Disclaimer: The characters of Voyager all belong to Paramount.
Author's Note: Finally, I posted a continuation of this little story line.
The ideas are plentiful, but the time is not there. This story starts
the day after the first story ended. I recommend reading the first EMOTH,
but it isn't totally necessary.
Dempsey Finnegan: Stardate 54127.3
If there is one thing that I have learned in my 31 years in this galaxy, it would be
that there is nothing more unpredictable… not a spatial anomaly, not a faulty warp drive,
and not even a Klingon with eight pints of Bloodwine in him or her, none of those things
are more unpredictable then the heart
Four years ago, the Borg took my wife from me, and now… well now I am
practically falling in love with an ex-drone. I guess that's why no one ever wrote fluffy
prose about love being predictable and I guess that's why falling in love is such a
wonderful thing.
Today should prove interesting. After my shift in sickbay it's off to the holodeck to
prepare my evening. I wish I could say that I am thrilled to finally have an evening alone
with Seven, as in an evening alone where we are not trapped on an ice planet, but the
extreme anxiety that is eating away at my stomach is making it difficult to revel in my
success. I just hope that the Doctor isn't in one of his more difficult moods, or I might
have to deactivate his program.
Yet in all seriousness, I feel that this evening really has to be wonderful…perfect.
When I am with Seven, everything feels…it feels right, even when we are at each others
throats. I think she cares for me, and I know I care for her. What more could two people
need?
{Beep Beep}
"Come in," Finnegan said, "Computer end log."
The door slid open and in walked Harry Kim, carrying several PADDs.
"What's up Harry?" Finnegan asked, putting on his jacket. He didn't have a
uniform, so he wore a simple suit, a bit more flattering then the standard issue, but not
flashy enough to draw attention to himself.
Harry extended the PADDs out to Finnegan, "Just dropping off some of those
holodeck program descriptions you asked for." Finnegan reached out and grabbed the
PADDs.
Hercules ran up to Harry, wagging his tail. Harry knelt down and petted his head,
"Hey boy, how are you?" Harry looked back up at Finnegan, "What do you need them for
anyway?"
He was about to explain the true reason why he requisitioned the information, but
he thought twice. He liked Harry well enough, but from the first moment he arrived on
Voyager he had become painfully aware of how quickly rumors spread on the tiny
Intrepid-class vessel. For instance, it took the whole crew a good two weeks to
understand that Finnegan was not an exiled member of a genetically enhanced faction set
to overthrow Starfleet and start the second Eugenics War. He couldn't imagine what
rumors would surface if he told Harry that he had a date with Seven of Nine that evening.
"Uh… after the whole incident on the planet, and Seven's recovery, the Captain
gave me some extra time to relax, so where else to go but the holodeck?" Finnegan
replied smiling.
"May I recommend the Risa massage therapy program, it'll have you relaxed in
no time," Harry said a little to enthusiastically.
Finnegan laughed, " I bet it will Harry, maybe I'll give it a try. You on your way
to the mess hall?"
"Yup, I'm famished. I was on the bridge all night," he said proudly.
This kid really is dying to run a starship of his own, Finnegan thought to himself.
Reminds me of some I used to know, or be for that matter.
"Well Captain Kim, you'll have to tell me all about it on the way to the mess
hall," he said, "Let's go."
"Mr. Vulcan, you simply must try my Talaxian fur fly fruit surprise, I am certain
that it will get a smile out of you," Neelix said, pushing a strangely textured greenish blue
substance in the tactical officers face.
"That is highly unlikely Mr. Neelix, considering the fact that I do not smile,"
Tuvok said, with faint agitation in his voice.
Seven of Nine and Tuvok were sitting in the mess hall, as they had been for the
past hour, discussing ways to improve ship wide efficiency, specifically in security. As
per usual, Neelix saw this rare visit from Tuvok to the mess hall as the perfect
opportunity to try his luck at getting the Vulcan to exhibit some sign of joy or pleasure.
Tuvok, as per usual, found Neelix's attempts irritating at best.
"Well be that as it may Lt., you still should try it. What's the harm in trying it?"
Neelix continued, unrelenting.
"Mr. Neelix, with your cooking, there is a large chance of harm, but if you agree
to leave Seven and I to our work if I try your dessert, the I will indulge," Tuvok said.
"Wonderful!" Neelix exclaimed as he placed the plate in front of Tuvok. Tuvok
grabbed a spoon and slowly dipped it into the food. Slowly he brought the substance to
his mouth and began to chew.
Neelix was fixated on the Lt. "Well what do you think?"
Tuvok's face went from expressionless to expressionless with a slight hint of
revulsion, "I think… that I have lost my appetite. Thank you Mr. Neelix for dessert. Now,
if you will please excuse us."
Neelix picked up the plate and walked off, " Hmm, maybe I used to many spices,
oh well."
Tuvok took several deep breaths to regain control of his stomach. When he
glanced across the table to continue his discussion with Seven, he noticed that she was
smiling openly and almost laughing to herself.
He raised an eyebrow, " Seven, I have been meaning to ask you, how have you
been feeling since your encounter on the planet?"
Seven's face straightened out at the mention of her name, " I have fully recovered
from all physical trauma… thank you for asking."
"You are welcome, but that was not what I was inquiring about. I have noticed a
slight change in your behavior since your return. I have also noticed that you have formed
a unique friendship with Mr. Finnegan. Logically, the change in your behavior is the
result of your time spent on the planet with Mr. Finnegan," Tuvok said, with typical
Vulcan candor.
Seven paused and took a deep breath. She too had noticed a change in herself. A
change in the way she felt.
" I apologize if I have been distracted. It will not happen again," she meekly
stated.
"No apology is necessary. I was not criticizing your behavior, merely observing
it." Tuvok replied.
Seven furrowed her brow, " I am uncertain of what you mean."
Tuvok responded, " On four separate occasions I have noticed you smiling or
laughing to yourself. The first was on the bridge this morning when Commander
Chakotay spilled the Captain's coffee on her seat. The most recent was several minutes
ago when Neelix was attempting to coax a smile from me. You have, to my knowledge,
never found such things humorous before, I am simply curious to know why they are so
funny to you now?"
Seven thought about his question for several seconds before answering, " It is
difficult to explain, Commander. I… I think that I have always considered such things
humorous before, yet I don't think I ever considered the possibility of laughing at such
things."
"Fascinating," Tuvok responded, " And this realization about laughter resulted
from your experiences on the planet?"
" I suppose it did. Mr. Finnegan seemed to endlessly supply opportunities for me
to laugh at him," she retorted with dry humor.
"Mr. Finnegan has indeed brought an increased morale on the ship," Tuvok
agreed.
"Did someone mention morale?" Neelix interrupted as he overheard the
mentioning of his duties.
Tuvok looked up at the bane of his existence, "Yes Mr. Neelix, but we were just
leaving. I have bridge duty in a half hour," he faced Seven," When you have finished
overlooking the PADD's you may report to me there."
"Understood," Seven replied.
Tuvok walked out of the mess hall and Neelix sat in his place.
"Well Seven, can I get you anything else before you go?" Neelix asked.
"No, thank you," she said politely, fighting the smirk on her face as she recalled
the images of Neelix pestering Tuvok. Yet the images of their most recent encounter
weren't the only ones. Her mind began recalling countless other times that were infinitely
more humorous. She was so distracted that she knocked over the PADD's that Tuvok had
left her to examine. She bent down and began to pick them up.
"Wow, Harry, that was probably the most uneventful shift you have had on the bridge
since I have met you," Finnegan said after he recounted his experiences for him.
"I know, it was almost as bad as the time Voyager was stuck in the void. I did get
to write 24 measures to this new song I'm composing," Harry beamed.
Finnegan smiled, " I'll have to hear it. You know, I used to play guitar, but I
haven't picked one up since my second year at the academy."
"I might be willing to teach you a few things," Harry joked.
Finnegan turned to face him right as they approached the mess hall doors.
"Ooo, can we start a band? Can we call it Harry Kim and the Kimtones?"
Finnegan laughed and backed into the mess hall.
Harry gave him a look, " Hey, who told you about that?"
Finnegan backed further into the mess hall, " I can't reveal my sources." He
turned and continued walking toward the counter, not noticing the blonde figure,
crouching on the ground, picking up her fallen PADDs. He promptly walked into her at
full speed, which sent him flying across the mess hall onto his back.
Seven quickly turned to face him, not noticing that Ensign Kim was still walking
toward her, lacking the time to stop.
"Mr. Finnegan, may I suggest you watch where you are…" before she could
finish the snide comment, Harry ran into her, sending her sprawling on top of Finnegan.
"You were saying something," he responded, a huge smile tugging at the side of
his mouth.
Harry Kim gasped, of all the people to run into it had to be Seven. Harry knew
that the feelings that he had for her when she first came aboard had long since dissipated,
but it was as if he constantly found himself being embarrassed in front of her.
"Oh man, I am really sorry Seven, I didn't see you. Are you ok? Are you hurt?
Are you really mad?" he jabbered, his voice getting smaller with each question.
Seven remained still for a moment, meet eyes with Finnegan, and showed him a
large smile.
She stood up, " Relax Mr. Kim, I am undamaged," she again knelt down and
resumed picking up the rest of her fallen Padd's. After brushing himself off, Dempsey
began to help her.
"So are will still on for tonight?" he asked in hush whisper that only she could
hear.
Seven quelled the urge to smile once again as she thought of her plans with
Dempsey were brought up. What Tuvok had said was true. She was different, or at least
she felt different. If Harry had knocked her over two weeks ago, she would have most
likely been furious. Yet today she found it amusing. She was fairly certain that her
change in attitude had something to do with Dempsey and frankly she welcomed the
changes and a chance to see where they would take her.
"Holodeck 2 at 20:00 hours?" she replied.
"Yup," he replied, " Oh, and dress for warm weather."
Seven raised an eyebrow, " No sleigh rides through a winter wonderland?" she
joked.
"I think we've had enough snow, don't you?" he smiled.
She smiled back, " I must report to the Cargo Bay. Have a … pleasant day." With
that she left.
Finnegan watched her leave with a goofy grin on his face. When he turned around
he saw that half of the mess hall was staring at him with their mouths agape. The rest of
them were pretending not to have noticed the strange exchange between the former Borg
drone and the newest member of their crew.
"What? What is everybody staring at?" Finnegan asked aloud.
He walked over at sat next to Harry. Eventually everyone went back to his or her
own business.
"So," Harry said after a couple moments of uncomfortable silence, " That little
talk you had with Seven; that wouldn't have anything to do with the holodeck programs I
gave you, would it?"
Finnegan looked at him, " You know what Harry? This crew is to nosey for its
own good."
Harry just laughed.
Finnegan had no idea how much truth his statement held. Across that mess hall
was a table full of nosey people watching the spectacle with awe, and little bit of
excitement because they now had something to talk about besides the usual speculations
concerning the Captain and her first officer.
"Well that's something you don't see everyday," said Ensign William Telfer.
"Did Seven of Nine just smile, or did Neelix slip something in my coffee?" said
Tal Celes, " I've worked with Seven for the past 4 years, I have never once seen her smile
like that, and I've tripped a lot."
"That was defiantly a smile, not one of those discrete smirks," Chell said, "Maybe
she is under some type of alien control. It wouldn't be the first time it happened on this
ship."
"Chell, relax, she's not under any alien control," said Ensign Brooks. She glanced
over at Seven as she walked out of the mess hall. The look on her face was less then
pleasant.
"Well good for her. At least she's trying to be happy for once," said Telfer.
Brooks snickered, "How the hell couldn't she be happy, she gets whatever she
wants?"
Tal Celes gave Brooks a quizzical look, " What?"
Brooks turned toward her friend with a look of anger, "You know what I'm
talking about; she's the Captain's little pet Borg. If anyone else was as disrespectful to
the Captain as she is, we would be tossed out an airlock."
"Oh shut up. Your just jealous because Dempsey is interested in her and he barely
knows your name," Telfer said mockingly.
"Yeah, for now," she said under her breath as she rose from the table.
Author's Note: Finally, I posted a continuation of this little story line.
The ideas are plentiful, but the time is not there. This story starts
the day after the first story ended. I recommend reading the first EMOTH,
but it isn't totally necessary.
Dempsey Finnegan: Stardate 54127.3
If there is one thing that I have learned in my 31 years in this galaxy, it would be
that there is nothing more unpredictable… not a spatial anomaly, not a faulty warp drive,
and not even a Klingon with eight pints of Bloodwine in him or her, none of those things
are more unpredictable then the heart
Four years ago, the Borg took my wife from me, and now… well now I am
practically falling in love with an ex-drone. I guess that's why no one ever wrote fluffy
prose about love being predictable and I guess that's why falling in love is such a
wonderful thing.
Today should prove interesting. After my shift in sickbay it's off to the holodeck to
prepare my evening. I wish I could say that I am thrilled to finally have an evening alone
with Seven, as in an evening alone where we are not trapped on an ice planet, but the
extreme anxiety that is eating away at my stomach is making it difficult to revel in my
success. I just hope that the Doctor isn't in one of his more difficult moods, or I might
have to deactivate his program.
Yet in all seriousness, I feel that this evening really has to be wonderful…perfect.
When I am with Seven, everything feels…it feels right, even when we are at each others
throats. I think she cares for me, and I know I care for her. What more could two people
need?
{Beep Beep}
"Come in," Finnegan said, "Computer end log."
The door slid open and in walked Harry Kim, carrying several PADDs.
"What's up Harry?" Finnegan asked, putting on his jacket. He didn't have a
uniform, so he wore a simple suit, a bit more flattering then the standard issue, but not
flashy enough to draw attention to himself.
Harry extended the PADDs out to Finnegan, "Just dropping off some of those
holodeck program descriptions you asked for." Finnegan reached out and grabbed the
PADDs.
Hercules ran up to Harry, wagging his tail. Harry knelt down and petted his head,
"Hey boy, how are you?" Harry looked back up at Finnegan, "What do you need them for
anyway?"
He was about to explain the true reason why he requisitioned the information, but
he thought twice. He liked Harry well enough, but from the first moment he arrived on
Voyager he had become painfully aware of how quickly rumors spread on the tiny
Intrepid-class vessel. For instance, it took the whole crew a good two weeks to
understand that Finnegan was not an exiled member of a genetically enhanced faction set
to overthrow Starfleet and start the second Eugenics War. He couldn't imagine what
rumors would surface if he told Harry that he had a date with Seven of Nine that evening.
"Uh… after the whole incident on the planet, and Seven's recovery, the Captain
gave me some extra time to relax, so where else to go but the holodeck?" Finnegan
replied smiling.
"May I recommend the Risa massage therapy program, it'll have you relaxed in
no time," Harry said a little to enthusiastically.
Finnegan laughed, " I bet it will Harry, maybe I'll give it a try. You on your way
to the mess hall?"
"Yup, I'm famished. I was on the bridge all night," he said proudly.
This kid really is dying to run a starship of his own, Finnegan thought to himself.
Reminds me of some I used to know, or be for that matter.
"Well Captain Kim, you'll have to tell me all about it on the way to the mess
hall," he said, "Let's go."
"Mr. Vulcan, you simply must try my Talaxian fur fly fruit surprise, I am certain
that it will get a smile out of you," Neelix said, pushing a strangely textured greenish blue
substance in the tactical officers face.
"That is highly unlikely Mr. Neelix, considering the fact that I do not smile,"
Tuvok said, with faint agitation in his voice.
Seven of Nine and Tuvok were sitting in the mess hall, as they had been for the
past hour, discussing ways to improve ship wide efficiency, specifically in security. As
per usual, Neelix saw this rare visit from Tuvok to the mess hall as the perfect
opportunity to try his luck at getting the Vulcan to exhibit some sign of joy or pleasure.
Tuvok, as per usual, found Neelix's attempts irritating at best.
"Well be that as it may Lt., you still should try it. What's the harm in trying it?"
Neelix continued, unrelenting.
"Mr. Neelix, with your cooking, there is a large chance of harm, but if you agree
to leave Seven and I to our work if I try your dessert, the I will indulge," Tuvok said.
"Wonderful!" Neelix exclaimed as he placed the plate in front of Tuvok. Tuvok
grabbed a spoon and slowly dipped it into the food. Slowly he brought the substance to
his mouth and began to chew.
Neelix was fixated on the Lt. "Well what do you think?"
Tuvok's face went from expressionless to expressionless with a slight hint of
revulsion, "I think… that I have lost my appetite. Thank you Mr. Neelix for dessert. Now,
if you will please excuse us."
Neelix picked up the plate and walked off, " Hmm, maybe I used to many spices,
oh well."
Tuvok took several deep breaths to regain control of his stomach. When he
glanced across the table to continue his discussion with Seven, he noticed that she was
smiling openly and almost laughing to herself.
He raised an eyebrow, " Seven, I have been meaning to ask you, how have you
been feeling since your encounter on the planet?"
Seven's face straightened out at the mention of her name, " I have fully recovered
from all physical trauma… thank you for asking."
"You are welcome, but that was not what I was inquiring about. I have noticed a
slight change in your behavior since your return. I have also noticed that you have formed
a unique friendship with Mr. Finnegan. Logically, the change in your behavior is the
result of your time spent on the planet with Mr. Finnegan," Tuvok said, with typical
Vulcan candor.
Seven paused and took a deep breath. She too had noticed a change in herself. A
change in the way she felt.
" I apologize if I have been distracted. It will not happen again," she meekly
stated.
"No apology is necessary. I was not criticizing your behavior, merely observing
it." Tuvok replied.
Seven furrowed her brow, " I am uncertain of what you mean."
Tuvok responded, " On four separate occasions I have noticed you smiling or
laughing to yourself. The first was on the bridge this morning when Commander
Chakotay spilled the Captain's coffee on her seat. The most recent was several minutes
ago when Neelix was attempting to coax a smile from me. You have, to my knowledge,
never found such things humorous before, I am simply curious to know why they are so
funny to you now?"
Seven thought about his question for several seconds before answering, " It is
difficult to explain, Commander. I… I think that I have always considered such things
humorous before, yet I don't think I ever considered the possibility of laughing at such
things."
"Fascinating," Tuvok responded, " And this realization about laughter resulted
from your experiences on the planet?"
" I suppose it did. Mr. Finnegan seemed to endlessly supply opportunities for me
to laugh at him," she retorted with dry humor.
"Mr. Finnegan has indeed brought an increased morale on the ship," Tuvok
agreed.
"Did someone mention morale?" Neelix interrupted as he overheard the
mentioning of his duties.
Tuvok looked up at the bane of his existence, "Yes Mr. Neelix, but we were just
leaving. I have bridge duty in a half hour," he faced Seven," When you have finished
overlooking the PADD's you may report to me there."
"Understood," Seven replied.
Tuvok walked out of the mess hall and Neelix sat in his place.
"Well Seven, can I get you anything else before you go?" Neelix asked.
"No, thank you," she said politely, fighting the smirk on her face as she recalled
the images of Neelix pestering Tuvok. Yet the images of their most recent encounter
weren't the only ones. Her mind began recalling countless other times that were infinitely
more humorous. She was so distracted that she knocked over the PADD's that Tuvok had
left her to examine. She bent down and began to pick them up.
"Wow, Harry, that was probably the most uneventful shift you have had on the bridge
since I have met you," Finnegan said after he recounted his experiences for him.
"I know, it was almost as bad as the time Voyager was stuck in the void. I did get
to write 24 measures to this new song I'm composing," Harry beamed.
Finnegan smiled, " I'll have to hear it. You know, I used to play guitar, but I
haven't picked one up since my second year at the academy."
"I might be willing to teach you a few things," Harry joked.
Finnegan turned to face him right as they approached the mess hall doors.
"Ooo, can we start a band? Can we call it Harry Kim and the Kimtones?"
Finnegan laughed and backed into the mess hall.
Harry gave him a look, " Hey, who told you about that?"
Finnegan backed further into the mess hall, " I can't reveal my sources." He
turned and continued walking toward the counter, not noticing the blonde figure,
crouching on the ground, picking up her fallen PADDs. He promptly walked into her at
full speed, which sent him flying across the mess hall onto his back.
Seven quickly turned to face him, not noticing that Ensign Kim was still walking
toward her, lacking the time to stop.
"Mr. Finnegan, may I suggest you watch where you are…" before she could
finish the snide comment, Harry ran into her, sending her sprawling on top of Finnegan.
"You were saying something," he responded, a huge smile tugging at the side of
his mouth.
Harry Kim gasped, of all the people to run into it had to be Seven. Harry knew
that the feelings that he had for her when she first came aboard had long since dissipated,
but it was as if he constantly found himself being embarrassed in front of her.
"Oh man, I am really sorry Seven, I didn't see you. Are you ok? Are you hurt?
Are you really mad?" he jabbered, his voice getting smaller with each question.
Seven remained still for a moment, meet eyes with Finnegan, and showed him a
large smile.
She stood up, " Relax Mr. Kim, I am undamaged," she again knelt down and
resumed picking up the rest of her fallen Padd's. After brushing himself off, Dempsey
began to help her.
"So are will still on for tonight?" he asked in hush whisper that only she could
hear.
Seven quelled the urge to smile once again as she thought of her plans with
Dempsey were brought up. What Tuvok had said was true. She was different, or at least
she felt different. If Harry had knocked her over two weeks ago, she would have most
likely been furious. Yet today she found it amusing. She was fairly certain that her
change in attitude had something to do with Dempsey and frankly she welcomed the
changes and a chance to see where they would take her.
"Holodeck 2 at 20:00 hours?" she replied.
"Yup," he replied, " Oh, and dress for warm weather."
Seven raised an eyebrow, " No sleigh rides through a winter wonderland?" she
joked.
"I think we've had enough snow, don't you?" he smiled.
She smiled back, " I must report to the Cargo Bay. Have a … pleasant day." With
that she left.
Finnegan watched her leave with a goofy grin on his face. When he turned around
he saw that half of the mess hall was staring at him with their mouths agape. The rest of
them were pretending not to have noticed the strange exchange between the former Borg
drone and the newest member of their crew.
"What? What is everybody staring at?" Finnegan asked aloud.
He walked over at sat next to Harry. Eventually everyone went back to his or her
own business.
"So," Harry said after a couple moments of uncomfortable silence, " That little
talk you had with Seven; that wouldn't have anything to do with the holodeck programs I
gave you, would it?"
Finnegan looked at him, " You know what Harry? This crew is to nosey for its
own good."
Harry just laughed.
Finnegan had no idea how much truth his statement held. Across that mess hall
was a table full of nosey people watching the spectacle with awe, and little bit of
excitement because they now had something to talk about besides the usual speculations
concerning the Captain and her first officer.
"Well that's something you don't see everyday," said Ensign William Telfer.
"Did Seven of Nine just smile, or did Neelix slip something in my coffee?" said
Tal Celes, " I've worked with Seven for the past 4 years, I have never once seen her smile
like that, and I've tripped a lot."
"That was defiantly a smile, not one of those discrete smirks," Chell said, "Maybe
she is under some type of alien control. It wouldn't be the first time it happened on this
ship."
"Chell, relax, she's not under any alien control," said Ensign Brooks. She glanced
over at Seven as she walked out of the mess hall. The look on her face was less then
pleasant.
"Well good for her. At least she's trying to be happy for once," said Telfer.
Brooks snickered, "How the hell couldn't she be happy, she gets whatever she
wants?"
Tal Celes gave Brooks a quizzical look, " What?"
Brooks turned toward her friend with a look of anger, "You know what I'm
talking about; she's the Captain's little pet Borg. If anyone else was as disrespectful to
the Captain as she is, we would be tossed out an airlock."
"Oh shut up. Your just jealous because Dempsey is interested in her and he barely
knows your name," Telfer said mockingly.
"Yeah, for now," she said under her breath as she rose from the table.