Disclaimer: Unfortunately… I own nothing.

A/N: This is my first adventure back into fanfiction after a LONG hiatus… and my first foray into Voyager!

Settling the Bet

Tom Paris sat idly at the helm on this seemingly unimportant day in the Delta Quadrant, daydreaming of all things. He was imagining an epic battle with the Borg, in which he saves Voyager with his dazzling piloting skills. A goofy smile spread across his face as he thought of the commendations he would receive from this battle.

"Tom…"

"Hmmmm?"

"Mr. Paris." The sharp tones of Captain Kathryn Janeway broke him out of his reverie. Frightened at what punishment he might receive for daydreaming, he swiveled around in his seat at the helm to face the Captain.

"Yes Captain?" His fears, however, immediately vanished when he noticed the sly grin on her face. The grin quickly disappeared as she adopted a more formal tone, and continued.

"I've recently been informed that there is a certain 'betting pool' on whether or not Commander Chakotay and I will become involved together… romantically." There was that fear again. "I was wondering if you could indulge me, and tell me who exactly bet on Stardate: 2377?"

Dumbfounded, Tom fumbled as he pulled a PADD out of his pocket. He had been carrying this PADD with him every day for the past seven years, not trusting anyone with its sensitive information. Taking a deep steadying breath he activated the PADD. He glanced up at Harry for reassurance, only to see him looking about to faint, Tuvok was standing stoically as always, and Seven of Nine's eyebrow had shot up into her hairline. He quickly scrolled down to the appropriate date and looked back up at the Captain.

"Uh… that would be Naomi Wildman Captain, but that was almost a year ago. What is so important about that date?"

Adopting her same sly smile from before the Captain reached across the console and pulled Chakotay into a passionate kiss. Tom's jaw dropped, Seven's eyebrow shot up even higher, and a dull thud was heard as Harry Kim fainted at the Ops station. When the command team finally broke their kiss they shared a knowing smile with each other. Adopting her same 'business as usual' stance and tone, the Captain turned back to Tom.

"Mr. Paris, inform Miss Wildman that she has won. Oh… and take poor Harry to sickbay." She smiled, and sent a wink his way before he practically flew out of his chair on the way to the turbolift.

"Yes Ma'am!"

Finis