Hopefully the party on the holodeck would offer the crew some sort of break from the stress that the past few weeks had built. Which reminded her that they were going to be late if they didn't get going. Brushing her hair behind an ear, she quickly finished the analysis and saved the data.

Outside the lab was no better than being in. It was silent and still even here. She smiled softly, thinking of the operas that were sometimes played, sometimes sung, by the Doctor. She could use that sort of comfort now. "Computer, activate EMH," she said, crossing her arms.

=/\=EMH already in progress,=/\= the computer answered.

Kes turned and glanced into his office, where he was sitting quietly. "I didn't see you in here," she said with a smile, as she entered and leaned against the wall. "Are you ready to go to the party?"

Neelix screened his face from the sun with a hand, reveling in the tropical heat. "Perfect," he sighed, taking in the scene. This holodeck program would be a wonderful setting for the party.

An American food party, he mused. All different kinds of dishes prevalent in a particular region of Earth, although they became quite common in the rest of the planet, too. Neelix had done a bit of research on the subject, as well as pull up a few cookbooks that would help him master barbequeing.

Casually clad in shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt, Neelix beamed as Ensign Wildman entered the holodeck, holding a box behind her back. "Samantha! Good to see you." He peered curiously at the box. "What's inside?"

Wildman grinned and opened up the box, and Neelix cried delightedly, "Pizza! You're wonderful, Samantha; I tried to make some on my own but...well, it didn't come out the way I'd hoped." The wind nearly sent a tablecloth flying, and the Talaxian scurried off to collect it. "I hope the others will be arriving soon!"

82%

A precarious series of procedures, and 82% of intrusive hardware had been successfully eliminated. He wondered just how successful such a process could be; the young Borg would have to rely on constant maintenance for the remaining 18% which controlled her higher functions. She would have to receive regular hormonal and immunilogical supplements for the rest of her natural life. If one could even call it that.

Then there was Mr. Kim. Despite his programming, the Doctor was unable to detach himself from the ordeal which lead to the death of his acquaintance. How the young ensign must have suffered. The Doctor couldn't even begin to imagine, having only briefly experienced pain one time in all his existence. It was startlingly unpleasant (and, frankly, one time too many); to imagine such a sensation linger or even intensifying over a three day period while being eaten from the inside out was incomprehensible. The virus itself prevented the Doctor from administering even a painkiller. A cure was even devised, but it required too much to do in too little time: working on a microcybernetic level to modify sufficient nanoprobes to incapacitate and revert the diseased cells. He was secretly relieved when the end finally came...

Kes' voice invaded the EMH's thoughts, interrupted by that of the computer. At least her psychic and telekinetic abilities appeared to calm down to familiar levels. It wasn't the first time a telepathic occurance had triggered them. No doubt it wouldn't be the last.

"I didn't see you in here," said Kes as she leaned against the wall opposite his desk.

He looked up. She smiled at him warmly. She always treated and looked at him in ways no other members of the crew ever did. He always felt alive when she was nearby. Kes was truly his best friend.

"Are you ready to go to the party?"

He grinned back in response, then closed the logfile he had been composing. Kes anticipated him and picked up his mobile emitter. As he stood, she affixed it to his left arm and instructed the computer to transfer his program to the device. Then, together, they left Sickbay.

The Doctor had a reason for departing from his conventional practice of simply transferring his program to the holodeck. Before heading down to the party, he and Kes were to make a detour.

They entered cargo bay 2, where the Doctor unholstered his tricorder. He and Kes approached the Borg alcove, where Seven of Nine was regenerating. He ran the diagnostic wand along the cyborg's body and examined the readings.

"Hm..." he frowned.

"Doctor?" Kes queried, noting the expression on his face.

"Her optical implant is slightly out of alignment again. And I'm detecting some epidermal irritation caused by this node here..." he pointed to Seven of Nine's left hand. "We may have to request that she come in for medical maintenance twice weekly."

Kes eyed the tall ex-drone with compassion. "I hope she cooperates. It must be very frightening for her to be here on Voyager and not with what she's known most of her life."

"No doubt," the Doctor nodded with a sigh, "but, as the Borg love to say: she will adapt." He folded up his tricorder.

She continued to watch the face of Seven as the Doctor turned to exit the cargo bay. "Doctor, wait. Perhaps we should wake her and invite her to the party. It might make her feel more welcome."

The Doctor turned and regarded the alcove with an upturned eyebrow. "Hardly, Kes," he said with certainty. "Not only would a nonproductive activity like one of Neelix' cookouts be looked upon as irrelevant, but I'm sure that her unfamiliarity with social interaction as we know it - not to mention the simple act of eating food - would have the opposite effect: it would make her feel more alienated." He walked over to Kes and put his hand on her shoulder. "Perhaps someday you might be able to reach her, gradually bring her back to humanity."

Kes looked down from his gaze and back at the seemingly asleep woman. She really felt for this stranger. Without even knowing why, she was certain that underneath that tough Borg exterior and the defensive mask she wore, was that little girl who had been assimilated so long ago. And that part of Seven would need someone, even if she were convinced otherwise. "Perhaps you're right," Kes conceded. "Maybe someday she'll be ready." She smiled up at him.

He smiled back, and they left the darkness of the cargo bay...

Kathryn Janeway raised her eyes from her novel and stared out the window at the stars. Harry Kim's death weighed heavily upon her mind, and she was finding it almost impossible to concentrate on anything else. Harry had been an invaluable member of her crew; a friendly young man always ready with a smile or a kind word. And now he was gone. Never again would the young ensign stand on Voyager’s bridge nearby her, handling his ops station with skill, and eagerly awaiting her commands.

His absence hung in the air like a dark cloud. The silence on the bridge had been almost unbearable, and Janeway had left abruptly, muttering a quick word of explanation to a puzzled Chakotay, and retreating to the confines of her quarters.

She blamed herself. She blamed herself for not being able to save him. And now he was gone; there was nothing she could do.

Janeway was in anything but a party mood. But she knew she must attend Neelix’s gathering, for she was the captain, and she needed to show a brave face for the benefit of her crew.

B'Elanna smoothed a wrinkle on her violet floral print dress for what seemed to be the fortieth time that night. That was almost as many times as she had stopped herself from walking out of her quarters and going to the silly party.

She had tried to schedule herself for work that evening but the Captain had insisted that all Senior Officers must attend. She gave a small ironic laugh. ALL Senior Officers. What about Harry Kim? He wouldn’t be going to the party. He would never go to another party again. He would never see Earth or his parents again. B’Elanna felt sick to her stomach. Poor Harry. All his hopes and dreams were gone now.

She didn’t feel like socializing tonight. She didn’t feel like putting on her brave, feelingless face and engaging in meaningless chatter with the others. All she wanted to do was hit something or someone...

And she couldn’t face him. He who had lost the most when Harry died. He who was pretending to move on just like she was. But he couldn’t fool her. Every time she looked into his eyes, she could see the emptiness, the anguish, the torture of someone who had lost his best friend.

B’Elanna took a deep breath and walked to her replicator. She picked up a large paper bag that was sitting there and folded the top over. She walked purposely towards her door and put on a big happy smile before forcing herself to exit the room.

Tom Paris hadn´t moved in his quarters for 30 minutes.
He just sat there and stared out of the window.
He felt utterly helpless and empty. He thought about Harry´s last mission again and again; what had happened there?
Who was to blame for this?
Had it been his fault, the Doctor´s or the fault of someone else? Maybe it had been Harry´s fault, he wasn´t sure of anything anymore.
He just knew that his best friend was dead now.
And he also knew that he had to go to this ridiculous party on the holodeck.

But he couldn´t move. Not now.

Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix Zero One opened her eyes and disengaged from her regeneration alcove. Her face flickered momentarily before settling back into her normal, implacable mask as the renewed awareness of her loss struck her – they were gone. The voices were gone and her head echoed with a resounding emptiness more profound even than the vastness of space. She craved to hear them again, to loose herself once more within the collective strength and purpose that was almost all she’d ever known – but that very longing and pain were symptoms of the human weakness they’d instilled in her after severing her from the Collective. They’d imprisoned her, stopped her from returning, allowed her pitiful human immune system to re-assert itself, stripping her of the Borg armour and implants… and acted as though they’d done her a favour, that she should be thankful. She was not. Already because of their intervention, a number of her implants – a number of her remaining implants - were malfunctioning as a result. Even now her optical implant was noticeably out of alignment and it’s imperfection irked her. Yet, in some dusty, deeply buried part of her mind she wondered if it were true… that they were right and that she was, somehow, thankful for her separation. She quashed the thought with ruthless speed – irrelevant! Whatever she felt was irrelevant and another indicator of how weak she had become. How… human. But she would adapt to the situation. She would not be Borg otherwise.

Thus again resolved despite the inner icy core of fear she refused to even acknowledge, she surveyed the Cargo Bay. There was nothing to be done here that would be an efficient use of her time – she would be immensely more productive in the starship’s primary engineering room, assisting the crew to incorporate the remaining Borg technology into their systems. She started for the door but stopped as she remembered what waited on the other side. Her guards. Her keepers. She would have to ask permission. She tapped her combadge – a primitive, ineffective and highly inefficient method of communication, but it was the one the beings on this ship insisted on using. She would adapt to it.

"Seven of Nine to Captain Janeway"

Captain Janeway struggled with the zipper on the back of her dress. It seemed to be stuck. Finally she yanked the metal piece free and closed it up.

She had just affixed her gold combadge to the front left side of her chest when a beep emanated from the device.

=/\= Seven of Nine to Captain Janeway =/\= a pert feminine voice demanded.

"Janeway here. What is it?" she answered curtly.

Tuvok studied his plate intently.

"What is this again, Commander?"

Chakotay almost laughed, for a moment the grief of Harry Kim's loss falling away.
Instead, he smiled wanly and shrugged, gesturing with both hands towards the plate Tuvok was studying.

"A veggie-burger, Lieutenant." he rubbed his hands together as he stood over the grill where more brown patties filled his nose with their simulated aroma. "I know that Vulcans do not eat meat, so I took the trouble to replicate some for you and Vorik, if he shows up. Of course, I knew YOU'D be here."

"Despite the fact that Captain Janeway ordered all Senior Officers to be here, I would have attended this gathering anyway." Tuvok returned to studying his plate, going so far as to poke a finger under the top bun and examine the patty for condiments. "However, I must observe that creating a vegetarian food supplement that mimics in form and taste a food that is primarily meat is highly illogical."

He paused a moment.

"Do you have any cheese?"

Chakotay wondered briefly if the Vulcan had just made a joke, and then passed over a slice of American.

Tuvok put the cheese to proper use, but still did not eat. He had finally begun inspection of the other item on his plate.

"My veggie-burger's compliment side dish appears to be slices of potato which have been subjected to intense and sudden heat."

Chakotay didn't even look up. "They're called French Fries, Tuvok."

The Vulcan arched an eyebrow in that maddening way that only Vulcans could.

"I was not aware that France had developed such a technique for cooking potatoes."

"They didn't, Tuvok. That's just the name for them." Chakotay decided to distract the overanalytical Tactical Officer with yet another surprise. "Here."

Chakotay tossed a small cylindrical object, about 5 inches high and 3 inches across to Tuvok. The multitasking Vulcan was able to catch it with one hand. He analyzed it and noted a key on the top, similar to a pin on a grenade, which was presumably how to open it. Shaking it, he felt and heard liquid sloshing around inside.

Chakotay opened his mouth to advise him not to continue shaking it, but then closed it in amusement. It would serve him right for coming to the party in uniform.

B’Elanna stepped out into the hall outside of her quarters and headed towards the turbolift. "Maybe I should go check on Tom and see how he’s doing before I make my appearance at the party" – she thought.

"Computer, locate Tom Paris," she ordered.

"Tom Paris is in his quarters."

She ordered the lift to take her to Tom’s level and sauntered over to his door. She took a deep breath before ringing the chime.

There was no answer.

She pushed the bell another time.

The Doctor instructed the computer to provide him with the holographic replica of a carbonated beverage being offered. The distinct script logo on the clear green glass bottle caught his eye. He tilted his head back and took a gulp; of course there was neither sensation nor taste...

...He scanned the scene. Kes had gone over to help Neelix baste assorted barbecued meats and vegetables. Crewmen gathered in small groups to eat and chat; those who were off duty wore beachwear or loud Hawaiian shirts. Some fraternized with the holodeck characters, which were all clad in swimsuits.

"Hm..." the Doctor pondered. He walked behind a tall wall of shrubbery and whispered a discrete command to the computer. He emerged from the bushes dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and white pants. Kes saw him and waved. He grinned back.

The Doctor looked around, noticeably more relaxed. He caught sight of Lt. Commander Tuvok; the gold material of his uniform appeared splattered with the same caramel colored liquid he was drinking. The Doctor raised his bottle of Coke in acknowledgement and took another gulp. He hoped his actions looked convincing...

Kes turned from waving at the Doctor and smiled at his change in attire. It was amazing how much he'd changed since she'd first met him. He seemed to be more at home with the crew. More at ease to grow into the person he was becoming.

Exhaling, she picked up a short but thick brush and dipped it in the dark red substance nearby that Neelix had pointed out and started coating several pieces of chicken on the grill before her. "I think the party is a success," she commented to Neelix as she watched the food sizzle. She looked around at the various groups of people conversing and generally having a good time. "They seem to really be enjoying themselves and they need that." She smiled at him as she grasped a small towel to wipe her hands with. "It was a good idea."

The doorbell rang a second time; Tom sighed and rose from his seat.

"Come in" he said.

The door opened and B´Elanna Torres entered.

B’Elanna stepped into Tom’s quarters hesitantly. He stood before her with a blank expression on his face. When he finally looked at her, she could see that lost, empty look in his eyes.

"Hi there, are you looking for someone?" Tom asked. He tried to smile, but it was pointless. He couldn´t.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go to this ridiculous party with me. I could really use a friend to stand by me in there," B’Elanna asked gently.

"Ridiculous, that´s the correct expression for it" Tom replied angrily.
"My best friend is dead and we are having a party. Harry would be happy, believe me!"

He noticed the concern and compassion in her pretty face and calmed down himself.

"I am sorry B´Elanna. It is just..." he stopped.

He was a Starfleet officer and had to act like one. Other people had lost a friend as well. He was not the only one experiencing pain and sorrow these days.

"Thanks for asking me" he said. "I am ready". He managed to smile at her. She was the best.

=/\= Janeway here. What is it? =/\=

The captain's voice sounded tinny and distant over the link, but her response was concise and direct - efficient despite the failings of the actual delivery method.

"I require permission to assist your crew in engineering," Seven replied just as curtly.

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that at the moment," Janeway answered the ex-drone. "I'd rather you wait until a time when Lieutenant Torres is available so she can accompany you."

'Unacceptable!' her mind flashed. There was a job to be done and she was suited for the task. In the Collective she would have been assigned immediately, as her skills were required. As a drone there was no 'chain of command', no need to obtain permission - there was order and a single purpose shared by billions of minds working as one. But this wasn't the Collective, as they'd taken great pains to point out to her, and the rules that applied there were almost completely unsuited to operating in a hierarchy. So, she would adapt, which meant she must comply. But remaining imprisoned in the Cargo Bay would serve no purpose whatsoever.

"Then is there another task you can assign me?" she asked coolly.

Captain Janeway thought for a moment. She did not want Seven of Nine working without supervision of some kind. She was new on the ship, and even though she had not proven untrustworthy, Janeway knew she would feel more comfortable if she were accompanied by B'Elanna or Tuvok while working. Janeway had ordered all the senior officers to attend the party on the holodeck, so they were not on duty. But Seven did not deserve to be imprisoned in the Cargo Bay.

"Would like to join us on the holodeck?" the captain offered. "In fact, I'm on my way there right now. Neelix is hosting a party for the crew, and you would be more than welcome to attend. I know fun is irrelevant to you, but perhaps you'd like to come."

Chakotay looked up from tossing burgers and realized there was one face he hadn't seen yet.

He handed over his chef's duties to the nearest eager ensign and took one more look around the crowd.

No Janeway.

Mentally, he shook his head. Just like the Captain to schedule something and then miss it. Doubtless she was planning to attend, but workaholic that she was, she might fritter away those party-time hours over some minor anomaly or star chart, trying to do everyone's job for them.

Or worse, trying to privately assuage her guilt, imagined or not, in Harry Kim's death.

Well, not this time.

He quickly approached the bar and ordered a couple of drinks, then made his way to the arch and exited the holodeck, still in his white shorts and floral print shirt.

A half-coconut clutched in each hand, each decorated with a gaily colored paper umbrella, he cautiously made it to the Captain's quarters, where he knew she would be after leaving the bridge much earlier.

He elbowed the entry chime and waited, armed only with piña coladas.

Tuvok changed his stained uniform for a fresh one. Although his 'veggie-burger' had been an adequate meal, his experiences with the 'soda pop' had not.

At least now he knew why it was called pop.

He smoothed the front of his new tunic and headed for the Bridge. Despite the importance of the party, leaving the bridge manned only by inexperienced officers was a dangerous option in unknown space. One never knew when the Borg or Species 8472 were going to show up.

Reaching the bridge, he assumed the command chair.

"Status report."

=/\= Would like to join us on the holodeck? In fact, I'm on my way there right now. Neelix is hosting a party for the crew, and you would be more than welcome to attend. I know fun is irrelevant to you, but perhaps you'd like to come. =/\=

Fun. The Captain was correct in her assumption – the term and its implications held no relevance to her. Neither did ‘like’ for that matter, and a ‘party’ did not at all sound like a productive use of time if the crew was so determined to escape from Borg territory – their time and efforts would be better served attempting to find a more efficient propulsion method, or by building a better scanning array to search for a ‘shortcut’. While she could use the ‘party’ as an opportunity to study more on the intricacies of their social hierarchy, it would be, she determined, a frivolous and therefore unnecessary pursuit.

"I would prefer to be assigned to a more productive activity," she replied, allowing a hint of her disdain to color her tone.

He had smiled at her. B’Elanna hadn’t expected that. She had expected the angry outburst and then thought that Tom would have pulled away from her. But he hadn't. He had smiled at her: a warm, sincere smile.

"Tom, I know how hard it is right now to move on. I miss Harry so much. It hurts to think about him. But I think we can get through this together, as friends."

She moved closer to Tom and wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace. It felt good to share her feelings with someone. She cared so much about Tom that it scared her sometimes. She was terrified of caring too much for someone and then having them leave her like her father did long ago. This thought made her pull away after a few seconds.

"I... I’m sorry, I just wanted to... Don’t you dare take that the wrong way. Well, we better get going or else the Captain is going to throw us both in the brig!" she stammered, trying not to look up at the handsome Lieutenant.

"You are right" he replied, "but the brig might be even more fun than this stupid party. You should reconsider it!"

She looked at him in her special B´elanna Torres way and Tom already knew her answer.

"All right, all right, I know...But if you ever have a free evening, I have a holodeck program you might enjoy. Sailing on Lake Como. Much better than any party, I promise. What do you say?"

"Sounds like it could be a lot of fun," replied B’Elanna.

She turned and headed towards the door with Tom following closely behind. They sauntered down the hallway side by side towards the turbolift.

"By the way, nice shirt!" B’Elanna grinned as she pressed the call button.

=/\=I would prefer to be assigned to a more productive activity=/\=

Seven of Nine sure was stubborn. But Janeway couldn't fault her; after all, she had only become human a short time ago. She still had plenty to learn about being social.

The captain sighed. She was not in the mood to have a tug-of-war over the com. Besides, now she was late for the party. What would that say to the crew? That she couldn't follow her own orders? And by now her pot roast was probably cold.

Janeway opened her mouth to answer Seven of Nine over the com, but before she could begin, there was a beep at the door. Great. She had a visitor. Her expression soured and she finished up with Seven quickly.

"Look, Seven. Why don't you give the party a try? If you absolutely hate it, I can then assign you a task. The party is on Holodeck One. I'll meet you there. Janeway out."

Having finished her conversation, Janeway ordered the computer to open the doors. They slid open to reveal Chakotay, who looked at her with a concerned expression. He walked toward her.

Neelix twisted his speckled hands nervously as he swung his head about to look at the other people in the holodeck. The sounds of chattering and pool-splashing gave him some reassurance, but his face fell at the sight of several officers standing around sullenly, looking like they'd rather be anywhere else in the universe.

"I don't know, Kes," he sighed, looking back down at the burgers sizzling on the grill. "Everyone's so down about Harry's death...I know I am." He laughed hollowly and flipped one burger that had been turning black over onto the other side.

"But I've got to get everyone back into their regular good spirits." Neelix patted Kes on the shoulder and gave her a wan smile. "That's my job, after all." He straightened his shirt and strode passed her, muttering something about how good the weather was.

Chakotay entered the Captain's quarters with mock seriousness.

"I just wanted to inform you that certain members of the crew are a little late in attending Neelix's party and I didn't want you to get in trouble for disobeying orders."

He offered her a coconut, grinning.

"Piña colada? Or shall I just escort you to the Holodeck where you can get your own?"

Janeway laughed at her first officer. "Let's get going then!"

She grabbed the Piña colada from his outstretched hand and they headed for the doors. On the way out, the captain turned to Chakotay. "I invited Seven of Nine to the party. Do you think that was wise?"

Chakotay paused, considering.

"Captain, you know how I feel about any association with the Borg in any situation. However, I will back your decisions regarding this. When we were linked, I brushed her mind and found something in there that just might be a seed of humanity. I'd like to see that seed grow into something more."

He paused, taking a sip of his drink.

"Perhaps we should go get her?"

No," Janeway replied without hesitation. "I told her I'd meet her there. So we better get going!" She grinned. She didn't want Chakotay to see her upset over Harry. The captain and her first officer left her quarters.

"By the way, nice shirt!" B´Elanna grinned as she pressed the call button.

"Thanks" Tom replied, "It´s my favourite shirt for unnecessary parties on the holodeck".

A few minutes later B´Elanna and Tom arrived at the party. They went over to Neelix who was looking down at some burgers sizzling on the grill.

"Hi Neelix, how are you?"

The Doctor observed Lieutenants Paris & Torres enter the holodeck and approach the grills. Although the helmsman initially appeared grim and downcast - entirely understandable - his demeanor changed somewhat as he explained the different foods and beverages to B'Elanna. Classic American "cuisine" (which essentially amounted to high cholesterol and poor food combining) was Mister Paris' forté, just another part of his obsession with Twentieth Century Americana...

...He took another gulp of his holographic Coke. It appears that their tactical officer misjudged his own choice of refreshment and left to change his uniform. Knowing Mister Tuvok, it was a prime opportunity to bow out of the festivities, having made his obligatory appearance.

"Hi."

The EMH turned to the sound of the sultry voice. It belonged to one of the holodeck characters programmed to serve the crew. She was blonde and tan, wearing a floral bikini, sandals, and flowers garnishing her neck. He grinned.

She sidled up to him. "Do you have... everything... you need?"

He nervously looked around to see if anybody was watching, but she promptly took hold of his chin and guided his head back to face her. "I'm fine," he said shortly.

She whispered seductively into his ear. "Would you like... a lei?"

He turned to her, eyes wide. "I beg your pardon?"

Her smile turned impish as she removed one of the leis from around her neck and placed it over his head.

"Ah," he relaxed. He briefly took hold of the ring of flowers and sniffed.

She kissed him on the cheek and left him, turning once with a coy, mischievous expression.

From across the way he could see Tom Paris laughing. The Doctor sighed. Of course Paris would be behind this. He decided to stroll over to the young officer...

"Have fun", Neelix whispered, moving back over to "his" grill.

Tom Paris smiled. This was Neelix at his best, a true morale officer doing his job. Tom was surprised that he was feeling better. Better than he had expected before. Maybe this party wasn´t as ridiculous as he´d thought and the food wasn´t bad either. He was chewing on his cheeseburger when he spotted the Doctor striding over.

"Hi Doc, fancy a cheeseburger?"

Kes smiled at the little scene that Tom had created for the Doctor to endure. It was good to see him playing his usual tricks. And also good to see him here with B'Elanna. They may have some differences, but Kes honestly felt that they were a good compliment to one another. They certainly needed each other to lean on in this time of sadness. She brushed her long blonde hair behind her ears and crouched beside a large ice filled chest to retrieve one of the cold drinks within. She picked up several cans, relying only on the appeal of the colors on the cans as she didn't know what was what. Choosing one of a red color, she opened it and took a drink. She winced. It was...strange. But she liked it.

She leaned against a table and inhaled deeply as a breeze caressed over her face and through her hair. Whatever Neelix had muttered, he'd been right about it being good weather. She smiled softly, reminded of the Ocampa. Might this have been what her world was like before the atmosphere had been ruined? She sighed. Just what made her think of her people, she didn't know. Perhaps the peace of the holographic day, perhaps Harry's death had reminded her to be more attentive of those precious to her - both here and back home. Whatever it was, she found peace in where she was and for those who she missed.

And the setting also reminded her again of her departed friend. She could almost feel his spirit here. Harry would have been laughing with Tom and having a good time with his friends. She smiled softly, remembering him. "Rest well," she whispered, turning her attention back to the Doctor as he made his way to where Tom was standing. She wandered back to where Neelix was setting fried chicken out on a plate and took a small piece from him before he could set it on the plate. She grinned impishly at him.

"Hi Neelix, how are you?"

Neelix turned at the sound of Tom's voice and smiled tentatively at the helm officer. He'd be taking Harry's death harder than anyone, and after a moment's thought the Talaxian decided not the mention it; he wouldn't know what to say. "Hello, Tom. Here, have a cheeseburger...just the way you like it." He winked and scooped the burger onto an open bun and handed the plate to him with mustard and ketchup.

"There's relish over there, and here's bowl of pickles..." Neelix took Tom by the arm and pulled him over to examine the array of condiments on a nearby table. "...and here's some mayonnaise. Well, Lt. Carey expressed an interest in mayo on his burger, anyway. That's not typical, is it? It didn't come up in the database when I looked into cheeseburgers, but I'm sure you'd know better than anyone."

Tom opened his mouth to reply when they caught sight of the Doctor striding over, looking intent on catching Tom in conversation. "Have fun," whispered Neelix, moving back over to the grill. He looked up as Kes took a burger from him and inquired, "How are you feeling, Kes? You know, with everything that's been going on lately on the ship..."

"Mister Paris..."

"Hi Doc, fancy a cheeseburger?"

The Doctor stood beside him, and together they watched assorted clumps of people engaged in conversation. "No thanks. You know I -- haven't the stomach for it."

Paris winced.

"Tell me something..."

"Sure"

"I did a little research on the menu you supplied Neelix for this event, and frankly I'm baffled. There are hamburgers and frankfurters - both named after German cities. There's beer: a carbonated alcoholic beverage - also of Germanic origin. And the combination of semolina dough, tomato sauce, and choice of cheeses which comprise pizza are characteristic of Italian food. What makes them classic American?"

Tom grinned.

"Honestly I don´t know but they are tasty, Doc. Classic American food is supposed to be tasty, that´s all. People like this kind of food so it´s here. But maybe we should ask our new Borg about this, she seems to know everything..."

"Hm." The Doctor was unimpressed with Tom Paris' sense of humor. Most of the time, it was made at someone else's expense. And there was something in his eyes, which suggested that dozens of tasteless assimilation jokes were just waiting to find a target.

"Where is a Borg when you really need one?" asked Lieutenant Paris. "Doc, have you seen Seven here yet?"

"No, Mister Paris. The last I saw of her, she was in Cargo Bay 2" The Doctor took an aloof swig from his bottle of Coke.

Just then, Seven of Nine entered the holodeck. She looked around, slowly taking in the setting and people. At first, she appeared to be looking for someone. Having not found whomever, she stood expectantly at the door, unable to decide where to go next. Her ponderings and evaluations were interrupted when newcomers entered the holodeck; the former Borg stepped forward by half a meter to allow them access. The Doctor immediately turned to face Kes, who turned to him simultaneously.

Beside him, Tom called out to Seven of Nine. The Doctor raised an eyebrow; Kes saw and acknowledged. The Ocampan moved forward to greet and escort Seven of Nine to where they stood. Perhaps this encounter may turn out smoothly after all, he thought. But he didn't want to get his hopes up.

Seven of Nine entered the holodeck and stood just inside the doorway, surveying the program. It was warm and relatively humid, much more so than the standard ship environmental settings, and the change was… pleasant - the Borg maintained relatively warm and humid conditions aboard their ships and she somehow felt more comfortable here than in the cooler ship air. The social gathering – the party – had attracted approximately 35 individuals at present, she estimated, a relatively large turnout, given their crew compliment, that included most of the senior staff. They were all involved in various activities – swimming, playing a game where the objective appeared to be to get a ball over a net, talking or eating one of the wide range of foodstuffs and beverages arrayed over several tables. Neelix, who’s designated role aboard the ship had so far proved most confusing, was talking to Kes, the Doctor’s medical assistant and attending what appeared to be a food preparation area. Lieutenants Paris and Torres were nearby, with the former occupied conversing with the holographic doctor. They, like almost all of the other attendees, were not in uniform, but rather a bizarre array of garishly coloured clothes. Missing were the three senior-most officers, Lt.Cmdr Tuvok, Commander Chakotay and Captain Janeway. The Captain had promised to meet her here, she recalled with a flash of irritation. Not that she wanted to be here in the first place. The door opened behind her to allow more partygoers entrance and she stepped forward and further into the simulation to avoid them. She approached one of the tables to examine the items upon it. There was primarily food, some of which she recognized, all of it apparently from a certain timeframe and location upon Earth, most of the human crew’s home planet. Aside from that, there were also what appeared to be pressurized metal cylinders of liquid. She picked one up for a closer examination and in doing so brought herself to the attention of Lt. Paris, who called her over.

Chakotay fell into step with the Captain, escorting her to the holodeck. It didn't take a Betazoid to know she was keeping her pain to herself, much like everyone else was doing.

It surprised him how much he had been able to isolate his own feelings of guilt, especially since it had been HIS away team mission that Harry had been injured on, but he had lost many, many friends when it had just been fighting the Cardies.

This time, however, it was a little different. Sure, they had all been unique, but Harry...

His musings left him as they re-entered the Holodeck and he scanned the scene, looking for someone he suspected he might not find.

"I'll be back in a few minutes, Captain. I believe Lieutenant Tuvok is in violation of orders after a little practical joke I played on him earlier..."

He grinned broadly and spun on his heel, headed for the bridge.

Captain Janeway nodded absently at Chakotay and watched him leave the holodeck. Then she turned around and surveyed the room. She spotted Seven of Nine close by, speaking with Kes. They appeared to be headed toward Tom Paris and The Doctor.

Janeway noticed B'Elanna standing off to the side with a disturbed expression on her face. The captain wondered how she was taking Harry's death.

Janeway approached Torres with an encouraging smile upon her face. "Hello, B'Elanna," she said.

Seven of Nine, the beautiful Borg, approached Tom Paris and The Doctor. She was accompanied by Kes who was escorting the former drone to them. It was obvious that Seven felt uneasy and Tom was aware of the fact that Borg were no experienced partygoers and so he tried an encouraging smile.

"Hi Seven, I hope you are enjoying yourself. Care for a cheeseburger?"

Seven of Nine raised one eyebrow.

"Ooops, wrong question" Tom thought.

Kes smiled reassuringly at her. "Neelix put a lot of extra effort into making the food for the party," she said with her gentle and easy voice. "I'm sure you would enjoy it if you tried one. What do you say, Seven?"

The Doctor joined the small gathering. He caught enough of the conversation to realize that Tom & Kes were encouraging Seven of Nine to eat something. It wasn't a bad idea. However, Seven had until now relied upon her alcove for nutritional supplementation. Food had to be gradually reintroduced into her system.

"You know Seven, as your body's normal biological functions continue to assert themselves, it may be in your best interest to gradually reacquaint yourself with conventional practices such as eating or sleeping." The Doctor appeared to hold Seven's interest (much to Tom's apparent relief, he noticed), so he continued and took the initiative with regard to planning Seven's nutritional regimen: "If you wish to test out your digestive tract's abilities at this stage, perhaps I can prepare you a nutritional beverage this first time out."

"I do not require a nutritional supplement at this time, nor do I wish to 'reacquaint' myself with 'conventional practices'. My alcove adequately fulfils my needs."

Kes & Tom grew silent. The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "Very well," he said. "If you need anything, just let us know."

Seven regarded him levelly for a moment before inclining her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"By the way, Seven," he ventured, "I'd like you to come with me to Sickbay afterwards. Your occular implant needs realignment."

Again the cool, level look. "Very well."

He grinned and nodded. The four of them stood and said nothing for quite awhile, with the Doctor still smiling and Tom Paris uncharacteristically stifled. Kes smiled between bites of her veggie cheeseburger. Seven just watched them calmly.

Tom Paris felt a bit uneasy. The whole situation was odd. Here he was, talking to a hologram and a former Borg drone. Not really the usual party guests. Compared to his old Academy parties, this one was quite "unique". He said nothing for a while and finished his burger.

Kes took a drink of her Coke and sighed at Seven's apparent discomfort with the party. But she came. That was the important thing. Small steps eventually would lead to bigger ones as time progressed. And the crew would be there to help her make those steps.

It was also good to see Tom and B'Elanna here as well. She worried about Tom. She could see the glint of sadness in his eyes amidst his polite smiles and small talk. "It's good to see you here, Tom," she said gently as he finished off the rest of his burger. "I had hoped you would come. How are you feeling?"

"Oh thanks, I am all right" Tom replied, "Neelix has become a decent cook, so I don´t think we will see a medical emergency here tonight."

He smiled again but he also knew that Kes had already noticed his inner sadness. Her powers seemed to be increasing every day. It was fascinating.
He looked at Kes and The Doctor again.

Tom turned the subject around once Seven of Nine wandered off to look at the array of food and appraise the decor. "And you two: how is it going in Sickbay? Everything under control?"

"Everything seems to be winding down to normal now. Our new patient offers us something new to study." Kes nodded towards Seven. "Offers some distraction." She saw that hint of sadness again as he nodded, knowing what this new patient distracted her and the Doctor from think of - Harry. She smiled in her reassuring way and patted his hand and he returned her smile. I should change the subject, she thought.

"According to the Captain," interjected the Doctor, "she was assimilated as a small child. Adjusting to this new way of life will be all the more difficult. However," he looked at Kes, "I believe that if anyone can help her adapt, it's us." He smiled back at Tom smugly.

She took a sip from her Coke and glanced over at Neelix, changing the subject. "Neelix worked very hard to make the food and everything perfect." She grinned at Tom. "No medical emergencies tonight," she agreed.

"Not yet, anyway..." remarked the Doctor.

Tom grinned and thought for a moment.

"Okay, Neelix worked very hard and the food and the beverages are excellent. But one important thing could be better though...".

Kes and The Doctor looked at Tom trying to find out what he was aiming at.

"Computer, play music file "Paris Delta 4".

The Computer acknowledged and soft rumba music started.

"It´s called La Noche en Habana. Earth, 20th century. What do you say?"

Kes looked from him to the Doctor and back again, considering the tempo and rhythm of Paris' choice. She nodded with a polite smile. "I think it's pleasant. What do you think, Doctor?" she asked, glancing at him over the rim of her Coke as she finished off the last drink and waited for his answer.

"Well," he sighed, "it's certainly better than most of what Mister Paris subjects us to, don't you think?"

Kes laughed lightly and set her empty Coke can down.

"Hm." Doctor looked at his bottle and saw it too was empty and set it aside.

Tom took notice of B'Elanna conversing with the Captain and decided to wander off and join them.

"There's Ensign Wildman," the Doctor observed, now that he had a better view of the row of food. Voyager's token mother was serving people slices of pizza.

Kes smiled as she watched Ensign Wildman serve the dish. "I've been wondering how she and Naomi are doing," she said, looking back to the EMH.

The Doctor raised his chin and smiled. "Why don't we find out?"

She nodded and said, "All right."

Samantha Wildman greeted the two of them and offered Kes a slice of pizza. "I replicated it myself," she grinned.

B'Elanna stood quietly by herself, sipping on a flavored beverage. She tried to keep a neutral look on her face, to keep the others from seeing the way she really felt. Having to come to this party was bad enough, but now she felt as if Tom had deserted her to talk with the Doctor, Kes, and that Borg. It made her boil inwardly.

'Maybe I can leave without anyone noticing,' the half-Klingon thought to herself.

She was just about to inch towards the door when she noticed Captain Janeway striding towards her with a smile on her face.

'Great. Just what I need right now,' seethed B'Elanna.

"Hello, B'Elanna," said Janeway.

"Captain," B'Elanna nodded. "Great party!" She put on a fake smile.

Janeway smiled at B'Elanna. "Yes," she agreed. "Have you had anything to eat yet? I'm leaning towards a double cheeseburger with some of those 'french fries'."

"I replicated it myself," Ensign Wildman said with a grin as she motioned towards the pizza she had on the table before her.

"Thank you," Kes replied, taking a small slice on a napkin, wanting to try it. She took a bite and nodded as she chewed. "It's very good," she commented after swallowing. "I think Neelix might like to try and make this sometime."

Wildman smiled, handing a slice to young crewman that stepped up. "I'm sure the crew would enjoy that. Pizza is a long cherished food back home on Earth." She suddenly giggled. "Greskrendtregk, my husband," she informed Kes, "never cared for it. I tried to make a Ktarian version of it once and he'd said he loved it, but I could tell that he was only saying that out of love."

The Ocampan nodded politely as she chewed another bite. "I'm sure he'll love to have a slice when he sees you again. How is Naomi doing?" she asked.

Samantha smiled at mention of her daughter. "She's doing quite well. Human children grow fast enough, but her being half-Ktarian makes her childhood an even shorter period." Her eyes got distant, as she seemed to be thinking fondly of something. "She grows so fast. I just wish her father didn't have to miss it."

Kes smiled reassuringly and patted the mother's arm gently. "Captain Janeway is a resourceful woman. I'm sure she'll find a way to get us to the Alpha Quadrant quickly and when it happens you'll have the joy of introducing him to a daughter that he'll love very much."

Samantha nodded softly. "Thank you, Kes," she said as she handed out another two slices of pizza.

Kes only smiled as she tossed her napkin in a nearby trash bin and grabbed another Coke. She found these human dishes, and especially this human beverage, much to her liking. She thought briefly again of her people, knowing that she'd never return to them. But she had her family here on Voyager and she wouldn't want to miss seeing Earth if they got there in time. It must be a wonderful place to be so deeply cherished in the hearts of the crew.

Tom Paris took notice of B´Elanna speaking with Captain Janeway and decided to wander off and join them.

"Captain" he nodded, "welcome to the party. Try one of these cheeseburgers, they are really delicious".

Tom glimpsed at B´Elanna. The half-Klingon seemed to be boiling inwardly and Tom wasn´t sure why. Maybe his fault? He couldn´t find any reason for it. Probably it was nothing serious.

"Hi B´Elanna" he said, "I am back!"

He truly hoped a charming smile would suffice this time.

Tom's cheerful voice interrupted Captain Janeway's conversation with Torres.

Janeway took the opportunity to back away politely and she then walked over to where the cheeseburgers were being made. She grabbed one and declined the condiments that were offered to her by the ensign in charge.

She took a bite.

The Doctor was only half-listening to the conversation between Kes and Ensign Wildman. It was for the most part "mommytalk," and definitely not his social forté. So he resumed observing people; they milled about, talking in small cliques, or participated in a volleyball competition in the pool...

...It was about this time when Captain Kathryn Janeway broke away from Tom & B'Elanna and came over to the tables to grab a cheeseburger. The Captain often missed meals, so this set the Doctor's mind at ease.

He decided to pay his respects. He nodded, "Captain"

Captain Janeway noticed The Doctor heading her way, and lowered the cheeseburger from her mouth.

"Hello, Doctor," she replied.

Chakotay re-entered the holodeck, Tuvok in tow.

For an emotionally controlled race, Tuvok was managing to look convincingly perturbed with having to leave the ship in the capable hands of the skeleton crew. But, since Chakotay had made it a direct order, he could do little else but obey.

They walked over to Neelix, as Chakotay's stomach began to make noises.

"Neelix, " Chakotay said, stifling a chuckle (sic), "What else have you got on the menu for a hungry officer?"

Neelix clasped his palms together and tried to recall all the food he had collected together in the holodeck. "Well, we have barbequed chicken and fried chicken. Pizza...hamburgers..." He plucked a small cup from one of the tables and extended it towards the first officer. "French fries...which are really very addictive, let me tell you."

A distracted-looking Tuvok glanced over to see Captain Janeway and excused himself from the Talaxian's company. "Er, would you like to try a soda, Mr. Vulcan?" he called hopefully. He heard the sound of stifled laughter, and turned to face Chakotay with a confused look on his face. "Am I missing something here?"

Tuvok disentangled himself from the first officer once he spied the Captain.

"Captain," he said, "It is good to see you enjoying the festivities. I am glad Commander Chakotay was able to convince you to attend."

Despite her sour mood, the captain put on a smile. "Hello, Tuvok. Actually, I didn't need any convincing. I was just about to leave when Chakotay decided to drop in. I was tied up in a conversation with Seven of Nine."

Janeway motioned over to where the silver-clad Borg was standing.

"Hi B´Elanna," said Tom. "I am back!" He offered her a charming smile.

"That's great," said B'Elanna with a hint of sarcasm. "Making friends with that Borg, I see..."

She glared at the attractive young woman in the silver catsuit. She was standing by the food table looking at the choices. B'Elanna couldn't help but emit a low growl in her throat.

Seven held her ground by one of the tables of food. It was not hard to do – most of the crewmembers gave her a wide berth. It did not matter – she was Borg, and the Borg elicited apprehension in lesser beings. Other members of the crew seemed content to watch her, such as Lt. Torres was now doing, while others ignored her presence altogether and continued socializing. Her observations of the ‘party’ and the interactions seemed to indicate that it served primarily as a means of affirming the ship’s social structure – shown the conversation tones that carried across the room to her superior hearing and the differing states of dominant and passive body language and posture. Despite this being an occasion where apparently there was no rank, rigid rules were followed in most instances when a junior officer was involved in a conversation with a senior officer – only Neelix and Lt. Paris seemed to disregard this rule.

A growling noise carried across the room and she turned to locate it. Lt. B’Elanna Torres, who treated her with considerable hostility. She observed the half-Klingon’s interactions with Lt. Paris for a short time before her attention was caught by another figure. The Captain had arrived. Perhaps now she could depart and find a more productive activity to occupy her time.

She strode over… yet found herself hesitating when it became apparent that the older woman was occupied by both Lt. Cmdr Tuvok and the holographic Doctor. She brushed aside the momentary lapse and pressed forward, interrupting the current conversation.

"Captain, I require immediate assignment to a more productive activity."

The Doctor was about to remark 'Don't let me stop you;' the Captain was so close to taking a bite of her burger, then lowered it to return his greeting. But soon they were approached by Tuvok, with Chakotay not likely far behind. He had a feeling this was going to become another skipped meal for her.

Then it seemed as though Seven of Nine had found her intended target: "Captain, I require immediate assignment to a more productive activity."

The interruption startled the Captain's attention from Tuvok. The latter turned to look at Seven of Nine coolly.

It was time to act: "Uh, Seven:" said the Doctor as pleasantly diplomatic as possible, "While the crew are endeavoring in this - irrelevant activity... perhaps we may - productively - take advantage of this time to realign your occular implant?"

Seven regarded him stoically, and he remembered that he was dressed in tropical attire as was most of the party's attendees. He tried not to let her look phaze him.

"That slight blur in your vision you're no doubt experiencing may interfere with the efficiency of just about any assignment the Captain may assign you..." he turned to the Captain with a nod, "...as soon as this social event has ended."

The Doctor turned back to Seven of Nine and awaited her response.

She looked at the hologram, quickly thinking it over. He, as well, recognised the irrelevancy of this activity, even if he did choose to participate it willingly. And he was also correct about the discrepancy in her vision affecting her efficiency.

"Acceptable," she paused briefly again, realising the Doctor’s statement implied that she would have to return to this ‘social event’. "But I do not wish to return to this simulation. We will proceed to Sickbay, where you will correct the error," she told the hologram before turning to face the Captain. "Then I will contact you and you will provide me with a suitable assignment," she told the shorter woman before, turning in a quick, fluid motion, setting off for the door.

As Seven walked to the holodeck exit, the Doctor turned to face the Captain once more. He lifted his eyebrows in an expression as if to say: "and they think I'm rude."

"Friendly woman, isn't she?" Captain Janeway remarked sarcastically.

The Doctor looked up and sighed. The Captain smiled and put her hand on his shoulder. She and Kes seemed to be the only two people on board who weren't afraid to touch him.

"Well, I guess you better get going," Janeway told him.

"Aye, Captain. Enjoy the rest of the reception. I suppose I won't get to make my speech after all." Was that a slight twitch of relief he detected from Lt. Tuvok? Hmm...

"Making friends with that Borg, I see..." B´Elanna Torres replied with a hint of sarcasm. Tom observed the half-Klingon glaring over to Seven of Nine and emitting a low growl in her throat.

"Hey, B´Elanna, don´t you think you are overreacting right now? Relax, I´ve just chatted with the Doc, Kes and Seven for a few minutes. She is our new crewmember and we should try to help her to get accustomed to this new environment. Seven has just left the collective and needs our guidance and support, don´t you think?"

The way B´Elanna looked at him told Tom her response; Lieutenant Torres was grumpy and in no mood to talk about this topic, he knew this expression very well.

"As you wish, Lieutenant Torres" Tom sighed, "let´s forget Seven and the Borg for a moment, shall we? Tell me about your day!"

B'Elanna looked at Tom and said, "Actually I've had a really bad day. I think I'm going to get out of here. Have a great time."

She turned around and marched out of the holodeck leaving a bewildered Tom standing with his mouth open in surprise.

"Computer, realign EMH."

In the blink of an eye, the Doctor was back in uniform. He left his office, where he transferred his program back to the ship's Sickbay systems and deposited his mobile emitter. He wondered how he would be able to explain the chain of command to Seven of Nine in a way that would persuade her to conform to it. That, and perhaps some means to endow her with some perception of tact.

He brought with him to biobed four a special tray of instruments designed for Seven of Nine's maintenance. She sat silently waiting for him to commence, observing his every action with wide, slightly crossed, blue eyes. He was acutely aware of her watching him as he changed from his casual attire; despite his unique and unrevealing method of doing so, he still felt self-conscious.

Running his tricorder along the left side of her face, he gauged to what degree her occular implant had deviated. "Hold both arms out, please," he instructed. She complied. The Doctor then ran his tricorder along each of her arms to the tips of her fingers, and once down along the front of her body.

"Hm." he grunted. The cyborg woman raised her eyebrows inquiringly.

"Are you feeling discomfort where there are external implants?"

"Comfort is irrelevant."

He sighed but remained patient. Having been assimilated as a six-year-old child, Seven of Nine had a lot to learn in just about every aspect of her humanity. That included taking care of her own body from now on. "Discomfort alerts the body that something may require maintenance," he said as he selected a microinducer from the tray. "Now that you are no longer part of the Collective, repairs to your body will not be made on their own. You have to come to me when something isn't right. Discomfort will inform you of this necessity."

He steadily ran the beam of the microinducer along her occular implant for the prescribed amount of time, then stopped. He pointed to a communications panel to the side of the surgical bay. "Look over there, and tell me how your vision is now."

Seven of Nine began reading off the various labels from the LCARS interface, when he stopped her. "That's perfect," he smiled. "Now about that left hand of yours..."

She immediately held it out, palm down. It was clear to him that she knew just what needed treating. The area around her Borg implant was reddish and slightly inflamed. When he put his fingers over the affected area, he detected elevated heat - and her flinch. He sighed and looked at her, and she averted her gaze. He was certain she would bring these problems to his attention much sooner from now on.

As he prepared a hypospray of something to boost her immune system, Seven of Nine finally spoke: "Doctor... perhaps you can explain why the crew of this ship chooses to participate in activities which serve no discernable purpose."

The Doctor paused. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated momentarily. "On any number of occasions, I have observed members of this crew participating in activates such as this... 'party on the holodeck that are of no benefit to the ship as a whole. Many times, these activities occur when the crew's time and abilities could be put to a better and more serviceable function... Yet, Captain Janeway appears to encourage this behaviour. Why?"

He administered the hypospray to the side of her slender throat and pondered the right words for his answer. "Two reasons, Seven," he began. "There is a saying: 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' Recreation hones one's social skills. And in many cases it serves to prepare one for procreation. Compatibility with preferences and levels of humor and comfort are tested and evaluated in an effort to locate a mate."

The Doctor applied a topical analgesic on the affected skin around her implant and continued. "Also, from a medical standpoint, recreational activities are a necessity in order to maintain - as well as prolong - physical and mental health."

"How so?" she asked.

"Working excessively builds up stress. Besides the adverse psychological side effects which come with stress - such as increased frustration and the inability to focus - the body also begins to malfunction: fluid buildup and chemical imbalances in the blood and lymphatic system, heightened blood pressure... you name it.

"Recreation allows one to - blow off steam, so to speak. When the body is exerted toward pleasant and relatively casual activity, that stress is released. And when stress is released, the body's assorted organ systems begin to resume normal function.

"So you see," the Doctor grinned, "the only thing you've got to lose is time. As for performance of one's duties: efficiency is markedly improved."

"I think I´m going to get out of here. Have a great time." B´Elanna hissed and turned around.

Tom was totally baffled.

"Hey B´Elanna, wait..." he stammered.

But the grumpy half-Klingon had already left the holodeck.

"Great, now what?" Tom thought to himself and looked around. He spotted Neelix, who apparently had observed their quarrel.

He walked over to the Talaxian and sight.

"Neelix, I could really use a good morale officer right now. Any idea where to find one?"

Chakotay put down his half-eaten burger to grab a spoon when he saw B'Elanna Torres head for the exit of the holodeck. It disappointed him, not only because she would be disobeying a direct order for her to be present, but also because the event was arranged to pay tribute to their friend.

He clinked the spoon against his bottle of 7-Up. "May I have your attention please." Immediately, all talking ceased. "I'm sure you all know why we're here today..." he made certain that his voice was loud enough and clear enough for Torres to hear him from the corridor before the holodeck doors closed; she would be back. "...We are here to pay tribute to the memory of a brave and promising young officer - and a friend."

He looked around the room at faces. Chakotay was the introspective type, and not prone to speaking to large groups. But he did what he had to do, just as he led his crew with the Maquis to do what they all had to do those many years ago. Sometimes those times were like a distant dream. But there were these moments - when anxiety was suppressed by a sense of duty - which brought key memories of Chakotay's past to the forefront of his mind as though they had happened yesterday.

He was pleased to see a sobered B'Elanna wander back in. Her Klingon temper always got the better of her for as long as he could remember.

Chakotay continued: "We choose to honor Ensign Harry Kim in this bright, pleasant setting, as a symbol of Harry's youthful optimism, of the positive impact he made in all our lives. May we all share in his spirit. It is what he would have wanted us to do this day. Thank you."

Chakotay then looked around to see who would be most likely to say a little something about their departed friend, Harry Kim…

Tom Paris stepped forward.

"I´d like to say a few words"

Commander Chakotay nodded.

"An entire ship is in mourning" Tom started and looked around the room. Everyone was silent.

"The people of the USS Voyager are mourning the death of Ensign Harry Kim. I hope his relatives will not regard it as presumptive when I say that we too are bereaved.
If we are sincere, this is now the time when there can be no consolation and there is a danger that every well-meant expression of sympathy merely becomes an empty phrase. In the view of this disaster and the suffering it has caused only a strong belief might provide an answer to the question what it all means."

Tom swallowed.

"I personally am still deeply affected by the impression of what happened to Harry.
Following the pressure of work over the past few days the full awareness of our grief and this terrible tragedy has come to the fore.
Not every death is experienced in the same way and it is rare for it to occur so mercilessly."

Tom felt dizzy. He had to swallow again.

"We can and will never forget Harry Kim. Voyager has lost a brave man and cunning officer, I have lost my best friend. Thanks for everything Harry and rest in peace!"

Neelix stood up rather awkwardly, fingering his glass of Pepsi. "You know...when Kes and I first came onboard, Harry was one of the officers most like myself. I guess we had a kind of kinship; he was new on the job, new on Voyager...always ready with a bright smile or word of advice."

The Talaxian looked down at his soda, the ice cubes clinking against the side of the glass. "I'll miss his good will, his nights of clarinet-playing in the mess hall...his crazy holodeck adventures and the evenings of playing Kal-toh or just talking about anything. He was a good person, and a wonderful friend."

Sitting down so swiftly he nearly knocked his chair over, Neelix wiped a hand over his eyes and tried to mask his sniffles.

Kes stood up, patting Neelix's shoulder after he sat down beside her and tried to hide his grief. Pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she clasped her hands together and looked at each member of the crew. "When I think back to who Harry Kim was I think of the kindness. I think of how he made others feel." She spread her hands and paused a moment. "He was the kind of person who would cheer you up when you felt down. I know he always seemed to have the ability to know when I needed to laugh and how to make me laugh." She smiled gently. "I can't think of one member of this crew he would have turned away when they needed of him. He had a strength and courage that perhaps some of us never got to see, but he showed it in little ways like using his talent for compassion to comfort us when we needed it. I remember once when I had had a stressful day, I'd come to the mess hall to take a break and when he found out that I'd had a rough day he used his replicator rations to buy me a chocolate chip sundae. That's the Harry Kim I will remember. The kind and optimistic smile and the kind words he gave."

"We've lost a great member of this crew," she said with a sad shake of her head. But she looked up at them, determined to put on a strong face. "But more importantly we've lost a valuable friend. I'm going to miss him a lot, but I know that being the person he was, he'd want us to go on strong and make it to the Alpha Quadrant." She exhaled slowly and sat down beside Neelix, letting a few tears slide down her cheeks, but quickly wiping them to maintain her strength in front of the others. Sometimes it helped the strong to see someone so fragile in appearance keep strength, she was told once. And so she looked back up and waited for the next crewmember to stand forth.

The Doctor materialized on Holodeck One.

Having released Seven of Nine and made out his report, he decided to catch the tribute portion of the reception. He arrived in time to see Kes make her speech. It reminded him once again of the young spirit they had lost, and he sighed.

Seven of Nine entered. Since he merely transferred his program from Sickbay, the Doctor beat her to the holodeck. She appeared to take his advice to heart in an effort to better understand human behavior. Seven stared, but with an intensity which indicated she was listening to every word that was being said. Whether she comprehended the essence of these proceedings was another matter.

"I'm going to miss him a lot, but I know that being the person he was, he'd want us to go on strong and make it to the Alpha Quadrant," Kes concluded. Many members of the crew were rubbing their eyes or sighing heavily to hold back tears. There was a slight shifting about during the awkward silence which followed, and the Doctor noted that Lts. Torres and Tuvok and Captain Janeway all seemed to hesitate, as though each had mustered up just enough to come forward and say their piece, then shrink back upon seeing the other make their move. One of them was bound to break the cycle, he thought.

Seven of Nine stood, back on the holodeck at the Doctor's insistence, stoically watching the seemingly endless array of speakers for the dead. Harry Kim. Rank: Ensign. Species 5618: Human. By the accounts she’d heard, he’d died slowly and painfully after being infected with cells from one of Species 8472, something not even Borg technology had been able to save him from in time. She wondered fleetingly what he had been like, who he had socialized with, what his normal tasks were, even what he had looked like... But it was, as so many things were, irrelevant, and if she had the opportunity, she would study the treatment the Doctor had devised for the condition, a treatment that had eventually led to Voyager bargaining for safe passage through Borg space, a treatment that ultimately saw her left on this ship... alone

She blinked and then shifted her mind away from the idea, instead reflecting back on her conversation in Sickbay. Socializing apparently improved efficiency. Apparently. She didn’t see how it could be so. She did not suffer from stress while working, though it did not surprise her that humans did for they seemed to look for any excuse to avoid it... but in reality, she was not human, whatever they said, however many of her implants they removed. She actually found this ‘socializing’ to be more stressful than her work. They couldn't realize how disconcerting it was to be in a room with so many people and be unable to ‘feel’ their presence, know their thoughts, hear their voices... But her mind was quiet now, and would be as long as she remained on this ship. She felt the familiar, and yet still unfamiliar pangs of loss, grief even, for what once was as she stared resolutely at the current speaker, her face a mask. At least the event could not last much longer.

Finally, Tuvok stepped forward with his final words for Harry.

"I did not know Ensign Kim very long, neither did I spend as much time with him as some here," he looked pointedly at Paris, "but in the time I knew and worked with him, he proved to be a competent officer and a highly dedicated crewman. His presence on this ship will be missed, I am sure. May we all learn from his example."

That said, he returned to his place and waited for the next speaker.

B'Elanna stepped forward and made her way to the front of the room to face the crew.

"I didn't like Harry at first, didn't trust him, didn't care for what he stood for. I thought he was young and green and foolish... I was wrong. Over the years, he became one of my closest friends and secretly I admired the way he stuck to the rules and did his job with such enthusiasm," she looked towards the window where stars streaked by, "I miss you, Starfleet."

She slowly walked to the back of the room.

The Doctor saw some more hesitation following Lieutenant Torres' speech, so he thought now would be a good time to say his piece...

"Mister Kim was the first member of the crew to activate me. Did you know that?" Some people nodded. Some people shook their heads. The Doctor continued: "I've often wondered how I would have ended up if someone else at some other moment in time did the honors..." He started pacing efficaciously, hands clasped behind him. "Would I be as consciously aware? Would I have pursued hobbies? Would I have ever fallen in love? Would I still reside in Sickbay 24-hours a day? It only requires a single moment in time to determine the direction an existence may take!" He looked out the corner of his eye to see whether Seven was absorbing his soliloquy. She was. "Most likely, if it weren't for Ensign Harry Kim... I wouldn't be here in this room... with all of you..." He held his arms out to encompass the room. "...my friends and colleagues. As a matter of fact -"

The Doctor suddenly noticed Kes making an obscure expression and a quick shift to the side with her eyes. He turned in that direction and noticed Captain Janeway staring at him in a hostile slow burn. He cleared his throat uneasily. Apparently he had overextended his welcome, and therefore decided to wrap things up:

"Mister Kim was a good friend to me. He was a good friend to us all. He was the second Harry Kim we had the pleasure of knowing and working with. I suppose it would be too idealistic to believe that another one could pop out of the next temporal anomaly we run into. I only wish it could be so."