Voyager-B
Part VII

I was still feeling a bit weak in the knees so I had the computer transport Seven and me directly to the conference room. Once I was settled in, I summoned my senior staff. I wanted to meet with them before the remaining battalion commanders were escorted to our scheduled meeting.

"Do you need anything, Kathryn?" Seven asked softly while we waited for the others.

"A cup of coffee."

"The Doctor has forbidden you coffee for the next eighteen hours."

"No coffee?" I groaned.

"Yes."

I accepted the glass of water she handed me. I took a small sip while I watched my staff quietly file in, each of them sneaking a glance at me. I hoped I looked better than I felt. I straightened in my chair, trying to project an air of strength that I didn't truly feel.

"Doctor, Counselor, have you examined Commander Beragun?" I asked.

"Yes."

"You were right, Captain. He is suffering from DSP," Counselor Darris said.

"I'd rather not be right in this instance." I turned to Tuvok. "What of his squadron?"

"Only eleven soldiers in his command were truly participating in his plot. The rest were blindly following orders."

"Suggestions?"

"They should remain in the brig," Tuvok said firmly. "They cannot be trusted."

"And the Commander?"

"We're beginning treatment now, but it's advanced rapidly in the past several hours."

"I have scanned Starfleet's medical database and I've only found two other cases that have progressed this quickly and this severely," the Doctor added.

"Prognosis?"

"Not very good. We're sedating him heavily until we can return to Starfleet Medical."

"I'm sorry to hear that," I said. "Commander Beragun has served Starfleet for over thirty years with distinction." I remembered reading his personnel file. I'd never seen anyone with so many commendations and decorations for bravery. "And it's also unfortunate that we needed someone with his experience for this mission."

"Security to Captain Janeway."

"Go ahead."

"We have Commander Endicott and Commander Foley with us."

"Escort them in."

I carefully watched the two commanders as they followed security into the room. Cassandra Endicott was a thin, coffee colored woman with sharp features. Her dark eyes watched me like a hawk as she stood at attention. She glanced at Ro, their eyes locking briefly on one another, then she looked away. Terikk Foley was tall, broad half-human, half-Altarian male with pale blue skin and bright blue eyes. He stood at attention beside Endicott, his brawny arms threatening to tear the sleeves of his uniform.

Wordlessly I indicated that they should sit down in the two empty chairs across the table from me. I had to give them credit as neither spoke, though their eyes were full of unasked questions.

"Commander Beragun is no longer leading your mission," I said abruptly. "He has been transferred from the brig and is currently in sickbay where he is receiving treatment for DSP."

My words were met with stony silence.

"Eleven soldiers from his squadron are in the brig, where they will remain until we return to Starfleet." I leaned forward, trying not to wince at the sharp stab of pain I felt in my ribs. "As such, I am placing Lt. Commander Endicott in command of this mission. I need recommendations from the two of you about the remaining personnel. You will also each have to transfer four soldiers to Beragun's division to make up for the loss of personnel." I took a sip of water from my glass. "Any questions?"

"No, Captain," Endicott said, shaking her head once.

"I need to share something with all of you, and it will not leave this room."

Tuvok raised an eyebrow, and Chakotay's face crinkled in worry. Seven's face remained impassive, but I could see the curiosity flash in her eyes.

"After we complete five days of training on Argellos with the Gowron and the Alpha Warrior," I explained, "we will proceed to Outpost 495. When we attack, our alliance will be launching simultaneous attacks all over the quadrant. Timing is everything. We must attack at precisely the same time. It's a go-for-broke assault on every Cardassian-Dominion stronghold and we... cannot... fail..."

I let the information sink in. It was a surprise even to Foley and Endicott, despite their wartime experience. The last time the Federation had been this threatened was the Borg Invasion at Wolf 359. I could only hope the Federation would come out of this battle with far less casualties.

I finished off my glass of water.

"We will be rendezvousing with the Klingons and the Romulans in approximately twenty-four hours. I expect squad reassignments to be completed well before then."

"Understood, Captain."

I turned to Chakotay. "Commander, I need to meet with you. The rest of you are dismissed."

As I watched them file out, I realized that the Doctor and Lt. Darris had remained. I looked over at Chakotay. "Give us a minute," I said.

"Understood. I'll be on the bridge."

I waited for him to leave the room before I addressed the Doctor and Lt. Darris.

"Is there something else?" I asked, my voice sharp.

"Yes, Captain," the Doctor said, standing in front of me. "I want to know if you're planning on resting anytime soon."

"As soon as I finish up with Chakotay, I intend to return to my quarters."

"You really need to rest, Captain," he said sternly. "At least forty-eight hours."

"I can't do that, Doctor." I leaned back in my chair. "How about a compromise? I won't leave my quarters, unless there's an emergency, for the next 20 hours."

"Very well, but it is over my objections."

"So noted," I responded, crossing my arms over my chest.

"And I expect to see you in sickbay at 1600 hours tomorrow."

"Agreed".

I could hear him grumbling and muttering under his breath as he left the room. Under better circumstances I might have been amused, but now I was just irritated.

I turned my attention to Lt. Darris. I couldn't get a read on her at all. I didn't know what she wanted. I only knew she'd aged in the time since we'd left spacedock. The youthful enthusiasm that I once spotted on her face had been tempered by a very harsh reality.

"You wanted something, Counselor?"

"Would you be more comfortable in your Ready Room, Captain?"

"Here is fine."

I really would've preferred to be in my Ready Room, but I wasn't even sure if I could make the short walk there on my own. And the last thing I wanted was for anyone, especially Lt. Darris, to see how weak I truly felt.

She folded her hands carefully on the conference table and looked intently at me.

"Captain, I wanted to apologize for not following your... request the other night."

"And which request was that, Counselor?"

"Regarding Commander Beragun. Your hunch was absolutely correct on him. I should've followed through with a visit to him."

"That's water under the bridge now."

"I fully expect a formal reprimand in my records."

"Counselor, I doubt any of this could have been prevented had you spoken to him the past few days. You and the doctor both know his condition progressed more rapidly than anyone could've expected."

"Perhaps."

"The blame is not entirely yours, Lieutenant. I could have been more forceful about my request. I could've ordered you to meet with Commander Beragun." I leaned forward, my hands now folded on the table in front of me as hers were. "I had a hunch, nothing more. No one else on the ship suspected it until it was too late."

She looked down at the table, unable to meet my gaze. I saw uncertainty and self-doubt in her face. It was something I, and the ship, couldn't afford.

"Put it behind you, Counselor," I said with a deliberately harsh voice. "We need you."

"I fear I've let you down, Captain."

I searched my memory for her first name. I gentled my voice before I spoke. "Jarmala, you're a good counselor, and the ship needs you, now more than ever."

She nodded, then lifted her head. "I won't let you down again, Captain."

"Good," I said giving her a small smile. "That's just what I wanted to hear."

Her smile in return was small, but she did smile.

"Is there anything else?" I asked.

"No, Captain."

"Good. If you'll excuse me, Counselor, I've got to meet with Commander Chakotay."

She got up from the table, and then gave me another small smile before leaving the room. I tapped my combadge and summoned Chakotay to the conference room once more.

* * * * * * * * * *

Chakotay gave me a concerned smile as he sat down opposite of me.

"How are you feeling, Kathryn?" he asked.

"Better. I don't feel as weak as I did before."

"That's good news."

I handed him a padd. "I want you to notify the following personnel and inform them that they're off-duty for their next two scheduled rotations, barring any red alerts."

"I'll do it immediately after our meeting."

"I also want you to notify the senior staff that we're to assemble at 1830 hours tomorrow in the Captain's dining room." He raised an eyebrow. "We'll be hosting a delegation from the Gowron and the Alpha Warrior at 1900 hours."

"Full senior staff?"

"Full senior staff, including Commander Endicott. And Chakotay, tell everyone I want them in their dress black uniforms."

"Understood."

I leaned forward. "I'm sorry I've got to leave you in 'charge of the store' for just another day."

"It's perfectly understandable, Kathryn."

"The Doctor has agreed to let me recuperate in my quarters," I continued. "You can reach me there should you need me."

"Anything else?"

"Not at this time." I pushed back from my desk and made as if I were getting up.

He jumped to his feet. "Do you want me to send Seven in?"

I looked up to find his dark eyes focused on my hands pressed hard against the desk surface. I lowered myself slowly biting off the sigh. We'd served together too long. I could hide nothing from him. "Thanks."

It only took Seven a matter of seconds before she was in the room alone with me.

"Seven, I need your help," I said, struggling out of the chair.

She was instantly beside me, helping me to stand. Concern was written all over her face. "Kathryn, do you need to return to sickbay?"

"No. I need you to help me to my quarters."

I held on to her arm as we slowly made our way to the doorway. My legs were still shaky, but I noticed that they were feeling better than they had been earlier.

"Wouldn't a site-to-site transport be a more... efficient means of going to your quarters?" she asked.

"I can do this, Seven," I replied. "I need to do this," I added, hoping she understood.

"As you wish... Captain."

I smiled to myself. Some things never change, I thought. I knew she was annoyed that I wasn't following her suggestion and her way of coping with her frustration was to make sure she had the last word.

* * * * * * * * * *

Though I seemed to be getting stronger with every passing hour, I was still feeling tired and weak. Once in my quarters, I immediately sank onto the couch, wanting nothing more than just to be able to collapse. My mind was still racing, and it was hard to relax.

Without a word, Seven disappeared into the ensuite and minutes later I heard water running. I smiled, grateful to have a partner that was so considerate.

"I have prepared a hot bath for you, Kathryn," she said returning to the room. "While you soak, I will replicate you something to eat."

"What would I do without you, Seven," I said, getting up from the couch.

She offered me her arm. Even though I was now feeling strong enough to do this on my own, I still held on to her strong, solid arm. I found comfort in touching her, drawing on her strength when I felt so little of my own.

"Do you require my assistance with your clothing?" she asked.

"I don't think I require it," I said with a smile, "but it would be nice to have it."

I saw the corner of her mouth quirk in a hint of smile. I closed the distance between us and gently kissed her on the cheek.

"You are incorrigible," she said, her smile widening.

"Can I persuade you to join me?" I asked in the most seductive voice I could muster as she removed my tunic, then my red t-shirt.

"Although your powers of persuasion are considerable, Kathryn, I must say no." My face must have reflected my disappointment as she quickly added, "You need to rest. And I know that bathing with you frequently leads to... anything but rest."

"You know me too well, darling."

I pulled my bra off and tossed it on the floor with the rest of my clothes. Bracing myself with one hand against the sink, I pulled one boot off, then the other.

"I think you will be able to finish your disrobing without any further assistance from me," Seven said with a knowing smile. "I will replicate your dinner now."

I finished undressing and then slowly immersed my tired body into the steaming water. I was beginning to feel every bit of my forty-plus years. I leaned back and let the heat permeate my body. There was nothing quite as therapeutic as a hot bath.

It was hard to believe that it hadn't even been twenty-four hours since Seven had sprung the news about Commander Beragun's battle plans. If the past day was any indication of how it was going to be back here in the Alpha Quadrant... I sighed and sank further down into the water, the tops of my knees barely breaking the surface.

I must've dozed off because the next thing I knew, Seven was gently shaking my shoulder.

"Kathryn, are you ready for dinner?" she asked in a quiet voice.

"Yes... right... dinner..." I stammered, rubbing my eyes.

As I stepped out of the tub, Seven wrapped a large, thick towel around me. I felt her lips press against my forehead in a soft kiss.

"Your pajamas and robe are on the bed," she said, releasing me. "I will put dinner on the table."

"I'll be right there. Just give me a few minutes."

* * * * * * * * * *

After a hearty bowl of stew, I found myself tiring once again. The doctor was probably right, much as I hated to admit it. I did need to rest. The thought of ten or twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep was becoming more appealing by the minute.

"I think I'll turn in," I said, getting up from the table.

Seven almost looked relieved as she followed me into the bedroom. As I took off my robe, I noticed that she made no move to change out of her uniform.

"Aren't you coming to bed?" I asked, turning back the covers.

"I must regenerate for several hours tonight," she explained, sitting down on her side of the bed. "I will stay with you until you fall asleep."

I slid under the covers, glad to be lying down in my own bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow I felt every muscle in my body relax. Seven stretched out on top of the covers beside me and I immediately moved into her arms. She held me closely, the strength of her hug surprising me.

"Seven, is something wrong?" I asked after several minutes of silence.

"I was... frightened for you today, Kathryn," she answered, her arms tightening around me as if she were afraid to let go of me. "I do not know what I would have done had you not been... all right."

"I can't tell you that something like this won't happen again, Seven. You and I both know that's unrealistic."

She kissed the top of my head. "I am aware of that, Kathryn."

I snuggled closer to her, suddenly needing the contact more than she did. Her arms relaxed, but she still cradled me against her body.

"It is all right, Kathryn. Sleep."