And a Child Shall Lead Them, Part II

The two women moved towards the fallen form kneeling in front of him, he was resting on his side, his breath slow and labored, the long silk robe covering most of his back and side, Seven continued her scans. Janeway used the moment to examine the young mans appearance, without a doubt he was simply beautiful, though male in form, his face emoted feminine features. His skin pale and smooth, a Roman nose and highborn cheekbones. His jaw chiseled with dark pouty lips, his eyes closed displayed the longest eyelashes Janeway ever saw, curling slightly up.

"He’s beautiful, like one of the renaissance angels"; whispered so low, Seven barely detected it with her enhanced Borg hearing.

"Captain, I am still unable to determine his species, readings are indicating over 8 million humanoid life forms including that of, she hesitated, an Avery variety, However he is the Omega originator ".

"A Bird? The Captain whispered she moved her hand slowly and pushed the long silk robe away from his back. Protruding from his shoulder blades, and ending below his knees, were two large alabaster wings speckled with gold. "My God, an Angel"

"Captain?" waiting fo an explanation.

"An Angel Seven, Judging by the amour and weapon I suspect an Archangel to be exact"

Janeway slapped her Comm badge, "Janeway to Voyager"

"Voyager here, Captain" Chakotay responding to the hail.

"Chakotay, lock onto the Omega signature and beam it directly to sick bay"

"Sickbay Captain?"  

"That’s correct Commander, I’m sending you an Angel, put a security team on it"

"Understood, Captain, we’re locking on to the coordinates now" Chakotay stood and headed for sickbay, "Tuvok, you’re with me, Mr. Paris you have the Conn"

"Aye Commander"

The sound of the transporter beam arrived before the sparkling sequence, dissolved the being and transported him to Voyagers sick bay. Janeway headed back towards the Borg cube where the other Away Team members where.

"I don’t think I understand Captain, what is an Archangel?"

"Part of an ancient earth religion Seven, I believe it stems from a tribe called the Israelites, they believed in only one deity, one Supreme Being Creator of all, God. Another religious text, tells of a man born to the Israelites, he was said to be the Son of God, a savior or prophet so to speak. He spoke of love for all humanity and gained a large following, after his death a new religion was formed based on his teachings, Christianity. To them it was the greatest gift of love, God sent to earth, in an effort to save humanity.

"I have researched this and found the man was flawed he was terminated before achieving his objective".

"It’s very complex Seven, but simply put, No, if memory serves me correct he saved mankind by dying for them, by forgiving them of all of their wrongs and sacrificing his life."

"So this being, he is this prophet?"

"No Seven, I don’t believe he is. The ancient religious texts, describe this being as an archangel, winged warriors, they fought the wars and defended God"

"A warrior, like B’Elanna Torres, his bio reading indicated Klingon DNA as well".

"No Seven, not a Klingon, you might say he’s God’s Chief of Security"

"Like Commander TuVok, but Commander TuVok, is far superior to this being, this being is flawed" she spat the last word out.

Janeway looked at Seven and chuckled lightly "Well, I think God may have a different opinion Seven".

"His opinion is irrelevant Captain, this being is inferior and flawed, in being so his God is not adequately protected and will be terminated. His weapon is inferior to phasers; therefore it is logical to assume these beings lack superior weaponry and the intellect to develop them. This being is no match for an unarmed Commander TuVok, let alone a Borg. I do not see how this being or his God can pose a threat to Voyager. Therefore Captain they are a weak species and you are a far superior being".

Janeway smiled and shook her head, touched by Sevens defense of Voyager, and her perception of Voyagers Captain. "Ah Seven from your mouth to God’s ear"

"Why would I wish to place my mouth on this being’s ear?" she spat out defensively.

Janeway laughed out loud and after collecting herself continued more seriously.

"I’m afraid it isn’t that easy Seven, religion is based more on faith, and God is perceived as omnipotent, superior above all beings. It’s recorded in text, he once became angry with mankind he flooded earth, destroying most of the life forms. My mother is a traditionalist, she believed in God, I can’t say I was very receptive to her teachings growing up. I preferred my father’s views instead, he taught me how to see things with a scientific mind".

"I find the concept of this God to be a contradiction, he uses inferior warriors to wage wars, he tries to destroy earth and then submits his only offspring so he may be terminated and save mankind, This God is illogical "

"And that, my dear Seven, is what ancient theologians have been debating for centuries" They walked to the Borg Cube and found Harry and B'Elanna conducting more scans.

"Well Lt. Do we have a transwarp drive?" Janeways voice dripping with hope.

"I’m afraid not Captain, nothing in this cube is salvageable everything's fused together. I don’t know what happened in there, but whatever it was, it was powerful. The inside is a mess of duranium and circuitry melted together and it wasn't caused by a transwarp overload. A transwarp melt down, would have caused the cube to explode, as you can see the cubes entire hull is intact, only the insides damaged"

Leaning into the Captain, the Klingon lowered her voice to a soft whisper, not wanting Seven to overhear. "Captain, The Borg drones are completely melted and fused into their alcoves, their skeletal remains and implants are melted together, reduced to mush. I’ve never seen anything like this, Kahless Captain, it’s really creepy in there I wouldn't let Seven go in there."

The two women continued their conversation, B’Elanna and Harry providing technical and heat co- efficient readings they detected. Seven came stumbling out of the cube, her stomach in spasms, retching sounds escaping her mouth, as she stepped to the side of the cube.

Janeway and B’Elanna ran towards her, Janeway reaching the young Borg first. She reached out to Seven, her right hand running soothing small circles on Sevens back, as the other brushed lightly against her hair, cooing soft words of comfort. As the last spasms subsided and the sounds ebbed, the young Borg straightened wiping her mouth with her sleeve, never having experienced this before, she took a few moments longer before composing herself.

"Are you all right, Seven?" Janeways voice low and filled with deep compassion.

"I am Functioning at acceptable levels now, Captain" her speech ragged and raw, "However, I do not believe I wish to experience this part of humanity again"

"No, It isn’t one of humanity’s more pleasant experiences. I’m sorry Seven, that you had to see that, I should have stopped you"

"It is fine Captain, I did not expect to have such a human reaction, I am sorry if I have displeased you"

"Oh Seven" her voice growing husky and soothing, "You could never displease me, nor is it necessary to apologize for such a human reaction to such a horrible experience"

Standing in front of Seven, the Captain brushed a loose strand of hair from Sevens face, she stared into Sevens eyes, her own eyes a deep blue, filled with love and compassion. B'Elanna cleared her throat in an effort to break the spell between the two women, feeling suddenly intrusive; causing the two women came to their senses. Joining B'Elanna the three headed in the direction of the other members. B’Elanna moved to Sevens left side the young Borgs face still fraught with sorrow.

The Klingon made a brave attempt to humor the Borg. "You’re not going to try another human experience and faint on me are you Borg?"

Seven detecting B’Elanna’s attempt to lighten her mood, added dryly. "That would be most unacceptable, since a half Klingon is far too weak to carry a Borg"

B’Elanna grinned, having achieved her goal and snorted "Who said anything about carrying you, I just want to make sure I don’t trip over the body". Seven let out a short snort.

Janeway, was startled to see the playful banter between the two women, and was touched beyond words, at their new understanding. "Ladies, I don’t know what’s changed between you, but I do hope you let me know one day"

"Oh don’t worry Captain, I have a feeling you just might find out one day", snorted B’Elanna, exchanging a conspirators glance with Seven and elbowing her in the ribs. Janeway glared at the two women, with a sudden sinking feeling, she was up against a very united powerful force. Janeway was grateful the dark experience passed Seven, and at the outpour of sympathy being conveyed to the young Borg by the team.

"Well, I guess will just have to settle for a angel" Janeway commented, "It’s time to go home"

Slapping her Comm badge, "Janeway to Voyager"

"Voyager here, Captain"

"How’s my patient, Commander,"

"Your Angel, is still being worked on by the Doctor, Captain"

"Any word on its status?"

"No Captain"

" Very well then, Away Team ready to beam up"

"Understood" the sparkle of the transporter beams, bringing the Away Team back home to Voyager.

Janeway stepped of the transporter pad, and slapped her Comm badge, contacting sick bay and ordering the ships EMH Doctor to notify her, of any changes or progress regarding his new patient. Before going to the bridge, she informed the Away Team, she would handle the debriefing and their reports were not due until morning.

B'Elanna stopped Seven, before she could continue to the bridge with the Captain, "What was she talking about, what Angel?"

"The Omega parent is a male humanoid life form, with appendages of an Avery variety life form, the Captain has identified it as an archangel, warrior of an ancient earth deity".

"Avery appendages?" digesting Sevens way with words. "You mean he has wings?"

"Yes, I believe that is the proper term"

"You found an Angel? That’s what Omega is an Angel"

"No, that is what the Omega parent is, Omega is a molecule of perfect energy" she corrected curtly.

"Yeah, Yeah, whatever, so the Doc has him in sick bay?"

"That is correct, his energy signs are weak, the Doctor is attempting to stabilize him"

"It’s a guy? What does he look like?"

"I believe you would find him aesthetically pleasing, though I must inform you he is inferior as is his weapon"

"So he’s cute ha, Wait a minute he has a weapon?"

"Yes, it has metallic compounds, the tricoder was unable to identify, I believe it is called a sword, inefficient against a phaser"

"A sword, she asked incredulously, Like my B’eThal?"

"No, Your B’eThal, is far superior, your weapon is arched and when held properly, can be utilized to incapacitate two opponents simultaneously, a more efficient method", causing the Klingon to blush. "His weapon is 1 meter in length, straight, it's flat design, makes it incapable of striking two opponents simultaneously, far inferior to your own. I believe its designation is a broadsword"

‘So, he’s a warrior like me?"

"That is also incorrect, I suggested as much to the Captain, However she has stated he is more like Lt. Commander TuVok"

"A Vulcan! Pe’twah, what does a Vulcan know about being a warrior? they can’t feel with a warriors heart", pounding her chest for emphasis and snorting, "Humph, they can’t feel at all for that matter"

Rolling her eyes at B’Elanna she replied in a condescending tone "Again you are incorrect, The Captain stated the being is the Chief of Security for his deity"

"Chief of Security! What kind of crap is that! Honestly Seven, Don’t you see how senseless that is, what the hell would God need with a glorified border patrol guard?"

"B’Elanna Torres", her voice dripping with frustration, "I am not an expert on ancient earth deities. Therefore I do not see the purpose of pursuing this line of questioning with you. The Captain is a far superior source in this subject matter, I recommend that you ask her"

B’Elanna stared at Seven in disbelief, "Kahless Seven, you don’t have to get so touchy, I was only curious" 

"Explain"

 

"Touchy, You know angry, pissed, Bitchy"

"I am Borg, the Borg are not bitchy"

"Yeah right, just loaded with sarcasm", B'Elanna stated rolling her eyes at the Borg, "Look never mind are we still on for dinner tonight?"

"Yes, I will meet you in the Messhall at 2200 hours"

"No Seven, not the Messhall, we need someplace more private, remember who we’re dealing with here, we can eat in my quarters"

"You are correct, that will be acceptable"

"Yeah well, I’m so glad you approve", B’Elannas own sarcasm surfacing.

The two women departed company one headed to engineering and the other to the bridge.

 The turbolift door opened and out stepped Seven of Nine, moving gracefully to the secondary tactical station, located in the aft section of the bridge. Janeway was sitting in her command chair, legs crossed, one hand holding her trademark cup of coffee, the other accessing the panel by her side. She snapped a few orders, resuming their course back to the Alpha quadrant, she rose and requested Seven to join her in her ready room. " Commander you have the Conn", not waiting for his reply.

Gracefully, Janeway climbed the three steps to the upper sanction of her ready room, Seven following. She settled comfortably into the couch beneath the window and draped her right arm over the back, with her left hand she gestured Seven to sit. The young Borg hesitated a moment and tentatively settled next to her Captain, her back ramrod straight and her hands clasped neatly on her lap. Janeway bent her right elbow cradling her face, her index and ring fingers resting on her temple, the thumb supporting her jaw.

She took a moment to behold the sight of the beautiful woman next to her, the stark metallic implants serving only to enhance her beauty. Seven shifted her body slightly her face tilting until her ice blue eyes locked with Janeways. Seven marveled at the rich sky blue eyes, their intensity sending electrical sensations to the pit of her stomach. For a few short moments, Kathryn found herself drowning in ecstasy and suddenly blinked to break the spell.

She mentally reproached herself "My God, Katie what the hell are you doing?"

Janeway cleared her throat and dropped her gaze "Seven, I just wanted to make sure you’re all right, I know it couldn’t have been easy for you down there. I want to know what you’re feeling"

Seven found it difficult to regain her composure, lost in the captivating beauty of Kathryn Janeway. " I…I felt" still hesitating…."It was a most disconcerting experience. Though I have witnessed terminated life forms before, I find this was very difficult for me"

"B’Elanna informed me of how they died, I", her voice choked with emotion. "It must have been very difficult to see something like that" Janeway moved her left hand, she placed it on Sevens forearm, in an effort to comfort the young Borg.

Seven felt the warmth of the Captains hand, radiating through her biosuit; she leaned into its comfort "The Borg are incapable of feeling pain when connected to the collective, pain is irrelevant. However the possibility occurred to me, that their link was severed before….and… they……" her voice choked and her body began to shake violently.

Janeway closed the distance and immediately enfolded Seven in her arms. The side of Sevens face resting gently on her right shoulder, her tears staining Kathryn’s uniform. Kathryn leaned her head on Sevens, she gently stroked her back and muttered the same soothing words, she offered her on the planet’s surface. As the last shudder shook through her body, Seven lightly shifted her face upward, not wanting to be released from the warmth and comfort. She stared at the profile marveling at the beauty of the most perfect being, more perfect than Omega.

Seven exhaled slowly, her breath coming in contact with Kathryn's neck, sending shock waves through Kathryn spine. Detecting the shift of the beautiful woman, she held in her arms, Kathryn moved her head to gaze upon Seven.

With her left thumb, she gently wiped away the tracks now staining the beautiful face, her eyes unable to break contact with those ice blue orbs. Kathryn’s respiration slowed, and before she could pull away, she felt the brush of soft velvet lips on her own. The shock both scared and excited her, her body responding to the desire, while her mind attempted to regain immediate control. Seven attempted to part Kathryn’s lips with her tongue, the act snapping Kathryn back to reality. She abruptly pushed Seven away and stood, her hand wiping away the feel of Sevens warm lips on hers. She panicked and immediately turned away stepping away from the couch.

Seven stood, and went to Kathryn, placing her hands on the smaller woman’s shoulders. Kathryn immediately shrugged them off, and without turning around, held out her right arm behind her, the palm facing upward to Seven.

"Please don’t" her voice low and weak.

Sevens inexperienced evident, as she insisted on closing the gap between them, misguided in her efforts she reached out to touch Kathryn again. Kathryn became enraged, spinning around in one swift motion, knocking Sevens hand away from her, shouting her protest harsh and unfeeling.

"Don’t, I will not permit this" her command mode back on, eyes a stormy gray.

"I don’t understand, Cap---Kath--- I.." Janeway cut her off.

"There is nothing for you to understand, other than the fact I am your Captain, and I can’t do this" her voice stronger and menacing.

The bitter pain of rejection, caused Sevens anger to rise, unable to control herself, she bitterly spat out.

"You ask me to learn to embrace my humanity and when I do you punish me. I know that you desire me, as I desire you, you will fail in your attempt to stop this. Perhaps it is you that should learn to brace her humanity, instead you hide behind your command a flawed attempt, at being human".

"How dare you assume you know me." Janeways voice dangerous and low. "We will not have this discussion, I can not, nor will not, be anything other than your Captain, anything else is unacceptable", throwing the Borgs own words back in her face, then using her last trump card vehemently spat out "Your Dismissed"

Seven stiffened and stood to full attention, placing her hands firmly behind her back, she stared directly into the stormy gray eyes, eyes that did not flinch. "As you wish, Captain", her words clipped and precise, the disgust evident at the mention of the title.

She dipped her head to the left and in one swift graceful movement turned, and proceeded to exit, her pace fast and furious. Before reaching the sensors that would activate the doors, she stopped, and half turned her head turning past her shoulder, and faced Janeway one last time. Janeway was now standing by her chair, firmly holding her ground, her right hand on her hip while the other pinched her forehead, an attempt to quell the on coming headache, her eyes still a stormy gray.

Sevens voice with no inflection started "Some one once told me not to wear my heart out on my sleeve. At the time I was unable to appreciate the true meaning of this metaphor. "I Thank You Captain", her voice cracking as the hurt filtered through, "For teaching me it’s meaning" She turned again, not affording the Captain a response, the doors hissing open and closing behind her.

Janeway watched as the young woman left holding her command mode until the doors closed. She collapsed into her chair, Sevens last words stinging, adding to the guilt she carried. She made no attempt to deny the words stung, opening deep scars she thought were healed. It had been so long since anyone could hurt her so deeply.

She had spent the last 10 years, steeling her heart, allowing no one to posses it, now she was forced to confront the past pain, as it surfaced swallowing her whole. "How could she have been so callous, and hurt Seven like that, she should have been in better control, she should have been kinder and more gentler in dissuading Seven". "Oh God Katie, you really blew that one", her inner voice punishing and relentless. The emotions she kept bottled up for so long, spilling out of control, she felt the heaviness forming in her chest and knew the tears would soon flow.

The last time she recalled crying this way, was when her father and Justin died, a startling reminder that her feelings for Seven ran deeper than what she wanted to admit. She tried to rationalized all of the implications, her desire evident when Seven kissed her. The thought of being intimate with another woman didn’t exactly appall it was more of a surprise, her previous lovers having always been male, she had no experience in this field at all.

Seven was definitely a first, in more ways than one, and the hurt she caused Seven was destroying her. Janeway understood full well, Sevens intent was to strike back, wanting to wound her with her last words. The anger began to rise in her again, "How dare she presume she could force me to react, when I resigned to let go of those feelings years ago". It was easy for her to immerse herself and hide within the confines of her Starfleet command. Her command demanded little of her heart, it reveled in the devotion of her services and mind. It gave her respect, comfort and assurance, asking for a different kind of love, one free of pain and disappointment. With a cold indifference stealing into her heart she suffocated the love she felt for Seven.

And for the third and final time the Captain felt the cold rush of liquid nitrogen clawing at her heart. The headache all ready formed, began to pound relentlessly in protest. Defiantly squaring her jaw, Janeway sealed the door that Seven cracked open, closing her heart, the familiar darkness overcoming her and she was able to breathe again. She sat there for two hours regaining her control, shutting out the universe, interrupted finally by a hail from the ships EMH Holoprogram.

"The Doctor to Captain Janeway", grateful for the distraction she immediately responded.

"Janeway here Doctor, what is it"

"Captain, I require your presence in sick bay, it's about your angel", his voice in it's usual condescending tone.

"On my way, Janeway out", she contacted the bridge and headed to sick bay.

 Seven leaned against the wall of the turbolift her knees weak; and rubbery, an unfamiliar hollow pain in the pit of her stomach. Her breathing was harsh, the blood rushing in her ears, deafening her senses. She felt a sinking feeling in her heart as it suddenly slipped down and fell to her feet. The tears were stinging her face, hot, leaving burning trails, she stumbled out of the turbolift, a pained animal groan escaping her lips. Holding her stomach, she crouched with pain, and ran the rest of the way to Cargo Bay 2. The doors slid open, gratefully no one was there, running to the small private area, she cordoned off, she fell into the small bed. The sobs shaking her body violently, her chest convulsing, her heart pounding, threatening to rip out of her chest, her lungs began to hurt. The pain ran wild and unencumbered and she cried mournfully into the small silver pillow.

She wasn't aware of how long she was lying there, she only knew that the pain prevented her from rising, from functioning at all. Her head was throbbing, with a terrible pounding ache, feeling the blood rush to her temples pulsing violently. Her Borg senses clinically concluded, it was a headache, another human weakness. Her Borg hearing detected the Cargo Bay doors opening and registered the footfalls as those belonging to "B'Elanna Torres. Seven curled deeper into a fetal position and felt the tears begin to fall again.

B'Elanna expected to find Seven in her regeneration alcove having asked the computer to locate her. B'Elanna became concerned when the Borg failed to show for dinner at the appointed time, she kept the hungry engineer waiting, pacing wildly for 45 minutes, a most unusual act for the efficiently prompt Borg. Not sure if she may have missed Seven while making her way to the Cargo Bay she asked the computer again.

Grumbling and cursing "Computer locate Seven of Nine"

"Seven of Nine is in Cargo Bay 2" the soft feminine voice of the computer responded.

B'Elanna was startled, and began to look in earnest for the Borg, becoming concerned and agitated she called out "Seven", no response, She stopped, hearing the whimpering of a small wounded animal.

"Seven?" her voice small and unsure, she turned the corner coming across the crumpled form of Seven in a bed too small for the Borg. Sevens arms hugging her knees tightly to her chest, her shoulders convulsing violently with the force of her sobs. She quickly closed the gap and knelt beside the reclined figure, B'Elannas hand brushing Sevens disheveled hair from her face.

"Kahless Seven what's wrong?" swallowing a pained lump in her throat at seeing her friend in pain.

Seven reached with both arms and wrapped them around the Klingons waist, her strength practically lifting the Klingon from the floor. Sevens face nestled between B'Elannas chest and stomach her tears seeping through the thin layer of the tee shirt B'Elanna was wearing.

B'Elanna encircled Seven in her arms, rocking her gently, and murmuring soothing words of comfort. "It's all right Seven, everything will be fine, tell me what happened"  B'Elanna suspected it had something to do with the Captain, her anger rising against the woman that could so callously hurt Seven. B'Elanna, startled, feeling protective towards the young Borg, recently they seem to come to an understanding, and B'Elanna was surprised to discover she actually liked the cool Borg.

"Hush, it's going to be Ok", still trying to comfort, Sevens violent sobs rocking them both. B'Elanna felt both of her hearts sinking with the weight of Sevens pain. "Tell me what happened", as she gently dislodged Sevens face from her stomach, cradling Sevens chin in her hand.

Sevens eyes were swollen from crying, her bottom lip trembling, as she tried to form the words. "We…were"…hiccuping between each word,...".in… her …ready room… and we" not able to finish as another volley of sobs ensued.

"It's all right Seven, take it easy, I'm here with you now, everything will be fine", beginning the gentle rocking motion that soothed the Borg.

Letting Seven regain herself , she gently prodded again, "Can you tell me what happened?", B'Elannas voice a low growl filled with compassion.

Seven wiped the tears with the back of her hand, her left arm still tightly wrapped around the Klingons waist cutting off B'Elannas breath. "We were discussing what happen to me on the planets surface,….and….I…she was holding me…and we….kiss"……the bottom lip beginning to tremble again, B'Elanna tighten her hold and rocked her gently the affect calming the young Borg. B'Elanna having enough to go on to complete the sentence for Seven.

"The Captain kissed you" a statement and not a question, she continued to urge the shaken Borg on. "And then what happened?"

"No, B'Elanna…..I… kissed… her.., I felt her respond to me and when I tried to ……. she pulled away" Seven continued, recounting the encounter with the Captain in her ready room, pausing to swallow the involuntarily gasps that escaped.

B'Elanna took in a deep breath, envisioning the Captains reaction to Sevens brutally accurate statement. "Kahless, Seven has a brutal way of cutting to the heart of matter" her thoughts still assimilating the damage, to the fleeting romance between the two women. One thing was for certain, she idly thought "The test of will between two of the most obstinate women, I've ever had the misfortune of knowing should be interesting "

B'Elanna let out a regrettable sigh, cursing herself for getting involved in the first place. "What was that old earth saying her father always threw around? "In for a penny, In for a pound". Collecting her thoughts carefully she gently continued.

"Seven, I know you're hurting like hell right now"

"That is an under statement, B'Elanna Torres"

" Shhh…Just wait a minute let me finish", preventing the Borg from injecting further. "You've got to have a little faith here, you've given the Captain a lot to chew on, that won't make it easy for her. I mean, she sure can be hard headed at times, and without a doubt she'll try to push you away"

Pushing more forcefully now " But if you really love her Borg, you're going to have to fight for her, you can't make it easy for her. You opened the door, now you have to find the strength and courage to step in. It's going to be tough, real tough, the Captains going to panic and things might get a little ugly, she may say hard things to you. But Seven ,if you really love her, then you're going to have to be strong, don't give up, time and location are on your side"

"Explain, I do not understand by time and location" the Borg trying honestly to comprehend.

"Look, Voyager is a small ship and your one of her senior people, the point is, she can't avoid you forever, she'll try but eventually she's going to have deal with it. As for time, that's definitely on your side, it's not like will be getting back to the Alpha Quadrant in the next few weeks. Twenty years is a long time, trust me, and a person can get real lonely fast, you just have to give her time to come to terms with it."

"I wish, that I could believe that, B'Elanna Torres. You were not there, You did not witness…. She is…She is disappointed in me"

"Bullshit, She wasn't mad at you, she's mad at herself, mad because she lost control. One thing about our Captain, she can't stand to lose control, besides what happen to all that Borg shit, you're always spewing, I am Borg I will not fail?"

She elicit a snort from the young Borg, along with a mild protest. "I do not sound like that?"

"Oh yes, you do, that's exactly what you sound like"

 

"Lt. B'Elanna Torres I do not sound like that"

"Do too, Anyway make me one promise, can you do that?"

"I will try"

"I don't want you confronting the Captain, not until I tell you. I know Janeway, after mulling it over, she's going to make it seem like its all her fault, that she misled you, I know this will be hard, but I need you to be cold and indifferent when she does. Go back to being that bitchy Borg you're so good at. Let her live with the guilt for a while, don't be quick to let her off the hook".

"I am not bitchy!" The Borg regaining more of herself "However I will comply,…Please explain what is off the hook"

"God Seven, you really need to brush up on your metaphors, it means don't let her think you forgive her so easily. Listen I'm not Borg and I really need to get something to eat, come on let's go to the Mess Hall"

"I See, I will comply", standing and falling in step with B'Elanna they headed to the Mess Hall. B'Elanna having succeeded in consoling and reassuring the young Borg. Seven having regained some of her old confidence and grateful that she now had the Klingon as a member of her inner collective.

The EMH Doctor was monitoring the latest read outs, from the bio scans on the being, who laid unconscious since arriving on Voyager. Since being beamed on board, his life signs had weakened, his breathing aided by the medical containment field . It ensured oxygen entered his lungs and his heart continued to pump and function. The doctor was at an impasse in determining the actual physiology of the being. The reading Seven performed on the planet surface, determined the being had the DNA molecular structure of over 8 million species, including one of an Avery variety. The Doctor was unable to refute Sevens readings, having run four hours of extensive bio scans, definitively coming to the same conclusions.

There was another anomaly in the beings molecular genetic code, aside from each cell having a different DNA code, a double stranded mutated gene, appeared to be fueling his cells. Voyager's databanks identified one strand as the Omega molecule, the other had a distinctly different energy molecule, one the doctor was unable to identify. The second strand was molecularly different, it appeared to be nourishing and re-energizing the Omega strand. The Doctor was intrigued by the medical phenomenon and for all intents and purposes the being should simply not exist.

The fact that physically the being had a perfect humanoid appearance, his genetic makeup consisting of vastly different species, meant he never should have survived gestation, let only exist in a perfect human form. The Doctor suspected the being was not what he appeared to be, and perhaps was a being of pure energy, with the ability to project a humanoid form. His heart contained no chambers, though beating, his lungs were merely scar tissue, though breathing. As for the rest of his physiology, though it appeared to be functioning in a human capacity it was medically impossible. Yet each projected organ performed its mechanical function in its proper human capacity.

The wings protruding from his shoulder blades had a complex nervous system, the skeletal structure, a mixture of cartilage and strong bone mass, blood flowed to the wings indicating the appendages were a living part of the being. His blood was clear in color, lacking any human hemoglobin. The most interesting aspect of the beings wings were the speckles of gold, according to all scans, it was a metal, an ancient earth precious metal. The doctor removed a portion of the wing speckled with gold, only to marvel how the precious metal and wing regenerated itself magically.

Captain Janeway entered sickbay, anxious to focus on anything other than her previous encounter with Seven. The two security guards bored and pretending to look interested as she entered. The doctor engaged an isolation field, hoping to stabilize the beings vital signs "If that's what you can call them", he sighed under his breath".

"Doctor, you wanted to see me?"

"Ah, Captain, so glad you can join us", his tone adapting his usual sarcastic manner.

"What is it Doctor" an indication Janeway was not in the mood for his unpleasantness.

"It seems your angel, is not what he appears to be"

"What do you mean, Doctor?", slowly losing her patience.

"Well, as you can see physically he appears human, however, my bio scans indicate he has over 8 million genetic markings"

"Are you sure? How is that possible?"

Shaking his head as if she should question his findings, he continued in his drab tone "I assure you Captain, I have not made a mistake. According to all of my scans he simply can't exist, not with these organs anyway. His vital organs, all of his organs for that matter, are where they should be physically, they appear to function in their proper capacity. But, well frankly Captain, I don't know how to explain this, for lack of a better term they're props"

"Props Doctor?" waiting for him to elaborate.

"Yes Captain, Props, they simply can't do what they are doing, they are anatomically incorrect. His heart for example has no chambers, his lungs are scar tissue, his blood lacks hemoglobin, and he has a doubled stranded mutated gene, with energy properties that would be extremely toxic to a normal human. I was able to identify one of the strands as having the exact molecular structure of the Omega molecule. As you know, Omegas energy signature in its mildest state, produces more radiation and energy to rival a super nova. Captain, there is simply no way, a human could survive the exposure, let alone exist with an Omega gene. As for the other strand of the gene, it makes the Omega energy properties look like a baby, it's a good thing I'm a hologram, the exposure from running the test would have killed anyone else" The Doctor continued his medical summation, suddenly finding himself cut off by Janeways impatience.

"Seven indicated on the planet the tricoder detected over 8 million DNA codes. It's possible he caused the Borg cube to crash, they probably attempted to assimilate him. They probably exposed themselves to it, which would explain what we found, everything was melted and fused as if a tremendous energy force struck. Doctor do you think he's projecting this form, could he simply be energy and not humanoid at all?."

"I thought of that, but I adjusted my scans, they would have indicated it, for all intents and purposes he has a human form, but not. It's quite possible Captain, you discovered a new life form. There is something else, about his wings, they do posses the genetic coding found in a variety of birds known to earth, however, there is also a molecular presence of AU. That's gold Captain, an ancient earth precious metal, when I removed a portion it, Well I don't know who to explain this but, it simply grew back."

"Gold?", her voice incredulous now, "I simply thought it was coloring", the doctor pursed his lips and acidly replied "Well I assure you it's not" 

"Doctor what about his life signs, any chance of him regaining consciousness?"

"I wouldn't count on that happening anytime soon, since beaming to Voyager his vital signs have decreased and continue to digress. With no data to go on I can't see how I can treat him. Frankly Captain I have little hope your angel is going to make it".

"What about the energy signatures you found on the mutated DNA, is there any way we can give them a boost them, you mentioned they fuel his cells. Perhaps that’s his method of gaining sustenance, when we found him there was a force field surrounding him. Seven deactivate it shortly before beaming him onboard, frankly at the time I didn't give it much thought. If he is a new life form, one we've never encountered before, maybe energy is a crucial part of his genetic makeup, it could explain why the Borg would be interested in him "

"I have given that some thought, it's possible we maybe able to re-energize his cells. If we can build something similar to Sevens alcove that might work. I will need some assistance from Seven and engineering, its worth a try Captain, I really see no other option".

"I agree Doctor, I'll get Seven and B'Elanna to assist you"

"I must admit Captain, I am curious, he's a medical wonder, there's a lot we can learn if he survives "

"Very well Doctor, I'll get them on it right away, besides we can use an angel on our side for a change "

"Yes, well just remember Captain, "Be careful what you ask for you may get it", with that the doctor turned and walked away, without waiting to be dismissed, a habit the Captain found most annoying.

Regretting her next task Janeway sucked in a deep breath and prayed the Borg would respond to her hail.

"Janeway to Seven of Nine", using her full name to inflect her command.

The two women were sitting in the Mess Hall, completing their meal and deep in discussion. B'Elanna was advising Seven on how to proceed in handling her recent disastrous encounter with the Captain, the sudden hail startled them.

Seven stared at B'Elanna with apprehension and failed to respond to the Captains hail.

"Janeway to Seven of Nine" came the second hail, annoyance edging her voice. 

B'Elanna nodded to Seven and indicated she should answer the hail "Seven of Nine here", utilizing her full Borg designation, her voice icy cold.

"Seven, the Doctor requires your assistance in sickbay, please report there immediately" A steel edge, stealing its way into her voice.

"On my way" Seven stared at B'Elanna her eyes conveying the hurt that was there earlier.

"It'll be OK Seven, if you want I can go with you" the Borg looked at her beseechingly, making the Klingon melt.

'Kahless Seven, you really need to be a Borg now not a human" she stood and gestured with her head for the Borg to follow. The two women left the Mess Hall on their way to Sick bay. Upon entering sick bay, the pair was surprised to see the captain there. Janeway noticed the two women entering together and looked in their direction, noting the two women seemed to have formed a friendship over the past two days. Janeway noted the Klingons antagonistic air.

"Ah, Lt., I'm glad you’re here as well"

"Captain" B'Elanna addressed acidly, as she privately thought "Kahless, look at her cool as ever, not a single hair out of place".

The Captain raised her eyebrow, an indication she was not pleased with the Klingons tone, "I need you both to assist the Doctor, he'll fill you in"

Seven nodded in ascent and squaring her jaw and shoulders moved past the Captain and headed towards the doctor's office.

"Seven" the Captains voice stopping her, Torres remained in place, her face a scowl, she crossed her arms in front of her, the act not missed by Janeway. 

"Lt." her voice commanding, "I'd like to speak to Seven alone". The Klingon did not move, turning to her friend and waiting for Sevens approval instead. Seven nodded to her friend and stood to full attention. her hands clasped firmly behind her back, facing Janeway.

Janeway disliked the Klingons action, feeling her command tested, she lowered her voice to a growl "Is there a problem Lt.?", the Klingon merely snorted and shook her head to indicate no, marching away.

Janeway approached Seven, her voice lowering to a soft timber "It appears you and B'Elanna have become good friends"

"You wished to speak with me Captain," ignoring Janeways statement.

Janeway folded her arms in front of her and lowered her head, "Seven, about what happened earlier, I'm sorry if my actions caused you to believe, I might have an interest in you other than as your Captain. It was never my intention to mislead you and I'm sorry if I hurt you. I would like to think we could put this whole matter behind us ".

Seven stood still, barely breathing for a long moment, requiring the time to reply as B'Elanna instructed. Her voice adapting the Borg monotone and arrogance "If you will excuse me, I will assist the Doctor now."

 "Seven, I", but the young Borg abruptly turned and walked away, leaving Janeway standing alone. Janeway felt the heaviness in her heart, her attempt to cleanse herself of the heavy guilt failing, Sevens indifference and lack of acceptance of her apology cutting deep. She stood staring at the retreating figure of the young Borg, mourning the loss of her closeness and promise it might have held. Janeway exited sick bay and headed to her quarters, not wanting to return to the bridge, she logged herself off duty.

B'Elanna and Seven retrieved the Doctors data, and began the process of adapting a Borg alcove for the being. Working into the Beta shift. they developed the schematics for retrofitting an alcove, the women completing the adaptations by the end of the Beta shift.

The Doctor hailed the Captain "The Doctor to Captain Janeway"

Janeway was in her ensuite, having spent the night fruitlessly attempting to sleep, sleep eluded her the entire night, her futile attempt at an apology and the desire of their kiss taunting her. Exiting the ensuite she walked over to the nightstand and answered the hail.

"Janeway here, go ahead Doctor"

"Captain, Seven and B'Elanna have completed the adaptations to one of the Borg alcoves. We're ready to test it out, on your angel".

"I'll be there shortly, Janeway out"

She took a quick sonic shower despising the way it put her teeth on edge, the full force headache not helping. She quickly dressed in a fresh uniform, fumbling to put the last of the four pips on, she replicated a fresh cup of coffee and headed out the door.