Chapter Text
He returned at 11.30 dressed in ceremonials, and found that the Janeways had Kathryn similarly attired. The Doctor was fussing about on one of his regular visits, reluctant to let his patient go through with it. Chakotay had brought a chair to wheel her to the Cargo Bay, fully anticipating that the Doctor would be overruled.
Together they got her down to the Cargo Bay doors, where they waited until the last possible moment to enter. She insisted on walking in, albeit rather slowly, and Chakotay gave her his arm. The crew were already assembled, and standing to attention, but nothing could stop them from cheering enthusiastically as their Captain entered. She stood at a lectern, which was useful for support, and somebody blew a whistle to restore attention. The whole affair was being watched by a universal audience spread across the Alpha Quadrant.
A massive party was beamed in, headed up by Admiral Hayes and the Vice-President. They were greeted warmly by a welcoming party, and gradually made their way up to the Command team. Unfortunately, speeches had to be made, and unsurprisingly Kathryn could not be dissuaded from making one herself. However, they were brief, the dignitaries having been warned not to tax the strength of the Voyager Captain. Chakotay watched her carefully throughout, anxious as to whether the strain was too much, but she masked it well. Proceedings were wound up quickly, and Kathryn was whisked off by her relatives to rest for the afternoon. Chakotay and Tuvok were left to deal with the important visitors, giving the tour of the ship and answering numerous questions.
He found himself having to give several live televised interviews, which was rather unnerving, but he came across as his usual charming self. He had to put his foot down to the journalists who wanted interview Kathryn in her sick bed. He soon found that speculation was rife in the media about a relationship between the command pair. His solicitous care of her during the earlier assembly had been easily detected. He didn’t exactly deny it.
The whole day had been utterly exhausting, and he didn’t get back to Kathryn’s quarters till 22.30, just half an hour before the deadline security had set for all visitors to be off the ship. She was already asleep.
Several similar days followed that were equally exhausting for Chakotay, but he was encouraged to see Kathryn’s strength improve daily. She could walk a bit now, and would sometimes leave the cabin, and eat with her family and the crew in the Messhall occasionally. As the Doctor’s medical reports reflected her progress, the day was set for the big show on earth.
They were both dressed in ceremonials again, as they took the turbo-lift up to the Bridge for the last operational time. Both were quiet, strangely both sad and elated at what was happening. They gave each other reassuring smiles, as the doors opened and they walked onto Bridge.
"Captain on the Bridge!" called Kim.
"At ease, everyone," said their Captain.
Wilcox and Brotak stood aside, to give the Janeway and Chakotay their chairs back, and they both thanked them generously for their help. Both were staying on the Bridge for the descent, a privilege they’d earned by being honorary members of the crew for six days. Lieutenant Barclay, standing behind Kim, had been given the honour as well, at Kathryn’s insistence.
The beautiful blue curve of earth swept across the viewscreen, turning reassuringly about its axis, just as it had for millions of years. It hardly looked any different from when they’d last seen it.
"Gentlemen, that is just one beautiful sight!" Kathryn said, to a chorus of agreement.
"Captain, I should warn you…we’re on live feed to millions of people!" said Wilcox.
"Noted," she replied, pulling a face that could only be seen by the Bridge crew in front of her. There were a few chuckles, which were unexplained to the remainder of the audience.
She called for, and received, a full status report, paying particular interest to the inertial dampers. They had to wait twenty minutes for clearance for the descent to be given, so the Bridge crew relaxed into their usual friendly banter. Tom, waiting at the helm and making some last minute adjustments, was asked about Miral, and his response was voluble.
Finally, the clearance came through, and the Captain gave orders to put Voyager into descent for her final flight.
"Take her down, Mr. Paris. Nice and steady. No hiccups. We want to put on a good show for our audience!"
"Aye, Captain," replied Tom, and turned to begin the task.
"Come on, old girl. Show them what you can do!" she finished, speaking fondly to Voyager. This brought smiles to the faces of those around her.
And she did. In Tom’s capable hands she descended like a graceful bird, swooping across Asia and Europe, banking near the South Pole, lifting her nose as if scenting home, thundering back up the American West Coast, performing a glorious 360, which as predicted, didn’t have everyone tumbling about the ship. Then she slowed, grazing just above the Golden Gate, swimming through showers of colourful pyrotechnic blooms, to emerge like a Phoenix and hover majestically above the Presidio. Finally, she delicately descended the last few metres, struts extending to grapple the firm Terran soil. Home.
"Great job, Tom! Perfect landing! You've excelled yourself!" said Kathryn, squeezing his shoulder. He beamed with pleasure at his Captain's praise. Then she ordered the engines to be cut, and signed off amid the whoops of jubilation around her.
Three hours later, the entire crew was assembled in the Cargo Bay again, as the ramp opened slowly to admit the unfamiliar earth-light. There was a deafening roar from outside. Vast crowds could be heard cheering from the environs of the Presidio.
The lowest crewmembers descended first, to greet the crowds and embark the carriages to take them on the parade. Tuvok had it all regimented, so that the process, at least this part of it, went smoothly and professionally. The Captain and Commander stood proudly watching their crew leave the ship. They would be the last to go.
The ensigns left. The senior officers went, including the Doctor and Seven until finally Kathryn and Chakotay were left standing alone.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked.
"Not really, but I guess we’d better get it over with."
"Relax and enjoy it. You’ve earned it!" He reached up and smoothed her uniform, adjusting one of her pips, and then brushing his fingers reverently over the rest. "I doubt you’ll still be wearing these by the end of the day!"
"They’re rumours, Chakotay, that’s all."
"Oh, they’re more than rumours, I haven’t the slightest doubt."
"Thank you, Chakotay. For everything. I couldn’t have done it without you." He smiled at her. "I think we’d better go. We’re letting the side down here. Tuvok will have some severe words for us!"
"Just a moment. There’s one thing missing," he said, reaching into his pocket. He produced an beautifully intricate ring, which he held out to her with twinkling eyes. If either of them were aware that the cameras were picking up what was going on they gave no indication. "Your hand, please, Captain!" he ordered.
She smiled, and obliged by lifting her left hand, and he slipped it on her ring finger, bending to kiss it in place. "Shall we?"
Kathryn turned, took a deep breath, and slipped her arm through Chakotay’s. Together they walked purposefully down the ramp to be greeted by deafening cheers and thunderous applause. The throng of enthusiastic people who had turned out to welcome them was unbelievable. Thousands upon thousands edged the landing site, and lined the parade route. They paused for a moment, stunned, amazed, yet thrilled by their reception. So, this at last was what it was like to be home! It was a moment that had been anticipated many times during their voyage, but nothing had prepared them for this. And, just as both of them were soon to discover...alone together a few days later in the quiet seclusion of their new home...reality can sometimes far exceed expectation.