Epilogue

2385

Federation Headquarters

Paris, France

"Welcome everyone, to an historic evening, where we have come together to celebrate a partnership, four years in the making."

Janeway looked around at the faces of her audience as they applauded and smiled proudly. They had all contributed in some way, shape, or form to make these negotiations a success. And for that, she was grateful. Without them, this venture would not have gotten off the ground.

The applause died down, and she continued. "This is notably one of the Federation's most positive accomplishments to date, and I am proud to have been a part of it. "Tonight, it is my honor, to officially welcome the Dorvan System's return as members of the Federation."

This time, those in attendance rose to their feet, their thunderous applause almost drowning out her introduction of the next speaker.

"I am especially privileged, to introduce our keynote speaker, on this her last official duty as President of the Federation. She has served us well, and has returned dignity and integrity to the office. Please join me in welcoming, President Nanietta Bacco."

Everyone remained standing, the applause deafening now as President Bacco walked toward where Kathryn stood. Both women embraced for a few moments, and exchanged a few emotional words.

As Kathryn made her exit off stage, her aide joined her.

"A flawless speech, Admiral." Lieutenant Commander Joshua Carey complemented, leading her in the direction of her table. "Your best yet."

"It should be. You wrote it, after all." Kathryn reminded him with a smirk. In the background, President Bacco was thanking the guests for their show of support. "Whatever am I going to do without you?"

"Don't worry." He reassured, stepping aside and gesturing for her to move ahead of him. Around them, the audience was returning to their seats. "I handpicked my replacement myself."

"Captain Riker will be lucky to have you on the Titan." She pointed out, absently noticing that he had led her past her table and toward a rear exit. "Any news on Chakotay's ship?"

"As a matter of fact…" He paused for effect. "…they arrived at Spacedock during your speech."

Her eyes widened in barely concealed excitement. "Where are they now?"

"They were already in a shuttle and on their way to Earth the last time I checked, so they should be on their way home." He gave her a playful wink. "Unless a certain young lady demands ice cream."

Carey noticed his commanding officer's divided look; she was deciding whether to leave the function now, or complete her obligations for the evening. She did, after all, spearhead the whole thing.

"I have already made your excuses." He told her, watching her features change into a mixture of joy and gratitude. He was going to miss working for her. "Have a good evening, Admiral."

Bloomington

Indiana

Kathryn materialized on the front lawn of her mother's house and immediately took off into a run, peeling off her dress uniform jacket as she burst through the front door almost colliding with her brother-in-law, Aiden.

"Where are they?" She addressed a startled Phoebe who was nursing her three month old son, Tyler.

"Well, hello to you too." Phoebe greeted, ignoring the glare leveled at her. "They're outside, in the field. B'Elanna called, she said that… "

She was out the door before Phoebe could finish.

Contrary to the late hour in Paris, it was only mid-afternoon in Indiana, and Kathryn reveled in the cooler temperatures that signified a change in the weather. The 'field' as her sister called it, was the extensive corn field located at the back of the property. She and Phoebe had spent part of their summer as children exploring between the tall stalks. As teenagers, it was the perfect spot to hide out with friends, or to simply be alone.

Their father had cleared a small area of the field, and it was there they would spend many nights staring at the stars, and listening to the nightlife while they pointed out as many constellations as they could.

Kathryn moved effortlessly between the stalks, now turned into a golden brown by the sun's rays. The sound of children's voices alerted her to their location as she hurried across the field. She paused briefly; listening to her daughter's piercing laughter as her father called after her. She couldn't hear her son's voice yet, but she was sure he wasn't too far behind.

She reached the clearing, and stopped short. Her five year old twins, along with Phoebe's elder son, four year old Cameron, had tackled Chakotay to the ground. The family dog, a three year old male beagle named Max, danced around them, barking excitedly.

Her daughter, a stunning replica of her father with her straight dark hair and skin slightly lighter in color than his, laughed as Chakotay tickled her. Her blue eyes – the only gift from her mother – twinkled with joy as she met her father's brown ones.

It was her son that spotted her first.

With a shrill of joy that belied his quiet nature, Dyami launched himself at her, running as fast as his little feet would carry him. His shock of red hair bounced in the wind as he moved, his blue eyes never leaving his mother's. Everything about him was Kathryn save his dimples, which was all Chakotay.

His squeals alerted the others, and Kathryn soon found herself surrounded by three pairs of little arms. Max, now drawn to the commotion, squeezed in between their legs.

Chakotay chuckled as he rose to his feet, dusting himself off while he watched the reunion play out before him. "Okay guys…" He called out to them after a few minutes. "…why don't you check to see if Grandma Gretchen is finished with the brownies?"

They released Kathryn immediately, and she watched as they took off, disappearing through the field toward the house, their excited squeals carrying in the wind as they hurried away, Max keeping pace with them.

She felt Chakotay's hand comb through her hair and turned just as he latched his mouth onto hers. His free hand wrapped around her waist as he deepened the kiss and her hands came around his neck pulling him closer.

"Spirits, I've missed you." He punctuated his words with kisses as his lips moved along her jaw line, to nibble at her ear, then kiss the sensitive spot behind it, before moving down to her neck. He pulled back to look at her, smoothing her hair away from her face, before he joined his lips with hers again.

"I left during Etta's speech…went home first…" She sighed between kisses. "…but you weren't there."

"A certain young lady demanded to see her grandmother." He moaned when she slid her hands under his shirt to caress his chest. Grabbing her hands, he pulled them away as he broke the kiss. "I want you Kathryn…" He husked by way of explanation for his abrupt actions. "…but after two months away from you, I want it to be slow and sensual, not fast and furious."

"Have you heard from B'Elanna?" She let him pull her forward, leading them to one of the deck chairs.

"Didn't Phoebe tell you?" Without releasing her hands, he sat, pulling her down between his legs while he reclined. "They're coming over to our house for lunch tomorrow. Harry is on shore leave so he'll be there with his family as well."He exhaled while she snuggled against his chest, placing light kisses against his neck.

"How was the trip?" She smiled when he moaned again. He was obviously aroused, but was managing his self restraint quite well.

He slid his hand to her waist, pushing her undershirt up, hearing her gasp when his hand touched her bare skin. "Trebus is wonderful this time of year. The twins enjoyed it, and they loved spending time with their cousins and Aunt Sekaya. By the way, she says to tell you that your apology for not being able to make the trip is accepted, but only this one time."

"Acknowledged." Kathryn looked up as two Federation shuttlecraft flew past them overhead. From the sounds they made, they were preparing to land.

"Expecting company?" Chakotay raised an eyebrow at her as she sat up.

"That's the al-Rashid and the T'Maran." She was on her feet and heading back toward the house.

"The Presidential transports?" Chakotay followed her, jogging slightly to keep her pace. He frowned. "I thought you left during President Bacco's speech?"

"I did." She wound her way through the field eventually emerging in the backyard with Chakotay behind her. "She would still be in Paris."

The shuttles were already on the ground, and Kathryn watched as Federation security officers disembarked, immediately securing the area.

"Katie, what's going on?" Gretchen had joined her and Chakotay where they stood, while Phoebe ordered the children to stay on the back porch with her and Aiden.

Chakotay answered for her. "It seems Gretchen, that your daughter has a special visitor."

Kathryn ignored the sarcasm in his tone as Marshall Stark stepped out of the al-Rashid. He looked around the property briefly, before making eye contact with her.

"Let it go, Chakotay." Gretchen advised softly as Marshall approached them. "Put yourself in his shoes for a moment. He's about to become the most powerful man in the quadrant. But you have the one thing he could never have."

"Kate." Marshall embraced Kathryn gently, then took Gretchen's hand before kissing her on the cheek. "Gretchen, it's been too long."

"Mr. President." Chakotay's steely voice interrupted his greeting. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Marshall waved his hand dismissively. "Please, no formalities necessary. Besides, I'm not President for another…"

"Six hours." Kathryn finished for him. "From our perspective."

He met her gaze. She was still as beautiful as the last day he saw her, on her wedding day. "Kate, can we have a moment?"

"You have got to be kidding me if you th…" Chakotay stiffened when Kathryn touched his arm to silence him.

"It's okay, honey." She squeezed his hand softly before pulling away. She returned her attention to Marshall. "Walk with me."

"I see your husband is still his usual charming self." Marshall observed as they headed around the side of the house toward the old barn.

"What are you doing here, Marshall?" Kathryn asked, ignoring his comment. "We haven't spoken in years; you never returned my calls…"

"For what reason?" He stopped walking as they approached a nearby hedge. "To listen to you talk about your life that I wasn't sharing with you? You have no idea how hard it was to walk away from you, Kate."

"Marshall…you can't…"

"Don't worry." He raised his hands in surrender. "I didn't come here to discuss the past."

Kathryn waited expectantly.

"I want you to come to work for me." He stated plainly. "As the head of diplomatic affairs."

"Marshall…"

"Hear me out." He interjected. "We've had a few turbulent years since the war, starting with the collapse of the Romulan government and ending with the return of a few former Federation member worlds. During most of these events, you have been instrumental in ensuring that we don't spark another conflict at best."

"But what about…?"

"Safranski is good with policy, but weak with diplomacy. I have decided that my new cabinet will reflect a separation of the two. He will still head up the Ministry of Exterior, but you will be in charge of the new Diplomatic Mission."

"And when there's a need to…?"

"You will decide when and if you want to leave Earth, if you do, you will have a fleet of ships at your disposal, all fully equipped for a traveling family of four."

She raised an eyebrow. "You have everything figured out, don't you?"

"Just say yes, Kate."

"What about us? You said before that it wasn't easy for you."

He looked away from her for a moment. "We said our goodbyes, over five years ago, and it probably took me just as long to come to terms with your decision." He took her hands in his. "I will always love you, Kate. But I know now that I wasn't what you needed. We were friends before. I'd like to be friends again."

Kathryn stared at him for a long moment before she nodded in acceptance of his words, a hint of a smile gracing her features. "I'll have to discuss this with Chakotay first."

"I wouldn't expect otherwise."

"You two will have to learn to get along." Her smile widened slightly.

He flinched, releasing her hands to run them through his hair. "I'll have Ava throw a few of her famous dinner parties to help 'break the ice'."

"How is your lovely wife?"

"She's wonderful." But she's not you, he thought, matching her grin with one of his own. "We're expecting our second child next spring."

"Congratulations. Mr. President."

"Damn, I've missed you."

"I've missed you too." She admitted. "I've missed your friendship."

"It's yours again, if you want."

The sound of giggling children caught their attention. Kathryn didn't turn around.

"You can come over." She ordered, only turning to face them when she heard them shuffling toward where she and Marshall stood.

Marshall stooped down to their eye level. The girl, clearly the leader of the pack, stood ahead of the other two, but protectively closer to the red haired boy, whom Marshall thought was the splitting image of Kathryn. "All yours?"

"The shortest one is Phoebe's. Say hello Cameron."

"Hello Cameron." The boy repeated obediently.

Dyami rolled his eyes, and Marshall detected a wisdom in the boy that belied his young age. "An honor to meet you, Mr. President. My name is Dyami Janeway." He gestured toward his sister. "And this is my sister…"

"I can introduce myself, Dyami." She hissed, maintaining her defensive stance.

Marshall smiled. "Dyami. That's an unusual name."

"It means 'eagle' Sir. One day, I'm going to be Federation President like you."

"Technically, I'm not President yet."

"That's not entirely correct, Sir." Dyami responded. "Very few people know this, but you've already placed your thumb print on the official documents naming you as the successor to President Bacco. Historically, it's the only few hours where two presidents exist, which allows for a seamless transition. Only your deference to the outgoing President during her last hours prevents any conflict."

Marshall glanced at Kathryn who merely shrugged. She had a few years to get used to the idea that her son was a prodigy.

"And you must be…" Marshall returned his attention to Kathryn's daughter.

"Carrington Janeway." The little girl took his hand in a strong handshake. "My friends call me Carrie."

Ten minutes later, Marshall boarded his shuttle, retaking his seat.

"Well?" The woman sitting opposite him raised an eyebrow.

"You were quite the firecracker when you were a kid."

She rolled her eyes. Another familiar gesture. "Is she going to take the job?"

"She will." He confirmed, watching her sigh in relief. "Why is this so important?"

"I can't tell you. Temporal Pr…"

"…Prime Directive, I know." He studied her recognizable features. "You never told me that you had a twin brother."

"Dyami?" She smiled as memories of their childhood surfaced. Looking out the viewport, she watched as the two shuttles took to the air. "He was the best brother anyone could ask for."

"Was?"

The smile faded into a frown. "I couldn't save him in my timeline, but now…"

Marshall reached for her chin, turning it gently so that she could look at him. "Is that why you came back six years ago, Carrie? You did all of this to…" His eyes widened. "You told me once, at Jack Grayson's funeral, that it was much more than just ensuring that you were born." He slumped back in his seat, staring at her. "You could have been born to any parents, you could have even been my daughter. But Dyami, it had to be Chakotay and Kathryn. That's why you asked me to let her go." A thought occurred to him. "How many timelines did you crossover before you figured it out yourself?"

She returned her attention to the viewport. They were leaving orbit and heading toward open space. "Too many."

"Why is he so important?"

She met his gaze, and when she did, he saw in her eyes just how much she had sacrificed for this moment. "Without him, the Federation would not survive."

Earth

2330

"Your uncle will be waiting for you at the shipyards." Taela's mother nervously straightened the jacket on her daughter's shoulders. "This shuttle is due for maintenance there, and the pilot owes me a favor. It will be a direct flight, so you would not have to go through the transporters."

Taela froze.

Her mother smiled; the first Taela had seen in many months. "I am your mother, Taela. You cannot hide anything from me. Your uncle will see to your recovery."

"We're ready to go." The pilot called from the entrance to the shuttle. To Taela, he looked no more than a few years older than her mother.

Her mother released her and used her shoulders to turn her around. "Taela, this is Jack, the pilot I told you about."

Taela's eyes widened in awe of her new acquaintance, briefly forgetting her manners. A quick nudge from her mother brought her back to her senses. "Nice to meet you, Sir."

He reached out and shook her hand, smiling at her. "A pleasure to meet you ma'am. My name's Lieutenant Jack Grayson. But my friends call me Jack."

~It Is Finished!~

End-note: A heartfelt thanks to all of you who read and reviewed this – my first fanfic. It has been quite a ride, and I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Thanks Again!

Y.K.