A SECRET SANTA

Tom Paris stood in front of Seven of Nine, a red stocking cap in his hand.

"C'mon, Seven," he urged.

"What is this 'Secret Santa'? Explain."

"Everyone selects a name from the hat and then gives a present to that person at Neelix's party on Christmas Eve. You can give your gift anonymously, if you want."

"I do not think I shall participate."

"Everyone on the ship is, Seven." Knowing there was only one way he could get Seven to join in, he said slyly, "even the Captain is picking a name. I know she'd be disappointed if you didn't."

"Very well."

She reached into the hat and picked a small slip of paper out of the hat. She looked at it, her expression unchanged.

"Who'd you get, Seven?"

"If I told you, then it would not be a secret."

"Can't blame a guy for trying," the sandy haired ensign replied with a smile.

"What gift are we to give our... Secret Santa?"

"It's usually something of yourself, something special."

"Ensign, if you do not choose Lt. Torres, does that mean you will not give her a gift?"

"Oh, no, that's completely different, Seven. I'll give my Secret Santa a gift, but I'll be exchanging presents with B'Elanna after the party, when we're alone. As a matter of fact, I've got a very special present for her."

"Indeed."

"Yes," he continued, so caught up in his plans that he forgot who he was talking to. "I'm wrapping myself up as a present so she can have me under her Christmas tree. I'll even put up mistletoe over the bed."

Seven raised the silver Borg implant over her left eye. The expression on her face was a cross between curiosity and amusement. "Mistletoe?"

"It's a small plant that people hang up for Christmas."

"And what is its purpose? Why hang it over your bed?"

"You're supposed to kiss the person under the mistletoe."

"So you are using mistletoe and gift wrap in pursuit of recreational copulation."

Tom cringed and blushed at the same time. "Something like that."

"I understand, Ensign."

"Well, I'd better get going. I've got to get to the rest of the crew. And Seven, thanks for being a Secret Santa. I'm really glad you're joining in the festivities. See you later." He headed out of Astrometrics, calling over his shoulder, "Don't forget, Seven. Only fifteen shopping days 'til Christmas."

* * * * * * * * * *

For three days, Seven scanned the computers for every piece of data it had regarding Christmas and all of its customs. As she read, she began to formulate her plans for her Secret Santa. But first I must speak with the Captain, she thought. There are a few customs that only she can clarify for me.

Captain Janeway answered the chime to her Ready Room with a friendly "Come." She looked up when the door opened with a muted "whoosh."

"Yes, Seven?" Janeway smiled at her Astrometrics Officer. She found that smiling was something she was doing with more frequency whenever she was alone with Seven.

"I require your assistance in the customs of Christmas. It is something I am unfamiliar with."

"Tom told me you decided to join our gift exchange." Janeway's smile grew. "I have to admit I was a little surprised, but I'm very glad you are."

"Thank you."

"I think it'll be a very good way for you to either get to know someone a little better, or even meet someone new."

"Perhaps."

"So, what are your questions?" Janeway asked, rocking back in her chair.

"I have read everything the computer has regarding the Christmas holiday. I am confused with all the different celebrations."

"Well, it's more of an Earth tradition. It has changed over the years. For close to two thousand years it was primarily a religious holiday."

"I am aware of the... 'baby in the manger' story." Seven almost smirked.

"For the past several hundred years, Christmas has been blended in with other holidays, some of them religious, some of them not. There are other cultures in the Federation who have similar holidays but they are more of seasonal, winter solstice type of celebrations."

"How did you celebrate Christmas, Captain?"

"Growing up, my family celebrated Christmas in a more traditional style." Janeway leaned back in her chair, her face a mixture of both fond remembrances and recent pain over not being home. "We'd decorate the house, a tree with all the trimmings, gifts beneath it." She smiled to herself. "On Christmas Eve, before we went to bed, my sister Phoebe and I were allowed to open one present."

"And then Santa Claus came to visit, no doubt," the Borg said dryly.

Janeway laughed. Seven's sense of humor is certainly improving, she thought. "Yes, or so it seemed to us for many years," she answered.

"And on Christmas Day?"

"Christmas Day we'd hurry to the living room, and open our presents. We'd spend almost the entire morning in our pajamas, playing with our presents, eating one of mother's big brunches. And if we were lucky, there would be enough snow for sledding in the afternoon, before dinner."

"It sounds... pleasant," Seven said, trying to sound like she understood.

"It was, it was." Janeway's thoughts briefly drifted off to a time almost forty years earlier. "I miss it," she said suddenly.

"Perhaps Neelix's party will help," Seven offered.

"Maybe, maybe. You know, Seven, you should talk to the other crewmembers. I'm sure they'll be happy to share their holiday stories with you. Not everyone celebrated the way my family did."

"I will consider your suggestion, Captain. Thank you."

Janeway returned to her padds when Seven turned to leave. It was only when Seven's back was to her, that Janeway's gaze left the padds and instead studied the retreating figure of the shapely ex-Borg.

* * * * * * * * * *

Seven arrived at the party alone, a small box wrapped in red paper clutched in her hand. Desiring to blend in with the rest of the crew, she wore a new dark green outfit that she had replicated for the occasion. She noted that many of the others wore red or green outfits and was pleased that she had made the decision.

Several members of the crew spotted Seven, waving to her, smiles on their faces. She noted the glasses in their hands and assumed they had been drinking some sort of alcoholic beverage. Normally they were not so cheerful in her presence.

"Merry Christmas, Seven," the Captain said, drink in one hand, a small present in the other.

"A... Merry Christmas to you, as well, Captain."

"That's a new outfit, isn't it? It's a very good choice for the party. You fit right in."

"Thank you, Captain."

Janeway sipped from her cup. "Have you had any eggnog? Neelix did a pretty fair imitation of the real thing."

"No, thank you. I do not require liquids at this time."

"You don't know what you're missing, Seven."

"Seven!"

A small girl made her way through the crowd. She wore a red jumper, a white pullover beneath it, and green tights. She looks like an elf, Janeway thought, smiling at her.

"Naomi Wildman," Seven replied.

"I had your name, Seven," she babbled on excitedly. "I couldn't wait to give you your present."

"Thank you," Seven said, taking the box from Naomi.

"Well, open it."

"Please hold this for me," she instructed Naomi as she placed her Secret Santa present in her hands. Naomi's eyes widened when she saw the name on the package. "Do not say anything, Naomi."

"I promise. Open my present, Seven."

"Yes, Seven, open your present," encouraged Janeway.

"Very well."

She quickly tore the wrapping paper off the box then looked around, unsure what to do with it.

"Let me, Seven," Janeway offered, setting her drink down and holding the torn paper.

"Thank you, Captain."

Inside the box were several drawings Naomi had done. Many of them were easily identified as drawings of Naomi and Seven, based on the blue outfit and blonde hair of the taller figure, the shorter, brown haired figure beside it The last one was of Seven and someone in a red and black Starfleet uniform. The two figures appeared to be holding hands.

"Who is this with me?" Seven asked.

"It's the Captain. Since we're your best friends, I thought you needed pictures of both of us."

Seven's cheeks blushed a faint pink, Janeway's a bit redder.

"Thank you, Naomi Wildman. They are very good likeness to all of us."

"You can hang them up in your alcove, or maybe in Astrometrics."

"I will have them framed and hang them in my alcove."

"There's more in the box, Seven."

"Indeed."

Seven looked inside the box and found a small, crudely made ceramic bowl. Inside of it were several colored hairclips.

"I made the bowl myself after I replicated the hairclips. I thought you'd need something to put them in."

"Thank you. They are all very thoughtful gifts."

Seven bent over and hugged Naomi. Janeway watched, a smile on her face. Who would've thought that the only child on board would turn out to be Seven's best friend, she thought. If only I were the one receiving one of Seven's hugs… No, no more thoughts like that. Seven's part of my crew, a friend. An innocent friend. I can't be having thoughts like these about Seven.

"I've got to go find Tom," Janeway said, suddenly needing a little breathing room. "I need to give him his present. I'll catch up with you later, Seven."

Seven remained with Naomi. They looked over the drawings that Naomi had made, this time with Naomi providing a story for each and every one.

"Does the Captain know you have her name?" Naomi asked.

"No, and I must give her the present soon."

"Why?"

"Because I must leave the party and finish my preparations for her gift."

Samantha Wildman came by a short time later to retrieve Naomi.

"It's time for bed, Naomi. If you aren't asleep when Santa comes, he won't leave any presents for you."

"Mom..." Naomi rolled her eyes.

"Humor me, Naomi," Samantha said, laughing.

"Okay. Goodnight, Seven. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas. And thank you for the presents."

Seven wandered over to where the Captain stood with Tom, B'Elanna, Harry and Chakotay. Tom was holding the Captain's gift, shaking it next to his ear.

"Well, I hope it wasn't breakable," he laughed.

"Just open it, Tom," Harry urged.

Tom quickly pulled the paper off, his jaw dropping as he read the padd inside the box.

"Wow. Thank you, Captain."

"Merry Christmas, Tom."

"What is it?" B'Elanna asked.

"Tell us," Chakotay ordered.

"It's ten hours of additional holodeck privileges. Captain Proton, here I come." He grinned until he saw the small scowl on B'Elanna's face. "Or maybe not. Maybe Lake Cataria on Betazed would be better."

"Much better," B'Elanna retorted.

The group laughed, and even Seven had to smile.

"Captain, if I may have word with you in private?" Seven asked quietly as the group broke up to mingle with the crowd.

"Of course, Seven."

"I must leave the party now. There are certain matters that I must attend to." She held out the small box. Her words came in a rush. "Since I drew your name, here is your present. Merry Christmas."

She quickly thrust the box into Janeway's hand, then abruptly turned and left the party.

"Seven, wait," she called after Seven with no success.

"Why don't you open your gift," Chakotay suggested, coming up beside her.

"I'm not sure I want to. She seemed like she was in an awful hurry to leave."

"Maybe she's just embarrassed. You know how uncomfortable she gets with these gatherings."

"Maybe." And I was so hoping that Seven was showing signs of being more at ease with the crew. I guess I was wrong. She felt her insides turn. And let's be honest, Katie, you were also hoping that Seven would spend a little more time with you. Face it, it's her that you want for Christmas.

She held the small box a few more moments before she opened it. She read the note to herself.

"What is it, Kathryn?"

"It's a note that says my present will be waiting for me in my quarters, and not to get there before 2300 hours."

"Pretty intriguing, even for Seven."

I wonder what Santa's going to be leaving me for Christmas, her thoughts taking a wicked turn. I've been a good girl this year. As a matter of fact, I've been too good of a girl this year. Frankly, it's been boring. What I wouldn't give for the 'Seven' Days of Christmas.

"Something funny, Kathryn?"

"Why do you ask?" she shot back, embarrassed.

"No reason. You just had a smile on your face and appeared to be lost in thought."

"I was just thinking about all the Christmas celebrations I had with my family," she lied.

* * * * * * * * * *

At 0110 hours, Janeway left the party that was still going strong, the beta shift having joined it. And why shouldn't it, she thought. We've had a really rough year. They deserve to cut loose every now and then.

Feeling a little woozy and warm from several cups of eggnog liberally laced with rum, she entered the turbolift.

"Deck three," she said.

While the lift sped to its destination, she found herself singing a Christmas Carol from her past, humming when she reached parts where she couldn't remember the words. It was a song that never failed to move her whenever she was away from home at Christmas. "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams…" she sang to herself, stopping only when she realized how painful the words had become.

When she stepped off the lift, she stopped. The lights had been dimmed along the corridor, and strings of small blinking colored lights were hung on the walls in both directions.

"What the – " she said. "Someone is certainly in the mood for Christmas."

As she made her way down the corridor, she noticed wreaths hanging beside each and every door. The smell of fresh pine filled the air. She smiled as her mood rapidly improved. When she reached her own quarters, her smile stretched from ear to ear. Someone had covered the door with red foil wrapping paper. Green ribbon crisscrossed it, making it look like a gaily wrapped present.

Janeway soon realized that she felt like a small child, eagerly waiting to see what was behind the door. She wasn't surprised.

"Oh, my," she exclaimed upon entering her quarters.

The room was dark, lit only by more blinking lights that were strung across the windows and hung up on the large Christmas tree that sat in the far corner of the room. A small pile of wrapped gifts sat under the tree. A large oversized knitted sock, "Kathryn" written down the front of it, hung on the wall by the doorway to her bedroom. The dining table was covered with a red cloth, three white candles in a bed of holly atop it. Christmas music played over the computer and it quietly filled the room. It's almost like being home again, she thought, tears springing to her eyes.

"Oh, Seven, you've truly outdone yourself," Janeway said aloud, her voice choking.

"I am glad you think so, Captain," said a familiar voice from across the room.

"Seven? Where are you?"

"I am on the couch, Captain."

Janeway walked over in the dim light. Seven was sitting down, still wearing her new green biosuit. When she reached her, Seven stood up, hands clasped behind her back.

"I am glad you find your present pleasing, Captain."

"Oh, Seven, I'm more than pleased. This is truly one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received." She put her hand on Seven's arm and squeezed it. "Thank you. It's wonderful."

"Then I am glad I was successful in re-creating... a little bit of home for you."

Still holding Seven's arm, Janeway took in the decorations again.

"They're just beautiful, Seven. All of them."

Seven waited for a few long moments before she turned to face Janeway.

"Captain, I believe you informed me that you have a tradition of receiving one present on Christmas Eve."

"Yes, Seven, I did have that tradition with my family."

"I would like to give you that present now."

What could she possibly have for me? What she's already given me has been more than enough, Janeway thought.

"My present for you was based on many observations I have made since I have been aboard Voyager. It is a gift that you want and need, but would never ask for."

Seven's arms were suddenly around Janeway, wrapping her in a warm embrace. Once Janeway got over her initial shock, she tentatively moved her hands up and placed them on Seven's hips, then around her waist. For a few brief moments, she allowed herself to enjoy the hug. I need this, I need to be held. Seven was right. And she's right that I'd never ask it of anyone.

Janeway soon realized that it wasn't just being held by someone that she was enjoying. She liked that it was Seven's arms around her, Seven's chest that she rested her face on, and Seven's back she was now lightly caressing. Stop, Katie, she thought, forcing herself back to the reality of the situation. You can't be doing this. Seven was offering you a hug. Nothing more. But it feels so right, she protested.

She reluctantly pulled herself away from Seven, her face warm.

"I'm sorry, Seven."

"Have I done something wrong, Captain?" Seven asked, concern filling her voice.

"No, Seven, you haven't."

"Then why did you... pull away?"

"I don't know," she lied.

"You are not being truthful with me, Captain. I believe you are concerned with your feelings for me and mine for you."

"And what do you feel, Seven?"

"I feel many emotions when I am around you... even when I am not around you, I experience strong feelings for you. It is only recently that I have been able to identity the two strongest. Love..." Seven put her arms back around Janeway, holding her close against her body. "…and desire."

"Seven..."

Janeway was too stunned to respond. She placed her hands on Seven's shoulders, but she was torn between pushing her away or drawing her closer.

"And I believe that you feel the same." Seven began to slowly maneuver their bodies toward the bedroom doorway. "Captain, I wish for you to... stand under the mistletoe with me so that I may kiss you."

Janeway looked up and saw that they were standing under a small spray of mistletoe.

"You've thought of everything," she said, her hands on Seven's biceps..

"I am Borg. We are efficient." Seven smiled, startling Janeway. "And resistance is futile."

Seven bent her head and placed the softest of kisses on Janeway's mouth. Yes, Janeway thought. Yes. Then all thoughts fled her mind as she opened her mouth, deepening the kiss.

"I believe... no, I am quite certain, that I love you, Captain."

"Kathryn. Call me Kathryn," she said.

"Kathryn… yes, I believe I will like calling you 'Kathryn'."

"I like hearing you say it, Seven."

"And I believe I would like to kiss you again."

Seven pressed her body fully against Janeway's and proceeded to kiss her with Borg-like determination and purpose. To Janeway, it felt like Seven's sole focus was her and kissing her.

"Seven, I'd like it very much if we could..." Janeway said after one lengthy kiss.

"Copulate?" Seven offered helpfully and not a little bit hopefully.

Janeway struggled to keep from wincing at the stark term. "Make love, but not tonight."

"You want to cop- " She corrected herself. "You wish us to make love, but not tonight?" Janeway nodded. "Then when may we?"

"Soon, very soon," Janeway smiled. "But tonight, I just want you to hold me."

"That would be acceptable to me."

Janeway lifted her head from Seven's shoulder, wanting another of Seven's kisses, and Seven was more than willing to oblige. They kissed until Janeway thought she would pass out from sheer pleasure.

"It's late, Seven. We should go to bed," she said, resting her hands on Seven's chest.

"Indeed."

"To sleep," Janeway said firmly.

"If that is what you desire, Kathryn."

* * * * * * * * * *

Janeway woke to the sound of a soft voice whispering her name, and an even softer body beside her. The first thought that ran through her mind was 'Home'.

A hand gently stroked her side, and she smiled. I haven't slept this well in years, Janeway thought.

"Kathryn?"

Janeway tightened her hold around Seven's waist, pressing her face against warm, soft flannel. Seven's new nightshirt, she thought. Less revealing than her biosuit, but somehow it's more enticing.

"Kathryn, you must get up."

"No, not yet." Janeway began to place gentle kisses along Seven's collarbone. This where I belong, where I've always belonged – with Seven. "Let's stay in bed, just for a little longer."

"We cannot. Your guests will be here in one hour."

Janeway's head snapped up. "Guests?"

"Yes. The senior staff will be here for breakfast and gift opening."

"Gifts? I don't have any gifts for them." Janeway tried to hide the panic in her voice.

"They are aware of that. They want to be present when you open their gifts to you."

"Their gifts to me?"

"The presents that are currently sitting under your Christmas tree."

"Seven, did they know about your Christmas plans?"

"Yes, I informed them only when I deemed their assistance necessary."

"Then I've got to get showered and dressed."

"Kathryn, do not put your uniform on when you are finished... showering."

"And what would you like me to wear?" Janeway's smile was coy.

"If you did not have guests arriving soon… I would like to see you wear... nothing." Seven's mouth turned up at one end, her smile flirtatious.

"Indeed," Janeway croaked, startled with Seven's response. Oh, who am I kidding? I shouldn't be surprised. She's upfront about everything. She doesn't know the meaning of subtlety. I just never expected her to understand my flirting.

"But since I cannot have that now, you must wear your normal sleeping attire."

Janeway stopped smiling. "My pajamas?"

"Did you not tell me that you spent Christmas morning dressed in your... pajamas?"

"Well, yes... but..."

"Kathryn, I am attempting to re-create your Christmas for you. Your cooperation will be appreciated."

"And the guests?"

"They will all be dressed in a similar fashion."

"How did I ever let you talk me into this, Seven?"

"You did not. It was a gift, and you accepted."

* * * * * * * * * *

At precisely 0900 hours, the door chimed, and the senior staff filed in, all wearing some form of sleeping wear, even Tuvok. If any of them were surprised to see Seven already in the Captain's quarters, dressed in a red flannel nightgown and robe, they didn't show it.

"Merry Christmas, Captain," they said, carrying their food dishes into the room.

"Great job with the decorations, Seven," Tom said.

"Yes, Seven. I'm really impressed," B'Elanna added.

"Thank you."

"The hallways are a nice touch," Harry commented. "I'm surprised you had enough time to get it all done."

"It was a... close call, but the Captain was most cooperative by being two hours late," Seven said dryly.

"Oh, dear, I'm in trouble again, I see," Janeway said, relieving Tom of the large platter of fruit that he held in his hands.

"Not at all, Captain. I was merely pointing out that your tardiness allowed me to complete my holiday decorations."

"I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm running late," Janeway teased as she carried the platter over to the dining table.

"Breakfast is served," Neelix announced a few minutes later. "Help yourself. There's plenty of food for everyone."

"Have you told the Captain about the next present?" Harry asked Seven as he waited in line for the food.

"No, and she does not suspect anything. Each gift I give her, she believes it to be the last."

"You've done a great job, Seven. I'd love to have someone go through all that time and effort for me."

"Perhaps you will someday, Mr. Kim."

"The Captain is one lucky woman."

"She is not lucky. She is deserving of all that she receives."

"It was just a figure of speech, Seven," he apologized.

"Seven, have you told the Captain about today's present?" Tom asked.

"No, not yet. I have not had the opportunity to inform her."

"She'll love it."

"I hope that you are correct, Mr. Paris."

"What's this talk about another present, Tom?" Janeway asked as she approached the group.

"Seven has another surprise for you, Captain."

"Another one, Seven?" she asked, taking Seven's arm.

"Yes, you must meet us all at Holodeck Two at 1200 hours."

"For what?"

"It is... a surprise, Captain," Seven said, her eyes sparkling.

"If it's anything like your other presents, Seven, I'm sure I'll like it."

"And don't forget to tell her what to wear, Seven."

Janeway raised an eyebrow. "I'm supposed to wear something special?"

"You must be dressed for cold weather," Seven explained.

"No other hint?" she asked, fixing Seven with what she hoped was an intense look.

"No. I would not want to... spoil the surprise," she replied with a smile.

* * * * * * * * * *

As they approached the holodeck, Janeway once again found herself grinning at her senior staff and their choice of clothing. Chakotay was wearing a red and black plaid jacket and a matching hat with flaps that covered his ears. Tom wore a heavy wool sweater and hat with a distinct Scandinavian print. B'Elanna wore a bright yellow head band and a black and yellow jacket. Harry was encased in a heavy parka, a long stocking cap atop his head. Neelix was bundled up in so many layers he looked like an Eskimo. Tuvok was participating as well, a muffler wrapped around his neck several times. Even the Doctor sported a pair of ear muffs.

"Well, where are we headed now?" Janeway asked with a smile. "The North Pole?"

"You must close your eyes, Captain," Seven said. "It is a surprise."

"Do I have a choice?"

"No," the group chorused.

Sighing heavily, Janeway closed her eyes and let herself be led into the holodeck. She immediately sensed the sudden drop in the air temperature.

"You may open your eyes now."

They were standing at the top of an enormous hill covered with snow. Many of Voyager's crewmembers were already dashing down the hill on sleds.

"You are... lucky, Kathryn," Seven whispered softly. "There is enough snow for sledding before dinner."

"Seven..." Not for the first time in the last twenty-fours hours, Janeway's eyes filled with tears.

"You are welcome," Seven said, saving Janeway from trying to speak.

"You did this for me?"

"Mr. Kim and Mr. Paris were of considerable assistance to me. I was unfamiliar with the concept of sledding. When I asked them about it, they offered to help me design it."

"Race you, Captain?" Tom asked, a sled in his hands.

"I'll have you know I'm unbeaten on Christmas, Tom," Janeway replied, accepting the challenge.

There were many different devices available for sledding. Janeway selected one that most resembled the ones of her youth – a wooden sled with black runners. 'Flexible Flyer' was written across it in script.

"What's the finish line?"

"The tree at the bottom of the hill."

Janeway grinned, holding her sled loosely at her side.

"Ready, set, go!" B'Elanna called out.

Janeway instinctively ran a few steps, then threw the sled onto the snow, diving onto it. Within seconds she was hurtling down the hill, Tom only a few feet away. When she looked over her shoulder and saw that he was gaining on her, she deliberately steered her sled in his path, cutting him off. He had no way of braking, so he pulled sharply on his sled, causing it to flip over, spilling him to the ground. Janeway threw her head back and laughed as she crossed the imaginary finish line alone.

When her sled came to a stop, she quickly trotted back up the hill, her sled in tow, to where a snow-covered Tom sat.

"Are you all right, Tom?"

"You cut me off, Captain!" he sputtered.

"Of course. The object is to win, Tom." She extended her hand and helped him to his feet. "We'd better get out of the way."

They looked up to see their friends begin their descent down the hill. Harry, B'Elanna and Chakotay flew down the hill on a toboggan, waving as they went past Janeway and Tom.

"Do you think Seven's ever been sledding?" Tom asked his captain as they pulled their sleds back up the hill.

"Probably not."

"I wonder if she will, or if she thinks it serves no purpose."

"Oh, I think Seven might surprise you, Tom."

She pointed at Seven and Naomi as they reached the crest. As disappointed as she was at not being the first to take Seven on a ride down the hill, Janeway also thought it was most appropriate that Naomi had the honors. I can live with that, she thought. Just as long as I'm the first in other ways. Her grin was decidedly wicked and she hoped no one saw it.

Seven was sitting cross-legged in a red, circle shaped sledding disk, Naomi on her lap.

"We are not moving, Naomi Wildman. How can you consider this to be fun?"

"Allow me, ladies," Janeway offered with a laugh. She squatted down and pushed against Seven's back. The mass of the ex-Borg was too much for her. "Tom?" she asked.

With both of them pushing, Seven and Naomi were soon sliding and spinning down the hill, Naomi's shrieks and giggles trailing after them. Janeway stood with hands on her hips, grinning as she watched them all the way down.

"Neelix, aren't you sledding?" Janeway asked as she waited for the others to return to the top of the hill.

"No, Captain, not yet. Maybe later," he said from behind a small wooden stand. "I've got to keep on top of the refreshments."

"And what do you have?"

"Popcorn balls, donuts, cider, cocoa and hot tea. And for you, Captain, Irish coffee."

"Irish coffee like my mother makes, Neelix?" Janeway's hopes rose as did one of her eyebrows.

"I think so, Captain. It's guaranteed to warm you to your toes."

"Bless you, Neelix. It wouldn't be Christmas without it." She patted him on the shoulder. "I'll have a small cup."

After several more solo rides down the hill, the group split up into assorted teams for toboggan races, with other crewmembers joining. Many of the races ended with one team or another tipping over in laughter. Janeway finally turned down the requests for 'just one more race, Captain'. She found Seven standing by herself, watching B'Elanna and Tom riding down the hill together.

"Are you having a good time, Seven?"

"Yes, Captain. I found the experience of sledding to be quite exhilarating. In fact, I was surprised that I enjoyed it."

"I'm glad, Seven." Janeway squeezed Seven's arm. "I thank you for this day, and I'm sure the crew does as well."

"Many of them have expressed their appreciation for this holodeck program."

"What's it called, in case I want to use it again?"

"It is called 'Janeway Hill'," Seven replied.

"You named it after me?"

"You were the inspiration for the program, Captain."

Janeway blushed, touched once again by Seven's thoughtfulness.

"Seven, how about one last ride down... Janeway Hill?"

"I believe I have had my fill of sledding for one day, Captain."

"Even for a ride with me?"

"I suppose I could be… persuaded to join you."

Seven's voice was almost playful and a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Janeway grinned back.

"What shall we ride on, Seven? A sled, a flying saucer, or a toboggan?"

"I will let you decide, Captain. Whichever device you deem best for us to ride on will be acceptable to me. I do, however, have one request."

"What's that?" Janeway was curious.

"It must be the one that will require me to hang on to you."

Moments later, they were seated on a toboggan and Chakotay and Harry were pushing them. Janeway didn't know what she was enjoying more - the rush of sliding down a snow covered hill on a toboggan, or having Seven holding onto to her from behind, her legs draped over her own. The latter, she decided. Definitely the latter.

Janeway was surprised to see a large bump in the middle of the hill. I don't remember seeing that there before, she thought, trying unsuccessfully to steer the toboggan around it.

"Hang on, Seven!" she called over her shoulder.

"I already am, Captain," Seven replied.

Janeway surprised herself with a gleeful shout as they hit the bump, went airborne for a few seconds, then landed hard, flipping over. They both tumbled down the hill until they came to a stop, Janeway landing on top of Seven.

"Oh, my," Janeway exclaimed.

"Captain, are you injured? Are you all right?"

Janeway looked down at Seven, wanting very much to kiss the young woman, but also very aware of her surroundings. She does feel so incredible beneath me. How did I have the strength to deny her, deny myself last night? If I'd only known she'd feel this good...

"I've never been better, Seven," she said, her voice deep and husky, her eyes capturing Seven's with an intense look. "Are you okay?"

"I believe I am uninjured."

"And I believe I have just had my last ride down Janeway Hill for some time," she laughed. "I don't think I could top that." She shifted her body, her leg slipping between Seven's legs. Then again, maybe I can.

"Captain, could you..." Seven suddenly looked uncomfortable.

"What? Get up?"

"Please. Or I will not responsible for my actions."

"Are you sure?"

"Quite. I do not want to draw unwanted attention to our situation."

"Very well, Seven."

Janeway reluctantly rolled off of Seven, testing her joints and appendages to be certain that she hadn't injured herself. Seven did the same.

"Captain," she said as they trudged back up the hill. "I have one more Christmas present for you."

"Seven, I think you've given me more than enough."

"No, it is one last present that you did not open last night."

"What is it?"

"It is a... surprise. You must let me go to your quarters before you so that I may get it ready."

"All right, Seven. How much time do you need?"

"Thirty minutes."

"Then I'll see you in my quarters in thirty minutes."

"You will see your gift, Captain, in thirty minutes."

After Seven left, Janeway helped herself to another of Neelix's Irish coffees. Chakotay sat down on the wooden bench beside her.

"Having a good Christmas, Kathryn?"

"One of the best I've ever had."

"Seven certainly went to a lot of trouble," he said cautiously.

"Yes, she did. It was a very thoughtful gift."

"It was good for the crew, too. They needed a few days to have some fun."

"They've earned it."

"I think all of these events have made some of them feel like they were back home."

"I told Seven last night that with all her efforts at creating a piece of home for me, it just helped me to realize that Voyager is my home now, each one of you my family."

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the crew enjoy themselves in their holodeck winter wonderland.

"Will we see you at dinner tonight?" he asked when she stood up.

"I don't know. Seven has another Christmas present for me. I haven't a clue what it could be."

"Remind me to have her draw my name next year," he laughed. "You're the envy of the ship right now."

"Oh, I think I may have to pull rank next year, my friend," she said, patting his shoulder. "I think I'd like to have Seven draw my name every year, if only to see if she can outdo herself."

"As long as you share your presents with the rest of us."

"We'll see, Chakotay. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Kathryn."

Janeway strolled through the corridors of the ship, almost bouncing on the balls of her feet. She whistled one Christmas Carol after another, smiling and speaking to everyone she saw. What an absolutely wonderful day. Brunch, presents, sledding. Nothing can top the day I've had.

She entered her quarters, tossing her coat on a chair. The rooms were lit as they had been the night before. Janeway carefully looked around the room, trying to spot any unopened gifts. I wonder where she put my present?

"Seven?" she called out tentatively.

"In here, Kathryn."

She cautiously walked into her bedroom. The room was only lit by the strings of lights that were hung on the windows. Seven was lying on the bed wearing her red nightshirt. Unlike the night before, she had provacatively unbuttoned the top few buttons, displaying more than a hint of cleavage.

"One last present to unwrap, Kathryn."