And A Child Shall Lead Them, Part VIII (1)

The next morning Kathryn awoke to the comfort of warm supple flesh beneath her face. She opened her eyes and gazed at the porcelain profile of her fiancé. Sevens features were smooth and fine, her gold and silver implant shadowed delicately by the movement of the passing stars. Her chest rising and falling gently as a slow smile appeared on her lips. She rolled to her side lazily and gazed into the deep blue eyes staring back at her, the soft flecks of gray dancing against the soft glow of the room.

"It is impolite to stare at me while I am sleeping," her smile broad and lazy, "I have noticed you have always indulged in this deviant behavior."

"I wasn't staring, I was simply admiring your beauty." a mocking smirk crossing her delicate mouth.

Deep rich laughter erupted from Sevens throat "You are a poor liar." her arm, swooping Kathryn into her arms, moving her body closer to hers.

"I am not, I happen to be a very good liar." Kathryn nipping playfully at her nose.

Seven captured her mouth, her kiss lingering and sweet, Kathryn's face flushed as the desire began to rise. "Hmmm, Darling I can't be late today again. What will the crew say?"

Seven smiled ruefully against Kathryn's lips "They will say that I am most efficient at satisfying your insatiable appetite."

Kathryn kissed her deeply, her hand reaching under the covers and finding Sevens nipple and rolling it deftly between her slender fingers. Seven leaned into her hand, her body arching and pinning Kathryn with a muscular leg. She began moving her hands languidly along Kathryn's body. Reaching her buttocks and pulling her closer while deepening the kiss.

She gently rolled Kathryn on her back and knelt over her stealthy, raking her body hungrily.

"Oh no you don't, I will not be late for duty again.." Kathryn said, attempting to escape the determined young woman. Seven trapped her with the full weight of her body, as Kathryn's attempt to squirm from underneath her fueled Seven on. She captured Kathryn's nipple in her mouth, raking her teeth gently, jumping immediately on the other nipple and feasting on it hungrily, the erect nipple betraying Kathryn's resolve. "Damn traitors..." she breathed, the electrical sensations forcing her to groan. Seven smiled warmly as she continued her assault.

Kathryn surrendered without further fanfare as the warm sensations overwhelmed her senses. Seven moved slowly placing a trail of soft warm kisses as she proceeded downward. Taking an excruciatingly long time arriving to her destination, Kathryn's body demanded more. She reached the top of her mound and nipped and suckled lightly, Kathryn's hips undulating, as she licked her parched lips, a deep groan escaped her mouth, as the warm tongue made contact with her sensitive nodule.

She raised her hip upward, pushing Seven deeper into her, her teeth raking gently and causing Kathryn to shudder. She latched onto her swollen nodule forcibly, suckling deeply and happily, drinking the sweet essence of Kathryn. She inserted her finger, finding her inner slick region, her teeth raking over the sensitive bundle of nerves. Kathryn moaned incoherently when she inserted the second digit, and began a slow rhythmic motion. As her gifted mouth continued its fast and gentle assault. Kathryn was caught between the rough sensations of Sevens mouth and the painfully long strokes of her hand.

The contrasting sensations driving her to pure madness, as the first wave consumed her and racked her body. She moaned loudly, her face tossing from side to side, her body trembling. As Kathryn began climbing down, Seven intensified her assault the second wave catching Kathryn off guard.

The wave of pleasure returned with a vengeance, bringing Kathryn to incredible heights. The assault, was more than she could handle and in an effort to prevent herself from slipping into unconsciousness. She abruptly pulled away, leaving Seven completely startled, a blank expression on her face, replaced by an obvious look of disappointment, as she suddenly found her meal taken away.

Kathryn regained her senses and seeing the young woman's face, let out a throaty laugh, as she pulled Seven onto her. Her mouth locking onto Sevens and providing her with a very thorough kiss, the taste of her own essence lingering on Sevens mouth. "I'm sorry darling, I didn't mean to do that. It's just the sensations were a little too much for me." Kathryn placing gentle kisses along the side of her face.

"Indeed." a very smug sneer prominent on her face.

Kathryn smirked and added dryly "Well you don't have to be so damn smug about it!"

"I wasn't aware you could be such a coward Kathryn. I will make it a point to be more lenient on you when next we make love." the young Borg smiling teasingly.

"You realize of course if it wasn't for the fact that I'm already late for duty. I would take a distinct pleasure in wiping that smug look off your face. There wouldn't be enough soundproofing in the universe, to muffle your screams under my direct tutelage."

Kathryn locked onto Sevens mouth and kissed her deeply, the young Borg felt faint and woozy. Kathryn pulled away and noted the far away expression on her lovers face, she smiled and whispered threateningly' "However, I will have the opportunity of proving that to you later this evening..." Kathryn eyed her menacingly. Seven blinked and swallowed deeply, while Kathryn smiled triumphantly, her threat having an obvious affect on her lover.

"I am afraid I will not be able to join you." Seven taking several more swallows, realizing Kathryn had every intention of seeing through her threat. "I have already promised B'Elanna I would meet with her this evening." her face relaxing at her viable excuse.

Kathryn smiled ruefully, with no intention of letting Seven escape so easily. "Now who's being the coward? However I suspect you will eventually be returning to our quarters, I'll deal with you then." Kathryn locked roughly onto Sevens mouth again, not releasing her until she felt her collapse underneath her. With a satisfied smirk plastered on her face, she stood and entered the ensuite, leaving Seven behind lying on their bed and gasping for air.

Seven was still attempting to recuperate while her mind processed Kathryn's words carefully, "Our quarters". A warm sense of belonging enveloped her. She remained that way, until Kathryn exited the ensuite, already dressed and roughly towel drying her hair.

She looked at Seven in amusement, seeing the soft lines on her delicate fine features. "A penny for your thoughts?" Kathryn's voice was soft.

Seven was startled from her reverie, a slight blush touching her cheeks "Kathryn?" Seven at a loss as to what Kathryn meant.

She chuckled lightly, aware Seven was unsure of her question. "What were you thinking?" Her eyes tracing over the long slender figure proudly displayed on her bed.

Seven turned a bright crimson red, Kathryn adoring her more for it "I…...I was thinking of what you said"

"Really?" Kathryn, taking a sudden interest in the wrong direction.

Seven blushed profusely now, the look on her lovers face well known to her by now. "You are impossible Kathryn, is that all you ever think of? I believe B'Elanna is correct in stating I have created a monster." Kathryn took a sudden interest in Sevens statement, crossing to the edge of the bed and sitting down, her hand sweeping over Sevens form by its own fruition.

"Have you spoken to B'Elanna of our private affairs?" A slight concern reaching her blue/gray eyes.

Seven noted the sudden change in Kathryn's appearance, concerned, she continued tentatively "We were discussing the differences of how men and women embark on their sexual encounters. Did you know that human female's fake achieving orgasm when being sexually intimate with a male? I am curious has this ever happened to you? B'Elanna felt I was not being truthful when I told her you assisted me in achieving climax nineteen times during our first encounter"

Kathryn opened and shut her mouth several times, in a quandary as to which question to lie too first. Though secretly she was quite proud of her self "Nineteen times? Well I did lose count somewhere along the line. Still nineteen times? God Kate, you're good, real good. It’s a wonder Seven survived" Realizing this was rapidly heading into a direction she had no desire to venture into, she immediately decided to take control.

"Honestly Seven, you choose the most inopportune times for philosophical discussions. Now get out of bed and get ready you're already late as is." Kathryn expelling a long sigh of relief. A fact that did not go unnoticed by the observant young woman, who quickly decided to file it away as something to readdress in the future.

"As you wish," she added dryly, her tone making Kathryn aware she wasn't being fooled. As she rose from the bed, Kathryn caught her by the hand and kissed her softly, an attempt at distracting Seven from her thoughts. "Now tell me darling, what were you thinking of earlier?"

Sevens eyes softened and she kissed her gingerly on the mouth, releasing herself from Kathryn's hold she headed in the direction of the ensuite. Tossing her head behind she whispered breathlessly, " I was simply processing the wonderful feelings you emoted in me, when you stated 'our quarters' and not yours." her eyes letting Kathryn know she just lost the battle.

Kathryn's rich laughter rose effortlessly from her chest, filling the room completely, shaking her head in defeat, she rose and headed to the outer suite of their quarters. "You are an impossibly brazen hussy, do you know that?" Kathryn quickly exiting, leaving a trail of laughter in her wake.

She entered the bridge in a rush, attempting to disguise her second day of reporting late. She wanted desperately to avoid any lingering conversations with Chakotay. Knowing he would never let her live this one down, she crossed the bridge and sat in her chair. Graciously accepting the offered cup of coffee from Nicoletti.

"Thank you Ensign, you're a godsend." her eyes smiling warmly at the Ensign. Nicoletti was momentarily confused, still she smiled warmly in return, enjoying her Captains new demeanor. Secretly thinking, "God, Seven has worked wonders with our dear old Captain." She crossed the threshold of the bridge and returned to her station. Taking the opportunity to look at the Captain more than once. Noticing the softness of her fine features and the vibrancy of her eyes.

Kathryn continued downloading the bridge reports from the Beta shift, quickly absorbing the information. Their status peaceful and unobtrusive, the current expanse of space they were traveling through unremarkable and bland. Looking side long, she glanced at Chakotay speculatively, surprised he remained quite thus far.

"Commander." her tone edging him on, an attempt to get it quickly over with.

"Captain." his voice stiff and constrictive.

Kathryn immediately turned the concern sweeping her features. For a moment she was taken aback, Chakotay's face ashy and gray, a definite strain evident in his eyes. "Commander are you feeling well?"

Chakotay straightened his posture, a poor attempt at disguising his discomfort. "I'm fine Captain, I had a rough night, that’s all" his answer short and missing its usual warmth.

"Well I disagree Commander, you're looking rather ill today. Report to sickbay immediately. That’s an order" Kathryn well aware of Chakotay's aversion to doctors. She stood promptly not allowing him the opportunity to rebuff and headed in the direction of her ready room.

"Tuvok, you have the conn." the order a reminder to Chakotay there would be no room for argument. The door to her ready room hissed softly behind her. She entered and immediately sat at her terminal, her fingers flying effortlessly over her terminal. With a deep resignation she downloaded the daily communiqués from Starfleet.

Making a mental note to refrain from being late for the Alpha shift anymore. Her two infractions with Seven caused an inconvenience to the rest of her crew. B'Elanna was forced to cover for Seven in Astrometrics and Chakotay was obviously ill. As she began the process of accessing the first Starfleet file, she noticed its security seal was breached.

She felt a rising anger at the implications, a personal pet peeve of hers surfacing. Since an early childhood Kathryn despised having any of her personal files read without her permission. She recalled vividly the furious battles in the Janeway household between her and her sister Phoebe. Who showed positively no scruples at all when it came to reading Kathryn's' personal diary. Her sister constantly invading the sanctity of her privacy and forcing Kathryn to throttle her on more than one occasion.

She quickly scanned the file and noticed it came with a high security code attached. Her mind quickly working through the list of members on Voyager who had access to her codes. Seven immediately came to mind, but the time stamp on the file cleared her automatically. The Borg having an iron clad alibi, she happened to be pleasing her Captain at the time.

The list was rather short, the only other members were Tuvok, as Chief of Security he would have that privilege, Chakotay and B'Elanna her Chief Engineer who was capable of manipulating the file during its download. Biting down on her anger she quickly tapped her comm badge.

"Janeway to Lt. Torres," her anger resurfacing lightly.

"Torres here Captain." the Klingon responded, slightly out of breath.

"Lt. I need you in my ready room in ten minutes is that clear" a statement and not a question.

"Aye Captain on my way" B'Elanna turned to Seven questionably who was in the Jeffries tube with her. The two women were replacing a defective conduit panel.

"What was that all about?" B'Elanna handing the laser probe to Seven.

'I do not know, however I did notice a tone of anger in her voice." the young Borg feeling concern for her friend.

"Yeah well I don't know what it's all about, but I swear I haven't done anything." The Klingon added defensively.

"I recommend that you quickly make haste. You now have 6 minutes and 24 seconds to report"

B'Elanna swallowed deeply and quickly scampered down the tube, ignoring the stares of startled crewmembers as she plowed over them in her sprint to the ready room. She arrived one minute and 54 seconds late, screeching to a halt in front of the door, her body impacting against it. She slapped the chime to the Captains ready room, attempting to collect her breath, as she wiped her brow, a streak of grime appeared from her soiled sleeve.

"Enter." the voice crisply snapped

B'Elanna entered and was immediately struck by the temporal gray eyes baring down on her. She swallowed deeply and mentally reviewed her recent course of actions, some which might be the root of her recent state of woes. There was little doubt in her mind that Janeway was pissed. Her eyes a stark gray as, her fingers strummed the desk in front of her loudly, Janeway looked at the chronometer by her station. B'Elanna took an involuntary breath inward, pondering how Janeway could have learned of her impending Blackjack game so easily.

"Your late Lt." Janeway not appreciating the Klingons indiscretion.

"I'm sorry Captain, I was in jeffries tu_" Janeway's hand cut her off, the Klingon sweating profusely and suddenly aware her situation was worst then she originally thought.

Sliding the datapad across the table, she silently indicated for B'Elanna to pick it up. Allowing the Klingon a moment to peruse the data, her eyes scrutinizing B'Elanna's features, waiting for an indication of guilt. "I'd like to know why the security code on that communiqué was broken." her voice becoming dangerously low.

B'Elanna looked up from the pad, her startled expression an indication she was not the offending party. "Honest Captain, I had nothing to do with this. All of the files I downloaded this morning were not compromised," her two hearts beating as one again as she realized, for once she was totally innocent.

Janeway noted the subtle changes in B'Elanna's demeanor and determined the Klingon was telling the truth. "Fine." Tapping the comm link she ordered Tuvok into her ready room, gesturing to B'Elanna to sit down. B'Elanna immediately obeyed, as her curiosity began to get the better of her.

She was able to recognize the file Janeway was questioning as being one of a large data download from Starfleet she addressed this morning. Silently cursing Seven for having been late again for her shift. "That damn Borg, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be in this mess" The Klingon crossed her hands in front of her chest and realized it was far from over.

Though she was exonerated, there was no doubt in her mind, she would be dragged into it one way or another. The chime to her ready room rang. "Enter!" she barked, her tone laced with frustration and anger. Her usual suspect exonerated from the indiscretion. Silently Janeway was hoping Tuvok was not involved in this matter at all. It was rare when she had to put Tuvok in his place and though she was capable of doing it, it was something she never quite relished.

Tuvok entered and espying B'Elanna sitting in the chair he breathed outwardly, wondering what kind of trouble the volatile Klingon got herself into now. It was quite evident the Captain was not happy. "Captain, you wanted to see me?" his voice not betraying his frustration at having to handle a possible B'Elanna indiscretion.

"Yes Lt. Commander, I did." Tuvok stiffened slightly, the use of his title an indication of Janeway's ire, his logical mind detecting the situation with B'Elanna was worst than what he thought.

Janeway handed him the same datapad she offered B'Elanna and again awaited a response. "I do not understand Captain, this is a high level communiqué addressed specifically to you from Starfleet"

"That it is and you will notice the file has been accessed, however it was not by me"

Tuvok immediately turned to B'Elanna his eyebrow rising, an indication he was not at all pleased with B'Elanna.

B'Elanna noticed his scrutiny and immediately spat out, "Sorry to disappoint you Tuvok, but I had nothing to do with it." her brow creasing further into a frown. Offended that she was the obvious choice when something went wrong.

Janeway attested to B'Elanna's innocence, "I concur"

"I see, I stand corrected Captain, I assumed Lt. Torres was responsible for this matter"

"Yeah, well sorry I ruined your day, Tuvok." the Klingon re-crossing her arms in front of her chest angrily.

"That’s enough Lt." Janeway added tersely, not at all pleased with the unfolding events. "Well that only leaves one other person with the authorization codes to do this. I thank you both for your time. You're both dismissed." Janeway was left wallowing in her anger a while longer.

B'Elanna rose from her chair and in a huff exited the ready room, still seething from Tuvok's insinuations. "Tuvok sure has a knack for crawling under my skin, that logical and unemotional pompous Vulcan. I swear, he can be as bad as Seven was in the beginning and speaking of the Borg" she whispered under her breath, "Have I got a bone to pick with her." B'Elanna determined to set Seven straight about her recent lack of ethics relating to her job. 'Leave it to her to suddenly start showing up late for work, this is all her fault' . She entered the turbo lift and ascended to engineering, her mind still reeling with anger.

Janeway contacted sickbay, determined to speak with Chakotay, the process of elimination leaving him as the only person left. "Janeway to sickbay" she was growing weary of the chase, realizing it was her own anger that prevented her from thinking rationally in the first place. It would have been easier for her to derive her answer had she called them all in her office at once.

"The Doctor here, Captain, go ahead"

"Doctor, I need to speak with Commander Chakotay, when will you be releasing him?"

"I already have Captain, but not back to duty. I've ordered him back to his quarters"

"Is there something I should know?" Janeway momentarily alarmed.

"No, not really, It's nothing that a good nights rest won't cure. He'll be able to return for tomorrows Alpha shift"

"Understood Doctor, Janeway out." Janeway holding her hand on her hip, her face reflecting mixed emotions.

B'Elanna returned to engineering determined to Speak with Seven, her anger still present. She was ready to climb into the tube, when she was sent crashing to the floor by Seven of Nine. Who was simultaneously exiting the tube in a most unladylike fashion, her body landing full force on top of B'Elanna's, B'Elanna expelled a harsh breath from the impact.

"Humph, damn Seven, what the hell do you think you're doing? And get off me you damn Borg!" B'Elanna responding in a pained grunt, her anger momentarily forgotten.

Seven stared at her in wide-eyed fear, her breath coming in short rasps. B'Elanna was ready to pounce on her when she noticed the fear in her face, the right sleeve of her biosuit torn to shreds. Her right arm punctured and bleeding profusely.

"What the hell happened to you?" B'Elanna immediately removed Seven from her and examined her arm. The wounds penetrated deeply, she was able to see clear to the bone. Sevens blood gushing freely from the wounds, her face pale and ashy, she suddenly felt faint and collapsed, B'Elanna catching her easily.

"Torres to sickbay, I'm bringing Seven in, you better get a hold of the Captain." The Klingon made a site to site transport, materializing in sickbay with Seven in her arms. The doctor rushed over immediately and assisted B'Elanna in placing Seven on the biobed.

"What happened?" he spat out accusingly.

"I don't know, she came rushing out of the jeffries tube that way".

"Well, it appears she's been attacked by an animal, judging from the bite wounds I'd say it was a canine. You better inform security, we don't want a wild dog running around and attacking crewmembers"

"Yeah sure Doc, but will she be okay?" B'Elanna concerned over the amount of blood all over the biobed.

"Well if you move out of my way I'll be able to assist her more properly." he pushed the upset Klingon from his path.

B'Elanna glared at the doctor not appreciating his manner, with a huff she slapped her comm "Torres to security, report to jeffries tube 37, Seven was attacked by a wild dog, it's in the tubes. Doctor did you contact the Captain?"

"Of course I did, she's on her way" the doctor continuing to run scans over Seven.

The Doctor examined the wounds with concern, immediately retrieving a vascular regenerator and repairing the damaged nerve and muscle tissue. Satisfied with his work he passed a dermal regenerator and sealed the wounds. An arrogant smile pursing his lips.

"Why is there so much blood?" B'Elanna silently wandering if there was any left in Sevens body.

"Because she suffered multiple bite wounds. When a dog attacks and bites their victims, they shake them violently back and forth. It’s their method of incapacitating their prey, unfortunately it causes severe damage to the nerves and tissues. Still it is strange, how did a dog come onboard Voyager without being detected? The last planet we encounter was Va'laria and that was more than nine months ago. I doubt an animal could have survived or gone undetected all this time, it is curious though. Well I imagine security will have to handle that matter"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kathryn was headed towards Chakotay's quarters when she was summoned by sickbay. The doctor informing her Seven was injured and being transported to sickbay by B'Elanna. Kathryn's stomach was tied in knots as the turbolift took far too long to reach deck 13. She exited the turbolift and rapidly walked down the long corridor, taking the time to quell her pounding heart, the blood rushing to her ears.

The doctor was unable to inform her of how Sevens was injured, but it occurred to Kathryn that if B'Elanna was transporting Seven to sickbay, then it meant that she was unable to arrive there by her own means. Her mind spun wildly, the thought of losing Seven distressing her to no avail. The encounter with Lucifer was still fresh in her mind, as she vividly recalled the lifeless form of Seven on the bridge.

The doors hissed open and Kathryn slammed her command mode on, her fears barely detectable.

"Lt., Doctor, Report." her eyes glued to the prone figure on the biobed, Sevens blood spread liberally throughout sickbay. She forced her face to remain stern and in command, as she felt her heart slip slowly to her feet.

"Seven was attacked by a dog in the jeffries tube." B'Elanna blurted out unintentionally, inwardly groaning, as she noticed the flash of fear crossing Kathryn's eyes.

The doctor eyed B'Elanna tersely, exasperated with the Klingons callous outburst. "Yes..well.. as the good Lt. has pointed out," his eyes daring B'Elanna to interject. B'Elanna immediately focused her vision on the deck floor, silently cursing herself for being so insensitive.

"It appears Seven may have been attacked by a canine while replacing a conduit panel in jeffries tube 37"

"A dog? How is that even possible? Voyagers internal scans would have picked up it immediately"

"Well I assure you it was most definitely a dog, judging from the puncture wounds I'd say he weighs at least 60 pounds, give or take a few. Nonetheless she'll recover fine, she's lost quite a bit of blood, but a little rest will remedy that"

"Is that why she passed out?" B'Elanna inquired in a soft unlike Klingon voice

"No, I'd say it was a combination of both fear and the loss of blood. Her heart rate and respiration was extremely high, as well as her pupils being completely dilated. No, I'd say it was mostly fear. If you’d like, I can revive her now"

"If you wouldn't mind Doctor" Janeway moving closer to the biobed, her own heart rate dropping significantly. Her eyes scanning over every part of her fiancés body, assuring herself that Seven was fine. Mentally anguishing over what kind of animal could have caused such a tremendous amount of fear in Seven. The young woman was one of the most courageous, fearless persons, Kathryn had ever met. Never thinking twice about placing herself in peril for the sake of another crewmember, or thinking of the dire consequences it could have on her own life.

The doctor placed the hypospray to Sevens neck, the soft hiss releasing and bringing her back to consciousness.

Seven eyes blinked several times, momentarily unsure of her surroundings, she abruptly rose, her eyes wide with fear. She found her shoulders being firmly pushed down again, the warmth of the touch familiar and comforting. She followed the length of the arm securing her firmly and the fear began to subside as she gazed into the concerned face of her fiancé.

"Kath….I mean Captain," Noticing the looming figures of the Doctor and B'Elanna behind her. Her friend nervously shifting from one foot to the other.

"It's alright Seven, you're safe now. Can you tell us what happened to you?" Janeway's voice filled with warmth and compassion.

Seven swallowed deeply, the rising fear choking her "I am at a loss as to how to explain"

A flash of worry crossed Janeway's eyes, the fact that Seven was genuinely frightened was bad enough. Her obvious distress in providing an explanation was worst yet. "Why don't you start at the beginning"

Seven swallowed deeply and shook her head "At 05:30 hours I awoke to find you staring at me and we began to make lo…."

"Not that far back Seven." the Captain flushing slightly. B'Elanna snickered quietly in the background and Janeway turned and stared at her forcefully, the Klingon freezing in place. The Doctor feigned a lack of interest, his eyes glimmering with amusement. Janeway sighed inwardly. 'Honestly, Seven can be too literal at times'

"What I meant is starting with the jeffries tube"

Seven suddenly realized her fear caused her to make a faux pas, "I am sorry Captain." her voice flat. " After being summoned by you, Lt. Torres departed." Seven sneaking a look to her friend, recalling Kathryn's earlier anger against the Klingon.

"I continued the installation of the replacement conduit panel, I was alone. As I was completing the installation, I was able to detect the sound of what appeared to be a wounded animal. As I crawled further into conduit number 543, I was attacked by a member of the canine species. He tore into my right arm and was attempting to drag me further into the conduit. I attempted to defend myself, when I.." Seven stopped briefly, "When I attempted to grab the animal I failed, it did not have a physical form." Sevens cortical implant rising, the golden silver hue flashing against the soft lights.

Kathryn shook her head, trying to comprehend the full meaning of Sevens story. "Could it have been an alien life form?"

"No, it was an animal, I can assure you of that. What I am saying is that it did not have a solid form."

Kathryn turned to look at B'Elanna, the Klingons face frowned and she was visibly perplexed. "B'Elanna did you manage to see anything?"

B'Elanna failed to answer right away, a sudden chill drifting down her spine. "No Captain, when I returned Seven was already exiting the jeffries tube. In fact she landed on top of me"

"And there was nothing following her?"

"No captain, there wasn’t." the Klingon looking at her friend speculatively.

Slapping her comm badge, "Janeway to security, report."

"Tuvok here Captain, we have been unable to locate any life forms in the jeffries tube. I have a team sweeping the area now and they have reported no signs. Voyager's internal scanners have indicated there are no animal life signs onboard Voyager"

"Tuvok modify the scanners to search for any energy signatures emitting from the tubes"

'Understood Captain"

"Janeway out"

She turned to the Doctor. "When will Seven be able to return to duty?"

"A few hours rest and she should be fine. However she should eat something to replenish her lost blood supply. If you like Seven, I can recommend the appropriate nutrients"

"That will be acceptable, Thank you." Seven responded warmly, her eyes staring at Kathryn intensely. B'Elanna and the Doctor turned and exited together allowing the two women a moment alone.

Kathryn waited until they were alone. "Now, how are you really? You gave me quite a scare you know." the shadow of concern returning to Kathryn's classic features. Her hand placed comfortably on Sevens forearm.

"I am better now, still I can not understand why I became so frightened. I have become weak" Sevens frowning lightly, her face looking incredibly adorable to Kathryn.

Kathryn chuckled lightly her mood improving as Seven regained more of herself. She gently brushed the back of her fingers across Sevens cheek. "I wouldn't call it weak. As a matter of fact, I believe I would have been hard pressed not to be frightened myself, If I were in your situation"

"You are attempting to make me feel better." she accused.

"Yes, yes I am, I consider that my duty as your fiancée. I wouldn't have it any other way." her hand rubbing Seven's forearm affectionately.

Seven's mood lightened, the reminder of their new engagement warming her, the fear subsiding slowly. "It is a comfort to me in knowing that." they remained staring at each other for a few moments longer.

Janeway pulled herself away. "Come on you, I am sure B'Elanna won't mind going to the Mess hall with you. I have to return to the bridge"

"I understand. Kathryn?"

"Yes, my love?"

"Thank you." Kathryn smirked, her smile lighting her features, the softness to them returning.

Janeway exited sickbay feeling more secure now that she knew Seven was fine. She focused to the problem on hand the tracking of an elusive threat that may or may not be an animal. She entered the turbolift 'Deck 3" the computer recognizing her voice and obediently following her orders.

She exited the turbolift, her face focused and determined, the thought of an unidentified life form onboard concerned her. The safety of her crew was paramount and taking precedence over her personal concerns.

"Report!" she barked her eyes a stark gray.

Tuvok lifted his gaze from his panel "Sensors have been unable to detect any lifeforms other than those accounted for. I have modified the ship's sensors for variant energy readings. I have also included that of the Omega strain, sensors are indicating no energy signatures"

"Tell me Tuvok, how can a dog suddenly appear on Voyager without being detected? Attack a crewmember and then suddenly disappear?" Her face grew pensive, the problem running through her analytical mind.

"I am not sure if I can answer that question Captain. Is it possible the animal was a manifestation of Sevens mind"

"I assure you Tuvok, the wounds that Seven received are not part of a manifestation. Something definitely attacked her"

"Harry I want you to run some scans, let’s make sure that nothing beamed on board in the last 72 hours"

"Aye, Captain" the young Ensign tapping the command sequences into his panel.

"Tuvok, I want security to perform a deck by deck sweep. It’s possible the animal is on the move. I’ll be in my ready room and I expect a report in two hours. You have the conn, Tuvok"

"Aye Captain, understood"

She entered her ready room and sat in her chair accessing the panel in front of her. She began searching Voyagers database in an attempt to determine if another Starfleet vessel had a similar encounter. There was something about the whole situation that simply didn’t make any sense. Her scientific mind went into overdrive as she momentarily forgot about Sevens injuries and began her research.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chakotay returned to his quarters after being released from sickbay. His head aching, the buzzing tone returning in his ears. The doctor examined him and, found nothing wrong and instead ordered Chakotay to rest. He lay down in his bed and fell into a deep sleep. The darkness enfolding him and driving him further into its depths.

The first figure appeared it was not a full form but a transparency, it swirled and whispered to the others. Their transparent forms joining the first. The voices whispered and shouted above him, a name older than time, each voice distorted and in different tones and levels. They continued swirling above his sleeping form of Chakotay, until one by one they struck him. The brilliant force of light absorbed into his body, until the many became one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Janeway was sitting in her ready room, rising from her terminal she walked to the replicator, tapping the keys softly, a black cup of coffee appearing. She raised the cup to mouth and swallowed deeply, the familiar brew warming her. She walked over to the upper sanction and settled comfortably in the sofa.

Her mind digesting the files she downloaded earlier, Voyagers database unable to uncover a similar incident. She was taking her second taste of coffee when she was summoned to the bridge. Tuvok's voice coming over the comm link.

"Captain Janeway to the bridge" the summons startled her, the coffee spilling on her tunic, she cursed silently and rose. Grabbing a linen napkin and wiping the front of her tunic she headed towards the bridge. The door hissing closed behind her, she stepped up to Tuvok's duty station, still wiping the remnants of the spilled drink.

"You found something?" her hands smoothing the front of her tunic.

Tuvok's hands were keying his terminal, stepping to the side as Janeway moved next to him. "I believe I may have found what has caused the incident in the jeffries tube" Janeway looked at the display in front of her, her face flexing as she read it.

"How is this even possible? A holoprogram?"

"I assure you Captain, the data is correct, our scans indicate it was a holoprogram"

"How was it able to materialize outside of the holodeck? The only program capable of doing that is the doctors and even he can't do that without his emitter"

"That is correct, however its matrix is consistent with one which was programmed by Commander Chakotay"

"How long ago and when was it last accessed?"

"It was designed five and a half years ago as a recreational program. The holoprogram indicates various other wild species as well. I believe the Commander was attempting to recreate a forest. The computer indicates it was last accessed by the Commander four months ago. The program has not been accessed since then"

Kathryn frowned, not caring for the implications at all. "I want you to delete the program from Voyagers database. I'll inform the Commander myself. Tuvok, run a system wide diagnostic of Voyagers computer system. Take the Holodecks offline and place them off limits for the time being, on my orders. Contact Seven and B'Elanna and use Harry if you have too, but I want to know how this happened. The least thing we need are holoprograms running loose on Voyager with their safety protocols off. I'll be in Commander Chakotay's quarters if you find anything."

"Aye, Captain." Janeway exited the bridge and headed to the turbolift entering and exiting on deck three. Her mind in overdrive, the challenge of a problem fueling her on. She approached the door to Chakotay's quarters and activated the chime, her request going unanswered, waiting a few moments longer, she activated the chime again.

'Enter." the voice low and strained

Kathryn stepped into his quarters, the soft music of distant native drums playing. Chakotay was dressed in civilian clothes, a long earthen colored tunic, with intricate designs in olive and soft blues.

"Captain, You wanted to see me?" his eyes dark and more relaxed.

Yet there was something different and Janeway took the time to study his face carefully. There was a deep intensity in his eyes a flash of anger crossing them. The flash not going unnoticed by Janeway, she squared her shoulder and stood straight. Her command mode put firmly into place, the edginess not retreating, Janeway suddenly felt uncomfortable in his presence.

"Chakotay, I wanted to make sure you were feeling better"

"I'm fine Captain, there's no need to worry, I guess I haven't been getting enough sleep lately." the steeliness in his voice attempting to deceive, the buzzing returning in his ear.

Kathryn eyed him suspiciously and noted a touch of untruthfulness in his word. Unable to pinpoint the cause "I see, nonetheless I wanted to make sure myself" her eyes searching his and looking for a clue.

"Captain?" Chakotay, continuing his deception his lip curling slightly as he paid notice to Kathryn's stare.

"I received a communiqué from Starfleet this morning, I found the security seal broken. I was wondering if you know anything about that?" Her eyes watched him intensely.

Chakotay flinched slightly, barely detectable, Kathryn's astute senses picking up on it. "I was accessing some files this morning. I wasn't feeling very well, it's quite possible I may have downloaded it to my workstation in error"

Kathryn breathed in deeply her concern rising as she quickly processed Chakotay's obvious deception. "Very well, I'll allow that this time, however please ensure it doesn't happen again. There is something else, Seven was attacked by a wild dog earlier today while working in a jeffries tube. We determined it came from one of your holoprograms, Chakotay 2345-7, I'm sorry but we had to delete it from the database." Kathryn watched as the anger returned and flashed quickly through his eyes. His frown scowled deeply, she noticed he tried to quell the rising anger before responding.

"I see, I haven't accessed that program in four months. Do you know how that was possible?" his eyes gleaming.

Kathryn noticed he failed to inquire about Seven, something Chakotay would normally have asked first. "No, I can't say that we do, however we're still working on it"

"Well, if that will be all Captain, I think I'm going to lie back down again" Kathryn dipped her head and turned, the hairs on the back of her neck standing.

"Yes of course, well make sure to get some rest. Good night Chakotay"

"Good night Captain" his eyes glowing with anger as he watched her retreating figure exit.