Kathryn awoke with a start. There was perspiration dripping down her forehead. She was frightened. She knew she had no reason to be. It was only a dream. But still, she couldn't shake off the feeling of dread. It was her own body. Her very own body, lying so cold and lifeless there on the cold hardwood floor.
She certainly wasn't going back to sleep now. She got out of her bed and quickly pulled the covers up. She would go talk to Chakotay about the dream. She could always confide in him and never feel judged. But then it hit her, she couldn't go talk to him.
God only knows is she would ever be able to talk to him aboutstuff like that ever again.
"Computer what time is it?"
"The time is 0100 hours." The computer replied.
She walked to her replicator and said, "Coffee, black."
A steaming cup of coffee appeared and Kathryn eagerly took a sip. It was a little too hot. No matter how many times she gave the replicator the instructions, it could never get it right on.
Kathryn took another sip from her coffee and then went into her bathroom to take a sonic shower.
It felt very refreshing. She put on her uniform and her comm. badge. She then grabbed a book and began to read. Very quickly she become immersed in it.
After her reading, she made her way down to the bridge. She should have taken the opportunity to sleep but she couldn't after that disturbing dream. So instead, she thought she would go to the bridge. Friendswere exactly what she needed right about now.
As she entered the bridge she saw him sitting up straight in his command chair. She was about to make a beeline for her ready room but then instead, decided to take a shot at playing their little game.
She swiftly took sat down in her chair. She crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. She didn't know whether or not to say anything to Chakotay or wait it out. The decision was made for her when Chakotay said, "Good morning Captain." He said evenly.
Yes, he was planning on being as nice as ever. Of course the only difference now was he had to make a smile appear on his face, he had to make his voice sound even, he had to act like absolutely nothing had happened. He had to act like their conversation about her wanting more, never happened. Well he was going to go one step further. He was going to pretend none of it ever happened. He was going to act like the good first officer but nothing more. He wasn't going to act like her friend. As far as he was concerned, as of right now, he and the Captain were nothing more than first officer and captain working together on a stranded star ship. Not friends, not enemies, just co-workers. He wasn't going to try to be her friend. She lost him and that was that.
"Good morning Commander." Kathryn said looking him straight in the eye, while forcing a small smile to appear on her face.
They continued talking together and with the rest of the staff on board the bridge. Just small talk, nothing more.
Kathryn was now as sure as ever, Chakotay was no longer her friend whom she trusted, whom she could talk to about mainly anything, whom could always left her up when she was down, all of that and so much more. She lost it all. And she couldn't be sure that she would ever get it back.
To Be Continued . . .
Please R&R