Star Trek Voyager: Their Human Errors

Star Trek Voyager: Their Human Errors (Chapter 5)

Seven of Nine’s quarters, safe and secluded on the holodeck, echoed with the soothing sounds of classical music as the notes came chanting from the elegant piano in the corner, accompanied as always by the reassuringly regular pacing beat of the metronome placed atop the instrument. The player herself did not have her full attention on the music however. She knew this particular piece by heart and therefore let her eyes follow the changing expressions of her companion rather than the unchanging notes of the sheet music in front of her. She’d always played for the sake of the music itself, never having had the chance to witness its effect on others, the Doctor’s first concern was always on instruction rather than appreciation, but it was different now. Chakotay’s face altered with every note, bringing a new facet of attractiveness to his face each time, and she couldn’t help but feel relieved that she’d allowed herself the pleasure of playing for him. If you’re going to let yourself feel for a hologram, she berated herself mentally for an instant, you may as well hone your skills while you’re with it. This dark thought made her chest tighten for a moment, the self-criticism made worse by the fact that somehow the thought sounded in her mind like a disappointed Captain Janeway, but she quickly distracted herself by refocusing on the music, seeking out the beat of the metronome to guide her until she’d finished. She noted with relief and affection that the Chakotay hologram hadn’t noticed her tiny pause and was gazing at her, mesmerised, as her hands slid from the keys onto her lap. “What did you think?” she asked softly, studying him intently.

Chakotay’s answer was expressed in the delightedly surprised grin he gave her, but he spoke anyway, “You were amazing.” He told her with honest warmth, laughing in wonderment, “I was expecting “Chopsticks”; I had no idea you this good!” He raised a teasing eyebrow, “I’m surprised the Doctor hasn’t already secured you for one of his monthly recitals.”

Seven smirked even through her flattered blush, “He has suggested it to me more than once.” She admitted.

“Well maybe you should take him up on it, I’d certainly be there.” Chakotay replied with a sincere smile.

“Perhaps I will consider the matter again.” Seven conceded as she shifted on the piano’s seat to offer him more room. “It’s your turn.”

Chakotay sighed regretfully, “Unfortunately, I don’t play.” He told her apologetically, “But I’d love to hear you play again.” He paused to flick through the music books Seven had arranged around the piano and quickly found what he was looking for, showing her the page, “This is one of my favourites.”

The reminder that she could programme him to play as many instruments as she liked flashed through the more detached areas of Seven’s mind, but she dismissed the idea with a shudder. Instead she obligingly took the book from him and set it open in front of her, smiling when she recognised it as one she also liked a great deal. “As you wish.” She agreed easily, restarting the metronome with a flick of her hand before letting her fingers begin their dance over the keys. She was just beginning to relax into it, her ears savouring the sounds, when Chakotay laid a hand lightly over one of hers. She stopped immediately, shooting him a bemused look, “Is something wrong?”

His face softened when he heard the apprehension in her tone. “No...but I want to hear you play the music.” He shook his head slightly as further confusion clouded her features, deepening her frown, and closed the small gap between them, taking both of her hands firmly in hers. “Your technique is flawless, but you’re not playing.” He tried to explain before elaborating with a soft sigh as she stared at him uncomprehendingly, pointing to the metronome in front of them. “You’re not letting your emotions into the music. Remember when you used to deny yourself your emotions?” Seven flinched and looked down unhappily; he had no idea how true that still was… He squeezed her hands supportively as he continued, “The metronome gives you a sense of order, but it also stops you from truly accessing your emotions.” Seven swallowed as she nodded slowly, she found that she couldn’t really deny his conclusions. “Okay then.” He murmured softly, lifting her chin up with one hand as he set the now silent metronome aside with the other.