Christina
Sept 1999
Warning: Expect the unexpected and bizarre. This is an ongoing story--so, expect the next part when you see it.
Disclaimer:Paramount, unfortunately, owns them. I think I do a better job with them...(this is for the egotist in me).
Janeway looked up as the door opened and smiled. "Good evening, Commander. I've been waiting for the personnel reports."
She didn't bother looking at him again as he placed several padds on her desk, but when he then didn't leave she looked up at him. "Commander, is there something else?"
He grinned. "Do you have any regrets?"
She narrowed her eyes slightly. "One always has regrets. Why?"
"Just curious. I decided I have one. Actually there are others, but tonight I've decided I wanted to know if I was missing anything."
Her eyes narrowed even more. and she scowled as he reached down to place his hands behind her neck then lean over to kiss her. For one second her mind kept reminding her that she was *The Captain*. Then she reached up and wrapped her arms around him. She tried to pull him closer, but he was resisting. As suddenly as the kiss began it ended. He took two steps back.
"Thank-you. I guess I didn't miss much. Good-night, Captain."
She was still sputtering in indignation a minute after he left.
She was still fuming about his behavior the next morning at the morning briefing, at lunch, and now at dinner. But she was also now wondering what had prompted such an unusual behavior from him. She'd spent the day pondering the question, then surreptitiously watching him. Especially when female crewmembers talked with him. Three had stopped by his table during the ten minutes she'd been sitting in her corner, alone.
It was possible that he had decided to move on. A very logical thing for him to do as Voyager entered their sixth year far from home. Unlike herself, he didn't have to maintain a barrier from the crew...
"Captain?" She looked up quickly as she realized that Neelix had probably been talking to her all the while.
"Yes?"
"Are you all right?" Neelix definitely looked concerned. Great, just what she needed...
"I'm fine. I was just thinking."
"That can be dangerous," Neelix started to laugh at his joke, but the look on her face stopped him. "Tom suggested we hold a Halloween party..."
"Halloween party?"
"Yes," Neelix's face brightened. "Apparently it was a very big festive time on Earth during the..."
"Twentieth Century..." They said together.
"All right," she glanced at her First Officer as he started to talk with Susan Nicolletti. She frowned slightly, then turned away quickly when she noticed Neelix was watching her.
"It'll be a costume party," Neelix added quickly.
"That'll be wasteful," she ran down the energy amounts available for the replicators.
"B'Elanna...Lieutenant Torres says that with some minor restrictions it is entirely feasible."
Her mind went over the report she'd read that morning. It was possible. "I'll authorize it." Her frown deepened as she noticed Chakotay had left. Susan wasn't around either.
"What will you come as?" Neelix's voice was too enthusiastic.
"I probably won't. I don't have time, and the crew will enjoy themselves more..."
Neelix's smile vanished. He started to say something, but turned away.
Leaving her to wonder again.
And just what did he mean by, 'I guess I didn't miss much,' anyway? He'd been in love with her...
Hadn't he? All those looks, touches, that damn story on New Earth.
The possibility that he hadn't been disappointed her more than she really cared to admit.
"Damn," she sputtered as she reached out to grab another padd, hitting her coffee cup instead. She watched the dark brown liquid flow over her ready room table. It reminded her of the warmth that had flowed through her when he had...
This was getting ridiculous. His words indicated that the kiss had been nothing more than an insult.
And that hurt.
She stood, perhaps she should ask the guilty party just what the Hell he had been thinking two nights ago when he had kissed her. She was *The Captain,* after all.
She marched out to the bridge and stopped. Tuvok was sitting in the command chair, busy with something. She didn't have to look around the bridge to realize that *he* wasn't there.
"Good morning, Captain," Harry said with a smile.
"Ensign," she replied. She wouldn't ask where he was; there was no point in starting yet another round of rumors. Tuvok had stood and was waiting for her instructions. "Carry on, Commander. I'll be in engineering."
Tuvok acknowledged her. No one seemed the least bit surprised that Commander Chakotay was no where to be seen. She almost asked, but instead ordered the lift to engineering. She did need to talk to B'Elanna about the modifications to the environmental systems. There was a chance they might be able to open up the still unused decks.
When the lift doors closed, she finally asked the computer where Commander Chakotay was.
The answer surprised her. He was in Holodeck one.
Engineering could wait. She quickly changed her destination.
The Holodeck privacy locks were engaged. She reached for her combadge, then shook her head. What he did was his own business.
She headed toward engineering.
"Good morning," B'Elanna said without looking away from the computer.
"I'm..."
"We've made progress on the energy distribution. We can have part of deck 8 open in three weeks. Sections one and two only for now."
"Excellent...This Halloween party?"
B'Elanna grinned. "I've picked an absolutely fantastic costume. Did Tom talk to you?"
"No, Neelix..."
The lieutenant nodded in understanding. "It's a black and white ball. It saves on replicator costs."
Janeway frowned. "Not that Captain Proton program..."
"Kahless, no!" She chuckled. "Tom really wanted an Erotica Ball, but Chakotay put his foot down..."
Janeway realized she must have looked shocked or horrified, because B'Elanna was now laughing. "Don't worry," B'Elanna added. "The thought of Neelix in something...well...um..."
"Understood, Lieutenant." Kathryn reached for the padd. "I'll look over these. Any chance of getting more of deck 8 open?"
B'Elanna returned to business mode as she nodded. "Yes. But it will take some rewiring. We've *borrowed* from both decks 8 and 9 for a while. And we'll have to finish the upgrades to the core first."
"Excellent. Good work, Lieutenant."
"Thanks, Captain. Can I ask a question off the record?"
Kathryn nodded.
"Captain, are you all right? It's just that you've seemed distracted the past couple of days."
"No, I'm fine. I guess I'm not used to being safe."
"Oh..." She wondered at B'Elanna's smile and almost asked about the Commander.
"I'll leave you to your work," she said instead as she stood to leave. "An Erotica Ball?"
B'Elanna again laughed. "Apparently there was one in San Francisco. Tom said it was great. I guess you and I travelled in the wrong social circles."
"I guess." She left quietly, her mind filled with images of...
She instead forced herself to think of Neelix...
It worked, the distraction went away for all of twenty three minutes. Then she saw him again--this time in what appeared to be an intense discussion with the Delaney twins.
Dinner was better than usual she decided as she entered the mess hall. The smell was heavenly and the place was crowded. In fact she only had three choices where to sit. Seven and Harry were sitting (imagine that, she thought, Seven sitting), not discussing anything and Harry looked rather uncomfortable. Chakotay and Susan (again) were sitting in the back having an animated discussion about something. The last table was Jenny and her newest conquest. That one looked too much, she decided to join Harry and Seven after selecting something to eat.
The choice there was better. The Rillarans had provided them with the equivalent of fresh fruits and vegetables. And not a leola root in sight. She smiled slightly at the look on Neelix's face when he'd finished going over the supplies. She decided on salads for dinner. The green one with a yellow dressing she had cautiously tasted and a fruit one.
Now to make her way past the commander, who seemed far more interested in what Susan was showing him on a padd...She frowned slightly, then continued on her way.
Harry stood quickly, before she could tell him to remain seating. Seven cocked her head slightly as she asked to join them.
"Yes, please do...We were talking about the Black and White ball." Harry stammered out as he sat back down.
"It's an interesting concept," Seven said. "But why limit the choice to two colors?"
Harry and Janeway stared at the former Borg in surprise. "Because," Harry said. "It's traditional."
"Ah. Tradition is very important. I shall not attend, it is frivolous."
"It would be a good social activity for you to participate in," Janeway said, noting the strange smile that Harry developed.
"I believe you are correct that our time would be better spent on more important matters."
"Social interactions are important." Too late, she saw the trap they'd laid for her. She looked around the mess hall quickly, wondering just who had thought this one up. "I'm going, I just haven't selected my costume yet."
"Then I shall attend too," Seven said firmly. "Harry thinks I should find a black dress. Perhaps the Doctor can help..."
"No!" Both officers said. Janeway looked around again. Those who had been watching turned away quickly. Except Chakotay. He'd never turned his head.
Harry continued. "I think Alice in engineering has set herself up as an idea person. You should talk to her." Janeway was positive that statement was meant for both her and Seven. With the trap over, the trio settled into silence as they continued to eat. Kathryn decided the fruit salad was very special. It was too bad that the fruit wouldn't keep.
Tom was smiling the following morning, and Janeway's mind had been particularly active in her dreams--so she wondered if she had a pretty good idea just why he was smiling. The thought caused her to smile too.
"Good morning Captain," Tom said cheerfully. "Another wonderful day in the Delta Quadrant."
"Ensign Paris," Tuvok said calmly from his station, "Such exuberance is unnecessary."
"Spoil sport. So, Captain, have you picked a costume yet?"
"No, ensign. I have not." Her smile faded as she glanced around the bridge. He wasn't here again. Just how did he manage to avoid her for almost a week...
"There are some pretty good..." Tom started to say, but was cut off by Commander Tuvok.
"Perhaps you would be wise to keep your mind on your assigned duties."
"Thank-you, Commander," she said quietly as she sat down. "The bridge is not the place to discuss the upcoming party." She was positive she heard Tom mutter something about why not, but the statement wasn't repeated.
She distinctly felt the beginnings of a headache. She had been coerced into going to the party by Seven of all people, and the very thought was now causing a headache.
"Captain," Tuvok said. "Are you feeling all right?" She realized she'd been rubbing her forehead.
"Fine, just fine." Why was everybody worried about her suddenly anyway. Tom turned and smiled at her. It was a too damn knowing smile. He must have planned Seven's little speech.
"I have noticed that you have been distracted," Tuvok continued. "Perhaps this party is a better idea than Ensign Paris claims."
Tom laughed and her eyes opened wide. She had just declared the whole topic taboo on the bridge, and here was Tuvok saying it was a good idea. Just what had been in the fruit last night anyway?
"I'm sure it is. It's that we should be preparing for leaving Rillaran space in just over a month."
"Captain," Tom said as he stood. "We have been. All systems are at maximum efficiency. Hey, we've even been able to reopen decks--all right partially reopen--we closed down soon after arriving here. It's now time to take care of us. Anyway, what better than to celebrate almost three months of trouble-free travel." He grinned.
"Ensign Paris is correct," Tuvok said. She realized that the four other people on the bridge were paying rapt attention to their conversation. "It is time to allow ourselves to relax. Spend time on hobbies, preparing for the party. Wasting time as you would say. I have found that humans need such moments. Commander Chakotay is a prime example."
Tom was still smiling. Just what was he thinking, Janeway wondered as she pulled up the first of the morning reports. She barely notice Tom sit back down at his station as she started to read.
Neelix hated cleaning. He always had, and during his life had learned how to do it efficiently.
Or so he had told her several times. She watched him scrubbing the kitchen floor. He did seem to be doing an efficient job. Until she coughed. Then he jumped from his kneeling position, hit his head on the counter and kicked his bucket over.
"I'm sorry," Kathryn said as she handed him a towel.
"No problem, Captain. It's just cleaning solution. Completely organic and quite healthful. I've been assured by the Doctor that it is safe." He stood, more slowly. "What can I do for you?"
"I stopped by for a midnight snack." It was about 2200 hours, a little early, but she was hungry and hadn't been able to get to sleep.
"There is some por-pio pie left. Unless Susan took it. She and Commander Chakotay had liked it at dinner." He grinned.
"That would be fine." She suddenly felt uncomfortable as the Talaxian scurried away to get her a piece. "How's the party coming?"
"Excellent," Neelix yelled from the fridge. "Though I am disappointed that Tom's idea was rejected. Talaxians have a similar event and I had really hoped--" He walked out of the walk-in refrigeration unit carrying a slice of something. "--to wear a traditional Talaxian outfit. Bright lavender with green stripes." He placed the pie slice on the counter. "It's designed to highlight..." She picked the pie up quickly.
"Thank-you. It looks delicious." It smelled good too. "If Commander Chakotay hadn't rejected the idea, I would have."
Neelix pouted slightly, then smiled as brightly as before. "I'm hoping Lieutenant Torres grants me an exemption--I look horrid in black or white. Enjoy the pie, Captain."
She briefly wondered just what this bright lavender and green striped outfit highlighted, but didn't dare ask. Neelix would answer--and she was positive she didn't want to know.
"Whatever you did," Tom said as he twirled his cue stick in ever maddening larger circles, "You certainly riled her up." Finally he settled on his shot. Chakotay watched quietly as Tom sank two balls, only to start eyeing his next shot.
"What are you talking about?" Chakotay asked. Tom was probably going to win, again.
"The Captain. Only two things get her this riled. Another missed opportunity to get back to the Alpha-Quadrant or you." Tom paused as he stood straighter and stared at Voyager's second-in-command. "I know I didn't sleep through yet another exciting, hope-filled, chance to get home--so, that leaves you. Who is she?"
Chakotay hoped his puzzlement showed, he really didn't want to reward Tom's smart-mouth with a question.
"She was like this after Riley, the Bureon woman, the one with no name...The only alien female visitor was that puffy Rillaran, forgot her name, the one with what seemed liked ten-thousand forms."
"It wasn't ten-thousand, just seven, and that Rillaran female, Tampar by the way, was instrumental in our present journey through their space. One, I might add, that has given us several months of peace and quiet." He was more than a bit exasperated.
Tom only smiled. "No, it wasn't Tampar...Let's see. You've been seeing a lot of Susan--but considering she's expecting and in charge of the Deck 8 planning commission...So, what did you do to the Captain?"
Chakotay sighed. "I kissed her." It was absolutely delightful to watch Tom's jaw fall to the ground and his eyes grow wide. "Then I left."
"Wow." Tom spoke hoarsely. "I had no idea. Way to go..." He was becoming exuberant again.
"No...Not really. I kissed her, then made it clear that was that."
"A plan, I see. Reverse psychology stuff or something?"
"Or something. By the way, how did you know Susan was expecting--they haven't made the announcement yet."
Tom's smile grew bigger. "I have my sources." He looked toward the holodeck door. "Well, well, speak of the devil. Good-luck." He stood and left. Chakotay glanced over at the captain, unfortunately his plan to talk to her was prevented by the arrival of the Doctor; who was taking a keen interest in Kathryn's selection of a drink. He nearly laughed when the good doctor took her coffee cup and replaced it what was probably fruit juice.
She stared at the pale maroon liquid with a deepening frown before she started to place the offending beverage on the counter.
"Captain, you need to eat better. And the Bola Bora fruit is a excellent source of vitamins C and B. In its natural state it has a high fiber and protein content, but this fruit drink is acceptable. The nutritional value of coffee is nil," he added quickly as he stopped her from discarding the drink.
"I'm the Captain," she said quietly. "Caffeine keeps me going."
"And going, and going," the Doctor retorted. "You need to stop. Put your feet up, let someone else deal with things every so often. There are many of the crew who would relish additional command time." He actually stood a bit taller as he spoke. If it had been anyone but the Doctor, she would have suspected him of being one of the wanna-bes.
"You?"
"It would be a natural progression. Many Chief-Medical-Officers hold command rank." He touched his pipless collar. She smiled. Well, she was probably all ready in trouble with Starfleet for everything else, making a hologram a commander was not going to add to their ire.
"I'll bring your name up at the next promotional review board."
"Thank-you, Captain." He smiled in return. "You should relax more. The Commander is a natural."
She glanced over at Chakotay and Tom. It was obvious that Tom had won the second game as well. She wondered what they'd been talking about, Tom was grinning too much as he wandered over to where B'Elanna was.
"He has quite the active social life," the Doctor said. She glanced back at him.
"Tom?"
"No, the Commander."
Suddenly feeling a bit irritated, she put the drink down. "Doctors who dream of command would be best advised to avoid...ummm...advising those who make the final decisions, too much." She turned and walked out of the holodeck.
The Doctor shook his head; he'd wanted to discuss the possibility of adding a pediatric unit to the deck 8 plans. He studied the room quickly. Well, maybe Commander Chakotay was a better choice anyway.
Chakotay bowed and clasped his hands as he bowed a second time. "Welcome to Voyager, Ambassador Delma, Minister Tampar. We are honored by your presence. Let me present Captain Kathryn Janeway."
She stepped forward and bowed, following his routine. He smiled slightly as the Rillaran ambassador then clasped her hand in an attempted handshake.
"Welcome, honored guests," she said as she stepped back.
"Thank-you," Ambassador Delma said. "But it is you who honor our space."
He didn't hear Kathryn's question as they left the transporter room. Tampar stopped him. "Commander Shakotay, I believe I have pronounced your name correctly?"
He nodded, having discovered the *ch* sound was not part of the Rillaran language.
"Good, good, I have been practicing." Tampar smiled. "I have been involved in endless meetings and prayers, otherwise I would have returned for my promised tour."
"I remember," he smiled in return. Timing was everything. He was supposed to be on Deck 8 in three minutes. "I know. We are in the process of remodeling one of our decks to make larger living quarters."
Tampar clasped her hands and bowed. "I have wondered why I have not seen kids on Voyager."
"There is one, for the moment. Several of our crewmembers are expecting."
"I understand. It is hard for families?"
"Yes. Voyager was not designed for families..."
"But you improvise. The mark of a true seeker." She bowed again. "Rillaran society reveres those who seek far from their homes."
"So does our culture. We have many famous explorers," he guided the Rillaran minister out the door and to the turbolift. "Deck eight," he said as the lift doors closed behind him.
"Our ancestors were once explorers and settlers, but time made us sedate. We no longer seek among the stars." She ran her leathery hand along the door just as it opened. She jumped slightly.
"Here we are. Hello Sam, Susan. Minister Tampar, I would be honored to introduce two of our crew. Samantha Wildman and Susan Nicolleti." He made a quick motion with his hand to indicate they mimic Tampar's bow. He smiled his thanks afterwards.
There was a moment of silence as he again wondered why he'd dragged the Minister with him. He should have canceled--but that would have meant too much explanation, he decided as he entered his command code at the nearest door.
"This is the second apartment," Chakotay said as they entered the room. It was almost three times as big as the average crew quarters. He glanced at Susan. "I believe this one is yours?"
Susan nodded. "Terry has organized a moving party. Tomorrow is the big day." She looked at Chakotay, then smiled.
Samantha laughed. "Finally. Naomi and I were getting lonely down here." She stopped quickly. "I'm sorry..." Chakotay placed a hand on her shoulder.
"For what?" He then spoke to Tampar. "Naomi is the only child so far," Chakotay explained. "Though that will be changing soon enough."
"I understand." Tampar smiled at Susan. "You are pregnant?"
Susan nodded. "I'm due in six months."
"This must be interesting. How will you deal with the demands of families?"
Chakotay shrugged. "We'll figure it out as we go. But it will be worth it."
Janeway waited impatiently at the Mess Hall entrance. The Rillaran Ambassador was enjoying her time with Neelix just a little too much. She noticed she was tapping her fingers on the door jam again and stopped. They needed to complete some paper work...More paperwork...The Rillarans were friendly enough, they just loved their paperwork.
"Ahh, Captain Janeway," Delma said. "Ambassador Neelix has explained to me his food preparation. You lack ritual in your meals?"
She bit back a sigh. "There are many cultures represented on this ship--they each have different rituals they partake in."
Delma nodded three times. "I comprehend. You have not imposed one culture over another. Most admirable." She smiled. "But it must make your journey difficult."
"It can." Kathryn really wanted to check on progress in engineering, but she was stuck. She heard someone laugh behind her and glanced quickly. Minister Tampar, Commander Chakotay and Susan Nicolleti were exiting the turbo-lift. Susan laughed again. The Commander continued to smile.
"Perhaps we should get the paperwork done?" She said suddenly as she started to walk the other way. Delma muttered something, but followed.
B'Elanna thumped her cup hard as she sat down next to Tom and Neelix. "What in Kahless is going on?"
"Umm," Tom grumbled affectionately. "We're planning a Halloween party?"
"P'tak...Is it something in the human male gene?"
Neelix snorted, then quickly frowned when Tom and B'Elanna both glared at him. He went back to reading his notes.
"Genes? You mean our virility?"
"Stupidity...Just what is Chakotay doing anyway? Everybody is gossiping about him and the Captain."
"Gees, B'El...We've always gossiped about them..." Tom tried to look innocent--and didn't succeed.
"Not like this." B'Elanna became serious. "Rumor has it he's dating Nicolleti--I thought she and Terry were an item..."
"They are." Tom glanced around the empty messhall quickly. "She is in charge of the Deck 8 project...Anyway, she's pregnant..." Tom smiled as both Neelix and B'Elanna gasped. "Really. I was there..."
"And you managed to keep your mouth shut..." B'Elanna said with a laugh. "How long have you known?"
"Only about 2 months." Tom again looked around. "They are going to make the announcement at the party...She won't be alone."
If the shock of Tom's first announcement had been good, the silence that followed his second was earsplitting. Neelix was the first to speak.
"Wow. Who?"
Tom grinned but instead of answering picked up a padd. "I'm not at liberty to say..." His smile grew as he started imagining all the delicious ways B'Elanna would coax the information from him--later. "Anyway, the party is in less than a week..."
"You're a pig," B'Elanna said as she picked up her padd. "And what does all this have to do with the Captain?"
Tom choked. "Nothing."
Neelix and B'Elanna exchanged a significant look. "Spill it helmboy, just what did Chakotay do?"
Tom's grin grew, as he pretended to read the padd. It lurched suddenly and ended up in B'Elanna's hands. "He kissed her..."
The sound of a padd shattering as it landed on the floor was the only noise in the mess hall for almost a minute. It might have been longer.
"I see," Neelix said. "But this doesn't explain her behavior."
"Yes it does," Tom replied. "Reverse psychology. He kissed her and that was that..."
"Then," B'Elanna said, "Chakotay is just another prime example of male genes..."
"It's working," Tom added quickly. "For the first time in five years she's actually thinking about *it.*"
"Ahhh," Neelix murmured. "We should modify our plans a bit...Maybe we can help...Any chance that I can wear that lavender and green outfit that highlights..."
"NO!!!" TBC
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