Onward

It had been an infinitely long and difficult journey. But they had made it. Finally.

They were home. Home at last.

Captain Janeway stood at the viewport, gazing at the beautiful blue and green orb, unsure about exactly what to think. The door chimed and she turned.

“Come.”

Chakotay entered, carrying a large variety of PADDs, undoubtedly requiring her attention. Before he could tell her about them, however, he sensed that something was off with her. Setting the work aside, he turned to face her.

“Are you alright, Kathryn?”

Janeway turned away from him slightly, not making eye contact.

“Of course.”

Chakotay didn’t believe her. Not for a second. After all this time, he knew when something was bothering her.

“Everything’s going to be just fine, Kathryn. You got us all home. Thanks to you the crew can move on with their lives now.”

Kathryn turned back to him now, tears brimming in her eyes.

“That’s just it, Chakotay”

“What,” Chakotay asked, worried, “what’s wrong?”

“I can’t… I can’t lose you, Chakotay.”

A wave of relief washed over Chakotay. Everything was going to be ok, he realized and smiled. He took a step closer to Kathryn and lightly grasped her hands, pulling her to him.

“Kathryn, look at me.”

Kathryn did as she was told, gazing up into the warm brown eyes.

“Kathryn, you could never lose me. I will always be with you, no matter what.”

“Oh, Chakotay…”

Kathryn reached up and wrapped her arms around him, reveling in the reassuring embrace. Minutes later, she pulled away slightly and turned back to the view outside. Suddenly completely content, for the first time in nearly seven years.

– K