PART D

Doctor: "I wasn't aware you had a personal life."

Seven looks in the mirror but sees her old Borg self reflected.

Above, left and right: Seven's dream.

 

Seven is woken by a comms. signal. comms. signal Chakotay's voice says: "Chakotay to Seven of Nine." Seven wakes in the arms of holo-Chakotay who is still asleep.

comms. signal "Chakotay to Seven. Respond." She sits up, picks up her combadge and presses it. combadge "Go ahead." Chakotay, via comms.: "Report to Astrometrics. We've found something." Seven, via comms.: "Yes, Commander."

Holo-Chakotay wakes and is pleased to see her: "Good morning."

Seven hastily finishes tying back her hair as she hurries through Voyager's corridors to the Astrometrics Lab.

Chakotay and Icheb turn as Seven enters the Astrometrics Lab. Chakotay: "Good morning."

Seven: "You've found something?" Chakotay: "At first we thought it was another one of the probes. Then Icheb picked up an automated transmission. It's a warning beacon." Automated message playback: "You have entered subspace munitions range 434. Evacuate immediately." Icheb: "Apparently this entire region is an alien testing ground." Chakotay: "We've been sending out emergency hails but so far no response. Whoever's conducting these tests could be dozens of light-years away. Any progress detecting their warheads?" Seven: "Not yet."

Chakotay: "You seem a little distracted." Seven: "I'm fine." Chakotay: "It's not like you to be late for a duty shift. Rough night?" Seven: "Not at all." Chakotay: "I'll be on the Bridge if you find anything." He leaves.

Icheb: "'Better late than never.' - Titus Livius: 'A History of Rome'." Seven: "You're relieved." She tempers her sharp tone with the more gently worded: "Get some rest." He nods and leaves.

 

	In Seven's holoprogram, she plays the piano for holo-Chakotay. When she finishes she turns the metronome off.
	Holo-Chakotay: "Bravo." Seven: "You approve?" Holo-Chakotay: "Approve? I'm amazed. I was expecting 'Chopsticks'. I had no idea you were so good." Seven: "The Doctor's an efficient instructor." Holo-Chakotay: "It won't be long before you're giving a recital for the entire crew." Seven: "The Doctor did suggest that I accompany him during his next operatic performance. Your turn."
	Holo-Chakotay: "Unfortunately I don't play. But I'd love to hear you again. And this," he produces some music, "is one of my favourites." She starts the metronome...
	...and begins playing.
	Holo-Chakotay, unhappy about the metronome, eventually stops it. Seven: "You want me to stop?" Holo-Chakotay: "No. I want you to play." Seven: "I don't understand.
	Holo-Chakotay: "Look, your technique is flawless, but try to put a little more heart into the piece, more of yourself." She starts playing again but makes several errors and stops.
	Holo-Chakotay: "That's alright. Keep going." She does so. Holo-Chakotay: "Tell me what you're feeling." Seven: "My tempo is erratic." Holo-Chakotay: "Not what you're thinking, what you're feeling. Your emotions?" Seven: "Frustration, anxiety-" Holo-Chakotay: "Stop thinking about the notes, just play." She stops playing. "I can't."
	She reaches to start the metronome but he stops her. "Yes you can. Don't you see what's happening? The metronome is holding you back? It gives you a sense of order but it also cuts you off from your feelings. Remember when you first came aboard? The thought of disconnecting from the hive mind terrified you. This is no different. It doesn't have to be perfect."
	Gaining confidence from understanding, Seven begins playing again and continues through the piece.