End Of The Game

by Donna

PG-13
Disclaimer-Paramount owns all. I just do this for my own pleasure.

Dedication: To Lady Chakotay. If not for your article about why people write fanfic, I never would have had the nerve to do this.

This is my version of what happens after Endgame. I know that many authors have tried to rewrite Endgame, but I really enjoyed the episode, with two exceptions. I felt that it ended too abruptly, and of course, the ridiculous pairing of Chakotay and Seven. Rather than change what had already happened, I simply chose to tell the story of what happened after the end of the episode. I hope you enjoy it.


End Of The Game

The Federation Starship Voyager sped on its way toward the blue jewel that hung in space before them. The blue jewel that was Earth. Captain Kathryn Janeway sat in her command chair sadly watching the viewscreen. Despite the fact that this was the culmination of seven years of hard work, her thoughts were anything but joyful. After all these years, we finally make it home. Why do I feel so… empty?

Rising suddenly, she spoke to Commander Chakotay at the helm.
"Commander, I'll be in my Ready Room, working on my report for the Admiralty. Maintain course for Earth. You have the bridge."

"Aye, aye, Captain," came his quick reply.

The doors to her Ready Room swished closed behind her, as Janeway walked to her replicator.
"Coffee, black," she ordered. The requested drink appeared before her; she picked it up and took a deep breath, savoring the pungent aroma. "Well, at least I don't have to worry about where my next cup of this is coming from anymore."

Walking to her desk, she sat down and picked up a padd to begin her report but found she was unable to concentrate. Get a grip, Kathryn, she thought, as she began to rub her temples. You're just tired. That's all…just tired.
"Ha!" she snorted;"as if I believe that…."
You know what the problem really is… you just haven't got the guts to face it….

A hail from the Bridge conveniently allowed her to discontinue her uncomfortable line of thought.
"Bridge to Captain Janeway." Ensign Harry Kim's voice was so full of excitement that she had to smile.

"Janeway here," she replied, touching her commbadge.

"Captain, there's an incoming transmission from Starfleet Command."

"All right," she replied "route it here to my Ready Room."

"Aye, Captain." She could hear the disappointment in his voice, even over the commlink. With a sigh, she realized just how much he was hoping to hear from his parents.

The face of Admiral Paris appeared on the screen.
"Hello, again, Kathryn." The use of her first name surprised her.

"I assume this isn't an official call, Owen?"

"No, I just wanted to welcome you home and hopefully talk to my son."

"Well, I'm afraid that he's not available at the moment, it seems he's in sickbay meeting his new daughter."

"His daughter? When…how…?"

"Well, the when was about 20 minutes ago." She said laughing. "And the how… well, I think it's safe to say the usual methods were employed. The latest word from the Doctor is that mother and child are both doing fine. I can patch you through to sickbay if you would like to talk to them."

"Thank you, Kathryn, I would appreciate that."
After contacting sickbay and letting Tom know his father wanted to speak to him she once again began working on her report.

Two hours later, her commbadge beeped.
"Bridge to Captain Janeway."

Kathryn jumped when she heard Chakotay's voice. Trying not to sound like she was uncomfortable talking to him, she replied quickly. "Janeway here, Commander."

"Captain, we're approaching Earth orbit." her First Officer informed her.

Sighing, she answered, "On my way, Commander." Well, it's show time, Kathryn. Let's get this over with.

Reluctantly, she rose from her chair and strode through the door, onto the bridge. As she made her way to her command chair, the turbolift opened and out walked Lt. Tom Paris.
"Lt. Paris, you're supposed to be in sickbay with your family." Janeway's voice was tinged with surprise.

"Captain, you don't honestly believe that I would miss this for anything, do you?" he laughed, "Besides, B'Elanna was terrified at the idea of Chakotay doing the driving."

"Very well, Mr. Paris, you have the conn," replied the Captain, trying not to laugh at the indignant look on the Commander's face as he crossed to take his seat next to her.
"Mr. Kim, open a shipwide channel please." the Captain asked the Communications Officer.

"Open, Captain."

"To all hands, in a few minutes we will be landing at the Presidio. To all of you who call Earth home, let me be the first to say, 'welcome home'. For those of you who will be continuing on to your own home worlds, let me wish you safe journey and assure you that transportation will be arranged for you as quickly as possible. I expect that the debriefing process for most of you will be short and you will be united with friends and family quickly." Kathryn paused for a moment before continuing, "I want you all to know that it has been both a pleasure and an honor to serve with each one of you. Despite the unorthodox means of our coming together, this crew has proven itself capable, repeatedly, of overcoming our differences and working together. During our years in the Delta Quadrant, we made some new friends and faced a seemingly unending supply of enemies. Just surviving, from day to day, became a monumental task. Through it all, we became more than just the crew of a starship, lost years away from home. We became a family. I wish you all good luck in your future endeavors, and thank you, for being the very best crew any captain could ever hope to have. Now... let's go home. Janeway, out."

After glancing quickly around the bridge she said, "Lt. Paris, begin landing procedures, at your discretion."

"Aye, Captain." Paris answered quickly, trying to mask his nervousness. He realized that millions of people would probably see this landing, transmitted over and over on the news services. He had every intention of making it perfect.

He tapped his commbadge, "Paris to engineering, take the warp core off-line, vent all plasma from the nacelles and stand by to engage atmospheric thrusters." His fingers began to fly over the helm controls. "Captain, I've plotted a descent course, where would you like to land?"

A small sad smile crept onto Janeway's lips, "Well, the Admiral told me you could see the Golden Gate Bridge from the Ready Room viewport. That sounds like the front lawn of Starfleet Headquarters to me, Mr. Paris."

"Yes, Ma'am!" Tom began calling out status reports as he continued the preparations to land. "Atmospheric controls at stand-by, landing mechanisms on-line, inertial dampeners at maximum." The ship began its descent into the atmosphere as clouds began to fill the main viewscreen. "We're on the glide trajectory. Altitude…100 kilometers. Speed…10,000 k.p.h." Voyager began to shake slightly, "20 kilometers to the landing site, we should be able to see something soon." As if on cue, the clouds dissipated away and the Pacific Ocean came into view. As Voyager sped above the ocean surface, the outline of a city became visible in the distance. As they neared, more and more of San Francisco began to take shape, to include, finally, the Golden Gate Bridge. Taking a deep breath, Tom made a decision. Altering Voyager's course slightly, he headed for the bridge. At the very last moment, the ship swooped down and sailed gracefully between the upright struts of the bridge. With Starfleet in view, Tom began his final preparations. "Extending landing struts, preparing to release inertial dampeners." A few moments later, "landing struts down and locked." Finally, a small bump as Voyager eased onto the land, "Disengaging engines, securing thruster exhaust." He sighed, turned to the Captain, and said, "We're down."

"Good work, Tom." Captain Janeway stood as she spoke to the jubilant helmsman. Chakotay stood also, to take his usual place beside her. She glanced quickly at him, slightly surprised, but silently thanking him with her eyes.
Looking forward again, she spoke, "Ensign Kim, hail Starfleet Command."

"They're replying, Captain," Harry replied just seconds later.

"Put it on screen, Ensign." Moments later the face of Admiral Paris appeared before them. Straightening slightly, Janeway spoke. "Admiral Paris, Voyager has landed."

* * * * * *

"As soon as the debriefings are finished, your crew will be able to see their families." Admiral Necheyev was speaking, "As for your senior staff, this process will of course be much more in-depth. During this time, no interaction between each of you will be permitted."

They were meeting in the Briefing Room. Admirals' Paris and Necheyev had come aboard soon after Voyager had landed. Captain Janeway was the only other person present. The requested absence of the rest of the senior staff had made her apprehensive and as she listened, that changed to anger and outrage.
"What do you mean? I've never been sequestered during a debriefing before. Why are we being treated as if we're under arrest? This crew has been through hell for the last seven years, they should be treated like heroes, not criminals."

"Captain Janeway," Admiral Necheyev stressed her rank, "Starfleet Command is well aware of the accomplishments of you and your crew. You must understand that this is a totally unprecedented situation. No other ship has ever been to the Delta Quadrant and back and standard procedures will not suffice. You have among your crew several… shall we say… unknown quantities." Janeway's use of her infamous 'death glare' seemed to be having no effect on the Admiral. "A former Borg drone, several members of the Equinox crew, an inmate of the New Zealand Penal Colony and, of course, the Maquis members, that you were sent to arrest, but instead chose to integrate into your crew in several command positions." As the Admiral continued, Kathryn's anger quickly changed to the cold chill of fear. "These personnel, as well as yourself, will remain, in quarters, at Starfleet Headquarters, until such time as a decision is made as to your final disposition, with criminal charges being a possibility."

Admiral Paris rose and made his way to her side, "I'm truly sorry, Kathryn. I argued against this, but Starfleet Security won out. I'm afraid that right now, certain members of your crew are considered potential threats."

"To include your son and daughter-in-law?!" she snapped back at him. "This is ridiculous, every member of this crew risked his or her life on a daily basis to get Voyager home. For the past seven years they have worked together, as a 'Starfleet' crew, upholding and defending, sometimes with their lives, all the principles that Starfleet and the Federation hold dear. And now you want me to tell them that instead of being welcomed home as the heroes that they are, Starfleet considers them a threat to those very principles and is considering whether or not to throw them all in jail."

"Captain!" All heads in the room turned to face Necheyev. "How much you choose to tell your crew is immaterial to me. However, their cooperation will of course make this entire situation go much more smoothly..."

"...I assure you, Admiral," Janeway ignored the scowl that Necheyev sent her way, "my crew will, in all instances, conduct themselves as any Starfleet crew and assist you in every way they can. Even when they are being persecuted."

"See that they do, Captain." The Admiral rose to leave, turning just before reaching the door. "The members of your crew that began this mission with you, will be transported to Starfleet Headquarters, debriefed and released to their families beginning at 1500 hours, today. The rest of your crew and yourself will be escorted, by a security guard, at 0800 tomorrow morning. Please advise them not to leave the ship or communicate with anyone not on board. Good night, Captain and…'welcome home'."

* * * * * *

One hour later Captain Janeway was sitting in that same briefing room, this time with her senior staff.
"… so you now know as much as I know. Admiral Necheyev made it clear that she, at least, believes that many of the crew should be considered criminals… to include me." Janeway sighed as she finished the briefing she had just given. She had informed them what was to happen and now she waited for their reactions. She didn't wait long.

Ensign Kim was the first to speak up. "Captain, I can't believe that Starfleet is doing this. It doesn't make sense. Commander Chakotay and the other Maquis aren't dangerous. Their just as much a part of this crew as I am. So are the Equinox crew. Why are they doing this?" The panic evident in his voice worried Janeway.

"Harry, its going to be all right." Chakotay tried to calm the agitated Ensign. " I was half expecting this to happen when we got back. After all, we are the reason that Voyager was in the Badlands. From Starfleets' point of view, if not for us none of this would have happened."

B'Elanna broke in, anger evident in her voice. "But we have been on Voyager for the past seven years, lost, just like the rest of the crew and we've done just as much, and lost just as many people, as they have. If we deserve to be punished for what we did in the Alpha Quadrant, then seven years in the Delta Quadrant should, at least, be considered 'time served'. And what about Tom… are they going to send him back to New Zealand? Surely his sentence has been served by now. Captain, we've worked together all this time, doesn't Starfleet count that for anything?"

Knowing that an angry Klingon was not what was needed right now, Janeway rose and moved to stand behind B'Elanna, placing her hands on her shoulders. "I understand everyone's concerns. I really don't know why this is happening any more than you do. Perhaps Starfleet is just being cautious, do to the recent war. But what ever happens I promise you this…not one member of this crew will go to prison… not former Maquis, Equinox or Borg. Is that understood?"

Each person nodded their understanding as Janeway moved around the room and continued. " I want the crew to be told only that they are to cooperate with Starfleet completely. Answer any and all questions truthfully, even if they think it will reflect badly on my command. I assure you that I can, and will, stand up for myself. My only concern is for the crew."

"Harry, you and Commander Tuvok were assigned to our original mission, so I don't expect you to be held as long as we are, but since you are part of the senior staff it may be longer than the rest of the crew. I want you to assure them all that they will be with their families soon." Janeway spoke softly to the distressed Ensign.

"Yes, ma'am." He replied quickly, much calmer.
"Commander Chakotay," she avoided looking directly at him as she spoke, "let the other former Maquis and the Equinox crew know when to be ready. Tell them not to worry, just to cooperate fully."
"Doctor, download your program into your mobile emitter and be prepared to disembark with us in the morning. Admiral Necheyev didn't mention you, but you are a member of this crew and as such I will insist that Starfleet treat you as one."
"Thank you, Captain." The doctor replied.
"Well, I think that about covers everything. Dismissed."

As the group began to exit, Janeway spoke softly, "Commander Tuvok, if you would please stay a moment."
"Of course Captain." He turned to face her as the doors swished closed after the rest of the staff left the room. "Is there something you need my assistance with?"
"No, Tuvok. I just wanted to tell you that I have spoken with Admiral Paris. I'm sorry, but I had to let him know about your condition in order for him to allow your family to see you. A message has already been sent to T'pel and they should be here soon. I'm sure that you also realize that Starfleet is going to want a through debriefing from you in reference to your time spent with the Maquis aboard Chakotay's ship."

"I am aware that the information that I have in regards to Commander Chakotay's activities prior to his coming aboard Voyager will be of interest to Starfleet," Tuvok answered, "but I must point out that it is no longer relevant to the Commanders character. His service aboard this ship has proven that he is loyal, trustworthy and honest. In addition, his dedication to Starfleet and the Federation has been frequently established over the past seven years. It would be illogical to assume that he is the same person that you were sent to capture."

Kathryn had to keep from smiling after hearing the Vulcans words. "I'm sure Commander Chakotay would be gratified to hear you say that, Tuvok. Lets just hope that Starfleet agrees with you."
Raising an elegant eyebrow, he replied, "Indeed, Captain, indeed."

* * * * * *

Kathryn Janeway paced her 'guest' quarters impatiently. It had been nearly a week since she had seen any of her crew. During this time she had been not been allowed to leave her room. She had been able to have anything she wanted from the replicator, with a few exceptions for the sake of security. But she had had no human contact, except the guard outside her door. And she hadn't been asked a single question. Never one to accept waiting willingly, she was angry and frustrated. What is going on? she thought, Why haven't they talked to me yet? I need to find out what's happening to my people. As if in answer to her thoughts, the door to her quarters swished open. A security guard entered.

"Captain Janeway, would you please come with me." She was escorted to a room with a long table and several chairs. The security guard motioned for her to take a seat then left her alone. Moments later the door opened again to reveal Admiral Paris.

"Admiral…" She rose from the chair when she saw him.
"…Kathryn," he interrupted quickly, "I don't have much time, but I thought you might like to know what was happening to your crew. First…the good news. The majority of them have been debriefed and released to join their families. The Equinox crewmembers have also been released. Starfleet Command has determined that the ultimate responsibility for the actions taken by them, was Captain Ransom's. They were simply following orders as required.

Starfleet Medical is very interested in the modifications made to your EMH", the Admiral sounded a bit surprised,"and I expect a long collaboration. Both Ensign Kim and Lt. Commander Tuvok have completed debriefing and are with their families. According to the Doctor, your security officer is expected to make a complete recovery. By the way, Ensign Kim's parents asked me to give you a message. It seems that they are anxious to meet you, and to say thank you for 'giving him a chance to command'? I assume that you understand all that."

Kathryn smiled, Harry's parents had every reason to be very proud of him. "As for Seven of Nine and Icheb," the Admiral continued, "they are still undergoing debriefing, but I'm confident that they too will be released. Seven has far to much tactical knowledge of the Borg for Starfleet to ignore and they don't want to take the chance of antagonizing her. Icheb might even be able to make it into the next class at the academy..."

"…and the bad news?" she asked.
"It seems that Starfleet isn't ready to budge on its position about the Maquis or you." The Admiral continued. " They feel that the Maquis among your crew got off too easily. While they were out gallivanting around the Delta Quadrant, other members in this quadrant were being arrested and sent to penal colonies. Admiral Necheyev, and several others, feels that your group should receive the same treatment. As for you, once again Necheyev is leading the warparty to have you court-martialed. She wants you brought up on charges of violating the Prime Directive and treason."

"Treason! On what grounds?" Her voice began to rise.
"On the grounds that you allowed a known enemy of the Federation access to top secret weapons and tactical information of an Intrepid Class starship!" The Admiral was becoming agitated himself.

"Chakotay?!" She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Yes, Chakotay. Even assigning a Maquis as your Chief Engineer pales in comparison to the fact that you made that man your First Officer." He was practically yelling by now.

Janeway's voice matched his as she turned to face him, hands on her hips. "'That man' is the best First Officer that I have ever served with and if not for him, the successful melding of our two crews would never have been accomplished. He is personally responsible, in so many ways, for Voyager having made it home. Making him my First Officer was the best command decision I ever made in my entire career." Now she was angry and she didn't care who knew it.

Admiral Paris bit back the angry reply he was about to make. He knew that yelling would accomplish nothing, so he tried to regain his composure, "Let's just hope it isn't the last one of your career."

"I'm sorry, Owen," she sighed, attempting to rub away the beginnings of a headache, "I didn't mean to take it out on you. But if you had been out there, with us, you would understand. I had no one to turn to; we were alone 75 years from home… from Starfleet. It was years before we were even able to let you know that we were still alive. Try to imagine it… no Admiralty to fall back on… trying to make decisions on a daily basis that would determine if my crew lived or died and knowing all along that no matter what happened it was all my responsibility and mine alone." She looked in his eyes and saw only understanding and compassion there.

He sighed. "Try not to worry, Kathryn. I'll do everything I can to help. Is there anything that you need?"
She laughed bitterly; "Just to be out of here…no…really…I'm fine. How are the others? Are Tom and B'Elanna together…? What about Miral, where is she…? Are the Maquis personnel being treated well…? Oh, Owen, I really hate not knowing what's going on!"

He chuckled at her impatience, "Just a minute, Kathryn! I can only answer one question at a time. Yes, Tom and B'Elanna have been allowed to stay together, and they have Miral with them. The Doctor has visited on several occasions and says that they are all doing fine...," he hesitated for a moment, "...Kathryn, about Tom. He really has grown up during these last seven years. Thank you, for giving me my son back."

She heard the gratitude in his voice and smiled. "Don't thank me, Owen. Tom did the growing up all on his own...well, he might have had some help from B'Elanna."

"Yes," he laughed, "she's quite a woman, my daughter-in-law, and she has given me a beautiful granddaughter..." For a moment he stood there lost in thought. "...Now, as I was saying about your crew. The Maquis crewmembers, they are all being treated as well as the Starfleet personnel. They haven't been allowed to see each other, but other than that, I don't believe there have been any complaints. I do want to commend you on your entire crews' behavior. They have cooperated fully, as good as any Starfleet crew I've ever seen. You have every right to be proud of them, Captain."

"Thank you, Admiral. I am proud of them, more than you can imagine." She spoke softly, almost afraid to ask the next question. "What about Commander Chakotay, how is he doing?"

The Admiral looked at her suspiciously, not quite sure what he was hearing in her voice. "He's doing just fine. He's already been questioned twice. He did request, a few times, to speak to Seven of Nine…she had asked the same thing too…" He was watching her closely as he spoke. "…but, so far, no contact has been allowed."

He moved toward her and placed his hand on her shoulders. "Kathryn, are you all right? I'm worried about you. Are you getting enough rest?"

She snorted, "Yes… rest is the least of my worries right now, Owen. I don't have much else to do but rest. I'm just worried about my crew... we worked so hard to get here and now this is happening… how much longer, Owen?"

"They will probably begin questioning you in a few days. After that, hopefully, the members of the review board will realize that this whole thing is ridiculous, and you and your crew will be released. It won't be much longer, Kathryn."

As he spoke the doors opened to reveal the security guard once again waiting for her.
"Well, it looks as if my 'date' is here to escort me safely back to my quarters. Thank you, Admiral, for the pep talk and the information." She turned and headed out the door, into the corridor, followed closely by the guard.



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