Chakotay stopped in his passage down the hallway to admire the backside that was protruding from the cupboard under the stairs. Intriguing rustling sounds emanated from the cupboard.

"What are you doing, Kathryn?"

A loud crash was followed by a muffled curse and Kathryn emerged from the cupboard rubbing her head.

"Don't creep about like that, I nearly knocked myself out!"

"I wasn't creeping, Kathryn. It's not my fault that you were too busy in there to hear me. Are you going to tell me what you're doing?"

"I'm just looking for something. Where's Mom?"

"I don't think she's in the cupboard," Chakotay grinned.

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"She's in the kitchen. She's going to show you how to make those Christmas cookies, maybe if you watch her do it you'll get them right."

"If you think it's so easy have her show you. It's not my fault they turn out strange, the oven here is weird."

"OK, Kathryn, blame the equipment if it makes you feel better but I bet Gretchen's cookies turn out just fine."

"She's supposed to be here to visit with us, not to cook. Go and keep her company, I'll join you when I've finished here."

"Why don't I help you find whatever it is you're looking for, then we can both spend time with Gretchen. Or better yet, tell me what you're trying to find and I'll look while you talk to your Mom. It's you that she really came to see after all."

"Good idea, Chakotay!"

Kathryn and Chakotay turned to face Gretchen who was standing in the kitchen doorway, her hands on her hips.

"Tell him what you were looking for, Kathryn."

Chakotay was amazed to see Kathryn's face turn a deep shade of red.

"It's OK Mom, I'll find it myself later. Lets make those cookies."

"Kathryn Janeway, I know you too well. Stop trying to change the subject and tell Chakotay what you were looking for."

"Mom!" Kathryn turned a pleading gaze on her mother but Gretchen was merciless.

"Tell him, Kathryn."

"It was nothing important."

Gretchen gave up and turned to Chakotay.

"Don't be fooled by her innocent expression, Chakotay. Every Christmas it's the same, she won't rest until she finds where her presents have been hidden. Don't leave her alone for a second!"

"Mom, that's ridiculous! Don't you think I've grown out of that by now?"

"You did the same thing every Christmas for nearly forty years, Kathryn. I don't think that seven years in the Delta Quadrant will have changed anything."

"Fine, don't believe me but I swear I was NOT looking for my presents."

"Don't lie to your mother, Kathryn. If I can tell when you're hiding something I'm sure she can too." Chakotay warned her.

"I'm not lying! What will it take to convince you?"

"You're desperate to find something. If it's not your presents what is it?"

Kathryn gave up the battle.

"I was looking for a tricorder. I'm sure I have one somewhere but I don't know where I put it."

"What do you need a tricorder for?" Chakotay was puzzled.

Gretchen turned to him in exasperation.

"For an intelligent man you can be remarkably stupid sometimes, Chakotay. She's going to scan the house for her presents."

"Kathryn! You wouldn't!" Chakotay exclaimed in disbelief, but Kathryn's sheepish expression confirmed the truth of Gretchen's words.

"I told you, it's the same every year." Gretchen remarked with satisfaction.

"Yes. Well. If you'll excuse me, I've got some scanning to do." Kathryn's face lit up with mischief as she withdrew a tricorder from behind her back. She ran off down the hallway and shot up the stairs.

"Go after her, Chakotay. She'll find those gifts and have them unwrapped before you know it."

"I guess I'll just have to find a way to distract her." Chakotay grinned over his shoulder at Gretchen as he followed Kathryn up the stairs.

Gretchen smiled as she returned to the kitchen. It looked like she wasn't the only one who would be cooking this afternoon.

=^=