Something had felt off about the area of space they have been entering. Everyone aboard Voyager could feel it, though none had said anything. They all hoped it was simply a feeling, something in the make of the planets they had passed.

Though when the parasitic spacefaring creatures had connected to hull of the ship, moving through the shields as though they were nothing, before they began to drain the power from their unwilling host. Everyone had realized they should've given their feelings more than just a passing thought.

Pacing the ready room, Captain Kathryn Janeway felt impatient. The senior crew had concocted a plan to electrify the hull of the ship enough to shock the creatures into removing themselves. Though if their plan failed they would barely have enough power to make it from this part of space, let alone play continued host.

"Engineering to Janeway," called out a voice over her comm badge, making her jerk with a start.

"Janeway here," she responded with a quick tap to the area above her left breast, "are we ready?"

"As ready as we can be," came her reply.

Turning she exited the ready room. Stepping onto the bridge she sent a quick glance to the crew there, "Harry," she called to the young man at the ops station, "Are you ready?"

"Ready Captain," called Harry.

"B'Elanna?" questioned Kathryn.

"I'm here," came the chief engineer's voice.

"On my mark than," said Kathryn as she came to a stop in front of her command chair, "three… Two… One… Mark."

At that the entire ship seemed to crackle with life as the energy passed over it. Everyone waited on bated breath.

"Harry?" called out Kathryn in question.

It took him a moment to respond, making his Captain look back to him, "They've dislodged from the hull," he finally reported, his tone one of relief.

Closing your eyes a moment Kathryn allowed her head to drop, her chin resting against her chest only an instant before the ship gave a shake, "Report!" She ordered, her head snapping up, her eyes wide.

"There seems to be another ship captain," reported Tuvok.

Brow furrowing Kathryn turned to look to the Vulcan, "Where?" She questioned.

There was a pause before Tuvok looked up, "Its current position is… Ours," he answered.

Kathryn couldn't stop her groan, why did these things always happen to her? With so many questions on the tip of her tongue she was cut short when Harry again spoke up.

"Captain, the… things. They're attaching themselves to the other ship… The other Voyager," he explained.

"Harry, open a channel if you can," she ordered, "B'Elanna, Tom, you two head to deck seven, see if you can't find a rift."

As the 'I captains' were called out Kathryn took a slow breath.

….

The lights flickered, sparks shooting into the smoke-filled air. Kathryn Janeway's hair was disheveled, her uniform dirty and torn. Pulling a hand across her sweaty forehead she jerked at the sound of the view screen activating at the head of the bridge.

Turning she eyed the static before glancing behind her, "Harry, where is this transmission coming from?" She questioned her voice hoarse from the smoke she breathed in.

Harry frowned a moment before he looked confused, "It says it's coming from us, only not us," he reported.

Kathryn let her eyes close. They'd been through this before, two voyages occupying the same space at the same time. Then they had been up against the Vadien's. Then the Voyager that had been boarded had been destroyed, leaving the other unscathed.

"Can you clear it up?" she questioned, her eyes locked on the screen before her.

As the screen began to clear she found herself holding her breath. When the voice finally erupted and the picture began to clear she felt tears pricking at her eyes. The her on the screen looked fine and she knew in that instant that her ship would be the one destroyed.

Standing straighter she looked at her other self," Captain…" She called, "I'd like to say it's nice to see you, only…" Trailing off she motioned around herself.

The well Kathryn nodded in understanding, "If our energy burst caused your damage… I can't even begin to apologize," she began.

"Then don't," stated the disheveled Kathryn, "are you being attacked by these… Whatever they are?"

"No," answered the well Kathryn, "My ship is low on power, but it and my crew are no worse for wear," pausing she stepped closer to the view screen "if you can, an energy burst along the hull should remove the threat."

The disheveled Kathryn shook her head sadly, "we don't have the power… My crew has taken several casualties."

"I'm sending my, Tom and B'Elanna over to you, they should appear on deck seven. They there to…" Before she could finish the signal was lost, "Harry," she called, "can you get her back?"

Shaking his head Harry was about to respond when the ship gave a sudden fierce shake. The strength managed to pitch Kathryn to the floor, nearly landing her under the pilot's chair. Next to her Chakotay was pitched forward as well, his head making a deafening crack against the guard railing in front of him.

Managing her feet Kathryn moved to Chakotay's side, "Report," she ordered as she began to check Chakotay over.

"More of those things," responded Harry, "they seem to be giving off energy now."

….

On the derelict Voyager it's Kathryn turning toward what was left of her bridge crew. She could tell they all knew what she was thinking. Tapping her comm she swallowed, "Janeway to sickbay. Doctor Report," she ordered.

"I'm sorry captain," came the Doctor's voice instantly, "there was nothing I could do… He's gone."

Fighting her body's urge to shut down Kathryn ended the connection, opening another instantly, "Janeway to Wildman. Sam, how's everyone?"

There was a moment of silence before the sound of children crying could be heard, "Shaken captain, but I believe everyone's fine," answered Samantha Wildman.

At this Kathryn looked as though at least a small burden had been lifted from her, "I'm on my way to you," she called before she exited the bridge, not bothering to hand command to any one person. As she moved down the corridor she took a slow breath, "Computer, begin recording," and its confirmation beep she began, "Hello, Kathryn. I need you to listen and listen carefully…" She began.

….

By the time, Tom and B'Elanna stumbled back to their ship through the rift, they couldn't help but feel as though they had said their final goodbyes to their captain, only she wasn't theirs.

Without a word between them they headed directly for sickbay. They didn't know how they would tell their captain about the two new crewmen that they had gained on the little excursion.

….

Standing in her quarters Kathryn looked around herself at the destruction before she took a shaky breath, opening a channel ship wide. "Janeway to all hands," she called out, her voice as still as she could manage. "I don't know how to tell you all this… But we have a situation. At present there are two voyagers occupying the same point of space and time. The other ship is undamaged, while we are currently being attacked by some form of spacefaring parasite..."

Fading off Kathryn gripped hands together, "It has been an honor serving with you all aboard this ship. But you know what we must do…" Fading off again she broke the connection before giving a choked sob, "computer, self-destruct sequence, Janeway pie 110."

"Self-destruct enabled," came the computers calm voice, "5 min. and counting."

….

The explosion of the other Voyager sent a wave through space. In her command chair Kathryn gave a nod to the helmsman, a silent message to make an escape from the area.

Once they were clear Kathryn stood, "Tuvok you have the bridge," she said as she headed for the turbo lift, "I'll be in sickbay."

As the turbo lift began to move a voice erupted over her comm, "Sickbay to Janeway."

"Janeway here," she responded, "Doctor, I'm on my way to you."

"In that case… Disregard this," said the Doctor quickly before closing the connection.

Frowning Kathryn wondered what the Doctor had wanted to tell her.

Stepping into sickbay her mind stopped for an instant. Chakotay sat on a bio bed, two light haired children sleeping in his arms, "What…" She began.

"Captain," called the Doctor, cutting her off, "I believe we should speak… in my office."

Allowing the Doctor to guide her away from the scene in front of her Kathryn frowned, "Explain please," she said simply once they were in the office.

"When B'Elanna and Tom came back through the rift they brought those children back with them," the doctor began to explain, "I've checked them over and they're perfectly healthy."

When he stopped Kathryn looked at him expectantly, "and?" She urged him on.

"Captain, those children… Biologically, they're yours and commander Chakotay's," said the Doctor finally.

Kathryn's throat closed over her voice. Her children? Looking back to Chakotay she took a slow shaky breath, "You're sure?" She asked.

"I checked it twice," confirmed the Doctor, "there's no doubt."

Letting out her breath in a whoosh Kathryn nodded, "So she… I… Sent them here before destroying the ship…"

Lifting a padd from his desk the Doctor handed it to her, "I think you should listen to this," he said simply. As she took it from him he quietly made himself scarce.

Staring at the padd a moment Kathryn took a deep breath before pressing the play button.

^ Hello, Kathryn. I need you to listen and listen carefully. I can't be sure of this, from the brief moments I was able to see you I noticed you weren't wearing a wedding band, so I hope… God I hope that on your ship my children… Our children don't exist. Their names are Kerin and Kyda and I need you to take care of them…^

There was a long pause and Kathryn began to think the message was over until she heard a choked sob, ^ Chakotay's dead… I have to destroy my ship so that yours may continue our journey. Just please take care of them, they're all I have left.^

As the message ended Kathryn felt her heart ache, she didn't know what she would do if she lost Chakotay. They may not have been together, but she counted on his being there more than she would ever admit.

Gathering herself she turned and re-entered sickbay. Quietly she watched Chakotay a moment. He gazed down at the children in his arms, a look of pure joy and contentment coloring his face. When he looked up, catching her watching his smile broadened, "Can you believe it?" He asked softly.

Shaking her head Kathryn stepped up to him, "Honestly… No," she breathed.

Smile dropping some Chakotay nodded, "I understand," he said, "but you're not in this alone. They're my children too, I'll be here to help you every step of the way."

"Not tonight," corrected Doctor, "I'd like to keep you, but the children have no reason to stay."

Looking to the Doctor Kathryn didn't try to contain her shock. A complaint was on the tip of her tongue, though as something touched her she looked down. A pair of blue eyes gazed up to her before the child held its arms out to her, "Kyda up mama."

Kathryn made no move to lift child, her gaze moving to Chakotay. She wasn't sure she could do this, "It's all right," eased Chakotay, "they don't bite."

Swallowing a lump in her throat Kathryn looked backed to the child, it still reached for her. Carefully she reached out and took the tiny form into her arms. Kyda instantly clung to her, laying her head against her shoulder. Kathryn could feel her tiny heart beating wildly and something about it made her nerves ease.

"If you'd like, captain," began the Doctor, gaining her attention, "we can keep them here for the night."

Kathryn was about to agree when Kyda heaved a deep sigh, "Night night, mama. Bed, want it."

How could she really leave these children… her children in sickbay? It wasn't what they were used to and their world had already been turned upside down. "I think," she began softly, "that I'll take them back to my quarters for the night."

Chakotay's smile returned fully. He'd been afraid Kathryn wouldn't want anything to do with these children. Though he'd hoped, beyond hope, that she could accept them as easily as he had. It may not have been easy for her, but at least she would try. "Are you sure you can handle them both by yourself?" He asked.

Kathryn shook her head, "No, but I can't ask anyone else to," she answered in all honesty, "I… I'm their mother."

Placing his holo admitter on his arm the Doctor rounded the bio bed, "Why don't I help you back to your quarters," he said as he placed the strap of a bag over his shoulder and lifted Kerin from Chakotay's lap.

….

Once the Doctor left, Kathryn found herself standing next to her bed watching the children sleep. With nowhere else for them she'd decided her bed would be best. Though now she was beginning to wonder where she would sleep.

As Kyda shifted in her sleep, rolling over the pillow Kathryn had placed next to her the sleeping arrangement was made. Kathryn couldn't risk one of them falling from the bed as they slept. Kicking off her boots she shed her command jacket and turtleneck before she climbed under the covers of the bed. Lying on her side next to Kyda she moved the pillow from between the children, carefully scooting Kerin closer to them. With an arm over both children Kathryn slowly began drift off to sleep.

…

The next morning as Kathryn woke she carefully stretched before reaching out for the children. As her arm made contact with an empty bed her eyes shot open and she gasped. Had they both fallen and not cried?

Her panic was cut short when she heard talking coming from the main living area. Kicking her feet off the bed she stood and went to investigate. Making it to the doorway she stopped at the site before her. Kyda sat at the table eating, while Chakotay held Kerin as he worked the replicator. Moving into the room she went unnoticed only a moment.

"Mama!" Cried Kerin as he began to squirm in Chakotay's arms, reaching for her.

Turning to her Chakotay smiled, "Good morning," he greeted.

"Morning," responded Kathryn as she reached out, taking Kerin into her arms, "what time is it?"

"A little after seven," answered Chakotay, "I didn't want to wake you so I let myself in and was spotted almost instantly."

"I wish you would've woken me," said Kathryn as she took a seat, "I thought they'd fallen off the bed when I woke up and they weren't there."

"I'm sorry," apologize Chakotay as he set Kerin's food in front of her, "Next time I'll be sure to wake you."

"There won't be in next time," corrected Kathryn. At Chakotay's look she gave a light smile, "I'll be getting them cribs today."

Chakotay's demeanor eased instantly, "I'll help you," he said simply. He thought she would say she wasn't interested in continuing her role as mother to the children. If she had he couldn't be sure what he would do, though her plan to better the sleeping arrangements put his nerves at ease.

Watching Chakotay Kathryn could see that he doubted her intentions, if only momentarily. Ready to question his trust in her, she was cut short when her lap was covered and what look to be oatmeal. Giving a shocked gasp she stood, knocking her chair over as she struggled to keep hold of a squirming Kerin.

Moving on auto Chakotay grabbed a small towel from the table, dropping to his knees in front of her he tried futilely to wipe the mess from her front. "I think I can get it all," he mumbled.

Shifting Kerin, Kathryn shook her head, "Don't bother," she sighed, "I needed to shower anyway. I guess I'll just have it a bit sooner than I thought."

Smiling now Chakotay stood, dropping the towel to the table. Reaching out he took Kerin into his arms, "Before you go," he said, catching Kathryn mid-turn, "have you thought about how we'll do with the parenting and commanding at the same time?"

Kathryn's shoulders sagged some, "Honestly, no," she replied, "but then I've been a little preoccupied with… All of this," pausing she sighed, "Could you think on it? I believe I'm beginning to harden here."

Chakotay could barely contain his laughter as Kathryn turned and headed for bathroom. Looking to the child in his arms he attempted to look firm, "Food is for eating young man," he tried to scold, "Not for dumping on your mama."

….

They had come to the agreement that they would attempt splitting the bridge duty so one of them could be with the children at all times. They would also delegate some bridge duty with the senior crew, giving them each more free time.

For the first day Kathryn took the morning duty while Chakotay took the evening, this left Kathryn with bath time, a fun new experience for her. The bathroom was soaked and she was sure she couldn't be wetter if she had climbed in with them.

She had manage to dry them both and get them into diapers before they had begun to use the main living area as a racetrack. Life with two 24-month-old's was anything but slow. Heaving a deep sigh Kathryn picked up the tiny pink nightclothes next to her, time to try her hand at dressing little ones, "Kyda," she called.

Strawberry blond curls whipped around as Kyda look to Kathryn, "Mama," she giggled.

Smiling Kathryn held up the clothes, "Come here and get dressed," she tried to order.

Instead of listening Kyda turned away, running off after her brother, "Mama, Mama, Mama," she giggled as she went. Soon Kerin joined in and Kathryn found herself painfully outnumbered.

Closing her eyes she sighed, she'd never had to deal with children on her own and she felt as though she were fish out of water. The sound of her door chime was music her ears. "Come," she called out as she opened her eyes and looked to the door.

Stepping into Kathryn's quarters Chakotay first saw her, drenched and looking completely beaten. Then he saw the children, running circles around the table. "Need a hand?" He asked.

"More like 20," corrected Kathryn, "I have to remember to thank my mother immensely for raising me once we get home."

Smiling he crossed the room, with ease he managed to scoop up one child under each arm, "Let's go you little demons," he chuckled, "time to get ready for bed."

"Bed, don't want it!" declared Kerin as he attempted to wiggle from the arm around his waist.

Handing Kyda off to Kathryn, Chakotay straightened Kerin in his arms, "Bed, have to have it," he declared. At this Kerin's bottom lip came out quivering, "oh don't give me that look," Sighed Chakotay as he took a seat on the couch, "I'm not being mean."

Nodding Kerin pushed against Chakotay chest, "Mean!" He said.

Watching Chakotay out of the corner of her eyes Kathryn managed to get Kyda's nightclothes on without much of a fight. Though Kerin was still only diaper clad. Turning a dressed Kyda loose Kathryn smiled to Chakotay, "You need a hand?" She asked.

Chakotay shook his head, "I refuse to be outsmarted by two-year-old," he declined. Standing he placed Kerin's feet into the foot holes of his sleep pants before he dropped him into them, making him squeal in delight, "See," he declared, "it's all about how you do it."

Nodding Kathryn watched as Chakotay proceeded to struggle in getting Kerin's shirt on, "I can see that," she chuckled. Reaching out she gave him a hand and in moments Kerin to was dressed for bed.

Leaning back on the couch Chakotay let out a sigh, "That was work," he said as he looked to Kathryn. The look on her face made him frown, "what?" He questioned.

"That was work?" Asked Kathryn, "you just dressed one child… And I helped, so technically you have dressed one half of a child."

Chakotay looked as though he would counter her, though he seemed to change his mind quickly, "True," he said simply, "but does it count for anything that I dressed them earlier today?"

Kathryn couldn't help but smile some, "Only marginally," she conceded, "Kyda's shirt was on backwards and Kerin still had what looked to be lunch on his chest."

Looking like a child caught cheating Chakotay pulled out his best defense, his dimples, "He wouldn't let me clean him," he said simply.

"Then how did you get the clothes on him?" questioned Kathryn.

"I promised to go to the holodeck," answered Chakotay defeated.

"That explains it!" laughed Kathryn, "Now make yourself useful and help me get them to bed."

Chakotay nodded, "Aye Captain!"