At 9 months pregnant Kathryn was finding it hard to move about and wasn't able to sit still for long. She had been relieved of bridge duty a month and a half ago so to make up for her lack of "work" she was often seen wandering the ship checking up on all the departments. Today's stroll took her to the mess hall. She usually ate in her quarters or the ready room but decided in a change in scenery might be good for her. "Captain, come sit down. What are we going to have today?" Neelix said with exuberance. Taking her by the arm he guided her towards a nearby table and held out the chair for her.
"Just soup I think, but I can get it Neelix. You have other customers to serve still."
"Nonsense. You sit down right here and I'll bring it out to you."
With a nod Janeway accepted the chair and sat down. She had quickly realized that it was pointless to argue with anyone when it came to her health and well being. It was just easier to accept their help because then they left her alone faster. "Thank you Neelix this looks…ummm…interesting." She gave him a reassuring smile and dipped her spoon in for a taste. "This is actually quite good Neelix. What kind is it?"
"Thank you Captain. It's a new recipe I've been wanting to try. I got it from the First Minister's daughter when we were at Holkat VI last month."
"Well I'm impressed," she said as she took another sip. Part way through her lunch the ship jolted causing her soup to dump all down the front of her uniform. "Oh damn!" she quietly cursed reaching for her napkin and making her way to the bridge.
Klaxons blared all around her as she stumbled onto the bridge and called out for a report. "2 alien vessels just dropped out of warp and began firing at us" Chakotay said turning around at the sound of her voice.
"Open a channel Ensign Kim" she ordered.
"Channel open captain"
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Janeway was leaning on the back of her chair in the briefing room studying the alien sitting before her. He (at least she thought it was a he) had pale green skin with ridges along the side of his face and his hair was coarse and eggplant purple. His fingers were long and slender, almost like twigs. He was continuously waving them about for emphasis, similar to a Parisian Frenchman.
"Captain please accept my sincerest apologies for attacking your ship the way we did".
"Master Ricantoo, I'm just glad that we were able to form a truce before too much damage was sustained. On behalf of my entire crew I would like to thank you for letting us take a tour of your city and learn more about your culture and customs."
"I must be going now. Safe journey on your travel home and much happiness to you and your mate on the upcoming birth of your youngling."
"Thank you Master. Mr. Tuvok would you please escort our guest to the transporter room."
"Aye captain"
Chakotay stood up to leave but paused when he heard the words "not so fast Commander" she said with arms crossed over her chest. "What the hell is your problem Chakotay?" He was too angry with her to have a rational discussion at this time so he continued out the door. He had already gotten to know her well enough to know that she would be following shortly anyway so what did he care?
Kathryn stood there with her mouth gaping open as she watched the doors close behind him. Fuming mad she stormed onto the bridge and stopped in front of his chair. Glaring down at him she quietly hissed "ready room NOW!" In a louder voice she turned the bridge over to Tuvok.
Once inside the ready room she didn't hold back one ounce of her fury. "What is your problem Chakotay?" Turning on her he matched her glare for glare. "My problem is you. You have been relieved of duty therefore there was no reason for you to be up here."
"I beg your pardon?"
"For God's sake Kathryn! You're having a baby any day now. The bridge is no place for a woman in your condition. What if something happened and you were hurt?"
"Last time I checked I was still the captain of this ship which means it's still my bridge and I will come here whenever I damn well please!"
"You're being unreasonable Kathryn! You wouldn't have pulled a stunt like that with Tuvok and there's absolutely no way you would have let me disobey orders if our roles were reversed."
"I wasn't disobeying orders. I told you it's still my bridge and I get to make the calls."
Chakotay's voice lowered in volume and took on an odd calmness to it. "You are being stubborn! Now are you going to go back to your quarters or do I need to have security escort you personally?"
Did he just threaten to have me escorted from my own ready room? Just who does he think he is? I am his CO, and it's time he understood that I will not allow the chain of command to break down just because I'm not on active duty for the time being.
"Get out!" she sternly said awkwardly perching on the edge of her desk.
"NO. Not until you give me your answer. Do you leave willingly?"
His last comment turned out to be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back and she was now trembling in anger. No longer able to keep her volatile temper in check she blindly reached behind her and grabbed the first thing she got her hand on. Chakotay ducked as the data padd flew through the air and hit the door behind him with a loud thump. "There's your answer NOW GET OUT!"
"Fine, but this isn't over" he said angrily turning to go.
"LIKE HELL IT ISN'T" came the reply from inside along with a coffee cup that hit the side of the doorway and landed on the floor of the bridge.
Harry read the message from the pilot that was flashing on his console. Man she's really in a bad mood. It's going to be one long duty shift today". Smiling he sent the following reply back: "Gee you think?"