Disclaimer: Star Trek
Voyager and all of its characters are the property of Paramount. No
copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: Challenge response.
List of required elements appears at end.
Playing Field
By Rocky
Grasping B'Elanna's arm tightly, Janeway pulled her into the elegantly
appointed ladies' room just off the main ballroom. It wasn't until her
arm was released that B'Elanna realized the Admiral was limping.
"Kahless, what happened to you?" B'Elanna asked, as Janeway sank down
on a red velvet ottoman and winced in pain.
"My feet," Janeway said grimly.
"Were you dancing with Tom's father?" B'Elanna asked, recalling how
Admiral Paris had repeatedly stepped on her toes at the last Starfleet
ball. Just because someone was a tactical genius didn't mean they were
capable of navigating their way around a dance floor without inflicting
major pain and suffering on their partners.
"No, it's the shoes." Janeway pulled off the frivolous strappy sandals,
surveyed the damage and moaned.
B'Elanna whistled. "Those heels must be a good eight inches high--"
"Ten."
"What were you thinking? You can't walk in those, let alone dance!"
"I needed the extra height," Janeway muttered under her breath.
B'Elanna was sure she hadn't heard correctly. "What did you say?"
"I said I wore these things because I needed the extra height they gave
me."
"But that's ridiculous! Why would you even think a thing like that?"
Janeway gave her a level look. "Surely it hasn't escaped your notice,
B'Elanna, that I'm rather petite. Why, even you're taller than I am."
"I am?" B'Elanna hastily added, "but that doesn't make a difference.
I've seen you face down hostile aliens much bigger than you, hundreds
of times! For that matter, Tom, Harry and Chakotay are all over six
feet and you never had any trouble exerting your authority over any of
them!"
Janeway waved her hand dismissively. "That was on Voyager, B'Elanna. Things are
different in the Alpha Quadrant."
"I don't see why that should be."
"B'Elanna, be reasonable. I'm not up against enemy fleets these days.
Instead I'm involved in diplomatic and social events--such as the one
this evening--smiling and glad-handing various ambassadors and
dignitaries. All of whom tower over me and as a result can't possibly
take me seriously."
"So you feel you need something to level the playing field?"
"Exactly."
B'Elanna was silent for a moment. "My mother used to always say, back
when I was trying to wear or do something to fit in with the rest of
the girls on Kessik, that there was no disgrace in simply being
yourself, that in fact the greater honor was in not trying to become
something or someone you were not."
"A wise woman, your mother," Janeway said. She closed her eyes briefly.
"Still, there's something to be said for playing for every advantage
you can get."
B'Elanna snorted with laughter. "True. But I think you'd be better off
carting Big Betsey around with you at the next gala rather than put
your feet in those things once more."
"You're probably right." Janeway sighed. "Hand me the dermal
regenerator in your purse, would you?"
"How do you know I've got a dermal regenerator in my purse?" B'Elanna
demanded.
"Please, B'Elanna. I know you, and I know Tom, and I know you've got
one. So hand it over."
B'Elanna complied without a word and watched as Janeway ran the wand
over her maltreated toes and heels, wriggling them in relief as the
welts and blisters faded away.
"They're just going to get sore all over again," B'Elanna couldn't help
saying as Janeway handed back the device.
"True, but at least they won't have as much accumulated damage as
before," said Janeway. "And in another hour I can call it a night, go
home and soak my feet in a nice bubble bath."
"That sounds like a good idea."
Janeway pulled on her shoes and stood. B'Elanna grudgingly had to admit
they looked pretty nice, and the added inches certainly gave Janeway an
even greater sense of majesty than usual.
"Good luck," she called.
Janeway flashed her a smile. "Thanks. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
"I will."
B'Elanna waited till the doors closed again before she reached inside
the bodice of her dress and carefully rearranged the foam pads
whose fasteners had somehow loosened over the course of the evening.
Then, once more satisfied with her appearance, she went back out to
rejoin the party.
FINIS
Requested items: Janeway, a major Starfleet diplomatic event,
unsuitable shoes, and B'Elanna's mother. (for Kelly).
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