Disclaimer: All characters belong to Paramount. They are just being borrowed for this story. No infringement is intended.

The Reunion

by Dee Price


Dedication: To all JCers, whose love of this couple endures even to this day. And a special thank you to Maja, Tammy and Kayla, among others, who I don't know but would love to meet someday.


The mood was festive and the orchestra was playing a song very loud, so loud in fact that those present almost had to shout to be heard. B'Elanna walked through the gathering crowd and in her best Klingon growl said, "Can you please tone down the volume?"

The bandleader nodded and the song did become a bit quieter but not much. B'Elanna threw her hands up in the air, glared at him and then turned and stormed away.

This was a gala reunion of the Voyager crew. They had made it back only five years ago and after having spent seven years together and becoming like a family some of the crew had tried to keep in touch, but lately there had been less and less communication, so when Tom in an off hand remark said, "It would be nice to see everyone again," B'Elanna swung into action.

Harry Kim, now a Lt, immediately greeted the idea with boisterous and youthful enthusiasm, so he, Tom and B'Elanna got a Voyager crew manifest from Starfleet and started formulating when and where. The first thing they had to do was find out where everyone was at the present time. They were sorrowed to learn five members had died - three on a mission and one from illness while another had died from a freak accident at his home.

"You survive seven years in the Delta Quadrant and then die in an accident at your own house," grumbled B'Elanna as she read this information. "It's just not fair."

Many crewmembers had left Starfleet upon the return home, so in reality they were easy to contact. Many of those who had remained in Starfleet were out on missions, but if the return home date could be determined, then Harry theorized they just might be able to set a date that would allow them to attend. One of those out on a mission was Captain Janeway, who had turned down a promotion to be an Admiral so as to Captain another ship. No one seemed to know the whereabouts of Commander Chakotay and Seven but possibly Starfleet could send out a communiqué and someone would respond to their whereabouts. After the debriefings the duo had seemingly 'disappeared' and had not made contact with any of the crew during the last five years, much to everyone's disappointment.

Tuvok of course, was back on Vulcan and the good doctor, after being studied and emulated in future models of EMH doctors, was an instructor, believe or not, at the Academy, assisting a Doctor in medical studies classes.

The Maquis proved to be a little difficult and yet delicate problem, but B'Elanna, who still had some Maquis contacts found Ken Dalby, who seemed to know where all the Maquis were, and working through him, they were all contacted and informed of the upcoming date and would they be interested. All were affirmative and some even enthusiastic about such a gathering.

Finally the date was set and invitations sent out. The response was immediate although some expressed strong regret at the date and said they could not make it at that time but could on another time. As B'Elanna wanted as many of the crew as possible, this resulted in yet another invitation being sent with several dates to choose from, and the majority responded for one date. Even Captain Janeway had responded that she 'would try to make it to such an exciting evening'. Surprisingly, Starfleet had even sanctioned the event and arranged and donated the facilities where the festivity would take place. Much to B'Elanna's surprise it was an elegant country club on the outskirts of the city.

Finally the evening was here, the hall had festive decorations, tables of refreshments and snacks were available and a live band was playing, albeit loudly. Crewmembers started to filter in. B'Elanna greeted each one as if they were her own family and as people spotted various members and friends, there were boisterous hello's, nice to see you again, how have you been, what are you doing, as well as many hugs and kisses.

As she rejoined Tom at his table she looked around and smiled.

"This is going to be so great. For once Tom, one of your suggestions was fantastic!"

Tom feigned a hurt look but Harry just laughed.

They could see the Doctor had cornered some crewmembers and smiled, as it appeared all looked like they would do anything to get away from his constant jabber. Even Mortimer Harren, the malcontent on lower deck 15 had shown up, much to B'Elanna's surprise.

Noting the Delaney Sisters talking to two Ensigns she nudged Tom. "I've lost the names of those two talking to the Delaney Sisters."

He turned and looked. "Oooh, the Delaney Sisters. I gotta go welcome them," and he abruptly bolted away leaving her standing there with the unanswered question.

"Of course Tom," said B'Elanna in irritation. "You are excused. Honestly sometimes men are just so . . ." She was interrupted from her internal irritation by Harry who beamed as he joined her and said, "This is just so great! I can't believe so many have come!"

Shortly Tom rejoined them and told B'Elanna the two Ensigns were Maja and Tammy, who had made significant suggestions when the Delta Flyer was being built. B'Elanna nodded and smiled at them as they glanced at her and then she and Tom started moving around the room, talking and laughing and reminiscing with those they met, and finally made their way to the refreshment table.

Glancing at the wall clock she noted it was ten minutes past the appointed hour and she smiled happily that so many had come and the group was getting larger all the time as more and more arrived. She recalled that some had mentioned they would arrive late, so if that were true, there were even more yet to come. As they again wandered through the room she had just mentioned to Tom that it seemed everyone was showing up when suddenly Tom stiffened as he looked over B'Elanna's shoulder.

"Hello Lt Paris. How are you?" said the stiff, unemotional voice of Seven of Nine. Then, "Mr. Kim, I see you are now a Lt . . . Congratulations."

B'Elanna turned and received a "Lt Torres, how nice of you to have this gathering. I imagine most of the crew welcomed it."

"Seven! How are you? I am so glad the invitation reached you."

"Yes it was delivered several weeks ago and I must thank you for the invitation." She then stood there, feeling rather uncomfortable as she ran her hand over the dark green dress.

B'Elanna looked around. "Where is Chakotay? Did he come with you?"

"He did not," was all she replied, leaving Tom, Harry and B'Elanna, not only embarrassed but befuddled by their silent unasked question 'why not?' Finally Seven said, "I do believe I see him over by the refreshments."

"Oh yes I see him!" said B'Elanna excitedly and after hurriedly excusing herself she walked quickly in that direction.

"Well stranger. Just where the hell have you been?" she said.

Chakotay turned at the familiar voice and with a big grin, embraced her in a big hug as he said, "B'Elanna!"

"You big oaf! What has happened to you and what have you been doing and where?" she said as she returned the hug with an exuberance of her own.

"Oh I've been moving around," he said as he relaxed his arms around her. "I'm glad the invitation caught up with me. This is certainly a great idea!"

"So are you going to answer my questions or not?" she said with a smile.

"As I said I've been moving around. Went to Dorvan V for a while and then signed on with a freighter delivering supplies to the outposts. I suppose you heard I resigned from Starfleet after the debriefings."

"No I actually hadn't heard that," she said in a surprised tone.

"Well I did, although they left it open for me to return." He then looked around the room as if looking for someone. B'Elanna noticed that, but felt unsure of whether to tell him Seven was here. Something just didn't feel right in that scenario.

He looked back at her. "So what are you and Tom doing now?"

"Well I'm now a Lt. Commander, still with Starfleet, although on leave because," and she patted her belly, "I'm expecting again, and Tom is a test pilot for Starfleet. If I go out on missions he felt it best for someone to be home to take care of Miral."

'Congratulations, B'Elanna! I'm sorry if I hugged you too tightly," he said a little embarrassed.

"No problem. I'm only three months along." Just then she was slapped on the back and greeted with a loud, "B'Elanna Torres!"

Turning she saw Ken Dalby who grinned at her rather lasciviously and then laughed. "Thanks for the invitation, B'Elanna. I know you won't believe me saying this, but it is actually great to see these Starfleeters again."

B'Elanna chuckled. "Thanks for helping, Ken. Did you bring the rest of the dastardly Maquis with you?"

Both Chakotay and Ken laughed. "A bunch of us came on the same shuttle from Dorvan but I haven't seen everyone," said Ken who then turned to Chakotay. "Hey Chief! How is the old married guy doing?"

Chakotay looked decidedly embarrassed and mumbled, "Fine," and then went on with "What have you been up to since you were pardoned by Starfleet?"

"Not much really. I did go out on another mission, but for some reason it wasn't the same without our good old Captain bossing us around." He laughed and looked around. "Where is Captain Janeway anyway? Is she here or coming?"

B'Elanna noticed Chakotay's eyes quickly scan the room at the mention of the Captain's name and replied to Ken, but for Chakotay's information also, "She's on a mission but sent word she would 'try everything in her power to be here for such an important and exciting evening', to quote her exact words." She watched Chakotay as she said that and noticed something in his eyes, but couldn't tell what, as he seemed to mask whatever it was very quickly. At that moment she heard a commotion at the entrance and turned to see what was happening.

Admiral Paris along with Admiral Ross and Lt. Barkley were at the door and she hurried over to greet them and thank them for coming, as well as to extend thanks for the use of the country club.

"This is a great night for Voyager, Lt." he smiled. "I was just glad to be of assistance. Thank you for inviting us by the way."

"Yes, that was, that was very kind of you," stammered Barkley.

"You are all very welcome. There are refreshments and snacks on the far side so feel free to indulge," she said with a big smile.

Tuvok and T'Pel arrived a moment later and were warmly greeting by B'Elanna. "I'm so glad you could come, Lt Tuvok."

"It is a gathering of our former crew Lt. As such and although a human emotion, I felt it only right to attend," he said in his dry, emotionless voice. T'Pel, looking beautiful with her hair swept up and a light blue dress, merely nodded her thanks to B'Elanna but did add, "It will be nice for Tuvok to see some of his former crewmates."

Noting the room was quite crowded now she walked up on the stage and had the orchestra stop playing. As everyone turned she smiled and held out her arms at shoulder height.

"Thank you all for coming. This is so exciting to see everyone. Not everyone could make it unfortunately and sent their regrets, but this turnout is amazing. We are not going to have any long-winded speeches or anything," and loud cheers from the audience interrupted her, which made her laugh. "Anyway this evening is ours to resume some friendships and be nosy and find out what everyone is doing now." The last comment caused loud laughter.

"But first we have some tapes of greetings to play from some who could not make it." A screen was lowered and the group became silent as first Lt Ayala, then Gerron, followed by Saunders, Adams, McCahey and Scranton, who all wished they could be there and expected to hear from everyone as to what transpired during the evening. Each then gave his current mission and address where they could be contacted. There was also a very brief message from Captain Janeway who stated she was going to 'bust a gut' to get there but in the event she didn't make it, she did want to say hello to everyone. B'Elanna, standing to one side while this played sought out Chakotay and watched him. His eyes seemed to devour the Captain.

Then Admiral Paris took the stage, promised to be brief and was, saying only that Voyager had accomplished a great deal and Starfleet was very proud of each and every crewmember and happy to contribute to this reunion.

B'Elanna then stated that dinner would be served at each table shortly, to find their seats and in the meantime, to dance, enjoy the evening and conversing, seeing and meeting all our Voyager family once again.'

Dinner was served and the evening passed, with people carrying on animated conversations, and following that, with the music still loud, much to B'Elanna's irritation, couples started to dance. She even danced with Harren and Chell and found them quite enjoyable gentlemen in an informal setting.

Seven came by Chakotay's table at one point and sat briefly, with both engaged in what seemed a very stiff conversation to those who took notice, which of course included Tom Paris.

"What's with Seven and Chakotay?" he whispered to B'Elanna as they danced.

"I don't know Tom and stay out of it. It's not our concern!" she hissed into his ear.

"But . . ."

"No buts Lt. Stay out of it!" she repeated.

"Well something has happened." Then B'Elanna could almost hear Tom's smile. "Oh look. Harry is talking to Seven!"

B'Elanna pulled her head back and glared at Tom. "Did you put him up to that?"

"Me? B'Elanna how could you say such a thing about your husband!"

"Because I know you, Tom Paris. You are without a doubt, the nosiest, inquisitive, 'I have to know what's going on' person I have ever met!" She placed her cheek back against his and then whispered, "But if you find out let me know."

Tom grinned. "You got it."

Suddenly there was a stir over at the door. B'Elanna turned. It was Captain Janeway and she was still in uniform so it was obvious she had just gotten back from her mission. She was also carrying a handbag. Quickly B'Elanna turned to where she knew Chakotay was quietly sitting and saw him rise to his feet and just stare at Kathryn.

B'Elanna released Tom and walked quickly to where the Captain stood.

"Captain Janeway! I am so glad you could make it."

Kathryn turned to her with a big smile as she broke away from crewmembers greeting her and put her arms around B'Elanna. "So am I B'Elanna. I think I broke all speed records getting The Jefferson back in port and then convinced the Admiral I could do all the debriefing later, that I had a very important engagement to attend. He seemed to know about this reunion and didn't protest at all."

She looked around, trying, it seemed, to find one person but quickly looked back at B'Elanna. "I have to change clothes. Is there a women's room nearby?"

B'Elanna grabbed her arm and led her out of the room and to a small room down the corridor. As they stepped in Janeway said it would do just fine. B'Elanna started to leave but Kathryn asked her to stay.

"Is everyone here?" she asked as she tugged off her tunic.

"Almost. You missed the tapes of those who couldn't come. I even played yours just in case. They sent greetings though and I can let you see them later if you want."

"I would love to see those." She then became quiet as she continued changing clothes. "I have really missed seeing all the Voyager crew," she suddenly said. "On my first mission I had a very hard time adapting to new personnel. My Chief Engineer was a man and I'm afraid I addressed him as Lt Torres a couple of times, despite the different voice." B'Elanna laughed loudly at that.

"Then of course I had a new Helm and a new Security Officer, not to mention another young green OPS Ensign, and . . ." she hesitated and then continued, "And a new First Officer. How is Chakotay by the way? Have you heard from him?"

B'Elanna noted she tried to sound lighthearted, but at the mention of Chakotay's name there seemed to be a change in her voice. It became . . . almost emotional.

B'Elanna really didn't know how to answer that but did reply, "I guess he's all right." Then she hastily added, "He's here by the way," and then watched Janeway's face. It was fast but she still saw it. A yearning, a look of disappointment or sadness, and maybe even a sparkle in her eyes, but it was so fast she couldn't tell which.

At last Kathryn turned to her and said, "Well this is the best I can do. Is it okay?"

B'Elanna looked at her. She was stunning in a light blue dress with matching pearl necklace and earrings and her hair down to her shoulders.

"Okay? My God, you look beautiful!" exclaimed B'Elanna. "We are so used to seeing you in uniform I rather suspect everyone, especially the men, will be a little tongue-tied at seeing their former Captain this way!"

Kathryn laughed. "Well thank you, but I do want to get in there and say hello to everyone. Shall we?" and the ladies left the room and re-entered the ballroom.

Janeway was immediately inundated by crewmembers saying hello. She moved from person to person, saying their name, asking what they were doing now and how were they. Tom brought her a drink as he saw she would not get away from everyone for quite a while.

Shortly Kathryn saw Seven who stood quietly to one side, as if waiting for Janeway to come to her.

"Seven! How nice to see you," smiled Kathryn in a formal but pleasant tone.

"It is nice to see you again Captain. Are you well?"

"I am very well, thank you. What are you doing now?"

"I am considering a Starfleet appointment as Science Officer. That is why I am in town."

"Excellent, Seven. You will do well I'm quite sure."

"Well I must leave now Captain. I only stayed to say hello to you and wish you well," she said in her usual unemotional voice.

"Thank you Seven. It was good to see you again and good luck to you in your new appointment." Seven merely nodded, turned and left the room.

B'Elanna, standing nearby, noted there was not a single mention of Chakotay in the overheard conversation. In fact the tone was rather cold or stiff on both their parts, she noted. Janeway continued to move around the room, but occasionally B'Elanna would note her eyes scanning the room. B'Elanna herself looked around and could not see Chakotay anywhere. Had he slipped out and left when Kathryn was dressing she wondered?

Finally Kathryn had seen and talked to everyone and headed for the refreshment table. B'Elanna was there and Kathryn smiled at her and said, "This is marvelous. You and Tom and Harry are to be commended for organizing this."

"Thank you Captain. It has been great seeing everyone."

Kathryn's blue eyes again scanned the room and with disappointment now clearly showing said, "I thought you said Chakotay was here."

"He is! He was!" she stammered, "But I haven't seen him since I took you to the room to change clothes. I don't know where he went."

Kathryn laughed. "He's probably afraid to face his old Captain."

B'Elanna chuckled. "Right. He's probably afraid you will put him on report for another report he missed giving to you"

Kathryn smiled and then noted the back doors were open to allow fresh air into the now warm ballroom. "Well I think I'll get some air. It's a little warm in here," and with drink in hand she walked to and out the back door. It was a warm night, with a brilliant moon lighting the garden. She walked out on the grass and stood there sipping her drink as she savored the night, the memories and the wonderful evening. Then she saw him.

Chakotay, standing by a large oak tree, had seen Kathryn come outside and his heart quickened. He watched her, mesmerized by her beauty and grace. Oh God how he missed serving with her!

Then he saw her head turn in his direction and slowly, ever so slowly, start walking toward him. At last they were about five feet apart, but their eyes had never strayed from each other.

"Hello Chakotay," she said softly.

"Hello Kathryn," he replied just as softly.

"You didn't stay inside to greet me."

"No, I didn't"

"Why?"

"I had my reasons. Besides I needed some fresh air. It's nice and quiet out here."

They stood silently, looking at one another for several minutes. Finally Kathryn smiled. "So where have you been hiding for the last five years?"

He grinned, and Kathryn noted his dimples were even more prominent than ever, or had she just forgotten how deep they were and how handsome he was?

"Oh I've been around. Just moving here and there, doing odd jobs with a freighter and also relaxing. Actually a lot of relaxing," he said and smiled again.

"I saw Seven inside," said Kathryn in a rather questioning tone. "She says she is considering a commission as a Science Officer with Starfleet."

"Yes she is. Actually she will do very well and be much more comfortable on a Starship than with . . . so many people on Earth," he added lamely. He looked away for a moment and then asked, "So how was your latest mission? A success I presume and you obviously didn't get lost this time."

She chuckled. "No. We weren't near the Badlands to get swept away. But then if that would have happened I'm sure someone would have come searching for me."

Chakotay nodded. "I know I would have," he said quietly.

"I know you would have," she responded softly and in a husky voice.

They stood looking at one another, feelings, yearning, and emotion, even sadness obvious on each countenance.

Kathryn looked around the garden. "It's a beautiful night and so appropriate for such an occasion.

"Yes," he replied, "Very beautiful. Just like a certain Captain I know."

She smiled. "As usual a very appropriate First Officer remark."

He grinned. "Is that why you kept me around for seven years?"

"Yes," she replied with a laugh. "You always did know the right thing to say and when to say it. Except . . ."

"Except when I suddenly went off with Seven," he said in a statement rather than a question.

Kathryn looked down at the ground a moment and whispered almost unintelligibly, "Yes, except then."

Suddenly she looked up, glanced around the garden and not seeing anyone else, stepped to Chakotay, threw her arms around his neck and said huskily, "Oh God I've missed you so much!"

He slipped his arms around her and pulled her tight. "And I have desperately missed you Kathryn."

They moved their heads just enough and their lips met in a long, tender kiss.

Finally they pulled their heads back and smiled. "And that is exactly how I imagined it would be," murmured Kathryn.

They stood quietly under the large stately oak tree for a long time, with their arms around each other and not saying a word, each savoring this special moment.

Finally Kathryn said, "I will never forget running into you on Risa three years ago. That week changed my whole life."

He smiled and said softly. "It changed mine too. So what was the best part of that time?"

"I guess just seeing you," she said huskily and yet with a smirk. And then her blue eyes became full of emotion and she looked deeply into his eyes as she added "But I guess the best part was when you told me you and Seven had never married and in fact had broken up as a couple."

Chakotay nodded as he tightened his arms around her waist and then said, "She recognized almost from the beginning that I cared for you Kathryn. You were like a silent ghost in our world. I looked at her and I wanted to see you," he said softly. "I laughed and pictured you laughing with me because there was hardly any response from her. Running into you at Risa was like a dream come true."

"It was a delightful time." Kathryn suddenly pulled her head back and looked at him, as if making some sort of decision. Then she smiled a very mischievous smile and said, "Do you think we should go in and let everyone know we are a couple and have been since that time on Risa?"

He chuckled. "No. Let them wonder why we kept apart tonight and did not even say hello to one another. That will especially rile up Tom Paris' inquisitiveness."

Kathryn laughed. "That's mean, but yes he would be the one to be asking why we never spoke, never realizing of course we wanted a few moments alone. However, I think it's time we made if official. What do you say?"

Chakotay looked wide-eyed at her. "You mean it Kathryn. You are willing to show people we are a couple? I won't let you back away this time."

"I want to tell everyone Chakotay and I will be proud to be on your arm. Let's go and shock a few people," she said with a big smile and exerted pressure to head in that direction.

Chakotay and Kathryn walked across the grass and through the doors, her arm on his and both smiling and having eyes only for each other. As they reached the dance floor Kathryn moved into his arms and placed her cheek against his. Chakotay slightly tipped his head and kissed her cheek before pulling her close and then they started moving to the music, which had suddenly changed to a nice slow romantic ballad.

As they moved as one, with their arms wrapped around each other and oblivious to anything else around them, heads turned, eyes stared and some mouths dropped open. As whispered words and nods in their direction spread, all conversation ceased and other than the music, the room gradually became quiet. Although over one hundred people were present, there was just one twosome whom everyone was watching.

B'Elanna stared and then sensed the 'moment' and suddenly smiled knowingly.

Tom gaped at the obvious feelings they were showing for one another and Harry just stood there staring at the Captain and Commander with a puzzled yet surprised look on his face. Then Kathryn and Chakotay stopped dancing as they neared Tuvok and T'Pel and Kathryn said something to them, resulting in Tuvok and Chakotay shaking hands. A nearby crewman, hearing what was said, whispered it to his friend and soon the room was abuzz with the news.

As it reached Harry he turned and said excitedly to Tom and B'Elanna, "Oh my God! Can you believe that? They have been a couple for three years!"

Tom suddenly grinned and bluffed, "Oh I knew it all the time," causing both Harry and B'Elanna to laugh and both chorused, "Right."

Then B'Elanna and Kathryn's eyes connected from across the room and B'Elanna raised her glass to Kathryn and mouthed "Congratulations."

Kathryn smiled happily and raised her glass, and then whispered something in Chakotay's ear. He immediately looked over at B'Elanna and broke into a big happy smile and she once again raised her glass to him. He nodded his thanks as he placed his arm around Kathryn and she contentedly rested her head on his shoulder.

B'Elanna grinned widely and then turned to Tom and with a big sigh, said, "Now this is what I call a Reunion!"


FINIS
April 2002
Edited June 2006

Please use my feedback form              Back