Twin Torment

following "Wedding of the Year"

vanhunks

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: Paramount owns the lot. The Lot.

Summary: Chakotay has to mete out discipline.

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TWIN TORMENT

Commander Chakotay's thunderous expression did nothing to phase two pairs of eyes that kept their gaze on him. The brig looked suddenly too small. He was weary; Kathryn forced him to deal with the situation and he was suffering from frayed nerves.

"Okay, let's get this straight, shall we?"

"Yes."

"You two flooded the holodeck because you wanted to test optimal conditions in which you tried to remain afloat for five hours?"

"Yes."

"In your attempt, you not only flooded the holodeck, you short-circuited the gel packs and caused Voyager's primary systems to go down."

"Yes."

"Furthermore, you also drowned."

"Yes."

"And the doctor didn't bother this time to inform the Captain or First Officer that crewmembers of this crew died."

"No."

"And the doctor drained your lungs, saved your lives, went off line in order to save his own programme from degrading, finally coming online again when Lieutenant Torres assured the Captain it's safe to engage the primary systems?"

"Yes."

"You realise that you will be in the brig for the next forty eight hours, if not the next two years?"

They stalled him.

"On a point of order, Commander. Crew are thrown in the brig for infractions like disobeying orders."

Chakotay fumed. The smoke came out of his ears.

"I know the protocols that govern Starfleet and the way this vessel is run! You get that? In the next minute, you two will be behind a forcefield that will ensure you don't come out forever."

"Yes."

"Therefore, I will leave you with Lieutenant Baxter there," Chakotay said, pointing to the alcove where the Security Officer was seated.

"Please, it will not happen again, Commander."

Chakotay ignored the pleas in the two pairs of eyes. He stepped back and nodded to Baxter to activate the forcefield.

"No! Please, let us out!"

"Talk to the Captain," he said unfeelingly, grinning at Baxter as he stepped out of the brig and slapped the officer's shoulder.

"We didn't disobey orders, Commander. We were encouraged to explore our sense of curiosity!" said the one.

"What's so wrong with that?" asked the other.

Chakotay took notice of them.

"You see, Baxter? That's the only way to discipline crew who disable ship's systems and drown themselves to see how long they can stay underwater."

"Aye, Commander. They should he disciplined, Commander. Yes, sir. I shall make sure they get no privileges."

"Good. That should keep them out of trouble - "

"For the next forty eight hours, sir. But, sir, don't you think that the punishment is too harsh for them?"

"Baxter, never let your guard down when you have children. They are terrorists."

"I hear they've been called 'Search and Destroy'."

"My children?"

"Oh, yes, sir. The Captain - "

"Their mother, Baxter..."

"Yes, sir. Their mother has left strict instructions they don't come out for at least two days."

"Search and Destroy... What a name to name your children..." Chakotay looked at the two girls sitting down on the wide bunk. They looked small, fragile... Their eyes were large, blue-grey, innocent. He almost felt sorry for them, then he hardened himself. Tomorrow, they'd be doing something else... "You know what, Baxter?"

"What, sir?"

"They may be six years old; they may be adorable little twins, but you must know their mother. She tormented me for years."

"Aye, sir!"

"Now, her darling little angels are tormenting me!"

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end

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