Forever Love
by Eagle

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    “Oh, Chakotay, I can’t believe we’re finally going home!” Captain Kathryn Janeway threw her arms around her First Officer’s neck.
    It had been a week or two since Voyager had arrived at Deep Space Nine. Now the crew was being transported back to Earth for a well-deserved rest. Chakotay had just walked into the shuttle they would be taking home together. He had been pardoned along with the rest of the Maquis and their time spent on Voyager was considered time served. They were allowed to retain the ranks they had received during their seven years in the Delta Quadrant. Janeway had even heard there was a promotion in store for her when she got back to Earth.
    “I’m so glad you’re happy, Kathryn.” Chakotay smiled into her hair and pulled back, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “It was an honor serving with you these past several years.”
    “The feeling is mutual,” she told him with a smile. “Where are you planning on going after we all get welcomed back?”
    “I’ll probably go back and help with the rebuilding of my people’s colony. I’m guessing you’ll be going to Indiana?”
    “Oh, yes! I can’t wait to see my mother and sister!”
    They talked like this for quite a while, and before they knew it, they had arrived on the surface of Earth. Kathryn introduced Chakotay to her family, and then they went for a walk in a nearby park. Their conversation went on for what seemed like hours, and it soon began getting dark.
    “Well, I guess this is goodbye.” Chakotay hugged her. “I hope you can keep in touch.”
    “Yes,” Kathryn looked at him, wishing they could spend more time together.
    Chakotay began to walk off.
    Kathryn wanted so much to stop him. To hold him in her arms and tell him how much she cared for him. But she didn’t. She let him go as she had many times before. So many words had gone unspoken; so many words would stay that way.


    “So you’re an admiral now!” Chakotay exclaimed with that usual grin on his face. “Congratulations!”
    “Thank you, Chakotay, or shall I say, Captain Chakotay?” Kathryn teased him with that familiar light in her eyes.
    It had been six months since Voyager’s return. The former command team had decided to meet for old time’s sake and to catch up on what had been going on for the past few months. Chakotay had finished with rebuilding the colony, and was thinking about going on an archaeological dig.
    They had been talking for two hours, and Chakotay glanced at his chronometer, saying he had to go.
    “My how time flies when you’re having fun!” Kathryn perceived.
    “I’m really sorry, Kathryn, but I must be going.” Chakotay kissed her cheek, then his lips brushed hers ever so slightly.
    It all happened so quickly that they could not stop themselves. In a flash of clothing falling to the floor, they were letting go of everything that had been kept bottled up for seven and a half years.
    As they lay together, out of breath, Chakotay nuzzled her. “I wish we could have done this sooner, Kathryn.”
    “I know what you mean,” Kathryn turned to face him and stared lovingly into his eyes, “but it was worth the wait.”
    He kissed her tenderly. “Love always is.”
    “Agreed,” They embraced and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

    Admiral Janeway sat upright in her bed. Why did that memory always come back to haunt her? He had had to leave the next morning, but had promised to send her letters, and he had kept his promise. True, the last one she had received had arrived nearly a month ago, and then they had just stopped all together. She worried about him. Was he hurt, sick, or worse, even dead?
    Kathryn glanced at her chronometer. 0625 hours; just five more minutes before she would have normally woken up. She dressed in her Starfleet uniform, ate a light breakfast, then set out for Starfleet Headquarters. She had much to do today, so she pushed the thought of Chakotay to the back of her mind, but she still could not help but wonder if he was all right.
    No sooner did she get there did she receive word of a problem in the Romulan Empire. She was to contact the Enterprise, the ship closest to the Neutral Zone, and convey to Captain Picard his orders. She did so and the rest of the day went by without incident until she collapsed while talking to a young ensign.
    She was sent directly to Sickbay, where the Doctor examined her. He ran the tricorder over her body with a grim look on his face and then closed it. “Admiral, may I ask you a question?”
    “Sure, Doctor, what is it?”
    “Where is this husband of yours I obviously know nothing about?”
    Janeway did a double take. “Excuse me?”
    “Well, I was assuming that you would be married before having a baby.” his voice showed no hint of emotion except for the emphasis on “you.”
    “A-a baby?” Janeway stuttered, shocked at the diagnosis.
    “Two actually.” the Doctor nodded. “May I be the first to congratulate you.”
    “But how can this be possible? I’m too old to—” she stopped and looked around, then continued, this time in a softer voice,     “I’m too old to have children!”
    “Apparently not,” he replied and gave her the slightest of smiles.
    Kathryn let out a quick breath. “How far along?”
    “One month,” he told her.
    Her eyes widened briefly, but she said nothing.
    “Let me guess, a certain captain we know?” he raised an eyebrow, but had a grin on his face.
    “I-I don’t know…” she lied. She glanced at the chronometer. “I must be going, my shift ended twenty minutes ago.”
    “Wait, Admiral, don’t you want to know the g—” the doors swished closed.


    “I don’t know where you are, Chakotay, or why you did not reply to my last message to you, but knew you would want to know this. This morning I went to work, just like any other ordinary day. But today was far from ordinary.
    “I was briefing an ensign before they were assigned to a ship when I suddenly felt weak. I collapsed right in front of them, which, as you know, was one of the most embarrassing things that could happen. They took me to Sickbay where the Doctor diagnosed me. Chakotay, there’s no other way to break this to you. I’m a month pregnant. Twins. We both know who’s they are.
    “I would explain more to you, but I must go. The Doctor’s probably about to give me another lecture about being in my current state without being married. Goodbye, my love.”
    The image of Kathryn Janeway was replaced by the Starfleet logo and then the screen went blank.
Chakotay had tears in his eyes as the message ended. She was beautiful. The light still shone in her eyes when she spoke and her auburn hair, though swept up in a bun, was still as delightful as he remembered. She no longer looked as if she never ate; he could tell she had gained a bit of weight over the past month.
    God, how he loved her. He did not know why he had not replied to the message she had sent before this one. Yes, he did. He had been scared. Scared that her seeing him like he was would make her fall apart. She would have blamed herself for his pain. He had been so afraid he would burst into tears in the middle of the transmission.
    But now he had to reply. She carried his children. It was the least he could do.
    Chakotay pressed a button and began recording. “Kathryn, I am so sorry that I have not kept in contact. I did not intend to worry you.
    “The Doctor must be appalled, but will tell you, love, that I couldn’t be happier…”


    “…I will be returning to Earth within a month or two. The archaeological dig is finally finished and I feel I need to see you, to touch you, to hug you, to kiss you. I’ll see you soon, Kathryn.”
    Kathryn wiped her eyes. He was coming to visit her! He loved her enough that he wanted to be with her.
    “Oh, Chakotay,” she stroked the image of his face with her index finger, “I’ve caused you nothing but trouble before now.  Today, I make a vow that I will do my best to be honest and true to you and show you how much I love you by bearing our children and more if at all possible.” she placed her hand on her abdomen and smiled. “Easy now, little ones, Mommy needs her rest,” with that she stood and readied herself for bed.


    “Chakotay!” Kathryn raised her voice so he could hear her over the crowd.
    He turned toward her and his face brightened as he hurried over. He set down his baggage and kissed her forehead, holding her close. “Kathryn,” he breathed into her hair as they hugged.
    She looked up at him. “Starfleet gave me a leave of absence, so we can spend our time together wherever you want.”
    Chakotay thought for a moment. “How about Indiana? Your family seems awfully nice. I’m sure they can accommodate us for a little while.”
    “Yes, well, it will certainly get me away from the Doctor.” she rolled her eyes.
    He couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, how are the twins?” he put a hand on her stomach and got a kick in return. “Hmm, that’ll teach me not to put my hand there,” they both laughed.
    “We must be going,” Kathryn whispered into Chakotay’s ear, then gave it a nibble.
    Chills went down his spine when she did this. “Stop it, before I lose myself,” he scolded lightly.
    Kathryn grinned. “Sorry.”
    They both walked off together, en route to the next step in their lifetime.


    “Push, Kathryn, push!” Chakotay encouraged as his wife lay there, giving birth to their children.
    The Doctor was telling her to keep it up as well. “I can see the baby’s head,” he told the couple.
    “Did you hear that, Kathryn? Come on, you can do it!” Kathryn’s husband rested his forehead on hers momentarily for reassurance.
    All she could do was nod her head as her body did what it could to do its job. It was too early. There had been so many complications. She could only hope the twins would be okay.
    “One more push, Admiral, and the first one will be out,” the Doctor coached. Kathryn followed his directions, and in a few moments their baby girl was born.
    Several more pushes brought their son, and the both of them smiled in exhaustion as the products of their love were brought to them.
    A lieutenant accompanied the Doctor in bringing the couple their new children. “Captain, Admiral, here is what you’ve been looking forward to for the past several months.” he smiled. “Congratulations.”
    “Thank you so much, Doctor. You have no idea how grateful we truly are,” Kathryn said between breaths as she held her son in her arms.
    “Oh, Kathryn, she’s so beautiful.” Chakotay observed the small child in his arms. “Look, she has your eyes!” he exclaimed as the infant stared up at him with wonder.
    “The same goes for this one!” Kathryn smiled at the baby. “I know just what to name him.”
    “What?” Chakotay asked, already guessing the answer.
    “Chakotay.” this earned a smile from her husband.
    “Well, if you get to name that one, I’ll name this one.” he flashed a mischievous grin.
    “Oh, no!” Kathryn protested.
    “Oh, yes!” Chakotay laughed. “Our daughter’s name will be Kathryn Lee Janeway, after her mother.
    “Where do you get the middle name?” she raised an eyebrow.
    “Hey, we’ve got to tell you apart somehow!” he teased, for which he received a well-deserved slap in the shoulder.
    “Stop it!”
    “All right! All right! But only on one condition.” Chakotay grinned at his wife.
    “And what would that be?” she raised an eyebrow.
    “We stay in love forever.” he kissed her tenderly.
    “I’ll agree with that. Though I do believe I’m getting the better end of the deal…” her voice trailed off as she gave him a crooked grin.
    “Oh, be quiet!” Chakotay said as the Doctor came to take their children away.
    “Make me,” she giggled, and he pulled her into a bear hug.


    It’s hard to believe that those were my parents nearly twenty years ago. Don’t get me wrong, their love is still as strong as it ever was, but many believe it is amazing that it has lasted this long.
    As I stand here, saying my good-byes to them and my two younger siblings, Taya and Michael, awaiting the take-off of my ship, I can’t help but wonder if I can have what they do. That perfect forever love they’ve had for the longest time. It is now less than one minute until I leave them for who knows how long.
    My First Officer approaches. I know him quite well even though we’ve only known each other for a month or two, though it seems like much longer. We enter the ship together, and I think, perhaps I’ve found what I’ve been looking for all along.

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