"I just feel,.. lonely." The Doctor admitted to the Captain. She looked at him an empathetic smile. The Doctor tried to make his point further. "I know that I have the crew, my friends, but I need a companion, someone to share my interests, my achievements, my aspirations."

The Captain smiled knowingly, "This wouldn't have anything to do with Seven's relationship with Commander Chakotay would it?" He sighed and looked down for a brief moment, "I'm happy for Seven and the Commander, but now that the possibility of Seven ever sharing my feelings is gone, I need to move on with my life" he said trying to explain his feelings the best he could.

Janeway looked at him in a new light, as if he were mirroring her own thoughts. "I completely understand Doctor, I'll agree to it, but under one condition." She added firmly. "Lieutenant Paris will assist you, he's the best man for the job" She knew the Doctor would need help on this project and that Tom had the most experience creating holodeck characters, plus it would give him the camaraderie she felt he could use at this time.

The Doctor started to object but the Captain looked at him squarely, "Do we have an agreement Doctor?" He had learned when to pick his battles and looked at her in defeat. "We do Captain, and thank you." With that he left her ready room and on to find Lieutenant Paris.

As the Sickbay doors opened to reveal Tom Paris preparing for his duty shift in sick bay the Doctor let out a small sigh. "Mr. Paris, I will be "letting you off the hook" regarding your duties today, I need help with something else."

Tom looked at him with an interested twinkle in his eyes. "Oh? And what would that be?" he asked curiously.

The Doctor looked at him seriously. "I am creating a female counterpart for myself" he said somewhat embarrassed at admitting this to his professional protege.

Tom chuckled and with a giant grin on his face. "Is this because of Seven and Chakotay?" he asked knowingly.

The Doctor scowled at him. "Why does everyone keep asking me that?" he asked indignantly. "Are you going to help me or not?"

Tom smiled and shook his head before nodding. "Help you create the perfect woman?" he smiled "Sounds like a challenge"