SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME
Episode 116
Part D

 

Later, Chapman is working in a Jefferies tube at a maintenance access hatch. He hears a sound. Chapman calls out: "Robertson, if that's you, I need an isolinear spanner."

Seven, in the section below, looking up the ladder at Chapman: "It is not." Chapman is startled to hear her.

Chapman's foot accidentally nudges a heavy tool off the floor.

It falls down the hatch and Seven catches it. Seven: "I apologise, Lieutenant. I didn't mean to startle you." Chapman moves and squats facing her: "No, my fault. You need something?"

Seven: "Your presence is required er, rather, it is requested, tonight, 1900 hours, Holodeck 2." Chapman: "Another engineering simulation?"

Seven: "Dinner." Chapman is astonished: "Dinner???"

Seven: "The consumption of nutritional biomatter."
Chapman gives a short nervous laugh: "No, I know what dinner is. I just-" It sinks in: "Are you asking me to join you?"
Seven: "Yes." He exhales with surprise. Impatiently: "State your response."

Chapman: "OK. Yes." Seven: "Please be punctual." Chapman, flattened, in a small voice: "I will, thanks."

Seven briskly, handing him back the tool: "A dropped tool can be a workplace hazard. Be more careful next time."

She departs, leaving Chapman wondering what he has let himself in for.

The Doctor is working in Sickbay when Seven enters. Doctor: "Seven! Please state the nature of the medical emergency." Seven: "I have a date." He smiles, pleased.

The Doctor is humming 'You Are My Sunshine' in his office. He moves into the main part of Sickbay and goes to the main console.

Paris comes in at a half-run and hurries over to the console. Paris: "Sorry I'm late." He picks up a PADD and starts reading it.

Doctor: "It's quite alright." He takes the PADD out of Paris' hands. "In fact, why don't you take the day off? Relax. Those double shifts are going to take a lot out of you." Paris: "Oh?"

Doctor: "Seven of Nine has a date tonight. If all goes well, as I'm sure it will, he'll accompany her to the reception tomorrow." Paris: "Who'd she pick?" Doctor: "Lieutenant William Chapman."

Paris: "Ha! Chapman? Good luck." Doctor: "What's that supposed to mean?" Paris: "He's renowned for being nervous around women." Doctor: "So." Paris: "Are you kidding? Seven's dominant personality will have him running for the airlock before dessert."

Doctor: "Seven may seem intimidating, but that's only a reaction to the way people treat her. In fact, she's an efficient and charming young woman." Paris: "Huh. Efficient, I'll give you that, but charming?" Doctor: "Most people don't take the time to look beyond her exterior. Did you know she has a lovely singing voice?" Paris: "No, I didn't, but then again, I've never asked her to sing for me."

Doctor: "What are you implying?" Paris: "Well, it sounds like you're getting a little infatuated with your star pupil." Doctor: "Infatuated? That's absurd." Paris: "Whatever you say, maestro."

He heads for the door. The Doctor calls after him: "It was part of the lesson plan!"

But his words make the Doctor think.

Seven is working in Cargobay 2 when the Doctor hurries in. Doctor: "You're meeting with him in ten minutes, Seven. Why aren't you ready?" Seven: "I am."

She goes over to a Borg interface and works at it. Doctor: "Aren't we forgetting something? Lesson Eight: Dress for Success!" Seven, stopping and turning toward him: "My appearance is sufficient."

Doctor: "Sufficient yes, but you could use a little more....." he searches for the best word, "panache. Let's start by doing something different with your hair." He undoes her hair.

He brings her loose hair around her face.

Doctor: "I don't have much first-hand experience with this, but er try shaking your head a little bit." Seven does so, and the hair falls and lies naturally. "Is this more appropriate?"

Doctor, very aware of just how lovely Seven is looking, in a high-pitched voice: "Yes."

He heads for her computer workstation. "When I first designed your dermaplastic garment, I also tried my hand at some casual attire." He presses a control and calls up some clothes designs. "You might want to replicate one of these." Seven looks. Bewildered: "How shall I choose?" Doctor: "I think you'd look very nice in.....this one." He points.

Seven: "I am uncertain how to wear such a garment." She turns round and matter-of-factly says, about to undress: "Assist me." The Doctor is taken aback. Hastily: "Oh, I, I, I'm sure you'll manage."

Doctor: "I'll go prepare the Holodeck." He backs away to the exit hurriedly. "Remember, the idea is to have fun tonight!" The doors open. "I'll expect a full report in the morning." He leaves.

Seven, not previously apprehensive about her first date, is now.

In the Chez Sandrine holoprogram, a couple are dancing.

Chapman is having a drink at the bar.

He looks round. Suddenly he opens his eyes wide as Seven arrives looking breathtakingly lovely in a gorgeous dress that enhances her lovely figure.

As she approaches Chapman she notices that the Doctor is the piano player. He is playing soft light music, ideally suited to a romantic evening out.

Chapman to Seven: "You, you look beautiful."

Seven: "Thank you. You look," searching for the right word but falls back on the same word he used, "beautiful as well."

Chapman is surprised by 'beautiful' but recovers and smiles: "Thank you."

Chapman: "Er, would you like to sit down?" He offers her his arm.

Seven looks at the proffered arm, briefly at a loss. Then she takes it.

The Doctor observes.

Seven: "Where is our designated location?" Chapman, escorting her across the room: "Best table in the house. I wasn't sure you'd actually show up." Seven: "I requested your presence." Chapman, nervously: "Well, to be honest, I thought one of my friends put you up to it."

They arrive at the table. Chapman in gentlemanly fashion pulls out a chair for Seven but she sits down in the other chair assuming he is taking the one he is standing by. He recovers and sits down with alacrity.

Nervously he indicates the bottle of champagne which is on ice in the ice bucket by the table. Chapman: "Erm, champagne?" Seven: "Synthehol impairs my cortical function. Water will suffice."

Chapman, more nervously: "Mind if I?" Seven: "Proceed."

Chapman pours himself a glass. The evening is definitely not off to a good start. Tremulously: "I must admit I'm a little nervous."

Seven: "Elaborate." Chapman: "Oh, let's just say it's been a long time since I've been out on a date." Seven: "I've never been on a date. As a result I am experiencing anxiety as well."

Chapman: "Well, I guess that means we've got something in common." He laughs but she continues to stare at him. He stops and sighs.

He turns and calls quietly to the waiter: "Garcon." The waiter does not hear him. Chapman looks back at Seven and smiles self-consciously then turns back to try and attract the waiter's attention.

Seven takes over. She puts her hands on the table and pushes herself to her feet. She calls out loudly: "Server, report to this station."

The Doctor stops playing and he and everyone else stares at the scene. Seven continues to call out: "We require your assistance."

But the waiter does come to the table.