In a Single Heartbeat
Disclaimer - Paramount and Viacom own the characters from Voyager, although they didn't often treat them right. The story line belongs to me.
A special thanks to: My friend and editor of all my stories, Mill3rs.
Chapter Seventeen – Away Team Returns
B'Elanna looked out into sickbay as twirling blue lights signifying a transport appeared next to the biobeds. Commander Chakotay, Tuvok and Ensign Molina appeared. Tuvok helped Chakotay and the Ensign onto two of the biobeds and looked toward the surgical bay. He then turned to the doctor's office and spotted B'Elanna and Harry inside. Moving to the doctor's office, he tapped his commbadge. "Captain, Commander Chakotay and Ensign Molina are now in sickbay. It appears that Lieutenant Paris is undergoing surgery at this time."
"Very well, Tuvok," Janeway replied. "Please remain in sick bay and keep me apprised of the status of the away team. Janeway out."
Noting B'Elanna's expression, Tuvok again glanced at the surgical bay. "Lieutenant Paris is in good hands and will surely make a swift recovery."
"Thank you, Tuvok," B'Elanna answered. "I'd like to see Chakotay now." She walked out of the doctor's office and moved to the nearest biobed. "Chakotay, how are you feeling?"
"Much better now that we're back aboard," he replied, his voice raspy from the Cadmilite dust in his lungs. He saw B'Elanna looking toward the surgical bay, and reached for her hand. "He'll be all right, B'Elanna. Tom's strong and he's in good hands with the doctor."
B'Elanna glanced down at Chakotay and smiled slightly. "Thanks. I was so worried about the two of you. When I came to from the crash, you were gone. I found blood on the console," she said, reaching out to Chakotay's forehead where a large gash was still evident. Then Retrill, a young boy from the village appeared in the shuttle. He was hungry and I gave him a sandwich. Then, I guess I fell asleep." B'Elanna's words rushed out as her emotions overtook her. "Kahless, he has to be all right." The last whispered while her grip on Chakotay's hand tightened.
# # #
The doors to the captain's ready room swished open and Bromar rushed in with a young boy at his side. The boy ran to Krey and the two embraced. "Retrill, I am so glad that you are unharmed," Krey said, glancing past the boy to Bromar. Tears ran down her face as her son slowly approached. Reaching out her hand, she stroked the side of his face tenderly. "You have been returned to me, Bromar."
"Yes, Mother," he replied taking her hand in his. "The brave men from Voyager rescued us from the mine." The tall young man drew her into his arms as she wept with relief.
Krey pulled away from the embrace and turned to Janeway. "Captain, this is my son, Bromar and the boy is Retrill; his grandfather is our leader. Bromar, Retrill, this is Captain Janeway."
"Bromar, Retrill, welcome to Voyager," Janeway said. "Please come and sit." She gestured to the low couch behind her desk. "Can you tell me about the mine, Bromar?"
"Yes, Captain," he replied as they sat on the couch.
# # #
Chakotay closed his eyes, exhaustion overtaking him as well as the pain medication the doctor had administered on the shuttle. He and B'Elanna had shared a few of the events on the planet before he began to drift off. Just then the doctor approached the biobed. Chakotay opened his eyes at the sound of the doctor's voice.
"Mr. Paris is out of danger. I repaired the damage to his heart, and regenerated the broken ribs, as well as the fractures around his right eye," he shook his head in disgust. "The damage those weapons wreak is primitive, but thanks to my superior medical skill, I have once again brought the Lieutenant back from the brink of death." He gave them a self-satisfied smile as he reached for the medical tricorder and began to scan Chakotay. "Commander, you are next for the surgical bay. I'll have that broken leg and punctured lung repaired in no time.
B'Elanna touched Chakotay's shoulder and leaned toward the biobed. "I'll leave you in the doctor's good hands," she smiled and move to Tom's side.
Ensign Wildman was just covering Tom with a blanket and smiled at B'Elanna when she saw her approach. "He came through the surgery well, Lieutenant. He'll probably be asleep for several more hours." She took in B'Elanna's soiled uniform and the fatigue in her eyes. "You should go back to your quarters and get some rest. I'll call you if there is any change."
B'Elanna gently brushed her hand along Tom's right cheek, noting the slight swelling around his eye. "You're right. I could use some cleaning up as well. I'll be back in about two hours. Please call me before than if he starts to wake up."
"Certainly, Lieutenant," Samantha answered and watched B'Elanna leave the sickbay.
# # #
B'Elanna entered her quarters and spotted the two duffel bags that she and Tom had taken on the away mission. Someone had brought them to their quarters. Picking hers up, she headed for the sleeping area. She dropped the bag on a chair and stripped off her uniform. B'Elanna entered the bathroom and called for the sonic shower. Stepping in she let the waves of energy wash away the grime from the away mission. She slipped a short nightgown over her head and moved to the bed. "Computer, set alarm for fourteen hundred hours," she ordered. Zipping open the duffel bag, B'Elanna reached inside and withdrew the stuffed targ, and clutching it to her, climbed into bed. "Toby, I almost lost Tom today," she whispered, closed her eyes and let sleep claim her.
tbc…
Just a quick author's note: Sorry this chapter is so short, but I felt that I had to get it posted. I promise the next one won't take so long and should be the ending of this story.
Cat