"I still don't see anything that would cause the senior staff to do what they did." Her voice sounded tired.

"No, although our declarations of love were monumental, they were private." She heard his grin as he finished, "And even if they had been public, they wouldn't warrant confinement."

"That's right! So while we're waiting for the doctor, we keep looking."

The transport attendant's mouthed dropped open when she saw the captain and the commander materialize on the pad before her. The two were holding hands and standing very close to each other. They exited the room, taking little notice of the shocked ensign behind the console.

Soon, they arrived at Kathryn's door. When Chakotay said good night and started to leave, Kathryn held tightly to his hand to prevent him from going. "Didn't you forget something?" She grinned as she moved closer.

Chakotay tugged at his ear with his free hand, pretending he didn't know what she meant. "I'm don't think I forgot anything, unless I should've said, 'Good night, ma'am.'"

As she shook her head, a light, delighted laugh escaped her lips. "You can be so dense, Commander." Standing tiptoe, she kissed him.

As soon as her lips touched his, he enfolded her in his arms. They had begun to deepen the kiss when they heard a cough. Startled, Chakotay dropped his arms and looked around to find Tom Paris standing about a meter away.

Kathryn, however, kept her arms around Chakotay's neck. "Mr. Paris," she said in a matter-of-fact way. "Is there something we can do for you at this late hour?"

Although Tom was taken aback by the question, he grinned his cockiest and said, "No, Captain." He winked and walked past them, pausing to say, "As you were."

"Kathryn," Chakotay's voice was full of concern. "You do realize that this will be all over Voyager before the Alpha shift starts?"

She smiled up at him, framing his face in her hands. "Why do you think I made sure he saw us? I don't want to hide "us" behind your old protocols. When I saw him coming out of the corner of my eye, I figured the 'Paris comm' was the quickest way to make the news known."

His stunned look made her chuckle softly. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm sorry. I should've made sure you were ready to let others know."

"You're the captain." He hugged her tightly. "I guess if you're ready, I am, too." He lifted her chin and kissed her quickly.

Kathryn kissed him back. Then she said, "Why don't you come in for some tea?"

"Not tonight. I think we should call it a night. It's 0200 hours. I have some reports to finish before morning. Why don't we meet at 0630 hours for breakfast?"

"Chakotay!" Her pout was very un-captain-like. "Okay, it is late, so if we're to meet for breakfast, you'll leave the reports until tomorrow. That's an order!"

The following morning when they entered the mess hall, all chatter ceased. Every eye was on them as they walked to the chow line. When Neelix greeted the captain and commander in his usual jovial way, the crew began to talk again. "Good morning, Captain, Commander. I hope that you're both well this morning." He didn't wait for more than a nod before he began explaining the breakfast menu to them. Enthusing over the new foodstuffs, he explained how good the morning's menu was. While he talked, he filled plates for each of them, according to their usual eating habits. However, when Neelix was done dishing up the food, Kathryn picked up the plate that was piled high while Chakotay reached for the one with toast and fruit.

Kathryn and Chakotay found a table and sat down. Neelix followed them, carrying a tray with two cups and two pots on it. He poured a cup of coffee for the captain and tea for Chakotay.

Kathryn was eating heartily already as she picked up the cup Neelix had put before her. She took a sip and shuddered. "Coffee? I don't want coffee! Could I have some tea?"

"I'll take the coffee," Chakotay offered as he exchanged filled mugs with her.

The mess hall went deadly silent again. Dumbstruck as well, Neelix looked around room, as if searching for help until he spotted Tuvok coming through the door. After nearly running into a crewman, he reached Tuvok. "Good morning, Mr. Vulcan, I need to talk to you right now." Lowering his voice, he began to tell the Vulcan his concern.