A cluster of children rushed through the door and raced toward the couple that had just arrived.

"Grandma!  Grandpa!"  Their shouts mingled in the confusion as they sought to get a hug from each of their grandparents.  The elderly couple made sure they gave each child a hug and special word as they made their way toward the couch.  Once there, they settled in the middle next to each, their long years together evident in each movement.

"Tell us a story, Grandpa!"

"Yes, a story!"

"Please!"

"A true story, Grandpa!"

The children gathered around the couple and quickly settled into favorite spots to listen, knowing their grandfather would not disappoint them.  The old man looked around and knew today was a good day for “The Story” as the youngest called the family favorite.  He settled into the story with practiced ease.

"I can tell you a story.  It’s an ancient legend among our people.  It’s a story about an angry warrior who lived in conflict with the rest of his tribe, a man who couldn’t find peace – even with the help of his spirit guide.  For years, he struggled with his discontent, but the only satisfaction that he ever got came when he was in battle.  This made him a hero among his people, but still the warrior yearned for peace within himself.  One day, an enemy tribe captured the warrior leaving the angry warrior’s tribe with no one to lead them.  A woman warrior found his tribe and offered to lead them if they would join her tribe.  Led by the woman warrior, the two tribes freed the angry warrior from the enemy.  The woman warrior called on the angry warrior to join her.  The woman warrior was brave and beautiful and very wise.  The angry warrior swore to himself that he would stay by her side, doing all that he could to make her burden lighter.  From that day on, her needs would come first.  And in that way, the warrior found true meaning of peace and love.

"For many years the angry warrior stood by the side of the woman warrior as she led their people on a long and dangerous journey.  Her wisdom kept the people safe on their journey.  One day the woman warrior asked the angry warrior to lead the people so she could rest.  The angry warrior agreed and the woman warrior was able to rest secure in his leadership.  After a time the woman warrior realized she had rested enough so she asked the angry warrior if she could again lead their people.  The angry warrior welcomed the woman warrior’s request.  He had longed for her at his side leading their people.  Once again the woman warrior led her people with the angry warrior at her side.  During their journey they encountered many people and saw many strange and wonderful worlds.  They shared their story with the people they met and soon the story of the woman warrior and the angry warrior spread to those they had not met.  Soon all the people in all the tribes knew their story and the story of their journey.

"For many years the legend about the woman warrior and the angry warrior grew.  Their wisdom and strength kept their people safe during their journey.  Together they guided their people showing them how to find peace within themselves.  When they met new tribes, they also struggled to keep those people safe.  They shared their wisdom with the new tribes helping them to find peace and love.  The legend of the woman warrior and the angry warrior continued to grow long after their journey ended.  The legacy the woman warrior and the angry warrior left their people still guides their family today and we honor their memories for showing us the true meaning of peace and love."

Told by Kolopek, grandson of Captain Kathryn Janeway and Captain Chakotay, on his 90th birthday, to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.