Disclaimer: We've all heard that TPTB are cutting 2-3 minutes from Voyager: Well, these are my versions of those missing scenes.
B'Elanna stood with her hands behind her back and faced the observation deck windows. Her eyes were closed. She was trying to meditate. But her mind kept returning to Seven and her report on the engines. She growled. She'd been meditating now for almost five months. Sometimes she was successful and found a way to keep from exploding. Usually she wasn't.
There was a cough behind her, causing her to jump as she turned around. "Captain!"
Janeway smiled at her from her chair. "Lieutenant. You seem lost in thought."
B'Elanna tried to smile. "I didn't know anyone was here. I can leave."
"No, no. I should return to work. Is it Seven's report?"
"Captain." She nodded. "I...yes. Captain," she stopped to control her temper. "She is meddling. She came in the middle of repairs and told me she can do it better..."
"I heard." Janeway chuckled. "In many ways you are very similar. Brunt and too the point...But, her ideas have merit...we just don't have the time or equipment..."
"I know. Can I ask a question, Captain?"
"Sure."
"Why me? I know Chakotay pushed you to make me your chief-engineer...But now?"
Janeway chuckled. "Yes, he thought it would be a good political move. But since then...Starfleet made a major mistake when they let you go."
"That's not what I mean. Joe is as good an engineer as I am, and isn't inclined to hit people."
Janeway stood and walked over to stand by her. "Why? Because you are the person for the job. Because, despite your temper, you are brilliant. And while Joe is a very talented and capable engineer, he doesn't have your vision or your drive. And he makes a very good buffer between you and your staff."
B'Elanna took a deep breath. "But recently, I've felt so out of control..."
"You seem to be handling that better now."
"I'm trying...But why? No one would have blamed you, if you had..." Her voice trailed off.
"No, no one would have blamed me if I had replaced you? I would have. I came close...Really." Janeway closed her eyes for a second looking as if in thought. "Remember the void? I know Chakotay told everybody I was reading reports and relaxing...I wasn't." She placed her hand on B'Elanna's shoulder. "I know what depression can do to a person. Anyway, you proved more than enough that you were still capable of being in command." She smiled kindly. "Remember that Malon freighter we tossed into the star?"
"How could I forget...I beat that worker..." B'Elanna stopped and shrugged. "You know, I agreed with him..."
"I wasn't very fond of the Malon either. But, let me tell you a story..."
{Insert episode}
"You tell a good story," B'Elanna said when Janeway had finished.
"I've had a good teacher." B'Elanna almost laughed. The Captain was actually smirking. She couldn't believe her eyes.
"But..."
"No buts, B'Elanna."
"Thank-you Captain..."
"Kathryn..."
B'Elanna stood there eyes wide. "Ummm...Let me think about that...Cap...Kathryn."
Janeway smiled. "Thanks."
"You're welcome...And thanks..." B'Elanna smiled brightly and practically skipped back to her quarters.
#
Chakotay smiled as Janeway snuggled against him. She squeezed his hand. "I look back on that time, and I can see just how bad off I was...But B'Elanna really was affected. I knew she just needed to know how much we needed her...and that I trusted her."
"She's happier now than I've ever seen her. Voyager has been good for her."
Janeway chuckled. "Yes, I'm so glad I thought of her to be my chief engineer."
"You?" He leaned over her and glared. "I seem to remember a different version."
"Hmmm. I also remember you asking if I would serve under you..." She smiled devilishly. "I've always wanted to know just exactly what you meant."
He didn't say anything, just kissed her.
#
Harry studied the Kaltow pieces carefully as he tried to ignore the piercing gaze of his foe. He had done well with the puzzle in his quarters when he was alone--but everytime he attempted to play Tuvok, he became flustered.
"Ah ha!" He exclaimed as he pulled a piece, then groaned. Nothing happened.
Tuvok didn't even quirk an eyebrow as he studied the set for all of two seconds. He removed a piece from underneath; and the chaotic form changed to perfect symmetry.
Harry shook his head.
"Good night ensign. Your technique has improved in the past year."
"Thank-you, Commander." Harry again shook his head. How could Tuvok notice how his game improved.
"Ensign!" Harry groaned as Neelix trotted over. "I couldn't help but notice that your final move set Mr. Tuvok up perfectly."
"You play Kaltow?" Harry asked, his eyebrows raised high.
"Why yes I do. I started playing when Kes became interested." He smiled sadly. "I miss her still..." The Talaxian bit his lip, then returned to the original topic. "Vorik plays reasonably well, and I have enjoyed my matches against him."
"Oh." Harry looked at the pieces, then began to carefully pack the pieces. "Maybe we can play someday."
"Sure. I'll look forward to it." Neelix beamed. "On another subject, I still have room on the program for this month's talent night. Interested?"
Harry shook his head. "No, I'm on duty that night. Sorry."
"Too bad. There are a few surprises." Harry was amazed that Neelix could beam even brighter.
"So I've heard. You aren't telling are you?" Harry tried to look confidential so Neelix would tell him.
Neelix winked. "Let's just say...On second thought, I won't say."
"Neelix!"
"It's great publicity. Attendance this month may be at an all time high." Harry groaned in frustration as Neelix shuffled away.
"I say it's Seven," a voice behind him said. He turned quickly.
"Megan," he greeted the Delaney twin. "Why do you think its Seven?"
"Because she's been preening recently." Megan laughed as she sat down by him. "The Commander beat you again?"
Harry nodded. "I still think it's the Captain. She's not performed for two...or is it three years."
"Two...Her performance of the Dying Swan is still a classic."
Harry grinned. "It was priceless..." Then he leaned over. "Have you heard the latest?"
Megan shrugged. "Which latest? Barbara was sick all morning...But she didn't seem unhappy when I took her to sick-bay."
"Hmmm. I was considering placing a bet in the pool yesterday."
"Do tell..."
Harry leaned forward and shared the recent rumors from the bridge.
Well, with a title like that, what did you expect?
Disclaimer: We've all heard that TPTB are cutting 2-3 minutes from Voyager: Well, these are my versions of those missing scenes. The song belongs to the Gershwin estates.
Warning: As well as being an episode addition and part of my Fortune Series, this can also be construed as yet another story in the sappy song category. About Seven's date's name: the only Voyager-information-page-I-can-get-to-now-days-without-crashing said it was Jack Lansing...I've been told it was Chapman by some and Jackson by someone else...so, I stuck with Lansing.
There's a saying old says that love is blind
Chakotay took another sip of his herbal tea while waiting for Kathryn to respond. She finally did with a slight smile.
"So, while I was planetside, Seven tried her hand at dating, and the ambassador tried his hand, well at everything? I leave you in charge for twenty-four hours..." Her smile grew as she tsked several times.
"Neelix really did try. Outside of locking the ambassador in his quarters with a level one force field..."
"Well, I don't think it was all bad. We did get our supplies."
"True. And none of the female crew belted the guy."
"That was a definite plus." She put her fork down and leaned back in the chair. "I have a meeting in ten minutes. I hope you can find something to do while I'm gone."
"A meeting?" Chakotay was puzzled. He didn't remember anything scheduled for the evening.
She winked. "Top secret," she said as she stood. "I've got to be going." She kissed the top of his head as she walked by. "Don't wait up for me."
He gestured slightly in frustration and curiosity. This was the third night this week she had disappeared like that. He suspected she was planning something for the talent show...
#
Harry hit the low B-flat and lingered a second before letting the note fade away. He waited while the Doc played a few bars, then joined back in. After a few more measures, he took the clarinet out of his mouth. "I don't even feel like playing the blues."
"I can understand the feeling," the Doctor said as he played another sad tune. "She did not even notice."
"I wasn't even on the list...Me..." Harry started pulling his instrument apart. "I mean, I wasn't interested."
"She was very polite...A tricorder--and a very good one at that. I suppose I should be glad for the few minutes."
"You at least had a few minutes." Harry pulled the swab through the mouth piece. "I was just convenient."
"Perhaps it is for the best," the Doctor said as he started to play a rag, that quickly became a more melancholy piece.
"We live and learn..." Harry carefully placed the instrument into the case. "But..."
"I can always tinker with my program, but Kes once told me not to." He looked at Harry and stopped playing. "I would like to apologize for insisting you undergo treatment after your..."
Harry smiled sadly. "It doesn't go away--time just dulls the wounds. Thank-you Doctor, I enjoyed myself."
The Doctor started playing again. "So did I. I have found playing the piano a very relaxing activity...I should recommend it my patients."
Harry chuckled. "A true musician. Good-night, Doc."
"Ensign." The Doctor started humming along with himself.
Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet.
"The Doctor?" Jenny looked incredulous. "Damn, now I wish I had gone to the reception."
"I don't know. That ambassador was drunk. Seven threatened him...but I swear, diplomacy aside, if he had pinched me one more time, I would have decked him."
"Males the galaxy over can be swine."
Megan smiled slightly. "That really depends." She winked conspiratorially at her sister. "I don't think you would say that about all of them."
Jenny laughed. "I said can be. Especially when drunk. And the guy was some sort of priest...I never did understand that part."
"Neelix explained it to me...It was some sort of cultural thing." Megan smiled. "I hear he didn't reject temptation...any temptation." They both laughed. "At least it didn't ruin the trade agreement. We picked up a lot of supplies."
"Good." They both leaned back in their chairs. Jenny continued. "Gerron said that Seven has decided the men of Voyager do not offer any suitable mates for her."
"Excellent--all the more for us." Again both sisters started laughing.
#
"So," Tom said as he picked up the tricorder. "How's the arm?"
Jack Lansing did a windmill with it to prove its mobility. "Still a slight twinge when I lift things, otherwise fine." He sat down on the bio-bed to wait.
Tom nodded. "To be expected. She did quite a number on you."
The other man rolled his eyes. "Hey, we were just dancing--and then she tried some strange moves."
"Borg dancing?" He shook his head and laughed. "She's sworn off dating."
"I heard. That may save half the crew from further injury."
"Still a lot of disappointment out there. Can you believe that none of us are suitable?"
"That will do our male egos a lot of good." Jack grinned slightly as Tom ran the tricorder along his arm. "But to be honest, she did try. It was kind-of cute. The first time I've seen her uncomfortable and at a loss for words."
"She's human afterall." Tom put the tricorder down. "Don't lift anything heavy for another couple of days and you will recover completely."
I'd like to add his initials to my monogram.
Samantha entered the Brig and looked around. Barbara was working in the office to the right. "Hello?"
"Oh, hi Sam. Is there a problem?"
"That depends. Tuvok wants an analysis of Walter's proposed changes in security." Same laughed. "Nothing major--just some minor things he noticed after our contact with the think-tank. I was drafted to help."
"I've been working on next month's schedule all morning. I think I can understand Janeway's reluctance to become a generational ship. It's a real pain trying to coordinate schedules." Barbara giggled slightly. "And since breakfast, I've been contacted four times to make changes. I am *not* volunteering next month..."
"Take bribes...It's easier." Sam sat down. "But...Barbara, the rumors are flying about another matter."
There was a long silence before Barbara nodded. "I know. I've been hesitant to tell anyone...I just don't know how people will accept it...Especially the Captain. I mean she's never said no children...but it's not exactly. How the Hell do you do it?"
Sam laughed. "By running in circles. Neelix is absolutely wonderful with Naomi. So is everybody. Naomi wants to know who's having the baby and when. She really wants a younger friend."
"I was planning on telling everybody soon. Walter is about to bust with the news." Barbara smiled. "I don't suppose I can keep it secret much longer. Tuvok suspects."
"He knows more about what is going on this ship than he is given credit for."
"I bet he does." Barbara glanced at the data on her screen and groaned. "Security isn't even that big a department. I wonder how the big departments do it?
"Scheduling? I hear Astrometrics uses a precise mathematical equation."
"I want that formula." Barbara rubbed her eyes. "This is ridiculous...Anyway it's time for lunch. With new supplies, the mess hall can't be all bad."
"Sure...Do you know if it's a boy or girl?"
"No idea..." Barbara closed the file and stood. "Any hints?"
"Avoid..."
"Leola root." Barbara finished the sentence. "I learned that the hard way. Let's go."
There's a somebody I'm longing to see
Seven didn't look up when Neelix sat down across from her. "Hello Seven?"
"Neelix."
"What report are you working on today? Another relationship?"
"No. Today I am attempting to correlate the epsilon factor of the differential equations of Boyle's Law."
Neelix raised an eyebrow and changed the subject. "Rumor has it you will not be dating again."
"A pointless practice with unpredictable outcomes. I shall make better use of my time by concentrating on my research."
"I don't think it's that pointless, Seven. It's a very important part of human interaction. As morale officer, I've tried my hand at match-making several times. And if I may say so, I've done pretty good. I'm sure I can find you a suitable date."
"Match-maker?"
"I find dates for people." Neelix sounded disappointed, but Seven didn't pick up on it.
"Curious. This was not covered in my lessons."
"Life is more than a series of lessons. Despite your recent fail...results, don't give up. Keep trying." He was becoming enthusiastic in his speech and movements.
"I shall take it under advisement." Seven started reading the PADD again and Neelix sighed. Maybe Seven and dating didn't make a good mix.
Although he may not be the man
B'Elanna tried to remain calm as she sipped her drink. This was the first time the Captain had invited B'Elanna to her quarters for (apparently) just coffee. She looked around. She'd been here before, but not recently.
"You seem lost in thought," Janeway said, bringing the younger woman out of her reverie.
"Oh...I'm sorry. You were saying?"
"I just asked if you liked the blend."
"The coffee. Yes it is fine." B'Elanna smiled. She was uncomfortable--especially since she had no idea why she was here.
"About your argument with Seven..."
"I'm sorry about that, Captain--but she had no right."
"I understand. I'll talk to her." Janeway smiled. "You must remember she is just learning what privacy is."
B'Elanna nodded. "I know...But damn it, Captain, it was embarrassing. What if she had done that to you and..." B'Elanna bit her lip and blushed.
Kathryn laughed. "She did. Three months ago..."
"Captain...Kathryn?" B'Elanna looked shyly at the captain who smiled at her name. "I'm glad you two finally...well...You know."
Kathryn blushed slightly. "Well...I...umm. Thank-you. I still sometimes wonder if it is right for a captain to..."
"Captain," B'Elanna said a bit sharper than she'd meant. "I...well, it's not like you have anyone waiting for you...now."
Janeway blinked. "No...Not now. You?"
"Me?" B'Elanna laughed. "Kahless no. Tom is the first one who's been willing to put up with me for more than a week."
Kathryn smiled at her again. "You've done well with him...But, this does bring up another subject..." Janeway stood. "I've requisitioned the equipment and supplies to increase the soundproofing around your quarters..."
Won't you tell him please to put on some speed,
Neelix stood on the stage and waited for the applause to stop. The Barbershop quartet that had just sung a selection of songs had been well received, even if they could have used a few more months of practice. Neelix grinned as he waved his hands. The night's show was about forty-five minutes behind schedule. And there was still one last performer.
"Our next performer is..." Neelix started to say and stopped. He stuck his fingers in his mouth (like Tom had taught him) and whistled. This time the audience quieted. "Our next performer is...A surprise." He stepped off-stage as the curtain came up, revealing the Doctor in a black tuxedo sitting at a piano. He played a few bars to the crowd's whistles and cheers...Then there was silence as the captain strolled on stage wearing a white tuxedo and carrying a microphone. The Doctor started playing again.
She started to sing: "There's a saying old says that love is blind; Still we're often told "seek and ye shall find"; So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind..."
The song is, what else could it be, Someone to Watch Over Me. Music by George Gershwin. And words by Ira Gershwin???
Still we're often told "seek and ye shall find"
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind.
He's the big affair I cannot forget.
Only man I ever think of with regret.
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me.
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could always be good
To one who'll watch over me.
Some girls think of as handsome,
To my heart he carries the key.
Follow my lead, oh how I need
Someone to watch over me.