"Computer reset alarm for same time tomorrow morning." Slowly Kathryn sat up then made a mad dash for her bathroom. This had become a daily ritual and she was getting very tired of it.
"Chakotay to Captain Janeway…Captain please respond". He was about to enter his override code when the doors to her cabin opened and Kathryn stepped out almost colliding with him.
"What can I do for you Commander?" she said not bothering to try and hide the frustration in her voice.
I was hoping you would join me for breakfast in the mess hall this morning."
"Sorry Chakotay, I'm busy this morning. I have a meeting with Ensign Jamal in Stellar cartography in 10 minutes then B'Elanna wants to go over the warp core diagnostic report."
"Captain, the Doctor said that it is important now more than ever that you eat a well balanced diet and don't skip breakfast." He was practically jogging trying to keep up. Suddenly Kathryn stopped and turned to face her XO. "I know what the Doctor said Commander" she hissed, glaring at him. Seeing the determination in his eyes she relented. "Fine! I'll grab something on my way to engineering later".
Chakotay watched as she headed down the corridor and entered the turbolift. She could be very stubborn but so could he. Chakotay had promised the Doctor that he would keep an eye on the Captain and that is exactly what he intended to do.
Down in Engineering it looked like a madhouse. Kathryn had only been there for 10 minutes when suddenly all the lights went out and the emergency power came on. Slapping her comm. Badge she sternly said "Janeway to Bridge, REPORT!"
"An EPS Conduit overloaded on Deck 10 and took out power on Decks 11 – 13 with it. There were only minor injuries reported and repair crews have already been dispatched."
"Keep me informed. Janeway out".
Standing with her hands on her hips she glared at her Chief Engineer. "How in the hell does an overloaded EPS conduit take out power on 4 whole decks at the same time?" At that precise moment power was restored. "Lieutenant?" Kathryn asked with a look of confusion on her face. B'Elanna's only answer wan an equally confused look and a shrug of her shoulders. "I'm sorry Captain. Until I see the reports I can't even fathom a guess".
Janeway's headache had returned full force. "The Doctor's gonna kill me if he finds out I haven't eaten yet and it's almost noon" she thought to herself. Aloud she said "very well Lieutenant. Now, how about we have that meeting that was the original reason I came down here to Engineering.
B'Elanna let out a sigh of relief. When the Captain had turned on her she thought for sure she was going to be on the receiving end of what the crew had dubbed 'the wrath of Janeway', since 90 of the time it accompanied or followed 'the look'. During the meeting she couldn't stay focused on the conversation. A few times she had to ask Kathryn to repeat herself.
"Is there something the matter B'Elanna?" Kathryn asked setting the padd down and shifting in her chair.
"Captain?"
"You're restless and can't keep your mind on our conversation. Is there something you would like to discuss with me? I assure you that whatever is said will go no further than these bulkheads."
The coffee cup slipped from B'Elanna's hand and fell to the floor, and her eyes opened wide in surprise. This is definitely not something she expected and subconsciously debated on telling Kathryn about her observations and the rumors that were floating around the ship. After much deliberation with herself she decided to go for it and prayed Chakotay would come visit her after she was thrown into the brig. She was about to start speaking when Harry interrupted them over the comm. Saying that Chakotay wanted to take a closer look at an M-class planet about 4 light years away.
"Good idea. Let me know when we're in visual range Ensign".
"Aye Captain"
As the link closed B'Elanna noticed Kathryn go pale and reach for the edge of the desk, her other hand automatically going to her stomach. After a few minutes her colour seemed to return.
"Bridge to Captain. We're coming into visual range now"
"Thank you Ensign. I'm on my way". Rather than leaving B'Elanna's office, however, Janeway flew into the attached bathroom with her hand over her mouth. When she had re-emerged she was shaky and perspiring slightly. A very nervous Torres silently handed a glass of water to a very embarrassed Kathryn then made a hasty retreat so she could recompose herself before heading back to the bridge.
Ensign Murphy and Crewman Lewis were running a simulation at one of the consoles and quietly sharing their observations of the Captain's recent weight gain, switch to decaf coffee, and frequent mood swings – completely unaware that their boss was only 2 feet away hearing every word. "Oh for the love of Kahless, this is ridiculous" B'Elanna muttered to herself as she tapped her comm. Badge and contacted asked Chakotay to meet her in her office to talk.
"Can't it wait? I'm kinda busy right now".
"Actually sir, no it can't".
"Very well. Meet me in transporter room 2. We're going on an away mission and could use your help."
"Aye sir". Once they had beamed down to the surface she relayed her observations and other crewmembers stories about the Captain.