The Paths We Choose Series

Part II: Bumps in the Road

Rating: M
Pairing: J/C
Summary: A sudden loss leaves the couple unsure about the future.
Disclaimer: Paramount/Viacom own the series and the characters that are related to Star Trek: Voyager, but the story is mine.
Length: 1048 words
Date: April 1999

Kathryn and Chakotay sat contentedly at the helm of Voyager. Much had changed in their relationship since Kathryn's admission. The change in their relationship, although subtle, was apparent to the crew. Their Captain radiated happiness, and they were glad she had finally let go.

Chakotay supposed the letter from Mark a year ago had prompted her change of heart, but if that had been the case, why wait a whole year? No this had been Kathryn's decision. He knew that with a woman like her that's the way it had to be. To a certain extent he was glad the change of heart had been completely her decision. Had her admission come solely as a result of the letter, he probably would have questioned it. As it was today and forever more he was the happiest man on the face of the earth.

There was one subject he needed to talk to her about. They had been together for nearly six months now, and neither of them was getting any younger. He knew he wanted kids, and he knew he wanted her to be the one to mother them. He also knew she would probably say no. That her position as Captain prevented her from enjoying such luxuries, but he would just have to convince her otherwise. On their six-month anniversary he would broach the subject, carefully, tactfully, but he would need to bring it up.

***

Kathryn hadn't been feeling well all day. It was probably the Leola root whatever Neelix was serving today. It was weird though; she hadn't really been feeling well for the past couple of weeks. Nothing serious, upset stomach, light-headedness and she was exhausted constantly. If it continued, she would go and see the doc, but she suspected she knew what the problem was. They had yet to discuss this and she had no idea how he would react to the news. It was probably better to go by and have the doctor verify it for her, just to be sure. She would stop by sickbay after her shift today after all.

***

She was doing it again. Staring off into space with that dreamy eyed look on her face. Tonight was their six-month anniversary. Tonight was the night he would know if she wanted the same things out of life as he did or not. He prayed she did. He would of course stand by her no matter what the outcome, no matter what her decision, by still he hoped.

***

After her duty shift she'd headed up to sickbay, just as she's promised herself she would. For some reason as she approached sickbay, she felt extremely anxious. As if someone would judge her if she asked for this particular scan. But she knew it was unavoidable.

"Doctor, I need you to do a scan for me."

"What seems to be the problem Captain?"

"I think I might be pregnant."

"Really, I hadn't realized you were considering having children Captain. I always thought as captain such things were beyond your grasp. What would happen if say..."

"I am well aware of the possible complications this situation may cause, but let's see if it's true first, shall we?"

"Of course Captain. Ah here we are. Approximate age 43, seven weeks pregnant. Congratulations Captain...I think."

"Thank you doctor. This information, keep it to yourself until I advise you otherwise."

"As you wish Captain, but I need to see you next week for you two month checkup."

"Understood."

How would she tell Chakotay about this? She supposed being honest with him was the best approach, but how could she be honest with him? She didn't know if he wanted children. What the hell was she going to tell him? Oh well, she had to meet him in twenty minutes. She decided to go back to her quarters and change. She changed into the blue dress she had worn on New Earth. He loved that dress. She also let her hair down. Over the past year and a half she had let her hair grow. He liked it better long, and in all honesty, so did she. It was just so damned inconvenient.

***

"Chakotay, whatever it is you've got, it smells wonderful."

"Oh, it's nothing really."

What she didn't know was that on their last away mission three weeks ago he had bought her an engagement ring. He had also acquired wedding bands for them, they were made of an alloy very similar to gold, he hoped she liked them.

Dinner went great, they had meaningless conversations, ships warp drive, Tom's latest prank, nothing serious. He decided to wait until after they were engaged to ask her opinion on the idea of children, it only seemed right. It was now time for dessert, the highlight of his evening, and he hoped hers.

*Here goes nothing*

"Here Kathryn, strawberry shortcake, your favorite."

"Oh Chakotay, it's smell wonderful."

"I hope you like it. But before we start dessert I have to ask you something. Kathryn, will you marry me?"

This wasn't happening. Maybe the fact that she was pregnant wasn't such a bad thing after all. Maybe he wanted children.

*Don't jump the gun Kathryn. There's plenty of time.*

She would tell him later.

"Yes, I'll marry you. I love you Chakotay."

"I love you too Kathryn."

The ring fit her perfectly, and the next month went by rather uneventfully. She was happy to be engaged, but she had yet to inform him of the fact that she was carrying his child. Sooner or later he would notice. She was starting to show. Tonight she promised herself. Then, he would come with her to her twelve-week checkup.

She stopped by the mess hall and almost asked for coffee.

*No more of that Kathryn, you know what the doctor said.*

She grabbed some juice, (well she thought it was juice) and headed for the bridge. She got in the turbolift, and saw ensign Kim.

"Good morning Harry."

"Good morning ma'am."

"Not crunch time YET, Harry."

Then she felt the whole ship shake. Then the turbolift felt like it was falling.

Then she blacked out.

END PART II

TBC IN PART III