After saying goodbye to my post, I exited Voyager and went to meet the senior staff (excluding the Captain) at a local coffee shop by the river.
When I arrived, I noticed I was the last person to show up. Typical. Everyone had a seat already, but thankfully, Tuvok had saved one for me.
"Good evening, Lieutenant Kim. I hope your day has been efficient." Seven greeted me. Her social skills had become excellent ever since she and Chakotay got together. Harry felt a slight twinge of jealousy of the Commander- he had a great command post, his past crimes had been forgotten, and he had a gorgeous ex-Borg girlfriend who was going to be able to stay with him even while he was on missions.
"Good evening guys." I said as I took my seat and ordered some coffee.
"Soo… How goes it, Harry?" Tom asked inquisitively. He always was the one to ask about my day. He didn't want a 'good evening' like Seven did- he wanted the full details.
"It's been great! I mean, I said goodbye to the Captain earlier, walked around Voyager for a little while, and then came here."
"It's good to see that you are adjusting. I know it's been hard for all of us." Chakotay said.
The waitress arrived with my coffee. He took a sip. I didn't understand how Captain Janeway could prefer replicated coffee rather than this great stuff.
"The view is indeed beautiful from our table. You made a good choice picking out the spot, Lieutenant Torres." Tuvok commented.
"Why, thank you, Tuvok! I'm not much for San Fran myself, but this coffee shop used to be my favorite while I was at the Acadamy." B'Elanna responded.
Just as everyone was starting to relax and tell personal experiences from their trip through the Delta Quadrant, Miral started to become impatient. B'Elanna tried to calm her down, but Miral- having one quarter Klingon blood- was insisting she have attention.
"I better take her somewhere a little more quiet. Maybe a walk by the river will do her some good." B'Elanna said after struggling with the child for 15 minutes.
"I will accompany you." Seven stated.
"Great. I could use the company. We'll let the men here have some good ol' men talk. We'll see you guys in about an hour."
B'Elanna carried the baby while Seven grabbed it's blanket, toys, and carrier. After they were gone, the men ordered another round of coffee.
"Harry, you look like something's wrong. Tell us about it." Chakotay said.
I played around with his coffee, twirling the sugar in with a spoon, making intricate designs.
"Well… it just seems like all you guys have everything planned out. All of you are going to live the perfect life now that we are back in the Alpha Quadrant, and I'm still 'young Ensign Kim', the poor fellow who has no plans."
"I disagree. Starfleet promoted you to Lieutenant. You are no longer an Ensign, and seven birthdays have passed since you cam onboard Voyager. I'd hardly call you young. You have a great life here, Lieutenant." The Doctor said with his usual matter-of-fact manner.
"Doc, think about what you're saying! You have a great job here on earth. People look to you for advice about holographic rights. You're appreciated! I have nothing here. Everyone was offered some special position- everyone but me. I don't even have a post, let alone anything special. You all had important family/lovers to return to. My fiancé went off and got married to the guy next door. Now, tell me once more that I have a great life here." I responded. I realized then that I had gotten so mad that I had stood up. I returned to my seat, and tried to cool off.
"Lieutenant Kim, might I remind you that you have your parents to go home to? You have a great relationship with them. You have great skills as well. I am certain that you will be able to find a suitable job." Tuvok said, trying to sound comforting.
I had to think for a minute before responding to Tuvok. Yelling at the Doctor was one thing- I could always shut down his program, or steal his mobile emitter. Yelling at Tuvok would be something else- he could seriously harm someone as out of shape as I am.
"Tuvok, you're saying this as a guy who is from a race where family is top priority. You're saying this as a guy who is retiring with honor from Starfleet! I don't think you're in the position to tell me I have family and the skills to get a good job. You don't know what it's like having to live with my mother. She's awful! She is always nagging me about being clean. She feeds me all of the time, and invites my friends over to eat without asking me permission! Not to mention I'd be the only Starfleet Officer ever to still live with his mother at my age."
Tuvok nodded his head as though he understood. I knew he didn't, but I was thankful that he refused to carry the argument on longer.
"Harry, it sounds to me like you're just experiencing some welcome home jitters. Why don't you come with me and B'Elanna to Paris. Four weeks of just laying around, touring ancient opera houses, and playing pool in the REAL Sandrine's. Life couldn't be better!" Tom said.
"I agree with Tom. Go with him and B'Elanna. Take a little time to just relax, and enjoy being back on Earth- the place we desperately tried to get back to for seven years. You don't honestly think you can throw away something you worked so hard for?" Chakotay added.
I knew I was losing this fight. I had no back- up. The Doctor chimed in, saying he agreed with Tom and Chakotay. Even Tuvok said he thought Paris would be a good place to meditate.
"I can see that I'm losing here. Alright, I'll go to Paris with you, but I'm not babysitting your kid while you and B'Elanna tour the Opera."