A/n: Thanks to Anniexus for adding another wonderful C/7 one shot to her 'Short Collections' series. The chapter has a lovely possible insight into the background for the episode 'Human Error', so it certainly deserves a mention in this story! ;)
"…and so, I have concluded that the communication system we have set up for the Talaxian asteroid colony will function efficiently within the designated parameters and that the engineers within the community will be able to maintain the system effectively for many years to come." Seven took a short pause for breath in her recital of an appropriate log entry, unconsciously lowering the PADD she held, containing her report to the Captain she'd soon have to present at Neelix's party, onto her console as she decided to add a slightly more personal aspect to her account. "I am…relieved that the project can be tentatively ruled a success thus far. I believe it will be…a comfort to the crew to know that we will be able to remain in contact with Mr Neelix and that our assistance will provide an extra layer of security for the Talaxian colony as a whole." She had to take another, deeper breath, hoping that the log system wouldn't hear the catch at the back of her throat, "Be that as it may, despite the universal support for Neelix's decision, I realise that he will still be greatly missed." With that thought raised, Seven's voice reverted to its usual decisive crispness, "Computer, end log."
She waited until she heard the soft click of the log system deactivating before she allowed herself to release a tired, but ultimately satisfied sigh, her lips curving upwards a little as her gaze swept over the data on the PADD once again. It had worked, she'd been correct. Yes, Chakotay had been right too, she could admit that now, she probably had put unnecessary pressure on herself. Her idea had become a shared effort. B'Elanna, despite the Doctor's plaintive warnings, had ruled over the engineering crew which had decamped to the asteroid's surface, actually the majority of Voyager's complement, to bring the plan for the enhanced comm. system to life. Seven had concentrated on training the Talaxian engineers on how to maintain the system after Voyager had left; despite the fact that she and B'Elanna now saw they had more similarities than differences, there was still too many opportunities toe-stepping on in a big job like this, so they generally kept to running their separate tasks. Icheb had worked as an effective go-between for the two leading ladies all day. Spent as she was from working 'flat out' as Tom Paris had phrased it earlier, Seven was proud of what they'd achieved in such a short period of time, just over twenty four hours, as well as fundamentally relieved. She'd even enjoyed the experience at times, the Voyager crew was close knit, there was no denying that, but Seven tended to work alone and though she was generally content with that, it had felt good to be part of such a focused group effort. It reminded her of how she'd felt within the Collective, in a pleasant way, which was unusual recently.
Thinking of groups of course brought the party to the forefront of her mind, where it really should have been since she was already pushing the limits of punctuality. There had been a time, only a few weeks ago, when the unease she felt at the prospect, would've been enough to dismiss the obligation to attend, the guilt and self-consciousness caused by hiding away much easier to deal with that the ordeal of a social gathering. That had been the reasoning behind skipping the real baby shower, although there had been many events before that which hadn't even roused enough feeling in her to merit a do-over in the holodeck. That period in her life was over. She'd begun to move past it the moment she'd connected with Chakotay, reached out to the crew, donned the uniform… Her new self-awareness didn't mean she'd completely let go of the past, in fact this party, with the emotional aspect of Neelix's departure, weighed her down with a social pressure she'd rarely felt and didn't like, but she now knew she had to resist those emotions. Not attending this party was out of the question, she didn't deserve the crew's patience, especially Chakotay's, if she didn't try once and awhile.
Another sigh, shorter and more exasperated, left her pursing her lips as she looked down at herself, shrugging off her uniform jacket, the once new, fresh fabric engrained with stubborn particles of asteroid dust. Standing in her grimy trousers and damp vest, the revealed implants in her arms hardening the vision further, she wasn't exactly inspired to find a 'style' suitable for the party. She half-wished that the dress code Neelix had suggested hadn't ruled out Starfleet regalia, although she hadn't bothered to replicate a dress uniform set yet, and actually cringed at the thought of wearing all that gold braid. Starfleet may or may not criticise the Captain for giving her a crewman's working uniform, to blend in with the rest of the crew, but she doubted they'd be comfortable with an ex-drone daring to copy the hallowed attire of Admirals and statesmen; there would, no doubt, be photography tonight after all. So, just as Neelix's request dictated, she turned her mind on to other options. There weren't many. Now that she'd discarded her biosuits, the only clothes she owned were: two sets of the Starfleet uniform, the black skirt and pink sweater combo she'd worn for that disastrous, but life-changing, date in Chakotay's quarters, and the royal blue lace dress she'd worn to Sandrine's. A few strides took her to the makeshift clothes rail, really a section of unused pipe overhanging a container, onto which she'd laid the dress out and she eyed it speculatively. She liked it even more, and less self-consciously, than she had that night now that it had so many memories surrounding it, but still she was reluctant to wear it. She told herself that it was because she didn't want to taint the memory of that previous evening if tonight went wrong, but really she could feel vanity creeping in and affecting her judgement. Chakotay had already seen her in that dress only a few days before and she wanted to surprise him. Tonight held more reality than Sandrine's, she'd gradually realised over the course of the day that if they kept their relationship secret for much longer hurt would defeat understanding, more important than that, she wanted to prove that she could be as relaxed as he'd seen in her simulations, even with her implants undisguised. At first this had been a subconscious desire, but Neelix talking about how the crew had accepted him and his confidence with them had got her thinking as to why she didn't feel the same way, and if that was partly her fault.
A dramatic idea occurred to her, and though she immediately felt a chill of fear, she found herself determinedly pushing directions into the replicator.
The Mess Hall was rapidly filling up as Seven tried to slip unobtrusively through the doors. She immediately saw Neelix's wisdom in laying out small catering table in the surrounding corridors, even throughout the entire deck; by the time the party was in full swing there would definitely be an overflow out of the Mess Hall. In her new heels, though they were of a modest height to compensate for the fact that she didn't want to tower over the Talaxians too much, she could see through most of the crowd to the outer fringes of the room. However, she still felt the crush excessively, her fear of crowds rearing its wild and irrational head. She had to grip the PADD she held tighter as her human hand became clammy, but as she scanned the multiple faces milling around her for familiarity she willed herself to relax. As yet, most of the people were regular crewmembers she knew, although they were all out of uniform, and the Talaxians present were the engineers she'd been training and had invited to the ship earlier in the day. The process of beaming the rest of the Talaxian visitors aboard must still be underway. Although she caught many of those same people lifting their eyebrows at her in surprise, presumably at her dress choice, and a few of the Talaxian men gave her unabashed, friendly grins inviting approach, she stayed where she was. She'd memorised Chakotay's features in her mind so absolutely that she'd realised almost instantly that he wasn't present, but she still let her eyes search intently, roaming over less imposing frames or indifferent faces to be able to pick up his uniqueness. Her heart fluttered apprehensively as she resigned herself for the time being, her stoic shoulders slumping marginally as she fought disappointment, even while reasoning that the Captain had probably assigned her First Officer a task of some sort. Party or not party, when you're a member of the sole Starfleet vessel in the Delta Quadrant you're never completely exempt from duty if you're fit and healthy.
As if her thoughts had focused her vision, she spotted Captain Janeway in the centre of a select group of crewmembers and unknown Talaxians, probably dignitaries. Even without the uniform and pips, she still commanded attention and authority even from a distance, gesticulating wildly as she rammed the point of her discussion home. Seven wondered whether to hold back, she could rarely judge when it was considered acceptable to intercept a group, sometimes she managed to infer that her interruption had been rude, judging by the reactions she'd received. At other times she was berated for not interacting socially. Since, with Chakotay absent, she was somewhat at a lost and overwhelmed by the crowd, she decided to make her way over and submit her report. "Captain?" she probed cautiously as she reached the edge of the group.
When Janeway turned around, Seven had to suppress an urge to quirk an amused brow. The older woman's sleek, but conservative black shift dress had red detailing, and she was wearing red costume jewellery. Even when not obliged to, she still gravitated towards a Starfleet Captain's livery. "Seven!" she exclaimed warmly, nodding her head politely to her group before leaving them to move to her protégé's side, "You're here early!" There was genuine pleasure in her surprise.
"I do not think so Captain." Seven countered seriously, "Mr Neelix informed me that the party was scheduled to begin at 2000 hours, it is now 2016 hours."
Janeway chuckled, "Oh well, you know what Neelix's timekeeping is like, that schedule is actually running late, but honestly I thought you'd be delayed by your work on the comm. system…"
"That work is complete." Seven interrupted, holding out the PADD for her inspection, "Here is my report."
Janeway grasped it eagerly, drinking in the summary of the work for a minute or so before looking up approvingly, "It seems as if this plan worked out better than you hoped, which is wonderful!"
Seven gave a quiet smile then, "Yes, the process went more smoothly than I had anticipated. I believe the enthusiasm of the colonists contributed greatly to that."
Not used to Seven making such a diplomatic comment, to the point of being generous with credit, Janeway beamed at her. "I'm sure they'd be very glad to hear that when you present the report and tell them that everything is good to go."
Seven blanched uncertainly, "Captain, you are the one who usually…"
"I know what normal procedure is Seven." Janeway chided her gently, "But although I gave permission to begin, you were the one who came up with the idea and saw it through. So, shouldn't you be the person with the right to give the good news?"
Seven nodded slowly, "I suppose that is a reasonable assumption." She conceded.
The Captain eyed her suspiciously, "You won't run out of this party now that you have that responsibility will you? I know that you're not comfortable with public speaking or parties in general, but…"
Seven shook her head tentatively, unable to completely deny the truth in her words. Her first instinct upon hearing the suggestion that she take a lead role with the Talaxians had been to flee. "I am…attempting to overcome that discomfort Captain."
"That's very good to hear Seven." Janeway told her kindly, still a little surprised even as Seven's appearance confirmed that she was trying a different tact socially. Honestly, her dress wasn't what she would've picked out for this event, it flattered her impeccably which she supposed was the main thing, but it Janeway's mind it would better suit a date, or at least a high-scale cocktail evening, rather than this party, which although in honour of Voyager's most flamboyant crewmember, was still fundamentally a conservative diplomatic function. Really though, despite the fact that the dress accentuated the physical beauty that had always been there, it was the subtle change in Seven's demeanour which really struck her Captain. She was obviously still not entirely certain of the crowd, she wasn't in her element by any stretch of the imagination, but she appeared more relaxed than Janeway had ever witnessed in a busy environment with social demands, her face more open and expressive. She smiled when she realised where she recognised Seven's altered hairstyle from, it was the same half-updo her alter ego in Unimatrix Zero had adopted, as she'd noticed then, it softened the young woman's striking features considerably. Seeing that glimmer of the 'Annika Hansen' she'd met there filled the Captain with hope and relief. Her fear that Seven would never get over the destruction of her idyll, not to mention the wrench of permanent separation from her beloved, Axum, had only deepened, becoming almost a certainty, in recent months. Her withdrawal into that impenetrable Borg shell had been total, and then there had been that scary and still frustratingly mysterious incident where it seemed that Seven had either developed a holodeck addiction or agoraphobia… Thankfully, it now appeared that Seven was finally reaching the edge of that dark place, and hell mend anyone who pushed her back.
She gave Seven's bare human arm an emphatic squeeze. "I'm proud of you Seven."
Seven almost replied that B'Elanna could've come up with the comm. system idea as easily as she had, but then she picked up on the Captain's emotional tone and realised that what she was speaking of was wider-ranging than just what she'd achieved today. "Thank you Captain." She murmured gratefully.
Janeway had been distracted by Harry Kim's approach, looking boyishly dapper in a shirt and tie. She smirked as she saw Harry's eyes bug out as they settled on Seven, and a sudden idea formed gleefully in her mind. "Harry, how are you enjoying the party so far?"
"It's great Captain." Harry responded warmly, giving Seven a friendly smile, "Hi Seven."
Seven took this as a cue to speak, "The party is impressive thus far."
"It is." Janeway agreed, "Seven and I even replicated new dresses for the occasion."
Harry blushed slightly, sensing the spotlight he was under. "You look…beautiful Seven…" He stuttered out, colouring further as he collected himself, "You look lovely too of course Captain."
"Thank you Harry." The Captain replied warmly, "I was just saying to Seven that she should be the one to tell the Talaxians that the comm. system is up and running…"
"We will test it again before we leave." Seven interrupted.
On a roll, the Captain continued as if she hadn't spoken, "…and I think if you were able to escort her over to them, it would be very good of you Harry." She flashed them a beatific smile. Everyone was aware of Harry's crush on Seven. She for one had never given it much thought before, thinking that neither was ready and not even sure if she'd be comfortable with the vulnerable girl pairing up with another crewmember. She'd always thought, especially after Unimatrix Zero, that Seven might be fortunate enough to meet another ex-Borg like Axum, they could help each other with what they'd been through. Otherwise perhaps an alien man with no knowledge of the Borg or the wisdom to look past it. Now however, she saw only positives if her two protégés were to pair up. They were close in age, but both experienced beyond their years by life. Seven would give Harry confidence and decisiveness, Harry would never be anything other than adoring and kind to the scarred girl. It could be perfect.
Harry knew he was being set-up and it made him gulp convulsively, both with nerves and guilt. Even Seven had some indication, the matchmaking had been just as blunt in the Doctor's social lessons, and she shifted awkwardly, drawing the shawl she'd replicated in a moment of doubt in her dress around her arms and chest self-consciously. Her heart began to pummel the walls of her chest guiltily, consumed by the thought that her duplicity in her clandestine relationship with Chakotay was misleading the Captain horribly, she didn't deserve that. "Captain, Ensign Kim does not need to…" She trailed off shakily, "He is enjoying the party now, without being pressed into accompanying me anywhere…"
Harry however, had been worn down by his Captain's expectant gaze boring into him. "No Seven, don't worry, I'll come with you wherever…" He assured her, or the Captain, awkwardly, before offering his arm to Seven.
Flushing, Seven tentatively looped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her away towards the Talaxians. Feeling the Captain's eyes still on them, Harry turned to her shamefacedly, through from behind it looked like he was merely leaning in towards her, and whispered, "Chakotay was sent to greet some more Talaxians in Transporter Room 2, he'll be back any minute now, don't worry."
Seven exhaled heavily and gave Harry a fond, sisterly smile. "Thank you Harry." She murmured gratefully, one of the few times she'd ever dropped his rank when speaking to him.
Harry gave her hand a brief, supportive pat and let go of her now that the Captain had lost interest and drifted away. Seven smiled at him encouragingly when he followed after one of the Delaney sisters.
"I never thought I'd see that dress on you again, lovely though it is."
Seven jumped as the Doctor's voice startled her from behind. "Doctor!"
"Good evening." The Doctor greeted, slightly miffed by her reaction and uneasy about what she was wearing. "Is the dress for Chakotay's benefit?" He knew he sounded condescending, but the thought of Seven being pressured by Chakotay, unlikely though his rational mind told him that was, into becoming something she wasn't ready for.
Seven was stung by his disapproving tone, but just stiffened her shoulders and honestly deflected the implication. "No, not really. I wanted to prove something to myself."
A/n: PLEASE REVIEW! :D Just to let you know, I'm leaving for York tomorrow (Saturday 20th July) for a week long holiday, so I won't be back on the site to review until late on the 27th and probably won't be updating again until the Monday after I get back.