Seven of Nine entered Astrometrics and surveyed Kathryn's work. Finally she stood beside the captain and pronounced, "This is an inefficient patch working of the relays."

Kathryn didn't stop to give Seven her attention. Her fingers quickly tapped across the console. "Perhaps it is, but I want astrometrics working now, not next week." As she spoke she called up the star chart in question.

Seven observed the operational star chart and raised an eyebrow. "Then you have met your objective. How may I be of assistance?"

"I'm going to need you to add filters as we go. Since my patch job is incomplete, I'll need you to add in the sensors I need as I need them."

"Aye, Captain." Seven set about to do the assigned task.

Kathryn briefly glanced up at the use of her title but continued to zoom in on the nebula in question. She felt a dread inside. Apparently Kathryn Janeway, the consummate scientist has developed a hatred for nebulas. She pushed passed the dread and searched for her crew.

Almost nine hours passed before Kathryn had any success, but when she did she set out to find Chakotay. It was nearly 2300 hrs and the computer sensors were still unable to locate people. She wanted to show him the results personally, but relented and tapped her comm. badge.

"Janeway to Commander Chakotay." She stopped in the corridor.

"Chakotay here." His voice crackled with the static of a poor connection. He was probably on Shantix Five.

"Commander, my astrometrics scans have yielded some results you should see."

"Any sign of the escape pod?"

"I'm tracking it."

"I'll be right up. Can you meet me in the ready room?"

"Aye, sir," Kathryn answered cheerfully and marched down the corridor.

Kathryn waited for Chakotay in the ready room.

It took him nearly half an hour to arrive, and when he did he was dressed in Mawasi formal dinner attire. She wrinkled her nose when he walked through the door and tried to ignore her displeasure. She didn't like him in blue, particularly that middle of the colour pallet blue done in shiny, heavy pleats.

It was obvious to Chakotay that Kathryn was unimpressed. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I couldn't get away immediately."

Kathryn said nothing to his apology and he continued, "You said you found the shuttle?"

"I did, and we're tracking it in Nihydron space. I think it's a trap."

Chakotay snorted, "Excuse me? A trap? Set by whom?"

Kathryn shrugged. "A member of the Nihydron most likely."

Chakotay frowned."I think that is unlikely. I just came from a dinner engagement with Chancellor Bergo and the Nihydron potentate Eks Syewert."

"In that?" Kathryn quipped and bit her lip.

Chakotay looked down at his clothing and gave her a broad grin. "Awful, isn't it?" He chuckled.

His good humor dissolved her bitter mood and despite herself, Kathryn laughed with him.

"I've been caught in a horrid outfit, or two, myself on diplomatic missions," Kathryn replied. She smiled at him sincerely and their eyes locked.

"Perhaps, but I'm sure you made it look good."

He wanted to kiss her and knew she would let him, even in his horrendous attire. But, he was in command, so now it was his turn to squelch the warm fire between them. He broke the magic gaze and reached for the PADD in her hand. "These are your findings?" he asked.

"Yes, this is a summary of the tachyon emission patterns. We are still tracking the pod in astrometrics and recording its movement."

Chakotay took a deep breath. "I'll go over these tonight, and we'll discuss what to do with them in the morning after our briefing with Tuvok and the Doctor."

Kathryn looked at the floor. "Have you seen the results of the Doctor's assessment?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"So have I." Kathryn shook her head. "I don't know what to say, or how to respond to it."

"Just be yourself and be honest. I'm sure it'll be fine." He patted the side of her shoulder.

Kathryn took a step into his space and boldly fixed her eyes on his. She wasn't about to risk being spurned by Chakotay again, but she left no doubt that she desired his nearness.

Chakotay embraced her. "It'll be fine. You'll see." He kissed her forehead and held her for a moment. "Now, you've given me a lot of reading to do. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, Commander." Kathryn's sultry voice lingered in the room after the door closed behind her.