Scene III

"Yours was the best segment in the talent show, Tuvok."  Kathryn stood in a small circle, holding a cup of punch.  She had changed out of her talent show costume into her regular costume, which was Dorothy from the 20th century film The Wizard of Oz; her hair, which was long by now, was pulled into low pigtails and tied with blue ribbons and on one arm, she held a basket that had a small stuffed Terrier, obviously meant to be Toto.

Tuvok, dressed in a karate uniform with a black belt, raised an eyebrow. "Indeed.  Thank you, Captain.  I do not believe it was what they expected from Ensign Kim and myself."

Kathryn laughed.  "Tuvok, I can safely say that it definitely wasn't what anyone was expecting!"  She leaned closer and shared a conspiratorial smile. "Tell me," she said in a stage whisper, "just how did Harry get you to do it?"

"That is between Ensign Kim and myself, Captain."  Tuvok's voice was passive as always, not showing the slightest hint of humor in how he was persuaded into being the dummy in Harry's ventriloquist act.

"Aww, don't be like that, Tuvok."  Harry had joined the group in time to hear Tuvok's comment.  Harry tuned to Kathryn before Tuvok could say anything to him.  "I had to promise him I wouldn't interrupt his work for any reason for the next month, especially when he's off duty, make dinner for us 4 times a week, and let him choose the acts for the next 20 talent shows."

"The next 20 talent shows?? Was it worth it Harry?"  Chakotay chimed into the conversation.

"Oh, yes.  Definitely.  When you think about it, 20 talent shows isn't that bad.  Assuming we continue the monthly talent shows, it's just under 2 years.  And think about what I can think of in almost 2 years..  Especially with Tom's help!"  Harry turned to Tuvok and raised both eyebrows after looking over Chakotay's costume.  Tuvok in turned raised one as he realized that maybe he wasn't as lucky as he had thought.

"Really true to character, eh, Harry?"  Chakotay's comment broke Harry's gaze from Tuvok. Chakotay stepped back, allowing the group to see his compete Indian chief costume.  "By the way, great costume, Harry.  Have any of you seen Tom?"

"Thanks, Chakotay.  No, I haven't seen him at the party yet.  I did leave him in your quarters about 25 minutes ago, though.  He was having trouble with his costume."  Harry fiddled with the whip that was part of his old fashioned safari costume.

"He'll be in later."  Chakotay took another sip of his drink, draining the cup of the red punch.

"What is his costume, Chakotay?"  Kathryn asked after taking another sip of her own cup.

"I'd tell you, but I promised not to."  Chakotay shook his head after responding.

Kathryn turned to Harry and raised an eyebrow.  Harry responded by holding his hands out in front of him, palms out.  Kathryn sighed, admitting defeat.  "I'll just have to wait for him to show up."

Chakotay mumbled "You and me both" under his breath, unaware he said it loud enough to the others in the group to hear.

Kathryn laughed and shook her head.  "I'm off to mingle. See you later." She took off, walking to the other end of the room.  Stopping at a small cluster of people, she smiled.  "Hi."

Samantha Wildman turned around first.  "Hello, Captain.  How are you?"

"I'm doing just fine, Ensign.  And yourself?" Kathryn looked down to Naomi and smiled.

"I can't complain."  Sam smiled and looked towards Seven, who was still in her costume from the talent show.  "I was just telling Seven that her part of the talent show almost was inappropriate for Naomi.

Seven, who had been watching Kathryn since she came up, looked at Naomi and then Sam.  "I apologize, Ensign Wildman.  I did not anticipate some of what I did.  You might say I ... got carried away."

"It's ok, Seven.  I know you didn't.  It wasn't really that bad, I suppose.  If Naomi were less mature..."  Sam's voice trailed off.

"Indeed."  Seven turned to Kathryn.  "Captain, may I make a suggestion for Voyager's celebration?"

"Of course, Seven."  Kathryn smiled.  "All requests and recommendations should have been in by last week, but it rarely works out that way."

"I was not aware of these at that time, Captain.  I encountered them during my research last night."  Seven assumed her regular pose, hands linked behind her back, head slightly cocked to one side.

"Well...  Go ahead."  Kathryn set her glass, now empty, on the small table next to her.

"While I was researching ideas for my segment in the talent show last night, I discovered some 'tools' common in the occult that have an extensive history of use during Halloween."  Seven moved towards the communication panel, pulling up a variety of pictures.

"A Ouija board?!  I haven't used one of them in years!"  Kathryn laughed.

"You've used one before, Captain?"  Sam's voice was incredulous, as if she couldn't believe the Captain of Voyager would do something like playing with a Ouija board.

"oh, yes, Ensign.  When I was about Naomi's age, actually.  My mother had a board she inherited from one of her relatives.  It was supposed to be from the 1700s and haunted by the condemned soul of a Witch.  Kathryn laughed again, a deep rumble that spread across the group.

"Then I may replicate it, Captain?"  And an assortment of other thinks?" Seven asked expectantly.

"Where would we put it, Seven?" Kathryn asked.

"I have already talked with Neelix.  He is willing to have three tables pulled out for their use.  I have also found three crew members that can help in utilizing the tools."  Seven had obviously checked everything out before asking.

"Three, Seven?  Why three?"

"Because, Captain, one type of tool involved is a deck of Tarot cards. Two of the three chosen crew members are skilled in reading the cards, and the third has offered the use of her crystal ball.  I thought that they could.. take turns as the party progresses, so that all three can enjoy the party."  This was the part Seven was still unsure of.  How would Kathryn react to Seven scheduling crew members outside of duty parameters?  Her fears had no basis in reality tonight, though, as warmth spread across her body in reaction to Kathryn's touch.

"Seven, it's a great idea.  You're really being very thoughtful." Kathryn reached out and touched Seven's arm.  "People should spend more time with you.  Maybe then they'd learn that."  Kathryn cleared her throat. "Replicate what you need.  You don't have to use your rations."

"Thank you, Captain."  Seven tilted her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"No, Seven.  Thank you."  Kathryn touched Seven's arm again and moved away from the trio.  "Have a good night, everyone."

***

"I don't recognize you."  B'Elanna growled slightly from behind Natalie Purvis, who immediately turned to face her.

"Lieutenant Torres.. I don't know - "

"For starters, you can call me B'Elanna."  Her voice lightened.  "You can also tell me what that costume is that you're wearing."  B'Elanna smiled, her toothy grin fitting in perfectly with her cat costume.

Natalie blushed.  "Actually, B'Elanna, this isn't a real costume.  This is what I wore on a semi regular basis before I entered Starfleet Academy." Natalie turned, her skirt, made of multi-colored scarves, swirling around her slim tanned legs.  She also wore a bright scarf tied around her chest as a top, another used as a headband, and lots of dangling, flashy gold jewelry. "You don't like it?"

B'Elanna, watching the skirt swirl, swallowed before clearing her throat.  "Exactly the opposite."  B'Elanna forced herself to lift her eyes from the bare legs in front of her and looked into Natalie's dark eyes.  "I haven't seen you at any of these parties before."  B'Elanna groaned to herself as soon as the words left her mouth.  /That sounds like a cheap pick-up line./

"That's because I don't come to the parties."  Natalie stood straighter, an automatic defense at what she expected to come.

"Generally or always?"  B'Elanna moved a little closer, curious.

"Always."  Natalie was matter of fact.

"Why not?"  B'Elanna was aghast at the idea someone could spend as long a time as they had on Voyager, alone, without coming to one of the normal parties.

"Parties are a celebration.  I prefer to celebrate on my own."  Natalie said this like it was obvious, which, to her, it was.

"Must get lonely."  B'Elanna was about to move closer, but moved back instead when she saw Natalie's face.

"It can, if I let it."  Natalie looked at B'Elanna, her face an unreadable mask.  "I don't let it."

B'Elanna opened her mouth, about to ask Natalie how she was so sure she would always succeed, when they were interrupted by Seven.  "Lieutenant Torres.  Enjoying the celebration?"

"Yes, I am, Seven."  /But I'd enjoy it even more if you'd leave me alone and let me continue this conversations without interruptions./

"Good."  Seven waited a second before turning to Natalie.  "The Captain has approved of the additional entertainment.  Are you prepared?"

A memory of Seven's 'entertainment' at the talent show flashed through B'Elanna's mind.  /Captain Janeway wouldn't allow that, would she?/ "Waitaminute..."

"Yes, Lieutenant Torres?"  Seven raised one eyebrow in question.

"What additional entertainment?  I know nothing of it."

"You are required to know everything that happens on board Voyager, Lieutenant Torres?  I was unaware that you are now Captain."  Seven stood as she normally did, hands behind her back, head tilted to one side.  The pose that B'Elanna found irritating to even imagine.

"Well..." B'Elanna felt a flush burning up her cheeks and she thanked both her parents for her mixed Human Spanish and Klingon ancestry for her semi-dark skin tone.

"You were not informed of the additional entertainment because it was not needed that you be."  Seven turned and started to leave with Natalie and she paused, looking back at B'Elanna.  "Should I inform Captain Janeway that you must now be aware of everything that happens on board Voyager?"

B'Elanna's cheeks burned even hotter.  "That's not necessary, Seven. I'll see you later?"

Natalie looked at B'Elanna carefully.  "Maybe."   She then followed Seven's tall form through the crowd, aware on one level of B'Elanna's eyes still on her retreating back.

***

Seven stepped on stage quietly, the curtains swishing behind her before falling to a complete rest.  Lifting the microphone, Seven cleared her throat.  She spoke into the microphone when "I require your attention." Between the presence on stage, the command, and the slightly raised voice even more raised from the microphone, that got everyone's attention.  "I encountered new types of entertainment that I thought some of you might enjoy."  Seven stepped to the side of the stage and activated the control panel. The curtains slid back, giving a few people deja vu from the talent show held earlier.  Spread around the stage, there were 3 tables set up.  Set up on the tables were two Ouija boards set up, a crystal ball, and two tarot decks.  "There are three different devices that have been reported throughout Human history as having special links with the paranormal.  Other cultures have similar devices, however I could only find crew members who knew how to operate the Human.  I hope you enjoy."  Seven stepped off the stage quickly as people tried to get on the stage.  A group had immediately formed around the Ouija Board, and there were lines at the tarot readings and the crystal ball.

Natalie quickly stood up and addressed the line in front of her.  "I think that Captain Janeway should have the honor of having the first tarot card reading."  At the groans of everyone in the line, Natalie raised her hand and started speaking again.  "She works as hard, or harder, than any of us.  She deserves it."  The groans stopped as Kathryn's voice cut through them.

"Ensign, I appreciate the offer, but it isn't necessary.  I'm sure there are many others who would rather go first."  Kathryn's voice drifted over the crowd, soft but filled with a reminder of the steely determination everyone in the crew knew very well.

"Captain, I must insist."  Natalie moved to the edge of the stage, cutting through the crowd.  "There's nothing to be afraid of."  As soon as it left her mouth, Natalie regretted it.  Her face flushed slightly before she could center herself amidst the  speculative noises of the people surrounding her.

Kathryn's eyebrow rose as she looked at Natalie, then behind her at the senior staff.  /Had one of them put the Ensign up to it?  Or was she really challenging her??  Her eyes drawn back to the stage, Kathryn started moving to the steps, shrugging once slightly.  "I'm not afraid, Ensign, but if you insist I be the first to have a reading done, then so be it.  Sitting down, Kathryn waited for Natalie to sit opposite her. "Shall we begin?"

"Yes, Captain."  Natalie quickly opened a wood box and lifted a cloth wrapped tarot deck out of it.  Unwrapping the deck, she started shuffling it, her long fingers moving quickly and showing years of practice.  "What type of reading would you like, Captain?"

Kathryn gave Natalie a half grin, showing her amusement.  "I'll let you choose.  You're obviously more experience than I am."

"Very well, Captain."  Natalie continued shuffling, thinking of what type of reading.  "First, we'll do a character reading."  Natalie handed the deck to Kathryn.  "Shuffle these, please."

Kathryn, bemused at receiving orders from an Ensign, began.  "How long should I continue?"

"Until you want to stop."  Natalie reached a hand out to accept the deck that Kathryn quickly handed over.  Spreading the cards in front of her face down, Natalie looked up to Kathryn.  "Pick a card. Any card."

"This sounds like the Master Magician Parisini's act."  Seeing the look Natalie gave her, Kathryn quieted slightly.  "Sorry."  She looked at the cards  a second before deliberately choosing one on the right side.  Lifting it, Kathryn looked at it while Natalie easily scooped up the remaining cards.  "Are you going to guess which one I chose?"

"No."   Natalie took the card from Kathryn and placed it face up on the table.  "The Queen of Swords.  Well, Captain, the first thing to consider is what element Swords represent in this particular deck.  Swords represent the element of Air, which has to do with states of mind and conflict, intellectual pursuits, etc.  The Queen of Swords is a private person, one who likes to keep to herself.  She often keeps a barrier between herself and others that few are allowed to cross.  She is both proud and withdrawn, but she keeps a sharp watch over her realm and makes her presence felt in subtle but effective ways.  She is somber and stately, and her image in the card, holding her sword downwards, signifies pacification by force.  The Queen of Swords is a person who is determined, sharp, quick-witted, and keen; she has intense perceptions and can be subtle.  It may signify a widow  or woman of sadness, mourning, privation, absence, loneliness, and separation.  She is one who has savored great happiness but who presently knows the anxiety of misfortune and reversal.  The Queen of Swords can also show narrow-mindedness, maliciousness bigotry, deceitfulness, vengefulness, prudishness, the makings of a treacherous enemy, and an ill-tempered person."

Kathryn had leaned back in her chair, amazed at the accurateness of some of what was said.  /is that what the card said, or did she just make it up, knowing my character?/  "Well, it got insulting toward the end, but it was a nice reading.  Is that all?"  Kathryn started to lift herself up.

"Oh, no, Captain.  That was just a preliminary character reading.  We still have the real reading to do."  Natalie began shuffling the deck again, her mind focused inward.  One part of it was still aware of the woman sitting across form her, radiating authority, and the quiet crowd they had drawn when Natalie began her character reading.  Closing her eyes, Natalie shuffled the cards faster and faster, her hands a whirlwind of motion, until she suddenly stopped.  Dealing out the first three cards, Natalie opened her eyes.  "This is one of the most basic readings there is.  One card represents your past," Natalie tapped the card on her right, "one card the present," Natalie tapped the middle card, "and the last card your future,"  Natalie tapped the card on the left.  "Do you have any questions?"

Kathryn cleared her throat slightly.  "Actually, I do have one.  How accurate are these?"

Natalie laughed.  "Only as accurate as you want them to be, Captain. Shall we?"

"Yes, go ahead."  Kathryn sat back, not sure if each of these cards would be as long as the character reading had been.

"We'll go in chronological order, which means the past will come first. Your past is represented by the Two of Coins.  Coins represent the element Earth, which deals primarily with material and financial conditions.  The Two of Coins has to do with using the same line of work, in a different place, difficulty in launching new projects, difficult situations, new troubles, embarrassment, worry, and concern.  It also deals with literary ability, agility in handling matters, simulated enjoyment, enforced gaiety, letters, messages, and missives."  Natalie took a small breath before continuing. "That's it's literal meaning.  In other words, you're dealing with something you're not used to, with new trouble, and you're concerned over it.  At some points, you've forced yourself to act in an acceptable matter, though you didn't really feel like it.  You've also been trying to receive and/or send letters."

/Sounds like Voyager being trapped in the Delta Quadrant./  "And my present?"

Natalie tapped the middle card with her fingernail.  The card is the Four of Wands.  Wands represent the element of Fire, which deals with strong emotions, energy, action, and power.  The Four of Wands has to do with working with others toward a common goal, romance, society, harmony, newly acquired prosperity, peace, tranquility, the fruits of labor, and rest after strife.  It also deals with the loss of full tranquility, unfulfilled romance, insecurity, tarnished beauty, and incomplete happiness."  Natalie took another small breath, though it wasn't as needed as her first one; she had slowed down to a level she was used to working at now, instead of trying to keep up the speed she used to have.  "Again, that's it's literal meaning. In other words, you're working with others to a common goal, and you have the possibility of romance in your life.  Whether the possibility ends positively or negatively is up to you.  Whichever way it does end up, though, will change you; inside and possibly how others see you."

/A group working towards a common goal?  It does fit our current situation, but that is pretty broad../  Kathryn smiled slightly, curious as to what her future held, according to the cards spread in front of her.  "And my future?"

"The future is represented by the Three of Swords.  The suit of Swords represent the element of air, as I told you during the preliminary character reading.  he fact that this suit has been pulled up twice, during the reading itself and your character reading, shows that Air  and it's contributions to character are important in your life.  The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, unless you can communicate, absence, disappointment, strife, removal, dispersion, diversion, opposition, separation, delay, distraction, confusion, disorder, error, mistake, incompatibility, mental anxieties, loss, and alienation."  This time, Natalie didn't pause, as she was getting into her natural reading rhythm.  "Basically, unless you start communicating with the people around you, your future will be pretty bleak; you won't find love, and if you don't, that will lead to continuous unhappiness."

"How will I know who I'm supposed to fall in love with?"  Kathryn's heart started beating just a little faster, since as far as she could tell the past and the present were both accurate.  Did that mean that future would be also?

Natalie sat back into her chair slightly, her shoulders untensing.  She hadn't meant the reading to go that fast; she just automatically did it fast to try to impress the Captain with her Tarot reading skills.  "Well, Captain, giving our current location, it would have to be someone on board Voyager, or someone that you meet through diplomatic relations."

"Any idea on when I'll meet him?"  /Why am I so sure it's going to be a man?/  A second later, Natalie spoke, voicing Janeway's thoughts.

"There's no guarantee that the person you love will be male, Captain.  As for when you'll meet that person, you may have already met..  You just don't know it yet."  Natalie moved her shoulders slightly, the tension draining out completely.

"Can you tell me anything about this person?"  Kathryn sat forward, aware only of Natalie, not any of the people silently waiting.

"Would you like me to do a character reading?  I can't promise it'll be accurate, just as I can't promise any of this reading will be, but it may help."  Natalie leaned forward again, her hands poised to pick up the cards.

"Yes, please."  Kathryn watched as Natalie immediately picked up the cards form her reading, putting them into different parts of the deck. She watched Natalie's hands shuffle the large deck, moving with a grace few saw.

Natalie finished shuffling and began to spread the cards in front of her.  "Because this is a character reading, it's going to be very similar to yours, only with a different card."  When she finished arranging the cards, Natalie looked at Kathryn. "Pick a card. Any card."

"It's not my character reading. Shouldn't someone else pick it?" Kathryn's hand poised over the cards, waiting for the answer.

"We don't know who the person is, Captain.  If someone else pulls the card, it will be a character reading of them."  Seeing the look on Kathryn's face, Natalie continued.  "And no, this won't be a character reading of you. Since you already had one done, this will be a reading of the person you'll find yourself in love with.  When you choose the card, think of what you would consider the perfect mate for yourself."  Natalie watched as Kathryn chose a card from the far left of the table.  Once the card was away from the group, Natalie ran her hand along the cards, putting them back into a deck. Placing it to her right, she reached for the card Kathryn was holding.

"The card you chose, The Fool, is part of the major arcana, unlike the rest of the cards you have chosen, which are part of the minor arcana. Because it is part of the major arcana, it is very important, in the tarot deck, and in your life.  The tarot deck tells a story of a person, The Fool, traveling through his life, learning lessons.  The Fool is a youth without direction, drifting through life undisciplined and frivolous.  He is concerned more with the trivia of life than with it's substance. Soft-featured and androgynous, he has a naive and inexperienced look.  He is surrounded by a great void, symbolic of all the opportunities open to him and waiting to be filled.  He seems blissfully unaware of the awaiting chasm, for the cares and worries that would beset a more mature person don't disturb him.  His companion issues a warning, but to no avail; the Fool notices nothing.  The Fool can have many different meanings and possibilities, as each card can."  Natalie took a deep breath, knowing this next part was going to be long.  "Meanings of the Fool can be: a new chapter opening in one's life, originality, eccentricity, beginning of an adventure, enthusiasm, new opportunities beckon, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, rashness, obsession, folly, thoughtlessness, lack of discipline, immaturity, spontaneity, unrestrained excess, infatuation, indiscretion, tendency to start a project without carefully considering all the details, reluctance to listen to advice,  faulty choice or bad decision, indecision, and apathy." Natalie took another quick breath.  "I think that was fairly self explanatory."

"Ensign, if this is the person I'm supposed to fall in love with, why does he or she sound so.. demanding?  So childlike?"

"I can't answer that, Captain.  I can only tell you what the cards show." Natalie stood up.  "And with that, Captain, I end this reading."

Kathryn followed suit and stood up as well.  "Thank you for the reading, Ensign.  It's something I'll remember for a long time."  Kathryn stepped down from the stage and looked back at Natalie.  "Enjoy the rest of the party." Kathryn stepped off the stairs, hearing B'Elanna ask to have her fortune told by Natalie.

"You too, Captain."  Natalie sighed slightly, sitting down in her chair after B'Elanna sat in the one vacated by the Captain.  "What type of reading would you like, B'Elanna?"

***

Kathryn moved toward the buffet table in a trance.  Picking up a plate, she automatically put some food onto it, not noticing what exactly the food was.  Grabbing a drink with her freehand, she moved toward the large windows and placed her light burdens on the small bench in front of the windows before sitting down.  Picking up her fork, she began easily a concoction that Naomi Wildman had suggested: spaghetti with olives, which was supposed to be smashed brains and eyeballs.  Staring out the window, she didn't notice Chakotay come up and sit next to her until he put his hand on her arm.

"That was quite a tarot reading, wasn't it, Kathryn?"  Chakotay reached out with a large hand and stole a cookie finger.

"Yes, Chakotay, it was."  Kathryn dragged her gaze from the window and looked at Chakotay before moving past him to look at a small group.  "I don't know whether to believe it or not believe it."

"That one is up to you, Kathryn."  Chakotay followed Kathryn's gaze. Seeing Seven in the group, he leaned forward.  "Believe it, Kathryn.  Someone who fits that second character reading is right here, if you just take the chance."

Kathryn looked at Chakotay and smiled slight.  "She is something, isn't she?"

Chakotay smiled sadly at the look in her eyes, knowing there never had been a chance for them.  "Yes, she is."

Kathryn shook her head. "No.  Chakotay, I can't.  I'm the Captain."

"You'll be the Captain until you resign or you die, Kathryn!"  Chakotay took a deep breath, getting his emotions under control.  "Kathryn, don't ignore the perfect opportunity.  You'll regret it."  /I know I have./

Kathryn looked deep into Chakotay's eyes, seeing the obvious pain.  She had missed the chance with Chakotay long ago.  They both knew that.  But it was in the past.  She smiled, her face radiating joy.  "You're right, Chakotay."  Kathryn leaned over, brushing her lips over his before patting his cheek.  "I'll see you tomorrow, Chakotay."

"Good luck, Kathryn."  Chakotay stayed on the bench, watching Kathryn move purposely towards Voyager's Astrometric's officer.

Seven had just said good-bye to Samantha and Naomi Wildman, B'Elanna Torres, and the Doctor, her heart thudding in her chest painfully.  /She kissed Commander Chakotay.  She didn't even think of me./  Already turned, Seven didn't see Kathryn leave Chakotay and get closer.  As she walked towards the door, Seven felt a hand on her elbow.

"Leaving already, Seven?"  Kathryn's throaty whisper made Seven shiver.

"Yes, Captain, I - "  Seven tried to think of a plausible reason as she turned to face Kathryn.

"You don't have to make an excuse, Seven.  Actually, I was wondering if you would mind coming to my quarters?  We could have another talk.  Unless you're doing something else...?"  Kathryn let her voice trail off, raising one eyebrow in question.

"I am not doing something else, Captain.  I would be.. happy to talk with you in your quarters."  Seven smiled to herself, pleased her voice wasn't shaking as she expected.

"Good.  Let's go."  Kathryn linked Seven's arm in her own before leading her out the Messhall door.  Both women were oblivious to the raised eyebrow of Tuvok, the knowing smiles from Tom, B'Elanna, and Harry, and the sad smiles on the faces of Chakotay and the Doctor.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *