Chapter Text
Voyager farewell party
McKinley Station
January, 2379
Kathryn
Well, something just happened here …
I’d just come out of the ladies’ room when I noticed everyone was staring at the main bar, where Seven was talking to Chakotay. Correction: Talking at him. Then she abruptly turned and left, leaving a gobsmacked boyfriend, who quickly exited by another door.
All was quiet for a moment … then the buzz started, punctuated by snickers and outright laughter.
I’m not sure what to make of this; then again, this is not an official Starfleet gathering. The crew, including me, chipped in credits for a private party, a last hurrah of sorts.
But I should find out, so I amble over to the end of the bar where Jack Rollins and Harry have parked.
“So, what did I miss?” I casually ask.
“Well, Cap … I mean Admiral, it’s kind of complicated,” Harry says. He’s of no use: he’s red from embarrassment. Jack snorts and shakes his head, then opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. “All right, pull yourself together, man,” I joke, ending with a gentle pat on his shoulder.
He takes a breath. “I’m not sure I’ve had enough booze to process this. But where did you come in? Did you see the kiss Chakotay gave her?”
“Er, yes,” I say quickly. A fib, but I don’t need a description of that. “OK, then,” Jack continues. “He offers to get her a drink; she says no. And then, she just flat-out tells him that she has realized that the Alpha Quadrant will offer her ‘many more opportunities for dating and sexual exploration.’ Therefore, she is ‘terminating their affiliation.’”
I can’t stop my snort, but quickly cover my mouth to hold back any laughter. “Oh, my. That’s brutal,” I finally manage. More so because I suspect I know exactly what Seven is talking about.
“No kidding,” Jack breathes. “And to stand in front of us and basically tell the poor bastard that she could find someone better in bed … a phaser would have been kinder.”
“Where is he?”
“He went out the back door,” Harry offers.
“Mike went after him, didn’t he?” Jack asks.
Harry shrugs. “Last I saw he was talking to B’Elanna.” I look in that general direction and see them in a group. Interesting. I don’t see Tom about; then again, my goddaughter isn’t ready for the party circuit.
“Ah, well, life goes on,” Jack says, then raises an eyebrow. “You’re not in command anymore, are you?”
“I am not,” I confirm. “The official transfer was this morning.” Voyager will return to Utopia Planitia, where the engineers will pull our modifications and restore her to museum quality.
Jack brightens. “In that case, pull up a bar stool; we’d be honored to have you join us,” he says as he waves the bartender over.
ooo
As I said, I may understand why Seven might want to ditch Chakotay …
To my surprise, Voyager was sent to McKinley, where a separate wing — actually, a restricted area — was set aside for us. When I questioned the accommodations, I was told we were under medical quarantine; I suspect it was just easier for them to keep tabs on us.
I’d decided to stay on board: too much work to do, and I wanted to keep an eye on my ship, particularly on the Doctor. So, four days after Christmas, I’d finished up the day’s work and went back to my quarters for a replicated dinner and the luxury of calling Mom. Afterward, I’d just started to pack when the door chime went off. To my surprise, it was Chakotay.
He seemed nervous but cordial. I offered him a drink, and we discussed some ship’s business. Another couple of drinks in, and the conversation turned to more personal business.
In one sense, it was good: we cleared the air on a few things. Another couple of drinks in, and the next thing I know, we’re kissing …
Then we were on the floor …
It was … quick.
All right, I tell myself, first times can be awkward, and considering how much we had to drink … But when I sit up, I realize that he’s folded in on himself, head in hands.
“You all right?” I ask carefully.
He can’t look at me. “This shouldn’t have happened.”
I’m very confused now. “We talked about this. We agreed that this was what we both wanted.”
“It was, but I still shouldn’t have ...” Now I’m hearing guilt and remorse, and something icy settles in my gut.
“You’re still with Seven, aren’t you?” I ask, hoping I’m wrong.
He just nods miserably, and I’m suddenly very angry for myself and Seven.
Only one thing to do. “Chakotay, get dressed and get the hell out of my quarters.”
ooo
As Jack said, life goes on. Back on Earth, I quickly got through the briefings and debriefings without the consequences I probably deserved. Through all of this, Chakotay and I managed to avoid each other.
I talked to Tom after his parole hearing, which, it turns out, was just a formality: He’d received a full pardon, an ending better than any of us could have hoped for. But he seemed subdued, and I note that B’Elanna isn’t here.
“Are you all right?” I asked.
“Not really. We’re staying with my folks, who B’Elanna hates, but our housing credits haven’t come through.”
“Well, I’m going home for a couple of weeks to see everyone and get my dog. I have a place in Berkeley now if you’d like to house-sit. There’s plenty of room.”
“Thank you,” he said gratefully. “I’ll talk to B’Elanna about it.”