CHAPTER 2 – It Begins

Kathryn wasn't sure exactly how long she had sat staring out her window after Q had left, but she was long enough in silence that she just about jumped out of her skin when the door chimed.

"Come," she said finally, rubbing her eyes.

Chakotay entered casually with a bottle of red wine by its neck. "Sorry I'm late, B'Elanna had a—" He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed her still sitting on the couch looking out the window. He glanced to the dining area and saw that her lunch dishes and PADDs were still sprawled around. No candles or flowers on the table like he was accustomed to seeing when he came for their weekly dinners—that is, when she hadn't cancelled them at the last minute.

"Did I come on the wrong day?"

"No, no. I'm sorry," she offered, gathering herself from the couch. She walked to him and took the bottle. "I got distracted," she said. The truth, she knew, was that she had forgotten completely about their plans. She popped the cork from the top and poured herself a glass then took a long drink.

"Everything okay?" he asked, concerned.

"Q," she replied, filling a glass for him as well.

"Again so soon? What did he want?" Chakotay asked. Remembering the image he still had of her in her pajamas when Q had come to ask her to bear his child, he changed his tone. "He didn't do anything…."

Kathryn shook her head. "No. Of course not." She sat herself at the table. "He actually wanted to thank me again for helping out with his son."

"I see. And did you accept?"

"Not exactly," she replied. "I'm not entirely sure of his intentions."

"Beware of the omnipotent bearing gifts?"

"Something like that."

"He didn't happen to offer you a working replicator, did he?" Chakotay teased to lighten the mood.

"Now that's something I could use. I hope you're in the mood for peanut-butter sandwiches."

"I'm glad I brought red instead of white," he said clinking his glass to hers. "It'll complement the jam."

After the sandwiches had been eaten and all of the idle conversation run through for the evening, Chakotay took his leave and Kathryn was alone again. She retreated into the bedroom, changed from her uniform into comfortable pajamas and was about to lay down - she was, in fact, very tired - then realized that she was hesitant to go to sleep with Q still so prominently on her mind. So instead, she went back to the living area, selected a well-read book from her collection and sat down with it.

"Hmm, interesting choice," she heard, and her eyes snapped to attention.

"Q?" she asked hesitantly, looking around the room for him but finding no one.

"Why did you choose that one?" came Q's voice again. "Because it's a favorite? Or because someone you loved a long time ago gave it to you? Was it an actual choice, or more of an instinct?"

"Show yourself Q!" she demanded, slapping the book closed.

"Would you like to know what would happen if you had chosen the book next to it?"

"No. Q, I mean it. Show yourself."

Q's face appeared on the cover of the book in her hands, and he grinned at her. "Oh come on, let me show you what would have happened if you picked a different book."

"I'm not in the mood for your games, Q." She slammed the book on the table.

Q's face on the cover closed its eyes and then he appeared standing in front of her.

"I really think you should read this one instead," he said, handing her another novel.

She took it then set it down on top of the first. "I don't feel like reading now," she replied, and started to head into her bedroom.

"Do you think that's wise?" he asked. "What if there's an emergency on board and you're sound asleep?"

"Then I'll wake up and deal with it."

"What if the five minutes it takes you to get dressed costs someone their life? Best to go to bed in your uniform."

Q snapped his fingers and her comfortable pajamas had been transformed back into her red and black Starfleet ensemble.

Kathryn stopped and turned on her heel. "Why won't you leave me alone?"

"I'm trying to give you a gift, Kathy. Most people would beg for an opportunity like this."

"I don't want anything from you. Now get off of my ship," she growled.

"Alright fine." Q threw his hands up in the air and sunk down into the chair she had just vacated. "I'm trying to help you," he said, defeated.

She sighed heavily and the summoned the diplomat within her. "Q. I appreciate the offer, I really do. But, I don't need your help. You said yourself that I'm the only version of me who is making the right decisions."

"So far…"

"I like my track record. But I do need some sleep, so if you'll excuse me." She began to walk away.

Q crossed his arms over his chest. "If you don't accept my gift, you're not going to like what happens to you."

Kathryn stopped mid-step and turned slowly. "What?"

"If you don't see what you need to see, you're going to do something—actually, not do something—that you're going to regret." He said, emphasizing the last words.

Kathryn wet her lips. "I don't trust you, Q. How do I know you're not trying to manipulate me for your own amusement?"

"Oh Kathy, who's playing games now? You trust me. It's yourself you don't trust. You're afraid of all of the consequences for the actions you never took. You still believe that many of the actions you have taken were wrong. And, you fear for the ones you've yet to make."

His words sunk in and she knew in her bones that he was right. Dammit, she hated when he was right.

"One time," he compromised. "Let me show you how right you were just one time. If you don't want to see anymore after that, I'll leave you alone." Then he made a crossing motion with his hand across his chest. "Q's honor."

As she considered his offer, she realized that he probably wasn't going to give up regardless of what she decided. And, she couldn't deny that his offer did intrigue her, at least on some level.

"Fine," she said. "But make it quick."

"I'll have you back by breakfast," Q said with a grin. And he snapped his fingers.