The ensuing month presented Voyager and her crew with no further excitement. It was a singularly peaceful and unremarkable area of the Delta quadrant through which they were passing. Because of their resupply efforts on Ryleos Station, the ship was fully stocked and life was good for Voyager and her crew. Seven of Nine, Paris, Harry and B’Elanna continued to forge a solid friendship, and Seven now knew of many delicious foods thanks to their (and the crew’s) efforts. Eating solid food was no longer a chore, and Seven was genuinely enjoying taking meals with her friends. As the rest of the crew watched the former adversaries become close, their attitudes towards Seven of Nine began to change too. Now it wasn’t an uncommon occurrence to see her smile, and many of the crew had actually heard her laugh quietly. She seemed less terrifying and more approachable. For Seven’s part, she was discovering that her innate shyness seemed less a hindrance in the company of her friends and began to relax around the crew. As she did, her dry sense of humor began to assert itself which only further delighted her companions. Life was much less lonely for the ex-drone and she was thankful for that.
One morning at breakfast, Paris asked Seven what her plans were for the evening.
“I am scheduled for my regular checkup with the Doctor at 1400 hours and I had planned to analyze the most current Astrometric scans to plot a more direct course to the Alpha quadrant. There are several systems which I need to evaluate to ensure we do not encounter hostile forces any more than necessary. Why do you ask?”
“Well, Harry, B’Elanna and I were planning on going to Sandrine’s tonight and we wanted you to join us. Have you ever played pool?” said Tom.
“I have been to Sandrine’s on two occasions for parties,” said Seven, “but I have never played pool before. Will I require a bathing costume?”
B’Elanna roared in laughter. “Seven, pool is a pub game, not like swimming. We’ll meet you there at 1800 hours for dinner and an evening of billiards and dancing at Sandrine’s. C’mon, it’ll be fun.”
Seven agreed to join them with pleasure, and soon after the group broke up, headed for their respective duty stations. Seven logged into the Astrometrics workstation and began her analysis of the upcoming systems in the sector. She reported to Sickbay at 1400 hours for her checkup.
“So, how are you feeling, Seven?” inquired the Doctor while he ran a tricorder over her.
“I am functioning acceptably.” replied Seven, “I have plans to join Ensign Paris, Lt. Torres and Ensign Kim at Sandrine’s tonight for dinner, dancing and pool.”
“Seven, that’s wonderful that you’re finally making friends among the crew. I’m delighted that my socialization lessons have been so successful.”
Seven of Nine wasn’t as certain that her newfound friends were the result of the EMH’s social skills lessons, but was sensitive enough of the hologram’s feelings that she refrained from speculating on the subject.
“I have never played pool before. Do you know what the game entails?” asked Seven of her mentor.
“No, when I frequent Sandrine’s I prefer to play the piano,” said the Doctor with just a hint of asperity in his tone.
Captain Janeway entered Sickbay at this moment and greeted the two of them. “And how’s our Astrometrics Officer today, Doctor?” she asked with a grin, “All systems functioning normally?”
“She is in tip-top shape Captain,” replied the EMH, “but I’m afraid she needs a tutor before this evening.”
“A tutor? Why do you need a tutor?”
“I have a date to play pool tonight with Tom, Harry and B’Elanna at Sandrine’s and I have never played before,” Seven told her commanding officer.
“Never played pool? Well, it’s lucky I stopped by. I happen to be an excellent pool player. I’d be glad to give you a few pointers before tonight.” said Janeway. “Are you finished here?”
“We certainly are. You two go have fun,” responded the EMH.
“Well then, let’s head to Sandrine’s and I’ll teach you how to shoot some stick.”
“Seven, one more thing before you leave,” said the EMH, “Your eating is coming along nicely. The next thing I’d like for you to try is sleeping for a couple of hours every day. We’ll need to monitor you for several weeks, but I think that a regular sleep schedule might alleviate some of your regeneration needs. I’ll put together the protocols for you and we can start in a couple of days. Well, nights actually.” He chuckled at his joke.
“All right, Doctor, I will try to…sleep, if I must. But it does seem like an extremely inefficient activity.”
Janeway’s laughter accompanied them out the Sickbay doors.
The Sandrine’s program was already running when they arrived at the holodeck, with only a couple of Beta shift crew eating before reporting for their duty tours. Janeway and Seven had no difficulty in commandeering the pool table. Janeway showed Seven of Nine how to select a cue, racked the balls and explained the rules briefly. She leaned over the table and neatly broke, pocketing two balls in the process.
“It’s all a game of angles and relative force,” she explained, “You hit the white cue ball and drive it into the ball you select. You can apply some ‘english’ or spin to control the path of the cue ball like this.” And demonstrated a couple of draw and follow shots. When she told Seven to give it a try, the young ex-drone attempted to mimic the Captain’s position. She managed to connect with the cue ball, but sent it flying off the table and into the nearby wall. Chuckling, Janeway retrieved the errant ball and brought it back to the table.
“OK, that wasn’t bad for a first effort. Here, let me show you how to hold everything so you can control the amount of force you apply.”
She moved around Seven and told her to assume her shooting stance. Janeway then leaned in close and arranged Seven of Nine’s fingers to more easily control the path of the cue. She leaned over Seven’s back and placed her hands around Seven’s on the cue.
“Now just move the cue smooth and easy and see what happens,” she said, wondering if she was ever going to be able to breathe again. She certainly couldn’t now. But it WAS delightful to have her arms around Seven, even if it was only teaching her to shoot pool.
Seven of Nine, for her part, heard virtually nothing the Captain had said after she had reached around her and leaned against her back. The contact between them was causing Seven’s stomach to jump madly and her hands trembled. She could feel her pulse in her temple, was breathing faster and felt a sheen of perspiration on her forehead. Obviously, her nanoprobes were malfunctioning yet again. For the first time, Seven realized that her nanoprobes always malfunctioned when the Captain was close to her. This was disconcerting and would require some research to determine the cause.
Seven of Nine was nothing if not a quick study and malfunctioning nanoprobes notwithstanding had soon grasped the fundamentals of the game of pool. So much so, that in the third game she and the Captain played, she handily defeated her commanding officer.
“Oh, Seven, where were you when I was hustling pool at the Academy? We could have made a fortune together!” laughed Janeway, delighted at her pupil’s progress.
“I was on The Raven with my parents while they were researching the Borg. Even if I were not there, I was only five years old and not tall enough to assist you in ‘hustling pool’ while you were at the Academy,” said Seven in some confusion.
“Yes, thank you, Seven, for reminding me of how much older I am than you,” rejoined Janeway dryly.
“I meant no disrespect. Even though you are somewhat older and I am younger, stronger, quicker and more agile, you still beat me when we play Velocity. I do not believe the difference in our ages is that much at all,” said Seven in an attempt to counter what she determined was an insensitive remark to the Captain. She wasn’t at all sure she had succeeded, and wisely decided to say no more for fear of compounding the situation.
“Well, there is that,” conceded Janeway with a smug grin. “Just goes to show you that old age and guile CAN overcome youth and skill on occasion. I think you’ll be just fine playing pool tonight. Remember, if Tom Paris wants to bet replicator rations on a game, let him win the first one, increase the bet and clean him out in the second game. You should make out just fine.”
With that, the two repaired to their respective duty stations to complete the shift.
That evening at Sandrine’s Seven of Nine won two months’ replicator rations from Tom (much to the delight of Harry and B’Elanna). Additionally both Harry and B’Elanna taught Seven of Nine to dance. She discovered under her friends’ tutelage that she not only had an aptitude for it, but enjoyed it immensely. Seven of Nine returned to her quarters humming and set about building her own music files in the central computer.
She was busily engaged in this task when her door chime sounded. “Enter,” she called, and was surprised to see Captain Janeway enter her living room.
“Good evening, Captain, how may I assist you?” she inquired politely, rising from her workstation.
“Hi Seven. I was just wondering if you’d be available for a Velocity match tomorrow at 1700 hours? I know it’s not our regular night, but I got the extra holodeck time and I thought we might have dinner together afterwards if you’d like.”
“That would be acceptable,” replied Seven with a smile. Acceptable was a bit of a misnomer. Seven of Nine was always delighted when Janeway suggested they engage in off-duty activities together. The captain could have suggested a walk on the hull minus environmental suits and Seven would have been just as delighted to accept.
“OK then, Velocity and dinner it is. I’ll meet you at holodeck one at 1700 hours. Have a nice evening, Seven,” said Janeway, turning toward the door.
“Captain, do you like to dance?” blurted the ex-drone suddenly.
“Dance? Of course I like to dance, Seven. Why do you ask?”
“Because tonight I discovered that I am capable of dancing and I thought it might be something else we could do together in our off duty hours.”
“You want to go dancing with me? Well, um, I suppose we could consider that some time. Of course, there are Mr. Neelix’s regular get-togethers. There’s usually dancing there. But as Captain, I shouldn’t go out dancing with the crew. It isn’t exactly against Fleet regulations, but it could undermine my command authority if I’m perceived as too close with the crew. You understand, I’m sure,” replied Janeway uneasily.
God, dancing with Seven of Nine! YES!!! Janeway was having enough trouble not staring at her beautiful Astrometrics officer during their regular staff meetings. If she ever went dancing with her, Janeway was sure she’d lose all control and make an ass of herself. Nothing like falling all over one of your officers to insure you’re respected by the crew, not a good idea at all! Oh, but it IS a good idea the little voice in her head shouted gleefully. It’s a GREAT idea Katie!!! A perfectly delightful idea…to dance in Seven of Nine’s arms. To hold that beautiful Borg in your arms and feel that unbelievable body pressed up against…Stop this right now! Get a hold of yourself!!
“I understand, Captain,” said Seven with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
“Very well, Velocity it is. I’ll see you tomorrow evening then.” With that, Janeway made a hasty exit and fairly fled the Cargo deck wondering why that little voice in her head always sounded so damned much like her younger sister Phoebe.
After she left, Seven of Nine returned to her workstation and music files. Why wouldn’t the Captain dance with her? Was it because the Captain was afraid she would hurt her? Maybe that was why the Captain sounded so flustered when she’d suggested it. Seven would have to explain that she had learned how to dance and had not injured anyone. Harry and B’Elanna had taught her to lead and to follow as well as the steps to several dances. She had been awkward at first, but became graceful with a little practice. Tom Paris had declared her a regular ‘Fred Astaire’; obviously another of his obscure twentieth century earth references. Meanwhile, she had an extra Velocity game to think about. She needed to focus on how to beat the undefeated Captain of Voyager. She suddenly remembered a remark B’Elanna had made about how easily Tom Paris was distracted. Distraction? Hmm, maybe that was something else she could bring to her Velocity arsenal. And courtesy of Tom, she had two extra months’ replicator rations. She closed the music files and began searching the “Clothing; Athletic” section of the replicator files.
Seven of Nine returned to her quarters at the conclusion of her duty tour the next afternoon. She changed into the new Velocity outfit she’d replicated the night before, packed her athletic bag with her phaser, towel and water bottles and headed to the holodeck. On the way, she ran into B’Elanna and Harry on their way to Engineering. As they stopped to chat, Seven noticed that Harry was unusually silent and rather bug-eyed.
“Harry, are you functioning normally?” she inquired.
“Fine, fine. I’m fine,” was all he could stutter.
B’Elanna laughed. “Seven, that outfit ought to be illegal. You’ll be lucky if there aren’t serious injuries by the time you make it to the holodeck. So who are you playing anyway?”
“I have an extra match with Captain Janeway,” replied Seven of Nine. “I have never beaten her and I thought this outfit might provide me with more freedom of motion. Maybe this will give me the edge I need to win.” As she said it, she was grinning inside. Judging by Harry’s response to it, her outfit would provide far more than freedom of movement.
Kahless
! thought B’Elanna, She’s wearing that for Janeway? The Captain would be lucky not to have a heart attack when Seven walked into the holodeck. This WAS getting more and more interesting.
“Well, good luck.” She grinned and pulled the transfixed Harry along with her. Seven headed in the opposite direction.
As she entered the holodeck a few minutes later, Janeway was already there practicing. Seven walked to the bench at the side of the court and dropped her bag, pulling out her phaser. Janeway turned to greet her as she entered the court and stopped dead, speechless.
“Good evening, Captain. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” she said with a shy smile.
Janeway was still staring and required a conscious effort to drag her eyes off Seven of Nine’s body and up to her face. By the time she had refocused her eyes she still hadn’t managed to get any sound out of her throat
. Holy shit! Where did she get that outfit…and why hasn’t she worn it before this?? chortled the little voice in Janeway’s head. Katie, you are really gonna enjoy this match, yessir!
“N-no, you haven’t kept m-me waiting. I believe you’re right on time as usual.”
Seven of Nine usually wore a sleeveless black Velocity outfit. The newly replicated one was of a thinner material, also sleeveless but shiny electric blue with white insets at the waist. The neckline was considerably lower than her black outfit, coming to just above the top of her full breasts. Instead of being long legged, the new outfit stopped about three inches above her knees. While the black outfit had been form-fitting as were most Velocity clothes, the new one seemed painted on. Kathryn Janeway was suddenly aware that Seven of Nine had been serious in her tactical training. Where she had always before been slender, now well-defined muscles rippled across her shoulders, back and arms. Her abs had six-pack definition and her legs showed not only more muscle mass, but carved definition as well. Seven had always moved gracefully, but now she resembled a panther; muscled, powerful, and lithe. Janeway’s mouth was suddenly extremely dry.
“Do you need to warm up?” she managed to croak out to Seven.
“No, Captain, I am ready to play. Shall we begin?”
Seven of Nine won the first two games easily: Janeway didn’t seem capable of looking at anything except her opponent flying around the court. Janeway forced herself to concentrate and managed to pull even at three games each. They stopped for a quick water break at that point, and when Seven of Nine splashed water on her face and chest Janeway knew she was in deep trouble. Game seven went to Seven; Janeway was lucky to score a point.
Midway through game eight it all came crashing to a halt. Janeway chased a spinning disc to the side of the court and caromed off the wall to make the shot. She spun as she fell and fired successfully, but heard a crack in her ankle as she landed. She let out an involuntary cry of pain and grabbed her lower leg in agony. Seven was there in an instant.
“Captain, you are hurt!” Seven took hold of Janeway’s leg and pulled up the leg of her pants. There was an unusual reddish lump at the outside of her ankle which was rapidly turning purple.
“I believe you have broken your ankle, Captain. We need to get you to Sickbay right away,” she told her grimacing partner.
“I think I can walk if you help me,” said Janeway through gritted teeth. “Give me a hand up, would you?”
Seven of Nine extended her hand to help the Captain rise, but the sudden movement caused Janeway to inadvertently put weight on her injured leg and she cried out in pain again. Seven had seen enough and merely swept the injured woman up in her arms and carried her to the bench. She gently sat Janeway down with the injured leg extended out on the bench and proceeded to gather up their belongings. When the bags were packed, she put their straps over her shoulder and once again picked Janeway up in her arms.
“Computer, emergency site-to-site transport to Sickbay!” The two women dissolved into blue sparkles and re-materialized in the Sickbay a moment later.
The Doctor was coming out of his office as they materialized.
“What’s happened here?” he asked briskly.
“The Captain has injured her leg,” said Seven with a touch of panic in her voice.
“Well, I assumed as much since you don’t usually carry the Captain around in your arms. Put her on the bed over there,” he indicated as he grabbed his tricorder. “Hmmm, yes, fractured fibula. Doesn’t look complicated. We can fix this in just a minute. By the way, nice Velocity outfit, Seven. Is it new?” He took a bone-knitter from his instrument tray and proceeded to treat the swollen ankle. A quick application of the deep-tissue regenerator healed the affected ligaments and got rid of most of the swelling. Janeway was left with a sore, but working ankle.
“Captain, you’re going to need to stay off that leg for the rest of the night. It’s going to be sore tonight, but by tomorrow you should be able to get around without too much trouble. No Velocity for a couple of weeks and don’t try to jog around the ship for a day or two. Understand?”
“Yes, Doctor,” Janeway replied with unusual meekness. “Can I go now?”
“Seven, I assume you are going to help the Captain back to her quarters?” the EMH asked.
“Yes, Doctor,” said Seven of Nine. She could barely contain a grin. While she was concerned that the Captain had injured herself, carrying the smaller woman in her arms had been a delightful experience and she would happily comply with the Doctor’s orders.
“I can walk,” grumbled Janeway knowing where this was heading. How was it going to look for Seven to CARRY her around her own ship? She couldn’t allow this, no way.
“Captain, what part of ‘stay off that leg for the rest of the night’ did you not understand? No weight bearing on that leg tonight and it’s going to need to be elevated to get the residual swelling out or you’re going to be limping badly for a week. Either Seven of Nine carries you back to your quarters or you spend the night here in Sickbay. Your choice.”
Natural aversion to Sickbay won over command dignity. Janeway was tempted to exercise Captain’s privilege and use a site-to-site transport, but reluctantly decided against needlessly utilizing ship’s resources. She could only hope they didn’t run into any crew in the corridors. As luck would have it, Paris, B’Elanna and Harry Kim were in the corridor of deck three as they exited the turbolift.
“On your honeymoon, Captain?” quipped her smartass helmsman.
“Velocity accident, Mr. Paris,” replied Janeway with a Force five LOOK. She had a soft spot for the young man however, and quickly relented. “Where are you three off to this evening?”
“Sandrine’s for dinner and dancing. I must say Seven; Harry’s description of your Velocity outfit didn’t do it justice. Once you get the Captain settled, how’d you like to join us?” replied Paris.
“The Captain and I are having dinner together. I will not be able to join you. And given the Captain’s condition, I do not believe we will be dancing tonight.” Seven said with a hint of a smile.
B’Elanna jumped in with a sly smile. “Oh, were you planning on dinner and dancing before the Captain got hurt?” she crooned.
“We had discussed it,” said Seven. B’Elanna filed that one away for future reference. Janeway, for her part, was desperately praying for a red alert. There were just never any Borg cubes around when you needed them. Maybe, if she was very, very lucky, she would get sucked out a hull breach before B’Elanna started circulating that juicy tidbit. Not much chance of that though; Sandrine’s was generally regarded as gossip central, second only to the mess hall for rumor-mongering.
“Well, if you have time, stop by later. We’ve got to get going or we’ll miss our reservations. Have a good evening, Captain, Seven,” said Paris. B’Elanna’s wishes echoed Tom's and Harry just stared at Seven of Nine as he had earlier.
Seven carried Janeway to the door of the Captain’s quarters and turned slightly so the Captain could reach the touchpad and enter her codes. Seven carried her through the living room and directly to the bathroom. She gently set Janeway on the edge of the tub.
“I will prepare you a bath. I will set out towels and get you some clean clothes to wear. While you are bathing, I will clean up in my quarters and come back to make dinner. What would you like to wear tonight?”
Janeway pointed out a set of well-worn Starfleet Academy sweats in the closet. Seven set them and a pair of soft slippers on the floor next to the tub and got two towels off the shelf.
“Captain, please be careful in the tub. I will return as quickly as I can.”
“Thank you, Seven, I can manage from here,” said Janeway trying not to sound grumpy. She hated to show any sign of weakness and was still discomfited from looking at Seven in that breathtaking Velocity suit. Actually, she was discomfited from looking at Seven, feeling Seven and wrapping her arms around Seven’s neck as she was carried to her quarters. The little voice in her head declared loudly that the trip had been MUCH too short and suggested perhaps they take a stroll around the ship just to check on things. As much as she would have liked to argue with the little voice, she could not deny that her insides were fluttering delightfully from the feel of being carried in Seven’s arms and that she was noticeably damp in an area that sweating from Velocity could not account for.
She waved Seven out of the room and when she heard the outer door close behind her turned on the taps and began to undress. Seven ran back to the turbolift and to her quarters. Her sonic shower was brief but effective, and she quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a blue button-down collar shirt. A pair of deck shoes completed her clothing change. She charged back to Janeway’s quarters and punched in Janeway’s security code. Having an eidetic memory came in handy. She went to the door of the bathroom and knocked.
“Captain, I’m back. Is there anything in particular you would like for dinner?” she called.
“I’m drying off. Give me five minutes and I’ll be dressed,” was the reply, “And no, you decide what you want. I’ll be fine with anything you choose.”
Seven went to the galley replicator and programmed in a bottle of sparkling cider, toasted cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and salads. She put the cider in an ice bucket to chill, covered the food dishes with stasis lids to keep them warm and set the table. She spied a small vase on a shelf and requested a bouquet of flowers for the table, careful to use her rations and not the Captain’s for the meal and flowers. By the time Janeway was dressed, the table was set and ready for their dinner.
Seven went to the bathroom and again knocked.
“Ready, Captain?”
“C’mon in, Seven, I’m good to go.” Seven entered the bathroom and carefully picked Janeway up.
“Seven, this is ridiculous. I can walk around my own quarters!” Janeway fussed.
“However, I do not want the Doctor angry at me because you refuse to follow his instructions. I will carry you. I am Borg. Resistance is futile.” She carried her Captain to the table and set her in a chair.
With a sigh of resignation, Janeway asked “So what’s for dinner?”
“Salads, toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Some of my favorite comfort foods. I thought they would be appropriate given the circumstances.”
Janeway grinned with delight and both women dove into their food with enthusiasm. The sparkling cider was a hit and conversation flowed easily. Seven of Nine explained the additions she was slowly adding to her wardrobe (carefully omitting reference to the new Velocity suit she had used to distract Janeway) and they discussed music and current happenings on the ship. Too soon the meal was finished. Seven cleared the table and put everything into the recycler.
“What would you like to do now?” she asked as she carried Janeway to the couch and set her down with the injured leg elevated on a couple of pillows.
“Seven, you don’t have to baby-sit me tonight. I am perfectly capable of looking after myself.”
“I’m sure you are, Captain. I will not have the Doctor angry with me as I told you earlier. I repeat, what would you like to do now?”
“I have some reports to read over,” Janeway admitted reluctantly. She pointed to several padds on the workstation. Seven retrieved them and handed them to her.
“Would you like some coffee?”
“Seven, you don’t drink coffee. Are you sure you know how to make it? The replicators can be tricky with coffee…”
“I think I can manage,” said Seven dryly. She went to the replicator and keyed in the parameters for Lt. Carey’s mother’s special Colombian blend. When she brought the mug to Janeway, the Captain sipped the rich brew ecstatically.
“My God, this is almost as good as my sister’s secret blend. Most of the time I could cheerfully kill her, but her coffee is always first rate. Where did you learn to do this??”
Seven remembered one of B’Elanna’s favorite sayings, grinned and keyed in the parameters for earl grey tea for herself. “A girl has to have some secrets, Captain,” she replied. “May I use your workstation while you read your reports?” Janeway nodded permission and Seven settled across the room at the terminal with her tea.
“Seven, do you mind music while we work?” asked Janeway.
“I enjoy music,” was the answer.
“Computer, play Janeway music file Alpha-one-three.”
Soft jazz began to play as the two women settled in to work. Janeway hadn’t lived with anyone since her Academy days and was used to being alone in her quarters after duty. She couldn’t ignore the quiet presence of Seven of Nine in her rooms. It was easy…it was comfortable…and somehow it felt right. She leaned back with a smile and went back to her reports. For once she didn’t try to shout down the little voice in her head as it described ongoing domestic evenings with Seven of Nine and her in starring roles. It wasn’t until the little voice began describing Seven ironing her shirts in a vine-covered cottage with a white picket fence that she determinedly pushed it into a closet and firmly closed the door on it. But by that time, the smile had spread into a very smug grin. Seven unobtrusively kept their coffee and tea fresh and hot and the enjoyable evening passed quickly.
Her door chime sounded at 2245 hours. Seven of Nine was the only person who called on the Captain that late at night and since she was seated 15 feet away Janeway frowned as she called “Come.”
Chakotay, Voyager’s First Officer, entered the room and looked around.
“I just stopped by to see how your dinner and dancing date with Seven went,” he said with a grin.
Janeway shot him a dirty look. “I see Lt. Torres has been busy. For the record, it was NOT a dinner and dancing date. It was a Velocity and dinner date that got cut short when I managed to break my ankle.”
“I know, I was just teasing,” the large bear-like man laughed. “Actually, the Doctor told me what happened and not too subtly asked me to check in on you. He was just sure you were going to be jumping rope or something in here.”
“As much as I hate to disappoint the Doctor, Seven has been taking very good care of me this evening. Despite my best efforts to the contrary, she has insured that I have not abused my leg and have actually followed the Doctor’s instructions.”
“So it would appear. Tell me, Seven, did you actually CARRY Kathryn to her quarters?” he asked the ex-drone with a chuckle. The dignified Captain Janeway buried her face in a throw pillow in mortification.
“I did. She complained much of the way.”
By this time both Chakotay and Seven were grinning from ear to ear as Janeway attempted to gather the tattered remnants of her dignity around her.
“OUT! Both of you! Chakotay, you should be on the bridge and, Seven, you should be regenerating or assimilating something shouldn’t you?” she said in desperation. Her outburst did little to calm the mirth of her two companions.
“The Captain does have a point,” Seven laughed. “It is time for her to sleep and she does need her rest to recuperate properly.”
“In that case, ladies, I’ll leave you to it. Never fear, Captain, I will give the Doctor a positive report on your activities this evening.” They bid each other good night and he left for his duty tour on the bridge.
Seven stood up and collected the mugs for the recycler. “Where do you keep your sleepwear, Captain?” she asked, heading for the bedroom.
“Inside hook of the closet door.”
Seven retrieved the silk sleep shirt and laid it on the sink in the bathroom. She returned to the living room and carried Janeway into the bathroom. She gently set Janeway on her feet in front of the sink.
“I will give you a few minutes privacy. Let me know when you are finished.” With that, Seven closed the door behind her and proceeded to turn down the bed. Janeway took care of biological needs, washed her face and brushed her teeth. She changed into her pajamas and brushed her hair, all without putting any weight on her bad leg. Shaking her head she called out “I’m ready, Seven.”
The door opened promptly and Seven of Nine carried her to the bed. Seven gently laid her down and reached for the covers.
“What are you doing?” barked Janeway in alarm.
“I am tucking you in. Whenever I babysit Naomi Wildman I tuck her in bed and read her a story. What story would you like me to read to you?” she asked with a grin.
“Seven…” Janeway said warningly. However Seven's good humor was infectious and she couldn’t help chuckling as Seven drew the covers up and tucked them neatly around her.
“No story? Well then, pleasant dreams, Captain.” To Kathryn Janeway’s complete and utter astonishment, Seven bent over and kissed her softly.
“I will see you tomorrow. Computer, lights out.” With that, Seven of Nine walked out of the Captain’s quarters and strolled toward the turbolift with a very self-satisfied smile. Kathryn fell asleep with the memory of that all-too-brief kiss and the very same smile on her face. Her dreams were pleasant indeed.