(Untitled)

[captainchakotay]

::circles console to check lieutenantkim's readings one more time::

::sighs with restrained satisfaction...nothing worse, but nothing better either::

::moves to slap comm badge and open a channel to engineering, arresting gesture when turbolift doors open, revealing ltcmdrtomparis and miral_paris::

Any updates?

Comments

[ltcmdrtomparis]

::catches annikahansen's eye, unable to even wrest up amusement at her look of pointed forbearance::

Well, do you want the good news or the bad news first?

::cracks a thin smile at look of warning from Indian::

Guess I'll give you the good.

Vorik finally got the shields up. I'd say we give him a cookie, but...

[miralparis]

...they aren't exactly going to do much good against the Krenim's chroniton weapons. You'd may as well call a spacewalk and put up tarps.

::levels a look at the Captain, determined to get annoyance across...if he'd even entertain a more creative approach...::

Make them white, if you really want a chance.

[captainchakotay]

When it looks like we'll be in the vicinity for any length of time, I'll consider having you lead a team, Ensign.

::turns eyes to XO::

What about the inoculations?

[ltcmdrtomparis]

::puts on own look of forbearance...checking on that was wading into a whole other battlefield::

They're about halfway through. Doc isn't sure about effectiveness, though...you remember the result with Kes after her exposure to the biotemporal chamber.

::reflexively turns head from annikahansen at unbidden lump in throat resulting from even brief thought of her predecessor::

Which actually introduces a whole new concern. We don't know how a slipstream jaunt would affect our telepaths...hell, anyone...after the shots.

[lieutenantkim]

::puts old breathing trick to use while waiting for turbolift to stop at deck five...in self defense, hasn't been this...scared...since...well, since andrewkim made his grand entrance into the universe::

::spends half a hysterical minute pondering how Freud would relate childbirth to the insane new slipstream drive, before doors open, forcing some semblance of rationality::

::jerks head in nod to passing crew, all but running to sickbay::

::looks around when doors open, heart settling a little from thumping once reassured everyone is in place...linnis_paris at her usual research table, son pacing a far corner with a fussy baby::

[linnis_paris]

::draws another syringe full from flask, breaking concentration briefly at noise of displeasure from emh_marki::

::takes in his look of profound annoyance and kes_ amused smile, turning::

::releases huff of own:::

Oh, honestly, Harry, you'd better be dying.

[lieutenantkim]

::ignores harshness of statement, more attuned to affection in her tone::

Don't jinx me.

::nods gratitude when kes_ pulls the Doctor away, granting a little privacy::

::ignores andrewkim's eyeroll from across room too, stepping closer to wife::

I just wanted to make sure...

[linnis_paris]

::tries and fails to hold on to irritation, taking in a very familiar mixture of puppy dog guilt and genuine worry::

::works on finishing off vial before giving him full attention, though::

I'm here. I'm too busy to be anywhere but here. Besides, someone has to keep them...

::nods to growing gaggle of fretting babies and antsy parents::

...in line.

If you really want to help, see if Naomi can be spared.