Cross Cultural Experiences
Laili spent the better part of the early evening pacing back and forth in her quarters. She knew she needed to act soon if she wanted her plan to succeed. She would need to find a reason to seek out Seven of Nine. She took a step out into the corridor to find it mostly empty. She had a feeling that despite it being after dinner, Seven of Nine would still be working. So, with a deep breath, Laili made her way to a turbolift and down to Deck Eight. Sure enough, when she walked into the astrometrics lab, Seven was standing over a console. Without looking, Seven addressed the Dreagan.
"Can I help you?"
"Oh…I was just wondering what you were doing." How lame could she sound?
"I am working."
"Haven't you been working all day? Don't you take breaks?"
"I regenerate." Laili wrinkled her brow. Seven was certainly a different kind of woman.
"Ok….but I'm sure your Captain wouldn't mind if you took some time off and relaxed."
"I have no need for such activities. I wish to be useful aboard Voyager." Laili couldn't help but giggle softly to herself. Unfortunately, she couldn't hide it because Seven turned around the same moment. The former drone raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry. I just…I keep forgetting you haven't been human for long."
"I do not see why that would elicit such a response."
"I didn't mean to offend you. It's just…I like learning about new cultures…and it seems to me like you do too. Well…learning about your own at least."
"What are you proposing?" Laili twisted a piece of hair around her finger to make it appear as though she were deep in thought. In reality, she was just keeping up appearances until she could Seven to the holodeck.
"Well…Ensign Kim…Harry showed me the holodeck. It's really fascinating. Have you been there before?"
"No. I have no use for such trivial distractions." This would be harder than she'd originally thought. Still, she wasn't going to give up. Her plan would work. It had to.
"I think it can be relaxing. And you look like you could use a bit of relaxation."
"No, thank you." Laili gave a small pout.
"You can't even humor a guest aboard your ship? It would only be for a few minutes. I promise." Seven let out a frustrated sigh but conceded Laili's request.
"Fine. A few minutes." Confidently, Laili led Seven of Nine back to Deck Six. The corridors were much more crowded than when Laili had last left the deck. She hoped no one was using the holodeck. She needed to be certain she wouldn't be interrupted. They arrived at Holodeck One to find it not in use.
"After you." Seven walked into the empty room and looked around. She never did understand why this place fascinated the Voyager crew so emphatically. Laili took a breath to collect herself before she began the simulation.
"Computer, activate program Home Scenario Alpha." Seven turned around and gave the young woman a confused look.
"What is this?" she asked the as the program took form around them.
"Oh…it's a program I created. I wanted you to be the first to see it." Seven looked around in slight confusion. The surroundings seemed aesthetically pleasing enough.
"It…is nice."
"I guess I was feeling a little home sick. We have a room just like this at home. Please, sit down." Laili slid into one of the large chairs, looking very relaxed. Seven remained standing, apparently oblivious to the seductive atmosphere of the room.
"I prefer to stand." Seven continued to look around the room. She took in the intricate layout of the furniture, the warm feeling the colors of the walls. She could understand why Laili found the room so pleasing.
"How long have you taken part in this activity?" Laili's brow furrowed for a moment, trying to decipher Seven's question.
"Oh…creating holodeck programs? Today was my first time."
"You have exceptional skill."
"Thank you." Laili stood up and moved behind Seven, reaching for a silver pitcher. She poured a steeping liquid into two mugs, offering one to Seven.
"Care to tell me how the tea tastes? I've never had holographic tea before." Seven reluctantly took the mug and stared at it. After another moment of contemplation she took a sip. It was warm, sending a soothing sensation throughout her entire body. It also had a strong taste, bitter but not overly so. It bore a hint of ginger in the after taste.
"It is in intriguing." She took another sip, longer this time. Laili couldn't hide her excitement as Seven's mood started to change. Laili took a few sips for good measure before setting the mug down. S he needed to be in the proper state of mind if the ritual was to work correctly.
Seven finally sunk into a chair, feeling slightly drowsy. She set the now empty mug on the table to her left and took a fresh look at her surroundings. The colors seemed to swim together in a pleasant fashion, as if the walls were alive.
"Seven of Nine, are you alright?" Laili's voice seemed to blend with the colors around her.
"I…" She fell silent, words failing her. Laili took the opportunity to pick up one of the bottles of oils and dab a bit on her hands. She rubbed it between her palms lightly before gently letting her hand graze the other woman's. Seven let out a breath as the oil seeped into her skin. It sent a warm sensation up her entire arm. She tried to speak again but Laili hushed her.
"Don't speak. Just relax." Laili set to work.
She began by loosening the clasp in Seven's hair. She couldn't keep herself from running her hands through the woman's hair. It felt like silk between her fingers. She reclined the chair, allowing Seven to stretch out. Delicately, Laili spread a cooling lotion along Seven's jaw line and above her eyes. A small smile made its way onto her lips at the sensation.
"Computer, alter clothing parameters." The command was barely audible but the computer responded accordingly. Seven's skin tight uniform was replaced by a soft satin top and skirt. Seven's eyes opened in momentary surprise at the change of fabric but the combination of the tea and the oils kept her from protesting. Laili stood still by Seven's side from several long minutes, hands outstretched. Seven was almost prepared for the transfer.
Laili turned her attention to her own preparations. She dribbled one of the finer oils, smelling of lilac and cherry wood, along her arms. She let it rest there, exposed like drops of rain, watching as it sank into the pores in her skin. She could feel the energy begin to stir within her, deep within her. She knew it would only grow. As she continued her part of the ritual, she glanced briefly over her should at Seven. The other woman lay on the chair, looking serene and beautiful.
"You are going to be our savior."
Some ten minutes later Laili had completed her preparations for the transfer. She returned to Seven's side, brushing a lock of hair from her half-closed eyes. Seven let out a soft breath at Laili's touch. She was almost ready. Laili picked up the final container of oils and poured a generous portion on Seven's bare stomach. Seven shivered at the cool texture of the oil as it slithered over her skin. Her eyes opened wider as Laili rubbed it in with soft, tender motions.
"Shh. It's alright. Just lay still," Laili prompted, placing one hand reassuringly atop Seven's. Satisfied that everything was ready, Laili gripped Seven's hand tightly while the other remained atop her stomach. With a deep, slow breath, Laili closed her eyes, concentrating solely on the transfer. She had to get it just right. She could feel the energy begin to bubble up within her body, rising to the surface, crawling like waves towards the shore down her arms and into Seven. As the first surge of energy reached the former drone, her eyes shot open wide and a gasp escaped her. Her body tensed against Laili's hands as the bit of Laili's essence coursed through her veins like lighting. Laili wanted to comfort her, reassure her but it would break her concentration. She kept a firm grip on Seven's hand, trying to will the other woman to stay calm and to be still.
