Captain Janeway sat down in the chair with a sigh. She reached up behind her head and began to pull pins out of the bun that held her long hair away from her face. The bun of steel, she reminded herself with a smile. The name was used out of her hearing, of course, by the more courageous crewmembers, egged on, she suspected, by her first officer and Lieutenant Paris. She turned a deaf ear to any overheard comments, deciding it was best to let the crew intermittently remind themselves that she too was only human, and hence open to periodic teasing. Besides, she was racking her brain to come up with an answering remark. As of yet, she hadn't had much success thinking up anything appropriate.

But now she gave her head a shake to loosen her hair so the strands would fall uncoiled around her face. She subconsciously pushed it back, then forced herself to relax in the chair. There was truly very little in the universe that made her as apprehensive as a hair cut.

Such pretty hair, sighed Ensign Murali softly. Are you sure you won't try something new? Maybe a little shorter? I could cut just a little on top right here and -

No, Janeway interrupted as gently as she could. Just a trim, please.

But for the wedding surely you want to leave it down -

Janeway faced the ensign, her hands up in a calming gesture. I like it this way, though I thank you for the suggestion.

But Captain, Murali protested, playing with different locks of her hair, it frames your face so nicely. Perhaps I can -

Trim it, Ensign! That's an order!

The ensign heaved a deep sigh of regret. Whatever you say, Captain. It's your hair.

Janeway heaved a muffled sigh of her own, then made herself uncurl her balled fingers. She'd rather deal with the Kazon than get a haircut from an amateur. But as Ensign Murali was the only person on board the ship who was willing to do this unpleasant, though necessary, duty, she had little choice. So she sat stiffly in the chair and prayed that he would at least cut it straight this time.

Everybody wants their hair cut lately it seems, Murali chattered genially. He flexed his fingers before picking up a pair of deadly looking shears that he had copied from a pair in Sickbay. It's the wedding. We all must look our best for the big event! he said and grinned. Now that the ritual command of just a trim was given, he felt his duty to attempt at remaking the captain was dispatched and he could get on with the cutting, an art he truly enjoyed. If only she would let him experiment!

I expect so, Janeway answered rhetorically as she heard the first snip of the scissors. Without moving her head, she glanced down to find the lock of hair laying on the floor. It looked at least five centimeters long. Was he taking off more than she'd asked? It was hard to tell at this angle and looking out of the corner of her eye.

As if anticipating her concerns, Murali dryly stated, Don't worry, Captain, I'm taking off just under two centimeters. Stop squirming. I don't want to poke you with the scissors.

Janeway sat even stiffer and did her best not to move. To distract herself, she mentally reviewed her afternoon's duty call and appointments: an inspection tour of Sickbay to see the doctor's recent remodeling efforts, and another meeting with Neelix about the wedding ceremony. But unfortunately there was little else going on besides wedding plans, and she found herself holding her breath against the dreaded snips of the shears despite her efforts to appear relaxed.

Breathe, please, Captain, Murali requested while concentrating on his task. There are no holo-emitters in these quarters for the doctor to come to your rescue.

Are you about finished? she asked through clenched teeth, refusing to rise to his bait and be more cheerful during this ordeal.

Just one more cut...there! Now, that was relatively painless, wasn't it? He snipped once more, then ran a comb through the ends of her hair in one last fluffing effort. All done. Would you like to see it?

Janeway rose hastily from the chair. No, that's fine. I trust you. More or less.

Ensign Murali smiled. You know, Captain, you're getting much better at sitting still. But I implore you, please don't touch it up this time if you don't like it, he said. I will gladly make another appointment for you. Though it may have to be after the wedding.

Janeway tried to control her sour expression. I'll remember that. Thank you, Ensign. She headed for the door, only to bump into Commander Chakotay as he came in.

Ah, my next appointment! Murali exclaimed with a grin and waved the commander to his chair. Come right in!

Beware, Janeway muttered to Chakotay. He's in rare form today.

Chakotay nodded seriously. I'll keep that in mind. He steeled himself, then went in and sat in the chair.

Murali stared at the commander. Hmm. How about something different, Commander? I was thinking a new cut, maybe something a little longer, with a side part and a sweep right here -

Just trim it! Chakotay ordered bluntly.

Chapter 8 || Contents || Chapter 10