For Ivanova who gave us the idea.
Chakotay looked over his quarters. It had been his for over a year now, but it still held evidence of the previous occupant. As first officer of Voyager, he had been assigned the quarters of the former first officer, Cavit. Now, at last he was ready to pack away the belongings of the man who was no longer there and make the quarters truly his own. Reverently he gathered the few remaining belongings.
Tucked away on the shelf, a family portrait showed Cavit with a young wife and two children. They all smiled happily at the holo-imager. This family would never be able to sit together like this again. From the top dresser drawer, Chakotay pulled out the little box he had seen there before.
Offering a silent prayer for the long departed man's spirit, Chakotay opened the box for the first time. Within, he found more portraits. Several of each of the children and several of Cavit's wife, one of them of her on their wedding day. Under this mound of pictures, he found items which Cavit must have kept as momentos: a rock, several medals, a gold chain. The last item was a small brown pouch which rattled softly when he shook it. At first Chakotay packed it away with the other items he had found, but curiosity got the better of him. Taking the pouch out again, he opened it, and frowned when he saw the little 'beads' within. Then he smiled. This was something which he would find useful. Pouring the 'beads' back into the bag, he went to the computer to access further information about them�
Kes was also a great help. Once he explained what he wanted to do, and why, she was quite willing to give of her time to help him.
Two years later
A variety of noises and smells assaulted Chakotay's senses as he entered the mess hall. Pausing to give himself time to adjust to the overload, he scanned the room. He noted that most of the senior officers were huddled around a table in the far corner. Acknowledging Neelix's greeting with a wave, he headed over to them. As he approached, the conversation was momentarily derailed as they broke off long enough for him to sit down and accept a cup of something from the cook. Tasting and grimacing at once, he noted that all eyes were turned on him. "What?" he asked.
After some shuffling among themselves, Harry was the first to respond, "According to ship's records, its the Captain's birthday next Tuesday. We were wondering� that is� we were debating what we should do for a celebration?"
Immediately a clamour arose. Paris and B'Elanna were hotly contesting the virtues of a traditional birthday party, versus a free-for-all at 'Sandrine's'. Neelix, who had joined the group in time to hear the subject raised, was excitedly expounding on an obscure custom which seemed to require bells, chants, and pieces of red fruit. In the midst of this melee, Tuvok sat in serene silence. An eye of calm in a hurricane of emotion. Chakotay turned to him, "Vulcan's don't celebrate birthdays, do they?" he asked.
"No, Commander, we do not. However, contact with humans has brought� understanding that this is a day of significance in the personal calendar of each of you. I have noted, that when colleagues fail to offer congratulations, or felicitations, the result is hurt and depression. It is most fascinating." Tuvok returned quietly.
At that moment, Paris abruptly whistled shrilly. The resultant silence was indeed blessed. "This is a brainstorming session, people. Let's try and gather ideas, and not degenerate into personal challenges." He very carefully avoided B'Elanna's eyes.
Smothering a smile, Chakotay took up the lead. "Personally, I don't see why we can't use the Holodeck. Perhaps everyone would appreciate the opportunity to contribute their own idea to the party; be it bells and fruit, or party hats and favours."
Everyone seemed to like this idea and once again the noise level rose as everyone gave their ideas and Chakotay wondered silently as to the wisdom of his suggestion.
By the time dinner was over, they had more or less decided what they would do and the discussion turned to gift ideas.
"She must be the most difficult person to buy for," Harry commented.
"I don't think so," said Neelix. "I'm going to make her one of my favourite dishes. It's a bit like your candy and I'm sure she'll enjoy it�"
Tuvok raised an eyebrow. He knew the captain's taste and it didn't include sweets. Pecan nut pie and the occasional chocolate, yes, but she'd never been a lover of sweet things. "I'm sure the captain will appreciate anything that you give her. It is the thought, after all, that counts."
B'Elanna Torres rolled her eyes. How many times had she heard that! Personally, she felt that the gift did count! Not the size, maybe, but getting the right gift did.
"We could always design a new holodeck program for her," Tom said. "That Lord Burleigh one must be loosing it's appeal by now especially after that crazy housekeeper tried to kill the captain�"
B'Elanna chuckled. "Good idea, but what sort of thing would appeal to her?"
Various pairs of eyes turned first to Chakotay and them to Tuvok. "You two know her best, what do you think?" Tom asked.
Chakotay shook his head. "Oh, no," he said in mock horror, "you're not involving me in this. Whatever you choose, it must be your choice."
"Tuvok?" Harry asked. "You must have some idea�"
"Well," began Tuvok thoughtfully, "the Captain has always been a lover of the classics. Music, art, poetry. Perhaps a program that involved her interacting with some of the greatest would be suitable�"
"Boring," Tom said, nodding, "but probably what she would like."
"We could always subtly find out who are her favourites and create the program around them�" Harry said.
"Or him or her," B'Elanna added.
"Okay, then," Tom said, "we have work to do. Commander, are you sure you don't want to be part of this now that you know it won't contain nefarious characters hitting on the captain?"
Chakotay shook his head. "I'm sure. I already have a gift planned for the Captain."
"You do?" several voices chorused at once.
"I do. But you'll have to wait to find out what it is." Pushing back his chair, Chakotay got to his feet. "See you all later. I have work to catch up on."
Alone in his quarters, Tuvok studied the starfield before him thoughtfully. The dim light cast the angles of his face in stark relief, as he sat contemplating the possibilities that presented themselves. At last he rose and crossed the room to the replicator.
"Ebony wood. Twelve square inches." The machine hummed in response to his command. The receiver plate glowed briefly. When the light faded, an unprepossessing block of wood was revealed. He picked it up and hefted it a few times, testing for balance.
Sitting down before the computer, he called up ancient art on the viewscreen. Zeroing in on sculpture, it was a matter of seconds before he found what he sought. Leaning forward, his eyes flickering over every detail, he memorised the lines and curves of one of the most beautiful works of earth statuary.
Picking up a sharp knife, he stared at the wood as he superimposed the image on it; planning his strokes. With no fanfare, he began.
Kathryn Janeway entered the mess hall, deciding to have dinner there rather than in her quarters. She sent up a silent prayer that they weren't having Leiola Root salad, or Leiola Root stew or any of the other variations Neelix came up with. She knew that it was good for her, as her mother would say, but too much goodness could get irritating.
"Captain," Neelix gushed, as she arrived at his counter. "You must try the Plomeek soup. Everyone is complimenting me on it. Personally," he lowered his voice conspiratorially, "I prefer it with my additions, but Tuvok doesn't. So to please him, I made it more or less exactly as he said I should."
Janeway didn't want to know what "more or less exactly" meant but as Neelix was looking expectantly at her, she tasted it.
It wasn't bad. Calling it Plomeek Soup was optimistic, but is was actually quite good.
She nodded he approval at Neelix and took a handful of the crackers that Neelix always baked to accompany his meals. She knew they were tasty, if not a bit dry.
Neelix grinned broadly and bobbed up and down with pleasure. "I'm glad you like it, Captain. There's more if you want."
"I'll keep that in mind," Janeway said, beating a hasty retreat.
B'Elanna Torres waved her over to the table where she, Tom and Harry were drinking Raktajino. She sank wearily into the empty seat.
"Dinner's not bad tonight," Tom said, eyeing the captain's plate. "Even I ate it and used my ration for a cup of Raktajino instead."
Harry grimaced as he took another sip of his cup. "I don't know what all the fuss is about. It's not that good."
"Not a lover of coffee, are you Ensign," the captain stated more than asked.
He shook his head and for a moment there was silence as each person contemplated the drinks or food before them.
Tom broke the silence. "Captain, before you joined us we were discussing our heroes of the past. Basically we were wondering who we would spend time with if we could choose anyone in history." Tom's expression was innocent and invited response.
Across from him, Harry's expression was blank. "We were?" he hissed. The tone of the his words was quickly amended when a swiftly delivered and well aimed kick connected with his shin. Glaring a Tom, he said in a polite voice, "we were." He turned toward Janeway and smiled.
"Yes," Tom rejoined smoothly. "I thought that I would like to spend time in the 20th Century. I have always been fascinated with cars, and the need for speed. I've done a lot of reading about the 20th Century automobile races, and in particular, I was fascinated by what they called Formula One racing. Those men risked their lives for a moment's glory and to be able to push their vehicles to a speed of 280 kph." He paused reflectively. "Yeah, I reckon I'd probably like to spend time with people like Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Ayrton Senna and Gerhard Burgher."
"Hmm�" B'Elanna sounded thoughtful. "I never spent much time thinking along these lines before. I probably would like to spend time with the sporting greats. In particular the soccer stars."
"Soccer?" A chorus of voices greeted her announcement.
"Come on!" B'Elanna sounded intense. "Think about it. Soccer was the only sport that survived into the 22nd Century." Her eyes gleamed. "Soccer made it through the Eugenics wars, because it was easy to set up a field, and the only equipment they really needed was a ball. Even today you can play one of the offshoots of the sport. There's Free-ball, you know, the free-fall game that was gaining in popularity just before we ended up here. The rules were based on those of Soccer, the only difference being that the field has three dimensions instead of two."
Janeway, Harry and Tom stared at B'Elanna. They had never even thought in their wildest imaginings that she was a sport enthusiast. At least not in this way.
After a bit, Janeway was the one who broke the silence. "So who would you choose to spend time with then?"
B'Elanna thought for a moment again. "From the 20th Century I'd probably choose Pelle, Diego Maradona, Marco van Basten, Rood Gullit, Gary Lineker, Chris Waddle, Eric Cantona, John Fashanu, Rudi Voller and Paul Gascoigne. Then from the 21st Century, Hilton Cliffe and from the 22nd Ray bon Sarcon."
Harry rolled his eyes at the length of the list. "Why don't you just choose the entire team?
"The entire� Oh, come on Harry, don't you know anything? Pelle played for Argentina in the 1970's, Gascoigne played for Glascow Rangers in the mid 1990's. Almost all the players I've listed played for different teams. I could make the list longer, there are so many players that I admire. I mean, just for example I could wouldn't mind having J�rgen Klinsman and�"
"Enough! Enough!" Tom threw his hands up in a warding motion. "We get the idea already. Geez, B'Elanna, I had no idea�"
"Well, you never asked before." Her tone was defensive, but she smiled when she realised just how enthusiastic she had sounded. "Anyhow, now you do." She turned to face Harry. "I think we had better change the subject. Your turn�"
"I don't know. Probably Chopin and Beethoven." Well at least Harry's response was predictable, sticking to composers.
"Actually, I wouldn't mind if I could spend time with Salik either."
"Salik? A Vulcan?" B'Elanna exclaimed.
"Yes." It was Janeway who replied. "He's a clarinet player too. Very popular at present, plays to packed houses wherever he goes. I went to one of his concerts about two months before we left on this mission."
"I didn't know that you were a clarinet enthusiast, Captain." Harry sounded surprised.
"Well, I do have a love for music, and Salik is very good."
"Doesn't hinder him any that he is 125 years old either. He's had plenty of time to practice." Harry grumbled. "Something I haven't had for a while." Then he laughed. "Anyhow, that's my list. Short, huh?" He couldn't help but get in one last dig at B'Elanna who glared at him. For a moment there was silence.
All attention turned to Janeway as the only one who still had to say what her preferences were.
"Well, I always wanted to spend time with Amelia Earhart. But I have already met her." A slight pause. "No, probably Leonardo Da Vinci, or Michael Angelo. They were both artists, visionaries. Both looked to a brighter future in which people would be able to do things that had always been considered impossible."
Tom, B'Elanna and Harry smiled. At last they knew what she would like. Harry was about to ask a question, when Janeway's com pin beeped, and she was called away. Smiling, she excused herself.
Watching her retreating back, Harry smiled again. "Good work, Tom, and quick thinking." The three heads bent toward each other in a conspiratorial huddle again as they finalised their plan for the captain's programme.
Every night, Tuvok sat with it in the privacy of his quarters. Into the small hours of the night he worked, and gradually; under his expert hands a form began to emerge. A thing of beauty even in its unfinished state, the lonely figure of 'The Thinker' took shape.
As he studied the completed statue he felt a justified sense of satisfaction in a task well-done. Although he would never admit it, he felt a trifle shy. The giving of a gift made by one's self was a curiously revealing gesture, he reflected. It would not be difficult to arrange a private moment to give it to the Captain.
The Big Day
Five minutes before the change of shift was due, Chakotay exited the turbolift onto the bridge. On this one morning, it appeared that the entire Alpha shift had reported early. Acknowledging the greetings he received, he made his way to the captain's ready-room. In the palm of his hand he held his gift to the captain. Of all the crew only Kes knew his secret, although, within a few minutes, the entire bridge crew would be aware of what he had brought.
Smiling, he entered the captain's domain, but before the doors could close completely he ordered that they be left slightly ajar. At the replicator he requested two items, both to be deducted from his own rations. Setting them out on the desk, he emptied the contents of the small brown envelope into the larger of the two containers�
On the bridge, eyes had followed Chakotay with more curiosity than was normally displayed. Only one set of eyes remained expressionless, but even they had monitored the first officer's progress into the ready-room with more interest than was usual. Tuvok would not show any emotion, but he was as curious as the rest, his scientist's mind seeking the answer which was not obvious.
"What do you think he got for her?" The voice raised in question came from ops. Harry would not stand on formality. He wanted to know� they all did.
From helm, Tom responded. "I don't know. He's been so secretive, but judging from his satisfied expression it has to be something good. The gift is for the captain, but I'm dying to know what�" His voice trailed off as a strangely familiar smell reached him. It was slightly acrid, and yet appealing. He sat stiffly erect as he tried to identify it, his nose twitching. He took another deep sniff, then fell back into his chair, chuckling softly.
From over at one of the science stations, a young crewman gasped: "Could I be imagining things? I swear I can smell�"
Suddenly everyone was talking excitedly as they identified the smell. It could be only one thing. Laughter erupted from several stations, and the noise level rose steadily.
Just as suddenly it dropped to a dead hush. The turbolift doors had opened to admit the captain herself. One voice alone made itself heard: "Captain on the bridge!"
"Good morning everyone. Report!" The last word cracked like a whip in the air as Janeway made her way over to the captain's chair.
"All readings nominal, Captain," responded Tuvok from his usual position.
"Thank you, Lieutenant." She seated herself with a small frown on her face as she realised that all eyes were on her� had been since she had stepped onto the bridge. What was wrong with her crew? She knew that they knew that it was her birthday, but this was more than that. As she stood up again, she could not help but be aware of the eyes following her every move.
Then something else made its presence known to her senses. A long-wished-for aroma. Glaring suspiciously at her crew, she made her way around the bridge, letting her nose guide her to the source.
Before she reached the doors to her ready-room she paused, her frown deepening. Who was in there, and why was the door ajar? And why did the smell appear to be coming from within? She stepped closer to the open door and they opened the rest of the way to admit her.
Commander Chakotay stood with his back to her, but turned quickly as she entered. In his hand he held a mug; his face wore a smile. Her favourite smile. The one that lit up his whole face and turned her and several other female crew member's insides into jelly.
"Commander?" Janeway asked, hands on hips.
He shrugged guiltily. "It's your birthday gift." He offered her the mug and she stepped closer.
"Is it what I think it is?"
"It might be," he replied. "Why don't you find out?"
This time he walked towards her and the captain was able to see what had been hiding behind him. An old fashioned coffee percolator. She took the mug from his hand; it had "The Boss" printed on it in bold red letters. Janeway read the inscription again and raised an eyebrow at her First Officer.
"In the old days, decorative coffee mugs were very popular. People seemed to grow attached to a mug and preferred to drink only out of a specific one. I thought you'd appreciate this one. If not," he said with mock caution," then I hope the contents make up for the mug�"
Janeway chuckled and finally allowed herself to take a mouthful of the hot, black beverage. She closed her eyes as she savoured the flavour and swallowed it slowly as if to prolong the experience.
"This is real coffee, Chakotay," she stated, "not replicated stuff. Where on earth did you find it?"
"I found some unprocessed coffee beans in my quarters that belonged to Lt. Cmdr. Cavit. I figured he wouldn't object to my using them. Kes and I have been cultivating them for you."
"But it takes 5 years at least before a plant yields beans."
"I know. Kes was able to speed up the process."
"By how much?"
Reluctantly the First Officer admitted. "We've been working with them for 2 years now."
For a moment Kathryn Janeway was speechless. Her First Officer had been preparing coffee beans for her for two years. Two years! The thought slammed into her mind. He cared enough to take so much time to do this for her. Why?
Even as these thoughts raced through he mind, Janeway knew the answer.
Chakotay could guess at what she was thinking. Sometimes she was as easy to read as book. Yet other times�.
"These are the beans from the first bush we've grown," Chakotay explained. "We have a few more plants growing down in hydroponics for you but Kes says if you want to take them to your quarters, you're welcome. She's had a tough time hiding their existence from the rest of the crew."
"I can imagine," Janeway responded, indulging in another mouthful.
"I don't know how she did it and she said I'd probably rather not know, so I didn't ask."
For a long moment, the captain and first officer stared at each other. Finally Chakotay smiled. "Happy Birthday, Kathryn," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I hope you have a lovely day."
He turned to walk away and notice a few curious faces peering around the doorway from the bridge.
"Chakotay�" Janeway's voice halted his steps. He turned to look at her. "Thank you�" She lifted the mug to him in a sort of salute. "How can I ever thank you?" She was again thinking of the effort he'd put into this gift.
"It's my pleasure," he responded, wishing that Harry and Tom were not spying on them. "I'm sure you'll think of something, oneday," he added, cheekily.
Janeway has also noticed the two young bridge officers, and smiled secretly to herself. "Why not?" she mentally asked herself.
She took a step towards Chakotay. "Computer, please close the door of my Ready Room." As the doors hissed closed, she leaned forward and kissed Chakotay on the cheek. "Thanks, Chakotay," she whispered again.
She wasn't sure which she enjoyed more: the startled look on Chakotay's face or the looks she could imagine on Harry and Tom's.
the end ? Sue-Lenn Alexander, July 1997