Disclaimer: I don't own any of the crew, the ship, or anything at all.
Chapter 5 - SecretsAfter much deliberating, Chakotay had decided to go and ask Tom how the Captain was involved with his sister. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but now stood outside the doors to the holodeck he wasn't so sure. Taking a deep breath Chakotay strode through the doors, upon entering he saw Tom working on a car.
* * * *
Tom looked up to see the Commander standing over him. Hell, what did he want, hadn't he slapped him down enough today.
"Tom" Chakotay said quietly, "I'm sorry".
Tom glowered, how the hell did he know, had he been reading his mail. No, it was more likely the Captain had told him. Sighing he turned to face him, "She told you?"
"No, I found the letter she received from your father," Chakotay stated.
Tom stood there shocked; he'd gone through her mail. God he must be worried.
"Tom I was wondering if you could shed some light on how this effects the Captain?" a concerned expression on his face.
"Don't you think you should be asking her?" he replied. So he didn't know the full story, well he sure as hell wasn't going to be the one to tell him.
"Tom", Chakotays voice held a warning.
Tom turned back to the car, "You can't order me to tell you, and besides, if she wanted you to know she'd have told you."
"Well, you know where I am if you want to talk", with that Chakotay turned and stalked out of the holodeck, realising that he wasn't going to get anything out of Tom.
Tom sighed inwardly, talk to him, why would he want to he could handle this on his own. It was Chakotay that was making it harder for him by not allowing him to work.
* * * *
Chakotay wandered through the corridors, not sure where to go or what to do. He wasn't really surprised Tom hadn't told him. He was right after all; if Kathryn wanted him to know she would have told him.
Chakotay walked through the corridors a bit longer, before arriving at the mess hall. He hesitated before stepping inside, not sure whether he wanted to be treated to a Neelix special. Looking around Neelix was nowhere in sight, the galley was blacked out, and the lights in the main area were considerably dimmer than normal. Deciding Neelix must have closed up and gone to his quarters for the night, he went to the replicator. Ordering a glass of white wine he sat down on a seat by the window, starring at the vast expanse that was space. Not unlike his life at the moment, empty. Kathryn was shut away, why, he didn't know, and doubted he would find out. It was then that he thought of the one person on this ship that had been the Captain's friend before Voyager, before the delta quadrant, Tuvok.
Chakotay started up, before remembering it was the middle of the night. Placing the glass of wine on the table, he deliberated. He and Tuvok weren't the best of friends, but he had provided him with insight into the Captains past last time she shut herself away.
Half an hour later Chakotay was sat in Tuvoks quarters, whilst the Commander ordered him a beverage.
When Tuvok returned with the beverage, a cup of tea, Chakotay began "I'm sorry to call you in the middle of the night. Tuvok, I need your help." Chakotay looked at the impassive Vulcan in front of him.
"I found this, it belongs to the Captain." Chakotay handed Tuvok the Captains letter. The Vulcan read it and raised an eyebrow.
After several minutes, he said, "I see. How commander, do you believe me to be of assistance in relation to this letter?"
Chakotay stood up, looking Tuvok squarely in the eye, " What does Cadet Paris have to do with Kathryn?"
Tuvok looked as torn as a Vulcan could possibly look. His knowledge of human emotions meant that he was now able to understand why the Captain had shut herself away. The letter also explained Mr Paris' desperation to work recently. However, he was not entirely sure whether he should share his knowledge with Chakotay.
"Commander, I am afraid that I cannot help you in this matter." seeing Chakotay was about to butt in, he swiftly continued "It is not my place to inform you of the captains personal arrangements. However, if she wishes you to know she will tell you."
Chakotay nodded, knowing that it would be pointless to argue logic with a Vulcan. However, he couldn't resist adding "I'm just afraid for her."
Tuvok nodded, he had seen the Captain in this state before, and he too was concerned for his friend. However, he felt that she would come to terms with the situation in her own time. He decided to go and see her in the morning, and offer to help her meditate, in the hope it might relieve some of her pain.
Chakotay seeing Tuvok was retreating into silence decided to leave. "Goodnight Tuvok" he sighed, quickly exiting.
So, Tuvok knew and wouldn't tell him for the same reason as Tom. Tuvok understood her pain that much was clear. Short of going to see the Captain and asking outright what the hell was going on, he couldn't think of anything else he could do to find out. He decided to sleep on it - a good sleep might make him see things more clearly.
-Fin-
