Summary: Kathryn's recovery isn't going well so Chakotay must help her along.
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Kathryn Janeway had been unconscious for almost a week. Dr Ilen Beixo had tended to her injuries, three broken ribs, trauma to her head, and burns both minor and severe. She had been a wreck arriving into the Falcons sickbay. The betazoid doctor was quite proud of himself, yet not at all happy with her progress.
"I fear she is uncomfortable, almost scared into a deeper state of unconsciousness. It worries me. Can we contact her family somehow, or maybe a close friend?" he asked, his voicing was soft laced with a calming tone, making the bad sound less severe.
"Oh Kathryn, did I ever tell you that Mae thinks you're beautiful? After you left, that's what she told me and for the entire week she never stopped talking about you. She really looks up to you." He spoke to her, taking the doctor, who was unaware they knew each other, by surprise.
"Captain she is indeed calmer, fantastic" he smiled backing away as Chakotay grabbed a chair and began to talk to her.
The doctor left at 1800 hours to collect some food for himself and when he came back at 2100 hours Chakotay was still talking to an unconscious Kathryn Janeway. Not wanting to disturb the Captain he sat quietly in his office hearing the Captain speak quite by chance.
"So you see, I've never felt what I do with you not even with Alania. It's an overwhelming urge to protect you and care for you. I don't know how you feel about me but I understand if you just want my friendship, moving on from Mark may be hard. I'll wait for you Kathryn, just please wake up." The betazoid glanced over and watched the falcon's Captain lay his head by her shoulder his dark hand holding her pale one. Even from his position he could feel the love and admiration the man felt for the unconscious woman, it surprised him how intense it was.
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In the morning Chakotay woke to something squeezing his hand. Opening his eyes he met the beautiful blue of Kathryn Janeway. She croaked to him and he leapt up to get her water.
"Thank you, what happened and where am I?" she asked after drinking the water.
"The Courier was targeted by the Cardassians, it blew up shortly after we beamed as many people over but the majority of Starfleet personnel died, we saved the children and you. One other adult who was accompanying the children, I forgot his name." Chakotay explained slowly letting her process the information. She nodded but held her head afterwards. "Careful now, you were badly injured during the attack" he held her hand.
"When do we get back to earth?" she asked hurriedly
"It'll be another 3 weeks, we have repaired our systems and have been instructed to continue our mission to the Badlands" he explained.
"Oh, will we have communications with earth in that time?" she asked as he helped her sit up.
"Yes, why, do want to call your family?" he handed her the glass of water once again and watched drink it.
"Yes. I asked my mom and Phoebe to…to make sure Mae got to see Molly while I was away. I wanted to know if she has." The recovering women admitted, Chakotay beamed his dimples making her feel skittish.
"I'm sure Mae will have loved that. Your mother is slowly becoming my favourite person" he joked
"Hey, it was my idea, do I not deserve to be in that honourable position?" she teased back. They laughed however it stopped when she began to cough viciously causing the doctor to rush out to them.
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Kathryn was kept in sickbay and the captain was asked to leave to allow her some time to rest, reluctantly he did so making his way to his own quarters. On entry he fetched his medicine bundle and began to chant the sacred words.
A forest filled with dark barked trees that reminded him of his home, Dorvan, appeared. The regal she-wolf stalked out from between the tall trees.
"What brings you here warrior?"
"I am stuck, torn"
"About the ship or Kathryn?" she asked, walking beside him through the forest. Chakotay sighed why had he come here?
"I feel alone…confused. This job isn't what I thought it would be."
"Oh, warrior. I see your isolation, Kathryn understands you. You love her?" she pondered to him
"Yes, no, I think so." He hesitated
"Warrior, you must be there for her and your feelings will soon become clear. She may also need her own kind of guidance" the she-wolf bowed her head and wandered off leaving Chakotay alone in the wood.
He took deep breaths, trying to grasp the reality of being back in his quarters. What his animal guide made little sense but he'd soon figure it out, he just needed time.
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Author's Note: I don't have a beta reader so mistakes are my own, also I hope the betazoid is fitting. Thanks to those who have already reviewed they are very helpful and appreciated. Hope this chapter was better length wise.
That-Geek
