Part 1

For the past week now, the crew of Voyager has been very busy repairing the ship yet again. Apparently, the section of space Voyager just past through was suppose to be uninhabited according to Seven's data from the collective. Grid 2983 'was' supposed to be a barren star system in which Voyager 'was' suppose to calmly and quietly sail through. Instead Voyager flew through a war zone, literally. Seven failed to mention that her data was over 200 years old. The Captain failed to ask how old the data was. Chakotay failed to act as devil's advocate and question the data. Tuvok failed to have the ship at peak tactile readiness to prevent things like this from happening. And the list goes on and on. Everyone on the command staff (and even some crew members) felt they shared some of the blame for endangering the ship, if not all the blame. But this feeling of overwhelming guilt was something new for Seven. Even though she knew it was illogical, Seven couldn't help but feel that if she had run current senor sweeps instead of relying on ancient data than the ship, her collective, would not have been harmed. (Never mind the fact that Harry had run senor sweeps himself but could not detect the ships until they were almost on top of them.) Janeway tried to convince Seven that it was not her fault for not knowing about the neighboring species at war fighting over territory. Technically the space was still barren but that fact made Seven feel not at all better. And for her newly emerging humanity, Seven had a few choice words for.

Of course, one good thing did come out of all this feeling guilty. Everyone was more than willing to work extra long hours and work extra hard to get the ship, ship shape. No one was more appreciative of this than B'Elanna was, who had the hardest job aboard ship, fixing it. But the chief of engineer's job was lightened ever so slightly with the help of a starship Captain, her first officer, and an ex-borg.

B'Elanna finally had to admit that she was grateful for having Seven around, although this would never be said aloud it was a start. Seven and B'Elanna had worked very closely for about a week now and for some reason they were actually being civil to each other. Of course there were times when Seven would go off on her own tangent and B'Elanna would scream but old habits were hard to break. What was really odd was that the suppose to be mortal enemies were seen spending time with each other outside of engineering during their forced breaks. At first they would spend time with each other talking about the repairs but then at some point it became personal. They would talk about things that went on during the week, or about Icheb, or new modifications to be made and such. B'Elanna learned a lot about Seven during those talks and found out, quite abruptly, that Seven no longer held the title of ice queen. In fact, Torres realized that under that cool borg exterior, Seven felt responsible for the damage done to the ship for some reason. The Lt. now felt quite guilty herself for the way she has treated Seven in the past. No matter how hard Seven tries to deny it or how hard she tries to hide it, Seven cares and feels just like any other human does. Although B'Elanna couldn't change the past, she was determined to change the future.

Lanna had already made too many mistakes by not admitting she was wrong. The most recent being the Tom Paris marriage thing. She knew she had doubts before the marriage but she was determined to make it work, especially since it seemed Tom was also so very determined. Only problem was, she didn't love him any more. There was no more chemistry or sparks to speak of so what else was left. They had never had anything in common to fall back on so there was nothing keeping B'Elanna in a loveless marriage. She finally broke things off three months ago and has been single ever since. And since there was no marriage ceremony to make things official, it was easy for her to null the marriage agreement. And now instead of spending time with Tom or Harry, here she was spending it going over ways to dismantle the extra borg alcoves no longer being used by the children. What a difference a week makes.

Seven and B'Elanna had just come back from cargo bay two, finished with the repairs needed there. So far all the major repairs were completed and now only minor ones remained, such as the holodeck controls and a few insignificant gelpacks in that same vicinity which could be taken care of at the Chief's discretion. B'Elanna went over to one of the engineering panels and began to input data as Seven came to stand next to her.

"So Seven, since we've finished with your alcove, what do you say we hit the holodeck?"

"That IS one of the last items which need to be repaired."

"I'll take that as a yes." B'Elanna smiled as she looked up from her work. "Neelix asked me if we could finish up the repairs to the holodeck in time for the Christmas party. And since work is light I thought we could work on it today so that it'll be up and running in two days time leaving Neelix with three days to program it. Looks like we get our party after all."

"Really?" A dejected sounding Ensign asked.

"Ensign Riley, you do not sound pleased that the holodeck will be repaired in time." Seven stated showing off her observational brilliance.

Ensign Riley walked over toward her two superiors, who also happened to be friends with Neelix and asked herself again why she had to open her big mouth.

"Yeah, what's the matter, don't you feel like celebrating Christmas this year?" Lanna asked all the none too gently.

"Well, it's just that..." Riley took a look around. "Don't tell Neelix this, but everyone is pretty much tired with the same party year after year. We all want to do something new and decided to have our own little parties. With the holodeck off-line we wouldn't feel so guilty for skipping his party but since you're going to fix it we'll all have to come up with excuses now." Riley concluded feeling like she had just been interrogated.

"Indeed. Perhaps I may have a solution to this situation but you must refrain from making excuses prematurely." Seven said in her usual cryptic manner.

"Seven, you won't tell Neelix, will you?" Riley asked wondering which airlock was the best to jump out of.

"No. I will not. I 'have an idea'."

"Thanks Seven. I think I'll go back to work now.

Ensign Riley walked off before she could stick her big foot deeper into an even bigger mouth. Which left a contemplating Seven of Nine and an intrigued B'Elanna Torres.

"So, are you ready to go to the holodeck?"

"Indeed."

B'Elanna and Seven walked out of engineering after gathering the tools needed for the job. It was a very silent walk considering B'Elanna was waiting for Seven to tell her what she was planning on doing and Seven was waiting for B'Elanna to ask. B'Elanna cursed borg patience.

"Okay Seven, you win. Now tell me what the hell it is you are planning in that borg head of your's." Torres glared at Seven.

"No."

"No?! What do you mean no?"

"You are one of the 'biggest gossips' aboard Voyager and I do not want my surprise ruined."

"You're surprise?"

"Yes, my surprise, to the crew. Perhaps as a 'Christmas gift'."

And with that Seven left a stunned Klingon standing behind. 'A gift to the crew? But why?' The chief engineer contemplated as she tried to catch up to the ex-drone.

Unlike the rest of the ship, repairing the holodeck was not as easy as first thought. Problem after problem would just pop up out of thin air and it took B'Elanna and Seven an entire day to figure out that there was another cause for these problems. It seemed that the damaged gelpacks near by were interfering with the holodeck controls. So repairs were stopped on the holodeck in order to first repair the gelpacks. While others worked on the gelpacks, Seven spent some of her time going over her plan with Neelix. Once she had convinced him to leave the holodeck programming to her she started right away on the parameters for the program. Seven wanted to create a program that held a part of everyone's Christmas memories in it and had decided to create a 'Christmas town' for the crew to 'play' in. Unfortunately, the holodeck controls were being most unco-operative.

Part 2

Five days had gone by and B'Elanna and Seven could still be found in the holodeck. The gelpacks that needed to be repaired were repaired, the circuits that needed to be replaced were replaced, and yet the system was still not functioning properly. Whenever B'Elanna would ask for the safeties brought on-line she would get the exit archway to appear and whenever Seven would ask for a pool of water she would get rain. Unfortunately it took both women three times of going home soaked to realize that using water as a test parameter was not such a good idea. It seemed that everything was repaired and operational it was just that the computer was who decided when and how things would work. It was still five days later and every crew member that B'Elanna and Seven passed in the halls wanted to know when things would be fixed so that they could have their party. Now Mr. Neelix's party was the talk of the ship again thanks to Seven's surprise. It seemed that word had spread about Seven's 'gift' to the crew and now everyone was curious as to what the ex-drone had planned but of course no one wanted to wait for the party. Seven had gotten tired of explaining the definition of a surprise and so had adopted the catch phrase of 'no comment'.

Both women were now spending even more time together trying to fix the holodeck within the self imposed time limit of two days time. They were also avoiding the crew who seemed hell bent on asking questions about the party (even Naomi and the Captain had tried to interrogate Seven). Either the two were on the holodeck trying to fix the problem or in cargo bay 2 discussing the problem. Even though the holodeck was still not operational, Seven being her usual efficient self, was able to set up the parameters for the program using her computer in cargo bay 2. The only thing left to complete would be to repair the holodeck. One morning, while on the holodeck, the two women had an unexpected visitor.

"Hey guys. How's it coming?" Tom Paris asked as he strolled onto the holodeck.

"It is not 'coming', Lt." Seven replied in a clipped voice showing how little patience she had for him right now.

"I mean what's the hold up Lanna? You're suppose to be the best engineer in the entire quadrant and you can't even fix this little problem. You're suppose to be able to fix anything mechanical, well except maybe Seven over there. No offense." Tom tried to joke except the other two women were not laughing.

Tom of course was oblivious to his joke not being funny and missed the low growl that came from Torres. But Seven didn't miss it and wondered exactly what the engineer was growling at. Was it because Tom insulted her engineering skills or was it because Tom had insulted her? The apologetic look Seven got from B'Elanna answered that question. Perhaps their friendship had progressed farther than Seven had thought, Seven had found herself hoping.

"Perhaps, since you two can't seem to figure out the problem, then maybe Harry and I can give it a try. I mean we are the resident holodeck experts." Tom boasted which made B'Elanna rage even more.

That is until Seven placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Perhaps he is right. We need time to regenerate and having 'a fresh pair of eyes' might be helpful. I heard the Captain use the phrase." Seven explained when she received a questioning glance from Torres.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I do need a break and the problem will still be here when we get back. I don't suppose Tom can do any more damage than is already done."

"Hey, I'm still in the room, guys."

"Whatever. Seven, want to go get a nutritional supplement in the mess hall?"

"I would enjoy a 'bite to eat'."

Seven and B'Elanna had picked up the habit of talking like the other because of all the time they spent together recently. At first everyone thought it was funny until the novelty of it wore off, at least for everyone except B'Elanna and Seven. The two left Tom Paris alone to play in his home away from home.

The following morning, Tom had called both Seven and Torres as well as Janeway to meet him in the holodeck. Janeway of course was the last to arrive and when she entered she could have sworn she stepped right into WWIV. Tom and B'Elanna were screaming at each other while Seven tried to keep a grip on the Klingon's waist for fear that she might actually kill Paris if she let go.

"Enough!" The Captain called for order immediately. "What is going on here? Tom, you first since you did call this meeting."

"Well, I called all of you here to tell you that I fixed the holodeck programming and Lanna here wants to rip my head off because I fixed something she couldn't."

It was a good thing that Seven was still holing onto the engineer because now she was really determined to kill Paris.

"Lt.! That's enough. Now I want your side of the story without you killing anyone in the process."

B'Elanna finally calmed down but not because of the Captain's orders or any strengthening of her will but rather because of the warm, calm, comforting arms she was wrapped up in. Even though she was no longer struggling, those arms never left her waist and B'Elanna was thanking every god she could thing of for small miracles.

"I'll start from the beginning Captain since Lt. Paris seemed to have left out a few details. You see, when the holodeck was damaged so were some of the gelpacks involved in the functioning of the holodeck. The gelpacks are what connect the holomatrix to the main computer. Without that connection we would only end up with two dimensional pictures in the holodeck instead of the three dimensional interactive programs we run. In order to repair the gelpacks we had to shut down the link and since then we haven't been able to get it functioning properly again. The link was reestablished and we are able to run three dimensional programs but the information comes through that link all jumbled up. If you asked the computer for rain it would give you fire, if you asked it for snow it would give you a sunny day. We tested the gelpacks and the systems within the holodeck and they all check out fine, so we assumed the problem had to do with the link itself. The wires must have gotten crossed somewhere along the line within the gelpacks, so to speak. We spent the better part of the week trying to narrow down exactly where the lines got crossed so we could fix them. Instead, helm boy, here, decides to fly in here and do a quick fix. He switched the link from the designated gelpacks for the holodeck to gelpacks that are considered standby gelpacks which haven't been used in ages. My problem with that is that he didn't even bother to check to see if the gelpacks were in good working order. If one thing goes amiss then it could damage the whole system even more. Not to mention that this is only a quick fix. I'm not even sure if those gelpacks can withstand the stress created by the extensive use of the holodeck. They could just as easily burn out creating more problems than before." B'Elanna explained through clenched teeth.

"I know it's a quick fix but that's all we need right now just so we can have this Christmas party. Everyone is dying to celebrate and I for one don't want to tell them to wait for you to fix a problem that can be fixed at another time." Paris whined.

"Okay, enough. B'Elanna you check the holodeck computer and find out if it is functioning within normal parameters. Tom, thanks for the help but I do believe that you are needed on the bridge."

"Aye, aye ma'am."

Tom left disappointed that he didn't get the credit he deserved for fixing the holodeck and saving the Christmas party. B'Elanna, on the other hand, went over to the computer console and began running a level ten diagnostic on the system.

Part 3

Nothing. It was an hour later and the diagnostic had revealed absolutely nothing. The holodeck systems were functioning normally and the gelpacks 'seemed' stable, so why was B'Elanna so damned worried. With the results now in, regardless of her reservations, B'Elanna had to report to the Captain that systems were operational but not without a word of warning. It was now left up to the Captain to decide whether or not to bring the holodecks on-line for the Christmas party. Considering other factors such as the crew's desire to finally be able to have this party, the R and R that everyone desperately needed, and even the Captain's own curiosity to see what Seven had cooked up, the Captain made her decision. She would trust the computer's diagnostic and allow the party to be scheduled for the following night. Besides, if Seven or B'Elanna couldn't find anything wrong than there probably wasn't anything wrong. At least that's what she convinced herself of, forgetting that they were in the Delta Quadrant and things had a way of surprising you.

And so the following night arrived with much anticipation, Voyager was orbiting a small uninhabited moon in a fairly quiet region of space and only the bare minimal skeleton crew was working (mainly those who didn't celebrate Christmas). Janeway had given everyone else the day off in order to get ready for the Christmas party that evening. According to Seven the attire was that of something warm and preferably with layers. The Captain had dressed that morning in a pair of light blue jeans with a shirt to match and then a sweater to cover it. She also wore a pair of snow boots, a scarf, and a pair of gloves after being able to wiggle out some hints from Seven. Everyone else seemed to have followed suit and dresses similarly. The Captain had left Lt. Ayala (second in command under Tuvok of the security forces) in command of the bridge. It seemed that this time, Janeway didn't even have to make it an order for her senior staff to attend the festivities. Even Tuvok showed a bit of curiosity, if his raised eyebrow was any indication.

That night it was expected that everyone was going to arrive at the party at various times. But what Janeway saw when she arrived in the corridor in front of the holodeck completely threw her for a loop. The corridor was so packed with crew members that if Janeway didn't use her captain's privilege she would never have been able to get to Seven who was standing by the holodeck controls. In Seven's arms was a bundled up little Naomi Wildman observing the crowd. Off to Seven's right was standing Naomi's mother, Samantha Wildman. At first Sam had been very reluctant to let her only child befriend an ex-borg worried that Seven might try to assimilate her or worse. But all that changed when Sam saw the way Seven acted when she was with Naomi. Although, Seven may not be very good at expressing her emotions, when she was with Naomi one could see that not only did Seven understand human emotions but she also felt them. Sam had decided to take a lesson from her daughter and try to get to know Seven as well, realizing that Seven was more human than most gave her credit for. Off to Seven's left stood B'Elanna Torres, a surprise turn around. Torres was one of the few people aboard Voyager who openly despised the ex-drone but as of late she was singing a new tune. Even though it was some what forced, B'Elanna had finally taken the opportunity to get to know Seven. She quickly found that Seven was not the ice queen everyone thought she was, she just had a unique way of showing her emotions. No one considered Tuvok to be made of ice even though he did not display any emotions so why consider Seven in that light. The Captain finally made it to where the group of four were standing.

"Seven, what's the hold up?" Was the Captain's greeting. Even captains can be impatient.

"It is not time yet, Captain. The party starts at exactly 19:00 hours. We still have 2.8 minutes left."

"I just thinks she wants to build up anticipation even more, Captain." B'Elanna commented as she smiled up at the ex-borg.

"Indeed." Seven smiled back letting the small group know that's exactly what she was doing.

The three women laughed heartily at that realizing now that Seven was even more dangerous than before. Now this ex-drone knew the pleasures behind torturous anticipation and she knew how to use it.

"It is time." Seven whispered in Naomi's ear.

And with that, Naomi reached over to press a few buttons bringing Seven's program on-line and in turn opening the holodeck doors. Even before the doors were fully opened the crew began to make their way into what could only be described as a winter wonderland. Walking into the holodeck, one would come to stand atop of a small hill over looking a small inviting village. It was a clear crisp evening with a full moon out in force illuminating the snow covered ground. Scattered about in an evergreen forest clearing were small log cabin with fires burning brightly inside. Children were playing about while their parents watched on with glowing smiles. There were sleds to ride down the hill on, which most of the crew immediately went to (including the Captain). There were snow ball fights between many of the children which some of the crew got caught up in (including Tom and Harry). And then there were the welcoming inhabitants of the village which invited some of the crew into their homes to talk and share hot apple cider in front of a warm blazing fire (including Sam Wildman). Seven watched on from the archway with an ever growing smile on her face. She was pleased that her gift was being enjoyed by all but the surprise was not over yet. B'Elanna also stood in the archway but for different reasons. She could not believe her eyes. This is what everyone imagined their Christmas to be like only in reality it never was possible. The cold snow to pay in, the warm fires to cozy up to, the hot apple cider to fill your belly, and most importantly the friendly faces to celebrate Christmas with. Seven, the cold emotionless drone, managed to create the ultimate Christmas town.

"You've managed to create a whole Christmas town." B'Elanna whispered.

"Not just a town, but a Christmas experience." Seven whispered back hinting that the night had only just begun.

Just then little Naomi came running up to the two all covered in snow.

"Come on Seven. I'm going to teach you how to make snow angels. Naomi declared as she began to drag Seven off to a drift of untouched snow.

B'Elanna wasn't sure if she should follow the two but after the questioning glance she got from Seven she got her answer. By the time Lanna caught up with Seven and Naomi, Seven was already on the ground with a huge smile on her face waving her arms and legs about. Naomi then instructed B'Elanna to help Seven up so that they could all see the angel Seven created. Looking down, B'Elanna whispered in a not so Klingon fashion, "An angel made by an angel."

But before Seven could respond a church bell off in the distance was heard.

"We must go now." Seven instructed and led the group toward the sound of the bell.

Following other groups of people, everyone eventually ended up at this very large and long log cabin which the town's folk used as their town meeting hall. The outside was decorated in green and red garlands strung up around the door. Standing just inside the door was Santa Clause greeting all those who came in. Naomi of course was to mature for Santa but Seven could detect a slight widening of her eyes. Lifting Naomi in her arms once again, Seven brought their small group into the huge dining hall. Inside was decorated much like the outside using the green and red colors but also had other decorations such as Christmas balls and tinsel, etc. In the center of the large room were long tables in which held a banquet the likes of which not even Neelix could imagine. (All of the food was real and waiting to be eaten thanks to Seven's abundant amount of unused saved replicator rations; but no one had to know about that part of the surprise.) Inside were also the town's people who were all dressed up as little elves escorting the crew around and filling the tables with even more food. In the center of the room across from the entrance was a huge roaring fire keeping the room well lit and warm. Off to the left of the fire place was a huge Christmas tree and under it tons and tons of wrapped boxes. Real presents for the crew also supplied by Seven. If B'Elanna thought the outside was fantastic she now had no words to describe this home away from home.

Naomi looked up at that moment and saw something hanging directly above three women. Naomi kissed Seven on the cheek and then B'Elanna explaining the kiss by pointing up. Both older women looked up to see mistletoe hanging over them. Naomi giggled at the looks that came over the faces of the two women and then giggled even more as both kissed her on the cheeks simultaneously.

"Merry Christmas, Seven and B'Elanna."

"Merry Christmas, little one." Lanna answered.

"Merry Christmas, Naomi." Seven responded.

"Now it's your turn." Naomi prompted as she saw that Seven and B'Elanna were not going to follow tradition.

Seven looked over to B'Elanna for confirmation with slightly widened eyes. All Lanna could do was shrug her shoulders. Leaning into each other the kiss was soft and sweet but powerful enough to leave both women dazed. But before anything could be said or done, the Captain called to them absent-mindedly.

"Lt., Seven, come take a look at this." The Captain called from where the tree and presents were located.

Walking over, Seven deposited Naomi with her mother and took a look at what the problem was. The wall by the pile of presents was beginning to destabilize. Also at that moment, Ensign Timor came running in from outside claiming that the forest scenery was also destabilising and fluctuating to the holodeck grid format. B'Elanna opened up an access panel near the presents and moved out of the way so that Seven could take a look at the controls. Using her mesh covered left hand, Seven began to perform a diagnostic on the holodeck systems. Unfortunately, the diagnostic proved to be too much for the system to handle and there was a large energy feedback surge. With Seven's borg enhanced hand touching the controls at the time of the feedback, she absorbed most of the shock. Her implants almost immediately malfunctioned especially her cybernetic hand causing her tubules to shoot out and connect with the computer interface. The holodeck then returned to it's normal grid format leaving the food on the floor, the presents in the corner, and everyone standing around watching helplessly as Seven spasmed and then collapsed into B'Elanna's arms.

Part 4

Seven stopped convulsing almost as fast as she had started. B'Elanna was sitting with her back against the wall and had her arms wrapped tightly around Seven, who was sitting between her legs. Seven's left arm was pulled up behind her head because of the link between her tubules and the computer console. Her eyes were open but they seemed blank almost as if she was blind, staring at nothing.

"Seven? Seven? Can you hear me?" B'Elanna whispered in Seven's ear with a calmness that she did not feel.

"Yes.. Lt. I can.. hear you." Seven whispered back in a broken speech.

"Seven, you must disengage your tubules from the interface. Your implants are being drained of power and your human systems have suffered from shock. I need to get you to sickbay to repair the damage to your systems." The Doctor said as he stood close by monitoring Seven's condition on a tricorder he got from the emergency holodeck medikit.

"I am unable to terminate the link because I did not initiate it. Lt., you must shut down the holodeck program so that the link will automatically be severed." Seven whispered, keeping the answer clipped because she was having trouble concentrating. Seven realized almost immediately that the holodeck computer was accessing her cortical implant. From what Seven saw of the scan she did right before the console ruptured, Seven realised that the backup gelpacks had failed. Without a link to the main computer any more and the holodeck still running, the computer was looking for a new source of information to run a program. If Seven allowed the computer full access to her 'memories' it would run what ever pops into Seven's head as a program for all those present to see. Suffice it to say Seven didn't want that to happen so she was busy trying not to think of anything.

"Lanna, Seven. Call me Lanna." B'Elanna whispered and then called out to Vorik, "Vorik, get down to engineering and try to shut down main power to the holodecks, I want this program shut down now. Also send a team up here to the main holodeck controls and have them work on shutting it down as well. Whoever can get it done faster. I also noticed that the gelpacks for the holodeck were fried so there is no more link to the main computer. Which means you'll have to shut down the holodeck manually so get a move on." Torres dismissed Vorik with a sense of urgency. Torres also realized what Seven was going through, trying not to let the computer replay her memories for everyone to see. "Seven it might be better if you close your eyes."

At this point the Captain, who was holding Seven's right hand in her's, was now furious. Not only did she not know what was going on but she began to feel very jealous of the familiar way B'Elanna was interacting with Seven. "Lt., care to explain why it would be better for Seven to close her eyes?" And with that the engineer gave the Captain an abridged version of what was happening to Seven. Now the Captain knew what was going on and was even angrier because the chief engineer was now sitting cradling the ex-borg (something the Captain felt she should be doing) instead of helping to speed up the process of shutting down the computer. "Lt., perhaps it would go a lot faster if we had you trying to shut down the holodeck considering you are the best engineer we have." The Captain suggested in a cold tone reflecting some of her jealously.

This surprised Seven greatly causing a momentary lapse in concentration. Seven opened her eyes slowly, showing just how weak she was feeling, and saw the large pile of gift boxes left in a corner when the program shut down. A memory of a past Christmas flashed through her mind and the computer immediately picked up on it. A shock went through Seven's body causing her to spasm and close her eyes again but when she opened them the holodeck was no longer in grid format.

The entire Voyager crew present in the holodeck now found themselves aboard the bridge of the starship Raven. Coming out of one of the adjoining rooms were the Hanson's. Little Annika, who had to have been about five years old was blind folded and being led by her mother and father to the helm console where a brightly wrapped gift box was sitting atop of. The younger version of Seven of Nine was trying to peak under the blind fold as she was being led to the surprise. "Now Ana, no peaking. Your Christmas gift is suppose to be a surprise." Admonished Annika's mother. Now standing in front of the gift, Magnus Hanson removed the blind fold and handed the package to Ana. Unfortunately, before Ana could open it the ship rocked from side to side. Both adults rushed to a computer console to find out what happened and found that the borg were too close for comfort. "Honey, why don't you take your present inside and play for a little while and we'll have the party at another time, okay?" Magnus didn't wait for a reply as he went to work immediately leaving a teary eyed Ana to go off and celebrate yet another holiday alone.

The holodeck then returned to normal grid format as Vorik's disembodied voice announced that the holodeck had been successfully shut down. No one present had a dry eye after witnessing that scene relayed from Seven's memory. Even the emotionless borg had tears streaming down her face remembering the heart breaking day and seeing her parents alive instead of living as drones. Seven's tubules then released their connection to the computer and the Doctor came over to scan Seven one last time. The results from the scan showed that Seven's systems were returning to normal so the Doctor didn't press the issue of a full exam in sickbay giving Seven some time to recover emotionally. Seven was an emotional mess at this point and couldn't stop herself from weeping. B'Elanna upon hearing this wrapped her arms tighter around Seven offering her some comfort and then asked the Captain to clear the room. The Captain agreed readily realizing that Seven would not want to be seen this way. No one put up an argument but instead left quietly and peacefully affording Seven her privacy.

Part 5

After having dismissed the entire crew, calling an end to tonight's supposed festivities, Captain Janeway went right back to Seven's side. Only she, Seven, and B'Elanna remained in the holodeck together after shoving a worried Chakotay out, an emotional Neelix, and a concerned Doctor. Kneeling in front of Seven as she wiped away each and every tear that rolled down her face, Captain Katherine Janeway finally let herself feel. Seeing Seven in such a vulnerable and yet extremely human way, Katherine Janeway realized it was more than just a close friendship she felt for this ex-drone. She was totally and utterly in love with Seven. Looking back, Janeway could not remember a time when she didn't feel this way, only the times in which she denied it for the sake of something else whether it be Starfleet or her crew. Only that wasn't true now was it? On two separate occasions did she put her crew in extreme danger in order to save Seven from the borg queen. On another occasion she personally risked her life to prevent Seven from committing suicide and possibly could have left Voyager without their Captain had Seven not come to her senses. The Captain spent more time with Seven then any other crew member and it was only around Seven that she could relax her role as a Starfleet captain and just be Katherine. And now here she was stuck in the Delta Quadrant with the love of her life but denying that love out of obligations to others. Well not any more, she was not going to let this chance at happiness pass her by. It's been seven long years of isolation and distancing but time just seems to keep going and going not waiting for anyone.

Looking up from Seven, Janeway saw that not only was time against her but now it seemed she had competition. B'Elanna just sat there for what seemed like hours cradling Seven and letting her cry. B'Elanna now more than ever wanted to kick herself for the way she had treated Seven in the past. When Seven first came aboard Voyager, B'Elanna saw her as a drone and nothing more. The engineer blamed her for being apart of the collective and effectively assimilating billions not realizing that Seven was a victim too. Now it seemed that when they all thought that at least Seven lived a happy life for the six years before she was assimilated that wasn't the case. Little Ana was forced to follow around her parents chasing the borg never really having a place to call home. Not only that but it also seemed that Ana came second to her parents's work. But now after being severed from the collective, Seven had a second chance at living a happy, if not normal, life. And Lanna was going to make sure that happened. She didn't know when it happened but now Lanna was sure she had fallen in love with the ex-drone. Perhaps all of that aggression she felt towards Seven was really just sexual tension bubbling below the surface. It had happened before with Tom except that this time it seemed to be even stronger and more passionate. Perhaps Seven was her one true love, the one person she could hate yet still love with both her hearts at the same time. The only real question that still remained was, what does Seven feel?

Feeling Seven's sobs beginning to quiet down, B'Elanna was brought back to the present. She had been stroking Seven's hair, rocking her back and forth, and placing small kisses on the top of Seven's head. Belatedly, Lanna realized that they weren't alone in the room.

"Come on Seven, we should get you to sickbay to be checked out." Lanna was again whispering gently in Seven's ear.

"Will you come with me, Lanna?" Seven asked in a very quiet childlike voice.

With Seven using B'Elanna's nickname how could she say no. Of course B'Elanna thought that she would have trouble denying anything to this ex-borg but that was besides the point. The half-Klingon helped Seven up off the floor and wrapped her right arm around Seven's waist as she led her out of the holodeck. The Captain got up slowly feeling like a third wheel at the moment but chalked it up to the experience Seven just went through. 'After all, Seven and B'Elanna have gotten close lately so why not ask her to take Seven to sickbay instead of me. Seven just probably doesn't want me to see her in such a frail state. I'm sure she'll want to see me later when we can be alone and I think I'll have a surprise waiting for her.' The Captain rationalized to herself as she left the holodeck.

It was an hour and a half later when the doctor had finally finished his work up on Seven and repaired whatever little damage was left from the surge of energy to her systems. B'Elanna had stayed with Seven offering whatever comfort she could just by being there. It was a very quiet and somber sickbay when Janeway entered. The Doctor was in his office cataloging the work up he just did on Seven. While the other two women stood off to the side waiting for the Doc to dismiss Seven with a clean bill of health.

"Doctor, how is she?" The Captain asked.

"Seven is physically fine with no side effects present. Emotionally is another story. She really was affected by seeing her parents again and remembering that particular memory for the first time. But she claims that with an extended period of regeneration she'll be fine. Which may be true considering this is Seven we are talking about, she deals with her pain and then moves on but I'd rather her deal with it without the use of regeneration. I'D prefer if she'd sit down and just talk with someone about what has happened and allow her emotions time to run their course."

"That's exactly what I plan to let happen, Doctor. How long can she postpone her regeneration cycle?"

"Well, Seven is still pretty weak from the experience but I think that she'll do fine without regenerating for another few hours or so, maybe even the night but I'd rather not push it."

"Thank you, Doctor."

And with that the Captain left the office and headed straight for the two women.

"Captain." Seven greeted as she saw Janeway head over towards her.

"Seven, how are you feeling? Never mind, stupid question I know, don't answer that. The Doctor said that you are free to go so I was wondering if you would like to have some dinner with me?"

"Captain... I... " Seven seemed hesitant in answering looking back and forth between Lanna and Janeway. "I will comply." Seven finally answered knowing Janeway only meant well.

"Good. Then let's get out of here unless you need to do something first." The Captain didn't comment on Seven's use of borg responses knowing that she only did that when uncomfortable or stressed. Seven probably was a little of both after all that had happened.

"Wait! What about her regeneration cycle?" Lanna commented worried that Seven was not going to get the rest she so desperately needed and wanted.

"The Doctor said that it would be fine if she postponed her cycle for a few hours, Lt. Not that I would do anything to intentionally hurt Seven." The Captain replied frostily not liking B'Elanna's protective streak at all.

"Seven?" The Captain questioned as she held out her arm waiting for Seven to link her arm through her's.

It was now B'Elanna's turn to realize that she, too, had competition for Seven's affection. Watching Seven and her captain leave arm in arm only made the engineer's determination to win Seven over stronger. Little did she know, she wouldn't have to fight very hard.

Parts 6 to 10