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Neelix’s report hadn’t really predicted it. Everything about the Aritseans seemed fairly similar to other humanoid cultures they had encountered while in the Delta Quadrant. In fact, the reception they had planned for the crewmembers of Voyager was, according to the Captain, almost identical to one they would have on Earth. Needless to say, Neelix had been ecstatic to attend. So much so, that he had forgotten several small details one of the diplomats had mentioned to him before beaming down: something about males, companions, and a sacred law.
It probably wasn’t anything serious, anyway.
Of course, he probably should have at least mentioned it to the Captain.
But well, there they were, suddenly surrounded by tens of guards, who were pointing their guns at them, and the leaders were screaming something about breaking their most sacred law. The Captain was trying to explain there had not been any ill intention, but nothing seemed to calm their hosts.
That was the moment when Neelix decided to whisper to the Captain what the diplomat had mentioned to him before. The Captain looked at him with shock and, maybe, anger in her eyes. Maybe he should have mentioned it earlier.
She moved towards Commander Chakotay and whispered something into his ear. He clearly felt just as shocked and angry as the Captain, if the look he shot towards Neelix was any indication. The Commander then moved towards Tom and Harry and told them the news.
The Captain then explained the situation to their hosts:
“Our ambassador, Mr. Neelix here, has forgotten to mention that we do comply with your sacred law regarding companionship. All of our males indeed have mates. You see, Tom here is mated to Harry, whereas Mr. Chakotay is Mr. Neelix’s mate. We’re sorry that we didn’t make it clear from the start. Our culture is… well, much less tactile than yours. I am sure if needed the men will show any sign of affection to appease your gods”.
The return to Voyager was the tensest Neelix had remembered in a long time. He made a mental note to always relay every single detail, as trivial as it may seem, to the Captain before beaming down to a new planet.