Part 1/2
"Just friends"
Tom and Kathryn are playing pool at sandrines when I walk in. They're laughing at something. She walks over to talk to me. I'm nervous about what I'm about to do, but I manage to keep a straight face as I ask if there is something going on between her and Tom. "Don't be ridiculous," she tells me, "Tom and I are just friends"
But "just friends" don't look at each other like that.
Tom and I are relaxing in my quarters. I'm playing my clarinet, working on a piece I've been struggling with. Tom is sitting on the couch, laughing at something he's reading. "What's so funny?" I ask. "Nothing, the captain just sent me something funny." He starts to type something in reply.
A pause. "Tom, is there... Something between you and the captain?" He doesn't look up, he just keeps typing as he talks. "Naw, she and I are just friends!" I know when to give up. I start playing my clarinet again.
"Just friends" don't look at each other like that.
I enter the captains ready room. "Captain, permission to speak freely." "Of course, Tuvok. You can always speak freely with me. You know that." A pause. "Then I must caution you about entering into a relationship with Lieutenant Paris. As your lieutenant commander, and as your friend, I feel it is my duty to help you maintain an impartial judgment in regards to the crew." She looks at me, a partial smile on her face. "Thank you, Tuvok, I appreciate your concern, But Tom and I are just friends." I don't believe her. I've spent a great deal of time with humans, and I happen to know,
"just friends" don't look at each other like that.
"Tom. Can I ask... A personal question?" Tom and I are on a survey mission orbiting a small moon. Chakotay has been having us work together a lot lately, I suspect out of jealousy. He's hoping I'll distract Tom away from the Captain. So Of course I have to ask, "Tom, are you and the Captain... You know, 'a thing'?" He turns around in the pilot's chair to look at me. He laughs "No, B'Elanna, we aren't. We're just friends. Why do you ask?" "No reason, just something Chakotay said." He shrugs. He is smiling as he turns around. But I've seen the way they look at each other.
"Just friends" don't look at each other like that.
I'm walking through the corridors with the Captain. She seems lost in thought. I have been observing lately that she's been smiling more, particularly around a certain helmsman. As chief medical officer, it is my duty to stay updated on the general health of the crew, including emotional health. "Captain, I've noticed you and Tom have been spending a great deal of time together. As chief medical officer, I have to ask. Is there... Something going on between you two?" She squints her eyes at me. "Not that it's any of your business, but... No," She smiles fondly, and puts a hand on my arm. "We're just friends."
But "just friends" don't look at each other that way.
I have followed them for approximately 11.7 hours, over the course of 3 days, observing their behavior. The Doctor advised that I might learn something about human behavior, particularly something called "flirting", by watching them. I have decided I have collected as much data as I can without direct contact. I approach them when they are sitting at a table in the mess hall. Lieutenant Paris speaks before I have a chance. "Are you finally going to tell us why you've been following us around for the past 3 days?" He asks. "No. I am here to inquire as to the nature of your relationship." I notice the occupants of the tables nearby grow suddenly quiet, but I pay no mind. Paris's jaw appears tense, and I wonder if I've offended them somehow. I'm not very good at socializing. The Captain touches his hand briefly, giving him a meaningful look, then looks to me and smiles slightly. "Tom and I are just friends, Seven. And, please, In the future, I would appreciate it if you kept your studies to yourself." I take a breath and cock my head slightly. "Very well." I walk away. Though I have learned better than to say such a thing out loud, I don't believe her. They exchange touches more frequently with each other than with other crew members, their pulses increase, and their eyes dilate when in each other's presence.
"Just friends" don't look at each other like that.
"Captain, it is my job as morale officer to stay updated on information relevant to the crews morale, wouldn't you agree?" I spring the question on her in the turbolift. "Yes, Neelix." She looks skeptical. She can tell I'm about to ask something personal. I guess I'm a predictable fellow, but I've never considered it a fault in my character. I try to be friendly and open, and predictability comes with the territory. "Then if you don't mind my asking, Are you and Tom, you know, 'together'?" I watch her face. I can't tell what flashes over it. "No, Neelix. We're not." she smiles, "we're just friends. That's all." I grin, and because I'm feeling cheeky, I can't help saying
"'just friends' don't look at each other like you two do."