CHAPTER 3
Kathryn looked up at the Doctor, equally ashamed of the story she had just told, and relieved to have confided in someone.
" So what next ?" The Doctor enquired , shocked at what the Captains confession.
" Well I hardly think I need to explain the mechanics of it to the ships Doctor" She replied with a warning glance.
"No you misunderstand Captain." said the Doctor " I simply wondered about the Commander's response the next day?.
Elsewhere on Voyager
Chakotay stood in front of the window in B'Elanna quarters, as she stared back in disbelief.
"So you just left" she exclaimed shocked at his disclosure.
"What else could I have done?" he replied irritably. " I breached the Captains trust that night and betrayed the woman I have come to admire above anyone else".
Chakotay examined his reflection in the glass, disgusted with the man before him.
" Chakotay we both know it's more than admiration, half the crew can see that"
B'Elanna said , cutting straight to the point as ever.
" The crew can speculate as much as they want, let Tuvok deal with that. Right now I need to build the Captains image of me as her first officer. It was a mistake we aren't in the Alpha Quadrant any more, I can't allow myself to have a romantic relationship with my Captain. Our friendship led us to that night, it must not happen again."
Chakotay turned back to B'Elanna " I envy you and Tom, but both myself and the Captain need to be an example to the crew."
B'Elanna shook her head confused " have you spoken to the Captain since you returned to Voyager."
"of course not" he replied bitterly. " How can I tell her that I betrayed her trust, compromised her standing as Captain and her reputation with the crew? She knows it as well as I do. Better to keep my distance until she comes to me.
The Doctor paced his office as the Captain finished her story. "Have you discussed this with the Commander? Asked him why he left"?
The Captain looked lost, staring in to space. " He hasn't said a word to me off duty since our return. I think his feelings are clear.
