Obligatory Disclaimer: CBS/Paramount owns Voyager and the characters established therein. The original characters and story are mine, from which I make no money.

Author's note: If I were given to titling my chapters, this one would be titled, "The calm before the storm."

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Chakotay and the Voyager’s EMH were sitting in Chakotay’s ready room. “Doc, how do you think they got here?”

“My guess would be they utilized the transwarp conduit in proximity to their home world.”

“If so, it seems we didn’t deal the Borg as crippling a blow as we’d hope when we destroyed their transwarp hub.”

“Well, either that or the Borg rebuilt it.”

“Doctor, that’s a disturbing thought. Of course, with the Borg, nothing is impossible.” In an abrupt change of subject Chakotay asked, “What do you think of this new romance between Icheb and Naomi Wildman?”

“It’s sweet isn’t it? Of course, it too, is disturbing. Emotionally, I just can’t make myself believe little Naomi is old enough to be in a romantic relationship. Logically, however, I know she is old enough.”

“I’m not at all surprised about it. Of course, I can’t go into any further detail, temporal prime directive.” This pronouncement was accompanied by a mischievous smile.

“Oh sure, bring up the old temporal prime directive. Sometimes I think you enjoy being mysterious. That aside, why aren’t you surprised by their romance?”

“Well, let’s just say, I had a feeling they would mesh well as adults. They are a handsome couple aren’t they? Should we get back to more serious issues? What are we going to do if the Brunali fail to see reason in this situation?”

“Considering the lengths they have gone to in the past, I suspect they won’t see reason in this situation, or any other for that matter. Any speculation about what the Brunali are up to is fruitless until we get more information. I would much prefer to gossip about Icheb and Naomi Wildman.”

The door chime to the ready room sounded. The newcomer was Security Chief Ayala with a tactical readiness report. Chakotay invited him to stay, “Ayala, won’t you join us? We were gossiping.”

The tall former Maquis member lowered himself into the chair next to the Doctor, “Excellent, what is the subject of the gossip?”

The EMH, always eager to participate in Voyager’s unofficial favorite pastime told Ayala, “We have been discussing the romantic relationship between Icheb and Naomi Wildman.”

Ayala asked, “So, the rumors I’ve been hearing are true? I wasn’t sure if I should believe them. You know how gossip spreads on Voyager.”

The Doctor reported, “I can definitely confirm it. I’ve seen them in action.”

Captain Chakotay feigned shock, “Really Doc, we don’t need intimate details.”

The Doctor huffed, “Don’t be ridiculous, I meant I have seen them hug, and exchange a few tender kisses, that’s all.”

It was Ayala’s turn to act shocked, “That’s slightly disconcerting. Doctor are you sure Naomi Wildman is old enough to be involved in a romance?”

Voyager’s Captain and EMH both chuckled. Ayala was confused, “What?”

Chakotay answered him, “Ayala, we have all had almost that exact reaction. It’s hard to imagine little Naomi Wildman has grown up.”

Ayala was shaking his head. “It’s strange, but I had an easier time coping with my son’s growing up.”

“I’m not surprised,” replied the EMH, “you missed 7 years of your son’s development. During our time traipsing around in the Delta Quadrant, you remembered them as they were when last you saw them. When we arrived home, you were confronted with the fact they were no longer the same age. They had changed, and your perception of them immediately switched to thinking of them as they were when we returned.

“For four years, Naomi was the only child on Voyager. We all remember the day she was born. We all watched her grow. Due to her unique position in the Voyager family we all felt as though she was our child. Then, when we returned home, and no longer saw her on a daily basis, our perception of her basically stopped. She remained, in our minds, the same young girl she was when we retuned.”

“Well, that makes sense,” agreed Ayala. “However, I still don’t think she’s old enough to be having a romance. If she insists on being in one, though, Icheb is a good choice.” Ayala turned his attention from the room at large to his Captain, “What does Seven think about it?”

“She couldn’t be happier. She told me it could only, how did she put it, ‘reinforce the bonds of our family.’ I have to agree.”

Ayala suddenly changed the subject when he asked the Doctor, “Is it true the Lindbergh’s replicator system features some of Neelix’ recipes?”

“Yes, I’m not sure how many of his culinary creations are included, but I know Icheb has recreated Leola Root Stew, Chadre Kab, and Pleeka Rind Casserole.”

“Do you think they would notice if I transported over to have dinner? I would love a plate of stir fried Chadre Kab.”

Chakotay remarked, “You know Neelix once told me there would come a day when I would relish every bite of Leola and I think he was right. Some Leola Root Stew sounds good. Perhaps we should organize a raid on the Lindbergh’s Mess Hall. Would you care to join us, Doc?”

“No thanks, I really must be getting back to sickbay.”

After the Doctor left, Chakotay tapped his combadge, “Chakotay to Seven.”

Her reply was instant, “Go ahead.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m in the Lindbergh Mess Hall.”

“Great, do you mind if Ayala and I join you? We’re both in the mood for some Neelix food.”

“Certainly you may join us, we await your arrival.”

Chakotay again tapped his combadge, “Captain Chakotay to Captain Dax.”

Again the response was immediate, “Yes Captain?”

“Captain, one of my officers and I would like to sample some of the culinary dishes created by Neelix which Icheb has programmed into your replicator system. Have you any objection to our coming over?”

“Of course not, Captain, enjoy your meal. Dax out.”

Chakotay and his Security Chief made their way to the transporter room.

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When Chakotay and Ayala entered Lindbergh’s Mess Hall, they went directly to the bank of replicators and ordered their desired dishes. They then made their way over to the table where Seven and the others were seated. Ayala set down his plate. Both Naomi and Icheb were standing to greet him. After Naomi hugged him, Icheb shook his hand.

Chakotay addressed the Lindbergh’s CMO, “Doctor Franklin, may I present my Chief of Security Lieutenant Ayala.”

The men nodded their acknowledgements. Todd asked, “Lieutenant, if I’m not mistaken, you were on Voyager while it was in the Delta Quadrant?”

“Yes sir, I was part of Chakotay’s crew before joining Voyager.”

Todd was obviously delighted to be meeting another member of the Voyager family. “Did both of you really come over to sample some of our replicator fare?”

Chakotay answered, “Certainly. Of course seeing my wife isn’t a drawback.”

Ayala had tasted his stir fried Chadre Kab, “Icheb, this is excellent. It tastes just like Neelix’ Chadre Kab.”

“Thank you. Captain, did you know we would be in the Mess Hall when you called?”

“No, Icheb, I guessed, however according to the Doc, your crew spends a lot of time eating, so I took a chance.”