After they meditated they thought that sleep would be a good idea. They said a quick goodnight before Kathryn made her way to her own quarters, where she tucked herself in for a restless sleep.
She tossed and turned fitfully, her banning from the bridge and upcoming nuptials, as well as colonization, contributing to her restlessness. Morning seemed to come too soon for her. The evening before Kathryn and Chakotay had decided to pay the doctor a visit in regards to his orders at 0730 hours.
Pulling on her uniform and sweeping a brush through her hair, she then stepped out of her quarters, only to find Chakotay walking her way. He too was attired in his scarlet uniform, both hoping the doctor would allow them to go back to their duties.
"Ready to go, Kath?" he questioned, holding his arm out for her to take, which she did.
Kathryn nodded and let her first officer escort her to the turbolift for the short ride. The very short ride, not long enough for either of them to consider what to say to the Doctor.
Stepping just inside Sickbay's doors, Kathryn took a quick look around. "Doctor?" she asked into the air.
"Admiral?" was Kes' soft voice. "The Doctor will be right out, he's just doing some research."
"Thank you, Kes," Kathryn responded. "How have you been doing since your return to the ship?"
"I've been well, it's different than when I left, but familiar. Most of the faces are the same," she responded, smiling. "I'm happy you two are finally together, Captain, Admiral," she now addressed them both.
They smiled, chuckling. "It's good to have you back Kes," Chakotay spoke up, only moments before the Doctor walked out of his office.
"Ahh, Captain, Admiral, a delight to see you. What can I do for the two of you today?" he queried in an annoyingly cheerful manner.
"Funny you should ask that, Doctor," Kathryn gave. "We, Chakotay and I, would very much like to go back to our duties," she stated, watching as the EMH opened his mouth to speak.
"Before you say no, Doctor," Chakotay cut him off. "We either go back to our usual duties or find other areas in which to use our expertise. Like Engineering," the captain said, with a wicked grin.
"So you'll disobey a direct order?"
"Yes, Doctor," Kathryn said, suppressing a smile as she heard Kes muffle a laugh. "Besides, this isn't a medical situation."
"Doctor," Kes interrupted. "The Admiral is right. Due to the fact that it doesn't require your area of expertise, you don't have final say in this situation. Besides, not letting them work will only cause more stress for their wedding day," the woman gave, being the calm voice of reason.
The doctor eyed Kes before offering a resigned expression to the command pair. "My most able assistant has a point. If you are absolutely instant, I don't have a choice, do I?" he shrugged and waved to the door. "Very well, than, to the bridge with you," he stated, off-handedly dismissing them.
The two promptly left Sickbay and headed straight to the bridge. The two where ten minutes early for the 0800 shift. The most senior officer was about to give the 'Admiral on deck' call when Kathryn silenced him.
"We're just passing through, Lieutenant," she stated before stepping to her Ready Room, Chakotay close behind her.
"So, are you just going to surprise them by walking out on the Bridge?" the former Commander questioned.
"Oh, I'm sure they've figured out that they can't keep me off my Bridge," Kathryn stated, before ordering the usual coffee for herself and tea for Chakotay.
Chakotay laughed and took the tea, and coffee, out of Kathryn's hands. Setting them down on the coffee table the then sat on the couch, pulling Katie into his arms. "I don't know, they make think I can stop you," he noted, causing a chuckle from her.
"Not when you're going as stir crazy as I am," Janeway noted as she reached for a padd that had been sitting nearby.
"Uh uh, we're not on duty yet," he stated, holding her close to him, laughing.
"Chakotay, I haven't been on duty for three days," she pointed out, attempting to sound annoyed, it didn't work.
"Neither have I, Katie," he responded, before checking the time. After hearing that it was 0810, twenty minutes after they entered the room, the pair stood.
"Duty calls," Kathryn gave, making for the door.
Once the doors where open they stepped out and Chakotay got a wicked grin on his face.
"Admiral on deck!" he gave in his command voice, causing some of the less observant crew to jump.
"Good morning, I trust my ship is still in running order?" she questioned, stifling a laugh.
"Voyager is in good condition, Admiral. Should you and Captain Chakotay not be preparing for your upcoming nuptials?" Tuvok enquired.
"Tuvok, they are four days away, if we're not prepared now, we never will be," Kathryn noted as she settled, happily, into her chair.
Chakotay sat on her left, a peaceful smile on his face.