A/N: Thank you to everyone who had continued to read and review. I will continue to post as often as I can. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. xx
- Elogium -
Chakotay, who was in a rather up-beat mood headed for the turbo lift so that he could start his shift on the Bridge. He didn't know why he was in a good mood, since the 'incident' in Kathryn's ready room a few months ago, they had only seen each other when necessary. The lift doors opened to reveal a crewman and woman in a passionate kiss. They jumped apart, Chakotay fought to keep a straight face.
"Oh! Sir. We, er…we're just er…"
"Yes, I can see that."
The pair ducked out and Chakotay stepped in with a smirk. A quick flash of him and Kathryn kissing like that momentarily distracted him. The arrival of Tom and Kes stopped the thoughts that could have taken over his mind as they do in sleep. The pair stepped onto the lift, both with boxes of leafy vegetables in their hands.
"What was that all about?" Tom asked having seen two red faced members quickly moving off of the turbo lift.
"I'd call it an example of indiscreet shipboard fraternization."
"Really? Sorry I missed it."
Chakotay rolled his eyes. "Deck six." When they arrived, he took the box from Kes and the two men followed her to the mess hall where they left them on the side with Neelix.
Breakfast actually looked appealing but the Captain's voice over the comm system forced them to change course.
"Janeway to the senior staff. Please report to the Bridge."
Kathryn turned to face the turbo lift as the final two senior staff stepped off. She raised an eyebrow but didn't say any more about it, instead talking to them about her summons. "We've detected a strange energy configuration off the port bow."
"Any idea what it is?" Tom asked as he headed to the conn.
"It appears to be some sort of magnetic disturbance." Tom and Chakotay nodded to Harry in thanks.
"We're going to take a closer look." There was contained excitement in her tone. She took her seat and Chakotay followed suit. She leaned over the centre that separated their chairs. "You seem a little preoccupied, Commander," she whisper, not wanting the rest of the Bridge crew to hear.
Chakotay too dropped his voice to a whisper, turning to lean over the middle. "This morning I interrupted a couple who were kissing in the turbolift, and I've been wondering if we should establish a policy regarding fraternisation.
"Well, the couple in question might be urged to show a bit more discretion, but Starfleet has always been reluctant to regulate people's personal lives."
"Of course." He was beginning to wish they were talking in her Ready Room. "But we're in a unique situation here. The development of intimate relationships might cause us problems that wouldn't arise on other ships."
"I understand what you're saying but, we're a long way from home. Everyone is lonely," 'Especially me' "and all we have is each other. I think eventually people will begin to pair off."
"Including you?" he asked with a raised eye brow.
"As Captain, that's a luxury I don't have."
Chakotay make a silent promise there and then; he wouldn't let Kathryn be lonely.
"Besides, I intend for us to be home before…before Mark gives me up for dead." She knew it was a far flung dream but for now, she would hold onto it as tightly as she could for long as she could.
Chakotay felt slightly deflated at her declaration of waiting for Mark, but he pushed it away as quickly as he could, he went to reach a hand across to comfort her as he read the sadness gleaming in her eyes but Harry's voice stopped him.
"We're in visual range, Captain." Harry didn't want to interrupt the command duo, it was the first time they had held a conversation like that in a long while.
Kathryn straightened up quickly. "On screen."
Chakotay took a slightly slower movement to straighten up, his eyes on the screen. "Look like some type of energetic vapor."
Kathryn nodded. "Magnify."
"Space dwelling life forms." Those four words seemed to excite everyone on the Bridge.
Kathryn stood, taking a few steps forward. "Full sensor scan, Mister Kim."
In the silence, Chakotay went to stand next to Kathryn.
"Their internal energy patterns appear to be consistent with discrete organic processes." Harry looked over to the Captain have expected but not received a reply.
Chakotay took a step closer. "Captain, I'd like the chance to study them at close range."
Kathryn beamed at Chakotay. "So would I, Commander."
"But let's not get too close. We wouldn't want to disturb their natural behavior."
Kathryn inclined her head. "Half impulse, Mister Paris. Take us into bioscanner range."
"Aye, Captain." Even Tom's voice held a tone of excitement.
Tuvok's tone stayed the same as ever. "The swarm is not particularly dense, Captain. I estimate their number at fewer than two thousand."
"They're really moving."
"He's right. They've accelerated to a velocity of approximately one thousand kilometres per second."
Samantha Wildman was sat at the science station having been on Bridge duty when they came across the creatures. "It's possible we're frightening them."
"Keep us within scanner range, Lieutenant, but try to avoid rapid acceleration." Kathryn didn't want to frighten the poor things, nor did she wish to cut the excitement for her crew and herself (she admitted silently) short.
"Aye, Captain."
"Take a look at this." Chakotay had walked straight up to the view screen, Kathryn joined him. "See the way they propel themselves?" he pointed to one of the creatures.
Kathryn frowned but her eyes soon started to shine, she loved this. "They seem to flagellate, almost like protozoa."
"Exactly! But they're achieving incredible speeds. Over three thousand kilometres per second." Chakotay headed to the nearest console, Kathryn quick on his heel.
"Ensign Wildman, scan the field for repeating patterns. Maybe they're capable of some type of communication."
"Aye, Captain."
"Their internal anatomy's also very unusual. They don't appear to have a digestive system of any kind, but they have an extremely porous outer covering. My guess would be that they absorb nutrients from space."
Kathryn was stood just a hair width away from Chakotay causing his to shift a little, brushing against her just the slightest. "Incredible. A space-dwelling life form capable of metabolising inorganic matter."
"Particle density in this part of space isn't very high. That might explain why they have to keep moving so fast."
"Feeding at three thousand kilometers per second. Not exactly leisurely dining, is it?" Chakotay tried to joke.
Kathryn's slight chuckle brushed Chakotay's ear. 'Goodness, this woman is going to be the death of me.'
The conversations died down a little, everyone taking to their own observations. Kathryn had taken a seat and Chakotay had floated around to each Bridge member before he too took his seat, all the while looking through a small collection of padds.
"They're changing course again, Captain, and accelerating. Should I follow them?"
"I'm concerned that we're disturbing them. Let's drop back a bit, give them a little more room."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Captain, we're accelerating. We're getting closer to the swarm."
Chakotay looked up and Kathryn frowned. "Mister Paris?"
"Our velocity doesn't correspond to impulse reactor output. We're moving much faster than we ought to be." Harry got a tern look thrown at him by Kathryn for answering for Tom.
"They seem to be pulling us toward them." Tom tried to pull a little heat from Harry.
Tuvok also contributed although he was seemingly unaware of the situation. "Sensors indicate an EM resonance field. The creatures seem to be creating their own magnetic wake. That is what is pulling the ship."
"We're getting closer," Tom stressed.
"Mister Paris, reverse thrusters." She was outwardly calm, but inwardly she was worried about disturbing the creatures.
"Helm controls aren't responding, Captain."
"Mister Tuvok, raise shields."
"Non-functional, Captain."
"They're pulling us in!"
The lights flickered and faded to near black as the ship entered the swarm.
"Damage report!"
"Life support's functioning normally, Captain, but there's a huge fluctuation in the EPS grids. It's wreaking havoc with the impulse engines."
Tom spun in his chair. "Warp drive's still online. One burst and we'd be out of here."
"But our exhaust could seriously harm the creatures," Chakotay said, slightly agitated at the thought of harming the mysterious creatures.
Kathryn noticed the tone held in her First Officer's voice and found herself not only agreeing with him but trying to find a way to stop his agitation. It had been such a long while since he had openly shown his interest and excitement over something, at least, while she was around to see. "Janeway to Torres. Do you have any thoughts about how to get us out of this swarm without warp engines?"
"We might try something like a targ scoop."
Kathryn and Chakotay frowned. "Can you enlighten us, Lieutenant?"
"Klingons put them on the front of ground assault vehicles. They emit a high frequency tone that disperses targ herds in their path. I can modify the main deflector to create an inverted magnetic pulse. Project it toward the swarm. It might be enough to nudge the creatures out of the way."
'And that is why I chose her' Kathryn did like it when she was occasionally reminded of the brilliance of her crew. "Good idea, Lieutenant. Proceed." She turned to look at Chakotay, feeling his eyes on here.
Chakotay smiled and nodded his thanks. Kathryn smiled and nodded back. A silent truce passed through them and both were pleased. A weight seemed to lift from the Bridge, the atmosphere lighter now that the command duo had gotten over their latest and longest conflict.
Kathryn stood in the middle of the Bridge a few minutes later in a deep conversation with Samantha when Neelix came bounding in from the turbolift. "Captain, may I speak with you? It's a matter of some urgency."
Kathryn turned to him slightly, an eyebrow rose in slight annoyance. "What is it Neelix?"
"I have been thrown out of sickbay, and I'm just wondering if you feel it's appropriate for a hologram to banish a flesh and blood person who should have the right to be at the bedside of his loved one who is extremely ill?"
Kathryn felt worry grip her heart and gave Neelix her full attention. "Kes is extremely ill?"
"The hologram doesn't have a clue as to what's wrong with her, though it may have something to do with these creatures. But he still won't let me offer comfort to the woman I love at a time when my place is clearly by her side."
"Just how is Kes being affected by the swarm?"
Chakotay had heard the conversation and went to stand beside Kathryn.
"That's what I wanted to know. But before I got any answers, I was summarily dismissed!"
Kathryn was about to speak when the Doctor called for her. "Sickbay to the Bridge."
"Janeway here."
"Captain, I think you'd better come down here. There's a bit of a problem."
"I'm on my way." She turned to Chakotay. "Commander, you have the Bridge. Notify me immediately of any change in our status."
"Aye, Captain."
Kathryn nodded and quickly left the Bridge with Neelix on her heel. Chakotay watched her leave, worried about her after having seen pure concern shine clearly in her eyes. This was one of those times when his head and heart were at odds.
The Doctor started talking the moment the Captain entered. "I was conducting tests. She was none too cooperative, let me assure you. Then suddenly she screeched and shoved me out of the way, went into my office and proceeded to erect a force field at the door. I can't lower it. She's keeping me out of my own office!"
Kathryn turned and looked through the office window while Neelix spoke to her.
"Sweeting. What's wrong? Please come out."
The Doctor stood next to Kathryn. "I was able to complete several tests before she became delirious. Her fever has increased, and her pulse and blood pressure are dangerously high."
"Do you have any idea what's causing these symptoms?" she asked, not moving her eyes from Kes.
"I suspect it's the electrophoretic levels being created by the swarm. We should leave. Immediately."
Kathryn sighed. "Unfortunately, that's not an option at the moment, but we're working on it."
"There's one more thing. I discovered a strange growth on her back. It's unlike any other tumorous substance I've ever seen or studied before, and it was not there the last time I examined her."
Kathryn nodded. "I'll try to talk to her." She went to stand next to Neelix.
"Kes please come out. You can eat anything you want." He jumped when Kathryn placed a hand on his arm. "Captain?"
"Why don't you let me try?"
Neelix nodded and took a step back to stand next to the Doctor giving the Captain some room. Kathryn smiled at him and stood in the doorway.
"Kes, please listen to me. We think you're being affected by a swarm of space dwelling life forms. We're doing everything we can to get away from them. And when we do, you'll probably start feeling better."
Kes shook her head violently.
Kathryn frowned. "Are you saying that's not what's wrong with you?" Kes nods and Kathryn stepped as close to the force field as she could and softened her voice. "Kes please let me come in. Tell me what it is. Maybe I can help."
Kes sat on the desk looking at Kathryn, thinking before jumping from the desk and quickly lowering the force field. Kathryn took a few steps in, holding out her arms, Kes didn't hesitate to run into them, clutching to her tightly and whimpering. Kathryn held her tightly, placing a gentle kiss to her crown, gently comforting Kes in silence for a few moments.
"Shush. It's going to be all right. Now, tell me. What is happening to you?"
Kes took a single small step back, staying in Kathryn's personal space. "Did the Doctor tell you he found a growth on my back?"
Kathryn nodded. "Yes, a growth of some kind." She started to soothingly rub her hands on Kes' arms comforting and reassuring.
"It's, it's the mitral sac. It's, it's where my child would grow. I'm going through the elogium, the time of change, when, when my body prepares for ferilisation."
Kathryn smiled. "Humans go through the same kind of process. It's called puberty." Her brain brought forth memories of her own feelings during that time.
Kes looked panicked. "But I'm too young! Much too young! It usually happens between the ages of four and five. I'm not even two yet."
Kathryn brushed a lose lock of blonde hair behind Kes' ear. "Listen to me. All your body's metabolic activity has increased. It's possible your reproductive processes are being accelerated as a result."
Kes shook her head. "I'm not ready."
"We're going to get you through this, Kes. The Doctor will monitor you constantly."
"But you, you don't understand. The elogium occurs only once. If I am ever going to have a child, it has to be now!"
Kathryn now understood her reaction, she gently pulled Kes into her arms and held her tightly, running her hands up and down her back. "I will help you through this, sweetheart," she whispered to Kes.
Kes only tightened her hold on Kathryn and cried.
The pair stayed like this for a long while, holding a whispered conversation before Kes took a step back but kept her hands within Kathryn's. Kathryn squeezed her hands gently.
"Now, I need to go to the Bridge. Get some rest and call for me if you want me, okay?"
Kes nodded and Kathryn hugged her briefly and kissed her forehead before heading off. As she passed the two men she whispered, "Giver her some space." Kathryn didn't stop on the way to the Bridge nodding to the crewmen that she passed in greeting. She was grateful for the silence in the turbolift but even more grateful for Chakotay as she sat heavily on her chair on the Bridge. She felt Chakotay's eyes on her and turned to look at him. Chakotay could see her emotions playing across her eyes. A silent communication passed through them.
"No change, Captain. We're still being pulled along with the swarm."
"Heading one twenty one mark seven. Speed now six thousand kilometres per second." Tom followed with the report, as did Harry.
"All systems are functioning within normal parameters."
She nodded at them both and turned to Chakotay, whose attention had not wavered from her. "How is Torres coming with the modification to the main deflector?"
"Her last report estimated they'd be finished in another half hour."
"Let me know as soon as she's ready." She stood and headed for her ready room, stopping half way and turning to Chakotay. "Join me, Commander?"
With a smirk tugging at his lips, he stood and followed the Captain through to her ready room. The pair went and sat on the sofa, a barely decent gap between them.
"Kes is terrible frightened. She's had no time to prepare for this. And the decision has to be made in the next forty or fifty hours. She's going to discuss it with Neelix, at least, I hope she will. But there are so many unknowns. There might be risks in procreating this early. And of course, there's no guarantee they're genetically compatible, or that Neelix has any interest becoming a father. It seems your concerns about fraternisation were prophetic." Kathryn sighed and finally relaxed her posture, allowing the worry for Kes to take over her almost completely.
Chakotay slid a little closer hoping to offer comfort but chose not to comment directly on Kes not wanting to make the tears shining in her eyes fall. "I wasn't even thinking about procreation, but I suppose it's the inevitable outcome. We should consider the fact that it might be necessary for the crew to start having children."
"It might take us a long time to get home." Her voice was heavy with a mixture of emotions.
"If it does take seventy five years, we're going to need a replacement crew in about half that time."
She sighed. "Who's have thought we'd be considering a generational ship when we were ordered on a three week mission."
"I know," he whispered comfortingly and gently grasped the hand that lay between them. "But it's a problem we have to face now."
Kathryn looked up from her lap, her eyes holding more concern that he had seen in a long time, but it was a concern that he had never seen in her eyes before.
"What would that mean for the children? What kind of life would we be giving them aboard a starship, travelling through a potentially hostile part of space? Are we equipped to provide for their needs? Child care, educational facilities. We're be building an entire community on board this ship. That's a massive commitment."
"Are you prepared to tell them they can't have children?"
She shook her head. "I can't do that. And I've make it clear to Kes that it's her choice whether to have a child or not, but…*sigh* there aren't any easy answers here. For any of us."
Chakotay moved to sit directly next to Kathryn and placed an arm hesitantly around her shoulders, knowing that he was pushing the boundaries but he was compelled to hold here. Surprising the both of them, Kathryn leaned her head on his shoulder, enjoying the comfort and security that his arms seemed to provide her. It shocked her that she found herself relaxing in his presence. She missed the meals they used to share, but they were nothing like what she was feeling at that moment. Chakotay was feeling the same as Kathryn and tightened his hold on her. The pair stayed like that for nearly the whole half hour that Kathryn had 'free', both lost in their thoughts.
Kathryn was stood with Chakotay at one of the front stations, when B'Elanna came bounding onto the Bridge.
"We're ready to generate the inverted magnetic pulse, Captain."
Kathryn nodded to her. "Proceed."
"Initiating the field…it's working."
"Are the creatures all right, Commander?"
"Yes, Captain. They seem to be fine."
"Let's try to keep it that way." She stood in the middle of the room, hands on her hips and her voice adopting her usual tone of authority. "Thrusters at two hundred kph, Mister Paris. Ease us out of here."
"Aye, Captain."
The creatures seemed to be moving out of the way.
"What are they doing?" Harry asked.
"Hard to know what's prompting that behavior. Maybe they think we're making a hostile move." Chakotay said from his station, fully involved in the study.
There was a thump causing the ship to shake briefly and the lighting to fade.
"Report." Her eyes flitted to Chakotay before Harry, who was talking.
"I'm reading massive energy drain in all ship's systems."
"Impulse engines are losing power." Tom called over his shoulder.
Kathryn went to speak but Harry stopped her. "Captain, some of the life forms have attached themselves to warp nacelles."
"Guidance, navigational and tactical systems are falling." Tuvok.
Kathryn didn't want to be stuck in the swarm any longer than necessary, for Kes' sake. "How soon will we clear the swarm, Lieutenant."
"In a few seconds. We're almost out."
Things were going smoothly. Kathryn liked that, but she had a nagging feeling, which was only confirmed by Tuvok.
"Captain, I am detecting a substantial magnetic mass moving rapidly toward the port bow."
Samantha turned in her chair to look at the Captain. "It's physiologically similar to the smaller creatures, just a lot bigger."
"Perhaps it is the parent." Tuvok chose the most logical explanation.
Chakotay held the urge to roll his eyes. "Or it could be a difference in gender. It's hard to say without further observation." Tuvok's logic was sometimes so literal it bugged him.
B'Elanna interrupted before anything could be said between the two men. "With all due respect, Captain, haven't we done enough observing? These creatures have attacked the ship's key systems. For all we know, they were setting us up for an attack."
'You don't know how much I agree' Kathryn thought to herself. But as much as she wanted to stop observing, she wanted to continue to do so. Her motherly instincts towards Kes and her responsibilities as a Starfleet Captain were at war with each other and B'Elanna wasn't helping her out any with her comments. She finally managed to bring her thoughts around and decided to take the slow and steady approach.
"It's possible. Mister Paris, let's keep moving. If we can put some distance between us and the swarm, maybe the ones on our nacelles will drop off and rejoin their friends." Her voiced choice seemed to quite her heart and mind for the time being.
"Aye, Captain. Two hundred kph."
"The larger creature is moving towards us." Tuvok warned just before a thump rumbled through the ship, violently shaking it.
Tom dramatically rolled his eyes and head. "Now what?"
"The creature has emitted an electronically charged plasma stream." Harry answered.
"All stop. Damage report." Kathryn called once the ship had stilled. 'Nothing like a good surprise to concentrate my mind.'
"No significant damage, Captain. Shields are holding."
Kathryn nodded and turned to B'Elanna who had stood and taken a few steps forward, her stance aggressive. "A plasma blast is a hostile move. Shouldn't we be thinking about responding?"
Kathryn didn't hesitate with her come back. "If the creature threatens serious damage to the ship, I'll consider it an enemy. Until then, they're all to be treated as indigenous life forms behaving normally in their natural habitat. We're the intruders here."
B'Elanna looked put out but didn't appear to be backing down. Chakotay noticed this and instantly pulled Kathryn's attention away from her. "Captain, look at this. They're attaching themselves to the large creature the same way they did to us."
Kathryn moved to stand closer to Chakotay, dropping her hands from her hips once more and placed one on the back of his chair as she watched the view screen. Chakotay forced his mind to stay focused. 'I've got to do something to stop this'.
"And I think I know why." Harry looked up from his station and the command duo turned to look at him. "That plasma stream it ejected has almost the same subspace signature as out warp nacelles."
"The smaller creatures are attracted to our subspace emissions."
"Perhaps in the same way some species are attracted to pheromones." 'Where did that come from?'
Kathryn turned to fully face Chakotay. "Pheromones?" 'Is he trying to say something?' she was fully aware of their proximity. "You think it's a sexual attraction?"
"Colour change and provocative movement are frequently associated with mating rituals." Chakotay tried to explain his reasoning.
Tom had been watching the pair and didn't want to interrupt them as the interaction looked suspiciously like flirting, but he figured it would be best to do so before one of them went too far and caused themselves embarrassment. "Then these guys think we're one of them?"
"Well, their behavior toward us and the large creature is similar. It's possible they've mistaken us for a potential mate." Kathryn raised an eyebrow at Chakotay as she saw his mind working. "If the smaller creatures are sexually attracted to our subspace emissions, then the large one may perceive us as a rival. That plasma burst it sent out might have been aggressive posturing."
"Then you'd think it would be happy to see us leave," Kathryn said under her breath causing Chakotay to smirk. "Lieutenant," she turned to B'Elanna, "is there any way we could generate a short burst at impulse, enough to get us away from the swarm?"
"I could try releasing power from the impulse capacitance cells straight into the driver coils."
Kathryn nodded. "Do it." She ordered as she took her usual seat in preparation.
"All right. I've accessed the capacitance cells. I think I can give you enough for a short burst at impulse. We've got one shot, Captain." She nodded over to Kathryn who was already braced in her chair.
"You hear her, Mister Paris. Make the best of it."
"Aye, Captain. Initiating impulse burst, now."
For the short while as the ship began to move and they all waited for a result, Kathryn's mind wandered to Kes. When she had left, the girl was terrified and Kathryn wasn't entirely sure that Kes would get in touch with her if she wanted or needed her. Her handed hovered over her comm badge, but she decided against it and pulled herself back to the Bridge in time to hear Tuvok's warning.
"Captain, the creature is reacting. It is approaching rapidly on a collision course."
"Evasive maneuvers, Lieutenant." It rolled off Kathryn's tongue before she had a minute to think about the situation.
"We don't have the power for that," B'Elanna reminded her.
'I know.' Kathryn mentally chastised herself for letting herself get so distracted.
"The creature is accelerating."
"I'm losing power. I can't shake him." Tom had decided that they were sexual rivals.
"All hands brace for impact," Tuvok called over the comm.
The shaking of the ship was much more violent this time, causing a few tendrils of auburn hair to fall out of Kathryn's tight bun.
"Structural integrity down to eight six percent."
"I'm beginning to share Lieutenant Torres' views, Captain. Retaliation may become necessary."
'Not helping Tuvok!" Kathryn looks over to Chakotay and holds his gaze. "It's not my intention to harm the creatures."
Chakotay sent his gratitude through their silent connection but quickly followed with his worry for her. She was torn and he could tell it was hurting her to be so.
"The feeling definitely isn't mutual." Tom's witty comment was perfectly timed, lifting the spirit of Kathryn just enough so that she could concentrate.
"Mister Tuvok, launch a class four probe. Maybe that will distract the creature long enough for us to get away." She stood in the entre of the Bridge again, feeling comfortable and in control standing.
"Aye, Captain. Probe launched."
"Another plasma burst. Shields down to sixty four percent." Harry announce after another shake of the ship. "Looks like the probe just make him angry."
B'Elanna was getting impatient. "This is an aggressive life form, Captain. He's only going to respond to an aggressive stance from us."
"Treating the creature as it is treating us might be an appropriate response." Tuvok agreed with B'Elanna but phrased it in such a way in which the Captain might listen to.
There was a sparkle in her eyes as an idea came to mind. "We can ram him."
"Precisely." It wasn't exactly what Tuvok was thinking but he couldn't deny the logic behind her suggestion, nor was he going to disagree, she's his superior after all."
"It's probably the response he expects." Samantha jumped in to defend the Captain, even though she knew she didn't need her to, but she had noticed the look B'Elanna was sending he Captain's way.
Another shake made Kathryn take the smallest of steps back to stabalise herself.
"Captain, shields are at forty seven percent. Any more of this and the hull will start to buckle."
"Mister Paris, use maneuvering thrusters. Set a course toward the creature. Give him a bump to get his attention."
"Aye, Captain. Engaging thrusters."
Kathryn widened her legs just a little, bracing herself against the knock she was purposefully giving Voyager.
"The creature is not retreating, Captain." His voice his as logical as ever, but he hoped to convince Kathryn to do something before any damage was done.
The next thump sends those standing flying and even a few crew members were thrown from their seats. Kathryn was flung to the side and grabbed onto the closest solid object which happened to be Chakotay's shoulder. Chakotay reached behind himself, wrapping an arm around her waist, holding her as she found her feet.
"He's just hitting us back harder." Tom stated the obvious but Kathryn was too busy pulling her mind from her body's reaction to Chakotay's solid body to make a comment.
"Let's try this. Detonate a field of photon charges between Voyager and the creature. Maybe the shock wave will let him know we mean business." Kathryn took a step back from her first officer, the distance clearing her quickly clouding brain.
Chakotay could see the wave of action that Kathryn was trying to follow and decided it would be a good time to give his input. "Captain, if I may." Kathryn looked straight into his chocolate brown orbs. "Maybe we're going about this backwards."
"Yes, Commander?" Kathryn was at the point where she was willing to do almost anything.
"Every aggressive move we make results in a more aggressive move by the creature. If we're not prepared to use extreme force to destroy him, we need to rethink our actions."
She nods. "I'm listening." 'I always listen to you.'
"If we're right that the creature is responding to is as a sexual rival, we might try behaving in a submissive way. That may appease him. We'd be acknowledging that he's dominant and that we're no match for him."
Kathryn understood but frowned. "How do we do that? We tried to move away slowly. He wouldn't let us leave."
"Maybe we need to mimic the behavior of the smaller creatures. We saw them rolling over and changing colour."
"If we vent plasma residue, that might make us look blue." Harry was impressed with himself when he received a nod from the Captain.
"Mister Paris, do we have enough power to take Voyager into a roll?"
"I think so."
"All right. Let's give this a try." She placed one hand on the back of Chakotay's chair and the other on her hip, her authority seeping through the Bridge crew. "Mister Kim, start venting plasma residue. Mister Paris, roll the ship." She was disappointed when there was no immediate response from the creature and it shone brightly in her eyes.
Chakotay looked up at her and whispered, "Wait a minute."
Kathryn flicked her eyes to Chakotay's briefly before turning back to the view screen. Sometimes it amazed her how easily he could read her.
"One of the small creatures is detaching from the starboard nacelle…and another one. They're all letting go."
"It appears we have lost our sex appeal, Captain." Tuvok's monotone voice traveled as he inadvertently made a joke, causing everyone to smirk.
Chakotay caught Kathryn's eye and let his own orbs flick down her body causing her to blush slightly.
'No, I believe mine has just increased.' Kathryn thought to herself. "Good piloting, Lieutenant. Now let's see if we can move away without any interference." She had turned to Tom to stop her blush from growing.
"I can give you enough thruster power to sustain a speed of one hundred kph."
"Acknowledged."
Now that they were safely moving, Kathryn felt a weight from her shoulders. She turned to Chakotay who had stood up now that he no longer needed the station. "Good work, Commander. In the future, if I have any questions about mating behavior, I'll know where to go." She winked and headed for the turbolift, intent on seeking out Kes. "You have the Bridge, Commander," she threw over her shoulder.
"Aye, Captain." Chakotay stared at her until she left when he took his seat, ideas of how he could deepen their relationship forming.
Kathryn reached Kes' quarters and rang the door chime. The doors opened to admit her almost immediately.
"Kes?"
"In the bedroom."
Kathryn followed the voice and easily found the young Ocompan. "Kes are you okay?"
Kes was laid on her bed starring up at the ceiling. "Yes, Captain."
Kathryn sat on the edge of the bed. "You can call me Kathryn…Are you sure you're okay?"
She nodded. "I spoke to Neelix and we decided to have a baby."
"That's wonderful news." Kes shook her head. "No?"
A single tear made its way down Kes' cheek and Kathryn gently brushed it away.
"I started the ritual with the Doctor because, because you were busy…he told me he thought it was a false elogium."
"So you'll be able to have a child?"
Kes nodded. "When Neelix and I are more ready for one. But now, I'm kind of sad. I feel like I've missed my chance."
"But you haven't .enjoy growing up, Kes. Do everything you want to do and look forward to having your child." Her voice was gentle, like a mother talking to her daughter.
Kes flung her arms around Kathryn's neck and Kathryn held her tight making soothing circle on her back.
"Thank you."
"Whatever for?"
"For being there when I needed you."
"I will always be there for you, Kes. I want you to promise me that no matter what I'm doing, if you want me for anything you will come to me."
"I promise, Kathryn."
"Good." She pressed a kiss to the girls forehead and leaned back.
The pair talked for an hour, of maybe even two, they had lost track of time and only stopped when Neelix called Kes.
"Neelix to Kes."
"Go ahead."
"Could you come to the mess hall please, sweeting?"
"Or course."
"Thank you Kathryn, I needed that."
"Any time my dear."
The pair shared one last brief hug before Kathryn left, allowing Kes to ready herself for meeting Neelix. Kathryn walked the corridors of Voyager, inclining her head to crew members in greeting as he passed them. She felt both relaxed but troubled after the past few days. She allowed her thoughts to flow unhindered as she let her feet take her where they wanted to go. Her lips tugged upwards when she realised she had passed through the Bridge and had entered her Ready Room. She automatically sat at her desk and started her Captain's log.
"Captain's log, stardate 48921.3. I continue to wonder about the issue of precreation aboard the ship. Certainly, it's wrong to interfere with the private lives and decisions of the crew, yet I remain concerned about the environment we could provide for any child born here." She sighed and stood, keeping the recording going. "Kes had a bodily reaction to a warm of flagellating space dwelling life forms causing us to cut our observations shorter than was planned. It was a good experience for the crew. Kes is well no that we have moved on, the Doctor will continue to monitor her for the next few days and I have placed her on light duty for that time. We're back on course for the Alpha Quadrant and all research on the life forms will be attached once it is complete…Computer end Captain's log."
Kathryn came to a stop in front of the picture of Mark and Molly that stood on a small table in the corner of the room. With a gentle touch, she picked it up, a wistful smile gracing her lips. She let her mind wander to him but thoughts of Chakotay soon invaded. Guilt rested heavily in her heart and she wished for nothing more than to be able to call her sister for advice. With a heavy heart, Kathryn took a seat on her sofa and placed the photograph in her lap, her left hand lingering on the frame and she stared out at the stars, something that she found herself doing a lot lately. Her eyes flickered to the padds that lay on her desk but she couldn't bring herself to move towards them, even though she knew that the reports that it held would bring her a little relief from her conflicting thoughts. Thoughts and feelings that she didn't entirely understand. 'I haven't even done anything with Chakotay!' her brain argued. 'No. But you think about it,' her heart countered. The bleeping of her door chime made her jump. "Come in," she called as she leaned over the arm of the sofa to place the photograph back in its rightful place. She smiled up at her visitor as she righted herself on the couch, her right leg still curled beneath her. "Yes, Ensign, what can I do for you?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Captain."
"Not at all. Come and take a seat."
Samantha did so, sitting nervously next to the Captain who had angled herself to look at the younger woman.
"Again, I'm sorry to disturb you, Captain." Kathryn shook her head and smiled reassuringly. "But I thought, I thought I should inform you of my physical condition."
"Your physical condition?" Kathryn asked lightly with a small frown.
"We'd been trying for months. I wasn't even sure until a few days ago. My husband is still at Deep Space Nine. He doesn't even know. We were only supposed to be out two or three weeks." Samantha had spoken quickly and without making eye contact with Kathryn, her head bowed.
Kathryn placed a hand on Samantha's shoulder. "Samantha, are you pregnant?"
She looked up into Kathryn's compassionate blue orbs and nodded. "I know this isn't the best place to have a baby, but it's all I have left of my husband."
There was silence for a moment while Kathryn took it all in before smiling widely. "Well, congratulations, Samantha."
"Really?"
"Yes. I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to. It's your choice, not mine. But I will be here for you every step of the way if you so wish."
A single tear slid down the blonde's cheek. "Thank you, I would like that." Samantha had connected with very few people on board and was happy that the Captain was extending an olive branch.
"How far along are you?"
"Two months. The Doctor said the pregnancy could last fifteen months."
Kathryn raised both her eyebrows and smiled. "I thought nine months was a long time."
Samantha chuckled. "Yes. I didn't realised that mixing human and katarien DNA would affect the length of the pregnancy, I don't think my husband did either."
Kathryn's smile loosened a little as she thought. She could tell Samantha was upset that her husband wasn't around for the pregnancy, anyone would be. "Samantha, would you like to document your pregnancy for you husband?"
"What do you mean?" her brow furrowed slightly.
"You could take photographs at each stage, record your doctor meetings, make a log of everything you feel so that you can share it with him when we get back home."
"If we get back home."
Kathryn grabbed Samantha's hand. "When we get home. It might not be tomorrow, it might not be next year, but I promise you, you will get to see your husband again, you will get to be a family because I will get us all home. Understood?"
Samantha nodded.
"Good. Now, what do you say? You could make a scrapbook."
"I think it's a great idea. Will you…will you help me out with it?"
"As much as you want me to, Samantha."
The pair smiled at each other and squeezed their hands.
"Are you going to tell anyone?"
"Only if you want me to."
Samantha shook her head. "I don't mind Commander Chakotay knowing for scheduling reasons, but I would like to keep this to myself as long as possible."
"Of course and I'll swear him to secrecy."
"Thank you."
Kathryn inclined her head and looked at the clock on the opposite wall. "Neelix will be serving dinner soon, would you like to head down?"
Samantha nodded and the pair left the Ready Room together, holding a quiet conversation.
Later that night Kathryn called Chakotay to her quarters. Chakotay had just gotten changed into his casual clothing when he received her call and decided to head across the corridor rather than change.
Kathryn too had changed in to a casual floor length dress and was curled up in one corner of the sofa; a book lay open in her lap, her eyes flying across the page. "Come in," she called when she heard her door chime without looking up.
Chakotay stepped into Kathryn's living room and smiled at the sight of the Captain relaxing. He watched her in silence for a few moments, burning the image into his brain before taking a further step in and announcing himself. "You wanted to see me, Captain?"
Kathryn looked up. "What ever happened to 'Kathryn'?"
"Are we back on friendly ground again then?"
"Yes. If you want to be?"
"I do."
Kathryn nodded to the space next to her. "Then make yourself comfortable."
Chakotay did so, not wanting to ruin her good mood. He watched her place her book of the coffee table gently before turning her full attention to the attractive man at the other corner of the sofa.
"I didn't expect to see you so soon."
"I figured it had to be important for you to call me here."
"And what if I just wanted to see you, to apologise for our falling out?"
"That's important to me, Kathryn."
She nodded. "I am sorry, Chakotay. I can't promise that a friendship is going to be easy. I'm the highest ranking officer on board and Starfleet protocols are what are familiar to me. I am however, willing to work on my formality and get to know my…our…crew."
"I'm glad to hear that. And I feel I must apologise too."
"Why?"
"I shouldn't have pushed the relationship issue, you're still engaged to Mark and have known me barely five minutes, but I can't promise that I'm going to be able to stop acting on them, Kathryn, especially when I see you hurting."
"I know and I will try and remember that. I am only human too, sometimes I need someone to lean on."
"I would like to be that someone."
"I would like that too. Very much so."
"Good." They smiled at each other. "Now, is that really the reason you called for me?"
"No, but it seemed like a good time."
Chakotay chuckled. "Go on then, tell me the news."
"Samantha Wildman's pregnant."
"Really?"
Kathryn nodded. "Two months along. She told me today."
"Is that why you both looked so friendly earlier?"
"It is. I offered to be there for her, I know she hasn't really connected with anyone on board. Well, other than Neelix."
Chakotay nodded. "I had noticed. I didn't want to draw attention to it just yet. I was hoping that she would reach out to someone."
"I'm glad it was me. I thought they were scared of me."
Chakotay chuckled. "No. some of the younger one, maybe, but they mostly respect and support you."
"That's good to hear."
"Has Samantha decided what she's going to do?"
"She's going to have the child. She has worries, very much the same ones I expressed to you yesterday, but she's going to continue working for as long as she can. The pregnancy's going to be around fifteen months so she doesn't want to stop working for a long while. I also promised to swear you to secrecy."
"She doesn't want anyone knowing?"
"No, not yet."
"Okay then, I swear."
Kathryn smiled. "I'd like to have her on the Bridge more often so I can keep an eye on her."
"I can arrange that."
"Thank you."
The pair fell into a comfortable silence for a short while.
"Would you like to continue our weekly dinners, Chakotay?"
"I would, and perhaps we could invite Samantha." Kathryn looked slightly rejected so Chakotay added, "Only every now and then."
Kathryn nodded. "I think I'll arrange something with her."
"Good."
"I think I might enjoy getting to know the crew."
"They're a diverse group, you'll love them, and they'll soon learn to love you too, Kathryn."
"I doubt that."
"I don't." Chakotay's eyes sparkled, already knowing how some of the crew held affections for her. She was very much the caring maternal figure, even if she didn't see it.
To Be Continued...