Chapter 3.1 - Time Off
Galaxy Federation Police Station, Special Investigation Corps Headquarters
Mikhail: …So, what happened that night?
Jan: That night…?
Mikhail: You don’t remember? Probably just playing dumb. Of course, you don’t normally drink. The Captain was pretty charming, right Melisse?
Melisse: Oh, yeah! It was funny to hear you talk so much. By the way, that night… where did you go with Doctor Rozas, hmm?
Jan: It was nothing... I walked her home in return for her help.
Mikhail: What does that say, that our drunken Captain walked the doctor home…
Erich: Indeed. It would appear he rather favors her.
Jan: Hey, what’s that supposed to…
Lactis: …That’s enough, guys. Captain, the word that Klaus mentioned - 'Zohar.' I believe the organization behind the distribution of the endorphin drug program is the Descendents of Nestorius. Now that we know Voyager is interested in it, we may be able to gain an advantage by eliminating the Descendents. But how do we do that?
Jan: Ah, yes… You're right. We should proceed with investigating the Descendents, but…
Lactis: ?
Jan: …We’ve had nothing but urgent missions since we arrived on Abraxas. You must be tired. How about taking a little time off?
Lactis: Thank you. I appreciate your concern.
Mikhail: Really? Then who wants to go get something to eat? Captain! Want to come along?
Jan: Actually, I have a previous engagement…
Mikhail: A previous engagement? This is getting more and more suspicious… maybe the Captain has a thing for widows?
Lactis: Mikhail!
Mikhail: Just kidding, just kidding! Hey, Erich, you coming?
Erich: Me? Actually, Bugs has seen a lot of action lately. He needs maintenance… I’ll stay behind.
Bugs: I’m sorry for the trouble~!
Melisse: It’s alright, Bugs! Wouldn’t you be lonely if Erich came along?
Bugs: Uh-huh... But, someday it would be fun to go out to dinner with everyone too!
Melisse: Heh. Well, I'm in. What about you, Lactis?
Lactis: I’ll accompany you as well. To make sure you all get back to work afterward.
Melisse: Huh?
Mikhail: Tch! I just wanted to get drunk and enjoy my night off…
Jan and Joaquin have just finished dinner at Sharon’s house.
Joaquin: Hey, Captain!
Jan: I don’t mind if you call me Jan.
Joaquin: Nah, Captain sounds cooler! So anyway… what do you think of Mom?
Jan: …!
Joaquin: Don’t you think she’s the loveliest woman in the world?
Jan: Certainly. Your mother is a wonderful person.
Joaquin: Not like that! Actually... I was hoping you’d fall in love with her.
Jan: Why’s that?
Joaquin: …
Jan: Joaquin, do you… want a father?
Joaquin: …Yeah.
Jan: I understand how you feel, but… it’s more complicated that that.
Joaquin: We’re not good enough?
Jan: That’s not what I meant. You’re both wonderful… so wonderful that I don’t mind at all if you rely on me like a father.
Joaquin: Then what’s the problem? Of course I want a father. But I also want someone to protect Mom.
Jan: Someone to protect her?
Joaquin: I can’t… protect her myself yet.
Jan: Joaquin… that’s not true. You make your mother happy just by being yourself.
Joaquin: No... She tries to hide it from me, but Mom… she cries sometimes.
Jan: Even so, that doesn’t mean that just anyone will do.
Joaquin: But out of everyone I’ve met so far, you’re the best one!
Jan: …
Sharon: Now, what this secret conversation between you two?
Joaquin: N-Nothing! It’s guy talk. Captain, don’t tell Mom!
Sharon: Joaquin. Are you bothering the Captain?
Jan: No, it’s okay… we’re just having a little man-to-man discussion.
Sharon: Oh, no girls allowed?
Joaquin: Yep!
Sharon: I see. Well then, looks like I’ll just have to eat this dessert myself.
Joaquin: Ah-! No fair-!