*Chakotay to Janeway.*

Janeway here. Kathryn glanced up from the data padd in her hand and smiled at the unseen voice. She hadn't seen him all day, not since the briefing that morning. It was stupid how hearing him over a comm channel sent a special jolt through her stomach, but it did, and she grinned wider.

*Do you have a moment, Captain?*

A typical request of a captain from her first officer. It was so mundane that so far nobody else on the ship had detected its hidden meaning. In fact, it was code for I'm alone if you're alone. Let's get together. If either one of them was unavailable, the request would be taken simply as regular ship's business by any other crewmember present at the time, and they could try again later.

But at this time, the captain was alone in her quarters, reviewing the snag they had hit on the nacelle conduit project. A glass mug of coffee, vital for inspiration, rested at her elbow. She needed to continue her work, but the thought of pursuing it in his presence was far more inviting than staying sequestered in her quarters by herself, coffee or no coffee. After spending so much off duty time with Chakotay, both working and relaxing, she wondered how she had ever withstood her past solitude and not lost her mind.

That depends, she answered playfully. What do you plan to do with my moment if I give it to you?

He was suspiciously silent, and when he replied, she heard the restrained mischievousness in his voice. *I can't answer that over a comm system; too dangerous. But come to my quarters and I'll give you a detailed report on the subject.*

I love detailed reports.

*I know.*

There's one problem, though - I don't have my boots on.

*That's not a problem - I love your feet.*

I know. She laughed. I'll be right there. Janeway out.

Kathryn grabbed her mug of coffee with one hand, held the data padd in the other, then left her quarters. She padded down the corridor in her bootless feet, enjoying the feel of the soft carpet beneath her toes. She continued to study the padd and take sips of coffee at alternate intervals until she arrived at the commander's cabin. She pushed the door chime with the edge of the padd, still reading.

Come!

The door swooshed aside and she entered, still reading. Hi, she greeted without looking up. She held out the mug of coffee.

Chakotay was seated on the cabin's floor, surrounded by carving tools and chunks of wood. With barely a glance, he reached out to take the mug and sipped the hot liquid as he rearranged two pieces of wood that didn't quite fit together. Thank you. So, what do you think?

About what?

Chakotay stopped what he was doing and looked up. Kathryn was still standing in exactly the same place she'd paused at when she entered the room. He watched her push a few more ideas into her data padd, then pensively bite her cheek when she didn't get the results she expected.

A smile slowly crept across his features. She was so preoccupied that he could have stripped naked and done a belly dance and he didn't think she would notice. He briefly considered that action, but decided he preferred simply to look at her. Despite the fact that they spent so much of their time together, there really weren't many opportunities for them to simply wallow in being thrilled with each other. Chakotay indulged himself for as long as he could.

Kathryn was unaware of his scrutiny. Her attention was so completely absorbed in her mathematics dilemma that he stared at her unimpeded for a good five minutes. Though her hair was still in the ponytail she used to hold it back while on duty, at this late part of the day stray strands hung about her cheeks, getting in her way so that she had to brush them back in semiconscious irritation. Then she pulled the ponytail over her shoulder and curled the fingers of her left hand around it while her brow creased in total academic concentration. Her eyes lit up and she released her hair, only to bite her lip, then curled her toes into the carpet and punched more buttons on the padd. For all he knew, she'd forgotten he was in the room. But even when she was ignoring him in favor of her work, he thought she was beautiful. He sighed softly in something close to rapture.

She went through two more series of toe-curling hair-tugs. Then she suddenly jerked her head up, her concentration broken by a hidden trigger, and said, I'm sorry, did you say something?

Chakotay chuckled. Anybody ever tell you you're beautiful when you're thinking?

Janeway waved her hand mockingly through the air. Of course, all the time, but only when I'm thinking. Her gaze fell to the project he had spread out in front of him. The data padd fell to her side and she regarded him with a smile. What are you building now?

Chakotay turned back to the wood. This is what I called you over to see. I wanted your opinion before I finished it.

Janeway slowly walked around the jumble of carved and whittled pieces, looking at it carefully. What appeared to a good sized rectangular box sat on the floor, surrounded by sticks, curved pieces, and attachments. It didn't look like much of anything to her. It's too small to be a bathtub, she pointed out helpfully.

His eyes rose to glance at her in exasperation. You already have a bathtub.

I liked yours better, she quickly confided.

He laughed again, very lightly. It wasn't the tub you liked so much, it was the company.

Ah, that's right. I always did have a fondness for that little primate. I wonder what happened to it?

He's probably living in your bathtub even as we speak. He grinned up at her before turning back to the mysterious pile of wood. Let me rearrange some pieces for you - it might help.

Her mind wandered back to her math problem, and she tried another theorem on the off chance it might solve the entire puzzle. It didn't. When she glanced up again, he was almost ready. But she didn't need any more clarification to know what the object was supposed to be. She drew in a soft breath and melted into a smile. You're building a cradle.

He nodded. For Marii Bartlow. How does it look so far?

Kathryn knelt to run her fingers gently over the rough wood. He had finished the rockers and only had one more spindly leg to do. The actual cradle was a little smoother and he'd already started carving the headboard. Flowers and symbols decorated the wood, and where he hadn't carved yet were drawings of proposed designs. Chakotay, it's beautiful. She'll love it, she predicted.

I'll admit I was hoping you'd say that. I've never made anything this complex before - my confidence needed a good boosting.

Well, no need to worry - it's perfect.

He grimaced. I wouldn't go that far. The rockers aren't exactly even, and my original design was for all four legs to look alike.

She took a closer look at the legs in question. He was right, they were all shaped differently, with a lumpy roundness to each one. I don't know, I think the differences give each leg its own personality. And it's definitely a unique gift.

That's one way of saying it.

Chakotay, I think it's wonderful. It will be a far better place for Marii to keep her baby than where Samantha had to keep Cat. We didn't have any child care facilities then.

I figured that when this new baby outgrows the cradle, we can put it in storage until the next one comes along. It's pretty recyclable.

Well, at least until we see how energetic this new child will be, she hedged. Cat destroyed the first two beds Samantha devised for her.

This is pretty hard wood; it will take a mighty strong baby to do too much damage.

She touched the wood again. Where did you get it? We haven't stopped at any planets recently with hardwoods that I recall.

He retrieved a carving tool from the carpet and continued to work. I've had it awhile, he confessed. Way back when Henderson first announced she was pregnant, I gathered the wood from that deserted planet -

The one with those grape things.... Oh, Neelix was ecstatic. How could I ever forget.

But then she miscarried. I didn't have the heart to finish it at the time. The tool was still pressed to the wood, but he was lost in the memory, and his work stopped.

Kathryn's brow creased in empathy. She moved behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest, pressing her cheek to his. As captain, she hadn't realized what effect Ensign Henderson's unfortunate miscarriage had on the crew. Like her, she thought everybody had mourned for a time, given the ensign their support and condolences, and moved on. Now she saw that some things were never completely buried, especially not to people as emotionally vulnerable as Chakotay. He felt the loss of the baby as deeply as its parents. Even though time had passed, he still felt it. So, now she just held him, letting him know she understood.

At last he sighed, squeezed her arm, and she kissed his cheek. Thanks, he said simply.

You're welcome. And I don't think you have anything to worry about with Bartlow - I saw the doctor today and he said she was coming along fine. She's healthy, and in about two months, she'll have a healthy baby. Better hurry up with that cradle, Commander, she teased. First baby's are unpredictable.

Unpredictably late, he informed. He took another drink of coffee, then handed the mug to her. What were you doing in Sickbay?

She took a quick drink to cover the sudden apprehension that flooded through her. She hadn't been prepared to discuss that just yet. I had my physical, she said easily, attempting to put him off. She took another drink of coffee.

Oh. Is it that time of year already?

She laughed and had to swallow fast. It's getting there.

I haven't heard anything yet. Maybe he'll forget about mine. He touched his carving tool to the wood again and went back to work.

Quietly Kathryn breathed a sigh of relief. That had been

easier than she thought it would be. Much easier than actually going to Sickbay! She sat beside him on the floor, curled her feet under her, and was soon engrossed in matrices and formulas. She was going to solve this problem if it killed her.

They worked silently, Chakotay's scraping mixing with Kathryn's transcribing. Then suddenly, Chakotay spoke.

Kathryn, are you thinking about having a baby?

His words had to penetrate a fog of academia. At first she wasn't quite sure if he'd actually said something or if her earlier apprehensions were taking over her mind and she'd just imagined it. One look at him and she knew she'd heard what she thought she'd heard. Bluffing wouldn't do her any good now, and she would not lie to him. She just wished she had a longer grace period to think over the doctor's advice; she wanted to be absolutely certain of her opinion before entering a discussion on such a delicate topic.

How did you know? she asked, vying for any amount of time now. She furiously tried to organize her thoughts while he answered.

I have eyes and ears, Kathryn, and I pay attention. Remember, that's what I'm supposed to do - I'm your first officer. He set his tools on the floor and turned to face her.

Well, there was no point in beating around the bush. She laid aside her data padd and rested her hands on her knees. Honestly, Chakotay, yes, I've been thinking about it. A great deal, actually.

Does that surprise you?

She considered. A little, perhaps. I guess it's been on my mind more since we heard about Lieutenant Bartlow.

That makes sense. When she didn't pursue the subject, but sat mute beside him, he pressed. Would you like to talk about it?

Her captain mode switched on, and she decided to ask, Before I tell you my thoughts, what do you think? As, she held up a hand, and he paused, waiting. As my first officer.

Chakotay scowled, but complied, though he grumbled his answer. As a first officer aboard a starship, Captain, I would probably recommend that it's not a good idea. Being captain is a full time job, and so is being a parent; it would be difficult to find the necessary balance between the two.

She nodded, and he could see that she had already considered these arguments. But before she could verbally agree with him, he continued. As your first officer aboard Voyager, my advice is a little different.

Oh? This addendum didn't surprise her either. She had a fairly good idea what he was going to say.

Of course it is. Kathryn, our situation is so unlike any typical Starfleet cruise through the Alpha Quadrant that I would be remiss if I didn't take that into account.

Remiss. You sound like Tuvok.

Now he grimaced. Let me rephrase that.... She half smiled. Negligent. I would be negligent in my duties if I didn't put all this on a less professional level. Nothing out here is black and white. We already have a young child on what was supposed to be a battle ship, and it's working out remarkably well.

I would have to agree with that assessment. The crew seems to gain a lot of joy from Cat's presence.

So do you. Chakotay grinned. I saw you in the corridor the other night. It was quite informative.

Are you aware that eavesdropping on the captain is a third-degree misdemeanor in Starfleet?

If you don't want to be overheard, don't have private chats in the corridors.

She chuckled again. All right, Chakotay, you've made your point.

He sobered and reached out to touch her, wanting a more intimate contact for this conversation. He found himself gently rubbing her leg through the black material of her uniform. I'm glad you asked what I think, because as captain, you can certainly do what you want. But I... hope... that you are able to let yourself be more than just a captain. Or rather, that you let your life transcend your position. He stopped, working hard at choosing his words, trying not allow his own emotional investment in this issue to cloud his response. At last he opted for blunt honesty. I think it would be completely acceptable for you to have a child. Or two, or ten, if you wanted. I just worry that you'll let the ship come between you and that possibility.

Kathryn wrinkled her brow and shrugged one shoulder. That's always going to be a consideration for me, no matter what decision I'm trying to make; my personal life has to come second if I want to be a good commanding officer. But you know that.

He gave a curt nod. I do.

Oh, Chakotay....

He interrupted. I'm sorry, that's not the issue.

What is the issue?

Well.... He looked at her, clearly undecided. He rubbed his tattoo, a gesture he often made when he was thinking. I guess we've never really discussed this before.

No, I guess we haven't. Kathryn was surprised.

What is it? You look surprised.

She breathed a deep sigh. I just never thought I'd be in a position where I could discuss it - to be captain and have a family... it's not something I even considered before. It just wasn't an option if I wanted a command like Voyager.

You mean a battle command?

Voyager was never meant to be a battle ship, Chakotay. It was designed primarily for exploration on the outer rim, for ferreting out those hard to reach places in the quadrant.

For chasing down handsome Maquis commanders, he added.

That too, only when it's necessary, of course. She grinned at his teasing, though she sobered again and went on, But even a mission of exploration can become dangerous. It's not a life for families.

How is it different now?

She changed position, uncurling her legs while she thought. Her knee touched his, and she found the contact pleasantly familiar and somehow comforting. Finally she felt collected enough to say, Keeping my career separate from my personal life, upholding that distance from the crew - it doesn't seem so important anymore. I guess I never thought I could have both... I mean, Phoebe had children, and we all just assumed that maybe someday I would be in a position to consider it... But before, it wasn't realistic, and now, I'm not sure what to think, though I love spending time with Cat, and it's very interesting to watch Marii....

Kathryn, I'm not quite following you.

Do you want children, Chakotay?

She always does that, he thought in amusement. The minute she needed to make a personal decision, she deferred voicing her thoughts until she'd heard his. He wondered if it was a remnant from being captain, where her position required many different viewpoints in order to make fair judgments, or if she was simply afraid that putting her views first might leave her open to criticism. Either way, it was an interesting facet to Kathryn's personality.

Chakotay smiled. I do want children someday. I think it would be fun, and it would certainly be a new challenge. But I would rather have you than have children.

I wasn't aware that it was a choice.

It's not. I'm saying that I'm happy with my life the way it is. I like being just the two of us for now. Additions are good, but not necessary.

She glanced at him uncertainly. So you're saying that you don't want children now.

That's what I'm saying.

Relief flooded her features and she seemed to wilt into the floor. Good! Neither do I.

He was so stunned that he laughed out loud. Kathryn, if you don't want children, then what are we talking about?

Kathryn cocked her head towards him and considered what to tell him. It took her only seconds to decide she would much rather confess everything that had been on her mind than continue to fruitlessly stew about it on her own. Would you like to hear the confessions of a very distracted starship captain? she asked, her voice full of mild embarrassment laced with humor.

I'd love to, he answered, as she'd known he would. Then he added, I like detailed reports as much as you do.

I'll be sure to make it as complete as I can, she promised with a smile. Before she began, Kathryn scooted closer and leaned affectionately against his side, resting her head in the crook of his shoulder, feeling relaxed once again now that the topic she'd been avoiding had been broached. He shifted his weight to accommodate hers, and when they were comfortable, she told him everything: her selfish love for baby-sitting Cat, her complete fascination with Lieutenant Bartlow's pregnancy, the talk she and Harry had shared instead of creating the matrices for the conduit reconfiguration, visiting Sickbay that afternoon and the extraordinary experience with Bartlow - It was amazing, Chakotay. I felt that tiny child move a hand or a foot all the way across my palm... Marii said being pregnant is the most intense and personal experience she's ever had, and I believe her. Just feeling the baby kick was enough to send chills up my spine. The doctor practically blew one of his generators.

Chakotay chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest to tickle her back. The doctor isn't that surprised very often. I wish I'd been there to see it!

It was certainly worth seeing, she continued. Then she heaved a long sigh.

But what? he asked, anticipating her next thoughts.

She shrugged, her shoulder grazing his uniform. Once the doctor announced that I'm perfectly capable of carrying a baby -

He interrupted, So that's what the Sickbay visit was all about.

She had the grace to admit her guilt. Yes. I didn't mean to mislead you, but I wasn't sure I was ready to talk quite yet.

No physicals. I'm glad about that.

What's wrong? Are you worried?

No. It's just a shipwide tradition to loath the physicals. I want to uphold my part in the ship's culture.

Kathryn smiled. The doctor was positively astonished when I made my request. It was the most cheerful physical I'll probably ever have. At least, it was cheerful on his part.

I bet!

It was awful! she exclaimed with a groan. The doctor just stood there, enthusing over the beautiful tilt of my uterus, and Kes kept beaming that smile of hers and gushing about me being a good mother.... Stop laughing!

Chakotay made an attempt to control himself, but he just shook harder in silent laughter. She poked him in the ribs with her elbow, to no effect. Finally he passed his hand across his face, chuckled some more, then blurted, Now I really wish I'd been there!

Oh... stop it, Commander, she ordered helplessly, employing his title out of sheer embarrassment. She gave him one more hard poke in the ribs for good measure.

He gulped a breath, giggled once more, then calmed. Aye, Captain, he said, then kissed the top of her head.

Her humor restored, she said, That's better. For further insurance, he ducked his head and nuzzled her cheek with his. His skin was cool and smooth against hers. She couldn't withhold the instinctive grin that broke out. This is better yet.

She felt him smile against her cheek, and then he lightly kissed her just below the ear. What made you change your mind after your visit to Sickbay? he asked gently.

Well... she hesitated. She'd had so many varied thoughts during the hours since leaving Sickbay that she wasn't sure which particular reason had influenced her the most. Finally she turned a degree to the side and lifted her face so she might see him. She said, In retrospect, I'm not at all sure I'd like sharing you at this point, even with a child. Perhaps that's selfish, she admitted.

Perhaps that's honest, he argued.

Perhaps it's both, she agreed wryly, her half grin lifting one corner of her mouth. She patted his leg before going on, And what you said earlier, about being happy with the way your life is going, is also true - I'm happy with my life, too - I mean, there we were, flying along unconcerned through the Delta Quadrant, and then you looked at me, I looked at you, one kiss later and suddenly I have a social life. I didn't even know you could have something like that and still be captain of a starship. He laughed again, a soft vibration that wrapped her in gentle sound. Her grin widened in sheepish delight. She usually felt like a complete fool when she became emotional like this, but being emotional with Chakotay was an entirely different experience. It was cozy, and she inevitably learned something intriguing about herself. This case was no exception. I'm glad to know that having children someday is an option. I think I might have been disappointed to discover it wasn't possible.

Me too, he admitted thoughtfully.

The doctor predicts we have at least a decade to play with, she told him. And until we change our minds, we can just be... I don't know, surrogate parents to every child born on the ship.

Chakotay smiled down at her. Surrogate parents? To every child? She nodded. Clearly you need to spend more time with Cat, he predicted.

Kathryn snorted. I would love to, but Voyager keeps getting in the way. Then she glanced at him suspiciously. Why do you say that?

Because. One full day of a little Katarian energy would probably take care of any paternal urges you might have for years to come.

You're right - it might kill me. Maybe I was being too zealous.

He winked. Maybe. Chakotay stood, then offered his hand to help her up. So, no babies just yet.

She took his hand and he pulled her to her feet. No, no babies.

Well, Chakotay said, another bridge crossed by Chakotay and Kathryn, and still no casualties. We have quite an impressive record. We should celebrate. Your physical is over, my cradle is almost finished, and life is good. Let's eat.

She laughed. What, no more coffee?

He wrinkled his nose. Cold coffee; nothing tastes worse in the entire universe.

Speak for yourself. She regarded him. Are you really hungry?

Yes. How about exercising that social life you like? We can go to the mess hall. I think there's some leftovers in the kitchen.

She shook her head and backed away. No, thank you, I've had my fill of the kitchen for the week. But, and she held up her finger, her expression becoming promising, thanks to your culinary abilities, I do have plenty of replicator rations at my disposal. What would you like?

He tilted his head to stare at the ceiling. After that deep conversation, something truly decadent.

Sweet?

Very.

Milk chocolate layer cake with dark chocolate mousse filling, surrounded by chocolate raspberry liqueur. How does that sound?

Chakotay gazed at her, paralyzed by the image. Like it will give me a stomach ache that will last for days, he said when he'd found his voice.

She smiled. Good. Walk this way. She led him over to the cabin's replicator.

He followed, intrigued. Has the replicator been programmed to do this?

Funny you should ask, Commander. Did I ever tell you that I was voted Replicator Goddess by my class at the Academy? Kathryn began typing commands into Chakotay's replicator panel.

They voted you... what?

After I left home, I didn't touch real food for years. But each room was equipped with a replicator. I was in heaven. I may not be able to cook, but I sure can replicate!

Chakotay stood behind her and watched as her fingers deftly reprogrammed his replicator. She pushed buttons, moved switches, and rerouted commands that he didn't even know existed. This is impressive, he commented after several moments.

It took years of practice to perfect my technique. She glanced at him coyly from the corners of her eyes, then laughed. Actually, it's not that hard. But I think you'll like the end result. If only that conduit reconfiguration was this easy.... She pulled a panel free on the side of the replicator, knelt to make a slight adjustment, then replaced the panel and stepped back to voice her request. A second later a plate holding a large wedge of chocolate desert appeared. She presented it to Chakotay. There you go. Tell me what you think.

He cautiously lifted the fork and took a bite. For a moment he just stood still, holding the desert on his tongue, an expression of bliss on his face. Then his mouth moved in small chewing motions, he swallowed, and licked his lips.

Well?

His eyebrows rose in appreciation. Wow.

You sound just like Harry. Is that a good wow or a bad wow?

Oh, good. Definitely good. Here, you try. He held out the fork with a generous bite. Pure chocolate decadence. I love this.

She took the bite he offered and critically considered her creation. Hmm. Needs more liqueur. Kathryn turned back to the replicator.

More? Are you serious? I didn't think it could get any better than this.

Oh, Commander, Kathryn sent him a lasciviously flirtatious look before she pulled off the replicator panel again. I can always make it better.

His eyes opened wide, then an appreciative sigh escaped his lips. He set the plate aside and ruefully shook his head. Kathryn Janeway, do you have any idea what you do to me?

She paused, still kneeling on the floor beside the loosened panel. The innocent expression she'd plan to use to replace her flirtatious invitation melted before she could even employ it. He was looking at her like a lost puppy, every emotion he had in naked view on his face, and she couldn't resist him. She'd stopped trying to resist him a long time ago.

Kathryn rose to her feet and without a word crossed to stand close to him. She gently took his face in her hands, laying her palms flat against his smooth cheeks. Then standing on tiptoe, smiling softly, she rubbed his nose once before touching her lips to his.

One kiss. Companionship. Love. It all flowed together in a connection that was inevitably complete. Her kiss lingered as their arms wrapped securely around each other. Chakotay softly kissed her cheek, then her forehead, any remaining stress of command smoothing away under his affectionate caresses. Before they knew it, the mood changed and they were making love.

Until the more practical side of life asserted itself one minute later.

The door chimed.

Kathryn pulled back, sighed, and muttered, Damn.

Chakotay smiled at her comment. He sighed too, then shrugged in good humor. It's a good thing we don't want children - we'd never find enough time to -

Oh, answer the door! she laughed and, to cover her disappointment, playfully pushed him away.

Careful, he said just as playfully as he disengaged himself from her embrace, you might aggravate my rug burn. He grinned and rubbed his right elbow.

The door chimed again.

Her brows rose. You have rug burn from last time? Why didn't you let the doctor -

Too many good memories, he explained and with one last kiss and a smile, turned to the door.

Kathryn had to work hard to conquer the sudden flush of color that threatened to creep up her neck. To save herself undue mortification, she hastily attempted to repair the damage he had caused her hair while retreating to her interrupted replicator duty.

He laughed. She was able to laugh with him. Chakotay happily grabbed the plate of desert, took another bite of chocolate cake, then called, Come!

The door slid aside, revealing the tall, striking figure of Ensign Henderson. Commander, do you have a moment? I need to speak with you.

Chakotay gestured her forward. Certainly, Ensign. Come on in.

She smiled and entered, letting the door slide shut behind her. Kathryn rose from the floor in front of the replicator, allowing the movement to draw attention to herself. She didn't want the ensign to start right in on any topics that didn't need to reach the ears of the captain. Kathryn had always been aware of her first officer's unofficial role as ship's counselor even before she had entered a more personal relationship with him. She had no desire to intrude on such a conversation. Good evening, Ensign.

Caught off guard, Henderson turned. Oh, Captain! How lucky. Flustered, she looked from one to the other. Or what I mean is, it's good that you're here too. She noticed the captain's feet, or more accurately noticed the lack of apparel on her feet, and then her face took on the expression that Kathryn and Chakotay had learned to translate as Oh no, I've caught them together and they were busy doing possibly romantic things and now I don't know what to do! Henderson recovered faster than most. Or am I interrupting something? What I have to say can wait, she squeaked.

Chakotay sent a quick, amused glance at Janeway, but shook his head at the uncomfortable ensign. No, you're not interrupting at all. Kathryn's rearranging my replicator so that it can make amazing deserts. He offered her the plate and at the same time sent another glance at Janeway, just to see how she was taking his use of her first name while neither of them were on the Bridge or on duty.

Kathryn raised an eyebrow at him, Vulcan style. The calculated gesture was a message that clearly stated, I'll get you for this. But she let it slide.

He decided she was taking it quite well, considering she'd had no prior warning to the event. He returned his attention to the ensign. She's quite good at it. Would you like to try some? He offered the desert. Chocolate mouse had started to dribble down the side of the cake to swirl in lazy patterns with the raspberry liqueur, making the entire desert look even more enticing.

The ensign glanced at the plate with a delighted smile, prepared to share in the captain's replicating abilities. Then the smile disappeared. Suddenly Henderson blanched. Her smooth, brown skin grew mottled, and the blood visibly drained from her face. A second later, she had nearly turned green.

Chakotay made a grab for an arm to steady her, and Kathryn quickly crossed to the young woman's side. Ensign, what's wrong? she asked, the crisp authoritative tone of her captaincy once again in place.

Henderson took a deep breath, swallowed hard, turned a shade greener, then blurted, I'm three months pregnant - Commander, permission to use your -

Uh, yes, yes, of course, go ahead! Chakotay stammered in surprise, and flung his hand in the general direction of his quarter's facilities.

Henderson fled.

A second later, the unmistakable sound of someone violently purging their system reached their ears. Chakotay glanced at Kathryn. She looked back at him. Both wore wide-eyed, stunned expressions on their faces. The sounds continued.

Never, promised Kathryn.

Chakotay saw the look of sudden horror pass over her face and he made a guess as to what she was thinking. He set down the plate of desert and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He looked at her in companionable sympathy, though he couldn't quite keep the amusement out of his voice. Well, Captain, you were saying that you wanted another baby on board. I think you might just get your wish after all.

Chapter 5 || Contents