By Beth Newell
Copyrighted 1998
Disclaimers: Seven and the gang are owned by Paramount; I'm just giving Seven some space of her own. This story takes place after "Hunters".
This story is rated 'G'.
* * * * *
"I do not know how to ask for it," a flat voice stated.
"You don't have to afraid, Seven. All you have to do is tell the Commander that you need your own quarters now." Ensign Samantha Wildman said, as they walked thought the halls of Voyager. Samantha had recently begun to spend time with ex-borg, when she began to realized that Seven was one lonely person.
"I am not afraid, Ensign Wildman. I just believe that I will not receive what I want." Seven said as she turned to look at the young mother. Of all the people on Voyager, Samantha was the one of the most forgiving about her past. *She is trying to be my friend.* Seven thought in amazement.
"Seven, you are a member of the crew and should have your own quarters." Samantha said. Everyone thought that Seven was cold and unfeeling, but Samantha knew the truth. Seven just didn't understand the crew, so she retreated into the astrometrics lab and herself. After watching this go on for a few months, Samantha decided that the only way that the crew would warm up to Seven, was if they saw someone be her friend. At first, Seven did not know what to make of Samantha's overtures. But after some time, Seven and Samantha had begun to form tentative relationship.
Soon the two women arrived at their destination, Commander Chakotay's office. Samantha turn and looked at the ex-Borg, while thinking, *If the crew could looked past the implants on her face, they would see a lonely child.*
Seven slowly touched the door alarm. A muffled voice on the other sides of the door called "Come in."
Samantha turned and gave Seven a warm smile of encouragement. The two women walked into the Commander's office. They found Chakotay sitting behind his desk reviewing the latest updates on their food supply. When he looked up, the surprise could be seen on his face. *So the talk about Wildman spending time with Seven is true.* thought Chakotay as he watched the two the women walk to the front of his desk. Putting down the Padd, he waited to see what they wanted.
Seven turned and looked at Samantha. Seeing Samantha's smile of encouragement, Seven took a deep breath, and told Chakotay of her needs. "Commander, I now need to sleep for no less than 7 hours each day. I have found that sleeping standing up is very uncomfortable. I am in need of some quarters."
Chakotay was surprised in the request that was made of him. Of all the things that Seven could ask for, he did not expect that it would be for quarters of her own. "We may have a problem with getting you some quarters. We are limited on space, so it might be awhile before I can do anything for you."
An impassive expression came across Seven's face. "Thank you for trying to help me Commander." Seven said and started towards the door. Chakotay watched as Samantha caught up with Seven, and began to talk to her in hushed tones. After a few moments, Seven turned and left the room.
Samantha turned and look at Chakotay. "I guess I didn't handle that too well." Chakotay said as came from behind his desk. Samantha joined her XO in sitting on the couch.
"It's not you, Commander. Everyone on Voyager is treating Seven like she is an adult. But she has the mental understanding of a six year old. She really does not understand how to act in basic social situations. Another problem is that by using the Borg alcove, she different from the of us. The quarters would represent more than a room to sleep in, it would mean that she is more like of us."
"Since she is like a child, she does not understand things that we learn as children. She becomes confused, and in confusion she withdraws into herself." Chakotay said, beginning to understand how their newest crewmember thought. "So by having quarters of her own, she could be begin to be more like us." Chakotay said, clearly understanding Seven for the first time.
"Right, Commander. That is exactly what I mean," Samantha said, glad that someone else understood what was going on with Seven.
"I'll try to figure something out, but it may take me a few day to get some quarters for Seven." Chakotay said as he rose from the couch.
"Thank you, Commander. If nothing else, Seven can always bunk with Naomi and I. Well, I have to get going. I left Naomi with Charlene in Holodeck Two, and I sure that she has had enough of her by now." Samantha turn walked towards the door. "Commander, thanks for any help that you can give Seven."
As Samantha made her way to the holodeck, she continued to worry about Seven's problems. She knew that something positive had to happen in Seven's life, and soon. The Doctor was concerned that Seven could be heading for a emotional breakdown. As he had pointed out just yesterday, Seven was a person with a very limited emotional foundation, and anything could send her over edge.
Arriving at Holodeck Two, Samantha checked to make sure that the Doctor's family program was running. Samantha walked on to the holodeck. The program was one of a nice family home. Looking around the house, Samantha didn't see Naomi or Charlene. Walking out to the garden, Samantha saw them sitting on the grass looking closely at something in the flower bed. Even though Samantha didn't want take Naomi away from what she was doing, it was time for lunch.
"Naomi," she called. "It's time to go." Naomi and Charlene turned to look at Samantha.
"OK mommy. Just let me get my stuff," Naomi said as she got up. As Naomi started to gather up her things, the Doctor's wife came over to talk to Samantha.
"How are you doing today, Ensign?" Charlene asked as she stood next to Samantha.
"I am doing well, Charlene. How are you doing?" Samantha said.
"Better; I still miss Belle, but having Naomi visit really helps. Thank you for letting her come, Samantha." Charlene said.
"We'll be back soon." Samantha leaned over to kiss Charlene's cheek as her daughter came to stand next to her. Mother and daughter walked across the holodeck, and Samantha called out "exit." The doors appeared and Samantha said "End and save program." Mother and daughter walked out of the holodeck and into in the real world.
When Samantha and Naomi walked in the mess hall, Samantha looked for Seven. As she expected, Seven was not there. As they sat down to eat, Seven walked in.
As Seven went to get her food, Samantha could see the other crewmembers in the room reacting to the ex-Borg's presence. Most of them just ignored Seven, but in those who did pay her any attention, the prevalent emotion was disgust. Deciding that it was the time to make a public stand for Seven, Samantha stood up and called out. "Seven, we're over here."
Several of the crew turned to look at Wildman. Samantha just ignored them. Seven walked over and sat with them. After setting down her tray, Seven looked at mother and daughter.
"Thank you for letting me eat with you, Ensign. I have found that eating alone is not very pleasant."
Naomi watched as Seven tried to figure out what exactly it was that she was eating, and had to chuckle. "Just eat it, Seven. You really don't want to know what it is."
The three women ate in silence. As they finished up their lunch, Commander Chakotay came over to their table.
"Seven, I'm glad that I found you. I've got some news for you. After you left my office this morning I had another visitor. It seems that Ensign Fitzpatrick and Ensign Jarvis have been seeing a lot of each other lately. In fact, they have requested joint quarters, effective today." He watched the two women, waiting to see their reaction.
"Commander, that's wonderful!" Samantha turned to Seven and explained. "Nancy Jarvis' quarters are right next ours. Seven, we'll be neighbors. Isn't that great?"
The ex-Borg had been quiet up to this point. Chakotay looked at Seven and what he saw surprised him. Seven of Nine, who rarely showed any emotion, was crying. She jumped out her seat and ran from the mess hall, leaving several crewmembers staring after her in shock.
Samantha quickly followed Seven out into the hall. She found Seven leaning against a door frame. Touching Seven on the shoulder to gain her attention, Samantha turned her around, and asked, "Seven are you all right?"
"I am...fine, Samantha. I am...not used to anyone being nice to me," Seven said, using Wildman's first name for the first time. Straightening, she wiped the tears from her eyes, and smiled at Samantha. "I should return to the Astrometrics lab. May I come to your quarters at 1900 hours?" Seeing Samantha's nod of agreement, Seven turned and walked down the hallway.
* * * * *
Samantha spent the rest of her day off with her daughter, in their quarters. As 1900 hours approached, Samantha began to think that Seven was not going come and take over Jarvis' old quarters. After she put Naomi to bed, Samantha sat down to read her favorite book, "Emma." She wasn't even into the second chapter when her door chimed. Opening the door, she found Seven, holding her few personal belongings.
Seven hesitated, and then blurted out, "Would you like to help me move into my new quarters?"
"Sure, I would love to help." Samantha replied. After checking to make sure that Naomi was asleep, she went next door with Seven. As Samantha looked around the rooms, she realized that they were a little bare. "The next time we get some shore leave, you should get some things to make this place more your own."
"More my own?" Seven asked, clearly puzzled.
"Ummm...we can work on that later. Is there anything else, Seven? It's getting late and I do have an early day in sickbay." Samantha asked, starting to feel tired.
"No. Samantha, thank you for all of your help today." Seven said looked around her new quarters.
"You're welcome, Seven. If you need any more help, I'm right next door. I'll see you in the morning," Samantha said as she walked towards the door. "Good night, Seven."
"Good night, Samantha." Seven said as she stood in her quarters looking at her new home.
~FINIS~