Author's Notes: I apologize for the long delay in the story. I had to think about how I was going to write this next part. I do apologize beforehand for the fighting between Kathryn and Tom. I promise they will make up.
Author's Notes: I am at a loss of what to add next. I am going through the next episodes to help give me ideas, but if you have any ideas you would like to see then let me know. I do consider them! You may actually see them added to the story.
Chapter Six
"What's this?"
Kathryn asked about the picnic in one of the shuttles. Tom set up a blanket on the floor. He had a picnic basket next to him. However it was just for show. There was two plates with a bowl on top of each with what looked like soup. Her favorite soup. There was also some cheese and crackers, whine, and a smaller bowl of what looked like coffee ice cream.
"I won the betting pool. So I had enough replicator rations for us to enjoy a lovely picnic." Tom explained.
Kathryn shook her head. She forgot that she approved for Tom to do the betting pool. She just wasn't expecting him to win 3 times in a row. He had enough replicator rations to last for at least a month.
"You know, I thought about joining the betting pool." Kathryn joked.
"Oh really? What about your image?" Tom said, nuzzling Kathryn.
Kathryn chuckled. "Just promise me something, babe."
"Yes?"
Kathryn met Tom's blue eyes. "Don't do anything that will compromise your career. I can only do so much, honey."
"Yes ma'am." Tom said.
"No ma'am. I am Kathryn or Kat right now."
Tom smiled. "Does that mean I can kiss you?"
Kathryn didn't say anything. She leaned in and kissed Tom passionately.
"Does that answer your question?" Kathryn asked when she broke the kiss.
Tom grabbed the back of her head to kiss her once again. The food was ignored as they kissed.
Sighing, Kathryn collapsed into her chair in her ready room. Tom handed her two PADDs. One was his regular pilot report, the other was from his covert mission. Kathryn gave him the approval to do the betting pool. However, she needed to talk to him about Chakotay's latest report about it.
She took a deep breath before tapping her communicator. "Janeway to Paris. Please come to my ready room."
"On my way, Captain." Kathryn smiled at how eager Tom sounded.
When Tom entered the ready room, Kathryn noticed that Chakotay was glaring. She narrowed her eyes back at him as the door shut.
Kathryn then turned her attention to the handsome pilot standing in the front of her desk. She held up Chakotay's report.
"Kat?" Tom asked.
"I got Chakotay's report this morning. I know I gave you approval for the betting pool, but you explain to me why you decided to talk back to him." Kathryn said, sternly.
Tom shrugged. "It slipped out."
Kathryn narrowed her eyes. "He put you on report, Tom."
"You think I care? I spent all of my time being on report. This isn't any different."
Kathryn was taken aback at Tom's comment. "I thought…."
"Thought what, Kat? Thought that I would try and change since we are 70,000 lightyears away from Starfleet. You know me! You know that I don't like to follow authority. I do my own thing."
Kathryn stood and pointed a finger at Tom. "You listen here, Mister Paris. I am not happy with your attitude. I suggest you change it or I will have you clean the bulkheads from top to bottom."
Tom rolled his eyes. He regretted the second he did it. He knew he messed up. However, he was too deep to fix it.
Narrowing her eyes once again, Kathryn said, "Just because you are dating me, that doesn't mean you can or do anything you want to do. I am not going to give you special treatment. As punishment for your attitude, not only are you going to clean the bulkheads, but I will be canceling our date next week."
Tom gave Kathryn a sad look. "Kat…"
"Dismissed, Mister Paris."
Tom knew better than to argue with Kathryn. She was his Captain. She had more power than Chakotay did. He nodded his head and left her ready room. Once the door shut, Kathryn collapsed in her chair once again. She buried her face in her hands as she cried.