Chapter 11
Kathryn Janeway and Chakotay walked into sickbay. It was the first of the weekly checkups she would have during her pregnancy. The Doctor walked over to meet them.
"Good morning, Captain, Commander," he said cheerfully. "Captain, if you would lie down on the biobed, we can proceed with your exam."
She walked over to the primary biobed and lay down. Chakotay stood beside the biobed. The arch closed and the doctor began to enter a series of commands.
"Just a reminder, Commander, don't touch the Captain during the scan. It can alter the readings significantly."
Chakotay nodded and watched as readings flashed on the screen. There did not seem to be anything amiss. He hoped his observations were correct.
Kathryn looked anxiously at the Doctor. Since the nightmare, she could not quite shake the apprehension she felt. His smile relaxed her somewhat.
"The baby is continuing to develop normally. She is three centimeters in length now and weighs and weighs 9.3347 grams. Her heart is beating at the appropriate rate."
Kathryn and Chakotay exchanges excited smiles, then she looked up at the Doctor. "Doctor, can we hear the baby's heartbeat?"
The Doctor smiled, "Certainly." He pressed a spot on the panel and the baby's heartbeat became audible. He watched, enjoying the look of wonder on their faces.
Kathryn stared up at Chakotay speechlessly. He looked down at her, equally speechless.
The Doctor shut off the sound and looked at them. "Do either of you have any questions for me?"
Kathryn nodded, "I just don't seem to have a lot of extra energy in spite of my snacks and taking a thirty minute nap."
"Fatigue is quite common in pregnancy. You may require more rest. Instead of having the computer wake you up in thirty minutes, I'd like you to try sleeping until you wake up on your own from your nap. You may also rest better in your quarters rather than on the couch of your Ready Room."
She sighed deeply. "You're probably right about the couch. I tend to wake up sore from my nap."
"Are you sore when you wake up in the morning in your bed?"
"A little," she admitted. "But nothing like I feel after my nap."
"Some discomfort is normal. However, if you experience severe pain, you should report to sickbay. Do you have any other questions?"
She looked up at Chakotay, who shook his head. "No more questions for now," she answered looking back at the Doctor.
He activated the controls to open the arch on the biobed. "Very well, continue to follow the instructions on the PADD. I gave you, as well as the changes I've ordered for your afternoon nap."
"Thank you, Doctor," she said as Chakotay helped her off the biobed.
He smiled down at her. "I'm betting you're ready for breakfast."
"Definitely, and that includes a cup of coffee." She looked up at him. "Don't even say it, 'Old Betsy' is still in my quarters you know."
He laughed. "I get the message, Kathryn."
In the mess hall, both of them sat at their usual table. Kathryn sipped her coffee savoring the flavor, trying to make it last. She sat down the mug and smiled at him. "Chakotay, wasn't hearing her heartbeat amazing?"
"Yes," he answered with a smile. "It made the baby seem so much more real to me. Before long, I'd like to seem an image of our daughter."
"Well, by the time I'm four months pregnant, she'll have most of her human features. I'd like to wait until then." She looked down at her breakfast for a few moments, then back at him. "I just don't want to get my hopes up…you know."
Chakotay reached over and took her hand in his. "I understand, Kathryn," he whispered softly.
She blushed and pulled her hand out of his. "I know the Doctor says everything is fine, but I still worry."
"That's perfectly normal. I have to admit, I worry at times too. Especially after Seska, I was ready to be a father, then the chance was snatched away. At least this time I know for certain that this baby is mine." He shrugged, a little embarrassed at his admission.
"I'm glad you're the father," she whispered softly as she stood. She quickly put her tray in the recycler and left the mess hall.