"Holo-Illusions - Part Three"
Chakotay stormed out of sickbay, the woosh of the doors behind him ignored in his anger and pain. He had no idea where he was going, only that he could not remain any longer there in sickbay. Somehow, he found himself in front of the doors to the mess deck. After a moments hesitation, he went inside.
Hearing the doors open, Neelix came bustling out of the kitchen. "Why Commander! What an unexpected surprise! How can I help you?" he bubbled happily.
"Unexpected surprise is right. I've heard rumors around the ship that you have several bottles of Tom's 'White Lightening' stashed somewhere in here." Chakotay said harshly. "I want you to give me 2 ,no wait - make it 3 bottles...no questions asked."
After looking at the Commander's face for a moment, Neelix nodded. He quickly turned and entered the kitchen, returning with 3 bottles of an amber colored liquid. "Here you go Commander," he said worriedly. "Is - everything alright?"
"Everything is just wonderful." Chakotay declared. Turning, he left the mess deck without a backwards glance.
Several Hours Later, In Sandrines:
Tom found himself unable to stop looking over at the table where Commander Chakotay sat alone, quite drunk. The more the Commander drank, the more morose and silent he became. Concerned, Tom decided to see if there was anything he could do to help the Commander with what-ever it was that was bothering him. He picked up his own drink and slowly made his way over to sit down across from Chakotay. "Commander, are you alright?" he asked carefully.
Chakotay did not answer him, only looked at him as he poured himself another drink.
*This is bad.* Tom thought. "What is wrong Chakotay?" he pressed. "Is there something wrong with the Captain? No one has seen her since she collapsed on the Bridge."
Tom was astonished by Chakotay's reaction...
"Oh...she's just fine. Give her a few months, she'll be even better...once her child is born." Chakotay snapped. "I can't help but wonder what the brats father is doing right now." Chakotay downed his drink in one gulp and poured himself another.
Tom sat there, his mouth gaping open. "Captain Janeway is pregnant? Is that what you're telling me?!" he was astonished. "That's great!"
At his words, Chakotay's face darkened. "Like hell it is!" he exploded drunkenly. "Who is the lucky man? It sure isn't mine!" tears fell from his eyes unnoticed as he turned back to his drink, pain and hurt evident on his face.
Tom had no response for him. He had assumed that the child was Chakotay's, Tom knew that there was no one else onboard Voyager who the Captain cared about that way. Looking up confused, he watched as the doors opened and Captain Janeway herself entered Sandrines.
She looked around, searching. When her eyes fell upon Chakotay and Tom sitting at the table, he expression tightened. Resolutly, she stiffened and walked towards them. When she reached them, she spoke gently to Tom "Tom, would you please excuse us? I need to speak with Commander Chakotay."
Tom nodded, and stood up. He glanced at Chakotay, who was carefully studying the amount of whiskey remaining in the bottle before him. Ignoring Kathryn totally, yet very aware of her presence beside him.
Tom walked away, sitting down at the end of the bar. Near enough to them that he could still hear most of what was being said.
Janeway sat down beside Chakotay, her face cautious and alittle sad. "Chakotay, look at me." she said softly.
He looked up at her, his face guarded but his eyes full of betrayal and pain. "Well well," he hissed at her. "So, who is the lucky father? Or do you even know?" His voice was contemptous, he wanted to hurt her.
Kathryn's face flushed with anger and shock. Without even thinking, she came up out of her chair and slapped him full across the side of his face. Her blow strong enough to knock him right out of the chair and onto the floor.
"How DARE you speak to me like that?" she snarled at him. "I should have you thrown into the brig!" she snapped at him, her voice furious.
Chakotay could only sit there stunned, looking up at her.
"You miserable bastard!" she continued. "Damn you and damn me too!" Kathryn spun about on her heel and quickly left Sandrines.
Tom went over to Chakotay, angry. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he growled. Then, he quickly followed after Janeway. Catching up to her by the turbolift, Tom asked her. "Captain, are you alright?"
Janeway nodded, not looking up at him. "I'll be alright Tom." she whispered.
Tom gently reached out to her, turning her face to look at him. His heart ached to see the tears in her eyes. Without saying anything, he pulled her to him in a gentle hug. She leaned into his embrace for a moment before pulling away.
With a sad smile, she thanked him. "Tom, it's okay. I'm just going to go back to my quarters and lie down. I still feel abit nausous, although the doctor assures me that this stage will pass."
Tom nodded..."Captain, if you need something, just let me know. Okay?"
She smiled sadly. "Thank you Tom. I will."
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Still Interested? On to Part Four