Someone For Everyone Part 2

Janeway's getting ready

By K.M.S

 

This is the second part of a story that started with, Someone for Everyone. Please read the first part so that you know what is going on with our favourite ladies.

Disclaimers: Please see the first part, they all apply here as well. No copyright intended.

Subtext: Hardly if any yet (grin)

Re-posted September 2001

All feedback and comments to Daydreams

 

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Captain Quarters early Morning

Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager tossed, turned, and found herself wide-awake and restless, yet again. She was staring up at her window, seeing a blanket of fast-moving stars, as her ship took them closer to home with every breath Janeway took.

"What have I got myself in to?”  Were the thoughts running through a very nervous Captain’s mind.  She was wondering what had made her make such a bold move.

A small voice inside the good Captain’s head piped up a reply. "Nothing that you haven't thought of and fantasized about for the last year or so. You have finally managed to get Seven of Nine, late of the Borg Collective, out on a date.”

"Ok, so it's only a couple of days on the Holodeck.” thought Janeway, "but it's a start; besides Seven has never been on a picnic, or a vacation for that matter.  And it has been way too long since I have done anything as normal as taking a few days off to enjoy myself. I usually spend my off duty time, sitting in my quarters alone, worrying myself to death over things I cannot change. Looking over my shoulder, wondering where the next alien attack was coming from, were they friend or enemy.”

"Besides" she thought, with a wicked smile. "The look on Chakotay's face when you mentioned that you were going to take a few days off was priceless.”

"You would think you had never had a holiday in the last five years. Of course, the rest of the bridge crew also had a slightly shocked look on their faces, except for Tuvok of course. One of these days you will surprise him.”

"Yea Right" Janeway’s mind supplied a mental image of a shocked Tuvok. A small giggle escaped.

"You watch. Something is going to happen to put the next two days off yet again. Q will appear and want more children, either that or marriage problems. The Borg collective will decide that Seven of Nine will make a great Queen, not that she wouldn’t, and try to kidnap her again. Lt B'Elanna Torres will finally Kill Tom Paris over a Holodeck woman, or better yet Neelix will finally learn how to cook.” although the last one was a bit much even for an open-minded Janeway to believe.

"So. You are going on a date for the first time in how long? You have done it before, how hard can it be?”

"First you need to decide on the Holodeck programme, get Neelix to make up a basket of food to last for a few days, and decide on what to wear. Above all and most important do not panic.”

"Great Advice" Janeway thought to the annoying little voice. " Any ideas on the last one? I'm at the panic stage now.  Lord knows what condition I'll be in for my vacation"

No reply was heard.  

"That's what I thought.” Janeway muttered into the cold night air.

"Ok girl settle down, you’re not meeting Seven until the day after tomorrow.”  these thoughts ran through Janeway’s sleepy mind.  "I have plenty of time to sort out the next couple of days, and prepare a few days of new experiences for Seven to try.”

The annoying little voice piped up with its remarks.  "Ha, that's if you can get up the nerve to do anything more then eat.”

"Will you shut up and get out of my mind?” Janeway sent back to the voice

"We are going on small vacation together, not eloping for Hades sake. That should show you that I am at least trying in a round about sort of way to socialise. I mean how many more members of this crew have I asked out? I have never really asked anyone out since Star fleet academy. Other people normally do the asking.”

A soft snigger escaped. " Yea, in a round the universe kind of way, minding the odd black hole. If Naomi had not piped up, you would have remained silent. Admit it.”

"I will admit the child did help me out, but I did ask later if Seven would like to make it into a small vacation."  Janeway pictured the talk in her minds eye.

"You did. Seven's face was a picture. I'm not too sure if she was aware of what you meant, and by the time she mentioned it to the Doctor it was too late.”

"Emmm, I know. At least she didn't change her mind.”  Janeway silently laughed.

"Hey, Katie my girl, there's time yet.”  Janeway’s little friend replied.

"Will you go away and leave me and my nerves alone?"  The small voice was beginning to seem like thunder in her head. The last thing she wanted was a voice popping up at any given moment.

After nothing more was added, and still staring up at the moving stars, Janeway pulled the blankets back onto the bed and started to drift into her memories, back to her past. She was thinking about her family, friends, and their summer picnics spent together; time with her mother and younger sister, the odd occasions when her father was home on shore leave. She recalled a valley in which a young innocent Kathryn Janeway spent much of her childhood dreaming about her future following in her father’s footsteps.

A mile from Janeway’s home ran an old country lane, which slowly snaked its way up to a short mountain pass, which ran into a green valley. The country lane was lined with trees and small bushes, in which numerous birds and insects had made their homes. The wonders of the outdoors and nature were one of the things that Janeway missed the most about a Starfleet life. Walking or running ahead of her parents, with birds overhead, their songs drifting in the wind. The smell of grass in the air, and the laughter of her sister as they raced to their favourite picnic spot.

Where a young Kathryn Janeway free from responsibility could relax with Friends, camp out on school holidays, and just have fun.

The valley was small and beautifully untouched by time. Very few people ever ventured up into the hills; many visitors were happy to wander the local village. Along with the trees and bushes, right in the middle of the valley, was a clear blue lake. The water had made its way down from the snow top mountains. Here you could swim, with no fear of predators or attack. Nearer the rocks, to one side, was a small pool heated from underwater springs ideal for warming up after the refreshing lake swim.  Here they could sit, talk, and enjoy the day. A normal childhood pastime, free from the universe, and all the troubles it could bring.

A sober thought entered Janeway’s relaxed mind. Seven of Nine had never had any of those things, no memories of her past to look back on and enjoy. No childish games, or birthday parties, friends to miss, no sister to tell her secrets to.  Janeway often wondered if Seven missed not having those things, but as Seven had once pointed out to her, she never had them to miss.

Well at least that explains why a small child could get into a Borg’s heart. Seven was teaching her, and learning at the same time.

So Captain Kathryn Janeway had decided that she would start to show Seven some of what she had been missing, what being human was all about, and introduce her to some human past times.

“I'm sure there are several other past times you would love to introduce to Seven too.” came a whisper only Janeway could hear.

All that was heard was a small groan as Janeway smacked the pillow over her head.

Other then going on one date, Seven had shown no interest in dating, considering it a waste of time and energy. Besides which the whole crew had been gossiping about the date in question for some time after. This had made Seven spend even more time alone in Cargo Bay Two.

Then there was the Doctor, who also had a lot to answer for. Betting on Seven and her date for one thing. Not to mention one or too little interesting daydreams that the Doctor seemed to have regarding Seven.

Janeway smiled into the darkness, but what a picture. To walk in on Seven, even a Holographic Seven, had been a bit of a shock.

"Yea, and what did you do? Said that he had got her hands right"

"So?” Janeway thought back. "It was the best I could do on such short notice, it was that or drool all over the Holodeck floor.”

"Look. I will admit that it has taken me a while. So shut up and get lost.”  Janeway turned over and tried to drift off to sleep, hoping for dreams with a long legged beautiful blond Borg.

Morning run around, one day to go.

 

Captain Kathryn Janeway rolled over with a sigh. It was early morning and looking over at the monitor it was barely 0600 hours. A night of tossing, turning, and listening to a very annoying voice, telling her what to do about Seven.

Had anything been settled? Other then becoming more nervous, not a dam thing.

Janeway made her way to the shower, taking her time to let the sonic jets wake her up and "hopefully" refresh her mind. After drying off and putting on a robe, Janeway began sorting through her clothes, to find something other then a Starfleet uniform to wear. Not an easy job. Janeway finally settled on some fitted trousers and a T-shirt, and made a short trip to the replicators for her much needed breakfast.

Ok, first on the list is Neelix, and to make a list of the things needed to make up a great vacation. Second, pick out a Holo-programme. Third, pick out some clothes for your vacation. Fourth, and most important of all, do not panic. Janeway wrote them down and then threw the list in the bin.

"Great! I'm a Star Fleet Captain,” Exclaimed Janeway, “I have commanded away missions on hostile planets, sat through endless meeting with the Admiralty, fought all manner of hostile aliens and survived the Borg. I can surely get through a couple of days and a picnic."

“ I am also talking to myself, never a good sign.”

With that firmly planted in her mind, Janeway deposited her plates in the replicator, took a quick look in the bathroom mirror and exited her Quarters. She felt very underdressed and small, walking Voyagers corridors. Voyager crewmembers  would nod or say “hello” or stare as she passed.

Entering a nearby turbo lift she said, "Mess Hall" and taking a deep relaxing breath rested her head against the lift wall.

As usual, the Mess hall was brimming with crewmembers either about to start their shifts or just turning in for the night. It was one of the main places on board where people could relax and feel at home, other then in their Quarters.  A handful of “good morning captains” floated her way, as Janeway made her way over to the ships cook and ambassador, Neelix.

"Good Morning Captain, you're up bright and early. What can I get you?" Neelix asked as Janeway leaned on the smooth bar.

Janeway gave a nervous smile and ran her fingers through her hair.

"Morning Neelix. Actually I was looking for you. I was hoping for your help in a small matter."

Neelix placed a small pot on the counter, and made his way over to a simmering pot, giving it a quick stir. "Of course Captain. What can I help you with?"

Taking another deep breath, and hoping that it was just her imagination telling her that the entire Mess hall was listening in, Janeway asked, "I wonder if you could put together a picnic basket for me tomorrow, to last a couple of days.  I was hoping that we could sit down and work out the details."

A bright smile made its way across Neelix’s face "A picnic basket? Well of course Captain.  It would be my pleasure. Do you know what Seven would like?"

Janeway tried not to flinch and turned paler.  She had a hard time not looking around to see if anyone had over heard him. "Neelix, what makes you think that is not just for me?" whispered Janeway

A friendly laugh and a smirk came her way " Captain, really, I hate to break it to you, but it was all over the ship even before you announced a few days off. Naomi told me right in the middle of breakfast yesterday morning.  I was keeping an eye on her in here for a few hours, and well, it's never empty and one or two people heard...”

"Wonderful.  That is all I need. My whole crew watching my every move and breath." She took a quick look over her right shoulder to see hastily moving eyes suddenly looking out of the windows, or down at their empty plates.

Neelix laid a warm hand on Janeway’s arm "Captain,” he said in a soft voice, “the crew just wants you to be happy, and they're interested in you, that is all. We all hope to find some happiness in our lives."

Captain Janeway gave a small smile. "I know Neelix.  I just wish they could find something else to keep them happy instead of my love life."

Another Laugh, "I'm sure they'll get over it Captain.  In the mean time do you want to go over the food? I'll get it all ready for you for early morning."

"Great. Have you finished?" Moving her arm to cover the Mess hall, "Or should I come back later."

"There's no time like the present, Captain. I will get us a couple of drinks and then we can make some plans.”

The sound level had finally returned to a much more normal level, and Kathryn did not feel too much like she was under a microscope. As Janeway and Neelix made their way over to a corner table with a good view of the moving stars, Janeway tried to relax her body.

They both settled down, and other then a few stares and whispers every thing was running normally in the Mess Hall.

Step two completed and after a bit of thought, she hoped that Neelix and she had picked out a good selection of food, plus a bottle or two of wine to wash the food down.

"Remember to make it non-alcoholic Neelix, right? I do not want a drunk Borg on my hands. >From what the Doctor reported to me, Seven has no tolerance for it." Janeway smiled as she remembered the Doctor going over his reports for the week and mentioning that Seven had needed attention.

"Yes, I remember, Captain." Smiled Neelix

"So we have sandwiches- three different kinds, chicken legs, buns and cakes, crisps, biscuits, sausages on sticks, cheese, fruit, and drinks.  Am I missing anything?" Janeway murmured as Neelix looked on.

"A basket and a blanket would be helpful, Captain."

"Also, if your spending a couple of days in the Holodeck, perhaps a cabin or something to sleep and relax in?"

A small blush "Right.  In all the excitement I had forgotten that detail. It would be a good idea to get a cabin."

"Do humans take something to pass the time with, Captain?" Neelix enquired, looking at her with a soft smile.

"Yeeeesssss.  A ball or a kite would be great; better yet horseback riding. That's if I can get Seven to try it."

"I'm sure that Seven of Nine would love anything that you wanted to do Captain"

“Do not even think about it, Kathryn! This is a picnic; you are not going to Risa with Seven.”  Some very pleasant images sprang to mind.

The annoying Voice softly said. "No you’re not, but maybe next time.”

Without making a sound, Janeway sent a not so happy thought to her talkative friend.

Janeway looked towards Neelix.” Thanks Neelix, I'll stop by in the morning to pick things up?"

"No problem Captain, everything will be ready and waiting for you."

Neelix made his way back to his kitchen, and Janeway made her way back to her quarters, a lot happier than a few hours ago, knowing that things were being sorted.

Taking her morning coffee over to her desk, she sat down and opened up the entertainment date base for the Holodeck programs. Something remote and beautiful, full of color and life- Janeway started to sort though the thousands of programs.

There were planets of water and ice, deserts, volcanoes, planets covered in forests. All I want is a peaceful and beautiful setting. Sunshine over a lake, trees, sounds of animals and birds, and a valley just like home. After sorting through the first hundred or so Janeway was beginning to get frustrated as none of the Holo-programmes were quite what she was looking for.

In the end, Janeway settled for a combination of Holo-programmes. A mountain setting from Irase Four, a lake from Exalone, a forest from Earth along with an assortment of animals Seven would never have seen before. She took her time to interlace the programmes so that they became one. Fish for the lake, along with a small boat. After all, they were going to spend the day in the Holodeck. Janeway also programmed in a riding trail for them to try out. It was more then a good bet that Seven had not seen a horse, let alone ridden one.

Janeway had purchased the crews allotted time for the next two days and given extra time off for the crew who were missing their turn or twice the time in the Holodeck for later.

No one had complained. Besides after Janeway had got over the feeling that she was taking advantage of her crew the whole idea was getting better and better in her mind. After all, there would be many of her crew who would love to spend a day or two in the Holodeck.

"You deserve it. Beside you spend the least amount of time in there anyway, You’re just making sure, by taking over their hours, that you're not disturbed.” A cheeky voice announced.

"That's what I keep telling myself " were Janeway’s thoughts.

Kathryn Janeway curled up in her favourite chair working on the holodeck programme. Adding little details and making sure that the programmes ran smoothly, that they were as close to reality as she could possibly make them.

No wonder Ensign Paris enjoys doing this so much, and although it is time consuming, it is going to be worth the effort.  Besides, when Seven and I have finished, I can leave the programme in the main frame for others to enjoy.

Making her way again for more coffee after spending what seemed like hours over her computer screen, Janeway began to think about her next problem, what to wear.

Being a Starship Captain, lost in another quadrant had not given her time to enjoy the usual pass times let alone shopping trips, so she did not have a very good choice. Placing her new of mug coffee on the table, she turned to her wardrobe, and started sorting through her clothes trying to find anything that she could wear. Again she came up with nothing. Now on board all Star ships, an allotted amount was made for each member of the crew for clothes other than uniforms and boots. After five years, Janeway had more then enough credits to clothe half the crew with a new garment. Returning to the main living room Janeway once again made use of the library, and started up with a search for the words' holiday attire.

"Wonderful two million choices" muttered Janeway.

"Okay let’s keep to earth clothing."

"Better only five hundred thousand references. This may take a while"

After slowly searching and picking out different items of clothing, Janeway was left with about twenty to choose from. Choosing in the end a couple of sets of colourful shorts with a T-shirt and baggy trousers with sandals and boots to match. A couple of jumpers and socks, along with a warm lined jacket made up her main wardrobe. In addition, a set of riding clothes was added, just in case.

"That leaves a swim suit. After all, we have a perfectly good lake, and I'm sure I could teach Seven to swim."

After yet again sorting through the Data base and settling on a one piece swim suit, which was made to look like shorts and a body hugging top of a dark blue colour.

Her holiday clothes settled on, and packed into a small travel bag, (even if the Holodeck could supply her clothes), Janeway settled back and sipped her coffee.

"Janeway to bridge"

"Bridge here, Captain?" replied the First Officer.

"Everything ship shape Commander?" inquired the Captain.

"No sign of trouble, Captain.  Long ranch scanners are clear," reported Chakotay.

"Excellent Commander.  You will be able to get me tomorrow if there is an emergency. Other then that, I'll be spending the next two days and nights on the Holodeck."

"Captain relax.  We will keep the home fires burning while you relax for a few days. Just enjoy yourselves."

"Right Commander I'll try. The ship is in your hands for the next 48 hours"

"Janeway Out"

Dinner had come and gone by the time Kathryn had sorted out all the details, and she settled back with a glass of wine and a favourite novel.

Later, taking a long warm bubble bath and slipping into clean soft sheets, Janeway settled into bed.

Wondering what Seven was up to.  Janeway drifted into a contented sleep.

 

To be continued in, Seven Gets Ready. If you would like to Email me, please do at Daydreams