| Author: Jeanie Date: 12.15.01 Disclaimer: The Trek Universe and everything in it belongs to Paramount Pictures. The characters and ships in this story are their toys; I'm just playing with them for a while. No copyright infringement intended. Thanks: To my awesome beta, Bookie, for not letting the flu keep her from reading my story. :o) The doors to Sickbay slid open with a quiet hiss and Seven of Nine quickly stepped through them. "Doctor," she called, looking around for the EMH. "Here, Seven," rang the Doctor's voice from his office. "You summoned me. What can I assist you with?" Seven appeared in the dorrway. "Have a seat. I'd like to talk with you about something. A...personal matter." Seven sighed and raised her eyebrows. "I was under the impression that you required my assistance here. If you merely wish to �chit chat� I suggest you go speak with Mr. Neelix. I should return to Astrometrics." She turned to leave. "Seven, wait!" The Doctor rose and followed her out of his office. "I do need your assistance. You're not on duty now...I thought you might be able to spare a few moments. Please." Seven hesitated. "Very well," she said simply. The Doctor motioned for her to return to his office, and she did so. He followed her and took a seat at his desk. "I'd like you to review something I've been working on." "Medicine is not my area of expertise, Doctor." "It's not a medical project. As I said, this is a personal matter." He paused for moment, searching for his next words. "I've been designing a hologram." He glanced up at Seven for a reaction. "You require an assistant in Sickbay? Is Mr. Paris no longer sufficient?" "No," the Doctor said, reaching shyly for a PADD. "This would be a more social endeavor." Seven furrowed her brow. "I do not understand." The Doctor handed her the PADD before continuing. "A few years ago, at Kes' suggestion, I created a family for myself on the Holodeck." Seven began scanning the PADD. "Yes, I have heard about the program. If I am correct, your holographic daughter was injured and died, and you abandoned the simulation." The Doctor flinched slightly. "Yes. But lately, I've been toying with another idea. Those are the specifications for the holographic...companion I'd like to create." "You wish to program a mate for yourself?" Seven was incredulous. "What does the Captain think?" "You're the first one I've told." The Doctor smiled sheepishly. "I thought that you could help me 'fine tune' my design before I presented it to her." Seven placed the PADD back on the desk. "This idea is foolish, Doctor. I suggest that from now on you devote your time to more efficient activities. I must return to Astrometrics." She left abruptly, without looking back. The EMH stared after her, then looked to the specifications lying on his desk. Perhaps her advice was sound, but he had never been one that was easily discouraged. Shaking the criticism off easily, he resolved to take his idea to the Captain as soon as her shift on the bridge was over. "Computer, how long until Captain Janeway is off duty?" "One hour, 13 minutes." The Doctor smiled. He began to putter around Sickbay, humming to himself. Soon, he was singing. *** "Captain, I have a proposal...no, that's not right. Captain, I'd like to make a suggestion? Better, but..." The Doctor sighed as he strode briskly through Voyager's corridors. "Captain, if I may, I'd-" The Doctor paused abruptly to nod at a passing young woman. "Ensign," he said cheerfully. The girl smiled politely, though her eyes betrayed her confusion. She continued past the EMH and disappeared around a corner. The Doctor chuckled to himself. "She probably thinks one of my subroutines is malfunctioning." He was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he almost walked past the entrance to the Captain's quarters. Stopping abruptly, he stood at her door and rang the chime. "Come in," a voice called, and the Doctor stepped through the doors as they slid open. Kathryn Janeway was reclining on a couch in her quarters, sipping a cup of coffee and staring thoughtfully at the stars racing by her window. She was expecting Tuvok with the day's security report, and started in surprise when the EMH walked purposefully into her living area and snapped to attention. "May I have a moment of your time, Captain?" Barely concealing her amusement and confusion, she turned to face him directly. "Certainly, Doctor. At ease." He relaxed only slightly. "Captain, there's something that I'd like to talk to you about." "What's the matter, Doctor? Has Mr. Paris been reporting late for his duty shifts again?" Kathryn took a small sip of her coffee, prompting a disapproving glance from the Doctor. He sighed. "Captain, are you aware of the damage that all that caffeine can cause?" Kathryn laughed. "Ahhh...so you're here on a mission." She raised her right hand solemnly, though her eyes were twinkling with laughter. "I promise I'll report for my annual checkup this week. Captain's honor." The Doctor couldn't help but smile. "With all due respect, Captain, you haven't voluntarily reported for an annual checkup once in the past six years. If I know you, you'll avoid Sickbay for the next month and a half." "Guilty as charged. The Captain has to have some privileges, doesn't she?" "Certainly." The Doctor flashed her a wry smile, then resumed his official stance. "But that's not why I've come to talk to you." Perplexed, Kathryn asked, "Then what do you need, Doctor? Is something really wrong?" "Somewhat, Captain. It's rather complicated. I'm here because I'd like to ask for your permission to...pursue a project that I've been working on." The EMH searched for the right words. "I'd like to program a hologram." He faltered briefly, unsure of how to continue, and Kathryn interrupted quizzically. "Doctor, that hardly requires my permission. You've always been welcome to make use of the holodecks. You've created dozens of programs! Why would you feel the need to ask me this time?" Grimacing, the Doctor replied, "I don't want to design a holodeck program. I want to design someone more like myself." He spoke haltingly, wanting to word his request perfectly. "Another photonic life form, if you will. A companion for myself. Not that I don�t consider every member of this crew a friend, but with all due respect, you�re all organics. You can�t relate to me on the level that another hologram could, and-� Kathryn held up her hand, interrupting the Doctor again. Her casual demeanor disappeared as she began to speak. �Doctor, I don�t know what to say, except that that�s completely out of the question. No matter what your intentions, she-� The Captain paused, and raised her eyebrow at the EMH. �I�m assuming we�re talking about a she here, correct?� The Doctor only nodded. Before he could speak, she continued. �She would only be able to exist in the holodeck. I realize that you�ve become accustomed to enjoying privileges that most holograms can only dream of. You have free reign of the ship, thanks to your mobile emitter. You�ve even been on away missions to planets that have never heard of holotechnology! But surely you understand that we don�t possess the ability to duplicate your kind of freedom for other holograms.� �Of course we can! Lieutenant Torres could work on replicating another mobile emitter-� �Doctor, that emitter is from the 29th century! It�s made of a polydeutonic alloy that we can�t even begin to replicate. You�ve known that since we gave it to you.� �Then the emitters in Sickbay! I existed there for years before I got my mobile emitter. We can install others like them in strategic places around the ship. Corridors, turbolifts, the mess hall-� �Doctor! I�m sorry, but this getting ridiculous. I�m not redesigning my ship to be some kind of glorified holosuite. Perhaps you remember the last time we tried that?� The Doctor rolled his eyes. �I�m not planning on hunting the crew in a twisted simulation of an ancient Earth conflict. I just want companionship! You�ve allowed other crew members to form relationships. You�ve even encouraged them! Why should I be any different?� �If members of my crew can find happiness with each other, then I�m happy for them. But I can't allow you to redesign my ship just so you can create this hologram of yours. I�m truly sorry Doctor, but you�re going to have to look elsewhere if you want companionship. Besides, finding a member of the opposite sex shouldn�t be as simple as programming him or her.� �Isn�t that what you did with Michael Sullivan?� the Doctor snapped. As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them. He opened his mouth to apologize, but the Captain spoke first. �This discussion is over, Doctor. You are dismissed.� Her eyes were like ice, and her voice was barely above a whisper. She sat perfectly still, and stared solidly at the EMH, daring him to protest anymore. He didn�t. The Doctor�s face fell, and he turned slowly to leave. The doors opened and he stepped back into the corridor without looking back. When he heard the doors hiss shut behind him, he pressed his forehead against the bulkheads and closed his eyes. What had he done? *** The warp core cast a blue glow on B'Elanna Torres' face as she stood bent over a console. Sighing and brushing her hair out of her face, she turned to the two engineers standing beside her. "The plasma relays again?" "I'm sorry, lieutenant," Ensign Vorik responded mildly. B'Elanna let out a sound somewhere between a sigh and a scream. "I'm supposed to be off duty right now. Couldn't you have handled this yourself?" "This appears to be a potentially serious malfunction. It seemed prudent to consult you before attempting to repair it." His typically emotionless response irritated B'Elanna more than usual, and scowled as she tapped a few more panels. Suddenly her comm badge chirped. "B'Elanna, it's Tom. What's going on?" "I'm still in Engineering, Tom. Vorik found a problem with the plasma relays that he wants me to take a look at. I'm sorry, but I think you'll have to eat without me." "Are you sure?" her husband asked. "Yes, go ahead. I'll see you later tonight." B'Elanna had just bent over her console again when the doors to Engineering opened and Seven of Nine walked in. The former drone called out to her. "Lieutenant Torres, may I speak with you?" B'Elanna didn't bother to conceal her annoyance. "Seven, I'm trying to sort out a problem with some plasma relays here. If you want more power diverted to the Astrometrics lab, come talk to me when I'm on duty. And in a better mood." Seven raised her eyebrows. "I do not wish to speak with you about the Astrometrics lab. I am...having a personal dilemma. I would like your advice, if you can spare a moment." B'Elanna's face softened a bit, a little touched and greatly intrigued. "You're coming to me for advice?" She turned back to her console. "Vorik, those relays are going to have to be replaced. Cut power to the whole section, and take Dalby and Jor with you to change them out." "Yes, Lieutenant." B'Elanna stepped away from the warp core and turned to Seven. "Okay, Seven. Why do you need to talk to me?" "My problem is of a nature that suggests that consultation with a female friend would be the best course of action. Therefore, Mr. Tuvok would not be appropriate, and I do not wish to speak to the Captain in this instance. I would not classify the two of us as friends, but you are the only other female that I interact with regularly, so I concluded that your opinions would have to suffice." Seven spoke frankly, without humor or malice, and took no notice when the smile disappeared from B'Elanna's face. "Well, when you flatter me like that, how can I refuse?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and her eyes widened dangerously. Unaware, or at least unconcerned, with B'Elanna's flaring temper, Seven continued speaking. "The Doctor sought my advice yesterday about a holographic female companion that he wished to create. I am afraid that I responded rudely." "What did you tell him?" Seven paused awkwardly. "I told him his idea was foolish, and that he should abandon it in favor of more useful pursuits." B'Elanna rolled her eyes, but couldn't contain a small burst of mirth . "And you think that might have been rude?" "In retrospect, I believe it was," Seven answered ruefully. "I am unsure of how to proceed." "What exactly do you mean when you say the Doctor wanted to create a female companion?" "I studied his designs briefly. I believe he hopes to create another sophisticated hologram, much like himself, that will exist outside of the holodecks. It was obvious that he had committed many hours to this project. The physical parameters and personality subroutines were very specific." B'Elanna raised her eyebrows. "He wants to program himself a girlfriend." "That is putting it crudely, but yes. I believe you are correct." "Does that bother you in some way?" "No. Why should it?" "Well, you said it was obvious he had invested a good deal of time in the design. Yet you insulted his idea. Why?" B'Elanna crossed her arms and leaned against a railing, watching Seven's face for a reaction. "There are acute flaws in his design. This ship does not possess the technology to sustain another such hologram." "Is that the only reason?" "Of course." "Then why are you feeling guilty about offering sound criticism?" B'Elanna glanced at Seven shrewdly. "That's never been a problem of yours before." Seven opened her mouth to respond, but faltered. "I am...unsure. Perhaps that is why I sought your advice. Can you offer any insight to the situation?" "Maybe you're jealous." Seven looked perplexed. "Clarify." "Come on, Seven. The Doctor's never made his feelings for you a secret. Maybe it bothers you a little bit that he might be moving on. Finding someone to replace you." "I have made it clear that I do not return the Doctor's romantic affections." "Maybe you return them more than you think you do." At that moment, B'Elanna's comm badge chirped again. "Vorik to Torres." "Go ahead, Ensign." "We have found the faulty relays, Lieutenant. They should be replaced within the hour." "And that will prevent your 'potentially serious malfunction,' correct?" Vorik ignored the sarcasm. "Yes ma'am." "Good," B'Elanna said. "I'm going back to my quarters. Vorik, if any other problems pop up�call Carey.� She turned to Seven expectantly. "Thank you for your assistance, lieutenant," Seven said. B'Elanna just shrugged her shoulders and headed for the door. "Anytime." Exiting Engineering, she spent the entire walk to her quarters mulling over what Seven had told her. What in the world had possessed the Doctor to design a holographic girlfriend, and why had he gone to Seven, of all people, for approval? And more importantly, why did it bother Seven to such an extent that she would stoop to asking B'Elanna for advice? It was no secret that the two had a rather strained relationship, even on the best of days. She was in the middle of a thought when she entered her quarters. Tom jumped off their couch, where he had been watching cartoons on his antique television. "B'Elanna! You're back already!" He wrapped his arms around his wife's waist and kissed her lightly in greeting. "I am, " B'Elanna replied, returning the kiss. "The only problem was an overly cautious Vulcan. Did you eat without me?" Tom's eyes sparkled. "Nah. I wasn't all that hungry, so I decided to give you a little while longer to join me. Glad I waited?" "You bet I am!" As her husband headed to the replicator to get their meal, she went to change out of her uniform. By the time they sat down to eat, B'Elanna had completely forgotten about Seven. *** Back in Sickbay the Doctor was pacing restlessly, absently singing along to Strauss� Die Fledermaus. When he began the wrong verse for the third time he grimaced. �Computer, stop music.� The Strauss was replaced by the silence of an empty Sickbay. For the twentieth time, the Doctor looked around for something to do and found nothing. The whole room was pristine, every system functioning perfectly and every hypospray in its place. The only person who had visited Sickbay that day was Tom Paris, reporting for a duty shift that lasted ten minutes before the Doctor sent him back to his quarters. He had spent that past several hours trying to decide what to do. The Captain was furious, Seven was acting strangely, and his design had been dismissed without even an opportunity to really explore it. He sighed. �Computer, deactivate EMH.� *** Later that week Seven of Nine was working at a console in the Astrometrics lab, when a voice startled her. "Seven?" She turned to see Icheb staring at her. "I have been calling you on the comm system for several minutes. Why have you not responded? Is your comm badge malfunctioning?" he asked. Seven blinked. "I don't believe so," she said haltingly. "I have been distracted. Perhaps I did not hear your hails." If this bothered Icheb, his confusion didn't show. He merely nodded, unmoving. "Do you require something?" Seven asked impatiently, slightly annoyed that her student had caught her so out of sorts. "I have found interesting new data on the Jentarin system. We are scheduled to pass within 3 light years of it if we remain at our current heading. However, my preliminary scans indicate the possible presence of dilithium on its outermost planet. We should run more detailed scans to determine whether our course should be altered." Icheb held out a large PADD. Seven took the PADD and glanced over it absently. "Yes, I agree. You should begin the scans immediately." Icheb looked perplexed. "You don't wish to perform them yourself?" Seven turned to look at the large display screen, which had been showing the same star chart for the past two hours. Try though she might, she couldn't stop thinking about Lieutenant Torres' comments, and her attempts to distract herself by charting spacial anomalies had proven remarkably inefficient. She returned the PADD. "No. You have proven yourself to be more than competent to conduct the scans without supervision." She glanced once more at the star chart and sighed inaudibly. "Begin your scans. If you encounter any difficulties, I'll be regenerating." She spun about abruptly and left. Icheb shook his head in confusion, and stared after Seven for a few moments. Then he turned to the console and tapped a few panels. "Computer, display the Jentarin system..." *** Seven of Nine walked briskly through Voyager's corridors. She fully intended to go directly to Cargo Bay Two and regenerate for several hours, but as she passed Holodeck One, she paused. Aside from the occasional game of Velocity with the captain, she rarely used the holodecks. Tom Paris was always trying to convince her to spend more time there, telling her how relaxing it could be to spend a few hours away from the everyday stresses of serving on a starship. "Perhaps..." she murmured. The only holodeck program she knew was Sandrine's, the Marseilles tavern where the Doctor had given her several "social lessons." It was technically Tom's program, but he had always let other crewmembers use it in the past. Impulsively, she said, "Computer, run holodeck program Paris three." "Unable to comply." Seven frowned. "Clarify." "Holodeck One is in use." Seven moved to the nearby control panel and accessed its logs, intending to reserve a timeslot later that day. She stopped short when she saw the Doctor's name, reserving a block of several hours. According to the log, he was due to vacate the holodeck at 0900 hours. "Computer, time?" "The time is 0850 hours." If the Doctor was in the holodeck, it usually meant one of two things: opera or golf. Either option sounded more favorable to Seven than going to Sandrine's alone, so she went to the holodeck doors and brashly punched several buttons on its control panel. The doors slid open, revealing not a golf course or an opera hall, but stark gray metallic scaffolding. The Doctor stood in the middle of the empty room with an attractive blond crewman that Seven did not immediately recognize. "Seven!" the Doctor exclaimed in horror. "What are you doing in here?" His face was accusing. Seven shrank back slightly, rapidly becoming uncomfortable and beginning to wish that she had gone straight to her regeneration alcove. "I assumed you were alone. I only wanted to ask permission to use one of your holodeck programs. I did not mean to interrupt." She turned to leave, and nodded to the young woman. "My apologies, crewman." The woman remained motionless, staring straight forward. A look of embarrassment crept across the Doctor's face. "She's a hologram, Seven," he said, turning his face away in anger and humiliation. Seven's eyes widened. "Then the captain has granted your request." Her voice shook slightly, and she was surprised at how much the news bothered her. "No," the Doctor spit the words out bitterly. "She can only exist here, as a simple holoprogram. She'll be no more real than Fairhaven, or Captain Proton's rocket ship!" "Nonetheless, you have chosen to create her." The EMH smiled sadly. "There's an old earth saying, Seven: 'you take what you can get.'" He reached out to touch the holographic woman's shoulder. "I suppose this is all a simple hologram can hope for." Seven crossed the room and stood directly in front of the motionless crewman. The hologram was tall and slender, with blond hair that fell just above the green shoulders of her uniform. Her bright blue eyes stared vacantly at the opposite wall. "She is attractive, Doctor. What is her designation?" Again, that sad smile. "I assumed she would choose one herself, just as I will someday. It didn't seem right to name her myself." Seven spoke slowly. "I would like to meet her someday, when her program is complete." The Doctor laughed, his voice heavy with sarcasm. "I thought this was a 'foolish endeavor!' To waste your time with a hologram would be rather inefficient, wouldn't it?" The intended meaning of his words was obvious. Seven turned to face the EMH. "I would like to apologize for my behavior three days ago, Doctor. I was out of line." The Doctor's face softened, the bitterness replaced with an almost childlike despair. He seemed to be fighting a spectrum of emotions that was threatening to surface at any moment. "It's perfectly all right, Seven," he said with difficulty. "You were only giving your honest opinion, as any true friend would do." There was an awkward silence that lasted for several seconds. "I spoke with Lieutenant Torres several days ago about this project-" Seven began. The EMH interrupted her. "I spoke with her myself. I already know that she can't replicate the alloys used in my mobile emitter." He chuckled nervously, and avoided looking at Seven. "She suggested I find myself a 'companion' elsewhere." "Why do you feel the need to create a holographic companion? Is there no member of this crew that would make a satisfactory mate?" "It's not that, Seven," the Doctor replied heavily, "I just feel like no one else on this crew can relate to me as well as a hologram could. I'm unique. I'm a person, but part of me is still...technology." "I understand. I am in a similar situation." Seven held up her right hand, displaying its exoskeleton and assimilation tubules. "Yes...you do. But I believe you've already made your feelings about me quite clear. I respect your choice." The Doctor's face was brave, but his eyes were pained. Seven paused, then took a deep breath. "That is what I spoke with Lieutenant Torres about. After considering her comments, I believe that I may have misinterpreted my...feelings for you." The EMH looked up at her suddenly, his eyes wide with surprise. "Misinterpreted?" he breathed. "Yes. I..." Seven faltered, and grimaced slightly. "This conversation is awkward." "Conversations of this sort often are," the Doctor replied with a smile. "Perhaps we can simplify it somewhat." He reached out for Seven's hand and grasped it in his own before continuing. "You know how I feel about you, Seven. Until this moment, I never believed that you could return those feelings. I hope I was mistaken." "You were," Seven said softly, unable to meet his eyes. "I'm glad." The two stood motionless for a few minutes, hand in hand, exchanging unspoken apologies for the years that they had spent hiding the truth from one another. Finally, Seven spoke. "How do we proceed?" "If I remember your social lessons correctly, a romantic dinner would be an appropriate first date." "At 1000 hours?" The EMH grinned. "Then perhaps a light lunch. I know just the place. Computer, run program Paris three." The holodeck scaffolding shimmered slightly, the motionless woman disappeared, and Sandrine's materialized around them. As the Doctor took her arm and led her to a table, Seven asked, "Doctor, what about your hologram?" "I believe that I'll take Lieutenant Torres' advice after all, and find my 'companionship' elsewhere. I've got a pretty good idea where to look." Seven smiled. Then, as they took their seats at a small corner table, the Doctor suddenly gasped. "Is something wrong?" Seven asked, alarmed. The Doctor laughed. "I just realized I was supposed to be back in Sickbay ten minutes ago. Would you mind excusing me for a moment?" "Not at all." *** "...and then Seven told me she was afraid she might have been rude! Needless to say, I confirmed her suspicions. Then, yesterday, the Doctor comes to me asking all these questions about replicating his mobile emitter. He said it was for a 'classified project.'" Tom could no longer contain his laughter as he listened to his wife relate the last few days to him. The two were enjoying a rare late breakfast together before B'Elanna was due in Engineering. "So you took it upon yourself to play matchmaker, huh?" Tom teased. "I dropped a few hints. What else was I supposed to do?" B'Elanna was interrupted by the chirp of Tom's comm badge. "Doctor to Mr. Paris." B'Elanna cupped her hands over her mouth to muffle her laughter while Tom quickly composed himself. "Go ahead, Doc." The Doctor sounded sheepish. "I was wondering if you'd mind covering Sickbay for the next few hours." "Doc, I just got off bridge duty. What's the problem?" There was a long pause. "Would you believe I'm in the middle of a date?" Tom grinned mischievously. "A date? With who?" He and B'Elanna could almost hear the Doctor rolling his eyes. "If you must know, Mr. Paris, your wife's meddling paid off. Seven and I are having a meal at Sandrine's," the EMH responded with a sigh. "Meddling! I'll show him-" Tom silenced B'Elanna's outburst by clapping a hand over her mouth. She promptly bit him, but held her peace. "Ah, Lieutenant Torres. So nice to hear from you again," came the Doctor's voice. "So Doc, what you're saying is that you've hijacked my favorite holoprogram to treat Seven to a meal that you can't even eat, and you're hoping that I'll forego sleep so that you don't have to go back to work quite yet," Tom said with mock severity. "Yes." "I don't know, Doc. If I don't get some sleep now it's going to be awfully hard for me to work my shift in Sickbay this evening." A note of desperation crept into the Doctor's voice. "Then you can have tonight off!" "Just tonight? This is a pretty big favor I'd be doing you. I'd like some free time to take my wife out for a nice romantic meal, too." He winked at B�Elanna. "Mr. Paris!" "Just trying to strike a fair bargain, Doc." "I'd say you're trying to take advantage of the situation. How does three days off sound?" the Doctor said in resignation. "Just great, thanks. I'll head over to Sickbay now." "Thank you, Mr. Paris. Doctor out." Tom turned to his wife and grinned. "Looks like your 'meddling' paid off more than we expected. What do you say we take a moonlit stroll down the shore of Rhymus Major tomorrow night?" "Not a bad idea, flyboy," B'Elanna replied, moving to her husband's side and wrapping her arms around his neck. "But right now, I've got to get to Engineering." Tom kissed her quickly. "I'll walk you to the turbolift." As they exited their quarters and moved down the corridor, B'Elanna spoke. "Do you think I was right to interfere, Tom? Will they be happy together?" Tom smiled reassuringly. "The Doc's been in love with Seven as long as I can remember. And even though she tries to hide it behind that efficient Borg exterior, it's obvious that she cares about him . If you ask me, they belong together. Now stop worrying and go tend to your engines. I'll see you tonight." At the turbolift, they parted ways. As B'Elanna stepped inside, Tom continued down the corridor towards Sickbay, whistling jovially to himself. *** When the Doctor returned to the table, he found Seven sitting a little stiffly in her chair. Her hair was loose from its usual twist, and flowed in soft blond waves around her shoulders. "You look lovely, Seven." The EMH was stunned by how beautiful she was, and was tempted to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't daydreaming. "Lesson Eight: Dress For Success. You taught me that it was appropriate to look one's best for a date. I thought that perhaps my hair would be more attractive this way," Seven said, a trifle uncomfortably. "It's very nice." He reached across the table and took her hand in his once again. "Have you ordered yet?" "No. It occurred to me that it would be rude to eat, since you are unable to." "I don't mind at all. Why don't you tell the waiter what you'd like, and I'll go talk to the pianist. We can dance while you wait for your meal." He squeezed her hand gently, and left her to place her order. While Seven hailed a waiter, the Doctor headed towards the baby grand piano set up in the middle of the bar. There was an older gentleman seated at the keys who glanced up at the EMH as he approached. "Any requests, sir?" The Doctor paused momentarily, then his eyes lit up. "Yes. Could you play 'Someone to Watch Over Me?'" "Sure thing," the man nodded, placed his hands on the piano and began to play softly. The Doctor turned around to see Seven walking towards him, having completed her order. He held out his hand and bowed ever so slightly. "May I have this dance?" The last traces of Seven's stoicism vanished, and her face glowed as she took the Doctor's hand. "You may." Grasping her exoskeletal hand in his photonic one, and placing his other arm around her slim waist, the Doctor lead Seven around the dance floor slowly. Voyager sped through the Delta Quadrant at Warp Eight, stars streaking by her windows. Holographic waiters and patrons bustled across the dance floor every few minutes. And three decks away, Tom Paris sat in Sickbay with a very satisfied expression on his face. The Doctor and Seven took no notice. They simply danced, lost in a world that had room for no one but themselves. |
| "Companionship" |
| Liked it? Hated it? Let Me Know! |
 |
 |
 |