Captain Janeway turned from the food laden reception table and the crowd around it to offer Ensign Kim her hand.

Harry, that was a wonderful concert! I had no idea you played so well, she said with a sincere smile.

Harry Kim beamed. He shook her hand energetically. Thank you, Captain. I've been practicing hard.

It certainly shows. I'm amazed you chose the Academy over a career in music, but I admit I'm glad you did. Hearing you was like hearing a piece of home.

The minute she said it, she wished she hadn't. She had a strict policy of not making any references to the Alpha Quadrant or how much she might miss it while talking to any crewmember. It made little sense to continually remind the crew of their plight by referring to home and their individual losses at every opportunity. Now, without even a thought, she had violated her own rule. And Harry Kim had as many reasons for wanting to return home as any member of the crew; she suspected that he missed his fianc‚ a great deal. She flinched, expecting to see a look of loss and hurt steal over his features.

But to her surprise, the comment did little more than bring a tiny, humorous smile to the ensign's lips. Then he said, That was the basic idea, Captain. I'm glad that it came across so well. But he frowned. I hope it doesn't upset anybody too much.

Janeway glanced around at the high-spirited, laughing crowd. Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that, she hinted dryly. Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves. Her eyes were drawn to B'Elanna Torres and Tom Paris as they emerged from around the far end of the table. She had noticed that the two had come to the concert together, along with Kes and Neelix. To judge by all the smothered laughing and nudging the two had indulged in between songs and during the intermission, they were certainly having a keen time. The captain moved a step to the side to make room for them as they joined her and Harry.

Good concert, Harry! Tom Paris boomed his appreciation, making Janeway blink at the sudden and close noise. Especially that jazz number. What a song!

Harry didn't look surprised that Paris chose to single out that particular piece, but he did send a quick, knowledgeable glance at Captain Janeway. I played that one just for you, Tom. I knew you'd like it. In fact, it had suited Tom's personality so well that Harry had secretly dubbed it Tom's song during his practice sessions. But he chose not to inflate the lieutenant's ego further by relating that information.

B'Elanna grunted in amusement. You must have known what it would do to him, Harry. He got so excited I thought sure he was going to jump up and start dancing. She grabbed a small meat roll from a plate on the table and took a large bite. I was prepared to restrain him if I had to.

Tom looked hurt, but instinct told Janeway that the expression was all part of Paris' flirtation. She knew his actions were more like a game to Tom than anything serious. Yet, when did Tom start flirting with B'Elanna Torres?

Oh, come on, B'Elanna. Admit it - you would love to dance with me, cooed Paris.

Torres glared at him. Only in your worst nightmares, Paris, she growled menacingly.

The wounded look disappeared, and Tom laughed. He abandoned his cat and mouse game and turned back to Harry. Torres made a face at the back of his head, but he ignored her. Seriously, Harry, I want a copy of that song for Sandrine's. I think the crew would really go for that. It would be perfect.

Kim's gaze flicked back and forth between Torres and Paris, clearly wondering what Tom was up to. Yet he only said, I'll see what I can do, before a second wave of congratulatory crewmembers carried him away.

Tom glanced at B'Elanna's irritated expression and chuckled again. Ease up, B'Elanna, I was only kidding, he explained.

But B'Elanna was hardly mollified. She looked appraisingly at the piece of meat roll she still held, then she looked at Tom. Remember the wild cards, she said cryptically. She started to walk away, but turned back and regarded him with calculating eyes. And Paris, she patiently warned, don't ever try to flirt with me again. Then she stuffed the food into his mouth as an added incentive to her warning. He coughed and spluttered, covering his mouth with his hand, effectively silenced at last. B'Elanna calmly turned and walked away.

Janeway bit the inside of her cheek to hold back her own laughter. Despite the fact that she felt Tom probably deserved Torres' particularly inventive retaliation, she knew that having the captain laugh at him would only make it worse. So she crossed her arms and forced herself to turn slightly so that he wouldn't see her smile.

Commander Chakotay sauntered over, his hands clasped leisurely behind his back. Paris, your date's getting away, he informed and pointed to where Torres was heading with Kes and Neelix towards the door.

Date! Tom exclaimed after he had managed to spit the remaining meat roll into a convenient napkin. She's no date of mine! He tossed the bundle of food on to the tabletop.

You can recycle that, Chakotay pointed out after Tom's negligent gesture.

Tom sighed. Recycling, babies, weddings - it's all getting to be too much! Now B'Elanna treats me like some kind of meatball receptacle. If I'd known that this trip would turn into this psycho adventure, I would have.... He stopped himself, remembering at the last minute who he was talking to.

Janeway eyed him balefully. You'd what, Tom? Change your mind? she prodded.

Tom hesitated, thoughtfully rubbing his sore mouth. What would he have done? Was sitting at the penal colony better than wandering around the Delta Quadrant, taking abuse from a crazed Maquis engineer? He shook his head. No. No, my answer would have been the same, even if I'd known what would happen. My friends are here, aboard Voyager. He didn't miss Chakotay raising his eyebrows in surprise. But I think I'll stay away from B'Elanna Torres for awhile. Maybe after this night I'll even swear off women altogether, he said as an afterthought and grimaced. Chakotay laughed. I better save Harry from the crowds first, though.

Yes. You don't want to be left completely alone, Chakotay agreed in a teasing tone.

Right, Tom said slowly, nodding his head. He grabbed his recyclable goods, then with a last glance that floated from Chakotay to the captain, he nonchalantly saluted his commanding officers and headed off to find Harry Kim.

Good night, Tom, Janeway said with a grin.

Beware of Torres patrolling the corridors, the commander helpfully called after him.

Paris turned, still rubbing his mouth. No worries about that! I'll be looking over my shoulder all the way! Then he was gone, swallowed up by the crowd.

Chakotay smiled. You know, I think Paris will turn out all right, he said after Tom had disappeared.

As long as he stays away from Lieutenant Torres, Janeway conceded with a low chuckle.

Yes, I thought he was being awfully brave to flirt with B'Elanna. She doesn't particularly care for that type of behavior.

Janeway gave a wry laugh. He's lucky she didn't slug him.

Oh, Chakotay suggested with a shrug, B'Elanna's getting better at controlling her temper. She hasn't hit anybody for months.

How fortunate, Janeway responded dully.

The commander laughed. Still having concerns about your chief engineer?

Not at all, Commander, she conceded gracefully, willing to admit it when she was wrong. You were right about her all along, and you know it, and I know you know it. I couldn't have a better chief if I had ordered one from the replicator. She reached for a glass full of a pink beverage sitting on the table and took a drink. Her eyes widened almost instantly. Once the awful taste had penetrated her taste buds, she tried valiantly to keep her expression under control. She would have succeeded if Chakotay hadn't laughed at her. She calmly returned the glass to the table, hoping Neelix hadn't seen her displeasure. To cover her display, she went on, daintily wiping her mouth. I was still surprised to see B'Elanna and Tom Paris together tonight. But she had to cough one last time.

Chakotay admired her control, but her comment caused him to raise an inquiring eyebrow. Does that bother you?

Janeway's own eyebrows rose, and she forgot her encounter with the drink. What was he getting at? Did he think she didn't like her officers fraternizing? Or was he intimating that she might be jealous? She laughed energetically at that idea. Hardly, Commander! I've already had my fling with Lieutenant Paris if you'll recall. Chakotay choked a laugh, unable to help himself. The captain continued good-humoredly, Even if I don't exactly remember it, I know it happened. But I admit I haven't given much thought to relationships among the senior officers, she explained. I guess I was taken a bit by surprise.

Chakotay continued to smile. Well, I don't think there's need for concern; Tom and B'Elanna are friends. Not even Paris is stubborn enough to chase after Torres. He looked around at the crowd as he spoke, and his eyes settled on two crewmembers deep in conversation beside the far end of the table. Now there, on the other hand, is a couple with a chance. He pointed.

Captain Janeway looked in the direction he had indicated. Kirlin and Rollins? You really think so?

The commander nodded towards the older of the twosome. Kirlin is a quiet guy - more interested in his experiments than in getting to know people. And underneath all his bravado, Rollins just wants someone who will pay attention to his softer side. I think he's had more fun getting together with Kirlin than with anybody else on the ship. And fun is what it's all about, after all.

Janeway looked at Chakotay approvingly. It is. But how do you know all this?

He smiled down at her. I'm the first officer - it's my job. When she looked at him in exasperation, he laughingly protested, I pay attention, Captain. I like knowing what people are doing, what they think, how they feel about issues - you might call it my alternate hobby since coming to this quadrant.

What, no spy network? Janeway joked.

Chakotay shook his head. Not yet. I'm still working on that.

For a moment she thought he was serious. Then she realized he was teasing her. She chuckled and shook her head in amusement. I'll be sure to keep a look out for your spies in the future.

A good idea, he urged in a lowered voice.

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud burst of laughter from across the room. A group of people were gathered around a smaller table, trading jokes and stories. Ensign Saunders sat in one of the chairs pulled close to form a sort of circle, and Ensign Marnissi perched contentedly on the arm of the chair, her hand resting easily on her fiance‚'s shoulder. Several other couples were seated in similar arrangements, as there were not enough chairs to go around. The deficiency didn't appear to bother any of them. In fact, they were all so comfortable that when Alex said something, and Ansel answered with a sharp protest and a shove to his head, they all joined in with another burst of laughter.

It's good to see everybody enjoying themselves, Janeway commented. Harry should be pleased with the outcome of his concert. We'll have to schedule more events like this.

Chakotay nodded. It's also nice to see how relaxed Alex and Ansel are. If I were this close to my wedding day, I think I'd be a bit more panicked.

Janeway suddenly glanced up at the commander, her face questioning. Have you ever been married, Chakotay? she asked.

Chakotay glanced at her sideways and rubbed his chin. I thought I met the right person about a hundred times, but no. The closest I came was my freshman year at the Academy. Thank goodness my friends managed to sober me up before the happy time arrived.

Sober you up? she inquired.

I was drunk.

You, drunk? Janeway smiled. Somehow I have a hard time imagining that.

Chakotay frowned. I haven't always been the solemn guy I am now, he insisted. I had my rowdy days too, way back in the golden age.

She looked at him, hiding her grin. And when you joined the Maquis, you became a more subdued individual, I'm sure.

I hope you're joking, he said.

Absolutely, she replied in her most serious tone.

He grinned at her, enjoying their banter. They seldom had the opportunity to indulge in such teasing. But no, he continued, returning to the original topic under discussion, I haven't been married.

Neither have I, she said with a whisper of a sigh. It's quite a courageous step for Saunders and Marnissi.

Have you noticed how many couples we have now since the wedding was announced?

I hadn't been aware of it, but now I can hardly avoid noticing them. Perhaps I should build up my own spy network. I feel too ignorant to be the captain.

Chakotay frowned again, his brows furrowing. I wasn't aware that was something you wanted to keep abreast of. I can -

She stopped him with a wave of her hand. Oh no! The crewmembers' personal lives are none of my business. It's as it should be. Then she gave a tiny shrug of admittance. But like you, I'm...curious as to what's going on.

Well, the next time I hear any juicy gossip, I'll be sure to share it with you. The commander snapped his fingers. That reminds me - Neelix moved the wedding to the holodeck.

That's interesting. I thought it was supposed to be here, in the rec room.

Neelix didn't want to leave out the doctor -

She nodded, understanding. ...who needs the emitters in the holodeck to attend. Good thinking. The captain self-consciously scratched her forehead. I have the tendency to forget about the doctor's limited movement. I need to work on correcting that oversight on my part.

He certainly lets us know when we forget him, Chakotay said.

Leave it to Neelix to think of everything. Janeway glanced around. Where is Neelix, anyway? I would think he'd want to be here tonight, to sample his food if nothing else.

Oh, Neelix didn't provide the food tonight, Chakotay informed her.

She jerked to look at him in surprise. He didn't? Then, who did?

I'm not entirely sure.

Well, that explains that awful drink at least. She lifted her lips in a half smile. Believe it or not, I think I'm getting used to Neelix's cooking. I'm even beginning to like it.

Ever since his vacation started, I've thought the same thing, Chakotay confessed.

The captain pointed suddenly. And there he is, with Kes.

Chakotay turned. Neelix and Kes had just walked in and still stood at the door, surveying the crowd. The Talaxian held tightly to the Ocampan's hand, and Kes had an affectionate grip on his arm. She smiled at him, and whispered something obviously provocative in his ear, judging by his suggestive grin. Then she gestured at the captain and the commander. Neelix caught sight of them too and waved enthusiastically before starting to thread his way in their direction, Kes close at his heals.

Now that's the oddest couple I think I've ever known Janeway told Chakotay under her breath.

I know. But whatever chemistry they share, it works. You have to admit that.

I admit it. I'm just not sure I understand it, she whispered. Then Neelix and Kes were beside them.

Captain! Commander! Neelix greeted jovially. Quite a party, isn't it? We just took some of the food to Ensign Wildman. She didn't feel she should bring the baby to the concert - the little tyke might have cried right in the middle of a song - but we didn't want her to be left out, either.

That's very thoughtful of you, Neelix, the captain said.

Neelix shrugged and grinned. It's what I'm here for, Captain. He leaned in close, his words suddenly confidential. But stay away from the pink beverage, whatever you do, Captain. I know Crewman Chell was only trying to help, and he did so want to try his hand at making lemonade, but I think he went a little heavy on the lemon. It came out a tad sour.

Janeway's eyes moved slightly to take in the commander's restrained smirk. I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Neelix, she stated. Somehow, she wasn't particularly thirsty anyway.

Kes wrapped her hand more securely around Neelix's arm and appeared to settle in for a nice chat. But you have to admit it was an excellent concert. I'm really learning to appreciate the clarinet.

Neelix nodded and said, I certainly enjoyed that orchestral number where Harry played the solo part. Such a smooth tone! It's hard to imagine its equal. Nothing like Klingon music, is it, Captain? He grinned widely.

Chakotay chimed in, cutting off Janeway's caustic expression. I think the jazz number was my favorite. Paris particularly liked it too.

Kes nodded. I knew he would. I thought of him every time Harry practiced it. I just couldn't help myself; when Harry played, Tom came to mind.

Neelix turned to Kes. Every time? You thought of him every time?

Kes smiled fondly at Neelix. Only in the most platonic fashion, Neelix. And I couldn't help overhearing Harry practice; his quarters are right next to mine.

Chakotay grunted. So much for soundproof rooms. We better tell Saunders and Marnissi before the honeymoon starts.

Commander! Janeway admonished, then had to laugh at his innocent expression. There were times when she wasn't entirely sure if Chakotay was joking or not. But as uncomfortable as that feeling was, it kept her expectations of her first officer from stagnating in a mire of routine and familiarity. It made for a more stimulating relationship, she decided.

Chakotay turned back to Kes, and, with his hands comfortably clasped behind his back, inquired, How are you handling your noise problem, Kes?

The Ocompan grinned. Harry's giving me clarinet lessons. I decided if I couldn't stop his music, I should join him in making it.

Janeway laughed. The adaptability of the crew never stopped amazing her. A wise decision.

And a good choice in teachers, the commander added. I'm sure Harry will prove a proficient instructor.

Kes lowered her head and smiled self-consciously. I hope so. The Ocompa are not known as a musical race.

I'm sure you'll be a splendid musician, Neelix encouraged. If anybody can do it, you can, sweeting.

Captain Janeway smiled at the two, but took a quick glance around the room. The reception was coming to a close. Crewmembers were leaving, and the cleaning committee was beginning to remove the remaining food from the table. She decided it was time for her to get back to the pile of reports sitting on her ready room desk.

The commander had the same idea. Well, I need to call it a day. I have an early watch tomorrow.

Janeway said, Yes, I have more reports to finalize before I can go off duty. She turned to say good night to Neelix and Kes. I'll see you at breakfast.

Neelix gave a distressed squeak. Uh, Captain, I was hoping to talk to you about the wedding. If you have a few minutes....

More talk about the wedding? Though she could think of several other topics she would rather discuss at the moment, Janeway graciously motioned Neelix towards the door. Then please walk with me, Mr. Neelix.

Thank you, Captain! Neelix gave Kes a quick kiss on the cheek. I'll see you tomorrow.

Janeway turned to the commander, and they shared a quick, good humored glance at the fact she had been caught by Neelix. He gave her a nod of sympathy, and with a soft half smile, he said, Good night, Captain.

Good night, Chakotay. Janeway smiled at him, then headed for the door. Now, Neelix, what do you need to discuss?

The Talaxian hurried to catch up. Well, Captain, I was wondering what you planned to wear to the wedding.

The captain stopped just before the door. I beg your pardon? she asked in surprise.

You must realize that as the officiating - uh - official, you will be the most important personage at the ceremony, besides the happy couple. Unless something has been changed that I'm not aware of -

Janeway sighed and allowed herself to rub her temple in a subdued display of irritation. At this rate she was never going to get to bed. Please go on, she prompted. Perhaps movement would be an added encouragement to him. She turned back to the door, which swished aside, and headed with renewed determination into the corridor.

He followed on her heels. Of course, Captain. I considered the typical Starfleet uniform, but then I said to myself no, that would be as exciting as eating cakes at every meal. I decided we should have a little more fun with this, surprise everybody, shall we say. Janeway eyed him doubtfully, but he continued without missing a beat. Now I was thinking of something along the lines of a Terilian ball gown - simple yet elegant - always in style whether at a royal function or just watching polo on the fifth moon of Agravar. And for the perfect color - Captain, I'm seeing you in... He paused to gaze at her reverently and sigh, ...yellow.

Chapter 7 || Contents || Chapter 9