I guess Tuvok is very good at hatching, Chakotay remarked deadpan.
Relieved at the sudden turn of events after the few tense, ugly moments, and amused at the turn for the beyond weird of their conversation, Janeway let out a low chuckle through her bruised throat. That had the unfortunate effect of attracting attention from the Doctor, who shot the two a reproving glare as he finished his lecture to one of the security guards who had been injured in the phaser shoot out on the planet below. With a haughty sniff, leaving behind a very relieved ensign, he then moving to their side.
"I really don't see what there is to be amused about, Captain," he said in the long-suffering tone he had perfected for just such occasions. "How is it that every single time you or the Commander venture near a shuttle, someone ends up hurt and the shuttle damaged beyond repair?" he waved the tricorder near her as he spoke.
Janeway's instinct was to pull away, prompting another glare.
"Just trying to do my job."
"I feel fine," she insisted, eyeing the hologram with misgivings evident.
Chakotay began in the reprimanding tone an adult uses when confronted with a rebellious child, Fine? Yes, sure, now, Kathryn, do you know the meaning-?
The adrenaline hasn't worn off yet; I'm not accountable for any violent measures I may take, she warned him. "So don't start with me right now, Chakotay."
"How so?" Tuvok questioned her as he approached the three.
Chakotay smirked as she realized she had been speaking out loud, obviously confusing the hologram and the Vulcan, who still had no idea of the telepathic connection between them. That tiny, insignificant fact had yet to be disclosed.
"Never mind," she said, avoiding the question.
"Now, Captain," the Doctor attempted to steer the conversation back to matters of more immediate concern. "Let's make this-"
"She was being held very tightly around the throat, most likely bruising and definitely tenderness there," Chakotay interrupted, taking pity on the hologram. "She was kicked a few times in the ribs and she twisted her ankle slightly, but it hasn't swollen too badly." He felt the anger emanating from Janeway. "Might want to check that out," he finished blandly.
"Thank you," the Doctor said heartfelt. "At least one of you is being co-operative for a change."
Chakotay raised his eyebrow at the backhanded compliment.
Traitor, Janeway accused.
Just being a fine First Officer.
She seethed as the Doctor made little clicking disapproving noises, studying the readouts. Insufferable, more like it.
You hurt me, you really do.
Think that hurts? Just you wait, First Officer mine, you are going to pay.
Chakotay, reflecting on that grim tone and thoughtful expression, was only half joking when he asked, "Should I be scared?"
Again, one of the command team was treated to an odd look from the people around them.
"What is their condition?" Tuvok decided to ignore the undercurrents.
As a Vulcan, contrary to beliefs others held, he was nonetheless skilled at subtleties, a very necessary skill, when one considered the matter, in a race that chose to avoid lying, dishonesty not being logical. One had to find distinctions in order to avoid outright untruths, and part of the skill was grounded in a foundation of knowing when to pick one's battles and when to appear oblivious. This was one time to exercise the latter, as he frequently chose to do when it involved superior officers in witty moods.
"Apart from various scrapes and bruises, the Commander is in fine shape," the Doctor pronounced. "With regards to the Captain…I would mention the skipping meals which happens on a regular basis, the overdosing on coffee and the like, if only I had confidence it would not fall on deaf ears," he looked significantly at the Captain.
"Thank you, Doctor, a pleasure as always."
"Delightful," he agreed, voice dry. "We just don't see enough of each other."
"Conflicting schedules," Janeway noted mildly. "Any words of advice to sustain me til the next ordeal- oh, I do apologise…I meant to say check-up, of course."
"Of course," the Doctor said without conviction. "At any rate, keep off your feet for the rest of the day, if that isn't too tall an order. Sleep. Eat. Check in if you experience any side effects-"
"Actually, we meant to talk to you about that…" Chakotay broke in, sharing a thought with Janeway that it was probably about time. With a look of exaggerated reluctance, she nodded.
"Doctor," Janeway looked over at the comatose alien who had yet to be identified in one of the bio-beds, considered the otherwise empty room and then back at Tuvok and the Doctor. "When we were held hostage, one of them conducted an experiment on us," she pulled back her hair and turned to expose the small implant on her ear.
"And you didn't feel the need to inform me before now?" the Doctor exclaimed.
Tuvok remained silent, but she could feel the disapproval emanating from his stern demeanour.
"This seemed the most opportune moment," Chakotay interjected.
"Well? How are you feeling? Have you experienced any side effects? Are you ill?"
"Doctor, brace yourself. Commander Chakotay and I are- somehow telepathically linked," Janeway said candidly.
The hologram nodded. "Of course. Anywhere else, this would be odd, but as the CMO on the Federation Starship Voyager, this simply joins the list of perfectly ordinary everyday occurrences I have stored in my data banks."
"And while you consider the data from those 'perfectly ordinary everyday occurrences', Doctor, Chakotay and I really have more important things to do," Janeway said with determination. "I haven't had a coffee in days and I think I'm due a little relaxation. Commander?" she threw him a sideways glance and a suggestive thought. "Perhaps you could lend me some assistance in the latter department?"
"It is always my pleasure to be of help," he murmured under the hologram's ineffectual chastisement, following his Captain out of Sickbay. Whenever you need me…whatever you need of me.
This statement was in the nature of a promise, and taken aback by his emphatic vow, Janeway paused for a moment to gaze at her First Officer. He looked back steadily, his heart in his eyes, plain enough to see. And as for his thoughts…he held nothing back, determined to reveal the true nature of his feelings, not hide behind an ancient legend as the context for more acceptable terms of expression. This time he would make it clear exactly what sort of relationship he was offering, and it wasn't merely the support of the executive officer or the affection of a friend. More than that…
She held his gaze for an age, examining, questioning- and abruptly, she thrust that part of her nature away. This detached consideration, cold scientific quantification was exactly what had led her astray previously. Finally, it was time to blaze new ground, explore a different pattern and expand from what she had known from before to something that was mysterious, tantalizing…amazingly enough, still hers for the taking. Despite her faults, despite her flaws and imperfections, the man before her had remained at her side, exactly as he had vowed so long ago, through all the tension and conflict that had since cropped in their relationship. And now he opened himself up to her, taking the first step once more, leaving himself vulnerable and unprotected to give them another chance. It was her turn to prove herself.
Janeway closed the last of the distance between them, emotionally and physically, intertwining their hands and minds as she made her own heartfelt vows. This was their time now.