There were only a few days before Tom Paris' Vintage Christmas holodeck program would be ready. Everyone was in good spirits despite the fact they were all so far from home. Tom missed his family a lot but was pleased he had B'Elanna to share it with. She celebrated Winter Solstice like her father's family had. When word came to him that Seven of Nine was not participating in the Christmas fun, Tom was curious. Seven had little emotional attachment to Earth, but previous years she had attended their celebrations without fuss. She even sang with the Doctor one year and had the whole room crying with awe. Sure, she complained that work wasn't being done, and all, but she seemed to enjoy it. Tom recalled that Janeway and Seven were inseparable, and Seven was engrossed in Janeway's stories of Christmas back on Earth. Tom wondered what had happened. He figured he would go to the source…well, almost the source. He was sure the Captain was aware of Seven's behavior. Maybe he could help. It was Christmas.
Tom entered the mess hall and could see Janeway in conversation with Neelix. "Coffee, Tea, Brandy…egg nog? Have you remembered egg nog?" She said anxiously. Neelix smiled reassuringly. "Yes Captain, Naomi Wildman's mother gave me a very rich recipe from her own family records." Janeway nodded and continued to look at her PADD. "Let's avoid an interstellar disaster and not serve your Baltzac Beast, hmmmm?" She said with a smirk. Neelix blushed and bustled away with numerous new recipes, looking anxious but happy. "Captain! Could I have a moment of your time?" Tom said with a broad smile. "Yes Ensign, but only a moment. How is the holodeck coming along?" She said as she led Tom to a free table and sat herself down. Tom sat opposite her, and pulled out his own PADD to show her his progress. She was pleased. Tom nodded and cleared his throat, "What is this I hear about Seven not attending the party this year?" Kathryn Janeway nodded and looked none too pleased. "She is making this very difficult this year. She flatly refuses to discuss the matter and has avoided the crew like the plague. I have no idea why she is being so stubborn…okay…more stubborn than usual."
Janeway looked sadly at her PADD and sighed. Janeway had her own reasons for wanted Seven at the party. She had spent a great deal of time replicating a gold necklace with emeralds for Seven's Christmas present. She knew Seven would call it "irrelevant" but somehow she thought she would like it all the same. With her refusing to attend the party, it would look odd for Janeway to show up at the cargo bay and hand Seven a present. She eyed Paris with suspicion. Did he know?
Tom had an amused look on his face as he watched the Captain struggle with some internal demon. He found it amusing but said nothing, as he knew there was no rank underneath 'ensign' except crewmember. "Did you check out the specs on the holo-program?" He said without smirking. Tom wanted to spend Christmas with B'Elanna, not the brig. Janeway seemed to wake from her thoughts and nodded. "It seems fine, Tom. I am sure Chakotay and Neelix will want a walk through to ensure everything is authentic. I am not in the mood for complaints, as you can plainly see." Janeway handed the PADD back to Tom and gave him a wane smile. "Tom, I am at a loss with Seven. Every year since she came on board Voyager, she has made an attempt to join in our activities. I mean, she tries. Even the good Doctor has no clue to why Seven is avoiding us all. He said her routine physical was normal, but she did seem preoccupied." Tom rubbed his chin with his hand and tried to think. "She has been quiet since Icheb left." Janeway nodded in agreement, "But she had regular contact with him. I would assume that would be enough for her. But alas, she wouldn't tell us if we were warm anyways." Tom shrugged and looked at the PADD. "You know Captain, I have an idea. Corny idea, really. Maybe I watch too much 20th century Earth TV, but…" Janeway cleared her throat. "Tell me!" Tom smiled and fiddled with the PADD. "Ah well…maybe Seven needs a little lesson in humanity again." Janeway nodded, feeling hopeful. "Go on, Ensign." Tom continued to talk for the next hour with Janeway doing little but smirking and nodding in approval