What's in a Name

What's in a Name

The sixth and seventh months of pregnancy progressed uneventfully for Seven and Chakotay. She'd long since given up trying to alter her uniform. She was also down to working one or two shifts a week, much to her disgruntled demeanor.

"I do not understand why I cannot remain on duty. I can function adequately enough to perform the necessary functions in the lab."

"Annika, you can't see the console over your stomach."

"Irrelevant."

"I disagree. You can't function adequately if you can't see what you're doing."

"I do not like having nothing to do."

"I know that."

"Sometimes I believe it would be easier to be on Voyager."

"Why because Kathryn would side with you?"

"Yes. And you could rearrange duty shifts."

"Even if I could, I wouldn't. You're getting near the end of this and I don't want you overdoing anything." Seven was about to answer when she placed a hand on her stomach.

"Everything alright?"

"They are particularly active today."

Chakotay took the opportunity to place his hand atop hers. He could feel the movements inside and he smiled. Neither said a word for some time. Seven leaned back on the couch and contemplated the ever frightening notion that in two months time, they would have to provide for these two little lives. Similar thoughts occupied Chakotay's mind. He'd been mentally preparing himself for the last few weeks. He'd been trying to get less sleep so his body wouldn't be overwhelmed when they were up at all hours tending to the newborns.

"I just realized something."

"What?"

"You know, we haven't picked out names yet."

"I suppose you are correct. It would be appropriate to have them designated prior to their arrival."

"There's that Borg efficiency I love." He laughed and leaned his head on her shoulder.

"What did you have in mind?"

"I don't know…there's so many names."

"Elaborate."

"Well…are there any family names you like?" He felt like an idiot the moment the question was out. She didn't remember much of her family and the what she did remember, she tended to dislike.

"I do not believe our child would enjoy being called Magnus."

"No…I'd imagine not."

"And as much as I love my father, I don't think he'd have any more luck with Kolopak."

"I concur." They sat for a moment in silence.

"Perhaps it would be more efficient to focus on one child at a time. It seems that the girl would be a simpler task."

"Sounds like a plan. Any suggestions?"

"No."

"What about Erin? It was your mother's name wasn't it?"

"It was. It does not…feel right."

"Well…I have a suggestion of my own." She inclined her head, waiting for him to continue.

"What do you think of Taya?"

"The female form of Chakotay."

"Yes." Seven thought about this suggestion for a while. It seemed appropriate. It seemed to tie the child closely to her father and somehow Seven felt comforted by that. It also seemed to feel right in her mind.

"It is acceptable."

"Are you sure? We can't change it after she's here."

"I am certain. It seems appropriate she should be named after her father."

"Well that was painless."

"It seems the other child will prove more difficult."

"well I'm sure Starfleet has a name database we could look at. Or we could ask around."

"I would prefer the latter." He looked surprised but said nothing. He helped her to her feet and together they wandered the base looking for familiar faces. They ran into a few crewmembers and exchanged pleasantries. Finally they happened up Kathryn coming out of a meeting with a few of the Admirals.

"How are you two doing?"

"Well, thank you."

"Kathryn, do you have a minute?"

"Sure, I was just on my way to get something to eat. Care to join me?" The trio made their way to Janeway's quarters and sat down to a light lunch.

"So what's on your minds?"

"We require your assistance with…the naming of the infants."

"Oh? I was wondering when you were going to let us in on what they were going to be called."

"The girl has proven easier than her sibling."

"What'd you come up with?"

"Taya." Janeway gave Chakotay a smile.

"Sounds fitting."

"We have not had such luck with her brother," Seven repeated.

"Well, what have you come up with so far?"

"A list of names we aren't considering."

"I see." They sat in silence for a while, all lost in thought. Seven's hands rested on her stomach, tracing the movements of the infants in her stomach. She hadn't been listening to the conversation until Chakotay tapped her on the shoulder.

"I apologize."

"It's ok."

"What do you think of the name Nik?"

"Explain."

"Well…it just felt right." Seven thought about it for a moment. It seemed a similar thought process as with Taya.

"A derivative of my own name."

"That's the idea."

"I concur. It is acceptable."

"Well it sounds like you solved that puzzle easily enough."

"Thank you for your input." Seven began to stand but got stuck beneath the table.

"Here, wait, don't move." Chakotay stood and pulled the chair out an inch or two.

"Thank you." She sounded annoyed.

"Thanks for stopping by. Keep me informed of how they are doing."

'We will."

After saying goodbye, they made their way to Starfleet Medical for their monthly fetal resonance scan. They walked in and Seven made her way to the nearest bio bed.

"Well, look you…all of you."

"Your point?"

"Sorry. I just haven't seen a pregnancy this…large."

"The scan, Doc?" Chakotay knew well enough to draw the attention away from Seven. Her moods were still unpredictable at times.

"Of course, I'm sorry." He picked up a tricorder and scanned her midsection.

"Well they appear to be doing well. Oh look, he's waving."

"That is an inaccurate assessment."

"Things are going according to schedule. I'll see you back in a few weeks and we should be welcoming these two into the world." Seven just nodded.

"So have you decided what you're going to name them?" Chakotay and Seven exchanged a look."

"Taya and Nik." The Doctor beamed at their decision.

"Very appropriate. Well I'll look forward to meeting them." Seven struggled to her feet and she and Chakotay headed back to their quarters.

Several nights later, Seven awoke in the middle of the night in pain. She tried to roll over but found any movement increased the discomfort.

"Chakotay." It came out as a rasp. He gave a moan but didn't wake immediately. She had to nudge him in the arm.

"What? What's wrong?"

"I don't know…I can't move."

"What do you mean?"

"I feel pain."

"Maybe it's just the babies moving."

"This is different. This is…more." He felt around for his comm. badge.

"Chakotay to the Doctor."

"Yes Commander?"

"Can you initiate a site to site transport from our quarters to Starfleet Medical?"

"Yes…but what's happened?"

"I don't know. Just do it." A moment later, he and Seven disappeared from their quarters, rematerializing in Starfleet Medical. She'd landed on a bio bed and she was starting to breath erratically to try and control the pain.

"Lay still."