Kathryn sat along the wall in a relatively empty corner of the transit terminal at the remote end of the intra-system hub. She had arrived far too early to meet the shuttle and had run out of things to do to pass the time. She slowly sipped her third cup of coffee and tried to stop fidgeting.

The past year had seemed to go so slowly, but now it seemed to Kathryn as if no time at all had passed since Voyager emerged from the Borg transwarp corridor. Those first few days were nothing but a blur. Kathryn could remember everything that had happened but none of it seemed real. She looked around and knew that they had been all too real. She allowed her mind to play over the events following Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant.

Voyager had quickly moved into Earth orbit near the primary space dock. Starfleet had been unprepared for their return and refused to allow them to contact any civilians when they arrived. That restriction had been lifted once they had established secured channels and had personnel available to monitor all communications. Kathryn understood why Starfleet Command wanted to protect any information about Voyager's acquired technology but she was extremely upset that they didn't trust her crew.

She protested the decision to isolate the entire crew until they had completed debriefing. Kathryn smiled as she remembered Harry and Sam Wildman physically restraining her when 'fleet Security had removed all the former Maquis to separate facilities pending a decision from the Federation Council about charges. She knew if they hadn't been there, she would have probably landed herself in the brig.

Starfleet had ignored the issue entirely and started debriefing both groups but never allowed them to interact with each other. About a week into the debriefing process, B'Elanna appeared looking for Tom and Miral. She brought news about the former Maquis. The Federation Council had apparently decided not to proceed with any actions again her and she had been released from custody. The details she gave were sketchy because she was trying to find her family. By the time she located them and become reacquainted with her daughter, others had made their way to the main group and updated their friends. They had been confined to quarters when they were not in a debriefing session and were allowed no communication whatsoever. All they knew was that each had received a message that no charges would be filed and the extra restrictions had been lifted.

Kathryn sighed as she recalled the next few weeks. It had been another twenty-four hours before they all realized that Chakotay had not been released with the rest. Kathryn tried desperately to get information about him but all she could learn was that once Starfleet had completed debriefing him, he had been transferred to civilian security. His trial had been very low profile, so low that Kathryn didn't know it had begun until his sentence was announced. The announcement didn't even mention what the charges had been. All Kathryn knew was that he was to serve one year in a maximum-security facility.

The entire crew showed up at her door when the news spread wanting to know what was going on. Kathryn had nothing she could tell them and no matter who she contacted in Starfleet, she received the same response – Chakotay was a civilian matter, not Starfleet; there was nothing they could do and they had no information on his location or condition. Tom was the one who suggested that they all write to Chakotay at every facility in the hopes that he would at least be allowed incoming mail.  He also suggested that all the mail be copied and collected in one place in case Chakotay didn't receive it. At least when he was released in a year, they could deliver it and he would know he had not been forgotten.

Kathryn checked that she had her carry sack safely next to her. There were a lot of letters on those padds. She knew that there was a new picture of Miral every week attached to a letter from Tom or B'Elanna. One of her favorites was a recent one of Miral with Naomi and Naomi's brand new baby brother. Naomi was probably one of the most diligent about keeping Chakotay up to date on events. At last count, she had sent Chakotay over one hundred twenty letters, drawings and pictures.

There were a few letters that Kathryn wasn't sure Chakotay would find so enjoyable, most notably the single one from Seven written shortly after his sentence was made public. Kathryn knew the contents of that letter only because Seven had shown up one evening requesting help from Kathryn.
 

The last Kathryn had heard from Seven was a brief note saying she was heading to Risa to continue her exploration of her humanity.

Kathryn stood and stretched then checked the time. She had about fifteen minutes before the shuttle was due. She picked up her things and dropped the cup in a recycler bin before heading for the ladies room.

Kathryn was about twenty feet from the gate when the arrival of the shuttle was announced. A few minutes later, people began walking through the exit. Most seemed familiar with the terminal and turned immediately toward the main exit. Kathryn was beginning to think she had met the wrong shuttle when she saw Chakotay. She gasped slightly at his appearance. He had lost weight and seemed pale but the biggest change was his face. He seemed to have aged years since she had seen him. He carried only an envelope.

Chakotay paused at the door and stepped to the side as he tried to get his bearings in the unfamiliar building but he wasn’t looking for anyone, just for signs that would lead him to the exit. Kathryn knew then that he had not received any of the letters or he would have known someone would be there to meet him. She moved forward to meet him.

"Chakotay. It's so good to see you." Once she knew he had seen her, she moved closer and pulled him into a hug. He tensed slightly but his arms moved around her in a weak hug that grew stronger when she didn't pull away after a few seconds.

"Kathryn, what are you doing here?"

"I came to meet you."

"You didn't have to do that. I'll be fine."

"I wanted to meet you and I know you'll be fine because you are coming with me."

Chakotay held up the envelope.

"I can get my own place. They gave me enough credits for a few days."

"You have more than that in an account at 'fleet but you don't need any of them now. Like I said, you're coming with me. If we hurry we can beat the afternoon rush."

Kathryn stepped out of his arms and slipped her arm through his turning in the direction of the exit. Chakotay had no choice but to walk with her unless he wanted to make a scene. They walked in silence through the terminal, neither knowing quite what to say. Chakotay started to head for the mass public transit station but Kathryn pulled him in the direction of the transporter station.

"I can't afford a public transporter, Kathryn."

"Neither can I, but we're using the 'fleet transporter which is why I wanted to beat the afternoon rush. Now come on, shifts change in ten minutes and I want to be at the terminal by my place before that."

Ten minutes later, Chakotay found himself outside on a bench next to Kathryn waiting for a ground transport to finish their journey. The area was wooded and the station was designed to look like a log home. They were on a long covered porch facing a lake. He hadn't recognized the coordinates Kathryn had given but knew it was a secure location because she had been required to provide her 'fleet identification.

"You didn't receive any mail, did you?" Kathryn broke the peaceful silence.

"No."

"Well, it wasn't because no one wrote, Chakotay." Kathryn pulled her carry sack to her lap then passed it to him. "These are copies of all the letters our crew wrote to you during the last year. There are a lot of pictures and holiday cards, too. I think Naomi wrote the most letters. I lost track after one hundred twenty."

Chakotay stared at the sack and his face brightened slightly as he realized how many letters must be on the padds in the sack. He pulled out a handful and stared at them.

"We just numbered them in the order sent. You can download them on my computer and sort them another way if you want."

"Are your letters here, too, Kathryn?"

"Yes, every one of them, mixed in with the rest."

"Thank you. It means a lot to know you all didn't forget about me. I wish I had known."

"I do, too, Chakotay." Kathryn's voice was a mere whisper as she realized how alone he must have felt.

Chakotay started sorting through the padds in the sack.

"I numbered them chronologically. I thought that might help you get started."

"Thanks." Chakotay dug through the collection and pulled out a handful. He started scanning the list of senders. Kathryn knew what he was looking for and that he wouldn't find it until the tenth padd. She wished she could shield him from that letter but knew she couldn't. Without really watching, she mentally counted the padds until he picked up the tenth. She knew when he found it and tried to keep him from reading it so soon after his release.

"There's only that one, Chakotay. Why don't you save it until we get home?"

Chakotay glanced at Kathryn's face. He quickly realized that if there were only one letter, that it would not be pleasant.

"I'll read it and get it over with, all right?"

"It's up to you. I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry."

Chakotay knew that Kathryn was just trying to make it easier on him. He opened the letter from Seven and read it through. Kathryn watched his face as he read and knew when he reached the portions that stung the most. Chakotay dropped the padd into the sack where it sat on the bench next to him and stood and walked over to the railing to stare at the woods around them. He only returned to the bench when a transport pulled in. He looked puzzled when Kathryn remained seated.

"Aren't we taking the transport?"

"Not that one. It's going into town and on to the cabins around the lake. We're waiting for the 'fleet transport."

"Starfleet has a transport out here?"

"Yes. There's a Federation compound about three kilometers away that they use for visiting dignitaries and informal meetings. There is also a survival camp near it they use for cadets from time to time. Over the years, the cabins near the compound were acquired by the brass at Starfleet Command who used them in the summer and on weekends."

"You live in one of those cabins?"

"My dad was brass, remember?"

"That's right. I forgot for a minute.  I thought you'd stay with your mother."

"I did for a while but she was used to being on her own and so was I. I see her a couple times every month and we talk every few days. She was up here most weekends last summer. It's working out very well this way."

"I won't intrude on your privacy long, Kathryn. I'll find a place tomorrow."

"You aren't intruding. Besides, I invited Tom and B'Elanna to come over tomorrow afternoon. They've missed you, too." Kathryn touched his hand to force him to look at her. "I want you to stay with me."

Chakotay still seemed reluctant so Kathryn continued.

"Look, there's been something between us for eight years and between us we've managed to do a pretty good job of messing whatever it is up. You're my friend and that's enough of a reason for you to stay for at least a couple of weeks. Maybe we can salvage something more. I know I'd like to try."

Chakotay's eyes met hers briefly as he spoke.  "So would I."

The arrival of the Starfleet transport distracted them both and they moved to board it. Kathryn gave a saucy grin to the young driver.

"Hi, Kevin. Thought you'd be waiting for us."

"Oh, the young Admiral showed up and you know how things are when she's around. That young lady sure has Admiral Paris wrapped around her finger. She's cuter every time I see her."

"She sure is. You have time to get us home before the rush?"

"Sure. If anyone asks, I'll just blame the young Admiral. No one dares complain when she's involved."

Kathryn suddenly realized she had forgotten her manners.

"Chakotay, I'm sorry. This is Kevin. He's one of our regular drivers on this transport. Kevin, this is Chakotay."

"Hi, Chakotay."

"Hello, Kevin. Nice to meet you."

"Hate to cut this short, Captain, but if I'm going to get you home before the rush, we'd better get going. There are a few that have been taking off early all week to play golf."

"Ok."

Kathryn moved to the rear of the shuttle and chose a seat. Chakotay joined her.

"Who is the young Admiral, Kathryn?"

Kathryn laughed.

"I forgot – you haven't met her yet. You'll like her." She waited a few seconds before actually answering his question. "You know her as Miral and she does have Admiral Paris wrapped around her finger. If you don't mind, they want to come over tomorrow afternoon."

"I don't mind. It will be good to see them." Chakotay's voice sounded a bit disappointed.

"Chakotay, the only reason they weren't with me to meet you is because I refused to let them come. Our entire crew would have been there if I hadn't put my foot down. Would you like to see them sooner?"

"I don't want to put you or them to any trouble. Tomorrow will be fine."

Kathryn heard the contradiction in his voice. She stood and slid past Chakotay so she could walk to the front of the bus. She talked briefly to Kevin then made a call from the communicator at the front of the transport. She was smiling when she returned to her seat.

"Kevin is going to pick them up and drop them back at my place before he goes back to the station."

"He's going to leave officers waiting while he picks up a few of my friends?"

"No, he's going to leave them waiting while he picks up the young Admiral. Besides, he's a civilian. They have to be nice to him or they won't get any special favors when they need them."

"I didn't want to make you go to any extra work."

"It's no trouble. My mom has been cooking and putting things in stasis for the last month so you wouldn't have to eat my cooking. I had planned on just soup and salad tonight but we'll have lasagna instead of the soup. There is plenty of salad. Don't worry, they won't stay late."

The dinner and evening went smoothly. Chakotay was enthralled with Miral and regretted not seeing her during her first year. B'Elanna assured him that he had pictures of all major and minor events in her life among their letters. The hours flew as they talked but Kathryn kept an eye on the time and managed to signal B'Elanna that Kevin would have the transport outside waiting in a few minutes. The Paris family made their farewells.

Chakotay turned to help Kathryn clean up the glasses. As they finished, Chakotay looked around.

"This isn't quite how I envisioned the 'cottage' you always talked about."

"That's what Mom always called it. I guess it is a bit large to be called a cottage. It seems smaller to me than it is because we never used the upstairs except for guests. My sister and I shared a room downstairs unless we had friends with us. Then we'd use both of the smaller rooms down here. My mom still uses the same room when she comes. I hope you don't mind, but I thought I'd put you downstairs. It's slightly smaller than the ones upstairs but it's where our family and closest friends always stayed."

Chakotay smiled. "I'd like that, Kathryn."

Kathryn returned the smile and grabbed his hand.

"Come on. I'll give you a tour of the upstairs so you know what you're missing. Then I'll show you your room."

Fifteen minutes later, Kathryn had shown Chakotay his room and left him to settle in. She returned to the great room and sat down to consider how the day had gone. Although not quite as she had planned it, she had to admit it had gone well. She stared at the fireplace knowing that in a few months, she would keep a fire going when she was home.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

Kathryn nearly jumped out of her skin. For a brief moment she fixed her glare on Chakotay before she started to chuckle. He grinned broadly as he realized she had not heard him approach. Kathryn sighed.

"No, I don't mind if you join me but next time slam a door or stomp on the floor so I know you're there. Do you want some tea or something?"

Kathryn started to stand but Chakotay stopped her as he sat down next to her.

"No. I'm fine. I'm not tired yet. I thought maybe we could talk a bit."

"About anything in particular?"

"About what you said back at the station about salvaging our relationship."

"Where do we start? At the beginning?" Kathryn was going to let him take the next step.

"I thought maybe I'd tell you a little about this last year. I have your letters to tell me about it from your perspective."

When Kathryn made no response other than to shift a little closer to him on the couch, Chakotay continued.

"You know I was sentenced to one year and I thought I'd just serve my time and get out. There was nothing in the actual sentence that required them to send me to maximum-security facility but they did. I knew that it would be more difficult and that I would get no visitors while I was there but I was determined to cause no trouble and to get along with the others.

"It went well for a few days, then about a week after I arrived, another prisoner wanted my bread. I told him that I was hungry and was going to eat it myself. He started shouting and pushed me off my chair. The guards dragged me away and the next day I was placed in solitary confinement. I didn't see anyone most days even for meals. The only time I saw a guard was once a week when I got to use the shower for ten minutes. That and the mandatory check ups in the infirmary every three months.

"On my third trip to the infirmary, a medic whispered to me that I had been set up. The other guy didn't even miss his dinner that night. That's all he had time to tell me or maybe it was all he knew. At any rate, it hit me hard. I'd been there over nine months with no mail and no contact with anyone and then I learned that even the system was being used against me. I nearly gave up then but I didn't. For the first time being a contrary was to my advantage and I managed to stick out the next few months. I tried to focus on what I would do when I was released.

"I knew no one on Earth would hire me and Starfleet wouldn't want me so I thought I'd find some new settlement that was more interested in having a strong back and hard worker than a perfect background. I didn't really expect to see anyone when I was released. After I hadn't received any letters, I thought everyone would prefer to avoid seeing me again."

"That's not true, Chakotay. I told you that." Kathryn wrapped her arms around his and leaned her head against his shoulder.

"I know that now, but I didn't then. You'll never know how much it meant to me when I realized you were waiting for me."

"You're wrong about another thing though."

"About what?"

"Starfleet. I wasn’t going to tell you for a few days but they not only want you back, as far as they're concerned you've never been gone – at least not since I gave you that field commission eight years ago."

"What are you talking about?"

"I think they called it 'detached duty' in your file but you are still on their active list of officers. You've been accumulating pay, benefits and leave for the last year. I have a list of assignments for you to look over when you're ready to think that far ahead."

"Why?"

"I doubt we'll ever hear the whole story, but apparently your trial was politically driven and a few of the civilian officials involved had a personal stake in punishing anything or anyone Maquis. It's no secret among the ranking brass that you were a token to appease some of our allies."

"Any idea what sorts of positions are on that list?"

"Just ideas. I suspect they have at least one assignment that gives you your own ship. Then there's the Academy. I'm sure you could teach any number of courses there from tactics to cultures of the Delta Quadrant."

"What have you been doing?"

"I've been in command of a new deep space station. I've just been promoted and will be taking command of the sector but I'll be based at the same station. It's out in an area the Federation hadn't explored yet when we left. They will need a new commander for my station now and I'm hoping they have that on your list of possible assignments."

"Sounds like you've been making some plans, too."

"I have but they're just dreams at this point. But nothing needs to be decided tonight. I'm on leave for another two months and don't go back to the station for three."

Kathryn lifted her head to meet his eyes.

"I think that's enough talk for tonight. We both need to get some sleep so we are awake when we see Tom and B'Elanna tomorrow afternoon. It might be a good idea if you start reading some of that mail in the morning. I suspect that by the time we get to their place tomorrow afternoon, Harry and a few others will just happen to have dropped by."

"You're right. Thanks for talking. I think I can sleep now."

They stood and together they headed for their rooms knowing that the first step in their salvage project had been taken.

Chakotay woke surprised that he had slept so well and so late. It was nearly time for lunch. So much for starting in on his mail. He went to the closet hoping to find a robe and was surprised to find all his civilian clothes from Voyager. He took out his robe and turned to the chest of drawers.  Sure enough, Kathryn had all his other clothes stored neatly. After gathering up his toiletries, he made his way to the bathroom for a shower.

Kathryn heard Chakotay as he made his way to the bathroom and then the sound of running water. She glanced at the clock and quickly decided that it was too late for breakfast so she got out the soup she had planned for the night before. They were going to Paris's in a few hours and she knew that Tom had planned a cook out for them and a 'few' friends. She paused in the preparation of the meal and decided that Chakotay might like a grilled cheese sandwich to go with the tomato soup and salad so she got out the cheese and bread and started to prepare him one. She assembled it but did not start heating it because the water in the shower was still running. She smiled. A hot water shower was probably a long forgotten luxury for Chakotay and he would be enjoying it.

Fifteen minutes later, Chakotay appeared. He looked rested and refreshed.

"I'm sorry I overslept."

"We're on leave, remember? We can sleep as late as we want for the next few weeks. We aren't due at Tom and B'Elanna's for another three hours. Ready for lunch?"

"Let me help you."

"Ok. You can cook your own grilled cheese sandwich. Then if it's burned you have only yourself to blame."

Chakotay grinned and they made their way to the kitchen chatting about Miral and how happy Tom and B'Elanna were. While they ate, Kathryn tried to warn Chakotay about Tom's plans for the evening. Chakotay chuckled and reminded Kathryn that he had personal experience with Tom letting his ideas carry him away.

When they had finished eating, Kathryn insisted that Chakotay start reading his mail while she cleaned up. Chakotay retrieved a handful of padds from his room and made himself comfortable on the sofa near the window where he could read and still enjoy the out doors. Kathryn fussed around the kitchen until he was absorbed with the letters then went to check her mail. As she had expected, she had a dozen messages asking how soon various members of the crew could come see Chakotay. She glanced over to where Chakotay was reading and decided that two weeks would allow him to adjust enough to deal with the crew en masse so she replied that there would be a cook out for the entire crew at the Paris house in two weeks. She copied Tom and B'Elanna and thanked them for hosting the gathering.

When she finished, Kathryn got up, walked over to the sofa and sat down next to Chakotay. He shifted slightly and put his arm around her shoulders and held the padd so she could read along with him. Two letters later was the first one from Tom and B'Elanna. They spent the next thirty minutes looking at over one hundred pictures of Miral. They laughed and discussed each picture. When they finished, Chakotay put the padd down. Finally he spoke.

"She hurt my ego, Kathryn, but not my heart."

Kathryn knew whom Chakotay meant but she didn't respond. She thought he needed to talk.

"I'm glad she didn't want to wait for me to get out of prison. If nothing else, this last year let me examine my feelings and I knew before I read the letter that she and I had no future together." He chuckled ruefully. "Why would a young woman want to hang around with an old man like me?"

"I can think of a lot of reasons but I'm glad she couldn't. And don't call yourself 'old.' I'm not that much younger and it makes me feel like you think I'm old, too."

"You know I didn't mean it like that." Chakotay put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look in her eyes. "You're beautiful, Kathryn. More beautiful than I remembered."

Kathryn started to respond but Chakotay put a finger against her lips to quiet her.

"Shhh. Indulge me today."

Kathryn nodded and relaxed against him. She thought perhaps they were moving too fast considering their long separation and the circumstances that had kept them apart, but she was enjoying finally having him close. Chakotay broke the silence.

"She might have been my single biggest contribution to the mess we've made of our private lives. Do you think you'll ever be able to forgive me for that?"

"There's nothing to forgive. You broke no promises and I had no claim on you."

"You're being too easy on me, Kathryn."

"No easier than you're being on me. I'm just as responsible for that mess as you are, maybe more so. What's important is that we sort it all out so it is truly behind us."

"Do you think we can ever leave it all behind us?"

"Maybe not all, but enough to give us a chance for a future that's more than just former shipmates and friends."

"How much more?"

"Isn't that what we're supposed to be trying to find out?"

"You talk as if you already know what you want. I just wondered what that was."

"I didn't think we'd get to this point quite so soon. Are you sure you're ready to talk about this?"

"It's been eight years, Kathryn. I think we've put it off long enough."

"All right. I want us together as a couple but only if it's what we both want. I'd like us to stay in Starfleet but if the only way we can be together is someplace else, then we'll leave Starfleet. I haven't really made up my mind if I could stay in Starfleet if you didn't. Most of all I want you to be happy and if that means we're never more than friends, then that's ok. It will hurt and be very hard for me, but I'll make it work somehow."

"For seven years that was what I wanted, too. Right now, I'm not sure what I want but this feels right, sitting here with you, just the two of us, talking and making plans with our friends."

"This feels right to me, too. Let's leave it at that for now." Kathryn snuggled against Chakotay and together they sat in contented silence until Kathryn checked the time.

"I hate to do this but Kevin will be here in fifteen minutes to take us to the Paris's. We'd better get ready."

Chakotay hugged her closer for a second before standing and pulling Kathryn to her feet.

"Just how many people are coming to this thing tonight?"

"Tom admitted to inviting twenty people but my guess is closer to forty if you count the kids and family that will come with them. Don't worry. If you get tired, we can leave early."

Two hours later, Chakotay had wandered outside with Ayala, Tom and a handful of the children to explore woodland trails near the house and were heading back to the house to get something to drink. Inside Kathryn was watching them approach when the doorbell rang. She glanced at B'Elanna.

"Isn't everyone here?"

"I thought so. Maybe Tom forgot to mention he invited someone else. Can you get it for me?"

"Sure." Kathryn made her way to the door and opened it to find Samantha Wildman with a baby on her hip and Naomi standing impatiently at her side.

"Captain, I'm sorry to intrude but Naomi is so anxious to see Chakotay that I finally just brought her. I hope you don't mind. We can't stay long."

"Sam, Naomi. Come in. It's not an intrusion." Kathryn watched as Naomi scanned the room looking for Chakotay. "He's outside, Naomi. Just go out the back door and you'll find him."

"Thanks, Captain." Naomi was gone in a flash.

"Come sit down, Sam. I'm sure Kenny must be getting heavy." Sam headed for a couch. "How did you know we were here?"

"The transport driver said if we were looking for you, we wanted to come here."  Sam glanced around the room. "I can see why he thought that."

Outside Chakotay was watching one of the younger children playing with the worms she had found under a rock and didn't see the moving figure until she nearly knocked him off his feet.

"Commander!"

Chakotay immediately recognized Naomi even though she had grown considerably. He lifted her into his arms.

"Naomi, I didn't know you were coming. How are you?"

"I'm fine. We weren't invited but I finally got Mom to bring me to see you. I've missed you, Commander."

"I've missed you, too, Naomi. I'm glad you talked your mom into coming. Now, tell me what you think of Earth and the Alpha Quadrant."

Naomi immediately launched into a detailed summary of her life since Voyager returned. She and Chakotay sat on the steps as she talked. Ayala and Tom joined them and slowly the other children sat down as well. Naomi asked for one of her favorite stories and soon Chakotay had all the children listening intently. Kathryn watched them from the window until B'Elanna joined her.

"He looks happy, doesn't he?"

"I think for the first time in a long time, he is happy. B'Elanna, do you think he'll stay?"

"I think so, Kathryn. He's loved you for a long time. He just needs time to come to terms with this last year and find those feelings again."

It was past midnight when Kathryn and Chakotay arrived home. Both were tired and happy but glad to be away from the crowd.

"Don’t take this the wrong way, Kathryn, but I'm glad to get away from them all."

"I know what you mean. I'm not used to having that many people around me. Do you want some tea before you go to bed?"

"If you join me."

Chakotay made the tea and they sat on the couch laughing over the events of the evening. When Kathryn finished her tea, she set the cup on the table and settled closer to Chakotay. He put his cup down and enjoyed the peace. Kathryn was nearly asleep when Chakotay spoke.

"Sleep in my bed tonight, Kathryn? Nothing more. Otherwise I'll want to sit here all night with you."

Kathryn roused enough to think about it. Hoping she didn't regret it, she stood and faced him.

"All right. I'll change and join you in a few minutes."

Fifteen minutes later, she slipped under the blanket and curled up next to him. They were both asleep in a matter of minutes.

The next morning Chakotay awoke late again. Kathryn was gone but the pillow still held the impression of her head. He could hear a shower running so he knew she hadn't been gone long. He quickly gathered his things and headed for the other shower. If he hurried, maybe he could have breakfast waiting for her when she came out.

That day set the pattern for the next few weeks. One or the other of them would get up and make breakfast then Kathryn would busy herself around the cabin or with her papers from 'fleet while Chakotay read his letters. After lunch, they would have visitors, both planned and impromptu, most of the afternoon. Most evenings, they ate alone but joined Tom and B'Elanna once in a while.

Most of all they talked. They talked about Chakotay's letters and Kathryn's work, about their crew and their years in the Delta Quadrant, about Riley and Kellin, Michael and Kashyk, Ransom and Admiral Janeway, the Vidiians and the Kazon, Neelix and Joe Carey, Kes and the Borg, roses and prehensile plants, monkeys and dinosaurs, monsters in replicators and haunts on Deck 12, the Omega particle and breaking the warp 10 barrier. They smoothed ragged scars and reopened old wounds that had not healed and started the healing process for them all. On the night before the big gathering at the Paris's, Chakotay told Kathryn the legend of the angry warrior again.

"It was true then, Kathryn, and it's still true. When I'm with you, I know the true meaning of peace and love. I still don't know if I want to stay in Starfleet but I do know I want to stay with you. Can it still be this way when you finish your leave?"

Kathryn signed in relief when she heard those words. They still had a long way to go, but they both wanted the same things.

"I want to stay with you, too. Starfleet has been my life for a long time, but if it starts coming between us, then I'll retire."

"You'd do that for me?"

"I'd do it for us, yes. If leaving Starfleet is what it takes for us to be happy and together, then it's what I'll do."

"I hope that doesn't happen."

"I don't think it will. Starfleet has never been our real problem. We let pride, a false sense of duty, guilt and a dozen other things become more important than they should have been. These last weeks have helped us both get past those things and put them in perspective."

"I still haven't come to terms with what's happened since we got back, not as it relates to the Federation and Starfleet. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that."

"I can only tell you what I know. Everyone I talked to at Starfleet claimed to be powerless to intervene because everything surrounding the Maquis was about you as a civilian not an officer. The JAG herself tried to get jurisdiction on the grounds that you were now a member of Starfleet but the Federation council denied her motion. I saw enough of the court records to know that much is the truth.

"A lot of people blame the Maquis for the war with the Dominion even though there is no basis for that opinion. Evidently a few people in the judicial branch of the Federation were in the right positions to exact revenge on the only Maquis they could – you. They managed to move things along very quickly and by the time the Federation Council knew what was happening, you had been tried and convicted. At that point, the Council President managed to do something because you received the minimum sentence and they counted your years on Voyager as part of the time served.  Almost everyone involved in your trial has been replaced during the last year. JAG tried to get you a retrial, but no judge would approve the motion since there was nothing technically wrong with the first trial.

"I was angry and bitter at first, too, but the more I've learned the more I've come to believe that it was the act of a few in positions of power and authority. The Council and Starfleet did what they could but were too late. Right now, I'm just glad this last year is behind us and we can be together."

"How much of this can you prove?"

"Not much. Most of what I know I learned through conversations. The motions JAG made are in the trial records. I have copies of them in my files here. I can probably arrange for you to talk with the Judge Advocate herself if you like. She might be able to explain things better than I can."

"I'll think about that. For now, I'm like you – glad that the year is behind us and we're together."

Later when they got up from the couch to go to bed, Chakotay pulled Kathryn into his arms.

"I want more than to just sleep with you, Kathryn. Until you're ready, we'd better sleep apart."

"All right, Chakotay. If that's what you want."

Kathryn's quiet acceptance disappointed Chakotay, but he smiled and kissed her forehead.

"Thank you, Kathryn."

Chakotay was nearly asleep half an hour later, when he felt the covers lift and Kathryn settled next to him. He turned to pull her into his arms.

"I didn't think from your reaction that you'd be here tonight."

"I've been ready for more than just sleeping since you got here. I've just been waiting for you to be ready, too."

Kathryn and Chakotay slept late the next morning. When they finally did get up, they ate a light lunch and got ready to go to the Paris's. They had promised to come early and help with the final preparations for the crew gathering later that evening. Owen Paris had arranged for them to borrow chairs, tables and a large tent for the evening so Chakotay spent most of the afternoon supervising the 'fleet personnel who came to set it up for them. Kathryn and B'Elanna put a final touch on the house and were dealing with the food B'Elanna had prepared. Tom was left to deal with the grills he would use to cook the hamburgers and hot dogs. As he struggled, the others had to laugh. Tom might be able to plan a party but he sure couldn't implement those plans very well.

Most of the guests brought a contribution to the meal, many of them reminiscent of the Delta Quadrant in one way or another. Kathryn's contribution had been sliced Talaxian tomatoes for the hamburgers. Once the party really got started, it was like so many they had all shared on Voyager with one notable exception. Instead of mingling separately, Voyager's captain and first officer were seldom separated and most of the evening they were standing hand in hand while they talked with the others. More than one person commented to B'Elanna how relaxed and happy the two seemed. B'Elanna nodded in agreement and made no comment but she knew that something between them had changed very recently – something for the better.

That gathering marked the halfway point in Kathryn's leave. The second month raced by and before she knew it, she had to report to headquarters for her first meeting about her new assignment.  As Kathryn was leaving the second day, Chakotay stopped her as she was opening the door.

"Kathryn, could you see if the Judge Advocate would see me later this week?"

"I'll do my best. See you tonight." Kathryn managed to keep her voice calm but she was very pleased that he wanted to talk to someone about his trial. She knew it was the first step in his decision regarding the role Starfleet would play in his future.

That night Chakotay was out walking when Kathryn returned. More curious than concerned, she changed and went to find him. She found him on the dock by the lake watching some sailboats in the distance.

"Hi. Mind if I join you?"

Chakotay turned and smiled.

"Of course not."

Kathryn walked over to him but before she could sit down next to him, he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her soundly.

"I missed you. I liked it better when we both were here all day."

"I missed you, too." Kathryn hesitated before continuing. "The Judge Advocate can't see you until Friday afternoon. I thought maybe we could stay in town for dinner since we'll both be there."

"Nothing fancy, I hope."

"Maybe some small restaurant near HQ?"

"Sounds perfect."

Friday morning Chakotay surprised Kathryn by telling her he was going to go in to headquarters with her. When she asked why he was going so early, he said he thought he'd stop by the 'fleet Personnel offices and see if anyone had time to talk to him.

"Kathryn, this is going to sound silly, but do you think I should wear a uniform or civilian clothes?"

"Well, Starfleet still considers you an active officer so I think a uniform would be better."

"Ok, thanks."

They boarded the transport to take them to the station. Kevin was his normal exuberant self.

"Captain, you were holding out on me. All this time and you never mentioned Chakotay was an officer."

"We were both on leave so it never occurred to me to mention it. Sorry, Kevin."

"I'll forgive you, Captain, on one condition."

"What's that?"

"I'll let you know when I think of it."

All three of them laughed.

"You do that."

Thirty minutes later as they stepped off the transporter at Starfleet Command, Chakotay spoke.

"Walk you to your office?"

"Of course. I'll even buy you a cup of coffee when we get there."

Kathryn led the way to the wing where she had a temporary office. Once there, she introduced Chakotay to her aide, Ensign Susan Lancaster. While they got acquainted, Kathryn busied herself at the replicator.

"Commander, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too, Ensign. Have you worked with Captain Janeway very long?"

"Only this week, sir, but if it works out, I'll be assigned to her office when she leaves here."

"What happened to her previous aide?"

"He's staying on to work with the new base commander."

"Jason wasn’t too happy with that decision either." Kathryn joined the conversation as she handed Chakotay a cup of tea. "The only reason he didn't request a transfer was because I convinced him that I'd support his request if he truly could not get along with my replacement."

"You sound like you don't expect it to be a problem."

"I don't. Jason just doesn't like change very well - unless it's his idea. He'll be fine after a week or two with the new base commander.'

Chakotay finished his tea and set the cup down.

"Well, I'd better get going. I'll meet you back here at 17:00."

"Ok." Kathryn set her cup down and walked around the table to Chakotay so she could kiss him gently on the lips.  "See you later, Commander."

After Chakotay left, Susan raised her eyebrows at Kathryn.

"Where did you find him, Captain?"

"Believe it or not, in the Delta Quadrant."

"He was worth the trip, that's for sure."

Kathryn turned to go to her office smiling. She knew he was worth every last light year of that trip and then some.

That night they ended up at a coffee shop near Starfleet Command. The food was plain but good. It was busy but not crowded and probably got most of its business during lunch so Kathryn and Chakotay felt comfortable lingering over coffee talking. Chakotay didn’t mention either of his meetings so finally Kathryn was forced to give in to her curiosity.

"Well, how did it go with Personnel and the Judge Advocate?"

Chakotay smiled.

"I wondered how long you could contain your curiosity." His comment was rewarded with a glare. "Personnel was mostly a question and answer session. I found out some more about the assignments they have available including some new ones that came up recently. A couple of them sound interesting. The Judge Advocate was as helpful as she could be. She had copies of a few papers that you didn't and filled me in on some more of the political background to the trial. She couldn't let me read the entire file, but she showed me enough to let me know that there were a lot of people in Starfleet trying to help me. I have a lot to think about."

"Good. I’m glad things went well."

Chakotay changed the subject as he recounted one of the letters he had received from Naomi just after her brother was born.

Kathryn didn't want to pressure Chakotay to make a decision about Starfleet, but she was only going to be on Earth ten more days. He had been back to talk to people in Personnel but had not mentioned any specific assignment. She had also managed to find out that her starbase had not been on his list of possible assignments. She was beginning to wonder what he planned to do when she had to leave. She finally brought up the subject at breakfast.

"Chakotay, I'm leaving in ten days. Have you decided what you're going to do yet?"

She expected any of several reactions but not the one she received. He calmly looked at her and answered.

"No. I might go talk to Personnel again later today. Is there any particular reason you need to know?"

"Not really. Are you going to come with me if you haven't decided by the time I leave next week?"

"I'm not sure about that yet either, Kathryn." Chakotay didn't realize the effect his words would have until he saw Kathryn's face. "I don't mean it like that. I'm just not sure whether I'll try to get everything together by the time you leave. I might stay here a week or two on my own if that's all right with you."

"Of course it is. This is as much your home as it is mine. Won't you get lonely?"

"I don't think so. I can always go out and flag down Kevin and ride around with him for an hour or two if I do. Your mother said she might come up after you leave and I could use the time to get to know her better. It will do us good to be apart a few weeks don't you think?"

"I suppose so."

Kathryn sounded a bit dejected but Chakotay maintained a cheerful demeanor until she left. He knew he could have handled that conversation a lot better but had been unprepared for the question. He busied himself clearing the breakfast dishes and checked the clock. Kevin would be back in thirty minutes to pick him up. He'd better get into the shower.

Kathryn arrived at her office to find that her 09:00 meeting had been delayed an hour. She was meeting with several others to discuss staffing needs at the base, both for her office and for the base itself. She knew exactly what they needed there now but she was a little unsure how much to push for an increase until she had met its new commander. She had finally admitted to herself a few days earlier that Chakotay was not interested in the position. Now she was wondering how wise it was to push Starfleet to make decisions when she could easily be resigning or asking for a transfer in a matter of weeks or months. She sighed; just as she finally got her personal life sorted out, her career started tying itself in knots. Susan interrupted her.

"Captain, your meeting starts in five minutes."

"Thank you, Susan." Kathryn stood and left her office. As she passed Susan's desk, she left some instructions. "Take a long lunch today. I have a feeling that after this meeting, things are going to get a bit hectic around here."

"I'll do that, Captain. Thank you."

Kathryn headed for the small conference room on the main administrative level. She was not in charge of this meeting and had not received an agenda. She carried what she thought she would need on a single padd and hoped it was all she would need.

Kathryn entered the conference room and glanced around. A few people she knew only by sight were talking quietly on one side of the table. Owen Paris was on the other side alone so she sat next to him.

"Good morning, Admiral. Any idea why the delay this morning?"

"I heard someone was delayed getting here so they rescheduled."

"Who is running this meeting anyway?"

"They gave it to Tillek. I guess security is going to the most affected by any decisions we make today so it made sense for him to handle the meeting. You have any surprises to spring on us, Kathryn?"

"No and anything I might spring would be no surprise to you anyway."

"He still hasn't said what he's going to do?"

"He told me this morning he hadn't decided yet but that he'd be coming to the base in a couple of weeks if he doesn't leave when I do."

"I'm glad to hear that. You've seemed a lot happier the last week or so than you have since you got home last year."

"I am happier. But right now I'm also very afraid that I could lose him again."

"Don't make problems where none exist. Take it one day at a time."

"I'm trying."

Admiral Tillek prevented further conversation as he entered the room with his aide. The aide passed around padds to everyone while Tillek addressed them.

"This is our agenda for today. As I was leaving my office, I was advised that we have one more person joining us who is on the way from Personnel. While we wait, I suggest you review the agenda and attached notes."

Kathryn was reading through the notes when the last person arrived. She glanced up to see Chakotay making his way to the chair next to her. Tillek was speaking so Kathryn had no chance to ask him what was going on.

"For those of you who have not yet met him, this is Captain Chakotay. He will be assuming command of Starbase 417."

Kathryn's mind went blank. Captain? He was taking over her starbase? Owen Paris nudged her gently to draw her attention back to the meeting. Chakotay smiled at her briefly before giving his attention to Admiral Tillek. Fortunately for Kathryn, the items she was most involved with were near the end of the agenda.  By the time they got to that section, she had forced her attention on immediate matters and pushed the questions aside. She was surprised that Chakotay was so familiar with the current status of the starbase and the projections but had no time to dwell on the point.

When the meeting finally broke up, it was after 13:00 and the admirals and their aides wasted no time leaving. Kathryn turned to Chakotay who was studiously reading over his notes of the meeting.

"Captain?" There was a hint of something other than a simple question in Kathryn's tone.

Chakotay looked at her from the side of his eyes but refused to turn his head. "Yes, Captain?"

"You have something you want to tell me?"

Instead of answering her question, Chakotay stood and pulled Kathryn to her feet. "Let's have this conversation in your office, ok?"

"All right." Kathryn agreed and followed him from the room. They made the journey to her office in silence. Susan wasn't back from lunch yet, so Kathryn simply closed the door behind them.

"Now, will you answer my question?"

"I wanted to surprise you and I didn't want to get your hopes up. Plus, the truth is, if they hadn't given me this assignment, I would probably have resigned and asked you to request a transfer. I didn't want to mention any of that until I got the assignment or they gave it to someone else."

"When did you find out for sure?"

"Late yesterday just before you got home. They told me about the meeting then and I asked them to delay it an hour so I could have a little time to prepare."

"And that fourth pip?"

"That was a surprise when I picked up my orders this morning. You haven't said anything yet."

"You might not believe this, but before the meeting I was considering whether I should request a transfer. You hadn't mentioned that you wanted the starbase and I knew you'd be unhappy there as a civilian."

"So you approve of your replacement?"

Kathryn grinned and stepped close enough to wrap her arms around Chakotay's neck.

"You know I do. I told you that weeks ago. This is what I've wanted all along but there was nothing I could do to make it happen other than wait and let you sort out what you wanted. As for that fourth pip, I like it. It looks good on you and so do those other three pips but I'm going to miss your old rank bar."

"We'll save it. Those were good days, Kathryn, but the ones that we share with these pips will be better."

"They already are."  Kathryn kissed him but pulled back when the kiss threatened to carry them both away. "We have a lot of work to do if you're going to be ready to leave with me in ten days."

Chakotay refused to let her go.

"Kathryn, you and that starbase have two things in common. You're both mine and neither of you are going anywhere at this moment."

Chakotay pulled her closer again and kissed her thoroughly before he allowed her to drag him back to the business of running a starbase. It had taken them seventy-five thousand light years and ninety-nine months to make the journey, but they had finally completed it together.