Star Trek: Voyager
"Voyages of the Soul"
Episode VI: Romantic Soul
by
Disclaimer: Paramount owns 'em, I'm just playin' with them and I promise to put them back where I found them.
The sex thing. If the idea of Janeway and Seven or any other f/f combination gets to you, then this is perhaps not the story for you. Don't panic though, I'm sure there's a nice J/C or P/T story out there somewhere for you to find.
Episode Spoilers: This story most certainly contains spoilers for all things Trek, but also contains specific spoilers for the Voyager episodes of: Latent Image, Bride of Chaotica, Gravity, & Bliss.
Comments and criticisms are welcome at: shaych3@yahoo.com
Flames will be put into the recycler and replicated as doilies.
Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to the Unimatrix Zero One opened her eyes and learned several things. One, there was no greater sensation in all the galaxy than holding Captain Kathryn Janeway in her arms. Two, Kathryn drooled and three, she required the use of the ensuite facilities. However, she really didn't want the astounding feelings generated by cradling the captain to cease, so she endured the marginal discomfort.
Until Kathryn chose to roll over, casually run her hand up Seven's leg, then cup her breast her fingers, gently massaging the sensitive flesh. The resulting electrochemical surge strained the limits of the Borg's control, and she did the only thing she could do. She kissed Kathryn until the captain woke fully, then slipped out of the bed and raced into the ensuite.
The captain, upon waking so deliciously, could only stare in confused consternation until Seven returned to the bedroom, slid back into the bed and continued to thoroughly kiss her.
"I must say that you are the most effective alarm clock I've ever had." Janeway commented several breathless minutes later, snuggling in Seven's arms.
"I would tend to disagree, Kathryn. The function of an alarm clock is to get one out of bed, and I do not seem to have that effect on you."
"Mmm. You're right, Annika." Kathryn responded, nuzzling Seven's neck. Just then, the cabin lights came up at half, and the computer announced that it was 0630. The captain groaned. "Ugh. I don't want to move just yet."
"Then do not." Seven said, hugging Janeway close.
The captain sighed. "I wish it were that simple, Annika. However, I am required on the bridge at 0800 hours."
"Oh. I understand Captain. Today is my 'off' day, and I had forgotten that we do not normally share 'off' days."
"It's all right, Seven." Janeway said, getting up and heading into the ensuite to shower and dress. "Your turn." She said, once she had finished. Seven quickly used the sonic setting of the shower, then replicated her plum colored skin-suit.
When she finished, she joined Kathryn in the dinette area of her quarters. Janeway had replicated a simple breakfast of cereal and milk for each of them, and a cup of coffee for herself. Seven raised a questioning eyebrow at the repast and the captain chuckled. "Yes, I know it's rather domestic, but I couldn't just drool all over you and not feed you breakfast."
"I see." Seven replied, sitting down and taking a bite of the milk-saturated grains. She chewed them, enjoying the mixture of sweet and crunchy immensely. "I like this." She said, around a mouthful.
Kathryn just smiled and began to eat her own cereal. Halfway through the meal, she asked, "What will you do today, Darling?"
Seven put down her spoon long enough to reply, "I do not know. Normally, I would spend my day off studying whichever texts on humanity the Doctor suggested or, as I have more recently, working on the field harmonic calculations of the slipstream drive." She then returned to her cereal, eating the breakfast food with more enthusiasm than she had any other food set before her.
"Don't you ever just do something for 'fun', Annika?" asked the captain curiously.
Seven finished her breakfast, regarded the empty bowl mournfully, then said, "I often find the challenge of reducing the coefficient drag of the singularity harness quite entertaining."
Janeway discreetly rolled her eyes. "So there is nothing you do just for 'playtime'?"
"Yes, there is. Naomi Wildman and I play Kadis-kot on an average of 4.7 times a week. I also engage you in rounds of Velocity, or in games of poker." Then Seven smiled, her eyes lighting up mischievously, "and I think in the future, I shall enjoy engaging you in other, more intimate games."
"Oh." Kathryn had the grace to blush a deep red. Then she coughed and said, "What about when you were a child? What did you do for fun then?"
Seven considered the question, lost in memories for a few minutes, then said, "I do not remember very well. I have a hazy sense of playing educational activities and something called 'tag'. Other than that, I do not believe my parents had time for 'games'."
"What about a pet? Like a dog that you could play fetch with." Kathryn asked, keenly interested in the answer.
Seven frowned. "A dog? I do not recall a dog." She continued to frown. "Actually, I do not recall ever seeing a 'dog' at all."
Janeway was astonished. Never seen a dog? The one creature that had always brought her comfort in her darkest hour, and Seven had never even seen one. Well, that just had to be remedied. Now, if possible. Quickly, she stood and cleared the table. "Come with me." She said, and her voice brooked no argument.
***
"Where are we going?" Seven asked curiously as they strode through the decks at near-emergency speeds.
"Right here." Kathryn stopped outside of holodeck two, checked to see that it was empty and then keyed in some commands. The doors swished open and Seven could see that inside of the square room was a basket with several animals in it. They stepped through the doors and Janeway snapped, "Computer, begin program." Immediately, the room was filled with whines, barks and playful growls as the puppies started to play.
They watched the holographic animals chase each other around the holodeck, seemingly unaware of the captain and her companion. There were a good dozen of them, all of them varying shades of red or brown, and all of them balls of curly-haired excitement. The mother holo-dog lay on her side in a basket, panting contentedly as her puppies growled and snapped and yapped at each other, perfectly mimicking a real bitch and her litter.
Kathryn stepped over to the control panel and entered some codes in and a young holographic couple and their two daughters appeared. The girls squealed with delight over the animals and each of them were soon rolling around on the floor with the puppies, laughing and giggling happily. The parents petted the mother, and commented on her breed lines and obvious beauty. Then they carefully inspected each of the pups, commenting on color, size of paw, and sex of each in rather scientific tones. They also discussed the care and feeding of the animal and how best to train them. Seven was highly intrigued by this aspect, as she had recently read a treatise on how best to plan for and have children. She thought perhaps she would include some of these hologram's examples when she and Kathryn decided to reproduce.
Finally, the couple told the children to pick out just one puppy, which resulted in another twenty minutes of arguments, tears, wheedling and finally, the selection of one rather fat, dark brown male pup. The family then took the pup and vanished.
Seven pondered this for quite a while and then said, "This is what pets are, then Kathryn?"
"Yes Seven, isn't it wonderful?" asked Kathryn, who had finally given in to her own love of animals, especially dogs, and had plopped down on the floor to pet and snuggle each of the pups. Seven studied her lover's actions, then paced around the room slowly.
Finally, she said, "If a pet is something you take from the only home it has ever known, to feed it, train it and give it affection when you see fit, does that make me your pet, Kathryn?"
Janeway, still covered in holographic puppies, looked up at Seven, jaw dropping. "Seven... Annika, no! How could you think that? Of course you are not my pet, you are a human being. A person, an individual." Inwardly, the captain groaned. Oh dear, this is not going well...
"I fail to see the difference."
Kathryn thought fast. "Darling, just trust me, you are not a pet. A pet would definitely not question whether it was a pet, it would rather chew on your slippers." She finally said, hoping Seven would just drop the matter, and join her on the floor.
"I do not wish to chew on your slippers, Kathryn." The Borg allowed her gaze to rake over the older woman's body, "There are, however, other things of yours I wish to… taste."
Janeway blushed furiously. Now where did that come from? Who cares… at least she isn't arguing about the nature of domesticated animals versus human individuality anymore! Her inner voice chuckled gleefully. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to, ahem, see about that." She finally said. Then she said, "Now would you get down here and have some fun? I brought you here to see how you liked dogs, not to discuss whether or not you were one." Kathryn's face was a blend of pouty sarcasm.
Seven considered the captain's request, watched her lazily stroke the now sleeping pups and decided that she would not pursue the matter and joined her partner on the floor. Carefully, she displaced a sleeping puppy, settling it in her own lap, then she snuggled up against Janeway's side. "Is this better?" She asked.
"Much." Janeway replied, wrapping an arm around the younger woman and sighing contentedly.
"Bridge to Janeway." chirped Chakotay's voice over her comm badge.
"Go ahead." Janeway responded, snuggling closer to Seven, who had begun hesitantly petting the holo-puppy.
"Are you all right, Captain?"
"Of course, Chakotay. Why do you ask?"
"Because you are fifteen minutes late for duty." The first officer responded. For the third time that morning, Captain Kathryn Janeway turned a brilliant shade of scarlet.
"On my way." She finally choked out, around clenched teeth.
***
The sickbay doors opened with a soft whoosh. The EMH looked up from his experiments in surprise; no one was scheduled to drop by and he hadn't received any reports of illness or injury. He was even more shocked to see Seven of Nine step through the doors and hesitantly enter his office.
"Seven, what a lovely surprise!" He said, closing down his experiment with a few taps on his padd. "What can I do for you today?"
"I…" The Borg started, inhaled sharply, and began again. "I am in need of advice Doctor, I need you to act as my 'guidebook', as you once put it."
"By all means, Seven. I'd be delighted to help you in any way that I can. Please, come into my office, sit down and tell me all about it." Seven considered this, then followed the holographic doctor into the office.
"First of all, I wish to extract a promise from you." Seven said, once she had seated herself.
"All right."
"I wish what I tell you to remain confidential -- it is extremely personal and I would feel uncomfortable if it were common knowledge."
The hologram made a face. Here was one more interesting tidbit he would have to file away in his 'secrets' subroutine. Honestly, he couldn't understand why these people felt the need to be so surreptitious with each other. Whatever they tried to hide would eventually be known by the entire ship anyway, and in fact, was probably already well-known. He sighed dramatically. "I suppose I could consider this a 'professional' visit, Seven. If that would make you feel better?"
Seven seemed to accept this. "The Captain and I have engaged in a romantic relationship. She has made it known to me that she is afraid and that she wants to wait until she knows that the relationship will last 'beyond a single night's pleasure' and I wish your advice on how to proceed."
You could hear the cells in the specimen jars split.
"Well, that's something I certainly wasn't expecting." The EMH finally admitted, then stood and began pacing. "But it is not all together unusual, why I'm sure that captains and ex-Borg carry on romantic liaisons all the time. I bet I'll find hundreds of texts on the proper gifts to give such a couple on their anniversaries…"
"Doctor, you are babbling." Seven pointed out. He stopped, shook himself and sat down again.
"You're right, and I'm sorry. You came for my advice, not my sarcasm. The truth of the matter is I'm a doctor, not Don Juan. I wouldn't know the first thing about romancing someone -- I've really never had much call for it, myself." Seven looked perplexed. "Oh, there's been a time or two -- but it was nothing permanent, and it was always very unexpected." He thought fondly of his holo-wife, and suddenly had an urge to visit her. "Perhaps you might study some of the more well-known texts from the Starfleet database."
Seven rose. "Thank you, Doctor. I believe I shall." The Doctor nodded.
Just as Seven was about to leave, he called out, "I just thought of something."
"What is that?" Seven asked, genuinely curious.
"You could learn to dance. I believe the Captain is quite accomplished at it and would enjoy sharing that with you."
"Interesting. Again, thank you Doctor. Have a good day." For the first time, the pleasantry sounded right, rolling off of the Borg's tongue easily, instead of stilted and forced.
When she had left, the EMH shook his head confusedly. "Captain Janeway and Seven of Nine, now I have seen everything."
***
Seven took the Doctor's advice at face value and headed for the holodecks. She was pleased to see that holodeck one was unoccupied, and so cued in her access code and went in, leaving a "do not disturb" code on the panel.
Once inside, she felt at a bit of a loss, until she employed a bit of Borg ingenuity and said,
"Computer, display a traditional human dance."
"Please specify era." The computer's request perplexed her only momentarily.
"Display random eras, showcasing each style for 10 seconds on my mark. Mark." A man and a woman dressed in what she vaguely recognized as "western" wear appeared and began to two-step in front of her. Then, she was knocked to the floor by six teens wearing leather and chains who were chasing each other around in a circle while a cacophonous noise blared from the holodeck's speakers.
The horrid music was suddenly replaced by a sedate, almost sleep inducing melody and a couple took the teens' place, dancing a waltz. One hour later, Seven had seen glimpses of nearly 3600 various forms of dance. She was battered, baffled and not quite sure that she still wished to pursue the idea, but she was determined to discover "romance". Several texts in the ship's database had made it absolutely clear that the only way to win someone's eternal love and affection was to 'romance' them. Seven had recently spent many of her off hours, not reducing the coefficient of the singularity harness, but voraciously devouring the thousands of books devoted to "romance". Aside from an eye-opening education into the mating rituals of the various species that made up the United Federation of Planets, she had yet to grasp what true "romance" was. Yet she was absolutely committed to succeed, because she wanted to be the perfect mate for Kathryn.
Seven of Nine was keenly aware of how different she was from the rest of the crew, indeed from the rest of humanity period. One look in any reflective surface would clearly show the surface differences, and one look at her medical history would reveal the not-so-surface ones. She was Borg, or at the very least, half-human, half-Borg and would always remain that way. Kathryn was human, pure and untainted by the touch of the Collective and Seven feared that those basic differences would drive them apart unless she could learn to be more "human".
Of all the dance styles she had seen, of all the music she had heard, only one really appealed to the Borg, though she wasn't certain why. Satisfied with her choice, she instructed the computer to generate a holographic teacher.
***
Seven emerged from the holodeck feeling as if she'd somewhat accomplished part of her goal, the dance teacher being extremely precise in his instruction, but completely lacking in the advice department. She considered going back to the Doctor, but quickly set the notion aside. As she walked through the ship's corridors, with no real destination planned, she contemplated her problem. No answer appeared from her vast wealth of knowledge and she was about to head back to Cargo Bay Two when a group of crewmen rounded a corner.
Ensign Samantha Wildman was accompanied by three other women and they were chattering animatedly about something. One of the women was proudly displaying a box with something shiny in it.
"It's beautiful, Jean." Sam remarked. The other two nodded their agreement and Seven recognized them as the Delaney sisters.
"Thank you. I can't believe he gave me this… it's just so romantic and I never would have expected it of him." Ensign Brooks replied.
"It's always the quiet ones." One of the Delaneys -- Megan, Seven realized, said.
"Yeah, I've always suspected that Lieutenant Ellsworth was a mushball." Jenny Delaney chimed in.
"Pat's so wonderful." Jean gushed. The women passed by Seven, nodding their greetings, not noticing that the Borg had scrutinized their every word.
When they had gone, Seven turned and was about to race to Engineering to confront the Lieutenant about his romantic proclivities when her comm badge chirped.
"Seven of Nine to astrometrics." Janeway's voice echoed in the corridor and Seven filed away her plans for another day.
***
Captain Kathryn Janeway was absolutely positive that Fate, the fickle lady herself, was conspiring to keep her away from Seven of Nine. Every time she made plans to meet the Borg for dinner or a quiet evening of poker something would come up. Recently, it had been the EMH's regaining of carefully suppressed memories, memories that endangered the Doctor's programming, that had kept the two women apart. The last few days had seen them only able to converse for short periods, and even when the Borg had come to visit Janeway in her quarters, she hadn't stayed long, needing to regenerate in order to function at maximum efficiency the next day.
It had been with a heavy heart that the captain had ordered the memories that were causing the EMH distress purged. It was only Seven's visit and subsequent conversation with her that had allowed her to realize that taking away the Doctor's memories was not the solution to the problem, but only a temporary fix.
Now, she had finally returned to her quarters, utterly exhausted, but it was an exultant sort of sleepiness, having battled the Doctor's inner demons and won. The EMH had emerged from the holodeck somewhat less ebullient than before, but mentally healthy and capable of resuming his duties as the ship's Chief Medical Officer. She collapsed into bed, regretting that she hadn't thought to invite Seven up for a nightcap, but unable to even formulate the words that would bring the younger woman to her. She was asleep before her boots had hit the deck.
***
Seven of Nine cautiously approached Lieutenant Ellsworth's table. It was 0000 hours and the mess hall was all but empty, most of the crew either asleep, or involved in their duties. Neelix could be heard cleaning the kitchens and preparing the next days meals and one or two other crewmen were braving the leftover buffet. The Engineering officer was absently chewing his way through a bowl of leola root stew while using a padd to design something.
"Lieutenant." Seven greeted him. He looked up, startled into dropping his spoon.
"Seven, ah, hello. Um, please, have a seat?" He babbled, gesturing at the other side of his table.
"Thank you." Seven said, and sat.
"Ah, what can I do for you?" The lieutenant seemed a bit nonplussed by Seven's approach, but his phlegmatic nature allowed him to regain his composure quickly.
"I understand you possess extensive knowledge on the subject of romance. I wish to assimilate this information." Seven cut to the chase.
As unflappable as Patrick Ellsworth was, this statement caused him to stare slack-jawed at Seven for several seconds. The ex-Maquis had never backed off from a challenge though, and this one looked to be one of his greatest. "Oh-kay." He pushed aside the now-cold soup. "Where would you like to begin."
"The gift you gave to Ensign Brooks, what was it?"
"Jean? Oh, I gave her a bracelet that I designed."
"An item of jewelry? That you created? I wish to know more." Something inside Seven was bouncing around joyously. She knew that this was the key. That what Lieutenant Ellsworth was saying, showing her even now on his padd, was the path to understanding "romance".
Seven spent the next several days in the company of Pat Ellsworth, first learning from him what he could teach about "wooing", then learning how to design and create jewelry from replicated bits. When the Lieutenant had smoothly asked why she had such a great desire to absorb all the information he was imparting, she had calmly replied, "I am about to engage in a romantic liaison with another crewmember, and I wish to perform my portion of the relationship to peak efficiency." After privately wondering who in their right mind would shack up with the Borg, Ellsworth continued to instruct Seven, both of them utilizing holodeck time and precious replicator rations to continue the lessons, until Seven was pleased with the results.
***
Janeway slumped in her Ready Room chair, hands woven into her hair and palms rubbing furiously against her aching forehead. If she heard the words "Captain Proton" ever again, it just might be too soon. Longingly, she thought of taking the data chips containing the holo-program and using them for target practice with her favorite compression phaser rifle. It was either that, or take pot shots at her helmsman, Tom Paris, who had already apologized for his program's troublemaking fifteen different times in the last hour.
Finally, she pulled her hands away, migraine beaten into manageable submission and picked up a discarded padd. Perhaps doing the personnel reports would take her mind off of all things monochromatic for a brief time.
She noted that she and Seven actually had a shared day off the next day and considered inviting her… What do I call her, exactly? She isn't my lover, because we haven't really, um, made love, but she's so much more than a friend. Girlfriend sounds just so -- immature. Yet that was how she felt around Seven of Nine. Giddy and uncontrolled, like the first time Cheb Packer had laid eyes on her, singled her out of the crowd, and dated her above all the other girls who were vying for his attention. Oh stop it Kate! Seven of Nine is your… your… Ugh. She sighed, disgusted with herself.
A flash from her deskpadd caught her eye. She dropped the padd and swiveled the monitor around to face her. A message was waiting for her in her personal file. She opened the file and read the note. It was from Seven.
My Dearest Kathryn:
How like the sun is your smile? How like the new moon is my heart, without its shine? Please light the darkness encasing me and grant me the Glory that is you.
My heart would overflow with joy if you would join me for a glorious repast on the morrow.
If it pleases you to answer yes, I shall meet you in holodeck one at 1200 hours.
In Loving Humbleness, Annika
Kathryn tried very hard not to laugh. She really did. But the combination of bad romantic poetry and near-medieval style language coming from her dryly efficient Astrometrics officer tickled her funny bone. Besides, Seven would never, ever be "humble". Her lips twitched as she composed her reply.
My Darling Annika:
I'd love to have lunch with you. See you there.
Warmest Regards, Kathryn
She hit "send" just as her door chime rang.
"Come in." Chakotay came in, bearing a stack of padds. She smiled grimly. "More personnel reports?"
"Yes ma'am." He replied, somewhat cheekily.
Janeway made a face. "You know, I believe there's a regulation somewhere that says I can have you whipped for insubordination."
"That's only for the Klingon officers. Save the S and M for B'Elanna. Although," he said, eyes twinkling, "if you're the one wielding the strap, perhaps I could make an exception?"
Janeway was absolutely stunned speechless. She could only stare open-mouthed at the commander as he dropped the padds on her desk.
"Oh come on Kathryn, you have to know I was teasing. I know that I'm not your type. At least, not anymore." He finally said, after waiting for several minutes.
"What ever do you mean by that?" She asked sharply, regaining her wits.
"Only that your attentions seem to have strayed elsewhere these last few months, and that I recognize that what ever it was that we might have shared in the past, stays there."
"I see. Am I that… obvious then?" She asked, resignation and curiosity warring in her voice. Chakotay sat down across from her, casually crossing his legs.
"To those of us who want to notice, yes. Of course, speculation has run high in certain circles as to who has won your heart, but only a few of us have actually put a name to them."
"Really?" Kathryn asked, an odd little catch in her voice. God, the whole ship was betting on who she was bedding? The headache was starting to come back…
"Oh yes. Only Tuvok and I know that you and Seven of Nine have been seeing each other."
"I would very much like to keep it that way Commander. I really do not want to have my love life become the top story on 'Good Morning, Voyager', understood?" There was no mistaking her tone.
"Understood, Captain."
"Good. As you were." Chakotay knew a dismissal when he heard one and he did the only thing he could do -- made tracks out of the Ready Room.
Once he was gone, the captain buried her head back in her hands and groaned. "Oh God."
***
Seven was excited. Kathryn had responded positively to her first overture for a date. If all went well at the luncheon, then she would ask the captain to go out dancing with her for their next date. Perhaps by the third or fourth date, Kathryn would then understand and except that Seven was truly anxious to be her lifetime mate and "be certain" about them. Then they could move on to trying some of the different things she'd read about, things that had struck her as "interesting"; things that when she'd contemplated Kathryn doing them, had downright invigorated her.
Seven shook herself as visions of those "things" paraded merrily in her head. Focus. She needed to focus. The scans she was looking over were full of data that if she missed even a single particle, she could foul the whole upcoming mission. She would not do that, would not cause the captain any distress. She well remembered how she had felt during those few times when she and Kathryn had butted heads and she had no care to repeat those experiences.
The red alert lights went off and Seven muttered something she'd heard B'Elanna call Vorik. She closed down her board and proceeded to Astrometrics.
***
Rescuing Tuvok, Paris, the Doctor and Noss from a gravity well had been a challenge, but nothing that the well-oiled crew of Voyager couldn't handle. Even the time constraints hadn't been that much of a problem, as Seven poured herself into working out all the kinks before bothering to present a plan to Captain Janeway.
Seven continued to maintain her burgeoning friendship with Lieutenant Ellsworth, even joining him and Ensign Brooks for meals in the Mess Hall. She was very pleased when the captain even took the time to sit with them as well. She enjoyed feeling the compact woman slide into the booth beside her and press her knee against hers.
When the captain had first started to sit with Seven, she had taken the time to privately ask the young Borg if she minded her presence, which caused Seven to just look at Kathryn as if she'd lost her mind. In answer, Seven had looked around, then quickly and passionately kissed the captain. Just as they had parted, Tuvok and Chakotay had rounded the corner, both talking about an upcoming warp core test. When they saw Janeway and Seven standing in the corridor, looking somewhat flushed, they stopped talking, nodded to the women, and walked on.
Later that day, while Tuvok was delivering his security report, he commented, "I see that you are progressing well with Seven's socialization activities." Janeway nearly choked, but said nothing.
They eventually did have their luncheon on the Holodeck, but it was ruined by the environmental controls malfunctioning and causing the setting to go from a mildly temperate sub tropical café to a desert oasis. Seven was almost ready to give up the idea of romance when the Holodeck sun set and Kathryn stood up and walked over to the rail that surrounded the outside of the restaurant. The captain leaned over, resting against the rail and closed her eyes as just the faintest hint of wind tugged her hair away from her face. Seven's breath caught in her throat as the sunset illuminated Janeway's hair, turning it into a brilliant copper fall. The Borg stood and slowly approached the woman she cared for more than any other. Hesitantly she reached her hand out and covered Janeway's, feeling their fingers entwine and feeling her heart beat faster when the captain slid closer.
"Are you… enjoying yourself, Kathryn?" She finally asked.
"Mmm, yes." Kathryn sighed, resting her head against the Borg's shoulder, eyes still closed.
"Could this be considered our first 'date' then?" Seven said hopefully. The captain turned to face Seven, eyes wide open, lips curved into a sensuous smile.
"It will be if you kiss me." She replied, voice husky. Seven hastened to comply with the captain's suggestion, covering the red head's soft lips with her own, taking time to luxuriate in the sensation, tasting the faint traces of the coffee ice cream that Kathryn had ordered as her desert.
Kathryn released Seven's hand and slipped her arms up around the younger woman's neck, pulling them closer, deepening the contact, allowing small moans of delighted satisfaction to escape as their lips and tongues tangled for dominance.
"Kathryn…" Seven whispered when they parted to catch their breath. The captain's head was resting against her chest and she ran her fingers through the fine hair at the base of Kathryn's neck, enjoying the sensation of the silky strands against her fingertips.
"Oh Annika, I …"
"Doctor to Seven of Nine." Chirped the Borg's comm badge.
"Damn." Cursed the captain.
"Go ahead, Doctor."
"Please come to sickbay, your presence is requested."
"On my way, Doctor." Seven released the captain with a quick kiss to the temple. "I am sorry."
"I understand darling. Did you forget about an appointment?"
"No, I do not know why I am being summoned. Do you wish to accompany me?" Seven asked as she headed for the now forming exit.
"Why not?" The captain smiled. Together, they exited the holodeck.
***
The reason for the Doctor's summons became quite clear when they walked through the doors into Sickbay. Naomi Wildman was seated on one of the bio-beds, cradling her arm and trying very hard not to cry. The EMH was hovering nearby unsuccessfully attempting to examine the half-K'tarian child.
"It won't hurt at all Naomi, now please let me see your arm."
"Not until … Seven!" Naomi leaped off of the bed and raced toward the started Borg. Carefully, Seven knelt down to catch the child.
"You are damaged, Naomi Wildman. You must allow the Doctor to examine you." Seven said as Naomi buried her face in Seven's chest and began to cry. Janeway put her hands on her hips and gave the Doctor a force ten "look".
"Where is Ensign Wildman?" She asked.
"The same place as Mr. Neelix -- on an Away mission, which is why I called Seven. Naomi asked for her."
"All right, as you were, Doctor."
Meanwhile, Seven had done what she could to calm Naomi down and was getting the youth to tell her what happened.
"And Flotter said that Treevis wouldn't come out of his tree no matter what he did so I climbed up into the tree to see what was wrong, when suddenly CRACK! I was on the ground. I guess I landed wrong because my arm hurt really bad when I tried to get up. But I got Treevis to come out!" She smiled at this and held out her arm for Seven to inspect. "He was mad that I'd broken his tree, but when he saw my arm, he wasn't mad anymore. Oh it hurts so badly Seven, make it stop!" Naomi's lower lip began to tremble again. Seven lifted the half-K'tarian up and set her back on the bio-bed.
"You will be returned to proper function shortly, Naomi. Please allow the Doctor to do his job."
"Will you hold my hand?" Naomi asked in a small voice.
"Of course." Seven took the smaller, undamaged hand in her own and stood patiently while the EMH first scanned, then used the bone knitter on Naomi's arm.
"There you are Miss Wildman, good as new! Just try not to fall out of any more trees." He smiled what he hoped was a cheerful smile.
"Thank you Doctor." Naomi released Seven's hand and hopped down. "May I return to my quarters? I'm kinda tired."
"Yes you may." He replied, as he was putting away his tools.
"Thank you for coming Seven, Captain. I'm very sorry to have disturbed you."
"It's okay Naomi. I'm glad we could come." The captain replied.
"Yes. You are my friend Naomi Wildman and I am pleased that you thought of me when you needed help." Seven and the younger Wildman exchanged hugs and then the half-K'tarian child left Sickbay.
"So, how are those dance lessons going, Seven?" The Doctor asked just as Seven and the captain were turning to leave as well. Seven flushed.
"Dance lessons?" Janeway inquired. The flush darkened.
"Oh dear… I must have said something I shouldn't." The EMH said. "Terribly sorry." But he didn't sound like he was.
"I have… engaged in learning more about human mating practices, and the Doctor suggested dancing as one aspect." Seven explained as they walked out of the room.
"Fascinating. I would love to see how far you've progressed." Kathryn could barely contain the curiosity in her tone.
"I'm sure a … demonstration … could be arranged for you Captain." Seven replied formally. Janeway shot a sharp glance at the Borg, but said nothing, noting the tense set to Seven's jaw.
"If you'd rather not --" The captain began.
"It is not that, Captain." Seven said through clenched teeth. The captain furrowed her brow, trying to understand why Seven was all of a sudden so formal. Then, faintly, she heard footsteps behind her. Casually, she twisted her head around, and caught sight of one of the Delaney sisters -- she couldn't determine which -- nonchalantly following them. Slowly, as if by chance, Janeway drifted away from Seven's side, then caught herself.
Damn. Well, if I can't carry on a friendship with one of my own crew then who am I supposed to be friends with? But the command mask had already slid into place. "I look forward to that report, Seven." She said, then briskly walked away, leaving Seven to her own devices. Seven's face was also an impassive mask as she strode off toward astrometrics.
***
Seven sagged against her regeneration alcove, eyes fluttering from exhaustion. Never had anything been so difficult as had the last few days. The fight to release Voyager from the bowels of the bioplasmic organism had required her to use ever last iota of her Borg ingenuity and yet, it had still managed to manipulate her. Somehow, with the help of the EMH, an alien named Qatai and Naomi Wildman she had managed to save the ship and crew.
Now, it was two days later and she had just returned from giving a full report to the entire command crew. They had each questioned her until she thought she would just scream from the frustration of it all. Worse, Captain Janeway -- Kathryn -- had yet to speak to her beyond the barrage of questions she had heaped on the young Borg's head. Perhaps she has decided that she no longer wishes to have an intimate relationship with me. I have not performed my functions as a romantic equal to peak efficiency, I am not worthy of her desire, her love. Seven's legs gave out and she collapsed into the alcove, tears creeping free of their prison and trickling down her cheeks.
***
"I am a class three idiot." Captain Kathryn Janeway announced to the uncaring ready room. She was pacing in circles while a cup of coffee cooled on her desktop. She had read, then reread Seven's report, then read the EMH's and even, Naomi Wildman's efforts at dictating a protocol-following account. But she still hadn't gone down to cargo bay two to apologize to Seven for intentionally injuring her. Nor had she commended her astrometrics officer for doing an outstanding job in the face of enormous difficulty.
"What is wrong with me?" But she knew what was wrong, or at least, she suspected. The fact that the faked letter from Mark -- the one other padd resting on her desk in fact -- had appealed to her so much shook her to the core. How could she possibly embark on a relationship with Seven of Nine, with Annika, if she hadn't let him go? Or was she beating herself up for nothing? Had the entity confused her so much, preyed upon her desire to be with Seven and her latent hurt at Mark's marriage to his secretary to get what it wanted? The door chime invaded her thoughts, ceasing her restless pacing.
"Come." She was not surprised to see her oldest friend Tuvok enter bearing a padd.
"Captain. Here is my report regarding the repairs. I trust you will find it complete." He handed it to her.
"I'm sure I will old friend." She sighed heavily and tossed it onto the desk where it landed near the others. The dark skinned Vulcan raised an eyebrow.
"Are you troubled, Captain?" It was not his habit to engage in idle dialog, but he had always made an exception where the captain was concerned.
"A little, but I've no wish to burden you with my emotions, my friend." Kathryn's tired face relaxed into an almost smile.
"Trouble me, Captain. Allow me to decide whether your emotions are too much of a burden." He stood in front of her with his hands locked behind his back, face expressionless, voice a model of Vulcan blandness, yet Kathryn could still sense that there was more to his solicitousness than mere concern for his friend.
"Tell me Tuvok," the captain said, walking over to the couch and sitting down, "are all Vulcans so illogical when it comes to their friends?"
"Your pardon, Captain. If you do not wish to discuss this, then I shall leave." The Vulcan turned to go, and Kathryn sighed resignedly.
"It's about Seven of Nine, of course." Tuvok stopped.
"Indeed."
"Chakotay has informed me that you know about the …relationship… between her and I."
"I am aware that you and Seven of Nine have begun a romantic relationship and that you wish to keep such knowledge from the rest of the ship. I am also aware that you are only marginally succeeding." He stepped up to where the captain was seated, hands still linked behind his back. "What is it that is troubling you?"
"Everything. Nothing. What do you mean, marginally?" Kathryn stood again, and began pacing around the coffee table, a habit that Tuvok found completely annoying.
"I only meant that your recent friendliness toward Seven has not gone unnoted by certain crewmembers." Tuvok clarified.
Kathryn collapsed back into the couch. "This is exactly what I don't want to happen. I can't afford to have happen." She buried her head in her hands and groaned softly.
"The logical choice would be to sever your relationship with Seven then." Tuvok pointed out dispassionately.
"I believe Seven herself would say, 'unacceptable.' There's got to be another answer."
"Curious. Why even bother to hide such a relationship? Lieutenant Torres and Ensign Paris have successfully carried on a romantic partnership and I believe that it has only enhanced their performance."
Janeway was surprised. That was high praise coming from her hard to please Security Chief. "You may be right, but wouldn't the crew resent whomever the Captain chose? Perhaps feel that the person in question was receiving special treatment?"
"I believe that it would only be seen that way if it is presented that way. Logically, you should be able to keep the roles of Captain and Lover separate." The Vulcan's ears began to buzz, perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut. The conversation was beginning to become tedious.
"I'll have to consider that, Tuvok. Thank you."
"If that is all, Captain?"
"I believe I've burdened our friendship enough, old friend. I can figure out how to apologize to Seven on my own." She waved him out, rubbing her eyes with the fingers of her other hand.
"Seven of Nine is not a complicated woman, Captain. It might be best if you remember that." He said, then left.
***
Cautiously, the captain stepped into Cargo Bay Two. The lights were dim, indicating that Seven was regenerating and she didn't want to wake the woman unnecessarily. Quietly, she walked passed the many barrels and boxes containing extra equipment until Seven's alcoves came into sight. What greeted her was not the proud Borg standing stiff and tall in her cubicle, but the huddled form of the young woman sleeping fitfully on the riser of the alcoves. Janeway was by her side in minutes, carefully shaking Seven awake.
"Seven, wake up." She called softly, hand gently stroking the Borg's shoulder.
"Kathryn?" Seven cried piteously, opening her eyes and seeing the captain kneeling beside her, then throwing herself into the older woman's arms and clinging for all she was worth. "Please give me another chance. Please let me prove to you that I am capable of being 'romantic'. Please don't deactivate our relationship." She pleaded between sobs.
Kathryn smoothed Seven's hair away from her face and soothingly stroked the younger woman's back. "Shh. It's okay Annika. Whatever gave you that idea?"
Seven hiccoughed, but was unable to speak, just continued to cling to Janeway.
The captain held onto Seven until the tears subsided and the Borg was able to take great shuddering gulps of air. "Better now?" She asked softly, wiping away the traces of the crying jag.
"A … a little. You will not go away? You are here to see me?" Seven asked tremulously.
Janeway made a face, eyes twinkling. "No, I'm here to inspect the cargo bay. Of course I'm here to see you. I came here to apologize for the dreadful way I treated you while under the influence of that bioplasmic life form. And to do this." Quickly, she ducked her head down and kissed Seven. She had meant for the kiss to be reassuring, but soon found herself undoing Seven's bun and letting the white blonde hair spill down around the Borg's shoulder while the kiss became two, then three, then too many to count. Breathlessly they pulled apart.
"I'm so very sorry that you were upset by my distance Annika, but I think you can safely say that I wish to continue our relationship." Janeway said between breaths.
"Then I am happy to have been in error." Seven replied and promptly kissed Kathryn again. Which led to more kisses, which led to them attempting to find a comfortable position in the alcove.
"Darling, this is just not working." The captain groused as she was prodded in the small of her back for the umpteenth time by something sharp and unforgiving.
"Agreed. Perhaps a change of location?" Seven suggested, while re-pinning her hair up.
"Mm. I'd like that." Kathryn nodded. "How does my quarters sound?" She asked, running a caressing hand up Seven's thigh. The younger woman's skin tingled in the wake of the captain's touch.
"I have a better suggestion. Would you meet me in holodeck one in one hour?"
"A date?" Janeway asked, amusement tinging her voice.
"Yes, a date."
"Darling, I'd be delighted to meet you in one hour."
"Will you wear the item stored in replicator number 6274?" Seven asked, standing and helping Janeway to stand as well.
"Anything for you, my dear." I wonder what oddball costume that is? They kissed once more, then parted.
"In one hour, then." Seven nodded at the captain.
"One hour." Janeway kissed the tip of her fingers and then caressed the Borg's lips.
***
One hour later, Janeway was in her quarters staring bemusedly at herself in the mirror. Wonder no more, Katie my dear. What stared back at her was a vision. The contents of the replicator program had turned out to be medieval costuming, and oh how beautiful it was. There was a chemise of dark crème and over that, a dress whose bodice and skirt were a deep emerald green velvet. For her feet and hands, crème colored kidskin boots and gloves. It was absolutely decadent and Kathryn felt like a Duchess on her way to the Grand Ball. The skirt itself moved with a soft whishing sound each time she so much as breathed and she half-wondered what it would feel like to dance with such an outfit on. The whole outfit conspired to push aside the troubles of the day. Suddenly it just didn't seem so important that the ship had nearly been eaten by the spacial equivalent of a blue whale. Her door chime broke her out of her daydream.
She stepped into the living area and said, "Come in." The door slid open to reveal young Naomi Wildman. "Is there something I can help you with?" Janeway asked, trying to hold her patience.
Naomi stepped into the captain's quarters. "I have a delivery for you ma'am." She said, and held out her hands. Nestled in the palms of Naomi's hands was an elegantly carved box, the designs etched in the wood hauntingly familiar.
"Thank you Naomi." The younger Wildman nodded and departed without another word after handing the box over to Kathryn. When she had the box in her hands, she realized why the designs were so familiar. They were Borg. Curiosity nudged at the corners of her mind. Just what had her Borg been doing on her days off? She opened the box and gasped. Inside, nestled in a pile of deep green velvet was a necklet. It was platinum set with diamonds and some kind of greenish black stone. Janeway studied the darker stones further and was nearly overcome with the realization that the stones weren't stones at all -- they were polished bits of Seven's original armor plating.
Shakily, she withdrew the necklace and clasped it around her neck. It sat perfectly, displayed fully due to the low décolletage of the chemise and dress. When she had finished, she almost ran to the holodeck to meet Seven.
Whatever the younger woman had planned, surely it couldn't make her feel any higher than she did right now.
***
Janeway entered the holodeck, where a program was already underway. It was a ballroom, she recognized, looking around at the magnificently garbed men and women talking, laughing and dancing in the huge room. Music seemed to float by on angel's wings and the delicious scent of mulled wine perfumed the air. She mingled freely, hoping to locate her date, picking up a cup of something marvelously spicy in the process.
She had made her way around the room and was about to step out of the holodeck to be sure she was in the right place when she saw a lone figure standing on a balcony overlooking some gardens. Quietly she approached the person, wondering if this would be her Annika.
The figure turned at her appearance and bowed. It was Annika, but what a different Annika it was. She was garbed in a white silk poet's shirt, over which she wore a black velvet doublet and matching white hose. Her hair had been let down into a ponytail, then covered by a black felt hat. At her side was a silver-hilted rapier and on her feet were knee-high black leather boots. Seeing Kathryn, Seven smiled warmly, bowed deeply and said, "Kathryn, may I have this dance?" Then she held out her hand.
Janeway curtsied, then placed her hand into Seven's. Amusement turned to outright wonder when Seven brought Kathryn's hand up to her lips and expertly brushed her satiny soft lips across the captain's gloved knuckles. Suddenly, Janeway felt like a school girl with her first crush as Seven led her out onto the dance floor, and then took her in her arms and expertly led her in the first steps of a simple pavane.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Kathryn?" Seven finally asked.
"Oh Annika, this is simply marvelous." Kathryn sighed deeply, inhaling the cleanly sharp scent of the woman guiding her around with nonchalant ease. The whole setting was so unreal, Janeway had to mentally pinch herself.
"I am glad, then." Seven replied.
"Mmm." They danced, moving around other couples until they were back on the balcony, dancing alone, not more than breathing room between them. Seven's head rested lightly on Janeway's as they swayed together, unhurried, and unwilling to break apart.
"I relish your company more than any other, Kathryn Janeway." Seven whispered, pulling Kathryn close in a gentle hug.
"Oh darling, kiss me and make this real." Kathryn said huskily, raising her face to meet Seven's.
They kissed as the sounds of the dance and the music flowed over them and out into the holographic night.
fin
05/08/99