In the Astrometrics Lab, Seven of Nine was going about her business working on the new tactical data obtained by one of their recent missions. She was about to finish calibrating her efforts when the door opened. She turned to see Mezoti there.

"Aren't you supposed to be studying in the holodeck?" she asked pointedly.

"Yes. We are on a suggested break. May I ask you a question?" She was standing just inside the doorway. Seven noticed that she was fidgeting.

"Yes, Mezoti?" she said suspiciously.

"Why don't you have a partner?" she asked innocently. She didn't deviate from her intense gaze, waiting for an answer.

Seven was caught off guard. "Elaborate."

"Well, I've observed that most of the crewmembers have a particular companion that they socialize with in a different manner than the rest. Why don't you?"

It was obvious to Seven that the child was talking about romantic couples, mainly Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres. She'd once been curious about the same subject, but the fact remained that she hadn't deemed anyone worth pursuit.

"Are you suggesting a partner of a romantic nature?" she said cautiously.

"If that is what I am describing. Why don't you have one?"

""I don't wish to collaborate in a romantic relationship at this time and if perchance I did, there is no one aboard with whom I would consider having such a relationship with."

"What about the Doctor?" Mezoti inquired further.

Seven opened her mouth, paused, and then replied; "He and I are friends. There is no reason why we should be involved."

"Why not?"

Seven considered this. True, he and she did share common interests on many subjects, and she felt comfortable in his presence. He had a disarming personality that made him easy to talk to when something concerned her. He was attractive with symmetrical features, lean muscle mass, and dark, warm brown eyes. He seemed to be able to look at her and tell what she was thinking.

"Seven?" Mezoti tugged at her sleeve. "Why not?" she repeated.

"Mezoti, don't you have schoolwork to return to?" Seven said staring down at her.

The little girl nodded and decided that she was finished with this line of questioning for now. She exited the lab, leaving Seven to ponder the conversation.

Turning the corner, Mezoti allowed herself a triumphant grin at her accomplice. She handed him a small device not larger than her palm. Harry smiled brightly and high-fived his small friend.

"The transmitter worked perfectly. I heard it all loud and clear."

"Come on," he said, "Let's see what we can do to get the Doctor moving in the right direction." The two devious matchmakers made their way to sickbay.