...and Straight on 'Til Morning
 

Setting down her book on the coffee table, Kathryn Janeway looked over at Seven of Nine's curled up form buried beneath the afghan her mother had given her when she received her first commission, and decided it was time to wake the sleeping beauty. Moving over to Seven silently in her stockinged feet, Janeway knelt, brushed a strand of hair that had fallen out of Seven's normally tidy bun, saying softly, "Seven…can you hear me?" When the ex-drone barely stirred, the redheaded captain placed her hand against the woman's cheek, rubbing it gently with her thumb and said a little louder, "Seven…dear…it's time to wake up."

Her eyes opened slowly. Blinking lazily, Seven asked, apprehensive, "Kathryn…what has occurred?"

Continuing to stroke Seven, reassuring her since she knew this was the first time the Borg had probably actually fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep, Janeway calmed, "You were sleeping..."

The ex-Borg pushed herself up into a sitting position, clutching the blanket to her body, bringing her hand to her forehead, and frowned, "This form of regeneration is disorienting."

Still kneeling in front of Seven, Kathryn moved her hand from Seven's face to her knee and explained, smiling some, "I know it is…but you'll get used to it." Patting her leg and standing, Janeway continued, "And soon, you'll learn to love it." Moving toward the replicator, she said, "I'm sorry to wake you…but it's time for your nutritional supplement…you should probably have some more water too."

Tossing the blanket from her lap, feeling uncomfortably warm, Seven stated, her tone irascible, "I do not believe I will ever 'love' losing all control of my thoughts and the ability to be cognizant of my whereabouts. I do not like this..." she hissed, corrosive and with clear detest for its inefficiencies, "'sleeping.'"

Janeway forced herself not to giggle, even though she thought that Seven's irritation at practically all things human was absolutely adorable, and noted, looking over her shoulder, "Sounds to me like you don't like waking up." Ordering Seven's nutritional supplement, forcing herself not to cringe at the thick, beige, graining liquid, she asked, turning around and moving back to the couch, "Other than cranky…how do you feel?"

Seven of Nine accepted the glass, looking at Janeway as she sat down next to her, "I am not 'cranky,' Kathryn," she emphaized for some reason, but she couldn't figure out the need. "I am merely explaining the situation." Seven turned her head away from Janeway, took a healthy gulp of her liquid diet, and said, "I feel…" then paused as if thinking about her words and taking stock of her body.

"Yes…" Janeway urged, sensing victory.

Quickly, Seven stated, "I feel rested…somewhat," adding that last part purely out of defiance.

Nodding her head, Janeway responded, standing, "Good…that's the point," returning to the coffee table to retrieve her glass of wine.

Standing as well, Seven asked and she gulped the last of her dinner, "How long have I been regenerating? I am not aware of the time."

"Almost three hours," Janeway answered, her rueful smile commiserating with Seven, knowing how unsettling not being aware of such a basic and integral element as time was to the partially cybernetic woman.

Noticing that the captain was drinking wine, something Seven knew she only did in the small timeframe around her evening meal, Seven asked, "You are not consuming a nutritional supplement?"

"I already ate," Janeway explained, taking the empty glass from Seven's hand and retracing her previous path to the replicator. "It didn't seem fair to eat in front of you since you can't." Recycling her wineglass and Seven's now murky cup, and requesting a fresh glass of ice water in their place, she asked, turning around. "I'm just about to make my evening rounds. If the Doctor says it's alright, do you feel up to coming with me…or do you want me to go get Chakotay?"

As the captain pulled on her boots, Seven said, "I wish to join you. I am beginning to feel restless…which is a misnomer since I have done nothing but rest today."

Chuckling now, not able to stop herself in the least, Janeway reached up, slapping her communicator as she finished zipping up her boots, "Janeway to the Doctor."

"Is there a problem with Seven, Captain?" the holodoc asked immediately, his voice laced with concern.

"She's fine. I was just about to go on my evening rounds and I wanted to know if it was okay if Seven joined me?"

"Oh," he sighed, heavily. "Well, has she been resting?"

"Yes," Janeway answered, standing and pointing to the water on the table, instructing Seven to drink it. "She hasn't been on duty all day. She's slept for three hours…been drinking plenty of water and just finished her…dinner."

"I'm fairly impressed, Captain. Seven's my most difficult patient…except for you, of course," he came back…that last comment he said in his overly pleasant, arrogant tone that never ceased to set the captain's jaw firmly.

"Maybe all she needed was a little TLC," Janeway rallied, rolling her eyes. "Can she come with me or not?"

"Hmmph," he allowed, then replied, "I don't see a problem as long as she feels up to it…just don't go crawling around the Jefferies tubes tonight, Captain."

The captain narrowed her eyes, saying, her words crisp and sharp, "Save the pleasantries for your other patients, Doctor. Janeway out." Then looking at Seven, who was slowly sipping her water, visibly smirking, Janeway asked, going over to her chair and retrieving her tunic, fastening her communicator to the front above her left breast, "Are you finding this amusing?"

Approaching the door as Janeway zipped up her uniform, Seven answered, deciding to take her water with her having difficulty finishing the contents since she had already consumed her liquid supplement, fibbing, understanding that it was a rhetorical question, "No."

Poking Seven in the ribs as she teased, Janeway's smile returning as they exited the captain's quarters, "Liar." Then slowing her pace to a leisurely stroll remembering that she wasn't alone and that Seven shouldn't exert herself, Janeway said, turning the corner and heading for the turbolift, "This will be nice…it's not everyday we have time to walk and talk without rushing."

"Indeed," Seven nodded keeping pace with Kathryn, still sipping her water. Once they stepped into the turbolift and Janeway asked for Deck Two, Seven asked, "You are not going to the Bridge?"

"I only visit the places I don't get to see all the time," Janeway responded, leaning back against the lift. Taking a moment to let her eyes wander up and down Seven's lovely frame thinking about her earlier log entry, she wondered silently how it was that she could stare at such an absolutely marvelous physique and not desire to caress it intimately. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate Seven's form…the exact opposite was true, but there was always something holding her back, keeping her from seeing Seven as a sexual being. She figured it was because even though Seven was a fully grown woman, intelligent and knowledgeable in all areas of academia, when it came to emotions, especially deeply personal emotions such as attraction, desire, lust, and love, Seven had little experience. "She might be inexperienced with expressing them, Kate…but she does understand them. She told you so herself, remember? She said there were two people to whom she was attracted."

And then, as the doors to the lift parted evenly with a small expulsion of compressed air, it finally hit her. "Ohgod…there were two. One was involved…and one was…unapproachable." Remaining where she was, the color starting to drain from her face, all of the recent events started to come together for the compact captain. "The two highest ranking female officers on this ship…she wanted to take us both. Lanna was involved…and I…I…I'm the unapproachable one. My god, how could I be so dense? Ohshit, she's attracted to me…"

"Captain?" Seven queried, turning around with a puzzled look on her face as Janeway steadfastly remained in the turbolift, looking at the floor. Noting that the captain's cheeks were now devoid of their normal, rosy hue, Seven continued when she did not respond, "Captain…do you not wish to inspect this deck…or is it required that we remain in the turbolift?"

"Huh?" Janeway snapped her head up, locking onto Seven's eyes. Then laughing out of nervousness and trying to mask her flip-flopping stomach, she said, quickly walking out of the carriage, "No…I was just…thinking. You were saying?"

"I was not 'saying' anything," Seven stated, her concern growing as the captain's face changed quickly from a ghostly white to a ruddy peach. "Why has your demeanor undergone an abrupt change?"

Seven's words caused an immediate, automatic response in the captain. Her command shield instantly swept across her face, removing all traces of any true emotions, leaving her lips graced with a diplomatic smile as she answered, "I'm sorry…I'm used to doing this alone and using this time to go over the day's events…it's habit." This was not a lie, since the captain did indeed think of this nightly ritual as her brooding time, but it wasn't completely the truth either since that wasn't why her thoughts had suddenly been catapulted into recesses of her mind. However, no where close to being able to acknowledge her ponderings with anyone, especially the subject of it all, she felt it was an acceptable compromise.

Taking the last sip of her water, Seven said, "Very well. I will not hinder this exercise. Proceed."

Now fully into her command mode, squashing all her true emotions like they were insects on the floor where she stepped with more purpose, Kathryn smirked, entering the Mess Hall through the rear entrance, "What…no small talk?"

Before Seven had a chance to answer, although Janeway was fairly certain she was being given one of Seven's 'You are being facetious' looks, she poked her head around the corner of a shelf containing various types of vegetable and gourds, smiling brightly, saying, as was the practice, "Something smells good…" Even though Janeway rarely joined her crew in the Mess Hall, she usually enjoyed most of Neelix's culinary creations, which wasn't the case for a great many of her crew. Growing up around a mother who cooked practically everything from scratch, she figured she had more of a taste for the Talaxian's zesty efforts just because she was accustomed to her food having more flavor. Replicated food, no matter how good, was never quite as rich. However, being that she was the captain, she used dinner time to keep herself away from the crew, which helped her maintain the aloof and distant persona she was required to have as the captain…or at least, that is what she had always been taught. Truth be known, the captain rarely ate in her quarters, finding the task of preparing a meal and consuming it without company difficult to accomplish with any grace whatsoever. Most of her meals, the few that she did eat a day, were consumed in her office while reading reports and in between meetings, which helped to keep her mind off the fact that she had no one to share her meals with consistently, not to mention what she was eating. She left her Mess Hall meals for the times when the senior staff got together, or after a rather troublesome event. Those were the times when the captain knew that she couldn't and shouldn't remain distant.

"Captain! Well, this is a surprise," Neelix said, turning around and smiling brightly, their nightly game in full swing now. Going over to her and putting his hand on her back, he explained as Janeway reigned in her smile and pretended to be very interested in what he was saying, "That would be my famous Tantilata salad…always a big success among the crew. Can I get you something…you know I always save some just in case?"

"I've already had my dinner…but thank you, just the same. I'm sure it's wonderful," the captain said, eyeing the large salad bowl with cautious interest.

"Well, if you get hungry later…you know where I keep the leftovers," Neelix reminded automatically, long since over his disappointment when she declined. Then seeing Seven appear out of the corner of his eye, he remarked, brightly, "Well…this must be a special occasion! It's not every day I'm honored with the presence of not one, but two of this ship's most important…not to mention beautiful," he winked at the captain, "members at once."

Smiling shyly, never ceasing to be amazed at how Neelix's flattery made her blush, Janeway laughed, putting her arm around the stout, furry man, "Neelix…you're too much…"

"I wouldn't say it, if I wasn't true, Captain," Neelix stated. Taking the empty glass from Seven's hand, he asked, "Can I get you something?"

Studying the scene before her, curious and intrigued, Seven of Nine answered, "I too have ingested my nutritional requirements this evening. As for my presence, I am merely accompanying the captain on her inspection. There is no 'special' occasion."

Chuckling delightfully at Seven, Neelix resumed his cleanup, fidgeting with his apron, and said, "Nonsense…every new thing is special…it's all how you look at it. And since you've never accompanied the captain here before on her visit… that makes it special."

The Borg glanced over to Kathryn, who seemed to be finding a great deal of humor from this conversation, and acknowledged, "That is an overly simplistic extrapolation…but…intriguing nonetheless. I will give your theory more thought and return at a later date to inform you if I agree."

"Maybe you'll even stay for dinner sometime too?" he smiled, wiping the counter.

"Perhaps," Seven stated.

"Well, we better continue on our way," Janeway jumped in before Seven's 'observations' continued. "Good to see you, Neelix."

"Always a pleasure, Captain…Seven," Neelix nodded, holding his loud chef's hat.

Once they were out the door and continuing down the corridor to the aft turbolift, Seven said, "Mister Neelix is a peculiar individual. His mannerisms are foreseeable, anxious and inefficient…yet I do not find him unpleasant...which is equally peculiar. I do not understand why he does not annoy me."

"He's just a nice man," Janeway responded, her smile soft and fond. "He might be somewhat simple…but that's what I like about him. He's kind, generous, caring…devoted to what he does…no matter how insignificant the task may seem. The universe would do good to have more people like Neelix." Janeway stepped into the turbolift and asked for Deck Five, since only crew quarters were on Decks Three and Four, after Seven had entered.

Looking over and slightly down at Janeway, Seven stated, "I noted that when Mister Neelix expressed his pleasure for our presence, with regards to our physical appearances, that you 'blushed.' I am aware that event often is a sign of embarrassment and disbelief. Since you are not easily embarrassed, do you not believe that you are beautiful?"

Blushing again, ten times worse since it was Seven who was saying this instead of Neelix, being that she had grown fairly accustomed to his flattery, even though it still caught her off guard from time to time, Janeway stuttered some, looking away shyly, hating her lack of control over her response, "I…um," then laughing wistfully, trying to play it off like it was merely her modesty coming out, "well, I certainly don't think I'm repulsive..."

The cool intellectual blonde made note of all the captain's body signs: increased respiration, pupil dilation, lack of accuracy in her speech patterns, and excessive blood flow. Deeming this unacceptable, Seven ordered, looking up, "Computer, halt turbolift." When Janeway glanced at her puzzled, Seven turned to face the older woman and said, serious, "You are blushing again."

"No I'm not," Janeway came back, knowing she probably wasn't fooling anyone. "Why are we stopped?" she asked, hoping to deter the line of questioning the Seven seemed intent on pursuing.

"And now you are attempting to change the subject, which further confirms that you are uncomfortable with this topic. Why does the fact that others find you aesthetically pleasing cause you discomfort? Explain."

Now firmly backed into a corner by her officer's directness, knowing there was no way out of this until she satisfied Seven who could not be detoured once she had that defiant, determined look about her, Janeway answered, "I…it's just not something that I think about."

Before Janeway could resume the lift's decent, Seven remarked quickly, "You are still avoiding the question. Does that suggest that it is 'wrong' for someone to acknowledge their physical attractiveness?"

"Well…no," Janeway answered, aware the she was losing all control of this conversation and being led into a trap, but not able to stop herself since she couldn't very well lie to Seven and give her false information. "No…there's nothing wrong with knowing that others find you attractive…as long as you don't flaunt it distastefully."

Continuing with her line of reasoning, Seven then asked, "If it is not 'wrong' for you to acknowledge that, then your behavior suggests that you do not believe you are attractive. That is unacceptable."

Defensive due to Seven's tone, Janeway crossed her arms over her chest and said, shaking her head, "Why is how I feel unacceptable? I'm not allowed to have my own feelings?"

"It is unacceptable when your feelings are clearly in error."

"Excuse me?" the captain came back right after Seven finished speaking, her mouth staying open, surprised at herself for being surprised by the other woman's dauntlessness.

Her defiance for the captain's attitude reaching critical velocity, Seven said, taking a large step toward Janeway, forcing her to take a step back which put her against the wall, "It is unacceptable. You are a significantly beautiful woman, Kathryn Janeway. I have always thought so…once such things ceased to be irrelevant. I am aware that many other members of this crew, as well as several species we have come in contact with also agree with me. Since you said there is nothing wrong with acknowledging this of yourself, then you are in error for not doing so. I am merely attempting to point that out to you. I do not understand why you are making this difficult."

"I…" Janeway stammered, looking like a deer caught in head lights as she was pinned down by the Borg's body, piercing, azure stare, and her astute logic. Then looking down, she explained, softer and more patient, hurriedly slipping into the mentor mode to try to deflect her inner contradictions, "I'm a Starfleet captain, Seven…beauty is irrelevant for me. How I act and think…that's what matters."

Lifting the captain's chin with her hand, Seven said, her voice softening as well, "Beauty is not irrelevant. There can never be perfection without it."

Swallowing, Janeway returned, now trying to turn the conversation completely away from her and how Seven was looking at her, too set on that objective to really even make a note of the fact that a member of her crew was crossing several lines all at once by touching her in such a manner, "But beauty is subjective. What you may think is beautiful…someone else may think is grotesque. You can't measure it…it's not scientific."

Her face the epitome of scientific certainty, Seven stated clearly and surely, lifting the captain's chin with her hand a second time, "Some beauty, Kathryn…is absolute."

"Seven," Janeway whispered, raspy, looking away and shaking her head, her words almost a ragged gasp as they settled upon her ears and shook her soul. "I…I don't know what to say to that."

Seven had released Janeway's chin when the captain looked away, very aware of the precariousness of her actions...although never believing Kathryn would reprimand her considering this was clearly a private conversation, but she had not recoiled from her aggressive stance. The ex-drone recognized the look on her captain's face that told Seven that she was having a hard time accepting her words; a look which normally caused the cool blonde to redouble her efforts, this time ignited the Borg's temper. Finally backing up some, nodding sharply, Seven stated, "I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, but it displeases me to know that you do not see what everyone else sees plainly. If this is what Starfleet has taken from you, then they are no better than the Borg. Computer, resume turbolift."

Licking her lips that had grown dry, Janeway remarked, flippantly under her breath, but knowing Seven could hear her, and took her post next to the tall blonde, trying to settle her pounding heart, "I'll be sure to make note of that in my log." As soon as the words were off her tongue, Janeway regretted them instantly, but it was too late, and since she felt like she had just been decompressed and blown out the nearest airlock, she figured that the only way she was going to be able to maintain herself was if she put up a few walls, quickly.

As the doors opened, Seven strode out confidently, and stated, "You should endeavor to do so. What is our destination on this deck?"

Sighing and shaking her head, not sure what just took place or how Seven always managed to knock her off her feet, Janeway threw her right arm out in front of her, aggravated, and answered, "Sickbay…I'm sure the Doctor will be delighted to see us."

Finally returning to the captain's cabin, the rest of their trip spent in an uncomfortable silence, except for the few times the female duo encountered crewmembers that wished to make conversation, Janeway unzipped her jacket out of habit, but threw it over her chair, agitated, bringing up the lights, and headed immediately for the replicator. Ordering a whiskey and soda, she turned to look at Seven, and clenched her jaw when she found her folding her jacket and hanging it on the back of the chair. Now even more irritated, although not certain as to why since Seven was just being herself, Janeway asked, crisply, "Do you want some water?"

"I do not require liquid refreshment at this time," Seven came back, equally testy.

Janeway clipped, "A simple 'no thank you' will suffice," grabbing her drink and marching over to her desk.

The captain's tone and comments as to Seven's speech patterns causing a certain and distinct pain in her chest, Seven said, "No thank you," placing her hands behind her back and standing straight, feeling as though she should cease her attempts to 'relax' since she felt much more vulnerable to Janeway when she did so.

Sighing, again regretting her sometimes short-fused temper, Janeway turned around, looked at Seven and remarked, sounding tired, "This is ridiculous. I don't even know why we are fighting…do you?"

"I am aware," Seven stated, evenly. "Do you wish for me to recount the events?"

The captain was now fighting like hell to keep her cool, but having a difficult time at it since she recognized Seven's stance and knew how impossible to reason with she could become, Janeway said slowly, "No...I know the event that started this…what I don't understand is…this."

"Define 'this," Seven asked, titling her head.

"This," Janeway boomed, her temper flaring again when Seven pretended to be ignorant. Marching about the room, taking with her hands, but keeping from spilling her drink, "Why are we yelling at each other over it?"

"I am not yelling, Kathryn…between us, you are the only one raising her voice," Seven reminded. "However, if by 'this' you are referring to our disagreement, then I do not understand how to better explain the situation to you."

Setting down her drink before she chucked it across the room, Janeway rubbed the back of her neck fervently and said, still pacing around, "Seven, we've disagreed before…certainly over much more vital things than this. This just seems silly to me…and I don't want to argue about it, alright? Can't we just agree to disagree and leave it at that?"

Pacing herself now, agitated and trying to understand why this series of events was occurring, and why it was bothering her so much, Seven barked, "This situation is not less vital than anything we have previously discussed. I believe that is precisely the 'point' as to why we are in disagreement."

"That's absurd," Janeway huffed, now stopped with her hands on her hips. "How is whether or not I think I'm beautiful of any consequence? How is that just as important as Omega, or Species 8472, or the Doctor's sentience…or the other hundred things we have argued about? Explain that to me…because I'd really like to know."

Turning toward Janeway, Seven asked, "Are you certain you wish to know?"

"That's what I said, isn't it?" raising both her hands at her waist, Janeway responded.

Walking toward the captain's bedroom, Seven said, "I will comply." When she turned to look at Janeway who was watching her like she was completely insane, Seven continued, "If you wish to know, then I will explain it to you, but you must follow me."

"Alright," Janeway sighed, tracing Seven's path toward her bedroom. When Seven went into the bathroom and brought up the lights, Janeway stopped in the small doorway and asked, "Why do you need to be in the bathroom to explain this?"

"My methods will become clear once you submit to this experiment. Do you wish to proceed or not?"

The fact that Captain Kathryn Janeway had a competitive streak in her a kilometer long was a well known fact aboard the crew, and Janeway did not turn back from Seven's challenging tone, stepping into the ensuite, leading with her strong chin, saying, the air still combustible, "Proceed."

Grabbing Kathryn by her shoulders and pulling her forward, not manhandling her, but using a good deal of force, she settled the captain in front of the mirror over her sink and ordered, "Computer, maximize illumination."

The light almost blinding as it glared off the light colors of the captain's bathroom, Janeway winced a bit and barked, "Was that really necessary?"

"Refrain from speaking further. Your vocal talents are not required in this experiment," Seven ordered, then added when Kathryn looked about two seconds away from seriously dressing Seven down with her sharp tongue, "please," coming up behind the captain and standing close to her back, but not touching her except for her shoulders where her hands remained. For a few moments she remained silent, allowing herself to calm down and approach this situation without her previous annoyance for the redhead. Her voice softer now, she requested, "Attempt to relax."

Being that she was older and definitely more set in her ways, and the fact that she was a nervous wreck on the inside, Janeway couldn't let go of her defensive attitude as easily as her younger, less experience companion. Sighing, not looking at her reflection out of fear and her own defiance, Janeway said, finally, her voice tight, "I am as relaxed as I'm going to be…so let's get this over with."

Seven's first reaction was to march out of the room and leave Janeway to her ignorance, but then steeling herself with the knowledge that she must not fail Kathryn, or herself this time, Seven ignored the redhead's fiery attitude and went on, prepared to remain calm for as long as it took for Janeway to understand. Reaching her arm around Kathryn's body and titling the captain's face so that she was forced to look at her reflection, Seven explained, her voice still pure and crisp, but not as harsh, "Please continue to look at your reflection. Since you do not have a mirror of the appropriate size, this experiment will focus on only the area above your shoulders...however I do not believe it will lessen my 'point.'"

When Janeway finally let her stormfront eyes fall upon her face, Seven began, "This light is harsh. It distracts the senses and intensifies the aspects of your features. In this light, see yourself as Kathryn only. I know it is impossible to separate your title from you completely, but you must make an effort to do so." After Janeway nodded slightly, Seven touched the captain's flame kissed locks, just barely, more pointing than caressing, and continued, "The highlights of your hair that are typically auburn, take on a more orange tint, but this does not distract from its beauty. Even in this light, illumination that amplifies imperfections, your hair is beautiful. Its color is different, less dynamic, but still it is pleasing to the eye." Moving to the captain's forehead, she said, "Your forehead is bright. I can see the creases across your brow. These creases are faint, but are a testament to the burden you bare as an individual that cares about a great many things, many of which are beyond your control. I can clearly detect the small circular scar near your eyebrow. Your skin is smooth, not flawless, but beautiful nonetheless. Your eyes are a mixture of bluish grey. Right now, undoubtedly due to our disagreement, they are more grey than blue, but this light assists them, bringing out their naturally brighter color. You are tired, agitated, worried about the same data that crease your brow, as we speak. I know these thoughts are never far from your mind because that is your 'way.' Your distress is marked in your eyes greater than in any other part of your body, but they are beautiful, always. You conceal yourself with your eyes. They are unreadable at times, and at other times, they say more than words could ever explain. They can hurt, intimidate, and frighten just as easily as they can soothe, reassure, and nurture."

Growing more uncomfortable by the second as Seven started reading her like she was an open book, Janeway looked away for a moment, unsure if she should continue with this for many reasons. She was the captain of this vessel and not only was she being psychoanalyzed by a member of her crew, but she was allowing this crewmember to make comments about her physical attributes without fear of reprisal. Janeway was certain that if someone would have told her that she would be in this position, a position she knew was her own doing, she would have laughed heartily and then told them to get lost, harshly. When Seven had first set her in front of the mirror, Janeway thought the Borg would simply point out that she had a pretty face, or something to that effect and be done with it, but this in-depth exhibit told Janeway that not only was she suddenly way over her head, but that this was something that Seven not only thought about before, but obviously felt very strongly about…and Janeway wasn't sure she could handle that tonight.

When Kathryn looked away, Seven asked, softly, "Please maintain your focus, Kathryn…I cannot proceed if you do not. The experiment will be unsuccessful." After Janeway closed her eyes and then finally turned her attention back to the mirror, her face completely emotionless and unfeeling, Seven went on, "I sense that you are growing uncomfortable, so I will 'keep it short.'" But still Janeway gave nothing away, so Seven pressed on, determined to make Janeway see what was literally staring her in the face, "Your lips and devoid of color now. The day is long and the substance you applied in the morning to brighten them has worn away. Your mouth speaks for your voice. Your voice speaks for your mind, and your mind speaks for your heart. It is your heart that makes you Kathryn and with your voice guiding you, you do a great many things. You would not be who you are without your voice. Your mouth and your lips hold your voice, so it is significant. When you are angry, your mouth shows this by remaining closed, tight and firm. When you are pleased, your mouth shows this as well, but it only starts a reaction that spreads to your entire face. Your smile is the most powerful weapon you have, Kathryn. I am not able to describe this adequately, but its affect is tremendous. Rarely do you smile to such a degree, but when you do, I momentarily lose my ability to function efficiently. To see you smile like that fills me with a sense of purpose that I do not understand, but nevertheless, it occurs, I assure you. Your smile is beyond beautiful...however, I do not know of a word that means more than beautiful, so beyond beautiful will have to suffice. Computer, illumination at fifty percent."

When the lights came down, casting shadows across the captain's features and changing her, softening her instantly, Seven smiled, slightly and continued her monologue, "See yourself now as Captain Janeway alone…see yourself as what you are."

This time, the captain merely blinked her eyes that were as cold as steel. Accepting that as an affirmation, Seven resumed, "This light is more pleasing to the eye. It does not distract the senses but enhances them. Your hair is now mostly auburn. It seems softer, fuller…more animated. Your face is darker as well. I can see your eyes clearly, but do not see the signs of your distress as easily. If my vision was not enhanced by my ocular implant, I do not believe I would see them at all. Your mouth seems fuller, your cheekbones more pronounced. You have the look of a warrior…this is the light in which you go to war. I have observed you many times on the Bridge in similar light. You are the captain in this light…and still, you are beautiful. Computer, illumination to zero percent."

Once the captain couldn't see her face any more, she closed her eyes and sighed softly, thankful for the small amount of privacy that came with darkness, and allowed herself to relax the muscles in her face some, but other than that small allowance, she remained rigid and unmoving. It was a reaction that had been ingrained in her for far too many years to be able to halt. When she was the least bit unsure, her shoulders were what kept her steady and focused. Before she could think or prepare herself for what would come next, she felt Seven's hand close in on her face.

Feeling Janeway flinch, Seven said, "Do not fear. I will not damage you."

Not in the least worried that Seven would ever physically hurt her, but fearful that Seven was able to see her turmoil in the dark, Janeway asked, "Can you see me?"

"If my eyes were open, I would be able to see you if I adjusted my ocular implant. However, that would distract from my point, so my eyes are closed," answered Seven. "But I can still see you."

"How?"

"I see your face even though I cannot," Seven explained, beginning to trace her finger along Kathryn's jaw line, "This is the face of Kathryn Janeway…a woman who is a captain. This is the face of the complete you. I know this face as I know I am Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01, formerly Annika Hansen. Here," Seven pointed, "is your scar…and here are the lines of your forehead. Here," Seven pointed to the captains' temples, "is where you feel pain when you are in distress over personal and professional matters. Here," she touched Janeway's nose, "is your nose…and here are your cheeks that are lightly 'freckled' due to your heritage. I can see your face in my mind as clearly as I could if I were to bring up the illumination to maximum again."

Starting to lose grasp of her control, feeling timid and vulnerable, Janeway asked, trying to detour and bring out the answer she desperately feared, but needed to know, "Okay, so you pay attention to details, Seven…I still don't understand what this means?"

"The meaning is simple," Seven said, bringing her hands to the captain's shoulders. "You must merely allow yourself to see through my eyes." Stepping up closer to Janeway, now touching her back with her body, Seven said, "Believe the words that I speak. Trust the words of this one voice." Placing her hands on Kathryn's waist, leaning in close to her ear, she whispered, "Beauty is not irrelevant. Your beauty is not irrelevant. Do you know why your beauty is not irrelevant?"

"No..." Janeway whispered, lowering her head, now wishing she did so she could end this before her soul was ripped from her body any more.

"It is not irrelevant because it pleases me," Seven admitted, plainly. "I could detail every aspect of your body that pleases me, but I will not because I am afraid we would be here all night and that would be violating the Doctor's wishes. Suffice it to say, this list is extensive."

"Seven…" Janeway breathed, not sure how to end her sentence.

Not allowing Kathryn to stop her yet, Seven moved her arms quickly. Grasping one of Janeway's limp hands, she pressed it to the captain's chest, between her breasts and held it there, palm down, finishing, "I wish for you to believe what I know is true because your beauty is not irrelevant. It is a part of you just as much as the heart beating in your chest is a part of you. You would not be you without it…and I would not be me without you. I did not know what beauty was until I saw you, and now I see beauty where there was nothing before, but never do I see more beauty than when I look upon you. In this darkness, where there is nothing to be seen, there is nothing more beautiful than you, Captain Kathryn Janeway."

Janeway felt like she was dreaming, but she wasn't quite sure whether this was the worst kind of nightmare or the most glorious fantasy. Seven of Nine, a woman who had come into her life under the worst kind of circumstances, a woman who had threatened her life, vowed to betray her, tried to have the captain and her crew assimilated, had just paid the captain the highest compliment she knew she could ever receive. Against nothing, nothing can be more beautiful that anything else. At first the words struck a chord in the captain, thinking that Seven meant that Janeway is most beautiful when she can't be seen, but then thinking over everything Seven had said, she realized what she meant was that Seven knew her beauty was so absolutely true, that even when she couldn't see her at all, she could see her still. Feeling the impact of Seven's words rocking her body and causing her eyes to well up, unstoppable now, Janeway croaked…words escaping a woman who always seemed to know what to say, "Seven…I…I…"

"Yes, Kathryn?"

Finally giving up and just letting it be, she admitted, again, "I…don't know what to say."

Smiling, knowing she had not failed since if Janeway still did not believe her, her voice would be much more sure, Seven said, pressing the side of her face to Kathryn's head, unable to stop herself from expressing the closeness she wanted to desperately to feel with the redhead, "Then do not say anything…simply believe what is true."

As more silence washed over their huddled bodies, now returning to the comfort of trust, they stayed unmoved for several minutes.

The chill that her body had felt due to the suspension of her emotions now giving way to the warmth in her heart and Seven's body heat, Janeway chortled once and remarked, "But I feel like I should say…something."

"Then say what you feel."

"I'm not sure I know what I feel."

"Do you feel beautiful?"

Smiling weakly, but earnestly, Janeway admitted, "I'd be lying if I said no."

Seven sighed heavily with relief, then said, growing weary now that she had completed her difficult objective, "Then I have not failed."

"Seven?"

"Yes, Kathryn."

Ordering up the lights to half, wiping the single tear from her face before she did so, Janeway asked, still trying to compose herself before she looked at Seven…before she looked into the eyes that seemed to be the gateway to her heart, "Can I ask you something without you taking offense?"

Turning the captain around, not letting Janeway hide herself from her this time, Seven replied, "You may."

Smiling softly, her astonishment clear on her face as she spoke, her eyes not reaching Seven's until the last word, Kathryn remarked, "You've never acted like this before…I feel like suddenly…I barely know you."

Seven understood what Janeway meant as she stated, putting on her best arrogant attitude to help her friend relax and understand that although the recent changes in her were significant, she was still very much Seven of Nine, "I have adapted. Do you not approve?"

Since Seven was still holding her shoulders and they were standing barely five centimeters apart, Janeway leaned in, pressed her forehead to Seven's shoulder and replied, "Oh, I approve…I'm just having trouble keeping up with all these changes."

"You will adapt…I have faith in you," Seven said, holding Janeway lightly. When the captain laughed and pulled away, Seven cupped her face tenderly and kissed her forehead before the older female got away from her, as she tended to do quickly. Since there were no objections, Seven moved down and kissed each of Janeway's moist eyelids, tasting the saltiness of her tears that she'd managed to keep all but one in check. Still no objections were uttered, so Seven kissed each of the captain's cheeks, and then her nose.

When Seven's full mouth hovered over hers, Janeway breathed, her body suddenly seeing Seven in a whole new light, which scared the hell out of her even though she had wished for this for months, "What's happening here?"

Her lips only a few millimeters from Kathryn's that were parted very slightly, showing Seven that even though Janeway was fearful, she was not unwilling, Seven explained herself, "I am reaffirming your beauty with a physical display."

"Oh…is that all," Janeway exhaled, softly, her desire to be kissed now fervent and raging, "I thought for a minute you…were kissing me."

Smirking, Seven said, "Those were not kisses. I would never presume to kiss you without your approval."

Her body tingling with excitement, Janeway had the bite down on her tongue to keep it from escaping to moisten her scorching lips. Her voice now seductive, melodic and fraught with eagerness, she asked, "I see…then what were they?"

"They were," she paused, pulling away for effect, having enough experience with B'Elanna to understand this game of prolonging anticipation, something Torres was very skilled at when she wanted to be. Then pulling Janeway closer, putting her mouth right over Kathryn's again, she said, "I am not certain, but they were not kisses. You will just have to 'trust me.' Do you trust me, Kathryn?"

"Yes," she gasped, the feeling of Seven's body pressed against hers tightly driving her mad with erotic desire. When Seven continued to hold her close and tease her senses, but refrained from making a move to bring their hungry lips into contact, Janeway started to ask if she could kiss Seven, but was interrupted by the younger woman saying, "Kathryn?"

"Hmm?" Janeway answered, jerking back for all she was worth on her arousal, sensing a change in Seven's voice and determined to not take advantage of this situation even if she believed Seven knew exactly what she was doing now. She was still the captain after all and still responsible for Seven's well being...and of course, there still was the problem of B'Elanna...who continued to linger and dance across her thoughts every few minutes...especially when she was thinking of Seven.

"This experiment has left me depleted. It is time for me to regenerate...however, I do not believe I will be successful without your presence. Will you assist me?" Seven asked, but not pulling away.

It took every once of will power Janeway had not to sigh and collapse to the floor into a puddle of hormones, but somehow, the good captain was able to maintain her composure. Pulling Seven's head down and kissing her on the forehead, chaste, mostly, she sighed, "Sure…but I need to take a shower first, alright?" "An ice cold shower!!!" her inner voice screamed at the tops of its lungs, as her baser self stomped her feet in a first class temper tantrum.

Disengaging from the captain's body, Seven asked, placing her hands behind her back, something she did without realizing when she was curious and seeking answers, "Do you require privacy?" Since Seven had never showered before, her nanoprobes keeping her body pristine and inhumanly clean efficiently, she sincerely did not know.

"Mmmhmm," Janeway nodded turning away and walking toward the shower stall to start the water. Then realizing that the question was peculiar, she spun around and asked, "Have you never showered before?"

"The nanoprobes that I maintain, as well as my abdominal implant keep my body clean, so there is no need. I have read about showering before, but have never actually experienced it," Seven explained. Then looking away for a moment, obviously thinking, she said, "It is possible that once my implant is removed, I will be required to utilize this device. How does one shower? Demonstrate...please"

"Ohgod…I had to open my big fat mouth…god, will I ever learn?" Clearing her throat, Janeway sat down on the toilet, taking off her boots and said, "Why don't we worry about that later? We'll have plenty of time this week to go over everything you'll need to know."

"Acceptable," Seven nodded. Then turning to go, she asked, "What shall I do while you shower? Is it a lengthy procedure?"

Taking off her other boot, Janeway said, "It can be…sometimes…but I'll make it quick." Searching her brain, she snapped her fingers and said, "I know…why don't you use my workstation to check your messages?"

"Very well…" Seven said, turning on the balls of her heels and leaving promptly.

Once Seven was out of the small room, Janeway sighed, bringing her hand to her head and rubbing it through her hair, heavily. After activating the sensor near the door which closed it tight, she leaned back against it, but refrained from banging her head, knowing that would only send Seven rushing into the room. Also knowing that the small door did little in the way of soundproofing, she reminded herself to remain quiet and not mumble to herself about the conundrum she'd found herself in, since Seven's Borg enhanced hearing could probably pick up everything she was doing. So, completely silent except for the small, rustling sound of her uniform, she took her clothes off fast, needing to feel the water caress her body since nothing else could, and turned up the heat on the water, saving the blast of cold until the end, before she stepped into the soft but full flow, allowing a slight moan.

For a few moments she just stood directly under the stream, arms braced against the wall and head hung between them, letting the water beat down on her notoriously tense neck and shoulder region that greeted her almost each and every morning with its unwelcomed pain party. Then remembering that she had promised Seven she would be quick, she stood upright, grabbed the soap and began lathering her body; however, the sensations of flesh, even if it was her own, fondling her arms and chest caused the captain to slow her movements and finally pause when she reached her stomach.

Kathryn leaned against the side wall for a few moments at that point, letting the soap run off her, and giving her time to think before she dared to allow herself to answer the question that was playing over and over again in her mind: "Are you? Are you? Are you?"

Janeway, of course, already knew the answer, but she was a scientist through and through, and sometimes scientists needed good hard evidence. In this case, the evidence was damp, but it was held in the same regard.

Slowly, Janeway's hand that was still resting flat on her stomach, trailed down a familiar path, quickly finding its way between her legs. As she slipped her middle finger in between the sensitive folds of flesh, part of her wanted to fall upon her knees and praise a divinity she didn't really believe in or fall upon her knees and cower in fear of the truth, as she felt the scientific proof for herself.

Kathryn was wet, and it wasn't because of the water pouring over her body.

She had sensed the first tingle of arousal in the turbolift when Seven had confronted her, and she knew deep down that that was why she had let Seven work her up into such a lather, because if she couldn't get out her frustration sexually, then she would just have to get it out through confrontation. Once she had expelled all of her emotions while Seven was conducting her 'experiment,' the captain had almost forgotten about her arousal…that is until she felt Seven's body against hers and was tickled by her warm breath on her neck. That had started the whole cycle over again, even more so, and by the time Seven had let Janeway go, there was a definite and acute ache in the captain's center…that had yet to go away.

Janeway's eyes flew open at her next thought.

Moving over slightly so the water wasn't beating down on her face, she wondered if she could release herself with Seven just in the other room…or rather, if she should? She knew she could…but wasn't sure she could keep silent enough to maintain her privacy considering Seven's enhanced senses. Kathryn was never certain how loud she could get during masturbation since she was in the practice of just pushing everything else in the world out whenever she indulged herself, but she knew she typically didn't remain silent.

Finally deciding it was necessary to ensure that she'd be able to actually sleep in the same bed as Seven and that she'd just have to pay a little more attention to her actions, even as her hand was already beginning to grant her release, Janeway stepped back under the water, closed her eyes and bit down hard on her lips.

The redhead was a woman in her early forties, who had spent the last seven years completely celibate, so suffice to say, she was skilled in this art, and was pretty certain she'd perfected her technique on Voyager. Thus, it took only minutes before her legs began to shake steadily as she rested her slight weight on them. When it started to become too much, she reached up and grasped onto the shower head with her free hand, pulling it away from her breasts, helping to support herself as her ministrations started to become more focused and determined, rather than only stimulating. The building within her was strong and fast as images of past lovers and fantasies of new ones exploded across her mind. When she climaxed, it was silent but powerful, and the inertia of the tremors and her vocal restraint sent the compact captain to one knee, with her head hanging heavily as she fought to catch her breath and keep from whimpering.

It took several minutes for the captain to completely recover, and even though she figured Seven was probably waiting for her, she didn't try to rush the rest of her shower, needing the time to let her body return to a normal state of existence. After she made certain she was clean and free of any traces of her previous 'encounter,' Janeway shut the water off, toweled and threw on her silk nightgown that was the only thing she had to wear that was in this room other than her dirty uniform. The captain didn't normally have guests in her bed, in fact, she had never had a guest in her bed while she was aboard Voyager, except for Q, but he hadn't been invited or stayed long, so she didn't have any underwear to slip on either since it wasn't her habit to wear any to bed. Although, that was not nearly as disconcerting as was the fact that with her hair wet and her still slightly tingling body, her small, erect nipples were clearly visible through the ultra thin, pink fabric. Throwing on her robe, which was just as thin and did little to hide her lithe body, Janeway combed back her hair, brushed her teeth, took a deep breath and exited her bathroom.

To her surprise, Seven was still sitting at her workstation, looking very deep in thought. Deciding this was her chance to grab a cup of hot herbal tea to help warm her up and maybe relax further, she breezed past Seven and went to her replicator, after snatching up the synthehol she hadn't nearly finished.

Janeway glanced over her shoulder quickly to see if she was being spied once she arrived at the device as she retrieved the small glass and saucer, surprised and relieved that she wasn't being paid any attention. Jumping at the chance, she walked to the comfy chair facing away from Seven, took a seat, curling her legs underneath her body and drank quietly, letting them both have their private moment.

Seven sat for several minutes pondering B'Elanna's message and not only putting its contents to memory, but detailing each emotion it conjured in her. Once that was complete, she began composing her response, which proved to be more difficult than she thought since she was not accustomed to detailing her thoughts without speaking them aloud or transmitting them via a neural transceiver. In fact, she was about to simply record an audio response when she heard Kathryn emerge from the ensuite. Since she couldn't say everything she wanted to say to B'Elanna with the captain in listening distance, simply because she and Torres had decided to not approach her about their 'plan' until they were all together and they felt the time was right, Seven put her mind back to the task and wrote:

Seven sent her message and then promptly logged off the captain's computer, as she announced, "I have completed composing my response." Getting to her feet and walking over the where Janeway sat silently, sipping her tea, Seven continued, "B'Elanna Torres sends her greetings. Did you enjoy your shower?"

"Mmmhmm," Janeway nodded, looking up at Seven. "Speaking of B'Elanna," the captain said, standing up and taking the rest of her tea over to the replicator, having enough, she explained, "I told her that any time she wanted to stop by to visit you, she could."

"Thank you," Seven smiled, looking down, slightly surprised at first by the gesture, but then remembering Kathryn had made a similiar one with Naomi on the planet and realizing that she shouldn't analyze the behavior for more than it was...merely Kathryn being considerate. "I hope that she does."

Patting Seven on the arm, Janeway said, "I'm sure she will…and…since I know that you and Naomi spend a great deal of time together too, feel free you invite her over as well, but make sure it's okay with her mother first, alright?"

"We will not disturb you while you work? Naomi Wildman can become…excitable from time to time," Seven reminded.

"I'm sure it will fine," Janeway yawned, her whole body now feeling relaxed as she had hoped it would. "I think Chakotay's going to keep me from having to do much of anything in the next few days, anyhow." Looking up at Seven, she asked, "Well…are you ready to try sleeping again?"

"That is correct," Seven nodded, but did not attempt to move. Looking down at her biosuit and then at the captain's less formal attire, she asked, "I am aware that it is standard practice to change into 'something more comfortable' prior to regeneration...however, I do not have any such item of apparel. Would it be possible to utilize the garment I wore the last time I attempted to regenerate in your quarters?"

"Right...sure," Janeway said, heading toward her bedroom. "I forgot all about that…I guess considering what happened, you never did get a chance to sleep, did you?"

Seven followed directly behind the smaller redhead, and answered, "I did not. B'Elanna Torres was highly agitated that morning. She required my undivided attention. After she fell asleep, I utilized that time to examine the books on your 'nightstand.'"

"You read all three in one morning?" Janeway asked, shocked, searching for the long t-shirt she had given Seven to wear.

"My Borg enhancements allow me to process data at a faster rate and store the knowledge in my memory banks. It is a useful attribute."

Finally finding the shirt, she grabbed it off the hanger, and said, handing it to Seven, "I'll say…and I thought I was a fast reader." When Seven looked unsure of how to proceed, Janeway pointed to the bathroom and said, "You can change in there…I won't peek."

Nodding, Seven stated rather than asked, "It is required that I disrobe in private," going into the bathroom. Once she was out of her biosuit, Seven asked, loudly so she could be heard, "Where should I store my biosuit while we regenerate?"

Sitting on the bed, finding this whole situation so completely endearing she couldn't help but smile, Kathryn returned while she examined her nails for rough edges and grit out of habit, "Just hang it on the hook behind the door." When Seven emerged wearing only the t-shirt, Janeway stood and said, going behind her, "One other rule of sleeping…you have to let your hair down." It took her a few seconds to figure out how Seven had her hair secured, but finally feeling the large, flexible pin, she slipped it out and combed Seven's fine, buttery locks out evenly with her fingers, amazed at how soft it was, saying, "You know, you should think about bottling those nanoprobes and selling them as beauty bugs to the Ferengi."

"Explain," Seven queried, looking over her shoulder.

Chuckling, the captain said, patting Seven on the back, "Nevermind." Then coming up next to Seven, both of them looking at the bed, she asked, "Do you have a preference as to which side of the bed you want?"

"I assumed I would utilize the side you do not," Seven answered, looking over and down at her. "Which side do you typically utilize?"

Janeway shot Seven one of her famous crooked grins and admitted, "Honestly…I usually sleep smack in the middle…but sometimes I migrate to the right…so why don't you take the left to be safe?"

"Acceptable," Seven nodded, moving to that side. Pulling back the covers as she had seen B'Elanna Torres do, Seven climbed into the bed, laying flat on her back as Janeway went over to her lounger and untied her robe. When the captain's bare shoulders and a good deal of her back was revealed to the Borg, one of Seven's eyebrows immediately shot up in approval, even though she'd seen the captain's finely boned back in a similiar manner when the redhead was in her swimming attire. When Janeway turned around and started for the bed, finally looking up at her, Seven stated, "I now understand the appeal of the ritual of changing into something more comfortable."

Ignoring the butterflies that Seven's comment caused her, Janeway pursed her lips, rolling her eyes and schooled, "I think Miss Torres is warping your mind."

"I will convey your comments the next time I see her," Seven teased, enjoying this flirting that she had researched extensively over the last year. When Janeway pulled the covers up over her and turned toward Seven on her side, keeping a large distance in between them, Seven asked, "How do we begin our regeneration cycle?" As Kathryn gave her a quick, confused looked, she added to clarify, "When I slept earlier today, I was not aware that it had occurred until you woke me."

"You didn't mean to fall asleep before?"

"No," Seven explained, still lying flat, but her head turned toward the captain. "You were 'resting your eyes' in my arms when I became aware that you were no longer lucid. Then you stirred slightly and said something I could not comprehend before you reclined into my lap. I watched you regenerate for an indeterminable amount of time because I do not remember falling asleep myself."

"Oh," Janeway let out, feeling foolish for having so easily fallen asleep in Seven's arms, something that she had never been in the habit of doing, not even with Mark whom was one of her closest, dearest friends…as well as her lover and fiancé. Then brushing it off, or at least trying to, Janeway explained, "Well, first get comfortable. Are you comfortable lying on your back?"

"No, but this position is the most effecient."

"Alright," Kathryn didn't try to argue since he figured that Seven didn't like to lie down at all, "then all you have to do is close your eyes and relax…just like we did on the couch."

"Very well," Seven nodded, but then added, "however, you were in physical contact with me at the time, which helped me to relax. Since you have not attempted to do so this time, I assume you do not wish to do so again."

"God…how am I ever going to get though this night?" "Well, no, I hadn't planned on it," Janeway answered. Then explaining quickly, she added, not lying but not saying everything as well, "Don't take it personally…I just prefer to have my own space. I haven't slept with anyone for a long time…and even then I rarely snuggled."

The blonde knew that was not entirely true since she had seen Kathryn and B'Elanna sleep rather close together, but recalling that Janeway had been extremely cold and knowing she was probably not including that incident, Seven accepted what Kathryn said as accurate, and stated, "I will adapt. Is there anything else I must know before we begin?"

Yawning again and rolling halfway onto her stomach, Kathryn said, "Nope…other than if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to wake me…that's an order."

"Yes, Captain," Seven smirked.

"Goodnight, Seven…sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Kathryn," Seven said, still watching Janeway. Once the captain finally closed her eyes, Seven turned her head back toward the ceiling and stared at it for a few minutes before she attempted to close her eyes as well. Finding the sensation not unpleasant, she kept them closed and focused on relaxing her body as she had done earlier, albeit having a little more difficulty since she missed the captain's touch.

When two hours had passed and she had yet to fall asleep, Seven was slightly disconcerted since it was obvious that Janeway was already well on her way. Just before Seven was about to wake the sleeping captain and inform her that she was having difficulty, Janeway stirred, seeming restless and agitated. Seven turned to watch her for a few moments, curious and slightly displeased since it looked very much like Kathryn was upset. Now certain that she should wake the captain and inform her of both of their issues, Seven froze where she lay when Janeway, who was now on her back, rolled over and flung her arm across her chest.

The captain did not mass a great deal, so the impact did not damage Seven in the least.

Seven was further intrigued when Janeway seemed to become aware that she was holding onto something because Seven noted a small smile grace the captain's face as she snuggled in closer, brought one of her legs around Seven's and fit practically her whole body into the area between the Borg's arm and her body. Seven pulled her arm out from under Janeway and slowly eased the compact captain closer to her, testing to see if Janeway was cognizant of her contradictory actions or if she was still sleeping as Seven figured she was. Janeway stirred just slightly again, but before she could wake, she came to a rest, now half way on top of Seven, her face resting against the youngest female's lower neck and shoulder. It took a few moments for Seven to settle comfortably into the embrace, not because Janeway was unaccomodating, just because she had never attempted to relax in this position. Once she felt that she was comfortable, Seven closed her eyes again and attempted to sleep a second time.

Her ability to keep track of time was gone within five minutes.

Captain Kathryn Janeway was a noble, dignified and highly respected woman with more upstanding character traits than vices, something she was well aware of, that confidence was part of what made her who she was; however, if Janeway hadn't opened her eyes to see the sight before her, she would have never believed herself capable of such an infraction, even if it wasn't the first time she had awaken in a similar situation in recent days.

"The time is 0700 hours," the ship's computer sounded abruptly, bringing up the lights to a quarter as it was preprogrammed to do by the redheaded captain who liked to wake up an hour before she was required to be on duty to ensure she had plenty of time to make herself presentable and get at least one cup of coffee in her system before she had to face her neverending duty.

Kathryn did not open her eyes immediately, but she did inhale deeply, letting her mind rise up from the recesses for her unconsciousness. Automatically pressing her body farther into the warmth surrounding her simply because it felt so completely inviting, the captain didn't realize that something was different until she felt some other force against her back attempting to urge her to continue her embrace. In a trice, her mind was wide awake and her body began registering all of the stimuli. When she felt a tickling sensation against the bare skin of her knee, the heat of flesh pressed against her forehead, the soft, pliable swell of bosom pressing into her own, and the comfort of another's arm holding her close, all at the same time, Janeway's eyes flew open in disbelief.

To her utter horror, not only was she snuggling with Seven of Nine, she was practically flung atop the younger woman. Furthermore, it became clear that her leg, which had eased from the confines of her long nightgown through the anything but modest slit in the left side, was resting against a place on the blondes' anatomy that her captain should not even know exist. The Borg's delicate, triangular thatch of hair was impacting against the captain's knee, tickling her senses and threatening to entice the appendage to break ranks and continue with its own explorations. Captain Kathryn Janeway, a woman who had stared death in the face on several occasions and not only dared it to take her but scoffed at it when it failed, was struck helpless to do anything but freeze every system in her body until she died of embarrassment or from lack of oxygen.

Feeling the captain's warm and slight body stir and then become completely rigid, Seven eased up on her embrace just slightly and whispered, having a difficult time doing so since the Borg did not whisper, "Kathryn, are you lucid?"

Seven's voice forced the captain to stop trying to kill herself by pretending to be dead. Swallowing, Janeway said, still unable to move, but now able to breathe, sort of, "Yes." The ever-present captain in Kathryn had finally had enough and pinning herself with her own deadly force ten glare, the captain forced herself and pull herself together and gain some control. It took her a few seconds to decide how to proceed, but then deciding she should definitely move her knee away from Seven's most intimate area, Janeway did just that, pushed herself up and asked, wiping her eyes, trying to hide her astonishment and agony, and keeping the conversation far away from her apparent actions, "Good morning. You haven't been awake all night have you?" "Oh god…please say no…please say no…"

Missing the warmth of the captain, but keeping her arm wrapped around Kathryn's until Janeway either asked her to refrain from embracing her or she moved on her own, Seven replied, "I was able to sleep for a majority of the night. I only ceased twenty-three point two minutes ago...when you attempted to contact Lieutenant Paris and ordered him to engage the warp engines. Since we are currently in orbit and you have ordered the he is to not perform such tasks for the next twenty-seven days, I assumed that you were mistaken and did not attempt to wake you to inform you of this contradiction. I am curious…why did you wish to go to warp?"

Still too mortified to find humor in the fact that she had obviously been talking in her sleep, Janeway slowly pushed completely away from Seven, taking great care to not disturb the comforter that was keeping Seven's nakedness out of sight. Once she had disengaged from Seven, she got up from the bed, practically running for the cover of her robe and said, "I must have been dreaming. I'm sorry I woke you." Once her robe was tied tightly around her trim waist, Janeway did her best to clear any embarrassment from her features, turned around to face Seven and said, "Well, I'm glad that you were able to rest. Did it take you long to fall asleep? I think I was out by the time my head hit the pillow."

Seven of Nine sat up straight, but did not move from underneath the covers as she answered, "I did not begin as quickly as you did. I find the action of relaxing a difficult task to master on my own...however, once you brought your body into contact with me, I was able to accomplish my objective without delay." Looking at Kathryn, who had suddenly grown very pale, Seven said, smirking some, "Apparently, you do not tend to migrate to the right as you stated."

The captain immediately turned several shades of rose all at one time. Sensing the heat in her cheeks, Janeway turned toward her closet, mumbling, "Apparently not." Grabbing a fresh uniform, trying to remember where her other one was since her boots and four gold pips were undoubtedly still attached to it, she remembered leaving it folded on her toilet and said, making her way to the bathroom, "Feel free to stay in bed. There's no need for you to get up if you don't want to. The Doctor will be here soon to check up on you, so I'm going to shower and change." Her duty and daily objectives never far from her mind, just like the stiffness in her neck, even when inside she was seething with embarrassment and castigation, Janeway poked her head out of the bathroom and said, "But I do want you to have some water right now." When she saw Seven start to pull the covers away from her, Janeway pulled her head back before she was treated to a sight she knew she couldn't take right now. As Seven walked past her bathroom, Janeway said, "Get me a cup of coffee, will you?"

"Your coffee," Seven announced, producing the cup in the doorway of the bathroom where Janeway was removing the pips from her used uniform and setting them on the ledge of the sink.

"Thank you," Janeway acknowledged, accepting the offering eagerly and bringing it to her lips immediately. When Seven continued to stand in the doorway, slowly sipping her water and watching her, Janeway asked, "Was there something you needed?"

"No," Seven answered. "I am merely observing you. I am curious as to what tasks you perform in this room."

Setting down her coffee on the top of the toilet, she said, snatching up her old uniform and handing it to Seven, "Well, there are several, and I promise to show you all of them…well, most of them…when I get out of the shower. Would you recycle this for me, please?"

Seven took the uniform, but asked, "You will not teach me to shower?"

Kathryn sighed and said, "Seven…I don't really feel up to it this morning…and I'd rather do that when we have more time to answer all of your questions, alright?"

"Very well…I will remain patient," the typically ill-patient Borg stated, determined to be as pleasant as possible. "Please inform me when I can resume my observations," she finished, then left without any further inquires.

Closing the door and then taking a moment to stare back at her reflection, she asked herself, "How the hell do I always get myself into these situations?"

Staring at Kathryn, wide-eyed, Seven asked with clear astonishment, "You place a cleansing solution in your mouth?"

Brushing her teeth, looking at Seven's reflection in the mirror, Janeway nodded her head. Then pulling out the sink to activate the water, she leaned down spat out the white foam, rinsed using her hand, and said, wiping her mouth with the towel next to her sink, "It's completely harmless…and it helps to keep my teeth and gums in good condition. Since you'll be eating more solid food now, you'll probably want to use it too." When Seven balked and lifted her chin definitely, Janeway said, turning around, "Hold out your finger." Once Seven did so, she squeezed a small amount of the white paste on the elongated digit and said, "Go ahead and taste it…"

Seven brought the paste to her nose to smell it first, unsure. When the smell was strong of mint, but not unpleasant, she put the substance on her tongue and then tasted it. Scrunching her face, she said, swallowing it down as fast as she could, "It is…not pleasant, Kathryn. It is…strong."

Kathryn chuckled once, smirking devilishly and said, "Well, it's better with water to dilute it…here," she offered, filling up the small cup next to her sink with water and handing it to Seven. After Seven drank the flavor and the remnants of the paste down, she said, "And it is supposed to be strong…so you don't have bad breath. You'll get used to it."

"It seems that there will be many things I will have to 'get used to' in the next few weeks," Seven frowned, unhappy, handing the cup back to Janeway. "What is next?"

Turning back to her mirror, now running a comb through her damp hair, Janeway answered, "Well, I usually put on a little make-up before I go to the Bridge, but since I'm not going anywhere today, I don't really see the need."

Seven was standing directly behind Janeway looking at her reflection in the mirror as she said, "Please demonstrate anyway. I wish to assimilate these rituals before my procedure so that I am prepared to function in my own quarters."

Never being able to deny Seven's requests as long as they were in reason, Janeway smiled slightly and said, "Alright then. Well, I don't like to wear a lot of make-up…but I usually put on some lipstick and mascara. If I'm feeling exceptionally tired, then I'll put on a little more eye make-up to keep me looking alive."

Watching closely as Janeway applied a small amount of brownish black mascara to her eyelashes, Seven asked, "What is the purpose of 'make-up?'"

Moving to her left eye, Janeway answered, "It's a cultural ritual. Humans on Earth have been doing it for centuries. Plus, it does help keep me looking my best when I'm not functioning at peak efficiency."

Seven smirked at Janeway's mimicking words and continued her questioning when Janeway produced a silver tube of rosy brown lipstick and began putting it on her lips, "I have noticed the male members of this vessel do not normally wear this…'make-up.' Is this ritual designated for only human females?"

Pulling the tube away so she didn't make an error while she talked, Janeway answered, "No, but it is primarily a feminine ritual. There are a few males aboard that wear make-up, but they tend to keep the colors they use to fairly natural shades, so it isn't as obvious, but there are always exceptions...like Ensign Rodriguez." Smiling fondly, Janeway said, "Now, there's a someone who knows how to wear make-up…completely puts me to shame. You want to talk about beautiful…Richard is beautiful." Laughing, she said, "The first time I met him was on Deep Space Nine a few days before we disembarked. There was a small gathering on the Promenade…and he came up to me, introduced himself and then proceeded to lead me across the dance floor they'd created for the party...like he had known me my whole life, all the while calling me Captain and Madam and telling me all about his last posting. It was quite amusing considering he was wearing a perfectly tailored pants suit, and I was still in my uniform and had dirt smudged all over my hands and pants. But he was a perfect gentleman and never said anything about my appearance."

"I have become acquainted with Ensign Rodriguez. He is a popular individual to escort to Voyager's social functions. I have yet to see him attend one of these events without a 'date,' be they male or female. Why do you think that is?" Seven asked as Kathryn resumed her application.

After she finished putting on her lipstick, Janeway said, "Well, he's smart, charming, polite…and he certainly is handsome. Considering he doesn't have a sexual preference, he has a lot of people to choose from." Then looking at herself in the mirror, she asked, "See…now, don't I look better?"

Seven studied Kathryn for several seconds and then said plainly, "You are always beautiful, Kathryn…but these products do emphasis your features…especially the substance you have on your lips. Is it uncomfortable to apply?"

Turning around, Seven's comments raising her blood pressure, she responded, "Thank you…and no, it's not in the least…actually, it helps to keep my lips soft since the air's so dry on starships...and I have naturally dry skin. Here," she reached up, clasping onto Seven's chin, "I'll put some on you so you can see for yourself." Once Seven nodded and held her face still, preparing to be made up, Janeway said, "Now, make your lips like you were going to kiss someone." When Seven puckered up, Janeway smiled and applied a small amount of her lipstick on Seven's much fuller lips. Once she was finished, she instructed, "Alright…now move your lips back and forth a little to rub it in…be careful to not smudge it, though." Then pointing to the mirror, turning and looking herself, she queried, "Well?"

Raising her eyebrow and looking at her lips, that blonde smirked, while she answered, understanding the implied question, "Acceptable. What is your opinion?"

Smiling warmly, not able to help herself in the least, Janeway said, "I think you look lovely."

"You think I am lovely?" Seven asked in a smaller voice.

Turning around immediately, Janeway said surely, squeezing Seven's arms, "Of course I do. Don't tell me I'm going to have to put you through an experiment too?"

"No, Kathryn," Seven said, looking down at Janeway. "I am aware that several members of this crew find me aesthetically pleasing, and I have enough knowledge on the subject to concur. I was not certain that you were one of them, however."

"Well, I am," Janeway smiled crookedly. "I've always thought so." Then placing her hands on Seven's shoulders, she stood on her tip toes and whispered in a somewhat raspy voice, "Now, why don't you give me one of those famous non-kisses on the cheek with your made up lips before the Doctor gets here and catches me playing dress-up."

Seven wasn't certain what Kathryn meant by 'dress-up', but she didn't bother asking for fear she'd lose the opportunity to kiss the redheaded captain again. Repeating the gesture from last night happily, noticing the firmness of Kathryn's cheek due to her smile, but not turning the gesture into anything more than a kiss on the cheek, Seven smiled as well as she let her lips move away from the woman's slightly darker skin.

As soon as Janeway backed away from Seven as the Borg released her, the door call sounded clearly from the other room. "Speak of the devil," the captain sighed, grabbing her lipstick tube and handing it to Seven saying, "Why don't you practice while I go talk to the Doctor," checking her cheek for evidence of Seven's kiss. There was a small trace of lipstick, so as she walked to the other room, she rubbed it in easily. Pressing the sensor on her door, she said as it opened to reveal the hologram, "Good morning, Doctor. "

"Captain," the Doctor said smiling brightly walking into the captain's dimly lit cabin. "Where's my patient?"

"She's in the bathroom learning how to put on lipstick," Janeway replied, retrieving a second cup of coffee smiling, all traces of her earlier embarrassment gone now. The captain wasn't certain how Seven managed to do it, but she never ceased to make Janeway forget practically anything that was troubling her whenever the Borg decided it was time for her to learn something new.

"Lipstick?" he asked, coming over to the captain near the replicator. "She's supposed to be resting…not preparing for a beauty pagent."

Rolling her eyes, Janeway said, snidely, "I would hardly call applying make-up a strenuous activity, Doctor." After she had sipped her coffee, Janeway changed the subject and asked, "Have you spoken with Tom and B'Elanna today?"

"Yes, both of them," the Doctor responded. "I'm meeting them in the holodeck after this to begin our work. It'll take some time to build the appropriate simulations…probably most of the day." Noting that the captain seemed in rather good spirits considering she was living with Seven who could be a difficult person to manage, especially when she was malfunctioning, the Doctor asked, "How are things with Seven? Is she still cooperating?"

"She's doing fine…in fact," the captain smiled confidently, "she slept the whole night through, and only woke up a few minutes before I did."

Amazed, the Doctor said, "Captain…I'm…well, I'm astonished. I know how hard it is just to get her to stand still for a check up. How did you do it?" certain Kathryn had coaxed her with something, or made some kind of bargain.

Accepting that as an apology for underestimating her, Janeway explained, "We just went to bed."

"'We' went to bed?" he repeated, questioning, not believing the idea of sleeping with Janeway would be what coaxed the Borg. "You slept with Seven?"

Narrowing her eyes, pinning him with a glare that told him he was walking a very fine line and that she wouldn't hesitate to reconfigure his vocal processors is he didn't watch it, she answered, her voice low, "You would you rather have her sleep on the couch, or on a cot in my room?" When the hologram balked, she said, "My bed is plenty big enough for the both of us and considering Seven was able to rest as you requested, I figured you would approve. Are you telling me you don't approve of Seven sleeping with me?"

"No, of course not, Captain," the Doctor said quickly, trying to recover. "I just…well, I just never thought of you as that…well, accomodating…I mean..."

"Stop while you're ahead, Doctor," the redhead barked. "Seven is a member of my crew and a dear friend of mine…of course I wouldn't hesitate to do anything that was in her best interest…even if it means giving up a certain amount of my privacy. I hardly see that as any price to pay to save Seven's life."

"You're absolutely right, Captain…I apologize," the Doctor said as Seven emerged from the ensuite. Jumping at the opportunity to get away from the captain, who looked like at any moment she was going to throw him out of her quarters, the bald hologram said, "Seven…it's good to see you. How are you feeling?"

Still rubbing her lips, that were now well coated with the captain's rose colored lipstick, Seven finally answered, coming to a halt near them both, "I am functioning under acceptable parameters, Doctor." Puckering her lips some, she asked just before she did so, "Do you notice something different about me?"

Breaking out his tricorder and starting his scan, he said, "Well, I notice that you aren't wearing your biosuit…and your hair is down. Hmm…" he murmured, taking a reading on the back part of Seven's abdominal implant.

Janeway stepped in front of Seven, wiped just a small trace of lipstick from the corner of Seven's mouth, winking at her, while she asked, "What is it?"

"The tissue surrounding Seven's implant is inflamed," the Doctor replied. Then touching it through the t-shirt, he asked, "Seven, doesn't that hurt?"

The Borg glanced over her shoulder and reported, "When you press directly on it, it is uncomfortable. However, since there seems to be nothing we can do about it until the procedure, I will just have to 'live with it.'"

Not liking the sound of that at all, Janeway asked, hovering close by, "Can't you give her something for the pain?"

"No. I don't want to administer anything unless it's absolutely necessary. Her body is undergoing too many changes…blocking any pain could be dangerous," the Doctor said. Looking over at Seven, he continued, "I'm sorry…but right now I need you to be able to tell me when anything at all is wrong since I won't be able to check up on you all the time."

"I understand…it is only slightly unpleasant," Seven nodded. Then twitching just a little about her waist, she said, "However, it is irritating."

"You mean it itches?" he asked.

"That term is accurate."

Thinking for a moment, crossing his arms over his chest, he said, "I could give you a lotion that you could rub on the skin surrounding the tissue. If we keep it moist and flexible, that will probably help." Walking over to the captain's replicator, he brought up the medical database and programmed a thick, mild anti-itch rub. Handing it to the captain, he said, "You should apply this to the tissue surrounding her implant twice a day…that should help the itching and the pain, somewhat."

"Alright," she said, taking the small container. "Anything else?"

"Other than that…things are progressing right on schedule," he answered. Looking over to Seven, he said, "Just keep getting rest and drink plenty of fluids…and of course, call me if you need anything."

"I will comply," Seven nodded.

Janeway saw the Doctor to the door and just before he left, she said, "Thank you, Doctor. Keep me informed of your progress."

"I will, Captain…and thank you for taking such good care of our patient. You will keep me informed as well?"

"Of course," Janeway smiled sincerely. Once the door closed, she turned to Seven and said, "Well, I guess it's time for breakfast. Do you want to change first…or are you comfortable?"

"I wish to change…however, I should wear my biosuit since it is tighter than this garment and will undoubtedly irritate my implant. What do you suggest?"

Janeway thought about it for a moment as she sipped her coffee, rubbing her thumb across the lotion container, using the motion to help the process. "Does that fabric irritate your implant?"

"No."

"Alright," Janeway said motioning Seven to follow her. "Why don't we replicate you a pair of cotton pants and a smaller shirt for you to wear? Then after your surgery is over, you can always wear it to sleep in…or just around the house."

As she scanned through the items she could select from, Janeway asked, "Any color preference?" Then thinking for a moment she smirked, "Red, right? That's your favorite color."

"That is correct," Seven affirmed, warmed that Janeway remembered something she had told her such a long time ago. "However, I do not prefer to wear it…only to look at it. Blue is my color preference for items of apparel."

"Then blue it is," Janeway smiled, programming the replicator. Handing the soft, royal blue pair of pants and matching t-shirt to her friend, the captain asked, "I suppose you need underwear as well?"

"I do not wear 'underwear,'" Seven stated plainly.

"No?"

"No," Seven answered again. "My biosuits provide my body with all the support I require."

If Seven of Nine had been any other of Kathryn's friend, she was certain she would have made some kind of sarcastic comment about that, but all things considering, Janeway bit down on her quick tongue and said, "Well, if you start to feel…unsupported…just let me know and I'll take care of it, alright?"

"Very well."

Walking away, giving Seven her privacy, Janeway said, "I'll program our breakfasts while you change."

When Seven came out of the captain's bedroom in her new, comfy and fairly loose clothes, her hair now back in its typical tidy austere bun, she stopped in front of the glass dining table where two glasses of the thick nutritional supplement sat. Turning to look at Janeway, who was seated at her workstation reading the screen, she informed, "Captain, I do not wish to disturb you while you work...however, I do not require two nutritional supplements. One will suffice, I assure you."

Snapping to attention at the sound of her title rather than 'Kathryn,' which she was becoming fairly accustomed to, Janeway said, "Oh…no, the other one is mine…go head and start without me…I'll be right there." After she finished reading the short but informative Engineering report, she got up from her desk and took a seat at the table where Seven was still standing. When Seven finally sat down, but continued to stare at her, Janeway laughed and asked, "Seven, stop looking at me like I'm crazy."

"Why would you drink one of my nutritional supplements if you are not required to do so?"

Taking the glass of thick liquid, prepared to drink it and love it, something she was very well seasoned at being a captain and a diplomat who was constantly expose to strange and new cultures, she answered, "I told you…it doesn't seem fair to eat when you can't." Holding up the glass, she said, "Cheers," and took a hearty swig. Swallowing it down, surprised that it didn't taste like bile or vomit, she said, "Not bad."

Seven took a sip of hers as well, and then said, "It is efficient. Why is it unfair for you to eat when I cannot? You are not to blame for my implant's malfunctions."

"No, but I'm just trying to make you more comfortable," Janeway responded, sipping again. "Whenever I was ill when I was a girl, I always hated it when I had to eat soup when the my sister could eat anything she wanted. So, I'm just trying to save you that agony." When Seven still seemed stymied and displeased, Janeway laughed and said, "Okay…I promise to eat regular meals too…I'll just save the nutritional supplements for the morning, alright?"

"Acceptable. Thank you, Captain," Seven nodded, drinking up.

"Why are you calling me by my rank all of the sudden?" Janeway asked, curious.

"You are on duty, are you not?" Seven explained.

"Well…technically yes…but you're in my home, Seven," Janeway smiled. "You can call me Kathryn here."

Seven sat down her half full glass and asked seriously, "Explain when it is appropriate to address you by your given name, and when it is not? I feel as though do not understand and I do not wish to make you feel uncomfortable in front of the crew."

Warmed that Seven would be so thoughtful, Janeway sat back in her chair and explained, "Well, I would prefer that you address me as Captain whenever we're on duty and not alone, or if I'm giving you a direct order. But if it's just the two of us in my Ready Room or in Astrometrics…or wherever and we're alone, Kathryn is perfectly acceptable to me. And if we aren't on duty, you can call me Kathryn anytime, in front of anyone…it doesn't bother me. You're my friend, and my friends on Earth certainly don't go around calling me Captain. Is that specific enough?"

"Yes, Kathryn," Seven smiled slightly returning to her breakfast. After a few moments of silence, Seven asked, "Since the Doctor said that I must rest, I find that I am unsure as to what I will do today to pass the time. What do you suggest?"

"That's a good question," Janeway said, finishing her drink and going over to her desk to retrieve her coffee cup. "I was thinking the same thing earlier. I usually catch up on my reading whenever I have some spare time alone, but since you're such a quick study, I don't think that will work for very long." Drinking her coffee and pacing back and forth, Janeway finally had an idea. Slapping her comm-badge right away before thinking about what she was really doing or who she was hailing, she said, "Janeway to Paris."

"Go ahead, Captain," Tom Paris' voice came over her communicator.

The sound of her helmsman's voice bringing back many unfriendly memories, Janeway paused for a moment, sad. In a way, Janeway missed her pilot. Even though he sometimes made her life difficult, she had always been rather fond of him. His father was her mentor for so many years, and the two had fairly similar upbringings. During their journey in the Delta Quadrant they had shared some personal moments and more than a few good laughs. Tom was one of those kind of people who could find humor in almost any situation and Janeway had come to depend on his light heartedness more than she realized. He had so many up standing qualities…it really was a shame that he just couldn't seem to get his personal life together and stop making her have to referee. Her voice softer than she thought it would have been, hoping that would help bridge the gap between them and grant her request, she asked, "Mister Paris…sorry to bother you, I know you're busy, but I was wondering if you could part with your television for the week? I'm afraid Seven may start to go a little stir crazy if we can't find something to keep her occupied."

"Hold on a minute, Captain," Paris said, pausing the conversation. After a few beats he resumed, "Sure…I'll bring it over myself…just give me a few minutes to locate an antigravity cart."

"I don't want to trouble you, Tom," Janeway said quickly and sincerely. "I can just have someone from Maintenance get it."

Tom laughed once and said, "No offense, Captain…but there's no way I'm going to let anyone else move my TV…besides, B'Elanna and the Doc don't need my help yet."

Laughing once as well, knowing what a fiend Paris was for Twentieth Century memorabilia, she said, "Alright. Thank you. Janeway out." Turning to Seven, Janeway said to her before the young woman slammed her hand down on the table and began shouting, "Seven, I know that you are uncomfortable with Tom right now…but we all have to learn how to move past this."

Standing and talking their empty cups over to the replicator, Seven stated, "Do not worry, Kathryn. It is 'fine.' If B'Elanna Torres can function in his presence, then so can I. I will adapt."

Surprised that had gone so well, Janeway smiled and said, "Okay then…I'll stop worrying." Patting Seven on the shoulder once she had reached her, she remarked warmly, knowing the Borg wouldn't think she was being condescending because they both knew how unforgiving Seven could be, "You know, you never cease to surprise me."

Looking very confident and arrogant on purpose, something she did now with Kathryn and her other friends to show that she had a sense of humor, she said, "I am Borg. It is required from time to time that I compromise to maintain harmony."

Janeway smirked as she walked away toward her desk, "I'll remember that the next time I hear, 'This is unacceptable, Kathryn...'"

"This," Tom Paris began, handing the small silver box to Seven, "is the remote control. Just point it at the TV and press this button to change the channel. There's tons of stuff programmed to run simultaneously whenever you turn it on, so you should always be able to find something to watch. That button controls the volume." Then handing her a case full of data chips, he explained, "And this, Seven...is the jackpot. These chips contain every cult classic and B movie ever made. There are some other more well known movies too, but they aren't as good. The data port is on the back…just slip the chip in that you want to watch and turn it to channel three. There are also stop, play, fast forward, and rewind buttons on the remote. Any questions?"

"What is the purpose of this activity?" Seven asked staring at the remote control balanced in the palm of her hand, clueless and stymied.

"Entertainment," Tom answered, sitting down on the sofa next to her as the captain looked on from her desk. When Seven furrowed her brow as if she did not understand, he said to the ranking officer, "Captain…will it bother you if I turn this on?"

Waving her hand in his direction, Kathryn replied, "Not at all…don't pay any attention to me."

Smiling, he whispered, "Well, you don't hear that every day?"

Seven nodded, understanding what he meant and said, "That is correct."

"Okay, push the red button," Tom requested, sitting back for a moment.

Seven did as she was asked and stopped everything she was doing as the old-fashioned console television came to life. The picture was in grey scale and the images were not as sharp as she was used to viewing, but as she watched the individuals on the screen interact without paying her any attention, Seven began to see the appeal of this form of entertainment. It was purely observatory, not interactive as was the case for the holodeck. It reminded Seven of reading one of Kathryn's books; however, it was a different experience considering she was able to see what was happening and didn't have to picture the scene and the characters in her mind, something that was difficult for Seven to do. When one of the female characters on the show began crying loudly and obnoxiously, Seven turned to Paris, who was laughing, slapping his knee and asked, "Why do you find humor with that individual's misery?"

Snickering, Tom sat up and replied, "It's a comedy, Seven. Those aren't real people…they're actors. Their job was to play these characters. That's why she's crying like that…no one really cries like that…it's supposed to be funny."

"What is her designation?" asked Seven, turning back toward the television, curious now that she knew she wasn't watching someone actually in turmoil but rather a story, now making the connection again between the captain's books and this show.

"Her name on the show is Lucy Ricardo, but the actresses name was Lucille Ball. This show, I Love Lucy, was a classic…they played reruns of it on Earth for over a hundred years before this form of entertainment went the way of the dinosaur," Tom answered. When Lucy started running into the kitchen to put out a fire in the oven, Tom started laughing again and said, "God, this one is great…you've gotta watch it."

"Why is she attempting to extinguish the fire by assaulting it with a utensil?" asked the Borg, dumbfounded.

"Because she's a total screwball...it's not supposed to make sense…just make you laugh," he chuckled, patting her on the back. "Why don't you just watch it for a while…I think you'll start to understand. There's lots of other stuff to watch too, if you don't like comedies…but this one comes highly recommend."

When Seven barely acknowledged him and continued to stare at the screen completely engrossed, he got up and went over to the captain, his laughter immediately dying down. Clearing his throat, he said, "Captain, I better get back. Can I speak with you a moment outside?"

Looking up from her desk, she nodded, setting down her coffee and said, "Sure." Once they were outside and no one was within ear shot, she said, her voice business-like, but not unkind, "What's on your mind, Lieutenant?"

Tom sighed and then said, finding the courage to look her in the eye, "I wanted to say I'm sorry, Captain. And I'm not trying to get back on your good side or anything like that. I just wanted you to know that I regret not only the position I put you in, but the things that I said the other day. I know you're not to blame for whatever went wrong with me and B'Elanna." Very quiet, he admitted, "I acted like a complete jerk…you didn't deserve that."

"You won't get any argument from me," Janeway acknowledged, her face and voice unreadable.

Nodding in agreement, he sighed again and continued, "And...I know it is going to take a long time for you to trust me again…if you ever trust me again, and I can live with that. I just don't want you to think that I'm not grateful for the opportunities you've given me out here. Thank you isn't something that is easy for me to say…but in case I have to say it...thank you, Captain…and I apologize."

Janeway eyed Paris closely, not because she didn't believe him, or honestly feel for him, but just to make her point that they were to never have this conversation again. Just because she was sympathetic, didn't mean that she would ever tolerate such behavior for an officer. Then lifting her chin and inhaling deeply, she said, "Apology accepted, Lieutenant. Dismissed."

Paris bobbed his head once, saying, "Aye, Captain," then turned and headed for the turbolift.

Before Tom was out of sight, Janeway said, softening her tone, "And Tom…"

"Yea?" he asked, pivoting and facing her again.

"Thank you for letting us borrow your television…I'll take good care of it for you."

Smirking, Tom said, "Don't thank me yet, Captain…if Seven likes it as much as I think she will, you're going to have a heck of a time pulling her away."

"Kathryn!" Seven exclaimed, standing up as the captain came back into her quarters. "Come observe this woman…I believe," Seven paused, searching for the correct phrase, "I believe she is about to attempt to coerce her spouse to allow her to 'play' a role in his entertainment production by disguising herself as someone she is not."

Janeway smiled in amusement as Seven displayed enthusiasm she had never witnessed before. Trying to keep herself from laughing at the Borg, Janeway went over to the sofa and perched on the arm next to where Seven was now sitting, folding her hand over her mouth to keep her laughter in check. Then turning her attention to the television screen, she asked, "What's she doing now?"

"Lucy is attempting to conceal her true identity by disguising herself using the garments that the other individuals in Ricky's production utilize," Seven answered, not taking her eyes away from the screen for a moment. "Apparently, Ricky has poor visual acuity...her disguise is not particularly effective." As the two characters began to converse, Seven said, "His hearing must also be impaired considering her voice has not changed as well. I do not believe she will be successful in her attempts to gain a role in his production...what is your estimation?"

Becoming more and more intrigued by the show, mostly due to Seven's keen interest, Janeway took a seat on the other side of her housemate while she answered, watching closely, "I don't know…she doesn't look graceful enough to be a professional dancer." When Lucy started auditioning and making a complete fool out of herself, Janeway started to chuckle and when Lucy proceed to tear apart the entire stage with her antics, Janeway cackled heartily as Seven looked on in wonder.

Turning to Kathryn when the show ended and before another one began, Seven asked, "Was it the custom of humans to employ the services of mentally impaired individuals for entertainment purposes? She has a great deal of difficulty completing her objectives. She seems…unsettled."

Practically dying of laughter now, Janeway held the sides of her stomach trying to calm down and said, finally, "No, dear…I'm sure the woman who plays Lucy was perfectly stable…I think," wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes, "the whole point of this show is to detail her failures. I don't think anyone really acted like that…that's what makes it funny." When Seven continued to look at her, completely deadpan, Janeway chortled a few times as she asked, recovering completely from her laughing fit, "Don't you think she's funny?"

"I do not understand the dynamic of this 'show' as of yet. Once I do, I will inform you as to whether I find her humorous or not."

Kathryn patted Seven on the knee and said rising, going back over to her desk before she got wrapped up in another episode, "Alright…just don't take it too seriously…it's all make believe."

"I will comply," Seven announced, watching the television screen as another episode began.

The captain retrieved a glass of water for Seven and handed it to her, smiling crookedly in victory as the tall blonde sat perfectly erect on the couch and barely acknowledged Kathryn's gesture. Rather impressed with her idea of how to keep Seven entertained, now realizing that this form of observation could probably teach Seven a few things about humanity, Janeway sat back at her desk and went back to work.

In the next two hours, Janeway had read several reports and okayed Chakotay's duty roster for the week which had required a significant amount of wrangling, but as always, he had done a fine job. Also during that time, Seven had requested, or rather demanded, that Janeway stop what she was doing and come 'observe Lucy' for a few moments. Since nothing she was doing was the least bit critical, Janeway happily complied, and by lunch time, she was certain that she had laughed more that day than she had in the last month. Before she logged off for duty to have her lunch, Janeway programmed a reminder in her workstation to inform her one month before Seven's birthday that she should start saving up her replicator rations so she could replicate a television for Seven. She knew that meant cutting way back on her coffee and spending a lot more time in the Mess Hall eating with the rest of the crew, but as she took a moment to gaze upon Seven and watch the young woman stare at the contraption with the smallest sign of a smile on her face, Janeway knew it was well worth the sacrifice.

After ordering herself up a turkey sandwich and Seven's supplement, she took the food over to the couch and asked, "What have I missed?"

Accepting the glass, smiling when she noticed that Kathryn was not attempting to make her feel better by not eating solid food, Seven stated quickly before the action picked up, "Lucy is attempting to persuade her companion, Ethel Mertz, to join her in her ploy to coerce Ricky into purchasing new furniture for their dwelling. Apparently, Ricky does not find utilizing their allotted currency acceptable. Lucy says he is a 'tight-wad,' as is the case for Ethel's spouse, Fred.'"

While chewing on her sandwich, leaning back into the couch with her legs crossed, Janeway asked, "How does she plan to convince him?"

"She and Ethel plan to purchase the furniture by making a trade with their current furniture, and have it delivered to their dwelling before Ricky returns from his 'job.' She assumes that once he sees the new furniture and compares it to their previous items, he will see the appeal and pay the difference owed to the merchant."

"Sounds like trouble," Janeway smiled, looking at Seven and not bothering with the television.

"It does seem unwise considering Ricky's typical, volitile demeanor," Seven noted, also looking back at Kathryn momentarily. "She will undoubtedly be successful, however."

"How so?"

"These episodes employ a device known as a 'happy-ending,' as do your books," Seven explained, her attention centered on Kathryn now and not the television. "Lucy will not be happy until she gets new furniture and this 'show's' primary focus is Lucy's happiness."

"Sounds like you've got it all figured out," Janeway remarked, not at all surprised.

"The premise is simplistic, but the appeal to continue to watch is Lucy herself. Some of her behavior patterns are foreseeable...however, some of them are not," Seven explained and then took a sip of her nutritional supplement as Janeway bit into her sandwich. "She is a peculiar character, but I am enjoying observing her and I believe I am learning a great deal from doing so. She is not someone I would be adverse to becoming acquainted with even though she is devious and often tells half-truths and lies to promote her agenda."

Now completely shocked and intrigued, Janeway set her plate down on the cushion next to her and said, "Oh?"

"Even though she does these things, she is not untrustworthy. She is still kind to her peers, a loving spouse, and is nurturing to her child. Her imperfections do not deter from her ability to be a 'good person,'" Seven responded. "I have given this thought, Kathryn, and I believe I now understand the motivations behind Tom Paris' actions. I do not agree with them, nor do I appreciate that he deceived me...however I believe I now know how to function in his presence without growing uncomfortable or questioning his motives."

Shaking her head and chuckling, Janeway crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Leave it to you, Seven, to find a practical application in a four hundred year old sitcom." When Seven raised her eyebrow the way she did earlier, Janeway shook her long index finger at her and said, "Don't tell me…you're Borg…and I shouldn't be surprised?"

"That is correct," Seven nodded. Then shifting a little in her chair, she said frowning a bit, "I believe my skin irritation is worsening." Twitching again, she sighed, "The sensation is…unpleasant."

As Seven started to scratch her back, Janeway said, "Ah…don't scratch…that will just make it worse. Stay here…I'll go get the Doctor's ointment."

After fetching the small, cobalt blue jar, Janeway slid in behind Seven after she had instructed her to sit on the edge of the sofa. Pulling up on the back of Seven's shirt, the redhead asked, "Can you reach over your shoulder and hold up the edge of your shirt?" Once Seven complied, Janeway took a few minutes to examine the slightly red skin surrounding Seven's abdominal implant which looked very similar to a metal corset, but it allowed bands of impossibly white, scarred flesh to show between her ribs. The captain had seen the device before, immediately after the Doctor began removing most of the Borg's implants and body armor, a few days after Seven of Nine had been severed from the Collective, but she had never had a chance to see it in this detail. Even when Seven was parading around in only her swimsuit had Janeway not been able to see it unobstructed since she had purposefully replicated a suit that would cover much of Seven's implants, not because she thought they were ugly or distasteful, but because she knew that Seven was anxious about exposing her 'imperfections.'

"Am I damaged?" Seven asked, her voice pure but soft.

"There's a little redness around the edges…but it doesn't look too bad…just irritated," Janeway came back surely, hoping to ease Seven's fears. Looking down, seeing that the waistband of her trousers was covering the bottom of the implant, Janeway asked, "Does is hurt only at the top, or all around it?"

"The entire area…'itches'," Seven explained, shifting again, obviously in discomfort.

Realizing that this position wasn't going to work, Janeway said, pulling down Seven's shirt, "Then you're going to have to lie down. Let's go into the bedroom…I think you're too tall to stretch out on this couch comfortably." While they were walking toward the bedroom, Janeway brushed Seven's arms away from her back and said, "And don't scratch…trust me…you'll regret it."

"It is uncomfortable, Kathryn," Seven reminded, sternly.

"I know it is." Once they were in the bedroom, Janeway instructed, "Alright, take off her shirt and lie down on the bed…on your stomach." When Seven looked at her with a mixture of surprise and amusement, Janeway rolled her eyes again, turned Seven around so that she was facing her back and asked, pulling up on her shirt, "And since when did you become such a flirt…I thought those things were irrelevant to the Borg?"

Assisting Janeway, finally pulling the shirt over her head, Seven responded, still flirtatious, turning only her head and looking over her shoulder, "Do you not approve?"

"Well, it certainly adds a whole new spin to things," Janeway said, pursing her lips and trying to act like she was hardly phased in the least. "Now lie down."

"Yes, Captain," Seven continued teasing Janeway.

The captain couldn't help but take a quick peek at the sides of Seven's full breasts as she eased onto the bed since honestly, they were just screaming to be admired... as far as Janeway, and others, were concerned. Swallowing back her anxiety and eagerness, Janeway crawled onto the bed next to Seven, settling the balm down next to her and said as she slipped her hands carefully under the waist band of Seven's pants, "I'm just going to pull these down enough so I can see the bottom of your implant…sorry if it hurts."

Even though Seven's entire back felt like one large welt, the sensation of the captain's hands on her body made the entire experience worth the discomfort. Since that was the case, she responded, honestly, "It is an acceptable risk."

Not certain what the meant, but deciding to go with the non-sexual version, the captain said as she rolled the pants down enough so she could see the edge of the device that ended just above Seven's buttocks, "This part looks better." Once that was complete, she crossed her legs underneath her, and unscrewed the jar of ointment. Starting with just a small amount, she lightly applied it to the top area of Seven's irritation.

Jumping at the touch, Seven said, "It is cold!"

"Is this hurting you?"

"No," the half-naked blonde answered. "It feels…'good.' I believe this will help."

Now that she knew the lotion wouldn't hurt or worsen Seven's condition, Janeway took a larger amount out and began rubbing the whole area lightly with both hands, making sure she didn't miss one millimeter of Seven's skin. While she was doing this, she pretended not to notice two very important things: one, Seven was breathing rather deeply, whether it be due to her discomfort or the feeling of the her hands on her, Kathryn wasn't sure, and two, that she herself was starting to feel slightly aroused by touching Seven's bare body in this manner. These weren't the circumstances Janeway ever imagined her first contact with Seven's naked body would be, and she certainly wasn't grateful that Seven was in pain, but she was taking a small amount of pleasure in helping to ease Seven's suffering since she had always been a firm believer in making the best out of a bad situation. As the theme song to I Love Lucy played in the background, part of the captain laughed at herself for taking such a long time to see this woman for what she really was, and not for the woman-child, mostly child, the captain thought her to be.

"Uh," Seven winced, closing her eyes and her lips firmly. When the sensation became too much, she pushed herself up, not caring anymore that she was revealing herself to Kathryn and clutched at her left side, a few centimeters below her breast. "It hurts, Kathryn," Seven explained immediately, keeping her eyes closed tight.

The pain in Seven's voice and on her face threw Kathryn into protective mode as fast as a warp core breach. Sliding off the bed and kneeling in front of Seven, who was seating on the edge, she ordered, pulling Seven's hand away, "Let me see." When Seven's hand came away to reveal and fissure in the inflamed skin and a bit of blood, Janeway got to her feet and hurried into the bathroom. Wetting a washcloth, she brought it back into the bedroom and said, putting the cloth on the wound, "Here…lie back." When Seven did and her face started to slowly relax, Janeway asked, sliding in next to her and putting her free hand on Seven's forehead, "Is that helping any?"

"It is better," Seven nodded, taking a deep breath. "That was…unpleasant."

Janeway pulled the wash cloth away to examine the tear in her flesh. It was big enough to cause her some concern, so she said, "I think we should call the Doctor and get him to have a look at this."

"No," Seven replied, putting her hand on Janeway's and pulling the cloth back over the wound for a minute, "it is not necessary."

"Seven, I'm worried that it will become infected…that's all you need right now," Janeway responded.

"My nanoprobes will seal the wound within the hour. It will be 'fine'…I assure you," said the Borg.

After a beat of contemplation, Kathryn agreed. "Alright, but if it doesn't get better soon, I'm calling the Doctor…understood?"

"Yes, Captain," Seven nodded. Pulling the washcloth away, Seven asked, "Will you apply the lotion to my torso now? It is becoming unbearable."

"Sure," Janeway nodded, grabbing the container and doing as she was asked. Once they had both grown silent again, Janeway wondered why she was doing this and not Seven. The blonde was perfectly capable for performing this task on the front of her body herself, but when Seven started to wince again, she realized that sometimes it was easier to have someone else perform an unpleasant task than to do it yourself. Even though she was still in her protective mode, the captain couldn't help but feel now that for certain her relationship with Seven was never going to be anything like it used to be. Too many things had happened for there to not be significant changes. "For Christ sake…I'm rubbing her stomach while she lies on my bed half naked." It was a lot for Kathryn to take in, but while she lightened her touches some as she reached a rather red area of Seven's skin surrounding one of the bands that cut through her ribs, she decided that it was an 'acceptable risk.' She knew that even if nothing more ever came of their relationship, this comfort and closeness that they shared was something that both of them desperately needed, and since they truly did enjoy each other's company, the captain couldn't find a reason to not put her fears aside, try her best to just go with the flow and not worry about every little thing, as she assumed she did far too often.

"You are avoiding my wound…it is not necessary. This area requires that product," Seven said, looking over at Kathryn.

"I'm afraid it's going to hurt you," Janeway answered, looking down at her sincerely.

"It is an acceptable risk," Seven reassured and then closed her eyes, obviously readying herself for the pain that would arrive.

Sighing at Seven's words since she had just been thinking about risks herself, Janeway said, "Alright…just don't knock me across the room if it hurts too much, okay?" When Seven smirked and understood her meaning, Janeway eased into the intensely red area around her cut using a small amount of lotion, hoping that would soften the area until her nanoprobes could work their magic and close the fissure, at which point she could apply more without worrying. Her touch as soft as a feather, Janeway grazed over the wound carefully. When Seven winced and grabbed onto the side of her bed, Janeway instinctively bowed her head and began to blow cool air over the surface, as her mother had done to her many years ago after she scrapped her knee or elbow while playing outside, and as B'Elanna had done just the other day when tending to her nasty scrape.

Opening her eyes, Seven looked down and asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm blowing on it…doesn't that help?"

"No," Seven answered honestly. "Why would you think to 'blow' on my damaged tissue?"

Chuckling, then moving her head away as she realized she was practically right on top of Seven's breast, she explained, "Well, my mother used to do that whenever my sister and I scraped ourselves while playing…it always seemed to help me."

As Kathryn continued to rub in the lotion, now almost complete with her task, Seven asked, "Why did she not use a dermal regenerator?"

"I grew up in a Traditionalist community remember? We used more natural ways of healing minor injuries like cuts and scrapes. Only if it was serious did we turn to technology."

Furrowing her brow, Seven stated, "You could have been permanently damaged."

Smirking, finishing her task, Janeway said, "It was an acceptable risk." Then looking down at Seven's cut before she retrieved her shirt, she smiled some when there was a distinct difference in the size of it, "Looks like the beauty bugs are out in full force today. A couple of more minutes and you won't even know you were hurt."

"Beauty bugs?" queried Seven, amused.

Poking Seven in the arm instead of in the stomach since that area was irritated, Janeway laughed, "Yes, beauty bugs…has a better ring to it and nanoprobes…don't you think?"

"I do not believe the Borg would concur…but I find it pleasing," Seven stated as Janeway chuckled. Then turning a little more serious, Seven said, "Kathryn, thank you for not making me feel uncomfortable. I realize that this situation could be considered 'awkward,' but I do not feel that way." The Borg decided to not include that fact that if she were standing naked in front of anyone else she wouldn't bat an eyelash because she feared that knowledge would make Kathryn uncomfortable.

Laying down next to Seven, Janeway touched her face and said, "You don't ever have to feel uncomfortable around me. I'm your friend and I'll always be here to help you and answer any questions you may have regardless of the circumstances. If there's one thing you've ever taught me…it's that sometimes," she smirked, "you just have to let go of some ideas and approach situations from a new perspective."

Seven's eyes grew wider as she asked, unbelieving and needing clarification, "I have…taught you that?"

Smiling warmly, Janeway rubbed Seven's cheek with her thumb and said, "Yes you have, Seven of Nine…as well as many other things." Then she leaned in and kissed Seven sweetly on the forehead as she asked, "Did the Doctor's lotion help?"

"Yes," Seven answered while Janeway pulled away. "However, I will continue to lie here for a few more moments before I attempt to move. Do you have to return to your duties?"

Motioning with her head toward her communicator, Janeway said, catching the silent request, "If someone needs me…they know where to find me." Then slipping her arm underneath Seven's neck, she scooted in close, pressed her lips to her temple once more, finishing, "We can stay here as long as you need."

"I believe I am fond of non-kisses," Seven smirked, closing her eyes. "Do not feel obligated to refrain from giving them on my behalf."

For the next half hour, Kathryn gave Seven a handful more of non-kisses while they both listened to the sounds of yet another episode of I Love Lucy. Seven gave the captain a running commentary on what was occurring since Janeway could not make out the dialogue and together they would chuckle slightly as their bond deepened still.

For the rest of the captain's 'duty shift,' she spent her time between her computer and the couch where Seven continued to view Paris' television. The blonde had finally grown tired of I Love Lucy and decided to observe the happenings on the other stations. Janeway had been treated to a mixture of nature shows, dramatic stories, and a few other situational comedies, most of which did not hold their curiosity as long as Lucy's escapades did. But Seven, never one to give up easily, kept switching the channel after she deemed a particular show unsatisfactory until she happened upon a show that seemed to catch both of their interests immediately.

Due to the small amount of time the captain had spent in the late Twentieth Century due to the Captain Braxton's time ship, she recognized the era almost instantly. When a petite, redheaded woman came into the scene, Janeway put her hand on Seven's arm, informing her that she wished to watch for a moment. Seven did not object in the least because she was immediately intrigued by the woman. She was undeniably beautiful and looked to be rather fragile, but as she continued about her task, walking with confidence and wielding her weapon without fear, Seven was impressed. When the woman kicked in the door to a dwelling she was observing closely, yelling, "FBI…stop what you're doing and put your hands in the air!" Seven smirked and turned to Janeway remarking, "She is impressive. She is outmatched by those three males yet she does not seem fearful."

"Worthy of assimilation?" Janeway asked, coy.

Seven turned her attention back to the woman as she began rounding up the individulals, while she answered, "That is correct, but I would not wish to see that occur. Her appeal would be greatly lessened as a Borg."

Nodding, understanding perfectly since the captain thought she was rather cute, Janeway said, "It would be a shame, wouldn't it?" finding it hillarious that she and Seven were obvioiusly watching the show because of the beautiful woman, and knew it. Before Janeway could further delve into Seven's observations of the character, the door call sounded. Pushing up from the couch, Janeway walked toward the door and said once she was close, "Come in." When the doors parted to reveal B'Elanna Torres, Janeway smiled and asked automatically since the chief looked rather tired, "Lieutenant…can I help you with something?"

Stepping into the captain's cabin so the doors could close, knowing she didn't need to be invited in, Torres answered, "No, Captain…is this a bad time?"

Since Janeway was slightly to Torres' side, she said when she noticed that B'Elanna was holding a small bundle of flowers behind her back, "Not at all, Lanna…make yourself at home." Then turning, she went over to her workstation and decided to busy herself and try to remain invisible since she had a feeling those flowers were not for her. As she sat down and watched Torres start toward Seven out of the corner of her eye, a warm knot formed in the captain's stomach, and the feeling surprised her. It wasn't jealousy. It wasn't envy. It was caused by joy and excitement. No matter what she felt for Seven or for B'Elanna, she knew very well that there were other feelings that couldn't be dismissed. It was clear that Torres was fond of Seven and by the twinkle in the Borg's eye as she stood and greeted the Klingon, Janeway knew that Seven was definitely taken with the sexy brunette. Seven rarely greeted anyone with more than a bob of her head and a crisp tone…and she certainly didn't smile as she was doing now. It was slight, showing no teeth, but it was a smile.

Janeway found it funny that for some reason she couldn't be happier for the two women considering how she felt about them. Maybe she had never been in the position of wanting two different people so strongly at the same time, but whatever it was, the captain was certainly glad she wasn't jealous because she knew that would only make this complicated situation worse. Janeway still wasn't certain what she was going to do about it, but she knew that sometime after Seven's surgery, she was going to have to have a talk with Torres and find out just what exactly her feelings were for Seven. Even though Kathryn knew that if she found out that the chief was exactly taken with Seven as she was, it would probably tear her heart out, she also assumed that she would take a step back and bow out. She knew anyone on this ship that would ever possibly become involved with her would have a great difficulty understanding that her responsibilities to her crew had to come first and since she cared for each of these woman so, she couldn't allow herself to risk their happiness just for her own satisfaction. No, she would just have to adapt and take what pleasure she could in knowing that she had helped these two come together. That was assuming that they would, but as Torres produced the flowers for Seven and smiled shyly, the captain was fairly certain they wouldn't have much trouble finding love.

Accepting the flowers, Seven smirked and said, "Thank you, B'Elanna Torres. I would embrace you for this offering if the skin around my implant had not become inflamed."

Laughing, Torres said, squeezing Seven's shoulder, "So much for Borg efficiency, dollface…you know, you could just say, 'I'd hug you but it hurts.'"

Seven raised her eyebrow and stated, "The Borg are not in the habit of sacrificing precision for efficiency. That would deter from their objective to reach perfection."

"One of these days, Seven," Torres threatened, producing a fist, of course not at all serious which she knew Seven understood perfectly. Then relaxing, she asked, "So, how are you feeling anyway? You look alright to me?"

As Seven examined the three white daisies, she answered, "I continue to function under acceptable perameters. Other than my skin irritation, I have not experienced any side effects from my lack of regeneration as of yet." Glancing over at Janeway, who was pretending to pay them no attention whatsoever, Seven said clearly, knowing Janeway would hear her, "Kathryn is taking excellent care of me, and continues to make me feel comfortable despite the unfortunate circumstances." When the captain acknowledged her praise with a small upturn of her mouth, but insisted on maintaining her focus on her task, Seven turned to Torres, eyed her carefully and asked, "How are you functioning? You look weary."

Rubbing the back of her neck, Torres replied, "I'm fine…just tired from programming the holodeck all day long." Since her reason for stopping by was to pay attention to Seven, Torres turned to the television she had replicated Paris last year and remarked, "Well, I'm glad this thing is being put to good use for once. I guess you lucked out that I never had a chance to blow it out of the airlock like I had planned?"

Curious, Seven asked, "Why would you wish to destroy this device?"

"It's a long story," B'Elanna muttered, not wanting to get into it knowing such a discussion would ruin the evening. Looking at the television, she said, "Hey, I know this show." Taking a seat, leaving a space next to her for Seven to sit as well, she asked, "Were you watching it…or just flipping?"

After she sat down and placed the flowers on the arm of the couch, Seven stated, "Kathryn and I were watching it for a brief moment before you arrived. You enjoy this 'show?'"

"Yea, it's great…it's kind of freaky, but I like it," Torres answered.

"What is this 'show's' designation?"

"The X-Files," informed the Klingon. "Tom and I used to watch this one a lot...I guess it had a pretty big following for years, even after it stopped being made."

When the same attractive character appeared on the screen, now dressed in a pair of medial scrubs and began dissecting a corpse as a tall male conversed with her, Seven asked, "And her designation?"

"That's Special Agent Dana Scully…but everyone just calls her Scully," Torres responded. Then smiling crookedly, showing her just slightly shaper than normal, for a human, teeth, she included, "Scully's my favorite…she's kind of a whippersnapper, but in a cool chick way."

Seven was familiar with the term 'whippersnapper' since Torres had used it to describe the captain in the recent past, so she merely nodded and said, "I concur. Her partner, Mulder, does not seem as astute. I find his theories illogical."

B'Elanna leaned into Seven's body slightly and explained, watching the duo examine the body on the steel gurney, "Oh, Mulder's okay. He's pretty funny…but Scully is the one who keeps them out of hot water with the Feds. It's kind of hard to understand what the point of this show is, but I think a big part of it is getting Scully to let go of some of her scientific beliefs and just trust Mulder. He has a knack for understanding fu...crazy things."

Putting her arm around B'Elanna, the blonde said, "I am pleased that you have stopped by to visit and explain this show to me, B'Elanna Torres. Will you stay for the remainder of this particular episode?"

"Sure, dollface…I'm done for the day," Torres said, settling into the embrace. Then realizing she was pressing against Seven's implant, she asked, "This isn't hurting you is it?"

"Not at the moment…but I will inform you if it becomes unpleasant," Seven answered.

Janeway didn't want to interrupt Seven and Torres' privacy, but not only did she have absolutely nothing else to do now that she had read Chakotay's report, but she knew it was time for Seven to consume her supplement. Logging off her workstation for the night, she queried, taking a sip for her semi-cold coffee, turning toward the two seated on the couch, "You girls hungry?"

"Starved!" Torres answered enthusiastically looking up from the television. When Janeway started for the replicator, she asked, "Want some help?"

"Oh, I can manage, but thank you," Janeway came back. Returning to the couch with Seven's meal in a cup and a chicken sandwich for Torres, she handed the contents of her hands to the women and started for her bedroom.

Before the captain could get away, Seven asked, "Kathryn, you are not going to consume a nutritional supplement this evening?"

Once out of the bathroom where her boots had been still, Janeway said, "I'm not hungry right now." Then putting on her tunic, she said, "B'Elanna, would you make certain Seven drinks a full glass of water after that please?"

"Okay," Torres nodded then asked, worried that she and Seven were making Janeway uncomfortable, "Where are you going?"

"I think I'll make one of my famous impromptu inspections of Engineering," she answered smiling crookedly, knowing B'Elanna would understand the hidden meaning. "You'll stay until I get back?"

"Only if you promise to come watch television with us when you're done giving my staff a heart attack," Torres came back, smiling devilishly.

Walking away, feeling extraordinarily cocky, Janeway purposefully brushed off her bottom as if there was dust or something on it, saying, "I think that can be arranged."

Laughing out loud, vociferously, Torres said to herself, shaking her head, "She's never going to let me live that down."

Curious as to what was transpiring, Seven asked after she sipped her drink, "Explain."

Realizing that she hadn't shared the contents of her logs with Seven and not really wanting to do so since it was a fairly personal bit of information she shared with Kathryn alone, Torres said, "Red's just being Red, dollface." When Seven didn't seem to understand, she turned to her and said, "It's not that I don't want you to know…but it's kind of a private joke. Is that okay with you that I want to keep it that way?"

Finally understanding, Seven grinned, pleased, and said, "That is acceptable. I have private moments with Kathryn and with you that I do not share as well. I find that those moments are important to each of my relationships with you. I only 'hope' that one day we will all be able to have private moments with each other that we do not wish to share with our other friends."

"Me too," Torres nodded, taking a bite of her sandwich. Not really interested in the television show anymore, Torres asked, "I got your letter this morning. Has spending the day with her given you any ideas about our plan?"

Seven finished her drink in one final gulp and then said, getting up from the couch and going to get herself a glass of water, not wanting Torres to have to do so, "Today has been enlightening. Kathryn has been a great deal more affectionate than she typically is. I realize that some of this is due to my malfunctions, but I do not believe that is her only motivation. Do you require liquid refreshment?"

"I'll have a beer, babe," Torres said, munching on her sandwich.

Returning to the sofa, drinks in hand, Seven said, "Your beer, 'babe.'" When Torres laughed, Seven smirked and sat down. "I have given our situation a great deal of thought this afternoon, and I believe we should proceed on our current course."

"What course is that?" Torres asked, sipping her beer. "I have to admit, that I'm not really sure what it is that I'm supposed to be doing."

"I believe that we should continue to approach Kathryn on three fronts. You should continue to pursue her as you have been doing. I do not know how successful you have been, but since you just shared a private 'joke,' I would estimate that she is not adverse the idea. I will do the same. This will undoubtedly be difficult for her to negotiate considering I do not believe it has occurred to her that both of us are a possibility. Finally, we should continue to express our affection for each other in her presence and try to include her as often as possible. This will most likely assist her in adapting to the idea of a trinity."

"So, basically, you want me to have my cake and eat it too," Torres smirked, definitely likely that idea.

"That is correct."

"What if she approaches me and tells me that she's thought about it, and she thinks that we should just be friends?" Torres asked, knowing that was a possibility. "Or even worse, and probably much more likely, she tries to bow out of the whole thing and push us together?"

"If those events happen, then we will have to recalculate," Seven answered surely. "However, as I stated, I am sensing many changes in Kathryn's attitude. She has been considerably affectionate."

Torres rubbed Seven's thigh while she said, "I'm glad, Seven…I really am." Then looking down, her voice softening as her fears came to the surface, she admitted, "But I'm afraid the more she opens herself up to you, the more she will pull away from me. Don't get me wrong…it's not that I'm jealous…I just wish I knew if she really…if she's really interested in me, or is just attracted to me. I know she loves you…but I don't know if she loves…or can love me."

Seven set her cup down, lifted Torres chin and said, "I understand your concerns, but you must not let her do this. You must make yourself present and show her the side of you that you show me. If you do that, I am certain she will not be able to resist. You are too unique…too special…too beautiful. Kathryn is an intelligent woman capable of a great many tasks, but she is not entirely capable of resisting when her heart is speaking to her. The key to unlocking Kathryn is through her heart. You must find a way to do this."

Torres brushed her lips across Seven's chin, while she said, "But what if I can't...what if I fuck it all up?"

"I have faith in you, B'Elanna Torres. You must trust me. Show Kathryn that you not only desire her, but that you love her as I do," Seven informed, quiet. "Kathryn desires to be loved. She is respected, feared, admired, desired, and liked…these things I believe she knows. What she does not know, and what causes her pain is that she believes that she is not loved, and that is something an individual with her burden requires to sustain herself. Show her that you love her, as will I."

Kissing Seven sweetly, smiling, Torres asked, "How did you get so damned smart?"

Seven kissed B'Elanna back softly, knowing they couldn't deepen the kisses as they had in Torres' quarters on several occasions since they had no idea when Kathryn would return. "I am Borg."

"Kathryn…wait up!" Chakotay hollered from down the corridor as Janeway stepped into the lift, preparing to return to her quarters.

Turning around, remaining in the sensor grid so that the lift's doors would stay open, she smiled as Chakotay ran down the corridor unceremoniously, always finding his lumbering style of running hillarious. Once he was within normal speaking distance, she asked, "What are you doing on Deck Twelve…something going on?"

Breezing past her an stepping into the carriage, he said, "Just taking a walk…where's Seven?"

Janeway stepped into the lift as well so the doors could close as she responded, "She's still in my cabin watching television. B'Elanna came by to visit, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to have a little personal time. Are you going back to your room?"

"Yea," he nodded.

"Deck Three," the captain requested since their quarters were next to each other.

"Television, huh?" he snickered. "How's she doing?"

Janeway leaned against the back wall, crossing her arms over her chest and smiling fondly, not able to help herself, her Astrometrics officer had always been one of her favorite subjects since they were introduced, "She's fine. She's taking all of this better than I'm sure I would. I don't think I'll ever be able to understand how she does it…but I'm glad she's not letting the situation get her down."

Chakotay put his hand on the wall near the captain's head and leaned in toward her, flirting a little, but knowing she enjoyed it and that they both knew it was just harmless fun. There had always been a small attraction between them, some days more than others, it just depended on how frisky each of them were feeling. At first it had been a little awkward and difficult to get used to considering they both were attracted to each other and they both knew it, but after a few strange months, they had eased into their silent understanding that it could never go anywhere because that would just make their already tough jobs that much harder. So now, they just flirted with each other, sometimes subtly and sometimes blatantly, and all it did was to make them feel better about their lives and give them something to smile about.

"Computer halt turbolift," Chakotay requested. When Janeway shot him a lop-sided grin, he smiled and said, "Sometimes this is all the privacy I can ever get with you."

"Ah," she nodded.

Easing up a little on the flirting and softening his features, he asked, "How are you taking all of this?"

Janeway closed her eyes for just a moment, sighed, then looked down, "I'm trying to be positive…but it's hard. In the back of my mind I know that in a couple of days she's probably going to be a lot worse off…and a couple of days after that…she'll be under 'the knife.'" Looking up at him, she said, "I hate knowing that there's nothing I can do to stop it."

"I know you do," he responded, not surprised that she was taking on the burden of this. He also guessed, but would never admit that part of her was feeling responsible for Seven's illness. He could hear her saying the if she hadn't severed her from the Collective, then she wouldn't have to be going through this, but since she hadn't spoken that, he wasn't going to bring it up, even if he knew she was thinking it. That was just her way. Kathryn Janeway was the woman with the weight of the galaxy on her shoulders, and she was the only person he knew that had big enough shoulders, and a big enough heart to carry the load without becoming unbearable or crazy. "Well, like I said, if there's anything I can do…just let me know…" smiling again, he said, "and, if you need any more private time this week, she can always come over to my quarters for a while." Before Kathryn could say anything, he felt the need to add, "Although, I doubt she'll like that idea...but the offer's open."

"Thank you, Chakotay…but I'll be fine."

"I'm sure you will," he responded, not surprised. "Computer resume." Still hovering over her, he asked, smiling again, "So…how's B'Elanna?"

"She's fine," Janeway responded, plainly, not wanting to get into another conversation about her feelings for the engineer, especially since she recognized the look on his face and the suggestive tone of his voice. "She's worried about Seven, though…they've become quite close in the last few weeks."

"So I've heard," he came back. "It looks to me like you've all become pretty chummy."

Thankfully for Kathryn the turbolift was fast and they were at their deck. Ducking under Chakotay's arm, avoiding his implications that there was more going on than there was between all of them, something the captain hadn't even thought about, really, and certainly something she wasn't prepared to discuss with anyone, she asked, "You're not jealous are you?"

Chuckling and following her, he answered, "Nope…although, don't hog any more of the ship's available women…for my sake, alright?"

Janeway rolled her eyes as they approached his door and said, continuing on her way, "That, my friend, doesn't even deserve a response..."

"Just call it like I see it," he said, still standing near his door, taking advantage of every opportunity he had to bring some normalcy into their lives and tease his friend. After she turned her head and stuck her tongue out at him, he laughed and said, "Have a good night."

Shaking her head, Janeway walked into her quarters looking down at the ground, hoping that if anything was occurring between Seven and Torres that they would have enough time to stop before she looked up. The room was quiet, and dark except for the soft sounds and the illumination of the television. Raising her head, she stopped in her tracks and smiled when she saw that Seven had fallen asleep and was resting her head on the arm of the couch. Torres was sitting right next to her, but was wide awake sipping a beer. Once she knew that she wasn't intruding, even though these were her quarters, she unzipped her tunic and tossed it over the edge of the other chair, whispering, "How long has she been sleeping?"

"About a half hour," Torres answered back, equally quiet. She set her beer on top of the television and stood up slowly, saying, "Let's go into the other room so we don't bother her." When Janeway didn't hesitate, Torres followed right behind her, making sure to admire the view the whole way. It wasn't often that she was allowed to see the captain without her tunic, but she was always grateful for those moments because as the redhead walked in front of her, the Klingon thought that she had never seen a Starfleet uniform look better on anyone, ever. It almost seemed that the trim uniform was made to be worn specifically by Kathryn Janeway. Once they were in the bedroom and around the corner so their voices wouldn't carry, Torres asked, still soft, "How are the repairs coming?"

Janeway leaned against the wall of her bedroom just to the side of B'Elanna, folding her arms over her chest and answered, "They're coming alone fine. Your staff's doing a fine job…you'd be proud of them."

"I'll be proud of them when they're done and the thrusters are working," Torres informed, seriously. "Until then…I'll continue to worry."

Janeway laughed softly once, understanding the attitude completely while she asked, "Okay...so, how about you...how's your work coming?"

"Good…good," Torres muttered, rubbing her ridged forehead, trying her best to keep any of her anxiety over Seven's procedure far from showing. "It was long day, but we got the simulation completely programmed. Tomorrow we have to figure out how to bypass her digestive system for the procedure. Once that's done, then we have to build the machine to do it…and once that's done, then we can actually start practicing for the big day."

A look of worry gracing her lips, the ranking officer asked, "You have to build the equipment to use in the operation?"

"Don't worry…we'll figure it out," Torres responded, moving closer to the captain, now directly in front of her. "The Doctor and Tom might be irritating to work with all day long, but they know their stuff…and I know a thing or two about building things. It'll all work out…I don't have any doubts." When Janeway nodded and sighed, Torres smiled softly, pracing herself against the wall with one hand, while she snatched up one of Kathryn's hands and pulled her arms from across her chest as she stepped up, now very close to her captain, "I don't wanna talk about that anymore, though." Whispering, she added while she held Kathryn's smaller, softer hand in hers gently, shaking it and smiling her crazy grin, "And don't try to trick me into talking about me either...I'm onto you captain types..."

Allowing B'Elanna to continue to hold her hand, hoping the stimulation would help activate her brain and assist her with figuring out just what the hell she was doing these days, certain she'd never acted like this before in her life, Kathryn asked, her voice almost impossibly quiet, "Then what do you want to talk about?"

"I was hoping," B'Elanna said, seductively, letting go of the captain's palm and putting both of her hands on her, moving them to her neck and massaging it slowly, "I could bother you for a little while before I have to leave."

Not at all surprised by the Klingon's confidence and forwardness since B'Elanna Torres never struck her as the type of lover that sat back and waited for things to happen, and in all of her fantasies about the younger brunette, Torres had always acted similiar to how she was currently, Janeway put her hands on Torres' strong, upper arms, not pushing her away but doing her best to keep some distance between them while her brain spun and continued to work out the problem. Whispering, Janeway said, "I see...well, I'm not sure that's such a good idea," but her voice wasn't nearly as convincing as she hoped it would have been. But then again...what did she really want? Right now, Kathryn honestly couldn't say for certain.

Torres had expected that answer, but instead of backing down, she turned up her attempts by running her hands down the captain's chest, moving them to the side just before she touched her breasts full on, but making sure to come into contact with the outside of her bosom. Stopping at her waist, she brought her hands up again and stopped just below the captain's small, firm breasts, keeping her hands in contact with her torso, and showing her that all Janeway had to do was say the word, and she would back away or move her hands up to a more intimate caress. When Kathryn swallowed, Torres leaned in close and whispered, "Am I bothering you yet?"

"Oh, I think you definitely are, Miss Torres," Kathryn allowed, her voice still continuing to entice rather than deflect. When B'Elanna rubbed her thumbs across the tight material of her undershirt, then growled in the back of her throat, softly, as she leaned in closer, grinning the whole time, the good captain had to bite her bottom lip to keep her desire in check. Certain now of one thing, and that was that she definitely was enjoying Torres' company, even if she believed she was being a selfish wretch, Kathryn looked down at the hybrid's body and said, honestly and rather humble as she ran her own hands down to the chief's bare forearms and caressed the firm, tanned flesh with her fingertips, "Thank you for coming tonight." Clearing her throat quickly, she added, "I know you came to see Seven, but I'm glad to be reaping some of the benefits...again."

Torres moved her hands away from the captain's torso and onto her hips, then to the small her her back and said as she eased Janeway away from the wall a tad and finally pulled her into her chest, holding her firmly, "Don't fool yourself, cowgirl...I meant what I said in the Conference Room...and unless I missed it," looking around the immediate area, "I don't see a stick with my name on it lying around." When Kathryn chuckled and rolled her eyes at that, then let her head come back center, Torres pulled her closer and whispered as she rested her forehead again Janeway's, still not attempting to kiss her even though their lips were practically touching and she could tell that the captain was expecting B'Elanna to do so, "I missed you, Red."

Smiling, having a terrible time resisting Torres' charm, Janeway brought her hand up to the chief's cheek and eased her away just enough so she could look at her whole face as she asked, "How could you possibly miss me when you've been to your ridges in programming all day?"

The younger brunette grabbed Janeway's hand, only needing one to hold her firmly and kissed her knuckles saying, "Easy…I can miss you even when we're in the same room. I said I missed you, Red…not Janeway. She would have just drove me crazy with her hovering."

Chuckling, not taking offense in the least since she was familiar with engineers like B'Elanna who tended to get edgy when someone was looking over her shoulder, Janeway said, "You're probably right…she does tend to ask a lot of questions sometimes."

Torres released Janeway's hand and let it fall upon her upper chest as she pressed forward, seductively, and said, very quiet, "Sometimes is an understatement, Kathryn... but I don't want to talk about her either."

"Alright," Janeway came back, allowing the erotic contact, reveling in the feel of another body pressing into hers and being held closely and with complete confidence, "then what do you want to talk about?"

Snarling low and wanton again, Torres remarked, "Who says I want to talk?" while moving her head to Janeway's ear and speaking into to it.

That, both the word choice and the execution causing Janeway to inhale audibly through her nose as her senses where completely inflamed, she wrapped her arms around B'Elanna's waist, deciding she definitely wanted to continue on this present course. "Mmm…but I'm enjoying your conversation skills so much," she informed lightly and playful. When Torres chuckled once, then pressed her nose to her neck and inhaled, informing Kathryn how good she smelled before she started nuzzling her neck with her lips and cheek, Janeway whispered into B'Elanna's ear, "Lanna…" but that was all she could get out before the Klingon increased her strength of her embrace and rattled low in her throat again, speaking something in Klingon that Janeway didn't quite catch.

When Janeway let out a soft, high-pitched sound as she licked the captain's earlobe before she nibbled on it kindly, B'Elanna heard Janeway swallow as the redhead gripped her tighter, so she asked as she pulled Janeway away from the wall enough to dip her back some so she could have full access to her throat, which she began kissing softly, "Mmm...what were you going to say?"

When Torres' kisses moved to her cheek, Janeway bowed her head, their faces now even and requested, feeling that she should ask and not just jump forward as she would typically do with a potential lover, "Lanna…please...kiss me."

"I can't do that," Torres answered, still impossibly close to Janeway's quivering lips.

Stunned, all things considering, Janeway whispered, "What...why?"

Seriously as she brought her hand up the captain's face, she explained, "Because if I kiss your mouth again…I'll lose control, Kathryn. If I kiss you like we kissed before, I'll want to kiss your throat some more…and then I'll want to kiss your arms and your chest…and then your breasts." When Janeway whimpered, she continued her explanation, reaching down and pulling one of Kathryn's legs up around her lower hip, pressing forward slightly, now agains the wall again, "And if I kiss you there…I'll want to kiss your stomach…and then I'll have to kiss your legs...and especially your thighs… right on the inside of them." Pressing into Janeway's center directly now, she said, "And then I won't be able to stop for anything, Red. I'll have to kiss you where my hip is right now." As she felt Kathryn's chest expand at that while the captain held her breath, Torres added, "And if I kiss you there…it will be all over for me. I'll fall so hard you'll have to pick me up off the floor. So, I can't kiss you…if I do…I'll never want to stop." Moving her head back to Janeway's ear, she said very quietly but honestly, "If you just want me to fuck you, Kathryn…I'll do it because I want you...but if that's all you want, don't ask me to kiss you like before."

B'Elanna's words cutting her deeper than a knife and making her realize what a terrible world of denile she'd been existing in, Janeway eased away from the embrace, breathing deeply, and fairly ragged as she allowed, sounding utterly dismayed, "Lanna…" Then before she said anything else, she thought for a minute about how she was going to work this whole thing out logistically since Seven was right in the next room. She had to have some privacy with B'Elanna tonight…it just needed to be done, she was finally certain of that now. There was nothing left to discuss, other than to clear up this mess, in her mind now. She'd known Torres for over seven years...they'd been to hell and back and yelled at each other about various disagreements more times than Kathryn could count, and they were both adults that knew their own minds very well, not to mention that the longer this went on, the harder it was on all of them. Janeway wasn't certain what was going to happen, but she was damned certain the time had come for her to stop pretending and making excuses, and to face this head on...as a person, not a captain.

Honestly, she felt Voyager owed her one night of reprieve.

Turning toward the chief, she asked, sounding harsher than she intended, but never able to help herself once she was in her current, determined mindset, "We can't do this here right now…can you go to your quarters and wait for me?"

Crushed, but accepting it since she was the one who had told Kathryn that if she was just looking for a good time, Torres would certainly be willing to give her one, B'Elanna nodded, not showing her disappointment, saying, "Don't be long," as she started toward the door.

Once B'Elanna had left, Janeway took a few deep breaths and then went into the other room to wake Seven. Rubbing her arm gently, Janeway said, "Seven…Seven…darling, wake up"

"Kathryn…was I asleep?" Seven asked coming to, groggy.

"Yes, Seven…I need you wake up for me and go into the other room now."

As Seven stood up and walked, sleepy, into the bedroom, the captain helped her keep her balance since she seemed uneasy. Then pulling back the covers for her and tucking her in, Janeway perched on the side of the bed and brushed her forehead saying, "Seven…I need to go talk to B'Elanna right now…in her quarters. If you don't want to be alone, then I can have Chakotay come by. Do you want me to go get him?"

"That is not necessary. I am capable of tending to my own needs at this time," Seven said as her eyes started to grow distant again.

"Alright…I might be gone for a while. If you need anything…anything at all, I want you to contact me…understood?"

"Yes, Captain," Seven said, her head lulling to one side as she began to fall sleep.

Smiling sweetly, Janeway leaned down and kissed Seven's cheek saying, "Sweet dreams, Seven." Then grabbing her tunic before she went out, she turned off the television, smoothed her hair back and marched out of her quarters, determination in her powerful step, as she made her decision and prepared herself not to look back or second guess herself...at least until tomorrow.

"Come in," Torres said as she stood from where she was sitting on the edge of her bed. When Kathryn appeared in the doorway and immediately came into her room, her face completely unreadable, Torres swallowed, not really sure what to expect since not only was Kathryn Janeway, or Mrs. Starfleet Academy as Torres used to secretly call her, unlike anyone, male or female, she'd ever been with there were two other things about this situation that made it especially difficult for the Klingon. On one hand, she was so completely hot and bothered by the compact redhead that she thought that if she didn't touch her soon she was going to explode from hormonal overload, but on the other hand, she truly didn't want just sex from Janeway. There was so much more that she felt for her because of all they'd been through… there was so much more she wanted to express, but regardless of what Seven of Nine thought, it was very possible that Janeway was just interested in a roll in the hay and nothing more. After all, B'Elanna might be working as a Starfleet officer in the Delta Quadrant, but the cold, hard truth was that seven years ago, Janeway was sent on a mission to hunt her down and bring her in for her crimes; there was really no getting away from it: B'Elanna was a criminal...a hundred or more times over. She could understand how Kathryn could still be attracted to her since she knew first hand how her rebellious streak tended to excite less 'wild' specimens, but it certainly had never helped her in the love department. The only person that had never seemed to care about that was Paris, a criminal himself, but unfortunately, despite what they had in common, they never were very good together...especially when the engineer was busy fighting her attraction for a Starfleet captain while Paris was off playing in the holodeck.

As Torres watched Janeway approach her and start to take off her tunic, she exhaled and decided that she would just be thankful for this one opportunity, certain Kathryn wouldn't come to her again anytime soon, live with disappointment that she knew she couldn't hold against Janeway considering both of their situations, and tell Seven that she had changed her mind and couldn't be involved. Even though she knew it was going to take her a long time before she could be anywhere near those two once she said that, she couldn't let Seven's happiness be sacrificed just because Janeway was randy and not looking for love…at least not in B'Elanna.

Janeway quickly took off her tunic, remembering to remove her communicator. Handing it to Torres, she asked, although it sounded much more like an order, "Will you put this by the bed, please?" Torres did as she was asked, and while Kathryn was kicking off her shoes, she also requested as the brunette started to approach her, "Please…just stand there, alright?"

"Sure," Torres said, not protesting, although curious, but figuring that for Janeway to keep any emotion out of this, she had to be in control. Instead she just stood deathly still and watched as Janeway began to disrobe.

Turning to face B'Elanna, locking directly at her with steely grey eyes, Janeway pulled her shirt over her head and threw it on the floor. Without blinking, she unzipped her pants and pushed them down. Finally kicking them off, she took one step forward, still pinning Torres with her gaze, telling her to not move an inch silently. Once she was a little closer, Janeway removed her grey undershirt, exposing her chest, but still she didn't bat an eye...although, B'Elanna swallowed, then looked around and finally sat on the bed since she felt rather silly just standing there.

Now only wearing her underwear, Janeway took another step forward, and came within one more footstep of Torres as the brunette sat on the edge of her bed. Slipping her fingers under the low rising briefs, Janeway pushed them down and kicked them off as well. With her body in all its glory, fully exposed to B'Elanna Torres, the captain was about to move when the chief had had enough of this still business and reached out for her, grabbing her hand and pulling her forward. But Kathryn wasn't ready for that yet, so while she allowed B'Elanna to touch her hand, she dropped to her knees, saying, "B'Elanna Torres, when I met you seven years ago, I thought you would be the first person to attempt to kill me, and I lost more sleep over worrying about how I was going to deal with you than I care to say. I guess it's only right that now…after all of this time...and all that's changed since then, that I'm asking you...to be the first person on this ship to make love to me."

"What?" Torres gasped quietly, disbelief clear in her voice.

Janeway stood again in front of B'Elanna and informed as she pulled the brunette to her feet, "Lanna, I want you to kiss me like you did before...and I don't want you to stop because I didn't want you to stop then."

If Torres had had a cigarette handy, she'd have put it out in the palm of her hand just to test if she was dreaming again...since honestly, she'd had more than her fair share of fantasies about this moment...although, they'd never gone like this before...not even close, except for the part about the redhead being undressed first, but that had always been B'Elanna's doing, not the good captain's.

"Kathryn," B'Elanna began to cry as grew so confused she felt dizzy, "I can't believe…"

The older woman stepped up close to Torres and whispered as she slipped her arms around the brunette's torso, "Please…Lanna…kiss me again. Kiss me like you mean it."

"Will you kiss me back?" Torres asked, hovering close to her lips again, but not touching Janeway anywhere else yet except for where the captain was embracing her.

Pressing her head to Torres' ear, she whispered, seductively, "Oh yes, darling…yes, I will." Janeway let her lips fall onto Torres' neck as she continued, "I'm sorry you thought that I only wanted your body." Back at Torres' ear, nibbling on the lobe, she finished with confidence, showing B'Elanna that between them, when they were alone, she didn't want there to be any pretense, "Don't get me wrong…I do want you to fuck me, but that's not what I want tonight. I need to be close with you now...like we were when you kissed me. I want you with me, B'Elanna...I want all of you."

Her legs now wobbly as Janeway used her vocal talents to drive Torres to the point of no return, Torres grabbed onto Kathryn and growled, turning her head so she could make contact with Janeway's lips, "God…yessssss." Then clutching Janeway's head and pulling it toward hers, she finally kissed Janeway on the mouth in a manner she had wanted to do again for what seemed like an eternity since they had kissed last; although, those circumstances had kept them from completely submitting to it, so this kiss was not tentative at all because there was nothing left to hide...except for the Seven factor, but honestly, she wasn't on either of their minds currently since this was just between them.

This kiss was strong, sure and insanely passionate; there were lips, tongues, teeth, and deep, carnal moans. And Janeway was at Torres' clothing with reckless abandon. Her jacket was off within seconds, and as Torres was kicking off her boots, Janeway was pulling down her pants and underwear with her hands and then finally her feet, not willing to break the oral contact unless it was absolutely necessary. When she felt the captain's long graceful fingers underneath her shirt and bra and rasping against her nipples, Torres pulled away, her body inflamed and her chest heaving with wanton desire. Ripping the shirt off over her head and sending it flying across the room where she could retrieve it at a later date, Torres pulled the captain into her body again and kissed her more.

The feeling of flesh on flesh, a sensation Janeway hadn't experience in so long she had forgotten how amazing it was, caused her to shudder as the first inklings of her impending climax already began. "Bed," she managed between kisses and when Torres started sucking on her bottom lip.

Even though the younger brunette was essentially the same height as Kathryn, she was a great deal more solid due to her mother's Klingon heritage, and since Janeway was a slight woman for her height, Torres was easily able to cup the captain by her bottom and lift her off the ground.

Wrapping her legs around Torres readily and holding on even though it seemed Torres could probably pick up two of her, she cooed, moving back to the younger, stronger woman's ear, "Mmm…more hidden talents."

Torres turned around, then eased them down onto the bed, putting the captain on her back. Surging up some so she could drag her upper thigh against Janeway's center and feel her wetness, which was more than adequate, B'Elanna smiled, "It comes in handy."

Janeway immediately pressed into the firm muscle teasing her, both of them silently understanding that tonight, this time, they needed to simply be together and not worry about anything else, including prolonging their desire anymore. As she did that, she brought her hands up to Torres' full breasts and said, "Mmmhmm..well I liked it very much." Pulling Torres up and over her more so she could kiss her wonderfully firm swells, Janeway hissed, just before she took the nipple into her mouth, "You're strength is so sexy, Lanna..."

Throwing her head back as Janeway devoured her bosom using her mouth, her tongue and her teeth and the perfect amount of pressure at the moment, Torres asked, "It doesn't scare you?"

The captain didn't move from her position, enjoying having Torres' chest directly above her head, but she did ease up on her ministrations just a bit so she could talk. "No...not at all." Moving to the other breast, squeezing it firmly with her hand and lapping at the soft, rounded flesh, Janeway continued, "Don't ever be afraid to be yourself with me, Lanna. I know you would never hurt me." Biting the nipple, hoping her lover enjoyed that as much as she did, Janeway said, "Besides…I'm stronger than I look."

"Kahless…yessss!" Torres growled, arching into the older woman. "YES, I love that."

Reaching around and grabbing onto the chief's firm and perfectly rounded bottom, Kathryn requested, "Tell me what else you like?"

B'Elanna moved down so that she was nestled in between Kathryn's legs again, and said, grinning, "As long as you do it, Red…I don't think I could possibly not like it." When Janeway started massaging her cheeks, Torres moaned, kissing Janeway again, "But that…mmm…that is definitely nice." Rising up just a little, starting to press her hips into the juncture of Kathryn's legs rhymically, she smiled and said, "I want you first...and this is my bed...so tell me what you want me to do to you."

Her breathing starting to become more labored and ragged, Janeway said, "Put your hands on me, Lanna."

Torres kissed Janeway passionately one more time before she sat up and raked her eyes over Kathryn's body that was right in front of her. With both hands placed on the captain's shoulders, she let them trail down until they were on her breasts. When Janeway smiled wickedly and arched up just a little, Torres cupped them firmly. Then bending down she paid Janeway the same favor she had paid her with her mouth while she kept the other one happy with her hand.

"Mmm…yes…that's good," Janeway urged, bringing her arm up and running her fingers through Torres' thick, brown hair. "God, I forgot how much I love that…hmm…don't stop."

Switching sides, Torres requested, her voice low and raspy, "Just don't stop talking...I love your voice."

Janeway laughed deep in her throat, pouring on her most seductive tones, "It won't be a problem…I've never been one to be quiet in the bedroom." When the younger woman snarled at that revelation, moved down just a little and wrapped her arm around Janeway's left leg, her hand running over the smooth surface and her fingers moving with each stoke toward her inner thigh, Janeway pressed up with her hips and said, "Yes, Lanna…that's what I want."

Torres smiled and eased back on top of Janeway, but moved over to the side some and asked, "You want my fingers right now?"

"Mmm…yes…definitely your fingers," Janeway purred, biting her bottom lip as she felt Torres' hand on the soft, delicate skin of her inner thigh. When Torres finally touched her, just barely grazing a few digits across her outer folds that where incredibly wet, Janeway sobbed, "Ohgod…please…touch me."

Before she did, Torres kissed Janeway firmly for a few moments, keeping her fully serviced from head to toe, and asked, "I will…but tell me how you want me. Do you want me inside?"

Squeezing B'Elanna's bottom with one hand, urging her forward in response, Kathryn begged, "Mmmhmmplease...inside."

Torres traced her finger around the captain's intimate opening, spreading the copious moisture all around the area and making sure her fingers were well lubricated. Using two fingers, she pressed them inside, slowly. And with just the tips of them penetrating, she explained, "I'm gonna be careful…so if you want more…you have to tell me." As she eased her fingers inside and the redhead grabbed onto her tight as she moaned deeply, the sound alone making Torres' whole body shudder in ecstasy, she whispered, leaning down into Kathryn's ear, "You're so beautiful, Kathryn."

For a few moments Torres stayed perfectly still as Janeway breathed deeply and relaxed around her fingers. It was obvious to the engineer that the captain had been without this form of pleasure for far too long. Kissing Janeway's neck and cheek and then finally her lips, she asked, "Are you okay?"

Opening her eyes and smiling, Janeway said, "Mmmhuh…it's just been a long…long time since anyone has touched me like this." Then lifting her head and kissing her back, returning the moment to its previous intensity, she said, "You feel so good inside of me. I need you to stroke me…please…make love to me now. You're not hurting me."

Torres was hesitant at first since the captain's inner muscles were still tightly gripping her fingers, but as she slowly started moving them, Janeway's body responded accordingly and began to relax enough to allow her to use a little more force. She increased her motion again as the older woman's hips began to move in opposite rhythm, pressing into her hand as she was pressing into her, and Torres watched in wonder as the question she had pondered for so many months was answered:

What did Kathryn Janeway look like enraptured?

Janeway could hardly believe this was happening, but she certainly was in no condition to stop it, not that she wanted to, and as Torres' stroke grew more insistent and powerful, Janeway's body responded, letting her know that the point of no return had long since passed and she had just better hang on and enjoy the ride. When Torres hovered above her face and looked at her like she had never seen anyone ever look at her, the captain lost all the control she had left and was completely caught up in the moment. She didn't care about her ship, her crew, nothing mattered as Torres' brown eyes locked onto hers while her hand did the most amazing things to her.

Clasping onto Torres' face while she was being loved, Janeway whispered, "Yes, Lanna…ohgodthat'ssogood...mmmlanna...pleasedon'tstop..."

"Jesus, woman," Torres snarled wantonly and in utter fascination and astonishment, her own body starting to writhe and ache just by watching Kathryn's pleasure unfold. As Janeway's moans grew louder and turned into needful cries, Torres' shortened and quickened her stroke accordingly, knowing the captain was close to release.

"Yes…ohyes…yes…mmmore, darling...ohgod…ohgod, yes…right there, Lanna…thatssogood!" Janeway moaned and yelled and slurred, now pulling Torres on top of her as much as could and gasping into her neck, her mouth open and her eyes closed.

"Yes...do it, cowgirl...come for me," Torres growled, moving her body against the captain's in rhythm with her hand.

Janeway threw on arm over her head and pressed it against the headboard so she could drive her somewhat bucking hips against Torres' hand as she felt the building and her center start to overwhelm her. When B'Elanna continued to urge her on, Janeway pressed her head as far back into the pillow as she could as her muscles started to contract, crying loudly, "Yes! Yes, B'Elanna! Yes…ohgod!" And just when her body let loose and she felt what seemed like every nerve in her body catch fire and then extinguish themselves all at once, she pulled Torres' mouth to hers to stifle her thought-to-be screams before they carried into the corridor or the surrounding cabins...if they hadn't already.

Catching Janeway's cries in her mouth and holding her tight as her body spasmed and jerked helplessly and furiously beneath hers for several beats, Torres slowly stilled her own body until they were resting together quietly and breathing heavily. Using extra caution, Torres withdrew her hand from between Kathryn's legs and rested it softly on her torso while she kissed Janeway's face and told her over and over again how extraordinary she was. It took the older woman a few minutes to gather up the demolished contents of her brain that had been completely turned to mush, but once she did, all she could do was smile and kiss Torres back sweetly, reaffirming that she didn't regret what they had just done. When Torres started kissing her back more insistently, Janeway brought up her thigh and settled it firmly between Torres' hips.

As her younger lover began sliding her pelvis against the captain's lithe and thinly muscled thigh, snarling in the back of her throat, a noise Kathryn thought was the most acutely sexual sound she had ever heard, Janeway smiled and said, her voiced laced with pure eroticism, "Mmm...my turn..."

After using the sheet to wipe her face, and crawling up from in between her engineer's legs with the cockiest look that have ever graced her classic features, Janeway settled onto B'Elanna Torres and stroked her face as the brown-eyed female recovered from the captain's loving assault. Once Torres opened her eyes, Janeway rested her head on her elbow, her body half way on top of the darker Klingon's, saying, "I think that was definitely heard all the way down on Deck Fourteen," while she absently traced her index finger around Torres' torso, focusing on her muscled abdomen.

B'Elanna turned on her side slightly, wrapped her arm around Kathryn's trim waist and laughed, knowing the captain was probably right, "Hey…it's your fault…you should have warned me."

After kissing Torres again, Janeway said, "Hmm…then I would have ruined the experiment…and that's not something a good scientist would ever do willingly."

Rolling Janeway over and settling on top of her, Torres smiled, "Red…you really are screwed up."

Wiggling and pulling the chief closer to her, she responded, nipping her chin, "Well, I am now."

"Hey, good one," Torres laughed. Kissing her a few times, keeping them short and happy, she asked, "I need some water…do you want anything?"

"Coffee please," Janeway said after she rolled off of her. Propping herself up on her side and enjoying the view of the finely tuned body of her engineer, she said, "Lanna…you really are a sight to be seen. I'm not sure I've ever told you this...in fact, I'm positive I haven't... but I think you're the sexiest woman I know."

Grabbing a water for herself and a coffee for Janeway, B'Elanna came back over to the bed and sat down, looking down at the redhead while she asked, "I don't think so, Red. That would definitely be your title…and what about Seven anyway? If there was a beauty contest on this ship, she'd have to win hands down."

Janeway chuckled once and said, "Oh, you won't get an argument out of me about Seven. She's built like a Greek goddess…but I'm not talking about that. Seven's beauty is different. Yours is," she thought about her words as she sipped her coffee, "yours is more earthy…heady…it's sexier. I've always thought so."

Torres nabbed Janeway's coffee and took a sip before she said, "Thanks, Red, but I still think you're sexier than all of us combined." When Janeway grabbed her coffee back, snorted and rolled her eyes, Torres put one hand on her thigh and said, "I mean it. You've got it all…you can be cute, beautiful, seductive, and down right gorgeous. I remember a long time ago...we were all in the Mess Hall because we had some group of people aboard…don't ask me to remember their names…I can't." When Kathryn snickered, Torres laughed freely at herself since she didn't pretend to be a diplomat, and went on, "Anyway, you were wearing that tailored, cream suit and your hair was long and when you walked in, there was this pain in my chest…you were so beautiful, Kathryn...I mean really stunning...so much, it hurt to look at you. No one has ever affected me like that…no one has ever even come close."

"Stop trying to make me cry," Janeway schooled, sitting up and kissing Torres on the cheek. "And thank you…I don't know what to say but that." Laughing, Janeway said, "God…you know, she's right...Seven."

"About what?" Torres asked, sipping her water.

"Yesterday we had a pretty good fight about how stubborn I am about accepting compliments…or rather, believing them. I think she'd be pleased to know that I didn't try to argue with you," Janeway explained. Then as she thought about Seven longer, she set her coffee down and requested, "Lanna, will you lie down here with me for a while? There's something I need to talk to you about."

B'Elanna was well aware that this conversation was coming, in fact, she had tried to hurry it along by mentioning Seven's name right away. So, she nodded her head, set her glass down and crawled into the bed with Janeway, pulling the covers that were endlessly piled at the bottom of her bed, since she never made it, up over them, hoping that would help them speak their minds easier.

Once they were comfortable, Torres said, "Before you say anything, I want you to know that no matter what, I don't have any regrets. If this is the only time we ever have together like this, then I don't want it to be full of apologies or bullshit."

Cuddling up with her new lover, Janeway said, "I don't regret it either, darling…I never will."

"But…"

"But," Janeway sighed, "there are some things that I still have to figure out." Pushing up so she could look at Torres, she said, "Some things that I think we have to figure out."

"You mean about our tall, blonde Borg?"

"Yes," Janeway said, softly. "I…" she started then faltered. Then sighing, knowing she couldn't deny it anymore, not to herself or to anyone else, she continued, "I love her."

Smiling, Torres said, brushing Janeway's hair from her cheek, "So, tell me something I don't know."

"You know?" asked the captain, her voice but a whisper in the sticky air of Torres' fairly small cabin.

"I've known for a long time," Torres explained, urging Kathryn to lay down with her again so she could comfort her. "Red…I don't know how to explain this right…but what you and Seven have, the way you two communicate and care for each other…and protect one another is the most amazing thing I think I've ever seen. Sometimes I think I could watch you two love each other for hours without getting tired. You have this way of talking without speaking…you stand close, you touch, you stare and smile…and it's so completely obvious that you two love each other…all someone has to do is care enough to pay attention."

"Lanna…I've haven't told Seven that I love her. The words have been on the tip of my tongue so many times…but I just can't seem to do it," Janeway sighed. "And she certainly hasn't ever expressed that to me."

"You don't really think she doesn't...do you?"

"If you would have asked me that two days ago I would have said I wasn't certain, but after spending this amount of time with her…and arguing with her…and waking up with her, I think she probably does…or at least she's definitely interested in the possibility," the captain said. Pushing up again, needing to see Torres' face, she asked directly, "What I need to know…is how do you feel about her?"

"First things, first," Torres responded. "What I need to know before I answer that question is…is this just a sexual thing? I know you told me that it wasn't by coming here tonight and asking me to kiss you…but I need to know. I don't expect you to tell me you love me…no bullshit, Kathryn…just if there is more here than sexual desire?"

"Lanna…that's why we're having this discussion," she smiled, "because I can't walk away from you...and I don't want to." Sitting up fully, bringing her legs to her chest, she said, "And I can't tell you how terrible I feel about it…but I can't help it. You're both so different to me. Black and white…you're fire and she's ice…and I'm stuck in the middle feeling like I'm drowning in the water. I know this isn't fair to you, but I can't lie to you." Sighing heavily and burying her head in her knees, she said, "I don't know what to do about it."

Sitting up as well and wrapping her arms around Janeway's hunched shoulders that were beginning to shudder, B'Elanna said, "Well, I certainly don't want you to cry about it."

Janeway raised her head and said, wiping her eyes, "How can you not be upset about this? This is terrible…I feel like I'm on the verge of bliss but there's this great canyon in the ground keeping me from making it to the other side. God," she said, irritated and angered, burying her head, "this is so like me. I can't even get this right!"

Suddenly there was a whole new side of her captain that was being exposed to B'Elanna…and side that she had no idea existed. Torres had just assumed that since she seemed so confident all the time, that she never really doubted herself…at least not to this degree. Rubbing her shoulders, Torres decided it was time to blow the lid off the whole thing before Janeway withdrew from them both. Taking a deep breath and just hoping that Seven would forgive her, Torres said, "Hey, Kathryn…Kathryn, listen to me. I need you to listen to me. There's something you don't know…and I think it's about time you did." When Janeway lifted her head and looked at her with the most helpless look she had ever seen on anyone's face, Torres smiled and asked, "Have you ever heard the term 'have your cake and eat it too.'"

Her face turning harder, Janeway said, taking with her hands, "Yes…and I won't do that. I won't do that to you or Seven. What kind of person would I be to carry on two different relationships at the same time? I can't do it…it's not in me."

"I'm not talking about that," Torres explained. Titling her head so she could look at Janeway's face, she said, "What if I told you that we could all be happy…by all being together…at the same time." When all of the color drained from Kathryn's cheeks, Torres said, "I know what you're thinking…believe me. I totally freaked out when Seven approached me with the idea, but…"

"Just wait!" Janeway jumped in. "Seven…Seven of Nine approached you with this idea…this idea of some kind of…threesome?"

"I know…who knew?" Torres laughed, looking away shyly. "But yea…it was her idea…and Red, I have to tell ya…I agree with her. It's the only way any of us is going to be happy at all. She won't choose between us, you're obviously conflicted…and well," she laughed, "and well…I'm crazy about her. I can't believe I'm saying this considering how I treated her when she first joined us, but I can't turn my back on her any easier than I could turn my back on you."

"Ohgod," Janeway said, hopping up and looking around for her underwear. Putting them on quickly while searching for her shirt, she said, "I can't believe this. You've actually talked about his with her?"

"You're leaving," Torres stated, not asking, the hurt plain in her voice.

Throwing on her grey shirt, not bothering with the undershirt, Janeway said, "No…I just think better with clothes on." Grabbing her coffee and beginning to pace around, she said, "Lanna…this is…"

"Crazy," Torres finished, sighing.

"Yes!" Janeway agreed, throwing her free hand in the air. "Plus…it will never…"

"Work."

"Yes…and stop finishing my sentences for me, dammit!"

"I'm just trying to tell you what I reacted the same way," Torres came back, but not getting angry. If this wasn't such a serious matter she was certain she would be laughing since the idea of her captain pacing around in her quarters in her skivvies was quite humorous.

Janeway rubbed her head and said, "Lanna…you can't really be serious about this?" Sitting back down on the bed, feeling light headed, she said, "God…I can't even imagine. No wait…yes I can. Hello, I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway. This is Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres my Chief of Engineering and my lover…and this is Seven of Nine, my cybernetic Astrometrics officer and my other lover. I'm pleased to meet you. Jesus Christ, B'Elanna!"

Laughing now, not able to help herself, Torres laid down and said, "Shit…can you imagine if that really happened…the look on that poor bastard's face."

"You think this is funny?" Janeway schooled, not at all amused.

"Of course it's funny…but that doesn't mean it isn't happening," Torres came back, still chuckling. "I'm sorry you're finding out about this now, but I just didn't want you to turn your back and walk away. Seven and I wanted to approach you much later…well after her surgery, but I couldn't wait. I had to tell you...and hopefully she'll understand."

Running her fingers through her hair, she turned to Torres and said seriously, "You know I can't do this. It's hard enough for me to imagine carrying on a full-time relationship with one member of my crew…but two…two. There's too much of a risk for it going wrong…and then what? One person's left out in the cold…or everyone is and we all hate each other. I can't afford that. I need the both of you way too much to risk losing both of you."

Deciding to give up on the light-hearted approach and throw everything she could think of right back at the older woman, Torres crawled out of the bed and put on her underwear, saying, "Just stop right there, Kathryn. First, let's say that suddenly we all get home tomorrow. Then what happens, huh? And let's just forget about me for a minute and pretend Starfleet's going to feel generous and pardon my ass. You know I don't like giving people bad news, but you'll be lucky if they don't throw the book and the desk at you. Then what are we supposed to do…visit you from your jail cell as you lose practically everything you know and care about? Or…or let's say that we don't get home…ever! Let's face it…that's a pretty big possibility with half of this quadrant just itching to put your head on their mantle. How many more close calls is it going to take before you realize that all of us could die at any time?"

Janeway stood up and said, angered, "So, just because we live a dangerous life I'm supposed to be irresponsible with the welfare of my crew, and the people I care about most just because I can't make a choice?"

"No, goddamit!" Torres huffed. "I'm just asking what's wrong with being happy? What's wrong making a life out here…out here on this ship? What's wrong with that? It's been our home for seven years…how long is it going to take before you realize that you deserve to be just as happy as everyone else?"

"That's where you're wrong," Janeway rallied. "I'm the reason you're stuck out here, remember? Remember how much you hated me for that? I can't let myself rest for a moment until I get every single member of this crew back. What am I supposed to tell my crew, huh? Oh, I'm sorry that you're lonely…or that you miss your sister and don't even know who is taking care of her, Lieutenant so and so, but I'm happy…I've got two beautiful women sleeping in my bed."

"I'm not asking you to rest, Kathryn," Torres said back. "I'm just asking you to stop killing yourself over this. Yes, I hated you for what you did…but I don't anymore, and neither does anyone else. Look what I've had out here….for Kahless sakes, you probably saved the lives of everyone on this ship by blowing up the fucking array." When Janeway looked at her confused, Torres said, "Think about it. What if you had used the Caretaker to take us back…certainly people would have died in the trip back, possibly even yourself. But that didn't happen, and we're still alive. I'm Maquis remember. I would have been thrown in jail and then I would have been slaughtered like all of my friends by the Cardassians and the Dominion. Then there's all the Starfleet on this ship…look how many people died during that war. The Doctor…what about him? He would have been discontinued and be scrubbing out some ventilation shaft. He wouldn't be considered a person like he is on this ship…he's just be a tool that we use to do our bidding. And what about Seven, huh? She'd still be a Borg. She'd either still be unable to think for herself…or she'd be dead…killed by species 8472 or some other race. So, would you please stop beating yourself up over this already. No one on this ship hasn't been positively impacted by this experience in some way…and no one blames you. I think you're the only one left!" When Janeway just stood where she was and looked down and the floor, Torres went up to her, placed her hands on her shoulders before pulling her close and said, "Kathryn, I'm not asking you to give up on going home. I know you want to go home…no matter what is waiting for you, and I promise to do everything I can to help you no matter what is waiting for me either. I'm just asking you not to turn your back on me and Seven because you think that makes you a bad captain. If you can look me in the eye and tell me that you don't want to even try because you, as a woman, aren't interested in this kind of relationship, then I'll back out now and never mention it again, but don't say no just because you feel like you can't be happy while you're swashbuckling."

Holding onto Torres tight, Janeway whispered, "I don't…I don't know how to be happy anymore. And I'm scared to death to lose you both…it always seems to happen to me. Once I love someone…they're gone…and I'm left to my misery. It just seems futile to even try anymore."

"I know…but it's not," Torres said, kissing her cheek. "And I'm scared too, but I'm not about to let that stop me from loving you…or Seven. What else do we have left to do but just try to be happy? And I am happy here with you, Red. Being with you tonight…I…I can't even tell you how amazing you are to me." Kissing Janeway on the mouth she said, "You're like this beacon in my soul. No matter what is happening…no matter how terrible things get…you're there in the darkness with me. We can't do this without you, Kathryn. This might be Seven's idea, but without you to center us, we're just a couple of blind fools fumbling around. And I don't want to do this without you…and neither does Seven. She and I both would rather just forget the whole thing than try to go on without you between us. She loves you too much…and I," Torres said, pressing her forehead to Janeway's, "I don't think I know enough words in any language to tell you how much I love you. I know this is a lot to take in, but I do love you KJ…like I've never loved anyone...ever."

Bowing her head for a second and then looking up at Torres with tears in her eyes, Janeway whispered, "My mother is going to have at least three heart attacks when she finds out."

Torres threw her arms around Janeway, picked her up and spun her around a few times hollowing in victory. Then setting her down and kissing her again, she said, smiling brightly, "Your mother? HA! What do you think my mother will say when I introduce my fully human girlfriend, who just happens to be Starfleet captain…and then my other ex-Borg girlfriend." Pulling away, she looked seriously at Kathryn, saying, "Did I ever mention that my mother is a Klingon...and lives in the Empire?"

Laughing once, Janeway said, "One or twice." Then laughing again, she said, "Ohgod…Chakotay's never going to let me live this down…ever."

Wiping the tears off of Janeway's face, she said, "Well, if he becomes too much…we'll just sick Seven on him. She might be the prettiest thing this side of the galactic core, but she can still scare the shit out of anyone when she wants to." Then turning a little more serious, for real, this time, Torres said, "I know this is going to take some getting used to…for me too...but I know we can make it. If there's one thing we're good at, it's finding our way through uncharted territory."

"No, I don't suppose it will be," Janeway said. "Once Seven's surgery is over and she's recovered, we're going to have to all sit down and talk about this. I'm still the captain of this ship…and that means there are things that I have to put first…no matter what."

"Cowgirl…in case you didn't know, we're kind of used to you," Torres smiled, kissing her quick, "but you're right, we do have to talk. And I want you to know that on my honor, I will not use this to gain any kind of special privileges. If anything, I'm sure you'll probably be tougher on me, and I accept that."

"I'm not worried about that. I know you're not the type…I'm more worried for you…and for Seven. Once this gets out…there could be some repercussions. It could make your job more difficult."

Laughing once, Torres said, "Kathryn…you put a short-tempered, Maquis in the position as your chief engineer. They've had seven years to get used to taking orders from me…this won't be a problem. Half of them think I've been sleeping with you from the beginning anyway, and that's why I got the job." Throwing her head back and laughing loud, somewhat sardonically, she said, "And as far as Seven goes…well, everyone already knows you'd do anything for her…so that's not going to change a thing. If there were any two people on this ship you could have picked to be involved with that would cause the least amount of waves, it's us."

"I guess you've got a point," Janeway smiled, still hugging Torres. Then pulling away, she said, "Thank you for the most wonderful evening I've ever had aboard this ship, but I'm afraid I have to get back. I shouldn't have left Seven alone for as long as I have."

Helping Janeway find her clothes, Torres asked, "So, are you going to tell her…or am I?…or are we both?"

As Janeway put on her pants, she said, "If you don't mind…I'd like to do the honors. There are some things that I need to work out with her privately. Is that okay?"

"Yep," Torres said, handing the captain her communicator. "One thing Seven has taught me about all of this is that even though we want to all be together, we each have to have our personal moments. Are you going to wait until after her surgery?"

Finishing dressing and placing her communicator on her tunic, Janeway said softly, "No…no, I don't want to wait. I want her to know how I feel before…"

"Hey," Torres said coming up to her quickly, "there will be none of that, Red. Seven's going to be fine."

"I believe you…I do," Janeway acknowledged, "but I still want to tell her…maybe it will help keep her fighting that much harder. I want her to be happy…more than anything, I want her to be happy."

"I know you do," Torres smiled. "That's why she is…now get outta here before I rip your clothes off again." Kissing Janeway good night, she said, "Give Seven a kiss for me…I'll try to stop by tomorrow night, but it could be a long day."

"I will…goodnight, Lanna…thank you again...for everything."

"Red," Torres grinned, "would you get the hell outta here already? I've got a bad reputation to maintain..."

Stopping in the seem of the doorway, Kathryn looked around to make certain no one could hear or see her, then said as she turned around, "If it'll make you feel better...I can throw you in the Brig for a few days...just so there's no confusion."

Torres placed her hands on her hips, uncaring that anyone could walk by and see her standing, talking to the captain, in only her underwear and said, "You're full of shit...has anyone ever told you that?"

"Most people use less colorful language when they speak to me, Miss Torres," Kathryn smirked, then turned and left without saying another word.

A half hour ago the redheaded captain removed herself from her bed, walked into the living room and requested that the computer not inform her of the time as she normally had it programmed to do. It was still early, she knew, she could just feel it in her body, and she didn't want the woman in her bed to wake up to a computer's voice this morning. No, this very special morning, Seven of Nine would wake up only to the sounds of Kathryn Janeway telling her and showing her that she loved her. Once that was done, the slight, older woman snuck back into her bedroom and eased herself into bed remembering how she had done so last night after she returned from her engineer's cabin.

Quietly Janeway had entered her darkened quarters and immediately began stripping down, part of her hoping Seven was asleep and the other part hoping she wasn't. After poking her head into her bedroom to see the blonde curled up under the covers, Kathryn had returned to her ensuite, and took a quick sponge bath to remove any lingering traces of her previous rousing encounter with B'Elanna Torres. It wasn't that she wanted to hide what she had done from Seven, but just be fresh and clean when she went to bed. Then changing into her silky, long nightgown, she padded into the bedroom and stopped to smile before she crawled into the bed. On the nightstand were the flowers Torres had brought the former drone earlier, now resting in a vase, a half-full glass of water, and the Doctor's prescribed anti-itch ointment. It was obvious that Seven had woken up, and Janeway was glad that she had done her best to take care of herself and continue to not resist her unfortunate condition. When the captain pulled the covers back and Seven's bare back was exposed to her, she realized that her skin condition must have been aggravating her. Even though Kathryn didn't like the circumstances that brought Seven to her bed half dressed, she was grateful for many reasons that the blonde wasn't uncomfortable with the situation, as far as her nakedness went. Carefully, Janeway maneuvered in behind the tall beauty, and equally slow she came to a rest against her back, making sure to not touch any of Seven's irritated areas. Just resting her head against Seven's upper shoulder, Janeway wrapped her arm around her, letting it rest on her hip. After placing a few non kisses on her bedmate's shoulder, the redhead had closed her eyes and was asleep within minutes.

Repeating her actions of the night before, Janeway came to a rest next to Seven, who was relatively in the same position. As Seven breathed deeply, obviously still very much asleep, the captain pushed herself up on her elbow and took a few moments to watch this miraculous creature rest peacefully. To Kathryn Janeway, Seven of Nine was the most perfect being in the universe…she was her angel, her savior...the only one who gave her serious pause to consider the error of her ways...the one who gave her purpose when everything else seemed useless… she was so many things to the compact captain, and the irony of how Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01 in all her perfection had been in the hands of the Borg, whose primary objective was to obtain perfection, for eighteen years and they had never known it, did not escape her. She wondered if that was the reason the Borg Queen had fought so hard to get Seven, merely a single drone, back after she had finally realized what she had lost, but since she also knew that part of the Queen's objective was to lure Seven back in hopes that with her assistance the Borg would finally uncover the secret to assimilating humanity, she doubted very much that such an atrocious woman could ever understand that Seven was everything the Borg were searching for.

Watching her now as she had done countless times in Cargo Bay Two while Seven regenerated in her alcove, Kathryn knew that if anyone or anything ever threatened Seven again, she would not hesitate to destroy them. It wasn't something that totally sat well with the captain in her, but it was just an understanding that she had and knew that she would learn to live with. She wouldn't hesitate this time…she had hesitated once before and she had lost both her fiancé and her father…and that would never happened again. If she had to defy every rule she knew and served under for most of her life, she would do it to keep this one being safe from harm, or she would die trying.

Deciding it was time to wake the truest love of her life, Janeway began softly planting butterfly kisses across Seven's shoulder. Then moving down across her arm and stopping at the starburst implant in her biceps, the captain took extra care to give both her flesh and her implant equal attention. Janeway knew Seven would not be the woman she was today without the Borg's influence, but that didn't mean that Janeway wouldn't spend the rest of her days trying to make up for the horrors she had endured at the unfeeling hands of the galaxy's most feared motley crew. When Seven finally started to respond to Janeway's attention, the captain intensified her kisses, using the tip of her tongue every now and then to coax Seven out of her sleep.

Seven did not open her eyes yet, but smirking slightly, she said, soft, "Kathryn, this is a pleasing way in which to wake. Apparently, non-kisses have various functions."

Continuing to kiss up Seven's arm and back across her shoulder, Janeway whispered, "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. I'm sorry to have to wake you, but I think it's time you had some water…and maybe a bite to eat, so the speak."

As Kathryn's lips impacted with her neck, Seven opened her eyes and asked, "Have you been awake for long?"

Janeway allowed Seven to use her arm to pull her in close to her back, knowing that if the sensation was bothering her, she would not do so. Resting her head in the small space between Seven's shoulder, she answered, "Mmm…a little while…maybe an hour."

"You should have alerted me. I do not wish to sleep away our time together," Seven announced, turning her head just slightly, but not able to see Kathryn's face. Normally, the former drone would have ammended her word choice just a bit, but since the redhead was acting peculiar, although pleasantly so, the blonde didn't believe such words would make Janeway uncomfortable.

Kissing Seven's neck again, Janeway informed, "I just wanted to watch you sleep for a while…it's habit."

Surprised, Seven queried, "It is?"

"Mmmhmm…I know you don't know this…but Cargo Bay Two is the last stop I make on my nightly rounds. I always ask the computer if you're regenerating before I go in. If you aren't, then I leave you alone to your privacy, but if you are, I take a quick peek inside and just…watch you for a while. You're so peaceful and the hum of your alcove…it just makes me feel better…reminds me of things I tend to lose sight of when I'm working too hard."

Taking a hold of Janeway's hand and holding it to her abdomen, Seven stated, "Then do not wake me until you are at peace. I will willingly provide this function for you."

Janeway chuckled and nuzzled Seven's neck, still planting more kisses, knowing Seven was soon going to ask her why she was suddenly so amorous, and not caring, the captain cooed, "Mmm, you're so sweet sometimes. How are you feeling today?"

Seven sighed heavily while she answered, "Many discomforting sensations are afflicting my body this morning...however your non-kisses are helping me to forget them for the moment."

Smiling as she continued to kiss, moving back down and across her sharp shoulders, Kathryn responded, "Then I won't stop…how's your skin? Did you use the lotion last night?"

"I applied it to the area of my anatomy that I could reach," Seven explained. "What I could not, the Doctor applied. He suggested that I sleep without my 'shirt' to help keep the tissue from becoming further irritated…as long as I did not believe you would be disagreeable. I told him you would not."

Janeway pushed herself up on her elbow and asked, once Seven was done talking, "Why didn't you call me?"

"Kathryn," Seven started, turning her head so she could see Janeway, but staying on her side, "there was no need. The Doctor was not occupied and I did not wish to disturb your private time with B'Elanna Torres."

Laying back down and snuggling with the blonde, Janeway said, quietly, ashamed of herself, "I'm sorry I left you…that wasn't very thoughtful of me."

Since Seven expected this type of reaction from Kathryn since it was typical Janeway behavior, Seven turned around do she was face to face with the redhead and said plainly, "Kathryn, do not worry yourself over this. It is 'nothing.' I am not offended. You are a 'busy' individual with your own life. I do not expect that you can operate for an entire day completely in my presence. If I had required your assistance, I would have contacted you."

Janeway closed her eyes and nodded, "I just feel selfish, I guess."

"You are the most selfless individual I know. Do not think this way about yourself. It is unacceptable."

Smiling ruefully, the redhead came back, "Well, then I guess I'll stop before you subject me to one of your experiments again."

Smirking with confidence, Seven stated, "A wise decision."

Janeway wrapped her arm around Seven and touched her back lightly, asking "So, how is your skin this morning?"

"I believe it requires the captain's attention."

After kissing Seven on the forehead, Janeway said, "Roll over then." Grabbing the lotion, Janeway hiked up her long nightgown enough so she could straddle Seven's thighs, just below her buttocks. With the gentlest of touches, Janeway dabbed a good deal of the lotion along Seven's back around the areas of her implant after rolling her pants down so that they were riding low on her hips. Once that was done she eased into the lotion with her finger tips, letting Seven's skin get used to the touch before she attempted to really rub it in.

With her head turned to the side and her eyes closed, Seven asked, "Did you enjoy your time with B'Elanna Torres?"

"Yes…very much," Kathryn said softly, her voice giving her away.

Sensing the change, but not wishing to pry unless the captain wanted to tell her what had occurred, knowing how important it was that Torres and Janeway develop their own bond as she and Kathryn and she and B'Elanna had been doing and continued to do, Seven stated, letting it go, "I am pleased you two continue to bond. Did you sleep well? I did not make note of your return?"

"Yes…I got back a little after midnight. You were out like a light, though...you didn't even move."

Seven sighed again and explained, "The Doctor says that my body temperature is slightly elevated and that I will undoubtedly require more rest, and should take more 'naps' throughout the day."

Frowning some, realizing Seven's condition was starting to become a reality and more than just a foreboding thought and a mild skin irritation, she asked, "Did he say anything else?"

"If I begin to 'run a fever,' I am to take a tepid bath to assist my body in cooling. If that is unsuccessful, then he will administer a 'fever reducer.' He has left a medical tricorder for our use. You will need to take my temperature readings every hour and every four hours during our regeneration cycle."

Kathryn climbed off of Seven and said, "Okay…I'll go get it now." When she returned from the living room, spotting the device immediately on the table, surprised she hadn't seen it the night before, she flipped open the panel, removed the sensor from the top and ran it over Seven's body, asking, realizing she had no idea what was normal for Seven's physiology, "What is your normal body temperature?"

"Thirty-six point one eight degrees Centigrade."

Closing the device and climbing back on Seven, she explained, "You're running a mild fever…nothing terrible, though." As she continued with her previous task, Janeway said, "It might just be because you were wrapped up in all those blankets. Plus, I'm usually pretty warm, and I was right next to you all night. If it doesn't go down after breakfast, I'll drawn you a bath, alright?"

"Acceptable."

Complete with Seven's back, Janeway rose up, patted Seven on the butt and requested that she roll over. When Seven did so, Janeway had to keep herself from humming sweetly as Seven's amble chest was displayed before her. She did take a moment to appreciate the view, however. Then settling back down across Seven's body, realizing that if anyone were to walk in at this moment, they would think more than just ointment application was going on considering what Seven wasn't wearing and where the captain was straddling her, but knowing no one other than Seven herself would dare barge in on the captain unannounced, she didn't worry about it and enjoyed the moment.

Dabbing the lotion all around the area again, she took a few seconds to look for any sign of Seven's previous injury. Not spying any, she smiled and said, "No more cuts…looks like the beauty bugs saved the day again."

Seven smirked and said, "Beauty bugs…this term…I find it...amusing."

"Good…that's the point."

Lifting her head and then putting it back on the pillow, sighing, Seven said, "What is the status of my tissue? I have difficulty examining it myself."

Knowing Seven was talking about the fact that she couldn't see her stomach over her bosom, Janeway rolled her eyes playfully and then smiled, "It doesn't look any worse. I think the lotion is definitely helping." When Seven seemed satisfied with that answer, Janeway continued the application. Once she reached the small area at the bottom of her implant, which was located between her navel, if she had one, and her pubic bone, Seven flinched once as the captain's touch grazed the sensitive area. When Seven flinched again, but did not show that it was painful, she asked, "Does that tickle?"

"That term is accurate…but it is not unpleasant. Please do not avoid that area," Seven answered.

"Okay, but tell me if it bothers you," Janeway said seriously, hating to be tickled herself, something that her sister used to do to her mercilessly to the point where the captain instantly shut off all emotions or ability to express herself if someone happened to tickle her now.

Nodding while Janeway continued to rub in the lotion, Seven said, "I will com..PLY!" the last part coming out fast as she reared up some, laughing loudly.

In total shock, Janeway dared to touch the Borg one more time and when Seven laughed, her pleasure being expelled in a short bark before she clamped her mouth shut with her hand, Janeway didn't tickle her further and waited for Seven to acknowledge the monumentous event.

Taking her hand away, wide-eyed, Seven stated plainly, "Kathryn…I believe I have laughed."

Trying to keep a straight face and failing miserably, Janeway said, between chuckles, "I believe...you are correct." Janeway was tempted to make Seven laugh one more time since she didn't seem to have the aversion to tickling as the captain did, but then deciding against that since the action had made the Borg squirm somewhat and she was worried the movement would cause another skin fracture, she left that region and slowly moved up. When the entire area of Seven's torso was completely medicated, Janeway languidly moved a single hand slowly between Seven's bosom as the Borg allowed her eyes to close. Her own body starting to respond to the instant charge of the air, Janeway crawled off of Seven, still keeping contact with her skin and came to a rest beside her. Letting her hands trail up to Seven's shoulders, now just tracing the slender woman's lines with her finger tips, Kathryn cuddled up with blonde again and sighed, blissfully.

Smirking again, Seven finally stated, clearly pleased, her eyes still closed and her head facing the ceiling, "Kathryn Janeway, you are being exceptionally affectionate this morning."

Snuggling closer still, entwining one leg with Seven's, she trailed her long, elegant digits across Seven's collar bone, then up her neck and across her chin, asking, her voice seductive and alluring, "Do you not approve?"

The captain's pitch change causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up and her nipples to pebble slightly, Seven said, "On the contrary, I feel 'relaxed'…even though what you are doing is exciting."

Janeway, of course, knew that Seven approved and found this attention stimulating, but wanting to hear more, she asked, pressing her lips to Seven's ear and whispering, her breath warm and heavy, "Do you like it when I touch you this way?"

"I enjoy your touches more than anything else I have ever experienced."

Putting her palm flat the Borg's chest and running it slowly between her breasts, the captain said, "Mmm...that's good…because I like to touch you."

Smiling a little, but keeping her eyes closed, the younger woman stated, "I am pleased that we are in agreement. I have not touched you in this manner, but I am certain it would not be unpleasant...to say the least. Would enjoy to be touched by me?"

Janeway nuzzled Seven's chin and kissed it saying "Mmm…without a doubt, but I don't want you to do that right now…just be relaxed."

"I will comply considering such actions would escalate my cardiac functions and unduly tax my body. The Doctor would not be pleased…even if I was."

"Well, we definitely don't want that," Janeway whispered, giggling somewhat at Seven's unique sense of humor that she'd come to love just as much as Tuvok's. As her hands moved back up to Seven's shoulders and she began her delicate tracing with her index finger, Janeway asked, "Seven of Nine…do you have any idea how beautiful you are to me?"

Seven opened her eyes, turned her head to look at Janeway, smirking and said, "I have my suspicions, but I require more data before I can answer with certainty. Explain…your voice is appealing."

Since Janeway had heard a similar statement uttered by every single one of her past lover's, Janeway had grown accustomed to using her voice to stimulate their senses, even if she couldn't quite understand what every one thought was so fascinating about it. She assumed that in her head she sounded completely different, but whenever she heard her own voice after she reviewed an old log or some other kind of recording, she always had to keep herself from laughing out loud and asking, 'Do I really sound like that?'

Bringing her finger up to Seven's face, she whispered, using her voice as she was practiced, making sure to keep is soft and relatively high in timbre, "Mmm…just to look at you makes me smile. Your skin is like the finest porcelain…your hair like honey butter. Your eyes…mmm…your eyes are like a perfect sky…and your lips," she rubbed her thumb across them as Seven kissed it lightly, "are like a budding rose." Moving her hand down to Seven's arm, she said, "Your limbs are long, slender…but strong and graceful. Your hands are smart and sure…precise." Clasping onto the Seven's hands, she leaned in close again and whispered, "And your body…mmm…your body is so beautiful, Seven." Resuming her tracing of Seven's chest, coming close to her breasts, but never actually touching them, Janeway asked, "Are you still relaxed, darling?"

"That is correct," Seven breathed…fairly easily.

"Are you lying?" Janeway chuckled, kissing her ear.

Smirking, getting goose pimples from the tip of the captain's tongue that was flicking her ear lobe, the ex-Borg reported, "That is correct." After Janeway stopped chortling and cooeing into her ear, Seven explained, "Continue to explain, however. It is not unduly taxing me…I 'promise.'"

Still tracing and teasing Seven's ear lobe, Janeway asked, "Are you sure?"

"I am certain."

Janeway pulled away just a tad so she could see where her hands were. Then moving them down slowly to Seven's torso, staying away from her tender flesh, Janeway continued, "Your stomach is finely muscled and flat…it's very attractive."

"Thank you, Kathryn."

Her hand now on Seven's hips, stroking them up and down gently, slipping her hand underneath the loose waist band so the could touch her skin, Janeway kept explaining, "Your hips are curved perfectly…very pleasing to the eye, you know? Artists dream their whole lives of sketching curves like yours." Moving her hand up again, returning to the single finger tracing, slowly and carefully starting to circle Seven's breast, barely coming into contact with the tissue except for the outer edges, Janeway whispered, "And your bosom is exquisite, darling. I can't keep my eyes off of you sometimes…"

Still smirking, Seven opened her eyes and stated, "I am aware that you appreciate my attributes, but your glances are not unpleasant. You are not obvious as are others, and it pleases me when you take a moment to appreciate their appeal to you."

"Mmm," Janeway moaned softly, kissing Seven's chin again, "I didn't know that."

"I find that knowing you are pleased, pleases me in return."

Feeling more daring since Seven's breathing was remaining in check and she certainly still sounded like herself, Janeway continued to circle the large feminine swells, but let more of her hand come into contact with them each time, especially on the outer and lower curves, finding that area particularly erotic. Once she was familiar with their form, she moved back up to Seven's neck and ear, kissing and licking, letting her hands find their own way around, and not too concerned if they weren't as accurate without her vision to guide them. Into Seven's ear again, she whispered, hissing somewhat with her breathe, "Mmm, Seven…they do please me. You please me."

Seven swallowed involuntarily and stated clearly, "I believe I now understand the need for undergarments."

It took Janeway a second to understand since it seemed like that came totally out of left field, and then realizing what that meant, she whispered seductively, the thought alone sending bolts of electricity shooting up and down her body, "Is that your way of telling me you're wet?"

Seven swallowed again and said, "That term is accurate."

It took everything Janeway had not to slip her hand down Seven's pants and investigate for herself, but knowing that would most certainly get more than a small rise out her young friend, she asked, "Am I unduly taxing you?"

"Not as of yet. My 'beauty bugs' are compensating and the languid tone of the moment is keeping my body from responding with vigor."

Rising up, Janeway said, caressing Seven's face with her knuckles, "Would it unduly tax you if I kissed you? Really kissed you…on the mouth?"

"Proceed."

Smiling crookedly, her blue-grey eyes flashing with passion, Janeway took her time lowering her lips to Seven's. After a few gentle swipes, she settled into Seven's full, pouty mouth and could not contain her moan and Seven did not hesitate to kiss her back, equally gentle and with impressive skill. For several minutes they kissed like that, every few seconds their mouths would open and sometimes their tongues would touch which caused Janeway to shudder and whimper helplessly. It was the most romantic, caring and absolutely perfect kiss Janeway had ever experienced in her life, so when she pulled away, she said, knowing the time was finally right, "Seven…there's something I want to tell you…well," she amended, "two things…"

"Yes, Kathryn?" Seven asked, fondling Janeway's fiery locks between her fingers of her human hand.

"First…I want you to know…to know that…"

"Yes, Kathryn?"

Bending down close and kissing her again quickly before she lost her nerve, Janeway whispered, "That I love you…that I'm in love with you."

Seven's smile and eyes grew wide until her teeth were showing. "Kathryn…thank you for informing me." Touching Janeway's cheek as the captain had done to her, she stated, "That was an unexpected admission at this time."

When Seven didn't tell her she loved her back, something she had expected…or at least hoped for, Janeway tried to hide her disappointment and snuggled Seven's neck to keep her face out of view as she sighed, "I know…but I wanted you to know that I love you…like I've never loved anyone else."

Pulling Janeway to her as much as she could, Seven continued to smile and said, enthusiastically, "If I were not malfunctioning at this moment, I would embrace you." Taking a few seconds to think about what it was that she wanted to say, Seven finally admitted, "Your words fill me with a warmth that I cannot explain. If it would not interrupt this moment, I would sing."

Her eyes misting over as she realized for certain that even if Seven didn't say she loved her, she was definitely pleased by the notion of the captain loving her, so she asked, now perfectly content with that, feeling silly, "You'd...sing?"

"That is correct," answered the Borg promptly, leaving no doubt that she would indeed. "I would sing You are my Sunshine. It is my favorite song."

Finding this all too endearing, Janeway pushed herself up and asked, amused, wiping the tears from her eyes, "You are my Sunshine is your favorite song?"

Normally such questions that forced the precise ex-drone to repeat herself annoyed her; however, the captain's questions did not at this moment. Truth be known, Seven didn't think there was anything Janeway could do right now that would make her unhappy in the least. "That is correct," she answered, smiling. "The lyrics of the first verse express my feelings for you precisely… and I love you…like I love no other individual." With sureness, she finished, "I am in love with you."

"I'm…your sunshine, Seven?" Janeway whispered, hardly believing that possible since she felt that she was a great pain in the ass most of the time, simply because she had to be in order to keep her crew alive and kicking and out of harm's way.

"That is correct."

Cupping Seven's face, tears coming down in thick lines across her classic features, Janeway said, smiling, "I'm going to kiss you now…ready?"

"Proceed."

After kissing Seven sweetly again, still keeping it soft and sensual, not too passionate since they couldn't risk escalating this encounter more than they already had, and after they both reaffirmed their feelings with several 'I love yous,' Janeway pulled away and resumed her snuggling. When Seven queried her as to what else she wanted to tell her, Janeway grew slightly tense, unable to stop herself and sighed, her voice humble and quiet, "Last night…when I went to see B'Elanna…she and I did something…"

Seven, not being nearly as naïve as Janeway believed she was, said plainly when Kathryn's normal directness faltered, "You have engaged in mutual displays of affection?"

Speaking into Seven's neck, she explained, "Well…yes. B'Elanna and I…well, we..."

Attempting to ease the captain's unease, Seven finished again, "You have copulated?"

The captain closed her eyes and nodded, saying, "Yes…yes, we made love."

After filing the captain's terminology away into her memory banks, reminding herself to use it instead of copulate since she thought it was a more accurate term and more pleasing to the senses, Seven asked, smiling and curious, "Was it pleasurable?"

"Yes," her voice impossibly quiet, "very much so."

Seven took a few moments to think the recent events over before she detailed her observations. "This explains your increased displays of affection with me. I have read that after an individual engages in sexual relations, they are more amorous than normal for a short time afterward."

Sitting up immediately, Janeway said, her voice sure and serious, "Seven…it might have helped me get over my fears of expressing myself to you, but I certainly did not make me realize that I love you. I knew that well before I ever went over there."

Seven was not sure why the captain's mood had changed, but hoping to explain herself better she said, "I am pleased that your relationship with B'Elanna Torres has assisted you on my behalf. I am also pleased that the experience was enjoyable." Smirking somewhat, she said, "Kathryn, you are adapting at an extremely fast rate…the Borg would be impressed."

Stymied, Janeway asked, "Seven…it doesn't bother you that I made love to Lanna before I made love to you?"

Seven was now as surprised as the redhead was and said responded quickly, "No, Kathryn. As much as I am displeased that my present condition is keeping me from expressing my feelings for you in a physical manner, it cannot be helped." Then thinking about Kathryn's words again, she asked, "Do you wish you make love to me?"

Janeway was immediately at Seven's lips again, kissing them tenderly and saying, "Yes, my love…with all my heart."

After accepting Janeway's mouth readily and kissing her back, Seven asked, "Do you wish to make love to B'Elanna Torres again?"

Her voice quieting again on its own accord, Janeway said, still hovering over Seven's face, "Mmmhmm."

"Kathyn," Seven sat up, helping Janeway do the same, "would you be adverse to making love to us both…at the same time?"

Resting her forehead on Seven's chin, Janeway admitted, "No…not anymore."

The last words informing Seven that more had occurred last night than just sexual relations, Seven said, her voice even, but not harsh…fairly unreadable, "Then B'Elanna Torres had discussed the situation with you?"

Remembering that Torres had been slightly concerned that Seven would be offended that she had spilled the beans before discussing it with her first, Janeway explained, quickly, "It came up when I became upset at myself for…for having strong feelings for her…when I knew that I loved you." Looking up at Seven, fairly desperate, she asked, "You're not angry with you for telling me, are you?"

Seven pondered the situation for a moment and then answered, looking back at Kathryn, "No. She was wise to inform you under those circumstances. I would have done the same." Taking a breath, trying to assimilate all of the new knowledge and understand it completely and correctly the first time, she asked, "To clarify…you wish to pursue this polyamorous relationship?"

Chuckling once, still having a hard time with it, Kathryn allowed, "As much as I think we all ought to have our heads examined…yes. Yes…I want us all to be together."

Clearly having difficulty, Seven frowned and stated, "I am displeased that I cannot embrace you as I wish to. Hold my hand before I become further distressed." Once Janeway did so, tightly, Seven sighed and whispered, "Thank you." After a few moments of deep breathing, Seven continued, matter-of-factly, "After my procedure is complete and I have recovered, I am going to 'make up' for this moment by embracing you for several hours, Kathryn. You have been duly warned."

Her whimsical laughter coming out in a short bark, Janeway pressed her mouth to Seven's ear and said, "Darling, when this is all over, I'm going to do the most wonderful things to you all night long…just you. I think we deserve to have some special moments to ourselves."

Kissing Kathryn's neck, Seven responded, "Agreed. I look forward to learning what you wish to teach me. I am eager to express my feelings for B'Elanna Torres in the same manner...however, I do not wish to do that until you have shown me how. It seems that is how it should be since you have been the one to remain at my side from the beginning. I only want to learn what you wish to teach me right now."

"Seven of Nine…I'll teach you everything I know…I promise."

Sitting at her desk and sipping her coffee, Janeway sighed, resting her head in her hand staring at her engineer's message that she had read three times now After she had put on her uniform, even though their really wasn't much of a need, but feeling like she should, she and Seven had each consumed a nutritional supplement, the redhead keeping her promise to share in part of Seven's misery. After breakfast, Seven went immediately over to the television, wishing to 'observe Lucy' for a spell and Janeway headed off to her desk after a very cute, 'Have a good day at the office, honey' peck. Torres' message was one of twenty, the only one marked as personal, so even though she wanted to open it first, the good captain in her kept her from saving it to last. During the last three hours Janeway had read and okayed several reports, kept a constant vigil on Seven's temperature, observed Lucy twice, and made a small trip to Engineering at Lieutenant Carey's personal request. Apparently, tempers were starting to flare as the arduous work went on, and the fair-haired lieutenant thought that since Torres wasn't available to give them a swift kick in the pants, a visit from the captain would most certainly help his situation. Impressed that Carey had decided that seeing to the welfare of the ship was more important than his reputation, or at least that's what she thought his motivation was, Janeway had marched into Engineering in full captain mode and lit a significant fire under all of their butts in typical Janeway fashion that sometimes left one wondering if they had just been pulverized or praised. It was an effective tool that Janeway had learned a long time ago, and felt she could maximize efficiency by keeping them guessing. Sometimes she left no doubt as to her displeasure and sometimes she just alluded to it…and well, sometimes she used her vocal talents and highly articulate tongue to scare the bejesus out of those she felt needed it.

Upon her return from Engineering that had left her grinning crookedly and needing a give a few non-kisses to her young roommate, Janeway went back over to her desk after retrieving a fresh cup of coffee, her favorite reward when she had been a good captain, and settled into Torres' letter, prepared to give it and her response her full attention. After reading it enough to feel like she understood everything that the Klingon had said, something that was sometimes difficult to do with written correspondence, she wrote:

Before the captain pulled herself away from her duties for the foreseeable future since Seven's frown continued to deepen and she completely stopped smiling, even though she was still 'observing Lucy,' Janeway sent one more small message, just to be a pain in the ass, something, again, that came with the job of being responsible for a starship:

Grabbing the medical tricorder and running it over Seven's body as she reclined on the couch, which told Janeway immediately that she was not feeling well since Seven rarely reclined, Janeway sighed as small creases formed around her eyes while she read the data. Seven's fever had returned and was higher now than it was when she first woke. After kissing her on the forehead, feeling the warmth immediately since Seven's body temperature was a full degree below that of her own, Janeway went into the ensuite and drew a lukewarm bath, not adding any soap or scents as she preferred, fearing that they would irritate her skin condition. Then taking off her tunic, but reattaching her communicator to her shirt, just in case, she approached Seven and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Uncomfortable," Seven stated, cranky.

Stroking her forehead with her knuckles, Janeway explained, "Well, you've got a fever. I've drawn a bath for you…why don't we go see if that will help, huh?"

Seven raised her chin as she asked, her voice fairly deep and serious, not needy, "Will you join me?"

Janeway sighed ruefully and said, "I would…but my tub's not big enough for the both of us…you'd be terribly uncomfortable. I'll sit in there with you, though."

Pushing herself up, Seven said, "Unfortunate," leaning on Janeway as she walked, feeling weary. Once they entered the bathroom and Seven viewed the bathtub almost full of water, she asked, "Is this similar to swimming?"

With three years under her belt as Seven's mentor, Janeway was used to explaining such simple tasks as bathing, knowledge that she completely took for granted, so such questions rarely phased her anymore. "Sort of," she explained, "although, you just sit in the water." When Seven made a move to step into the water, Janeway stopped her and smiled, "Uh…you probably want to take off your clothes first."

Still feeling good enough to express her own form of extremely dry humor, Seven raised her eyebrow and said, "Again, it is unfortunate that this device's capacity will not accommodate us both." As she began to take off her shirt, she winced as she lifted her arms and requested, "I require your assitance. This movement is painful."

"Sure," Janeway said taking the shirt and easing it over her head, "Just keep her arms loose and I'll pull it off." Once that was done, she stood in front of Seven, slid her hands under the waist band of her trousers and pushed them over her hips. After they had cleared Seven's enticing curves, they fell to the ground easily, pooling at the younger woman's feet. Steadying her with her elbow, Janeway said, "Okay, step out of them and then step into the tub…be carefully so you don't slip."

"It is cold!" Seven barked sternly to inform Janeway that she had not correctly moderated the temperature.

Sighing, Janeway continued to hold Seven's arm as both of her feet were in the specially order bathtub, that was on the other side of the bathroom, across from the shower, and explained, "I know it feels that way, but it's really not…it's just your fever. You're body will adapt, Seven. Go on, sit down."

Huffing and easing into the water, Seven frowned and stated, "I am growing tired of adapting…it seems my primary objective as of late."

Now perched on the fairly wide edge of the tub, Janeway said, the maternal instinct in her coming out a small amount, knowing that was sometimes the only way she could get Seven do trust her when she was starting to feel overwhelmed, "I know...but you're doing a remarkable job, Seven. I know you can get through this too."

Sighing again, Seven said, not in the least enthusiastically, "Then I will not resist."

"Thank you," Janeway grinned, grabbing her small towel and wash cloth. Rolling up the towel and placing it behind Seven, she requested, "Go ahead and lie back…let me take care of you now."

"I will comply."

Once Seven had done so, Janeway dipped the washcloth in the water, rang it out and placed it folded on her forehead. Then pushing up her sleeves since she was wearing a long sleeved undershirt, Janeway slowly began splashing the water carefully over the Borg's upper chest and shoulders. Then removing the washcloth and using it to wipe her face, Janeway leaned down and kissed her forehead and her cheeks.

Sighing again, this time in pleasure, rather than irritation, Seven said, "I am always agreeable to non-kisses." Then opening her eyes, she asked, "Are non-kisses a private 'joke' between us?"

"Yes."

Seven smiled and closed her eyes, saying, "Continue 'joking' then."

Chucking and kissing Seven's face, Janeway said, "Oh…how I love you, Seven of Nine." Then resuming her splashing, the captain asked, "Are you feeling any better yet?"

"No, but the water is not as cold," Seven responded.

"I guess that's a good sign," Janeway smiled, always knowing that Seven would tell her exactly what she was feeling, even if it sounded unduly harsh, an aspect of her personality that the captain cherished, even if other's didn't find it as comforting. "Do you need something else?"

"I am not certain."

"Water?" asked the captain, not really certain herself how else she could help the Borg. She was skilled in emergency first aid, of course, and she had some general knowledge of less basic care, but since she was a captain and relied on her medical personnel to take care of ailing crewmembers, at least that was her habit, she didn't know of how else to help Seven feel any better.

"Very well."

"Alright," Janeway said, jumping at that and hoping it would help. Filling the cup on her sink with water from the tap, she handed it to Seven and sat quietly for a few moments, now rubbing Seven's legs that were bent since the captain's tub had been especially designed for her measurements, not the tall Borg's. Racking her brain and finally getting an idea, she asked, "Did you think about asking Naomi over…maybe that will help lift your spirits?

"She is coming by today after her afternoon studies," Seven answered, still sipping. Looking down, she frowned and said, "I was contemplating informing her that she should not. I do not wish her to see me…malfunctioning."

As Seven finished the water, Janeway took it away and said, "Darling…I understand, but I think she's old enough to understand that you're not feeling well and that's why you aren't quite yourself. She's a bright girl…I think you should spend time with her."

"That is correct," Seven nodded. "She her is intelligent for her age." Straightening her shoulders, Seven said, sounding much like her old self, "Very well, I will not tell her to stay away."

Noticing the tone and the confidence returning to her love, Janeway asked, "Are you feeling better…you look better?" as she continued to rub Seven's legs.

"I am improving…your hand is assisting."

"Ah…I see," Janeway grinned. "I'm not…unduly taxing you…am I?"

Smirking, Seven said, laying her head back and closing her eyes, "It is pleasant. Continue."

Following orders, Janeway continued to massage Seven's thighs and calves, attempting to keep the touches chaste. When she noticed the definite upturn of Seven's lips, she asked, "Are you enjoying yourself over there?"

"Correct," Seven stated plainly.

"Well, that's a definitely a good sign."

"Are you?" asked the blonde.

"I don't like that you're ill, but I'm making the best of it," the captain smiled crooked, letting her eyes fall upon the Borg's wonderful physique unabashed. "You know…we should probably teach you to shower soon…before you start to feel too weak to do so." Moving closer to her face, Janeway said, "If you're feeling up to it later…I would be agreeable."

"This is something we can do together?"

"Mmmhmm."

"Acceptable," Seven said sitting up. "When do we begin?"

Laughing out loud, Janeway said, "You want to shower now? Are you sure you can take it…you'll have to stand up for a while?"

"I am growing tired of not standing," Seven explained, getting to her feet and standing in all her glory right in front of Kathryn, who was still kneeling. "I am not accustomed to all of this reclining. It is…unnatural for me."

Giving Seven a full once over, Janeway stood and said, "I understand that…but you're not accustomed to not regenerating either." Handing her a towel, Janeway said, "Just stay right there…I want to take your temperature before I agree." Returning with the device, running it over Seven's body, she closed it and said, "Well, looks like the beauty bugs and the bath did the trick…you're back to normal."

"I am Borg, Kathryn. Efficiency is standard operating procedure."

"I keep forgetting," Janeway came back, helping Seven out of the tub. "Well, I guess you won't need that," the redhead said, grabbing the towel from Seven's hands and tossing it aside. Then opening the glass door to her shower, she set the water to approximately the same temperature as Seven's body, knowing that was going to feel a little cool to her, but considering she was about to 'get naked' with Seven for the first time, she would need the help keeping her hormones in check. After requesting that a privacy seal be put on her communicator and her front door, explaining that the captain was at Seven's disposal for the time being, Janeway kicked off her boots while Seven stood watching.

"This is anticipation," Seven noted as Janeway began to disrobe. "It is…curious."

After she pulled off her shirt but still had on her bra, she asked, teasing, "I'm not…taxing you, am I?"

"You are being facetious," Seven noted without missing a beat.

Deciding she would reveal herself just as Seven had done to her under the unfortunate circumstances, Janeway pulled off her bra and tossed it at Seven, who nabbed it not looking away from her.

"I am required to sit," Seven announced, taking up a spot on the toilet as she viewed Kathryn's naked torso.

Entirely too flattered from a woman of her age or status, or so she thought, Janeway walked over to Seven, turned to her side and asked, "Will you do the honors?" After Seven unzipped her pants, she stood right in front of her and pulled them down, making note of every expression on the Borg's face. There were several that completely excited the older woman. With only her undergarments left, Janeway eased them down slowly, trying to prolong the moment as much as possible, knowing this was probably Seven's first time seeing a the naked body of someone she was attracted to.

Instantly putting every millimeter of the captain's body into her memory banks where she could call up the image at a moment's notice, Seven asked, "May I touch you?"

"Yes, darling…just don't over do it. I don't want to have to explain this to the Doctor, alright?"

Reaching out and touching the captain's stomach that was only slightly rounded with age, Seven said, "I will comply." Very carefully, she brought both hands, human and Borg, to Janeway's stomach. When Janeway tensed, Seven sensed that Kathryn did not find the tickling sensation as appealing as she did, so she moved her hands immediately to her narrow and straight hips. Pulling Janeway closer to her, Seven pressed her face into the captain's abdomen and inhaled, saying, "You enhance my senses."

Taking that as a huge compliment, Janeway whispered, "Thank you," and let Seven continue to find her own way, prepared to guide her if need be. When Seven of Nine brought her human hand back up to Janeway's torso and moved it quickly to the captain's breasts, Janeway inhaled herself and said, "My…you certainly are a quick study."

"It 'comes in handy,'" Seven joked. Then closing her eyes, relying only on her sense of touch and hearing as the captain's respiration increased as he massaged her breast, learning their texture and which technique the captain preferred. Then after a few moments she introduced her Borg enhanced hand and softly repeated the process. When she rasped her thumbs over the captain's nipples and she heard Janeway whimper slightly, Seven opened her eyes and asked, "Am I hurting you?"

Cupping Seven's cheek with one hand, Janeway said, "No, darling…you're doing…just fine. Umm…very well, actually." As Seven's ministrations started to drive her wild with pleasure, Janeway breathed, "Seven… I think we should at least attempt…to teach you to shower."

Standing and pulling Janeway to her, the cool blonde replied, "Very well…if you insist."

The captain took a moment to kiss Seven's mouth a little more forcefully than she had before and then backed away, holding her hand and leading her to the shower, saying, "Just wait…there are many, many appeals to showering with a friend."

"This sensation is interesting," Seven reported as she stood under the flow of the water, wiping the spray from her face after she had wet her hair and now letting it beat gently across and down her shoulders while Janeway leaned against the wall.

"Is the pressure bothering your implant?" asked the captain, looking at Seven's torso.

"It is not." Once her whole body was wet, something she had been instructed to do by Janeway, Seven asked, "What is next?"

"Well, normally you would wash your hair and body, but I don't want you to do that…I'm afraid the soap will irritate your skin condition," Janeway said, stepping up to Seven and pulling her out of the water just tad so she could stand in front of her without getting sprayed in the face. "But, I think you can learn how it's done by helping me."

Bringing her hands back to the captain's hips, finding that she enjoyed touching her in this manner a great deal, Seven said, her voice losing its detached tone and becoming sensual, "Acceptable."

The captain was very tempted to reach out an touch Seven's inviting bosom that seemed to be calling out to her, but because of her already elevated respiration and blood pressure, she refrained, knowing that she would have a great deal of difficulty doing anything else once she began. Stretching and wrapping her arms around the tall blonde's neck and pulling her down into another kiss, this one even more passionate than the last, but still not over doing it, she breathed, "Let's switch spots." Once they had turned around, the captain titled her head back and let the water stream down her body while Seven continued to remain close. Once that was done, she grabbed the shampoo, put a small amount in her hand an another drop in Seven's and said, "This is shampoo. This one is my favorite because I like the spicy scent, but there are many different kinds. This cleans my hair without damaging it...like the toothpaste. I'll start and then you can take over." After massaging the soap into her scalp for a minute, she grabbed Seven's human hand and brought it to her head. She never made a move to include the Borg's mesh covered hand because she knew Seven was always wary of touching delicate things with it, and she knew that if Seven became comfortable with the procedure, she would include it on her own, as she had done while touching her breasts a few minutes ago. Seven's touch was tentative and extremely gentle and finally Janeway smiled and said, "You're not hurting me…you can use more pressure. I'll tell you if it's too much."

Seven waited until all of the captain's hair was lathered before she introduced her other hand and started massaging her scalp and when Janeway's head lulled forward and she hummed in pleasure, Seven stated, "This procedure is relaxing. Does it have the same effect when one showers alone?"

"Sometimes, if you let it, but most of the time people shower in the morning to help them wake up, so it's not as nice," the captain explained and then pulled Seven's hands and her head under the water and showed her how to make sure all of the soap was out. Once that lesson was done, she stepped back out of the stream, letting it fall on her back, surprised that she wasn't cold in the least considering she tended to take extremely hot showers, and said, "Now, some people put a conditioner in their hair while they are in the shower, but I don't. I have something that I brush through my hair after I shower."

"How will I know which technique to use?" asked Seven.

"Well, we'll just have to try all of them once you're recovered and you can decide which one works best for you. They all work about the same…it just comes down to personal preference."

"Acceptable," Seven nodded after thinking that over. "What is next, my Kathryn?"

Smiling crookedly, Janeway asked, "My...Kathryn?"

Seven recognized the captain's amused tone immediately and stated, cocking her eyebrow, "You are mine now, are you not?"

Tracing her finger lightly up and down Seven's chest, a promise of things to come, Janeway purred, kissing her chin, "Mmmhmm…when we're like this…I'm all yours." Then nodding her head toward the side of the wall, she said, "Grab that bar of soap." The captain took the soap from her younger partner, soaped up her arms, demonstrating, and then grinned, giving it back to Seven, "I think you can finish the rest."

As Seven ran the bar of soap lightly over Kathryn's shoulders and upper chest, making sure to lather both of her hands heavily, she said, setting down the cleansing agent and using only her hands now, taking her time, "I believe I enjoy this aspect of showering the most."

When Seven's hands reached her breasts again and lingered there, the soft, soothing sensation of the soap mixed with the electricity of her touch, Janeway sighed blissfully and said, "Mmm…me too." Turning around to the let the soap be washed off her body before it began to dry, Janeway was glad she didn't seem to have to give any more direction. Seven immediately understood and began washing her back in the same manner.

Seven tended to practically her whole body in the this position and when Seven stood upright after washing her legs and she felt the blonde's chest pressed against her back while her hands lingered on her pelvis, Janeway eased her hand back. Resting it on Seven's shoulder, pressing her lips toward Seven's chin, Kathryn smiled and said, "Thank you…that was nice."

Wrapping her Borg arm firmly around Kathryn's waist, leaving her human hand free, Seven stated, "You are welcome…but I have not completed my task." Then moving her hand lower, stopping just at the captain's dark auburn triangle, Seven continued, "There is only one more thing I wish to know."

"What's that?" the captain swallowed, tingling all over just at the thought of being touched.

"Are you 'wet', my Kathryn?"

Inhaling deeply, thankful that Seven was holding onto her since her legs instantly turned to mush, the captain wrapped her left arm around Seven's neck behind her and whispered, "Oh yes, darling…very much so."

At the same time, the Borg brought up her hand that was steadying the smaller woman and began massaging her breast while she leaned her head over and kissed her on the neck requesting, "I want to touch you…but I require assistance. Will you guide my hand?" When Janeway hesitated, undoubtedly due to the Borg's medical condition, Seven reassured, "You are not taxing me. I am in complete control of my faculties. My body is experiencing no distress."

"Seven…if you touch me there…I won't be in control of my faculties," Janeway laughed somewhat, even though it was the absolute truth.

"Then I will remain in control for the both of us," Seven explained, confident. "I am Borg." Whispering into Janeway's ear, sensing that the captain enjoyed this form of communication as much as she did, she finished, "Show me how to touch you. I wish to know before my procedure." In a raspy, sexy whisper, she added, "Resistance is futile."

Apparently, resistance was quite futile, again, because without any further protests, Kathryn brought her free hand to Seven's and pressed it between her legs rather hastily, urging Seven's fingers to slip between the soft, delicate folds of tissue and dip into her heated dampness. Immediately, she shuddered, biting down on her lips to keep a quiet as possible since her shower was directly next to Commander Chakotay's living quarters and she knew that the commander often took his lunch break in them since they had shared a bite to eat several times there.

Seven did her best to keep herself as detached from the experience as possible, only because she knew it was the only way to keep her body's functions in check, and let her analytical mind take over and detail the textures and sensations she was exploring. To assist her, she recited aloud what she learned, "You are extremely aroused, Kathryn. I was not aware that a body could produce this much moisture. The texture is different from that of the water. It is soft and slick. You are warmer here. Are my observations taking away from this experience?"

Throwing her head back, her body instinctively pressing her pelvis into Seven's, Janeway mumbled, "No…no, it's helping…mmme, ohgod, Seven…thatfeelssogood." When Seven started exploring on her own and began circling her sensitive nub, Janeway took her hand away and brought it up to her breast where Seven's continued to hold her steady and apply pressure, saying, "Mmm…either you're the quickest study in the universe, or...ohyes...ummm...you'vedonethisbefore?"

"I have experimented with pleasuring my own body, but never done so with another individual," Seven explained, her memory telling her how to touch the captain as she had touched herself. Slowing her hand's movements to prolong the captain's pleasure and to keep things fairly 'relaxed,' Seven continued to talk, "I have engaged in this form of self-pleasure on eight occasions. It took me some time to understand that I required this. After utilizing the ship's medical database and imputing my symptoms, I found that I was suffering the effects of prolonged arousal, and the computer informed me that I required release."

Knowing very well how irritable one could get when long periods of sexual frustration occurred, Janeway asked, settling into Seven's touches and the conversation, now really enjoying herself since things had slowed down and it felt more like she was being pampered rather than tortured, "Mmm…how long was prolonged?"

"Six months, thirteen days and fifteen hours," Seven answered, her hand now moving away from the top of Kathryn's center and farther down, keeping the captain excited, but not trying to escalate her pleasure just yet. When she felt Kathryn smile against her cheek and wiggle her butt against her some, informing Seven that she liked this very much, Seven explained, "It took me some time to understand that I was aroused."

"Mmm..that's so nice," Janeway informed, speaking of what she was doing to her and not that she was pleased Seven had been suffering. "What made you realize it?"

"It am not entirely certain," Seven responded, tweaking her nipple between her fingers as the captain requested silently, leading the Borg's other hand that was at her chest. "I believe now, as I look back, that I showed the first signs of…affection…for you shortly after you severed me from the Collective. I recall when I was aboard the shuttlecraft that I 'requisitioned' while searching for the Borg homing beacon, that when I told Commander Tuvok that I would not assimilate him and he could return to Voyager, I was in distress that I would not be able to bid you farewell and thank you for your assistance."

Shocked, having no idea Seven had started to develop any feelings for her other than hatred and spite at that time, Janeway said, softly, "That was a long time ago…you had only been with us a few months, I think."

"That is correct, but as I stated, I was not certain what those feelings meant. They were still new to me, but I was aware that they had some significance because I did not feel that way for anyone else," Seven explained, kissing Janeway on the neck, using her tongue as the captain had done, not wanting to ruin the mood by distracting Janeway too much with her recounting of events. "I also did not wish to harm Commander Tuvok, but it was not the same. The second time I experienced similar feelings for you was when those aliens were experimenting with the crew. Since the Doctor had adjusted my ocular implant to compensate for their phase variance and I was able to see them, I recall being displeased when I entered your Ready Room and saw what they were doing to you. I was not 'happy' that the aliens were inflicting pain and discomfort on any of the crew...however, to see you in such agony…I was…it caused a pain in my chest and made me angry."

"You're not the only one," Janeway said sarcastically, almost still able to feel the pain in her head from those four horrific days. "I'm curious, Seven…when did you realize that your affection for me was also attraction?"

Embracing the captain tighter and now making her movements more sensual, bringing the captain back to her higher state of arousal with her hands and her voice, now whispering in Janeway's ear again, she explained, "It was the day that we brought Astrometrics online. You had recently shortened your hair and that was the first time I had seen you in several days since you had taken a 'vacation' in the holodeck. Before that, I had started to become concerned for your well being because you seemed depleted." Circling Janeway's most sensitive region again and increasing the speed of her movements slightly, she continued, "However, when you walked into Astrometrics with the commander that day, I felt as though I barely recognized you. It was intriguing to me since you were still clearly Captain Janeway, but you seemed different. Your skin was bright and colorful, your hair was short and appealed to me to in a greater extent that it had ever in the past. I noted that your uniform did not sag as it had before. You seemed more muscled though…healthier…stronger. You were animated and you smiled often."

Seven's hands now starting to drive her crazy again, Janeway hummed, pressing into the embrace, "Mmm…I remember that day. Yes, darling…that's very good what you're doing."

"As I continued to watch you, it occurred to me that I was making note of irrelevant things about your appearance that I did not notice about anyone else. Three days later, you were in Astrometrics and you put your hand on your torso, flat, and the movement drew my attention. As you spoke, I made note of how your hand there highlighted the straight lines of your body and made you look confident, more confident as to your attractiveness than you typically express. This intrigued me. When I had the impulse to touch your chest and feel what your hand was feeling, I realized that this particular way you expressed yourself when you spoke was my favorite and that it excited me. It continues to be my favorite to this day."

"Seven…mmm…you're a very smart…umm…woman," Janeway breathed, her hips starting to rock back and forth slowly, steadily, but the range of movement was slight. "I only do that when I'm feeling particularly sssssexy…somehow…mmm, yes…um, somehow that helps me draw out my confidence…mmmgod…and apply it tomywork. Godseven... you'redrivingmecrazy."

"It is an efficient mechanism," Seven stated. Kissing Janeway's jaw now and increasing the pressure of her hand against the captain's center, she said, "After that, I began detailing each encountered I had with you to help me better understand what was happening to me. After Omega, I sought the assistance of the ship's computer. Shortly thereafter, I pleasured myself in this manner for the first time." Smiling, Seven said, "However, I do not believe I enjoyed myself as much as you seem to be."

"Seven," Janeway gasped, tilting her head and turning to her tall lover's, "shut up and kiss me."

Thoroughly sated, Janeway sat back in her uniform on her couch with Seven of Nine, her legs across the Borg's lap, grinning blissfully and stroking the blonde's thick locks as they watched yet another episode of I Love Lucy. Seven had donned a fresh pair of royal blue cotton pants and a matching t-shirt, and at the ready was a glass of water, the Doctor's ointment and the medical tricorder. During their one-sided lovemaking, Seven had kept her promise and not unduly taxed herself; however the same was not true for the captain and even now she could feel the muscles in her legs spasm every now and again in exhaustion. Janeway was certain that if Seven hadn't been holding her up, she would have collapsed onto the floor of her shower where she would have remained until the next morning. The Borg had required little direction throughout the encounter and as Janeway ran back through the events over and over again in her mind, she laughed at herself on the inside for ever doubting that Seven would be anything but astoundingly good. Truth be known, Janeway hadn't been teased, then relaxed, then returned to a heightened state of arousal, and finally driven over the edge like that in more years than she cared to admit. However, the one thing that the captain would not do was compare her experience with Seven with her adventure with B'Elanna the night before. Not only was it not fair to them both, but she knew there could never be a comparison because they were so completely different. She had come to them both under different circumstances, with different intentions, and thus the encounters were different, and that was how Janeway wished them to be. Each was extraordinary and each was special and she would remember them for the rest of her days as two of the most glorious moments of her life.

When Lucy accidentally lit her fake nose on fire and Seven didn't expel the air from her chest, something Janeway had come to understand was Seven's way of laughing, Janeway looked over, stifling her chuckling and asked, "Are you okay?"

"I am tired of observing Lucy," Seven sighed, looking away from the television.

"Do you want to watch something else…maybe one of Tom's movies?"

"No…from the information B'Elanna Torres has given me, the subject matter would not be appropriate for Naomi Wildman to observe. Since she will be here shortly, I do not think that is a wise idea."

"Okay," Janeway said, stroking her forehead and checking for a fever by more natural means. When Seven's skin didn't feel warm to her touch, she asked, "Do you want to check your messages while you wait for Naomi? I don't have anything to do at the moment…you can use my workstation." Noting that Seven still did not seem enthused, she added, "I bet there's a message from B'Elanna."

After Janeway moved her limbs from her lap, Seven pushed herself to her feet, and responded, "Very well. What will you do?"

The captain stretched her legs out across the couch and sighed, "I'm just going to sit here and think about how much I adore you, and what a lucky woman I am while I observe Lucy. I'm growing rather found of her actually."

Smiling brightly at Janeway's words, Seven said walking away, "Kathryn."

"Yes, darling?"

Turning her head, she stated, "You are my sunshine."

Lighting up the room with one of her rare, but amazingly genuine and shockingly beautiful Janeway smiles, the captain said, "And you are my smile, Seven of Nine, Annika Hansen."

Now feeling much more motivated to complete her task, Seven sat down at the captain's workstation and logged in under her authorization code which would give her access to only the parts of the ship she was authorized to access. Of course, if Seven wanted to access other more secured systems, ones that only the captain herself could view, Seven was more than capable of doing so, but since she was not the least bit interested in performing any such action that would displease the captain, and her lover, she didn't even think of it. She stopped what she was doing for a minute when she heard the captain over by the replicator, and when she saw her approach, carrying a glass of water and a cup which was most definitely filled with coffee, she smiled and accepted the gesture as well as the non-kiss from Janeway. With one hand she accessed her messages while the other one held the cup to her lips.

Apparently, the news of the Borg's illness had got around the ship because she had several 'get well' messages from various crewmembers she worked closely with. Since Seven was a department head, even if the title was unofficial, many of the crew reported directly to her, and she in turn made her report to the captain, so she had assumed that some would inquire as to her absence, but she hadn't expected messages from them. Curious, Seven said to Janeway, who was watching the television and laughing quietly, "Kathryn, I require your assistance." When Janeway immediately hopped off the couch and strolled over to her sipping her coffee with a curious look on her face, Seven explained the interruption, "I have received several messages from various crewmembers that report to me. I do not understand this occurrence."

At first the captain was about ready to blow her top, thinking that people had contacted Seven with regards to ship's business, which would have been in direct violation with the captain's orders, but as she scanned through the twenty or so, almost all of them titled "Get Well," she relaxed, grinned and responded, "They're 'get well' messages, Seven. That's your staff's way of telling you that they're thinking about you and that they hope that you're doing okay."

Surprised, Seven looked at the long list and asked, "They are?"

"Yes, here," Janeway said, leaning over Seven's shoulder and accessing the one from Samantha Wildman, feeling comfortable enough with the woman to read one of her private messages to Seven. Clearing her throat, Janeway read aloud, "Seven…I hope this message finds you well. Naomi and I want you to know that we are thinking about you and wish you a speedy recovery. Call us if you need anything. Take care…Sam." After she was done reading the letter, she closed it and asked, "Understand now?"

"I am…surprised that so many of this crew would send me such a letter," Seven admitted. "I was not aware that they 'cared.'"

Wrapping her arms around Seven's neck and nuzzling her cheek, Janeway said, "You're part of this family just as much as anyone else. Everyone cares for you…everyone is concerned about your well being." Then kissing her neck below her earlobe she said, "Although, no one loves as much as I do…I guarantee it. But I'm the captain…so that means sometimes I get special privileges."

"Am I required to send a response to all of these?" Seven asked, concerned because she didn't think she would be able to perform that task with any ease. Seven might be a woman of many words from time to time, but when it came to communicating with people on a non-professional level, she had difficulty with most of them.

Laughing, Janeway answered, unwinding and walking back to the couch, "No one expects a response, but you should take the time to read them since they took the time to send them."

"Acceptable," Seven said, turning back to the computer and accessing the next message. Since Seven was still very much a highly tuned machine, even if her abdominal implant was malfunctioning, she was through the letters in minutes. She decided to save a few of them from members of the crew she conversed with on a regular basis, but held off on her responses until she had more time to compose them. Seven had saved her message from B'Elanna Torres for the last, assuming it would be more lengthy. With a certain amount of anticipation, she accessed the communiqué and read:

As Seven was contemplating her response, taking extra care since Torres had not made any mention of the fact that she and the captain had engaged in sexual relations or that she was aware that Janeway had decided to not resist their 'plan,' the Borg was a little uncertain as to if she should make mention of recent events, or if Torres' silence meant that she did not wish to discuss it via this medium, or that she was not aware that Seven knew as of yet. Just as she made up her mind as to what she would say, the captain's door call sounded. Since she was always aware of the time, she said to Janeway who was making a move to greet their visitor, "That would be Naomi Wildman. She is often several minutes early…her enthusiasm makes it difficult from her to be exact."

Before she opened the door, Janeway said, "Go ahead and finish what you're doing…I'll keep her occupied." When Seven nodded her thanks, Janeway put on her captain's face and opened the door. As she was greeted by the wide smile of her unofficial 'captain's assistant,' Janeway nodded her head, remaining composed even though she too wanted to smile brightly, and said, "Good afternoon, Miss Wildman."

"Good afternoon, Captain Janeway," replied Voyager's only child, standing at attention, but titling up on her tiptoes just a tad. Then turning her head just slightly, trying to see around the captain, she asked, "Is Seven here?"

Stepping aside and gesturing that the girl should enter, Janeway said, "Yes, but she's a little busy at the moment. Do you want to come watch television with me while you wait for her?"

After glancing over at Seven, who was busy imputing data into the terminal, Naomi said, her eyes growing wide, "Really!…I mean, yes, Captain…thank you." As Janeway gestured that she go first, Naomi ran over to is asking, "Is this Lieutenant Paris' TV? He and Lieutenant Torres let me come over and watch it a few times while Mommy had to work late. It's LUCY!" Sitting down, Naomi said, "I didn't know you liked Lucy too, Captain?"

Chuckling, Janeway sat down next to Naomi and said, "Well, we've just been recently introduced…but yes, I like her too."

Completely forgetting that she was with the captain, someone she admired greatly and always attempted to act her best for, Naomi slouched into the sofa and said, "She's my favorite…except for The Wizard of Oz, but that's different…it's called a movie."

Nodding, Janeway grinned at the child's tone since it was obvious that she figured the captain had no idea what a movie was, "It was actually a book first. I read it when I was a young girl…just a little older than you are."

Naomi forgot about the television for a moment and stared up at the captain, in shock, having a hard time with the fact that the captain was ever a child. Disbelief in her tone, she asked, "You did?"

"Yes," Janeway laughed, understanding. Then remembering something, she said, "In fact, I think I still have a copy tucked away with the rest of my books. Let's go see, huh?" Taking Naomi's hand, they went into the bedroom, very glad that she had decided to make the bed and straighten up a little. Turning on the light in her closet, she pulled out her personal trunk that held almost everything the captain had left of her home and said, kneeling on the floor, "Have a seat."

Sitting down as requested, the youngster asked, feeling like she was being treated to the most secret of secrets, "What's in that?"

Opening the heavy wood lid and propping it up with the stick she kept inside, Janeway replied, "This is my personal treasure chest. It contains things that I've collected since I was a little girl up until just recently. It always stays with me…whether I'm on a starship or at home."

Her voice soft and tentative, feeling like she should whisper at this moment, Naomi asked, pointing, seeing a colorful piece of material on the top, "What's that?"

Taking out the white, sheer scarf, Janeway brought it to her nose and smiled, "This scarf belongs to my mother." Handing it to the girl, she said, "See, you can still smell her perfume on it." When Naomi seemed to understand that all of these things were incredibly special to her and treated them as such and maintained her humble, demeanor, Janeway took out a small painting and explained, "This is a picture my sister painted for me when I graduated from the Academy."

"Wow…your sister's a painter!" Naomi said, taking the picture in her small hands carefully after handing the scarf back to the captain. "That's so neat, Captain."

"I'll tell her you said so," Janeway laughed soundlessly. Then reaching into the case, she moved a few of the photographs she had put away of her and her ex-fiancé, Mark Johnson, and pulled out a picture of her mother, her sister and herself. Taking the painting away from Naomi once she was done looking at it, she handed the picture to her and said, "That's them…this one is my mother, Gretchen, and this one's my sister, Pheobe."

Out of innocence and because she desperately wanted to know, since hers was absent as well, Naomi asked, "Where's your daddy?"

A fairly solemn look feel over the captain's features. Taking the next item out of her chest, she said, handing it to Naomi, as she took back the picture, "He died a long time ago. This is the flag from his funeral." Proudly, she finished, "He was an admiral, you know?"

Worried that she had upset the captain since she recognized the look on her face as the same look Janeway had when Seven had been taken by the Borg, Naomi stood up, wrapped her arms around the captain and said, "Don't be sad, Captain. I don't have a daddy either…and neither does Seven."

Completely choked up, not able to help herself due to the surprise affection, Janeway smiled as tears formed in her eyes. Hugging Naomi back and wiping them away quickly, she whispered, "Thank you, sweetheart. I won't be sad anymore." Then pulling away and taking the flag back, she said, "Now…let's find that book, huh?"

Rummaging through her other things, showing ones that were appropriate to explain to the youngster, she dug out a few of her very old, hardbound books, something that was an absolute must of the captain who spent most of her time reading reports on a data terminal, and finally she found a beat up old copy she had found in an antique shop many years ago. Giving it to the child, she said, "Now, you must take very good care of this for me. It's very, very old."

Holding it to her chest, Naomi said seriously, "Oh, I will, Captain…thank you."

"You're welcome…I'm not sure you'll be able to read it yet, but I bet your mother would be happy to help you," said the captain, putting back the rest of her things and sealing her trunk. "And when you're done, we'll sit down and discuss it over tea, if you'd like?"

Unable to contain her glee, Naomi bounced up and down, saying "Oh, I would, Captain…excuse me," then turning, she barreled through the captain's bedroom and into the other room, yelling, "Seven…Seven…look!" as Janeway watched in delight.

"Seven... Seven...look!" Naomi shouted, running up to her and thrusting the captain's offering into her line of sight just as she sent her response. Quickly logging off, understanding that she would not be able to concentrate on anything but the child once she was in this heightened state of excitement, Seven turned to her and stated, "Naomi Wildman, it is good to see you." Taking the book from Naomi, Seven examined it closely and stated, "It is...peculiar."

"Be careful, Seven…it's very, very old," Naomi schooled, even though the Borg was being anything but negligent. "Isn't it neat! The captain says that after I read it, she wants to have tea with me and talk about it! Isn't that neat, Seven?"

Smirking at Kathryn, who was returning from the bedroom, strutting her stuff and showing Seven that she could be just as fun as Seven was, the Borg said, "That is 'neat.'" Handing the book back to her, she remained seated and asked, "How were your studies this afternoon?"

Rolling her eyes, Naomi sighed, "They're okay…but I don't want to talk about school. We always talk about school."

"Very well. What do you wish to discuss?" asked Seven, sipping her water.

Naomi set the book down and the table and went behind Seven, looking at her hair, "Seven, your hair is so pretty. Can I touch it?"

"You may."

"How come it's wet?"

"It is still damp from my shower," explained Seven, continuing to sip her water.

"Oh," said Naomi, running her hands through it and starting to braid part of it as her mother had taught her. "Why did you take a hydro-shower? I thought you didn't have to…because of your nanaoprobes?"

"Nanoprobes," Seven corrected, as was their habit. "It is something that I will be required to do in the near future," Seven explained plainly. "Today's shower was 'practice.'"

"How come you have to start taking showers? Mommy says that you aren't feeling good."

"Feeling well," she corrected again. "My abdominal implant is malfunctioning," Seven explained. "It will have to be removed. After that time, I will not be able to utilize my alcove for regeneration purposes. I will be required to eat, sleep, and bathe on a regular basis, as you are required to do."

"Oh," said the youngster again. "Does that mean you'll have your own quarters?"

"That is correct."

"Neat! Then we can play kadis kot without having to the be interrupted!" Naomi explained, finishing her braid. "Pretty! Now you're hair is braided just like my mommy braids mine sometimes." Looking over at Janeway, Naomi asked, "Doesn't Seven look pretty, Captain?"

"Yes, very pretty," smiled the captain, gazing at Seven fondly.

"See, the captain likes your hair down too. Why don't you wear it down?" asked Naomi, coming back in front so she could look at Seven's hair from all angles.

"It is inefficient," stated Seven.

Rolling her eyes again, Naomi asked, "So, when do you get to move into your own quarters?"

"After I am fully recovered from my procedure."

"That'll be fun!" said the girl, smiling. "Then we can have a sleepover."

"Define 'sleepover?'" queried the Borg.

"That's when I come over and spend the night," explained Naomi. "And we can play games, and tell ghost stories and braid our hairs. I've never had one, but Mommy told me stories of what she did with her friends when she was a kid."

"Very well. When I have recovered and acquired standard crew quarters, we will engage in a 'sleepover,'" said Seven standing. Turning toward Naomi, she asked, going over to the replicator, "Do you require a nutritional supplement, Naomi Wildman?"

"Mommy said I couldn't have any snacks before dinner today," answered the girl, following Seven. "I'll have some milk though...chocolate...please."

"Very well," Seven said. Then turning to the captain, who was reclining on the sofa again, she asked, "Kathryn, do you require anything at this time?"

"I'm fine, thank you," Janeway said, looking up from the television.

Pulling on Seven's arm, Naomi requested that she bend down. Then whispering in the Borg's ear, she said, seriously, "Seven…you just called the captain by her first name."

Whispering back, Seven stated, "I am aware of that."

Still in hushed tones, the strawberry blonde child asked, "She let's you do that?"

"That is correct."

Giggling, Naomi replied, "Wow…that's neat, Seven."

Seven stood back up, retrieved her nutritional supplement, handed Naomi her milk and said, walking over to the table, "We must consume our beverages at the table." Once they were seated, Seven asked, "Naomi Wildman, do you enjoy sleeping?"

Looking at Seven strange, she answered, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, "Yea…how come you asked me that?"

"I find the process disorienting, and I wish to gather more data on the subject. What do you do before you regenerate?"

"Oh," said the girl. "Well, Mommy makes me brush my teeth, and then she tucks me in. Sometimes she'll read a story to me or tell me one, and sometimes she lets me stay up and read to myself, and sometimes Neelix tells me stories too. Then when I get sleepy, I turn off the light and go to sleep." Frowning some, she asked, "How come you find the process dis..orienting? Do you have bad dreams? I have bad dreams sometimes?"

"Disorienting," Seven repeated, then asked Naomi to repeat the word. Once she did, Seven went on, "I have not had any 'bad dreams' as of yet," Seven responded, slowly gulping her drink. "It is disorienting because I often do not recall falling asleep, and after I have awaken, I am not aware of the time as I normally am. When utilizing my alcove, I am constantly aware of the amount of time that has passed since I program my regeneration cycle for a specific interval. Also, since I do not sleep while regenerating, I am aware of my surroundings and the time. If my cycle is interrupted, I am aware immediately of how much time has lapsed."

"Oh," Naomi nodded, not understanding totally, but getting the jist. Then snapping her fingers, she said, "Hey, you could put a clock by your bed…Mommy has a clock by her bed," Naomi explained. "And then if you wake up, you'll know what time it is."

Tilting her head some, Seven responded, "That is a logical and efficient solution. Thank you, Naomi Wildman. I will do that."

"Seven, how come you're drinking that? And how come you aren't wearing your biosuit? Is it because your implant is broken?"

"That is correct," Seven explained. "My biosuit irritates the skin around my implant whereas these garments do not, and I cannot consume solid nutrition until it is removed. It is unfortunate since I am beginning to grow tired of these supplements."

"It looks yucky," informed Naomi, scrunching her face. "I'm sorry, Seven. When you get better you can come over and have a real dinner with me…I know Mommy won't mind."

"Thank you. I will 'look forward' to it," Seven nodded, the corners of her lips up slightly. As Naomi stood, Seven asked, "Is it time for you to return to your quarters?"

"Yea…I'm sorry I can't stay and play, but I promised that I wouldn't be gone a long time. Neelix is fixing dinner for us tonight," explained the child.

"Then you should not miss it," Seven said, standing as well. "Thank you for coming. I will most likely not see you again for several days, so you must 'promise' me that you will keep up with your studies since I will not be able to discuss them with you."

"I will comply," said the girl, imitating Seven, something she did often. When she went to hug Seven, she stopped and asked, "Will it hurt you if I hug you?"

"It is an acceptable risk," stated Seven, hugging her and squeezing her tight.

Letting go of Seven, Naomi grabbed the book the captain had lent her and said, "Bye Seven…I hope you feel better. Bye Captain Janeway…thanks for the book. I'll take real good care of it...honest."

"Darling," Janeway said, tapping Seven on the shoulder to get her attention. "I need you to wake up for a minute."

"What has occurred?" Seven whispered, her words barely audible.

"I need to go tend to a few things, but Chakotay's coming over to look after you while I'm gone…I just wanted you to know," the captain explained. "You don't have to do anything…you can go back to sleep now."

"I will comp…l..y," Seven breathed heavily, nodding back off just as the door call sounded.

After throwing a sheet over Seven and kissing her on the forehead, Janeway went into the living room and granted her visitor entrance while putting on her tunic, knowing it was Chakotay since she had just finished hailing him. "Thanks for coming so quickly," she said zipping up her jacket and checking her collar with her hands.

Stepping inside, he said, "Sure…what's up?"

As she put on her boots, she explained, "I just wanted to have a look around the ship…check up on a few things."

Looking around he asked, "Where's Seven?"

"She's sleeping in the other room. I doubt she'll wake up, but in case she does, I didn't want her to be alone. There's a medical tricorder on the nightstand in the bedroom…if she wakes up, you'll need to take her temperature. She's been running a low-grade fever off and on today. If it comes back, let me know right away, alright?"

"Anything else, Doc?" he asked, smiling brightly as he watched Kathryn fiddle with her uniform and her hair.

"No…I think that's everything," she responded, then turning to look at him, she asked, "What's so funny?"

"You," he admitted. "I figured by now you'd be pulling your hair out…but I've got to admit, Kathryn…you're looking…well, quite radiant."

"Well, thank you…I think," she teased, poking him in the stomach. "So, anything exciting happened while I've been gone?" Janeway asked, finishing her coffee before she departed.

"Not a thing," he answered. "Lieutenant Fowler seems to be warming up to the idea of the Alpha shift rotation, though."

"Mmm," she said, sipping. "Yes…how did the simulations go today?"

Ordering himself some a small cup of broth, he asked, "Do you want the long or the short version?"

As she recycled her coffee cup, she responded, "Give me the short…and we'll go from there."

"They went well. She's still a little rusty, but I think all she needs is time, plus she's still tired from the shift change," he explained, sipping the cup of vegetable broth. "I tried to get her to go relax for a while and spend time with the Flyer like you asked, but she said that Paris had offered to show her the ropes later tonight." Glancing up at Janeway, who had a fairly unreadable look on her face, he said, "I didn't think you'd mind since he knows more about it than anyone…was I wrong?"

Sighing, Janeway said, "No…no, if Tom wants to teach her, then I can't stop him, nor would I try. This whole thing is just still bothering me, I guess."

"You don't think he'd try to sabotage her training, do you?"

"No…no, I don't," Kathryn informed, honestly, standing near the table and leaning on the back of one of her chairs, "but I don't want him to think that just because he's being helpful that I'm going to make this any easier on him, either. I can't let him worm his way back toward the pilot seat just because he's the best we have."

"I'll keep and eye on him," Chakotay said, seriously.

"Do you know when they were supposed to meet down there?" she asked.

"They should be there right now actually," he said, grinning. "Planning on making an appearance?"

Heading toward the door, she said, "Maybe just poke my nose in to check up on things…I won't be long…make yourself at home." Once she was in the corridor following a familiar path to the turbolift, Janeway tapped her communicator and requested, "Computer, located Lieutenants Paris and Fowler."

"Lieutenants Paris and Fowler are in the Shuttle Bay," answered the ship's feminine, monotone voice.

After having to wait for the turbolift for a moment and requesting the appropriate deck, Janeway wracked her brain, trying to figure out what she was going to say to the two pilots once she arrived. Even though Janeway believed in her gut that Paris wouldn't try to undermine Nicole's training, there was still the part of her that didn't trust him totally either. After all, she would have never believed that Tom Paris would break into his lover's personal logs once, let alone five times, and this wasn't the first time he had been in hot water under her command. As the captain exited the turbolift and started down the corridor, deciding to take the long way since it would give her more time to think, she sincerely hoped for many reasons that Tom Paris was in that room to assist a colleague and for no other reason, because she knew that if he was doing what she feared he was, it was not going to be a pleasant night for the both of them, and the fact that any indiscretions on his part would take her away from tending to Seven, certainly would not help his case any. No, the captain knew like she knew her name was Kathryn Janeway that if that was what was occurring, then she would throw the book at Tom and he would never do much of anything on this ship without direct supervision.

Coming to a halt in front of the Shuttle Bay doors, she wiped any traces of her emotions from her face and walked inside. Not seeing anyone right away, she stood silent for a few beats listening intently. When she heard muffled voices coming from the inside of the Delta Flyer, she walked over quietly toward the open end of the vessel, hoping to surmise the situation before her presence was known. When she heard the familiar sound of Paris' laugh, she stopped right at the edge and listened for a few moments.

"I'm telling you…it can be done…I did it myself," Tom enthused, sitting in the aft compartment of the Delta Flyer on one of the make shift cots. "It wasn't easy…I'm not saying that, but Voyager's a fairly maneuverable ship…for a starship, that is. She isn't the Delta Flyer, but she can get in and out of tight spots. Flybys are the best…at full impulse, she can zing right past practically any ship, phasers firing to disable their engines, then come full about and nail'em…bam…just like that."

Shaking her head, Fowler sighed and said, "I don't know, Paris. The simulator is one thing…but you're talking about real action…life and death. I don't have much experience with that…well, at least not in the last seven years. Hell, all I've done is engage warp engines and maintain course and heading. I think I got to make a course adjustment once, though," she laughed.

"Ah, you'll be fine…besides, this is the Delta Quadrant…action is just around the corner," Tom said. "That's one thing you can count on. Most of our tactical flight patterns are in the console. I don't use them anymore because I'm used to them, but they're there for a reason. You'll definitely want to check them out. And as far as the simulator goes…just go all out…who cares if you destroy the ship? It's not real, and at least you'll learn how far you can push the old girl…she's tough, she can take a lot."

"Alright…it's tough though," explained the new pilot. "I was so nervous with the commander sitting right behind me. I thought it I did anything wrong, so much as grazed another ship with the shields he'd send me packing. I don't want to screw this up…you know?"

"Aaah, Chakotay's not the one you have to worry about," Paris explained. "You're lucky that the captain's busy this week, or I'm certain she'd be the one in the simulator. Take advantage of it, tear the ship up if you have to…while the captain's not there to see if for herself. She'll probably laugh about it hearing it from Chakotay. Now that guy, no disrespect, of course, but he can't pilot a shuttle to save his life. He has no room to talk."

"And then there's that!" Nicole exclaimed. "God…what's it like with her on the Bridge? Is she there all the time…or is she like most Starfleet captain's I've known and sits all day drinking tea and eating cookies in her Ready Room?"

Laughing, Tom said, "Well…for one, Janeway doesn't drink tea…she drinks coffee, and I never see her eat much of anything, so I don't really know. Having her on the Bridge is like…well, it's kind of weird. She's not there all the time, but she certainly doesn't sit all day in her office either...she's pretty darned busy."

"Weird? I don't like that sound of that."

"It's hard to explain…but she's there all the time. Even though you can't see her 'cause your back is to her, you can just feel that she's there," Tom explained, trying to think and scratching his head a little. "She's always watching…never misses anything...although, she rarely makes a comment, but you just know that she knows."

"You're still not making me feel any better…"

"I'm not going to yank your chain, Nick…she's tough, but not in a bad way," Paris continued. "She's a damn fine pilot herself. She's the only other person on this ship that I don't say a prayer for when they take this baby out. She's knows her stuff, so if you screw up, she'll know it first…but, since she does know her shit, she's also nice to have around. She'll be behind you constantly when things get tight…it took me a while to get used to it, but once you do…you'll miss it once she's not there. Don't freak out when she comes behind you and leans in close. She's kind of touchy-feely. With most people that really gets to me, but she's different. I don't know…you just have to get to know her. She's kind of a go-getter…old-school, cowboy kind of captain. My father and her were pretty close for a lot of years, and her old man was an admiral too, so I think she gets that old cowboy way from them. She's hands on…sometimes she's quiet, sometimes she's loud, sometimes she scares the shit out of me when she gets this look in her eye. You'll know it when you see it. And when that happens, just remember to do exactly as she says, no matter how crazy it sounds or she'll knock you right out of that chair and do it herself. That's never happened to me, thank god, but I've heard a few stories where she's taken over the helm when the pilot showed the least bit of hesitation. Don't hesitate…there's no time for that out here. Let her make the decisions, make suggestions when you think you've got an idea, but don't hesitate. And don't be afraid to show off a little either…like I said, she's old-school. If you have to knock us around a little to get the ship out of a jam, she won't mind. She'll probably make some kind of crack, but that's just her way of saying you did well, even though you just knocked her on her ass."

"Now you make it sound like she's your best friend," Nicole said, sighing. "I'm not sure she'll give me the same leeway."

"She is my best friend when I'm on the Bridge," Tom said surely. "You know, just a couple of months ago when we were chasing after that runaway hologram ship with the Hirogen, we had to ride in the wake of the Hirogen vessel for…god, it felt like an eternity. I had to keep the ship at five hundred meters from the stern of one of those monsters, and she was right there the whole time. Whenever I started to lose it, she was there…telling me she believed in me and that I could do it…and I did. I don't think I could have done it without her. Like I said, she knows her stuff…so when she says those kind of things, you know it's not just a bunch of captain bullshit. She's not a bullshitter. Straight shooter all the way…she'll tell you what she thinks right to your face, and she likes her staff to do the same thing, just don't be a jack-ass about it or you'll end up like me. She's not going to treat you any differently, Nick. She expects the best and that's what she'll get out of you…she's good at doing that. Don't ask me how she does it, but she does."

"I guess what I'm worried about is that she'll coddle me. I don't want that either. No offense, but I don't want to be Toms Paris' stand in, ya know?"

"None taken. Just be confident even when you're not…take your cues from her. It will get easier once she's there with you, trust me."

"Alright…any last words of wisdom before I go barf?"

"Don't fuck with the Seven," Tom said seriously.

"Could you elaborate on what exactly you mean by fuck?" Nick chuckled, scratching the back of her neck. "I'm assuming you don't mean try to get her into bed?"

"Well, I'm not touching that with a ten foot pole," Tom laughed. "Just don't mess with her. She's kind of tough to get used to, but don't take anything she says personally. She's not on the Bridge much, but if things get tense, Janeway likes to keep her close by…she's kind of like a pinch hitter, if you know what I mean?"

"Yea…I guess…is it really so important the I get along with her, though? I mean…it's not like I hate her or anything…but she's not my favorite person either. I just don't really care one way or the other."

"Well, Seven probably could care less too, but the captain does care. She doesn't expect you to be best pals or anything...just be tolerant. And don't question her place on the ship and you'll be fine…and don't ever question her loyalty or call her 'The Borg.' Chakotay questioned her loyalty once on the Bridge, and I thought Janeway was going to knock his block off...too bad she didn't...would have been pretty funny, if she were like that. Just let Janeway deal with Seven and you'll be fine."

"Hey, I can do that…no sweat," Fowler said. "So, you gonna show me around this hunk of junk or what, flyboy?"

"Knock, knock," said the captain, finally finding a moment when she could jump in. Since Paris had given Fowler such a detailed rundown of the captain, she thought it was only fair that she make herself seen, just to leave an impression. Truth be known, Janeway whole-heartedly agreed with everything Paris said, especially the parts about Seven, even if it did leave her feeling a little uneasy, but she thought that is was better for Fowler to hear it from Paris than to have to learn it the hard way from Janeway, who fully admitted to treating Seven somewhat differently than the majority of her crew. It just had to be done. She was not Starfleet, she had been taken against her will, and she had been a Borg from eighteen years…that alone was enough to make Janeway have extra patience where the tall blonde was concerned.

"Captain!" Fowler said, standing up and smacking her head on the cot above their heads. "Ouch…shit…sorry, Captain."

Chuckling, then covering her mouth, Janeway said walking into the aft compartment of the Flyer, "That's quite alright…are you okay?"

Rubbing her head, blushing furiously, looking away, Fowler said, "Yes, I'm fine…thank you, Captain."

"Well, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I was just on my evening rounds and thought I'd take a peek and see who was using my shuttlecraft as a conference room," Janeway said, taking a seat on the cot across the way. Glancing at Tom, who looked like he was going to pee in his pants, she asked, "I'm not interrupting anything...am I?"

"No, Captain," Tom said quickly, not sure what she was getting at, and not wanting to know either. "I was just showing Nick here around the Flyer. We were just taking a few minutes to talk…pilot to pilot…you know?"

Looking back at Nicole, who was still rubbing her head, she asked, her face unreadable, "Learning anything helpful?"

"Yes, Captain," Nicole answered, hoping she wouldn't have to elaborate.

Inhaling, causing both of them to hold their breaths, Janeway stood and said, "Well, by all means then…carry on." Walking out the way she came she said, "Sorry again about your head."

Nicole stood and poked her head out of the back of the craft, making sure Janeway had gone. Seeing just the edge of the redhead as she exited the Shuttle Bay, Fowler sighed and said, "Shit…do you think she heard us?"

Laughing, over his nervousness since he was certain now Kathryn wasn't going to jump down his throat every chance she had, Tom patted her on the back and said, "Yep."

Spinning around, flabbergasted, Fowler asked, "So why aren't you worried?"

"Because, I told you…she's a straight shooter. I didn't lie to you, Nick. Nothing I said wasn't the god's honest truth. Janeway knows that…if she thought I was giving you bad advice, she'd have nailed me to the wall for sure. I've certainly run out of second chances with her."

"So…I'm just not supposed to worry about it?"

"It won't change anything…except I think you can't stop worrying about being coddled."

"How is she?" asked the captain after returning from her evening stroll.

"She's still asleep," Chakotay answered, getting to his feet. "She got up once and poked her head out, but then turned right back around and went back to sleep," the tall, handsome commander chuckled. "Apparently, I wasn't the one she was looking for."

Patting him on the shoulder, Janeway said, "Don't take it personally, Chakotay…she's not usually very cheerful when she wakes up…still too new for her, I think."

"Any word on how the Doctor and company are coming along?"

"Well, they've finished programming the holodeck, and B'Elanna was supposed to be designing the equipment they'll need to sustain her during the operation. Other than that," Janeway sighed, "that's all I know. I haven't wanted to ask too many questions right now…everything is still in the early stages. Once they're able to start the simulations, then I'll know more."

"Everything go alright in the Shuttle Bay?"

Sitting down, Janeway smiled and said, "Fine…seems like Tom's intentions are honorable, so I didn't stay long." Then laughing, she said, "I did get to hear Tom's advice about how to handle me, however."

"Sounds like dangerous business," Chakotay said, perching on the edge of the sofa, grinning.

"Yes, well," she sighed, smirking, leaning back and folding her arms over her chest, "it can be if I don't agree."

"Kathryn?" Seven called from the bedroom.

"Yes?" Janeway said loudly, not getting up yet, uncertain as to if Seven needed something or just wanted to know if she was home.

"Very well, proceed," Seven announced, still from the bedroom.

Clearing his throat, grinning again, the commander was about to make a comment as to how easily the captain accepted such an 'order' from her subordinate when the door call sounded, "Well, you're really packing them in tonight, lady."

Janeway barked once in laughter, slapping his knee as she stood and started toward the door saying, "Come in." When B'Elanna Torres appeared behind her door as she had assumed, Janeway smiled fondly, her back to Chakotay and said, "Join the party."

Torres, who was about to take a step toward the redhead and wrap her in her arms as she kissed her passionately, stopped short, looked over the captain's shoulder, spotting Chakotay and asked, "Is this a bad time, Captain?"

Waving her arm gracefully, Janeway smiled, walking closer to Torres and said, "Not at all. Are you done for the day?"

Relaxing a little, Torres sighed, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, "Yes…praise the lord." With her other hand, B'Elanna raised it slightly and said, "Hey, Chakotay."

"Hey yourself," the ex-Maquis commander said, standing and coming over to them. "Did you just now finish for the day?"

Punching him in the arm, lightly, Torres growled, "If that's your way of telling me I look like shit, don't bother."

Walking toward the replicator, Janeway asked over her shoulder, "You two want to stay for dinner? I'm famished."

"Sounds good to me," said Torres, going over to the table and taking a seat, slumping in exhaustion. "Although, I don't know if that thing can make enough…I haven't had anything since this morning."

The lone male sat down as well, knowing that the captain preferred to serve her guests, and remarked, "Hmm…that sounds familiar. I think you've been spending too much time with the captain."

Bringing over a beer from Torres, a gin and tonic, light on the gin, for Chakotay, and a whiskey and soda for herself, she said snidely, "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what that means…Captain 'I think I had a cup of soup yesterday' Janeway," he came back, talking his glass and nodding his head and thanks.

After they all got a good laugh out of that, Kathryn informed, "Why don't you two decide what you want…I'm going to check on my patient." Then walking quietly into the bedroom where Seven was again sleeping, Janeway perched on the edge of the bed next to her and quickly took her temperature. After she checked out fine, Janeway stroked her cheek once, kissed her forehead and went back into the living room, shutting the door to the bedroom so that they wouldn't disturb her. Then unzipping her tunic and tossing it on the chair of her desk, she asked, "So, any ideas?"

"Meat…definitely meat," Torres smiled, eyeing Janeway's form when Chakotay wasn't looking.

"I think we'll have spaghetti, but," he started.

"I know…no meat for you," Janeway waved her finger in the air, walking toward the replicator. "You know, Chakotay…you never struck me as a vegetarian."

Jumping in, Torres laughed, putting her arm around her old friend, "Don't let him fool you, Red…he'd eat it if he could. The old man's got a sensitive stomach."

Almost choking on his drink, Chakotay said, "Red?"

Since Torres hadn't realized she had said that until Chakotay mentioned it, she faltered for a split second, but then recovered quickly, "Yea, Red…Kathryn is too much like Captain…helps me keep things straight."

"Ah," he chuckled as Janeway brought over their plates and utensils. Then eyeing the captain, trying to find the slightest bit of anything in her features, but seeing nothing, he said, "Looks good…thanks."

"There are a few meals I can manage," Janeway responded, walking back to the replicator to make herself a plate of pasta and replicate some garlic bread to go with it. Now sitting down, she raised her glass and said, "To good food and good company…to friends."

"To friends," the others returned, lifting their glasses and then taking a drink.

Setting down her whiskey, enjoying the warm sensation that was trailing down her gullet, Janeway asked, digging in, "How did it go today, Lanna?"

After chewing her food enough so she could talk, Torres answered, "Good…tomorrow we start the simulations." When Janeway continued to watch her, B'Elanna further explained, "This morning Tom and the Doctor came up with an idea on how to bypass Seven's digestive system during the procedure by creating a mechanical stomach and intestinal track, and then I built it."

"The procedure's going to take that long?" Chakotay asked, surprised and a little concerned.

"Possibly up to ten hours," Torres answered, sipping her beer. "So, to keep her system from going into shock, we're going to try to make it think that her implant is still present while we remove it. I guess it's a pretty complicated device... her implant."

"It is," Janeway nodded, her voice quieting. "It stretches from just below her bosom to her pelvis…and even though I don't know how it works entirely, it obviously controls most of her internal organs. It's very much a part of her."

"God…I had no idea," Chakotay allowed, setting his fork down for a minute. Looking at Torres, he inquired, "That sounds like complete reconstructive surgery. She's not going to have to live off this machine you created forever, will she?"

Answering for the engineer, Janeway said, "No. The Doctor assures me that she can make a full recovery. Her implant encompasses a great deal of her digestive system, but she still has enough internal organs left to work with. She'll have to be careful about what she eats, I'm sure, but she'll adapt."

"Guess you won't be the only one with a sensitive stomach," Torres teased, trying to lighten the conversation for a little bit.

"Yea, but at least she has the excuse that she used to be a Borg drone…I don't," he chuckled, getting back to his dinner before it got cold. After a few minutes while they all chowed down, he reached for the bread, and asked, coy, "So, B'Elanna, what's this I keep hearing about you making quite a racket last night? Apparently, someone almost called Security."

"I don't know..." Torres came back, looking him dead square in the face and not in the least even glancing over at Janeway, who was doing very well to act like she was invisible. Then laughing and going to get another beer, she asked, "So who's nose did I break this time?"

"That's the funny thing," he said, plainly, glancing over at Kathryn quickly, who seemed interested in the conversation, but not overly, "no one's saying any names other than yours, for certain…and I don't think they were talking about breaking noses…if you catch my drift."

Now feeling like she had better say something before Chakotay caught on, Janeway raised her eyebrow, smirking at Torres, who was walking back to the table and said, "Oh really?"

"That's what I heard down the grape vine," Chakotay informed, now feeling like he was completely lost as to what was happening between his captain and the engineer.

Smiling wistfully, Torres said, "Well, guess it could be worse…at least they don't have me planning a mutiny." Then snorting, she added, getting back to her food, "Or teaching Tom the finer points of bondage." When Janeway practically choked on her food and quickly washed it down, wiping her chin, Torres said, quickly, "Sorry, Captain."

"It's quite alright," Janeway sighed, clearing her throat and getting a full breath of air. "I didn't know you were such a popular topic of shipboard conversation, Miss Torres."

"Well, when you're a senior officer, who happens to be an ex-Maquis and a half Klingon…it comes with the territory," she laughed. "Apparently, that means my life is twice as exciting as everyone else's?"

"Either that, or they're just getting you back for all the gossiping you do," Chakotay needled. "I'm surprised though, usually there's at least some definitive, if inaccurate, notion as to with whom you were…occupied."

"Red, tell him to stop using that reverse psychology shit on me," Torres barked, but not unkind, smiling at the captain.

Getting up from the table and clearing her place, Janeway responded, "Oh no…you keep me out of this. I'm just an innocent bystander." It was only then did Janeway realize what she had said, and how it was probably going to get her into trouble considering she was the cause of Torres' rambunctious behavior the night before.

Torres did well to keep her tongue in check, but then taking her plate and Chakotay's when he nodded that he was finished over to the replicator directly after Kathryn, Torres said, hovering behind her, "So, Chakotay…were there any thoughts as to who I was allegedly with last night?"

"A few, but none of them seem your type."

Now very close behind Janeway, Torres reached around her and set the dishes in the replicator to be recycled asking, "What's my type?"

Noticing that the captain seemed a little more nervous than normal now since she immediately went and sat down, grabbing her drink, Chakotay answered, "You know…complicated."

"Right…complicated," Torres laughed, patting him on the back. "So, who were the lucky contestants?"

"Well, there was Paris…but I don't think anyone really believed that one," Chakotay laughed when Torres' face scrunched in disgust. "I also heard that Nicoletti was a candidate since she took the day off today, but again…I didn't believe it. She's too shy…not your type." When Torres snorted again, obviously feeling a small sense of guilt for the poor woman who always seemed to get tossed into the rumor ring just because she was so reserved, the commander finished, "And I also heard Roland's name mentioned."

"I had no idea you were so in tuned with the ship's rumor mill," Janeway said, smiling crookedly.

"I have my sources," he came back, smiling as well. "Always good to know what the crew's talking about, Captain."

"Well, next time I need some inside information…I'll know where to go."

"Speaking of going…I had better," he said standing up. "I've still got a few things to take care of. Thanks for dinner, Kathryn…B'Elanna…always an experience."

"Anytime, Chakotay…you'll let me know when things between me and Crewman X get serious, won't you?" Torres smiled. "I need to be prepared so I can keep my stories straight."

"Don't I always?" he laughed, headed toward the door.

Following him, Janeway said, "I'm glad you could stay for as long as you did. Thank you for looking after Seven for me."

"Not a problem...goodnight."

A second after the doors closed behind her first officer, Janeway felt Torres wrapping her hands around her waist and whispering in her ear, "Innocent bystander my foot." Pressing into the embrace, Janeway brought her hands to B'Elanna's arms and titled her head exposing more of her graceful neck, and said, seductively, "Well, hello again."

"Hi," Torres came back, now kissing her neck softly. "This whole rumor thing…does it bother you?"

Smiling at Torres's affections, Janeway admitted, "Mmmntmm…not at all. I'm used to it…part of being the captain."

Now nibbling at the captain's earlobe, she asked, "Would it bother you if your name had been mentioned?"

"No…I've certainly been hooked up with much worse," Janeway teased. "Mmm…I like what you're doing very much."

Torres turned Kathryn around so she could see her face, kissing her jaw as she pivoted. Then before she kissed her lips, she asked, "Do you care if people know?"

Janeway wrapped her arms around Torres' neck, keeping her lips close to hers, teasing her but not touching yet and answered, "It's not any of their business, but I don't care if people know. I would rather wait until Seven is recovered so we can all make an appearance together, but if things get out before then…I'm certainly not going to deny them." Then kissing Torres passionately for a few moments and pulling away, "Although, there's not too many people brave enough to ask me face to face. What's your opinion?"

"I think we should wait too…or there will be so many rumors flying around, the whole ship will buzzing," Torres laughed, backing Janeway up slowly so she could press her against the wall. Laughing again, she said, "Kahless, no one would get anything done." Kissing Janeway more fervently now that she was settled against the wall near the door, Torres slid her hand up the outside of the captain's shirt, teasing her flesh through the thin material. "Mmm…I missed you, Red. Don't tell the captain, but this new gig she's got me set up with stinks. The hours are atrocious…and the company..."

Chuckling and breathing heavier, Janeway said, "Well, I would never presumed to speak for the captain, but I'm quiet certain she appreciates your diligence and patience in this matter." Taking B'Elanna's hand away from her breast for a moment, Janeway asked, "Seriously, Lanna…how are you holding up? You look exhausted."

"Not quite, but I'm getting there," Torres admitted, allowing Janeway to slow things down and stroke her cheek. "Tom and the Doctor have been helpful, but the majority of this early work has been mine…I got to work the last few hours alone, which is my preference, so that helped." Sighing, she said, "But trying to build an artificial digestive system isn't really my…specialty."

"I'm not going to pretend that this project isn't vital," Janeway informed, her voice quiet but serious, "but I don't need both of you to end up in Sickbay, either. Don't push yourself too hard, understand? That's an order."

"Aye, Captain," Torres nodded.

"And," Janeway said, softening and snuggling closer to Torres, "when this is all over, I'll see to it personally that you have some recovery time of your own."

"Does that include personal attention from the captain?"

"Mmm," Janeway purred as B'Elanna's hands returned to her body, "I can't make any promises, you know…but I'll do my best."

"Good enough for me," Torres smiled and then kissed her lips again.

When the engineer finally released her after practically devouring her mouth, although there was nothing unpleasant or sloppy about the kiss, Janeway gasped, "My word…I could be mistaken, but," swallowing and taking a ragged breath, "I think it's probably illegal in parts of the galaxy to kiss like that." After Torres attacked her mouth again in the same manner, Janeway wobbled some and managed, "Mmm…maybe…we had better go…sit."

B'Elanna kissed her on the cheek quickly, and said, "You go on ahead…I'm going to check on Seven."

"Okay…oh and make sure you wake her up…she was adamant about that," Janeway informed, walking lazily back to the couch while her head continued to spin.

After opening the captain's bedroom door, Torres walked quietly over to where Seven continued to snooze and sat on the edge of the bed. Taking a few moments to watch her sleep, Torres finally said, touching her face, "Hey, dollface…can you hear me?"

"B'Elanna Torres," Seven said, pulling open her heavy eyes, "I am pleased you have returned. Have you been here long…I am not aware of the time?"

"For a little while…I had dinner with Red and Chakotay…you okay?"

"I am depleated," Seven informed, having a hard time keeping her eyes open. "I cannot seem to…complete this regeneration cycle."

"Then don't…go back to sleep," Torres said, kissing her on the forehead. "I just wanted you to know that I stopped by. I should be able to stop by tomorrow earlier."

"Very well…I will not resist, but you will spend time with Kathryn since I cannot."

"Well, since you're twisting my arm...I guess I'll comply…go back to sleep," Torres said, kissing her one more time on the cheek. When Seven mumbled a goodnight to her, B'Elanna removed herself from the bed, yawning herself and closed the door behind her, although as she did so, she realized that there probably wasn't a whole lot that could happen that could wake Seven at this moment. Sinking into the couch next to Janeway, Torres said, putting her arm around her, "She's zonked out…I've never seen her like that before."

Cuddling with B'Elanna, Janeway sighed, "I know…definitely a switch. Did she wake up at all?"

"For a minute to inform me that she couldn't wake up and that I was to spend time with you," Torres laughed. "Even when she's half asleep, she's telling me what to do."

Chuckling too, Janeway added, "You realize that if anyone is going to wear the pants in this family, it's going to be her."

"I guess we'll just have to adapt then," Torres said, pulling Janeway up on her lap and turning her around so the captain was straddling her legs. "But no one wears the pants as well as you do, Red."

Kissing Torres' ear, she hummed, "And no one takes them off of me as well as you do, Lanna."

"Hey, I can live with that title," Torres replied, unzipping the side of the captain's trousers so she could slip her hand in behind her. Cupping her small bottom with one hand, letting her finger just graze her warm center every now and then, through her underwear, Torres said, as Janeway let her head lull forward and bit her bottom lip, something Torres thought was the single sexiest thing she had ever seen, besides the captain in her uniform all worked up under the dimmed lights of the Bridge during a red alert, "Can I interest you in a dessert?"

Feeling a little selfish with all of this one-sided attention she'd received today, she said, "It's a definite possibility…but why don't you switch places with me and let me take care of you for a while?"

After kissing the captain's lips, Torres said, "Mmm no, but thanks for the offer. I'll definitely take a rain check."

Frowning some, Janeway asked, "Am I missing something?"

With her other hand rubbing Janeway's neck, Torres smiled and explained, "I'm all dirty from working all day…and way too tired to be placed in your evil hands right now."

Turning on the seduction, hoping to convince Torres that she would regret not accepting her offer, Janeway whispered, "We could take a shower…it's plenty big enough for the both of us." Kissing her again, "I promise to be very nice to you."

"Yea that's what I'm worried about," B'Elanna smiled as the captain kissed her. "You get me in that shower and Chakotay will have no doubts as to who was in my quarters last night." Running her fingers through her lover's shorter, ruddy hair, she said, "I just want be with you, Kathryn…I don't need any attention tonight."

"Are you sure, darling?" Janeway asked, gliding her knuckles across her features. "I'm perfectly happy to just sit here with you."

Teasing the older woman more with her hand, Torres answered, "Oh, I'm sure…very, very sure." When the captain shuddered a little bit, the chief asked, "Will you take off your shirt please…my hand is…busy."

Sitting up just a little, putting more of her lower body in contact with Torres' fingers, Janeway quickly took off her shirt and undershirt all in one motion. Then rising up just a tad and leaning in so B'Elanna could have her way with her exposed chest, she asked, "Am I allowed to touch you at all?"

"Only from my shoulders up," the Klingon responded, starting in immediately at Kathryn's pert breasts with her mouth. "Anything more, and…well, you know the story."

Grabbing onto B'Elanna head as her fingers started to fondle her more fervently, Janeway moaned, "Yes…I'm very, very lucky to know the story."

"Will you take off your pants…but leave your underwear on," Torres requested, leaning back. When Kathryn looked at her funny, she smiled and looked down, explaining, "My pants are black…and I still have to make the trip home."

"Right," Janeway nodded, catching on. After Torres took her hand away, Janeway stood up and slipped off her pants, leaving them in a puddle on the floor after she had taken off her boots and socks. "I'm assuming you wish to stay in this…position then?"

"Definitely," Torres said, sitting up as she pulled the captain back onto her lap. "You have no idea how sexy you look hovering over me."

As B'Elanna slipped her hands into her undergarments, Janeway leaned in and kissing her fiercely on the mouth, she requested just before her lips made contact, "Then show me."

After B'Elanna Torres had left her quarters, Janeway padded into the bedroom, her legs now wobblier than ever, and checked on Seven of Nine. Then she proceeded to take a quick shower to freshen up since her skin was now covered with a thin sheen of perspiration, donned her nightgown and settled into bed, making sure to inform the computer to wake her every four hours so that she could take Seven's temperature. At 0430 hours, she, unfortunately for Seven, had to drag the tired woman out of bed and subject her to another bath as her fever rose enough to concern the captain. Then after that, she had coaxed the Borg to drink yet another glass of water, and applied a fresh batch of ointment to her body before they returned to sleep nearly an hour and a half later. When the captain was woken at 0700 hours to begin her day, she had to bite back a curse as she dragged her tired body out of bed and took another shower just to wake up. She was pleased when Seven joined her halfway through, but as Seven leaned against the wall, looking paler and thinner than normal, the captain's concern for her condition grew worse.

Lazily, she had helped Seven enjoy the refreshing qualities of the water, and then afterward she had dried her off carefully and let her sit on the toilet while the captain performed her morning ritual. Janeway continued to talk to Seven, answering her questions that were rather few and far between, hoping that somehow just the sound of her voice would bring a small sense of normalcy into the young woman's day.

Seven's skin condition was still bothering her, but not any more so than before, but her lethargy and her body's constant struggle to maintain its temperature were definitely starting to take its toll on her physically and emotionally. Throughout the morning, Seven's mood and tone went from a forlorn quiet to an irascible outburst of displeasure. However, the captain's patience, something that was usually short lived, remained utterly in tact and she simply adjusted her own voice to what Seven required during her mood swings. When Seven was sad, Janeway would be bright and upbeat, and when Seven was pissed, Janeway would be soft and loving, never condescending, just supportive and let Seven have her say of the situation; although, Janeway would admit that if she didn't hear the words 'unacceptable,' 'insufficient,' or 'irrelevant' for a few days, she would be just fine with that.

After taking Seven's temperature again, pleased that it was remaining steady for the moment, the captain left a glass of water by the couch where Seven continued to keep her steady post in front of the television, deciding that she would 'observe Lucy' for a while since she was 'incapable of functioning efficiently,' grabbed another cup of coffee for herself and settled back into her work. Today was a light day as far as reports were concerned, so the captain took an extra few moments to read through a few others she had only briefly skimmed that day before, again leaving the final two, at the moment, from B'Elanna Torres to last. She read the first one that was in response to her message regarding the problems in Engineering, which simply said, "It won't happen again, Captain." Happy with that, she left it alone knowing, that Torres' staff would probably be read the riot act as soon as she was back at her normal post and moved onto the next message, which was personal and read:

Chuckling softly as she pictured the dubious look on her first officer's face after Torres left the her cabin sometime after midnight, no doubt grinning from ear to ear after she had serviced the captain with exceptional skill, leaving her panting and quaking in continuous waves of pleasure, Janeway opened a response and wrote:

Carrying two glasses full of Seven's nutritional supplement to the couch, Janeway feeling that at least why Seven was awake, which wasn't that often any more, she would share in her misery as far as nutrition was concerned, questioned, "Seven…are you awake?"

Opening her eyes, the tall blonde reported, cranky, "That is correct…I was merely 'resting my eyes.'"

Janeway perched on the edge of the sofa next to where Seven was reclining and asked, "Do you feel up to having something to eat? It's about that time."

"No," Seven frowned, looking at the glasses. "I am uncomfortable and do not wish to consume anything at this time."

After setting them both down on top of the television, the captain said, "I know you don't feel well, darling…but I really think that you should try to drink at least a little something. You only had half of your supplement this morning…and that was five hours ago."

"It was five point two three hours ago," Seven informed precisely. "However, I still do not require a nutritional supplement at this time. I am not 'hungry.'"

Thinking quickly, Janeway replied, "Alright…then I won't have anything either. I'll just wait until you're ready."

"Kathryn," Seven spoke up quickly, "that is unacceptable! You require a nutritional supplement to sustain yourself as you work." Reaching over and grabbing the glass, thrusting it toward Janeway, she stated, "You are required to consume...comply."

Since that was the exact reaction she had been hoping for, Janeway shook her head and said, "Not until you have some too. I can wait."

Seven continued to attempt to stare Janeway down, but the sickly Borg was no match for Janeway's expertise in this field, so finally Seven sighed, rolled her eyes and stated, "Very well. I will comply…but only if we share this glass together. I cannot consume the entire contents myself."

"Acceptable," Janeway nodded, nudging the glass to Seven's lips first. After she had sipped a small amount, the captain accepted the offering as well. Then handing it back to Seven, hoping if she talked for a little while, Seven would forget about their deal and drink the whole thing herself, Janeway said, "B'Elanna sends her love…and she wanted me to remind you to check your messages if you're up to it today. I'm done for a while, so if you want to use my workstation after lunch, you may."

"Very well," Seven said, handing the glass back to the captain. "Will she come to visit me again this evening?"

After taking a very small drink, Janeway handed the cup back to Seven, who took it readily, and answered, "Yes…she should be over earlier than last night, so maybe you'll get to spend some time with her? But I don't want you to wait up. You need your rest, and B'Elanna understands."

"I am growing tired of rest, Kathryn. It seems all I am capable of," Seven spat. "However, since I am unable to resist, I will comply. You will see that she wakes me?"

"Of course," Janeway said, grabbing the other nutritional supplement off the television when the blonde did not attempt to offer her any. Pleased with herself for getting Seven to eat something, Janeway said, "You know, these aren't half bad. I might just start having one for breakfast every day. I'm sure the Doctor would be pleased since I rarely eat before noon."

"They are acceptable from time to time," Seven nodded, still drinking, her body responding to the hunger once she had begun to feed it. "You should not go without nutrition for such long periods, Kathryn. It is taxing on your body. Why do you not eat 'breakfast'?"

"Just habit, I guess," Kathryn answered. "I always have coffee in the morning…I usually can't stomach anything before that…and then I get busy with work and forget, but since these are in a cup and I can them anywhere, I think I can fit them into my schedule."

"You should endeavor to do so," Seven stated. Then looking away for a moment as she thought, something that was habit from her time with the Borg, she said, "I will see to it."

"Oh you will, will you?" Janeway laughed, raising her eyebrow. "And how will you do that?"

"I will program your replicator to automatically produce a nutritional supplement once you have logged onto your workstation in your Ready Room. That way, you will not have an opportunity to 'forget,'" Seven explained.

"And what if I forget that it's there?" the captain smirked.

"Then I will program the computer to remind you at five minute intervals until you consume it," Seven returned quickly.

Laughing out loud now, feeling far too pleased that her crewmember would go to such lengths to see to her nutritional needs that a captain should be, she rubbed Seven's thigh in appreciation and said, "Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

"Resistance is futile," Seven smirked, some of the color coming back into her cheeks.

Finishing her drink and taking Seven's empty cup back to the replicator, Janeway smiled and said, "Now that's the Seven I'm used to…cocky as hell." Then turning around, she said, sweetly, "And that's why I love her so much, you know?"

"I am aware that you approve of my confidence," Seven stated, standing slowly. Once she was certain that she wouldn't topple over, she walked to the captain's workstation and sat down. Then looking at the screen since Janeway was still logged on, she stated, "Kathryn, you have a priority one memo from Ensign Kim waiting for you."

Coming up behind Seven as she started to rise, Janeway put her arms on her shoulders, informing her to sit back down. Once she was seated, the captain wrapped her arms around her neck, kissed it gently a few times and accessed the message saying, "I highly doubt anything Harry has to tell me is something you can't know about, darling…but thank you." Then turning her attention back to Seven's neck, massaging it gently, and continuing to kiss her lightly, she asked, "Read if for me, will you? I can't see it from here."

Seven smirked and said before she did so, "Perhaps I should have the Doctor install a view screen at the base of my neck to assist you?" When Janeway bit her lovingly, Seven turned to the screen and read aloud, "Captain, long range sensors have detected an unknown vessel. At its current heading and speed, they will intercept us in three days. I have advised the commander of the situation. As more information comes in, I will relay it to you. Ensign Kim."

"Damn," Janeway muttered, standing and looking over Seven's head at the message. Continuing to rub her neck with one hand, she tapped her communicator and said, "Janeway to Carey."

"Go ahead, Captain," the lieutenant said after about a five-second delay.

"How are the repairs on the thrusters coming?"

"Right on schedule, Captain. We should be finished by tomorrow afternoon."

"Good…see to it, Lieutenant…I don't care what it takes. How long for the landing struts to be repaired?" she asked, now both hands rubbing Seven's shoulders.

"Uh, probably two days after that, Captain…we haven't worked on them yet."

"I want them repaired by the day after tomorrow, Mister Carey. Understood?"

"Aye, Captain…I'll get a team on it as soon as possible."

"Work through the night if you have to…just get it done. Janeway out."

"Kathryn," Seven said, tilting her head so she could look up, "are you concerned about this unknown vessel?"

Returning to her previous displays of affection, not wanting to get Seven involved in anything besides her own well being, Janeway whispered, "Mmm…don't worry about it. I'm sure it's nothing."

"As you wish," Seven replied, titling her head to give the captain plenty of access. When Janeway slipped her hand down the front of her shirt through the loose collar and started rubbing her upper chest slowly, Seven stated, "I am going to access my messages at this time…'feel free' to continue with your present course of action. It will not disturb me."

"Mmm…I will comply," Janeway responded sweetly, "just let me go get a chair." After pulling up a chair behind Seven and returning to her shoulders to massage them gently and kiss her neck every so often, Janeway remained quiet, giving Seven her privacy and silently brooded about the single vessel that was headed their way. Anytime they encountered an unknown ship, whether it be one or ten, the captain was wary since they were constantly in new territory, rarely coming across the same species twice, but since this ship was to intercept them on the day of Seven's procedure, Janeway planned on taking extra precautions. She didn't want to have to land the ship and push the thrusters before they had had a chance to test them thoroughly, or have to put herself through that maneuver either since she figured Fowler wasn't practiced in landing at all, but if she had to, she would. Since most starships weren't designed to land, being able to stay on the surface gave her a slight tactical advantage because it made the small ship a difficult target to hit accurately at even a low orbit. That, on top of the fact that they were without their best pilot, made escape to land to avoid a pursuit the best option until Seven's procedure was complete. Of course, this was all assuming that this mystery ship wished to do them harm, but considering the luck that they'd had in the Delta Quadrant, Janeway had developed quite a pessimistic attitude for first contact in the last few years. She just couldn't take the risk anymore…they had been burned by her desire for diplomacy first and foremost a few too many times, and even though she didn't come into a new situation with both barrels blazing, the weapons are her hips were now always cocked and at the ready.

Seven quickly logged onto the captain's workstation, keeping Janeway's session active in case any more messages came through, and accessed her personal database. Scanning through the short list of archived messages, and after reading three more 'get-well' wishes, Seven accessed B'Elanna Torres' message:

Now more comfortable with this form of communication, it took Seven only a few seconds to think about her response. Efficiently, she imputed, only moderately distracted by the captain's lips and the base of her neck:

"Kathryn," Seven stated across the room, her tone anxious. "I am feeling...peculiar." Holding her stomach and sitting up, she said, "It is uncomfortable."

Getting up from her workstation quickly, Janeway asked, "Is your skin bothering you?"

"No," she shook her head, turning paler by the second. "I…I…cannot describe it."

Worried, Janeway snatched up the medical tricorder and ran it over Seven's head and abdomen checking for a temperature, but there was none. Her blood pressure was up just a tad, and her heart rate had increased, but other than that, Janeway couldn't determine what was wrong since she wasn't at all familiar with how Seven's readings normally were. Closing it back up, she knelt next to the blonde and asked, "I know it's hard…but try to explain it."

Seven leaned over a little and struggled, saying, "There is an uncomfortable sensation in my abdomen. It is not…painful…but unpleasant."

Janeway was just about to hail the Doctor when she saw Seven lurch forward slightly, looking very much like a feline coughing up a hairball. Understanding immediately, Janeway quickly helped Seven to her feet, heading toward the bathroom saying, "It's okay, darling…just try to make it to the bathroom." Looking up at Seven, who had instinctively put her hand over her mouth, she ushered her inside and knelt her in front of the toilet, explaining, "Go ahead…don't fight it." Thankfully, Seven didn't need any more direction because as soon as her head was far enough down, she took her hand away and vomited into the toilet while Janeway held back her pony-tail and rubbed her back, continuing to comfort her during the whole process. Once Seven seemed to have finished expelling her lunch, or what was left of it, Janeway wet a washcloth and put in on the back of her neck, saying, "It's okay, sweetheart. I'm right here with you."

"This drone is malfunctioning," Seven cried, spitting into the toilet, shivering and convulsing slightly. "This is unacceptable, Kathryn. It must be…repaired immediately."

"You're not malfunctioning, Seven," Janeway explained, wiping her mouth and forehead. "This is a perfectly natural reaction. I've vomited many times…you'll be alright."

"You have…undergone this...malfunction?" Seven asked, still hovering over the toilet, put looking over at the older woman.

"Yes…all it means is that your stomach is upset," informed Janeway, handing the washcloth to Seven, who finally pushed herself away. Flushing the toilet manually when the sensors didn't, the captain said, "The Doctor said that this would probably happen. Do you want him to come have a look at you?"

"Yes," Seven frowned, "but I wish to use your oral cleanser...it is not pleasant."

"Sure…I'll go replicate you a toothbrush," Janeway said, helping her sit on the edge of the bathtub. "Just sit right there…I'll be right back." Once she was certain Seven was steady and wouldn't fall over, Janeway hurried into the bedroom and accessed her personal clothing and accessories replicator while she tapped her comm-badge and said, "Janeway to the Doctor."

"Yes, Captain?" the Doctor answered, his voice slightly irritated, whether it be due to the interruption or the company wasn't certain.

As she scanned through the database, locating the personal hygiene products, she said, "Doctor, Seven's sick to her stomach. Could you come down here and have a look at her…just to make certain everything is okay?"

"I'll be there right away. Doctor out."

Grabbing the toothbrush she had ordered, taking the rations out as captain's privilege and not thinking anything of it since part of Chakotay's responsibilities were to maintain the division of rations and knowing he would never question her, she went back into the bathroom where Seven continued to sit quietly, looking very unhappy. "Can you stand up…or do you just want to brush your teeth right there?"

"This drone is required to sit," Seven stated plainly.

Grabbing her toothbrush as well since she knew Seven would require some direction, she wet them both and then applied a small amount of the paste on both brushes. Handing one to Seven, she knelt in front of the toilet after filling the small cup she kept at the sink with water and said, "Okay, now just put the brush in your mouth and move it back and forth across your teeth…gently…you don't want to hurt yourself. I'll demonstrate." Doing just as she explained, Janeway watched closely as Seven did the same, preparing to dodge a mouthful of paste if Seven decided it was unacceptable. After a minute, Janeway tapped Seven on the knee and the spat into the toilet, then took a drink of water, swished it around in her mouth and spat again. "Okay, your turn." When Seven repeated her procedure without event, Janeway asked, "Feel better?"

"That is correct," Seven nodded, her tone completely flat and unfeeling. "This cleanser is refreshing. I understand the appeal."

Taking Seven's toothbrush and rinsing them both out, she set them in her cup and smiled fondly at the sight of two toothbrushes in her bathroom, something she hadn't seen in a fews years shy of a decade. Even though she and her fiancé had maintained separate dwellings in San Francisco, they both kept a few necessities at each residence for the rare occasion when one of them spent more than an evening together; Janeway preferring to sleep in her own bed and never wanting to be away from her beloved canine companion that long, and Mark required to stay near the university since he was a professor and liked to be available to his students at a moments notice. Part of the captain had always wondered if that was their way of not becoming too attached to each other since even though it was not discussed, Kathryn was employed in a high risk occupation, not to mention the fact that she could be called on at a moment's notice to be gone for a very long time. The memory of all of that brought on a certain amount of melancholy for Kathryn since she still loved Mark very much. The love she had for him now was purely plutonic, and part of her knew that it had always been very much like that since they'd had grown up together, but that didn't mean that some days she didn't miss him terribly. They had always been great, true friends, and she wanted so much to share her personal feelings with her lifelong friend.

Watching the captain's face sadden some as she gazed at the cup of two toothbrushes, Seven asked, "Kathryn…what is troubling you?"

"Huh?" asked Janeway, snapping out of her revere and looking at Seven.

"You seem distressed suddenly," Seven explained, starting to feel somewhat better. "You were studying those oral cleansing utensils for several seconds."

Before Janeway could answer, the door call sounded. Turning, she said, "Stay there…that should be the Doctor." Opening the door to her living quarters, Janeway said, "Thank you for coming so quickly, Doctor. She's in the bathroom."

"What happened?" he asked, walking toward the captain's ensuite.

"She vomited," Janeway explained as they went inside. When Seven made an attempt to stand, Janeway said quickly, with authority, "Seven, just sit down and let the Doctor examine you."

Opening his medial tricorder that he brought with him from the holodeck, the hologram ran it slowly over Seven's head and said, "Her blood pressure is slightly elevated, as well as her heart rate…no doubt due to her…episode. They should go back to normal soon." Then running it over her back and her torso, he said, "Your body's natural system's are beginning to take over some of your digestive processes, Seven. That's why you became ill. Since they haven't performed in that capacity in two decades, they're resisting."

"It is uncomfortable," Seven explained.

"Yes, I imagine it is…although I wouldn't know, of course," he said, continuing his scans. Then closing his tricorder, he said, "All we can do is continue on our present course. There is nothing I can give you that will appease your stomach right now. Any kind of medication would just cause your body to resist more."

"This drone will continue to malfunction in this manner?" Seven asked, irritated.

"Unfortunately, yes…you will more than likely vomit again," the Doctor explained, taking a seat next to her. "However, your body will adapt. Your nutritional supplements are the best thing you can have. They digest quickly and give your body the nutrients you require, so you must keep drinking them. It will get better, Seven…it's just going to take some time."

Looking over to Kathryn who was now perched on the toilet stroking her shoulder, Seven nodded in acceptance once the captain did not protest the Doctor's prognosis, and sighed, "I will comply."

"Hmmm," allowed the Doctor, curious to the amount of influence Janeway seemed to have over his patient, even more so than normal, and said standing, "Well, I guess I better get back to the holodeck before Tom and B'Elanna maim each other. If I'd known those two were so irritable, I would have requested a different pair of assistants. Unfortunately, though…they are the best at what they do."

"Are they giving you problems, Doctor?" Janeway asked, now stroking Seven's hair.

"Nothing I can't handle, Captain," the Doctor explained. "Let's just say it's fortunate that Mister Paris and myself do not speak Klingon."

"Very well," Janeway nodded, figuring the Doctor was exaggerating slightly, something he tended to do, having a definite flare for drama. "Call me if you need me, and keep me informed of your progress."

"Aye, Captain…I hope you feel better, Seven…don't hesitate to call me," the Doctor said walking away.

When Janeway heard the pneumatic front doors hiss close, she turned back to Seven and asked, "Do you want to go lie down…or do you want to stay here for a while?"

"We may vacate this room," Seven said, pushing herself up slowly. "Will you be able to 'observe Lucy' with me until I am able to regenerate?"

"I think that can be arranged," Janeway said, putting her arm around Seven and walking with her into the other room.

By the time Chief Torres showed up, Janeway was a complete wreck on the inside. Seven had vomited two more times, each time growing weaker and more listless. It took all her negotiating skills to get Seven to drink just half of another nutritional supplement after her second episode, and after the third, Seven had simply refused outright stating that she absolutely would not comply and that any further attempts on Janeway's part would be futile. The captain had finally given up, deciding that if Seven were strong enough to put up such a fight, she would only hurt her more by continuing to argue with her. After a while of sitting together tense, Seven had finally grown weary enough that she couldn't keep herself angry at Janeway and pulled her into the crook of her arm apologizing for her behavior, although she still didn't make any attempts to drink the supplement, but they had finally come to a compromise and she did drink a glass of water. Then informing Janeway that she was tired and was required to regenerate, the captain helped her to the bed, after applying the Doctor's ointment and showering her with non-kisses.

While the captain was recycling Seven's clothing, the door call sounded and she said, softly, praying that it was B'Elanna, not certain she could stand to see anyone else at this moment, "Come in." When Torres appeared in the doorway, Janeway left Seven's garments in the replicator and practically ran over to her, wrapping her arms around her neck and burying her head in her hair.

Caught off guard, Torres chuckled for a moment, but when the captain didn't release her, she wrapped her arms around her tightly and said, "Hey…you okay?"

Pulling away after a few deep breaths to keep herself from crying like a baby, Janeway said, "Yes…I'm fine. Thank you."

Lifting Janeway's chin and looking at her in the eyes, she said, "Well, you don't look fine…where's Seven?"

"She's in the bedroom, sleeping," Janeway sighed. Then wrapping her arms around Torres again, she said, "I'm just glad you're here."

Not used to seeing such a needy display out of her commanding officer, a woman she thought good have her guts ripped out and still carry on an intelligent conversation, Torres rubbed her back and said, "I'm here…I'm here." Kissing her ear, she asked, "Kathryn, why are you so upset?" When Janeway didn't answer, she asked, "Is she getting worse?" As Janeway nodded affirmatively against her shoulder, Torres asked, trying to lighten the mood a little, realizing that Janeway was getting herself all worked up and was probably close to overdosing on coffee since the redhead drank it constantly whenever things were tense, "She didn't try to assimilate you…did she?"

Exhaling once, in modest amusement and frustration, Janeway pulled away, wiping the soft moisture from her eye, sniffling and said, "No…but if this keeps up, I think she might."

"What happened?"

Sighing, Janeway said, wiping her nose and putting one hand on her hip, "She can't hardly stomach anything without vomiting…which, of course, is totally unacceptable to her...so much that she's reverted back to calling herself 'this drone.' So, I can't get her to drink her supplements anymore. It took me a half-hour of negotiating just to get her to drink some water.

"Well that doesn't sound right," Torres huffed. "Can't the Doctor give her something?"

Shaking her head and sighing again, Janeway explained, "No. He says that this is the natural process of her human system finally being able to do it job after twenty years…and that there's nothing he can do to assist since her supplements are the best thing for her. She's just going to have to ride it out." Looking down at Torres' hand, she asked, "What's that?"

"Oh," B'Elanna muttered, setting the PADD on the captain's desk, "just some stuff I brought for Seven to keep her occupied…thought it might help if she was doing something a little more technical than watching TV."

"I'm sure she'll appreciate it," Janeway said, running her fingers through her hair. Then exhaling, she smiled ruefully and said, "I'm sorry for getting so upset…I'm just glad you're here." Then walking back up to her engineer, she kissed her sweetly and said, "The Doctor said something about being glad he doesn't speak Klingon…things going poorly with Tom?"

"Nah," Torres smiled, kissing her back. "The one thing Tom and I did right together was learn how to work and fight at the same time…it's just our way, I guess. I just don't think the Doctor really understands how we can curse at each other and not really be mad. It's just our way of getting out our frustrations for this whole process."

"Well, as long as it works…I won't object," the captain smiled, honestly this time. "You want something to eat…or can't you stay long?"

"I can stay as long as you need me," Torres responded, kissing her forehead. "And, as long as you're cooking, I'll eat too. You know I'm no good with those things."

"Hmm…yes…I keep forgetting," Janeway teased. "Why don't we make a quick trip up to the Mess Hall and see what Neelix has made for dinner? I don't feel up much for cooking."

"You want to go to the Mess Hall to have dinner with me?" Torres laughed, kissing her again. "Don't you think that will be a little obvious?"

"I was thinking more about slipping in the back door and requesting a few meals to go," Janeway explained. "I don't feel up for socializing…and I don't want to leave Seven for more than a few minutes."

"B'Elanna Torres?" Seven's crisp, demanding voice carried from the inside the bedroom.

Turning her head, she said, "Yea, dollface…it's me?"

"I require your assistance," Seven stated plainly.

"Be right there," Torres said. Then turning to Janeway, she said, "Why don't you go get the food and I'll take care of the kid for a while?"

Chuckling, Janeway said, realizing that statement felt very close to what was occurring, "Okay…I'll try not to be gone long."

"Take your time," Torres said, walking toward the bedroom. Once she was inside, she said to Seven who was lying on her back, looking at the doorway, "You okay, babe?"

"No," Seven explained. "Has Kathryn informed you of my malfunctions?"

"Yea," Torres said, sitting at the edge of the bed. "She said you puked…that stinks."

Looking at her curious, assuming that by 'puked' she meant vomited, and since the odor was unpleasant, to say the least, she finally nodded and said, "That is correct...on three occasions."

"Are you gonna puke again?" Torres asked, praying to the gods that she wasn't since that was one thing that she could not handle. Whenever anyone got sick around her, she immediately followed suit.

"Not at the moment, but the Doctor has informed me that I will continue to 'puke' until my body adapts," Seven explained. "Where has Kathryn gone? Is she displeased? I have been difficult, but unable to help myself."

"She just went to go get us something to eat," Torres explained, patting Seven on the arm. "She's not mad at you, dollface…no one is mad at you. We all understand what it's like to be sick. Shit…" Torres laughed, "I'm a total bitch when I don't feel good. Ten times worse, I'm sure." Then looking at Seven, she smiled and said, hoping to continue to lighten the mood with her strange sense of humor, "So, you naked under there?"

Smirking slightly, Seven said, "That is correct."

"Lucky, Red," Torres came back. "So, you wanna come out front and have dinner with us?"

"No, I believe that Kathryn needs to 'take a break' from tending to my needs for the evening. Will you retrieve a nutritional supplement for me and a glass of water, please?"

"Sure…but she's not tired of you, Seven. She loves you…she's concerned about you. So am I," Torres explained.

"I am aware of this, nevertheless, I wish to remain in this room for the remainder of the night. I will undoubtedly grow weary again soon and be required to regenerate. I will inform you if I require further assistance," the blonde responded surely. "And if I have to 'puke,' I am capable of finding my way to the facilities."

"Alright…but it sounds to me like you're the one who needs to 'take a break,' sweetheart,'" Torres teased, retrieving Seven's requirements. Then coming back into the bedroom, she set them and the PADD she brought on the nightstand and said, "Okay…here's your stuff…and here's your data on the Slipstream project. Now, I didn't tell Red what was in that…so don't rat me out, alright?"

"I will not…I will merely explain to her that is a 'personal interest,'" Seven answered. "She will not inquire further. You will say 'goodnight' to me before you leave?"

"You betcha," Torres said, kissing her forehead. "Alright…then I'm gonna leave you alone and do some stuff before Red gets back. Do you want me to shut the door or leave it open?"

"You may close it."

"Okay…don't stay up too late," Torres said walking away.

"I will not," Seven answered, reaching for her nutritional supplement.

Closing the door behind her, Torres took off her tunic quickly, tossing it on the captain's desk so she wouldn't forget it. Then hurrying over to the replicator, she scanned through it, using her personal code so that Kathryn's rations weren't utilized and replicated six small candles. Then placing them around the room, she rooted through the captain's desk drawer, assuming she could find something to light them with since Janeway had two candles on the kitchen table. Making purchase, not at all surprised when they were ordinary, old fashioned matches, and not some other more technical device, she quickly lit them and then the two on the table. Muttering under her breath, she said to herself, "What else…what else…WINE!" Running over to the replicator, she selected a bottle of red wine, hoping it would go with the dinner. Then she replicated two glasses and set them on the table as well, opening the bottle to let it breathe. Then she brought down the lights and asked the computer to play the musical selection that the captain accessed most often, praying it would go with the mood she was trying to set. When a soft, jazzy tune started to play, she informed the computer to play the complete album that this song was located on, and any other selections by this artist that were in the captain's personal databanks. Finally, she scurried into the bathroom, knocking on the door first, telling Seven she was coming in, and washed her face and hands, deciding that was enough for now.

As she walked back into the living room, she had to laugh at herself for suddenly feeling so nervous, even though she had already made love to Kathryn twice. This feeling of excitement was sort of new for her, at least new once sex had already come into play, and she hoped that was a good sign. Taking off her shoes, she put a privacy seal on her communicator asking the she not be disturbed unless it was an emergency and took a seat on the couch.

"Thank you again, Neelix," Janeway whispered, walking out the small back door to the Mess Hall carrying a covered tray that contained two platefuls of food and utensils. Carefully negotiating around each corner, glad that her quarters were only one deck down, Janeway stepped into the turbolift, feeling a good deal better than she had just a few minutes ago. Then realizing that she was tapping her finger, Janeway chuckled once, letting herself know that no matter how preoccupied she was with Seven, her reactions to B'Elanna Torres were very telling of her true feelings. Kathryn was not the kind of woman to throw her arms around someone just because she was happy to see them, nor was she normally the kind of woman who could be comforted in times of stress just by someone else's presence, and she certainly had never been the kind of woman to look forward to such a simple thing as having dinner with a lover as much as she was looking forward to this one. Kathryn usually maintained a certain amount of detachment with her lovers, at least all the ones after Justin, who had died tragically at the same moment as her father. After that, a big part of Kathryn had shut herself off to really letting someone in for fear that they would just go away like Justin, and she had vowed to never feel that kind of her hurt again. But here she was, nevertheless, with great stresses baring down on her constantly, both professional and personal, yet finding a certain and distinct amount of joy and anticipation over something as small as having dinner with a woman she had known for seven years. It was becoming quite obvious to Janeway what was happening at this moment, in fact the thought had never been far from her mind all day, the only question now was, when was the right time to tell B'Elanna how wonderful she made her feel and how quickly she was falling head over heels in love with her. The thought was so completely blissful to Kathryn, which made her laugh again considering she was already completely in love with Seven of Nine. It was definitely a peculiar sensation, but even thought part of her wondered if she was just going slightly mad, she couldn't deny it, let alone fight it.

Stepping off the turbolift, quickly rushing past Chakotay's door for fear that he would pop out at any minute and start badgering her for details, she stopped in front of her door, took a breath to try an calm some of her butterflies and verbally requested that the door be opened since her hands were full. When the silver doors parted evenly to reveal a dimly lit room that glowed orange from the candles scattered about, Janeway's heart jumped immediately in her throat as she saw and heard simultaneously the wine on the table, along with the glasses, her favorite jazz selection playing softly in the back ground and B'Elanna Torres sitting on the couch smiling at her famous grin. Quickly, she stepped into her quarters so the doors could close, and setting down the tray on the table, she said, smiling sheepishly and feeling utterly fanciful, "I see you've been busy."

Torres got to her feet and walked over to Kathryn, placing her hands on her hips and saying, "Well, since Seven requested some private time, I thought I'd take this opportunity to help get your mind off things."

Smiling and settling into the embrace, wrapping her arms around Torres' neck, she chuckled, "Seven requested private time?"

"I think she's feeling a little too stressed out by all this…attention," the brunette explained, putting her slightly rigged forehead against Janeway's smooth one. "She said that if she requires our assistance, she'll let us know…but if she pukes again, you have to take that…I can't stomach it."

"I thought Klingon's had strong stomachs?" Janeway asked as they slowly started to sway to the music.

"We do…but that's an exception to the rule."

"Ah," Janeway smiled, then kissed Torres' mouth once. "So, ring-leader, am I to assume that you have the whole night planned out by now…or are we just going to wing it?"

"Didn't you know," Torres whispered, pulling the captain closer to her, "improvising is what I do best? I'm just full of surprises."

"I'm beginning to see that," the captain whispered back as Torres' whole demeanor gave her goose bumps from head to toe. "Keeps things interesting…I guess?"

"Mmm…now you're catching on," Torres said, planting a deep kiss on the redhead, leaving her breathless and flushing. "So, what's for dinner?"

"Um," Janeway blinked, trying to remember what Neelix had said, and what her own name was after B'Elanna's kiss. Then laughing she admitted, "I honestly can't remember…I guess we'll just have to wing it?"

"That's usually the case with Neelix's cooking," Torres laughed, easing the captain over to the table and pulling out the chair for her. Taking the lid off the tray as Janeway poured the wine, she said, eyeing the steaming food, "Looks okay to me." After handing a dish to Janeway and setting a place for herself adjacent to her, she slid the tray out the way, grabbed her wine glass, and knelt in front of Kathryn, who was sitting sideways in the chair. "I'm not usually any good at this kind of thing…so you'll have to stick with me," Torres laughed, more than a little nervous. Then straightening, placing her free hand on Kathryn's knees, she continued, "But I feel as though I should say something…so here it goes." Taking a deep breathe, she looked up into Janeway's face, and stated, "You, Captain Cowgirl, are the best thing that has even happened to me…hands down. Being with you like this…being able to make you smile…I can't tell you how important it is to me…and how good…I mean really, truly good it makes me feel. You've added so many things to my life in these seven years, and each morning, I am thankful for them all…good and bad…all of them because they have brought me here to this moment…were I can look at you this way and tell you how I feel, know it in my heart to be true, and not be afraid. And I'm not afraid, Red…I'm scared out of my wits…but not afraid."

"Lanna…" Janeway breathed, barely audible since the air had been sucked clean out of her chest.

"Don't," Torres smiled, pressing her fingers to the captain's mouth that was slightly gapping. "I don't want you to say anything right now…'cause I'll probably cry…and I hate that…and then our food will get cold." Kissing Janeway's knuckles once, she stood back up and took her seat at the table, saying, "Let's eat...I'm starved."

Shaking her head, trying to pull her brain back from somewhere far over the rainbow, Kathryn whispered, laughing whimsically, "Alright."

For the first few minutes the room was silent except from the soft sounds of the music in the air and the slight scraping of their utensils on the plates, however each of them barely took their eyes off of each other, only doing so when they had to see what it was that they were doing with their food. When the captain finally sipped the wine, Torres broke the silence, and questioning, "Did I do okay with the wine? I just picked the one you replicated most often…"

Nodding silently as she sipped then rolled it around in her mouth for a few seconds, Janeway answered, lightly swirling the glass, "Mmm…yes, it's one of my favorites…and not too bad with the meal." Still feeling a little selfish from all the attention Torres had been paying her as of late, and honestly curious, Janeway set her glass down and took a bite of the pasta, asking, "You seem to know all my favorite things…but I hardly know any of yours."

"What do you want to know?" asked Torres, sipping her wine as well, finding it not half bad, although not as good as the wine Kathryn had brought down to the planet, but she had a feeling that had been a special treat, and not a brand she replicated often.

"What do you like to do for fun…other than tinker with things?" inquired the older woman, setting down her fork and grabbing her wine again, resting her head in her hand, giving Torres her undivided attention as she gazed at her in the romantic light.

"Fun," Torres grinned since fun was one of her favorite things. "Hmm…well, you already know I like music…and to sing and dance. I like all kinds of music…but mostly only lyrical, not as much of a fan of instrumental…but this is nice," she said pointing up, meaning the music coming from the speakers. "Um, I like sports…the tougher the better. I'm not real good at finesse sports like tennis and golf…and I stink at Velocity," she laughed, knowing that was one of the captain's favorites. "I'm okay at pool…but I think my favorite, other than wrestling, is probably racket ball. You can hit the ball really hard and it doesn't ever go out of bounds…that's my kind of sport." As Janeway continued to smile, chuckling softly, obviously imagining Torres smashing the hell out of tennis ball and sending it flying to god knows where, Torres continued, "I like to work out with weights too. Chakotay and I do some boxing training together, but I'm a better wrestler than a boxer…it's the Klingon, get your whole body into it, thing, I guess?"

"Do you like any kind of art…like painting or ceramics?" the captain asked, still interested of course, but now trying to think of something that they could share together. The sports thing was pretty much out of the question, except for working out, because Janeway preferred more finesse sports, and certainly couldn't hold her own in a wrestling match with B'Elanna, that much she was certain. Sure, she was well trained in self-defense tactics, enough that when she was forced to use them she could inflict serious damage, but since she would never get into the mind set while playing, she knew Torres would have her pinned on her back practically a second after the bell rang.

"Yea…but I'm not any good at it," Torres admitted. "I appreciate it…I like to watch other people do it…but it's not something I'm good at. I like to tear things up, then put them back together…see how they work…get messy."

"Messy?" Janeway laughed, barking and tossing her head back a little.

"Yea…messy," B'Elanna said, smiling brightly. "I love to get messy. Tom always told me that if I lived in the Twentieth Century, I would have been an automobile mechanic…I guess they always had their hands in something…getting messy." Taking a bite of her food, she explained, talking with part of her mouth full, "And…I like my quarters to be messy too…but you probably already knew that. Don't get me wrong…I don't like to be filthy…just keep things looking lived in."

"Well," Janeway said, softly, "honestly, I wasn't paying any attention to what your quarters looked like the last time I was in them."

"Well…they were messy," Torres informed.

Although the captain herself could be 'carefree' sometimes, growing up in Starfleet and now used to spending a great deal of time setting examples, she was a fairly neat woman, however, not nearly as fastidious as Seven of Nine, who could not tolerate being amongst inefficiency with any ease. Now still searching for something that they could do, just for themselves since the captain and Seven had already found most of their common interests, Janeway asked, "Do you like to read…or engage in holonovels?"

"Yea…I like holonovels. I'm not a real big reader…but I do like old comic books and detective stories…the cheesier and more stereotypical, the better," Torres answered, finishing her dinner.

Intrigued, never imagining that about her new lover, Janeway asked, "Do you like detective holonovels?"

"I've actually never played one," answered the brunette. "I don't know why, really…just never got around to it, I guess." Then finally telling the whole story, she laughed, "Plus, no one's ever really shown much of an interest in playing along…there can only be one detective, and Tom always had to be the center of attention whenever we played one of his holoprograms…Captain Proton, for instance."

Rolling her eyes, remembering how she had gotten sucked into playing Queen Arachnia thanks to Tom Paris' hologram, Janeway stood and started clearing the table, since they were both finished, saying, "Uh…don't ever mention that again…what a nightmare that was."

Laughing, and looking over her shoulder, she asked, "What, you didn't like prancing around calling everyone, 'My Pet,' Red? I heard you made a pretty convincing vamp."

Getting herself a cup of coffee and asking Torres if she wanted anything, who declined, Janeway said, "Well, thankfully, I've always had a bit of a flare for acting…helps make me a decent diplomat," Janeway said, coming back over to the table, but continuing toward the couch, gesturing to Torres, she requested, "Come sit with me for a while."

Torres immediately got up from her place and took a seat right next to Kathryn, who was squeezed into the corner of the couch, with her legs tucked under her. After she pulled on Janeway's legs until the captain gave in, willingly, and set them across her lap, Torres rubbed them gently with her hand, asking, "Do you like detective stories?"

Nodding, Janeway said, sipping her coffee and settling into the relaxation of practically sitting in Torres' lap, and said, "Yes…I just love stories…any kind. I always have." Then putting one arm behind her head, relaxing even more, she asked, happily, "So…describe your ultimate detective holonovel."

Leaning back as well, Torres was silent for a few seconds as she thought, then smiling as she pictured it, she answered, "Well, it would be set way back in the early Twentieth Century Earth, in the United States…Chicago...you know, with rich gangsters…and all those really slick bad guys." When Janeway merely nodded, chuckling softly in romanticism of the era, Torres continued, "And I would be the wise guy, private investigator. A real old-school gumshoe…the Fedora, the trenchcoat…I'd smoke cigarettes, drink Jack Daniels, sleep on a cot in my downtown office, drive a beat up old car…know lots of beautiful women…all of them my ex-girlfriends…it would be great."

Enjoying this side of Torres very much, Janeway laughed for a minute, and then asked, "Sounds fun…so, who would I play?"

"You could be my secretary," Torres teased.

"Secretary!" Janeway huffed, playfully, poking her stomach. "I'm not a secretary."

Pinching the captain's thigh, she laughed and said, "Well…you'd probably be best as the big crime boss…but then that would put us at odds with each other, and I'd only see you at the end…so that wouldn't work," Torres explained. "Hmm…well, you could be a cop, maybe my ex-partner before I went into business for myself…or…you could be the local bar owner? Yea, you're good with people…you could run the joint where all the mobsters like to hang out and be my informant…and I could pay you for your loyalty…under the table."

"Sounds dangerous," Janeway said, her eyes twinkling, "I like it. So…then who would Seven be?"

Laughing loudly, Torres said, "Definitely the nosey reporter…with all her Borg enhancements and her love for research…she could get all the dirt on the street for me."

"And your case?"

"It would have to be a murder case," Torres explained, twisting just a little so she was leaning closer to Janeway. "Let's say my client is the son of a wealthy businessman who recently committed suicide…and my client wants to collect the insurance money…but he can't because they don't cover suicide."

"Right," Janeway nodded, remembering reading about a similar circumstance in one of her mystery novels that were her preference.

"So, the son, my client, wants me to prove that it wasn't a suicide so he can get the inheritance…and he thinks that it was a mob hit," Torres talked, thinking out loud. "Maybe he found some documents or something in a safe deposit box that links him to some kind of crime ring?"

"Darling," Janeway smiled, "you seem to have such a knack for this kind of thing…I can't believe you've never done it?"

"I told you…no one ever asked," Torres shrugged, "besides…most people think it's kind of…well, stupid."

"It's not stupid!" Janeway said, a little more sternly than she wished, her protective instincts coming out full force. Then softening immediately, she said, "It sounds wonderful…I think we should do it."

"You do?"

"Sure…why not?" Janeway smiled. "I rarely use the holodeck any more, so I have plenty of time saved up…and Seven, well…Seven probably has more time than anyone because she prefers to spend her time in the holodeck with me…and I always insist on using my allotments," the captain explained, setting down her coffee on the end table behind her. "I bet we could pool all our time together and make a whole day of it."

Flabbergasted, Torres said, "I can't believe you really want to do it?"

"Sure I do," Kathryn continued enthusiastically. "It sounds like a ball…besides, it seems like you'll have me consorting with all sorts of questionable characters…it'll be a nice change. Why are you so shocked?"

"I don't know," Torres admitted, "no one other than Chakotay's ever paid that much attention to what I like to do…I guess I'm just not used to it."

Nodding once, looking very much like the captain again, Janeway said, sternly, but happily, "Well, get used to it."

"Aye, Captain," Torres laughed. Then throwing her hands up in surrender, she asked, "Okay…so when are we going to do this then?"

"Why not after Seven recovers from her surgery…I'm sure we could all use a little escape from the real world after that?"

"Okay…well, I guess I know what I'll be doing with my spare time until then…this one's going to take some serious programming," Torres thought. "But, I bet I could use the setting from some existing holonovels and just change a few things around to fit the story?"

Pushing herself up and climbing onto Torres lap, feeling frisky and wanting her to know that her opinions and interests matter just as much as everyone else's, Janeway straddled her and said, seductively, tracing her finger along the brunette's muscled stomach, "Well, don't spend all your spare time on it, Lanna…there are…a few…other things we can do together…"

Her hands instantly at Janeway's hips, B'Elanna smiled and asked, "Oh yea…like what?"

Leaning in farther, and teasing her lips with her tongue, Janeway smiled, "Do you want me to tell you…or do you want me to show you?"

"Both!" Torres snarled, kissing the captain and leaning over to the side so that they were lying down.

"Mmm," the captain moaned after Torres lifted up just some, grinning deviously. "So," Janeway asked, smiling happily as well, "what's the name of my bar going to be?"

"I don't know…what do you want it to be?" asked the brunette, scooting over just tad so her full weight wasn't resting on the slight captain, not that she seemed to mind, but Torres did so, nevertheless.

"Well," Janeway thought pursing her lips some, "what will my character by like? What did you have in mind?"

"You'd be real slick, slick," B'Elanna chuckled, playing with Janeway's hair which was tossed to her sides of her head. "You'd be tough, but cool under pressure…and definitely unattached." When Janeway chuckled, she went on thinking out loud, "Hmm…you'd have connections all over town…and every one would know your name, but no one would trust you completely…always wondering if you could be bought out…which you could, but only to me, 'cause you're a sucker for down on their luck, good-looking, private eyes."

"A sucker, huh?" Janeway said, kissing Torres. "So, what's my name?"

"Kate…short, but sweet, and not unlike you," Torres announced. "No last name…just Kate…Ms. Kate…you're a respectable business woman, you know?"

"Ms. Kate…it has a nice ring to it," Kathryn announced, not surprised that Torres had selected a name similar to her true name since as she had grown up with her name, she found that it was on of those names that most people just enjoyed to change around and cut short. "Then, why not just call my bar, 'Ms. Kate's?'"

"Ms. Kate's it is," Torres nodded.

"What's your name?"

"Murphy."

"Murphy!" Janeway cackled in amusement. "Sounds rather…masculine?"

"It's supposed to," Torres explained, slightly giddy, having a certain amount of fun playing with the captain in a way she never honestly expected would ever happen. But, once she remembered that she should really stop being surprised by anything Kathryn did, she warmed up to the idea quickly. "I'll be a man…well, at least that's how everyone will treat me. This is the early Twentieth Century, Red…women weren't private detectives."

"But I'm a woman…and a bar owner," Janeway came back.

"That's different…shady women were honored back then…they held a certain amount of respect."

"Now I'm shady?" asked Janeway, laughing again. "So, is Murphy your first name or last?"

"Last, but everyone uses it…my first name is…Mike…yea, Mike Murphy…I like it," Torres laughed again. "What do you think?"

"I think it's perfect," Janeway smiled brightly, pecking Torres on the lips. "So, are you going to come visit me in the bar…or are you going to leave me to the goons?"

Sliding back on top of Janeway seductively, she said her voice growing deeper, "Oh, I'll be around…Ms. Kate's is where all the action is."

Wiggling under B'Elanna and running her arms up and down her back, she whispered, "What kind of action?"

"This kind," Torres whispered back, right before she planted a wanton kiss on Janeway's eager lips, bringing her hand to the captain's leg and pulling them up and around her own hips. Now assaulting the older woman's neck as Janeway's purred in appreciation, Torres slowly began moving down her slight body, heavy on the hands but keeping all clothing in tact. Moving down her head as well as her strong hands held the captain's waist firmly, she teased her breast with her mouth, keeping it closed but stroking the hardening nipples with definite pressure. When the captain started to arch into her face, Torres moved farther down as she massaged the captain's entire torso with her hands, keeping her face close to her body. And once Janeway surrendered to her for the moment, Torres trailed her hands still lower, now grasping her waist again, but pressing her thighs apart with her body and her other hand, her look heated and gloriously wicked. Lowering her head again, she pressed her lips to Janeway's pelvis and kissed her pants lightly, knowing that the visual sensation of her ministrations was doing more than her actual touch at the moment.

Becoming used to being pleasured first by Torres, who seemed to get a great deal of joy herself out of giving, Janeway didn't fight her engineer and let her have her way, since that was what seemed to make her happiest. When B'Elanna settled between her legs and pressed her face to the joining of them, inhaling deeply and growling, Janeway shuddered at the heat of Torres' breath and the pressure she was applying. Finding this particular method extremely stimulating, the thought of what B'Elanna's mouth would really feel like driving her mad with anticipation, the captain pressed into her head some, urging her on, feeling the dampness of her center exciting her senses. And then Torres was moving up again, keeping part of her body in contact with her at all times, finally settling back at her torso and pulling up her shirt to expose her tightening stomach. Janeway grinned in appreciation.

Pressing her lips to Kathryn's pale skin, licking liberally, the chief trailed her right hand that had settled on the captain's thigh, to the juncture where her head had been and applying a comfortable amount of pressure, further stimulating the older woman, Torres said into the skin of her lover, "Mmm…Red, I want you…I wanna taste you." When Janeway moaned deep in her throat, obviously agreeable, Torres moved her hand away, instantly replacing it with her face again as she fumbled with the zipper on the side of the captain's black, uniform slacks that fit her narrow hips perfectly. Once she had found the tiny clasp, she moved back up to the naked skin of the older woman's stomach, attacking it again, hungered, inhaling the redhead's scent that was now strong in her sensitive nostrils as her Klingon instincts began to rage in her being, and slowly unzipped her pants. Pulling them down a few centimeters, now content to take her time, and to continue to drive Kathryn wild with desire, Torres continued this glorious teasing of the captain's senses until she hand them completely unzipped.

Maybe it was the music in the air or the electricity of the moment, but neither of them heard Seven emerge from the bedroom until she was standing in the doorway, wearing the captain's robe, saying, "Kathryn, something is 'wrong.'"

"Huh?" Janeway breathed, sounding confused and only mildly irritated, opening her eyes and lifting her head to the sound of Seven's voice.

Torres had immediately disengaged from the captain, now sitting back on her heels, looking at Seven, whose face turned from one of concern to her famous look of approval and intrigue. "Are you alright?" she asked, a little breathless, looking back and forth between Seven and Janeway, who was still sprawled out on the couch, but quickly recovering.

Getting over her moment of excitement by seeing Janeway and Torres wrapped up in such a provocative moment, Seven reported, more urgently, trying to find the strength to be certain before she had to sit down again since she had been awoken out of a restless sleep, "There is something 'wrong' with this vessel. There has been a change in the vibrations of the warp core."

As Janeway jumped to her feet, running her fingers through her hair and then zipping up her pants before they sagged any farther, she rushed over to Seven, who was starting to lose what coloring she had in her cheeks as Torres shushed them both, stood herself, and then knelt, closing her eyes, pressing one had to the floor. Normally for the Engineer, who had lived on the ship for the last seven years, any slight modulation in the power center of this vessel could wake her from the deepest of sleeps, but since she had been rather occupied with other tasks just a few seconds ago, she understood why she hadn't noticed. Once the room grew quiet except for the soft music in the background, Torres immediately sensed the change as well. Standing, not looking at Janeway, but speaking to her, she ran over to her jacket, reaching for her communicator, saying, "She's right, Captain…something's off." Then tapping the comm-badge in her hand with her thumb, and pinning it to her undershirt, she said, "Torres to Engineering...what the hell's going on down there?" Before a response could be made the ship's floor began to rumble with greater intent until it was visibly shaking the pedals of the flowers on Janeway's table.

"Carey here, Lieutenant…you better get down here…something's wrong with the core," Carey said, frantically as the red alert klaxon began sounding throughout the ship.

"Go, B'Elanna," Janeway yelled, helping Seven sit down on the couch, "I'll be right behind you." As Torres sprinted out of the room, Janeway ran around as well, extinguishing the candles before they were knocked over and started a fire, saying, "Seven…I have to go…I want you to stay put, and call the Doctor if you need anything." Then running back to her desk and grabbing her communicator and her boots that were near her desk, she said, quickly, looking at Seven, "I'll be back…just stay right there," as the ship lurched slightly, the situation obviously growing worse. When Seven told her that she would comply, Janeway took off, her shoes in her hand, sprinting for the turbolift. As she rounded the corner, seeing Chakotay running approximately ten meters in front of her, she called out to him to hold the lift.

"Engineering," she barked, then leaned down and put on her shoe, asking, "What happened…do you know?"

"No…I was just about to go to bed," he answered, tense.

"As soon as we get to Engineering, I want you back on the Bridge," she ordered, standing up and shaking her head at him, holding on to the rail as the ship was rocked slightly again by another jolt form the massive warp core.

"Aye, Captain," was all he said, holding on as well.

Janeway didn't bother looking back over her shoulder as the doors parted to reveal a chaotic scene in Engineering. Hearing, rather than seeing Torres screaming orders laced with vulgarities over the hissing noise, the captain ran to the other side of the warp core, searching for the chief. Seeing her hunched over a sensor board, her dexterous fingers working quickly, but surely, Janeway said, "Report!"

"We're about to spring a leak, Captain!" Torres yelled, looking up only for a second. "There's an injector malfunctioning…if we don't stop it quick, antimatter will escape from the containment field." Of course, she didn't bother explaining what would happen if that occurred since Janeway was very aware of the power that just once single molecule of antimatter would create when exposed to regular matter.

"Can you stop it?" asked Janeway, her words harsh and crisp as she hovered close to Torres.

"I don't know," the Klingon admitted, not looking up and tending to her board as red warning lights continued to pop up all over the place, various systems acknowledging that they were beginning to be compromised.

"Shut it down if you have to," Janeway hollered, running to the other board to do her part to access and remedy the situation.

"Warning…antimatter containment failure in two minutes. Core breach is imminent," informed the ship's computer above their heads.

Spinning around, Janeway yelled, stomping a few paces toward the main entrance, "Carey, get everyone out of here!" When the lieutenant showed the slightest amount of hesitation, she barked, "Move it!" Then pivoting again, looking to B'Elanna, she wasn't at all surprised to see what she saw next.

Torres slammed her fist down on her board, her work not doing any good, cursing, "Fuck!" Then in two, quick steps, she was at the railing, leaping over it, growling, "We've got to lock it down manually, Captain!"

Not flinching for an instant, knowing and trusting that B'Elanna wouldn't go to such extreme measures unless she had no other choice, Janeway swung under the railing and knelt in front of one of the core's four manual input panels and pulled off the protective covering. Accessing the primary system, overriding all automatic warning systems with her command code, she input the correct data and then ran over to the next panel, repeating the task as the computer informed them they had one minute and thirty-seconds until the core breached and the ship was destroyed along with it. After she finished, she ran over to B'Elanna, who was just finishing hers up as well, having to take one extra step each time since her command authorization wasn't as all-powerful as the captain's.

"It's not going to be enough time!" Torres barked, pulling Janeway away from the core and under the railing with her. "We've got to dump it…it will shut down…but we've got to get it out of here!"

The entire sequence of possibilities playing out in her mind in a split second as the computer informed them they had one minute remaining, Janeway rushed Torres to the door, yelling, "Computer, eject the warp core, authorization Janeway pi, one, one, zero!" She waited for the computer to respond by a series of beeps, and when she heard the thundering sound of the locking mechanisms disengaging, she pushed Torres out of the door before the room was exposed to the vacuum of space. Then turning quickly, she grabbed the engineer's elbow, dragging her with her as she started bounding down the hallway, explaining, "We've got to get it back right away before it burns up in this planet's atmosphere…can we tractor it?"

Running as fast as she could next to Janeway, surprised at how quick a sprinter her captain was, Torres replied, "Not with Voyager…the force could rip it apart…a shuttle might."

The two females came to a screeching halt inside of the turbolift. "Deck Twelve," Janeway ordered. Then tapping her comm-badge, she said, "Janeway to Bridge."

"What's happening?" asked her first officer, his voice as anxious as it had ever been.

"We've stopped the breach…but we've had to dump the core…have Lieutenant Fowler meet Torres and myself in the Shuttle Bay on the double," Janeway ordered quickly. Then stepping out of the doors, running again, she continued, "We've got to get it before it enters the atmosphere…can you give us an estimate on how long?"

"Stand by, Captain," Then a few seconds later, he answered, "You've got fifteen minutes…at the most."

"Acknowledged. Janeway out," the captain said. Running into the Shuttle Bay, heading directly for the Delta Flyer, she said, ascending the ramp, "So much for pre-flight checks."

Not bothering to ask why she was having Lieutenant Fowler join them, figuring if anyone was going to be piloting this mission it was going to be the captain herself, and understanding this wasn't the time to ask unnecessary questions, Torres took her seat at the Tactical station as Janeway jumped into the pilot's seat. Together they brought up all the systems, not bothering to run any diagnostics whatsoever.

Running into the Flyer, slightly winded, Fowler said, "The hatch is closed, Captain."

"Have a seat," Janeway said, nodding toward the chair next to hers. "I need you to track the core for me."

"Aye, Captain," Nicole said, taking her place. Then turning to Janeway wide-eyed, the situation just setting in, she asked for clairification, "The warp core?" since she had been running toward the Bridge when she was hailed and informed to go to the Shuttle Bay. Normally, Senior Bridge Officers maintained quarters that were near the Bridge, but since this was most likely just a temporary posting for Fowler, she still resided on Deck Ten, toward the back of the ship. That, on top of the fact that she had been in the shower after working out when the red alert went off, meant that she wasn't up to speed.

Opening the Shuttle Bay doors and engaging the Flyer's thrusters, the sleek craft hovering easily as Janeway turned the nose toward the exit, Janeway said, quickly, "Yes…we had to eject it, and now we've got to get it back before it enters this planet's atmosphere." Punching the engines once she had clearance, she demanded, impatient, "I need a heading, Lieutenant."

"I've got it…it's at three, eight, five mark two…it's adrift, but the planet's gravity is pulling it in," Nicole answered, bringing up the sensor information as fast as she could, remaining focused and trying not to give the captain's presence, or her own presence, for that matter, too much cogitation.

"Standby with that tractor bream, B'Elanna," Janeway said, using her eyes rather than the sensors to pilot the ship since they were operating under such small distances. Once it was in sight as they tiny craft swung around the slight curve of the planet, Janeway cursed under her breath as she saw it turning end over end. "It's spinning…you'll have to be accurate…I'll get you as close as you need…just let me know."

"Aye, Captain," Torres came back, taking a second to look up from her board where she had the core locked on, explaining. "Try to get right over top of it…I'll have to catch one of the outer edges, or we could puncture the housing."

Tapping her comm-badge, Kathryn hailed, "Delta Flyer to Voyager."

"Chakotay here, Captain."

"Engage the impulse engines and get to a minimum safe distance as fast as you can…we can't wait long. Janeway out," the captain announced, not giving him a second to question her. Then sliding the Delta Flyer just above the warp core, putting their shuttle into a geosynchronous orbit, she got out of her chair and said, "She's all your, Nick…just keep us steady."

"Aye, Captain," Fowler nodded quickly, reminding herself to absolutely not hesitate.

Sighing, she said quickly to Torres, "B'Elanna, standby with that tractor beam…we'll give Voyager one more minute." Then turning her back on them both, Janeway took a few steps, putting herself into a semi-private position, but not utilizing the aft compartment in case she was needed suddenly, slapped her communicator and said, "Computer, open a channel to the my quarters on Voyager." When the computer responded with a series of beeps, informing her that the channel was open, she said, softly, "Janeway to Seven of Nine."

"I am here, Captain," Seven answered quickly, using the captain's rank instead of her name, not knowing if she was alone.

Smiling softly, Janeway asked, "How are you, darling?" letting her know that she could dispense with the professional attitude.

"I am functioning. Where are you hailing me from…the sound is slightly distorted?"

"I'm on the Delta Flyer…I'll explain later…I just wanted you to know…that," Janeway started, looking over her shoulder, knowing that the other two could hear her and feeling a little self-conscious, but then her fear of losing another lover without getting to say good-bye overrode her concerns, and she finished with softness but utter sureness, "that I love you, Seven…and I'll be home soon."

"I love you as well, Kathryn. There is no need to worry…I am 'fine.'"

After closing the channel, turning around, she asked, clearing her throat, "Report."

"Voyager's out of range," Torres said, looking up from her board. "I'm ready when you are."

"How long before the core enters the atmosphere?" Janeway asked, looking up at Fowler and putting her hand on Torres' shoulder squeezing lightly.

"Five minutes, Captain," Fowler answered, turning around in her chair, making sure to keep her face completely free of any and all stress, bewilderment, or admiration. When Tom Paris had told her not to mess with the ship's resident Borg, Fowler had assumed he meant because Seven was a tough customer and that Janeway wouldn't approve of any of her officer's egging her on, or expressing their distaste for her since it was well known that the captain and Seven spent a significant amount of time together, but Nicole had always assumed Janeway saw her as some kind of pet project. But now, now the meaning really hit home. The captain was in love with Seven…and what was even more crazy was that Seven, an ex-Borg who seemed to care less about much of anything, was in love with her as well. If she hadn't heard the softness in the normally stoic woman's tone herself, she would have never believed it, not in a million years. "Darling? Jesus…who the hell is this woman?"

Nodding she said, looking over at Torres, "Alright, so we have a little time. I don't want to rush this…we all know how important this is. B'Elanna…keep tracking the rotation…Nick…if she tells you she can't get it, I want you to get us the hell out of here as quick as possible. If I have to, I'll destroy it." When both of them looked at her like she was crazy, she explained, "I won't risk destroying this planet's atmosphere by letting it breach half way down…or the small possibility that any part of this technology could fall into someone else's hands."

"Captain," Torres explained, turning back to her board, "we might have a better chance if we can slow down the rotation…I'd like to try a small series of controlled bursts from the tractor beam…at the lowest setting…it we can hit it twice, maybe three times…that should help."

"Alright…try it once…carefully," Janeway allowed, moving behind her and leaning in some, but not enough to make her nervous. Janeway was screaming at herself right now for not telling Torres that she loved her as well, but since she had never done so before, and she didn't think B'Elanna was expecting it, she certainly wasn't going to make such a statement under their current duress. Such an action would be so completely selfish on her part, and since her life wasn't the only one on the line, she just had to live with it. As Torres engaged the tractor beam quickly and then cut it off, Janeway prayed to whomever would listen to let this work so she could get another chance. When the chief impressively hit her mark and the long, thin core's momentum slowed some, Janeway said while Torres recalculated the sensors to compensate for the change, "Well done…try it again, if you can."

"Nick," the Klingon said, "I need you to move us to port…just a tad…ten meters should do it."

Fowler grabbed the manual controls of the flyer, burning the starboard thrusters for less than a second and said once they had eased over, "I got nine…will that do?"

"Yep," Torres responded, engaging the tractor beam again before the core started to drift anymore. Hitting her mark cleanly a second time, Torres sighed and said, "That should do it, Captain. I'm afraid we'll throw it more off course with any more attempts."

"Alright…we'll go on my mark," Janeway nodded quickly, patting Torres on the arm and taking up a chair next to Fowler, powering up the aft phaser banks and targeting the core with computer, setting it to automatically track the device, no matter what course corrections they made.

"Nick…ten more meters to port…just like last time," B'Elanna said quickly as the captain sat down.

Watching Fowler burn the thrusters again, Janeway looked back over at Torres and asked, "Are we ready?"

"Ready now, Captain," the engineer responded, meeting her gaze and holding it for a second.

"Aye, Captain…impulse engines are at the ready, and so are the warp nacelles," Fowler said seriously, looking over at Janeway and waiting for her to turn and acknowledge her report.

"Okay…here we go," Janeway said, her voice low and sure. "B'Elanna…on my signal…now." When nothing happened right away, the captain looked over her shoulder at Torres who was poised, her hand moving in a small, steady back and forth motion.

"Wait…wait…right…now," the Klingon said, pressing the sensor strip as she finished, holding her breath. Her attempt just as precise as her previous shots, she yelled, still watching her board, "Qapla (Success!)."

Keeping the computer tracking the device until they could be certain the pressure of the tractor beam wasn't going to rip apart the fragile and deadly core, Janeway stood, patting Fowler on the shoulder and said, "Back us up slow, Nick…thrusters only…and take us out of orbit." Then climbing up the small stairs to Torres and praised, putting her hand on her shoulder and squeezing, "Well done, Lieutenant…report."

"The core's holding steady, Captain," Torres replied, checking the readings. Then getting up from her station, she went to the sensor panel on the wall, running several more scans and said, "It's stable…but I'll need to check it out thoroughly before we can take it back to Voyager. We should stop as soon as we're clear from the planet's gravitational pull. I'll need to go out there and check for microfractures…shouldn't take me more than thirty minutes."

"Alright," Janeway responded. Glancing over her shoulder, she asked, "How long before we're out of orbit, Lieutenant?"

"Almost there, Captain…couple of more minutes," Fowler said over her shoulder. "Do you want me to stop once we're clear?"

"Yes…let me know when we're free, I'll be in the aft compartment," Janeway answered. "You're with me," she said to Torres, walking toward the back. Holding the door open for the chief, who stepped down the steep stairs, Janeway closed it tight, turned around, threw her arms around B'Elanna and said, "Oh, Lanna…I'm sorry…god, I'm so sorry."

Hugging her commanding officer fiercely, although completely bewildered, Torres rubbed her back and questioned, "What...hey…what's wrong?"

Janeway pulled away, cupped Torres' face and said, "I'm sorry I told Seven that I loved her and didn't tell you the same thing…we could have died, and you would have never known…but I couldn't risk distracting you. I'm sorry," then kissing her fiercely, she said against she lips, "I love you, B'Elanna Torres…I love you…oh, I do love you…I'm sorry I couldn't tell you before."

&bnsp;

Torres took a weak step backward, grabbing Janeway's hand from her face and pulling them away, in shock, stuttering, barely audible, "You…you…lo…love…me?"

"Yes," Janeway whispered back, her face still serious and in agony. "I'm sorry, Lanna…I'm sorry for not telling you…I just cou…" was all she got back before Torres wrapped her arms around her waist, picked her up and spun her around, howling loudly.

Starting to get used to this since Torres had expressed her joy for Kathryn in this manner once before, Janeway finally draped her arms around Torres' shoulders and let herself be spun around one more time before the brunette set her down. When Torres kissed her back fiercely, Janeway accepted it happily, and when her mouth was finally freed, she smiled, her eyes misty, "Does that mean that you forgive me?"

Hugging Kathryn again, she said, "Oh Red…I'm not mad at you. If you would have told me that before we'd probably all be dead right now…there's no way I could have been able to concentrate." Then pulling away, she laughed, "You love me…how could I be anything but the happiest woman in the world?" Still overcome, she embraced her commanding officer again, and asked, "Are you sure…are you really sure…no bullshit...I'm not dreaming am I?"

"Yes…yes, I'm sure, darling," Janeway said into her hair. "And no…you're not dreaming…I promise."

Falling to her knees in a heap, Torres grabbed the captain's waist, pressing her face to her stomach and said, "I'm going to make you the happiest woman in the world, Red…on my honor." Looking up and smiled, "I mean it…you're going to be so happy you're going to have to have Chakotay pinch you every five minutes."

Kneeling herself, Kathryn kissed her and laughed, "B'Elanna…how on earth did I ever get through the last seven years without seeing your smile every day?"

"I don't know…but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stop now," Torres kissed her back, giddy with excitement.

"Fowler to Janeway," came the pilot's voice over Janeway's communicator.

Barely able to hold back her laughter, she said, brightly, "Go ahead."

"We're clear, Captain…I'm cutting the thrusters now."

"Thank you…I'll be out in a minute. Cut power to the tractor beam and inform Voyager of the situation. Janeway out." Then standing and helping Torres up, she asked, "Will you be okay to do this…or do you need some time?"

"I'll be fine, Captain," the chief came back surely, still smiling however. "This is cake compared to manually targeting the tractor beam."

"Okay, just be careful," Janeway said, needing one more hug. Then pulling away, she continued, "I better get up front…let me know when you're ready."

Just before Janeway opened the door, Torres said, moving toward the compartment where the environmental suits were kept, "Oh and one more thing, Captain." When Janeway looked over her shoulder, Torres smiled and finished, "The happiest woman…ever."

fin