Choices

The ship was buzzing with anticipation the following morning as the first crew members were able to make their way to astrometrics to speak with their loved ones. Harry stood on the bridge, watching other people walk in and out. He caught sight of Samantha and flagged her down.

"Is Naomi going to get to talk to her Dad?" he asked.

"I hope so. We don't get to go for a few more weeks."

"I'm going at the end of next week. We could trade if you want."

"That's sweet of you, Harry but you don't have to give it up. I'm sure your parents will be happy to hear from you."

"Samantha, please. You should take it, talk to your husband. He's never seen his daughter."

She gave him an appreciative smile as they traded chips. "Thank you."

She made her way back to her station, the chip grasped tightly in her hand. It meant a lot to be able to finally talk to her husband after all these years. Several decks away, Seven and Chakotay stood discussing his pick to contact.

“You should contact your sister.”

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to her in a few years.”

“Then that is why you should contact her.”

He gave Seven a smile. “What about you? Who are you going to contact?”

“I do not plan to use the allotted time. I have no reason to contact anyone on Earth.”

“Seven…you have some family still left there, don’t’ you?”

She let out a breath. This connection to her past still bothered her. She did have an Aunt but she had not spoken with her years. She did not even remember her ace.

“I have an Aunt. My father’s sister.”

“I’m sure she’d be ecstatic to hear from you.’

“I am not.”

He took her hand in his, giving it a firm squeeze. “You wont’ know unless you talk to her.” He gave her a swift kiss on the cheek. “I have to get back to the bridge.”

Their hands lingered for a moment before letting go, allowing Chakotay to leave the room. Seven found herself alone, contemplating the change she was experiencing. She knew both Chakotay and the Captain would say it was embracing her humanity, reconnecting with herself but it still felt awkward. But to appease them, and satisfy a small curiosity in herself, she would contact her Aunt when her time came.

In her Ready Room, Kathryn sat skimming Tuvok’s latest security report. A part of her missed the days when she and Quinten would read them together, the sound of her voice lulling him to sleep. She let out a slow breath, realizing just how long they’d been in the Delta Quadrant. He was four years old now and Qiana was a year. The chime outside her door pulled her back to reality.

“Come in.”

The doors opened and Q walked in, Qiana tottering behind him. She immediately made her way to the blocks and other toys Kathryn kept in the corner for the children to play. Q leaned over Kathryn’s shoulder.

“Anything interesting?”

“Not really.” She set the report down and turned to him. “I’ve been thinking.”

“About what?”

“Everything that’s happened here. You and I, the children, the other additions to the Voyager family.”

“You’re feeling all sentimental because of the comm. time next week.”

“I suppose you could say that. But I’ve also been thinking about who I’d like to contact.”

“Parents?”

“No. I need to talk to Mark. I realized this morning that he has no idea what’s happened. He may have moved on but I don’t know that. I think it’s for the best for both of us.”

“I see your point,” Q muttered, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Do you want me to be there?”

“Yes. I want you and the children to be there. I think it’s important you two at least get to see each other.”

“Alright. When do we have this chat?”

“Next week.”

“Alright.”

The rest of the week seemed to pass quickly and before they knew, mid week had arrived. Kathryn stood in front of the mirror examining herself. She wanted to look presentable for Mark. Q didn’t seem to understand the need to primp and preen but that didn’t matter.

“Mama, you look pretty,” Quinten said from behind her.

She turned and gave him a grin. “Thank you, sweetheart. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

She took him by the hand and led him down to astrometrics. Q and Qiana were waiting for them. Seven stood by, ready to initiate the comm. link.

“Do you wish to be left alone, Captain?” she asked.

“That’s not necessary, Seven. But thank you.”

Seven nodded and turned back to the task at hand. Moments later, Mark appeared on the screen. The sound caught in Kathryn’s throat for a moment.