"Computer, replicate one red satin dress, design specifications three five four - size six," B'Elanna stated and pulled out the finished product. Holding it up at the mirror she was about to shrug off her uniform and try it on when her door chimed for entry. "Come in," she yelled and headed to the bathroom to grab her brush to throw in her duffle bag. She turned around expecting to see Paris but was surprised at her visitor. "Chakotay!" she exclaimed. "I thought you'd be finishing up some things with the Captain."
"Actually, Kathryn has hogged all the work . . . again," he chuckled.
"Ah, I see. She's trying to avoid leaving the ship? Is she crazy?" B'Elanna sat down on her bed and Chakotay joined her.
"Actually that's why I'm here. I went to the doctor and asked him if he could . . . well, order the Captain to take at least a days shoreleave."
"And?" She questioned.
"And he stated that he thought it was a good idea but that perhaps Captain Janeway needs to be encouraged in a . . . different way."
"'A different way,'" B'Elanna was confused as she stated this flatly.
"I'd need your help, though" he smiled and leaned forward to discuss his plans with one of his best friends.
"You can't be serious!" she gasped as he started to explain.
Kathryn Janeway looked over the PADDS Tuvok had handed her, rubbing her temples and sighing, "And you're sure you'd prefer to work on ship than take some time off Tuvok?"
"As you are aware, Captain, Vulcans need little recreational time. We consider work just as pleasurable and as fulfilling as 'shoreleave.'" He stated in his monotone-like voice.
"You'd be missing a chance to integrate with the crew a little more, to venture out among the Delta Quadrant races in a non-hostile way," she teased and knew that her friend had picked up on the tone.
"I will leave the venturing to you, Captain," he stated and handed her a PADD. "This contains the same information and guidelines I have handed out to the rest of the crew."
"Thanks, Tuvok, but I don't think that I'll be . . ." she stopped as Tuvok calmly interrupted her.
"Captain, need I remind you that you mentioned to me and Commander Chakotay early on in this 'voyage' that you were looking for ways to get to know your crew? This would be a logical situation to attempt to do so." he stated and waited.
"I'll think about it. Dismissed," Kathryn wasn't liking how everyone was ganging up on her. First Chakotay, then the Doctor and now Tuvok of all people. The more they pushed the more she backed off; it wasn't a case of stubbornness, as they all suspected, but rather of fear . . fear of not being accepted beyond her existence of 'The Captain'.
B'Elanna Torres walked down the hall with a vengeance . . . secure in the knowledge that she would complete her mission. At her heels, Kes tried to keep up with her small Ocampan frame, all the while smiling fondly at the determination of this crew to look out for one another . . . one way or another. "Okay," she turned and huddled with Kes outside the door, "we're here. You remember the game plan right?"
"Yes," Kes smiled and looked B'Elanna right in the eye, "If there is resistance we call the Doctor."
"And if the doctor fails," B'Elanna questioned.
"We call Tom," she stated.
"And if Tom fails," She continued.
"Do you really think Tom would fail?" Kes asked laughing.
"It wouldn't be the first . . ." B'Elanna bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Alright then, let's get started . . ." she popped off one of the infrastructures and accessed a main control unit, all the while talking out loud. "Overriding main lock-out code . . . almost . . . got . . it!" The doors opened and they stepped inside. "Now, all we do is wait . . ." she looked at Kes and swallowed loudly, "and pray."
CONTINUED IN PART 10!
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