Tuning In

Summary: Tom and B'Elanna have a "discusion" about how he spends his free time. After "extreme risk." but before the t.v. came in as a supporting cast member in "Memorial."Rated G

Disclaimer: I do not own Tom, B'Elanna, Voyager or Captain Proton, and am not making any money. Any resemblance to the old "Batman" t.v. show at the end is stricktly intentional, and I don't own it either by the way.

Note: My story is also inspired by the message Tom left for B'Elanna in "Once Upon a Time." Even though I threw that "Batman" nod in there I realize Captain Proton is more closely related to "Flash Gordon" I beleive. I'm also not very good at dialogue there is a lot of he said she said so please bear with me. Also there is a slight nod to "Extreme Risk" but I did not feel the need to dwell on that subject. All I will say about "Extreem Risk" or anytime the two seem to not notice the other persons strange behavior, is I think it was the fact that they were so close and it was so gradual a behavior change that it was barely noticable until it was almost too late. It is like you barely notice some one getting taller if you see them everyday, you know. I'm not saying it is right but it happens. And now on with the show, or fan fiction, whatever.

Feedback please: Oracle44@directvinternet.com

ENJOY

"So Tom," B'Elanna stated calmly, "what are your plans for your day off?" She happened to be working today and new that he planned to run that sexist "Captain Proton" program of his. She wasn't trying to control how he spent his free time, it was just that she did not get it, in these enlightened times of relative equality between all Federation Quadrant races he has to run a program that degrades women.

"Me and Harry are going to run "Captain Proton,"you know that B'Elanna. So why even ask?" Tom asked suspiciously.

"What is the appeal, Tom?" She asked a touch angry.

He had already told her about it she knew about it for a few months, (course they hadn't been talking much then, but she was getting help now and he was giving her all the support she needed), and had even given her a script to read, but she didn't seem interested in participating, so why did she care why he ran the program anyway? "It's just some harmless fun. What Humans thought space travel in the future was like way back then is just too corny. You should come join us sometime playing one of the roles is fun, it gets you out of yourself for a time."

The nerve telling her what she should do! "I read the script and it is corny, but most of the female characters are brainless bimbos. And you are an arogant pig!" She said as she stormed out of the room.

Not even giving him a chance to explain, not that he could she was right after all.

Later that night he begged his way into B'Elanna's quarters.

"Hey" Tom said. testing the waters.

"Hey" she responded a little less cordial than Tom.

"I'm sorry about earlier you are right about the women in the program but you know I don't think of women like that," at least not anymore they both thought in unison. "I was just trying to be historicaly accurate when I wrote it. And I 'm sorry if it offends, you but it's just pretend."

"And you weren't trying too suggest I should act like those bimbos?"

"Oh like you didn't force me to seek treetmeny for my depression?"

"We've already had this argument, I was just trying to help..."

"I know I appreciate it I'm just ribbing you."

"Well for what it's worth I am sorry."

She seemed to accept his appology, or at least did not counter it, so he pressed on. "I um want to show you something. It's a recording of the episode we played tonight, I thought you might want to see it."

"And why would you think that?"

"Well um to show you that it is just for fun and that I don't really take it seriously. But if you don't want to watch..."

"Fine, I'll indulge you this time. " She was after all slightly curiouse, so she took the recording from him and placed it in the computer console on the desk and played it.

When the episode was done Tom asked, "Well?"

"It was sophomoric, over acted, the women ARE bimbos like I said, " she said glaring at the blank screen, then at Tom, then she added "and it IS Reeeeally corny." She said with a slight smirk on her face.

"So you liked it?"

"I wouldn't go that far, it was amusing."

"So do want a role in the next episode?" He asked hopefully.

"Not in this life time."She said with a laugh.

"But you wouldn't mind seeing it again sometime?" He said sexily.

In response she just smiled and punched his arm, and everything was right in the Gallaxy at least until the next time. Same Captain Proton time same Captain Proton channel.