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

The Jaimie Series - Part 9

Refracting Time

by Dee Price


Previously: Kathryn was dying of an unknown cause and Chakotay had managed to contact Jaimie who then brought them to the 29th Century. Through some divine cure from a granddaughter, Kathryn was saved. At that moment however, a Time Traveler, Katelyn's husband Randall Sutton, was lost and the entire TT team sent out to find him, only to have them disappear as well.

* * *

Katelyn felt like her world was crashing around her as she slowly walked towards the back room. Kathryn, seeing Katelyn's reaction at the console had Chakotay help her out of bed and now with his arm around her for support was standing in the doorway anxiously waiting to hear what Katelyn had to say

"They are all missing," she said in a shocked voice.

"All! How can that be," asked Kathryn.

"Something's gone drastically wrong," she whispered. "Look, I want to go and be with Kolobek, you do understand that don't you? You two can stay in this room and . . ."

"We'd like to go with you Katelyn, and help if we can. Do you still have those cloaking belts?" asked Kathryn.

Katelyn nodded as she looked at them. "Are you sure you can? I really need support right now." As both nodded and Chakotay said he would watch Kathryn and come back to Sick Bay if it proved to be too much, Katelyn nodded her head and said, "I'll be right back."

Five minutes later she was back and had them strap on a Wristlet. Kathryn looked at them in amazement. "From belts to this?" she asked as Katelyn put one on herself. Katelyn didn't answer just hurriedly punched in numbers on each, looked at them, asked if they were ready, then punched a button on her wristlet. The next thing Kathryn and Chakotay knew they were in a room with Kolobek.

Kolobek, his face creased in worry looked up in surprise. "Katelyn! You are supposed to stay with . . . our guests," he added lamely as he sensed something.

"They are here and cloaked, Kolobek," she whispered. "I had to be here . . ."

"I understand," he said as he reached out and took hold of her hand. Then in a whisper added, "Kathryn, Chakotay, sit on those two hard chairs at the side, but if anyone comes in the office make sure you move, okay?"

"Understood," said Chakotay quietly. "But is there anything we can do?"

"Not really. Kathryn, how are you?"

"I'm fine, Kolobek. The sitting helps."

"Anything new?" asked Katelyn.

Kolobek shook his head. "We have no idea what happened or where they are, just that they have all missed their check in time."

"Meaning?" asked Kathryn quietly.

"Well, you see, Kathryn, on a search and rescue they are allowed so much time to search then come back to the perimeter for a check in before returning to continue their search. We had them enter the rift at spaced times, but no one has returned and they are all a minimum of one hour . . . .no, now two hours overdue."

"With your technology can't they check in from where they are," whispered Chakotay.

"No, too many obstacles in time. We have been working on refraction communication, without much success as yet, although mom feels she's close."

"Does this happen often? I mean a missing TT?" asked Kathryn.

"Rarely, but we've had a few. Always find them right away though and it turns out they were just delayed in finishing their job. But if there is a chance of injury we never want a Traveler or ship to be lost. That would really present a paradox. Time travel is very risky, even though mom made it look simple."

Just then Kolobek's console erupted in static, startling them all. The room became quiet as they listened for a voice. Finally . . .

I . . . s . . . mi . . . ems . . . ed . . . u . . . .re . . . ie."

Kolobek strained to understand but couldn't, yet somehow thought he recognized his mother's voice coming out of the static. "Mom? Jaimie? Is this you? We can't understand, you're all broken up, too much static. Repeat your message."

". . . l . . . en . . . d . . . r . . . ant . . . i."

"I can't understand you at all mom," said Kolobek, straining desperately to make sense of the communication.

"Kolobek," Chakotay suddenly whispered from behind. "Once Jaimie used Morse Code in our Century," tapping a signal. Can she do that?"

Kolobek nodded. "Worth a try. Mom we can't understand the words, yet you seem to understand me. Can you tap out a message? Tap once in you can."

One loud tap was heard.

"Alright!" yelled Kolobek with a smile. "Let's make it short and simple. Tap a 'Y' for yes and a 'N' for no. Abbreviate everything else you can, we'll try and figure it out. Okay . . . are you with any of the others?"

'Y' was tapped out.

"Yes. Now is everyone with you?"

Y

"Are you able to fly out?"

N

"The ships are damaged?"

Y

"Is everyone alright?" The static was so bad that Kolobek couldn't hear so he repeated the question. "Is everyone alright?"

N

"You have injuries, then?"

Y

"Serious?"

Y

"How serious?"

Silence.

Kolobek hesitated as he looked up at Katelyn. Clearing his throat he asked, "Are you possibly saying there is a fatality?"

Y

Kolobek frowned, then again cleared his throat. "Who mom, can you say?"

Silence again greeted that question. Kolobek waited, looked at Katelyn, waited some more, and then asked, "Can you tap out an initial, mom?"

Tapping was heard. It spelled 'S'.

Kolobek's eyes squinted as he said, "Mom are you saying Randall?"

Y

Kolobek squeezed his eyes shut then looked at Katelyn who had both hands to her cheeks. Suddenly Kolobek could tell by her position that someone, probably Kathryn, was hugging her. He started to stand when he heard more tapping. "I'm sorry mom, I missed that, please repeat that last message."

The tapping started up and spelled 'M'.

Kolobek's eyebrows shot up. "Captain Miller is dead?"

Y

No more tapping was heard so Kolobek said, "Two are dead then."

N

"There are more?" asked a very shocked Kolobek. "Who?"

Nothing but static greeted this question. Kolobek suddenly felt horror grip his heart and he pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He looked up at Katelyn, anguish plainly creasing both their faces.

"You have to ask, Kolobek," said Katelyn in a hushed tone.

He nodded, took a deep breath and repeated his question. "Who else, mom?"

Tapping started then stopped, started and stopped again and it was obvious Jaimie was having a hard time telling them. Finally, after another period of protracted silence, the tapping started and spelled 'J'.

"Jeremiah?"

Y

"Oh Great Spirits." moaned Kolobek. Then realizing he still had other questions, he steeled himself and said, "That leaves Hirato, Gates and you. Are Hirato and Gates alive?"

Y . . . ij

Kolobek frowned and then heard Chakotay's voice say, "Injured maybe?"

"Are they injured?"

Y . . . brk . . . bns

"Broken bones? Can you repair them?"

N

"Okay, mom – now, how are you?"

A lot of tapping was heard and Kolobek started writing the letters down.

T - o r n - t - d i

Kolobek couldn't help himself and burst out laughing. "Too ornery to die? You just finding that out mom?"

Y . . . ql

"Q l? What does that mean?"

Chakotay with a chuckle said, "Quit laughing."

"Well despite this horrific situation you haven't lost your sense of humor." Then getting serious and quiet again Kolobek said, "Knowing you mom, I'm sure you are using your sense of humor to maintain your sanity there."

Y

Suddenly tremendous noise was heard even through the static. "What's that noise?" Kolobek asked to no one in particular.

Tapping started and was hard to make out but Kolobek wrote: a t k go nw.

Kolobek understood. "Alright you are under attack. Also your power is getting weak. Turn off your communications, mom. We'll keep our line open here and you stay inside that ship!"

As the line went silent Kolobek leaned back from the console, his mind working furiously. "Katelyn arrange for a cot to be brought in here. I'm staying however long this takes." No sooner had he said that then he stood and said. "Oh Great Spirits, Katelyn, I'm sorry!" and stood and moved from behind the desk to Katelyn and put his arms around her pulling her tight to him.

"I'm sorry," he repeated. "You've lost a husband and a brother and I'm steeled in a work mode and giving orders. I'm so sorry," he said, his voice now breaking and tears forming in his eyes.

"It's okay Uncle Kolobek," she said as she cried quietly into his shoulder. "I understand. But you've lost too." She tried to remain stoic, but her eyes remained filled with tears. "We have to get them back!" she hissed vehemently. Then pulling away from Kolobek, "I'll get the cot," and abruptly turned and headed quickly out the door.

"I am so stupid!" railed Kolobek as he stood there watching her hurry down the hall. A hand patted him on the back and he heard Kathryn say "It's a hard time for everyone. Let her work, it will keep her mind busy."

"Yes," whispered Chakotay. "There will be plenty of time for grieving later. The job now is to get them back."

An hour went by, then two without any contact from Jaimie. Kolobek then had Kathryn lay down on the cot while they continued to wait. A third hour passed, and still there was no word. The cot suddenly creaked and Kathryn's voice asked, "Anything?"

"No. Mom is probably trying to conserve power and as long as they are under attack, from whomever, no one can go outside. Very likely major repairs will have to be done outside the ship. All we can do is sit and wait."

* * *

Another four hours passed making seven hours since the last contact, and Kolobek and Katelyn passed the time in small talk, with Kathryn and Chakotay napping. Kolobek had begun to pace the room like a caged animal, his anxiety now at an agitated state. Suddenly static broke the silence and Kolobek's head jerked around as he automatically looked at the console, even though he knew he wouldn't see anything. Quickly he moved to his desk.

Everyone strained and listened attentively as tapping began, but the static was worse than ever and even though Kolobek copied frantically he wasn't sure if he heard everything. Abruptly the tapping stopped and Kolobek looked down at the jumble of words.

j p nw sm r h hrt ws m lk

Kolobek stared, frowned and shook his head, muttering he couldn't understand.

Katelyn, and Kathryn and Chakotay in their cloaked state, moved behind the desk and peered over Kolobek's shoulders at the letters. Each contributed thoughts and guesses until at last they hoped they had it figured out. "Jump now, some repair, Hirato hurt, wish me luck."

Kolobek leaned back in his chair and heaved a big sigh. "Okay if that's right it looks like they have managed some repairs and they are going to attempt a small jump, just enough to get them out of that danger zone. But Hirato hurt? Probably attacked again while making repairs on the outside of the ship," he mused softly, and then added, "They must be going through hell." Looking up he said, "Sorry for the language. Well I for one am going to make a request of our Spirits that mom makes that jump safely."

Four long, agonizing days went by with nothing more heard from Jaimie. With the exception of personal hygiene, Kolobek refused to leave the room, and napped only an hour at a time. Katelyn remained in the room with him, monitoring the communication when he napped and would then briefly nap herself. Chakotay took Kathryn back to Sick Bay each night to rest and get a good night's sleep, returning early each morning. They were learning the wristlet and had Katelyn just tell them the coordinates to punch in.

As the fourth day slowly dragged by Kolobek began to fret. "No word at all! Maybe the jump failed and they are all dead!" he moaned.

"You can't think that way Uncle!" said Katelyn sharply. He looked at her and nodded. "Sorry, but we should have heard something by now. That they made the jump successfully - are making repairs - something!" He then walked to his desk and sat down heavily, adding a large frustrated sigh. Placing his hands to his face he said in a soft whisper, "just let me know you made it mom . . . please."

"Kolobek," said Kathryn softly. "This is a bad subject, but the bodies . . . it's been over five days total . . ."

"All Timeships are now equipped with one storage unit, but also a Hypo spray to preserve the body until it's brought back and I'm sure mom has done that. We never leave anyone - everyone comes home," the last said in a whisper. "I'm sure she made every effort to retrieve everyone." At this he laid his head down on the desk and closed his eyes.

Thirty minutes later Kolobek jerked his head up and looked around. Katelyn was sitting in a chair dozing, and glancing at the cot he saw the indentations where Kathryn and Chakotay were laying. Shaking his head he mused he must have been dreaming and started to lay his head down when he heard it.

"Kolobek?"

He looked down at his console and a croaking sound of "Yes" came out. He then cleared his throat and repeated, "Yes?"

"This is Jaimie, do you hear me?"

"Yes, Jaimie. Uhm . . . mom! I hear you loud and clear. Where are you?"

"A desert in Nevada, 19th Century Earth. We've managed to virtually rebuild this ship. Scavenged as much as possible from the other ships to do it though, and it took time with Gates and Hirato's injuries."

"The other ships?"

"When we made the jump I raised the ship just high enough those barbarians couldn't reach us and tractored the other ships up tight to mine with a broad beam. Couldn't leave them in that century . . . besides - we needed the parts."

Kolobek and Katelyn both grinned. "You sound hurt and tired mom," said Kolobek, his voice showing relief.

"Yeah a little. Look, we finished all the repairs – at least as much as we can do and tested as much as we can. Just wanted to let you know to warn Control Central we'll be coming in the next hour - if this ship holds together."

"Sounds great. I'll tell them and be there to greet you personally."

"Thought you might. And just in case this doesn't work son, I love you, and the same from Hirato and I guess Gates, too. I hope to see you soon," and without further ado the line went quiet.

"Love you too mom," whispered Kolobek, then stood and as he looked at Katelyn felt two strong hands on his shoulders from behind and knew it was Chakotay.

"She's done it," he said softly. "She's bringing them home." He then took off on a dead run down the hall.

Katelyn started to run too, then stopped and walked back to the door, "Kathryn, Chakotay? Follow me."

"Well try to keep up Katelyn," said Chakotay as they followed Katelyn's brisk walk.

* * *

Kolobek raced into the Central Control room. "She's done it! She's coming in! She'll be here in less than an hour. Jason! Keep your Sensors at high wide beam!"

Jason broke out into a large grin. "You got it, Sir!"

Everyone else in the tower either kept watch at their consoles or strained their eyes up at the sky. Katelyn arrived several minutes later and Kolobek assumed from her late arrival Kathryn and Chakotay were with her.

Thirty minutes later Jason called out, "Sir, I have a strange reading on sensors. It might be Jaimie!"

"Where?" asked Kolobek.

"Southeast, eleven o'clock high," came the answer.

Eyes peered intently in that direction then the voice of Jaimie echoed throughout the room. "Tower, this is Jaimie, do you have me on sensors yet?"

Heads whipped to Jason who peered intently at his console. Finally - "Got you Jaimie! Do you need a 'lock on' with our tractor beam?"

Jaimie was heard to actually smirk, "If only," then loudly "Negative. I'm tractoring the remains of the four ships and I can't land this way. I'm going to get as low as I can by the old Tower, so clear everyone away from there. We took all the power cells out of those ships but couldn't get to everything. Might be an explosion or fire." Her voice showed a great deal of strain.

"Roger, Jaimie," said Jason as he nodded to Rick across the room to send that message to the tower.

"There she is, I see her!" someone called out as he pointed. Everyone crowded to that side of the room and soon saw Jaimie with four hulks of ships below and behind her heading for the field, with her ship getting lower and lower.

"My God," someone said, "Look at that ship! How is it flying?"

Another said, "How low is she going to get anyway?"

Kolobek frowned deeply, but not because of how low Jaimie was getting. "Her ship is wobbling!" he called out to no one in particular.

"Meaning?" asked Katelyn at his side.

"Meaning she's having a very tough time controlling that ship! How in the Great Spirits name did she ever get through the time rift!"

Meanwhile Jaimie approached the field with her altitude getting lower and lower, even though it was now apparent to all she was having tremendous difficulty controlling her ships flight.

"If she touches the ground . . ." someone muttered.

"Tower," called Jaimie, "I'm going to release the tractor beam in a second. I hope everyone is away from that area."

"All clear Jaimie," called out Jason.

"Better be," Jaimie was heard to mumble as the strain to complete this maneuver was evident in the tone of her voice.

"Now!" called out Jaimie and her ship shot straight up into the air, and the flotsam of four ships behind her seemed to hang suspended in the air for a nanosecond before dropping to the ground. There was a flash, followed by an explosion, then flames were momentarily seen but quickly disappeared. Jaimie had gotten so low the ships did not have far to drop thus preventing the massive explosion that everyone feared would happen.

A cheer went up from the group watching in the control tower, but Kolobek was already on the run, heading for the hangar. Katelyn started after him knowing Kathryn and Chakotay were right behind.

Jaimie's ship made a wobbling circle around the field and headed for the landing hangar. "She's coming in too fast," someone yelled out in a fearful voice, as Katelyn went out the door. "Someone alert the hangar!"

Jaimie swooped lower toward the wide open doors. At one point she almost lost control but then the ship steadied, and it became painfully clear she wasn't able to slow down at all.

Meanwhile Kolobek pushed open the entrance door to the hangar and skidded to a halt, looking immediately toward the massive entrance. A flash outside told him the ship was nearing the doors and then he caught sight of it, skimming along the ground with barely inches of clearance. Katelyn rushed out and joined him, grabbing hold of his arm.

Jaimie's ship appeared near the entrance, then it touched down, bounced and touched again, and began skidding into the massive cavern. As it started it's slide it just missed a ship parked near the doors and sparks started flying as metal and pavement ground at each other. Klaxons and horns started going, people started yelling and screaming while they ran in every direction trying to avoid the careening ship.

Katelyn squeezed Kolobek's arm but either Kathryn or Chakotay was squeezing even harder on his other arm.

"Oh Great Spirits," Kolobek moaned to himself. "Don't let her survive that hell only to die in this crash."

The agonizing slide continued and actually started slowing but it was obvious to all it wouldn't be soon enough. Then one of the ship's protruding nacelles ticked a pillar, sending the ship spinning like a top across the cavernous room, and as it careened into the edge of yet another pillar, was sent spinning again, but this time in the opposite direction and directly at a third support column! The ship crashed into this pillar with a terrifying WHUMP, its horrifying slide stopped dead in its tracks. Everyone stared in a transfixed state of shock, with the only sounds that of the Klaxons still blaring their warning.

Suddenly there was a puff of smoke in the aft section and flames burst forth, and began licking up the skin of the ship. The Starfleet Firefighters finally reacted out of their horror-stricken mode, and started yelling and running for the ship from every direction, carrying hoses and hand held equipment.

Kolobek and Katelyn stood, unable to move, and watched in fascinated horror as the flames leapt higher and higher on the fuselage. Hoses played out and foam was sprayed on the flames from every direction until the ship looked like a small mountain of snow. After more frightening minutes than anyone wished for, the flames, which seemingly were out of control, were slowly put out, the klaxons stopped their incessant, loud and mournful wail and the room became as quiet as a tomb.

A fireman suddenly moved and walking to the scorched door tried to open it, but jerked his hands back from the excessive heat, and began shaking his hands from the pain. Turning, he yelled to a Maintenance man near a wall who grabbed a large instrument, ran to the ship and started prying the door open. At last they had it ajar and three men in protective gear grabbed the lower edge and pulled with all their might. Suddenly, a screeching sound as if metal was being ripped apart, and they had the door open.

Three Medical Aides, who had arrived while the fire was being extinguished, quickly entered the ship while everyone else stood in mute silence and looked on. A deathly quiet filled the hangar as everyone, wherever they stood, waited in a wondering, dreading silence. As the slow, immeasurable minutes ticked by Kolobek, Katelyn and Kathryn and Chakotay, held their breath.

Five minutes, then ten minutes with no one appearing at the hatch. Finally a Medical Aide appeared at the door, stepped out and turned and glanced back as the other two Aides also appeared and slowly exited the ship, looked at one another, then simply stood quietly, their shoulders slumped as they stared inside the twisted hulk.

"Oh no," groaned Kolobek. He was about to walk to the ship when he spotted movement near the door and slowly two people appeared, holding onto each other for support, and walked out. It was Hirato and Gates! They slowly turned back to the hatch, and leaning into one another silently stood there, with their heads down.

At last another movement and a silhouette of a person could be seen moving towards the hatch and finally to the door. It was Jaimie. Hirato and Gates both held out a hand for assistance and Jaimie grasped their hands and slowly stepped out onto the hangar floor.

A murmur echoed throughout the hangar as the appearance of the three shocked even hard-core veterans. Their uniforms were ripped almost to shreds and seemed to have blood stains everywhere. Massive bruises and jagged cuts, caked with blood covered their faces and their hair was matted with a mixture of blood and dirt. Kolobek could only stare at this scene in silent horror.

The Medical Aides started to reach out and take their arms but Jaimie shook her head and all three started walking slowly and with obvious difficulty, towards Kolobek and Katelyn, with the Aides trailing nervously behind. When the group reached Kolobek he searched his mother's eyes and saw not only physical pain but spiritual pain as well. Stepping quickly to the door he held it open for the group to go through.

Once inside everyone stood quietly as Kolobek touched his mother's face with a gentle hand, anguish and love creasing his face, then turned and gently patted Hirato and Gates' shoulders with a look of great compassion.

"All right, Jaimie," gasped Gates. "You made us walk this far and away from the 'eyes', but I really think a Transport is needed now. My pride can only go so far."

Jaimie nodded. "For once you're right Gates" and looked at one of the Medical Aides, who immediately contacted Sick Bay and said, "Six to Transport." Within seconds they disappeared and Kolobek turned to Katelyn.

"Fix Kathryn and Chakotay's wristlets. We'll also Transport."

"No need, Kolobek," whispered Kathryn. Chakotay and I have figured out how to work these Wristlets."

"Okay, but once in Sick Bay stand off by the back wall. I think it's going to be a madhouse up there," and after Kathryn indicated they were ready Kolobek said, "Now."

Kolobek was right. Sick Bay was a bedlam of frenzied activity and a cacophony of voices as Doctors and Aide's worked feverishly on their three patients. Periodically calls were made for additional Hypos or Regenerators, different instruments or medication as well as constant scans and use of Medical Tri-Corders.

"Whose bright idea was it for them to walk away from the ship?" grumbled Doctor Jamison. When one of the aides indicated Jaimie refused help Jamison grumped, "You should have transported them directly from the ship and overridden her!"

"Overridden Jaimie? She'd have my skin!" complained the aide, only to receive a glare from the Doctor.

At that moment two Admirals, followed by a group of Lt Generals and a Colonel strode into Sick Bay and immediately went to each bedside, making inquiries with the Aide or Doctor at each bed. Finally Doctor Jamison, after bumping into the same Admiral twice said, "Alright, gentlemen I'm going to have to ask you all to leave so we can continue our work with our patients. I'll send you medical bulletins". Admiral Ross nodded and ushered the group out of the room, but before leaving looked at Kolobek, smiled, nodded and said, "Fantastic mother you have there."

After an hour of intensive work, all Medical Aides and assistant Doctors were dismissed, save one. Kolobek immediately shuttered the window and closed the door, then the Doctor told the remaining assistant to stand by the door and not allow anyone in, adding, "And what you see and hear now stays in this room, on your oath as a Starfleet Doctor, understand?"

The Assistant, although puzzled at such an order nodded, and moved to stand in front of the door. Doctor Jamison turned to Kolobek. "I'm quite sure our guests would like to de-cloak now."

Kolobek nodded and turned to the wall. "You can be seen now." The appearance of Kathryn and Chakotay, who immediately moved towards the beds, gave the Assistant complete understanding of his order, but he couldn't restrain a smile.

Kathryn and Chakotay moved between Jaimie and Hirato's beds. Looking at Jaimie, Kathryn asked, "Will she and they, be all right Doctor?"

"Of course I'll be all right, Kathryn," said Jaimie as she opened her eyes.

Both Kathryn and Chakotay smiled in delight. "You had us worried, Jaimie," said Chakotay softly.

"Have to admit I was a little concerned myself," she said in a weak, tired voice. "But it's great to be home."

"Speaking of which," came Gates' hoarse voice on the other side of Jaimie, "That had to be absolutely the worst landing I've ever seen in my life! Remind me to schedule you for landing practice when we get out of here!"

As the group broke into smiles, Jaimie came back with "Oh yeah? And I suppose you could have done better?"

"You bet I could have," said Gates.

"In a rat's ass you could have," countered Jaimie as she raised her head to look at him.

As their eyes met, they stared at one another for an instant, then without warning both broke out into gales of laughter. Finally Jaimie spluttered, "You would have hit the first ship just inside the door, Gates!"

"No, but I know I wouldn't have missed that first pillar. It took you three of them to stop the ship for crying out loud. What kind of piloting is that!"

By now everyone was laughing so hard they were wiping tears from their eyes, even the Doctor, who finally stepped in to administer a hypo to each saying, "Well I see you two are back to normal. You can continue your argument after a good night's sleep."

Kolobek gave Hirato, Gates and Jaimie a small hug, and Katelyn, Kathryn and Chakotay followed suit, and the three patients drifted off to sleep.

Kolobek solemnly turned to Katelyn. "This will be the hardest part, but now we have to go to the morgue." Pain and anguish filled Katelyn's eyes, but she braced her posture and nodded in agreement. Bidding farewell to Chakotay and Kathryn, who were badly in need of rest themselves, the two left, saying they would see everyone again in the morning.

* * *

Before dawn the next morning Kolobek returned to check on the three patients. He looked drawn and worn out, and it turned out after his and Katelyn's traumatizing trip to the morgue, both had gone on to Jeremiah's wife Vickie and spent several hours with her and the children. From there they had stopped by to offer Mrs. Miller condolences, and then he took Katelyn home and spent time with her in private mourning, along with her children. He then returned to the hospital and today he would be busy meeting with Starfleet and planning the Memorial Services for the three lost souls.

The Doctor suggested he lie down and sleep for two or three hours, but Kolobek refused, saying if he lay down he would sleep all day, and requested a booster shot to stay awake.

"No Kolobek, the only shot I'll give you is tonight, to make you sleep," said the Doctor as he patted him on the shoulder.

At that moment Jaimie stirred and with a soft moan turned onto her back. Kolobek quickly went to her, kissed her on the cheek and asked, ""Good morning, Mom, how are you feeling?"

"Tired and sore," she mumbled with half a smile.

"An honest answer! I didn't expect that from my super mom," he said with a grin.

"How are Katelyn and Vickie?"

Kolobek told of his night, then added, "As a Starfleet Nurse, Vickie knows the risks and how to steel herself with trauma, but this is more personal. We'll all help her through this, and Katelyn . . . well, you know Katelyn mom, she's torn up inside, but outside she appears strong as an ox. She's very concerned about the children though."

Jaimie nodded and closed her eyes tight, pressing her lips together into a thin line. "I lost them Kolobek! It's all my fault . . . if I had only attacked sooner . . ."

"Attacked?" asked Kolobek with a frown. Noticing his mother's agony he leaned down and put his arms around her. "Nothing is your fault mom. The losses hurt us all and you always take the blame. It's all right mom," he said squeezing her, "It's all right. You got everyone home."

Kathryn and Chakotay, who had been sleeping in their usual back room hideaway, walked into the room at that moment, after peeking to make sure the window and door were still closed. Seeing the scene before them, and sensing Kolobek was consoling Jaimie on the losses, they stood quietly to one side. The Doctor moved in and administered a hypo and soon Jaimie drifted back to sleep.

"Kolobek," came Gates' voice.

Kolobek removed his arms from his mother and turned to Gates' bed. Gates reached up and took hold of Kolobek's arm. "What happened is a long and terrible story, and Jaimie is going to try and blame herself for those three deaths. It wasn't her fault, in fact what she did saved the rest of us, but this isn't the time to tell you. Please - just have the Doctor keep her sedated so she can get some rest and recover physically. Mentally? She's going to need a lot of help."

As Kolobek frowned at the last statement, Gates nodded his head. "I know. I know this is Jaimie I'm talking about. I know she is strong as a bull and has nerves of steel, but she is going to need help on this one. . . . we all are." With that he lay back and closed his eyes.

Kolobek nodded, understanding that with Gates' statement there had been more horror than anyone realized. He looked at Jaimie, then Hirato who was still asleep. Both, even though asleep, had frowns on their faces.

* * *

The next two days were hectic ones for Kolobek. Between arranging the services with Starfleet, and visiting Katelyn, Vickie and Mrs. Miller, as well as the three patients and Kathryn and Chakotay, he never seemed to sit or relax. The strain was showing more and more on him every day. The only good thing is that Gates, Hirato and Jaimie were now able to get up and move around a little.

At one point when Hirato and Gates were asleep, Jaimie hobbled in to Kathryn and Chakotay's 'little hideaway' and suddenly during the conversation, Jaimie broke down and started crying like a baby. Chakotay rose and quickly shut the door, giving her privacy as the crying became uncontrollable, with racking sobs sometimes shaking Jaimie's body in violent shudders. Kathryn sat with her arms around Jaimie consoling her as best she could, whispering to her that it was all right and to get it all out of her system. Jaimie breaking down had startled both Kathryn and Chakotay . . . she always seemed so strong, and though it seemed Jaimie would never stop crying, she finally started to regain her composure. However, after this long cry, with Kathryn holding her, and that seemed a catharsis for Jaimie, she very suddenly took a deep breath and appeared to regain some of her strength and steely resolve.

* * *

The services started exactly on schedule. Jaimie, Gates and Hirato attended in motorized medical chairs and Kathryn and Chakotay were allowed to attend in their cloaked attitude, As they leaned against a side wall both were awed by the spectacle, which was at the same time simplistic and yet filled with reverent love and respect for the departed. The Hall was filled completely with Starfleet personnel as well as all the cadets from the Academy, each resplendent in their finest military uniforms. There were also Cadets serving as the Honor Guard for all three caskets.

During the service something highly unusual happened, something normally not occurring at somber events. When Jaimie, with great difficulty and refusing assistance, rose and slowly walked on stage to say a few words, the entire assemblage, as one, stood and saluted. After the salute was broken, someone in the rear of the Hall gave a muted gloved handclap. Someone nearby also clapped until the entire assembly was clapping for her, showing their love and admiration to her for bringing their people home. And as someone was heard to remark later, "Probably all of the deceased were also clapping from their position on high in their thanks to Jaimie for getting them home."

Kathryn couldn't control her tears as this happened and buried her head into Chakotay's chest, fearing someone would see her tears dripping to the floor. Chakotay as well had tears streaming down his face.

Jaimie stood at the podium, in complete surprise at this happening. She looked down several times and when she looked up it was obvious she was working to control her emotions. Twice she held up her hands for the clapping to stop but it only stopped of its own accord after several minutes had gone by.

After the services were over, Kolobek and Katelyn, along with Vickie, Kathryn and Chakotay were sitting around Sick Bay while the Doctor checked on Hirato, Gates and Jaimie's condition. He had released them only for the service, telling them they would be spending several more days here recuperating. Despite their objections, all admitted the days outing had worn them out.

As Hirato and Jaime sat back on their beds, propped up with pillows, Kolobek cleared his throat and said, "You know the one thing I can't understand is how on earth mom managed to make contact from the 16th Century."

Jaimie just shrugged her shoulders, but Gates looked up and said, "Sheer will power is what did it. After we had all gotten into one ship that woman was bound and determined she was going to make contact with you. I don't know how she did it, but somehow she managed to bend time - to find cracks! Someway, through time and space, she refracted time and managed to contact you."

At the words 'through time and space' everyone turned and looked at Kathryn and smiled. Gates seeing this grinned. "What did I miss . . . a private joke? Well tell me sometime," and Kolobek nodded, saying he would. Gates smiled and added. "But I should tell you that whatever it is, after what I witnessed this woman do - nothing will surprise me, nothing at all."

Gates then glanced around the room and saw questioning eyes. "I mentioned before I would tell you what happened and I think with everyone here, now is as good a time as any. It wont be easy regardless of when, so Vickie, Katelyn, if you wish to leave . . ." Both indicated they wanted to stay, saying it would be easier hearing it with everyone around for support.

Gates started his story from the beginning, telling how first Jeremiah, then himself, then Miller, followed shortly by Hirato after a quick lesson by Jaimie, and then Jaimie left and entered the rift for the coordinates of Sutton's assignment in the 16th Century.

"When I got there," said Gates, "I could tell by the feel of the ship something wasn't right about that area. I immediately spotted Jeremiah's ship and he was having a hard time keeping altitude. It was just weird there is all I can say. My sensors showed Randall's ship on the ground, and once I got it on screen I could tell it was pretty mangled and knew he had crashed.

"Shortly my scanners picked up his body outside the ship, but I also got readings of other humanoids around him. Jeremiah called out that he couldn't control his ship too well but was going down to see if he could land and pick up Randall. I told him my instruments were acting crazy but that I would stay above, so he flew down and across the field. His ship appearing from the sky apparently frightened those people as they scattered, so Jeremiah, with difficulty and damaging his ship slightly, landed beside Randall's vessel and my viewer showed him picking up Randall and turning to head over to his ship.

"About then however, those 'savages', and that's what they were, came running at Jeremiah before he knew it and knocked him down. I saw him scramble to his feet and start fighting them off, all the while trying to protect Randall, so I think he was alive at that time. One of the savages hit Jeremiah in the back of the head and he dropped like a rock." Looking at Vickie he said softly. "I truly believe that blow killed him instantly . . . I'm sorry, but at least he didn't feel all the other blows that landed on him while he was down. Some of them also started beating on Randall so I dove down and tried to scare them off. They did run and hide, but as I've said, something in that area was affecting our ships and I had a very hard time pulling up.

"As I started around I spotted Captain Miller diving down, trying to keep those people back, but he couldn't pull up at all and dove straight into the ground. Hirato appeared and flew down as they were beginning to come back onto the field and actually made three passes, but those animals weren't afraid anymore, as the ships weren't doing anything to them. I swooped down again, told Hirato I could no longer control my plane and tried to land beside Jeremiah's ship, only at the last minute I couldn't hold it and crashed. The area was full of large rocks and boulders so I damaged the underbelly and engine pretty good.

"I saw sparks and in my dazed state opened the door. Big mistake, as they rushed in and pulled me out. I managed to tell the computer to close the door as they pulled me but was out before it shut. Just then I heard a large WHUMP and glancing back saw that Hirato had also crashed right behind all of us. I broke free as they seemed startled by all these 'flying machines' hitting the ground and headed back to my ship yelling for Hirato to stay put, only he just saw me running and in his dazed condition left his ship to help me. By now these savages had recovered and caught us both and started hitting us. Just then Jaimie came diving down out of the sky," and Gates stopped talking to look over at her. She was sitting with her eyes tightly closed.

"Anyway, Jaimie came down and started firing her Phasers, a strict 'no no' in time travel, but she was firing with everything she had. Killed a lot of them and frightened the rest and as they ran they started yelling about 'fire from the sky.' But Jaimie swung around and came roaring down after them again, firing without letup and I could tell from the way she was swooping and diving, along with the constant firing, that she was one angry woman! She made a third run at them, then swung down beside our ships and made a very fast landing in those rocks and somehow just a few feet away from us. She came running out, and yelled for me to get Randall and she grabbed Jeremiah's arms and started pulling him towards her plane.

"Meanwhile Hirato was pretty woozy and was trying to crawl toward us so we went back for him but the savages bolstered their courage and started attacking again just as we reached Hirato. The only weapons we had were the rocks and as Jaimie tried to help Hirato toward her ship I threw rocks at them. Finally it reached a point where both Jaimie and Hirato, as dazed as he was, were also throwing rocks in order to defend themselves as we got isolated from each other and were each fighting for our very lives. Some of those savages were braver than others and got close enough to get in several bashes on all of us. Finally we were inside Jaimie's ship, with only one person still missing - Miller. His ship was pretty well compacted and we knew those mad animals couldn't get to him, so we proceeded to medicate ourselves as best we could and Jaimie, seeing both Randall and Jeremiah were dead, administered the Preservative Hypo. Meanwhile those beasts were hammering at the ship with their clubs and rocks.

"Jaimie then checked the instrument panel to see if we could lift off. Seems she knew she might have damaged the ship on those rocks and she was right. Readings indicated the engines were damaged and we just looked at another and knew we were trapped right there until, and if, those savages left. But they kept banging on the ship for hours and Jaimie became concerned they would accidentally hit the button that opens the hatch.

"Twice Jaimie rigged up an electric charge through the hull, but it only scared them from crawling onto the ship. They were totally mad, such looks in their eyes I can't even begin to describe. Maybe whatever it was in that area that disabled our ships was causing their behavior, I don't know and we'll never know, but it was some unexplained phenomenon that I for one don't care to experience again.

"Finally it started getting dark and they suddenly stopped hammering on the ship and headed for the hills. It was if night signaled something to them – maybe a superstition or something, but whatever, once darkness fell they stopped attacking. Once we were sure they were gone we slipped out of the ship and over to Jeremiah's, which beside Jaimie's was the least damaged and started scavenging everything we could . . . conduits, gel packs, power cells, circuit boards, medical supplies, everything! Made three trips and pretty well had the inside a shell, so on the fourth trip we started pulling an engine apart, and that noise attracted those beasts and even though it was very dark they came running back and started the attack all over again. This is when Hirato got hurt the worst tying to protect us while we hurried to get the engine parts into the ship.

"While they pounded on the ship Jaimie manually locked the door so if they hit the right panel outside, the door wouldn't open and we then feverishly commenced making repairs on Jaimie's ship and stowing things we knew we'd need later. Jaimie had already determined we would repair only enough to 'jump' out of that area, but the engines were the critical factor on that. After a couple of hours our 'friends' tired and headed into the hills again, so Hirato and I stood guard, with a pile of rocks at our feet," he said with a grin, "while Jaimie worked on the damaged engine. Occasionally she would ask for one of us to help her, but with Hirato's broken ribs and concussion and my broken arm and damaged ankle I don't know that we were that much help.

"Through it all though, Jaimie kept repeating over and over that we were going to get home. When she started working on the Communication stuff I told her she was crazy as a loon, but she kept working and trying to develop a way to bend time and contact you. As I said before it was sheer willpower on her part that she accomplished that impossible task!" Gates chuckled then. "I asked Jaimie last night how she did it, that Starfleet could use that information and do you know what she said?" He laughed loudly and said, "She shrugged her shoulders and said, 'I have no idea other than a little spit, a lot of swear words and a couple of knuckle sandwiches. That with the willpower you keep mentioning was communication enough I guess'."

Everyone laughed as they looked at Jaimie who finally smiled. "Well the Communications Panel got the message . . . it worked!"

After everyone stopped laughing, Gates continued with his tale of horror. "Jaimie had finished what repairs we could make, but she refused to leave without Captain Miller's body, so we again snuck over to his ship and with Hirato standing guard we managed to pry open the back escape hatch just large enough to slip in, without too much noise, retrieved Miller, then made a second trip back for Medical Supplies and a little more scavenging. As soon as we got back from that Jaimie sent you that message that we were going to attempt to leave. Jaimie felt the repairs had given us about a minute of jump after we opened the rift, if we could open the rift.

"So, while we all said a few prayers and crossed out fingers Jaimie set about firing up the engines. They worked, and this sound brought those animals back to the ships. But the computer was offline so she had to manually, and from memory mind you, program the jump, and all the while those savages were again battering the ship. We lifted off and one by one tractored the other ships . . . the tractor beam was about the only thing that hadn't been severely damaged . . . because we not only needed parts from them, but also couldn't leave them! We had one scary moment when the weight of all those ships against our makeshift repairs almost brought us down, but Jaimie willed the ship to fly, we opened the rift and went through. The 'burn' lasted a little longer than a minute so we had no idea where we were going to end up. For all we knew we could have overshot our own century!"

Gates took a sip of water then continued his story. "When the jump ended and we saw planet Earth we actually cheered, because we knew we hadn't gone off into the galaxy somewhere. At that moment we also didn't care what century because we could pick a desolate area on which to land, and after repairs be able to somehow find our way back, so Jaimie started down, and the sensors found a large desert area that seemed to have a lot of minerals. She did the same thing there about releasing the ships, only she went even lower if you can believe that!!" Gates shook his head in wonder as he once again glanced over at Jaimie, lying silently in her bed. "Anyway we finally figured out we were in 19th century Earth, about the early 1860's, maybe Nevada, so felt pretty safe about not being seen in that area.

"As we were basically in the middle of nowhere we were able to get out and really take a look at the ship and what we saw made us absolutely amazed that we were able even get off the ground from that hell hole let alone fly and go through the rift. It was Jaimie's skill with that ship that did it too. She can do more with that ship of hers . . . well that's another story," he said as he looked over at Jaimie with open admiration.

"We were there four days making repairs. You wont believe some of the patchwork we did – well maybe you do now after seeing the ship - but Jaimie kept saying it would work. We also used the ship's phasers to cut up Sutton and Miller's tangled ships and stored the pieces in Hirato's and my ships. By the time we got through scavenging them for more parts they weren't anymore than hulks, which helped lighten the load a lot. Besides, we couldn't leave even a rivet behind. About the biggest personal problem we had was lack of water, and as the Doc probably told you we were pretty dehydrated.

"At the end of four days we felt we were as ready as we ever would be. Tests seemed to indicate everything would be okay, so Jaimie tried contacting you again, with however she was doing it, and you were loud and clear. After that we took off and gave all you folks a show on how not land a ship!"

"Oh come on Gates," muttered Jaimie. "You are just never going to let me live that down are you?"

"Never in a million years, Jaimie," he said as he started laughing uproariously.

"Thanks for telling us the story," said Kolobek after everyone had settled down. "We all needed to hear that and now I understand what mom meant by attack." Turning to Jaimie, he said, "Mom you had every right to do what you did, and if Starfleet doesn't agree they can stick it - I'll resign!"

Hirato, who had sat silently through the whole tale, leaned forward. "Gates inferred this, but I want to reiterate that if it weren't for mom we would all be dead back there. I wish I had her courage . . . she refused to let us give up, she fought those beasts like mad even while she was taking a beating; she refused to leave until we retrieved Captain Miller; she 'willed' that plane to fly and you all saw it - it should never have gotten off the ground. If you could have seen the inside of her ship you would be absolutely flabbergasted at how some things were put together, yet they worked. Starfleet doesn't know what they have in her, but I for one know I have the best mom in the world and it was ONLY through her we survived and got back."

"Amen to that," said Kolobek.

Jaimie looked over at Hirato, her face flushed. "You are embarrassing me son."

"Good. It's about time you realized how special you are," he said with a big smile.

"Kathryn and I have realized for sometime how very special Jaimie is," said Chakotay as he put his arms around Kathryn and kissed her cheek, "But I have to add that Jaimie got some of that stubbornness from someone I love very much."

"Now you are embarrassing me, sweetheart," said Kathryn as she blushed.

"Tit for tat, Kathryn," called out Jaimie from deep in the pillows, causing everyone to laugh.

"Well, everyone," said Kolobek as he stood, "Let's let these 'helpless' people get some rest. Oh and by the way, Kathryn and Chakotay. Starfleet is well on it's way of building another Timeship, but it will take awhile yet, so until then you might as well enjoy yourself. Catch up on your rest all of you," and after hugs all around, Kolobek, Katelyn and Vickie left for their homes.

* * *

The next day the Starfleet Intelligence Inquiry Board, led by Captain Taylor, started their investigation of the incident, eliciting more bad memories and a few angry words as their questions dug deep and even questioned the truthfulness of the answers. After lasting for three days their story was accepted, but not just accepted, as they all had accolades put in their Personnel Jackets. Jaimie's use of Phasers, although frowned on publicly, was accepted in lieu of the fact these were very primitive people, isolated by terrain, possibly affected by some unknown force in the area and nothing was left behind. Privately, Captain Taylor told Jaimie he would have done the same thing, maybe even Photon Torpedoes if the ships had been equipped with them. Jaimie silently accepted this statement, then nodded in appreciation.

Although the stories were accepted as fact and no reprimands given, the inquiry did not help with the healing process of the loss of a brother, husband, brother-in-law, friend and shipmate. Those scars would remain embedded in their memories forever. Kathryn, Chakotay and Jaimie, along with Gates and Hirato spent a great deal of time talking about the dangers of being in Starfleet and the possible loss of a loved one hanging over their heads at all times.

Meanwhile, after the inquisition, Kolobek, along with Katelyn, Vickie, Carolyn and the children, visited each day. Gates and Hirato were finally released from the hospital, but with Kathryn and Chakotay 'stuck' in that back room until a ship was built, Jaimie elected to 'play the invalid' and remained in Sick Bay. During one of the visits, Vickie announced she was pregnant, but tearfully said Jeremiah would never know. Jaimie solemnly said, "He knows, Vickie. I guarantee you - he knows."

Two weeks after their celebrated return, Kolobek walked into Sick Bay one morning and announced a new Timeship had been completed and tested, and that Starfleet was actually requesting Kathryn and Chakotay to 'think seriously about returning home'. "I think they are getting nervous," Kolobek said after he stopped laughing. Jaimie said she wanted a test run first and she and Kolobek left immediately for the hangar.

Kathryn and Chakotay walked back to 'their room' as everyone called it and Chakotay said, "It will be good to get home and see our children, wont it sweetheart? Our return will be just one day before they get home from their Junior Survival Camp outing."

"Indeed it will," said Kathryn with a hint of wistfulness in her tone. The two then lay down and took a nap while waiting for Jaimie's return.

Upon her return, Jaimie pronounced the ship was in good shape, "although not nearly as good as mine used to be," and suggested an early morning departure to return Kathryn and Chakotay. That evening Kolobek arrived, had them cloak, and along with Jaimie went to Hirato and Carolyn's home for an outdoor barbecue. All the families were there, including the children who were running all over the place.

"Children are so resilient aren't they?" said Kathryn to Hirato.

"Yes, it's their innocence that does it though. They all know their dad's are gone, but I think deep down inside they keep feeling they might come back. The reality hasn't sunk in with all of them yet. At that moment Brianna came running over to Kathryn with her arms outstretched, and saying "Grandma Kathryn!" Kathryn smiled and picked her up, receiving a kiss on the cheek from Brianna even as she continued her conversation with Hirato.

"Katelyn seems to be doing well, better than I expected. And Vickie is holding up marvelously, especially in lieu of the fact she discovered she's pregnant after Jeremiah's death."

"Vickie has the three young kids to keep her busy. I imagine the nights are bad though. She'll be okay . . . her Nurse's training helps her somewhat. As for Katelyn, she has someone's genes that have a great deal of inner strength," he said as his eyes twinkled, "But one of us spends the night with her and we'll be doing that for awhile."

Kathryn nodded and looked around as she rubbed Brianna's back. "I'm worried about Jaimie though. Something has gone out of her eyes. And to go through what she has at her age, it's . . . she's an absolute marvel."

"We're all concerned about her. She has taken this tragedy very personally and although she won't admit it, Jeremiah was her favorite Grandson. It's going to take her quite awhile to accept things, and wouldn't surprise me at all if she went back into TT for awhile, thinking she has to prove herself again."

"She doesn't need to prove herself to anyone Hirato!" said Kathryn emphatically. At that moment Brianna indicated she would go sit with 'Grandma Jaimie' and after Kathryn put her down, ran off to where Jaimie was sitting and crawled up on her lap.

Hirato smiled at this then answered Kathryn. "I agree. But all we can do is love her and go along with whatever she decides to do. Don't be surprised if she pops up at your doorstep sometime and spends a week or so," he said with a laugh. "Although your timeline is certainly getting 'chancy' he added with a smirk.

Kathryn laughed as she responded with, "Chakotay and I would love it if she did visit.

The evening was a happy, festive occasion for all, with lots of food, talk and laughter - at least on the outside.

* * *

Dawn was just starting to show itself when Jaimie and Kolobek walked into Sick Bay. Gates was next to arrive, followed in short order by Hirato and Katelyn. The windows were shuttered, the door closed and Kathryn and Chakotay were awakened. While they dressed, Chakotay back into the clothes he was wearing when they arrived and Kathryn into one of Jaimie's old uniforms, Kolobek left, returning shortly with a huge tray of food, plus two pots of coffee, much to Kathryn's delight. As Kolobek handed her a cup she breathed deep of the aroma, at which Chakotay just smiled.

Following breakfast, while Katelyn gathered up all the plates, Kolobek, Jaimie and Gates stood off to onside, engaged in a deep, quiet conversation. Finally nodding their heads, Jaimie turned and walked to Kathryn and Chakotay.

"Well you guys ready to return home?"

"You know," said Chakotay, "We've been here to this century twice now and something has happened each time. No offense, but I think our century is much quieter. Yes, definitely, Kathryn and I are ready to return home."

"You might consider," said Jaimie as rolled her eyes at Chakotay's statement, "That it's all your fault!" Then laughing she told them to get their Wristlets on and they would be on their way.

After donning the Wristlets, Jaimie set the new coordinates, Kathryn and Chakotay hugged and kissed Katelyn and Kolobek, with Kolobek saying how great it was to see them, then Chakotay thanked Doctor Jamison profusely for saving Kathryn's life. As Hirato hugged Kathryn he said shyly and with his face flushing, "I am so proud to be your 12th Great Grandson, and I will never, ever forget meeting you. Everything everyone says about you two and your love is true. I love you both, please take care of yourself."

"Oh Great Spirits," said Jaimie rolling her eyes. "First Hirato doesn't say anything and now he gets maudlin and wont shut up. Be quiet Hirato, we have to go." Kathryn laughed and kissed Hirato, and again he blushed.

After a final goodbye wave to everyone they pushed the button on their wristlets and disappeared, reappearing in the new Timeship. Jaimie started to move up front and stopped. "Blast!" she said. "I forgot I have to sign out. Stay in the back of the ship," opened the hatch and hopping out ran over to a Lt who was heading her way with a PADD in his hand. She initialed it and turned back to the ship.

"Have a good trip Jaimie," said Ensign Shannon with a wink. Jaimie hesitated and frowned, and Shannon finished with "And make sure our guests get home safely!"

"Blast!" said Jaimie. "The Starfleet grapevine is as good as ever!"

"You better believe it Jaimie," said the Ensign with a laugh as Jaimie entered the ship and sealed the hatch. As she sat down at her console she laughed. "So much for secrecy."

Once the engines were online Jaimie slowly raised the ship and turned towards the massive exit. As she started gliding Colonel Gates came charging out of the building door waving his arms for her to stop, and pointed to himself and the ship, indicating he wanted to go with her. Jaimie scowled furiously, but settled the ship down and opened the hatch. Gates quickly hopped in but before the door shut the Ensign outside heard Jaimie say, "I can't get away from you for one minute can I Gates!" To which Gates was heard to reply, "I just don't want you crashing another ship!" The Ensign laughed as he walked up to a Crewman and passed on what he had heard.

* * *

"Well there is your Earth, you guys," called out Jaimie a short time later. As they peered down Kathryn smiled. "I will never get over how beautiful Earth looks from up here."

"Me either, sweetheart," answered Chakotay as he slipped his arm around her shoulders.

Jaimie positioned the ship and shortly said, "Well if I have the coordinates right we will be in your home in a few seconds, and if I don't, someone's in for a big surprise!" Rising she went back to the three and said "Everyone ready?"

Kathryn and Chakotay stood and automatically held out their wrists for Jaimie to punch in the coordinates while she told Gates what they were. When all four were ready they transported down to the house, appearing in the front room.

"Well guys, one last hug then Gates and I have to skedaddle back," she said as she gave Kathryn a hug, while Gates did the same with Chakotay. However, unbeknownst to them, both Gates and Jaimie had miniature hypos and simultaneously pierced Kathryn and Chakotay's necks and they immediately went limp.

As Jaimie hoisted Kathryn on her shoulder she heard Gates complain that they were supposed to appear in the bedroom so they wouldn't have to carry them.

"Oh hush Gates, you're just getting weak in your old age, besides it's only a few steps. Arriving in the bedroom, Jaimie lay Kathryn down on the bed and had Gates prop Chakotay in the chair. After finding a nightgown and having Gates leave the room, Jaimie changed Kathryn's clothes, had Gates return and help place her back into the bed. After pulling up the sheets Jaimie placed the blanket on the bed they had wrapped Kathryn in for the trip to the 29th Century. "Hope we didn't forget anything, Jaimie," said

Gates.

"About the only problem might be Tom and B'Elanna if they came to visit and no one was here. That will cause some confusion with Kathryn and Chakotay, and they will know something happened, but not exactly what. I'm just sorry we had to give them the 'oops' shots to erase the last two and a half weeks from their memory. Just tell me Gates, what did they learn anyway? That the belts are now wristlets, that time travelers have problems, that people die . . ." and then she went quiet. Gates patted her arm but didn't say anything, knowing there really wasn't anything he could say that would help in the grief Jaimie felt.

"I know, Jaimie, I know," he finally whispered, "It's just a precaution, you know that." She nodded and looked down at Kathryn.

Finally Gates got the conversation back to what they were doing. "It would have been much simpler to 'backstep' I know, but there were just too many variables," Gates said quietly while again patting Jaimie on the arm. "This way they just don't remember and think they've gone through the last period of time in a daze."

Jaimie took a deep breath then placed Kathryn's hand in Chakotay's, and they gently leaned him forward so his head was laying on the side of the bed. Stepping back she surveyed the scene and nodded her head, saying it looked pretty much the same as when she arrived. Stepping over to Kathryn she leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

"I love you Kathryn," she said softly, then turning to Chakotay kissed him on the cheek, patted his head and said "I love you too, handsome, take care of your wife. She'll wake up feeling good as new."

Stepping back beside Gates they entered the coordinates to return to the ship then Jaimie watched her calibrated 'time' sensor. At the precise moment she punched a button, waited a second as she watched Kathryn, then both cloaked and stood waiting to see what happened.

Kathryn moaned and stirred in the bed, causing Chakotay to quickly become alert.

"Hi honey," said Kathryn with a smile. Suddenly her eyes opened wide and she raised her head and looked around, then followed that by sitting up, much to Chakotay's amazement.

"Honey! I feel so much better what happened?"

"You look better, too, your color is back," said Chakotay with a big smile.

Kathryn positioned herself on the edge of the bed and as Chakotay offered his hand, she slowly stood up. Looking at him she said, "I feel simply marvelous!"

"Oh Great Spirits, it's a miracle," said Chakotay as he put his arms around her and pulled her tight against him while kissing her.

"How about a cup of coffee at our breakfast table to celebrate?" said Kathryn after a few moments of happiness of feeling Chakotay's arms around her.

"Sounds wonderful to me," he said, and they started to walk out of the room.

"Guess you don't need to contact Jaimie after all," giggled Kathryn.

"Guess not. Maybe it was the thought . . . she must have reached out through time and space and healed you!"

Both, with their arms around each other, laughed in delight at this 'miracle' as they entered the kitchen.

Jaimie, silently watched this scene with a big smile and tears streaming down both cheeks. Gates looked at her with a shocked look on his face as he saw the tears and whispered, "Well I'll be damned . . ."

Jaimie furiously punched her Wristlet and as they appeared on the ship whirled to face Gates even as she wiped the tears away. "Not one word Gates!" she hissed.

He stood and smiled.

"I'm warning you Gates, one word and I'll skin you alive!"

He just stood looking at her with an ever-widening grin, until he looked like the proverbial Cheshire cat.

Jaimie wiped the remnants of tears off her cheeks and stomped to her pilot's seat, grumbling, "Now I suppose you'll never let me live that down either!"

Gates just continued to stand, hands on hips and grinning in absolute delight at what he had seen. Jaimie engaged the engines and the ship forward like a streak of light, sending Gates tumbling head over heels through the ship.

"Serves you right," she grumped as they entered the rift and headed home.

The End

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