Settled
The afternoon passed pleasantly between Chakotay and Seven. They went out and bought some fresh ingredients so that she wouldn't have to rely on the replicator all of the time. They were walking back when they ran into Samantha and Naomi Wildman.
"Hi, Seven," Naomi greeted, waving.
"Good afternoon."
"Where are you going?"
"We just bought some food. We're going back to Seven's quarters," Chakotay explained. Naomi's eyes widened.
"You have quarters? Can I see?"
"Naomi," her mother hissed.
"I suppose that would be permissible. If it is allowed by your mother."
"Please Mom? Please?" Naomi begged.
"Alright. But only for a little while. And be polite." Seven and Chakotay continued their trek and Naomi followed after them.
"What did you get?" she asked once they'd reached the quarters.
"Oh just some fruits and vegetables. A few other things," Chakotay replied as he handed Seven the bags he'd been carrying.
"Would you like to assist me?" seven asked of Naomi. The child's eyes brightened and she raced behind Chakotay to get to the kitchen.
"So what are you going to do now that we're on Earth?" Seven tensed as the question. She was growing increasingly tired of being asked.
"I am uncertain."
"Mom is going to make me go to school." She sounded very displeased by her mother's decision.
"That would be appropriate."
"But…I don't know anyone. I'd rather be back on Voyager."
"I agree, such a transition is difficult."
"Can we still play games together? When you're not working?"
"I believe recreational time can be allotted, yes."
"Cool."
Chakotay laughed a little at the girl's enthusiasm. When all of the food had been put away, Naomi challenged Seven to a game of Cadiscot. Chakotay watched the two play; glad to see that Seven was still able to enjoy herself away from Voyager. Seven couldn't help but let a smile slip as she won.
"You're getting good at this."
"I had an excellent teacher." Naomi looked at the clock by the replicator and jumped.
"I should go. Mom is going to get worried if I'm gone too long."
"Do you want us to walk you back?" Chakotay offered.
"No thank you, Commander. I can find it on my own."
The pair watched the child go and Chakotay wrapped his arm around Seven's shoulders. They sat together on the couch in silence for several long minutes before either of them spoke.
"You know what we should do tonight?'
"What?"
"We should take a walk under the stars. You'd be amazed at how small they look from here."
'But we have seen the stars for seven years."
"I know…but…it's a really awe-inspiring experience. Trust me."
"We can go if you like."
Another silence. Seven traced the edges of the Cadiscot board with her finger. She appeared to be in deep thought. Finally she looked over at Chakotay and let out a slow breath.
"I wish to get your opinion on a matter."
"Shoot."
"Several months ago I contacted my father's sister, Eileen Hansen."
"She lives on Earth doesn't she?"
"Yes. I am not certain if I should see her. I…don't remember much about my family."
"I think it would be great to get to know your Aunt. You'll have a chance to reconnect with aspects of your humanity that I can't help you with."
"She seemed apprehensive when I contacted her from Voyager. Perhaps it would be an unwise decision now to see her."
"Seven…go and see your Aunt. She's not going to turn you away." She gave a nod of agreement although it wasn't very confident or assured.
Dinner was a simple affair that evening. They once again made use of the replicator. Even though Seven preferred to cook the food herself, she was not in the mood to cook that evening. They stood next to each other at the sink, washing the dishes.
"So, ready for that walk under the stars?" he asked.
"I suppose so."
"Good."
He led her out of the quarters and off the base. Seven hadn't realized they were near a very hilly landscape. They walked to the top of a hill and stopped. They had a scenic few of a pair of rivers below them, winding their way through the hills and low mountain ranges. They cut wide swaths from the land as they flowed away from the pair of onlookers. Chakotay pulled out a blanket he'd replicated and set it on the ground. He proceeded to lie down on his back and rest his head on his arms. Seven looked at him quizzically.
"I thought you said we were going to walk beneath the stars."
"We have. Come, lie down." Seven slowly sunk to her knees and joined him. She stared up at the vast expanse but did not see what he meant about awe-inspiring..
"I do not understand how this perspective is awe-inspiring."
"Just…it makes you feel kind of small." Seven though about it for a minute, looking at the small twinkling dots above them. It reminded her briefly of the blanket she'd received from the Ventu girl.
"They do look disproportionate to their real size."
"When I was little I used to lay out under the stars during the summer with my sister. We'd talk for hours about what we thought was out there, beyond them."
"A…bonding exercise?"
"You could call it that. We usually ended up getting into arguments. Of course, she never thought I'd make it through Starfleet Academy."
"Perhaps I should be introduced to your sister. If we are to have such an intimate relationship, it would be appropriate to know your family."
"I'm sure she'd love to meet you. And I would love to meet your Aunt too."
"After you two reacquaint yourselves of course," he added.
They lay beneath the night sky for a while longer until both began to grow drowsy. They made their way back to base and Chakotay walked Seven back to her quarters. They walked inside and Chakotay gave the place one last look around, ready to leave.
"Well, I really love the place and I hope you find yourself comfortable."
"It is adequate. But it would be more amenable if you were to remain tonight."
"You…want me to stay?"
"Yes. I have begun to grow accustomed to your presence."
"I'd love to stay." She moved towards the bedroom, leaving him standing there. He quickly followed after her but was stopped by a look. He turned his back and allowed her to change.
"You know, one day you won't be so…adverse to me watching."
"Doubtful."
"Oh come on. You're a beautiful woman, Seven. Can you blame me for wanting to look?"
"You may turn around." Chakotay turned to see her dressed in a garment much like the one he'd replicated the night before. He closed the distance between them and leaned in for a kiss.
