PG

If Wishes were Horses

By Sambrea

"Is there anyway to keep going at all?"

"I'm afraid not, Captain. A lot of Voyager's systems are failing." said B’Elanna Torres.

"Astrometics has already found a suitable planet nearby," Seven of Nine said.

Kathryn Janeway, Captain of the USS Starship Voyager, sighed. "All right people. I guess this is
going to be the end of the line for Voyager," she turned to Tom Paris. "Mr. Paris, set a course for
that planet, fastest possible speed available. Everyone else, tell your people. I'll be in my ready room.
Dismissed."

Everybody left the room rather quickly except Chakotay.

"Yes Commander?"

"Are you all right?"

"It's hard to have your dreams ripped out from under you. Now it seems we'll never get home."

"At least we found a suitable planet in time. Would you rather die in space?"

"No I guess not. But still, I'd much rather be in space than stuck on some unknown planet."

"I think that's true of the whole crew, both Maquis and Starfleet."

Kathryn nodded. "Yeah, I guess so. Thank you."

Chakotay smiled. "Just doing my job. Looking after the captain and crew."

Kathryn smiled and stood up. "Your doing a good job."

Chapter 1

"A lot of things are savagable, luckily, so we won't be completely on our own," B’Elanna said a
couple days later at the daily briefing.

"Like what?" Asked Kathryn.

"The shuttlecraft, the Doctor, most of sickbay, part of the computer, part of the communications
systems, and the replicators."

"That's quite a lot of stuff. What about shelter?"

"I suggest we take apart part of Voyager. If we're not using her, why keep her in one piece?"

Janeway nodded a bit reluctantly. "All right, let's get everything ready to land tomorrow. Dismissed."

Chapter 2

"Approaching the planet, Captain," Tom Paris said.

"Take us in, Mr. Paris," Kathryn pressed the button that broadcasted her shipwide and took a deep
breath. "All hands, this is the Captain. We have reached the planet and are starting the descent into
the atmosphere. It has been an honor serving you and I hope you all find happiness in our new life.
Janeway out."

"Captain, would you like to go on one last tour of the ship?"

"Of course, commander." Kathryn got up from her chair. "Tuvok, you have the bridge," she led the
way to the turbolift. The doors opened in front of them, and Kathryn said: "

After a minute Chakotay turned to Kathryn. "I was wondering if you would reconsider what I
mentioned on New Earth."

Kathryn sighed and turned to face him. "I had a feeling that was going to come up. It might have a
chance now. I know that I do have feelings for you that I would like to act on that I couldn't before
because of Voyager, but maybe now it will have a chance."

Chakotay took Kathryn in his arms and gave her a long kiss.

"Ahem."

They both opened their eyes and found Tom and B’Elanna staring at them, about as embarrassed as
they were.

"Sorry Captain, Commander. We, uhh, didn't know we were interrupting anything."

"We didn't intend for anyone to see us. Please don't tell anyone about what you saw."

"Umm, I'm not sure if your relationship will stay a secret if you keep kissing in the turbolift," Tom said
with a large grin.

Kathryn chuckled. "Unfortunately, we won't be able to do THAT much longer."

They all grew silent after that, nobody wanting to break the silence, each lost in their on thoughts.

Chapter 3

A month after they landed on "Luna", as it had been affectionately nicknamed, the crew had paired
off, all except Tuvok, of course who didn't think it necessary.

Kathryn had already performed quite a few weddings, including Harry and Seven's, and B’Elanna
and Tom's, among the most mentionable.

Right now they were getting ready for her and Chakotay's wedding, which was going to be the next
day.

Their relationship had come to the point where they both felt ready.

Many of the former crew gave at least part of their hard saved replicator rations for the ceremony.

Some gave a few for every wedding, but quite a few felt this was important enough to sacrifice a few.

Neelix had done wonders with a nearby clearing near the village that had sprung up.

There was an arch covered with a kind of white flower that looked like a lily, that seemed to flourish
everywhere. There were many cultivated beds of flowers around the clearing that someone who had
found a love in gardening had cultivated.

Since she was still considered the leader she did most of the weddings, but since she couldn't do her
own, Tuvok was to act the part of minister this time.

She was going to wear a white gown with a long train. Chakotay was going to wear one of the outfits
he had started wearing on New Earth. He wore those outfits more and more now that they had
settled on a planet, and that she didn't require Starfleet uniforms anymore.

The whole colony had taken on a comfortable air. No one called Kathryn Captain anymore, as she
had insisted on everyone calling her Kathryn the moment she had left the ship.

"Kathryn, are you ready?" asked B’Elanna, who was going to be her bridesmaid.

Kathryn smiled. "Of course, lead the way."

A few minutes later they reached the clearing. Chakotay walked toward them, smiling, and kissed
Kathryn on the cheek.

"Beautiful, isn't it."

Designers had done a wonderful job with the clearing. Flowers were everywhere, and there were all
different shapes, sizes, and colors.

"It's gorgeous."

They walked up the aisle hand in hand to where everyone else was waiting.

Chakotay started speaking. "We decided that instead of having just one of either of our ceremonies,
to combine the two."

"There will still be the procession, but I will not be led by anyone. We asked Naomi Wildman to be
our flowergirl, which she agreed to. Tuvok will be acting the minister. The rest of you know what
positions you are but I'll go over them so everyone else knows. B’Elanna and Seven are my
bridesmaids, and Tom and Harry are Chakotay's best men.

"You know the tradition of the bride and groom being apart the night before the wedding," Tom said
with a grin.

Don't tell me your going to enforce it," Kathryn complained but she was also grinning.

"Don't worry. It's all set up. You'll stay with us, and Chakotay will stay with the Kim’s."

Kathryn gave Chakotay a quick peck then they went their separate ways for the night.

Chapter 4

It had been a long night for Kathryn. She hadn't slept well, and the noises coming from the bedroom
hadn't helped her sleep either.

When she looked at her chronometer and saw that it was five am she gave up on trying to sleep.

She heard a door open behind her, and turned around.

"I thought you probably couldn't sleep. I certainly couldn't."

"You couldn't sleep the night before your wedding either?"

"Neither of us could. We talked about it the next day."

They sat there and talked for the next two hours, until it was time to start getting ready.

++++++++++

"Are you ready, Kathryn?"

Kathryn looked at B’Elanna and took a deep breath. They were standing at the edge of the clearing,
waiting for the procession to start. "About as ready as I'm going to be."

As the procession started down the aisle, Kathryn hung back, waiting her turn. As the music started,
and she started walking, she looked around.

All the bridesmaids were dressed in light blue, which matched the bouquets each one was carrying,
plus the flowers Naomi was carrying. Kathryn was carrying a bouquet of the white lilies plus some of
the light blue flowers the bridesmaids her carrying.

She walked farther up the aisle , and looked at Chakotay's side of the aisle.

Chakotay was smiling. Tom and Harry were dressed in suits with light blue cummerbunds.

As she reached the arch, she locked eyes with Chakotay and smiled.

"We gather on this day to join this couple, Kathryn and Chakotay in blessed union," Tuvok began. "If
you have so prepared, Kathryn, please declare your love with your own words."

"We have been through so much together. The unlikely joining of our two ships, getting stranded on
New Earth together, seeing our crew pair up around us, but holding back on our personal feelings for
one another, finding Voyager falling apart around us, but feeling helpless to do anything, landing on
Luna, and finally giving in to personal feeling. Through all of it you have stood by my side, never
questioning my authority, and always being a friend when I needed one. I can't think of another way
to say it, Chakotay. I love you with all my heart."

"Your turn, Chakotay."

"I spoke to my spirit guide last night. She said I was doing the right thing. I didn't need my spirit guide
to know that. Since New Earth I've known that there has been something between us. Since then,
I've patiently waited for you to come to terms with your feelings.

"When I first found out about Luna and that we were going to settle here I knew that this would be
my chance to ask you to rethink New Earth and what it meant to our relationship. I'm glad we have
each other."

"If no on has any objections, I now pronounce you happily married. You may now kiss each other."
Chakotay immediately took Kathryn in his arms and gave her a long, drawn out kiss.

They only finally pulled away for breath. The cheering started immediately afterward. Chakotay and
Kathryn were swamped by well-wishers and carried by the crowd to a nearby meadow where a
enormous feast was set up. Someone had replicated a large sound system and had set it off to the
side. There was a large open area in the middle of the field for dancing. In another area a long table
was set up with many Alpha Quadrant foods. At one end was a small replicator unit for drinks that
had the rations that weren’t already used programmed in.

Kathryn and Chakotay were seated at the front table along with Harry, Tom, Seven, and B’Elanna.
The table was set up so that you couldn't miss anything going on.

After everyone had sat down, someone reached over and started the music.

As the evening progressed, dinner was served, and later that the dancing started. Kathryn and
Chakotay had the first dance, a 20th century earth song called "Something There."

There's something sweet,

And almost kind.

But he was mean,

And he was coarse,

And unrefined.

But now he's dear,

And so unsure.

I wonder why I didn't see it there before.

She glanced this way.

I thought I saw.

And when we touched she didn't shudder at my paw.

No it can't be.

I'll just ignore.

But then she's never looked at me that way before.

New,

And a bit alarming.

Who'd have ever thought that this could be?

True

That he's no Prince Charming,

But there's something in him that I simply didn't see.

Well, who'd have thought?

Well, bless my soul.

Well, who'd have known?

Well, who indeed?

And who'd have guessed they’d come together on their own?

It's so peculiar.

Wait and see

A few days more.

There may be something there that wasn't there before

++++++++++

As the evening wound down, people started leaving and congratulating Kathryn and Chakotay on a
wonderful wedding.

Eventually all that were left were Kathryn, Chakotay, Tom B’Elanna, Harry and Seven.

"When are you leaving?" Tom asked, speaking of the honeymoon that was set .

Tomorrow morning, early," Kathryn said sleepily.

"The Phoenix is ready to go. Don't be afraid to call if you run into trouble," said B’Elanna. "Have a
great time, and once again, congratulations."

"Good night, everyone. We should get to bed if we want to leave early tomorrow."

"Have a great trip. We won't expect to hear from you for a week."

"We'll sleep in the shuttlecraft tonight so we won't bother anyone. Good night."

As the darkness swallowed the pair, Tom decided to take a chance. "Do they think we're actually
going to believe they're just going to sleep tonight?"

"I heard that Mr. Paris. Go to bed."

That got a few snickers, but everyone did exactly that.

Chapter 5

The next morning there was a small crowd gathered around the USS Phoenix to watch the dawn
departure.

The flight plan was to travel north along a nearby river to find it's source, and check out any wildlife
that might live along it.

Kathryn and Chakotay hadn't slept much during the night, being too pumped, and doing other things
than just sleeping.

"We're ready to lift off, Tom," Kathryn said calmly into the radio.

"All right. Have fun you two. Don't forget that this is also your honeymoon."

"Thanks. See you in a week."

They lifted off, waving to the crowd below.

"That was a nice sendoff."

Chakotay just nodded, too engulfed in piloting to look.

"The river's below us now."

Kathryn looked down and saw a clear blue river that was about ten feet wide. It was surrounded by
a lot of bushes and trees. Many of those bushes were flowering. She made a note to herself to pick
some of the plants to take back to the colony.

"Beautiful," she whispered, not wanting the moment to end.

"I'm setting down on the riverbank, then we'll be able to have a better look."

As soon as the Phoenix touched the ground Kathryn was out of her seat and walking quickly to the
back entrance, eager to go outside.

As the door opened, Kathryn wasn't sure what to expect.

No one had done much exploring in the area around the river yet. They were the first pair but it was
to be expected that more couples would want to do some exploring also.

As the back door opened, Chakotay joined her, putting his arms around her. They looked around
the clearing and watched silently as a small herd of animals that were a cross between a horse, a
buffalo, and an ass.

The herd drank from the river, watching the couple suspiciously, but not necessarily distrustfully.

A few days after they got back to the colony, Kathryn found out she was pregnant. She wasn't the
only one, either. B’Elanna and Seven were also pregnant, among a few other women.

When Chakotay and Kathryn made the report about the horses, they found that there were a couple
people interested in them, among them Tom Paris. There were already some people that were
interested in farming one of the other continents. After about a month, when they had captured some
of the creatures, the group moved onto the continent that was also being used for farming.

Chakotay and a couple of other people already knew a few things about raising and breeding horses,
so they were teaching the less experienced people, like Tom how to do it.

Kathryn and B’Elanna spent a lot of time together talking and riding along some of the natural trails
that they had found.

One day, when Kathryn was about months pregnant, she and B'Elanna were out riding when
Kathryn's horse spooked and threw her.

B’Elanna immediately trotter her horse over to where Kathryn was laying and jumped down (or at
least as close to jumping down as she could). "Are you all right?" she asked worriedly.

"I'm not sure. I'm hurting all over right now."

"Can you stand up?"

Kathryn nodded and stood up with B’Elanna’s help.

"Let's go home. We may need to take you to see the Doctor."

++++++++++

Chakotay was surprised to see Kathryn's horse come back without a rider. Tom noticed it too, just
before Chakotay jumped on his horse and galloped off in the direction the horse had come from.

+++++++++++

Kathryn was feeling a lot worse when Chakotay reached them. They were stopping every few
minutes so that Kathryn could rest, and weren't get much of anywhere.

Chakotay almost galloped past them, but at the last second pulled up next to them.

"What happened?" he asked, concerned.

"Her horse spooked and bucked her off," B’Elanna answered.

Chakotay jumped off his horse next to Kathryn, and put a hand on a shoulder. "Are you all right?"

Kathryn shook her head. "I'm not feeling very good," she said quietly.

Chakotay turned to B’Elanna. "Go tell Tom to contact main land. We may need the Doctor to come
out."

B’Elanna quickly nodded, and left, already being on her horse.

Chakotay motioned to his horse. "Do you want to ride the rest of the way? It isn't far, and we'll make
better time."

Kathryn nodded, and he helped her up.

It took ten minutes to get back to the house, since they went very slow.

Tom and B’Elanna were waiting for them. "The Doctor's on his way," Tom said.

++++++++++

20 minutes later, a shuttlecraft landed and the Doctor walked out.

It only took him a few minutes to decide to take her back to his clinic on the mainland.

"She's not doing well," the Doctor told Chakotay and Tom. "She's bleeding internally, and we might
have to deliver the baby. I want to take her back to the mainland so I can give her the treatment she
needs."

Chakotay nodded. "Can I come with?"

"Of course."

Chapter 7

The shuttlecraft arrived back at the colony within the next hour.

The Doctor took her directly into surgery. As Chakotay waited, word of what happened spread
through the colony like wildfire. Many former crew members sat with Chakotay: Tuvok, Neelix,
Tom, B’Elanna, Seven and Harry just to name a few.

Three hours later, the doctor came out of surgery.

"We were able to save both mother and daughter are all right, though we had to deliver her early."

"Can I see them?"

The Doctor nodded and led the way.

Kathryn was laying on the bed, unconscious. Next to the bed was his daughter in a bassinet.

"Do you have a name picked out?"

Chakotay nodded. "Phoebe Kes."

The Doctor wrote that down on a padd, and nodded to Chakotay. "Good choice. I like it. I'm sure
that Neelix will be honored."

++++++++++

Chakotay stayed by Kathryn's side the whole night, and was there when she woke up the next
morning.

Chakotay quickly explained to Kathryn what had happened and why all of a sudden she had a flat
stomach.

Kathryn of course wanted to see Phoebe immediately.

Chakotay helped her sit up so that she could see.

"She's so small."

"The Doctor said she's small even for being born so early," Chakotay said as he sat down on the bed
next to her and put his arms around her.

"He's not sure if she'll make it. If she does well through the next few days, she should be all right.

Kathryn wanted to pick Phoebe up, but knew the Doctor wouldn't allow it so she just looked at the
small child, and held Chakotay.

Chapter 8

Phoebe grew quite a bit over the next few weeks, growing to the size she was supposed to be
rapidly.

A month after Phoebe was born, Kathryn took her home.

They had been given one of the shuttlecraft for their part of the settlement to use for emergencies, so
they went home in that.

Kathryn was glad to get home and see something other than the infirmary.

When they arrived, they found their place well taken care of. It seemed like everyone on the island
had pitched in to help.

Life returned basically to normal after they returned home. Chakotay went back to his horses and
training Tom to be the same thing, and Kathryn with helping out.

A week after they came home, B’Elanna went to labor. They once again hurried to the mainland and
a few hours later she gave birth to a girl whom they named Kathryn after a certain captain.

Kathryn was honored of course but insisted that they choose another name to avoid confusion in later
years.

B’Elanna and Tom finally decided on the name Elizabeth after Tom's mother, but kept Kathryn as a
middle name.

The End

Author's note: It's finally done!!!! I've been working on this since June of 1998 (and for those of you
who want to know when I finished it, it was in December of 1998). Obviously, a sequel is needed,
and I plan to start one in early 1999.