(no subject)

[kathrynjaneway]

Just as qcontinuum said, by adjusting our scans for gravimetric signatures, we were able to find a closer class M planet. The inhabitants were more than a little surprised that we were able to penetrate their cloak, but were pleasant enough and agreed to supply us with food materials for a nominal price. And taking heed of Q's warnings of this culture's feelings toward the Borg, I decided to send seven_of_nine along with the Doctor, paristorres B'Elanna and Tom on a short survey mission of a nearby proto-nebula. The scientific data to be gleaned from this survey are benefit enough; it also makes a nice change for all of the officers concerned. Tom in particular was very excited. Seven (aside from the issue of her safety and our ability to trade with this culture) has been putting in very long hours in Engineering lately. And from what chakotay said regarding his concerns about B'Elanna, it's probably good for her to spend some time off the ship, and alone with Tom (or as alone as they can be with Seven along. I think she understands the issue of privacy, however, so it shouldn't be a problem). The loss of their AQ comrades has hit all of 'our' Maquis pretty hard.

So, yes, chakotay and I finally talked. Ship's business primarily, but that's important in and of itself. (I was really beginning to think he was trying to avoid me the last several days). At least our professional relationship is back on a solid footing. As far as anything else is concerned, I'm going to take cnslrdeannatroi's advice and make myself available, but not try to force anything beyond which he is comfortable with. I truly want and need him as a friend, but I'll settle for just a first officer if that's all I can get.