Star Trek Voyager: Frontiers of Exile

Star Trek Voyager: Frontiers of Exile (Chapter 3)

“Kathryn? What are you doing here?” Chakotay asked in surprise as he registered his former commanding officer standing in his doorway, looking pale faced and anxious. He couldn’t help but share a brief questioning glance with Seven as his own apprehensions began to take root, but quickly felt bad about their unwelcoming stance, “Not that we’re not glad to see you…”

Janeway gave him a wan but understanding smile in response. “I know, don’t worry about it.” She gulped hard in an attempt to swallow her guilt as she looked at the couple, they looked so happy. The vacation in the sun and fresh air, something Seven, who’d spent the vast majority of her life in the artificial environments indicative of space travel, had never experienced had left them both with a healthy glow, although Janeway wasn’t sure how much of that could be attributed to climate and how much to love and happiness. She suspected the latter, standing there in front of her with their hands comfortably laced, they were more secure and content than she had ever witnessed either to be. She released a pained, heavy, sigh. She felt like a cat Starfleet was throwing at a pair of nesting lovebirds. “It’s complicated, can we talk?”

“Of course.” Seven agreed firmly, hurriedly moving to the door to dial in the access code and politely motioning for the Admiral to go in first as she helped Chakotay with their suitcases.

“Thanks.” Janeway replied warmly, grateful for Seven’s careful manners, she wasn’t prepared for a barrage of questions quite yet. “How was your honeymoon?” she asked to fill the silence as they finally all stood in the open plan kitchen and living room. She could still see their wedding presents, piled neatly in a corner when they’d run out of space in the bedroom; after all, all of their Voyager crewmates had felt obliged to treat them. “As good as the wedding I hope?”

Chakotay smiled involuntarily at the memory despite the somewhat sombre atmosphere and shot his new wife an indulgent look, “It was perfect.”

The laugh that left Janeway’s lips when she saw Seven blush in response to that acted as a much needed release value on her tension. “He took the words right out of your mouth, didn’t he Seven?” she remarked knowingly.

Seven’s lips twisted upwards wryly, “Yes indeed.” She admitted before heading for the kitchen. “Coffee I presume Admiral?”

Janeway just smirked at her in reply and Chakotay took the chance to gently probe her, “So, what brings you here? It can’t be just to ask us about our honeymoon…” He teased good-naturedly.

“Well…” Janeway began slowly, taking the comm. badge pinned to her crumpled uniform in one hand and toying with it nervously until it was nearly pulled free from the fabric, “I’ve never been to Puerto Rico and I’m thinking of travelling around this beautiful planet of ours after taking so long to get back to it…”

Chakotay recognised her nervous tic instantly, he’d seen it leading up to every decision and argument with her over seven years, and felt a familiar irritation flood him as he set his jaw in preparation to draw whatever it was out of her. “Kathryn…”

Seven was characteristically blunt as her husband’s gradual approach didn’t work. “What’s wrong Admiral?” she asked exasperatedly.