Chapter 7
Kathryn Janeway was still sitting on the couch when her door chime sounded. She looked towards the door and said, "Come in."
The door slid open and Chakotay entered her quarters. When he saw her on the couch looking very reflective, he sat down by her. "Are you okay," he asked softly.
"I'm fine." She looked at him. "I was bored, so I went on a vision quest. My animal guide gave me a lot to think about."
"That's good. I hope he guides you as well as mine does me." He looked at her and took a deep breath. "I hope you don't let the nightmare keep you from enjoying your baths. It was probably just from the stress of what happened to you today."
"I know, but…I…I'm still a little nervous."
He placed a hand on her shoulder and felt the tension there. "Would it help if I stayed here in your living area while you bathed? You're really tense, and a warm bath always relaxes you."
She smiled gratefully, "Yes, it would help. My animal guide told me that I mustn't let my fears overshadow the joy of my pregnancy. If you're sure about staying in my living area, then I want to try a warm bath. I'm a little stiff after the enforced inactivity ordered by the Doctor."
He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Go ahead, I'll be here. If you start getting upset and need me, just call out, and I'll be right there."
She reached up and placed her hand over his and met his eyes with a tender look. "Thanks, Chakotay; what would I do with out you." She stood and walked through the door of her sleeping area.
She paused to get some fresh clothing. After a bit of deliberation, she selected a green sweat suit. That would be comfortable and better than a robe and gown with Chakotay visiting. Then, she entered the bathroom and started filling the tub. She squeezed a generous amount of lavender bubble bath into the water. The soothing aroma filled the air and helped ease the stress she was feeling. Slowly, she disrobed and made herself step into the tub. Taking a deep breath she sat down and turned the water off. She leaned back against the tub and closed her eyes. The warm water and lavender scent began to relax her. She let her mind drift back to another bathtub light years away…on a planet they had named 'New Earth.'
Meanwhile, out in the living area, Chakotay sat quietly. He hoped that Kathryn would be able to enjoy her bath. So far, she had not called for him. The water had been turned off, and his acute hearing had picked up sounds of moving water, so he was reasonably sure she was in the tub. He spotted the PADD with the information on pregnancy and picked it up. He knew that Kathryn would not mind him reading the PADD. He also knew that he needed to study this information just as much as Kathryn did. He was pleased at the prospect of fatherhood. In many ways, he had been disappointed that Seska's child had turned out to be Cullah's instead of his. However, he felt an even deeper attachment to the child Kathryn carried in her womb. His daughter had been conceived in love. He glanced towards the bedroom door deep in thought. He loved Kathryn and resolved to find a way to make things work. Perhaps he should again seek his father's wisdom. The stakes were too high, and he did not want to lose. With a sigh, he turned his attention back to the PADD.
About forty-five minutes later, he heard noise from the bedroom and looked up to see Kathryn coming through the doorway. He grinned and held up the PADD. "I was studying the information the Doctor gave us on pregnancy."
"That's a good idea. We both need to be up to speed on what to expect. Thanks for sitting out here."
"Kathryn, I'll be here for you in any and every way you need me to be."
She gave him a small smile and was quiet for a few moments. Without warning, her stomach rumbled loudly, and she blushed.
"Sounds as if you need some supper. Sit down, and I'll replicate you something to eat."
She nodded, "I am hungry again. After a huge lunch and an afternoon snack, I don't see how I could be, but I am."
Chakotay walked over to the replicator and ordered meals for both of them. He sat one plate in front of her and the other across from her at his place. "Eat heartily," he said encouragingly.