Chapter 7: Terra
On the 22nd day of Arcetan, in the year 4561 After the Genocide, the Distant Sun left An’Anaki space and the Delta Quadrant with the Federation Starship Voyager nestled in her belly. After a few moments of textbook travel through an artificial wormhole created with technology developed by the Routal, both an ancient enemy, and a terrible mistake of the An’Anaki, the Distant Sun emerged into normal space, a week’s journey from the Terran system. For Voyager, it was a homecoming; seven years of relentless travel and toil among strange stars, of battles won and lost, of adventure and peril, and of comrades lost and found was on the verge of completion.
For the An’Anaki, too, it was a sort of homecoming. Soon the trailblazers on the Distant Sun would find a planet to settle. Their children and their children’s children would make up their own names for the stars shining overhead. In time, Gmtatrid, the Outcast, would become a legend children asked their parents about. Even knowing some of their culture would erode under the influence of the Federation and the other, less familiar empires of the Alpha Quadrant, the An’Anaki pressed on with a sense of excitement. They were the fortunate few selected by their people to bear the burden of isolation in return for the opportunity to explore and interact with unknown cultures in a way that hadn’t existed in over a thousand years.
When the light show of the artificial wormhole ended, dumping the Distant Sun exactly where expected, a little shaken, but otherwise none the worse for wear, one hundred and twenty Voyagers eagerly returned to their ship. Over two thousand An’Anaki waited just as eagerly for the smaller ship to lead the way forward, introducing them to the Alpha Quadrant, and hopefully allowing them to settle on a small, backwater of a planet. Once there, they could set about the important business of understanding their new home and creating a new culture to satisfy their changing needs.
*
Kathryn Janeway was first back on the bridge of Voyager, followed closely by her senior staff. A few moments later, she received confirmation from all departments that the crew of Voyager onboard, and quickly bringing main power back online. The Distant Sun’s massive doors began opening as B’Elanna completed her final engine checks. Not five minutes after stepping foot on the bridge, Tom Paris carefully guided the ship out into open space.
Unconsciously Janeway searched the sky, hoping to find a familiar constellation. It had been so long since she’d sailed the heavens near her home world that she almost missed it: Polaris and Ursa Major. Blinking back tears, she called reached out for Chakotay’s hand. He met her halfway, clenching her fingers for a moment with answering force.
“Captain, I’m picking up a Starfleet communication.” Harry’s excited voice carried over the bridge.
“Put it through, Harry.”
A moment later a pleasant computer generated voice filled the bridge: “This is Federation Navigation Buoy 16849, holding station at coordinates 284 mark 46 mark 7866. It is currently Stardate 54880.3.”
“Harry, pipe that through the ship.”
The Ensign smiled, “Aye, Captain.”
“Tom, set a course for Earth, warp 7.”
“With pleasure, Captain. Course set. At warp 7, we should reach Earth in ten days.”
“Engage, Tom.”
The stars on the viewscreen changed in an instant from pinpricks to streaks, and Voyager was finally within sight of Earth.
“Captain, the Distant Sun is keeping pace off our port stern.”
“Thank you, Harry. Send them a message, welcoming them to the Alpha Quadrant.”
“Are there any ships on our sensors?”
Tuvok responded, “There is one Bolian freight vessel at the edge of our sensor range traveling opposite our current course.”
“Can they detect us?”
“Unlikely.”
“Good. I want to know of any ships that enter our sensor range immediately. Let’s not surprise anyone.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Mr. Kim, how long to reach Starfleet by subspace?”
“Over 24 hours, Captain.”
“Then I’ll be in my ready room composing a message. I wouldn’t want them to have misplaced the red carpet for our arrival.”
*
Five hours into their journey, Voyager encountered her first Starfleet vessel. The USS Stalwart was a small patrol vessel with a complement of 15 crew members. Her primary mission was to help ships in distress, and otherwise protect her area of patrol. Her Captain, one Indra Rampour, was a freshly cut Captain, and hardly expecting to encounter the lost ship Voyager on her first mission out. Nor was she sure how to react to the massive, but docile vessel following in Voyager’s wake. After a few word of exchange, the two vessels parted ways, with the Stalwart continuing on its patrol route. Captain Rampour’s report, however, became a part of the history of Voyager, earning her a place as a footnote in a number of history books.
In the meantime, Starfleet had diverted a vessel, the USS Helios, to meet Voyager, and sent along a message to Voyager, asking Captain Janeway for her ship’s status, her crew roster, and a slew of reports that had been made, but were too large to send by data stream. Only one personal message was in the communication they received, written by Admiral Paris: Welcome back, and Godspeed.
*
Four days later, the Helios appeared at the edge of Voyager’s sensor range. An Ambassador class vessel, Helios was slightly larger than Voyager, but lacked her more impressive armaments and engines. Helios slipped into formation with Voyager and her massive charge before hailing the smaller vessel. Without so much as a standard hail, Armstrong arranged to beam over to Voyager. A tough old New Zealander, Mary Armstrong had spent all of her days as captain onboard the Helios. Her crew was loyal to a man, and some of their missions for Starfleet had gained the sort of legendary status usually reserved for captains with names like Kirk, Picard, Mackenzie, Sisko, and Soua.
Once fully materialized, Armstrong stepped down form the transporter platform and extended a hand to Janeway. “Welcome back, Captain Janeway.”
“Thank you. It’s good to be back in familiar space.” Janeway gestured to Chakotay, the only member of her senior staff she’d brought along. “Commander Chakotay, my first officer.”
“Good to meet you, Commander. I hear you’ve acquitted yourself well out in the Delta Quadrant.”
Chakotay shrugged. “I suppose that’s for Starfleet to decide.”
Armstrong waved him off with a hand, “nonsense. That’s for you and your fellow officers to decide. Now, I understand Voyager’s done well in the Delta Quadrant, but is there anything you need? Medical supplies? Replacement parts? An extra hand in Engineering?”
Janeway shook her head as the trio left the transporter room, bound for her ready room. “We’re in remarkably good shape. Whatever supplies we needed, the An’Anaki provided while we were in their space.”
Armstrong nodded. “The An’Anaki. I’ve got to tell you, Starfleet’s a little worried about them. For one thing, that’s quite a beast they’ve come on. They may be playing nicely right now, but there are quite a few admirals out there who remember having their noses bitten by gift horses before.”
Janeway nodded, “I had the same feeling myself, but the reality is they’re here by themselves, with a ship full of trained people looking for a planet to colonize. They’ve got some impressive technology, and it would be a mistake to close our doors to them. The Romulans or Cardassians might well open their arms instead.”
“Janeway, I agree with you. A powerful ally’s never something to turn away. But you should know, things aren’t the same her in the Alpha Quadrant since you’ve been gone. The Dominion War hurt us, but it decimated the Cardassians. They’re now relying on a Federation Aid project, spearheaded by the Bajorans of all people, just to keep from starving. And the Romulans seem to be keeping to themselves, too. They provided a number of troops against the Dominion, particularly Reman soldiers. We’re getting rumours out of their space that the Remans may be making a play for a bigger role in Romulan society.
Janeway shook her head. The Dominion War, the Remans, Bajorans giving aid to Cardassians? Suddenly, on the cusp of her return, she felt more cut off than she had stranded in the delta quadrant. The old adage, ‘you can never go home again’ seemed to be holding true. “What does Starfleet have in mind?”
Armstrong shrugged, “It looks like they’ll be given a planet out in the Badlands, one where the population was killed or relocated because of the war.”
Beside her, Janeway felt Chakotay stiffen. “Are there many planets like that?”
Armstrong’s expression softened, “I’m sorry Commander, but there are quite a few. A number of the smaller, less established colonies are simply gone. There aren’t many Federation citizens willing to settle out there, with the Cardassians on one side, and the Dominion just through the wormhole. The feeling seems to be that we should put the An’Anaki where we can see them, and where they can take the first assault if the Dominion decides to stage another attack.”
“I don’t entirely like the idea, placing a potential ally in harm’s way, but I’ll admit it does make a certain amount of sense. What do we do in the mean time?”
Armstrong smiled, “Well, Captain, I’d be honoured if you’d be willing to give me a tour of this ship. My grandchildren would love to hear about the Starship Voyager.”
“I’d love to, Captain Armstrong.”
*
“How was the tour with Captain Armstrong?” Chakotay was hard at work, slicing peppers and onions to add to the beans and mushrooms already sizzling in the pan. It was 0200 hours, ships time, and Chakotay had broken into Neelix’s galley. He’d made a deal with the quartermaster aboard the Helios, bartering a trinket from the delta quadrant for a supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. He couldn’t remember exactly what the small plastic object was, or where it had come from, only that he’d meant to recycle it more than once, and had forgotten. He made a mental note to keep all the detritus of their travels; maybe he could barter his way out of a Starfleet prison and into something nicer.
Janeway reached out to steal a slice of pepper from the cutting board, popping it into her mouth before answering, “Good. I get the feeling a lot’s changed here since we left.”
Chakotay nodded, but remained silent, knowing she’d continue.
“The Maquis were pardoned eight months ago.”
Chakotay put down his knife, and slowly turned around. “Will that pardon apply to us as well?”
Janeway nodded, grinning around the pepper.
With a whoop, Chakotay reached out and wrapped his arms around her, pushing her against the counter, kissing her deeply. Without hesitation, she returned his passion, sliding her hands up his back and grasping at his uniform.
When he pulled away, he rested his nose against hers, and demanded, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
She threw back her head laughing, “I did!”
He moved in on her exposed neck, kissing her noisily, muttering something vaguely intelligible about Starfleet tricks and the need for payback. She laughed at his mock anger, pulling him tighter to her, until finally the crackle of the stove caught her attention.
“Chakotay, I love the attention, but I think our dinner’s going to burn.”
He gave her ear a last nibble, and then released her, sighing for a moment in disappointment before turning back to the pan. “Dinner should be ready in a moment, but we’ll have to settle on coffee to drink. The Quartermaster lost his last bottle of wine playing dom-jot on shore leave.”
“Not to worry,” Janeway reached around the bulkhead to grab a green bottle. “This evening’s refreshments are courtesy of Captain Armstrong and the Helios. Champaign,” she explained as Chakotay inspected the label, “straight from Earth.”
“2362, a good year if I’m not mistaken.”
“An exceptional year. It’s from the Helios’s diplomatic stock. Armstrong gave me the case. The rest we’ll open from Earth orbit, but I thought the two of us deserved a celebration tonight.” She accepted the bottle again as Chakotay plated the sautéed vegetables on a tray beside the corn tortillas, refried beans and garnishes.
“It’s a bit of a pity Neelix had to take the Captain’s private dinning room to build the galley.”
Janeway led the way out of the room, “Yes, but then where would you have cooked this wonderful meal.”
“Touché. Still, it would be nice to dig in right here.”
“I’m sure we’ll manage to make it back to my quarters.”
They wound through the corridors, managing to avoid the prying eyes of the insomniac crew. Once inside her quarters, Janeway carefully popped the cork on the bottle of wine. She pulled Chakotay away from the table and offered him the bottle of wine in toast.
Slipping one arm around her, he took the bottle in the other. “To the Captain of Voyager: Seven years of tireless work and she got us back as promised.” After taking his swig, he handed the bottle back.
She raised the bottle to finish the toast, “and to Voyager’s First Officer: A free man, on both sides of the galaxy.”
Chakotay leaned in and kissed her, catching a few drops of Champaign still on her lips.
*
“Captain, we’re approaching the Terran system.”
A cheer went up from the crew standing watch on Voyager’s bridge.
“Slow to impulse, Mr. Paris.”
“Aye, Captain.”
Beside them, the Helios and the Dawn Star matched their speed. Emnari had left the Distant Sun outside the system, rather than risk approaching Earth like conquerors.
“Captain, Starfleet command has transmitted our entrance vector.”
“Excellent. Harry, signal the Dawn Star. Tell them we’re ready for them.”
“Aye, Captain.”
A moment later, the purple glow of an An’Anaki transporter beam coloured the bridge. Janeway smiled at her two guests. Janeway wanted to be sure the newsnets saw the two An’Anaki emerge from Voyager as friends, rather than have them report the presence of the massive Distant Sun without context.
“Blue Alert, prepare the ship for planet fall. Tom, start our descent.”
Slowly, Tom dipped Voyager forward, taking her into Earth’s atmosphere. As they crossed the daylight terminator into the darkened skies of west coast North America, Janeway once again reached out for Chakotay’s hand. Again he responded before she’d even been aware of the impulse. Fireworks boomed around the ship as Tom brought her sweeping under the Golden Gate Bridge and to rest on the Academy Grounds.
Chakotay checked his panel, calling out: “Secure from Blue status. Take main power offline.”
From engineering B’Elanna’s voice answered, “Warp engines offline, switching to auxiliary power.”
Tuvok responded next, “All stations report ready.”
Chakotay turned to Janeway, “Captain, the ship is secure. Welcome to Earth.”
Janeway stood, “Harry, put me through on a ship-wide channel.” She waited for the chime to sound before continuing, “To the noble crew of the Starship Voyager, I want to thank you for your tireless work. No captain could ask for a crew as fine as you. Welcome home.”
All around her, applause broke out. While Janeway beamed, exchanging words and embraces with the bridge crew, the two An’Anaki stood to one side, watching. For the first time they experienced the emotional outpouring of the lost human crew come home. Silently they reached for each other, clenching hands tightly, and understanding what it meant to have left their own homeland. At the same time, they saw the joy surrounding them, and knew that they would share in it, and so their voyage would be worthwhile.
“Harry, lower the causeway and inform the crew; we disembark in five minutes.”
*
As the hatch opened before her, Janeway was greeted with the sight of hundreds of Starfleet officers, cadets and enlisted personnel standing in formation. Their grey and black uniforms were lit up by powerful light standards set up around the spectacle. As Voyager’s crew came into view, the Commandant of the Academy barked out “Attention!” bringing with it the thunderous noise of heels clicking together in unison. Glancing to her side, Janeway caught sight of her crew arrayed behind her. Chakotay stood as always at her right shoulder. His expression was neutral, but she could feel his unease at so many ‘Fleeters before him. At her left shoulder, Tuvok remained an island of calm amid the turmoil of the others. B’Elanna and Tom had shared similar experiences to Chakotay, and each held clenched fists and jaws. Harry, for all his idealism, seemed completely at ease with the pomp and ceremony before him, even after his time in the Delta Quadrant. A few steps behind, the Doctor and Neelix flanked Seven. Both men beamed at the spectacle before them, but the former Borg drone seemed overwhelmed by the shear number of people arrayed before her. Not since her time as a drone had she seen such a gathering.
Behind the senior staff, the two An’Anaki held back, trying to gauge the situation before reacting. Janeway saw their hesitation and gestured for them to move up beside her and Chakotay. She wanted to be sure they were introduced as visiting dignitaries, not dismissed as refugees or curiosities. Sadly, she knew that fate might ultimately lay in store for Neelix, but she took small comfort in knowing that the versatile alien would prefer to find his own niche in Federation society, eschewing fame in favour of friendship and understanding.
Once Emnari and Yerivat had moved into position, she murmured quietly to her crew, “Careful everyone; we don’t want to sprain something.”
A small chuckle answered her small joke, but the real pay off was feeling some of the stiffness melt from her officers. Carefully, she led them down the ramp and onto the soft, lush grass of Earth. The lawn was damp, covered in a light dusting of water from a shower earlier in the day. The smell of loom and moisture hit her nostrils, mixing in a way her nose identified with her days at Starfleet Academy. She’d tried a half dozen times to recreate the Academy on Voyager’s holodeck, but never to her satisfaction. Always the proper smell remained elusive. Now she inhaled deeply, realising how much she’d missed the unique smell of San Francisco after a rain storm.
Admiral Paris stepped forward from among the ranks, offering her a hand, and then drawing her into an embrace. “Welcome home, Captain.”
Janeway squeezed back, “Thank you, Admiral.”
Paris moved off, shaking hands with the other officers, before pulling his son into a bear hug of such intensity that it seemed to startle both men. Janeway’s attention however was drawn to a woman stepping out from behind a cadre of Starfleet security officers. She wore the black and white robes of the office of Federation President.
“Captain Janeway, I am President Intra. I welcome you on behalf of a grateful people; your journey has been long and you have served your government with honour.”
Janeway nodded, “Thank you, Madam President. My crew and I are glad to be back. However, I wish to present to you new friends without whom we would still be stranded in the Delta Quadrant.” At her gesture, the two An’Anaki stepped forward. “Kalipht Emnari and Skoudrid Yerivat are here on behalf of their people, the An’Anaki, in the hopes that our two great peoples can learn and grow together.”
Emnari offered her hand. “I greet you, Madam President, on behalf of my people, both here on the Distant Sun, and on our home worlds on the other side of the galaxy.”
Intra smiled warmly, and Janeway suspected her dark colouring and high cheek bones might hint at a distant Betazoid ancestry. “My thanks to you, Kalipht Emnari, for your assistance in returning our lost people. I welcome you to Earth on behalf of the people of the Federation. May our association be peaceful and prosperous.”
Emnari inclined her head. “I believe we have much to learn from each other.”
The President smiled one more time, making sure to provide a good scene for the gathered journalists, before leaving the stage with her security escort. Admiral Paris stepped forward again, addressing the crowd of gathered officers, “Thank you all for coming. Over the next few days we’ll continue this celebration, but for now, I think our comrades would like to see their families.”
A security Commander appeared at Janeway’s elbow, whispering: “Quarters have been arranged for you and your crew on the Academy grounds. The An’Anaki have also been given diplomatic quarters nearby. Your crew are already there.”
Behind her, she could hear Paris, “Dismissed.”
Quickly she and her senior staff followed the security staff into a nearby building. Janeway gestured to Yerivat and Emnari to follow. “I suggest the two of you transport back to your ship this evening. Quarters have been provided for you, but it looks like our return has caused quite a stir. You’ll find more privacy onboard the Dawn Star. The two An’Anaki agreed without complaint, wishing the Voyagers well before beaming out. A moment later, Janeway and her senior staff transported to their own lodgings.
The Commander led her group through the building and onto the top floor. “Each of you has been assigned a set of quarters for the duration of your debriefing. Your families are en route, and should arrive in the next couple of days. In the mean time, I suggest you all try to get some sleep.”
As soon as the Commander had left, Janeway turned to her staff, and spoke, “the Commander is right about getting some sleep, however, I imagine the rest of the crew has already figured out a way to start the celebration. I for one plan on joining them.”
*
Later as the crew celebrated into the small hours of the night, Kathryn slipped away with Chakotay in tow. She led him by hand back to her quarters to sip at Champaign and watch the sunrise over the city. When it had become clear that while nothing had yet been decided about the fate of Voyager’s crew, none of them would face public prosecution or court marshal, Janeway and Chakotay had made an agreement about their new relationship: they would neither go public, nor would they hide their feelings. If their crew and families guessed, so be it. If the brass choose to drum them out of the ‘fleet over a personal relationship forged in the pit of the DQ, then they’d leave without complaint and find happiness somewhere else. Together. For now, the decision was out of her hands, and Janeway found that knowledge made it easier to enjoy the sunrise with her former first officer.
*
Emnari reached out to stroke Yerivat’s chest. They had woken a few moments earlier by Earth’s star rising over the rim of the planet. While Emnari thought the sun looked a little yellow for her taste, she had to admit that the sight before her was beautiful.
“What are you thinking?”
The Kalipht turned to the groggy form of her lover. “I was thinking about Kathryn and Chakotay.”
“Oh?” Yerivat looped his arm around Emnari’s waist.
“Do you think their love will survive the pressures of their return?”
Yerivat smiled, “I’m sure of it.”