Just as he opened his mouth to ask the computer where she was, Tom Paris walked in with a sheepish grin on his face.

"Tom." the Doctor's voice was cold, "This was all *your* doing, wasn't it?"

"Hey, don't look at me!" Tom complained, holding his hands up in a gesture of feigned innocence. "You're the one who so desperately wanted a chance to talk with Seven!" His grin widened, "I just helped the process along!"

"You had absolutely *no* right to lie to me like that!" the Doctor continued his diatribe. "And Seven was in on it, too!"

"Well, actually, Doc, I didn't tell Seven she was playing the part of a hologram, but-"
"Leave! I don't want to see you in here for at *least* a week! If you have any medical problems, solve them yourself!" the Doctor huffed.

"If you say so," Tom turned and left Sickbay.

The Doctor took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself.

"Computer, locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is not on board." the cool female voice responded.

"Not on board! What? That's impossible!"

"Please be more specific."

The Doctor sighed in frustration, "Locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is not onboard," the computer restated.

The Doctor tapped his chin, deep in thought.  *Of course. The day after I tell her my feelings, she decides to leave!" he snorted.  *It's off to Cargo Bay 2 for me.* he put on his mobile emitter and headed for Cargo Bay 2.
 

*    *    *

Jeri Ryan opened her eyes with a start. *This isn't my room.In fact, it's not even my house!*  As her eyes grew accustomed to the gloom, she realized she wasn't where she should have been.   *The set of Voyager? The Cargo Bay Two set? I could've sworn I went home last night! What on Earth happened? Is this some kind of joke?* Jeri asked herself with just a touch of annoyance. Immediately, she looked around for a camera set or anything that would help her identify that she was actually on the set of *Voyager*.  *Well, this certainly *looks* like the set.but why am I still here? Maybe the janitor is here and he'll tell me.* With that, she stood up and crossed the room to the doors. But just as she was about to step out into the corridor, the Doctor walked in.

"Bob! I was looking for someone to tell me what happened!" Jeri exclaimed.

The Doctor stopped in his tracks, too stunned to do anything but stare. Seven was not in her uniform. Jeri was wearing a moderately low-cut sleeveless blouse with khaki capri pants and sandals and her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Jeri, almost oblivious to his stare, continued.

"But why are you still in costume? Or are we going over the new script again?" she wondered aloud.

The Doctor was agape. He had to swallow before he could speak. "Bob? My name isn't Bob. In fact, I don't *have* a name! It's just the Doctor. You of all people should know that! And why are you dressed like that? You-"

"Bob!" Jeri exclaimed once more, "Are you feeling all right? Of course that's your name; Robert Picardo. And what's more, I'd like to know why I'm still on the set. I know I went home last night, and then suddenly I find myself back here!"

The Doctor became more and more agitated. *Seven is obviously experiencing severe hallucinations or having a regression of the thoughts of people she assimilated.*

"Seven, you need to get to Sickbay right away! I'll need to run some scans, and-"

Jeri cut him off, "Robert, my name, as you well know, is not Seven of Nine! It's Jeri Ryan." she found herself getting more annoyed by the second.

That made the Doctor stop. "Jeri Ryan? How can that be? I've never heard of that name. You are Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero-One."

Jeri cut him off again with an impatient sigh, "No, I'm not. I'm just the actress who *plays* Seven of Nine. She's just a character!"

The Doctor's eyes clouded with worry and he placed a hand on her arm, "Seven! You are going to Sickbay with me NOW!"

She struggled to release her arm from his grasp, "I won't go anywhere with you until you let me explain myself!"

"If you won't go to Sickbay, then come with me to the captain!" he pleaded. Under his breath, he muttered, "Maybe *she'll* be able to convince you!"

Jeri considered. *Kate? If she's still here. We must still be filming! Why didn't they call me?* To the Doctor, "Alright. I'll come with you. Maybe she can explain why I'm back on the set."

*   *    *

Captain Janeway looked up as the door chimed. "Come in." she called, one hand impatiently brushed a strand of short-cropped hair away from her eyes while the other tapped in commands on a PADD.

The doors opened and the Doctor rushed in, looking a trifle bewildered and worried.

"Yes?" the captain looked up.

"Captain! I think Seven is experiencing some form of hallucinations. She keeps calling me Bob! And-" But he need not have spoken further because at that moment, Jeri stepped from behind the Doctor.

"Kate! I'm glad to see you! Robert wouldn't believe me when I told him I was Jeri Ryan. I think he's trying to pull my leg." she laughed uncertainly.

Janeway was more than a little surprised, but hid it well, "Jeri Ryan? Maybe you should explain yourself," she indicated the couch behind her, trying not to look too shocked.

As Jeri crossed the room, Janeway studied her, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her chin. *Well, she certainly isn't dressed in Seven's uniform, and.where are her Borg implants?*

Janeway leaned towards the EMH and whispered, "Doctor, did you notice that 'Seven' has no Borg implants? And Seven of Nine wouldn't dress like that! I think perhaps we should listen to her story, hmm?"

"Maybe you're right," the Doctor agreed skeptically.

Jeri settled herself more comfortably onto the couch, "Are you going to listen to me now?" she pleaded.

"Go ahead," Janeway waved her hand.

"First of all, my name is Jeri Ryan. I am the actress who *plays* Seven of Nine. To me, she's just a character who only exists on the screen." she paused for emphasis, "It all started yesterday. We had just finished filming the last scene of-"

Janeway raised an eyebrow, "Filming? A scene?"

"Yes, filming a scene of the newest Voyager episode. On Earth, in the 21st century, Voyager is just a television show.we finished early, so I drove home, looking forward to a nap before dinner.  I lay down on the couch and drifted off. But when  I opened my eyes, I found myself back on the set! Or at least, I *thought* it was the set. Apparently not, since you two, who I know as Robert Picardo and Kate Mulgrew, are obviously not those people." Jeri trailed off.

"I'm afraid you're right, uh, Jeri." the captain agreed with her, "The actors and actresses you think of as 'characters' are not; they are as real as you are. But the question is, where is the real Seven of Nine, and how did *you* get here?"

Jeri sighed with relief, *At least they believe me! But how am I going to get back?*  She answered the captain, "I'm not really sure. Maybe some time-travel thing."

As if reading her thoughts, Janeway suggested, "Why don't you go to Astrometrics and see if you can find anything unusual. The Doctor can go with you."

"All right, and thank you, Kate, uh, I mean Captain, for listening to me."

"You're welcome." Janeway smiled, "And Jeri?"

Jeri turned from the door, "Yes?"

"Don't worry too much about acting like Seven of Nine. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine as yourself."

Jeri, grinning, couldn't resist saying, "I will comply."
 

*      *      *

The doors to the turbolift opened, revealing Astrometrics. Surprisingly, the Doctor and Jeri hadn't encountered any other crewman on their journey from the bridge. As they entered Astrometrics, the Doctor spoke up.

"Perhaps after we finish here, you should come to Sickbay, just to rule out the possibility of any foreign particles in your bloodstream."

"All right." Jeri agreed. *Astrometrics. Hmmm. It looks the same, but now it's not just a CGI.*

"I'm not sure how to run these." she looked a trifle bewildered at the console before her.

"Don't worry. Just watch me. You always were a quick study." the Doctor smiled, but couldn't quite bring himself to call Jeri by name.

As the Doctor tapped away, Jeri was lost in thought. *Alex is going to be so worried! And what about Brannon? They'll both be so upset! I should-*

"-thing unusual." the Doctor's voice broke into her reverie.

It was a moment before Jeri realized he was speaking to her, "I'm sorry? What?"

"I said, I haven't found anything unusual."

"Oh. Is that good or bad?"

"It depends." he paused, "We now know that you weren't transported here through a time-space rift or anomaly. That leaves a more..complicated means of travel." he grimaced.

"More complicated?" Jeri wondered, "What would be more complicated?"

"Well, a more complicated scenario would be that some entity transported you here.such as Q."

"Q?"

"Q is an entity who appears whenever he feels like it and troubles people for his amusement or self-gain."

"I see."

After a pause, he continued, "Why don't we go over to Sickbay. I should run those scans now."

"All right," Jeri followed the Doctor out of Astrometrics and into the turbolift to Sickbay.

The doors to Sickbay opened and Tom Paris looked up, not seeing Jeri at first.

"Hi, Doc."

"Mr. Paris! I thought I told you *not* to come back in here for at least a week!" the Doctor's ire was obvious.

"Well, I didn't intend to, but B'Elanna was looking for some extra-"

"I don't care. Please *leave*, Mr. Paris!"

"Alright, alright! I'm going!"

As Tom started to pass by the Doctor, Jeri stepped out from behind him. That gave Tom pause.

"Hi, Seven. A change of outfit?" he glanced at her appreciatively.

Jeri sighed. "No, sorry, Rob-, uh, Tom. My name is Jeri Ryan. Even though I may look identical to Seven of Nine, I'm *not* her. I'm just the actress who plays Seven!"

"I.see." Tom said slowly, not quite able to grasp it all at once, "Wait. An actress? You mean you're from the past?"

"Yes," Jeri nodded. "The 21st century. Playing a character is my job."

Tom still looked a little bewildered, "Well, I'll be going now. See you 'round."

The Doctor indicated a bio-bed and Jeri walked over to it and sat down. He picked up a medical tricorder and scanned her from head-to-toe.

The Doctor frowned, "Hmm. I'm reading unusual concentrations of...
nanoprobes in your bloodstream!"

It was Jeri's turn to frown, "Nanoprobes? How did they get there!?" her voice was on the edge of panic.

"Calm down. It shouldn't be too serious of a problem. If I can get them out of Seven, I can get them out of you. And you weren't even assimilated by the Borg." he grimaced.

"Good." Jeri breathed a small sign of relief. After a pause, she spoke again.

"You know, Doctor, you can call me by my name. I'd prefer something besides, 'you'," she smiled.

"All right, Sev-; Jeri."

Jeri looked at the EMH with sympathy, "It's hard for you, isn't it?"

He glanced up sharply, " *What* is hard for me?", knowing full well what she meant.

"Having a person here who looks and sounds the same as Seven of Nine, but is as different from her as night is from day."

Softly, "Yes."

"But you know, Doc, I could give you some advice. Since I play Seven of Nine, it would be very easy for me to predict what she would feel and how she would react..." Animated by her idea, Jeri jumped off the 'bed and started to pace.

When the hologram didn't respond right away, Jeri inquired, "What do you think, Doctor?"

*I've already taken 'advice' from Tom Paris. How much more dangerous could she be?* he mused silently. Aloud, he agreed, "Very well, Jeri. I'll listen to you."

"First of all-"

"Wait," the EMH cut her off, "I've found something peculiar. It appears that in addition to the nanoprobes in your blood, you also have a second DNA pattern!"

"What!?" Jeri's eyebrows shot up in amazement.

"Yes. A second DNA pattern.." his fingers flew over the console, "These DNA molecules are an exact match from the medical files of Seven of Nine!"

Jeri's eyes grew wide, "Seven of Nine! Of course!"

"Precisely." the Doctor was fascinated.

"How are you going to separate both DNA signatures?"

"I'll have to operate. That should part the DNA so each pattern will go back to its original format; you, fully human, and Seven of Nine, 86% biological."

"And will I be returned to my home, or will I be here with Seven?"

"I think." he paused, tapping the console in front of him, "According to this calculation, you would be returned to your home on Earth in the 21st century."

"How?"

"Since nanoprobes and Borg DNA patterns aren't part of the century you live in, whatever sent you here would send you back because you no longer have the DNA or nanoprobes."

"You think it'll work?"

"I hope so."

"When do we start the operation?"

"Well, whenever you like. And we should consult with the captain. But first, I'd like to hear some of that advice of yours!" he smiled.

*      *        *
 

The EMH and Jeri were on the holodeck in a simulation of Jeri Ryan's living room. The California sunshine streamed through the blinds, and the black leather couch and chair looked comfortably well worn. Jeri leaned back against the couch with her feet resting on a coffee table littered with magazines and drink coasters. The Doctor sat in the leather chair beside her.

"So tell me. What exactly is it that you want to know about Seven?" Jeri inquired.

"I'd like to know if she will ever develop feelings for me that are stronger than just the ties of friendship."

Jeri smiled knowingly, "Even after almost four years, Seven is still a little unsure of how to proceed in a romantic relationship. She is aware of what those feelings entail and even knows how to flirt a little, but she needs some reassurance. She's still scared, Doctor."

The Doctor sighed, "I thought as much. What can I do to help her?"

"Well, you need to persuade her that she's doing okay, and that it's all right to pursue a romantic relationship with you. But you need to make sure to do it slowly. Too fast, and she tends to back off; she's still a little afraid of the unknown.even now."

"I'll try to keep that in mind. It's just, I want her to know that it *is* okay to be scared. I want her to have enough confidence in herself to realize that there is no reason to not be involved with someone, even if they are a hologram!" he jumped up, his emotions gaining intensity, "And.I.want to tell her that I. love her."

"How did I guess?" she asked under her breath.

To the Doctor, "She has suspected you have feelings for her that are deeper than friendship, but she doesn't think she can return those feelings. Actually, if what you told me was correct, she now knows that you have feelings for you. But on the tv show, she hasn't had any conformation of that yet."

"This isn't the tv show. It doesn't make much difference here, I'm afraid."

Jeri sighed, "I know.I know." To herself, *This is all so confusing and frustrating! I hope I'm helping him somehow!*

She voiced her thoughts, "I hope this discussion has helped you in some way. I hope you'll be able to get somewhere with Seven!" she smiled mischievously.

It was the EMH's turn to sigh, "I hope so too."

She smiled encouragingly, "Don't worry, Doc. I know Seven has romantic feelings for you buried deep somewhere in her heart. She just hasn't quite found them yet. Give her a little more time."

After a pause, she inquired, "Did you have any more questions?"

"No, I don't think so.," he tapped his chin thoughtfully, "But thank you very much," he smiled happily.

"Oh, it was no problem! I'm glad you could 'drop by'." she laughed airily, "Now, when do we start that operation?"
 
 

*      *     *

The captain had given her approval, and the Doctor was walking around Sickbay, getting things ready for the procedure. Jeri was lying on a biobed, waiting for the operation to start, albeit somewhat nervously tapping her fingers.

The EMH smiled comfortingly at Jeri, "Well, I think we're ready to begin. And don't worry; if this doesn't work, we'll find some other way to get you back where you belong."

Jeri closed her eyes for a brief instant, smiled gratefully back at the hologram, and then exhaled slowly, "Thank you. You can start now."

The Doctor injected a hypospray into Jeri's neck which rendered her unconscious. The procedure had begun.

*            *           *

After what seemed like days, but in reality was only an hour or so, the EMH succeeded in separating the two patterns. He smiled in silent triumph.  But his smile soon turned to concern when he noticed that there were no changes in the physiology  of Jeri's body.

*Hmm. That's strange. It should have worked by now! I don't see any Borg implants or any-* His train of thought was cut off when he suddenly noticed the beginnings of Seven's occipital implant returning to replace her left eyebrow. It was only a matter of minutes, before the rest of Seven's remaining Borg implants had returned. She was now 86% biological; back to normal. The Doctor sighed in relief.

He reached for a hypospray to wake her up, but none was needed.  Her eyelids fluttered once, twice, and then she was fully conscious. She looked around the room, obviously confused as to why she was in Sickbay.

"Doctor?" she struggled to sit upright.

"It's all right, Seven," he placed a gently restraining hand upon her arm, "Just lie still. You've had quite an adventure," he smiled.

"Why am I in Sickbay?"

"I needed to operate on you to return you to your normal state. And everything appears to be in order," he explained as he ran a medical tricorder over her.

"Operate?"

"Yes. It's a long story which I'll explain later. Right now, you need to regenerate. I advise you go back to the Cargo Bay and get some rest."

"Very well," she swung her legs off the bed and stood up. And then looked down in confusion. "Why am I dressed like this?" she eyed the capris pants in bewilderment.

The Doctor grimaced, "It's all part of the explaination." *Although they *are* quite flattering.* he smiled to himself.

"I see," although it was clear she didn't quite. "May I return to the Cargo Bay now?"

"Yes," he watched her leave the room. *I wonder if Jeri got back alright?* he mused silently.

*        *        *

Jeri opened her eyes with relief. *Back home!* she sighed. *This will make a very interesting bedtime story for Alex!*  She examined her hands and glanced in the mirror. *It looks like I'm myself again; Jeri Lynn Ryan. I didn't think it would've been possible! I hope the Doctor got Seven back okay.* She smiled to herself, grateful for what the Doctor had done for her, and what she had done to help the EMH. *Now I should get that dinner.*
 

*         *          *
_The Next Day_:

After the Doctor had finished his scans on Seven to ensure that she was fully recovered, he told her Jeri's story.

Seven sat by the Doctor in his office in Sickbay, listening attentively as he finished his monologue. "That would explain why I was dressed in those clothes," she commented, now outfitted in her normal uniform complete with comm badge, " 'Jeri', as you call her, would seem to be quite a resourceful woman."

"She is. And she helped me learn a few things, too," he smiled at the memory, but was careful not to disclose any information concerning his chat with Jeri about Seven.

"Such as?"

"Well, for one thing, how to be more 'resourceful', as you put it."

"I see." After a slight pause, she added, "If you are finished, then I will go, as I have to report back to Astrometrics for duty this morning."

"Of course," he reluctantly dismissed her.
 

*            *            *

All that morning and late into the afternoon and evening, Seven mulled over what the Doctor had said. And what he hadn't. *I see no reason why he would have pursued a romantic relationship with Jeri Ryan, but perhaps he did. Why else would he hold her in such high regard? And why would he tend to 'ramble on', as Mr. Paris puts it, about her in such a manner?* she wondered. She continued tapping away at the consoles, trying to find solace in her work. But the unanswered questions kept bothering her.  A little voice inside her head kept nagging, "Seven," it whispered, "Even though the Doctor *said* he had deep feelings for you, now he doesn't. He's given them to Jeri!" Seven tried to fight back, but it was a losing battle, *That is illogical. He had no reason to deceive me. He would never do that! It would be an inefficient use of his time; she is gone now.*  Despite her efforts, a swirling, clawing beast formed in the pit of her stomach. It's name? Jealousy.
 

*             *                 *
 

_The Next Day_:

The doors to Sickbay opened, and Seven walked in. Her gaze was icy.

"Computer, activate the EMH." The Doctor shimmered into existence.

"Please-Ah! Seven! How nice to see you. What seems to be the problem?" he smiled.

"The *problem*, Doctor, is you." Frost coated everything in Sickbay.

"Me?" the EMH was clearly confused.

"Yes," she continued, "I believed you. I put my trust in you. We were *friends!* But you lied to me! You deceived me!" her voice shook with pent-up emotion, "How could you do that?"

"Seven!" the Doctor was shocked, but tried to speak gently, "What *ever* do you mean?

"Is it not obvious? You pursued a relationship with Jeri Ryan!" Her eyes shot sparks.

Putting his initial shock of the accusation aside, the Doctor tried to coax her to calm down, "Why don't we talk about this in a better setting, shall we?"

"Very well."  Seven turned and stiffly walked over to the Doctor's office, the EMH quickly followed. Once settled, Seven instantly took up her diatribe.

"When I was 'gone', you chose to have a romantic relationship with Jeri Ryan, didn't you?" Her voice was hard.

"That's ridiculous! Who told you that? You of all people should know it isn't true!" The Doctor tried to control his temper. Feeling hurt, he pleaded with her, "Seven, remember a few days ago, when I finally admitted I had deep feelings for you? Well, I still do! And I'd never, ever, do *anything* to hurt you. I promise you that!" He placed a hand over hers, clasped on the desk.

Seven didn't move her hands, even though she felt a bit surprised. Looking into his dark eyes, and reading the pained expression therein, Seven realized with a jolt that she *did* care deeply for the Doctor after all, and, she realized, she didn't want to hurt him.

"I realize now that I do have feelings for you," she stated rather abruptly.

All the Doctor could do was gaze at Seven in happiness. *Jeri was right! She was right!* He had to control the urge to laugh aloud.

Seven was slightly mystified at his silence. "Doctor?"

The EMH, still holding Seven's hand, walked around his desk to where she sat and pulled her up to her feet.

Seven recognized the look in his eyes from the holodeck date. "You are going to kiss me now, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am." And he did so, gently cupping her face and scooting her forward until their lips met. Much to the Doctor's chagrin, Seven pulled away suddenly.

"I am curious about one thing," she stated. "When I told you of my feelings, I felt as if a great weight had been relieved of me. Why is that?"

The Doctor smiled, "Well, Seven, what you experienced is called jealousy, and-"

"Jealousy? Explain."

"It is an emotion that usually bodes no good. It causes people to hate and resent one another and to take actions that, under normal circumstances, they would not do."

"I see. But jealousy, in this case, was beneficial. It allowed me to realize my attraction to you. I am grateful for Jeri, then." With that, she pulled him close once more and kissed his smiling lips.

THE END