By Brianna Thomas

Rated PG

Disclaimer: Sad to say, Paramount owns Voyager and everything about it. Except this story, which is mine!

Summary: Takes place at a formal reception on Earth sometime after returning to the Alpha Quadrant.

She isn't the most beautiful woman present in the ritzy ballroom. Nor the most elegantly dressed, although the simplicity of her strapless black gown suits her well, and sets off her white shoulders very nicely. Ever the practical one, she has lamented more than once how much ball gowns have increased in price in seven years, and grumbled that she'd rather be wearing her dress uniform. The small diamond and emerald pendant and matching earrings that her parents gave her for her sixteenth birthday, although very nice, are downright unpretentious compared to the opulent glittering jewels worn by other people - not just the females - which catch and reflect the light all around the room.

Most of the women have approached me for conversation or a dance, so I know firsthand that Kathryn isn't the most witty conversationalist, nor the best dancer in the room, despite her early ballet training. At least no one has asked me for a date or an escort home, unlike what used to happen at the receptions right after our arrival home.

I try to hide my smile as Kathryn glides by in the arms of an ambassador who is struggling to keep up with the music. It's not a problem with the music, as the band is very good, being led by none other than Lieutenant Harry Kim. It's just that the ambassador must be ninety if he's a day. I am alone for the time being, leaning against the wall, and she takes advantage of the private moment to roll her eyes. I can't help laughing out loud.

Of the many illustrious, talented people at this evening's Federation gala ball, hers is not the most brilliant or creative mind. There are quite a few more powerful people present, even among the Starfleet officers. Earlier this evening, I chatted with Captain Picard of the Enterprise, still the undisputed flagship of 'Fleet. If Kathryn were wearing her medals, which are numerous after the many decorations bestowed upon her, she would still not be the most recognized military officer in attendance this evening.

Will Riker joins me, and silently hands me a drink, which I accept. I'm not much of a drinker, but one sip tells me this is a very fine wine and will have cost him a number of credits at the bar. I guess he can afford it with his promotion to captain. For that matter, with seven years of back pay and my own captaincy, I should be buying drinks for the whole room. We stand together, just watching. Riker's wife is on assignment somewhere, so he is solo tonight. Our eyes are drawn across the room by the sound of Kathryn's husky laughter. The elderly ambassador has finally given up, and is escorting her back.

"She's something else, isn't she?" Riker comments.

I just nod in reply. No, Kathryn isn't the ultimate of any particular characteristic. But she is absolutely, without a doubt, the only one who embodies them all. Riker is correct; she is, simply put, something else. I smile down at her as she takes my arm.

After greeting Will, Kathryn leans close to me, and her breast brushes the arm of my tuxedo jacket. She stretches up to whisper in my ear. "Please Chakotay, please tell me we've been here long enough and can go home now?"

She knows how to use those blue eyes to beguile very becomingly. I realize full well that I am being manipulated, as she often does, but I am a willing enabler. "Yes, Kathryn, we can go home now."

A brilliant smile and a kiss on my cheek are my rewards for now, although I know there will be much more for me once we get home.

"Thank God! My feet are killing me," she mutters emphatically.

"Still wearing those four-inch heels?" Riker teases with a knowing smirk.

Kathryn merely sticks out her tongue at him, and although I know the man is very happily married, he blinks at the sight, and shifts slightly. Promises are made for the four of us to meet for dinner soon, then Kathryn and I begin our exit. At the huge elaborate doors of the ballroom, I glance back. Although conversations continue unabated, nearly every eye in the place is riveted to us. Just like always.

And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am the most envied man on planet Earth.

The End

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