~ Tuvok ~
Tuvok turned and left the Captain muttering under her breath. When he had gone down to the communications room this morning to find a message in the buffer from Plak'han, he immediately informed the Captain. Unfortunately, Tuvok was unable to translate any of it, but the demeanor was enough. Clearly, he wanted them dead. Logs indicated that the message had been transmitted at 0405 and terminated in less than thirty seconds. The Captain made the logical conclusion of wanting to talk to the three most likely crew members. Facing the open space of breakfast, Tuvok looked through the people, trying to find his three targets: Ensign Kim, Ensign Vorik, and Seven of Nine. Scanning the sea of faces, Tuvok first spotted Seven of Nine sitting on a small crate on the south side of camp. He accessed her with ease.
"Seven, Captain Janeway has requested your presence immediately in her cabin."
"Understood." The epitome of efficiency, Seven of Nine did not hesitate as she handed her plate off to the Lieutenant she was seated with and headed towards Captain Janeway's quarters. Tuvok easily found Ensigns Kim and Vorik a few meters away. Chell, who was in the middle of telling a story to many crew members, hindered his approach. Eventually, he was upon the two ensigns, who were bent over in hushed discussion.
"Ensign Kim, Ensign Vorik." Ensign Kim sprang back as if electrocuted, and even Ensign Vorik showed some apprehension as he sat upright. He eyed Ensign Kim. "Did you put up the communications array up last night?" Ensign Kim kept his head bent.
"Yes."
"Look at me when you speak, Ensign." He reluctantly raised his eyes to meet Tuvok's.
"Yes."
"After everyone was in bed?"
"Yes."
"Did you check to make sure it functioned?" Ensign Kim's feet were nervously kicking the dust on the ground.
"Look, Tuvok, did you come here to tell up something? I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition." Missing the joke, Tuvok mildly admonished himself for questioning the ensign. It was not his place. Another side effect of the disease. Nevertheless, he wasn't willing to admit the mistake to Ensign Kim.
"Yes, I did have a message. I am to escort both of you to Captain Janeway's quarters. Immediately."
"But I still have some of this fruit to eat and – "
"I suggest you leave it with someone else. The Captain was quite insistent."
Both ensigns rose slowly, taking their time. He led them swiftly through the labyrinth of cabins. Casting a glance behind him, he noticed how far they were lagging behind, tired. It could be justifiable in Ensign Kim's case – he was well known for staying up late – but Ensign Vorik was another matter. As a Vulcan well should, he was predictably in bed by 2200 every night, including the last. The inexcusable behavior bothered him. Arriving in front of the cabin, he opened the door and stood by it as the two Ensigns caught up and slowly filed in. As Ensign Vorik stepped over the threshold, Tuvok followed suit and shut the door behind him.
Four single beds had been pushed together to form two and two on either side. Raising an eyebrow, Tuvok realized the purpose, making a note to talk with the Captain later. It would not bode well for her to be having a relationship at the moment, especially after this morning. If they were indeed detected by the Plak'han, there was no telling what would happen.
The Captain was not present. Seven of Nine was standing near the furthest wall, hands clasped behind her back, at as much ease as she ever allowed herself. Ensign Vorik joined her, and Ensign Kim collapsed on the bed.
"Ensign Kim, may I remind you that these are not your quarters, and that you are not here for a social call. You are still on duty." Looking up, Ensign Kim's eyes seemed to express his distaste in Tuvok's speech. Indeed, more and more people were abandoning the command structure and falling into an easy going rapture that allowed room for mistakes and poor judgment. If the Plak'han were coming back, the military chain of command would need to be rectified swiftly as to protect the interests of the group. Tuvok was mulling over how to accomplish this when Captain Janeway walked in. Tuvok snapped to attention, and saw that Vorik did the same.
"At ease." Her face was taunt, strained. One hand held a mug of a brown liquid, presumably coffee, or some substitute, while the other carried two PADDs. Setting the coffee down, she dropped the other PADD onto a nearby bed, pressing for the display on the other. She held it up for the three to see, just out of Tuvok's viewing range.
"Do you know what this is?"
Ensign Kim's eyes were downcast, and Ensign Vorik was stony.
"A Plak'han, Captain." Seven said.
"Yes. Which one of you put up the communications array last night?"
Silence.
"Well?"
Captain Janeway started to pace in front of the three. Seven of Nine's icy blue eyes followed her every movement, head rotating as she went. Ensign Vorik looked straight ahead, perfectly still. Ensign Kim merely looked at the ground. Why weren't they answering? Tuvok took charge.
"Ensign Kim."
His head didn't move.
"Ensign Kim!"
Nothing.
"Answer me, Ensign!"
Tuvok's voice had risen, hand grabbing the neck of the Ensign's maroon shirt, effectively jerking his head up, startled eyes meeting the Vulcan's own. It wasn't until Tuvok looked in those eyes that he realized the ramifications of his actions. Captain Janeway was also staring, mouth wide, appalled. Ensign Vorik looked similarly astonished, and Seven had taken a step forward. He released his grip, Ensign Kim staggering backwards. Before anyone said anything, he spoke.
"Excuse me. I believe I'm not…feeling well."
And with that, he left.