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5
By Gun Brooke Their bedroom turned out to be like something taken from a 1600s holodeck novel. Candles surrounded a large four poster bed and an open fire place cast a warm glow. Janeway put down her bag on the floor, while Seven put hers on the bed, before walking over to the window. The walls were made of large, uneven rocks, and the window was made by small pieces of multicolored glass, held together with a silvery metal. “I trust you find this satisfactory.” It wasn’t a question. The Lady Graynce regarded them regally, gesturing toward a door at the other end of the room. “You will find all the facilities you require through there. Familiarize yourselves with the surroundings and our first round of negotiations will take place after our morning food. When you hear the bells toll, head for the eastern unit and you will find the dining hall. You can’t miss it.” The Lady Graynce bowed her head and walked toward the door. “Thank you,” Janeway said just before the alien woman disappeared through the door. “Oh, my. This is some room, Seven. Have you ever seen anything like it?” “You should know full well that I have not.” Seven’s gaze was inquisitive and with a hint of disapproval. “What’s wrong with it?” Janeway asked. “Nothing is wrong. It is sufficient.” It didn’t sound convincing. “But?” “I find this a parody on what humans call “cozy” and if this is meant to instill romantic notions of companionship, the Vegasolians underestimate us.” Janeway shook her head, trying to keep up. “How do you mean underestimate? I find the room very cozy, and under normal circumstances I would’ve loved to spend some shore leave here.” Seven walked up to Janeway and placed a tentative hand on the window frame. Clearing her voice, she nailed Janeway with her eyes. “You would? With me?” Put on the spot like that, Janeway knew their mission could not fail because of some prude notion on her part. “Of course,” she said lightly, knowing full well, Seven was asking her question from a completely different point of view. “I see.” Seven took a deep breath. “I suppose I will have to play by these rules as well, since I agreed to join you for this mission.” “You lost me. What rules?” “You pretend to find me attractive, a potential spouse, and it is immensely flattering. However, I am fully aware of the truth, so it will take quite some effort to play this part.” Something in the way Seven spoke disturbed Janeway and she wanted to take her astrometrics officer by the shoulder and shake her just a little. In fact, Seven’s words stung, since she clearly indicated what a chore it would be to act as if she was attracted to her captain. Pursing her lips, Janeway placed a hand on her hip. Suddenly loud bells rang throughout the castle like structure. Ramrod straight, Janeway spoke in the same cheerful manner as before. “Well, then. Seems like it’s time for breakfast. Time to go.” Seven merely nodded and walked toward the door. There, she offered her arm to Janeway, who took it lingeringly. “We should stick to the strict rules of courting,” Seven said. “My research described how couples, in the beginning of their interaction, are most cordial to each other.” “Which century did you research?” “I did an overall study, both through romantic literature, and then I did a comparison with two-dimensional motion pictures and three-dimensional holonovels…” “I get it, I get it.” Janeway held up her free hand. “Let’s go have breakfast and then we’ll see what they throw us.” Seven came to full stop. “Throw us, Captain?” “Figure of speech. Challenge us with.” “Ah. Very well.” Seven kept going, patting Janeway’s hand on her arm with an absentminded look. “I am Borg. I am ready for any challenge.”
To be continued
behind door 6 ...
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