Gone Kissing
 

Cool as ice in her clingy, spongy metallic hued biosuit, Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01 stood perfectly erect in the Astrometrics lab of the Federation starship Voyager as her impassive, yet angelic face looked up at the large paneled viewscreen of the space lab, although for the fifth time that early evening, the stoic ex-Borg drone wasn't analyzing the data before her. While various lines of encoded text scrolled down in a smaller offset window of the viewscreen, giving the tall, shapely blonde a detailed description of the images she had been attempting to detail, Seven�as she was known since her Borg designation was apparently too "cumbersome," for the individuals aboard this ship to utilize consistently, and the woman who'd been assimilated at the age of six refused to be referred to by her human name, Annika Hansen�finally blinked her large, bright blue eyes as her lungs filled with oxygen to a larger extent than normal as she snapped out of her distracting thought.

The perfection driven female's first response was to sigh at her own inefficiencies, but as that instinctive reaction, with gratitude to her eighteen year stint with the galaxy's bane: The Borg Collective, subsided and her lessons in humanity that she'd pursued with often less than desirable enthusiasm reminded her that 'daydreaming' was a perfectly natural event at that she shouldn't be so 'hard on herself,' the currently secluded woman raised her eyebrows as she pondered the curious necessity she was currently experiencing to continually concoct scenarios in her mind that she fully understood were not only unlikely, some of them were downright impossible. Seven was not an ignorant woman, far from it actually, so she was fully aware that the more her humanity continued to assert itself on her partially cybernetic systems�whether she embraced it or not was often a coin toss�the more she'd have to adapt to such things as "flights of fancy," she thought caustically in her mind. Even though she was not completely adverse to the insistent interest her consciousness seemed to have on aspects of her biological life that she'd previously considered fairly irrelevant, that didn't mean she found it entirely acceptable either?considering the subject matter of her fantasies this afternoon.

As of late, Seven of Nine had been pondering many aspects of a typical human existence, and even though she knew that a majority of the individuals aboard the scout ship that was now her home would most likely consider some of the things she contemplated mundane or 'elementary,' the almost thirty year old Borg couldn't really help herself considering she hadn't been an individual for the majority of her life, and she'd completely missed out on almost all of the experiences the members of this crew took for granted day in and day out. However, there were some 'basic' concepts that she'd been pondering a great deal in the last week, especially today, that she knew were still considered 'exciting' and 'natural' no matter an individuals age or experience, and as the lengthy, streamlined female continued to think upon such things and research them either through the Federation database, or by observing the behavior around her, she was starting to understand why the beings aboard this vessel didn't consider 'kissing' irrelevant to their existence. And her interest in such behavior went beyond the fact that it often lead to copulation, which could lead to procreation, which Seven completely understood was an inherent biological desire of fully organic beings, since it ensured the survival of their race. Indeed, Seven was now convinced there was something more to the act of kissing than just a precursor to procreation since she had absolutely zero desire to bare children, but definitely had a strong desire to kiss. She figured she also had a fairly strong desire to copulate as well, but that really wasn't on her mind currently?she just wanted to kiss to gain the understanding of the procedure, and the knowledge that would remain out of her reach until she engaged in it.

Seven wasn't really certain what to expect when it came to kissing, but she'd recently observed two individuals aboard this vessel, one male and one female, kissing in the doorway to the female's quarters. The Borg was familiar enough with the practices and rituals of many of the cultures the dwelled on this ship that she knew such an event was a 'kiss goodnight.' Seven found it intriguing that such a seemingly unremarkable act, that had only lasted three point five two seconds, could elicit such a pleased expression from someone's face, but Seven had clearly noticed the changes in both of the kissers' expressions and knew that they equated to pleasure. The Borg had also observed other individuals kissing in the past, and was aware that it seemed there were many variations to the ritual, and many reasons individuals kissed due to various 'traditions.' She'd witnessed much longer kisses where the individuals had pressed their bodies tightly together, in an upright position, and seemed to become a single unit for the length of the embrace. She'd also witnessed 'chaste' kisses, or 'kisses on the cheek,' and even though those were rare on Voyager, Seven had seen Ensign Samantha Wildman kiss her daughter in such a manner fifty-two times. Sometimes they touched lips together, but it was always a speedy embrace and even though it was unquestionably affectionate, it was definitely different. She'd also witnessed kisses that were much more aggressive, or 'passionate,' and even though she'd only witnessed such an event three times since Seven of Nine knew the captain, as well as Starfleet, 'frowned' upon public displays of affection while on duty, she had a feeling the kissing that was performed between potential mates often feel into this category.

Truth be told, Seven was interested in experiencing all of the various forms of kissing, but it was the passionate brand that she'd witnessed that she had been currently imagining today, and it was that which was causing her insistent contemplation. Seven was aware that not 'just anyone' would kiss her, or allow her to kiss them in such a manner due to various social rules regarding 'sexual' behavior, which Seven understood most forms of kissing fell under. She knew that in order to kiss 'passionately' one had to have passion or desire, and she knew that often, although not exclusively, required an 'emotional' bond between the kissers. Seven figured she had bonded enough with Naomi Wildman and thus, her mother that she could request a kiss on the cheek from them, but not only did she highly doubt her friend's mother would wish to kiss her 'passionately,' honestly, Seven didn't have a desire to kiss the pretty scientist in such a manner. She enjoyed the female's company, and found her intelligent and aesthetically pleasing, but for some reason the Borg didn't desire the ensign in a manner she knew was required to perform the passionate kissing ritual efficiently. There was also the fact that Samantha was female, as was Seven, and the Borg had discovered through her research that not everyone was comfortable kissing members of the same sex in such a manner. The ex-drone understood that they didn't find such behavior abnormal or offensive by any stretch of the imagination, it just wasn't their 'cup of tea,' and Seven was perfectly understanding of that since, although she had no experience, she didn't believe kissing a male would be her 'cup of tea,' since she'd yet to find herself attracted to a male, but had found a few females along her road back to humanity that she'd taken a moment to admire, and detail the reactions their presence caused on her biological systems.

Her next most logical choice, taking all things into consideration, was Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, but unfortunately, Seven was also aware that the half Klingon's ongoing romantic relationship with Lieutenant Tom Paris precluded her as an acceptable test subject as far as passionate kissing went, and furthermore, Seven of Nine didn't believe Torres would be agreeable to a 'chaste' kiss either considering the two female's antagonistic relationship, even if they did indeed get along much better than they used to.

Seven was aware that if she approached Ensign Harry Kim or the Doctor that she'd most likely be granted her request for a kiss, but since the Borg had come to understand that she was not at all sexually attracted to members of the male gender, she immediately dismissed them for that reason alone. There was also the fact that she honestly didn't believe Ensign Kim would be an acceptable kisser considering he had shown an inability to act in a confident manner three years ago when she'd first come aboard this vessel, and became aware, in a trice, that the young man of Asian decent was physically attracted to her. When he'd departed quickly after she'd requested that he remove his clothing so that they could copulate, as she believed he wished to, so that they could then continue on with their work efficiently, the Borg had been duly unimpressed with his inability to act in a consistent manner and take that which what he desired. Seven had come a long way since then, and she now was thankful that Kim had left, but that still didn't mean she felt he was an acceptable test subject.

As far as the Doctor went, other than the fact that he was male and she wasn't at all attracted to him physically, he was also a hologram, which meant that many of the aspects of the kissing ritual would not be present considering he was merely a projection of matter. Yes, he was advanced, and she considered him an individual, as well as sentient; she did not, however, wish to experience her first kiss with a hologram. She would never tell him such a thing because she knew that her words would likely cause him dismay, but Seven honestly felt that she'd been deprived of more than enough from the Borg Collective, thus she wished to kiss an actual organic being, one whom she knew, for the first kiss, which was the reason she hadn't even considered the holodeck. No, this task required a specimen of flesh and blood, and because of that criteria, and the aforementioned reasons, her list of test subjects was a short one.

So, with all of that, Seven had once again been forced to fantasize about what it would be like to passionately kiss the one individual aboard this starship that she felt she had an adequate 'emotional' bond with, whom she desired sufficiently, and wasn't involved in a romantic relationship that would keep her from consideration. However, there was one very big problem, or more like chasm it seemed today, with Seven's preferred choice: she was Captain Kathryn Janeway, the commanding officer of this Collective.

And it wasn't the intrepid, consummate captain's practice to kiss members of her crew.

Such knowledge was simply obvious and Seven of Nine didn't need any more data on the smaller, older, and dynamic female to tell her she was correct in her extrapolations. Not only was is not Janeway's 'style' to kiss, but she was a Starfleet captain, and Seven knew that even though there were no specific rules that clearly stated a commanding officer couldn't kiss a member of her crew, she had read through the various protocols that the redhead operated under that discouraged such actions; although with the captain, it wasn't considered 'becoming of a commanding officer' to fraternize with his or her crew while on or off duty. Seven was aware that this 'fraternization' was fairly subjective and that Kathryn Janeway had adapted, somewhat, for this vessel's current situation considering she hadn't anyone else to fraternize with since they had been stranded in the Delta Quadrant for seven straight years, but that still didn't make Seven believe Janeway was willing to adapt to this extent and do anything more than 'dine' with members of her senior staff from time to time, and attend various social gatherings.

If it weren't for the fact that Seven was technically not a member of Janeway's crew, held no official position or rank, and that she was the only individual aboard this vessel that Janeway interacted with on a personal level on a consistent basis, except for her first officer, Commander Chakotay and her Security Chief, Tuvok, Seven would have written off Janeway as a possibility like the rest. But because of that, and because she knew from some of her observations with the activities that Janeway engaged in with Chakotay and Tuvok that there were differences between the relationships the captain had with the two males and the relationship she had with Seven, the Borg continued to 'daydream' about an event she honestly couldn't figure out how to make a reality without simply marching up to the woman and kissing her before Janeway could protest.

After her third lengthy fantasy this afternoon about kissing Janeway�her ideas focusing mostly on the setting under which such an event would take place rather than the actual ritual, since other than the science and biology behind it, the Borg had no idea what kissing was like�Seven had come to the conclusion that that was exactly what it would take for her to be able to kiss the captain, and after her fourth lapse in concentration, she'd actually turned around and started out of the lab to do just that, but halfway to the door she'd reminded herself that currently Janeway was aboard the Delta Flyer on a diplomatic mission and wasn't scheduled to return until 1900 hours. So, Seven had turned back to her work in a desperate attempt to busy herself with work that often barely tested her capabilities, and she had been successful in putting this insistent distraction from her mind for a few hours, that is until just now when she'd once again caught herself daydreaming, and hadn't even realized she was doing so until she emerged from the occurrence.

This last fantasy had been a little more lengthy than normal, and Seven figured that was because as the hours passed, she was growing less capable of deflecting these ideas and could honestly feel her reserve starting to weaken. This scenario had been a little more realistic, Seven believed, and she figured that was because she'd actually made up her mind earlier, although had to change it because of the redhead's absence, to just kiss the captain and not request that Janeway kiss her. However, as she recalled parts of it while she slipped into her mind yet again, she sighed at herself as she remembered thinking about doing just that, and the reaction from the woman afterward.

Captain Janeway had not been pleased.

In fact, she'd been downright angry and had ended up confining Seven to the Cargo Bay and restricting her privileges, which was the captain's typical punishment for Seven whenever Janeway felt Seven was acting inappropriately and purposefully defiant, and furthermore understood the situation exactly. Kathryn was typically must less harsh when Seven erred and she believed that the ex-drone simply hadn't sufficient data to act in an appropriate manner, or extenuating circumstances created a powerful conflict in the blonde, which caused her to act as she was accustomed, and not consistent with the rules by which Janeway was bound.

Actually, as Seven thought about everything currently and what she knew of Janeway, she didn't really believe Kathryn would get angry at her if she kissed her in such a manner, although she did believe that she would probably never allow Seven to do so again, but the Borg figured her fantasy had shaded toward the negative side of things simply because she knew exactly what it was that she was doing, and furthermore knew kissing the captain without asking permission was 'wrong.' Normally, such things were rather irrelevant to Seven who thought the chain of command and asking for permission was inefficient and unharmonious, but with this sensitive, personal endeavor that dwelled around physicality, the Borg honestly felt permission, although an unfortunate necessity for her currently, was absolutely necessary. All Seven of Nine had to do was think back to the time when she believed someone had strapped her to a gurney and extracted some of her nanoprobes, part of her body, to recall what an unpleasant sensation that had been, and she assumed being forced to kiss someone could evoke a similar emotion in Janeway, and Seven would never wish to cause Janeway that kind of unpleasantness.

So, now that she'd once again examined the situation and took in account the captain's 'feelings,' in the same regard as her own and stopped viewing Janeway as merely an objective but as an individual worthy of the respect she wished others would forward to herself, she decided that simply walking up to the captain and kissing her was not an acceptable action. Sighing again, Seven came to the conclusion that the only way that she'd ever get to kiss Kathryn was if she had permission to do so, or if she requested that Janeway kiss her, and Seven was perfectly aware of not only how 'stubborn' the captain could be, but how difficult a task she had before her because of that.

Settling on that idea as the captain's return grew to only an hour away, Seven again started pondering the situation and after a few moments, surmised that she would more than likely not receive permission to kiss Kathryn as she wished to?at least she wouldn't receive permission at first. No, Seven was pretty certain now she'd have to request a kiss from Janeway. Going with that, Seven furthermore decided that such an event was possible, but only if she approached Janeway in a forthright, logical manner and explained the situation to her, and furthermore informed Kathryn that not only was Janeway really Seven's singular outlet, but considering the human was her self-proclaimed 'mentor' and she considered Seven her 'responsibility,' the captain was in fact her 'best' choice.

The Borg cocked her eyebrow at that as she realized that there was a glimmer of hope in that reasoning since she well knew, although never made mention, that Kathryn had a great deal of difficulty saying no to Seven when the ex-drone expressed not only her humanity, but her laudable logic. Smirking some as she turned back to her work and gained a little confidence while she continued to contemplate her 'plan of action,' after few minutes, Seven decided that she would be required to 'start out slow' with Janeway and 'work her way up' to the kiss she truly desired. First, she'd request a kiss on the cheek, and smiling slightly, she was almost completely certain the good captain wouldn't turn her down when she expressed that she was researching displays of affection and their relevance. Since she knew that particular kiss was considered 'chaste,' she didn't think Kathryn would object once she got over her slight unease, which was typical for Janeway whenever she was put into a position she felt could possibly compromise her objectivity, as the redhead saw it.

If the captain didn't grant her request, Seven honestly had no idea where she was going to go from there, but she was deciding to be 'optimistic' and 'bet' on Janeway's 'soft spot' for her, that she was aware existed, and it wasn't like Seven didn't have such a thing for the older female as well...in fact, Seven knew she had several soft spots for the compact commander.

If Janeway did grant her request, Seven then planned to ask if she could reciprocate the kiss in a similar manner, and again, the Borg didn't think Janeway would be adverse since she'd probably see it as 'sweet' and that she was simply doing her duty to teach Seven about 'nice things.'

From there, after again taking several minutes to work and cross-reference the inordinate amount of data she had on the subject of kissing, sexual behavior, the concept of 'romance,' as well as Kathryn Janeway, Seven of Nine decided that she would then engage Janeway in a discussion about kissing. She would do this for several reasons. One, Seven hoped to discover more information about the idea, specifically with regards to the captain's ideas concerning it. Two, she was aware that individuals were often influenced by the 'power of suggestion' and that such a conversation might make it easier for Kathryn to kiss Seven again, or visa versa, and finally, she also knew, that discussions that revolved around sexual behavior, that occurred in a private setting, also had the ability to stimulate and arouse the parties discussing it, and she was hoping that such vocal stimulation would also assist the captain with granting her request, but couldn't be certain since that subject matter rarely, and that was an understatement, came up in their 'philosophical discussions,' as Kathryn was fond of referring to their talks.

Settling in with her 'game plan,' Seven decided that the best way to ensure that she'd at least get a kiss on the cheek this evening, since she honestly didn't think she could stand the constant curiosity much longer, and the Borg had never been a fan of waiting for anything, and typically didn't, was to meet Kathryn in the Shuttle Bay when she returned from her friendly mission with Neelix and Tuvok and request that the captain consume her evening 'meal' in her presence. The blonde was aware that when such a request was made for a 'dinner date' that the person forwarding the request was typically required to supply the 'food' as well as the setting, but since Seven knew Janeway didn't prefer to 'eat' in the Mess Hall, nor did Seven, and the Borg didn't have standard crew quarters and continued to reside in Cargo Bay Two where she maintained her regeneration alcove, she was hoping Kathryn would understand that she was requesting to utilize the captain's cabin as the venue. Seven didn't want to utilize the holodeck since one, she knew that after a mission, even a small one, Janeway preferred to 'unwind' at 'home,' and two, she was worried that if she requested Janeway's company in the holodeck, Kathryn might feel as if she were being asked on a 'date,' and even though Seven wasn't disagreeable to such an event, she didn't feel it wise to immediately give the captain a reason to suspect that the tall blonde was pondering romance, attraction and the like, even if currently, she was focusing simply on the kissing ritual.

With forty-two minutes left until 1900 hours, Seven quickly programmed Voyager's Main Computer to alert her as to when the Delta Flyer returned since she knew that the time was only an estimated time of arrival, and when the computer quickly informed her that the shuttle had returned to the ship fifteen minutes ago, Seven sighed sharply as her 'game plan' started to fall apart before she'd even been able to begin and said out loud, familiar with the procedure of cursing, and certain she was performing it accurately as the door to Astrometrics hissed open before she could stop herself as she slapped her hand down on the console and refreshed the data, "Shit!"

"What's wrong?" Captain Kathryn Janeway asked immediately and with a definite hint of worry to her commanding and multifaceted voice as she breezed into the space lap carrying a data chip in her right palm, just in time to hear her one and only Borg curse for the very first time. Suddenly worried that something unthinkably bad must be occurring for Seven to use profanity since they had been in some pretty hairy situations in the last three years and she'd never done so before, the captain cracked, unable to stop her demanding tone as Seven whirled around and stared at her as her cheeks started to flush, something else Kathryn had never witnessed before unless the normally stoic Borg was terribly upset, but then it seemed as the event was occurring simply because her young friend was attempting to keep herself from weeping, "Seven, what's wrong?"

Sighing, and pivoting back to her work, adjusting her nanoprobes quickly, commanding them to compensate for her increased nervous demeanor as well as her speedy cardiac functions, Seven replied, "It is 'nothing,' Captain. I apologize for speaking in such a manner?I was not expecting 'company.'"

Frowning, fairly certain now that nothing at least was wrong with her vessel, but she knew that certainly didn't mean something wasn't terribly wrong with Seven since the Borg was not often forthcoming with information about various things that were either ailing her sensitive and constantly changing cybernetics systems, or bothering her on a personal level which only affected her, Janeway came up next to Seven and said quickly, "That's quite alright, Seven." Reaching up and placing her hand on the Borg's upper arm, feeling the sizeable starburst under her thumb, she asked softly as she absently drew her digit across the harsh reminder of the blonde's time with her former Collective, "Are you sure it's nothing," quirking the side of her mouth as Seven turned and looked over at her at the touch, "because, I've never known you to swear?"

As Janeway continued to remain in contact with her body, Seven fought the urge to move to the other console to break the bond since it was making it difficult for her to think efficiently and recalculate her actions because she worried that if she acted 'put off' by the captain's attention then she'd be 'shooting herself in the foot.' However, she did turn back to her work as she answered, looking up at the viewscreen and the data she'd just piped to it to analyze, which she was usually perfectly capable of doing while she conversed verbally about an entirely different subject, "I am certain, Captain." Not exactly lying, since that wasn't her practice and she found such behavior unacceptable, unless she was required to do so to save the life of a colleague or herself, but not telling the whole story either, which she'd done so on a few occasions to deflect the captain's inquiries when she wasn't prepared to give a completely forthright answer, Seven explained, "I was merely?frustrated, Captain. I have been working for several hours today and am having some?difficulty," she said with acid on her breath, "completely my objective?however, I am currently remedying that," she included, hoping Janeway would think she was speaking of the work she was doing, and not the plan she was devising.

When she saw Janeway nod out of the corner of her eye, smirk slightly and pat her arm in commiseration of the frustrations when things didn't go one's way, especially since the captain was aware that a majority of the Borg's work dealt with unthinkably complex algorithms that were so very easy to make errors in while coding simply because they were so tedious and detailed, Seven glanced over at the redhead as she dropped her arm and added quickly, "It is 'good' to see you. I am pleased the Delta Flyer has returned without incident. How can I be of assistance?"

Smiling softly at that, but reigning in her overwhelming joy for the words since each time Seven made such statements it reaffirmed to her that despite all of the risks, all of the problems, and all of the times Seven had glowered at her for severing her from the Hive mind, that she'd make the correct decision to rescue Seven and continue to keep her here with her newfound family, Janeway answered, not responding to anything but the question, and keeping it purely business, "I came by to drop off the data we collected from the Amari." Handing over the datachip as Seven merely raised her left hand and held it out as she continued to manipulate the console with her right, fully human hand, Janeway informed, "And there's no hurry with that," worried that Seven would feel obligated to analyze it immediately, and since she figured Seven had been on duty probably since before 0800 hours this morning, she didn't honestly think that was a good idea, even if she was curious as to the information, because she'd also never known Seven to get frustrated to such an extent with the work she did in this lab. It was just known that this was Seven's domain, and furthermore, that she was more than capable of performing just about any task put in front of her. She was simply a cybernetic wonder, and almost the best of both worlds, in the good captain's eyes. What Seven was lacking in, and she used that term very loosely, were simply experiences that she'd been robbed of, and the captain was more than hopeful that as more and more years were put between Seven and her former existence, she'd continue to open herself up to her humanity, and the captain had a pretty good feeling that once Seven really embraced her humanity fully, there honestly would be no stopping her. Janeway could hardly imagine stopping Seven now, let alone in a few years when she had a little more experience with emotions under her belt. Although Kathryn had never told anyone, she planned to make an unprecedented recommendation, or more like demand, when they returned to the Alpha Quadrant that Seven be given a position at some prestigious science facility because she truthfully felt that the Borg could, and most likely would, become one of the Federation's most sought after minds, and would probably end up attaining a very large place in future history books.

Janeway often worried that she was currently holding Seven back from her science ability since there was only so much exploring they could responsibly do, but for now she figured this was the best place for her young friend, at least until she was more capable of interacting with large social groups of individuals and looking out for her best interests consistently. Once that occurred, Janeway hoped it wouldn't be too long of a period before Seven could go on and do all of the amazing things the captain knew she was quite capable of. Kathryn honestly hated the idea of saying good-bye to the Borg, but she knew that was a selfish desire to remain near someone she'd grown to care about on so many levels, and she figured that even though she wouldn't see Seven all of the time and wouldn't be able to share in the experience of watching the blonde take on the universe, they'd still keep in touch, and she was more than certain she'd be able to read about all of her accomplishments in various scientific journals.

When Seven nodded and said, "Very well, then I will analyze it tomorrow," as she placed the datachip on the upper section of the console, then turned back to her current tasks, Kathryn was surprised by that, but pleasantly so, and remarked, "Well, that's new." Patting Seven's arm, Janeway teased as she turned and started toward the door, this having been her last stop before she went home and relaxed for the rest of the evening after having to keep on her diplomatic toes for the last two days, "You're swearing?you're procrastinating?maybe it's just a fluke thing, but that sounds awfully human to me."

Not having expected Kathryn to depart so quickly since she typically spent more time in her company whenever she 'popped in' for a visit, Seven spun quickly and said, abrupt, "Captain."

Turning around immediately at the clipped hail, hoping that didn't mean she'd somehow offended Seven, although she knew the Borg wasn't nearly that frail, but then again, she'd never heard her curse either, so she was unsure at this point, Janeway said, "Yes?"

Thinking quickly, once again frustrated that she was having such a difficult time making a decision, and certainly not used to this reaction, wondering if this is what Harry Kim had been experiencing when she requested that he disrobe, Seven set her shoulders, placed her hands behind her back as Kathryn raised her eyebrows, then furrowed her brow slightly when the blonde didn't go on immediately and once again started toward her, "Unless you are disagreeable, I would 'like' to converse with you privately this evening." As Janeway softened slightly at that, but there were clear signs of concern still on her mouth and around her eyes, Seven added, but remained obtuse, "I have been pondering a personal endeavor a great deal as of late, and believe that you can offer insight as well as assistance." Not giving Janeway a chance to answer yet, she finished, hoping to show that she was aware of personal necessities, "I am aware that you are required time to 'unwind' after your away mission, so if you are disagreeable I will not take offense and merely take a 'rain check.'"

Smiling brightly, never able to stop the reaction whenever Seven used a colloquialism correctly, or especially when she didn't get them quite right which always made her either want to burst out in giddy laughter simply for the cuteness of it, or throw her arms around the taller woman and hug her fiercely for simply making the attempt, Janeway informed easily, speaking the truth, "Well, I didn't have any plans tonight except to go home and kick my feet up." Bringing up her hand to her neck and rubbing the kink there, she informed, "I was hoping to take a hot bath, though?so why don't you give me an hour to unwind?"

"I will comply," Seven replied, smirking and turning her back to Janeway quickly before the soft grin on her face turned into a rather big smile that Kathryn was able to witness, certain such an event would give her away to the clever redhead. "Enjoy your 'bath,' Captain."

Turning and exiting, Janeway informed with enthusiasm, "Oh, that's a guarantee, Seven?see you soon."

Precisely sixty minutes after Janeway had departed, Seven of Nine stood in front of the captain's nondescript cabin door as she tapped her finger to the sensor panel and announced her presence. When the captain's voice was heard saying, "Come in, Seven," and the Borg could detect the humorous tone to Janeway's timbre, the blonde grinned lightly as she unwound her hands from the small of her back while the doors parted evenly for her, pleased that it seemed Kathryn was still in 'good spirits' since she believed such a mindset was required for her to receive and give the redhead a kiss, as she was more than hoping to do at this point.

Indeed, kissing Captain Janeway was currently Seven of Nine's primary objective, and as most people on Voyager could attest, there was little stopping the sometimes single-minded ex-drone when she was on a 'mission.'

As she stepped into the dimly lit quarters, the only light coming from the stars and a small lamp on her desk, silently again wondering why the captain's cabin was always poorly illuminated, although not minding herself since her enhanced vision allowed her to see comfortably in almost every situation except for the pitch blackness, and spotted the captain where she was lounging comfortably on her sofa, setting down one of her hardbound books on the coffee table, Seven greeted as she stopped just far enough into the room to allow the door to close behind her, "Good evening, Captain."

Rising as she took a sip of her coffee, then scrunched her face at the staleness of the drink, having ordered it directly after she returned from Astrometrics and then proceeded to forget about it while she bathed and then curled up with one of her favorite books, Janeway said, "Have a seat?can I get you something?" as she proceeded to her replicator.

Normally Seven declined, but considering the subject matter, and from her research, she knew that humans often felt more comfortable while consuming liquids during conversation, the Borg answered with a question, "Have you consumed your evening 'meal'?"

"No, but I had a late lunch," the captain informed as she ordered a fresh cup of java. "Are you hungry?"

"If you are not going to consume anything, then I will have a nutritional supplement?please."

Before she programmed the bland, creamy, thick substance, Janeway looked over her shoulder and asked, "Are you sure you don't want something else?I certainly don't mind?"

"That will suffice," Seven informed as she approached the woman, "thank you, nonetheless. I rarely consume solid nutrition unless I am 'dining' with other individuals."

The captain was tempted to make a comment as to how it was no wonder the Borg was so thin, considering her height, but she resisted since she didn't feel it was ever good practice for a captain to make comments as to a crewmember's personal appearance, as long as they were well kept, which Seven most certainly was, and said instead, "Alright then, one meal in a cup coming up." After her order was produced, Janeway picked it up and handed it over to Seven, then had to ask, "You really drink those all the time?"

Nodding once, Seven stated, "That is correct." Noticing the slight unpleasant look on Kathryn's face, the Borg informed, "I assure you, Captain?they are more palatable than a majority of the offerings produced by Mister Neelix, and are 'good' in a 'pinch.'"

Chortling softly as she made her way back to the sofa, Kathryn replied, "Well, I guess as long as you're satisfied?they just look awfully bland to me." Then smirking after she took a sip of her coffee and set it back down on the glass table near her couch, she added, "Although, most people didn't grow up on an agricultural reserve?so maybe I'm just spoiled..."

As Seven took a seat, which Kathryn had finally gotten her to do consistently without having to ask more than once, on the other end of the soft, prim and proper like always as she slowly sipped her dinner, Janeway turned toward her while she tucked her legs under her, now wearing a comfortable pair of beige, linen pants and an oversized, sky-blue knitted sweater, hoping to keep her upper-body warm so her neck muscles wouldn't tense up on her again. When the Borg didn't explain the reason for her visit immediately as she normally did, Janeway asked, "So, what's going on?"

Holding up her index finger, a gesture she'd learned from the individual seated across from her, informing Janeway that she required an uncertain interval of time, although she knew such a gesture meant a fairly quick moment, before she was prepared to answer, Seven continued to sip her supplement as she once again pondered her 'game plan,' not used to second-guessing herself, but feeling the need to do so currently. Then deciding that the most prudent course of action was the one she had devised, Seven pulled the glass from her mouth, set it on the glass surface with an audible, determined thud and informed, "Captain, I am curious as to the need for displays of affection. Specifically," she sat up straight and turned toward Janeway whose eyebrows were raised most likely due to surprise and possibly curious interest, but the Borg didn't believe it was anything more than that, and went on smoothly, "the 'kiss on the cheek' ritual. I have researched the procedure recently, as well as witnessed such an event, and believe all I require now to perform the task efficiently myself is for a demonstration. Would you be agreeable?"

"You want me to kiss you?" was all Janeway said, although there was a definite tone of surprise to the older woman's tones.

Not dismayed by the reaction since she'd expected such a response, although she was aware that it would most likely make her other requests more difficult, but setting that information aside for the moment and focusing all of her resources on completely this primary objective, Seven of Nine answered, "That is correct." Before Kathryn could answer, Seven added, "As I am certain you are aware, this particular display of affection is considered 'chaste,' Captain, however, I have made this request of you instead of simply kissing you on the cheek, as I believe I am capable of doing efficiently because I 'respect' you as an individual and as my captain, as well as my mentor, thus I am requesting that you do so first, and then allow me to reciprocate." When Janeway seemed suddenly uneasy and Seven could detect a slight increase in her blood-pressure as well as her respiration, the blonde queried, trying not to seem disappointed, but having a difficult time, "Are you not agreeable?"

When Janeway sighed and seemed to laughed slightly out of nervousness, then opened her mouth to speak, but then stopped and closed it again, furrowed her brow slightly and seemed to be pondering her words, Seven felt she had enough data to extrapolate her conclusion and stated, "I have made you uncomfortable." Standing, she went on quickly, "I apologize, Captain?I should have not made such a request of you. Good night."

"Seven of Nine," Janeway sighed as the tall Borg bolted for the door, using her full name in a manner she rarely did when they were speaking to each other, but knowing it was sometimes the only thing that got the blonde's attention.

Still with her back to the captain, Seven only turned her head slightly and said, softly, "Yes, Captain?"

Getting to her feet, Janeway forced a chuckle and said, "Please don't go, Seven?you just surprised me?although, I don't know why I keep expecting you to not surprise me." When the Borg refused to turn around, but merely raised her eyebrow, Kathryn explained lightly, talking with her hands, as she approached her younger friend, "You haven't made me uncomfortable either?that's a perfectly reasonable request. I," touching the Borg's shoulder and urging her turn around, which Seven slowly did, "just don't get asked that every day?so you'll have to forgive my rudeness."

Cocking her eyebrow, Seven placed her hands behind her back and said as Kathryn let go of her arm, "That is understandable, Captain?and you will have to 'forgive' my abruptness. I simply do not wish to make you uncomfortable since I am aware that you do not kiss 'just anyone.'" When Janeway snickered at that and rubbed her forehead slightly as she looked down, Seven stated, keeping her face and voice completely even if she was experiencing a great deal of anticipation, "I am 'ready,' Captain?you may proceed at will."

Barking in laughter before she covered her mouth, Janeway looked up at the Borg then rolled her eyes when she realized Seven was being purposefully robotic in the way she often did, which Kathryn had learned was a brand of the cybernetic woman's unique sense of humor, then said, "Alright, you?enough teasing me?I've had a long day." As Seven smirked more, then nodded and became more serious, although not incredibly so, and turned her head just slightly to one side making her cheek accessible, the captain resisted the urge to sigh, then quickly, not able to stop herself, brushed the side of her hair behind her ear as she stepped up to Seven.

As Janeway placed on hand on her arm as she'd done in several occasions, then rose up to her tip toes since Seven was already several centimeters taller than her and the captain was also without footwear, then softly pressed her lips to the Borg's cheek, the drone smiled softly as several things occurred that she found more than acceptable. One, simultaneously, Janeway squeezed her arm softly at the same instant her lips made contact. As Kathryn kept her lips in contact with the blonde's alabaster skin for one point two eight seconds, Seven also felt her bosom come into contact with the redhead's much smaller breasts for just a brief moment while she detected the pleasing scent of not only the captain's hair, which she had grown fond of, but the Borg also could smell a crisp, clean scent near her neck that she'd never been able to detect before and silently wondered if that was due to the fact that she knew the female had recently bathed. Seven had never done so herself, but she had researched the ritual when she discovered Kathryn was fond of 'taking a bath' and discovered that often the person 'taking a bath' utilized various scents, oils, and cleansing solutions to heighten the experience of sitting in water. Seven was curious about that procedure as well, but figured that experience was much farther down the road.

When Kathryn pulled away, although not abruptly, cleared her throat softly then queried, simply, "Well?" Seven replied, understanding the implied question and informed, "That was not unacceptable." As Kathryn chuckled then reached up to her cheek, cupped it lightly as she rubbed her thumb across her skin, informing the Borg she had lipstick on her, and that was one downfall of kissing, Seven resisted the urge to inform Janeway she felt that was inaccurate since she found being touched in this manner pleasing, and said instead, as the captain pulled her hand away, "Now I am required to reciprocate."

Not giving Janeway a chance to say or do anything, Seven took a small step forward, grabbed the redhead's arm in the same manner as Janeway had, puckered her lips and pressed them to Janeway's cheek as the captain instinctively moved her face to the side slightly. At the instant of the impact, Seven deemed it more than acceptable, but realized she had a slight problem on her hands: she didn't wish to disengage, but knew she was required to. So, as she lightly squeezed the captain's arms in the same manner, noticing underneath her palm that the thin, long muscles flexed gently back at her, the Borg realized that her eyes were closed, and wondered why there was an instinctual need to act in such a manner, but knew it wasn't improper and furthermore that it was natural since she'd never seen anyone kiss with their eyes open. Making sure to inhale fairly deeply as she withdrew after two point six seconds, so that she could once again smell the pleasing scent of Kathryn Janeway, Seven once again placed her arms behind her back, looking fairly pleased and informed, "The procedure is not unpleasant. I believe I understand why Samantha Wildman kisses Naomi Wildman in such a manner on regular intervals."

Turning on her heel and returning to the couch where her nutritional supplement rested, Seven added, "Thank you for the demonstration, Captain. I believe I feel 'better.' I have been continually curious as to the need for such an act. It is 'nice.'"

Before the revelation about Samantha and her daughter, Janeway was slightly concerned she had a rather big problem on her hands and worried that Seven was becoming curious once again about sexuality in general and would request other things of her this evening or soon, but since she knew that other than herself, Seven spent probably most of her personal time with the Wildmans, she figured the mother and her daughter's affections were prompting this change. Truth be known, Kathryn didn't like the idea of anyone else teaching Seven about romance, love, and the art of making it, but she knew that was a purely selfish desire, and not only was it inappropriate of her to even think about teaching Seven about such things by actually experiencing them with her, and not just explaining them, she honestly felt that one, Seven would never desire her like she desired the Borg, and two, even if Seven did one day look at her as anything other than a mentor, a captain, and often a royal pain in the butt, that would be much, much, much further down the road and by that time, who knows what the situation would be. It was all very distressing to Captain Janeway some days, especially nights, especially the nights after Seven had been to her captain to discuss something, and not to mention saddening, as well as absolutely typical, she thought. Typical that she was drawn to someone with a sob story, finding that trait about herself infuriating and adolescent, but she couldn't deny it anymore than she could deny the escalation of her heartbeat just by the beauty in her company saying the word 'kissing'...another thing she found infuriating and adolescent, and was suddenly wondering when she became such a "raving lunatic!"

Nodding her agreement that such a thing a receiving a kiss on the cheek was indeed nice, Janeway came back over to the couch and said, remaining easy and even, although attentive, used to having to hide her deepening feelings for Seven in her, and everyone's, presence, even her own sometimes, "Well, you're welcome and thank you for coming to me with this," she felt the need to add, although hoping she wasn't shooting herself in the foot as she tended to do where Seven was concerned, "that means a lot to me."

As Janeway returned to the couch, snatched up her coffee and her blanket and curled up in the corner as she tended to do during the evenings, Seven took a moment to finish her supplement, rose and replied, "You were the logical choice, Captain. I believed you would grant my request and I was not adverse to engaging in the ritual with you." Then hoping to 'flatter' Janeway as she placed the cup in the replicator, but returned to the couch to sit, not yet ready to 'give up' on attempting to receive another kiss, she said, "I assure you, I am not agreeable to kissing 'just anyone' either."

Forcing a soft chuckle, not making it nervous or allowing herself to read into the words and take them as anything other than the fact that it was widely known Seven was only comfortable with a handful of the members of this ship, and not letting herself believe it meant anything more than that, Kathryn inquired to keep the conversation going, "Am I allowed to ask why you're suddenly curious about?kissing?"

Smiling inside of herself, but not letting it show since Kathryn was making this 'easy' on her and engaging her in conversation about the subject, which she hoped would help put the good captain 'in the mood' to possibly kiss again without so much discussion or prompting, Seven turned to her more and started to explain, but then remembering something she'd read about how to 'set the mood,' and examining the captain's 'relaxed' position, Seven turned her head around farther to glance back, next looked to Kathyrn, and then had to ask, "Captain, how does one? 'relax?'" To explain, she informed, "I am aware that this is considered 'private' subject matter, and often individuals that engage in these rituals do so while 'relaxing.'"

Kathryn couldn't help but smile at that and then said, pushing herself up so she could reach across and over to set down her coffee, "Well, you just get comfortable?maybe sit back and kick your feet up."

As Janeway leaned forward and set her coffee down, Seven sat up a little straighter and raised her chin, then titled her head just slightly to the left so that she could peer down the front of the captain's shirt, that was loose enough that it exposed a good deal of her chest when she moved in such a manner, out of curiosity, even if she knew exactly what she would find there since she was familiar with the attributes of a fully human female's body, having them herself. However, when she was granted a fleeting view of one of Kathryn's breasts, since she knew the woman typically did not wear the contraption designated as a 'bra' after she'd removed her uniform, Seven coming by that knowledge simply by doing what she was doing now and from studying Janeway's body when she was alone and recalling images stored in her memory banks, Seven smirked slightly then averted her eyes quickly, finding it strange that no matter how many times she did that, she still enjoyed what she saw.

Nodding, Seven moved past her small moment, certain there would be many more occurrences this evening as Kathryn retrieved her coffee, then set it back down, and said, "Very well." Expelling the air from her chest and visibly having to force her body to slump, she eased back against the couch, then scooted down just a tad, trying to reproduce the position that B'Elanna Torres often utilized whenever she invited Seven over to watch the 'television,' since the Borg wasn't adverse to the non-interractive medium and found it curious and intriguing. Then kicking one foot up on the coffee table, making a fairly loud banging noise since her limbs where deceiving heavy thanks to her implants, Seven asked, "Am I performing the procedure correctly?"

Laughing softly, Kathryn asked, trying to be playful as she resituated herself in the corner, "Well, are you comfortable?"

"No," Seven stated flat and fast. "This position constricts my lungs, however," she shifted down and turned her head toward the captain, folding her hands on her impossibly flat abdomen, "I will adapt."

Kathryn smirked once and nodded, while shaking her head, coyly and said, "I'm sure you will?so," she began again, "what were you saying?"

"I was preparing to answer your question regarding my recent interest in displays of affection," Seven answered, and when Janeway rose up, leaned forward again and snatched up her coffee, the Borg frowned since she was no longer in a position to continue to spy Kathryn's bosom and allowed, "Unfortunate," but did not attempt to move since not only was she more than familiar with the sight--or at least as much as she'd seen, although there had been one evening when Kathryn had leaned over in front of her while she wiped off some coffee she'd spilled on her legs where Seven had been granted a fairly, unobstructed view for four point seven three seconds--and she was more concerned with continuing to set the 'mood.'

"Huh?" Kathryn allowed at the last phrase uttered as she grabbed her coffee and sat back, unwinding her feet and stretching them out, being small enough that she wasn't crowding Seven by doing do.

Realizing she had said that out loud, Seven played it off smoothly as she was starting to becoming accustomed to doing in Janeway's presence, "It is 'nothing,' Captain." Once Kathryn was settled, Seven began, "Thirty-seven point five days ago I witnessed?"

"Thank you," Kathryn said softly as Seven handed her a whiskey and soda since the Borg had offered to retrieve another cup of coffee for her when Seven informed suddenly that she was required to consume liquids to continue to 'relax.' Janeway had told her that she didn't want anymore coffee today, but would have a drink with Seven. She figured Seven wouldn't drink anything but water, not even synthehol that was completely harmless to the body, although did have the same intoxicating affect of traditional alcohol, but did no damage to the brain, liver or any other systems, because the Borg found the sensation 'unpleasant,' but since Seven was obviously trying very hard to not only adapt but embrace various cultural rituals, the good captain felt it her place to assist and partake. When Seven sat down, this time not so far away from her, but still giving them a comfortable distance and continued to allow Janeway to stretch out her legs, although not as far now since she was bending them upward slightly, with a glass of something that looked to be champagne, the captain allowed her lopsided grin as she drew her head back slightly in surprise and asked, "What's the occasion?"

Understanding the question since she was aware that this particular liquid was typically consumed only at 'celebrations,' Seven informed, "There is no 'occasion.' I merely wish to share a 'drink' with you; however, I do not 'like' your selection, but I find champagne an acceptable substitute." After taking a sip and slumping back a little, although not as much, but definitely sitting comfortably, Seven's shoulders hitched lightly as she scrunched her face, allowed a very soft giggle and then explained to the somewhat stunned captain, although she was smiling, "I enjoy the carbonation."

Worried that her sudden recollection, that to help 'set the mood' beverages were required, would break their steady conversation and ruin the very 'mood' she was attempting to set, Seven requested without pause, "Please continue, Captain?"

Turning slightly and cradling her head in the palm of her hand as she rested her arm on the top of the couch, Janeway took a sip of her drink, rolled the liquid around her mouth and then swallowed, asking on the next beat, "What was I saying again?"

Seven resisted the urge to sigh, reminding herself that Janeway was not capable of remembering events as she was, and reminded, "You were explaining to me the difference between the 'kiss goodnight' and the 'kiss goodbye."

Nodding, long since over her inability to continue to inwardly laugh at the subject matter, and now able to simply talk openly with Seven, although keeping it to a fairly scientific way of explaining, or at least doing the best she was able, since she figured that would help the Borg understand better, Janeway said, "Oh, right?well, now this depends from situation to situation, but typically?."

Cackling and tossing her head back at the look on Seven's face as their lengthy conversation had migrated from 'the kissing ritual' to other forms of affectionate displays, since Seven had informed Janeway that she had acquired sufficient data on the subject as she'd risen and retrieved them another round of drinks, the captain brought her hand to her mouth and said, "Seven, I wish you could see the look on your face?it's got to be cutest thing I've seen," waving her hand in front of her lightly, "in months."

Furrowing her brow slightly, Seven, who was sitting on the cushion next to Janeway now, the captain having her legs tucked up close to her chest, although had set aside her afghan a while ago, said, "I am pleased you are finding amusement, Captain; however, I still do not understand how individuals can bond by touching their feet underneath a table while others are present and unknowing." Taking a sip of her champagne, then leaning forward and setting it down, she went on as Kathryn snickered, "Nor do I understand how individuals would bond in such a manner when they were alone."

Chuckling lightly, her scientific outlook giving way to her friendship and fondness for the Borg, Janeway shook her head and explained, "It's about touching someone, Seven. It's generally not thought of as 'acceptable,'" she smirked, using terms the Borg did to tease and show her affection at the same time, "to touch a lover in public?well, to a certain degree it's okay, but if you were sitting at a table with friends or coworkers with your lover, and he," when Seven frowned at that, Kathryn amended quickly, "or she," hoping to hide her surprise and her excitement for the information she was just given since the Borg nodded and returned to a more comfortable facial expression with her change, she went on quickly, the consummate diplomat in her guiding her actions now, "touched you with her foot, that would mean that she was attempting to show you that she was appreciative of your presence, that she was thinking about you, maybe telling you she would like to show more affection if she could?that kind of thing. That's all it is. It's just about being close to someone?and when you touch someone, it brings you closer to that person?emotionally and physically."

Deciding to definitely not get into the subject of fetishes, and how some people found feet particularly stimulating, Kathryn took another sip as she played with the idea of delving into the she answer, and wondering if she should even dare get into that for many reasons, even if she was highly curious as to how Seven came to such a conclusion. Thinking considering the subject matter and that, although the Borg certainly seemed more comfortable and 'relaxed' than normal, not much had really changed about this particular mentoring session, it would be okay to get into that since there was a part of Kathryn that was also concerned Seven was drawing conclusions that she really didn't have the experience to make, and she certainly never wanted her friend to ever find herself in a situation where she was uncomfortable and did something simply because she believed that was what she wanted, or was 'required' to do, which Janeway figured was a possibility for the objective oriented woman, the captain quieted some and queried softly, "Seven, can I ask you a personal question about what we just talked about?"

"You may."

Clearing her throat softly as she rose up and once again started to make a move to set her drink down, but quickly stopped her forward progress when Seven rose up with her, took the drink from her and finished the task, then said, "Thank you," and relaxed again, wondering why the her guest had done that, but figuring she was simply trying to be helpful since Seven was closer to the edge of the table. Getting situated again, Kathryn began quiet, but fairly forward, "When I said he you were obviously not comfortable with that, but when I said she?you relaxed." As Seven nodded just oncet, but said nothing, Janeway asked, "Is that something you're certain of?I mean that you prefer females to males?"

"That is correct."

"Oh."

Confused, Seven of Nine requested, "Explain the reasoning behind this question?please."

Shaking her head, Kathryn sighed and responded, "I don't mean to pry into your business, Seven?and," holding up her finger, "I certainly don't think there's anything wrong with that?I," softening again, "I just want to make sure you're sure?since some people take their whole lives to discover that information, but," she smirked, "you seem pretty sure, so I trust you." Shrugging, she added, hoping to not offend, "I'm just a little surprised that you've come to that conclusion already?that's all."

Sitting up straighter as she nodded, reached forward for her drink, took a sip, replaced it on the table, then resituated herself on the couch, turning toward Janeway more in an effort to move closer to the captain without her actions seeming obvious, figuring she'd been efficient thus far since she didn't believe Kathryn was uncomfortable, Seven said, "That is understandable, Captain?and I appreciate your concern on my behalf, but I assure you, I am certain."

"Am I allowed to ask how you came to that conclusion," Janeway asked supremely softly, "or is that too personal?"

Seven allowed a small smile as she mimicked the captain and rested her head in her hand by utilizing the top of the couch, bringing her left leg around so that it was resting on the cushion directly in front of her and only a centimeter or so from the captain's feet, and answered, "No?it is not too 'personal' to discuss with you?however, I do not believe I would be willing to do so with another individual?except perhaps Samantha Widlman since we are what you could consider 'girlfriends,'" then added quickly, "meaning plutonic acquaintances that are both female."

Chuckling softly at that, Kathryn again rose up and leaned slightly forward and to the side to gather up her drink, having to place her hand on Seven's knee to do so, and said as she grabbed her drink, "I understand, Seven?I have plenty of girlfriends?or at least I used to." Coming back to a rest, noticing a definite upturn of Seven's lips, still completely unknowing that her actions were supplying her favorite Borg with a supremely unglimpsed view, well at least on Voyager, she asked, "What?" out of curiosity to what was making the Borg smile in such a manner.

"It is 'nothing,' Captain," Seven said again, then added when Kathryn frowned, telling a white lie but knowing it wasn't 'unacceptable', "I was merely recalling something pleasant for some reason?perhaps the champagne is to 'blame?'" When Kathryn chuckled again, the blonde discovering that she enjoyed that soft sound more than almost any other sound she'd ever heard, and deeming that reason enough to keep attempting to produce such a response, Seven said, "In regards to my discovery, it is a logical conclusion, Captain, and I?" she stopped when Kathryn reached over with her hand holding her head and touched her forearm.

"Seven," Janeway said smiling and speaking in her warmest tones, "do me a favor and call me by my first name when we talk like this, alright?"

Unable to stop it, Seven's whole face turned into an enormous beacon of light as her lips pulled back over her teeth and her pale cheeks brightened to a rosy peach. When Kathryn smiled right back at her, but it was her more misty grin, then looked down at her drink, Seven attempted to reign in her joy, not wanting to ruin the 'mood' she felt she was effectively setting and said, "Very well, Kathryn. I will comply." As that elicted another soft laugh from the captain, who seemed to get over her moment and was able to look up at her again, Seven went on, "As I was saying, it was a logical conclusion. I have been approached by males aboard this vessel in a sexual manner and?" but again she was stopped.

"You have?" Kathryn couldn't stilfe her immediate and clearly displeased response.

"Yes, but," Seven added figuring she understood that the captain's reaction was one of protection and not jealousy, "I assure you, Cap?Kathryn, it was not in an unacceptable manner according to the social rules of the Federation." As Janeway sighed and turned back to her drink for a moment, the Borg continued, "I am Borg, and they were showing the 'classic' signs of sexual attraction, therefore I was able to determine what was prompting their continued and unnecessary visits to Astrometrics and the Cargo Bay." When Janeway looked up at her and then laughed once, shaking her head and said, "I should have known," Seven cocked her eyebrow and smirked, then went on, "Suffice it to say, I never found myself intrigued, let alone attracted to these individuals, and although no females aboard this vessel have acted in a similar manner," she excluded the captain, knowing it would make Janeway uncomfortable to point that out at this time, feeling as though she was starting to get the hang of this whole 'mood' setting idea, "I would not be adverse to being 'visited' by several females aboard this vessel, one in particular."

Part of Kathryn wanted to break down and cry since she figured that meant that she was not that one in particular since she visited Seven of Nine every chance she got, but the other part was sighing in great relief since if she had been that one, she wasn't certain, at all, of how she would negotiate that. She was also sighing in relief since she figured that meant Seven didn't see through her constant visits as anything other than the captain doing her duty to her vessel and her duty to Seven to check up on her. Holding up the hand she was using to clasp her almost empty glass, Janeway informed quickly, "Don't worry, I won't ask?that's none of my business." Janeway then relaxed into the comfort of herself realization that was reminding her that no matter how attracted she was to Seven, it was obviously not reciprocated, and that was a good thing since that meant the problem was merely her own that she'd have to deal with alone?and that was something the captain had become and expert at. Yes, Captain Kathryn Janeway did alone better than just about anyone, she postulated.

"Well," Kathryn came back smiling a little crookedly, "sounds to me like humanity could learn and thing or two from Borg efficiency."

Surprised by the statement, Seven smirked and allowed, "Indeed."

Smiling a little shyly, Janeway looked down for an instant, then turned her vision back to Seven which next migrated to the window and she said, "I give you credit, Seven?it took me?oh, well, a very long time to realize I wasn't only attracted to members of the opposite sex?and that my curiosity wasn't simply the natural closeness that females tend to feel around each other." Turning back toward Seven who was smiling again, although it wasn't nearly as large�Seven was now operating very efficiently and more than convinced her 'game plan' was as well�she finished, "Maybe it's easier for you since you don't have the same socialization that most people do?I don't know?"

"That is a good possibility," Seven came back easily. "However, I am not attracted to males, where as you are attracted to both. It seems that, meaning my situation, would make it 'easier.'"

Curious, Kathryn asked, "Oh, how so?"

Rearranging her foot again after reaching back for her glass, her shin now touching the tip of Kathryn's feet, who didn't seem to mind or even make note of it, Seven answered after she took a sip, "Perhaps in your 'case,' you found yourself attracted to a male first. It seems 'natural' that one could become 'fixated' on a particular gender and make assumptions about their sexual orientation because of that, and because of the fact that only approximately twelve percent of humans are homosexual, or bisexual. I can 'see' how it would be 'easy' for an individual to believe that they were only heterosexual in a 'case' such as yours." As Janeway raised her eyebrows some in surprise and what looked to be pleasant agreement, Seven added, "In my 'case,' it is either or, and I came upon the knowledge before I acquired a mate."

"Well, I guess that makes sense," Janeway allowed. Then shaking her head and sipping her drink, she reached out and patted Seven's forearm again near her head and said, "Well, whatever the case, I'm glad," she softened visibly, "I'm very glad you not only know that information, but are perfectly at ease with it since sexuality can be trying subject?not matter what your orientation."

"That is correct...and thank you, Kathyrn," Seven replied equally soft, "I am pleased as well."

Laughing softly, the captain asked as she rose up, finished with her drink and no longer wanting to hold it, placed her hand once again on Seven's leg, suddenly realizing that her blonde friend was much closer than before and asked as she leaned over close to her side and set her drink down, "So, thinking of putting your research to good use on one of your would-be female 'visitors' soon?"

As Kathryn leaned across close to her, Seven watched her go by and responded smiling, resisting the urge to do so right then an there since the captain's inviting and pleasantly scented neck was exposed as she stretched out to reach the coffee table, "I am currently working on my 'game plan.'"

Cackling twice, Janeway said as she returned to the cushion, feeling warm and very much relaxed, "Sounds like you've been talking to B'Elanna again?"

Not wanting to speak of Torres currently, since even though Seven found her more acceptable these days, and also found her highly attractive, she wished to keep the focus on only her and Kathryn because the redhead was the one she truly desired, and feared if she pursued anyone else, she'd simply be doing so because she couldn't have the one she wanted first and foremost, Seven said, "That is correct. I am curious, Kathryn," continuing on quickly, "how do you advise I go about utilizing the research I've done, as well as the information you've given me tonight?"

Smiling just a small tad, once again laughing in her mind at the conversation topic since now she was fairly certain Seven was asking for love advice, Kathryn informed modestly, "Honestly, Seven," she sighed, "I'm not sure I'm the best person to ask that question of." Fairly comfortable and trying to make light of her situation, she explained, "I haven't been involved with many people, never been involved with a woman, and even though I am one and feel as though I know what most women like?let's just say I've been pretty unlucky in love," holding up her finger, "very unfortunately so, I might add."

Frowning at that answer, for several reasons, but not because Janeway had never explored a homosexual relationship, Seven actually pleased by that, the Borg informed, "That is of no consequence, Kathryn. You consistently give me 'good' advise and simply because you have yet to find an acceptable mate does not mean you are incapable of doing so." When Janeway barked in laughter, Seven added, "'Besides,' I am curious at this time and would prefer to gain your insight?unless you are disagreeable?"

"Alright," Janeway snickered, shaking her long, intelligent index finger at Seven playfully, "but if she tosses her drink in your face?don't say I didn't warn you."

Smirking since if she, Janeway, did such a thing, the captain was hardly the person to whom the Borg would turn at that time, the ex-drone remarked, "I will not, Kathryn?'I promise.'"

Blinking once as she caught herself gazing into Seven's large, blue eyes that were currently darker than normal since the cabin was now only being lit by the starlight since the Borg had requested that they turn down the illumination since she found it easier to 'relax' in dim light, the captain figuring that was completely understandable since not only was the Cargo Bay forever dim, but she'd been on enough Borg Cube's in her day to know the same was true for them, Janeway shook her head softly as she finished, looking down for a moment to get a hold of herself before she completely gave herself away to the blonde, "Anyway, that's what I've always thought was best?I think it's important to build a solid friendship first, or at least get well on your way before you bring romance into the mix," looking back up at Seven, "at least with those you're interested in seriously and not just sexually, but that type of behavior really isn't considered very becoming considering holographic technology, but it still happens of course." Shrugging, Janeway added, "And as long as everyone is fulfilled and treats everyone with respect, I certainly can't say anything negative about that?even if it isn't my cup of tea."

Making note of all of the changes in the captain over the night, convinced the information she'd read about how talking could stimulate an individual and allow for events to occur with greater ease, was absolutely correct, Seven once again reached back for her champagne, making certain to sip it very slowly so it didn't interfere with her ability to function efficiently. After taking her regular drink, she again resituated herself on the sofa, just slightly, and was able to move another centimeter closer to Janeway since the redhead was now sitting with her feet tucked slightly under her. Following suit, she rested her head in her hand, making certain to lean forward a small amount, pleased that her lips where now only fifteen centimeters away from the captain's, and Kathryn had yet to show signs of catching on or displeasure. In fact, Seven was pretty damned sure the good captain was definitely enjoying her company, and more so than normal, and not just for the usual reasons Seven believed she did. Janeway was showing all the 'classic' signs of sexual attraction, and the blonde was not only enjoying watching them occur, but enjoying not pointing them out to Kathryn, knowing that would probably keep them from continuing.

"I have made similar observations?as far as these 'rules' or 'preferences' often vary significantly from one individual to the next."

Nodding somewhat lazily, the redhead said, "Mmmhmm, that's why I think it's important to at least get to know someone, because if you don't agree, then things can get ugly?quickly." Holding up her finger again, she remarked, "Especially if you don't agree on commitment and monogamy."

Continuing to execute her 'game plan' and gain vital information on Janeway, the good captain having no idea her advise was currently being used 'against' her, Seven queried, "I have pondered these ideas to some extent. I am curious, what are your rules regarding monogamy?"

Since they'd been talking non-stop for over three hours about just about everything that fell under sexuality and romance, Janeway didn't give any thought to the question, certain that Seven understood that some of the information she'd received was private and equally certain the Borg would never discuss it with anyone else since she'd never once known Seven to be a blabbermouth?quite the opposite actually, and said with feeling and emphasis, "No question about it in my mind. If you're with me, then you're with me and no one else. I've never had to face that, thank god, but that's certainly not something I would tolerate?at all." Smirking in confidence, and said easily, "Maybe I'm just full of myself, but I think I deserve that?I think everyone deserves that?well, everyone who wants it."

"That is correct," Seven agreed nodding, "and I am in agreement with you about this issue as well. I find the concept of infidelity unacceptable and do not comprehend the behavior?however, that is of no consequence to me since I do not believe I am required to attain this understanding considering I do not wish to engage in the practice." Smiling some, the Borg offered, "I am pleased you have not had to 'face' that?I believe I would be displeased with such an individual and be required to damage them beyond repair."

Pretty sure Seven was making a joke, although she also knew that the Borg cared for her and was partly serious, Janeway laughed softly, smiling openly, then looked down and said, quiet, "Thank you, Seven?that's very sweet."

"You are welcome," Seven of Nine offered on the very next beat, able to easily keep her voice smooth and fairly soft since not only were they sitting fairly close together, but Kathryn's voice had dropped in intensity a great deal in the last few minutes. Smiling as she had an 'idea' to bring them into contact once again, certain now that Janeway wouldn't object and would probably appreciate the gesture, Seven informed, "I believe we are required to engage in the 'hugging' ritual at this time." As Janeway looked up at her and smiled in humor, Seven sat up perfectly straight in her turned state and questioned, "How do we begin?"

Chuckling, Kathryn fought the urge within her to surge forward and tackle the blonde with her fiercest hug for simply being in-tuned with such things as when it was appropriate to display affection, not to mention wanting to do so at all, and said, nodding her head and trying to keep the moment purely experimental and include their private banter of dry, Vulcan-like humor, since she knew that Seven found it enjoyable, "Very well." Then not able to keep it up, she snickered at the determined look on Seven's face and said as she started to rise toward the blonde, "It's not complicated, Seven?it' just a hug," and with that, the captain slipped one arm around the blonde's neck as best she could since the way Seven was sitting made it difficult.

As Janeway touched her and pulled her close, Seven wrapped her arms around the captain's frame in the same manner, then quickly saw that Kathryn was in an awkward position. Deeming that unacceptable, she easily turned her body and leaned back against the couch, at the same moment, dragging the redhead onto her lap, who immediately caught on and ended up straddling her legs, although did so with a small sound of surprise. When she felt Kathryn start to disengage, Seven held her firmly and stated, figuring she understood, "That position was not conducive to 'hugging,' Kathryn?this is acceptable. I have greater access to your body as I am required." Once Kathryn chuckled at that phrase, then relaxed into her chest and said softly, "Okay?thank you," then pulled her tighter and rested her head against shoulder, Seven took a moment to detail all of the sensations she was experiencing. Again the scent of the captain's hair and neck region were pleasing her, as well as was the warmth coming from the woman, the softness of her bosom against her own, her thin and surprisingly strong arms around her body, and her hands that were absently rubbing her upper back. Sighing slightly while she made a soft sound of in the back of her throat, Seven informed, almost whispering after only two seconds, "I should have engaged in this ritual with you long before this evening. I apologize for remaining resistant to your affections before now. I was clearly in error for doing so." Rubbing Janeway's back as the older woman sighed, squeezed her tighter and started to speak, Seven finished softly, "This is acceptable."

"Don't be sorry, Seven," Janeway whispered, not certain anymore what to feel or to think, and only sure of one thing right now and that was that she not only felt safe in these arms, which was strange for her, but she felt at home instantly. "You did what you had to do to be comfortable in this new life?I never thought poorly of you for that. I know I don't have any idea what it must be like for you, but that doesn't mean I'm not sympathetic and don't understand, besides," Kathryn said as she pulled away, but remained sitting on Seven's lap, somewhat forgetting herself since she was so wrapped up in not wanting Seven to feel she'd done anything wrong previous to this moment, "it's not like I ever offered to hug you?or anyone else for that matter. So, why don't we just call it even, alright?"

Smiling, Seven said as she pulled Janeway back in for another hug, feeling as though she definitely was required to do so again, "I find that an acceptable compromise."

Kathryn smiled too, and asked after she chuckled and hummed softly before she had a chance to stop the pleasured sound from escaping her throat at the feel of Seven's body pressing against her, having missed such a sensation so acutely at times, she had actually cried as she clung to her pillow for dear life, "I don't mean to sound rude?but what happened to you in the last two days?" Softening her voice, she rested her head on the blonde's shoulder and whispered, "You've never acted like this before?I'm not sure I know what to make of it."

"You will adapt," Seven informed quickly, smiling and pulling away again, wanting to see Kathryn's face. "As far as your question," she said totally deadpan, "I was visited by an unknown alien entity who interfaced with my cortical node and inserted various 'affectionate' sub-routines into my neural processor to assist me." As Janeway's mouth grew tense and she blinked at that, then said, "What?" as if she was suddenly fearful and angry, Seven then informed quickly, "I was attempting humor, Kathryn?it was a 'joke.'"

Nonplussed, the captain continued to forget that she was still sitting in Seven's lap as she blinked, then burst out in hysterical laughter, mostly at herself for continuing to underestimate Seven, for her immediate protective response, and finally the realization that she was straddling Seven of Nine's legs. As she covered her mouth, and calmed down while she leaned forward slightly, Kathryn snorted once more, then couldn't keep herself from expressing herself affectionately, hoping to show Seven that she appreciated her more than the Borg knew, and said as she cupped Seven's face softly, rose up slightly and kissed her forehead, saying, "You really are a wonderful person, Seven of Nine?I hope you know that?thank you for the hug."

As Kathryn released her and started to climb off her to the side, Seven acted quickly before she lost her nerve, now certain she wasn't acting inappropriately. Reaching up, she cupped Janeway's face with her mesh detailed hand and stated, speaking as she'd never done so before, "Please don't go, Kathryn..."

Turning her face toward Seven as the Borg touched her and spoke, urging her to do so, Janeway stopped in her raised position and said as her heart missed a beat at the tone of Seven's voice, the fact that she suddenly sounded more human than Kathryn figured she, herself, did some times, not to mention her request, and whispered in a raspy tone as she stared into the younger woman's soft eyes, unable to command her voice to speak louder at the moment, "I'm not going anywhere."

Easing Kathryn back down, Janeway not offering any resistance...yet, pulling her closer to her as she did so by wrapping her free arm around the back of Janeway's waist and holding it there, Seven informed, "I want you to stay in this position?that is what I meant." As Janeway swallowed at that, then looked down and opened her mouth to speak, Seven said plainly, "If you are uncomfortable, I will not object?but I would prefer that you stay here."

Not making any attempt to move, since she honestly didn't want to, but felt the need to argue?mostly with herself, Janeway sighed, put on her best unreadable face, well one that wouldn't give her away anymore than she figured she already had and said, looking up and smiling softly, "Seven, I can't?"

Bringing her thumb to Kathryn's lips to stop her from lying, Seven commanded, still speaking softly, "Be silent." When Janeway immediately raised her eyebrows and tensed, Seven explained, "I do not wish to hear the reasons why you feel as though you cannot remain 'close' with me because they are irrelevant." Before Janeway could get angry, Seven said, "The only answer I want is the 'truth', Kathryn?do you wish to move?"

Swallowing again, and quaking in her soul at Seven's amazing and respectful confidence, Janeway mouthed the words, the sound of her answer almost completely nonexistent before she could stop herself as her world spun out of control and her eyes watered on their own, "No," while she felt Seven drawing her nearer.

Seven's face remained smooth and intense as she held the captain's gaze while she reached up with her human hand as well and cupped Kathryn's other cheek, and questioned as their faces grew only centimeters apart while she absently rubbed Janeway's cheek with her fully human thumb, "Do you want me to kiss you, Kathryn?"

Finally regaining herself at those words as her body tingled and her heart thumped wildly against her chest, Kathryn tossed her objections out the window for the moment and answered as she raised one of her hands to Seven's face, gently, "No, sweetheart, I don't want you to kiss me." As Seven raised her eyebrows in surprise, but immediately dropped her hands, Janeway smiled as she slipped her hand behind the blondes' neck, squeezing gently, "But I want to kiss you, Seven of Nine?" and as the Borg started to smile the grandest smile there had ever been, Janeway softly pressed her lips to the Borg's fuller mouth for the very first time, and instantly she hoped it wouldn't be the last.

Moaning very humbly at the amazing softness of the lips against hers, never having felt anything like it before, Kathryn gently increased the pressure of her lips while she stroked her thumb against the base of Seven's neck. When Seven raised her arms to her back, sat up somewhat while she slowly moved her lips against Kathryn's and pulled her in closer, Janeway responded in a similar manner, but kept herself reigned in and simply kissed Seven sweetly. Pulling away slowly as Seven once again leaned backward, put kept Janeway close to her, Kathryn pecked her lips softly once as her eyes fluttered open, and whispered, faint, having to rest her forehead against the blondes to catch her shallow breath and try to think about what in the world she was going to do now, "How was that?"

Fairing much better than the captain since her nanoprobes were currently working double-time to adjusted to her heightened state, Seven replied quickly before she sat up again and returned to kissing, "I require more research." As Janeway made a soft sound of surprise and pleasure as Seven pressed her lips to Kathryn's again, this kiss more demanding than the last, Seven found herself wanting to increase the pressure of her lips. She wasn't sure what was driving her, but she had the overwhelming desire to connect with Kathryn's mouth and make it almost a part of her own body. Before she knew what she was doing, she was drawing her tongue across Janeway's lips, and when the captain hummed at that, then open her mouth, the Borg inhaled deeply, pulling Janeway closer as Kathryn gripped her tightly when she felt the redhead's tongue meet hers at the edge of her lips.

With both of her arms now wrapped around Seven's neck as their tongues met tentatively once, as she pulled Seven tighter while the Borg did so as well and inhaled deeply, Janeway whimpered utterly soft, then pulled back on her head since she felt herself starting to slip away out of control, worried that if she didn't stop kissing the Borg immediately, she'd end up pouncing on her and kissing every part of her for the rest of the evening, and possibly right on to the next day. Gasping slightly, as both of their chests heaved while they rested their foreheads together, Kathryn merely said, "Well??"

Finding kissing much, much too acceptable to think about stopping anytime soon, Seven stated before she kissed Kathryn again, having more difficulty now controlling her breathing patterns, "It is clear to me now that this will be a lengthy endeavor," and when the good captain nodded quickly at that, still resting her head against the blonde's, flushed, Seven surged forward and began kissing Janeway in the manner she'd believed would fall under the 'passionate kiss' category. Remembering something different about the research she'd done about that brand of kissing, she easily swiveled their bodies and carefully let Kathryn recline onto the edge of the sofa where she had been before. Twisting only her upper body, but keeping the captain's legs around her waist as she pressed into her torso, titling the redhead's head back when she once again began tasting the inside of Kathryn's mouth, Seven moaned softly in supreme pleasure while the captain clutched at one of her arms tightly as their tongues greeted eagerly again.

When the older woman didn't retreat from the embrace this time in the least, and began cheering the supposedly 'inexperienced' Borg on�although many years later Janeway would write in her memoirs that it was the single most perfect kiss she'd ever experienced in her life, all things considering�with her soft hums of needful and loving pleasure and with her hands that were now at Seven's neck, cradling it gently, Seven explored the textures of Janeway's mouth, lips and tongue with her own. Then slipping one arm behind and underneath the redhead's shirt, wanting to feel her almost fevered flesh against her palm, Seven pulled the captain forward into her chest, while she caressed the back of her head with her enhanced hand until Kathryn's head was almost completely titled backward as the rest of her body, that was wrapped around the Borg, arched into Seven.

After many minutes of kissing passionately, Seven decided it was 'best' to now bring this kissing session to a conclusion since not only was she having difficulty not bringing her hand around to the front of Kathryn's torso to explore the woman's breasts with her hands since the Borg found herself rather fascinated with them for some reason, but the redhead's breath was beginning to catch while her moans where becoming less intense and more higher pitched, which for some reason Seven just knew meant that Janeway was becoming acutely sexually aroused. Seven figured some of her knowledge was due to the fact that the same thing was occurring with her as well, but she could also detect an increase in Janeway's body temperature and within the last ten seconds Kathryn had twitched in her arms twice when Seven had pulled her pelvis closer to her hip bone. The lady Borg certainly was not adverse to the idea of copulating with Kathryn Janeway, and she knew that as soon as she left the captain for the evening, she would begin researching all the information she could get her hands on that was specific to Janeway and her Traditionalist culture to assist her with her next 'game plan,' but she did not want to do anything this evening that consisted of anything other than kissing. That had been her plan from the beginning, and now that she'd met her objective, and surpassed it as far as she was concerned, she was content to 'wait' until they were 'ready' to progress to the next 'level.' Before this instance, Seven had found that concept strange, but now she felt that she was starting to understand. She really just wanted to kiss the captain for a while and experience all the different forms of kissing before she was able to experience the rest of Janeway's body, figuring the captain's astoundingly pleasant kisses were a sign that such an event would be an "experience," to say the very least.

Slowly, and with some resistance, Seven subdued the fervent kiss, and finally retracting her tongue and closing her mouth, the Borg lingered for a few more moments at Kathryn's lips as the redhead whimpered, but started to relax her muscles that were tensed around Seven of their own accord. Finally bringing up her human hand from Janeway's back to her face as she eased Kathryn back against the couch, the blonde completely disengaged from the captain's lips and blinked open her eyes. Smiling softly as Kathryn, who was still flushed and breathing deeply, rested her palms on her the blonde's tightly clothed upper chest as her bluish grey eyes fluttered open and twinkled like the stars to their left, Seven informed, "I believe I 'like' 'passionate kissing' the best, Kathryn."

When the captain bit her bottom lip and merely nodded as she gazed up at Seven who was still hovering over her slightly, Seven cocked her eyebrow after swallowing and taking a deep breath, and added, "However, I still believe much more research is required and I am not disagreeable to continuing with this endeavor?but I believe I am required to kiss you 'goodnight' at this time and then return to my alcove."

"Alright," Janeway allowed, quiet and coarse, perfectly willing to go right along with whatever Seven of Nine 'believed' she 'wished' to do since she'd efficiently been swept right off her feet with that last kiss.

Nodding, Seven eased away from Janeway, and stood, although finding that she suddenly didn't feel as sure on her feet as she typically did. Then extending her hand for the captain, she explained, "You are required to 'see me' to the exit, and at that time, I will turn to you and kiss you 'goodnight,' so that I will not be 'tempted' to remain for longer than I 'should.'" When she pulled Janeway up carefully, and the redhead seemed uneasy on her feet as well, although a great deal more so, Seven changed tactics, thinking quickly and in the best interest of Janeway which she'd become accustomed to doing, and with a seemingly effortless maneuver, the wondrously strong Borg reached down for the swaying captain, and scooped her up.

As Kathryn yelped slightly in surprise for the quick, skillful movement, and only said, "Seven?" the Borg explained as she pivoted and marched them off to Janeway's bedroom, "This will suffice, Kathryn. Do not 'worry,' I am merely 'tucking you in'?I will not attempt to remain." Glad when Janeway didn't protest but instead started giggling as she wrapped her arms around Seven's neck and rested her head on her shoulder, Seven came over to the bed, bent down and gently placed the captain on top of it. Then perching on the side, she braced herself over the older woman who was now smiling brightly up at her as she eyes once again misted over. Seven didn't attempt to speak anymore and merely leaned down, then once again kissed Janeway.

Keeping it soft and much less passionate than the last kiss, although still finding the task more than acceptable and looking forward to repeating the procedure as often as possible, Seven pulled away after a few moments, smiled again and said, warm and caringly, "Good night, Kathryn."

Beside herself and somehow feeling as though she were dreaming since this really all did seem much to good to be true, the argumentative captain in her gone with the wind for a moment, Kathryn replied while the Borg started to push up, "Good night, Seven?sweet dreams."

"I believe that has a high probability of occurring," Seven informed as she started away. Then stopping at Janeway's bedroom door, Seven didn't turn around, but did twist her head slightly as she informed, "'In case' you were unaware, Kathryn?I enjoy and look forward to all of your visits and it was you of whom I was speaking earlier?you, meaning Kathryn. I enjoy Captain Janeway as well?however," smirking and starting away, "she is what you could consider 'stubborn.'"

Recognizing the footfalls of her visitor immediately and knowing exactly who was proceeding through the opening doors without having to acquire the knowledge visually, Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01 contained her pleasure easily and merely greeted as she looked up from her console at the viewscreen and continued with her tasks, relatively unaffected, except for the slight smirk on her full, naturally coral lips, "Captain?"

Smiling softly, which was normal for the intrepid leader, however her true state of existence was clearly given away in her bright, deep blue eyes, Janeway responded in her warmest tones as she haulted just inside the doorway and brought her right hand to her torso, lying her palm flat against the material of her uniform, "Hello Seven."

Seven immediately noticed the difference in Janeway's speech pattern and timbre, understanding the meaning, and smiling brightly once more, the normally stoic Borg left her work, spun around smoothly and asked as she placed her hands behind her back, "What 'brings you by'?Kathryn?"

Slowly, Janeway took one strong step at a time toward her Borg, toward what had seemed her destiny from the first moments they'd met on that Cube three years ago, as she responded, shaking her head slightly and smiling, speaking light and easily...and honestly, "I thought I'd try something new?and pay you a visit."

fin