Back on Voyager, Kathryn entered sickbay where the body of Chakotay lie. His eyes were closed as if he were only asleep. Doc peered out his window in his office as he watched the captain walk to him.
"I'm so glad you're back. I'll even be more pleased when they reunite your body with that which is your soul." Kathryn pulled up a stool and sat upon it, taking Chakotay's hand in hers.
"I don't know if you can hear me. All I know is that I've missed you. Your counsel, your friendship, your continued urging to eat. I miss the feel of you and knowing that you're by my side in the heat of battle. There is so much that I never got to tell you."
Kathryn smoothed a hand over his head. "What I mean to say is that. . .I've missed you. In every way. And I don't think I can bear to lose you again. Not when you and I have so much to live for." She stayed there a long time. The doctor watched her and knew it was for the best.
XIV. Refusion
The high priestess awaited them. The elder Senpicol accompanied Kathryn and her command crew. Chakotay's body rested on a stone pallet. She ran an orb across his body.
"Kathryn Janeway. The body of your first still lives. What is asked of me?"
Elder stepped forward. His gray hair framing a lined face. "I ask, on behalf of Kathryn, the refusion."
"What you ask, has not been done since ages past. And then, only in legend."
Kathryn stepped forward, knowing only the plea of a loved one could have any bearing on what happened. "Madame, forgive me. But my logic and moral compass is flawed, where the father of my child is concerned." Now, the whole command crew knew Kathryn's secret.
"So be it." The priestess intoned. "And who is the keeper of the ralimrl?" Doc stepped forward.
"I am. The Emergency Holographic Medical Supplement. Created by Dr. Louis Zimmerman, of Jupiter Station."
"Emergency Holographic Medical Supplement, creation of Dr. Zimmerman, what I ask of you is not done lightly. You carry within you the spirit of one who is needed back here. There can be risk, so the choice must be yours."
Kathryn looked at the doctor, the doctor looked at her. He then looked back up to the priestess. "I choose the risk." Then muttered, so only Kathryn heard him.
"Hell of a time to ask."
He stepped forward and the ceremony began.
And time passed.
XV. Revelation
Kathryn awoke on the ground. Neelix's jacket covering her like a blanket. She stood with the help of Tuvok and awaited the results. Soon, Doc stepped down from the platform.
"I'm all right, in case anyone wants to know." He asked, then stepped aside.
The elder joined Kathryn as she looked past him. On the platform, she could see them outfitting Chakotay in his uniform.
"I can't thank you enough." Kathryn began.
"It was no trouble. Your story of long journey's and of carrying your friends child proved that you are a kind species."
"But at what price to you? A war with your neighbors." Kathryn said.
"If it is not in vain, then it will be glorious. Your life and that of your beloved met more." The elder smiled and left as Chakotay made his way down the stairs. The crew lined up to greet him as he made his way to Kathryn.
Chakotay looked first at Neelix, taking in the Talaxian. He smiled at him and went up the line. Smiling faces greeted him, with the exception of Seven and Tuvok. But they even seemed pleased. The last two in line were Doc and Kathryn. He gave the doctor a cursory look and stared at Kathryn.
He reached out a hand and gently caressed the bruised cheek she had yet to have fixed. "The doctor tells me that you came back for me."
"You would have---have done the same for me many times." Kathryn said.
"The ship made it?" He asked. The refusion having fogged some memories.
"You saved the ship, Chakotay. You saved us all. Don't you remember?" Kathryn said.
He shook his head as if trying to knock out the cobwebs. "Bits and pieces." He looked to her again. "I told you I loved you."
"And I told you the same." She said, tears filling her eyes.
"I told you not to grieve for me."
"Yes." Kathryn whispered.
"You did?"
"Of course I did." She admitted. She pulled herself up to him and hugged him close. "I grieved for my friend. I grieved for my lover. And. . ." She pulled away and looked him in the eye. "And I grieved for the father of my child."
Chakotay stared at her and knew. He had known the whole time when he followed her, or at least he thought he'd known. His eyes raked down her face and down her body, stopping on her still flat stomach.
"You're. . .?" he asked.
"Yes. Oh, Chakotay. Yes." He pulled her to him and hugged her fiercely. Around them, their friends gathered in a circle to welcome back the commander and congratulate them both for this joyous news they had all finally been let in on.
And the human adventure continues. . .