THE LIST, Part 1

By Ellie, 2008

Disclaimer: Think of it as a spec… they're not mine.

"Doctor, I forgot about you."

"Sounds familiar."

Kathryn Janeway found herself staring into the EMH's irritated glare on her monitor. She had been holed up in her ready room for hours, working on anything she could find that needed attention. It was one of those days in which she felt really, really sick of being captain. It was a thrilling job that she appreciated fully most of the time, but after so many years in the Delta Quadrant with nothing to do in between run-ins with hostile aliens, the managerial requirements of the position were bound to get old.

"I'm sorry, Doctor," she said. "I've just been so busy here."

He eyed her suspiciously. "I'm sure you can tear yourself from those fascinating asteroid analyses for just a few minutes to take care of your yearly physical. You've put it off long enough that it's almost time for next year's."

She produced the most convincing smile she could muster and replied, "Of course, Doctor. I'll make my way to sick bay as soon as possible."

"See that you do, Captain. Doctor's orders."

It was another hour before she found the motivation to tear herself from the safe-haven of her ready room. Upon exiting the room, she found that the bridge crew looked just as enthusiastic as she had felt about the broad expanse of nothingness they were traveling through. All ten heads shot up in hopes of a distraction as she passed them on her way to the turbolift. She offered Chakotay a small wave to indicate that nothing was wrong as the doors slid shut in front of her.

"Ah, Captain," The Doctor said lightly as she passed through the sick bay doors. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me… again."

"Of course not, Doctor," she said, hoisting her small frame onto a biobed. "Just had to finish up my fascinating asteroid analysis."

"Touché," he said, smiling, as he waved the tricorder over her body. "Looks like everything is in order…"

"Expecting anything less?"

"Of course not, Captain. But I must inform you that while I've got you here, I plan to run every scan I can come up with on you. It's a rare pleasure to have you in sickbay, and I want to be sure I don't miss anything."

"Do what you need to do, Doctor. There doesn't seem to be much else to do on this ship at the moment," she said dryly, offering a wry smile.

"Indeed," he replied, closing the medical tricorder. "Captain, there is one specific issue I'd like to address."

"Go ahead, Doctor."

"Much of the crew is beginning to show the psychological stress that is typical of deep space missions. In normal circumstances, crewman chosen for such missions are screened thoroughly to ensure mental stability under the greatest of strain. Obviously, Voyager's crew was never prepared for a deep space mission of this magnitude."

"Of course. Do you foresee this becoming a serious issue, Doctor?" she asked, not certain where he was heading.

"Luckily, I've taken preventative measures and suggested counseling for those crew members who are suffering from the condition most severely. I don't believe it will pose a threat, but it was necessary to bring the matter to your attention."

"It was, and I appreciate it," she offered, hoping he wouldn't pursue the issue further.

"These issues are of course, likely to affect the captain herself," he began, fishing for her cooperation.

Rolling her eyes and producing the best Janeway-glare she could muster, she said, "Doctor, surely you aren't suggesting I require psychological therapy. I assure you, I am in perfect mental health."

"While I'm sure you believe that to be true, Captain, as your doctor, I can't ignore the possibility that you're suffering much like your crew. I've seen you experience ups and downs just like everyone else, and I find it hard to believe that you are immune to these stresses. You, of all people, who must keep herself at a certain distance from her crew, denying herself the basic human interactions that are vital to the human morale!"

"Doctor-"

"When was the last time you socialized with friends? When was the last time you did something for fun? When was the last time you went on a date?"

"Doctor, surely you understand that as the ship's captain, it's imperative that I maintain a certain distance from the crew," she said sharply, irritated by his line of questioning.

"Of course, Captain, which is precisely why I've been focusing my efforts on creating a new and innovative treatment for your condition," he said proudly.

"Oh?" she asked, incredulous.

"Yes, and I believe it will prove effective," he stated, picking up a PADD from the console next to him. "1900 hours. Don't be late. Casual attire."

Janeway eyed the PADD, unsure if she was infuriated by his presumptuousness, or simply annoyed. Absorbing the contents, she lifted her head slowly and for the second time, rolled her eyes. "Really, Doctor?"

"Really."

"But-"

"I insist. It won't hurt you to give it a try."

With a sigh, she slid off the biobed. "Very well, and if we're done here?" she asked, pointing to the door.

"Of course, you may go. But don't forget, 1900!"

She waved a hand to him as she exited quickly, in classic Janeway-style. Feeling satisfied, the Doctor returned to his office. Before he was able to enter all of the captain's updated physical information, the comm signal beeped.

"Chakotay to Sickbay."

"Doctor here, Commander. The Captain has just left."

"And?"

"I wouldn't go so far as to say she was open to the idea, but I was able to convince her to give it a try," he said proudly, leaning back in his chair.

"Excellent. Our plan just might work. Keep me informed. Chakotay out."

Nodding to himself, the EMH returned to his work with a fresh smile on his face. Perhaps it wasn't too late for things to be set right on this ship, after all.