"There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry."

Mirlinda Alani sat in the doctor's office fighting back tears as she clutched Ayala's hand and listened to the end of the doctor's explanation that marked the end of her dream. She stood and straightened her shoulders before leading Ayala toward the door.

"Thanks, Doc." Ayala spoke over his shoulder as he walked out with Lindy.

Once in the corridor, Lindy retained her grasp on Ayala's hand as they made their way to their quarters. Once the door had closed behind them, she turned into his arms and let the tears flow. He wrapped his arms around her and allowed his own control to slip as his tears slowly slipped down his cheeks to be lost in the dark hair that pressed against his shoulder.

Finally, Lindy's tears slowed and she lifted her head. "I'm so sorry."

"I am, too."

Lindy pushed away from him and turned away. "You never should have married me. You should have left me on Konstin and married someone who could at least give you a child."

Ayala was next to her in a second and turned her to face him. He was almost angry as he spoke. "Don't ever say that again. Do you hear me?" He pulled her into his arms as he kissed her hair. "You are the woman I chose. You are the woman I married. You are the woman I love."

Lindy didn't move or say anything so he continued. "You didn’t marry me just to get a protector who could father your children, did you?"

Lindy's head shot up at that. "Of course not. I love you."

Lindy finally relaxed in the familiar embrace and wrapped her arms around him. "I so wanted to have a baby with you."

"And I would have loved having you carry my child but I didn't marry you just to have children. I married you because I wanted to be with you, because I love you."

"I want you to be happy."

"I am happy. I have you in my life."

Ayala kissed her gently, a kiss of comfort and caring. As he lifted his head, he asked a question that had been bothering him in recent weeks. "You're not sorry you left Konstin, are you?"

Lindy met his eyes for the first time since they left the doctor's office. "Oh, no. Never. I miss things there sometimes, like seeing spring come, but I've never been sorry I married you. I love you so much sometimes it scares me."

"The only thing about loving you that scares me if that you might someday be sorry you came with me."

"I'll never be sorry I married you. I love you and I love working on Voyager. B'Elanna has been so patient while I did all my catch up learning about Voyager's systems and structures."

"Don't tell anyone else that. You'll ruin her reputation." Ayala's comment brought a slight smile to Lindy's face but then it faded again.

"Would you do me a favor?" Ayala nodded his response. "Cancel dinner with her and Tom tonight. I don't think I'd be very good company."

"I'll say something to Tom." Ayala glanced at the time. "I'm due back on the bridge and you're supposed to be in engineering soon."

Lindy tightened her arms for a moment and kissed him again. Somewhere in the kiss, they both let go of their dream of children and reaffirmed their commitment to each other.

Ayala stepped back half a step and took her hands in his. "We'll have a nice quiet dinner for two. All right?"

Lindy nodded. "I like the sound of that."

Ayala kissed her forehead. "I love you."

They walked hand in hand to the turbolift. The first one to stop had several crew headed for engineering so Lindy joined them leaving Ayala to wait for another. It arrived in less than a minute and took him directly to the bridge.

Ayala exited the turbolift to see Tom Paris in the captain's chair and a now familiar structure on the view screen. Things seemed quiet so he moved toward the command chair to have a quiet word with Paris before taking his assigned station. "Commander."

Paris looked up. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

Ayala kept his voice pitched low. "Lindy and I have to cancel dinner tonight. We'd like to reschedule next week if that's all right with you and Lieutenant Torres."

"I'll let her know." Tom Paris saw the bleak expression in his friend's face and knew what it meant. "Resume your station, Lieutenant."

"Aye, Sir." Ayala breathed a sigh of relief that Tom had not asked any questions as he moved to Tactical. He quickly busied himself with the familiar routine of checking the status of weapons and sensors. He was about half way through the checks when the door from the turbolift opened and Chakotay stepped off.

"As you were, Commander. I'll be in the ready room." Chakotay spoke to Paris before he had a chance to stand.

"Aye, Sir." The acknowledgement bounced off the door of the ready room as it slid shut.

Chakotay crossed what should have been an empty ready room to the desk. "What do you think you're doing up here?"

The look he received from Kathryn that was supposed to be a glare was more an embarrassed apology. "I wanted to go over what we know about the Csedi again and believe it or not, this chair is much more comfortable than the one in our quarters."

Chakotay sighed. "You promised me you'd take a nap while I was on the station."

"I promised you I'd try to take a nap. I did. I couldn't." Kathryn met his eyes. "We missed you."

Chakotay leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Don't get too comfortable with that line. It won't work after the baby is born."

"It's working now." Kathryn grinned smugly as he gave in on the argument. "Now, what did you find out this time?"

"Not at your desk. You can sit on the couch and listen."

"I prefer to work here."

Chakotay waived a padd in the air. "Work? I don't think so. I'll be happy to update my wife on the status of the ship but as of 08:00 this morning, I'm in command of Voyager. You, my dear wife, are officially on medical leave until after the baby is born."

"You didn't?" Kathryn's glare was real this time.

"No, the doctor did but I didn't argue with him. Now, do you want an update or do you want me to have security remove you to our quarters?"

"Help me up." Kathryn reached for his hand as she struggled to her feet. "I love you and I love this baby, but I hate the last few weeks of pregnancy."

Chakotay helped her to the couch and then turned towards the replicator. "You want juice or milk?"

"Can't I have herbal tea?"

"You know what the doctor said."

"Fine. Juice." Kathryn gave in only because she knew she couldn't win this argument. "But not orange juice. I'm sick of orange juice."

Chakotay chuckled and ordered pineapple-banana juice for Kathryn and the hated orange juice for himself. He carried the juice back over to the couch and handed Kathryn hers. "You want this report formal or familiar?"

Kathryn smiled as his question acknowledge that she was not completely out of the decision making process. "Familiar."

"Good." Chakotay sat down next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I'll just summarize everything we know filling in the new information I received this afternoon.

"We're in orbit around a star station under the control of a race called the Zsendi. They are part of a hegemony known as the Csedi. The Csedi Hegemony controls an area of space that stretches thousands of light years. We're trying to negotiate passage across their territory, which at maximum warp would take us between seven and eight months. If we can't reach an agreement, it will take us at least six years to go around their space. Whatever arrangement we work out here will be honored by the entire Hegemony."

"That's the current estimate for going around?" The captain sounded concerned. "That's a good bit more than the first one of two years."

"That route would take us through the territory of a race that is known to be aggressive and violent. There is no record of any ship successfully traversing their territory for over a hundred years. Everything I've seen said it's not worth the risk."

"That makes it even more imperative that we get permission to cross Csedi territory."

"I know. Now where was I?"

"Negotiating passage."

"Right. The station is operated by a race called the Zsendi but they claim to have no authority to negotiate with us. The members of the Hegemony who conduct all negotiations with nonmembers are the Gartendri. Their home world, Gartendra, is about one thousand light years away but Zsak assures me a ship will arrive in a few days with a senior negotiator."

"Who's Zsak?

"The station manager."

"I guess we're lucky a Gartendri ship is so close."

"I don't think it's luck. I get the distinct impression that Zsak sent a message and this negotiator is making the trip at his request."

"A thousand light years in a few days?" Kathryn couldn't keep the awe out of her voice. At that speed, Voyager could make the journey home in less than six months. "What kind of warp drive do they have?"

"I don't think it's warp drive, at least not in any form that we would recognize." Chakotay knew what Kathryn was thinking. "And before you ask, I've already make inquiries about the technology. They have their own version of the Prime Directive and this time we're on the wrong side of the technology gap, not just in propulsion systems but also in weapons and defensive systems."

"Not a good group to get into a disagreement with, are they?"

"Not at all but they seem completely reasonable. Zsak has invited the crew to use the station for some leave. That station is huge. It makes DS9 look like a ten-man outpost. He took me on a brief tour and I saw three parks and at least a dozen museums sponsored by various members of the Hegemony. There must be ships from fifty cultures docked or in orbit."

"Why so many?"

"Well, evidently getting permission to travel across their space is nearly impossible but they are avid traders. The stations along their borders serve as hubs for trade for the entire Hegemony. Hegemony traders come here and conduct their business then return to their home worlds. With the propulsion systems they have, they are only gone from their homes for a week or two."

"You going to authorize shore leave?"

"Unless you can think of a good reason to keep everyone on Voyager, yes."

"I have no objections." Kathryn shifted trying to get more comfortable as the baby started doing what felt like somersaults or cartwheels. "I'd enjoy seeing one of those parks."

"Sorry. The doctor is not allowing you off the ship, no transporters and no shuttle trips." Chakotay reminded Kathryn of her current restrictions. "You and I can use the holodeck for a couple hours tomorrow afternoon."

"If I give in graciously, can I be part of the negotiations?"

Chakotay considered her request. He knew she was tired and bored and feeling completely left out. This was possibly the most important agreement they had negotiated in the four years they had been in the Delta Quadrant. She might be on medical leave but she was still an experienced diplomat.

"You'll stay on the ship and let me handle most of the routine portions and all of the legwork and face to face meetings. You can be in on the critical discussion via comlink from your desk. Agreed?"

"Can I monitor your meetings on the station?"

"If the Csedi agree and I know you are getting enough rest, yes."

"Tyrant." The accusation was mumbled but the following complaint was clearly audible. "Sometimes I wonder why I wanted you as my exec."

Chakotay chuckled and kissed the top of her head where it rested against his shoulder. "You love me, remember?"

"Oh, yea, right." Kathryn was teasing him, which meant she was content with the compromise. "I suppose you'll tell me that's why I'm nine months pregnant, too."

"Isn't it?"

"No, I'm pregnant because you love me and I can't resist that smile."

"Then prove you can't resist it and let's go get some dinner. We have an hour before we have to pick up Taylor from the nursery."

Chakotay stood and pulled Kathryn to her feet. As they crossed the bridge to the turbolift, Chakotay gave some instructions.

"Commander, contact the station and ask for a position we can maintain for at least five days, preferably one that is convenient for transporter access. Then begin work on a schedule for giving shore leave to the crew. We'll go over it in the morning."

"Aye, Sir."

The next morning Tom was watching for Ayala in the mess hall. When he entered, Tom caught his attention and signaled Ayala to join him. Ayala nodded and picked up a cup of coffee before walking over to Tom's table.

"Good morning, sir."

"Don't 'sir' me this morning." Tom was firm but not critical. "I'm sorry about the doctor's report."

"How do you know what it said?"

"I don't, exactly. But I saw your face yesterday and you two canceled dinner on us so I know the conclusion. How's Lindy taking it?"

"Not well at all. That's why she ate in our quarters this morning, to avoid seeing the kids." Ayala glanced around at the handful of toddlers making messes on their trays. "I ate with her but wanted to apologize to you and B'Elanna for canceling at the last minute. I think seeing Annabel would have been too much for Lindy last night. She would have been a constant reminder of what we can't have. We really do want to reschedule but we both need a few days."

"Whenever you're ready, just let us know." Tom hesitated before asking, "Care to share any of what the doctor told you?"

"It's nothing terribly new. Our DNA sequences are simply too different to produce offspring." Ayala signed and drank some of his coffee. "I think it would be easier if there were some visible differences between our species but there aren't. They are all internal except for the color of her eyes."

"She has beautiful eyes."

"I know. They were one of the first things I noticed about her."

"After she threw that book at you?"

Ayala chuckled as he remembered his first encounter with Lindy. "I was lucky she did or I might have missed meeting her."

"Well, she's been a real asset to engineering according to B'Elanna and she's not one to hand out compliments."

"I really appreciate how you two have been so supportive of Lindy. It's made it so much easier for her to adapt to life on Voyager." Ayala was reflective. "Remember how it was when I first came on board back in the AQ?"

"I remember the crowds after the war a lot more. All those people on this little ship."

"I remember all the kids, so scared yet trying to be brave when we found them."

"I wasn't on the landing parties like you. That must have been rough."

"It was. Most of the kids were stoic, like old men and women accepting whatever fate dealt them, but a few were terrified when they first saw us. I just wanted to hug them and reassure them that everything was going to be all right, but they wouldn't have understood."

 "All those kids are safe now. You and the rest of the away teams made sure of that."

"You don't understand, Tom." Ayala's voice was almost bitter. "I kept my distance even with the kids who understood. I was afraid I'd care too much, get too attached to one of them. Now I'll never get the chance to care about a child like that."

"Hey, man. You weren't ready for that four years ago. I sure wasn't. I know I've changed. So have you. You've got Lindy now and right now she needs you as much as you need her." Tom allowed Ayala to consider what he had said for a moment before he continued. "I won't pretend to understand how you feel but I can imagine at least some of it. You both need to remember you have each other and move on together."

"Thanks, Tom. We'll be all right."

"Do you think the two of you are up to doing me a favor?"

"What kind of favor?" Ayala was curious about what he and Lindy could do for Tom.

"You don't have to tell Lindy the reason, but B'Elanna has been really nervous about leaving Annabel. She's only been back on duty a week and the nursery staff tells me she is in and out a dozen times every day. I'd like to get her off the ship for a few hours. It might help her relax a bit more."

"What is it you want us to do?"

"I know it's taking advantage of your situation, but I can probably get her to agree to going on leave if I say it's to help Lindy get a break from the ship and relax a bit. Chakotay had me prepare a leave schedule and I've put all four of us on for this evening if you and Lindy will go with us. We can eat dinner at the station then go to one of their parks."

"All right. We'll help you out." Ayala agreed hesitantly. "Just don't count on us being great company."

"Thanks. You're a real pal." Tom stood and picked up his tray. "I have to meet Chakotay in a few minutes. We'll meet you in transporter room one at 17:00. We can take our time picking out a restaurant."

Ayala nodded his agreement as he finished his coffee then stood and followed Tom out of the mess hall but missed catching the same lift to the bridge.

Tom made sure he was well ahead of Ayala as he headed for the bridge. As soon as the lift door closed behind him, he slapped his combadge.

"Paris to Torres."

"It took you long enough. What did he say?"

"Hey, he was late getting to the mess hall. Anyway, he agreed. Make sure you're in and out of the nursery today and make sure Lindy notices you going and coming."

"I know all that. Oops, she just came in the door. Torres out."

Tom smiled as the link cut off abruptly. He hoped they were not pushing Ayala and Lindy too quickly but they might not have another opportunity to get them both off the ship for a long time. He checked the time as he stepped off the turbolift onto the bridge. Right on time. He smiled. Chakotay might be a more relaxed commander than Janeway, but he was must more strict about being late for duty.

The lift door opened behind Tom and Chakotay walked off. "Good timing, Commander. Let's talk in the ready room. "Kim, you have the bridge."

"Aye, sir." Paris and Kim spoke in unison and moved to obey orders.

About 11:00, Kathryn exited the turbolift and stopped at Tactical. "Is the commander alone?"

"He is, Captain."

"Thank you."

She turned and moved toward the door. It slid aside for her. She sighed in relief. At least Chakotay hadn't denied her access while she was on medical leave but she had no doubt he would if she pushed too hard in the next few days. She rubbed her hand over her belly as the baby did another somersault.

Chakotay looked up as she entered and noted the hand on the baby. "She practicing gymnastics again?"

"Yes." Kathryn didn't even look at her desk as she headed for the couch. "Have you learned anything new this morning?"

"Not a lot. Want some juice?" Kathryn nodded as he continued. "The summary of the Hegemony's structure is quite detailed yet it leaves out many things we would consider basic information. The Zsendi are the traders of the group, the managers. Because that is their strength, they manage the star stations for the entire group. Similarly, a race called the Kobani excels at applied engineering and maintenance. They are in charge of most of the Csedi ships. Another group are the researchers while yet another race run the governments of each of the group. A relatively new member of the Hegemony, the Mordati, are the military and tactical experts while one of the oldest members, the Verdabi are the moral center for the group."

"Sounds pretty specialized."

"Not really. Each race has people working in all those areas but when they need an expert, they look to the group that excels in that area. For example, the captain of a military ship might be Kobani but when they confront an enemy, the senior Mordati would be in charge." Chakotay read Kathryn's reaction on her face. "I know. Sounds confusing to us, but it works for them."

"Was there anything in that summary that might help us?"

"I'm still reading it but nothing stands out so far. Their overall values are similar to ours. They prefer peace to war. The family structures are a bit varied. Most are patriarchal, but three of the groups are matriarchal. Most are monogamous but again three are polygamous."

"The same three?"

"No. Don't bother looking for some pattern to this group. There isn't one."

"Was there anything useful in that summary?"

"Well, informative but I'm not sure I'd call it useful. While they don't give any technical information, the description of their drive system makes it pretty clear that it can't be use in the same region as a ship with warp drive. Rather, it's not possible to sustain a warp field in an area where their ships regularly travel. It disrupts subspace for approximately five Terran years. The effect extends out along the path of a ship for over one hundred light years but not ahead of it."

"Really?"

"Yes. Believe it or not, there's a defined area around this station where their ships must travel at sublight speeds. It's there to protect the ability of their trade partners to reach the station."

"Surely it would be possible to find a path through their space that we could use."

"I thought of that already. There are literally hundreds of star stations at the perimeter of Csedi space. Each and every inhabited planet sends ships to every station and to every other planet. By the time you finish mapping all the routes, you end up with dozens of areas that might be a hundred light years across where we could maintain a warp field separated by stretches at least twenty light years apart. It only takes one stretch like that to make it faster to go around."

"If we can't go through, why are we negotiating?"

"That's what I've been wandering. If it's not possible, they would just tell us. Zsak has hinted that there is a way for us to make the journey but won't say any more. That's why they have the Gartendri coming."

"Maybe it's possible for us to modify our drive so that we can still maintain a stable warp field."

"That's possible but if that were the case, they'd send us a Kobani." Chakotay sighed. "I don’t know why, but I think the negotiation is about something other than technology. I think it's buried in all the cultural diversity. I just can't figure out what it is they want to know."

"Well, at least you solved one problem."

"I did?" Chakotay sounded surprised.

"Our little gymnast always goes to sleep when you're talking to me."

"Glad to be of service. I wish I could get you to go to sleep sometimes just by talking."

Kathryn shifted a bit closer to Chakotay. "I feel so guilty complaining."

"Why?"

"I heard about Ayala and Lindy."

"It's not your fault any more than it's their fault."

"I know. I want so much to go talk to her but I don't think that's a good idea all things considered."

"Probably not. They're doing all right. I spoke to him this morning. Believe it or not, Tom and B'Elanna managed to convince them to go to the station for dinner today. Tom made some flimsy excuse to Ayala about B'Elanna needing the time away from the baby."

"And they believed that?"

"Ayala wouldn't have noticed how B'Elanna behaved after Robert was born and Lindy wasn't on the ship so she wouldn't know."

"I hope it helps."

"Me, too. Lindy and Ayala usually eat late so let's go to lunch now. If you eat a reasonable lunch and rest for an hour or so afterwards, I give you that summary to read for yourself." Chakotay stood as he spoke.

"You're such a romantic." Kathryn teased as she reached out for a helping hand to stand up. "Just keep talking so our little gymnast stays asleep."

A few hours later, four officers walked down a corridor of the star station. The two women were in the middle and immersed in a conversation about the structure of the shuttle hulls. Tom and Ayala had given up carrying on their own conversation half way through dinner. The conversation halted as they passed through an arch into what appeared to be a huge park. The corridor continued as a wide sidewalk skirting the edge of a grass covered area nearly one hundred meters wide before it ended at the edge of a lake. The sidewalk continued for about four hundred meters before passing through another arch.

They slowed their steps and only moved to the side when they realized they were blocking the way for others. They were all staring at what appeared to be open sky when a friendly passerby spoke to them.

"First time in a park?"

Tom dragged his eyes from the view. "Yes, it is. This is amazing. How did they do it?"

"Well, I don't know all their tricks, but most of what you see is real, the grass, the flowers, the trees. There are even insects and birds in here. They use some kind of technology to make the wall off to the left look like a lake and the ceiling look like open sky. Some of the light is actually reflected light from the stars in the region. It adds to the feel of being on a planet."

"It's very impressive."

"You should see one of the larger parks. One even has a stream running through it."

"As I said, it's very impressive. Thanks for the information."

The conversation drew their attention from the sky and back to their surroundings on the ground. To the right were clusters of street vendors selling snacks, drinks and what were probably the equivalent of souvenirs. There were more trees on the side of the walk, lots of benches spread along smaller foot paths, and clusters if tables and chairs under umbrellas.

They wandered along the sidewalk until Tom saw something that looked familiar. "Look, a slush stand!"

Five minutes later, the others found themselves seated at a table under a bright pink umbrella with glasses of colored, flavored, nearly frozen water with straws.

"I'm not hungry, Tom. I tell you I ate too much at dinner." Ayala protested. "What is this anyway?"

B'Elanna had experienced Tom's experiments before and recognized what was in front of them. "Give it a try. If it's like the slushes from Earth, it's not too bad." She sipped at her red slush. "What flavors did you get?"

"I just asked for the ones the kids like best. Figured they'd know what was good." Tom grinned cheerfully at his logic as he sipped his green slush.

Ayala eyed the purple concoction in front of him before tasting it. Lindy had already tasted her yellow slush. "Hmm. It's not too bad. Tastes like strawberry mixed with an orange."

They sat and talked for about fifteen minutes before a nudge to her leg reminded B'Elanna that she was supposed to be a nervous mom anxious to get back to her baby. She made a comment about getting back to the ship. Tom responded and had them transporting before Ayala and Lindy realized what was happening. They exchanged confused looks.

"I guess they wanted us to have some time together." Ayala finally realized they had been set up.

"They could have just said that. Why go to all this trouble?"

"They're our friends. They're just trying to help us through a rough period."

Lindy sighed. "I know. They sure picked a nice place to leave us alone. It's very peaceful here."

They finished their slushes and started following one of the footpaths. They found some benches near a playground and sat down.

"You sure you want to sit here?" Ayala wasn’t sure either of them was ready to watch children at play yet.

"I'm sure. Avoiding children won't make it any easier."

Lindy slid close to Ayala and wrapped her arms around his, putting her head on his shoulder. Silently they watched the children play. Then her grip tightened and he could feel her shaking as the tears flowed again. He turned his head to kiss her hair and allowed her to cry. Eventually she lifted her head and sighed.

"Thanks, honey." She turned sad eyes to look at him. "It really is getting easier."

A few minutes later, a group of young children came tearing down the sidewalk and into the play area. Four young women carrying toddlers followed them. They put the toddlers on the grass near the play area and found benches where they could keep an eye on the entire group.

They had watched the children for about ten minutes when two boys who looked about eight and ten appeared and started tossing a ball back and forth. Their parents weren't far behind. Their father joined their game but the woman walked over to Ayala and Lindy.

"Do you mind if I sit with you?"

Lindy looked up at the woman, and then glanced at Ayala before turning back to the woman who was obviously pregnant. Ayala was ready to make some excuse when Lindy answered. "No, please join us."

"I'm Althea. That's my husband, Mart and the boys are Jan and Lon. He's the curator at the Kobani museum."

"I'm Lindy and this is my husband Ayala."

They discussed the park and the woman laughed when Lindy told her how Tom had made them all try the slushes. The man joined them making some excuse to the boys about resting a few minutes. He greeted them and was discussing the wisdom of trying a slush when the boys ran over pleading for him to rejoin them. A few minutes later Ayala and Mart were playing a variation of keep away with the two boys. Althea and Lindy watched the game for a few minutes before Lindy's attention returned to the younger children.

"They're orphans." Althea's voice broke into Lindy's thoughts.

"They are?"

"Not all ships are safe and not all groups are willing to take care of a stranger's children. Some of the traders allow the crew to bring children along on their trips. If something happens to the working parent, the children are put off at the first station. Other children are survivors of failed settlements in the area. A few lost their parents when pirates attacked the ships they were on.

"The Csedi give them food, shelter and care for them until they can learn a trade. The young women watching them are probably attending classes during the day and watch the children for a few hours every evening."

Althea had been watching the children while she spoke and it was only as she finished that she saw the affect her words had on Lindy. "What's wrong?"

"My husband and I can't have children."

"Why?"

"It's just not possible. We're very disappointed." Lindy fought back the teas. "Look, can we please discuss something else?"

"Of course."

They discussed the slushes and Althea finally decided she'd try one. The two women walked to the vendor and Althea picked a flavor that she recognized. It was bright orange. Tentatively she tasted it and nodded in satisfaction. "This is good."

"Why not take the boys back one?"

"I can't carry that many."

"I'll help you. We can each carry two."

"What about Ayala and you?"

"We already had one, remember?"

Althea picked two more flavors and decided to take Mart one of the orange ones. They arrived back at their bench to find the men discussing Mart's work.

"So you are Ireldi, a member of the Csedi Hegemony and your group manages the museums on all the stations."

"Right, we collect information, organize it and make it available to others. The museum is one of the more interesting things we do. We spend far more time writing summaries for travelers so they know what to expect on the star stations."

Althea called the boys over and gave them their slushes warning them not to spill them on their clothes as Lindy handed Mart his orange one.

"Hey, this is pretty good. I can't believe we've been here for three years and never tried one before." Mart added his approval.

Ayala checked the time and stood. "I think we'd better go. It's late for us and I have to be on duty in the morning. It's been a pleasure meeting you."

"We've enjoyed your company." Mart stood and moved next to Althea. "Maybe you'll get a chance to visit the museums before you leave."

"We'll try if we can get some more leave."

Lindy had moved next to Ayala as the men spoke. "Good bye. I hope your children are all healthy and happy for many, many years."

Ayala and Lindy walked away to a quiet spot before calling for transport. Her tears that night had lost the feeling of utter despair but they still tore at Ayala's heart. She had been asleep in his arms for several hours before he finally closed his eyes.

Three days later, Chakotay looked up as Kathryn entered the mess hall. She was late joining him for lunch but he had checked her location and knew she had been delayed in the nursery. He stood as she sat down across from him "Just talk."

"Our little gymnast must be awake."

"She's graduated to handsprings this morning. I don't care what you say, just talk so she goes back to sleep."

"I heard from Zsak this morning, The Gartendri ship will be here late this evening. He suggests we meet to morrow morning." Chakotay tried to keep his concern out of his voice but Kathryn picked up on it.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"Nothing. That's just it. There's nothing to tell," he sighed in frustration, "but something has changed in the last few days. Zsak just doesn't seem so optimistic about the negotiations any more."

"Has he actually said anything?" Kathryn relaxed a bit as the baby obligingly calmed down.

"No. It's his manner and the things he wants to talk about. When we first arrived, he was excited about meeting us and assuring me that if it was at all possible, we'd be able to cross Csedi space. Now he's more interested in showing me the shortest route around their space and reminding me that we're welcome to stop and trade at any of their star stations. It's like something has happened or he found out something that means the Gartendri won't be able to work out an agreement." Chakotay studied Kathryn's face. "Did she go to sleep?"

"I think so."

"What do you want to eat?"

"Salad, fruit, soup anything that has never been near leola root. Just hurry. She might wake up again."

Chakotay quickly moved to the serving line and selected their lunch and beverages. He returned and immediately started talking.

"The crew has really enjoyed the parks on the station. Lindy and Ayala have been down every day for at least an hour."

"I wish I could see them. They sound marvelous."

"Well, if the negotiations fall through, you'll get a chance at the next hundred star stations we visit."

"When you put it like that, I hope I don't have the opportunity."

They continued discussing the station and the crew's reaction until Chakotay had to return to the bridge. "Tom created a holoprogram that is similar to the park he and B'Elanna visited the other night. I reserved time for us tonight so you'll at least get an idea of what they are like. I've already alerted the nursery Taylor will be staying late and made arrangements for a picnic dinner. Try to get some rest this afternoon."

Kathryn smiled up at Chakotay as he picked up their tray. "All right. I'll try to sleep for a while."

"That's a good captain." Chakotay touched her cheek briefly before he left and laughed when she tried to swat his hand away. She smiled as she muttered some empty threats at his back.

Kathryn watched the monitor helplessly as Chakotay tried unsuccessfully to find out why Zsak had been so encouraging only a few days earlier but the Gartendri negotiator, Dalobin, could offer no solution to Voyager's problem other than going around Csedi territory. Finally, in desperation, she opened a channel to Chakotay. "Commander, invite them to visit our ship. Perhaps the solution to our problem will present itself if they tour Voyager. I'll meet you in the transporter room."

Chakotay closed the link and turned to the Csedi. "Gentlemen, that was the captain of our ship. As you heard, she has invited you to tour Voyager."

Dalobin nodded his agreement for the group. "I do not think it will change the situation, Commander Chakotay, but I would enjoy visiting your ship. How many of us may be included?"

"The captain invited this group but if there are others you would like to include, they are more than welcome."

"I would like to include one of the station's Ireldi."

"Of course."

Dalobin nodded to his aide who left the room and returned within a minute accompanied by another man.

"Commander, this is Mart. He is this station's senior museum coordinator and in charge of cultural records. I'm sure he'll find your ship most interesting."

"I'm pleased you can join us, Mart. Is everyone ready?" Chakotay looked over the group as he slapped his combadge. "Voyager. Lock onto the group in this room. Transport those nearest me first. Energize."

Chakotay, Dalobin, Mart and three others materialized. At Chakotay's urging, they moved off the raised deck and waited for the others to arrive. As the last of the visitors sparkled into view, the door slid aside and Kathryn entered.

Chakotay missed the confused looks exchanged by Mart and Dalobin as he held out his arm to greet the captain.

"Honored visitors, this is the captain of Voyager, Kathryn Janeway."

The Csedi nodded ceremoniously but only Mart spoke. "If you'll forgive me commenting, Captain, but you are pregnant?"

"Yes. That's why I haven't been able to visit your station. Our doctor will not allow me off the ship."

Chakotay had been studying Zsak for days and Dalobin for the last three hours and something in their manner changed. He looked at Kathryn and knew she had noticed something as well and nodded to her. She reached out to take his arm. "My husband would not have allowed it even if the doctor had. He takes his duties as First Officer far too seriously at times."

The others smiled and nodded in understanding.

"Shall we start with the nursery? The children will have finished their lunch by now but won't be down for their naps."

She and Chakotay led the way to the nursery as she explained the changes they had made to the ship to accommodate the children. She finished her summary as they entered. "It hasn't been easy but it has been worth it."

There was a brief silence as the children realized they had a lot of unexpected visitors and two very familiar ones. Their reaction was immediate.

"Commander!" "Tell us a story!" "Story, Camder!" Echoed through the room but they stayed in their seats – except one. She made a beeline for Chakotay and launched herself into the air – which at her age was about ten centimeters off the floor. "Daddy!"

Chakotay was laughing as he swept her into his arms. He turned to the visitors. "You'll have to forgive her. She is still working on her manners when we have official visitors. This is our daughter Taylor. Taylor, say hello to our visitors."

"Hi, visters," she responded politely before turning to the captain. "Hi, Momma. Hi, baby!"

This time both Kathryn and Chakotay caught the look exchanged by Mart and Dalobin. Chakotay put Taylor on her feet. "Go back to the others now, sweetie. If I finish work before dinner, I'll come back and tell you all a story."

"Ok, Daddy. Bye, visters." Taylor waved to the Csedi and ran back to the table with the others.

The group stepped into the corridor. "Is there a conference room where we could talk, Captain?"

"Yes, we have a conference room but the mess hall would be more comfortable for this many. Would that be acceptable?"

"It would."

As they walked toward a turbolift, Chakotay explained the layout of the ship. At the lift, they broke into two groups. Chakotay took the first group and Kathryn followed with the rest. When he entered the mess hall, there were only a few crew scattered around the room. At a nod from Chakotay they moved to the end of the room with the smaller tables leaving the larger ones clear for the group. Two of them went into the galley and reappeared with a selection of cold beverages. They repeated the task when the captain appeared with more visitors.

The group settled around two tables with Mart, Zsak, and Dalobin at one with Voyager's commanding officers. The rest settled at tables on either side.

Mart spoke. "Captain, I have several questions that might seem unrelated to our purpose but I assure you, they are not."

"I'll try to answer them."

"Whose children are those in the nursery?"

"Well, I'm sure you know that Taylor is my daughter. The baby and the little boy belong to our Chief Engineer and her husband."

"So only officers have children?"

"All of the children do belong to officers but any member of the crew who wants a child can have one." Chakotay was quick to clarify the situation.

"I met two of your crew a few days ago. They told me they could not have children. Is that true?"

"It's true. They are very disappointed." The captain confirmed the statement.

"Then it is not their choice?"

"No, it's not." The captain suddenly realized what Mart meant. "Oh. I think you misunderstood the situation. They are allowed to have children but they can't. Lindy is from Konstin, a planet a few hundred light years behind us. Ayala is from Earth, as are most of our crew. They only found out a few days ago that it was physiologically impossible for them to have children."

Mart turned to Dalobin. "My apologies."

"It is of no matter. The error has been detected." Dalobin turned to the captain. "We have seen enough."

"Then we can cross your territory?" The captain failed to keep the hope out of her voice.

"No. As I'm sure Zsak has explained, you can not maintain a stable warp field within our territory." Dalobin stood. "I will advise the Kobani to send a freight barge of sufficient size. It should arrive in a day or two. Zsak will advise you when it is determined."

"I'm afraid I don't understand." The captain was clearly confused.

"Your ship can not traverse our space. But it can make the same journey in the hold of a freight barge. It is not a glamorous way to travel but it is efficient. The barge will take approximately three days to deliver you to the star station nearest your projected route. Zsak will explain it in more detail. Now if you will excuse me." Dalobin nodded and he, his aide and two others disappeared in a slight puff of smoke.

Zsak was exuberant. "This is marvelous. All we have to do is find a few things for Voyager to leave with us."

"What kind of things?" Chakotay was wary.

"Music, literature, copies of the art of your worlds. Maybe a few plants or seeds to add to our gardens and parks. Where should we begin?"

Chakotay and Kathryn exchanged looks. "Tom Paris would be the best person for you to work with, I think."

"Captain, would it be possible for me to speak to Lindy and Ayala before I leave?" Mart asked hesitantly.

"Of course." The captain nodded to Chakotay.

"Chakotay to the bridge."

"Go ahead, Commander."

"Paris and Ayala, report to the mess hall immediately."

"Aye, sir, we're on our way." Paris's voice responded before the link went dead.

A few minutes later, Ayala followed Paris into the mess hall. "Reporting as ordered, sir."

"Paris, we're going to share a few of our files with the Csedi. Please make the index of our music, literature, plays, and works of art available to him and assist him in sorting through it."

"All Federation cultures or just Terran?"

"Anything we have in our files. You might want to set up in holodeck two. Mart will be joining you and Zsak shortly."

"Aye, sir. This way, gentlemen." Tom Paris escorted the group out of the mess hall.

Chakotay turned to Ayala. "I believe you've met Mart. He wants to speak with you and Lindy. Take him down to engineering and tell B'Elanna it's ok with me as long as it's ok with both you and Lindy. When you're finished, take him to holodeck two."

"Aye, sir." Ayala acknowledged before turning to Mart. "It's good to see you again. This way."

When the mess hall had cleared, Chakotay and Kathryn sighed in unison then laughed at themselves.

"What exactly happened?" Kathryn asked Chakotay.

"I'm not sure but Mart misunderstood something Lindy or Ayala said. Whatever the exact problem was has been explained by the children in the nursery and you being pregnant."

"Well, I'm glad it's all sorted out." Kathryn smiled at Chakotay. "You were right, you know. Whatever it was had to be cultural."

"Want to go with me to the nursery and listen to the story?"

Kathryn flinched. "I don't think so."

"The gymnast awake again?"

Kathryn flinched again. "That was not the baby doing somersaults. I think you'd better walk me to sickbay. Now!"

Chakotay leaned back in the chair in the ready room. Kathryn was sleeping in sickbay but would be returning to their quarters in a few hours along with their second daughter. The Kobani barge had arrived a few hours earlier and the captain and four assistants were inspecting Voyager to make sure she sustained no damage during the transit. Paris had completed his project with Zsak and Mart. They had ended up taking copies of almost the entire cultural database but both had seemed most enthralled with Klingon opera.

A com line opened. "Bridge to the ready room."

"What is it, Paris?"

"Mart is asking to speak with you," Paris responded, "personally."

"Clear the transport with the station, then beam him to the ready room."

"Aye, sir."

Chakotay stood and went to the replicator trying to remember what Mart had preferred to drink. He finally settled on iced tea for them both. He was taking a long drink from his glass when Mart materialized near the couch.

"Welcome aboard, Mart."

"Thank you for seeing me, Commander." Mart accepted the tall glass. "You remembered I liked the tea."

Chakotay tilted his head and shrugged slightly not admitting anything. "What can I do for you?"

"I want to do something for Ayala and Lindy but I'm not sure what I have in mind would be well received." Mart glanced around. "I should probably be explaining this to the captain."

"She's in sickbay. You'll have to settle for me."

"Is she all right? The baby is all right?" Mart was clearly concerned.

"They're both fine. The doctor just kept her in sickbay an extra day to let her rest. The baby is doing great."

"She had the baby? I hadn't heard. Congratulations!"

"Thank you." Chakotay sipped his tea. "You were saying?"

"Oh, yes. My wife saw for herself how upset Lindy was because they can't have a child. She and Ayala have been down at the park watching the children from the orphanage play almost every day. I did some checking and there is a baby girl at another facility on the station about a year old whose parents were from Konstin. She has dark hair and bright violet eyes. She also has a brother a year or so older.

"Would it be appropriate to let Ayala and Lindy know about the two children? It is very unlikely anyone will offer to raise them. Would they be permitted to take the children with them? I don't want to make an offer only to find out that circumstances make it impossible to carry out."

"How soon do they have to give you an answer?"

"Before Voyager is placed in the freight barge. Once the hold is sealed, no one will be permitted to enter or leave your ship until you arrive at the next star station."

"You don't ask easy questions, Mart. Give me a few minutes." Chakotay stood and went to the desk where he called up a chart of the living quarters near Ayala. He sighed as he realized that they were still in quarters intended for a single individual. He called up available family quarters. There wasn't much but he found something that would be sufficient for a few months until engineering could make some changes. He considered going to sickbay to discuss the situation with Kathryn but he knew that in the end they would both let Ayala and Lindy make the decision.

"Chakotay to Paris."

"Go ahead, Commander."

"Find Ayala and Alani and send them to the ready room on the double." Chakotay tried to make his voice neutral but succeeded only in sounding tired and slightly stressed.

It was a full five minutes before Ayala and Lindy entered the ready room. She had clearly been on duty while he looked liked he'd just woken up which Chakotay realized he had. They look worried as they entered.

"Reporting as ordered, Sir." Ayala spoke for them both.

"Relax. Sit down" Chakotay nodded toward Mart. "Mart has something he wants to tell you. What you do with the information entirely up to the two of you. Go ahead, Mart."

Chakotay waited until the younger officers had found seats near Mart before he went to the replicator and got tea for them and a refill for himself and Mart. He joined the others and passed out the drinks without interrupting Mart's tale. Mart provided more details about the children then made his offer.

"The Csedi would be honored if visitors offered these children a permanent home. Family is the center of all Csedi cultures and is highly valued. Children without families are a great sadness and giving a child a family is the greatest gift that can be given."

"Are you saying we can just have two of the children from the orphanage? Just offer and they're ours?" Lindy seemed convinced she had misunderstood.

"Not just like that. I've investigated the matter thoroughly and have received all the official permissions. But you must both make the offer in person." Mart reassured Lindy.

"That's all we have to do?" Ayala sounded disbelieving.

"That's all."

"Do we have to take both children?"

"No. You may offer to take either child or both."

Lindy looked at Ayala then back at Mart. "Could we discuss this privately?"

"Of course." Mart agreed.

Ayala and Lindy moved across the room where they had a brief whispered discussion. Mart seemed surprised that they had remained in the room. Chakotay noticed. "Don't worry. Those two are the ship's experts on making snap decisions. If this is the right thing for them, they'll know."

Ayala and Lindy returned. "Where do we have to go and when is the best time?"

"I will go with you and now is the best time if you're available."

Lindy's face fell. "I can't go. I'm on duty."

"No, you're not. You're both off the roster for the next forty-eight hours. Use the transporter room." Chakotay ended the debate quickly. When the three turned to look at him he grinned. "Get going before I change my mind."

"Hey, beautiful. Ready to go home?" Chakotay's words woke Kathryn.

Kathryn grinned and sat up slowly. "You know I'm always ready to leave sick bay. Has the doctor released both of us?"

"Yes. All taken care of."

"Where's Taylor?"

"In the nursery. B'Elanna promised to drop her off when she gets Robert and Annabel."

Chakotay walked across the room to the crib holding his younger daughter. Carefully he picked her up, hoping she wouldn't wake up. "Our little gymnast seems to like to sleep."

"I wish she'd tried that before she was born." Kathryn grinned ruefully. "Let's get our newest crew member home."

"She's not going to be the newest crew member for long."

"She will be for nearly a month. Sam isn't due for a while yet."

"I don't mean Sam's baby." Chakotay took a deep breath before continuing. "It seems that Ayala and Lindy want to adopt two babies from an orphanage. Their parents were killed but were both from Konstin. They have dark hair and bright violet eyes just like Lindy."

"When did they decide to do this?"

"About thirty minutes ago."

"And how long did they consider it?"

"About three minutes."

"And here I thought we rushed into things when we first met." Kathryn chuckled.

I've never regretted rushing, have you?"

"No, never. Snap decisions can be good." Kathryn stretched to kiss Chakotay's cheek. "Very good."