Work Text:
Not That Easy
He walked toward the house nervous about seeing her after all this time. He stopped in front of the door, taking a deep breath before knocking. Waiting, he wondered if she was home and was about to leave when the door opened.
Looking toward the figure in the doorway he questioned even more whether he should have come. Steel blue eyes looked at him.
"Chakotay, what can I do for you?"
"Kathryn, I was wondering if we could talk?"
The door was opened wider but nothing was said as she turned and walked down the hallway. He assumed he was to follow since the door wasn't slammed in his face. Entering a large kitchen, Voyager's First Officer looked about the room. It was warm and inviting. The former Captain leaned against the counter as she picked up her mug. Chakotay wasn't sure where to start so he thought he would start in a neutral area.
"How have you been?"
"Really, that's why you came here after all this time, to see how I was," she asked and he felt the temperature in the room drop slightly.
"Well, I didn't want to just jump in," he stuttered.
Kathryn turned and poured him something from a pot and slid the cup across the island then turned and topped up her mug. Taking the cup, he noticed it was tea and not her usual coffee.
"Kathryn, I have been doing some soul searching and I have realized that I love you." He said quickly and held his breath as he waited for an answer.
He heard her cup slam on the counter and then she slowly turned in his direction. If he thought the atmosphere in the room was cold before, the icy stare he received dropped the temperature even further down.
"Let me get this straight. You walk off with Seven and spent six months with her. And after making a spectacle of yourselves, you two go your separate ways. You then run off to your home world for over a year. At no time did you contact me or anyone else for that matter and now I am supposed to be overjoyed that you have come to claim me. Is that it?"
"No Kathryn, it's not like that," he tried to defend himself.
"Really and what is it like," she demanded.
"I know I made a terrible mistake and I was ashamed and ran off. I was hoping I could fix my stupidity." Chakotay finished lamely.
"No, sorry. I don't think you can just show up and hope to fix this. I have responsibilities that I have to protect. Please leave, Chakotay," Kathryn spat out as she left the kitchen.
Placing the mug back down on the counter, he turned and left the house. Not sure as to where he was going, he found himself in front of another house. Knocking on the door, he held his breath as he waited to see what type of greeting, he would receive here. The door swung open to reveal Voyager's former pilot.
"B'Elanna, what till you see what the cat dragged in," Tom yelled as he grabbed Chakotay’s arm and pulled him into the house.
"What are you talking about, Tom," his wife asked confused as they didn't have a cat. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw her former Maquis Captain standing in the living room. "Oh, you decided to come back to Earth."
"Hi B'Elanna," he said lamely.
"That's all you have to say for yourself," she demanded.
"I can see I'm getting the same reception here that I got at Kathryn's," Chakotay replied defensively.
"You were at her home or office?" Tom asked.
"Her house," the former First Officer answered. "It's okay. She showed me the door and gave me the old responsibilities speech."
"Well, she does have responsibilities," B'Elanna ground out. "She has been teaching at the Academy, influencing the new generation. She has been helping the crew adjust while she was here. And her son is her biggest joy and love."
"Excuse me," Chakotay said as his head snapped up.
"Yes, she went to help her sister for a while," Tom explained. "Her last pregnancy was a difficult one. When she came back, as Kathryn has said, she brought the meaning of her life with her. Eoin Janeway has his mother in the palm of his little hand."
"I guess Kathryn has someone in her life," Chakotay mumbled.
"No, she doesn't," Tom offered. "Not sure how the little guy came about. Maybe her sister donated the egg but Kathryn did carry him because we saw the pictures."
"So why did you go see her?" Tom asked.
"I wanted to talk to her about us," he said cautiously.
"What," B'Elanna spat out. "There was no you as a couple. Kathryn might have thought that way after New Earth and even after the first couple of blondes but not after you taking up with her adoptive daughter," B'Elanna finished firmly.
"She mentioned New Earth," Chakotay questioned.
"Kathryn came over one night and she and I got talking and she mentioned the time you spent there. Those are the times she held onto when things were tough. Kathryn felt that the time on the planet meant more to her than you."
"I didn't think we could make it work with us back in command of the ship," Chakotay tried to explain. "Kathryn could be very focused as the captain and forget about enjoying life. You saw her out there. It was everything for the ship and getting home"
"What we saw was a Captain focused on her job because it was her job but after New Earth, she tried to spend time at get togethers but it slowly started to wear on her as she saw you go from partner to partner."
Chakotay's head dropped as he thought of his behaviour over the years. "I'm going to go," and with that Chakotay left.
Three days later Chakotay knocked on Tom and B'Elanna's door.
"Hey, old man." B'Elanna said as she kept looking behind her. "Sorry, I have my hands full. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to you," he started to ask as crying erupted from the back of the house.
"I'm sorry, Chakotay, but…" the cries amped up causing B'Elanna to flee in the direction of the distress. Chakotay followed quickly behind.
Entering the family room, Chakotay watched as his former engineer worked between two very upset children.
"Can I help," the former Maquis Captain asked.
"Can you grab the little guy while I get Miral squared away," B'Elanna directed. "A bottle is in his diaper bag beside the rocking chair. You can warm it up in the warmer on the counter. Twenty seconds should do it,” she instructed as she scooped up her screaming daughter and headed for the stairs.
"So little guy, you must be Eoin," Chakotay said as he cradled the child to his chest. The new voice stopped the crying as the baby looked up in wonder at the stranger. Heading to the kitchen Chakotay quickly warmed the bottle then returned to the living room to take a seat with his charge to feed him.
Once the baby had finished half the bottle, he lost interest so Chakotay sat him up and gently patted his back until he was rewarded with a burp. "My, that is a big burp for such a little guy. Now would you like to see if you want to finish the bottle," he asked as he offered the nipple to the baby but Eoin tuned his head away. "Okay, what shall we talk about?" but only received a gurgle as a response. "Hmm, not much of a conversationalist. I like your name. What's it's background?"
"Irish," came the voice from the doorway.
"Hi, Kathryn. I hope you don't mind but when I showed up B'Elanna was dealing with two crying children. She took Miral upstairs. It's finally quite so I think she got her asleep."
"I'm glad she had help," the former Captain said as she moved forward. "They needed my advice at HQ and I'm afraid I'll have to take this little guy and run. Admiral Hayes wants my feedback by tomorrow morning. Can you tell B'Elanna thank you and that I'll call her later."
"Sure," he replied as he handed Kathryn her son. "He's adorable. I always knew you would have beautiful kids," Chakotay said hoping to break the ice with a compliment for her child.
Kathryn said something but Chakotay didn't hear her and when he asked her what she had said, she said she had to leave.
And after quickly gathering her son's things she was gone.
"Chakotay, what did you do with Eoin," B'Elanna asked as she stopped by the couch.
"Kathryn came in and said she had some work to do and had to go home," he explained as he helped her pick up some toys before following her into the kitchen. "She said thank you and that she would call you later."
"Well, thanks for the help. Miral just decided she did not want to share me," the former Maquis said as she placed a drink on the table for him. "So, what's up?"
"I want some advice," he started hesitantly as he sat.
"About what," B'Elanna asked as she sat at the table with him.
"How I can make things right with Kathryn," Chakotay said. "If we can't be together maybe we could at least be friends."
"I think you just need to take it slowly. Something hurt her badly out there. I can't put my finger on it but a couple of years ago she started to pull back," the young woman said as she drank from her cup.
Chakotay looked down into his drink and thought about Kathryn. He hadn't realized at the time but she had taken a step back. When did it happen and what was going on? Just then, Tom came into the room like a whirlwind telling them about the test flight of the new Delta Flyer and Chakotay’s thoughts were forgotten.
The next day Kathryn walked into B'Elanna's kitchen.
"Thank you again for yesterday and I'm sorry I had to run off. It seems some Admirals don't understand maternity leave. I think they were hoping to entice me back but I looked over the documents, sent my suggestions and said I would see them in 15 months."
"Good for you," B'Elanna encouraged. "I have to say you seem to be enjoying motherhood."
"I am," Kathryn said as she got a faraway look for a moment. "He's brought joy back to my life that's been missing for a while."
"Kathryn, can I ask a question," the younger woman asked cautiously.
"Of course," Kathryn said, surprised by her hesitancy.
"I was wondering… For a while after you came back from New Earth you joined in with things on the ship but then you pulled back."
Kathryn stood for a moment looking at her former engineer.
"You don't have to answer. I'm sorry. It's not any of my business," B'Elanna said as she tried to back pedal from the question.
"No that's okay, B'Elanna." Kathryn started putting her hand out to stop B'Elanna's apologizes. "Do you remember when the Devore were on the ship?" B'Elanna nodded. "I went to Kashyk's quarters for dinner. Things got a little friendly but I put a stop to it and left. I ran into Chakotay down the hall from the guest quarters. I think I might have been a little disheveled and he made some crude comments. The one that stung was how this would look to the crew and what they would think of their Captain slinking away from a guest's quarters. I guess I just shut down after that, doing my job and nothing else."
"That bastard," the young Klingon exploded. "Oh Kathryn, I wish I had known."
"Don't worry about it, B'Elanna. We got home, I have my little guy and I am happy. My mistake was letting him get to me and affect my relationship with the crew."
"Just so you know," B'Elanna said as she hugged the older woman. "The crew thought only good things about you and the job you were doing."
"Thanks," Kathryn responded as she hugged B'Elanna.
"Okay, before we are a puddle of tears," the former engineer said to change the subject. "Tom wants to plan a get together for as many of the crew as he can."
"Any special reason?"
"He thinks it's been too long since we have been together."
"Okay, tell me where and when and if he needs any help, just ask."
Two weeks later Tom had organized his get together and the picnic was going on at his and B'Elanna's home. Unfortunately, not everyone could make it because of assignments but he was able to get half the crew together. The center of attention were Miral and Eoin who were passed around and oh'd and ah'd over. Not wanting to intrude but curiosity got the best of the crew and they wondered about Eoin's father.
After the crew left, B'Lanna was talking to Kathryn in the kitchen.
"You know they don't mean anything," she tried to defend the crew.
"I know," Kathryn said as she looked at her sleeping son.
Tom walked in with a pile of glasses and dishes.
"Who doesn't mean anything," Tom asked and received a glare from his wife.
"The crew were wondering about Eoin's father but were too polite to ask," Kathryn explained.
"They are probably hoping that whoever he is, he is at least helping," Tom added into the conversation.
"Well, he doesn't know about Eoin," Kathryn informed them.
"Oh Kathryn, I'm sure you have your reasons," B'Elanna said as she gave the older woman a hug.
"I tried to tell him. I was so nervous when I went to him. He was upset about another woman who had told him that a child was his but it turned out it wasn't."
The two people in the room froze, realizing what she was saying but before they could say anything a voice from the doorway broke in.
"He's my son," the stunned man asked.
"No, you were the donor," Kathryn said as she stepped toward him with her son.
"But…' Chakotay started but was stopped.
"Chakotay, do you remember what you said to me on New Earth," Kathryn asked but didn't wait for his answer. "You told me you would always be by my side and make my burdens lighter but when we came back to the ship you stepped back and I allowed you some space to decide what you wanted. Then Seska happened and you backed away further. When we came back to the ship and the Doctor did our physical, he found a little surprise hiding."
"I went to check on you and tell you the news. I thought our child could make up for Seska's lie. Do you remember what you said to me? ‘I'm glad he wasn't mine; I don't think I want kids and especially not in this god forsaken quadrant’. Then you asked me to leave you alone and I did. I gave you space for a few days but you only spoke to me on the bridge and nothing personal. I went to the Doctor and asked him about options and the best one he came up with was to put the fetus in stasis."
"I thought if we ever made it back to each other then I would tell you but of course there were a few ensigns then Riley, Kellin and then the last. The one I thought of as a daughter was the knife to the heart. I spoke to my sister about the gift that I had and she arranged with a doctor friend to help so I went to visit on the story of helping her. My son was put back in me and I had him five months later. A little early but it hasn't harmed him."
"Kathryn, would you let me get to know my son," Chakotay asked quietly.
"Right now, I don't know," Kathryn responded, the pain in her voice from her admission evident. "For now, I'm going to go home."
"Kathryn," Chakotay called.
Kathryn stopped in mid stride and looked at his pleading face. "Give me some time," and then she was gone.
Tom moved forward grabbing the big man's arm. "Chakotay."
Chakotay looked back at the young man and then back to Kathryn but she was gone.
"Did you two know about this," Chakotay demanded as he turned toward the couple.
"No, I honestly thought her sister might have donated to her," B'Elanna answered.
"Give her some time," Tom said echoing Kathryn's request.
Tom looked at B'Elanna, thinking she might want to talk to her friend but he was wrong. His wife's face was as close as he ever wanted to see to her anger showing.
"Hey old man, do you want to talk," Tom asked as he moved to the fridge to grab a couple of beers then started walking to the backdoor. Chakotay followed while B'Elanna moved in the opposite direction out of the kitchen.
"Tom, I got to see beyond the Captain's mask for those months on that planet. But then you came back and the uniform went back on and I saw the Captain take over Kathryn."
"Did you give her a chance?"
"No, I just ran, started backing away before she could."
"You didn't want to get hurt and I can understand that. The Captain is from a Starfleet family and they take those principles very seriously. But can I tell you about something I saw one night that I have never told anyone, not even B'Elanna." Not waiting for any response, he continued. "A few nights after you returned, I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk and ended up at the Mess Hall. I came in through the entrance that takes you into Neelix's area."
"I grabbed one of those apple looking things and headed for the seats by the window but stopped in the shadows of the kitchen. The Captain was sitting at one of the tables by the window and something told me not to intrude. I could see she had been crying. She was looking at a padd then she put it down on the table. She got up from the table and moved to look out the window and after a bit she turned and left the room."
"I went out to where she had been sitting and there were a few padds on the table. I picked up the one I saw her put down and activated it. A picture appeared of the two of you. You were laughing about something and the love I saw in that picture took my breath away. I gathered up the padds and the next day I returned them to the Captain. One of the padds had Tuvok's security report on it so I joked about her forgetting it because she must have fallen asleep reading the Vulcan’s report."
"I covered by saying I had seen her leaving the Mess Hall and so assumed that they were her padds and if I was wrong, I could deliver them to the correct person if she would like. I told her I had looked at Tuvok's report and turned it off before I dozed off. She smiled her thanks at me and said they were all her boring reports. I promised to throw in a few jokes in my next report. She laughed and thanked me."
"Can I give you some advice," Tom asked and received a nod. "Kathryn’s world is that little guy. If she agrees to let you see him, focus on him but don't push her. Do you have a place to stay?"
"Yes, I'm renting a small apartment for now. I wanted to see where I got a job and go from there,” Chakotay explained.
"Dad was saying that they are looking for instructors at the Academy. Not sure of the position. Do you want me to ask?" Tom questioned.
"If you don't mind, I would appreciate it," Chakotay said with some hope.
"Consider it done," Tom promised. "Now one last thing. You be sure of what you want because if you hurt her again, I'm not sure who will kill you, B'Elanna or me."
Chakotay looked down at the ground while nodding.
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Tom stopped at Kathryn's house on his way home from dropping Miral off at his parents for the night.
Walking over to the table that Kathryn was working on, he looked down at the baby.
"How's our youngest Fleet Admiral," Tom asked as he tickled Eoin who laughed.
"Fleet Admiral?" Kathryn asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course. He runs everything in his life and you are at his beck and call. Don't worry, Miral is in charge at home as well."
"Well thank you for the lesson but I'm sure that's not why you came over," Kathryn questioned her former pilot.
"No, I have two things to talk to you about," he explained as Kathryn sat back in her chair. "B'Elanna and I have been working on a new shuttle design and we have gotten Harry's input and wondered if we could get yours."
Surprised at first then intrigued, Kathryn sat forward. "How far along are you?"
"We have the schematics laid out; we are expanding on the Delta flyer but we wanted your input if you are up to it?"
"I'd love to," the former Captain said with excitement in her voice.
"Okay, here's what we have so far," the young pilot said as he slid a padd across the table. Kathryn took it eagerly and started scrolling.
"I'll leave the padd with you so you can take time to look at it. The second thing I wanted to talk to you about," he started a little nervously. "B'Elanna told me to stay out of it," he said as he was interrupted.
"And she is right," Kathryn said as her Captain's glare started to appear.
"Please hear me out," Tom pleaded and he watched as Kathryn sat back and crossed her arms giving him a nod. "I spoke to Chakotay after you left the other night. He told me about your time on New Earth and about you putting the uniform back on. He said he saw Kathryn disappear and the Captain take over."
"I know you were just trying to get control of the situation but for Chakotay, he felt like he was losing you. And then Seska happened and he felt betrayed again. Yes, we can all agree that he acted like an idiot but all I'm going to ask you is that if you feel anything for him, think of your son. Eoin should know his dad. Think of how much time we missed with our dads and we couldn't control it. You have the chance to allow Eoin to know his dad and spend time with him."
Kathryn sat there with tears slipping down her face. Tom moved around the table and knelt beside her.
"I know he hurt you and I told him to make sure of what he wanted because if he hurt you again, I would kill him." he informed her as he grabbed a spit up cloth and wiped the tears from Kathryn's face. "You hold all the cards and you decide what is best for you and Eoin."
"Thanks, Tom. I promise to think about all you have said," Kathryn said as she looked at the young man before her.
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Two days later Chakotay returned to his apartment after a meeting with the head of the Academy. He had been offered a temporary assignment for eight months as the instructor was on maternity leave.
During the meeting Chakotay pitched a possible course proposal. His idea was using situations that Voyager's crew came across. Chakotay would give them the first meeting whether friendly or hostile and then have them go through the steps to an outcome, bad or good.
Chakotay noticed his terminal had a message waiting for him. Moving over to his desk he activated the screen to be greeted by a recording left by Kathryn.
"Chakotay, if you are available tomorrow, please come over for lunch at one," she said giving nothing away as to what the lunch was about. "Please reply to this message as I will be in and out today," she finished as the screen went dark.
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The next day, Chakotay arrived at Kathryn's home at the requested time. Ringing the bell, he waited nervously. The door opened to B'Elanna standing before him.
"Hi B'Elanna," he said, surprised to see his friend.
"Hello," was said a little stiffly before she turned to call into the house. "It's him. I'll send him back to you. I'll be by tomorrow to go over those ideas you had."
As she left, the young Klingon stopped beside him and whispered in a dangerous tone. "You hurt her again and Tom will be the least of your problems," and she was gone.
Entering the house, he closed the door and followed the sounds to a sun room that looked onto the backyard.
"Thank you for coming. I have been doing some thinking and I don't think I'm being fair about you knowing Eoin. I would like to propose, to start, that you visit with him here a few times a week. I'm still breast feeding and I have had luck leaving him with B'Elanna once or twice but he hasn't been happy with the bottle." She explained as she poured him a tea. Chakotay remembered when he fed Eoin that he didn’t seem overly excited about the bottle.
"That's fine, Kathryn. If you are okay with me coming over, I’m more than happy to see him here. Right now, I have a small apartment and it doesn't really have the space for a baby and the items that come with them."
He saw Kathryn visibly relax at his agreeing to seeing the baby at her place.
"Kathryn, I want to assure you that I just want to get to know my son and I'm happy to do that however it makes you the most comfortable," he explained giving her a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, Chakotay. I know this was a surprise for you," Kathryn said as she passed a plate of sandwiches. "He's everything to me and I'm a little protective. I know I will have to ease up but right now it's a little hard."
"Not a problem," he promised. "Can I ask a question?"
"Of course," she encouraged as she passed a salad to him.
"How did the Doctor keep this secret?"
"Patient confidentiality but I started to worry. Do you remember when we were having the problem with him when he had to decide to save Harry over Jetal?" Chakotay nodded as he remembered she had spent a lot of time with the Doctor trying to get him to come to grips with saving one crew member while letting another die.
"I erased the entry about the stasis chamber from his memory," Kathryn informed him looking a little ashamed of what she had done. "I had added an encrypted file to my records so if something ever happened to me you would have been notified of the existence of our child. I didn't want the chamber to be lost and forgotten just because I might be gone. I thought maybe you would want something to remember New Earth by."
"Kathryn, I want to apologize for the way I behaved after we came back to the ship. I saw that uniform go on and I saw Kathryn disappear and the Captain take over. I didn't see a future for us and I ran. I was a coward," he admitted.
"I'll admit it hurt and my confidence took a hit. I thought you were with me on New Earth because you didn't want to be alone for the rest of your life and then we were back on the ship and you had options," Kathryn explained why she didn't fight.
"My god, Kathryn, those months were the best of my life and after the debacle with Seven, I realized what a giant ass I had been to you but didn't know how to fix it so I ran again."
"How about we try to get back our friendship," Kathryn suggested and Chakotay nodded agreement, unable to speak at the moment.
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And so, over the next few months that friendship was slowly rebuilt. Chakotay would spend time with the both of them or just Eoin. A true test of their friendship came two months later when Chakotay took Eoin for the afternoon to a park for some father-son bonding.
Kathryn released the breath she had been holding since they left when she saw Chakotay's smiling face and her sleeping son cuddled into his chest. She felt guilty about her thoughts. She knew she could trust Chakotay but her moments of insecurity still popped up. The look of pure joy on the man's face took a lot of her doubts away.
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"Tom, what can I do for you," Kathryn asked as she sat at her desk to answer her com.
"B'Elanna and I would like to invite you to a test flight of the new shuttles. We would like you to be the pilot on one, we have two shuttles to test," he said with a big grin.
"I would love to," the former captain said with a huge grin.
"Okay, the day after tomorrow at Utopia. How about 9 am," Tom asked.
"I'll be there," she promised as they closed the channel.
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"Okay, so we have two shuttles and we thought," Tom explained, "Harry and I can take one and you and B'Elanna can take the other. Harry and B'Elanna will be the co-pilots and make notes of any issues or modifications that are thought of. And all going well maybe we could have a little fun and maybe race."
"Sounds like fun. I'm sure you won't mind eating our dust," Kathryn said as she winked at B'Elanna.
B'Elanna laughed and whispered to Chakotay, "Oh, this is going to be fun."
B’Elanna had relaxed her cool attitude around Chakotay as she watched Kathryn begin to trust him again.
Chakotay had come along to see the new shuttles and look after Eoin. "I wish I was going along," he said as he chuckled at the glint in Kathryn's eyes.
For the next 2 hours they took the shuttles through their paces, making notes of issues. Kathryn commented to B'Elanna that the controls seemed sluggish. Tom heard that over the comm and told her she couldn't use that as an excuse for losing the race.
Kathryn laughed and swung the shuttle around Mars one more time when the inertial dampeners failed and the shuttle started spinning. Kathryn and B'Elanna were thrown from their seats as the shuttle spun.
Tom and Harry saw the incident from where they were following. Tom immediately called Control for a tractor on the shuttle and possible beam out for the two occupants. They were informed that there was some interference which did not allow for a beam out. Control also informed them that they were unable to get a tractor. Tom suggested that Control and Harry together set up 2 tractor beams and see if they could draw in the flyer in that way. After some tense minutes they successfully reeled the shuttle back to the yards. Once they had clamps on it, a medical team hurried on. They found Kathryn crumbled into a corner behind the co-pilot's seat and B'Elanna in the back of the flyer.
Quickly scanning the two patients and doing what they could, they moved them to stretchers and hurried them too Medical.
Tom, Harry and Chakotay, carrying Eoin, came racing into the facility. The room was abuzz with staff working over the two patients. Staying back, they watched as the two women were worked on and hoped against all that they would be fine. They waited what seemed forever when a doctor walked up to them. Tom was acquainted with the young man as he had been to Medical a couple of times while working on the shuttle.
"Tom, B'Elanna is going to need some surgery," the young man explained.
"How bad," a concerned Tom asked.
"She has quite a few broken bones but the main concern is the concussion and the swelling that is going on." The intern did his best to explain.
"What about the Admiral?" Harry asked.
"Not sure. Let me see if I can find out anything for you," the doctor said as he turned to the other side of the med bay.
He came back a short time later with a very serious look on his face that froze Chakotay's heart.
"They are taking her to surgery as well. She took a little more of a beating than B'Elanna. I understand she was thrown about the shuttle a little more. B'Elanna got wedged in an area of the flyer. The major concern right now is the internal bleeding for the Admiral, hence the surgery,' the young man explained. "She does have one advantage. Doctor Crusher from the Enterprise was visiting my boss and offered to help. She's top in her field."
Finally, two people were walking toward them with the young Doctor that had been talking to them earlier.
"Gentlemen, this is Doctor Parker and Crusher," he introduced everyone.
"Let's sit down so we can explain the Admiral and B'Elanna's condition. Does the Admiral have any family?" Doctor Parker asked.
"She has a sister. She's out near Deep Space 9," Chakotay replied. "We will let her know what's happening but I doubt she will be able to travel as she just had a baby. Her Voyager family will help her."
"The Admiral sustained two broken legs, an arm, shoulder and jaw. A concussion with some severe swelling. Several broken ribs, one of which punctured a lung. We had to repair a kidney along with the lung and there’s swelling on the brain. She will need some therapy for her legs but she will recover. It will be a slow process."
"B’Elanna has much the same injuries but the swelling on her brain was more severe but we were able to get that swelling under control."
"We plan on keeping them for a couple of days here and then transfer them to Earth to Medical," Doctor Crusher explained. "I'll actually be going with them. I have been assigned to medical while the Enterprise is being repaired. I requested to stay with the Admiral and Lieutenant here until they are ready to be moved."
At that moment Eoin made his presence known. Chakotay picked him up out of his carrier.
"I know, little man, you want mommy," he bounced the child whispering to him but with no result.
Chakotay tried gently rocking the child while patting his back and whispering comforting words but it did not work. The cries grew in volume until Doctor Crusher reached across.
"Here, let me try," she said as she took the child, rocking and patting his back. Where it didn't work for his father, he quieted in the Doctor's arms.
"You're upset about the Admiral and he can sense it. I'm concerned but my emotions aren't in a jumble," she told him as she gave him an understanding smile. Sitting Eoin in her lap, she looked down at him. "You are a cutie, aren't you?" Beverly chuckled as she tickled his belly and was rewarded with giggles.
"They are going to be fine. We've discussed their treatment," she informed them as she looked at the other doctor. "We are going to leave them sedated to rest their bodies. We might bring them out before we transfer them or we might leave them sedated for the move to Medical on Earth. I have treated the Admiral many years ago and like all Captains and Admirals she does not take confinement well. No, she doesn't." She directed the last comment to her enthralled small admirer.
"He is adorable.” She looked at Chakotay. “You can sit with her for a bit then I would suggest you and Tom take this little guy and get some food and then rest. Both patients are sedated so get some rest," Doctor Crusher instructed as she placed her smallest charge back in his father's arms. "it's good to see you, Tom. It has been quite a few years," she informed him. "If I remember, you were a patient of mine at Medical."
Tom chuckled. "Yes, that feels like a lifetime ago."
"Not quite that long ago but it was before I went to the Enterprise. A broken hand while playing…" she said as tried to remember the incident.
"Pool," Tom reminded her. "My competitor didn't appreciate how good I was and smashed a pool cue across my hand."
"That's right. You should have known Nausicaans are bad losers. Just be thankful he didn't stab you with his stick."
"Yes, I learned my lesson, I never played them again," he laughed.
Tom and Chakotay spent a short time with the patients then as Eoin started to fuss, they decided to find Harry and see about quarters. Harry had been ahead of them and was able to get a three-bedroom guest suite and a crib for them.
"I'll be back shortly. See to the little guy and yourselves and I'll get some food," Harry instructed.
-----------
The next day Chakotay and Tom walked into Sickbay to utter chaos. They quickly moved over to B'Elanna to check on her. The young intern who talked to them the day before came over to tell them what he could.
"The admiral just started seizing about 10 minutes ago," The young man said as he took readings on B'Elanna.
For the next 30 minutes they waited for the chaos to stop but not for a bad reason.
Finally, the doctors came over to the waiting group.
"We have stabilized her. A blood clot caused a seizure but we got it under control before irreparable damage could be done. We are going to watch her for the next few hours and if she remains stable, we are going to move them to Earth to Medical. Admiral Paris has arranged for a ship to take them back to Earth.
Tom and Chakotay went back to their quarters to collect what they had and inform the housing officer that they would no longer need the suite. The two men re-entered Sickbay a short time later. Tom carried their bags while Chakotay carried Eoin. They took chairs near to the patients’ beds but kept out of the way of the medical staff. The medical staff began organizing their patients for the move to Earth. Kathryn and B'Elanna were moved to grav beds and once the staff were satisfied with their condition they moved from Medical. The large group moved down the hallway to the gangway that would take them to a ship for transport. Chakotay stopped momentarily when he saw through the window that the ship was Voyager. It seemed excessive to use a large ship like Voyager for such a short trip but a shuttle wouldn't have the Sickbay or the room for the people going to Earth. The other advantage was Voyager could land near Medical and transporters would need never to be used.
The head of the shipyards told Chakotay the ship was in his command and he had the pilot needed in Tom Paris. Both tried to argue but a padd was handed to them with instructions from Admiral Paris to bring Kathryn and B'Elanna home safely.
For the second time Tom Paris flew Voyager to Earth and landed the ship there but this time there were two very precious members of the crew that did not see the second landing. Chakotay waited while Kathryn was situated in her room at Starfleet Medical while Owen spoke to Tom. Tom's shout of outrage had him looking over to the two men and as Tom’s outrage increased, he moved over to them.
"What's going on," Chakotay asked the group while he rocked Eoin.
"Dad just informed me that Geordie LaForge from the Enterprise finish ed the investigation of the accident. It was sabotage."
"What," Chakotay shouted startling a sleeping Eoin who promptly started to cry.
"Can we keep the noise down," admonished Beverly Crusher. "Patients are trying to rest as well as this little man."
"Sorry, Doctor," Chakotay said quietly as he rocked Eoin again.
Beverly walked away as Chakotay asked, "Is he sure and why?"
"Yes, he and his team went over the Flyer twice and compared it to the other one and when they did that, they found a stabilizer that wasn't installed properly as well as the transporter being offline. The why is my brilliant daughter-in-law and son. One of the engineers on the project felt slighted by the attention that the two of them received for their design. It seems that he had presented a design but the Alpha Flyer was chosen over his. He thought if he took one or both of them out, he could cast a shadow over their flyer. He didn't realize that Kathryn was one of the test pilots," Admiral Paris explained.
"We hadn't told anyone about Kathryn until the very last minute because it could change and we wanted her to enjoy the flight and not have to deal with any other nonsense," Tom added.
"Has he been apprehended," Chakotay questioned.
"Yes. When he realized it was Kathryn who was seriously hurt along with B'Elanna, he decided to pack and run. He was apprehended trying to board a freighter. How are they?"
"Both are stable but Kathryn had a seizure before we left so they are watching them closely. Both have a long road ahead because of the broken bones," Tom explained to his dad.
Owen Paris just shook his head and moved over to stand between the two beds. "You two look after these ladies and Tom, don't worry about Miral. Your mother is enjoying her bonding time."
"Thanks, Dad. If you don't mind, I'll stay at your place tonight so we disrupt Miral as little as possible," Tom said.
"Of course," his father agreed as he looked at the two men. "They have the best medical care and two of our best doctors, Crusher and Pulaski. They will make it through this. It might take a while but they will."
Both men nodded, feeling a little better about the situation.
The following hours were taken up with scans of the two patients which showed a small tear that had been missed in previous scans of Kathryn. Surgery was arranged very quickly while a scan of B'Elanna showed a small tear in her lung which was dealt with by using a regenerator.
The two doctors met with Tom and Chakotay when all scans and issues had been dealt with.
"So, we have corrected all issues and they are now resting in their beds. We have put them together in a private suite. We thought it would be easier on both of you as well and it might help them heal better. We are leaving them in the induced coma for another three days at least. We just want to give their bodies a chance to start healing."
"Why don't you sit with them for a while and talk to them," Doctor Crusher suggested. "Then go home and get some rest. They are going to need you alert and refreshed."
Tom took Chakotay and Eoin home with him to his dad's. Chakotay was glad that Tom had taken the decision out of his hands. He had wondered where to go as his apartment wasn't set up for a baby and he didn't feel comfortable staying at Kathryn's.
Once they arrived, Chakotay asked Owen if Phoebe had been informed of the accident.
"Not yet. I wanted to call with some encouraging news but I guess I should," the older man commented, not sounding very convinced.
"Admiral, would it be alright if I called and I could show her Eoin and let her know he is being looked after," Chakotay suggested.
"How about we go to my study and call her together," Owen suggested.
Nodding, Chakotay followed him down the hall to the study and set them up in front of his desk.
"Owen, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call," she asked just before she noticed Chakotay sitting to the side. "And why is he involved in the call?"
"Phoebe, please just listen and I will answer any questions," Owen said.
"Fine," she said grudgingly. "What's happened?"
"Four days ago, Kathryn, Tom, B'Elanna and Harry were testing the new flyers that Tom and B'Elanna had designed. What no one knew was someone on the team had sabotaged one of the flyers and it was the one that Kathryn and B'Elanna were flying," Owen was explaining when Phoebe cried out.
"Please Owen, tell me that she is alive," Kathryn's sister pleaded.
"Yes, they are both alive and are under observation at Medical. Kathryn sustained some very major injuries but we have two of the best doctors overseeing them. They have a long road to recovery but the doctors are confident that they will make a full one. I promise you, Phoebe, they are receiving the best care. And this little guy is being looked after very well. He has everyone at his beck and call."
"I'm not sure if I can get there anytime soon as I'm still recovering from this last pregnancy," Phoebe explained as she looked at her nephew nestled in Chakotay's arms.
"Phoebe, I know you don't trust me but I promise I'm not here to cause Kathryn any more pain. She has allowed me to get to know my son and I am hoping I can help her when she is released from Medical," Chakotay said with all sincerity. "Eoin and I will keep you updated every day if you allow."
Phoebe watched the man for a few minutes before agreeing to Chakotay's proposal. The channel was closed after a few more minutes of conversation.
"Well, that went better than I expected," Chakotay admitted to Tom's dad.
"Before we join everyone for dinner, I want to talk to you for a moment," Owen said as he watched the younger man. "I appreciate you helping with Eoin and I understand that Kathryn trusts you or she wouldn't have let you into Eoin's life, but I promise you I will make your life miserable if you hurt her again. Since she had this little guy, she has come back to life. She was more a robot when she came back from the Delta Quadrant. She didn't really enjoy her job but she did it because she thought it was what everyone wanted from her. I don't want to see her hurt again so you be sure about what you want."
"Owen, I can promise you one thing. I don't plan on hurting her again," Chakotay said honestly. "I want to be in my son's life and if I'm lucky, get back the friendship that I let slip from my hands."
---------------
The next day, Chakotay and Tom sat trying to entertain Eoin in Kathryn and B'Elanna's room when Sam and Naomi walked in.
"Uncle Tom, Uncle Chakotay," Naomi called as she ran over and hugged both men.
Sam walked over to them, saying her hellos as she scooped up Eoin. They talked about what was happening with Sam and Naomi and reuniting with Sam's husband and Naomi getting to know her dad.
"We thought we would take Eoin for a few hours," Sam offered. "Miral not here," she asked Tom.
"No, my Mom is in grandma heaven," Tom laughed. "You would think Miral was her only grandchild. I think she is enjoying the baby stage again. My sister's family is in the Beta quadrant at the moment and the kids are older."
They talked for a few more minutes before Sam asked again about taking Eoin. Naomi looked so excited about it that Chakotay agreed.
A short time after the Wildman’s left two medical staff walked in.
"Good morning, sirs,' the young lieutenant said. "Doctor Crusher and Pulaski have asked us to work with the patients. They want to work on keeping their arms and legs flexible. The breaks were pretty severe so they want to give them a head start on their therapy."
Chakotay and Tom moved out of the way to give the therapists some room but watched what they did.
"Would we be able to help with this," Chakotay asked after a short conversation with Tom.
"How about we show you what to do with their arms and we will do their legs," the young lady working on Kathryn suggested.
For the next half hour, the group worked on the sleeping women.
Over the next few days, crew came and took Eoin while Tom and Chakotay helped with the physio. A few mornings later the Doctors came in.
"We are going to wean them off their sedatives to allow them to come around. We want to take it slowly, to try to avoid any side issues such as convulsions for one," Doctor Pulaski explained.
"We expect Commander Torres to come around first because of her Klingon physiology but as always they will come to at their own pace."
The doctors checked their patients and left the two men doing the exercises they had been shown.
----------------
The next day B'Elanna slowly started to stir.
'Come on, B'E, it's time to stop lying around," Tom encouraged as he rubbed her arm.
Slowly she opened her eyes as she groaned.
Chakotay left the room to notify the staff while Tom spoke to his wife.
"How do you feel?" The young pilot asked.
"Like I was hit by a shuttle," B'Elanna whispered.
"That's an understatement, Commander," Doctor Pulaski said as she stepped up to the other side of the bed. "Would you gentlemen excuse us for a moment while I check my patient?"
Chakotay moved to the other side of the room where Kathryn remained sleeping. A short time later the doctor called them over.
"The Commander is coming along nicely but she needs to remain here for two more days and then she can continue recovering at home."
Over the next two days B'Elanna worked with the therapists and Tom helped with the exercises. And as an incentive for her to get back on her feet, he brought Miral after lunch. It was the much-needed boast that she needed.
Kathryn on the other hand remained unconscious and the only explanation the doctors had was that the seizure she had experienced might be slowing down her recovery. Tom and Chakotay brought the children to her bed hoping that their presence might encourage her and Chakotay lay a sleeping Eoin beside his mother but to no avail.
Three days after B'Elanna had come to, she was being released to home when Kathryn started to rouse.
"Kathryn, come on," Chakotay encouraged as he squeezed her hand. "Open those beautiful eyes, please." And slowly she did as he requested.
"Where," she croaked.
"Here," Chakotay said as he placed a straw at her lips. "Take a few sips but not too much."
She did gratefully and then looked to him for answers.
"You are at Starfleet Medical and here's your doctor," he explained as he moved away from the bed.
"Hello Admiral," Doctor Crusher said as she did a few scans. "It has been a few years since you have been under my care. How are you feeling?"
"Like Voyager has sat on me," she mumbled.
"Do you remember what happened or the last thing you were doing?" The doctor questioned.
"Testing a new shuttle for Tom and then ...." Kathryn tried but couldn't think of anything.
"Yes, you were testing the new Alpha shuttle," Chakotay explained. "But there was a malfunction and you and B'Elanna were trapped on the ship for a while being bounced around." He filled in for her the missing pieces.
"Lanna?" Kathryn asked concerned.
"She's fine, just being released," Chakotay told her as he pointed to B'Elanna and Tom.
"I am so sorry, Kathryn," Tom said.
"Not your fault," the older woman answered. "Accidents happen."
Tom went to answer but Chakotay shook his head and Tom realized she didn't need to know why it happened at this time.
"We will see you soon, Kathryn," B'Elanna said as Tom led her from the room.
"Chakotay, could I have a few minutes with my patient," Beverly asked.
"Of course. I'll be back when you are finished," Chakotay answered as he moved toward the door.
A half hour later he returned to find Kathryn sitting up slightly. It looked like the staff had helped her to clean up and into a new gown.
"How do you feel," he asked as he sat in the chair beside her bed.
"Not sure, a little muddled, everything hurts," she said and the voice that spoke was weak, not her usual command voice.
"It will take time but you will be back to normal as soon as possible," Chakotay assured.
"How's Eoin," Kathryn asked realizing that her son wasn't in the room.
"Relax, Kathryn," the big man said as he smiled at her. "He's with his Uncle Harry right now," Chakotay said as he reached for his badge. "Chakotay to Commander Kim," he called.
"Kim here," came the quick response.
"I have someone who wants to see her son," the big man said as he smiled at Kathryn.
"On our way," Harry said with excitement in his voice.
A short time later the two walked into the room and when Eoin saw his mother he squealed with excitement. Chakotay took the little guy and sat him beside Kathryn on the side of her bed.
"How's my little man?" Kathryn smiled at her son.
The baby crawled up and laid down on Kathryn's chest. Slowly she moved her arms around him.
"How are you doing, Kathryn," Harry asked as he sat in a chair on the other side of her bed.
"Not bad. As I said to Chakotay, just sore and muddled," she managed as she gingerly stroked her son's head.
"It's good to see you awake," Harry said before he departed.
"Chakotay, I will call my sister and see if she can come for a while to help me," Kathryn said as her son snuggled down into her side," as her eyes started to droop.
"She's still not well, Kathryn," Chakotay informed her. "I have been keeping her up to date on your condition and letting her see that I am looking after this little man properly."
"Oh," she said quietly.
"I don't mind helping when you are released from here," Chakotay promised. "Even if it’s only looking after this little guy for you. How about we leave so you can get some sleep and we will be here first thing in the morning. If you need us, we are staying with Tom and B'Elanna."
She nodded as her eyes started to close. Chakotay waited for a few minutes before picking up Eoin and quietly leaving. He stopped to talk to Doctor Crusher before leaving.
---------
The next day Kathryn opened her eyes to see Eoin's smiling face looking at her.
"Hi there, my cutie." She smiled at his grinning face.
"Mom...my," her son said.
"Did he just say his first word," Kathryn asked in total shock.
"Who's this, Eoin,” Chakotay asked with a laugh.
"Mom...my," the little tyke said with a giggle.
"That is right, our clever boy," Chakotay laughed as he sat his son on the side of the bed and keeping a protective hand on him.
Over the next few days Kathryn endured some difficult physio for her legs and arms. Chakotay walked in to Kathryn's room as Doctor Crusher was finishing a conversation with her.
"But remember you will need help because you won't be able to look after this little guy by yourself," Beverly said as she scooped up Eoin and walked out of the room.
"Sorry, he has a fan club here," Chakotay explained. "She will bring him back shortly. So, you get to go home?"
"Day after tomorrow. Beverly just wants me to have a few more sessions on my arms and legs. I guess I'll have to get help in for Eoin and me," she said as she looked down at her bedspread.
"Kathryn, I know things are a little stained for us but I would love to help if you will allow me too. Maybe I could still look after Eoin and we could have help for you. This would also avoid too much disruption in his life. You won't be able to do much with him but I would be there for him."
"What about your job," Kathryn asked.
"I have two classes a week. I think it's more so they can decide if they want me at the Academy," Chakotay said with a small smile.
"They would be lucky to have you," Kathryn said fiercely.
"Thank you," Chakotay said, surprised by her comment.
"And thank you for thinking of Eoin," the former Captain said. "I'll talk to Beverly about someone to help."
-----------
Two days later Chakotay arrived to help Kathryn home. Eoin was bouncing in his father's arms at the sight of his mother.
"Mom..my," he squealed reaching for her but of course she was still unable to hold him.
Chakotay sat down beside Kathryn on the bed so the baby could be near his mother. They talked for a few minutes until the nurse that was going home with them arrived.
Chakotay spent the day with them and after he had put Eoin to bed, he left for his place.
The next morning, he arrived to a crying Eoin and quickly moved to the baby's room to gather him in his arms.
"Hey little one, what is all this about," the big man whispered to the baby as he gently rocked him.
Kathryn came in to the room a short time later with the help of the nurse in her wheelchair.
"Good morning, I'm glad you are here," Kathryn said as she visibly relaxed. "He has had a rough night. I couldn't pick him up and he seems to not have taken to Sophia. And once again I apologize for that Sophia," she said as she turned to the young woman.
"Not a problem, Admiral. He has had an upsetting experience as well and a strange face in the middle of the night is not helping. I'll set up the equipment for your workout," the young woman said as she left the room.
Kathryn rolled her eyes as she said quietly to Chakotay, "I could really use a nap."
"Why don't you tell her," Chakotay said as he rocked his son who was slowly quieting.
"No, I should get it over with," Kathryn confessed.
"How about I take this little guy for a spin around the park. After your workout, have a nap and when you wake up, I'll have lunch ready," he offered.
"Thank you but you don't have to make lunch," the small woman said as she tried to suppress a yawn.
"I don't mind. Come on we will help you to your workout area before Sophia comes looking for you,' the large man whispered as he helped her out of the nursery. Her living room had been re-arranged to accommodate some equipment that was being used in her rehab.
Chakotay returned a few hours later to a quiet house. He looked down at his son who was smiling now. "I think mommy listened to me and is having a nap."
Sophia came down the hall, drying her hands.
"The Admiral is asleep but she said to wake her when lunch is ready. She told me that you were going to make it. I have cleaned up Eoin's room. We had an accident with a bottle and changing him because he was so upset," the young woman explained.
"Why don't you go relax and I'll make lunch after I change this guy. Maybe I'll give him a bath,” Chakotay suggested. "I'll call you when lunch is ready."
"Actually, would you be okay if I went to take care of a few things," Sophia asked.
"Of course. Take your time. Have lunch while you are out," the big man said as he headed down the hall to Eoin's room.
"Thank you," she called as she headed out the door.
An hour later Chakotay entered Kathryn's bedroom to wake her. He placed Eoin on the bed and the little munchkin crawled up to his mother.
"Mommy, mommy," the little tyke bellowed.
Slowly Kathryn woke with a smile breaking across her face. "Well, someone is in a better mood," she said as she took in her son's smiling face.
"Mommy," he cried as he crawled up and laid down on top of her.
Chakotay reached over and helped her as gently as possible to put her arms around her son. She mouthed a "Thank you," as tears sprung in her eyes. He sat back and watched as mother and son bonded for the first time since her accident.
Eoin started to wiggle, deciding that he had had enough. Chakotay helped Kathryn to remove her arms and then sat their son in his lap.
"So are you hungry," he asked as he placed the youngster on the floor.
"Yes, actually, I'm starving," she chuckled as Eoin crawled up to the bed then proceeded to pull himself up.
"Who are you and what have you done with Kathryn Janeway," he laughed as Kathryn stuck her tongue out.
"Can you call Sophia to help me into my chair," Kathryn requested as she ignored his laughter.
"I'll have to help. Sophia had some errands to run," he offered as he reached towards her bedspread but stopped as if asking permission before pulling the bedspread back and received a nod. "Do you want to change or do you need the bathroom?"
"I do need the bathroom," was said with a little bit of embarrassment.
"Okay. Do you want me to carry you?"
"Actually, can you help me to walk," Kathryn asked as she slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed.
"Sure. What should I do," he asked as he made sure that Eoin wasn't getting into anything?
"Sit beside me then put your arm around my waist and I'll do the same." Chakotay followed the instructions. "Now let's slowly rise," and they both rose as one. Kathryn stopped for a moment getting her bearings. "Okay let's slowly walk," and they moved at Kathryn's pace the short distance to her ensuite. They walked over to her toilet and she reached out with her other arm to the bar that had been installed beside it. "Okay, I can take it from here."
"Not a problem. Call when you are done," Chakotay said while inside he was jumping for joy that she trusted him enough to help.
"Well, little man, how about I pick you up and when mommy's ready we can go have lunch," he said as he scooped up the baby.
"Chakotay," was called from beyond the closed door.
Opening the door, he found Kathryn standing holding the bar.
"So do you want to try to walk," he asked and received a nod. "Okay, let us take you to a little surprise that we have put together.”
Walking slowly, they made their way down the hall to the backyard where Chakotay had set up the table on the patio.
"Oh, Chakotay, this is beautiful," Kathryn said as she took in the setting.
Leading her over to the table, he helped her to sit before moving around to Eoin's highchair.
"I thought this would be a nice treat," he said as he poured her an iced tea.
"It is, thank you," she said as she looked at her son. "Did you two have a good time," Kathryn asked as she took a sip from her glass.
"Your arms seem to be getting stronger," Chakotay commented as he poured himself a glass.
"Yes, still a few twinges when I do certain things but they do seem to be getting better." she assured.
"We had a great time at the park," Chakotay answered her question. "It seems that Eoin loves to fly. The higher I would swing him, the happier he was."
"You are an adventurer, little man," Kathryn laughed as she reached over and stroked her son's head.
Once the meal was finished, Chakotay cleared the table and brought out some fresh fruit and coffee. Eoin watched for a moment and then started to reach for the fruit.
"Do you want to try some," Kathryn asked as she broke a few small pieces of watermelon off. She ensured there were no seeds before she placed the treat on his highchair tray.
They watched as he picked up the first piece and placed it in his mouth. A few seconds later he spat it out then picked up another. His face screwed up but this time he didn't spit it out but gnawed on it a bit with his gums then swallowed. He looked at the other pieces for a moment then took another one.
"I guess he likes it," Chakotay chuckled.
After Eoin ate his last chuck, his eyes started to droop.
"I think the day has caught up with the little man," Chakotay laughed as Eoin’s face fell onto his arms. "I'll take him and put in his crib for a nap. When I come back, I'll bring the pot of coffee."
"Thank you," Kathryn said as she reached over to stroke her son’s head before Chakotay lifted him up.
A short time later Chakotay returned and stopped for a moment to watch Kathryn as she stared at her garden.
"Here you go." Chakotay announced his presence so he wouldn't startle her as he topped up her cup. "Eoin did not wake up even though I changed his diaper and put him in some clean clothes. He will definitely need a bath tonight."
"Well, he is in a much better frame of mind from this morning," Kathryn commented as she took a sip of her coffee. "Thank you for that."
"Not a problem. I love spending time with him."
They sat enjoying the afternoon while chatting about nothing serious.
Later, Kathryn sat at the kitchen trying to cut some vegetables for dinner while Eoin sat in his highchair. He was playing with a toy that his Aunt B'Elanna and Uncle Tom had given him. The rings were supposed to be placed on a tower but Eoin was more interested in banging them on the tray of his chair.
"I must thank the Parises for this toy when I see them again," Eoin's mother commented as he threw a couple of rings on the floor.
"Maybe you should get Miral something just as enjoyable," Chakotay said as he retrieved the rings for his son who had decided he couldn't live without those particular toys and stopped crying once they were back within his grasp.
Sophia walked in a short while later, looking very upset
"Admiral, I'm sorry I have been gone so long but I'm afraid I will have to leave," she said quickly as tears slip down her face.
"Come sit down and tell me what's wrong," Kathryn said gently as the young girl sat down at the table.
"There was an accident on my home world and my dad was injured with about 30 other workers. Starfleet is sending a ship. The Montgomery leaves in four hours and I have been given permission to go. I will be there to help with the medical issues but I'm afraid Medical doesn't have anyone available to help here at the moment," the young girl said regretfully.
"Don't worry about me. You go see to your family," Kathryn encouraged as the young woman rose and went to pack her belongings.
"I wish Phoebe lived on Earth. I could ask her for help," Kathryn said more to herself than anyone.
"Can I make a suggestion," Chakotay asked and Kathryn jumped when his voice broke the silence.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," Chakotay said apologetically.
"No worries. I guess I was feeling a little sorry for myself," Kathryn smiled. "You were saying…"
"I could help," he suggested nervously. "I can be here for Eoin If you are alright with it and I could help you as well."
Kathryn sat and thought about it and finally nodded. "Alright. It probably would be the easiest solution."
"Why don't I go to my place while the little one is sleeping and get what I'll need. Sophia is still here and I can be back probably before she leaves."
Kathryn nodded again. Chakotay went and spoke to Sophia before he left and she agreed to wait until he came back. Chakotay returned a short time later and dropped a bag in the hallway. He spoke quickly to Sophia about Kathryn and her exercises before she left.
Over the next few days, a new routine was created with Chakotay looking after Kathryn and Eoin. Taking care of Eoin was easy. As long as he was dry and fed, he was happy. Kathryn at first was uncomfortable with Chakotay's help but he just pretended that he didn't notice her discomfort and soon they were working together like they used to.
The next few weeks found Kathryn improving each day and Chakotay and Eoin grow closer. Kathryn was overjoyed the first time she able to hold her son on her own. She had been sitting on the couch reading a book when the little munchkin had crawled over and pulled himself up with a big grin on his face.
"Well, hello there," Kathryn chuckled.
"Up," he demanded.
And without thinking she reached down and lifted her son onto her lap. It hurt a bit but she wouldn't let it stop her for anything. She hugged the little guy to her chest then sat him on her lap and started rocking as she hummed to him. She looked up to see Chakotay watching from the doorway to the kitchen.
"This feels so good," she commented as she continued to rock him but she noticed Chakotay's smile slip for a moment before it came back.
"You are definitely getting stronger," he said before turning back to the kitchen.
That night Kathryn woke from a deep sleep. Something had woken her but she wasn't sure what. Slowly she rose and walked down the hall when she heard a voice. Walking to her son's room, Kathryn peeked in to see Chakotay sitting in the rocking chair with a fussy Eoin.
"I know you want Mommy but she needs her sleep," Chakotay whispered as he rocked his son. "And besides I want as much time with you before your Mommy doesn't need me here anymore."
"How about I tell you a story while you have your bottle." Chakotay smiled as Eoin latched onto the bottle. "I'll take that as a yes. Let's see. A long time ago there was a prince who fell in love with a princess. They were alone in their own paradise for awhile and they loved every moment and each other. They explored their paradise, enjoying their discoveries. And they enjoyed learning about each other. But one day their people came for them, to take them back to the real world and their old life. Unfortunately, the prince was a coward who didn't believe that the princess would continue to love him when she was back with her people and so he backed away from her."
"His biggest regret was walking away. One day he came back into her life and discovered that she had had a child that the prince did not know about. His regret was even greater because he knew beyond a doubt that he loved this woman. His only hope was that one day she might forgive him enough to at least let them be friends again."
Chakotay looked down at his sleeping son. "Well, I guess my sorry story did the trick."
Rising, he put his son back in his crib and went back to bed. Kathryn had already slipped back to her room unnoticed.
Over the next few days, Kathryn seemed distracted. She seemed like she was trying to work through a problem. Not wanting to intrude, Chakotay let her work through her thoughts and waited to see if she needed help in whatever she was trying to work out.
A week later, Kathryn came into the kitchen and sat down at the counter.
"We need to talk," she said, echoing words from the past.
Nervously, Chakotay laid down the knife he was holding and waited.
"I have really appreciated you staying here and helping with Eoin," she started after a deep breath.
Chakotay looked down at the counter. He’d been dreading this moment.
"I was thinking this little man of ours needs two sets of hands to take care of him, especially since Admiral Eoin is on the move," Kathryn smiled as Chakotay's head slowly rose to stare at her. "Unless you want to get back to your life?"
"Are you sure about this, Kathryn? I would love to stay but I don't want to get in the way," Chakotay asked with hope shining from his eyes.
"Yes, I think he would benefit from having both of us," she encouraged.
"Okay, then I say yes," he replied.
"Good, so can I help with dinner," she asked as Eoin cried. "Oh sorry, I think someone is calling for attention. Duty calls. Coming, Admiral."
"Of course. We wouldn't want the little Admiral to be ignored," Chakotay laughed as she quickly exited the room.
Kathryn re-entered the room a short time later with a laughing little boy.
"It seems the little Admiral is hungry," Kathryn informed Chakotay.
"Well, let's get him fed. We wouldn't want to get demoted," he laughed.
"Well, we are at his beck and call," the former Captain explained. "At least that was what Tom and B’Elanna told me. We’re just crewmen at the moment and if we are lucky, we might make it to ensigns."
"Hm, well, let's see what we can do," Chakotay chuckled again as he passed a bowl of pureed vegetables and beef. "You feed him and I will finish our food."
"Okay," Kathryn agreed as she sat Eoin in his highchair.
After dinner they sat in the sunroom with Eoin playing on a blanket on the floor. Chakotay smiled at the determined look on their son's face as he tried to stack the blocks that kept tumbling down. They talked for awhile when they realized that they weren't hearing the blocks tumbling or Eoin grumbling. Looking down they found the little boy sound asleep.
"I guess it's exhausting trying to build a wall," Kathryn joked.
"It seems so. I'll take him up and put him to bed," Chakotay offered.
"Okay and I'll clean this up," Kathryn said as she placed a quick kiss on her son's head before Chakotay left with him.
The next day Chakotay received a call from Admiral Paris. Chakotay found Kathryn in the backyard working in her garden while Eoin helped dig a spot near her.
"How is Owen," Kathryn asked as she plopped a plant into the hole their son had helped dig.
"He is fine. He called to ask if I could do a class for an instructor who has to travel to his home planet. His sister was injured in a work-related accident. He is her only family so he and his wife are going to help her. I would be teaching on Monday and Wednesday for the next couple of months until he returns."
"That's wonderful," Kathryn said as she smoothed the soil around her new plant.
"Are you going to be okay or should we get help," Chakotay asked as he sat down beside Eoin and helped him move some dirt from one pile to another then back.
"Chakotay, relax. We will be fine." Kathryn laughed at him.
He looked at her and Kathryn encouraged him. "I'm sure we will be fine, won't we, Eoin?" Kathryn said as she reached over and dropped some dirt on his pile that he quickly knocked off with a giggle.
Over the next few weeks Chakotay went to work and Kathryn and Eoin spent their days playing and sleeping. Chakotay made dinner when he got home while Kathryn gave Eoin a bath. He would sit in his highchair while they ate and played with some toys and occasionally eating something.
They enjoyed quiet relaxing evenings but Kathryn was still not totally relaxed around Chakotay, always waiting for him to walk away again. But she finally relaxed one day when he got home from work and she looked up from her garden when she heard him. Leaning over she turned Eoin around and said “look who's home.”
He squealed as he said "Dad...dy."
Chakotay stopped and Kathryn saw tears come to his eyes. And his voice was choked as he said hi to them, scooping his son up to give him a hug and a kiss. He looked at Kathryn and mouthed ‘thank you’ as he kissed his son one more time before placing him down at his pile of dirt.
A few weeks later, Kathryn was able to relax more when they went to meet Chakotay after his class. Kathryn and Eoin had gone to Medical for a check up and then she had been asked to come to Headquarters for a short meeting.
Chakotay had come over to Medical between classes to grab his son so Kathryn could go to her meeting when she was done.
Kathryn had finished her meeting so she headed for the building Chakotay was teaching in. Checking the class, she found it empty and headed for the office that was assigned to Chakotay while he was teaching. Kathryn entered the outer office to find it empty. The door to his office was open and as Kathryn approached, she heard a voice.
"So, Chakotay," came the female voice. "Would you like to come over for dinner?"
"No, thanks," he said.
"Come on, Chakotay, we can have a great meal and maybe breakfast," the young woman tried to entice.
"Lieutenant, I said no. I appreciate the help with Eoin but I think you can leave now," was said in a voice that Kathryn recognized as his dangerous voice. It was the voice that made many a Voyager crewmember stop doing whatever foolish thing they were doing.
Kathryn stepped through the doorway to see the young woman close to Chakotay. The young woman was the assistant to the instructor that Chakotay was subbing for. Chakotay's focus was on his son but when she entered the room, he looked toward her and the smile he greeted her with made her heart skip a beat.
The young woman misunderstood the smile and thought he had changed his mind but Kathryn decided to stop the situation.
"Lieutenant, I think you have been dismissed," she said in her best ‘stop problems in their tracks’ voice.
The Lieutenant started to talk before she turned. "I think this conversation is…" but stopped when she saw who she was talking to. "Excuse me," was said very quickly before she ran out of the office.
"Thank you," Chakotay said. "I thought I was going to have to call security."
"The blondes always seem to flock to you," Kathryn teased.
"Yeah. Well, my focus is on a certain redhead," he said then froze as his response echoed through his head.
Kathryn looked down and Chakotay was terrified that he had ruined everything that they had been able to rebuild over the past few months. But then Kathryn's head came back up with a shy smile.
"So, this red head that has your attention… Do you think you might have something," she asked as her crooked smile appeared?
"I'm hoping. Oh God, I'm hoping," he answered as his dimples appeared.
"Why don't we go home and talk," she suggested.
"I would like that," Chakotay agreed as he picked up his satchel and Eoin's diaper bag.
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One year later
"So old man, how are things going," B'Elanna asked as she sat down beside her former First officer.
"Things are going well but I would appreciate less of the old man talk," Chakotay admitted.
"Well, I guess I can't call a man that is married for what…eight months and has his wife pregnant for the second time old," B'Elanna teased.
Chakotay smiled as he looked at Kathryn who was playing with Eoin and Miral or at least trying to in her blossoming state.
Yes, life was good, Chakotay thought. He was finally with the woman he was meant to be with.
The end