What she does not understand is the captain's position. If Tuvok entered Pon Far and chose to die, she would let him. Of this B'Elanna was absolutely convinced. Yes, he is the captain's oldest friend and most trusted advisor. He is also head of security. She would not want to loose him for personal and professional reasons, but she would respect his wishes. This was a matter of her mother's eternal existence. Pon Far is about sex. She can't understand how the two compare. Of course, she could not and did not say these things out loud. She did not explain that she was on the Barge of the Dead with her mother and needed to remain there until she did what had to be done. What she said was that she did not want any medical treatment. B'Elanna remembers saying that several times. She could not understand how those instructions were unclear!
Because the captain ordered the doctor to intervene her before she could make atonement or elect to take her mother's place, she knows Miral is dead and will exist in torment and dishonor. B'Elanna silently chastised herself for being the cause of this while knowing that there is only one thing she can do for her mother now. These thoughts are spinning around in her head as she makes her way back to her quarters. Once inside, she comes to a decision that she hopes others will not interfere with even if they do not understand or respect it.
She did not want to get into it with anyone and she did not want any visitors. Her only hope was that Chakotay would understand this and honor her wishes. Sitting in front of her console, she takes a few moments to order her thoughts before composing her formal request for two weeks personal leave. She knew that after her dangerous holo deck activities there would be questions and concerns. That was resolved over two years ago but the captain still restricted her holo deck usage. There would be many who would suspect a repeat performance but this could not be helped and she would not explain the particulars to any of them. B'Elanna tried not to be overwhelmed emotionally by the realization of what her stubborn pride and utter lack of honor has done.
After forwarding the request to Chakotay she started her mental things to do list. Knowing that she needed to begin preparations, she took steps to insure her privacy. Hopefully, the captain would get the message.
B'Elanna was not an expert in all things Klingon. Truthfully, she wasn't an expert in anything Klingon except the Bat'leth and all other forms of combat and fighting. She had her secret stash of every Klingon weapon ever to exist. If the captain only knew about that assassin's knife in her underwear drawer she'd have a fit. Fleeting memories of things her grandmother tried to teach her weren't lost over the years, just placed in the back of her mind. Customs, rituals, prayers and raditions. She seemed determined to scorn them as a teenager. Now that she took the time to think about it, B'Elanna had to admit, she was a pretty lousy Klingon. But this, this experience with her mother rocked her world then spun it off its axis. She knew what she saw, felt, and endured. She knew it was the truth.
Chakotay said nothing from his seat on the bridge as he read B'Elanna's request for leave. It was by the book. More than by the book, it was air tight and as formal as it gets since she cited every applicable Starfleet regulation and code . This told him several things. First, B'Elanna intended to have her leave. Second, she did not wish to discuss anything with him or anyone else. Third, she was cutting off any complaint from the captain. Finally, she recognized the likelihood that he or Janeway would bring up what happened in the past. As much as her reckless holo deck activities scared and angered him at the time, he understood that she was not trying to kill herself. She was trying to feel something. Janeway did not. He also disliked the fact that after two years she still had restricted holo deck privileges and everyone on the ship knew it. Chakotay knew B'Elanna took that as a sign that the captain did not trust her. On some level he agreed but knew he could never voice that opinion. He also knew that unless the captain removed those restrictions on her own, they would remain.
Steeling himself for the conversation that he knew would follow once he brought her request to the captain's attention; he rose and followed her to her Ready room at the end of Alpha shift without a word or an invitation. Janeway knew that look. She suppressed the 'what's happened now' that was on the tip of her tongue as she motion for him to have a seat.
"Chakotay, I assume by your expression that there is something on one of those pads I am not going to like?"
"Not necessarily."
That was just cryptic enough to get her attention so she nodded for him to continue.
"Its about Lt. Torres."
Immediately she catches that he used her rank and not her first name.
"What has she done?"
Already Chakotay isn't liking where this is heading and tries to stop it.
"She hasn't done anything that I'm aware of." Instead of explaining he simply hands over the data pad.
Intrigued, Janeway accepts it and starts to read. With a raised eye,
"This is unusual for B'Elanna. Every I crossed and T dotted. What is she up to?"
"She requested leave."
"Yes, I can see that. Why? Don't tell me you think she's going to try something again?" This does cause the captain some concern.
Choosing his words carefully,
"No. There is no reason for her to experience that again."
"Then why does she need two weeks leave? She practically lives in Engineering and never takes time off. Afraid someone might get too close to 'her' warp core or start messing around with her engines."
Then she stops and loses the smile that graced her face moments ago.
"What's going on?"
"I haven't spoken to her personally. She only sent me the leave request." And that's all he wanted to say.
Janeway thinks about it a few minutes, clearly worried.
"This is about her not wanting to be treated in sick bay. Do you think she'll try to hurt herself again?" Not waiting for an answer,
"Computer. Locate Lt. Torres."
"Lt. Torres is in her quarters."
"Katherine, she wasn't trying to hurt herself then. That was over two years ago and there really isn't much she can do as you still have her holo deck access restricted."
He wasn't as successful as he wished in concealing his real opinion on that subject and that surprised her. He never mentioned it before. Opting not to get into it she decides to check B'Elanna's condition for herself.
"Janeway to Torres."
"Unable to comply. You are not authorized access while in privacy mode."
That causes both of the captain's eyebrows to shoot up. She is the captain, who else would have access??? Then she remembers her skilled and crafty engineer could do anything she wanted to the ship's systems whenever she got ready.
"Who is authorized access to Lt. Torres while in privacy mode?" She practically hissed.
"Unable to comply. Privacy seal engaged. Level 9A security clearance required."
Yeah, now she's ticked for several reasons. What she really wants to know is how B'Elanna has access to Level 9A clearance. Since Starfleet captains have Level 10 security clearance she's just glad B'Elanna didn't lock out her over ride ability. When she thought about it, she realized B'Elanna probably could have done just that. [What is she hiding?] But a privacy seal means someone has access. The captain tosses a suspicious glare at the man sitting across from her while she addresses the computer.
"Over ride authorization Janeway Alpha Gamma 994."
"Communications access to Lt. Torres is restricted to all persons except Commander Chakotay and Lt. Commander Tuvok."
Chakotay called on all his training and discipline to keep a straight face. He wasn't sure what B'Elanna was up to but he knew why he had access. The only reason she wanted to hear from him was for confirmation that her request was granted. After that, he's pretty sure she'll take him off the list. Including Tuvok was a brilliant move. Katherine couldn't complain and she'd get nothing but the bare bones facts from Tuvok. It was good to see that the Maquis within her was still active and kicking.
Janeway slumps back in her chair thinking about this new development. She doesn't know what's going on with B'Elanna. Allowing Chakotay access is understandable and expected considering their friendship so she doesn't question that. What she can't figure out is why she included Tuvok. She considers that he did offer to teach her meditation techniques in the past and wonders if he is assisting her now. Then she remembers whom she's dealing with and came to the same conclusion as Chakotay. [B'Elanna doesn't want to deal with anyone, especially me, and figures I won't press the issue if Tuvok is allowed access.]
"Computer. What else has Lt. Torres initiated in the last...3 hours?"
"Unable to comply. Privacy seal engaged. Level 9A security clearance required."
Exhaling deeply and trying not to be annoyed, she starts over.
"Over ride. Authorization Janeway Alpha Gamma 994."
"Lt. Torres initiated a large scale recycling, replicated several items, and activated privacy restrictions for her quarters and com unit."
"What was recycled?"
"All standard issue Starfleet furnishings. 30,000 replicator rations deposited into her personal account at 13:00."
No longer suspicious or irritated, the captain is confused and extremely concerned. [Why would she get rid of all her furniture? This makes no sense!]
"List all persons who have access to her quarters."
"Secured access limited to Lt. Commander Tuvok."
"What do you mean secured access?"
"Lt. Torres authorized unrestricted entry for DNA matching Lt. Commander Tuvok. Site to site transport limited to DNA matching Lt. Commander Tuvok."
"And her com unit?"
"At 17:00, incoming communications restricted to all persons except Lt. Commander Tuvok."
Even Chakotay is surprised by these measures. Getting rid of all her furniture made him suspect that B'Elanna was about to conduct some ritual and wanted to insure space. Plus, he considers that she probably needed the rations to replicate the necessary items for the ritual. He also realizes that she really isn't interested in whether or not leave is granted since it appears she's going to take it regardless and suppresses his laughter at that.
The captain is shocked. Her mind goes back to Chakotay's veiled reference to B'Elanna's holo deck restrictions. Honestly, she hadn't thought about it in awhile. It was over two years ago and she seems fine. But this nonsense about refusing medical treatment because of honor and something about a death barge was too much.
Katherine Janeway was as tolerant of alien customs and beliefs as anyone. She was a Starfleet captain, it was impossible for her not to be. But B'Elanna wouldn't give any details and refused to explain any of her mumbling while she was not lucid. [Its clear she does not want to be interrupted—what could she possibly be doing in there—except for Tuvok.]
"Chakotay, what's going on?"
"I haven't spoken to her."
"That's not an answer and you know it. I guess I can understand her not wanting to be bothered but why all these specific measures dealing with Tuvok? Even you aren't allowed entry. Why?"
He doesn't want to get into it but he knows that he's got to say something on B'Elanna's behalf. He's still caught between a rock and a hard place because he can't bring up the captain not trusting her without dishonoring her. [This is going to give me a headache.]
"The obvious answer would be that she doesn't want to see me until she's finished doing whatever she intends to do. As for Tuvok, there can be any number of reasons."
Janeway is not comfortable with Chakotay's reticence and apparent discomfort discussing this subject. That's never happened before. He is always vocal on her behalf. On behalf of any member of the crew.
"Does this have anything to do with my restricting her holo deck privileges?"
"I can't discuss that."
Not the response she was expecting. She's genuinely confused,
"Please be more specific. I don't understand."
"Katherine, I voiced my opinion on the subject at the time as your first officer. It would...dishonor B'Elanna for me to address that issue in any way."
This gets her attention. Honor is not a word taken lightly with Klingons though her knowledge and understanding of their culture is limited, she's starting to get a clue.
"B'Elanna hasn't said anything to me about it. Honestly, I haven't thought about it too much. If she hasn't asked for the restrictions to be removed, there must not be a problem."
The way she is looking at him screams this is a question not a statement and your captain is waiting for an answer. He's dangerously close to a line he does not want to cross but knows he must say something. Hoping he's got the right words,
"It would dishonor her to ever speak of it." His expression pleads that she doesn't ask anything else.
This is news to her. She isn't going to press and nods that she gets it though she doesn't. Armed with a bit more information she gets back to the matter at hand.
"So, all of this unrestricted access for Tuvok is really for my benefit? She thinks I will either refuse her leave or will attempt to monitor her? Allowing Tuvok in is her way of pacifying me?"
He knows it isn't the most productive way for a first officer to deal with his captain but he's really trying not to fall off the fence on this one. Instead of answering he just stares at her blankly as if those were rhetorical questions and she isn't expecting an answer.
"Fine. I can take a hint. You might want to work on your facial expressions in the future. The eye twitch was a dead give away. I have no problem with you granting her leave. Something tells me you better hurry up because you'll be off the access list by 17:00."
At that, he did smile 'cause they both knew it was the truth. Leaving as quickly as he could to meet his deadline, Chakotay bolted for the turbo lift. After confirming that he was alone,
"Chakotay to Torres."
"Torres." Hoping for the best and bracing herself for the worst she waits impatiently.
"See you in two weeks."
"Thank you."
After closing the connection she restricted his communications access even though she was certain he would not try to contact her again. Then she went back to organizing and arraigning all the necessary items. The twenty-four Varhamma pillar candles didn't require nearly as many repicator rations as she imagined. B'Elanna was more than a bit surprised to find a Federation ship actually had Adanji incense listed in the data base. Then she figured other species might simply appreciate the fragrance. For Klingons it had only one purpose. It was essential in performing Mauk-to-'Vor. Traditionally, honor is restored when a Warrior takes the life of the one who took the honor from their relative or close friend. That wasn't going to happen in this case as she was restoring honor to both her mother and herself. Instead, a blood letting was required. B'Elanna looked down at her ma'veq, the ceremonial knife specifically for Mauk-to-'Vor, and knew that was going to hurt. She thought about the oath she was going to swear and knew she better mean it. batlh potlh law' yIn potlh puS. "Honor is more important than life." After what she just experienced, B'Elanna had absolutely no problem with swearing those words. They were the truth and she was going to work everyday for the rest of her life to keep them.
She did not have much in the way of personal property. Before their ship was destroyed and they were forced to beam over to Voyager, the one thing B'Elanna did was rush to her quarters to grab her Qob SuvwI and her grandmother's Bat'leth. She carried those two things everywhere even though she hadn't opened the satchel in years. She never understood why she felt compelled to drag it everywhere she went across the Alpha quadrant since the day she left home for the academy but she did.
Now she's in the Delta quadrant, of all places, and the day has finally come for her to face her only fear. Vulcans aren't the only species with protocols for addressing emotions, they're just more inclusive. The only restrictions Klingons place on emotions are external and that is a matter of personal preference depending on the circumstances. With the exception of fear. It is to be suppressed completely until such time as one is able to identify the cause of it and then it must be expelled by conquering it. Her disinterest in all things Klingon was rooted in many things but when she pealed back the protective layers and the lies she told herself she was forced to admit that it was really to hide her fear of not being accepted by other Klingons if she decided to live as one. It was the coward's way out but that didn't make it easy.
Something inside her whispered that her grandmother anticipated this. L'Naan did not accept her daughter's choice to marry a human and disowned Miral for a time, refusing to speak with her. B'Elanna never knew the particulars but even Klingon children have enhanced hearing. She listened to some of her relatives tell the stories when they thought she was asleep or did not notice her crouching in the shadows. But when L'Naan learned that her daughter was pregnant she softened just a bit. After seeing that B'Elanna was Klingon and not human, she welcomed Miral back into the family and even gained a bit of civility in her address when speaking of her daughter's husband. Apparently, she no longer minded his inferior human genes after seeing her beautiful granddaughter and counted them as a blessing.
B'Elanna didn't like spending time with most of her relatives on Qo'nos, save a cousin or two, except for her grandmother. She loved her and she always felt accepted with her. L'Naan took time with her to explain her family history and what it meant to be daughter of the Empire. Some of that was difficult to comprehend as a 6 year old, but she mostly just liked hearing her grandmother's stories. L'Naan taught her many things, or at least tried to, and she exposed her to many other things.
Time with her grandmother made up for the 180 her mother did after her father walked out. Miral was determined to be the perfect Klingon even at the expense of her daughter. Rules started popping up everywhere all of a sudden. The day before her father walked out was the last time either of her parents touched her. That was the hardest rule for her to get. "Klingons don't hug." Her mother said it enough over the years that she didn't want to hear it again. The first time Miral mentioned it surprised B'Elanna and prompted her to respond,
"Since you hugged me last week does that mean we weren't Klingon until today?"
Her mother said nothing but the look told B'Elanna not to go there again. She also felt it wise not to mention that L'Naan hugged her. But life conspired to kick B'Elanna Torres in the teeth again. A few months after her 8th birthday, her grandmother entered the halls of Sto-Vo-Kor. That was it. Her one positive link to all things Klingon disappeared. And Miral managed to do the impossible. She became even more intense, restrictive and as far as B'Elanna was concerned, a righteous pain in the neck. She could not wait to get away from home as soon as she could.
Now her mother was gone. Gone to Gre'thor. Doomed to suffer an eternity for her daughter's dishonor. B'Elanna knew that was her fault. She saw the proof. She heard the charges and she was forced to relive and remember every single thing she did. She had confirmation with her very own eyes while on the Barge of the Dead. And even then, when she could have done something to prevent it, when she finally understood the truth of the situation, she was ripped away before she could restore the honor she took from her mother.
B'Elanna could not turn her mind away from the thoughts going round in her head. Nor would she turn away from what she knew was the truth. As B'Elanna sat on the floor in her living room staring at the unopened Qob SuvwI before her; she knew it was time to confront the past and restore her own honor. Only then would the sins of the child be cleansed and Miral released from Gre'thor to rest in Sto-Vo-Kor. She knew she had to do this and for the first time in her life, she desperately wanted to channel the Klingon within hoping she would answer. Yes, the two weeks leave was necessary because she had rituals to perform for herself as much as for her mother. The gods are fickle and cruel some times but today they gave B'Elanna exactly what she always said she wanted. To be left alone.
She said she did not need anyone else. She had not spoken to her mother once since she left home for Starfleet academy seven years ago. When her father left her mother he apparently forgot that he had a 5 year old daughter because it was 12 years before she heard a peep out of him. Returning to the dorm after class one day she had a message from him. What did a man say to his 17 year old daughter that he hadn't bothered to contact in years? Obviously not much more than some tripe about welcoming her to Starfleet and hoping she is doing well in her classes. When she got to the part where he wished her a rewarding and successful career in Starfleet, B'Elanna knew this was the big kiss off. She was less than 3 months into her first semester and he was wishing her well years into her career? Yeah, she wasn't stupid. He wasn't planning on keeping in touch and was discouraging her from trying.
Though he would never admit it aloud, there are rare occasions when Tuvok is surprised. It is a misconception started by Vulcans that they do not have emotions. Vulcans experience emotions but they do not express them. Nor do they allow themselves to be ruled by them. That is the purpose of suppressing them. Logic and order were all that was necessary. Today, he was surprised. He did not show it but he was most definitely surprised.
A copy of the incident report concerning Lt. Torres' accident during the away mission was forwarded to him almost immediately upon their return. He knew she was being treated in sick bay. He said nothing when one of his people reported that she refused treatment mumbling something about her mother, a death barge and that she needed to return. Even if they did not understand the significance of what they were hearing, he did. Tuvok was fairly certain that even the Doctor did not have information regarding this within his holo matrix or access to that information from the ship's computer. Initially, he wondered if she would confide in Commander Chakotay but dismissed that. He was a spiritual person and would be understanding of what he might piece together but he would have no specific knowledge or information. Lt. Torres was Klingon, she would not explain.
Surprised again, Tuvok simply read the security report before him. He wasn't going to bother asking how B'Elanna got a hold of Level 9A security clearance codes. He was pretty sure she could make the ship do anything she wanted. Either that or it was something she acquired during her time with the Maquis. No, that was not what surprised him. The massive recycling she did was no surprise once he learned she requested leave. And he just happened to read her formal petition. He knew what she was about to do. Even seeing his name listed within all those codes wasn't the big surprise. The thing that caused Tuvok to stare darn near open mouthed at his terminal was the fact that every single action Be'lanna Torres took after leaving sick bay was 100%, absolutely logical. He could find no fault with any of her actions and was impressed with her quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Vulcans have been in space for several millennia. They made First Contact with Klingons centuries ago. As with many other species they encountered, after time, Vulcans gained a considerable amount of insight and knowledge about the particulars of their culture. The Vulcan High Command had sensitive information on every race within the Federation as well as many outside of it. Vulcans were present when humans made First Contact with Klingons and had a front row seat for the disaster that followed. Tuvok was a member of Starfleet prior to the signing of the Khitomer Accord over 80 years ago. His personal knowledge and understanding of the language, culture, beliefs and customs was extensive. While they were emotional and intense, they built a productive society and a strong Empire while expanding their boarders and influence throughout the Beta quadrant for over 1,000 years. Emotional as they are, it works for them.
Because of his personal knowledge of certain Klingon beliefs, he had some understanding of what Lt. Torres was experiencing. He did not think that any human other than, perhaps, Jean Luc Picard would have picked up on the significance of what the Lt. was mumbling in her semi conscious state. Based on the actions of both Captain Janeway and the Doctor, he is certain they did not.
He also knows Katherine Janeway. It will not take long for her to contact him once she learns of Lt. Torres' specific actions. Understanding the delicate nature of her situation and the extreme privacy something like this requires, not to mention the fact that her own honor is at stake; he attempts to prepare himself for the inquest he knows will take place. As if on cue,
"Janeway to Tuvok."
"Tuvok."
"I'd like to see you in my Ready room at your earliest convenience."
"I am on my way, captain."
"Understood. Janeway out."
After Chakotay left, the captain spent a few minutes trying to unravel some of the many revelations she witnessed today. Most of them did not make any sense. Even after checking the data base she still did not have nearly enough answers. She is aware that her First Officer harbors some resentment at B'Elanna's continued holo deck restrictions. How was she to know that it was a matter of honor? No, she did not regret her decision, it was her responsibility to do so at the time. What Janeway did not know is that it would not have been necessary to do anything to prevent B'Elanna's activity other than demand that the Lt. give her word of honor that she would not participate in any holo deck programs with the safety disengaged.
What concerned her was that after checking the logs, she discovered that B'Elanna hadn't used the holo deck in over two years. It did not occur to her that she would not. She thought it was a computer error. Surely, that could not be possible. She knows that she has seen B'Elanna going to and from the holo deck. Then she took a few minutes to think about that. The captain remembers seeing her at Sandrines on a few occasions. She also attended the winter holiday party—after arm twisting and a formal notice that all senior staff were required to attend. [B'Elanna and Tuvok are alike in that one respect. If I don't issue a direct order, they wouldn't attend half the social gatherings on this ship!] Several minutes of searching confirmed that the only time B'Elanna initiated a holo deck program in the last two years was when she was working on an engineering problem, designing or testing some Borg technical upgrades or running diagnostics for the Doctor's program.
"Nothing for herself. Not even an exercise program."
She wonders if this is the only way B'Elanna can guarantee that she won't slip into destructive behavior but Chakotay's unwillingness to discuss the matter made it clear that B'Elanna staying away from the holo deck had something to do with her honor rather than her emotional state. The captain just didn't get it.
"What is she doing with all her holo deck time?"
A little more checking and she has her answer. Nothing. Its just sitting there accumulating. Five months worth of holo deck time.
"Mr. Paris would have a heart attack if he ever found out about that!"
Setting that mystery aside, she tried to find information on the death barge. The only reference she located was for a Barge of the Dead. Unfortunately, there was nothing listed. No explanation and no citation to other sources. She checked and double checked, nothing. Only two Klingons ever attended Starfleet academy or served on a Federation ship. One of them was 65 thousand light years away at Deep Space 9. The other was hold up in her quarters doing god knows what. She'd get no answers from either of them. She considered asking Seven. The Borg assimilated Klingons, the Son of Kovar having personally made a quasi appearance on the ship, perhaps Seven would know. Then she decided that she should consult Tuvok on the matter first. She's fairly certain he has some knowledge of it. If it became necessary, she'd ask Seven later.
"From the way B'Elanna refused to discuss the matter and wouldn't explain I assume its something personal. But there was plenty of information on Sto-Vo-Kor. That is the Klingon after world. Ugh!"
Before she could get too frustrated with her lack of information, the door to her Ready room chimed.
"Enter."
"You wished to see me, captain."
"Yes, Tuvok, have a seat." She's not sure how to play this but its Tuvok she's dealing with so she decides to just go for it.
"After being released from sick bay, B'Elanna requested and was granted two weeks leave. She didn't say why and Chakotay was not forthcoming with any details. Are you aware of your part in her leave?"
She's pretty sure he is. Everything she did would have been routed through to security and since he and Chakotay are the only ones with level 9 security clearance, he had to notice her changes.
"You are referring to the privacy restrictions on her quarters and communications?"
"Yes."
"I am aware of those."
She waited but he didn't say anything else. Was it just her or did anyone else find them strange? Taking a new tactic, she decides to gather some information from a real time source.
"When B'Elanna was first brought in to sick bay she was semi conscious and refused medical attention."
Still, Tuvok just stared at her blankly in his customary Vulcan manner but Janeway's instincts told her that he knew something.
"You don't find that strange?"
"Most of the things many people on this ship do rise to a level of strange quite often."
"She mumbled something about honor and a death barge. I checked the computer. There is a Klingon reference to something called a Barge of the Dead but there is no information listed. There are no other citations and there isn't even a file. You have more knowledge and experience with Klingons. Have you ever heard of it?"
"Yes."
The relief on her face was obvious. Now she wouldn't have to involve Seven and could just get the information from her friend.
"Well, what is it? And do you have any idea why she wouldn't talk about it or explain?"
"It is a very private matter among Klingons. It is expected that she would not speak of it."
"Are you stalling?"
"Vulcans do not stall."
"Fine. Is there a reason that you aren't forthcoming with information?"
"Yes."
"Tuvok, I don't want to pull teeth. Just give it to me straight."
Her colorful idioms were rewarded with a raised eyebrow before he began.
"As I said, it is a highly sensitive and extremely private matter among Klingons. She will not speak on the matter. Had she been fully conscious, you would not have this information."
"That's not an answer to my question. What could that possibly have to do with honor?"
Taking a few moments to phrase the answer in his head first,
"Everything with Klingons has to do with honor. It is complex."
She realizes two things. In the last 10 minutes, her friend and Chief Tactical Officer gave her absolutely no information and did not seem to have any intention of doing so. Moreover, it was apparent that he knows or suspects exactly what was going on.
"Do you find her privacy restrictions or that she has shut herself off from everyone except you the least bit strange?"
"No."
Resigned to his one word cryptic answers,
"Why?"
"Her actions were logical."
Nonplused, she can do nothing but stare. Tuvok, the Vulcan poster child, just said B'Elanna Torres— of all people—was acting logical!
"You know what she's doing and why she's doing it?"
"Yes."
Knowing when she's beat,
"Fine. Is there any reason to worry about her? She has a history. Will she harm herself?"
"No."
"No to which question Tuvok!"
Sensing that his captain is just about at the end of her tether he takes a different approach.
"I have an understanding of what is occurring. She is in no danger. Her actions, as I said earlier, were both logical and necessary."
Forestalling the interruption he sees about to take place,
"We should do nothing to interfere with her leave for the next two weeks. She must not be disturbed for anything short of an order to abandon ship. This includes Red Alerts or any emergency in Engineering. We should act as if she is not on board Voyager until she exits her quarters. We should also safe guard her privacy and not disclose the information to others, even the senior staff, while alerting them that she is not to be disturbed. I believe this could qualify as medical leave to prevent others from encroaching on her privacy."
Then he clammed up and let her work through what he just said. He did not particularly like giving away this much information but he deemed it necessary to make the captain aware of the full extent of the delicateness of the situation.
Katherine Janeway did not expect Tuvok to say any of the things he just shared with her. She still did not understand anything that B'Elanna was up to or anything that occurred in sick bay but she did understand that Tuvok was serious in his recommendation. She would take it seriously.
"I don't understand but I trust your judgment. Is there anything else I need to know?"
"It would be...advisable that we never mention this or make any reference to it in the future."
"Whatever this is sounds serious. So be it, she won't hear a peep out of me. I'll speak to the Doctor after we're through and issue a gag order. From the way Chakotay sat here earlier tight lipped refusing to discuss certain things with me, I gathered that it was something but didn't know what."
Then she takes a minute to consider the holo deck restrictions and fills Tuvok in on what she just learned.
"That is understandable."
"Huh? Two years out here without using any of her personal holo deck time. You don't find that strange?"
"No. It is logical under the circumstances."
"You're gonna have to do better than that, old friend. I don't understand. She hasn't asked me to remove the restrictions and the only thing Chakotay would say was that he would not discuss the matter with me. Something about dishonoring B'Elanna."
He's silent for several moments but she caught the almost imperceptible nod.
"That is also logical. Now that I am aware of the situation I, too, do not think it prudent for me to comment on the subject. As I said earlier, everything with a Klingon has to do with honor. I would, however, advise that you not initiate a conversation with her on the subject."
"This makes no sense."
"Perhaps."
"Explain."
"It does not make sense to you because you lack certain facts and an in depth understanding of Klingon culture. It is completely logical to me because I do not."
"And Chakotay?"
"He was her captain and friend. You have an understanding of me and of Vulcan culture that others on this ship do not. Our situations are similar."
And that was all he intended to say on the matter. She got it.
"Fine. I won't pry and I'll take all of your advice. Anything else?"
"That is all."
"Alright, I've taken up enough of your off duty time. Go, enjoy your evening."
"Thank you captain. Enjoy yours as well."
With that, Tuvok rose and left slightly faster than normally.
"Everyone's trying to get away from me today!"
It did not take long, once everyone was assembled around the conference table, for the others to notice B'Elanna's absence or the presence of Lt. Carey in her place. The captain took an extensive amount of time informing the Doctor that the highest level of doctor patient privilege extended to B'Elanna's visit in sick bay as well as her medical leave. He was to make no comment or discuss it with anyone. His notes regarding her treatment were to reflect the barest information with no comments or observations by him. He was also to include a simple and vague notation in her file that she was on medical leave. That did not go over well.
"Captain, you can't be serious? There is no physical reason for Lt. Torres to be placed on medical leave. Now, if you are suggesting that there is a psychological reason, which I might agree to based on her refusal to accept treatment, then she needs to be evaluated. Other than that, I cannot falsify her records."
[Really, how unprofessional does she think I am!]
Squaring her shoulders,
"Doctor, I don't think you heard me so I'll give you a few minutes to review my words. Unless there is something wrong with your holo matrix that requires you to be taken off line for a full diagnostic? One that would most likely take at least two weeks to complete."
[So, its come to extortion around here. Whatever happened to the sanctity of the medical profession!]
"Ah yes, I believe that in my haste earlier I forgot to inform you that I placed Lt. Torres on medical leave. One can never be too sure with those types of injuries."
"That's what I thought."
"Hmph."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"As I recall, there was no mention of Lt. Torres refusing medical treatment and I don't recall her even being conscious when she arrived. And due to her medical condition, your recommendation was that she be allowed to convalesce in her quarters but is not to have any visitors or be disturbed in any way. No matter what, least she feel compelled to...prematurely end her leave in an effort to be available to her friends or to help out in Engineering when she requires extensive and uninterrupted rest."
"You seem to have a firm understanding of my diagnosis and recommendations even before I voice them."
"I expect you to address this at the staff meeting tomorrow once the subject of her absence arises."
"Of course."
"Good day Doctor."
With that she turns and waltzes out of sick bay. The doors close just as he utters,
"Same to you Mr. Hoffa."