Rae Matheson

"Matheson, could you recheck those calculations? They look accurate, but we're going to input them to the system this morning, and I'd appreciate your sharp eye."

She nodded, "Certainly sir." She watched as crewman Boylan walked away past Ensign Vorik, her gaze pausing on the Vulcan until he turned around from the panel and she quickly looked back at her datapad.

She worked part time in engineering. The other half of her shifts were in hydroponics with Kes. She was never part of the original crew, she was a contractor, only meant to be on Voyager a short time to assist with the shakedown cruise. She worked on the installation of the computer systems, then was scheduled to be dropped off at Deep Space 4 station. That, of course, never happened.

She finished her calculations, letting Boylan know there were correct.

"Thanks, I figured they were right, but I like to double check anyway."

"Ensign Matheson is always accurate." Vorik said, continuing to input on the panel.

Rae smiled, then quickly regained her composure. She was rarely acknowledged by him, as much as he filled her daily thoughts.

She turned and went back to her station, finishing her work. She let Lieutenant Torres know she was done with her shift and her work and headed to hydroponics.

"Sure ensign, oh – by the way, there's something I'd like to discuss with you if you have some time."

Rae nodded, and followed her to the conference room, her mind racing, had she done something, forgotten something, made a mistake somewhere? She looked up at Torres as she turned to gesture towards the empty planning room. They sat down and Rae tried to read her expression, but there was no indication of emotion either way.

"We are approaching a planet that has some minerals we are in dire need of for life support systems, maintaining the gel packs and the filtration systems you have in hydroponics. We're planning a small crew to go down on an away mission and obtain them, and I was considering you for the team."

Rae's eye widened and she cleared her throat, "Me?"

Torres smiled broadly, "Yes. You have a bioengineering degree with a minor in geology, correct?"

Rae nodded.

"Your expertise would be invaluable. I'm also sending Ensign Ashmore. He has experience with planetary geology and rock climbing experience." B'lanna stood up and brought up the computer panel. "The planet, identified as Baylor is a volcanic planet with stable regions with small caverns and canyons that contain the minerals we're after. Your role on this mission is support and assist with identifying the composition and quantities of the minerals as the team brings them on board. We don't want to leave the planet until we have what we need." She sat back down across from Rae.

"We're approaching the system in a few days. We will orbit the planet while you are down there in the delta flyer. We expect it will take at least a few days, if not a week. Ensign Vorik will be head of the mission, so it will be the three of you."

"Ensign Vorik?"

"Yes. Actually, he recommended you for the mission."

Rae was surprised. He never seemed to give her much of a second thought.

"You are interested in going, aren't you?" B'lanna eyed her critically.

Rae snapped out of her thoughts, "Yea, yes, definitely. I'm just wondering, how are we going to manage the logistics of being in the delta flyer for that long?"

"We've been rebuilding it over the last months, added crew quarters in the back, a complete overhaul. It's cramped, but do-able. Tom's been helping with the design, it's less of a racer and more of a cargo shuttle now." She stood up. "We'll have group meetings over the next week to go over particulars of the mission. I've taken the liberty of asking Kes if she could spare you from hydroponics the next few weeks, and she's agreed. As long as you're committed to the mission, I will confirm with the Captain, and we'll set up the first team meeting for tomorrow."

Rae stood up, "Yes ma'am. Looking forward to it."

"Great. I'll let you know the particulars when you're back on shift tomorrow." She walked out the conference room. Rae followed behind her and turned for the elevator to go to hydroponics bay.

Lost in thought, she thought about what the mission would entail, what it would be like. She'd need to bone up on her mineral analysis and make sure she brought the right equipment. As the elevator doors closed behind her, she turned and thought about what it would be like to be in cramped quarters with Vorik for a week. It would be a great opportunity to get to know him better, for him to get to her as well. Maybe she would finally have a chance to get his interest.

She met Kes who was already working on some vegetable hybrids they'd been developing.

"Hey, Lieutenant Torres messaged me. So you're going on the away mission?"

Rae grinned, "Yup. Why didn't you say anything?"

"She asked me not to. She wasn't sure who she was going to send. She wants to groom some of the crew for upper positions and was considering quite a few people. She said Vorik's recommendation put you at the top."

Again Rae was surprised. "I don't understand that, he hardly ever talks to me."

Kes shrugged, "So, he's impressed by your work. Vulcans are quiet. You know that."

Rae smirked. She certainly did know. She grew up on Vulcan. Her parents were stationed there for work and they were advocates of integrating into the community. She was fluent in Vulcan, and tried to keep it up by using it when she was alone in her quarters. On the ship, it made no difference, as their communicators had translators built in.

She was quiet as she worked alongside Kes and contemplated the mission, imagining them working together, eating together. This was her chance, and she wanted to make sure she impressed him.

"You want to get something in the mess hall?" Kes took off her apron at the end of their shift.

Rae shook her head, "No, I think I'll go up to my quarters. I've got some things up there in the kitchen."

"I'll bring you up some cake Neelix made."

"The chocolate one?"

Kes nodded.

"Thanks, that would be great."

Rae took the elevator up to deck 10 where the guest quarters were. Putting her palm print on the panel, her door opened and she walked in, stopping to finally do a little happy dance in her living room.

"Yes, yes, yes!" she couldn't believe she was chosen for the away mission. They were few and far between and the senior crew usually went. Sometimes they'd take one of the lower crew members, but rarely. It was nice to be recognized and to be selected on Vorik's recommendation, well, he must think good of her at least a little bit. They would be working closely together and he would definitely not want to take someone he didn't think he could get along with.

She took a shower and changed into shorts and a tank top, making herself a sandwich in her kitchen. As a contractor, she'd been temporarily assigned to the guest quarters and had a full apartment, kitchen, living room and bedroom. It was small, but much larger than the other crew quarters. Because she'd been in the process of moving to a 2 year assignment on Deep Space station 4, she had packed a lot of her possessions. One of the few people on board who were lucky enough to have done so. After they were thrown into the Delta quadrant, she had offered to the Captain to move into the crew quarters, but the Captain had told her to stay where she was. There were 6 more empty ones on her floor. Kes and Nelix, Ensign Wildman and her daughter Naomi lived in two other apartments on the same deck. Over time, she supposed as people got together and perhaps started families, these apartments would likely go to them, but for now she was allowed to stay there.

She sat at her table and ate a vegetarian meal. A habit she'd picked up on Vulcan. She brought up her datapad and started researching the minerals Lieutenant Torres had messaged her they would be mining.

Her door pinged, and she called out, "Enter." Perfect timing for cake.

She was shocked to see not Kes, but Vorik standing in her doorway. She jumped up from her table and brushed the crumbs off her lap, "Ensign Vorik, I wasn't expecting you."

She walked towards him, "Please, come in, come in."

He walked in a few feet and the door closed behind him. He was still in uniform. The only time she'd ever actually seen him out of uniform was at the Luau, when he was still trying to get Torres' attention. It had been a few years since then, and fortunately she'd moved on with Tom Paris.

She put her hand on her hip awkwardly. "What can I do for you?"

"I heard you are coming on the away mission next week."

"Yes, I'm very excited to go. Would you like to sit down?" she gestured to her couch, "I could get you something to eat if you'd like. It's vegetarian."

He shook his head, "No thank you, I've eaten. I wanted to tell you I'm pleased you are coming on the mission. I think you and Ensign Ashmore will make it a successful."

She nodded. There was an awkward silence. She cleared her throat, "Are you sure you don't want something to drink or something?" she couldn't think.

To her surprise he nodded, "Yes, actually."

She went to her kitchen and opened her cold storage. "I have juice or I could make some Vulcan tea." She lowered her voice when she realized he had followed her into her kitchen.

"You have Vulcan tea?"

"Yes, I brought it with me when I came on board. I still have quite a bit. I save it for special occasions now." She smiled and brought it down, mixing it and putting it in water in the heater.

Vorik shook his head, "Why do you have Vulcan tea? I've never known a human to like it."

She took it out of the heater and handed it to him, "I grew up on Vulcan." She took a sip and smiled over her glass for the chance to finally tell him that.

"Indeed." He took a sip. "That is quite good. I haven't had any in so many years."

"Here, please take some with you," she took a second container out of her cupboard and held it out.

"I don't want to take your limited stores."

"It would give me pleasure to have you enjoy it," she bowed her head slightly.

He tipped his head towards her and took the tea. "Thank you." They drank in silence in her kitchen. She was nearly shivering with excitement at the scene playing out, her in her shorts and tank top, drinking tea with her crush in her kitchen.

When she'd first come on the ship she'd noticed him, and had initially tried to get his attention, subtlety. It was too late – he'd already had an interest in B'lanna Torres, and after that situation finally played out, she'd been too afraid to try again. It was almost as if he was her last hope, and as long as he hadn't rejected her, there was still hope. He'd never shown any interest in her at all, the few times she'd tried, so she'd kept to herself.

"Um, why don't we go sit down." She motioned to her living room. He nodded and walked out, her following him. He sat down on the couch and she panicked, trying to figure out where to sit – not too close, not too far away. Her door pinged. "Enter." She looked as the door opened and Kes walked in holding a plate with a piece of cake on it.

"Brought it as promised. Oh – Vorik, nice to see you. I brought plenty, if you'd like to have some too. I can bring more from my quarters."

Rae shook her head, "It's chocolate. He can't eat it."

Kes made a face, "Oh, that's a shame. Well, I'll leave it here," she put it on the table, "Sorry to interrupt." And started back for the door.

"I should leave as well." Vorik got up.

"No, it's okay-" Rae started.

Kes saw the look on her face and chimed in, "Yes, I was only making a delivery. I have to get back to Neelix. Have a good night." She smiled and briskly walked out.

"Please, stay." Rae turned back to Vorik.

He shook his head and finished the last drink of tea. "I've got work to get back to. I just wanted to touch base with you before the meeting tomorrow. It's a great opportunity, this mission. I'm glad you agreed to go."

"Yes," she nodded, looking at him intently, "A great opportunity."

He handed her back the cup and leaned down to retrieve the container of tea she'd given him. As he turned to go, he caught a glimpse of her bedroom through the open doorway. He pointed at the wall over her dresser, "Are those Vulcan?" he pointed at her knife collection on the wall.

"Yes. You can look at it if you want."

He nodded and looked at the various weapons she had displayed. "May I?" he reached up for one.

She nodded as she leaned her arms on her dresser.

He carefully pulled it off its mount and examined a ceremonial knife.

"This is quite interesting."

She smiled, "A good friend gave me that. He knew I collected them."

Vorik looked at her carefully. He put it back and picked up another one, "This is very unusual. How did you acquire this one?"

She cleared her throat, "My brother gave me that as a gift."

"Hm." Vorik turned it over. "It is very intricate, very beautiful." He handed it back to her. "That is usually given as a wedding gift."

"Yes." She took it back and placed it in its mount.

"I had no idea you had such an extensive collection on board. I've never heard anyone mention it."

"I keep pretty much to myself. I have a lot of my things because I was transporting to my next assignment."

He nodded, "Any other Vulcan artifacts? I admit, you are bringing a sense of home to me that I didn't realize I missed."

He puzzled her, most Vulcans she knew were not so sentimental, or at least, not so forthright about it. Maybe being on a ship with humans all these years was having an effect.

She smirked, "Well, it's not like I have a lirpa on board."

He laughed.

She was shocked, he actually laughed at her joke. He was very different than she thought he would be. She enjoyed seeing a more personal side of him. He looked up and something else caught his eye. He walked over to her closet, her clothes hanging up on open shelves. "Is this what I think it is?" he took a heavily embroidered sleeve in his hand.

She swallowed hard. He certainly was getting to know a lot about her in one evening. "That is my godmother's ceremonial wedding dress."

He looked at her incredulously, "And she gave it to you?"

Rae sat on her bed, her pulling her slender pale legs underneath her. "She had no children. I was like a daughter to her. When my parents were killed in a shuttle accident I was still a teenager, and I went to live with her."

He looked at the sleeve more carefully, "This is usually handed down with an impending wedding. Were you bonded to someone before you were assigned to Voyager?"

"No, I had a broken engagement. I was a month away from the ceremony when Tavik ended it."

He let the sleeve drop. "I apologize for asking you such deeply personal questions. I didn't mean to distress you."

"It was long ago. We both moved past it before I joined up with Starfleet."

"You kept the dress, and brought it aboard."

"Of course."

"Maybe you'll wear it someday."

She held her breath, "Perhaps."

He nodded, "At least you are well protected with these easily accessible." He pointed to her weapon collection.

She looked behind her and laughed, "If the ship is ever overtaken again, you know where to find the good stuff."

He walked towards the doorway, "Thank you for sharing such personal items and memories with me. I had no idea you were so entwined in Vulcan culture."

She stood up and followed him to her door. "It's a part of me, a part of who I am." She leaned against her wall as he opened the door.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning."

She nodded. "Thank you for coming by, I enjoyed your company." She felt herself turning red.

He bowed his head slightly and she did the same. As the door closed, she leaned her head against the wall and looked up at her ceiling, "Holy shit, I can't believe that just happened." She had hoped he might have conversations with her on the mission, maybe get to know her on a little more personal level, and in the last 30 minutes she'd been able to share more of her than she'd ever had in the past 5 years. It had gone so well. She was thrilled. There was real potential for something more. She'd been so lonely on the ship, that fact more palpable now that she'd had a taste of his company.

"Wow." She sat and ate the piece of cake and thought about how great the mission was going to be.