17:00 hours Officers Briefing Room:
"It's been over a week and Lieutenant Tuvok's condition is worsening," Captain Janeway's voice was steady as she spoke, as though she were reporting on a spatial anomaly or some insignificant detail of the ship's operation. "The doctor's latest report indicates that the Lieutenant has practically no chance of surviving the next 24 hours unless he takes a mate." She drew a breath to keep her composure. This was neither the time nor the place to deal with personal grief.
"I can't believe we're just going to let him die," B'Elanna's impulsiveness was one of the qualities the captain admired in her, but not just now.
"Nobody is letting him die, Lieutenant." Janeway's defense cracked allowing her staff a brief glimpse of the anguish underneath. She turned her back to the conference table and walked to the viewport pinching the bridge of her nose.
Kes picked up the conversation, "B'Elanna, the doctor has tried a wide variety of treatments," she explained gently. "During pon farr Vulcan physiology is greatly altered. We have attempted to slow his metabolism and lower hormone production, but have not been successful."
"Is there any chance that it will just - end?" asked Tom Paris. "That he'll just snap out of it?"
"Spontaneous recovery from pon farr is rare. Most documented cases have occurred in Vulcans of mixed race parentage. Even then the chances are slim," said Kes.
"There are Vulcan women on board," Harry's enthusiasm was racing ahead of his inhibitions, "Couldn't they - - - I mean, couldn't he...?" He blushed at the implications of what he was proposing.
"It doesn't work like that," said Chakotay. "During pon farr the Vulcan male experiences an overwhelming drive to bond with his mate. The emotional and mental communion are as, or more, important than the physical joining."
"So it's T'Pel or no one?"
"If the bond mate is no longer living, or if the bond has been severed a new bond may be established," explained Chakotay. "But it can't be just anyone. It must be someone with whom Tuvok has developed a relationship - a friendship. I don't think Tuvok has many friends on board outside of this room."
"All right, people," Janeway turned back to the table. "This conversation is rapidly becoming an invasion of Lieutenant Tuvok's privacy. Let's give him the dignity he deserves. Remind your staff that Tuvok has requested no disturbances. I'd like for us to respect his wishes. I know the crew are concerned about him, but we've already had to put a security lock on his door. His quarters are off limits. That's it. Dismissed"
18:20 Mess Hall
"I was thinking that if we modified the reactant injectors to burn deuterium at higher temperatures then we might be able to produce a purer deuterium gas." Harry Kim was never at a loss for new ideas. Between bites of food shovelled into his mouth he regaled B'Elanna and Tom with his latest suggestion for increasing engine efficiency. "We would have to fortify the engineering hull, but that shouldn't be too difficult, should it B'Elanna. B'Elanna?" Sitting across the table from them B'Elanna's eyes were fixed on a distant point, her brow furrowed in concentration as she carried on some conversation within herself, punctuation her points with her fork which held a bite of food long since gone cold.
Tom winked at Harry and hit his com badge, "Paris to Torres."
B'Elanna's mind returned to the mess hall, her hand went to her own com badge, "Torres here ..." Her voice drifted off at the sound of Tom and Harry's laughter. "Sorry. How long was I gone?" "You okay, B'Elanna?" asked Harry. "No, dammit! I hate this." "We all hate it, B'Elanna. But there's nothing we can do for him," said Tom. "This is one battle we can't help him fight."
"It's not just that, Tom. I mean, yes, the Klingon side of me wants to join my comrade in whatever battle he's waging right now. But it's more than that. I *like* Tuvok. I don't want to lose him."
"None of us want to lose him." Tom spoke his next words slowly, clearly, hoping that if she heard them often enough she would release herself from whatever Klingon honor bound her to feel responsible to save every member of the crew from danger, "There is - nothing - we - can - do."
"Maybe there is something we can do," she offered. "If 70,000 light years isn't enough to sever a bond I don't know what is."
"You think Tuvok should find a new bond mate?" asked Harry. B'Elanna shrugged. "But Chakotay said it would have to be someone pretty close to him. A friend."
"Remember when Tuvok and I were in that prison cell together? I felt like I got to know him pretty well. I consider Tuvok a friend." Her implication was clear.
Tom drew a deep breath. "I think we all consider Tuvok our friend. I know I do. Don't you, Harry?" Harry nodded. "See we're all his friends. And nobody ever said he had to bond with a female so I suggest that Harry ..."
"Tom, stop it!" "Paris!" B'Elanna and Harry responded simultaneously.
"Okay, I'm sorry. B'Elanna, are you seriously considering this?" She barely nodded. Tom leaned forward on his elbows lowering his voice to a whisper, "Don't you think it's a bit too much like - prostituting yourself?"
"To save his life?" asked B'Elanna. "No. I would gladly give my life for his on the field of battle. My motives here are the same. I see no difference."
"B'Elanna," Tom said seriously, "I'm not just saying this because of how I …" He exhaled sharply through his nose, drawing his lips in a tight line. "I'm saying this as your friend. You should consider this carefully. Casual sex can be an emotionally damaging thing."
She tried not to laugh. "I would hardly call this 'casual sex', Paris. And I've had sex for less noble reasons. Harry, what do you think?"
"Like you said, B'Elanna. You would give your life for his in battle. I don't see the difference either. But it could be a moot point. There is a security lock on his door." Both Tom and B'Elanna laughed out loud at this.
"Remember who I am, Starfleet. In the Maquis locks just made our job more challenging." She stood. "I've got to think this through myself."
"You meeting us at Sandrine's tonight?" Tom made a brave attempt at sounding casual and unaffected.
"I don't know. I don't know what I'm going to do. What time will you be there?"
"Around 21:00 hours."
"I'll think about it. Don't wait up, though." With that she was gone.
18:22 Sickbay
"Doctor," said Kes, "as a physician it is your responsibility to do whatever you can for your patient." It was more a question than a statement.
The doctor glanced up from the his culture dish and set down his medical tricorder. It was unusual for Kes to be in sickbay this late in the evening. He knew she wasn't here to help him with the cultures as she'd professed to be. "The health of my patients will be my first consideration." He quoted from the oath that was the basis of his programming.
"I have come to see my role here on Voyager to be that of a physician, a healer. I suppose the health of the crew is my first concern."
"Yes," said the doctor. "Outside of sickbay and the holodeck you act in the role of ship's doctor. I believe that you have made the health of the crew your first concern. Emotional as well as physical."
"Doctor, what if you knew of a - treatment - that could possibly cure a patient, but might harm another member of the crew?"
"I am programmed to do no harm." He watched as she frowned and silently moved her lips, trying to decide what to say. "If you went to Tuvok, would you have to tell Neelix about it?"
She looked up in surprise. Was she that obvious? "I couldn't lie to Neelix," she said softly.
"But would you feel compelled to tell him? I don't think he'd ask."
"He has to know I've been thinking about it. It is the only chance Tuvok has now and I'm closer to Tuvok than anyone, except maybe the captain." She fingered a dermal regenerator, weighing it in her hands briefly before returning it to the instrument tray in front of her. "No. I don't think he'd ask."
The doctor knew when privacy was needed. "I believe that I shall shut myself down for a while." he offered. His fingers flew quickly across a padd and he pushed it to her. "This is the medical over-ride code for Lieutenant Tuvok's quarters. In case it is needed while I'm off."
"Thank you, Doctor." She squeezed his hand briefly before he disappeared.
18:24 Captain Janeway's Quarters
Janeway was pacing her quarters when the door chime rang. "Enter."
Chakotay smiled at her as the door shut behind him. "Missed you at dinner. You wasting your replicator rations?"
"I'm not hungry. Have a seat." He sat on the couch while she continued to pace. They were quiet for a while. Her pacing. Him watching.
Finally he spoke. "So, are you going to do it?"
"As captain it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of my crew. Tuvok and I have melded before. There is already a link between us. I think I could help him."
"At least be honest about it. Is it because he's a member of your crew or because he's your friend?" She glared at him. "I'm serious. Would you do this for Carey?"
"I don't like hypotheticals, Chakotay. Carey will never be in this situation."
"What if I told you there were times that I felt like I was going to die?" At least this got a smile out of her. She sat beside him.
"Chakotay, would this bother you too terribly much?" There was nothing but sincerity and concern in her tone.
"Bother me? No, not bother me. I know your intentions. I wouldn't lose any respect for you." She breathed a sigh of relief. "It would hurt me, though. I can't lie about that"
She took his hand and looked into his eyes. This man had given her so much. He'd stood beside her. He'd declared his devotion for no reason other than his desire that she know how he felt. He'd expected nothing more than that she accept him as her friend. How could she hurt him?
"I'd get over it." He said. "It would hurt me, but it wouldn't destroy me. It wouldn't destroy what I feel for you." He lifted his hands, cupping her face and drawing it to his. He kissed her softly, first on the right cheek, then the left. "Do what you must, Captain." He stood and left her alone.
19:15 Tuvok's Quarters
Tuvok bolted upright in bed when he heard the noise. The doctor's best efforts at slowing his metabolism still would not allow him peaceful sleep. A figure moved silently through the darkness of his quarters, then into the light.
"You should not be here," he said. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, but did not stand.
"I came to help you." She replied, moving closer.
"Stop. Don't. You must leave."
"No," she said. Her hands moved quickly over her clothing as she divested herself of it.
"Please. You do not understand. I have no restraint."
"That will make this easier, then." She was directly in front of him. She could see him trembling. Reaching forward she took his hands in hers and placed them on her breasts. He groaned and pulled her to the bed rolling her beneath him. Tuvok lay on top of her resting on his elbows. He brought his hands to her face. Spreading his fingers he placed them on her temples and along the line of her cheeks and jaw. The link was made and she gasped at the intensity of the connection. She was with him, within his mind. She shared the urgency of his want, the intensity of his need. He too was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by her affection for him, her will to save him.
He was beyond patience. He shifted his hips slightly to enter her and noted that she had planned ahead, lubricating herself liberally. They both cried out at their joining. Tuvok's restraint was gone as he established a desperate rhythm. Through the link she shared his gratification and it intensified her own reaction, which was then returned to him. Their desire built mutually, feeding exponentially off one another. She shared his climax with him and then they shared hers.
It was some time before Tuvok found his voice. He had not moved from her. "I must apologize," he said. "It is not my custom to be so - vigorous."
She laughed softly and ran her fingers down his face. "It *was* intense." Her breath caught as she felt him surging again within her. He dropped his eyes, turned his face from her and began to withdraw. "No, Tuvok. It's okay." The bond was becoming stronger. He knew she spoke the truth. He moved himself down her body pausing at her breasts. Gingerly he took one into his mouth and gently tugged, teasing it with his teeth and tongue. It was the first contact his lips had made with any part of her body and she gasped aloud. Removing his hands from her head he moved them to her breasts as his mouth kissed a trail down her torso. He lifted his head momentarily.
"This time I shall be more attentive," he promised.
And he was.
21:10 Sandrine's
"She's late," said Tom. "You think she's coming?"
"I don't know, Tom." Harry lined up his next shot.
"Do you think she did it?"
"I don't know, Tom."
"Where is she?" Tom muttered. "Computer what is the current location of Lieutenant Be -"
"Tom, don't," said Harry. "Just - don't."
"Computer belay that order." Tom sighed, bouncing his leg nervously. He turned back towards the door was rewarded with the sight of B'Elanna Torres whisking her way in to Sandrine's.
"Sorry I'm late, guys."
"Oh, are you late? I hadn't noticed." Tom handed her a cue.
21:12 Mess Hall
"Hi honey," Kes approached Neelix from behind, wrapping her arms around him. They were alone in the kitchen.
"Kes! I thought you'd be in sickbay all night." Neelix put down his knife and vegetables and turned to face her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"I missed you." She squeezed his waist. "I saw B'Elanna in the corridor on her way to Sandrines. You want to go?"
"I need a few more minutes here, okay?"
"Okay. I'll watch." She released him and rested her elbows on the counter and watched him with adoring eyes.
21:14 Chakotay's Quarters
Chakotay responded to his door chime, smiling when he saw who it was. He leaned on one arm against the door frame and motioned for his captain to enter.
"You hungry now?" he asked.
"Not really." She sat on his couch and he joined her. He knew she had something to say. He was in no hurry. He smiled at her, watching her work her thoughts.
"I learned something about myself tonight, Chakotay." She finally spoke. She turned to face him and he raised his eyebrows inquisitively. "I care about you." She paused a moment, reveling in his smile. "More, I think, than you realize." He held her gaze as she raised her hand to his head allowing her fingers to caress his temple. "More than I realized myself." He caught her wrist and brought her hand to his lips. She moved towards him and his arms encircled her as hers went around his neck. Their faces were inches apart and he just kept smiling as she pulled his head down to hers. It was just as she had planned, a friendly kiss, their lips barely moving. Her own reaction is what caught her off guard. To finally be this close to him, to have finally breached that barrier, she wanted more. She pulled him to her again, opening her lips to allow him full access and moaned softly as their tongues rolled together and they settled back into the couch. Eventually they separated.
"So you *care* about me?" He kissed the top of her head. "Do I want to know what it took to bring about this great revelation?"
"All in good time, Commander. I think right now we should find ourselves a diversion. Care to let me beat you in a game of pool?"
"Ummm," he dropped his eyes to his lap and she noted that he was in no condition for a walk through the corridors. "Can we talk for a few minutes, first?" She leaned back against the couch with his arm firmly around her shoulders, chuckling softly.
"How long do you need, Chakotay?"
21:45 Sandrine's
"You know, I was winning before you got here," Tom pointed his cue at Janeway accusingly.
"I'm *glad* you came, Captain," said B'Elanna. "Tom was getting over-confident."
"Putting Mr. Paris in his place is among my favorite privileges," said Janeway. She leaned over for her next shot, but was distracted by the figure entering the bar. The hum of conversations fell silent.
Tuvok stopped just inside the door and surveyed the silent room. "I am recovered," he announced.
Harry was the first to approach him, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "Welcome back, Lieutenant. It's good to see you."
"Thank you, Ensign."
"Tuvok," Chakotay clapped him once on the shoulder, nodded, smiled and stepped behind Janeway trying very hard not to look too possessive.
Neelix broke the solemn mood by embracing Tuvok fully. "Mr Vulcan!" he exclaimed. "I am delighted. Truly *delighted* to see you!" The others followed, Tuvok accepted their embraces with more enthusiasm than one might expect from a Vulcan.
He met her eyes only briefly. A brief flash of delight in her eyes, a brief flash of gratitude in his. Nothing more. No one else noticed it. He had vowed himself to silence. Her choice to divulge was hers alone. He would never mention it again.
-finis