Chapter 6

Later, Chakotay had just received an update from Harry about scans of the planetary system. He walked into Astrometrics for an update from Seven, still musing over the possibility that one of those planets was the cause of their most pressing current problem.

To his astonishment, his thoughts seemed to have materialized the person afflicted by said problem. Kathryn and Seven were deep in conversation about the details of binary star system physics or something.

"I thought the Doctor was keeping you for observation?" Chakotay asked, half amused and half annoyed. He was still a bit shaken by everything that had happened, and yet here she was, hard at work again as if nothing was wrong.

"I badgered him until he let me out. Can you really blame me?" Kathryn quipped. Apparently sensing his roiling emotions, she added, "Don't worry, there's no sensitive information I might be revealing to whoever is causing this. Plus," she added with a crooked smile, "I got Seven's word that she will shoot me personally if something happens."

Chakotay sighed and shook his head as the amusement half began to win over.

Seven looked puzzled, "I agreed to no such action; however, if you wish –"

He had to laugh internally at that one. "Relax; she didn't mean it. Although it may be a good idea just in case," he interrupted good-humoredly. He winked at Kathryn, who threw him a half-hearted glare.

"Me and my bright ideas," she drawled sarcastically.

"Mind if I talk with you for a minute?" he asked Kathryn.

"Of course," she answered. She smiled at her current companion and said, "Thank you for the conversation, Seven. It was very enlightening." Then she turned back to him. He nodded a goodbye to Seven as they fell into step beside one another, the doors closing behind them.

He decided to approach this from a different angle. They made their way down the corridor towards the holodecks. "I thought a few rounds of Velocity might help take your mind off things," he offered.

"Sounds great," she smiled.

Once the game was set up, they took positions. She was much better than him, and they both knew it, but he didn't play to win. They both also knew this. As the disc whizzed through the air and bumped against walls, he recognized that look of determination, that laser focus which kept her eye on the prize even as it flew faster than he could keep track of. It made him happy to see her excelling in her favorite sport.

Kathryn scored a win in the final round, and they retired to the bench, both panting slightly from the exertion. Kathryn threw him a towel. "Thanks for the game," she smiled at him.

"Anytime," he returned. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine right now," she said lightly. "Like a winner, actually."

He huffed a small laugh. "Kathryn," he said, taking her hand in his own. "Be honest with me."

She shook her head helplessly then, as if the mere contact was a key to something normally locked away. A sheen of tears building in her eyes before she looked away. "I don't think I can do this much longer," she confessed.

"Just hold on," Chakotay soothed. "There's got to be another way." She sighed heavily and leaned against him, accepting the comfort he offered her.

They sat that way for several long minutes, each lost in their own thoughts.

Suddenly, Kathryn gasped and shuddered violently, pulling away from him to look into his eyes. Her own were full of fear. "Chakotay!" she exclaimed, panic seeping into her voice. "It's happening again." She started to shiver uncontrollably. "Cold. Too cold," she chattered.

Chakotay grasped her hand. It felt like ice. "Kathryn, this isn't just a hallucination anymore," he said, dark eyes filled with worry.

He hit his badge a little harder than necessary. "Harry, I need data and quickly," Chakotay said, "because we're running out of stalling time."

"I'm setting a course for the system," he heard Tom call over the comm line.

"Thanks, Tom," he responded.