Spurs and Shut Eye

PART 01

By Diana Anderson

 

sleep, v: take rest afforded by a natural suspended state.

 

Seven blinked and read the definition again.  That certainly did not help matters. The Doctor had ordered her, against her protests, to begin sleeping.  She would still regenerate in her alcove but only 1-2 hours a day, and then sleep for six.  He had even prepared a small sleeping chamber in a separate room attached to the Sickbay. The Doctor had prepared her inadequately for sleeping.  He himself did not sleep and was therefore inexperienced in such matters.  When she regenerated she slept, but that was activated by the regeneration cycle, it did not occur naturally.

 

She had asked B'Elanna Torres, the chief engineer, how one fell asleep and her answer had been terse as usual.

 

"You just do, that's all," she said.

 

The response was unilluminating at best, and it was getting late. The doctor would be hailing her soon. The doors behind her opened and she heard small steps approach.

 

"Naomi Wildman," she stated, not turning around.

 

"What are you working on?" the little girl asked.

 

"Nothing," she said, shutting off the Astrometrics display. "I am retiring for the evening, to sleep."

 

"I thought you regenerated."

 

"I do, but tonight the doctor wants me to sleep."

 

"When I was little sometimes I was scared to sleep by myself.  Are you scared to sleep by yourself?"

 

"No."  She quirked an eyebrow up. "You are not little now?"

 

"No."

 

She smirked a little at the response. "You may accompany me to Sickbay if you wish.  That's where I'll be sleeping."

 

"Why there?"

 

"The doctor wants to monitor me."

 

"Oh."

 

Naomi decided it was her job to lead Seven through the ritual of going to bed.  She made her change into Starfleet issue pajamas and lie on the bed.

 

"Here, this always helps," she said, putting a stuffed bear next to Seven.

 

"Thank you," she said, in a tone a tad too serious for a Borg lying in bed with a teddy bear.  Her hair was undone from its pins and was draped across the pillow.

 

A rather imposing figure appeared in the doorway and leaned against the frame, arms crossed.  She watched rather bemusedly as Naomi treated Seven like her own six-foot ex-Borg toy doll. Naomi pulled the covers over Seven gingerly. 

 

"I'm tucking you in now."

 

"Miss Wildman, isn't it past your bedtime?"

 

Captain Janeway's voice startled her a little and she turned around.

 

"But-"

 

"I'll take over from here, you're relieved."

 

"Yes Ma'am," she answered smartly. "Goodnight, Seven."

 

"Goodnight."

 

Janeway watched the girl leave and turned her attention to Seven.

 

"I thought you were upset with me," Seven commented.

 

"Oh I am, you're lucky I didn't throw you in the brig today for you're behavior.  If you were in Starfleet I could charge you with insubordination.  Sometimes I think you argue for the sake of arguing."

Seven raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

 

"This is serious business.  You will not behave like that in front of the crew again.  If you want to argue with me, do it in private.  You shouldn't be arguing with me at all, anyway.  I've been tolerant of this for a while now."

 

"That's because you enjoy it."

 

"That's ridiculous."

 

 Seven raised herself up on her elbows and gave her a smoldering look.

"It arouses you sexually."

 

"I think your implants need an adjustment."

 

"Would you like to examine me?" she asked, hand going to the buttons on her shirt.

 

"Annika Hansen," she growled warningly.

 

"Kathryn Janeway," she growled back, imitating the Captain's tone.

 

"I mean it Seven; the next time you make a scene like that I'll throw you in the brig."

 

"Understood," she said, lying back down on the bed.

 

"Then you won't do it again, correct? Seven? Seeveeeen?"

 

"Captain?"

 

Janeway clenched her jaw and threw her one of her most dangerous looks, but it bounced off Seven like a rock off a Borg shield.

 

"You are the most stubborn person I have ever known."

 

She considered the comment. "Thank you."

 

Janeway snorted and walked closer to the bed.  "I see you're all ready for bed," she commented, picked up the stuffed bear.

 

"I'm apprehensive of this experience."

 

"Why?"

 

"I don't feel adequately prepared."

 

"Not tired huh?"

 

"No, I've been told to count sheep, whatever that entails, drink warm milk, which is disgusting, and Naomi assured me this bear has soothing qualities," she took the bear back from Kathryn.  "But none have worked."

 

"You know, a good rubdown always relaxes me."

 

"Rubdown?"

 

"Massage."

 

"And who gives you these rubdowns?" she asked, her voice quavering a little.

 

"Holodeck masseuse, Seven, perfectly professional.  I can try it on you if you like, it's quite enjoyable.  Take your shirt off."

 

"Will you be taking yours off as well?"

 

"Uh, no."

 

"Then where's the enjoyment?"

 

Janeway mumbled something that sounded like "smartass" as she closed the door to the room.  When she turned around Seven was finishing removing her top and sat waiting patiently, bare from the waist up. Janeway's mouth watered at the sight of those soft perfect breasts.  She swallowed hard.

 

"Lay down on your stomach."  The bed was low enough for Janeway to crawl onto easily.  She straddled Seven's shapely ass ad began to slowly rub her back in small circles.  Seven exhaled and closed her eyes.

 

'Control, show some control here.  You're just here to help her relax, not pounce her like a Vulcan going through pon farr.'  She relaxed a little, settling her weight onto Seven as she stroked her back.

 

"That's very pleasant," Seven murmured.

 

It was getting warm; Janeway's breathing was growing labored.  She unzipped her uniform coat and threw it off.  She was moving against her, rocking her hips as she moved her hands up and down Seven's back.  She was riding her; if she was only wearing spurs it would be perfect.

 

Seven could feel Janeway's reaction and could tell she was stimulated.  She rocked back gently against her, feeling her breath quicken in response.  Reaching back she ran her hand up Janeway's thigh delicately, just touching the cloth with her fingertips.

 

Kathryn leaned down and touched her lips to the bare skin of Seven's back, only to be interrupted by the brittle tones of the EMH.

 

"I certainly hope you are not planning to have sexual relations, Seven needs her rest."

 

"That door was closed for a reason," the Captain growled.

 

"This is my sickbay and I'm ordering you out.  Visiting hours are over," he said tartly as he took readings with his tricorder, an imperious look gracing his features.

 

The Captain was irritated but stood and put her jacket on.  "Alright, Doctor. Goodnight, Seven." She began to walk past the Doctor when he made another comment.

 

"Don't forget a kiss goodnight."

 

"Okay," she said, pecking him on the cheek.  He gave her an irritated look.  She smiled at him and then turned to give Seven a quick kiss on the cheek.

 

"Sleep well, Annika."

 

"Goodnight."

 

Seven spent the next 5.8 hours staring at the ceiling.  She though about slipstream technology, projected calculations, and thought about a certain red headed Captain. The issue of their constant confrontations plagued her thoughts. They were more than simple disagreements, something else was flavoring them.  Before she interpreted Janeway's reaction as simple irritation or anger but recent experience had led her to believe these confrontations were a source of arousal for the Captain.  Perhaps she could test the theory.

 

After the restless evening Seven reported for a briefing involving the command officers.  A nebula had been discovered nearby and Janeway wanted it investigated for the unusual readings it was emitting. A probe would be needed, but not just any probe, one which could withstand the intense radiation of the nebula.

 

"A Starfleet issue probe with Borg shielding should suffice," Seven stated.

 

"Agreed.  You and B'Elanna start on it ASAP.  Let's get going then. Dismissed."

 

Everyone rose to leave, each caught up in separate conversations.

 

Seven waited until they all left, then raised her eyes to Captain Janeway.

 

"Did you get any sleep?" Kathryn asked gently.

 

"No.  I am concerned about this nebula project.  It is highly unlikely that anything of significance will be found there.  It is a waste of time."

 

"Exploration is never a waste of time.  One day that's how we'll find our way home."

 

Kathryn wasn't biting.  Seven had to approach at a different angle.

 

"You are still following Starfleet priorities in a place where they are no longer relevant.  It compromises your service to this vessel."

 

The Captain's jaw set and she stood from her chair.  "That is WAY out of line."

 

"Is it?  I find your continuing devotion to these ideals cripple you at times."

 

"That's absurd; it's probably the only thing that's kept us alive."

 

"But has it got you home?"

 

Janeway bit the inside of her cheek.  "And do you have any better approaches?"

 

"Yes," she stated.” Ignore the nebula.  Exploration is irrelevant." She stood and clasped her hands behind her back.  I will not participate in this endeavor."

 

She took a couple breaths and ran the problem through her brain.  She could order Seven to do it but that would probably get her no where. There was something going on here.

 

"I don't know what the issue is here Seven, but I don't have time to argue with you."

 

Seven stepped in front of the door, blocking her exit.

 

"Seven, this is ridiculous.  Stand aside."

 

"I will not comply.  You will have to move me."

 

The muscle in Janeway's jaw was twitching now.

 

"You are not leaving this room."  Seven grabbed the front of Janeway's uniform and pulled her close, the smell of her perfume wafting over her.  She inhaled it deeply as she leaned down and touched her lips gently to Kathryn's.  After a soft kiss she pulled back.

 

"You're aroused."

 

Kathryn was too flustered to answer, her cheeks were flushed and her heart was pounding away in her chest.

 

"You bet your implants I'm aroused."

 

Seven reached up and undid her hair, letting it flow down to her shoulders.  "Computer, lock this door, priority one."

 

Janeway swallowed as she watched the unfolding display.  She was so turned on she felt dizzy; blood was rushing to places other than her brain.  This was really not the time or place but Holy cow those were great tits!  Hooray for Borg perfection!  A sheen of sweat broke out on her forehead as she watched Seven remove her clothes and toss them aside.  She now stood in front of her in full naked glory, her hands on her hips. Janeway was visibly swooning and she has to shake her head a little to clear it.

 

Seven tilted her head. "This vessel requires boarding, Captain."

 

Finally Kathryn's brain began to function and she pushed Seven back against the wall, pushing her legs apart.

 

"I want you, Seven.  I want to take you right here.  Are you ready?"

 

She ran her hand down to the apex of Seven's legs and tested the entrance, savoring the wetness that coated her fingers.  They both shivered at the sensation.  Kathryn pushed herself against Seven, who was pressed into the cool wall behind her.  The cool behind her and the heat in front of her was exhilarating.  She leaned down and bit Kathryn's neck gently and moaned in her ear.

 

"I need you right now," she growled.

 

Janeway's head cleared for a few seconds.  This really isn't appropriate.  She felt Seven reach down, grasp her wrist, and press her hand against the wet flesh.  The reasonable part of her skittered away, replaced by a grinning horny devil.  Life was good. She pushed her fingers inside the writhing woman, who sighed into her ear in approval. She pounded into her hard and quick, meeting no resistance.  Seven was so aroused her inner muscles accepted Kathryn's intrusion easily, rocking against her.  Her juices ran down the Captain's hand freely and she murmured little noises in her ear, which aroused her further.  She could feel herself getting wet but tried to ignore it, tired to concentrate on Seven. She lowered her lips to Seven's breasts and sucked roughly on a nipple.  It seemed like every little touch was driving Seven wild and she squealed in approval, arching her back. She pushed her back against the wall and switched to the other nipple.

 

Seven ran her hands down to Kathryn's waistband and shoved her pants and underwear down swiftly, just enough to give her access to what she wanted. Kathryn jerked and sucked her breath in as she felt Seven begin to fondle her clitoris.  She was so ready that the slight touch felt like an electric shock.  She reeled back a little but the blonde ex-Borg pulled her back. The way she moved against the Captain indicated how she wanted to be touched and they moved against each other, speeding up, slowing down, until they both exploded into an orgasm and ended up tumbling to the floor together.

 

Janeway felt a moment of absurdity as she lied on the conference room floor with her pants around her ankles until she remembered how she got there.  A little smile caressed her features and she rolled over to look into the achingly blue eyes of her partner.

 

"That was incredible," she smiled.  Seven could only nod as she tried to catch her breath.  They both felt shaky and spent.

 

"The bridge crew is probably wondering where I am," Kathryn whispered faintly.

 

"Tell them you were arguing with me."

 

"I could argue like this all day," she murmured.

 

"It is enjoyable, but I must help Lt. Torres with the probe."

 

"So you're going to work on it?"

 

"Yes," she answered as she began to search for her clothes. "I was only antagonizing you."

 

"I should've known," she smirked, pulling her pants up and refastening them.  She watched a completely naked Seven begin to search for a missing shoe, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder.

 

"How do you know me so well?  You've always known how to push my buttons."

 

Seven contemplated the question as she pulled back on her blue catsuit.  "I'm not really sure; perhaps I am efficient at judging your responses." She put her hair up and turned towards Kathryn, who was sitting on the floor.

 

"I have to leave. I'll speak to you later."  The tall blonde leaned down and kissed Janeway gently on the cheek.

 

"I know the Doctor wants you sleeping in the Sickbay but I'd like you to stay with me tonight."  She stood and straightened her uniform.

 

"Agreed."  She kissed her again, this time on the lips, and left the conference room.

 

Kathryn watched her leave and smiled to herself.  This day was starting out great.  Hot damn, sometimes the Delta quadrant wasn't too shabby.

"Trouble in paradise, or so it seems," Tom muttered to B'Elanna as they sat in the mess hall finishing their lunch.  "The Captain didn't come back to the bridge for a while after the meeting, and when she did she looked a little flushed."

 

"Seven was late showing up to Engineering, too.  Those two have really been tearing into each other lately."

 

"We've got to do something about it."

 

"A happy captain makes a happy crew," B'Elanna smirked.  Tom couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic.

 

"Yea, well, I'll figure something out by the end of the day."

 

"Sure you will."

 

"I will!"

 

"Okay, when you need help, call me."

 

He grumbled a little and looked down at his plate.

 

Seven was walking down the corridor in her usual swift long gait when she saw the Captain emerging from the mess hall with a cup of coffee.

 

"Captain," she acknowledged.

 

"Seven."

 

Cool blue eyes roamed casually over Janeway. "You have very nice breasts, Captain."

 

Kathryn's feet suddenly got entangled with themselves.  She pitched sideways, sloshing coffee onto the floor and almost spitting out the coffee that was in her mouth.  When she had regained her balance she wiped at the coffee that had escaped onto her lips and watched Seven continue down the hallway. Seven only turned briefly to appraise her with a raised eyebrow as she stalked down the hallway.

 

"No, what I'm saying is that maybe Seven would have better luck with this sleeping thing if she tried it somewhere more comfortable, like say the Captain's quarters,"  Tom suggested to the EMH.

 

"Oh really?"

 

"Yea, you should try to talk her into it.  It's for the best, believe me," he said, pulling off his best puppy dog eyes.

 

"Perhaps you're right.  I'll discuss it with her."

 

"Great, thanks Doc.  I'll see ya later."  He turned and hurried out the door, practically knocking Seven over in the process.

 

"Sorry Seven."

 

"It's...alright."  She moved past him and into Sickbay. "Doctor."

 

"Ahh, Seven, speak of the Borg. I was thinking this evening--"

 

"This evening I will be sleeping in Captain Janeway's quarters.  You will make the necessary adjustments to your monitoring."

 

"Alright." That was easy.

 

"I took your advice and attempted to use a compliment but the results were unsatisfactory.  The Captain lost her balance and spilled coffee on the floor."

 

"What did you say?"

 

"I complimented her breasts."

 

"Seven! You don't comment on things like that in public."

 

"Explain."

 

"Because it usually indicates sexual attraction.  In public, stay away from comments on breasts and asses, okay?"

 

"Understood.  Thank you for the clarification."

 

At 1800 hours Seven reported to the Captain's quarters like a crew member reporting for an away mission.  And she brought the stuffed bear. Kathryn had already changed out of her uniform and was dressed in a T-shirt and her black uniform pants.  She was holding her customary cup of coffee.

 

"I didn't have a chance to thank you earlier for your compliment in the hallway."

 

"The Doctor told me it was inappropriate in public."

 

"True, but thanks anyway.  You just caught me off guard."  She sat down on the sofa, tucking one leg beneath her.  "It's not everyday an old washed up Starfleet Captain like me gets a day like I had today."

 

"You are not 'old and washed up'. You are feeling depressed."

 

"I suppose I am.  Good thing you're around to keep me in line."

 

"I concur."

 

"Sit down with me."

 

Seven sat down next to her and Kathryn wrapped herself around the tall blonde with ease.  This was going to be a great night.  That thought of a great night fled from her mind when at 2 a.m. she had a restless young woman in her bed who tossed and turned, and even though she had stated "comfort is irrelevant" was one hell of a blanket hog. Janeway finally grabbed her pillow and headed for the couch.

 

"Where are you going?" Seven asked.

 

"To the couch so I can get some sleep."

 

"But--"

 

"Just stay in bed."

 

When Janeway reported to the bridge the next morning she knew she looked like hammered shit and Tom Paris couldn't help but comment on it.

 

"Long night, Captain?"

 

"You have no idea," she grumbled.

 

I'm like freakin' Cupid, he thought smugly.

 

Long range sensors detected several spacecraft on the other side of the nebula.  They seemed to be waiting just outside the perimeter, for someone or something.  The senior staff gathered to discuss the findings.

 

"There's something they want in that nebula, and we need to find out what it is," Janeway stated.  "I want that probe sent in there ASAP, Seven."

 

"It's not prepared, I require more time."

 

"And I require it launched.  Do it, that's an order."

 

"I will not comply," she stated.

 

Janeway's fury burned through her, lapping out and singeing the eyebrows of those closest to her at the conference table.  Seven seemed indifferent.

 

"The shielding will not modulate properly and the probe will be lost. The risk factor is too great."

 

Goddamn her.  The Captain was seething and could feel her control slipping.

 

"I need to speak to Seven in private," she growled.  The command officers bolted out of the room like Russian peasants going to a sale on babushkas, like Liz Taylor to a divorce lawyer.  If it was a bar in the Old West the saloon doors would be swinging in the dry wind.  This town ain't big enough for both of us. Seven remained unaffected as she sat in her chair.  Kathryn stalked her like a lioness, slowly and with precision.

 

"You continue to disobey orders in front of the crew--"

 

"That was not the crew, it was a staff meeting," she said, standing abruptly.

 

"I really should have you locked in the brig."

 

"That would be inefficient.  I will not launch a probe that may be imperfect, that's illogical."  Now Seven was getting a bit flustered.

 

"Why?  Too much of a blow to your Borg ego if it fails?"

 

"My Borg ego can handle many things," she practically spat.

 

"Oh yea?  How about this?"  Janeway kissed her fiercely, roughly, her tongue demanding, possessing.  She wrapped her arms around her and jerked her close. A sound like a growl emitted from Seven's throat as they dueled for dominance.  Her hands cupped around Janeway's ass and she lifted her easily onto the conference table.  She then pushed her back, her body coming to rest on top of hers. Janeway moved her hips sensuously, in arousal and also in an attempt to flip Seven over so she could take control of the situation.  They moved together in fluid motions, pelvises rocking and mouths joined in fevered kisses. Finally, the Captain succeeded in flipping Seven over...right off the table and onto the floor.

 

Tuvok heard the crash in the conference room and decided the Captain had finally lost control and decided to pummel Seven.  But instead of a fistfight he found the Captain lying on the table holding her side as she laughed with tears in her eyes,  Seven was on the ground laughing as well, a deep throaty genuine laugh.

 

"Seven....Annika,” the Captain wiped her tears away as she sat up and moved off the table.  She helped Seven to stand, who was still laughing, a glorious smile lighting her features.

 

"I've never heard you laugh."

 

"Me either." Another fit of giggles overtook her.

 

Janeway took her face in her hands delicately and kissed her cheek.

 

"Darling, launch the probe."

 

Seven's features returned to their normal icy expression.  "No."

 

"Godammit Seven!"  She stepped back and caught her breath.  "You have one hour to prepare that probe and then it's going in.  That's the end of this discussion."

 

Seven seemed to acquiesce to the order, pursing her lips and remaining silent.

 

Janeway looked over the tall woman's shoulder at her security chief.

 

"Tuvok, no one's going to hit each other here."

 

"Then how did Seven get on the floor?"

 

She knew he was only goading her and she grinned at him.  "Some things Vulcan security chiefs don't need to know."  She turned her attention back to Seven.  "You've got one hour, then report back to me."

 

"Aye Captain."  Seven nodded curtly and left the room.

 

Torres was not thrilled to see Seven march into the cargo bay and commandeer the probe project, but it wasn't totally unexpected either.

 

"Have you ever, in your lifetime, not been a completely difficult ass?"  Torres asked her sharply.

 

"The Doctor said I should not comment on asses in public,” Seven stated evenly.

 

That wrenched a bit of a smile out of Torres who pushed down all the Klingon pride and rage for a moment.

 

"Have you been commenting on people's asses?"

 

"No, but I did tell the Captain outside the mess hall that she had nice breasts ad she spilled coffee on the floor."

 

"You certainly keep her on her toes, don't you?"

 

She tried quickly to reference the saying but decided just to agree.

 

"Good, someone has to."  Se gave Seven an appraising look.  "You're not one for girl talk are you?"

 

"No."

 

"Me either, now get out of my way and let me work."

 

"You are the one who initiated this unproductive conversation."

 

"Don't point out the obvious, Seven."

 

After an hour of reconfiguring the probe's shields they launched the probe deep into the nebula.

 

Janeway watched the launch from the bridge and then turned to Chakotay.

 

"You have the conn.  Janeway to Seven of Nine, report to holodeck one.  I'll meet you there in twenty minutes."  She cut the communication and looked over at her first officer.  "She's going serve a little penance for her recent insubordination."

 

She could see Tuvok raise his eyebrow and she almost had to grin. Okay, nothing real harsh but no one needed to know that.  She rose from the Big Chair and stalked onto the turbolift. When Seven arrived in the holodeck she found herself standing in a 19th century clothing shop, complete with bespectacled proprietor who rushed foreword to greet her.

 

"Miss Seven, I have orders from the Captain to provide you with the clothes you'll be wearing in town today."

 

Seven let out a little sigh and took the bundle of clothes he offered.

 

"Changin' rooms are behind ya."

 

"Thank you."

 

What the Captain had in mind he had no idea but she found herself dressed in tan pants, mahogany cowboy boots with spurs, a white cotton shirt, and a woven vest with a distinctly Native American design in red and black.  There was also a brown leather belt that sported two holsters with silver revolvers. She walked out with the belt in hand, unsure how to fasten it.  The proprietor helped her put it on so it hung low in her hips.

 

"I have some final alterations,” he stated.  He unclipped Seven's hair and unbuttoned her blouse to show off her cleavage. "Captain's orders.  She'll be here soon, go walk around a little."

 

Seven grumbled a little and went out the front door, which led to a dusty street filled with horses pulling carriages and people milling about the wooden storefronts. A Borg alone in the wild west. Just walking down the street she gained a wealth of information.  At high noon there was to be a showdown.  A clock tower nearby told her the time, noon was not far away.  Then she gleamed what a showdown was and considering the two sizable guns she had strapped to her (no giggling please, I meant the pistols, sheesh) she assumed she would be participating in this showdown.

 

At noon when the sun was bright in the sky the clock tower sent off a resounding noise and the street cleared. Squinting against the sunlight she could see a figure standing alone in the street, at first a blur of red.

Janeway was all Annie Oaklley'ed out, red skirt, red vest and a gun on each hip.  Her voice rang through the air.

 

"You've been a thorn in my side all day, Annika Hansen."

 

Seven stepped off the wooden sidewalk and onto the street.  "You were incorrect about the probe."

 

"One more word about that probe and you'll find one flying out of my gun and into your ass."

 

Seven furrowed her brow. "The Doctor said it's not appropriate to dis--” Her eyes registered a flicker of movement so she drew her gun with her Borg enhanced left arm and fired. The shot was true and Janeway jerked backwards and fell.

 

"Kathryn!"  Seven ran to the other side of the street to find Janeway sitting up and dusting herself off.

 

Seven grabbed her and picked her up easily.  "Are you damaged?"

 

"Uh, no.  I designed it that way but I'd assumed you would be the one landing in the dirt.  You can put me down now."

 

"You shouldn't assume things."  She set her down on her feet.

 

"Yea, I'm learning that."  She took a step back and examined her.

 

"Well, don’t you look sexy?"

 

"Do I?"

 

"You bet you do."  The street was returning to normal, people clamoring back onto the dusty strip.  Janeway brushed off her long skirt a little and sighed.  "You can at least buy me a whiskey at the old Horse & Hound over there," she said, nodding towards the saloon.

 

"Agreed."  Seven stopped, the wheels visibly turning in her head, then she held out her arm.

 

"Why, thank you Seven."  She linked her arm with the former drone's and they walked into the saloon, seating themselves at a table.

 

Seven glanced at the patrons.  "Why didn't I get a hat?"

 

"I didn't think you would want one."

 

The waiter brought over their whiskeys and scurried away when, after asking for payment, Seven began to fiddle with a gun. The piano in the corner sounded as a patron took a seat and began to play.  He cleared his throat loudly.

 

"Hey Jude--"

 

Before he could finish one refrain of the Beatles song Seven spun in her chair, drew her gun, and shot him dead. He flopped forward onto the piano keys, which moaned in protest. She returned her gun to it's holster with a flourish and took a sip of whiskey.  Business in the saloon returned to normal, the dead body at the piano ignored.

 

Janeway smirked at her gun slinging partner.  "You enjoyed that."

 

"Yes."

 

She patted her on the knee and then decided to leave her hand there, savoring the warmth under her fingertips. Something that looked like a smile played across Seven's lips and she reached down with her own hand to lace her fingers with Kathryn's.

 

"I like this," she smiled.  She paused for a moment, and then in one quick motion pulled Janeway over to straddle her lap. Kathryn was caught off guard, finding herself straddling Seven's lap.

 

"You're getting downright surly, Miss Hansen."

 

Seven kissed her delicately and began to run her hand up underneath her skirt.

 

"This program...it wasn't designed to be...romantic."

 

"Then get another program."

 

"How about we go to my place?"

 

"Acceptable."

 

"Just one thing: you have to race me.  I'm gonna beat you at one thing today," she smiled.

 

It was downright surreal; some crewmembers thought they were on hallucinogenic, when the Captain and Seven, still in their costumes, ran by them.  Spurs could be heard jingling and skirts rustling as they ran through the corridors.

 

Janeway won and claimed her prize. They made love slow and sensuously, not like the fevered encounter of the day before.  The costume play had both of them extremely aroused and Seven was as vocal as the Captain had ever heard her.  She was certain she was sporting a good sized hickey on her neck after Seven had clamped down on her during one particularly forceful orgasm. No doubt about it, this girl was getting some sleep tonight; even if she had to wear her down to get her there. With aching muscles and a slight case of dehydration Kathryn laid her head on the pillow, blissfully in the afterglow and ready for a long, undisturbed sleep.  Seven even seemed to be drifting off until...

 

"Yellow alert, Captain to the bridge."

 

"!@#$$%^^&*@#$!!!!!!!"

 

Captain Kathryn Janeway was a shade beyond being simply angry. Mentally and physically spent she was preparing to slip into a much needed sleep in the arms of one gorgeous naked blonde when her ship went into yellow alert.   

 

"Whatever it is just launch some damn torpedoes at it and call it a day," she mumbled a she attempted to pull her sweater on.   

 

"That would be inadvisable," Seven commented coolly.

 

"Mmmmmph!"  She pulled the sweater over her head and ran out the door with her uniform jacket in hand. Seven was close behind, watching the disgruntled captain with some amusement.   

 

"This isn't funny," she murmured as they entered the turbolift.

 

"I'm not laughing."

 

"No, but you've got that look on your face, that...you know."

 

The turbolift opened and Janeway stalked onto the bridge.

 

"Yea, I heard Seven was dressed up as a cowgirl-” Harry Kim silenced himself and came to attention.  

 

"Report"

 

"Massive fluctuations from inside the nebula.  They appear to be a mass of life form readings," Tuvok stated.   

 

"Life forms?"

 

"They are inside the nebula, two hundred and thirty eight, each about 12 meters long and 3 meters wide. The ships we detected earlier seem to be herding them."   

 

"Herding them?  Where?"

 

"Right at us," Chakotay added grimly.

 

"A stampede." Of all the luck.  “Tom, evasive maneuvers, Tuvok; how close?"   

 

Tom pointed up to the view screen, "Right on top of us."

 

All that could be seen was a pink cloud coming right at them.  Tom banked the ship hard to port.  Suddenly, a pink goo covered their view screen, or rather, exploded on their view screen.   

 

"Road kill."

 

"Who's gonna scrape that bug off the windshield?"

 

"Is that guts?"

 

Janeway sat in her chair, her head in her hands.  Yup, this was worth getting out of bed for.    "Transport whatever is left of it to sickbay. Tell the Doctor he's got an autopsy on his hands."   

 

"I guess we already know what the cause o death is," Tom added wryly.  "Hey, you ever hear that old joke about the fly hitting the windshield and the first thing going through his mind?"   

 

"Save it, Tom."

 

"Captain, we're being hailed."

 

"On screen."

 

The hailing vessel was one of the dozen that that had been chasing the creatures out of the nebula.  A not entirely too freaky humanoid came onto the view screen.   

 

"This is the Federation Starship Voyager-

 

He waved an irritated hand at her.  "Yea, yea.  Did you get one?"

 

"Excuse me?"

 

"You know, those things that came running at you, did you get one?"

 

She paused for a moment, trying to decide the best way to answer without giving too much away.    "We have one on board...”

 

The crew of the alien vessel erupted into cheers and the alien captain gave his own yelp of joy.   

 

"Good job! How long till dinner?"

 

This had to be some incoherent dream.  Any second a talking dog will come in and then she'll wake up in her bed. Yup, any second now.  She looked over her shoulder to see Seven at her work station and they exchanged glances, Oh well.    She looked back at the alien captain.

 

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."   

 

"Whattya new around here?"

 

"As a matter of fact, yes."

 

"You got one! You won the hunt, and whoever wins cooks up the prize and puts on a dinner for the other competitors."   

 

"It wasn’t our intention to kill the creature."

 

"Well, you did, and we're only allowed to hunt one a year so it looks like you’re this year's winner."   

 

"You eat them?"

 

"You bet.  We'll send you the list of expected guests; you tell us when you're ready.  We'll be in touch soon." 

 

The view screen went blank and Janeway looked at her crew.    "Looks like we're having a cookout. Janeway to sickbay, have you looked at our casualty yet?" 

 

"I've just briefly scanned it"

 

"Get a good look at it and report to me.  Seven of Nine, in my ready room." She stood abruptly and once they were both inside she turned to examine her.      "Seven, you're exhausted.  I don’t care if you have to regenerate in your alcove; I'm taking you off duty as of now.  Forget the Doctor's orders, this is...sadistic" 

 

"It's the only way I'll learn."

 

"I still don't like it.  You're relieved of duty.  Go to the alcove or go to my quarters."   

 

"I'll go to your quarters when you are finished here"

 

"Are you-” The door chime cut her off.

 

"Come in!"

 

Chakotay stuck his head in.

 

"The doctor wants us all in the conference room in an hour to show us his findings.  He seems a little excited."   

 

"Tell him to hurry it up."

 

She looked at Seven, preparing for an unparalleled ass chewing but was simply too tired to deliver it.    In the conference room the Doctor was presenting slides of the creature to the command staff.

 

"It's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.   If you notice on the outside is an exoskeleton made of very pliable materiel--"

 

Janeway and the others sat in the dark, watching disinterestedly.

 

"How damaged was it from the impact?"

 

"Only minimally."

 

"Was this creature sentient?"  That would be a fun crime to answer for, eating the locals in the Delta quadrant.

 

"From what information I've gathered from the brain area I would say no, but we can never really be sure since our subject here is no longer alive."

 

"But you would say no?"

 

"Correct."

 

Janeway noticed something out of the corner of her eye.

 

"Lights."

 

Seven had her head down on the conference table and was dead asleep.  There were a few surprised snickers in the room.

 

"I always knew you would drive someone into unconsciousness,” Tom said smugly to the EMH.

 

"No one say a thing.  Seven, wake up.  Seven of Nine."

 

The woman jerked upright, blinking a few times as a confused expression crossed her features.

 

"Time to go to bed, Seven."

 

This time there was no protest.  She looked at the Captain, stood, and left.

 

Janeway returned her attention to the Doctor.  "Is it edible?"

 

"I would imagine, but -"

 

"Good enough.  Chakotay, I'll leave this in your hands, tell Neelix to start getting this thing ready, looks like we're having dinner for our fellow competitors.  When in Rome..." She stood and excused herself.

 

On her way back to her quarters she let out a little giggle at Seven's sleeping during the presentation. Once in her quarters she found Seven lying on her bed, still awake and completely naked.  Sleepwear was probably irrelevant.  Janeway changed into a silver pajama outfit and crawled into bed, tucking the dark red sheets around them both.

 

"I'm not sure how to do it again, sleeping during the Doctor's presentation was accidental," Seven stated.  She was facing Janeway and her ocular implant above her left eye glittered faintly in the dim light.

 

"When you're tired enough it just happens.  Try to relax, breathe slowly.  It's a surrender of sorts."

 

"A surrender?"

 

"Yes, something you're not good at I know."

 

Seven smiled a little at the comment and closed her eyes. Kathryn kissed her lightly on the brow and drifted into her own slumber. The next morning she found herself wrapped around a sleeping Seven of Nine, who didn't appear as if she'd be waking anytime soon.  She unwrapped herself from the warm form and wondered briefly if Seven would be upset if she woke up alone.  She pondered over the thought as she watched her bedmate. When Seven was asleep her features had a soft quality, more like Annika Hansen than Seven of Nine Tertiary Adjunct to the Unimatrix 01, it was different even from when she regenerated.  Kathryn knew this because she had watched Seven on many occasions regenerate.  She had never questioned the actions, merely acted on the impulse.  Now she understood that she had been infatuated with her from very early on. It was best to let Seven sleep.  Quietly, she moved off the bed and began to dress in her uniform.  With boots in hand she began to tiptoe out of the room.

 

"You are leaving?"  It almost sounded like an accusation.

 

Janeway stopped short.  "You should get some more sleep.  I was just going to check on how things were coming with Neelix."

 

"I shall accompany you."

 

Sometimes there was just no arguing with her.  She waited for Seven to dress and they went to the mess hall. Neelix was rushing around throwing things into various pots.  Naomi Wildman was there assisting him carve up what was the largest hunk of meat Janeway had ever seen.

 

"That's a lot, all that came from that thing we hit?"

 

"This is only half of it.  It's real easy to prepare, no gristle, no bones.  I'm trying to get it into manageable sizes for the barbeque."

 

"We made some already as an experiment," Naomi added cheerfully.

 

"Get them some, let them try your handiwork,” Neelix suggested.

 

"Okay."  Naomi went to one of the fry pans and skewered a chunk of meat with a fork, which she handed to Janeway.

 

"That's just plain and pan fried.  At the barbecue it will be roasted with a honey barbeque sauce."

 

The meat was soft and had a flavor similar to pork.

 

"That's...the best thing I've ever tasted.  Seven, here.  And don't tell me taste is irrelevant."  She held up the fork with the remaining chunk of meat on it up to Seven's lips. She took the offered piece and chewed it gingerly.

 

"It is...acceptable."

 

"Thank you," Naomi seemed more pleased with Seven's subtle reaction than Janeway's.

 

"The Vaquerans said grilling was the best way to prepare it, charming people, I'm looking forward to this dinner."

 

"If the food's anything like that so am I."

 

The Vaquerans were a boisterous bunch, thirty passed through the transporter pad and every one of them brought a bottle of something, shoved it at either Janeway or Tuvok, and followed it with a crushing bear hug.  They finally gave up on carrying the assorted bottles and had the transported to the holodeck.

 

In the holodeck was a replicated eating area in an all wood dining hall.  At the end of the room was a barbeque area where a fire was lapping at the steaks on the grill which Neelix was slathering with plenty of sauce.

According to the Vaquerains winning the hunt was a great honor and since Janeway was the captain of the ship she was seen as the winner.

Apparently the creature they were feeding on was fairly difficult to catch, moved in herds, and could change direction like a flight of birds on a windless day.  Just chasing one down put one's ship to the ultimate test of its abilities.

 

This fact made Tom Paris' eyes light up and he was right in there talking pilot talk as quick as he could get in their vicinity. It was hard after being in the Delta quadrant for so long, to not be suspicious of people they came across but the Vaquerians were just so damn hospitable, they even insisted on serving themselves.  Janeway could impose no order or formality on it, these people were having a party and nothing was stopping it. The Voyager crew could use a good night out as well, so she allowed it to slide into frivolity. She was restless at the dinner, though.  Her eyes kept sliding around the room, looking for a certain blonde.   Finally, Chakotay asked where the ex-borg was.

 

"She's regenerating for a bit, she should be here soon."  She smiled a little and took a sip of her drink.  "This is absurd."

 

"What?"

 

"Me, I-” She glanced around to see if anyone was in earshot.  "I'm acting like a teenager.  I can't relax and I keep looking around for her."

 

"Love. It happens to the best of us," he smirked, loving every minute of her discomfort.

 

Love, which was a scary thought.  Of course she loved Seven, but had never considered where their relationship would progress. She was just going with the flow for right now.  Being stuck in the Delta Quadrant and the daily stresses that came with it had never allowed her time to imagine the whole 'I love you want to marry you' scenario ...until now.

As usual, her actions had betrayed her feelings before she was even aware of them herself.  On a regular duty shift it wasn't unusual for her to slip down to Astrometrics several times a day.  Sometimes she'd spend the whole day trying to pry one of those smiles out of her, the rare ones that made her heart warm. This wasn't a one way street either.   Seven wouldn't leave her side for anything, not even when she was ordered to, not even when she was exhausted.

Maybe...

 

Chakotay nudged her.  "There she is."

 

Kathryn's heart began to jackhammer in her chest.  Seven was dressed in her blue outfit and was carrying Naomi on her back.  The sight made her nerves tingle and her chest ache. Relax.... relax.

 

"Naomi required a higher vantage point to observe,” Seven stated.

 

Bear my children! a voice screamed in her head.  Now where in the hell did that come from?  Oh boy, take another drink.

 

"Come on, Seven, let's go over there," Naomi insisted.

 

"I'll see you in a moment, Captain," she nodded and then after hefting Naomi into a more comfortable position, moved off into the crowd. Janeway watched her go.  The Vaquerian captain approached her with another drink and she took it.  What the hell. Seven returned, minus Naomi.  Chakotay had moved off to get another drink.

 

"You have been drinking," Seven noted.

 

"Yes. Do you object?"

 

"No."

 

"I'm about ready to leave.  Come with me, I need you to do something for me."

 

She pulled her out into the corridor and after a quick glance around made her request.

 

"Kiss me."

 

Seven obliged her, leaning down and brushing her lips with her own. Lightheaded, general overall fuzzy feeling.  She'd been hooked, caught like that poor creature they had dined on, about to be hit by the barreling starship o' love. About to be hit?  Who was she kidding?  She had already been hit, it was just a matter of scraping together the remains.

 

"Let's go home," she said huskily.

 

"As you wish, but I do not think you'll fit in my alcove."

 

Janeway laughed out loud.  "You can be really damn funny sometimes."

 

"I attempt it."

 

As they made their way back to her quarters she realized she was a little drunk and could feel Seven's smirk without even seeing it.  When they arrived in her quarters Kathryn pulled her down onto the floor of the suite and pulled her clothes off.  Seven assisted merrily and before for long they were tangled and sweaty with Kathryn murmuring declarations of love in the young woman's ear.  Seven returned then without hesitation or reservation...it was a surrender of sorts.

 

The End