|
|
Voyager's return made for a timely rescue. Tom Paris and the Talaxian fleet had saved the ship from the Kazons, putting Voyager back on course toward the Alpha Quadrant, but much work still needed to be done. They'd sustained major damage from the battles, with everyone aboard pressed into extra duties to return things to normal. Considered the hero of the engagement, Tom felt no relief as such and found himself conscripted to help in Engineering.
The vessel slowly reshaped into a regulation Starship, and the crew finally caught up on much needed sleep and relaxation. The holodecks were the prime source of recreation, with usage time booked for days in advance. The second most popular spot became Neelix's galley. When humanoids needed to relieve stress, they first chose entertainment as a solace, with food consumption a close second. Trailing third was Voyager's lending library; a rotation of discs traded between personnel since their accidental arrival in the Delta Quadrant.
Thus, after first duty shift, Chakotay found himself in the dining room with few seats available. A number of people were not actually using the tables. They were chatting, reading, or just sitting, staring out the portals into space. Most had exhibited a desire to mingle with fellow shipmates after their harrowing experience with the Kazon. Since the First Officer, and very soon the Captain, would want a place to eat, he could easily commandeer two spots, but pulling rank was not his style. He sighted Tom Paris at a small table by the starport and devilishly decided to join the young officer. There'd been no lack of attention for the heroic Lieutenant since the rescue, and Chakotay wondered who Tom might be waiting for tonight.
Chakotay scooped up two bowls of Neelix's mystery stew and made his way to Paris' table.
"Mind some company?"
Startled, Tom dropped the PADD from his hands. "Commander! No, no, of course not. Uh, please, have a seat."
Chakotay settled in while the lieutenant retrieved the PADD from the deck. Captain Janeway entered the room and the First Officer waved her over.
"Thank you for saving me a place, Commander."
"My pleasure, Captain."
She studied the brown substance in the bowl. "I might thank you for saving me some dinner later. Or, I might not," she stated suspiciously, as she pushed the thick stew around with a spoon.
"You won't, " Paris promised. "But it's better than last night's quiche."
"Anything is better than last night's quiche," Chakotay replied.
"I see you're catching up on your reading, Tom," Janeway conversationally observed.
Tom tapped the PADD. "A little light entertainment."
"An exciting novel?" the Captain guessed.
"No," Paris confessed. "I belong to an extremely large clan and they send out newsletters to the various relatives. "
Chakotay and Janeway stopped eating. They stared at each other, then back to Tom.
"The intricate family background is one of the reasons I love Earth history. I've got some amazing characters in my ancestry. Oh, you probably don't know, but a newsletter is..."
Eyes twinkling with mischief, Chakotay countered, "We're familiar with newsletters." Janeway smirked and Chakotay continued. "Did you receive the last Cousins issue with the articles on werewolves?"
Paris gasped out, "What?! You know about Cousins? How could..." He slowly shook his head. "No, don't tell me."
"Tell you what?" was Janeway's bland reply.
"You're not really... are you?"
Chakotay smiled. "Cousins?"
"From the Steele branch," Janeway informed him proudly.
Tom looked to Chakotay.
"The Ironhorse clan."
"And you?" the captain inquired.
"Michaels side of the family."
"Oh, a mainstreamer! Well, well, Tom," Janeway teased, "that makes us all cousins, doesn't it?"
"Maybe we should wonder who isn't a cousin," Tom moaned.
"Small galaxy, isn't it?" Chakotay jibed rhetorically.
"And getting smaller all the time," sighed Paris.
If he thought Janeway and Chakotay were keeping a close eye on him before, it was nothing like it would be from now on. He'd certainly be under the microscope, being related -- very, very distantly -- to the Captain and First Officer! Cousins! Who would have guessed?