Epilogue: Late 2380

“My sweet little Linn, I can’t believe you and your brother are one year old today!” Gretchen cooed as her granddaughter reached her stubby little fingers towards her necklace. “No, no, not for babies, my darling.”

“It just doesn’t seem possible that a year has already gone by!” Phoebe exclaimed as she finished buttoning Kole’s shirt and lifted him off of the changing station. “It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming them home and now look at them!” Kole giggled at her as she raised him into the air. “You are certainly the most handsome little man! And your sister looks beautiful in her party dress.”

“I never thought I would see the day when Kathryn would be happily retired, a wife and mother,” Gretchen sighed as she laid Linn against her chest and zipped her dress. “There you are, my little princess.”

“It’s about time, too,” Phoebe agreed as she hoisted Kole onto her hip and watched as her mother brushed her youngest granddaughter’s hair.

“I really hope she is able to make it,” Kathryn began to fret as she scanned the room full of guests who had arrived to celebrate the twins' first birthday. Originally, it had been planned to be a small affair. When the guest list had topped two hundred, they had asked Admiral Paris to reserve the Federation banquet hall.

“Don’t worry, Kathryn,” Chakotay wrapped an arm around her as they greeted their guests and waited for Gretchen and Phoebe to appear with their little guests of honor.

“So where are the little ones at?” Tom asked as he carried a two-year-old Miral on his hip.

Kathryn admired the little girl, who looked strikingly like her mother with her dark hair and eyes. “They are getting changed with Grandma and Auntie Phoebe.” She reached out and took Miral’s hand. “How are you today, Miral?”

“Party, party hurray!” she squeaked as she pulled her hand back and clapped. She turned and saw her mother coming their way. “Mommy, baby, hurray!” she clapped again, then pointed to her nine-months-pregnant mother.

“How much longer, Bee?” Chakotay asked as he laid a hand on her very swollen belly.

B’Elanna laid her hand opposite of his for a moment, then moved to hug Kathryn. “Any day now. Kahless, this one is more stubborn than Miral!”

“That’s my son!” Tom proclaimed proudly as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Admiral...”

Kathryn held up her hand to pause the Doctor. “Not Admiral any more, Doctor. You’re going to have to get used to calling me Kathryn.”

“Kathryn…” he paused for a moment, adjusting his programming to accept the change. “Hmm, I’ve been calling you by your rank for so long, it was kind of like your first name to me,” he paused again at everyone’s bemused expressions. “Anyway, where are those twins of yours? I am anxious to give my new holo cam a try!”

“They should be along shortly,” Kathryn promised as Chakotay greeted Jean-Luc and Beverly Picard and Will and Deanna Riker. She turned distracted eyes towards the door. Surely, Kaelinn would be here. She had been excited to receive the invitation and had been the first to RSVP, citing that only a supernova would keep her away.

“Greetings, Kathryn.”

Kathryn whirled to find herself facing Tuvok. She offered him a bright smile. “I’m so glad you were able to make it, my old friend.”

“It would have been inappropriate for me to miss such a monumental moment in the lives of your son and daughter, Kathryn. May I also extend my congratulations on your retirement.”

“Warmly received, thank you,” Kathryn replied as her eyes momentarily flashed towards the door again. “How is Annika?”

“She sends her best wishes and her apology for her absence. In answer to your question, she is well.” Tuvok took a moment to observe his former commanding officer and decided that married life, motherhood and retirement agreed with her. He had never observed her in such a calm, relaxed state. He watched as an expression clouded her face and he knew it could only be described as mournful. It only lasted a moment before dissipating.

“Give her my best and tell her that I miss her.”

“I will give her your message, Kathryn,” he assured her as Icheb joined them.

“She’s here, she’s here! Aunt Kathryn!” Naomi’s excited voice could be heard halfway across the banquet hall as she darted through knots of people to find her Aunt Kathryn near the front of the room.

Kathryn’s attention was snatched from the accomplishments Icheb was sharing with Tuvok to her mother’s helper and niece, Naomi Wildman.

“I saw her, Aunt Kathryn! I saw her! She just came through the doors!”

"Is that her?"

"It has to be. Tall, red-haired Bajoran."

"Yeah, how many of those can there be invited to this party?"

"Well, someone go tell them--"

"She's here, she's here!" Naomi Wildman's cry echoed above the conversation noise, momentarily bringing a hush over the hall as Reanla stepped further inside. Almost every eye was on her as she crossed the room towards Chakotay and Kathryn, a clear path being made for her through the crowd. Some had seen her on a newscast or two in the aftermath of the incident, but most of Voyager's former crew had only heard the name and had been waiting for their first glimpse of the Bajoran colonel who had saved their captain from certain death.

As Reanla's usual determined stride carried her closer to the center of the room, everyone's attention moved to her dress. It was cut in a style that was once associated with the higher castes of pre-Occupation Bajoran society, with thick straps pinched at the tops of the shoulders, a scoop neckline and low-cut back. It appeared, at first glance, to be a simple yet flattering shade of white-silver that offset Reanla's cascade of auburn hair. But with each step, its true nature was revealed by the sunlight streaming in through the high windows, as the silver turned briefly pink before erupting into an aurora borealis of color--flashes of violet, gold and sky blue, commingling with ice green, peach and more of the pink and silver in a shimmering swirl. Her earring was not her everyday one--but instead double-chained with a pair of connected lapis teardrops attached to a third that made up the earstud. Simple silver sandals were on her feet. But the most surprising accessory was the weapons belt around her waist--made of white leather, its attached sheath held a single dagger, one that was very obviously Klingon in the hilt design.

"Kathryn, Chakotay! Forgive me for being late--the damned transport was delayed getting out of DS9." Reanla shook her head in exasperation as she and Kathryn embraced.

“I have missed you so much, my friend,” Kathryn said into her hair as they held each other for a long moment before stepping back to admire her beautiful friend. “You look phenomenal!”

"And so do you!" Reanla smiled. "Retirement definitely agrees with you."

Chakotay swept Reanla into his arms next and dusted a kiss along her cheekbone before pulling her into a full bear hug. “You’re a sight for sore eyes--how are you, Kaelinn?”

Reanla squeezed him back. "Doing good--and I'd say the same on retirement agreeing with you."

“You look beautiful!” Naomi appeared out of nowhere. “Where did you ever find such an amazing dress?”

"Thank you, Naomi. The dress is made of a rare Bajoran fabric we call hu'lei. It was a birthday gift several years ago from First Minister Shakaar." Reanla gave the half-Ktarian girl a smile before turning back to Kathryn. "All right--where have you hidden the little guests of honor?"

No sooner than she had gotten the words out of her mouth than Gretchen and Phoebe appeared each with a happy, smiling baby in each arm. “We nearly got mobbed coming back from the changing room!” Gretchen announced.

“Yeah, I had to tell them if the twins weren’t returned to the Admiral directly, there would be an interstellar incident,” Phoebe laughed as she bounced Kole on her hip.

The gathered group shared a laugh before Linn interrupted. "Da!" she demanded, reaching for Chakotay.

Reanla took Kole from Phoebe when he reached out for her. "Hello there, leh'le. Prophets, how you've grown!" Kole smiled, showing evidence that he had inherited his sire's dimples, before becoming distracted by the lights playing off the hu'lei. Fascinated, he ran his little fingers over the nearest shoulder strap, trying to catch the colors. After a full minute, his smile faded into a little scowl, eyes darkening.

Reanla burst out laughing. "I know that look! No denying you inherited that from your amala, leh'le."

“Everyone, I’d like to introduce Reanla Kaelinn,” Kathryn announced to the knot of people that had gathered around her.

“So this is the woman I have to thank for bringing my grandbabies into the world and for making sure they and you got back to Earth in one piece,” Gretchen stated as she stepped past her eldest to greet Reanla.

Reanla smiled at Gretchen. "Just doing my duty, Mrs. Janeway. But you're welcome nonetheless." She passed Kole to the older woman when he reached out for his grandmother.

“I want you to join us at our table.” Kathryn laced an arm through Reanla's. “Tell me everything that’s new with you,” she continued as she led the way through the crowd, nodding to onlookers.

"Well, I'm debating my own retirement--and Militia Command is trying to talk me out of it." A faint smirk crossed Reanla's face. "Seems your Admiral Paris has been prodding General Anórien to 'properly acknowledge what was done above and beyond the call of duty'. The fact that I hinted at considering retirement has Anórien scrambling for a sweet position somewhere, lest the good admiral try to coax me into leaving the Militia and joining Starfleet in its place."

Kathryn laughed. “I am lucky I didn’t have to deal with such from Owen myself. He knew once I made up my mind, it was final and there was no talking me out of retirement. Honestly, I can’t say I am sorry I did either. I would have loved to stick around just to annoy Nechayev, but my family was more important to me. And speaking of family, how are things between you and your Klingon warrior you spoke of?”

"Oh yes, Nechayev." Reanla rolled her eyes. "After she returned to Earth, she made a little call to Militia Command about my 'reprehensible behavior'. Anórien tried to dress me down for daring to speak up in Kitanal's defense during that little scene in Nerys' office. I just nodded and accepted the lecture, and promptly forgot it as soon as I was dismissed." She waved a hand in the air. "As for Ko'Tak--Martok's offered him the ambassador's position for the Klingon embassy due to open on Starbase Taurus. But Admiral Mergatu wants a Bajoran embassy as well--and that's the sweet position they want me to take. I told Anórien I'll be going either way, or he'll have a very unhappy Klingon on his hands for trying to keep him separated from his wife." She smiled at the way Kathryn's eyes widened in surprise. "Two months ago. It was sudden--or I would have invited you and Chakotay. And almost immediately after, he was sent on another mission. I barely had time to request permission to accompany him."

"I thought that was a d'k'tagh on that belt." The Parises had caught up with them, B'Elanna puffing slightly from the exertion.

"Yes, it was Ko'Tak's wedding gift to me. I never take it off." Reanla slipped the dagger from its sheath, offering it hilt out to B'Elanna.

“It is simply stunning, Reanla,” B’Elanna gasped as she fingered the ornate dagger before handing it back.

“Congratulations!” Kathryn put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “I am so happy for you!”

“So, when are you going to be giving Kole and Linn a playmate or two?” Chakotay asked from behind them.

Reanla blushed slightly but her smile remained in place. "We've already talked to Julian. And he's deliriously happy about this chance to make a name for himself--again. Even more fun for him, he's consulting via subspace with the Dauntless. Dr. Kegan and one of her colleagues, a Jesse Haas, are in on it as well. Julian's swearing to be waiting at the airlock with hypos in hand the second I step off the transport." She shook her head and turned to Chakotay. "Oh, remember what I said that night at dinner about my path getting a lot rockier?" At his nod, she went on. "Ko'Tak's sister is furious. Even before we spoke to Julian, she was raging about the dishonor to the House of K'mtec."

“Dishonor?” B’Elanna snorted. “How could she possibly believe you would dishonor any house? You are a warrior as much as many Klingons! Doesn’t it mean anything to her that you saved Admiral Janeway and her twins? Any child born to you and Ko’Tak should be an honor to the house of K'mtec,” she added as she laid a hand on her own pregnant stomach.

Reanla rolled her eyes. "B'Tap's dislike of me goes all the way back to our days on Kerok Nor. She didn't like the fact that Ko'Tak showed any attraction towards me in the first place. So, of course she can't stand the fact that she is now all but obligated to call me sister."

“Perhaps someday she will see past her prejudice and learn to accept and love you,” Chakotay tried to reassure her as he adjusted Linn on his hip.

The party continued with the presentation of the twins to the guests and then the serving of the cake. The guests watched in delight with holo cams at the ready as the twins giggled and dove into their miniature cakes with both hands and smeared chocolate everywhere. It wasn't long before they took to slinging handfuls of cake at each other. As soon as they had devoured as much as their little bellies could hold, Kathryn, with the assistance of Reanla, Phoebe and Gretchen, took the twins to the fresher to clean them up.

After redressing the twins, they returned to the party room for gifts and to spend some time in the company of family, friends, and some of the Federation's finest. Kathryn had noted, with a bit of a grin, that Jean-Luc and Beverly looked particularly comfortable bouncing Linn and Kole on their knees. She had wondered at the possibility of a future between them as she watched Kole help himself to a handful of Beverly’s hair, while Linn delighted in pulling at the buttons on Jean-Luc’s shirt.

Afternoon faded into early evening and with two sleeping babies in tow, she, in the company of Chakotay, Gretchen, Phoebe and her family, Kaelinn, the Paris family, Harry Kim and Libby, the Doctor and Tuvok had returned to the Janeway home in Indiana. Phoebe's children had been put to bed, but Reanla had kept the dozing Linn and Harry was holding Kole. Gretchen made a pot of tea, and cups were passed around to those who wanted some as the adults settled in to talk. There was reminiscing about Voyager's various adventures, and Kathryn had insisted Reanla tell a few of her Kerok Nor stories. Her description of Kerok Nor's first major party involving all the Embassies, particularly Tom and Kitanal's dancing zydeco, had everyone but Tuvok laughing. The laughter was enough to awaken the twins, but neither seemed particularly upset.

"So when those two actually became an item, how did the Cardies take it?" Tom asked with a snicker.

"Their relationship didn't progress beyond friendship until after Tom and Lisandra left the station, but Kitanal got great amusement out of the stares every time she and Tom did so much as walk the Promenade together," Reanla laughed. "Of course, Ko'Tak and I got a few of those looks as well, but I think they were more disgusted with the match between us. With Tom and Kitanal, it was shock and disbelief."

“Thus far, we haven’t had to worry about those reactions. I remember how it was for my mother and father though,” B’Elanna said as Miral stood in front of her with her arms reaching upward. She swept the little girl into her lap before continuing. “My mother was full Klingon and my father was human and, back then, people would cast a disapproving eye on them--and especially me.”

Reanla didn't notice as she started talking about how Romulan Ambassador Khaen had laughingly attempted to crash the party, that the baby in her arms was becoming rather interested in the d'k'tagh. Linn's little fingers reached for the hilt, feeling around it and then latching on as she tried to pull the fascinating object closer.

"Kaelinn! Don't touch!"

Phoebe's sharp words stopped Reanla mid-sentence. "Don't touch what?" she said in confusion.

Phoebe stared at the Bajoran in disbelief for a full thirty seconds before turning to her sister. "Kathryn, you didn't tell her??"

Feeling the slight tug at the d'k'tagh, Reanla automatically reached down and drew Linn's hand away from the hilt. "Tell me what?" Now, she, too, was staring at her friend, but with puzzlement.

“I can’t believe it slipped my mind!” Kathryn laughed a little as a flush of embarrassment crept across her cheekbones. “The whole reason we moved the party here was to discuss the ceremony!”

"Ceremony?"

“Reanla Kaelinn, it is my honor to introduce you to your namesake--Kaelinn Amira Janeway,” Kathryn said as she gestured to her daughter, who was shooting a very displeased Janeway-glare at the woman who had just removed her hand from the most interesting object on her belt.

Reanla opened her mouth to reply but, in her shock, nothing came out. She tried and failed a couple more times to say something, before giving up and turning her eyes down to the child she held. Back on DS9, when she'd been told the girl's name, she had first assumed that Kathryn had taken her suggestion of using her mother's name and shortening it. Not long later, she recalled that it was also a very common Earth name and had discarded her first assumption. But now....

“We would also like to ask you to be the twins' Godmother,” Chakotay added as she looked at the little girl in her lap with wonderment.

She carries my name.... This thought was still trying to sink into Reanla's head when Chakotay's words stalled it in its tracks. Wide brown eyes lifted to the couple across from her as a lump formed in her throat. "I...." Her voice was nearly a squeak. Briefly mortified, she cleared her throat and continued. "You honor me--in both ways." She looked down at her namesake again, meeting the curious blue gaze fixed on her face. "And I would be honored to be amala'pagh to them both."

“Amala’pagh?” Kathryn questioned.

"It is pretty much the same thing as your godparenting. Amala'pagh literally translates to "soul mother". We have a ceremony for it as well. The chosen pledges to guide the child along with the parent or guardian. The chosen also pledges to teach the child of the lineage now shared with them. With your permission, I will teach them of Bajor--and the history of my family as I know it." She managed a smile. "They fought their first battle in the first hours of their lives--that's enough to make them a little Bajoran."

“These two certainly have a rich heritage,” Harry commented. “Not only do they have their biological family, but also their extended Voyager family and now a Bajoran family.”

"And Klingon, if you count the House of K'mtec," Reanla added with a gentle laugh.

“Very true,” Harry laughed as Libby slid into her seat next to him.

“So, what do we have to do for the ceremony?” Chakotay asked and he opened his arms as his son was passed back into them.

"If you wish to do both, we could," Reanla replied. "You can call in whomever for your ceremony and we can perform it first. Then, if you don't mind coming to Bajor, I can make the arrangements at the Kenda Shrine for one of ours. If you'd prefer to stay here, I'm sure there'd be a willing vedek who would travel here."

“We could leave within the week,” Kathryn suggested. “Now, a toast.” She raised her glass. “To family, always changing and forever growing.” She tossed a knowing wink to Chakotay as she laid a hand on her middle. She clinked her glass with those around her and took a gentle sip of her synthehol, smiling to herself as she thought of the events that brought them to this point. She sent a silent thank you to the Caretaker for all of the good fortune his intervention had brought her.

**

Less than a week after the twins' first birthday, Kathryn and Chakotay found themselves in the company of their children--as well as Reanla Kaelinn--on the beautiful, floral planet of Bajor. They had made a brief stop at DS9 to board the transport that would take them to the planet where Reanla would become forever intertwined in their lives. A s Chakotay pushed the hover buggy, Kathryn looped her arm with Reanla’s. “I have some exciting news I wanted to share with you--but it seemed appropriate to wait until after the party and I wanted to tell you first. We’re expecting again!” Kathryn told her gleefully. "Congratulations, you two. That's wonderful! When will the new babe arrive?"

“According to the Doctor’s calculations, we should have a healthy daughter in about six months,” Chakotay added as he passed a cup around the side of the buggy to his fidgety daughter. Little Kaelinn seemed very discontent to just sit and watched the scenery pass by. She reached out for everything that brushed just beyond the reach of her little fingertips. Meanwhile, her brother seemed very content to patiently wait until he was picked up or instructed to do something. He watched with observant dark eyes, absorbing everything around him.

"Kae!"

"Yes, leh'le?"

"Bir!" Linn was pointing up into the branches of a tree they were approaching.

Reanla followed the little pointing finger and she saw a pair of trei, a violet-feathered songbird, busily building their nest. "You see the trei, leh'le?"

"Sh--" Linn tried to pronounce the bird's name a few times before stopping with a scowl. The adults laughed gently. Linn looked prepared to cry, but her sharp little eyes caught the sight of the tiny flowers growing alongside the path and she busied herself with trying to reach them.

The gardens surrounding Bajor's Kenda Shrine were warmed by the early afternoon sunlight. Inside the shrine, it was cool, almost cold. But in the anteroom ceremonies were being held in, a lit brazier supplied both the majority of light and heat, creating a temperate contrast.

Reanla stood facing Chakotay and Kathryn, each of them holding a child. Pacing through the space between them was Shakaar's uncle, Vedek Arilsen. Unlike most of the vedeks, who preferred to stand like statues as they recited the ceremonial words, Arilsen preferred to move, either by gesture or circling through the room. The elderly vedek had a soothing, lyrical voice and Reanla had always loved to listen to him perform prayers and ceremonies. This was no exception. The twins' eyes followed Arilsen as he moved, entranced by his every word.

"Sarat shakala'reth tu tie leh'riet, a Bentel. Ithnu eh ta'ri ouna akares vuanet voka ta antana. Fareth ta amau quonot ne shay'et. Veyt ouna amala'pagh priner eh kost ai Bajor."

Chakotay followed the smooth tone of Arilsen’s voice, his mind quickly translating the majority of the Bajoran words. He had become familiar with the language during his time with the Maquis and liked its lyrical tones as it rose and fell. He would have to remember to get a full translation for himself and Kathryn from Reanla.

Kathryn listened, not understanding the words Arilsen spoke, but enjoying the sound of his voice. It reminded her of Chakotay as he would tell stories to the twins when they were still in her belly. He had begun doing the same for the new child that grew in her womb. She locked eyes with her friend who stood across from her and smiled a slight bit. She hoped Kaelinn would know the inexplicable joys of motherhood for herself someday soon.

"Reanla Kaelinn." Arilsen had now switched to Standard for the benefit of the parents. "You have been asked by the parents of these children to be amala'pagh. Are you willing?"

"I am."

"This is no light task. An amala'pagh must be a guiding hand, a guardian. One who will listen and teach--to lead them in the ways of the Prophets, and to train them in the ways of Bajor. Do you accept this duty and swear to uphold it?"

"I do so accept."

"Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay." The vedek had turned his focus to the humans in the room. "You have asked this woman to be amala'pagh to your children. She is aware of her duties to them and has sworn to uphold them. Do you accept her pledge?"

Kathryn looked across at the young woman who was responsible for the safe birth of her twins and felt her heart swell at the prospect of folding her into their family. She turned to her husband and knew he was thinking something similar. She shared a smile with him before they both turned back and, in unison, replied: “We do.”

Arilsen placed his hands gently on the twins' heads, closed his eyes and murmured something low in Bajoran, too low for any of them to make out the words. Both babies stared at him curiously while he did this. When he was done, he opened his eyes, smiled and stepped back again. "It is done. May your children walk their paths with pride and grow strong."

Together the Janeway family, complete with their newest member, left the temple and entered the gardens beyond. Kathryn passed young Kaelinn to the elder Kaelinn and smiled as the Bajoran woman cuddled the infant and spoke softly to her. About that time, Kole began reaching for her as well and she opened an arm and a hip to him as well when Chakotay passed him over. It was almost as though the infants were aware of the joining that had just taken place and were showing their acceptance of their new family member.

The rest of the day was spent exploring Dahkur, as Reanla showed Kathryn, Chakotay and the twins all the sites she could squeeze in. Finally, as the sun was setting, they had dinner before returning to the house a Shakaar friend of Reanla's was lending them. Not far from the house was a pair of small hills perfect for stargazing. Jeraddo had already set and Derna was in new phase, and therefore not bleaching out the sky. Reanla lay back in the soft, thick grass with the twins nestled against her and began telling them the story of how the Prophets had created each and every star. From there, she went on with another of the ancient tales, and another. Two hours later, she finally looked down to see that they were both asleep.

"Well, I guess I'll save the tale of the three brothers and the giant kava root for another time." She glanced over at Kathryn and Chakotay, who had settled themselves in a spot a meter away. They, too, appeared to be dozing. Smiling to herself, Reanla let her own eyes close.

**

No one awoke until the dark before the dawn, when Linn decided to voice her protest of sleeping somewhere other than away from the cool breeze that was now blowing over their spot on the hillside. Everyone drowsily hurried into the house and their actual beds, catching roughly another five hours' rest before both twins started to stir. The morning flew by, spent in quiet time down by the creek that ran along the far side of the hills. Reanla had the chance to tell the story of the three kava farmers, but only Kole was interested. Linn was busy splashing her hands in the creek.

"I've decided to take that position on Taurus," Reanla commented after she was done telling the story to Kole and he went to join his sister at the water's edge. "I would have been going there anyway. They plan on opening a Cardassian Embassy as well. It's one of the little consolations given to them along with the finalizing of the commerce agreement."

“And what does that mean for you and Ko’Tak?” Kathryn asked as she kept a watchful eye over her young infants who were happily enjoying the water.

"Oh, he's taking the ambassador's position--and Anórien was relieved to hear that, no doubt." Reanla snickered, brushing back a stray wisp of hair. "Though Julian doesn't like the idea of checkups via subspace. He's threatening to keep me on DS9, and damn the Militia."

“Check ups? Surely, there will be a suitable Doctor on Taurus?” Chakotay suggested. “I thought only our Doctor was hell bent on keeping a monogamous relationship with his patients, even to the point of stalking them to their offices or homes.” He gave Kathryn a gentle elbow to the ribs.

"There is. I've already received info on the three doctors being sent to Taurus. But Julian is Julian--his pet projects aren't to be touched by anyone else." Kole half-crawled, half-toddled back up the bank and proceeded to try climbing Chakotay's back.

“Pet project? Kaelinn, what in the universe are you talking about? Out with it already!” Kathryn demanded in her typical manner of authority as Linn abandoned the water for the comfort of her mother's lap.

Reanla had to bite back her smile. "Well, you did ask if I was going to give these two a playmate...."

Kathryn clasped her hands excitedly, “Congratulations! You and Ko’Tak have to be over the moon!” she exclaimed.

"We are. He is, especially. The only one not happy about it, of course, is B'Tap. Ko'Tak's latest response when she last ranted at him on the subject was if she didn't like us having the heirs, to 'find a warrior to have her own heirs with'."

Chakotay patted her shoulder. “Maybe one day, she will see past her prejudice and accept love for what it is. We did.” He turned knowing eyes upon his wife. “About nine years ago, we were enemies--and look at us now. We have a wonderful marriage, a beautiful set of twins--and, in a few months, Arabella Amelia will be joining our family. It just goes to show that the future can never be planned. One day, B’Tap may realize the error of her ways."

Reanla smiled ruefully as Kole tired of hanging onto Chakotay's shoulders and came to invade her lap instead. "Maybe....if I'm really lucky."

**

At 1645, Reanla was trying and failing to pry her namesake's little arms from around her neck. The nearest individuals in the crowd at the transport station smiled at the scene.

"Leh'le, I promise I'll see you again soon."

"No!" Linn's anguished cry was laced with tears.

"This isn't goodbye forever. And just think--next time you'll get to meet Ko--"

"NO!"

“Linn, Mommy and Daddy and Kole are leaving--are you sure you want to stay behind?” Kathryn asked as she waved Chakotay to take another step towards the airlock. Kole calmly watched his sister’s fit from the security of his father’s arms, his expression one of collected curiosity.

“Kole, stay,” Linn insisted as she kept her arms wrapped firmly around Reanla’s neck.

“Kole go home,” he replied evenly. “Linn go home.” His soulful, dark eyes met the defiant blue ones of his sister.

“Kae go?” she asked hopefully, as she loosened her death grip a bit.

"I can't, leh'le. The Militia needs me to go to Starbase Taurus to work there." Linn's frown formed at "can't" and became a scowl from there. "But you'll get a very special second birthday at DS9's Gratitude Festival. And your new sister and pagh-cousin will be there to celebrate with us as well."

Linn clapped her hands excitedly at the mention of birthday and sister and pagh-cousin. She seemed reasonably aware that there were going to be two new babies joining their universe and she pointed with one hand at her mother’s belly, while pointing at Reanla's with her other, subsequently releasing her death grip. “Baby, baby!” she grinned.

"That's right," Reanla assured her, quickly handing the girl into her mother's open arms. Linn's gleeful look remained before she realized she'd been effectively duped and she attempted to nail Reanla with her best attempt at the Janeway glare.

“She is certainly her mother’s daughter,” Chakotay laughed as he passed Kole into her arms for a snuggle before their departure.

"And you wouldn't want her any other way," Reanla retorted with a laugh of her own. Kole wrapped his small arms around her neck for a long hug, but readily returned to Chakotay's arms when he was through.

“No, though I think Kole and I are doomed with two Janeway women in the house,” Chakotay teased as he effectively ducked his wife’s playful swat.

"Soon to be three," Kathryn reminded him jovially.

A moment of silence settled after the laughter as the friends stood at the airlock, trying to hold off the inevitable. The announcement for final boarding call rang through the overhead comm system and Reanla moved to give Kathryn one last hug. "I'll comm you as soon as we reach Taurus and we're settled in."

"I want to know all the details about your new position," Kathryn stated as she held Reanla in a long hug. “And I want to know the moment the baby is born!”

"Ko'Tak already knows you're third on the list to call," Reanla said as she pulled back. At the mock Look she received for that, she laughed and held up her hands. "Nerys and Rei are first and second in line." She accepted Chakotay's quick hug, then added, "You better get going or you won't make it onto the transport."

“I can’t complain because I think you’re third on my list as well after my mother and sister.” Kathryn turned and glanced at the airlock, then turned back to Reanla. “Goodbye, my friend. We’ll comm as soon as we reach home.” With one last sad, parting smile, Kathryn Janeway turned with her family and passed through the airlock to board the ship that would transport them home.

Reanla watched the airlock door slide shut, feeling an odd sense of déjà vu as she recalled their parting almost a year previously. Some little part of her expected Ko'Tak to show up, but she knew he was on DS9, waiting for her return. She smiled wistfully at the thought of him, and a hand drifted to her still-flat belly. Casting a final glance over her shoulder to assure herself that her friends were securely on their way to Earth, Reanla headed towards her own transport that would carry her back to DS9 into the arms of her husband. From there, they would report to Starbase Taurus and their new positions, even while awaiting the arrival of their child and taking their own steps into a bright, new future.

As she turned into the airlock her transport was docked at, Reanla couldn’t help but wonder what the coming year would bring with the birth of another Janeway daughter--and now her own impending motherhood. Such strange turns her life had taken these last few years--and the people involved in those turns! Definitely not what she had pictured for her future, though she regretted none of it. For Reanla Kaelinn knew what all Bajorans were taught from the cradle--that fate played her hand when least expected, and often with unexpected results.

After all, the Prophets worked in mysterious ways.

*fin*