Life’s Full of Precious Gifts (Script Form) By: Lena © 1996, 2001 jetcgroups01@yahoo.com The USS Voyager is in an alien hanger-bay.  It has been two years since Voyager was thrown into the delta quadrant with no way back to the land they know.  Some things have changed ever so slightly.  Paris is married to Torres while Janeway is married to Chakotay Janeway enters the bridge on the view screen is a beautiful nebula filled with purple and blue gas… Janeway- Isn’t that a beautiful sight Tom? Paris- Ah yes, I haven’t seen any of that since we got out here.  Maybe it is a sigh that everything and everyone will be all right She turns to face Paris who is sitting at the helm staring at the loveliness of the area around them Janeway-Funny I was just going to say the same thing.  I think we have been together to much before we know it we will be finishing each other’s sentences Paris- (quietly) Maybe, so how is married life treating you? Janeway- (quietly) Oh its…fun…what about you Tom? Paris-Who would have guess that B’Elanna and I would be married we are so different from each other Janeway-You’d be surprised at whom you end up with.  So have you and B’Elanna spoke about having children yet? Paris-Yes and no, I brought it up but you know it is very difficult for a human and a Klingons to procreate and B’Elanna said that since she was only half Klingons it may be easier.  What about Chakotay and you have you discussed it yet? Janeway-Oh of course we have and we have decided to start trying.  You know what would be funny? Paris-What? Janeway-If B’Elanna and I were to get pregnant at the same time.  I know our baby’s won’t be born on the same day unless I got into premature labor.  If we have a boy and you and B’Elanna were to have a girl they could become husband and wife by the end of this trip Paris- (regular voice) Are you going to Neelix’s morale dinner tonight? Janeway- (regular voice) Oh I would miss it for the world, I hope to speak to Samantha I haven’t seen her since the baby was born Paris-I’ll see you there *** Janeway has entered the Mess Hall with her husband in her hand, Neelix as usual smile stretching across his face Neelix-Hello Captain, Commander, Tom and B’Elanna are already here they asked me to tell you to join them over on that table next to the bar Chakotay-Thank you Mr. Neelix Neelix-Just Neelix Chakotay-Sorry, you would think that I would finally be able to do that after spending two years with you one the ship Neelix-Well it takes time Chakotay-I know, well I hope we see you later Neelix-You will Neelix smiles at them as he departs into his kitchen while Janeway and Chakotay go over to the table where Tom and B’Elanna are Janeway-Hey guys Both turn to the sound of Janeway’s voice Paris-It’s nice to know that our message was relayed to you. I was worried Neelix wouldn’t remember to tell you Chakotay-We got our message as usual Paris-Well there is plenty of food just begging to get eaten so lets go and eat Janeway and Chakotay along with B’Elanna nod in agreement.  While the men are ahead B’Elanna notices that something is worrying Janeway B’Elanna-Are you all right Captain? Janeway-Oh yes, I am fine B’Elanna-Something is troubling you I can tell if you can’t tell your best friend who can you tell? Janeway-I’m not sure why but I have been having these awful dreams.  I wake up in the middle of the night crying B’Elanna-Lets go have a seat Janeway-Okay B’Elanna-Buy we need to have a woman-to-woman talk we will be right back Paris-Sure I hope everything is all right Janeway-Oh it is just one of those talks that would bore you to tears Chakotay-If you say so Janeway with B’Elanna walk over to a corner of the Mess Hall where it is very private B’Elanna-So what are these dreams about? Janeway-Everything, I started having these dreams about three weeks ago B’Elanna-Was something on your mind? Janeway-Not really, just the basic standard ship stuff but then I was thinking about children B’Elanna-What were the nightmares about? Children? Janeway-Yes, right now we only have Naomi and she is still just a babe, but them I thought we will be together for 75 years sooner of later the crew will start seeing each other and maybe even marry.  What kind of life do we offer on Voyager? B’Elanna-Neelix of course, he is great with children and we could transform a cargo bay into a nursery for all of the children.  But you must understand the adults won’t make it back to Earth the same way they left.  We will need a replacement crew in about 50 years. Janeway-I know, but I like to believe that I would captain Voyager on it arrival back to Earth it is hard to believe that I may not be able to do that B’Elanna-Have faith, it will prevail Janeway-Thanks B’Elanna, we had better get something to eat before the men get worried that we are discussing something serious. B’Elanna-Sure Tom and Chakotay walk into the girls as they return to their table Chakotay-How are you know? Janeway-Fine, why do you always think that went girls have a chat it is because something is wrong.  We may have been discussing what to get you for Christmas Chakotay and Paris- Whatever *** Later that evening B’Elanna is getting ready for be.  She is very concerned about her friend Captain Janeway.  B’Elanna comes out of the bathroom in her standard red sleepwear B’Elanna-Tom, have you notices anything about Captain Janeway lately? Paris-Not really but I really don’t pay attention to her life my own is hard enough to handle B’Elanna-I don’t know what but something is telling me her emotions are not normal Paris-If you were married to your first officer wouldn’t they be? B’Elanna-I guess but she seems to be sad, even distracted.  Simple everyday things make her go into a loophole Paris-What do you mean by that? B’Elanna-She’s depressed, upset, and sad. Paris-Those sound like pregnancy moods B’Elanna-That’s the problem Paris-What? B’Elanna-I can’t be sure but I think she is pregnant, and she is worried about what kind of life the baby will have on a starship.  She is one of the first pregnant Captains and being so far away from Earth she is the only one.  I think she is worried she can’t be a Captain as well as a mother Paris-That’s wonderful news! B’Elanna- I know a few months ago she told me in secret, so you can’t tell a soul, that she couldn’t get pregnant Paris-She and I were talking about babies on the bridge this morning, I didn’t know exactly why she brought up the subject to begin with.  Maybe she just wanted to know if she had friends who would be there for her.  And Lord knows everyone loves her B’Elanna-Each woman fears she cannot give her husband a child.  Every women does it is just a part of us all. Paris-Well, isn’t she still a little young to worry about not being able to bear any children? B’Elanna-Every women is different, some go through the change early while others are having children into their 50’s. Paris-Well have you talked to her about it yet? B’Elanna-The Captain is a very private person in her personal life. I would be afraid I would cause her to get angry with me. Paris-All you can do is try right? B’Elanna-I suppose Paris-Well, tomorrow why don’t you talk to her about it? B’Elanna-That’s a good idea Tom, now we had better get some sleep we both have the early shift tomorrow and I know that the Captain will not be very happy if her Chief Engineer and Helm’s person were dead on their feet Paris-Good Idea, good night honey, I love you. B’Elanna-I love you to “fly boy” Tom laughs at the little pet name B’Elanna has given him but he knows that it is true *** Janeway and Chakotay are in their quarters, Chakotay is in bed reading while Janeway on the other hand is sick in the bathroom.  She soon comes out looking very pale Chakotay-How are you? Janeway-I’ve never been so sick in my life Chakotay-What happened? Janeway-Trust me you don’t want to know Chakotay-Come here and lie in bed, get some sleep Janeway-I wish I never woke up, I think Neelix’s food has taken its toll on me Chakotay-What did you eat? Janeway staggers to the bed to sit down Chakotay-Are you sure it was something you ate? Janeway-No, come to think of it I didn’t eat much at all today, I just haven’t had an appetite lately, and maybe I am just sick Chakotay-Maybe tomorrow you’ll feel better, now come to me and get some sleep Janeway-I think I am going to sleep in the other room Chakotay-Why? Janeway-Incase what I have is contagious we can have two impaired officers on the bridge can we Chakotay sounding slightly upset but he eventually gets over it Chakotay-Would you like me to help you to bed? Janeway-No, I really don’t need your help.  I can make it Janeway gets up and places her hand on her stomach and staggers a little bit but recovers Chakotay-I hope you feel better. I love you Janeway-I love you to honey Janeway walks falls but catches herself on a chair Janeway- Come to think of hit maybe I need your help Chakotay nods and climbs out of bed and gives Janeway a hand Chakotay-No problem Janeway-Chakotay, wrong way! Chakotay-What do you mean? Janeway-Bathroom, take me to the bathroom or you will see what’s left of my dinner partially digested Chakotay-Why? Janeway-No time for questions, get me there fast, hurry Janeway is gagging as Chakotay pick her up and carries her to the bathroom. Janeway doesn’t bother with closing the door Chakotay-Don’t worry I’ll get the door *** The next morning has arrived Janeway is still a little nauseated Chakotay-Did you have a nice night? Janeway- (sarcastically) oh yes, wonderful, I was just up all night throwing up Chakotay-Maybe you should go see the Doctor Janeway-Absolutely Not! I am feeling much better today Chakotay-Okay if you are better than you can have a glass of orange juice Janeway gags slightly and shakes her head Janeway-Maybe later Chakotay-You had better eat later Janeway-I will, B’Elanna is taking me out this afternoon Chakotay-But you have to go for a check up if you’re still sick in a week all right? Janeway-All right, I will, right now I have to get to work Chakotay –I’ll see you at noon Janeway-I’ll be there Chakotay-Don’t forget your juice *** B’Elanna and Tom are in their quarters.  B’Elanna is in the bathroom getting ready to leave, Tom is fixing one of his continental breakfasts. Paris-Come on B’Elanna we’ll be late B’Elanna-Okay already Paris-Come on let’s eat B’Elanna-I don’t have time I am meeting Captain Janeway Paris-I am sure that you can be a little late B’Elanna-True They eat and exit their quarters soon they are in the Mess Hall.  Janeway and Chakotay are waiting for their arrival. B’Elanna-Hello Captain, are you feeling alright? Chakotay-She’s been sick Janeway-You don’t have to exaggerate it Chakotay-You were sick all night Janeway-Not all night Chakotay-Okay 99 percent of the night B’Elanna-Are you sure you are all right? Janeway-Neelix’s food always makes me sick I just had too much last night…that all…really Janeway suddenly moves unsteadily in her shoes Janeway-Whoa… Paris-Captain are you all right? Janeway-Yes sure, I’m fine I just got slightly dizzy when I turned the corner Chakotay-Maybe if you get some food in your system you’ll be all right? Janeway-Maybe *** That evening B’Elanna and Janeway are eating supper together the men are still on the bridge B’Elanna-Captain permission to speak freely? Janeway-Granted B’Elanna-You still don’t look very good Janeway-And I don’t feel any better either, maybe I caught something B’Elanna-What are your symptoms? Janeway-Your starting to sound like the Doctor B’Elanna-I’m sorry, I just am worried about you Janeway-I’m fine B’Elanna-That’s what you said earlier and you just admitted you still didn’t feel any better Janeway-I know but you have to promise me that you won’t tell Chakotay he will make me see the Doctor and I hate that B’Elanna-I won’t.  Honestly how do you feel now? Janeway-Oh B’Elanna I am so tired B’Elanna-How long have you been feeling like that? Janeway-A few days, just I wasn’t sick just exhausted B’Elanna-Maybe I know what is wrong Janeway-Really? B’Elanna-If I ask you a question you must promise me you won’t fire me or throw me in the brig Janeway-Okay…should I be frightened? B’Elanna-Not really how late are you exactly? Janeway-Its been two months, but I don’t think that mean anything I am not twenty years old any longer B’Elanna-Go to the Doctor and he will tell you I’m right. Janeway-Wouldn’t that be great, although we really haven’t tried it would be nice to have a baby around wouldn’t you think? B’Elanna-Of course it would be nice to have a ship full of children. I am sure that everyone will be pleased Janeway-Would you come with me for moral support? B’Elanna-Sure, what are best friends for…come on. *** Janeway and B’Elanna enter sickbay the Doctor’s program is running Doctor-To what do I owe the pleasure of the both of you, I hope you’re not ill B’Elanna-No I’m fine Captain Janeway is the only one her to see you. I’m here for moral support. Doctor-Okay I always work better with an audience, come here Captain Janeway and take a seat up on the bio-bed Janeway nods and climbs up on the bio-bed B’Elanna is holding her hand Doctor-What are your symptoms? Janeway-Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, this morning I almost passed out everyone is worried…what do you think it is? Doctor-It could be anemia, or low red blood count I’d have to scan you to be sure B’Elanna-She is also two months late Doctor-Oh that could be a sign of pregnancy Janeway-Or old age Doctor-When do these symptoms begin? Janeway-When I get up in the morning but mostly later in the day. Doctor-Okay, have you been able to eat anything B’Elanna-No, I can’t even look at Neelix’s food I never could Doctor-I was talking to Captain Janeway Janeway-No, I haven’t eaten anything all day Doctor-And how long have you been feeling this way Janeway-Like I said earlier, two days The Doctor scans Janeway and smiles Doctor- Just as I suspected, you’re pregnant Janeway and B’Elanna smile and hug each other Janeway-Pregnant, you mean I wasn’t to old to have children? Doctor-Of course not, by the look of these results you can have children for at least 10 or 15 years, I thought Commander Chakotay and you weren’t going to try until later Janeway-We weren’t, I don’t know how it happened but maybe it was meant to be Doctor-Would you like me to tell Commander Chakotay or would you B’Elanna-I think she would like to Doctor-I know it is in my program Janeway-That’s okay, this is the child Chakotay and I have always dreamed about.  This will be a very special day Doctor-You have about seven months left, the baby should arrive around Christmas, now you have to understand that this pregnancy could be a risk so take it easy Janeway-I will B’Elanna-I will make sure of it *** Later that night Janeway and Chakotay are in their quarters Chakotay is reading a book Janeway-Chakotay honey, I went to sickbay today Chakotay-What did the Doctor say? Janeway-Oh just that I needed my rest and a bigger room Chakotay-Oh, that’s nice Janeway-Didn’t you just hear what I said? Chakotay-I’m sorry sweetheart, I am reading a very good book. Please tell me what you just said Janeway-I said I have nothing nine months won’t cure.  I’m well we’re having a baby Chakotay Chakotay-That’s wonderful news He jumps out of bed and picks her up turning around and around Janeway-I know we really haven’t planned on having one for a few more months but I am so happy Chakotay-Are you okay? Janeway-I am a well as can be expected, but the Doctor has told me that this pregnancy will be risky, I need a lot of rest Chakotay-That’s okay, whatever happens I’ll be here for you.  Now get to bed *** B’Elanna is down in the Kitchen with Janeway and Tom B’Elanna-I thought I told you to eat something Janeway-Oh B’Elanna, I can’t eat anything Paris-You know Captain, B’Elanna is right the most important thing is that you take care of that baby or your its growing inside of you right now and it needs its mother B’Elanna-He’s right, if you can’t eat anything you can at least go to the Doctor he can give you a supplement Janeway-I just haven’t really gotten to him, having morning sickness is one of the worst parts of pregnancy you know that B’Elanna-Sure I just hope someday I can know what you are feeling right now Janeway-You will B’Elanna, I know you will *** Weeks have gone by B’Elanna is with the Captain in the Mess Hall B’Elanna-You really should rest Captain Janeway-I know, but I just haven’t been sleeping very well lately B’Elanna-Are you still having morning sickness? Janeway-A little B’Elanna-You need to rest Captain.  The life of that baby in there is the most important thing right now Janeway-The ship is my first priority I need to get this ship ho…whoa Janeway brings her hand to her head and falls against the table B’Elanna-Captain are you all right? Janeway-Yes, I just got a little dizzy, its no wonder with all the attacks the ship has come under…I’ll be all right real…Oh B’Elanna-We have to get you to Sickbay B’Elanna escorted her to sickbay when they arrive the Doctor’s program is running Doctor-What is wrong with her Lieutenant? B’Elanna-I’m not sure one minute we were talking the next she nearly fainted Janeway-I just don’t feel right doctor A few minutes later B’Elanna is talking with the Doctor in his office while Janeway is resting on a bio-bed B’Elanna-How is she? Doctor-She is very lucky she has passed the first trimester or she would have lost that baby she’s carrying.  I told her that this pregnancy would have its risk, yet she still won’t listen and get some rest. B’Elanna-I tired to tell her but you of all people know Captain Janeway.  She claims it was because the ship was attacked all last week. Doctor-But she is 7 months pregnant, she needs to know that her health comes above all else even the ship.  Chakotay can take the bridge he is her first officer.  I want to give her a sedative but she refuses to take it until you come and talk to her. B’Elanna-I will B’Elanna as well as the Doctor exit his office B’Elanna-Captain, the Doctor tells me you refuse to take the sedative until you speak to me so what is it that you want? Janeway-He’s right, please come sit down B’Elanna-You sure did it this time Janeway-I know but I’m alright so is the baby B’Elanna-Next time you and the baby may not be Janeway-Would you like to feel the baby? B’Elanna-You mean you can already? Janeway-I’m seven months pregnant, you’re almost guaranteed to feel some movement Janeway takes B’Elanna’s hand and places it on her stomach B’Elanna-I don’t feel anything Janeway-Oh its moving trust me A tiny movement startles B’Elanna B’Elanna-He’s a feisty little thing isn’t he? Janeway-He or she, we don’t want to know the sex until its born, I know that Chakotay has his heart on a girl but I am sure that if the baby is a son he will be just as happy *** Six week have gone by B’Elanna and Chakotay are with her Janeway-Oh… She places her hand on her abdomen B’Elanna-What’s wrong? Janeway-I think my water just broke Paris-What do you mean it broke? Chakotay-Oh my God the baby is coming quickly call the Doctor Janeway-Honey, relax labor can take hours…oh B’Elanna-Or maybe not Paris-Come on let get her to Sickbay Paris picks up Janeway who is in the middle of a strong contraction while Chakotay tries to remember how to breathe Chakotay-Bag, I need her bag, where the hell is her bag B’Elanna-Chakotay relax she’ll be fine Captain Janeway has been packed for two weeks its over in the closet now hurry up and come on They soon reach sickbay the Doctor is ready and set up for her delivery Janeway-Oh my back Doctor-How long has your back been hurting you? Janeway-Most of my pregnancy Doctor-Your 9 centimeters dilated already, you must have been in labor all day.  Change into a sickbay gown.  B’Elanna go with her incase she has another contraction, Tom you get the instruments and place them over on the table over there Chakotay just breath and remain calm Chakotay-Sure whatever you say just please take care of Kathryn Doctor-I will Meanwhile… Janeway and B’Elanna are in the bathroom adjacent to his office while Janeway has changed her clothing she begins to have a contraction Janeway-Oh no here comes one now B’Elanna come here B’Elanna-What am I supposed to do? Janeway-Just hold my hand and breath with me B’Elanna-Sure A few minutes later the contraction is over and they exit the bathroom B’Elanna-She had a contraction in the bathroom, but there wasn’t any bleeding Doctor- That’s good, now Mr. Paris assist me with the stirrups while Chakotay you help her on the bio-bed A few seconds later everyone is set and Janeway’s contractions are coming within seconds of each other a sure sign to begin pushing B’Elanna-Yes, now breath remember just like we showed you during you birthing classes Chakotay-Come on honey you can do it. I know how strong you can be know push, push hard Janeway-I can’t do this anymore; I’m not strong enough Paris-You are strong! Janeway-No I’m not I just don’t show it Doctor-I can see its head come on one more good push then the head will be out Chakotay-Come on you can do it! You Can! Soon a baby arrives Chakotay cuts the umbilical cord and the Doctor places it on Janeway’s abdomen Janeway-Oh it’s beautiful what is it? Chakotay-I didn’t even look, lets see…. It’s a girl! Janeway-oh I thought she would never come out, she’s so beautiful Chakotay Doctor-And she is healthy considering all the problems you were having B’Elanna-She’s beautiful guys and so tiny Janeway-She wasn’t so tiny a few hours ago Paris-Why don’t you hold her Chakotay she’s your daughter, and she looks so much like you look at all that hair Doctor-What are you going to call her?  I have to not it in my logbook Janeway-Shayna Elizabeth Doctor-Congratulations to you both Janeway-Thank you Doctor for everything, I know that I can be a real pain at time but always know it’s my image…. All laugh… THE END!!!