to earn my trust and join my Maquis cell."
"Such are the ways of the Cardassians, my son."
"Yes, however, I have found someone who I feel is my true life mate."
"Tell me about this woman who has captured the heart of my contrary son."
"She is my Captain, Kathryn Janeway. We spent several months on a planet after we were infected by an insect. The Doctor tried for almost a month without success to find a cure for our disease. In the end, Voyager continued on her journey home leaving us behind. We ended up calling our home New Earth."
"Kathryn worked tireless to try to find a cure. We had a shuttle at our disposal, as well as everything we needed to live there. If she found a cure, we would leave in the shuttle. One day a severe plasma storm destroyed all of our equipment. She knew she could no longer carry on her research."
"Then what happened, my son. I know you are back on Voyager, so clearly you were rescued some time after that."
"Yes, eventually we were. After the storm, I created a legend to let her know how I felt about her, that I loved her…That night…we became as one flesh."
"During the following days, our love grew. We were happy and content with the life we had made for ourselves. Then one day, Voyager contacted us. They had gotten a cure from the Vidiians. They picked us up thirty hours later."
"It was right after that Seska contacted me claiming she had given birth to my son. We went after him. It turned out to be a trap. For a time, we were stranded on a very primitive planet. Thanks to the bravery of Tom Paris, Lon Suder, some Talaxians, and our Doctor, the ship was retaken; and we were rescued."
"Not long after our rescue from Hanon IV, Kathryn told me she was pregnant. We went to sickbay that night, and the Doctor confirmed that she was two months pregnant with a girl."
Kolopak looked thoughtfully at his son. Then he dropped his gaze to the fire and waited for Chakotay to continue.
"Once we got back from New Earth, Kathryn wanted us to go back to the way things were before we got infected. Back to the protocols that kept us apart. I didn't agree, but I accepted her decision. Now she carries my daughter. I have sworn to stand by her. Father, I want her as my life mate. I want her to see past the protocols and accept my love. Not just because we have a child together, but because I truly love her. Tell what to do, Father."
"You are an honorable man, Chakotay. Patience is you ally in this situation. Continue to be at her side, supporting her through the pregnancy and all other things as well. Love is best spoken through actions. Mere words can deceive. Actions speak the truth more loudly than any words ever spoken."
"I am doing these things you speak of, Father. Will they be enough? How long will it take for her to accept my love?"
"Chakotay, you know that those of us who walk the Spirit Sky can not reveal the future to those who dwell on the mortal plain. You must trust that this will work out for the good of all. Now, my son, I must return to the Spirit Sky. Heed my words carefully."
The scene faded, and Chakotay found himself back in his quarters. He carefully put his medicine bundle back together. His Father had given him some answers. Now he had to follow that advice and trust that the end results would be what he desired.