Prompt: Russell Howard - "The award for slowest chair theft of the week goes too…" - 'Good News'

Gerron poked the 'pasta' dish with his fork. He could have sworn he saw something move in it or maybe it was just an after effect of the toxins from the plasma. Maybe he shouldn't be out of sickbay after all. He sure didn't feel like he should even if the doctor had told him he could return to duty. He didn't feel right, though he couldn't explain it. So, he had returned to duty like he was told. Tuvok cancelling their training session had been like a dream come true.

"Are you going to eat that or play with it?" Dalby asked.

"Play with it," Gerron replied unemotionally without looking up.

Across the table from him, Dalby sighed. The noise caused Gerron to glance up to try to gauge the emotion behind the reaction. He never got a chance to try as he spotted Chakotay stepping into the mess hall. The commander glanced around the room until his gazed stopped on them.

"Tuvok did cancel the training today right? I didn't just imagine that?" Gerron asked. The way he felt, he wasn't taken anything for granted.

"Yes. Why?" Dalby asked.

"Chakotay's headed this way," Gerron said. He got the words out moments before Chakotay stopped beside Chell.

Tapping the Bolian on the shoulder, Chakotay indicated that he wanted the man's chair. With a sigh, Chell turned the chair over.

"And the award for the slowest chair theft of the week goes too Chakotay," Henley quipped trying to diffuse the tension.

"What I want to know is, why is it always my chair?"

"You're the closest to the door," Chakotay told the Bolian as he sat down.

"We're not blowing off another session, Commander. Tuvok gave us the day off."

"I know," Chakotay said. "I just stopped by to let you guys know I'm proud of you. Not only are you cooperating with the training but you handled yourself like true Starfleet officers yesterday."

"Well most of us did," Gerron muttered.

Chakotay looked at the young Bajoran. "All of you did. According to Tuvok's report you remained calm and followed his orders without question. No one on this ship can ask more of you than that, Gerron."

"They had to pull me out of that Cargo Bay."

"Because you were injured in the line of duty. Would you have done the same for one of them?"

Gerron looked around at each one of his fellow crew members. "Yes, sir."

"Then you have nothing to be ashamed about," Chakotay told him, hoping the young Bajoran would believe it. "How are you feeling today?" he asked, noticing the young man's pale complexion.

"The doctor says I'm fit to return to duty."

"That's not what I asked."

"I've been better."

"Maybe turn in early tonight then, and if you still don't feel right in the morning return to sickbay. If the doctor tries blowing you off, let me know."

"Yes, sir," Gerron replied. It felt good to be surrounded by people who cared.