Patience had never been one of Kathryn Janeway's strong points, especially after the last seven years in the Delta Quadrant. However, when dealing with the woman on the viewscreen in Astrometrics, it was indeed a virtue.

"You've lost weight, Katie dear." Gretchen Janeway proclaimed with her usual tact.

"Delta Quadrant cuisine, isn't always very appealing, Mama." Kathryn offered up as she withstood her mother's scrutiny, while doing some of her own.

"And what have you done, with your hair?"

"Obviously, I cut it. A certain member of my crew, would call it . . . efficient."

"I'm sure, but not very flattering, dear."

"I'm not interested in winning a beauty contest, Mama. I just--" Kathryn stopped then slowly shaking her head. "You know, we always do this. The old, bait and pounce. I haven't spoken to you directly, let alone face to face for nearly seven years. Can we save the inquisition for when we see each other in person?"

"Of course, I'm sorry, dear. I've just been so worried about you."

Kathryn nodded, "I know I missed you, too."

"Katie, how are you, really?"

Kathryn sighed and brushed a hand across her brow, "I'm tired, Mom. I'm just so damn tired. It's been a very long voyage."

"I'm sure it has, for us here as well. The first three and 1/2 years it was the not knowing, then knowing, and the reality of you being so very far away. Of course, then it was how long it would be until you truly did make it home. Feelings of loss and mingled with joy and trepidation."

"I know those feelings and more. Then add the responsibility for almost hundred fifty lives with no support or backup. To only, be able to rely on your own strengths and instincts. God, if it hadn't been for Chakotay, I--"

Gretchen had to smile at the way Kathryn said his name, almost like a caress.

"Chakotay-- The Maquis captain you were sent to capture. You mentioned him in your letters, he's your first officer."

Kathryn unconsciously matched her mother's smile, fondly noting at how her interest was piqued. Yet, she sobered quickly as she stated who and what Chakotay was to her.

"And my dearest friend, Mom. Chakotay is my rock out here. He's the anchor that steadies me against the ragging torrent of life in this god-forsaken quadrant. Without him, I'm adrift. I only wish I could give him as much as he's given me all these years. I can't."

"I know, you believe that, dear,"

Kathryn looked up sharply at her mother's insinuation. Then nervously looked over her shoulder at Seven, who was working at a console. The former Borg appeared engrossed in her work.

"Mom, please don't start."

"Alright, but let me say this one thing, then I'll never bring it up again. Alright?"

Kathryn sighed and nodded slowly. Resistance to Gretchen Janeway was indeed futile.

"First, understand this, I may have never met the person you talk a get deal about in your letters, but I know my daughter. Kathryn, you would never invest so much of your time and energy into a relationship, friendly or otherwise, that was doomed to come to nothing. You are fierce when it comes to those you love, but I know you're afraid."

"Mom . . ." Kathryn started warningly.

"Kathryn Moira, you will allow me to finish." Gretchen ordered sternly.

"Yes, ma'am--" Kathryn answered standing up a little straighter, yet her eyes held a look of defiance.

"Alright now, I'm right aren't I. You're frightened of losing him. Afraid to give your love openly, because of what might happen."

"Yes," Kathryn whispered, anguish evident in her voice. Lost in her mother's words, she barely noted Seven's departure and didn't see the arrival of another of her crew.

"Oh, Katie, I know you've suffered before. We all have. That's the price you pay for loving someone. Unfortunately, some of us are made to suffer more. The loses are greater, yet the rewards for loving again can be enormous and well worth the risk."

"Mama, I know you're right. I just wish I knew how to start."

"Sometimes, you're not the one who decides that."

"Sometimes," Chakotay began as he put his hands on Kathryn's shoulders and turned her to face him. " . . . we just need a nudge in the right direction."

"Chakotay, I . . . we . . . " Kathryn started as tears slipped down her face. Chakotay cupped her face in his hands and used his thumbed to brush away her tears.

"Ssshhh, this time you will listen. I love you, Kathryn Janeway. I have for a very long time. If it takes declaring that before your mother to get you to believe it, I'll do it a hundred times. Hell, I'll do it before a room full of Admirals. So, make no mistake, I'm in this for the long haul."

"I believe him, Katie. It's time you did."

"Mama--" Kathryn began her voice shaking and eyes pleading silently.

"I love you, Kathryn. Trust yourself, trust him, it's time to take the risk."

Kathryn bowed her head as tears slipped down her cheeks. Chakotay did the only thing he could. Gathering her against his chest, he called for a site to site transport.

6 months later

Gretchen Janeway couldn't stand still; so, she paced. Back and forth. Forth and back seemingly hell bent on wearing a path in the carpet beneath her feet.

"Mom, would you stop, you're making me dizzy."

Gretchen glanced at her youngest daughter and shook her head slowly.

"Why won't they tell us anything, Phoebe? Why call and gather everyone here, then not tell us anything?"

Phoebe Janeway-Charles smiled gently and patted the sofa beside her.

"Come-on Mom, sit. We'll know something soon. They wouldn't have called us if it wasn't important."

"I know." Gretchen sighed as she seated herself and grasped Phoebe's hand.

At that moment the door to the room opened to admit Admiral Owen Paris and Commander Reginald Barkley. The Janeway women rose to greet them.

"Owen, what's going on?" Gretchen demanded.

"Easy Gretchen, I'll explain in a moment. Let's go on out on the balcony."

The women followed the two men, exchanging puzzled looks. Once outside, they moved to the rail overlooking the Presidio. They were surprised to see a large crowd assembled to one side leaving the center clear. Spotlights danced over the surface of the manicured lawn and an air of anticipation rose up from the murmuring mass of people.

A number of explanations formed in Gretchen's mind and one kept leaping to the forefront. The space below was large enough to land a ship . . . a starship.

Gretchen flashed a look at Paris. He grinned and nodded, inclining his head toward the bridge in the distance. Clutching at Phoebe's arm, who along with Gretchen realized what, was happening. So, did those on the ground. There was silence, save for a low rumbling and it was getting closer.

"Mom, there--" Phoebe whispered as she pointed. The older woman's gaze followed the line indicated until she saw it too.

A ship descending from the sky over San Francisco Bay. It swooped down to skim the surface the water, then arced up at the last moment to hop the ancient superstructure of the Golden Gate Bridge. The crowd gasped and Paris's grin grew larger. Banking over Alcatraz the ship began her final approach. The sound of atmospheric thrusters died, replaced the hum of landing struts deploying. Then the hiss of maneuvering stabilizers as she steadied her descent. Powerful updrafts of air forced the foursome back from the rail a couple of steps. Then they felt it, a slight vibration as the ship settled on her struts. The sound of the engines died away and there was an eerie silence as the spotlights danced over her hull. One of the beams found the confirmation they all had been seeking. There displayed in on the top of the saucer section was a name--

Voyager

Kathryn Janeway was pacing. It was the only thing keeping her sane. The last three days had been a hell of a ride. Meeting herself, fighting the Borg and now--

Home.

They were really there, and it felt like home. This place, a lone blue-green orb against a velvet black backdrop, it had an aura all it's own. It was as if the spirit of the Earth itself was embracing them in welcome.

"Bridge to Janeway--"

"Janeway here"

"Captain, we're crossing the terminator into night. Coming up on the coast in 2 minutes."

"Acknowledged. On my way." Janeway ended the conversation and turned to face the man seated on her sofa. "Ready--"

"Have been for seven years. Are you?" Chakotay as he rose as grasped her extended hand. The two started for the door.

"Oh yes, and I can't wait to my mother's face." Kathryn said as she graced him a bright smile as the pair alighted onto the bridge.

Voyager.

Starfleet's lost little lamb as home and evidence of her journey showed as spotlights played over the surface of the ship. Traces of integrated technology and long repaired damage, could be seen on her scarred, battered hull.

Gretchen Janeway shuddered as she recalled what Kathryn had told her of some of the battles the ship had been through. Lost in her thoughts she jumped slightly when Reg Barkley put a hand on her shoulder.

"Mrs. Janeway, we're arranged for you and Mrs. Charles to transported onboard. If you'll please follow me."

Gretchen nodded and grasped Phoebe's hand as they were led from the room with Owen Paris bringing up the rear.

"Captain, we are down." Tom Paris announced not keeping the joy from his voice.

"Well done, Tom. Harry, open a shipwide channel."

"Aye, Captain, channel open."

"Attention all hands, this is the Captain Kathryn Janeway." Janeway paused as her voice caught and she looked around at the expectant faces of her shipmates. Then grasping Chakotay's hand tightly, she continued. "My friends, we are home." The cheers that erupted over the Commline and the embraces she was pulled into, drowned out anything else she may have wanted to say.

Gretchen Janeway opened her eyes slowly as they rematerialized on the transporter pad. She never liked 'beaming', and only did it in emergencies. As her vision cleared, she surveyed the room, wryly noting the 'honor guard'. Finally, Gretchen settled her gaze on the man directly in front of her.

"Commander Tuvok, it is wonderful to see you again." Gretchen said as she and Phoebe were helped down from the platform.

"The honor is mine, Mrs. Janeway. Welcome abroad, Voyager."

"Thank you. My daughter Phoebe, I believe you know."

"Of course, my wife, T'Pel, speaks well of your work, Mrs. Charles." Tuvok acknowledged the younger woman, and her gratitude before turning to Owen Paris. "Admiral, your presence is requested elsewhere, please standby for transport." Paris nodded and then smiled at the Janeway's in encouragement, before he disappeared in a glimmer of sparkling lights.

"If you will come with me, Ladies." Tuvok proffered toward the door.

Gretchen and Phoebe exchanged looks and followed the Vulcan from the room.

Kathryn Janeway could not believe this was happening. It was like a dream, one she never wanted to wake up from. Smoothing her dress uniform, she cast one last glance at the mirror before turning to the man, who had been at her side for the last seven years.

"Ready for this?"

"I hope so, or the crews going to mutiny on us." Chakotay replied, unable to keep the smile off his face. "Besides, I'm still reeling from Admiral Paris's news that the Maquis are free as is Tom. Even the Equinox 5 got off better then expected. They were striped of rank and discharged, though honorably. This is infinitely better than prison and court martial."

"I agree, but you all deserved no less. More but not less." Kathryn affirmed.

"I know I've got all I could have hoped for. You're on the top of that list you know." Chakotay told as he pulled her against him.

"I know that now, thank you for loving me, through thick and thin." Kathryn expressed as she rested her head on his chest. For a moment they both fell back in the memory of that first night, they become a true couple. Both heeding the heartfelt advise of a mother thousands of light years away and never regretting a moment shared.

"You know you've been grinning like that, for hours."

"More like days, months. Ever since you agreed to-"

"Hey, you two. Shows on. The Captain's mother and sister just arrived. We're ready to go." Tom Paris proclaimed as he burst in the room.

"Mom's here. Phoebe too. Oh, Chakotay this is really happening." Kathryn said as she grasped Chakotay arm for support.

"Yes, it is. We can do this, Kathryn." Chakotay told her as he brushed at the wetness on her cheeks. "Let's give them, what they want."

Gretchen could not get the grin off of her face as she realized what was happening. Taking the seat she was escorted to she surveyed the room, which appeared to be some sort of dining hall. Glancing to her left, she saw several people enter the room, one of them a young man carrying a clarinet. Harry Kim. Gretchen said to herself recognizing the ensign from Kathryn's description. She listened with interest is Kim stepped up before the group and began to speak.

"Welcome everyone, thank you for postponing your own homecoming to witness the special event. I realize its Neelix that usually presides over things like this, and on this day of all days that can't change. So, it is my privilege to give you, Mr. Neelix." As Harry spoke, he waved a hand at the screen behind him. It glowed to life, bringing the visage of Voyager's ambassador at large into view.

"Hello everyone, Seven, Harry and Mr. Barclay have made this possible and I thank them. Knowing how long this has taken to occur, I think, it's time to get the show on the road." Neelix nodded to Kim, who began to play a haunting tune on his clarinet.

Kathryn was hanging on to Tuvok's arm like a lifeline as they made their way down the corridor. She smiled at the crewmembers that lined her path, and they smiled back. She wasn't the only one who had waited for this day to come. She straightened and loosened her grip a little, as they neared the mess hall.

Gretchen grasped Phoebe's hand tightly as the entire assemblage turned toward the entrance to the mess hall. The song Harry Kim was playing changed to a jazzy version of the wedding march as everyone rose. Gretchen glanced at Owen Paris, then at the tattooed man standing with him. The latter had a goofy grin plastered on his face, the changed to one of awe as his intended started down the aisle toward him.

The ceremony moved quickly, but Gretchen found herself remembering every nuance. When time came to say her part, she spoke clearly and concisely, when Owen asked, 'Who gives his woman to be wed to this man? 'We do, her mother, her sister and . . .' She gestured to those around her, who took the hint and said loudly in unison, ' the crew of the USS Voyager'.

When Owen pronounced them married, a loud whoop filled the hall, joined by applause as they shared a loving kiss. Gretchen and Phoebe stood back and allowed everyone else to surge forward. There would not be a reception here, but a large party would be held when debriefings were over and everyone had begin reunited with their families. As the crew offered their good wishes to the couple, Gretchen observed, a balding man enter the room carrying a small child about 3 years of age. The crew made a space as he approached the happy couple and a hush overtook the room.

As Kathryn pulled out of the hug from Tal Celes, she brushed at the tears on her face. She quickly noted the EMH's approach. Kathryn took Chakotay's hand as he turned from Mortimer Harren and together they faced the Doctor.

"Kathryn, Chakotay, I have a little wedding gift for you." The holographic Doctor said as he hand the little girl in his arms to Kathryn.

"Mama-" The little girl cried as she reached for Kathryn.

"The DNA transfer worked?! She's okay." Chakotay inquired as he brushed a hand over the child's reddish gold locks.

"Absolutely and completely, she's fully human. The stasis therapy worked and using your DNA, she couldn't be more yours and Kathryn's, if she'd been born to you. All she needs as a full name to complete the adoption procedure."

"Thank you so very much, my friend. You'll never know what this means to us." Kathryn told him as she passed the child to Chakotay and then threw her arms around the startled EMH.

"It was my pleasure, Kathryn. Be happy."

"Thank you-" Kathryn whispered back as she kissed his cheek and pulled away. As she turned, she met the eyes of her mother.

Gretchen Janeway slowly approached until she was facing her oldest daughter.

"Katie-" The name came out in choked cry.

"Mom-" Kathryn responded in return as she embraced her mother. The two clung to each other, neither noticing the crew filing out until only the senior staff remained. "Mom, it's so good to see you."

"You too, my darling. You never cease to amaze. This was a wonderful surprise, but I hope you're planning on a formal wedding."

"Mother, this is my wedding, more so than I ever could have hoped for. My family and my friends were here and once, we have the ceremony in the tradition of Chakotay's people. We'll be as married as we ever want to be." Kathryn told her mother as she stepped back to Chakotay, accepting their daughter into her arms.

"Hey, big brother, do I get a hug?" Phoebe said, quickly taking the point to stop the argument that was brewing.

"Absolutely, little sister." Chakotay responded with a laugh, as he swept the younger woman into his arms. "You're good." He whispered to her.

"Years of practice, YEARS of practice." Phoebe answered as they parted. "I'm Phoebe, by the way. Peacekeeper of the Janeways."

"I'm Chakotay, somehow I can understand that."

"Hey, you're supposed to be on my side." Kathryn scolded as she linked arms with him.

"I'm always on your side, love." Chakotay replied indignantly, giving her a heady kiss.

"Whoa, Kit, he's a keeper."

"That's right, and he's all mine, Pheebs. Dimples and all."

"That's okay, as you can see I have trouble of my own brewing at home." Phoebe answered with a chuckle a patting her distended abdomen.

"Oh, Phoebe, this is wonderful. Mom's going to have a house full." Kathryn said as she hugged her sister.

"Kathryn, welcome home." The sisters hugged tightly.

"Katie, Chakotay, are you going to tell us the child's name? Or, do I have to give her one? And where did she come from?" Gretchen asked as she passed the girl to Phoebe.

"This child came from the Borg, we rescued her and the Doctor treated her. It's been a long road for her and us, but after months in stasis and treatments using our DNA. Kathryn and I can truly say this is our daughter." Chakotay paused and glanced at Kathryn who smiled and nodded it wasn't often he was allowed to speak for them, but this was his family now and he was the head of it. "It is the tradition of my people, that a child be named in the presence of family. My own sister cannot be here. So, I ask, that Phoebe witness on her behalf." He turned to the senior staff of Voyager. "Tuvok, B'Elanna, Tom, Harry, Seven, Doctor, Neelix and Gretchen." Chakotay took the girl from Phoebe and placed her in Kathryn's arms, putting a gentle hand on her soft curls. "Kathryn and I name this child, MacKenna Rose Janeway. We hope you will shower on her all the love and comfort, you have always given us."

"We will." They all answered in unison.

"Then come and meet our daughter."

One and two at a time they came forward, bestowing a kiss and or, solemn word. Lastly, Tom and B'Elanna approached with their own child. Miral Kathryn Paris was only two days old, but she could hold her head up and seemed to watch everything around her with interest.

"Well, I hate to break this up," Owen Paris said, "but I believe it's time for your crew to disembark."

"Oh god, yes. Chakotay call everyone who's outside back in. Harry, open a channel to the rest of the ship." Kathryn ordered as MacKenna rested on her hip. She thought for a moment, then added, "And Harry, broadcast is to those outside on the presidio as well."

"Aye, Captain-" Harry Kim responded as his moved to the panel on the wall. "All channel open, Captain."

Kathryn moved to stand before her family and crew the viewports of the mess hall were her backdrop. She motioned Chakotay to stand at her side as she shifted MacKenna to her other hip. Glancing up she caught her mother's eye and smiled broadly.

"This is Kathryn Janeway. For the last seven years, Voyager has traveled through uncharted space, made new friends and some enemies. We persevered, though not without some losses and they were profound. Now, our journey is ended. As Captain of Voyager, I need to say this. No one could have had a better crew to spend this journey with and I'm very proud of each and every one of you." Kathryn paused as tears threatened, then speaking again the emotion in her voice clear. "Before you go and join your own families, remember, you'll always be part of this family we've made on Voyager. You're all free to disembark. God Speed, Good Luck and again welcome home."

"Home-" MacKenna echoed.

"Yes, my baby." Kathryn answered hugged her tightly. "Home."

Harry kept the channel open as they were assailed with cheers and applause. Chakotay pulled Kathryn into his arms as she was overwhelmed by the emotions of the day. Gretchen stepped up and gently took MacKenna from her mother and moved to the fringe of the group. From her vantagepoint, she observed Tom and B'Elanna introducing their daughter to Neelix before he had to sign off. Then watched as Owen Paris joined them to take his granddaughter off their hands, so they could say good-bye to their friends. Gretchen's eye caught an exchange with Seven and Naomi Wildman. The girl was in tears as she said her good-byes to the former Borg. Then they all once again moved to encircle Kathryn and Chakotay. Gretchen watched her older daughter pull herself together and return their gestures of love. Phoebe joined her and together watched this family go their separate ways.

"You know, Mom. I used think that, Kathryn getting lost in the Delta Quadrant was the worst thing that could have happened." Phoebe explained as she brushed a gentle hand over MacKenna's head. "But, seeing all this today, I truly believe it's the best thing. She has a man who loves and respects her, a beautiful daughter, and a crew turned family."

"I know, what you mean, Phoebe. She's happier than I have ever seen her." Gretchen answered as she saw Kathryn and Chakotay headed toward them as the room thinned out. The older woman smiled at them as they neared. "Happiness has always been my wish for both of you. I suppose you say, it's every mother's wish."