DISCLAIMER: I do not own any Star Trek contents.
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AFTER THIRTY DAYS – by YANNIK
Chapter Six – THE COMMANDER
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Turbolift's door swooshed open at deck five. Sickbay. And in the corridor there was no one else, but Tom Paris.
"Commander" he bowed lightly, stepping in. "Deck Two."
Chakotay opened his mouth, and… nothing came out at first.
"Ensign" he managed with respectful bow, after a split second. But Paris must have noticed his superior's hesitation. His jaw tightened slightly, but nothing else in his facial demeanor betrayed his feelings. The mask. Paris' mask.
"You all right?"
"Yes, Commander" Paris replied turning to him with seemingly open, and light face. "I just finished my shift in the Sickbay, and I'm going to have some leola root. Or not – if Neelix's mercy allows" he smiled cheerfully.
"I thought…" Chakotay hesitated again, but since he already begun, he should finish. "As an informal ship's counselor, I'd like to talk to you about… About what was happening at the brig."
Tom's brow furrowed. The lift stopped at the Mess Hall, but Commander was headed to the Bridge, with those data from Engineering. So he allowed the pilot to step out. He shouldn't have said anything!
"Commander" Tom turned and looked him in the eyes sincerely "I appreciate your concern. Yes, it was quite hard on me, I must admit that. But I am out of the brig now, I serve, and trust me, being demoted is not such a blow – did I ever care for the rank? I am doing really good – given the circumstances. But if I needed a counselor, I'd go to you. I promise."
"Thank you" was Chakotay's answer. It was about all he could manage, after such honest, and heartfelt explanation from Paris.
"Commander" pilot bowed again and turned around, allowing the door to swoosh close.
Chakotay sighed. It was tough, but not what he expected. What did he expect? He had no idea, but Tom's honesty certainly wasn't the thing. It was good though to be assured, that the young man was aware of his emotions, and handicaps. That would help to avoid any tribulations in the future.
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t.b.c.
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