Chapter 18
"Q, what are you doing here?" demanded Captain Janeway.
"Ah, Kathy," cooed Q. "I had to come see you once I learned you were expecting."
She rolled her eyes. Everyone on the bridge save Tuvok glared at Q. They had all heard the stories from the Enterprise as well as experiencing him with the Q who committed suicide. They did not trust him at all.
"Why would my pregnancy be of any interest to you?" she snapped.
"Mortals have always fascinated me. Your methods of reproduction are not efficient like the Q Continuum's are," boasted Q.
"Now that you've told us that, why don't you leave me the hell alone," she said with absolute ice in her voice.
"Ah pregnancy hormones," quipped Q. "Temper, temper."
Chakotay placed his hand on shoulder for support. "Q, if you know as much about humans as you claim to, then you know you shouldn't stress a pregnant woman."
"Me? Stressing Kathy…I'm just visiting to give my congratulations to both of you. New Earth did both of you a world of good. Now you both need to stop playing games and get with the program," said Q sternly.
"Get with the program?" they asked in unison.
"You know what I mean. Get with the program…that baby is counting on you. I'll be keeping an eye on both of you. Don't disappoint me." With that Q snapped his fingers and disappeared.
The bridge crew had watched the entire bizarre event in stunned silence. They all were hoping that Q's interference would not destroy the progress of Captain and Chakotay's fledgling relationship.
"Well," began Captain Janeway. "That was strange. Q usually is a pest. He doesn't really have a history of getting involved in personal life issues."
"I think all personnel should be on alert just in case Q is up to something," said Chakotay.
"I will inform security," said Tuvok.
The Captain rose from her seat. "I'll be in my Ready Room." She quickly crossed the bridge and went inside. She sat on the couch pondering what Q meant. It was almost as if he was taking a parental like interest in the relationship she and Chakotay were developing.