Someone for Everyone Part 5
Getting comfy
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Seven waited a moment, and Janeway’s voice rang out just as Seven made it to the
front door.
"Don't forget to wipe your feet Seven." Seven slowly 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.
"This is not to bad." Janeway muttered. As she got her first good look at their
home away from home for the next few days.
Walking over to a near by table, Kathryn placed their picnic basket down.
Standing still, Janeway slowly turned around to inspect their cabin. It was
large, larger then she had imagined from the outside, a stone fireplace sat to
her right along with a long fur rug on the floor. Right before the fireplace sat
a large comfortable looking settee and to each side a chair and cushions in a
snow-white colour. Directly through the main door was a small closet for their
hats and coats. And Opposite the front door a large bay window with a
spectacular view of the snow top mountains, large cream drapes framed the
window’s view.
To Janeway's immediate left a kitchen, decked out in a light grey colour, with
another large window over the steel sink. An old fashioned black cooking stove
sat in one corner of the kitchen, with a woodpile at the side to make a fire. A
rather old large wooden table sat in the centre of the Kitchen. To the other
side a wooden spiral staircase, leading up into the attic bedrooms, which looked
down onto the main living room floor.
Janeway gave a contented smile this cabin was perfect. Not to flashy, all the
basics where there, all anyone could want or need on a holiday.
Seven had not spent any time in woodland cabins. Her life had been spent on Star
ships in one shape or another, or as a teenager in maturation chambers on board
Borg vessels.
Looking around the cabin Seven felt peace settle over her as she watched Kathryn
look around their new home. Seven found herself surrounded with colour so unlike
her Cargo Bay or any of the rooms on Voyager.
Seven had never really had a home, or a place that she could remember as her
home. Borg cubes were anything but homey and colourful. This cabin was different
then anyplace Seven had been before. Seven was looking forward to the next few
days more and more with each passing minute. She liked the idea of spending time
relaxing as all humans on board Voyager did. Janeway had promised her a few days
like no other and Sevens excitement was beginning to grow as she continued to
watch Kathryn.
"Well Seven." Janeway said, turning around from her inspection of the first
floor. "How about we put away this picnic basket and then put our bags upstairs
and have dinner? What do you say?"
"It would seem an excellent plan Kathryn" For Seven was suddenly feeling very
hungry. Perhaps the thought of not having to eat another of Neelix’s creations
would make the eating experience a lot more enjoyable.
Janeway picked up their basket and made her way over to the kitchen table. She
started to remove their remaining food, along with a few more bottles of wine.
Opening the small yet compact fridge Janeway took a step back from the small
appliance. The fridge was very nearly full. A small neatly written note was
attached to another bottle.
Removing the note from the bottle, Kathryn read:
Dear Kathryn and Seven
The bridge crew and I thought you should have something special for your getaway.
So, we have pooled together for this small gift for you both. All your
favourites are here, along with a few other things we believe you and Seven will
enjoy. I am pretty sure that Seven will love your favourites as much as you do.
You both deserve a little rest and relaxation.
Do not worry about a thing, have a relaxing few days. Kathryn, everything will
be fine here.
Chakotay
Kathryn stared at the note for a few moments. Allowing the lump that had formed
in her throat to ease, Kathryn silently handed over the note to Seven. Then
Janeway started to take stock of the booty in their fridge.
Seven read the note astonished at how thoughtful the crew were being towards
them. At one time they would have given Seven a guarded look and would have
slipped away, rather then have to actually talk to the blond Borg. Things had
changed in how others of the crew responded to her presence. Instead of cool
gazes when she entered a room, they now generally had a smile or a nod making
for a better atmosphere for them all.
Seven looked up from her reading finding that the good captain had a few things
arranged on the counter, and had made her way over to the cupboards.
"Can I help you Kathryn?" Seven inquired with a puzzled frown.
Kathryn looked up from her search. "How about you take our things upstairs to
the bedrooms while I cook us something to eat?"
There was a pause, and one silver implant lifted "Can you cook Kathryn?" Seven
inquired having never seen the captain do anything in the realm of cocking,
other then ordering her beloved coffee. Although there were rumours that the
captain destroyed her meals on a regular basis, Seven had yet to see the results.
Kathryn gave a light laugh, and a shake of her head. "Seven I may be a Star ship
Captain trained in the art of command, strategy, war and science, but under it
all there is a normal human being dying to get out. I am sure after fighting our
way through space for the last few years, that I can make us something to eat."
Kathryn looked at the cooker. "How hard can it be? My mother cooks all the time
in the natural way from scratch. No replicators exist in our home. All I need is
a few pots and pans. Go on, take the bags upstairs," A twinkle entered Kathryn’s
eyes. "If you really good perhaps you can help me later.
Kathryn turned back to her search for the allusive pans. Seven watched for a
moment before turning and walking back into the main room. Picking up their bags,
she made her way back to the kitchen just as Kathryn was pulling out a large
round pot and a flat pan.
"This will do nicely" was the mutter that meet Sevens ears. Seven could only
hope that her captain's taste, not to mention talent was a lot better then their
resident cooks. If not, dinner was going to be an interesting affair. The last
thing Seven saw before going to her task, was the Star ship Captain collecting
the wood for the stove.
Talking a firm hold of the bags Seven started to the upper level taking the
stairs slowly as they twisted around. A railing came into view, then, as she
reached the last stair, she stopped.
There where no walls in sight, in fact no real rooms at all, just one large open
area. In the centre of the area sat a very large, round, king-size bed. Seven
slowly swallowed as she took the last stair and moved into the large and airy
room. Above the bed was a large window looking up into the night sky, creating a
soft, golden, light throughout the room.
Seven slowly let the bags slip to the floor and made her way over to the bed.
Dark blood red sheets covered the bed. Two sets of pillows, a slightly lighter
red then the sheets, sat near the head. Seven slowly ran her hands over the soft
material. She felt a cool softness touch her skin, and a shiver rolled down her
back.
Seven could not really remember a time when she had slept, especially in the
vertical position.
After looking at this soft and comfortable bed, Seven found she was actually
looking forward to the experience. Naomi had said falling asleep was easy, you
just close you eyes and away you go. Naomi did not mention that they would be
sharing the bed.
Slowly looking around the rest of the room, She noticed there was another door
in the corner. Walking over, Seven pushed open the door, and her eyes went wide.
One very large bathroom, with an even larger bathtub came into view. A soft blue
glow came from around the room. One old fashioned toilet sat to one side with a
sink beside it. The other side of the room was taken up by the large round bath.
A walk in shower sat in the far corner.
Seven entered the room, noticing that there were shelves in easy reach of the
bath.
They were full of oils and bath salts. Seven gingerly picked one up. She opened
the small cap and a pleasant violet smell entered her nose and the room.
A smile appeared on her face as she replaced the cap and returned the bottle to
its rightful place. Another large window offered a different view of the
mountains. Walking over Seven looked out to see their back yard. On the left
there appeared to be stables, and a lake could be seen as the suns rays hit the
water. It was one of the most beautiful sights Seven had seen since leaving the
collective. Seven spent a view minutes Just looking out, noticing the birds and
sounds that came from the great outdoors watching in wonder the birds take
flight and play.
With a sign, Seven Moved back into the bedroom and walked to their bags and
placed Kathryn’s to the left side of the bed and hers to the right. Seven
started to unpack the cloths she would need for the next few days.
After a few moments of sorting, Seven heard a loud bang that seemed to shake the
cabin. She dashed down the stairs and came to a complete stop at the sight
before her.
Now, Borg are not known for their sense of humour, but the sight in front of her
was more then a little funny. There was a dark mist developing the kitchen. It
was spreading throughout the main room, and slowly making its way up the stairs.
Seven stood with one hand on the stair rail and another placed up to her mouth.
The captain, her captain, stood in the middle of the kitchen covered with black
soot muttering and rubbing her face.
Janeway was covered from head to toe in black, the kitchen table and sink had
changed colour, and Seven could see Kathryn’s foot prints as she moved back from
the stove.
“Kathryn? Are you alright?" Seven enquired from her place on the stairs.
A small black head turned to meet the question, and Seven nearly came close to
outright laughter. Janeway’s face was black except for her eyes, she has must
have placed her hands over them to protect them. Two very annoyed white shining
eyes meet to two very amused ones.
“Oh, yes Seven. I always try and blow up the kitchen, this is quiet normal.”
Janeway replied with sarcasm. Janeway proceeded rubbed her hands down her pant
legs while looking at the now very black and smoking stove.
“It can’t be that hard to do.” Muttered a very annoyed and embarrassed captain
as Seven made her way down the stairs to stand at her side. Not to near, as the
captain was in need of a shower and a change of clothing.
Seven ever practical spoke up. “I am sure it takes only a little practice
Kathryn.”
“Yea right.”
Seven bent over and inspected the stove, slowly kneeing down to look inside,
seeing only soot-covered wood. After a brief look up at Kathryn, Seven then
started to remove the blacked logs.
“Seven let me do that, your going to get covered in the soot.” Janeway said
moving to take over the dirty job.
Seven turned to look at Janeway as she placed another log to the growing pile on
the floor. “Kathryn, you are in need of a shower and clean clothing, I will
regenerate the stove while you clean yourself up.”
“Think you can do it?” came the sarcastic question. Kathryn looked at Seven and
then her blackened hands.
“To coin a phrase, how hard can it be?” Seven eyes shone with her amusement.
“Fine.” Janeway spat and turned, she marched up the stairs leaving sooty
footprints in her wake.
Seven watched a very annoyed Captain stamp her way up the stairs before turning
her attention to the stove.
Seven slowly removed the logs and looked into the stove and at the flu right at
the back. Seven could just make out, through the back soot that there appeared
to be something blocking the small chimney. Reaching into the stove Seven slowly
pulled, and out popped a small compact nest. Seven slowly shook her head, this
holodeck program was going to be very interesting. Placing the nest on the table
behind her, Seven took clean wood from the pile and began to restock the stove.
Seven quickly looked around trying to find what Kathryn had used to light the
stove the first time. Seeing a small square box on the corner of the table,
Seven found some old fashioned matches. After a few false starts Seven managed
to lit one , and with a bit of trepidation she restarted the stove. Then she
stood well back and watched the small flames get bigger.
Kathryn Janeway was annoyed, dirty, embarrassed, upset, and very itchy with all
the soot attached to her. After stamping up the stairs like a six-year old child
having a tantrum, Janeway came to a complete stop.
“Oh Boy!” One large room, one very large bed, ONE LARGE BED! Janeway could feel
her hands begin to sweat.
“Ok, Kathryn, remain calm, take a deep breath. That is a good girl…no problem…
you can sleep in that bed, that big soft roomy bed, with Seven of Nine. I am in
so much trouble.”
Resigning herself to a few, long, sleepless nights Kathryn made her way into the
bathroom. She took one long last look at the bed before the door shut softly
behind her.
“Oh, now this is a bathroom.” Kathryn thought as she walked over to inspect the
shower. Turning on the nearest tap to find instant warm water. A gentle mist
entered the room. Janeway removed her cloths, dropping them in a pile. She
looked at herself, studying the back marks around her neck hands and face. She
even saw black fingerprints where she had removed her cloths.
Janeway laughed and stepped into the shower. She let out a deep sigh as the
water hit her itchy body. Reaching for the soap she let the warm water trail
down a smooth muscular back. Janeway gave her hair a good cleaning, and was
relieved when the itching stopped. Kathryn slowly rotated her shoulders to relax
the muscles as the water ran its path, leaving Kathryn feeling clean and
refreshed.
Stepping out of the warm shower, Janeway reached for the towels hanging on the
nearby rail, and rapped the soft towel around her dripping body. Janeway made
her way back to the bedroom, picking up her sodden clothing as she went and
leaving wet footprints across the carpeted floor.
After drying herself down in the soft sunlight from the roof window Janeway
slipped into some light blue shorts and a white t-shirt, leaving her feet bare.
Rubbing the towel through her wet hair, Janeway combed her hair leaving it towel
dried and loose around her shoulders.
Janeway once again looked at the bed, noticing on which side Seven had stored
her things. She looked towards the stairs for a moment before jumping on the bed
and bouncing a few times.
”Well at least it doesn’t squeak,” Janeway silently laughed taking a few more
bounces before lying down and spreading her arms above her head, watching as the
white clouds above made the way across the window.
Janeway's stomach chose to make itself known and grumbled out its annoyance.
Moving one arm down she gave her noisy friend a pat, and rolled off the warm
comforting bed.
”Time for that later. Right now I could eat one of Neelix’s stew’s”
Janeway made her way down the stairs to see if Seven had managed to relight the
stove.
Seven had finally managed to get their stove working with no explosions involved,
but had no real idea what to do then. Janeway had a number of pans, some filled
with water and a row of food off to one side. All of which look very appealing
to Seven. Now all Seven had to do was wait for Kathryn.
Seven did not have to wait very long.
“My, we had been busy!” Exclaimed Janeway when she reached the last step and
gave a little hop at the bottom. Kathyrn looked around the now clean kitchen.
“Our stove is working at top efficiency, we are now ready to cook.” Seven
replied with some excitement in her voice. Looking up Seven stopped to stare at
a very relaxed and, if She was any judge, very sexy Captain.
“Yo..you look very nice Kathryn.” Seven said shyly.
“Why, thank you Seven.” Kathryn did a small twirl showing Seven all her angles.
Seven gave a small smile and felt a little warm for some reason watching her
Captain and friend outside of her uniform.
Janeway laughed softly at Sevens blush, and stepped up to Sevens side. “So I see,
well then lets by all means cook.” Janeway clapped her hands together as she
spoke.
“Here,” Janeway handed Seven two glasses. “Open up one of the bottles while I
put these on to cook?”
Seven placed the two glasses down on the table and reached for a bottle.
Very soon, a pleasant smell of cooking entered the cabin as Janeway, true to her
word, managed to cook some steaks along with boiled vegetables. Having to wait
for the small stove to cook their dinner they decided to relax in the main area
of the cabin.
“Emmm, this is nice.” Janeway said from her seat resting against the settee on
the fur rug.
They had made a fire and a warm glow lit the room as they waited for their
dinner. Seven was laying on the settee behind Kathryn watching her watch the
flames. If Seven lent forward she could smell the light soap Kathryn had used on
her hair and had to resist a strong urge to run her hands through it.
Kathryn looked so relaxed and contented gazing into the flames.
A soft noise was heard at the front door, a light scratching sound.
“What is that?” Seven asked looking towards the front door. Janeway left her
place on the floor and made her way over to the door.
“I don’t know.” Kathryn waited a few moments before starting to open the door.
She was hoping it was not one of the crew, although if there were a problem they
would be contacted through the holodeck systems.
After another look at Sevens questioning face, Janeway continued to slowly open
the cabin door.