Star Trek Voyager characters are the property of Paramount Pictures

Dreamers

Prologue

After seven long years in the Delta Quadrant, Voyager was finally home. The crew's return was big news and the Delta Quadrant heroes were welcomed back with a lavish party at one of San Francisco's top hotels. Everyone who was anyone in Starfleet was there and the party was kicked off with a round of well-deserved promotions. Captain Kathryn Janeway was promoted to Admiral, Commander Tuvok to Captain, Ensign Harry Kim to Lieutenant and several other outstanding officers were raised a rank. None of the Maquis were given a promotion but their exoneration was reward enough for seven long years dedicated service.

"Congratulations on the promotion," the Doctor said as Kathryn left the stage. "No one deserves it more than you. I'm glad all your sacrifices for the sake of the crew have been recognized. I doubt any Captain has been as devoted and dedicated to a mission as you have been to getting Voyager home."

"I did what I had to do," Kathryn said. "I'm not one for half measures. When I commit to something, I commit wholeheartedly."

A sadness filled the Doctor's eyes. "Speaking of hearts," he said, "how is yours bearing up?"

"You're the doctor, Doctor," she answered uncomfortably. "You tell me."

"Some conditions of the heart are beyond medical treatment," he said. "I have long observed your attachment to Commander Chakotay. It must have hurt to learn of his romance with Seven at the very moment a romance between you both became possible."

"If you've observed an attachment," Kathryn replied, somewhat defensively, "you've observed nothing more than friendship. I wish Chakotay and Seven all the best."

B'Elanna and Tom approached now and B'Elanna hugged Kathryn. "Congratulations, Captain...I mean, Admiral."

Kathryn hugged her back with a smile. "Thank you, B'Elanna."

"Lieutenant, you should be resting," the Doctor said disapprovingly. "Need I remind you that you have just given birth?"

"I'm fine. Tom's here for me to lean on and it's not as if we live in the twentieth century. Women climb Everest after giving birth these days and a party is hardly climbing Everest."

"That's right, Doc," Tom said. "Relax. What is it you always say? Giving birth is as...."

But Kathryn never heard the rest of the sentence as his words suddenly slurred and his image blurred. Then she fell backwards and all went black.

End of Prologue