Disclaimer: The usual. Paramount owns Star Trek; I'm just borrowing their characters for my story. No infringement is intended.

What's Behind Tomorrow

by Dee Price


Kathryn smiled broadly at Chakotay. "We've been in the Alpha Quadrant for three days now, Chakotay. By tomorrow we could be home."

Chakotay did not respond, just stared out the Port view window.

"What's the matter, Chakotay? I thought you would be as excited as everyone else."

He gave a halfhearted smile and looked down at the floor for a moment. Looking up he again gave a small smile.

"What is it? What's wrong," asked a now worried Kathryn.

He gave a long look at her before speaking. "What's behind tomorrow, Kathryn?

"I don't understand. What do you mean?"

"Will I be a free man or sitting in a Starfleet jail? Will my old crew be free or will they also be in jail? Will Tom Paris be free or sent back to the New Zealand Penal Colony while they 'deliberate' his case? What will happen to Seven? Will she be accepted or hounded to death and examined ad nausea as an ex Borg? How about Neelix - a Talaxian on Earth? Will he adapt or have problems? The Doctor . . . will he be deemed obsolete after they studied his enhancements and then be deleted? Or for that matter, what about Captain Janeway? Will she be proclaimed a heroine or after examination of the ship's logs will she be put in jail herself for breaking the Prime Directive?" He shrugged his shoulders. "That's what I mean by 'what's behind tomorrow'."

"It sounds like you have been thinking about this."

"I have, Kathryn, and to be frank, I'm worried. Those questions are real concerns, not only for me but all the others. What do you think?"

Kathryn stared at him a long time. Finally she said in a quiet voice, "I can't answer those questions, nobody can. We won't know what's going to happen until we get there. It's been seven years. Maybe Starfleet has changed, become more open-minded."

Chakotay smiled. "You know Starfleet as well as I do, Kathryn. Starfleet is . . . well, Starfleet. I don't think they know the meaning of the word open-minded."

Kathryn smiled. "Yes they haven't changed much over the years have they?"

"Also, and I'm sure you must have noticed, their Datastream has constantly asked about the Maquis. They are up to something, if they haven't already made up their mind, and are looking closely at your answers. I'm willing to bet on that."

"Chakotay, you know I will do everything in my power to protect you and the rest of the crew. I will fight them with all I have. What you did was in the past. The last seven years have certainly proved your worth as a Starfleet Officer. I don't think there is a better First Officer in the Fleet than you."

Chakotay smiled and while nodding his thanks seemed embarrassed by that praise. "I honestly don't think your opinion matters or that they will even pay attention to it. Starfleet has only the years previous to our getting lost in the Delta Quadrant on their mind. They want revenge, no matter how many years have gone by. Their pride has been injured and you know what they say about a wounded animal."

Kathryn turned and looked out the window, remaining quiet for several moments. Chakotay was right about Starfleet. Their pride has been scratched, she mused to herself. She turned and faced him. "Do you think these are the thoughts of B'Elanna and your former crew?"

"I'm not sure, but I know they are on edge. I can feel it. The closer we get to home the stronger my Maquis instincts are becoming. "

'If I gather them together and talk to them, tell them I support them and will do everything in my power to protect them . . . will that help?"

Chakotay shrugged his shoulders. "I think they know that about you Kathryn, but Starfleet is more powerful than one tiny Captain."

"Tiny am I?" she said bristling in mock anger.

Chakotay laughed. "I take that back. You may be tiny in stature but you are a giant of a Captain."

Kathryn chuckled. "Thank you, Chakotay."

He became somber as he looked at her. "I meant that, Kathryn. You are the best Captain I've ever seen. A little stubborn, and sometimes bullheaded at the wrong time, but as Tuvok once told me 'although it is a weakness, it is also her strength'."

"When did you and Tuvok talk about me?" she asked with surprise.

"When we were going through The Void and you were going to stay behind in a shuttle while we destroyed a worm hole."

"Oh yes, that mutiny you arranged."

"Oh come on, Kathryn, it wasn't a mutiny. It was a show of support for our Captain, who we weren't going to leave you behind."

She nodded her head as she looked thoughtfully at him. "I know," she said with a husky voice. "And I really appreciated that, and that's another reason I will fight with all the breath I have in me to keep you and the others from going to jail."

"Well, we'll know in a couple of days," replied Chakotay softly. "In the meantime, I should be following my father's advice: "Don't trouble trouble, until trouble troubles you."

Kathryn laughed. "Now I know that isn't one of your legends. My father used to tell me that, too!" They both returned to duty after this exchange.

Just as the Alpha shift was about to end Voyager experienced a Thruster problem and Kathryn ordered a full stop so the crew could make repairs. "While they work on this problem Commander, let's get something to eat . . ." She hesitated and smiled as she added, "Our last dinner together on Voyager."

* * * * *

Following dinner B'Elanna informed the Captain repairs had been completed to a point, but they needed to replicate some new parts and everyone was really quite tired. She recommended holding off any further repairs until morning. Janeway agreed and immediately contacted the Bridge and told them to take it easy, but stay alert.

Turning to Chakotay she said, "We certainly don't want to limp into Earth Port tomorrow." He smiled as he moved to the couch and both sat down and chatted for over and hour on various and sundry topics.

Finally Chakotay said, "I best leave now so you can get some rest. Sleep well, Kathryn."

"I will miss hearing that every night . . . It's become a part of my life," she said wistfully.

Chakotay stopped as the doors swished open and looked back at her. The thought it can become part of your life forever, Kathryn raced through his mind, but he just smiled and walked out.

As the doors closed, Kathryn continued to stare for a few moments, before turning to once again look out the window. There is another 'what's behind tomorrow' she thought. Will Chakotay come forward and express out loud his love for me or just wait to see what Starfleet does? If he doesn't, will I step forward and tell him I love him? Or will we still play politics with Protocol?

* * * * *

The next morning Voyager was still 'parked' while the Engineering crew again started work on the engines. The Bridge crew noticed the Captain and the Commander seemed to be quiet.

"Well this has certainly delayed our getting to Earth today," grumbled the Captain.

"We've dilly-dallied for seven years, what's another few hours," responded Chakotay with a smirk.

Janeway stood. "Let's talk in my Ready Room Commander," and spun on her heels and moved smartly away.

After several minutes their voices started to be heard on the Bridge and it was obvious they were having an argument.

"I won't have you speak to me in that manner, Commander," Janeway said sharply.

"Well I'm sorry, Captain. I'm supposed to be your First Officer. I'm supposed to show you the other side of your decisions. But you won't let me. You ask my opinion and then get mad if I disagree with you, or you ignore my suggestion totally. Well I've had it! I'm tired of being your puppy dog on a leash. I'm tired of following you around and agreeing with you just to prevent your pouting! I'm tired of saying Yes Captain, Of course Captain I'll stand by you, Of course I agree Captain, when you're decision is all wrong! You are the most stubborn woman in Starfleet. I used to be a man, Kathryn, but you have made me into your personal lap dog and I won't . . .

"How dare you speak to me like that, Commander! I should put you in the Brig!" barked Janeway.

"That's fine, do it. I'll be there tomorrow anyway," shouted Chakotay. "You don't respect me as your First Officer, Captain. You confide and trust Tuvok more than you do me. What good am I if I can't give you my opinion without you going into a full blown pout because I didn't agree with you!"

That's it Commander! You're on Report. You are relieved of duty and assigned to your quarters until further notice. Dismissed!"

"Dismissed? Dismissed? When have I ever really been on duty, Kathryn? That's your way out of every disagreement. 'Dismissed!' he said in a mocking tone. "It's fine with me," and the doors to the Ready Room swished open and as Chakotay stalked out, across the Bridge and out into the corridor, the Bridge was deathly silent and heads stayed down.

An hour passed before the Captain walked out and took her place on the Bridge. "Report Mr. Tuvok."

"Repairs are still underway, Captain."

"Fine, we'll sit here until the engines are fixed. We're not going to limp into Earth Port," she said as she crossed her legs and stared straight ahead. The day slowly wore on and at last when the shift was over, there seemed to be a mad rush by all the crew to get off the Bridge.

Later that evening Kathryn walked down the corridor, hesitated, then stopped at a door, punched in her override and quickly entered. Chakotay, lying on the couch, immediately jumped to his feet and stood ramrod straight.

Kathryn slowly walked to him, staring into those brown eyes that looked straight ahead. She stopped only when she was close to him, totally invading his space. Still Chakotay stared over her head and said nothing.

Kathryn reached up with her hand and placed it on Chakotay's cheek. "Has anyone ever told you how very handsome you are when you're angry?" she purred.

Try as hard as he might Chakotay could not maintain a straight face and broke into a chuckle. "You really think so, Captain?"

Kathryn smiled as she stepped away, but Chakotay stayed at attention. "Talk about 'cutting the tension with a knife," she laughed. That Bridge was most uncomfortable after you stormed out."

"Sorry. I would like to have seen that," he said softly.

She looked closely at him. "Did you really mean those things, Commander?"

"Some of them, yes. I have to be honest, but not all I assure you," he said. "Sometimes in arguments you say more than you mean."

She looked as if she wanted to question him more, and then took a deep breath. "Are you all right now?"

"Yes, Captain, I think so."

"Good," and she gave him a half smile and walked out without a further word.

Ten minutes later she was hailed by Tuvok "Captain, Starfleet has hailed us and asked if we are having a problem."

"I'll take it on the Bridge, Tuvok. Be there shortly," and she immediately left her quarters.

Janeway stepped briskly onto the Bridge. "Let's hear it Mr. Tuvok."

"We have visual now, Captain."

Janeway sat down and looked up at the screen just as an Admiral appeared.

"Captain Janeway, I'm Admiral Ross. Our sensors indicate you have not moved for the last 26 hours. Are you having a problem?"

"We experienced a Warp Drive problem and had to shut down the engines Admiral. We should be close to getting underway."

"We'll send a ship out to help you with the repairs."

"No need," purred Kathryn. "We've made it this far without Starfleet's help, and we'll make it the rest of the way. I'm sure you understand."

The Admiral smiled. "Of course, Captain. If that's what you wish. Let us know when you are underway," and the Starfleet insignia showed as he signed off.

Janeway looked back at Tuvok. "Do we have any visuals of Earth, Mr. Tuvok?"

"It is only a distant light, Captain," he said as he punched at his Console. The visual came up and only a tiny light in the far distance could be seen.

Kathryn smiled. "It's still Earth, Tuvok. Keep that visual up there so we can all watch as Earth grows in our view."

Engineering hailed the Captain. "Captain, this is Lt Vorick. We believe we now have the Warp Drive repaired and are ready to bring it online."

"Vorick? Where's B'Elanna?"

"Lt Torres is not here at the moment, Captain. Commander Chakotay was here a moment ago and they left together. She should return shortly."

Janeway shot out of her chair. "Chakotay was there? I'll drum him out of Starfleet for disobeying orders! I'm on my way Lt. Bring the Impulse Engines online, but don't do anything else until I get there!"

Janeway strode angrily into Engineering. "Is Lt Torres back yet?"

"No ma'am, not as yet," answered a calm Vorick. "We have initiated Impulse and Bridge has confirmed we are at 1/4 Impulse."

"Alright, explain what the problem was with Warp Drive and what took so long before we brought it online." Vorick dutifully started a long explanation.

Meanwhile in the Shuttle Bay a Shuttle's engines started up, the force field went down and as the Shuttle glided toward the exit, Voyager lurched to one side and a brilliant white light lit up the blackness of space. At that moment the shuttle shot forward and left Voyager.

"What the hell happened?" yelled Janeway as she struggled back to her feet.

"It appears the Port Nacelle experienced an explosion, Captain," said Vorick.

"Shut down the Warp Drive," she snapped to Vorick. She tapped her Com badge. "Bridge, what's going on?"

"An explosion of some sort in the Port Nacelle, Captain, and we are venting plasma," came Tuvok's voice.

"Cause," she shouted.

"Unknown, Captain."

Janeway turned to Vorick and saw he was shutting down the Warp Drive. "It seems the repairs weren't done properly Mr. Vorick," she said icily.

"I don't understand Captain, but I shall look into it."

"See to it, Lt, I'm going to the Bridge."

While Janeway headed for the Bridge, the Shuttle turned toward the Plasma stream and moved along its very fringe, heading away from Voyager.

"Don't get into the Plasma," warned B'Elanna.

"I'm just staying on the edge, but it's still going to be a rough ride," responded Chakotay.

"Do you think it will hide and dissipate our trail?"

"It should, and if Starfleet inquires and then comes out to investigate that will be another day and that gives us still more time. Hopefully they won't miss us right away and start searching."

"I hope you're right Commander," called out Chell from the back.

B'Elanna looked back at the crowded rear of the Shuttle. All 22 of the Maquis, including Tom Paris, were crowded there. Tom had insisted on coming with them, feeling his position was unclear with Starfleet.

"Just stay quiet for awhile guys. I know it's uncomfortable and crowded, but as bad as it is, it beats jail any day."

"You got that right," Dalby groused as he shoved Chell's elbow away from his ribs.

* * * * *

Janeway strode onto the Bridge and headed for Harry's station. "Explanation?"

"None as yet Captain," he said as he furiously tapped at his console.

Janeway stood there watching him. "Have you checked the Nacelle coils?"

"Yes ma'am, I've been going over everything and I can't seem to find the problem. Hold on . . . I have it now Captain. You were right, one of the coils failed to respond when we brought Warp Drive online and it eventually exploded. A minor explosion but one that will take time to repair," he said.

Janeway tapped her Com badge. "Engineering, it's a Coil in the Port Nacelle. Check the wiring leading to the coil first, then get a repair team there and install a new part."

"Yes Captain," said Lt Carey's voice.

"Lt. Carey? Isn't B'Elanna Torres back yet?"

"I'm not sure Captain. Do you want me to locate her?"

"No carry on with the repairs, Lt. Janeway out."

"Starfleet is hailing us, Captain said Harry.

"Now what?" she grumbled. "They're acting like we can't take care of ourselves. On screen," she said as chuckles were heard on the Bridge.

The face of Admiral Ross again appeared. "Captain. I have just been informed that our sensors detected an explosion in your area. Are you all right?"

"Quite all right Admiral," Janeway said with a smile. "It seems one of the wires to the Port Nacelle was faulty and finally gave out, causing one of the coils to explode. We are repairing it as we speak."

"Seems your return home is almost jinxed with all these problems occurring, Captain."

"Nothing we haven't put up with for seven years Admiral, and nothing we can't handle. Our return will be delayed that's all. It just gives you more time to plan our reception," she added with a big smile.

The Admiral chuckled. "I think you will be pleased with your reception, Captain. I look forward to seeing you soon."

* * * * *

Chakotay kept the shuttle on the edge of the Plasma but it was dissipating, so he 'parked' and waited.

"What's the problem, Chakotay?" called out White Rain from the rear.

"Just waiting for the right moment to break away," he said as kept an intense watch on his sensors. A few moments later Voyager made a quarter turn from its present position and vented more Plasma, this time from the right Nacelle. Chakotay grinned and moved to its outer edge and increased his speed to 3/4 Impulse.

"Not too close Chakotay. We don't want to explode," warned Tom Paris as he wiggled and squirmed his way up front.

Chakotay glanced at him. "Take the controls Tom, while I check the area." He looked at B'Elanna and she immediately moved out of the co-pilot's seat and sat on the floor directly behind as Chakotay moved into her seat.

"Okay, we want to head for Grid 27, at full Warp, but not until the Plasma is a little thicker right here. Then turn aft and punch it in."

Tom grinned. "I get it. The Plasma will hide our initial Warp burst. You'd almost think the Captain was giving us something to hide in."

"She'll be quite angry when she finds out we're gone and no trail to trace," said Chakotay.

"You gave her quite a tongue-lashing yesterday, Chakotay. I didn't know you had it in you," said Tom with a grin.

"Well you know the saying, 'the straw that broke the camels back', and I guess I just broke and couldn't take her putting down my suggestions anymore."

"What were you arguing about anyway?"

"That's private, Tom, so no more questions. The matter is closed," he said glaring at Tom. "All right, let's go to Warp . . . now! Tom punched the console and the Shuttle shot out of sight.

* * * * *

It was late evening when repairs were completed and Janeway gave helm the order to put in the coordinates for Earth and initiate 1/4 Impulse.

"A moment, Captain?" said Tuvok who had walked to her chair.

"Of course," she said, and they both headed for the Ready Room. Once the doors closed Janeway turned to Tuvok and waited.

"I wish to speak to you on the matter of Commander Chakotay."

"What about him?"

"He has done a good job in the seven years we were in the Delta Quadrant, Captain. With Starfleet looming in his future when we dock at Earth it somehow doesn't seem fair he should be confined to quarters when we arrive home. That will only cause Starfleet to believe you had trouble with him all along. Simply because you had a disagreement will not give him much of a chance, as it were, to convince Starfleet he has been a good and loyal officer."

Janeway smiled. "I find it surprising you're expressing support for Commander Chakotay."

"The Commander and I have a workable relationship, Captain, and although at first I was . . . well puzzled you chose him over me, I understood, and he has done a good job."

She glanced out the window for a moment then looked back to him. "So you think I should return the Commander to his duties?"

"Yes, as well as deleting any report you might have made concerning this matter."

Janeway almost laughed. As Security Officer, he undoubtedly had already checked the Ship's Logs and discovered she did not make a report. "All right, I'll consider it, but first, sit down a moment," and she indicated the couch. "I want to talk to you about our return home."

An hour later, they stood, she thanked him and made sure he was in agreement, then both walked back onto the Bridge, Janeway with a certain air of satisfaction and Tuvok with one eyebrows raised and almost, but not quite, a frown.

* * * * *

"Where are we heading, Chakotay?" asked Tom

"We're going to Mars. There is an old, discarded base of Starfleet there."

"What?" exclaimed Dalby. "They'll search all Starfleet bases."

"Yeah, and the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yard is there," groused Tom.

"There will be many ships flying around at the yard. I'm hoping they won't notice this shuttle. Besides they won't search that old base. They haven't used it for over 50 years and took most of their portable equipment out. They thought it was getting unstable."

"Unstable? And we're going to hide there?" said Chell in a quivering voice.

Chakotay smiled. "They thought it was unstable 50 years ago, Chell, and according to my information it's still in one piece."

"Where'd you get your information, Chakotay?" asked Tom.

"That's a 'need to know' basis right now. Just believe in me guys."

"Well, we'll soon find out, Mars is coming up," said Tom and he worked the controls.

"Okay, take it out of Warp, coast through the yard and head for the back side before initiating Impulse again, while I work the sensors," said Chakotay as he bent his head and became intent on the readout. Several minutes went by with nothing, as Tom changed to 1/4 Impulse and then several more minutes before Chakotay suddenly said, "There it is."

"Where? I don't see anything," said Paris as he intently scanned his console.

"Drop out of orbit and head down," ordered Chakotay.

The shuttle swooped lower and lower until finally Chakotay looked up from his sensors and pointed. "There it is, that crater dead ahead."

"I still don't see any . . . oh I got it," said Tom. "Are you sure we'll fit in that opening?"

"You are always saying how good a pilot you are Tom. Now is your chance to prove it. Go in slowly."

The shuttle moved into the entrance very slow with Tom muttering he felt like he could reach out the window and touch the walls.

"Take it slow, there's a turn up ahead," said Chakotay.

Tom maneuvered the shuttle, made the turn and they flew into a vast cavern containing a large building. "There, the landing pad," said Chakotay as he pointed.

"See it," said Tom and gently put the Shuttle down and everyone gave an audible sigh of relief.

"B'Elanna, hand me that Oxygen mask and Tank that's behind Tom's seat." As he put it on he told everyone to stay put while he checked to see if the Life Support system still functioned, told Tom the coordinates to beam him to and disappeared in a twinkling of lights.

Everyone in the shuttle was quiet as they waited. Suddenly Chell asked, "What if the Life Support doesn't work? Will we have to stay cramped in this shuttle?"

"Always look on the bright side don't you Chell," said B'Elanna.

Suddenly illumination came on and Tom said, "A force field just went up back at the bend."

Chakotay's voice was heard on the shuttle COM system. "The Life Support is on. Give me a few minutes to make sure it's still healthy, and then I'll put a force field around the shuttle so you can walk in."

"Chakotay, before you do that I should turn the shuttle around so it's facing out in case we have to make a fast getaway."

"Good thinking Tom. Do it."

Tom initiated the engines, lifted off the pad a few meters and turned the shuttle so it was facing the entrance. A few minutes after he told Chakotay it was done a force field went up, giving the passengers a 'tunnel' to walk through to the building. With groans from cramped legs, the occupants rose and stiffly walked into their new 'home'.

"How long do we stay here, Chakotay?" asked B'Elanna.

He looked at her and then the group. "For as long as it takes . . . a month, two months, maybe more. Meanwhile, gather around people and I'll tell you all about it."

As Chakotay explained their situation, eyes went wide, first in disbelief then amazement at his story. White Rain grunted and then smiled as he looked at Lopez.

"I'll be damned," said Tom with a grin on his face. "It's ingenious, Chakotay. That must be the Maquis thinking."

Chakotay grinned. "Maquis thinking, yes, I haven't lost it yet. It was just dormant for awhile."

"Seven years awhile," chuckled B'Elanna.

"You know Tom," said Chakotay, "at first I resented you wanting to come along, even though I could use your pilot expertise. I thought it was just for B'Elanna, but on thinking on it, I admire you because you are putting yourself at risk by escaping with us. Very likely you would have received a full pardon."

"Yeah I know," he said. "It was B'Elanna originally, but also, I guess it's because of my dad. I'm not sure we have made up anything, but I'd sure like to see the expression on his face when he hears about my stand on this matter. He'll think I'm still incorrigible, when in reality I'm standing up for my beliefs, that you . . . all of you guys . . . don't deserve prison, and I want to help in not letting that happen."

Dalby clapped him on the shoulder. "Another Starfleeter I might like," and everyone laughed.

* * * * *

Janeway smiled the next morning when she walked onto the Bridge and saw the Earth on their viewscreen. It was now more than a faint light; it was becoming the blue orb they had so longed to see.

"How far are we now, Harry?"

"About 12 hours, Captain," he said with a big grin. "Doesn't it look beautiful?"

'That it does, Harry that it does," she responded as she sat down in her chair. After a moment she glanced at the empty Commander's chair, and then faced straight ahead.

"Where's Tom, Captain?" asked Harry. "I couldn't find him last night for our Hoverball game."

Janeway's heart lurched. "I gave him time off to spend with B'Elanna. It wouldn't surprise me if they turned their communicators off and hid in the Holodeck."

Harry grinned. "Sounds like something he would do. But he better get up here soon and catch a look at this sight."

She nodded, and then asked him to hail Earth. A few moments later Admiral Ross' face appeared. He smiled. "I take it all repairs are now completed, Captain. I note you are now about twelve hours away."

Janeway smiled. "Yes, and we are all anxious to set foot once again on Earth."

The Admiral frowned as he looked around the Bridge. "Where is Commander Chakotay?"

"He is down in Engineering. I told him to keep close check on our Propulsion System. We don't want any further breakdowns. Voyager has gone through a lot Admiral, but she has done beautifully. It's just some of the parts are getting tired and worn, and some of our replacement parts, despite the brilliant ingenuity of our Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres in using alien parts, are also wearing out. But we are coming home, Admiral!" she said with a big smile.

"Let us know when you are within a couple hours arrival, Captain. In the meantime our Sensors are tracking you."

I'll bet they are, she thought to herself.

Everything progressed normally for the rest of the trip, but when Voyager was three hours from Earth, Harry again questioned the whereabouts of Chakotay and Paris. Janeway stood, looked at him a moment, looked at Tuvok and requested ship's wide communication. As she began talking, a buzz started for a moment on the Bridge, and then silence took over as everyone listened intently to every word she said. When she finished with "If anyone has any objections, please report to the Mess Hall immediately and I will talk to you there." Following that she turned the Bridge over to Tuvok and left.

Harry, feeling a little stunned, looked around the Bridge, then over at Tuvok, who maintained his stoic, expressionless Vulcan manner. "Can you believe that, Tuvok," he said in an almost whisper.

Tuvok looked at him. "The Captain is doing what she believes best in this situation. Whether I believe it or not is immaterial, or as Seven would say, it is irrelevant. It is your decision that is important Mr. Kim. If you agree with her, do nothing and remain quiet. If you disagree, then leave now for the Mess Hall." Looking around the Bridge he added, "And that applies to all of you."

No one left the Bridge.

* * * * *

An hour later, Captain Janeway returned to the Bridge. Tuvok looked at her with an upraised eyebrow. She smiled and putting up her hand touched the thumb with the fingers, indicating an 'O'.

"No one, Tuvok, and I waited an hour."

"Then you might be successful, Captain," he responded as he moved to his station.

Janeway sat down and as she crossed her legs said, "I hope so. Otherwise I have ruined a lot of people's lives."

Earth became larger and larger on the viewscreen as Voyager made her way. At last they were less than an hour from Earth Station and Janeway had Harry send word to Starfleet, although she felt it was unnecessary. They were obviously tracking her with their sensors.

Starfleet soon answered by telling them to Dock at Port 2 at the station.

As Voyager slowly slid by the Station, heading for their assigned Port, they could see people looking out at them. She could see smiles, waves and even stark awe. Helm carefully maneuvered into the Port and at last they heard the Docking Clamps latch on. Everyone on the Bridge, who had seemingly been holding their breath, broke into large smiles.

Janeway smiled as she looked around at everyone. "We made it people. We're back home!" A loud cheer greeted her formal announcement.

"Starfleet is requesting to board, Captain," advised Tuvok.

"Granted," replied Janeway and stood as twinkling lights with the outline of four forms began to appear on the Bridge. When they finished materializing Admiral Nechayev stepped toward Captain Janeway, extended her hand and said, "Welcome home Captain Janeway. You have accomplished what amounts to a miracle, accomplishing in seven years, what might have been 75."

Janeway shook the Admiral's hand as she smiled. "Thank you Admiral. We are most glad, proud and relieved to be back."

The Admiral turned to her group and introduced Admiral Paris, Admiral Ross and Commander Durkin, head of the Security Division.

"Your ship seems to be in remarkably good shape, Captain, for all you undoubtedly have been through," said Nechayev.

"Voyager has been a good ship, Admiral. She has given us a good home for these past seven years. She took her lumps in a lot of battles but refused to give up on us, just as we refused to believe we could not make it back home someday."

"Well, we are all glad you are back with us. We have a reception planned at Starfleet, on the Parade Grounds. All Cadets and Starfleet personnel, as well as families, will be there to welcome you back."

"Thank you Admiral, the crew deserves such a welcome."

The Admiral then looked around the Bridge and frowned. "Commander Chakotay is not present."

"No, he is not here, Admiral."

Before she could respond the Admiral was hailed on her Communicator. "Admiral, this is Captain Lee. We have searched the ship and have not found them."

"What? None of them?"

"No Admiral."

Nechayev turned to Janeway who immediately spoke before the Admiral could. "Who is Captain Lee and who are they searching for?"

"Captain Lee is leading the Security Personnel who have also boarded Voyager. Where are the Maquis, Captain Janeway?"

"We do not have any Maquis on Voyager, Admiral. We are all one Starfleet crew."

"Don't play semantics with me Captain. You know of whom I am speaking. Now where are they?"

"Three days ago I gave them permission to leave the ship," Janeway said softly.

"You did WHAT!" Nechayev exploded as her face turned purple.

"I gave Commander Chakotay a shuttle and let them leave Voyager, Admiral. They are all in a safe place while we discuss this situation, without putting them in jail first."

"You should be placed in the Brig for that action, Captain," said Nechayev icily. "You had no right . . ."

"On the contrary, as Captain I had every right. When a crewman asks to leave the ship, the Captain weighs all the pros and cons and makes the decision. My decision was to let them all leave before you make a mockery of their bravery in helping get us home."

"It is apparent your seven years away from Starfleet has left you with feeling you no longer have to obey our rules and regulations."

Janeway's eyes went hard and she glared at the Admiral. "I will have you know, Admiral Nechayev," she said in a cold tone, "That this ship maintained all Starfleet Rules and Regulations, all the Protocols, as well as the Prime Directive, even when in life and death situations. Once Commander Chakotay's crew was on this ship and integrated as members of my crew, they were no longer considered Maquis. They wore Starfleet Uniforms and obeyed Starfleet Laws. Some even gave their lives to protect other members of this crew!"

"That all sounds well and good, Captain, but the fact remains they were criminals who you were sent out to capture. The fact they were on your ship confirms your mission was successful."

"Now who is playing semantics, Admiral? Not once has the word 'capture' been used around those crewmembers."

The Admiral turned to Harry, who quickly came to ramrod stiff attention. "Ensign, where are the Maquis?"

"I'm sorry Admiral, I can't help you. All I know is three hours ago Captain Janeway told us she had sent Commander Chakotay and his people on an away mission."

The Admiral turned to Helm, saw it wasn't Tom Paris and looked back at Janeway.

Janeway immediately turned to Admiral Paris. "Admiral, Tom has been a wonderful and courageous addition to this crew, I couldn't have asked for better, but he strongly believes the Maquis are being wronged and chose to go with them and make a stand in their behalf. I tried to talk him out of it. I tried to tell him that he undoubtedly would receive his full pardon based on his behavior on this ship, but he insisted on standing beside them. He has changed a great deal Admiral. Don't judge him as reverting to his previous misbehavior. He is simply making a stand in the name of Human Rights."

Admiral Paris looked at her for a moment, and then smiled. "I believe you Captain. It sounds like something Thomas would do if he didn't think the action was right."

"But not in his old rebellious behavior, Admiral. He thought it through completely, and knew the personal risk he was taking, that it might take away what he had worked so hard to change and achieve while on Voyager." Admiral Paris simply nodded his head.

Janeway turned back to Nechayev, who gave her a heartless smile. "I should put you in the Brig for this insolence, Captain."

"Now how would that look, Admiral? You have a reception planned down below. I'm the newest Starfleet hero. What would they think to hear you put me in jail upon our return home because I sent some of my crew out on a shuttle?"

Nechayev sputtered and Admiral Ross and Paris both took her aside for a moment and whispered to her. She turned back to Janeway. "Just what is your plan Captain?"

"Thank you, Admiral. At least your cohorts see that I have the upper hand in this matter. I want, after thorough discussion of this situation, to negotiate forming an International Panel of Judges and conduct a Hearing away from Starfleet. A Panel of various races would be more prone to a fair and impartial hearing, even if they judge them guilty, while an all Starfleet panel would always be viewed as being tainted, prejudiced and unfair, and keep tensions high, possibly even resulting in the forming of a new underground movement against Starfleet. That's my plan, Admiral, a neutral panel and a neutral site."

Admiral Ross nodded his head. "It's worth discussing, Captain, and . . ." He was cut off by an icy glare from Nechayev.

"We have the reception now and a parade of honor tomorrow. We will talk about it then, Captain. Now I suggest you gather all your remaining crew in the Shuttle Bay and Starfleet will transport them to the parade grounds. They can return in two days and pick up their personal belongings. For now, you and Commander Tuvok will beam down with us." She tapped her Com badge and informed Captain Lee they were going to beam down, and Captain Janeway, on ship's wide communication told her crew to gather in the Shuttle Bay.

As Janeway materialized at the Parade Ground a roar went up from the people gathered there. She smiled and cried at the same time. She was back on Earth! Immediately she stepped away from the Admirals and waved to the crowd, which elicited a larger roar. Looking back at Commander Tuvok, she said, "Step up beside me and wave Tuvok."

"Vulcan's do not wave, Captain."

"Oh don't be so stodgy, Tuvok. This is a special moment! At least hold up your arm and walk with me." As he stepped up beside her and grudgingly raised his arm they walked around the stage, waving to the crowd, which brought louder and louder cheers. "Oh God, Tuvok, why can't Chakotay and the others be here to enjoy this", she said through her smile and tears. "They deserve to hear this welcome."

"Indeed, Captain. It does seem unjust. However, it was your decision."

"They still wouldn't be here. They would be beaming to jail instead."

"Indeed, I must agree based on what just happened on Voyager. It appears, as you said, that Starfleet had made up its mind long ago what would happen when we arrive home. I apologize for doubting you Captain."

Janeway smiled at him, stopped walking and stepped in front of an item that looked like a communicator and after everyone quieted down said, "Thank you all so much for that wonderful reception. But my crew also deserves this welcome. Whoever is in charge, please beam my crew down in front of this stage."

After Nechayev nodded to someone, and several minutes had passed, large groups of Voyager's crew started appearing in front of the stage and as the crowd thundered its approval and the crew became aware of where they were and what was happening, they started to wave at the crowd, smile, yell and even jumping up and down and hugging one another in their excitement, which only seemed to increase the decibels emanating from the audience.

Nechayev then quieted the crowd, Voyager's crew sat down on the grass, and she made her official Welcome Home Speech. Janeway smiled the whole time, knowing the Admiral was probably doing it through clenched teeth and this made Kathryn act even more the part of the hero who had just accomplished the impossible. She even stood and hugged the Admiral at the end of her talk, totally embarrassing Nechayev and making the audience laugh. Other Admirals gave welcoming speeches and finally Janeway talked to the crowd.

"Admiral Nechayev, Admiral Ross, Admiral Paris, other distinguished members, families and friends of the Voyager crew and all of you in the audience. Thank you all for such a wonderful and joyous welcome. It is truly great to be back home! For a trip that was scheduled to be about three weeks and turned into seven years in a foreign quadrant, you have no idea at the joy myself and my crew feel at being here. Although you honor me and call me the hero, it was my crew who are the true heroes. Without them, without every single one of them, Voyager wouldn't have made it and I stand here now and thank all of those present and all of those not here at the present time for their bravery and hard work.

"Now, I think it only fair we cut these festivities short so my crew can meet with their families and friends. I'm sure you understand that. Tomorrow I understand there is another welcome planned, but I have asked the Gala Dinner Reception be delayed until my entire crew can attend. I'm sure Starfleet will keep us all busy in the meantime with their debriefing. I thank you all again. We will remember this moment."

Admiral Ross stepped forward and adjourned the reception, told Janeway that Admiral Nechayev expects to see her in her office at 0900 hours sharp tomorrow morning and left. Janeway hopped off the stage to meet with her crew, telling them to enjoy seeing their families and she would see them again in a day or so. She also thanked them for their support.

Following that they all started moving toward the stands where civilians were sitting and where their families were now rising to move out and meet them. Janeway turned toward Tuvok who had joined her and asked, "Do you see T'Pel my friend?"

"Not as yet," he replied as he looked over at the crowd. "Yes, I see them now. Excuse me Captain," and he walked away.

Kathryn stood there, tears on her cheeks, watching the reunions between her crew and their families. She was about to turn when someone tapped her shoulder. She turned and looked into the face of Mark.

"Hello Kath. Welcome home."

"Oh Mark, it's so good to see you," and he hugged her tightly.

Finally releasing her he introduced her to his wife and two children. Kathryn smiled and hugged the wife. "I'm so glad to meet you," she said. They talked for a few minutes but Kathryn kept glancing over to the crowd.

"Your mom and Phoebe aren't here, Kath," said Mark. "Your mother didn't think her heart could stand it . . . she developed a problem while you were lost . . . and Phoebe is there with her. I told them I would come and take you to them. Shall we? "And he extended his arm away from the field.

"Yes, thank you. I want very much to see my mother," Kathryn whispered.

As they walked towards the lot where Mark's shuttle was he cleared his throat. "I . . . uhm, I didn't see Commander Chakotay at the reception."

She glanced sharply up at him and saw a gentle, knowing smile. "He wasn't available to be here," she whispered.

"Well, I hope he's available soon, Kath." Then he laughed at her startled expression. "Oh don't look so surprised. I could tell on that one letter he was special to you. I hope things work out, knowing Starfleet."

"Thank you, Mark. You always did understand me, almost better than I understand myself," she said with a smile, and then added in a wistful tone, "I hope things work out, too."

* * * * *

"Do you think Voyager is at Earth now, Chakotay," asked B'Elanna.

"About two hours ago if my reckoning is right," he replied.

"I wonder what kind of reception the Captain got after they discovered the Maquis weren't on board," said Tom with a snicker.

"I doubt they were pleased, Tom. But knowing the Captain and her plan, I'm sure she didn't make things easy for them."

Dalby laughed. "As only our Captain could."

Everyone was sitting around the room and all snickered at Dalby's comment. "She's quite bull-headed when she wants to be," said Chell.

"Which is most of the time," Tabor added with a laugh.

"And also quite stubborn, if memory serves me," said White Rain, while Lopez nodded agreement.

Chakotay smiled at the jousting. To a stranger it might have sounded quite critical, but he knew these people respected Kathryn, both as a Captain and a person.

"How long before we hear from the Captain?" asked Tom.

"Unknown, Tom. But knowing Starfleet, they can be just as bull-headed, so we just have to sit and wait. It's going to take patience people, from the Captain and us. I know she will do her best and I believe in her, whatever happens. Well let's get some rest. Tomorrow we will see what we can do about improving this place . . . for the Hearing or for whatever happens."

* * * * *

Captain Janeway was shown into Admiral Nechayev's office at 0900 sharp. She nodded to Admiral Ross and Admiral Paris who were present, and was introduced to Admiral Sutton and Admiral Faquier.

"I understand you think you have us by the shirttails, Captain," remarked Sutton as he sat down.

Kathryn smiled. That's one person that won't be on the panel if I can help it. "I wouldn't put it that way Admiral. I prefer to say I just have the upper hand."

"Still an insolent thing for a Captain of Starfleet to do," he sneered.

Admiral Faquier spoke up. "That kind of language isn't going to accomplish what we are here for. I suggest we all get to the point. Captain Janeway, Admiral Nechayev has briefly explained what happened, but I'd like to hear your explanation, please."

"Thank you Admiral. As you all know, if you studied my early logs, which were sent to Starfleet via a Data stream through the micro wormhole developed by Lt Barclay, we were abducted by whom we called the Caretaker. Chakotay, who was Captain of his ship, was abducted as well. In a battle with the Kazon, Chakotay saved Voyager by crashing his ship into the Kazon Battle cruiser. I invited Chakotay and his crew to be part of my crew as we had a common problem, that of getting home. He accepted, and based on his previous Starfleet record, I appointed him my First Officer.

"Every member of his crew wore Starfleet uniforms and obeyed Starfleet rules. Granted there was a lack of trust between us at first, but we soon learned we could work together, that we weren't that much different from one another, and they became valuable members of my crew. For seven long years we worked, sweated and lived together. Their ingenuity often helped us to solve problems. Some of them even stepped forward and sacrificed their lives to save us. We became a close-knit family, loving, supporting, depending on and trusting one another.

"During the first year we all stopped thinking of the crew as Maquis and Starfleet. We became one unit, and I am so proud of my crew." She turned to Admiral Paris. "Admiral, Tom should be the one to tell you this, but under the circumstances I believe you should know. Tom is in love with B'Elanna Torres, my Chief Engineer and former Maquis. I believe they are planning on being married. They have been good for another, each taming the other, and this kind of rapport and friendship happened all over the ship.

"Lon Suder, a violent psychopath, a Maquis . . . he changed and saved Voyager when the Kazon's trapped us and put the entire crew off on a planet. He was missed somehow and he and the EMH saved the ship. In the process Mr. Suder gave his life, but we got Voyager back through his heroic efforts.

"These are just some examples of why I made the decision I did. I went to Commander Chakotay that evening and he and I talked long into the night regarding my plan. He refused at first, saying he didn't want me to jeopardize my career for 21 Maquis, and that they preferred to face Starfleet and take whatever happened. It took awhile but I finally convinced him my way would result in a fair and impartial hearing, rather than they being whisked away the minute we docked and put in a Starfleet jail."

Janeway looked at Admiral Nechayev and leaned forward. "Do you know, Admiral, what he said to that? He said Starfleet wouldn't do such a thing; that they would let us dock and enjoy the success of returning to Earth against impossible odds - then they would quietly arrest them."

The Admiral said nothing, so Janeway leaned back and continued. "I feel I made the right decision to have those crewmembers leave on a shuttle. They are not criminals. They were fighting the Cardassians. Yes, they stole from Starfleet but it was to get what they needed, and unfortunately Starfleet suffered some losses, which the Maquis regretted, but they were also angry with Starfleet for letting the Cardassians take their homeland and butcher their people.

"They deserve a fair and impartial hearing, not a Starfleet Court-martial that is pushed through in one day without their story being told and then spend years in jail. Yes, I am risking my career in this act, but I totally believe in these people. I lived with them for seven years! I know them now as human beings, not just some names I was sent out to find. So they are hiding and waiting for what we do." She looked over at Admiral Faquier and smiled. "That was probably a little more than you wanted to know, but I took advantage of your question, Admiral."

He nodded. "Yes it was more than I asked, but it filled in a lot of information. What do you propose, Captain?

Janeway immediately reached into her case and brought out five Padd's. She handed one to each Admiral and kept one for herself. "First we have to set some ground rules, and then select an impartial, international panel. I believe nine members is a good number. Following that we select the Prosecution and Defense Counsel, the witnesses to be called and set a date. The Hearing will be held in a place of my choosing. That is non-negotiable."

"Absurd," exploded Nechayev. "This amounts to extortion or blackmail so you can protect your precious friends. You have effectively joined the enemy with your explanation, Captain Janeway."

"I don't believe that Admiral. I am just trying to make sure they get a fair hearing. The panel may well vote them guilty, and they are prepared to accept whatever decision is made, but this way no one, not onlookers, Maquis or their supporters, no one, can feel the trial was over before it began."

"You are taking a big risk with this action, Kathryn," said Admiral Paris. "You have changed over these seven years. You are more independent, feisty, and if possible, more stubborn. If this fails you might well be court-martialed yourself and drummed out of Starfleet. Are you prepared to take such a big risk . . . are you sure you want to do this?"

Kathryn smiled at him. "Yes Admiral, I am very sure. You yourself taught me that when you believe in something to follow through, come hell or high water. Well I believe in those people and want, above anything else, for them to have a fair hearing. If this international panel votes them guilty, then so be it."

Admiral Ross, who had been silent the whole time, cleared his throat and said, "Well, she has the upper hand and I for one would prefer what would be seen as a fair trial, so let's get busy."

Kathryn smiled and leaned back, trying to quiet her beating heart. So far they had at least listened.

This same group met every day with much shouting, coercing, pleading, debating, retreating, defiance and cajoling, as well as refusal to budge on something, adding names, deleting names, reading names. A week, two weeks, a month went by. Some issues were resolved quickly while others were at a stalemate. At first the meetings lasted about three-four hours and Kathryn would go off to her debriefing Officer, but gradually, as they made progress, the meetings extended. A month and a half had gone by when the last period in their agreement was made.

Admiral Faquier stood with a big sigh, shook hands with Kathryn, and said he admired her for doing this by herself while they had four Admirals, wished her well and walked out. Admiral Ross, Sutton and Nechayev retired to other rooms, saying they would see her at Earth Station in two days. Admiral Paris stood and looked at Kathryn with sad eyes.

"You took on Goliath, Kathryn. I'm not sure if you won, despite this agreement for your fair trial."

"I realize that Owen, and I'm prepared for whatever happens." He smiled, sighed and shook her hand, then left. Kathryn gathered up her Padd, looked momentarily out the window and thought, Well Chakotay, now we'll see the real plan in action. I hope this works out for you and then she turned and walked out of the room, down the corridor and out into the sunny afternoon.

* * * * *

Chakotay and Dalby sat at the console monitoring the Sensors. "You look jumpy Chief," said Dalby.

"Sorry. But I just have the feeling something is going to happen soon. It's been over a month now, six weeks to be exact. Stay alert, Ken," and he stood, stretched, then walked over to a chair and sat down. This room had been set up with a long table for the panel and the rest of the room was filled with chairs. He looked around. Based on what Kathryn hoped to accomplish, the group had spent time cleaning up rooms for meals, lounging, and quarters for whatever guests would be here and setting this room up as the Hearing room. They had made sure the Life Support wouldn't fail and cleaned and checked all the Sonic Showers, made sure all communication was working, as well as two of the Replicator's. He felt he had thought of everything, but Murphy's Law had a way of rearing its ugly head.

"Hey Chief, we've got something!" hollered Dalby. Chakotay quickly hurried over and looked at the sensors. A large object, with two smaller ones and six even smaller were showing on the sensor board, all heading for the entrance to this base.

"Well either it's our guests or Kathryn failed and they know where we are," he said softly.

"Sure hope it's the former. That large object - I have now identified it as the Enterprise Starship. The two others are Galaxy Class fighters and the six small ones are shuttles. We won't stand a chance against that armada."

Chakotay smiled. "I don't think even Starfleet thinks we're that important to send the Enterprise, Ken. Open the communication and let's wait."

Static filled the room and the noise soon brought B'Elanna and Tom, as well as some others to the room out of curiosity. Then the static stopped, and Chakotay's heart started beating faster.

"Commander Chakotay, this is Captain Janeway, do you hear me?"

They waited in silence and the hail was repeated.

Ken looked up at Chakotay and slid away from the panel. Chakotay punched the panel and replied, "This is Commander Chakotay. I recognize your voice Captain."

"Hello Commander. How are you?"

"Doing all right, Captain. It looks like you have an armada out there. Are you going to blast us out of this cave or were you successful?"

"My plan was finally accepted Commander. It took a lot of talk as well as a lot of give and take, but I think you will be pleased. We have two transports to bring the panel judges, the witnesses and the counsel in. The two Galaxy class ships as well as the shuttles will defend the entrance once everyone is inside. The Enterprise will handle the food requirement. Are you able to accept about 30 people?"

"I didn't expect that many, we will have to clean up a few more rooms."

"There are also six Security Guards which Starfleet insisted on, plus some of our judges needed their personal aides."

"I see. How many aides are there?"

"There are three, Chakotay."

"Okay, maybe the Guards can all be in a general quarter's room. That way we will only have to clean up four more rooms." As he said that he nodded to Tom who immediately ran out of the room to gather people for the job.

"That sounds good, Commander. When can we come in? It will take about a half hour to get the judges and their belongings and aides into the Transports."

"That's fine, Captain. Contact me when you are at the mouth of the cave. Chakotay out." He stood and looked around. B'Elanna was the only one there. He walked to her and gave her a big hug.

"Well this is it B'Elanna. We all sink or swim together."

"I hope for the Captain's sake it's successful, Chakotay. She took a big risk for us."

Chakotay just squeezed her tighter as he whispered, "I know." Then he pulled back and said, "Let's help with the clean up and then get everyone ready."

* * * * *

Thirty-five minutes later Kathryn's voice was heard. "Commander we are at the entrance of the cave now. I see you still have the Force fields up."

Chakotay sat down, tapped the console, took a deep breath and leaned forward. "All right Captain, one Transport at a time. I will lower the force field for five seconds. If the other Transport makes a run to try and get in at that time, we'll know this is a trap."

"It isn't a trap Chakotay, I assure you."

"All right Captain, I believe you. Force field is going down . . . now!" At five seconds the field went up again and he intently watched the screen as the first Transport moved in and up to the turn. He then called out, "Is the second Transport ready to move in?"

"In position," and the procedure was repeated.

"Captain," said Chakotay, "I hope you have a good pilot. That's a hard turn and will be difficult with your Transports. They are much larger than a shuttle, but five seconds clearance still remains in effect."

Chakotay heard Kathryn chuckle, then she said, "Will Captain Data do?"

"Data? The Android? he asked in surprise. "He could probably make it in his sleep, Captain."

"Thank you Commander," said Data's voice.

"All right, start your entry now and force field is down." Chakotay watched as the nose of the Transport appeared, made a sharp turn and entered and Chakotay immediately slapped the force field up again.

"That was a mighty quick five seconds, Commander," said Kathryn.

"Exactly five seconds, Captain," said Chakotay with a smile.

"4.99.5 seconds to be exact", came Data's response.

"Sorry Captain," said Chakotay as Dalby stood nearby snickering. "Guess my chronometer is off. Captain Data, dock the Transport beside the shuttle and facing the building. We'll then put up another force field to allow the guests to safely walk into the building."

While Data was doing that Chakotay got the second transport started. That pilot, upon seeing the turn up close had requested an additional two seconds, and bumped and banged his way around the turn, taking a full ten seconds to clear it. Chakotay sat and smiled as he watched, knowing the pilot was sweating bullets and worried about him putting the force field back up.

"Take you time, Helm, I'm giving you extra seconds," he said. A relieved 'thank you' was heard. Once clear of the turn he was instructed to hold position until the first transport had unloaded its personnel.

Chakotay turned his attention to the viewer over the entrance. The Transport had landed and was waiting for the clearance. "Captain Data, the force field for your guests is now on. Welcome to our home."

"Thank you Commander, we shall start immediately to debark," and Chakotay saw the hatch door swing open.

He looked back and saw with pleasure that the entire Maquis group was standing in front of their chairs and looking at him. Those fresh Starfleet uniforms also enhanced the appearance he wanted. "Look smart people, they are coming in." He walked briskly to the door, opened it and the first person he saw was Kathryn. She smiled broadly and laid her hand on his arm.

"Nice to see you again, Chakotay," she said softly.

"Likewise," he said with a smile, then glanced behind her and saw Captain Data coming, quickly told Kathryn where the panel would sit while pointing to the platform and hurriedly joined the Maquis group.

As Data reached the door Kathryn indicated where he should lead the Panel. As he and those following him entered the room, the group of Maquis immediately came to full attention, then watched mesmerized as the guests filed in and started taking their places.

"What has the Captain done to us, Chakotay," whispered Dalby. "That group will kill us!"

"I know," whispered Chakotay as he stared wide-eyed at the Panel, "But I have to believe in the Captain."

At last the Panel was all in and seated, Chakotay turned sharply and walked to Kathryn who was greeting the Aides. "They will have rooms 10 through 12, Captain." he then executed another abrupt turn and went to the Console. "Transport two - land beside the other Transport. Once you are there I will put up the force field for you to enter. Captain Janeway will show you to your quarters. They are down that hall," he said looking over at Kathryn, "and the Security Personnel will say in room 23, while the witnesses and counsel, may select any room in that end." Kathryn nodded in understanding. After the Transport landed and Chakotay initiated the Force field, he walked back to the Maquis group, noting with pleasure they were all still standing at attention.

As the second group started to enter, Chakotay turned in that direction. One of the first persons to enter was Admiral Owen Paris, who quickly walked about four rows back of the Maquis and took a seat. Next was Commander Tuvok, who looked over at Chakotay and nodded his head, receiving a nod in return as he continued towards the back per Janeway's instructions. After they were all in and walking to the back of the room, Kathryn walked over to the Console, looked at it a minute, tapped a couple of panels, which took down the force field and then walked to the center of the room.

She faced the Maquis. "At ease people, you may sit down." The Maquis immediately relaxed and sat. Chakotay looked up at the panel and saw they were all staring down at the Maquis.

"It's good to see you all again," said the Captain with a smile. "I hope you have been well. I'm sorry for the delay, but this hearing took a good deal of time to arrange, with a lot of give and take on both sides. The purpose of this hearing is to give you your day in court to face the charges against you. Captain Data, because of who he is and his open, impartial mind, has been placed in charge of running this Hearing."

She turned to the Panel. "Captain Data, I turn these proceedings over to you," and she turned and walked to the Maquis, pulled a chair up beside Chakotay and sat down, clearly showing her support for her crew.

Data stood. "Thank you Captain Janeway. I believe the first order of business is to introduce this illustrious panel, which will judge this case. At my far right is Colonel Kira Nerys, Bajoran, in charge of Deep Space Nine. Next to her is Anthwara, illustrious Native American leader. Beside him is Tokath, Romulan and leader of the Romulan Freedom Party. Beside Tokath is Admiral Ross, Starfleet. I am Captain Data of Starfleet and to my immediate left is Admiral Nechayev, Chief of Starfleet. Beside her is T'Shan, Vulcan and Learned Priestess. Next is Admiral Jean-Luc Picard of Starfleet and at the far end is Guinan, representing the El-Aurian race, also called The Listeners. I believe this is a fair and great panel. Do you accept this panel Commander Chakotay?"

Chakotay immediately stood. "We do Captain Data."

"Good. Next I believe it would be prudent if all the defendants introduce themselves, starting with you Commander Chakotay.

Chakotay immediately braced at full attention and said, "My name is Commander Chakotay, First Officer of the Starship Voyager and former Maquis Captain."

B'Elanna Torres sitting next to Chakotay stood up at attention. "My name is B'Elanna Torres, Chief Engineer of the Starship Voyager and former Maquis engineer."

Next was Tom. He stood and said, "My name is Thomas Eugene Paris, Chief Pilot for the Starship Voyager and former Pilot for the Maquis. Dalby stood next and said, "My name is Kenneth Dalby, Crewman in the Cargo Bay of the Starship Voyager and former jack of all trades for the Maquis." As he sat the panel chuckled at his remark.

As this self-introduction continued with Tabor and the rest of the Maquis, Kathryn felt so proud she wanted to cry. They were all citing Voyager first and 'former' Maquis. Had they been coached on this or was it a purely spontaneous response from Chakotay that all the rest emulated? And they were all wearing their Starfleet uniforms, which were obviously fresh and clean and the way they all stood at attention as the Panel entered, showing respect. She tried hard to swallow but found it difficult. Finally the last person gave her introduction.

"Very good," said Data. "It is a great help to have names with the faces. Now . . . and he hesitated as he looked around the room. "Ah, there you are. Will you two gentlemen step forward, please?" Footsteps were heard and two Captains stepped to the front and turned and faced the Maquis.

"The gentleman to your left is Captain Rodney Adams, who is representing the Prosecution. Beside him is Captain James Scott, who will be your Defense Counsel."

"He's just a kid," whispered Dalby to no one in particular.

"Counsel, we will start with making your opening statements," said Data.

Captain Scott immediately executed an about face and said, "Sir, if I may make a request?"

Data nodded his head and said, "All right Captain, but be brief."

"Sir, I have just now seen my clients for the first time. It is customary to see your clients well in advance and be able to converse with them over a period of time before the start of a trial. The Prosecution has already had this advantage with his witnesses for several weeks now. I have only spoken briefly with the witnesses on the way here and have not had any opportunity to speak to my clients at all. Respectfully, I would like to request a recess until tomorrow morning, during which time the illustrious panel may wish to refresh them selves, relax in their quarters and have dinner. During that time I can meet with my clients . . . sir."

Data stood. "Good point Captain Scott. Thank you for reminding me of that fact. He banged the gavel and said, "This Hearing is adjourned until tomorrow morning at 0900 hours."

As the panel started to rise the entire Maquis group quickly rose and stood at attention. Guinan looked at this with a small smile as she started to walk off and thought, either these people are well rehearsed at showing respect or they are not as bad as we have been led to believe.

Kathryn quickly walked across the room and per Chakotay's quickly whispered instructions, led the judges to their rooms. Once the entire panel was out of the room, the Maquis relaxed and looked around at one another. Chakotay turned and walked back to Admiral Paris.

"Admiral Paris, I didn't know you were coming sir, but it will only take a few moments to clear a room for you."

The Admiral stood and smiled. "I'm here only as a visitor, Commander, and to see my son . . . if he will see me."

Chakotay immediately looked back and seeing Tom looking at him waved him over. Tom approached slowly and hesitatingly said, "Hi Dad."

Admiral Paris looked him over and said, "You seem taller than the last time I saw you, Thomas. And you seem somehow changed, in your attitude and bearing." He hesitated then smiled. "I have missed you Thomas and would like very much to discuss our past problems." When Tom seemed to indicate that was acceptable, Admiral Paris, without warning reached out with both arms and gave Tom a quick hug, much to Tom's surprise. "Welcome home son. I hope you can find it in your heart when we talk to forgive me for my past bad behavior. I would very much like to be your father again."

Tom blinked back the tears and tried hard to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat.
"I'd think I'd like to give it a try, too, Dad," he said softly. This time both father and son engaged in a long, tight hug.

Chakotay looked over at B'Elanna, who stood watching with a proud look on her face. At last Tom turned and called to B'Elanna, who joined them. "Dad, this is my fiancée . . . B'Elanna Torres."

Owen Paris looked at her and finally smiled. "A half Klingon? Who tamed whom I wonder," and he gave B'Elanna a small hug. "It's nice to meet you B'Elanna."

"Nice to meet you Admiral," said B'Elanna with a smile. "As to who tamed who, I think that's yet to be decided, although we're both still working on it. Would you like to join us for dinner after you clean up?"

"I would be proud to," he said with a large smile.

Chakotay tried to blink back the emotion that rose in him seeing this and looked around. He saw Kathryn heading his way and quickly started in her direction. "Where are my quarters, Chakotay?" she asked as they met halfway.

"I'll show you Kathryn," and they started for the door. "Looks like the Paris clan might make up," added Chakotay with a chuckle.

"I had a feeling they would," smiled Kathryn as they walked into a corridor

"This is your quarters, number 47. I better get back out in the room and talk to Captain Scott awhile before dinner. That's quite a panel of judges Kathryn."

She smiled. "Yes and I think they will listen and render a fair verdict." She then placed her hand on his arm and asked softly, "Can you join me for dinner? It should be excellent. As it was stated earlier, The Enterprise is handling all the meal requirements."

"That sounds great Kathryn. I'll see you in one hour then," and he quickly walked away before he did something he shouldn't.

For the next hour Captain Scott conversed with the Maquis, sometimes one on one, sometimes in groups. When the hour was up Kathryn walked back into the hall. Chakotay blinked. She was wearing a white satin long sleeved blouse with navy slacks and matching earrings and pearl necklace. Gods she was so beautiful!

"The Enterprise is ready to start sending the meals down Captain Scott. Can you break for now and continue later."

"Yes," said Captain Scott. He turned to Chakotay, "Commander, I request we all meet again after dinner."

"All right, we all meet back here in one hour. Let's go eat," said Chakotay and he and Kathryn, followed by the group walked out of the Hall and towards their 'dining room'. As they walked down the corridor, they passed the Dining Room they had fixed up for the panel and he noticed a few were already eating. He nodded. The minute Data had said they would break for dinner Lopez had immediately moved out of the room and initiated the Transport panel, so Enterprise could beam down the meals without having to navigate a transport through the tunnel. I hope that's all that beams down he mused.

As Chakotay turned to enter the main dinning room, he noticed a Lt. Security Guard in position at the door, but he merely nodded to them as they filed in. The Maquis took their seats and warily kept watching the Lt. even as they noticed the two large bowls of fruit sitting on the table as well as two large bowls of tossed salad. Each place had a plate with utensils.

When the Lt was satisfied everyone was present he tapped his Com badge. "This is Lt Kennedy. The groups are all present." A few moments later the Transporter beam was heard and two Ensigns and two large crates appeared. The Ensigns quickly opened the crates and Lt Kennedy announced, "We have Pasta, Soup, and for the meat eaters, Fish, Chicken or Roast Beef. If you will tell the Ensigns what dish you prefer they will serve you."

Chakotay who was still standing near the door watching the proceedings, looked at the Lt and asked, "What is the soup?"

The Lt replied, "Mushroom soup sir," and Chakotay grinned. Kathryn had a hand in the meals, too! "I would like the soup and Pasta, Lt, but I won't be eating here. I will be in my room."

Just then Kathryn's voice was heard behind him. "I'll take the fish dinner Lt."

"Yes Captain, Commander," and the Lt immediately procured the two dishes, asked what room they would be in and said he would bring the salad, fruit and later dessert.

Following dinner and small inane conversation, Chakotay leaned back, a satisfied smile on his face. "That was great. I haven't eaten anything that good since Academy days. Did you help prepare the menu, Kathryn?"

"Oh a few suggestions," she said smiling as she relaxed. "It was rather good." She hesitated a moment then said, "I missed you Chakotay."

He looked at her. "I missed you too, Kathryn." He then looked away for a moment and upon looking back at her said softly, "Kathryn, I . . ." He stopped and looked down at his plate.

Say it, Chakotay, say it, please, don't back away, thought Kathryn.

"Well," he said after looking up and into her eyes with such longing and passion it almost broke her heart. "I probably shouldn't say anything. I should wait and see what happens. This time tomorrow I might be in a Starfleet jail."

"I'll wait," said Kathryn then felt embarrassed it had popped out so quickly.

Chakotay stared at her, not quite comprehending what she meant. "I said I would wait, Chakotay," she repeated.

Again Chakotay seemed confused. She decided to push further. "You know, Chakotay, I'm no longer Captain of Voyager." There, if that didn't open him up nothing would, she thought.

Suddenly a light seemed to turn on in Chakotay's eyes and he rose, walked around the table and taking both her hands pulled her to her feet. He stepped closer and a glint appeared in his eyes. "And I am no longer your First Officer."

"I know," she said as she closed the distance even more.

A mischievous sparkle appeared in his eyes, "Are you going to set parameters if I start talking?"

"I would prefer no talk at all," she said in a husky voice.

"That's the kind of parameters I like to hear," he said as he released her hands and putting his hands on her waist, lowered his head and placed his lips gently on hers.

That set off an explosion of long suppressed feelings, and Kathryn's arms went around Chakotay's neck, with one hand moving into his hair and pulling his head down hard, crushing his lips on hers. Chakotay's arms went around Kathryn and he pulled her tight against him. As the kiss deepened Kathryn felt movement in his groin and pushed her lower body even harder against him, eliciting even more movement in that lower region.

He pulled his head back slightly. "I love you Kathryn Janeway."

"And I love you, too, Chakotay," she said. "I've wanted to taste your lips for so long," and they kissed again, their bodies moving against one another.

Suddenly Chakotay pulled away, and while breathing heavily, said, "No, we can't . . . I won't, not now. I have to be back with Captain Scott in ten minutes."

Kathryn smiled. "I doubt it would take that long."

"That's just it Kathryn. I will never . . . never rush loving you."

"I'm glad, Chakotay. It will be a special time for both of us," and she kissed him again.

Suddenly Chakotay backed away, dropped his hands in front of his groin, and quickly sat down, much to Kathryn's amusement. "Will that help?" she asked with a chuckle.

"It better, otherwise I'll be late for Captain Scott," he said with a laugh, then just sat and stared at her. "I love you so much. When you insisted on this plan I knew I would never stop loving you regardless of what happened."

She gently sat in his lap. "I feel the same. We lost seven years in the Delta Quadrant and if they find you guilty and you are sent to jail, I will wait, my dearest man."

A rapping was heard on the door, causing them both to jump. "Chakotay," called Tom. "It's time. We have to get out to Captain Scott."

"Okay, be right there, Tom," called out Chakotay, as Kathryn stood. Chakotay then stood and Kathryn pointedly looked at his groin.

"Kathryn!" he said in mock anger as he dropped his hands in front of his groin.

She laughed in delight. "Well you wouldn't want to walk out to that group in 'full bloom' now would you? I was just checking," she said as she continued to laugh.

He grinned and with a push down with his hand started for the door. "Wait Chakotay," and Kathryn quickly picked up a cloth, dampened it and wiped lipstick off his lips. "Tom would spot that immediately."

Chakotay walked briskly out to the Hall and sat down, hoping no one paid any attention to his still slightly 'tented' pants and the conversation with Captain Scott started once again. His questions were severe and he listened intently to all the answers. He may be young, but off hand I think this kid is brilliant. I think we are in good hands.

After about two hours Chakotay happened to glance to the back of the Hall and saw Colonel Nerys, Admiral Picard and Guinan sitting there conversing. Soon he saw Kathryn walk into the Hall and noted wryly she had changed her slacks, as she walked to the back to join that group.

Gradually Captain Scott excused members. Soon Chakotay was the only one and their session lasted until almost 0100 hours before the Captain said they better get some sleep. Chakotay gave a quick glance to the back of the room even while knowing Kathryn would not be there and headed for his room, for whatever sleep he could get in five hours.

* * * * *

The next morning Chakotay had breakfast with his group, and was joined by Captain Scott who had more questions. "Did you get any sleep last night Captain," asked Chakotay.

He gave a boyish grin. "Had some more work to do, but I got a couple of hours in."

"Well, a tired defense counsel will not be much help, I suppose you realize that."

"Oh yes sir. But I'm fine, Commander."

Kathryn walked in near the end of their breakfast, wished everyone well and with a "Good luck Chakotay," left. Chakotay quickly looked around the table and as he expected, found Tom Paris' blue eyes fixed squarely on him. After a knowing smirk, Tom returned to the food on his plate, much to Chakotay's relief.

At 0900 hours the panel of judges walked into the Hall. The Maquis, already present, again rose and stood at attention until they sat down. Data gaveled the hearing into action, and asked the computer to read off the charges against the Maquis. As the computer droned on for what seemed forever, Chakotay quickly realized Starfleet had put every charge they could think of, include minutiae that meant nothing, into the reading.

At last the computer stopped and Data looked down at the Defense table. Captain Scott had procured a small table for both himself and the Prosecution and he had Chakotay sitting beside him. 'How does the Defense plead to the charges?"

Both Chakotay and Captain Scott stood, with Scott nodding to him to answer. "It's difficult, Captain Data. Some of the charges we are guilty of; others, I have no idea what they mean and I would say innocent to them."

"It has not been specified that you may plead to each charge, therefore you must plead guilty or innocent in Toto, Commander."

Captain Scott leaned toward Chakotay and whispered into his ear. Chakotay shook his head and looking up at Data replied, "Guilty, sir."

Data looked surprised. "You realize, Commander, it is up to the Prosecution to prove you guilty. Are you sure you wish to remain with that plea?"

Again Scott whispered, this time fiercely to Chakotay who whispered back, and then faced Data. "I maintain my guilty charge, sir. I believe my learned counsel will refute most of the charges, thus leaving only the pertinent ones."

"Very well," said Data. Looking at the Prosecutor, who now had a smirk on his face, said, "You may start your case, Captain Adams by giving your opening statement."

Adams rose and moved away from the table. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Panel, we are here today to judge this group of murderous, treacherous thugs . . ."

"Objection!" shouted Scott sharply as he rose to his feet.

"Noted Captain Scott," said Data. "Captain Adams, even though this is your opening statement, and normally objections are not allowed, please refrain from name calling and Captain Scott will refrain from objecting, otherwise we will be here for weeks." Both Captains agreed.

"As I was saying, we are here to judge this . . . group for crimes committed against Starfleet. Although most of these crimes were seven to eight years ago, Starfleet does not hold to a Statute of Limitations. We will prove this group deliberately and with malice committed those crimes listed in the charges and deserve to be punished." He sat down.

Data looked at him, waited a moment, and then asked, "Is that all, Captain?"

The Captain stood and smiled. "Yes sir, the Maquis have pleaded guilty, therefore I do not need to give my entire statement."

"Big mistake," whispered Scott in Chakotay's ear.

"Very well," replied Data. "Captain Scott are you ready for your opening statement?"

Scott stood and moved away from the table. "Well," he said with a boyish grin, "I will try, sir. As you know I haven't had as much time as my learned opponent, but I will do my best." He turned and looked at the Maquis all sitting there, staring at him. He smiled and turned back to the panel.

"Learned, and illustrious members of the panel. Look at these people. Look at them! Do they look like murderous, treacherous thugs, which my opponent tried to interject into his opening arguments? If you were walking down a dark street and one of them was coming towards you, would you run the other way in sheer fright? I think not.

"These are people, just like you and I. People who had their homeland ripped away from them in a so-called 'Peace Agreement' between Starfleet and Cardassia. Yes, I said Starfleet. Without a 'by your leave', or 'please may I', Starfleet gave their planet to Cardassia! Gave it to them knowing full well there were people who had homes and families there.

"Oh, Cardassia said, we will treat them well. They may stay there. And the treaty was signed. But what did the Cardassians do? They moved in and told the people they could no longer stay there and proceeded to kill and butcher them all . . . men, women and even children . . . they simply murdered them so they could have those villages, because after all, 'Starfleet gave us this planet. It is now ours and we can do what we want!'

"Almost every person sitting here," and he pointed his hand toward the Maquis, "Has experienced the loss of a family member, a friend, or a relative. Commander Chakotay lost his father and mother, and this happened while he was in Starfleet! What were these people to do? Stand by and watch this murder go on? Would you watch your family be killed, or would you decide something had to be done? They decided something had to be done. They sent word to Starfleet about what was happening . . . Starfleet did nothing. They pleaded with Starfleet to stop the Cardassians from killing their people . . . Starfleet did nothing. A Starship actually appeared in orbit and the occupants of this planet felt at last they were going to get help. But the Starship, with all its armament and fantastic sensors which could 'see' what was happening on the ground, did nothing! It just sat there and finally left.

"Dismayed, demoralized, dejected . . . that's what they felt. They had been rejected and ignored by Starfleet, who felt it was easier to turn their backs and not 'see' the atrocities than confront the Cardassians about their actions. Finally, anger set in, a raging, boiling anger, and they formed the Maquis, an underground group that would fight the Cardassians. Yes they stole equipment, supplies and ships, some from Starfleet. Some ships they procured legally from Starfleet, but they were forty years old! And that's what they fought the Cardassians with. Out-of-date equipment, slow moving ships, substituted parts . . . but oh how they fought. They ruined and destroyed many Cardassian bases and ships; they killed many of their soldiers. What did the Cardassians do? Why they complained to Starfleet, of course, and what did Starfleet do? They called the Maquis criminals and set out to round up and arrest all they could find. Yes, finally, Starfleet helped . . . helped the murdering Cardassians!

"As the Maquis movement increased, many Starfleet officers, including Commander Chakotay, resigned from Starfleet, effectively giving up their careers, because they began to realize Starfleet was wrong and they could no longer stand by and be a part of this treachery. Most of them defected to the Maquis, to help them in their battle and subsequently were called 'criminals'. Captain Chakotay's life, and that's what he was in the Maquis, was virtually destroyed. He was a peaceful man, believed in non-violence, but in the Maquis he had to kill. He also learned to hate . . . he hated the Cardassians and he hated himself for what he had become!

"One day Starfleet gave Captain Janeway an order - 'Go find Captain Chakotay and bring him back to us.' As a dutiful Starfleet Officer, and if you'll pardon me Captain Janeway," he said as he turned and faced her, "an officer who simply and ignorantly followed orders because she didn't know much about the Maquis, only what Starfleet had told her." He turned back to the panel.

"Well she found Captain Chakotay, only there was one problem, both were now in the Delta Quadrant, some seventy-five thousand light years away from home. As you have heard, Captain Chakotay destroyed his ship to save Voyager and Captain Janeway asked him and his crew to join her. After all, they both needed one another now to get home. But in the process Captain Janeway came to know these people. Oh, you are thinking, they probably brainwashed her. Wrong! You are dead wrong to think that and we will prove it to you during this trial. Not one of them talked to her about what the Cardassians did to them unless she specifically asked, and then they only told her the bare facts. They did not try to convince her of anything, because at first they felt she was the 'enemy'.

"But Captain Janeway is a 'different' kind of Captain. She likes to know her crew and over the seven years she learned these were wonderful and brave and trustworthy people, who had made the decision to fight for their homes, and who gave her the same dedication and passion to get home they used to fight against the Cardassians. Gradually their hate turned to respect for Captain Janeway, as well as trust, and when she put forth this plan, they trusted her, even though she told them they could still be voted guilty.

"You have heard all the charges Starfleet has chosen to list against these people. There is only one thing Starfleet forgot to do . . . that is to list themselves as criminals, because as sure as I am standing here breathing, they were just as much criminals as they claimed the Maquis were. And we will prove that during this trial. Thank you."

As Captain Scott sat down, breathing heavily, the Hall was silent as a tomb. Scott's impassioned statement had obviously moved everyone, including Starfleet, who sat up on the platform with eyes that seemed dazed, uncomprehending, not knowing what had just hit them. Even T'Shan, the Vulcan sat and just stared at Captain Scott. The prosecutor, Captain Adams, sat with his eyes closed, feeling he had just been 'had' by this brash young man.

Chakotay turned and looked at Kathryn. She was sitting there with tears in her eyes. Chakotay himself had felt like getting up and fighting he was so moved by Scott's speech and he knew for a fact that some of his group felt the same way.

At last Data broke the silence. "Well, for someone who said he wasn't prepared or hadn't had the time needed and would 'try', I must admit that was some opening speech, Captain Scott."

"Thank you Captain Data," he said, again turning on the boyish smile. "That's all I can do under these circumstances is try to do the best I can."

Data turned to the Prosecution. "Captain Adams you may call your first witness."

Captain Scott immediately stood. "Captain Data . . . sir, if I may request a recess. It is about time for a break."

Data looked down at his computer. "Ah yes, it is time for recess. We will adjourn for a half hour," and he banged the gavel, looked at it a moment, and then with an almost impish grin stood. All the Maquis immediately stood at attention and watched quietly as the panel filed out.

Chakotay looked at Captain Scott who stood at attention also until everyone was out of the room. The Prosecutor walked past him, gave him a dirty look, muttered, "You won't get away with that stuff" and walked out. Scott simply grinned and once he was out of the room looked at Chakotay.

"What did he mean by that?" asked Chakotay.

Scott sipped a mouthful of water then said, "Well I kinda think I hit a homerun with my opening statement and I wanted the panel to continue thinking about it, so by having a break it's still in their mind, not the first witness."

Chakotay as well as a few of the Maquis who heard Scott's statement, broke out into chuckles "You may look green behind the ears, Captain," said Dalby, "But I have the feeling you are smart as a fox." Scott just gave him that boyish grin.

* * * * *

The recess was still going on and Kathryn and Chakotay, along with most of the Maquis group were sitting in their seats chatting.

"I felt sorry for Picard during Scott's speech," said Kathryn

"Why?" asked Chakotay.

"Because he was the one ordered to deliver the news to the occupants of Dorvan V and offer to take them to a new resettlement."

"He could have refused, couldn't he?" asked Ken

"He was following orders," said Kathryn.

"Like a good little Starfleet Captain," said Chakotay sarcastically.

"He fought Starfleet before leaving, saying it wasn't fair. He fought them on the way there. He sent messages to them after talking to the villagers and tried to arrange something else with Starfleet, saying it just wasn't right. But Starfleet just finally ordered him to do it or resign. I watched him during Scott's speech and I could see he was troubled, maybe even having flashbacks. I'm sure that has eaten at him over the years."

"Do you think it will hinder or help his decision?" asked Tom who had joined the conversation.

"I'm not sure. I feel everyone will be fair however," said Kathryn. "It really is a good open-minded panel . . . well, with one or two exceptions. And did you notice Colonel Nerys? She was clenching her fists as Captain Scott talked about the Cardassian atrocities."

"Why?" asked B'Elanna.

"As a Bajoran she has suffered terribly from the Cardassians. I'm sure that speech opened up old wounds for her. Heads up, Data is at the door."

Everyone returned to his or her seats and stood again as the panel filed in and took their seats. The Prosecution started his case by calling Admiral Becker as his first witness. The day wore on and the Prosecution put forth some tough witnesses and testimony, scoring many points, but Captain Scott scored points, too by raising many objections, having some testimony wiped from the record and not losing too much ground. His cross-examination also bared some falsehoods by the witnesses. The people representing Starfleet seemed to feel nervous, and one gave poor or weak testimony, which Scott exploited. Obviously Captain Scott's opening statement had gotten back to the witness room.

The next to last prosecution witness proved to be a surprise and was devastating against the Maquis. One witness, after leaving the Transport had come in with a hood on and head down and remained in his quarters the entire time. As his name was called, the Maquis group stirred as he took the witness stand and took down his hood, revealing himself as a Dukek, a Cardassian. His testimony revolved around the base he served on being destroyed by a Maquis raid, a raid led, incidentally by Captain Chakotay. Only his testimony brought out the facts the Maquis also raided the village nearby, his village, and many 'innocent civilians were killed', including my parents, wife and daughter." His testimony was stark and brutal in his descriptions of the bodies, the burning and total horror of the raid's accomplishments against the Cardassians. At last Captain Adams, feeling like he had scored a major victory for the prosecution, turned the witness over to Captain Scott for cross-examination.

"Mr. Dukek, I feel for your loss, but in this loss you now felt exactly what the Maquis had been experiencing for years, did you not."

"I don't know of their losses, and I don't know if I believe them. I only know what I lost."

"And you blame Captain Chakotay for this raid?"

"Yes I do," said Dukek looking out at the Maquis and settling on one face.

"Will you point out Chakotay for the court?" said Captain Scott.

"Yes," and Dukek stood and walked towards Chakotay, stopping beside him, but pointed to Ensign Patelle in the second row. "There. I will never forget that face!" he roared. "You are scum Captain Chakotay, to kill my daughter, an innocent little girl!"

"Mr. Dukek, will you return to your seat please?" asked Captain Scott quietly.

The room was totally silent as Dukek went back to his seat. Scott stood, silently looking at him for a moment. "How do you know that is Chakotay?"

"His face was circulated by the Cardassian Army. I had just looked at it the day before the raid."

"I see," said Scott quietly. "But did you see him kill your family?"

"I got there just as he was running away. He looked back at me and hid behind a tree. I saw my family and stopped chasing him, so he got away."

"Now Mr. Dukek, what did you do after the raid?"

"I was devastated. I, of course, buried my family, and I vowed I would catch him, but he got whisked away to the Delta Quadrant before I could."

"What did you do then?"

"I eventually returned to duty, filled with hate for that man. I did my duty, but every time I killed a Maquis I pictured that person as him."

"Did you experience any further action with the Maquis?" After this question there was a little unrest by the Maquis group. When was Captain Scott going to point out Dukek had not identified Chakotay! Had he forgotten?

"Yes, they just kept raiding our facilities. It was maddening. They would sneak in, attack, and run like scared little children."

"So, you hate the Maquis, or that they wouldn't stand and fight?"

"Both! Every time we thought we had them surrounded, their devious minds would do the unexpected and they would escape. They were like devils!"

"But isn't that war - to try to outwit your opponents and score victories?"

"I suppose for weaklings it is, but not Cardassians. We fight like men right to the bitter end. Either we win or lose, but we do not run away."

"But isn't it a better philosophy that if you are losing, you retreat to fight another day?"

"Not for a Cardassian."

"What do you think of the Cardassians taking over Dorvan V, already occupied by people who thought of it as their home?"

"The planet was now ours, given to us in the treaty arranged by Starfleet, so we had a right to do as we wished."

"Arranged by Starfleet? You didn't ask for that planet?"

"We asked for 'a' planet and they gave us a choice."

"Were you involved in resettling those people?"

"No, that was assigned to some other battalion."

"Did you hear about the atrocities?"

"I laughed about them. They weren't true."

"How can you be sure of that?"

"Killing or being killed is a way of life for a Cardassian soldier, so I don't listen to idle gossip."

"Well, I guess that's enough for now, Mr. Dukek. Unless the prosecution has more questions I am finished with you." He looked over at the Prosecution who shook his head in a seemingly relieved matter that Scott had forgotten about the Chakotay misidentification.

"You are excused Mr. Dukek," said Data.

Dukek rose and took two steps, when Scott suddenly said quite sharply, "By the way Mr. Dukek, or whatever your name is . . ." and Scott looked at Chakotay. "Would you please rise?" Chakotay stood and Captain Scott said, "Mr. Dukek, do you know this man?"

"No, I've never seen him before in my life."

"Well then, let me introduce you. Mr. Dukek, meet Commander Chakotay."

Dukek froze as he looked at Chakotay. His mouth worked but no sound came out. Finally he whispered, "Impossible."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Dukek, you are mistaken. This is Commander Chakotay. I wonder how much of your testimony was also wrong, including your name and service?" and he turned and sat down, letting Dukek stand there. Finally he moved and with dazed eyes yet head held high, walked back to his quarters.

Silence filled the Hall, the Maquis had a hard time not smiling and Data seemed to let it go on longer than necessary. Finally he banged his gavel and said "Court is adjourned for lunch."

Everyone stood as the panel filed out and as the door started to shut, Captain Scott whirled around and put his finger to his mouth before the Maquis could cheer him. "Don't gloat my friends, be humble," he said quietly. "We won another victory but have not yet won the war. If Starfleet and the panel hear you cheering that may sour them, and right now they are bending our way. Besides, the prosecution has one last witness, and it's a tough one. He gave an impish smile. "Let's eat."

* * * * *

Following lunch, the hearing reconvened at 1400 hours. The last witness called by Captain Adams was a Captain Durst, who had fought the Maquis several times and actually been captured by them at one point, but released. He painted a picture of demented, angry fighters, who killed anything that moved. He lost several men in one battle between his ship and two Maquis ships. "We were defeated, all they had to do was leave, but they kept firing. At last the ship was ready to have a Warp Core Breach and we had to abandon ship. But those cowards fired at some of the escape pods!"

His testimony continued for an hour and when the prosecution was finished Chakotay felt sick to his stomach. He wasn't in on those battles and had whispered that to Scott, but still, the losses Starfleet had weren't necessary. He had a good idea what Captains were involved in those battles, but no proof.

"Captain Durst," began Captain Scott, "You have suffered greatly from those battles. The psychological damage of seeing helpless people killed must weigh heavily on your mind. Any Commander worth his weight in gold would be angry and feel responsible. Is that the case with you?"

"Yes. I still feel angry as well as responsible to this day, even though there wasn't anything I could do. They didn't have to fire at the escape pods!"

"No they didn't and shouldn't have," said Scott softly. "But tell me, do you know which Maquis Captains were responsible for those attacks on you?"

"Yes, they made a point of telling us who they were."

"Was Captain Chakotay one of those Captains?"

"No he was not."

"Then Captain Chakotay is innocent of those particular attacks, as well as his crew."

"He's still a member of the Maquis, and that makes him guilty by association."

"I see . . . maybe so. Some people have that philosophy. But per the charges read against the Commander by the court at the beginning, and your testimony now, you have effectively declared him innocent of those particular attacks." Scott turned and walked back to his seat, turned and looked up at Captain Data. "No further questions."

As Data was excusing the witness, Chakotay asked why so little questioning.

"Relax Commander. He talked of specific atrocities and I just cleared you of those charges. No need wasting my breath or spinning our wheels on generalities," Scott whispered.

Scott looked up as he heard Data talking. "The Prosecution has now finished with their five witnesses, which was the prescribed number in the agreement Captain Janeway and Starfleet arranged. Therefore, it is now the Defenses turn to produce their witnesses. Captain Scott, are you ready, or do you want another recess?"

Scott grinned - that disarming, innocent smile at the reference to his earlier tactics. "No Captain Data, I'm not sure I'm completely ready, but I will try."

"If your 'trying' is anything like before, it should prove interesting. Call your first witness."

Captain Scott stood and said, "I call Lt Commander Tuvok." A door opening and footsteps could be heard at the rear of the Hall and soon Tuvok walked around front and took his seat.

"Lt Tuvok, you have known Captain Janeway how long?"

"Approximately fifteen years."

"Is she a good Captain?"

"She is one of the best."

"Is there anything you dislike about Captain Janeway?"

"Vulcan's have suppressed all emotion, so I cannot answer that question."

"Okay, I'll rephrase. Does Captain Janeway have faults?"

"Everyone has faults. If everyone were perfect it would be an idyllic world without any 'excitement' as you humans say."

"When the Maquis came on board and she made Chakotay her First Officer, did it offend you?"

"I do not . . ."

"Yes, I forgot, you do not experience emotion."How did you react to his appointment when in reality it should have been yours?"

"At first I did not understand, but after Captain Janeway explained I accepted her decision."

"Was he a good First Officer? Did the crew resent him in that position?"

"He was a good First Officer. He did his job well. As to the crew resenting him in that position, I do believe there was a certain amount of non-understanding by some, but his abilities in the position negated any criticism he might have had, and the crew soon accepted and respected him. He was no longer thought of as Maquis."

"So he exemplified and operated like a good Starfleet Officer?"

"Yes, in every way."

"When Captain Janeway explained her plan for this Hearing, did you agree with it?"

"It is not my function to agree or disagree with the Captain's decisions. I merely follow her orders."

"But if you feel you do not accept her decision, then what? Can you tell her you don't like it?"

"I can mention my concern, but ultimately it is the Captain's decision."

"So - back to the Maquis plan. Did you agree or disagree to go along with it?"

"I agreed after her explanation, although I had a slight reticence on one particular point, which I have since been proven wrong on and apologized to the Captain."

"What part was that?"

"She felt the Maquis crewmembers on Voyager would be whisked away to prison by Starfleet and not allowed to enjoy our arrival at Earth."

"And . . . ?"

"When we arrived it quickly became obvious that was Starfleet's plan when they had Security Forces beam into various areas of the ship looking for those crewmembers."

"So Starfleet tried to sneak in and capture the Maquis and steal away again, without you knowing it?"

"Basically, yes."

"How was the rest of Chakotay's crew upon joining Voyager?"

"At first they were resentful of having to follow Starfleet's orders, especially Crewmen Dalby and Chell, but first Commander Chakotay and then Captain Janeway, in her own inimitable way, tore down their resentment, built trust, and they started becoming respected and valuable members of the crew."

"Were there any other troublemakers?"

"If by troublemakers, if you mean disrupting the ship or fighting, no they did not. As I said, at first they were just resentful and not trusting of the Starfleet crewmembers."

"Do you . . . tolerate or respect the Maquis crewmembers?"

"I respect them for what they have accomplished after what they have gone through and would gladly serve with any of those people again," he said as he nodded toward the group.

"Thank you Commander Tuvok." Turning to Adams he said, "Your witness."

Captain Adams started out trying to badger Tuvok, but Tuvok remained stoic and unflappable, with most of his answers short and to the point. Adams tried several ways of getting Tuvok to say the Maquis were using Voyager only to get home and would have at the first chance staged a mutiny and taken over the ship.

"The Maquis were twenty-seven crewmen. Voyager was around 120. I think even you would see the lack of wisdom on that effort."

Adams then tried another tactic of trying to discredit Captain Janeway, saying she broke the Prime Directive several times.

"We were in the Delta Quadrant and seemingly there for the rest of our lives. Captain Janeway nonetheless maintained strict Starfleet Rules and Regulations along with Protocol. As to the Prime Directive, there were a few times when the Directive was 'bent a little' but it was to survive the hostilities of the moment. One instance was an act of compassion for an entire race, the Ocampa, but in looking back at that act, I completely agree with her action."

Adams finally gave up trying to break through the Vulcan reserve and he was dismissed. The next witness was a surprise, Thomas Riker, twin of the First Officer of the Enterprises William Riker, although 'twin' is not exactly right.

"Mr. Riker," said Scott. "I understand you worked with the Maquis at one point."

"Yes, I did," he said with a large smile, "it was with Captain Chakotay, to be exact."

"Will you tell us about that, please?"

"Well, as I am an identical likeness to William Riker of the Enterprise, I impersonated him at one point and obtained a ship load of medical supplies."

"Why did you get those supplies?"

"Well Chakotay . . . uhm Captain Chakotay had come upon some people on a planet that were very sick and badly in need of medical supplies to survive. I happened upon him, he thought I was Will, begged me to get medical supplies from Starfleet and deliver them to those people so they could live."

"Were these people Maquis or friends of the Maquis?"

"Oh no, no, no, neither one. He didn't know them at all before seeing their trouble. He just felt compassion for their need and wanted to help them."

"Was this the same Chakotay who is on trial here as a murderer?"

Riker grinned. "Yes, one and the same. Kinda shows one story is not right doesn't it?"

"Why did you agree to try and get those supplies?"

"I immediately liked Chakotay. Here was a man, fighting for his homeland and yet willing to stop the fighting to help complete strangers."

The questioning continued for another fifteen minutes and then the prosecution had its turn. Captain Adams kept trying to confuse Riker, but he just kept smiling and being laid back on the stand. As his only meeting with Chakotay involved the Good Samaritan issue, Adams soon put an end to his questioning and Riker was excused.

Next up was Lt Carey from Engineering and he explained in explicit detail how he hated B'Elanna for getting the job of Chief Engineer when he thought he should have had it. That he resented a Maquis getting that job, that a Starfleet person should have gotten it, that Torres had a very bad attitude and temper and seemed angry and short with people all the time. While this all seemed extremely critical, on the question of how long that lasted, Carey laughed and explained "not even a month. I soon saw she had a genius of a mind and was coming up with answers and corrections that I would never have thought of. Torres was the right person for the job and Captain Janeway made an excellent choice. Torres and I got along great after I put my prejudices aside."

The testimony continued for another half hour and then the prosecution had its turn, trying desperately to get Carey to admit he still disliked the Maquis, didn't trust them and that most Starfleet didn't trust them the entire seven years. This tactic failed miserably as Carey didn't miss a trick of showing Adams how wrong he was in each question.

Following this witness, Captain Scott announced he still had two more witnesses that would take a great deal of time: Captain Janeway was one and he was also going to put Commander Chakotay himself on the stand.

"Objection, sir," said Captain Adams. "It is not customary to let witnesses sit in the courtroom and hear all the testimony. Captain Janeway's testimony can now be tainted!"

"Sir," said Captain Scott. "Captain Janeway is an honorable and truthful person, dedicated to justice. I'm convinced she won't lie . . . that would put her at risk for perjury. She will only give answers as she herself knows them and the prosecution will have ample opportunity to discredit her answers if they believe them false."

"Objection overruled, Captain Adams. I'm inclined to agree with Captain Scott regarding Captain Janeway's testimony. Besides, I would like to hear her side of this saga. Data then nodded to Captain Scott, and said, "And now I assume you are going to ask for an adjournment until tomorrow morning?"

Scott grinned. "Well, sir, it has been a long day and I'm sure our illustrious panel needs a break to get some rest."

The gavel banged as Data announced, "This hearing is adjourned. We will reconvene here again tomorrow morning at 0900 hours."

After dinner Captain Scott was sitting in his room with the door open, studying some notes when Kathryn rapped at the door. He looked up, smiled and said, "Captain Janeway. Come in."

"I don't want to disturb your preparations, Captain."

"You are not disturbing me at all. As a matter of fact I was going to look for you in about ten minutes. Sit down, please."

After Janeway sat she smiled. "I think you are doing a wonderful job Captain. You look very young and green and your smile is so boyish it makes you seem like a pussy cat, and then all of a sudden you're like a Tiger!"

Scott grinned. "My prof at the Academy basically told me the same thing, so I decided to use it to sort of disarm the opposition. Captain, you realize you took quite a chance agreeing with Starfleet appointing me to this case. It is my first case, you know."

"I know, but the first time I met you for some reason I felt confidence in you."

"Thank you Captain." He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. "Now about tomorrow, it's going to be tough. You and Chakotay are whom Starfleet has been waiting for. Adams is prepared for you two and is going to be as ruthless as his reputation. He stumbled over some of the other witnesses but it's you two he's after and is very well prepared."

"I understand," said Kathryn in almost a whisper. "I'll do my best."

"Just tell the truth. I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I have heard a grapevine rumor before coming here that Starfleet wants to put you on trial after this Hearing. By having you as a witness they are going to be asking questions that might not even relate to the Maquis and I'll have to be alert to that. I could pull you off being a witness and call one of the Maquis. That would certainly fit with my 'irascible behavior' so far," he said with a grin.

"No, let me take the stand. I can help Chakotay, and if they attack me so be it, it will show their true colors to the other members of the panel."

"My thoughts exactly," he said smiling. "Well try to relax and I'll see you in the morning. I have to find the Commander now."

"Is it all right if I come with you?"

"Of course, you are both witnesses, it will just be an allowed conference between clients and counsel." A few minutes later they found Chakotay sitting out in the Hall chatting with other members of the Maquis and after getting his attention headed back to Scott's room

"Commander, I just wanted to let you know that the cross-examination tomorrow is going to be brutal and you worry me."

"I worry you? Why is that," asked Chakotay.

"Because of whom you are. You tell the truth, you are a compassionate man and you plead guilty out of conscience when you should have pleaded innocent and let Starfleet prove you guilty," said Scott with a smirk. "Now at first I was upset about that, but upon reflection I think it will actually help your case. It showed you are an honorable man, willing to admit what you have done wrong and face the penalty for that, and I'm hoping that scored points with some members of the panel. Plus I have since proven you innocent of over half those trumped up charges Starfleet had on the list. But . . . it's your testimony tomorrow that concerns me."

"In what way, Captain? I will answer all questions truthfully, even if they implicate me."

"I don't mind that Commander. But I want you to only answer the question. Do not embellish it; don't offer any more information than what the question called for. Answer with as short an answer as you can give with only the information that answers it. Please, do not add anything else!"

Kathryn giggled at this and Chakotay grinned. "Are you saying I'm a blabbermouth, Captain?"

"No I'm not saying that at all. You just have a tendency to include information that isn't necessary so don't be flowery. If the answer calls for a yes or no, for God's sake only answer yes or no, don't give any other answer."

Chakotay smiled. "I'll try Captain, but if the answer requires a statement that also said I did it, then. . . ."

"Answer only 'I did it'," said Scott, "Don't say why or when or where or anything else. Understand? Let the Prosecution ask you for more information . . . please be aware of that, Commander, for your own good."

"I'll try very hard, Captain, and I want to thank you for what you have done and yet to do. I think you have done a very good job. I couldn't have asked for better counsel for myself and the rest."

"Thanks. I appreciate that. You can still be voted guilty, but just not for everything now."

"I understand that and I'm prepared for whatever sentence they hand down." Chakotay stood and shook Scott's hand and he and Kathryn walked back out to visit with the group sitting around in the Hall.

* * * * *

There was obvious tension in the room this morning as the Panel filed in. It was going to be a critical day for the Maquis and they all knew it. Scott looked over at Captain Adams and felt he looked like a vulture getting ready to feast on a banquet meal.

Captain Data banged his gavel. "This hearing is now in session. Captain Scott, call your first witness." Captain Scott sat quietly a moment staring down at his Padd. He was torn with whom to call first. He had named Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay yesterday, which in a sense meant Janeway would be first.

Making his decision he stood and said, "The Defense calls Commander Chakotay."

There was a visible stir at the prosecution table as Adams furiously fumbled through his case for his Chakotay Padd. Scott smiled internally. He had foiled Adams plan a little by changing the witnesses around!

Scott moved around the table and faced Chakotay. "Commander Chakotay, it is well documented serving in Starfleet was your childhood dream and you went through Starfleet Academy and served in Starfleet several years, rising to the rank of First Officer, and were on the list to be promoted to Captain due to your noted skills before you resigned, so we won't go into that . . ."

"Then why did you?" grumbled Adams.

"Do you have an objection Captain Adams." asked Data.

"No sir, sorry sir."

"Good. Either keep your thoughts to yourself or make an audible objection in the future."

"Yes sir."

Scott looked back at Chakotay and smiled. "It has also been well documented that you resigned from Starfleet, your lifelong dream, because of the atrocities on Dorvan V and joined the Maquis. Exactly why did you resign?"

"I had gone to Starfleet High Command, various Captains and Admirals, telling them what was happening on Dorvan V and asked them to do something to stop the killing, but nothing happened. Then when I discovered my father and mother were killed, I made my decision to resign."

"Did you join the Maquis right away?"

"Not directly no. I . . . ."

"Commander Chakotay," said Scott interrupting loudly and letting Chakotay know the question didn't require any further explanation, "what did you do after you resigned?"

"I wandered a bit, went back to Dorvan V to try and find friends."

"Then eventually you heard of the Maquis?"

"Yes, I . . ."

"How long before you sought them out?" asked Scott, again interrupting Chakotay's answer.

"A few months."

"So then you joined the Maquis and started the underground fighting against the Cardassians. Did you enjoy fighting them . . . killing them?"

"At the moment."

"At the moment. What about after the attack was over?"

"I became very ill when we got back to base and would go off by myself, trying to justify in my mind what I had just done."

"So although you hated the Cardassians and killed them, you didn't relish killing them. Do you believe in an 'eye for an eye' Commander, because in a way that's what you were doing?"

"No I don't believe in that. I . . ." and Chakotay stopped and looked at Scott to see if he should continue. Scott nodded his head. "I would be angry at them while in battle, but I didn't like myself afterwards. If I believed in an 'eye for an eye' I would have enjoyed the killing, calling it revenge."

"Did being in the Maquis change you? You just mentioned you were angry."

"Yes it changed me a great deal. I became angry and moody, short tempered, not my usual self. I am a non-violent man and to do what I was doing ate at my soul. It was only after joining Voyager and being under Captain Janeway's command and in her presence that I once again found peace." Kathryn sitting in the audience smiled at this 'angry warrior' reference.

"How often were you personally involved against Starfleet ships?"

"Only once . . . no, twice."

"What happened?

"The first time we were after supplies and forced a Starfleet ship to stand to. The second time we were after some replacement parts for our ships."

"Did you fight the Starfleet vessels?"

"Unfortunately, Starfleet had branded us criminals, so when the Starfleet ships fired at us, we fired back."

"And lives were lost?"

"Yes, I'm sorry to say. That wasn't our intention to . . ."

"Commander" said Scott abruptly interrupting again. "Were you ever a prisoner of the Cardassians?"

Chakotay lowered his head and was quiet. His hands started to visibly shake and he clenched his fists to conceal that fact. After a moment he looked up at Captain Scott. "Yes," he said quietly.

"What happened when you were a prisoner?"

"I was tortured."

"In what way?"

Chakotay closed his eyes and his fists tightened even more, to the point the knuckles on his fingers showed deep white. He took a deep breath and said, "Red hot needles were stuck under my fingernails and toenails, and also stuck in my body and genitals. They put clamps on my genitals and tightened them until I passed out. They also inserted an electric needle into my penis and turned on the electricity . . ."

Chakotay lowered his head and stopped talking momentarily. His body was visibly trembling and he could be seen trying to swallow while taking deep breaths. Paris muttered 'those bastards' and turned to look at Captain Janeway. Kathryn's hands were on her cheeks and he could see tears flowing between her fingers. She didn't know he thought.

Scott turned to his desk and poured a glass of water and brought it to Chakotay. "I'm sorry Commander. Drink this." Chakotay gratefully took the glass and drank several deep swallows. Scott waited and suddenly Kathryn knew he was delaying and letting Chakotay's answers and physical reaction register on the panel.

After taking the glass from Chakotay, he nodded and said, "Can you continue or do you wish a break?"

"No," he whispered. "I can finish."

"Alright, continue what the Cardassians did to you Commander."

"They broke bones in my arms and legs by putting them in positions they normally couldn't be in, they kicked and beat me every day, they . . ." He stopped talking, lowered his head and took a deep breath, then said, "One day they put me out in the Cardassian desert, tied me between two poles and had me on my knees. It was over 100 degrees during the day but at night it fell almost to freezing. Then I was left there for two days and two nights before they took me back to the cell."

Dalby, having endured some of this same treatment, shook his head as he tried to brush away that memory and then looked at White Rain. He could see his body was trembling and wondered if White Rain had been a prisoner some time or was shaking in sympathy for Chakotay. He glanced at Janeway and saw her trying to wipe away the tears.

Scott moved to Chakotay and placed a hand on his arm and said softly, "I'm sorry Commander. Take a deep breath." Chakotay nodded and briefly sucked in deep breaths, then straightened and looked at Captain Scott.

"I don't know how you stood that Commander."

"I just didn't want them to feel they had won, but many times in the first few weeks I wished I had died."

"That is a normal reaction for anyone in that position. But you did stand it and lived. You are certainly a braver man than I"

"They had killed my parents and I just suddenly was determined that regardless of what they did to me I wasn't going to let them kill me, too," said Chakotay in a croaking voice.

"Did they give you medical treatment?"

"They repaired the broken bones, but waited three days each time before doing so."

Scott turned back to his table and poured another glass of water for him, again a ruse of using time to let this testimony register deeply in the panel's mind.

"What was your cell like? Did they feed you?

"We were given a watery soup once a day. The cell was cold, no bed. We slept on the floor without any blankets and the vermin and rats crawled over you at night."

"How long were you a prisoner?"

"I lost all track of time, but it worked out to about a couple of months."

"Were other Maquis prisoners also?"

"Yes, Dalby and some of the others," and he pointed to the group. "We were kept in solitary confinement, but we all heard each other's screams from the torture."

"Were you released?"

"No, some Maquis friends . . . they found where I was and snuck in one night and rescued us, along with some other prisoners. The Cardassians came after us, and just seconds before our ship exploded we beamed out to the planet below. I think they felt they had killed us because they didn't come down to the planet. Then we managed to contact our base and they came and got us."

"What happened to the other prisoners you mentioned?"

"We let them use our contact and they were picked up by their people."

"You don't know who they were?"

"It didn't seem important. They were prisoners of the Cardassians and being tortured just like we were."

Scott had walked slowly back and forth during this testimony, staring directly into the eyes of each of the Panel members and felt he could see horror and disbelief in many of the eyes. When Chakotay became quiet, Scott walked back to him and looked at him, noting his eyes were moist with the horror of this recollection, his tunic was soaked with sweat and his body was still trembling. Scott looked down at his hands and saw he was clenching and unclenching his fists.

He pulled a handkerchief from his tunic and handed it to Chakotay and waited silently while he wiped his face.

"I'm sorry, Commander, you certainly have suffered at the hands of the Cardassians. He then looked up at the panel.

"Captain Data, it might be appropriate that we take our break now, so I respectfully request a brief recess." Data agreed and before he had even gaveled the recess, Kathryn went to Chakotay immediately and hugged him, saying, "I'm so sorry Chakotay. Why didn't you ever tell me about that?"

"It's just not something that's easy to talk about Captain."

As Kathryn turned and walked over to the Maquis group, Captain Scott noticed the Panel had hesitated after standing and had heard both Kathryn's and Chakotay's conversation and were watching this scene. Kathryn moved to Dalby, bent down and gave him a hug. "I'm so sorry Mr. Dalby. I didn't know."

"It's okay Captain. We just don't mention those things."

Scott felt an inner smile. Again he had managed to obtain a recess leaving the Panel with that torture and now this compassionate scene to think about during the break. He looked over at Adams. I won't be able to use that tactic too much more, he thought.

Following the twenty-minute break Scott started again. "Commander, let's change the subject. What happened that brought you into the Badlands?"

"We were being chased by a Cardassian Attack ship and went into the Badlands to try to elude them."

"What happened then?"

"The Cardassian was catching up to us when all of a sudden a Displacement Wave hit us and the next thing I knew we were at the Caretaker's Array."

"Which is where you then met Captain Janeway. How did that first contact occur?"

"After what our Chronometers showed to be three days, and during which we had no recollection of, Voyager suddenly appeared and hailed us."

"What was the hail?"

"Captain Janeway appeared on our viewscreen, identified herself and called me by name, which startled me." He looked at Scott who nodded his head so he continued. "I asked how she knew my name and she replied that she had been sent out by Starfleet to find me and . . ."

"To 'find' you - not capture you? Those were her words? Find?"

"Yes."

"Carry on."

"She asked if I had any crewmembers missing and I replied my Engineer B'Elanna Torres was missing. She told me she had an Ensign Kim missing and suggested we work together to solve the problem."

"Work together. So from the beginning she never mentioned the word 'capture', and asked you both work together to find the missing crewmembers?"

"Yes."

"Did you?"

"We both looked for over a day before discovering they had been sent to another star system so we each took our ships to that planet, discovered they were there in a subterranean city and tried to find them. In the meantime Torres and Kim had escaped and were trying to make their way to the surface through some old underground caves and old staircases."

"And this is where you saw Tom Paris?"

"Yes."

"Tell us about that"

Chakotay hesitated a moment wondering why Tom was being brought into the Testimony, but told how he mistrusted Paris from when he was in the Maquis, feeling he was spying for Starfleet and therefore a traitor. He went on to tell how his group caught up with Ensign Kim and Lt Torres and started working their way to the surface when a staircase collapsed and he suffered a broken leg. He told Janeway and the others to go on and they did, and the next thing he knew Tom Paris had come down from the surface to get him, and wouldn't listen to objections to leave because the staircase was going to collapse, hoisted him up on his shoulder and carried him to the surface, saving his life, because the staircase collapsed seconds after they made it to solid ground. When Chakotay finished the story he looked out at Admiral Paris sitting by himself and noted he was wiping at his eyes.

"Did that change your feelings about Tom Paris?"

Chakotay grinned. "Well in our tribe's legends, the fact he saved my life meant that I owed him my life, and for seven years he never let me forget it. Actually I owe him two lives as he risked his life another time to help me. Over the seven years I grew to respect and trust Tom. He changed a lot, grew up, and became a mature man and a valuable member of Voyager's crew."

"Okay. Moving on - Voyager became embattled with a Kazon Battle Cruiser and you voluntarily rammed your ship into that Kazon ship, thus saving Voyager and became a member of Voyager's crew, correct?"

"Yes."

Scott smiled. Chakotay was beginning to handle the answers well because that question could have involved a long explanation. He'd let Janeway answer that one.

"Did you feel resentment from the Starfleet crew?"

"At first," he said as Scott again nodded for him to continue. "I believe there was mistrust on both sides, but Captain Janeway convinced us we needed each other to get home and to get home we needed to work together, to become a family. And we did."

"Has your opinion changed about Starfleet?"

Chakotay smiled. "Yes, about certain Starfleet people. I would give my life for any member of Voyager's crew."

"But you do harbor resentment against Starfleet for what happened at Dorvan V?"

Chakotay was silent a moment. "I have to be honest. Yes I do. I have tried very hard to get over it. If it hadn't been for them giving Dorvan V to the Cardassians my parents would not have been killed, I would have remained in Starfleet and not joined the Maquis and this Hearing wouldn't be happening. But as they say, under each dark cloud is a silver lining and through joining the Maquis and being thrown into the Delta Quadrant I met Captain Janeway and her crew on Voyager. I wouldn't trade those seven years for anything."

"Very good, Commander. No further questions at this time, but I reserve the right to recall. You witness Captain Adams."

Captain Adams rose and slowly walked over to Chakotay and stalked back and forth in front of him. As he stopped and faced him his eyes were cold, his face grim. "How do you feel about yourself Commander?"

"I don't understand."

"How can you sleep at night knowing you have killed people, killed innocent women and children?"

"Those charges have been proven wrong."

"But you have killed people. Your own people!"

"I have never killed one of my own people."

"You know I meant Starfleet."

"No sir. You said 'own people' and to me that is my kind, Native American."

Adams sighed. "You have killed Starfleet people."

"Yes, but . . ." and he stopped.

"But what, Commander?"

"It was not my intention to kill any Starfleet people in what we were doing. We were after Cardassians, and I am sorry that Starfleet people died."

Adams hammered away at Chakotay for over an hour, before a lunch break was requested.

Following lunch, they reconvened earlier, at 1300 hours and the testimony started again Adams continued his badgering Chakotay for the next two hours. To Chakotay's credit he started giving shorter and shorter answers, but did admit to four crimes against Starfleet, saying they were specifically his crimes. At last Adams indicated he was finished and again there was a half hour recess.

Following that Captain Janeway was called to the stand. Scott took a deep breath. This was a make or break witness. Was he up to it?

"Captain Janeway, you are a career Starfleet Officer, correct?"

"Yes."

"Your father was also in Starfleet?"

"Yes."

"When you were given the order to go after Commander Chakotay, do you recall the exact words of that order?"

"Yes, I do."

"And what were they?" Scott almost smiled. Janeway had learned very fast about short answers.

"The order told me to proceed to DS9 and from there to go into the Badlands and find a Captain Chakotay and return him to Starfleet."

"Find? Not capture?"

"Their order was specifically 'find', Captain Scott."

"You also say 'a Captain Chakotay'. I take it you did not know this man."

"No sir. The name was completely foreign to me."

"So what was your impression of this man when you first saw him?"

"I believe my first impression was that here was a very troubled and angry man, and yet I sensed compassion and gentleness in him at the same time."

"What was your reason to appoint him First Officer instead of Commander Tuvok?"

"He was qualified for the job, had previously been a First Officer in Starfleet, and I needed Tuvok at Security as the 'trip' to the Caretaker's array had killed many of my crew including my First Officer, Chief of Security, Helm and the Doctor. Obviously Mr. Chakotay was more qualified for the First Officer position."

"What did he say when you offered him the position?"

Kathryn smiled. "He informed me in no uncertain terms that he would not be my 'token Maquis' officer."

"He felt you were appointing him to that position to help the transition of blending the two crews?"

"I believe he did until I explained my reasons, which I have just mentioned."

"Did you trust him?"

"At first there was a little uncertainty, but it was on both our parts until we got to know one another."

"He became a good First Officer then?"

"One of the very best I've ever had the pleasure of working with and knowing in Starfleet."

"When did you appoint Tom Paris to Helm?"

"Almost immediately, and while still at the Caretaker's Array."

"And B'Elanna Torres to Engineering?"

"I had almost decided on Lt Carey but was evaluating other personnel. Commander Chakotay wanted B'Elanna on the list and one day on a certain problem that all of us were having difficulty with, she had the answer. We were on the same wavelength as far as solution. Chakotay had been right. She was a brilliant Engineer. So I appointed her Chief of Engineering and have never been sorry."

"How long did it take for the Maquis and Starfleet personnel to start working together without suspicion?"

"I would have to guess several months. It happened over time and individually, some faster than others."

"Were there troublemakers?"

Kathryn smiled as she looked at Dalby. "There were some malcontents that couldn't quite adapt right away to the Starfleet rules, but they eventually became very valuable members of my crew." Dalby smiled.

"I have heard that term several times . . . valuable members of your crew. Explain."

"Yes. They were. They have been through a lot, losing homes, family and friends and had to adapt to that hardship. Being in the Delta Quadrant was another big hardship, and their ability to accept and adapt to those kinds of problems was a big asset that I needed. I would ask them to serve with me again without a second's hesitation."

"Amen," was heard from someone in the Maquis crew.

Scott immediately turned and looked at the group. "Would any of you be willing to serve with Captain Janeway again?"

Instantly the entire group stood. "Objection!" roared Captain Adams. "He's supposed to be questioning Captain Janeway, not the Maquis."

"Sustained. Captain Scott, please limit your questions to the witness," admonished Captain Data.

"Sorry sir," said Captain Scott and he smiled at the Maquis as they sat down before turning back to Janeway.

"All right let's skip ahead. You made a return trip to Earth in seven years when you were 75,000 light years away, so I assume you found some ingenious shortcuts and or alien technology or help?"

"Yes, despite most being hostile, some aliens were of great help."

"Well your journals on those seven years will make for fascinating reading some day, but I want to skip ahead to when you were two or three days from Earth. You made the decision to send Commander Chakotay and his crew away and in essence, hiding the Maquis and thus force Starfleet to hold a Hearing at a place of your choosing. When you were thinking this, did it occur to you that you were placing your career in jeopardy for so-called criminals?"

"Yes it entered my mind."

"But you went ahead with it anyway."

"Yes, I felt these people deserved my support."

'What prompted you to make such a drastic decision?"

"In detail?"

Scott nodded.

"We were repairing the Warp Core and so Commander Chakotay and I had dinner together. He mentioned that he felt Starfleet was going to arrest them when we docked the next day. I told him absolutely not, I didn't think Starfleet would do such a thing. We talked about various things for about another half hour, Lt Torres hailed that they had to replicate some new parts and recommended finishing the job in the morning, as everyone was tired after 12 hours. I agreed and Chakotay excused himself and went to his quarters to retire. I retired myself, but lay there thinking about Chakotay's offhand comment and started wondering if he might be right. I decided I just couldn't let it happen!

"About 1100 hours I went to his quarters, woke him up and started a discussion. I told him of my plan and he refused, saying twenty-one Maquis weren't worth ruining my career over, but I kept at him and finally convinced him. The next morning Chakotay and I staged a disagreement on the Bridge and I confined him to quarters, which was to get him off the Bridge so he could gather his people one by one, tell them the plan and then slip away at the specified moment. It all worked beautifully, as with Voyager having engine and propulsion problems we were able to hide the shuttle's departure. I informed Mr. Tuvok the next day of the plan and no one missed the Maquis until we were three hours from Earth when Mr. Kim questioned why Tom Paris wasn't at Helm. At that point I turned on ship's wide communication, told the crew what I had done, and said that if anyone disagreed come see me in the Mess Hall. No one showed up, which showed the support and rapport we had developed as a crew and family."

"Although you were doing this for the Maquis, no one objected?"

"That's correct."

"And then you arrived at Earth and were greeted by Starfleet Personnel?"

"Yes, Admirals Nechayev, Ross and Paris, along with Security Commander Durkin, beamed onto the Bridge."

"And they asked where the Maquis were?"

"Not right away."

"Explain."

"We were given a welcome by Admiral Nechayev and talked for several minutes when she inquired the whereabouts of Commander Chakotay. I informed her he was not there, which was the truth. At about that time the Admiral received a hail from a Security Captain named Lee who said he could not find any of them. When I asked who he was looking for and why, well, things got a little heated at that point because apparently Security Personnel had secretly beamed in all over Voyager and were trying to round up the Maquis. Chakotay had been right after all and I was grateful I had second thoughts."

"So Starfleet, instead of waiting and letting the crew enjoy their arrival back home, secretly beamed onto Voyager and attempted to find and arrest all the former Maquis crewmembers?"

"That is correct."

"What happened next?"

"We went through the welcome home ceremony despite Admiral Nechayev saying she would put me in the Brig for such insolence and the disobeying of Starfleet rules. All of my crew and I felt horrible that Commander Chakotay and the other crewmembers were not present to enjoy the welcome, but we carried out the charade of arriving home. The next day I met with Admiral Nechayev and several other Admirals, and started the negotiations that culminated in this hearing."

"Do you think Starfleet resents you for this action?"

"Of course."

"Do you think you will suffer recriminations for forcing this action?"

"I believe there will be."

"Does that worry you?"

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I felt a little wary, but at the same time, why should my career be more important than the lives of all these people! I found them all to be wonderful, talented, trustworthy and fine human beings, and they didn't deserve to be treated that way, nor for that matter called criminals early on. Starfleet forced them to form the Maquis by their actions and if they had done anything to help those people at Dorvan V early on, none of what happened would have occurred."

"Did the Maquis try in any way to brainwash you to that opinion?"

"Absolutely not! I am known to be quite stubborn and opinionated, and I formed my own opinion after working with these people over the seven years.

"Now Captain Janeway, I'd like to go back to specific incidents while you were in the Delta Quadrant and . . ."

"Sir," interrupted Captain Adams as he stood. "It is way past break time and if I may use my learned colleague's method, perhaps we should have a break?"

"Oh my goodness! I apologize to the Panel," said Captain Scott. "I am so sorry. Of course I agree we have a break. In fact why not adjournment to give the Panel time to rest before dinner and then we commence again in the morning?"

Data looked both directions at his panel, banged the gavel and adjourned until 0900 hours the next morning. As the Panel filed out with grateful looks on their faces, and the Maquis, as usual standing at full attention, Captain Adams stood there looking like a defeated man. He had tried Scott's tactic of interrupting testimony for a recess and that imp had turned it to his advantage! Well, he would be ready for Janeway!

* * * * *


The session started at 0900 sharp. Captain Scott felt very nervous. It would soon be time to turn Captain Janeway over for cross-examination. He hadn't scored many points yesterday; at least he didn't think so. Maybe not even with Chakotay despite the torture testimony, but Adams hadn't scored with him either. With Captain Janeway, however, well time was here.

Janeway took her seat and Scott approached. "Captain Janeway. Once you initiated your plan did you have any regrets, or wish you hadn't done it?"

"None whatsoever. I feel right about what I have done."

"Regardless of the outcome?"

"Regardless of the outcome."

"Even if it means demotion or some penalty such as jail or even being dismissed from Starfleet?"

"As I said yesterday, my career is immaterial when it comes to so many lives being affected. My father taught me long ago, that when I believe in something to attack it with everything I've got. If I'm right about it, don't gloat, and if I'm wrong, suffer the consequences of your decision."

"You are a brave woman. If I'm ever in trouble I'd want you on my side."

Kathryn laughed. "Not as brave as you might think."

"No further questions Captain Data."

"Ah, that was short, we could have finished yesterday."

Captain Scott smiled. "Yes, but my colleague seemed anxious for a break and it was all right with me." As Scott turned back to his table he hoped maybe that scored a point.

Captain Adams rose and approached Janeway. She looked him straight in the eye and waited. "Captain Janeway. How often have you broken Starfleet rules?"

"I have tried to never break them, but I imagine I have. I am human."

"What about the Prime Directive? How many times have you broken it?"

"In the Delta Quadrant there were times when I bent the Prime Directive, but I didn't totally break it."

"What about at the Caretaker's Array? By blasting that array, you interfered in the lives of those people, imposing Starfleet's superiority and dooming your ship to the Delta Quadrant. You forced the Ocampa race to learn how to live above the surface when all they knew was life below! You exposed your Transporter to the Kazon and other races, you gave Starfleet equipment to other races, and you exposed the Replicator to other races! You offered to trade Starfleet Technology for parts you needed! Do you not call that breaking the Prime Directive?"

"Some of that was necessary to survive," she said calmly, "and we made sure they were Warp capable before doing it. As to destroying the Array, the Kazon were obviously superior and possessed equipment we had, just calling it something else. The Ocampa had nothing to stop them with and would have been completely destroyed as a race, just for water."

"But you still broke the Prime Directive, Captain. Many more times than the incidents I quoted. You were there for seven years. Did you break the Directive every day?"

"No, I did not."

As the grilling continued Chakotay leaned to Captain Scott. "Why is he attacking the Captain? None of that has anything to do with the Maquis!"

"I know Chakotay. Just relax," he said as he bided his time on when to object.

Adams continued bombarding Janeway with what he called offenses. Again Chakotay leaned over and questioned Scott. "This has to stop. I won't let him badger the Captain like that!"

"Easy Chakotay let me handle it."

"No! I'll stand up and stop this trial right now if you don't do something!"

"Captain Scott?" Scott looked up and saw Captain Data was standing and addressing him.

"Do you wish to call for a recess?"

"Uhm, no sir, my client and I were just having a discussion."

"Well your discussion was interrupting Captain Adams questioning of Captain Janeway. Now keep your client quiet or ask for a recess. Am I clear?"

"Yes sir. Maybe I will ask for a short recess, sir. Five minutes to confer with my client?"

"Very well. Five minute recess. Everyone may stretch but do not leave the room."

Scott hustled Chakotay out into the Hallway. "Look Commander, it's all right. Captain Janeway knew they were going to attack her. She's ready for it."

"She knew?"

"Yes, I told her a day ago. By attacking her they are admitting they are losing the case against you, so they have switched gears. How do you think that looks to the Panel? Anyway I have heard they intend to put Captain Janeway on trial when this is over and in their venue, not hers."

"I can't believe this. After all she's done for us? You have to stop it. I'll just confess."

"No! You have to trust me, Chakotay . . . please. This involves not just you but all the Maquis. If you suddenly confess they will also suffer. Captain Janeway is doing fine!" Chakotay thought a moment while looking into Scott's eyes and finally nodded his head and they returned to the Hearing room.

The Hearing was reconvened and again for ten minutes Adams continued his barrage of Captain Janeway, at one point getting downright belligerent. Chakotay clenched his fists and Scott immediately banged his leg against Chakotay's knee. "Relax. Don't let the panel see that," he whispered. Chakotay leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, but clenched his teeth.

On the next question regarding giving the Hirogen Transporter Technology, Ken Dalby jumped to his feet. "What the hell is going on here? Why is he attacking Captain Janeway?"

Scott jumped to his feet and hissed, "Sit down Crewman!"

"But he can't do that. She's not on trial!" Dalby persisted.

"Sit down!" thundered Scott and Dalby slowly and belligerently sat down. "My apologies to the court, sir," Captain Scott said as he turned around.

Adams fired another blistering attack on Janeway for five minutes, eventually getting around to how she had a plan about pitting the Borg against Species 8472 so they could make it through that space, effectively telling the Borg to wipe out Species 8472. "That is another breach in the Directive, Captain Janeway. Explain your way out of that one."

Scott stood and objected.

"On what grounds, counselor," asked Data.

"Captain Data. I have sat here patiently while Captain Adams has badgered my witness with questions that don't have a thing to do with this trial. Captain Janeway is not on trial here! Captain Adams is acting like she's the one this Panel is here to judge and I beg to differ. We are here to judge the Maquis and their acts against Starfleet. Whatever Captain Janeway did in the Delta Quadrant with other races has nothing to do with this trial and I respectfully hope the Panel has been aware of this unwarranted attack."

"I was wondering when counsel was going to object," said Data.

"I was, in essence, giving counsel enough rope to hang himself, sir," said Scott with a smile.

"How dare you!" exploded Adams. "I have a right to ask any question I want of this witness!"

"Yes, counselor" interjected Data, "As long as it pertains to the case. The last twenty questions by my count have not pertained to this case at all and therefore, I am ruling they will all be deleted." And he pulled his Padd forward, punched a few buttons, looked down at Captain Adams and said, "You may proceed, but be aware you have not asked a question yet."

Adams spluttered and objected, then stood quietly for a moment. Finally he looked at Janeway. "Captain Janeway you seem very fond of these Maquis."

"I have told the court that they are fine people. I honestly think that if anyone in this room got to know them they would like them."

"You say you were not brainwashed by them?"

"Absolutely not."

"What about Commander Chakotay? How often did he talk to you about the Maquis?"

"Not at all unless I asked and then he merely answered the question. He didn't pontificate on the subject."

"Do you care for him?"

"Of course, he became a wonderful friend."

"No Captain Janeway, that's not what I meant. Do you love him?"

"What?"

"Are you in love with Commander Chakotay?" Captain Scott stood to object but Janeway started answering before he even opened his mouth, so he sat down.

"Captain Adams, I will have you know that in seven years, not once did Commander Chakotay and I kiss, hold hands, whisper words of love to each other, sneak off to be alone somewhere, nothing! Even though we were lost in the Delta Quadrant for what could have been a lifetime. We were Starfleet Officers and maintained strict Protocol. We were good friends and he became my trusted friend and confidante. When some ship's decision was troubling me we would sit and talk about it. He was my sounding board, as any good First Officer is to his Captain."

"Is that a no, Captain?" asked Adams.

"That is a definite No, Captain Adams."

Suddenly Adams rephrased the question. "What about now, Captain. Now that you are no longer Captain and he is no longer your First Officer?"

"Now is private business, Captain, because as you say, we are no longer Captain and First Officer, therefore we may have a private life, and if any feelings were to develop there wouldn't be a ship or Protocol to stop it. However, now that you've brought it to my attention," she said breaking into a sly smile, "I must say, he is quite handsome isn't he?" Despite trying to hold back, the Maquis group broke into loud giggles and chuckles.

Captain Data stood and said, "I believe now would be a good time for a short break. We will reconvene in thirty minutes."

As the Maquis group relaxed Dalby went over to Scott. "I apologize for what I did a bit ago Captain. I failed to realize you were deliberately letting him 'hang himself.' But I would like to know, "Are we going to be able to say anything to the court?"

"No, I don't believe so, Crewman. The arrangement was for five witnesses and Captain Janeway is the last one."

"Well can we say something before the Panel leaves to decide the verdict?"

Scott looked at him and then looked at the rest of the Maquis. "That might be something I can arrange. Tell you what, those who want to say something I want you to write it out and give it to me. I don't want any surprises or anything that's going to shank what we've done so far." All agreed they would get him their statements, so he pulled out several Padd's and asked them to share.

When the session began again, Captain Adams continued to question Janeway for another thirty minutes before finally saying he had completed his examination. Scott felt he had scored a major victory by Data eliminating all of the first twenty questions from Adams. He seemed meek and unsure after that.

Data stood. "Has the Defense any more questions for any witness?"

Captain Scott replied he did not and Captain Adams replied the same when he was queried. "In that case, while on break the Panel decided an early break might be appropriate. We will reconvene at 1400 hours and the Defense may start its closing argument." At the bang of the gavel the Panel got up and left.

The Maquis continued working of their statements and after ten more minutes all had turned in their Padd's to Captain Scott and left to go eat. He sat and read them before heading for lunch, and then grinned. He had to get this in before the verdict was debated.

* * * * *

At exactly 1400 hours the afternoon session began. Captain Scott stood. "If I may sir, I have a request?"

"Not another recess, Captain." asked Data.

"No sir," grinned Scott. "The Maquis sitting behind me and who are also on trial as Captain Chakotay's crew, have asked permission to say a few words, either now or after our closing arguments."

Data considered this a moment, then nodded his head. "I think it would be appropriate Captain Scott, to hear from them. And I believe now would be a better time than after the closing arguments. Are they prepared?"

"Yes sir, I believe so," replied Scott and turned and looked back. The Maquis nodded their heads.

"Very well. When you stand please state your name," said Data.

The first one to stand was Dalby. He rose and stood at attention until Data told him he could relax. "My name is Ken Dalby and first I want to thank Captain Janeway. She took us on her ship and trusted and believed in us when no one else did. She essentially gave me the will to start my life over, to stop being mad at everybody, to learn to trust people and live by rules and regulations . . . even if I didn't much care for them at first," he said smiling at Kathryn. "So I thank you Captain, for everything. Next I want to thank the Panel for taking the time to come here and listen to us. That's all we ever wanted, a chance to be heard and I thank you for this opportunity."

B'Elanna stood next. "I, too, want to thank Captain Janeway. She gave me the chance to do what I always wanted to do . . . work in the Engineering room of a Starship. She believed in me and gave me confidence to do the job. But more than that, she helped me understand and honor my Klingon heritage. She helped me to understand and tame my temper, and believe me I had one! Well, I still do . . . a little." The Panel smiled at this. "I also want to thank the Panel for coming here, to give us a chance at a fair and impartial hearing. I believe we have had that and I'm very grateful to you for doing this. I . . . well I guess that's all," and she sat before told to do so by Data.

Tom Paris was next. "I'm Tom Paris and I assure you I'm not being a copy cat when I say I want to thank Captain Janeway. She came and got me out of the New Zealand Penal Colony and if it wasn't for her I'd probably still be there and have missed all the fun in the Delta Quadrant." Janeway laughed at that statement. "Anyway Captain, thank you for believing in me and helping me grow up. I hope I haven't disappointed you and I will always be grateful. Next, I know I violated my parole by coming with the Maquis, and I'm willing to stand the penalty for that, but I so believe these people were wronged that I had to stand with them. I'm just glad you saw fit to come here and listen to their story. Thanks.

Chell followed and then White Rain, Lopez, Tabor and it continued around the Maquis until only Chakotay had not spoken. All had thanked Captain Janeway, mentioning personal ways she had helped them and most also thanked the Panel for making the effort to come and listen to them. As Chell had put, "It just goes to show there are good people in the world." Captain Janeway had wiped at her eyes many times.

As the last one, Chakotay stood and said, "As I'm the one on trial I'm not sure if I'm allowed to make a statement or not," and he looked up at Data who nodded his head and said, "I will allow it."

"I guess I better thank Captain Janeway, too, or I'd hear it from these people. But I do thank her. Her confidence in me, her trust in me, helped change me back to a peaceful and non-violent person. She let me make the effort to once again understand my culture by giving me the chance to explore a certain planet where I found a part of my tribe from the early earth days. She encouraged me to once again start my Vision Quests. When I failed her one time she didn't throw me in the Brig or penalize me with demotion or a report in the Log. She merely said I had 'disappointed her', and oh how those words hurt! I so respected her and to think I had disappointed her, I felt like scum, and I guess that was her point. Thank you Captain Janeway - not only for myself, but also for my crew. You made us all into human beings again. I'm also glad you think I'm handsome," he said with a big smile.

He looked up at the Panel. "I am humble and in awe at such an illustrious group. That you would take the time to hear us . . . I am forever grateful and in your debt, but unlike Tom," he said with an impish expression and smile, "I don't owe you a life." The Panel all smiled or nodded their heads, with Anthwara seeming to enjoy that statement the most. Tom glanced over and called out, "But don't forget Chakotay, you still owe me two!" Chakotay grinned. "How can I forget, Tom, when you remind me every day?" He got serious again. "I apologize for the frivolity. This is a serious time and I do not mean to make light of it. But thank you all for your time to come here and listen to us."

"Thank you all for those statements. It was most interesting," said Data. He looked at Scott and said, "Counselor, your closing statement."

Captain Scott stood and looked every Panel member in the eye before beginning. "Captain Data, illustrious members of the Panel. You have just heard heartfelt statements from these people and they said more in those short statements than I could say all day. Did you hear their words? Did you really hear their words? Did you see the love and respect they had for Captain Janeway? Wow, those statements were wonderful." He walked around the table and looked up at the Panel.

"For the last three-four days you have sat here with infinite patience and listened to the story of these people. They have suffered the loss of their homes, their parents, and their friends. Some have been tortured and then they end up in the Delta Quadrant lost for seven years. While there and through an alien communication device, they learn all their remaining friends back on Earth have again been slaughtered and those that lived placed in Starfleet jails. Yes, I said Starfleet jails! It is unfathomable what they have gone through. I ask you people, haven't they suffered enough!

"Starfleet called them criminals for fighting back. Wouldn't you fight back if you lost your home? Wouldn't it sicken you to see your parents killed and your friends butchered? Wouldn't it make you angry enough to fight for those things? I would. I sure as hell would have fought back!" He stiffened and apologized to the court for his language. "It has been pointed out they asked for help, they pleaded to Starfleet to ask the Cardassians to stop this inhumane treatment, but Starfleet turned their back and closed their ears, feeling that if they didn't hear these stories, they weren't happening. So what happened? They decided to fight back and they formed the Maquis to do this. This infuriated Starfleet, that they had the unmitigated gall to fight the Cardassians! Maybe Starfleet felt embarrassed that this small band of freedom fighters was doing what they were scared to, I don't know the reason." Scott hesitated momentarily then continued to pace back and forth in front of the Panel, looking at them the whole time.

"As to their crimes, Commander Chakotay has honorably admitted to about three crimes against Starfleet." Data started to hold up four fingers but immediately stopped. Scott noticed this gaffe, but did not embarrass him by changing his statement, simply moving on. "Almost all of the charges that Starfleet presented at the beginning have been proven unfounded and untrue. Some of Starfleet's own witnesses proved that themselves. Commander Chakotay was misidentified by a witness, so obviously did not do the crime mentioned.

"In the midst of all this, this group of men and women were suddenly thrown into the Delta Quadrant by an old man they termed The Caretaker. They were 75,000 light years away from Earth. A lifetime away! . . . And then they met Captain Janeway . . . Thank God for Captain Janeway! Without realizing it Starfleet had sent a Captain who had compassion, who had understanding; a Captain who had the determination, the drive and the zeal to surpass all these obstacles and make it home!" he thundered. Then in a soft voice, "A Captain who gave these people another chance at life, by showing them trust and love and a confidence in them as human beings. They were away from the horrors of their war and after a time they began to live again. The incongruity of it all was that they were on a Starship, in a Starfleet uniform and under Starfleet Rules and Regulations. That's why it took them awhile to adjust, but adjust they did because of that woman," and he pointed to Captain Janeway, "and they became functional, loving, talented people again as they were before the horrors washed over them and changed them to mad, angry warriors.

"They faced many horrors and battles in the Delta Quadrant, but with a new confidence. They considered Voyager their home and the crew, as one, became a family. Several times a former member of this group gave his life for the ship. Lon Suder is a prime example of a very angry man who changed and ultimately gave the final sacrifice to save his fellow companions, the majority of which was Starfleet. Did it enter his mind that he could not do it because there were Starfleet people here? No, it did not! He did it without hesitation because they were his friends and because Captain Janeway and Commander Tuvok had given him a second chance at life."

Scott was breathing heavy with his impassioned speech and stopped and looked, specifically at Captain Jean Luc Picard. "There are those among the Panel who have suffered grievous wrongs or who had to follow an order they did not believe was right." Picard blinked and looked down. "I'm sure many of you have suffered various indignities," he said looking along the Panel, hesitating on Anthwara and stopping at Colonel Nerys, who made no attempt to hide the nodding of her head. "I'm sure there are those who have mounted an offensive of their own for something they believed in," and his eyes rested momentarily on Tokath, "And that's what these people did. They fought for something they believed in, freedom from atrocities, for their human rights. History is full of people doing this so they are not unique in that sense, but they are unique for what they accomplished when their lives were turned upside down.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Panel, I don't know what you are thinking," he said as he raised both arms. "I don't know what your verdict will be," and he momentarily stopped as his arms dropped to his side, "but you have listened, all of you. I simply ask you to please look carefully at both sides, consider all the evidence. These people's lives have been thrown into chaos and yet they willingly sit before you to be judged. Please, give these people a chance. Give them their freedom, or at the very least in Commander Chakotay's case, probation. Let them go and try to find a home, let them live a normal life once again. As I stated earlier, they have suffered enough." He looked at all the panel then quietly said, "Thank you."

He turned and walked to his chair and sat down. Chakotay nodded his head, patted his arm and said, "Thank you."

Captain Adams rose and started his closing argument. Instead of stating facts and giving an impassioned plea, he attacked the Maquis, attacked their character, calling them murderers. He attacked Captain Janeway and said her behavior in hiding the Maquis bordered on mutiny and she should be penalized for this act of insubordination. He attacked the witnesses, saying they were as brainwashed as Captain Janeway. As this bitter and personal attack continued, Chakotay stiffened and again his knee was smacked by Captain Scott's leg.

Adams continued his berating of the Maquis for close to an hour, saying Starfleet had suffered grievous physical and personal loss and were right in giving the planet to the Cardassians 'to maintain peace,' that the Maquis exacerbated the situation themselves by starting to fight the Cardassians. He ended by asking the Panel to put them all in jail and to put Commander Chakotay away for life.

Captain Data stood and asked Commander Chakotay if there were a special room they could use as a Jury Room. He turned and whispered to Kathryn who stood and replied she would lead them to a room. Data gaveled the hearing to a recess and the Panel filed out.

Admiral Paris walked up front and shook hands with Captain Scott, which some of the Panel saw as they left. "You did a great job Captain Scott. I don't imagine it was easy for you attacking Starfleet as you did, with being Starfleet yourself."

"On the contrary Admiral, when I discovered what happened, and," he added a sly grin, "I did study a lot before we got here, I found myself being ashamed of being Starfleet. I have a slight suspicion I might be forced to resign, regardless of the outcome."

"Likely, knowing Starfleet, but I have a feeling you will land on your feet, with the talent you have."

"Thank you, Admiral."

Kathryn had returned and joined the conversation. Smiling, she said, "There's a rumor I will be tried when I return to Earth and I've already told Captain Scott I want him as my counsel."

"And if you need a good character witness, count me in Kathryn," said the Admiral. "Well this decision might take some time. I think I'll retire to my room for awhile." He turned and looked at Chakotay and the others. "Good luck to you all."

As he walked away Dalby was heard to mutter, "Damn, there might be another Starfleeter I like."

Kathryn sat down beside Chakotay and without an apparent worry about it, took hold of Chakotay's hand. "What do you think Chakotay? Are we going to prison together?"

He smiled. "Well, as long as we share the same cell, then I wouldn't mind."

The entire group of Maquis, tuned in to this exchange, laughed.

A short time later a Security Guard walked briskly toward the group, who tensed as he got near. He stopped in front of Janeway and Chakotay. "Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay. Captain Data has asked me to tell you the Panel is tired and wishes to call a halt to their deliberations and commence fresh in the morning at 0900 hours. They first wish to rest and refresh themselves and request dinner in one hour."

* * * * *

The next morning, whether out of habit or fear of doing something wrong, the entire Maquis group, including Chakotay and Kathryn were in the Hearing room at 0900 hours. They sat in various groups chatting, trying to look relaxed, but in reality all were as nervous as a flea on a hot tin roof. All seemed to feel the deliberations would be long.



"I don't know," said Captain Scott. "The longer they are sometimes spells trouble, like they are tied in a vote or can't decide on the punishment. A short deliberation is also a question. Did they decide guilty or innocent that quickly? If I were a guessing man I . . ." and he stopped as he saw Data standing in the door and motioning with his hand. He stood, said to Kathryn, "I think he wants you."

Kathryn hurried over to Data. "Captain Janeway, a decision has been reached, but the panel wishes some liquid refreshment before they come into the room."

Janeway suddenly felt weak and her whole body trembled. That was fast, she thought. And that might mean bad news. She smiled and tried to hide her nervousness at this news. "I will tell the Security Guard and also have him round up everyone. Thank you Captain."

She left the room, found a guard and informed him of the order. She also asked him to notify everyone that the panel was ready to return to the room and then she returned to the group. They all looked at her. "A decision has been reached."

"So soon, it's only been twenty minutes since they started," sputtered Chell.

Kathryn looked at Captain Scott and saw he had a slight frown. Captain Adams walked back in and seemed to have a swagger. Did he know something? After all he is Starfleet's counsel!

Fifteen minutes later a Security Guard appeared at the door. "All rise. The Panel is entering."

As the Panel filed in and sat themselves, Kathryn looked at each face, but these people were good. They were hiding any and all expression! All the Maquis seemed tense.

Data sat a moment looking at his Padd. Finally after a few moments he stood. "Will the Maquis and Commander Chakotay please rise."

The group instantly rose to their feet and stood at attention. Data, noticing this said, "You may be at ease," then with what might be termed a smirk, added, "If that's possible at the moment." The Maquis responded with nervous laughter.

"We of this international Panel have reached a decision. It might seem fast to you, but we have some brilliant minds and actually did more discussion last night than you might believe.

"All the evidence has been reviewed, including the circumstances leading to your forming the Maquis. Also, your seven years in the Delta Quadrant and behavior during that time have been evaluated.

"First as to the Maquis group as a whole, all charges with the exception of one have been dropped. As to the one charge that of being on the ship operated by Commander Chakotay in which you destroyed a Starfleet facility you are all found guilty. The sentence for this is that you are all sentenced to building another Starfleet facility of like nature." The group looked around at one another, not sure if this meant they were free or not.

Data continued, after a momentary pause as he saw the confusion. "Following the completion of said building, you are free to do as you choose, although it would be acceptable if you chose to remain in Starfleet." The realization they were actually being let go made them want to smile, but Chakotay still had to hear his sentence and so they remained calm, with no outward emotion. Kathryn wanted to laugh. Typical Starfleet. Without admitting anything they were saying you people are all right, we want your talent to stay with us.

"Commander Chakotay, first of all you are charged with four infractions, and admitted guilt in them all. Therefore, the guilty verdict was an easy one for the Panel. You are therefore, sentenced to seven years," and a groan was heard from some of the Maquis, causing Data to stop and look up. Not seeing anything he looked back down at his Padd and started again. "You are sentenced to seven years for these crimes."

"Second, you are charged with illegally taking a Starfleet Shuttle and leaving Voyager. You are hereby ordered to return the shuttle immediately upon your return to Earth and pay restitution.

"Lastly, as you have suffered grievous personal loss . . . your home, family, friends and your Starfleet Commission . . . the Panel has decreed that your sentence of seven years be related to your seven years in the Delta Quadrant, the restitution for the Shuttle to be assisting your crew in building the Starfleet Facility and your Commission of Commander in Starfleet be reinstated with back pay dating to the date of your resignation." Chakotay, in a daze, nodded his head and Kathryn reached forward and slipped her hand in his.

"Tom Paris." Data looked out and spotted Tom braced at attention. "First, Lt Paris, your record at the New Zealand Penal Colony is immediately ordered expunged, your Commission with Starfleet reinstated from the time you took over Helm on Voyager and if you accept this to report to Starfleet for assignment five months from today. Second, you were AWOL from Voyager when they docked at Earth and although your stand with the Maquis is admirable, you are sentenced to the work detail on the Starfleet building.

A buzz started among the Maquis, but Data said loudly, "I am not finished." There was immediate quiet in the room.

"Captain Janeway." Kathryn stepped forward and stood beside Chakotay. Data looked at her with what might be sad eyes. "Captain Janeway, although this Hearing was to decide the fate of the Maquis, it has come out that you committed many infractions. Therefore, Starfleet has requested that you be charged with serious breeches of the Prime Directive as well as aiding and abetting the hiding of the Maquis crew through unlawful and mutinous actions. While admirable, they represented the breaking of Starfleet's Rules and Regulations, which you tried so rigorously to maintain while in the Delta Quadrant. How do you plead to these charges?"

Kathryn stood a little straighter and said in a firm voice, "Guilty, Captain Data."

Data looked down the Panel to his right and one by one they nodded their heads. He then looked to his left and again received nods of heads from those Panel members. "Then it is the consensus of this panel that you are guilty and you are therefore sentenced to serve three years assisting Starfleet decipher, write up and compute your records from the time in the Delta Quadrant, during which time you may not serve on a Starship of any kind. However, you will not lose any back pay nor your rank of Captain. In addition, you are to assist in the building of the Starfleet facility. Do you understand this sentence Captain Janeway?"

Kathryn smiled. "Yes, I do, and I accept the punishment."

"Uhm . . . Captain Data?" interjected Captain Scott. "As Captain Janeway's counsel I wish to announce that we will file an appeal on this sentence, especially not being able to serve on a Starship. Surely Starfleet doesn't want to lose such a valuable Captain for three years."

This time Kathryn was sure she saw a smile on Data's face, but definitely on other Panel member's countenances. "I thought you might, counselor," he said, then banged his gavel, looked at it in amusement, and said, "This case is closed."

The Maquis, still standing during the reading of the sentences, braced at attention as the Panel started to walk off, but instead of walking out of the room they walked down towards the group, with Guinan heading immediately for Captain Scott.

"Excellent job, Captain. You should know that you had this entire Panel, with one exception, eating out of the palm of your hand right from the beginning. I truly believe you were the only possible person who could have made sense of this travesty and made people understand."

As they continued talking, Admiral Picard shook hands with Janeway and then gave her a hug. "Congratulations Kathryn. You did a great job."

"Thank You Jean-Luc."

"You know, you made an excellent choice having Data on the Panel. His memory corrected Admiral Nechayev several times during our deliberations on things she tried to say were mentioned in the testimony."

Kathryn smiled. "Yes, I'm glad I had the foresight to ask for him."

"I was surprised you requested me, considering I was Starfleet, but as you knew I still felt bad about having to tell the people on Dorvan V about moving on, it made sense. You selected a great Panel and that Captain Scott was a marvel. He hit on all the right nerves. Well good luck to you, sorry we couldn't evade your sentence, but Admiral Nechayev was adamant on getting one victory."

As he turned to leave she said, "I understood, and thank you Jean-Luc."

Anthwara headed for Chakotay and the others, except for Admiral Nechayev who left the room immediately, mingled with the Maquis group, talking animatedly with them. After a moment T'Shan walked to Janeway and wished her well, Tokath told the group as a whole that almost from the beginning he knew his vote would be for innocent, Colonel Nerys congratulated Chakotay, saying she, too, had suffered at the hands of the Cardassians and well knew of what he was saying. Even Admiral Ross mingled with the Maquis, asking some specifically to remain with Starfleet.

The witnesses, now free to move around, came into the room and talked with Kathryn and Chakotay. Kathryn thanked Tuvok for his effort and help, and asked him to give her best wishes to T'Pel. Chakotay, to Tuvok's surprise, gave him a hug and thanked him for going along with Kathryn's plan.

Suddenly Dalby hopped up on the platform and asked for quiet. "I know I'm not the one to do this, it should be Captain Janeway or Chief . . . uhm Commander Chakotay, but I just want to thank each and every member of the Panel for what you did. You gave your valuable time and listened to us and I want you all to know that you have a friend for life! Thanks to all of you."

Chakotay joined him and gave his thanks as well, as Kathryn stepped up beside him. "I know I have done some bad things, things I'm not proud of, but you saw what caused them, saw the real me underneath all that and I'm grateful for your help. I'm also grateful to this woman who helped us all to become human beings again. Without her I might be dead by now!" The Maquis cheered for Captain Janeway and followed that by giving three cheers for the members of the Panel.

Guinan smiled, placed her hands over her ears and said, "You people are noisy. I think I'm going to beam back to the peace and quiet of the Enterprise." Everyone laughed, and the Panel members shook hands all around and started to drift away.

Kathryn turned to Chakotay. "Well Commander, it looks like we're both going to be around Starfleet Headquarters for awhile."

"But not until we have a nice vacation.

"Hey Chief," said Dalby. "We need to celebrate and have a party tonight."

Chakotay smiled. "Ken all I want to do right now is to have a good night's sleep."

"Tell you what Mr. Dalby. Once we get back and things settle down, we'll have that party," said Kathryn.

"Deal" the Maquis immediately responded as one.

* * * * *

Kathryn and Chakotay sat in his room enjoying a cool drink. The door was wide open, thus inviting anyone in that walked by. One by one members of the Panel stopped by and offered their congratulations and good wishes before going back to the Enterprise. The Transports were both standing by and Chakotay had Dalby at the Panel taking care of the Force Fields. Even Admiral Nechayev stopped by, probably with the prodding of Admirals Picard and Ross, who were with her.

"Congratulations Captain. You won this round."

Kathryn smiled. "Admiral, you know Starfleet Captains have to be stubborn and use ingenious methods to survive as a Starfleet Captain."

Nechayev actually smiled. "You have that right, Captain. I want you to know that I have authorized five months leave for everyone on Voyager and that includes the Maquis."

"Former Maquis, Admiral," said Chakotay.

She merely nodded her head then said, "Well I certainly hope that Torres decides to remain. We could use someone like her. And get that Shuttle back Commander. It belongs to us and still has Voyager records in it."

"I'll have it back tomorrow, Admiral," said Chakotay. After that, they shook hands and the three left for their Transport.

Captain Data was the last to stop by and Kathryn had the feeling it was by choice. "Good luck Commander and congratulations on the Hearing." Turning to Captain Janeway, he said, "Captain, I'm sorry about the sentence. No one on the Panel wanted to sentence you but Admiral Nechayev insisted on some kind of censure for what was brought out in the Hearing. What they agreed to was a compromise of sorts. Nechayev wanted you stripped of your Captaincy, at least 6 months in jail and a trial at Starfleet, but the Panel managed to convince her that the trial would be public, unlike this Hearing at a secret Star base, and she would suffer a "loss of face" as it were when the entire story came out in a trial, which I assured her with Captain Scott as counsel, it would." They all laughed at that remark.

"Anyway we agreed there was an awful lot of work regarding your seven years in the Delta Quadrant and not having a ship would be the same as not being a Captain. Again, I'm sorry."

"No need, Captain. I did need to be punished in some way. I sort of held a gun to their heads with this Hearing."

Data smirked. "Indeed. Well I have to get to the Transport." He started to leave then turned back. "Commander, do you have any suggestions for our Lt. to manage that turn. He made quite a dent in your wall."

Chakotay laughed. "We won't have the force field go back on in five seconds, he can take all the time he needs."

Captain Scott was the next to come by. "I can't be long as the Transports are ready, but I wanted to stop by and thank you."

"You are the one to be thanked, Captain," said Chakotay.

"It's Jim, and thank you. Knowing you two has been a pleasure. I'm glad I got you off lightly Commander, and Captain, I am sorely tempted to request active duty status, if Starfleet lets me remain in the service. I would dearly love to serve on your ship."

"It's Kathryn and Chakotay to you Jim, and that's if I ever get a ship again."

His boyish grin lit up the room. "Oh you will Kathryn, and before three years are up, I assure you, if I have anything to say about it, and believe me I will!"

"Well just know you are my counsel for any trouble I get in," laughed Kathryn.

"Me, too," Chakotay added with a grin. "Any day."

They shook hands and as he started to leave Chakotay put his arm around Kathryn's shoulder. Jim grinned. "I knew there was something between you two!"

Kathryn smiled as Chakotay said, "There is now. Two nights ago we admitted we loved each other."

"Then nothing really did go on in Voyager?"

"Nothing. It was strict Protocol."

"Wow you lost seven years!"

They both chuckled. "But you can be sure we will make up for it now that our feelings are known."

"Well good luck to you both," he said as he flashed that grin again and turned and walked out, almost bumping into Adams.

Adams looked uncomfortable but said, "I just wanted you to know I was just doing my job and I hope you realize there was nothing personal. I'm glad your sentence was light Commander."

"Thank you Captain Adams," said Chakotay rather formally. "We all had a job to do."

Adams nodded and looked at Kathryn. "You did a great job on hiding the Maquis Captain. It definitely shows why you were able to survive the Delta Quadrant."

"Thank you Captain, but as I tried to emphasize during the Hearing, it was every member of the crew working together that was our salvation."

"I understand. Good luck to you both" and he walked out.

Kathryn turned to Chakotay, knowing all the guests had now left, and slipped her arms around his neck, and he reciprocated by putting his arms around her waist. "What now, sweetheart? Any plans?"

"Whoa, what's this? Arms around each other, sweetheart? Something we should know," said Tom Paris' voice from the corridor.

Both Kathryn and Chakotay laughed as they turned to the door and saw Tom, B'Elanna, Dalby, Chell, Tabor and two other heads poking around the corner.

"I knew you would be the one to sneak up on us Tom," laughed Kathryn. "Well we might as well announce it. Two days ago, Chakotay and I admitted our love for each other."

"Well it's about damn time," was B'Elanna's response.

"Yeah, but by not announcing it until now, I lost a chance at the pot Tom was running," quipped Dalby.

"Sshhh, you're not supposed to tell them that," grinned Tom.

"How is your dad Tom," asked Chakotay.

"Everything seems to be fine. We talked a lot at night. He's gone back on the Transport, but wants us over for dinner the day we get back. I think things are good between us now and he likes B'Elanna."

"Yeah, talk about being surprised," said B'Elanna with a smile.

"That's wonderful Tom," said Kathryn.

"Well are you two going to continue to hold one another or can we have a small quiet celebration with a drink and a toast," said Tom.

"I think that sounds appropriate," said Kathryn and they all headed for the Dining Room where the remainder of the group was waiting.

Tom poured everyone a glass of Champagne.

"Where did you get this," exclaimed Kathryn.

"Oh I asked Tom Riker if he could slip some down to us and he did!" laughed Tom. "All right a toast, to Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay. First they beat Starfleet and get us all off the hook, so everyone take a sip before the next toast." After they all had a drink Tom continued with "Now we toast our Captain and Commander who finally got smart and admitted they love one another."

A cacophony of noise and cheers erupted from the group, along with congratulations. A second bottle of Champagne was opened and everyone seemed to have a toast of some kind. Before retiring for the night Chakotay announced they would leave at 0900 hours in a very cramped shuttle.

"And this time keep your darn elbows out of my ribs, Chell," said Dalby as they headed down the corridor.

* * * * *

The next morning after the Base was cleaned up and again shut down, the group crowded into the shuttle with one extra passenger, Captain Janeway, who with her rank had the privilege of sitting in the co pilot seat. The group was boisterous, firing off one-liners, laughing loudly at jokes and hurling jibes at everyone, including the Captain and Commander.

As they neared Earth, Chakotay contacted Voyager and requested to land in their Shuttle Bay. They settled softly, the hatch opened and the group started pouring out. As the exit continued the workers stood around and stared. Finally when no one else seemed to exit, a worker called out, "How many were in that shuttle anyway?"]

"Twenty-four" answered Chell.

"Why?"

"Oh just trying to see how many we could get in a shuttle," answered Dalby with a smirk.

After saying goodbye they all headed for their quarters to pack their belongings. As Chakotay stepped out into the corridor with his bag and boxes, he saw Kathryn moving her things out also. Chakotay immediately piled everything together and requested the Transporter chief to transport their belongings to the room, and that they would be along shortly.

While riding in the Turbo Lift, Dalby got on at one stop and together they walked to the Transporter room.

"Captain Janeway?" asked the Ensign.

"Yes." The Ensign nodded and appeared to check off her name and followed the same pattern with Chakotay and Dalby. At last they beamed down to Earth and were met by a Lt and four Ensigns.

Again they were queried of their names and then with the Ensigns carrying all the belongings, followed the Lt to a room where they had pictures taken, were issued Identification Badges, reassured they had cleaned their rooms and did not need to make a return trip to Voyager, and again their names checked off a Padd. Before leaving they were each given a statement showing their credits for back pay. Both Chakotay and Kathryn had a hard time not showing their amazement and glee. Dalby just stared at it and muttered, "I'll be damned."

"We have Ensigns and Shuttles standing by to take you to wherever you wish to go," said the Lt. Kathryn and Chakotay turned to Dalby.

"We'll be going to my mother's, Mr. Dalby . . . Gretchen Janeway. You can contact us there, and we will have that celebration."

Dalby smiled. "Thank you Captain - for everything. If I stay in Starfleet, which I sincerely doubt, I wouldn't mind serving with you again. Take care, Chief. See you," and he walked off with an Ensign, while Kathryn and Chakotay headed for their Shuttle.

As the shuttle landed outside a small white frame house, an older, white-haired woman and another woman close to Kathryn's age came hurrying out the door. "Go Kathryn, I'll help with the luggage," and Kathryn quickly left the shuttle, ran to meet the women and they all engaged in a lot of tears and hugs.

Chakotay slowly approached the women after the shuttle had been unloaded and left.

Gretchen stepped toward Chakotay with a big smile. "So this is the handsome First Officer."

Chakotay smiled and looked over at Kathryn. "There's that word again."

"Mom," said Kathryn as she took hold of Chakotay's arm, "I'd like you to meet Chakotay."

He smiled and said, "I am very pleased to meet you Mrs. Janeway."

"Oh bosh, call me Gretchen," and she threw her arms around Chakotay in a big bear hug, which he enthusiastically returned. He was then introduced to Phoebe, Kathryn's sister, and received an admiring glance and hug from her also. Everyone grabbed a piece of luggage with Chakotay insisting on carrying the boxes.

After entering the house Chakotay said, "If you can tell me where our rooms will be I'll take everything upstairs."

Kathryn smiled. "Our room is at the top of the stairs, first door to the left." Chakotay immediately blushed a crimson red, which caused Gretchen to laugh.

"I see there are still gentlemen in this world. Don't worry Chakotay, I understand. Besides, Kathryn and I had ample time to talk while she was twisting Starfleet's arms." After several trips Chakotay joined the women in the kitchen and they sat around just chatting for a couple of hours, with either Kathryn or Chakotay holding the other's hand. Soon they had lunch, moved into the front room and as they sat on the couch Kathryn curled up in Chakotay's arms. Gretchen had never seen her daughter so content and happy and as she watched Chakotay continually lowering his head and kissing the top of Kathryn's head, or Kathryn looking up lovingly as Chakotay talked, she made her decision.

Around 1600 hours Phoebe's husband arrived and the women set about fixing dinner. When dinner was finished Phoebe and her husband bade goodbye and walked out to the shuttle. Gretchen took Kathryn aside and talked quietly for a moment.

"Thanks mom, but are you sure you want to do this? You don't have to, you know."

"I'm very sure, Katie. Now, where's my coat?"

As she walked back into the room where Chakotay sat quietly, she said she would be leaving and would see them tomorrow and walked out the door.

Chakotay, suddenly realizing what was happening quickly stood and ran out the door after her. "Gretchen! Wait." As she stopped and looked back he came up to her. "Where are you going? I don't want to put you out of your own house!"

"Relax my boy. I understand and this is my decision. I remember when I was young and in love," she said with a big smile. "You and Katie need tonight and you need to be alone."

Chakotay blushed and smiled at the same time. "Yes, we do need tonight, Gretchen. For seven years I have loved your daughter and not been able to even hold her hand. Out at Mars we still had our own quarters even though we finally confessed our love. I give you my word and my promise - I will never hurt Kathryn and will always love her."

Gretchen placed her hand softly on Chakotay's cheek, not unlike Kathryn was prone to do at times. "I know my son."

He smiled and gave her a hug. "My son . . . I like the sound of that," he said softly. "Gretchen, I . . . I don't have a mother anymore and I was wondering . . . may I call you mom?"

"Oh Chakotay," she said as she started having tears and put her arms around him, "I would love that." Chakotay hugged her tightly for a moment before she finally stepped back.

"Now I will be back at noon tomorrow. Is that enough time?"

Chakotay laughed. "It's more than enough time, mom. Thank you and you be careful." After they left Chakotay turned and walked back to Kathryn, who had remained standing in the doorway.

As they stepped inside and the door shut, they turned and slipped their arms around each other and stood silently in this tight embrace for a long time, just reveling in being able to hold one another.

Finally Chakotay pulled his head back and they kissed, a sweet, loving kiss, then placing both hands on her cheeks, he looked deep into those blue eyes and said, "Kathryn . . . you are my miracle. You have made my life complete, and I sincerely believe you are my Soul mate. I deeply love you Kathryn Janeway and will for the rest of my life."

Kathryn smiled, and after also placing her hands on his cheeks said softly, "Oh Chakotay, I love you so much. Once on Voyager I told you 'three years ago I didn't even know your name and now I can't picture a day without you'. Now seven years later I still can't picture a day without you. I have finally found complete happiness." She gave him a light kiss, and continued. "You know, almost two months ago you asked me 'What's behind tomorrow?' I couldn't give you an answer at that time but I can now. The answer is 'us'. The two of us together are behind tomorrow, my love."

They kissed again, but this time with passion and as the kiss ended they slipped their arms around each other's waist and headed upstairs, where they would consummate their love in a wondrous, joyful and exhilarating passion, full of searching, discovery, rapture and fulfillment. This continued through the night with an occasional short nap, and by mornings light they knew, without a doubt, they would never be separated again. They had finally acknowledged their love for one another after seven long years and would continue to acknowledge it for the rest of their lives.




Epilogue


Chakotay and Kathryn soon bought a home of their own and after two months were married, feeling they had secretly courted each other for seven years and that was long enough. And true to Captain Scott's word, he easily won his appeal of her sentence and Kathryn was assigned a new Starship after less than a year, but she turned it and two other assignments down until Starfleet relented to her demand that Chakotay, despite being her husband, could serve on her ship. She strongly felt at this point in time they could both handle that Protocol. Chakotay had tried to warn her that she had pushed Starfleet to the brink too often, but she replied "I'll continue to walk briskly into their faces and push; it's the only thing Starfleet understands." Eventually she accepted promotion to Admiral and after a few years of that retired, "to spend all my time with my beloved husband."

Gretchen passed away four years after her daughter's return from the Hearing, from a sudden heart attack while working in her garden, but Chakotay's strength helped Kathryn through that loss.

Tom and B'Elanna married, of course, and had three children, much to Admiral Paris' delight. He and Tom became close, and all the bitterness of the earlier years was forgotten.

Captain James Scott? He resigned from Starfleet after winning Kathryn's appeal and became an internationally famous counsel for the downtrodden, maligned people in the Federation, as well as becoming a good, close friend of Kathryn and Chakotay.

As to the Maquis, they drifted away after building that Starfleet facility, but many, upon learning Captain Janeway had a new ship, asked to come back and serve with her, including a certain former 'malcontent' named Dalby.


Finis
September 2000
Edited June 2006

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