Chapter Four

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#003333" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="041d4c00dduajq.png"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="95" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 46 WIDTH="91"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="46" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="91" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>             Crossing the</div> <div> Nebula </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="159" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="71"><div> Chapter Five</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="71"><div> <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Five"><U><IMG SRC="06e20180.png" border=0 width="32" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="71"><div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Three"><U><IMG SRC="07320180.png" border=0 width="32" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="71"><div> Previous Page</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="71"><div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Table of Contents"><U><IMG SRC="07320180.png" border=0 width="32" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="71"><div> Table of Contents</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Teleport Instructions:</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800f0ffffff00.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click on white rectangles above to go to a specific page.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800f0ffffff00.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Hold your mouse over a rectangle to see the topic.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a800f0ffffff00.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Notice that the page you're currently viewing has a "halo" and is highlighted in yellow.</div> <div> Click <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Me"><U>HERE</U></A> to give me quick and easy Feedback on this site.</div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Crossing the Nebula</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#333399" FACE="Arial" >     |     </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#333399" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Crossing the Nebula"><U>home</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter One"><U>Chapter One</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Two "><U>Chapter Two </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Three"><U>Chapter Three</U></A>   |   <B>Chapter Four</B>   |   <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Five"><U>Chapter Five</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id52.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Six"><U>Chapter Six</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Seven"><U>Chapter Seven</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id54.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Chapter Eight"><U>Chapter Eight</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id50.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Art of Seduction"><U>The Art of Seduction</U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="0a617b30.png" border=0 width="279" height="179" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Chapter Four</div> <div> By Trekscribe</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay entered the Captain's ready room a bit flushed. Over the last 6 months he'd gained 20 pounds and it definitely wasn't muscle. His stomach strained against his uniform jacket. He could have simply replicated new uniforms but that was out of the question. He wasn't about to give in, accept that he couldn't get this weight off. He decided if he was asked about his paunch he'd blame it on The Doctor's strenuous and uninspiring exercise program which he had no intention of performing. As an alternative Chakotay set-up his own fitness regime but the results had not been stellar. He wasn't going to kid himself about why he didn't feel motivated to work out. He'd lose the weight when he was damn good and ready, but lately he had good reason to worry. If he gained another 5 pounds he'd be forced to submit to one of  The Doctor's mandatory weight loss programs. Having to listen to The Doctor smugly dictate what he could and could not eat, how many exercise intervals he must complete everyday, would push Chakotay over the edge.</div> <bR> <div> He sat down near the coffee table and noted the time. </div> <bR> <div> "Chakotay, would you like something to drink?" The Captain was standing by the replicator waiting for his reply.</div> <bR> <div> "Thank you, Captain." He settled back in his chair and reviewed the duty roster for the next day. A notice flashed across his display letting him know that instead of Hickson having a day off tomorrow, he'd been assigned to work the buzzard collector detail by his best friend Lt. Maxwell. <I>I guess there's no honor among thieves. </I></div> <bR> <div> "When Lt. Maxwell arrives we can start. She should be here in about five minutes." </div> <bR> <div> <I>I'm really not in the mood for Maxwell, today. Then again, am I ever in the mood for her? What Kathryn sees in her I'll never know. </I>He glanced up at the Captain as she returned from the replicator with a couple of steaming mugs. He wondered if she noticed his weight gain. It would have been nice if she showed some concern. He winced. She was one of the few people on the ship he considered to be a close friend and yet he still felt at times self-conscience around her. He knew it was irrational; the Captain had talked to him about her personal problems and trusted him. He wanted to be able to tell her everything that was bothering him but he feared that she would think less of him. </div> <bR> <div> He cupped one of the mugs in his hands, took a sip and grimaced.</div> <bR> <div> "Something wrong, Chakotay?"</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, it's my fault, Captain. I should have told you I don't drink coffee anymore. Neelix has this new tea that's the best I've ever tasted. I think it's made from firenuts, have you tried it?"</div> <bR> <div> The Captain shook her head and smiled, "I've heard it's very good but, nothing could taste better than a good strong cup of coffee. So I'll stick to this." </div> <bR> <div> "Uh, Captain…Is this meeting work related or personal?" </div> <bR> <div> "I assume its work related. Lt. Maxwell wants to see both of us. Any idea why?" The Captain took a sip of her coffee without taking her eyes off him.</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay leaned back in his chair, trying not to show how irritated just the mention of Maxwell made him. "I have a very good guess. She probably wants to gripe about how unfair I'm being to her uncouth friends." Chakotay groaned, "I can't believe she's going to waste your time and mine with this. Even <I>she</I> has problems with their behavior. I'd like you to look at this."</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay handed the Captain his padd. The Captain scanned it. "Hickson, again. Well, at least he's consistent. That young man manages to get into trouble at least once every couple of weeks." The Captain handed the padd back and bored into Chakotay with her bright grey eyes.  "Since, the Lieutenant appears to be running late, let's take some time to talk about something that's been troubling me.  The last couple of months you haven't been meeting your commitments. For example, two weeks ago when we discussed the "20Somethings" we decided that you would develop disciplinary action plans for Hickson and other crew members who you feel need further coaching. You told me you'd give your plans to me for review a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't received them yet. There are other things you've either forgotten or didn't follow-up on. This isn't like you; you're normally really good about completing objectives. Also, you've been looking a little tired lately. Would you like some time off? She observed him closely as he sat impassively across from her, obviously not wanted to discuss it.</div> <bR> <div>  "Or better yet, why don't you make arrangements to see The Doctor. Of course if it's not a physical problem and you'd rather talk to me about it, please feel free to do so, anytime." </div> <bR> <div> Chakotay shook his head no. "Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your concern but there's nothing to worry about.  I just need to recalibrate, get focused again. I prefer not taking time off or going to see The Doctor. For some reason he's been getting on my nerves, lately. I think he's adjusting some of his personality parameters and… I guess these so called `adjustments' are rubbing me the wrong way." </div> <bR> <div> "Chakotay, I'm your friend. I'll always be here to listen and try to help you. <I>He should know that.</I> As far as The Doctor is concerned, yes, he can be hard to take sometimes but he's good at diagnosing problems. I'm going to give you some additional time to work through this but… if I feel that you're still having problems I'll order you to see The Doctor." </div> <bR> <div> Chakotay decided a topic change was in order. "Captain, I`ve been thinking about the "20Somethings", although I'm not ready to share specifics with you yet, I do have an observation about one of them. I think if Lt. Maxwell showed more respect for her position of leadership maybe Hickson would as well." </div> <bR> <div> "That's an interesting comment. We'll come back to that in a minute. Chakotay, I put you in charge of the day-to-day operations of this ship because you seemed to enjoy working closely with personnel, learning about their interests and making sure they have the skills and temperament to perform their tasks. You managed the incorporation of your Marquis crew with Voyager personnel superbly. I couldn't have done it better, however, I expect you to reach out to all our crew; even people you don't like or who you think are difficult. They may not like you or what you've done or what you could do or will do but that shouldn't matter to them. You've got to find a way to earn their respect. If anything ever happened to me--"</div> <bR> <div> "Kathryn I'd rather we not talk about anything happening to you, right now." His hands felt clammy, his chest tight, even thinking about the idea that Kathryn could die distressed him.</div> <bR> <div> "Chakotay, we've discussed the possibility the last time we talked about the "20Somethings" they may not always react to situations as we would want them to, but we need them. That's why you're working on the disciplinary action plans in the first place. I have serious concerns about what would happen to this crew if I weren't here. Can you get everyone on the crew to work under you, do you have the confidence of key members of this crew?" </div> <bR> <div> He slipped out of the question. "Kathryn, I've analyzed my approach and haven't found anything I should revise, maybe you have some ideas? I'm dealing with some very volatile people here. Don't think I haven't tried talking to both Hickson and Maxwell and some of the others. I've tried to appeal to their professionalism. `We're all a team here.' `Let's all work together.' I thought it was a generational thing, but Harry's their age and he's nothing like these people. They don't share my values. There's no spirituality, no introspection, no work for the common good. They would prefer to wallow in that 20th century garbage." He paused. <I>What more was there to say? These people are impossible.</I></div> <bR> <div> "Coming back to your comment about Rene', I agree with you that she should be doing more to persuade Hickson and the others in that group to be civil and respect authority. Keeping that in mind, I want to make her our ship's counselor…. what are your feelings about that?"</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay had just taken a gulp of coffee.  The Captain's idea caught him completely by surprise and made him choke. </div> <bR> <div> "Are you alright?" The Captain started to rise out of her chair to pat him on the back but he waved her away.</div> <bR> <div> "Sorry, the coffee just went down the wrong way, I'm OK." He was able to clear his windpipe finally and respond. "I'll have to admit I'm surprised at your proposal and I'm dead against it. She doesn't have the character or disposition to do the job. She'd rude, vulgar, immature…,"  He huffed. </div> <bR> <div> Chakotay lowered his head. "Captain, I have good reasons why I'm against Lt. Maxwell being assigned our counselor." He reached into his pants pocket and produced a small thin white disc.</div> <bR> <div> Kathryn shook her head ruefully. "Have you been listening to me? When are you going to stop attacking their lifestyles and start trying to figure out how to break through to them?" Kathryn picked up the disc. "This is one of those music discs Hickson or Rene' designed, isn't it? Didn't we discuss the use of these things a month ago?" </div> <bR> <div> "Yes Captain, actually Hickson designed it. You told me as long as the crew didn't wear them while they were working it would be all right for them to have, well… I'd like to bring to your attention exactly what they're listening to. Just put that behind your ear and say `On' you don't have to say it out loud, you can just think "On" and it will work. </div> <bR> <div> A tired look danced across the Captain's face as she placed the disc behind her right ear then mentally said "On" .  She could hear Hickson inside her head welcoming her to the "20Something hip bandwidth, no losers allowed." She frowned. <I>That will not do</I>. And then suddenly a menu of songs displayed in front of her face, a transparent holographic image that only she could see. The songs were organized under the name of the person who submitted them. Rene's list was first, then Hickson's, and 15 more, including The Doctor. She heard Hickson bellowing for her to pick a name on the menu. She said Rene' silently. She could hear Rene' thanking the listener for visiting her "Channel" and telling the listener that her song list is updated on a daily basis based on her mood. "I'm pissed off today, I bet you are too…Then you've come to the right place, Sarah and Melissa will mellow you out." Kathryn recognized the list of songs.  Rene' had uploaded some of these songs to her during the course of their relationship. Kathryn was curious about what kind of songs The Doctor would put on his list. "The Doctor." Rene's list disappeared and instantly The Doctor's list appeared. "My list is dedicated to someone very special, I'm so glad we've had this time together," he chirped happily. Kathryn didn't recognize any of the songs except one, a Twentieth century song that Rene' had played for her once, "Time is on my side." Who could the Doctor's "special someone" be? Kathryn removed the disc and handed it back to Chakotay. "And your point is, Chakotay?"</div> <bR> <div> "Did you hear what songs Hickson has on his list?" Chakotay was exasperated. </div> <bR> <div> "No, I looked at Rene's list. There's nothing controversial on it. In fact I happen to like some of the artists' songs she selected. Melissa Etheridge was a powerful singer and talented songwriter, one of the best during that age. It would be a good idea if you listened to a couple of her songs; let me know what you think."</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay was speechless.  <I>She can't really expect me to listen to that trash!</I></div> <bR> <div> "In fact, I have another suggestion for you as well. Why don't <I>you </I>select some songs and put them on this…whatever it is…One thing you have to say about Hickson, he's talented. You'll just have to figure out a way to reel him in." The Captain beamed. "Yes, this would be a good opportunity for you to bond with some of the crew who've been giving you problems. I want to see your list of songs on the "bandwidth" by our next staff update meeting. Wait, this might be a project you could personally take over. Work with Hickson to open it up to all the crew members, Neelix would be a good person to work with you both on this."</div> <bR> <div> "You want <I>me</I> to run this? But…I don't care for the premise or the music."</div> <bR> <div> "That's the point, put something on the menu that you do like. Maybe they'll see that not only Twentieth century music is good. I don't want it to look like you took it over, more like you want to work with them to make it available to everyone." </div> <bR> <div> He shrugged his shoulders, <I>Oh well</I>; "I guess it's worth a try, if you think my getting involved will help the situation…. But back to the counselor position, in all honesty I'd like you to reconsider giving it to Lt. Maxwell." </div> <bR> <div> "While I respect your opinions, your experience and judgment, I really don't see any one else who can take on the position right now. She's smart, she has the psychological training, she's loyal, (I don't need to remind you of that, do I). I'm going to let her try it part time and see if it helps out with some… things. If it doesn't work out, nothing ventured, nothing gained." </div> <bR> <div> "You're making a big mistake Kathryn, I can't believe that you would do this after what she's done. I think she's responsible for most of the problems on this ship," He stared at his cold cup of black coffee wishing it were a cup of tea. </div> <bR> <div> "I disagree, but even if we assume you're right then she should be the one to fix the `problems' I will tell her about her new assignment." </div> <bR> <div> "It looks like you've made your decision. I wonder why you bothered to ask me what I thought." He felt that he was losing influence with her. </div> <bR> <div> Kathryn was stunned.<I> He'd never talk to me like that!</I></div> <bR> <div> "I don't think you're objective when it comes to Lt. Maxwell." He continued.</div> <bR> <div> "Are you?" <I>If he wants to go there, We'll go there</I>.  She really didn't want to talk to him about this again, but keeping him talking might give her some clues about what was bothering him, so she let him go on.</div> <bR> <div> "Remember Kathryn when we were stranded on that planet, we were inflected with a virus and we thought we wouldn't be able to come back to Voyager ever again. You and I shared a lot, we became close during that time."</div> <bR> <div> "Of course I remember, it hasn't been that long ago," She smiled. "We learned that we liked each other, admired each other. I'd say that we really became good friends after that incident."  </div> <bR> <div> He smiled back at her warmly, reliving the past. "I told you about Tom and you told me about Rene'. Yes, I was jealous, but I hope you don't think my problems with her are because.. you're close to her."  </div> <bR> <div>  "Chakotay, even if I wasn't `close' to Rene', you and I would only be friends." </div> <bR> <div> "Kathryn, just because we tried once and it didn't work doesn't mean we should forget about it. I'd still like us try again. We've got so much in common, we're the same age, we were raised the same way, we have the same values….not like some of these kids who want everything right away, right now…who were raise in the New Traditions." He didn't want to mention what happen one night while they were exiled on the planet. The night he found a bottle of wine someone had packed in the ship supplies. He opened a bottle of wine and Kathryn shared it with him. But he felt it was one of the reasons why they weren't together; he had to say something however uncomfortable it might be. "I was extremely embarrassed by what happened while we were on that planet, the night we had the wine. I had a few too many drinks, it was the first time anything like that has ever happened to me before, believe me, it wasn't you. I was really hurt when you didn't want to try again and didn't want to talk about it. "</div> <bR> <div> "Chakotay, I'd had a few too many drinks that night too, or I would have stopped you before it went as far as it did. In hindsight it's good you weren't able to make.."</div> <bR> <div> "You don't need to say it Kathryn." He wanted to disappear.</div> <bR> <div>  She paused for a moment. "The next morning while suffering one hell of a hangover, as I recall, I realized that we were foolish to even consider that you and I could work out. After what you told me, and examining my own feelings, neither one of us was the first choice for the other and we were just settling. Maybe you want to just settle, but I don't."</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay shrunk a little in his chair then composed himself and said, "Kathryn, no matter how your romantic drama turns out, I'll be your friend. I don't agree with everything you do, especially when it comes to Maxwell but you have to do what you feel is right. Tell me what's it like to have two attractive youngsters fighting over you? I guess I'll have to live vicariously through you." He laughed.</div> <bR> <div> "Two? I wish." Kathryn smiled.</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay smiled then noticed the time again. "Is she ever going to get here? She's got to be more than 10 minutes late by now. Would have been nice if she'd bothered to let us know she'd be delayed." Chakotay smiled nervously. </div> <bR> <div> They heard the familiar series of high-pitched beeps at the ready room door. "Lt. Maxwell, Ma'am."</div> <bR> <div> "Lt. Maxwell nice of you to show up for your own meeting…late." Chakotay couldn't resist the jab. </div> <bR> <div> "Chakotay…" The Captain admonished him gently under her breath. "Come in Lieutenant. We've been expecting you."</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  ***</div> <bR> <div> Just as she was about to open the door she heard The Doctor trying to contact her via her communicator. <I>NOW WHAT!?</I> She screamed silently. "Doctor, I'm late for a meeting with the Captain can this wait??" She didn't care at this point if she sounded aggravated or not. The Doctor didn't pick up on it.</div> <bR> <div> "Rene' guess who I've decided to be tonight?" He was referring to what personality he would portray during the monthly Karaoke night that Rene' was supposed to host this evening. Each person who participated dressed in character, selecting what twentieth century folk called "celebrities" to impersonate. They also presented some background about their celebrity's life and times in addition to mimicking them as their music played or a famous scene, from a book, movie or play was reenacted. The more adventurous sang the songs themselves. </div> <bR> <div> "I have no idea, hey..can you do me a---" The Doctor didn't let her finish.</div> <bR> <div> "Of course you do.  Remember this morning I told you I was deciding between Jim Morrison or Cat Stevens, well…I picked Jim Morrison because it will allow me to explore the role that drugs, alcohol and wanton sex played on his life and the culture in general."</div> <bR> <div> Even though she was angry that he was bothering her with this now and she was still angry about what Seven had told her about him, Rene' couldn't help being snared by this conversation. "I would pick Morrison over Cat Stevens too. Doctor, can you do me a favor and host the Karaoke? I'm going to be late and I don't want people to have to wait for me." </div> <bR> <div> "Well, Rene' I've never hosted it before," the Doctor hesitated, "and also, I wanted you to be there tonight to see me perform. I've invested a considerable amount of time, not to mention effort….."  Rene' cut into his excuses. </div> <bR> <div> "Just do this favor for me, will you please?" </div> <bR> <div> It was obvious to the Doctor that Rene' wasn't going to take no for an answer, then again rarely did she take no for an answer. He was only hedging about doing it because he didn't think he was Master of Ceremonies material. She was so at ease being the center of attention and actually thrived on it; She probably thinks anyone can do it. He thought he'd look stilted and awkward compared to her but he knew she was in a bind and sometimes one must make sacrifices for the object of one's affection.</div> <bR> <div>  "Of course I'll do it, you will try to join us later tonight, then?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, I'll try to be there. Computer transfer my program Rene' Karaoke 100-A to The Doctor's subdirectory Karaoke Beta. Enjoy Doc." </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  ***</div> <bR> <div> Rene' entered the ready room and stood before the Captain and Chakotay. She couldn't help hearing Chakotay's sarcastic remark about her being late but she chose to ignore it. He can't pass up the opportunity to <A HREF="id48_bagon.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Glossary"><U>bag on</U></A> me in front of Kathryn. She found it rather amusing. <I>He'd really freak out if he knew that I know Kathryn told him she doesn't want him.</I> "Hello Captain. I'm very sorry I'm late…I had a couple of interruptions that delayed me." She nodded to Chakotay. Then directed her attention to the Captain.</div> <bR> <div> "That's not a problem, Lieutenant, it turns out that the Commander and I were able to have a constructive talk while we were waiting. Would you like to have a seat?"</div> <bR> <div> "No thanks, Captain, if it's alright with you I'd rather stand. Once again I apologize for being late. I'd never  want to keep you waiting." Rene' gave her a devilish smile."</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay groaned under his breath. <I>Ugh, she's such a joke, why am I the only one who sees her  for what she is? Another one of those inappropriate comments, everyone just lets slide by, everyone thinks it's so cute. Now, after having Kathryn tell me that she doesn't want to be with me, again, I have to watch Maxwell play her childish little games. She couldn't stop flirting if her very life depended on it!  </I>Then an odd thought popped into his head. I wonder…. <I>Does Maxwell know how I feel about Kathryn? Does she know that I know, she and the Captain are, whatever they are. Is she doing this to rub it in?</I> He stared at Rene' trying to read her. Suddenly, not able to contain himself he blurted, "Congratulations."</div> <bR> <div> Rene' had been trying not to look at him but it couldn't be avoided now. "I don't understand Commander. Would you mind filling me in?" Her voice was even, but she didn't like the sound of this at all. <I>Hmmm, since he didn't bother to congratulate me when I got promoted to lieutenant, me thinks I ain't gonna like this. </I></div> <bR> <div> Before the Chakotay could answer her, the Captain interjected. "Chakotay, I would prefer to discuss that with Lt. Maxwell alone." <I>What's wrong with him?</I> <I>I just told him I wanted to be the one to talk to her about it.</I> The Captain made a mental note to discuss Chakotay's odd behavior with Tuvok. She wondered if he had noticed anything strange. "Now, Lieutenant please tell us why you wanted this meeting."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, Ma'am. Seven came to see me today…She told me that the Doctor has been accessing my personal files, files that only I should have access to. He discussed some of the things in my files with her. He also implied to her that certain romantic, sexual relationships that I've engaged in are wrong. I think…"</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay interrupted her. "I don't understand this, why would the Doctor have any reason to look in your files and why is he passing judgments on anyone? Do you know if he's been accessing anyone else's files?" </div> <bR> <div> "Commander, I'd be happy to tell you everything I know if you'd give me a chance." Rene' didn't like anyone cutting her off especially when she was in the middle of a debriefing. </div> <bR> <div> "Frankly, I don't need to hear anymore.  It's obvious what should be done." Chakotay hoped he didn't sound too anxious. <I>Oh My God, that, hologram could be going though my personal files right now! </I>"Captain, I think we should delete this Holographic program from Hell and start over, making sure that it's only used for it's intended purpose and that's to provide medical services. We don't need it for anything more. This experiment has unfortunately---." </div> <bR> <div> "NO." Rene' looked him squarely in the eye. He was monetarily stunned-- that she would break protocol and defy him like this. She knew she should let him ramble on until he'd finished but he was so wrong. She wasn't going to let him push he opinions, his decision on the Captain without allowing her to inform the Captain of all the facts and her opinion about this. He ought to know me better than that by now.  "Commander, I disagree and would like a chance to state why. I'm a senior officer on this ship, which means that my opinions, recommendations, should be at least heard. I hope I wasn't too abrupt with you… Commander." <I>Even if you are a "Commander", nobody walks over me, ever.</I></div> <bR> <div> "Lieutenant, first of all, I wasn't addressing you and I don't appreciate your raising your voice to me." He bristled.  "Senior officers should show the proper respect for the position they hold, I'll ask you not to--" </div> <bR> <div> "Stop it now." The Captain said with a finality that let them both know she meant business. She rarely lost her temper but when she did it wasn't a holiday.  "Neither of you are going to waste my time with this posturing any longer, it's childish and unproductive. You both have a lot of work to do, as do I. Chakotay, you should listen to the senior officers' opinions and rely on them for advice. And Rene' keep in mind the proper protocol when you're addressing a superior. Do you both understand? I don't want to see this kind of display again."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, Captain." Rene' was disconcerted that the Captain had to reprimand her. <I>Fuckin' Chakotay. It's his fault.</I></div> <bR> <div> "Captain, you're right." He heaved a dutiful sigh. <I>Damn Maxwell. It's her fault.</I></div> <bR> <div> She gave them both a stern look, saw that they were suitably sorry for acting out, then took over the discussion. "Chakotay, I've heard your recommendation. I want to hear the rest of what the Lieutenant has to say, before I make up my mind about what to do. I will say that resetting The Doctor's default parameters and keeping the scope of his activities focused on his job would be the easiest way to solve the problem and keep it from happening again. Lt. Maxwell, your thoughts."</div> <bR> <div> "I want to answer the Commander's questions. At least the ones I <I>can </I>answer. Why did the Doctor do it--- He thinks he's in love with me and he wanted to know as much as he can about me. It's the simplest way to get information."</div> <bR> <div> "That's unlikely." Chakotay challenged. "You actually think he's in love with you? That he's capable of feeling a complex emotion like that?"</div> <bR> <div> "Probably more capable than some of us in this room are, Sir." Rene' sniped.</div> <bR> <div> "Second warning, Lt. Maxwell, if I have to speak to you again about your demeanor you're out of here." Captain sighed. <I>Will she ever learn not to say what pops into her head any given moment? Seven has the same problem. I really know how to pick them. </I>She smiled to herself.</div> <bR> <div> "It won't happen again, Ma'am. To answer your question Commander, Yes, he is capable of falling in love. I'm not the first one he's been in love with either. He told me he fell in love with Seven."</div> <bR> <div> "Seven? When did he tell you this?" The Captain was surprised.</div> <bR> <div> "About 3 weeks ago, Ma'am."</div> <bR> <div> <I>Why didn't Rene' tell me? She knows I'd be very interested in this.</I></div> <bR> <div> As if reading the Captain's thoughts, Rene' answered her. "He didn't want a lot of people to know about it. I think he told Neelix and me. Seven didn't know about it until today. He deserves the same considerations anyone one else who wants to discuss something privately deserves."</div> <bR> <div> "Lt. Maxwell.... he's not a person." Chakotay used his parent child voice. "The Doctor is only a program, something for you to try to keep in mind."</div> <bR> <div> "He's not just a program Commander, I should know. I've spent the most time with him, besides Seven. He's told me his dreams, his hopes and fears. No disrespect intended but you haven't spent much time with him. I've spent enough time with him to know what he is, or who he is. If I wanted it, he'd be around me twenty four hours a day--" </div> <bR> <div> "I rest my case, only a program could stand that." Chakotay said dryly. </div> <bR> <div> The Captain gave him THE LOOK. That look sliced him in half. He knew he better say something quickly before she spoke to him.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry, lieutenant, I…please continue." God I hope that was enough to keep Kathryn from shredding me. It seemed to be. He looked at Kathryn, but she wasn't interested in making eye contact with him anymore. He was a little worried that he couldn't tell what she was thinking.</div> <bR> <div> "It's OK Commander, actually you're probably right." Rene' grinned. </div> <bR> <div> She seemed amused by the not-so-nice joke he leveled at her. It made him remember the first few days on Voyager when he thought she was attractive in a flashy, superficial way, of course. He had no idea about her and Kathryn at the time. Chakotay and Rene' met a couple of times for lunch in the mess hall. He thought she was really over the top with the flirting and joking around, even more immature than Tom, but he felt after the first lunch that with his guidance he could mold her into a classy woman; a woman worthy of his love if he chose to invest his time in her. Then it all came to an abrupt halt, during the second lunch when she told him what she thought about the Marquis and he told her what he thought about her Twentieth Century fixation.  There was no way he would have anything to do with a woman who could not see the righteousness of the Marquis cause and who thought there was anything worth studying or learning about the Twentieth Century, a horrible, disgusting time in earth's history, best forgotten. He tried to blend back into the discussion.</div> <bR> <div>  Rene' had turned her attention back to the Captain, "Anyway, The Doctor does have feelings. I don't like how he chooses to manifest some of those feelings but he is entitled to have them. I think it would be a murder if you erased him. I'd submit a formal protest, detailing your actions to Star Fleet. He doesn't deserve to pay that high a price for being irrational. Love is irrational; I can certainly vouch for that." </div> <bR> <div> "Let's not get melodramatic, Lieutenant." Chakotay lectured.</div> <bR> <div> "Captain, trust me on this one, he's really is like anyone else on this ship… I've been to his home, he's shown me his---"</div> <bR> <div> "HOME!??" The Captain and Chakotay said almost in unison.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, he has a home. It's a lovely villa on the coast of Sicily. He invited a couple of us over last week. His house staff is excellent. The cook will prepare anything you want, and it tastes a lot better than the stuff Neelix could dish out. I wouldn't want that to get back to Neelix, OK?"</div> <bR> <div> "Just because he set up some halodeck program to entertain you and your friends-- that makes him more than what he is?" Chakotay wasn't getting where she was going with this.</div> <bR> <div> "Nope. As I just stated, it's because he's experiencing as many emotions as we do, like love. But…his `home' is partially the reason why I think he's like the rest of the crew. Where do you think he goes when he's not working?" <I>You can be such a pinhead Chakotay.</I></div> <bR> <div> "I would assume nowhere, his program goes offline until he decides to come back or someone calls him." The Captain ventured. She was still trying to absorb that the Doctor had advanced in his development so far in such a short time. <I>I wonder if I should be concerned that the Doctor and I have the same taste in women. Discomforting thought.</I></div> <bR> <div> "When he's not working, he goes to his `home' and it's not some haloprogram, like the Commander was talking about. He's built a permanent place within our computer system where he sleeps, or reads or watches the sunrise, or paints. He only uses the halodeck program rendition of his `home' to show us what his home is like because that's the only way we could see it, visit it, now. Hickson and I are working on a way, based on transport technology for us to convert ourselves into energy for an extended period of time-then we would be able to visit The Doctor's real `home' inside the computer system. That will be pretty cool."</div> <bR> <div> "I had no idea, he felt the need to have a space to go, that he actually uses the time when he's not working to...pursue real interests.  I know he has hobbies but I thought he did them because everyone has them.  I would never have thought that he actually really enjoys things, appreciated things as much as anyone else would." For the first time during the conversation, Chakotay thoughtfully weighed all the information. "I guess I didn't have all the facts." Then he added, "I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions."</div> <bR> <div> Rene' acknowledged the quasi-apology with a deferential nod. You can be a stubborn bastard Chakotay but at least in this case you admitted you were wrong. </div> <bR> <div> "Well, then the decision is obviously isn't it? The Doctor shouldn't be reset. Since he wants to be more like us, then he will be treated accordingly. He'll be set-up with a security level based on his position as Chief Medical Officer. He'll be allowed to use only the parts of our computer system that pertain to his job or are entertainment based. He will have an area for his personal files that only he will have access and he will not be allowed to access anyone else's files, as of today."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll put B'Elanna on it Captain, with Hickson assisting her." Chakotay typed the request immediately into his padd.</div> <bR> <div> "Good. Is there anything else you need to discuss with both of us, lieutenant?"</div> <bR> <div> "No Ma'am. I think that's it."</div> <bR> <div> Chakotay rose to leave. He turned back before making his exit, "Captain do you have dinner plans tonight?" <I>No harm in asking</I>. <I>As long as the Kathryn hasn't moved either Maxwell or Seven into her quarters, I'll keep asking her for dinner dates.  A mature, intelligent woman like Kathryn will get bored with those young girls soon enough.  Seven's got the personality of a stone and Maxwell can't put two coherent sentences together.</I></div> <bR> <div> "No, I plan on spending the evening alone. I need to prepare for our meeting with the Consulate tomorrow."</div> <bR> <div> "Well, if you change you mind, please consider joining me? I'll be in the mess hall." <I>Take that, Maxwell; you aren't the only one around here who can flirt.</I> He left the room, pleased with himself.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  ***</div> <bR> <div> I could sure use a cigarette right now, but Kathryn would have a fit if I lit one up here. "That was fun." Rene' smiled, "When he interrupts me and other people like that, it makes me want to choke him." </div> <bR> <div> "Come sit down, over here." Kathryn motioned to a chair next to her.</div> <bR> <div> Rene' came over to her, leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the lips before taking the seat. </div> <bR> <div> "I'm sorry I lost my temper and thanks for being patient with me. Normally, I'm pretty good about letting his snide comments roll off me, letting him interrupt me while he drones on and on..  but today--"</div> <bR> <div> "We've know each other for eight years, Rene'. I can tell when you need a little moral support."</div> <bR> <div> "The guy needs a shrink."</div> <bR> <div> "That sounds like one of those colorful Twentieth Century terms you love to use. I've pick up quite a few since knowing you, but I don't think you've used this one before, let me guess, you want to make him smaller?" The Captain gave her a puzzled smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, he could use a little shrinking, like his ego or his stomach, but no…that's not what I meant." Rene' laughed. "Shrink means Counselor. He could use one."</div> <bR> <div> "Do you think so?" The Captain posed the question innocently enough.</div> <bR> <div> "Definitely. Lately he's really cranky. Hey, everyone has bad days, I'm having a bad one today but, his bad attitude has lasted the last couple of months. Is it a good time for me to ask what he's congratulating me for? I'm dying to know."</div> <bR> <div> "Why don't you tell me what you were able to find out today, then we'll discuss it."</div> <bR> <div> "Ok," Rene' sighed, "But first, I'll tell you a funny story about Chakotay if you want to hear it."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes I'd like to hear it and I'd like to hear more about you and The Doctor and Seven." </div> <bR> <div> "Sure….This is really embarrassing now but when Chakotay first came on the ship, I actually was attracted to him, can you believe it?!"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, he's an attractive man, you know I can believe it." The Captain smiled.  </div> <bR> <div> "Well, that's debatable at this point.  He asked me out on a couple of dates but the more he talked the less I liked, what a dud, very moralistic with his Marquis propaganda, he didn't want to hear any opposing views and he was really snotty about learning about earth's past. If it didn't pertain to his culture he wasn't interested. So, we didn't have a meeting of the… minds. We got along OK afterwards, at first.  We didn't like hanging out together but it was a good working relationship until---he learned about you and me, then he became a little weird, start questioning everything I did but I got use to that too."</div> <bR> <div> "I knew about your `dates' with Chakotay."</div> <bR> <div> "How sweet, he tells you everything…You never told me you knew! How come?"</div> <bR> <div> "You never mentioned it, so I assumed it wasn't something you wanted to talk about."</div> <bR> <div> "I think you know me too well...who tells everything, anyway?"</div> <bR> <div> "I know you don't tell me everything, but I've told you everything. Not always the details but you know everything about me. The Captain looked at her intently.  "Chakotay doesn't tell me everything. But then why should he? I'm his friend and we confide in each other when we feel it's <I>right</I> to do. In hind sight I shouldn't have discussed you with him." She sighed.</div> <bR> <div> "Kathryn, You know I never blamed you for talking to him about it, who else did you have to talk to? You had no way of knowing he had those feelings for you. You told me he never said anything or did anything until after you told him. We don't need to bring this up again, really." </div> <bR> <div> "True, I just feel responsible that you have to be on the defensive with him because of me."</div> <bR> <div> Rene' took her hand and gave it a squeeze before releasing it, reluctantly. "Oh come on, I think I can handle myself around him pretty well, most of the time. Don't worry about it, please.  </div> <bR> <div> "Easier said than done. If you have any problem let me know."</div> <bR> <div>  "For sure." Rene' winked.</div> <bR> <div> "Alright, show me what you have."</div> <bR> <div> "Well you've seen what I have --- but if you want to see the data, here it is." Rene' grinned and handed her padd to the Captain. </div> <bR> <div> "You're…well, there are no words for you." The Captain couldn't help but smile back at her.  The Captain studied the data and looked up at Rene', frowning. "You found this genetic sequence splice in all the scans?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, Ma'am. I've sent these results to Tuvok. He verified my findings."</div> <bR> <div> "There is no possibility that it's a natural occurrence. I compared the scans they sent us 2 weeks ago with this government maintained database they sent today. Every man, woman and child on the planet has been, for want of a better term, infected with this new sequence. The Doctor is working with their Ministry of Health, informing them of the results.  The foreign sequence hasn't caused them any problems yet. My suspicious nature assumes that it will.  Something wicked this way's a comin'. If you look at the technique and don't think about what the freak who did this might be planning you have to admire it."</div> <bR> <div> "Rene', you should stop reading those morbid Twentieth Century true crime novels you enjoy so much. Technology is only as good as what it's used for. There's nothing to admire about this."  </div> <bR> <div> "Ok, so we disagree. You and The Doctor think along the same lines it seems, but Tuvok agrees with me." Rene' smiled.</div> <bR> <div> The Captain handed Rene' the padd.  "The Balterons have only recently mapped their genotype. Their technology is very primitive, their situation could be dire."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, someone carried out an order and here's the result."</div> <bR> <div> "If I gave an order like this, would you carry it out?"</div> <bR> <div> "First of all you would never do that. But just suppose you did… You are my Captain. Thy will be done." Rene' said without hesitating. "It's not my place to question your orders. Ever."  she added, "Your first officer, is the one who judges whether your actions are valid, reasonable and moral, whether they conform with Federation directives. He or she has a duty to take action if need be. They assess whether you are upholding your responsibilities as a Captain. It is not my place to question that. If you order me to do something, anything, I would do it. Without question."</div> <bR> <div> "The First Officer, would work in tangent with the Chief Medical Officer and the ship's counselor to judge whether a Captain should be removed from duty." The Captain stated matter-of-factly. </div> <bR> <div> "We ain't got no counselor.  So if the worst happened and your judgment was challenged you'd have The Doctor and Chakotay to deal with. That's a little scary but what can you do?"</div> <bR> <div> The Captain didn't answer her. </div> <bR> <div> "Do you ever think about the power you have? You Starfleet Captains are like Gods.  This ship could render a planet into rubble within a day or less depending on the mass.  You can alter worm holes, influence a civilization for good or bad, as we are about to do for the Balterons. No wonder Q used to be so threatened by the likes of you."</div> <bR> <div> "I never forget about what Star Fleet Captains can do. As far as Q goes since we helped him with the Q Continuum war he's been a lot more mellow. But, I'd rather not see him or my `godson' any time soon." She laughed.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't blame you. I still think he's kinda creepy. I read the reports about how he used to jerk Captain Picard around. Q's a mind game whore. You're lucky he got that notion out of his head about wanting to make a baby with you. I hope he's finally gotten a life now that he's a daddy."</div> <bR> <div> "Me too. Will you be ready tomorrow? When we reach the planet?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yup, even if I have to work all night I'll be ready."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't do that-There will be some administrative things for Chakotay and I to do before you actually begin. You should be able to start in the afternoon."</div> <bR> <div> "O.K…Ya know, whoever altered the genotype will probably get very nasty when they see us messing with their lovely work."</div> <bR> <div> The Captain looked at her and smiled. "I don't give a damn. I can get very nasty too."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, don't I know it!"</div> <bR> <div> "Well I wasn't referring to… never mind." She smiled but it faded quickly. "Rene' I'm going to ask you to do something you aren't going to want to do but you're the most qualified to do it."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll do whatever you want, of course. Doesn't matter if I like it or not. What do you need?" </div> <bR> <div> "I need you to act as our ship's counselor. You can do it part-time, one day a week."</div> <bR> <div> "You're kidding me right??" <I>Why did I even ask, I can tell she's not kidding.</I> "I'm missing a couple of classes, and frankly there are a lot of people on this ship who don't particular care for me and I don't care for them much either. You think they are going to want to talk to me?</div> <bR> <div> "I checked your courses, you're missing one course which won't be a problem for you to pick up. You can review all the course work again if you need to. With your memory you probably won't need to. As far as them not talking to you, they have no choice, you know that.  You have the authority to summon them to speak to you if you think they should."</div> <bR> <div> "Oh they'll love it! You're right, I don't like it, but…if it's what you want then… that's it."  Rene' said resigned. <I>I'd rather sleep on a bed on nails.  I'd look like a hypocrite after telling her I'll follow her orders no matter what, if I made a big deal out of this and tried to get out of it.</I> "When does this become effective?"</div> <bR> <div> "Immediately. I'll send the announcement today. I'll also have Charlie Mulchaey at your disposal if you need him."</div> <bR> <div> "Charlie's an airhead. Not all of his thrusters are working but he's better than nuthin'." <I>If I have to do this, I might as well do it right. </I>"Since Commander Chakotay was so kind to be the first one to congratulate me concerning my new duties, I'll let him be one of the first lucky people to have a consultation, it's only fair." Rene' used her padd to look up his availability for the next day. "I do declare, the chivalrous Commander is free tomorrow morning." Rene' said in an exaggerated southern accent. "I used to sound like this before I went to the Star Fleet academy and they beat the individuality out of me… Oh, he's free.  Let me just lock in this session with him. Done!  Who's next? The Doctor, I really should see him soon. But, I'm not sure if it should be an official session or not. I'll play it by ear. Captain, are you busy now?" Rene' smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "Why?" <I>She wouldn't dare. She hasn't had the job five minutes!</I></div> <bR> <div> "I'd like to talk to you, officially, if you have some time now."</div> <bR> <div> "Rene'…I don't think you should joke about that."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm not joking, Captain." </div> <bR> <div> <I>I could put her off. I don't have subject myself to this, I'm the Captain, but…If I don't take her job seriously why should I expect the others to take it seriously.</I> "If you must do this right now, go ahead." The Captain braced herself. I guess I asked for it.</div> <bR> <div> "Captain why are you treating Seven like a child? She's a woman, with feelings and desires you're trying not to deal with."</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know what you mean." The Captain seemed to find some star out the port window of her ready room suddenly fascinating. </div> <bR> <div> "Don't play dumb with me Kathryn, if you want me to do this job, you of all people should let me. You've known Seven for a year, been out on dates with her many times--- when are you going to kiss her, for god sakes!? You certainly aren't acting like the woman I fell in love with."</div> <bR> <div> "I..well, I can't answer that because I don't think we're dating. If we both wanted to have dinner, or attend some function, we'd..just go together that's all. I explained that to you many times in your unofficial capacity."</div> <bR> <div> "Whatta bunch of Bull. You're only fooling yourself. Kathryn, don't give the poor girl a complex. First Harry rejects her and you start flirting with me in public, humiliating her. You've got to stop this. Either date Seven the way she deserves to be dated, or tell her you aren't interested. If you aren't interested I wouldn't mind getting to know her better. I think she really loves you or is willing to learn how to love you-that's what's been holding me back."</div> <bR> <div> "What kind of counseling is this?! Rather unorthodox isn't it?!"</div> <bR> <div> "That's just me. I guess if you aren't happy with my approach you can give the job to someone else." <I>I hope I don't sound too eager</I>.</div> <bR> <div> "No. I'm not going to do that. At least not <I>yet</I>.  You know I have valid reasons for not wanting to get too involved with Seven, after what happened between us, I wanted to take it slow..instead of rushing into---" </div> <bR> <div> "It's been a year, Kathryn, a year…there's slow and then there's  barely crawling. Guess what you've been doing? Don't benchmark how to act with Seven based on what happened between us, you know I'm screwed up. Please don't penalize her for the mistakes I made. I don't want to feel guilty about that. She's a virgin…I can't think of a better person for her to `explore her humanity' with than you."</div> <bR> <div> "I wish I'd been your first, maybe then we wouldn't be have this conversation."</div> <bR> <div> Rene' smiled at her, "I know we wouldn't be."</div> <bR> <div> Kathryn sighed. "Alright, I'll try to be more…open?"</div> <bR> <div> "Just be yourself, for a change. Why don't you go to her now? I know where she is."</div> <bR> <div> "Where is she?"</div> <bR> <div> "Karaoke."</div> <bR> <div> "Seven? Why would she go there. She's never shown an interest before."</div> <bR> <div> "To see me, of course." Rene' laughed.</div> <bR> <div> "You don't waste any time, do you." </div> <bR> <div> "Nope.  I hope the two of you won't still be there by the time I get there. If you get what I mean."</div> <bR> <div> "You're as subtle as a phasor blast. I get what you mean." </div> <bR> <div> "This counseling stuff might be fun."</div> <bR> <div> "I thought you said you didn't want to do it.  I wonder if I've created Frankenstein's monster." The Captain smiled. </div> <bR> <div> "Hahaha, hmmm, that's probably what Chakotay is going to call me when I finish with him."</div> <bR> <div> "Is the session over? I really hoping it is."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, your session is over, for now, but I'll be monitoring your progress…closely."</div> <bR> <div> "Comforting thought." The Captain grinned.</div> <bR> <div> They both rose at the same time. Kathryn wanted to hug her-- so she did. They held each other until Rene' gently ended it. "I have to go. You'll email me?" </div> <bR> <div> "Yes, tomorrow."</div> <bR> <div>  Rene' headed out the ready room door onto the bridge. She wanted to talk to Hickson but he was nowhere to be seen. Lt. Commander Tuvok was at the console where Hickson should have been. Rene' walked over to him.</div> <bR> <div> "Hello Lt. Commander. May I ask where Lt. Hickson is?" <I>I bet Hick's blowing a fuse. He hardly ever gets on the bridge, Chakotay sees to that; and the one day he's  been assigned, in months, something happens. </I></div> <bR> <div> "Yes, you may, Lt. Maxwell.  He is with Lt. Torres doing some `maintenance' on The Doctor."</div> <bR> <div> "Now??" </div> <bR> <div> "Yes, as per the Captain's request."</div> <bR> <div> "She didn't say it had to be done right now, just that it get done today!!!"</div> <bR> <div> "Commander Chakotay decided it should be started as soon as possible. You will find Lt. Hickson in Engineering. Is there anything else you wish to know?" Tuvok asked. </div> <bR> <div> "Just how long would I have to stay in the Brigg if I killed someone?"</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>