The Night is Peaceful

"This is a most interesting concept, Captain," Seven said. "What did you call it again?"

"Christmas," Janeway glanced up from her padd. Seven was holding another padd with almost the same information that was contained in Janeway's.

"Why did we not partake in this celebration last year?"

"Because no one could agree on a theme last year," Janeway smirked.

"But someone chose Christmas this year?"

"Yes."

Seven nodded in acceptance of this explanation and continued reading. They sat in silence for several more minutes before Seven posed another question.

"I am assuming that this party was planned by Lt. Paris and Ensign Kim?" Seven said dryly. Janeway grinned.

"Correct," she said. "B'Elanna helped too. They felt Voyager had been far too long since having any real entertainment."

"Item 210 appears suspicious to me," Seven commented.

"What is it?"

"'Egg nog'."

Janeway laughed. "As long as we don't let Neelix prepare it, egg nog should be the least of your worries."

"I see." Seven looked thoughtful. "I seem to remember something..."

"What?" Janeway looked on with interest.

"When I was a child, very young. Once a year we would put a tree in the main sitting room. We would... decorate it, and Papa would left me up and help me put a star on the top of the tree."

"A Christmas tree," Janeway smiled. Seven nodded.

"Yes, that's it." Seven's looked went to the padd again. "This is the holiday associated with it?"

"Yes, it is," Janeway verified. "It is a holiday that, oddly enough, still endures after hundreds of years. The meaning behind it is sometimes lost... but it always helps to remind people of what they value in their lives."

"Did your family celebrate it?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact they did," Janeway set the padd down. "We'd go caroling if the snow wasn't too high."

"Snow...."

"It's.... like powered ice. Falls from the sky in the winter, when its really cold."

"I remember. And caroling is singing?"

"Yes. We'd have presents and all sorts of other things. Most of it is on that padd."

"I will have to read this further," Seven said.

"Good. I don't think they plan to have the party for another week," Janeway said. "They're going to mix in a few other winter holiday's too."

"It shall prove to be interesting."

"Yes, it should."

"Captain, what on earth have you been doing to your hands?"

"Needlework."

"Needlework? What does that-Oh I believe I understand."

"I was working on something for the baby," Janeway said, guilt and pride intermixed in her voice.

"As long as you don't hit any arteries, it's alright with me," the Doctor sighed. "Other than that, you're in fine condition."

"Good, can I go?" Janeway was already fidgeting off of the biobed. The Doctor smirked.

"You really don't like it in here, do you?"

"It's not your fault Doctor, really," Janeway smiled.

"I would hope so," the Doctor sighed again. "Yes, you may go." Janeway cleared the rest of the way to the floor, and smoothed her uniform over the slight bulge of her stomach. On the way out, she passed Lt. Moretta, who was looking slightly green.

"Are you alright, Alex?" The younger woman looked at Janeway.

"I'm fine. I think its just what... whatever the hell Neelix cooked for breakfast... it's not agreeing with me."

"I understand," Janeway smiled sympathetically, and then exited Sickbay. She rubbed her back as she walked down the hall. Ensign Kim came up and walked alongside the Captain.

"Good afternoon Harry," Janeway said as cheerfully as possible despite the pain in her back.

"Captain. I was just wondering if it was possible for Tom and B'Elanna and I to get some time off to work on the holodeck program for the Christmas party," Kim said, giving her a padd. Janeway glanced at it.

"Talk to the Commander about getting your schedules changed," she said.

"Yes ma'am," Harry said with a grin. He nearly skipped off. Janeway shook her head with a smile and continued on her way to the Mess Hall.

Janeway did her best to sit gracefully at the table where Seven was seated in the Mess Hall.

"So, is there anything non-repulsive on today's menu?" Janeway asked.

"No," Seven said honestly. "The soup is bitter, and the pie is decidedly sour."

"I wonder if I have enough rations to replicate a plate of rocky road fudge," Janeway said idly, cupping her chin in her palm.

"Yes," Seven said, working her way around a brown lump on her plate.

"And how would you know?" Janeway's lips twisted mischievously.

"I simply do," Seven caught Janeway's eye and smiled. Janeway sniffed. Seven continued. "I also know that you're going to ask if I would go and replicate the fudge for you."

"You're no fun."

"You're just lucky that I am in a good mood."

"You have moods?" Janeway said airily.

"Would you rather I bring it to the attention of Neelix that you have yet to try his latest 'culinary masterpiece'?"

"You're cruel," Janeway made a face, and her hand moved to clutch her stomach. "I think I feel some morning sickness coming on."

"You haven't had morning sickness yet, Kathryn," Seven pointed out. Janeway sighed.

"True, but it makes for a good excuse."

"You may have a point," Seven said thoughtfully. Janeway lifted her head from her hand and leaned back in her seat.

"I'm not going to get that fudge am I?" She looked down at the padd Kim had given her.

"Only if you're planning on getting it yourself," Seven said.

"It'll have to wait then," Janeway decided. Seven gestured at the padd.

"What is that?"

"Ensign Kim gave it to me. It's the holodeck plans for the Christmas party."

"May I see them?"

"Of course, but it's not much-just a brief outline of the plans. Apparently it's supposed to be kept a secret."

"I understand," Seven said, and quickly looked through the contents of the padd.

"Captain! I'm guessing that you and Seven are talking about the party," Tom Paris appeared next to their table. Janeway pressed her palms together.

"And I'm guessing that you were standing over there at the counter doing your best to look like you weren't listening in on our conversation," she smirked.

"Ah, well, that might possibly be it," Tom colored slightly. "But, um..."

"Go ahead," Janeway waved a hand. Paris pulled a chair over.

"It's about the party," he stated.

"I assumed as much," Janeway gave a him a weakly serious expression.

"Actually, it's more about the catering," Paris gained an interest in his thumb nail.

"The catering?" Seven echoed curiously.

"The refreshments," Tom explained.

"What about the refreshments?" Janeway fixed her gaze on Paris. He fidgeted. "Come on Tom, it can't be that bad."

Tom looked over his shoulders, and then leaned toward Janeway. "Well, B'Elanna doesn't want Neelix to cater."

Janeway raised an eyebrow, "B'Elanna doesn't?" Paris colored further.

"Well, really, none of us want him to."

"I see."

"But we'd probably have to replicate a lot of the food, and that poses a problem with getting enough rations."Janeway was silent for a moment, and then she nodded.

"I think I understand what you're getting at," she said. "And I can sympathize with you."

Paris sighed, "Thank you Captain."

"I want a complete list of everything you're going to need, and how much of the replicator resources will be required. If everything can be arranged, I'll let you go on that way, without Neelix's aid."

"Thank you Captain," Paris repeated in a breathy voice, and hastily left the table. Seven watched him do his best to avoid Neelix as he left. She turned her look back to Janeway.

"I am curious," she stated. "Do you think Neelix's feelings will not be hurt by this arrangement?"

Janeway pursed her lips. "Seven, what do you think?" Seven followed her look to the food still untouched on Seven's plate.

"You made the correct choice," she said rapidly.

"Neelix needs a holiday anyways," Janeway assured them both.

A few days later Janeway was returning from her afternoon shift on the Bridge. She rounded the corner, wondering what to do with her hair. She was surprised to find Seven standing in front of the door to their quarters. Seven was holding something in her hands.

"Seven," Janeway called out, "what's wrong?" Seven looked up in bewilderment.

"Nothing's wrong," she said. "It's just... this." She handed a small white envelope to Janeway. It was sealed, and unmarked.

"Why didn't you open it?" Janeway wondered, turning the envelope in her hands.

"It was not addressed to me," Seven explained simply.

"Actually, it's not addressed to anyone," Janeway noted, keying the door with her free hand and stepping inside. Seven followed. "Where did you get it?"

"It was stuck between the doors," Seven pointed behind her. Janeway nodded, and sat on the couch. She put the envelope down on the table, and then proceeded to removed her boots. Seven looked on with a perplexed expression. Janeway then went to the replicator.

"Coffee, blend Janeway5."

"Aren't you going to open it?" Seven queried.

"Hmm?" Janeway glanced up from the coffee she had just procured. "Oh, the envelope. Be patient Seven, I have to get settled."

"Of course," Seven said dryly, and sat on the couch. Janeway joined her a moment later, and after taking another sip, traded the coffee for the envelope. Seven edged closer as Janeway slitted the envelope. She pulled out a white card from it.

"What is it?" Seven almost sounded excited. Janeway smiled.

"It's an invitation."

"For the Christmas party?" Seven guessed.

"I believe so," Janeway said as she read the invitation. Seven leaned and looked over her shoulder.

"Dress warmly?" Seven sounded puzzled. "What does that mean?"

"Well, Christmas is a winter holiday," Janeway explained, "And since it's being held in the holodeck, I'd guess it would have a wintry scene to it. And winter is the coldest season of the year."

"So it will be cold?" Seven frowned slightly.

"Yes, but Seven that's why it says to dress warmly."

"Then I will be sure to do just that," Seven decided. Janeway nodded in silent understanding, and reached for the coffee mug again.

"Why is it on December 24^th?" Seven asked, having taken the invitation from Janeway.

"Because its Christmas Eve," Janeway said.

"The night before Christmas?" Seven translated for herself. Janeway nodded again. "If Christmas is the important day, why have the party the night before?"

"Because over time Christmas Eve has become almost as important as Christmas Day itself is."

"I do not understand."

"There isn't much to understand," Janeway concluded, "It's simply tradition."

"I see. But how did it become a tradition?" Janeway looked at Seven, and chewed her lip thoughtfully.

"To be honest, I don't know why," she admitted. "Why don't you find out for yourself sometime?"

"I will," Seven assured her. She got up and went over to the computer console.

"Now what are you up to?" Janeway downed the last of her coffee.

"I am curious as to the nature of the file mentioned in the invitation," Seven said, activating the console. Janeway peered at the console from where she stood behind Seven.

"It looks warm enough," Janeway noted.

"What?" Seven looked from the image of bundled people on the monitor.

"The style of the clothing," she amended. Seven nodded and looked back down.

"I cannot see myself wearing such attire."

Janeway laughed, "it's not that bad Seven."

"We shall see," Seven said bluntly, "but I just might prefer being cold."

"I think I have it all worked out," Chakotay said.

"Let me see," Janeway held out her hand and took the padd from him. She glanced over it quickly and smiled. "Brilliant."

"I thought so."

"Lowering rations without lowering rations."

"Exactly. B'Elanna doesn't anticipate needing a great amount of rations, and other departments were able to contribute as well."

"That's was generous of them." Chakotay laughed.

"Anything for a party."

"Yes, that sounds like our crew," Janeway smirked. "So the standard rations are lowered, but everyone receives a Christmas allowance."

"Correct."

"Alright then, you can pass along the word that it's approved," Janeway nodded. She rubbed her neck and made a face to conceal a yawn.

"How are you doing?" Chakotay wondered. Janeway huffed a laughed.

"As best can be expected," she said, smiling wryly. "I'm always starving, my neck hurts; my back hurts; my ankles hurt..."

Chakotay chuckled, "Sounds normal."

"At least I'm not violent like B'Elanna was."

"I think I still have a lump on my arm," Chakotay laughed.

"Well, all things considered, I have it very well."

"In what way?"

"I have the support and constant scrutinies of the crew, and..."

"And what?" Chakotay was suppressing a mischievous grin.

"And no morning sickness," Janeway studied Chakotay and her brows lowered. "And a first officer who's willing to rub my ankles."

"And who might that be?" Chakotay asked innocently.

"I'm going to have to find one," Janeway smirked.

"Can I have a promotion?"

"Don't push your luck," Janeway laughed. "If you won't rub my feet, will you at least get me coffee?"

"Of course, anything for the Captain."

"You just want to keep the party Neelix-free," Janeway said.

"We all have our motives, now don't we?"

"You look much more comfortable in this than I do," Seven sighed. Janeway laughed, zipping up the winter parka carefully over her stomach.

"Well, I may be comfortable, but you look wonderful."

"Thank you," Seven smiled softly. She stared at Janeway for a moment, and then her face lit up. "Oh, I almost forgot!"

"Forgot?" Janeway looked up curiously from inspecting her hair. Seven went over to her dresser and pulled open the middle drawer. She retrieved a small black box, and after shutting the drawer she walked over to where Janeway was seated.

"I was looking at the information on Christmas from the computers, and I came across the topic of gift giving. This is my Christmas present for you." She offered the box to Janeway, who took it. She opened it to reveal a delicate silver necklace.

"Oh Seven," Janeway breathed, "thank you."

"You're welcome," Seven said with a smile. "Merry Christmas." Janeway smiled.

"Merry Christmas, Seven." She leaned forward. "Let me put it on?"

"Go ahead," Seven stepped back a bit. Janeway fastened the necklace, and looked to Seven for approval. She nodded. "It's lovely on you."

"Thank you," Janeway said. She glanced at the time. "Well, I suppose we should be going now or we'll be late." Seven nodded, and they exited their quarters. The hall near their quarters was quiet, but in when the turbolift stopped to let someone off they caught a glimpse of a rather loud gathering forming outside the door to the mess hall. Seven pointed out Kim, who was carrying a tray, and waved at them. The doors shut then, and Janeway and Seven got off and went to the doors of Holodeck 2.

"Now button up, dear," Janeway said in a chiding manner, "if the holodeck is cold than you don't want to be caught off guard." Seven smirked back at Janeway, and pointed out that she was already well covered.

"I plan to stay warm," Seven said smoothly. "Shall we enter then, and see what weather awaits us?"

"Lead the way," Janeway bowed slightly with a grin. Seven keyed the holodeck doors, and they stepped inside....

Into a world of snow and ice. Janeway looked around with a smile, but Seven's mouth pursed.

"It is definitely cold, Kathryn," she said dryly, her breath steaming in front of her. Janeway laughed.

"What did I tell you Seven?"

"No complaints."

"That's right, no complaints," Janeway patted Seven's arm.

They crunched through the snow to where four similarly dressed adults were standing. Correction, where three adults and a fourth cuddling a cooing six and a half month old baby were standing.

"Captain! Seven!" called Ensign Ramirez. "This is some party, eh?"

"Well, I'll admit that with all the replicator rations I credited to this, I was expecting something more than trees and snow."

They were standing at the bend of a snow covered road that stretched off into the distance. Trees laden down with snow surrounded them from all sides.

"Yah, I know, we've been standing here freezing our rear-ends off for ten minutes at least, and not seen anyone except a little snowbird-" Ramirez paused as a strange tinkling filled the air.

"Did you hear that?" Lt. Whitener whispered. The others nodded silently, listening to the misplaced sound of-

"Sleigh bells," Janeway whispered. And as if on cue, coming from one direction a pair of horses appeared, and then a sleigh. It was trimmed in holiday fashion. Rows of bells were attached to the horses' harnesses, and they jingled as the horses impatiently tossed their heads. A large woodsy looking man stepped down from the sleigh and greeted them.

"Ah, you are going to the Christmas party, yes?" The man spoke with an odd accent. At their nods he continued cheerfully. "Alright then, we shall not be leaving you all out in the cold any longer, eh?"

"That would be acceptable," Seven murmured, but the hologram paid her little attention. He was already continuing in a cheerful manner that forced Janeway to compare him to Neelix.

"Lt. Whitener, Ensign Ramirez, would you please hop up and sit in the back seat, eh? That way we won't have to worry about little Brenna falling out, eh?" Ensign Ramirez stifled a laugh as they complied. "Up you go. Now, Ensign Phillips, Crewman McKenzie, please grace the middle seat with your presences. And who else do we have? Ah! Captain Janeway, Seven! Come join us won't you? Sit in the front seat please and we shall get this show on the road. Or at least, the runners on the snow, eh?" Janeway and Seven climbed onto the sleigh, and then the driver climbed on to the small seat in the far front. He snapped the reigns and gave a whistle, and the horses eagerly set off.

The sleigh traveled quickly through the silent forest. Little Brenna was having a burbling conversation with her father, Lt. Whitener, while Ramirez conversed with the ensign and crewman in front of her. Janeway was taking in the scenery, and Seven would have been looking too if she hadn't been blowing on her hands. Finally, after almost ten minutes, the sleigh came to a stop.

"And here we are," the driver announced, "just go right on it. Have a good time, eh? And Merry Christmas."

"Thank you sir," Janeway smiled as Seven got off and then helped her down.

"My pleasure," the hologram nodded, and then with a whistle the sleigh started off down the road again.

They had been dropped off in front of a cobbled path that lead to an elegant looking cottage recessed in the trees. A thin trail of smoke was already curling up from the chimney. The front doors opened and a heavily clad figure emerged from the cabin.

"Captain! You made it!" Paris bounded from the doorway and out into the snow.

"Are we late?" Janeway called with a laugh.

"No, we're just getting started," Paris shook the snow from his hair.

"Good. I'm looking forward to seeing just what you all concocted," Janeway grinned. With a chuckle Paris started off across the lawn, waving at the newcomers to follow. Another load of people were already unloading from a second sleigh. The people on this sleigh were all bearing boxes and trays and such.

"Food! Finally!" Paris shouted. "Harry c'mon! Bring that all in!" Paris stomped his feet off in the doorway as they reached the entrance, and waved the other inside.

"Seven, you look frozen," Janeway laughed as they went inside.

"That is not exact, but I will admit that I've been warmer." Janeway's laughter rang throughout the cabin, which was a great deal larger on the inside that it appeared from outside. The foyer, which was already half buried in coats, let into a large and open great room, with a fire roaring in the fireplace at the far end.

"Why don't you take your coat off now?" Janeway said, unzipping her coat and adding it to the pile. Seven complied, and Janeway watched thoughtfully, her hand falling on the necklace and a pleased smiled finding a spot on her face. Seven turned to catch the end of the smile.

"And why do you look so happy?" she asked. Janeway's fingers wrapped themselves in the silver chain, and she cocked her head thoughtfully.

"'Tis the season to be jolly, Seven."

"How cryptic," Seven said with a raised brow. Janeway kept her head bent as she heard the strains of music coming from a hidden cranny somewhere.

Still, still, still
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Seven looked at Janeway. "What is it?" Janeway lifted her head and shook it quietly. She raised a finger to her lips, and whispered,

"Just listen." Seven listened, and heard.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Savior's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Savior's birth.

"It is lovely," Seven said softly. Janeway took Seven's hand and led her further inside and away from the foyer.

Dream, dream, dream,
of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.


 

"Tom," Janeway called to Paris who was helping set up food on a table. "Have Chakotay and Alex gotten here yet?"

"Oh, yeah, a little while ago. Alex had to talk to him about something."

Janeway nodded, and they went over and took a seat by the fireplace. Seven's cheeks were losing their cold red tint, and she had quit shaking.

"You are all right, aren't you Seven?"

"I'm fine now," Seven nodded, leaning back in the plush cushions of the couch. Janeway patted Seven's arm and smiled.

"Cider?" Ensign Wildman came to rest next to them with a tray laden down with drinks.

"I'll take one," Seven piped up, while Janeway shook her head. Wildman handed Seven a mug, and then nodded at Janeway.

"Merry Christmas," she said. "Torres said that the main bulk of festivities will be beginning at 1930hrs, so that we can be sure everyone's had a chance to arrive."

"What's first?" Janeway asked.

Wildman grinned, "At little of this, a little of that."

"You people are terrible," Janeway laughed.

"That's what we're here for," Wildman was laughing now too.

"Be careful with that stuff, its hot," Janeway scolded Wildman with a smile. Wildman gave her a nodding laugh and continued on her way around the group gathered near the fire. Janeway turned slightly, taking in the scene, and across the room she caught sight of Chakotay. He was sitting by himself, his expression that of someone who's just been kicked rather hard and not had the time to deal with the pain of the bruise. He noticed her, and crooked his finger at her.

"Seven, I'll be right back," Janeway said, and she nodded into her drink. Janeway crossed the room, and sat next to Chakotay.

"Hello."

"Hi. Is something wrong? You don't look too happy," Janeway looked at him critically.

"I'm fine. Excellent, even."

"So what's up?"

Chakotay stared at her blankly for a moment, his gaze traveling down her front. It eventually stopped, and Janeway shifted uncomfortably. He looked back up at her, and smiled.

"I was just talking with Alex," he said. "And..."

"Yes?" Janeway prompted him. Chakotay's face colored, and he broke into a grin.

"Alex is pregnant," he said.

"Chakotay that's wonderful!"

"That's not all of it," Chakotay said. "It's twins."

"Twins! Oh Chakotay I'm so happy for you," Janeway smiled. Chakotay rubbed his nose.

"Thank you."

"You must be so happy," Janeway said.

"I am, I'm ecstatic! It's just... strange that..."

"You'll be having two sets of children at once?" Janeway supplied.

"I suppose that a good way to put it," Chakotay said. "I just wanted to be sure... that this didn't bother you."

"Chakotay, this is wonderful news," Janeway said. "I'd have no reason not to be happy for you."

"You could be jealous."

"Why?"

Chakotay shrugged. "I'm not sure. I was just worried."

Janeway patted Chakotay's arm. "Don't worry. I'm not jealous. And I've very happy for you."

"Thank you, Kathryn," Chakotay smiled.

"Oh, Chakotay! You are dead meat!! Just wait until I get my hands on you!" Alex Moretta tore through the cabin after Chakotay.

"What's that all about?" Torres wondered, watching them pass. Janeway smirked, and shrugged. They were getting the children out of their snow-clothes.

"Knowing Alex it could be about anything," she said wryly. Torres laughed, and Lixa Wildman echoed her.

"Oh, you're a silly little dragon aren't you?" Torres tickled the little girl under her chin.

"Yes!" Lixa giggled, and Torres patted her on the forehead, next to the little row of ridges present there.

"Tell you what," Torres said, picking up a jacket. "Why don't you help us clean up all this stuff, and we'll get to have a snack earlier."

"Okay!" Lixa hopped around eagerly at the mention of a snack.

"Alright. Take you coat back over to where the others are," Torres said.

"'Kay Aunta Bey!" Lixa took the jacket and pranced off.

"And be careful, it's slippery over there!" Torres called after her.

"You're more of a mother hen than I am B'Elanna!" Janeway chuckled, pulling the wet socks off Jeremy Paris's feet. He was burbling contentedly and reducing a cookie to crumbs.

"Well, take it as a compliment that I got it from you," Torres retorted. Janeway was laughing now, and nearly choked when she heard a very masculine scream coming from down by the fireplace. Janeway handed Jeremy to his mother and got to her feet.

"I got him!" Alex cried triumphantly. She was sitting piggyback on Chakotay's shoulders, and had her hands over his eyes.

"I can't see!" Chakotay proclaimed loudly.

"Hey, B'Elanna! Come here, you gotta see this!" Janeway called over her shoulder.

"No!"

"I gotta see this," Torres came up next to Janeway, and burst out laughing. In her arms Jeremy let out a squeal.

"What did I do to deserve this?" Chakotay wondered.

"Like you don't know," Alex planted a kiss on the top of his head.

"I don't, honest!"

"Let's just say that I don't like snow there that much, shall we?"

"Oh... that..." Chakotay flushed slightly, and Alex slid down off his back. Janeway noticed for the first time that she was soaked from head to toe.

"Alex, why don't you go dry off?" she suggested. "There are towels in the bathroom."

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Alex laughed. "Point the way."

"We're about ready to begin now, everyone get settled!" Paris cupped his hands over his mouth and quieted the partiers. Everyone had eaten and danced and sang and... partied.... to their hearts content. The large group was now settled all around the great room. Paris picked up a padd off the hearth above the fireplace, and sat down next to his wife. B'Elanna shifted little eight month old Jeremy in her lap, and picked up the padd in her hand. She cleared her throat and began to read:

"Editorial Page, New York Sun, 1897

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor,

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.' Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon"

Torres passed the padd to Harry Kim, who continued to read the story.

"Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge." Kim finished reading, and passed the padd to Seven. She looked incredulously at him, and then after a moments thought, passed it to Janeway. She accepted it with a flush, and sat up some. Her voice trembled at first, but she pressed on with a steady conviction.

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished." A moment of silence expired once Janeway had concluded, and she handed the padd to Chakotay.

"Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world."

The padd went on to Paris. "You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding." Tom's voice fluttered with a look at B'Elanna and their son, and he read the last lines.

"No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!"

Applause filled the holodeck once the reading was done. Lixa pranced happily around her mother and Lt. Jenkins. The three mothers had taken a position near Lt. Torres in case Jeremy decided to raise a fit. As it was, the little quarter-Klingon was now asleep in his mother's arms.

"What's next?" someone out in the room called. "We've had our bedtime story, but I'm not sleepy in the least!"

There was laughter. Janeway was helped to her feet by Seven. She turned to Neelix, with an expectant look on her face. The Talaxian gazed back in surprise, and shrugged.

"There's still food left..."

"Let's dance!" someone else hooted. Janeway shrugged helplessly with a laugh as tacky holiday music began blaring through the sound system. The babies let out a squeal in response, and the giddy mood of earlier returned. Seven took Janeway by the hand, and led her to the large window that overlooked the yard behind the cabin. It was still blanketed in snow, pristine in appearance despite the occasional romping crewmembers that went by.

Seven and Janeway sat by the window, and looked out quietly for a few minutes. Janeway turned, and studied Seven's face. She looked to be deep in thought, about what Janeway had no idea. Whatever it was, it was taking all of Seven's concentration to focus on it. Her eyes weren't even really see what was outside. It was a distraction really. After several quiet minutes Seven took a deep breath, and then let it out. It created a small ring of condensation on the window. Seven blinked, and stared at the ring, and the looked back at Janeway. She clasped Janeway's hands between her own. After a moment she looked up.

"Kathryn..."

Janeway inclined her head slightly, barely whispering. "Yes, Seven?"

"Two years ago I was Borg. Yet now I am as human as my self will let me be. I remember being Borg, in the way you remember your childhood. The memories are not all fond, but they are necessary for making us who we are. I remember my assimilation as well, as I remember the day I was freed from the Collective," Seven spoke in solid tones, the verity truth coming from within her. "And... as this seems to be a period of thanksgiving, I would like to thank you, for everything that you have done for me."

Janeway exhaled. "You're welcome, Seven." Seven looked at her softly.

"I want to thank you for something else, Kathryn," she whispered.

"What?"

"Thank you for letting me love you," Seven said softly.

"Oh Seven," Janeway breathed, "I didn't have to let you love me. You did that all on your own. I simply loved you back." Janeway smiled, and Seven met her with one of her own. On impulse, Seven pulled Janeway into a hug. Janeway found herself holding her breath during the long moment that it last. Seven ran her hands down Janeway's back. After a minute they returned to their earlier sitting arrangement, but as they did Janeway took the moment to place a gentle kiss on Seven's forehead.

Their hands twined together again. Their attention drifted outside to the snow. The snow, which blanketed everything in a sheet of white. Cold and yet gentle; delicate as the breeze that stirred it into small drifts. Obscuring any pain that might exist in the universe, quieting everything with its mere presence. It was something to be felt deep within. A tranquility of the soul.

And for a moment, everything was peaceful on a ship called Voyager, far away from home, yet home within itself.

Fin