The Day He Found Out

Pt5

When Chakotay finally returned to Earth, he went directly to Starfleet. He figured that Kathryn, given the set of circumstances, would do one of two things. The first option would be that she barred herself in her paperwork. Or option two would be that she simply limited her contact with people. Chakotay knew what she was like with both options but he seriously hoped that it was option one and not the later.

On his side, Chakotay was beginning to get weaker. He shrugged it off knowing that now more than ever, Kathryn needed him to be by her side. He swallowed his pride, and started walking up the stairs to her office. He was greeted by her aide, who was happy to see him.

"I will ring her now Chakotay. "

"Thank you, I really appreciate it."

Kathryn's assistant looked back at Chakotay.

Kathryn was in her office. When her phone beeped.

"Yes?"

"There is someone here to see you."

"Who is it?"

"An old friend of yours. Apparently he is a little worried about you."

Kathryn gasped. There was only one person that would be difficult to see today. And she hoped that it wasn't him.

She closed her eyes as the door opened.

"Hello Kathryn."

Damn. The one person she didn't want to see today. But she smiled politely and told him to have a seat.

"What a wonderful surprise Chakotay, I wasn't expecting you."

"Kathryn, I wanted to offer my condolences."

Kathryn nodded her head but didn't look up from the computer screen. "Thank you Chakotay."

"Is there anything that you need Kathryn?"

"Other than another cup of tea?"

"I'm serious Kathryn."

The tone in his voice made Kathryn wince.

"What do you want me to say Chakotay? That I need help, or that I need you? If I can stand it when members of my family on Voyager died, I certainly can stand handling my mother dying!"

"All I want to do is help in any way I can Kathryn!"

"You want to help!" She got up from her chair and moved around the chair. "Chakotay look at me I'm pregnant and I'm having a baby. The baby isn't yours, WE are not in a relationship together and frankly Chakotay I really don't want to talk about my situation anymore!"

Chakotay stood up now. He was beginning to loose his temper.

"What is that you want from me Kathryn?"

"I don't want anything from you!"

"So you don't want my friendship either?"

Kathryn looked up at the man she had loved secretly for years. Her heart broke a few more times.

"Actually Chakotay there is one thing that you can do for me."

Chakotay's face softened.

"Name it Kathryn."

Kathryn sat down on the sofa and took a deep breath.

"Is your condition fatal?"

Chakotay swallowed hard. He had never lied to her. But after what she had just told him, he considered it for a moment. He was over her, over the heartbreak, over everything, or so he thought. He walked over to where she was sitting and kneeled in front of her. It was now or never.

"Kathryn I have wanted to tell you something for years."

Kathryn looked up into his eyes, and noticed something different about him. His eyes looked a tad lighter than they used to. And his skin around his face was beginning to peel.

"What is it Chakotay?"

"I'm still in love with you."

She wanted to answer him. But before she could he lost his balance and fell unconscious on the floor. TBC