You've been hits as a screenwriter for Voyager. Your job is to finally resolve the J/C relationship. What do you do?
I’m going to play this as it I’m writing a movie now, instead of redoing what’s already aired.
So in my head, Janeway and Chakotay have been in each other’s orbit for the 16 years since Voyager returned to Earth.
Chakotay worked for starfleet first as a professor because it’s what he knew and could get back into the fastest, but then he grew restless and took a research posting as a field anthropologist. When the years started to catch up, and it wasn’t as easy on his body to hop in and out of dig sites, he took a diplomatic posting as an ambassador to world’s seeking entrance to the federation. He and Seven broke up shortly after their return to Earth, and he dated some, but he never found himself in a long term relationship.
Kathryn was selected to head up a joint commission investigating and researching biological and medical advances in the Delta and Gamma quadrants. Her second in command was Dr. Beverly Crusher. Their work took the from place to place, but Kathryn had learned to make her personal life a priority. When Owen Paris introduced her to an architect that he recommended for the modernization of the Indiana farm house, Kathryn found herself smitten. The couple were married and had a daughter, whom they named Stella.
When her husband died in a construction accident, Kathryn loaded Stella onto her ship and flew headlong into her work, and single motherhood. Luckily, Beverly was with her and was able to advise her and help Kathryn thru the dark patches.
When a medical emergency arose on Eihpos Prime, an world in the process of joining the Federation, Kathryn and Beverly were sent to help. Little did Kathryn know that Chakotay was already there, assisting in any way he could.
When Stella, then age 6, came down with the illness affecting the locals, Kathryn was distraught, but stoic. She pushed on, despite Beverly having to put her daughter in stasis to prevent nerve damage.
Test after test came back inconclusive. More and more people were being infected, and there was no hope in sight.
After a round of routine blood tests on the uninfected, Beverly noticed an antigen in Kathryn’s blood that she wasn’t familiar with. Tests and research proved that the antigen would be an effective treatment! Finally! The replicators are put into overtime making hyposprays, and the treatment is administered to the sick, and a vaccine is created for the healthy. All are well.
Her mother’s antigen isn’t effective for her, due to a conflicting RH type from when Kathryn was pregnant with Stella. The one person Kathryn wants the most to save, she can’t.
The darkness starts to set in and for a time, Kathryn welcomes it familiarity. But a comment Beverly makes as she brings her friend and captain the daily reports causes Kathryn to pause.
“Who would have thought that a tiny insect across the universe would end up leading to a cure for this disease?”
Insect, illness, antigen, New Earth, Chakotay!
Chakotay has been on the other hemisphere, assisting in the relief efforts, but has kept apprised of Stella’ condition. He only sees the girl a few times a year, but the precocious child had won his affection. He wanted to always keep an eye on her, as she’d lost her father at such a young age.
When Kathryn showed up at his door in the middle of the night, looking exhausted and asking for his help, there was no way he could say no.
Kathryn was right. The antigen on Chakotay’s blood would be as effective as hers, but would be accepted by her daughter’s tiny and frail system. The hypo was made and administered, and all they could do was wait.
Kathryn sat at Stella’ bedside, her weary head resting on the mattress . Chakotay came on, bringing her coffee and company. As Kathryn raised her head, she felt Stella’s leg move. She was awake.
“Uncle Chakotay, that better not have any cream, or Mommy will make you get another.”
Smiles and laughter abounded, and remained as Stella recovered. Chakotay stayed near, claiming he wanted to stay available in case mote of his blood was needed, but really, the time spent with Kathryn and Stella reminded him what he was missing; family, connection, and mostly her - Kathryn. He’d loved her for years, but had let the fire dwindle to an ember, but know he was reignited. Her energy and devotion and humor all made him fall in love with her again.
As her daughter grew stronger, Kathryn he’d to spend less and less time at her side. Starfleet jad asked Kathryn and Beverly to remain on the planet for a while to ensure the crisis was over and assist in the finalization of the Federation membership. Chakotay had been her rock, and was now her guide. He showed her the planet and it’s beauty. They toured schools, farms, cities, and towns. Working so closely together was comfortable and familiar. She remembered back to say happy tome they had shared, and how deeply she had loved him. But her duty had prevented anything from developing, then his relationships and hers had come along, and the past was left in the past.
One night after she had tucked Stella in, Chakotay appeared in Kathryn’s door, bearing a bottle of cider and a dimpled grin. He came in and she placed his hand on his chest.
“Before we open that bottle, and before I tell you how I felt about you the last time I had Antarian cider, I need to know…are you with me?”
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