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A failed mission and some wrong calculations. The first officer of the starship Voyager had ended up injured. Things could have been worse, and Captain Janeway knew that well. Still, that knowledge didn’t give her any solace. They had been lost in space for four years, but she still couldn’t get used to the injuries and above all, the losses of her crewmen. Every time she felt like she failed them, not keeping the unspoken promise of leading everyone safe back Home.
They had been able to transport him back to the ship almost the moment he got injured. Kathryn was in great agony until she was able to visit Sickbay. She was worried about her first officer, but mostly she was terrified of losing her best friend – the only person who was able to make her feel like Voyager could sometimes feel like Home too. The Doctor informed her that Chakotay had suffered from acute blood loss, but he reassured her that he would be fine soon and ready to go back to active duty. He had been able to stop the bleeding soon after Chakotay was transferred to Sickbay.
However, Kathryn was still worried, as she was staring at his pale face. Chakotay was on a bio-bed, unconscious, with his eyes closed and his mouth set in a thin line. Kathryn reminded to herself that her friend would be okay.
I need you, she thought, and I want you to wake up.
The Doctor, as if he read her thoughts, approached her, and informed her that he should regain consciousness soon. He was very optimistic about Chakotay’s condition.
“You can stay, if you want,” he told her softly. “It will be good for him to see a familiar, beloved face.”
Kathryn nodded, thinking of the Doctor’s words. Well, it wasn’t exactly a secret that she and Chakotay had grown close to each other over the years. Kathryn didn’t always feel comfortable with that, but at this moment she didn’t care.
The Doctor, as if he wanted to give them some privacy, returned to his office. Kathryn stepped closer to the bio-bed. She touched his arm hesitantly.
“What would I do without you?” she murmured.
Then, Chakotay opened his eyes. He blinked them till they got used to the light. Then he looked around and he saw her.
“Kathryn,” he smiled.
A smile appeared on Kathryn’s face as well. Oh, she had missed her smile. At the same time, she could feel her eyes tearing up.
"Oh, Chakotay."
"I’m glad you’re here."
"I’m glad you’re safe."
Their little conversation was interrupted by the Doctor. Kathryn stepped back, making space for him. The Doctor examined Chakotay for a few moments, and then a wide smile appeared on his face.
“Commander, that was a close call, but you are healing well. See this as an opportunity to rest before going back to duty.”
Chakotay nodded. “Thank you, Doctor.”
Then the Doctor looked at the captain and cleared his throat. “Well, um… Captain…feel free to stay for a little longer with the Commander, but then it would be good for him to rest more.”
“Don’t worry, Doctor. I will return to the bridge soon.”
The Doctor nodded vividly. “Very well. Captain, Commander.”
Then he returned to his office.
Kathryn stepped closer to the bio-bed again and put her hand on his shoulder.
“How do you feel, Commander?”
Chakotay chuckled. “I feel…almost normal, Captain.”
“We can’t wait to have you back with us on duty.”
“I feel the same. Oh, but we’d also have to celebrate since that accident was a close call, as the Doctor said.”
Kathryn raised an eyebrow. “Are you thinking of a party?”
“Oh, no. I meant something more private. Just the two of us.”
Kathryn smiled. “Of course. I’ve missed our dinners.”
Chakotay’s face sobered. “I’ve missed you.”
Kathryn nodded and cleared her throat. “I should probably go; you shouldn’t exhaust yourself.”
Chakotay, gently, touched her hand.
“Stay for a little longer.”
“You need rest, Chakotay.”
“I need you,” he said.
I need you too, she thought, but she didn’t say it.
“Five more minutes,” she said instead and he nodded with a satisfied smile on his face.