Author's Notes: I took the idea from two episodes to write this Chapter. One was from Dreadnaught. The other was Lifesigns. You'll see points from both episodes in this Chapter so I apologize ahead of time about the spoilers. I also apologize at how short this Chapter is. I didn't know what else to add.

Chapter Seven

Kathryn focused closely on her first officer reprimanding her boyfriend for being late. Of course last week Tom told her that he was going to start showing up late only for things to progress. Kathryn agreed with the idea. She still wanted his reports on time though.

"Yes sir." Tom said.

Kathryn tried her best to keep herself from laughing. Tom not starting a fight was actually quite comical. He normally wouldn't be acting this way if it wasn't her and Tuvok's idea to bring him into this.

Later on in the day, Chakotay brought something to her attention that made her freeze in place.

"I wanted to talk to you about Lieutenant Paris. His attitude has been less than professional."

Kathryn tried her best not to show much emotion. This was Tuvok's idea after all.

"I've noticed." Kathryn said.

"I know crew discipline is my responsibility, but in this case I should let you get involved before I take any action." Chakotay said.

"Is this because of how close Tom and I are?" Kathryn asked.

Chakotay looked away for a moment. He then looked back and nodded his head.

"Commander, Tom and I do have a past, but at this moment he understands that I am the Captain. I do appreciate you bringing this to my attention though. I trust you will handle the problem anyway you see fit." Kathryn said.

"Yes Captain." Chakotay said.

Kathryn hated keeping Chakotay out of the loop. He was her first officer after all. However, Tuvok was right. In case the person was part of the Maquis, it was best to keep Chakotay out of it. Although she has faith and trust in her first officer, he just would have his own way of dealing with the issue.

Tom was working on one of the shuttles when Kathryn came in.

"Well hello sexy girl, how can I help you?" Tom flirted.

Shaking her head, she smiled. She took the seat next to him. The expression on her face caused Tom to worry a little.

"Kat?"

"When you started this mission what was the first thing I told you?" Kathryn asked.

Tom thought about it for a moment. He then shook his head.

"It was to respect Chakotay. He is your commanding officer just as I am."

"With all due respect, Captain. He is nothing like you."

Kathryn was taken aback at what Tom just said. "I know the two of you haven't always gotten along, but…"

"But nothing, Kathryn! Chakotay could care less about me."

"Now I know that isn't true."

Tom sighed. He turned his attention back to the shuttle. Kathryn stood up, she looked at Tom before she said, "Maybe it was a mistake for you to be part of this mission."

Tom turned to see his Captain walking away. She would later regret the words.

"Get your hands off me!" Tom said as he pushed Chakotay down.

Kathryn immediately stood. "Tuvok, please escort Mister Paris to the brig."

Tom looked over at Kathryn. He knew he messed up when all he saw was disappointment in his girlfriend's eyes. This was it. He was going to lose Kathryn completely. She was going to tell Chakotay about the mission then their relationship would come to an end. Or vice versa.

All Tom could do was sit on the bench in the brig and think about his actions. He wasn't expecting Kathryn and Tuvok to walk in though.

Once Kathryn relieved the security officer on duty she had Tuvok check over everything to make sure they weren't being bugged.

"Kat? What is it?"

When Tuvok nodded his head, Kathryn turned her attention to Tom. She pushed a button on the panel to lower the forcefield. Tuvok got into position just in case.

"I needed to make sure someone wasn't listening in." Kathryn said.

"Has things gotten that bad?" Tom asked.

"I'm afraid so." Kathryn placed a hand on Tom's cheek. In his blue eyes she noticed that he was crying. "I've way too much of you, Tommy."

Tom took her hand in his. "It's quite alright, Kat. I agreed to do the mission."

"Because of your actions, I have to relieve you of duty, babe. Tuvok and I talked it over with Chakotay. You don't have to stay in the brig, but you can stay confined to your quarters." Kathryn said.

Tom smiled. "Giving me special treatment, Captain."

Kathryn smiled back. She took a step away from Tom. She needed to tell him. She just didn't know how he was going to take it. It meant they were going to be apart for quite some time. When they restarted this, they weren't going to be apart.

"Talk to me Kat. You know how much I hate seeing you this quiet."

"We found a Talaxian ship on long range sensors. We need you to board the ship. Hopefully it will be captured by the Kazan. Then you could use your hacking skills to find the person responsible."

Tom nodded his head. "Yes ma'am."