"I think we could try to program you some kind of body odour" Irina suggested confidently "Since sexual attraction is mostly dependant on the immune system and other genetic factors it shouldn't be too hard to narrow down the variables."

"You're right. So we would first need to find out about Lewis Zimmerman's genotype and then extrapolate from there on."

"Exactly. I mean there are still a lot of other environmental factors to consider but at least this would give us a starting point."

They both were caught with a new wave of excitement.

"I will have a look into the medical database. Since he created me after his own image I am sure there are some records on him." The Doctor said and started typing on the console eagerly. "There, I've got him. That was easy."

"You've also found his genetic code?"

"Yes. I knew, if he was at least a tiny bit similar to me, he would have been thorough with his work."

"Are you able to simulate his immunochemistry?"

"I think so. Computer, please simulate all chemical properties of Doctor Zimmerman's immune system based on the available genotype"

It took a few minutes but then the computer provided them with an extensive database of Doctor Zimmerman's immune factors.

Irina and the Doctor looked at each other. Up to that point, things were going exceptionally well.

"Now is where the difficult part begins." Irina explained, "We'll have to emulate all the components and adjust for any external factors. There are a lot of things to consider: Emotional state, stress level, physical strain, ambient temperature and so on. And much simpler things like… if you wish to wear an aftershave for example."

The Doctor looked at the console and seemed to be overwhelmed by all the available parameters.

"I think we should first leave out any variable parameters and take them into account later." Irina said reassuringly "So our first step is to emulate the immunochemical components"

"I can do this" the Doctor answered, already much more confident.

"Ok, then we can-"

"I would like to start working on it now." he said and gently pushed her away from the console.

"You seem stressed."

He sighed and looked at her.

"The reception for the Kadi ambassador is already tomorrow evening. I feel like I'm running out of time."

"So you want to ask Seven to join you there on a date?"

"I think I will."

"Don't worry. We will make it in time, I am sure" Irina said but he was already fully absorbed in his work at the console and didn't even notice her leaving sick bay.

Since it was already 1900 hours Irina decided to call it a day and go to the casino for dinner. There she found B'Elanna and Tom having a romantic dinner for two, accompanied by a bottle of red wine. She thought they wanted to spend some time by themselves but when they saw her they waved her over. Awkwardly she sat at the side of the table like the metaphorical third wheel.

"Irina, we've just been talking about you." Tom began.

"Oh, really?" she asked while she started eating a weird, yellow-brownish soup Neelix had offered her for dinner. "What were you talking about?"

"It's about you and the Doctor."

Irina froze for a second but then she continued eating and asked as casually as possible "What's with me and the Doctor?"

"Oh, Irina. You're just as bad at acting innocent as he is. It was very obvious you have a crush on him." Tom stated and Irina almost choked on her soup.

"What the hell are you talking about?" she hissed but her body betrayed her and her cheeks flushed pink.

"See, B'Elanna. Just as I said." Tom said and B'Elanna smirked. "She's in love with him."

Irina slowly put down her spoon and took a deep breath.

"Okay, you've got me." She admitted "So what?"

"So why are you helping him to impress Seven?" Tom asked.

"Because he's my friend. And I want him to be happy."

Tom looked at her with a warm gaze. "Oh Irina, you're really too good for this world."

"That's how I am" she shrugged "Oh and by the way: This programming work we are doing together is a phenomenal excuse to spend time with him. A lot of time."

"So you're not going to tell him?"

"I don't think so. At least not yet. Let's see how his lessons with Seven progress. Then I will decide how to go on from there."

Irina and the Doctor were alone in sick bay again. For some reason she couldn't exactly remember the light was dim. The Doctor took her hand and pressed it on his chest. He was only wearing his Starfleet shirt and pants, no uniform jacket. She could feel his heart beating slowly and steadily through the thin fabric. He lifted his gaze and looked into her eyes with an expression she wasn't able to interpret. Then he took her hand and guided it downwards, below his shirt until she was touching bare skin. Her eyelids fluttered. Very slowly she trailed her hand upwards though soft, curly hair until it was resting on his heart again. This time she felt it beating more rapidly than before.

"Beep-beep"

She woke with a start, startled by a beeping noise that came from her computer. When she sat up in bed she noticed her breath going quicker and a pulsating feeling in her loins. Wow, she really had it bad. One dream of just touching his bare skin already made her hormones go crazy. Trying to push away the mental images she got up and had a look at her computer. It was 0400. The message was from the Doctor:

"Hello Irina,

I hope I didn't wake you up. I just wanted to say that I've finished the emulation of the immunochemical parameters and would love to try something out tomorrow."

"Oh, no worries, I was just dreaming about touching your naked skin" Irina wrote just for fun but when she wanted to delete the message she accidentally hit the "send" button. She stared at her computer screen in shock.

"Pardon me?" came as an answer a few seconds later.

God dammit, how could she have been so dumb? Now she needed to find a way out of this.

"Oh God, I am so sorry, Doc. This should have gone... to somebody else."

"As far as I know late-night sexting is not against Starfleet regulations. Don't worry. I promise I won't tell anyone."

"Thank you, Doc."

She sighed with relief. Neither did he seem to have noticed something fishy nor did he make a big deal out of it. Well, she had also found him in an embarrassing situation before so probably that was just fair. Then she heard another computer beep.

"Anyways, are you going to help me tomorrow?"

He could really become a little annoying whenever he wanted something.

"Sure. I will be there at 0800."

"Thank you so much! I hope you're as excited as I am! I think I've really outdone myself this time."

To be perfectly honest, she was. Tomorrow would be another opportunity to be near him. Probably one of the last ones she would have. And she was actually curious what kind of work he had done.