Disclaimer: CBS/Paramount own Star Trek and all characters established on the shows. Any original characters and story are mine, from which I make no money.

As Naomi and Icheb stepped out of the holodeck, they found the people who were due to use it next in the corridor waiting for them, Dr. Todd Franklin, Lindbergh's Chief Medical Officer and his partner, Threm, the Chief Engineer. Todd greeted the couple, "Did you have fun? What program were you running?"

Before they could reply, Threm gently chided Todd, "It's none of our business what program they were running."

Todd smiled at Naomi and Icheb, "He's right, of course. He usually is, but you know me, I'm terribly nosy."

Icheb shook his head and smiled at his good friend, "Yes, you are, terribly nosy. We were running a new holonovel Tom Paris gave me before they left."

"Really, he hasn't published a new 'novel in months! Do you mean you got to run it before it was published?"

Threm rolled his eyes and very gently put his arm around his beloved's shoulder. "Dear, we're wasting precious holodeck time here."

Todd seemed to realize Threm was right, "Oh, right, sorry. Computer begin holodeck program Threm fishing 2." The computer acknowledged the request, the holodeck doors opened, and the two men entered.

Naomi looked up at Icheb, "They're going fishing?"

"They are, Threm is a real fishing fanatic. Not as big a fanatic as Todd is about Voyager, but he definitely enjoys the past time."

"It's nice they are going to do something Threm enjoys. Todd has been spending so much time with the Voyager crew and working on the Borg extractions, I'm glad they are taking some time to be together. Fishing will make a nice diversion.

"Now, about the new holonovel, why can't we just read the original text novel?"

Icheb answered, "I'm not sure, but Tom was emphatic. He said it would be fine to read any of the earlier novels, but not this one. Not until we have finished this holonovel."

"Fine, but why in the world did he start this new series of his by translating the last novel first? It would make more sense if he started by translating the first novel, then move on chronologically."

"It would, but I think he did it this way because, well, really I have no idea."

By this time they had returned to Icheb's quarters where they would change out of the costumes required for the holonovel back to their uniforms. They were going to have dinner with Threm and Todd later that evening, but they both wanted to discuss their trip to the holodeck. Once changed, they sat at the table, each with a beverage. Naomi made an observation, "Well, I'm still not sure why you don't want to play the titular character, besides he wasn't as fat as I expected. With the build up you gave him, I expected him to be enormous."

"He was still quite large. I don't want to be his character because he doesn't really do much but sit in his chair, eat, drink beer, and tend his orchids."

"Oh, his orchids were beautiful. Tom did a wonderful job programming his greenhouse."

"I was thinking, maybe when we get to Deep Space Nine, we could use one of their holodecks and invite Todd and Threm to join us in the new holonovel."

"That would be fun, let's do it."

"Tonight at dinner, I'll ask if they are interested. I'm sure they will be."

"What characters will they play, some of the other assistant detectives?"

"Exactly, I don't think either of them would want to be Nero Wolfe, not enough action. I was thinking, maybe you would want to be one of the assistant detectives as well. The character you played today never really participates in the investigations, except in a couple of the novels, and then only peripherally. Mostly she and my character, Archie, go dancing and do other social activities. Like today, I enjoyed that baseball game we attended, but it wasn't really involved in the murder mystery."

"You're right, but maybe I can be both. When the program calls for a social event, I can be Lily. When it calls for investigating, I can be Saul, or Fred. I think what we did was a good way to introduce us to the characters. You know, figure out what they are like. The way he set it up, so at the beginning, before the 'novel begins, having the player take a tour of the brownstone while the characters were inanimate really helped acclimate to the 'novel without throwing the player into it while they were unacquainted with the setting and characters."

Icheb responded enthusiastically, they were both excited about the new program, "Another aspect which I really enjoyed was the options he gives after the tour of the house. Basing the first chapter and setting based on which character or characters you are playing is an excellent touch. Doing so gives the player so many options on how they perceive the story. The same player can start the same program from several different settings and activities."

Before they knew it, the time had come for dinner with Todd and Threm. On their way to the Mess Hall, they were still animatedly discussing the new holonovel.

Threm and Todd were already seated when Naomi and Icheb arrived. Icheb went to the replicators to order their dinners, he was joined by Threm who was ordering dinner for Todd and himself. Naomi approached the table and sat next to Todd, "How was the fishing Todd?"

"I only fell down three times, which is a record."

Threm and Icheb had arrived and the discussion was suspended until everyone had their plate in front of them. Threm explained further, "It really is a record. Usually when we go fishing, I spend as much time helping Todd up out of the water as I do actually fishing."

Naomi said, "You'll have to excuse me, I know nothing about fishing, but how do you fall into the water, aren't you in a boat?"

Todd smiled at her, "No, we aren't in a boat. We go fly fishing."

Naomi was still confused, "What does that mean, fly fishing?"

Since Todd was chewing, Threm explained, "Fly fishing is done standing in the stream rather than from a boat, dock, or pier. We wear waterproof gear and try to entice the fish by making our hook and bait mimic the movement of an insect on the water surface."

Todd had finished his bite of food by then, "Hence the name, fly fishing."

Threm asked Icheb, "If it isn't too nosy, may I ask what the new holoprogram was like?"

Icheb finished his swallowing before answering, "We wanted to talk to the two of you about it. It's based on a twentieth century series of detective novels."

Todd asked, "You mean like the Dixon Hill series?"

"Exactly, but the difference here is the titular character, Nero Wolfe, isn't the character most people would be. Also, unlike Dixon Hill, Nero Wolfe isn't always on the brink of poverty. He lives in a large house, which he seldom leaves, has a chef who makes elaborate gourmet meals for him, and he has a man who comes to help him with his orchids. He is as far away from the rough and tumble Dixon Hill as is possible."

Threm asked, "Who would we be?"

Naomi answered, giving Icheb some time to eat, "You and Todd would be some of the detectives Mr. Wolfe uses when they need extra help. The holonovel is set up quite cleverly. Before the 'novel starts, the player, or players take a tour of Nero Wolfe's house, while all the characters are inanimate, but you can see them, to get an idea of their physical appearance. Then, based on which characters you want to play it gives you an opportunity to start with an activity which isn't related to the murder case. So the player can get used to the characters and their interactions before trying to solve the mystery."

As soon as she paused, Todd spoke up, "I'm in, sounds like fun to me. Are the original novels in the database?"

Icheb now gave Naomi time to eat by answering, "They are, but Tom warned us not to read the novel on which this program is based. He said reading any of the earlier ones would be helpful to understand the character. What do you think Threm, are you interested?"

"Definitely, count me in. However, it will be some time before we can get any holodeck time since we all used it today."

Icheb answered Threm, "We were thinking of maybe using a holodeck on DS9 when we get there tomorrow. Not only do they have several available, since we will be having maintenance done, we'll be there for several days."

Todd had an idea, "Since we aren't the only ones who will want to use the holodecks there, don't you think it would be a good idea to call ahead and book some time?"

Naomi agreed, "That's a really good idea. Since I'm finished with dinner, I'll go and try to arrange it. What do you think, two or three hours?"

Todd, Threm and Icheb answered as one, "Three."

Moments before she reached the door to the Mess Hall, it opened, and the Captain was on her way in. The Captain nodded her head and said, "Ensign."

Naomi responded in kind, she then proceeded to her quarters to attempt to make arrangements for their holodeck time on DS9.

The Captain ordered a cup of Tarkalean tea, walked over to the table Naomi had just left, and sat down.

Todd asked her, "How long until we reach Deep Space Nine."

Ezri answered him, "Fourteen hours, thirty-eight minutes and seventeen seconds."

Icheb smiled at his Captain, "Not that you're counting, right?"

The Captain returned the smile, "No, of course not."

"How long has it been since you've seen your husband, Captain?" asked Threm.

"It's been far too long."

Icheb asked, "I'm glad you'll be able to see him for more than just a brief visit. Between the time we'll spend at Deep Space Nine, then the trip to Cold Station 12, you'll get to see him for several weeks."

"True, but we have a month's leave scheduled coming up. After Julian has been on CS12 for six months, long enough for him to get used to the new staff and have everything running the way he wants, we'll be taking a long non-working vacation."

Icheb's commbadge beeped, "Wildman to Icheb."

Icheb tapped the badge on his chest, "Go ahead."

"It's done, I booked the holosuite time with the Ferengi bar owner."

"Acknowledged, Icheb out," he stood and pushed his chair back under the table. "If you'll excuse me, I've got an early duty shift in the morning."

The three at the table said good night to the First Officer, and he left the Mess Hall. Once in the corridor, he tapped his commbadge again, "Icheb to Naomi Wildman."

"Go ahead."

"Could you meet me in my quarters immediately? It's rather urgent."

He could tell she was puzzled merely by the tone of her voice when she replied, "I'm on my way."