It was almost 0700 hours before Janeway awoke from the sedative. Her mind was fuzzy and when she tried to focus her vision, the room spun.

 

“Ah, you’re awake. How do you feel?” asked the EMH from his seat next to her bed.

 

“Like my head is full of cotton. What did you do to me?”

 

“I sedated you last night. You were emotionally…distraught.”

 

“Tuvok was there…he came in without permission…”

 

“Lt. Commander Tuvok had rescued Seven of Nine from Hirogen in the holodeck. She removed the safeties from his most dangerous training program and was nearly beaten to death before he got the program stopped….”

 

A flash of panic crossed Janeway’s face and she jumped to her feet in alarm.

 

 “Is she all right? Where is she? Did she hurt her shoulder again?”

 

“She’s fine, I assure you. I treated her injuries and sent her back to her quarters to regenerate with Lt. Torres.”

 

Janeway let out a ragged sigh of relief and sat down heavily on the bed grabbing her head with both hands as a wave of dizziness washed over her.

 

“Humph…as I was saying, Lt. Commander Tuvok stopped the program, but when he saw the engagement ring she’d given you on the floor of the holodeck, he assumed that you might be in some distress as well. When he requested admittance to your quarters his hail was ignored several times. After verifying that you were, indeed, inside, he overrode the door security to check on you. That’s part of his job as Chief of Security. Apparently, when you rose to accost him you blacked out. He summoned me and when I brought you around you became…violent. That’s when I sedated you.”

 

“Well, you can leave now. I’m awake and I’m fine.”

 

“Really? If your actions last night are any indication, you’re far from ‘all right’.”

 

“Doctor, I’m fine. Please leave me alone, I need to get to the bridge.”

 

“You’re not going anywhere until I’m certain you’re fit for duty. And right at this moment, I’m anything but certain.”

 

Janeway attempted to stand up again, but was hit with another wave of dizziness. After a minute, the room stopped spinning and she rose on shaky legs. The EMH moved to her side and ran his tricorder over her. He then removed the cortical monitor he’d placed on her neck the night before.

 

“You should be over the worst of the sedative’s effects in a little while. I’m ordering you to take the next 48 hours off duty. You need to take it easy for a couple of days.”

 

“Doctor, I’m fine. I just need a shower and a cup of coffee.”

 

“You are NOT fine. Your neural functions are still higher than they should be. Until I get normal readings, you’re going to rest. And that’s going into the medical logs. This time, you’re not talking me out of it. You’re off duty for 48 hours.”

 

Janeway wanted to argue with him but didn’t have the strength.

 

“Fine. I’ll take the next 48 hours off. Now will you leave me in peace?”

 

“I’ll go back to Sickbay, but I’m coming back every eight hours to run tests again. Like I said, until I get normal readings, you’re off duty.” And with that, the EMH walked out of her quarters and back to Sickbay.

 

Janeway walked into the bathroom and stripped off her rumpled uniform. She dumped it into the recycler and took a hot shower. As the soothing water streamed over her, her mind went back to the night before and to her dismay, tears began flowing down her cheeks. As she thought of the look on Seven’s face when she handed back the ring, she felt the pain spring fresh again in her chest. She could not control her tears.

 

Even after she’d stepped out of the shower, dried off and dressed in her favorite Academy sweats the tears trickled from her eyes. She replicated a mug of coffee and sat on her sofa looking out at the blurred stars of the warp field surrounding Voyager. The sight of the stars usually comforted her, but this morning it only seemed bleak and forbidding. Still her tears fell unchecked. She lost track of time as she stared into the void of space. She was startled by her door chime. Hastily, she wiped the evidence of her tears from her face.

 

“Come!”

 

Chakotay walked into her quarters and sat next to her on the couch.

 

“The Doctor tells me you’re taking a couple of days off. It’s about time you took some vacation. I just thought I’d let you know that the Mylapaq will be leaving us at 1600 hours. They’ll be breaking off and returning to regular patrol duties then.”

 

“Please thank Captain Ta’arqual for everything he’s done for us. And have him relay our thanks to the Premier.”

 

“I will. And Kathryn, if you want to…talk…I’m here for you.”

 

“Thank you, Chakotay, but there’s nothing to talk about. I’m fine.”

 

“I…yes, Captain.” He rose and walked to the door. When he reached it, he turned back to say something and stopped.  Janeway had again turned to look at the stars, her expression bleak. He could see the glistening trail of a tear on her cheek. Shaking his head, he left her quarters and returned to the bridge.

 

 

Regeneration cycle complete,” chirped the computer. Seven of Nine opened her eyes and stepped off the dais of her alcove. B’Elanna stuck her head in the door.

 

“Good morning. How’s the shoulder feeling?”

 

“I am functioning within normal parameters.”

 

“Then come and get some breakfast. I’ve got it ready.”

 

There was none of the usual conversation during the meal. Seven ate with mechanical precision, a severe frown on her face. B’Elanna did not press her, knowing that when Seven had processed whatever she needed to, she would talk. Finally, as B’Elanna was clearing the table, the ex-drone spoke.

 

“B’Elanna, did anyone find the ring I gave Kath…the captain in the holodeck last night?”

 

“I’ve got it. Tuvok found it and gave it to the Doctor. He gave it to me.”

 

“Recycle it please. Extract whatever you can from this one as well, then vaporize whatever remains.” She pulled the wide gold band off her finger and set it on the table. B’Elanna picked it up without comment then sat down.

 

“You know, Tom and Harry and Neelix and I were talking last night, and…”

 

“No! I do not wish to hear any of your plans or schemes. Captain Janeway has terminated our relationship. There is nothing more to say or do about it.”

 

“OK, OK. Don’t get all worked up. You know we’ll do whatever you want. You’re the one that was dumped on here, Seven. We just want you to be OK.”

 

“I am functioning acceptably.”

 

“If you’re functioning so well, why did you take on every Hirogen in the quadrant without safeties last night?”

 

“I was angry and hurt last night. I wished to strike out at the pain the captain caused me, but I could not. I chose the Hirogen instead.”

 

“Yeah, well, those Hirogen almost did you in. You should think about being a little more Borg when you get upset.”

 

Seven cocked her optical implant. “Explain.”

 

“I just mean that when you get upset or emotional about something instead of just striking out blindly get cold. Get logical. Be more Borg. That way you won’t get beat up in the holodeck again.”

 

“You are not the best person to tell me to be logical when I am angry or upset.”

 

B’Elanna laughed. “I know. That’s why I’m telling you. Don’t react like I would…be yourself. Be Borg. Use that brain of yours instead of letting your emotions rule you. Think before you act. I know you’ve worked with Tuvok on martial arts. Have you ever thought about having him help you with meditation? Might help you control those emotions that are so new to you.”

 

Seven frowned. “I had not thought of that. Do you think the he would help me?”

 

“I’m sure he would. All you have to do is ask him.”

 

“I will do that.”

 

“So, we’re off duty today. What do you want to do? I’ve got some holodeck time squirreled away. Do you?”

 

“Yes, I have twelve hours available.”

 

“I think we need to do something that’s physically challenging. Have you ever skied?”

 

“No, I have not participated in winter sports.”

 

“You’ll be a natural. Let’s reserve the holodeck this afternoon and go skiing. We can take some lessons and then ski on our own. Where would you like to go? St. Moritz? Vail? Torino?”

 

“I have no knowledge of these places. You choose.”

 

“Well, I like Kitzbühel myself. The town is nice and there are some great restaurants for when we finish. How about I have Tom and Harry join us after their shift? We can spend the morning taking lessons and then ski in the afternoon and have dinner in the evening.”

 

“Acceptable.”

 

B’Elanna slapped her comm badge. “Torres to Paris.”

 

“Paris here. Go ahead B’Elanna.”

 

“Seven and I are going to Kitzbühel this afternoon. How about you and Harry join us after your shift? We can all grab some Spätzle and Sauerbraten when we get tired of skiing.”

 

“Sounds like fun. We’ll meet you there as soon as we get off duty.”

 

“It’s a date. Torres out.”

 

“OK Seven, all we have to do is get you some ski clothes and gear and we’re set.”

 

The two women spent the morning outfitting and teaching Seven to ski. Borg implants made her a quick study and soon both women were flying down the slopes with abandon. Seven decided that she enjoyed the strenuous activity and bracing cold. When they broke for lunch in the mess hall, neither changed out of their ski clothes and their appearance caused quite a stir amongst the crew. The two beauties were oblivious, laughing over their meal and making plans for the afternoon. They were taking a breather halfway down the Ganslernhang run when they heard a shout and Tom and Harry skied down to them. The four friends continued skiing until hunger drove them from the slopes. They found a local restaurant and enjoyed the Tyrolean cuisine and beer. When they finally emerged from the holodeck, all four were pleasantly tired. B’Elanna and Seven said good night to the men and headed toward their respective quarters. As they were about to part, Seven touched B’Elanna’s arm.

 

“Thank you for today. I know you were worried about me. It was good to get…‘away’…from Voyager for a time.”

 

“Yeah, well the fact that skiing wears you out and you’ll sleep well tonight doesn’t hurt either. I had fun today. We can’t do it all that often, but we’ll do it again; I promise. So don’t recycle your gear.  G’Night, Your Borgness!”

 

“Good night, Klingon.”

 

 

While Seven returned to her duties the next morning, Janeway remained in virtual seclusion in her quarters. The past day had done little to ease the ache inside her, although she was regaining control of her tears. She had eaten and slept little, just sat staring out at the stars and exchanging her cold coffee for fresh when she thought of it. Memories of her days with Seven crowded her mind. As she remembered their time together a feeling of deep loss pervaded her. Even as she regained control of her emotions, the ache of loss she had known so well in her life returned to dominate her heart.

 

The Doctor cleared her for full duty after 48 hours. As she walked on the bridge that first morning back, Harry and Tom exchanged worried looks. Janeway’s face was pale and drawn and dark circles surrounded her eyes. She returned to her ready room and tried to focus on the reports that had accumulated during her enforced absence, coffee mug close at hand.

 

It was lunch before Harry and Tom could talk to B’Elanna.

 

“I’m telling you, B’Elanna, she looked like death on toast! She’s got huge dark circles under her eyes and her face is so pinched it looks like she’s in physical pain,”  Tom told her.

 

“Well, I’m not going to say that bothers me. She SHOULD be in pain after what she did to Seven.”

 

“B’Elanna, I know how you feel. But if you could have seen the haunted look in her eyes…this is tearing her apart; just like it is Seven. She may have broken things off, but it’s obvious it wasn’t easy for her.”

 

Neelix bustled up and sat down with them. “Have you seen the captain today?” he asked them.

 

“Yeah, I was just telling B’Elanna about how bad she looks.”

 

“I brought a pot of coffee to her ready room around 0900 hours and she looked like she was about to pass out. What are we going to do?”

 

B’Elanna thought about it for a minute. “Well, for starters, we need to get Seven to see how much the captain’s hurting. Maybe that will douse some of her anger. But we’ve got to do it so that Captain Janeway doesn’t know Seven’s coming. If she does, that command mask of hers will drop down and she’ll just be steely. It’s got to be a chance meeting.”

 

“How about here in the Mess Hall?” asked Neelix.

 

“Too crowded…too many crew around. It needs to be some place where they’re alone. If there’s anyone else around, the captain will just withdraw, and Seven will stay pissed. This needs to happen where nobody else is around.”

 

“Could we arrange to have them bump into each other outside Engineering? Maybe fix it so the captain is leaving Engineering as Seven is arriving? Can you come up with a reason for the captain to come to Engineering, B’Elanna?”

 

Torres thought for a moment.

 

“Yeah…I’ve got an idea. Here’s what we’ll do…”

 

 

Janeway was still attempting to wade through the mass of reports in her ready room that afternoon when B’Elanna hailed her.

 

“Torres to the captain.”

 

“Janeway here, B’Elanna. What is it?”

 

“Captain, if you’ve got a couple of minutes, I need you to take a look at something in Engineering.”

 

“I’m on my way, Lieutenant. Janeway out.”

 

She rose, left the ready room and advised Chakotay she was headed for Engineering. When she got there, B’Elanna, Lt. Nicoletti and Ensign Vorik were deep in discussion over a data display.

 

“Captain, thanks for coming down. We’ve got a weird power anomaly that I’ve never seen before. Would you take a look and see if it looks familiar to you?”

 

Janeway was mildly surprised that her Chief of Engineering would ask her opinion on such a seemingly unimportant matter, but frowned when she looked at the display.

 

“That kind of power fluctuation could cause cracks in the plasma manifolds! We could be looking at a core breach if they went undetected! How long has this been going on?”

 

“I noticed the initial fluctuation around 1230 hours, Captain,” replied Ensign Vorik.

 

“We’ve been running diagnostics since Vorik reported it but can’t find any cause,” said Lt. Nicoletti.

 

B’Elanna kept her mouth shut. She not only knew the origin of the unusual power spike, she’d caused it. Right after returning to Engineering after lunch. And had a carefully disguised program running to continue generating the spikes at odd intervals until 1700 hours at which time the unusual fluctuations would cease.

 

Janeway continued to frown as she studied the sensor readings.

 

“Once on the Al-Batani we encountered a nebula giving off huge tachyon radiation bursts. They caused power spikes in the warp manifolds. Has there been any indication of higher-than-normal radiation today?”

 

“None that sensors have recorded, Captain.” B’Elanna’s fingers were flying over a workstation control surface.

 

“Has there been any problems with the warp core since you discovered the fluctuations?”

 

“No, Captain. We’ve been monitoring the core continuously since Vorik reported the spike. It’s operating right at optimum,” replied B’Elanna.

 

“Very well, continue your analysis and keep me advised of your findings. I’m heading back to my ready room.”

 

“Yes, Captain.” B’Elanna stopped her data entry when Janeway announced her intention to leave Engineering. She walked with Janeway to the doors, talking quietly and nodding at what the captain said. When Janeway exited the deck, she turned to Vorik and Nicoletti.

 

“Keep monitoring the core and let me know if it happens again. I’m going into my office and dig into the sensor logs.”

 

“Aye, aye, Lieutenant,” they replied in unison.

 

Seven of Nine had been working at the Astrometrics control board when a message from B’Elanna arrived asking her to come to Engineering to take a look at a problem with her. She quickly secured her board and headed down to the Engineering decks. As she exited the turbolift and turned into the corridor leading to the Engineering section, she nearly ran into Janeway on her way back to the ‘lift. She nodded stiffly to the older woman as she passed her.

 

“Captain.”

 

Janeway looked shocked when Seven appeared in front of her, but managed to reply fairly evenly.

 

“Good afternoon, Seven.” She continued to the ‘lift.

 

Seven maintained her stride until she stepped into the Engineering doors and then nearly stumbled in dismay. She looked around the section but B’Elanna wasn’t visible.

 

“Lt. Torres is in her office, Seven,” supplied Lt. Nicoletti, unasked.

 

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”

 

Seven managed to walk steadily to B’Elanna’s office as her mind and heart churned. She collapsed rather than sat into a chair in the crowded space.

 

“Seven, thanks for coming so quickly. We’ve got a…”

 

“B’Elanna! I just saw Kathryn…I…is she…there is something wrong with her!”

 

“Whoa, Seven. What are you talking about?”

 

“I passed the captain on my way here. She looks ill…she is in pain! Something is terribly wrong…”

 

B’Elanna regarded her friend seriously.

 

“What’s wrong with her is that her heart is breaking too, Seven. She looks better now than when she reported for duty this morning. Tom told me that the bridge crew thought she’d faint before she got to her ready room this morning.”

 

Seven looked almost confused. “Her heart is breaking too? But B’Elanna, if that is the case, why did she end our…relationship?”

 

“Because she has some foolish idea that she had to, Seven. The big question is what happens now? Are you going to just sit there while both of you suffer or are you going to do something about it?”

 

“What can I do, B’Elanna? She has made up her mind. She will not change it.”

 

“Convince her that she’s wrong. You’ve never had a problem arguing with her before this. Why now?”

 

“Because the captain is extremely stubborn and she is afraid. She has lost almost everyone she loves. How can I argue with that? The Starfleet guideline is merely an excuse. But I cannot force her to love me.”

 

“You’re every bit as stubborn as the captain. Why would you think you can’t argue with her when she’s obviously made a bad decision? Tell me something, Seven. Do you still love her?”

 

“Of course I love her! I will always love her!”

 

“Do you want to marry her?”

 

“Of course I still want to marry her. My feelings will not change!”

 

“Well then, what’s stopping you? You fought for her once…fight for her again.”

 

“She will not like that at all.”

 

“No, she won’t. But she’s wrong. She loves you…and you love her. You just need to be a little bit more stubborn than she is and remind her of that fact.”

 

“How would I do that?”

 

“Well, why don’t you ask her out to dinner and talk about it then?”

 

“She will refuse.”

 

“Yes, she will. You just keep asking until you wear her down. That’s where your stubborness will help.”

 

“And you think that will work?”

 

“Yes I do, Seven. We’re all on your side; Chakotay, Tuvok, Neelix, Harry, Tom, me. We’ll help you in any way we can.”

 

Seven regarded her friend with a new gleam of determination in her eye.

 

“B’Elanna, have you recycled the rings yet?”

 

Torres opened her top desk drawer, took out the rings and silently handed them to Seven.

 

A small smile appeared at the corners of Seven’s mouth. She rose to leave.

 

“Thank you, B’Elanna. What was is you needed to see me about?”

 

Torres grinned at her. “Turns out it was nothing after all. I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

 

As soon as the former Borg drone had exited her office, she quietly cancelled her carefully hidden program.

 

Seven left Engineering and headed directly to Sickbay. When she stepped through the doors to the medical bay, the EMH frowned slightly.

 

“Afternoon, Seven. Is there something wrong?”

 

No, Doctor. I am functioning normally. I have a question for you.”

 

“Well, ask away.”

 

“When you removed my Borg implants and exoplating, did you retain any of them?”

 

“Yes, we did. I have several non-essential implants in stasis. I’ve been studying them to see if some if them can’t be adapted to help the crew in case of serious injuries without assimilating them. Why do you ask?”

 

“I require a small amount of metal from them.”

 

“Why do you need some metal from your implants?”

 

“It is a personal matter. May I see the implants you have retained?”

 

With a nod the EMH took her into the lab and pulled out several stasis paks.

 

As Seven opened the paks and regarded the technology that had made her Borg a faint feeling of queasiness passed through her. If Kathryn Janeway had not severed her from the Collective, the implants she now handled would still be controlling her existence. She would never had known so many things. She would never know how wonderful love is, or how warm good friends can make one feel. She would never have played Velocity or skiied. She would not know about music or dancing. Or how delicious tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches taste. With a small mental sigh of thankfulness, she selected one of the larger implants. It only took a moment for her Borg-enhanced left hand to wrench a non-essential piece of metal the size of a walnut off of it.

 

“Thank you Doctor. The piece I took will not affect the functioning of the implant.”

 

She carefully reclosed the stasis paks and left Sickbay for her quarters. Once there, she moved quickly to the replicator. She placed the lump of Borg metal in it and programmed a complex sequence. In a moment, the metal vanished to be replaced by a shining chain necklace. She unfastened the clasp and slipped the engagement rings onto it, then hung it around her neck. It was long enough that the rings were concealed by her clothing. Liking the secure feeling wearing them gave her, she returned to Astrometrics to complete her shift and make her plans.

 

 

The next morning at precisely 1000 hours she rang the chime of Janeway’s ready room.

 

“Come!”

 

She entered and walked to the front of the captain’s desk standing stiffly at attention with her hands clasped behind her back.

 

Janeway regarded her without expression.

 

“How can I help you, Seven?”

 

“Captain, would you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

 

“Under the circumstances, I don’t think that would be a very good idea.”

 

A small quirk raised the corners of Seven’s mouth.

 

“As you wish, Captain. Thank you.” With that, she spun on her heel and walked out leaving Janeway seriouly puzzled.

 

Later that day, at precisely 1500 hours, the chime rang again.

 

“Come!” called Janeway.

 

Once again, Seven strode into the office and took her position directly in front of Janeway. For a moment, neither woman spoke.

 

“Captain, will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

 

“I told you earlier I didn’t think that was a good idea.”

Again, the small smile touched Seven’s mouth.

 

“As you wish, Captain. Thank you.” And she left, saying nothing more.

 

The next day, the cycle was repeated. And the day after that. And the day after that. Each day, precisely at 1000 and 1500 hours, Seven of Nine would confront Janeway (wherever she was) and ask her to dinner the following evening. If Janeway was in her quarters and refused to acknowledge Seven’s chime, Seven merely overrode the locking protocols and entered anyway. If Janeway tried to avoid her in other areas of the ship, Seven appeared as if by magic and asked her question. There was never any argument, never any hostility. Just the politely phrased question, the small smile and the words “As you wish, Captain. Thank you.”

 

The crew had been aware of the breakup almost from the moment it happened. Most thought that Janeway was being unreasonable and were cheering for Seven to prevail in her quest. Janeway was becoming more and more distracted by the events; beginning to despair of ever being able to avoid Seven. Periodically, a dozen roses arrived in her ready room promptly at 1200 hours with a hand-written card saying that Seven was thinking of her. Exobiology started a couple of new betting pools; the trifecta pool of date, time and place Janeway would finally cave in quickly reaching six months’ replicator rations. The senior staff was no help to Janeway at all; if they were in a conference with her at the moment Seven was scheduled to appear, they would quickly excuse themselves to leave the Astrometrics Officer a clear shot at the captain. Janeway entertained dark thoughts of charging them all with mutiny.

 

Finally, after nearly three weeks, a dozen roses arrived on Janeway’s desk, delivered by an overly cheerful Harry Kim.

 

“Delivery for you, Captain. They look gorgeous, don’t they? And here’s the card.”

 

“Dismissed, Ensign!” snapped a frazzled Janeway, snatching the card from him. She glanced at it and then did a double-take. Instead of the usual sentiments, the card merely read “Resistance Is Futile!”

 

Janeway put her head in her hands and tried not to laugh. Part of her was upset, distracted and annoyed at her inability to avoid the determined Borg. Another part of her was excited and thrilled by Seven’s efforts. She was still convinced she had done the right thing, but if she was being totally honest with herself, she had to admit she loved Seven for what she was doing.

 

But it couldn’t continue. The entire crew seemed focused only on when Seven would appear and accost the captain. Of course, once Tuvok revealed the Exobiology betting pools to her, that explained most of their attention. Janeway was an intensely private person and the fact that her entire crew seemed to be examining her love life bothered her greatly. This had to end. So when Seven appeared that afternoon, again, promptly at 1500 hours, she regarded her with flashing eyes.

 

“Captain, will you have dinner with me tomorrow evening?”

 

“Don’t you think this has gone on long enough?!”

 

“No. I repeat; Captain, will you have dinner with me tomorrow evening?”

 

“How many times do you need to hear me say no?!”

 

“As many as it takes for you to say ‘yes’. Again, will you have dinner with me tomorrow evening, Captain?”

 

FINE!! OK!!! YES!! I will have dinner with you tomorrow evening!!” Janeway was shouting now.

 

She was rewarded with a smile that would have lit a black hole.

 

“1900 hours. Holodeck 2. Tomorrow evening. Dress casually. Thank you, Captain.” And Seven and her glorious smile turned and left the ready room.

 

What have I done?? She thought in dismay, while that annoying little voice in her head was jumping up and down cheering.

 

Seven’s friends had not been idle. Harry and Tom spent all their off-duty hours for nearly a week programming the perfect setting for the dinner. Neelix placed the entire contents of his contraband wine collection at her disposal. The Doctor and B’Elanna offered fashion advice. Tuvok said little; he merely reiterated his opinion that the captain cared deeply for Seven and that she should continue in her efforts. Chakotay chipped in with his thoughts on the dinner menu. Any time she faltered in her resolve, any time she became discouraged, the senior staff was there to offer her encouragement. Their faith in her eventual victory was unwavering, as was their faith that she was doing the right thing for not only Captain Janeway, but the entire Voyager family as well. Finally, after three weeks of planning, everything was ready.

 

 

Seven of Nine checked the table setting once again. The china and crystal gleamed in the candlelight; the table cloth was a brilliant white against the slate of the terrace.  A light spring wine chilled in an ice bucket. The seafood and pasta she had replicated earlier rested under stasis lids for the holographic waiter to deliver to the table. She could do nothing more to prepare.

 

Seven leaned against the doorway gazing out over Lake Cuomo. The mountains seemed purple in the sunset. She could do nothing more to make the setting perfect. She had already won half the battle; Kathryn had agreed to this dinner.  Now all she had to do was conquer Kathryn’s fears with cool logic. She must convince the captain of Voyager that the love they shared would not compromise her command. That it was worth going against the unwritten Starfleet regs against officers fraternizing. That their love was stronger than Kathryn’s fears of loss. She fingered the chain she wore under her shirt. On it were the two engagement rings they had worn on Ma’altara Prime. If she was successful, both of them would be back on the fingers they were made for before morning. She would once again have Kathryn in her life – for the rest of her life.

 

Still, she could not ease her anxiety. She had told Kathryn to dress casually hoping a walk along the lake shore after eating would facilitate conversation. She hoped her jeans and shirt would help relax the tension she knew would be present between them. Nervously, she fingered the chain again. She had left the top three buttons of her shirt unfastened, the chain and rings showed occasionally depending on how she moved. It might disturb Kathryn if she saw it. Quickly, she took it over her head and jammed it in the front pocket of her jeans.

 

She did not move when she heard the holodeck doors open. She waited until she heard them close and then quietly said, “Secure holodeck doors with Borg encryption code Seven-Alpha-one-zero.” Only then did she turn to face the woman she loved.

 

“Good evening, Captain. Thank you for coming.”

 

“Hello, Seven. You were very persistent. You wore me down.”

 

Seven quirked the corner of her mouth in amusement. “As I told you, I am Borg. Resistance is futile.”

 

Kathryn smiled. “So you demonstrated yet again. I’m sorry that I’m still in uniform; I was delayed on the bridge and didn’t have time to change. I hope that won’t be a problem?”

 

“Not at all. Please, have a seat.” Seven pulled out a chair and held it for the older woman. She eased it forward when Kathryn sat, then took her seat opposite her. The waiter appeared and poured the wine.

 

“I hope you will enjoy this wine. Neelix assures me it is most palatable.”

 

“I’m sure I will. What are we having for dinner?”

 

“Scallops and penne in a creamy garlic sauce. Italian ices for dessert.”

 

“It sounds delicious, Seven. The setting is beautiful. Is it from Earth?”

 

“Yes. Lake Cuomo in northern Italy. Mr. Paris assures me it is exactly like a small trattoria he visited during his academy days.”

 

The women were cautious; neither wanted to spoil the moment by launching into the discussion both knew was coming.

 

“I understand Exobiology had a betting pool on when this dinner would happen. Do you happen to know who won it?” asked Janeway.

 

“I believe it was won by Lieutenant Torres, although it would appear several protests have been filed. Tell me, Captain, what exactly is ‘insider information’?”

 

Janeway almost choked when her bite of salad collided with her erupting laughter.

 

“I…have missed our interactions, Captain.”

 

“So have I, Seven. Maybe when things calm down a bit more we can think about resuming some of them.”

 

The conversation over salads was desultory; routine matters concerning the ship and crew. As the salads were removed and the entrees served, Kathryn broached the subject they had both avoided.

 

“So, am I to assume by the fact that you have asked me to dinner morning and evening of every day for the past three weeks that this date has a purpose?”

 

“You may. And I believe you know the purpose.”

 

“Seven, we’ve been over this before.”

 

“No, Captain, we have not. We have talked around the central issues. I have repeatedly listened to your excuses and had Starfleet thrown at me . But we have not talked about the real problem.”

 

“And what, in your opinion, is the real problem?”

 

“Your fears, Captain. Your fears that somehow if we acknowledge our feelings for one another and act on them, I will abandon you. I assure you, I will not.”

 

Kathryn flushed. “That is ridiculous. I’ve told you why we can’t pursue a personal relationship. It goes against every principle of command. It has nothing to do with any past history of mine. I am the captain. This vessel and its crew must always be my first and only concern. That is my duty to Starfleet and my duty to this crew.”

 

“I know you believe that, Captain. But I believe you are using your duty to Voyager as an excuse. An excuse to avoid being hurt again.”

 

“Hurt again? You don’t know what you’re talking about, Seven. I am Captain of Voyager; that must always come first for me.”

 

“And why does your command coming first have to exclude personal happiness? Do you not have ANY personal time? If that is the case, when is it that we have played Velocity?”

 

“You know what I mean. My focus must always be on the ship and crew.”

 

“And why does that preclude you having a personal relationship? You have done an outstanding job of separating Kathryn Janeway the captain from Kathryn the woman. All I am saying is that Kathryn the woman deserves as much of your attention as Janeway the captain does.”

 

“You make me sound like I have split personalities. I don’t.”

 

“No, you do not. You completely subsume Kathryn the woman. You ignore her needs and wants all in the name of ‘duty’. And you suffer because of it. As I have said to you before, the only time I have seen true happiness in your eyes was after the conflict at the Premier’s residence. For a few days your eyes were clear…happy…without loneliness. What I am asking is to allow them to remain that way.”

 

“Seven, when I assumed command of this ship, I put duty above all else. It is the only way I know to command.”

 

“And where did you learn those concepts of duty and command, Captain? I have read Starfleet regulations and nowhere have I found one that denies a captain personal happiness. Could it have been from your father, perhaps?”

 

“My father was a dedicated and decorated Starfleet officer. He gave his family all that he could.”

 

“Ah, yes. He gave his family all that he could. But was he right to do so? Was he right to put Starfleet ahead of everything else in his life? To the exclusion of you and your sister and your mother?”

 

“Of course he was right! He was an Admiral in Starfleet!”

 

“Does being an Admiral in Starfleet guarantee that you make no mistakes? Does being an Admiral in Starfleet mean that you cannot take the time to realize what effect your actions have on those you love? Does being an Admiral in Starfleet give you the right to hurt those you supposedly love with impunity?”

 

“My father never hurt us! He was a wonderful father.”

 

“He was an absent father. Your mother held your family together. She was an adult and could make choices for herself. But what choice did you and your sister have?”

 

“What are you talking about? Our family was happy.”

 

“Was it? Was it happiness that drove you so desperately when you were young? To excel at everything you thought your father held dear? Was that not to get the attention from him you so desperately craved? Did his absence and indifference not hurt you?”

 

“My father was not indifferent to me!!”

 

“You have told me how much you loved and admired him. But you were also hurt by his constant absences while you were a child. Are you sure that his concept of duty to the exclusion of his family was for the best? That duty to Starfleet was more important than the happiness of his children?”

 

“Do you presume to judge my father? Where do you think you have that right? And where did you get the idea that my father’s position made me unhappy?”

 

Seven regarded her with equanimity. “From your personal logs.”

 

“How dare you! I should bring you up on charges for that!”

 

“What is the old expression…? ‘All’s fair in love and war’? I would do anything for what I feel for you. Including face court-martial and your wrath if need be.”

 

“Love? Is that what you call love? Your actions would make it appear far closer to war!”

 

“Captain, your father’s service record is part of the Starfleet database. It was easy to access. He was gone for many extended periods during your childhood. My memories of my childhood are vague at best, but everything I have read on the subject indicates that parental presence is important to a child’s development. It is obvious from the way you speak of him that you loved him very much. It hurt you that Starfleet took him away from you so much.”

 

“I was fine. It was worse for Phoebe than for me…”

 

“If it was so much worse for Phoebe, why was it you insisted that you and your fiancé Justin accompany him on the test flight of that experimental vehicle? The flight that cost you both of them?”

 

Face bright red, Kathryn leapt to her feet and threw her napkin on the table.

 

“This conversation is over!!” In her haste to leave the table, she knocked over her chair as she turned and stormed toward the trattoria doorway.

 

Seven caught her in four strides and threw her arms around the smaller woman pulling her against her chest. Kathryn struggled against her.

 

“Your father died. Justin died. When you sought security with Mark Johnson he abandoned you after Voyager was lost to the Delta quadrant. Those you loved most left you. Kathryn, I will not leave you.”

 

Janeway spun in the Borg’s grip and pounded furiously on her chest as tears flowed freely.

 

“Damn you!! God damn you!!” Sobs forced their way past her command mask.

 

“I will not leave you, Kathryn. I will never leave you…”

 

Janeway collapsed, sobbing against the young woman. Seven tightened her arms and held her close, gently rocking her and repeating over and over “I will not leave you…I will never leave you…”

 

Gradually the sobs subsided and Janeway regained control of herself. She felt emotionally drained and physically exhausted. Gently, she pushed herself away from Seven and felt the arms that held her release their grip. She looked up at the young woman before her.

 

“You don’t fight fair…”

 

“I am not trying to fight you, Kathryn. I am trying to love you. Would you walk with me? Please?”

 

Janeway nodded her agreement and the two women walked off the terrace and onto the rocky shore of the lake.

 

“Seven, your comments about my life…even if they’re valid…and I’m not saying they are…but even if they were, Starfleet forbids Command Officers from fraternizing with crew members. What you want can not be.”

 

“I believe you are mistaken, Captain.”

 

“Why do you say that?”

 

“I have spent every free moment of the last three weeks reviewing Starfleet regulations. I believe you have misinterpreted them.”

 

“How so?”

 

“You have stated repeatedly that we cannot have a romantic relationship because Starfleet prohibits it. That is incorrect. What Starfleet prohibits is co-habitation of unmarried officers on the same ship. And there is a regulation governing romantic relationships between officers and enlisted crew.”

 

“How does that apply to us?”

 

“I am not in Starfleet, Captain. The closest designation which applies to my position on Voyager is that of civilian consultant or contractor. And there is no regulation prohibiting command officers from fraternizing with civilians. Even those under their command.”

 

“The rule may be unwritten, Seven, but it is applied by Starfleet brass nonetheless. Command Officers, especially captains, should not engage in romantic liaisons with members of their crew.”

 

“Captain, I would suggest to you that those rules apply only in the Alpha quadrant where the average deployment lasts two years. Even deep space missions rarely last over five. We are in the Delta quadrant; 30,000 light years from Earth. Our mission, barring the appearance of an anomalous wormhole, will last considerably longer than that. Starfleet cannot expect its command officers to forego personal relationships on missions lasting twenty years or more. It is not only unreasonable but unhealthy. Doing so will affect the command efficiency of the ship in the long run.”

 

“Nevertheless, when we do finally reach Earth, I will be held accountable for my actions. There have been too many instances where we’ve had to violate Starfleet protocols and directives to survive out here. I will have to answer for all of them. This one I can control. I won’t violate it.”

 

“Even if it means the difference between fifteen years of loneliness and fifteen years of happiness?”

 

“Loneliness is a part of command. I will deal with it.”

 

“What I am trying to convince you of is that it is not necessary to do so.”

 

“Seven, we’re just going around in circles. I’m tired; it’s been a long and stressful day. If you don’t mind, I’d like to return to my quarters.”

 

“As you wish, Captain. I will accompany you.”

 

The two women walked back along the shoreline in silence. They mounted the terrace and Seven released the seal on the holodeck doors. In the turbolift, Seven finally spoke.

 

“I have heard the crew speak of you in many ways, Captain. One thing I have never heard used to describe you is ‘afraid’. I do not understand why you are afraid to embrace happiness.”

 

“Seven, for the umpteenth time, I am not afraid. Starfleet forbids it.”

 

“And I have just explained to you why Starfleet does NOT forbid it. Why will you not even consider that point of view?”

 

“Because it will affect the command of this ship. I cannot risk that.”

 

They stepped off the ‘lift on Deck 3 and walked slowly toward the captain’s quarters.

 

“You are a proven captain; competent and capable. Why do you think a relationship would affect your command of Voyager?”

 

“The crew would be impacted.”

 

“When the crew believed that we would marry on Ma’altara Prime they were enthusiastic in their approval. What has changed since then?”

 

Janeway shook her head as she keyed in the entry code for her quarters.

 

“Seven, thank you for dinner. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” The door whirred open.

 

“Kathryn, why won’t you listen to your heart?”

 

“I’m sorry, Seven. What you want…it just can’t be.” She turned and entered her quarters.

 

Without thinking, Seven took a step following her. She reached out and grabbed Kathryn’s arm, spinning the smaller woman around to face her then grasping her elbows to draw her nearer. Janeway’s eyes opened wide in surprise. Seven’s sparked like a transporter beam.

 

“That is your head talking! What does your heart tell you?”

 

Kathryn sagged in Seven’s grasp, head down, chin on her chest. She felt slight movement and then warm breath on her cheek.

 

“What does your heart tell you?” The barest whisper in her ear.

 

Barriers dropped in the wake of turbulent emotions. Kathryn Janeway’s heart sought the courage to reach out for what it so desperately wanted. Hesitantly, she raised her head and gazed into those glittering blue eyes.

 

“To love you,” she whispered.

 

Seven’s heart leapt at the words. She lowered her lips toward Kathryn and paused, a whisper away. The choice must be Kathryn’s. Their futures hung on that simple fact.

 

Janeway knew why Seven hesitated. She knew it was up to her. For the first time in her life, Kathryn’s heart forced aside Starfleet duty, the memory her father, the ache of abandonment, the pain of loss. Her heart summoned all its courage and she closed that infinitesimal distance, bringing her lips to Seven’s, setting a new course, this time guided forward not by stars, but by her heart.

 

Seven gently drew her into an embrace and her arms circled the taller woman’s neck. Time seemed to stop as they kissed. Soft, magical kisses warmed her, then trailed a path across her jaw toward her ear. Finally, the whisper she longed to hear. “I will love you forever, Kathryn.” A poem, a prayer, a promise.

 

Simmering, melting kisses that shot bolts of electricity through her as Seven’s lips opened and her tongue gently sought entrance.

 

Searing, molten kisses that left her knees rubbery and stole her breath. Trembling, she clung to Seven, unable to find mooring in the whirlwind surrounding her. Seven solved her difficulty by sweeping her up into her arms and carrying her to the bedroom. Janeway spent the brief trip kissing up the elegant neck, finally pressing her lips to the starburst implant by Seven’s right ear. The answering shudder told her everything she needed to know about the sensitivity of Borg implants.

 

At the bedside, Seven released her legs and held her close as she slowly slipped back onto her feet. Sevens lips descended to the sensitive spot just below her ear. Feather-light kisses and touches of her tongue caused Kathryn to moan aloud. Sure hands opened her uniform tunic and slipped it off her shoulders. They broke their kiss as Seven lifted her turtleneck off and swiftly unfastened and removed her bra. Strong hands flowed over her ribs and down her sides to the top of her uniform trousers. Seven knelt before her as she eased off her boots and slipped trousers and panties down Kathryn’s legs, helping her step out of them. As Seven’s eyes traveled slowly up the length of her, Kathryn felt a fluttering of nerves. Still on her knees, Seven wrapped her arms around Kathryn’s hips and laid her cheek against her belly.

 

“I have found perfection. It is you, Kathryn. You are perfect. So beautiful…” She gracefully rose to her feet and pulled Kathryn close into her arms. Their kiss deepened as Seven’s hands explored the flat planes of her back, stroking downward to caress the lushness of her hips.

 

Kathryn was overwhelmed with the need to feel Seven against her; not through clothing but warm skin to skin. She broke the kiss and dropped to her knees to help Seven out of her shoes. As she rose to her feet again, her hands moved to the closure of Seven’s jeans and opened it. Eagerly, she tugged the shirt tails free of them. Her trembling fingers had managed to open the first buttons of the shirt when Seven, in her impatience, seized it and ripped it open, scattering buttons around the room. Kathryn removed the lacy bra and moaned as Seven’s full breasts came free. She yanked down on the jeans and underwear; they pooled at Seven’s feet and she kicked them aside as she stepped out of them.

 

Then they were in each others arms. Kathryn’s senses flooded with exquisite softness and warm metal as Seven pressed against her. Seven kissed her throat, exploring Kathryn's satin skin with gentle wonder, her hands tender in their caresses. Somehow, they were on the bed in each other’s arms; hands wandered freely, discovering each other. Kathryn kissed Seven’s neck, inhaling her unique scent only to have Seven bring her lips to hers again. Seven’s hands were warm and slow on her and she kissed her way randomly down Kathryn’s body. She heard Seven’s muffled whisper, “So beautiful…so wonderful…” as gentle hands caressed her breasts followed by impossibly soft lips. Seven kissed them, long slow kisses, the sweet stroking of tongue on nipples and Kathryn surrendered to the pleasure, softly moaning.

 

She arched under those hands and lips, encouraging her lover with gasps and soft touches. Seven’s hands slid down her body, overwhelming her. She could hear the change in Seven’s breathing, sense the excitement in the light, rapid breathing. Seven’s hand cupped, fingers gently, wetly caressing. Kathryn trembled at the touch, unable to breathe as she felt Seven's lips descend down her belly. Seven’s fingers stilled for a moment, then Kathryn felt her lips on the inside of her thigh. Seven moaned, a low rapturous sound, as she gazed at Kathryn’s heated sex. A sob was wrenched from Kathryn’s throat at the first touch of Seven’s tongue; she felt as if her bones would dissolve. Long fingers swirled in moisture and gently sought entrance as Seven’s lips drove her toward the summit. Kathryn’s hips writhed as her excitement grew. Her body was taut and trembled, she could form no coherent words as passion built. Her hips moved in erratic then urgent rhythm. Her breathing quickened to ragged gasps. For a moment her body stilled, then exploded in orgasm. When her quivering eased, Seven pressed one more lingering kiss on Kathryn’s center, gently removed her fingers and softly kissed her way back up Kathryn’s body, enfolding the smaller woman in her arms. She nuzzled Kathryn’s neck and murmured her name over and over as Kathryn trembled against her, heart hammering.

 

Languid minutes passed as they reveled in the warmth of each other. When Kathryn felt Seven draw back, she raised her head and looked into the impossibly blue eyes of the woman she loved.  She saw all the love in the universe looking back at her. Seven smiled her small smile.

 

“I love you, Kathryn.” Her hand gently touched Kathryn’s cheek.

 

“Oh, my darling, I love you too. So much.” She turned her face into the hand and kissed the palm. She caught her own scent on the fingers. Slowly, she leaned forward and kissed Seven deeply, her tongue lightly tracing the younger woman’s bottom lip tasting herself. She felt rather than heard Seven’s breath catch in her throat and eased her tongue between the full lips. Seven gasped at the contact, and Kathryn gently pushed her onto her back. This is her first time…go slowly…don’t rush her. Her hand slid along Seven’s ribs and tentatively eased onto her abdominal implant, softly caressing. Seven stiffened at the touch.

 

“Am I hurting you, darling?”

 

“No, it does not hurt. But you do not have to touch me there. I know it must be…difficult…for you…it is…not human, it is...Borg…”

 

Kathryn propped herself on her elbow and gazed down at Seven with all the love in her heart.

 

“Oh love, it’s part of you. There’s no difficulty…I love you…every bit of you. You are so beautiful…so strong. I love the way you feel against me…the way ALL of you feels against me. I love touching you….Knowing your incredible strength is covered by your incredible softness…I love to feel you under my hands…” She punctuated her speech with kisses along Seven’s throat and shoulder as her hand lightly brushed along the metal bands that formed the abdominal implant. She traced a line of kisses down Seven’s upper chest to her breast and ever so softly kissed the hardening nipple. Her tongue was a feather as it caressed the hard nub. Seven’s inarticulate sound of pleasure emboldened her; her other hand eased down to stroke the side of the opposite breast as she took the swollen nipple into her mouth, sucking greedily.

 

Seven thought her cortical node might short out under the onslaught of feelings that were coursing through her. Kathryn’s lips and hands on her breasts made the muscles of her stomach clench and breathing difficult. She felt moisture at the juncture of her legs, could not hold still. Her hands stroked over Kathryn’s back and shoulders, occasionally tangling in the auburn hair. Kathryn lazily kissed her way to the other breast, her hand moving to warm the abandoned one. Seven was sure she would pass out from lack of oxygen; she felt dizzy and light-headed. A powerful throbbing between her legs grew steadily stronger as one of Kathryn’s hands stroked the bands across her abdomen and then eased downward to caress the thatch of blonde hair. Slowly and softly the fingers sought her center and spread the moisture there. Seven thought she might explode from the intensity of the feeling.

 

“Please….Kathryn…inside…please…”

 

Kathryn raised her head at the sound of the hoarse whisper.

 

“Seven, look at me.” Seven struggled to focus on the face of her beloved.

 

“This is your first time, love. What I’m going to do might hurt. You need to tell me if it does, darling.”

 

Please god, let me be gentle enough. Don’t let me hurt her. Let me be what she needs.

 

Slowly, gently she pressed her finger against the resistance until it gave way. Seven gasped and moaned as Kathryn pressed inside. Kathryn kissed her way across the abdominal implant, gently stroking the bundle of nerves with her thumb. She eased between Seven’s legs and replaced her thumb with her lips. Seven moaned and arched off the bed, hips bucking. She reached down and held Kathryn’s head against her. Slowly, Kathryn brought her to the edge. As the tension inside her grew, Seven carefully removed her left hand from Kathryn’s head and moved it to the pillow beside her, palm up. She could no longer speak, her body was suffused with pleasure.

 

“Sweet… God, you taste so sweet…” Kathryn murmured against her. Seven’s senses were engulfed, overwhelmed. A short, sharp cry burst from her lips as the powerful orgasm flooded through her. Janeway held  her hips and didn’t break contact until her spasms subsided. Then she kissed her way back to Seven’s face, now wet with tears. She wrapped her arms around the young woman and gently kissed them away. Seven burrowed her face into Kathryn’s neck as she tried to slow her breathing.

 

“Why the tears, love? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

 

“No, Kathryn, you did not hurt me. I just…it was…I have no words to describe how wonderful you make me feel.”

 

“I do know, darling. You made me feel the same way just a little while ago.”

 

“Now I know why it is called ‘making love’. The person you love is the most important thing…”

 

“Yes, love. Your partner is the most important part.”

 

They lay cuddled together, kissing softly for what seemed an age. Hands touched softly, lips met and melded. Seven eased over onto her back, pulling Kathryn with her. She pulled Kathryn close and pulled her head onto her shoulder, her hand softly stroking Kathryn’s arm. She felt a small shiver run through the older woman.

 

“Are you chilled, Kathryn?”

 

“Just a little, love. I’ll be all right as long as I stay close to you.”

 

Seven gently pulled her arm from under Kathryn and sat up. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and walked to her jeans on the floor. She retrieved something from the pocket and returned to the bed. This time, she pulled the covers up and tucked them around the two of them as Kathryn snuggled into her arms once again.

 

“What did you get from your jeans?”

 

Seven held up her hand. The chain with the two rings dangled from her fingers. Kathryn eyed them with a soft smile on her face. Seven gazed at her intently.

 

“Do I need to ask you again, Kathryn?” she murmured.

 

“No, darling, you did it beautifully the first time. I don’t need to hear the question again. My answer is the same. Yes.”

 

Seven unfastened the chain and the rings dropped into her palm. She slid the gold band with it’s diamond back onto Kathryn’s left ring finger. Kathryn took the wider gold band with the blue stone and did the same for Seven. That finished, they settled back into their embrace; warm and secure in the softness of their bed and each other’s arms.

 

“Seven?”

 

“Hmmm?”

 

“Why did you take your hand off my head right before…well, right before you…” She felt the chuckle rumble through Seven’s chest.

 

“I was losing control and I did not want to risk hurting you. I was afraid my Borg hand might damage you.”

 

Kathryn kissed the starburst implant on her cheek and lightly ran her tongue over it.

 

“That was very thoughtful of you, darling. Is this something we’ll have to be concerned about?”

 

Seven shuddered as that warm tongue slowly caressed her implant.

 

“If you continue to drive me out of my mind with pleasure, then, yes, it is something we will have to be concerned about.”

 

Janeway continued to kiss the starburst. “Hmmm. Maybe B’Elanna can rig something on the bulkhead for you to grab. I certainly don’t intend to stop making love to you any time soon.” One hand drifted lazily down to Seven’s breast and fondled gently.

 

“Captain, may I ask what your hand is doing?”

 

“Exploring. I’m an explorer. That’s what we do in Starfleet, you know.”

 

Seven laughed as Kathryn rolled on top of her and began to kiss her thoroughly.

 

“And now I believe I need to begin a study of the vaunted Borg endurance….”

 

“Indeed? You will not be disappointed with the results.” Seven rolled them over until she leaned over Kathryn.

 

“I won’t?”

 

“No. You won’t.” Her mouth came to Kathryn’s breast.

 

“Oh God….”

 

With that, they laid the foundation of their life together: love, laughter and passion.

 

 

“Darling?”

 

“Mmmmm…what?”

 

“You know I never disturb you when you’re busy…a little lower please…oh, yes…right there…I never disturb you, but…what time is it?’

 

Seven did not stop kissing that wonderfully sensitive spot beneath Kathryn’s ear as she responded.

 

“It is 0542 hours.”

 

“Mmmmm…we…have…mmmmm…to think about…getting up, sweetheart…”

 

“I do not wish to get up…” The kissing continued.

 

“Oh God, neither do I…but we have to eventually. I’m sure the entire crew knows we had dinner together last night. I would rather not have them all see you coming out of my quarters this morning.”

 

Seven’s eyes twinkled as she regarded her love.

 

“I believe the crew is intelligent enough to realize what we were doing last night, Kathryn.”

 

“I know, but that doesn’t mean we need to rub their noses in it, darling. I have to keep some shred of command dignity.”

 

The kisses resumed.

 

“You did not have much command dignity last night…”

 

“Mmmmm…that’s different…you’re going to be my wife…I’m not expected to have dignity with you…oh, God…”

 

Kathryn shivered with the feeling of Seven’s kisses and the memory of the previous night. Never before had she surrendered totally to a lover. Never before had she felt such passion. Never before had she begged a lover as she had last night. Never before had she trusted so completely. Never before had she felt secure and safe and loved enough to do so. She burrowed closer to the glorious body holding her.

 

“Mmmmm…Seven…darling…please…we have to get up…”

 

Seven sighed heavily and pouted. It might work…

 

“You’re adorable when you pout. But it won’t work…we have to get in the shower.”

 

Seven brightened at those words.

 

“Together? It would save time…”

 

Now it was Kathryn’s turn to sigh.

 

“Somehow I don’t think this is going to be terribly efficient. But I suppose one of the reasons to have a spouse is to scrub all those hard to reach places. Come on…”

 

Janeway’s statement proved to be true and it was indeed some time before they emerged from the shower, both smiling.

 

Seven toweled off quickly and began to dress. She realized that getting back to her quarters might cause some talk as her shirt only buttoned to slightly below her bra. When she tucked it in her jeans it only gapped worse. Janeway emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel and chuckled.

 

“That’s the down side of being too impatient, darling. Try un-tucking it and tying the front tails in a knot.”

 

Seven decided that a bare midriff was worse than just the un-tucked shirt and left it. She kissed Kathryn one more time and turned for the door.

 

“I will see you at the senior staff meeting, Kathryn…Captain.”

 

Just as she reached the door, she heard Kathryn call her name, turned and was delighted by her fiancée flying into her arms clad only in a bath towel.

 

“I just need a few more kisses to hold me until the staff…”

 

Seven would have chuckled, but she was too busy kissing Kathryn. Unfortunately, as she wrapped the smaller woman in her arms, she broke the beam of the door controls and the door to Kathryn’s quarters whirred open to reveal Chakotay and B’Elanna walking down the corridor.

 

Voyager’s First Officer and Chief of Engineering were treated to the sight of their Astrometrics officer passionately kissing their captain who was wearing only a rather fetching towel. Chakotay’s jaw dropped but B’Elanna didn’t miss a beat.

 

“Good morning Captain, Seven. Lovely day, isn’t it? Shall we hold the ‘lift for you, Seven?”

 

Kathryn buried her face in Seven’s shoulder and shook with silent laughter. Seven could feel a hot flush move up her neck.

 

“Yes. Thank you. That would be…acceptable.”

 

Kathryn kissed her quickly and murmured “You’re on your own.”

 

“Coward,” whispered Seven with a smirk.

 

“You betcha…now go.” And Kathryn gave her a soft shove out the door. As it closed she shook her head. “Command dignity…right,” she muttered to herself and turned back to the bathroom.

 

Seven squared her shoulders and walked down the corridor to where Chakotay and Torres were waiting for the turbolift. By this time, both wore huge grins.

 

“It certainly is a beautiful morning isn’t it, Commander?”

 

“Yes indeed it is, Lieutenant. And it was a lovely night too. Did you sleep well last night, Lt. Torres?”

 

The ‘lift arrived and all three entered.

 

“Where to, Seven?”

 

“Cargo Bay two.”

 

“Commander, I slept extremely well last night, thank you. How about you, Seven? Did you sleep well last night?”

 

“Quite well, Lieutenant. Thank you.” This delivered in a clipped, even tone.

 

Torres was relentless.

 

“And the captain, did she sleep well too?”

 

Seven glared at her.

 

Chakotay chimed in. “Yes, Seven, did the captain sleep well?”

 

The doors of the turbolift opened and Seven found herself seized by a mischievous imp. She turned as she exited the ‘lift, cocked her cortical implant nearly to her hairline and answered them with a small smile.

 

“Yes, the captain slept well last night….She did not sleep for very long….But she did sleep very, very well.”

 

She turned on her heel and strode off toward the Cargo Bay to the sound of their howling laughter.

 

 

When Janeway left the turbolift and walked onto the bridge, she was greeted with Harry Kim announcing loudly, “Captain on the bridge!”

 

Now why did he do that? We don’t use that much formality…what’s going on?

 

She looked around at the Alpha shift bridge crew. Each and every one of them (with the exception of Tuvok) had a big, silly grin plastered on their face.

 

“Good morning, Captain!” they said in unison.

 

Oh God, they already know. This is NOT going to be good. This is not going to good at all…

 

“Good morning, everyone. Let me get some coffee and I’ll join you in a moment.” She headed for her ready room.

 

“Coffee, black.” she requested of the replicator.

 

Mug in hand, she sat behind her desk and tried to summon the strength to face the teasing she knew awaited her on the bridge. Sighing, she knew there was no avoiding it. She rose and headed for her command chair.

 

Chakotay stood and moved to his chair as she sat down.

 

“Lovely morning isn’t it, Captain?” said her first officer.

 

“Yes, it is indeed a lovely morning,” she replied, chuckling.

 

“Can’t remember when I’ve seen such a nice morning, can you Harry?” queried Chakotay.

 

“No sir! This is the nicest morning I can remember too, sir.”

 

“I agree, sir!” chimed in Lt. Nicoletti, smiling broadly. “It’s the nicest morning in a long time.”

 

“I’ve gotta agree, it’s a wonderful morning!” Tom Paris chipped in his two cents worth.

 

“It is indeed a nice day,” said Tuvok, doing his part.

 

Janeway put her face in her hands and shook her head.

 

“You know, on a beautiful morning like this one, we should announce…I don’t know…maybe a BIG party…”

 

“Great idea, Commander!” seconded Tom.

 

“What kind of a BIG party could we announce, I wonder?” mused Chakotay. “Do you have any ideas for a BIG party, Captain?”

 

Janeway threw her hands up in the air. “Enough! I surrender!”

 

The bridge dissolved in laughter. Chakotay reached over and clasped her hand.

 

“Kathryn, we’re all delighted for you and Seven. It makes us glad to see you so happy.”

 

“Thank you, Chakotay. Thank you all.”

 

“Now, about that big party….”

 

“It’s a little early for that kind of thing, don’t you think?”

 

“I don’t know, that’s a pretty large diamond that’s back on your finger. I think we should start making plans now.”

 

Janeway groaned. “Give us a chance to get used to the idea, will you? Where are the morning reports? Don’t you all have things to do, or should I start passing out additional assignments?”

 

Still chuckling, the bridge crew settled down to their jobs. As Janeway reviewed the overnight reports, she thought how fortunate she was to have this crew. This group of strangers, of adversaries, had come together into a family. They would stick together, and they would return to their home, no matter how long it took. The thought of their loyalty made her heart skip a beat and her eyes tear slightly.

 

Chakotay noticed. “Kathryn…?”

 

“It’s nothing, Chakotay. Just thinking how lucky I am to have this crew. I need to review a couple of things before the staff meeting. I’ll be in my ready room.”

 

When she walked into the conference room for the meeting, the first thing she noticed was a distinct flush on Seven’s face and those same silly grins on everyone’s face.

 

Looks like I wasn’t the only one they gave a hard time.

 

“OK, everybody. Let’s get started. Mr. Neelix? Are we disturbing you?”

 

Neelix looked up from the padd on which he had been busily working.

 

“I apologize, Captain. I was busy organizing wedding plans. I’d like to discuss some ideas with the staff…”

 

“Perhaps later when we’ve covered the important things. Now, anybody have anything to add to the weekly reports from yesterday?”

 

The usual result of that request was a spirited and lengthy discussion of factors affecting the ship and crew. Today, it was greeted with silence.

 

“Has there been anything of note that we need to discuss since Monday’s meeting? B’Elanna? What about Engineering?”

 

“Everything’s fine. Operating at peak efficiency.”

 

“Operations?”

 

“We’re good, Captain.”

 

“Security?”

 

“Nothing to report, Captain.”

 

“Helm?”

 

“We’re good to go, Captain. The Astrometric charts have all been programmed in and our course is set.”

 

“Astrometrics?”

 

“Updated scans will be uploaded by noon, Captain.”

 

“Medical?”

 

“Sickbay is unoccupied and open for business, Captain.”

 

“Does anybody have ANYTHING?”

 

Silence. Neelix sat at the far end of the table beaming.

 

Janeway knew when she was beaten. She sighed noisily.

 

“Yes, Mr. Neelix…”

 

“Captain, I’m assuming you’ll want to wear your dress uniform for the ceremony. Seven, will you want to wear a traditional wedding dress or perhaps that stunning Ma’altarean uniform of yours? And since the captain will be one of the stars, who is authorized to perform the ceremony?”

 

Talk broke out all around the table. Janeway looked at Seven and they smiled at each other.

 

“Neelix? If we’re going to make these monumental decisions this morning I’m going to need to be fortified with a lot more than coffee. Is anyone else interested in breakfast?”

 

“I could go for some banana pancakes!” said B’Elanna with enthusiasm.

 

“Waffles!” said Tom.

 

“All right, then. Let’s adjourn this fiasco to the mess hall.” Everyone rose and began filing out the door, talking excitedly. Seven hung back and waited for Kathryn.

 

“Were they brutal, darling?”

 

“No more than usual, Kathryn. B’Elanna was most enthusiastic in her teasing.”

 

Janeway laughed. “They’re excited for us. I suppose we should let them enjoy themselves. Maybe then they’ll calm down and we can get back to being a starship again. Try to be nice to them in the mean time, won’t you?”

 

“I will comply, Captain.”

 

“Don’t assimilate B’Elanna if she teases you.”

 

“I will comply, Captain.”

 

“Don’t rip anyone’s arm off and beat them with it.”

 

“I will comply.”

 

“OK then, let’s get some breakfast and plan our wedding.”

 

“Kathryn?” Seven reached out and pulled her into her arms.

 

“Yes, darling?”

 

“Unlike your previous relationships, this will NOT be a long engagement.”

 

Kathryn’s eyes twinkled in merriment.

 

“I will compl…” she began.

 

The rest was lost in a kiss.

 

 

The End