PART A

In a holodeck program, Seven plays the piano, using a metronome to keep time.

 

In the Messhall, a crowd has gathered for the baby shower for Paris' and Torres' baby. Torres and Paris are opening the presents. Torres hefts Tuvok's gift: "Feels heavy. Baby's first tricorder?" Tuvok: "Not exactly."

Torres opens it. "Hmm. Thank you. I'm sure she'll love it. What is it?" Tuvok: "A pleenok. Vulcans use it to train their infants in primary logic." Paris: "Never too early to train those synapses, eh, Tuvok?"

Paris reaches over and takes it. "Let me see that: I love a good puzzle." Neelix hands another gift to Torres: "This one's from Mr Kim."

Everyone laughs when Torres opens Kim's gift. Torres: "Starfleet diapers!" Kim: "Standard issue."

Janeway draws Seven to one side. "Now that your Borg implants have been removed, you might think about having children of your own one day."
Seven: "One day. I have been considering some less radical changes in my personal life."
Janeway: "Such as?"
Seven: "I realise I don't have a rank but I would like to request a uniform."
Janeway: "Consider it done. The Doctor tells me you don't need to regenerate any more. I can arrange some quarters for you, unless you enjoy cooling off in the cargo bay."
Seven: "That would be more comfortable. Since I arrived on Voyager, your guidance has been invaluable. Thank you, Captain."
Janeway: "All I did was chart the course. You're the one who made the journey."
Chakotay interrupts them: "Seven, it's traditional for everyone to share their best wishes for the baby. I thought you might like to start."

With everyone's attention on her, Seven raises her glass: "To the newest member of our crew: may all her desires be fulfilled except for one, so she'll always have something to strive for."
Janeway likes Seven's toast: "Very good."
Seven: "And may she inherit a sense of logic from her mother."
Seeing Paris' expression, Kim laughs: "I'll drink to that!"

But the baby shower is a holoprogram. On the Bridge, Paris notes: "That was strange." Chakotay: "Care to explain?" Paris: "Wish I could. Long-range sensors picked up a discharge but it's gone. There, there's another one." Tuvok: "Bearing approximately 5.9 light-years ahead." Chakotay: "Source?" Tuvok: "We're too far to get a clear reading." Janeway, via comms.: "Bridge to Seven of Nine." Seven, who is running the baby shower holoprogram, answers via comms.: "Go ahead." Janeway, via comms.: "Report to the Astrometrics Lab." Seven, via comms.: "Acknowledged." Contact ends. She orders: "Computer, end program."

The baby shower holoprogram shuts down. (pop-up window)

The program deactivates and Seven is left in an empty holodeck.

As she leaves for the Astrometrics Lab, she ties up her hair so that it appears the way she normally wears it while on duty.

 

USS Voyager travels at warp speed. (pop-up window)

 

Astrometrics. Seven: "I wasn't able to find the cause of the discharges. The region ahead contains unusual amounts of subspace radiation and metallic debris."

Tuvok: "Vessels?" Seven: "Not within range but I'll have more data once we move closer." Janeway: "I see no reason to alter course. Keep an eye on your sensors." Seven: "Yes, Captain."

Janeway: "Now, onto more pressing matters. Does B'Elanna suspect anything?" Paris: "Not a clue." Janeway: "Good. Messhall, 1400 hours, be on time, I don't want to spoil the surprise. I expect both of you to show up."

Seven: "I'll be busy here." Paris: "What's wrong, Seven? No baby showers in the Collective?" Janeway to Seven: "I'm sure you can spare a few minutes." She and Paris leave.

Tuvok: "If it's any consolation, I share your discomfort with social gatherings." Seven: "They seem to occur with alarming frequency." Tuvok: "Mr Neelix would argue that they improve morale." Seven: "I have been looking for ways to improve my social skills. Perhaps I'll attend."