I read a story called 'The Surrogate' on fanfiction.net. I loved the story and felt a need to write sequel, so here it is. The Surrogate by Jenstar can be found here: The Surrogate. I highly suggest reading it first.

*~*~*~*~*

Rating: M
Pairing: J/C
Summmary: A Sequel to 'The Surrogate' by Jenstar, this is the completion of Janeway's heart and soul...
Disclaimer: Paramount/Viacom own the series and the characters that are related to Star Trek: Voyager, but the story is mine.
Length: 6158 words
Date: September 2008

Kathryn stared at Chakotay, "You are in big trouble mister."

Chakotay raised his hands in a surrender motion. "I don't know what I did, but whatever it was... I'm sorry."

Kathryn sighed. They had been an item for three months now, and the crew was none-the-wiser... for the moment.

Kathryn stared at Chakotay, "Remember, 'Nothing will happen, its okay Kathryn. The crew will never know'?"

Chakotay sucked in a deep breath, "Oh come on Kathryn. Please tell me you don't want to define parameters now?" He said a little more angrily than he meant to.

He watched as Kathryn burst into tears. He instantly felt bad for whatever he had done. "Damn hormones," he heard her mumble.

Chakotay opened his arms for a hug. She ran into them and wiped her tears on his shirt. She heard Chakotay let out a sigh, and then a laugh. "So is this what I have to look forward to once a month?"

Kathryn looked into his eyes, "No," she sniffled and wiped her nose on her sleeve. "This is what you have to look forward to for the next seven and a half months."

Chakotay's jaw dropped, "I beg your pardon?"

"It seems Katie is going to be an Irish twin," she laughed. "Only this one will be half Irish."

He stared at her incredulously, "You can't mean..."

She gave a half smirk, "Yep... daddy."

Chakotay let out a whoop and ran and picked Kathryn up, at which point she proceeded to lose her supper all over him.

Kathryn looked at Chakotay horrified, "I'm so sorry..."

"It's okay 'mom'. I remember what you were like last time and this one has Janeway blood in her."

She smirked, "You'd better stop calling 'Kole' a her, he doesn't like that."

Chakotay got a look of dazed wonder in his eyes. "I'm going to have a son?"

"Well I don't know for sure, but I have a feeling."

He reached up a pulled her in for a kiss. "Kathryn, I don't care what you give me, but you have made me the happiest man alive."

He smiled softly at her, "Well I guess the crew will know about us before too long."

She looked at him, "I suppose so," she drew in a deep breath, "You're happy about this right?"

Chakotay smiled, "Ecstatic."

Kathryn got an unsure look on her face. "Chakotay, I'm 47 years old; can we wait to tell the crew until it's blatantly obvious? The doctor said because of my age, the chance of miscarriage is relatively high -"

"He cut her off, "You did just fine with Katie, and I'm sure this one will be fine too."

She smiled at his confidence and his optimism, "I hope so Chakotay... I hope so."

Chakotay pulled her down so she was sitting on his knees on the couch. He lifted her shirt and let his hands plat over the still flat plane of her abdomen.

"Kathryn, nothing will happen to our baby."

The soothing motion of his hands over the place where their child lay put Kathryn into a deep slumber.

*~*~*~*~*

Eight weeks later, Chakotay slept next to Kathryn. He looked at her changing body and felt a pride swell up in him knowing that the child she carried was theirs.

He rubbed his hands over the bulge and Kathryn turned in her sleep and opened her eyes to look into Chakotay's obsidian pools. "Feel anything?"

Chakotay chuckled, "I'm sorry I woke you, go back to sleep."

She raised her eyebrows, "And have you stop? I don't think so." She looked at him and grabbed his hand to guide it to her swollen breast.

Chakotay clamped down on his fear, "Kathryn we can't."

Kathryn rolled her eyes, "Why not? I went through one pregnancy with raging hormones and no one to help me with them: this one is at least half your fault and you WILL help me with them."

Kathryn approached him, got down on her knees and engulfed him in her hot, wet, mouth. "Oh gods Kathryn, you're a dirty little minx aren't you?"

Chakotay pulled out and picked her up and flipped her over on the bed so she was lying on her back. He went down and lapped the juices that were dripping from her engorged sex. He got up looked her in the eyes and kissed her sharing her taste with her. "How do you like that Kathryn? Should I continue?"

"Oh yes, please." She begged.

He plunged into her and she felt her orgasm building. She felt the baby move against her cervix for the first time and cried out at the heightened orgasm.

Chakotay looked at the spent soon-to-be mother of his child and hopefully soon-to-be wife.

Chakotay pulled out and lay beside his love. "Kathryn, are you okay?"

Kathryn caught her breath. "Better than okay love," she paused laying a hand on her "Your son just moved."

He smiled, "You mean 'daughter'." He placed his hands on her belly and waited for it to happen again. He paused, "I don't feel anything Kathryn."

She smiled, "You will soon Chakotay... I've been thinking. Maybe it’s time to tell the crew."

"I've been thinking too Kathryn; let's get mxzarried." He paused looking at her surprised face. "I love you, and this little one will be here before we know it, and you're really starting to show and -"

"Okay."

He stared at her disbelieving. "Okay? I thought you'd fight me on this one a little more."

She sighed, "Chakotay. I love you, and I'm not getting any younger. It's Kathryn's turn now. I'm sick of watching everyone else get on with their lives while the Captain watches hers wither away. I won't do it anymore." She sucked in a breath, "There he goes again Chakotay. Our son... or daughter moved."

Chakotay placed his hands on her tummy and felt it. "My god Kathryn, that's amazing."

She grinned, "I know and this time she's ours."

"I thought you were sure it was a boy?"

Kathryn laughed, "I really don't care as long as it's healthy Chakotay." She grinned at her fiancé, "I just wanted to oppose you."

He stared at her, "So what do you think it is?"

"My mothering instinct says it’s a girl... but I think I'd be better with a little boy."

He drew her into a hug. "I think you'd be stupendous either way."

Kathryn blushed under his scrutiny and praise. "Good Captains don't always make good mothers."

He tilted her chin up and forced her to look at him, "Listen to me Kathryn, you'll be fine; our daughter will be fine: everything will be fine."

Kathryn took Chakotay's hand, or rather slipped her tiny one into his larger one. "Let's get some sleep honey. Tomorrow is going to be a big day of announcements all around. We don't have to be on the bridge until 0900 let's do a senior staff breakfast here."

"That sounds like a great idea Kathryn." They sent inter-ship messages to the senior staff, and decided to go back to bed.

*~*~*~*~*

The alarm was set for the command couple for 0700 the next morning, they figured an hour would be enough time to get up and ready for the morning meeting.

Kathryn being the early riser she was was 'up with the birds' so to speak, 0500: usual time for her.

She got up, showered and went into the bedroom, she was about to take out her uniform and replicate a larger jacket for herself when she caught a glimpse of herself in the full-length hallway mirror.

She parted the front of her dressing gown and looked down at her protruding abdomen. *I'm almost four months pregnant, I'm going to tell the crew today; I guess it’s time to stop being so vain.*

She walked up to the replicator, "Size 4 maternity uniform, command red,"

She pulled the uniform out of the replicator and went into the bathroom and donned the new outfit. She put her hands on her belly and looked at the chronometer. *0745; why isn't Chakotay up?*

She was just about to bolt to the bedroom and wake Chakotay when she felt arms going around her waist. "Morning, 'mommy'."

"Not yet Chakotay. I won't be a mom until I'm holding a baby in my arms."

"Or two. Twins runs in my family." Kathryn's jaw dropped, "Mine too, my grandmother was a twin."

Chakotay laughed. "Maybe that's why you're wearing a maternity uniform before you even hit four months. I wasn't going to say anything, but you are bigger than you were with Katie honey."

She stared silently at Chakotay, "I don't even want to know."

He approached Kathryn. "Honey, I want you to just think about something." Kathryn nodded, waiting for him to continue. "I want you to have the baby here in our home, as naturally as possible."

Kathryn looked dumbfounded at Chakotay, "In this day and age when we have so many things to make childbirth easier on a woman... you want me to do it 'naturally'?"

"Labour and childbirth are natural things Kathryn. Women have been doing it without the advantages of drugs for years."

Kathryn shook her head. "Well I am a woman of the 24th century Chakotay. When I had Katie it hurt like hell, and I was in sickbay with drugs and the support of the medical staff. I'm not sure I could do it alone." She burst into tears.

"Oh hon, I know you can and you won't be alone... I'll be here with you." He paused, "And if it gets to be too much, we'll take you to sickbay where you can have some drugs, and the doctor will be here. I'll make sure he gets here for the actual birth."

She sighed, "How about I say for now I'll think about it, but it’s almost time for our senior staff to get here and for us to 'let the cat out of the bag'."

Chakotay nodded and brought Kathryn close to him. "What are they going to say Chakotay?"

Chakotay shrugged and opened his mouth to speak as Kathryn's chime rang. "Well looks like it’s time to get the show on the road."

Chakotay walked up and opened the door to grant Tom and B'Elanna and little Katie entrance. "Hello."

Tom looked at B'Elanna, "Well Chakotay, you sure made it early... unless you never left?" Tom raised one eyebrow suspiciously, "So where's the Captain?"

"I'll be right out." He heard Janeway's voice from the bathroom.

Chakotay turned to the couple, "Why don't you have a seat, and here pass me the little angel."

B'Elanna snorted, "Angel... right! She has Klingon blood in her."

"So where's Miral?"

"Oh, she had a sleepover with Naomi last night. She's babysitting, said she needs the practice. Did you guys hear? Sam's expecting again; seems Carey left her something to remember him by. She said this time, it's a boy."

"B'Elanna looked at Chakotay, "So what's this breakfast meeting all about?"

Kathryn walked out at that moment in all her pregnant glory, Tom spun around. "Well this isn't quite what I expected."

B'Elanna's jaw dropped, "You two? A baby? Oh my goodness, I'm so happy for you guys."

Kathryn piped up, "Yeah I guess there's no keeping it a secret anymore." She placed her hands on her belly.

The door chime rang again and Kathryn went to answer it. On the other side of the door were Harry and Seven. Seven's ocular implant raised and Harry's eyes bugged out. Harry stammered. "So... Tom... who won the pool?"

"Uh... well..."

Kathryn laughed at Tom squirming, "Don't worry Tom. We knew you kept the pools open."

Tom let a deep breath escape, Kathryn chimed in, "I hope that the proceeds will get something nice for the nursery."

He bowed his head, "Yes, ma'am." Then he swung around, "Ma'am, we don't have a nursery."

She smiled, "Well there are already three children on board, two on the way include myself and Sam, and I have a feeling once the crew sees that children are okay on this ship, there'll be more."

She looked at Chakotay who nodded his approval, "And Tom, Harry, you two have just volunteered to make it happen."

"Yes ma'am," they answered in unison and then both knew they'd been had.

"Well, what does everyone say we eat, baby's hungry."

They all sat down and began their breakfast. The door chime rang a final time and Chakotay granted the doctor entrance. "I know you can't eat doctor, but being part of the senior staff we figured we'd invite you anyway."

"Well thank you Captain, Commander." He watched the Captain stand and saw her changed uniform. "I assume the news is out?"

Kathryn nodded. "Well now that everyone's eaten and found out about my 'condition', I say we make our way to the bridge."

Janeway pulled the doctor over, "Doctor, how's Tuvok? He's been so withdrawn lately."

The doctor stared at the Captain. "First may I say I'm glad you finally took my advice and switched to a maternity uniform."

"Thank you doctor, now Tuvok?"

"Tuvok is fine for now, but I need to try to find some way to treat him. I'm not sure he'll make it all the way back to the Alpha Quadrant in good health otherwise."

Kathryn felt tears coming to her eyes. "It's okay Captain, I know how much he means to you... but you can't save everybody; and you can't blame yourself for everything, especially now; the stress isn't good for the baby."

Kathryn nodded, "How do you think he'll take the news of a baby?"

"Well for now his logic centres are still intact, and I think he's suspected there's been something between the two of you for a while."

Kathryn nodded her understanding. "Where is he now doctor?"

"Well I just gave him a treatment that will hopefully slow down the progression of the disease. At the moment he is resting in sickbay."

"Thank you doctor, I think I'll pay him a visit if you think he's okay for the moment."

The doctor smiled, "I think he'd like that very much Captain."

*~*~*~*~*

Half an hour later, after reporting to the bridge and leaving it in her first officer's capable hands, she made her way to sickbay.

Tuvok lifted himself off the biobed, "Captain!"

"Hello Tuvok; how are you?"

"I am well." He stared at her new uniform and the pregnancy showing the first telltale signs of a baby on the way. "I have suspected a pregnancy for a couple of months. If I may ask, is Commander Chakotay your child's father?"

Kathryn blushed, "You have suspected a pregnancy huh Tuvok?" She paused, "And yes Chakotay is the baby's father."

Tuvok nodded. "I foresaw this happening some time ago. It does surprise me however that you held off this long." He stopped, scrutinizing her appearance. His hand went out to her stomach. "I offer you a Vulcan prayer and I wish you and the Commander all the happiness that marriage and parenthood bring."

"We're not married yet Tuvok, but I was wondering if you would be willing to perform our marriage ceremony?"

He nodded his consent. "I would be honoured."

"Thank you Tuvok, your blessing means a lot to me."

"You are most welcomed Captain. I must speak with the doctor, then I will be on the bridge momentarily."

Janeway nodded and made her way out of sickbay and headed for the bridge.

Kathryn was making her way down the hall on deck five when the ship shook with the familiar feel of weapon's fire. She slapped her commbadge: "Chakotay what the hell is going on up there?"

She heard the hesitation on the line then Chakotay continued, "It seems we're getting a visit from some old friends." "On my way, Janeway out."

Janeway went to the turbolift and stated, "Deck one bridge."

The turbo-lift began traveling up the shaft and before she knew it she was back in command. She got a few surprised stares from the junior officers but as a whole it seemed the Captain's condition was not a real jaw-dropper.

Janeway stared at the front viewscreen and finally decided enough was enough. "Alright Tuvok, take out that lead Vaduuar ship. I have no time for hit and run."

Tuvok sent phaser fire and photon torpedoes their way. Finally Tuvok stated: "The lead ship has been disabled and all other ships are returning to their corridors."

Kathryn went to her chair and flopped down emotionally exhausted. "Chakotay please have all departments amass and send a damage report to my terminal in my ready room." She paused, stood up and flattened the front of her new uniform, as much as was possible. "I'll be in my ready room."

*~*~*~*~*

8 hours later

Chakotay rang the chime to the ready room. When no answer was forthcoming he used his override codes to enter. He found Kathryn sound asleep on her ready room couch surrounded by padds. If she wasn't in her ready room he would be remiss in waking her.

If she wasn't four months pregnant and refusing to use the transporters because she did not want to scramble her unborn child's molecules, he would have simply beamed her to their quarters.

If she wasn't so stubborn she would have slept in this morning when she had the chance and most likely this would not be happening now.

He gently shook her shoulders, "Kathryn." She stirred but did not wake up, "Captain!"

That woke her up, "Arm torpedoes, disable their lead ship -" Chakotay laughed.

"Kathryn, did you have a nice nap? Your shift ended twenty minutes ago."

Kathryn rubbed her eyes. "So this is what the doctor was talking about when he said my body would give out before my mind ever did."

Chakotay held out his arms to her. "Come on Kathryn, let's go home. You and the baby need sleep."

Kathryn yawned, "This time you're not going to hear any arguments from me." Kathryn felt a kick from the inside. "Your child will not stop squirming Chakotay."

Chakotay laughed, "She is your child."

Kathryn pouted, "That doesn't mean he can torture me; I want coffee."

"As long as its decaf, knock yourself out."

"But Chakotay..."

"You know what the doctor said."

Kathryn crossed her arms over her chest like a petulant child. "Fine."

Kathryn walked into their quarters and immediately went to get her blue satin nightgown. It was one of her favourites. She slipped it on and was wholly dismayed to find it no longer fit over her baby belly. Kathryn began sobbing and Chakotay soon emerged into the bedroom to find Kathryn with his favourite nightgown half on, no longer fitting over her ever changing body.

He walked up to his dismayed fiancée. "Oh Kathryn, I'm sorry. Come here." Tears were something he had gotten used to during her first pregnancy and something he was learning to live with during this one.

He pulled a wrapped box out from under the bed he had been saving for just such an occasion. "Here, open it."

Kathryn took the lovely baby blue box from Chakotay and quickly did away with the wrapping paper. Inside was a beautiful blue satin nightgown. The same colour as the one she no longer fit it in, but with an empire waist that would accommodate her ever expanding waistline. She slipped it on and it fit like a glove. "Oh, Chakotay. Thank you." She ran up and hugged him.

"Kathryn, I'd do anything for you." He paused, "You think you can model that for me?"

Kathryn blushed and stood up straight. The nightgown hung to her toes but camouflaged the belly he knew embarrassed her. "I know this is hard on you Kathryn, but maybe this will make you feel better."

She ran up to him and kissed him smack on the lips. "I feel more like me already."

He picked up her slight body and brought her to the bedroom. He pulled back the blankets and laid her exhausted body beneath them.

Chakotay walked into the bathroom and covered his hardening member with a pair of flannel boxers. He waited until he calmed down a bit and crawled into bed behind her. He wrapped his arms around her baby bump and looked for movement.

"He's sleeping."

Chakotay chuckled. "About time he went for a sleep when you wanted to."

Kathryn flipped over so she was facing him. "Who said I wanted to sleep."

"You're encourageable."

"Thank you, I'll take that as a compliment." And with that thought, Kathryn dove under the blankets.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

She smiled to herself and she knew he could hear it in her voice. "Thanking you for getting this nightgown for me and for making me feel sexy again."

Chakotay got a perplexed look on his face and drew back the blankets to reveal Kathryn. He pulled her up so she was face to face with him. "Hey, you are sexy; and you're mine."

Kathryn shook her head, "How can you say that? I'm huge!"

He smiled a soft smile revealing his dimples. "This child," he paused to caress her tummy, "Is ours; and it is the best gift a woman can give the man she loves."

Kathryn was crying. "You've gone and made me cry again."

"Damn hormones." He stated.

She giggled, "Damn hormones."

*~*~*~*~*

2 months later

"Chakotay can you help me?!"

She sounded desperate; he walked into their bedroom and saw his wife futilely trying to get her boots on. "Kathryn, I don't know why you don't just give up on the heels until this pregnancy is over."

She glared at Chakotay. "I'm about five feet tall without heels Chakotay. Would you take orders from a munchkin?"

Chakotay laughed. "Kathryn, you're hardly a munchkin; and I think for now you're still taller than Naomi."

Kathryn glared at Chakotay yet again. "That's not funny."

Chakotay was laughing, "Hey I thought it was." He went to helping her put on her boots. "Three more days and we'll be a married couple Kathryn: The question is... will you be Mrs. Chakotay, or will I be Mr. Janeway?"

She smacked him playfully on the arms. "Chakotay I've been thinking," She paused thoughtfully. "You really want me to try this birth naturally?"

Chakotay nodded. "I want to be there, I want to help you bring this baby into our home."

"We have to go see the doctor this morning, let's have a chat with him about our plan, then we'll come home and I'll replicate my wedding dress. I don't think I'll get too much bigger in two days." She stopped sucking in a deep breath as the baby within her squirmed, "At least I hope not." He grinned, "Sounds great Kathryn."

*~*~*~*~*

The crew had over the months, gotten used to the changing shape of Voyager. Seeing the Captain and Commander walking down the halls of Voyager hand in hand was now a common occurrence.

Kathryn's predictions about babies on board had been prophetic, as four marriages had been performed in the last two months and two more pregnancies announced: Tal Celes and Billy Telfer, and Nicoletti and Heren.

Kathryn no longer felt so uncomfortable about going on with her life. The baby and Chakotay were all that mattered.

*~*~*~*~*

The couple walked into sickbay and saw B'Elanna sitting on the biobed. Concern marred Kathryn's features. "B'Elanna are you okay?"

B'Elanna grinned, "Yep, but baby number three is on the way." She looked at Kathryn, "You know I swore I wouldn't do this again, but it seems Tom hit his mark, and this time he'll get a son."

Janeway looked at B'Elanna, happiness in her features. "Oh, congratulations B'Elanna."

The doctor walked out of his office, "Ah, Captain; good to know you're managing to keep on time for your appointments."

Kathryn smiled, "I just want to do what's best for this little one." She rubbed her stomach.

The doctor looked at her, "Can you get on the scale please?"

Kathryn rolled her eyes. "Fine, but I really don't want to know."

The doctor looked down at the weight showing on the scale. "65 kilos."

"My god Chakotay, I've put on 5 more kilos since the last time, a month ago, and I'm only six months along."

The doctor piped up, "Right on target."

Chakotay laughed at Kathryn's disgusted expression. "We'd like to talk, to you about something."

The doctor nodded and guided them into his office.

"We want to have the baby naturally... at home."

The doctor looked at the couple dumbfounded. "Absolutely not! There is no reason for the Captain to risk her life like that, and go through pain for nothing."

"Doctor, we'll have a transporter lock on me at all times, and you'll be there for her birth."

The doctor was at a loss for words. "Captain are you sure this is what you want to do?"

Kathryn nodded, "I want to try doctor. I can always come to sickbay if it gets to be too much."

The doctor sighed, "And there's no way I can convince you otherewise?"

Kathryn shook her head, still looking a little unsure.

Chakotay piped up, "She'll be fine; I'll be right there with her the whole time."

The doctor sighed, knowing he had lost. "Fine, but closer to her due date... I want you to come by for supplies you might need during the birth; and if you're going to try this 'naturally' as you put it, I want you to go through labour management classes."

"Whatever it takes doctor."

The doctor nodded his acknowledgement.

*~*~*~*~*

Kathryn was 38 weeks pregnant now; she was ready to get this kid out. She had been off duty for two weeks and those two weeks had been used by her taking labour management classes and birthing classes.

Their quarters were set up with a birthing ball and a birthing stool ready, as well as a plastic sheet on their bed if that's where she chose to give this baby life.

At the moment, Kathryn was covering the floor in the corner with pillows so if she wanted to rest and birth there...she could.

Over the past 2 weeks she had felt the baby drop low in her belly and at this morning's appointment: The doctor had stated she was already 2cm dilated and it could be any time now.

So now she just waited for the show to begin.

She tested the pillows, they were comfortable and she was more than ready to go. She filled the bathtub and got in. The doctor had told her this might soften the head of the cervix and get things going.

She added bubbles, lit the candles, got her book and lay down in the tub.

She had been in the tub for nearly an hour and had fallen asleep in the warm heaven that was her bathtub when she felt her uterus tighten.

She paused and waited for it to loosen, it didn't hurt as much as simply felt uncomfortable. She breathed through the first contractions and she knew labour was not far behind.

*~*~*~*~*

Two hours later her husband walked through the door to discover Kathryn sitting on the pillows in the corner, dressed in her birthing gown: breathing through what he assumed was a contraction. "Kathryn?"

She breathed through the last of the contraction and got up. "I didn't want to bother you until I knew it was the real thing and not false labour."

"How long?"

Two hours, the contractions are coming about every seven minutes."

Kathryn grabbed his hand to bring him over so she had something to lean on as another contraction began in earnest. "That wasn't seven minutes Kathryn."

She finished breathing through the pain and looked up at him. "How long?"

"Four minutes; let's go into the bedroom and lay you down so I can see how far you've progressed."

She shook her head, "I want to stay out -" Her sentence was cut off as the pressure in her belly was released and her waters broke.

Kathryn began moaning and leaned against Chakotay as another contraction began.

When the contraction ended Kathryn looked up at Chakotay. "That one hurt, and it was long. I don't know if I can do this."

She sat on the birthing stool and Chakotay checked her progress. "Nine centimetres Kathryn: You're doing it."

"I want you to sit behind me in the corner of the room Chakotay. If you want me to do this, we do it my way."

He looked at her. "Okay Kathryn, come on."

He sat down and pulled her to him between his legs. He placed his hands on her belly and felt the tightening begin.

Kathryn felt the contraction and pulled her legs up as she felt her body opening up. "Oh god Chakotay this hurts. She reached between her legs and felt the top of the baby's head. "Chakotay get the doctor here now."

"What?!" She pulled his hand down and felt his child trying to make her appearance.

"Kathryn, that's amazing! I love you."

Kathryn turned her head to him, "The doctor Chakotay. Now!"

"Chakotay to sickbay. You'd better get down here. This baby's in a hurry."

In sickbay, the doctor rolled his eyes. "How far apart are the contractions Commander?"

"She's crowning doctor."

The doctor looked around at his empty sickbay, "Doctor to transporter room one. Can you beam me to the Captain and Commander's quarters?"

"Yes Sir."

The doctor appeared there instantly.

"Oh, god." Kathryn was panting. "I need to push."

The doctor looked at the command team. "Let me make sure you've progressed all the way Captain." But he could tell she wasn't listening to anything but her body's urges, "The baby's head is right here Kathryn, on the next contraction push."

"What do you think I've been doing doctor?!"

Chakotay knew she was tired. He moved the hair from her face. "If anyone can do this Kathryn, you can."

She nodded and bore down on the next contraction. "How come he's not coming doctor. It wasn't this hard the last time."

"This baby is bigger than Katie was. Katie was five pounds thirteen ounces when she was born."

Kathryn felt the urge and pushed again trying to get the child's head clear. "Oh got is she almost out doctor?"

"She's coming Kathryn, but this is why I said a home natural birth was not a good idea."

Kathryn felt the urge and pushed again. The head was out up to the baby's eyes. "Okay Captain one more push and the head should be out."

She looked up to Chakotay, "I can't do this anymore baby. It hurts, and she doesn't want to come out."

Chakotay reached down and touched his child's head. "I am so proud of you Kathryn. This is amazing. No one has ever done anything like this for me before: I love you." He paused, "By the way Kathryn... the baby's a red-head."

Kathryn bore down and the head was out. "One more push should do it Captain."

Her voice was low and menacing as she turned towards her husband. "I am never doing this again Chakotay."

Kathryn pushed as the doctor supported the baby's head. "Come on Kathryn, she's almost here."

"You mean he."

She looked at the doctor, "What's wrong? Why won't the rest of the baby come?"

The doctor sighed, "I can pull him out, but it will hurt."

She felt the next contraction, "Just get her out."

"On the next contraction Captain push, and the baby will be here."

Kathryn felt her uterine muscles tighten and she pushed as the doctor pulled: and Kathryn ripped. "Congratulations Captain, Commander: it's a girl!"

0 "Kala Marissa Janeway."

They kissed and the doctor interrupted. "Kala Marissa Janeway, 7lbs eight ounces, May 14th 1426 hours."

Kathryn felt her muscles tighten again. "What the hell doctor, I thought the baby was out!"

He smiled, "And here comes her twin Captain."

"Twin? You never said anything about twins!"

The doctor looked up at the couple, "Surprise!" He looked down. "Captain, this one is coming breach according to the tricorder readings."

"I can't do this again Chakotay."

"Can you see anything doctor?"

"Not yet, but sometimes it can be a while between twin deliveries."

“That contraction wasn’t as bad doctor.”

The doctor looked at his Captain. “Yes, your cervix has closed to six centimetres.” He picked up the baby, “Here’s your daughter, labour here and call me when it gets closer to time.”

The Captain looked incredulously at the doctor. “You’re leaving?”

“Captain, it could be hours yet. Hopefully the baby will turn and everything will be fine.”

“Chakotay, I’m thirsty.” She turned around to face the doctor before he left.”Would it harm anything to have a coffee now?”

The doctor thought about it. “No, I suppose not: it’s almost over.”

Kathryn walked over to the replicator. “Coffee black.”

Kathryn took the coffee out of the replicator and took a sip. “It’s been too long old friend.”

Chakotay walked up to Kathryn, “I think she’s hungry.” The child was sucking on her father’s finger.

Kathryn almost dropped her coffee as her breathing became ragged. She knelt on the floor, rubbing her tummy and breathing through the contraction. “Kathryn that was eight minutes from the last.”

Kathryn shrugged. “The doctor did say labour would slow down. I’ll feed her and then I’m going to go back in the tub. That did seem to help speed things up.”

Kathryn picked up little Kala and put her to her breast. “Oh, that hurts.”

He smiled, “I’m sure it will get easier.” He looked at her, “So how’s the other one doing?”

Kathryn continued feeding Kala and zoned out when another contraction hit. When it was over she turned to Chakotay. “How long between them this time?”

Chakotay asked the computer for the time. “Six minutes Kathryn.”

“I definitely need to get in the tub then, here Chakotay can you take her?” She looked down at her baby, “She fell asleep.”

Chakotay smiled at his wife and daughter. “No problem.”

“See you soon Kala.”

*~*~*~*~*

30 minutes later

“I think my water broke again Chakotay.” She breathed through a contraction. “Oh yeah, my water broke again. Call the doctor.”

“Can I check you first?”

Kathryn shook her head. “Chakotay, I’m ready; this one’s crowning and I HAVE TO PUSH!”

He could tell she was already pushing as she panted through the contraction. “Chakotay to doctor, we need you here NOW.”

“On my way Commander.”

The doctor materialized in their quarters. Janeway sat on the birthing stool, straining against a contraction. The head slipped out. “Dark hair Captain.”

Janeway pushed again and the rest of the baby slid free. “It’s a boy.”

“Kameron Kole Janeway.” Chakotay stated.

The doctor looked at the couple. “He’s a little smaller than his sister, but a good size for a twin. Kameron Kole Janeway, 6lbs 15oz, 1600 hours May 14th.”

Kathryn looked to Chakotay completely exhausted, their second twin on her breast. The doctor finished the delivery of both placentas, then fixed Kathryn up where she had torn. “Well Chakotay, looks like we both got what we wanted: a girl and a boy.”

Kathryn looked at Chakotay holding Kala while she fed Kole, as he would be known. “I never said I wanted one over the other Chakotay, I merely said I’d be better with a boy.”

He looked down at his newly formed family. His eyebrow rose, “So if I asked for more?”

The Captain was shocked, “The answer would be no, isn’t two enough?”

He laughed, “You mean you wouldn’t want to do this again?”

Kathryn scoffed, “No, twice was enough thank you. I think tomorrow I’ll go ask the doctor to put me back on boosters.”

He smiled, “As you wish my dear. I guess I’ll have to go and borrow some of the Paris children to create my dream softball team.”

Kathryn grinned, “I guess so because we’re done.”

He leaned over and kissed his wife then placed a kiss on each of the children’s downy heads.

Life would be good, and never get better or worse because: their lives were complete. And their family was finally here.

And Kathryn finally realized there was more to life than commanding the Voyager.

THE END