Chapter 2
The evening Security rounds were done. The computer reports all crew members were on board. Neelix had cleaned up the kitchen and was turning out the lights when Commander Chakotay walked in.
"Good evening Commander. Can I fix you something? I thought every one had eaten already. There is some Katarian soup left over. Or a nice cup of herbal tea perhaps?"
"Yes, thank you Neelix. That would be nice."
"Is there anything on your mind Commander? You seem a bit preoccupied tonight."
"No Neelix. Nothing specific. But I do feel somewhat nervous. You know when there is something wrong but you can't put your finger on what exactly it is?
"Well, Let's see. Voyager replenished supplies right?"
"Yes, we're well stocked with essentials. The engineering crew reports that we're running at peak efficiency. Security reports all crew returned without incident."
"How about repair crews then?"
"B'lanna has all teams finishing by 1900 hours. The ship is ready to resume in a few hours."
"So what's the problem? Is the Captain as worried as you are? She's the one usually pacing the decks, grabbing a late night coffee from the carafe I leave made for the night shift. I haven't even seen her tonight."
"I gave her the day off. It seems she's always worried about something or another so since all was going well I encouraged her to get off the ship and she actually took me up on my offer. She said she was going down to the planet surface to paint and get pictures of the crew. Then she was coming back for a bath and snuggle with a good book. I even told her to sleep late and report for duty shift 2 hours late."
"Do you think she did all that?"
"Yes, she did. Samantha told me she and Naomi saw her drawing and using the doctors holoimager this afternoon. She said she'd never seem the Captain so relaxed."
"So why the long face Commander? Isn't that what you'd want for the Captain?"
"Of course it is. I just can't shake this feeling."
"Why don't we go down to that boxing simulation you have then?"
"I guess so Neelix. Maybe I just need to flex my muscles alittle."
"Just give me a minute to finish up then eh?"
"Sure. Then I'll take a hot shower and snuggle with my own book."
Thinking to himself Neelix wondered if Chakotay would rather be snuggling up with the Captain, than a good book. "What's the fun in that?"
"What did you say Neelix?"
"Oh nothing commander, just thinking out load."
