Chakotay watched as Voyager slid into orbit above the planet, Neve. They had contacted the recognized government officials and received instructions from the lead Federation starship on relief and rebuilding efforts. As the ship settled in for its routine duties, he gave Tom the bridge and retreated to his ready room.

He strode to his desk and checked his console. Kathryn still hadn't responded to his communiqué. He knew she was upset but he didn't think he had hurt her this badly that the message didn't merit some type of response. Maybe she was right to pull back and allow them both to re-evaluate one other and their relationship. She had demanded space and it looks like he wasn't going to get anything but that at this point.

Belanna walked in and noticed his solemn face. She handed him the engineering status reports and said, "Tom told me the bachelor party was on hold. Can I ask what happened between you two?"

"I'm an overprotective male jerk."

Belanna folded her arms. "Good. Then you're ready to be married. You fit the description of husband perfectly."

Chakotay laughed. "Thanks, Belanna, I needed that."

"No problem." She sat down and said, "So what did you actually do?"

"I told Kathryn I didn't like her continuing relationship with Seven. I don't trust Seven and I want Kathryn to stay away from her."

"Wow. I'll bet that went over well."

"It didn't. She thinks I'm controlling her and she's not sure if she can marry me now."

"I'm sure it's a bump in the road. She'll get over it. You're only concerned for her."

"That's how I intended it." Chakotay nodded at the computer. "But she never responded to my message this morning."

Belanna frowned. "Was it an apology?" Chakotay nodded again. "That's not like her to at least acknowledge your effort. Are you sure she got it?"

Chakotay turned the computer in her direction. "Unless you tell me there is something wrong with our communication systems, it looks like it made it through subspace."

Belanna leaned forward to look at it. "It did. The question is did it make it through on her end?" She selected a few commands and began searching. "Yes, here it is. She read it this morning at 0830."

Chakotay sighed. "Then I guess she wasn't ready to answer me." He looked at her and said, "How did you know she read it?"

"Well I don't know if it was actually her but someone accessed the file at that time in her office."

"Did you just hack into an Admiral's file from my console?"

Belanna finished her typing and sat back. "Relax. No one will know you were there."

"Dismissed," he ordered. As she rose, he added, "And if you ever do that again, I will personally escort you to the brig myself. Is that understood?"

Belanna nodded. "Yes, sir." She walked to the door but stopped as the doors opened. "Just let me know if you need me to do it again." She ran out the door before Chakotay could say another word.