Note: As before, this story is for those who like mushy, romantic pieces. Anyone looking for blood-guts-shoot-em-up action, alien babe of the week, possession by some unknown entity---go watch the actual episodes. If your looking for something Paramount would *never*, not on this planet, in this lifetime, even contemplate doing... keep reading. :)))) 

Mixed Signals
by Junebug
junebug@cybercomm.net  

She swallowed quickly. Her mouth suddenly moist and her throat unusually tight. Thinking that Neelix's latest concoction had finally succeeded in upsetting her usually strong stomach, she debated whether to skip the coffee and replacing it with some calming herbal tea. Another rise of nausea, answered the question. With a quick nod to her First Officer, Kathryn Janeway left for her ready room.

Chakotay watched the retreating form of the Captain as she went behind closed doors. Usually he left her alone, especially when no pressing matters or crucial attacks were in progress. But from the tight look on her face and the absence of her normal coloring, the Commander decided a quick visit was in order. First, he needed an excuse.

Kathryn settled back in her chair, leaning well into the soft cushions. It was done purposely, so as to keep her queasy stomach as immobile as possible. Since she couldn't exactly lay down, though the thought was quite tempting. She figured a relaxed position might aid the tea in calming her unusually rolling stomach.

Turning her monitor on, the Captain pulled up the week's duty roster. She scanned over it, taking note of some of the various cross training in progress. "Now that might be interesting," she mused to herself noting Ensign Kim's assignment to Sickbay. Kim with his compassion for fellow crewmembers, be they Starfleet or Maquis, might be the touch to aid the Doctor. Especially since Kes, would be pursuing her own cross training.

Lost in her thoughts, Kathryn soon forgot about her queasy stomach. She didn't even notice it, when she leaned forward to reach across her desk for one of the wayward datapadds. A gentle beep echoed through the room, signaling someone's need to speak with her. Automatically she called out, "Come in," and smiled at the sight that greeted her.

"Captain, could I have a word with you?" Chakotay asked in a voice loud enough to drift towards any interested pilots. Once the Captain gave her ascent, the Commander step closer to her desk instinctively waiting for the final swoosh of the ready room doors. Upon hearing it, Chakotay asked, "Kathryn, is something wrong?"

Janeway smiled wanly, the use of her first name not lost on her. It was a sure sign that Chakotay was worried... as usual about her. "I'll be fine. It took four years, but it appears as if Neelix's cooking has finally gotten to me." She said with a half jest and motioned towards her half full cup of tea.

Chakotay nodded his head in understanding, "I believe there is the Vandel virus making its way around the ship."

Janeway gave a disdainful look before saying, "Not if I can help it."

Chakotay hid the small grin before saying, "But then it could just be a simple case of... Neelixitis." Inwardly he smiled at Paris's term for the crew's stomach problems.

"Commander, I think Neelixitis is much preferable then feeling as if my body was being used as an inertial dampener," Kathryn said as she leaned back in her chair. Her voice was stern, but a glimmer in her eye attested to the infectious humor.

Deciding that tact was of the essence, Chakotay came around the desk and found himself a seat on the far corner. A trace of the same smirk, Chakotay suggested, "Maybe you can take a few hours off. We're in dead space; no anomalies, no solar systems until tomorrow. Relax for awhile." The Commander spoke the words in a nonchalant manner, but the look in his dark eyes belied his words. He was worried.

Blue eyes rolled just the slightest before she added, "I'll take you up on it. You have the bridge, Commander." Then rising from her seat, she left the ready room and proceeded to focus on the few hours she was going to enjoy alone. Not something easily found on such a small but busy ship.

Kathryn never ceased to be amazed at the ability of one's own body to heal thyself. Especially when one treated their body to a very impromptu nap. Thus was the case, as almost immediately upon her retreat, she stole an hour of rest. This, coupled with the rather quick recovery, eased her worry. Evidently her and Chakotay's fears where not to be founded, for it appeared that the Captain had just a minor case of 'Neelixitis' and not the deplorable Vendel virus.

Upon straightening her uniform, the Captain soon left her quarters to proceed with the continual running of the ship. Making a note to keep with the tried and true substances, which consisted of dinner upon Voyager.

"I don't know, but she seems better now," replied Ensign Harry Kim. His gaze was attached to the sight of the Captain, but he turned his view back to that of his best friend and ship's pilot, Tom Paris. With a shrug he continued, "Maybe it was a Banorian cold. Its been going around Stellar. It does usually pass within two to six hours."

Tom Paris shook his head. "Yeah, but if my time as medic serves me correctly, it only makes you sneeze." Paris turned slightly, his gaze now fastened upon that of the now entering Commander.

"Your right," Harry said giving the pilot a quizzical look before spearing a piece of Anquella stew. "What are you thinking now? Or dare I ask?" the dark haired Ensign said looking at his friend. Who had a smile upon his face that seemed to grow wider by the minute.

"If we cut a hole, it would be much easier," Chakotay said with a grin the next morning. He was standing next to a wall that he was peering intently at. It was the same wall that adjoined his quarters.

Walking out of her sleeping chambers, Kathryn was fastening the large clip she used to bind her hair. "No good, the wall may be in your bedroom but it's in my sitting room. Too many crewmembers find it easier to talk to me here, than the ready room." Finishing her hair, Kathryn dropped her hands by her side as she added with smile, "Guess you'll have to continue using those Maquis skills of yours."

Stepping up to Kathryn, Chakotay placed his arms around her waist as he pulled her to him. "Correction, its your week to practice your Starfleet training. Say about twenty hundred hours?"

Kathryn placed her hands on his chest as she replied, "Twenty thirty hundred, Ensign Wildman and Kes want to go over some schematics." Leaning up slightly, she found his mouth with her own. And in a way totally unique to this command structure, bade him good-bye for the day.

An hour after parting with Chakotay, the Captain found herself in the hydroponics bay to meet with Tuvok. Spying the Vulcan near some of his unique creations, these being a new crossbreed of gray Andorian peas, Janeway walked up beside him. "Not exactly the green of Earth's variety but I assume they taste quite close?" she asked the dark skinned man.

"You would assume correctly, Captain." Tuvok said snipping off a small pod. Shelling it open, he offered her a few of the tiny seeds from within. "Though, they appear to have a higher glucose content. Suffice to say, they are sweeter."

Taking the offered morsel, the Captain proceeded to sample their flavor. Finding it to her liking, she said, "These would be perfect with the braised Ka'torf Neelix has managed to perfect." Over the tops of the plants before her, Janeway saw the form of a young Ensign who was most often seen in Engineering. Remembering her reason for visiting with Tuvok, Janeway asked, "How well has the cross training for security been working?"

Tuvok stopped in his ministrations of the plant, as he turned towards the Captain. "I find that while Lieutenant Knorrer is not as adept as his prior abilities would allude. I find that Lieutenant Paris is quite capable. His experience is quite unique and offers a rather rare insight to those problems particular to Voyager."

The Captain nodded her head before she began to speak. "Paris is very good at reading people. He tends to be aware of things before many of the people know themselves." Janeway paused as she viewed a rare bloom on a Batazoid New Dranaque. Reflecting upon her own words, Kathryn smiled inwardly. It reminded her of the reason Chakotay and she kept a wide berth when the pilot was concerned. If anyone was going to figure out the 'exact' relationship between her and the Commander, it was Tom Paris.

"As always Captain, your observations are correct. Overall, the training has offered some insights to the crews’ complete abilities. I must acknowledge, that I find my time in the hydroponic bay quite refreshing." These words said, the Vulcan turned back to the task at hand and continued to prune various dying leaves from the Andorian peas.

Aiding her security chief, Janeway pulled several deformed leaves from the small plant. Informing him, she said, "Well then I'll leave you to your peas. I promised Torres that I would keep an eye on Engineering while she was busy with her cooking lessons." She added a returning smile for Tuvok's raised eyebrow. It was the only thing closest to amusement for the Vulcan. With a nod she then turned and promptly left for parts beyond.

Reaching the turbolift, the Captain issued her destination. Unfortunately as soon as the lift began its motion, so did her stomach. Once again, as yesterday, she felt the beginning signs of a bout with nausea. Her ultra-sensitive stomach quickly noted each barely detected shift in direction. In waves, the nausea hit her and it was none too soon before the lift stopped.

"Captain?" came Kes's gentle voice. She watched as Janeway walked off the turbolift with a step that was anything but the Captain's usual determined one. Keen eyes took in the Commanding officer's pallor and the hand upon her abdomen. "Are you okay?" she asked.

Waving a hand absently through the air, Janeway said, "Its just the peas." Seeing Kes's slightly furrowed brow, the Captain explained, "I sampled one of Tuvok's newest horticulture creations, the Andorian peas."

"Oh yes, we've been noting some slight toxicity. It’s very mild and completely null when they're prepared," Kes said with a concerned look clear upon her face.

"I guess my impulsiveness had gotten to me again, they were uncooked," Janeway said.

Kes nodded slightly then added, "The affects are minimal. You'll probably feel a little different for about an hour, nothing to worry though I'd suggest a lemon tea. I have found that a soothing remedy."

"Thank you, Kes. I'll be sure to try it," she thanked the small Ocompia. The opening of the turbolift doors prodded. A nod again, Janeway added, "I'm keeping you, but thank you again".

"Not at all, Captain," she replied. Then the small woman stepped in the lift as the Captain continued down the corridor.

For several days it appeared as if Kathryn Janeway was starting a new habit; staying up late. Unfortunately this time, the Captain couldn't blame it upon her Commander. Last night it was a disagreement between Neelix and Torres upon what to serve and how to serve the food. Typical with the short Talaxian, the food had to be based upon any form of Leyola root. Leyola root juice, Leyola root stew, Leyola root quiche.

Janeway shuddered at the last thought. She had taken one bite of the quiche and quickly found it to be one of the most revolting creations for Neelix to come up with in ages. B'Elanna on the other hand, had taken to the task of cook much as she took to her warp core. A flair to create with limited resources.

All it took, once both Klingon and Talaxian finished their complaints and growls, was a simple comment. A quick observation pointed in Neelix's direction on his 'abilities' to create, Janeway suggested he try his hand on Holodeck programs. His success with the recent program, the perfect catalyst. Maybe, just maybe, he could create something that wouldn't end up sending most of the Alpha shift into sickbay simultaneously.

While one dilemma was solved, another one couldn't be. Not unless Kathryn planned on taking a few hours off to catch up on some missed sleep. Dropping her head into her hands, Kathryn debated about canceling the weekly Sandrine's visit. While she knew Chakotay wouldn't mind too terribly much, the crew might speculate if both were absent.

Standing up from behind her desk, the Captain decided she'd convince him to go tomorrow. That way she could use the hours to catch up on some much needed sleep. For now she needed to check on the mining status.

Returning to the bridge, Janeway asked for the daily report. "Helm: status?" she asked Paris. Her eyes noting as Tuvok returned to his position at Security.

"All's quiet as she goes," the Lieutenant said. He punctuated it with a chipper smile.

"Ops?"

"Sensors detect no ships on short range nor long range. There is a binary star system approximately 10 light years ahead. No class M planets," Lieutenant Rebecca Ryan said.

"Thank you," the Captain replied. Not even two seconds had passed, when her stomach began to give a sign of protest. Rolling and churning the contents within, it began a debate on proper sequence of order. Finally it settled on reverse.

Kathryn jumped to her feet startling more than one person. She didn't even pause to notify Tuvok to take over. In fear that opening her mouth would be a crucial mistake. Thus Captain Janeway ran off the bridge leaving behind mixed looks of confusion, intrigue and speculation.

It wasn't till that evening, as he was stepping off the turbolift, that Chakotay heard about the Captain's impromptu departure from the bridge. A mining mission had been started late last night, when a nebula with some much need elements came into range. Chakotay had the honor of overseeing the operation. Thus between Engineering and the main science sections, the Commander hadn't seen the bridge since the previous morning. The thoughts of a hot meal in his mind, Chakotay made his way towards the mess hall.

"Commander?" A deep non-emotional voice called, halting Chakotay's progress.

"Tuvok, how are things in the hydroponics?" he greeted the Vulcan, stopping his journey.

"That knowledge, I would not know. I was required on the bridge for the majority of my shift," Tuvok said with little explanation.

"Anything to report?" the Commander asked. Chakotay felt the slight twinge of concern. Tuvok's assignment had been his cross training. Yet the Vulcan spent his duty upon the bridge.

"Negative, as of this time. Although the Captain might be a better choice to converse with upon any new findings. Her ailment has alieved and she is currently working on the triterioum allocations," the Vulcan said in his ever somber way.

"Ailment? Anything serious?" Chakotay asked. Wondering if maybe Kathryn did have the beginning signs of the Vendel virus. If she did, by now she'd be about ready to admit defeat and willingly go to sickbay. Turning back towards the turbolift, Chakotay spoke before Tuvok could answer his question, "Thank you Tuvok, I'll see to it myself."

"Very well," the Vulcan said with a slight nod. One brow raised as the Commander's retreating form seemed to change from one of extreme fatigue to one of concern. Curious, Tuvok thought to himself before heading towards the comforts of his own quarters.

Words swam before her eyes, some trying to form sentences that defied logic. Rubbing a hand over her brow, Janeway tried to rub the tension that had settled beyond. Knowing that another cup of coffee would do more harm then good, the Captain decided to switch her location. Rising from her chair behind the desk, she headed towards the couch. In hopes that the small comfort might alleviate the fatigue settling into her frame.

A Padd in hand, Janeway sat upon the soft cushions and curled her feet beneath her. The words no longer swam, but were actually beginning to make sense. Science needed the majority of argon for experiments. Engineering wanted practically all of the ammonia, with Neelix also asking for a unusually large quantity of the substance. Even stellar cartography needed some of the elements they had mined from the nebula. She allotted Engineering their share, siphoning a small quantity for the Talaxian.

Shifting position several times over the next hour, Janeway allotted elements and denied the same elements to the various departments on the ship. And so it went for quite awhile, and it was how Chakotay found her. Sort of.

Three times he had waited while her ready room sensor beeped its announcement. Three times he fidgeted and wondered how to casually mention her 'ailment'. After the third time, Chakotay did what any good Commander would do when the Captain wasn't answering; he overrode the computer.

Stepping into the room, Chakotay's face went from one of worry to one that held all his feelings in plain sight. With the softest of smiles, Chakotay watched Kathryn. The PADD was forgotten upon the floor. Her hand hung down, the fingertips barely brushing the surface as if trying to reach it. But reaching the dropped visual device was farthest from her mind. Lying upon her stomach, her head cradled in her other arm, Captain Kathryn Janeway was sound asleep.

Kneeling down, the Commander picked up the PADD and gave it a quick glance. Noting the topic, Chakotay mused that even he would be tempted to fall asleep on such a subject. Looking back at Kathryn, he noted the dark smudges beneath her eyes. Though he knew the daily running of the ship could fatigue the best of Captains, Chakotay worried more that she was pushing herself too far. Knowing Kathryn, it would take a lot of persuasion to convince her otherwise.

A hand upon her shoulder, Chakotay gently woke her. "Kathryn," he said. Watching as she slowly roused herself from grips of sleep.

The sight that greeted her was the one Kathryn had missed this morning. The same one she had grown accustomed not long following the night that had started, "My people have a legend."

"Those reports must of been a little more tedious than I thought," she added a smile while sitting up. Using swift fingers, the Captain pushed a wayward strand of hair back into place. Securing it once again.

"You sure it’s just the reports?" Chakotay asked. He wondered if Kathryn would bring up the morning's incident.

Kathryn saw through his question, with its not so subtle implication. Wondering who the culprit was that had informed Chakotay, Kathryn placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure its nothing. Its definitely not the Vendel virus, if its anything its probably just a good ole case of..."

"Over work," the Native American said giving her a meaningful look.

Kathryn smiled, slightly rolling her eyes. Standing up she headed towards the desk and searched through the small pile of PADDs. Many that still sought her attention. Finding the one she needed, the Captain looked up. "So says the one who has been spending the last two and a half shifts overseeing the nebula mining," she said.

"The same one who is also off for the next three shifts. You?" Chakotay asked. Seeing the quizzical look on Kathryn's face, Chakotay continued. "When do you plan to spend time off? Sleep doesn't count, Kathryn. You need time to relax more than just physically. Go to the Holodeck, walk in the hydroponics or even work on your painting."

Janeway saw the serious meaning behind his eyes. Dropping her own blue ones towards the desk, she listened as he added.

"Those will still be there. Getting them done on time, isn't going to matter to Starfleet. Well at least not for sixty some odd years."

His little attempt at humor wasn't lost on her. Lifting her face to his, Kathryn promised, "You’re right, it has been too long. Too long since I've had a nice hot bath without being interrupted by any spatial anomalies, Kazons, small..."

"Primates," Chakotay answered for her. Their smiles matched their thoughts.

The next morning when the bout of nausea caught up with her, she hadn't even made it out of the mess hall. It had followed right on the heels of her new ritual of lemon tea and toast. No, today her stomach was ready to begin its battle and with nary a morsel to throw.

Rising abruptly, the Captain made her way from the table. Quickly she strode to the nearest exit, in hopes of reaching her cabin. There and only there, would she allow herself the luxury of letting the rolling sensation to have its way. Until then, she kept the pace quick and the words few. Seeking the solitary domain of her quarters.

Reaching the doorway, her mind elsewhere, the Captain barely had time to stop herself as she ran into Lieutenant Paris and Ensign Wildman. Smiling apologetically, she said, "Sorry, I must of been elsewhere."

Taking in her pale color, which had been with her for days, Paris wondered aloud. "Is everything all right, Captain?"

Her words didn't alleve his concern as he took in with keen eyes; the quick way she spoke as if not trusting herself and the fidgety stance as though her coffee had twice the caffeine than normal. No, her words of, "I'm fine, Mr. Paris. Thank you," did nothing to convince the ever-observant pilot.

Returning his gaze from one of the Captain's retreating form to that of Samantha. Paris shrugged his shoulders as the two headed towards the small line already forming before the motley assortment of foods.

"Tom, did she seem a little pale to you?" Wildman asked picking up a bowl. Its contents a yellow like substance that constituted oatmeal.

Placing a bowl of his own, which had a form of cold cereal onto a tray Paris replied, "Yes, in fact Harry and I noticed something yesterday." Seeing Wildman's curious look, Tom continued, "She ran off the bridge early into the shift. We expected to hear later that she was in sickbay. Her coloring hasn't improved much since then."

Wildman followed Paris as the two made their way over towards Harry and B'Elanna. Finding seats, the two greeted the others and began to hash over the days building gossip. "Harry, you didn't notice anything unusual with the Captain today?" Tom asked coming straight to the point.

"Not really, but I've been going over some calibration stats," the young Ensign replied gesturing to the small PADD at his left.

B’Elanna spoke next, beating Tom to the question. "Actually I did notice something," she paused as if unsure how to state it. "She didn't really eat much, but what she did didn't seem to agree with her. Before you ask, no she didn't have anything unusual. Just some tea and toast."

Paris frowned slightly, wondering about the Captain. "We just ran into her, and she still looks pale," he said gesturing to Wildman.

"Actually, she also looked very tired. I noticed the fatigue around her eyes. You guys work the bridge, anything unusual going on?" the young mother said.

Paris and Kim looked at each other both shaking their heads. It was Harry who replied, "Nothing out of the norm. She's only been on the bridge for her usual shift, nothing special."

"Maybe it’s the mining operation. She did pass down the element assignments already and I didn't expect that to be done for another day," Torres suggested. The two men nodded subtly each one giving the idea some credence.

Wildman took a sip of her blue colored juice, before saying, "It could be just stress or any other numerous ailment."

Paris leaned forward catching the contemplating tone of Ensign Wildman's words. Placing his arms on either side of his tray, he asked, "You have an idea what it is, don't you?"

Samantha shrugged her shoulders dismissively. "Its nothing, besides I don't think the Captain would have this problem. I guess her ailments remind me too much of mine".

"Sam? You haven't been sick a single day since this little foray began," Torres said looking at the blonde Ensign.

Playing with the small remainder of oatmeal in her bowl, Samantha spoke. "True, I didn't have a virus but I was sick. Morning sickness."

"I don't think that's the Captains problem, she isn't involved with anyone. Plus there's the implants," Harry said as if the idea was preposterous.

"Harry, Harry... Harry," Tom said using his trademark for letting his friend know he was overlooking the obvious. "Why do you think I have that book? Surely not because I like causing trouble? You've seen the way the Captain and Commander behave."

"Paris! If either one finds out about that book. The only place your going to be piloting to... is into the brig," Torres said. It was a voice that definitely made Paris uncomfortable.

"What book?" Samantha asked. Her face filled with curiosity as she looked at the three crewmembers.

It was Torres that filled Sam in, as she gave Paris a smirk. "Tom here, keeps a running log and betting pool on various members of the ship. If memory serves me, it was Lieutenant Kneaders who won on your bet, Sam."

"My bet? Hold on there, how did I get into this book?" she said her face now filled with a meaningful glare focused on Tom Paris.

Paris not about to become convicted before being tried, said quickly, "It was about your daughter. Put the knife down Sam... it was on when she was due. You know the typical: whether it was a boy or girl, how much she weighted and when she was born"

"Oh, I see," Wildman said placing the knife back down. "Now you have one on the Captain and Commander?" she asked.

"And what name the Doc will choose," came from Harry.

"When Tuvok will smile," this from B'Elanna.

"Neelix stops using Leyola."

"Kes leaves Neelix."

"Already done, B'Elanna. Carey won after Kes tossed him out when she was taken over by the Warlord," Harry replied with a smirk.

"Forgot about that one, what about Lieutenant Ramsey and Ryan? Did we ever figure out who won for their first date?" Torres asked.

"I did," Harry said with a smile. "Always helps when their closest friend lives next door." The smug look Harry wore gave credence to his claim.

"Forget the book. Sam what do you mean about morning sickness," Paris said breaking into the chatter that filled the table. His blue eyes intent on the blonde Ensign.

"Well from what I've observed and the comments you guys have made, it sounds as if she has morning sickness. She's nauseous especially at the beginning of her shift and she is tired. Exact same thing I had when I was carrying my daughter. But like Harry said, Janeway isn't involved with anyone on board," Sam said.

"That's what she likes you to think," Paris drawled. "God, this would be great!" he said placing a hand to his chin in thought.

"Oh sure Paris, it would be great. Great to see what exactly the Captain would do to you, and the brig sounds way too nice," Torres said with a snort.

Leaning over towards Harry, Sam said in a soft whisper, "Is there any bets on Paris?"

Harry's face lit with a grin as he said in an equally low voice, "I have two, which one would you like? Paris with the brig or Paris with Torres?"

"You sure?" Chakotay asked again for the fifth time this evening.

"Absolutely." Kathryn said trying to keep the fatigue from her voice.

Not wanting to leave, but knowing he should, Chakotay added, "Okay, but if you need..."

From her seat upon the edge of the bed, Kathryn pulled her hair down. Speaking as she did so, "I know where you are. Chakotay, go before there is even more speculation." This time she couldn't keep the emotion out of her voice. The Commander noticed it also, and frowned at her almost sharp manner.

Puzzled at her continual change in manner, he finally nodded and exited. Stepping into the corridor Chakotay found himself before the Doc and Ensign Kim.

"Good evening, Commander," greeted the Doctor. A silent nod and a half smile was Kim's greeting.

"Doctor, Ensign," Chakotay greeted them. "Going to the holodeck?"

"Actually Commander, we were headed to speak with you," the Doc paused briefly to look at Kim. The Ensign seemed to shrink back a bit as if hoping to blend into the walls. "It has come to my attention that some of the 'trainees' in Sickbay have made a few miscalculations."

The Commander's brow raised in question while he looked from the Doctor towards the none too happy Ensign. Looking back to the EMH, Chakotay asked, "What type of miscalculations?"

"Nothing that a competent physician, such as myself, can't correct. I would request that several members of the crew report to sickbay for a checkup to be assured that all inoculations are of the proper dosage," the Doc said adding a nod for emphasis.

"Very well. Make a list of all crewmembers and I'll schedule it into their shifts for tomorrow. Will that be all?" Chakotay asked. Hearing the Doctor's denial, the Commander added, "Well if either of you would like to accompany me, maybe together we can collect some rations from our over-confident pilot." A smile crossed Chakotay's face and gave the effect he was hoping, temporary relief of worry and concern. It was as much for himself, as it was for the young Ensign.

First he had teased her about falling asleep in the ready room. She had taken it good naturally. Even adding fuel to the fire when he caught her asleep upon his return from Sandrines. Head upon folded arms, her hair spread upon her shoulders. Another failed attempt at reading one of the numerous reports.

Recently she had started skipping breakfast, always with the excuse she had to do something and would eat later. So he decided to surprise her by making her favorite terran breakfast, blueberry pancakes. Instead of a nice breakfast together, she had made a straight run for the bathroom, barely throwing off the bed covers in time. He could still remember the sounds of her getting sick. She claimed nothing was wrong that a few hours couldn't fix. Then why was she avoiding him?

Knowing that something was wrong, Chakotay planned on cornering her tonight. Refusing to let Kathryn go, until she told him what exactly. Maybe her visit to Sickbay might reveal the cause. Should it be some form of virus, the Doctor would no doubtedly find it. Assured of his thoughts and soon Kathryn's health, Chakotay headed towards Engineering.

Upon entering the EMH's domain, the Captain watched as he attended to a young crewmember. Like her, the young Lieutenant was here for a inoculation check. Seeing Ensign Kim, the Captain made her way towards the quiet Ensign.

"Nevarian antiviral?" Janeway said to the man. His head bent over the hyposprays and antiviral vials, he was busy filling.

Turning, Ensign Kim asked, "Captain, what can I do for you?"

"Actually the question is, what can I do for you. I was informed that I needed my inoculations checked," Janeway said as she found a bio bed. In a fluid motion, quickly seating herself upon it.

"Um, yes ma'am. I just have to take a quick scan. If everything's okay then there's nothing to be done," Kim explained. "I just need to make sure all the inoculations you were given, are sufficient."

"Scan away," the Captain said with a smile. She watched Harry open a medical tricorder and punch in her data code. As the small hand held object beeped, and Harry's brow furrowed, Janeway raised an inquiring eyebrow.

"Um, let me check this against another one," Kim said quickly. He took off to retrieve another tricorder. Waiting patiently, Janeway watched as the Doctor took care of another crewmember. Who unfortunately from the look on her face, needed an increase in some inoculation.

"Sorry about that Captain," Harry apologized quickly.

Janeway gave him a patient smile, knowing that Kim tended to get a bit flustered whenever given a new area to learn. Although the young Ensign had remarkable adaptation abilities, he had yet to see it for himself. Much like what he saw on this other tricorder, he was often stymied for a bit.

"Captain, I don't know what's with these things... I'll get the Doc," he said.

Ensign Kim didn't give the Captain a chance to ask what he had found. Whatever it was, it was confusing the young man. Maybe I am sick, she thought to herself. Her mind bringing up the past incidences of fatigue and nausea.

"Ensign Kim, should both tricorders indicate identical conditions, the odds are in favor that the condition exists," the doctor explained. Holding both tricorders in his hands, his eyes darted from one to the other. Engrossed in the readings, the doctor walked over towards the biobed where the Captain waited.

"I realize that, but its just that..." Harry Kim trailed off. He gave the Captain a sheepish smile. "Well the patient..." he tried but failed again.

Pausing from his observations with the tricorders, the Doc lifted his head to look at Kim. "Which patient might these reading be from?" he asked.

"The Captain," Kim said.

Now Janeway was worried. Especially the way Kim said his last statement. "Doctor?" Kathryn questioned the hologram.

Looking at his Captain, the doctor as was his ever tactful way, said, "Under the circumstances, being that this wasn't planned, I suppose an alternative solution might be needed."

"Alternative solution to what?" Kathryn asked.

"Why your pregnancy, of course. Surely you were aware, after all your approximately 1 point 3 months along," the Doc said matter of factly.

"My what!" Janeway yelled coming to her feet. Shaking her head, the Captain said, "Are you absolutely sure?" But instinctively she recounted her past week and knew within her heart, that it was true. How often did a person face nausea on a daily basis only to have it subside within several hours? Coupled this along with fatigue and her recent shift of happiness to extreme irritation, it all pointed to one thing. Captain Kathryn Janeway was about to become a mother.

Placing a hand against the biobed, Janeway sought support for her equilibrium. Regaining it slightly, she instructed, "This goes no farther. Understand."

"Yes, Captain," came Kim's almost muted reply. His feeling of doom once again returning. For it was evident that the crisis the Captain faced was due to the Ensign's miscalculation.

"Very well, Captain. Now about the father..." the EMH began. But the glare Janeway shot him caused the hologram to amend his sentence. "You'll inform me, as soon as you inform him."

Lieutenant Ryan knew a good thing when she heard it. What she had just heard earlier that day, was definitely beyond good. Being in the right place at the right time, always helped. So what if she had to sit through a second shot of antiviral. The two hour long dizzy spell was worth it. For one, no creature wanted to get the Nevarian virus. Nor spending six week in confines because your auditory nerves could pick up anything from the snip of scissors as Tuvok pruned his orchids to the shuffling of feet on the carpeted floor of the bridge. Six weeks with your head shoved under pillows was not fun.

Though hearing that the Captain was pregnant while one received the antiviral shot, well that was interesting to say the least. Especially for revenge!

First she needed her victim, and he was in Sandrines. Attempting to take more replicator rations from the fools who continued to try their luck. Finding her way to the holodeck following her shift, Rebecca Ryan found a nice open spot on the bar. Quickly she ordered a chilled glass of orange juice. Taking a soothing sip, the dark haired woman scanned the crowd for a certain engineering officer. And of course to await the victim.

After a hour, He showed up. Stepping up to the pool table to round up a quick game, Tom Paris smiled as he spied B'Elanna Torres and the Holographic Doctor. With an ever-confident stride, the blonde haired man made his way towards his friends’ location. From the animated conversation, it was evident the pilot was trying to persuade the half Klingon to try her hand. The shake of Torres's head, said she wasn't buying it.

"Waiting long?" came a masculine voice over Rebecca's shoulder. The voice's owner placed his hand on her shoulder.

Turning on her stool, Rebecca looked into the brown eyes of her closest friend Mark Ramsey. Currently the man was using his burly strength and keen ability on improvising, to serve Torres in Engineering. The ex-Maquis ever constantly keeping the often-defunct warp core up to par, whenever the Chief or Carey wasn't around. Now he was off duty, and so had come seeking out Rebecca as was often his way.

With a hidden smile behind the full beard he wore, Mark knew Rebecca was up to something. Something that clearly spelled trouble!

"Actually, not at all. I do have some interesting news, though. Something that might settle the score against a certain... shall we say... cupid," Rebecca finished with a wry grin.

Pulling a stool next to the dark haired woman, Ramsay nodded. His brown eyes turned to a darker shade, akin to black, as he began to remember. Tom Paris had 'accidentally' loosened the power conduit for Ryan's quarters. It had effectively trapped both Mark and Becca in her blackened quarters for over four hours. Oh yes, Tom was going to pay for his little stint at match-making that resulted in some serious explaining to the Captain. Especially on why the two Lieutenants had missed their shifts.

"What has your fascinating mind come up with?" Mark asked. Then ordered a small shot of synthohol.

Leaning forward, Rebecca placed her hand on Mark's knee. Then with a smile of pure deviltry, she launched into her plan to end Cupid's reign.

B'Elanna Torres viewed over the logs on the forward gravity unit. Several times this week it had mysteriously cut out resulting in some free floating crew members. Fortunately nothing too serious, and no injuries had resulted. As of yet, the reason behind its malfunctions continued to remain hidden. Having her hands full with the two pattern buffer overhauls, Chakotay had volunteered to look over the logs and see if he could come up with a reason. Torres, gladly accepted knowing it would take plenty of patience-- something Klingon's were not know for -- to find the glitch that kept splattering Neelix's Gandovian eggs.

Downloading the logs into the PADD, B'Elanna placed the small device atop the main console in engineer. Turning towards her left, she nodded when the form of Mark Ramsey came into view.

"Ramsey," the half Klingon greeted. Her eyes noted the small smudge of dirt on the Lieutenant's uniform. "I see that leak was in the Jeffries," she commented.

Looking down to where a black stain was on his left side, Mark replied, "Nothing like earning your rations now and again." Stepping over to the half Klingon, Ramsey casually looked at the data on her PADD before he said, "Torres, you’re close to Lieutenant Paris right?"

B'Elanna looked at the tall man critically, wondering what he was alluding to. Neutrally she answered, "Yes, why?"

Darting his eyes around the room for effect, Ramsey then looked back towards Torres. "When I was in section 12, I overheard him talking to some crewmembers," the bearded man halted giving the effect of someone not quite sure how to continue. "Well, I was wondering if what I heard was credible or not. Given the Lieutenant's previous antics."

"Well Paris tends to stretch things. Usually there’s truth behind the story. He didn't..." Torres asked. Her eyes suddenly going sharp at the thought of something she didn't want to hear.

Resisting an opportunity to needle Torres, Mark instead said, "No, nothing like that. Besides, I think the Lieutenant knows better than to say anything about your relationship. Especially before you’ve approved it." Okay, so he couldn't resist getting Torres. After all, she was the one who had told Paris which relay conduit.

"Ramsey... what did he say?" Torres growled, as her hands instinctively clenched.

"Torres, relax. It's about the Captain, not you."

"One day Mark," she threatened.

"I know, I know... your going to scatter my remains all the way back to the Alpha quadrant. Tell me is Paris credible?" Ramsey again asked.

"About the Captain... yes. Paris isn't foolish enough to lie on something like that," B'Elanna said pulling the PADD off the console.

Seeing that it was time to meet Rebecca, Mark turned to leave. Tossing out as he walked, "Thanks, I'll see you tomorrow. Night, Chief."

"Ramsey, what did he say." Torres voice rose. Its tone alone, halting the man.

Stopping on the threshold of Engineering, Mark Ramsey turned his head. "Oh, she's pregnant." With these words, Mark left with a knowing grin on his face. Quite the opposite to B'Elanna Torres who had yet to find the strength to close her own gaping one.

She's pregnant! She's... B’Elanna questioned herself. Tapping a finger against the side of the Padd she held in her hand, Torres said out loud, "Tom, you are either suicidal or... someone better start the schematics for the door."

Chakotay never made it to Engineering until well after the Alpha shift had ended for the day. As was the norm for its Chief Engineer, shift schedules didn't matter. Except maybe for whom was going to dodge the next flying arch welder. Spying B'Elanna near the side access tube for Jeffries 1, the Commander walked over towards the half Klingon. "Torres, have you been able to finish the read outs on the forward gravity unit?" Chakotay asked.

Turning around, B'Elanna debated about congratulating Chakotay or hurting him. It was one thing to hear that the Captain and him were 'obviously' involved. It completely different when she had to hear the good news about impending parenthood from one of her engineers. Crossing her arms in front of her chest, B'Elanna asked, "With this ship's rumor mill and in light of recent developments, did it ever occur to either of you that some of us might appreciate hearing it from you?"

The Commander furrowed his brow as he tried to make sense of B'Elanna's words. Unfortunately the chief engineer halted any questions of his own, as she continued to speak.

"Here," she shoved a PADD in his hand. "This is the readout on the grav unit. I'll start the schematics for the doorway when Carey returns from dinner. Now unless you care to join me, I have a transporter buffer that needs an overhaul." This said, Torres turned and walked out. Leaving a very confused Commander behind.

Doorway? What door... Kathryn you didn't! his mind put together. Then following in B'Elanna's wake, sought out the only person who just might be able to shed light on B'Elanna's words.

Kathryn placed the cup of herbal tea upon her desk, sighing as she did so. Her mind raced as to what to tell Chakotay. Several scenarios of his reaction came to front. Most often, the one which had been played in this very ready room, his refusal to seek out the child that Seska claimed to be his. Would he refuse this child too? He had believed Seska's to be his own, and yet he denied it. It had taken Kathryn's own insistent and his father's words, before Chakotay had seriously thought about the child. Though Chakotay hadn't accepted the child, he did seek the child. Although, with a detachment unlike she had ever known from him.

What about this child? The one that was truly his? Would Kathryn have to bear witness again, to the same detachment? Was it the child, Chakotay wanted to distance himself from? Or was it the mother for allowing what he didn't want? Did he want it? They had never asked that question, to each other or themselves.

"Chakotay to Janeway," the disembodied voice called from her combadge.

"Go ahead, Commander," she replied back, her voice wavering just the slightest.

"Captain, if you could spare a few minutes. I need to speak to you," Chakotay asked. Either he caught the note in her voice, or something else was wrong.

Now why do I get the feeling, this isn't going to be just a few minutes? the Captain asked herself. Replying, she told Chakotay, "Very well. I can meet you..."

"My office," he said. His comment resulting in a raised eyebrow from the Captain.

Oh yes, he definitely was going to make this a long one. And the topic surely wasn't going to be one they had covered on New Earth.

Rebecca Ryan and Harry Kim walked down the corridor, intent of grabbing a quick bite to eat. Rehashing the week's events, both Starfleet members talked of the latest cross training and some of the rather humorous results.

"She practically burned all the supplies. Even the ones Neelix had hid in the shuttle bay. But then I think the Doctor was helping Torres. After all it would make his work load a bit easier if he didn't have to spend time with so many sick members," Rebecca said to the dark haired Ensign.

Harry smiled on how the half Klingon had destroyed the famed supply of Leyola root. "Yeah, but did she get the ones in hydroponics?" Harry asked.

Shaking her head, Rebecca replied, "No. Unfortunately Tuvok was there and threatened to put Torres in the brig. Not that it would stop her."

"Definitely not. I don't think there's a brig for several thousand light years, that can hold B'Elanna," Kim said allowing a small laugh to fill his voice.

"Speaking of holding, did you hear what the Captain might be holding soon?" With a conspiratory voice, Rebecca added "and who she's obviously been holding?"

Harry blanched. His face losing all color as Rebecca's words sank in. The sounds of a funeral march -- his own -- ringing in his ears. With a voice that almost belied Harry's involvement, Kim asked, "Um, no."

Rebecca turned her head and took in Kim's pale face. Sorry kid, but this is for Tom. "Well evidently from what Delaney said, and she got it from the authority himself, Paris. The Captain and Commander will soon be welcoming the newest member to Voyager. A tiny, squirming bundle," Rebecca said with a face loaded with mischief.

"Paris said that!" Harry exclaimed.

"Yep, he sure did. Guess he's been monitoring more than just the ship’s location. So do you think it'll have brown or blue eyes?" Becca questioned placing a thoughtful look on her face. Don't worry Harry, everyone is going to be too busy to even know it’s your fault. Good job though!

Thomas Eugene Paris, you are going to be one very dead man. And not even B'Elanna is going to stop me! Kim said to himself.

Harry sat in a pool of misery. One of his own making. Wondering, when and how, he could rid the ship of one overenthusiastic pilot. Kim debated between out right bloodshed or discretion. Should he just choke Paris with his bare hands or give a gentle nudge out the air lock? Sighing to himself, Kim continued to await Torres.

On schedule, the half Klingon appeared in the mess hall and quickly made her way towards the down trodden Ensign. "Harry, have you seen Paris?" she questioned.

"If I did, I'd be in the brig," came the doomed man's reply.

"I know what he did to the Captain and Commander, but has he done to you?" B'Elanna questioned.

"He started the whole mess," Harry said. Slamming a fist on the table, Harry uncharacteristically let his temper get the best of him. "She trusted me! She trusted me not to tell anyone! Now with Tom, she'll think I let this out!"

"You knew before Tom? Back up there Starfleet, when did you find out?" B'Elanna questioned.

"Remember those data codes I messed up?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, but you said it was just the inoculations. I thought the Doc and you fixed that?" Torres questioned.

"I thought so too. Unfortunately not all the inoculations where antiviral. Some of them where implant boosters. The Captain's was one of those mistakes," Harry said dropping his head into his open hands. "I was the one who found out before even she did. I'm just glad she had time to tell the Commander."

Torres leaned back in her seat as she pondered Harry's last words. "He did look confused," she said in a half whisper.

"What?" Harry said raising his head.

"Nothing. Look I have to finish up those buffers. Sandrines tonight?" B'Elanna asked. A silent nod was her answer.

Paris spent the better part of the day puzzling over some strange questions. Especially ones that seemed to begin, "How did you find out about the Captain?" Heck he didn't even know himself, until Ensign Celeste Shetan had asked, let alone be the one to have started the rumor. If it was a rumor. As the old saying went 'where there’s smoke, there’s fire'. But did that mean the Captain was pregnant? It could be a product of too much time on the crew's hands, but then again she did get sick several times especially at the beginning of her shift. She also seemed pretty tired of late, but that could easily be blamed on the mining expedition just as the other could be blamed upon the ship's cook.

Reaching his quarters, Tom figured he’d worry about this particular dilemma and his unknowingly involvement, later. Punching in his code, Tom was about to step in when a familiar sight greeted him. Walking into his quarters, he motioned her to follow when the look upon her face seemed rather intent on him. Unfortunately he knew her intent had nothing to do with a certain event, a rather hostile Vulcan had interrupted.

"Paris, you better have an excuse this time because I just might help Harry dispose of the body if you don't," B'Elanna said in her Klingon style.

"Nice to see you too, Torres," the pilot said dismally. "I take it you've heard. Well before you go sharpening your Bat'leth I didn't start it."

"Tom, you expect me to believe that you've been framed?" she questioned placing her hands on her hips. Giving the look of complete disbelief.

"I know how it sounds, especially from the person who cries wolf all the time. I'm telling you as your friend, I had nothing to do with the rumor," he said. His blue eyes pleading for understanding.

Relaxing her position, B'Elanna stepped up to her friend. His eyes weren't the look of hidden agenda. If anything they seemed almost, hurt. "You're not lying, you didn't start this. Then who did?"

"That is the question I've been asking all day. Next to the one of why Harry is avoiding me. You wouldn't know anything on that subject?" Tom questioned. He found a seat on the edge of his bed.

Sitting down beside Paris, B'Elanna gave him a partial smile. "Harry was in the Captain's confidence when she found out. He thinks its all going to come down on him because you’re friends."

Paris dropped his head into his hands. "Now what have I dragged him through!"

"Commander!" Ensign Shetan called out to the dark haired Native American.

Looking up from the PADD that he'd been reading, Chakotay let a faint smile cross his face as he took in the sight of Celeste Shetan and Harry Kim. The blonde's usual enthusiasm for life, was clearly etched on her face in a vast smile. Kim was once again in the dark shroud of doom that seemed to be around of late. Chakotay reminded himself that he needed to talk to Harry on his mistakes in sickbay. To assure the Ensign that no harm had befallen the ship.

"Kim, Shetan," Chakotay greeted the two crewmembers. All three paused in the corridor.

"Commander, we like to offer our congratulations. After all, what better way to promote unity then to increase that union. I don't think even Neelix could of come up with a better morale booster," Celeste said a genuine smile on her face. "Right, Harry," the blonde said giving a nudge to the man's ribs.

Chakotay realized that through Celeste's words and Harry's almost forced ascent, B'Elanna wasn't the only one who knew. Call it the curse of small ships, knowledgeable crews and if his assumptions where correct, a leak.

"Thank you, Celeste, Harry," he replied fixing a smile upon his face.

"Oh look, I'm late. Catch you later Harry, Becca's waiting. Commander." Celeste gave her excuse then promptly left down the hall.

Chakotay and Kim watched Celeste's retreating form before turning towards each other. Placing a hand on Kim's shoulder, Chakotay said, "Harry, about sickbay." The Commander noted how the young Ensign tensed, and knew he had picked a good time to talk to Kim. "I need to talk with the Captain first, but I would like to talk with you in a hour. My office."

Harry visibly blanched at the mention of the Captain. I wonder what it would cost to buy Neelix's ship? the pale Ensign though to himself. He nodded his agreement to the Commander.

Seeing the extremely ashen tone of the man beside him, Chakotay added, "Harry, are you okay?

"Umm no... yes. Sorry Commander. Yes, I'm fine." Kim explained but mentally berating himself for the way it sounded.

Giving the young man a thoughtful look, the Commander said, "Very well. One hour." With a final nod Chakotay headed towards his office, leaving a still pale man behind.

Leaving Paris to his self misery, B'Elanna set out to find the Commander. In hopes she could make sense of what had become quite the mess. Finally cornering Chakotay in his office, B'Elanna entered and strode purposely to his desk. Watching as he finished a few commands for the next day's agenda, B'Elanna could scarcely contain herself. She watched his slow, almost deliberate, nonchalant manner.

Closing down the terminal, Chakotay looked up to give Torres a small smile. He noticed her anxious manner. "Torres, problem with the Buffers?" he questioned. Aware of B'Elanna's recent mention of overhauling the transporter device.

"No, they’re fine. Chakotay..." she began hesitantly.

Seeing the half Klingon's uncertainty, Chakotay prodded her to continue. "B'Elanna is there something you want to talk about?"

Sighing, Torres began to pace around the room. Not quite sure how to begin and if she should. After all, if the Commander and the Captain had chosen not to mention this to the senior bridge crew, did they want it mentioned? Hell Chakotay and Janeway weren't deaf, they had to know by now. So with a quick gulp, B’Elanna plunged in, "When we were in the Maquis. We would listen to rumors to find the truth behind them, right?"

Chakotay leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on his lap. Quietly he said, "Yes, we would."

"Do you still believe that? That rumors on board the ship have some truth to them?" she asked him.

"B'Elanna, I know what your asking," the Commander said softly. "And why you were so furious in Engineering. You want to know if those rumors about the Captain and I are valid."

Torres looked at Chakotay, the one man she use to call her best friend. Together in the Maquis they had been each other's confidant. Even when Chakotay had been involved with Seska, it was still B'Elanna he had confided in. When he did confide something. But that had been a long time ago. As Chakotay drifted from her, so did she from him. Now B'Elanna found most of her time shared with Harry and Tom. In the two men, she found what had been special about Chakotay. Tom offered her the rogue, the man who from his own experiences saw hers. The one who could best echo the hells of Starfleet. In Harry, B'Elanna found a gentle man. Who with his quiet demeanor understood her actions even when she didn't.

As she had found Paris and Kim, Chakotay had found the Captain. Or did she find him? He had been lost, fighting with a hardness that seemed to dissolve with his roles aboard the Voyager. No longer was he angry, but accepting. Not just his role as First Officer, but in who he was. He had accepted Chakotay, the man. If anyone could be given the credit, it was definitely Janeway. She gave him the direction he had always been seeking, but never finding.

B'Elanna had felt the rising of jealousy several times. Especially in the beginning when she thought her feelings for Chakotay went beyond platonic. Eventually those feelings began to subside, as the closeness between her and the two younger men began to replace the need for Chakotay. And it appeared as if the Commander had found someone too.

"B'Elanna, I didn't..." Chakotay began but was cut off by the young woman.

Her hair tossed as she shook her head. "You don't have to explain. You've probably been explaining about it all day."

"No, you’re wrong. B'Elanna its just we didn't want to reveal something, before we knew whether we wanted it."

"Wanted it?" she echoed as confusing covered her face. "Chakotay, you'll make a fine father. Why wouldn't you want it?"

"Father? Just exactly what have the rumors been saying!" he questioned leaning forward in his seat. His eyes unwavering from the woman's before him.

"Chakotay you of all people should know"

"You mean... the crew thinks she's pregnant!" The Commander leaned back in his chair. Shaking his head he added, "Things can never be simple on this ship, can they?"

"We’re in the Delta quadrant, and you want simple? Not on this ship."

"B'Elanna, I'd hold off on the door. We might be... together, but the Captain is definitely not pregnant," Chakotay said. He shook his head at the wild theories too much time on a starship generated.

Seeing that the Commander was now lost in his own world, Torres quickly made her escape. In doing in so, headed to find the two men that just might be interested in this new piece of information.

She hated wondering, it caused her mind to work. Especially on things she didn't want to work on. Like how to tell Chakotay. She debated for the second time in as many minutes whether to order up another cup of coffee or to settle for something with less caffeine. If her tense state of mind was anything to go by, definitely not the coffee. Walking slowly over towards the replicator, she instead ordered a tall glass of orange juice. Then continued to pace.

Finally, seeing the tread marks on the gray carpet, Kathryn decided to sit and wait it out. No need to reveal the hand before playing the game. Curling her legs beneath her, Kathryn pulled up the latest on B'Elanna's overhauls. Fortunately, she didn't need to read long before Chakotay contacted her. Unfortunately, he did it in person.

Chakotay strode into the ready room without announcement. Usually getting past the door announcer was a Maquis trick she found amusing. Today it wasn't so funny. Sitting up abruptly, she took in his manner. His tension seemed to echo off her own. But in amongst all that tension was another emotion, one that was.... lighter?

"How did they find out?" he said rhetorically. Pacing around much as she had been doing not more than two minutes ago, Chakotay said, "We were careful, discreet...."

"So you've heard too?" she said in a small voice.

"Yes," he said smiling. "We're involved and you’re pregnant," he said with a look unlike any she had believed to come from him. Laughter, Chakotay was laughing.

"What?" she said not sure she heard him.

"Pregnant, or so that's the rumor from the mouth of Tom Paris," Chakotay said with that same smile. Placing his hands on her desk, he leaned across it to peer in her eyes. "The question is though, how did they find out?"

Kathryn leaned back in her seat. More to find room to think, then for comfort. She had expected, actually envisioned, several scenarios regarding his reaction. None of them included the lighthearted manner he was currently experiencing. Avoiding Chakotay's eyes, she said, "Does it matter now?"

The Commander shook his head. He replied, "No it doesn't." Walking around the desk, he knelt in front of her and took her hand. "Does it?" His question was for her.

A wisp of a smile touched her lips. Clasping her free hand over their joined one, she said, "No. Not any more."

"Thank you." His words washed over her, soothing the worry they had both shared. Giving her hand a final squeeze, Chakotay stood as he said, "We'll discuss this matter later, but I don't think we need to worry about you being pregnant. That rumor will fade on its own in a few months. I have to go, Ensign Kim and I have a meeting," A gentle brush to her face was his good-bye, as the Commander left.

The door slid shut behind him, but Kathryn barely noticed. She only noticed that of all the things she ever did, she failed on one thing. "One man... you can't even tell him." Slowly her placed a hand to her forehead as she contemplated what had just occurred.

Harry entered the Commander's office with none of the hesitancy of before. He was still worried, but something in the XO's manner had removed the nervousness. Seeing the Commander motion towards an empty chair, Ensign Kim sat down and nodded.

Chakotay was glad to see Harry Kim was no longer condemning himself for the mix-ups. The young man's manner was more controlled. The movements of one that had found some form of acceptance within himself. Wanting to make sure that Kim wouldn't continue his previous self-depreciating manner, Chakotay began to speak.

"Harry, your work at Ops has been exemplary. It took time, and you've made your mistakes. Not a single person on board, the Captain and I included, hasn't made their share of mistakes."

Watching as the Commander added a half grin to the last statement, Harry furrowed his brow. He attempted to seek meaning to the words. Was the Commander talking about past experiences or the current?

Chakotay saw the Ensign's confusion. Taking a deep breath he began to speak again. "It happens, Harry. You won't like it sometimes, but you just accept it. Make the best you can out of it. Sometimes mistakes can be Fate's way of showing us a new path. The day we landed in the Delta quadrant, we all blamed ourselves for the individual things we did wrong, that landed us here. Yet, it was these mistakes that showed us all a new path."

Harry Kim looked at the Commander, noting how the Native American's dark eyes spoke of understanding and acceptance. The Commander didn't condemn him, for the new path that the Captain and he were going to be taking. Realization hit Harry as he understood what the Commander was really saying; that it was accepted and even welcomed.

Feeling the dark shroud lift, Harry then said, "I understand that now, sir."

Tom sat alone in his quarters, tentatively drinking a golden liquid. He contemplated the idea of venturing down to the Holodeck. Unfortunately, with so many stopping him to question about the Captain, he'd probably never make it there. Nor would it be a safe bet. Then again, maybe the Captain would be too busy with others to worry about the 'leak'.

Tom shook his head realizing the futility of the thought. One thing, he sure wasn't going to forget about the leak. If anything, he had been replaying it over and over. Trying to figure out exactly whose hit list he was on, this week.

A soft chime echoed within his room, signaling the arrival of some person who wished to speak with him. Unfortunately Tom wasn't in the talking mood. Especially if he needed to do some fast explaining to a certain Captain or Commander. Sighing softly, Paris called, "Enter" before standing up to greet his guest. To his surprise, the sight that greeted him was one he could easily get use to. Now if only she would do it more often. Standing in his quarters was a smiling, if not exuberant, B'Elanna Torres.

"'B'Elanna, you feeling okay today?" he asked the woman before him. An amused look for her.

B'Elanna ignored his comment, but not the way his eyes sparkled with devilment. "Where's Harry?" she questioned him.

"He said the Commander wanted to talk to him about sickbay. I offered to..."

"Wait, he went to Chakotay!" Torres exclaimed. The smile now vanishing.

"Torres?" Tom tried to question her.

"We've got to stop Harry! Chakotay doesn't know!" Torres said as if that was explanation enough. She rushed across the room to Tom's place by the desk.

"Doesn't know what? B'Elanna, what are you talking about?"

"The baby, the Captain didn't tell him yet. He thinks its part of the rumor!" B'Elanna said her hand already reaching for her combadge.

Tom beat her to it, as the sound of activation filled the room. "Paris to Kim?" he practically barked.

Chakotay's brow raised when the pilot's disembodied voice filled the office. His curiosity was peaked, especially if the Commander's guess was right, a voice could be heard in the background of Paris's call. A voice that sounded very feminine and definitely Klingon.

Kim smiled apologetically as he answered, "Kim here, Tom can this wait? I'm in a meeting."

Tom looked at Torres, his eyes pleading for an excuse. "Harry, I... I got pulled in to help out in Engineering on a project and I...." Paris said stalling as he watched B'Elanna type on the PADD. Her hand pushed the small object in front of his face. He began to speak immediately while reading, "The molecular relay node is off alignment and I'm going to get him, stay here keep..."

B'Elanna shook her head as Tom read off, her message to him. "NO!" she yelled as she took off towards Chakotay's office.

"Tom? Stay where, what are you talking about?" came Kim's voice.

Chakotay kept silent as he watched the man before him. Kim hadn't heard the yell in the background, and actually scowled at the words of his best friend. Knowing Tom and B'Elanna, the Commander had a feeling the two were up to something. Something which involved their friend. Harry, having spent the past couple days in a dark shroud of self imposed guilt, didn't appear to be in the best of moods. Leaning back, Chakotay devised a way to even the odds for the young Ensign.

Slamming against the wall of the corridor, Rebecca and her friend Celeste quickly got themselves out of the way. Both watched as the chief engineer came flying down the hall.

Turning to Rebecca, Celeste asked, "No red alert... did we miss something?"

As Tom Paris soon came following down the hall, Celeste answered her own question, "Definitely."

Tom listened to Harry's comment while trying to follow B'Elanna's running form. Unfortunately, each time Harry's comment required a response, Tom had to pause. Lest the sounds of his exertions would filter through the combadge. Resulting in one clued in Ensign.

"Chakotay to Torres," came the Commander's voice.

Paris resumed running as soon as he finished telling Harry, 'the conduit is totally fried. No the alignment won't respond to the bypass', whatever that meant. Tom didn't know and to be honest didn't really care. He just wanted to get this right otherwise, the torpedo bay was going to look pretty good.

Losing sight of Torres as she rounded a corner, Paris's ears picked up another sound. It carried the distinctive tones of the Commander. "Umph!" Tom grunted as he rounded the corner and slammed into B'Elanna's halted form. The force of the impact, almost bowling over the small woman.

She shot Tom a glare, especially for the way his arms went around her waist in his effort to keep her from falling. Ignoring him, she responded to Chakotay.

"Torres here," B'Elanna said. Her body went straight and tense. Almost as if the Commander was visibly there and knew of the subterfuge.

"Torres, what are you currently working on?" Chakotay asked.

Paris watched as Torres tried to hold back a definite swear. Then her arm came out, to push him forward. A silent instruction to continue towards the Commander's office.

Harry's dark eyes narrowed, as the Commander contacted the Chief Engineer. B'Elanna was busy, so why did Chakotay contact her? And why wasn't 'she' the one answering Tom's questions?

"Torres, what are you currently working on?" came the Commander's voice cutting through the air.

"The relay for the bio-feed.... on the," Torres replied walking quickly, to follow Tom's running form. She let a half smile cover her face, when she saw Paris catch the turbolift.

Celeste furrowed her brow as she looked at Becca's amused smile after seeing the Tom Paris nearly run over B'Elanna Torres.

"Let me rephrase that. What did I miss?" she questioned the woman beside her.

Ryan just smiled, a long fully mischievously smile. "Oh nothing we have to worry about," she said cryptically watching as Torres took off following Tom's running form.

"Harry... Harry... Paris to Kim," came the voice from Harry's thoughts.

"Right here, Tom. Hold on," Kim instructed Paris.

"Harry, that's a little hard..." Placing a hand over his combadge, Paris instructed the turbolift in the direction of the Commander's office. Seeing Torre's form, Paris manually caught the doors, as she reached the lift.

.With the back of the lift absorbing the energy from her run, B'Elanna stopped. Even before she turned around to face Tom, she began, "I think he bought it." An arm coming around her shoulders, and his hand placed over her mouth effectively stopping the words. Had Paris not gestured to his combadge, nor Harry responded over the open comlink, Tom would of been heading to sickbay. Especially since this time, the Klingon bite wouldn't be one of affection.

"Becca!" Celeste called out with an open mouth of astonishment. Her eyes in total shock at the scene Paris and Torres made in the turbolift. It wasn't everyday, she got to see Tom placing his arm around B'Elanna. Then again, with the rumors of a previous away mission, things could be interesting.

"Becca... did you!" Celeste tried again.

Suddenly an arm reached out grabbing Celeste, pulling her into action as Becca informed her running down the hall. "Don't worry about them, we have other things to do. Come on, we have to get to Mark!"

"One day, I'm going to figure this out, right?"

"Oh sure, about the same time as Chakotay," Becca replied to Celeste’s question.

"Chakotay? Wait a minute, Chakotay... first you said Mark... do I even want to know?" Celeste replied shaking her head following the running form of her friend.

The moment the turbolift stopped, B'Elanna and Tom were back in action. Chakotay had other plans as he asked, "B'Elanna wouldn't it be helpful if you returned to Engineering?"

This time B'Elanna didn't hold back the swear, as she growled sliding to a halt.

Not to lose the chase, Tom rounded the corner and within several strides had reached the Commander's door. Fortunately, the doors opened promptly. Evidently Chakotay hadn't seen the need to incorporate the lock.

"Excuse me Commander, but I really need to speak with Harry," Tom said giving both men a serious look.

"Lieutenant Paris, might I ask what this is about?" Chakotay asked this time completely able to hide the grin that would usually give him away.

"Well, sir... we had this problem..." Paris began.

"We, Paris. Might this we be Torres?" Chakotay persisted, watching as the sandy haired pilot darted his eyes towards Kim.

Harry watched Tom. Something about the man's manner clued him in, that once again Tom was in big trouble. Now the question was... why was Tom pulling in him? When Tom gave him an imperceptible motion, Harry narrowed his eyes trying to decipher his friends meaning. But when Tom mouthed the word 'baby' and shook his head, Harry Kim felt that this time, he wouldn't mind being pulled in.

"Commander," Harry said bringing Chakotay's attention away from the squirming pilot. Seeing the First Officer's look to continue, Harry said, "Sir, maybe I should go aid Tom with this problem. It’s probably a little complex for him."

Tom frowned at that comment, but bought it anyway. Thankfully so did Chakotay as he said coming around his desk, "Very well. Harry, do think on what I said."

Kim nodded his head, as he said, "I will, sir. Commander..." Harry paused as the sound of the doors opened once again. Over his shoulder, the dark haired Ensign saw B'Elanna enter. Stepping up to Chakotay, Harry said, "Commander, I realize that the timing should of been yours and the Captain's choice. Well what I'm saying is... it’s about time."

"Harry!" B'Elanna began to exclaim with alarm, mistakenly believing that her friend had just foiled the entire thing for the Captain. But when Tom took her by the arm, dragging her out and Harry said, "Torres, don't we all need to go back to engineering?" She promptly shut her mouth. For the second time, that night.

As the doors behind the three friends closed, Chakotay leaned against his desk. They were definitely up to something. Something they obviously didn't want him to know. The question was what? It couldn't be the relationship, because several had confronted him already. So what was it?

Pushing off the desk, the dark haired man walked over to gaze at one of the few items he managed to save from his old ship. With dark eyes taking in the multi-hued design of the spirit wheel, Chakotay pondered over the many reasons why Torres, Paris and Kim would be secretive. He just hoped whatever they had up their proverbial sleeves, didn't end them in the brig. Sixty-some years was a long time for them three to be stuck in the same room.

Tom had said maybe no, Chakotay thought to himself. remembering as the pilot had mouthed the words to his friend. Or was it something else? A hand to his chin, Chakotay mulled over his own thoughts, as he paced around the room. Okay Paris, what have you been up to.... the rumors... maybe ... The pacing stopped.

"No breakfast, sick , tired.... Kathryn, we are going to have a very long talk," the Commander said to himself aloud as he headed out of his office.

She sat on the end of her couch, alone in her quarters. Placing the glass down atop the table before her, Kathryn stepped over towards the terminal debating whether to work on some of the duty rosters or to give in to the pull for a nice hot bath. That debate was easily settled, by a turn of the wrist and the sound of rushing water. Picking up a small bottle, the thick steam quickly became reminiscent of a tropical forest as the scents of orchids filled the room.

The wet heat of the water eased the tension from her body. While the gentle scents soothed her mind. This little luxury always managed to make her forget the more pressing matters, and yet give her time to contemplate things she enjoyed. Tonight it failed her, as one of the most pressing matters she had ever faced, surfaced.

Blue eyes where hidden behind closed lids, but the images she saw were just as vibrant as if her eyes were open. Again as before, she imagined how to tell Chakotay. She had to tell him, because if anything time wasn't on her side. Chakotay was very observant. He could pick up on things as fast, if not faster, as a certain pilot. If she didn't tell him soon, he was going to figure it out himself. That was not what she had planned.

Straight forth, she said to herself picking up the small sponge. Slipping deeper into the warm water, her mind drifted into emptiness.

Several, long and relaxing minutes later, the sounds of a door brought her from the half conscious state. Sub-muted steps could be heard, then a voice.

"Kathryn?" Chakotay called.

"In here," she responded replacing the heated water for the warmth of her robe.

He stepped to the threshold between rooms, but leaned against the doorway. He watched as she tied the sash of her robe. Though it covered Kathryn almost completely, he could still see blush on her skin from the water's heat. Cocking an eyebrow, he said, "It looks different on you."

Her eyes narrowed, "Different? What?"

"Your robe." He wanted to smile at the way her eyes widen just a fraction, but knew it would definitely give him away. Turning away lest she see the humor in his own eyes, Chakotay said, "I talked to Harry... and Torres... and Paris. It was... enlightening"

She followed him. Watching as he seated himself at the desk. "How so," she questioned as a small smile lit upon her features.

"I think it started out with my trying to talk to Harry about his assistance in Sickbay. Somehow..."

"What did he say."

"It turned towards Engineering."

Kathryn's brows dipped inward. "Engineering?"

"Paris was helping B'Elanna," he shook his head ruefully. Paris helping Torres always amused them, but a Tom Paris helping in Engineering - that was down right comical. "I heard something about one of the molecular relays. The alignment was out and its power conduit was burnt, so Kim eventually went to help Paris."

"What did he say."

"The manual bypass failed..."

"Not Tom, Harry... what did he say... about sickbay."

Chakotay smiled, and as the Captain's smile grew tighter almost strained he answered. "Not much, he just feels that..."

She went white, almost stark white. He knows! Swallowing the lump in her throat, she opened her mouth to speak but never had the chance as Chakotay began to speak again.

"...he was upset about his mix-up. I explained that it was something to learn from not to condemn himself. He just needed to see the positive." Chakotay leaned forward as he continued. His hand finding a small bundle he kept around for repairs. "He also extended his support on our relationship."

Kathryn's color came back just the slightest. "Then everything's fine. Shipwise and Harry?" She seated herself on the corner of the desk, watching while Chakotay opened the small bundle of tools. That man is going to get it one day, she thought to herself at the way Chakotay seemed too pleased with himself.

"Yes. Could you hand me that tricorder," he asked gesturing to the device beside her. His face devoid of any emotion, while inside he questioned, Curious, Kathryn?

Kathryn picked up the small instrument. She extended her arm towards the Commander, her eyes taking in the fact that this tricorder wasn't the standard one. The tricorder was a medical one. "Problems?" she questioned making sure her voice remained neutral.

"The doctor was going to contact Torres, but since I was in sickbay. I figured I'd see what's wrong with this one. Could be just a simple scan adjustment. We did this often in the Maquis." He pulled off the cover, but looked up as she slipped to her feet.

"Tuvok will be running another drill during the Gamma shift. I suggested doing a 'boarding' drill. Well... I think I'll go finish up the Deuterium log on the exhaust." She left on bare feet, pausing to pick up the waiting reports. A moment later and she was relaxing upon the soft comfort of the couch.

They spent close to an hour in silence, each one intent upon the task at hand. Kathryn had interrupted once, to instruct the computer for some soft music, but then returned to her reading. Chakotay had paused, but his was a silent one. Quietly, he watched Kathryn, noting how her brow would furrow, crease or smooth depending on the information her mind saw upon the report. He liked this about her. The way her face would reveal the mind behind it. Sometimes she was loud, a single look clearly telling what words didn't need to. Other times she was silent, as if a look would be too fragile for the air. But now... now she was soft. Only her brow giving trace to the ideas she thought.

During her long bath, Kathryn had decided to tell Chakotay. It would be tonight, hopefully after dinner, if no anomalies or other ship intrusions kept them from what little time they had together. She kept trying to keep her mind from imagining a scene all to familiar. A scene where he had decided not to seek out the child Seska claimed was his.

He changed his mind. a voice reminded.

Did he? she questioned back. Following the Doc's admission that the child in fact wasn't the Commander's, Chakotay hadn't said another word on the topic. That, was precisely what worried her.

Her looks were getting darker. Deep. For a minute, Chakotay entertained the idea of going to Kathryn and confessing he knew. She was worried, of that he had no doubt. What she needed was to remove that worry, and he knew only one person to do it.

Standing up, Chakotay took the now fixed tricorder and walked towards the couch. Fingers danced on the device's surface as he approached Kathryn.

"It was just the sensor. But I want to check it before I attempt to put this thing back together."

Kathryn's head shot up, as well as her body, as she slid off the couch. Realizing her action just might arouse his curiosity, Kathryn spoke as she headed over towards the replicator.

"Lets wait, I'll get dinner," she offered.

"Its my turn for dinner... Kathryn is everything all right?" A half smirk, quivering.

She threw a hand absently over her shoulder, "Yes, I just felt like cooking." It was a poor excuse, but her mind wasn't cooperating.

"This will only take a few seconds," Chakotay said stepping up behind her.

"A new recipe... Let me get the molecular formula...." now she headed into her sleeping quarters. Even as she found her escape, she could hear a faint trace of laughter.

"Formula? Whose formula is it?" he questioned. "Wildman's?"

"Wildman's?" she stepped back into the larger room. Commander, what are you up to? The smirk was barely contained. It still hovered on the edges of his mouth, giving him an almost seductive look.

"I just assumed," he began.

"Assumed?"

A shake of the head. "Never mind...." The smile now growing, teasing. "Hold still... while I check this."

She tried to step around him, but Chakotay was too quick. His tall form blocking her escape.

"Really, Chakotay..." he tried another step. No luck.

gleep....beep

"That didn't take long," Chakotay said as the small unit announced its findings. His head was still bent over the device taking in the readings, thus he missed her movement as her hand grasped the device.

Careful to place her hand so casually over the readout display, Kathryn took the device. "May I," it wasn't a question.

Chakotay raised his head, his eyes dark but dancing. "Its working, fine... and your in good health, " he informed releasing the device. His manner nonchalant.

"What?! It can't be working," she exclaimed grabbing the device. Blue-gray eyes attempting to take in the many readings, levels and temperatures. "But... it would say...." she began.

"I know." Deep, calm, and softly he spoke the words.

Kathryn looked up at Chakotay, her eyes questioning. "You know? You know!"

"Yes, Kathryn." he replied.

She pulled herself up to her full height, eyes glowing, narrowing. On the bridge any time she did this, she was downright intimidating. While short in statue, she was never short in strength. She could stare down any number of aliens, entities and especially crewmembers. But right now, in front of him, she was anything but intimidating.

Her hair was loose, still unconfined since her bath, but now it was softer; silky. The blue robe she wore brought the fire of her eyes to the surface. And the way she held his gaze, the same way she was now holding his child; gently, made Kathryn anything but intimidating. Beautiful, was the only way he could describe her.

She didn't move, nor did she tear her eyes from the deep well that was Chakotay's own. Kathryn could drown in them if she allowed herself to, but she never did. Until now.

"How... when?" Her voice was unsure, very uncharacteristic for her.

A hand reached out, intertwining into her hair. It brought them closer. Leaning into his hand, Kathryn waited.

"How... no-one and everyone. When; today. Kathryn, why didn't you tell me?" he asked her. His dark eyes probing.

She closed her eyes, hiding the doubts she had. Chakotay didn't seem upset nor angry. He was if anything, understanding. With a sigh she opened her eyes, "To tell you the truth. I was worried, that you... wouldn't want the child."

"Oh, Kathryn," he said pulling her to him. The words a whisper, almost a plea. He wrapped her in his embrace, the action calming, the gesture confirming. Tearing himself from her, he looked in her eyes. "Come," he said taking her hand and leading her over towards the couch.

Their hands still intertwined, she sat upon the seat while Chakotay knelt in front of her. He didn't meet her gaze, but looked at her hands instead. His thumb ran across the back of her fingers, noting the absence of adornment. It was something he was going to change soon.

Looking up, Chakotay's dark eyes found hers, as he spoke. "When I had to decide whether or not to seek the child Seska claimed was mine, I sought my father. He told me something. Something about a child, Cea Aktoo. His mother didn't give consent for his creation, yet she chose to give him life and her love. He became a great leader of my people. From him, my father and I come. Just like this child will." Chakotay paused as his hand settled upon her abdomen. The touch elicited a small response, as her eyes seemed to become luminescent.

Continuing, the man spoke, "Kathryn, I know you love this child. You never once gave concern to your own thoughts, because you had already accepted this child. What worried you was my thoughts, my reactions to this child. We created our child, with love from love. That Kathryn is what I feel, for you and our child."

Kathryn looked at this man. The one no longer hard and angry at the past, but accepting and now eager for the future. Here, in this room Chakotay had banished what doubts she had for her own future. Ours, he had said our child. Words seemed insincere to thank him for what he gave. Placing her own hand atop Chakotay's, Kathryn looked down at them. His large protective one, her smaller comforting one. Together, they both tried to shelter the child beneath.

Looking up at Chakotay, she said, "I don't know what to say... where to begin."

He gave her his best smile as he said, "How about we begin with.... picking a name?"

Kathryn Janeway's action was her words, as she leaned forward and pulled the father of her child, into her arms. Intertwined, much as their hearts and lives had become, they shared in the warmth of a promised future. 

Finis