Just a little stand-alone bit of mischief that came to my muse ...
xxx
"Tuvok, I could use your advice," Chakotay said.
Tuvok raised an eyebrow at the unusual request. "How can I assist you, Commander?"
"I believe that the Captain and Tom Paris are breaching protocol," he said.
"Have you taken this up with the Captain?" Tuvok asked. Chakotay just gave him a look.
"I don't think she'll take it well," he admitted. "I could use some advice on how to approach this."
Tuvok lifted an eyebrow. "Very well. What sort of breach are we speaking of?" Not that he couldn't guess.
"From all appearances, Paris has moved into the Captain's quarters."
"From all appearances, Commander, Mr. Paris is using his quarters on Deck 4."
"But he's spent the night in the Captain's quarters for the past 2½ months," Chakotay blurted.
Tuvok raised both eyebrows. "If you are using the ship's computer to check on Mr. Paris' whereabouts on a nightly basis, I must remind you that is a breach of protocol."
Chakotay's face darkened, but Tuvok continued. "I will also remind you that the incident with the Fiu'ya took place three months ago. You are aware that the Captain and Mr. Paris were subjected to mental trauma during their captivity."
"Yes, but ..."
"And you certainly are aware that the Doctor has been unable to completely remove the Fiu'ya 'experiments.' While they are much improved, it is plausible that the Captain and Mr. Paris still have nightmares."
Chakotay grimaced. He remembered all too well. Even under sedation, Kathryn and Paris couldn't shake the terrors implanted in their minds. The only way they could sleep peacefully was to share a biobed. At that point, he'd stopped his early morning check-ins; seeing those two wrapped around each other was more than he could take.
"It is unfortunate that we don't have a counselor on board," Tuvok continued. "That would facilitate their recovery."
"I know, I've encouraged her to talk to me, but she won't."
And there is the truth of the matter, Tuvok thought. "She's not seeking comfort from you."
"Perhaps she is uncomfortable placing that burden on you," Tuvok offered. "And in some ways, Mr. Paris may have the better understanding of her situation."
Chakotay was about to reply, but Tuvok continued. "Frankly, Commander, the Captain and Mr. Paris both need adequate rest. The safety of the ship and crew depend on it. If sleeping in the same quarters brings them comfort right now, then my advice is that we should let them … as humans say … work things out."
Realizing he'd get no help from Tuvok, Chakotay took his leave. Tuvok made sure the Commander was out of sight before he allowed himself a small smile.
Chakotay's unspoken accusation was correct, even if his timing was off. The Captain and Mr. Paris had been "sharing quarters" for nearly a year before the Fiu'ya incident. They'd been discreet, but his bond with the Captain allowed him to sense the strong emotional connection.
It was possible that their recovery still hinged on remaining close at night. On the other hand, the Captain certainly wasn't one to pass up an opportunity: Under the circumstances, Starfleet would find it difficult to sanction her for having a "roommate," crew gossip aside.
Personally, he sensed that the relationship was physically and emotionally good for both of them. And a happy captain and pilot could only be beneficial to the ship.
In fact, he mused, perhaps there was a way to allow them to continue their "recovery" indefinitely. He smiled again: A word with the Doctor might be in order.