Let's Put It Back Where it Belongs, Part 2
by: AW
Rated: MA
Pairing: J/C, P/T
Summary: Re-write of everything after Equinox
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or episodes, but the story however twisted is mine.
Date: October 2002
Length: 1062 words
Author's Note: This happens after Equinox, but assumes that the rest of the series didn't happen as it did.
Three days had passed since that fateful day in the mess hall. Chakotay performed his duties admirably, but never was a word said outside of the brief context of work. Never did he approach her for a dinner that was not ship related.
Never did he bring up that day or his feelings about it.
Every now and again she caught him out of the corner of her eye staring and she often wondered what was going through his mind. What secrets were hidden behind those dark orbs of his?
But never did she bring it up.
Never once did she mention it either.
Never once did brown meet blue.
Not once. Not after that fateful day.
Then one day, what must have been three months after their differing of opinions, Kathryn woke up knowing today would be a day unlike any other.
It wasn't anything her scientists mind could put its finger on, she just knew.
She walked onto the bridge and everything was in place. Everyone exactly where they should be. She retreated to her ready room and saw a message. Tom and B'Elanna wanted to meet with her privately. Earlier that year she had married her helmsman and chief engineer and it appeared they could not be happier.
So she approved the meeting and just waited. Three hours later, the shift was over and she met with Tom and B'Elanna.
The door chime rang. "Come."
Kathryn knew who it was. "Captain," Tom stated. "We need to talk to you about something."
Janeway nodded and waited for the so-called bomb to drop.
"We went to see the doctor this morning. B'Elanna's pregnant. We didn't tell you we were trying...I mean the odds against Klingon/Human conception are so high."
Kathryn let a smile grace her porcelain features. "Congratulations you two. I was wondering when it would start. We've been out here over five years and I figured sooner or later."
Kathryn nodded. "Well all the best to you. Have you told anyone else?"
B'Elanna smiled. "No we kind of wanted to wait a little bit, let it sink in for ourselves first."
"Understood. Well if you need any time off, just tell me."
B'Elanna stared at her. "Time off? For what?"
"To adjust. This is a big change."
B'Elanna was incredulous. "I'll work during the day, sleep at night, and have the baby when its time."
"Well if you need anything."
Tom piped up. "Thank you Captain; there's just one more thing. If you could inform the Commander, and keep it quiet for a couple of weeks."
"Of course Tom, not a problem. Well I guess we'll see you at duty call tomorrow."
B'Elanna put in. "Again, thank you Captain. We'd better get going; we have a lot to do tonight."
Janeway nodded, and the couple left.
*Time to face Chakotay I guess.*
"Janeway to Chakotay."
"Chakotay here, what can I do for you Captain?"
Janeway hesitated. "I need to see you regarding a personnel matter."
"We can meet in ten minutes time Captain. I have about an hour then I need to get to another appointment."
Janeway hesitated, the weight of the world seeming to be on her shoulders. "Chakotay...are we okay?"
He stared at her before opening his mouth. "I thought this was about a personnel matter Captain?"
"It is, I'm just...I'll see you in ten minutes Commander."
"Alright Captain. Chakotay out."
Kathryn sat there shocked and saddened by what was happening. "Computer, locate Commander Chakotay."
"Commander Chakotay is in the mess hall," the computer's monotone voice blurted out.
*Ten minutes, I have ten minutes.*
She walked out of the ready room and proceeded to the mess hall where her life and her relationship with the ship's commander could quite possibly be changed forever.
Chakotay watched as Kathryn walked into the mess hall. He tactfully got up from his seat across from Seven. *What could be so important that she has to see me immediately off duty?*
He watched her approach him. "Captain is this urgent? I need to take care of a few things before tomorrow."
"Commander, a member of the crew has asked me to speak with you about a matter of a personal nature. Could we go somewhere less public to discuss this matter?"
He made eye contact with Seven and nodded in Kathryn's direction. "Very well. Where did you have in mind?"
Kathryn put her arm out pointing in the direction of the exit to the mess hall. "After you, we'll find somewhere."
Kathryn followed Chakotay out of the mess hall and to a destination unknown. She followed him all the way to his office.*Keeping this professional are we?*
She sat down across from him and knew exactly what he was doing. This was his domain. His turf. This was where he was comfortable. "What did you need to see me about Captain?"
Kathryn looked hard at him. "Tom and B'Elanna came to see me this afternoon. It seems they needed to inform me of a possible conflict they might have." She raised her hand stopping him, seeing his questioning gaze. "It appears they're bringing us a new crewmember."
"She's pregnant?"
Janeway nodded. "They asked me to talk to you, but to keep this a private matter for a few weeks."
Chakotay smiled. "That's great. Are they happy?"
"Very. They just needed some time to adjust before breaking the news to the rest of the crew."
Chakotay nodded his head, a smile on his face. "Understood Captain." He looked hard at the Captain. "Was there anything else?"
"No that will be all Commander. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice."
"Not a problem Captain. Anytime."
She walked out of his office and it felt like she was walking out of his life forever. He would always be her commander, but friend...confidant...apparently not."
It appeared their friendship ended here.
Five years of friendship and it ended here. Over a mistake, a misjudgement.
Nothing at all.
END PART 2
TBC in Part 3