Chakotay was a troubled man. He didn’t know what to do. He truly doubted his own ability to heal Tom Paris. But he had to try. Paris annoyed him sometimes, but he couldn’t imagine how boring the Bridge would be without Paris’s comments. Couldn’t imagine flying through hostile areas without the reassurance that Paris was at the helm, making voyager dance. Couldn’t imagine a night of not watching the young man working the crowd at Sandrine’s. Everyone knew what he was. But his blue eyes held such good natured mischief, his laugh bespoke such fun no one really minded. He was Tom Paris. The enigma. And now a new piece had been added to the puzzle. But all it did was make it more complicated. How could such a bright, talented young man not only mask a weak, cowardly traitor, but also a emotionally damaged little boy? What was a mask and what was real?
Tom’s eyes opened, confused blue eyes blinked up at him. “Commander?”
“Good morning Lieutenant.”
“Why am I in sickbay?”
“The Doctors writing a paper on you, It’s called ‘Chief Pilot stops eating and sleeping and collapses in the middle of a Jeffries tube he’s cleaning, to be found by a very confused crewman.” Privately Chakotay was surprised at his own ability to joke about this.
“I collapsed..... Oh yeah I remember.”
“Good. That makes things easier. Now. Would you care to explain why you stopped eating?”
“Wasn’t hungry”
“And sleeping. DON’T tell me you weren’t tired.”
“Couldn’t”
“Why didn’t you go to the Doctor for sleeping aids?”
“Don’t like drugs.”Tom sat up, “Now if the interpretation is over Commander,” He got up, “I’ll be going”
“Not so fast Paris. You are not fit for duty.”
“What? But I feel fine.”
“Because the doctor gave you vitamin supplements. So right no you are physically fine. However any senior officer who can let himself fall to the level of weakness you had obviously needs some counseling. I will try to get you back on duty as soon as possible, I promise you, however I will not release you before you’re ready.”
“Wait a minute, you’re my councilor?”
“Yes, I am the most qualified. However if you would feel more comfortable with Tuvok...”
“To tell you the truth I would, I know you don’t much care for me, and are probably only doing this because the Captain asked you.”
Chakotay couldn’t think of anything to say. His heart screamed for him to set Tom straight but he knew he had no way of proving to Tom that he was wrong.
“I’ll alert Tuvok. You’ll be living with him until you’re fit for duty again.”
Tom nodded, “How’s Harry?”
“No one has been told of your condition, If you’d like we can tell him.”
“Nah, he’d just worry.”
“We’ve put it around that you contracted a minor but very contagious disease, so no visitors.”
Again Tom nodded, then leaned back. Chakotay exited the sickbay to go find Tuvok.
blurry, disconnected. Something was going on, his body. Something was going on with his body. But none of it seemed real, nothing seemed connected. A doctor hovered over him. He tried to speak, tried to ask about his friends. But it was too distant. He drifted again...
Chakotay spoke to Tuvok, “Lieutenant Paris has said that he would prefer you as his councilor.”
Tuvok raised one eyebrow but didn’t comment, “Very well, I will prepare my corridors to accommodate him". Turning he set off on his task. Leaving a very troubled commander behind him. Was he such a monster that Tom would rather have a cold fish like Tuvok as a councilor than him?