Balance of Power

NC-17

When the Guards returned, Osei was with them. He walked confidently into the room and was surprised to find the girl he thought he had broken leaning nonchalantly against the wall. Her arms were crossed over her breasts, her smile insolent. He scowled slightly and motioned to the guards to take Hope. "That one might be a bit more amusing."

Hope balked, startled as she was grabbed. Kat flew at the guard, even as Kalin came roaring off the wall. Only Tom and Harry's firm grasp on his shoulders stopped him and that barely. Kat hit the guard hard, almost knocking him from his feet. He released Hope and snatched Kat's arm as the other guards lower their weapons to a firing position. Kadi was sobbing in fury as Harry started to move forward, this time Kalin held him. Kathryn held Kadi and Chakotay held them both.

Ryn came off the wall slowly, running her fingers through her hair. "Bloody hell! Kat can't you listen to me just once?" She moved forward her gait steady, almost seductive. Tom's eyes nearly popped out of his head.  "Really Osei, order your goons to release my sister. Harassing them will only piss their mates off and then you'll have to resort to harsher means to subdue them. Wouldn't you rather continue our games from earlier?" She moved closer, one hand trailing down his arm as she slowly circled him.

He blinked and started to speak, only to start again. "But I... you were afraid of me damnit."

She leaned closer, purring in his ear. "And I will be again if you want me too." Her hand stroked down his stomach as she once more faced him. "You did enjoy yourself didn't you?" His eyes glazed as she stroked him through his trousers.

Kathryn stared in shock as Hope gasped.

Ryn leaned against him, pressing herself against him. "Well?" Hope noticed her sister's eyes as Ryn glanced her way. There was nothing there but the character she was playing. Everything else was locked away.

Osei licked his lips, allowing his hands to trail over Ryn's bottom. "Only if you kiss me like you mean it."

She pulled back and smiled seductively. "that's easy enough. Shall you take charge or shall I."

Osei's eyes widened and he grinned lecherously. "Why don't you start and we'll see if it's enough to make me want to finish it."

Ryn wrapped both arms around his neck and kissed him, a wet open mouthed kiss. She threw her body into it, curling one leg around his knee and pressing herself tightly against him. It didn't take long for Osei to jump in. His hands cupped her bottom and pulled her closer, grinding her against him. Ryn blanked her mind, trying not to think or gag as his tongue swept through her mouth. Her actions convinced him and he pulled her from the room, motioning his guards out as well.

Kat stared after her in shock before stumbling over to Hope. "Are you okay?" Hope nodded. Kat glanced at the door again, shaking with fear and anger. "I can't believe I was beginning to trust her. How could she turn like that? How could she tell us that she loves her husband and then practically screw that man in front of us? I can't believe we just helped her get cleaned up. I saw the blood. She was hurt, wasn't she?"

Hope shushed her and dragged her over to Kathryn who held her, trying to calm the girl. "Yes Honey, she was hurt."

Kathryn nodded, cupping Kat's cheeks. "she's playing a game Honey. A game that she might not win. She's making him think she wants him, distracting him, keeping him off of you and Hope and Kadi."

Chakotay placed a hand on her shoulder. "She's trying to protect you all, and gather information as well to help us get out of here."

"Information?"

"Yeah. Number of soldiers, ways out, possible weapons supply. She's hoping they'll be stupid and let down their guard and she'll learn something."

Kadi curled into Tom, allowing him to soothe her as well. "And if she doesn't, then what?"

Hope turned, her expression exceedingly sad. "I'm afraid you know the answer to that Kadi."

*~*~*~*~*

Ryn's eyes darted off the walls of the cavern, she'd been right, they were still underground. It seemed their captors had taken them into a series of tunnels, but there was no way of knowing where each tunnel led. Frustrated, and growing tired of having to ignore the repulsive hands clawing at her body as she walked, she focused on the guards as she passed them. They were scattered quite sparsely, it was almost as if there was little need for them...that could work to their advantage.

Osei led her into another corridor, this one leading to a large room, or rather, suite of rooms. These were quite different from that which she'd been imprisoned in earlier. This one contained a large bed and bathing area.  She cringed inwardly as she was led inside and told to wait while he dismissed the guards, asking them to wait outside the room. What had she gotten herself into? She had to swallow back the rising bubble of hysteria and fear, and once again completely wipe her mind of everything but the situation at hand.

Ryn turned to her captor, seductive smile firmly in place, "Are you certain you wish to be alone with me?" She moved forward, a hand lightly trailing across his chest as she moved around him. "I thought we were having more fun with the others present..."

He grabbed her suddenly, pulling her fully against him, "I share my women with no one... until I have finished with them."

She smiled, tracing her fingers around his ears. "Is that what you want me to be? Your woman?"

He leaned in and nibbled lightly at her jaw. "I think that is exactly what you are. Show me." He pulled her toward the bed and drew Kalin's shirt over her head. He trailed his fingers down her chest, tracing the bruises.  "I like that these are here. They mark you as mine." He leaned forward and bit her shoulder, breaking the skin and smiling at her gasp of pain. He leaned back, once more her blood on his lips. "I love knowing I can make you feel whatever I want you to feel." He grabbed her head and kissed her. The metallic taste of blood almost made her gag. Within an instant he had spun her and tossed her on the bed. As her fingers curled in the sheets, she closed her eyes and blocked her mind, disappearing into another place for a time.

A short time later Osei rolled toward her, pulling her under him and nibbling on her cheek. "You have been quite a surprise my dear. Who would have guessed you would be such an entertaining package?" He twirled her hair in his fingers and studied the light in the strands. "it's not often I find a woman who enjoys my rather rough caresses without complaint. You please me."

Ryn cuddled into him, trying to ignore the flares of anger and disgust that raced through her. "I'm glad you are pleased."

The sounds of shouting echoed throughout he corridors and Osei was up and moving instantly. He quickly pulled on his trousers and threw her shirt at her. She had barely pulled it over her head when the doors opened. Osei glanced over at her. "Remain here while I check things out." The doors closed behind him.

Ryn listened but never heard the sound of a lock. She waited patiently for several seconds then scavenged the room for a possible weapon. She smiled grimly as she located a hand held disrupter and a knife. She opened the door quietly spotting a guard at the end of the hall. He looked familiar and then she recognized him as the one who usually opened the doors to her cell.  He fell silently, the blade of her knife across his throat. Ryn dragged the body into Osei's room, going back and wiping up the blood off the floor.  She then stripped the guard of yet another knife and disrupter. She also found his keys. Peeking out of the room she headed down the hall toward the cell.

She was surprised to find no other guards posted nearby. As she unlocked the door and opened it, the others stood. She entered, face grim, blood on her hands. She tossed the disrupters to Kat and Chakotay and passed a knife to Kalin. "Now it's time to go."

Hope was at her side in an instant, "Ryn, are you alright?"

"I'll be fine," her voice was clipped, tight, "come on, we haven't any time to waste." She wouldn't meet their eyes as she turned away, and again opened the door.

Chakotay stepped forward to put a hand on her shoulder, and realized his mistake too late, she cringed immediately and shrank away from him.  "Alright, let's get you out of here," he said in a soft voice, a dangerous promise lurking just beneath the surface.

He angled a look over his shoulder and reached for his wife. Kathryn limped to his side and put an arm around his waist, more to restrain him than to support herself. She recognized the look in his eyes all too well, it promised murder, and she feared it would only lead to his own.

Moving quickly, but quietly, Ryn led the group out of the cell and through the intricately woven passage ways. Kalin pulled up the rear of the group, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow, seeking out danger. Ryn wasn't sure exactly sure where she was leading them, but knew they were heading towards the surface. She had just begun to wonder what had drawn the guards from sight as she rounded a bend in the passage way and was brought face to face with her nemesis.

Osei stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening, then narrowing dangerously. "It seems I have underestimated you my pet, a mistake I will not make again." He motioned the three guards flanking him toward the group, but they'd no more than taken a step when Ryn leapt at him. An ungodly scream was drawn from her throat as her hands reached for his throat, her nails clawing at him. She used his surprise against him, and had him turned facing the guards before he'd even realized she held the knife to his neck.

"Back off now, or I swear I'll kill him," her voice was trembling, fear, rage, or complete hysteria, no one could tell which. When the guards didn't move immediately she pressed the knife sharply against his throat, drawing blood from a small cut. "Do it.. now."

Each of the guards growled as they took a step back, dropping their weapons.  Tom, Harry, and Kalin each stepped over to retrieve the disrupters then motioned the guards to move ahead of them. "Lead us out of here, and we might let you live," Kalin growled into one of the guard's ear.

Using the captured guards and their chief as leverage, they managed to make it back to the small cavern where they'd been captured. Kalin stunned the guard in front of him, then motioned Tom and Harry to do the same. When the men had fallen he turned to where Ryn still stood, her body shaking as she continued to hold the knife to Osei's throat.

"Ryn," Kathryn stepped forward, "it's alright, you can let him go now, it's over baby."

She shook her head, "No, I'm going to kill him myself.." She tightened her hold on the knife and prepared to draw it across his throat.

"Sweet heart," Chakotay stepped forward and put his hand on her wrist, "if you do that, you'll be no better than he is. Baby please, let your sacrifice be an act of honor... don't tarnish it like this. I know you Kathryn, you'll never forgive yourself."

Tears began to slowly streak her cheeks as she loosened her grip on the knife, allowing Chakotay to take it from her. She took a step back and allowed Hope and Kathryn to embrace her, holding her tightly.

Chakotay let out a small sigh of relief, "That's my girl."

Kathryn moved to stand in front of Ryn, "Sweetheart look at me," she smoothed the tears out of Ryn's eyes. She searched the girl's face, looking for signs of the Ryn she knew and loved, but all she found was a broken shell. "Let's get you back to Voyager." She started to turn back toward Chakotay but was grabbed and drug backward.

"You insolent Bitch, you should have killed me when you had the chance." Osei held his hand tightly around Kathryn's throat, cutting off her flow of air. "Now I'll get the pleasure of watching your eyes as I kill your mother."

"No!" Hope started forward but was quickly held back by Kat.

"Let her go Osei, and I'll make your death a fast one. Hurt her, and I promise you'll feel every bit of it." Chakotay's voice was low, dangerously low, and trembling with rage.

Osei laughed, the cruel bitter sound bouncing off the walls of the cavern and ringing in their ears. "You are in no position to make demands of me, I hold her life in my hands."

"Oh really? You should have paid more attention to your own life." Kalin had slipped up easily behind him and buried his knife deeply in the man's back. "Your mistake scum."

Kathryn was dropped gasping to the ground, and quickly flanked by her husband and daughter. "Mom are you alright?"

She nodded, still coughing and gasping for air, her hands reaching out for them to help her to her feet. She leaned heavily against Chakotay, "Kalin," she rasped, "see about contacting Voyager, I think I dropped my combadge around here somewhere when were taken."

Unnoticed by the others Ryn stepped toward the dying form of Osei, and bent closely to him. Her eyes met his, "Remember my face, for I promise, we'll meet again in hell." She stood, and unable to stop herself, spit on Osei's body. A soft sound caught her attention and she turned, her eyes meeting Kadi's. The look of compassion and sympathy bringing the shame to the fore again. She moved away trying to stop the shaking, trying to ignore the fear that clawed at her. The others came toward her and she gladly turned over the lead. She was startled to find Kadi's hand curled in hers as they walked, and Kat's hand on her shoulder. She followed Hope, stumbling occasionally, lifting a hand to touch her sister, to keep her center. A sudden outbreak of disrupter fire had them racing back into the main cavern and taking cover.

As guards filled the room, the guys attempted to knock them back, but another group came in from the lower caverns. The group soon found themselves trapped in a small corner of the cave, barely protected by the overhanging rocks. For a moment, Ryn saw herself trampled by the guards, dragged back and humiliated, but then the picture of her sisters sharing that fate forced a cry from her. Hope spun at the sound. Ryn's eyes were a combination of wild hysteria and determination. Ryn grabbed Kat's hand.  "Hold on to me. All of you, Kadi, Harry, Tom, hold on to me. Focus all your thoughts on home. I need a link." As the foursome did as they were told, Ryn met Hope's eyes. She ignored the tears and the silently mouthed "no" as she started to focus. It was harder than she remembered. Slowly the life energy focused and built forming the vortex between worlds. She held her arms wide, the winds whipping around her. Ordering the twins through, she motioned to the boys to follow. Finally she focused on Hope and her family. "You have to cross as well. There is no safety here." At their hesitation she growled. "Go now, I can't hold this gate forever."  Pain raced through her and consciousness faded in and out as she watched them cross. She felt, rather than saw them complete the crossing. Sighing, she dropped her arms and fell in the vortex.

Kat's eyes darted over her surroundings as the vortex closed behind her. She found herself on an unfamiliar planet, but surrounded by familiar debris. Turning quickly, she scanned the area for the others, Kadi and Tom stood nearby, puzzled expressions on their faces as they inspected their surroundings. A hand on her shoulder had her turning, and instantly she found Harry.

Hope frowned as she too looked around, "Where are we?"

"The planet we were trying to land on," Kat frowned as she scanned the landscape, "looks like we beamed out just in the knick of time."

Harry's eyes darted around, checking out the debris, "Hey Tom, what's the score up to now? Kat 2, Shuttles 0?"

Kadi giggled and turned to explain to a confused Kathryn and Chakotay, "She is our father's daughter... no shuttle stands a chance against her."

Kathryn shook her head as inspected the damage, "And your mother continues to let her fly? I really do need to have a talk with that woman."

"Hope," Kalin's voice was more serious than the others' as he called her over. He knelt near Ryn, gently holding her head in his lap. She was still unconscious from what he could tell, but her pulse was erratic.

Hope knelt nearby and did a quick examination of her sister, "We have to get to your Voyager if its still nearby." She met Kat's gaze, "And soon, opening this gate could have killed her, it might still. If we can get her to Voyager, I can tell your EMH how to treat her."

Kat nodded, and turning to Tom and Harry began barking out orders, "Tom, you and Kadi start sorting through the debris, see if you can locate anything we can use to contact Voyager. Harry, I want you to look for that locator beacon, I'm going to take a look around, maybe there is an away team in the area." As she started to move off she paused momentarily, "Kalin, you're with me." If anything, the events of the past few days had taught her caution.

Kat glanced down at Ryn once more before turning on heel and marching off into the woods. Kalin gave Kathryn a question look and at her nod, followed. Guilt was eating her alive and the more it bit the angrier she got. A noise in the forest caught her attention and she froze. Kalin too noticed the sound and motioned her behind a tree as he mimicked the action. They watched, weapons at ready and waited. Kat let out a sigh of relief as Tuvok came out of the shadows.

Tuvok was joined by a small contingent of security officers as Kat came out from under cover. She walked up calmly, smiling. "Commander, I'm glad to see you." She motioned Kalin out as well. "Sir, this is Kalin. He is a friend. He and several members of his crew have assisted us in surviving."

"When the shuttle crashed three days ago, we detected no life signs. We have been searching the area, attempting to find your remains."

Kat motioned them to follow her. "We were somehow transported to an alternate dimension. There was another Voyager there and they helped us get home. Unfortunately they are now trapped in our dimension. We need to hurry back to the debris site, there are injured in need of medical attention." She paused, looking up at him. "I really am glad to see you Tuvok."

The Vulcan laid a hand on her shoulder. "Your presence was missed."

Kat smiled, tears filling her eyes and continued on. As they entered the crash site, Kat called out to the others. "Look who we found."

Kadi glanced up, a huge smile crossing her face. "Tuvie!" She ran to him, ready to throw her arms around him, but as he raised a brow, she skidded to a stop in front of him. "Umm, it's really good to see you Commander."

"Like wise Ensign," Tuvok replied, though his eyes betrayed a little bit of emotion, or so one would have thought.

Kadi stood there for only three seconds before laughing and exclaiming, "Oh to hell with it," she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

Tuvok's brows rose into his hairline, "Ensign, while you have been greatly missed by both your parents and myself, I must ask that you do refrain from emotional outbursts."

She grinned wryly as she took a step back, "Sorry, it's just so good to be home. How are they?"

Tuvok was silent for a second or two, "They have... been trying to understand your loss."

"Well," Kat looked around, "they can stop doing that, let's go home."

Tuvok nodded and looked to the others, taking a mental count as he tapped his combadge, "Fifteen to beam up."

The group dematerialized, only to rematerialize seconds later in Voyager's Transporter room. Kat looked around and took a deep breath, "Well.. it smells likes home." She took a step off the transporter padd and had moved toward the doors when they opened.

Kathryn Janeway practically stalked into the room, her eyes a blaze of cold fury, "Tuvok I thought I told you I didn't want a large away team beaming down to the plan---" She stopped short when she caught sight of the rag tag team before her. "Oh sweet god..."

Kat and Kadi lunged for her simultaneously, twin cries filling the room, "Mom!" They threw their arms around her, both holding on as tightly as possible.

It took Kathryn a moment to react, but she gathered her girls in her arms, her own tears falling to mix with theirs. She just held them for several moments, eyes closed tightly, prayers being extended to any and all gods who would listen to her thanks. Pulling back she stared at their tear streaked faces, "You two are never leaving this ship again...or my eye sight again."

"Ahh Maaa," Kat lay her head on her mom's shoulder, "where's the fun in that?"

"I'm serious," she pulled both her girls tightly back into her embrace, "it'll be a cold day in hell before I let you scare me like this again."

Hope exchanged a glance with her mother, tears in her own eyes, as she took a step down. "I hate to interrupt this, but we really need to get Ryn to your sickbay."

Kadi pulled away from her mother, "This is Hope, and her parents, who I think you can recognize, her husband Kalin, and in his arms, Ryn. She's the reason we're here, she saved us mom.. all of us." She looked at her mother, "We can explain everything later, but right now, we really do have to get her to sickbay."

Kathryn nodded, "By all means, Tuvok, please see to arranging quarters for our guests. Lieutenant," She turned to the transporter chief, "I'd like you to beam our guests and myself to sickbay." She wrangled her arm away from Kat long enough to tap her combadge, "Janeway to Chakotay, I need you to meet me in sickbay, and bring the Paris's and Kims with you."

"Understood," his reply was clipped, evidence of the turmoil he was still going through.

With that done she turned once more to the transporter chief, "Energize."

As they materialized in sickbay, Kalin placed Ryn on the bio-bed and the Captain activated the EMH. As the doctor materialized, she guided him over to the unconscious girl on the bio-bed. "This one is the worst of the group, but all appear in need of attention." The doctor took one look at the girl and sent the Captain a questioning look. "I'll explain later Doctor."

He nodded and looked quickly around the room, his eyes widening even more. Then he shook his head and got to work. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Hope stepped forward, moving to stand next to her sister. One hand reached out to stroke her hair. "My sister has the ability to open dimensional gates with her mind, but it severely depletes her neural energy. Each jump pulls from her and she has opened two gates within the last 48 hours. We need to find some way to stabilize her neural patterns or she'll die."

The doctor nodded and focused his scans on Ryn's neural patterns. After a few moments he attached a cortical stimulator and activated it. As he worked, Kathryn took her daughter's arm. "What do you mean it drains her life-force?" Hope didn't have a chance to answer as the sickbay doors opened again.

Chakotay entered, the Paris's and Kims behind him. "You wanted us Cap..."

"Daddy!" Twin squeals once more filled the room as the girls launched themselves at Chakotay. His eyes closed in bliss, tears fighting to be free as he wrapped his arms around them.

Chakotay placed his arms around Hope and Kathryn, while Kalin grasped Hope's hand. They watched a similar greeting, minus the squeals from the boys. Chakotay hugged his family relating to the joy of having your family safe once more. He glanced down at the girl on the table, wishing she were part of the revelry.

A cough from the doctor caught all of their attention. "This is a sickbay, not a party hall. Please contain yourselves."

Hope smiled a bit. "At least Doc is the same." A round of nods circulated the room.

Doc scowled a bit. "Would someone please tell me what's going on. This young woman is showing severe signs of physical and sexual abuse. Is this what I can expect from the rest of you?"

Kathryn shook her head. "Physical, yes. Sexual, no. Ryn took the brunt of it." Her eyes were sad as she watched the unconscious girl.

Kadi released her father and grasped her mother's hand. "She protected us from the bad guys... all of us." The young ones suffered another round of hugs as the implications became clear.

Tom Paris cleared his throat and motioned to the bedraggled Kathryn. "Captain, ma'am? If you would move to the bio-bed, I can patch you up."

Kathryn smiled gratefully and sat. Chakotay moved next to her.

The Captain tipped her head to one side, moving to place her arm around her husband. "This is going to be confusing Captain. Don't you agree?"

Kathryn smiled slightly and nodded. "Perhaps we can start by allowing you to be the only Captain onboard."

Kathryn nodded. "B'Elanna, replicate some clothing for our guests. Seven, Harry, perhaps you can help Tom repair some of our guests' injuries. Both of you have had some medical training." She walked over to her counterpart and watched as the elder Paris ran the dermal regenerator over her skin. "It's amazing isn't it? So alike in some ways and so different in others. I see my daughters in yours."

She nodded, "And I see my Hope in yours, more so in your Kadi." She looked sadly to where Ryn lay, "That one though, is truly a remarkable young woman. She reminds me of your Kat, head strong, stubborn, a born leader... hell, I don't know about you, but she reminds me of.. me." She angled her head to the side slightly to allow Tom to run the dermal regenerator over her neck, easily erasing the bruises Osei had left there.

The Captain frowned slightly, "Perhaps now would be a good time to start explaining how you ended up here, or how the girls ended up with you to begin with."

"Well," Kathryn sighed, "If you scan the area for temporal anomalies you'll find one tied into the ion radiation surrounding this planet. Well, at least we found one in the area surrounding the planet where we found the girls. We believe the blast caused by the shuttle crash opened the anomaly, and the girls were transported right through it. Ryn, as Hope already mentioned, has the ability to open dimensional gates with her mind. It's a hereditary trait, but not human, and certainly not a Janeway trait..." At her husband's grunt she rolled her eyes, "Or a Chakotay trait." She shifted on the biobed before continuing, "Ryn's birth was the result of an alien artifact of some sort extracting DNA from the Janeway and Chakotay of her universe, and the reason she looks like both of us, is because at the moment of her creation Chakotay asked for a little girl in the image of his Kathryn--or something like that. I never fully understood the details, but if I had been Ryn's mother, I would have slapped him upside his lopsided head. One Kathryn Janeway is enough for one universe..." She gazed at Ryn again, "She's a combination of her parents, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But she's more like her mother than anything, her name is Kathryn Chakotay, but as you've heard us refer to her, she goes by Ryn."

Captain Janeway turned to the dark haired girl hovering near Ryn's biobed, "And you are.."

Hope smiled, "I belong to them.." She pointed to the Kathryn and Chakotay that had beamed up with the away team.

Kathryn winked at her daughter and nodded, "Hope is our daughter, and the handsome gentlemen hovering nearby is her husband Kalin."

"Handsome?" Chakotay looked at his wife, eyes narrowing.

"I'm married, not blind.. and certainly not dead yet. But don't worry, after almost thirty years, you have nothing to worry about."

Kat and Kadi, having finally been released from yet another bear hug from their father, moved to stand near their mother. "Mom, where's Jonah?" Normally the girls would be avoiding their younger brother, but given recent events, they were starting to worry.

"Oh no," she closed her eyes, "Chakotay..."

"I've already contacted him, he'll be here shortly." He grinned, "Really Kathryn, is that anyway for a mother to act?"

"Don't start on me, or you'll be sleeping on the sofa again."

Kadi shot a grin at the other Janeway and Chakotay, "Gods it's great to be home."

Chakotay grinned at his counterpart. "Spend a lot of time on the sofa do you? Poor man. Me I keep her under control." The sentence was punctuated by a grunt as Kathryn's elbow rammed into his stomach. He leaned down to kiss his wife's cheek as he winked at Chakotay.

Sickbay doors opened once more to admit a tall teenage boy of about 19. He froze looking at the twins with something akin to awe. Finally he shook his head and embraced both of his sisters. "Next time you decide to kill yourselves, give me first dibs okay?" They laughed and tousled the boy.

Kathryn gripped Chakotay's hand. She had seen a group of her daughters but never a son. He kissed her again in understanding.

Within an hour everyone had been cleaned up and given a clean bill of health, everyone but Ryn, who was still lying deathly pale on the bio-bed.

The girl's vital signs and neural readings were stable, finally and Doc was going to continue to monitor her condition. As Kathryn escorted her guests to the mess hall for a meal, she offered a silent prayer to whatever gods might be listening.

Hope couldn't control her smile as the girls entered the messhall to once more be engulfed in hugs, this time from and exuberant Talaxian. The greeted him effusively with a loud chorus of "Uncle Nee!" She and her parents shared a look as they took a seat at one of the tables.

As Neelix brought them each a plate, the Captain kept looking at Hope. Finally she sighed. "I realize of course that you are a mixture of Chakotay and myself. Hell you have Jonah's coloring, but I can't seem to shake the feeling that we've met before." She looked to her husband for confirmation and he nodded confused as well.

Hope paused for a moment before smiling. "I forget that for you it has been over 20 years. For me it seems like yesterday. Do you remember how you and Chakotay finally got together, decided to get married?"

Kathryn tipped her head to the side. Her eyes widened suddenly and her mouth formed a silent oh. "Hope... Ryn... sometimes I'm so dense I surprise myself. We named the twins after you."

Hope nodded, smiling, "That's right.. Kathryn Hope and Kadi Ryn, though I think everyone here would agree they're not much like their namesake. It's actually quite the opposite."

Kathryn shook her head, it was coming back to her, slowly, "Was Ryn responsible for that too?"

"No," Hope shook her head, "That one was all Q." She grinned, "Tough to be mad at him when he does something right.."

She snorted, "I haven't seen Q in---" She stopped short and held up her hands, "I'm not going to talk about him, because I just have this feeling, he'd show up and I really don't need to deal with him right now. None of us do."

Everyone at the table readily agreed. "Tell me," Hope's mother leaned across the table to study her counterpart, "How many children do you have? Is it just the three?"

"Yes," Chakotay grinned down at his wife, "Though sometimes I'm not sure how we survived them."

"Hey," Jonah frowned, "I'm the good one."

"Uh huh, tell us another one," Kadi elbowed him, "no sibling of ours is innocent in any way, shape, or form."

"I beg your pardon," Kat sniffed, "but I'll have you know I am perfectly innocent."

Kathryn shook her head, "I see what you mean, actually, getting to know these two, has made me very glad Hope is an only child."

"Only?" Captain Janeway stared at her counterpart, "I don't mean to pry but, as much of a headache as I get from these three sometimes, I couldn't imagine only having one of them."

She shrugged, "Luck of the draw I suppose, in my universe I was unable to have other children."

Janeway nodded in understanding, "I can understand that." She looked around the table, "This is just... strange." She looked at her husband, "Temporal paradoxes still give me a headache."

He nodded, "I'm getting there myself." Sighing he looked around the table, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to excuse myself, one of us needs to finish Alpha shift." He grinned, "And I'm afraid Naomi was left in charge of the bridge.."

"Oh good lord," Kathryn's head fell into her hand, "Chakotay please hurry..."

"I'm sure I'll be speaking with you all later," he turned to leave.

Hope frowned, "I'm sorry, you've lost me. What's wrong with Naomi being on the bridge?"

"Oh nothing, except she's got this vision of being Captain and likes to practice on my crew. And I haven't been put out to pasture just yet..."

Kat sniffed, feigning insult, "It's not fair, she let Naomi fly the ship before I did."

"Sweetheart, I love you, but given the fact that your shuttle record looks a hell of a lot like your fathers... unless I'm standing there holding your hand, you are *not* flying my ship."

"One little shuttle crash, sheesh..."

"Two!!!" A chorus of voices surrounded her and she had to cover her ears.

"Oh Pulease. I still got a way to go to catch up with Daddy, and we survived didn't we. Besides you can't blame me for that one. I didn't ask to get struck by lightening." She swiveled in her chair and pinned her mom with a glare. "How come no one keeps tabs on the number of times Kadi has almost blown up the warp core?"

Kadi covered her face with her hands. "You know, I hate to admit it, but she's right. I have nearly blown the warp core three times. That's really scary."

Kathryn raised a brow. "Excuse me if I don't have this quite right." She looked at Kathryn. "You are Captain and you have one daughter that wants to fly this ship but has a penchant for shuttle crashes, and you have one engineer, with a penchant for warp core breaches. No offense Kathryn, but are you nuts? What is Jonah? A security officer with a penchant for shooting his own crew?"

Kathryn laughed. "I know, I know, but let's just say I keep them with the best. If Kat tries to crash the ship, Tom Paris is at the helm, and B'Elanna is always with Kadi in engineering. I'm indulgent, not stupid. As for Jonah, he hasn't made up his mind yet."

The boy shifted uncomfortably. "Actually, I'm learning to be a counselor. We really don't have one except dad, and everyone comes to me anyway. I've already established a trust with the crew."

Hope smiled at the boy, patting his hand. "I think if that's what you want to do, go for it. I love being ship's counselor." She quickly held up a hand, "Except when my parents are fighting. Because then I have lines wrapping around three sections of deck 5. And I have to be objective instead of telling mom to put the old fart on the sofa where he belongs."

Chakotay's brow shot up, "Old fart?"

His wife nodded, "On the sofa... where he belongs."

Hope grinned at her father, "It's generally your fault anyway. The only times you ever fight is when mom wants to get her way and you won't let her." She looked at the others, "And you'd think by now he would have learned to just keep his mouth shut and let her do whatever it is she wants to do."

"Here, here!" Both Janeway's said simultaneously, then laughed.

Kadi shook her head, "I don't get you people, Tom and I never argue like that. To this day he hasn't had to spend the night on the sofa...yet."

"Well," Tom looked at her, "Mrs. Kim, that's because the night before our wedding your father took me aside and gave me a little advice every man should know before marrying into your family. No matter what it is, no matter what she says, or does, or wants to do... Janeway is always right... Janeway knows best, I shall listen and keep my mouth shut... and if she yells at me I'll nod and smile, if she wants me to jump I shall ask how high... and if I open my mouth, I sleep on the couch."

Laughter erupted around the table, and Chakotay nodded, "Wise man that Commander of yours, wish someone had told me that..."

His wife looked at him, her eyes narrowing, "Well sweetheart, you'd think after, what 5 years as my XO you would have known better."

He wiggled his brows, "What can I say, being near you scrambled my brain."

"Scrambled?"

"ScrambleS, darling, scrambles..." His eyes widened and he shot a look at Kalin, "As I recall, I took you aside and gave you a little advice too.."

He nodded, "Yeah, if you hurt my baby I'll throw you out the airlock."

"Daddy!" Hope stared at her father, "You didn't..."

"Sure did, but that was before Faith was born. I mean after I decided to let you stay."

"What do you mean after *you* decided to let him stay," Kathryn looked at him, "as I recall it was *I* who made that decision."

"Perhaps, but I let him live."

"Mmhmm, if you say so." She rolled her eyes at her counterpart, "Ever noticed how Chakotay always thinks he knows everything?"

"Don't I," she looked at Kat and Kadi, "that's where those two got it from." she winked at them. "If they had gotten it from me there would be no thinking. They would know everything."

Kathryn chuckled at her counterpart. "You know what the scariest thing about this is? I think we are going to be excellent friends."

Hope groaned. "Just what we need, two of them running around conspiring to make our lives miserable."

Chakotay patted his daughter consolingly. "Your mother has never had to conspire against you my dear, it just came naturally."

His wife looked at him, brow raising. "You do like to live dangerously don't you?"

He grinned. "I married you didn't I?"

"Yes, but then I always knew you were a smart man. I finally..."

She was cut off as the doctor's voice came over the com system. "Sickbay to the Captain."

"Go ahead doctor."

"Captain, perhaps you and your guests should return to sickbay. My patient is trying to wake up."

"We're on our way." The words weren't even out of her mouth when Hope and Kalin had risen. They headed for sickbay, all thoughts suddenly serious again.

When Hope entered sickbay, she hurried over to Ryn. Kalin came to stand behind her with Chakotay and Kathryn at her side. There timing was perfect. Hope leaned down, one hand lightly touching Ryn's cheek. "Come on Sis. Come back to me."

Eyelids fluttered in the pale face until confused brown eyes focused on Hope. "Wh..." Her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to force the words out. They were stilted, uncertain, as she spoke again. "Where am I? Hope?"

Hope smiled, "That's it Sis, you're aboard Voyager. Kat and Kadi's Voyager, you got us all to safety." She put a hand on Ryn's shoulder as she tried to sit up, "Not so fast, you need to rest, 2 jumps in 48 hours, I'm surprised you're still alive, but glad just the same."

"Mmhmm," she grunted, "I bet." She glanced around, her eyes focusing in on Kathryn and....Kathryn. "Oh sweet spirits," she moaned, "There's two of them." Ryn reached for Kathryn's hand, "Are you alright?"

She nodded, "Doc and Tom took care of my injuries, they were minor, just some bruising."

Ryn nodded, "Good," she sighed, "I take it the twins are alright?"

"We're fine," Kadi piped in. "It's great to be home, thank you Ryn."

"But you really shouldn't have sacrificed yourself like that," Kat added, "you could have killed yourself."

Ryn grumbled, "Gee, save their lives and all they do is yell at me."

"I haven't started yelling yet," Kathryn told her.

Ryn glanced at her, not sure if she was joking or serious. From the look in Kathryn's eyes, it appeared she wasn't sure either. "Well, would you mind waiting? I have a hell of a headache right now." She glanced at Chakotay and held out a hand. He helped pull her into a sitting position and then on impulse hugged her. She stiffened at first and then melted into his arms, burying her face in his shoulder. As she tightened her arms around him, he repeated the move, glancing at his wife and daughter with some concern.

The room remained silent as Chakotay held the girl. Finally Ryn pulled back a bit. "Thanks Papa. You always give the best hugs, regardless of the dimension."

"Glad I could, Honey."

Ryn slid to the edge of the bed, grimacing. "Doc, could you please give me something for this headache before my head explodes?"

The doctor sighed and pressed a hypospray to her neck. "I would rather you sleep it off..." at her look, he sighed again, "but I can see you have the Janeway temperament, so I won't bother to suggest it."

She tipped her head to the side. "Nice to know you're the same, smart even, that's good." She smiled as Kadi handed her some clothes. "Anyplace I can get some food before we get to work? Or, better yet, can I replicate a sandwich and munch on it in Astrometrics?"

Hope gave her sister a strange look, recognizing denial and avoidance at a glance. "What do you have in mind?"

Ryn ducked behind a screen to change. "Well, I was thinking, we've gotten the twins home, and we really need to get back to our own. There is no telling what will happen to the space time continuum if we stay too long."

Kadi frowned. "Why is it such a big deal?"

Hope shook her head. "Normally I don't think it would be. There are cross dimensional incidents throughout history and when Ryn joined me before, it was never an issue. Nor was it when Q was involved, but I think that has more to do with his powers than anything."

Kat crossed her arms over her chest. "So?"

Ryn sighed, sitting back on the bio-bed. "So, this time there is a time discrepancy. Hope and I are running along the same time frame. Just one parallel dimension to another. You however should technically be the same age as Hope and I. The fact that you are not, alters time as well as space. Nothing might happen, or the fabric of the continuum might break down."

"How is it you can jump through time and space and not be able to control the side affects."

"Because Kat, I am not a God, nor do I want to be. I also have very limited knowledge of my own abilities. Now we really need to get to Astrometrics and do some scans. Because I really am not up to jumping again, much less twice." She glanced at the Captain as she slid off the bed. "Any scans you've done of the planet would be extremely helpful. I think this planet is a natural conductor of spatial energy. We may be able to use it to our advantage."

Janeway nodded and tapped her combadge, "Janeway to Seven, have you finished running the scans of the planet yet?"

"Yes Captain, I'm currently compiling the data, it should be ready for review within the next five minutes."

"Good, our guests and I will be meeting you in Astrometrics in a few minutes."

"Understood, Seven out."

Janeway turned to the twins, "While we're in Astrometrics, Kadi I'd like you to go to Engineering and see if you can help B'Elanna retrieve the sensor data from the shuttle debris, surely scans taken during the crash will help us more than anything else."

Kadi nodded, "I'll get right on it mom." She gave Ryn a grateful smile before turning to leave the sickbay.

The Captain then turned to Kat, "Get up to the bridge and relieve Paris, I want him to take a shuttle down to the planet and start bringing debris back to the ship."

"Aye aye Captain," She turned on her heel and walked quickly out of the room.

With that taken care of Janeway motioned her guests ahead of her, "I'm sure you all know where Astrometrics is, I suggest we get started."

*~*~*~*~*

Several hours later, the group was centered in the guest quarters. The Captain and Commander were seated beside one another on a love seat. Across from them, Chakotay sat in a chair with Kathryn perched on the arm. Kalin was sitting on the floor in front of the couch, with Hope leaning back against him between his upraised knees. Kat was curled on the sofa next to Kadi, while Harry and Tom were perched on the back. Ryn had curled into the end corner. Laughter rang through the room as Kathryn related some of Hope's antics. "So then she looks at me, holding this black nightie, and holds up a hand saying 'that's more than I needed to know.' Her look was totally priceless, like the idea of her father and I having sex was completely foreign. It's not like we weren't affectionate in front of her.  Part of me wanted to ask her where the hell she came from then."

Kathryn nodded. "I know what you mean. Kat and Kadi walked in on us one time a few years back and I thought they were going to have to scrape their jaws off the floor. I pulled them aside later to explain the details to them and they gave me the 'oh really mother we know all about that, we just thought you guys were too old for that sort of thing.' I think it was the first time I was tempted to show them old."

Chakotay squeezed her hip. "The first time they truly made me feel old is when we saw them on that Skorasian stage strip dancing to an alien crowd. I couldn't believe that was my babies up there."

"Ugh," Kathryn groaned, "don't remind me." She sighed and scowled at her daughters, "I was tempted to add another month onto their brig time just for that."

Kat and Kadi shrugged as the others stared at them, "What? We needed the money!"

Hope giggled, "At least you never had to deal with your father walking in while you were doing a strip tease for your husband."

Her father blushed, and let his head fall into his hand, "I'm trying to forget that sweetheart, but you just keep bringing it up."

"Awww," his wife patted him on the back, "Poor baby." She glanced over at Hope and winked. "At least he doesn't object to my strip teases."

Hope grimaced as her dad grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "Come on guys, that's more than I wanna know, I promise. What about you Ryn, ever do anything to make your parents want to disown you."

Ryn smiled sadly. "You'll have to ask my mother about that one. I've been making her crazy since the day I was born. Not that she's ever put me down or anything, but we just..." Her eyes went vague for a minute. She glanced at Hope. "I can't figure out how to link with her, how to make her see me, not some version of herself." She stood then and paced a bit. "I look at you two with your daughters, even you and Kat have a better report than my mother and I. I see all of her traits in you, hell I see them with my siblings, but the two of us... oil and water."

"I don't think so," Captain Janeway's eyes narrowed, "I think it's more of a situation where you're more alike than you'd like to admit." She looked at Kathryn, "I'm sure if we were on this ship for longer than a few days we'd begin to clash. We both have our own ways of commanding, and we both like very much to be in command, sooner or later, push would come to shove. I'm sure that's what it's like with your mother. Believe me, Kat and I have had our moments, but we have Kadi and Jonah to smooth our ruffled feathers."

Ryn sighed, "I don't know, it just always seems like no matter what I do, it isn't good enough, or I'm over stepping my bounds...or something."

Kat snorted, "Probably because you are overstepping your bounds. If you're anything like you were on the planet, when you're with your mother, I can see why you don't get along. You like being in charge, fine, so do I. But I don't try to push mom around, I step back and let her do what she's got to do."

"And what do you know about it little girl?" Ryn turned on her, eyes blazing, "How many times have you had to lead those you love about into harm's way? Hmm? How many times have you had to put your brother and sister into a position where they might get hurt, or worse."

Kat drew herself up, "More times than I'd like to remember, and if you recall, because of me my sister lost something very precious. I know what it is to have to rely on nothing but your own instincts, to have no higher authority to fall back on. But I don't go around flaunting my authority to anyone who will listen."

Ryn's eyes narrowed, "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh pulease! You've been miss I got to be the center of attention since you crossed over. Hell even Hope was spouting your praises. Ryn will save us, no matter what. Such a special, wonderful person, who knows all, can relate to all. You're such a bloody damned saint! You were down there, trying to manipulate us all. You even called Mom a senile old bat. Taking over, making yourself the center of the show yet again."

Hope stood behind Ryn, conscious of the shaking of her body. The two Kathryn's watched the by-play with a mixture of curiosity and horror. Ryn took a deep breath, her voice calm. "I see. You see my taking command as an act of competition for my mother, regardless of what dimension she is in?"

"That's exactly it. Mom would have taken on those goons and handled the situation with more finesse."

Ryn's brow furrowed and she took a step forward. "What the hell do you think they would have done to her? Think you they would have offered her tea and crumpets? A nice polite discussion? Damn it Kat they would have beaten the spirit out of her and raped her. Do you honestly think she could have survived that?"

"She's an old woman!"

"This thing wasn't about age it was about power, and control. Osei wasn't looking for a fuck buddy, he was looking for domination. I just gave him options."

"And sacrificed yourself! Well I never asked you to sacrifice yourself for me. I would have been fine. Just like you!"

Ryn surged forward, knocking Hope's hands from her. "Fine! Fine! I am far from fine you little twit. And as far as letting you ask for my sacrifice, well none of you did. I made a choice, a command decision if you will and it turned out to be the right one for you guys."

"You don't know that! Maybe we could have done something different. Maybe he would have talked with us."

"Damnit Kat! He wasn't interested in talking! Sweet blessings and starfire! You and Kadi would have been tempting morsels to him. He would have laughed as he raped one of you and fed the other to one of his men so that they could witness your humiliation too. Have you ever been raped Kat? Have you ever had anyone force you to the ground and steal every once of pride and sense of self and dignity from you? Have you ever been so devastated, so humiliated and in so much pain that you wanted to crawl up in a ball and die? Have you ever been so lost in the horror that the only thing to bring you back to yourself was the fact that someone needed you?" At Kat's wide eyed look Ryn grasped her uniform and shook her lightly. "I hope you never get there little girl because it's hell to find your way out." She pushed her away, stepping back slightly and shakily. She ran a hand through her hair, her face pale. "I'm glad to have spared you that."

Kat was shaky herself. She stepped closer one hand out.

"Kat," her mother took a step forward and pulled her back. "Enough, let it go." She turned her daughter to face her, "It was a difficult decision, but it was made. Nothing said now will change it, so just drop it." She looked toward Ryn for a moment, her eyes full of gratitude and compassion, "Had I been in that position, I would have done the same."

Sighing heavily, Kat jerked away from her mother and fled the room. Kathryn started to go after her, but Kadi stopped her. "No, just let her go. You know how her moods are, she'll settle down later." She met Ryn's gaze, "She doesn't mean it that way, she just feels responsible that's all." She sighed, "She's going to blame herself for putting you in that situation, and beat herself up because she couldn't stop it. It was the same for us several years ago. We came close to being beaten and raped by Tolan, the leader of the warrior regiment that captured Voyager, but Kat managed to stop it. I paid the price, and she's blamed herself ever since. There's no reasoning with her when she's like this, she has to come down on her own."

The two Janeways exchanged a wry glance, "Another unfortunate Janeway trait I'm afraid," the captain said.

Kathryn nodded, "Unfortunate indeed." She stood and took Ryn in her embrace, "You're right darling, I wouldn't have survived that, physically or mentally. But I would have spared you this if I could..."

"That's the worst part," Ryn trembled violently in front of her, "another moment, and I would have let you." She leaned into Kathryn trying desperately to compose herself, control her breathing.

The Captain stepped forward and laid a hand gently on Ryn's shoulder. "I may not have the experience to help you with what you went through down there Ryn. Hell I've learned more in the last few minutes than in all the time you've been here, and I don't know what to say. I've been close a time or two, and that alone was enough to make me think. Hell, it scared me more than I've ever been scared for myself. I can only thank you for taking the initiative, seeing the situation with clear eyes, and sparing my girls that. I can't imagine putting myself back together after something like that, much less my girls."

Kathryn's eyes met the Captain's over Ryn's head. "It's pure hell, trying to find something in yourself to respect. Trying to accept that no matter what, you weren't to blame. Knowing that you had no real choice, but did what had to be done and screaming silently in your head that it's not fair." She held out a hand to her husband. "We found a way to put our lives back together and we will again." He kissed her hand.

Kadi stepped forward. "But who will put Ryn back together?"

Ryn pulled back and blinked at Kadi, her eyes so sad it broke hearts. "Dare will... Just like he did before and has always done."

They were all thankful for the interruption when it came, "Tuvok to Janeway, Captain we've located a ship in orbit on the other side of the planet. Apparently, the radiation that has been interfering with our scans of the planet has also been masking the ship."

"Understood Tuvok, I'm on my way," She looked at the others, and once more offered them a smile of gratitude and sympathy. "I'll check in on you later." With that she turned and exited the room, her husband close behind her. When they arrived on the bridge, it was alive with activity, "Report."

Tuvok glanced up from his console, "We've identified the vessel, it appears we have more visitors from beyond this dimension. But we have not been able to raise it on any communications frequency, it's likely the radiation is interfering with our hails as well."

Kathryn sighed as she looked at the data, "Another Voyager, that's all we need. Alright, Tom," she called down to the helm, "Move us into orbit just above them, perhaps closing the distance will help clear up the lines of communication."

"Yes ma'am," his fingers worked quickly over the console. In a matter of minutes Voyager was sliding into a synchronous orbit with the other ship.

"Good, Harry, try to hail them again." She waited patiently as a link was established and the view screen lit up to reveal that Voyager's command team, versions of herself and Chakotay that had to be some 25 years younger than they were. "Captain," she greeted her with a kind smile, "Welcome to our universe, I know how strange this seems, but hopefully after I've explained you'll understand a little better what's going on here."

The younger woman looked at her for a long moment. "My eyes are telling something I'm a little uncertain to believe."

Again Kathryn offered her counterpart a reassuring smile. "I understand perfectly. You should of course use caution. Can you tell us how you came to be here?"

After glancing at her first officer for support, the other captain continued.  "We were finishing trade with the Nebari. As part of our negotiations to travel through their space, they allowed us access to wormhole. It seems the end is fixed near this planet. However, once we entered this sector, a series of subspace fluctuations erupted around us, and opened trans-dimensional portals, one of which we were sucked into. It deposited us near here yesterday. Voyager's engines and scanners have been damaged, and that just the most major problem."

"We would be more than happy to offer our assistance. You aren't the first interdimensional travelers we've had, either. Is your doctor able to handle any medical emergencies or can we help out there as well?"

Her counterpart smiled gratefully, "Actually we could use the help, our Doctor won't be back online for another 3 or 4 hours, and we have several officers that were seriously wounded in the shift. Paris is good, but he's a bit out of his league over here."

Janeway nodded, "It will probably be better to transport them over here, and once that's done I'll have an Engineering team transport over to your Voyager." She turned slightly and nodded once to Chakotay who stepped aside and started making the arrangements.

"Thank you Captain," she stepped aside and listened as Chakotay offered his own suggestions, "Perhaps," she continued, "it would be prudent to set up a meeting aboard one of the ships to discuss possible ways of getting everyone back into their own times and," she smiled crookedly, "realities."

"Good idea," the elder Janeway nodded, "Might I suggest having you transport aboard my ship, as our other guests are already here, and forgive me but," she grinned, "you're crew would probably have your ship repaired a lot faster with you out of their hair."

The other Captain chuckled, "Agreed, a half an hour then?"

Kathryn nodded, "Done, will see you then Captain." As the link was cut she turned toward her bridge crew, "Report?"

"Torres can spare Kadi, Tom, and a secondary crew, but all her senior engineers are needed at the moment. Do you really think it's wise to send them over there?" His brow was knitted in concern.

"They're aware they aren't in their own dimension any longer, I don't see what harm it can really do, besides if they're going to get home they need our help--in whatever form we can give it to them."

He nodded, "Alright, I'll have B'Elanna start getting her teams ready to beam over, and let the Doctor and Paris know they'll be receiving wounded."

Smiling appreciatively she nodded, "Thank you Chakotay, and I'll let our visitors know to be expecting more guests." With that they both turned and exited the bridge together, each going on their own way.

Kathryn decided to meet the command team herself and escort them to the conference room. She smiled brightly as her guest beamed over and offered a hand in welcome, wondering if this Kathryn was anything like she was when she was that age. She studied the younger woman closely, noting the stress lines around the eyes. She smiled again when she noticed the carefully hidden love apparent in Chakotay's eyes, familiar only to one who knew him well. She also noted the protective gesture as he motioned his Captain forward.  "Welcome to our Voyager." The younger woman nodded. Kathryn motioned them toward the door. "You have traveled a long way in such a short time. You must be proud of your crew."

"Yes. They are the finest officers I've ever had the pleasure to serve with.  Please don't think me rude Captain, but I've noticed that you appear much older than me. Are we tampering with a timeline?"

"I don't think so. You see, my Voyager never met the Nebari. We have traveled through the Delta Quadrant for around thirty years. My guess is that you were lucky to find the wormhole that you did, and it brought you to the same point in space that we are in, and the dimensional rifts have pulled you into a different time." She paused before the conference room doors. "As I stated, you are not the only travelers we have encountered. The others are waiting inside. I have spoken to B'Elanna and she has organized a team to go over and help with repairs. They too should be at this meeting."

The doors opened and the threesome walked in. The younger team froze as they spied yet another older couple sitting side by side at the table. "Oh my..."

The Captain motioned her guests to take a seat. "My first thought is that perhaps we need to figure out what to call each other until we are no longer together. I'm afraid Captain and Kathryn refers to us all."

The woman at the table raised a hand as the other two sat. "It is my thought that we," motioning to herself and her Chakotay, "are civilians in this. This is after all your ship. As you and I are the eldest," she offered a grin at her younger version, "we call you Captain or Kathryn. My Chakotay gets a kick out of calling me Kate, and if there are no objections, I'll assume that name for the time being. Do you have a nickname at all?"

"I... Kath or Kathy? Not my favorites mind you but they'll do for the time being." As the three women nodded decisively, Kathy frowned. "What do we call the Commander?"

Kate glanced at her husband and grinned. "Hey you?"

Kathryn snirked while Kathy looked shocked. "Now Kate..."

"Okay okay... Since pain in the ass isn't an option," she paused only long enough for Kathryn's second chuckle, "I suggest again, Commander or Chakotay.

My husband we can call Tay as he is used it and you Commander? Any suggestions?"

"I suppose I could get used to Chak for the time being." Again the women nodded and smiled.

Kate looked up suddenly. "Hey, weren't we supposed to have a meeting of sorts."

Kathryn nodded. "Yes, but I asked the others to meet us here a little later so that we could sort out the little details." Even as she spoke the doors opened and her senior staff filed in. The guys motioned the ladies to take a seat and took up a stance behind them. As the doors shut, Kathy expected Kathryn to begin the meeting, but she just stared expectantly at the door, as if willing it to open. After several moments she frowned and looked around the room. "I trust everyone knows one another?" As there was a murmur of agreement, the doors to the room opened and two young women entered, arguing.

"I'm telling you Kadi, it's in the helm station. That's the only way its going to be fixed."

"It's a relay and I can tap it from engineering... Holy shit!" About that time the two women following them ran into the girls as they stopped.

The shortest of the woman scowled at the younger ones. "What?..." Her mouth dropped open and she stared about in shock. "Sweet Blessings!" She grabbed the dark haired woman's arm and gestured to the table. "There are three of them!!!"

Her companion gaped a moment then shook her head. "I don't know about you Ryn, but my parents were never that young."

Kathryn stood, trying not to notice as the younger command team stared in stunned silence. "Nice of you to join us ladies."

Kadi ducked her head as Kat blushed then moved forward. "Sorry Mom, err Captain. Kadi and I were going over the damage reports from the other Voyager and Ryn and Hope were helping us. We got engrossed."

Ryn nodded, ushering the others forward. "My apologies Captain."

As the women took a seat, Kadi nudged Kat. "What?" Once more all attention was on them and Kat blushed again. "Sorry."

Kathryn raised a brow and glared at her daughter. "Since you demanded our attention, would you care to share?"

This time Kadi blushed. "Umm sorry Daddy."

Kathryn switched her gaze to her husband as he chuckled, and then she followed his stare and laughed herself. "Oh Chakotay you are sooooo obvious."

"I can't help it. Now I remember why I married you." He glanced over at Tay for support.

"Yep, and now there are three of them. One is enough. Two is a sight to see, but three??? Aren't we pushing it a bit, that could be dangerous you know."

Hope giggled. "Four actually, if you add Ryn.. "

Chakotay shook his head, "Nah, she's a byproduct, not an original, she has enough Chakotay in her to offset the really bad Janeway traits."

Kathryn raised her brow again in an excellent rendition of Tuvok. "Bad Janeway traits?"

"Er Dangerous Janeway traits?"

"Dangerous?"

"Uh.. not always perfectly good? But never bad either?"

"Uh huh..."

"Um, I love you."

"You're still sleeping on the sofa where you belong."

"The sofa?"

Kate grinned. "Where you belong."

Kathy glanced around the room in confusion, noting the hidden grins and stifled chuckles of the senior staff. "Excuse me, I think we may have come at a bad time... we'll just be returning to our ship now."

Kat and Kadi snickered. "Nah, they're always like this...Old people, go figure."

Their mother frowned at them, "Who you calling old? I'm still young enough to turn both of you over my knee, and I just might if you don't start behaving yourselves."

The twins glances at each other, "Behaving? What's that?"

Chakotay shook his head, "You'll have to forgive her, she's getting a little senile in her old age, she's forgotten our daughters are complete demon spawn."

Kathryn glared at him, "Senile? Old age? You mister are becoming dangerously close to sharing quarters with Neelix, indefinitely."

He blinked, "Have I mentioned that I really love you?"

"Nuh uh," She placed a hand on her hip, "It isn't working."

Kate snickered, "Why don't we just make both of them bunk together, alleviate both our headaches."

"You know," Kathryn perked up, "That's not a bad idea."

"Hey," Chakotay and Tay said in unison.

Kathryn looked at Kathy, "You know, if they'd just learned to keep their mouths shut everything would be so peaceful."

"But, dear..." Chakotay began, "if I kept my mouth shut I couldn't...." He trailed off, his eyes waggling to convey the finished thought.

Both the elder Janeways groaned and slapped their husbands.

"What'd I do?" Tay frowned and rubbed the spot on his shoulder.

"Guilt by association," Kate told him.

Kathy leaned forward against the table, "I'm sorry, I really don't mean to interrupt, but there is the matter of getting everyone back to the correct times..."

"She reminds me of someone," Chakotay mumbled, "can't put my finger on it, but..." he trailed off when his wife glared at him, "But I'm shutting up now."

Chak shook his head, laughing inspite of the glare he was getting from his Kathryn, "So this is what Cabin Fever does to you?" He glanced at his Captain, "Remind me to leave the ship more often."

"Sure," she muttered, "the airlock is on deck 9, anytime you want to take a stroll go right ahead."

The officers gathered around the table burst out laughing, with the elder Kathryn's adding, "I think I like her already."

Ryn raised her hands. "Enough already! Thank God my parents are reasonably sane."

Hope giggled again. "Yeah right, but then your psychotic anyway?"

Ryn closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then she focused on the younger command team. "My apologies. They are strange. Now since no one else wants to start this meeting, may I inform everyone of what Seven and I discovered a short time ago?" She waited until she had everyone's attention. "From what scans we've been able to get from the planet, we've detected that the planet is..." she stood pacing a moment. "Well, for lack of a better world, a dimensional magnet. Something in the planet's atmosphere amplifies spatial rifts and opens doors to other dimensions. We are all in the same space and time in our own dimensions, thus we have a common link. The shuttle crash and the ion storm acted as a catalyst to open the gate into Hope's dimension, and when I opened the return gate, it caused a spatial rift across time, thus pulling in the other Voyager. The times exact from the data that we got from the other ship."

Kathryn leaned forward. "If that's so, can you open another gate and possibly send them back."

Ryn plopped down into her chair and started to speak, but Kat interrupted her.  "Oh sure and why don't we just kill her while we are at it."

"Kat..." When the girl looked at her, Ryn shot her a grateful smile. She then turned her attention back to Kathryn. "I'm sorry Captain, but I'm nowhere near strong enough yet to even attempt it, and we have no way of knowing how it will affect the space time continuum."

Hope slouched in her chair and swiped her hands over her face. "Where is Q when you need him."

"Don't even!" All three Kathryns glared at her. She raised her hands in apology.

Ryn smiled. "Q is one to make a mess and let others clean it up, or leave you to your own devices. What I can do is join the away team on the other ship. Provided the specks aren't too different, I should be able to help. Then we can get some of the data from their scanners from before their trip through. Perhaps if we can retrieve the readings from before they went in to the readings that were taken when we came through than we can modify the deflector to emit an electromagnetic pulse and open a stable gate. Despite my history I actually have some technical experience with this sort of thing." She shrugged then and glanced over at Kat. "If worst comes worse, I can always try to open one myself."

"Absolutely not," were the replies from Kat, Hope, Kathryn and Kate.

"You'll not kill yourself to send me home young lady," Kate narrowed her eyes at her, "I'd sooner stay and take my chances with the space/timecontinuum."

Hope nodded, "Mom's right Ryn, another jump this quickly will kill you, and you have nothing here to draw from to regain the energy needed--well, nothing you're willing to draw from."

Kadi frowned and drummed her fingers against the table, "Ryn, this energy you draw from, does it have to be living energy? Or can it be from a non-living source?"

Ryn shrugged, "I'm really not sure. I suppose it can be from any source, but as I've told Hope repeatedly, I don't know my abilities well enough to even try."

"True," Kadi leaned forward against the table and angled a look at her, "but what about all the electromagnetic energy being emitted from the planet?  Surely you could harness enough of your powers to draw enough energy to at least keep you alive."

"I'm sorry," Kathy interrupted, "but what are you talking about?"

Ryn sighed, "To make a long story short, I'm not completely human. Have you ever encountered a race called the Arion?" At the younger couples confused looks she went on, "Well my parents did, and because of that race I was created, and as a result I am a component of Human and Arion DNA. And as such, I have the ability to open dimensional gates. However, it drains much of my neural energy each time, and in the last 48 hours I've made two jumps."

"And the energy she used has not even begun to regenerate yet," Hope continued for her sister, "another jump would kill her."

"And staying here," Ryn continued with a clenched jaw, "would destroy the space/time continuum, so if no other method is devised, I will be opening another gate to send everyone, or at least as many people as possible home."

"No you won't," Hope stared her down, "we've been over this before."

"And we'll go over it again," Ryn growled, "it's the only way Hope."

"Maybe not," Kadi interrupted before they could really get going.

Kathryn frowned as she stared at the younger of the twins, "Go on Kadi, you have my attention at least." She glanced to where Ryn and Hope were glaring at each other.

"Well," Kadi spread her hands open on the table, "it's like I said before. All Ryn has to do is try to draw energy from the planet, and if it works, problem solved. She'd be able to replenish her neural energy and then some in preparation for a dimensional jump."

"In theory," Ryn sighed, "but I guess at this point it's worth a try."

"Well you don't have to sound so enthused," Kat drawled, then ducked as her mother glared at her. She angled a look at the younger command team, "Do me a really big favor, if you ever have children, don't spoil them, and keep an open mind... you'll need it."

"Or just don't have children," Ryn said blandly.

Kathryn sighed, "It's a pity your mother isn't here, I really would love to see her take you into hand, but since I'm here.. I'll do it... "

"Enough said," Ryn sank down into her chair, "So, next on the agenda?"

Chakotay shook his head and looked at the couple next to him, "If only that had worked with our children, I might just have fewer gray hairs." He glanced at his wife, thought about it for a moment then said, "Nah, she's enough for any----" He trailed off when he caught sight of her glare, "Nevermind."

"The problem is," Kathryn began, "everytime I'd punish them, that one," she pointed at Kadi, "would go running to her father with those big blue eyes and get out of whatever it was, in no time flat."

Kadi breathed on her nails then buffed them on her uniform jacket, "It's not easy being me, but I'm offering lessons at 2100 if anyone's interested, Greatness Ala Kadi Janeway-Kim."

"Kim?" Chak's brow shot up, "As in Harry Kim?"

She shook her head, "No, his son Tom."

"Ah, I see..." He looked at her twin, "And you would be with...."

"Harry Paris," she offered, "though sometimes I wonder why."

"Spoken like a true Janeway," he chuckled, then stopped abruptly when he noticed his Captain's glare, "Sorry."

Kathy leaned against the table, "When can we get started?"

Kathryn looked around the table, "If there's nothing else?" When she got no replies she nodded, "Meeting adjourned."

"I'll escort you to the transporter room," Kat offered as she stood and moved toward the younger Command team. They nodded and followed her, ready to get back to their own ship.

As they left, the elder Janeways exchanged a look, "So what do you make of her?" Kathryn asked of her counterpart.

Kate snorted, "She's got that damned ship stuck so far up her ass I thought I saw a nacelle sticking out her ear." She sighed, "Reminds me of..... me at that age."

"And him?" She asked next.

"Him I feel sorry for," Kate glanced at her husband and smiled, "he's so obviously in love with her, but she's keeping him at arm's length. Damnit," she stared at her husband, "how come you never made a stand?" She sighed, "He's hurting, you can see it."

Kathryn sighed as well, "I wish we could take her aside and gang up on her, but we really can't."

"Nope," the other shook her head in defeat, "unless...." A smile began to tug at her lips.

Tay narrowed his eyes, "What are you concocting now?"

"Well," she leaned forward and rested her elbows against the table, "we can't do anything directly, but if we throw them into a situation with our beloved children every chance we can..."

"Maybe she'll open her eyes and see what she's missing," Kathryn finished for her, and pondered the idea. "Think she'd fall for it? Would you?"

"I'm not sure, you?"

"Same, but it's worth a try."

"Like Ryn said, at this point, anything is."

Ryn slid up beside Kat as they headed for the transporter room. "Captain, if  you don't mind Hope and I will be beaming back with you. Kadi, Kat, Kalin, Harry and Tom will be heading over in about an hour. Your team can fill us in on where we are needed, and we will help coordinate the others when they come over."

Kathy tipped her head to the side. "Kalin, Harry and Tom?"

Kat nodded. "Yeah, Kalin is Hope's husband and then there is my Tom and Kat's Harry."

At the Captain's confused look, Hope patted her on the arm. "Don't look so worried. Out of all of us, I'm probably the most useless. I never put much stock in the technical aspects of the ship, but I can work my way around a com panel, and help keep this group out of mischief. Kalin knows the ins and outs of our Voyager, and Ryn hers. As for the boys, from what I understand, they and the twins are a bunch of geniuses."

Kadi blushed. "I wouldn't go that far, but we are good."

Kathy had to smile at the confidence on the girls' faces. "I guess we are in good hands then." She glanced over at Ryn. "Are you well enough to go over to our ship?"

Even as Ryn made to respond, Hope snorted. "She wouldn't tell you anything but yes unless she were unconscious. That's part of the reason I'm going."

"Hope...."

"I know, I know, and I agree. The work will keep your mind busy."

Ryn rolled her eyes but refused to comment. As the doors to the transporter room opened, Ryn glanced at Kathy. "So what's with you guys anyway?"

Kathy stopped, confused. "What?"

"Well, it's obvious you're in love, why aren't you doing anything about it?"

Hope's eyes widened in shock. "Ryn?!?"

Ryn tossed her a casual glance before focusing back in on the command team. "What? It's not right I tell you. If our parents in any dimension were meant to not be together, its because one of them died. So, why are you waiting?"

Kathy bristled, "That's really none of your business young lady, I can't know what tempted your parents to throw protocol to the wind, but on my ship it won't be happening any time soon."

Ryn shook her head, "Pity, look what you're missing out on," she indicated her other siblings, "well except her," she shot a look at Kat, "But the other one is okay."

"Hey!" Kat frowned, "I resemble, I mean I resent that remark."

Kathy sighed, "When everyone has finished this carrying on, I would like to return to my ship. The sooner we get to work, hopefully the sooner we can get everyone home."

Kat studied her for several moments, "And I thought my mom could be stiff at times, lady you take the cake."

Kathy bristled once more. "I beg your pardon?"

Hope held up a hand. "Enough. Really..." She looked first at Ryn and then at Kat. "I swear you two share a brain and have absolutely no sense of tact whatsoever."

Ryn lifted a brow and snorted. "I outgrew the need for games a long time ago Hope. Someone needs to lock them naked in a turbolift until they figure it out."

Chak coughed at the thought. "I appreciate your concern Ladies. But our command structure is exactly where we want it to be, as is our friendship. I would appreciate if you would keep your comments and suggestions to yourself."

"If it were anyone else, I might be tempted to argue, but I've never been able to deliberately disobey you. I don't suppose I'll start now." Ryn tipped her head at Kathy. "I think you're making a mistake, holding him at arms length, but it is your decision. I only hope that after seeing two working command relationships, you'll think about it."

"Enough," Chakotay knew the signs for when she'd had enough and interjected before his Captain could bite someone's head off. "Young lady if you can't keep your opinions to yourself we'll have to ask you to remain on this ship."

Ryn sighed, "That won't be necessary Commander, I can keep my mouth shut. I can see it's a waste of time anyway." Shaking her head she stepped up onto the transporter padd, but not without shooting Kathy one last pity filled look.

Sighing Hope stepped up onto the padd beside her, "I think we can both keep our opinions to ourselves long enough to get your ship back up and running Captain."

"Good, see that you do," Kathy looked toward where Kadi stood at the transporter console, "We're ready whenever you are."

Kadi gave her a sympathetic smile, "Energizing."

When the group had dematerialized Kat shot her sister a devious smile, "You know, the locking them in the turbolift naked idea isn't half bad..."

"Don't even think it," Kadi shook her head as she walked out of the room.

"But Kadi, just think, it's perfect! And we haven't pulled off a scheme like it in ages!"

Kadi meant to dash the idea instantly, but one look at her sister's face, one look at that mischievous sparkle that she hadn't seen in so long, and Kadi crumbled. "All right, I'm listening."

~~~~~~

On to Part 3

Back to Night Flights

Feed the authors?  Kadi and Kat