Unworthy - Kirsten Beyer [131]
“I never sing,” B’Elanna explained, which brought an amused chuckle from Conlon.
“With good reason,” Paris added.
“Hey!” B’Elanna said, feigning offense and smacking Tom lightly on the back of his head.
“Are you still excited about having her as your fleet chief?” Tom quizzed Conlon.
“Do you think I’m dumb enough to say otherwise right now?” Conlon shot right back.
Chakotay was pleased to see their easy banter. It suggested that only after a few tumultuous weeks, the staff had begun to bond. From the corner of his eye, however, he noted Harry, standing well apart from the group and casting only quick glances in his direction.
“Excuse me, won’t you?” he asked and casually wove his way through the throng toward Harry.
Chakotay found him engaged in conversation with Ensign Gwyn. The last words he heard were, “… telling you, you really have to try it. I’d be happy to set up the holodeck program for …”
“Sounds like fun,” Harry tossed back without serious commitment as he turned to greet Chakotay. “Captain,” he said, sounding more than a little strained.
“Ensign, would you give us a moment?” Chakotay inquired of Gwyn in a tone that clearly left no room for refusal.
“Of course, Captain,” Gwyn said dutifully, and thankfully without her normal flirtatious undertones.
Once she was out of earshot, Chakotay said, “Are you all right, Harry?”
Kim immediately straightened his shoulders and replied, “Of course, sir. It’s good to … uh … I mean I’m glad …”
“Harry, at ease,” Chakotay ordered.
Harry deflated a little, though his face remained a mask of concern.
Chakotay was struck by a sense of unusual sadness. He suddenly wondered if everyone was truly as happy as he was that he was once again in command of Voyager.
“I know that the last several months we served together weren’t my best days,” Chakotay said sincerely. “And I’m probably a little late in offering my apologies directly to you. I know you suffered terribly after the battle at the Azure Nebula, and I was as relieved as anyone to hear that you pulled through. I don’t know what else I can say, but if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”
“Thank you, sir,” Harry said a little more warmly.
A heavy pause hung between them. Finally Chakotay placed a hand on Kim’s shoulder and added, “You’ve never failed in your duty to me or this ship and I want you to know how much I appreciate that and will continue to count on it in the days to come.”
“Then Tom didn’t tell you?” Harry asked out of the blue.
“Tell me what?”
“I’m putting in for a transfer to the Esquiline.”
Chakotay’s heart sank.
“May I ask why?”
“I’m surprised you have to,” Harry replied.
“Harry, it’s me,” Chakotay said, searching the young man’s dark eyes. “Whatever is bothering you, I’m sure we can work it out.”
“After I told Captain Eden that I agreed you were most likely the one sabotaging the ship, I’m surprised you think there’s anything to discuss,” Kim said.
This revelation hit Chakotay like a blast of cold water to the face. “You had good reason to think so,” he finally replied. “Trust isn’t something I take for granted. I know it has to be earned, and I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to regain yours.”
“I appreciate that, sir,” Kim said, obviously taken aback, “but I still think it would be best for everyone involved if I went ahead and transferred now.”
Chakotay truly couldn’t imagine what would have led Harry to this place. For ten years, his had been such a positive and reassuring presence on the bridge. Chakotay doubted he understood the depth of the loss Harry was asking him to contemplate.
“What does Tom say?” Chakotay asked.
“I haven’t discussed it with Commander Paris,” Harry replied icily.
A light went on in Chakotay’s head. B’Elanna had mentioned the tension between Tom and Harry since her return, but it seemed beyond comprehension that these two old friends hadn’t come to terms by now.
“Very well,” Chakotay replied. “I will take it under advisement, but I’m not promising you anything right now.”
“Sir?” Kim asked. It was true that Chakotay had the right