The Vacation

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Early Morning

Taking a drink of her smooth rich coffee, Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S Voyager, slowly looked around her quarters. Today was the day, the start of Seven and Janeway's vacation. It had taken a while for them to get there, but the day had finally arrived.

After a very peaceful sleep, Captain Janeway awoke early. Instead of trying to return to the land of dreams, Janeway had decided to take a leisurely breakfast and partake in her favourite drink, coffee.

Captain Janeway was still having a hard time believing that not only was she taking some much needed time off, but was spending that time on a vacation with Seven of Nine once a Borg drone, and spending time on the Holodeck together.

Kathryn Janeway, after a lot of time and effort, had set up a Holodeck program to show Seven a bit about earth culture. She hoped to make Seven feel a lot happier because one day they would return to earth.

Last night, Janeway left a data pad with Seven. It listed all the things that Seven would need. Hopefully, Seven would understand what to pack.

Although the holodeck could supply all that they would need, Janeway wanted Seven to have a bit of fun packing. Getting ready was after all part of going away, and Janeway wanted Seven to taste all of their vacation.

Janeway had arranged with Neelix the day before to supply a basket with lots of goodies to eat. She knew that Seven had never had most of the things in it since she was a child. Janeway hoped that Seven would like some of the things she was bringing along. Everyone was well aware of what Seven thought of Neelix's cooking. All except the stew. In addition, they could always replicate some things if she did not. That was the beauty of a holodeck.

In the early morning, Janeway sat in her quarters contemplating the next few days. She was a bit nervous of what might happen between them. Janeway looked forward to perhaps showing Seven what she felt about her, that was if Seven did not go running back to Cargo Bay Two, the minute Janeway tried anything. She was very sure that Seven felt the same about her as she did about Seven. The only problem was Janeway was not too sure if Seven understood what was between them let alone aware of it.

Voyager's Crew was another matter. They were more then aware of Janeway's interest in Seven. No one had seemed to have any negative thoughts on the matter, not that it would have stopped Janeway if they did. After all, Voyager had been lost for a number of years. Other members of the crew had started to pair up some time ago. In all the time since entering the Delta Quadrant, Captain Janeway had only shown an interest in three men. Well, one of them had been a hologram and did not really count in the romance department. Another had turned out to be a traitor, and was using Janeway to capture criminals. The other...well, that would be Janeway's First Officer. Although they were close, Janeway had felt no real feelings of romance, only a love one has for a brother or sister. Until Seven came along, Janeway had believed she would spend her time alone.

Seven of Nine was different. This was Seven, not a computer projection. This was a living being, who had been returned to them after many years, and was slowly finding her human roots again. Although Seven had a lot to learn, Janeway from the first moment she saw her on the Borg Cube, wanted to be the one to teach her about life.

It had been far from easy. There had first been the fact that their new crewmembers had not wanted to be rescued from the Borg, nor did she wish to be human, or on board Voyager. Secondly there was Voyager's Crew who had, had more then a hard time with the fact they had a live Borg on board, one that could get them assimilated into the Borg collective very easily as they travelled through Borg space. Only Kes, a fellow crewmember, had saved them when Seven tried to return to the Collective. Kes saved them once again by throwing Voyager though Borg space when she started to evolve into a higher level of being, leaving them a parting gift.

After that, some of the tension had lessened, leaving most of the crew, if not happy at least not in fear of Seven assimilating them in their sleep.

After the last few years, Seven had proven not only that she would not assimilate them, but also would protect them from the Borg, even if that meant Seven returning to the collective to save their lives. Seven's experience had gained them much need knowledge on alien races and technology that "hopefully" would get them home. She was accepted as a member of the crew and command staff, although one Lt. Torres did make a point of arguing about everything Seven did.

Janeway took another drink looking back over the last two years and smiled. Although it had been hard, she would not change her views. Bringing Seven on board was one of the best things that had happened in the Delta Quadrant.

Looking over at her clock, Janeway could see that it was three hours before she was to meet Seven at the holodeck by 10am. They would spend the next three nights on the holodeck. It was slightly longer than planned, but Kathryn hoped it would be a time to remember. There was enough time to take a bath, dress and get her basket from Neelix.

Taking her coffee and moving into her bathroom, Janeway started the taps to fill her bath. The computer added her favourite bath salts and perfume to the warm water. She called on the computer to play some soft background music. The large bath soon filled, leaving a fresh lavender smell in the room. Janeway sank into her warm bubble bath, feeling the bubbles and water caress her cool skin. She had been most insistent that her bath be big enough to recline in, after all, captains should have some say in their bathrooms.

Janeway let out a soft sign as she settled back in her bath watching as the steam from the warm water slowly clouded the mirrors. Closing her eyes, she let the troubles of her command drift away, leaving a peaceful mind behind. She left her troubles in her command crew's hands, for the next few days.

More then two hours later, skin clean and powered, Janeway replaced her empty cup on the replicator stand. She made her way over to dress. She chose a pair of jeans and a polo top, along with a pair of black boots.

Turning to look at herself in the mirror, Janeway had to smile. It had been far to long since she had seen herself looking like anything other than a Starship Captain.

<"I wonder what the crew will think.” > Picking up her jacket which had been laid over the near by chair, Janeway went over to her work station and sent a quick message to Commander Chakotay informing him that the ship was his. Picking up her travel bag, Janeway left her quarters with a spring in her step.

 

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<"Regeneration Complete">

Seven slowly opened her eyes to be greeted by her Cargo Bay walls. She stepped off the dais, and walked over to her bag and stared at it for a moment.

The day before Seven with the help of Naomi Wildman, had packed her bag. It had taken some time and Seven was not too sure that she had everything the Captain meant for her to take. She asked Naomi to help her choose her clothing because Borg did not have wardrobes.

Naomi and Seven spent the rest of the time playing in Naomi's quarters, and talking to Naomi's mother who had brought them both some cookies to eat.

Samantha Wildman had been helpful in settling some of Seven fears.

"Well Seven," said Samantha. "Tomorrow's the day."

Taking a cookie from the tray, Seven looked up.

"Yes."

A smile went over Samantha's face. "Are you all ready, Seven?"

"Oh yes," piped up Naomi, at Seven's side. "I helped Seven pack a bag for today."

"That was good of you, Naomi," replied her mother still looking at Seven.

"Well Seven, I'm sure you'll be fine. After all, you're still on board Voyager, and the Captain I'm sure will look after you," Samantha said with a small wicked smile.

"I am sure Captain Janeway will," responded Seven. "I am however not too sure on some of the clothes that Naomi picked out for me."

"Really, what kind of clothes," asked Samantha as she sat down to take a sip of juice.

Naomi giggled and tried to remain quiet when her mother looked over at her.

"A swim suit and some sleep wear."

Samantha's eyebrows hit the roof and she looked over at Naomi again to find her daughter was very interested in the carpet although she did have a large smile on her face.

Trying not to laugh at Seven's unhappy face, Samantha asked about the clothes in question, only to nearly fall off her chair at the description.

<"Oh boy, wait till I tell Neelix,"> thought Samantha looking towards the door.

"Emm Seven, would you mind watching Naomi for a few moments? I just have to run down to the Mess Hall," asked Samantha.

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Oh mum," she groaned.

"I would be happy to watch Naomi for you," Seven agreed looking over at her young friend.

"Excellent. I won't be long, have fun." With that, Samantha turned and left them to their game and cookies.

Seven came back to the present.

Needing to change out of her bio-suit Naomi had said that she needed casual cloths, and they had picked out a pair of black jeans, with a grey T-shirt along with some boots and a leather jacket.

After changing clothes, Seven of Nine looked anything but a Borg drone. Tall, slim, and yet strong, Seven gave out a very appealing impression.

Still unsure of what to expect, Seven picked up her bag and started towards the holodeck.

 

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Walking towards the turbo Captain Janeway became very aware that her crew was staring at her giving each a smile and a 'Hello' she entered the turbo and made her way along the corridor to the Mess Hall.

Entering she suddenly found that the noise level dropped, as crewmembers became aware that she was there, and that she was not wearing her uniform. Looking around, hoping that no one could see just how nervous she was she walked over to Neelix's counter and dropped her bag at her feet. Janeway slowly turned to view the quiet room.

"Morning Captain," said Lt. Torres who was having breakfast with Tom and Harry.

"Lt. Torres, Gentlemen," Janeway acknowledged with a nod.

"Nice outfit," said Tom.

Janeway looked down at herself and gave a small smile. "Thanks"

Torres who had always been up front in her questions to the Captain asked, "So you and Seven are going on a vacation?" Torres made the word vacation sound anything but innocent. Harry looked down at his plate while Tom beamed a silly smile.

"Indeed Lt., do you have a problem with that?" ask Janeway a bit too sharply.

"Oh no, Captain," said an innocent Torres. "I hope you both have a great time."

"Indeed?" questioned Janeway.

"Of course, Captain," said a smiling Engineer

Watching the three of them closely for a moment, Janeway asked, "So how much did you bet Lt.?"

Three warm mouths full of coffee, shot across the table and a coughing fit then started, as each rubbed their eyes to stop the tears and catch their missing breath.

"Bet?" squeaked Harry.

"Yes, bet ensign. How much did you win?"

"Errrrr.... w-well," stuttered Torres looking over at Tom for help. None came

The entire mess hall held their breath, and a few quickly left.

"To my understanding Lt., Gentleman, my crew has been betting on when and with whom I would spend some time with. Since I know Seven's name is on the top of that list, I was just wondering how much you all won." Inside Janeway was trying hard not to laugh. Nothing much happened on board Voyager without her knowledge. Janeway had been aware for some time, of a bet on with her relationship with Commander Chakotay but once Seven had come on board all bets had changed.

"Relax I'm hardly going to throw you in the brig, or I would have to put the whole crew in there. However, if I find that this betting pool gets out of hand or," Looking each of them in the eye, "offensive, I will. Do I make myself clear?"

Three, "Yes Captain" was her reply.

"Good. As long I we understand each other."

"Message understood," replied Tom Paris. He had no desire to spend the rest of the trip in the Brig. Once was quite enough.

Each suddenly remembered they had other things to do, and made a fast exit of the Mess Hall, as Neelix walked in, basket in hand.

"Captain, as promised, one basket," he announced with a smile.

"Excellent, Mr. Neelix," said Janeway, taking the basket from his hands.

"I'll return the basket in a few days." Janeway took a peak under the lid and smiled at Neelix.

"No problem, Captain. I hope you enjoy yourself."

"So do I Neelix, so do I." Saying her good-byes and picking up her other bag, Janeway set of for the holodeck.

 

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Holodeck Two

Seven or Nine was standing outside holodeck two feeling a little uneasy as she waited for the Captain to arrive. A couple crewmembers had past each giving her a grin.

"Seven."

She turned in relief to find Captain Janeway walking towards her. <"Oh my,"> thought Seven taking in the Captain's appearance.

Janeway was having a similar reaction to Seven <" she looks so... boy. I'm in trouble.” > She looked Seven up and down, taking note of the long shapely legs, and the leather jacket over firm shoulders, with comfortable pants and boots.

Seven watched as the Captain ran her eyes over her body. "Naomi said that these clothes would be acceptable."

"They're fine Seven," Janeway replied giving Seven a warm smile <"more then acceptable"> "You look fine Seven. I see you are prepared." Indicating Sevens bag at her feet.

"Yes. I am all set for our vacation," replied Seven.

"Excellent."

Captain Janeway turned towards the holodeck doors shifting her bags onto her shoulders, as Seven reached down to do the same with her bag and started towards the doors, Seven right behind her. The doors softly opened to reveal the normal holodeck squares, stepping through the doors closed leaving behind Voyager's corridors.

"Computer seal the holodeck doors for the next 72 hours."

Seven lifted a silver brow. Janeway gave a small smile "If there's an emergency the computer and the commander will let us know. Other than that, we are alone."

"Computers start program, 'Janeway, Seven, Nine, Omega."

Where the Holodeck squares had been, a path had appeared, each side had green grass and small flowers along the sides with a few insects flying about from one flower to another, a cool breeze blows over them. A few meters away from where they were standing was a start of a large forest, tall tress, and bushes were all that they could see. The smell of the out doors was a complete change to the air they breathed ever day on board Voyager.

Kathryn stood for a moment flooded with memories of home, as the sites and smells slowly made themselves known to her as the computer program added all the smells and noises to the program. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breathe of the sweet country air. Opening them again to find the sites were as she remembered earth to be.

Seven looked around, taking in the new sites and smells. Kathryn looked on as Seven slowly watch a butterfly fly towards her. A small smile came to Sevens face as the butterfly landed on her hand. She slowly raised the butterfly towards her face, as she watched it slowly move around before it headed towards the numerous flowers around them.

"They're rather beautiful, are they not Seven?"

"They are rather small Capt-" Seeing Janeway frown slightly, Seven quickly corrected herself. "Kathryn, they are very colourful."

"They are indeed. I am sure you will see many more over the next couple of days. Shall we follow the path and see where it leads us?" said Janeway as she pointed towards the forest.

"After you, Kathryn."

They made their way along the path to the forest. Seven found her self in a world she did not know. New sounds filled her ears, and there were smells so different from a Borg cube, or Voyager. Seven had spent a few years on board Voyager and other than Janeway, and her velocity matches, Seven had not spent a lot of time on the holodeck. After all, relaxing was not something that Seven found easy to do. Work was all she had known for a long time, and Voyager's crew were very hard working, but they always found the time to play, as Seven was slowly finding out.

Looking around as she walked with Kathryn, Seven felt safe and relaxed. Everything was new, and to Seven's eyes, everything was alive. She knew that the holodeck was only making them appear that way, but it was good that for a little while, Seven of Nine was able to do something that she hoped she would enjoy and with someone, that was her friend.

As Janeway walked along, she watched Seven take in all the new things and creatures go by. < “This was a great idea, look at her, she looks like a child. To think that all those years she only knew the inside of a Borg Cube.” >

During one of their late night talks, Janeway learned that Seven had only been on a planet once. It was when she and her fellow drones had been stranded from the collective. Their talks had always been scientific or about human values and customs. Very rarely would Seven talk about her years as a Borg. Janeway had not pushed the issue, believing that Seven, in time, would talk about it on her own. Therefore, it had been quite a surprise when Seven mentioned that she had never really lived on a Star ship. Janeway talked about her home in Indiana. It was after Tom's birthday, Janeway had been feeling very home sick-not something she was very happy about, and to feel better she began to talk to Seven.

Seven listened to her talk for a few hours before Janeway asked what she remembered about Earth, only to have Seven explain in a cool and unemotional voice that she did not remember a thing. This had made Janeway even sadder, for both of them, not long after, after a bit of soul searching on Janeway's part, Kathryn had asked Seven on the vacation.

So hear they both were walking down a forest path together.

"Well Seven what do you think of the great outdoors?" asked Janeway after a time of them just walking quietly together.

Seven was quiet for a few moments as she looked around her again.

"It is...warm...and it smells," Seven replied.

"What? That is it? Its smells." Kathryn could not believe it, as she came to a complete stop in the middle of the path, watching, as Seven walked a few feet in front of her. After spending so much of her time building the program, that is all Seven thought.

"You are kidding me right?" said a slightly upset Captain.

There was a rather lengthy pause as Seven looked at her Captain. "Yes"

A loud rush of air left the Captain as Kathryn finally remembered to breathe.

"Very funny Seven, that sense of humour of yours is growing, into what, I have know idea." As Kathryn managed a smile as they began walking again side by side.

 

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They had been walking for about an hour when Janeway's arms began to ache from the bags slung over her shoulder, and Neelix's heavy picnic basket.

Seven, who would go on for hours without rest, continued to watch the forest as they slowly moved deeper and deeper. The light was not as clear, but it was not dark. The smells of grass were replaced with a woodland smell, and an earthy scent of the damp ground.

"Seven, how about a break?'" said a slightly breathless Captain.

Seven nodded, and followed as Kathryn walked off the path onto the soft moist ground leaving footprints as she went. Making her way over to a fallen tree, Kathryn placed the basket on the trunk and dropped her other bag to the ground. Seven placed hers besides Kathryn’s, watching as the Captain took a seat on the fallen limb. Seven copied her, not seeing Kathryn smile as she mimicked her actions.

Not too far away, making their way on the forest floor was a small family. They were unaware of anything but the search for food, and play.

"Seven," Kathryn said softly as she noticed that they were not alone. A few meters away, just under a fallen branch were a family of rabbits. "Look over there."

Seven, who had been studying the fallen tree they sat on, looked up towards Kathryn.

"Kathryn?" questioned Seven.

Janeway moved her hand slowly towards the small family that was steadily getting closer to them.

"Look over there Seven."

Janeway slowly moved from the tree where they were sitting taking Seven with her, and slowly sat on the ground, watching as the rabbits stopped and looked nervously around at the motion. After a few minutes when neither Seven nor Kathryn moved the rabbits continued their play.

Seven watched as the babies left their mother's side, and started to move towards them. A look of wonder and delight had graced Seven's face, as the small furry creatures got nearer and nearer to them. Small noses twitched along with long ears that moved to every sound.

One of the babies had left the others, and was slowly inching towards them.

"Here." Janeway handed Seven a small piece of carrot and kept another for herself.

Seven stared at the stick of carrot clearly not knowing what to do with it; she looked at Janeway with a frown.

Trying not to make to much noise to scare off their guest, Janeway softly explained.

"Hold the carrot out like this," Kathryn instructed, showing Seven what to do. Chuckling softly when Seven slowly reached out her hand.

"Now what?" asked a nervous Seven as the small fur ball got closer to her.

"Now you wait." said Kathryn, moving her own arm back to her lap.

They sat for a few moments. It did not take to long as hunger won over fear, and the baby got within touching distance of Seven's hand.

"Hold still Seven."

The bunny slowly moved up to Seven's hand and sniffed taking a nibbled on the carrot. Curling up, it happily munched away on the food offered. It was not too long before the rest of the family joined in. Seven and Janeway sat as the bunnies enjoyed their lunch. Janeway watched as Seven's nervous face changed, as the small creatures sat not a foot away from her. With one hand Seven fed the baby, with the other she slowly reached out and stroked the soft head.

"Soft," murmured Seven in wonder, looking over again at Kathryn who was feeding another of the babies, seeing Janeway smile at her, Seven went back to watching the others.

They sat there for some time, the sun peeking through the forest roof making it quite warm. The small family had eaten the treats and gone on their way, leaving Janeway and Seven alone again.

Janeway let out a small giggle. "That was fun." Seven nodded her head still looking in the direction the bunnies had gone.

"Come on, time to get moving. We have a cabin to find at the end of this path," said Janeway as she climbed to her feet, once again picking up her bag and basket.

About an hour later, the forest began to thin out and the sound of water could be heard. Finally, they reached the end of the path to be greeted by a magnificent site. Out in front, lay a mountain range, and to the other side was an open valley. A river ran down from the mountains. Just pass the river, stood their cabin, home for the next three days and nights.

At the bottom of the mountains with a line off trees behind it, sat a rather large cabin. It looked so inviting from where they stood.

"Whoa," said Janeway taking it all in. She had to admit that the program was excellent. She had combined bits and pieces from different programs along with a cabin that had been designed by Tom.

"Whoa indeed." Seven was surprised how much she was enjoying herself. Seven had not believed that spending time in the holodeck in a program that was mainly in the outdoors would be so much fun. Seven was surprised that she was not missing her safe and mechanical Cargo Bay at all, and was rather looking forward to the next few days.

"Come on," said and excited Janeway. Across the river was a wooden walk bridge, high enough not to be splashed by the moving river below. On the far side was a small deck with a boat safely attached. They made their way across the bridge, walking across a lawn of grass up to the cabin's steps.

"Not bad, Seven?"

"Indeed, it seems... adequate," replied Seven looking up the steps to the porch which had an unknown contraption on it. From one post to the side of the cabin, logs sat besides the door.

Taking the steps two at a time, Janeway walked up to the door, which had a welcome mat. Janeway placed the basket on top of the logs and opened the cabin door, picking up the basket once again she entered the cabin.

Seven waited a moment, and Janeway voice rang out as Seven made it to the door.

"Don't forget to wipe your feet Seven." Seven looked down at the mat and then the open cabin door; with a small sigh, Seven wiped her feet and entered the cabin, as the door shut softly behind her.