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

The Jaimie Series - Part 10

Ashes Throughout Time

by Dee Price


Kathryn and Chakotay quietly held hands as they sat in the swing on the corner of their back porch, both looking out at the yard, which was in full bloom with all the flowers Chakotay had planted. The swing moved gently forward and back, due to Chakotay's one foot providing the occasional momentum.

It was evening and from their magnificent view they could see the edge of the sun just barely sitting above the horizon and the sky was still awash in a splendor of colors. Kathryn smiled in appreciation. "What a wonderful sight, sweetheart. It was a beautiful sunset tonight wasn't it?"

He squeezed her hand as he turned his head to look at her. "But no more beautiful than you. Have I told you I love you?"

Kathryn giggled. "Not for at least ten minutes," and they both laughed.

"Well I do love you, more each day and I will beyond eternity my love."

Kathryn scooted closer and laid her head on his shoulder as he slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her tight against him. They both seemed to heave a contented sigh in unison, and then laughed lightly at that. Both were near 70 now, but still in excellent health and spent the days working in the yard or visiting friends. Their four children were away on Starfleet missions, and although born relatively late in Kathryn and Chakotay's life, when they were in their mid 40's, had a closeness with their parents that most everyone not only admired but actually felt jealous of. Both Kathryn and Chakotay just smiled and said it was due to lots of love and affection, love of family, and not being afraid of expressing it.

Kathryn suddenly sat up as she heard their Com chirp, indicating an incoming call. Chakotay helped her stand then sat back down as she went inside. Occasionally he could hear her laugh, and smiled at the sound. He loved to hear Kathryn's laugh.

Soon she came back out and after sitting back down and again laying her head on Chakotay's shoulder said it was Tom, just checking up on them. Chakotay nodded his head and replied, "Probably B'Elanna put him up to it."

Quiet and solitude again engulfed them as they sat with their eyes closed, enjoying the feeling of being with each other at moments like this.

"Well now if that doesn't look like a couple of crotchety old codgers," came a voice from the side.

Both Kathryn and Chakotay's heads jerked up but before they even turned to see the source of the voice were chorusing, "Jaimie!"

"Nice to know you still remember the sound of my voice," she said as she walked up onto the porch.

Both Kathryn and Chakotay, with large smiles on their faces were now on their feet as Jaimie stepped up close and gave each a hug.

"So what have you guys been up to?" she asked.

Kathryn smirked at that and Jaimie frowned. "Oh come on Kathryn, give me a break. I don't know everything you guys do!"

Kathryn laughed and replied, "But there isn't much you don't know. For instance Chakotay and I could have been dead by now, but the fact you are here shows you knew we weren't!"

"Blast. Okay so I know your history," then she laughed. "Just tell me how you feel then."

Kathryn stood holding Jaimie's hands and looking at her. "Oh Jaimie it is so good to see you again," she said ignoring her question. "How long has it been anyway?"

A cloud seemed to pass through Jaimie's eyes, obliterating for a second the sparkle that was there. Finally she answered, "Ten years, Kathryn. Ten years from today actually." She looked down for a moment, and when she raised her head the pain was evident in her eyes.

"That was a terrible time, Jaimie," said Chakotay. When Jaimie seemed startled, he continued, "Kathryn and I suddenly remembered the whole situation one day – your 'oops' shot didn't last long – and talk of it on occasion, the losses you suffered. Yet despite everything you managed to somehow make it back."

Jaimie then sighed. "I told Dr Jamison the potion wasn't strong enough!" Then she shrugged her shoulders, smiled and nodded. "Yeah - life goes on, for some of us anyway, and for those of us who survive we make adjustments, cope with the losses and move forward."

"Care to tell us how everyone is - bring us up-to-date on all the news?" asked Kathryn.

"Okay," said Jaimie as she released Kathryn's hands and sat down on the porch facing the swing. After Kathryn and Chakotay were seated she said, "Well, first of all, you might like to know that Vickie did have a baby girl like Jeremiah wanted, and - they did name her Jaimie after guess who," she said with a smile.

"That is wonderful and very appropriate. How is Vickie doing . . . and her children . . . how did they cope with the loss of their father?"

"Chakotay and Kathryn took losing Jeremiah pretty hard, but Mahkayla was too young to really understand. Incidentally Chakotay has entered Starfleet Academy – he was accepted last year and is a first year Cadet now. Kathryn has also passed the exam and will start next year.

"Katelyn?" asked Kathryn and Jaimie hesitated a moment.

Fearful something bad had happened, Chakotay asked softly, "Is she all right? "

Jaimie slowly nodded. "Basically. As siblings she and Jeremiah were very close - very close . . . and she seemed to be affected the hardest of anyone. Losing Jeremiah plus her husband Randall . . . well it was like a delayed reaction with her and she suddenly needed a lot of help. Her kids Kolopak and Mahkayla have been a Godsend for her. Hardly left her side. It took a while - three years to be precise - she became her old self again. Hasn't re-married though and says she wont."

Everyone became quiet for a few minutes as they thought back to the horrible Time Travel disaster that occurred after Jaimie had taken Kathryn back to the 29th Century in order to save her life. Kathryn's life had been saved, but the ensuing Time Travel team accident took three lives total, and had obviously devastated everyone, not only the families but Starfleet as well.

At last Jaimie broke the silence. "Hirato and Carolyn are fine and send their love, and little Brianna isn't little anymore. Won't be long before she's heading for Starfleet. Plus they have two more children, Jeremiah and Daniel. Incidentally," and Jaimie smiled as she looked at Kathryn, "Periodically Brianna asks how 'Grandma Kathryn' is."

Kathryn broke into a large smile. "She remembers! She's in her teens now isn't she?"

"Next year," replied Jaimie as she smiled in a contented sort of way. "We have quite a family, and you two . . . well it's all your fault you know. The Chakotay-Kathryn legacy has endured for 500 years and at the rate everyone is having kids it's going to be around for another 500 years!" At that she burst out laughing and was joined by Kathryn and Chakotay.

Chakotay finally turned and looked at Kathryn. "And all because I waited for you."

Kathryn leaned over and kissed him on the cheek as she said, "Thank you sweetheart. I'm so glad you did."

"Oh now, don't get mushy in front of me, you two," groused Jaimie good-naturedly.

Kathryn smiled as she said "You haven't said anything about Kolobek or Cap . . . Colonel Gates. How are they?"

"Kolobek is fine. Actually found a woman awhile back and got married three years ago. Her name is Debra and she is a delightful lady. As for Gates - what can I say about him that I haven't already? He's as bad as ever and still in Starfleet, we argue every time we see one another and I hate him." Then she burst out laughing. "Just kidding. Gates is fine, says to tell you both hello and to please stay in the 24th Century!"

Chakotay and Kathryn burst out laughing at that. Yes our two trips to the 29th Century were rather eventful weren't they?"

Jaimie looked at them with a mischievous grin on her face, and blurted out, "More than twice." No sooner had she said that and noticed Kathryn and Chakotay's startled look, when a horrified expression crossed her face. "Blast!"

"We were in the 29th Century more than twice, Jaimie?" asked Chakotay with a sly grin on his face.

By now Jaimie had covered her face with both hands and was shaking her head back and forth. Looking up she said, "What is it about you two that makes me say something I shouldn't?"

Kathryn laughed. "Our honest faces?"

"Oh man. Okay, well yes you have been to the 29th Century more than twice, but I used an 'Oops' shot and a 'back time' process so you wouldn't remember."

Kathryn leaned forward and looking into Jaimie's eyes said, "Care to tell us about it? What problem did we cause that time?"

Jaimie got the most mischievous grin on her face that they had ever seen. "That time? More like every time! You see you guys have been back to the 29th Century . . . oh man should I really tell you? Yeah I guess after this long it wont hurt. You have actually been to my century three times and each time something bad has happened. That's why Gates said for you to stay here, not to mention tripping your timelines and having to straighten that out."

"Well now that you have brought it out in the open, how about filling us in?" asked Chakotay with a smile.

"I am so bad," said Jaimie criticizing herself. "Okay let me reminisce a minute here . . . the first time I saw you was when I saved your lives and I was only 70 years old."

"Did you take us back then? I don't remember," said Kathryn.

"No the next time I saw you - well actually Q was helping. Okay - I had been shot and was in pretty bad shape and Q got you guys to help get me to my ship but I wasn't in any condition to fly so you had to take me to the 29th Century. Then my son Roman proceeded to kidnap you with the intent on killing you . . ."

"Roman! Kidnap? Kill us?" said Chakotay. "But that . . ."

"Yeah I know, and he knew too, it was just something he believed in, that to kill you two would stop the Starfleet persecution of the Maquis over the centuries. The fact none of us would have existed meant nothing to him - at least at that moment. He later apologized."

"We were kidnapped, Jaimie?" asked Kathryn in her attempt to get the whole story.

"Yes, after you got me back to the hospital Jeremiah and Katelyn took you to my home to stay until I healed enough to take you back, but Roman had other plans and broke into my house and kidnapped you. Lucky for me I had a good memory and remembered where he used to play as a child in a deserted part of the old city. That's where he held you, but we managed to find you and prevent the killing, then when I brought you back I applied an 'oops' shot and back timed the event so you didn't know about it and everything was fine."

"I don't even think I want to ask for more details," said Chakotay.

Jaimie laughed. "Please don't. The next time was Kobe's funeral, which I talked Starfleet Admiral Kappa into letting you remember, and even though they were against it, they finally agreed."

"But nothing happened to us?" asked Kathryn.

"No, not you, but I spent another week in the hospital after taking you home, was suspended for a month, ordered to rehab for another month and had a reprimand placed in my personnel jacket."

Oh Jaimie, I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Kathryn.

Jaimie waved her hand. "That's okay. It should have happened before that. In truth I've gotten away with a lot. I think I had the entire staff of Admiral's bluffed because I taught all of them at one time or another. Then ten years went by and you sent word to me about Kathryn and I brought you back to solve her health problem and we had that Time Travel nightmare, which you now tell me you remember, and now ten years later here I am again. So there you have it, the last twenty-five years of your life in a 'nutshell' so to speak. Man, do you realize when you first saw me I was 70 and now I'm 95! Blast, tempest fugit."

"What have you been doing for the last ten years? You haven't stopped to visit once," said Chakotay.

"Well really, handsome, every time we got together something happened," said Jaimie with a laugh. "I did go back into TT for awhile, for three years to be exact, to work off the incident, and it took a lot of restraint to not stop by. Just felt it was better I didn't make contact." She grinned and added, "But I did sneak a peek or two with my sensors a few times."

"You must have been that UFO Starfleet mentioned," laughed Chakotay.

"As a matter of fact I was," said Jaimie as she doubled over laughing. "Your sensors are so bad they couldn't . . ." and her laughter ended the sentence.

"So what do we owe the honor of this visit and how long can you stay?" asked Chakotay.

"Just visiting for a few hours," she said after a brief hesitation. "Wanted to see you one last time, as I'm not in TT anymore. You really shouldn't know I even exist, you know that don't you?"

They both nodded and Kathryn said, "But we feel so privileged that we do, Jaimie," and she reached out her hand to Jaimie's shoulder and squeezed. Kathryn and Chakotay silently looked at Jaimie, absorbing the reality of visiting with someone who wouldn't even be born for 500 years. "This is absolutely amazing," she whispered.

The three sat and talked for two hours, moving inside when dusk and the chilly night air set in. Around 2300 hours there was a soft knock on the door and as Kathryn moved to answer she mused, "Who can be calling at this hour?" Jaimie rose and silently moved to a position near Chakotay.

Upon opening the door Kathryn saw the solemn face of Admiral McIntyre, Commander of Away Missions. "Good evening Admiral Janeway, I'm sorry to disturb you at this late hour . . ."

Kathryn gasped, her sixth sense kicking in and quickly looked at Chakotay who moved beside her and slipped his arm around her shoulders. "What is it Admiral?" asked Chakotay softly.

"There isn't an easy way to say this, but I have the unfortunate task to tell you that your son Adam was killed earlier this afternoon in an accident aboard the USS Roosevelt. I'm very sorry."

Chakotay's arm tightened around Kathryn, in a sense holding her up as he felt her knees weaken. They talked to the Admiral a few moments then as he left and they shut the door, Kathryn turned and looked at Jaimie who was standing with a stricken look on her face in the middle of the room.

"You knew," whispered Kathryn. "That's why you are here." Jaimie just nodded her head.

Kathryn turned into Chakotay's arms and a deafening silence filled the room, broken at last by a few muffled sobs. Finally Kathryn straightened and turned to again look at Jaimie.

"You could have saved him!"

"You know I couldn't do that Kathryn," said Jaimie softly.

"Yes you could have. You could have saved Adam and you didn't!"

"Kathryn, please. If I had, everything would have changed."

"I don't care - you could have saved our son and you didn't and now he's dead!" shouted Kathryn angrily.

Chakotay tightened his arms around Kathryn as Jaimie looked at him with a helpless look on her face.

"Sweetheart," he said. "Jaimie's right. She couldn't save him, it would change history."

Kathryn jerked away from Chakotay, her eyes not only full of tears, but raging anger. "I don't want to hear that, Chakotay. Our son is dead and she could have prevented it!"

Jaimie stepped toward Kathryn. "If I had saved Adam everything - the entire Chakotay legacy would be changed, Kathryn, you know that! Even I would never have existed, but that's not the important thing. What is important is that history would be changed. I checked both timelines, even though I really shouldn't have, and there would be some very dark moments in history just by saving Adam's life. As hard as that is to believe, it's true.

"Besides, it's the natural order of events and we are not allowed to interfere with that." Jaimie reached out and touched Kathryn's shoulder only to have her angrily jerk away and walk to the patio door. Jaimie stood and looked at her for a moment and then looked at Chakotay. She saw he was as devastated as Kathryn at the loss of his son, yet understood her dilemma.

Long moments passed and finally Kathryn turned, looked at Chakotay and walked to him. He encircled her with his arms and soon she was sobbing. He buried his head in her hair, holding her tightly and Jaimie could tell that he, too, was crying. Quietly she walked out the door and across the grass, finally sitting down on the ground by the Maple tree. Wrapping her arms around her legs she lowered her head to her knees, closed her eyes and waited.

Ten minutes later Jaimie heard them walking across the porch and soon sensed them standing beside her. She looked up and even in the moonlight could see Kathryn's tear-stained face.

"I'm sorry Jaimie. I shouldn't have lashed out at you like that."

Jaimie rose and the two immediately put their arms around each other. "That's okay Kathryn," said Jaimie quietly. "I understand. Let's go back and sit on the porch," and the three walked back and sat in the swing, with Jaimie in the middle holding each of their hands.

"I'm very sorry for you both. I came because I not only knew of this event, but I also felt a need to be with the two of you at this time. It's one of the toughest things for a parent to face - losing a child. I know, Kathryn, I've been there - twice, and I want you to know that despite the horrible wrenching pain you and Chakotay are feeling right now you will be okay. The human spirit just finds a way to regroup and go on."

Kathryn nodded and looked at Jaimie. "Jonathan and Katie?"

Jaimie smiled at that question. Kathryn was trying to make sure they were going to be all right. "They will be okay," was all she allowed herself to say. The three sat silently for a long time then Jaimie stood and sat down on the deck facing them.

"I saw Adam before the event," she said quietly.

Both Chakotay and Kathryn gave her a startled look. "Today? Before he died?" asked Kathryn.

"Yes. I stopped at the Roosevelt and was watching him." She hesitated on what else she wanted to say then forged ahead, feeling it might be helpful. "He was happy, having a good time and laughing hard at something his friend Jake was telling him, when this bolt of energy zapped out from the console he was working on and hit him square in the chest - right in the heart. He was gone immediately, before he even hit the deck, but as he lay there he still had a soft smile on his face. For all intents and purposes he didn't know what hit him . . . he didn't experience any pain, it was very quick."

"I'm glad he didn't suffer," said Kathryn softly. The Com chirped and Chakotay said he would get it, as it might be either Jonathan or Katie having heard the news. Starfleet was good at quickly notifying family members about such things, and he went inside. Kathryn looked down at Jaimie.

"Thank you for telling us, Jaimie, and again I apologize. I know you have gone through this and yet you were so strong."

"Maybe I looked strong on the outside, but not inside, Kathryn. I was devastated. You just didn't see me at night. Cried myself to sleep for weeks," she said with a soft smile. "But I had to keep up that infernal 'tough Jaimie' facade in public," she added with a sarcastic laugh.

Chakotay was gone for sometime before calling to Kathryn and she went in. After a period of time they both stepped back out on the porch, their faces again showing tears. "It was Jonathan," said Chakotay, "Then Katie joined in on a three-way so we all had our tears. They are being provided emergency transport and will be home tomorrow."

Jaimie nodded. "Well I have to leave soon anyway. Just wanted to be sure you two weren't alone when the news came."

"You can't stay and meet them?" asked Kathryn.

Jaimie grinned and started to open her mouth, then stopped and just shook her head.

Chakotay got a small smile on his lips. "Almost a smart retort that got nipped, eh Jaimie?"

She smiled. "Not the time for my sense of humor." She stood and all three moved inside and Kathryn fixed some tea. During this time Jaimie pulled a Padd from her pocket. "I told you ten years ago about the Chakotay family chart. I can let you take a quick look at this," and she handed it to Chakotay.

As he and Kathryn looked at it and scrolled down they saw the entire Chakotay Pedigree from themselves through Jeremiah. Their eyes misted as they read through all the names. "These are all our descendents?" asked Kathryn.

Jaimie couldn't contain herself and laughed. "Every single one of them," she said as she reached out and took the Padd back.

"We can't have a copy I guess," started Kathryn, and then added, "No of course not."

"Got that right," said Jaimie. "Well I really must leave," she said rising. "Take care of yourselves. You have a rough time coming for a while, but you'll be okay. As this will likely be the last time you will ever see me, just remember, I love you both. It's been a heck of a lot of fun knowing you."

"We wont see you again?" asked Chakotay.

"Well it's been ten years since the last time. . . . in another ten years I'm in my hundreds - nah I'll be dead before then," she said with a laugh. "Seriously, no, you wont see me again unless you come to my funeral. Of course that would involve a lot of red tape." After giving them both a hug she smiled, said, "I love you both," and was gone.

* * *

The days ahead were hard for the Chakotay family. Jonathan and Katie arrived home just before Adam's remains did, and they were able to help their parents make all the arrangements. A month later both had to report back to duty and as Kathryn and Chakotay sat quietly in their swing Kathryn suddenly said, "Honey, when Jaimie was bidding us goodbye a month ago, did you get the feeling that she felt she wasn't going to be around much longer?"

"Can't say that I did. Both our minds were on Adam, though. Maybe that's why you feel that way. But she did say she wasn't in TT anymore, this was just one last visit. I think it's your imagination, hon."

"I don't know, but later after I got over the shock of Adam's death I started thinking about that conversation. I know it happens to all of us sooner or later, but I can't help feeling - she just seems so indestructible."

"Well, if we are still alive whenever Jaimie dies, I somehow have the feeling that someone will tell us one way or another. But I don't think it will be anytime soon. She's too tough to give in to 'father time'."

Kathryn laughed and nodded then snuggled into Chakotay's arms.

* * *

The years slowly drifted by until it was ten years from the time Adam had died. Chakotay and Kathryn eventually accepted Adam's death, although it had been hard on them, losing their first-born son. Gradually they moved on with their lives, spending a great deal of time in volunteering in community activities, serving as Ambassadors for various Starfleet functions, and working in their backyard. It was Chakotay's pride and joy and most neighbors thought it the best in the neighborhood. Also during this time Jonathan and Katie had married and started families, and both Chakotay and Kathryn reveled in their grandchildren.

As to Jaimie, they missed her of course, and in the evenings often reminisced about her, trying desperately at times to remember the names they had seen on the Pedigree chart she had briefly shown them. They laughed about all her transgressions on their behalf and wistfully wished they could see her again, as well as wondering if she was all right.

On this particular morning they were reminiscing again, lovingly recalling how she had broken the Prime Directive when Kathryn was ill by taking her to the 29th Century, when suddenly there was a small coughing noise in front of where they were sitting and Gates appeared.

His hair was gray now, almost white in some areas, and he was in civilian clothes, not Starfleet, but still looked young and healthy. Smiling, he said, "Kathryn, Chakotay - I hope I didn't startle you. I actually considered transporting outside your front door and knocking, but then that would be rather silly wouldn't it? So I just made a little noise indicating my arrival instead."

Although Kathryn smiled as she rose with Chakotay's assistance, her voice was tentative as she said, "Colonel Gates, it's good to see you again." She and Chakotay looked closely at him, sensing this wasn't just a visit.

"She's gone isn't she," asked Chakotay.

Gates nodded his head. "Two nights ago, apparently in her sleep, as the Doctor found no signs of duress. Katelyn contacts her every morning and when she didn't answer that morning went to her home and found her in bed."

Kathryn had grabbed hold of Chakotay's arm at the news and quietly asked, "Was she ill?"

"No, not really. She was 105 years old, and had a few minor problems the last two years, but I was with her that very afternoon and she seemed fine. However, when I think back now I realize she must have felt something because she wanted to go on 'one last flight' as she termed it, in Voyager 2, her Time Ship. At the time I just thought she meant she wouldn't be flying anymore."

"Well at least she didn't suffer, and she was elderly."

"On the contrary Chakotay. Your line lives into the l30-l40 range so she died relatively young in that regard. The Doctor thinks it was a combination of her age plus all the wear and tear she gave her body. She pushed herself to extreme at times because she was so gifted physically. Maybe everything just caught up with her."

Kathryn turned to Chakotay and put her head on his shoulder as he slipped his arms around her. "It just doesn't seem possible she's gone," she said her voice breaking. "Jaimie was such a survivor. I will miss her so much."

Gates smiled. "Just remember you really should never have even known her, but she loved you and Voyager so much, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep her from making contact. I actually marvel at how I prevented it for so long."

"We are grateful and honored to have known her," said Chakotay. "Thank you for coming to let us know. We were actually reminiscing about her when you arrived."

"I know," said Gates with a chuckle. "I heard you. But, the main reason I'm here . . . if you will gather a few items, I will take you back with me - your presence is requested at her service this afternoon."

"Really! You can take us back?" asked Kathryn.

"Yep. The Admirals have even approved it."

"You won't back time or 'oops' us?" asked Chakotay with a smile.

"Promise," said Gates with a chuckle.

"How much time do we have? Can I make you some tea while I gather up things, and oh, what should we wear?" said Kathryn.

"Tea sounds good and all of Starfleet and the Cadets will be in their Dress Whites. Just wear your best if you still have it, otherwise whatever you want, you know Jaimie never stood on ceremony."

One hour later the three beamed up to Gates' ship and they started their journey to the 29th Century to pay their final respects to Jaimie.

* * *

After Gates docked the ship the three of them beamed to Gates' office where he slipped into a side room and changed into his Dress Whites. As he walked back into the room Kathryn looked at him and smiled. "You know, Chakotay and I have never known you by anything but Gates. May I inquire your first name?"

Gates laughed. "Don't know as I can remember it. Jaimie didn't call me anything but Gates from the moment I met her and everyone else addresses me by my rank. But," and he smiled, "For your information my name is Martin . . . Martin Luther King Gates to be exact. My parents named me after that great statesman of the 20th Century."

"That's wonderful," said Kathryn. "I remember reading about him, and his death was such a tragedy. Do you mind if I call you Martin?"

"If you wish, but I'm so used to being called Gates, that is fine, too. Well, it's time - better go down to the reception room. You will see Jaimie's family there," and he walked to the door and held it open for them.

As they entered the reception room it was almost wall-to-wall people, all talking in hushed tones. The first person to see them was Kolobek and he immediately came over and hugged them both. "I'm so glad you could come. Mom specifically asked for you to be present," he said. Hirato and Katelyn also hustled over to greet and hug them and Kathryn and Chakotay both marveled at their composure. Jaimie had been such a special person to them, so she knew they were suffering greatly inside.

A rapping on the door was heard and as Kolobek opened it a Cadet stood there at attention. "It is time sir, it's l345 hours," he said. Kolobek nodded and turned to the room, made the announcement and everyone started for the door.

At the Assembly Hall entrance, Kolobek had Kathryn and Chakotay stand beside him. Hirato, Katelyn and Gates were next, and the rest of the family formed in behind them. A large contingent of Admirals and other high dignitaries walked in and formed in behind the family. At a signal from Kolobek, two Cadets opened the massive doors and they started their walk down the aisle to the first row.

After seating themselves, Kathryn noted to Chakotay there wasn't a coffin; in fact nothing was on the stage, not even flowers. The room, despite being filled to capacity with Starfleet dignitaries and Cadets, was very quiet, not even music was heard.

At precisely 1400 hours everyone stood and moments later two young people entered from offstage. The young lady was carrying an Urn and the young man a pedestal. They walked across the stage to the far left side and after placing the pedestal down the Urn was placed on top. Kolobek leaned over. "That is Brianna, who you know is Hirato's daughter, and the young man is Mahkayla, Jeremiah's youngest son."

After the two had left the stage and taken their seats, everyone in the Hall sat down and a massive screen slowly lowered from the ceiling. As it lowered, two rows of Cadets approached from either side of the stage and placed bouquets and pots of flowers on both edges of the screen.

The lights dimmed and the first thing seen was a picture of a Shuttle, swooping, darting and rolling in the sky, then gliding majestically into the Shuttle Bay for a landing. The door swung open and Jaimie stepped out. Walking over she smiled and then looking directly into the Imager said, "Well as the old cliché goes, if you're watching this then I'm dead."

She laughed. "Man that is so weird. Here I am talking to you, alive and well, yet as you watch it you know I'm dead. Kathryn you said time paradoxes gave you a headache? Well try this one on for size!"

The audience snickered and laughed and Kathryn smiled. Jaimie looked so healthy!

Jaimie then got quiet for a moment. Looking into the Imager she said, "I decided to do this rather than have a bunch of Admirals walk up here and spout a lot of stuff they don't believe." This time there were a few more snickers from the audience. Jaimie then took a few steps to her left and looked directly at where the Admirals were sitting. "You guys sit up in your high and mighty offices and hand out rules and regulations that don't mean squat. You are all just a bunch of stuffed shirts, you know that don't you?"

Kathryn was astonished yet heard louder laughing in the audience and as she leaned forward to look over at the section the Admirals were in saw them all laughing and smiling.

"And to make matters worse, my own son Kolobek is an Admiral!" she said turning and looking directly at him. "How could you do that Kolobek, you have disgraced my family! You know I don't cotton to rank or protocol, yet there you sit . . . an Admiral for crying out loud. I'm ashamed of you. Thank the Spirits Hirato had the good sense to retire," she said with a grin on her face. Glancing at Gates, she said, "Cripes even Gates got promoted to Admiral. Now that really shows how dumb Starfleet is because he should still be a lowly Crewman or Ensign! That is one person," she said extending her arm and pointing to exactly where Gates sat, "who should never have been promoted." The laughter in the Hall increased and became quite loud.

Putting a hand over her mouth Jaimie walked to the center and looking out at the audience smiled. "I probably shouldn't have said all that about the Admirals, but hey, what can they do . . . kill me? HA! I'm already dead!"

By now the entire Hall was roaring with laughter. Jaimie was going out in her own way, jabbing at the brass, never letting them forget she didn't care for rank. Even her family was a target! Jaimie then got a serious look on her face and walking to her right a few steps looked like she was looking at all the Cadets.

"Now as to all of you Cadets sitting out there - do you realize how privileged you are? You are Cadets at Starfleet Academy, on the way to becoming Starfleet Officers! Now some of you wont make it. Some of you will flunk out, others will quit as it's not your 'cup of tea', but that doesn't mean you have failed. It just means you have to make another career choice. But whatever happens to each of you, give it your best. Never give up and above all enjoy what you are doing. You are a select few to serve Starfleet. Granted it's not without faults, but it's the best we have, so give it your all and if it needs changing try to make the change for the best, but always remember what a privilege and honor it is to serve your Federation. Be very proud of that fact."

Jaimie then turned and walked back a few steps and looked down at Kathryn and Chakotay. She smiled a loving smile. "I'm glad you two are here today, and I know you are here. Actually I'm here thanks to you two," she said with a smirk. "You have given our family a fantastic legacy, a legacy that has endured for 500 years. Of course you shouldn't know that, but," and she looked over at Gates and then the Admirals, "Oh don't worry I'm not going to tell them anything . . . bunch of worry warts! Honestly, Kathryn, you'd think I slip something to you two each time I see you the way they act." Then Jaimie laughed loudly. "Actually . . . I do!"

She squatted down so she appeared to be at eye level with Kathryn and Chakotay and smiled. "I love you two very much," she said in a quiet voice. "You are both very special people to me and I feel very honored to have met you. I will miss stopping by to visit."

Kathryn and Chakotay both nodded their heads and tears formed in their eyes.

Rising she looked down at Gates, sitting beside Kathryn. "Oh don't think I've forgotten you, you old scalawag. How could I ever forget the worst man in Starfleet? As I said before, above all, you should never have been promoted, let alone be an Admiral. Aren't you ashamed? Don't you have any conscience?" Gates sat there laughing along with the entire Hall. Jaimie said something else, but it was drowned out by the laughter.

"Actually Gates, you're okay. Oh we had our disagreements, but I loved that. Every morning I would wake up and think 'What can I argue with Gates about today?' I'm going to miss that - in fact I'm going to miss you. You really are special to me. I do love you, you know."

Gates smiled as tears rolled down his cheeks and he said softly, "I love you, too."

Jaimie suddenly leaned forward, close to the imager, staring down at him. "Oh now for crying out loud, did you just say you love me too? That ruins everything. It ruins the reputation we've spent decades building! How could you do that Gates? That's terrible. Man I can't believe you would do that!" she said walking away and throwing her hands up in the air in disgust. She stopped and looked back, then moved forward again and looked at Gates once more. "Just tell me you didn't say that so I can rest in peace." The audience was now roaring with laughter, virtually non-stop.

Jaimie stood still looking out at the audience until they gradually quieted down. "Actually Gates is okay. A rascal, but a loveable rascal, and I forgive him for being an Admiral." Then she burst out laughing. "I didn't mean that, but don't tell him," she whispered to the audience.

She then walked to a spot directly in front of her sons, granddaughters and great grandchildren. "Kolobek, Hirato, you are the best. I am so proud of you both . . . no mother could be any prouder of her sons than I am of you. We have a wonderful family and I love all of you," she said her eyes roving around the rows where the family was sitting. "We've had our share of tragedies, but no more than any other family. Despite what Roman did I am proud of him and love him. I'm sorry his acts eventually led to Chakotay and his wife's deaths, but that was part of fate I guess. But I'm with them now and will have a 'chat' with Roman. But to all of you, enjoy your lives and be proud of your heritage. I will miss you all."

Jaime walked to her right a couple of steps and looking at the Admirals smiled. "You guys know I was just joshing you awhile ago, don't you? You have jobs to do and I realize that. You're really okay." As she walked towards the center she mumbled, "I can't believe I just said that either. I'm slipping!"

Walking over to her ship, Jaimie leaned against it and stood quietly, her eyes moving around, seemingly looking everyone in the Hall straight in the eye. After a few quiet moments, she smiled and said, "Well - I guess that's it. I love you all, and hey guys . . . don't grieve for me . . . I've had a blast!"

As she broke into a large smile the picture froze, showing her smiling countenance . . . and the scene slowly dissolved to black.

The Hall remained exceptionally quiet as the last scene remained in their memories. After two minutes the ramp slid out from the stage, Kolobek rose and walked onto the stage and to the Urn. Picking it up he walked to the middle of the stage and faced the audience. Everyone immediately rose and stood at full attention.

A mournful funeral dirge started and Kolobek walked down the ramp and over to Kathryn. As she stood he faced her and extended the Urn to her saying, "Jaimie would be very proud for you to carry her out of the Hall."

Kathryn's eyes exploded in tears as she reached out and timidly took the Urn, then suddenly clutched it to her chest and wrapped both arms tightly around it, looking up at Chakotay as she did. He smiled through his tears and patted her on the back. Kolobek then led her to the center aisle, and the lines again formed in the same manner as their entrance.

The moment they started forward the music abruptly changed to the jazz version of As The Saints Go Marching In and everyone in the Hall broke into large smiles. Jaimie was doing it again, going against protocol and having her own music. Someone clapped lightly in time with the music and Kolobek smiled and nodded his head and soon the entire Hall was clapping in unison. At the halfway point in their slow walk up the aisle, the music changed again, this time to the energetic tune of Nothing's Going to Stop Us Now and the clapping got louder as the lines moved forward and finally out of the Hall.

As they exited the main doors of the Hall to the outside, there were five Shuttles waiting. The first was different and Kathryn and Chakotay immediately recognized it as Jaimie's Timeship. Kolobek led them to that ship and had the two of them along with Hirato, Gates and himself climb in. Two bench style seats had been installed across the middle and while Gates headed for the Pilot's chair the rest seated themselves on the bench. A young Cadet, resplendent in his whites stepped in front of the shuttle, holding some instrument to his mouth and obviously speaking into it.

Kathryn could hear Gates giving commands to the computer, and then heard him conversing with the young Cadet as well as the other shuttles, where all the other family members were assembled. Kolobek leaned forward to Kathryn and Chakotay and whispered, "The Cadet is Chakotay, Jeremiah's first born."

As they looked out at him, it was obvious the Cadet was trying not to look into the shuttle, trying to be professional in his job, but finally, although maintaining a straight face he looked, first at Kathryn, then Chakotay. He gave a very slight nod and a wisp of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Both acknowledged that with a big smile back at him. Kolobek chuckled in the rear seat. "Chakotay will talk about that the rest of his life."

Finally Cadet Chakotay looked at Gates, nodded his head, and moved from in front of the shuttle. Gates turned and looked back. "Everything is ready Kolobek."

Kolobek nodded. "Then let's do it," and the shuttle slowly moved forward, then swooped up into the air, followed by the other four shuttles. Once in the air, the other shuttles moved up, two on each side of the Timeship, but in a 'v' formation and in this manner they turned and flew over the city of San Francisco, letting the citizens look up and see the spectacle, then turned and headed back. As they reached the Academy grounds the four shuttles peeled off, leaving Jaimie's Timeship flying one last trip across the Academy grounds. When Kathryn and Chakotay looked down all they saw was a sea of white, as the entire Starfleet personnel were spread out around the grounds paying their last respects to one of their own.

After the flyover the other shuttles joined up again, but this time in a single file to the right, and one by one the ships moved abreast of Jaimie's ship, waggled a farewell and peeled off, leaving Jamie's Timeship, Voyager 2, by itself. Instantly the ship zoomed higher and higher until it entered orbit above Earth. After a swooping turn, Gates looked back and nodded his head, then turned and started giving instructions to the computer.

Kolobek and Hirato stood and moved in front of Kathryn and Chakotay. Kolobek reached for the Urn, and after Kathryn handed it to him he and Hirato each placed their foreheads against it and after a few moments each kissed the Urn and said goodbye. A plate in the floor silently slid open and Kolobek kneeled down, removed the urn's lid and placed the container in the alcove. The floor plate slid shut and Kolobek and Hirato returned to their seats.

"Ready" called out Kolobek and Gates punched his console and the Time rift opened a short ways ahead of them. As the ship started forward a whirring sound from the floor was heard. Seconds later Voyager 2 entered the rift, and before long was in the space above 24th Century Earth. Within a minute the whirring sound was again heard, followed by a click.

As Kathryn sat looking down at the floor she suddenly realized what had happened and turned to look at Kolobek and Hirato. Smiling largely she said, "Jaimie's ashes have been spread throughout time!"

Both men smiled and Hirato said, "Rather appropriate, although it took a special dispensation from the Admirals to let us do this. Mom specified this in her Will and also stated that if they didn't approve we were to give her ashes to you and Chakotay to take back to the 24th Century. Well the Admirals almost bust a gut on that and approved spreading them in space."

Kolobek was laughing and added, "They also wanted a special monument to mom and we told them they could still have their statue, just that mom wouldn't be there."

Chakotay kissed Kathryn on the cheek. "Just think sweetheart, Jaimie's Spirit will still be here with us in the 24th Century."

"Yes," she whispered. "But then you and I both knew she would always be here with us in a sense, even though she hasn't been born yet." She smirked at that and Chakotay said, "I know, that thought gives you a headache."

"That was a simply marvelous service today, Kolobek. I can't believe Jaimie said some of those things, yet they were typical of her," said Kathryn with a giggle.

All the men laughed and Gates said from his command chair, "She went out her way, no question about it. No fancy speeches from Admirals or a big falderal of a ceremony. Simple service - one last word - and above all, irreverent and yet funny. Typically Jaimie."

"She certainly had everyone laughing," said Chakotay. He shook his head. "She had quite a life and that one last look at her was a wonderful way to remember her rather than stuffy speeches. And she always seemed to be looking directly at the people she was speaking to."

"Yes," said Kolobek. "Mom probably spent time in the Hall figuring out seating arrangements just for that video. Who knows how long ago it was made, but my guess was a year ago."

Kolobek and Hirato both were silent a moment, then Hirato said, "Well, we will beam you back to your home and then we have to get back. The family is having a huge outdoor barbecue. Again Mom's wish to celebrate, not cry."

Gates by now had moved back and as Kathryn and Chakotay stood he gave them a big, long hug, with Kathryn giving him a kiss. "It has been an honor knowing you two," he said, smiled and moved back to the pilot's chair. Kolobek and Hirato followed with hugs and kisses of their own.

"We wont ever see you again will we?" asked Kathryn.

"Not to your knowledge anyway," smiled Kolobek. As Kathryn frowned at that Chakotay chuckled.

"I think he means they might show up at our funerals, but in a cloaked mode."

Kolobek chuckled. "Very astute Chakotay." Then looking at Hirato he smirked, "No wonder we are so smart, look who we are descended from." They hugged again and Kolobek, after one last look, told Gates to energize.

As Kathryn and Chakotay materialized in their front room they looked silently at one another for a moment, Kathryn called for lights, and they tightly enfolded each other in their arms. "I can't believe she is gone, sweetheart," said Kathryn.

"Me either, but we have been truly blessed knowing Jaimie," he said and they walked out on their back porch and stood quietly looking up into the starlit sky.

Suddenly one star shone brightly then faded into a distant twinkling but both Kathryn and Chakotay knew – just knew, that was Jaimie and that she was still keeping watch over them.

Finis

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