This is another one of those “time to kill at work” drabbles. I like it, though.

"Kith and Kin"

By Joseph Manno

"This is an impressive achievement."

Chakotay nearly did a double take: Seven of Nine was, perhaps, the most pragmatic and least easily impressed individual he had ever known. Yet within 15 seconds of meeting Sera MacLeod, she had already offered the Vulcan a compliment.

Immediately, the two immersed themselves in a discussion the particulars of which were beyond him in seconds.

Luciano Mantovanni's amused grin spoke eloquently: He hadn't even lasted that long... and when he drew breath to speak, MacLeod dismissed him with a distracted brush-off that had Chakotay straining not to laugh.

The men exchanged glances... and sympathies.