"That maybe so, however their initial interest in Seven was as a scientist, I assure you it's a lot different now. Perhaps being stranded here alone in the Delta quadrant has left me somewhat jaded to some degree. I just can't find a way to trust Starfleet any longer, a lot has changed since we left my old friend. It's not the same Starfleet we're returning home too, I can't help but feel that we're working on different agendas. I never thought I would feel this way, Starfleet has been my way of life since as long as I can remember. It hasn't been easy for me to accept this, still I won't let anything happen to Seven. I care too much for her to allow it, she's become my touchstone Tuvok. Her presence has added balance to my life and I'll do everything under my power to protect her, including defying Starfleet."

"Perhaps it will not have to come to that. However we should not discount that an accident can be staged without Lt. Torres being involved"

"Have you ever known B'Elanna not to know of everything that goes on around here? God, if she wasn't such a brilliant engineer she'd make a superb chief of security" Kathryn shaking her head and smiling.

"You have a point Captain, she is if anything resourceful when it comes to idle gossip. However I still believe we can easily devise a plan without her knowledge. There is another matter Captain, something that I must bring to your attention. It is about Commander Chakotay" Kathryn leveled her eyes to his questionably.

"Go on" her eyes searching Tuvoks.

"I have noticed the Commander has not been himself for quite sometime" Tuvok paused the subject a delicate matter pertaining to the commander.

Tuvok well aware Kathryn was cognizant of his initial distrust of the former Marquis member. Though Tuvok gained a larger trust in Chakotay over the last five years, he was still chief of security and it was his duty to inform the captain of any indiscretion committed by a crewmember.

"I'm listening" she offered tentatively.

"My investigations have proven Commander Chakotay violated the secure file from Starfleet intentionally. I am sorry Captain, but it was not caused by an error on his part"

"Are you sure about this Tuvok? Chakotay is one of my most trusted officers, I can't just level accusations without definitive proof" The uneasy edge settled in the pit of her stomach, the hair rose on the back of her neck.

"I assure you Captain I am not mistaken. The Commanders terminal indicated his search was limited specifically to this particular file. It also indicates he attempted to access the file six times before he had success in breaking the code. If I might add Captain, his excuse that he accessed the file by accident during his illness is merely that, an excuse. I need not remind you of the complexity to enter the correct codes in order to open a sealed file. I am sorry Captain" Tuvok noticed the crestfallen look on Kathryns face as the reality of Chakotays actions settled in.

"Very well, that only leaves one question, Why?"

"I am not certain as to why, however I have taken note of his recent behavior towards Seven. It has come to my attention his feelings towards Seven appear to be hostile, though he has made it a point to conceal them. It is my opinion that you are already aware of that fact"

Kathryn swallowed deeply, her own suspicions confirmed. "I have noticed something, but at first I thought it had something to do with his acceptance of my relationship with Seven. My intentions were to speak with him of it today, but in light of what you've just told me, I think I'll hold off on that. It's occurred to me I noticed the change in him after Seven was attacked by the holoprogram?"

"A program that was designed by the Commander. It is logical to assume that he may have had something to do with the attack"

"I think we're reaching a bit too much here. Chakotay lacks the necessary skills to do something like that. It took Seven, B'Elanna and Harry eighteen hours to find the problem. I don't need to remind you Chakotay doesn't hold a candle to either of them when it comes to engineering and programming"

"Perhaps it is possible the commander is not quite himself"

"Explain" Kathryn aware Tuvok was on to something.

"It is possible he has been infected with a virus"

"A virus Tuvok" the doctor would have detected a virus, if you recall I sent Chakotay to sickbay that day"

"I believe the doctor may not have been aware of what to look for. It is possible the Commanders mental faculties have been compromised"

"Are you saying Chakotay is losing his mind? Even I find that hard to believe, his performance would have been affected by now. I would have noticed something like that" 

"Perhaps you were not looking hard enough. I have noticed that the commander has had a complete change of personality. He no longer pursues any of his former interest and he has taken to secluding himself to his quarters. He refuses to engage in any recreational activity and has been involved in several-unprovoked outburst. If one adds all of these elements together the conclusion is quite clear"

Kathryn rubbed her forehead roughly, the pain formed behind her eyes, her jaw clenched slightly. "I still find this hard to believe. Chakotay is one of the most well balanced individuals I have ever met. Why didn't you come to me sooner with these suspicions"

"Because I was not certain of all of the facts. It was during your recent absence that I was able to validate my suspicions"

"And what was it that convinced you?"

"I have been monitoring his recent communiqués. I was successful in breaking the encryption this morning. They are addressed to Admiral Picard and Admiral Hayes" Tuvok slid the datapad to Kathryn and allowed her the moment to absorb the information.

"He can't be serious?" Kathryn's face blanched as she read the accusations, to her logical mind they appeared to be the ramblings of a mad man.

"I assure you he is, the Commander is under the belief that Seven is with child. A child she conceived during her encounter with the Alpha-Omega entity. It is his opinion the child will bring about the destruction of the Alpha quadrant"

"Starfleet can't possibly believe these reports. My God, they're the ramblings of a mad man, and I can assure you Seven is not pregnant, without the doctor assisting us it's simply impossible. Furthermore we haven't even discussed starting a family"

"Nonetheless Starfleet has taken an interest in this matter and are anxiously awaiting the results of her next physical"

"Well than that would be perfect, Seven is due to report to the doctor later today. I'm sure once the doctor determines she's without child it will put an end to this entire matter. However that still leaves us with Chakotay and how to deal with him. My God Tuvok, what has happened to us? How could Chakotay have become so lost without me seeing it?"

"Captain it would be inappropriate for you to assume blame for the commanders problems. There was no way you could have determined he would lose control of his mental faculties"

"There had to have been some indication, something I missed, I can't accept Chakotay would suddenly go over the deep end like this. We may have had our disagreements in the past, but Chakotay has been a fine first officer. He's proven himself to me on more than one occasion, he's more than just a senior officer he's my friend"

"There is no question as to his abilities as a first officer, Kathryn, however we can not overlook the fact that he is not the same person. I would like to remind you that his psychosis poses a threat to both Seven and Voyager. You have no other choice but to relieve the commander from duty"

Kathryn exhaled deeply and with a pained resignation conceded to Tuvok. "As always Tuvok you're correct, where is the commander now?"

"He is currently in engineering"

"Very well, I'll notify the doctor to examine Chakotay. Based on his recommendations I'll make my decision then as to whether he should be removed from duty or not"

"Aye Captain, if I may make another suggestion?" Tuvok uncomfortable with broaching the next topic

Kathryn looked up from her terminal the tension creased her classic features, the weight of guilt evident in her eyes "By all means"

"It would be inappropriate to house the Commander in his quarters, I recommend that he be confined to the brig. The Commanders quarters are located directly next to yours, I am concerned for both your safety and Sevens"

"That's not acceptable, I won't have him jailed like a common criminal. Chakotay may be mentally unfit but he hasn't posed a threat to anyone. I won't do it Tuvok don't ask me too" Kathryns eyes turned a steel gray, her anger flaring lightly. 

"Then if I can recommend that he be confined to sickbay. I can have a security team posted at all times"

Kathryn rubbed her temple with her right hand, the ache throbbed violently and blinded her "I'll make sure to inform the doctor. But I want to make myself perfectly clear in this matter. Chakotay is not to be treated like a criminal, he's ill and he needs our help I won't turn my back on him now"

"Understood Captain" Tuvok bowed his head gracefully.

"Dismissed" Kathryn snapped a little harsher than she intended, Tuvok turned and left the room the doors hissed closed behind him.

Kathryn remained seated her head pounded and threatened to explode. The task before her left a bitter taste in her mouth. Her heart heavy and her mind laden with the guilt. Chakotay was a close and trusted friend to see him go through this tore at her. She inwardly berated herself for not taking notice of it sooner. Going over in her mind the subtle nuances she disregarded as jealousy, when all along their true nature was an indication of the troubles he was suffering.

The fact that she passed the last week in total bliss while Chakotay silently suffered made the situation worst. Her mind quickly processed the damage she caused, for not addressing the situation sooner. If she would have addressed the issue immediately she may have detected his anger stemmed from something deeper than her relationship with Seven. She chastised herself for her own arrogance and vanity in assuming Chakotays actions were a result of his jealousy towards Seven.

Turning the conn over to Tuvok she exited her ready room and headed towards sickbay. She wanted to speak with the doctor discretely regarding Chakotays illness. She exited the turbolift and headed down the corridor to sickbay, her mind spinning with the task on hand. Upon entering sickbay she found Seven sitting on the biobed, the doctor attempted to calm her down, Seven was distraught as tears stained her delicate features.

In a choked voice Kathryn overheard Seven speak "There must be some mistake this is not possible" her voice laced with anger as she began to sob softly.

Concerned Kathryn immediately crossed into the room her eyes a dark gray "Seven, Doctor is something wrong?" Kathryn moved closer to Seven and held her hand. The young women lowered her face, her eyes unable to meet Kathryns.

"Captain, I was just going to summon you. There is a delicate matter we need to discuss" the doctor engaged a privacy shield around the biobed.

Kathryn swallowed deeply her evident concern reflected in her eyes "What is it?"

"Well I.." the doctor unsure of how to continue paused "I've just finished my weekly examination and it appears.. Well it appears"

Kathryn lost her patience and took immediate control "It appears what Doctor?" her voice low.

"It appears that Seven is with child" the doctor flinched as he saw the hint of anger flash through Janeways eyes.

She passed her hand across her mouth, her jaw flexed as she ground her teeth. She took a long moment to breathe in deeply, then slowly expelled her breath, her eyes closed as she regained control.

"I'd like a moment alone with Seven if you don't mind doctor" her voice bland and flat.

The doctor lowered his eyes and responded quickly. "Perhaps you would prefer to discuss this in my office Captain. There is more privacy there and you can summon me when you're finished"

"Thank you Doctor that's very kind of you" Kathryn face was blank and unreadable "Seven" she gestured with her hand for the young woman to follow. Seven rose and wiped her tear stained face, she breathed in deeply and tried to compose herself.

Chakotays message to Starfleet reverberated through Kathryn's mind as she walked towards the doctor's office. Her inner thoughts tortured her relentlessly "How that hell can she be with child", the thought of betrayal flashed quickly before she discarded it completely.

The events of the past week quickly processed through her mind as she attempted to determine an explanation. Her fear rose to a higher level as she suddenly realized the imminent danger Seven was now in. "If Starfleet becomes aware of this, there is no telling what they might do" her inner voice warned her.

There was little doubt in Kathryns mind of Sevens fidelity, if she was with child there was a perfect scientific explanation for it. One that she was determined to discover and hopefully put an end to Chakotays anxieties. In the process it may serve to alleviate Starfleets concerns as well.

To some degree it may be a blessing after all, it would prevent Starfleet from attempting to harm Seven. Once it was known she was with child, Starfleet would have to reevaluate their plans for Seven. As she quickly assessed the situation in her sharp mind, a new plan formed, one that could be quite feasible.

As they entered the office Kathryn turned, her heart broke as she took notice of Sevens distraught features. Her delicate smooth face contorted with grief, her ice blue eyes conveyed the pain in her heart. She quickly crossed the room and enfolded her in her arms. Her hands ran smooth strokes along the length of her back. Sevens shoulders convulsed violently as the agony of the pain consumed her.

"Shhh, my love, you have to have faith in me, everything will be all right I promise" Kathryns voice soft and soothing, she pulled slightly away from Seven and cradled her chin delicately in her hand, locking onto Sevens eyes. Reassuring her with their warmth.

Sevens lower lip quivered, the tears ran their course down her cheeks, as she read and took comfort in the vibrant blue eyes staring back at her. "You are not displeased with me?" her voice timid and faltering.

"Is there any reason I should be?" Kathryn caressed her face and wiped the tear stained cheeks.

"I have not betrayed you Kathryn, I could never" her voice taking strength from Kathryns love.

"I never implied that you did, I know you could never betray me, have you so little faith in me?" Kathryn searched Sevens eyes for her answer.

"It's not that I do not have faith in you" her voice began to break "It is… what the…" a soft sob escaped "It is what the situation implies"

Kathryn nodded her head in acknowledgement the implications easily misconstrued.

"It's simply a matter of perception Seven. Granted a more jaded individual can easily misconstrue what has occurred. But then I'm not easily jaded when it comes to you. I have faith in you, faith in what we have. I know you could never deceive me and I'm sure there's a perfect explanation for all of this"

"But I can not explain how this has occurred, I do not know how or who has fathered this child"

"It doesn't matter, not to me anyway and it isn't just this child. It's our child one that will be a part of our lives. I have to tell you Annika for some reason I suspect it is my child. I can't explain how or why I know this, I just do. In retrospect I suspect it may have something to do with our encounter with Michael, it's quite possible he has a hand in this somehow. I never told you this before, but just before you were injured Michael showed me the same vision you had. The one were you were holding a child in your arms, at the time I was unable to comprehend the true nature of the vision. My own arrogance clouded my judgement and I perceived the child to be yours and Tom's, which is why I kept pushing you away. At the time I believed your destiny was with Tom and not me, if it wasn't for Tuvok I never would have realized my grave mistake. I have no doubt in my mind the child you are bearing is mine, what I don't know is why or how. Perhaps we should focus less as to how it happened and accept it for what it is"

Sevens features relaxed as Kathryns words settled into her heart and warmed her soul. Swept away by the tender soul of the person she has come to love more than life itself.

"I love you Kathryn" the only words she could come up with in response, her mind unable to form the appropriate words to express the depth of her love for the incredible being in front of her.

Kathryn's face softened, able to detect the deeper emotions building in Seven. Adoring her more as she noted the inability the young woman suffered, in finding the right words to express her feelings. She reached out to her and held her in her arms, for once grateful she became stranded in the Delta quadrant and found her true existence.

"And I love you, now I want you to compose yourself we need to speak to the doctor. I need you to be strong and accept what I am going to ask of him, without passing any judgement. Do you think you can do that for me?"

Seven nodded her head "Yes Kathryn, I will comply" Kathryn smiled and gently touched her lips to Seven a chaste kiss to reassure the beautiful creature.

"Good" Kathryn waited as Seven gathered herself and attempted to be more presentable. Upon composing herself Kathryn summoned the EMH, who was standing outside of the office"

"Doctor, if you can join us"

"Certainly Captain" the doctor's mood lightened as he detected the peaceful resolution between the two women.

"I want you to run further test on Seven, I think you're going to find the child is mine. I want a full genetic testing on the fetus, please ensure you include testing for any presence of the Omega signature. Doctor I need you to keep this off the record and quite for the time being, particularly in your report to Starfleet"

"I understand Captain, Is there any reason why you wish to test for the Omega signature?"

"I don't know how to explain this doctor, call it intuition, but somehow I believe Michael had something to do with this. I just want to make sure there is nothing wrong with the child"

"Yes well given the powers he demonstrated it is quite possible. I'll make sure to run a thorough testing. Captain should the test prove the child bares the Omega signature. May I ask what Seven and you intend to do?"

"Love it of course, after all it will be our child" Seven blinked her eyes, her love for Kathryn growing in leaps and bounds.

"I see Captain. Captain if I may speak frankly" the doctors admiration evident in his response

"Go right ahead Doctor"

"Well, I can't tell you what an honor and pleasure it's been to serve with you" Kathryn blushed slightly, the doctors response catching her off guard.

"Why thank you Doctor, it's been and honor and pleasure serving with you. I never once regretted allowing you to expand your program. You've been a great doctor and a good friend to all of us"

The doctor swallowed deeply, his eyes stinging slightly "Thank you Captain, your words mean a lot to me. Well if that will be all I can begin my testing right away"

"Doctor, there is one other thing it pertains to Commander Chakotay" Kathryn sighed deeply, Sevens raised her eyebrow quizzically.

"The commander? Is there something wrong Captain?"

"Yes, I believe there is"

Kathryn proceeded to explain the commander's behavior along with his recent communications to Starfleet. The doctor and Seven became visibly concerned over the recent turn of events. The doctor agreed to examine the commander and run extensive neurological and physiological procedures. Then meet with the Captain and after discussing the findings reach an accord as to how to proceed with the commander.

Kathryn ensured that Chakotay would be treated with the up most respect, in the event anything was found. Her implied threat, letting the doctor know he was not to cross the line with Chakotay. After reassuring herself that Seven was in agreement she exited sickbay. The doctor agreed to notify her the moment he concluded his examination of Seven.

Kathryn would then order Chakotay to report to sickbay for a full physical. The doctor after concluding his test would meet with her and Tuvok to discuss the result and agree as to the next course of action.  

After he completed the test on Seven the doctor contacted Janeway, the three agreed to discuss the test results. Seven returned to duty as Kathryn summoned Chakotay and ordered him to report to sickbay.

The doctor spent over four hours examining Chakotay, the last two hours spent on reviewing the test results from his cat scans. Chakotay grew weary of the long examination, his temper flying on more than one occasion. The doctor was forced to tranquilize him, as he conducted more elaborate test on Chakotays brainwave patterns. He pursed his lips in distaste and contacted the captain immediately.

Kathryn sat in her ready room she completed the approval of the doctors physical on Seven, his report omitted Sevens pregnancy. Janeway sealed the file with her approval and forwarded it to Starfleet. Secretly pleased that there was hope for her plan after all.

"The doctor to Captain Janeway"

"Janeway here Doctor, go ahead"

"Captain, I've completed the exams on Commander Chakotay you may want to come down here"

"On my way Doctor" Kathryn stood and entered the bridge, her features focused and determined. Her steps cut and precise as she crossed the span of the bridge, she snapped crisply "Tuvok you're with me, Mr. Paris you have the conn. We'll be in sickbay if you need us"

"Aye Captain" Tom snapped back.

They entered the turbolift, Kathryn waited for the doors to close before proceeding. "The Doctor has examined Chakotay, I believe he found something"

"I see"

"There's something else Tuvok, it's about Seven, it appears the Commander is not as insane as we may have thought" Kathryn hesitated slightly, Tuvok interjected in an effort to relieve her burden.

"Am I correct in assuming Seven of Nine is with child?"

Kathryn nodded her head her eyes a dark blue, the flicker of gray more apparent "It appears that she is"

"Have you discovered who has fathered the child" Tuvoks question not meant to insult and demean Kathryn.

"Yes we have, it appears I'm the father" she raised her hand, before he could continue the doors to the turbolift opened. "We'll continue this conversation later. I'll know more when Seven and I can speak with the doctor in-depth"

"I see, as you wish Captain" Tuvoks logical mind digested the information Janeway provided. He quickly arrived to a conclusion of his own and pondered what kind of effect, it would have on two women, so soon in their relationship.