Year of Hell: Day 67
When the fire suppression system failed on deck three, Tuvok sent a team to extinguish the evening, the command team set aside some time to sort through the wreckage in their quarters. They had both elected to live in their offices to save the energy and in response to the fluctuating environmental controls.
"Good news, Kathryn. Your books are still intact. The covers are a little scorched, though."
"Chakotay…"
"What is it?" He took the piece of charred embroidery she handed him.
"I'm sorry."
A surge of helplessness overwhelmed him. "Looks like our luck has run out."
"It's only a towel. It's not an omen."
"We can't keep going like this, Captain. We need to find a planet and make some repairs."
"Are you insane? We'll be sitting ducks!"
"Are we really better off crippled in space?"
"The Krenim have sealed their own fate; there's been no sign of them -"
"They'll be back. I can feel it."
"Chakotay, don't lose faith on me now. Please. I need you with me on this." She took his hands in hers and when he wouldn't look her in the eye softly repeated, "Please," and she kissed him tenderly.