Copyright 2000, Susan S. McCrackin  Reprinted with permission of the author.

"Everyone stand a little closer." Neelix was taking holo-images of the wedding party. As soon as he took the image, Tom took Kathryn B’Elanna from the Doctor, and he and B’Elanna stood for an image to be captured of the three of them with KB between them. 

Then, Neelix said, "Now, I need to get the Best Man and the Matron of Honor. Seven, Harry, would you please stand there?" He indicated the spot where Tom and B’Elanna had been standing.

Seven looked at the Doctor, and he nodded to her. She stepped forward to meet Harry and Neelix moved to arrange them for the picture. They stood, Seven standing close to Harry, with Harry’s arm wrapped around her waist, his hand resting on her hip. He gave her a quick smile and she returned it. Neelix snapped the image.

"Wonderful shot. Now, I want to get Seven, the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna. Doctor, please?"

The Doctor quickly took his place next to Seven, holding Kathryn B’Elanna between them. Seven moved close to him and put one hand on Kathryn B’Elanna’s back and reached with her other hand to place it on his chest. Neelix quickly took the image.

"Perfect picture. I will make sure you two get a copy of this one." He took a few more pictures, then B’Elanna approached him.

"I would like to have one of the Captain, Seven, Kathryn B’Elanna and me."

"Good idea."

B’Elanna called the Captain and Seven to her and arranged them, one on either side of her with Seven holding Kathryn B’Elanna. 

The Doctor stood back, watching the process with pride. When they were finally done, he stepped forward to take Seven by the arm and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "You look beautiful tonight. I love your mother-daughter outfits."

"B’Elanna did a good job picking these out."

"Yes, she did."

There were interrupted by the groom’s voice and turned to see the happy couple standing behind them. "We just wanted to thank both of you for being a part of this tonight." Tom was grinning from ear to ear, "And for letting Kathryn B’Elanna be our flower girl." He reached up and brushed a blond ringlet away from the child’s face.

"We were pleased to be a part of it, Tom." The Doctor gave them a warm smile. "So, what are you two going to do now?"

They looked at each other, and B’Elanna responded, "The Captain has given us a week of holodeck time so we are going to actually have a honeymoon."

Seven gave her a questioning look, and B’Elanna explained, "It is another earth custom, Seven. After the wedding ceremony, the bride and the groom usually leave to have private time together. It’s called a honeymoon."

Seven nodded and turned her attention to Kathryn B’Elanna who was in the middle of a huge yawn. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and put her head down on her father’s shoulder. The Doctor looked at her and said to Seven, "I think we need to go put her to bed." He leaned over and kissed B’Elanna on the cheek, "You two have a wonderful week together."

Tom shook his hand, "Thanks, Doc. And thank both of you for everything. We’ll look forward to seeing you when you come back."

They said their good-byes, and the Doctor and Seven walked out of the holodeck with Kathryn B’Elanna in the process of falling asleep in her father’s arms. Tom and B’Elanna watched them go. Tom leaned over, giving B’Elanna a hug, "Maybe one day, we will have our own KB."

She gave him a big smile, "I never thought I would hear myself saying this, but right now, I am thinking that would be a wonderful thing." She turned to face him, "But first, Mr. Paris, we are going to have a honeymoon!"

He looked up as if deep in thought, then looked back down her, a serious look on his face, "Okay, Mrs. Paris. I will go along with that."

She raised her face to him and they kissed. Behind them, they heard Neelix’s voice, "Got it!"

The Doctor was stretched out in the bed, reading a PADD he held in one hand, with his other hand tucked behind his head. Seven came into the room, walked over to the bed, slipped off her robe and got into the bed next to him.

"You aren’t activating the regeneration mechanism?"

"Not yet." She moved closer to him and he noticed her face was troubled.

He put the PADD on the bedside table and looked at her, "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing."

He stayed still, just looking at her, "Really?"

She rolled to her side and supported her head on her hand, putting her other hand on his chest. He looked down at it for a second, noticing how softly she had rested it there. Her touch had been more demanding, more desperate since the kidnapping. She had been more desperate. She had constantly touched him. She had to have him close. She would not be able to sleep unless he was holding her close to him. She would fall asleep with her hand on his chest, gripping his pajamas. He looked at her, waiting for her to respond.

"There are many earth customs I know nothing about." 

He nodded but stayed quiet, waiting on her to continue.

She looked down at her hand on his chest, looking at the metal that encased it, "I cannot wear a wedding ring."

He looked at her strangely, but again stayed quiet.

"Does that bother you?"

He did not think he had ever been so surprised by a question. He was not certain how to respond. Then, his eyes narrowed, and he asked, "What are you really asking me?"

She sighed and looked away for a moment, then turned back to him, "I guess I am not really asking anything." She fell quiet for a moment and he waited, "Being around B’Elanna and Tom these last few days…." She paused and he stayed still. Finally, she looked at him and said, "I miss us."

He understood completely. The kidnapping had changed their relationship. After she had recovered from getting so sick with Kathryn B’Elanna, they felt their love was unshakable, that their relationship could withstand anything. The crew of the Ikora had changed that. They both had realized they could be torn apart by things that happened outside of their relationship. Their innocence had been lost. That loss was reflected in the way they were with each other, each a little emotionally removed from the other but expressed in the desperation of their touch. Even their most intimate moments were colored by that desperation and need. 

"I do, too." He reached out to stroke her cheek, then pushed her hair back behind her ear. 

"I do not want to lose you."

"You aren’t going to."

She looked down at her hand on his chest, "Even if I can not wear a ring?"

He laughed lightly, "We never needed one before."

"But earth…."

"But our relationship is not really of earth. Earth might be where we live out our lives together, but it will not be the thing that binds us together. That is something between us. And nothing that ever happens will change that. Not earth, not a ring, not anything." She looked at him, and he took a deep breath and continued, "The only thing that can hurt us is if we hurt each other."

A frown crossed her face, "Explain."

"We have to keep our love for each other strong. If we let the things that happen in our life hurt us, then only we are to blame." He watched her eyes and, for the first time in the last couple of months, saw them brighten and a peacefulness flow back into them. Then he saw her look at him. "What?"

She leaned over and kissed him softly on his lips, "I just remembered why I fell in love with you in the first place."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Tell me."

She raised herself to lean over him so she could look into his eyes, "Because you touch my soul." Then, she lowered her face to kiss him again, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly to him.

The crew of Voyager settled into the comfortable familiarity of routine. Kahkar and Ketaria would visit often with Ketaria spending special time with Kathryn B’Elanna. She worked with the child to help her with her special abilities. She also worked with Seven to teach her how to deal with them. 

"Ketaria, do you have any idea of how or why she developed these abilities?" Seven asked her this one day after a session with the child.

"Sometimes these things cannot be explained. Sometimes they are just special gifts." She paused, then continued, "Seven, do you know anything about your family that would indicate one of your relatives was telepathic?"

Seven shook her head, "No, I am unaware of much of my family."

"What about the Doctor’s?"

"There might be something in the Federation database but I have not looked."

"We might want to explore that, but I have to ask if it is important to know where she might have gotten it?"

Seven thought a moment, then shook her head, "No, it is not important."

That had been the end of the conversation. Ketaria had watched her and wondered again if she was right not to tell Seven about Kathryn B’Elanna’s experience with Barrat. She reached out to touch her emotions and knew Seven was not ready yet. She would tell her, but it was still not time.

She was thinking about that conversation as the group sat around the table. Seven was hosting a dinner party, and she and Kahkar had joined Seven and the Doctor, Tom and B’Elanna, Harry, the Captain, Chakotay, Tuvok and Neelix. It was a tight fit to get everyone in the small living quarters but the group had managed and was enjoying a peaceful time together. Ketaria pulled her attention back to Kahkar, focusing on his words.

"It will be an exciting event. I cannot wait to see it. We are leaving here tomorrow and will travel into the Duktar Sector to view it. Based on my studies, that will be as close as we can get to it and still be safe." 

"What a wonderful opportunity!" Janeway’s eyes were sparkling with excitement. "Do you think I can talk you into sharing your data with us?"

"Absolutely, Captain. What would be the point of experiencing such an event if you could not share it?" He laughed heartily then saw the look on Seven’s face as he glanced around the room. "Seven?" When she didn’t respond, he asked more pointedly, "What is it, Seven?"

She blinked and put down her fork, swallowing before she spoke, "It sounds like the Millennium Event."

"What?"

"The Millennium Event. It is an event the Borg learned of when they assimilated Species 341. It describes an event that is believed to only occur once in a thousand years. It is when four stars come into perfect alignment, and the gravitational pulls of the individual stars pull plums out from all of them before their own forces pull them apart and they continue on their own trajectory." She paused, looking into Kahkar’s face, "I thought it was a myth. It is supposed to be spectacular."

The room feel silent as they listened to her speak with awe. Finally, Kahkar leaned forward, "Sounds as if you would like to see this event for yourself."

She quickly nodded, "I would." Then she looked at the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna, "But that is not possible."

"Yes, it is, Seven," Kahkar reached over to take her hand, "You could go with me. I would love to take you to see this."

"No, I could not."

The Doctor quickly interjected, "Why not, Seven? You should go."

"But that would mean leaving you and Kathryn B’Elanna."

He grinned at her, "But it would not be for that long. We can manage. You should go."

Her look told him she longed to go but could not deal with the idea of leaving them. Before she could respond, B’Elanna spoke up, "We can help take care of Kathryn B’Elanna." She grinned at the Doctor, "We’ll take care of the Doctor, also."

Seven just looked at her, and B’Elanna could see her uncertainty. Ketaria felt her anxiety and quickly said, "I would be glad to stay here with Kathryn B’Elanna and the Doctor. You and Kahkar would have a wonderful time witnessing the event. But, why don’t you think about it overnight. Kahkar will not leave until the morning. You can make your decision then."

Seven nodded and replied, "I will consider it."

Ketaria sensed her desire to change the topic, so she looked at B’Elanna, "Have you and Tom settled in?"

B’Elanna sat back in her chair, taking Tom’s hand, "Almost. We still have a few things left to move but we are mostly done."

"And," Tom added, "we have managed to do it with only a few disagreements."

"That is a miracle," kidded Harry. "Tell me, B’Elanna, did you make him get rid of that poster?"

"Harry, no!"

"Poster? What poster?"

"Oh no," Tom groaned.

"What poster?" B’Elanna asked.

They continued their banter, but Seven did not hear any of it. She was still thinking about the opportunity to see the Millennium Event. She really wanted to go but she could not bear the thought of leaving the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna. Ketaria felt her struggle and reached out to calm her. Seven looked at her appreciatively then looked at Kahkar who was watching her intently. Her eyes finally told him she really would consider his invitation, then she turned her attention back to her guests.

Tom and B’Elanna were the last to leave. They stayed to help pick up. Before leaving, B’Elanna said to her, "You really should consider going with Kahkar, Seven. Tom and I will help the Doctor watch out for B’Elanna." She paused, "I know you are worried about being away from them, and I can understand that. But you need to start putting what happened behind you." She reached out to touch Seven’s arm, "Don’t let what happened keep you from living your life."

Tom came up behind B’Elanna, putting his hands on his wife’s shoulders, "She’s right, Seven. You should think about going. We will all look out for Kathryn B’Elanna." He grinned at her, "With so many adults looking out for her, she can’t get into too much trouble!"

The Doctor came up to stand beside her, "Thanks, you two. We both appreciate your help and support."

"Yes," said Seven, "now, if you will excuse me, I am going to check on Kathryn B’Elanna." With that, she turned from them and left the room.

B’Elanna looked after her and asked, "Do you think she will go?"

The Doctor replied, "I don’t know. She is thinking about it. I can tell she really wants to go."

"Then, I hope she does," said Tom, "it would be a wonderful experience for her."

The Doctor nodded, then saw them to the door, bidding them a good night. He quickly went to Kathryn B’Elanna’s bedroom and found Seven standing over her crib, watching her sleep. He walked up to stand beside her, putting an arm around her. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I am afraid to leave her." She turned to him, "I am afraid to leave you. I find the thought of doing so to be painful."

"I understand. But we will be fine. If you want to go, you should go. This is a once in a lifetime event, and you have a chance to see it. Don’t let your fear make you do something you will regret."

She turned to watch Kathryn B’Elanna sleep, and he could see the conflict in her eyes. He started for the door, pulling her with him, "Come on. Let’s go to bed, and you can see how you feel about things in the morning." He took her hand and they walked toward their own bedroom.

They were in the transporter room, saying goodbye to Seven. She kept looking back and forth between the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna, her face full of apprehension.

"You have a wonderful time and don’t worry about us. We are going to be fine." The Doctor kissed her, then led her up to the transporter platform. 

She leaned over and kissed Kathryn B’Elanna, "You be a good girl. I will be home soon." She leaned forward and gave the Doctor a soft kiss on the lips, then whispered, "I will miss you."

He nodded, "We will miss you also. But we both want you to have a wonderful time."

He backed up and she dematerialized, watching his eyes the entire time. He turned and looked at Ketaria, a smile on his face as he joined her, "I am so glad she decided to go, although I wasn’t certain she was going to go through with it."

"Neither was she," laughed Ketaria.

"Did you…?"

"No. She did that entirely on her own."

"Good." They started walking back toward his quarters, "She is getting better."

"Yes, she is."

Once they arrived, he put Kathryn B’Elanna down and she went to her toy box and started pulling out toys. He asked, "Can I get you anything?"

"Tea would be nice."

He ordered tea from the replicator and served it to her, inviting her to sit. He joined her and they allowed themselves to be entertained by Kathryn B’Elanna for a few minutes. Then, the Doctor looked up, "I’m lonesome already."

"You haven’t really been separated from her, have you?"

"Only when we were on the Ikora. And then, I was mourning her because I thought she was dead." He fell quiet a moment, then raised his head, "This is different."

"It will be good for both of you," she said, "you will appreciate each other more when you get back together. In the meantime, this will be a good time for you and Kathryn B’Elanna to spend some special time together."

"You know, I have actually thought about that. As a matter of fact, I have arranged for Tom to take a full day shift for me in Sickbay so I can spend the day with Kathryn B’Elanna. It will be a treat for both of us." He looked at his daughter playing on the floor at his feet, "We haven’t really spent positive time together since…that unfortunate incident."

"So, what do you have planned?"

He looked at her sheepishly, "We are going to spend tomorrow in Flotter’s Forest."

"That is wonderful! I know she will enjoy that"

"Yes. And I expect for it to be an intellectually stimulating experience for me."

"Oh, I think you will have fun."

"Just being with her all day long will be fun for me."

Ketaria nodded, delighting in the smile on his face as he watched his daughter.

Ketaria was walking from the guest quarters toward the Doctor’s living quarters. It was almost time for the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna to return from Flotter’s Forest. She smiled as she remembered the big grin on the Doctor’s face as he had left with Kathryn B’Elanna earlier in the day. She could tell he was as excited about their day as his daughter was. He had admitted that he had downloaded the entire Flotter story into his program so we would be able to fully participate in the day’s adventure. She laughed as she watched the two of them leave their quarters together. 

She allowed herself to think about the close relationship between the two. Kathryn B’Elanna loved her father deeply. But Ketaria knew she was frustrated that she could not touch her father’s mind. It was something she often tried when they worked together, and Ketaria knew her inability to do so was confusing. She tried to explain that her father was different, but the child would try anyway. Still, Kathryn B’Elanna did seem to understand that her family was different. Ketaria was not certain how she could know that but then, her level of awareness on many issues was surprising. The more she worked with Kathryn B’Elanna, the more amazed she was at the young child’s potential abilities. She recognized that this child would take much nurturing and guidance. This concerned her. With their transwarp coil, they could travel around the Delta Quadrant and still maintain a close contact with Voyager but when the ship returned to earth neither she nor Kahkar were certain they would be able to visit frequently. They did not know whether their presence would be welcomed. She wondered again how the Doctor and Seven would be received in the Alpha Quadrant. For reasons she did not understand, she was concerned for them.

Suddenly, she heard singing and the sounds of the voices brought laughter from her. She turned a corner and ran into the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna singing a nursery rhyme tune, both of them soaking wet. She looked at them in surprise and Kathryn B’Elanna started clapping her hands as soon as she saw her.

"Keta!" The child reached for her, "Keta!"

"Honey, you are too wet for Ketaria to take you." The Doctor was pulling her arms down.

"No, I don’t care," Ketaria reached for her, "let her come." She gave her a quick hug, getting wet in the process and asked, "How did you get so wet?"

"We took an unexpected swim," the Doctor was laughing. "It was Flotter’s idea of a great adventure. Something called ‘Follow the Leader.’"

"And you followed him into the water?"

"Well, it was part of the game."

"Oh, Doctor," she chuckled, "I am not certain who is the bigger kid."

He grinned at her, "We don’t have to tell Seven about this one, do we?"

"Mothers don’t have to know everything, but I suspect she will find out somehow. I don’t think Kathryn B’Elanna here will be able to keep today’s little adventure a secret from her mother!"

He rolled his eyes in play at his little girl, "Can’t even depend on my playmate to keep our secret?"

"Probably not." They entered into the Doctor’s living quarters and Ketaria said, "Why don’t I change Kathryn B’Elanna and you start dinner for us?" She walked into the child’s bedroom.

The Doctor raised his head, "Computer, change my clothes into a dry outfit." His outfit changed, and he moved to the replicator to order dinner for Kathryn B’Elanna and Ketaria. By the time they emerged from Kathryn B’Elanna’s room, he had the table set and dinner served. Ketaria put Kathryn B’Elanna in her highchair and they all sat down to enjoy their meal together. They had just finished when the doors opened, and Tom and B’Elanna walked in.

"Hello, sweetheart." B’Elanna slipped into a chair next to the child. "Did you have a good day with your father?"

"We had a wonderful day," the Doctor answered for his daughter.

"Bala." Kathryn B’Elanna raised her arms to B’Elanna, laughter on her face. 

B’Elanna lifted the child from the chair and held her so they could share a hug, "I’ll bet you had a great day. What did you do?"

"We spent the entire day in Flotter’s Forest," the Doctor explained. "We managed to go through most of the of Flotter adventures."

"I’m surprised she is still awake after a day like today," B’Elanna smiled at him. "And you, too, as a matter of fact."

"I will admit," replied the Doctor, "I am ready for my program to be refreshed. But we really did have a great time." He turned his attention to Tom, "So, how did it go in the Sickbay today?"

"It was a quiet day, Doc," Tom leaned back in his chair, enjoying his wife playing with KB. "Actually, it was a little boring."

"Then I would call that a good day."

He grinned, "I guess you’re right. By the way, any sub-space messages from Seven?"

"No. No messages."

"Ketaria," he looked to her, "any…" he touched his forehead, "other kind of messages?"

She shook her head, laughing, "No, Tom. No messages of any kind."

"I hope that means she is having a good time," he said, reaching over to take KB in his arms, "We hope she is, don’t we, KB?"

The child patted his face between her hands, laughing as he jostled her in his arms. B’Elanna watched the two of them, her eyes happy and peaceful. The Doctor noticed the look and sat back, smiling. It was good to see her so content. It reminded him of his wife and, suddenly, he missed her. His eyes moved from B’Elanna’s face down to the table, a melancholy coming over him. Then, he felt a hand on his arm and he looked up to see Ketaria looking at him, a soft smile on her face. He put his hand over hers and squeezed it in thanks. 

They were starting their morning as they had ended their previous day – eating at the table in the living quarters. Ketaria was finishing her breakfast as the Doctor was feeding Kathryn B’Elanna the last of hers.

"So, what is on the schedule for today?"

"Not as much as yesterday," he replied, "I am going to work in the Sickbay this morning, come back here to feed Kathryn B’Elanna at lunch, then take her to engineering. B’Elanna wants to spend the afternoon with her." He wiped Kathryn B’Elanna’s face and lifted her out of her highchair to sit her in his lap, "Are you free to spend the morning with her, or should I take her to Ensign Wildman?"

"I would love to spend the morning with her," Ketaria sipped her tea, "it would give us a chance to go to our special place a little."

The Doctor nodded his head and sat quietly for a moment. Then he said, "I wish I could go to a ‘special place’ with her."

Ketaria looked at him sadly. She knew he was bothered by the fact his daughter had special communications with people, and he was unable to share in that. She had seen him, as he would look between Kathryn B’Elanna and his wife, knowing that they were sharing something he could not experience. He would watch, both a pride and sadness coming into his eyes. She knew it drove home the fact that, regardless of how he had come to live his life more and more as a sentient being, he was and would always be a holographic computer program.

"But," the Doctor looked up at her, "I should be thankful for what I do have. I have a beautiful wife and child, a captain who has allowed me to grow beyond my programming, friends, and a good life. There is little I should regret. I may not be able to go to those special places with her but I can share in her life everyday. That is special."

"You are absolutely right, Doctor," agreed Ketaria.

"So," the Doctor stood, kissing Kathryn B’Elanna on her cheek before handing her to Ketaria, "on that note, I am going to leave both of you and go to work." He reached down to Kathryn B’Elanna’s face and lifted it to him, "You and Ketaria have fun in your special place today. Bye bye." He waived at her.

She waived a hand loosely at him, "Bye bye, dada."

He grinned broadly, waived to Ketaria and left.

"Well, little girl," she bounced Kathryn B’Elanna on her knee, "do you want to go to our special place?"

Kathryn B’Elanna was giggling, then she pulled herself up in Ketaria’s lap and hugged her neck. Suddenly, she pulled back, a serious expression on her face, "Mama?"

"Your mother is not here right now. But she is okay." She fell quiet, reaching out to touch the child, feeling how much she was starting to miss her mother. Ketaria knew it was time for them to spend special time together so she could assure her that everything was okay. She stood and walked with Kathryn B’Elanna to sit in the rocking chair. She noticed how still the child became as soon as she seated herself. Kathryn B’Elanna knew what was coming next, and Ketaria could feel the child reaching out to her.

She opened her mind and immediately started talking to her.

"Hello, Kathryn B’Elanna."

"Keta. Mama?"

"Kathryn B’Elanna, your mother is fine. You do not need to worry about her. She is with Kahkar, and they are having a good time. They have gone to look at the stars."

"See stars."

"Yes, they have gone to see stars." She felt Kathryn B’Elanna ease at her explanation. 

"Dada?"

"Your father has gone to work." She felt the child go quiet and knew she was leaving the room to explore Voyager. "Wait for me, Kathryn B’Elanna. I will go with you."

Ketaria was aware they were moving down the corridors of Voyager. There was a vague concept of corridors and doors. Kathryn B’Elanna could not focus enough for anything to be sharper, but Ketaria was still amazed at the fact the child was able to do what she was doing at all. Soon, she realized they were at the door to Tom and B’Elanna’s living quarters.

"No, Kathryn B’Elanna. You should not go in there. You have not been invited."

"Bala."

"Yes, this is where B’Elanna lives, but it would not be nice to go in without asking."

She could feel the child absorb her words, then turn from the door and continue. Ketaria followed, surprised that she had seemed to understand the exchange. She had been certain it would take something more forceful to keep Kathryn B’Elanna from entering B’Elanna’s quarter. 

Next, she realized they were in Sickbay and Kathryn B’Elanna could see her father working in his office. Ketaria felt the child reach to touch her father.

"Dada?"

"Yes. Your father is working." She felt as Kathryn B’Elanna went deeper, "No, Kathryn B’Elanna. You cannot touch your father’s mind. You should stay with me. Do not go deeper."

The child turned to her with a slight frown on her face, "Dada."

"It is okay that you cannot touch your daddy’s mind." She felt for anxiety and was relieved when she did not feel any. Kathryn B’Elanna left the Sickbay and Ketaria realized they were headed for the bridge. She was soon aware they were watching Captain Janeway as she sat in her chair in command of the bridge. Ketaria watched, uncertain as to what Kathryn B’Elanna was going to do. Then, she was aware they had moved into Astrometrics, then on to Transporter Room One.

"Mama?"

She realized then that Kathryn B’Elanna was searching for her mother. She reached out to assure her, "Yes, this is where your mother left. And this is where she will return. But it is not time for her to come home yet." Suddenly, they were back home. 

"You miss your mother, don’t you, Kathryn B’Elanna?"

The child nodded, holding herself away from Ketaria. 

"She will come home. You do not have to worry about her. She is with Kahkar and they will be home after they have seen the stars. You can believe me, Kathryn B’Elanna."

She felt the uncertainty slip away and Kathryn B’Elanna move toward her. She sighed as she felt the child come back into awareness. She breathed deeply with relief and pulled her close.