Part 3
Stardate 52651, 0745 hours:
Male escorts female to Main Engineering after breakfast in the Mess Hall.
After breakfast together in the Mess Hall, Tom walked B'Elanna to Main Engineering. He often accompanied her there, en route to the Bridge, of course.
Lieutenant Nicoletti smiled when she saw them together. All of the Engineering crew liked it when Tom walked B'Elanna to Main Engineering in the morning because it usually meant that their chief would be in high spirits, and that made the mornings far more pleasant for everyone.
Sure enough, B'Elanna had a beautiful smile on her face.
Out of the corner of her eye, Seven noticed Ensign Kronden on the other side of Main Engineering talking to his friend Ensign Patrick Mulcahy. Kronden looked perturbed. She could see his expression, even from this distance, because of the high optical resolution in her Borg optical implant.
Interesting. Seven made a note of that. She had been seeing him around a lot lately, mostly because he lived next door to B'Elanna. But there was more to it than that. Ensign Kronden seemed to gravitate towards the Chief Engineer, even when he had no reason to be near her...
Seven recalled their conversation a few nights ago, at the monster movie marathon on the holodeck. She had sat next to Kronden because he had been sitting directly behind Tom and B'Elanna. This was a great opportunity to observe the subjects of her field study and at the same time pry information out of Kronden, who doubtless had many an opportunity to observe the pair.
Unfortunately, Kronden had hardly said two words to her. He had answered all of her attempts at conversation with monosyllabic answers. He had been too busy staring glumly at the couple sitting in front of him.
"Additional research in the database has provided information on other cases of the problem afflicting Ensign Kronden. Multiple cases of what the computer describes as unrequited love have plagued both human and non-human culture through out recorded history. None of the stories contains what would be termed as a 'happy ending.' All tell of one person who loved one who did not share the sentiment. It appears inefficient to hold feelings for another without reciprocation, especially considering the dangerous nature of that emotion. As the 20th century psychiatrist Sigmund Freud once said, 'We are never so defenseless against suffering as when we love.'
"This type of feeling exists only within one person's mind. It appears to be the cause of suffering and something identified as 'heartache,' though there does not appear to be any physical problems with the heart to cause this ache. However, beyond the unexplained ache, the physiological symptoms seem to produce excessive disruption to the daily life of the subject.
"These multiple occurrences are not the only failures that exist in love affairs. Most species go through multiple partners prior to a final monogamous relationship, if ever. Inefficiency appears to be the primary result of these failures, though excessive suffering also results. The psyche should be unable to cope with the stresses of multiple abortive relationships. This is quite illogical."
Stardate 52652, 1900 hours:
Subjects have dinner together in the Mess Hall.
Tom and B'Elanna were sitting at their own private table in the Mess Hall, a romantic setting despite the fact that it was the peak of dinner hour and the Mess Hall was quite full. Of course, their table had elegant candles, fine china, silverware, cloth napkins, champagne... and dinner was straight out of the finest gourmet restaurants.
"So Harry throws it in gear, floors the gas... and backs us through a burrito stand."
B'Elanna chuckled, picturing that disaster. "So when are you going to teach me how to drive?"
"You sure you're ready?"
"I've piloted starships. I think I can handle a car."
"You'd be surprised – the clutch on a '69 Mustang can be pretty tricky."
She was about to reply when something else caught her attention. "Take a look. She's watching us again."
Tom turned around, only to see Seven entering data on a PADD. "Relax. She's working." He tried to divert her attention but was unsuccessful.
Fortunately, at that moment Neelix came by their table, carrying a platter of cheese. "Care for some dessert?"
B'Elanna tried a piece. "It's a little bland."
"Only a little?" Neelix wasn't happy to hear that. "Oh, that's bad. The Kadi don't approve of spices... or anything that might inflame the senses."
"You're talking this mission very seriously," Tom said with a smile.
"The Kadi are easily offended," Neelix told him. "The Captain's leaving their representative entirely in my hands while she's at the colony."
"I'm sure you're up to it, Ambassador."
"I hope so." With that, Neelix headed back to the kitchen to work on the cheese.
B'Elanna wasn't paying attention. "She's watching us again."
"You're imagining things."
"I don't think so." Determined to confront Seven, she threw down her napkin and got up.
"B'Elanna –"
But it was too late.
"Enjoying the view?"
Seven looked up. "Explain."
B'Elanna was rapidly losing patience. "You've been staring at us all night. In fact, you were following us yesterday when we were walking to Engineering, and the day before when I was waiting for Tom outside the shuttle bay."
Unfazed, Seven merely said, "You are correct. I have been observing you. It's part of my research on human mating behavior."
B'Elanna grabbed one of Seven's PADDs. "'Stardate 52647, 1400 hours: Subjects quarrel in corridor outside female's quarters. Male returns with 12 flowering plant stems, species Rosa rubifolia, effecting a cessation of hostilities.' " She scrolled down a little further to the next entry. " 'Stardate 52648, 0300 hours: Intimate relations resume.'"
Everyone in the vicinity pretended not to have heard but braced for the worst...
"How the *hell* do you know when we're having intimate relations?!" B'Elanna demanded.
Seven looked at her impassively. "There is no one on Deck Nine, Section 12, who *doesn't* know when you're having intimate relations."
Uh-oh... It was definitely time to intervene, Tom decided.
Apparently, Neelix had arrived at the same conclusion. "Is there a problem?" he asked worriedly.
"I want all the data you've collected!"
"I have not completed my study."
"Then study this: 'Borg provokes Klingon. Klingon breaks Borg nose.' "
"B'Elanna!" Neelix was aghast.
"Call Sickbay. Tell them there's about to be a medical emergency."
"B'Elanna, let's go have a nightcap," Tom urged, wrapping his arms around her from behind, trying to de-fuse a potentially explosive situation.
But she was having none of it. "This time you've crossed the line," she told Seven menacingly.
Fortunately for Seven, Tuvok entered the Mess Hall at that moment, followed closely by Chakotay.
Tuvok raised an eyebrow at the scene before him.
At the sight of him, B'Elanna realized that it wouldn't be wise to hit Seven. Not unless she really wanted to go to daily meditation sessions with Tuvok. She finally allowed Tom to lead her away.
Chakotay followed them outside. "What was that all about?"
B'Elanna was still absolutely livid. "She has a lot of nerve!"
"B'Elanna, please..."
"She's been following us, spying on us... and she doesn't even have the decency to feel guilty about getting caught! As if we're... we're... specimens in a habitat for her to study!"
"Why don't we go back to your quarters," Tom placated.
"Why is she so interested in us, anyway? Doesn't she have anything better to do?!"
"Seven didn't mean any harm, B'Elanna," Chakotay told her, hoping to calm her down.
It didn't work.
"She has no business spying on us!" B'Elanna raged. "She thinks she can do whatever she pleases, and no one's going to stop her!"
"B'Elanna..." Chakotay started to say, but Tom shot him a warning glance. Chakotay wisely backed off, realizing that he should let Tom handle this. But he did feel obligated to add, "If it really bothers you that much, you can always take it up with the captain."
"I think I will!" she yelled before storming off.
Tom shrugged helplessly, then followed her.
Stardate 52652, 1930 hours:
Female subject becomes hostile after she learns of field study. Files a complaint with the captain.
"Apparently she does not appreciate being studied."
She paused, then continued.
"Despite the captain's reprimand, I have decided not to terminate my field study. After all, she did not issue a direct order to do so. Although I have already collected over 30,000 gigaquads of information, it is insufficient to develop a full understanding of this subject pair's relationship. Therefore, I will continue to observe their activities. I will merely be more cautious and discreet.
"The continuation of my study necessitates that I engage in what humans call 'sneaking around.' While I had believed that my actions throughout the course of the study had not been obvious, I will change my behavior to 'sneak around' even more. This would include less direct observation unless in areas with large numbers of personnel. I will rely more on computer detection of movements and observation while in the company of others to eliminate suspicion. If these measures work as planned, Lieutenant Torres will be oblivious to my continued research."
Stardate 52657, 0021 hours:
Female subject's neighbor is reluctant to discuss subjects' relationship.
"I requested Ensign Kronden's assistance in my study, but he declined to participate."
Seven frowned, remembering how he had hastily mumbled, "I don't think that's such a good idea," and then scurried off as fast as he could.
She was puzzled by his reaction. He seemed the ideal candidate to interview.
She had seen the way his eyes followed B'Elanna whenever she was within visual range. He was completely attuned to her every word, her every move. He always sat near her whenever he was in the Mess Hall or at any of the shipwide social activities and gatherings. He would hover in her vicinity, never letting her out of his sight. And he spent considerable time in Main Engineering, even though there was no reason for him to do so. He was obviously in love with her.
Of course, neither Tom nor B'Elanna seemed to notice. Or even care.
So why had B'Elanna noticed when Seven followed them around, studying them? Seven had thought she was being far more discreet than Ensign Kronden.
She could only conclude that Lieutenant Torres held some sort of grudge against her personally.
"This grudge may stem from a variety of different factors. Envy is a leading cause of jealousy which might be the root of this grudge. Her desire to possess my superior mental abilities or my superior control are quite compelling reasons. Additionally, my physical appearance is the cause of much talk on the ship, also engendering this attitude from her. My studies of socializing with the Doctor have also raised the question that I am often very businesslike, or as Lieutenant Torres once said, 'Rude,' which offers a third impetus for her grudge."
Stardate 52659.5
Seven sighed. She wasn't having much success understanding romantic love. Certainly her first date had been a complete failure. Lieutenant Chapman was still avoiding her like the plague.
It would be a long time before she felt ready for a romantic relationship of her own. She had yet to understand, but that only made her all the more determined to figure it all out.
"To understand a condition does not require direct participation. My failure on my 'dates,' both with Lieutenant Chapman and the Doctor illustrate my inability to engage in this activity. My initial conjecture that romantic love and relationships are irrelevant seems to have been proven. However, I still desire to understand why others engage in this activity.
"My own experience with the various lessons of the Doctor have provided me with some additional insight into my study. The insecurities exhibited by both subjects are not uncalled for as first I believed. The multiple pressures, from engaging in small talk to the ability to dance require considerable skill. Those who are deficient in any area worry and display insecurities, understandably so.
"Continued observation is warranted."
Stardate 52659, 2030 hours:
Subjects play hoverball on the holodeck.
"Great game," Harry said as he stepped out of the holodeck. He and his teammate, Ensign Liz Jenkins, exchanged victorious smiles.
B'Elanna was less inclined to agree with that assessment, as she didn't like losing. She was rather annoyed with her teammate.
"Why don't we go to the Mess Hall and get some coffee," Harry suggested.
"Sounds good," Liz agreed. She and Harry had gotten to know each other much better since working on the Bridge night shift together and were also spending a lot of time together off-duty these days.
"We'll have to take a raincheck," Tom said, seeing B'Elanna's disgruntled expression.
Harry knew better than to press the issue. "Okay. See you later."
They said good-night to Harry and Liz, then headed off to Tom's quarters.
"I can't believe we lost so badly," B'Elanna said sourly. "I'm never playing with you again!"
"Hey, don't blame it all on me," he protested.
She glared at him. "Why not? It's your fault we lost."
"How is it my fault?"
"You missed just about every shot..."
"I did not! Besides, you missed quite a few yourself!"
"That's because I was trying to get all mine, and yours! You weren't concentrating!"
"So I was having an off-day. It happens."
"You just weren't trying hard enough. We could have won..."
"You're blowing this way out of proportion," he said defensively. "It's just a game!"
They stared at each other for a long moment.
"Maybe we shouldn't play on the same team anymore," she said at last. "We always end up arguing when we lose, whether it's hoverball, volleyball, Velocity, racquetball, Parisses Squares..."
He raised an eyebrow. "I take it this means you don't want to be my partner anymore for the ping-pong tournament next week, then?"
"I'd rather team up with Harry," she huffily informed him.
Tom frowned a little but shrugged good-naturedly. "Okay. I'll just ask someone else."
Seven entered a few more notes.
"Intriguing. While the male often engages in various actions designed to entice the female, they still retain a certain distance between them. This is most illustrated in their recent decision to engage in separate pursuits of athletic achievement, especially in competition with the other. This should be detrimental to their relationship due to the excessive amount of arguments it could potentially cause, yet they continue to engage in this activity. It is curious that they remain a couple despite this disruption. Further study is necessary to understand this illogical action. Arguing is the primary cause of dissolving a relationship, yet it seems to have the opposite effect on these subjects."
(continued in part 4)