Tom watched as the shuttlecraft slowly moved across the deck of Voyager’s main shuttle bay.  Even this far from the front lines, Starfleet transport vessels were maintaining communications silence.  Voyager had received very little warning of the shuttlecraft’s rendezvous, so Tom had been hastily designated the initial contact person.  Captain Janeway had tried to get more information from the shuttle’s pilot but he had merely recited a reference to his orders and cut the communication link.  The Captain always sent a member of the senior staff to meet a shuttle because there were frequently communications either too sensitive to transmit or not important enough to break communications silence to send.  Most notably the few shuttles they had met so far had brought accumulated personal mail.  Tom had to admit the pilot knew his job.  The shuttle swung slowly in a half circle barely an inch above the deck so it was facing the exit before settling lightly to the deck and powering down engines.  The space doors were already closing.

Tom approached the shuttle’s main door.  He expected the pilot to appear with a list of supplies for Voyager, a packet of personal mail and possibly a sealed packet for the Captain.  Instead of supplies, he found himself watching as eleven people in Starfleet uniforms walked down the ramp.  Most wore the rank insignia of ensigns but one woman was a full lieutenant.  Three of the people were in the blue of the sciences; the rest were in the gold for ops and engineering.  The lieutenant was an engineer.  Tom looked again more closely at the group.  He knew these people.  They had all been part of the Élan’s crew.  Tom whistled softly under his breath.  He wondered what the captain would have to say about these transfers. The lieutenant, Torres if Tom remembered correctly, turned to Tom and handed him a packet of what appeared to be transfer papers.

“Permission to come aboard, sir?”  She looked Tom in the eye as if daring him to say permission was denied.  Tom would have been reluctant to deny permission even if he had wanted to do so.

“Permission granted, Lieutenant.  Welcome aboard, again.  You’ll forgive us, but Starfleet did not advise us we were receiving any additional officers so your arrival is unexpected.  If you’ll give us an hour, we’ll get quarters assigned for all of you.  I know the captain will want to meet with you.  Why don’t you all put your personal effects along the wall?  We can retrieve them later when we have your quarters ready.”  The new arrivals carried their belongings to the wall Tom had indicated.  Tom took advantage of their activity to contact the captain.

“Paris to Janeway.”

‘Yes, Tom, go ahead.”

“Captain, we just received eleven transferees for Voyager.  I think you’re going to want to meet with them as soon as possible.  Shall I take them to the Deck 2 mess hall and wait for you?”

“Good idea, Tom.  Send me the paperwork in my ready room and I’ll look through it before I join you.  I’ll contact Cavitt about quarters for them.  Any senior officers among the lot?”

“Just one, Captain.  The ranking officer of the group is a lieutenant.  We’ll leave their personal effects here in the shuttle bay.  They can pick them up later.”

“Good idea, Tom.  Get me those papers.  Janeway out.”

Tom started to walk toward the group, but was stopped by the shuttle pilot.  “Sir.  My orders are to stay on board for 12 hours, then depart for my next destination.  Could you direct me to the mess hall and a quiet area where I could get some sleep?  That shuttle is well equipped, but the bed and replicator are not exactly top of the line, if you know what I mean, sir.”  Tom nodded as he glanced around the shuttle bay and saw an ensign working in one corner.

“Ensign!  Could you please come here?”

“Yes, sir.  What can I do for you, sir?”

“Could you show the Lieutenant here where the main mess hall is and arrange for him to have a meal?  Then see if you can’t find him an empty bunk in a quiet spot so he can get some sleep.  Who should I advise that I’ve pulled you from your assignment?”

“Of course, sir.  Commander Cavitt had me running some diagnostics on the shields in the shuttle bays.  Would it be OK if I kept the Lieutenant company while he eats?”  Tom chuckled.  Any excuse for the crew to ditch a project for Cavitt was a good one.

“Sure thing, Mac.  I’ll contact the Commander.”

“Thanks, Tom.  If you come with me, Lieutenant, I’ll take you to the mess hall.  We may not be as good as headquarters, but our mess hall staff take pretty good care of us.”  The two left the shuttle bay chatting about the food available on various ships and bases.

“Paris to Cavitt.”

“Yes, Paris.  What do you want?”

“I’ve had to pull Ensign McCloud off those diagnostics to assist with the shuttle that just came aboard.  I’m not sure how long she’ll be away from your project, sir.”  He knew Cavitt couldn’t protest anything that dealt with the shuttle without more facts, which he didn’t have.  By the time he had the facts, McCloud would be back on the diagnostics.

“All right, Paris.  Cavitt out.”

Tom joined the group along the wall.

“Sorry about the delay.  I had to make arrangements for the shuttle pilot and contact Commander Cavitt.  I’m sure you all remember him.  When was the last time you had a meal?”  Tom directed his comments and questions to Torres as the senior officer of the group.

“We ate about eight hours ago before we boarded the shuttle.  A few of us had something from the shuttle’s replicator, but it wasn’t programmed for much more than survival rations and water.”

“Well, the captain wants me to take you to the mess hall and get you all a meal.  She will join you there.  If you’ll all come with me.”  Tom led the way out of the shuttle bay.  He flagged down another ensign in the corridor and had him deliver the packet of transfers and the sealed packet to the Captain.

An hour later Voyager’s newest arrivals sat in the mess hall talking among themselves.  Tom had elected to stay with the group to get to know them better after he had sent the papers to the captain.  He realized that this group would need to get acquainted with Voyager’s crew in an entirely different way than the last time they were aboard.  Tuvok would learn their names, ranks and skills, but would not get to know the personalities for quite some time.  Tom knew that Cavitt wouldn’t even bother to learn their names until he needed them to do something for him.  He was expecting a promotion and his own ship with every arriving shuttle.  That left Tom of all the senior staff who might get to know these new arrivals and help the Captain decide where they best fit in with the existing crew.  Tom had slowly worked his way around the table talking to each person, finding out their likes and dislikes, getting an idea of their experience, and a feel for their general personalities.  The only one left was Torres and she seemed to want to keep to herself.

Tom looked her over and saw a woman who appeared angry at the universe.  He wondered if the appearance was a disguise or a reflection of truth.  There was just something about her that caught Tom’s interest.

“Well, Lieutenant.  I don’t think I caught your first name.”  Tom tried phrasing his question as a statement hoping she would respond.  She did, but not as Tom planned.

“I don’t think I threw it, sir.”  For a moment, Tom was angry.  Then he decided he liked a challenge.  It could be fun getting to know this woman.

“You know, I think you’re right, Lieutenant.  The Captain runs a fairly informal ship most of the time and I just thought it would be better if I knew your name rather than call “hey, you” whenever I needed to get your attention or assistance.”

“Very funny, Paris.  It’s B’Elanna, but don’t expect me to call you for anything.”  Whoa!  The lady could dish it out.  Tom was right; this was going to be fun.  Kathryn Janeway entered the mess hall cutting off any further conversation between Tom and B’Elanna.

Kathryn entered the mess hall with mixed thoughts.  Yes, she needed more engineers and support people for Voyager.  She wasn’t sure she needed former Maquis who may not really want to be here.  The only encouraging factor was a note attached to the official transfer papers indicating that the Maquis had requested Voyager as their assignment.  Evidently they preferred a captain they knew to a complete unknown.

Kathryn greeted the group and welcomed them aboard before giving them a rough idea of what she expected of them in the weeks to come.  She encouraged them to ask for advice or assistance as often as necessary.  If anyone was reluctant to help them, they should contact Lieutenant Paris.  Tom looked up in surprise at that instruction but did not speak.  Kathryn saw his look of surprise and knew he would not be overjoyed at the reason.  She continued her regular orientation presentation.  Kathryn told the group that she had briefly reviewed their qualifications and experience and had made temporary assignments for everyone.  At some point in the next week or so, each person would meet with a member of the senior staff and more personal evaluations would be completed.  Within a month after the meetings were completed, permanent assignments would be made.  The only exception to this was Lieutenant Torres.  Her training and experience clearly indicated that her assignment to engineering should be permanent.  She handed each individual a padd with their initial assignment before suggesting they all get some rest.  They were all expected to report to their department heads the next day during Alpha shift.  Finally she indicated that their assigned living quarters were included on the padds, but they should all be aware that a few of them might be relocated in a day or two.

“Well, I think that covers just about everything.  Welcome aboard, ladies and gentlemen.  Dismissed.”  The group left the mess hall.  Tom started to follow them.

“Tom, I need to speak to you.”  Tom halted.  Cavitt must have complained about Mac helping the shuttle pilot.

“Yes, Captain.”  He was a bit stiffer than usual with the captain.

“Relax, Tom.  You’re not in trouble about McCloud.  You may have been over generous when you allowed her to stay with the pilot while he ate, but the pilot probably welcomed the company.  Sit down.  I’m not about to break my neck looking up at you.”  Cavitt had complained about Mac but evidently the Captain didn’t care.  Tom wondered what she wanted

“You may have noticed that you’re the officer the new arrivals are to contact if they have any problems.”  Tom nodded.  “The reason you are the contact is that among the papers that arrived with this group was a set of papers transferring Commander Cavitt back to headquarters.  Although no reason was given, it is fair to anticipate his promotion to Captain and being given his own command.  That is certainly his opinion.  At any rate, it was all I could do to get him to find enough beds for this new group.  I’d like you to review the housing situation and make sure no one has quarters worse than others on the crew, unless warranted because of rank or position within a department.”

“Why me, Captain.  Isn’t Tuvok taking over the duties of First Officer?”

“No.  That was why I was late.  Tuvok and I were discussing the situation.  I need him at tactical and as Chief of Security.  You are the next most senior officer, plus Fleet administration has put you in the command track rather than engineering.  The problem is I need you at the helm.  Your people are good, but they aren’t that good.  I’ve already sacrificed engineering and medical; I will not sacrifice other departments if I can avoid it.  Officially Voyager will be without a first officer.  Hopefully Starfleet will fill the position soon.  In practice, you and Tuvok will split the responsibilities and duties of first officer.  For purposes of security codes, Tuvok will be the second in command.  You will take over the paperwork that normally is completed by the first officer.  This includes housing, crew evaluations, most routine disciplinary matters, crew relations, and reports.  You will continue as a department head, but I strongly suggest you not assign yourself any watches at helm.  Because you are handling the paperwork and Tuvok already has his own office, you will be given the use of the first officer’s office and your normal bridge assignment will be the first officer’s chair because Tuvok is at tactical.  We’ll probably all think of adjustments to the actual working arrangements as we progress.  Any questions?”

“Captain, I don’t think I could ask an intelligent question right now if I tried.  Would it be OK if I meet you after dinner in the main mess hall with my questions?”

“Make that for dinner not after, Tom.  I’ll ask Tuvok to join us.  We may as well let the crew get used to seeing the three of working together sooner rather than later.  Try to get a notice to all the crew about our new arrivals and Cavitt’s departure.  We won’t have time to arrange a going away reception for him.  Drop a strong hint that people say good bye to him if they see him at dinner.”  They had risen from their chairs and headed to the door.  Kathryn turned toward her quarters while Tom headed for the turbolift.

“Yes, Captain. I’ll see you at 18:30 hours.”

“Good enough, Tom.”

Two weeks later Tom was finally settling into the extra duties he had acquired and his new office.  The former members of the Maquis were slowly adapting to Starfleet procedures.  Fortunately most of Voyager’s crew was so young and inexperienced that most of the deviations had caused only minor problems that had been easily sorted out.  The exception was engineering.  Lieutenant Torres was not among the first to adapt to Starfleet’s procedures and protocols.  She was used to doing what needed to be done, no questions or explanations, much less permission.  She and Joe Carey were both struggling with the situation.  Tom had reassigned most of the former Maquis to different quarters after a few days in an effort to integrate them with the rest of the crew.  Cavitt had put them all in one hallway with very few other people.  Tom didn’t think they would meet others as easily as they would if they were isolated socially.  It seemed to be working.  More and more often the new crewmembers were seen entering or leaving the mess halls talking to 'older' crewmembers.

The door chime sounded.  Tom was startled.  Only once had someone come to find him here.  He gave them permission to enter.  Joe Carey came in, gently touching his nose.

“What happened this time, Joe?”

“She broke my nose, Tom.  I don’t even think she knew what she was doing until she had done it.  It was partly my fault.”  The both knew he was referring to B’Elanna Torres.

“You came in here to tell me she broke your nose, but it was partly your fault?  That’s it?  Explain to me exactly what happened and then tell me why you’re really here.”  Tom was slightly exasperated with Joe.  He was also dreading having to sort out this particular incident.

“We were having some minor problems with a couple of the relays for the replicators.  I had assigned a couple of ensigns to run some diagnostics to try to locate the problem.  Lieutenant Torres scanned a few instruments, picked up a toolbox and headed for one of the access panels where she started making adjustments.  I walked over to her but she apparently didn’t hear me coming.  I touched her arm to get her attention so I could ask her what she was doing and she took a swing, connected and I ended up in sickbay with a bloody broken nose.”

“That’s the first part of my question, Joe.  I take it you don’t want to file charges?  So what do you want me to do?”

“You’re right.  I don’t want to file charges or pursue disciplinary action.  I honestly don’t think she meant to hit me; she just reacted.  But I can’t take this any more.  The woman is violent and has a nasty temper.  She’s also a better engineer than I am.  She’s one of the best I’ve ever seen.  She has only been on board two weeks and she already knows Voyager’s systems and engines better than I do.  She has got to be as frustrated working under my direction as I am trying to keep up with her.  You’ve got to get the Captain to make her Chief Engineer.  Torres is that good and I think a lot of her frustration will go away if she can do what she knows needs to be done.”

“You don’t want much from me, do you, Joe?”  Tom mentally reviewed Torres’s file and record, and all the incidents involving her in the last two weeks.  He could find nothing that would contradict Joe’s assessment of the situation.  He wasn’t too sure the Captain would like the solution.

“Paris to Janeway.”

“Janeway here.  What do you need, Tom?”

“Could I meet with you in your ready room for a few minutes when you have time?”

“Sure, Tom.  Come on over now.”

“On my way, Captain.  Paris out.”

“OK, Joe, Let’s go.  You’re going to tell your story to the Captain and your solution for the problem.  I’ll support your recommendation, but I’m not going to argue with the Captain about it.  Come on, she’s waiting for us.”

Kathryn had been puzzled by Tom’s request.  He frequently had questions, but generally saved them until ship’s routine brought them together.  He had never asked to speak to her in her ready room.  She was surprised when Joe Carey entered the ready room with Tom, but had a feeling she knew what, or rather who, the problem was.  Tom gave a brief introduction to Joe’s story and then made Joe repeat the events of the morning for the Captain.  At Tom’s urging, Joe also made his recommendation to the Captain.  Tom added his personal comments about the proposed solution, its advantages as well as numerous risks and disadvantages.  Kathryn asked several pointed questions about B’Elanna’s behavior and her willingness to write reports for the projects she had completed.  Joe gave honest answers that basically said B’Elanna did not like many of the procedures and reports, but completed the reports and tried to follow procedure.  Joe added that B’Elanna tried to question his decisions without challenging his authority but that she didn’t always succeed.  She had been improving.

“Gentlemen, go to the briefing room.  I’ll join you in a few minutes.  Get a cup of coffee or something while you’re waiting.  Dismissed.”  The men left.

Kathryn called Tuvok into her ready room and quickly summarized the situation.  After getting his opinion of the various issues that had been raised by Joe’s broken nose, they joined Tom and Joe in the briefing room.  As they entered, Tom and Joe both looked concerned at Tuvok’s presence.

“Coffee, Captain?  Commander?”  Tom offered since he was closest to the replicator.

“Yes, thank you, Tom.  Have a seat, gentlemen.”

“No, thank you, Lieutenant.”

“I’ll get straight to the point, gentlemen.  Before I make any final decisions in this matter, I want to get Lieutenant Torres’s side of the story.  She should be joining us momentarily.”  Prophetic words as the door opened to admit B’Elanna.  Her stride faltered briefly when she saw the ship’s three most senior officers and her department chief waiting for her.  This could not be good news.  She straightened her shoulders, took a breath and continued into the room.

“You asked to see me, Captain.”  She addressed the Captain and pretended the others were not in the room.  She refused to make eye contact with Paris and would not even look in Joe’s direction.

Kathryn had noticed B’Elanna pause and straighten her shoulders as she entered the room.  That pleased Kathryn.  She was concerned about the repercussions of her behavior.  If B’Elanna hadn’t been worried, Kathryn wouldn’t have listened to her side of the story.

“Yes, Lieutenant.  I imagine Mr. Carey’s presence here has told you why I wanted to speak with you.  I’ve heard his side of events leading to his visit to sickbay.  Now, I’d like to hear yours.”

“Thank you, Captain.  There are many who wouldn’t have asked.  I appreciate it.  We were having problems with the replicators.  Lieutenant Carey had assigned some people to run diagnostics, but I could tell from the readouts what the problem was and went to fix it.  It was just a bad connection between the main computer and the processors for the replicators.  I didn’t hear the Lieutenant walk over to where I was working.  When he touched my arm, I just reacted to defend myself and hit him.  I didn’t even know I had done it until it was over.  Lieutenant, I am sincerely sorry for hitting you.”  B’Elanna turned to Joe at the end of her statement.  Her pride was still there, but her sincerity was also apparent.

“That’s all very well, Lieutenant, but you did hit your department chief.  I’m not sure I can accept an apology as sufficient consequences.  I’ve also been told that you don’t particularly like all of Starfleet’s procedures and reporting requirements, but that you have been trying to follow the procedures and completing the reports.

“Joe went to Tom about this morning’s incident and Tom brought it to my attention along with Mr. Carey’s recommendation.  Because of the nature of Tom’s report, I consulted with Tuvok.  I needed to be sure the four of us understood each other before we discussed this with you.”  Tom was confused.  The captain’s words made it sound like B’Elanna was in a lot of trouble unless you knew what Joe had suggested.

“Lieutenant, I trust I will never have to speak to you about completing a report or following Starfleet procedures.  I want your discontent with those reports kept to yourself in the future as well.”

“No, ma’am.  Yes, ma’am.”

“As for the consequences of your actions this morning.  An apology is not going to be enough.  You have physically assaulted a fellow officer.  He on the other hand has insisted on taking at least part of the blame.  I suggest you take his example to heart.  He has also made a very unusual recommendation, and it's one that I am going to implement.”  Kathryn paused; Tuvok remained impassive; Tom and Joe started to smile ever so slightly.  B’Elanna look extremely nervous.  She had no idea what Joe Carey might have suggested that got the three senior officers involved.

“Effective immediately, Lieutenant Carey is relieved of his responsibilities as Acting Chief Engineer and you, Lieutenant Torres, are appointed Chief Engineer of Voyager.  Don’t misunderstand me, Lieutenant.  I expect your complete cooperation and adherence to Starfleet procedures and practices.  I recommend you use Mr. Carey as a resource for Starfleet’s requirements, department members’ abilities and personalities.  He is the one who insists that you have what it takes to be a Chief Engineer on a star ship.  Don’t let him down.  I’m not doing you any favors here; there will be a lot of problems in engineering because of this change and you will be blamed.  Talk to Tom if things start getting to you.  He knows this crew better than anyone else.  He can help you.  Any questions, Lieutenant?”

“No, Captain.  Lieutenant?”  B’Elanna turned to Joe.  “Could you meet with me in engineering to outline exactly what my new duties and responsibilities are?”

“Of course, Lieutenant.”  The other four smiled at B’Elanna’s question.  That was the best thing she could have done.

“If that’s all, everyone, dismissed.”  The Captain sent them on their way hoping she hadn’t just made a mistake.  Joe and B’Elanna left engrossed in a discussion of engineering reports and procedures.  Tom followed looking abandoned but relieved that the problem had been solved.

Tuvok turned at the door after the others had left.  “Do not doubt your decision, Captain.  Lieutenant Torres is as sensitive as Voyager’s warp core, but just as reliable when properly handled.  I believe she can handle the core and that Mr. Paris will learn to handle the engineer.”  Kathryn was very surprised by Tuvok’s words.  She thought she had been the only one to see the personal interest in Tom’s eyes lately.  Tuvok seldom spoke about matters like that even when he did notice them.

Tom was curious.  B’Elanna had requested a meeting but had not mentioned why.  She had requested other meetings over the two months she had been Voyager’s chief engineer but she had always given some indication of the reason she wanted to see him.  The door to his office sounded and Tom signaled for B’Elanna to enter.

“Lieutenant.  Please come in.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.  I appreciate your taking the time to see me.”

“All part of the job, B’Elanna.  You seem a little tense.”

“I guess I am a little nervous.  This doesn’t really have anything to with engineering or ship’s business, Tom.  It’s more of a personal problem.  I know I probably shouldn’t bother you with this, but I need some advice.”

“From me?  What about?”  Tom was curious.  B’Elanna was usually very sure of herself and her ability to get through things on her own.

“Well, you seem to be pretty much a people person and I thought you could tell me how to get a man’s attention.”

“Well, you certainly got Joe Carey’s attention a few months ago.  I take it that is not the kind of attention you want?”  B’Elanna smiled at the reference to Joe’s broken nose and how it led to her being designated chief engineer of Voyager.  Tom chuckled.  They had developed a solid working relationship despite her tendency to become angry with Tom about some of his ideas and attitudes.  Their constant banter both on and off duty had become a familiar sound in Voyager’s corridors and common areas.  Their growing friendship had made the integration of the other former Maquis smoother.  The Captain tolerated their comments except when it came to ship’s business, but wondered when the two of them would realize what their banter was covering up.  Kathryn thought that both would be surprised when they finally figured it out.

“No, not that kind of attention.  There’s someone on the ship I’d like to get to know better but I’m not sure how to do it.  I’m not sure he’s interested in a more personal relationship.”

Tom felt as though he’d been punched in the stomach, but he didn’t realize at first why he felt that way.  Then in a flash he realized that he was jealous of this person B’Elanna was talking about.  His flash of insight distracted him for a moment and he didn’t speak until he realized that B’Elanna was waiting for his response.

“Well, I guess sending flowers and candy isn’t your style.  Have you considered dinner on the holodeck or in your quarters?  The holodeck could be very romantic, but your quarters would be very personal.  If you decide on the holodeck, I could help you with the program if you like.”

“Why not in the mess hall?

“B’Elanna, the mess hall is where everyone eats together.  Later as a relationship progresses, it’s a good place to meet.  If you want to find out whether this guy is interested in a possible romantic relationship with you, he has to know you’re interested.  On the other hand, you could just keep sitting with him in the mess hall and waiting for him to get up the nerve to ask the ship’s chief engineer out on a date.  That could be a long wait even if we are isolated out here.”  Tom was trying to figure out whom B’Elanna was talking about.  She frequently shared a table with Tom and Harry Kim and people from ops and engineering.  Once in a while she was with Joe Carey, but Tom knew Joe was interested in Sam Wildman.

“What would I feed him?  How would I select music?”

“Pick something that he likes in the mess hall or ask the computer which meals he replicates the most often for himself.  Pick something you like, or you could just ask him when you ask him over.  Say something like “Would you like to come to my place for pizza this evening?” and see what he says.”

“What if he says no?”

“Any man in his right mind will tell you “yes” even if you offer him gagh.  If he says no, you probably are better off not dating him.”

“You really think it’s that easy?”  B’Elanna seemed uncertain about the wisdom of the advice.

“Yes, I do.”

“I just ask him to dinner one evening and wait for him to say yes?”

“That’s it.

“OK, I’ll try it.  Paris, if you’ve steered me wrong, I may have to hurt you.”  B’Elanna teased Tom knowing that it would take the tension out of the conversation.  She rose and headed for the door but paused about half way there.

“One more thing, Paris.”

“Yes?”

“Pizza, my place, 19:00.”  Tom was stunned.  He never suspected she was interested in him.  Then he moved quickly toward her.  Holding her arms at her side, he kissed her.  Short and sweet, but she got his message.

“I’ll be there, B’Elanna.”

She smiled.  “Good.  I wouldn’t want to have to hurt you.”

Tom whistled his way through the rest of his shift wondering what B’Elanna had in mind for dessert.