A/N: It isn't so much a writer's block as it is a temper fit. I started this chapter quite some time ago and then set it aside while I pouted over the lack of feedback on Chapter 6. I hate to admit it, but reviews matter. The more feedback I get, the more I'm compelled to sit my butt down and write. Anyway, I picked it back up, got it to a starting place, and uploaded what is really more of a mini-chapter. It's a decent place to break for the next section which I hope to be inspired to get written quickly. Yes, that was a hint. :)

Thank you for reading and I hope you're enjoying the story!

Time Enough Chapter 7

"I approved your request."

Janice looked up at Chakotay. "Sir?" She set down the PADD she had been reading and stood at attention.

"Sit, please," he said with a patting motion. "May I join you?" He smiled and sat in the opposite chair. "What are you reading?"

Janice blinked. That bought her a little time so she did it again. "Principles of Gravometric Corrections in Astrometric Charting," she said then sat down herself. It occurred to her that she ought to say more. "It's a text used at Starfleet Academy for advanced astrometrics."

"Is Seven making you study?" He seemed to find the notion amusing.

"No, Sir. It just seems like a good idea. I like my current assignment."

Chakotay laughed. "Excellent. I see why Seven objected when I tried to rotate you. Keep up the good work. I have to admit, I'm a little surprised to see an art archeologist impressing Seven in astrometrics of all places."

Janice tried to suppress a frown. "My post-doc work involved using filters to simulate for humans how other races see or might have seen so we can better understand them through their art. In a way, it's all just measuring light."

Chakotay considered and nodded. "I see your point. I hope you understand that we didn't have the luxury of matching skill sets when we first entered the Delta Quadrant. We looked at specialties and put non-essentials wherever we needed a body."

"I understand, Sir." She did, but not the way Chakotay hoped. "Sir? What request?"

"For double-occupancy quarters," he replied. "Ensign Sato submitted it. You didn't know?" His eyes widened, realizing he may have spoiled a surprise. A good surprise, he hoped.

"Oh, yes, I forgot," Janice lied. She smiled. "Thank you, Sir."

"I actually came in here for some coffee. Can I get you a cup?"

"Tea, please," Janice said. Chakotay seemingly happy about her living with Mio and bring her tea. Could things get any more surreal?

"So how is it working with Seven?" Chakotay asked as he returned and sat back down.

"Fine, Sir," Janice said, suddenly wary. "I enjoy working in Astrometrics and Seven of Nine has been very helpful. I appreciate her patience while learning the post." Not a negative word was coming out of her mouth, no way.

"It's hard to imagine Seven being patient," he said with a whimsical smile. "So," he drawled, "do the two of you ever, well, talk? About things?"

"Sir?"

Chakotay leaned forward. "Jan," he said in a low voice, "may I call you Jan? I need your help. You see, I like Seven, and I think she likes me. It's just that she's not like other women. Since you spend a lot of time with her, I thought you might have some ideas on how to approach her."

Janice blinked a couple of times and then found her most fervent prayers answered when the battle stations klaxon sounded.

"We'll talk later, Jan. Thank you!" Chakotay said with a sincere smile before he rushed off. Janice thanked the gods, or at least the Kretani and then hurried over to Astrometrics.

Mio smiled as Jan entered her quarters. "I came here when the alarm went off. I hope you don't mind. I— Jan, what's wrong?" Jan was just standing there with the oddest expression.

Janice opened her mouth and closed it a couple of times before she managed to find her voice. "Chakotay just asked me to put a note in Seven's locker."

Mio blinked a few times. As a delaying tactic, it was fairly effective. It did nothing to stimulate brain cells. "Huh?"

"He said he likes Seven and wanted advice on how to ask her on a date. The alarm went off and I ran away. Now I have to figure out if I should warn Seven or just stay out of sight. I guess I could take Jeffries tubes most everywhere and eat here." Jan sighed. "Between Chakotay and Seven's insistence on involving me in their love lives, I'm almost ready to ask for a transfer to third shift in Sanitation."

"It could be worse."

"How?"

"Janeway could be asking you for romantic advice," Mio said with a laugh. "Maybe the Doctor should take you in as a partner. You can specialize in counseling the lovelorn."

Jan groaned. "Don't even joke about it. Oh, speaking of surprises, anything you want to tell me?"

Mio looked confused for a moment then embarrassed. "Chakotay, right. Is it okay? We don't have to if you aren't ready."

Jan closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around Mio. "Yes, it's more than okay."

"Good," Mio sighed into Jan's neck. "Since we'll be living together, how about you stay away from sanitation duty?"

It felt really good to laugh.