A GOOD JUDGE OF CHARACTER

Author's note: There have been many discussions over the years regarding whether Tal or Celes is the Bajoran's first or last name. Throughout the Voyager episodes, she is referred to as Crewman Celes, and in the episode The Good Shepherd, Billy Telfer, her close friend, refers to her as Tal, so in this story, I am following suit.

Like all ranches, the Circle T knew how to put on a spread. The food had been bountiful, with something to appeal to every taste, but if there was one thing the Voyager family was good at, it was eating. The long tables, that an hour ago had been laden with food, had been picked almost completely bare.

Now, only two things moved through the still, heated air in the copse of trees: the sweat dripping off most of their bodies and the old-fashioned wrist fan Kathryn idly flicked back and forth.

Despite the excessive heat, the majority of the crew had chosen to remain outside rather than seek the more temperate climate-controlled house. After seven years of breathing recycled air, being outdoors was too precious to sacrifice even for comfort.

Feeling a thin line of sweat trickle down her back, Kathryn glanced at the tall Vulcan female who shared her picnic table. T'Pel sat calmly, looking as cool and composed as the moment she and Tuvok stepped off the shuttle at the ranch.

Those seated at the adjacent tables waited in breathless silence, while Harry nervously fingered the small white Kal-toh piece in his hand. His opponent, Tuvok, remained still and impassive, as he had for the last several minutes. Harry slowly extended his hand.

"I can't believe Billy Telfer actually bought the farm."

Tom's outburst brought a chorus of groans from around the nearby picnic tables, and Harry slumped back. An expression that bore a remarkable resemblance to irritation briefly flickered across Tuvok's face, and even T'Pel shifted in her seat.

B'Elanna waved her fist under her husband's nose while cradling two-month-old Miral in her other arm. "It was moderately funny the first couple of times, but if you say that once more, I swear I'm going to break something of yours."

Harry continued to study the ethereal Kal-toh form on the table in front of him, muttering without looking up, "If B'Elanna doesn't, I guarantee I will."

Chakotay took a sip from his lemonade. "And I don't think she meant your television, Tom. I'd pay attention, if I were you. I've known B'Elanna a long time, and she doesn't make idle threats."

Looking around for support, Tom called across to his former commanding officer. "Captain, you'd protect me, wouldn't you?" he appealed.

Kathryn snapped her fan shut and pointed it in his direction, shaking her head. "I'm not your captain any more, Tom. Your piloting skills are no longer essential to me, so you're on your own. Besides, after hearing you say that nearly a dozen times this afternoon, I'd say you have it coming."

"A dozen?! Surely you exaggerate," Tom protested while wiping some sweat from his forehead with the tail of his shirt.

"Eleven," T'Pel commented dryly. "I believe that constitutes 'nearly a dozen'. Would you not agree, husband?"

Tuvok's gaze flickered briefly to his stately, elegant wife. "Indeed. Although Mr. Paris's comment is not only irritating, it is also highly inaccurate. Cattle and horses are raised at this location, making it a ranch, not a farm. Plus, it has belonged to the Telfer family for five centuries, so no transaction took place."

"That phrase obviously means something more than the literal meaning of the words. Would someone please explain?" T'Pel requested.

Tom opened his mouth, but it was Tuvok who undertook the challenge. "It is an ancient terran phrase of uncertain origin, of course from the twentieth century." He quirked an eyebrow sardonically in Tom's direction. "There are possible military connections, believed to refer to the government's payout to the surviving spouse of a soldier killed in action, which enabled the spouse to pay the mortgage on the family farm. In short, it refers to a person dying."

Disgruntled, Tom made a face at the Vulcan. "Is there anything you don't know, Tuvok?"

Kathryn spoke up. "Whatever Tuvok doesn't know, isn't worth knowing." Although T'Pel said nothing, and her expression barely changed, Kathryn sensed the Vulcan female's pride and approval.

Tom waved his hand. "Come on, guys! Which one of you could've ever imagined hypochondriac Billy Telfer thriving with the rigors of working a ranch? Or that he and Tal would hook up the instant we hit the Alpha Quadrant?"

Mortimer Harren walked by at that moment. "Not so unlikely, really. They were best of friends throughout the whole trip."

Kathryn risked a glance at Chakotay. His sparkling eyes connected with hers, and his lips twitched with amusement. A bubble of laughter threatened to erupt from her throat, and she quickly averted her gaze, opening her fan to cover her face.

Telfer and Celes burst through the lift doors to the bridge and skidded to a halt at the sight of Earth through the viewscreen. Mouths agape and wide-eyed, they stood frozen until the captain addressed them.

"Welcome to the bridge, Crewmen Telfer and Celes," Janeway stated. "Do you have some purpose for being here other than to observe the most beautiful sight we've all been waiting seven years to see?"

Two sets of eyes snapped to her, and they both stood to attention. Telfer opened his mouth, but his voice was nothing more than a squeak. "Captain-" He cleared his throat and tried again. "Captain, may I, uh, we speak to you in your ready room? And Commander Chakotay as well?"

Chakotay turned from the con, a look of surprise on his face. Janeway shrugged slightly, and gestured to the ready room doors.

Once inside, she asked, "All right, crewmen, you have our attention. What's going on?"

Billy seemed to be struck dumb until Tal elbowed him. "Billy," she hissed, "you told me you had something to ask Captain Janeway."

Janeway focused on the young man. "Mr. Telfer?" she prompted.

Billy licked his lips nervously, shifted his feet, and finally blurted in a rush, "Captain, I want you to marry me."

His statement brought an immediate reaction from the other three people. "Billy!" Tal exclaimed, regarding her friend with shock and dismay. Janeway's eyebrows elevated to Tuvok heights, while Chakotay scowled and folded his arms across his chest.

Billy blinked at them, gradually registering what he'd said. "Oh, no, no, no! That's not what I meant. I want you to marry us, Tal and me." He pointed from the young woman to himself.

"Billy!" Tal's reaction was almost the same, her face a picture of astonishment.

It was Janeway's turn to frown and fold her arms. "Mr. Telfer, I gather from Crewman Celes's reaction that you've neglected one very important step. For both Humans and Bajorans, it's customary to ASK the prospective spouse BEFORE the wedding ceremony. Perhaps you two should go away and come back at a later-"

"Oh, yeah. Right," Billy interrupted. He whipped around to the young woman, almost bumping into her. "Don't you remember, Tal, how we always used to talk about what we wanted to do as soon as we got back home? I want to go back to working on my family's ranch and you always said you want to get married and have kids."

Tal stared at him in dismay and stammered, "Y-yes, I said that, but I didn't mean...you thought I meant...oh dear."

Again, recognition slowly dawned on the young man, and his face crumpled. A flush spread over his pale cheeks, and he looked away in embarrassment. "You didn't mean...oh dear," he reiterated in a small voice. "I understand now. You were just speaking generally, when I thought you meant...But...I've loved you for so long. I'm sor-"

"Ask me."

Billy's gaze shot back to Tal's. "Huh?"

Janeway and Chakotay glanced at each other, then together leaned back against the edge of her desk to watch the scene playing out before them.

Although Tal's face was pale, her eyes were bright, and her expression joyful. "Ask me properly, Billy. Who better should I marry than my best friend for all these years?"

"Really?" he gasped. At her nod, he crashed to his knees and grabbed both her hands. "Tal, please marry me. We've been friends long enough that you know I'm not the brightest guy in the universe, and I'm sure someone as amazing as you could do a lot better than someone like me, but nobody could love you like I do, and it would mean everything to me, and I just-"

Tal loosed one of her hands to place her fingers against Billy's lips to stop the stream of words pouring out.

Turning his head slightly, Chakotay whispered, "Once he gets started, he really gets going, doesn't he?"

"Hush," Janeway whispered back. "I think it's sweet."

Smiling tenderly with a sparkle of tears in her eyes, Tal responded, "Enough. Yes, I'll marry you. Who else knows me so well?" Leaning over, she lightly kissed the young man at her feet.

Janeway rose, and stated, "Wonderful! Now, we need one more witness, so who would you like the Commander to call to join us?"

Billy shifted on his knees, replying, "The doctor."

Chakotay tugged on his ear as he also stood. "I realize you spent a fair bit of time in sick bay, Crewman, and don't you dare tell the EMH I said this, but I'm not sure that a hologram can legally act as a witness for a wedding."

"Not as a witness," the young man replied with a grimace, his face pale and drawn. "I can't stand up. I think I broke something."

"Where's our resident Borg?" B'Elanna asked, handing the still sleeping Miral to Tom.

"The last I saw her," Tom replied, "she and her blonde wrestler boyfriend, Sven, were in the nice climate-controlled farmhouse talking nanoprobe therapy with the Doc. I don't think those Nordics like this heat and humidity."

Tuvok frowned. "Mr. Paris, with your penchant for inaccuracy, I'm surprised you managed to pass the Academy exams. Seven's guest is neither Nordic, nor is he a wrestler. He is Russian, speaks over twenty Earth languages fluently as well as several other culture's languages, including a passable Vulcan. In addition, the gentleman possesses five different medical specialties."

"Plus his name's not Sven either," Harry added. "It's Yuri." He carefully placed the Kal-toh piece and watched as the form shimmered but did not resolve. "Admit it: you're just jealous because he's got more hair and more muscles than you do."

Chakotay spoke up in Tom's defense. "Hey, Tom wasn't totally wrong. After all, Yuri is blonde."

"Gee thanks, Chakotay."

"Anytime, Tom."

At that moment, Chakotay turned his head and winked at Kathryn. She smiled back, knowing he understood how much she enjoyed seeing her "kids" at play. No matter where their paths took them in the future, she knew this group of people would always share a special bond.

She also knew he was giving her reassurance that he was indeed totally fine with Seven moving on. Shortly after debriefings concluded, Kathryn had contacted Seven to see how the young woman was adjusting. After a short chat, Seven had signed off saying she needed to get ready for her date with Bjorn, the head chef at a restaurant near her aunt's home. After collecting her jaw off the floor, Kathryn quickly called Chakotay.

It turned out Chakotay was fine - in fact, more than fine. He'd greeted her with a joy and exuberance she'd not seen in him for years. Perhaps ever. He informed her that once they'd arrived in the Alpha Quadrant, he and Seven had mutually agreed to part.

"It was never that big of a deal, just a few dates, that's all." He leaned toward the console with a smile and asked, "Now, tell me what's going on with you, and when can we get together for lunch?"

After listening to her whine about Starfleet's enforced year of leave for her, they arranged a luncheon date. At that first lunch, Chakotay had teased her. "Admit it, Kathryn. It's not the leave you're chaffing at; it's being told what to do again by higher ranks. I think underneath all that Starfleet finery, you're a rebel at heart."

It had been the reawakening of their friendship in a new way, with no constraints or stress from being in command or worrying about survival. But with every meal, every visit to his apartment or her mother's house where she was staying, every outing, every "remember when?", and every laugh shared, Kathryn sternly reminded herself, that just because he wasn't seeing Seven any more, it didn't mean that they should become more than friends.

It had become her mantra, but she wasn't convinced that her heart was listening to her brain.

T'Pel turned her head slightly and spoke quietly in Kathryn's ear. "When Voyager arrived home, I understood that Commander Chakotay and Seven of Nine were courting. Was I mistaken?"

Kathryn started, slanting a sharp look at the serene female. She couldn't help wondering if T'Pel's telepathic abilities extended beyond the usual Vulcan mind meld. She quickly glanced around, but the only person who had heard was Tuvok. He silently directed a cautionary stare toward his wife that T'Pel returned calmly until he shifted his attention back to the game. He placed his final Kal-toh piece and the puzzle shimmered into perfect symmetry.

As the rest of the group exclaimed, congratulating the winner, and patting Harry on the back in commiseration, Kathryn quietly replied, "No, you weren't mistaken. Their relationship had begun only a couple of weeks prior to our return to the Alpha Quadrant and they both decided there would be too many pressures for a new relationship to handle. So far, since debriefings ended, Seven has dated a chef, a politician, an admiral, a concert violinist, and now Dr. Yuri Platov."

T'Pel nodded her approval. "Commendably logical for someone so young. That means that Commander Chakotay is free to pursue another courtship, correct?"

Although T'Pel's expression was as smooth as ever, there was no mistaking her intent. If it had been anyone else, Kathryn would have thought she was gossiping. Or being a matchmaker. But she was Vulcan, so that couldn't possibly be correct. "Chakotay and I are just friends. Considering how difficult things were in the Delta Quadrant and how many times he and I butted heads, it's amazing that our friendship survived. But thankfully, it did."

T'Pel inclined her head. "A longstanding friendship that has overcome obstacles and hardships is an excellent foundation for a relationship. When two people know each other well, there is more likely to be unwavering acceptance and support for each other. As appears to be the case with the Telfers."

Kathryn shook her head, stating, "Just because he's not seeing Seven any more doesn't mean that we..." A movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she trailed off, suddenly dry-mouthed. The fan began to flutter erratically as her hand trembled.

Chakotay had stood to shrug off his shirt against the humid heat. He wore an old-fashioned sleeveless white undershirt that showed off his dark skin. Sweat slid down his chest and bare arms highlighting his muscular frame. He used the shirt to wipe the back of his neck before joining several of the old crew in an open area, tossing a circular disc Tom referred to as a "Frisbee".

"You were saying?"

Kathryn dragged her eyes away, turning back to T'Pel. In the dark depths of the Vulcan's eyes, Kathryn was sure she saw amusement. Shoring up her mind, she reiterated, "Just because Chakotay isn't seeing Seven any more doesn't mean that he and I should begin a romantic relationship. We're friends."

"Just because you have been friends for a long time does not mean that your relationship should not evolve into something more," T'Pel countered.

"But-"

"The question you must ask, Captain, is whether you are trying to convince me or yourself." With that, T'Pel rose smoothly and proceeded to join her husband. The Vulcan moved with a grace and ease that belied the fact she was a grandmother and approaching one hundred years in age.

"Kathryn!"

Her heart did a strange leap for she knew that voice well. She looked into Chakotay's laughing eyes as he beckoned to her.

"Come and join us. I need another on my team. It's command against the techies."

She set aside her fan. "Are you sure that's fair?" she asked as she walked toward the group. "You and I have always been an unbeatable team."

"You know what they say: all's fair in love and war." He winked at her.

"And dare I ask, which is this?"

A dark look was in his eyes as he leaned close, his lips brushing her ear as he breathed, "Both."

Half an hour later, in the midst of an argument about whether the score was ten to nine for or against "the red shirts" as they were being called, Billy Telfer rode up on a horse, expertly handling the spirited animal. It seemed incongruous, yet the former hypochondriac looked strong, healthy, and perfectly in his element.

As he swung off the broad back of the dark horse, it was possible to see that Tal was seated behind him. Billy easily lifted down his petite wife, and waved his straw hat to catch their attention.

"Everyone, come to the main barn and see the Voyager kittens. Three of the cats had their litters the day Voyager arrived on Earth, so we've got nineteen kittens ready to go to good homes."

"And speaking of litters," Tal wrapped her arm around her husband's waist, "we'll be starting our own in few months. The doctor says it's twins."

Billy gaped at her, suddenly looking more like the shy, uncertain young man they knew from Voyager. "Twins??" he croaked, his voice resembling a teenaged boy's.

"Yes," she laughed. "I had the doctor check while I was in the house. I managed to pry him away from his all-important nanoprobe discussion for a few minutes."

Billy's mouth opened and shut, but no sound came out. Finally he just stammered, "T-twins?"

"Way to go, Billy!" Noah Lessing clapped the slight young man on the back, nearly sending him flying.

"When are you due, Tal?" Samantha asked.

Naomi bounced up and down with excitement. "Can I babysit? B'Elanna's going to let me babysit Miral when I'm bigger."

Chakotay stood by Kathryn's shoulder and murmured in her ear, "Twins? As I said on Voyager, once Billy gets started, he really gets going."

"You're naughty!" Kathryn chastised him with a frown of mock disapproval.

Chakotay made no reply, but something moved in the dark depths of his eyes, and the hungry expression that briefly crossed his face stole her breath. Then it was gone, and he tucked her hand in his elbow. "Let's go see those kittens, shall we? There are few things cuter than little kittens falling over each other."

It was ridiculous how intimate it felt with her hand on his bare arm despite how formal the gesture was. "A wriggling puppy," she countered. "I'm a dog person."

All the same, even she had to admit the colorful mass of tiny, mewling balls of fur chasing their tails or each other rated right up near the top of the "cute chart". All the crew ooed and ahhed over the little creatures.

"Look, Captain!" Naomi exclaimed, giggling as the tortoiseshell kitten she held tried to bat the Ktarian spikes on her forehead. "I think he likes me."

"That would be a 'she', Naomi," Billy corrected. "Tortoiseshell and calico cats are almost always females." He quickly checked the appropriate end of the kitten. "Yep, female. But you're right - she likes you. Think you'd want to keep her?"

"Oh yes! But I gotta ask my Mom and Dad." Carefully cradling the kitten, she dashed away to find her parents.

Watching the interaction between the three, Kathryn was happy to see how well Naomi, Sam, and Greskrendtregk had already blended into a family. She smiled at the sight of the tall Ktarian on one knee, talking seriously to his daughter, while she vigorously nodded her head at everything he said. Finally, Naomi flung herself into his arms, almost knocking them both to the ground, all the while carefully guarding her kitten.

"I would surmise that was a successful negotiation," Chakotay commented, jutting his chin toward the family.

"Of course," Kathryn replied. "After all, she was my assistant practically from the time she could walk."

He nodded succinctly. "She learned from the best."

Kathryn shrugged. "I don't know about being the best. With our constant need for supplies, and the unending number of hostile aliens we encountered out there, I had more opportunity than most captains to develop a lot of negotiating skills. Survival is an excellent motivator."

At that moment, a tiny gray tabby kitten disengaged from the other cats, and slowly, hesitantly crept toward them. Chakotay hunkered down on his haunches and extended a hand. He stayed perfectly still as the kitten drew near, sniffed his fingers, then began rubbing its head against his hand.

Tal approached saying, "I think you've been chosen, Commander. You know what they say about an animal being a good judge of character."

The kitten had rolled onto its back, stretching languidly as Chakotay rubbed its tummy. A small rumbling sound erupted from its throat as it began to purr.

Kathryn laughed, watching Jenny and Megan Delaney scoop up two almost identical black and white kittens. "If they're good judges of character, you'll notice there are no cats near me. I've always preferred dogs. Although I have to admit, there's something very soothing about the sound of a purring cat." She looked around at Chakotay, and the laughter died in her throat.

Chakotay had moved to sit under a nearby tree, head back, eyes closed, a look of utter contentment and peace on his face with the kitten nestled into the crook of his shoulder, sound asleep.

"There's nothing quite like the sight of a strong man holding something so fragile, is there?" Tal murmured. "I can hardly wait to see Billy with our children."

Fortunately Tal was called away because Kathryn was beyond replying. All her self-imposed objections melted away like ice cream in the sun. That vulnerable little creature knew it was in the hands of someone who could be trusted. And as Chakotay opened his eyes and extended his hand to her, she knew so was she. Tal had said it perfectly on Voyager; who else knew her so well?

She walked over to the tree, took Chakotay's hand, and slid down to sit beside him. "I see you've made a friend. I agree with Tal; he's a good judge of character."

"Actually, 'he' is a 'she'," Chakotay corrected.

"Ah, yet another female succumbs to the Maquis charm," she stated wryly. "At least this one's not blonde."

Chakotay drew back, looking askance at her. "Meow! For a dog person, that was pretty catty. Would you like to hold her?"

Kathryn shook her head. "She'd probably hiss and spit. Cats don't like me."

"Is that so?" Chakotay looked decidedly amused, his gaze directed to her feet.

With difficulty, Kathryn pulled her eyes away from the sight of those deadly dimples to the equally amazing sight of a ginger and white kitten draped over the toe of her shoe, eyes closed, front paws neatly tucked in.

"I think you've been chosen, Kathryn."

Again, Kathryn shook her head. "Starship captains are away a lot. It's not fair to a pet."

"You won't always be a captain," he countered.

She gave a snort. "Phhht. That may happen sooner rather than later. Every time I talk to Owen, he can't quite look me in the eye, and I definitely get the feeling the major reason for the year's leave is that the powers that be are hoping I'll decide to retire. They're not quite sure what to do with me. And," she slanted a reluctant look his way, "I think you may have been right. I'm not keen on taking orders any more."

Chakotay stared at her incredulously. "Could I get that in writing, please?" When she moved to swat him, he pointed at the tabby on his shoulder. "Careful of Fran."

"Fran? You're calling the cat Fran? Where did you come up with that?"

He shrugged. "I like San Francisco, and it's where I'll be living again, but that seems far too cumbersome a moniker for a little tyke this size. You know, Kathryn, you have another ten months to make up your mind what you'd like to do. In the meantime, cats are very adaptable. Didn't you used to own a dog before Voyager? Holly?"

"Molly," she corrected absentmindedly. Her attention was on the tiny body hanging over her foot. She ran a finger along the downy soft back, and although the kitten didn't awaken, its spine undulated at her touch and it began to purr. "But Mark was in the picture then, and he would take her whenever I needed."

Chakotay mused for a moment, reaching a hand to stroke the kitten's face. His fingers lightly brushed hers. "Well, if you decide to stay in Starfleet, I suppose I could help with that. I've accepted a teaching position for two years at the Academy, so I'll be around. Plus, I did promise to make all your burdens lighter."

Kathryn's eyes snapped around to his, her mouth agape. After all this time...

He laughed at her. "Close your mouth, love, or you'll catch flies."

His endearment just made her eyes open as wide as her mouth.

"You really aren't good at taking orders, are you?" With that, he leaned forward to seal his mouth over hers.

Chakotay may have initiated the kiss, but Kathryn quickly recovered and took over. She looped an arm around his neck, anchoring them firmly together for a long, languid exploration.

The tabby on his shoulder woke up, and mewed its protest at being squashed. They laughed together as it tumbled down Chakotay's body, landing in a heap on top of the kitten still across her shoe. The chase was on, the two scampering after each other until a blowing dandelion caught their attention.

"Tell you what," Chakotay murmured. "Why don't I take them both, and you can come and stay while you figure out what you want to do?"

Kathryn nodded. "Sounds like a plan to me. We can name him Sisco after my good friend Ben Sisco, and it'll go well with Fran."

Watching the playful kittens awakened something inside her, and she turned her head to touch her tongue to his ear. The shudder that passed through him delighted her and she laughed. Draping her arm around him again, Kathryn craned her neck to whisper, "Now, let's discuss what kind of dog we're going to get."

The End

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Brianna Thomas, October 08 Please email me to post/distribute elsewhere.