Accepting Fate
Chakotay had just managed to kick off his shoes and settle onto the couch with a PADD containing the various reports from the day. He tried to read the briefs, but every few seconds or so his mind drifted to Seven and what they might do to save her. His mind strayed to her disappearing act and the strain she'd put on her friends. It was then difficult to not think of throttling her.
The whole thing was no small problem with no foreseeable answers.
Sensing all the hopelessness of the situation, Chakotay dropped his head into his hands.
The door chimed.
Without much thought to who it could be or what they might want, Chakotay called for them to enter. He roused himself just as the doors opened. There, standing silhouetted in the doorway was Seven of Nine. She stepped inside, her expression its usual, unaffected stoicism and Chakotay felt his temper snap.
"What the hell were you thinking? Do you have any idea how worried we were? What if something happened and no one knew you were in trouble?"
Seven gave a tilt of her head, standing at her version of attention. "I could not remain in sickbay anymore."
"You could have at least told someone, told me." Through the fog of his worry-filled anger, he noted she'd offered no apology.
"Would you have told the Doctor where I was?" She quirked a brow, already knowing the answer.
"Of course, I would." Despite the validity of his concern, that was where he knew her argument would lie.
"Then it was a good thing I did not tell you."
"You could have died," he yelled.
"I am dying. The location is irrelevant."
"Now you're just being stubborn. You know what I mean."
"Any of us could die at any time. As a senior officer, you must be prepared for loss."
"There is no way for me to prepare to lose someone I care about. Seven, you can't keep pushing people away like this. Besides not being healthy, in this case it was dangerous."
"I'm dying, Commander, it's better for your mental health if you accept that and leave me be."
"Don't you dare talk like that." In a few short strides he was practically in her face. "You're not dying and even if you were, you can't toss me aside just because you think it's better for me. I get to decide that. Besides, we're not going to let you give up."
"I am dying. Without a cortical node, it will be soon."
"The Doctor—"
"Can do nothing for me. That's why I left sickbay."
"We're going to figure this out."
"You sound like Icheb."
"Well, he's a smart young man."
"He is delusional. The sooner he accepts the reality of the situation, the sooner he can adapt."
"And me, Seven? Am I supposed to simply adapt when you've just given up without a fight? I'm not a drone and you can't just give up."
"I have merely accepted reality. I fought and I lo— I lost."
Her voice broke and without hesitation, Chakotay reached for her, surprised when she reciprocated immediately. They clung together as though afraid to let go.
"I'm sorry."
"Shh. It's all right."
"No, it's not. I didn't mean to worry you, or to yell."
"You're afraid and angry. I understand."
"I shouldn't have come. The only way for you to adapt is if you accept reality and try to move on, Commander."
"First of all, you agreed to call me by my name, and second if you doubted yourself, why did you come?" It occurred to him his temper snapped so fast that she hadn't explained her arrival.
"I am conflicted."
"Well, you came to the right place. I am the unofficial ship's counsellor." He pressed a kiss to her cheek, just because he could.
"I don't want you to suffer when I'm gone," the memory of her final time in Unimatrix Zero came to mind, "but I don't want to waste our time together."
Chakotay felt his throat tighten at this. Though they had gone through a number of dangers together as a crew, facing death on more than one occasion, it was hard to ignore Seven's conviction that she was not going to escape this time. "Then let's not."
"Thank you." Seven sighed into Chakotay's neck.
"Seven," Chakotay pulled away enough to look into her face. He wanted her to know that he meant his words. "You're right that I can't tell you it's all going to be okay because I don't know, but you need to understand that no matter what happens, we're going to face it together."
She felt tears gathering again as she nodded. It irked her, this near-constant state of tearfulness she'd been in and yet she couldn't push her feelings away.
He met her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss. One turned into another and another until they were clinging on in a passion borne as much from unexpected and simple love as it was from a fear they might not have long together.
A glance between kisses was all it took. Chakotay half pulled and was half pushed by Seven to his bedroom. She hesitated as he bent to her neck, but he hushed her by leaving a trail of tender kisses where the monitor had reddened the skin and back up to her pink lips.
It felt anticlimactic that that's pretty much where it ended. A sharp jolt of pain left Seven clutching her head and Chakotay's own sense of honour would not allow them to go any further, not under such circumstances.
Her alcove wouldn't accept her defective cortical node so regeneration was out of the question for the night, but she could sleep.
Seven couldn't remember the last time she'd slept, but at Chakotay's whispered entreaty for her to stay, she settled down next to him, snuggling in tight.
"Chakotay."
"Yes?" He pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Tell me about your faith."
"I take it the Collective didn't assimilate many Shamans."
"They did not."
He pressed another kiss to her forehead and began to speak, the words feeling stilted and unpracticed, but after a few minutes, it began to flow. Some were stories he thought he'd forgotten, all told to him by his grandfather or father.
He lay there with Seven folded in his arms, the stars passing beside them, and a calm seeping into him with the slow remembrance of his people's stories and all the memories that went with his learning of them. He felt Seven grow heavy with sleep not long before his own exhaustion overcame him.
[Chakotay's Quarters]
The morning may have started with Chakotay's pre-set alarm, but with Seven cuddled against his chest, the time until he arrived on the bridge was drawn out with languid caresses and soft kisses. It was a far cry from anything he would have expected from her when she first arrived on Voyager. She was as soft and womanly in his arms as any fantasy he could have dreamed up.
They made breakfast together in his quarters, taking their time and procrastinating at the table until Chakotay was late for his shift.
Since she didn't have to hide anymore, Seven returned to astrometrics. Captain Janeway found her there later that morning, researching a variety of Earth icons.
"Where is that?"
Seven turned to acknowledge Captain Janeway's arrival. "The Mayan ruins of Tikal."
"Never been there. When did you become interested in ancient Earth cultures?"
"I had a conversation last night that made me curious."
"I see. Commander Chakotay's people are originally from that area, aren't they?"
"Not this area specifically, but I find it is difficult to narrow down ethnic origins."
Janeway nodded. "We're not quite a homogenous species, but there was enough immigration throughout history that almost everyone has a mix of world ties."
"I believe most of your family has been in southern Indiana for several generations."
"Originally from Ireland and some other areas of Europe, but I prefer farm country myself," she said, a trace of a drawl colouring her tone a moment.
Seven pulled up a different image. "Bloomington, Indiana. Your hometown. You've mentioned it on several occasions."
"Sure is. So, what do you think?"
"It appears a pleasant environment. I believe I remember something similar to it from my childhood."
"You don't remember a lot, do you?"
"No, just fragments. Most of what I remember is due to the neural link Commander Chakotay and I shared when you disconnected me from the Collective."
"Well, when we get to Earth, I'll take you there. Maybe you'll remember more if you actually see it."
"Doubtful and it—" She stopped, remembering Chakotay's words from the night before. He didn't want to hear the reality of the situation and clearly Captain Janeway wanted to pretend it would all be fine. Her desire to leave her mentor in no doubt as to her appreciation forced her to speak.
"Yes?"
"I know you don't want to hear the truth, that it is unlikely I will make it to Earth, but the severity of my condition must be accepted, my death must be accepted."
"If you were dying, then I would accept it, but you're not." Janeway was firm, as though she could command Seven's illness away.
"No, you wouldn't, which is proven by the fact that we are arguing about it now. And I think I understand why."
"Really?" Janeway's voice turned cold. "Enlighten me."
"I've required your constant assistance to develop my individuality."
"You've come a long way."
"But not far enough. I've disappointed you. You feel your task is incomplete. That's why my death will be difficult."
"Is that what you think? That you haven't lived up to my expectations?"
"Clearly I haven't, but I want you to know that the failure to live up to your expectations has been mine, not yours."
Janeway shook her head slightly, fighting her emotions at the admission. "You haven't failed, Seven. You've exceeded my expectations. You've become an individual, an extraordinary individual. If I'm having trouble accepting your condition, it's only because I don't want to lose a friend."
Seven didn't know how to respond to such a statement, but she didn't need to as the Doctor's voice over the comm interrupted.
"Doctor to the Captain. I need to see you and Seven right away."
[Sickbay]
After both listening to Icheb's presentation and immediately dismissing it, Seven requested to return to sickbay, no longer able to ignore the gradual decline in her energy. The Doctor nodded. He and Seven walked to sickbay in silence. There didn't seem to be anything to say at that point. He wanted her to consider Icheb's research more, but had to respect her refusal.
Seven was growing afraid. Her hand trembled and her legs were steadily growing weaker. She could almost calculate how much time she had until she'd be confined to bed.
In sickbay Seven went to a computer to continue improving the Doctor's filing and he returned to his office.
She hadn't been there an hour when the doors swished open to reveal Chakotay.
"The Captain told you?"
He nodded, but didn't ask why she wouldn't consider the procedure. He knew she wouldn't risk Icheb's life to save her own. It had never even occurred to her that they could take a live drone's cortical node to save herself.
"Did you come to get me to reconsider?"
He shook his head. "No, I came to keep you company. And before you say you don't need anyone, just remember that it's as much for me as for you."
Seven nodded, trying to hide a reluctant smile.
The Doctor came out of his office a few minutes later, interrupting their quiet conversation. He ran a quick scan of Seven's cortical node and was about to return when she swayed.
"Seven?" Chakotay caught her arm, supporting her with his other hand at her waist until she was able to stand without fear of falling.
Sharing a grim look with Chakotay, the Doctor took Seven's other arm and helped lead her to a bed. "Is there anything I can get for you? Would you like something from the mess?"
"Like a last meal?"
"I…" The Doctor looked stricken, but Chakotay frowned and crossed his arms, not amused with her dry humour at the moment. "No, of course not. Is that what you thought?"
"An attempt to lighten the mood, Doctor."
"Ah, yes, well done." He tried to give a chuckle, but it came out so unconvincing that Seven drew an embarrassed breath, ready to apologise.
"Icheb to the Doctor. Report to the cargo bay immediately."
Seven frowned. "He's persistent."
"Not to worry. I'll make it clear to him that persistence is futile."
Seven nodded.
The Doctor, perhaps by habit, took his standard medical kit with him, a move he'd never be able to later explain.
He was almost out the door when it finally occurred to him that it was unusual for Commander Chakotay to be acting so close to Seven. He glanced back, in time to see the Commander move closer. The Doctor looked away, striding out of sickbay as quickly as he could to escape the scene. It wasn't as though the Commander had kissed her or that they made googly eyes at each other, but it was an intimate moment just the same. It hurt. There was no pretending otherwise. Still, he took a deep breath and steadied his emotions for meeting Icheb.
Lost in the opportunity to be alone, Seven and Chakotay failed to notice the Doctor's hesitation. They were already too focused on each other to notice anything outside themselves.
"Don't give up." Chakotay moved close, his words just a whisper.
"I won't." She couldn't look at him. She didn't need to give up; it was all but over.
He reached out to cup her cheek. "Harry and B'Elanna are still trying to replicate the node."
"The Captain told me. Their attempts to replicate it will not succeed any more than their attempts to repair it."
"You don't know that."
Seven merely sighed. There was no point arguing when he was so determined to ignore the truth. "Chakotay, I want you to know how much our time together has meant to me."
"No, you can't say goodbye. Not yet."
"There may not be any other time." She felt the muscles in her right leg weaken and was glad she was sitting down.
He wanted to chastise her, but she looked tired, beaten, and he didn't want to miss what could be his only chance to tell her how he felt. "It's meant a lot to me too, Seven, more than I can say."
They were already close, but he leaned closer and Seven closed the gap, meeting his lips. They lost track of time until the transporter materialized three figures in sickbay. They jumped apart, their embarrassment quickly disappearing into horror at the sight before them.
Captain Janeway spared only a fleeting thought over the fact that Chakotay was with Seven again, her attention more consumed by Icheb. She and the Doctor held the young man up between them, his trembling, sweating body feeling as frail as possible without being in the throes of death.
"What is wrong with him?" Despite the pain in her head and the weakness of her muscles all over, Seven stood.
"Icheb decided to conduct a little operation on himself," said Janeway irritably.
"What?" Chakotay helped support Icheb while the Doctor went to retrieve his instruments.
Seven staggered as far as she could, making it to the standing console outside the surgical bay. "You must reconnect his node immediately."
The Doctor almost rolled his eyes. "I intend to."
"No." Icheb stumbled forward, shaking off the grip of his superior officers so that he and Seven used the same console to support themselves. "If Seven can refuse treatment, then so can I."
"We don't have time for this."
"Check your scans." Icheb tried to hold still for the obedient move of the tricorder over his forehead. "You'll see I'm already adapting."
"Some of your implants have adapted," the Doctor conceded, "but not all."
"Then apply the resequencing technique I researched."
"This debate is pointless," Seven broke in, furious that it had gone on so long. "I won't accept the node."
"And I won't keep it."
"Someone had better use the damn thing," the Doctor yelled. "If it stays disconnected much longer it won't do either of you any good."
Seven glared at Icheb. "You're acting like a child."
"I'm trying to save your life."
"Only because you've grown too dependent on me." A sharp move from Chakotay drew her attention for half a second, but he remained silent and frowning and she returned to glaring at Icheb.
"You think I need to learn to rely on other people?" Icheb would have shouted if he could have.
"Yes." Despite his clear anger, she remained stubbornly firm. Part of her knew it was irrational, but desperation, fear, and sadness had been in control for too long now to be ignored.
"What about you? You've refused to rely on a single member of this crew. You hid your condition from the rest of us, you deactivated the Doctor, and now you're rejecting my help. You're the one who needs to rely on others. Isn't that what people on this ship do? They help each other?" He looked to the Captain.
Janeway nodded and recalled her thoughts while talking to Seven of Axum and the destruction of Unimatrix Zero. She didn't want Seven to become shut off, removed from the crew and alone the way Janeway often felt. It occurred to her then that she'd not followed up on her concerns and had even failed to consider they were two very different people, each isolated for dramatically different reasons. She looked at Icheb with new appreciation, admiring his conviction and insight. Beside her, Chakotay nodded. "Whenever we can."
"If the Captain were dying, you'd risk your life to save her, wouldn't you? And when you respond to a distress call, you're risking the life of everyone on this ship to respond to the aid of strangers."
"He's right," Janeway agreed. She dared a glance at Seven, who was less than happy at this.
"Doctor!"
"Don't look at me."
"Chakotay." She turned pleading eyes to him, but he shook his head.
"He's right, Seven. You pushed us all away when you needed us most. I understand why, but you also need to understand that you can trust us, that you need to use our help."
"I don't—"
"Yes, you do need us. I know it hurts your pride, but it doesn't make you weak to accept help." No need to point out that it was what he'd tried to tell her from the start.
"Captain," she thought of a new tactic, "he's just a child."
Janeway shook her head, refusing to give her support. "I don't think he is, not anymore."
"Please," begged Icheb, "just let us help you."
Seven hesitated, but for Icheb she really would do anything. The hopeful looks of the others merely sealed her choice – or lack thereof.
[Chakotay's Quarters]
Grateful for his sacrifice and relieved that she would not immediately die, Seven spent her free time after waking from surgery with Icheb in sickbay. Her visits were so steady and long that the Doctor began to joke he should move Icheb there permanently if only to get her to adhere to her maintenance appointments.
Though this arrangement meant their time together was limited, Chakotay didn't begrudge Seven or Icheb for it. He was glad Seven had someone like Icheb to save her from herself and happy Icheb's bold move had succeeded so well. True, the young man had been in rough shape for awhile, but in the few visits Chakotay made to see the younger man, he'd never once complained or suggested he regretted what he'd done. Chakotay was indescribably proud of him.
Since Icheb was still in sickbay a week later, it was a surprise when Chakotay answered his door and found Seven.
"I thought we could complete our date, if that is acceptable."
Chakotay smiled brightly. "Of course! Come in. I would have invited you earlier, but I expected you to be with Icheb."
"He evicted me from sickbay," she explained, smiling with reluctance as Chakotay laughed.
"He did, did he?" Chakotay led the way into his quarters, but stopped just before the kitchen as he realized something with embarrassment. "I'm not sure I have the ingredients for anything edible."
"Then it is a good thing I'm here." Seven moved around him quickly and opened his small fridge, which did indeed contain only some bare essentials.
"Well?" Chakotay peered around her shoulder.
"This may be my greatest challenge yet."
"Ha ha. I did warn you."
She took the few vegetables out and set them on the counter. She then raided the cupboard, but they only produced the most basic of spices, nothing of more substance.
Even with her culinary skills, Seven was glad a food replicator was standard equipment in the senior officer's quarters. If it hadn't been, their private dinner would have taken place in the mess and not ended quite so pleasantly.
As Chakotay took the plates to the sink, insisting he clean since Seven cooked, Seven took a closer look at the knickknacks he'd spread out. She'd observed them at a distance the last time she was there, but not examined them in detail. One item in particular caught her attention.
"It's a crystal skull, or a replica of one the elders used to have on Dorvan V," said Chakotay, noticing her reach out to stroke the smooth stone.
"A symbol of wisdom and human potential."
He nodded. "Depending on who you ask, the crystal itself was also said to hold its own powerful properties."
"You told me several stories." She saw him nod, remembering their night together. "Do you believe them?"
Chakotay shrugged. "I don't take them literally, but I believe in the morality and lessons they mean to convey. The corresponding symbols," he nodded to the skull, "serve as reminders and supports for those stories."
"I understand many cultures share similar beliefs and symbols."
"They do." He smiled. "Sounds like you're catching a bit of the anthropologist bug."
"I was unaware interest in a field of study was comparable to infection."
"Depends how you look at it. So, do you like it?"
Seven picked up the skull, weighing it easily in her hand and assessing its contours, the way the light shone on the smoky quartz. "It is an intriguing creation."
"Good. I wish I could show you the original." He finished putting the last plate away and moved to join her. "It was said to come from the ancient Mayans."
Seven put the skull back as Chakotay drew close, standing behind her with a hand at her waist. She reached up higher to touch a carved piece of wood showing scenes of a hunt with creatures she didn't recognize.
"I traded a book for that." It had caught his attention at a market about two years prior.
"And this?" She picked up a ceramic jar of poor craftsmanship and bold colours.
"Mezoti made that for me." He laughed, pointing to zigzagging lines around the base. "She thought it was a modern touch on an old design."
"I should show you the clay representation she made of me."
"She was certainly creative."
"Yes, she was. It will serve her well."
"She'll be fine. She's good at adapting, just like you. You really are a good guardian. Did I also mention how beautiful you are?"
Seven smiled, feeling him draw closer against her back. "Are you attempting to flatter me?"
"Maybe." His lips met the base of her ear. "Is it working?"
She turned to face him, his arms circling her waist as she did, their lips meeting in a light kiss. "I am uncertain. Perhaps some more research is required."
He didn't need any more invitation than that, bending to her lips with eager attention. One of his hands rested at her hip, splaying to press her closer. She moved against him, a newfound appreciation for physical contact welling up. She could have explained the biology of her feelings, but it was much more fun to let her body do what came naturally and only think about the pleasure of giving and receiving loving caresses.
Chakotay left her lips to trail a line of kisses along her jaw. When he reached her neck, he quickly grew frustrated.
"Perhaps we should institute a new dress code for our dates," Seven said breathlessly.
Giving up on trying to bypass the skin-tight collar of her biosuit, Chakotay gave a dry chuckle. "I agree. Should I make it an order?"
"The Doctor did design some other clothing options for casual situations. I will look into it next time."
Chakotay gave a shake of his head. "I was joking, Seven. I want you to be comfortable."
Seven smiled. "Noted." She ran a hand through his hair, admiring the short and surprisingly soft texture.
"Seven…" He sighed as her fingers stroked and wove over his scalp.
"Yes?" She leaned in, their kisses quickly growing more passionate until…
"What's wrong?" Seven had pulled away unexpectedly, a hand automatically raising to her forehead as a strange sound and small pain distracted her.
"I don't know."
"It's not—"
"No," Seven assured him quickly, "my cortical node is functioning. The Doctor advised I would require full regeneration cycles for the next month at least."
"Did you get a full cycle last night?"
Seven looked away sheepishly. "No."
"Well, then let's go. I can walk you back to the cargo bay."
"That is unnecessary."
"Not to me." He took her hand and led her to the door. "My mother taught me to always be a gentleman and dinner can wait."
[Astrometrics]
As it turned out, there wasn't a lot of time for the two of them to pick up their date where they left off. Tom and Harry ran into an alien ship and before anyone knew it, Voyager was entering the Delta Flyer into a race.
Immediately, the ship was bustling with diplomats, tourists, ship enthusiasts, and crewmen helping ready the Flyer. Janeway dealt with the majority of the diplomatic meetings, but there was only so much she could handle on her own. The regular duties and these extra diplomatic issues therefore fell to Chakotay.
With the stress and constant running around, it was then no wonder Chakotay was as eager as anyone to head to astrometrics to check on the race… and see Seven.
He gave a short laugh at the sight of astrometrics full to the brim, Seven and Neelix at the front with Captain Janeway. His hope of a moment alone with Seven was out the figurative window, but that didn't mean he had to leave. He edged his way to the front, forcing his way to Seven's side, smiling at her before they both turned their attention back to the race.
Tuvok entered shortly after and attempted to give Janeway his weekly security report.
"I'll read it later," Janeway said, not sparing a glance for the work.
A little miffed by such a brushoff, Tuvok tried to edge his way closer. "There are a few matters we should discuss."
"She said later, Tuvok." Chakotay leaned forward, brushing a more against Seven than strictly necessary, and tapped in a command so he could see the readings on the Flyer a little better.
The display of the lead ships vanished.
"Something's wrong." Neelix watched the ships vanish from the astrometrics screen. "They're disappearing."
"What did you touch?" Janeway turned to Chakotay accusingly.
A few commands to the screen told Seven all she needed. "Radiation from the Mobius Inversion is blocking our sensors."
"How will we track their progress?" Tuvok too tried his luck at the controls, but to no avail.
"We can't," said Chakotay, "not until they emerge from the other side of the anomaly."
"Want to talk about that report now, Tuvok?" Janeway only barely managed to keep her expression serious.
"Later." He realized how that sounded. "If that is permissible."
[Mess Hall]
A terrorist attempt on the race, the near destruction of the Delta Flyer, Harry's romantic interests dashed… It turned out to be a strangely typical couple of days for the crew of Voyager.
Perhaps the only thing they hadn't expected was the impromptu wedding of Tom and B'Elanna. They'd quickly signed the legal work, had Janeway officiate a tiny ceremony and then taken the Delta Flyer off for a private circle of the racetrack.
"Are you disappointed?"
Chakotay quirked his head, confused.
"That the Delta Flyer did not win," Seven clarified. They stood in the mess with the rest of the celebrating crew and diplomats. Seven had arrived late, but managed to squeeze herself into an isolated corner with a glass of sparkling water and Chakotay, naturally, found her.
"Not at all."
She raised a brow.
"Maybe a little." He sighed. "It would have been nice to have the reputation as the first winners of such a monumental race."
"Perhaps going out with a bang will secure us an equally impressive status in their memory."
Chakotay laughed, leaning closer. "Yes, I think you're probably right." He looked around. Everyone's attention was diverted. "You know, I'm glad we got to have this opportunity, but I hope we can settle down into a routine for at least a little while."
"You do appear sleep deprived," she said, tracing the dark circles under his eyes with her gaze.
"I could use a nap, but that's not what I meant."
"I know." Taking advantage of everyone's distraction, she placed her hand on his. "I will be having lunch in the mess at my normal time tomorrow."
"What a coincidence. I planned on being in the mess then too."
"We should use the space efficiently and share a table."
"I wholeheartedly agree. And what about dinner?"
"I am unfortunately engaged for the next three nights."
"And I have my standard dinner with the Captain." He sighed in disappointment.
"I believe there is an old Earth saying that may apply to this situation."
"Oh?"
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Chakotay laughed. "True, but I'm quite content with the amount of absence we've endured thanks to this race."
"Agreed." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "But we have a long time to make up for it."
"Attention everyone." Janeway's raised voice and the gentle ping of a utensil on glass drew everyone's attention.
Beside Seven, still somewhat hidden in their corner, Chakotay sighed. "You'd think we've had enough speeches for one night."
Seven smirked at him and silently agreed. They'd listened to the closing ceremony after the race, four speeches opening the current party, and an impromptu poem of sorts that an intoxicated ambassador decided to recite before Neelix delicately steered him to a seat and some water. Still, Janeway did enjoy showing off her diplomatic skills and there was no one there who would discourage her.
"First of all, I'd like to congratulate the winner, Assan, for winning the first Antarian Trans-Stellar Rally." She lifted her glass to the reptilian man, the only one still wearing his leather jumpsuit. He nodded back, but despite winning, still looked like he'd rather be ripping off heads than helping the sector find peace. "I'd also like to express the deep gratitude I and my crew feel that we were allowed to participate in this monumental event. Hosting the ceremonies has been both a pleasure and an honour. If we didn't have to continue our journey, I'd even offer to host again next year."
"And we would have been more than willing to take you up on that offer." Ambassador O'zaal, a kindly man, shouted out from his place in the middle of the room. Those who knew the petty squabbles he'd had to deal with chuckled. Janeway herself smiled knowingly.
"We've come across many races, many territories, and too many torn apart by war. I congratulate you on the start of your journey to peace together. Even when differences come between you, may you always remember the spirit of this race and find a way to see the similarities that bind, instead of the differences that destroy."
Applause followed her words and then everyone turned back to their conversations. It was hard to tell if a single speech would have any effect on anyone's actions, but there was always hope.
[Corridor]
B'Elanna and Tom sauntered down the hallway to the holodeck. They had the day off, which was rare for them to get together and which meant they took full advantage, even donning casual clothes.
"Fresh flowers," B'Elanna smiled at her new husband, charmed by his simple romance, "and an afternoon on the holodeck. It almost feels like we're dating again."
"The secret to a lasting marriage. Keep the romance alive."
"I'm not complaining."
Tom led the way through the holodeck program, the entrance clearly the lobby of a theatre. He stopped at the line to a concession stand while B'Elanna looked around at the building. It was pleasant with its thick, red carpet and mix of gold highlights around pillars and intricate mouldings. Still, she wondered why he bothered when they didn't even really need the lobby let alone the line.
The theatre itself was not terribly large, unlike some of the concert halls the Doctor had pulled up for his recitals. Random holographic characters were already seated around, munching popcorn and sipping pop.
B'Elanna looked around curiously as they sought their seats. "Lecture hall?"
Tom forced himself not to laugh. Did she really think he'd go to all this trouble just to attend a lecture? "Guess again."
"Opera house?" She was struck with a terrible thought. "Not another one of the Doctor's performances."
"This is a movie house. This is the Old Palace Theatre in Chicago, built in 1932. Look at the detail on that crown moulding."
"It doesn't look very functional," she said, pretending she hadn't already seen and admired it.
"This place isn't about function, it's about fantasy."
B'Elanna stepped on something, lifting up her shoe with a grimace of disgust, her husband answered her unspoken question.
"Chewing gum."
"There is such a thing as too much authenticity."
"Attention to detail. That's what makes it fun." Still, he made a mental note to remove the gum for the next time they used the program.
As they sat, Tom handed her a pair of plastic and paper glasses. B'Elanna began to wonder just what sort of show her husband had conjured up. "Protective lenses?"
"These will make the images on the screen appear three-dimensional."
That was it. A crowded lobby, lineups, chewing gum, and now this charade. "Let me get this straight. You've gone to all this trouble to programme a three-dimensional environment that projects a two-dimensional image, and now you're asking me to wear these to make it look three-dimensional again?"
Her irritation was entirely lost on Tom, who was thoroughly excited for the movie. "Great, isn't it?"
B'Elanna sighed, but chose to let it go as the lights began to dim. She spared an amused smirk for the ridiculous title of the movie. Tom put his arm around the back of her chair. "Crick in your neck?"
Tom tried not to grin too widely. "People didn't go to the movies just for the movies, you know."
"Really?" It was difficult not to laugh at his boyishness. "What did they go for?"
"I'll try to demonstrate." He leaned forward and met her willing lips.
"I can see why this was so popular."
A woman behind them gave a loud, "Shush!"
Irritated, B'Elanna sat up. "Maybe this would be more fun if we were alone."
Authenticity be damned. "Computer, delete audience."
Immediately the seats around them were empty, all except the two Tom and B'Elanna occupied… and a single person close to the screen.
"Who's that in the front row?" Tom asked. He didn't remember programming any other characters to appear in the theatre except the audience. "Must be a glitch."
B'Elanna shook her head, recognizing the outline of the man, her confusion only growing. "No, that's Tabor."
Tom stood, confused since Tabor should have finished helping with the program hours ago. If Tom remembered correctly, Tabor was supposed to meet with crewman Jor. They approached the unmoving Tabor with concern. "Hey, you okay?"
Tabor didn't answer, just stared ahead blankly.
B'Elanna gasped, believing him to be dead.
Tom bent down and pressed his fingers to Tabor's neck. He breathed a sigh of relief. "He's alive."
[Sickbay]
The Doctor was stymied. It wasn't the most unusual medical case he'd ever seen, but he had no ready answers for it either. "He appears to be in a coma, but I'm reading unusual synaptic activity."
Chakotay hovered worriedly over the former Maquis. "What happened to him?"
"I don't know. I'd like to know what he's been doing the last few weeks. Where he's worked, away missions."
Glad to have something to do, Chakotay nodded. "I'll access his duty roster."
Since it wouldn't take long and he'd need to show any results to the Doctor, Chakotay used the Doctor's office to access the required files. Chakotay thought he saw the hint of a frown on the EMH when he suggested it, but brushed it off as concern over Tabor.
It didn't take long for the Doctor to conduct his medical scans.
"Commander," the Doctor joined Chakotay in the office, "was Ensign Tabor in conflict with anyone?"
Chakotay shook his head, not even having to think about it. "Not that I know of."
"He would have told you if he was?"
"Yes." Tabor was quiet and stoic, but he had never withheld information or suffered in silence. If he had a problem with someone, which was remarkably rare, then it was known. "I know Tabor. If he had a problem, he would have told someone. Why?"
"I see signs of an assault."
"Assault?" Chakotay thought hard. "I can't imagine who would do that to Tabor. He's widely liked."
That was enough for the Doctor to call in the rest of his superior officers.
The Doctor waited until Chakotay, Tuvok and Janeway were gathered around to inform them of his findings. "I've found several microfractures in his cranium. They're minor, but the pattern suggests he suffered a trauma of some sort. There's also evidence of subdermal contusions along his right shoulder."
Though Chakotay hadn't doubted the Doctor the first time, seeing the evidence for himself was sobering. "This man was attacked."
Janeway didn't like the thought of Tabor's condition being the result of an accident let alone a deliberate attack. It was even hard to tell which would be worse: an intruder or a violent crewman. Still, she trusted her security officer above anyone else. "It's possible that whoever did this is still on board. Go to Yellow alert."
Chakotay nodded and moved to do as she bid.
"Tuvok, I'm putting you in charge of the investigation."
"Aye, Captain."
[Astrometrics]
They left sickbay shortly after, Chakotay splitting up from the group to do something that was overdue. He entered astrometrics, bracing himself for an angry confrontation.
"Commander." Seven was pleasantly surprised to see Chakotay, even though he'd not shown up for their lunch date.
"I'm so sorry, Seven."
"Your apology is unnecessary, Chakotay." Seven turned away from her work to face him. "I heard about Ensign Tabor."
"Still, I should have called." Reassured she at least wouldn't explode at him, he joined her at the console, reaching out to hold her. The way she placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned into his body relieved him more than words could. "All I can say is it was a hectic day and I'm so sorry."
Seven shook her head and leaned in for a quick kiss. "As I said, it is unnecessary. You were attending to a serious matter."
"Still, I'll do my best to not do it again."
"How is Ensign Tabor?"
"In a coma. The Doctor can't make sense of it."
"The Doctor is more than competent," she said, correctly reading the source of the new creases around his forehead. "I am sure he will find a way to bring Ensign Tabor back to consciousness."
Chakotay smiled, grateful, but unable to forget the second source of his concern. "It looks like he was attacked."
Seven was confused. "Why would anyone attack Ensign Tabor?"
"That's the big question."
"A question you and Commander Tuvok will no doubt work hard and efficiently to answer."
Chakotay sighed. "Yes, and speaking of that…"
"You must return to the bridge."
"Yes." He moved a hand up to cup her face, drawing them closer. She smelled clean and sweet, inviting. Her lips were soft and pliant beneath his, moving with him until they broke apart reluctantly.
"I will be having lunch in the mess tomorrow with Icheb. If you can join us…"
"I'll do my best to be there." Another quick kiss and he left, more determined than ever to solve this mysterious attack quickly.
[Ready Room]
Several hours later and the evidence wasn't looking good. Not that it really had the potential to be anything other than bad. Chakotay, Tuvok and Janeway gathered in her ready room to go over what evidence had been gleaned.
Chakotay in particular found the results aggravating. He didn't like what it pointed to. "Harry's found evidence that someone tampered with the holodeck sensor logs. Several files have been deleted."
"Any signs of an outside intruder?" It seemed strange to hope for an alien stowaway, but that's just what Janeway did. Chakotay's darkened expression wasn't encouraging.
"No, nothing."
Tuvok, ever practical, decided to squash the suggestion before they wasted too much time pursuing ghosts. "I believe that a member of this crew is responsible."
It made no sense. Of all the people on Voyager, she'd pick Tabor as almost the last person to be attacked, a glance at Chakotay's expression supported her thoughts. "Tabor was well-liked. What's the motive?"
"I have one suspect. Crewman Jor."
If he hadn't been so strained and offended by the suggestion, Chakotay would have laughed out loud at that. "I find that hard to believe. I've known her for a long time. She and Tabor were friends."
"Close friends," Tuvok acknowledged. "She had access to his quarters."
Chakotay grew irritated, not liking the slander against two of his own close friends and people he knew to be upstanding officers. Besides, he'd been under the impression their relationship was going quite well. "A close relationship is hardly a crime."
"It is my experience that emotional involvements often lead to unpredictable behaviour."
Feeling the comment came a little too close to home and held more Vulcan bias than was fair, Chakotay's hackles rose. "That's an opinion, not evidence."
"There may be other suspects," Tuvok conceded easily. "I intend to question all crew members who had recent contact with Tabor."
This at least was something Chakotay could help with and use as an excuse to escape to cool off. "I'll check the internal sensors. See what else I can find."
Somewhat perplexed at the personal way Chakotay had taken Tuvok's suggestion, Janeway let him go without comment. She contemplated calling him back, but instead turned to Tuvok to review the leanings of his investigation.
[Bridge]
Chakotay left Janeway and Tuvok to finish their discussion, settling into his seat to review internal sensors. In his anger and determination to solve the mystery, he forgot yet again to make an important call.
[Mess Hall]
Seven and Icheb sat for lunch a little later than the rest of the crew. Their timing was deliberate, chosen so that the mess was almost empty. It meant they could have a private conversation and they would both feel comfortable without the press of the noon crowd.
"Are you waiting for someone?" Icheb asked.
"No." Seven dragged her gaze from the doors and back to her companion. "Why do you ask?"
"You have looked at the doors approximately five times in the past two minutes."
"I thought someone might be joining us, but I was clearly incorrect." Seven sighed. "Will you be joining me in astrometrics this afternoon?"
"No, I have research to conduct for a history paper."
"Very well." She took a bite of Neelix's casserole without really tasting it. Despite assuring Chakotay she wasn't upset that he forgot lunch the day before, Seven was disappointed now.
"Seven, I've been intending to talk to you about something."
She dipped her head, indicating Icheb continue.
"You don't have to supervise me anymore."
Seven frowned. "The Doctor insisted we both consume sufficient nutrients and regenerate every night since our surgery."
"Yes, but he has given us both a clean bill of health. I enjoy our time together, but you can spend time with someone else if you choose."
"Are you attempting to let me down gently? I believe that is supposed to be reserved for the breakup of romantic relationships."
"I can compose a 'Dear John' letter if that would be easier." They smiled at each other, amused, but Seven soon sobered.
"I don't want you to become ill. Without a cortical node…"
"I am fine, Seven." Icheb's expression became teasing. "Someone else needs your attention more."
Instead of denying it, Seven nodded. "I will attempt to take your advice into consideration." Of course, it was difficult to follow such advice when Fate seemed intent on denying them an opportunity.
Author's Note: To those who have been reviewing such kind things and the other authors on this site... Thank you. I wholeheartedly appreciate you.