Marooned - Christie Golden [90]
"I've been able to process an antivenom and have begun to administer it," replied the doctor. "He is responding quite well. Though I don't like to admit it, Yashar's intervention may have saved his life. Lieutenant Paris had already undergone a certain primitive level of treatment by the time we beamed him aboard." He flipped the tricorder closed and eyed her. "I don't suppose I could convince you to rest for a few hours?"
Janeway rose. "If it's an option, then no. I'm off for a shower and then down to Mishkara." Her lips thinned. "And I have something special in mind for Aren Yashar."
"Captain." Kes turned from B'Elanna's side. "May I come with you?"
Janeway's eyes narrowed, and out of the corner of her eye she saw the doctor stiffen with disapproval. "Why, Kes?" she asked, keeping her voice soft. "I would have thought you'd had enough of Aren Yashar to last for quite some time."
Kes's face was composed when she replied. "I have some things I would like to say to him. Doctor, all the patients have been treated, there's not much here for me to do. Please, let me go to the surface with the Captain."
"Kes," he began slowly, fiddling with his tricorder, "I had wanted to wait and discuss this with you in private, but-you have just undergone an extremely traumatic experience. There is a strong likelihood that you may have suffered from Stockholm syndrome while under Yashar's influence. If that is the case-"
"Doctor, I'm familiar with Stockholm syndrome, and I'm not suffering from it, I assure you." As ever, her voice was gentle, but her eyes were hard. "This is something I need to do. Please."
He glanced over at Janeway, who inclined her head slightly and shrugged. "Very well. But Captain, I expect you to keep an eye on her."
"Don't worry, Doctor. Kes, meet me in Transporter room one in forty minutes, and don't be late. Mr. Tuvok, how are you feeling?"
The Vulcan was already sitting up. "My head aches, but other than that, I appear to be ready for duty."
"Then clean up and get to the bridge, if you're up to it. I wanted to let you know, your idea of the radioactive isotope may have saved all our lives. Kes was able to recognize it and guide me in from the control room. Well done."
Tuvok inclined his head, then winced at the gesture. "Thank you, Captain. As always, I hope to serve you and this vessel well at all times."
Janeway gave him a final smile and then turned her attention to the rest of the away team. "Mr. Paris," she said, striding over to where he lay beneath the diagnostic arch of the biobed. "You're looking less green around the gills. The doctor's treatment seems to be working."
He did indeed look better, though he was a long way from well. Paris arched an eyebrow, and for just an instant, she saw the old, healthy Tom Paris superimposed over this very ill patient.
"Thank you, Captain, I'm feeling a little better. Though next time you see a spider near me, remind me to step on it. Vigorously. With both feet."
She smiled. "I will." She glanced at the nearest bed. "B'Elanna, how do you feel?"
The half Klingon grimaced. "Doctor says I'll be good as new soon. He better be right, or I'll scramble his program. Tom? Now that you're awake, something's been bugging the hell out of me regarding that pirate program of yours."
"Oh. That."
Janeway shook her head in amusement. From the other bed, she heard Neelix chattering happily to Kes. The Ocampan's face was alight with pleasure and affection for her friend as he spoke. She had heard, of course, of Neelix's brave, if foolhardy, gesture in striking off on his own to rescue her. "And then, Furball led me to this beautiful stream..."
Janeway patted Torres's hand. "I'll stop in again when we've dealt with Yashar. Meanwhile, everyone, rest up."
Janeway was almost halfway out the door when she heard Torres's enraged cry: "You cast me as a what?"
The door hissed closed behind her, so Janeway never did hear how Tom managed to talk his way out of whatever