Disclaimer: Paramount owns Voyager and all its characters. My frustration with those characters is what inspired this story. Feel free to share this story with anybody you like, but please keep this header in place.

Dedication: This story is for Cat, who talked to me about it every Thursday night, and who held out that Janeway should be taken over by the Borg, then take over the Borg herself prior to invading Earth, until the very end. Thanks for everything, but especially for your friendship, which I needed, though I didn't know it at the time.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to NODA and m.c. moose for all of your edits, suggestions, and moral support. The story wouldn't be as good without your help.

Commander Chakotay glanced across the mess hall at the chronometer hanging near the door; zero-seven-forty-five. He'd been sitting over his breakfast for almost an hour while attempting to calculate a computer algorithm for a new transporter buffer matrix. At this point, he was more than ready to give his brain a rest - mathematics had never been his strongest skill. He hoped Harry Kim was having more luck with the same calculations than he was. Fortunately, it was time for him to be on his way to the staff meeting the captain had scheduled for zero eight hundred. Though it certainly didn't take fifteen minutes to get from the mess hall to the Bridge, he preferred to be early than late. Besides, arriving a little early might give him a few minutes of uninterrupted conversation with Kathryn, an event that he would enjoy at any time of the day. He smiled.

The grin remained as he took one last look at the information stored on his data padd, then shut the instrument down. Chakotay stood, pausing momentarily to stretch after sitting so long in one spot. He heard as well as felt the bones along his lower spine pop back into place, and laughed softly. He had definitely spent too much time sitting in the mess hall. If he wasn't careful, he would need a trip to Sickbay for one of the doctor's infamous massages. He had to admit that the holographic medical officer probably didn't get many cases of back injury due to eating in the mess hall. Frequent bouts of indigestion had been far more common, though over the years Neelix had managed to reduce even that to insignificant numbers. Insignificant for Voyager, at any rate.

Chakotay had just reached the corridor after depositing his breakfast tray in the recycler when a call stopped him.

Commander Chakotay! Hello! Cautiously balancing a drink carafe in both hands, Neelix hurried to fall into step with the first officer. How are you this fine morning, Commander? he asked cheerily, beaming a broad smile.

Speak of the devil, Chakotay thought, amused at Neelix's uncanny arrival, almost as if the cook knew he'd been thinking about him. I'm doing fine, Neelix, Chakotay replied. I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed breakfast this morning.

Neelix's smile grew larger, exposing a row of his pointed teeth. Thank you, Commander! I'm so glad you told me. I had to be in the kitchen at zero five hundred this morning to start slicing the bacon for the omelets. His voice lowered conspiratorially. And I know how much you like omelets! He poked a playful elbow into Chakotay's ribs. The carafe tilted dangerously, but the lid was tightly sealed, and nothing spilled.

Why did you start so early, Neelix? It doesn't take more than ten minutes to make an omelet.

I was trying a new recipe this morning, one of Lieutenant Paris's suggestions. The way he described it... Neelix closed his eyes and drew his lower lip between his teeth, an expression of pure ecstasy on his face. Mmmm! It sounded positively succulent, and I just couldn't resist. Then his expression changed to one more embarrassed. It's a good thing I started so early - I burned the first batch of bacon!

Chakotay nodded and grinned, though he did his best to restrain his amusement. Ah. So that's what I smelled.

Neelix shook his head in mild self reproach. I do hate to waste the food. It's like offering it to the crew, then ripping it right out of their hands just as they're going to eat it....

They turned a corner, then had to move aside for a group of crewmembers heading towards the mess hall. Don't you think you're being a little hard on yourself, Neelix? Chakotay asked in a comforting tone. I don't see how you can learn to cook new recipes if you don't try them out first.

Do you think so, Commander? Neelix walked for a moment in silence, digesting this bit of advice. I still hate to waste the food. And the smell might last for quite awhile. The ventilation system in the kitchen just isn't what it used to be.

It wasn't meant to be a kitchen, Chakotay gently reminded the Talaxian. But I wouldn't feel too bad if I were you, Neelix, he continued with a grin. Even the captain has been known to burn a few meals in her time.

Really? Neelix asked, curiosity overpowering his embarrassment. I wasn't aware that she cooks.

She doesn't, Chakotay cryptically responded. His grin widened and he chuckled as he remembered their first few meals on New Earth. He'd taken over the cooking almost immediately.

Neelix was oblivious to the commander's pleasant train of thought. Ah, and speaking of the captain, look what I have here. He indicated the carafe in his hands. The sublime expression was returning to his face.

That's not -

It is, Neelix assured. Coffee.

The two paused in the corridor for a good look at the innocent container. Chakotay nodded appreciatively. You'll make her day. But I didn't think we had any coffee left.

This is the first pot of the new bean harvest. Kes was tending the plants so carefully, and just before she left, she gave all her notes to me. Neelix sighed at the mention of the Ocompan, but he steadfastly continued, Naturally the first pot has to go to the captain. We all know of her love for coffee! The alien's cheerful demeanor returned at the thought of delivering his present to Janeway. I can't wait to see her face when I give it to her!

She doesn't know? They had resumed their walk down the crowded corridor.

It's a surprise, Neelix whispered. I've been waiting for weeks to tell her, and I'll let you know, Commander, that keeping this secret wasn't easy. No sir. Every time she came by the mess hall, she had that look in her eyes... you know the one I'm talking about.

Desperation?

Yes, that's the one. They both laughed. I simply don't understand how you Humans can become so addicted to a substance like coffee, but if it makes you happy, it makes me happy. In fact -

He was cut off by the beep of his combadge. *Carey to Neelix... please respond!* The desperation was as evident in the lieutenant's voice as it usually was on Janeway's face when the coffee supply was depleted.

They paused just outside the turbolift for Neelix to respond. Neelix here. What is it, Mr. Carey?

*I'm stirring this pot full of... well, whatever it is, just like you asked, and it's starting to make these bubbles!*

Neelix gave a sigh of exasperation. It's gourmet ritoran sauce, Mr. Carey. It's supposed to bubble. Just keep stirring -

*It's not bubbling, Neelix, it's exploding!* The desperation was quickly dissolving into panic. *You better get down here - quick!*

The slight irritation vanished from the Talaxian's expression as the true facts of the situation presented themselves. Of course, I'm on my way! You just hang on, Mr. Carey! Neelix turned to Chakotay. It's a crisis in the kitchen, he said dramatically, as if the commander hadn't heard the entire conversation over the comm line. I'm needed. Are you on your way to the Bridge?

Yes, for the morning briefing.

Then if you don't mind taking this to the captain? I would be so grateful. He handed the carafe to the commander without waiting for a reply. Although I will miss seeing the look on her face....

I'll give a detailed description of her expression when I hand it over, Chakotay promised. Now, as you said, duty calls.

Neelix didn't need the encouragement. He was already hurrying back towards the mess hall. Yes. Thank you, Commander! He was gone.

The turbolift slid open then, revealing Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres already on their way to the Bridge.

Chakotay, Tom greeted congenially, moving aside to make room for the commander. What have you got there? Snacks for the briefing?

B'Elanna perked up at his words. Hey, that's not such a bad idea. I missed breakfast.

Holding the carafe carefully in his hands, Chakotay entered the lift. No, this is not a snack. And if you would wake up a little earlier, B'Elanna, you would have time for breakfast. The lift continued its journey to the Bridge.

Well, we stayed up a little late last night, Torres admitted with a smile sent in Tom's direction.

Tom snorted delicately. You could say that, he agreed, sending her a return smile.

Then don't complain about missing breakfast, Chakotay retorted mildly, enjoying the couple's light flirting. He was glad that they had finally moved past their constant bickering that had marked the earlier part of the voyage and found each other at last. He could see they were happy with this revised arrangement of their personal lives. If he was honest, he would even admit to being a little jealous of their happiness.

So, if it's not my breakfast, what is it? Torres was asking, interrupting his thoughts.

Chakotay held out the carafe. You are looking at Neelix's first pot of the sacred beverage.

Coffee! they both said reverently.

Torres continued, My day is definitely improving. Who needs breakfast when you can have coffee?

Hands off, Torres, Chakotay threatened amiably. This is for the captain.

B'Elanna slouched dejectedly against the bulkhead. Figures.

The commander smiled. Don't worry, B'Elanna, there's more where this came from.

Yeah, cheer up, Tom encouraged as they reached their destination. Maybe the captain will share it with you.

Chakotay and Torres answered together, Don't bet on it. The doors slid aside and the three officers entered the Bridge.

Tuvok was already in his place at Tactical, going over the previous shift's sensor readings prior to the staff briefing. Of all the senior officers, the Vulcan was by far the most prepared at each morning's meeting. Chakotay used to think he spent half the night at Tactical just to get the edge on the rest of them. As their time in the Delta Quadrant passed, he discovered that Tuvok didn't spend half the night preparing, only an hour or two, depending on recent events. But the extra time always gave him a slight boost in knowing what was going on. This would annoy Chakotay if he didn't like sleeping as much as he did. However, he wasn't about to give up any more of his sleeping time just to beat Tuvok to the Bridge.

He greeted the Vulcan as cheerfully as Neelix would have. Good morning, Tuvok. Sleep well?

I did, thank you, Commander. And you? The polite question sounded odd coming from a member of a race that rarely wasted precious energy on such trivialities as small talk. But Tuvok was simply making a concentrated effort to fit in with the largely Human crew. His efforts over the years had paid off; many crewmembers were far more comfortable and accepting of the Vulcan security officer than they had been at the start of the voyage.

Chakotay was one of those people. He took the question for what it was. I did sleep well, thanks. Is the captain here yet?

I believe she is already in the conference room, Tuvok said, noticing the container the commander carried. I hope that is coffee you have, Commander. She has been in withdrawal for several days and would surely appreciate some this morning.

It is coffee. I'm going to fix her a cup. Just give me a minute. And Tuvok. He stopped at the steps leading down to the ready room. Don't breath a word, okay?

Of course not. Like you, I wouldn't miss the look on her face for anything.

Sharing an amused glance with the lieutenant commander, Chakotay nodded, then headed into Janeway's ready room. As predicted, she wasn't present. He crossed to her desk to retrieve her favorite coffee cup, filled it, added the correct amount of sugar from the sugar bowl she always kept handy, stirred, and headed back out. The entire procedure took less than a minute. He'd lived with Janeway plenty long enough to have memorized her specific tastes in coffee.

The Bridge was devoid of senior officers when he exited the ready room. Apparently everybody was waiting for him in the conference room. Nobody wanted to miss out, he decided. Chakotay carefully traversed the length of the Bridge and in great anticipation triggered the conference room door.

He wasn't disappointed; the officers were all seated around the oval table, waiting expectantly. They turned at the sound of the door, but Janeway, seated in her usual spot at the head of the table, didn't look up immediately. Bent over a data padd, she tucked her hair behind her ears in a casual gesture, and pushed a few more commands into the padd before she raised her eyes. By this time, he had moved to stand next to her.

Chakotay, now that you're here - Janeway paused when she caught sight of the cup. He settled it on the table in front of her. The aroma drifting around the room was unmistakable. Her face brightened. Is this...?

It is.

You replicated it, she accused next, though she began to smile. She had just mentioned a few days before that she was out of the rations she had set aside for coffee, and the possibility that he had remembered such a small detail oddly pleased her.

No.

She was reaching for the cup and hadn't really been listening. What?

Enjoying himself, he prolonged the exchange. Chakotay pulled out the vacant chair next to hers and sat. It's not replicated, he said at last. You are drinking the first cup from the first pot of the first harvest from aeroponics.

Kes's plants! she whispered. As before with Neelix, the mention of the absent Kes brought a wistful expression to the captain's face. However, she refused to dwell on anything but the positive side of this event. I thought they had died or gotten the blight or had worms or something. I was in despair of ever getting real coffee again!

It's the real thing all right, Chakotay assured.

I can tell by the smell that it's real, B'Elanna grumbled mournfully from her seat further down the table. Janeway had introduced the drink to the half Klingon early in their journey, and they occasionally treated themselves to coffee breaks together whenever their work schedule permitted it. Well, go ahead. Don't wait on account of us. Now even Torres was grinning with everybody else.

Kathryn took a cautious sip. The beverage slid smoothly down her throat, and she sighed in deep appreciation. Chakotay was right, this was certainly the real thing. Oh, that's good! They all smiled with her, sharing in her delight even if they weren't sharing the coffee. Thank you, Chakotay, she said sincerely, and smiled at him.

He smiled back, feeling like a sap, and not caring if he did. Her expression was worth any amount of teasing he might receive later at the hands of Tom Paris. You can thank Neelix when he arrives.

By the way, where is Neelix? the captain asked next, shifting the group's attention to the morning briefing. She settled back in her chair, the cup firmly wrapped in her hands, the warmth spreading comfortably to her fingers.

Chakotay began to explain, There was some disaster in the kitchen....

The door moved aside and Neelix burst into the meeting, making Chakotay's explanation unnecessary. I'm so sorry I'm late, Captain. I got here as fast as I could. You see, I had to avert a culinary disaster in the kitchen. You won't believe what Mr. Carey was doing to today's lunch special - He stopped himself to take a moment for a look around the room. Oh, dear, I'm babbling again, aren't I? He held up a hand in a warding gesture. That's all right, I'll stop interrupting now. He fell into the only seat still available, next to Tuvok. He grinned at the Vulcan. Tuvok only lifted his right brow in response. Neelix's smile disappeared.

The captain came to his rescue. There's no need to explain, Neelix. We hadn't started yet. I was still savoring my coffee, thanks to you.

The smile returned. Oh, don't mention it, Captain. It's truly my pleasure. I only wish I'd had more time to prepare a second pot. I know how Lieutenant Torres likes her little pick-me-up every morning too! he said knowingly and turned to B'Elanna. Don't worry, Lieutenant, the next pot will be ready by later this morning, and there should be enough to last several months.

That is good news! Janeway enthused, and B'Elanna's bad mood at going without coffee disappeared.

I'll agree with that, she stated enthusiastically.

Well, Janeway said, turning her attention to the meeting once again. Let's get started. Neelix has already reported his news. Mr. Tuvok?

Tuvok quickly summarized the events happening in Security. I believe that Ensign Carr has accepted her transfer from Sciences to the security force. I spoke to her again yesterday evening, and she seemed far more agreeable to the idea than in previous meetings.

Excellent, Janeway commented.

Chakotay nodded in agreement. I'm sure she'll be much happier in Security once she settles in.

Janeway leaned forward, still sipping her coffee. Refresh my memory, gentlemen; what happened with Lauren to make her so unhappy with the science team?

Tuvok spoke. In the past year she had become aggressive, overly confrontational with the rest of the team, and showed paranoid tendencies towards the security of her research. When she requested the possibility of a promotion, Lieutenant Bartlow denied the action, citing her misgivings about the ensign's behavior.

I remember, Janeway said as Tuvok's refresher triggered her memory of the event. I hated to disappoint Ensign Carr, but I had to agree with Bartlow's assessment.

Yes. Tuvok continued, Carr's outlook turned bitter, and intervention became necessary. In four successive meetings scheduled over the period of several weeks, Commander Chakotay, Lieutenant Bartlow, Ensign Carr, and I worked through many of the difficulties, and with the approval of Lieutenant Bartlow, decided that a transfer was in order. Carr chose Security.

Chakotay sent everybody a wry grin. Maybe she'll be able to use her aggressive tendencies on keeping order instead of creating chaos.

Let's hope so, Janeway echoed the sentiment. She thoughtfully scratched her cheek while regarding the two.

You know, Captain, Chakotay continued, it might be a good idea to talk to Lauren yourself. A word of encouragement from the captain could go a long way in helping her find her place in the ship's society again. He looked hopefully at Janeway. During the last few months, he had grown increasingly aware of a sense of detachment between the senior officers and the crew as a whole. He'd noticed further signs indicating the detachment might easily dissolve into general discontent. The captain could erase that detachment and help Carr all in one easy motion.

The captain seemed surprised by his request. Job morale. Isn't that your thing more than mine? she asked.

Chakotay's brow rose as he agreed with her. Yes. But the words would mean a lot more coming from you.

She couldn't disagree. I can understand that. I remember how it was in my first postings: a few well-timed statements from the captain went a long way in making us want to do things that nobody in their right mind would ever want to do! She laughed, and the gathered officers nodded as well, enjoying similar memories.

Except Tuvok. I do not think speaking with Carr would be a wise course of action, Captain.

His blunt statement put a halt to the merriment of the group. Why's that, Tuvok? Janeway asked. She rubbed at an itch on her shoulder while she waited for his reply.

Tuvok's reply was as blunt as his original statement. I believe it would do more damage than good. Ensign Carr is suffering from an extreme distrust of authority at this time. Forcing a confrontation between herself and the captain could have disastrous consequences.

Tom Paris snorted. You make it sound like she's plotting some kind of evil deed, Tuvok. You know, chat with the captain today, lead a mutiny tomorrow. He laughed at the ridiculousness of such an idea.

That is the gist of what I am suggesting, Mr. Paris.

Tom gaped at the Vulcan. You're kidding!

Tuvok thought for a moment. Perhaps a mutiny is a bit extreme. But no one can predict what she might do if she suddenly decides the captain is 'out to get her.'

But the captain's not out to get anybody! Neelix exclaimed in indignation. The very idea is... preposterous!

Tuvok turned his bland gaze on the Talaxian. It does not matter what the captain thinks, Mr. Neelix, but what Ensign Carr thinks. I believe that a visit from Captain Janeway would have more positive results were it to take place in a month rather than now. Commander Chakotay already has the ensign's trust. It is logical that he should continue to be the liaison in this particular case.

Janeway looked at Chakotay. Well, there you have it: the voice of reason. This one's yours, Commander, she decided. Just keep me informed.

Chakotay sighed. Ten minutes of Janeway's time could have helped in smoothing over a lot of ruffled feathers. It would have worked out so nicely if Tuvok had just kept quiet. But there would be another time, he supposed, in exactly one month. He noted the date for future reference while openly complying with the order. Aye, Captain, he said.

That is all I have to report, Tuvok finished, and sat back in his chair.

Very well. Mr. Kim - how is that transporter problem coming along?

At a slow grind, Captain, Harry Kim replied. The matrix isn't cooperating at all. Unless Commander Chakotay has had more luck recently?

All eyes turned to Chakotay. Harry, my luck is about as low as yours right now. I started writing an algorithm this morning with those new formulae you mentioned last night, just on the off chance we can convince the computer to do the computations. But so far I haven't had much success. Maybe you can take a look, he suggested, swiveling his chair to once again face the captain. You are the math guru on board.

She scratched her arm through her uniform sleeve, then grinned at him over the rim of her cup. Math guru. I like the sound of that. I'll just give up being captain to take on all our mathematics problems full time.

His smile was subtle. Sounds good to me. Then I'll...

... get to be captain! she finished for him, and laughed. The others joined in, though they could never fully appreciate the particular humor in that remark. The fact that it was a shared, teasing joke between her and Chakotay made it all the more special that he'd brought it up now. She didn't have many inside jokes to share among the crew, or anybody to share them with if she had them. She relished the few she had cultivated over the years. But I should have time for it now that the warp core has been repaired. How is it holding up, B'Elanna? she asked. As the lieutenant prepared to give her report, she set down her cup and pulled up her uniform sleeve to scratch the same spot on her arm. She was obviously reacting to something in the air. Maybe the ventilation system needed another flush. It had been at least a month since Chakotay had last scheduled such an event, and it seemed time for it again. She made a mental note to bring it up before the meeting adjourned. In the meantime, she surreptitiously scratched her arm and gave her attention to Lieutenant Torres.

We're still having some problems with the antimatter containment grid, not to mention the field itself, B'Elanna divulged in a frustrated tone. I have Vorik working on it right now, and Carey's been overhauling the nacelle containments at the same time, but I'm not optimistic about completing repairs for another... three, four days at the earliest.

Can we go to warp while you're finishing? Chakotay asked.

I don't see why not, but no more than warp four. I don't trust that containment field yet.

Warp three at the most, Janeway cautioned Mr. Paris, who sighed dramatically. His love of speed was as famous as Janeway's love of coffee.

Hope we don't run into any bad guys, he quipped dryly.

She had to concur with that. So do I, Mr. Paris. It was hard enough handling the quadrant's differing alien species without having to risk the engines on an unneeded chase through space. But she was distracted from further speculation by the desire to keep scratching. Now her other arm was itching, and she scratched, pausing only long enough to take another sip of coffee. The liquid was cooling rapidly, though her hands still tingled with its previous warmth. She sipped again, then set the cup aside to scratch. Chakotay, do you have anything to report? Was it getting suddenly warm in the room? She had looked at Chakotay and immediately started sweating. She wondered briefly if there was a connection, but was too preoccupied to think on it for long. Her feet itched!

The query was unusually vague for Janeway. She was well known for her snappy questions and attention to the most minute details in morning briefings. Puzzled, he turned to look at her again, and all thoughts of crew disputes and quarter assignments were instantly disregarded. She looked - Are you all right, Captain? he asked.

Is it hot in here? she asked instead of responding to his question. She pulled on the collar of her gray turtleneck, then passed a hand across her cheek as another itch threatened. Her fingers came away covered in flakes of skin. For a bizarre moment she wondered if the flakes were from her fingers or her cheek before alarm startled her into action. Her hand jerked away, and the flakes of skin floated to the floor. Some landed on her legs, and she brushed them away before she thought better of it. More skin flaked from her fingers. When her gaze was drawn to her wrists, she saw that her uniform's black material was encased in a ring of the skin she had scratched from her arms.

Wow, B'Elanna said. She could see what was happening to the captain from all the way across the room. That's got to be one hell of an allergic reaction.

But I've never been allergic to anything before, Janeway argued irrationally. It didn't matter what had happened before, only what was happening now, and right that minute the insides of her ears were beginning to itch. Chakotay grabbed her hand just as she reached up to appease the sensation.

He held her hand lightly, but a few pieces of skin flaked off despite his care, exposing the lower epidermal layer. Whatever it is, this certainly needs medical attention. Tom, take the captain to Sickbay. If the flaking gets too bad, do a site-to-site transport, but only if it's necessary, he ordered.

Tom rose quickly, pushing his chair away from the table in his haste. The transporter might mess with the bio-signatures of... whatever this is. Understood, Commander.

Good. Go.

The captain and Paris moved out of the conference room, heading for the nearest turbolift. Try not to scratch, Tom cautioned, and Janeway's throaty laugh answered him. It sounded a little higher than normal. She was understandably scared.

I can't scratch - my fingernails are full of chunks of skin, she said. The door shut out any more macabre remarks.

Why is it just Captain Janeway who's affected? Neelix questioned in the following silence. Is anybody else suffering from severe... itching? he finished lamely, not knowing how else to describe the captain's affliction.

Tuvok took up the line of thought. It is possibly caused by a substance that only the captain was exposed to.... His voice trailed off as his gaze settled firmly on the formerly cherished and now forgotten cup of -

The coffee, Chakotay said.

Nobody moved as they all sat staring at the innocent looking china cup. Only a drop was left swirling at the bottom. Janeway had drunk the rest.

Next, everybody turned to look at Neelix, the proud coffee producer and delivery man.

Neelix balked. I didn't! he exclaimed immediately on a gasped breath of air. I'd never! he expostulated with the next gasp. Hurt the captain! he finished in horror.

Of course not, Neelix, Chakotay instantly soothed the distraught Talaxian.

But I can see it! Neelix insisted, his gaze hopping from one officer to another, resting only for a second before moving on again. You all think I did something, that I'm negligent! But I'm not! I love Captain Janeway! he ended in a distressed wail.

Tuvok's calm was welcome in the increasingly panicked atmosphere. We all have affection for Captain Janeway. That is not the issue. We must discover exactly what you did while brewing the coffee that might be a possible cause of her allergies.

Harry Kim interrupted, But it might not be the coffee at all. It could feasibly be anything - food we ate yesterday, a malfunction in the clothing recycler, a new particle in the air that we picked up from some recent anomaly. He paused in his list to absentmindedly scratch the back of his neck. He stopped when he realized what he was doing. Hey! What if I've got it too? What if it's some kind of epidemic, a weird space virus or -

Harry! B'Elanna slapped the table where Harry was sitting, breaking the ensign out of his frenzy. Stop it! There's no point in going on like that. It could be anything. If it makes you feel any better, I'm not itching.

Yet, he prophesied.

Tuvok's calm once again broke up the gathering storm. Lieutenant Torres is correct. We are only wasting time in pointless hypothesizing. If it will improve your outlook, Mr. Kim, perhaps you should begin a sensor log analysis to see if we have recently become the host for any alien particles. I will scan the ship as well.

Chakotay added, Neelix, you said you're brewing a second pot of coffee right now?

The cook nodded. Yes, Commander. Even as we speak those little beans are perking away.

Don't let anybody drink it. When it's done brewing, bring it down to the lab for analysis. I'll get the carafe from the captain's ready room and take it down too. Maybe we'll figure out what's going on. At any rate, I'm sure the doctor will appreciate any information we can give him. He glanced at them each, then nodded. Tuvok, the Bridge is yours; I'll be in Sickbay. Dismissed.

They all rose as one, each aware of their assignments, the reason for the assignments, and how odd it was to hear Chakotay give the order for dismissal instead of Janeway.

In a hurry to find answers, they couldn't get out of the room fast enough.

Contents || Chapter 2