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Following the Doctor's orders, Kathryn did not return to sickbay. As a matter of fact, she stayed away completely. The Doctor had Kes visit her every couple of days to see how she was now that she is beginning her eighth month of pregnancy. She never asked about Chakotay, which troubled both Kes and the Doctor. He thought back to a week ago when he insisted that she leave sickbay for awhile and her only comment was that she needed to think about things. Later that day, B'Elanna stopped by sickbay to see how Chakotay was.
"Lieutenant, do you have a moment? I would like to speak to you about something."
"Is it Chakotay? Is there something wrong?" B'Elanna was concerned. She had hoped her friend would have come out of the coma by now.
"I didn't mean to alarm you. There has been no change in Commander Chakotay's condition. My concern is for the Captain."
"The Captain?"
"A week ago I suggested to her that she leave sickbay for awhile. She had hardly left in the three weeks she was here. The whole situation was finally taking a toll on her physically and mentally. My concern was for her and the baby. She left with little hesitation, but before she did she said the oddest thing."
"And what was that Doctor?"
"All she said was that she had some things to think about. I know that may not sound odd to you, but you haven't seen her the last few weeks have you?" B'Elanna only nodded no.
"I have had Kes stop by her quarters every couple of days to give her a check-up and she doesn't ask about the Commander. Physically she seems to be doing better, but her mental state is what worries me. She has isolated herself and from checking the logs, she hasn't even been to the holodeck like I suggested. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind speaking to her, since you and the Commander are friends?"
B'Elanna hesitated before speaking, "I guess it couldn't hurt. I'm not sure how much help I will be though. I'm going to spend a few minutes with Chakotay and then speak to the Captain." The Doctor nodded and proceeded to work on something at his desk.
B'Elanna walked over to Chakotay's bedside. "Hello old friend." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm not sure if you can hear me, but if you can, you need to wake up soon. The Doctor says the Captain is not doing so well herself. I'm off to talk to her now, to see if I can offer some sort of support I guess. I miss you...we all do." She stood there quietly for a moment and then left.
She rang the chime several times before Kathryn finally acknowledged and let her enter. B'Elanna walked into the Captain's quarters and found it to be totally dark. "Captain?"
"What can I do for you Lieutenant?"
B'Elanna squinted, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness. "I just got off duty and thought I would stop by to see how you were doing." Kathryn didn't speak.
"Captain?"
"Computer, increase lighting to 15%." B'Elanna found the Captain standing in the corner near the viewport, staring at the stars as they went by.
"Was it your idea to come by to see me or the Doctor's?"
"Honestly Captain, it was his. He was concerned about you. He thought maybe you wouldn't mind talking to someone."
"As much as I appreciate the Doctor's concern, there is nothing that needs to be discussed."
"I beg to differ Captain." B'Elanna moved forward and stood closer to her. "The Doctor told me that what has happened to Chakotay is starting to take its toll on you. He suggestion to leave sickbay has now been met with no acknowledgement of Chakotay or his situation. I would think there would be more of a reaction from you considering you are having his baby and love him."
"Lieutenant, I strongly suggest that you not tell me how I should feel."
"I apologize Captain, but I'm only here to offer support." She moved closer and could barely see the traces of tears sliding down Kathryn's face. "Captain," B'Elanna wasn't sure what to say or do next. She reached her hand out and gently touched Kathryn's arm, "why don't you tell me what's wrong."
"My greatest fear has come true. I don't know if things can continue the way they were after this." For the first time Kathryn looked at the face of the young Lieutenant, which showed great confusion. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm really tired."
B'Elanna wasn't sure whether to pry further, but instead decided to leave things as they were. She was however confused at what the Captain said. "Of course...if you do need to talk Captain, my door is open and if not me, then I hope you can find someone to talk to. Chakotay is my friend and well, that makes you my friend too. He has never experienced as much happiness with someone as he has with you. Goodnight Captain."
Kathryn tried to hold back the tears, "goodnight Lieutenant." As B'Elanna left, Kathryn turned back around to look out the viewport and a tear slid slowly down her cheek.
Several days later, as if to answer everyone's silent prayers, Chakotay began to finally come out his coma. Kes was running a scan when she noticed his eyes began to flicker. She immediately called for the Doctor. "Should we notify the Captain?" The Doctor looked at her, unsure what to say. "I think we will wait to see what happens first." The Doctor and Kes began to run several scans. A hypospray was administered and a few minutes later Chakotay fully opened his eyes.
"Doctor?"
"Commander, it's good to finally see you awake. How are you feeling?"
"Other than a small headache, I feel fine. Why am I here?"
"Do you remember the attack on Voyager?" Chakotay gave him a puzzled look. "Attack?"
"We were attacked by an unidentified alien vessel. You and the Captain were injured and brought here..."
Chakotay stopped him immediately seeming to remember the incident very clearly now, "Kathryn, where is she?"
"Calm down Commander. The Captain suffered only a minor concussion. You on the other hand had some swelling around the brain, which I was able to alleviate, but you have been in a coma ever since. All scans that have been done so far show no residual effects, which is a very good sign. Commander, you have been a coma for a month now."
Chakotay was stunned, "A month?" The Doctor shook his head. "Doctor, you told me Kathryn was fine, but you didn't tell me if the baby was ok."
"Everything is fine with the baby. I have been giving the Captain regular check-ups and things are going well." The Doctor moved his gaze from Chakotay and over to Kes.
"Doctor, there is more isn't there. Why isn't Kathryn here?"
"Commander you need to rest. We can discuss things later..."
"No Doctor!" Chakotay was beginning to get frustrated. "I want to know why Kathryn isn't here!"