UNDER A CARNIVAL MOON


Seven looked up from the screen as the doors to Astrometrics opened. "Captain," she said in greeting.

"I thought you would be in the holodeck with the rest of the crew...?" Kathryn Janeway moved behind Seven, looking over Seven's shoulder at the information on the screen.

Seven was glad the captain chose to stand behind her. She could feel the warmth radiating from Janeway's body; and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep her facial features from betraying her emotions. "There is work that needs to be done," she stated, hoping her voice remained steady.

The truth was socializing was the last thing on her mind. She wanted the captain, but knew it would never work, so the less she was in situations to be reminded of that, the better.
 

"Seven, there is always work that needs to be done. But to be most efficient, we need to relax and recharge our batteries. Why don't you get changed and I will meet you down there?"
 

"Captain, I..." Seven's protest was stopped by a look from Janeway that clearly said 'don't make me order you.' "Yes, captain," she reluctantly agreed.
 

Janeway smiled and squeezed Seven's shoulder. "Good. See you in a few minutes."
 

~*~
 

Seven stepped onto the holodeck and appraised Tom Paris' latest holoprogramming effort. She had to admit, he did have attention to detail. The setting this time was a mid-twentieth century Earth carnival. It was night, but the glow of the lights from the attractions provided adequate illumination. The ground was covered in grass; there were rides and games, even a live band playing music. A group of children ran past, arms loaded with balloons and candy. As usual, there was an assorted cast of characters with whom the crew was interacting with.
 

Seven had just noticed Chakotay, dressed in a letterman's jacket when she heard the captain's distinctive voice. She made a mental note to ask the commander what the significance of such a garment was.

"Seven! Over here." Seven turned towards Janeway and was surprised that seeing the captain, dressed in tight black capri pants, and a loose pink satin jacket over a zebra print shirt, had caused her heart rate to accelerate. Seven felt awkward as she walked to the captain's side.
 

Janeway smiled and handed Seven what appeared to be spun sugar, dyed pink, on a stick. "Try it. It's cotton candy. Horrible for your teeth, but fun to eat! I haven't had this in ages." Janeway took a big bite of the blue colored one she had in her hand.
 

Seven took a hesitant bite.
 

"What do you think?"
 

"I believe this provides no nutritional value."
 

Janeway laughed. "You're right about that, but the pink goes rather nicely with that tight sweater you're wearing."
 

Seven watched as Kathryn’s eyes scanned over her body, taking in the tight lavender sweater, darker purple poodle skirt, and saddle shoes. Seven felt herself blush under the captain’s scrutiny. “I don’t see the point of wearing clothing with a depiction of the breed Canis familiaris.”
 

“It was just the style of the day, Seven! And it’s fun. When in Rome…” Janeway smiled brightly at Seven. “Shall we check out the games? Perhaps take a ride on the Ferris wheel after we’ve eaten?” Janeway led Seven towards the area full of different games of skill and chance.
 

“Hey, captain!” Tom called out. “What do you say to getting in the dunk tank?” He grinned broadly at Janeway. Currently, it was “Dunk the Chef” and Neelix was climbing out of the tank and getting back on the bench.
 

“That was a lucky shot, Mr. Tuvok! Let’s see you do it again!” The Talaxian taunted as Voyager’s resident Vulcan quietly raised an eyebrow, pulled back his arm, and deftly hit the bullseye.
 

“Three more balls, please, Mr. Paris,” said Tuvok, pulling out his replicated money.

Janeway laughed and said “Maybe later, Tom.”
 

Seven gave her a peculiar look and Janeway explained, “It’s an old Earth custom where people get to purchase the chance to dunk someone, usually of authority, into a tank of water. It was popular for school fundraisers and entertainment shows.”
 

“I see. Humans do the strangest things for amusement.”
 

Janeway laughed, “I can’t argue with you there! Come on, let’s go on the carousel.”
 

Janeway bought some ride tickets and led Seven to the carousel. "Do you want to ride separate or in one of those two-seater things?" she asked as they climbed on.
 

"Let us ride separately this time," Seven lowered her eyes, "Perhaps together another."
 

Seven chose an innermost horse, forcing the captain to take the middle, which was slightly ahead of her own. It allowed her to surreptitiously watch the captain as they enjoyed the ride. She felt herself moisten as she watched the captain's thighs, wrapped so tightly around the brightly painted pony. She briefly wondered what it would be like to touch and caress those thighs.
 

Seven started when Janeway's hand was on her shoulder, "Seven, are you all right?"
 

She shook her head, "Yes, captain. I think I was just unprepared for the circular motion." She was a bit dismayed to see that the ride had come to the end of its cycle. She was not dismayed by the way the captain helped her off the horse, their bodies leaning on one another.
 

The captain suggested they get something to drink and both came away from a vendor stand with ice cream sodas.
 

Seven took a sip of hers and said, "There seems to be an exorbitant amount of sugar at this function."
 

Janeway chuckled, "Well, it was a time for relaxation and fun. There's nothing wrong with a little sugar rush every once in a while."
 

They sat in silence for a moment, just soaking in the atmosphere. "Tom's really outdone himself this time," said the captain, softly. "Even the air smells fresh and sweet."
 

"He is quite talented when he wants to be."

"Well," began Janeway, slapping her hands on her thighs, "Are you ready to try some more rides? I've been waiting to go on that roller coaster."

Seven agreed and they rode a few of the rides – the small wooden roller coaster, which the captain liked so much they went on twice, a whirligig ride that knocked them into each other repeatedly, and bumper cars, which ended with B'Elanna knocking Harry and his car out of the arena.
 

Janeway won Seven a stuffed bear at one of the games of skill. "There's one more ride I want to go on tonight, Seven. How do you feel about the Ferris wheel?"
 

"I'd be delighted." The two women made their way to the Ferris wheel and got in line.
 

"I've always liked the view from the tops of these things," Janeway said thoughtfully. They rode slowly around for one cycle then another, but when they reached the top, the ride stopped.

Seven looked over the side and Janeway smiled. "Don't worry, they're probably loading or unloading somebody. We should start up again soon. Just enjoy the view."
 

Seven looked at her captain, bathed in the glow of a holographic moon and the lights from the carnival. Music drifted up to them from below and the artificial breeze ruffled Janeway's hair.
 

"The view is...quite stunning."

Seven did not turn her gaze when Janeway looked at her. "Captain, I have had an enjoyable time tonight. I believe, in some contexts, this evening would be classified as a date. Am I correct?"

Janeway smiled, "It could be. In some contexts."

"I would like that."

Janeway raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I would, too."

Seven felt Janeway's fingers thread through her own. "I believe it’s customary for couples on a date to kiss.” Seven leaned forward and pressed her lips to Janeway’s. When she pulled away, Janeway smiled.

“That was very nice.”

Seven’s eyes scanned Janeway’s and she captured the captain’s lower lip between her own, sucking slightly. She felt Janeway wrap her hand around the nape of Seven’s neck, her fingers toying with the hairs that had escaped the ponytail.
 

They were pulled apart when the ride started with a jerk. After the ride ended, Seven took Janeway’s hand and led her towards the holodeck doors. “There’s one more ride I want to go on, but it’s not on the holodeck.”

…fade to black…