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By Gun Brooke Janeway walked out into the clearing between some fallen ancient columns and abundant flowers. In the center of it, a large basin with turbulent water was the obvious focal point. The flowery fragrance of the garden mixed with the scent of ocean coming from the basin. There were no other guests present, but four women stood as if waiting for her and Seven, robes and towels ready. “Welcome, my ladies,” the closest, a petite woman with long golden hair said. “We were expecting you.” “So I see. Are we supposed to—bathe?” Janeway glanced at Seven who looked slightly bemused. Janeway knew why. At an earlier shore leave, the Doctor and Neelix had in vane tried to come up with a way to teach Seven how to swim. She was barely buoyant, due to the many metal alloys still in her body. Something, perhaps an early childhood experience, made it virtually impossible for Seven to relax and retain instructions on how to swim or float. “It is for relaxation and pleasure only, Seven of Nine,” the woman said. “I’m Neeta, and these are my sisters. We will help you get ready for this stimulating treatment.” “Treatment?” Janeway didn’t the sound of that. “How do we know this doesn’t have an adverse effect on humans?” “It is all herbs and sea salt. We study carefully the different humanoids that enter our world, and we have found a mix that has been well received by all that have passed our way. And as for the word treatment, I suppose, in a way, it is, since it leaves a person feeling rejuvenated and energized, as well as relaxes, all at once.” “Intriguing,” Seven said. “I am cautious regarding water, since my main components are of metal.” “Do not worry, Seven of Nine. Our scans have reassured us that you will not sustain any damage.” “Really.” Neeta held out her arms and presented a robe to Seven. “Here. Please accept this and go behind the wall of flowers over there if you prefer to undress in private. We find that this varies greatly.” Janeway watched Seven disappear behind the flowers and accepted another robe, passed to her by one of Neeta’s sisters. “Thank you.” There was no other place to change than behind the same hedge as Seven. Janeway rounded it just in time to get a delicious view of Seven’s shapely buttocks. To Janeway’s surprise, Seven opted to remain with her while she changed. Feeling silly about being shy all of a sudden, Janeway tried to look casual where she undressed and slipped into the robe. When Seven still didn’t move, Janeway realized that she was still weary of the bath. “Here, sweetheart. Take my hand,” Janeway murmured. Seven immediately clung to her. “That’s it. I promise you, the basin is not very deep, and you won’t be required to swim. We’ll just sit among the jets or whatever makes the water move, and relax. And before you try to tell me that the Borg do not relax, I’ve seen you actually lean against a wall once or twice.” The attempt at a joke worked and Janeway felt Seven relax her grip marginally and return the smile, if be it quite faintly. “I do think that is an exaggeration on your part,” Seven retorted. “However, I recall you falling asleep briefly on the bridge once, when Commander Chakotay relayed a boxing event from the twentieth century. “Blow by blow,” I believe.” Janeway laughed. “Oh, that. Well, if I’d been at the helm at the time, we’d be even more lost than we are. Lucky for us, Tom Paris is fond of everything from that era. Come on, Seven, time to soak in the tub.” When they rounded the hedge again, only Neeta was still there, and she was checking something with a tricorder of sorts. She rose with a smile when she saw them. “There you are. The water is perfect. Just the right mix of herbs, salt and the ultimate temperature for your species. I suggest that you sit in the far end to begin with, until you get used to it, and move to the center where there is an underwater bench, when you feel you’ve acclimatized.” “Understood. Thank you.” Janeway squeezed Seven’s hand pointedly. “Thank you,” Seven echoed politely. “If you require my presence, merely ring the bell over there on the edge.” “Good to know,” Janeway said and watched as Neeta disappeared into the back of the garden. “All right, Seven, it doesn’t seem as they’ll provide us with any swimsuits. Skinny dipping it is.” “Capt--? Kathryn?” The classic “you’re being confusing again, Captain” tone of voice was obvious. “We’ll bathe naked. Skinny dipping is an old saying from Earth that means just that.” “Oh.” Seven let the robe fall to the ground before Janeway had time to say anything else. She walked to the edge where narrow marble steps led down into the water. “I think I require you to go in first, Kathryn.” “Of course.” No longer having use for caution, Janeway let her robe fall also. She looked up just in time to catch the light going on in Seven’s eyes as she let them roam over Janeway naked body. Mouth dry, Janeway stepped down into the water ahead of Seven. “Ahh, this is wonderful.” The hot water was just the right temperature. Just hot enough to balance under what she could tolerate. She extended a hand and Seven took it as she slowly walked down the stair. Seven’s eyes widened at the feel of the water. “Kathryn. This feels most agreeable.” Her expression was so wondrous that Janeway swore she’d never seen her Seven looking so beautiful. Wait a minute! My Seven? She drew a quick breath and tried to shake the words out of her head. No, no, no. Stop it. Seven felt her way around the edge until she reached the far end of the basin. Waiting for Janeway, she caressed the surface of the water, over and over. Janeway could feel the touch directly on her skin, as if Seven had touched her. Suddenly impatient, and more so, hungry for Seven’s touch, Janeway walked toward her, completely forgetting about the bench hidden under the surface.
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