Harry looked up from his bridge console as Tom bounded out of the turbolift and onto the bridge. "Okay, the preparations are all set. The banquet room is decorated. All this party needs to get started is people."

"And its guest of honor," Harry said.

Janeway rose from her seat next to Chakotay. "It was a lovely idea to honor Neelix for all he's done for us. A party to thank him is long overdue."

"It was Kes' idea," Chakotay said. "We've just helped her implement it."

"And we've done a fine job of it too if I do say so myself," Tom said.

"He'll love it," Janeway said. "Are you missing out on a second career as a party planner, Mr. Paris?"

"Hey, I'm always up for a good time. Just ask Harry." Tom playfully punched Harry's shoulder.

Seven continued working and said, "This human propensity to celebrate irrelevance is disturbing. I do not see why we are honoring someone who has only performed their daily function. Is that not what is required of him on this vessel?"

"Don't worry, Seven," Tom said. "I'm already planning a ticker tape parade for you next week."

Seven scowled. "Don't bother, Mr. Paris. I do not need false praise."

"There is nothing false about thanking, Mr. Neelix, Seven," Janeway said as Belanna walked onto the bridge. "It's nice to do something unexpected and show a little gratitude towards those who help us get through our days."

"While you're studying human nature," Belanna said. "you might try it sometime."

"Lieutenant, is there a problem in engineering?" Chakotay asked.

"No, sir," Belanna answered.

Tom walked over and put an arm around her. "I asked Belanna to trade shifts so she could accompany us." Extending his arm, he said, "Shall we?"

Belanna gave him a look and walked away. "Captain, the Vizi Alliance has been provided with our course headings and warp speeds. They'll be expecting another posting in two hours."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. We'll make sure they get it. Mr. Ayala?"

"Aye, Captain."

Two days ago, Voyager had entered a region of space controlled by a network of planets known as the Vizi Alliance. They had granted Voyager access through their territory on the condition that they were made aware of her headings at frequent intervals and contact was limited. Voyager complied by giving them their updates every few hours and suspending exploratory and sensor swaps.

The trip had been a pleasant one so far and the Vizi people seemed to be a hospitable but solitary society which Janeway and her crew respected. They were just as eager to move on towards home as they were to make welcome acquaintances in the Delta Quadrant. And this afternoon, they were making their own fun.

"Mr. Ayala, I don't expect this bridge duty to be very exciting. But call us if anything unexpected arises that you think we should know about."

Ayala nodded. "Aye, Captain."

Janeway nodded back. "Mr. Ayala, you have the bridge. All off duty personnel report to the banquet hall. Mr. Kim, will you find Mr. Neelix and have him report there? Tell him I need to see him right away."

"Yes, ma'am!" he said before bounding away to find the Talaxian.

While the rest of the group filed into the lift, Janeway noticed Seven was still at her station. "Seven, your shift has ended." Waving a hand towards the open lift door, she said, "Please join us."

"Is that an order, Captain?"

"It can be."

"I see." Seven made a few more punches and then stepped back and dutifully placed herself on the lift. "I have complied."

Janeway exchanged a look with Chakotay who was doing his best to maintain his composure. "Thank you, Seven and try to have fun this afternoon. Just try."