Seven reached the turbolift. She had planned on returning to her Cargo Bay to regenerate, but she was eager to try out her newly learned skill. Opportunity arose when the turbolift doors swooshed open and she observed Captain Janeway and Voyager's executive officer. Seven noted that they held themselves stiffly and stood on opposite sides of the lift. Janeway was intently studying a PADD she held and Chakotay stared at the floor. "Greetings," Seven said uncertainly. She had overheard enough talk in the mess hall to know that most conversations began with some sort of acknowledgement of each other's presence. "May I enter?" The doctor had said to be courteous.
Janeway finally raised her head and gave her a puzzled sort of look. "Of course, Seven."
Seven strode to the back to stand behind the command team. The doors shut and she gave her destination the computer, which complied with a beep. Seven recalled the doctor's parameters for starting conversation: Comment on something about the other party.
Seven spoke in what she hoped was a light, friendly tone. "I was not aware you and Commander Chakotay were engaged in a sexual relationship, Captain."
That certainly caught their attention.
"Computer, halt turbo-lift!" Janeway ordered. Janeway and Chakotay exchanged a somewhat worried glance before turning to face Seven.
"Why would you say that, Seven?" Chakotay asked, hands behind his back.
"The emergency medical hologram advised me that engaging my cerebral cortex through social, verbal interaction would be beneficial to my overall health," Seven explained, a tad confused, although her face didn't show it. According to her prior experiences, conversation was common, if not expected. Why was Chakotay questioning her regarding it?
Janeway crossed her arms. "What he means, Seven, is why did you say that about our relationship?"
Seven was a little nonplussed at having to explain the rules of conversation to her superiors but answered nonetheless. "I was informed that individuals enjoy discussing themselves, therefore the best way to guarantee their participation in conversation is to comment on something regarding them." When the command team remained silent, Seven continued.
"I observed that both of you have pupil dilation and an increase in breathing and blood flow due to the additional theobrimine, adrenaline and seratonin in your respective brains resulting in facial flushing and-"
"We understand, Seven." Chakotay sounded serious but there was twinkle in his eye.
Janeway sighed and placed a hand on Seven's shoulder. "I'm proud of you for attempting to expand your social skills, Seven, but assumptions on the nature of a relationship are not the foundation of a meaningful talk. Do you understand?" She said gently. Seven nodded wordlessly.
The turbolift resumed its course and stopped at Seven's floor where she strode off towards the cargo bay, puzzling at this new set of parameters. As soon as the doors shut again, Janeway groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose, hand on her hip. "She saw right through us, Chakotay! How much of the rest of the crew knows too?"
Chakotay chuckled. "Seven of Nine arrived here a couple months ago-the rest of the crew has been watching our every move for the last three years. The real question is who doesn't know?" Janeway gave a worried sort of smile.
"They're happy for us, Kathryn." Chakotay lowered his voice and stepped closer to her. He wanted to hold her, tell her that all was well, but Janeway was adamant about maintaining professional conduct in uniform. To his surprise, it was her who closed the distance between them to reach up and give him a brief, soft kiss. "I'm happy for us too," she whispered.