She awoke with a start. God, what a headache. "What did I do last night?" was her first thought. Whatever she'd done, she was having trouble opening her eyes. When she realized there was another person in the bed, she panicked.
"Ah, you're finally awake."
"Doctor. What..." and then it all suddenly came back to her. "How long?" was about the only question she could manage at this point, dropping her head back onto the pillow.
"Just over two days. You gave us quite a scare." He started fussing around her, taking readings. "I see Crewman Wildman managed to get passed me again. She's turning into quite the little commando."
"It's Naomi? Thank goodness, I thought..."
"Yes?" he queried with a raised eyebrow.
"Never mind. How's the crew?"
"All fine. And I should know, they've all been in here. At least twice each. They don't seem to believe my updates and insist on keeping tabs on you themselves. I had to put my foot down and eject certain crew members who refused to leave at all." he finished, looking slightly annoyed. "Naomi has been especially anxious regarding your condition."
"And the ship?"
"Safe. And free of visitors."
"Captain?" said the sleepy form beside her.
"Hi Naomi." she replied softly.
"That alien hurt you. You wouldn't wake up. Seven got sick. Everyone was crying. Even Harry and Tom." she looked like she was going to start crying herself.
"It's OK now, Naomi. I'm safe. It's all over." was all she could manage to say, feeling a little teary.
"Well, Miss Wildman. Now that you've made sure the Captain is all right, perhaps you'll return to your quarters and allow her some rest before I have to alert security?" said the Doctor, but his tone was soft.
"Yes sir. You'll be here when I come back later, won't you Captain?" she was reluctant to go.
"I'll be here. Promise."
The little girl took several steps towards the door before she flew back and embraced the Captain, before again turning and rushing out the door.
"Sickbay to Commander Chakotay."
"Yes, Doctor?"
"The Captain is awake. You wanted to be notified."
"On my way, Doctor."
The Doctor continued taking readings, seeming satisfied with the results.
"So, Captain, how do you feel?"
"A bit like I've been phasered and beat up, to be honest." She smiled weakly and was surprised at how tired she was feeling.
"Yes, well. That's only to be expected."
The doors opened and Chakotay entered. The Doctor moved away from her biobed as he arrived.
"Kathryn, it's good to have you with us again." He said with a smile as he took her hand.
"It's good to be here. Especially considering the events of the last time I saw you." she said groggily.
Pain flashed across his face but was replaced by another smile almost instantly.
"Report, Commander."
He was about to reply when he realized she was already asleep. He looked to the Doctor.
"She'll probably be asleep for at least a few hours Commander. In fact she'll probably do more sleeping than anything else for at least twenty four hours. Her body will take quite a while to recover from this as I've explained before. But, I expect her to be back on her feet and insulting me within a week."
"Thank you Doctor. I'll let the crew know that she's on the mend."
When she awoke the next time, Janeway was relieved to find that she was alone, the Doctor was being obviously more successful in keeping Naomi at bay now.
She managed to raise her head far enough to look around sick bay and observed that she was the only patient.
"Ah, Captain. Nice to see you awake again. How do you feel this morning?"
"Much better, thank you Doctor. Er, how long.." she groped for words.
"How long since you were last awake or how long since we're been Avori free?"
"Yes." She didn't really feel like making any sort of decision.
"Well, it's been about twenty hours since you were last awake and about three days since we retook the ship."
He was already scanning her, his manner was brusque, but his tone was kind.
"Thank you. Other casualties?" she wasn't aware that she held her breath waiting for his answer.
"All fine now and returned their quarters."
At her enquiring glance, he remembered that she wouldn't be aware of what happened to the rest of the crew.
"Ensign Golwat, Lieutenant Ayala, Crewmen Gerron, Tal and Chell received varying injuries in their efforts to retake the ship, Ensign Golwat being the more serious. She left sickbay a little before you awoke yesterday."
"No one else…?" she didn't want to say the word for some reason.
"Crewman Lessing was the only casualty, Captain."
"Naomi said that Seven was sick…"
"At one hundred percent efficiency, although very concerned about you."
"And Naomi's OK? Has anyone talked to her about what happened?"
"Yes, Captain. I believe Commander Tuvok and Crewman Tal have been having some chats with her. She seems to be coping as well as can be expected."
She nodded without further comment and he couldn't remember ever seeing her this vulnerable.
"I'll let Commander Chakotay know you're awake. I'm sure you've got lots of questions and you should even be alert enough to stay awake for the answers this time," he prattled on, seeming to attempt to talk past an emotional moment.
He seemed content with the results he had received from his scans and he returned to his office as the main door to sick bay opened and Chakotay walked straight to her.
As he arrived at her bedside, he took her hand and held it tightly.
"Kathryn, welcome back. Again."
"Chakotay, thanks. Care to fill me in on what's been happening around here?"
"Well, I'll give you the précis version, the Doctor is going to throw me out in about half and hour."
Janeway had always thought that Chakotay was a good story teller, but she really appreciated him right now. He had her open mouthed with the tales of the crew's efforts.
At first he explained how the concussive charge had affected the species on board differently. The Bajorans hadn't been as affected as much as their human colleagues, though they did have serious headaches. The effect on Bolians had been slightly different than both and although initially rendered unconscious, they had awoken within a relatively short amount of time only to experience severe symptoms not unlike those of concussion.
He told her firstly about Chell, who had woken up in the Mess Hall and decided to make his way to the Sick Bay. He'd never made it, although he did manage to eliminate four Avori before he met up with one in a corridor and fought hand to hand. He'd killed the alien, but not before he was stabbed. He collapsed in a Jeffries tube where he'd been found around the time they'd brought Janeway to sick bay.
The other Bolian on board, Ensign Golwat had been seriously injured inside the Delta Flyer during the first attack but had somehow managed to beam no less than twelve Avori to the holodeck, as well as erecting a forcefield to ensure they'd stayed there. She'd been beaming them in one's and two's by watching the sensors and waiting until they were away from larger groups. It wasn't until the Voyager crew had almost retaken the ship did the Avori leader realize that he wasn't able to contact them. By that time it was too late.
Golwat had been found when they'd checked the shuttle bay for damage. She was the most seriously injured besides Janeway and she had recovered but the Doctor had her on sick leave for another two days.
She realized, as he started to tell her about Ayala, Gerron and Tal that she must have missed seeing them working in Engineering by only minutes. He explained how Tal had let herself be captured to lure the two Avori away from the others.
Gerron and Ayala had managed to restore, with the unknowing help of Janeway only meters away, most of the systems critical to Voyager's escape. Gerron had got severe concussion and a dislocated shoulder when one of the aliens had thrown him against a wall. Ayala had phaser wounds to his shoulder and leg. Both were OK and nearly ready for duty.
"Please Chakotay, can you start writing up commendations for all of them for me? They've done extraordinary work, as have the rest of the crew. I'll forward them to Starfleet on the next data stream." Her eyes were drooping and she was struggling to stay awake now.
"Of course. Now, I'd better get out of here before Doctor Dictator realizes I've overstayed."
"Thanks. I'll see you later."
He could tell she was already asleep. As he stood to leave, he realized that he'd held her hand for the whole visit.
"Now Captain," the Doctor was in full mother hen mode "as soon as the competition is over, you are to return directly to your quarters. Is that clear?"
"As crystal, Doctor. I did promise, didn't I?" And she was fairly certain that, even if she did think she was going to die anyway, she wouldn't make any such rash promises again. At least she wouldn't be in sick bay another night.
"Yes, you did. Sorry." He replied quietly "I also expect you to make good on your promise to give Mr Paris the thrashing he so richly deserves. I will be joining you shortly."
Harry came through the doors looking nervous. Whether it was because he was escorting his Captain or because of the impending pool competition, she couldn't tell. She was very glad to see him nevertheless.
"You're right on time Harry."
The Captain took Harry's arm, as much for support as to let him escort her. She delighted in leaving the sick bay for the first time in over three days she'd been awake. She felt him tense up just as they approached the cargo bay doors.
"Harry, you'll be fine. It's all just geometry, remember? And don't feel pressured, but I doubt that I can do much bending over the pool table, so you'll be doing all the work."
She smiled sweetly at him.
He gave her a look that indicated he wasn't sure if he wanted to know if she was kidding or not. She tightened her grip on his arm and gave it an affectionate pat.
They received a rousing welcome from those already present as they entered the cargo bay. And it seemed that almost the whole crew had made the effort to be there. She allowed Harry to steer her directly to a chair and was happy to just to sit.
She was certainly touched by their obvious pleasure in seeing her well and back among them. Not for the first time in the last few days did she realize just how lucky she was. Gone was the melancholy that had afflicted her on the planet weeks ago. She was alive and with her family and she was happy.
The competition was already underway. Tom joined the Captain and Harry, expressed his delight in seeing her up and about and started giving Harry a hard time about his seemingly non-existent team.
"Gee Harry, lucky you had a bye on the first round, otherwise you would've been knocked out already." He gloated.
"Think so Paris? I feel pretty confident actually."
"Sure, Harry. So who is the other poor sap on your team."
"Mister Paris. It is not considered good form to call your Captain a 'poor sap', even if she is a little worse for wear." The reaction was more than Harry or the Captain could've hoped for. Tom turned several different hues, finishing with a becoming green tinge.
As Tom moved away muttering apologies, Janeway leant over to Harry and whispered in his ear. "We've got him Harry. He's already beaten. Chakotay will be made of sterner stuff, but Tom's a goner."
And so the competition progressed. The crew seemed delighted to see their Captain not only among them again, but playing pool as well. She was in form and not displaying any affects of her recent ordeal. It seemed such a long time since she had been relaxed enough play. And there was the added bonus that 'Team Kim' had pretty well put a stop to Tom Paris' cocky attitude.
No one was surprised when the final was to be between 'Team Kim' and Tom and Chakotay. During the break that preceded the 'big game' as it was already being called, Chakotay came and sat next to Janeway.
"How are you feeling Kathryn? You look beat. I mean, sorry, you look tired." she received the full force dimpled smile.
"Nice try Chakotay."
"Really Kathryn, are you OK?" he was serious this time.
"Honestly?" he nodded "I'm barely able to stay awake. However, if you tell the Doctor, you'll be cleaning the transporter room with a toothbrush for the next week." They laughed together. "I can't believe how weak still I am but, don't worry, I've got another game left in me yet."
"Good. I want to beat you fair and square."
"Dream on Chakotay."
The final game was called. Janeway had never seen the cargo bay so crowded, well, except for…but she wasn't going to think about that. She was fairly sure there were more people now than there was when they'd first arrived. She wondered if the ship was on autopilot or if Tuvok had just pulled up to the kerb until he had a bridge crew again.
The teams tossed a coin for the break and Harry called and won. 'Team Kim' would break. Janeway pulled her young team mate aside.
"Harry, here's the plan. I'll break. Tom's going to lead off for them, he'll be lucky to sink a ball. Then you've got to clear the table." His eyes widened. "That's an order Ensign. I've got to tell you that once I sit down again, I won't be able to get up again." She wasn't joking.
"Yes ma'am." It certainly was crunch time for Harry.
The Captain walked slowly to the table. Without a cue. She turned to Chakotay, smiled and said "Commander, your stick?"
It brought the house down. The team of Paris and Chakotay never stood a chance. Harry cleared the table. 'Team Kim' were Voyager's pool champions.
Again Janeway sat at her table and let the crew come to her. She couldn't get up and mingle even if she wanted to.
Harry was beaming when he finally made it back to the table and sat with her. Janeway leant across and gave him a hug. She found it comforting that she could still make Harry blush.
"Fantastic work Harry!" he glowed again with her praise.
More people came up to the table to congratulate Team Kim on their victory, including Chakotay, who just did an uncanny impression of Janeway with hands on his hips and said "Commander, your stick?" but he was laughing almost as hard as the rest of the group, which now included B'Elanna and Tom.
"Chakotay, I think it's time you knew I'm just a teensy bit competitive. I'll take any advantage I can. You wouldn't hit a convalescing woman would you?"
"Well, it's a tempting thought but.." he smiled and leaned over, pointing at her "but watch out at the next tournament, Janeway. I'm going to win."
"Shame on you, Commander. You needed a better strategy. I thought you taught tactics at the Academy."
"I did, but they'll obviously have to revise the course now. Especially when encountering opponents who are unconventional."
"I was only thinking about morale. It wouldn't do for the captain to lose to a lesser player."
"A lesser player?"
"I was talking about Tom."
"Sure you were."
It seemed like the clocks on Voyager had been wound back and the rest of the table were enjoying seeing the easy banter between the Captain and her First Officer.
Much to the surprise of the group however, he didn't sit with them. After making another crack about her shameless 'cheating', he left them to 'drown his sorrows at the bar'. Ayala had come over to congratulate the team and when Chakotay left, he took the remaining seat.
Tom tried to make out that he was unhappy to lose, claiming that Harry had unfairly played the 'Captain' card. No one was fooled by his words as he was obviously only too happy to have Janeway, not only still among them, but relaxed enough to participate in crew events. It had been too long since that had happened.
"So Harry, what are you going to do with your winnings?"
"Not sure Be', I might just look at them for a while."
Everyone laughed at Harry's expense. He was so often in Tom's shadow.
"What about you Captain?"
"Oh, I won't be keeping mine Tom. I think B'Elanna will need plenty of things for the baby. And I don't mean you Tom."
Again the party laughed at Tom's expense.
"Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I'm exhausted. I need to get back to my quarters before the Doctor realizes I'm still on the loose."
She looked around, there were a lot less people in the holodeck now but it was clear that she couldn't see who she was looking for.
Harry was getting to his feet.
"Let me escort you back to your quarters Captain. I'm sure Harry has some serious gloating to get done tonight" Ayala asked quietly, realizing that Chakotay had left earlier with Seven, and it was clear that no one at the table had a clue about it.
"Thanks Mike. You can protect me from the Doctor, if necessary. Harry you stay here and enjoy the victory."
Amid the cheers and well wishes of the remaining partygoers, the Captain waved a goodnight to the crew and left on the arm of Ayala.
"Captain, permission to speak freely." Ayala said as they reached her door.
She couldn't imagine what he was going to say, but she trusted Ayala with her life. Literally. She nodded to him.
"How are the nightmares? Are you OK?"
She looked at the Lieutenant in shock.
"Nightmares?"
"Same thing happened to me," he explained, not bothering to elaborate. They both knew what he meant. "Cardassians. About eighteen months before we 'met'. When I first joined the Maquis. Except they didn't actually phaser us. They just would take us out of our cell and put us up against a wall," Janeway shuddered "after a few minutes, they'd put us back in our cell".
She was going to deny everything, but Ayala looked at her with only concern, there was no trace of insubordination.
"Thanks for your concern, Mike. They're not too bad. Getting better." She smiled at him and didn't bother to pretend. "Tuvok's been helping me with some meditation techniques."
"Good. I'm sorry if my question was out of line, Captain. But if you need someone to talk to…" he left the sentence unfinished.
"Thanks
again, Mike. I think I'll be okay. I appreciate the offer very
much."
"Good night then. See you on the bridge in a few
days."
"Good night, Mike. Thanks for seeing me home."
The door closed and she went straight to her bedroom. She laid on her bed without getting undressed and was asleep almost instantly. Her sleep was uninterrupted by either dreams or nightmares.
Three days later, the door to the bridge swooshed open. Kathryn Janeway was never so glad to see it.
"Captain on the bridge." said Tuvok formally. The bridge crew all stood and snapped to attention.
Janeway returned their salute with a beaming smile and a quiet "As you were, and thank you everyone."
"Welcome back, Captain." Tom was smiling broadly.
"Thank you Mr Paris. It's good to be back. Status, Harry?"
"All systems normal, Captain. On course for the Alpha Quadrant at warp six."
"Thank you Harry. That was a champion report. Don't you agree that was a winner, Mr Paris?"
"Captain, are you going to be doing this all the way home?" whined Tom, turning around to face her.
"Of course not Tom, I'd say not more than two weeks. What do you say, Harry?'
"Well, maybe three weeks Captain. I've got a lot of making up to do."
"There you have it Tom." Janeway was really enjoying herself now. "Four weeks. Tops."
"This has got long trip written all over it." sighed Tom and turned back to the conn.
A week later Admiral Kathryn Janeway arrived on Voyager and brought them all home.
