Since Voyager’s return to Earth five days ago, Katherine Janeway did not have a moment to breathe, think or even feel; maybe this was a blessing in disguise. She could not shake the feeling that this was all a cruel joke played on her and her crew by some alien race, only to annoy or hurt the captain in some way. The captain did not have many Achilles heels, but her ship, crew and Seven of Nine could make her heart race, and to take immediate action. Seven of Nine, formerly Borg, which Janeway freed from the Collective four years ago. Kathryn knew she was going to have to say goodbye to her friend, protégé, and her … Looking at her small frame, she winced at her mind’s last thought. She wished she could say lover, but it was not in the cards.  

 

Janeway left her quarters and headed down to Cargo Bay Two not really knowing why, Seven was in her quarters, and I guess she needed to think. As the doors, swooshed opened Janeway tentatively entered the bay and she felt her emotions surfaced unexpectedly. She gently walked up to the empty alcove where Seven used to regenerate and placed her left hand on it. Somehow seeking solace from this humming machine. How could this possibly help me? Janeway knew in a few hours she would probably never see Seven again, Chatokay left two days ago, and was surprised that Seven had not left with him. Chakotay and Seven had been dating for the last month, which at first Kathryn felt relief that maybe she could shed the guilt she carried around for loving Seven, but the thought of Chakotay kissing and God knows what else to her Annika almost drove her to the brink of madness. No one should be kissing those pouty red lips except her captain ‘Oh, God why does this sound so un- me?’

 

Janeway had to do something about this, but what? It was too late wasn’t it? Didn’t Seven look happy? You know she could not remember.  Janeway left Cargo Bay Two and was on her way to the mess hall. She stepped up to the replicator “Coffee, black”.

 

Seven were the two most pressing thoughts.  Sitting facing at the bulkhead windows Earth gleamed and spinned on its axis just like it was supposed to be.

 

“Computer what time is it?”

“0700”

 

One more hour and the rest of her goodbyes would be done then she would be leaving for San Francisco her self before noon. High noon she ironically thought what a way to leave Voyager… It will not be for too long, she will be on Earth for six months at least waiting for Voyager’s overhaul maybe she will get a new ship.  Janeway knew she was not ready for that promotion that was given to Admiral Janeway, her future self. She had died in order to bring them home. She didn’t want to be at a desk and she was still young enough to seek out new adventures and boldly go, to Seven? You have less than hour to figure it out.

 

Standing off to the entrance of Seven quarters stood the brave Captain Janeway, but as she thought about what she going to say to Seven, she quaked in her Starfleet issued boots. Janeway carefully composed herself and fluffed her hair, and closed her eyes she pressed the bell to Seven’s quarters. ‘It is now or never Katie.’

 

Seven folded up the last of her biosuits and placed in her carry on bag when the chime interrupted her internal dialogue.

 

“Computer who’s at my door?”

 

“Captain Janeway.”

 

Seven had been thinking about how she would say goodbye to her captain but no matter how many times she repeated certain catch phrases none of them sounded sincere. Seven did not want to say goodbye at all.

 

“Come in.”

 

The cold grey door slid open and Captain entered into her friend’s quarters.

 

“Seven”

 

“Captain”

 

“Are you all set?” As the Captain wandered around the room, Seven sensed the Captain wanted to ‘get something off her chest.’

 

“Yes, Captain I’m all packed and I’ll be ready for my embankment at 8:30 hours.”

 

“Fine.” The Captain continued to look around Seven’s quarter. As if to find something of value to talk about.

 

“Captain, do you wish to say something to me?”

 

Captain Janeway stopped in the middle of the cabin.

 

“I guess there’s no point in delaying this Seven, do you mind if we sit?”

 

“Are we going to have a philophical discussion captain?” Seven pointed to the couch off to the right of the nervous captain. The Captain sat smiling but Seven could tell it was forced smile. This only meant Janeway was about to tell her something of great signifance maybe she would finally tell her feelings or possibly, to warn Seven about Chatokay true intentions either way Seven obliged her friend and sat on the couch next to Janeway.

 

“I… I’m not sure where to start Seven.”

 

“Perhaps at the beginning Captain.” Janeway relaxed a little after she laughed at Seven’s logical course of action.

 

“Perhaps you’re right.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Seven… Janeway stalled for a moment, but realizing she needed to be on Deck 12 to start the embarkement proceedings in less than an hour. Seven, when I severed you from the Collective you became my personal responsibility I felt like I needed to show you about humanity and I was going to be there for you as much as possible… and for long time I told myself that I needed to be there for you to help you, to guide you, protect you from any harm.  Seven felt Janeway’s gaze drifting away she felt certain this would finally make their relationship clearer to her.

 

“You did protect me Captain, at least as much as you could.”

 

Janeway glanced back into those anymore eyes and took a deep breath.

 

“Please call me Kathryn from now on. I’m no longer your captain, well for at least the next hour or so.” Seven moved from the perfect posture to leaning forward with her hands on each side of her hip.

 

“Very well, Kathryn does that mean I will access to you after I leave this ship?”

 

Kathryn smiled fully now, “I hope, if you would like to see me again.”

 

“Yes I would, but…”

 

Janeway cutting in, “But what Seven?” Seven hesitated to say, “I wasn’t sure if you would really want to spend time with me anymore because I was no longer as you put it ‘your responsibility’ that without that – I would not see you again.”

 

“What? No! Why would you think that?”

 

“Because Capt.. Kathryn I knew you felt that I was your responsibility and not really a friend.”

 

“Oh, God Seven”, Janeway moved over to Seven and tentatativley picked up Seven’s borg hand and placed it in her own. Seven’s eyes opened wider at the contact and she felt her stomach twinge with Janeway’s soft hand rubbing her cybernetics.

 

“I’m sorry Seven that me being the captain gave you that idea. I’ve always considered you a friend.”

 

“Why did you not allow me to call you Kathryn sooner and why did not tell me your sorrows?”

 

Janeway rose off of the couch, Seven regretted upsetting her captain, Janeway began pacing.

 

“Seven, as your captain I didn’t feel it was proper to bother you with my own issues, and that you were struggling to develop your own emotions I didn’t I couldn’t do that to you.” Janeway stopped directly in front of Seven and squatted down.

 

“But I wanted to tell you what I was feeling every time something came up you were the first person that came to my mind and you still are.” Seven felt like they were making some headway that Janeway’s internal struggle was finally coming to a head and that maybe…

 

“Captain Janeway,” Ensign Kim chimed in Janeway rose.

 

“What is it Harry?” “Admiral Paris wants to speak with you.” “Put him through.”

 

Janeway glanced over at Seven, and shrugged her head acknowledging the interruption; Seven tried to smile at Janeway but could not bring herself to accept they would never finish this conversation.

 

“Kathryn how was your first week in the Alpha Quadrant going?”

 

“Everything’s great admiral.”

 

“Kathryn is your mother coming to San Francisco or are you flying to Indiana to see her and Phoebe?”

 

“There meeting me at noon sir.”

 

“Good, I’m looking forward to seeing my grandchild, my son and his wife.”

 

“Very good sir is there anything else I can do for you; I’m right in the middle of something.”

 

“Of course captain, I just wanted you to send all of your logs over and review the files and we will be in touch in a couple of weeks. So consider yourself a free woman till you hear from me.” Janeway smiled, she needed a long vacation.

 

“Goodbye admiral.” The connection was dead. Seven studied the captain’s face, there was a strain deeply hidden within her eyes.

 

“Are you happy Kathryn?” Hearing Seven ask her this made her feel completely miserable, and without thinking, Kathryn shook her head no. Seven got off the couch so quickly and stood directly in Kathryn’s personal space.

 

“Tell me why you are sad.”

 

Rare emotions willed up from the base of Janeway’s stomach, “Because you are leaving me.” There she said it. Seven heard some of it but that was not exactly a true confession... Seven moved her left hand onto Janeway’s shoulder.

 

“Kathryn you never asked me to stay with you.” Janeway visibly gulped.

 

“I didn’t.” Seven shook her head. “I should have.”

 

“Kathryn why don’t you tell me what’d in your heart it might be easier for you.”

 

Janeway replied, “You think so” Seven removed her hand; Janeway almost cried out she sensed Seven’s growing frustration building but is suddenly occurred to Janeway why would Seven be frustrated? Maybe because she was tired of all this side stepping of feeling over the last four years.

 

“Seven I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes over the last few years, hell, I’m the one that got us stranded here in the first place, but serving you from the collective, and getting to know you, seeing you change from scared Borg-like drone into this incredible blonde loyal gorgeous woman has been the best thing, no, you’ve been the best thing that’s come into my life.”

 

Seven locked onto her target now; she placed both her hands on Janeway’s forearm just to make sure Janeway would not go running out of the cabin.

 

Seven replied sensuously “I am.” Janeway gulped hard, did she just flirt with me.

 

“Uh huh” those were the only words could mutter, Seven stared into her eyes and Janeway could stay like this forever.

 

“Seven you mean everything to me, I know you’re with Chatokay but I needed to tell you I…” Janeway stopped because this was terrifying her, nothing in her life scared her more, the Kazon, the Hirgoen, and love scared Janeway more now than ever. She lost Justin, Mark and she’d die if she lost Seven but did she have the right to tell her what was truly in her heart? Janeway broke away from Seven’s arms.

 

“I have no right…” Janeway became angry with her self now for trying to manipulate Seven into her arms. Seven followed her Captain

 

“You have every right to your emotions for four years Captain you’ve been encouraging me to develop my humanity to flourish, why are you denying your own now? You got your ship home; it’s time now to be Kathryn.”

 

Janeway breathed, her once still shoulders came down as if they were surrendering. Seven faced Kathryn now, giving the time she required to make her decision.

 

“All right, but I haven’t been Kathryn is so long, I’m not sure if I can remember.” Janeway sat back down on the couch Seven followed without the least bit of hesitation or prompting by the captain.

 

“Seven what I’ve been trying to say is I love you.” Janeway exhaled and silence stood between her and Seven. Seven blinked “I love you too Captain.” As soon as Janeway heard, Seven call her captain her heart laid down and died. Janeway knew she lost the love of her life to her second in command. Janeway looked away; Seven took Janeway’s right hand “is that not the proper response.” Janeway dared to look back.

 

“That’s sweet of you Seven, but I am in love with you, which is different from what you are saying.” Okay the truth was finally out and her need to escape deepened. She felt herself count down the self-destruct code, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6….

 

“Oh,” that’s all Seven managed to get out, Janeway’s head felt like it was imploding.

“Captain Janeway.” Chirped the conbadge, not realizing that she was still in command of a starship, Janeway replied.

 

“Yes ensign, go ahead.”

 

Happily, Ensign Kim replied, “Embankment hour has begun Captain, the crew forming on Deck 12 waiting for you to mama. Janeway heard Mr. Kim’s smile even thou their communication was only audio only, she could not help but smile back and suppressed Kathryn for a little while longer. Her command masks back k into place.

 

“Mr. Kim I’ll be right up.”

 

“Kim out.”

 

Janeway straightened out her tunic, and put her diplomatic face on.

 

“Well, Seven, I hope you will forgive my sudden outburst of emotions and maybe someday you and Chatokay can have dinner with me.” Janeway stepped close to her friend, raised her hand, and touched Seven’s right cheek.

 

“Be happy Seven, you deserve that more than anyone else. I wish…” Janeway couldn’t dump anymore onto her friend, it was apparent that Seven was appalled by her declaration; why else would she remain so silent? Janeway bravely continued, “I’ll see you in a little while.” Without another word, Janeway snapped to attention and proceeded to be the Captain once more.

 

For the next few hours, Janeway said goodbye to her crew that were her family for the last seven years. She hugged them, wished them happiness, love and encouraged them to live their lives to the fullest. She bid Seven a public goodbye and she was glad that she did not cry when Seven turned around and walked out of her life forever. Kathryn knew it was the last time she would ever see Seven of Nine again.

 

Seven barely said anything to her. They quickly hugged as Janeway pushed away first, she knew Seven understood a hug was the correct course of action on a goodbye scene. Janeway’s feelings were raw, and could no longer play the mentor role.

 

In her quarters, Janeway ripped open her bag, sat down and cried for the next half hour from the last seven years of being alone, in charge of 141 souls, losing Seven of Nine was probably the worst thing she would ever have to face. Janeway knew at that moment she would never get over losing Seven, but at least Janeway had her dignity and she finally had the courage to tell her beautiful young friend how she really felt. Kathryn knew she would not regret telling Seven the only thing she wished were different is that Seven loved her back. Sure, Seven said she loved her as a friend, her mentor, and Captain, but in love with her. Janeway knew the young beautiful woman would want to be with a strong man, and her former commander was just what Seven needed.

 

As Janeway stood the turbo lift, she informed the computer of her destination. She could see Seven marrying Chatokay, raising a family, she felt a quaking in her stomach, bile rose at the thought of Seven carrying Chatokay’s child, glowing in love. Janeway pushed the horrible thoughts aside it was time to focus on her own life now. She would not be the one marrying Seven, even though it surprised her to think about marriage. Kathryn would jump at the chance to marry Seven. Never in Kathryn’s life did she love anyone this much, it was self-less and all Janeway wanted for Seven was to be happy. She could not deny the young woman happiness with her first officer. After all, he stepped up to, the plate first, asked Seven out and he did not let duty get in his way, the bastard!  He stole Seven right in from of her nose while Janeway busied herself by being Captain, damn him! I will not blame him either. I could have asked Seven out I just could not get past me being her captain. I could not break the rules of duty, and look where it has gotten me, alone. Kathryn Janeway you are such an ass. Her inner voice piped up, ‘Pull yourself together, she doesn’t love you. She could’ve if you showed her your feelings sooner, all you ever thought about was your obligation to getting your damn crew home safety. What did you expect, she is a lovely young woman she needed attention. Janeway squatted to a sitting position, and started crying again. The turbo lift stopped and confused Vulcan greeted the door as it swished opened to Deck 12. Why was the Captain crying? Thought the Vulcan.  Janeway suddenly became aware of her surroundings as Tuvok extended his right hand to Janeway.

 

“Captain.”

 

“What are you doing here Tuvok?”

 

“I wanted to escort you off the ship Captain.”

 

“Why? You’re family needs you.”

 

“Precisely that is why I an m here.”

 

Janeway’s eyes’ moistened up, oh God, she was about to lose it again. Not in front of Tuvok, Katie.

 

“Captain, are your mother and sister waiting for you?” Janeway picked up her duffle bag.

 

“Yes, they are.” They proceeded out the turbo lift and onto the deck, Tuvok turned toward his friend.

 

“Kathryn… Why did you not tell Seven of your feelings?”

 

Janeway stopped walking. “How did you know?”

 

“Captain, there’s not much I did not know on Voyager, and it’s been obvious to me for sometime now.”

 

Janeway gasped, “Was I that obvious?”

 

Tuvok clearly thought carefully of his next words, “You shared a special bond with Seven that most of the crew knew about, but your deep feelings for her were not as apparent.”

 

“Tuvok, thank you for trying to save me for further embarrassment, but I shouldn’t be surprised to find out that Tom Paris had a bet on Seven and me getting together.” Janeway finally saw the humor in all of this. There was no way her crew did not know; she was the only one in denial. They both stood at the exist point and Janeway started, “Computer log off Captain Kathryn Janeway, at 1200 hours departing from the Starship Voyager.” She felt like she was turning over her child to a new babysitter. Voyager’s refit at Deep Space 9 and her fate would be determined after the panel of admirals raked her over the coals for any abnormalities.

 

The computer acknowledged Janeway’s orders, after seven years of being on the ship Janeway turned and faced empty deck and smiled sadly. Tuvok stood silently beside her and headed for the shuttle pod destination Earth.  Once inside the craft, Tuvok cleared his throat. Janeway knew he wanted to say something.

 

“Yes, Tuvok what is it?”

 

“If I may continue in regards to Seven of Nine?”

 

“Go ahead, my friend.”

 

“Does Seven know of your feelings toward her?”

 

Janeway’s hands flew over the control panel and set the course toward Earth. “Yes, I told her this morning.”

 

“Captain, may I ask what you said to her specifically?”

 

“Tuvok, I’m surprised at this.”

 

“I’m sorry Captain, but there’s a reason for my personal inquiry.”

 

Janeway clearly mused, “I told her I loved her.”

 

“And how did she respond?”

 

“All she said was, ‘Oh’ and then Harry interrupted us. I had to report for the crew’s dismemberment.”

 

“I see so when Seven left this morning she made no attempt to tell you her feelings?” Janeway clearly upset now, she had slumped down in her chair.

 

“No, she hugged me goodbye…but I couldn’t look into her eyes.”

 

“Why not?” Tuvok clearly confused now at Janeway’s behavior, why had she gone through all the trouble of telling Seven her feelings and not allow Seven to respond in her own way?

 

“I didn’t dare to. I thought I would see pity in her eyes. She and Chakotay are probably discussing it right now. The poor old captain, who will love her now?”

 

“Captain, I think you’re not estimating Seven’s response properly.”

 

“What do you mean Tuvok?” Janeway sitting up slightly.

 

“I believe Seven returns your feelings based on four years of observations. I have watched the both of you; you care deeply for one another. I realize Seven started a romantic affiliation with the Commander and probably based it on the fact that she knew you may never reveal your inner feelings to her.”

 

“But I did and she didn’t say anything!” Janeway’s anger rose.

 

“Perhaps she was shocked and hadn’t processed what you said – As you stated before you said your conversation was interrupted.” A glimmer of hope peeked through the grey mass, and a tiny smile creped out of Janeway’s face.

 

“Yes, we were – are you saying, she needs time to think Tuvok?”

 

“Yes, Kathryn, you have been her friend, Captain and mentor and you’ve denied your feelings all this time and in a sense so had she. She had to cover her true feelings because she somehow felt they were inappropriate. She clearly realized she couldn’t express her affections toward you when you hadn’t.”

 

The preverbal light went on in Janeway’s head. Of course, Seven believed Janeway did not share her feelings or that she would ever admit to them. Therefore, Janeway realized she needed to see Seven and finish their conversation. The thought of seeing Seven again made her frown turn into a big smile. Things were looking up. Tuvok sensed the shift in his friend’s mood.

 

“Thank you Tuvok I understand now.”

 

“What will you do?”

 

“I will contact her as soon as I can and finish our conversation, and I’m sure I’ll know how she feels then.” Janeway suddenly remembered Seven clearly stating ‘I love you too Captain.’

 

“Perhaps I’ve overreacted.”

 

“It is my belief as well, I believe she cares for the Commander, but it has not progressed that far.” Janeway winced at the caring for the commander comment.

 

“But I have concluded based on a brief conversation with Seven that she in fact loves you Captain.”

 

Janeway visibly stunned, “She told you she loved me?”

 

If Tuvok were human, he would be tempted to smile, Janeway was acting like a love struck teenager, but he could not believe Janeway’s inability to clearly see what was right in front of her. Seven was in love with Janeway; Janeway was in love with her. Everyone on Voyager knew it, except of course the Seven, Commander, and Janeway.

 

“Captain, I do not wish to betray confidences but follow your own heart, it will bring you to the truth.”

 

That is all Janeway needed just as soon as she was settled with her family, she would find Seven and… Janeway felt her blushing at the sudden image of making love to Seven. Desire coursed through her veins, and reacted as if she was a warp core ready for a meltdown. She was suddenly overwhelmed with sexual desire and no relief in sight. God Seven could melt her with just one look. One minute she depressed and then the next minute she was elated. Janeway would make things right.

 

Arizona, Indian Reservation

 

Seven of Nine landed her shuttle pod at Checotah’s ranch and turned off the controls. The hatch opened and she stepped down onto the desert floor. Walking toward the front door, Seven’s mind wandered back to the Captain, why hadn’t she said anything else to her before she left? Was she embarrassed about her admission? All Seven knew was she needed to talk to the Captain. Seven knocked on the door and waited for Chakotay to answer it.

 

“Hello Seven,” he leaned into her body and kissed her passionately, but she was unable to respond.

 

“What’s wrong?” As he escorted Seven into his living room.

 

“Chakotay, we need to talk.” He guided them to the church, despite Seven wanting to stand buy she wanted to be as gentle as possible.

 

“You seem distant.”

 

“Chakotay, Kathryn informed me that she loves me and I wish to be with her.”

 

“The Captain told you she loves you?”

 

“Yes, that is what I said,” Seven didn’t understand why he needed to repeat her statement, did she not clearly express herself? Chatokay’s face turned pale, and then went through several shades of red before he spoke again.

 

“I thought you cared for me?” Seven realized now this exchange might take longer than she expected.

 

“I do care for you.”

 

“Then stay with me, we’re meant to be married, the admiral told us this before she died.”

 

“The admiral only told us part of the truth, she didn’t believe Captain Janeway would tell me her feeling, but she has altered our timeline.”

 

Chatokay stood and glanced outside only seeing the dry cactus ahead he felt his slip away from him, but he knew Kathryn loved Steven. She always had long before he cared for Seven; he was shock that Janeway admitted to such feelings. Kathryn must have been very hurt when he started dating Seven. He never wanted to hurt her, but if Kathryn would not express her love to Seven, he would, but now it was all pointless.

 

“Seven, do you love the Captain?”

 

Seven also rose and stood with her hand behind her back. “Yes, I do and I have for a long time now.” Chakotay turned and faced Seven.

 

“I’m glad you love her, I was afraid she’d always be alone.”

 

“She will never be alone again.”

 

“Where is she now?

 

“In San François with her mother and sister.”

 

“Then go to her, does she knows how you feel?”

 

Seven shook her head no.

 

“Then go tell her, before she loses her nerve.”

 

Chakotay smiled and offered Seven a bear hug. “Good luck Seven.”

 

Janeway’s Condo in San François

 

Janeway entered into her San Francois Bay home for the first time in seven years. Her mother and sister trailed behind her waiting for Kathryn to say something. The ride from Starfleet base was quiet. Kathryn put her duffle bag down in the living room and glanced around the lights from the bay, it shined through the darkened room, and Phoebe turned the lights on.

 

“Wow, I’d forgotten how beautiful this condo was, Janeway hugged her sister, and mother and they all breathed a sigh of relief. Phoebe had redecorated her sister’s place after she went missing, she even moved in. The view helped Phoebe paint, to forget about her lost sister, being in the apartment helped her feel closer to her sister while she was gone.

 

“You decorated it, its beautiful Phoebe.”

 

“Are you sure, we have different taste, but I tried to incorporated your taste with mine and came out with this.” Phoebe was visibly happy with her soft lines and mission style furniture, and she was pleased that Katie liked it. Phoebe missed her terribly after so many years apart.

 

“Its beautiful sis, thank you.” Kathryn got teary eyed again. Gretchen Janeway moved into the kitchen and put on the coffee, she had a feeling they were going to need it despite her daughter’s brief display of happiness. Gretchen knew her daughter and things were quiet right.

 

Sitting outside on the deck over looking the bay, Gretchen couldn’t take the awkwardness.

 

“Kathryn what’s wrong?” Janeway turned her heard towards her mother.

 

“What do you mean?” What could be wrong? I got my crew home and I’m sitting down my family.” Kathryn tried to deflect her mood. Phoebe jumped in, “You look as if you lost your best friend.”

 

Ouch, right in the solarplex, she didn’t want to lie to her family and besides there was no point to do that, they would only find out anyhow.

 

“I guess I have.” Gretchen felt hopefully “Your crew?”

 

“That’s part of it, I do feel like my sense of purpose has changed but my career is the last thing on my mind right now.” Kathryn glanced out towards the ship that was passing.

 

Phoebe knew her sister would squawk at this. “Is it Mark?” Kathryn didn’t flinch “No.” Phoebe and Gretchen looked at each other there was someone else; Gretchen nodded to her daughter to let her know she would ask the big question.

 

“Who is it then?”

 

Janeway knew it was futile to drag this out much longer it was bluntly obvious to each of them something was amiss in her life.

 

“I’m in love with a crew member.” Gretchen and Phoebe eyes locked both spoke in unison “Is it Seven of Nine?”

 

Kathryn’s eyes opened wide and winced inside that she could not keep her feelings hidden from Tuvok, her crew and now her mother and sister!

 

“Yes.” With that admission, Kathryn felt emotionally free. Gretchen smiled broadly and reached for her daughter’s hand, “Have you told Seven how you feel?”

 

“Yes, mom.”

 

Phoebe excitedly emitted “What did say? Where is she?”

 

Phoebe saw the pained expression on her big sisters face and finally said, “Oh, Katie…” Janeway looked down on her entwined hands and felt tears gather around her eyelids.

 

“I told her I was in love with her and all she said was ‘Oh’” Gretchen jumped in “Where is Ms. Nine now?” Gretchen suddenly felt like throttling Miss Nine personally for causing such obvious pain to her daughter. 

 

“She’s with Chatokay. She has been dating him for over a month.”

 

Phoebe stated, “Isn’t he your first officer?”

 

“Yes, he was.”

 

“Did he know how you felt about her?”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

Gretchen added Chakotay to her mental hit list, “Darling anyone with a pair of eyes can see you’re in love.”

 

“Great mom, but what good is if I’m alone.”  

 

Several bushes crushed against themselves as a sleek Seven of Nine leaped over the railing and reached for Captain Janeway. She had lifted Janeway out of her seat, to face each other. Seven could smell the remnants of several cups of coffee on her beloved Captain. Seven’s face was mere inches away from Janeway’s, “You will never be alone again. I love you Captain Kathryn Janeway.” Seven crushed Janeway’s mouth while Kathryn’s feet dangled off the ground, but she wrapped her petite arms around Seven’s waist and enjoyed the kiss.

 

Gretchen amended her initial thoughts and removed Miss Nine from her shit list, while Chatokay hovered still at the top, along with Mark, Kathryn’s former fiancé. Apparently Miss Nine was worthy of her daughter’s love and affection after all.  Phoebe sat back and enjoyed her sister being literately swept off her feet, and thought, ‘It’s about damn time!’

 

Gretchen cleared her throat loudly, indicating to her daughter that it was time to come back to Earth. She wanted her daughter to be satisfied but not in her presence! Seven complied with the silent request and placed the stunned Captain down on the ground.

 

“Wow” Janeway came back from the stars without Voyager. Kathryn stared at Seven and slid her around Seven’s waist.

 

“Mom, Phoebe, I would like you to meet Seven of Nine, Annika Hansen.” Phoebe extended her hand first.

 

“Nice to meet you, Annika, Seven of Nine, Hansen.”

 

Gretchen said,” It’s a good thing you came when you did Miss Nine.”

 

“Please call me Seven.”

 

“Very well, because if you had not come, you would have had the Janeway clan after you.”

 

Seven’s eyebrows frowned, “Why?” Turning to Kathryn.

 

“You have a clan of Janeway’s what do they do?”

 

Gretchen, Phoebe and Kathryn broke out in laughter, “Mom, Seven takes things literally.”

 

“I can see that dear. I’ll have to more careful in the future.”

 

“I don’t see the humor in any of this.” Seven moved into a Borg like stance she was clearly disturbed by such as obvious error on her part Janeway took Seven into her arms. ‘God she loved this woman!’

 

“Seven, my mother was being protective of me. If you hadn’t shown up-“

 

Seven broke contact “It was a matter of time before I showed up. I would never dishonor you or your Klan.” More laughter erupted from the entire Janeway Klan. Gretchen stood and looped her arm in Seven’s right arm, and Phoebe pushing Kathryn aside took the left side of side and escorted the young woman into the house leaving Kathryn behind. Kathryn thought, ‘What the hell happened here?’

 

To Be Continued.