DISCLAIMER: Paramount owns all things Star Trek. I'm just borrowing them.
SEQUEL to Holiday Incidents.
Gossip Travels at Warp Ten
By BT
"So, what's new?"
"There is a small deviation in the plasma flow but nothing serious..."
"Come on! Spit it out. I payed attention during the Chief's briefing this morning. There is something, yes? Something juicy..."
"Well, rumor has it that the Chief is involved with someone again..."
"Who?"
"Think blond, tall and cool."
"The Borg? Haven't you been awake for the past couple of years? They hate each other! They fight all the time!"
"Not since last shore leave..."
"Really? What about yesterday? The Ice Queen had made some modifications without clearing it with the Chief and it looked like Torres wanted to rip the Borg's head off. More than words flew through that room..."
"It was just for show. A friend of mine could have sworn she saw the slightest hint of a smile on the Ice Queen's face as she left Engineering."
"You're pulling my leg!"
"I'm serious! Do you want to hear the rest or not?"
"Of course! Keep talking. Yikes, this stuff was hot. Neelix should really learn to read recipes. 'A few jalapenos to taste' doesn't mean 'a few dozen'. Go on!"
"The clues came on that island. You know, the one with the great diving waters?"
"Yeah, but didn't they get arrested? For disturbing the peace?"
"They got arrested allright, but not for disturbing the peace. They went swimming together."
"So? So did half the crew and they didn't get arrested."
"Torres and Seven went swimming in the nude."
"Nude?!"
"Keep your voice down! Yes, they went skinny dipping together and apparently they did it within sight of a monastery. Anyway, the monks took offense."
"I see. But that doesn't have to mean anything..."
"It doesn't end there. Here is the best part. They checked into the same room at the hotel that evening."
"And?"
"They checked into the honeymoon suite!"
"Wow! Who would have known?"
"No one, not even the betting pool could see that one coming. Gotta run now. I don't want to be late again."
"Good Morning Lieutenant. What will it be today?"
"Some stew will be fine Neelix. You seem unusually chirpy."
"Let's just say I'm happy for you."
"What have you heard now?"
"Oh, nothing. Just beep me if you want me to help with the arrangements. I am the morale officer, you know."
"There are no arrangements! I broke up with the cheating PetaQ after catching him screwing a hologram, remember?"
"Eh... of course I remember. Please put me down. I didn't mean him. I meant her..."
"Her?!"
"cough Seven."
"Seven? Does everyone believe I'm involved with Seven?!"
"You're not?"
"No! I've never... Well, I... Kahless! Someone will have to answer for this! Damn gossip!"
"Lieutenant, may I have a moment of you time?"
"Sure Seven, what is it?"
"It's of a personal nature."
"We'll take it in my office Seven. Vorik! Take over here."
"Yes ma'am."
"I wish to apologize for making you uncomfortable Lieutenant."
"You're not making me uncomfortable. What makes you say that?"
"I'm aware of the incident in the mess hall this morning. You seemed upset. Most people would restrain themselves from strangling Mr. Neelix until after they've tasted the stew."
"What? Oh, that. It wasn't you. People have jumped to conclusions, that's all."
"I concur. This crew can be very efficient in spreading information, when they choose to be."
"They say gossip travels at warp ten."
"Simplistic, but not entirely inaccurate."
"Your humor is improving Seven. It suits you."
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"It's B'Elanna. And Seven..."
"Yes, B'Elanna?"
"You have nothing to be ashamed of. We both know what happened that night. We just ate, talked and slept together. Nothing more."
"It was the first time I slept."
"I know but even though we slept together doesn't mean we 'slept together'."
"Yet the event was what started the rumors."
"Yes."
"I understand."
"I still want to spend time with you, Seven."
"So do I, B'Elanna. So do I."
The End