Disclaimer: Voyager belongs not to me, but to the masters that be Paramount. Fall before them in awe of the characters they created, and sue me not. However, I do claim Livia and Yaniza Bensyn, those women are my creations.

Facilitation

"B'Elanna!" Kathryn Janeway said in surprise as she entered the turbolift. "Just who I needed to see. Deck two," she said aside to the computer.

The Chief Engineer shifted warily, sensing something about the Starfleet captain's charged demeanour that warned her of impending orders that she may or may not particularly welcome. Easy, you're on the same side, remember? she told herself. Still, it was one thing to stand by Chakotay's side when he needed someone to support him- it was another to become accustomed to working within Starfleet boundaries once more. "Sounds ominous," Torres contented herself with that.

Janeway looked over at her ruefully. "Your instincts are correct, Lieutenant. I must say, it seems your department will be doing quite a bit of construction, what with the ongoing repairs, tune-ups, overhauling the Astrometrics lab and this latest."

"Oh, really?" Torres said, interested at the implication of an engineering challenge. That was her forte, after all. "We can handle it," she said confidently, a gleam in her eye making Janeway chuckle.

"Yes, I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I have received a suggestion from Livia regarding converting my private dining room into a mess hall of sorts."

"Who? And why?"

"Terekelivia," Janeway clarified. "She came on board with Kes and Neelix, and is remaining with us on our journey. As she is claims some talent in the culinary disciplines, she proposed acting as our chef and for that to transpire, she needs a domain in which to practice her skills. Which is where my dining room comes in."

"Are you serious?" the lieutenant's brow ridges wrinkled in disbelief. "Why would you want to give it up?"

"It's really just a vanity," Janeway shrugged. "Contrary to what you may believe, the four pips I wear does not indicate a desire to flaunt my position by acquiring considerable privileges with which to indulge myself.

"I would never say such a thing," Torres said conscientiously, prompting a grin to appear on Janeway's face at the subtle insinuations in that statement.

"Besides, I can't imagine that I'll be eating there too often. All that space is unnecessary, really, and quite isolating."

"So what'll the reconstruction involve?" Torres asked dubiously, reverting to practical terms.

"Completely rerouting the power conduits running along that deck."

The engineer snickered. "Oh, that's no problem at all. I know just who to assign it to."

"Good. Keep me posted," Janeway commanded with a lopsided grin as they arrived at the lieutenant's destination.

"Will do, Captain." Torres even managed not to choke as she uttered the words. She was, however reluctantly, coming around to the whole idea of being part of the Starfleet run ship- it helped that the woman in charge was quite reasonable. And had a brain, which was more than she could say for some of the dim-witted overbearing officers she had the misfortune of encountering throughout her duration with Starfleet. Although if Harry Kim were an indication of the quality they were churning out these days, she would have to revise her prejudices. But it would seem too much to hope for similarly tolerant, conscientious individuals to flourish at the stuffy Academy grounds. With a civil nod to Janeway, she exited the turbolift.

Janeway released a sigh of satisfaction as the doors closed, and shut her eyes with a pleased sigh. Things were proceeding smoothly, no major hiccups had occurred- although a certain hothead was presently cooling off in his quarters after a minor bout of aggression- and she was gratified at how well they were managing.

She had just finished talking with their newest addition to the crew; Terekelivia- or 'Livia' as she allowed the Captain to call her.

"If there's one thing we have, it's plenty of space," Janeway reassured her. "Kes and Neelix left us with only a few personal items of yours, I'm afraid, but you'll be supplied with what you need. As soon as the Doctor is willing, you can claim your new quarters."

Livia gave the impression of constant vigilance, as though she were monitoring everything happening around her without ever relaxing her guard. On further thought, Janeway thought it was rather the impression Tuvok gave, though as a Security officer, it war rather part of the job. But with all that had happened to Livia, being kidnapped, enslaved and then escaping with such dramatic consequences, it was no surprise. She hoped the woman would be able to gradually grow accustomed to Voyager and fit in with the crew.

Although at the moment, the crew is not fitting in with the crew, the stray thought crossed her mind sardonically.

It was then that Livia had suggested perhaps taking charge of a galley.

"From what I've learnt of your people, I'm sure that your crew wouldn't normally be handling such a shortage of supplies and energy," Livia said neutrally. "Perhaps I could cook dishes for them to eat, operate a galley in order to conserve your resources. I'm sure Neelix traded you food supplies?"

"That is quite an idea," Janeway said. "Commander Chakotay mentioned it, but I hadn't fully examined the possibilities. I thought your role would more along the lines of a guide…" she regarded the young woman thoughtfully.

Livia had not gone into specifics about her past. The Doctor mentioned that she had said she was from a species known as Selran, but beyond that she had not elaborated. Physically, the woman was quite striking. Humanoid, as most species encountered were, a fact that figured greatly in the Preserver theory; cropped hair of a soothing, rich cobalt shade that drew the eye; skin that otherwise lacked hair, although the peculiar markings radiating from around her nose seemed to imply, almost absurdly, Janeway thought as she made the connection, whiskers. She quickly recalled her mind to the conversation as Livia answered.

"You won't need me constantly fulfilling that function," she pointed out. "I really wouldn't mind, Captain. I'm used to constantly being in action. I wouldn't know what to do while I'm waiting for an occasion to make myself useful."

"Very well, and thank you," the Captain said sincerely. "It's settled. Though I might have to start exploring other options…you'll need a steady supply of fresh foods and we may not encounter trading prospects all too often."

"Do you grow your own food?" she asked.

Janeway regarded her with a wistful smile. "It's interesting. When I was younger, my traditional parents insisted I eat the real thing. In my adult years, I've rarely indulged myself that way. Most people use replicators. And now you're suggesting a return to the old roots, time-honoured ways, as it were."

"I meant no offence." Her eyes, another arresting feature, were composed of a background tint of ochre with a foreground of a dappled green that seemed to flex every now and then, seemingly at random, or perhaps signifying an emotional response. At the moment, what Janeway supposed might function as the pupil flared in reaction.

"You didn't offend me," she assured the woman. "It was just a little too- ironic. But yes, that is a good idea. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Although this isn't exactly what one might normally term 'desperate'," Janeway amended, "but it seems to be provoking quite a bit of creative thinking. An Airponics Bay…yes. That would solve a few problems with staff allocation as well. Commander Chakotay will thank you for this inspiration."

And although Janeway was not quite yet an adept at reading Livia's facial expression, the woman did seem pleased when she replied, "I'm glad to be of help."