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Disclaimer time once again!   Eighty-sixth verse same as the 
first . . everybody *sing*:

I don't own these characters, (chorus) Paramount does!
I don't own this venue, (chorus) Paramount does!
I am making no money off of this, (chorus) Paramount does 
not either!

This story will eventually involve love and sex and affection 
between two men, aka: slash.  If that is *not* your cup of 
tea, sweet as it is, then don't read it! (simple, ain't it??) 
Feedback is *very* much appreciated, and always 
answered.  Flames will be passed around to friends and 
chuckled over.  :)

Thirty-third story in the Stage Direction series.  Sequel to 
'Ssst', 'Growl', 'Chuckle', 'Sob', 'Grin', 'Sigh', 'Smile', 'Yawn', 
'Whisper', 'Groan', 'Hover', 'Waffle', 'Comfort', 'Fidget', 
'Grimace', 'Sizzle', 'Glare', 'Shrug', 'Doze', 'Snort', 'Whack', 
'Stretch', 'Snicker', 'Pace', 'Hug', 'Clink', 'Wonder', 'Kiss', 
'Doubt', 'Surprise', 'Cuddle', and 'Ahem'.

'Confer' by Amirin <groh@iquest.net>


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<grin>  "I hear breakfast was somewhat . . . startling."

<nod>  "You could certainly say that, Chakotay.  I'm sorry 
you missed it."

<smile>  "So am I.  It would be a lot easier to believe, if I 
had seen it for myself."

<grin>  "I'm not so sure about that.  It happened right in front 
of me, and I'm *still* having a hard time believing it."  <sigh>  
"So, tell me.  What's the word around the ship?"

<deep breath>  "People are stunned."

<wryly>  "So was I.  Problems?"

<shrug>  "Popular opinion is that Tom's on the rebound from 
either B'Elanna, Harry, or *both*, and that he's going to end 
up hurting Neelix as soon as he comes to his senses."

<thoughtful pause>  <lean forward>  <slowly>  "Tom 
appears to be happier with Neelix than he *ever* was with 
either B'Elanna *or* Harry.  Less concerned about public 
appearances, more demonstrative, more affectionate . . ."

<nod>  "It would seem that way, yes.  But, according to a 
large number of the crew, it's an act."

<frown> "To what end?"

<quietly>  "To make Harry jealous, would be the most 
reasonable explanation.  To eventually get him back."

<think>  "Not B'Elanna?"

<slowly>  "I wouldn't think so, no.  Tom seemed almost 
coldly amused when they broke up.  And that was months 
ago, for them.  Harry, on the other hand, hurt him. Badly.  
And if certain people's opinions are accurate, Tom's *still* 
hurting.  And Harry hasn't been seen with Seven since 
Tom's accident."

"So, Harry and Seven are officially through?"

<shrug>  "Not as far as Seven is concerned.  I haven't 
spoken to Harry, yet."

<dryly>  "Very few people have spoken to Harry, recently."  
<sigh> <thoughtful frown> "Neelix looks happier than I've 
seen him since he was with Kes."

<nod>  "I agree.  But, it doesn't change the fact that Tom 
isn't known for . . . becoming involved with people who aren't 
. . . who look . . ."  <sigh>

<gently>  " . . . Whose appearances deviate from 
above-average standards for human attractiveness."

<grin>  "I couldn't have put it better, myself, Captain."

<sigh>  <shake head> <quietly>  "Not at the moment, 
Chakotay.  This is personal."

<nod>  <shrug>  "Kathryn, can we do anything about this?"

<pause>  "*Should* we do anything about this?"  <rise>  
<pace>  "I don't make a habit of interfering in the private 
lives of the people on this ship, Chakotay.  What's the worst 
that can happen, here?"

<rub face with hands> "Tom hurts Neelix and finds himself 
back where he started five years ago, with most of the 
people on this ship hating him."

<pace>  <think>  "Why is everyone so sure *Neelix* will be 
the one getting hurt?" 

<snort>  "Are you *trying* to play Devil's Advocate, 
Kathryn?"

<slight smile>  <sit>  <place hand on knee>  "No, Chakotay.  
I'm not.  But, Tom's record would indicate *his* getting hurt 
to be the more likely outcome.  Not Neelix."

<nod>  "True."  <pause>  "Maybe I could have a talk with 
Tom.  Just to see . . . how things have progressed between 
them.  Make him think before it goes too far. Far enough to 
hurt someone."

<slow nod>  "That may be a good idea, Chakotay.  Just 
proceed with caution."

<smile>  "Yes, Ma'am."

<snort>  "Hush."


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