Finale

Q stood up, moving to stand in front of his wife and son. It was then that he caught sight of Admiral Janeway and paled.

“Something bad happened didn’t it.”

“We’re leaving. Come on.”

“I can’t just leave. The Continuum is in an uproar…all because I was a little dramatic. And that was a year ago!”

“Can you talk to them without inciting violence?” Kathryn asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Here’s an idea. Get the leaders of the two factions to meet here. It’s neutral ground. Mediate between them,” Admiral Janeway instructed.

Q raised an eyebrow. “When did you get to be so demanding, Kathy?”

“Years of practice, Q. Now do it.”

Q rolled his eyes at her tone but disappeared. The two Janeways took seats, Quinten between them until Q and the other two returned. It felt like déjà vu and Kathryn didn’t like it at all. From out of nowhere three magistrates appeared.

“What are you doing in here?” one of the demanded.

“Holding a mediation. This is neutral ground,” Q answered.

“You did not ask our consent.”

“Didn’t think I had to.”

“Who are you?” one of the other magistrates asked of Admiral Janeway.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised you don’t recognize me. It’s been a while.”

“Janeway?”

Kathryn smiled. “Weren’t expecting this were you?”

Q cleared his throat, turning his attention back to the two leaders. “Now, gentlemen. There’s no need for all the quarreling. We wanted peace remember?”

“You rang the bells of war, Q when you threatened the Continuum.”

“That’s was a year ago and to be fair, they were threatening my wife and my unborn daughter. If you had children, you’d understand.” He took a breath. “The point is, I didn’t want the Continuum back to fighting. That would defeat the whole purpose of bringing Junior into the world.”

“You were just blowing smoke?”

“I’m allowed every now and then, aren’t I?”

Kathryn shot her elder self a curious look. Was this it all it was going to take to calm the Continuum again? Admiral Janeway looked as curious as her younger self.

“Have you reached an agreement?”

“He was just trying to protect his family,” Kathryn interjected.

“We’ll demobilize,” Q’s former faction leader said, laying down his weapon. His counter part followed suit.

The magistrates quietly conversed amongst themselves for a few moments before the leader turned back to address the room. “Very well. It is settled. The Continuum has been restored to order. You two may go.”

With flashes of light, the two faction leaders disappeared, leaving Q, the two Janeways and Quinten. Q could feel the gazes burning into him.

“As for you, Q. Do not go around inciting further discord. You were the one who promised tranquility.”

“Don’t threaten my children again and I won’t have to.”

Another short conversation in hushed voices. “We will not interfere with the child. You have our word.”

Kathryn heaved a sigh of relief. It appeared that everything would be working out just fine. The continuum was happy and would no longer being threatening hostile take cover their family and Q would be returning safely back to Voyager with her. Admiral Janeway appeared pleased with her accomplishment as well. It hadn’t been for naught.

“Let’s go home,” Kathryn said, offering her hand to Q.

He took it, pulling her in for a kiss. Admiral Janeway offered her hand to Quinten. He took it and they disappeared, rematerializing in Sickbay. Qiana was sound asleep, the Doctor watching over her.

“You’re back.”

“Yes. I think he wants to check on her.”

Behind them, the doors opened and Kathryn and Q entered. The Doctor gave Q an approving nod. He didn’t always like Q but he had become a valued member of the Voyager family.

“So…what now?” Q asked.

Kathryn looked to her older self. “You take us home. Right now.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“Just show up on Starfleet’s doorstep unannounced? That’s very rude.”

“Consider it a welcome surprise.”

“If you say so.” He raised his hand to snap but stopped. “Why don’t we gather the crew. I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear the news.”

Kathryn tapped her comm. badge. “This is Captain Janeway. Everyone please report to your stations. We’re going home.”

Kathryn, with Quinten in toe, made her way to the bridge. Admiral Janeway and Q, a slumbering Qiana in his arms followed suit. Chakotay stood as the Captain entered. Everyone on the bridge just smiled at Kathryn as she took her seat, her son clambering into her lap.

“Everyone ready?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” a chorus of voices replied.

Kathryn looked to Q. “Let’s do it.”

Q raised his hand, snapping his fingers. In a brilliant flash Voyager was catapulted, much like it had been nearly seven years earlier, back into the Alpha Quadrant. If the ship was capable of skidding, it would right up to dry dock.