(insert disclaimer here Short chapter, but you know, Tuvok is kinda hard to write in this storyline, since he really doesn't have any emotions. Sorry it took so long to update.)

The bell rang. "Class is dismissed," I say.

"Finally," mutters Cadet Towe, taking up his things.

"Cadet Towe, may I speak with you for one moment," I say. He freezes, not knowing I had overheard what he had said. His comrades pat him on the back, and when the room is clear, he shrugs his things off and sighs.

"What is it, Captain?" he groans.

"Your grades have significantly slipped," I say, my head tilting in the slightest.

"Yeah, about that-"

"Your excuses are wholly unnecessary. If you do not wish to take my class on developing Starfleet Tactics, I am quite certain I can have you reassigned."

"No, sir, I can bring them back up."

"Then might I suggest you start this new approach soon. Mid-terms are in precisely three weeks."

"Yes, sir." There is a brief silence, and for once he looks up at me. "Is that it?"

"I can only hold you to your word, Cadet. If you would like to advance in ranking, I suggest you listen to my class discussions and study the guideline materials I have issued to the class. They are subjects of matter on a daily basis on any starship."

"Understood, sir."

"Then you are dismissed." Towe gathers his materials sloppily and leaves, closing the door behind him. As I gather my materials, there is a knock on the door. "Enter." To my surprise, it is Chakotay, a man I haven't seen since we parted ways upon our arrival in the Alpha Quadrant. "Captain Chakotay."

"Tuvok," he says, with a slight nod. "No need for ranks, I resigned just as Kathryn did."

"Of course," I say. "If I may ask, what has brought you here? When I was last informed, you were away on Ajilon Prime."

"The dig wasn't as thought fulfilling as I had thought it would be," Chakotay says, sitting on the edge of a desk.

"Elaborate."

Chakotay huffs a laugh and crosses his arms. "I'm having problems with Seven." My brow rises at this. "I'm sure you've heard about her successful operation."

"Indeed."

"Well now that she's human again, she won't have anything to do with me. In fact, she's moved to live on Jupiter Station to study medicine with Voyager's EMH."

"Curious. Medicine was never a previous proficiency for Seven of Nine."

"I have a feeling it's more than medicine she moved there for."

"Explain."

"I think she's scared of humanoids."

"Intriguing," I say. "Her reentry into humanity has caused an illogical fear."

"She doesn't want to be assimilated again."

"I can not establish how she would associate the Borg in a personal relationship with you, Chakotay."

"I don't either, Tuvok, but Seven will be Seven. Or rather, Annika as she is going by now."

"May I ask as to why you are discussing this matter with me? A more suitable individual would be Admiral Janeway."

"Well there's no more beating around the bush with you, Tuvok," Chakotay says with a hesitant laugh. "I have a confession to make." I raise a brow at this that quickly flattens. Chakotay takes a breath, gathering his thoughts. "As much as I'm sorry for Seven's illogical fears, I'm not sorry to see her go."

"An astonishing confession to make after speaking of your distracted feelings toward her."

"It's not her I'm distracted by, Tuvok. It's Kathryn."