Someone For Everyone Part 4
The Vacation Starts
By K.M.S
This is Part four of
Someone for Everyone. Please see Disclaimers on
Part One. No copyright infringements are intended in any way shape, or form. It
is only for fun, not for profit.
Subtext: Yes, but not much so far. Keep reading.
We will get there one day <g>
Personal: Thank you, to all those that have
written to me, about the first three parts of this story. I should have written
to you all. It is always good to know that you have enjoyed reading the story.
As always you can get me at
Daydreams I look forward to hearing from you.
So here is the next part of Someone. I have no
idea how long this story will last, but there should be a few more chapters
after this one. After all, they have just arrived.
Re-posted September 2001
*******************************************
Early
Morning
Taking
a drink of her smooth rich coffee, Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S
Voyager, slowly looked around her quarters. Today was the day, the start of
Seven and Janeway's vacation. It had taken a while for them to get there, but
the day had finally arrived.
After
a very peaceful sleep, Captain Janeway awoke early. Instead of trying to return
to the land of dreams, Janeway had decided to take a leisurely breakfast and
partake in her favourite drink, coffee.
Captain
Janeway was still having a hard time believing that not only was she taking
some much needed time off, but was spending that time on a vacation with Seven
of Nine, once a Borg drone, on the holodeck .
Kathryn
Janeway, after a lot of time and effort, had set up a Holodeck program to show
Seven a bit about earth culture. She hoped to make Seven feel a lot happier,
because one day they would return to earth.
Last
night, Janeway left a data pad with Seven. It listed all the things that Seven
would need. Hopefully, Seven would understand what to pack.
Although
the holodeck could supply all that they would need, Janeway wanted Seven to
have a bit of fun packing. Getting ready was, after all, a part of going away.
Janeway wanted Seven to taste all of their vacation.
Janeway
had arranged with Neelix, the day before, to supply a basket with lots of
goodies. She knew that Seven had not had most of the things in it, since she
was a child if at all. Janeway hoped that Seven would like some of the things
she was bringing along. Everyone was well aware of what Seven thought of
Neelix's cooking. All except the stew. In addition, they could always replicate
some things if she did not. That was the beauty of a holodeck.
In
the early morning, Janeway sat in her quarters contemplating the next few days.
She was a bit nervous of what might happen between them. Janeway looked forward
to perhaps showing Seven what she felt about her, that was if Seven did not go
running back to Cargo Bay Two, the minute Janeway tried anything. She was very
sure that they felt the same way about each other. The only problem being that
Janeway was not too sure if Seven understood what was between them, let alone
was aware of it.
Voyager's
Crew was another matter. They were more than aware of Janeway's interest in
Seven. No one had seemed to have any negative thoughts on the matter, not that
it would have stopped Janeway if they did. After all, Voyager had been lost for
a number of years. Other members of the crew had started to pair up some time
ago. In all the time since entering the Delta Quadrant, Captain Janeway had
only shown an interest in three men. Well, one of them had been a hologram and
did not really count in the romance department. Another had turned out to be a
traitor, and was using Janeway to capture criminals. The other...well, that
would be Janeway's First Officer. Although they were close, Janeway had no real
feelings of romance, only the love one has for a brother or sister. Until Seven
came along, Janeway had believed she would spend her time alone.
Seven
of Nine was different. This was Seven, not a computer projection. This was a
living being, who had been returned to them after many years, and was slowly
finding her human roots again. Seven had a lot to learn. And Janeway knew, from
the first moment she saw her on the Borg Cube, that she wanted to be the one to
teach her about life.
It
had been far from easy. There had first been the fact that their new crewmember
had not wanted to be rescued from the Borg, nor did she wish to be human, or on
board Voyager. Secondly there was Voyager's Crew who had, had more then a hard
time with the fact they had a live Borg on board. One that could get them assimilated into the Borg collective
very easily as they travelled through Borg space. Only Kes, a fellow crewmember,
had been able to save them when Seven tried to return to the Collective. Kes
saved them once again by throwing Voyager though Borg space, as a parting gift,
when she started to evolve into a higher level of being.
After
that, some of the tension had lessened, leaving most of the crew, if not happy,
at least not in fear of Seven assimilating them in their sleep.
After
the last few years, Seven had proven not only that she would not assimilate
them, but also would protect them from the Borg, even if that meant Seven
returning to the collective to save their lives. Seven's experience had gained
them much needed knowledge on alien races and technology that
"hopefully" would get them home. She was accepted as a member of the
crew and command staff, although Lt. Torres did make a point of arguing about
everything Seven did.
Janeway
took another drink looking back over the last two years and smiled. Although it
had been hard, she would not change her views. Bringing Seven on board was one
of the best things that had happened in the Delta Quadrant.
Looking
over at her clock, Janeway could see that it was three hours before she was to
meet Seven at 10am. They would spend the next three nights on the holodeck. It
was slightly longer than planned, but Kathryn hoped it would be a time to
remember. There was enough time to take a bath, dress and get her basket from
Neelix.
Taking
her coffee and moving into her bathroom, Janeway started the taps to fill her
bath. The computer added her favourite bath salts and perfume to the warm
water. She called on the computer to play some soft background music. The large
bath soon filled, leaving a fresh lavender smell in the room. Janeway sank into
her warm bubble bath, feeling the bubbles and water caress her cool skin. She had
been most insistent that her bath be big enough to recline in, after all,
captains should have some say in their bathrooms.
Janeway
let out a soft sign as she settled back in her bath watching as the steam from
the warm water slowly clouded the mirrors. Closing her eyes, she let the
troubles of her command drift away, leaving a peaceful mind behind. She left
her troubles in her command crew's hands for the next few days.
More
then two hours later, skin clean and powered, Janeway placed her empty cup on
the replicator stand. She made her way over to dress. She chose a pair of jeans
and a polo top, along with a pair of black boots.
Turning
to look at herself in the mirror, Janeway had to smile. It had been far to long
since she had seen herself looking like anything other than a Starship Captain.
"I
wonder what the crew will think.”
Picking up her jacket which had been laid over the near by chair,
Janeway went over to her work station and sent a quick message to Commander
Chakotay informing him that the ship was his. Picking up her travel bag,
Janeway left her quarters with a spring in her step.
**************************************
"Regeneration
Complete"
Seven
slowly opened her eyes to be greeted by her Cargo Bay walls. She stepped off
the dais, and walked over to her bag and stared at it for a moment.
The
day before Seven, with the help of Naomi Wildman, had packed her bag. It had
taken some time and Seven was not too sure that she had everything the Captain
meant for her to take. She asked Naomi to help her choose her clothing because
Borg did not have wardrobes.
Naomi
and Seven spent the rest of the time playing in Naomi's quarters, and talking
to Naomi's mother who had brought them both some cookies to eat.
Samantha
Wildman had been helpful in settling some of Seven fears.
"Well
Seven," said Samantha. "Tomorrow's the day."
Taking
a cookie from the tray, Seven looked up.
"Yes."
A
smile went over Samantha's face. "Are you all ready, Seven?"
"Oh
yes," piped up Naomi, at Seven's side. "I helped Seven pack a bag for
today."
"That
was good of you, Naomi," replied her mother still looking at Seven.
"Well
Seven, I'm sure you'll be fine. After all, you're still on board Voyager and
the Captain, I'm sure, will look after you," Samantha said with a small
wicked smile.
"I
am sure Captain Janeway will," responded Seven. "I am however not too
sure on some of the clothes that Naomi picked out for me."
"Really,
what kind of clothes," asked Samantha as she sat down to take a sip of
juice.
Naomi
giggled and tried to remain quiet when her mother looked over at her.
"A
swim suit and some sleep wear."
Samantha's
eyebrows hit the roof and she looked over at Naomi again to find her daughter
was very interested in the carpet although she did have a large smile on her
face.
Trying
not to laugh at Seven's unhappy face, Samantha asked about the clothes in
question, only to nearly fall off her chair at the description.
"Oh
boy, wait till I tell Neelix," thought Samantha looking towards the door.
"Emm
Seven, would you mind watching Naomi for a few moments? I just have to run down
to the Mess Hall," asked Samantha.
Naomi
rolled her eyes. "Oh mum," she groaned.
"I
would be happy to watch Naomi for you," Seven agreed looking over at her
young friend.
"Excellent.
I won't be long, have fun." With that, Samantha turned and left them to
their game and cookies.
Seven
came back to the present.
Needing
to change out of her bio-suit, Naomi had said that she needed casual clothes,
they had picked out a pair of black jeans, with a grey T-shirt along with some
boots and a leather jacket.
After
changing clothes, Seven of Nine looked nothing like a Borg drone. Tall, slim,
and yet strong, Seven gave out a very appealing impression.
Still
unsure of what to expect, Seven picked up her bag and started towards the
holodeck.
*********************************************
Walking
towards the turbo Captain Janeway became very aware that her crew was staring
at her. Giving each crewman a smile and a 'Hello' she entered the turbo and
made her way to the Mess Hall.
Entering
she suddenly found that the noise level dropped, as crewmembers became aware
that she was there, and that she was not wearing her uniform. Looking around,
hoping that no one could see just how nervous she was, she walked over to
Neelix's counter and dropped her bag at her feet. Janeway slowly turned to view
the quiet room.
"Morning
Captain," said Lt. Torres who was having breakfast with Tom and Harry.
"Lt.
Torres, Gentlemen," Janeway acknowledged with a nod.
"Nice
outfit," said Tom.
Janeway
looked down at herself and gave a small smile. "Thanks"
Torres
who had always been up front in her questions to the Captain asked, "So
you and Seven are going on a vacation?" Torres made the word vacation
sound anything but innocent. Harry looked down at his plate while Tom beamed a
silly smile.
"Indeed
Lt., do you have a problem with that?" asked Janeway a bit too sharply.
"Oh
no, Captain," said an innocent Torres. "I hope you both have a great
time."
"Indeed?"
questioned Janeway.
"Of
course, Captain," said a smiling Engineer
Watching
the three of them closely for a moment, Janeway asked, "So how much did
you bet Lt.?"
Three
warm mouths full of coffee, shot across the table and a coughing fit then
started, as each rubbed their eyes to stop the tears and catch their missing
breath.
"Bet?"
squeaked Harry.
"Yes,
bet ensign. How much did you win?"
"Errrrr....
w-well," stuttered Torres looking over at Tom for help. None came.
The
entire mess hall held their breath, and a few crewmen quickly left.
"To
my understanding Lt., Gentleman, my crew has been betting on when and with whom
I would spend some time. Since I know Seven's name is on the top of that list,
I was just wondering how much you all won." Inside Janeway was trying hard
not to laugh. Nothing much happened on board Voyager without her knowledge.
Janeway had been aware for some time, of a bet on her relationship with
Commander Chakotay but once Seven had come on board all bets had changed.
"Relax
I'm hardly going to throw you in the brig, or I would have to put the whole
crew in there. However, if I find that this betting pool gets out of hand
or," Looking each of them in the eye, "offensive, I will. Do I make
myself clear?"
Three,
"Yes Captains" was her reply.
"Good.
As long I we understand each other."
"Message
understood," replied Tom Paris. He had no desire to spend the rest of the
trip in the Brig. Once was quite enough.
Each
suddenly remembered they had other things to do, and made a fast exit of the
Mess Hall, as Neelix walked in, basket in hand.
"Captain,
as promised, one basket," he announced with a smile.
"Excellent,
Mr. Neelix," said Janeway, taking the basket from his hands.
"I'll
return the basket in a few days." Janeway took a peak under the lid and
smiled at Neelix.
"No
problem, Captain. I hope you enjoy yourself."
"So
do I Neelix, so do I." Saying her good-byes and picking up her other bag,
Janeway set of for the holodeck.
**************************************
Holodeck
Two
Seven
of Nine was standing outside holodeck two feeling a little uneasy as she waited
for the Captain to arrive. A couple crewmembers had past each giving her a
grin.
"Seven."
She
turned in relief to find Captain Janeway walking towards her. "Oh
my." thought Seven taking in the Captain's appearance.
Janeway
was having a similar reaction to Seven" she looks so... boy. I'm in
trouble.” She looked Seven up and down, taking note of the long shapely legs,
and the leather jacket over firm shoulders, with comfortable pants and boots.
Seven
watched as the Captain ran her eyes over her body. "Naomi said that these
clothes would be acceptable."
"They're
fine Seven," Janeway replied giving her a warm smile "more then
acceptable." "You look
fine Seven. I see you are prepared." Indicating Seven’s bag at her feet.
"Yes.
I am all set for our vacation," replied Seven.
"Excellent."
Captain
Janeway turned towards the holodeck doors shifting her bags onto her shoulders,
as Seven reached down to do the same with her bag and started towards the
doors, Seven right behind her. The doors softly opened to reveal the normal
holodeck squares, stepping through the doors closed leaving behind Voyager's
corridors.
"Computer
seal the holodeck doors for the next 72 hours."
Seven
lifted a silver brow. Janeway gave a small smile "If there's an emergency
the computer and the commander will let us know. Other than that, we are
alone."
"Computers
start program, Janeway, Seven, Nine, Omega."
Where
the holodeck squares had been, a path appeared, each side lined with green
grass and flowers. Even a few insects were flying about from one
flower to another and a cool breeze blows over them. A several meters away from
where they were standing was the start of a large forest, tall tress, and
bushes were all that they could see. The smell of the outdoors was a complete
change to the air they breathed every day on board Voyager.
Kathryn
stood for a moment flooded with memories of home. Each sight and smell slowly made itself known to her as the computer added them
to the program. Closing her eyes Kathryn took a deep breath of the sweet country air. She opened them again to discover the sights were
as she remembered earth to be.
Seven
looked around, taking in the new sights and smells. Kathryn looked on as Seven
slowly watched a butterfly fly
towards her. A small smile came to Sevens face as the butterfly landed on her
hand. She slowly raised the butterfly towards her face she watched it slowly
move around before it headed towards the numerous flowers around them.
"They're
rather beautiful, are they not Seven?"
"They
are rather small Capt-" Seeing Janeway frown slightly, Seven quickly corrected
herself. "Kathryn, they are very colourful."
"They
are indeed. I am sure you will see many more over the next couple of days.
Shall we follow the path and see where it leads us?" said Janeway as she
pointed towards the forest.
"After
you, Kathryn."
They
made their way along the path to the forest. Seven found her self in a world
she did not know. New sounds filled her ears, and the smells were so different
from a Borg cube, or Voyager. Seven had spent a few years on board Voyager and
other than Janeway, and her velocity matches, Seven had not spent a lot of time
on the holodeck. After all, relaxing was not something that Seven found easy to
do. Work was all she had known for a long time. Voyager's crew were very hard
working, but they always found the time to play, as Seven was slowly finding
out.
Looking
around as she walked with Kathryn, Seven felt safe and relaxed. Everything was
new, and to Seven's eyes, everything was alive. She knew that the holodeck was
only making them appear that way, but it was good that for a little while,
Seven of Nine was able to do something that she hoped she would enjoy and with
someone, that was her friend.
As
Janeway walked along, she watched Seven take in all the new things and
creatures. “This was a great idea, look at her, she looks like a child. To
think that all those years she only knew the inside of a Borg Cube.”
During
one of their late night talks, Janeway learned that Seven had only been on a
planet once. It was when she and her fellow drones had been stranded from the
collective. Their talks had always been scientific or about human values and
customs. Very rarely would Seven talk about her years as a Borg. Janeway had
not pushed the issue, believing that Seven, in time, would talk about it on her
own. Therefore, it had been quite a surprise when Seven mentioned that she had
never really lived on a planet. It was after Tom's birthday, Janeway had been
feeling very home sick-not something she was very happy about, and to feel
better she began to talk to Seven. Janeway talked about her home in Indiana.
Seven
listened to her talk for a few hours before Janeway asked what she remembered
about Earth. Seven explained in a cool and unemotional voice that she did not
remember a thing. This had made Janeway even sadder, for both of them. Not much
later, after a bit of soul searching on Janeway's part, Kathryn asked Seven on
the vacation.
So
here they both were, walking down a forest path together.
"Well
Seven what do you think of the great outdoors?" asked Janeway after a time
of just walking quietly together.
Seven
was quiet for a few moments as she looked around her again.
"It
is...warm...and it smells," Seven replied.
"What?
That is it? Its smells." Kathryn could not believe it, as she came to a
complete stop in the middle of the path, watching, as Seven walked a few feet
in front of her. After spending so much of her time building the program, that
is all Seven thought.
"You
are kidding me right?" said a slightly upset Captain.
There
was a rather lengthy pause as Seven looked at her Captain. "Yes"
A
loud rush of air left the Captain as Kathryn finally remembered to breathe.
"Very
funny Seven, that sense of humour of yours is growing, into what, I have no
idea." As Kathryn managed a smile as they began walking again side by
side.
***********************************
They
had been walking for about an hour when Janeway's arms began to ache from the
bags slung over her shoulder, and Neelix's heavy picnic basket.
Seven,
who would go on for hours without rest, continued to watch the forest as they
slowly moved deeper and deeper. The light was not as clear, but it was not
dark. The smells of grass were replaced with a woodland smell, and an earthy
scent of the damp ground.
"Seven,
how about a break?'" said a slightly breathless Captain.
Seven
nodded, and followed as Kathryn walked off the path onto the soft moist ground
leaving footprints as she went. Making her way over to a fallen tree, Kathryn
placed the basket on the trunk and dropped her other bag to the ground. Seven
placed hers besides Kathryn’s, watching as the Captain took a seat on the
fallen limb. Seven copied her, not seeing Kathryn smile as she mimicked her
actions.
Not
too far away, making their way on the forest floor, was a small family. They
were unaware of anything but the search for food, and play.
"Seven,"
Kathryn said softly as she noticed that they were not alone. A few meters away,
just under a fallen branch were a family of rabbits. "Look over
there."
Seven,
who had been studying the fallen tree they sat on, looked up towards Kathryn.
"Kathryn?"
questioned Seven.
Janeway
moved her hand slowly towards the small family that was steadily getting closer
to them.
"Look
over there Seven."
Janeway
slowly moved from the tree where they were sitting taking Seven with her, and
slowly sat on the ground, watching as the rabbits stopped and looked nervously
around at the motion. After a few minutes when neither Seven nor Kathryn moved
the rabbits continued their play.
Seven
watched as the babies left their mother's side, and started to move towards
them. A look of wonder and delight had graced Seven's face, as the small furry
creatures got nearer and nearer to them. Small noses twitched along with long
ears that moved to every sound.
One
of the babies had left the others, and was slowly inching towards them.
"Here."
Janeway handed Seven a small piece of carrot and kept another for herself.
Seven
stared at the stick of carrot clearly not knowing what to do with it; she
looked at Janeway with a frown.
Trying
not to make to much noise to scare off their guest, Janeway softly explained.
"Hold
the carrot out like this," Kathryn instructed, showing Seven what to do.
Chuckling softly when Seven slowly reached out her hand.
"Now
what?" asked a nervous Seven as the small fur ball got closer to her.
"Now
you wait." said Kathryn, moving her own arm back to her lap.
They
sat for a few moments. It did not take to long as hunger won over fear, and the
baby got within touching distance of Seven's hand.
"Hold
still Seven."
The
bunny slowly moved up to Seven's hand and sniffed taking a nibble on the
carrot. Curling up, it happily munched away on the offered food. It was not too
long before the rest of the family joined in. Seven and Janeway sat as the
bunnies enjoyed their lunch. Janeway watched as Seven's nervous face changed,
as the small creatures sat not a foot away from her. With one hand Seven fed
the baby, with the other she slowly reached out and stroked the soft head.
"Soft,"
murmured Seven in wonder, looking over again at Kathryn who was feeding another
of the babies, seeing Janeway smile at her, Seven went back to watching the
others.
They
sat there for some time, the sun peeking through the forest roof making it
quite warm. The small family had eaten the treats and gone on their way,
leaving Janeway and Seven alone again.
Janeway
let out a small giggle. "That was fun." Seven nodded her head still
looking in the direction the bunnies had gone.
"Come
on, time to get moving. We have a cabin to find at the end of this path,"
said Janeway as she climbed to her feet, once again picking up her bag and
basket.
About
an hour later, the forest began to thin out and the sound of water could be
heard. Finally, they reached the end of the path to be greeted by a magnificent
site. Out in front, lay a mountain range, and to the other side was an open
valley. A river ran down from the mountains. Just past the river, stood their
cabin, home for the next three days and nights.
At
the bottom of the mountains with a line of trees behind it, sat a rather large
cabin. It looked very inviting from where they stood.
"Whoa,"
said Janeway taking it all in. She had to admit that the program was excellent.
She had combined bits and pieces from different programs along with a cabin
that had been designed by Tom.
"Whoa
indeed." Seven was surprised how much she was enjoying herself. Seven had
not believed that spending time on the holodeck in a program that was mainly in
the outdoors would be so much fun. She was surprised that she was not missing
her safe and mechanical Cargo Bay at all, and was rather looking forward to the
next few days.
"Come
on," said an excited Janeway. Across the river was a wooden footbridge,
high enough not to be splashed by the moving water below. On the far side was a
small deck with a boat safely attached. They made their way across the bridge,
walking across a lawn of grass up to the cabin's steps.
"Not
bad, Seven?"
"Indeed,
it seems... adequate," replied Seven, looking up the steps to the porch
which had an unknown contraption on it. From one post to the side of the cabin,
logs sat besides the door.
Taking
the steps two at a time, Janeway walked up to the door, which had a welcome
mat. Janeway placed the basket on top of the logs and opened the cabin door,
picking up the basket once again she entered the cabin.
Seven
waited a moment, and Janeway voice rang out as Seven made it to the door.
"Don't
forget to wipe your feet Seven." Seven looked down at the mat and then the
open cabin door; with a small sigh, Seven wiped her feet and entered the cabin,
as the door shut softly behind her.
To
be continued in
Part 5. So, they are finally on their vacation.
What will happen? You will have to wait and see <g>.
Please
let me know what you think. I wish you all a happy season and a wonderful New
Year.