She could still see it in her mind; Lieutenant Paris and Ensign Kim running full tilt down the corridor, late for morning Bridge duty. Janeway laughed quietly as she recalled the expression of pure horror on Harry Kim's face when she had rounded the bend in the corridor. It was one of those moments between captain and crew that rarely happened on a Starfleet vessel, a moment where the captain could clearly see exactly what a crewmember was thinking. And Harry Kim had obviously decided that his luck had run out.

She chuckled again, cradling her cheek in her left hand as she reached for the data padd she had been perusing before her thoughts had interrupted. Silence enveloped her ready room again, and she sighed sleepily. According to the status reports in her hand, the ship was running at 87% efficiency, probably the best they had managed since entering the Delta Quadrant. There were no problems with the engines, the warp drive, or the dilithium chamber. Sensors were in peak condition, and the crew seemed to be getting along at last. In fact, it was downright weird how well things were going.

However, she wasn't about to question Voyager's sudden good fortune. She was determined to enjoy the remainder of the day, starting with a leisurely lunch in the mess hall. She called up her afternoon's schedule one last time before leaving the Bridge. Scheduled at 1230 was a meeting between herself, Commander Chakotay, Ensign Saunders, and Crewman Marnissi. Janeway glanced at the chronometer - 1210.

Damn. She'd missed lunch again. As if on cue, her stomach grumbled in protest. She quickly ordered a tray to be sent up from the mess hall, and it arrived just before Commander Chakotay entered from the Bridge.

Boosting those electrolyte levels again, eh, Captain? he teased. Chakotay sat in one of the chairs fronting her desk, then pulled the other around to prop his booted feet on. Apparently she wasn't the only one taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere on the ship.

Janeway leaned back in her own chair and chewed on a chicken or tuna sandwich, she couldn't tell which. She answered, Neelix always bombards me with vitamins and iron supplements if I don't eat lunch. It's much easier just to eat than to fend off our morale officer. Besides, I'm hungry.

Chakotay grinned. Stay away from those breaded things, he said and pointed to two long fried strips lying to one side of her plate. They're just plain bitter.

Unable to resist trying one now that she'd been warned, the captain gingerly took a small bite. She couldn't keep her face from tightening in sour disapproval. Ugh! What is this stuff?

The commander shook his head. I don't know. I'm not sure Neelix knows. Somebody probably requested it, but I think whoever it is is going to be mighty disappointed.

I know I would be! she exclaimed with a laugh. Janeway rose and crossed to the replicator. Water, she ordered, then carried the glass of clear liquid that appeared back to her desk. But only after taking a long drink to wash away the taste of Neelix's latest creation.

No coffee? Chakotay asked curiously after she'd resumed her seat.

Janeway shook her head. No, not after I saw what it did to Ensign Kim this morning. She laughed again, and the commander joined her.

Still laughing, Chakotay said, Imagine coming to Bridge duty with second degree burns! I thought I was going to have to drag Harry to Sickbay myself.

I'm lucky I heard them running down the corridor in time to get out of their way or we might all have ended up in Sickbay! Janeway continued to chuckle softly, thinking of Kim. Isn't Harry Kim a wonderful person? she asked with a delighted smile. He takes his duties so seriously. If only everybody was as diligent as he is. He's a good influence on Tom Paris, I think.

Chakotay nodded. I was thinking the same thing this morning. But I also think that Paris is good for Harry. At the captain's inquisitive glance, he explained, All work and no fun makes for a burned out officer.

Tom is good at having fun, Janeway admitted. She looked once more at the clock on her computer screen. Five more minutes to relax and eat before they get here. Do you know what this meeting is about? She took another bite of her sandwich.

At the mention of the meeting, Chakotay lowered his boots to the floor and replaced his foot rest to its original position. A lounging first officer was hardly considered Starfleet regulation, he thought to himself. He knew if the crew caught him lounging in the captain's ready room, they would only assume that they too could lounge on duty. It was best to give a good example from the beginning rather than try to break crewmembers of bad habits. But sometimes he got very tired of always setting that first example.

I have to admit I haven't got a clue. Marnissi just said she and Alex had something they wanted to discuss.

The door chime sounded and the captain looked at Chakotay. Guess we'll find out, she said with a hint of irony at the timing of the pair's arrival. Come in, she called.

Maquis Crewman Ansel Marnissi entered first. As always, Janeway's gaze was drawn to the woman's neatly braided long black hair. The curled ends of the braid just grazed her waist, and not a strand escaped the simple twists. The captain marveled at such deft braiding, one of the things she had mastered, but never quite perfected. Yet this petite woman made it look effortless and easy.

Marnissi nodded at both officers. Captain. Commander.

Alex Saunders, a Starfleet ensign originally assigned to Voyager's Stellar Cartography department, then reassigned to Security, towered over Marnissi. His blond head even rose above Chakotay when the commander stood and offered his chair to the ensign. Thanks for meeting with us, Captain. We know how busy you are....

Janeway motioned for the two to sit. Not at all, Ensign. She pushed her tray of half-eaten lunch to the side and placed her elbows on her desk, clasping her fingers under her chin. Please, what's on your mind?

The two glanced at each other, then glanced at the captain and the first officer, who perched on the edge of Janeway's desk. Then suddenly Marnissi blurted, Captain, we want to get married.

Janeway straightened up in surprise. For a moment she could think of nothing to say, other than stupidly repeating the crewman. Instead she turned to Chakotay. He was standing again, a stunned expression on his face. Just as suddenly, his face split into a wide grin that crinkled the skin around his eyes.

Congratulations! he boomed and reached down to enthusiastically shake both Saunder's and Marnissi's hands.

Janeway moved around her desk to do the same. I admit, I'm surprised, though I probably shouldn't be! This is marvelous news!

Saunders smiled back. We hoped you would think so, but we weren't sure what you would say.

The captain's smile faltered. I've always supported relationships among the crew, she said.

Ansel shook her head. We know that - everybody knows that. But we realize we're the first to try one of permanence, and that certainly breaks new ground on Voyager.

That's true, Janeway acknowledged. Voyager was never intended to carry families aboard.

It was also never intended for 70 year missions, Chakotay pointed out.

Alex Saunders filled in, But after Ensign Wildman had her baby, we decided to go ahead and ask your thoughts on the matter. We figured once the domestic aspect of this journey was crossed with a birth, a marriage would seem less controversial.

Captain Janeway crossed her arms and sat again on the edge of her desk. She pensively watched the two crewmembers. I see you've both given this a lot of serious thought.

Chakotay resumed his seat on the opposite desk corner, and though he was still smiling, he nodded an agreement to Janeway's assessment. This should definitely not be undertaken lightly. Of course, there's a logistical side to a marriage, he mentioned.

Ansel pulled her braid over her shoulder and played absently with the curled end. I think I know what you mean, Commander, and we've already talked about it.

Somebody please fill me in, Janeway requested, feeling confused.

Chakotay obliged. Well, right now, Ansel lives with two other crewmen in the quarters on deck fourteen, and though Alex does have quarters to himself, they're hardly big enough for two people.

Ansel spoke up, We're willing to live in Alex's current room for now if it's necessary. Though I can honestly say that I'm tired of living in a confined space. Small rooms have the tendency to encourage frequent squabbles.

You sound as if you speak from experience, Janeway noted, and the woman nodded, rolling her eyes. And I agree, the captain went on. A new alliance will be hard enough to encourage on a ship like this one, and insufficient quarters won't help.

I've been going over some options about Ensign Wildman's situation, interjected Chakotay thoughtfully, and her predicament is similar. As the baby grows, she'll need more room simply to keep the baby's things in. Tuvok and I have discussed doing some reconstruction to the multiple crew quarters on decks fourteen and fifteen, removing some bulkheads, installing new ones to create bigger, though fewer rooms. We plan to leave these open to families and couples as the need arises, and make the single quarters like Alex's into double or triple rooms. But those changes are a long way down the road, and not likely to happen overnight anyway.

We could assign you to temporary quarters in one of the two reserved guest suites, Janeway suggested. They don't have the computer links that crew quarters do, and you might find the storage for clothes and personal items to be a tight fit, but - well, I don't see as we have many other options.

Alex and Ansel exchanged a glance, and burst simultaneously into unexplained laughter. Alex said, You're not going to believe this, Captain, but we already thought of that option. What will really makes the guest suites perfect is that Ansel is Maquis.

Janeway's brow furrowed. And? she prompted.

I don't have any personal items, Ansel explained.

Janeway had to chuckle at that comment. No, I don't suppose you do. She thought about the transient life-styles the Maquis must have led before coming to Voyager. Life as a fugitive left little time for collecting mementos, and even if she'd had something special, it would have been aboard Chakotay's vessel and subsequently destroyed during the battle for the array. But the non-Maquis personnel were in practically the same plight. Even the Starfleet crewmembers don't have much in the way of materialistic goods, she continued. You don't take many things with you for a three week mission.

Chakotay nodded in understanding. I think Tuvok's the only person who hasn't openly complained about wanting items left behind. I know Kim misses his first clarinet.

And I would like another set of civilian clothes, Janeway confessed with a wry smile.

You and everybody else on board. Alex's comment was accompanied by a dramatic sigh and a disdainful pluck at his uniform that made them all laugh.

Janeway brought them back to the topic under discussion. Commander, see to their transfer to one of the guest suites after the wedding, she ordered.

Aye, Captain. My pleasure.

She nodded. And that brings us to another matter. Have you given any thought to what kind of ceremony you want? Can Neelix get a hold of the proceedings, or is this something that needs to be a quiet affair with only a few people involved?

Before they could answer, Chakotay mentioned, You also might want to consider your individual cultures' special marriage rituals. Something of that nature can be very personal.

Janeway agreed. The commander's right. We want to help make this transition as easy as we can.

Crewman Marnissi rose to pace a few steps to the center of the room. She thoughtfully chewed on her thumbnail until Ensign Saunders gave her an encouraging nod of his head. As if coming to some important decision, Marnissi's head came up and she placed her hands squarely on her hips in a very Janewayesque pose.

Chakotay didn't miss the captain's influence on Ansel. He knew that though the crewman didn't always agree with her, she admired the captain a great deal and had often tried to use her as a sort of mentor from afar. He'd enjoyed watching this young rebel grow once she'd accustomed herself to a Starfleet existence. Like B'Elanna Torres, Ansel's extreme anger at the universe at large had diminished and she'd gained in authoritative control. She was a quick learner and an asset to Stellar Cartography, and he had talked with the captain about her promotion to ensign just last week.

Now she stood still and regarded her commanding officers out of determined eyes. I wonder if either of you realize what mine and Alex's marriage will mean to the rest of the crew, she began.

What do you mean? Chakotay asked.

Her gaze traveled back and forth between Janeway and Chakotay. I don't mean any disrespect by this, but a lot goes on among the crew that neither of you know about. There's still a great deal of dissent between the Maquis and the Starfleet.

Janeway's expression grew troubled. I had thought that the problems were being ironed out.

On the surface they are. Nobody wants to get in trouble, Ansel explained. But, let's be realistic. We're all a little thickheaded about certain things, and there's a lot of diverse personalities on board. After all, I have Maquis branded across my forehead as well as on my collar, just as Alex is a Federation, Starfleet, by-the-book kind of guy. She shrugged. Integrating has been hard, and the struggle is still going on. Our marriage will show that getting along isn't impossible, that both crews can respect each other while still retaining their differences.

In short, Alex interrupted, we hope to show these lugheads that we have to start acting like adults if we want to survive out here. Coming together and supporting each other is the only way we can make it home.

Janeway paused thoughtfully, letting their words sink in. Clearly these two had spent a lot of off-duty time discussing the state of the crew and their chances for success. I couldn't have said it better myself. Maybe I should let you do my shipwide captain's address next month, she suggested.

Ansel relaxed enough to laugh. No thanks. I think I've already taxed my eloquence to the limit. But I do want to say one thing. This can't be a simple, quiet wedding. It has to be big, with everyone involved, or the significance will be diminished.

Alex chimed in, And that's why we don't want any cultural or religious ceremonies or rituals that might exclude somebody. This has to be a uniquely Voyager ceremony. Not to mention one hell of a party! He grinned and Ansel socked him affectionately on the shoulder.

Chakotay expelled his breath and rubbed his temple with his index finger. Well, I guess you have considered just about everything. I have to say I'm impressed.

Saunders smiled back. We thought we better have most of the angles covered before we came in to this meeting.

Marnissi turned to Janeway. We've decided that we want you to perform the ceremony, Captain.

In spite of Janeway's admiration for the couple's thoroughness, she hesitated. Before I can agree to this, I have to be absolutely clear on a few basic things. Her somber tone put an instant halt to the building excitement.

Captain? Is there a problem? Chakotay questioned, puzzled by her reticence.

She motioned him to be patient, then continued. You wanted me to have a good understanding of what this marriage will mean for the crew, and I appreciate your insights. Now, I want you to understand what this marriage will mean for you. She paused again to collect her thoughts. Carefully she said, Marriage is a most serious commitment. I know it can bring great joy, but there are so many changes in store for you. Transferring quarters is only one of them. You will have to live together, work together, make decisions and overcome problems together. There is no half way in a successful union between two people, especially ones from such different backgrounds and ideals as the two of you.

We're aware of all that, Captain, Marnissi quietly insisted.

Good. Because you'll need to be aware of the colossal risk you're taking. Do you realize how uncomfortable your lives can be if this marriage doesn't work out?

Neither of us plan to run out, if that's what you mean, Captain, Saunders stated in contained yet unmistakable anger.

The captain clasped her hands and stared at Saunders and

Marnissi intently. Most of us have relatives and family members who have divorced or run out, as you say. And I'm not passing any judgments on their decisions. The only problem is with our situation. There's nowhere to run. If in the event of a mutual dissolvance of your marriage, will you be able to work together as useful members of this crew without allowing your personal feelings to interfere?

In other words, do you promise not to assassinate each other in the corridors? Chakotay cut in dryly.

Janeway glanced at him in irritation, but her first officer's comment must have struck the right chord. The tension left the air as Ansel quirked a smile at Chakotay.

Chakotay, I had forgotten about your dry sense of humor. Now that you're not my captain, I think I actually miss it. She shook her head, then looked at Janeway. But let me put your worries to rest with a brief story, Captain. When I first came aboard this Starfleet vessel, I hated it. I hated the stuffy, self-righteous crew. I hated the rules that Lieutenant Tuvok insisted I follow. And yes, I even hated you, Captain. But I did my job alongside those very things I despised, because I knew I had to if I wanted to make it on this ship. I met Alex, the notorious prig of Stellar Cartography. Then things started to change. She glanced at Alex Saunders and allowed a soft smile before returning her gaze to Janeway. I've changed since then. We've all had to adapt to some degree. And I really like the differences in myself. Best of all, I love Alex. The future may be rough and uncertain, and I don't suppose a marriage will make everything turn suddenly rosy, but I'm more than willing to give it a chance.

In the silence that followed that treatise, Janeway fancied she could detect four individual heartbeats. She took a deep, cleansing breath to clear her mind and turned to Saunders. Ensign? she asked simply.

Saunders leaned forward in his chair, his hands clenched in tight fists. If you want me to swear an oath not to harm Ansel in case of eventual divorce, I'll do it. If you want me to sign a written oath, I'll sign it. I'll do anything that will convince you that all I want is to marry Ansel. I've never been more sure about anything in my entire life, he ended passionately.

Janeway's eyebrows lifted to her hair. The breath she'd been holding hissed quietly through her teeth. Well, I believe I've heard everything I need to hear. She glanced at the commander to ascertain his opinion. He was wide-eyed and could only nod in her direction. She understood his sense of being overwhelmed by all the well developed, emotional arguments. She was only too happy to disregard her misgivings and let her features dissolve into a large smile. I would be honored and pleased to perform your wedding ceremony, she promised.

Ansel Marnissi covered her mouth with her hands, and for a moment the captain thought she was crying, but it quickly became evident that she was laughing. The crewman rushed forward and threw her arms around the astonished Janeway.

Oh, thank you, Captain! I knew we could convince you! Then she moved over to hug her former Maquis captain. Thank you, Chakotay!

In contrast, Alex Saunders was unmoving in his chair. As yet he hadn't said a word. His hands were still clasped tightly together between his knees and his head dangled heavily from his neck. For all the others knew, he might be unconscious.

Janeway moved uncertainly to his chair. She gently touched him on the shoulder. Ensign?

Ensign Saunders lifted his head to show the tears on his cheeks. Sorry. I'm just so relieved....

Ansel sat on the arm of Alex's chair and rubbed him on his back. She grinned at Janeway and Chakotay. You'd never know it, but Alex is a very emotional person. Much more than I am.

You haven't changed that much, Marnissi, Chakotay said. I'll be sure to avoid you when you have your first disagreement. Suddenly they were all laughing again.

Thank you, Captain Janeway, Saunders said sincerely. He took her hand and clasped it tightly. This means a lot to both of us.

To all of us, Janeway corrected.

Ansel's grin grew even wider. I feel like celebrating. Or at least like telling everybody!

Chakotay spoke. I suggest we let Neelix announce it.

That's a good idea! the captain enthused.

Alex nodded, his tears forgotten. He's certainly capable of getting everybody hyped up for it.

Why don't you go see him in the mess hall now, discuss the details and set a convenient time. Whatever you decide is fine with me. Is more than fine with me, in fact! Janeway laughed again, giving in to the couple's infectious excitement.

Ensign Saunders stood and grabbed the crewman's hand. Thank you again, Captain, Commander.

Ansel smiled. Come on! she insisted, then nearly dragged him out of the ready room without waiting for a proper dismissal. The captain didn't even notice.

It was like the aftermath of a fierce storm. Janeway sighed in the relative quiet after their departure. She crossed her arms and regarded her grinning first officer. You look very pleased, Chakotay.

I am. I've never seen Ansel Marnissi this happy about anything. Being part of this crew has done a lot of good things for her. He tried to rub the grin from his face with the back of his hand, but failed. If anything, his smile grew wider. And besides, I can't help feeling awfully good about this. It's almost more exciting than Wildman's baby!

Voyager's first wedding. Janeway shook her head in amazement. I'm much happier about it than I thought I would be. But at the same time I'm afraid to even consider the consequences, she admitted.

Chakotay seemed to understand. We've come to one of this crew's major bridges. Crossing it will be a big challenge.

Janeway thoughtfully lifted her eyes to meet the commander's gaze. Slowly she said, Somehow, I think I just made one of the most important decisions I'll ever make in this quadrant.

Chakotay laid a hand on her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze of support. It was the right one, he said.

I know.

Chapter 1 || Contents || Chapter 3