Disclaimer: Paramount owns everything Trek. I'm just playing with the characters and the story is all mine.

The Jaimie Series - Part 8

Return To Tomorrow

by Dee Price


Chakotay sat quietly beside the bed in the darkened room, looking forlornly at Kathryn lying so still and white. Squeezing her hand he felt how cold it was and stifled a sob. His beloved Kathryn was dying and no one in Starfleet, not the best medical Doctors in the world, could understand why. She was a perfectly healthy woman, yet two weeks ago her vital systems had suddenly started slowing and according to the Doctors would eventually shut down.

Chakotay sighed deeply as he continued to hold Kathryn's cool hand. It had been ten years since Voyager had finally returned home to the Alpha Quadrant. Ten years of being deliriously happy with his wife. Oh Starfleet had clucked their tongues at a Captain and First Officer marrying, but had said they understood. After all when they were first pulled into the Delta Quadrant they were 75 years from home, but through various situations had managed to keep cutting down on the time until they were only six and one-half years away, and it was at that point in time they had finally married, much to the crew's delight. Voyager had then found an unexpected entry to the Alpha Quadrant shortly after that momentous event.

A soft moan escaped Kathryn's lips as her eyes slowly opened. She immediately turned her head to look at Chakotay and smiled. "Hi," she whispered, "You are always here when I wake up."

Chakotay smiled and squeezed her hand. "You know I will always be here, Sweetheart," his voice soft and loving, then he rose slightly and bending forward kissed her tenderly on the lips. Kathryn responded, then as their lips parted lay her head back and sighed. "Any news from Starfleet?"

"None," said Chakotay shaking his head. "The last report was this morning, which you know about. They can't find a reason for what is happening to you."

Kathryn nodded, then looked lovingly at Chakotay. "If this is to be, I shall miss you. I love you so very much."

Chakotay suddenly stood, anger crossing his features. "This is not supposed to happen! Jaimie said we would have a long life together!" He crossed to the window and stared out, his anger clouding his vision. After a few moments of silence, Kathryn called to him and he immediately returned and sat on the edge of the bed, taking hold of her hand as he again leaned down and kissed her.

"I'm sorry, honey. I shouldn't yell."

Kathryn smiled. "It isn't like you but I understand. We have had so little time together due to my stubbornness and wish to respect Protocol in the Delta Quadrant. If only I hadn't been . . ."

"Sssh," said Chakotay as he placed a finger over her lips. "No 'if only's.' You believed in Starfleet Regulations and I willingly went along with them, and after all, I was on the same ship with you and able to see you every day," he said smiling.

Kathryn smiled, then frowned and closed her eyes.

"Computer, activate EMH," said Chakotay immediately.

The EMH appeared and immediately went to Kathryn's side, running his Medical Tri-Corder over her still form. Looking up at Chakotay he shook his head. "Nothing different, Commander. Her systems are still slowing. At this rate she will be gone within a week."

"No!" yelled Chakotay. "Don't say that. There must be something that can be done!"

The EMH shook his head, a deep frown on his face. "I'm sorry, Commander. The best minds in Starfleet can't discover what's wrong with the Captain. Not one thing that has been tried has even come close to either discovering the cause or stopping whatever this is that's affecting your wife."

Chakotay stood quietly, clenching and unclenching his fists. The Doctor finally de-activated himself and Chakotay sat down at Kathryn's bedside.

"There must be something we can do," he said, agony rippling through his voice. "Maybe if we could contact Jaimie . . ."

"Sweetheart," said Kathryn quietly. "It's been ten years since we last saw Jaimie. We don't even know if she's alive, or for that matter, how to contact her. She was always the one that contacted us."

"I know, I know," said Chakotay as he sat with his head hanging down. "But there must be a way. If she knew - she said we'd have a long life together and ten years isn't my idea of a long life! . . ."

Kathryn reached out for his head and as she barely touched his hair her arm fell weakly to the bed - that small motion leaving her feel exhausted.

Chakotay quickly took hold of both her hands. As he stared down at her a single tear formed in one eye and as it released, slowly ran down his cheek, dropping onto the bedspread.

"Oh my Sweetheart," said Kathryn. "Don't feel bad. Actually I have wanted to tell you that I am ready for this if it is to be my fate. I don't like the way I feel. But I have had ten years with you and although that isn't nearly long enough, it has been ten glorious years of loving and being with you."

Chakotay leaned forward and buried his face onto her shoulder, a sob escaping his lips. "I don't want to lose you my beloved. I'm sorry I'm not strong for you, but I can't stand the thought of not being with you. There just has to be a way."

Kathryn slowly turned and kissed his head. "Time will tell, my dearest, time will tell. Maybe some morning I will just wake up and feel fine."

The next morning as Chakotay sat at Kathryn's bedside, eyes riveted on her face. Suddenly he sat straight up. Activating the EMH he asked him to sit with Kathryn while she slept, and if she awakened while he was gone to tell her he would be back shortly.

Two hours later Chakotay returned. "The Captain has not awakened," said the Doctor. "I checked her several times and all readings are the same."

"Thank you Doctor." After the EMH left the room, Kathryn turned her head and looked at Chakotay. "You left me and didn't say where you were going!"

Chakotay smiled. "You little devil. You were awake all the time!"

"Of course. I'm awake a lot of the time I seem asleep. It's just so tiring to talk, but tell me what you did."

Chakotay lay down beside her and after slipping his arm around her and helping her turn on her side, he lay back and she placed her head on his shoulder. After a deep breath she repeated her question. "So tell me."

"Well do you remember one time Jaimie saying she read our ship's logs every day?"

"Yes."

"Well I slipped into Starfleet with my pass, got the logs and put in an urgent message for Jaimie to contact us."

Kathryn looked up at him. "You didn't!" As Chakotay nodded and smiled smugly, she sighed. "Well honey, I hate to burst your bubble, but why would she look at our logs when we are no longer on Voyager?"

Chakotay felt like a knife had ripped through him and he frowned. After a moment he replied, "I know, but I had to try it. I'm willing to try anything!" Kathryn just snuggled closer to Chakotay, content to have his arms around her and holding her close.

* * *

Three days later Kathryn's condition had worsened. Chakotay sat in his unending vigil beside her, never leaving for a moment, sitting by her side by day, and holding her close every night. His heart was breaking - he was slowly losing his beloved Kathryn and nothing seemed to stop it.

The EMH made his hourly visit to check on Kathryn's condition and shook his head at Chakotay as he sat, a forlorn look on his face. Once the Captain is gone it's likely the Commander will die of a broken heart, he mused to himself.

Late in the afternoon, after Chakotay had fixed them both some tea, Kathryn lay back and drifted off to sleep. Chakotay lay his head down on the side of the bed and quietly prayed to his Spirits for help.

Suddenly he raised his head and started blinking his eyes to clear them. He had fallen asleep, but what had awakened him? Then he felt a squeeze on his shoulder and looked up.

"Hi handsome. How are you?"

Chakotay leaped to his feet. "Jaimie!" he said and engulfed her in his arms.

A muffled "mfmgfmf" was heard and Chakotay released his hold slightly and leaned back.

"Geez, Chakotay," said Jaimie laughing, "You almost smothered me!"

Chakotay smiled as he again hugged her tightly. "Oh Jaimie, it's so good to see you! You look great. You haven't seemed to age at all."

She smiled, waved her hand and asked, "Yeah, right. What's up?"

"You got my message, then?"

Jaimie frowned. "Yes, and I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner. We have a problem and I just happened to pick up the logs an hour ago. I have to admit Chakotay, I don't look at them much now, but . . . well that's a long story. Your message sounded desperate."

Chakotay looked down at Kathryn as he said in a choking voice. "Kathryn is dying and no one can figure out what's wrong. Jaimie, you said we would have a long life together - please help us!"

Jaimie pulled out of Chakotay's arms and walking to the bed, stared down at Kathryn in a pensive mood. "What do you mean she's dying?"

"Just that. All her systems are beginning to shut down and no one can find the cause. Jaimie you said . . ."

"I know what I said, Chakotay. This shouldn't be happening - shouldn't be happening at all," she said as reached down to feel Kathryn's pulse.

Kathryn moved slightly and Chakotay bent down and said softly, "Kathryn. Kathryn, we have a visitor."

Kathryn turned her head in the direction of Chakotay's voice and slowly opened her eyes.

"Boy, talk about being lazy! What the heck are you doing in bed anyway, Kathryn?" said Jaimie. "Geez, it's not even dark yet!"

"Jaimie. Oh my, it really is you!" she said, trying to raise the volume of her voice.

"The one and only!"

"It's so good to see you Jaimie," said Kathryn in a whisper. "It's been a long time."

"Well at least you didn't forget my name," said Jaimie with a laugh.

"We could never forget you, Jaimie," said Kathryn so softly she could barely be heard, the exertion of the conversation beginning to take it's toll. She closed her eyes and was soon asleep

Jaimie reached inside her tunic and brought out a small black instrument. Running it over Kathryn's still form she shook her head. "You're right, Chakotay, her systems have almost stopped functioning. "I've never seen readings this low before!"

"Can you do something, please?" asked an anxious, but now hopeful Chakotay.

"Tell me all the symptoms and when everything started. Don't leave anything out."

Over the next fifteen minutes Chakotay told Jaimie everything he knew. Jaimie interrupted occasionally with questions and once to check the console record of Kathryn's treatment and current readings, and when he finished Jaimie stood silently looking down at Kathryn.

A thought occurred to her and she smiled. "Be back in a minute, handsome," punched a button on her wristband and disappeared.

Ten minutes later Jaimie reappeared. Looking at Chakotay's hopeful glance she merely shook her head. "I'm sorry Chakotay. I checked all the medical databases and found nothing." Then with a sheepish grin she added, "I also checked the history data and I didn't find this mentioned at all for Kathryn."

"Then it shouldn't be happening!" exclaimed an agitated Chakotay.

"No, it shouldn't be happening," said Jaimie quietly as she walked to the window and stared out.

Jaimie was quiet for a good ten minutes as she stood thinking. Occasionally she would turn and glance back at Kathryn, then continue to stare out the window.

Abruptly Jaimie turned. "Get Kathryn up Chakotay, and wrap her in a blanket."

Chakotay hesitated only a fraction of a second as he looked up at Jaimie, then awakened Kathryn, helped her sit on the edge of the bed and as he held her Jaimie pulled a blanket off the bed and quickly threw it around Kathryn's shoulders, her eyes wincing at how thin Kathryn was. Chakotay then slipped his arms under Kathryn's legs and arms and lifted her. Kathryn moaned softly as her head lay against Chakotay's shoulder.

"Jaimie, what about our children?" asked Chakotay suddenly."

Jaimie frowned and looked at him. "Oh yeah. Where are they?"

"They are at a Space Camp for three weeks. It's been scheduled a long time and Kathryn didn't want them to see her like this. They left yesterday."

"Will they be calling you?"

"No. No contact is allowed for the entire time. It's a survival camp, learning how to forage for food, tracking, surviving, all that."

Jaimie smiled. "Sounds like fun. Three weeks? No problem. You should be back by then. Alright, you ready?"

As Chakotay nodded and placed his cheek on Kathryn's head, Jaimie looked around the room then punched at her wristband. All three reappeared on Jaimie's ship. "Hit that red panel on the port side wall Chakotay, a bed will come out," and with that she quickly moved up front, took her seat and started issuing instruction to the computer. A soft whine was heard as the engines came on line.

"Jaimie?" said Chakotay softly after he finished getting Kathryn comfortable. "Will this get you in trouble?"

Jaimie looked back and laughed. "So what else is new?"

* * *

Chakotay kneeled beside Kathryn, holding her hand. She was half asleep and didn't seem to realize they were on Jaimie's ship and heading for the 29th Century. Before long Chakotay could see a difference in the space around the ship and heard Jaimie talking to control central. Shortly he saw the familiar large space building, again heard Jaimie talking to someone and then the ship swooped down and through the large doors, glided into her docking port and settled gently to the floor.

Once Jaimie had the systems shut down, Chakotay heard her telling someone about 'on my signal' and immediately left her seat and joined Chakotay, just as he stood with Kathryn in his arms. Nodding, she asked if he was ready then said, "Alright, Kerrie, now," and before Chakotay could even blink his eyes he found himself standing in an obvious Sick Bay.

A Doctor quickly moved forward, smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Doctor Jamison, bring your wife over here," and he pointed to a bed. As Chakotay lay Kathryn gently down on the bed the Doctor beamed. "It's an honor to meet you Commander! Jaimie has sent word ahead about the Captain, so let's see what I can do."

Jaimie pulled Chakotay away. "Let him work, Chakotay. Let's sit over here in the office."

Reluctantly Chakotay left Kathryn, but continued to look her way even as Jaimie pulled him in to the room. After taking a seat that gave him a view of Kathryn he asked, "Will he be able to save her?"

Despite knowing Chakotay's concern, Jaimie rolled her eyes, causing Chakotay to smile. "I haven't seen that look in awhile, Jaimie."

"Some things never change," she said laughing. "As to Kathryn, I don't know. I gave him a full report on the way here so he's had time to know a little about this situation and look up anything he thinks might help." Then she reached out and punched Chakotay's shoulder as he continued to fret. "Just relax, will ya Grandpa!"

Chakotay broke into a big grin. "It's been ten years since I heard that. So bring me up to date on what you've been doing. That will help keep my mind occupied."

"Well, as I told you on your wedding day, I would be working to get the Maquis and Starfleet irritation squared away. Was successful in a lot of ways, although there are a few diehards. They at least speak to one another and I actually got Starfleet to announce pardons and bring a few Maquis into the Starfleet fold."

"That sounds like a promising start," said Chakotay as he stared over at Kathryn's bed. "Tell me about your family."

"Well I will if you look at me," she laughed. Chakotay, flushing slightly, looked back at Jaimie, and she continued. "Where do I begin?" She thought a moment then said, "Well the last time I saw you Roman, Chakotay and his wife had been killed and Jeremiah and Katelyn injured. Kolobek and Hirato were away on missions and Starfleet was able to get them and put them in a safe place until things settled down."

"What are they doing now?"

"Hirato, who by the way still hasn't forgiven me for bringing you and Kathryn here to the 29th Century - twice - without him being able to meet you, is now a Captain, and Kolobek who was a Captain is now a Colonel in Starfleet Intelligence. He Captained Voyager for almost eight years before he finally relented and took a promotion."

Chakotay smiled. "That's great, but a Colonel? We don't have that designation."

"Well it was finally decided that the jump from Captain to Admiral was a bit too much so they not only have Colonel but Lt General before Admiral now. Going backwards to the old 20th century," she said with a laugh.

Chakotay looked over at Kathryn and then back to Jaimie. "Will we be able to see Kolobek? We haven't met Hirato yet and we'd really like to meet him!"

Jaimie just sat there and smiled, not saying anything and Chakotay was about to ask why when he felt a strong hand clap down on his shoulder. "Chakotay! What a pleasant surprise."

Looking up Chakotay saw a younger twin of himself and immediately remembered the face of Kolobek. Rising quickly he and Kolobek hugged one another, then Kolobek stood aside and Chakotay saw a man and a woman standing in the doorway.

"Hello Grandpa," they both said with big smiles.

"Oh Great Spirits." said Chakotay. "Jeremiah and Katelyn! How great to see you two," and reaching out gave both big hugs as they moved to him, then said, "Boy, you two have certainly matured. But I guess that was bound to happen, seeing as it's been ten years."

Both laughed and Jeremiah added, "And married, Grandpa."

"Married? You're kidding me!"

"No, I hope you'll be able to see our spouses . . . and children before you leave," said Katelyn.

"Children, too? What are their names?"

"Well," said Jeremiah, "I married about a year after 'the incident'. My Nurse, Vickie, turned out to be my love, and we have three children, Chakotay, Kathryn and Mahkayla." Then Jeremiah laughed, and added. "And we want to have one more before stopping, just to please Grandma, you understand," he said with a smile as he looked at Jaimie. "We want to have a girl and name her Jaimie."

Before he could stop his sense of humor, Chakotay blurted out, "Three kids in nine years? You've been busy Jeremiah." Then Chakotay turned beet red as everyone laughed.

Katelyn was howling with laughter. "We all kid Jeremiah about that, that they really must take their shots, but I'm almost as bad. I married two years later, my husband's name is Randall, and we have two children." She smiled as she stepped towards Chakotay and kissed him on the cheek. "Their names are Kolopak and Mahkayla."

Chakotay's eyes misted over as he looked at Jeremiah and Katelyn. "My father and grandfather," he said softly. "You two . . . I - thank you both very much."

"Aw geez, Chakotay, don't get maudlin now," interrupted Jaimie. "I'll show you your descendent chart and you'll see those names turn up quite often."

"Really? You have a chart?" asked Chakotay.

"No, but I thought that would straighten you up," she said laughing. "Just kidding, I guess it wouldn't hurt to show you the chart sometime."

"I would love to see it. And I see the Tattoo is continuing," said Chakotay as he glanced at everyone. "Oh yes," they all chorused, as they reached up to touch their foreheads. "It's tradition!"

Just then Dr. Jamison looked over at the group. Jaimie stood and said, "Let's see what the Doc has to say," and moved out of the office, quickly followed by Chakotay and everyone else. As the group gathered at Kathryn's bedside they were all solemn.

"Doctor?" asked Chakotay. "Anything?"

Dr. Jamison shook his head. "I'm afraid I'm as stumped as the Doctors in your century, Commander."

"No," said Chakotay softly as he took hold of Kathryn's hand. "No . . . please, you can't say that. There must be something you can do!"

Jaimie put her hand on Chakotay's shoulder. "It's early yet, give him more time. I'm sure he'll think of something."

The Doctor nodded. "We have stopped the systems from deteriorating any further, so that does gives us a little more time."

Chakotay just stood and gazed down at his Kathryn.

"Why don't we get something to eat," suggested Kolobek. "And let the Doctor do his job."

"No!" said Chakotay sharply. "I wont leave my wife!" Then he looked up at the silence, shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell and sound so cross. It's just that I simply wont leave her."

"We understand, Grandpa," said Katelyn. "We all saw how much you loved each other more than ten years ago and it has grown even more." Turning to Jeremiah she suggested he go to the Replicator and bring something back for all of them. As Jeremiah left he met a man coming in the door and one who also had a Tattoo. Jeremiah smiled, clapped him on the shoulder and nodded towards Chakotay.

The man approached Chakotay who was looking at Kathryn. Everyone in the room started to smile. Hesitatingly this man cleared his throat, and then softly said, "Commander Chakotay?"

Chakotay merely glanced over his shoulder, saying, "Yes?"

"I'm Hirato, Jamie's son and I . . ."

Before he could finish his sentence, Chakotay turned and engulfed him in a bear hug. Finally leaning back he smiled. "So you're the missing Hirato?"

Hirato grinned, even though his face tinged with embarrassment. "That's me. I thought I would never get to meet you!" he exclaimed. "And now, I – gosh I just don't know what to say."

Chakotay gave him another hug then said, "Don't need to say anything, Hirato. I'm just very pleased I finally got to meet you."

"Me too!" exclaimed Hirato. "I mean . . ."

"Oh Hirato, for heaven's sake," said Jaimie. "Calm down. He's human just like the rest of us!"

"And as the saying goes, he puts his pants on the same way we do," added Kolobek with a laugh.

"Cut it out you guys," admonished Katelyn. "You know yourself how we felt the first time we met Chakotay and Kathryn."

At the mention of her name, Hirato looked down at Kathryn, still lying so still on the bed. He reached down and gently took hold of her hand, then looking up at the group gave a questioning look, but they just shook their heads.

Kathryn opened her eyes and tried to focus, seemingly startled to see so many faces. "Chakotay?" she whispered.

Chakotay immediately took hold of her hand. "I'm here sweetheart."

"All these people. Where am I?" she asked in a fading voice.

Jaimie stepped beside Chakotay and said, "Hi Grandma."

Kathryn smiled at that voice. "Jaimie, you're still here."

"Well, here isn't exactly right anymore, Kathryn," she said with a laugh.

"What do you mean?"

"Does 29th Century hold any memories?"

Kathryn's eyes widened, "We're there? I mean here?"

"Yep, and all these people standing around . . . well," and she motioned everyone up close, "I'm sure you remember Jeremiah and Katelyn," she said pointing to them.

"Oh my, you've grown up!" said Kathryn with a smile.

"That's not the half of it," mumbled Jaimie as everyone laughed. "And here is Kolobek." Kolobek moved up to the head of the bed and bending down kissed Kathryn on the cheek. "It's so good to see you again Grandma," he whispered.

"It's good to see you again. How's the 29th Century version of Voyager doing?"

"Well, she's had her share of refits and changes, but she's out on a mission right now."

"You're not Captain anymore," asked Kathryn softly.

"No, I'm a Colonel now and Starfleet didn't like the idea of a Colonel being in charge of a ship," he laughed.

"Bunch of stuffed shirts aren't they?" whispered Kathryn, her eyes sparkling.

Everyone burst out in loud laughter with Jaimie commenting, "Well at least you still have your sense of humor. Now, Kathryn, there is one more person I want you to meet. He's the shy one of the family if you can believe that," and reaching for Hirato pulled him up beside her. "Kathryn, this is the son who was always out on a mission on your - 'visits' here. This is Hirato."

Hirato broke out into a big smile as Kathryn looked up at him. "Hirato!" she said and tried to reach for his hand. Chakotay immediately grabbed her arm and helped her take Hirato's hand and squeezing tight she said, "I'm so happy to finally meet you. . . . even in this situation."

"I'm so honored to meet you, Captain," said Hirato quietly.

"It's Kathryn or even Grandma, but never Captain," she admonished.

"See even in her weakened condition she's still giving orders," smirked Chakotay, as everyone chuckled.

"Do you mind if I call you Grandma then," asked Hirato shyly.

"I would love that," then Kathryn looked up at Chakotay. "I'm so tired sweetheart, entertain our guests for me will you," closed her eyes and went to sleep.

"We're wearing her out," said Jaimie sharply, "Everybody back away and let's sit down over there," she added indicating the other side of the room.

Everyone moved off except Hirato, who remained behind and just stood looking down at Kathryn. Tears formed in his eyes as he whispered, "I love you Grandma, please get well," then turned and joined the group.

As they sat around quietly chatting, Chakotay would periodically leave the group and go stand at Kathryn's bedside, giving her a kiss on the cheek and just looking down at her as he held her hand. "Man, I'm telling you," said Hirato as he watched the scene unfold again, "All the legends we've been told about their great love doesn't even begin to show how very deep it is when you see it in person." No one said anything: their awed silence as they watched being their answer.

An hour later a man in civilian clothes walked briskly into Sick Bay, took one look towards Kathryn and headed directly to the group.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to find out about this, Gates," said Jaimie.

At the mention of Gates' name, Chakotay, who had been sitting with his head down while lost in thought about Kathryn, looked up and smiled as he recognized the face. Standing he turned and gave Gates a hug. "Nice seeing you again."

Gates nodded. "Chakotay, good to see you. Sorry about Kathryn."

Chakotay's face clouded, as he answered "No more than I am Captain."

"Gates is a Lt General now, Chakotay," said Jaimie. "They actually thought he was worth promoting."

Gates smiled and looking at Chakotay said, "I suppose you've noticed she hasn't changed a bit. Aging hasn't done a thing for her!"

Everyone laughed including Chakotay who added, "If she changed I wouldn't recognize her."

Gates looked over at Kathryn. Doctor Jamison was busing running some scans while Kathryn's form lay unmoving. "Any news on treatment?" he asked as he started walking to her bed.

"No, not so far," answered Chakotay as he walked with him. Taking hold of Kathryn's hand he just stared at her pale face. At his touch Kathryn opened her eyes and seemed to know exactly where to look as she focused her eyes on Chakotay.

"Hi honey," she said weakly. "Everyone still here?"

"Yes, plus someone else you will want to see." Gates stepped closer and reached for her hand. As Chakotay placed Kathryn's hand in Gates' Chakotay said, "Honey, Lt General Gates is here."

Gates squeezed her hand as he bent down and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Hi Kathryn."

"Oh my, a General now. How wonderful."

Gates chuckled. "Yes, Jaimie couldn't make them believe I was incompetent, so I got promoted."

Kathryn chuckled and then coughed. "You two still at it I see," she said as she closed her eyes, tried to open them, then just shook her head in resignation as she again went back to sleep.

"She's gone back to sleep," said Doctor Jamison and both Chakotay and Gates moved back to the group.

A short time later the Doctor started hurried examinations on Kathryn, and Jaimie, ever alert to the slightest change, rose and hurried over, followed closely by Chakotay.

"Doctor?" asked Jaimie.

He looked up, eyes stricken with fear. "I'm losing her! Some of her systems don't even register now!"

"NO!" yelled Chakotay in a fearful and anguish-filled voice.

"Doctor you can't lose her!" shouted Jaimie. "Isn't there something to keep her alive while you search for a cure - stasis maybe?"

The Doctor nodded. "My thoughts, too, but not stasis, a CISC."

Jaimie looked at Chakotay who was standing there in stricken fear. Making the decision for him she said, "Do it - do it now!" and then took hold of Chakotay's arm and tried to pull him away from the bed. As Chakotay came out of his momentary shock he started to struggle, but Kolobek immediately grabbed one of Chakotay's arms, while Hirato grabbed the other.

Chakotay struggled even harder, yelling, "No, I wont leave her!"

"Easy Chakotay, easy," said Hirato firmly as both he and Kolobek tried desperately to keep hold of him.

Jaimie stepped right in front of him and firmly placed both her hands on Chakotay's face. "Chakotay, listen to me, Kathryn is going to be alright," she said softly but firmly, but Chakotay still had a wild, fear-stricken look in his eyes and began to struggle fiercely.

"Let me go! I want to be with my wife!" he yelled

"Chakotay! Look at me. Listen to me, Chakotay!" Jaimie said in a loud, firm voice. "Kathryn is going to be alright. Let the Doctor do his job! Do you hear me? Kathryn is going to be alright!"

Chakotay continued his struggle, looking back at the bed. "Kathryn!" he called out. "Let me be with her, please!"

"Chakotay!" yelled Jaimie as she tried to turn Chakotay's head back to her. "Look at me! Kathryn is going to be all right. You have to believe me! Chakotay, listen to me, listen to what I'm saying!"

Chakotay gradually lessened his struggle and began to focus on Jaimie's eyes and words. Finally he stopped struggling and breathing heavily said, "Okay . . . okay - I'm alright now." Then taking a deep breath, nodded. "I'm okay, but what the hell is this CISC?"

"It's a Cryogenic Induced Stasis Coma," said Jaimie. "Kathryn's systems are already so low the Doctor can virtually put her in that condition without any pre prep," said Jaimie as she stared deep into Chakotay's eyes. "It will keep her alive and give the Doctor time. Do you understand me?"

Chakotay took a deep breath, but still showed fear in his eyes as he once again looked back at Kathryn's bed. Finally nodding, he said, "I think so."

Hirato loosened his hold on Chakotay's arm and smiled. "Simply put, Chakotay, it's just a fancy term for saying we'll freeze your butt now and save you later."

Everyone sucked in his or her breath as Chakotay turned to Hirato. Suddenly his eyes began to twinkle, then the dimples appeared, then a low chuckle progressed to a loud laugh. Chakotay clapped Hirato on the shoulder and said, "Hirato, if I didn't know before, I sure know now, that you are definitely one of Jaimie's kids!" Everyone released their breath and started laughing.

Chakotay then noticed both Kolobek and Hirato massaging their arms. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."

Both laughed with Kolobek saying, "You are one strong man."

"Oh I don't know about that," smirked Jaimie, "But definitely a man desperately wanting to be with the woman he loves."

Everyone just nodded their heads as they looked in awe at this man they had read about all their lives.

* * *

With Kathryn now in CISC, the Doctor was able to spend more time trying to find similar cases, as well as take body fluids for analysis. Jaimie convinced Chakotay that there was nothing he could do now, it was past midnight, and everyone should get some rest, starting with him. Taking him to a back room she asked, "Does that room look familiar?"

Chakotay smiled and replied that it was where he and Kathryn were hid after the rescue from Roman's kidnapping, then walked in, headed to the bed and almost immediately fell asleep. Everyone else then headed for the Mess Hall, got something to eat, and returned to Sick Bay. While Chakotay slept, they would keep watch.

The Doctor leaned back from the microscope and rubbed at his eyes. Hirato, instead of sitting with the group walked over. "How's it going, Doc?"

The Doctor, still rubbing at his eyes, shook his head, then after stretching mightily said, "Just nothing - yet I can't help think there is something familiar about this case."

Hirato sat quietly and glanced down at the Doctor's PADD. Although confidential, he picked it up and started to absently scan the Doctor's notes.

"Looks like you've tried about everything. Maybe Kathryn will suddenly get better just like Brianna did."

The Doctor, in the middle of a yawn, suddenly whirled and faced Hirato. "Brianna!" he exclaimed and grabbed the Padd out of Hirato's hand. After studying some notes for a moment he typed furiously into his console and brought up Brianna's file.

"My God," he said suddenly after briefly scanning the information. "The symptoms are identical! Why didn't I think of this before?" He looked at Hirato, his eyes gleaming with a new hope. "Is your daughter home? I need to see her."

Hirato nodded and reaching out punched in some numbers on the Communication Panel. Shortly the face of a sleepy-eyed Carolyn appeared and seeing Hirato's face frowned and asked, "What's the news?"

"Carolyn, no time to explain - get Brianna up and get down her now."

Carolyn, being a true Starfleet wife, knew not to question and waste time, merely nodded her head and shut off the console.

Twenty minutes later Carolyn walked in with Brianna asleep in her arms. Hirato hurried over and took Brianna, kissed Carolyn, said "Thanks hon," and walked briskly over to the Doctor who was readying a bed.

Carolyn looked at Kolobek who had walked up beside her. "Do I need to know what's going on?"

Kolobek quickly explained about Kathryn's symptoms and how they are identical to what Brianna had. Carolyn, a mother's fear spreading across her face quietly asked, "What are they going to do with my daughter? How can she help, she's only two years old!"

Kolobek nodded as he said, "They aren't going to hurt Brianna, Carolyn," then glanced at where Hirato and Jaimie were hovering over Brianna's bed while the Doctor placed a hypo on Brianna's arm.

Walking quickly to the Doctor, Carolyn asked, "What are you doing?"

Jaimie immediately moved to Carolyn's side. "He's just taking a blood sample to compare with Kathryn's. Brianna's alright."

After obtaining Brianna's sample the Doctor did the same with Kathryn, then placed both specimens by the Microscopic Analysis console, took a deep breath and sat down. First one slide then the other was looked at, then repeated twice more. Everyone in the room sat quietly watching, waiting.

At last the Doctor leaned back and looked at Hirato. "The two samples are identical," he said in a hushed tone, "With one exception - Brianna has developed anti-bodies!"

"Meaning? And in simple terms, Doctor," asked Jaimie.

"Meaning if we can have Brianna give some blood and then transfuse that into Kathryn's system, Kathryn might develop anti-bodies and fight whatever this is."

Hirato immediately turned to Carolyn and took hold of her arms. "Carolyn?"

"She's only two sweetheart. She can't donate a pint of blood!"

The Doctor interrupted. "We don't need a whole pint, just enough to inject into Kathryn so her system has something to work with."

Carolyn looked at Hirato, then the Doctor, then back to Hirato, torment in her expression. At last she nodded and the Doctor immediately set about withdrawing blood from Brianna, who was still sleeping soundly despite all the hubbub and excitement.

Meanwhile Chakotay had risen as the sample of Brianna's blood had been taken, but everyone in his or her concentration on this new possibility had failed to notice.

"What's going on?" he asked, fear in his voice.

Jaimie smiled and quickly explained that Brianna had never really been a well child, right from the time of her birth and the Doctor suddenly remembered that about a month ago Brianna had come down with the same exact symptoms as Kathryn and after two weeks, during which time everyone was convinced they were going to lose her, Brianna had suddenly and inexplicably got well.

"Two weeks ago? That's about when Kathryn suddenly got ill," said Chakotay.

Everyone exclaimed about the wild coincidence, then sat back to watch and wait. After extracting as much blood from Brianna as he safely could, the Doctor injected it into Kathryn's still and cold form. "Now all we can do is wait," he said.

Chakotay walked over between the two beds and looked first at Brianna then Kathryn. After studying them both he walked back to Hirato and Carolyn and said, "She's beautiful, she looks a lot like Kathryn." They both smiled.

After an hour Doctor Jamison started the slow process of removing Kathryn from CISC, feeling a slow return to a 'normal' state would give him a better chance to reverse back should something happen. Four hours went by with muted conversation and even a few naps, while the Doctor continuously monitored both patients. At last he decided to analyze blood samples again. After checking the readings he looked at everyone and said, "The Captain is showing some signs of developing a few anti-bodies. Let's hope it continues."

Immediately everyone in the room joined hands and lowered their heads, remaining in that position for several minutes. Another hour slowly went by and after another sample was analyzed, the Doctor turned to the group and smiled. "The Captain's blood is beginning to show anti-bodies and her vital readouts have not dropped, they are the same." Everyone looked immediately at Chakotay, whose eyes misted over as he quietly asked, "Will she make it?"

"Too soon, Commander," said the Doctor, "But let's just say the chances for survival have improved."

* * *

The Chakotay Clan's vigil continued through the day and night, with Kathryn's condition slowly, but gradually improving. After the last report, Chakotay walked over to the window and looked out at the pink sky signaling the dawn of a new day.

Jaimie came up beside him and slipped her arm around his waist. "Well handsome, Kathryn is being true to her nature, a fighter all the way. Or maybe it was her stubbornness."

Chakotay smiled. "I think the latter, Jaimie, as well as your help, but I have to tell you, she was ready to go. Told me that if this was her fate she was ready."

"Just tired of the fight maybe, but like I told you way back, it couldn't happen, it wasn't supposed to happen."

Chakotay slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her tight against him. "I just thank the Spirits I was able to contact you."

The Doctor walked up to the two and said, "Commander, I truly believe your wife is going to make it now. The anti-bodies are being produced at a faster rate and her system has not only stabilized but is giving indications of rising."

Chakotay immediately engulfed the Doctor with his arms. "Thank you Doctor," he said with an audible sob. "Thank you so very much."

"Don't need to thank me. The person we have to thank is little Brianna," he said as they turned back to the group. The Doctor hesitated and it was obvious he wanted to say more, as he looked around at all the faces.

Clearing his throat he said, "This may sound crazy and I have no explanation, but . . . I know all of you have deep beliefs in the Spirit World and have Vision Quests . . ." He hesitated and hen he faced Chakotay.

"Did your wife participate in a Vision Quest just before she became ill?"

Chakotay frowned. "I'm not sure. She does periodically, but not often. I just don't know."

Jaimie moved up beside the Doctor, a quizzical expression on her face. The Doctor then continued. "Well, I believe that somehow, someway, the Captain's spirit knew about Brianna's illness and traveled some 500 years into the future to somehow transfer Brianna's illness to her body and in doing that she was causing her own death. I - it's crazy but I have no other explanation except love, as your families love is legend."

Everyone sat in wide-eyed wonder at what the Doctor had said. "Could it possibly have happened this way?" asked Kolobek, and this was followed by murmurs of belief, doubt and possibility from the others.

Jaimie, who had sat silently, smiled. "Of course it could have. Love can transcend time and space, what's a few hundred years."

Hirato suddenly exclaimed, "Well I believe it. First Kathryn saves Brianna's life, now Brianna returns the favor. And Chakotay said they look alike. Maybe Brianna is Kathryn incarnate." After saying this he glanced at his daughter who was still fast asleep.

Ten minutes later the Doctor beckoned the group over to the beds. "Both our patients are starting to wake up."

Chakotay immediately moved to Kathryn and as he hugged and kissed her murmured "Sweetheart, how are you? I was so afraid, I love you so very much."

Kathryn smiled softly and whispered back, "And you know I love you. What happened, I feel better this morning." As Chakotay and Kathryn continued to talk Hirato reached down and picked up a smiling Brianna, kissing her on the cheek as he turned.

Brianna suddenly squealed as she caught sight of Kathryn, smiled gleefully and reached out with both arms towards her while exclaiming, "Grandma Kathryn!"

Everyone stared in total shock, as Kathryn's name had never been mentioned to Brianna. How did she know? Brianna continued to reach for Kathryn so Hirato moved to her bedside and bending down let Brianna look closer at Kathryn.

"I love you Grandma," she said as she reached out and touched Kathryn's cheek.

"And I love you, too, sweetheart," whispered Kathryn, as tears filled her eyes. "Please, Hirato, can you put her down beside me." After Hirato placed Brianna beside Kathryn, the small girl snuggled up to her 'Grandma Kathryn' and closed her eyes.

Hirato stood and finally in an awed tone said, "Somehow through time, their Spirits met. It's the only explanation."

"Somehow," whispered Jaimie. Soon Kathryn was asleep and after the Doctor assured everyone Kathryn was going to be all right, Hirato gathered up Brianna and he and Carolyn headed home, saying they would be back later. Shortly, Jeremiah, and then Katelyn also left. Only Kolobek and Jaimie remained.

"Thank you Jaimie," said Chakotay, as tears of relief and gratitude rolled down his cheeks.

"Glad to help. I'm just grateful something caused me to look . . ." Then Jaimie's eyes widened. "Oh merciful heaven! The night before I found your message, Hirato, Carolyn and Brianna were visiting and Brianna crawled on my lap and wanted me to read a story. I started to reach for a book but she insisted on Voyager's Log. No matter what I did or said, she wanted that log and crawled off my lap to get it. Finally I said that wasn't a story to read and laid it to one side, then the next day I started to put it away and instead sat down to browse through it and found your plea for help!"

Kolobek grinned. "Like we were saying . . ."

After another twenty minutes Kolobek and Jaimie left. Chakotay, after kissing Kathryn and looking at her for a few minutes, lay down on the bed previously occupied by Brianna, while the Doctor activated the EMH with monitoring instructions for Kathryn and laid down on the bed next to Chakotay. Soon they were both asleep.

* * *

The next afternoon as the Chakotay clan started to wander back into Sick Bay after finally getting some sleep, they found Kathryn awake and being fed some soup by Chakotay.

"A sight for sore eyes," exclaimed Jaimie with a big smile. "Quite a different sight than yesterday, Kathryn. And it's about time you stopped being so lazy and got up, too!"

"Grandma!" exclaimed Katelyn, "You're terrible," she said laughing.

"So what else is new," laughed Kathryn as she and Jaimie exchanged kisses on the cheek.

Jaimie looked at Chakotay, cocked her head towards Kathryn and said, "Nothing wrong with her, handsome. She's as cheeky as she ever was!"

"And I'm not complaining one bit!" he replied laughing.

Kathryn turned and looked at him with adoration in her eyes. "You just refused to give up on me, didn't you honey. I don't know why you stuck by me when I was so stubborn out there in the Delta Quadrant, but I'm ever so grateful you did. I love you so much."

Chakotay put the bowl of soup down and taking hold of her hand said, "It took me so long to get you I absolutely refuse to lose you. I just thank the Spirits they guided Jaimie to my note."

Jaimie smiled as she watched this scene and noted Kolobek and Katelyn were enthralled by it. "And to add to Chakotay's thanks", added Jaimie, "we can't forget little Brianna, who kept insisting that Voyager's Log Book was the book she wanted me to read to her, but like a ninny I didn't look at it until the next day. She's the one who saved your life, Kathryn."

"Will Hirato bring her today? I would love to see her now that I'm more alert." asked Kathryn

Katelyn looked around, frowned and said, "He's not here yet. Grandma, when will Hirato get here?"

"Did I hear my name mentioned," said Hirato as he came striding through the door. "Sorry I'm late," he said in general but headed straight for Kathryn. Reaching down he took hold of her hand, smiled shyly and say, Good morning, Grandma, you certainly look better than yesterday."

"And I feel much better, too," Kathryn said as she squeezed his hand. "But don't I get a kiss?"

Hirato's face turned beet red, causing everyone to burst out laughing and Jaimie to exclaim, "Hirato, honestly! How did you ever get the courage to even ask Carolyn for a date let alone marry her?"

Hirato smirked at his mother. "Because she was the aggressive one and kept after me. Sorta reminds me of a mother I know!"

Jaimie laughed. "It's a wonder you didn't hide from her."

"I tried once. Didn't work," said Hirato laughing loudly. "She found me almost immediately."

"Sounds to me like you didn't try very hard to hide, Hirato," said Kathryn with a chuckle. "Now where's that kiss?"

Hirato quickly leaned down and kissed Kathryn on the cheek. "I'm so glad you are better," he said softly.

"Me, too. But from what Chakotay told me this morning - will Carolyn bring Brianna in later?"

"Carolyn has to visit her mother today and you know grandma's . . . they have to see their granddaughters," he said smiling. "Maybe we can arrange it later."

At that moment Jeremiah came walking in. "Looks like I'm bringing up the tail," he said, "But that means I just got more sleep than the rest of you." Going to Kathryn he gave her a big hug, followed by a kiss on the cheek.

Katelyn looked at him and said, "I thought you had an assignment this morning, Jeremiah? At least that's what you said before Kolobek came and picked me up."

"I do, but things seem to be stabilizing and Gates has decided to wait a bit."

"You're in Time Travel, Jeremiah?" asked Chakotay.

"Yes," he said with a big smile. "Sort of took Grandma's place. She also trained me," he added as he turned and slipped his arm around Jaimie.

The group all pulled chairs up around Kathryn's bed and for the next three hours sat and talked and laughed, unwilling to give up even one minute of spending time with Kathryn and Chakotay. During all this conversation Kathryn had napped twice, but was now sitting up, although almost lost in all the pillows Chakotay had found and propped around her.

The happy conversation was broken when Colonel Gates came striding into the room, a large frown on his face.

Jaimie, her sixth sense ever alert, immediately stood and walked to him. They conversed quietly a few moments before joining the group, with Jaimie moving to stand beside Katelyn.

"We have a problem," said Gates. "We've lost contact with Sutton. He was due back on the outer perimeter eight hours ago so we have decided to go after him and I'm going to need help. Jeremiah I want you to track him. Jaimie, I could use your expertise on this as well, in fact, Kolobek and Hirato, I would appreciate your assistance, too, if you don't mind."

Jeremiah stood and looked at Gates. "I assume this assignment precludes my . . ."

"All TT is cancelled until we have this resolved and find Sutton. Jaimie, I don't know what your schedule is for returning the Captain and Commander, but it will have to wait." The room seemed filled with a sense of urgency by everyone, and Gates turned to Kathryn and Chakotay. "You two will have to stay here and lay low. Don't make contact with anyone. Your timelines have been tripped enough," then without further word and after a quick nod to them both, hurried out the door, followed by Jeremiah, Hirato and Kolobek after giving a nod and smile to Kathryn and Chakotay.

Jaimie hurried over to the bed, gave each a hug and kiss, and said, "See you soon, just relax in your private room." Then turning back to Katelyn put her arms around her and said, "We'll find him, don't worry," and ran out of the room.

Katelyn, looking almost lost and forlorn as she stood alone in the middle of the room, slowly raised both hands to her face.

Kathryn looked at Katelyn who now had an anguished look on her face, and asked. "Does this happen often, Katelyn? Do you know this Sutton?"

She continued to stand unmoving and nodded numbly. "He's my husband," she whispered.

"Oh no," said Kathryn softly, while Chakotay immediately moved to her and held her in the comfort of his arms.

* * *

Three hours went by as Katelyn, Kathryn and Chakotay sat in muted conversation. Suddenly Katelyn stood and walked to the console, and soon Kolobek's solemn face appeared. "Any word?" she asked, her lower lip trembling.

Kolobek shook his head. "We have everyone out, Katelyn, and along with Jaimie and Jeremiah, we also have Captain Miller, Colonel Gates and Hirato out.

"Hirato's not TT!" exclaimed Katelyn.

"No, but we had an extra ship that was just refurbished . . . besides he volunteered and is an excellent pilot. I'm sure we'll find Randall. Keep yourself busy by entertaining our guests, okay?"

She nodded and the screen went black. Rejoining Kathryn and Chakotay she took her seat as Kathryn reached out and took hold of her hand. "They'll find him Katelyn. Jaimie is such a whiz at this TT business, I'm sure everything will be alright." Katelyn didn't even look at Kathryn.

Two hours passed and suddenly the computer chirped. All three watched as the Doctor lay his Tri Corder down, walked over, and answered it. Looking over at the door he nodded to Katelyn and said, "It's for you."

Katelyn took a deep breath and hurried over to the console, saw Kolobek and the expression on his face, and immediately grabbed hold of the top of the computer.

Kolobek stared at her for a moment, then in a breaking voice said, "Something is very wrong, Katelyn. We've lost the entire team . . . we've lost everyone."

All Katelyn could do was stare at the screen.

To be continued . . .

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