Disclaimer: I keep forgetting to put this in, I hope I dont get sued. The characters of
this story are not mine, except for Finnegan. They all belong to Paramount.
Authors Note: I dare you to review this story!
The Doctor was frustrated. For the past 3 hours he had been attempting to create a
more powerful vaccine against sub nucleonic radiation. The last time the crew had
experienced that type of radiation was at a mutara class nebula about three years ago.
Needless to say, the ship almost didn't make it. Seven had just managed to save them and
had almost given up her own life in the process. Though there was no rush, the Doctor
considered it one of his projects to find a better cure.
So, when Finnegan waltzed into sickbay, whistling, with a huge grin on his face,
the Doctor was less then thrilled to see someone who wasn't as miserable as he was.
"Hello Doctor, how are you doing today?" he asked.
"Clearly not as well as you are, why so cheery Mr. Finnegan, have you and Mr.
Paris recently victimized another crew member with a cruel practical joke?" the Doc said
cynically.
"Nope, I'm just happy, that's all. I have a feeling it's going to be a great day," he
replied, still beaming.
The Doctors first instinct was to spread some of his misery, but Finnegan's smile
was truly contagious, even for a hologram, and he felt the photons in his face pull
upward.
"Well it's nice to see that someone is having a good day. Perhaps you can help me
to better mine. I seem to be having quite a problem with this antidote I am working on."
Finnegan stepped over and began to examine the data. Several hours later the he
and the Doctor were almost done with their work.
"Thank you Mr. Finnegan, I can't believe I didn't see that," the Doctor said.
"No problem Doc, sometimes you just need a pair of fresh eyes," replied
Finnegan, " I'm sure you would have noticed it eventually."
The Doc perked up at the compliment, " Hopefully, or I wouldn't be much of an
EMH." He turned and went to his office.
There was less then two hours left in his shift, after he was done he planned on
going straight to his quarters to get ready, then straight to the holodeck to prepare his
evening out with Seven. Several ideas were forming in his head, but he was still quite
unsure as to where he would take her. In fact he was so involved in his own thoughts he
didn't here the doors to sickbay swoosh open.
"Excuse me," said a female voice.
Finnegan abruptly snapped out of his thoughts and looked up. It was Ensign
Brooks, an engineer that he had talked to on several occasions. His first impression of her
was that she was somewhat of an angry person; Tom had used a more colorful expression
to describe her. However, in all subsequent encounters, Finnegan had found her to be
quite pleasant. She was out of uniform and dressed in athletic gear. Her clothing showed
off her slender yet athletic figure, which Finnegan couldn't help but notice. Brooks was
quite an attractive woman.
"Hi Dempsey," she said.
He nodded his greeting, "Ensign Brooks," he smiled, " Please state the nature of
the medical emergency."
Brooks giggled, a little too much for the caliber of the joke, Finnegan thought.
"Oh Dempsey, call me Jody," she chortled.
Finnegan laughed at her strange behavior, " Ok, Jody, what can I do for you?"
"Well it's nothing serious, I was playing Velocity on the holodeck, I almost won
too, but during the last play I turned to quickly and pulled a muscle in my lower back,"
she pointed to the injury, which was indeed on her lower back.
Finnegan took out a medical tricorder and began to scan the affected area.
"Hmm, the muscles are a little tight," he said.
"Does it feel like a sprain or something?" she asked, grabbing his hand and
placing it on her rear.
Finnegan raised an eyebrow yet again at the strange woman and reluctantly felt
the muscle, " It feels… normal," he quickly withdrew his hand, " Are you in any pain?"
"Nothing I can't handle, but I just wanted to make sure it wasn't anything
serious," she answered.
"Good call. I can recommend some stretches to loosen up the muscle," he said as
he walked over to the hyposprays, " I'm going to give you a weak muscle relaxant for
now." He placed the proper medicine in the tube and programmed the proper dosage. He
then walked over and injected her. Thinking she was done, he walked over to his station
and resumed his work.
Brooks was not done, " I noticed that you have a couple hours reserved on the
holodeck tonight, exciting plans?"
Finnegan smiled at the thought of his plans, " Just spending some time with a
friend."
"Oh," she smirked playfully, " Sounds romantic."
Finnegan gave her a perplexed look, " What do you mean it sounds romantic? I
said I was spending time…"
"… with a friend," she overlapped, " Come on Dempsey, everyone in who was in
the mess hall this morning knows what's going on."
Finnegan was getting tired of Brooks' prying, " And what exactly is that?" he said
loudly, catching the Doctor's attention.
Brooks threw her head back in laughter, failing to notice that the Doctor was now
listening to their conversation., " You and a certain blonde. Seriously, Dempsey, you are
like a hero to the all the single guys on this ship. You've tamed the Borg shrew, so to
speak."
Finnegan, finally fed up, glared at Brooks, "You are fit to return to duty Ensign, I
suggest you do so."
" Oh, don't be mad, Dempsey. I'm just telling it like it is," she said with a fake
sympathy, "It's really a complement, Seven of Nine is an attractive woman."
"It's not about her being attractive," he said bitterly.
"Well then what it is then, her charming personality? Face it; she isn't the
friendliest person on this ship. Her sense of humor is almost nonexistent, I don't think I
have ever seen her smile, and I know that I have never heard laugh. How can you
possibly be happy with someone who doesn't laugh, who doesn't know how to have
fun?" she paused and looked him in the eye.
Dempsey stared right back at her without flinching, " I appreciate your concern,
but I think I can handle this on my own, good day Ensign," he said and walked to the
other side of sickbay.
The Doctor was still in his office, his mind reeling over what he had heard. Seven
and Dempsey had a date tonight. Why hadn't she told him? When Finnegan walked
through his office, the signs of his good mood fully dissipated by his visitor, the Doctor
walked out of his office to find Brooks still standing in sickbay.
"Is there something wrong, Ensign?" he said curtly, remembering her cruel
remarks about Seven.
"No Doctor," she said with a smile, " Everything is just perfect."
The Doctor's confused expression followed her as she walked out of sickbay.
REGENERATION CYCLE COMPLETE
Seven stepped out of her alcove.
"Computer, what is the current time?" she said to ship.
THE CURRENT TIME IS 18:00 HOURS.
Seven took a small bit of satisfaction to see that her schedule was undisturbed.
She planned to quickly check on Astrometrics, then to return to the cargo bay to prepare
of the evening
She walked out of the cargo bay and proceeded to the turbolift. When its doors
opened, she was surprised to see Captain Janeway's smiling face.
"Hello, Seven," she said.
"Captain," she replied with a nod.
"I read over you latest astrometrics report. I agree, I think we should change
course and head toward the Mutara-class nebula to avoid the ion storms you picked up on
long range sensors," she said.
" I believe that is our best option. Of course we will have to wait till we are closer
to determine if the nebula is safe to pass through," Seven commented, her mind flashing
to the memories of the last Mutara nebula she was in, it was not a pleasant memory.
"Of course," Janeway said, with a strange tone in her voice.
"Is there something else Captain?" she asked.
Janeway pursed her lips in an attempt to stifle a smirk, " No, not at all."
Seven simply rolled her eyes, she had noticed this habit among humans several
times, when they didn't want to ask you a personal question, they would try to get you to
answer it without provocation, "It seems that you are curious about something. I would
suspect that it has something to do with the rumors that have been spreading about me
since this morning."
Janeway gave up her front, "All right, you've got me."
"I find it impressive that word can spread so quickly aboard this ship," Seven
said.
"That's what happens when you live with the same 150 people for 7 years.
Apparently exploring the unknown isn't exciting enough for this crew, so we have to pry
into each other's lives," she said with a laugh.
"Apparently…" Seven said, " Captain, I would like to ask you a question."
" Go ahead Seven," Janeway said with sincerity. She knew Seven felt
uncomfortable talking about herself, so she tried to make it as easy as possible for her.
"I have done extensive research on human courtship rituals, yet I remain uncertain
on what exactly my function is on this date," she said.
Janeway took a deep breath. Seven had come a long way, but she still has a long
way to go. This date was a big step for her.
"Seven, a date isn't like a mission. All that you have to do is be yourself and try to
have a good time. Enjoy each other's company," she answered.
The turbolift stopped at deck 8.
"Thank you Captain," she said, yet instead of exiting the lift, she remained
standing there.
Janeway raised an eyebrow, "Is there something else you would like to ask
Seven?"
Seven looked at the Captain and took a deep breath, " Yes. Mr. Finnegan
mentioned that I should dress for warm weather. I am … uncertain of what type of
clothing this request indicates."
Janeway tried with all her willpower not to smile. Seven had an incredible talent
for making something as simple as picking out an outfit sound like a complicated
scientific procedure.
"Well I am not due to meet with Chakotay for another half hour. If you'd like I
can help you peruse the database in Astrometrics," she said, casting aside her worry at
how awkward the situation was going to be.
Seven heaved a sigh of relief and embarrassment, " I would appreciate that
Captain."
"Hey, what are friends for," Janeway replied putting a hand on her shoulder as the
made their way toward Astrometrics.
Finnegan had been contemplating where he would "take" Seven for the past two
and a half hours. He had finally put together what he hoped Seven would believe to be
the perfect date. Something that would bring out the Seven her had seen in the mess hall
earlier or on the ice planet when she had started that snowball fight. After looking
through almost a third of the holodeck programs, he was sure he had found it. Now all
that was left was for him to get ready.
Janeway walked into Chakotay's quarters smiling ear to ear.
Chakotay couldn't help but grin back at her, he never could resist her smile, and
"What are you so cheery about?"
The Captain took a seat, crossed her legs and leaned her head back, " I just came
from Astrometrics.
Chakotay looked at her quizzically, " What did you find, an M-class planet to pick
up supplies? A worm hole to home?"
"I found a lovely green sundress," she said, the pleasure of confusing him further
obvious in her voice.
"Congratulations," he said, more a question then a statement.
Janeway snickered, " Not for me, for Seven, she has a little date tonight."
Chakotay nodded in new understanding, "I see. I guess you are no longer worried
about her?"
"Oh I am, but now I know that she'll come to me if she needs anything. It's
reassuring," she said, picking up the steaming pot of coffee that Chakotay had ready for
her.
She watched him as he too began to laugh to himself.
" Now I seem to be out of the loop. What is so funny Commander?" she asked,
her hands finding their way to her hips.
"It's nothing," he said.
Janeway just glared.
Chakotay knew all to well that he couldn't hold up to that glare for very long,
"Ok, ok. I just found it slightly amusing that you are so set on making everyone on this
crew so happy, yet you refuse to allow yourself the same…" he paused, choosing his
word carefully, " indulgences."
Janeway frowned slightly, " That's what being a Captain is all about," her face
then changed from slightly disturbed to a playful nature, " And just what kind of
indulgences would you be talking about?"
"If out former Borg drone can find romance aboard this ship, why can't our
Captain?" he asked, and moved a little closer.
Janeway's voice came out low and hushed, " You know, there are times I wish
that I could. Times I wish that I could stop being Captain Kathryn Janeway and just be
Kathryn Janeway. But it's moments like the one I just had with Seven, moments when I
realize that to some members of this crew I'm not just a Captain, but a friend. It's those
moments when I realize that I am doing something right, and I wouldn't give them up for
the world, Chakotay. Even if that means giving up something else that I want."
Chakotay took a deep breath, "Well, it's a good thing you have such good friends
to keep you company."
"Cheers to that," she said and raised her glass.
Finnegan sat in his creation. A tiki bar set on a boardwalk on the Atlantic coast of
North America. He looked outside the bar to all the attractions he had created. Rides,
games, the ocean. It was a true masterpiece, he thought.
He was sitting at the bar. The place was set up for dinner and dancing. After that
he planned on taking Seven for a walk on the boardwalk, play some games, go on some
rides. It was perfect: playful yet romantic.
Around 19:30 hours Finnegan heard the door open. He turned and laughed,
"You're a bit early, aren't you?"
"If you say so," replied a voice that was most defiantly not Seven's. Finnegan
looked up to see Ensign Brooks.
"Hello Ensign. I'm sorry, I thought you were…"
"Seven of Nine, I know," she moved toward the bar and sat.
Finnegan began to grow irritated, "Can I help you with something?"
Brooks turned toward him and gave a serious look, " Well first of all, I want to
apologize for earlier today in sickbay. Who you date is none of my business."
"Thanks, I appreciate the apology," the tone of his voice almost physically kicked
her out the door.
"I also came down here to tell you that Seven isn't coming tonight," she said.
"What?" Dempsey asked.
"She sent me down here to tell you that she was to busy to come to dinner,"
Brooks repeated.
"I just talked to here earlier today in the mess hall, she didn't mention anything
about having to much work to do then," he thought out loud.
"Well I don't know what she told you this morning, but I was just in astrometrics
and that's what she said," Brooks stated.
"Why wouldn't she just come down here herself to tell me?" he asked, confusion
echoing his voice.
"Maybe she just didn't want to face you. I mean, that's a pretty crummy thing to
do, cancel a half hour before a date," Brooks bated.
Finnegan sat down again and took a sip from his drink, " She had work to do?"
"That's what she said, but I just talked to Tal Celes, and she said that all the work
for Astrometrics is done for the day."
Finnegan finished his drink and slammed the bar for another, " I just don't get it."
Brooks moved closer to him, placing a kind hand on his elbow, " I'm sorry
Dempsey, maybe she just got scared, maybe she isn't ready for a relationship."
"I don't know if that's it," he shook his head, trying to lose the idea that Seven
wanted a relationship, just not one with him.
Seven of Nine thought that she was ready for the next step in realizing her
humanity. She was ready for intimate relations with another person, and she was fairly
confidant that Dempsey Finnegan was the correct person to pursue them with. She
actually felt excited, an emotion she rarely experienced with her unflappable personality.
Tonight she was ready to learn, about humanity and herself. She took a deep breath and
headed for the holodeck.
By 19:55 Dempsey was feeling the effects of several glasses of scotch, and
listening to Ensign Brooks similar experience with a Bajoran while she was at the
Academy. She finally noticed the despair in Finnegan's face and stopped.
"I'm sorry Dempsey, I guess my story isn't to comforting," she said, placing a
hand on his arm once more.
"No, it helped, thank you," he then noticed her check her watch, " You know you
really don't need to sit here with me, I'm fine."
Brooks shifted closer to Finnegan, " I don't mind at all. You know Dempsey,
Seven was really stupid to stand you up."
Finnegan chuckled, "How's that?"
"There are lots of women on this ship who would do anything for a date with
you," she commented, her voice deepening slightly.
"I doubt it," he said, standing up.
She stood up as well, " I'm serious. I know what I am talking about."
"What, did you take a poll or something?" he joked.
Brooks moved even closer to him, invading his personal space, " I know, because
I am one of them."
At this comment, Dempsey slowly began to back up, " Well Ensign, I'm flattered,
but…"
Before he could even get the sentence out, Brooks pushed him up against the wall
and threw her lips on his.
This happened at exactly 20:00, the same time a very punctual Seven of Nine
walked through the holodeck doors. In the three seconds it took Dempsey to push Brooks
away, Seven had already seen too much. It was her gasp of surprise that alerted him of
her presence.
Instinctively he walked toward her. She just looked at him, the pain filling her
eyes, the bitter taste of betrayal filling her mouth. Finnegan noticed that despite the
horrified look on her face, she still looked beautiful.
"Seven," it was all his brain could come up with.
She simply shook her head in disgust, in hurt. She shakily turned and ran out of
the room.
"Wait!" he yelled, running after her, he felt a tug on his arm stop him.
"Dempsey, don't!" Brooks yelled.
Finnegan stopped. Suddenly it all clicked. Why had Seven shown up when she
had told Brooks to come and tell him she wasn't? Because she had never told Brooks she
wasn't coming. Her visit in sickbay today, her constant checking of her watch, kissing
him at exactly 20:00; it was all part of her plan.
"Get your hand off of me," he spat at her, jarring his arm so she had to let go of it.
He turned without a word and ran to find Seven, praying that he could rectify what had
just happened.
this story are not mine, except for Finnegan. They all belong to Paramount.
Authors Note: I dare you to review this story!
The Doctor was frustrated. For the past 3 hours he had been attempting to create a
more powerful vaccine against sub nucleonic radiation. The last time the crew had
experienced that type of radiation was at a mutara class nebula about three years ago.
Needless to say, the ship almost didn't make it. Seven had just managed to save them and
had almost given up her own life in the process. Though there was no rush, the Doctor
considered it one of his projects to find a better cure.
So, when Finnegan waltzed into sickbay, whistling, with a huge grin on his face,
the Doctor was less then thrilled to see someone who wasn't as miserable as he was.
"Hello Doctor, how are you doing today?" he asked.
"Clearly not as well as you are, why so cheery Mr. Finnegan, have you and Mr.
Paris recently victimized another crew member with a cruel practical joke?" the Doc said
cynically.
"Nope, I'm just happy, that's all. I have a feeling it's going to be a great day," he
replied, still beaming.
The Doctors first instinct was to spread some of his misery, but Finnegan's smile
was truly contagious, even for a hologram, and he felt the photons in his face pull
upward.
"Well it's nice to see that someone is having a good day. Perhaps you can help me
to better mine. I seem to be having quite a problem with this antidote I am working on."
Finnegan stepped over and began to examine the data. Several hours later the he
and the Doctor were almost done with their work.
"Thank you Mr. Finnegan, I can't believe I didn't see that," the Doctor said.
"No problem Doc, sometimes you just need a pair of fresh eyes," replied
Finnegan, " I'm sure you would have noticed it eventually."
The Doc perked up at the compliment, " Hopefully, or I wouldn't be much of an
EMH." He turned and went to his office.
There was less then two hours left in his shift, after he was done he planned on
going straight to his quarters to get ready, then straight to the holodeck to prepare his
evening out with Seven. Several ideas were forming in his head, but he was still quite
unsure as to where he would take her. In fact he was so involved in his own thoughts he
didn't here the doors to sickbay swoosh open.
"Excuse me," said a female voice.
Finnegan abruptly snapped out of his thoughts and looked up. It was Ensign
Brooks, an engineer that he had talked to on several occasions. His first impression of her
was that she was somewhat of an angry person; Tom had used a more colorful expression
to describe her. However, in all subsequent encounters, Finnegan had found her to be
quite pleasant. She was out of uniform and dressed in athletic gear. Her clothing showed
off her slender yet athletic figure, which Finnegan couldn't help but notice. Brooks was
quite an attractive woman.
"Hi Dempsey," she said.
He nodded his greeting, "Ensign Brooks," he smiled, " Please state the nature of
the medical emergency."
Brooks giggled, a little too much for the caliber of the joke, Finnegan thought.
"Oh Dempsey, call me Jody," she chortled.
Finnegan laughed at her strange behavior, " Ok, Jody, what can I do for you?"
"Well it's nothing serious, I was playing Velocity on the holodeck, I almost won
too, but during the last play I turned to quickly and pulled a muscle in my lower back,"
she pointed to the injury, which was indeed on her lower back.
Finnegan took out a medical tricorder and began to scan the affected area.
"Hmm, the muscles are a little tight," he said.
"Does it feel like a sprain or something?" she asked, grabbing his hand and
placing it on her rear.
Finnegan raised an eyebrow yet again at the strange woman and reluctantly felt
the muscle, " It feels… normal," he quickly withdrew his hand, " Are you in any pain?"
"Nothing I can't handle, but I just wanted to make sure it wasn't anything
serious," she answered.
"Good call. I can recommend some stretches to loosen up the muscle," he said as
he walked over to the hyposprays, " I'm going to give you a weak muscle relaxant for
now." He placed the proper medicine in the tube and programmed the proper dosage. He
then walked over and injected her. Thinking she was done, he walked over to his station
and resumed his work.
Brooks was not done, " I noticed that you have a couple hours reserved on the
holodeck tonight, exciting plans?"
Finnegan smiled at the thought of his plans, " Just spending some time with a
friend."
"Oh," she smirked playfully, " Sounds romantic."
Finnegan gave her a perplexed look, " What do you mean it sounds romantic? I
said I was spending time…"
"… with a friend," she overlapped, " Come on Dempsey, everyone in who was in
the mess hall this morning knows what's going on."
Finnegan was getting tired of Brooks' prying, " And what exactly is that?" he said
loudly, catching the Doctor's attention.
Brooks threw her head back in laughter, failing to notice that the Doctor was now
listening to their conversation., " You and a certain blonde. Seriously, Dempsey, you are
like a hero to the all the single guys on this ship. You've tamed the Borg shrew, so to
speak."
Finnegan, finally fed up, glared at Brooks, "You are fit to return to duty Ensign, I
suggest you do so."
" Oh, don't be mad, Dempsey. I'm just telling it like it is," she said with a fake
sympathy, "It's really a complement, Seven of Nine is an attractive woman."
"It's not about her being attractive," he said bitterly.
"Well then what it is then, her charming personality? Face it; she isn't the
friendliest person on this ship. Her sense of humor is almost nonexistent, I don't think I
have ever seen her smile, and I know that I have never heard laugh. How can you
possibly be happy with someone who doesn't laugh, who doesn't know how to have
fun?" she paused and looked him in the eye.
Dempsey stared right back at her without flinching, " I appreciate your concern,
but I think I can handle this on my own, good day Ensign," he said and walked to the
other side of sickbay.
The Doctor was still in his office, his mind reeling over what he had heard. Seven
and Dempsey had a date tonight. Why hadn't she told him? When Finnegan walked
through his office, the signs of his good mood fully dissipated by his visitor, the Doctor
walked out of his office to find Brooks still standing in sickbay.
"Is there something wrong, Ensign?" he said curtly, remembering her cruel
remarks about Seven.
"No Doctor," she said with a smile, " Everything is just perfect."
The Doctor's confused expression followed her as she walked out of sickbay.
REGENERATION CYCLE COMPLETE
Seven stepped out of her alcove.
"Computer, what is the current time?" she said to ship.
THE CURRENT TIME IS 18:00 HOURS.
Seven took a small bit of satisfaction to see that her schedule was undisturbed.
She planned to quickly check on Astrometrics, then to return to the cargo bay to prepare
of the evening
She walked out of the cargo bay and proceeded to the turbolift. When its doors
opened, she was surprised to see Captain Janeway's smiling face.
"Hello, Seven," she said.
"Captain," she replied with a nod.
"I read over you latest astrometrics report. I agree, I think we should change
course and head toward the Mutara-class nebula to avoid the ion storms you picked up on
long range sensors," she said.
" I believe that is our best option. Of course we will have to wait till we are closer
to determine if the nebula is safe to pass through," Seven commented, her mind flashing
to the memories of the last Mutara nebula she was in, it was not a pleasant memory.
"Of course," Janeway said, with a strange tone in her voice.
"Is there something else Captain?" she asked.
Janeway pursed her lips in an attempt to stifle a smirk, " No, not at all."
Seven simply rolled her eyes, she had noticed this habit among humans several
times, when they didn't want to ask you a personal question, they would try to get you to
answer it without provocation, "It seems that you are curious about something. I would
suspect that it has something to do with the rumors that have been spreading about me
since this morning."
Janeway gave up her front, "All right, you've got me."
"I find it impressive that word can spread so quickly aboard this ship," Seven
said.
"That's what happens when you live with the same 150 people for 7 years.
Apparently exploring the unknown isn't exciting enough for this crew, so we have to pry
into each other's lives," she said with a laugh.
"Apparently…" Seven said, " Captain, I would like to ask you a question."
" Go ahead Seven," Janeway said with sincerity. She knew Seven felt
uncomfortable talking about herself, so she tried to make it as easy as possible for her.
"I have done extensive research on human courtship rituals, yet I remain uncertain
on what exactly my function is on this date," she said.
Janeway took a deep breath. Seven had come a long way, but she still has a long
way to go. This date was a big step for her.
"Seven, a date isn't like a mission. All that you have to do is be yourself and try to
have a good time. Enjoy each other's company," she answered.
The turbolift stopped at deck 8.
"Thank you Captain," she said, yet instead of exiting the lift, she remained
standing there.
Janeway raised an eyebrow, "Is there something else you would like to ask
Seven?"
Seven looked at the Captain and took a deep breath, " Yes. Mr. Finnegan
mentioned that I should dress for warm weather. I am … uncertain of what type of
clothing this request indicates."
Janeway tried with all her willpower not to smile. Seven had an incredible talent
for making something as simple as picking out an outfit sound like a complicated
scientific procedure.
"Well I am not due to meet with Chakotay for another half hour. If you'd like I
can help you peruse the database in Astrometrics," she said, casting aside her worry at
how awkward the situation was going to be.
Seven heaved a sigh of relief and embarrassment, " I would appreciate that
Captain."
"Hey, what are friends for," Janeway replied putting a hand on her shoulder as the
made their way toward Astrometrics.
Finnegan had been contemplating where he would "take" Seven for the past two
and a half hours. He had finally put together what he hoped Seven would believe to be
the perfect date. Something that would bring out the Seven her had seen in the mess hall
earlier or on the ice planet when she had started that snowball fight. After looking
through almost a third of the holodeck programs, he was sure he had found it. Now all
that was left was for him to get ready.
Janeway walked into Chakotay's quarters smiling ear to ear.
Chakotay couldn't help but grin back at her, he never could resist her smile, and
"What are you so cheery about?"
The Captain took a seat, crossed her legs and leaned her head back, " I just came
from Astrometrics.
Chakotay looked at her quizzically, " What did you find, an M-class planet to pick
up supplies? A worm hole to home?"
"I found a lovely green sundress," she said, the pleasure of confusing him further
obvious in her voice.
"Congratulations," he said, more a question then a statement.
Janeway snickered, " Not for me, for Seven, she has a little date tonight."
Chakotay nodded in new understanding, "I see. I guess you are no longer worried
about her?"
"Oh I am, but now I know that she'll come to me if she needs anything. It's
reassuring," she said, picking up the steaming pot of coffee that Chakotay had ready for
her.
She watched him as he too began to laugh to himself.
" Now I seem to be out of the loop. What is so funny Commander?" she asked,
her hands finding their way to her hips.
"It's nothing," he said.
Janeway just glared.
Chakotay knew all to well that he couldn't hold up to that glare for very long,
"Ok, ok. I just found it slightly amusing that you are so set on making everyone on this
crew so happy, yet you refuse to allow yourself the same…" he paused, choosing his
word carefully, " indulgences."
Janeway frowned slightly, " That's what being a Captain is all about," her face
then changed from slightly disturbed to a playful nature, " And just what kind of
indulgences would you be talking about?"
"If out former Borg drone can find romance aboard this ship, why can't our
Captain?" he asked, and moved a little closer.
Janeway's voice came out low and hushed, " You know, there are times I wish
that I could. Times I wish that I could stop being Captain Kathryn Janeway and just be
Kathryn Janeway. But it's moments like the one I just had with Seven, moments when I
realize that to some members of this crew I'm not just a Captain, but a friend. It's those
moments when I realize that I am doing something right, and I wouldn't give them up for
the world, Chakotay. Even if that means giving up something else that I want."
Chakotay took a deep breath, "Well, it's a good thing you have such good friends
to keep you company."
"Cheers to that," she said and raised her glass.
Finnegan sat in his creation. A tiki bar set on a boardwalk on the Atlantic coast of
North America. He looked outside the bar to all the attractions he had created. Rides,
games, the ocean. It was a true masterpiece, he thought.
He was sitting at the bar. The place was set up for dinner and dancing. After that
he planned on taking Seven for a walk on the boardwalk, play some games, go on some
rides. It was perfect: playful yet romantic.
Around 19:30 hours Finnegan heard the door open. He turned and laughed,
"You're a bit early, aren't you?"
"If you say so," replied a voice that was most defiantly not Seven's. Finnegan
looked up to see Ensign Brooks.
"Hello Ensign. I'm sorry, I thought you were…"
"Seven of Nine, I know," she moved toward the bar and sat.
Finnegan began to grow irritated, "Can I help you with something?"
Brooks turned toward him and gave a serious look, " Well first of all, I want to
apologize for earlier today in sickbay. Who you date is none of my business."
"Thanks, I appreciate the apology," the tone of his voice almost physically kicked
her out the door.
"I also came down here to tell you that Seven isn't coming tonight," she said.
"What?" Dempsey asked.
"She sent me down here to tell you that she was to busy to come to dinner,"
Brooks repeated.
"I just talked to here earlier today in the mess hall, she didn't mention anything
about having to much work to do then," he thought out loud.
"Well I don't know what she told you this morning, but I was just in astrometrics
and that's what she said," Brooks stated.
"Why wouldn't she just come down here herself to tell me?" he asked, confusion
echoing his voice.
"Maybe she just didn't want to face you. I mean, that's a pretty crummy thing to
do, cancel a half hour before a date," Brooks bated.
Finnegan sat down again and took a sip from his drink, " She had work to do?"
"That's what she said, but I just talked to Tal Celes, and she said that all the work
for Astrometrics is done for the day."
Finnegan finished his drink and slammed the bar for another, " I just don't get it."
Brooks moved closer to him, placing a kind hand on his elbow, " I'm sorry
Dempsey, maybe she just got scared, maybe she isn't ready for a relationship."
"I don't know if that's it," he shook his head, trying to lose the idea that Seven
wanted a relationship, just not one with him.
Seven of Nine thought that she was ready for the next step in realizing her
humanity. She was ready for intimate relations with another person, and she was fairly
confidant that Dempsey Finnegan was the correct person to pursue them with. She
actually felt excited, an emotion she rarely experienced with her unflappable personality.
Tonight she was ready to learn, about humanity and herself. She took a deep breath and
headed for the holodeck.
By 19:55 Dempsey was feeling the effects of several glasses of scotch, and
listening to Ensign Brooks similar experience with a Bajoran while she was at the
Academy. She finally noticed the despair in Finnegan's face and stopped.
"I'm sorry Dempsey, I guess my story isn't to comforting," she said, placing a
hand on his arm once more.
"No, it helped, thank you," he then noticed her check her watch, " You know you
really don't need to sit here with me, I'm fine."
Brooks shifted closer to Finnegan, " I don't mind at all. You know Dempsey,
Seven was really stupid to stand you up."
Finnegan chuckled, "How's that?"
"There are lots of women on this ship who would do anything for a date with
you," she commented, her voice deepening slightly.
"I doubt it," he said, standing up.
She stood up as well, " I'm serious. I know what I am talking about."
"What, did you take a poll or something?" he joked.
Brooks moved even closer to him, invading his personal space, " I know, because
I am one of them."
At this comment, Dempsey slowly began to back up, " Well Ensign, I'm flattered,
but…"
Before he could even get the sentence out, Brooks pushed him up against the wall
and threw her lips on his.
This happened at exactly 20:00, the same time a very punctual Seven of Nine
walked through the holodeck doors. In the three seconds it took Dempsey to push Brooks
away, Seven had already seen too much. It was her gasp of surprise that alerted him of
her presence.
Instinctively he walked toward her. She just looked at him, the pain filling her
eyes, the bitter taste of betrayal filling her mouth. Finnegan noticed that despite the
horrified look on her face, she still looked beautiful.
"Seven," it was all his brain could come up with.
She simply shook her head in disgust, in hurt. She shakily turned and ran out of
the room.
"Wait!" he yelled, running after her, he felt a tug on his arm stop him.
"Dempsey, don't!" Brooks yelled.
Finnegan stopped. Suddenly it all clicked. Why had Seven shown up when she
had told Brooks to come and tell him she wasn't? Because she had never told Brooks she
wasn't coming. Her visit in sickbay today, her constant checking of her watch, kissing
him at exactly 20:00; it was all part of her plan.
"Get your hand off of me," he spat at her, jarring his arm so she had to let go of it.
He turned without a word and ran to find Seven, praying that he could rectify what had
just happened.