"Sensory tremens" the Doctor stated flatly to Captain Janeway. A half hour earlier, the Doctor had made a housecall, checked on Keira, who would be fine, and recommended Chakotay be transferred to sickbay due to strange neurological readings emitted to his tricorder.

"Sensory tremens?" she repeated back, this time as a question.

Chakotay shook his head. "There is no way it's sensory tremens. I was injected with an inhibitor for the disease while I was still a fetus and had three later injections through adolescence."

"Well, Commander, my theory is that the trauma of Keira's abduction by the Vidiians was enough to override the inhibitor in your neural pathways."

"What is sensory tremens?" Kathryn asked, cutting the Doctor off and looking sharply at Chakotay.

Looking earnestly at his wife Chakotay hesitated before speaking, "it's a genetic neurological condition that leads to hallucinations. Both my father and grandfather suffered from it, which is why I underwent the inhibitor therapy. I was tested and determined to be positive for the gene."

Kathryn narrowed her eyes, "... genetic? And this isn't something you thought to mention to me the entire nine months I carried our child? Is Keira a carrier, is she at risk?"

The Doctor cut in, "the Commander had Keira tested when she was born and the results came back negative. As for the Commander himself, I will keep him here in sickbay for another hour in order to administer another round of inhibitor therapy, after which he should not display any further symptoms."

"Thank you Doctor, you are dismissed." Janeway said sternly, she did not take her eyes off Chakotay. Chakotay felt the sudden shift in her demeanor and instantly knew she was upset. He could sense the rough edges of an argument brewing.

"Of course," the Doctor replied. "Computer end program." He dematerialized immediately into the ether.

Alone, Janeway walked toward Chakotay, her eyes full of displeasure. "You had my daughter tested for a genetic condition without telling me? Are you kidding me?" Her tone demanded an immediate answer.

Chakotay winced as his wife described Keira as "her" daughter; he had messed up. "I made a mistake, Kathryn. I was embarrassed to tell you about the neurological condition and didn't want to worry you. The pregnancy was so hard on you and you were always so worried. I thought I was doing the right thing. I'm sorry," he paused. "How is our little one?"

Janeway shifted next to him, "she's okay. She's actually more than okay- more worried about you than upset about what happened."

Chakotay visibly relaxed his muscles, "thank goodness. When can I see her? I need to see her, I need to see that she is okay."

Janeway nodded, understanding etched across her face. "I'll bring her by after she wakes up- the Doctor did give her a mild sedative to expedite the healing process for the bruises on her arms and ribs."

"Bridge to the Captain" Janeway's combadge suddenly chirped, interrupting.

"Go ahead" she answered, lightly tapping her hand to her badge without taking her eyes off her husband.

"Two Vidiian ships are off the port bow" Tuvok responded mechanically. "They are hailing us."

Chakotay bolted up with a start, his body violently reacting to Tuvok's message. He sent a warning glance to his wife. "Kathryn…" he started.

Silencing him, she replied to Tuvok, "I'm on my way."

Chakotay reached out, grabbing his wife's arm before she could move away from his bio-bed. "Kathryn… I need to come with you. What if this… my neurological response was a reaction to their proximity?"

Janeway regarded him carefully, her eyes roving over his face slowly and deliberately. "I had the same thought. But I can't risk your health. I also can't risk Keira's safety."

"Let me come to the bridge. I'm perfectly fine. I should be there with you."

Janeway breathed deeply. "Alright." She said cautiously, as Chakotay moved his legs effortlessly over the side of the bed and hopped down to the ground next to her. "But you need to tell me if there is any change physically." Chakotay nodded in agreement.

Chakotay moved silently to stand beside his wife. Knowing the Vidiians, this second in sickbay would be the last moment they had together as man and wife before assuming the professional personas of Captain and First Officer for a number of hours, or even days. He put his arms around her lower back and drew her in quickly, pressing his mouth to hers in a fleeting, but sensual kiss. "I love you" he muttered.

Janeway looked deeply into her husband's eyes. Pulling away from him gently, "are you sure you're ready for this?"

Chakotay nodded gently, "let's go."