DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of this. Not a bit. Except the idea. But maybe someone had it before me and I just didn't get a chance to read it.
SPOILERS: If you haven't seen Lifesigns and Investigations this won't make much sense.
RATING: G
Shoving Match
Janeway stood outside of Tom's quarters. She wasn't sure if this would help or hinder the ruse they were trying to maintain, but she had to talk to him. She pressed the console and the doors opened.
"Captain," he said, standing up. "I didn't realize you'd be in here. Come to take something out on the whipping boy?"
"Tom, your room is secure; you know that," she responded and sat down. "Why did you shove Commander Chakotay?"
"I was angry at him, or at least I was supposed to be. I was trying to keep up appearances."
Janeway shook her head a little. "Don't do that again, all right, Tom? It's one thing to be a malcontent but quite another to resort to physical violence."
"Ma'am Imay I speak freely?"
She nodded. "Of course, Tom."
"Captain, with all due respect, I can't do what you want me to do if I have to take into account your interest in the commander." Janeway opened her mouth to speak. "Please, let me finish, Captain. I understand that you feel very strongly for Chakotay; I'm having the same problem with my feelings towards Kes. But if this game of ours is going to work, I can't leave him be. Everyone knows that Chakotay and I have hated each other for a long time. It would be extremely out of character if I suddenly treated him with kindness." He took a breath. "Okay, you can court martial me now."
Janeway was ready to reprimand him severely but just shook her head and chuckled lightly. "All of your complaints are noted, Lieutenant. Now, please continue going about your business of causing trouble."
Tom grinned. "Yes ma'am."
