After his outburst, Chakotay had a hard time facing Kathryn. Things had been strained between them lately. They only talked when words were absolutely necessary and they only got together for work purposes. They basically tried to steer clear of each other's path. They hadn't even made eye contact since their argument. Two weeks had passed since then.

She knew she was being stubborn about it but Kathryn was waiting until he came to apologize about his outburst. He was out of line. She kept telling herself that she hadn't blocked him out but deep inside she knew he was right. She just wouldn't admit it to herself.

Tom and Harry were in the mess hall sitting with Chakotay when the Captain walked in.

She sent a glare at Chakotay and in return, got on back.

"Well hello there Captain and what can I get for you today." The cheery Taxalian said with a smile on his face.

"Just coffee Neelix." Kathryn replied but not half as cheerily as Neelix was.

"Coming right up." He poured her a hot cup of coffee which she took a sip of with pleasure.

"Thank you Neelix. Have a good day. I'm off to the bridge."

"And you have a good day yourself Captain!"

As she left the mess hall, Chakotay stared after her with a look of disgust on his face.

"So um, hear the one about the chicken and the frog?" Tom said trying to lighten up the mood at their table.

"Well I haven't. Why don't you tell us Tom?" Harry said trying to help Tom at his attempt.

"I'm not in the mood. I'm going to the holodeck. Goodbye Tom, Harry."Chakotay said nodding his head at both men.

He stood up and headed for the door, then he was gone.

"Well isn't this just a great war to have growing aboard Voyager." Tom said sarcastically.

"I don't get it. I thought they were best friends. Then out of the blue, they hate each other."

"I know eh. I'm thinking it was something to do with them as a couple."

"What? No. Tom, they wouldn't do that. The Captain doesn't have relationships with anyone on board . . . does she?

"I don't know Harry. They always were pretty cozy with each other. The ear to ear grins, the sweet little touches, the looks they gave each other and then you would even occasionally catch Chakotay staring at the Captain's butt.

"Well even if they did have feelings . . ."

"There's no 'if' about it Harry. They have feelings for each other."

"Ok but would they let anything happen with those feelings?"

"He's a man. She's a woman. Nature probably took its course if ya know what I mean."

"Tom I honestly don't think the Captain would go for that."

"I don't know Harry. People have wants. But then again it is Captain Kathryn Janeway we're talking about here so maybe your right. Maybe they did just have a little, correction, big fight about something. But it must've been really big for them to be acting like this toward each other.

"Hmm." Harry said lost in thought. He had no idea about what could make the Captain and Commander act this way toward each other. He supposed Tom could be right but he highly doubted it.

"Oh well. I guess it really isn't any of our business. I just hope they resolve their problem soon because a conflict between Captain and First Officer really isn't what Voyager needs at the moment."

"I'm sure the Captain will make it so this doesn't affect the crew . . . any more than necessary."

Tom nodded his head and went back to eating.

To Be Conitinued . . .

Please R&R