Chapter 32 –
Elizabeth woke up relatively late the next morning, glancing at the chronometer beside her makeshift bed; composed of a sofa and several bedding sheets and a plain standard issue pillow. She sighed figuring that the Captain had gone to the bridge hours ago.
Pulling the thin duvet cover off and standing up she picked up an empty coffee cup, picking it up she disposed of it. She stood next to the replicator tapping a cheerful tune on the plastic outer covering whilst trying to decided what to eat and what was in her limitations to make – her cooking skills left a lot to be desired. With a small smile she decided to get dressed and head to the mess hall instead after all at least she could get eatable food there.
She pulled her large brush through her hair once more as she strode towards the door before dumping it on the nearest glass topped table, and exited the room. A smile plastered on her face as she walked the endless corridors.
Sitting later in the mess hall a plate of the special Neelix had prepared sat in front of her. The smell was enough to put her off….she was no health freak but the pungent smell of…she glanced at the plate in front of her realising she couldn't actually tell what she was attempting to force herself to eat. After a moment she gave up and pushed it away, draining the last of her fruit juice and making a move to go and find Tom.
Popping her through the door into sickbay she could see Tom wasn't around and deduced he must be on the bridge. However, before she could turn around the doctor appeared.
"Happy Birthday," he said, grinning from ear to ear, obviously finding it hard to keep the "secret" about her surprise party.
"Thanks. Tom on the bridge??" she asked, making it clear that she was in a hurry to find her brother and not hear for another recital.
"I believe so," he replied.
"Thanks."
"Perhaps you'd like to come back later …. I have prepared a new song" he called lamely after her.
Elizabeth entered the bridge from the main turbo lift; it was one of those quiet days. Tuvok sat predictably in the Captain's chair it was always less jovial when he was around; she smiled to herself for a moment. And, then headed over to Tom's station he was bent over oblivious to her presence.
"Ahem," she cleared her throat, and tapped his shoulder lightly.
Tom turned around rather abruptly, a grin crossing his features as he looked up into his sisters face, "Hey you, taken to sneaking up on people have you??"
"Same as you've taken to not noticing people around you," she winked.
He grinned, "Lunch??"
"Just done breakfast," she smiled apologetically.
"Do you have a reason for being here Miss Janeway or is it merely to distract Mr Paris from his work" Tuvok's authoritive tone drifted over.
"No, I'll be going. Captain in there is she??" she asked, receiving a sharp nod and a watchful eye as she crossed to the ready room door.
Fin
Short but I will be adding now that I have lots of free time…. intending to wrap within the week J J
