Author's note:  Yes, it's me--back again for the 4th foray into 
"Kathryn's Rainbow".  I hope you enjoy.

Dedication:  To the kids in pond jr5 (ej and crew).  Hope y'all like!  
:)

Blessing Number Two
by Cheile


        From an outside observer's point of view, the starship christened 
Voyager would resemble a silver hawk--swift, sleek and sure.  And if the 
observer were on the port side, they would be able to see into a large 
window, which revealed a bedroom.  In the bedroom, an auburn-haired 
woman lay asleep in her bed.  From a certain angle, the observer would 
also be able to see through a doorway into a smaller room, which housed 
a crib that held a sleeping auburn-haired baby.
        If the observer would have continued watching, they would have seen the 
woman's eyes flutter open, then abruptly scramble from her bed and dash 
out of sight, only to return minutes later, pale-faced.

        Kathryn Janeway slowly moved to sit on her bed, her stomach still 
churning.  She felt nauseous and achy, but slowly a smile grew on her 
face.  *If my suspicions are correct. . . .*  Her thoughts were 
interrupted by a cry.  She hopped up, then braced herself as another 
wave of nausea hit her.  "I'm coming, sweetie," she called.
        A minute later, Kathryn came into the smaller bedroom, where 
eleven-month old Kearstin was standing up in her crib.  "Mama, Mama!" 
she cried gleefully.
        "Good morning, sweetie."  Kathryn lifted Kearstin from her crib and 
gave her a hug and kiss, which the little girl returned.
        Kathryn changed Kearstin, gave her a bath and dressed her, then 
herself.
        "Da?" Kearstin asked as Kathryn was brushing her hair.
        "Daddy's on the bridge."  Kearstin didn't have too much hair, but what 
she did covered her head and was the rich auburn of her mama's.  It was 
enough to gently brush out and put a small plastic barrette in.  Kathryn 
quickly braided her own hair, then picked up Kearstin.  "Are you hungry, 
sweetie?"
        Kearstin nodded.
        "All right, we'll go see what Neelix has prepared, hmm?"
        Kearstin clapped her little hands together.  "See Unc' Nee!" she cried 
as they headed out the door.

        Without a doubt, Kearstin Janeway was Voyager's little sweetheart.  As 
Kathryn headed for the mess hall carrying her daughter, Kearstin 
cheerfully greeted each crewmember they passed and even demanded that 
Mama stop for a few obligatory hugs.  Even a harried crewmember would 
spare a smile and a wave for the little girl.
        The mess hall was partially filled, as those on break were grabbing a 
snack and others who had been on gamma shift were having breakfast.  
Most everyone said hello to Kathryn and then to Kearstin, who squealed, 
waved and offered a few more hugs.
        "Unc' Nee!"
        The cheerful Talaxian morale officer briefly abandoned his spot behind 
the counter to greet his "other" favorite niece.  Taking Kearstin into 
his arms, he hugged the little girl, then tickled her face with his 
whiskers, causing her to squeal with delight.
        "And good morning to you also, Captain."  He gave Kearstin back to 
Kathryn, then resumed his place.  "What can I get you two?"  He began to 
rattle off the list of dishes, which included fruit and biscuits.  "The 
Doctor said that even Kearstin can eat it if I scoop out the seeds and 
cut it into small pieces for her."
        "I'll go with fruit and biscuits.  Kearstin won't eat much and I'm not 
very hungry."
        "Go ahead and sit down--I'll bring it out to you as soon as I cut the 
fruit up."
        Kathryn turned and braced herself as nausea threatened again. She took 
a deep breath, then made her way toward an empty table.
        "Ann-ka!" Kearstin squealed.
        Kathryn looked up.  "Good morning, Seven."
        "Good morning, Captain."
        "Ann-ka!" Kearstin demanded, holding out her arms.
        The former Borg arched her pale human eyebrow.  "What is it you 
require, Kearstin?"
        "Hug!"  Kearstin's tone was an attempt to emulate her mama's "command 
voice".
        Seven's eyes rolled ceiling-ward, but she reluctantly allowed the 
child's arms to wrap around her neck for the briefest of moments. "I 
must get down to Astrometrics.  I will have the report you requested 
finished today, Captain."
        "All right.  I'll see you later, Seven."
        Seven nodded and started heading for the doors.
        "Bye-bye, Ann-ka!"
        Kathryn vaguely heard Seven mutter something about "speaking to 
Lieutenant Paris regarding his unnecessarily teaching the child her 
human name" before the doors closed behind her.
        Kathryn shook her head, a smile forming and went to sit down, only to 
realize she'd forgotten Kearstin's chair.  Shaking her head, she started 
to rise again, but Neelix came up at that second, the platter in his 
hands and the baby chair hanging over one arm.
        "Here you are, Captain."  Neelix set the platter down before her, then 
started to unfold the chair.  "I noticed you forgot Kearstin's chair, so 
I brought it over for you."  He fastened the chair to the side of the 
table.  "Here, I'll put her in."  Carefully, Neelix slid Kearstin into 
the chair.  "One foot on each side, sweetie--that's it--and sit up.  Let 
me strap you in--there you are!"
        Kearstin laughed merrily and tugged on Neelix's whiskers.  He unwrapped 
her hand and admonished her gently, tossing Kathryn a wink.
        "Let me know if you need anything else."  Neelix bustled back to the 
kitchen area.
        Still feeling nauseous, Kathryn only ate a little bit.  Kearstin ate 
nearly all of hers, but by the time she was done, her adorable face was 
a mess.  Kathryn cleaned her up while Neelix cleared off the table.  He 
bid Kathryn good-bye as the two left.

*

        Six hours later, Chakotay left the turbolift and walked to his 
quarters.  He was looking forward to spending a little time with Kathryn 
before she went on.
        He tapped in the door code and walked in.  "Kathryn!"
        "Shh!  I just got Kearstin to sleep."  Kathryn exited the nursery.
        "Sorry."  Then he took a better look at her pale face.  "You all 
right?"
        She nodded.  "Just a little tired."
        He stepped forward, taking her into his arms.  "Are you sure?" He 
tilted her chin up to look into his eyes.
        "Trust me--I'm fine."  She reached up a hand to trace his tattoo.  He 
smiled and leaned down, melding his mouth to hers.  They kissed until 
she became breathless.
        "Well--I have to be headed to the bridge."
        "So soon?"
        "Seven told me earlier that she'd have a report finished by this 
afternoon--and you know how she gets about wanting my response."
        "All right.  But I expect you to make up for this later tonight," he 
teased.
        Her eyes sparkled devilishly.  "Oh, I will, Commander, I assure you."  
Leaving him with that, she sashayed out the door.
        He shook his head.

        Kathryn hurried into sickbay.  The Doctor looked up at her approach.  
"Hello, Captain.  What can I do for you?"
        "I want you to scan me.  Tell me if there's anything different.  And be 
quick about it--I'm on duty soon."
        "I'm a doctor--not a slave," the hologram grumbled as he picked up a 
tricorder.  He set it, then started scanning.  After a minute, he 
paused, frowned, then nodded to himself.  "Mm-hmm."
        "Well?"
        The Doctor tapped in another command and ran the wand around her 
stomach again.
        "Congratulations, Captain.  Maquis number two is on the way."
        Kathryn paused only long enough to give him a "don't be an ass" look 
before letting her joy fill her.  She almost didn't hear the Doctor as 
he rattled on about prenatal appointments and how to eat.  She took the 
padd he'd given her and thanked him.
        "Perhaps I should have said on *her* way."
        "It's a girl?"
        "Healthy nine-week-old female."
        "When's my approximate due date?"
        The Doctor punched something into the tricorder, then rattled off the 
approximate stardate.  "Or, were we back home, the equivalent of 
Christmas Day."
        Kathryn smiled to herself as she sailed out of sickbay.  *A Christmas 
baby--how wonderful that will be.*

*

        Her duty shift seemed to drag on forever.  If she had really wanted to, 
she could have given Tuvok the bridge.  But she told herself sternly 
that she would not allow her morning sickness to overcome her.  Finally, 
it went away.
        The second the delta shift crew came onto the bridge, Kathryn left as 
quickly as possible without making it look too obvious.  She reached 
their quarters in record time.  Putting on a calm face, she walked in 
the doors and was greeted by the sight of her husband kneeling with his 
back to her a few steps away from Kearstin.  She was standing a little 
unsteadily on her feet.
        "Come on, my girl.  Come to Daddy."
        Kearstin tried to pick up a foot, but fell backwards onto her rear.  As 
Chakotay helped her up, her sharp little eyes spotted Kathryn.
        "Mama!"
        Chakotay turned, greeting her with a full-dimpled grin.  He rose, 
lifting Kearstin up as well.
        "About time you noticed me," she teased, stretching up to kiss him.
        "I knew you were there," he returned.  "I wanted to see how long your 
patience would last."
        "Very funny."
        The moment was interrupted when Kearstin loudly began demanding a hug.  
She was given a long one and several kisses.  Kathryn looked down at her 
daughter's sweet face and felt a warm feeling fill her.  She turned to 
her husband.  "Chakotay?"
        "Yes, my love?"
        "How would you feel if I told you that Kearstin will soon be a big 
sister?"
        "You know I'd love to have another child with you."
        "How about in seven months?"
        His eyes widened.  "You mean--you're--we--"
        She nodded, eyes shining.
        "Oh Kathryn, this is wonderful."  He looked down at his little girl.  
"I already have one beautiful child--and now I'm lucky enough to soon be 
blessed with another."
        "Mama?"  Kearstin was looking back and forth between the two, utterly 
confused.
        "Sweetie, soon you will be a big sister."  When her confused look grew, 
Kathryn tried to explain, "You know how Mama is a big sister to Aunt 
Phoebe?"  Kearstin nodded.  "Soon Kearstin will be a big sister when 
Mama has the new baby."
        "Ba-by?" Kearstin repeated.
        "That's right, my girl," Chakotay put in.  "Mama is going to have a 
baby."
        "Our ba-by?"
        Kathryn hugged Kearstin close.  "Exactly, sweetie.  Our baby."

*

        (a month later)

        "Happy birthday, dear Kearstin!  Happy birthday to you!"
        Kearstin squealed happily as Neelix brought over a chocolate-frosted 
cake with a big number one candle on it and the words "Happy first 
birthday, Kearstin" written in pink icing.
        "You have to blow it out now!" Naomi Wildman told Kearstin as Neelix 
set the cake before her.
        "Make a wish, sweetie," Neelix encouraged.
        Chakotay helped Kearstin blow out the candle and everyone clapped.  
"What did you wish for?" Naomi asked.
        "Ba-by hurry up!"
        The crew exploded with laughter at this.  Kathryn smiled at Kearstin 
and gently smoothed her errant curls.  "I'm afraid it doesn't work that 
way, Kearstin."
        "Uh-oh, Kearstin.  You were supposed to keep your wish a secret.  It 
won't come true if you tell it," Tom teased.
        B'Elanna elbowed her husband in the ribs.  "Stop being a pig. It's her 
birthday."
        Neelix removed the candle, but before he could cut it, the birthday 
girl went into it with both hands, coming out with two frosting-covered 
fists.  One handful she flung out, nailing Tuvok between the eyes, the 
other she aimed for her mouth.
        "Cake anyone?" Tom quipped.  Everyone laughed.
        "Very amusing, Lieutenant," Tuvok said coldly, wiping away the frosting 
that had hit the bridge of his nose.
        "I made an extra one since I knew she'd do that," Neelix said, bringing 
an extra cake from behind the counter.  "I remember Naomi doing the same 
thing."
        "I did not!" the red-faced half-Ktarian girl protested.
        "He's right, Naomi.  You did," Samantha said.
        "Oh yes.  The second Neelix turned around, you went in with both 
hands," Kathryn laughed.  "You ate the first handful, then decided to 
start target practice.  Your mother was closest, so she got the worst of 
it and the other handful you threw out grazed me.  I didn't get hit 
directly, but I ended up with purple frosting in my hair."
        Naomi groaned while the adults laughed gently.  The incident was soon 
forgotten as Neelix began to pass out the cake.  An hour later, the cake 
had been polished off and Kathryn had cleaned off Kearstin's face and 
hands.  The crew simply decided to mingle for awhile.  Since there were 
so many presents, Chakotay and Kathryn decided to open them later and 
send thank-you notes to everyone's personal database.
        The mingling had been going on for about fifteen minutes when Tom 
approached Kathryn.  "Captain, Harry has an announcement.  He's too 
nervous to ask you himself."
        "Nervous?" she repeated, puzzled.
        The pilot grinned.  "You'll understand why in a minute."
        She nodded, then borrowed Chakotay's water glass and lightly tapped a 
spoon against it to get everyone's attention.  The crowd quieted.
        "It's come to my attention that Harry would like to make an 
announcement."  She nodded to him.
        Now that all eyes were on him, he flushed nervously.  He took a couple 
deep breaths, then turned to Seven, who was standing beside him and took 
her hands in his.
        "Seven," he began softly, "we've known each other for three years and 
been together for a year now.  You may still be Borg in your heart, but 
I've come to love that about you--along with a lot of other things."  He 
took another deep breath, let it out.  "Will you marry me, Seven?"
        It seemed the entire group held their breath as they awaited Seven's 
answer.  The seconds seemed to crawl by like hours as the emotions 
flashed across Seven's face--anxiety, uncertainty, then lastly, a hint 
of contentment.  The barest of smiles formed on her face.  "Yes Harry, I 
will form a two-member collective with you."
        Harry blinked, then a huge grin formed on his face.  He wrapped Seven 
in a tight hug; oblivious to the others gathered in the mess hall, then 
bent his head to kiss her.  She stopped him, touching her fingers gently 
to his lips.  "Harry, we are not alone.  It would be improper to engage 
in an overly affectionate display."
        Everyone laughed quietly at Seven's seeming lack of modesty, but Harry 
didn't even notice.
        "Well, Harry, Seven, congratulations," Kathryn said.
        "Harry and I must discuss the necessary accommodations," Seven said.
        Kathryn nodded.  "Of course."  She and Chakotay exchanged an amused 
glance.
        Eventually, the party wound down and Kathryn called an end to it.  The 
Delany sisters helped Chakotay carry the armload of presents to their 
quarters, while Kathryn carried the half-asleep birthday girl.

*

        (two months later)

        Harry and Seven's wedding was a little more lavish than Kathryn and 
Chakotay's, but still rather quiet.  The humorous highlight of the event 
was when Kathryn asked "Annika Elisabet Hansen, do you take Harry to be 
your husband?" and Seven answered "I will comply" instead of "I do".
        Kathryn was in her fifth month and beginning to show.  16-month-old 
Kearstin was confused by the fact that her mama was getting bigger until 
she came up with her own theory which she proposed to Samantha 
Carey--"Mama swallow ba-by!"
        Kathryn herself had her own array of small problems--pregnancy symptoms 
that were determined to act up at the most inopportune times, like 
during the week-long negotiations with the Baruchi--a people that were 
gracious, but extremely sensitive.  Especially the Prefect's wife, 
Nakatet.  When Kearstin cried at the deafening clang of the temple 
bells, Nakatet humphed.  Prefect Anatoli managed to soothe her by 
pointing out that "all younglings are scared of loud noises".  When 
Anatoli's nephews refused to play with Naomi Wildman, Nakatet blamed 
Naomi.  Anatoli apologized to Samantha and Kathryn out of Nakatet's 
earshot, explaining that his wife refused to see that her brother's 
children were spoiled brats.  The week dragged on and on the last night, 
Anatoli held a banquet for his council and the crew.  Everything was 
going fine, until Kathryn caught the scent of the main course--a 
laboriously prepared roast --and her stomach rebelled violently.  
Without time to explain or apologize, she fled the banquet hall and 
barely made it to the courtyard before getting sick.  Chakotay had come 
after her and he held her till it was over.  After the nausea had 
passed, she rose shakily.  Chakotay slipped an arm around her waist and 
led her back to the banquet hall.
        B'Elanna met them at the side door.  "You don't want to go back in 
there."
        "I think she'll be fine now, B'Elanna."
        "Trust me--you don't want to go back in.  Anatoli's stupid hag of a 
wife is bitching about how you've insulted her, her husband and the 
entire Baruchi High Council."  She snorted in disgust.  "I tried 
explaining to her that pregnant women of our species get nauseated at 
the drop of a hyperspanner, but would she listen to me?!  Of course 
not!!"  Her eyes narrowed dangerously.  "I didn't like that woman the 
second I set eyes on her."
        B'Elanna's words proved true.  As soon as they stepped inside, they 
could hear Nakatet screaming in fury.  The universal translator wasn't 
translating it, but her tone of voice said plenty.  And the second 
Nakatet spotted Kathryn, she descended on her.
        "I have permitted the misbehavior of the crew's younglings.  I have 
endured the insolence of that one," she flung an arm in B'Elanna's 
direction, "but I will not stand for this insult!  My cook spent all day 
preparing that gecha bird--and you've insulted her as well!  And 
furthermore--"
        "If you'd shut up and listen, I *told* you why she's sick," B'Elanna 
growled.
        "Silence!" Nakatet snapped.
        "Why, you--" B'Elanna snarled.  Tom quickly grabbed her to restrain 
her, while Chakotay turned a stern glare upon the Prefect's wife.
        "Nakatet, please listen.  My lieutenant speaks the truth," Kathryn 
said.  "I truly did not mean any insult--please forgive me."
        Nakatet snorted in contempt.  "I want them gone," she snapped at her 
husband as she swept past him.
        Anatoli apologized several times over and accepted Kathryn's apology 
for rushing out.  He said he would have the final load of cargo sent up 
with them so that they would be ready to go in the morning.
        "And may the Great Goddess bless your coming youngling," Anatoli added 
in his farewell the next day.  "And also you and your crew."

**

        (Four months later)

        "Three weeks," Kathryn mumbled to herself.  She groaned as she tried to 
push herself upright and failed.
        Kearstin looked up from her soft blocks.  "Mama hurt?" she inquired.
        "No, sweetie.  Mama's just tired."  Kathryn managed to right herself 
the second time around and got to her feet.  "Three weeks," she murmured 
again.  The baby kicked as if in agreement and Kathryn smiled, resting a 
hand on her stomach as she moved to stand by the viewport.  Kearstin 
abandoned her soft toys and half-crawled, half-toddled over.  She 
scrambled up onto the window seat, setting her ear against her mama's 
belly.  Kathryn stroked Kearstin's hair as she watched the stars streak 
by.  *Three weeks,* she thought.  *Kearstin's second Christmas--with a 
very special Christmas present.*

*

        (Christmas Eve)


        "I thought you'd be dragging me to sickbay by now," Chakotay said as he 
filled Kearstin's stocking.
        Kathryn let out an unladylike snort.  "How much you want to bet me we 
get up tomorrow morning, we barely start in on the presents, and my 
water breaks?"
        He chuckled at that as he stacked a small array of packages next to the 
viewport.  "No negative thoughts, Captain," he teased.  "It's 
Christmas."
        "Very funny, Commander.  Now if you're done, I need help getting up."
        Chakotay complied, lifting her gently in his arms to carry her to the 
bedroom.

*

        (Christmas morning)

        The bedside chrono read 0535 when B'Elanna left her husband sleeping 
soundly--one arm thrown above his head, the other resting by his head on 
the opposite side, fingers barely touching his cheek.
        She moved into the main room where their small tree was set up.   A 
faint smile formed at the sight of it, knowing how odd it would look to 
anyone outside of the crew--a tree inside quarters of a starship.  But 
that had been Tom's brilliant, sentimental idea.
        Somehow, Tom had replicated a couple of pinecones and had found a way 
to extract the seeds.  Careful cultivation plus some reluctant help from 
the Doctor ("I'm a doctor, not a gardener," he had griped) had produced 
a mini forest of 15-20 dwarf Douglas firs in one corner of the 
hydroponics bay.  The little trees grew no taller than B'Elanna herself 
was.  Their tree was roughly two and a half feet tall.  Tom had blown 
six weeks of rations for a string of automatic multi-colored lights, a 
set of 12 miniature glass balls and a little gold-and-silver star for 
the top.  B'Elanna's Klingon side had scoffed at this, but her human 
half rather appreciated the sentiment.  They were fifty years' journey 
from home, yet he had done so much to make this holiday special.
        *Especially considering I haven't had a 'real' Christmas since Daddy 
left.*
        Her eyes skimmed over the small pile of presents beneath the tree.  
Several each to Tom from her and vice versa, one for each of them from 
Harry, one for them both from Joe, Samantha and Naomi, one for her from 
her engineering staff and a couple from the Captain and Chakotay.
        But none for the baby that should have been alive--the little one who 
never got the fair chance Kearstin got; the chance to live.
        Her vision blurred abruptly and she had to force the lump in her throat 
back.  *It's Christmas.  I will not cry.*  But it was in vain.
        A minute or so later, she felt another body press up against hers and 
warm arms wrap around her.  She leaned into the hug, burying her face 
against him.
        "'Lanna, please don't cry.  Not today--today is supposed to be a happy 
day."
        She sniffled, then sighed and raised her face to his.  He brushed her 
forehead with his lips, then sat by the tree, bringing her with him.  
They never left each other's arms for most of the day.

*

        "Mama, Mama!"
        *thump*  Something small and solid hit Kathryn's chest.  She groaned 
inwardly and opened one eye.  Kearstin was sitting triumphantly on her,
hair a wild tangle.  Chakotay stood in the doorway, assuming a purely 
innocent look.
        "Morning, sweetie," she murmured, slowly sitting up.
        "Mama up!  Chris'as!"
        "All right--I'm getting up."  Slowly, Kathryn rose, shifting Kearstin 
to sit on the bed as she got out and pulled her hair back.  Then she 
lifted Kearstin up and moved into the front room, giving her husband a 
hello kiss on the way.
        The present opening took roughly an hour, punctuated by Kearstin's 
happy squeals.  When at last it was over, Chakotay moved the few fragile 
gifts out of reach of little hands and replicated a cup of tea for 
Kathryn.  She sighed and leaned back against him.  "In a few days, 
hopefully, I can go back to coffee."
        Chakotay smiled and gently caressed her belly.
        The tender moment was interrupted by a wail.  They looked up to see 
Kearstin pawing through the torn gift wrap.  Apparently finding nothing, 
she sat back and began to sob.
        "Sweetie, what's wrong?"  Kathryn started to rise, but Chakotay shook 
his head.  He moved to pick her up and bring her over to Kathryn.  
Kearstin buried her head in Kathryn's neck and continued to wail.
        "Kearstin, tell Mama and Daddy what's wrong," Chakotay said gently.
        "San'a--not--"
        "Go ahead, sweetie."
        "San'a C'aus--not bring--ba-by," Kearstin sniffled.
        It took the two a minute to figure it out, but when they did, they both 
had to hide their smiles.  Then Kathryn explained gently that that Santa 
had not brought the baby so that Kearstin would get to have Mama there 
at Christmas.  So Kearstin was happy once again and the rest of 
Christmas Day went by smoothly.

*

        (two days later)

        "One, two, three--push, Captain!"
        "What the hell--aaah!--do you think I'm doing?!"  Kathryn screamed.
        Kathryn's labor had begun early that morning and was now progressing 
past the nine-hour mark.  But despite the time length, everything was 
going well, even though the expectant father was about ready to lose his 
sanity.
        "That's it, Kathryn," Chakotay said.  "Breathe--one....two...."
        Chakotay suddenly found himself jerked down by the collar to come nose 
to nose with an enraged Kathryn Janeway.
        "I swear, Chakotay--if I live through this, you'll--" She was cut off 
as another contraction ripped through her.
        "Kath--Kathryn," he gasped.  "I--can't--breathe."
        "Good!" she hissed.
        He managed to pull free.  Kathryn tried to grab him again, but he 
wisely ducked.
        Another two hours and one bruised cheek on Chakotay later, Kathryn 
delivered a healthy, screaming 6 lb., 3 oz. girl.  Chakotay whooped, 
Kathryn cried and the Doctor was caught between rolling his eyes and 
smiling.
        "And her name will be?" the Doctor asked.
        "Cheyenne," Chakotay said.
        "Cheyenne Noel," Kathryn added, her eyes focused on the bundle in her 
arms.
        The Doctor nodded with a smile, entered it in the official ship's log 
and then left the new parents to their privacy.

        In the captain's quarters, Tom Paris was putting Kearstin to sleep.
        "Mama have ba-by?"
        "Not yet, sweetie.  She's having it right now.  The baby will be here 
soon."
        "Oh."  Kearstin pouted prettily, then she turned big brown eyes to the 
pilot.  "Story, Unc' Tom?"
        "You bet."  He carried her to the window seat.  "See all the stars out 
there?"
        "Stars," Kearstin repeated, nodding.
        "Well, there's an old saying that says when you wish on a star, your 
wish will come true."
        "Wish--true?"
        "Yup.  And if you're little, it always works.  So go ahead--wish for 
something."
        Kearstin scrunched up her face in thought briefly then opened her 
mouth.  Tom gently covered her mouth.  "No no, sweetie.  If you tell me, 
it won't come true."
        "Wish--not true?"
        "Only if you say it aloud.  You have to keep it a secret--so only the 
star knows.  Okay?"
        Kearstin nodded, then rubbed her eyes.
        "Okay, bedtime."  He carried her to her crib and set her in then drew 
her blanket up over her.  "Good night, sweetie."
        "'Night-night," Kearstin mumbled, already halfway asleep.
        "Computer, lights down to 4%."  The computer obliged and Tom left the 
nursery.
        "She asleep already?" B'Elanna asked.
        "Out like a light."
        "Chakotay to Paris."
        "Yeah, Chakotay?"
        "She's here."
        "That's great, Chakotay.  Congratulations.  How's the Captain doing?"
        "Exhausted, but fine."
        "How's the baby?" B'Elanna asked.
        "Just perfect.  Six pounds, three ounces.  She looks like Kathryn 
already."
        From the background came Janeway's voice.  "No, she looks like *you*."
        The other three laughed quietly, then Tom asked.  "So what's her name?"
        "Cheyenne Noel."
        "It's pretty.  I like it," B'Elanna said.  Tom agreed.
        "How's Kearstin?" Chakotay asked.
        "She's fine.  Just got her to sleep."
        "Good.  I'll be coming to check on her later."
        "All right, Chakotay.  See you then.  And congrats again."
        "Thanks, Tom.  Chakotay out."

*

        (two weeks later)

        "Chey?" Kearstin asked, looking down at the tiny form in her mama's 
arms.
        "That's right, sweetie."
        Chakotay entered their quarters.  Kearstin ran to him and he swung her 
up for a hug and kiss, then he came over to greet Kathryn.  Lastly, he 
dropped a tender kiss upon Cheyenne's brow.  "I have good news.  The 
Doctor told me B'Elanna's pregnant again."
        "Oh Chakotay, that's wonderful!"
        Kearstin's eyes grew wide, then she cried "Wish!"
        Both parents turned to look at her.  "What, sweetie?"
        "Wish!" Kearstin cried excitedly.  She pointed out the viewport at the 
stars.
        "Kearstin, what do you mean?"
        "Unc' Tom--story--wish--star."
        "The old wishing up on a star child's tale," Chakotay guessed. Kearstin 
nodded, pointing out the viewport once more.
        "Mommy still doesn't understand, sweetie."
        Kearstin pointed at the stars, then her pointing finger moved to a 
photo of B'Elanna, then next to her baby sister.  When Kathryn's 
expression didn't change; a scowl grew on Kearstin's face.  "Wish!" she 
cried, stamping her little foot indignantly.
        Kathryn shook her head again and gave Chakotay an amused look. "Mommy 
is *very* confused."
        "Wish--true."  Kearstin pointed again--first at the stars, then at the 
photo of B'Elanna and once more at Cheyenne.  "Wish--Aunt 'La--ba-by."


Legal B.S.  Paramount owns main characters, I own Kearstin and Cheyenne.  
Copyright February 1999 by Cheile.  Comments, please?  
cheile@hotmail.com