Chakotay

Chakotay eyed Kathryn, who had done nothing to stop Tom as he made his swift exit. Tom had always been very independent and strong-willed, but the past few years had diluted it to some extent. However, it seemed that Haven brought out the best of it in him. Who knew what Tom was going to go do now? Kathryn's mind seemed to be running along the same wavelength. Turning toward him, she asked, "Do you think he'll be okay?" He chuckled.

"Kathryn, he'll be fine. There appears to be as much Klingon in him as his wife. They'll both be okay as soon as the Doctor sorts this out." With reference to B'Elanna, Kathryn's face became slack at her condition.

"And if he can't? I really cannot afford to have my chief engineer believing in fantasies when the Plak'han storm the planet. She could seriously become a threat to the others. We need her…" She trailed off, eyes glazing over as something outside drew her gaze. Chakotay shifted his position on the bed. They still had yet to talk about the other matter at hand: her condition. He didn't want to prod her into it, but it was a subject that was going to be broached at some point or another. Using all his charm and wit at his disposal, he tried to ease into it, but she cut him off a few words in.

"I know what you want to talk about. Me." She turned towards him, bringing a leg up and curling it in. He gazed at the flatness of her stomach, wanting to feel the curve that would replace it in the coming months. Slowly, he dragged his gaze upwards, savoring every bit of her body, until he met the piercing blue eyes. They were all business, but a hint of worry was frozen beneath the ice. He held her gaze forever, enjoying the understanding of the situation that was communicated through love and seven years of friendship. So when she opened her mouth to speak again, Chakotay already knew what she was going to say.

"I have eight months before we need to worry about this disease. I'm fully confident in the Doctor's abilities to solve this puzzle. If he doesn't, however, we have to be prepared for the worst." She turned her head away, drawing a breath and appearing taller at the same time. "We'll need to ensure that no one else becomes pregnant, that no one else can be the victim of this disease. And." Another breath. "And we need to turn command over to you, which means we will be spending many long nights going over strategy and we will – " He swiped at a tear forming in her eye, causing another sharp intake of air. "We will ensure our survival on this planet, even if it means I turn command over to you. And we will guarantee our child the right to live out a normal life, or I'll die trying." Chakotay took her by the shoulder and gently urged her to lie down on the bed.

"Kathryn. Kathryn." He fought to be heard over her sobs. "Kathryn. Its all right. You're getting yourself all worked up for nothing. Just take it easy for a while, and no doubt we'll find something, especially if Tom's working on it..