Disclaimer: Not to worry Paramount, only borrowing your characters for my story.

The Family Series - Book Three

Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)

by Dee Price


Kathryn laughed loudly as Chakotay began explaining to Maori how one day on the planet her mother decided it was time for a new dress. Adam, Katie and Jonathan couldn't hold in their laughter either as they recalled that time ----

* Jonathan raced across the field and up to the door as he called out, "Momma - poppa wants you to pump some water."

"Is there a problem sweetheart?"

"Poppa thinks the line is broken," he said as Kathryn went to the sink and started pumping the handle. Brown water came out of the mouth of the pump.

"It's brown, Jonathan, why ... "

"Stop pumping, momma," said Jonathan as he looked across the field.

She walked to the door and saw Adam standing at the tree line. Soon he waved his arms and Jonathan said she was to start again. Still brown water came out and again she stood by Jonathan and looked across the field, but Adam was turning and disappearing into the trees.

"I suppose we should go down there and see what's happening," said Kathryn.

Jonathan grinned, reached out and tapped his mother's leg and said, "Tag - you're it" and started running.

"Why you little devil, that's cheating, I wasn't ready," called out Kathryn as she started running after him. But even though Jonathan was only 4 yrs old Kathryn knew she wouldn't catch him and slowed to a walk as Jonathan reached the tree line and disappeared. Soon she entered the trees and walked down to where the children were watching their father as he dug at the mud.

"What's happened, sweetheart?" she asked as she came up beside him.

"I guess the pipe has broken here. Thought I had it fixed but you're still getting brown water. I will have to go to the 'far away village' tomorrow morning and get some new pipe."

Kathryn squatted down to look at the pipe, looked up at Chakotay, smirked and with a plop sat right into the mud.

"Oh honey," exclaimed Chakotay, "Look what you've done, now you're going to ruin your dress. Let me help you up."

Kathryn giggled and said, "Oh well I wanted a new one anyway."

Chakotay, suddenly aware of her smirk, picked her up, walked into the stream and immediately sat down with a big splash, the water stopping at chest level. Kathryn at first screamed at the cold, then she and Chakotay started laughing as they sat there in the water. The children squealed in delight at seeing this and Jonathan immediately waded in and plunked down beside his dad, but the water came up over his head and as he rose sputtering, he finally righted himself and kneeled beside his parents. Katie and Adam, not to be outdone, waded out and also sat down in the water, and then started splashing their parents.

"Okay, I give up," said Chakotay as he threw both arms up into the air and fell backwards, disappearing for a moment into the water. As he surfaced he spouted a mouthful of water at Kathryn, which made the children laugh even louder.

After splashing and dunking each other in a good old-fashioned water fight, Kathryn finally told the children to move out of the water, as it was too cold. As the family walked on shore she said, "Get those wet clothes off kids, run to the house and put on dry ones. All three children immediately stripped out of their clothes without embarrassment and then buck naked, turned and ran across the field for the house.

Chakotay helped Kathryn pull off her dress, took off his shirt and trousers and they started for the house, Chakotay just in his boxers, and Kathryn with bra and underpants. "Thank the Spirits we live out here alone," said Kathryn, as she and Chakotay, still laughing hilariously at this adventure, reached the house. By then the children had all put on their dry clothes and even had fresh clothes laying out for their parents . . . *

Maori giggled loudly while hearing this story. "What happened then? Did you get a new dress, mommy?" she asked.

Kathryn managed to stop laughing long enough to wipe the tears from her cheeks, then said, "Yes we all went into the 'far away village' bright and early the next morning. We had to leave early as the village people put out fresh vegetables and fruits first thing and it took us an hour to fly there."

"Then you know what your mother did, Maori?" asked Chakotay.

"What? What did mommy do this time, daddy, asked Maori as she starting to giggle again in anticipation.

"Well, we walked into the village . . .

"Oh honey," protested Kathryn, "You're not going to tell her that are you?"

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't," smiled Chakotay.

"Well for one thing . . . " Just then the incoming message button started chirping and flashing. "For one thing we have a message," laughed Kathryn as she rose and went into the next room to see who was calling.

Maori turned to her father and whispered, "What did mommy do?"

Chakotay hugged her, kissed the top of her head and said, "We better not tell until your mother is here to defend herself."

Maori giggled, said "Okay," and laid her head on Chakotay's chest. Then suddenly raised her head again and said, "You know what, Daddy?"

"What sweetheart?"

"You all had so much fun on that planet, I wish I had been born there." As Chakotay looked at her with surprise, she asked, "Do you miss living there? Do you wish you were still there?"

Chakotay looked at Adam, who would be entering the Academy next year, Katie who would be a junior in High School and Jonathan who would be starting High School. They were only eleven, nine and six years old when they returned to Earth. Had that much time really gone by already?

"It was a much simpler life there, Maori, but we were glad to return to our home planet. It has given Adam, Katie and Jonathan many more opportunities for their lives and will for you too." He thought a minute longer then smiled at his children. "Yes I miss that planet, because that's where your mother and I declared our love for each other and because of the simplicity and the closeness with the earth, but I am also glad to be back here on planet Earth. Does that make sense?"

All the children smiled and nodded their heads, but Jonathan spoke first. "Yes poppa, it makes a lot of sense. I loved that planet and the life we had there, but I love it here too . . . after I got used to all the people and buildings!" As he said the last phrase he started to laugh and his voice broke.

Adam burst out laughing and looked at his dad. "Jonathan's voice is starting to change!"

Everyone laughed as Jonathan made fun of himself by talking and deliberately trying to make his voice crack.

A few moments later Kathryn came back and asked what was so funny. When it was explained to her she smiled at Jonathan and said proudly, "Our young son is becoming a man," gave him a kiss on the cheek, messed his hair and again sat down by Chakotay. Taking hold of his hand she explained it was B'Elanna asking them for dinner. Harry was back from his last mission and anxious to see everyone, and Tom had the day off from Starfleet, as he had found an obvious glitch in one of the new ships he was testing yesterday and the Engineers had meetings scheduled all day, which didn't include him.

"Sounds good to me," said Chakotay, "Then you wont have to cook."

"Thank goodness for small favors," laughed Kathryn as she laid her head down on Chakotay's shoulder.

"Dad," said Jonathan after a moment's quiet. "Have you ever thought of returning to the planet to see it - or to visit Bartu?"

Kathryn raised her head while Chakotay pursed his lips. "I had a thought or two about it, but nothing serious," he finally replied.

"What about you mom," he asked.

"Like your father I guess it passed through my mind, but I'm perfectly content here," she said as she looked at Chakotay and then lay her head back down on his shoulder.

Maori sighed. "I would like to see it one day, poppa."

"Well Starfleet has certainly improved their engines, but it would be a long trip and with school ... "

"I guess that means we won't go," and she lay her head back down on Chakotay's chest

He looked down at Maori on one shoulder and Kathryn on the other and grinned broadly. "Not many men have two beautiful sweethearts," he said softly.

Both Maori and Kathryn looked up at him and smiled and as Kathryn nuzzled her head back on his shoulder, Maori giggled and said, "I love you daddy, even if we never get to see that planet," and put her head back down. Adam, Katie and Jonathan looked at this scene, then Adam quietly picked up his Imager, snapped a photo and said, "That's one we'll have to frame," and Chakotay smiled contentedly as he tightened his arms around Kathryn and Maori.

* * * * * *

Before they knew it Adam was ready for his first day at the Academy, and although trying to be calm couldn't quite hide his excitement, mainly because the whole family wouldn't let him forget. Kathryn and Chakotay knew how tough it was going to be as the Academy had rigorous schooling and training, but felt sure Adam could handle it. The only problem Kathryn had was the requirement Cadets room on campus. He would be so close and yet so far! Thank goodness for communication, she thought to herself. In addition, Jonathan started High School, which was exciting for him as well, Katie started her junior year and Maori proudly proclaimed she was now in second grade.

Thomas, who was also entering the Academy, came by and picked up Adam, and after the family helped load Adam's bags, everyone hugged, wished them well and the two young men left. Chakotay and Kathryn stood watching the shuttle until it disappeared from view, and then took the other children to their respective schools and headed out to do some shopping. After arriving home they started putting things away and the house almost echoed with their activity it was so quiet. Kathryn suddenly stopped what she was doing, let out a long sigh, looked at Chakotay, then silently walked to him and as they slipped their arms around each other she again gave a big sigh.

"Our children are growing up so fast," she said in a choked voice.

"I know, sweetheart. It seems like only yesterday that you gave birth to Adam." They stood quietly in the middle of the room, their arms wrapped around each other and lost in their thoughts.

Finally Kathryn looked up into Chakotay's soft brown eyes and placed her hand on his cheek. "Thank you my darling."

"For what?" Chakotay asked quietly as he kissed her cheek.

"For loving me, for teaching me the meaning of family and love and togetherness. I love you so very much. I told you this once on Voyager, but I think of it every day . . . I can't imagine a day without you."

Chakotay smiled remembering that time on the ship and kissed her gently and yet with feeling. "You are my life, Kathryn, and I, too, cannot imagine a day without you. You have given us four wonderful children, as well as another most precious gift that I will treasure forever - your love."

Kathryn laid her head on his chest and shuddered as she looked up at him. "And I almost didn't do that." As she said this, a single tear ran down her cheek and after kissing it away Chakotay tightened his arms around his beloved Kathryn.

* * * * *

Although the courses and activities were grueling for Adam, he easily held his own at the Academy that first year. However, every chance he had for leave, even for a single day or a weekend, he came home to be with the family. They, of course, asked questions, but Jonathan grilled him relentlessly on courses, activities, everything he could think of and Adam reciprocated that interest by telling everything he knew, which, of course, also helped Katie who always sat listening intently as well, as she would be taking the exam soon. In fact, after listening to Adam and Jonathan on these occasions, she decided to sign up for the six-week Starfleet Academy Preparatory Program that was scheduled for the coming summer. This would give her an excellent introduction on the Academy as well as preparing her for the exam she would take during her senior year in high school.

The years slowly drifted by. Before they knew it Adam had graduated among the top five percent from Starfleet, finding en route he was especially adept and interested in the sciences and engineering. Jennie, Adam's high school sweetheart, also entered the Academy, but after graduation transferred to Administration and became an Aide to Colonel Parks. Although Adam and Jennie admitted their love, it was decided they would not even discuss marriage for a few years, as Adam would now be away on his space assignments. When Adam received word of his first mission, a 3-month science expedition, both Kathryn and Chakotay, although sad at not being able to see him for that period of time, were extremely proud. Since that time, Adam had gone out on three other missions.

As for Katie, she easily passed her entrance exam, finding the Prep Course she had taken very beneficial and entered the Academy, and where earlier in her life when she wasn't sure about being in Starfleet, she found she absolutely loved it, and she, too, graduated in the top five percent. Although dating, Katie was more interested in her schooling, but that all changed on her first mission when she met James, who was a Lieutenant on the same ship.

Meanwhile, Jonathan excelled in high school and again the instructors prevailed upon Kathryn and Chakotay to allow him to skip a grade, thus when he passed his Starfleet entrance exam and entered the Academy, Katie was only in her 3^rd year, causing Jonathan to kid her that he was going to catch up and pass her. Her reply, while laughing, was a punch on the arm and "Fat chance, Jonathan."

Jonathan, with his good looks and lively personality, always had the ladies hanging around, but just shrugged it off, never being interested in any particular one. However, on his first day at the Academy when he walked into the class on Engineering Dynamics, he saw Annie and immediately fell in love with her, knowing . . . just knowing in a way we sometimes do . . . that she was the one for him.

As for Maori, one day her teacher took her 3rd grade class on a field trip to Starfleet's Hospital, and she immediately became passionate about becoming a Doctor and healing people, spending every minute she could spare reading medical information. She even talked her parents into making arrangements so she could observe at the hospital, and though a little hesitant at first because of her age, they ended up being her biggest supporters. In addition, she activated the EMH almost every day and spent countless hours talking with him. The Doctor was so pleased with this they eventually set up a regular schedule so he could teach her for an hour every day.

One day Dr. Garcia, who had treated Chakotay on his brush with death from the Phaser wound, as well as Katie when Adam's experiment had exploded while she held it, saw Maori observing one time, and after a short discussion, arranged for her to work as a student aide with him. She was ecstatic and could hardly wait to tell her parents. When Chakotay checked with Dr. Garcia, he carefully explained that even though Maori was still young, her avid interest and intelligence on the subject easily convinced him her zeal should be nurtured.

Becoming a Doctor would not be an easy task, as Starfleet's standards were exacting and involved a rigorous, sometimes grueling study for eight long years. But Maori didn't care how long, all she knew was she wanted to become a Doctor and could hardly wait to enter high school so she could start taking some introductory classes. With the knowledge gained from the EMH and working with Dr. Garcia, she quickly exhibited a skill that astonished her instructors and they all predicted greatness for her.

During these years when the children were in school, Kathryn and Chakotay busied themselves with civic functions and volunteering for various activities. They were even prevailed upon by Starfleet to teach at the Academy and did so for one year. However, because their classes were always in demand and had long waiting lists, Starfleet signed them for a second year and also prevailed upon them to accept a second class. In addition, they were appointed Ambassadors for Starfleet, a position they only accepted after making Starfleet agree they would never be sent to separate places, but would serve together.

One assignment took them to Vulcan, where after completing their official functions, they were able to spend three days with Tuvok and T'Pel. Both were quite elderly, in fact almost ancient in human terms. Tuvok was now showing his age and moved very slowly, often apologizing to Kathryn and Chakotay for not being a better host, but Kathryn would have none of that, saying he was doing wonderful. They had to laugh, however, as periodically Tuvok would slip back to calling them 'Captain' and 'Commander', still finding it difficult after all these years to call them by their given names.

Within their circle of friends, other events were also occurring. Harry, after turning down one promotion to Captain, saying he really didn't feel ready, finally accepted and spent his first mission exploring the lower quarter of the Delta Quadrant for one year. However, upon returning, and following several discussions with Kathryn and Tom, he resigned from Starfleet, saying he just didn't enjoy it any more, citing Kathryn's remark,

"When it stops being fun and exciting, Harry, it's time to move on to something else."

B'Elanna had also resigned to have another child and "be a homemaker if you can picture that," she had said laughing. However, their child, despite the marvels of medical science was stillborn and they decided against having more. Additionally, B'Elanna finally convinced Tom to resign from his job of testing new Starfleet ships, saying it was becoming too dangerous and she was worrying too much. Unexpectedly he agreed with her and became a design consultant in Starfleet's Research and Development division.

Neelix, meanwhile, continued on with his restaurant, and Seven of Nine abruptly resigned and disappeared, with Kathryn feeling the scrutiny she constantly received over being an ex Borg the reason. Contact with the rest of the crew gradually slowed down, through distance, age and death

* * * *

As their children grew and started moving on with their lives, Kathryn was at the same time extremely proud and very sad. One night while lying in bed talking with Chakotay, Kathryn suddenly sat up and stared at the door. Chakotay rose up beside her and as he placed his arm around her shoulders asked what was wrong.

"Listen, sweetheart," she said.

"I don't hear anything," said Chakotay after a moment.

"That's just it, this house is so quiet even it is lonely! Adam and Katie are out on yearlong missions, Jonathan is away at a three-week survival training outing and Maori is observing at the Hospital's Emergency Ward for the next three weeks. We are losing our children!" As she said this last she turned to Chakotay and threw her arms around him, burying her head on his chest.

Chakotay put both arms around her and tried to soothe her. "Our children are growing up and starting their own lives, hon."

Kathryn nodded then raised her head and looked at him. "Now I know how my parents felt when I first started going out on my missions. I was so excited I didn't even think about them, but they must have been very lonely at first."

Chakotay kissed her, and then got a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Laughing said, "Well, I for one think I will turn down all future assignments. The only mission I will accept is to just stay here with my wonderful wife."

Kathryn immediately tightened her arms around Chakotay and as they lay back down she whispered fiercely, "Don't ever leave me, my love, just don't ever leave me!"

Chakotay assured her he had no intention of leaving, that the only time they would part was when he died, and then his spirit would reside in her heart. Kathryn immediately rose up and placing both her hands on his face, said with an emphatic tone bordering on panic, "No, my love, not even then! I must be the first to pass as I could never live without you." She kissed him, almost a desperate kiss, and laid her head on his shoulder, her arm gripping him so tightly Chakotay actually felt pain. His only response was to pull her even tighter against his body.

The End

To be continued with "Where The Story Began"

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