Disclaimer: All the usual Paramount, so don't freak out. I'm just borrowing your playthings, but the story is mine.

The Family Series - Book Four

Where The Story Began

by Dee Price


Jonathan, his head bowed, stood with his hand extended to the marker before him, his body wracked with uncontrollable sobs.

Adam, Katie and Maori stood a few feet away silently watching their brother, as his mournful convulsive sobs shattered the peace and quiet of the cemetery. Their father had passed away four weeks ago while Jonathan was on a mission and by the time the message had arrived on his ship and he had obtained an emergency transport ride back, Chakotay had long since been laid away to his eternal rest. Kathryn passed away not quite three weeks later, with old age given as the official reason, but the children knew better: she had died of a broken heart, of loneliness without her beloved husband.

Maori, now a Doctor of repute with Starfleet stood quietly watching her brother cry. She knew he had to give way to this grief to have his closure. Jonathan had worshipped his father, and not to be present for his passing or service was unbearable: No last words, no last touch, no last hug - no last words of "I love you, poppa."

His sobbing became even more intense, his body shaking violently and he suddenly dropped to both knees, his voice crying out in a mournful wail, "No, Great Spirits no . . . no . . . Why? Oh why . . . " His hand slowly slid down the marker, as his body bent forward in his agony and his forehead pushed into the grass. Jonathan's hand stopped on the engraving, which read "Chakotay and Kathryn, Together Forever. You will always be loved. You will always be missed," his fingertips resting on Chakotay's name.

Adam, Katie and Maori, seeing Jonathan's intense grief now began to cry, despite feeling they had cried themselves out at the times their parents had passed away. Jonathan's intense grief had brought their emotions to the forefront once again. Silently they reached for each other's hand as their tears rolled down their cheeks.

Agonizing minutes passed and it seemed Jonathan would never regain control of his emotions, but gradually his sobbing subsided until he was sniffing and dabbing at his nose with a handkerchief. At last he struggled to his feet, but no sooner had he stood upright then his knees started to buckle. Maori and Adam quickly moved up on each side and took hold of his arms. He turned to Maori and tightly embraced her, tears once again exploding from his eyes, racing down his face and dropping onto her shoulder as he kept saying over and over, "Why Maori, why couldn't I have been here, why . . . why . . . why?"

Maori clung to her brother, offering her support and trying to absorb his grief. "It's okay Jonathan, it's okay," she softly said over and over as she rubbed at his back, but his sobbing only increased.

Finally regaining control, Jonathan released his arms from around her and slowly turned and looked at Adam and Katie who were wiping tears from their eyes. No words were spoken, Jonathan merely nodded his head, and after another long look at the marker they all turned and walked to the shuttle, each knowing the next stop.

The shuttle settled in front of the familiar large white house, now appearing very quiet and lonely. It was Maori's house now, but previously the house they had all grown up in after their return to Earth thirty years ago. Slowly they walked around the side and into the backyard and headed for The Family, still sheltered by the Arbor and all it's beautiful roses.

The three stopped a short distance away and let Jonathan approach The Family alone. He ran his hand lovingly over the mother, then placed his hand tightly on the father's shoulder, dipped his head so that his forehead was resting on the father's head, closed his eyes and became lost in his thoughts. Tears again trickled down his cheeks, but he made no effort to brush them away and they dropped noiselessly onto the grass. His father once told him, "It takes a strong man to cry and not be embarrassed."

After several minutes Jonathan kissed the father's cheek, did the same with the mother and turned to his brother and sisters. Following a group hug they all went inside, where once again tears filled Jonathan's eyes as the familiar surroundings and scents, pictures and memories flooded his senses.

The siblings all moved into the front room and Adam, Katie and Jonathan sat down on the sofa, each silent and with forlorn looks. Maori stood looking at them a moment before she spoke.

"Dad left some recordings . . . I think he knew a year ago his time might be short, as his heart never really fully recovered from that phaser blast twenty-five years ago, and he started recording his thoughts and feelings. He made separate discs for each of us, plus a disc on all the legends of his people that he could remember, but there is one main one for all of us. Mom did the same, left a recording for each of us."

A stricken look came over Jonathan's face. "I just don't think - I can't handle seeing them right now, Maori."

Maori nodded. "I know how you feel. Actually I haven't as yet looked at them myself, but I thought with all of us together it might somehow be easier . . . "

"I think seeing them together is a good idea, Maori, but let's do it later, maybe after dinner or even tomorrow," said Adam.

Katie agreed with after dinner saying, "Actually tomorrow is just prolonging it. I think it will help all of us to see them while we're together, don't you agree Jonathan?"

Numbly he nodded his head. "I guess - but I will definitely need you guys here, okay?" he said as he looked at them. They all agreed after dinner would be best.

Dinner was rather quiet, but enjoyable in that Maori was an excellent cook. In fact as she grew up she gradually had taken over all the cooking for the family, much to Kathryn's relief, as it freed her for other things, but Chakotay's 'wicked sense of humor' rose to the occasion as he teased Kathryn unmercifully, never letting up on "finally we have some good home cooked meals. It's a wonder we are still alive."

Kathryn, knowing he was just teasing her, played along with him and would act miffed and pouty, while saying she wasn't appreciated. Chakotay would then put his arms around her and kiss her, during which she would smirk and wink at the children and they always laughed loudly at this 'game', knowing full well their parents enjoyed it as much as they did.

Following dinner the four of them gathered in the Family room, all unsure of what their reaction was going to be upon seeing and hearing their father and mother. Maori took a deep breath and placed the first disc into the console, looked at Adam, Katie and Jonathan, then pushed Play. She had just taken a seat beside Jonathan when the image of Chakotay appeared on screen. Jonathan took a sharp intake of breath and squeezed Maori's hand so tight that under ordinary circumstances she would have cried out in pain.

Chakotay's image looked into the screen for a moment, then that beautiful smile appeared and he said, "Hi kids. I thought I would start making some discs of my thoughts and memories and tell you all how much I love you. With everyone busy with their lives and not knowing when something might happen I just thought I would do this. I will make separate discs for each of you later, but as you know I love you all equally so sharing is fine. Your mother is also going to make a few," and at that he looked off to the side and smiled. "In fact she is sitting here listening to this, nosy mother that she is." As that was said a towel flew into his face, causing all the children to laugh loudly despite their anguish.

The discs of both parents played well into early morning, with lots of tears being shed as well as some laughter, before they had all played. When the last one finished, both Kathryn and Chakotay sat with their arms around each other and heads together, and looking at the screen said, "We love you all so much and are so very proud of each of you." As the screen went black the tears of the children again flowed freely for some time.

As hard as it was to view those images, it was also a catharsis for each of them and helped to start closure. Jonathan asked if copies of everything could be made so each could have a full record and everyone agreed, with Maori saying she would see to it tomorrow. At last Adam and Katie headed off for their respective homes, Adam to his high school sweetheart Jennie and their two children Daniel aged 10 and Becky aged 4, and Katie to her husband James and son Chris, aged 6. Jonathan's wife Annie and their two sons Kolopak, aged 4 and named after his Grandfather, and Jeremiah aged 1 were on the other side of town, but Jonathan had called Annie before dinner to tell her he would be spending the night with his sister. Annie, very understanding of Jonathan's grief readily agreed it was a good thing for him to do. As for Maori, she had a "sort of steady boyfriend" as she called him, but had not yet married.

The following afternoon everyone gathered at the house for a family barbeque. After the viewing of the discs the previous night, they had all agreed that they, too, would like to reminisce about their parents, knowing it was a necessary part of the healing process and would be especially helpful for Jonathan. As each arrived with their families they headed out into the backyard.

Maori, standing at the kitchen window looked out at her brothers and sister. Adam, now 41, had graduated in the top ten from the Academy and served five years on the Starship Jefferson as a Lt., but after serving on one more mission and advancing to Lt. Commander had transferred into Scientific Research and Engineering and was now a top flight scientist for Starfleet. Also, between the second and third years at Starfleet Academy he had made the decision to get a tattoo and wore it proudly. His parents were also pleased at his decision. Adam had not married Jennie until he was thirty years old, wanting get his first mission accomplished before that event. Kathryn and Chakotay liked Jennie very much and thought she was perfect for Adam.

Katie, now a strikingly beautiful woman of 39, and whom everyone, including herself at one time, thought wouldn't be much interested in Starfleet, had also graduated in the top ten and became completely enamored with space travel, meeting new species and charting new planets, and had advanced to Lt. Commander. Although without an assignment at the moment she had at one point served five years on the old Excelsior, and like Adam had delayed marriage, opting for space missions instead. Like her mother she said her partner was space, until she met James on that Excelsior mission, and decided that maybe she could manage marriage and a career. She married James at age 32, and within a week both had gone off on separate assignments.

"That's the life of a Starfleet Officer, Katie", Chakotay had kidded her when she complained about the separation and no honeymoon to speak of. Also, despite her challenge when she was a young girl to break the tradition regarding women not having a tattoo, she gamely stuck to the decision made the night Adam found out he had been admitted to Starfleet Academy and did not have a tattoo, even though sorely tempted. However she and James had discussed the possibility of their son Chris wearing one, but as yet no decision had been made. Chakotay told her the decision was strictly hers in that matter.

Maori smiled. Then there was Jonathan, her "Teacher" as he had called himself. She recalled fondly the times they had sat out by The Family and he told her the stories over and over so she would remember. He excelled in almost everything and had graduated at the top of his class from Starfleet, and as such, had the honor of addressing all the rest of the student body at Commencement. When he had to undertake the Kobayashi Maru test, in which students are placed in a no-win scenario, Jonathan came the closest to defeating it since James Kirk, but remembering his humiliating experience in his first track meet when he had embarrassed everyone by gleefully shouting about his victory, he now merely said he was 'lucky' and that Mom and Dad were responsible for all their hard work in teaching him.

His star shone brightly in Starfleet: in fact he was a meteor of light as he quickly rose through the ranks to Commander and was now actually on the list for promotion to Captain, even though he was only 36 years old. If he made it he just might be the youngest Captain in Starfleet's history. Both Adam and Katie, instead of being jealous, were extremely proud of their brother. Needless to say so was she.

As to Jonathan's wife Annie, he met her his first day at Starfleet and had instantly fallen in love with her, but they did not marry until five years ago. Kathryn and Chakotay, although professing to not have favorites, thought Annie was delightful and felt she was the 'perfect' one for Jonathan right from the beginning. Jonathan also was keeping within family by naming his first son after his grandfather Kolopak, and his second son Jeremiah was named after some long ago ancestor that even Chakotay wasn't sure whether he was his great, or second great, or whatever grandparent. Jonathan had also stated quite emphatically, and Annie sat nodding her head in agreement, that his next two children would be named after his parents. Both Kathryn and Chakotay beamed proudly upon hearing that.

Looking out at Jonathan now as he played with his sons Kolopak and Jeremiah, as well as Adam and Katie's children Daniel, Rebecca and Chris, it reminded Maori of the stories they would tell her of their times playing on that planet before being brought to Earth. As Kolopak rolled over and Jonathan fell beside him, she caught sight of Kolopak's tattoo. She giggled. Jonathan had said all along his children would have the tattoo and she knew when Jeremiah was a little older he would have one too.

She smiled again seeing this family interaction of love and togetherness. As she watched Jonathan playing with the children and Adam and Katie rooting for the children while laughing loudly, she suddenly felt melancholy. Was Matthew the one for her? She seriously doubted it, as she wasn't even sure she loved him. He felt more like a good friend than a future husband and having doubt must be a sign in itself. Well, she had plenty of time she mused - after all, she was only 30 and mom and dad didn't marry until they were in their early 40's. Maori quickly gathered up the plates and utensils and headed outside.

*******

After eating and cleaning up, everyone, even the children, sat around on the grass facing The Family, ready to start reminiscing. Maori cleared her throat as she stood and said, "Everything always starts with the oldest and moves down to the youngest, but I think it's time for a change."

Adam laughed and said, "Okay, Maori, I accede to your wishes, you start with your reminiscences."

Maori giggled and said, "Thank you Adam, what a good brother you are," then giggled again. She thought a moment then said, "You know my strongest memory was when I was about 4 and Mom and Dad were separated for the first time when she went to Vulcan because Tuvok was ill. This house was morbid! Dad felt so bad and lonely and as little as I was I felt the loneliness and sure knew something wasn't right. Dad still showed he loved us, but the house was so quiet!" Adam, Katie and Jonathan mentioned how similar it was to when they first came to Earth and their parents had to go into Starfleet the next day and how scared and bad everyone felt at being separated for the first time in their lives.

Jonathan was next and a bit reluctant but after Maori patted him on the arm, he recalled the day Dad was shot protecting his family and how terrified and scared he was at almost losing him. Adam added that was about the worst time for everyone and then said "And mom and dad never even pressed charges against the guy when he was caught."

"No" added Katie, "But if Dad had died mom would have gone after him with both eyes blazing like a phaser on kill. We rarely saw that look, but when it came, oh boy, whomever was in the line of fire - the order of the day was 'Duck'!" All the children laughed loudly at that remark, then Adam looked at Jonathan.

"I thought your memory would be the day of your first track meet."

"Yeah that too," he said softly. "I acted like a jerk and then received 'that talk' from Dad. Even though he talked quietly, without any anger in his voice and was nice, he sure taught me a lesson!"

Everyone agreed that Dad had a way of talking to you, saying things that got through to you real quick while still showing he loved you with all his heart.

Katie sat in a quiet reflective mood when it was her turn. "You know, I think my strongest memory is the time I crawled up on the Shuttle Port roof after Dad told me not to, then I proceeded to fall off and knock myself out. Instead of being angry, Dad was beside himself saying it was his fault even though I had disobeyed him! And mom? She was a worry wart for the next week every time I just reached up to scratch my head," she added with a laugh. "She looked like she was ready to rush me to the hospital each time."

"Katie," said Adam somberly. "I thought your most vivid memory would be the time I almost killed you with that invention."

Katie laughed. "No, that's your memory Adam."

"Oh Great Spirits! I felt awful. I didn't want to go near science after that and you not only made me go back but continue with the same invention even though I almost killed you with it."

Katie nodded then suddenly said, "Do you realize that our memories so far deal with something unhappy? Why on earth is that?"

"I know why!" chipped in Kolopak who was sitting in between Jonathan's legs.

"Why is that son?" asked Jonathan.

"Because you all had so much fun and had so much love from grandpa and grandma while growing up that when something bad happened it was unusual, so that's why you remember it!"

Adam, Katie, Jonathan and Maori stared at one another. "Out of the mouth of babes," muttered Adam.

Jonathan reached down, grabbed Kolopak and swung him up on his lap. "You know what, you're right. We have so many happy memories of our parents that the isolated bad time stands out. Well that's it - nothing but happy memories from now on from everyone!"

For the rest of the evening they spent the time laughing and teasing one another, sometimes riotously, about various adventures, with most of their memories of times they had with their parents while growing up on the planet. Maori watched Jonathan closely. He was laughing, but his eyes showed deep sadness and heartbreak. Well, he had been granted a month's leave so that would help, and earlier that evening she had discovered Jonathan's wife Annie and their children were leaving tomorrow for three weeks to visit her parents in Ohio. The trip had been planned long before Kathryn and Chakotay passed away, as Jonathan would normally still be out on a mission and Jonathan, and Annie agreed, felt it would be best for her to keep her plans. Conversely, Maori had asked Jonathan to stay with her during that time and he had gratefully accepted.

Conversation slowed and finally Jonathan asked the question they all knew he eventually would. "How did Dad die?"

Adam and Katie looked at Maori and she accepted their silent request. "Well Jonathan, as we've said Dad's health started to fail even though he was only 85, still young by today's standards. I really think it related back to that Phaser blast he took trying to protect me from that kidnapper. I don't think his heart was ever totally right after that. That night he suddenly stood and without a word, just a look, reached out his hand to mom and they walked out to The Family and sat facing it. A short time later I noticed his head on mom's shoulder and it was usually the other way around, so I walked out there."

"Mom was crying and she looked at me and said, 'your father, my beloved husband, is gone. He looked at me, kissed me, said how very much he loved me and the children, said ‘goodbye my dearest Kathryn, remember you are not alone', laid his head on my shoulder and went to sleep." Maori was silent a moment as she felt a lump form in her throat, and then continued.

"He seemed to know it was his time and somehow I think mom knew too from the look on her face when he reached for her hand. Thank goodness it was very peaceful."

Jonathan sat quietly with his head down, a steady drop of tears falling silently to a blade of grass, which would bend upon the impact, the tear rolled off and as it rose up another tear would start the same procedure all over again. Finally he choked out, "Mom?"

"Mom was absolutely devastated as we all knew she would be. She tried to be strong during the service but she was an empty shell without Dad. She just sat staring out the kitchen window at The Family or sitting out there next to it and touching it in some way. She rarely said anything, despite my trying to talk to her. The night she died the two of us were sitting out there together when she suddenly put her arm around me, said how much she loved all of us, 'but I am going to join my beloved husband now', put her head against my shoulder, closed her eyes and was gone. She willed herself to die Jonathan. She just didn't want to live without Dad."

Jonathan, still silently crying, nodded his head and in a choking voice said, "I didn't think she would last too long without Dad. At least both of them didn't suffer from anything, they both just went to sleep and are together for eternity now."

Everyone, even the children, sat quietly and somberly while listening to Maori and now without anything seemingly being said, the entire group rose and went to The Family, touching, stroking, leaning - but touching the sculpture in some manner. Adam thanked the Spirits that they had stumbled onto Bartu that day in 'the far away village' and received this wondrous gift.

Following their silent moment they all sat back down while Maori brought out refreshments and once that was finished Maori and Annie gathered up the dishes and headed inside. After putting them in the replicator they both stood silently at the kitchen door and looked out at the gathering, where the children were once again playing, their happy screams renting the air.

Quietly Maori said, "I'll watch Jonathan, Annie. Eventually he will be all right, but right now he is hurting real bad and he has to get all that grief out."

"I know Maori. You can help him the most - you and Jonathan have a special bond and I want to thank you for asking him to stay with you while I'm gone. I really don't want to go, and even though I love him with all my being, my love and presence, although a comfort, just wont be enough right now. He needs you."

Maori nodded then stepped back inside as Adam and his family, slowly followed by everyone else, started towards the house.

"We're going to head home now, sis," said Adam. "I think this night helped, but it's going to take Jonathan a very long time," he said as glanced over his shoulder to Jonathan, who was now at the sculpture and touching the father.

"I know," she said as she reached to the counter and picked up a brown package. "Here are your discs. We'll talk or see you every day as Jonathan will stay here while Annie is gone."

"That's great. Well goodnight," and after a kiss on the cheek from everyone and a big hug and some private words for Jonathan, who had joined the group, Adam and his family left, followed shortly by Katie and her family.

As Jonathan got ready to leave he told Maori to keep the discs temporarily and he would see her in the morning after Annie left. "It's an early Shuttle, so maybe we can go out for breakfast." Annie picked up Jeremiah who had started to go back outside, then they all hugged Maori and went out the door.

As Jonathan walked slowly to his Shuttle, one arm around Annie's waist and the other around Kolopak's shoulders, Maori's heart went out to him.

*******

The next morning Jonathan showed up bright and early carrying an armload of clothes. Maori giggled as she said, "Couldn't you have put them in a suitcase, Jonathan?"

He shook his head. "Annie asked the same thing, but this is easier." Then he smirked, "Don't have to unpack this way, just hang 'em up and put the underclothes in a drawer." He tossed them all in a chair by the stairs and added, "I'll do that later, let's go eat. I'm famished."

After breakfast they went to visit Neelix, who although still operating his restaurant, wasn't actively cooking any longer. "Old age you know" he had laughed. Next stop was the cemetery and Jonathan completely broke down again. After regaining his composure they headed home, but made a stop at Tom and B'Elanna's for a few minutes. Both were elderly and not in 'tip top health' as Tom expressed it, but he always added, "but still doing pretty good for a couple of old codgers." They also expressed their condolences about Kathryn and Chakotay, causing Jonathan to get a huge lump in his throat

The rest of the day Maori and Jonathan sat at home quietly talking and doing more reminiscing, and after dinner had their usual visit out at The Family. In addition Adam and Katie called and just before bedtime Jonathan received a call from Annie saying they got to Ohio just fine. As Jonathan and Maori got ready to retire Jonathan scooped up his clothes from the chair and headed upstairs.

As he walked past his parents' bedroom he stopped cold in his tracks and felt his body start to tremble. Closing his eyes, he remembered a couple of nights ago when after hearing the discs, he had almost run past the door on his way to bed. Slowly he turned his head and stared into the room. Everything seemed the same as he slowly stepped to the doorway and then took a hesitant step inside, followed by another and then timidly sat on the edge of the bed, while tightly hugging his clothes to his chest. He seemed to feel his parents presence and could almost hear them laughing and talking . . . even the bed sounds. He grinned to himself thinking that. They had so much love!

Feeling a hand on his shoulder he looked up and saw Maori. "Two nights ago I didn't even dare look at the door, but I just felt compelled to come inside - almost as if mom and dad were pulling me in," he said softly.

Maori nodded and smiled. "It's part of your healing Jonathan, just to come in here and sit quietly." Slowly Jonathan nodded his head as he sat and looked around the room. "Everything seems the same."

"I haven't wanted to take anything out. I can feel their love when I come in here and it gives me strength."

Tears started running down Jonathan's cheeks and he abruptly stood, kissed Maori goodnight and headed for his room, where he spent a restless night.

********

During the next week Maori and Jonathan spent most of their time just talking, but Jonathan insisted on going to the cemetery every day. Each time he thought he would be better, but it seemed to get worse as he broke down and sobbed on each visit as he knelt and placed his hands on the marker.

Finally on the seventh night Jonathan softly told Maori he didn't know if he wanted to continue in Starfleet. "If I hadn't been away on that mission I would have been home - I would have been with mom and dad."

Maori tried to convince him he couldn't blame Starfleet, it was just the way it happened. But Jonathan, in his deep grief, could not be dissuaded.

Although originally having two weeks off from her job to spend with Jonathan, Maori arranged for another week, applying it against her accumulated vacation time, which she never seemed to use. Adam and Katie were over often or Maori and Jonathan went to one or the other's place. At night his sleep was a restless as he would toss and turn while his mind thrashed over and over with memories of his parents and his not being present at the time of their deaths.

This night he stood at the window, his elbows on the windowsill and his face cupped in his hands as he stared thoughtfully into the backyard at the sculpture. It was a brilliant moonlight night with wisps of clouds passing through the face of the moon on occasion, giving The Family an almost surreal appearance. Jonathan watched this phenomenon with interest as the figure of the father would become brightly lit with the mother shaded, and then the reverse would occur.

Finally Jonathan gave a sigh and looked up at the heavens. One bright twinkling star caught his eye and he said, "Goodnight Mom and Dad. I love you and miss you both so much." The star seemed to grow brighter for a moment and then he turned and stretched out on the bed, with both arms under his head. A thought was running through his mind and he had to sort it out.

The next morning as he sat having breakfast, Jonathan suddenly looked at Maori at the sink and said, "I made a decision last night."

Maori turned and looked at him when he didn't continue and as she looked into his eyes she suddenly knew without a doubt what he was going to say. Picking up a towel she dried her hands as she walked over to him and sat down, still staring into his eyes.

Then she nodded her head and smiled. "I might have known you would want to do that," she said softly as she reached for his hand.

Jonathan, sensing Maori really did know, smiled. "With all the improvements they've made in the Drives, what used to be a three month trip will now only be about five weeks, Maori. I'm going to ask Starfleet for a year's Leave of Absence, twist some arms and get a small ship and go back to the planet. The house is probably still standing. Annie might not understand but this is something I have to do."

Maori giggled. "I think you should do it," and then suddenly stood and headed for the console in the family room.

"What are you doing?" asked Jonathan as he followed her.

Maori tapped in some commands, waited a few minutes until an Ensign appeared, then said quietly and firmly, "Ensign, I am Dr. Maori Chakotay. Will you inform Admiral Frank that effective in two weeks I am taking an indefinite Leave of Absence from the hospital and should this request be turned down, I will resign." The Ensign nodded and said he would pass on the message immediately.

Maori stood and looked at her thunderstruck brother. "I'm going with you, Jonathan. I've heard so much about this place I think it's about time I saw it for myself!" Jonathan reached out and hugged Maori tightly, shed a few tears and then sat down at the computer and contacted Starfleet.

When a Lt. Smith appeared on screen Jonathan informed him he was requesting a year's Leave of Absence, effective at the end of his month's bereavement leave. The Lt nodded, said he would transfer the request to a Padd and send it immediately to his superior officer.

Following this Jonathan and Maori looked at each other for a long minute, then burst out laughing as they grabbed each other's hands. "What have we done, Maori?"

"Something that needs to be done my brother, something that needs to be done," she said in an excited tone.

This decision seemed to be an immediate catharsis for Jonathan as for the first time his eyes began to have sparkle in them. Their brother and sister, along with their families, were coming over that evening for dinner and the two of them agreed to wait and tell them after dinner, if they could keep quiet that long!

After dinner everyone walked out to the sculpture and sat or lay down on the grass. Both Adam and Katie commented on how much more relaxed Jonathan seemed and that Maori was really helping him. Maori just smiled

Jonathan nodded and then said he had an announcement and everyone became quiet and waited. "I'm going to take a year off from Starfleet," he said and waited to see their reaction. Adam immediately nodded his head and said he thought that was a good idea, and Katie agreed, saying he needed time off, that he had been going full tilt from the fourth year in high school. It would do him a world of good.

Then Jonathan, with a quick glance at Maori, said, "There's something else. - I'm going to get one of the latest up-to-date small ships and I'm going back to the planet. The trip will only take about five weeks now instead of three months . . . " He trailed off to see what they would say.

Both Adam and Katie stared at him, their eyes wide in astonishment, but not saying a word. Finally Maori couldn't keep it in any longer and added "And I'm going with Jonathan to see this place I've heard so much about," and still Adam and Katie stared.

Just then Maori heard her console chirping, indicating an incoming call and went inside. A moment later she called to Jonathan that it was Admiral May.

As Jonathan sat down in front of the console Admiral May said, "Commander, your request has just been forwarded to me here at home. I assume this has to do with your parents passing."

"It's related to it, yes sir," said Jonathan, who then went on to explain what he was going to do and asked for a ship, adding if Starfleet wouldn't assist in this and give approval, he would do it anyway.

The Admiral smiled. "Jonathan, you are a bright young man of incredible talent and obviously we don't want to lose you. I understand your grief as I know how close you were to your father, but are you sure you want to do this?"

"No doubt at all, Admiral," said Jonathan firmly.

The Admiral was quiet a moment then looked up. "I'm really not sure about this but I'll see what I can do. Contact me in the morning." Jonathan nodded and smiled broadly, unaware Adam and Katie had come into the room.

"Better make sure you have a lot of room Jonathan," said Adam.

Jonathan turned and frowned as he looked at him. "Adam?"

"Katie and I are coming with you and Maori"

Jonathan jumped up from the console, completely forgetting Admiral May was still online and gave his brother a tremendous bear hug, followed with one to Katie, although a little less exuberant. Shortly Jonathan saw Maori frantically motioning to the console and whirled around. "Sorry Admiral!"

"No problem young man," said the Admiral with a smile. "It's nice to see such family love as you all have. Well, as I said, contact me in the morning. Hopefully I'll have some kind of information on whether you can get a ship or not."

For the next hour Jonathan and his brother and sisters excitedly discussed the trip and that at last they could tell Bartu, if he was still alive, how much that sculpture meant to this family. It was also decided, that if the Admiral was able to procure a ship of an appropriate size, the families of each would go along if they wished. They deserved to see this place where their parents and spouses were born and raised and what all the conversations and reminisces were referring to.

The next morning Jonathan decided to go in to see Admiral May personally rather than call. At 10:30 hours he was ushered into his office and the Admiral stood, offered his hand and said, "Commander! I didn't expect to see you."

"Sorry for the change Admiral. Thought it might expedite matters if I came in personally. Do you have anything, Sir?"

"Well, I have three possibilities for you, Jonathan. Here, take a look," he said as he handed a Padd to Jonathan.

Jonathan studied the list and looked up at the Admiral. "This is it? I'm sorry sir, but none of these ships are acceptable! They are old and have the slow Warp Drive."

"You must realize this is a personal trip and you are fortunate Starfleet is offering a ship at all. What you see on that list is all we have available"

"Yes Sir, but sorry Sir, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I know the master list. You have modern up-to-date ships just sitting in the Docking Ports without any assignment. I don't understand this, Sir."

"I'm sorry, Jonathan that is all we can offer you," he said his voice taking on a hard tone.

Jonathan felt his face flush but persisted in his argument. "Begging you pardon sir and I don't mean to keep sounding ungrateful, but if we can't get a new ship . . . "

"That's all we have Commander," snapped the Admiral.

Jonathan looked at him, came to attention and said, "Thank you Sir. I guess we'll just have to go to outside sources then," and without receiving the Admiral's ‘Dismissed', turned and walked for the door.

"Commander!" barked the Admiral as he abruptly stood.

Jonathan stiffened and turned slowly to face Admiral May. "Are you threatening me, Commander?"

"No Sir - it was just a simple statement of fact, Sir."

They stared at each other for what seemed an eternity to Jonathan, but he was determined not to back down. Finally the Admiral sat down and leaning back rubbed at his eyes.

"If I may Sir," said Jonathan hesitantly, "You have the S.S. Yeager. What about it?"

"The Yeager is a brand new ship and still in dry dock . . . it hasn't even been tested yet. As a matter of fact it's still undergoing tests on various systems and then there will be two weeks of trial runs, followed by a test mission."

"Why not consider our journey into the Delta Quadrant the test mission, Admiral? That would certainly give it a good run as well as checking out all the systems."

The Admiral gave him a sharp look but Jonathan quickly continued. "We wont be leaving for three weeks Admiral, by then the tests and trial runs will be completed. Our trip into the Delta Quadrant to the planet would be an excellent test of the new enhanced drive, Sir."

The Admiral crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at Jonathan. "You're stubborn AND persistent aren't you young man?"

Jonathan smiled. "I guess so Sir. Got my stubbornness from Mom I suppose, and Dad always taught us to never give up if we believed that what we were doing was right."

Slowly a smile crossed the Admiral's face. "I've sort of lived by that philosophy myself . . . helped me to be Admiral I think." Then after a quiet few moments, during which he alternately pinched the bridge of his nose or rubbed the back of his head, he reached to the intercom. "Ensign, bring all the specs and information we have on the S.S. Yeager," then leaned back and looking steadily at Jonathan said, "I dislike and yet admire your impertinence, Commander. Now I can't guarantee this, but sit down and we'll look everything over."

Three hours later an exuberant Jonathan ran into the house and almost crushed Maori in a hug. "We got a ship, Maori!" he exclaimed loudly. "Took a little backbone on my part - thanks to Dad's advice - to keep insisting, plus I think I came awfully close to losing my commission, but we are going to get the Yeager!"

"Well I don't know the Yeager from a hole in the ground Jonathan, but I think I remember reading it is a new ship Starfleet is building?" she said in a questioning tone.

"Right." Jonathan then started walking back and forth, his energy boiling over. "We have so much to do and plan, Maori! The ship will be ready in three weeks. Can you call Adam at work and ask him over here tonight for dinner, please?"

She giggled, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and promptly headed for the console. After informing Adam of Jonathan's news, Adam became as exuberant and excited as Jonathan. Turning to tell Jonathan they would be here for dinner, she saw he wasn't in the room. Sensing his whereabouts she walked to the backdoor and looking out at the sculpture saw him with his arm around the father and a hand on the mother's shoulder. "Guess he's telling Mom and Dad the news," she said to herself.

For the next two weeks there was a mass of frenzied activity. Checking with Starfleet on the planet systems between here and that planet, mapping the route, packing and many, many meetings between all family members as well as Starfleet. During one of the family gatherings, Katie's husband James sadly revealed he could not go on the trip due to an unexpected assignment. He and Katie were still not sure about taking Chris.

During the third week, Jonathan, Adam and Katie were beamed to the Yeager for one of the trial runs so they could familiarize themselves with all the equipment and systems. The next day Admiral May informed Jonathan that as it was a new ship Starfleet must have several of their people on board to monitor all the systems during this ‘trial mission'. However, as the compliment of the Yeager was twenty-five and Jonathan had reported his group was only about twelve at the present time, space would not be a problem.

Jonathan strenuously objected, saying it was a family trip, a healing trip, but the Admiral was adamant, telling him it was still Starfleet's ship and was only ‘loaned' to the family. However he did allow Jonathan to pick two of the six crewmembers.

Jonathan's first and immediate choice was Thomas, Tom and B'Elanna's son, who was a first class pilot just like his dad had been. His second choice was difficult. He debated between Lt Randy Decker, who he knew from his very first mission, and Lt. Nick McGuire, who was with Jonathon on his last three-year mission. Finally he decided on Nick, who was not only a pilot and an engineer, but also a jack-of-all trades handyman who made it a habit to familiarize himself with every aspect of a ship. The Admiral quickly accepted both choices and Thomas and Nick grinned broadly when informed of their assignment.

Starfleet then assigned Engineering and Propulsion specialists, as well as two Security men who were also trained in many of a ships operations, thus would be able to fill in as relief in various departments. Once these assignments were made and approved, Jonathan then filed a request for a small Runabout, but the Admiral denied that request, and as Jonathan started to object, Admiral May grinned and said there was already a full sized Shuttle in the Cargo Bay and they didn't want to unload it. The Admiral then informed Jonathan that as with any Starfleet vessel there would be a full compliment of Photon Torpedoes as well as Phaser and individual armaments. Then he hesitated, but feeling the necessity, told him there was also a new test Torpedo on board, but he was to use it only in a dire emergency.

Jonathan smiled and said he seriously doubted it would be used. "After all Admiral, this is, in a sense, a vacation and not an expedition where danger lurks every second, unless you want us to do some test firing?"

"No, just informing you of what you have on board," he responded.

All of the personnel for the ship were then called together on the Yeager and participated in another trial run, to not only make sure everyone was familiar with the various systems, but also to determine the expertise of each for specific assignments.

Three nights before departure Tom and B'Elanna arrived with Thomas and while Jonathan and he discussed several ship's matters, Tom and B'Elanna sat down and visited with Maori. After finishing a snack, Tom cleared his throat and quietly asked Jonathan if he and B'Elanna might accompany them on this trip. "Even with our being a little old, B'Elanna still has a sharp mind and can help on engineering matters and he could still fly or help in relief of some duties. Besides," he added with his usual smirk, "I missed out on that first trip. I'd like to see where this family originated."

Jonathan looked at the two of them, while he quickly evaluated their request. Both of their minds were still very sharp and Tom's reason's quite valid, even the personal one. He grinned, but before he could answer B'Elanna said, "Oh God, Jonathan, every time you smile all I see is Chakotay." Everyone laughed because as Jonathan had grown older and filled out, and with his tattoo, he was almost a twin of his Dad.

Jonathan, who at first felt a twinge at the mention of his Dad's name, nodded. "I'm complimented Aunt B'Elanna," and with an even bigger smile, which made his dimples seem like canyons, added, "And yes, it would be our honor to have you go with us, not only for you to see the planet this family is from, but because we might need all your experience and expertise." Tom and B'Elanna grinned broadly at this and looked over at their son, who also had a large smile on his face.

The day of departure finally arrived and Jonathan arranged for all personal belongings to be beamed directly to the ship's Cargo Bay, where it would be sorted later. A Shuttle Transport arrived and picked up each family en route to the Transport Dock, where Jonathan officially signed papers to take control of the ship, finished other ship's business and then individual groups were beamed up to the S. S. Yeager.

The two Starfleet Security men, Lt. Tyler Griggs and Ensign Matt Cook were waiting for them as they materialized in the Transporter Room and after everyone was on board promptly showed each family their quarters. After making sure everyone was satisfied he smiled in sheer happiness, gave a hug to Annie, Kolopak and Jeremiah, and headed for the Bridge. Upon arrival, he looked around at the quiet, empty Bridge. This was his ship now and he asked the Spirits for a safe journey.

After one more look around he felt ready, and tapped his Com badge. "Okay - all hands report to the Bridge for a briefing . . . and this includes all the children," he added with a laugh.

After everyone arrived Jonathan reviewed assignments, with the main assignments being Thomas at Helm, Adam at OPS, Katie in Engineering, Nick at Tactical and Maori the ship's Doctor. The two Starfleet personnel, Lt. Cody Taylor and Lt. Jason Shannon, Engineering and Propulsion specialists respectively, as well as the two security men Tyler and Matt already knew their assignments, but would also be able to fill in on relief at various positions. The selection process had made sure this was a very versatile crew, being adept at more than one job, and Jonathan was now grateful Admiral May had insisted on their inclusion.

It was also specified that the security personnel, Tyler and Matt, would be able to spell Thomas at Helm, not to mention Tom if the need arose, so the position of pilot was well fortified with four men. It was a given B'Elanna would hang around in engineering and the propulsion systems, and she smiled at that. In addition, and very importantly, this ship had one very valuable system - it was installed with the latest Automatic Computer Flyby mode, which would allow everyone rest at various times.

Jonathan cautioned the children they were not to run through the ship and to never touch anything, then he hesitated a moment and looked at each person, but while lingering on Cody, Jason, Tyler and Matt, grinned and said, "Look, I'm not a Captain, just in charge of this venture, and as it's supposed to be a 'healing' trip for us, not a mission, I would prefer we not go strictly by rigid Starfleet Protocol. In other words, let's keep it a simple, informal atmosphere, and use first names, so feel free to call me Jonathan." Then looking at Tom and B'Elanna and the wives Jennie and Annie, "Feel free to roam the ship, but like the children please do not touch anything unless you have been instructed or assigned to do so. This trip will take five weeks and unfortunately," he said grinning at B'Elanna, "No stops to stretch our legs."

B'Elanna smiled, snapped her fingers and replied, "Oh darnn, and after all I did for you thirty years ago."

Jonathan then took a deep breath and rubbed his hands together. "All right my friends, let's do it," and everyone moved to their station and started tapping at their panels, with the wives, Tom and B'Elanna and all the children moving to the back edge of the Bridge.

"Thomas, make sure everything is online."

"Aye." After checking his panel Thomas nodded and said, "Everything is at one-hundred per-cent."

Jonathan hailed central control and informed them he was ready to depart, and after receiving confirmation, the locking clamps were released, Thomas slowly took the ship away from the docking port, turned it around and the S. S. Yeager set course for the wormhole.

"Wow" said Kolopak as he looked out the port window at the planet Earth. Jonathan smiled, recalling those were his exact words when they had left their planet and also upon his first sight of Earth.

* * * * *

With the ship in the new enhanced ‘Full Power' drive all the way, the five weeks didn't seem too long. As there was a certain amount of strain in taking a brand new ship out, everyone was always busy monitoring the new systems, propulsion drive, etc. or sleeping when not on duty. What system would fail, what ‘bugs' would be discovered were some of the worries of the crew. Meanwhile, the children found they could play in the Cargo Bay without getting into trouble, so spent most of their time there. Tyler and Matt, without much to do security-wise, also spent a great deal of time in the Cargo Bay entertaining the children, much to the wives delight. Jason and Cody seemed to fit right in with the family even though they spent a great deal of their time in engineering constantly checking on 'their new baby'. They also helped relieve at various positions on occasion. Tom was in his glory when piloting the Yeager and B'Elanna spent a great deal of her time in Engineering with Katie, familiarizing herself with the new drive and all its nuances. Once she knew everything, Katie gratefully, and without hesitation, accepted her offer for relief.

During the fourth week, Tyler limped into Sick Bay. Seems he had become too exuberant playing Kick Ball with the children and badly sprained his ankle. Maori giggled as she treated him, kidding him that maybe he should remember how old he was, then as he didn't have any immediate assignment, he remained and talked with her for over an hour before going back down to the cargo bay to see how not only the children, but Matt, were doing. After that Maori and Tyler spent a lot of their free time together, discovering they had a lot in common. Maori excitedly told him about her anticipation on seeing the planet as well as various stories she had been told by the family. Tyler appeared to share her excitement.

At long last Adam excitedly reported sensors showing a planet in the prescribed coordinates.

"How long before visual, Adam?" asked Jonathan with a smile

"About twelve hours, Jonathan."

"Great. Thomas keep engines at full speed until Adam reports we have visual then drop to Warp."

"Aye," responded Thomas.

The next twelve hours seemed forever to those having never been on a Starship before, but Jonathan could not help feeling the anticipation himself.

Finally Adam reported visual, the ship dropped down to warp, the front view screen was turned on and everyone crowded onto the bridge, and except for the busy crew, seemed to edge forward in anticipation. Their disappointment almost made Jonathan laugh as the planet was still a distant speck, but all knew the long journey was soon over. As the planet grew larger on the view screen the crew became completely engrossed in their duties, with Adam forcing himself not to look up. However, Katie, unable to see anything from engineering occasionally hailed the bridge to inquire the latest information.

"Adam," said Jonathan as he looked back to his station, "do sensors show the village yet?"

"Actually two villages, Jonathan"

"Two!" he exclaimed.

"It looks like another village has sprung up a few miles away from where the old one is. Sensors show one village as pre-warp, actually almost pre industrial, which would seem to be our ‘far away village', and the new one is quite advanced - not warp, but much more highly advanced than the other." Then he looked up at Jonathan with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, that wasn't much of a report was it? I can rephrase it."

Jonathan laughed. "I understood Adam and as I mentioned back at the start, I don't expect official Starfleet reporting. But what about our home - can sensors pick it up yet?"

"Scanning the other side of the planet," he said as his fingers tapped at the control panel. Finally he looked up and grinned. "Got it, and it looks like the house is still standing. Sensors show three buildings, which would be the house, the cellar and the shed!"

Jonathan slapped his hand down on the armrest and exclaimed, "Yes!" Then he leaned forward in his chair and said, "Keep scans open, we don't want to be surprised by anything. Thomas drop to Full Impulse."

Tom moved up behind Thomas and looked out the window. Thomas glanced at him and said, "Go ahead and sit in the other seat Dad. Nick has gone down to Engineering to watch the propulsion system."

"Sure you don't mind, son?"

"Nah, that's fine."

The planet came closer until at last they entered orbit and ran a full scan of the entire planet Then the order they had all been waiting for: "Thomas drop out of orbit, and head for our home, but I want you to come in on the back side so the 'far away villages' wont see us."

The ship dropped lower and lower with everyone on the Bridge craning his or her necks to watch the front viewscreen. Finally Adam called out, "We're almost there, Thomas."

Thomas, used to succinct Starfleet reports yelled back "What's almost, Adam?" Before Adam could respond he said, "Never mind - I have visual of the area," and he put the ship into a sharp bank and made a complete circle around the field.

"Put the ship down on the far side, by those trees, Thomas" said Jonathan and then sat quietly, but nervously fiddling with his hands, as Thomas deftly maneuvered the ship, flying directly over their old home to the tree line, turned the ship and slowly settled to the ground, with the view window looking directly at the house.

The entire Bridge was deathly quiet except for the hum and chirp of panels. Jonathan sat and just stared, Adam moved out from behind his station, no longer paying attention to his panel and Katie, who had come up from Engineering when Nick came down to relieve her, just stood and placed both of her trembling hands to her cheeks, while Maori smiled as she saw for the first time that house she had heard so much about.

Finally Jonathan let out a long, almost explosive exhale of air and slowly stood, rapidly blinking his eyes to try and stop the moisture that wanted to build. Memories flooded his mind and he was sure he saw mom and dad walking across the field to welcome them home. He wanted to call out to them, but resisted that impulse.

Shaking his head to clear it, he looked at Adam and somberly asked, "Do sensors show any activity in the house?"

Adam quickly returned to his panel, tapped a few times, hisitated momentarily, then smiled and shook his head.

Jonathan nodded, took a deep breath, looked forward and said, "Open the hatch."

Immediately Tyler and Matt stepped to the door, blocking anyone's path that attempted to leave. Looking at Jonathan, Tyler said, "We'll take a look around first, Sir," and without waiting for Jonathan's approval turned and both men exited the ship and started across the field with Phasers drawn.

The two men made a slow cautious circle around the house, and then Matt gently pushed the partially open door wide open, only to suddenly jump back, causing consternation to those watching from the ship. However, two wild 'chickens' came squawking out the door. Both men laughed nervously and then entered the house. After a few minutes Tyler appeared at the door and gave the okay signal.

Everyone on the ship had moved to the hatch opening and Jonathan immediately and silently reached for Maori's hand, then he, Maori, Adam and Katie stepped out of the ship, followed by everyone else. Katie stepped in beside Jonathan and took his hand while Adam did the same beside Katie and slowly they walked across the field and up to the door. They all stopped and stared.

"It's clear, sir," said Tyler from the doorway.

Jonathan nodded and each inhaled deeply and then stepped inside. Memories rushed through Jonathan's mind, almost overwhelming him physically as he looked around. He slipped his arms around Maori and Katie and pulled them tight as Katie did the same with Adam, and all four stood in silent awe, their eyes glistening, their bodies trembling and their emotions highly visible. Tyler and Matt quickly stepped outside and indicated for everyone else to wait a moment and give the family a few minutes alone.

Tears broke loose in Jonathan's eyes. "I can actually feel Mom and Dad here," he whispered, and then releasing his hold on Maori and Katie, slowly walked into his parent's bedroom. The bed and dresser were as they left them, albeit dusty, and the writing on the panels was still there . . . ‘My name is Kathryn Janeway Chakotay and this was our room' was on one panel, and next to it was ‘My name is Chakotay and we left for Earth on Star . . . ' Jonathan lowered his head and blinked furiously - he could no longer read as his eyes were so full of tears.

Quickly swiping the tears away he put his arm around Maori and they all walked into the second bedroom, where both Jonathan and Adam smiled gleefully as they saw their names still on the wall and stating this was their room. Katie led them to the next room and as they read Katie's name Maori giggled that she had put an exclamation point after the word 'room'.

The four then turned and put their arms around each other and stood quietly, each lost in their own thoughts and memories. Maori for one, was overwhelmed. Actually seeing this planet, this house that she had heard about all her life, almost crushed the breath out of her, and she clung tightly to her brothers and sister. Sensing her feelings all three smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "This is it, Maori," said Adam. "This was our home." Maori giggled as she wiped the tears from her eyes and struggled to regain her composure.

"In a way it's amazing it's still standing and in such good shape," murmured Katie.

After a few more moments, Maori went to the door and told everyone to come in and the quiet reverie was broken as the children exuberantly raced in, running from room to room as they shouted in their excitement at seeing grandma and grandpa's place and immediately started asking questions.

The wives, as well as Tom and B'Elanna quietly wandered from room to room as the family took the kids around and attempted to answer their multitude of questions. B'Elanna smiled upon entering Kathryn and Chakotay's bedroom as she remembered Kathryn's ‘open' conversation. Although she was here only four days she had many pleasant memories of that time.

From the house the group investigated the cellar and shed, then they were all led across the field to the stream and saw the bathtub Chakotay had built for Kathryn, along with the shower, heating, recycling and pumping tubs he had made from materials attained at 'the far away village'.

"Chakotay was quite adept I'd say," said Tom. "Kathryn often mentioned he was the one who kept everything going and looking at this I know for sure I couldn't have done it. Like Kathryn, I'd have probably died that first year for lack of being unable to improvise."

"Very likely, Tom," smirked B'Elanna, then gave him a hug and kiss, "But I love you anyway." Then looking at Jonathan, smiled. "It's all still here Jonathan, exactly as I remember it and in my mind I can still hear Kathryn's voice as we had our little talks."

Jonathan, his eyes showing sadness, simply nodded and then turned and headed back towards the house, with everyone following. Stopping just outside the door Jonathan suddenly stopped and said he would like to sleep in the house tonight, but Katie and Maori convinced him it was too dusty and that tomorrow everyone would pitch in and clean it.

The sky now had a reddish hue as the sun was in it's final stages of disappearing over the horizon, so they all headed for the ship, had dinner and later, after the kids were all put to bed and soon followed by everyone else, Jonathan sat in the open hatch door and stared thoughtfully at the house.

We're here mom and dad. We're here where our family first started. I love and miss you both so much. .

* * * * *

The next morning Jason, Cody, Tyler and Matt hauled all three mattresses outside to beat the dust out of them and also to absorb some fresh air. They accomplished this with some sticks they found stored in the shed. Meanwhile the other men, Jonathan, Adam, Thomas, Nick and Tom worked at both the stream and house to get the water system working again. At first they had a problem figuring it out then Adam and Jonathan remembered the system their dad had devised and progress was made. Their biggest problem was getting the generator, which was attached to the heating tub, working so they would have warm water. Nick eventually felt he had solved that problem and said they would have the system running efficiently by nightfall.

While this activity was going on Katie, Maori and B'Elanna began cleaning the inside of the house, with all of them having several coughing fits as they swept up the dust. Maori, in her infinite wisdom, had packed cleaning equipment, making the job somewhat easier. While the adults were all working, the children romped around in the large field, playing Tag, Leap Frog and Kick Ball, games their parents had told them they played here.

By late afternoon all the chores and cleaning seemed finished so the children were assigned the task of carrying the bedding and some supplies from the ship into the house. Finally Maori placed her hands on her hips and looked around, causing B'Elanna to laugh and say, "Just like Kathryn." Maori giggled while at the same time giving B'Elanna a hug. "Thank you Aunt B'Elanna, and now it's time for our first meal in this house. . . . where it all started."

"I'll help you Maori," she said with a smile and the two women started dinner.

"I am just so thrilled to be here," said Maori. "This is one place I'd heard about all my life but thought I'd see only in my mind." B'Elanna, understanding Maori's happiness, just smiled.

After dinner, everyone relaxed by sitting or lying on the ground outside and watched the children play. Suddenly a solemn Jonathan rose and quietly walked toward the house. Adam, Katie and Maori, looked at one another and then rose. Jennie, Annie, Tom and B'Elanna, also stood and with a sense of togetherness permeating their souls, everyone else rose and all followed him inside.

Jonathan slowly entered his parent's room and timidly sat on the bed, rubbing his hand on the headboard his Dad had made. Slowly he looked around the room and then looked up at everyone standing at the doorway and in a choked voice said, "This is where it began. We were all conceived on this bed - we were all born on this bed - we were all raised in this house, this place. We were shown unending love by parents who loved each other more than it is possible to love anyone. I can feel them here. . . . I can feel their love and their spirit surrounding us . . . " Then he shook his head unable to continue because of the lump and constricting muscles in his throat.

Annie sat down beside him and he put his head to her shoulder as she slid her arm around him. Everyone in the room also slipped their arms around each other and stood silently, lumps in their throat as well and tears flowed unchecked down their cheeks, Tom and B'Elanna included.

Jonathan raised his head and looked at the group, and said with a smile, "And Dad was quite a midwife!" which broke the spell and everyone laughed.

"Well, to make matters worse," said Tom with a smirk, "I can actually picture Chakotay delivering you guys while Kathryn screamed orders at him," which again made everyone laugh, even the Starfleet men who stood at the front door looking in at the group.

"Well I don't know what happened with my birth as I was the first," said Adam, "But actually with Katie and Jonathan mom didn't have any problem. You just both sort of popped out, but mom did tell us the only birth problem she had was with Maori. Go figure that one, three kids born out here in the middle of nowhere without a Doctor and the only problem is the one born in a big city with Doctors.

"Modern medicine will get you every time," quipped Tom, only to receive a punch on the arm from B'Elanna. As he rubbed his arm he said, "You must be getting old honey, those punches don't pack the wallop they used to!"

Everything then became quiet again and finally Annie broke the silence. "Jonathan, what about sleeping arrangements?"

"Well we obviously don't have room for everyone, but I thought the kids could sleep in the ship along with the Starfleet guys. We can put those two cots we brought into Katie's old room - that accommodates eight. And," he added, "We can rotate around so everyone sleeps in the house at some point."

"You still haven't answered the question, Jonathan," said Maori quietly.

Jonathan looked up at her then smiled. "I know." He again just looked around the room.

"Well, okay, then I'll say it," said Adam. "Jonathan I think you and Annie should sleep in here, Maori and Katie can sleep in her old room, Tom and B'Elanna in our old room and the rest of us in the ship."

"No! Definitely not - no!" said B'Elanna emphatically. "This is your trip - your healing. Tom and I will sleep in the ship, you folks belong here." Tom agreed with her.

Finally Jonathan stood and made a decision, stating that he and Annie would sleep in their parent's room, Adam and Jennie in his old room, and they would put up a partition from some panels in the shed in Katie's room and Katie and Maori would sleep in the cots with Tom and B'Elanna in Katie's old bed. Then Jonathan added with a smirk, "And if Tom and B'Elanna need some 'personal time' they can just sleep in their quarters out at the ship that night." This elicited smirks, remarks and a lot of laughs, but everyone agreed to the arrangements.

For the first two weeks things were quite chaotic, as city people used to all the conveniences found themselves without any unless they went out to the ship. Adam, Katie and Jonathan quickly settled into the routine, having been born to this environment, and washed down at the stream, even though the generator was only providing luke-warm water, and Maori soon followed. The children, as children do, adapted immediately as Kolopak, Jeremiah, Daniel and Rebecca acted as if they had been born to this environment. Katie now deeply regretted having been talked out of bringing her son Chris by her husband's parents.

Gradually, through sheer grit and determination, the others managed to start 'roughing it' and after two weeks almost everyone began to really appreciate this style of living and some, like Annie, Matt and Tyler, became enamored with living without all the electronic gadgets. The only ones having difficulty were Jason and Cody, who seemed to continually revert to the ship's systems until one day Jonathan bluntly told them they could no longer use the ships power for their personal needs.

At the end of two weeks, when everyone was getting more comfortable with the conditions, Jonathan felt it was time to go the 'far away village' to see if Bartu was still alive.

"Unless he suffered an illness or injury, I don't see why he shouldn't be alive," said Adam. "He was just a few years older than mom and dad."

"Well we'll see. I sure hope so," replied Jonathan.

****

Taking the shuttle out of the Yeager's cargo bay, Jonathan, Adam, and Katie left, telling the group that they would be gone at least four hours. Maori elected not to go with them on this first trip, feeling they needed to do this by themselves. They landed in the same small clearing their Dad had always used, and walked the short distance into the village, receiving stares "as outsiders" from some of the village people as they slowly walked down the dusty road.

The town had grown, but at last they saw a familiar store and walked in. A man behind the counter stared at them, and Jonathan smiled and asked if Bartu was still around.

"Yes," he said hesitantly as he continued to stare uneasily at the trio, "But he stays home much of the time now. He is old and not too well. He lost his wife five years ago and really hasn't been himself since."

"I can well understand that," replied Jonathan with a compassionate tone, and then asked where Bartu's house was. After receiving directions and thanking the man, the three set off in the appropriate direction.

Upon reaching the house, Jonathan looked at Adam and Katie, his heart pounding, then softly stepped up on the porch and tapped on the door.

"Yes." came a man's voice.

"Bartu?" asked Jonathan.

"Who are you? I don't recognize the voice," came the response.

"Bartu, I'm Jonathan Chakotay - Kathryn and Chakotay's son."

Silence greeted this announcement.

"You remember Kathryn and Chakotay don't you?"

Silence.

Then shuffling steps were heard and slowly the door was cracked open and an old man with a very wrinkled face and snow-white hair peered out.

"Jonathan? You say you are Chakotay and Kathryn's son?" Bartu then glanced beyond Jonathan and saw Adam and Katie standing just off the porch and just stared at them. Finally, although still not sure but feeling no danger, he opened the door and motioned for them all to enter.

Jonathan smiled and immediately reached out and hugged Bartu, as did Adam and Katie, with each saying their names as they did so. Bartu suddenly remembered and felt overwhelmed. "You were but small children the last I saw you. Look . . . look now. All grown!" he exclaimed.

He motioned for then to sit down and they sat for several minutes just talking with Bartu. Finally Jonathan cleared his throat and told him of their parent's death.

"Aiyee," he said shaking his head. "I am sorry . . . I enjoyed Kathryn and Chakotay so much."

Jonathan then told Bartu about the sculpture, how they had named it The Family and how it came to have so much meaning and significance of love in their family, with Adam and Katie occasionally adding their thoughts.

Bartu seemed impressed with the story and suddenly stood. "You make me very happy telling me how much sculpture means to you. Come. . . . come with me into backyard. I have more . . . you see."

As they walked out back they were amazed. Sculptures large and small were everywhere! It was obvious the man was a very highly skilled craftsman. They wandered through the maze and marveled out loud at this one or that one.

Bartu smiled and extending his arm around the yard said, "Pick what you want. You take . . . take anything . . . take them all. What am I going to do with all this? The village . . . they hardly look . . . Then Bartu gave a sigh and said in a disconsolate tone, "they don't care anymore."

Several minutes later each had picked out a small sculpture. Then Bartu took Jonathan's elbow and walking over to a corner, pulled a canvas back and let it drop to the ground.

Jonathan's mouth dropped open and he just stared, then suddenly, without warning, and much to Bartu's consternation, Jonathan started to cry. It was a sculpture of a man and woman standing looking at one another, with the man's hands on the woman's waist and the woman's arms around his neck, but more than that, they were without a doubt Chakotay and Kathryn!

"What have I done ... what have I done?" Bartu wailed.

Adam and Katie quickly walked over and also stopped and stared, then Katie reached out and hugged Bartu. "You haven't done anything wrong, Bartu. I'll explain Jonathan's tears later, but that sculpture is beautiful!" Adam nodded his head and both he and Katie wiped stray tears from their eyes as Jonathan stepped up to the man and woman and lovingly ran his hands over their faces. Katie then explained the tears, that Jonathan had not been present when his parents had died and it was hard for him to accept their passing, and that this trip of returning to where they were born was a healing trip, not only for him but herself and Adam as well.

Bartu, now understanding Jonathan's anguish went up to him and placing his hand on his shoulder said, "It is yours, Jonathan. You take. I will be proud for you to have it."

Jonathan turned and squeezed Bartu in a tight and long hug, with Bartu continually patting Jonathan on the back and saying, "It is okay, you take - it is okay. I understand your loss, you take."

After Jonathan regained control of his emotions he thanked Bartu profusely, telling him he had no idea how much that sculpture personally meant to him. Bartu smiled and nodded then turned to Adam and Katie. "I have for you, too," and walked to a back wall. After clearing several crates and canvasses away, he pointed. "You take your pick. They are yours."

Adam and Katie immediately broke into big smiles. One sculpture had the man and wife in a walking pose while holding hands and looking at each other with the woman showing signs of pregnancy, and the other was of a man sitting on a box, the woman standing beside him. The man was looking up at the woman and had one hand on her hip while she had one arm around his shoulders as she looked down at him. Again, they were definitely Kathryn and Chakotay.

"Kathryn and Chakotay were such an inspiration to me. Every time I see in village I make something. So much love . . . so much love," he murmured. Suddenly he turned for his shop, "Come, look," he said excitedly, "I show something else" and hurried back inside. In one corner he opened a box and pulled out a small hand held sculpture. It was an exact version of the large family sculpture they had on Earth!

"I make one for each, but you left so quickly the day Chakotay said you were going away that I forget these." He shrugged his shoulders and continued, "I tried sell in village and did sell five, so made more, but no one bought. You take box, they are of you - they belong to you."

Bartu then insisted they stay for lunch, but Marta, his housekeeper objected, saying he needed rest now. Bartu was indignant and at first refused, saying he wanted to spend time with his friends, but Jonathan told him they would be staying awhile and would be back. " Besides" he said with a smile, "we are going to need help to load the large sculptures, so we will bring some friends next week and spend lunch with you then." Jonathan then patted Bartu on the shoulder and grinned, causing Bartu to slap both of his hands to his cheeks and say, "Aiyee. You look just like Chakotay!"

With Adam and Katie laughing, Jonathan thanked him for the compliment then added, "And Bartu, next week we will bring our sister Maori, and you can meet her."

"A sister!" Bartu was so excited he put his hand to his heart and sat down. This concerned Jonathan, that they were possibly giving Bartu too much excitement and he immediately said they would leave. Bartu insisted they take the small box now and smiled at the siblings.

"Will see you next week? You swear?"

Everyone laughed and swore they would be back, then Jonathan and Adam lifted the small box of The Family sculptures, but as it wasn't too heavy, Adam hoisted it on his shoulder and they left for the ship.

An hour later they landed near the house so everyone could see the collection, then said they would go back in a few days, as they needed help from the men to carry three large sculptures Bartu had given them. In addition, Bartu was anxious to meet Maori, said a smiling Jonathan. Maori, as was her custom, giggled in her excitement.

Five days later, all eight men, plus Maori, headed for the village to retrieve the three sculptures. Tom smirked at B'Elanna that finally he was going to see something on this planet, which she had not as yet seen. While the men labored in carrying the sculptures to the ship, Maori sat and had a delightful afternoon chatting with Bartu.

* * * * *

Thereafter, once a week the shuttle was loaded with various people and they headed to the 'far away village' to visit Bartu, which seemed to rejuvenate the old man. Maori somehow managed to wangle a way to go almost every time, as she loved to talk to him. In fact, Bartu looked forward to her coming, called Maori his girlfriend, causing her to giggle and give him a kiss on the cheek, which of course pleased Bartu no end. Nick and Tyler even managed to go with Maori several times, and it was obvious to the group these two men liked her very much.

One quiet day, while everyone sat around having idle chatter, Jonathan left and headed across the field. Maori watched him for a moment and then with a slight shake of the head to a concerned Adam and Katie, indicated to let him be alone.

Jonathan walked down to the stream, took off his shoes and after sitting down on the bank put his feet in the ice-cold stream. About ten minutes later he rose and walked to a nearby tree and sat with his eyes closed, thinking of his early days on the planet. Tears welled in his eyes as his thoughts drifted to his mom and dad. Without realizing it, and even without his Akoonah, he started, "Akoochie Mora. We are far from the bones of our ancestors and I ask your help. I feel so lost . . . "

*Why are you lost Jonathan?

He looked around and then smiled as he saw his father standing there.

I miss you poppa. I need you.

Chakotay smiled. Your family needs you Jonathan. Besides, you know your mom and I are always with you.

But you are physically gone and I can't touch you, hug you or kiss you anymore. I wasn't with you when you and mom died.

Was that so important?

It was important to me poppa.

We knew you loved us Jonathan and we couldn't wait for your return. Your mother and I are happy and we are together. We will see you again some day, you know that, but for now you must put aside your grief and love your family.

I know. I'm trying and I do love them and we are together on this planet.

It is a wonderful place. Your mother and I are pleased you and the others made the effort to return and show it to Maori. Chakotay then smiled and looked to one side. Your nosy mother is coming, and Kathryn came into view and they put their arms around one another's waist.

Kathryn smiled as she said, Hello Jonathan.

Momma! I was wondering if I would see you.

I'm here, Jonathan; I'm always with you, but your father is right. You must not grieve any longer. Go to your family Jonathan and know we are always there, as well as with Adam, Katie and Maori. So go to your family. They need you, sweetheart. Your father and I are just fine.

Yes momma. Will I see you and poppa again? This has been a comfort to me talking to you.

You can talk to us anytime son, said Chakotay. He then smiled. Your heart and will are strong, Jonathan - you will be fine. Now go back and be with your family. They love you and are hurting for you. Dispel their grief by being the wonderful loving person, husband and father we know you are

I will poppa. I love you both so much.

Kathryn and Chakotay smiled, and said, we love you, too Jonathan, and then slowly disappeared.

Jonathan opened his eyes and smiled.

****

The weeks went by and before they realized it three months had passed. In fact, everyone was totally amazed when Jonathan mentioned it. However, returning to Earth was not brought up, as the entire group seemed satisfied to remain here awhile longer.

Jonathan slowly began to feel an inner peace and acceptance of his parent's death over this time period. That first Vision Quest was the initial healing point, plus the time spent visiting, not only Bartu in the 'far away village' but with everyone else as they sat around, laughed and talked every day. This also began to heal his mind. He became totally immersed in the peace and solitude of this area; he played games everyday with all the children; he took hikes, sometime alone and sometimes with various members of the group and began to vividly remember various activities and would excitedly explain them to whoever he was with. His memories as he wandered around became stronger, more vibrant and clear, as if it were yesterday. Slowly Jonathan's broken heart began to heal and he became the Jonathan everyone remembered.

He had many Vision Quests during this time and on each was able to ‘talk' to his parents. He also helped Adam, Katie and Maori, who had only experienced periodic success previously, to have visions. He assisted them in gathering their own Medicine Blanket of items, but told them the final choice was theirs alone. When finished, all felt the items gathered from this planet, the beginning of the family, were very appropriate.

One day Kolopak, who had sat and intently watched each ‘lesson', asked to learn.

Jonathan helped him get started and his young son kneeled and closed his eyes.

Hello Kolopak. How are you?

Kolopak jumped to his feet and yelled, "Grandpa!" He turned in circles and looked around.

"Did you see Grandpa," asked Jonathan softly.

"Yes poppa! He said hello to me, but he's gone!"

"When you see someone in your vision quest you must remain in the vision, Kolopak. You stepped outside of it. That's why you don't see him anymore."

"I'm sorry poppa," he said with a crestfallen expression. "I failed. May I try again?"

"Not right now. We'll try it again tomorrow."

As Kolopak ran off to tell the other children what he had done, Jonathan smiled. He was not only ecstatic, but extremely proud that Kolopak had been successful and learned on the first attempt, even if he had ended the vision prematurely.

One night Jonathan turned to B'Elanna. "I understand Dad tried to teach you the Vision Quest and you failed miserably," he said with a chuckle.

"B'Elanna laughed. "I guess you could call it failing. I think I killed my Spirit Guide."

"Well, anytime you want to try again . . . maybe you have mellowed enough that the Spirits wont run from you," he said with a loud laugh.

Tom smirked. "That will be the day that B'Elanna has mellowed," causing everyone, especially Thomas, to laugh raucously.

Two days later B'Elanna agreed to try and this time was successful, seeing her mother. As she sat there and realized her accomplishment she suddenly smiled at Jonathan and said, "Must be the place."

The "place" as B'Elanna had termed it also had another effect, as Annie smiled at that remark and looking at Jonathan agreed, saying "Like the magic of giving life."

Jonathan nodded absently, then suddenly looked at her. "Annie?"

"Yes sweetheart," she said smiling. "That bed has had part in conceiving another child, I'm pregnant."

"Oh Great Spirits!" shouted Jonathan joyfully as he scooped her up in his arms and started swinging in circles, much to everyone else's delight.

After all the congratulations Tom smirked as he looked at B'Elanna and said "Honey maybe we can get Jonathan and Annie to let us use that bed tonight", only to be punched on the arm. "Ow! I take it back what I said before about you mellowing. That hurt."

"B'Elanna laughed. "Serves you right for being such a smart aleck!"

* * * * *

Two more months went by and although everyone was very content to stay here, the subject of returning home was broached and then discussed. Shortly after that the date for departure was set and at various times they began to carry things to the ship so as to lessen the load when they packed in earnest. When Bartu learned they would be leaving soon he was sad, but understood.

The day before departure they loaded the ship with everything except the bedding and then Jonathan decided to take the Shuttle to the ‘far away village' one last time and tell Bartu goodbye. Adam, Katie and Maori, having told him goodbye on their last visit, stayed to help pack

When Jonathan arrived he could not find Bartu right away, so walked into the back and found him lying on the ground. He had a high fever and seemed delirious, and after a quick glance Jonathan saw a very large cut on his leg. There was a large pool of blood and the leg was badly infected. With only one thought of Maori treating him, he hoisted Bartu across his shoulder and labored to the shuttle, quickly lifted off and headed for the house.

As he arrived he noted everyone racing across the field for the ship with some already there. Adam, seeing the shuttle, started waving frantically and motioned for him to fly the Shuttle into the Cargo Bay.

Jonathan turned on his shuttle speaker and asked what was happening.

"Take the shuttle into the cargo bay. We have to leave right now, Jonathan!"

"Why?" asked Jonathan with a frown as he saw the remainder of the group disappearing into the ship.

"The Borg, Jonathan!" yelled Adam. "The ships sensors show the Borg are only twelve hours away and headed for this planet!"

"Oh Great Spirits" he said and quickly headed for the ship and as he glided into the open Cargo Bay door, hailed Thomas even before he had landed, to seal the door and power all systems. He then hoisted Bartu to his shoulder, pressed his Com badge and asked Adam to beam them directly to the Bridge. As he materialized he directed Maori and Tyler to take Bartu to Sick Bay and attend to his injury and then started the process of lifting off, all the while praying to the Spirits they would make it back home safely.

Slowly the ship rose into the sky, adjusted its heading and sped off towards Earth, an awfully long five weeks away, and with everyone hoping the Borg ship would not follow them.

The End

To be continued with "The Race"

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