Proof Positive
The following day, Neelix led Tomin out of Sickbay and in the direction of Transporter Room 1. As they walked, Tomin began to mumble about the uncomfortable feeling he had in his head and throat.
"Can we walk slower? My head…feels like it's been sucked out an airlock." He looked extremely tired and disheveled. His hair stuck out from his robe at odd angles and he eyes were half closed.
"No, come on. They're going to be here any minute. We've got to keep going," Neelix answered, ushering the Kadi Ambassador along. Tomin complained all the way to the Transporter Room. The Doctor had been hesitant to release him. The nanoprobes hadn't entirely assimilated all of the synthehol molecules but he'd had no choice. The Captain was arriving and the Ambassador's presence was required.
Back in Sickbay, the doors slid open and Seven walked in. The Doctor looked up in surprise but said nothing. He assumed Seven was still upset over the bet and he didn't want to upset her more.
"Doctor."
"Yes?"
"I wish to speak with you." He set the tricorder he'd been calibrating down and turned to look at her.
"Of course."
"I wanted to…thank you for helping me with my social life."
"I'm a little surprised to hear you say that…but…it was a pleasure. I'm very proud of you, Seven." She blushed a little.
"I trust Commander Chakotay was lenient?"
"Yes, thankfully. I was dreading have to spend my time in oblivion when I'm not needed."
"I understand."
"So, last night made…two dates?"
"Yes…it was…a pleasant experience for both of us…"
"I'm very pleased to hear that." She nodded and turned to leave. The Doctor watched her go and couldn't help but notice a little swing in her step. He'd succeeded after all.
Back in the Transporter Room, Neelix and Tomin had arrived and stood waiting for the Captain to return. Tomin was gripping Neelix's arm to keep steady as the transporter 'whirred' to live and rematerialized the Captain, Tuvok and their other Kadi guest.
"Welcome back, Captain," Neelix said.
"Thank you, Neelix. How was everything?"
"Ship's in fine condition."
"I meant with our guest."
"Oh right…we followed the approve itinerary down to the letter." Tomin gave a nod to back up Neelix's statement, even though he was in no shape to really corroborate it. The Kadi Minister looked at Tomin with a hint of disappointment.
"You didn't partake in some of their more…lavish traditions?" Tomin swallowed.
"No, Your Holiness."
"Pity," the Minister said with a shake of his head. Tomin tried to stand on his own, looking very confused.
"Sir? I don't think I quite understand"
"It's not against our custom to explore other cultures…as long as you don't make a habit of it." Tomin gave a small smile and a nod.
"I understand." Janeway looked between the two Kadi and then over to Neelix.
"Why don't we finish our negotiations?"
"Of course."
"I will show you to the briefing room," Tuvok said, leading the Minister out of the room.
"Good work, Ambassador," Janeway whispered, patting Neelix on the shoulder.
Neelix and Tomin stayed where they were for a moment, both heaving a sigh of relief. They looked at each other and couldn't help but crack a small smile.
"I hope you learned something while you were here," Neelix said once Tomin had composed himself enough to join the rest of the group in the briefing room.
"You have a very interesting culture, Neelix."
"Uh…not exactly what I was hoping for…but…it will do, I suppose." Tomin stopped the Talaxian and looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
"Well," he began "I was hoping you'd learned that things are fine in moderation…like your Minister said."
"Oh, I did, Neelix." He didn't sound entirely sincere but it was close enough.
"Good." They made their way to the nearest turbolift and headed down to Deck 1.
In the astrometrics lab, Seven stood calibrating sensors when Chakotay walked in. She caught him out of the corner of her eye and set her data pad down.
"I have not completed my daily report."
"I know…I just wanted to talk to you."
"Regarding?"
"Well…I think it would be a good idea to inform the Captain of our…relationship."
"I was not aware two dates signified a relationship." He took her hand lightly in his.
"It's on the way to being one…if you want it to be." She looked contemplative for a moment or two and then slowly nodded.
"I would like that."
"Me too."
"Has the Captain returned?"
"Yes. She's in final negotiations with the Kadi."
"Perhaps we can speak with her this evening."
"I'll arrange it. Say…18:00 hours?"
"That will be acceptable."
"I'll be back later for that report." She nodded and turned back to the task at hand.
18:00 hours came rather slowly for Seven and Chakotay. They'd shared dinner in the Mess Hall once Seven's shift had ended and were now pacing back and forth in front of the door to Kathryn's ready room. Growing irritated by the waiting, Seven pressed the chime.
"Come in." The doors slid open and Seven walked in. Chakotay followed her to find Kathryn sitting on the couch, enjoying a cup of coffee.
"Please, sit down. Would you like some coffee?" Janeway offered. She was a little unsure what this meeting was about. All Chakotay had told her that morning was it was important.
"No, thanks," he answered. Seven just gave a shake of her head.
"So what's on your minds?" She leaned back against the couch and surveyed her First Officer. Chakotay cleared his throat and glanced sideways at Seven. She seemed to give him a nod to explain.
"Well…we thought we'd let you know that things have…changed."
"Changed?"
"Yes. The Commander and I…" Seven continued but Chakotay cut her off.
"We've started seeing each other."
"I see." She tried not to show it but Janeway was shocked. She hadn't though Chakotay was interested in dating, not after what happened with Seska. And she hadn't thought Seven would actually take her advice and look into a romantic relationship for herself. A small part of her was jealous. She'd always thought she and Chakotay had shared something special. Still she was grateful they'd come to her with the information. She didn't want a repeat of Tom and B'Elanna.
"Thank you for telling me. I trust you can keep your personal relationship separate for your duties on this ship."
"Yes, Ma'am," they replied.
"Good." They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes more before Seven and Chakotay stood. Without a word, they both headed for the door. Kathryn rose as well and grabbed her First Officer by the wrist.
"Chakotay."
"Yes?"
"Be good to her. All of this is still so new to her. I don't want to see her disappointed."
"Don't worry. I don't plan on letting her down."