Necessary and Inevitable Consequences Part 2

Seven walked through the Sickbay doors and was immediately under attack.

"Well," B'Elanna smirked, "now that you're finally with someone you actually have some chemistry with, are you going to ask about my coiffure again?"

Seven said nothing. She had already decided that any attempt to mount a defense would only prolong the attack.

B'Elanna continued. "Maybe we should get together and have a slumber party. We can paint our nails and talk about boys."

Janeway grinned behind her coffee mug. "I'm in!"

Seven still chose silence.

Janeway took a sip of coffee. "I'll bring kahlua." She paused- then went for the kill shot. "And several chick flicks that reinforce the importance of loyalty to female friends over romantic interests."

"We can make s'mores around a bonfire and play truth or dare," B'Elanna said.

The Doctor came online automatically. "Ah, Seven!" He glanced between her and the other two, realization clearly dawning on his face. He took a step toward her, his expression earnest. "You look like you could use some help."

Seven paused. "That would be appreciated, yes-"

Suddenly the Doctor grinned crookedly. "Too bad Tom, Harry, and I are off to go make fun of Chakotay. Have fun!" He left.

Seven couldn't help but feel betrayed.

A pocket in spacetime opened just enough for a small figure to lean through. "Ooh, I heard someone mention s'mores!" Kes said. "Is it time to bond and roast Seven again?"

~

By the time the Doctor joined them in the Mess Hall, Tom and Harry were already laughing.

"Do your people have any 'ancient legends' about how to recover from such a mind-blowing disaster, Chakotay?" Tom asked.

Chakotay was silent.

"I really should have insisted on more brain scans for you, Commander." The Doctor crossed his arms, smiling. "It's not even a matter of jealousy or anything personal at this point. It's just so obvious you and the Captain belong together."

Chakotay paused. "That's actually nice of you to say, Doc-"

"Has she forgiven you yet?" the Doctor asked with a grin.

Harry watched the unfolding chaos, shoveling popcorn in his mouth.

Chakotay sighed. "Harry, you don't have to be so obvious about how entertaining you find thi-"

"Oh I'M sorry," Harry said. "I'M just an ensign. I'm too little and unimportant to care about the massively destructive error of my commanding officer, right?"

"It's not like you have the best track record-"

Tom held up a hand. "Hey, don't even go there, Chuckles."

The Doctor nodded. "Truly. It's not the same, Commander."

"Yeah," Tom said. "Harry's romantic blunders are understandable. Yours isn't."

The Doctor nodded again. "Yeah."

Janeway walked through the door. "I hope you all are having fun- I'll be just a moment. B'Elanna sent me to get more marshmallows."

Chakotay looked visibly relieved. "Kathryn. A little help?"

Janeway walked straight over to him, smiled very sweetly, put her hands on his shoulders, leaned close, and whispered, "You deserve this."

Then she disappeared into the kitchen.

Chakotay stared straight ahead.

Tom grinned. "Yeah, she's forgiven him."

"But she'll never forget," said the Doctor.

"Definitely not," Tom agreed.

Harry tossed a handful of popcorn at Chakotay's still, stoic face.