Title: Challenge The Assumption
Author: C.J. Grant
Rating/Pairing: PG, Torres
Summary: B'Elanna Torres makes a long overdue trip back to Star Fleet Academy.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns all things Star Trek. No money was made in the creation or enjoyment of this story. Notes and characters from the episode "Parallax". Special thank you to Kate for the beta read.


ENG 249 Applied Warp Core Theory

Lt. Commander B'Elanna Torres stared at the sign for a brief moment, took a deep breath, and then stepped through the door. The holodeck simulated Engine Room that lay before her was just as she remembered. She eased forward, slowly moving across the deck, brushing equipment and glancing at displays. A second year cadet came to attention as she passed.

Nostalgia momentarily swept over her. The last time she had set foot in this classroom, she had been a cadet herself.

"Professor Chapmen?" she finally inquired.

"In his office, sir." he said sharply. "I'll show you the way."

Torres held out a hand. "I know the way, Cadet. Thank you. As you were."

Uncertainty and apprehension became her companions as she ventured forth. What would she say to him? Would he slap her down like he always had? Would he still treat her like the kid she had been nine years ago?

After a moment's hesitation, she pressed the comm. A thunderous "COME IN!" came resounding back.

The professor's back was turned to the door as she entered. She fell back into the etiquette of old and waited to be acknowledged. A few minutes of silence passed before he swiveled in his chair. The expressionless face turned hard. His eyes narrowed and his chin dropped. From over his glasses, he peered at her. Slowly Chapmen rose and began to circle, first the desk and then his former student. With a critical glare, he examined her from head to toe.

"Ms. Torres," he announced from her side. "I never forget a face. Disobedient. Unruly. Arrogant. Hot tempered."

This was the man who had driven her almost single handedly from the Academy. They'd battled constantly. She'd challenged his assumptions at every turn. He'd gotten in her face. She wanted to open her mouth to respond but instead she stood there at a lose. A retort. A comeback. A smart remark. Something! The words just wouldn't come.

Chapmen stepped in front of her. The disapproving look morphed into an unaccustomed smile. "And the best student I ever had. I knew someday I would see you in a Star Fleet uniform."

He offered his hand and she took it immediately.

"It's about damn time, " he added.

As she stood there, her hand being shook vigorously, the delayed reaction to their unusual reunion finally arrived.

B'Elanna Torres began to laugh.