Author's note:  This is for everyone who pleaded for a "maybe not" at 
the end of "Two Become One".  Here is the second installment in the 
"Kathryn's Rainbow" series.  I am setting this mid-late fifth season, so 
after this year's February sweeps, it will basically be AU.  But hey, 
that's what fanfic is for--twisting the timeline…just a little bit.  
Right, Anneke?  ;)

Disclaimer:  Insert legal B.S.  Paramount's name is on the copyright, 
but I'm letting the characters have a later curfew.  Yes, I'll put them 
back when I'm done with them--do I look that stupid??  However, story 
and anything to do with the rainbow belongs to me.

Rating:  PG-13.

Dedication:  To Jen--you know why.  :)

Diagnosis
by Cheile


        Kathryn Janeway awoke slowly, blinking her eyes as the soft Mozart 
strains she had set for her album to use penetrated her fog of sleep.
        Sighing, she sat up then moved to slide off the bed.  Abruptly, a wave 
of nausea overwhelmed her.  Leaping to her feet, she stumbled hurriedly 
to the bathroom.
        Ten minutes later, a weary, white-faced Kathryn stared at her 
reflection in the mirror.  She couldn't understand why she kept feeling 
sick in the morning and it would pass by dinnertime.  Shaking her head, 
she opened a comm line to Sickbay.
        "Janeway to Sickbay."
        "Yes, Captain, what can I do for you?"
        "Doctor, I'm not feeling very well and I'd like you to have a look at 
me."
        "Of course.  When is a good time for you?"
        "As soon as I can get dressed," Kathryn replied, pulling a uniform out 
of her closet.
        "Very well.  I'll be waiting."
        "See you soon.  Janeway out."  Kathryn tugged her turtleneck on and 
picked up her jacket, then dropped it as she spun around to run to the 
bathroom again.

        Fifteen minutes later, the doors to Sickbay parted, admitting Kathryn.  
She took three steps inside, then swayed on her feet.  Seeing this, the 
Doctor hurried to support her and help her to sit down on the nearest 
biobed.
        "Are you all right, Captain?" the Doctor asked.
        Kathryn nodded with a sigh.  The Doctor picked up a tricorder and began 
to scan her.  "What are your symptoms?"
        "I've been feeling nauseous when I wake up for the past four days.  It 
stays with me through the day and will usually go away by 1900."
        "Hmm…" the Doctor said, running the tricorder's wand lower.
        "Plus I've been having dizzy spells and a little wooziness.  It often 
hits me when I wake up and also around Beta shift."
        "I see," he murmured, punching in a new set of commands.
        "It seemed like the flu, but I wasn't sure."
        "Hmm," the Doctor said again.  He scanned her a few minutes longer, 
then slowly set the tricorder down.
        "What is it?" Kathryn said.
        "Well, I have good news and--I wouldn't exactly call it bad news, so I 
will say surprising news."
        Kathryn was puzzled.  "Well, give me the good news first."
        "It's not the flu--or any other illness."
        "Then what is it?"
        "You're pregnant, Captain."
        Kathryn's jaw dropped.  "You can't be serious."
        "I am."  He handed her the tricorder.
        For several minutes, Kathryn stared in shock at the tricorder's screen 
as the second tiny heartbeat flashed across the screen again and again.
        "Captain."  The Doctor's voice pulled her out of her trance.  Her gaze 
lifted to his.
        "My DNA scans show that Commander Chakotay is the father.  Do you wish 
for me to inform him?"
        She shook her head.  "No, I'll tell him."
        The Doctor nodded, then handed her a padd.  "Here are some things you 
might want to know about.  If you any of these symptoms arise, come see 
me immediately."
        She nodded numbly.
        "I want to schedule appointments for every three weeks to check on your 
progress."
        Again, she nodded numbly, then slowly exited sickbay.  Once outside the 
doors, she took a deep breath.  *I have to stay calm*, she told herself.
        She headed for the turbolift.

        Harry Kim had been on duty for half an hour when the lift doors opened 
to reveal the captain.  When he saw her, he was shocked.  She looked 
terrible.
        "Captain, are you all right?" he asked worriedly.
        At these words, both Paris and Tuvok turned to look at her.  She smiled 
wanly at them.  "I'm fine, Harry," she replied softly.  Then, without 
another word, she crossed the bridge to her ready room.
        Tom turned back around.  *Boy, is she upset about something--or with 
someone?*   He made a mental note to ask B'Elanna if she knew anything 
later--unless something was revealed before then.

        Once inside her ready room, Kathryn closed her eyes and swallowed hard 
to prevent her nausea from overwhelming her again.  When it passed, she 
breathed a sigh of relief.  She replicated some crackers and sat down, 
nibbling on one as she waited for Chakotay's shift to start.  After two 
hours of waiting, the computer finally gave her the answer she was 
waiting for.  Drawing in a deep, calming breath, Kathryn hailed him.
        "Yes, Captain?"
        "I'd like to speak with you, please.  I'm in my ready room."
        A couple seconds later, her door chime sounded.
        "Come in," she called softly.
        Chakotay stepped through the doors and let them close behind him before 
he got a good look at her face.  "Kathryn, what's wrong?"
        Slowly, she rose form her chair, fighting nausea again.  It was a 
couple of minutes before she spoke.  "I wouldn't say anything's 
'wrong'--and I hope you don't either."
        "I only meant that you're paler than a ghost and look like you should 
be back in bed."
        She couldn't meet his gaze.
        He stepped closer, gently touching her arm.  "Tell me what's wrong."
        She raised her beautiful ocean blue eyes to his.  "Chakotay, I'm 
pregnant."
        He said nothing for several minutes and she turned away, covering her 
mouth with one hand, both to prevent her nausea and the sob that 
threatened.
        "You're pregnant?" he repeated softly.
        "Seven weeks," she managed to choke out, even as her heart was 
beginning to break.
        "I'm going to be a father?"
        At those words, she turned to face him again.  His eyes were alight 
with happiness and there was a hint of a smile on his face, which 
disappeared as soon as he saw her tears.
        "Oh, Kathryn."  He moved quickly to embrace her, one hand sliding up to 
cup her face.  "Did you think I was angry with you?"
        She nodded ashamedly, pressing her cheek against his chest.
        His embrace tightened.  " Kathryn, nothing would make me happier than 
for you to be the mother of my child."
        "And nothing makes me happier than to give you a child."
        He buried his lips in her hair.  "I love you, Kathryn."
        She raised her head to meet his eyes and placed her free hand over his 
heart.  "And I love you, my angry warrior," she replied softly.
        They stood in silence for several minutes holding each other until 
Chakotay stepped back, taking her hand and leading her to the couch to 
sit down.  Noticing his pensive look, she asked him what was wrong.
        He shook his head and chuckled softly.  "Stupid of me to be nervous 
about asking you this."
        "Ask me what?"
        "Will you marry me, Kathryn?"
        It was her turn to be stunned.  "Chakotay, I…"
        "I'll understand if you say no.  But I want us to be together--bonded, 
in marriage as well as love."
        Kathryn felt her heart melt at those words.  How could she not accept?  
She tried to speak, but couldn't find her voice and nodded instead.
        "Is three weeks too soon?" he asked.
        "Not soon enough for me," she answered, then blushed when she realized 
what she had said.
        He laughed softly again, then cupped her face in both hands, bringing 
her close for a kiss.  "I love you, Kathryn Janeway.  I always will."

*

        Tom headed down to the mess hall at noon for lunch.  After grabbing a 
bowl of tomato soup, he went to sit with B'Elanna, who was busy studying 
a padd.
        "Hi, 'Lanna."
        She looked up, startled.  "Hi."
        He sat down beside her, and they exchanged a tender kiss.
        "So how's your day been?"
        "All right.  How about yours?"
        She relayed the latest on what repairs and overhauls they were doing, 
then added, "At least we're ahead of schedule on the captain's 'to-do' 
list."
        The comment reminded Tom of what he had wanted to ask her about.  "Do 
you know if there's something serious going on between the captain and 
Chakotay?"
        "Like what?" she asked, setting the padd down and gazing at him 
curiously.
        "I thought they might have had a fight or something, because when she 
came up to the bridge this morning, she looked awful--her face was white 
and she seemed really upset.  She told Harry that she was fine, though, 
and went into the ready room.  The second Chakotay walked onto the 
bridge, she called him in there and they haven't come out since."
        "What time?"
        "0900."
        B'Elanna shook her head.  "I have no idea.  Do you think we'll get to 
find out?"
        Just then, the Captain's voice sounded over the intercom.  "Attention, 
senior staff--there will be a meeting in one hour."
        At that, the couple looked at each other in surprise.  "Guess we will," 
Tom remarked.

        55 minutes later, Kathryn was nervously pacing the conference room, 
awaiting the arrival of the senior staff.
        "Kathryn, please calm down," Chakotay said, watching her as she circled 
the area near the window.
        She sighed and pushed her bangs back.  "I'm just afraid that they'll 
disapprove, Chakotay."
        "Why?"
        Kathryn threw up her hands.  "I don't know!  I'm just afraid they--they 
will."  Her voice cracked.
        Chakotay moved to her side and pulled her close briefly.  "Don't worry, 
love.  I promise you everything will turn out fine."  He released her 
and took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
        She looked as if she were about to say something else, but the doors 
opened, admitting Tuvok, followed by Tom and B'Elanna.  Chakotay quickly 
dropped Kathryn's hand.
        Both Paris and Tuvok noticed.  Tuvok merely raised an eyebrow, while 
Tom again wondered what was going on.
        The doors opened again.  Neelix hurried in, Harry and Seven a minute 
behind him.  The Doctor was a minute later.
        After everyone was seated, they all turned expectantly toward Kathryn.  
Gathering up her courage, she began.
        "First of all, thank you all for coming on such short notice.  And 
second, Chakotay and I have news."
        She almost lost her courage at that point, but Chakotay's hand found 
hers.  She smiled at him, then continued.
        "Chakotay has asked me to marry him and I have accepted.  Tuvok, we 
would like you to do the honors."
        Not one of the senior staff was without wide eyes, with the exception 
of Tuvok himself, whose eyebrow couldn't have possibly been any higher.  
And she could just imagine the look on his face after her next piece of 
news.  She turned to Chakotay again, who stepped close to her to put an 
arm around her.  "And--"  she paused, but got another loving, reassuring 
squeeze  "--we're going to be parents."
        This time it was Seven's eyebrow that shot up.  Harry's eyes had never 
been wider.  Tom and B'Elanna kept glancing at from each other to 
Kathryn and Chakotay but they were smiling.  The Doctor looked slightly 
smug, since he had already known of the Captain's pregnancy.  And Neelix 
had the biggest grin of all.
        "Captain, this is wonderful news!  The crew will be so happy for you 
and the Commander.  We'll have to throw you an engagement party!…"
        Kathryn stopped him before he could go any farther.  "Neelix, wait."
        He stopped mid-sentence.  "Yes, Captain?"
        "I hate to disappoint you, Neelix, but we don't need an engagement 
party or a big wedding."
        The Talaxian's cheerful face fell.
        "We decided that we want a small wedding--with Tuvok in place of a 
minister and the senior staff as witness.  However, we would like to 
have a reception for the entire crew--lasting 18 hours, which will give 
everyone the chance to attend."
        Neelix brightened.
        "Captain, Commander, this is great--I mean, congratulations, on both 
accounts," Harry said.
        Seven had been silently taking it all in, but she abruptly spoke up.  
"Am I assuming correctly, Captain, that you and the Commander are 
forming a two-member collective as the lieutenants have done?"
        "That's right, Seven."
        "When will the wedding be, Captain?" Tom asked.
        "We're looking at three or four weeks from now."
        "So soon?  We'll need more time than that--I mean, look how long it 
took Tom and I to plan," B'Elanna said.
        "Lieutenant Torres is correct, Captain.  Three weeks is insufficient 
time," Seven put in.
        "Our wedding will not be as big as Tom and B'Elanna's, Seven.  I think 
that a month, at the most, should be enough time for the plans."        
        Seven raised an eyebrow, much like Tuvok, then said "Very well."
        "All right, unless anyone has anything else to say, we can close the 
meeting and I'll let you all get back to your stations."
        After a minute of silence, Kathryn dismissed them.  Neelix said that he 
would begin planning the reception menu.  Harry walked Seven out after 
both had extended congratulations.  The Doctor extended his own 
congratulations and reminded Kathryn of her appointment in two weeks, 
then left.  Tom and B'Elanna departed, after hugging Kathryn and Tom 
teasing Chakotay.
        "I'll see you later," Chakotay said softly.  He kissed her cheek, then 
headed out the door.  Kathryn smiled, then started after him.
        "Captain."
        Kathryn looked up in surprise to see Tuvok still standing there.  "Yes, 
Tuvok?"
        "Are you sure this is wise?"
        A small part of her was a little upset that he disapproved, but she 
knew that he was asking as a friend.  "Chakotay and I love each other, 
Tuvok.  We feel this is the right decision."
        The Vulcan studied her face for a minute.  Seeing the happiness shine 
in her eyes, he knew that she spoke the truth.  He nodded.  "Then I wish 
you and Commander Chakotay happiness."
        She smiled at him and patted his arm.  "Thank you, my old friend."
        Tuvok nodded, then left the room.  Still smiling, Kathryn followed him.

**

(Four weeks later)


        "Kathryn Melanie Janeway, do you take this man to be your husband, to 
have and to hold, in sickness and health, to love and cherish, until 
death do you part?"
        "I do," Kathryn answered softly.
        The past month had flown by fast and now here she stood, in the circle 
of Chakotay's arms, repeating her vows to him, vows she knew she would 
always keep.
        The holodeck setting was one of Chakotay's home--a fair-sized clearing 
surrounded by many trees.  Tuvok stood at front, and the remainder of 
the senior staff made a half-circle on the opposite side, with their 
commanding officers in the center.
        To fit in with the setting, the bride and groom were dressed simply - 
Chakotay in tan leather slacks, a cream-colored shirt and an onyx 
bracelet that had belonged to his father, his feet bare.  Kathryn's 
dress was a similar shade of cream, short-sleeved, the skirt brushing 
her ankles.  On her feet were matching, slip-on sandals.  Her hair hung 
loose and flowed down her back beneath the waist-length linen veil 
attached to the pair of white rosebuds tucked behind each ear.
        At this point, Tuvok stepped back slightly, allowing the couple to 
speak their own personal vows, a custom of Chakotay's people.  B'Elanna 
stepped forward and handed something to Chakotay.  He took it, then 
locked his eyes with Kathryn's as he began to speak.
        "This medallion is a symbol of my tribe; it is a bond, a commitment 
between a man and woman, symbolizing unity, honor and love that has been 
passed down from husband to wife since the beginning."  Never taking his 
gaze from hers, he fastened the chain around her neck.  "I give this to 
you with all my heart and soul."
        Kathryn bent her head to look at the medallion, her fingers fumbling 
slightly as she tried to get a hold on it.  She examined the design, 
which resembled a weave of swirls and an extension of his tattoo.  
Lifting her gaze back to his, she felt tears fill her eyes as she 
realized just how much he truly loved her.
        Taking a deep breath, she attempted to regain her composure.  One tear 
escaped and Chakotay reached up, brushing it away with his thumb.  She 
took another breath, then spoke.
        "My gift for you you already have."  She took his hands in hers, 
caressing the left one right above the wedding band he now wore.  "This 
ring belonged to my father and has been in his family for ten 
generations.  I give it to you as the symbol of love for you."  She 
caressed his hand again, right above the ring.
        They gazed at each other for another long minute before Tuvok stepped 
forward again.  "I now pronounce you husband and wife.  You may kiss her 
now, Commander."
        Chakotay leaned down, enfolding Kathryn in his arms as his lips met 
hers.

        The reception was as simple as the ceremony, with the exception of crew 
coming and going, to give best wishes to their captain and first 
officer.
        About two hours into the reception, Tom and B'Elanna made their way 
over to them.  After more congratulatory hugs, Tom said, "We have news."
        "What is it?"
        He took his wife's hand in his own, and they were both smiling happily.  
"Doc just told B'Elanna this morning that she's pregnant."
        "Oh, that's wonderful, you two."  Kathryn rose again to hug B'Elanna, 
then Tom.
        "Congratulations, you two," Chakotay smiled.  "Now we'll have two 
troublemakers running around this ship--father and son."
        "Very funny, Chakotay.  Meanwhile, when your kid learns to talk, I'll 
have two dictators badgering me."
        The four laughed again.
        "Y'know, the babies will be close in birthday--we could have one big 
party every year."  Tom stopped.  "Wait a minute.  What am I saying?  
We've got a pregnant captain *and* chief engineer.  Look out, red 
alert--mood swings ahead!!"
        Kathryn nailed him with a mock glare.  "Don't you start, Lieutenant."
        B'Elanna smacked his arm.  "That will be enough out of you, Thomas 
Eugene."
        He grinned at his wife and the captain, while Chakotay shook his head.

        After another three hours, the couple escaped the mess hall with more 
yelled well wishes and even a few handfuls of rice thrown in their wake.
        "Well, this is certainly a day I'll always remember."
        She laughed softly.  "I know that I will *never* forget it."  She 
clasped the medallion and for an instant, tears filled her eyes.  "I 
love you," she whispered.
        "And I love you," he murmured.  He kissed her hair, then led her into 
the lift.
        Within a few minutes, they were at the door of their new quarters.  He 
lifted her delicate frame in his arms and carried her over the 
threshold.  The door closed behind them and he softly ordered the lock.  
Once it was secure, he swept Kathryn into his arms again and carried her 
to the bedroom…..
        Some time later, they lay exhausted, yet sated, until Chakotay turned 
onto his side, pulling her with him and holding her close.
        "Good night, Kathryn.  I love you."
        "I love you, too."
        Soon, Kathryn drifted to sleep in her husband's arms.

*

(Six weeks later)


        As Voyager departed from Taiga, an uninhabited planet named for its 
vast forests, Kathryn looked out the window of her ready room.  She was 
happy.  The crew had gotten some down time to explore the beautiful 
forests, they had restocked and wouldn't need to for six months and her 
life was going perfectly.
        Feeling a stirring down below, Kathryn looked down, smiling.  She 
placed a hand gently on the now-noticeable bulge.  "Yes, little one.  
Say good-bye to Taiga.  We're on our way again."
        The door chime sounded.  "Come in."
        The door opened and closed again.  She knew it was Chakotay by the 
sound of his footsteps.  Soon, she saw his reflection, then felt his 
arms go around her.
        "What are you doing in here by yourself?"
        "Having a conversation with our little one."
        "Oh yes--one of those one-sided conversations," he teased as she 
smiled.  He placed a hand on her belly and there was a slight 
flutter-kick in return.
        "Hello, my girl," he said softly.  "How are things in the womb today?"
        Kathryn couldn't help bursting into laughter at that remark, then 
paused.  "And what makes you so sure it will be a girl?"
        "I just know.  And because I want a little girl with her mother's hair 
and fiery spirit--a daughter as beautiful as the captain of this bucket 
of bolts."
        She turned in his arms to give him a mock glare.  "Don't you talk that 
way about *my* ship, buster."  She poked him in the chest with one 
finger to prove her point.
        "Yes, ma'am," he murmured, capturing her mouth with his.
        When they separated, they looked at each other for a long minute, 
breathless and smiling.
        "Should I give Tuvok the bridge and we can adjourn to our quarters?"
        "Anything you wish, Kathryn."

*

(Three weeks later)


        Kathryn was woken out of a sound sleep by the Doctor's hail.  "Sickbay 
to Janeway."
        Kathryn blinked and looked at her table chrono.  1310.  "Doctor, I'm 
trying to rest.  What is it?"
        "I have bad news.  Lieutenant Torres has suffered a miscarriage."
        Wide awake now, Kathryn hurriedly grabbed a pair of shoes and dashed 
out the door to sickbay.

        Ensign Wildman met her at the doors of Sickbay.  There were tears in 
her eyes.
        Joe Carey was talking to the Doctor.  His normally ruddy color had 
faded to almost white.
        On the far side of Sickbay was the devastated couple.  Tom was holding 
B'Elanna tightly and silent tears were running down his cheeks.  The 
engineer had her face buried in her husband's chest and her slender form 
was shaking with sobs.  Every few seconds, a choked cry came from her 
direction.
        "How did it happen, Doctor?" she asked, tears beginning to sting her 
own eyes.
        Joe Carey spoke up.  "I was the one who found her.  She had gone up to 
her office to check on something.  I went up sometime later--"  his face 
turned paler  "--and 'Lan was lying in a pool of blood.  She had been 
trying to cry for help, but it must have hit her so fast she didn't have 
time."  He closed his eyes.  Samantha moved to her fiancé's side and 
took his hand.  He gave her a sad half-smile.
        Kathryn slowly approached Tom and B'Elanna.  Tom saw her first and took 
the hand she extended for a squeeze.
        "I'm so sorry for both of you," she said, her tears rising.
        "Captain--please.  I want--to be alone."
        "B'Elanna…"
        "Please--just let me be alone with Tom."
        Kathryn nodded.  "All right."  She squeezed Tom's hand again, then 
slowly walked out, her heart breaking for the two.  They had been so 
happy to find out they were going to be parents--and now that happiness 
had been ripped away.
        A flutter in her stomach brought her mind back to the present--and 
deepened her sorrow.  How terrible B'Elanna must feel to look at 
her--with her baby still alive and safe inside her.
        The tears came full force and she stumbled blindly back to her 
quarters.  Hurrying through the door, she nearly bowled Chakotay over.
        "Kathryn--oh love…"  He wrapped her in his arms and led her to the 
couch.
        "How awful--she's going--to--feel every time--she looks--at me.  
I'll--be the--cause of--her--pain."
        "Kathryn, it is not your fault.  And I'm sure B'Elanna doesn't blame 
you.  She would feel as bad for you if the situation were reversed."
        "She wouldn't even let me near her, Chakotay."
        "Now just wasn't the time, love."
        "It's because I'm still pregnant--I hurt her just by being around."
        Chakotay shook her gently by the shoulders.  "That's not true."
        "Yes, it is," she whispered mournfully.
        "She won't see me either--she won't even talk to Harry."
        "I feel terrible, Chakotay.  Every time she sees me, she's going to be 
reminded of her loss."
        "It will take her time, but she will overcome her grief.  And after she 
heals, she and Tom can have more children."
        Kathryn sighed.  "I can only hope you're right, my love."

*

(A month later)


        As Chakotay predicted, it took B'Elanna time.  She was slowly coming to 
terms with her grief, and lay no blame on Kathryn, even though she cried 
every now and then in the private comfort of Tom's arms.
        Kathryn, now six months pregnant, was going through her mood swings.  
She shifted from tired to happy to "I hate the way I look because it 
looks like I swallowed a shuttle"--translation:  don't mess with me.
        One day, a restless Kathryn decided to use up some of the holodeck time 
that she had saved and visit with daVinci.  She had not run the program 
since the week before Tom and B'Elanna's wedding.
        "Computer, run program Janeway Gamma two."
        The computer beeped acknowledgement.  Kathryn stepped through the doors 
and into daVinci's workshop.  She spied him bent over a blueprint, but 
he looked up upon hearing footsteps.
        "Hello, Maestro," Kathryn said, smiling.  "It's been awhile, hasn't 
it?"
        The old artist's face broke into a grin.  "Katarina!"  He rose from his 
stool and wound his way through the clutter to reach her.  Coming around 
a chair to hug her, he stopped short when he got a good look at her.  
"Katarina, you are--incinta!"
        She nodded, her smile growing.
        "You got home--married your Marco?"
        Kathryn shook her head.  "No, not Mark."
        "You are not wed then?!" daVinci said in shock.
        "Oh no, no--I am married, Leonardo.  I married Chakotay."
        "The tall dark one from the New World?" daVinci's grin came back.  "Ah 
Katarina, I always thought you'd be good for him."  He gave Janeway a 
wink, causing her to blush.  "Tell me Katarina, are you happy together?"
        "We're very happy," Kathryn said softly.
        "May I?" He gestured to her stomach.
        "Of course."
        He reached out hesitantly.  Kathryn took his wrinkled hand and pressed 
it to the bulge.  The baby rewarded him with a strong kick, causing the 
maestro's eyes to widen.
        "Ah, he is a strong one, Katarina!  Or perhaps it is a she?  What do 
you wish for--a lad or a little maid?"
        "Chakotay wants a girl.  I don't really care one way or the other.  A 
girl would be nice, but so would a boy."
        The maestro nodded his approval, then took her by the hand.  "Come, 
Katarina.  I want to show you a new sketch I've been working on and you 
can tell me about your Chakotay and the little one.
        She let him lead her to his table, where he found her a comfortable 
chair to sit in and picking up his blueprint, he began.

*

(Three weeks later)


        The Doctor scanned Kathryn, then tapped a key on the nearby console.  
Soon, a small but steady and swift sound of a heartbeat emanated from 
the speaker.
        Chakotay's eyes widened.  "Is that--"
        "Your baby's heartbeat, Commander."
        Kathryn's face lit up in wonder and she gently touched her stomach.
        The Doctor closed the tricorder with a smile.  "Your baby is perfectly 
healthy.  Everything is going fine."
        Chakotay's arms went around her and she happily hugged him in return.
        "I love you so much," he murmured into her hair.
        She raised her face to his for a kiss as he placed a hand gently on her 
belly, the sound of the baby's heartbeat echoing in the background.


Disclaimers above.  My story--mine, mine, mine.  In your face, 
Paramount!! :P
        Copyright October 1998 by Cheile.  I'd *really* appreciate 
feedback--hint, hint.  ;-)  cheile@hotmail.com.