The crowd was smaller this year. Then again, it got smaller every year. Some people were on missions, some couldn't make it for one reason or another, and some had simply passed away in the year between their annual events. As she wandered around the room, she smiled, her people we here, she thought, what was left of them. Admiral Janeway would never admit it to anyone, a captain was not supposed to have favorites, but she was very glad to see a select few of her former crew. B'Elanna and Tom, Harry, and the Doctor - "Joe" she reminded herself. He had yet to announce it to everyone, but after 33 years he had finally chosen a name. During their years on Voyager she had grown close to them. In fact, the last 5 of those years they were her lifeline. Without them she didn't think she could have brought any of them home. She found it almost funny that the four individuals, a former Maquis, an ex con, a green ensign, and a holographic doctor, would be as close to her as family, closer in fact. While she considered the whole community of Voyager a family, these four were her core unit. Sister, brother, daughter, son, they were everything for her, to her. The circumstances of her bond with them surely wouldn't have been something she chose, but she was grateful she had them.

She found B'Elanna standing against the bar surveying the crowd. She made her way over and greeted her old friend with a hug. "Seems we have quite a few missing this year" she remarked as she let go of B'Elanna.

"Yes it does. I suppose I have you to thank for my daughter being one of those not present?" Although B'Elanna was no longer under the Admiral's direct command, she showed an amount of respect to her former CO. However, B'Elanna was no longer as intimidated by her as she once was. Somehow, the captain lost some of her edge in B'Elanna's eyes. Probably right around the time Janeway started changing Miral's wet diapers. Janeway didn't really mind though. Having the chance to be a part of the child's life, even as "auntie", was worth every one of Tom's jabs over the years.

"Lanna, you know Miral is my assistant and she is out on a special errand for me."

"Kathryn, I realize that, but was it necessary that it be done tonight? You see her more than I do. She hasn't been home in six months." Kathryn knew this would always be a sore subject for . B'Elanna. Miral had always been enamored by her captain, and leapt at the chance to be the Admiral's personal assistant. That meant she spent most of her time in San Francisco with Janeway and not on the Klingon home world with her parents.

"I promise, as soon as she is done, I will send her home to you and Tom." Kathryn reassured her, squeezing her arm. "How have you and Tom been?" Kathryn asked trying to change the subject.

"The same really. Busy, him with his novels and me with my ambassadorial duties." She looked at Janeway. "Don't think you can get off that easily, I know what you are trying to do. Just make sure you keep that promise, Kathryn." B'Elanna threatened good-naturedly. "You know, it is funny you mentioned the missing. For the last ten minutes, I have actually been standing here thinking about Seven of all people."

Janeway immediately froze. Neither had spoken about Seven in more than 20 years, not that Janeway hadn't thought about her every second since her death. "What about Seven?" Janeway asked cautiously. The time they had spoken about Seven, all those years ago, was more in reference to her relationship to Chakotay and what her death had done to him. Never once did Janeway think about confiding to B'Elanna about her own feelings for the young woman. She didn't think B'Elanna would understand, she didn't think anyone would understand for that matter. Although it was always known that Seven was special to the captain, she didn't think anyone knew just how much Janeway had loved her.

"Well," B'Elanna took a gulp of her champagne, almost as if the glass was filled with some liquid courage that she needed to finish her thought. She gestured to the balcony outside and Janeway followed her out there. Once outside and alone with only the seagulls and the sounds of the San Francisco Bay, did she continue. "It's a funny thought really, and I am not even sure where it came from, but I was thinking that, after all these years you never got married, never even began a relationship with anyone - "

"What's that got to do with Seven?" Janeway interrupted. She didn't like where this was going. It was one thing to jokingly spar with B'Elanna about Miral, but it was entirely different when it came to her private life. It wasn't that she didn't trust B'Elanna; it was that she didn't trust herself. She might end up a blubbering fool in front of the rest of her guests and that was something she wasn't prepared to do. Fortunately, B'Elanna had the foresight to move their conversation to the balcony outside. Janeway allowed her to continue.

"It's just that I always wondered why you let Seven marry Chakotay?" For a moment they were both silent. B'Elanna's relief was apparent, seeming to expect Janeway to dismiss her or even castigate her for her impertinent question. Janeway, on the other hand was wrestling with her heart and mind determining which answer B'Elanna deserved. Instead she answered with another question. Perhaps not the best counter move, but it at least gave her more time to think.

"Why would you assume I could stop her?" Damn. That wasn't the right question, and B'Elanna knew it too. She was caught now. No way to back out slowly. She had inadvertently, or perhaps subconsciously, invited B'Elanna to delve more deeply with her queries.

"I would assume," B'Elanna paused and looked at Janeway. "Because you could've gotten Seven do to anything. C'mon Kathryn, you didn't actually think we were all oblivious to your feelings, did you?" There, B'Elanna had said it. Janeway assumed, no hoped, that her feelings for Seven weren't as obvious as they appeared to have been. However, after all these years she supposed it didn't matter anymore if she finally told B'Elanna the truth. After all, Seven was dead a long time now, and Chakotay, poor lovesick Chakotay, had finally met his ancestors after his long, lonely existence after Seven's death.

Unable to fight the battle inside any longer, Janeway finally told her friend the truth. "I did think that, I suppose. I hoped at any rate." She paused and looked out toward the bay watching the fog come in. Every last wall around her heart crumpled as she continued. "A captain wasn't supposed to fall in love with a crewmember. I couldn't allow myself that luxury B'Elanna. I couldn't let myself be happy when my crew, you all, were still stuck in the Delta Quadrant. When she told me of her plans to marry Chakotay, I did think about talking her out of it." At B'Elanna's startled look, she knew she had yet again surprised her former chief engineer. "It would have been easy really. But then, I knew I could never give her what Chakotay could. I could never give myself to her completely. The ship was mine and I its mate. I was destined to be with Voyager until death do us part. In the end, I thought if she was happy, I would be happy too; could be happy for her. How stupid am I. Thinking that it would all go away eventually; the pain, the love. It never did, Lanna. To this very day, I can think of only her, and my stupid, selfish, very shortsighted mistake. It cost her, and it cost me, make no mistake about that."

B'Elanna was speechless, Janeway could see. Her soul, at first bare and vulnerable to whatever B'Elanna felt she needed to say in response to the confession, was now finally healing. She could almost imagine the gaping holes, left when Seven died, were now beginning to close up; as if her admission of the love she long denied were sutures to her wounded heart. After finally saying the words out loud, she knew her mission, the one Miral was setting into motion even as they speak, was one she would die for.

"I'm sorry." It was all . B'Elanna could manage. Janeway could tell she too was overcome with emotion. During her impassioned confession she had let a few tears fall. It was probably the first time . B'Elanna had ever seen Janeway this emotional.

Janeway returned the embrace when B'Elanna reached out to her. These moments, too rare and precious, were the fuel to Janeway's fire. She vowed to herself and to the memories of all who she had lost that she would bring them back. She would correct the mistakes she made and bring them all home.

* * * * *

"I've come to bring Voyager home." She announced to the stunned bridge crew and her counterpart. She immediately closed the line. She knew they would all need a bit of time to register her presence here and now. She also knew her counterpart would gather her senior staff together to get their opinions about this "friend" from the future. If she was honest with herself, she would admit she was a little relieved for the quiet time herself. Clearly, she was no longer the woman her counterpart was now. The Admiral conceded to needing a moment to catch her breath, so to speak. The jump from her time, she rolled her eyes - time - the headache inducer, to where and when she was now had somewhat weakened her. Grateful for the moment to sit and prepare herself for her trip into her past she sat back and interfaced with her little ship via the chip embedded in her brain. It was a novel piece of technology, she thought, made possible with the help of her friend "Joe". It allowed her to access both ships logs and her personal files without ever having to leave the pilots seat.

She closed her eyes and called up a file with a mere thought. Access file: SevenAlphaOne. The file didn't have to be encoded because it was only her brainwaves the computer recognized. It was a picture of her Seven. Stoic with just a hint of humor around the eyes and mouth, she was dressed in a simple white sheath with her long blonde locks flowing freely; perfection indeed. The holoimage was from her wedding to Chakotay, taken in a private moment by the doctor when Chakotay was greeting his guests. She treasured this image. On her darkest days, before the implant, she'd go into her office, lock the door, and simply stare at the image and daydream. Hardly a thing for an Admiral to do, but it got her through some terrible times. Her favorite daydream was the one she was imagining now. One where Seven was her bride, the smile and dress she wore were for her and her alone, and the image, if only expanded just an a few centimeters on each side would reveal a beaming certain captain in dress uniform staring lovingly at her new wife.

Janeway opened her eyes and disengaged from the interface. If all went as planned, that image would no longer exist, but instead perhaps replaced by one of Janeway and Seven together as they should have been all along. She was determined to fix her future. Sure, she would no longer exist herself, but that's all her life really was; an existence. Since Seven's death, she didn't live, she merely existed.

Her beam over to Voyager was uneventful. She was met in the transporter room by Tuvok as she expected. What was unexpected was the rush of emotions she felt upon laying eyes on her old friend. Her Tuvok, who didn't make it back to Vulcan in time for the treatment of his debilitating disorder, slowly went insane and was now living permanently in a Starfleet Medical Facility on Earth. Without thinking, she embraced him tightly, but almost immediately released him. Tuvok, to his credit, acted in his usual stoic manner, showing neither shock nor sentiment to her emotional display.

"My apologies, old friend." Janeway was aware of the strict guidelines that were supposed to be adhered to when dealing with Vulcans. Due to their telepathic nature, few cared to be touched by other species, especially Human. The Human mind, filled with emotions, was often too volatile and erratic for the average Vulcan to handle. However, Tuvok, despite the regulations, always seem to indulge her. Whether it was from knowing each other for so long or just respect for her position she wasn't sure, but at this time she was grateful for it.

"Of course, Admiral. Is it safe to assume I did not complete our journey to the Alpha Quadrant?" As always, Tuvok was observant and direct with his queries. It was perhaps, one of the things she missed most.

"I'm afraid I can't say much, Tuvok, I'm sure you understand, Temporal Prime Directive and all. And, I don't have to tell you what you already know about your health. However, to answer your question, my Tuvok, is on Earth and has been for a very long time." She looked at him pointedly. "But, I am here to change all that." She said patting his arm reassuring herself more than him.

Tuvok lifted an eyebrow. Whether he was shocked by her admission she couldn't tell, of course, but he nodded knowingly. It was telling indeed that his future counterpart would be on Earth instead of his home planet. "Of course. The captain wishes to speak with you, but first I must escort you to sickbay. I am sure you understand our caution, Admiral." He gestured to the door, letting her take the lead. "I trust you remember the way?"

"Wouldn't expect any less, Commander." She smiled and marched out of the door.

Once in sickbay she submitted to a battery of tests to authenticate her identity. Upon further examination of the Admiral's brain, the doctor discovered her implanted chip. She knew the chip would be discovered upon closer examination; she wasn't trying to hide its presence, but she didn't want to divulge, just yet, the real reason for its design. The doctor, ever the loyal and dutiful crew member, immediately alerted his captain to the patient's altered physiology.

He and the captain withdrew to the other end of sickbay. The Admiral, left to her own devices at the moment was sitting back enjoying this little game, for the moment anyway. She knew they were discussing the technology and it irked her they insisted on having the discussion in her presence without her involved. Although she was in her seventies, her hearing was impeccable and it annoyed her that she was being treated like some senile old bag.

"Of course it does," she responded dryly at the discloser of the device's Starfleet signature.

Both the captain and the doctor were clearly surprised by her interjected response. This gave her the opportunity to bring an end to any further investigation he might conduct, and give them only the information she wanted them to have.

"You invented it--twelve years ago from my perspective," She explained. Other than his name, the Doctor had changed little. He was still susceptible to good old fashioned ego-stroking. She took advantage of this troublesome flaw and steered the conservation right where she wanted it.

"So, this...implant I'm going to invent--what does it do?" the Doctor queried. Really, he was just so damned predictable.

Both Janeways almost succeeded in not rolling their eyes, the admiral saw. The captain must have noted it too, because when their eyes met, there was a ghost of a smile on her lips.

"It's a synaptic transceiver. It allows me to pilot a vessel equipped with a neural interface" Not exactly a lie, the older Janeway thought, but not the whole truth either. She only hoped that all would be forgiven for her lack of disclosure. The doctor, of course, continued trying to elicit further information about his future self, much to her counterpart's dismay. After a mild reprimand from the captain he dejectedly went back to his report.

The doctor walked back over to his display and gave the captain the rest of his findings. "My scans indicate that the two of you are genetically identical. The admiral is you, approximately 26 years from now." Finally, thought the admiral. She hoped this would be enough to alleviate any initial worries the captain, or anyone else for that matter, had regarding her identity. She of course understood their caution, given the number of species they had encountered with mimic and transforming abilities.

When the doors to sickbay opened, she was even more unprepared for the presence of the individual who walked in. Seven of Nine, formerly of the Borg Collective, strode into sickbay with a report for the captain.

For 30 years she had kept her feelings buried; only recently sharing them with B'Elanna. She thought she was prepared to face her past again. When Seven walked in, she knew her command mask had slipped; more like fallen off completely and shattered on the deck before her in a million pieces. At last here she was; the woman who had been her sole focus for those 30 years. Her mind reeled. She wanted to run to her, throw her arms around her, kiss her and never let go. Her heart ached just from the sight of her. "Hello Seven" she intoned huskily. She tried to think of something else to say to her after all these years but only the inane greeting came out.

From the look on Seven's face and her body language, the admiral could tell Seven was uncomfortable with her presence. Perhaps, if she had reigned in her emotions better and not greeted Seven as if they had just made love, the young woman would feel less like the caged prey that she appeared to look like. The older woman berated herself for her lack of self control. If she could just speak with Seven alone she could clear up any misunderstanding. Well, she thought, she wasn't really misunderstood, but the awful display was not what she intended. She only hoped Seven would agree to a private meeting.

After Seven gave the captain her report on the new technology she immediately when back to work in Astrometrics leaving the Admiral somewhat bemused as to how she was going to be able to meet privately with her without the captain's knowledge.

She hoped once her identity was proven the captain would relax the security detail on her and allow her some privacy. She knew it was hoping for a lot, after all she herself would have reacted in much the same manner as the captain had been. However, it was imperative that she speak to Seven and rationalized a little white lie would harm no one. She only hoped the captain would not see through her little charade.

"Captain," she called out to Janeway who was still going over Seven's report. "Now that the doctor has proven who I am, would you mind if I retired to my quarters for a bit. I didn't realize how tired I would become. Getting old is no fun, I can assure you." The captain seemed skeptical, but couldn't deny the older woman's request. The Admiral hoped she had appeared just meek enough, but still sincere.

"Of course, I will escort you there myself." Janeway lead the way out of sickbay toward the turbolift. When they entered the lift she instructed the computer to take them to deck three where the VIP quarters were located. As the Admiral looked over to Janeway she saw that she was being studied by her younger self. With a questioning look aimed at her, the captain spoke. "Given our…unique situation, I thought perhaps later, you might join me for dinner. Surely there are some notes we could compare?" she said jokingly.

The admiral took a moment before answering, debating whether the captain was being sincere or merely looking for answers. Knowing her own insatiable curiosity she figured the captain's invitation had more to do with the latter. "I think I would like that. As long as you invite Chakotay, I truly have missed our dinners with him." She could tell that the captain was a bit annoyed at this, but she didn't really care. She had her own agenda which included more than just bringing Voyager home early.

They approached the doors to the guest quarters and it was at this point that the captain took her leave of her guest. "You have access to the replicators, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me. Why don't you meet me for dinner next door at 1900 hours. You should have plenty of time to rest by then." She turned and went back to the turbolift no doubt heading back to the bridge.

The Admiral didn't bother to enter the quarters that were arranged for her. Once Janeway was in the lift she too went in the same direction. Before she called for the lift she queried the computer. "Computer, locate Seven of Nine"

"Seven of Nine is in Astrometrics"

When the lift arrived she stepped in and called out, "Astrometrics." She waited not so patiently for the lift to deposit her on deck 8. She had been practicing this speech for almost 30 years, but now she was as nervous as a cadet attending her first day of classes. When the lift deposited her on deck 8 she strode purposely toward the Astrometrics Lab. As she walked in through the automatic doors that opened for her, she was immediately brought up short. Seven of Nine was standing there facing her, apparently having heard her approach thanks to her Borg enhanced hearing.

"Admiral Janeway." She announced neither sounding happy or angered by the Admiral's sudden appearance.

"Hello Seven. I'm sorry to disturb you, but I was hoping you might have a few minutes. I would like to talk to you if that is agreeable." She tried to be as charming as possible. She knew Seven was feeling ambivalent towards her and she also knew she needed to be cautious as not to scare the young woman.

"I am waiting on the computer to process the data I have given it regarding the new technology you brought us. I have approximately 10.8 minutes until that data will be ready. Proceed."

The Admiral smiled, this was her Seven; allowing her only 10.8 minutes to confess a lifetime of regrets. Well, she thought, she would use every last second.

"Seven, I was curious. How long has your relationship with Commander Chakotay been going on?" She hoped her directness would be appreciated by Seven. However she could tell Seven was a bit uncomfortable with the query. She regretted having to put the young woman through this, but she didn't have much time.

"I…was not aware you knew of my relationship. The Commander and I have been "dating" for three weeks. Is the captain aware as well?" Her face clouded over in concern and appeared to be distressed at the prospect.

"I don't believe so - yet. In my time, you and Chakotay were married. However, I was never sure when exactly your relationship accelerated from mere friendship to that of romantic partners. Seven, I must be honest with you. I found out too late then, but I have a chance now to save several lives and I must take it. Your relationship with Chakotay is a mistake." Seven's face fell; she was hurt and angry at the same time.

"My …relationship with Chakotay is none of your business," Seven replied, her voice trembling with anger. "Who are you to presume to know what is right or wrong for me."

"I know you, Seven. I know what you are looking for you won't find in Chakotay. You never will. You'll die and never know what you had right in front of you if only you tried." The admiral hoped Seven understood. From the look on her face she was beginning to understand.

"I do know, but it can never be. I can only hope to be loved in the time I have in this existence. Chakotay can provide that, wants to provide that. If I shall die, at least I will die being loved."

"Seven, you are loved. I love you Seven, which means she loves you too."

They both were quiet for some time, the only sound in the lab were the beeps of the computers and the hum of the warp engines.

"How can you be sure," she said finally, her voice a mere whisper. "She has never told me or even showed me-"

"Seven, I loved you then, that is how I am sure, but she can't show you or even tell you. She can't let herself have this happiness while this ship is lost. You must go to her, tell her how you feel. You will soon be home and will not have to spend the rest of your existence on Voyager. You both deserve this. I have loved you for a lifetime, but my time is up. You still have a chance with her. You know this to be the right thing for you."

"There are too many variables. You can not be sure that she shares your feelings. I am confused." The sound of the computer beeping indicated the 10.8 minutes were up. "Please, I must return to work. Good Afternoon, Admiral." She turned back to her console and continued with her calculations.

Admiral Janeway could do no more. She knew Seven would not allow her to speak about this again. She only hoped what she was saying got through to her. Even if her younger self wouldn't or couldn't admit the truth she would be damned if she let this part of history repeat itself.

*****

The crowd was smaller this year. Then again, it got smaller every year. After 33 years it was expected. Some people were on missions, some couldn't make it for one reason or another, and some had simply passed away in the year between their annual events.

She smiled as she wandered the room. She greeted a few former crew who sat together making small talk before grabbing two glasses of champagne and finding Harry Kim, now a captain himself. She beamed with pride.

"Harry!" she called out, handing him a glass of the golden liquid. I am so happy to see you. I was worried you wouldn't get back in time. What has it been, 4 years? Too long." She said as she embraced him. She was truly happy to see him, but also knew others, namely B'Elanna, Tom, and Miral, would want to spend some time with him tonight.

She took her leave as the trio approached and wandered over to where Chakotay stood with his lovely new wife. She tried to think of her name, Tessa? Vanessa? She loved Chakotay, but his propensity for beautiful young women had caused him to be married several times. He was as successful at marriage as he was at piloting Voyager's shuttles. Even she had to chuckle at her own joke, though it was based quite in truth. This young lady, perhaps 20 years Chakotay's junior was wife number five? She couldn't remember anymore. As she approached, she was pulled into a big bear hug by her former first officer. "Kathryn, it's wonderful to see you!" He turned to the young brunette, "This is Bella, my new bride."

Kathryn shook the woman's hand and greeted her cheerily, welcoming her into the family. "So nice to finally meet you, Chakotay has told so much about you!" It was obvious to everyone but Bella, that Chakotay had done no such thing. She cast a quick glance at him with a questioning look. Their years serving together as captain and first officer had given him the insight to know what exactly she was asking. He made a small gesture behind Bella, who continued talking oblivious of her husband's actions, indicating it was actually wife number six!

After just a few minutes of being in Bella's company, she honestly didn't know what Chakotay saw in these women, she skillfully extracted herself and continued on her tour of the party. She managed to grab another flute of champagne before she spied another guest she wanted to greet.

He stood there stoically, as usual, with his wife, still elegantly beautiful for a woman of almost 200 years old, standing next to him dutifully, both observing the gathering with their typical Vulcan detachment. She approached her oldest friend slowly, just taking a moment to appreciate his presence. She didn't know if she could forgive herself, if Tuvok's condition couldn't have been treated in time. She didn't want to think of the possible outcome, if that had occurred.

"Good evening, old friend; T'Pel. I'm so glad you could make the trip this year. How is your work on Vulcan? Keeping you busy," she queried?

"Good evening, Ad -" At her warning look, he quickly rephrased his response. "Good evening, Kathryn." T'Pel merely nodded her head for the moment. "Kathryn," he continued. "I too am gratified to be here. Thank you for inquiring about my work. It gives me great satisfaction, and is indeed, "keeping me busy". I believe the orchids we grow are highly sought after throughout the Alpha Quadrant. They are especially popular on Earth." Being a Vulcan, Tuvok was not faulted with a necessity to stroke his own ego. He merely was stating fact.

"I can vouch for that, Tuvok. I am one of your clientele, don't forget. I look forward to your hybrids every season." They exchanged a few more pleasantries, Kathryn inquiring about their children and grandchildren and even great-grandchildren now. T'Pel had informed her that their granddaughter T'Pau had recently given birth to her first son, Marik. She excused herself and went looking for one last person, having caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of her eye.

She spotted Annika standing in the back of the room speaking with Lt. Naomi Wildman Grey. She no longer went by Seven, having adopted her former human designation after living on earth for several years. In fact, only a select few still called her by her Borg designation, but it was used mostly as a nickname. She watched the two women for a moment, surprised that even after all these years Naomi still tended to mimic Annika in her posture. She wasn't even sure if either woman was aware of it, smiling at the notion that after all these years, some things never did change.

Even from this distance she could tell Annika was having a good time, and was very pleased to be speaking with her. Janeway had been Naomi's Junior advisor while she was at the Academy, and it afforded both of them the opportunity to grow close to the youngest member of Voyager's former crew. Often Naomi would come to their home to have dinner and the occasional theoretical discussion. She only recently had returned home to Earth, spending the last 3 years stationed at Deep Space Four with her husband and daughter, Sabrina. She knew Annika missed them all and was overjoyed they could make it to this year's event.

She found an opportunity to interrupt the reunion when Sabrina tugged on her mother's tunic.

"Momma, Captain Kim wants to say hello to you, come!" Kathryn heard as she walked up to the women.

"Sabrina, you know it is not polite to interrupt when I am speaking with someone." Naomi was looking down at Sabrina and didn't notice Janeway had joined them. When she looked up to apologize to Seven she was briefly started to see the Admiral there as well. "Admiral, I didn't see you approach."

"At ease, Lieutenant, and come over here and give me a hug. That's an order!" She said smiling. She handed the champagne flutes to Annika and wrapped Naomi in a fierce hug. As she let go, she saw Sabrina still standing between them looking sad. Obviously, she too wished to receive a hug which Janeway happily obliged. "Come here, you!" And she picked up Sabrina, much to Annika's dismay she could see, and gave her a big hug. The child loved every bit of the attention, and she knew both Annika and Naomi were amused by the display the famous Admiral Kathryn Janeway was making.

She put the child down and watched as Sabrina immediately dragged her mother away, over to where Harry greeted her with a big hug as well. As she straightened her back, she felt a creek and thought perhaps her little maneuver wasn't quite the best idea. She hoped her spouse didn't notice, but as usual Annika was extremely observant.

"I do not understand why you continue to act in such a contrary matter. You know you have been having problems with your back, yet you picked up Sabrina as if nothing was wrong. She is not an infant anymore Kathryn, and you are not as young as you once were." Annika said gently. This was a constant disagreement between; Janeway insisting on torturing her body and Annika being unhappy about it. After 25 years of marriage, she didn't think they would come to a resolution about it anytime soon.

"Well, darling I suppose my back wouldn't be giving me problems if we were less…enthusiastic in the bedroom." She said quietly so only Annika could hear. "You are correct to point out that I am not a young woman anymore. Perhaps, we should limit ourselves to just once a week." Kathryn knew Annika wouldn't take the bait, though she loved trying. She also knew both were aware it wasn't Annika who was insatiable in bed and often initiated their most passionate lovemaking.

"If that is what you wish." Annika responded with typical dry humor. Though Kathryn could see the corners of Annika's mouth were slightly upturned. She handed Kathryn her champagne and silently watched the people in their apartment.

"A Penny?" Kathryn inquired. She knew her spouse enjoyed these get-togethers, but her face looked troubled.

Annika looked over at her. "I find I am thinking about the other Admiral Janeway. Do you believe she would be happy with how all of our lives have turned out?"

Kathryn caressed her cheek and leaned in and gave Annika a sweet, loving kiss. "Darling, I don't believe she would have wanted it any other way. Not only did we find each other, but our friends, our family," she said indicating the people in the room. "We are happy, for the most part, healthy, and most importantly alive and together. I've always believed her motives were more personal, but I can't say I regret the outcome. I love being married to you darling, and I will forever be grateful to her for giving me the chance to make our future one we could live with."

"As am I"

The End