Disclaimer: Harry Kim, Tom Paris, Captain Kathryn Janeway, and Star Trek: Voyager belongs to Paramount. If I had my way, which I don't, best friends would be so much more.
The Responsibilities of a Lieutenant
Part 2/? of "Handicap" series
Rating: G
Summary: Why was Harry never promoted in the series? This may explain a few things…
"Harry, this is getting ridiculous." The captain said while she sipped a cup of coffee in her ready room.
"What is, Captain?" Harry was worried and began to mentally review what he had done wrong recently. Nothing came to mind…perhaps this is what was bothering the captain?
"You. Your promotion."
"Oh. Am I getting one then?" Harry asked, worried turned into growing apprehension.
"Of course! You can't be an ensign forever. You've been on this ship for four years and you have worked hard and sacrificed yourself for this crew over and over. This promotion is long overdue. I must apologize for not getting to it earlier." The captain took another sip. God, who needs sex when you can have coffee?
"I'm honored, captain, I…"
Harry's face flushed as the captain set down her cup and reached for his collar, "Stand still, Lieutenant, and let me pin this here…"
When finished, she stepped back and put a friendly hand on Harry's shoulder, "Just do what you've been doing, Harry, and you'll be as good a lieutenant as you were an ensign. Make me proud."
"Yes captain. Thank you." Harry's joy and pride was as tangible as his silly, unrestrained grin when he turned to leave.
"Oh, by the way, Harry, now that you hold the same rank as Lieutenant Paris, I will hold you equally responsible for whatever plan he concocts and wheedles you into doing. You will receive the same punishment as Mr. Paris from now on, understood?"
Harry paled. With trembling hands he pulled out the newly attached pip and set it on the edge of the captain's desk. "Sorry ma'am, but…I don't believe I'm ready for the responsibilities of a lieutenant yet…"