Rated G
Disclaimer: Paramount owns the world of Trek
Summary: Inspired by Camryn's fiddle found here. Sequel to Just Another Day in Paradise
He finds it amusing that she makes him be the one to contact sickbay inquiring after the three crewmembers who were still critical. Upon learning they are out of danger, she finally agrees to head to her quarters. But not without an armful of reports.
Talking as fast as the speed of light, she juggles the PADDs, so he relieves her of most of them. She refers first to B'Elanna's report, then Tuvok's, and holds her hand out for Harry's. He doesn't have a chance to get a word in, but he is content with that.
It's not merely that the verbal stream from her is brilliant - ideas to increase the sensors, the shields, the maneuverability of the helm. It's the simple joy of listening to her voice after watching her nearly bleed to death right before his eyes.
Waving PADDs with each hand, she looks as though she's conducting an orchestra. She enters her quarters, still talking, so he assumes he is to follow. Somehow, he has to get her to rest; she isn't the only one intimidated by the acerbic EMH. He drops his pile of reports on the table and she follows suit.
As she takes a breath, he interrupts. "Kathryn, you're supposed to be-"
She whirls so quickly he reaches out, unsure if he is steadying her or himself. Her fingers are cool against his lips, stopping his words.
She shakes her head, crooking her familiar half-grin at him. "Chakotay, you talk too much."
Then she replaces her fingers with her lips.
The End
On to the sequel -- A Scientific Mind
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© Brianna Thomas, March 2008 Please email me to post/distribute elsewhere.
