Pathways - Jeri Taylor [236]
“I think that bird is saurian. Or something very similar. Basically a pterodactyl—a flying dinosaur.”
“And as deadly,” he intoned. “I suggest we return to our ship immediately.”
“Aren’t you excited by what we’ve seen here? The data we’ve collected will be invaluable to paleontologists.”
“I’m sure it is a discovery of great scientific significance.”
She smiled and touched her combadge. “Janeway to the Bonestell. Two to beam up.”
They waited, but they stayed where they were. “Janeway to the Bonestell. Do you read me?”
Silence. Janeway flipped open her tricorder, and a small frown appeared on her brow. “I’m not reading anything. There’s some kind of interference in here . . .”
She waved the tricorder in all directions, apparently with the same result. She snapped it shut and settled back against the cave wall. “I guess we wait.”
“For what, exactly, are we waiting? For the predator’s eggs to hatch and the birds to grow large enough to fly away?”
To his amazement, Janeway burst out laughing. It was a big, hearty laugh, completely genuine, and it baffled Tuvok. What could she possibly find amusing about their situation? He watched as she rubbed her eyes, apparently having laughed herself into tears, another human trait which was mystifying.
“Tuvok, you’re wonderful. I enjoy you so much.”
He considered this statement, which was as puzzling as the rest of her behavior. “Captain,” he said finally, “I must confess that I do not understand you. We are trapped in a small cave on a hostile planet, while a territorial predator awaits us outside, ready to attack and devour us as soon as we emerge. And yet you show no concern about the situation, and instead find it humorous. Could you explain?”
To his surprise, the captain came to him and put her hand on his shoulder, and gazed at him with eyes that seemed to emanate affection. “I’m so glad we were thrown together. I would never have chosen you, and then I’d have missed getting to know a most remarkable person.”
Tuvok took three deep breaths in order to quiet the confusion in his mind. “At the risk of seeming dense, I simply don’t understand. We were in conflict from the moment we met. We have remained so. You pay absolutely no attention to my recommendations, and in general ignore the Starfleet protocols I strive to effect. I have no sense that you admire, or even respect, me.”
A change came over her, a twinge of concern. “I listen to everything you say. And I follow all your admonitions.” There was a brief hesitation before she continued, with a bit of a lilt in her voice. “I just don’t always let you know it.”
What seemed to be a smile tugged at her mouth and Tuvok took a few more breaths, reminding himself of cthia and the power to control one’s mind, which this capricious woman was in danger of undoing. “Could you explain?”
“I thought we were playing a game. It went on for so long I couldn’t imagine that either of us took it seriously anymore.”
Tuvok’s bewilderment was now complete. “Captain, I am at a loss. I frankly don’t understand anything you’re saying, but it isn’t necessary that I do so. I must inform you that I have decided to request a different posting as soon as we return from our mission.” He glanced outside into the fierce alien environment. “Assuming we do,” he added.
Janeway’s face had become awash in emotions which he wouldn’t begin to identify. She grasped one of his hands with both of hers, a gesture he found disquieting. “No, please,” she implored. “You mustn’t go. I need you too much.”
“There are many fine officers who could serve you equally well—”
“No. Not as well. Tuvok, you are my rock, my ballast. You steady me in a way I’ve never felt before.” She looked up at him, urgency giving her words a dimension he couldn’t ignore. “I’ve been asked to take command of a new starship,” she continued. “An Intrepid-class vessel called Voyager. It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’d looked forward to sharing it with you. Please say you