Another day, another challenge. My challenge to you: write a story or scene where all that happens is that J and C have a chat. There must be no descriptive words - it can only contain the words they are saying
JAnd here follows the response to my own challenge.....I doubt we'll ever see this on Voyager, but hey, a girl's got to make her own fun.
***
"You know Kathryn, it occurs to me that it's been a long time since we've done this."
"Done what?"
"Talk. You know, just talk."
"Do you have to sound so depressed about it?"
"I'm not depressed about it. I'm just...thoughtful."
"Uh hu."
"So what was on that PADD Tuvok brought you?"
"Oh, just his latest security report."
"Uh hu."
"Well if you _must_ know..."
"I must."
"It's about Tom and B'Elanna."
"What about Tom and B'Elanna?"
"Why Chakotay, I do believe you're being nosey."
"If it's something that effects the crew, you bet I'm nosey."
"I don't need to bet, I know."
"Can we get back to Tom and B'Elanna now?"
"Sorry if I trod on your ego there."
"You're on form today."
"I've been practising."
"Who with?"
"Myself. You'd been amazed the kind of stinging remarks that pass through your mind when you can't sleep."
"You think of insults when you can't sleep?"
"Not always. Only when I stop thinking about yo-...other things. Will you please take that grin off your face?"
"Not a chance."
"You look like a leech."
"A leech?"
"Yeah, you know, a leech. Slimey thing, not unlike a slug."
"So now I'm slimey?"
"Only when you smile like that."
"Okay okay. I get the obvious hint."
"Good. Now about Tom and B'Elanna..."
"Yes?"
"Tuvok has become aware...for lack of a better word...of a certain amount of betting regarding the troublesome twosome."
"So you've heard the nickname too?"
"Who hasn't? Even the Captain is privy to such things."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply-"
"It's alright Chakotay, I know you didn't. But yes, I have heard the nickname, although I don't know who will be brave enough to say it to B'Elanna."
"Ensign Maguire."
"Really? I thought he got that broken nose by walking into a bulkhead. Although that story about being late for his shift did seem a bit too convenient..."
"What was he going to say? 'B'Elanna took offense at a nickname and thumped me one'? No, that's not his style at all. He wouldn't want anyone to know that a woman had hit him."
"Then how did you find out?"
"I'm the First Officer. I know everything."
"Are you sure?"
"Reasonably."
"Why the sudden change of heart?"
"I don't like the expression on your face."
"Relax Chakotay, I'll let you know if I have any big surprises in store for you."
"Wouldn't be much of a surprise then, would it?"
"Perhaps I was lying."
"Kathryn Janeway? Lying? Surely you jest."
"Are you making fun of me Commander?"
"Not at all Captain."
"Because I think you should know that as Captain I get first choice at making fun of people."
"Sounds like a difficult responsibility."
"You have no idea. Anyway, we've veered wildly off course of the subject. Tuvok's keeping me updated about the level of betting. I don't really mind a few friendly bets about them, but I don't want things to get out of hand."
"Understandable."
"I thought so."
"So does Tuvok find out about all betting that takes place?"
"As far as I know. Why?"
"You might want to put your coffee down Kathryn."
"Now you _have_ got me concerned."
"There's been quite a lot of betting...about us."
"God, is that all??! You really had me worried."
"You mean you don't mind?"
"Of course not. In fact the whole thing is rather amusing. I've heard some pretty vivid descriptions of what we get up to when you come into my ready room."
"And who's placing _that_ bet?"
"Well, mentioning no names..."
"Oh of course."
"A certain blonde-haired lieutenant who happens to be in love with a half-Klingon."
"Hmm...well it doesn't sound like anyone I know."
"Me either."
"So what did you bet on about them?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me."
"I wouldn't bet on them. It's unseemly for a Captain to do so."
"And?"
"......oh alright! I bet that they would have their first kiss in one of Voyagers corridors."
"Not an obvious choice."
"I'm not so sure about that. Besides, it's worth a lot of replicator rations, and I always like betting on outside chances."
"Always? Meaning you do this a lot?"
"Hey, a Captain has to have some fun."
"I can't disagree with that."
"Goodness, look at the time."
"Sorry, that's my fault. Now they'll be rumours all over the bridge."
"No more than usual."
"True."
"Now come over here and kiss me Commander, before you go back onto the bridge."
"Anything you say Captain."
~FINIS