In the 43 years of her Starfleet career she rose through the ranks and gained the respect and admiration of her crew and peers. But today was a day filled with remorse and self-loathing, a day for second-guessing her past decisions and choices. She stared silently as Voyager continued its journey back to the Alpha Quadrant. Its’ silvery form gliding effortlessly through the dark expanse. …"How many times have we stopped and started this journey in the past five years?" she contemplated frowning deeply.

She returned her gaze once again to the stars as they sailed passed, on any other day she would have reveled in the beauty lain out before her. At the tranquil comfort they provide knowing this was where she belonged, aware with every fiber in her soul this was the core of her existence. She might have noticed how the stars embraced each other in a lover’s dance placing trails of soft feathery kisses on velvet necks as they parted.

She looked down at the cup she held firmly in her grasp her fingers white and numb from holding it so tightly. Raising the cup to her lips she swallowed the familiar brew a mechanical response, gone the pleasure she might normally derive. Its trail ran cold as it made its way languidly down her throat leaving a bitter taste in it’s path, she grimaced, surprised that she would allow herself to feel even that. For a second she considered replicating a new cup then quickly pushed the thought aside not wanting to give into the comfort it give.

Her classic face was pensive the lines of worry etched deeply in her brow, the normally bright deep blue eyes were a dark steel gray, the color a stark warning to her crew she wished to be left alone. She shivered slightly against an imaginary chill its coldness threatening to envelop her in its firm steel grip and devour her very essence.

"Computer raise temperature 4 degrees, her voice raspy and raw.

"Temperature raised 4 degrees", the even feminine tone of the ship related.

She placed her cup down on the coffee table and took five tentative steps towards the couch. Sitting down she nestled her back against the cushions leaning her head back, her right hand coming instinctively to cover both eyes while her left arm wrapped tightly around her chest.

"Soul", she repeated the word over and over again. It sounded so foreign and incomprehensible a singular concept beyond her reach. "Come on Katie, the inner voice dark and brooding. "You know what a soul is? For God’s sake you still have one don’t you?"…Well don’t you?" contrite and razor sharp.

Janeway winced and clamped down hard on the voice, allowing her thoughts to revisit the encounter with the beings. "How long has it been, two months?" two months she would give her life to undo. "What was it Seven said? Voyagers, Astrometrics Officer, "They are inferior, Voyager and you are far superior ", spoken in that familiar detached tone. "Inferior", the word constantly reverberating in her head the constant migraine unable to drown it out.

Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to the Unimatrix 01,former of the Borg Collective severed four years earlier when Janeway formed an alliance with the Borg in a war against species 8472. Seven of Nine all six feet of her was the epitome of complete womanhood dressed in a brown skin-tight biosuit, which only helped to accent her curvaceous form. A living testimony of beauty and strength with cat like grace and an equally profound and brilliant mind. Her hair, white-blond pulled tightly back into an efficient bun her skin pale with rich full wine colored lips and ice-blue eyes. Her left eye framed by a gray metallic implant while on her right cheek slightly above her jaw and directly below her ear another metallic starburst adorned her face, a stark reminder of her assimilation by the Borg. Assimilated at the age of six, former human designation Annika Hansen, She served as a Borg drone for 18 years before being severed by Janeway and forced to embrace her humanity.

Seven had grown up in a cold sterile Borg collective without love or compassion, human frailties inefficient and irrelevant systematically removed and tossed aside by the Borg. Seven turned to Janeway as a friend and mentor to assist her in adapting to humanity. It was Janeway’s patience and logical reasoning that often helped the young Borg understand the complexity that came with being human.

To say that Seven was openly received among Voyagers crew was an understatement. Janeway found herself at odds with her First Officer Chakotay regarding Seven, he didn’t trust the Borg and wanted Kathryn to let Seven return to the collective, with conviction he stated Seven would one day betray the Captain and Voyager. Time proved Chakotay wrong and Seven chose to remain with the Voyager collective. Saving Voyager and her crew on more than one occasion.

At first Janeway made concessions when Seven blatantly refused to accept her Starfleet command structure, their public disagreements and Sevens open defiance for Starfleet protocol precariously balanced by late night philosophical discussion. Eventually Janeway slammed down hard on the Borg passionately explaining that not always could she be her friend, there would be times when she could only be her Captain. The Borg eventually understood the meaning behind those words and in time came to respect and care for her Captain.

The two women formed a unique bond kindred spirits destined to intertwine without fully understanding why. Discovering friendship and a mutual respect while assisting each other in adapting to life on Voyager.

 Janeway would never allow herself to form an intimate relationship with any member of her crew. Something that could readily compromise her control, to Janeway personal attachments could only bring infinite complications and undermine her command. Over the six years Voyager has been stranded in the Delta quadrant the Starfleet Captain suppressed the most basic of human emotions and led a solitary existence. She formed friendships with her senior staff members and valued their opinions and concerns. Janeway almost engaged in an intimate relationship with her First Officer, Chakotay, and for reasons she never explained spurned the promise it could bring. There was also Lt. Commander Tuvok a Vulcan and her senior security officer who was her very old dear friend, they shared a long tenuous friendship that spanned over 20 years. Janeway was meticulous in setting the boundaries of all her relationships, including her friendship, systematically rigid in drawing the lines.

Seven’s lack of experience in human interaction enabled her to cross those lines effortlessly leaving a very infuriated and confused Captain in her wake. With a defiant act or prolific argument, Seven could move and stir emotions in Janeway as no other before. Forcing the older woman to re-evaluate her thoughts and at times alter her command decisions. Janeway was an eloquent speaker and diplomat and yet Seven had an undeniable way of exasperating the Captain and leaving her speechless.

However there were still some who viewed the young Borg as cold and indifferent, one member in particular was Voyagers Chief Engineer, Lt. B’Elanna Torres. Torres was a Klingon/Human hybrid with a fiery temper and superb engineering skills. Torres found Seven to be completely infuriating and annoying at best. The Borg had a knack of rubbing Torres the wrong way and their often-hostile arguments were legendary among Voyagers crew. Torres often referred to Seven as "The Captains Pet Borg or Ice Queen"; something Seven openly ignored much to B’Elanna’s dismay.

Torres was forced to admit Seven was brilliant and more than once succeeded in blowing her out of the water. Hell when you got right down to it if something ever happened to Torres, Seven would be her obvious replacement.

A month earlier a run in with three renegade vessels left Voyager with extensive systems damage. Janeway intended to avoid any future encounters that may result in Voyager having to defend herself. Her engineering department was over worked in their attempt to return Voyager to her present state. Voyager was still experiencing outages in minor systems sending Torres into a torrid of Klingon expletives.

Torres squeezed her powerful frame into the narrow Jeffries tube, wiping the sweat forming on her brow across her shoulder. "Kahless, it’s hot in here", she grumble. She was currently tracking an obstinate short that kept burning out plasma cells faster than she could replace them. The burned out cells were preventing the replicators from come back on line.

"Janeway to Lt. Torres"

Startled she cursed inwardly "Kahless be damned". "Lt. Torres here".

"Lt., When was the last time you went off duty and slept?"

Torres rolled her eyes in frustration, annoyed at being disturbed for such a frivolous question. "You have got to be kidding me right, God doesn’t she have anything better to do, she grumbled". Torres hated being interrupted when she was in the middle of fixing a problem, but before responding she slowed her breathing and forced herself to answer without inflection, something she knew Janeway would pick up on immediately.

"I’m fine Captain, I’m running diagnostics on some plasma cells that keep shorting out the replicators."

Janeway considered Torres’s response the thought of consuming another Talaxian dinner made her stomach churn. Voyager found itself again at the mercy of the ships Talaxian Chef, Neelix. His culinary cooking skills reminded Janeway of the time she spent in a Cardassian prison. Janeway grimaced involuntarily in disgust, recalling how she scraped better tasting insects of the prison walls, a slight shudder shook her body. One thing was for certain; "Neelix made a better trader then a cook any day of the year". Something she would never voice out loud for fear of offending the cheerful Talaxian, with a regrettable sigh, Janeway made a command decision. Torres had been working non-stop for the last 18 hours and it wouldn’t do Janeway any good to lose her best engineer to exhaustion.

"Not good enough Lt., consider yourself logged off duty as of now". Her voice taking on a low tone warning the engineer there was no room for argument.

"Aye Captain, Torres out"…. For a minute B’Elanna considered disregarding the Captain’s order. "After all, it wouldn’t be the first time", she snorted, brooding and suppressing another Klingon curse, Torres slipped out of the jeffries tube and headed to her quarters.

"Now I have to suffer another one of Neelixs’ dinners" she grumbled. "Kahless, there wasn’t enough hot sauce in the entire Delta Quadrant to make that crap remotely edible.

Torres made a mental note to stay away from the mess hall for the remainder of the day. It would do her no good to face the angry crewmembers that would level looks her way strong enough to peel the paint off a ship's hull.

"I never should have said I’d have the damn replicators back on line by 2200 hours to that big mouth Paris", she cursed herself for never knowing when to keep her big mouth shut..

At one time B’Elanna and Tom Paris were lovers the blond haired blue eyed helmsman and B'Elanna engaged in a passionate torrid love affair abruptly ending in a jealous Klingon rage. It wasn’t until recently that Tom and B’Elanna began acting civil to each other much to the relief of the crew.

"He probably has a damn betting pool going on the replicators. Now I’ll never hear the end of it and he’s probably using the inside information I gave him". Suddenly a cruel smile played upon on her lips, "He’s going to loose his shirt on this! She chuckled, "Hmm… I wonder if I can get Nicoletti to place a quite bet for me?"

"Yep, things were beginning to look up for after all" with that she contacted Nicoletti and agreed to meet in her quarters, contemplating all the way there her sudden windfall of good fortune.

Janeway sat in her ready room regretting deeply removing B’Elanna from duty.

"After all, we are talking the replicators here, she chided herself".

" Do you rally want to subject yourself and the crew to another Neelix lab experiment? "And the coffee? Oh my, it does bring a new meaning to the term, To Die For". Her eyes twinkled turning a bright blue a warning something was about to unfold. She sat up and rubbed her hands together. Her inner voice warning, "You Know B’Elanna’s going to freak".

"Oh shut up", she commanded, "Besides who’s the Captain here anyway?" convinced it was the right thing to do for the good of the crew she set about her plan.

Slapping her COM badge…. "Janeway to Seven"

"Seven here Captain"

"Seven are you very busy"

"I am running calculations on the L class system we have entered, Captain, How may I help you?"

"I’m glad you asked Seven", she said with the hint of a smile, " Meet me in engineering and, Ah, Seven bring your tools".

"On my way, Seven out"

Turning over the conn to Chakotay she headed towards the turbolift clasping her hands behind her back, the hint of a swagger in her walk. She turned around and the last thing she saw was the bemused look on her First Office’s face.

"I wondered what she’s up now?" he sighed shaking his head in amusement and returning his attention back to the screen in front of him. As the turbolift descended to engineering Janeways thoughts turned to freshly replicated cups of coffee and how close to heaven she would be. 

Janeway entered engineering and there was Seven of Nine, tools in one hand pressing keys on the terminal in front of her with the free one. Without turning she acknowledge Janeway’s presence her Borg enhanced hearing detecting her footfalls before she entered. "Captain".

"Seven" Janeway nodded slightly; the glint in her eyes warning a conspiracy, she moved in front of the terminal Seven was accessing to look at the Borg.

The cool Borg tilted her head slightly to the left, her left brow rising slightly, recognizing that look in her Captains eyes, the sudden feeling of dread creeping over her.

"How would you like to help me fix the replicators?" slamming down her best command mask in case the Borg attempted to ignore her request.

The Borg noticed her Captains command mask and hesitated before answering, her inner voice stating "resistance is futile".

With a deep reservation she answered, "I’d be more than happy to assist you Captain" then ventured more cautiously. "But if it can wait until morning Captain, I can assist Lt. Torres I’m sure we will be able to find an efficient means of resolving this problem", then thinking it wise to add "Lt. Torres has requested I notify her prior to making repairs in engineering" she added distastefully.

"She’s got you there, Katie" the little voice injected mockingly." Damn, she’s just not going to make this easy, is she?" Janeway sighed changing her strategy she proceeded to utilize her body language to effect an advantage.

Janeway moved and immediately invaded Sevens personal space making sure to adjust her shoulders as she stood directly in front of the Borg. Instead of holding them straight in her usual manner she dropped them slightly and leaned in close knowing the subtle change would affect the young Borg.

The affected was immediate, Janeway heard the young woman take in a slow deep breath her ample chest rising softly. Janeway raised her head amazingly slow tilting it slightly to her left then locked onto those impossibly Ice-blue eyes. Janeway was a master at effectively using body language and Seven never stood a chance, the Borg was out of her league. "Another useful trick for a Starfleet Captain to know, god she’s so easy", she joked to herself.

Janeway held her gaze intently for a few moments disciplining herself not to speak, knowing full well this would have a powerful affect on Seven. When she felt Seven begin to exhale gently she released her gaze on the young women, without skipping a beat she quickly moved in for the kill before the young Borg could regain her senses. "Another excellent execution, God I’m good" stifling a smile.

"Well ah, yes, Seven I guess we could do that". "However, "and she took her time to pause here. "I think the problem we’re having may be in the primary replicator array".

"It’s possible the fluctuations are causing interference and giving false readings" she continued, quite proud of herself "resistance is futile Seven," she thought inwardly. "You know it’s probably something only your cortical implant can detect". Lowering her voice to a husky timber hoping the young woman would bite.

The Borg while processing everything the Captain was saying, was also processing the different changes occurring in her body. With a clinical indifference she noted her ragged intake of breath when the Captain stepped into her personal space. She also noted that for 6.4 seconds she forgot to expel her breath leaving her slightly light headed. Her pulse increased significantly by 7.5 beats and for some unexplainable reason it took her 10.7 seconds before she could answer. In Addition she felt tiny electrical pulses shoot down her spine when the Captains voice took on a low husky timbre. Seven determined her nanoprobes were not functioning to acceptable levels and would have to speak to the Doctor of this at the end of her duty shift.

"I agree with your assessment Captain. It is accurate that my cortical implant will not be impaired and I can accurately detect fluctuations by .0001 %". " Her breath coming in short rasps.

"Why Thank you Seven" her smile unfolding to cover her entire face. "So will you help me?" knowing full well Seven would comply.

"I will comply", came the crisp response.

Together they walked to the same Jeffries tube B’Elanna was in earlier. Handing her tool pouch to Janeway, in one graceful cat like move Seven lifted herself into the tube and positioned herself carefully. She extended her left-enhanced Borg hand and offered it to the Captain for assistance.

Janeway smiled and without hesitation accepted the offered hand; she was taken completely by surprise as she found herself lifted effortlessly into the tube. Marveling at the strength the young Borg possessed and becoming slightly excited over the gesture. She allowed Seven to hold her momentarily while she shifted herself into a comfortable position in the small confines of the tube.

Janeway could still feel the heat that Sevens hands radiated on her waist where she gently held her. Her body’s reaction overpowering her strong willed mind, her desire rising slightly, which further shocked the Captain. Her face suddenly flushed, she dispelled the reaction as coming from the deplorable heat in the stifling Jeffries tube.

Seven eyed her suspiciously noting the sudden change in Janeway’s appearance.

"Captain, are you alright?", she asked innocently.

Feeling unexplainably embarrassed Janeway responded quickly, her mouth suddenly dry. "I’m fine Seven, why do you ask?", regretting the question the moment it left her lips.

"You appear to be mal-functioning, she hesitated and then continued. " Your respiration has increased considerably and I noticed your face has changed in its appearance" stating the obvious.

Suddenly feeling cornered and very uncomfortable Janeway forced herself to swallow and answer blandly. "Really Seven I’m fine, I just, well I find it rather warm in here. I guess the sudden change affected me somewhat", she allowed.

"Indeed, "came the quizzical response. "Captain, I can continue this without your assistance if you are not functioning properly".

"That’s quite all right Seven, I’ll adapt, as you were".

"Understood Captain".

For some reason Seven felt the Captain was not being completely truthful and decided to keep a watchful eye on her. It was not unusual for the Captain to push herself even when she was ill. "The Captain did not appear to be functioning at appropriate levels, in fact she appeared to be on the verge of fainting". Seven having fainted once was certain she looked just like that before it happened, a part of adapting to the Human collective she found quite distasteful.  

As Seven continued the process of trouble-shooting and seeking out the defiant circuit board. Janeway found herself having to occasionally edge herself closer to Seven. She relaxed her heartbeat to an easy rhythm and focused to the task on hand.

Janeway caught Seven glancing at her and the obvious concern on the Borgs face startled the Captain, she decided to ignore it not wanting a repeat of their previous conversation. She was still reeling over what transpired and the strong sensations Sevens touch induced. Unable to reconcile that perhaps she had deeper feelings for the young Borg. Janeway spent hours meditating and learning self control techniques over the years. The lessons suited her well now in the Delta Quadrant as she disciplined herself to ignore the natural impulses she felt.

Janeway was passing Seven the laser probe, when the device suddenly slipped from her sweaty grasp, tumbling downward and threatening to spill to the deck below. Both women instinctively reached for the probe and Janeway suddenly found her face pressed against Seven’s generous breast. The softness of the ample breast against her cheek both shocked and thrilled her; aghast she bolted upright and felt the sharp pain radiate through her skull as her head came in contact with a conduit panel.

"Ouch, she cried out", her hand reaching up to soften the blow.

Seven reach towards the Captain and grabbing the back of her head moved her closer to assess the damage, and for the second time Janeway found herself pressed against those gorgeous breasts. Her face tingled as she felt their warmth and could feel Sevens heartbeat emanating through the biosuit. The Captains face rising and falling with the rhythm of Seven’s breathing.

"Seven, really I’m fine", her voice muffled and irritable as she attempted to dislodge herself from Seven.

"Captain, You have suffered a contusion to the back of your head, you should have the Doctor examine you immediately". She was reaching for her COM badge, Janeways hand reaching out and stopping the hail.

"Really Seven I’m fine, it’s only a little bump. Honestly, it looks a lot worst than what it feels", her voice edgy and harsh.

Seven eyed the Captain wearily before resigning to her request, "As you wish Captain".

Seven now realized her earlier assessment of herself was incorrect she was not malfunctioning. Having studied 60 gigaquads on human sexuality she concluded what she felt earlier was desire. It was a logical conclusion and one she that seemed to please and astound her. She found the sensations were exhilarating and was disappointment at its loss when the Captain moved away.

Janeway felt the heat rising in her face and knew her face must be a lovely shade of red by now. Attempting to regain some of her self-dignity she adjusted her position and moved as far from Seven as she could. She was quick to note the confines of the tube made it very difficult and the look of disappointment on Sevens face tugged at her heart. Assuming it was her harsh tone that upset the young Borg she quickly added.

"I’m Sorry Seven I didn’t mean to get upset with you. It’s just that confined places irritate me".

"I understand Captain, there is no need to apologize I was not offended by your manner". "Indeed at least we were successful in retrieving the laser probe".

"Yes, well then I guess the pain was worth the effort, Seven".

The two women took a moment to collect them selves before resuming their task, preferring to retreat to the quite comfort of their personal thoughts.

"What the hell was that all about", Janeway pondered the fear touching her heart and clouding her eyes. "My God, I’m acting like a school girl after her first kiss, This is ridiculous! My God, Seven, I don’t ever recall being attracted to a woman before, God, It has been a long time". With that she resolved never to think of it again and felt the familiar coldness cover her heart.

For the rest of their time in the tube Janeway made a point of avoiding any physical contact with Seven. Seven on the other hand was making it very difficult for her, without warning Seven would subtly move and gently touch her, each touch sending electric shock waves through the Captains body. The Captain began to wonder if Sevens actions were intentional, "Now who the hell is using body language, one thing’s for certain Seven is an apt pupil", the little voice mocked.

After replacing the defective circuit board the replicators were back on line by 21:54 hours. Janeway was in need of a cold shower and something a lot stronger than coffee. The incident in the Jeffries tube having exhausted the good Captain more than any velocity match the two have ever played.

The awkwardness Janeway felt earlier passed once they exited the Jeffries tube, allowing her to relax and resume their easy banter.

"Well Seven, Good work I knew you could do it". Janeway smiled placing a hand on Seven’s shoulder as they walked out of engineering. "How about joining me for dinner in the mess hall?"

The joy she felt at the Captains request radiated through her body and rewarded her Captain with a rare smile. "That would be most acceptable Captain", not wanting to end the pleasurable mood with the Captain, quickly added. " I find it will be a more pleasurable experience and a remarkable improvement over Mr. Neelix’s specialties".

Janeway eyed the Borg suspiciously and noting the young woman’s smile threw her head back in a throaty laugh.

" You know Seven, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re developing a sense of humor".

Seven sarcastically pointed out the Borg had no such use for humor, causing another peal of laughter to come from her Captain. The Borg was quite pleased that her attempt at humor elicited such a response from her Captain and for the second time in 5.2 seconds, Seven rewarded her Captain with a rare Borg smile.

It was in the mess hall that B’Elanna Torres found the object of her blood rage. Storming over to where both women were seated. The half Klingon either chose to ignore Janeway or was too bent on exacting her revenge on Seven to notice.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?" she fumed the steam rising from the collar of her gold and black tunic. Without affording Seven the opportunity to respond she continued, her voice a threatening growl.

"I’ve told you a million times, not to touch anything in my department without clearing it with me first". " You’ve bucked my command for the last time you Borg bit_ _."

A cold steel threatening voice reached out from behind the Klingon sending chills down her spine, it was powerful enough to slice through her rage and make the hairs in back of her neck stand on edge. Realizing too late who was Seven’s dinner companion, a sudden sense of doom crept over the Klingon, she slowly turned to face the Captain.

"Lieutenant!" The voice low and dangerous her eyes locking on with a Janeway force ten glare.

The Klingon cringed and swallowed deeply, "Captain, I didn’t know….", but before Torres could continue Janeway cut her off.

"That is an understatement Lt. both of you will accompany me to my ready room where we will continue this discussion", Am I making myself clear, Lt.?" a statement not a question.

"Yes, Captain", Torres stammered, silently wondering how the hell she could get herself out of this one. "Damn, where the hell is a red alert when I need one?" she wondered.

Janeway stood and left the mess hall with her two senior officers in tow. Noticing the crewmembers brave enough to have remained in the mess hall finally breathed and resumed talking.

Janeway was furious and it showed in her walk, heading to the turbolift her pace fast and clipped, forcing the two taller women to hasten theirs in an effort to keep up. Seven and B’Elanna avoided looking at each other while walking side by side their heads lowered staring at the deck. Janeway didn’t wait for the doors of the lift to fully open before storming in and knocking over a dazed Ensign Hickman in her wake. Janeway shot him a force 10 glare that turned his legs to jelly as he quickly slipped by the Captain stammering an apology.

"Bridge, Janeway barked. The turbolift recognizing the command and ascending to the bridge. Janeway stepped down crossing the bridge her face stern but controlled and headed directly to her ready room, Seven and Torres feebly fumbling to keep up with her.

Before entering the ready room she barked to her First Officer, "We’ll be in my ready room and I don’t wish to be disturbed, Understood, Commander". A statement not a question, her voice low and dangerous.

"Understood", his voice raising a few octaves lined with fear. Chakotay exchanged a quizzical look with Tuvok who responded by raising his left eyebrow and a shrug of his shoulders.

Only one person on the bridge was aware of the kind of trouble the two women were in. However she had no intention on sharing it with the others having spent an entire half-hour attempting to calm down a blood raged Klingon. At least she thought, "I managed to dissuade B’Elanna from using "that Klingon sword of hers, whatever it’s called" she sighed. She returned her attention back to her duties regretting dreadfully getting involved with B’Elanna in the first place. Her latest scheme costing Nicoletti three weeks replicator rations on a stupid bet 

Janeway spun around before the door closed holding her two senior officers in place with her glare. B’Elanna suddenly felt the room extremely hot and shifted restlessly from one foot to the other. Seven on the other hand was cool and standing at full attention her hands clasped tightly behind her back.

Janeway swept her hand motioning to them both and ordered "Sit". The two young women immediately sat and did their best to avoid eye contact.

B’Elanna slouched low in her seat, her eyes cast downward and her mind spinning a mile a minute. She was quickly devising her defense one that would deflect the attention away from her and redirect it on the Borg. Her mind fast and furious immediately formulated a defense her posture improving dramatically as she sat up higher and her eyes took on a definitive sparkle.

Janeway detected the subtle physical changes of the Klingon and concluded B’Elanna came up with a plan "That was fast she thought". Knowing the Klingons penchant for manipulating Starfleet regulations in her favor she was curious to see were it would lead.

"Lt. Would you care to explain what I just witnessed?" she allowed, implying to the Klingon she now had the advantage, her voice even though firm.

B’Elanna grateful for the opening thought her luck was beginning to look up. Collecting her thoughts she mentally went over her plan one more time before answering. "First a quick apology for my little outburst then I direct the Captains attention back to her Pet Borg, O.K. I can do this" she convinced herself.

"Well you see Captain, I, er, ...FirstIwanttoapologizeformybehaviorinthemesshall", rushing quickly through her apology and speaking low, "But I’ve given Seven strict orders not to make any modifications in engineering without my prior approval first". Her voice gaining in strength and conviction. "Now I find she’s made changes to the replicator systems and never cleared it with me".

"Captain this isn’t the first Seven has openly defied my direct orders and frankly I don’t see the purpose of having a Starfleet Command Structure if she refuses to follow it". On a roll now she continued. "Astrometrics reports to me and her refusal to follow a direct order is insubordination at the least".

"Now that’s rich", Janeway thought quietly, "So that’s her plan blame Seven, I have to admit she is creative".

"Something Captain I might add you’ve accused me of in the past", added the Klingon for good measure.

Janeway paused allowing the room to grow silent again, "saying to herself "Nice touch Lt.", covering her mouth to hide a rueful smile.

"Seven, Janeway snapped, Can explain your actions, did you defy the Lt.’s orders?" her question startling the young Borg.

Seven was completely perplexed she stared intently at the Captain unsure of how to proceed. B’Elanna was feeling smug, her confidence building. "Kahless the Borg is so transparent, I wonder if she plays poker?" She snickered.

"Captain? I, - I, don’t think I un-der-stand your question", the hurt evident in the young Borgs voice.

Feeling guilty for dragging Seven into this little drama Janeway softened her response.

"It’s very simple Seven please explain what you have been doing since, Oh let’s say 1800 hours". Knowing full well the Borg would take her literately.

" I See, I understand Captain", the realization finally settling of what the Captain was implying, she began recounting her events in a crisp monotone voice.

"From 1800-1830, I was in Astrometrics were I performed 4025.5 new calculations regarding the recent energy anomalies present in this L class system at headings 1.245 x .0743". B’Elanna rolled her eyes up in frustration her arms crossing in front of her chest and let out an audible "Humph" in protest.

"At 1830:21 seconds, I was summoned by you Captain and ordered to report to engineering with my tools".

"At 1830:54 seconds, I was present in engineering and awaiting your arrival".

B’Elanna face drained of all its color an inward groan escaping "The Captain ordered her to fix the replicators, Oh shit this is bad" "Kahless, today is a good day to die", invoking an old Klingon mantra. "Damn and I lost 3 months replicator rations to boot, this has not been my day". 

"That’s enough Seven, you’re dismissed". Janeway cut Seven off before the Borg could reveal she informed the Captain of B’Elannas order, orders that Janeway belayed.

"Captain", Seven stood and nodded her head slightly before leaving.

 Janeway watched Seven leave lingering a little to long on the Borgs long lanky form, an act her Chief Engineer noticed. "That was strange, she thought, God, Janeway wants the Ice Queen, talk about frostbite". Of one thing the Klingon was certain her continued existence relied heavily on keeping her mouth shut, something that would prove very difficult for Voyagers biggest gossipmonger.

Janeway turned her full attention back to B’Elanna who suddenly found the room entirely too small and way too hot for her Klingon physiology. Janeway stifled another smile enjoying the obvious discomfort she caused the Klingon, she decided to further throw the Klingon off her game.

"Lt. Is something wrong?" daring the Klingon to attempt another deception.

Opening and shutting her mouth several times, B’Elanna stammered.

"Captain… I….," Janeway held her hand up preventing the engineer from continuing.

"Lt. I do owe you an apology I ordered Seven to assist me in repairing the replicators. However Lt., …" her voice becoming dangerously dress down low. " I’m not in the habit of asking permission before making repairs on my ship". Nor will I sit idly by while one of my Senior Officer’s decides to make a public spectacle of herself in the mess hall".

"Not only were your actions unacceptable, as a Senior Officer I expect you to lead by example and that means conducting yourself in an appropriate manner as dictated by Starfleet". "Any public display of uncontrolled anger will not be tolerated by me, nor will I allow you to subject the crew to it". "Unless of course the rank of Ensign and a few days in the brig is more to you’re liking". "Do I make myself Clear Lieutenant" A statement and not a question.

B"Elanna promptly stood up to attention. "Yes Captain", keeping her head forward and eyes lowered.

"Dismissed Lt., the voice placing emphasis on dismissed.

B’Elanna forced herself not to run out of the ready room "Damn, I really blew that one I didn’t even see it coming". "This is just great, I lost 3 months rations, I owe the Borg an apology and worst of all I’ll have Janeway on my ass for our duration in the Delta quadrant." "I need to get good and roaring drunk" she moaned as she dejectedly headed towards her quarters.

The following morning the entire senior staff was present in the ready room for the weekly staff meeting. Seven was reporting her findings on anomalous energy readings she first discovered last night and continued working on into the morning. The lack of sufficient data caused her usual cool demeanor to falter in a most UnBorg way.

"I have detected two energy readings coming from the same location on the second L class planet". "My long range scans are ineffective in identifying the exact nature of the second signature." The frustration rising and clipping each of her words.

"Data so far is detecting one Borg signature, a cube, it is off-line, data indicates the signature is 33.2 years old". The mention of the Borg got every ones attention. "However, she proceeded doubtingly, there is also a second signature being emitted from the same location, data indicates it too is 33.2 years old". "I am sorry Captain, but I am unable to identify it at this time". The last said with difficulty coming from the proud Borg.

Torres let out a loud snort and was stopped dead in her tracks by a force four Janeway look. Still feeling the sting from last night’s dress down B’Elanna tugged restlessly at her collar and forced her eyes back to the data pad in front of her.

"Your saying the cube has been laying out there for 33 years".

"33.2 years, Yes, Captain" correcting the Captains minor error.

"Seven, prior to this when was the last time the Borg went through this sector"

"Exactly 352.3 years ago."

Janeway continued her mind absorbing the data Seven was giving her, "Are there any other Borg signatures?"

"No Captain, my scans detect the three Borg drones were severed from the collective, they have not been functioning for 33.2 years." "Their receptor signals have also been neutralized.

"Well, that might explain why the Borg haven’t returned for them" Janeway added dryly.

"That is quite possible Captain, I recommend we send an away team to the planet surface"

‘Hold on Seven, I don’t want to rush into anything just yet", "Tom how long before we can get close enough for transporter range? ", Janeways attention turning to the ships helmsman.

"At our current speed we should be within range in about 9 hours, Captain", the blond helmsman replied"

"Good that should give us some time to assemble an away team"; "Seven I want you, B’Elanna and Harry with me". "Maybe we can salvage their transwarp drive"

"Tuvok see what you can come up with for weapons, we’ll also need two security officers escorting the team, I need you up here in case we have to beam out quickly"

The Chief Security Officer raised his brow an indication he was not pleased with the Captain decision in leading the Away Team. "I can adjust the phaser modulation frequencies and increase their power, but, if I may point out Captain, you will only be able to use it a few times before the Borg adapt" he added sarcastically.

"That’s quite alright Mr. TuVok a few shots is all we need", if it was possible for a Vulcan to show emotion Janeway was sure his raised eyebrow conveyed disgust.

Chakotay took the opportunity to voice his concerns, "Captain, why don’t you let me lead the away team."

"Not a chance Commander, cutting him off immediately, "I need you here with my ship, besides this mission calls for a scientist and you know I can’t pass up a challenge", voicing no further argument.

"Seven, I want you to work with Harry and B’Elanna see if you can increase the scanners in Astrometrics and find out what the second signature is" "We’ll meet back here in 16:00 hours and go over the data".

"Chakotay, put us on yellow alert, TuVok, I want you to begin systematically scanning the system for any Borg vessels", her command mode in full force and snapping orders to her staff.

"It does sound intriguing, why two signatures emanating from the same source?", spoken to herself not the crew. " Seven, have the Borg ever assimilated this sector?"

"No Captain, the four L class planets in this sector are uninhabited and the nearest lifeforms are 15.2 light years away". "Species 3452, Human designation Ba’Krad unworthy of being added to the collective." She stated quite flatly.

"Weren’t they the lucky ones", breathed Tom Paris. Seven merely raising her left eyebrow and wondering why humans were inclined to state the obvious.

"I see, now that is interesting" Janeway added curiosity lacing her voice. " Stay on it and let me know as soon as you have something".

Seven nodded her head in acknowledgement "Understood".

Janeway stifled a smile. "Anything else? "I want everyone alert and Tom work with TuVok and layout a course to get us out of here quickly in case we do encounter the Borg".

"B’Elanna, how are we in engineering"

"All systems are back on line, engineering is operating at 100%, Seven completed the last of the repairs yesterday". Tom Paris turned to Seven and graced her with a boyish grin, grateful to the Borg for saving his proverbial butt on the replicator pool. The Borg merely returned his smile with a quizzical expression unaware of the Paris betting pool on the replicators.

"Everyone has their orders, Dismissed".

The senior staff rose and spilled out of the conference room, Seven remaining and waiting patiently to speak with the Captain alone.

"Seven, is there anything else?" Janeway was secretly hoping it wouldn’t lead to a conversation regarding the Jeffries tube incident. Her command mask on in full mode ready to deflect anything of a personal nature, something she was painfully aware would never stop the Borg.

Seven noted the command mask and stiffened slightly before answering. "Yes Captain, about last night". "I wish to discuss certain emotions I experienced and I find I am at a lost as to their meaning".

"Well so much for the command mask trick she noted warily", Janeway took in a deep breath and braced herself. "God, where the hell is a red alert when I need one, she asked desperately".

"I see, well then why don’t you accompany me to my ready room and we can discuss it", Janeways mouth going suddenly dry. As they entered the ready room Janeway headed directly to the replicator punching in commands a cup of black coffee appeared.

"Can I offer you something to drink Seven?" knowing the Borg would decline in her usual manner.

"I do not require liquid refreshment at this moment, and then carefully added, Thank You". Janeway smile at both Seven’s predictable response and her attempt at pleasantries.

She sat down in her chair and motioned Seven to sit.

"I prefer to stand", the Borg stated standing at attention with her hands behind her back.

The Captain not preferring to give the young Borg the advantage added dryly, "I prefer that you sit" her voice commanding and forceful, she had every intention of controlling this situation.

Seven complied and sat directly in front of Janeway her back perfectly straight against the back of the chair and her hands clasped firmly in front of her.

"Now Seven what exactly are you confused about", not wanting to mince any words.

Sevens face became clouded "I do not understand why you asked me to explain my actions to Lt. Torres, I find that it was confusing since it was you that ordered me to assist you in the repairs".

Janeway let out a long sigh of relief "I see, you’re confused as to why I asked you the obvious instead of letting Lt. Torres know I ordered you to make the repairs".

"Yes, that is an accurate statement, I found it was illogical of you not to immediately make Lt. Torres aware of the situation", she added contritely.

"Well Seven, sometimes there are things I’d rather not make known". "In this case it didn’t matter what Lt. Torres was privy too, I found Lt. Torres’s behavior was unacceptable". "I expect my Senior Officers to conduct themselves appropriately and when they fail to do so, It is my duty as their Captain to correct it". "I don’t want you to think that you can openly disobey a Senior Officer’s order in this case you did not". "A Senior Officer must learn to lead by example and acceptable behavior if they expect to earn the loyalty and respect of their crew".

"I see, so in this case it was appropriate of you to deceive the LT.? she questioned.

"I wouldn’t say that I deceived Lt. Torres, what I did was redirect her attention to the true nature of the problem". "Which in this case was her reaction to what she perceived you did wrong". "In both cases she was wrong. Her method of addressing your supposed insubordination was completely inappropriate and mishandled ".

"I understand, though I find it to be a more effective approach when one is straightforward". "I find that your logic though flawed was acceptable in this particular situation, still I do not believe it is something I wish to adapt".

Janeway curled her lip into a crooked grin "And that Seven is what makes you truly unique, nor do I ever expect you to be anything other than straightforward if not abrupt in your dealing with us".

"That is acceptable Captain, and I hope never to disappoint". "However there is something else I wish to discuss, it has to do with what occurred in the jeffries tube".

"Oh God, here it comes", Janeway voice croaked inwardly the color draining slightly from her face. Janeway steeled herself waiting for the hammer to drop when they were interrupted by Sevens COM badge.

"Torres to Seven", Seven touched the badge on her left breast. "Seven here"

"Seven, Harry and I are waiting for you in Astrometrics"

"On my way", crisply stated and detecting the evident look of relief on her Captains face.

"Thank the god’s" Janeway cried inwardly the heavy weight on her chest subsiding. "I’ll have to remember to take it easy on B’Elanna I’ll only let her squirm a little longer".

"Captain I can not continue our conversation, perhaps we can continue it at another time?"

"I’m looking forward to it Seven", a blatant lie.

Seven turned and exited the ready room heading towards Astrometrics. In the ready room a very shaken Janeway was attempting to compose her breathing and pounding heart. Janeway let out a long breath and quelled the rampant thoughts swirling in her head and quieted her heart. The current situation she found herself was one she managed to avoid for five years. It raised feelings she had no desire to explore and would do no good to engage in.

Her obligations and duties must always come first just as they had for her father. Ironic considering she spent her young life growing up in Indiana resenting her father’s absence his Starfleet career taking precedence over his family. This was the legacy he passed onto Janeway, who resigned herself to living a desolate Starfleet Captain existence. Not recognizant she became the person she resented most as a child.

Janeway suffered from occasional bouts of depression that started with the death of her father and fiancé Justin in a shuttle crash on a Martian polar Ice Cap. A test pilot run that went horribly wrong when it crashed and began to sink into the ice cap. She wasted the last few precious minutes in an attempt to try to save them both. Having enough time to only rescue one she was unable to accept the fate or perhaps deeper yet unable to decide who would live and who would die.

She saved neither of them and in the end watched them both die before her. The experience plunged her into a deep depression lasting months. She retreated to her bedroom and refused to get out of bed sinking into a dark solitary place and ignoring life. It was her sister Phoebe's relentless insistence on pushing Kathryn and forcing her to embrace life again that saved her. This in turn became the core of Kathryn’s reasoning for closing off her heart. Not to love unconditionally meant never being vulnerable again, never exposing herself to the profound hurt such a love could cause, subconsciously forgetting the sheer joy and elation of it’s promise.

Shortly before being stranded in the Delta quadrant she was engaged to a childhood friend, Mark. A relationship she controlled and one were she gave less of herself than with Justin. The engagement ended in the form of a Dear Jane letter she received via a Hirogen communications relay station. Mark thinking her dead married his assistant that was carrying his child. Though Kathryn was upset, what she truly mourned was the loss of the crutch Mark provided. Without Mark’s presence protecting her Kathryn was forced to fabricate another excuse for keeping love away. Her Starfleet position soon replaced Mark in the Delta quadrant, using her position and invoking Starfleet mandates at will, in particular was a rule prohibiting Starfleet Captains from fraternizing with subordinates under their command. Or if not rationalizing that a personal affair with a crewmember under her command would affect her judgement in making command decisions.

In Astrometrics B’ElannaTorres, Harry Kim and Seven were re-evaluating their latest calculations for extending the Astrometrics scanners. They hoped that by boosting power to the scanners it would provide further data relating to the second energy signature and determine it’s origin.

"Seven, I’m not sure this new set of calculations will work It can only give us .03 and we need .06", stated a frustrated B’Elanna. The Klingon was attempting to be more sociable to the Borg after wrongly accusing her of defying her orders. B’Elanna may not have cared for Seven but she wasn’t one to act dishonorably either.

B’Elanna was looking for the right moment to apologize to Seven over the incident, though how much Seven would appreciate the gesture the Klingon was unsure, still it was the honorable thing to do.

Seven looked at the set of calculations the engineer held in the datapad, after perusing them quickly she found the error. "Your error is here, if we rewire the parallel circuitry on the backup Op.’s Panel we can use it to increase the forward scan polarity by .07%". She stated flatly.

B'Elanna looked at Sevens new set of calculations with interest and was impressed by her recommendations. "Honestly Seven can be quite brilliant at times" she thought to herself.

"Your right if we disable the secondary source we can piggyback it onto the forward scanner array and that should give us an additional .04% increase, more than enough to scan the surface"

"That is an accurate statement Lt.", replied Seven with a look a mother gives her child when she finally learns her ABC’s.

"Harry, B’Elanna called turning to face him. You’ll have to go the bridge and manually bypass it there, otherwise the ships computer will try to reroute the path and we’ll overload the system"

"Sure no problem B’Elanna I’ll call you when I’m ready". Harry Kim turned and exited Astrometrics glad to be out of there. Earlier he tried to get the Klingon to confide in him and reveal what happened yesterday with her, the Captain and Seven. Instead the Klingon turned on him and threatened to slit open his chest and eat his heart while it was still beating. Usually Harry enjoyed B’Elannas company but her threat scared him and left him feeling a little queasy as he envisioned it’s meaning.

With Harry gone Torres found the opportunity to approach the Borg and apologize for her behavior the previous night. " Hey Seven, she ventured cautiously, About last night and the way I came after you in the Mess hall. Well I what…I.. I’m sorry if I offended you".

"Lt. Torres, Your apology is irrelevant, I was neither offended, nor do I find it was different than any of our other encounters", never once pausing from the task she was working on.

"God Seven, would it kill you to just accept an apology when some one offers it to you" "You know, sometimes you can be so obtuse".

"Explain", the Borg stopped working and turned to face B’Elanna.

B’Elanna was becoming exasperated and reminded herself that Seven didn’t mean anything by it, just that sometimes Seven could be so dense.

"Well you see Seven, how can I explain this. Look, I know you really don’t care that I act like a jerk towards you, I mean I call you names and it doesn’t seem to bother you."

"But yesterday I had no right to behave that way, I was wrong." "So when I offer an apology, it’s a way of making us both feel better". "It would restore my honor if you would accept my apology, now do you understand?"

"I see, Seven added dryly, You must be very efficient in apologizing since you are often incorrect". Returning her attention back to her terminal.

B’Elanna felt her anger rising and when she turned to confront Seven she noted a big smile on the Borgs face, shaking her head and smiling her anger subsided, realizing the Borg was being humorous.

"Seven, you never cease to amaze me, every time I think I got you figured out you through me for a loop". That was funny, really funny Seven, I can see Doc’s lessons are paying off" a large grin covering the Klingons face.

Seven continued to smirk and quickly added "I believe I’m beginning to understand why humans find humor entertaining, I find the expressions it emotes are quite intriguing".

Torres belted out a loud Klingon laugh and slapped Seven on the back. "That’s another good one Seven", the Borg though stinging from the slap on her back found she enjoyed this moment with the usually hostile engineer.

"Lt. Torres, may I ask you something of a personal nature? I find I have insufficient data on this matter and require your expert opinion", her voice timid and less demanding.

"Ah Khaless, here we go and I was actually starting to enjoy her company", she sighed. The part that bothered B’Elanna most about Seven was her delivery the Borg would just say whatever was on her mind.

‘Sure Seven if you think I can help, what is it?"

"I find that I am experiencing emotions and I am unsure of how to act on them".

"O.K., Torres allowed what exactly is it you’re feeling". 

"I find that I am experiencing certain emotions about some one, I find it very difficult to function in my duties because I am wondering what they are doing". "At other times I find I can’t wait to be near this person and I feel desire when they touch me". "I have also noted this person makes it a point to be near me as well". "I am able to detect certain changes in their physiology which indicates they desire me as well." "Yet I am unsure as to how to proceed with this individual, I know that what I feel is more than physical desire, I believe it may be possible that what I am feeling is love". She finished her voice raw with emotion.

B'Elanna was floored by the display of raw emotion from Seven "And I called her an Ice, Kahless, did I blow this one", she shook her head in disbelief. She suddenly became aware her mouth was wide open and snapped it shut before clearing her throat and answering. B’Elannas mind was going through the list of possible candidates the truth was she never thought Seven could be capable of lust let alone love. B’Elanna knew there were many onboard Voyager who would give a month’s rations to be the object of the gorgeous Borgs affection. However for the Borg to be interested in some one? Aside from work, Seven had a very limited social circle there was the Captain, Naomi Wildman, the Doctor, Neelix, TuVok, Harry and Tom. Aside from Seven’s failed date with Ensign Chapman she couldn’t recall the Borg showing interest in anybody, unless Harry was trying to make another pass at her.

"Well have you told this person how you feel about them?" B’Elanna asked tentatively

"No, I do not believe this person would be receptive as to my intentions", her voice low and pained.

B’Elanna suddenly felt sorry for the Borg it was obvious this was affecting Seven deeply and she prayed that whoever it was, they would be gentle and kind to the Borg and not hurt her. The Borg had no experience what so ever in matters of the heart and that made her an easy target.

"Why do you think this person won’t be receptive", she ventured gently.

"Because the Captain has spurned others who have had a romantic interest in her" not realizing the bombshell she just dropped on the Klingon. "I think that she has determined that as Captain she can not allow herself to love and be love. "I also suspect that there is something deep within her that prevents her from allowing such emotions. "I am unsure of how to change that flaw in her character" the Borgs expression pleading.

If B’Elanna was shocked before by Seven admission she was positively flabbergasted now, her voice screamed in her ears, "The Captain, Oh my God, Did she say the Captain? "Kahless poor Seven, The Captain!" "I mean I… thought… I… saw …the… Captain… loo--… But Kahless the Captain", shaking the loud voice out of her head she quickly gathered her thoughts, the Klingon suddenly feeling protective towards the Borg.

"Kahless Seven, it’s the Captain you’re in love with?" "I mean are you sure? God Seven, couldn’t you have picked some one easier to fall in love with the first time?"

"Lt. Torres, In embracing my humanity I have come to understand that emotions are at best, things we can not necessarily control. It has occurred to me, that love appears to be one of these emotions." "I can not say I understand how or why it has happened, I only know that it has", her voice wavering.

"God Seven, I mean I don’t know what to say. I mean I agree with you about emotions and well the Captain definitely keeps every one at arms length". "In all the time we’ve been out here she’s never fu_ _, I mean has gotten involved with anyone". "I just think it’s going to be very hard trying to convince her to fall in love with you." "I know she likes you and stuff and I’ve caught her staring at you but honestly I’m at a loss as to what to advise" "I’m not the expert you think, especially when it comes to the Captain". B’Elanna couldn’t help notice the fallen look on Sevens face and found both of her hearts going out to the young Borg.

Seven was crestfallen, "I understand Lt." "You are correct, My problem is unique regarding the Captain and I should not have assumed you would have the appropriate knowledge in assisting me with this". "I find that though I have the knowledge of 10,000 species and have assimilated 60 gigaquads of data on human sexuality. I have no first hand knowledge on how to pursue an individual that will offer me---- resistance", her cool voice cracking. "I am sorry if I have upset you"

B’Elanna knew she would live to regret her next decision and maybe it had something to do with her childhood, but she always found herself being the champion of the underdog. B"Elanna sucked in a deep breath. "Alright Seven, I’ll help you, what assimilated knowledge do you have on wooing and romance? One thing I do know about the Captain, she’s a true romantic at heart"

"Lt. Torres", the Klingon immediately interrupted her "Rule number one, you call me B’Elanna not Lt. Torres if we’re going to be co-conspirators than you call me B’Elanna. "Rule number two you tell absolutely nobody about this or I’ll wring your Borg neck, I already have the Captain pissed at me I don’t need her hunting me down with a photon rifle".

Seven became delighted and more animated now that B’Elanna agreed to help her.

"Very well Lt.…." B-’El-an-na, I do not believe the Captain is the kind to be wooed".

"Look Borg, who’s the expert here, do you want my help or not? she asked menacingly.

"Very well Klingon, I will comply" she added sarcastically a smile curling her lips.

B’Elanna snorted loudly "You know you’re a real comic, Okay this is what will do"

Torres was about to continue when Harry Kim hailed them from the bridge. "B’Elanna, I completed rewiring and power has been boosted by .07 %, you have all the power you need and the scanners are holding".

"Great Harry, Torres out", B’Elanna turned to Seven "Sorry Seven we have to get back to work, but why don’t we have dinner tonight at 2200 hours and we can start planning your strategy

"That will be acceptable"

Hesitating slightly unsure Seven would fully understand B'Elanna asked "Seven, I have to ask have you given it any thought as to what you would do if you fail?

"I have thought about it that is why I have approached you to assist me in this matter. You are more knowledgeable and would be able to advise me in a most efficient manner. I would also like to point out B'Elanna Torres that I am Borg and I will not fail.

B'Elanna glowed at Sevens honest compliment " Still maybe you shouldn’t wear you heart out on your sleeve".

"B'Elanna Torres why would I wish to remove my heart and display it my sleeve, surly this will cause me to stop functioning and I will be terminated."

B'Elanna rolled her eyes "Honestly Seven do you have to be so literal"

"Explain"

"It’s a metaphor you dumb Borg, it means hold on to your heart and try not to love some one too much it might hurt you in the end".

"I see, but I find I can not comply", My heart already belongs to the Captain and I love her with all that I am. To offer her anything less would demean and dishonor the great being that she is."

B’Elanna was awed, the feelings so eloquently expressed and for it come from Seven left her speechless. For Sevens sake she prayed Janeway would cave in and return her love. B’Elanna knew Janeway was hiding her feelings for the Borg and there was no doubt the Captain would resist.

"Kahless Seven, that’s incredible, I hope the Captain learns to appreciate you"

"Thank you B’Elanna", she whispered her face blushing. The Klingon enjoyed making the Borg blush, "Gee Seven, your cute when you blush"

"I am not blushing, she accused, the Borg do not blush"

"Yeah right, come on let’s get back to work"

The two women moved to the terminals and while B’Elanna went over the new calibrations, Sevens fingers flew effortlessly over the panel downloading the slew of information the new enhancements provided.

The panel chirped and Seven tapped in commands, when the panel chirped a second time B’Elanna padded over to her station.

"Did you find something" looking over Sevens shoulder.

"I am unsure, it must be an error", her fingers flying over the panel and tapping in more commands. The computer chirped a third time and the results had not changed.

"Is that the Omega molecule data file? B’Elanna asked incredulously, "I thought it was destroyed, "Is that coming from that L class planet?

‘It has some properties of the Omega, but it is not the Omega molecule"

"Well how is that possible is this another Omega molecule?"

"No, it is not, Sevens fingers flying over the panel, "However it has the primary principles of the Omega molecule".

"So what your saying is that the Omega molecule came from this? B’Elanna’s own hands entering commands.

"Yes that is accurate Lt., It appears this is the originating source of Omega", her normal cool demeanor gone. Seven slapped her COM badge, "Seven to Janeway"

"Janeway here, go ahead Seven"

"Captain, I require you in Astrometrics, there is something you must see"

"On my way, Janeway out", Janeway exited her ready room crossing the bridge

‘‘Chakotay you have the Com, I’ll be in Astrometrics"

"Aye Captain" he watched as she headed towards the turbolift.

Janeway entered the turbolift, "Deck eight" the computer recognizing the command. She entered Astrometrics and found Seven and B’Elanna huddled over the terminal their heads touching and working furiously on the panel in front of them. Janeway was happy to see her two officers working together instead of trying to kill each other. She approached them not wanting to lose the moment between them.

"Seven., Lt. Acknowledging B’Elanna, What do you have?"

Seven moved and allowed Janeway to step in front of her "I managed to isolate the energy signal originating from the L class planet. I have downloaded the data into Voyager and cross-referenced it to the databanks, Voyager has identified a portion of the energy signature"

"A portion, what do you mean a portion, is there more than one signature in the stream?" Janeways hands accessing the computer terminal.

"No", answered Seven allowing the Captain the time to come to her own conclusion.

"My God, its Omega! How is that that possible, unless of course this is the originating parent."

"Agreed Captain", "You will note that though this signature contains protons of the Omega molecule, it has other properties as well, that neither Voyagers databanks or I can identify".

"Is it stable?" Janeways scientific mind taking control

"All data indicates it is stable, though weak" the Borgs voice laced with awe.

Janeway turned to Seven and noticed the look of awe of the young Borgs face, "Very well, How is it that the Borg aren’t aware of this source?" her mind spinning at the implications and how Voyager may be able to utilize a stable Omega molecule.

"The two signatures are within 3 meters of each other, it is possible the cube exploded before the information was added to the collective".

"This is good news, what about the Borg cube is the Transwarp salvageable?

"We can only determine that once we beam down and examine the cube"

"Well, it looks like we’ll have to wait and see"

"Captain, what will you do about the Omega parent?" Sevens voice hopeful.

"Beam it on board of course, we can store it in the holodeck like we did last time"

"B’Elanna, I want you to verify the containment field still works in the holodeck, use the new information Seven has and make the proper adjustment for the properties on the parent Omega. Get a hold of Harry and have him assist you."

"Aye Captain on my way"

"Seven, let’s go over this data and see if we can identify some of the properties"

"Yes Captain, and Captain?"

"Yes Seven?" Janeway turned to face Seven, leaning into the Borg slightly.

"Thank you", the Borgs heartfelt emotions conveyed.

Janeway looked into Sevens eyes and smiled warmly, seeing the young Borgs eyes fill with "Love, Oh My, she is exquisite" her voice screaming making her head pound, she crossed her arms in front of her and forced the coldness spill over her heart again.  

Her voice dropped to its husky tone, "Oh don’t thank me yet Seven, we may be forced to destroy this one as well if it destabilizes".

Seven looked at her Captain in horror then tilted her head in acknowledgement.

"Janeway to the Bridge’

‘Chakotay here, Captain’.

"Commander How long before we reach the planet?"

"Three hours at our present speed, Captain"

"Commander, notify me as soon as we reach transporter range, Janeway out"

"Well, Seven let’s see what we can find", turning her full attention back to the young Borg.

"Yes, Captain", Perhaps I will see perfection for longer than 3.2 seconds".

Janeway smiled at her remembering too well the young Borgs reaction to her first spiritual encounter. Seven was completely astounded and overwhelmed by the emotions the Omega molecule stirred in her. To the Borg, Omega was their deity, the ultimate perfection of pure energy to be added to the collective. The Borg spent thousands of years assimilating cultures in their attempt to achieve total perfection and Omega held that promise. Voyager discovered the Omega molecule and beamed it onboard. Seven worked furiously to stabilize the volatile molecule and failed and Janeway was forced to order Seven to destroy the molecule. To Sevens credit she followed the Captains orders and entered the sequence to destroy Omega. But before Omega was destroyed the molecule stabilized and for 3.2 seconds Seven stared into it’s perfection and found it staring back.

The two women spent the next three hours focused, compiling data and running cross-references to Voyagers databanks when the bridge hailed them.

"Chakotay, to Janeway"

"Janeway here" slapping the badge without looking up from the terminal.

"Captain, we’ll be within transporter range in a half hour"

"Understood Commander, On my way", "Janeway out’

"Well Seven, I guess will just have to wait until we get down there to get the rest of our answers"

"Yes Captain, it appears so", she stated flatly.

‘Let’s see how every one else is doing". The two women exited Astrometrics and headed towards the turbolift that would take them to the bridge.

Janeway and Seven exited on to the bridge, Janeway stepping down and moving towards her command chair, Seven remaining in the aft of the bridge standing over her station panel.

"Report"

"20 minutes before we reach transporter range, system scans for Borg vessels are negative"

"On screen Mr. Kim, Let's see what we have" Harry tapped the commands on the Op's panel.

"On Screen now Captain" the view screen displaying a small orange and green orb.

"Mr. Paris bring us to orbit and hold"

"Aye Captain, bringing her in"

"I want the away team and Senior Staff assembled in the conference in ten minutes, Commander" Janeway stood and headed towards her ready room, "You have the Conn, Chakotay"

"Aye, Captain"

In ten minutes the away team and senior staff were assembling in the conference room, each person knowing what was expected of them. "B'Elanna and Harry the last to arrive having completed their testing of the Omega containment field. Janeway sat her hands folded in front of her.

"All right, let’s get started. Seven has located what appears to be the originating parent of the Omega molecule". " All scans indicate the Borg cube is disable and has been for 33 years, the Omega signature is 3 meters away from the Borg cube". "Which means the Borg may have been transporting the molecule before they went down. "All scans and data indicate this molecule appears to be stable, I’m bringing it back to Voyager, "There may be a way we can adapt it Voyager and use it to find a way home".

"B’Elanna, how did you and Harry do with the Omega containment field?"

"We reprogrammed the Omega containment field according to the new data and put it through its paces we should be fine Captain."

"Good, B’Elanna once we beam down I need you and Harry to check the Borg cube, See if the transwarp is can be salvaged".

"Seven, I want you with me, we’re going after the new Omega molecule and beam it back to Voyager".

"Mr. Tuvok, how are we on those weapons?’

"The weapons have been modified Captain and Ensign Gaines and crewman Matthews will be accompanying the away team, they are two of my best men"

"What about the planet’s surface what can we expect?

"All sensors indicate the air is breathable, no humanoid life signs, we are picking up small animal forms, however the planet exhibits systemic activity every four hours.

"Thank You TuVok, We’ll just have to deal with it".

" Mr. Paris what did you find in the way of a quick exit?"

"I programmed a safe route through a meteorite field 2 light years away, it’ll be a little tricky Captain, but it should give us some cover and the Borg won’t be able to engage their transwarp drive".

"Good work Mr. Paris"

"Chakotay, I’m depending on you and TuVok to get us out of there safely at the first sign of trouble".

"I wouldn’t have it any other way, Captain"

"Good, stay on yellow alert, Away team report to transporter room 2".

" Dismissed".

The staff stood up and exited the conference room, Janeway and the rest of the Away Team headed towards transporter room 2, they were armed to the teeth when they stepped onto the transported pads. On Janeways mark the transporter engaged the sparkle appearing and disassembling their forms.

They reappeared on the planet’s surface a meter away from the crash site. Seven and B’Elanna immediately began to scan the area with their tricoders, as security contained the site. Janeways scan pinpointed were the Omegas signal was located "Over there, she motioned to Seven, It’s coming from behind that boulder".

"B’Elanna, Harry, get on that transwarp drive, crewman Matthews you’re with them"

"Seven, Ensign Gaines your with me". Ensign Gaines positioned himself in the lead and headed towards the boulder his phaser ready.

The Captain followed with Seven bringing up the rear, both women carrying their phasers at ready. As they rounded the boulder and entered a small clearing the team stood dead in their tracks. Surrounded by a green force field crumpled on the floor was a humanoid life form. A young male adorned in a white and gold tunic that ended at his knees, his chest covered by a gold breastplate. The skirt of the tunic was pleated and interlaced with the same gold metal plating as his breastplate. On his left hip a long broadsword of silver and gold sat in it’s sheath. His hair black and wavy falling past his shoulders, a gold metal headband adorning his head and glistened in the sun. Draped across his shoulders and spilling out a long emerald green silk robe with gold markings. Janeway and Ensign Gaines stood in shock, it was Seven who swiftly moved in and began a scan.

"Captain, it appears the humanoid is the Omega signature, the force field must be distorting the readings, I am unable to determine his species."

Janeway immediately snapped out of her reverie and moved towards Seven her own tricoder running it’s scans. "What is he doing here, why didn't we pick him up in our scans", more to herself than Seven.

"Seven, can you deactivate the force field?"

"I am making changes to the tricoder now I should be able to disrupt the signal" Seven quickly made changes to the device and deactivated the force field.