Chapter 19
Captain Janeway sat at her desk having her snack. As she ate, she continued to ponder Q's visit. She hoped he was not up to something. However, he seemed to be serious when he told them to "get with the program." In a sense, he was right. The baby needed both parents. The door chime drew her out of her thoughts.
"Come," she said.
The door slid open and Chakotay walked in and sat in a chair across the desk from her. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"I will be. I was just thrown for a loop by Q popping in like that," she replied. "No reports have ever shown him taking a personal interest in relationships."
"Well, we are now under heightened security in case Q is up to something. Tuvok and I will be monitoring the situation. So don't stress over it." Chakotay took her hand. "You're two and a half months right now, so you don't need any extra stress."
"I'll be okay. This little one is very important to us. I won't allow anything to happen to her."
"Well, it's nearly lunchtime. Will you join me?" Chakotay gave her and a squeeze.
Captain Janeway smiled, "That's the best offer I've had all day. Let's go."
They walked out of the Ready Room. "Tuvok, we're going to the mess hall. You have the bridge till we get back," said Janeway. She slipped her arm through Chakotay's and the entered the turbolift.
Tuvok looked around the bridge. Everyone was smiling. It was clear Q's antics had not affected the progress in the command team's fledgling relationship. This was encouraging.
The Captain and Chakotay sat at a table in the mess hall eating their lunch. Crew members saw that they seemed to be content. News of Q's appearance had made them all somewhat uneasy. The fact that the command team was calm was encouraging.
Kathryn speared a chunk of grilled chicken with her fork. "It seems like it's been more than two weeks that we found out about the pregnancy. Six and a half month seems like such a long time."
"I know, but we can really use all that time to get things ready for our daughter. I am sure the crew will be doing a baby shower. Mariah and B'Elanna told me that before long they want to schedule it with us. We will also need to replicate things for her." Chakotay smiled as he thought again of a beautiful little girl who looked just like her mother.
"I'm glad the crew has been so accepting of this. Of course there's already a baby pool going. Date and time of birth." Her eyes sparkled. "I have already selected a date and time."
Chakotay chuckled, "To be honest, so have I. Tom got a little pale when I asked him about it. I assured him in this case it would be okay. It is a way the crew can show support to us."
Mariah looked across the room at the command team, then turned back to Kenneth. "Well, it may be slow progress, but they are making progress. Looks like Q didn't screw things up. I can't wait to give the Captain a baby shower. I just hope we get to do a bridal shower too."
"Tom's running a baby betting pool. He also put word out that if anyone started a proposal pool, he would deal with them personally. I told him I'd be right there with him to deal with it." Kenneth grinned. "Who would have thought I'd be on the same side as Tom Paris."
"With you and Tom on point, I don't think anyone will try a proposal pool. Besides the crew doesn't want to do anything that might slow that down."
Kathryn drank the last of her coffee. "I hear Tom is running Sandrine's as an open program tonight. Care to join me for some pool?"
Chakotay smiled, "Sure, I think my ego can take a massacre tonight."
"We can always play partners with another couple. The rations we win can be put aside for baby things." Kathryn stood up. "Well, I'm going to head to my quarters for my nap. This is one time I don't mind following the doctor's orders."
"I'll clear away your dishes. You go on to your quarters. I'll see you later on the bridge." Chakotay stood up and began stacking the dishes on a tray.
"Thanks, Chakotay, I'll see you on the bridge later this afternoon." She walked out of the mess hall feeling content and peaceful. This was going to work. Somehow it would all work out.
Chakotay walked out of the turbolift onto the bridge. "You can go to lunch now, Tuvok." He walked to the command chairs and listened to Tuvok's report.
"We are currently traveling at warp 9. No indications of any vessels in the area," reported Tuvok. After giving his report, he left the bridge for a mid day meal.
Chakotay glanced around at each bridge station. Everyone seemed calm and focused on their tasks. He sat down and began checking data on his console. Tom turned to Chakotay. "Q didn't upset the Captain, did he?" The was an edgy concern in his tone.
"No, Tom, she's fine—just a little puzzled that Q would be taking an interest in this."
"Good, the two of you have enough on your minds right now. That little girl couldn't have better parents." Tom grinned. "The Doctor has been making me practice delivery with him on the holodeck. He said the basic training all Starfleet personnel receive is not good enough for the Captain's baby."
"That's good to know. In six and a half months, you'll be able to put that training to good use. You do a good job assisting the Doctor. He may grumble when you can hear him, but his reports reflect his confidence in you. Just don't tell him I told you." Chakotay grinned at Tom.
"I won't," promised Tom. "It would wreck our sparring matches." He turned back to his console with a smile.
Six and a half months, thought Chakotay. I need to get with program as Q said. For once he is spot on with what he said. I want Kathryn in my life 100%. It will just take time.