Teach Me


"Oh, I don't know what's wrong," Kathryn huffed, frustrated, "I had it earlier? I guess my balance isn't what it once was."

Kathryn stood uncertainly, gripping the wooden bar to her right. With her chestnut hair scraped back into a high ponytail, and wearing minimal makeup, she appeared much younger than her forty-three years. She was dressed in what looked like a black V-necked bodystocking, the sleeves of which ended just above her elbows. The outfit was designed for practicality, but appeared to accentuate her curves, making her look almost the embodiment of femininity.

Definitely a change from the Starfleet uniform, she thought, smirking to herself, but I'll be damned if I ever get caught in a tutu.

"Serge, I'm just useless! I'm giving this up, I swear. It only frustrates me."

"Kathryn, you know as well as I do that this has nothing to do with your age," her instructor replied, "now, apply yourself. Take a breath, stretch first if you need to. But you're not giving up."

Kathryn chuckled at his stern expression.

I have got to stop letting these damn holograms push me around!

"Okay, okay? I'll try."

Slowly, she walked to the centre of the room, and stared at her reflection. The mirrored walls slightly unnerved her? she felt like her reflections mocked at her, willing her to fail, to make an idiot of herself. That may have been just the push she needed, as she gritted her teeth and, lifting up to the tips of her toes, pushed herself into an elegant pirouette, stopping on the sole of her foot in a delicately balanced position. The top half of her body dipped toward the ground, her face just inches from it, with her leg raised high, and straight, behind her. Her arms stretched outwards gracefully, giving her an air of swan-like beauty.

"Beautiful, Kathryn!" he laughed, "You've got it!"

"I am in agreement." added Seven.

"Oh my? oh crap!" Kathryn yelped as she lost her balance, landing sprawled in front of Serge and the now bemused ex-borg.

"That display, however, was somewhat less impressive," Seven smirked, "I am sorry, Captain. I entered as you began, and did not wish to interrupt."

Kathryn flushed crimson at the thought that Seven had seen her dance, and the fact that she had gone on to fall over didn't help matters. She reached up a hand for Seven to help her up, which she immediately did. As they pulled themselves face to face, there was a short pause, as though neither knew quite what to say. They regarded each other for a moment, both women meeting a not-quite-comfortable gaze, and then Serge broke the silence.

"Who's your friend?"

Kathryn glanced over to him, only half-thankful for the interruption.

"I'll tell you later, Serge. Computer, delete character."

There was a beep of acknowledgement from the Computer, a swishing sound, and only the two women remained.

"So, what's wrong, Seven?"

"I wished to invite you to join me for lunch in the mess hall. I? should not have disturbed you."

"You don't normally ask me to accompany you? are you sure there's nothing wrong?"

"You do not normally have spare time, Captain. So I am sure that there are many other ways that you would rather?"

"?You know, Seven," Kathryn interrupted, grinning, "I don't think there's any way I'd rather spend it."

"Captain," she said slowly, "I would like to make another request."

"Oh, really?" her lips quirked slightly, and she raised an eyebrow, "and what makes you think I'm feeling so generous?"