Chapter 4. Leather and Balls.
Light piano chords filled Sandrine's. It was a shift change, and the holographic bartender appeared to be bored for the lack of visitors.
Janeway approached the table in the corner of the dimly lit room. "I was not sure I'd find you here."
Chakotay smiled. "And I wasn't sure you'd have time to come."
She sat down and ordered a drink. They waited for it to be brought. Silence dragged on.
"I think you forgot something yesterday." Chakotay handed her the leather garment that had been the source of so much trouble of late. He had managed to keep Tuvok from addressing the issue of the jacket directly during the briefing, but it was much harder with Neelix. He had made a mental note to compliment the captain on her poker face on occasion.
Janeway clicked her tongue. "Our crews have a long way to go. Just think, all that dissention, all that mistrust, just because someone found a stray Maquis jacket in Neelix's ship. Can you imagine what chaos would erupt if someone actually saw me wearing the thing?"
Chakotay looked intrigued.
Janeway read his mind. Don't even suggest it. She decided she needed to change the subject. "Play pool with me."
"No, they say you always win."
"Aw, come on. I'll make it interesting."
"How?"
"I don't know, what do you want?"
Chakotay's eyes lit up.
Crap. I shouldn't have said that.
"Ok, I'll play with you. If I win, you have to wear full Maquis leather on the bridge tomorrow."
Janeway squinted her eyes and considered her options. "And if I win?"
Dimples at maximum. "I'll wear whatever you want."
"Rack 'em up, Commander!"
