Five, Six, Seven of Nine
 

In a rare instance, a unique pair of large, azure eyes, one human, one Borg enhanced, fluttered open without the prompting of her vessel's computer. It took the female a moment to register what it was that had woken her from her heavy sleep since she was lying on her stomach, with her face turned toward her nightstand, but when she took a deep breath and heard the low, sultry, and distinctive purring hum of her bedmate, Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01, formerly Annika Hansen, a woman who had been born precisely twenty-eight years ago, Earth Standard Time, began processing data through the neural processor that was embedded into her cerebral cortex with inhuman speed. "I am Borg. My designation is Seven of Nine. I am an individual. I am in bed in the captain's quarters, on Voyager, in the Delta Quadrant. Our present course and speed are unknown, however, that data is irrelevant." Glancing at the small digital clock on the nightstand that's function was to assist her with keeping track of the time during her regeneration cycle, also known as sleep, she continued, "It is 0846 hours. I have 'overslept.' This is acceptable. I am not required to perform my duties today since it is my birthday, and it is a tradition that individuals do not work on their birthdays. Kathryn is attempting to wake me by stroking my right thigh. Her touch is lighter and more languid than normal. This is a peculiar means to stir me. It is not typical of her." When she felt the captain's warm, moist lips and tongue on the small of her back and it lazily began trailing downward as Janeway's hands became slightly more insistent, the blonde smirked as she continued her thought processes, although closed her eyes again, "Kathryn is feeling amorous this morning. I am pleased. This deems she was able to sleep through the night without incurring any nightmares." After a few beats, Seven smiled grandly and went on, "She is touching me in a manner and emitting sounds which deem she wishes to copulate immediately. This is always acceptable."

Smirking, Kathryn Janeway, commanding officer of the Federation starship Voyager, noticed the large upturn of her ex-Borg lover's full, coral lips as she kept her eyes closed, which told her that Seven had indeed woken up, as she had thought when the blonde took a deep breath a few moments ago. Kissing her way up Seven's long, luxurious back, Janeway straddled Seven's waist, pressed her bare body into it and purred as she moved Seven's long mane aside and kissed her neck, "Mmm…good morning, birthday girl." When Seven's eyes opened, she flicked her tongue around her earlobe and said, using her voice exactly in the manner she knew both of her lover's found acutely arousing, "Are you ready for your first present…hmm?"

Seven slowly turned over so that she would not displace the woman on top of her as she reminded, "I am Borg, my beautiful Kathryn."

Kathryn expertly urged Seven's lengthy legs apart with her own lithe, lower limbs, and said seductively as she settled between them and pressed herself into the juncture hotly, "Oh, I know…" Pushing her body up some which caused Seven to grin at the friction it caused, Janeway smiled back, devilish but undeniably sweet at the same time and kissed Seven, saying just before, "Happy birthday, Seven of Mine."

Seven of Nine truly loved kissing Kathryn, and deemed it perfection on each occurrence.

She also loved kissing B'Elanna Torres, but considering the engineer was undoubtedly still on the Alaxiat, Voyager's sister vessel, doing maintenance and making plans to upgrade the alien ship's warp capabilities once they cleared this section of space and were far enough away from the Fynth and Venkat's bounty-hunters that they could do repairs while in orbit, she wasn't thinking about the Klingon since it was not possible for her to be present. The blonde wasn't certain what it was about the redhead's kisses, but they were truly extraordinary to her, and after much contemplation, the ex-drone decided that it had little to do with skill, even though the captain was an accomplished kisser and lover, and had much more to do with the bond that they shared.

Those types of abstract things usually didn't sit well with the detail oriented younger female, but Seven was starting to realize that there were some things in the universe that didn't need to be analyzed or explained…they were just what they were. It was still a difficult concept for the Borg to grasp, but she felt that she was slowly starting to adapt to emotions, and using them to explain events, instead of leaving them out, and she deemed Kathryn's kisses as one of those events that could not be detailed adequately. Resistance was indeed futile in some regards, Seven was certainly aware.

"Kathryn," Seven breathed as her lover let up on her mouth and started in on her throat, lavishing her skin with her passionate lips and not holding back on her affection in the least. As the compact woman hummed into her neck as she urged her body again into Seven's center and let one hand trail down to the blonde's exquisite bosom as she continued to attack her throat and strong, cleft chin, the blonde swallowed involuntarily and stated, somewhat breathless as her body began responding to the stimuli readily, "It is unfortunate that...every day is not...mmmy birthday." Regaining her composure for a moment, she went on, "If that were the case, I would not be disagreeable in the least...only as long as you do not cease your actions."

It was no secret to anyone that really knew Captain Janeway that she was completely, insanely, and most likely forever in love with the former drone, and it was furthermore sensed by some that were especially close to her that whenever Seven made such proclamations, it caused a chain reaction in the Starfleet officer and she immediately swooned as her eyes twinkled in delight and she promptly fell head over heels in love with Seven of Nine all over again. It was a relentless, yet majestic cycle that renewed the lifeforce in Janeway just as Seven's alcove recharged her cybernetic systems. Chuckling in mirth as she traced her tongue around the small, and attractively placed starburst on Seven's jaw, Janeway whispered, "Mmm…me neither." Right into her ear, she informed, "I could give you presents for all eternity, my love…and never...ever...tire."

When Seven whispered her name again, helplessly, that word off the Borg's full lips the absolute lifeblood of the intrepid captain, Janeway gasped erotically as she pulled up, arched into Seven's body while her own fair, slightly freckled skin pebbled and tingled with dangerous amounts of excitement. After kissing Seven deeply again, Janeway trailed slowly down the woman beneath hers chest until she was at her impressive womanly swells. With the electricity between them building exponentially, Kathryn wasted little time as Seven arched her own back, begging the redhead to continue her hungry oral embraces on her heaving bosom, and began feasting on the soft, inviting flesh with tender vigor.

Seven's eyes closed at the charged contact, and immediately she brought her enhanced, mesh detailed hand to Janeway's much shorter mane, while she urged her on with it as she inhaled and called out her lover's name again, that usually being the only word she ever uttered during their coupling. When Kathryn moaned into her body as she embraced it with her mouth and her hands, Seven opened her eyes again and titled her head so she could observe, finding many things about the action in front of her appealing, but most importantly the look on the captain's face: Janeway almost always kept her eyes closed, as she was doing at this moment, but Seven enjoyed the slight, but noticeable upturn of her lover's thin lips simply because she knew that Kathryn was completely enjoying herself, as was Seven, and Janeway's welfare was always very high on her list of objectives…most often it filled the primary position, and never did it go lower than second place. Since it was indeed in the primary position at the moment, as it had been for the entirety of the previous difficult week, Seven urged the captain to straddle one of her legs easily and lifted it until she was pressing her thigh to the juncture, not at all surprised to find that the area was already slick with moisture since Seven had come to understand that Janeway didn't ever seem to be lacking in this area. Not that she was lacking in any areas, personally and professionally, as well as physically and mentally, and everything in between as far as this Borg was concerned. When the captain opened her eyes, stared at her and smirked as she held one of the blonde's large, pink nipples between her teeth, Seven cocked one eyebrow and returned the captain's look.

This was a game that they engaged in on many occasions. Each of them almost always tried to pull the other lover into the action, depending on whom was the aggressor, and Seven was well aware that Janeway enjoyed their attempts to make love to each other at the same time since it was very different from each of their separate coupling sessions with their other lover, B'Elanna Torres, who almost always liked to express her affection first. Neither of them minded that in the least, and such a happenstance simply made their attempts to include one another that much more enjoyable and special to them.

When Kathryn closed her eyes again, hummed and resumed the attention she was paying to Seven's lovely chest, although the look on her face changed somewhat to acute, selfish, desire laced pleasure, while she slowly skidded her slippery sex against the Borg's thigh, Seven of Nine smiled and began stroking Janeway's hair and neck, carefully, since the mesh in her hand was capable of lacerating flesh if used with force. As Kathryn moaned then whimpered as her hips started moving just slightly faster, Seven smirked again and looked down fondly upon her lover who she knew was having difficulty maintaining her concentration. Seven found it 'cute' that a woman who could stay supremely focused, bark orders, think five steps ahead, and generally maintain order amongst chaos honestly had a great deal of trouble concentrating on anything once she was being pleasured, and often the blonde had to tell her to give up, that resistance was futile, and that she should submit to her will without delay.

However, it was apparent that the captain was determined to either make love to Seven first, or at the same time, and not lose concentration and allow Seven to take over, because as her technique started to falter once she began breathing heavy, Kathryn pulled back from the blonde's chest and criminal thigh to repositioned herself, staring at Seven as she narrowed her level eyes playfully and silently informed Seven that she was aware of what the blonde was trying to do.

And indeed, Janeway was perfectly aware that Seven found her 'weakness' in this area endearing, and because Kathryn understood that very often her pleasure was Seven's, and visa versa really, most of time the captain relented and allowed the blonde to take control in the final minutes, but that wasn't what was going to happen today. Today was Seven's birthday, and Janeway wanted it to be special, from beginning to end.

She was captain after all, and she planned to get her way.

However, she also recognized the defiant glint in Seven's eyes and the semi-quirk of her full, rosy lips, and knew her youngest lover was feeling mischievous and would most likely continue to try to get the better of her, just to show she was superior in her concentration skills, so thinking quickly, something she was very good at, Kathryn flashed for an instant on a memory she hadn't had in ages, about a technique a woman, Julie, had used on her when Janeway had returned from a ten month mission during their last night together. Grinning with triumph for her ability to come up with ideas to save the day, granted, they weren't usually as astoundingly technical as Seven's, but laudable in their own cunning right, the captain didn't waste a second and put her plan into action.

When Janeway planted herself between her legs and smiled, Seven watched curiously as to what her partner was going to do so she could formulate a plan to turn the tables. Since she figured Kathryn was going to make love to her with her mouth, since Seven was aware that Kathryn knew that was her favorite way to be pleasured by Janeway, she knew exactly what her plan was. That is until Kathryn bit her bottom lip in anticipation, bent one of Seven's knees and hooked her own leg around it, then eased her center against Seven's.

The blonde immediately shuttered at the contact, the feeling nothing like she had ever experienced, and as her eyes closed of their own accord while Janeway moaned, Seven gasped much louder than she normally did, "Kathryn!"

As Janeway pulled Seven against her, urging the younger woman to lift her hips somewhat, she complied happily, wanting to feel as much of the captain's warm, smooth and soft flesh against her own as possible. The feeling was so incredibly delicate, yet devastatingly toxic to her ability to remain focused, and as Kathryn hummed and hissed wantonly as she began moving against Seven, the ex-drone latched onto the sheets with her hands to anchor herself, forgetting that she was tearing them with her mesh encased fingertips, and began rocking counter to Kathryn's movements, moaning as she felt her lover's silky folds and moisture entwining with her own.

Clutching onto Seven's leg as she centered her hips and focused her movements into very small circles, having to keep the contact tight and intense for fear that too much commotion in any direction would break the addicting sensation, Janeway quaked when Seven called her name and pressed into her farther. "Oh Seven…mmmhmm,darling, ohyesyoufeelsogood." Then snapping her head around to look at her partner, Janeway was honestly overcome by the sight of Seven grasping the sheets, while she pressed her head into the pillow, kept her eyes closed tight as the rest of her body arched slightly and moved erotically. The image, Seven's apotheosis, being burned into her mind for all eternity, knowing she would never ever forget this moment, Kathryn murmured as a tsunami of everlasting love washed over her, "So beautiful..." Then licking her dry lips, as she was caught up in another tidal wave, this one of earthly, physical pleasures, she gasped louder, her jaw now settling at a slightly different angle due to the intense excitement, "Ohgod...mmmhmm...I want you to come with me, darling...mmmyes...pleaseseven...doitwithme."

When Kathryn started vocalizing more and slurring her sentences, Seven thought for certain she was going to have to visit Sickbay afterward because within mere seconds the chain reaction it caused in her was immense, and she could tangibly feel all of the energy in her body centering around the contact point and it was building quickly, and she was completely incapable of slowing, let alone stopping it; not that she wanted to, but it was much more powerful than anything she had experienced before. Arching and lifting her hips into Janeway, who pressed right back and cried out, the firmer pressure hurdling her toward the edge at break-neck speeds, "Ohgod! Yes! Ohyesseven!" clutching her thigh to her bosom and throwing her head back as she continued to speak, the volume of her intimate words increasing with each syllable, Seven didn't even hear the sound of ripping material as she pulled on the sheets and yelled, "Kathryn...oh Kathryn, pleasehurryKathryn!" When Janeway responded by gripping her stronger and turning her hips in even tighter and slightly erratic, speedy circles, Seven's analytical brain took a header off the deep end, as she pulsed, "Kathryn...OhKathryn. KATHRYN!"

As her typically vocally subdued lover arched, ripped a hole in their bedding, and shouted her name, Janeway lost all ability to reason, and practically screamed herself as she jerked, thrusting against Seven uncontrollably and flushed, holding onto the blonde's thigh for all she was worth to keep herself from falling over, "YES! YES! SEVEN!"

Not for the first time, although he didn't know it, Commander Chakotay was duly thankful that B'Elanna Torres had recently installed an extra sound-proofing panel into the captain's bedroom wall.

"Kathryn," Seven of Nine sighed to the older woman, who had managed to recover enough to unhook her leg before she slumped, almost boneless against her chest, once the redhead's started breathing easier. When Janeway mumbled a "Hmm?" into her chest, the blonde reported, "I have damaged our bedding...again."

Nodding, Janeway slurred, still feeling like she was floating around her cabin like a feather on the wind, and feeling some of the ungodly tension that had been building through the last two weeks waning, for the moment, "Thatsokay."

Seven sighed again, wrapped her arms around the captain and said, "I believe it would be prudent next time for you to warn me when you plan on utilizing that technique so that I may grasp the headboard instead." Sighing one more time, except making a small pleasured sound in the back of her throat, she stated, "That was unexpected...but very acceptable."

Kathryn chuckled as she eased herself up toward Seven's head, and said, "Mmmno…that takes all the fun out of it." Then pushing up, she kissed Seven sweetly, then smiled afterward, "That was divine, darling…don't worry about the sheets." Janeway then tenderly rubbed her rose against Seven's and whispered, "They're irrelevant," before kissing her again. Easing off of to the side afterward, cuddling, Kathryn said, "I love you, Seven...happy birthday."

The Borg sighed blissfully again and stated, "I love you as well. I am becoming fond of birthdays and look forward to the next one." Raising her eyebrow as Kathryn chucked, she looked down at her and went on, proclaiming, "I am making a tradition now. We will wake up in this manner on each of our birthdays."

Janeway didn't have the heart to tell Seven that it was a long standing tradition to be woken up by a lover in a similar manner on one's birthday simply because she wanted the blonde to feel as though she was creating her own traditions, so Kathryn smiled, kissed her lips and said, "Mmm…I love your ideas." Then cuddling again, she added, "Too bad my birthday's so far away." Then thinking about that, she raised her finger and amended with haste, "I take that back…it can just stay far, far away…then I won't get any older." The captain pushed herself up on her elbow and asked, tracing her index finger across Seven's flat, muscled, but impossibly pale abdomen, "So, how does it feel to be twenty-eight?"

Seven furrowed her brow at Janeway, puzzled that her highly intelligent companion would ask such a question, and reminded, "Kathryn, you are forty-one…that would preclude that you would not know how it feels to be twenty-eight."

Laughing, Kathryn poked Seven's stomach and snipped, "Stop reminding me." When Seven continued to look confused, she explained, "It's a tradition, Seven…you're supposed to ask the birthday girl how she feels being a year older."

"Ah," Seven nodded, filing that bit of quirky information away into memory, now very comfortable with the idea of traditions and finding them acceptable. Then looking away, she thought about the question, then looked back at the redhead and said, "I feel no different. Is it required that I do so?"

Kathryn's now almost completely blue eyes twinkled in mirth as she shook her head and murmured, "No, sweetheart."

Seven gathered Janeway up in her arms again, rolled them over until she was on top of her, kissed her sweetly, then said, smiling, showing a small of teeth for a split second, supremely happy that the first time in four days Kathryn hadn't woken up cranky or withdrawn, "Thank you for my present, my beautiful Kathryn. It was perfection, as are you." When Kathryn told her to stop trying to make her cry, Seven nodded and queried, "As you wish…what is required of me then?"

Kathryn wiped the rebel tear from her eye, having a feeling she was going to be fighting with the defiant little drop all day, and croaked, "I love you…kiss me." Once Seven did that, Janeway urged them to roll back over, pushed herself away and said as she retrieved her robe, "Now it's time for breakfast in bed…so, get yourself situated and I'll take care of the rest."

"I will comply," Seven bobbed her head, feeling excited, and then pushed herself up. Frowning at the long tear in the grey, cotton sheet, she finally shrugged and stopped worrying about it since Janeway had told her not to. Seven wasn't certain what 'breakfast in bed' was or how she was supposed to get 'situated' for the event, however, she figured it meant to consume her morning nutritional supplement while in bed, so quickly she removed herself from the disheveled apparatus and padded into the closet to retrieve her robe, since Kathryn was wearing hers, which told her that she should so do as well. Seven of Nine would freely admit to not understanding why she was putting clothing on when she felt perfectly comfortable without in Kathryn's presence, but, she consistently mimicked Janeway's behavior, figuring it was a social rule she was unaware of, and since she felt she had made significant progress in her road back to humanity with this human as her mentor, there was no reason to second guess herself now.

Once she had on her robe, Seven breezed into the bathroom as Janeway stood by the replicator in the other room, and snatched up her hairbrush. Pulling it through her blonde hair, that now reached halfway down her back, thanks to help from the Doctor, Seven repeated the motion until she was able to move the brush through her buttery mane easily. She was about to secure the back into a her normal bun, although she had to change the style slightly since she had more hair now, but then changed her mind because she knew that Kathryn enjoyed her hair down, so she compromised and pulled it into a loose pony tail, using a side piece to hold it together as Nicole Fowler had shown her recently.

Happy with that, Seven walked back into the bedroom as Janeway came from the living room with a tray of food, and informed, "Kathryn, I require your assistance. How do I get 'situated' for this event?"

Not at all surprised by the question and not even having to think anything of the conversation since it was absolutely typical for them, the captain hearing the phrase, "Kathryn, I require your assistance," probably three times a week, and that was when things were business as usual, Janeway answered, "Just get into the bed and sit against the headboard. Use the pillows to make yourself comfortable." Once Seven did that, Janeway smiled, set the tray across her lap and reported, "This is from Nick. She programmed the food in last night, since," Janeway laughed at herself, "I didn't think sandwiches or pasta would do."

Even though Seven of Nine still wasn't sure how she felt about the tall pilot, she had to admit that she certainly didn't dislike her, and since Torres and Janeway both seemed to adore the woman, Seven let that assist her in warming up to the emerald-eyed lieutenant. There wasn't anything about Fowler that Seven disliked, it was simply that Seven didn't know her as well as she knew others, and unfortunately, they had become acquainted at a bad time for Seven, as far as trusting people went. So, when Kathryn informed her that the food was from the brunette, Seven knew it was time for her to redouble her efforts, so she made a note to pay the woman a visit today and thank her for several reasons, some of which she had been putting off for almost two weeks. Raising her eyebrows as she looked at the food, Seven asked Janeway as she slid up next to her with a cup of coffee in her hand, "What is this food's designation? I have not consumed it before."

Pointing to the three, huge, round fluffy cakes, Janeway informed, "Those are pancakes…chocolate chip pancakes, actually." Then winking, "They're sinfully sweet…you'll love them." Pointing to the jar, she explained further, "That's maple syrup…you put that on top, and that's," gesturing to a small dish with white solid substance in it, "powdered sugar…you're supposed to sprinkle that over the top too."

Seven picked up her coffee, which was decaffeinated, she knew, took a sip after blowing on it as Janeway had taught her, and then asked, "What will you consume?"

"I'll have a couple bites of yours, but then I have to go to work for a little while, so I'll just drink my supplement," Janeway informed, pouring the syrup over Seven's food for her, remembering that if she didn't, Seven might dump the whole amount over them because she didn't know any better. Sprinkling the sugar, she shook her head, thinking this had to be the sweetest breakfast on record, and finished, "I won't be gone all day, though...I promise."

"It is 'fine,'" Seven answered, cutting the cakes and preparing to take a bite. "Naomi Wildman contacted me yesterday and informed me that I am required to go to the holodeck with her for four hours to 'play' as my birthday present." Taking a bite, Seven raised her eyebrows, then smiled brightly and said, with her mouth half-full, "Kathryn, this is…'good.'" Cutting another piece quickly, she urged the fork to Janeway and ordered, teasing, "You are required to sample this…comply."

Laughing, Janeway took a bite, nodded enthused that it was delicious, then quickly washed it down before her teeth started to ache, finding it absurdly sweet, but not surprised that Seven liked it so much since the blonde's sweet tooth ranked right up there with her first officer's. Remaining easy, Janeway did her best to snuggle with Seven, pretending that she had no idea that Seven had plans for the day and remarked, "Well good, now I don't feel so bad. I'm sorry I can't stay for your whole birthday, darling…but I promise we'll have a nice dinner later, and do whatever you want for the rest of the night."

"Do not distress, my Kathryn," Seven informed, as she took another huge bite and chewed readily, grinning, "I have several tasks which will occupy my time this afternoon. When will you return?"

Janeway sighed and told half-truths, on purpose, "I'm not sure yet. Devin's coming over for a bit…we've got to talk about some things, and then I need to go over to her ship and check up on the crew." Kathryn looked down at her cup, and said, "I just want to make sure everyone is holding up alright...I know it's got to be tough for them." Then clearing her throat, her acting abilities guiding her behavior expertly, she held up her finger as she took another sip of coffee, then said, "But, I promise to be back by 1700 hours. I won't work late," grinning crookedly, "on my honor."

Seven nodded, then took a sip of her coffee as well to wash the sticky food down and asked, "Will B'Elanna Torres be able to have dinner with us?" Setting down her cup, firmly, she informed, cranky instantly, "I miss her, Kathryn. I do not like not seeing her for a whole week."

Janeway didn't have to act to sigh herself since Torres had been on their sister ship for a week straight now, and the captain knew that even though Torres would be coming back today for the next few weeks, after that, she'd be over there for a while, although, that wouldn't be so bad since they were going to do the repairs in orbit of some uninhabited planet, which would make moving back and forth between vessels much easier. Currently they were at Warp Six, so for them to move back and forth meant that both ships had to drop out of warp first, and since they were trying to get out of this area of space as fast as they could manage, the crew that was on the Alaxiat had to stay there until an official shift change, which was happening today. Resting her head on Seven's shoulder, she whispered, solemn, "I know…I miss her too." Then kissing her shoulder, she said, "But yes, B'Elanna will be here. She'd never miss your birthday. I'll make the Alaxiat my last stop, and bring her back with me personally…okay?"

Perking up, Seven nodded and said, "I will be pleased then. I have missed her companionship this week." Then looking to Janeway, she smiled after she took a bite and chewed a little, "I have also missed watching you two interact." When Janeway smiled shyly and looked down into her coffee cup, Seven went on, "B'Elanna Torres evokes a unique expression on your face. It has always been one of my favorites. I look forward to seeing it again this evening."

"Stop it, Seven," Janeway schooled, although not harshly, sniffling as another round of tears threatened to overtake her. Then clearing her throat, she sipped her not-so-secret addiction as the blonde smirked at her while she shoveled away the breakfast with reckless abandon, and asked, "Are you ready for another present?"

Seven's eyes grew wider as she asked, with food in her mouth, "There will be more presents?"

Nodding, Janeway set her coffee down on the nightstand, kissed Seven quickly, then licked the syrup that was transferred to her own lips and replied, going into the closet, "Of course, darling…you've got to have something to open on your birthday. It's tradition."

As the captain dug around in the walk-in closet, Seven finished her pancakes, not being able to eat all of them, but since she was sufficiently full, she wiped her mouth, guzzled her coffee which was practically as sweet, and then started to get off the bed to put the tray away as Janeway came out of the closet. When the captain told her to stop right where she was and just set it on the ground, and that she wasn't supposed to clean up after herself today, and that it was tradition, Seven finally complied, but only because she didn't want to break the rules of the pastime. Accepting the brightly wrapped box from the captain, Seven examined it closely for a few moments, studying the colorful, iridescent balloon images on the paper, finding it peculiar, although aesthetically pleasing, and then asked, confused, "Kathryn, what is the function of…this?"

Bringing her hand to her mouth and attempting to hold back her laughter, and not doing a very good job, glad she had forgotten to explain that part to Seven since the wonder of discovery through Seven's eyes was something Kathryn had learned to look forward to just as much as getting home, Janeway perched on the bed and managed, "Darling…that's," laughing again, "just the wrapping paper." Pulling herself together, she snuggled up to Seven again, and said, "You're supposed to open it…just take the paper off. Your present's inside."

Seven nodded and then started tentatively unwrapping it, but then ripped threw it when the captain told her to tear it open, and that it was tradition. When she was presented with a plain black box, Seven furrowed her brow again, and was about to ask what the functionality of the box was until Kathryn jumped in and explained that she was to open the box. Setting the box on her lap, Seven pulled off the lid and looked down at the tissue paper, confused, then pulled it away as instructed. Instantly her face became a beacon of light as a holoimage of the captain, holding Naomi Wildman, stared back at her, beautifully framed in a shinny, sterling silver rectangle.

Picking it up carefully, Seven turned to her partner and stated, "Kathryn, you have given me a picture." When Janeway nodded at her, smiling brightly, Seven looked at it carefully and added, "I have never had a picture." Jumping up from the bed, causing Janeway to slump to the side due to the abrupt movement, Seven informed with determination, waltzing out into the living room, "This picture is perfection. It is required to be displayed where it can be readily seen."

The captain swallowed down more insistent tears, sighing when she figured if she was in this bad of shape already, she was going to be a basket case by this evening, and followed Seven out into the living room, scurrying before she missed anything. Standing in the doorway, leaning on it casually with her arms crossed over her chest as she downed her drink, knowing her play time was running short, she watched as the blonde stood in the center of their quarters, her free hand on her hip, and looked about, obviously pondering her choice. When Seven set the picture down on the small end table that was closest to the door and resided next to the chair that offset the couch, turned the picture so it faced the entrance, then marched right out of their quarters, Janeway brought her hand to her mouth as she realized what Seven was doing, and smiled a misty grin when the tall blonde, still in her bathrobe, came back in and then reported after a beat, "That is acceptable. It can be seen immediately."

Walking back over to the picture, Seven picked it up again and continued to examine every inch of the frame, then said, "I have never had anything like this. It is similar to the Tomorrow Sphere…but different." When Janeway came up to her back and wrapped her arms around her waist, Seven sighed and continued, "Thank you, Kathryn. I do not believe you could have selected a better present. I am unable to describe adequately how pleased I am by this offering."

"Oh, darling, I'm so glad you like it," Janeway whispered, that all she being able to manage at the moment, hugging Seven fiercely, "but make sure you thank Naomi…it was her idea." When Seven was completely shocked, Janeway informed, sniffling, "Mmmhmm…she said you needed more stuff, and that you had said that you were intrigued by my photographs."

Seven expelled a small amount of air in humor and stated, "I believe Naomi Wildman was attempting to be 'sneaky' the evening of our sleepover. The reason for her determination regarding my lack of 'stuff' is clear now." Proudly, Seven stated, turning around so she could look at Janeway's face, "She was efficient. I was not 'tipped off,' and I will thank her for her thoughtfulness today when I see her." Leaning down, Seven kissed the captain softly and then said, "Thank you, my Kathryn. I believe I love my picture…as well as you." Holding up the image again, Seven stated, "I find you both 'cute' in this pose. It is a very good picture."

Kathryn nodded, looking at it as well and said, "It is rather good, isn't it? Naomi and I each have one too, but we've been waiting for today before we displayed them." After kissing Seven's chin, Janeway pulled away reluctantly, knowing it was time for her to be on her way since she actually did have business to attend to, although, not all of it had anything to do with her captaincy, and said, recycling the rest of her coffee, "I'll keep mine in my office though since it's still pretty bare in there as far as pictures go."

Seven set down her present again, making sure it was at the proper angle so that it could be seen when coming through the door, and followed Kathryn into the bedroom. She did not attempt to assist the captain with helping her pick up the paper or the tray since she didn't want to break the tradition, and realized that she was becoming very fond of traditions because they made her feel like she was a part of something larger, almost like a Collective. That thought struck a chord in Seven, and she decided that before she was required to 'play' with Naomi Wildman, she would detail her thoughts in a personal log since Kathryn had suggested that even though she had an eidetic memory and never forgot facts, journal writing was a very human pastime, one that captain favored a great deal, and possibly Seven would find it appealing as well. When Janeway came back into the room and informed her that she would fix the bed and had to get to work, and that Seven was supposed to do whatever it was that she wanted to do, she informed, "Very well, I wish to observe your morning ritual before you depart," which caused the captain to smile brightly, and fight another round of tears.

Stardate: 50305.3     Subject: I am not certain what the function of this field is, and since I cannot currently seek assistance from Kathryn, I will not input any further data into it. Kathryn has suggested that I again endeavor to record personal logs to 'make record' of significant events that occur during my existence. This is a tradition. I have engaged in this before, although never in this medium, and ceased my efforts shortly after I began since I found it irrelevant. She said, 'in light of that,' perhaps I would find it enjoyable to input the data, rather than recite it, as I had done before. Furthermore, she suggested that I write to myself as if I was writing a 'letter.' I do not entirely understand how to accomplish this or the need since I am not capable of forgetting events that I witness; however, I am not disagreeable to attempt to do so once. Furthermore, even though I do not utilize this form of communication consistently, I have done so in the past, specifically the week prior to the removal of my abdominal implant when I communicated with B'Elanna Torres via personal memos and do not find it unacceptable, even it if is inefficient. Today is my birthday. According to Federation Standard Time, I was born twenty-eight years ago. The exact day on which I was born was August 28, 2292. This data was never relevant to me until recently when Kathryn, B'Elanna Torres, and Naomi Wildman informed me that it was a 'special' day. Kathryn, in the past, attempted to celebrate this occasion, but I was resistant. I was in error, although I feel it was due to my lack of data on traditions and because I was resistant, at that time, of my affection toward her. Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres are fond of traditions and have a great many of them. I too am beginning to see their appeal. I have learned of and participated in several traditions in the recent past; however, I will not attempt to detail them at this time since I am not capable of forgetting the events, and Kathryn has given me instruction on how to perform this ritual. 'Try not to be quite so detailed when you journal write,' were the words that she used. Furthermore, she stated that I should attempt to 'talk' about how I feel. Kathryn is wise to humanity, especially its contradictions, therefore, this is what I shall endeavor to do now because I trust her and because she consistently introduces me to concepts that I find stimulating. Although, I am not certain as of yet that I find this stimulating. I feel 'happy' at the moment. There are several reasons as to why I am 'happy,' but the one I wish to 'talk' about at this time is in regards to the presents I received for my birthday. This is a tradition. Making love with Kathryn this morning was the 'best,' however, that is always the case, so I will not 'talk' about that event other than to say that I look forward to repeating the process soon, but that is always the case. She also gave me a picture of Naomi Wildman and herself. It is perfection. Since I am not able to take it with me when I am on duty, I have placed it in a location that makes it readily seen by any individual that enters our quarters. I enjoy looking upon it, and can see it from my current location at Kathryn's desk. I cannot see it from my desk, which faces hers, unless I was to turn around, so that is why I am utilizing her desk at this moment. Perhaps I will move the picture to my desk so that I may admire it as well, as I do the Tomorrow Sphere, at a later date once I feel it has been examined by an appropriate amount of 'people?' I will ponder this. This is curious, but I believe that I now understand why Kathryn smiles brightly when we converse about irrelevant subject matter. She has informed me that she 'loves to listen to me talk' because she believes that I am 'truly gifted' at explanations, and considers me 'charmingly pedantic.' I am not certain why I just had that thought, but since my objective is to express my feelings, I wish to say that having this thought makes me smile for many reasons, but mostly because I know that Kathryn accepts and loves me for who I am now, not who I will become as my humanity continues to assert itself. However, no matter how human I become, I do not believe I will ever cease to care about detailing information precisely. Looking at the picture stirs many emotions inside of me, and it makes me smile. Kathryn looks exceptionally beautiful. I find Kathryn and Naomi Wildman's interaction 'cute.' Kathryn is an admirable individual, and I believe she would make an excellent mother since she is an efficient matriarch. I have not discussed procreation with Kathryn as of yet, but from what I have observed with her interaction with Naomi Wildman, I do not believe she will be disagreeable. However, I sense that she would not wish to bare children until we return to the Alpha Quadrant. For many reasons, that included, I continue to work on the Slipstream project, unbeknownst to her, when I have the time. It is difficult to find the time to work on this more than a few hours a week at the moment, since I have felt that Kathryn has required my presence in our home, and I 'worry' that if I were to work on it here, she would become aware of B'Elanna Torres' and my 'plan.' Thus, my proposal is still several months away; however, it is of little consequence at this time since this Collective continues to expand and prosper successfully despite our present location. I do not believe Kathryn is fairing as well as this Collective, but as of now, I feel she requires me to be in our home in the evening, and not in Astrometrics or Engineering working to return her to the Alpha Quadrant. Kathryn is resilient, so I believe that soon I will be able to make the Slipstream project more of a priority. Although, it is difficult to know what is best for Kathryn. She is heavily burdened in the Delta Quadrant; however, if we were to return to the Alpha Quadrant, from what B'Elanna Torres has informed me and from the research I have done, it is a possibility that she will be 'court-martialed' and possibly punished by confinement. This data is distressing, for several reasons, but mostly because I have come to understand that Kathryn is growing dependant on B'Elanna Torres and myself to support her. I was not expecting this event because it is not typical behavior for her; however, after contemplating the situation, I have come to the conclusion that due to her position, she has allowed herself to adapt in this manner because it keeps her functioning as an acceptable partner. She has never attempted to carry on a personal and professional relationship to this extent before, and from what I can extrapolate, she believes that if she does not submit to the need for support completely, she will fail us by remaining detached. I do not discuss this with her because I feel my observations would make her uncomfortable. There are many aspects of her life that she prefers to experience privately. I know this because she has undergone many changes as of late, but we have not discussed any of them. I believe she ponders her behavior, examines the situation, and then adapts according to how she believes she is required to act to maintain harmony. It is an intriguing process, even if I am not aware of her thoughts, and only her actions. I have always been dependant on her, and will continue to be so, undoubtedly, but the same is not true for Kathryn. If she were confined for a length of time, I am not certain how I would respond. I am not certain how she would respond; although, I am certain she would adapt and continue to flourish, as I wish for her. It is a paradox of sorts, and I do not discuss it with her because I am certain she would say that she wants to return. 'Period.' I wish for her to return to her Collective, but I fear that Starfleet will not allow her to do so. Many of their ideals are in contradiction; however, I will not allow this to depress me at this time because Kathryn would not wish it. I am certain, however, that when we do return to the Alpha Quadrant, the majority of this and the first's crew will stand beside her as testament to the admirable captain that she is, and I will not allow Starfleet to disparage her or rescind her command without informing them that such an action displeases me to extremes. I also wish for Kathryn to return to the Alpha Quadrant so that she is not in a position where she feels she cannot 'talk' about emotions and feelings that are troubling her, as she does aboard this vessel. I am not certain if she would talk to her Collective about such unsettling things, but I know that there are many facilities that she could visit that offer these services. This is a peculiar situation. I have strayed off my objective to discuss my presents. Kathryn often does this when we converse privately. Perhaps this is what she was speaking to when she said that I should just 'talk?' I will ask her when she returns from her duties. I must end this log now. I am required to speak with Nicole Fowler regarding recent events. I have not yet contemplated what I will say to her, so I will utilize the process of grooming to prepare for the event as Kathryn often does. Perhaps I will want to 'talk' more after I have completed playing with Naomi Wildman before Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres return for the evening? I will contemplate this.

After a quick sonic shower, the blonde always using the more efficient setting when she showered alone, Seven donned her favorite sparkling blue biosuit, that had grey sleeves, utilized her oral hygiene products, and brushed her hair again. Since she was not required to be on duty, Seven decided that since today was a 'special' day, she would continue to wear her hair down in an attempt to adapt to the new, longer length since she had still yet to decide if she would keep it at this length. She was waiting for B'Elanna Torres' reaction since the engineer had yet to see her with her new hairdo.

Pulling it into a loose ponytail at the back of her neck and securing it with a silver clip Janeway had given her to use since the captain didn't need it anymore, Seven took a few moments to look at her reflection in the mirror, attempting to see if she could detect any signs of her new age. Sighing when she did not find anything that would inform someone that she was now twenty-eight instead of twenty-seven, the blonde opened the mirrored cabinet and retrieved one of Kathryn's cosmetic tubes. Carefully, she applied the waxy substance to her lips, the color being a rosy brown, then rubbed them together as Janeway had shown her how to do, and checked her teeth for any signs of the lipstick. Once that was done, Seven again gazed into the mirror and raised her eyebrow as she had a thought, then quickly opened the cabinet a second time. This time she took out Kathryn's mascara. Seven had never worn mascara before, but she felt she could accomplish the task of applying it since she had observed the captain do so on eighty-two occasions and that typically meant she had sufficient data on the subject.

With extreme care Seven started on her right eye. At first the tickling feeling made her blink several times, and then frown disapprovingly as the brownish-black paint produced small speckles under her eye, but Seven was determined to accomplish this task, so she reminded herself that it was of 'no consequence' and she could remove the marks once she had applied the product. After a few minutes, she was happy with the results, although there was a significant amount of make-up under her eye now, so she carefully washed that way after returning the mascara to its spot in the cabinet.

Seven bat her eyelids a few more times as she adapted to the greater mass of her long eyelashes, but once she finally did, she returned her gaze to the mirror and smiled at the result. "I am 'pretty,'" Seven stated, pleasantly but even. "Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres will be pleased, I am certain." Then looking away for a minute, she said in her head, "I have just spoken aloud to myself." Then smiling brightly, she went on, "Kathryn does this often. I am adapting." After a few beats, she orated as she left the bathroom and turned off the light, "I will 'talk' about this in my log at a later date," filing the information away to memory.

Looking up out of habit, Seven stated, "Computer, locate Lieutenant Fowler."

After a small series of beeps, Voyager's computerized female voice responded to the query, "Lieutenant Fowler is in her quarters."

Walking over to her new picture, Seven picked it up as she tapped her communicator and admired the two redheads, "Seven of Nine to Lieutenant Fowler." The Borg knew that the tall pilot was not on duty today as well, since Seven had the complete duty roster available to her at all times in her memory banks, but she figured that before she went to her quarters, she should make certain that Fowler was agreeable with conversing with her since the subject matter was private.

After a few beats, Nicole Fowler's somewhat scratchy, slightly deep, but appealing voice came back, "Happy birthday, Seven…what's up?"

Seven raised her eyebrow in surprise to the greeting, set down the picture and replied, "Nicole Fowler, I am required to converse with you, and wish to do so immediately regarding recent events involving you and the cap…Kathryn. If I were to come to your quarters at this time, would you be agreeable?"

Scratching the back of her neck, Fowler sighed and replied with a good deal of regret and unease in her voice, "Yea…that's fine. I'll be here. Fowler out."

Immediately, Seven spun on her heels, her long ponytail whipping around gracefully as she darted out of her quarters and moved quickly to Fowler's quarters which were on the same deck but down a somewhat long hallway, on the other side of the ship. She wasn't certain how long the discussion would be, but considering she knew she was required to meet Naomi Wildman in the holodeck at 1200 hours and since it was 1102 at the moment, she knew that she had no time to 'meander,' as First Regal Devin referred to inefficient behavior. When she approached the door, Seven came to a stop, pressed her hand to the door call and folded her hands at the small of her back as she waited for admittance. Once she was given that and the small, silver doors slid into the wall for her in a soft expulsion of air, the arctic blonde, who had been known to be called the 'Ice Queen,' although not many dared use that term anymore since she was now involved with not only a hotheaded Klingon, but a fire devil of a captain, stepped into the quarters far enough to allow the doors to close and stated as she turned toward the tall brunette who was perched on the edge of her couch, setting down her red guitar, "I will not keep you from your task long. I am required to meet Naomi Wildman in the holodeck at 1200 hours."

When the Borg didn't go on right away, Fowler forced herself not to take a defensive position and returned, "That's fine…I was just goofing around. Did you wanna sit?"

"I prefer to stand," Seven said immediately, then amended, trying to relax and unwinding her hands, "Thank you, however."

Again, the Borg didn't go on immediately, so sighing, Fowler stood up, grabbed her coffee off the floor and said, "Seven, I think I know what this is about…so, if you've got something to say to me…just say it." Holding up her hand, she added, "I promise to hear you out…as long as you hear me out too. Deal?"

Seven nodded and replied, placing her hands behind her back again, "Acceptable." Then lifting her chin to assist her confidence, she looked directly at Fowler and started, "I have been contemplating speaking with you since our away mission regarding the sexual behavior you and Kathryn engaged in while attempting to gather intelligence from Venkat." Seven unclasped her hands again and let them swing at her sides just slightly as she spoke, "I apologize for not expressing my feelings for your treatment of Kathryn prior to this...however, I was not certain how to approach you, or as to how I would convey my feelings sufficiently." When creases formed in Fowler's brow, Seven went on quickly, "After the incident at The Quantum, I spoke with Kathryn at length about the event in order to ascertain her thoughts and her feelings regarding the matter. I informed her that after I adapted to witnessing you embrace her in such a manner, I did not find it unpleasant to witness. Furthermore, I asked her if she found the event unpleasant. I am not at liberty to divulge Kathryn's words...however, I do not believe she would be disagreeable if I informed you that she did not find the event unpleasant, as I am certain she has informed you in one manner or another."

As Fowler sighed, scratched the back of her head and perched on the soft again, not looking at Seven anymore and staring into her cup, the blonde continued speaking word for word as she had contemplated earlier, "As you know, Kathryn was involved in a highly unfortunate incident in which she was assaulted, in a sexual manner. This behavior is completely unacceptable to me, and although I am not at liberty to discuss the effects this event has had on her, I believe I can tell you that she was affected negatively. This is a typical occurrence, as you know." Sighing as Fowler nodded softly, Seven said softer, "I was concerned for several reasons about Kathryn's well being on the away mission once I learned that she was going to use her body in a way that could put in her in jeopardy of either reliving the experience or possibly being mistreated again…however, after discussing the situation at length with her, I came to understand that your assistance, specifically your kindness to her as an individual, or as 'a woman,' and as her captain, which I cannot speak on, allowed her to persevere through the event without negative side effects. I cannot speak any further on Kathryn's reactions since then because that would be violating her privacy. With that, I must remind you that you cannot divulge the content of this discussion with anyone other than B'Elanna Torres for Kathryn's sake, even though I do not believe you would ever do so." Approaching Fowler, Seven said, "Thank you for treating her with kindness during this event, and in others she has confided in me. As you may know, her well being is paramount to me. There are several reasons for this, but most importantly because I cannot function without her because I would not be me without her assistance, and even more, because she is perfection and I love her, and thus wish for her to be at peace, for which she is worthy. I realize that it is not possible for this to occur all of the time, however, it is my primary objective to see that she flourishes and that she is treated appropriately, and I will continue to do this until I cease to function. She is my path." Sticking out her hand, Seven blinked away her tears as her eyes grew red due to her distress over Janeway's personal struggle, and finished, "Thank you, Nick Fowler…it is becoming clear to me as to why B'Elanna Torres and Kathryn are fond of you as they are, and I will endeavor to use your designation of preference in the future to show my gratitude."

Expelling air, Nicole shook her head, sniffled, stood and shook Seven's hand firmly, then said, wiping her nose, "No thanks required, dollface…but you're welcome, and I'd never talk about the captain's circumstances with anyone...you have my word." Then nodding, she said, "And thanks for telling me." Shaking her head as Seven nodded and placed her hands behind her back, Fowler chuckled and said, "I thought you were gonna come in here and inform me how 'displeased' you were for…well, for feelin' up your lady."

Seven nodded her head and replied, "It was a logical conclusion considering my first reaction to watching the event was to damage you beyond repair," Seven smirked, "however, I adapted when it became apparent to me that Kathryn was not in distress." Smiling softly, Seven said, "Also, I wish to thank you for your birthday present. It was thoughtful, and I enjoyed consuming it." Seven nodded once, then said, "I will not deter you from your 'goofing around' any longer. Thank you for speaking with me on this matter on your 'day off.'"

"Seven, wait," Fowler said, standing up and setting her coffee down. When Seven stopped and turned around halfway, Fowler went on, sniffling again, "I want you to know that it's becoming clear to me why the captain and Torres love you so much." Shaking her head, she finished, "Don't ever let them go…don't ever walk away. No matter what, just stick together." Fowler smiled crookedly as she added, "Keep your devotion, dollface…there's nothing more powerful than it."

"I will heed your words, Nick Fowler," Seven nodded seriously. Starting out the door, she stopped, turned around and stated clearly, "I am not required to be elsewhere at this moment, and Kathryn has encouraged me to engage in rituals that I enjoy on this day because it is a tradition. Would you be agreeable if I sang with you until I am required to depart?"

Smiling, Fowler snatched up her guitar, pulling herself together and getting over the emotion the seemingly emotionless Borg evoked in her, starting to realize that Seven was a woman filled with emotions, deep, true emotions…and that she just had a different way of expressing them, and replied, "Yea, I think I can handle that. Any requests…or should I even ask?" When Seven of Nine came farther into her quarters and stood next to her cocking her eyebrow, Fowler laughed and said, "Okay folks, this one goes out to the birthday girl and her little lady…it's called Devotion…"

Black coffee in one hand, and a fountain pen in the other, Kathryn Janeway sat at her desk inside her Ready Room where she had informed her crew that she would be for part of the day, but wasn't technically on duty and to put anything that wasn't an emergency into a memo as she continued to compose a poem for Seven. She had been at it for almost an hour now, having to scratch out and then recycle several pieces of paper, and finishing the last line, Janeway sipped her beverage, set the mug down, leaned back in her black leather chair and read her attempt to be poetic and fanciful, something that didn't always come easily for the scientist, but the older she got, the more she appreciated artistic endeavors. Sighing once, she read the paper that was written in her elegant, traditional cursive:

Sighing again in contentment, Janeway set the purple paper, knowing Seven would find the color pleasing, down on her smooth surface of her desk and whispered, "Not half bad, Kate." Then chuckling at her wistfulness, even though she knew it was possible Seven would look at her, furrowing her brow and ask her to explain that function of poetry, she added, speaking of her inherently artistic, younger sibling, "Pheebs, wherever you are... I hope you're smiling."

Folding the paper in half quickly as her door call sounded, knowing it was time for her to return to business for a while since she was expecting Devin, and she had just noticed that their ship had dropped out of warp a few minutes ago, Kathryn said, "Come in," as she tucked the paper and pen into her desk drawer and stood. Janeway honestly smiled brightly as the angel-like, golden, elder woman stepped into her office, and said as she skirted her desk, coming up to greet the towering Fynth, "Devin, it's so good to see you in person. You're looking well."

As the much younger woman, who reminded the first of her late daughter Alaxia extended her hand, Devin shook it readily, placing her other hand on Janeway's shoulder and said, looking down, "The feeling is mutual…it has been too great a length since last we met."

Janeway continued to smile as she squeezed the first's impossibly thin forearm lightly and said, "Agreed." Then gesturing over to her sofa, she added, "Have a seat…can I get you something…coffee?"

Laughing slightly as she glided up the steps, the small clicking sound at the back of her throat only slightly audible, Devin replied, "Aha, the secret to your vitality. From the image of things, I would say that you have been over-indulging. You are a handsome beacon, Kathryn…yes, obliged."

Janeway shook her finger over her head as she ordered two fresh cups of coffee and said, "It's not the coffee today, Devin, but thank you...you're much too kind." Coming up the stairs as Devin smiled at her knowingly, Janeway admitted, "Seven's having a very good birthday so far." Chuckling, she added, "You should have seen the look on her face when I gave her a photograph of Naomi and me," pointing to her copy of the picture that was seated near a bundle of fresh red and white tulips on the top of her couch panel. Kathryn waved her hand in front of her face while Devin admired the photograph, "I was a mess." Rubbing her forehead, she finished, "I have no idea how I'm going to get through the party without having an emotional breakdown." As Devin chuckled sweetly at her, Janeway sighed, feeling good to be able to freely discuss such things with Devin since talking to her was essentially like talking to an equal, which Janeway hadn't had, professionally in more than half a decade, and asked, "How's B'Elanna? Did she come back with you?"

"Yes...she's a marvel maintainer, Kathryn," Devin answered honestly. When the captain nodded in agreement, the first went on, "She has been extraordinarily helpful, and seems to have an instinctual sense for workings, despite the divergence in our systems. Menthy and she have been taxed, to say the least," smiling softly, she added, "but I can tell that she misses her engine room, as well as her companions." Laughing louder, Devin sipped the coffee, starting to gain a taste for it slowly, and informed, "She is voracious and impassioned…it is a joy to watch her tread through her abruptness. I can sense that it has been difficult for her to maintain an even keel, but she has persevered nonetheless. It will be good for to return and uncoil. She has an enormous detail of tasks to accomplish in the coming weeks. Respite is required, and she has earned it twice over."

"Speaking of respite," Janeway said, relaxed and feeling some of the tension that had built up in her in the last few years for going so long without this kind of interaction falling away like dead skin after the winter frost, "are you going to be able to come to the party tonight? It'll be a fairly private affair since Seven's not very comfortable with large social gatherings as of yet, but I know that she'd love to see you."

Humbled, Devin replied softly, "I would enjoy that...obliged." Then clicking softly, she added, "Although, I'm not certain what this 'party' consist of. Can you detail it for me in preparation?"

Kathryn smiled to herself and realized that it was no wonder Devin and Seven got along so well right from the get go. Not only were they wonderful conversationalists, even if their styles were different, but they were both constantly curious and unknowing to many aspects of humanity and other cultures. "Well, it will be informal," the captain explained, "just the majority of the senior officers will be there, as well as the Wildmans, Ensign Wang, and Mister Neelix." Smiling, Janeway said lightly, "All you need to do is make certain you're wearing something comfortable and leave the rest to us…I don't want to spoil the surprise for you." Janeway laughed and said, "I'm sure it will be a little something akin to culture shock, but I think you'll enjoy yourself." Kathryn shook her head as she sipped her coffee, and said, setting it down before they got down to business, thinking it was rather nice to talk about personal things first for a change, "Whenever B'Elanna and Nick are in charge of the entertainment, it's always guaranteed to be interesting...and usually rather comical. I think you'll get a good sense of our diversity with those two...they're very," thinking of the correct word, she paused for a beat, "expressive...both of them in their own way."

"B'Elanna detailed something about having to finish her gift for Seven of Nine." Devin queried, setting down her coffee cup as well, "Is this offering something that I could partake in?"

Kathryn smiled softly and answered, "Well, it's certainly not required, but if want to give her a gift, I'm certain she would cherish it simply because from whom she received it." Nodding, Janeway explained, "It's a tradition to give things to loved ones and friends on their birthday, but like I said, don't feel obligated...Seven would consider your presence this evening a gift, I'm sure." Then snickering, Janeway touched Devin's arm as she spoke, "Plus, there's that fact that she's getting rather spoiled this year...so don't worry if you can't give her anything."

"It speaks to me that there are few creatures in the universe that deserve to be lavished with affection more than that angelic child," the first said seriously and quiet. Then waving her hand, she went on, "Find no crime in my melancholy, this experience has been trying to my spirit...let us speak of our destiny now before I too have one of these 'emotional breakdowns.'" When Kathryn nodded in complete understanding, sitting back, picking her coffee up again, Devin sat back as well and said, "Obliged."

"How's your crew holding up?" asked the captain.

"This is an adjustment length," Devin answered easily. "There is a graveness to their amble that I have not detailed before, but it is to be expected, I surmise." Smiling slightly, she said, "I can say with sureness that they look forward to melding with you and yours. I believe it will fill them with the purpose and vision they've lacked in the last few cycles." Proudly she spoke on, "Of course, we do not wish to detour from our culture, but with what has occurred, I understand why it is taxing to embrace it at this length. Although, as I detailed before, my guardians and I have been in our duty together for a great length, and diverged from the new regime...we are what B'Elanna calls 'old-school,'" Devin laughed. "However, we look forward to embracing and detailing yours as well. This will be significant for them, I'm certain...we are family-oriented. They are lacking that, but it cannot be helped until we are free from the grasp of the atrocious machine that is our former government."

"I'm sure you're right," Janeway responded with empathy. "My crew went through a similar adjustment period, and I'm glad that yours doesn't have to do it alone." Shaking her head, she sighed, "It's not an easy thing, but," raising her finger, "I've been thinking about that. One thing my crew is lacking in is rest. A few months before we met you, our shore-leave was cut short by several days by, well," she sighed, "just one unfortunate event after the other. Once we get clear from this territory and feel comfortable, I think it might be a good idea to try to find a planet that has an agreeable environment so we can take some time...respite. I think we all deserve it. And," she smiled crookedly, "it certainly would give the crews a chance to mingle, and for people to start really thinking about what they want to do."

Janeway sipped her coffee, and forced herself not to show the ache to her heart when she announced, "Commander Chakotay has already received five permanent transfer requests for your vessel, and I'm certain that there will be others...maybe not permanent, but certainly for good lengths of time. Also, he's received many requests to be added to the weekly rotation, so I'm sure you'll never be without personnel." When Devin nodded, but didn't say anything, the captain had to ask, "Is there anything you need right now?"

Devin clicked sardonically, and said, "There are five hundred things I can think of, but are of small meaning right now." Putting on a serious face, she announced, however, "I am in need of a second for a length, Kathryn." Shaking her head, she said, "My guardians are not accustomed to operating alone as this. I worked in conjunction with the seconds that manned the vessels that accompanied me. I have been detailing the work of my guardians during this period, and I believe Grenthel will make a capable second, but he is not accomplished to this task yet, and I fear that it would be too taxing for him to take this step without adequate influence."

Janeway sighed and admitted, "I was worried you were going to say that, but," shaking her head, "I understand completely, and I'm not going to let you be put into a position where you aren't prepared for what's ahead of us, or let you run yourself into the ground doing it all. Did you have anyone in mind?"

"I have been pondering this for several cycles," the eldest woman started, "from what I have detailed about the officers I have worked with, I believe Commander Tuvok would be the best choice." When Janeway raised her eyebrows in surprise, obviously expecting someone else, Devin explained, "Commander Chakotay was wonderful...although, I fear that likely I enjoyed his company too much. He is wise and endeared...a true altruistic soul." When Janeway smiled knowingly and bobbed her head, the first went on, "His amble is kind, but he is integral to you and yours. He explained the make-up of your crew while we dinned, and I feel it would be a disservice to them to acquire him for length. My next choice would be Lieutenant Fowler if I was not aware that she is an infant to her post...another disservice, I'm afraid would occur." Devin leaned forward, snatched up her coffee and said, "Commander Tuvok is diligent...it is clear in his amble. He is even keeled, knowledgeable and dutiful, and wise in his years. He is also devote to you and yours, and I feel would be a good influence upon my guardians who have never operated in this fashion. When I entered the defenders, we operated in a similar manner as you and yours, but that has since changed. As I said, I am a relic, so most of my people cannot detail that way as I can."

Janeway thought it over for a few moments and then asked, "Have you and Tuvok discussed this at all?"

"I did not feel it proper to detail before approaching you first."

Kathryn sipped her coffee a few more times, and then began, "I mean no disrespect, Devin, but I'm not sure Tuvok is the type of individual you need right now." When the first titled her head, but was obviously interested in the captain's viewpoint, she went on quickly, "I'm concerned your crew will react negatively to him because he doesn't express emotion for our plight, and I'm certain Tuvok would be the first to acknowledge that. Just because he doesn't express his emotions, doesn't mean he doesn't know about and understand them. He understands emotions probably more than anyone because his culture is centered around suppressing them." Janeway smiled softly and said, "He and I have been together for a long time, and he knows a great deal about how crews react when suddenly they're faced with someone like himself." Clearing her throat, Janeway went on, "There's also the fact that he is my finest Tactical officer, and if we get into trouble, we'll need him on Voyager. No one even comes close to his abilities except Seven, but we need her too much in Astrometrics because no one can match her skill in that room, and that part of our mission is vital right now until we get farther way from this territory and any threats. Tuvok also leads the Elite Force, and I'm not ready to turn that project over to Miss Fowler yet, nor am I ready to turn her over to you. As you said, she's very new to her current post, and I too am worried that upsetting that now would do her a disservice. So," the captain smiled a little crookedly, she said, "it looks like you'll have my first officer for a while."

"Are you certain this is a sacrifice you should carve?"

Janeway nodded easily and said, "Yes. Chakotay is all of those things you said, and much, much more. He's exactly the kind of person you need right now. If he can settle B'Elanna Torres, who let me tell you was no picnic when she first came aboard, enough for her to become my chief engineer, I'm certain he can assist your crew with their uneasiness." Kathryn drank her coffee for a little bit, set her mug down and continued, "Plus, I know that he'll do it, without question. Tuvok would as well, and probably Nick too, but Chakotay can champion this better than them, and you needn't worry about my crew. Yes, he's important, very important to our connection, but we're no longer divided. The Maquis on this vessel follow my orders because I tell them to, not because he tells them to do it."

Devin sighed heavily and went on, "Kathryn, you and yours are many. Chakotay has detailed me his tasks...they are extensive." A little harshly, she went on, barking somewhat, "One evening he also spoke of you, my child, and I was not surprised to find that you have a malevolent amount of duty already. I will not allow you to 'run yourself into the ground' either. It is an injustice that I would not tolerate!"

Janeway shook her head, grinning slightly at the woman since it clear that Devin was used to having the last word and getting her way, and said, "Devin, Lieutenant Fowler, Commander Tuvok, and I can fill in for Chakotay while he's away. Between the three of us, I'm sure we can split the work without much problem." Then clearing her throat and trying to speak lightly, "Plus, there's the fact that this will be good for Nick, I think...she'll get a chance to put a little of what she's learned over the past two months into action. Since Paris is back now, I'll just give him more Bridge duty than normal and let her fill Chakotay's spot when she's not piloting." Kathryn leaned over, placed her hand on Devin's and said, "Honestly, Devin...this is the best way for us both, I'm sure of it. I've got the resources to replace Chakotay right now. Granted, not forever because he is vital to me and mine," she smiled, "but for a length...and I know you know that he's the person you need now." Kathryn shook her head and said, "He was the person I needed at the beginning too you know." Raising her finger, she remembered, "Oh, and before I forget, one of the permanent transfer requests was from Ensign Roxanne Baker. She's a pilot and from what Chakotay says, she's very excited about this opportunity. Our secondary pilots don't get much chance to enhance their skills, and even though she has a lot to learn, I'm sure Shreen can get her up to speed quickly. Paris has also been working with her more as of late." Janeway shook her head and said softly, "I'll be sorry to see her go, honestly. She's a delightful young woman, quiet, but pleasant, dutiful and determined...but I'm happy that she's enthused and leaving because she feels she is advancing herself, rather than running away from something, which," she lowered her voice until it was almost a whisper, "I won't lie to you, is the reason for the other transfers. They're not incapable officers, by any means, but they never did quite find their place here. Hopefully that will change...sometimes people just need a fresh start, I guess?"

Devin smiled ruefully, reached over and patted Kathryn's shoulder, saying, "Kathryn," she laughed, "if our situation was reversed, I am certain many of mine would flock to yours." Sitting proudly, she announced, "I am old and carved in my ways...there is little I tolerate. You should not wear yourself about this. I understand the difficult in losing babes," sighing heavily, "but it is part of the path firsts must tread." Laughing again, she shook her finger and announced, "And do not be surprised when they come running back to mother's fairer bosom, shrieking to the spirits about the relic." When the captain closed her eyes in humor and laughed, covering her mouth as she shook her head, Devin laughed as well, clapped her hands twice in confidence, her golden eyes twinkling, "Leave them to me...their path will be straight with no meandering, enjoy it or not...it is carved already."

"Weeeeeeeeeehooooooo!" Naomi Wildman, Voyager's only child, although that term was used to describe the behavior of older members of the intrepid starship's crew from time to time, called out happily as she swung from the edge of a grand tree house, holding tightly to a thick, knotted robe, and let go at the apex of her movement, where she shrieked in glee at the top of her lungs until she plunged into the crystal clear pond below.

Seven of Nine, dressed in a plum swimsuit that was similar to the one Kathryn had replicated for her prior to their camping trip, except this one was now a two piece with a short, tanktop style upper half and tight short, shorts for the bottom, since she no longer felt the need to hide her torso now that her abdominal implant was absent, stood at the top of the ledge and watched carefully as Naomi completed her task successfully. Since they were on the holodeck and the full safety protocols were engaged, there was no concern that the young girl would damage herself, so the ex-drone watched now with only curious interest, after she had run a full diagnostic on the program to ensure no damage would be incurred. When Naomi bobbed to the surface and waved at Seven from ten meters below her, then moved out of the way and informed the blonde that it was her turn, Seven asked loudly, "Naomi Wildman, why cannot we enter the pond from the shore?"

Naomi spoke in a voice just above normal, knowing Seven could hear her, even though she was very high up and answered, "Because…it's fun to swing and fall. Don't worry, you won't get hurt."

"I am not concerned with damage," Seven informed quickly, shouting. "I merely do not see the need to enter the water in this manner. It is inefficient considering it requires a great deal more effort." When the small redhead rolled her eyes, then informed Seven that she was being a 'silly willy' and that she was supposed to have fun, Seven came back, redoubling her effort to 'loosen up' since she didn't want to break the tradition of having fun on her birthday, "Very well. What is required to have 'fun' doing…this?"

"Just swing and say, 'weehoo,'" Naomi explained, standing on the soft sand of the shore, "and then let go. Don't forget to hold your breath when you get to the water."

Seven raised her eyebrow, sighed and then said back to the girl, "I will comply. Computer, retract the 'rope.'" As the robe swung back to her on its own, Seven grasped onto it with her enhanced hand first, making certain she was secure, and then lifted her human hand until it was holding on just above a knot in the swing. Then looking down, she judged the distance and amount of force she needed to utilize to swing efficiently and fall into the center of the pond. The pond wasn't very deep, but it was of no consequence since even though she knew with her body weight, and the height from which she was falling, she would plunge beyond the three-meter mark, the safeties would slow her progress in the water immediately. Taking a few steps back, Seven waited for Naomi to tell her when to go, so once she heard the child yell, "On your mark, get set…go!" Seven took two bonding steps forward, launched herself off of the platform, and said flat, but loud, "Wee hoo."

However, as she swung from the rope with the feeling of the wind wiping through her loose pony tail, the perfect powder blue sky all around her, and the greenish yellow rolling fields that stretched as far as she could see, a bold, flashing smile graced Seven's pouty, naturally coral lips, the Borg having removed her lipstick when she donned her swimwear. "I am flying." Before she got caught up in the moment as she felt the rope stop its forward movement and start back, Seven took a breath, held it tightly and let go with both hands. Falling like a rock, Seven looked down and watched as the crystalline water, that reminded her of the color of Kathryn's eyes when she was most pleased, rushed toward her with frantic pace, the blonde closed her own eyes instinctively as she felt the water hit her feet, and reminded herself not to attempt to breathe until she was out of the water.

Seven and Janeway had engaged in swimming twice during their fitness routine, and she had also practiced with B'Elanna Torres on two other occasions, although they all had yet to find time to be in the holodeck together, so the Borg was fairly comfortable with the exercise now and the feeling of being submersed, but she still found it somewhat disorienting. When she felt that she was completely under the water and her downward movement had slowed, Seven moved her arms and feet as Kathryn had taught her until she reached the surface. Expelling the air from her lungs, Seven blinked open her large blue eyes and looked over to Naomi who was jumping up and down, clapping and telling Seven how neat she looked.

"SEVEN!" Naomi cheered as the tall blonde started toward her, swimming easily to the shore, "that was so NEAT! Wasn't that neat?"

Smiling, Seven answered truthfully, as she always did, once she was able to touch the bottom of the pristine pond and walk in, "That is correct." With definite speed, Seven started back toward the tree house, and stated as Naomi ran after her, "I wish to repeat the procedure immediately." After they climbed the simple ladder that was padded, as was the ledge, so that neither of them would slip in their bare, wet feet, and made it back to the top, where the young girl told Seven it was her turn to go first, Seven stopped for a moment, looked around and asked, "Naomi Wildman, is it required that we utilize the 'rope?'" Explaining quickly, Seven went on, "I believe it will be 'neat' if we extended this ledge by three meters and then leapt off the edge on our own. We would have more freedom of movement." Once Naomi stopped jumping up and down and spouting how neat of an idea that was, Seven nodded, placed her hands behind her back and stated, "Computer, remove the 'rope' and extend the ledge of the 'tree house' by three meters." When the computer did as she asked, she queried quickly, "Computer, have the safety protocols been compromised?"

"Negative."

Nodding, Seven stated, "Very well, we may proceed." Then looking to the carrot top, she said, "You may take your 'turn' first again. I wish to observe so that I may know how to proceed appropriately."

"Okay!" the child bounced on the balls of her feet, gamely. Then carefully she walked to the edge, looked down, then backed up with determination on her freckled face. Nodding, she reported, "Okay…I know what I'm gonna do…"

"Very well," Seven replied. "On your 'mark'…'get set'…go."

Forcing her tiny legs into action, Naomi tore down the ledge, completely fearless, moving as fast her six-year old body would carry her, and flung herself off the ledge, arms and legs flailing about as she screamed, "Weeeeeeehooooooseeeevvvveeen!"

Once Naomi plunged into the water, after wrapping her body up and forming a tight ball, then came up and shouted how neat that was and that Seven just had to try it, the blonde, with a great deal of mounting excitement, went to the back of the ledge, squared her shoulders, and then set her legs into motion. Since she had been running a great deal more as of late, it didn't take her nearly as long to find her stride, and by the time she was at the edge, she was at full throttle. Pushing off with her enhanced leg, which propelled her almost a full meter higher than the ledge, Seven raised her arms out to her sides, feeling like the most magnificent creature of flight ever conceived, and smiled grandly as she hung in the air for a moment, feeling completely weightless before the artificial gravity took over and sent her crashing down into the water a second time.

Bobbing up quickly as Naomi bounced, then took off for the ladder again, Seven smiled and thought, "It is unfortunate that Kathryn is not present to observe our 'fun.' I am certain her smile would return if she witnessed this event." Then getting out of the water, she informed loudly, "Naomi Wildman, you may take your 'turn' first again. I must speak with the captain for a moment." Once Naomi gave her a thumb's up and then started up the ladder, Seven stated, "Computer arch."

As a silver, metal arch formed directly in front of her, Seven stepped inside and accessed the computer terminal. Quickly she located the captain's whereabouts, not surprised that she was in her Ready Room; although, she was slightly surprised when Janeway wasn't logged on for duty. Accessing the communications system, she sent a signal to the captain's workstation, which would inform Janeway that someone wanted to speak with her. As she waited for the captain to respond, Seven rang the water from her hair out and watched as Naomi threw herself off the ledge, screaming as loud as Seven had ever heard her and came for a safe splashdown.

When she heard Janeway answer the hail with a terse, "Yes?" and then her quick amendment, "Oh well," and next a soft chuckle as she said, "hello again. Having fun?" Seven faced the screen, and smiled as she replied, "Greetings…again, Captain. I apologize if I have interrupted you, but I wished to inform you that Naomi Wildman and I are engaging in 'fun,' as you wished, and it would please us both if you could witness this event for a brief moment." When Janeway grinned ruefully, obviously conflicted, Seven gestured that the child, who was moving toward her, should hurry with her hand, since the captain could only see her head and her upper torso, hoping Naomi could help persuade her because Seven was well aware that not only did the 'tough as nails' captain have a rather large soft spot for herself, but she also had one for the young girl. Seven picked Naomi up quickly and requested, "Naomi Wildman, inform the captain of what we are doing."

"Captain," Naomi smiled and complied enthused, "Mommy made a program for me and Seven to use. We're jumping off of a high tree house into a pond! We had a robe before, but Seven changed it and now we just run and jump. It's so neat, Captain...you just have to come see!"

As Janeway shook her head and smirked at her, knowing Seven was using the girl to further her cause, Seven smirked right back and then added, "We will not keep you from your duties long, Captain…on our honor. Correct, Naomi Wildman?"

"That is correct," Naomi nodded, doing her best Seven of Nine impression. Then the excitement getting the better of her, which was usually the case around the captain and B'Elanna Torres, she said, "Oh, Captain! You just have to come see Seven jump…she looks just like a great big bird!"

"Alright, you two," Janeway replied, rolling her eyes at her own inability to resist. "I'm in a meeting with the first right now, but…" then she stopped as the Fynth started speaking to her, and nodding, Kathryn turned back to the screen and continued, "okay, she and I will be right there," then pointing at the screen, she said sweetly turning into the parent, instantly, "but we can only stay for a few minutes…and no trying to splash us, understood?"

"Yes, Captain," they both said and then Seven ended the communication, setting the child down who instantly tore down the sandy beach and yelled, "Come on, Seven! Hurry so we can go again before they get here!"

Seven smiled, pleased with herself, and commanded, "Computer, remove arch," as she stepped into the sand and walked with purpose toward the impossibly huge tree, still not in the habit of running anywhere unless it was required. Climbing quickly up the ladder as the kid took off across the ledge, the sound of her small feet clearly audible as well as her laugh, and even though the blonde couldn't see her, she knew she was airborne since she was shrieking to high heaven again. Once at the top, Seven waited for Naomi to get out of the way prior to repeating her previous attempt, smiling and having fun the whole way down. Then having another epiphany as Naomi scurried and started up the ladder again, Seven informed, "Naomi Wildman, do not jump until I have reached the top." Efficiently Seven swam to the edge, crawled out of the water and went back up into the tree house. At the top, she stated, "I believe it would be 'neat' if you allowed me to thrust you off the side. You could attain greater height in that case. Do you wish to do that?"

"NEAT!" Naomi shouted, running up to Seven.

"Very well," Seven said, picking up the child. Moving her to her enhanced hand carefully, Seven maneuvered both of her hands until she was holding the young girl up by her bottom easily, up by her chest. Once Naomi was ready, and gave her the cue, Seven thrust upward easily, not throwing her too high and watched with joy as Naomi arched through the air, screaming her ear piercing 'weehoo' the whole way and splashed down as Janeway and Devin came through the exit that appeared just a few meters behind where the arch had formed. As Naomi cheered, waved to the captain and the first, but paid them much less attention than normal as she zipped past them where they stopped near the edge of the sand and started for the ladder again, Seven nodded to Kathryn and Devin and stated, "I believe Naomi Wildman wishes to demonstrate her impressive technique. Please observe closely." When Naomi came to the top, Seven said softer, "You may take your 'turn' first again, so that the captain and the first regal may see how the task is properly accomplished."

Naomi nodded and then shouted, "Captain…First, are you watching?" When they responded and laughed to each other, the small girl bit her bottom lip as she thought about what she wanted to do to show off for the captain. Then snapping her fingers, she said, "Oh, I know…okay, Seven…I'm ready."

As the child got into her stance, Seven gave her the cue and watched as she zipped across the ledge, leapt and twirled her body around one and a half times and she shrieked, "LOOK AT MEEEE, CAPTAAAAAIIIN!" Seven watched, duly impressed as Naomi performed her spin and glanced quickly over and down to Kathryn, who was holding her hand to her mouth, laughing along with Devin, the older woman's clicking chuckle clearly audible in the air. Once the older women got done clapping and praising the child, who came over to them to watch Seven, the blonde stated, "Naomi Wildman, I am ready."

"On your marrrrrrk," the child shouted, dragging the event out in her excitement, forgetting Seven could hear her, "get seeeeeeet…GO!"

At almost a full sprint, Seven pressed off the edge of the plank as high as she could, spinning around as Naomi had done, although coming around completely three times, letting her arms fling about with her hair, and shouted, not nearly as unenthused as before, "Weehoo!" Then closing her eyes and holding her breath as she let her arms come above her head freely, Seven plunged into the pond like a torpedo, hearing Naomi's cheers as she hit the water. Resurfacing, Seven smiled openly and informed to Janeway, who looked like she was either going to cry or laugh her head off, "It is tradition, Kathryn…one is required to make a similar proclamation during the ritual."

"Seven hurry!" Naomi yelled, running to the tree again as the blonde came out of the water. "Throw me off like before…just one more time, Captain…pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaase!"

Seven of Nine didn't wait for the captain to respond, and since she recognized the misty look in her level, blue-grey eyes, she knew her partner was having difficulty remaining composed, so she marched right up to the tree and said, "As you wish." Climbing it quickly, she picked the child up again, ignored Kathryn's, "Careful Seven," and asked, "Are you ready?" When the child nodded and did the count off, Seven pushed her away easily and smiled as she placed her hands behind her back while the kid's shrill scream filled the holodeck and caused Devin to laugh loudly and clap with enthusiasm. Feeling the need to show off to the captain herself, as she did whenever she was having 'fun,' Seven approached the edge of the ramp, waited for Naomi to paddle out of the way, and then counted the steps backward she would need to take to hit her mark precisely. Working out the exact movement of her body, she centered herself, expelled the breath from her lungs as Ensign Wang had taught her, focused, took two quick steps ahead, leaned forward into a cartwheel, hearing Janeway's, "Good lord," landed just in front of the edge backward and using her enhanced strength, agility and her momentum, pushed herself off. Gracefully she arced backward with her arms straight out to her sides, and just at the right moment, Seven easily being able to calculate her rate of decent, she urged her heavy legs around, tucked her body into a ball and came crashing down in a huge displacement of water while Naomi shrieked, jumped spastically in triumph, and then took off into the water, yelling, "Seven! Seven! You look just like an angel!"

"Spirits, Kathryn," Devin gasped, looking down at the redhead, who was shaking her head, breathing somewhat deeply, "how does she accomplish such a feat?"

"She's Borg," Janeway remarked, shaking her head and forcing a smile before she burst into tears. Now taking a quick breath to settle the emotions that were threatening to crush her reserve, she looked at Seven as her lover picked up Naomi, flung her into the water and said quietly, knowing the Borg would hear her, "Seven…you're such a show off." Having to walk toward her just because watching Seven sparkle as she emerged from the water was something akin to a spiritual experience for Kathryn, she said, softly, "Darling, that was very…good." Then looking up into Seven's face, she sighed and requested, humble and bashful, unable to resist and believing that she absolutely shouldn't let this moment pass her by without expressing her love, "Kiss me before I change my mind, huh?"

Smirking, Seven leaned down, and kissed the captain softly. When Janeway reluctantly pulled away after a few seconds, and whispered an almost silent, "Thank you," as she looked down at her feet and crossed her arms over her chest, Seven said, duly grateful, which came out in the timbre of her voice, which was now warm and smooth, "I am pleased you could witness our 'fun.' Thank you for complying." Then smiling with definite mischief, she stated, hoping to deter Janeway's obvious inner conflict, "Perhaps at a later date we can utilize this program so that I can fling you off the ledge as well?"

Janeway barked in laughter, releasing the tension clenching her stomach over her own rules of public displays of affection while on her starship or around her crew, poked Seven's bare stomach, forcing her hand away before she palmed the flesh, and said, "I bet you'd just love that...uh huh." Then rubbing her arm instead, affectionately, she nodded over to the pond where Naomi was splashing around and doing circles under the water, "You're welcome, darling…thank you for calling me. Go on an play…Devin and I have to get back so I can keep my promise to be home on time."

Seven leaned down, kissed the captain smartly, a term she now knew could be described as 'stealing a kiss' and stated, "I will comply," as she pivoted, waltzed into the water and then dove underneath, came up under the child, picked her up and thrust her high into the air in one fluid motion, as the youngest female yelled as she flew through the air, "Bye Captain!"

Shaking her head and chuckling, wiping away that small rebel tear that just wouldn't follow her orders to stay put, Janeway said to Devin, "Thank you…I hate to miss these moments. Computer exit." Once they were out, she informed, sniffling then clearing her voice of all emotional obstructions, "Three months ago she didn't even know how to swim," sighing, "and now she's swan diving." Kathryn shrugged and offered, "Borg efficiency at its finest, I guess?"

Devin spoke quiet as she said, understanding that what she knew of the tiny captain, which wasn't very much other than what she could extrapolate from observing her, she was a private person, "She's a marvel…a true angelic. It is not a task to detail why you cherish her so." As they stepped into the turbolift, she went on, "She is wise in her infancy…it is unlike anything I have ever detailed before." Turning to Janeway, she said, "This astoundingly precise will she has…how is that she can do such things as babes that she has demonstrated and maintain that way about her?"

Kathryn shook her head and said, "Honestly, I don't entirely know. Some of it is that she's never done anything like that before." Stepping off the lift, Kathryn waited until they were back in her office until she finished, "And I'm sure, if you were to ask Naomi, she'd say that when Seven first went up on that ledge, she asked as to what the purpose of the activity was. She's completely unknowing with most forms of recreation." Chuckling, Janeway sat down on the couch as Devin listened intently and added, "She probably thought it was completely inefficient…but I don't know, something happens in her, this realization once she finally complies and does what is suggested, and suddenly, she embraces it fully. It's like instantly it hits her and she understands that even though jumping out of a tree into the water is rather irrelevant in the grand scheme of things…the feeling, the emotions and sensations she feels when she does it...aren't irrelevant. Those things are very powerful and sometimes quite overwhelming to her because she is so unknowing...and sometimes they're rather frightening because she feels out of control and ignorant. And control and knowledge are everything to the Borg." Janeway looked down, sighed and admitted, "It's not an easy process for her. Each new thing is treated the same way. First it's irrelevant, or inefficient, then you have to talk her into trying it, and then she's in with both feet...well, most of the time, and only with certain people she trusts wouldn't lead her astray, like Naomi." Looking up and smiling, she said quickly, "But, it's starting to get easier for her. She always has questions, usually an opinion," the captain smiled proudly at her Borg, "but the talking into part is getting much, much easier. Before she used to just look at me like I was completely insane and walk away, then after a while she would listen, then tell me she would contemplate what I had said and inform me if she required my assistance…which," she shook her finger, "rarely ever occurred…but, I can see the change happening in her. She's much more open to new things now…even researches them on her own without prompting. She doesn't usually do anything without asking me or B'Elanna about it first, but I don't think it will be long now before she starts seeking out her own interests more."

The redhead rested her head on her hand using the back of the couch to prop up her elbow as she said, pointing to Devin's long, white mane, "Like her hair. She contemplated growing it out because she likes long hair, thinks it's pretty to look at, and after she felt she had thought about it long enough, she asked me my opinion, had questions about the length of my hair, and then decided to have it lengthened. She did that almost all on her own…and before, that's not something that she would have ever done. It's certainly not as efficient as it was." Smiling crookedly, she informed, "She's testing it out right now…she still hasn't decided to keep it or not, and I'm sure if she decides to go back to a shorter length, she'll do it the minute she makes her decision. That's just how she is."

Devin looked right into the captain's eyes and said, "She is your purpose, my child…you will flourish long after I rejoin my Alaxia…it is not a task to detail this in the least." Then laughing, she added, "And this relic, as much as I miss my daughter and wish to look upon her handsome face again, is just beginning to carve paths. I do this is on the wings of her glory now. Come," she patted the captain's leg, "let us tread to my vessel so that you may look upon your babes…the rest of our destiny detailing can wait for a length."

"What is next?" asked Seven of Nine, coming out of the pond, after using the water to wash off the dirt that was caked and gelled to her body from being buried in the sand up to her neck, looking down at the small girl that was brushing sand off of her tiny bottom.

"Let's eat lunch," Naomi answered with emphasis, holding her just slightly rounded tummy, which told Seven that her young friend's body was preparing to grow taller again. Seven had observed through Naomi's development that whenever the medium build child started to mass more around her abdomen, she soon sprouted a centimeter or two, which distributed the weight more evenly. "I'm so hungry...aren't you hungry."

Seven thought about it for a moment and then replied, "That..." catching herself, she amended, "Yes. This 'fun' has increased my appetite. Are you experiencing the same condition?"

As Naomi went over to the large picnic basket her mother had made up for her, and tried to lug it over to the small grassy area where a blanket was laid out for them, she said once Seven came up to her and picked up the container, "Mommy says that swimming always makes you more hungry...'cause you're...um," the young girl bit the side of her bottom lip as she tried to recall the word her mother had used, "um...oh," snapping her fingers, "because you're asserting yourself."

"I believe exerting is the correct term," Seven corrected, sitting down on the blanket, crossing her legs as her friend did while Naomi dug through the basket pulling out all of the contents with reckless abandon. "Asserting yourself means to make a willful statement or physical gesture, or to 'stand up' for yourself, to demand that your words or actions be considered...the captain often asserts her will due to her position of authority. Exerting yourself means to use your body in a physically taxing manner...which we have done today." As Naomi nodded at her and practiced saying the words differently twice, Seven asked, "What will we be consuming?"

The tiny redhead handed one of the sandwiches after deactivating the stasis field around them and said, "Tuna salad. Neelix made it for us this morning...but he didn't put any onions in it 'cause they're gross. You like tuna...don't you?"

Seven took the offering and replied, "It is acceptable. I have consumed it eleven times prior to this. The captain often replicates sandwiches for us when it is her 'turn' to prepare our meal." Then taking a bite as Naomi pulled out a container of potato chips and handed her a dark, bubbly liquid, Seven asked once she had chewed enough, "What is this liquid?"

"It's called soda pop," Naomi smiled, opening her sandwich and placing some of the chips into the bread as she liked. "Mommy doesn't let me have it very much 'cause it has too much sugar in it...but she lets me have it on special days like today." When Seven furrowed her brow at the beverage and watched it fizz, Naomi said, folding her sandwich back together, "Try it, Seven...it's yummy."

"Very well," Seven replied, then took a small sip. The ex-drone quickly pulled the glass away from her face, scrunching her nose as a small giggle escaped her lips. When Naomi giggled with her too and bounced on her bottom, excited, Seven stated, "The carbonation...'tickles.'" Cocking her eyebrow, she went on, "This is similar to champagne. I have consumed champagne on one occasion prior to this. However, this is sweeter. It is acceptable." After taking a big gulp and then wiping her nose as it went down, trying not to giggle again at the peculiar sensation, she furrowed her brow a second time while she watched Naomi consume her sandwich. Hearing the loud crunching of the chips inside the bread, Seven set down her glass, opened her bread and placed a few of the chips inside as well. Once that was done, she took a bite, chewed a few times, then informed, "This is peculiar. Is it customary to consume these two foods in this manner? I have never done so before."

Shrugging, Naomi responded, "I don't know...I just like it. Mommy never does it, but she doesn't say I can't do it." The child took a few more bites of her sandwich, then looked around over her shoulder, set her lunch in her lap and tore open the package of chocolate chip cookies with haste. Handing one to the blonde hurriedly, she whispered, "Seven, hurry...eat that quick before someone sees us." When Seven took the cookie, looked around and then asked Naomi to explain, the child shoved a piece into her mouth, and informed, "Shhh," giggling with impish excitement, "we're supposed to eat those last so we don't ruin our lunch...hurry, Seven!"

Normally the Borg would never engage in behavior with the child that she knew her mother would frown upon; however, since Seven had come to discover recently that she liked chocolate chip cookies a great deal, her desire to have something sweet overrode everything else, figuring it wasn't really that bad for them to engage in this behavior, so she stuffed the scrumptious pastry into her mouth. Chewing vigorously as Naomi did so as well, bringing her tiny palm to her mouth, scrunching her face as she snickered at their naughtiness, Seven finally said after she took a sip of the bubbling soda, "Naomi Wildman, I am enjoying myself this day a great deal." Taking another cookie, she plopped the small, round dough into her mouth, then said, with her mouth half-full, "I am making a tradition now. On each of our birthdays we will engage in this ritual," swallowing, "and we will consume our desserts first. I do not believe your mother would be disagreeable as long as we do not make a 'habit' of it."

Bouncing as she sat, Naomi snatched up another cookie, setting her sandwich aside completely, "Neat! Seven...that's so neat! What's a tradition?" Before the ex-drone could answer, she added, "The captain says you have to have tea when you talk about books because of a tradition...what is that? How come you have to?"

Seven took a drink of her soda, eyed the cookies, but took a bite of her sandwich instead, liking the back of forth sensation of salty and creaming food on her palate, and then sweet, explaining, "A tradition is a cultural ritual. Celebrating a birthday is a tradition. When you accept a tradition and engage in it, it is required from that point forward that you consistently behave in a similar manner. If the captain said it is a tradition to consume tea while discussing books you've read, that means that such an action is consistently done by usually a great many individuals within a Collective." Drinking and washing down her crunchy sandwich, she went on, "I have engaged in several traditions recently. If you create a tradition, that means that when a similar event occurs, as in a birthday, you engage in that ritual again because of the tradition. Therefore, on your birthday, we will utilize this program again and repeat our 'fun.'"

"Oh," Naomi nodded seriously, then perked up, "neat! I can't wait for my birthday! You know why?"

"Explain."

Smiling, Naomi said enthused, "Because I'm gonna be seven! I'll be as old as your name...isn't that so neat!"

Seven of Nine nodded once and said, picking up the last of her cookie, "Yes." Then looking away for a moment, she looked back to the child and asked, "Naomi Wildman, how does it feel to be six? I do not recall since I was assimilated by the Borg shortly after my sixth birthday and most of my childhood memories are incomplete."

The young girl shrugged again as she picked up her sandwich now that all of the cookies were gone, and answered, "I don't know...it feels...neat, I guess." Looking over at her best friend, the child asked, honestly unknowing since Seven never brought it up, "How old are you now?" Then excited, she asked quickly before Seven could answer, "Are you a teenager now? I can't wait to be a teenager!"

Seven raised her eyebrow at the response and stated, "I am not a 'teenager' any longer." Somewhat proudly, she informed, taking a bite of her sandwich, "I am now twenty-eight." When Naomi covered her mouth and started giggling hysterically, having to set her food down as she slumped over to the side in humor, Seven queried, "What about my response do you find humorous?"

"Seven," Naomi gasped, "you're almost the same age as Mommy!" When the blonde nodded and informed her that such a statement was accurate since Samantha Wildman was twenty-nine, and soon to be thirty, the child asked, suddenly confused since Seven didn't act anything like her mother, "How'd you get so old? Was it the Borg...did they make you old?"

Seven stared at the child for a moment, nonplussed by the question, then reprocessed the data and answered, "I have been functioning for twenty-eight years. The Borg have not 'made' me any younger or older. You cannot change time in such a manner as you are suggesting." When Naomi explained that she didn't understand because Seven didn't act old like her mother, Seven nodded, finally understanding, and explained, "I do not 'act' like your mother because I do not have the experience she has. You and I engage in 'fun' when others do not because we are new to these rituals and experience them together." Then looking away again, Seven pondered her words and finally finished, "In a sense, I believe you were correct when you suggested that the Borg made me old...however, it is more likely that they made me young. I was not able to experience a 'childhood' as your mother was able to do because the Borg find these experiences irrelevant. Children that are assimilated are placed in a maturation chamber until they are of an age where they can function as drones. Therefore, although I have the knowledge of thousands of species, I do not have the experience that goes with that knowledge. This is why we are good friends because we engage in our 'childhood' together." Then cocking her eyebrow, she added, "And because you are 'neat.'"

"Red," Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres huffed to the woman hovering over her shoulder as she knelt on the floor of Nicole Fowler's cabin, "will you shut up already? We've still got an hour and a half for Kahless sakes!" When Janeway stuck her tongue out at her, crossing her arms over her chest, while Fowler snickered as she quietly practiced her guitar in preparation for tonight's festivities, the engineer sighed and said, "Just go sit over there and have some more coffee or something...you're driving me crazy standing there."

Waving her arm in play disgust at her Klingon lover, Kathryn stomped over to Fowler's replicator, mumbling under her breath about how she was just trying to be helpful, and ordered a cup of coffee after imputing her authorization to deduct the rations from her personal account. Then snatching up the coffee while Torres grit her teeth and cursed at the console television set she was assembling for Seven's 'big' birthday present, Janeway sipped the warm beverage for a few moments, then finally made her way back over to Nicole's curved black couch and sat in the corner where there was room. Fowler was sitting on the floor, which Janeway had come to learn was the tall woman's preference, but there were PADDs, sheet music and picks scattered about the rest of the couch which left her few options since it seemed the tall pilot wasn't fond of furniture. When the Klingon growled at the side of the open console where she was programming the device so that it would play a myriad of shows and movies continuously when activated, and called it a series of rather profane terms in Klingon, Janeway recognizing each of them since one Klingon proverb that Torres adhered to consistently was the one that said that if you're going to swear, 'Curse Well!' the captain had to chuckle and then said to Fowler, who was smiling crookedly as she picked away at her guitar, "Nick," snapping her fingers, "happy music...if you please."

Laughing once heartily, Fowler bobbed her head, sticking to her deal that whenever the captain snapped her fingers and requested 'happy music to cheer her up,' Fowler would play for her since the slight redhead had purchased the guitar for her, and asked, "Any requests, Miss Kate?" When Kathryn rolled her eyes at her in jest--Janeway had informed Nick one evening this past week while they shared a quiet dinner since Seven had gone to the Wildmans for a meal, and Torres was away, that she was comfortable with her officer calling her Kathryn on their off-time, and would actually prefer that she do since she felt that after their away mission they were close enough to allow for that, Fowler had replied in her humbled thanks, then asked her if Kate was acceptable. The captain had nodded and said that was perfectly fine, just not to call her Kath or Katie, for personal reasons, or worse, Kathy because she always hated that and that was also what Q called her, and Fowler had replied with a chuckling, "Yes, Miss Kate." When Nick continued to call her Miss Kate most of the time, instead of just Kate, Janeway had finally asked her just yesterday why that was exactly, and Fowler had answered in her subtle, southern, and charming voice that she considered the captain a lady, and that it was a habit and said out of respect, and that 'Miss Kate' shouldn't fight her, which made Janeway laugh and then give her own modest thanks--and then laughed, Fowler continued, "Nevermind...I've got a good one." Then looking over to Torres who was paying them both zero attention as she peered into the side of the device, Fowler said, "Hey Torres...do me a favor and keep the tinkering down, will ya?"

"Nick, do you wanna play that thing or sit on it?" Torres rallied, snapping her head over to the pilot who had climbed off the floor and was now sitting on the arm of her couch, turned toward the captain. When Janeway and Fowler both laughed at B'Elanna, she flipped them off and then turned back toward her work.

Chuckling, Fowler cleared her throat and said, "Alright, here's a fun one called Shame on You." When Torres laughed and gave her approval for the tall pilot's selection, Fowler smiled, glanced up out of habit and said, "Computer, play musical selection: Fowler, Shame on You electric." During the short pause, Fowler adjusted the switch on her guitar, which made it an electric guitar, turned up the volume and explained, "I programmed this version so I could play the lead electric guitar." When she heard the drum stick count, she started the beginning, and then sang, not surprised when B'Elanna jumped in where she sat and backed her up:

Oooh, la la la 'Shame on you...Shame on you…'"

"Okay, hang onto your butts," Torres said as Janeway and Fowler stood next to her in front of the television. Holding the remote control in her hand, she pressed the fat red power button, aiming the silver device to the console set and held her breath as it whirled to life. When the distinctive sound of the theme song to Seven's favorite show, I Love Lucy sounded loud and clear, the chief exhaled heavily in relief as Nicole slapped her on the back for a job well done. Pressing the channel change button as Janeway came up behind her and unabashedly wrapped her arms around her waist then rested her head on her right shoulder, Torres said, ignoring the second of shock she was feeling for the affection the captain was displaying in 'public,' since recently Janeway had been a good deal more open with expressing her love, but usually only around Fowler and Chakotay, "I only programmed shows that I know she likes...so there's plenty of memory left for her to add anything else that she discovers she wants to watch."

As B'Elanna was flipping the channels to test each of them out and a she stopped on some kind of cartoon, Kathryn quirked her mouth and asked, "Is that one for Seven or for you?"

Smiling, Torres admitted, "Okay, so I added some of my favorites too." She set down the remote on the TV and explained, "That's Batman." When Janeway laughed and asked, "Who?" she continued, "You know...Batman...he's a superhero, like Superman and Wonder Woman. He's not as cool as the Silver Surfer, but he's pretty cool." Then pointing to the screen as a woman appeared, Torres smiled and said, "That's Catwoman...she and Batman kind of have this love, hate kind of thing happening." Turning her head so she could see Janeway's face, she added, "You'd like her, Red...she's a lot like Queen Arachnia."

Poking B'Elanna's stomach, Janeway replied, "I thought I told you never to bring that up." Then rubbing her torso affectionately, Kathryn whispered, "Darling, you're adorable sometimes...thank you for putting this together."

The chief snatched up Kathryn's hand, brought it up to her lips, murmuring an I love you and then said, picking up the remote again and changing the channel, "Oh, I also programmed in this channel for you." Smiling crookedly as Janeway hugged her tighter and returned her head to her shoulder, she explained, "It's got a bunch of those mushy, romance stories that I know you like." Then turning it off, she turned around and announced, "And don't even think about tryin' to get me to watch any of them, 'cause you know I hate that shit."

Putting her guitar in her case, Fowler laughed out loud and returned, "Ha! Whatever, Romeo...oh wait, I forgot...that was your twin sister...nevermind."

The captain chuckled, pulled away from B'Elanna as the brunette spat a curse at Fowler, then punched her in the shoulder, and said, looking up, "Computer, state the time."

"The time is 0410 hours."

"Well," Janeway started, placing her hands on her narrow hips and looking around, "I think that's everything?" Thinking out loud, she went on, "Chakotay is taking care of the food, Neelix is bringing the cake, Tom and Harry should be in the holodeck now finishing the program...her presents are wrapped...Devin will be here at 1700 hours...the TV's done...can you think of anything else?"

"How are you going to get her there?" asked Fowler, opening her closet and digging out her clothing trunk, knowing that somewhere inside was a bathing suit.

"Oh, right!" Janeway snapped her fingers, "That's what I was forgetting. Thank you, Nick." Looking up again, she requested, "Computer, locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is in her quarters."

Expecting that response, Kathryn tapped her communiciator and said, "Janeway to Seven of Nine."

After a short pause, Seven's crisp, precise voice came back, "I am here, Captain."

"Darling," Janeway started, which informed the blonde immediately that this was a private conversation, "I'm a little tied up right now, but I promise that I won't work too late. Do you think you can come by my Ready Room at 1730 hours to remind me...I'm up to my eyeballs in reports right now and I don't want to lose track of the time?"

"I will comply," Seven replied immediately. "I am 'sorry' that you have not been able to 'relax' on this day as I have, but do not distress. I will make certain that you are able to do so this evening. Will B'Elanna Torres still be able to spend the evening with us?"

Janeway replied with her arms crossed over her chest as she looked down at her feet, shy and feeling incredibly spoiled and loved just by Seven's sweet voice and never-ending concern for her welfare, "She still has a few things to do, but she said she'd be coming over on the last exchange at 1800 hours." When Seven said that was acceptable, Janeway asked, "Did you have fun with Naomi?"

"That is correct. I am 'glad' that I was able to spend the majority of this day with her." Seven said brightly, her happiness clear in her tone. "I am composing a personal log at the moment. Unless there is anything else you require, I will end this communication since I have a great deal to 'talk' about, and will undoubtedly be occupied until 1730 hours."

"That's fine, sweetheart. I won't keep you from your thoughts then. See you soon. Janeway out." Then chuckling and shaking her head, she said out loud, but was mostly talking to herself, "That's probably going to be the longest personal log on record." Next, looking up, she informed, "Okay, we're going to have to send her on a little bit of a wild goose chase to get everything done. I've left a note in my Ready Room and there's a present there waiting for her, so she'll be occupied for a few minutes with that. That will give us enough time to get her bathing suit and take it to your quarters," gesturing to B'Elanna, who was leaning against the TV, grinning at the redhead as she paced back and forth and worked out the logistics, "and we'll leave a note there for her too, telling her to change and then meet us in the holodeck." Now looking down at Fowler, who was still digging around her old clothing trunk, she added, "Someone from Support will come by some time tonight after the party gets started and move the television...so we don't have to worry about that." When she heard both Fowler and Torres snicker, she looked up at asked, "What?"

Pushing off the console, Torres chuckled, "Red, you crack me up...come on...let's go get ready." Then looking over at Nick, she questioned, "Nick, did you need me to help you with anything?"

The tall brunette shook her head, snatching up her deep blue swim trunks and bathing top, and answered, "No, I can take care of it. I'll get down there pretty soon to make sure the equipment's all set up."

Before they left, Torres smiled crookedly and asked the lieutenant, "So, you brining anyone tonight…are you going stag again?"

Fowler rolled her eyes and said walking away toward her bathroom, "Torres, don't make me whoop you in front of the nice lady."

B'Elanna laughed, took a hold of Janeway's hand and walked out of the pilot's quarters, heading toward the turbolift, as she shook her head and said, "We've got to find her a woman."

Kathryn shook her head and said adamantly, "Oh no…you keep me out of that, Lanna. I don't want anything to do with it."

Stepping into the turbolift, the chief said, "Deck Ten," as she released the captain's hand since they were moving to a more populated section of the ship and she figured Janeway wouldn't want to walk around holding hands with her. As the lift descended rapidly, she continued, "Alright, but I'm not going to give up on her." Nodding her head, B'Elanna smiled, and reported, "Just between you and me, I know for a fact that there are three women on this ship that wouldn't mind spending a little more time in her company…if you catch my drift."

Once the doors parted, Janeway stepped out of the carriage and said quietly, "Well, I'm sure you're right…but I don't think Nick's interested in spending time in their company…in that way. I think she's pretty happy by herself right now."

As they turned the corner and started toward Main Engineering, Torres responded, "I'm not so sure about that. I mean, don't get me wrong, I know where her heart is…and I respect that, a lot, but I get to see a different side of Nick than you do." Once they rounded the final corner and her cabin was in sight, B'Elanna informed, "Let's just say she's known a few women."

Kathryn rolled her eyes as they entered B'Elanna's cabin, which was relatively clean, but probably only because the engineer hadn't been there in a week to mess it up, and replied, "Darling, you're not telling me anything I don't already know. She and I have had some private discussions too, and I know that she's not against casual dating, but I still don't think she's interested in that right now." Sitting down on Torres' bed and kicking off her boots, she continued, "She's pretty busy right now, and she holds a much higher position on this ship than she used to. She has a lot more responsibility now as far as personnel goes…that kind of relationship wouldn't be as easy for her as it used to be. It'd have to be awfully casual, I think."

Torres sat next to Janeway as they began to disrobe and sighed, "Maybe…but I'm not so sure. I think it's been on her mind more than she lets on." Taking off her shirts, B'Elanna laughed and said, "She's smooth, I'll give her that much…but I see her checking out the merchandise when we're in the Mess Hall or walking through the halls. " Flashing on a memory of when she had caught Fowler admiring the captain in the turbolift the first evening they all had dinner together, Torres laughed again, barking, grabbed Janeway, who was also half dressed, pulled her back and on top of her and informed, "I even caught her checking out your merchandise once a while back, before she knew the situation." Grinning wickedly, B'Elanna said, "Like I said, she's smooth…you had no idea."

Janeway kissed B'Elanna squarely, then stated as she smiled and rubbed her nose against Torres', "Oh, I'm aware of the standing to the side and slightly behind move…like I said, you're not telling me anything I don't already know."

Blinking, B'Elanna asked, baffled, "You knew about that?"

"Well, I knew that she often stood in that position whenever she was around a female, and only made note of it because Chakotay does it all the time too," Kathryn responded, "but I didn't know what the purpose of it was until just recently." When Torres laughed and asked her how she figured it out, the captain answered honestly, "I asked her about it during the away mission, and she confessed." Laughing heartily, Janeway kissed Torres again and said, "Which was really very nice of her, all things considering, because now I have something to hold over the old man's head the next time he gets smart with me."

Torres laughed again, kissed Janeway quickly and added, "I know I won't be there when you call him on it, but you have to promise to tell me about it." Giggling even more, she said, "Kahless, I can see his face already…it'll be great." Then rolling them over, B'Elanna smiled down upon Kathryn and said, "I missed you, cowgirl."

The captain's mood instantly changed from light-hearted humor to a much more serious truth as she responded, bringing her hand up to the engineer's face and traced her soft ridges, "Oh, I missed you too, tool-pusher." Pulling her down and kissing her softly, Kathryn murmured against her lips, "I love you so much, Lanna…I'm so glad you're home." Then kissing her deeper and wrapping her legs around B'Elanna's body, she asked after a few minutes as she moved her kisses to her neck and shoulder, "Will you come home with us and stay the night?"

Smiling, B'Elanna kissed Janeway's neck and then said into her ear, softly, "You know I'll be there, baby." Pressing into Kathryn's body, she added seductively, "Mmm, I'll be there all night." When the redhead purred into her neck and ran her fingers down her back, making sure to scratch her lightly with her nails, B'Elanna snarled and said, "Jesus woman…you have no idea how much I want you right now."

Kathryn allowed herself to dig her nails a little further into Torres' highly muscled back, knowing her lover enjoyed the sensation and hissed into her ear, "Oh yes, Lanna…I know." As B'Elanna growled deep in her throat and pressed her chest farther into hers, flattening her smaller breasts with her larger, fuller chest and she felt her lover's larger, naturally harder nipples jabbing into her skin, Janeway inhaled and whispered, "Mmm, darling…I've been thinking about you all day. I've missed you so much. I've missed your hands on me," biting on her neck and using her nails and voice more, although sounding more needful than seductive, "missed the way you look at me...mmm...I've missed you touching me...feeling you inside me." When Torres growled again, the sound driving the captain crazy with want itself as B'Elanna pushed into her farther, completely pinning her as she began to nibble on her neck, Kathryn threw the fact that they were running somewhat short on time right out the window, gave into her own, highly personal need for reassurance, arched up and begged in a raspy whisper, "B'Elanna…I need you inside me right now. Please, darling, I can't wait...I need you so much..."

If Torres was surprised, all things considering, she did well not to show it. Truth be known, she wasn't surprised in the least because she had recently come to the conclusion that Janeway needed her, and only her, desperately sometimes. B'Elanna wasn't certain of the reasoning behind it, although she knew there was something more to it than just the fact that they were acutely attracted to each other and in love, but she never asked Kathryn and just accepted it, and was supremely happy that she could be what Kathryn needed, since Janeway seemed to always manage to be what she needed. Pulling back, Torres had herself and the captain's pants off in less than thirty seconds.

Diving back onto Janeway's body, she didn't try to kiss her mouth for more than a few seconds since she knew that Kathryn enjoyed having her neck kissed, and that allowed the redhead to speak freely, which the chief fully admitted that she was addicted to listening to, and said as she quickly pushed her hand to the captain's sex, "Mmm, I love you, Red." Then feeling the extent of the captain's arousal, she growled, "You're soaked." When the captain said that she was already aware of that and to please hurry, as she slipped her hand between their bodies and began rubbing B'Elanna's crease hotly, Torres easily pressed two fingers into the redhead as she growled deep and low in her throat again and took control of their coupling, as she began stroking Janeway in tandem with the captain's insistent hand.

"Ohgod," the redhead sobbed, "pleaasse, Lanna, love me...I need you," while her innerself clamped down on the engineer's digits and pulled them into her as deep as she could manage, her body already halfway to climax and building quickly with B'Elanna's stroking, Kathryn latched onto Torres' back immediately with her free hand, needing her to be as close as possible, to feel completely surrounded and protected by B'Elanna's powerful body, urging her lover on with her fingers and her nails as she said softly into the hot air, "Yes, darling…please...you feel so nice."

When B'Elanna moaned, then whispered into her ear, as she increased her steady and strong stoke, "I missed you, baby...I missed you so much," Janeway pulsed louder, "Lanna! Ohgod, please!"

As the captain's cries became louder and pleading by the minute, B'Elanna had a moment of strange realization before she lost all control, and looking down upon Kathryn Janeway as the redhead arched her back as much as she could, pressing the top of her head into the pillow as her chin faced the roof and gapping mouth hung open while she cried out and closed her eyes, Torres had to smile her famous grin, since she knew that she was the only one in the universe that got to see the dignified starship captain in such a vulnerable and submissive state; or even more so, the only one that brought out this side of her. What was even more astounding to B'Elanna was that even though Kathryn was giving into feral desires, and letting go of her responsibility for the moment, she still, somehow, managed to bring the grace that Torres loved about her so much to the moment. That understanding was all the engineer needed to let go completely herself, and as Kathryn came and clawed her back as she shuddered, the Klingon jerked helplessly against Janeway's devastatingly skilled hand and howled, "Jesus, Kathrrryyyyyn…Yeeeeesssss!"

Now each of them laying on their sides facing each other, Kathryn brought her right hand to B'Elanna's face as the brunette recovered, and stroked her thumb across her somewhat sharp cheekbones, due to her Klingon heritage, and then her parted lips until the brunette opened her eyes. Smiling at Torres' crazy grin, Janeway leaned forward, rubbed her nose, then her lips against B'Elanna's and whispered, "Oh, I love that look." After kissing her sweetly, Janeway allowed herself to settle into Torres' arms for a few more moments before they jumped up and started running around, and said, sighing, "Thank you, darling…you always know exactly what I need."

B'Elanna had to snort at that as she reminded, while she kissed Janeway's somewhat damp hairline, "Thanks, Red…but you made it pretty clear what you wanted." Hugging her tighter, she added quickly, "It's not rocket science…you know?"

Kathryn chuckled right back and replied, "True…but thank you anyway." Burying her face into Torres' hair and neck, she admitted, "You're so wonderful...you have no idea how much I need you sometimes," hugging her tighter, she croaked, fighting her emotions and great relief that B'Elanna was back to take care of her in the a way only Torres could, or in truth, the only way she could find temporary comfort in her mind because there were just some things she could not and would not expose Seven of Nine to if she had a choice, "I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you to hold me...to love me like you do."

B'Elanna resisted the urge to sigh, knowing her lover well enough that such an admission and needy display meant that she'd been suffering in some fashion recently, most likely alone, and most likely because she felt solitude was required, and responded instead, hugging her tighter and rubbing her back in a comforting manner, "I'll always be here for you, cowgirl...on my honor...I'm afraid you're kind of stuck with me now because like I said before, I'm officially a Red addict, and I don't plan on getting on the recovery wagon anytime in the this or the next century." Then smiling again, she raised the captain's chin until she could look at her face and said, "Before I forget, remind me the next time we're together alone that I want to ask you something." Before Janeway could say anything, she went on, "We don't have enough time to talk about it now…and it's not important, but in case I forget, remind me."

Torres dubious words were definitely peaking her curiosity considering the context of their discussion as far as commitment went, but since she was smiling, and Janeway didn't think Torres was the type to take such a discussion lightly, the redhead figured it wasn't anything serious, so she merely nodded and said, "Alright." Then to clarify, she asked, "Do you mean together as in alone in the same room, or together…as in…together?"

"Together as in together…"

Stardate: 50305.6     Subject: I am not certain what the function of this field is, and since I cannot currently seek assistance from Kathryn, I will not input any further data into it. I have pondered the purpose of these logs on my own, and have come to the conclusion that I am performing the task sufficiently. Kathryn has informed me that there are no 'rules' to 'journal writing' as long as I am enjoying myself. Since that is the case, considering this is the second time I have engaged in this new endeavor today, I do not feel the need to consult Kathryn further on this matter. I am aware that these logs are considered private, and I do not believe she would be comfortable giving me an opinion, nor do I wish for her to know what I have 'talked' about since I am certain she would become dismayed at my words regarding her well being. There are many things I wish to discuss right now, but considering the content of the subject matter of my last log, and my conversation with Nick Fowler, I wish to talk about Kathryn more. I am aware that I do this often, but she is a preferred subject of mine and she is constantly 'on my mind.' I do not know how I 'feel' right now. I am uncertain of a single term to describe my emotions. I believe I am feeling a mixture of joy and melancholy. I wish to talk about my melancholy, even though I know Kathryn would not wish me to feel this way for her situation, but I cannot help myself. Since these logs are personal and I know that she would never read them without my express permission, or unless her position required her to do so, I believe it will be 'fine' to 'talk' about my feelings here. I am 'sad' for Kathryn. I am 'sad' for her for many reasons, but mostly right now, other than that she is burdened today and cannot partake in my 'fun,' but due to the fact that she was mistreated in a sexual manner by a defective individual and continues to suffer consequences from his actions. This is difficult for me to accept. I understand why she continues to show affects from this experience, and that is acceptable because such behavior is 'normal.' If Kathryn showed no signs of distress, I believe I would be worried that she was not allowing herself to 'heal' as is required. It is difficult for me to accept that the situation ever occurred. That is unacceptable, but there is nothing I can do to change it. Although, I have often pondered attempting to take a shuttle back through time to the incident when we first encountered his vessel and destroying it immediately before he has a chance to set his 'plan' into motion. I am aware that Kathryn would be displeased if I terminated his lifesigns in such a manner, but I would much rather her be displeased at me than have to continue to suffer as she has been doing. She was especially displeased at me when I transported species 8472 to the Hirogen vessel, but we were able to recover from that incident efficiently, and I believe the same would be true for this case, even if I was never allowed to tell her why I destroyed his vessel other than to say it was necessary and temporal rules forbid me from divulging more information. She would not like that answer 'at all,' I am certain, but I am smiling right now because I know that it would be sufficient since she is not fond of temporal physics 'at all.' I find her reaction to temporal discussions 'cute' since she is highly intelligent yet gets a 'headache' from such conversations. However, I will most likely not do that because I fear that changing that event would change our relationship. As much at it displeases me to report, I cannot ignore the consequences of such an event with regards to Kathryn's openness to B'Elanna Torres and myself. I believe that she requires the closeness she maintains with us now more than she would have if she hadn't been mistreated. It is a paradox, of sorts. Kathryn has just contacted me and informed me that she is busy and will not be able to return to our quarters at 1700 hours as she 'promised.' This is not a surprise to me. I do not 'blame' her or hold any negative feelings for this situation. She does the 'best' she can. I know this, and I am grateful that she works as hard as she does so that she can come home to me at a 'reasonable' hour. She wishes for me to retrieve her from her Ready Room at 1730 hours so that she will not 'lose track' of the time. That request makes me smile because I know that she is attempting to put me first on this day. She is thoughtful and I love her more than those words can express. I have strayed again from my thought process. I find it difficult to remain focused while I 'talk' in this medium. I assume, however, that efficiency is not the 'point,' so I will not 'worry' about it further. This past week has been especially difficult for her. I believe B'Elanna Torres' absence is a factor. She has suffered nightmares on three nights this week, whereas before, they had decreased to once every ten to fifteen days. Even more distressing is that I can extrapolate from her reactions afterward that she was not having an 'ordinary' nightmare, but that several of them were about her experiences. She becomes more fitful, her blood-pressure becomes elevated to extremes and she perspires a great deal during these dreams. She often kicks her legs and uses her elbows in an effort to protect herself from her imaginary attacker, and says, "No!" and "Stop!" several times in succession. I do not attempt to touch her during this time even though it is difficult to observe, but I do attempt to wake her by speaking to her softly. I am not concerned with damage to myself but I refrain from touching her because I fear that if she felt a physical presence the sensation would become unbearable. She often wakes quickly, usually shouting and flushed. I can 'guess' when she is 'reliving' the experience in Nick Fowler's former quarters because she calls out to her instead of to B'Elanna Torres or myself, and she always escapes to the bathroom after attempting to reassure me that she is fine, and that she has always been prone to nightmares, and that it is nothing to 'worry' about. At these times I am not certain who Kathryn is trying to convince that she believes wholly the words that she is speaking. Several different things have happened in the bathroom this week. On the first and second occasions she cried, although silently so, but I was able to detect the remnants of her misery in her eyes when she returned to our bed. The third evening, which was the night prior to last, she wept again. She was not able to maintain her silence, but she attempted to mask the sound by activating the facet. I have never wished more than at that time that I was not Borg because the sound of my beautiful Kathryn crying is the 'worst' sound I have ever heard, and I know if my hearing was not enhanced, I would have not been able to detect it. I was unable to remain in our bed and leave her alone that evening once I was able to detect that she was 'puking.' This event is an unpleasant experience, to say the least, and I did not wish for her to 'puke' alone due to this. After she finished expelling the contents of her stomach, I stroked her back and hair until she ceased trembling. I have never witnessed Kathryn tremble to that degree, except directly after an 'intense' sexual encounter, and even though her body reacts in a similar manner, I am aware that evening's event was not welcomed or pleasant. She remained silent for twenty-three point two minutes, and it was clear by the look on her mouth and the color of her eyes that she was very angry. She did not attempt to 'push' me away, so I do not feel she was angry at me. I believe, although I am speculating, that she was angry at herself for having that reaction to her nightmare. I believe she thinks it is a weakness and that she is failing. This is typical behavior for her. She finally was able to settle herself enough to rise from the floor and utilize her oral cleansing products, and only then did she whisper, "Thank you, darling," and urged me to return to bed with her. She was rigid for the remainder of our regeneration cycle, and I do not believe she returned to sleep. She was also abnormally detached the next morning. She did 'cuddle' with me when we returned to our bed, but I felt she was forcing herself to do so for my benefit. However, I did not initiate the contact, so I felt I should not question her, and merely continued to stroke her back. Although, if this behavior continues in the frequency it has been occurring for much longer, I feel as though it is my responsibility as her partner to discuss the situation with her. Before I do that, however, I will discuss this situation with B'Elanna Torres and gain her insight. The knowledge that she calls for assistance from Nick Fowler is not unsettling because I am aware that Kathryn is fond of her and feels safe in her presence due to several experiences they have shared together, and despite this crew's tendency to speculate about them with regards to their 'relationship,' I know that Nick Fowler is merely a friend to Kathryn, as she is to B'Elanna Torres and also to myself. I am aware that they are attracted to each other, but after discussions with B'Elanna Torres, this knowledge is no longer unsettling. It is part of 'life' to be attracted to other individuals, and any negative feelings, or jealousy, regarding that knowledge is irrelevant because I know, as I know that my designation is Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01, that Kathryn loves B'Elanna Torres and me, and she is not interested in loving or engaging in sexual activity with another individual. I am pleased that Kathryn feels safe with Nick Fowler, and I am equally pleased that Nick Fowler continues to show kindness to her as an individual and continues to be a respectful and efficient officer. Kathryn has a similar relationship with Commander Chakotay, although, I believe it is slightly different with Nick Fowler because they are both female and 'connect' in that regard. I am not certain if Kathryn has discussed her experiences with Nick Fowler, but I do not believe she has. That would not be typical behavior for her, and I believe she is resistant to express those highly personal emotions with any of her crew because she feels her position requires this privacy, and I believe she believes detailing her emotions shows weakness. I am not certain I agree in the case of Nick Fowler since I believe she is capable of separating the two positions, but Kathryn is not accustomed to going to others for assistance. She is the individual that this crew seeks out when they are uncertain. I do not believe she can reconcile the need she has to 'talk' about these experiences with the effect she believes her actions would have. It is another paradox. I am not aware of what happened to Kathryn other than she was mistreated and damaged. I know from the wounds that I was able to detail that she was bitten several times on her neck and her legs, and her skull was also damaged several times, but I do not know how that occurred other than it did. I am not certain how I would react if I knew, but I wish to understand in an attempt to help her 'better.' I am uncertain if that is wise, however. Kathryn has not once attempted to discuss it with me or B'Elanna Torres, and I am not certain that she will ever attempt to do so. If she did, I would not be disagreeable, but I will not 'push' her to do so because I know that is not appropriate. However, I am constantly wondering what she is experiencing when she exhibits behavior that informs me that she is thinking about the incidents. I believe that knowledge, that there was more than one incident, is most distressing for her. I do not know what happened to her in the turbolift, or in Nick Fowler's quarters, and do not know the sensations that she was experiencing in Sickbay other than they were highly unpleasant to her considering her reactions. I do not know why I want to know, but I 'feel' as though I wish to know so that she does not feel alone. I know this is illogical, but I cannot seem to help myself. However, I do not believe Kathryn will ever tell me because she is protective of me as well and I do not believe she wants me to ever know about such unpleasant things. I do not believe she will ever tell B'Elanna Torres either, but for different reasons. B'Elanna Torres is wiser than I am in many facets of life, especially with regards to 'evil people,' as she refers to such defective individuals and the behavior they engage in. Kathryn is aware of this, but I do not believe she will confide in B'Elanna Torres still because I am certain she knows that such knowledge would undoubtedly cause her to react with intense anger and probably guilt, as she is prone to exhibit. I know that Kathryn does not wish her to feel that way. It is another paradox. I am 'glad' B'Elanna Torres has returned for several reasons, but the one I want to 'talk' about right now is in regards to Kathryn since she is the focus of my log. Perhaps that is what the Subject field is for? I will change the Subject field after I have completed talking to "Kathryn's well being," and inform Kathryn that possibly the field should be titled Focus instead. I am not certain why B'Elanna Torres' absence has had this affect on Kathryn, but I believe it has to do with their relationship, specifically their sexual relationship. B'Elanna Torres and Kathryn have a much different sexual relationship than Kathryn and I do. Kathryn is submissive with B'Elanna Torres, from what I have viewed of their rituals and other intimate behavior that they exhibit. I am merely speculating, but after pondering this situation for several days, I believe Kathryn requires that for several reasons. One of them being that she is required to be in control in almost all aspects of her existence, and that to be able to not be in control when she is with B'Elanna Torres is a needed and welcomed event. There is also the fact that B'Elanna Torres loves Kathryn in a way that is difficult for me to understand completely, but it is of no consequence because that is their relationship and not mine and as long as they are satisfied, I am satisfied. Their relationship is highly physical, and considering that and the fact that Kathryn is usually submissive, I believe Kathryn feels particularly safe when she engages in sexual activity with B'Elanna Torres. I cannot say how much this pleases me. I know that Kathryn does not feel unsafe when she is with me, or when we are all together, but she is often not as submissive during those other times. I believe from things she has told me, she feels highly vulnerable, yet greatly protected and cherished as a 'woman' at the same time with B'Elanna Torres. I researched this behavior in various human psychology journals yesterday evening while Kathryn was reading one of her books and I think perhaps B'Elanna Torres' absence left a 'void' in her personal life that at this moment, she is having difficulty overcoming due to her experiences. I believe being with B'Elanna Torres reminds her that she is special and cherished and that her body is loved and worthy of being treated with kindness and that any deviation from that is unacceptable, and that the aggression and dominance that B'Elanna Torres exhibits during a majority of their sexual rituals is nothing to fear because B'Elanna Torres would never mistreat her. I love B'Elanna Torres for many reasons, that knowledge is one of them. She is very 'good' to and for Kathryn, and that is important to me. I could never love anyone that did not treat my beautiful Kathryn appropriately. Nor could I love anyone that treated B'Elanna Torres poorly; however, since I would never do that, and I know Kathryn never would because she is an admirable individual and constantly treats unworthy individuals with kindness and respect, even when I feel she is being foolish for doing so, I am not concerned about B'Elanna Torres as much as I am Kathryn. I am not certain how Kathryn continues to display kindness to strangers when she has been in several situations where that kindness, or the 'benefit of the doubt' has lead her astray, but I admire it a great deal the more I learn about my humanity. I am not certain I will ever be like Kathryn in that regard, but I admire that quality in her, nevertheless. I am very 'happy' B'Elanna Torres has returned, and I look forward to spending time with her as we have grown accustomed. She and I often have 'fun,' and I find her highly humorous. I cannot say how pleased I am that she and I have grown as 'close' as we have as of late. I think of her often. She is an honorable individual, and I love to watch her and Kathryn interact. They are peculiar and often 'pretend' to be annoyed with each other since they are greatly different individuals on many levels, but it is clear to me that they enjoy 'teasing' each other and that is their way of reaffirming that they accept one another wholly, especially when they cannot touch each other, which they are also required to do to reaffirm their love. B'Elanna Torres and I also engage in this behavior. I believe B'Elanna Torres' preferred way to express her feelings is through sarcasm since she also 'fights' with Nick Fowler constantly. I love them both more than words can express and look forward to observing them flourish, and will undoubtedly continue to do so until I cease to function. I must end this log at this time. I believe Kathryn would be pleased that I have successfully completed this endeavor. I will inform her immediately of my success so that I may see her smile as she does whenever she is satisfied as my mentor. I have missed her smile this week as much as I have missed B'Elanna Torres.

After a very quick shower, Janeway and Torres stretching their intimate time together out as much as possible, Torres operating under the silent understanding that Kathryn needed it, and her absolutely wanting to be there for her lover, B'Elanna donned her teal swimsuit and had to laugh and smile proudly at the four red scratches that were faintly visible on her back. When Kathryn frowned, then blushed and covered her face, Torres took a minute to reassure her that she hadn't hurt her in the least, that she honestly enjoyed the sensation since it was on her back and that she wore each of them with honor, then also reminded Kathryn that she was a half Klingon and Klingon's traditionally bit their mates on the cheek, hard enough to draw blood when they engaged in mating rituals. After Kathryn finally nodded and promised to not feel guilty, Torres threw on a pair of black nylon shorts and replicated two beach towels for them.

While Seven was playing with Naomi, Janeway had made a quick stop to her quarters earlier and retrieved her attire for the party, leaving it in Torres' cabin. So, as Torres finished dressing, the captain covered her body in lotion, then put on her new bathing suit. This one was bright red, which she new Seven would like, and much to B'Elanna's shock, and approval, it was a two piece. Normally Janeway wouldn't feel comfortable in such an outfit, but since she had been working out a great deal more as of late, another telling sign of her turmoil, one she knew her body was in as good of shape as it had ever been, and two, after their away mission to Burnhouse, she realized that there really was no reason for her to be so modest all of the time, and that if she gave into the desire to feel like a woman from time to time, there hopefully wouldn't be any more embarrassing moments like she had had aboard the Delta Flyer when she first appeared in her olive outfit. Janeway certainly never wanted to have to display herself like that again for the express purpose of gathering information, but a good captain was a prepared captain, so she thought it was high time she and her crew got used to the fact that yes, she was a woman, and yes, she could be a rather pretty one too, and yes, she knew that, and no, that didn't change anything.

The top was simple, which Janeway preferred, never having been the flashy type; that was much more her younger sister's realm. The triangles that covered her bosom where certainly not drastic to any degree, but they were basic and thin enough that they allowed the natural shape of her modest, but lovely breasts to be exposed. It tied at the base of her neck once with thin strings, but the side strings where slightly thicker, flat, and longer so they wrapped around her ribcage twice and finally tied in the back. The bottoms where a pair of hipster short, shorts, which she felt more comfortable in than traditional bikini bottoms, and she had to admit that the cut highlighted her straight hips and lightly muscled, trim waist rather well. After that was on and Torres shot her one of her 'crazy grins,' which always made the captain smile, she slipped on the short, white skirt Nick had purchased for her and quickly added the ultra-thin beaded belt that rode just a centimeter above the low riding skirt's edge. Once that was done, she slipped on the sleeveless, collared starchy white shirt she had replicated and tied it snug in the front as she slipped on her river sandals.

Smiling and stepping up to Kathryn, Torres grabbed her face, kissed her softly and murmured against her lips afterward, "You look cute," then snickering, she said, "she'll love it." As Kathryn rolled her eyes, shaking her head and then blushed and whispered her thanks, B'Elanna asked, snatching up her hand and heading out the door since it was two minutes until 1730 hours and Seven would undoubtedly by leaving the captain's cabin any minute, "Great skirt...is that new?"

Kathryn smiled brightly as she remember how Fowler had informed her that she knew Torres would love it, and replied, "Actually, yes...the skirt and belt were a present from Nick. She bought them for me while we were shopping for gifts for everyone." Letting go of Torres' hand and slipping her arm through her arm instead, she added quickly as B'Elanna laughed and shook her head, "I picked them out, but she gave me the final opinion and told me she was certain you'd like them."

Turning down the far hall so they could take the turbolift that would keep them on the port side of the ship since it was highly unlikely Seven would suddenly decide to be inefficient and take the long way to the Bridge, B'Elanna responded, "Well, she was right." Then looking sideways at Janeway, she whispered, "Although, I don't think there's anyone in the world that wouldn't." When Janeway poked her side and told her to stop, then whispered an I love you as they entered the turbolift, she asked after requesting Deck Three, "Are you going to be okay tonight?"

Knowing what B'Elanna was getting at, Janeway rested her head on her shoulder and answered, "No, I'm going to be a disaster area." When Torres chuckled once, Kathryn kissed her shoulder and murmured, "But, I'll manage much better now that you're here."

Torres put her arm around Kathryn and said, "Hey, you're my girl, remember...I take care of you." Then kissing her cheek quickly, she said as the lift stopped, "Don't worry about a thing, Red...let me drive tonight. Nick and I will take care of the party and Seven, and you just relax and try to have a good time, okay?"

Nodding quickly, stifling the emotion she was feeling over so many things before it took her over as it had been threatening to do all day, Janeway responded as they stepped out and walked quickly, no longer holding onto each other since they had to be fast, "Thank you. That's probably best anyway since Devin will be there, and I want to make sure she feels included and not too out of sorts."

After they rounded the final hallway and Janeway queried the computer as to Seven's location, the computer telling her that she was on Deck One inside the captain's Ready Room, they scurried for the captain's quarters. Once inside, Janeway told Torres to write a quick note to Seven, telling her put on the clothing they got for her and to meet them in the holodeck. As Kathryn grabbed Seven's things from the closet, not for the first time thankful that Seven was so fastidious since it didn't take her but a minute to find everything she was looking for, Torres composed the following message, sitting at the captain's desk after she dug out a piece of paper and the fountain pen from the drawer, cursing at Janeway for making her write it since she thought she had to have the galaxay's worst penmanship:

As Janeway walked out of the bedroom with an armful of clothing and asked if she was done, Torres sighed, put the pen away, shoved the paper to Kathryn and asked, "Can you read that?"

Snickering, Janeway glanced over it, warmed by the undeniable sweetness in her brusque lover's charm and chaotic penmanship which simply fit her personality, and said, "Iit's perfect...come on, we've got to hurry."

While they raced down the hallway, taking he closest turbolift once the computer told them Seven of Nine was still in the captain's office, more than likely pondering the redhead's poem, Torres said once they were in the turbolift, "Oh, by the way...I don't think you'll have to worry about Devin having a good time." Smiling crookedly, she informed, "I think the old man would like to do the diplomatic duties...if you know what I mean?"

Smiling back at Torres, Janeway replied, fairly excitedly, "She said something to that effect earlier, but I wasn't sure if she was just talking about a cultural appreciation. Is something going on there?"

B'Elanna shrugged as the turbolift slowed, and answered, "I'm not sure yet, but Chakotay doesn't usually pay that much attention to someone unless he digs them." Stepping out of the lift and walking quickly down the hall with the captain, she whispered, "She's definitely caught his eye though...that much I'm certain about." Then snapping her head around as they walked into her quarters, she said, "Hey, what did she say...give it up, Red?"

Janeway shook her head as she deposited the contents of her arms on B'Elanna's bed and placed the letter on top and said, "Sorry, Lanna...but I'm not at liberty to discuss that." Smirking at her, "It's a captain to captain kind of thing." When Torres rolled her eyes and huffed that she was no fun, Janeway grabbed her, poked her in the stomach and said as she took another minute to kiss her, "I can tell you that she thinks he's a very kind man, though."

Laughing, Torres grabbed Janeway, lifted her slightly as she hugged her and said, "Gee thanks, Red...oooh, juicy...like I didn't know that already." Then setting her down, she kissed her smartly and then said, "Okay, hotlips...let's go before I rip your clothes off again." Looking over her shoulder, her chestnut eyes flashed with devious excitement as she dragged Janeway out the door, and informed, "I've got a scoop to get."

Seven of Nine stepped out of starboard side turbolift on Deck One and immediately started for the small stairs that took her next to Tactical as she moved toward Kathryn's office. Nodding at Commander Tuvok who was the only senior officer on the Bridge, she stopped and turned to him when he informed her to go in without requesting admittance. Cocking her eyebrow, Seven thought that such a request was highly untypical of her captain, but certain that the Vulcan wouldn't be mistaken, the tall Borg moved to just in front of the door, used her command code authorization to open the secure room and proceeded inside.

Glancing around at the empty space as they pneumatic doors hissed closed behind her, she waited until they were secure before she started toward the small bathroom to the right and said, "Kathryn, I am here." When she didn't hear a response, she approached the door, listened intently, and not hearing any sounds, she knocked on the partition since she knew that the captain preferred to take care of her biological necessities in private. Even though Seven thought that was unnecessary because she was aware that humans, as was the case for all organic beings, were required to expel waste as she would also be required to do if not for her nanoprobes, but since Janeway always closed the door, she figured it was a social rule that she was unaware of and she was happy to continue to give Janeway her privacy and comfort with such matters. When Janeway didn't answer her, Seven grew slightly concerned and opened the door, but closed her eyes and said, "I apologize for intruding upon you, but you have not answered my attempts to gain your attention." When there was no noise, Seven opened one eye just enough to spy Kathryn to ensure that she was functioning and not in distress.

But there was no one to spy.

Turning on her heel, Seven started back to the exit, making for her communicator with her right hand when something on the captain's desk caught her eye that she hadn't noticed before. It was not her habit to pry into the captain's business, and since this room was Janeway's place of business, she often purposefully ignored report PADDs and screens on her workstation that her enhanced eyesight could easily pick up while she was in this room with the captain. If this object didn't have her name written on it, she was certain she wouldn't have paid it further attention, but since it was obviously for her, Seven modified her heading and went to the captain's desk.

Leaning up against an empty coffee cup was a plain white envelope with Seven's name on the front. Seven picked it up, immediately identifying the scrawl as that of her oldest lover's, and as she absently picked up the cup with her other hand and returned it to the captain's coffee set on the upper desk since the cup was clean and one of the ones that she always kept out, she studied the envelope closely. After examining the front of the offering, the blonde was completely stymied as to what the purpose of it was until she turned it over and read the words that informed her that she was to open it. Raising her eyebrows, Seven carefully did as was required and pulled out the two light purple pieces of paper inside. Quickly, she scanned through the first one in mere seconds that read:

Smiling brightly, Seven sighed in bliss as she thought about her redheaded partner, finding Kathryn's wit utterly 'cute' and then quickly moved the top page away and started reading the heartfelt, romantic poem. At first, the Borg furrowed her brow at the words until she read the line about steel and breast, and realized that Kathryn was speaking specifically of her. With that knowledge, she hurriedly started form the top again, and by the time she was to the middle, which took only a split second, she was smiling softly, and as she finished it, Seven was filled with the greatest sense of unbidden joy she had ever experienced. Rereading the poem five more times over, even though that was inefficient behavior since after the first pass through that words were now permanently stored in her memory files, but feeling as though it was somehow better to read the words on this paper, written in Kathryn's elegant penmanship, a definite mist formed in the cool blonde's large, azure eyes. Taking a deep breath, Seven whispered as she nodded and folded the paper, returning it to the envelope so that it would not be damaged until she could store the fragile paper in a stasis tube to keep her from imperfections forever, "I love you, my beautiful Kathryn."

Not being able to contain herself anymore, Seven spun, her long hair whipping about as she darted out of the captain's office with definite purpose to her long, commanding stride, hell-bent to see Kathryn immediately and not let anyone deter her from kissing her passionately because everything and everyone else was irrelevant at the moment. As soon as she entered the lift, she said, "Deck Ten," and clasped her hands behind her back as she stood ramrod straight in her objective. When the doors parted evenly for her, the blonde completely ignored the ensign that was waiting for the lift and greeted her pleasantly, pushed past him easily and marched down the hall, walking as fast and as sure as she ever had.

Turning the corner, she breezed past several engineers that immediately made way for the tall ex-drone, having enough experience with the sometimes single-minded woman to recognize the crispness to her step and know that if they didn't get out of her way, she had no qualms about sticking out her forearm and clearing the path without so much as an "Excuse me." Picking up her step still, now almost at a slight jog as she turned the final corner and Torres' cabin came into view at the end of the hallway, Seven slid to a halt directly in front of them, quickly manipulated the sensor panel, smiled the grandest smiled that had ever graced her face as she entered and said, "My Kathryn, I lo..."

And again, there was no one to spy, or to love, or to kiss, for that matter.

Furrowing her brow instantly, knowing she was alone since B'Elanna's bathroom door was open and her quarters weren't big enough to hide much of anything, she was again about to tap her communicator to hail the captain and find out just what it was that she was doing when she noticed the pile of neatly folded clothes on Torres' disheveled bed, and another note on top of them. Now starting to get the idea that her beautiful Kathryn was being purposefully peculiar, she walked up to the clothes, gazed down at the note and had to expel a small amount of air in humor as she again instantly recognized the scratching scrawl of her other lover, also finding Torres' lack of 'perfection' in this endeavor 'cute.'

It took the hyper-intelligent, partially cybernetic woman less than a second to scan the note. Raising her eyebrows, she said to herself as she picked up the paper, folded it neatly and placed it into the envelope with her other messages, "We are going swimming again?" Then shrugging since she rather liked to swim, and hadn't been able to do so with both B'Elanna and Kathryn since that one day in the river, she continued to orate, "This is acceptable," as she set the envelope on the nightstand next to Torres' bed, figuring it best to leave it there for now so that her notes wouldn't be damaged, then hurriedly disrobed.

"Tom," Janeway smiled openly as she gazed around the large, sunny area, patting his shoulder, "this is wonderful...thank you."

When she has decided to have Seven's birthday party in the holodeck, she had sat with the thought of approaching Lieutenant Paris about building the program since one, Seven wasn't the fair-haired pilot's biggest fan, and two, even though he and Torres seemed to have gotten over their anger over their failed 'romance,' she knew that it could still be a sensitive subject at times, which was natural. However, it was no secret that Paris was a virtual genius when it came to building holograms from scratch, and since she was simply too busy to make one herself without Seven becoming suspicious as to what she was doing with all of her spare time, and honestly not wanting to spend that much time away from the blonde since their 'home-life' was still relatively new to them. So, after much cogitation, she finally approached her rebellious pilot, although she had to admit that he was indeed walking the line these days, about constructing an original program for Seven's party, and now she could honestly say that she wasn't regretful in the least because Paris had remained true to form and developed a spectacular, creative, and detailed simulation.

The captain had left most of the details to his discretion, trusting that after the bumps in the road they had had recently he wouldn't create something inappropriate, but she had informed him that she wanted a lake, with a dock, a sandy shore, and place to gather and hold the entertainment that Fowler and company would provide. Staring wide-eyed at the scenery, Janeway was honestly astounded at the man's attention to detail and ability to blend ideas that were found in nature with one's that weren't, but were more practical without drawing attention to them or making anything seem out of place.

The lake was fairly small, but what really made her smile was that there were two meter waves cresting and breaking on the shore steadily in one area, but the other region near the small, shabby and worn peer was completely calm. The sky was a perfect blue and the sun was beating persistently overhead in a position that on Earth, would make it seem late afternoon. There was plenty of sandy shoreline, a beach volleyball court toward the edge of the grassy area where a long picnic table sat next to a barbecue pit. Across from there was a small shanty style hut that was for changing purposes, and outside of it was a small showerhead and several surfboards were leaning casually next to it. There were also plenty of lounge chairs scattered liberally about, and several smaller tables also were mixed in to give people more of a chance to relax and mingle at their own discretion. At the edge of the grass and toward the music stage was a huge maple tree in full bloom that was adorned with colorful strings, lights and a huge sign that read, "Happy 28th Birthday, Seven of Nine!"

As Harry Kim left Neelix's side and came up to them, Janeway took a moment to admire the music stage that was only slightly elevated and was rather small since Fowler had informed her that most of the music tonight would be accompanied by recordings, but she had to smile as she noticed that there was a drumset seated toward the middle of the stage that was offset by two microphones, and she wondered if that meant she would finally get to see her other pilot play the drums.

Nodding over to Ensign Kim, Paris responded, "Thanks, Captain...but I can't take all the credit this time." Patting the young man of Asian decent on the back soundly, Tom reported, "The tree and the music stage are Harry's," then smiling proud, he continued, "but the beach volleyball and surf are all me."

"Thank you, gentlemen," the captain replied graciously, patting Kim's arm affectionately, "you've really out done yourselves this time. I appreciate it, and know Seven will love it." Winking, she added, "I'd say this one is definitely a keeper. So," she asked looking around, "how will we know when she's coming?"

Stepping up, Kim reported, "I've programmed the door to delay opening by ten seconds once she enters her authorization. The computer will alert us and," he smiled, "the 'lights,'" pointing to the sun, "will dim just for a moment and confetti and balloons will fall from the sky...like magic."

The redhead laughed openly and acknowledged, "Oh, that's perfect, Harry. Thank you."

As the captain excused herself and started for the stage where Fowler and Torres were already starting to whoop it up, Paris came up to the captain quickly, but quietly and said, "Uh, Captain...can I talk to you for just a second?" When she nodded, he sighed and started, "I'm not trying to cause problems, so if you say no, I understand, but I...well, Harry and I were wondering...well, hoping that once Seven gets here and the party gets started if you wouldn't mind if we go get Megan and Susan Delaney?" Before she said anything, he added, "We haven't talked to them yet because we knew this was a private party, but we weren't sure if we could bring...dates."

Janeway smiled sincerely and replied, bobbing her head, "That's fine, Tom. I certainly don't mind, and I know Seven's fairly acquainted with Megan." When Tom sighed with relief, Janeway patted his shoulder, pulled him in close and whispered, "Just try to have a good time, alright?" When he nodded, she went on seriously and very softly, "I won't pretend that this isn't slightly...awkward, but we're all adults here," then smiling crookedly, she added, "and we're all family. Stay as long as you want, but don't feel obligated either."

Tom nodded, and said sincerely, "Thanks, Captain...I mean it, and I want you to know that...well," looking down at his feet and picking at his nails, he admitted, "that I'm grateful that you asked me to help out. It means a lot to me."

"Me too," Janeway admitted. Then elbowing him, she added, "Do me a favor and remind me after you pick up the girls which one is which, huh?" Smiling crookedly and playfully again, she informed, "I've never been able to tell them apart when they're not in uniform."

Tom patted Janeway on the shoulder and said walking away, "Aye, Captain."

"So, Romeo," Fowler whispered into Torres' ear as the engineer stood next to the drumset and twirled a stick around in her fingers as Fowler made certain her guitars were still in tune, "those scratches part of being a good little warrior again, or are they what I think they are?" Before B'Elanna could say anything, Fowler added, "Maybe it's my mind play tricks again, but they look pretty new to me..."

Turning around, Torres grinned crookedly, which she knew gave her away, although it wasn't like she was trying to hide it by any stretch of the imagination, glanced over at Janeway, who was talking to Paris and Kim, and then had to laugh heartily as Fowler busted out in hysterics and then patted her soundly on the back saying, "I've got to hand it to you, T...you've got some serious gumption...not bad, my friend."

Torres smacked Fowler's bare arm since the tall, highly muscular pilot was wearing a tight, deep blue swimming, short tank top that highlighted her broad shoulders, wide back, and washboard abdomen, and a pair of nylon surfing shorts of the same color, and reminded, "I'm a Klingon, Nick...gumption is what we do best," then feeling cocky, she amended, glancing over at Janeway again, "well, second best."

Her rowdy laughter soundly loudly, Fowler wasn't able to suppress her southern accent as she said, "Aha ha! Torres, I love you, girl...I don't care what they say about you...you're alright." Then playing a quick riff, feeling good and ready to have some real fun with her equally rowdy friend, she asked, "So, are we gonna rock tonight...I'm feeling good?"

As Tom Paris left Janeway's side and Ensign Wang, followed by Samantha and Naomi Wildman, and then Chakotay and Devin entered the holodeck, Torres replied, eyeing her old friend and the tall, golden, and the Klingon had to admit, attractive Fynth that accompanied him, "Nick, you should know better than that. I'm always ready to rock." Hoping off the stage, she said, "I'm a Klingon, remember...that's what we do third best." Then nodding to Nick, who was grinning at the group of people entering the holodeck, all of them gathering around the captain, Torres said, "Come on, let's go," and then noticing the eager smile on Fowler's face, she asked as the tall pilot set her guitar in the stand and jumped off the stage, "What are you smiling at?"

"Nothin'," Fowler replied, then smiled brighter as she left B'Elanna's side and made tracks for the shapely blonde in the bikini top: Samantha Wildman.

Saying hello quickly to Samuel and Samantha, trying to get a sense if they came to the party together, or if they just met up since they both worked the Alpha shift in Science, Nick snatched up Naomi, having gotten to know the child through the captain and Seven and said as she put her over her head and let the child sit on her shoulders, "So, what's the plan here?"

After Janeway explained the short delay they would have, they all decided that since Seven would most likely be there at any minute they would all just wait where they were and yell "Surprise!" when she stepped through the door, Nick told Naomi to keep a look out for the birthday girl while she ignored Torres' crooked grin and slid up next to Samantha, hoping she wasn't stepping on her Elite Force member's territory, saying, purposefully letting her southern accent come out nicely, "Miss Sam...it's good to see you again. You look real nice." When the pretty scientist nodded to the handsome pilot and smiled up at her, returning the greeting and giving her shy thanks for the compliment, and was obviously not put off by it, Fowler wiggled the child's foot and asked, "Hey, little miss, do you think you can talk your mama into singing with me and fancy feet tonight?"

Elbowing Fowler lightly, as Naomi giggled but kept a look out on the area where Seven would appear, not paying her mother or the pilot much attention, Samantha rolled her eyes and replied, "I couldn't possibly, Nick...I'll leave the entertainment to the professionals, but thanks."

"Professionals?" Fowler replied, putting on the charm. "Seems to me if there's a professional musician here it's you...well, you and Harry." Looking up, she asked, "Did I ever tell you about the time I watched your mama sing on Deep Space Nine?" When that perked the child's interest as well as the captain's, but only B'Elanna's slightly since the rumor hound was dividing her attention between her and Samantha and Chakotay and Devin, Fowler went on as the scientist blushed, "Yes Ma'am. It was a few days before we left on our mission. She was playing a gig at one of local bars on the station." Pinching Naomi's big toe, Fowler smiled and reported, "You'd have been proud of her...she brought the house down with her final song...what was that one again?"

"Misty Blue," Samantha reported, quiet, then before she had a chance to blush any further at the charming pilot's words, she was saved by the computer informing them that Seven of Nine was at the door, and in a trice they all snapped to attention and faced the area where the entrance formed.

As the lights dimmed, Janeway took a hold of B'Elanna's hand and stepped up to the front of the small group. Then squeezing it once, she let it go, but remained very near Torres for fear that if she didn't have the brunette to ground her she'd breakdown and cry before Seven even entered. When the distinctive sound of the large doors disengaged and began to part, Kathryn took a deep breath as part of Seven of Nine's distinctive, tall, thin, but amazingly shapely form was exposed to the dark room from the light in the hallway.

Dressed now in her purple two piece, sporty bathing suit, the captain's sheer wrap around skirt and her own river sandals, Seven of Nine removed the clip from her hair as she proceeded into the engineer's bathroom. After utilizing Torres' hair brush, she stood in front of the mirror for a few seconds, trying to decide how she should do her new, long mane since B'Elanna Torres had yet to see it, and she wanted to present it in an especially pleasing fashion. After a few more moments of thought, the tall blonde decided to leave it down, but she did pull back a few strands from the side to keep it out of her face since she found having to brush it back bothersome and inefficient. Using her own hair to secure the sides by taking a few stands and wrapping them around the bunch, she pulled her hands away, turned slightly to the side so she could see the finished product and then smiled into the mirror, saying, "I believe this will appeal to B'Elanna Torres." Then opening the engineer's mirrored cabinet, she was not surprise to find a tube of lipstick inside since the Borg had come to understand that wherever Janeway spent a great deal of time, or regenerated on occasion, she kept a few personal items so that no matter where she went, she could present herself as the captain quickly, if need be. Other than the captain's lipstick, and a few other cosmetics, Seven also knew that inside Torres' disaster area of a closet was a spare uniform, folded and hanging neatly. After applying a light coat of a nude color lipstick, Seven yet again decided to apply mascara, knowing it wouldn't be a problem since Janeway's preferred water-proof cosmetics.

This application went slightly better than the last one, Seven was pleased to report to herself; although, she still had to wash away a few stray speckles that formed when she began the application of each eye since she still wasn't completely adapted to the tickling sensation. After putting the tube away, she gazed in the mirror again, smiled and stated, "This will appeal to Kathryn, I am certain. She will be pleased that I have attempted this endeavor on my own." Her words triggering a thought of the redhead, who was never far from her mind, Seven spun on her heel, snatched up the beach towel that had been left for her to take and marched out of the door, returning to her objective, thinking silently, "I am required to kiss her immediately."

Zooming down the hall, lengthening her long, powerful stride as much as possible and completely ignoring all those she passed in the hallway that bid her a good evening, took a second to admire the scenery, or make a comment on her new hairdo, Seven of Nine marched into the turbolift, turned and requested, "Deck Seven." Within ten seconds the small, silver pneumatic doors were parting evenly for her, and Seven barely gave them enough time to open before she slipped through and continued on her mission.

Seven of Nine was fully aware that she was ignoring several people that she actually didn't find annoying as she charged down the hall, but the recent distress Kathryn had been exhibiting, her own desperate sadness that her perfect Kathryn was suffering, and continued to suffer, her excitement to see B'Elanna Torres and tell her all about her birthday, and the supreme joy she was still filled with thanks to the captain's poem kept her from any self-castigation for her behavior whatsoever. Everything and everyone else was simply irrelevant at this time, and they would continue to be so until she was able to complete her task and kiss the captain passionately.

Stopping at the large doors to the main holodeck chamber, Seven efficiently accessed the sensor panel, wasn't surprised when she had to enter her authorization to enter since she knew that would keep their 'fun' private and not allow just anyone to walk in on them, and then turned toward the door, expecting it to grant her entrance immediately. When nothing occurred after two beats, Seven furrowed her brow, turned back to the sensor and with inhuman deftness, reentered her authorization code in less than two seconds, but still the door did not budge. Sighing, Seven of Nine was just about to tap her communicator and hail the captain to inform her that the door to the holodeck was malfunctioning when her enhanced hearing picked up the sound of the huge, thickly sealed doors' locking mechanisms disengaging. Happy with that, she made a note to inform B'Elanna Torres after their 'fun' that perhaps a diagnostic should be run of the sensor relays for the holodeck's panel since the delay in processing requests was unacceptable.

Seven was about to slip through the doors immediately, but she halted as soon as she was able to see through the parting doors since the room on the other side was completely dark. Confused but intrigued, and wondering if this was part of Kathryn's peculiar 'plan' to continue to 'surprise' the blonde, Seven stepped through the doors as she adjusted her ocular implant to the flat, green-scale night vision and smiled brightly as Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres appeared before her in the blackness. She thought that the looks on their faces where strange, but she didn't have time to ponder it because as she took another step forward and started for Kathryn, she noticed that the lights were brightening quickly, so she had to change her vision back to that of normal in a nanosecond before the intense light became painful. Seven was also aware that there were several other people in the room with Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres, but she was highly determined at this point, so when the lights came up and balloons and small pieces of colorful paper fell from the sky while everyone yelled "Surprise!" Seven paid it all zero attention.

Completely undaunted, the cool blonde waltzed up to Janeway, who was smiling brightly and clapping her hands, but the look on her face was quickly turning to one of worry as Seven failed to react, at all, and moved toward her, cupped the slightly redhead's face with her Borg hand, while she moved her other hand behind her neck, and kissed her squarely, but sweetly, and most definitely purposefully. And she continued to do so until Janeway got over the shock, relaxed into the slightly bending embrace, whimpered softly when the Borg deepened the kiss and grazed her tongue against hers, and finally started kissing her back, moving one of her own hands to Seven's neck, as the deathly quiet room exploded into a series of whistles, cheers, clapping, laughing and rowdy praises of 'Borg efficiency;' Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres and Commander Chakotay leading the cheers.

Releasing the captain after no less than thirty-seconds, Seven pulled away enough so she could hug Janeway, instantly lifting her off the ground and whispered into her ear as Janeway clung to her tight and chuckled against her chest, "I am in love with you, my beautiful Kathryn. I wish you to know peace and that knowledge every day, and I will not cease to assist you until I am certain you have it." When Kathryn reacted by wrapping her arms around her neck and holding onto her as tightly as she ever had, Seven sighed and added, "Thank you for my 'poem.' It was perfection."

Her laughter coming out in a short, barking sound which was merely the captain releasing the tension and emotion that had building so steadily over the last week and threatening to bubble over more times than she could count today, Kathryn pulled her head back as her bluish grey eyes swirled and twinkled in the mist that covered them and said, smiling, "Darling, you're such a good liar...I'm glad you liked it though." Then without trepidation since it was already well too late to worry about public displays of affection, Seven taking care of that efficiently, Janeway kissed her softly, then rubbed her nose against Seven's as she rested her forehead against hers and said, "Happy Birthday, Seven." When Seven replied with a thank you, but did not release her, Janeway chuckled and whispered, "Sweetheart, I think maybe you should put me down now and say hello to everyone else."

"As you wish," Seven replied, smirking and setting the now blushing captain down as everyone laughed and snickered at the flushing, normally fairly pale cheeks of their commanding officer. Then standing upright, Seven instinctively placed her hands behind her back, turned slightly to face the majority of the crowd smiling brightly at her and stated, "I wish to thank each of you individually for this offering, however, I am required to speak with B'Elanna Torres at this time. If you will excuse me." Then with no further preamble, she turned to Torres, who was standing slightly to her right side in front of her, took one step toward her, scooped her up as another round of cheers and hysterics were sounded, and the Klingon barked playfully, "Put me down before I kick your Borg butt!" and marched away, saying, "I will release you once we are beyond the range of the crew's hearing capabilities." When Torres laughed, not able to pretend like she didn't adore Seven's brazen, superior attitude, and wrapped her arms around her neck and hugged her tightly wishing her a happy birthday and telling her how good it was to see her, Seven finally set her down near the lake and said, smiling brightly, "Thank you, B'Elanna Torres. It is good to see you as well, 'babe.'" Then cocking her eyebrow, she asked, "May I kiss you now?"

Beating Seven to the punch, B'Elanna jumped up, wrapped her arms and legs around the Borg she knew could take the move easily and adapt quickly, and growled, "Kiss me! DaH." After kissing her sweetly, despite the aggressive demand, B'Elanna pulled her head back, smiled and said, "Thanks." Then whispering, she said, "I love you, babydoll...but don't tell anyone, alright?"

"Your 'secret' is safe with me,'" Seven stated in a low voice, grinning and continuing to hold B'Elanna up. Then finally setting her down, she pulled her hair over her shoulder and asked, "Do you notice anything different about me?"

"No," Torres answered, flat and fast. Then smiling as Seven rolled her eyes at her, she reached over, gave her lover's hair a small tug and asked, "When did you do this?"

"I requested the Doctor's assistance the day you departed for the Alaxiat. I had been pondering lengthening it for some time. I have not yet decided if I will keep it at this length. I wished to know your opinion before I made my decision." Turing around so that Torres could see all of it, she asked, plainly, "Do you find it aesthetically pleasing?"

Torres had to admit to herself that when she got her first look at the tall blonde today, she felt like she was having a mild heart-attack she was so beautiful, and honestly sweet looking. So, with that, she answered as she wrapped her arms around Seven's waist and inhaled the unique, pristine scent that was Seven of Nine, "I love it, dollface...you look great." Then giving her a small love bite on the back of her arm, she added, "But that's always true. Do you like it?"

"It is not unacceptable. Kathryn is fond of this length as well, and I enjoy grooming it." Smiling and turning around, she continued, "However, I enjoy when Kathryn grooms my hair the most. It had a calming affect on both of us." Seven pulled Torres into another tight hug and reaffirmed, "I am pleased you have returned. I have missed your companionship a great deal."

As Seven hugged her and glanced down at her back since the tanned brunette's highly muscled back was one of Seven of Nine's most favored things to observe, she noticed the four, red scratches across the middle of her back. They did not break the skin, and hadn't really even come close, but they remained visible. The Borg could immediately extrapolate from the position of the marks, their downward angle, how they started toward the middle of her back and went down and around to almost her waist, and the degree of separation between them that they were caused by a small adult's hand since the marks where close together and parallel.

Her first reaction was concern for Torres' welfare since she was damaged and it looked as if she had been involved in an altercation, however, her neural processor was indeed speedy, so before she could say anything at all, she was able to process all the events along with the evidence on Torres' back, so she stated, again plainly, "You and Kathryn have been intimate," while she hugged her, all of her data gathering and processing taking two seconds. Pulling away as Torres nodded softly, Seven touched B'Elanna's face, sighed and whispered since the subject matter what highly sensitive, "I am pleased. She has missed your affections and companionship as well." Sighing, she added, forlorn, "This week has been...difficult for her, to say the least. It is fortunate that you have returned."

B'Elanna was not at all surprised to hear the news since it was pretty obvious considering the captain's reactions, mood and behavior today that she was going through something trying. So, taking a quick glance back over at the group of people that had smartly decided to not attempt to get the Borg to do anything she didn't want to do and had started the party without them, Torres snatched up Seven's hand and requested, "Walk with me."

Leading her to the peer and finally taking a seat on the edge with their backs to the group, knowing they were plenty far enough away from everyone that no one would hear them, and doubly knowing that if someone did approach, Seven's enhanced hearing would detect their presence, she informed, "I had a feeling something was going on." Looking over and slightly up at Seven who was seated to her left, the Klingon squeezed her hand and informed openly, them having very few secrets between each other, "She hasn't been that needy since the night she and I went out for the first time...and even then...it felt different. What's been going on?" Before Seven could answer, she added, asking, but feeling like she already knew the answer, "Has she been having more nightmares?"

"That is correct," Seven reported seriously. Then sighing, Seven looked out to the lake, trying to maintain her composure and not start weeping since she knew Kathryn would not wish that to occur, and whispered, her voice failing her as her eyes misted, "It has been...distressing to observe." When Torres scouted close and put her arm around her, resting her head on her shoulder, the comforting gesture looking from a distance just a position that two lover's would utilize as they took a quiet moment to share in each other's company and enjoy nature, Seven moved her arm and put it around B'Elanna's shoulder, pulling her into the crook of her body, and continued, "She did not have any nightmares last night, but the three nights previous to that she did and they increased in frequency and unpleasantness on each occasion." Sighing heavily again, she went on, "The night prior to last, I believe she was reliving the experience she went through in Nick Fowler's quarters, or at least one of the experiences. I cannot be certain. She was highly upset when she retreated to the bathroom as she always does when she is unable to keep herself from weeping." Tears forming in her own eyes, Seven whispered, "It was...unbearable, B'Elanna Torres. I attempted to give her the privacy that she requires, but I could hear her weeping even though the door was closed and she had activated the facet to mask the sound." As a single tear rolled down her cheek, Seven reached up, brushed it away and went on, "I was unable to resist when I heard her 'puking' though."

Tensing, Torres sat up straighter and asked again, not able to help herself, "She got sick?"

"That," Seven sighed, catching herself, "Yes. I assisted her in the manner she had assisted me when I 'puked' before. She did not resist, but she did not attempt to seek further comfort from me either. It was unsettling to watch her tremble and fight through her emotions and misery in such a manner without attempting to comfort or assist her other than to stroke her back, but I was uncertain as to what was appropriate of me, so I merely sat on the floor next to her while she knelt over the waste disposal unit."

Seven of Nine took a deep calming breath while B'Elanna patted her back softly, not wanting to give away that Seven was upset since she knew that knowledge would get the redhead moving faster than a warp core breach and then went on, "This process took twe...almost a half an hour, and then she finally utilized her oral cleansing products, thanked me, and insisted that we return to bed. I do not believe she slept after that, however. She was also unusually rigid, although remained in close contact with me, and was detached and 'within' herself the next morning." Seven looked down at Torres and added, "I am not certain what has 'brought this on,' however, I believe that some of it is your absence. I do not wish to go into those details at this moment since I am aware that I am required to have 'fun' on this day, and that is what I wish to do. I wish Kathryn to be happy and I do not want her to know of my distress on this day. Will you return home with us tonight? I believe she requires your presence." Smiling softly, Seven added, "It would also please me if you did so."

B'Elanna reached up, wiped Seven's cheek free of moisture and said, "I'll be there, babe...I'll be there for as long as you need me...don't worry about it." Forcing her cocky smile, B'Elanna reminded, "I'm an engineer, remember? I fix things...that's my job. You and Red are my girls...and my job is to take care of you...so don't worry about it." Then standing, she pulled Seven up, and said, poking her in the stomach, "And yea...you must comply." Producing a fist, "Resistance is futile."

Seven cocked her eyebrow, lifted her chin and then replied, "I will comply." As Torres turned to start back, Seven scooped her up again and said, "However, you should not forget who is superior, Klingon," and heaved her into the water. As Torres flew through the air, Seven placed her hands behind her back and waited patiently for B'Elanna to resurface. When the irascible brunette did, cursing up a storm at her, in Klingon though so her words wouldn't be understood by Naomi, Seven slipped off her shoes, untied her wrap, and took a bounding leap off the peer, plunging to the water five meters below, yelling as she flung her arms out to her side, "Weeeehooo!"

As Seven of Nine walked way with B'Elanna Torres in tow, the small crowd that had naturally migrated around their commanding officer laughed boisterously at the two females who had started off practically spitting on each other in mutual disgust now where embracing and showing their affection openly. Doing her part to assist the captain since Torres had informed her when the redhead and she arrived that she needed Fowler's help to keep the captain from feeling like she had to take care of anything since Kathryn was 'tense,' was all Torres has said, Fowler, still with Naomi Wildman on her shoulders and her mother hovering close, although it wasn't apparent if she was doing so out of maternal instinct or because she was intrigued by the charming, tall pilot, said, laughing, "Well, no one can ever say Seven doesn't know how to make an entrance." Taking the child off her shoulders, and setting her down, she said, "Come on, little miss, let's go pick out some music and get this party started. I don't think Seven wants us to wait for her." Walking toward the shanty with Naomi, holding her hand, where there was a panel that could be pulled away which exposed an sensor board where they could modify the holoprogram and practically anything they wanted, Fowler asked, "You gonna show off her fancy footwork tonight with Torres and the captain?"

Giggling, Naomi bounced and reported, "Oh yes, Lieutenant Fowler. I'm a good dancer...Mommy always says so."

"Well, if your mama says so then you must be mighty good," Fowler smiled. Then glancing down at the child as she scanned through the musical database, she added, "By the way, you can call me Nick if you want to. I don't mind...we're pals, right?" When Naomi nodded seriously, then smiled and covered her mouth in her shyness, Nicole picked her up, set her on her hip, tickled her stomach and then said, "Okay, help me out here...I'm not very good with these things."

"Okay," Naomi nodded, and then informed, "but...I don't know how to do that yet," then adding quickly and seriously, albeit excited and proud, she reported, "but when I'm a captain I'll know how to do everything on my ship. Captain Janeway says you have to know how to do everything. She knows how to do everything…except work Neelix's oven, but that doesn't count. Do you know how to do everything?"

Fowler smiled and whispered, "Not even close, little miss...but I'm workin' real hard on it. Here," she nodded, pointing, "press that blue sensor...that selects that album." After they picked a few songs, Nicole asked, "What kind of music does your mama like?" When Naomi shrugged and said she didn't know, Fowler whispered and said before she set her down, "Do your pal Nick a big favor and go fetch her so we can pick some songs she likes too, k?"

The small redhead gave Fowler a thumb's up then quickly left her side and ran through sand a quickly as her tiny legs would carry here through the loose, shifting ground, yelling in excitement, "Mommy, Mommy...Nick's picking music so we can dance! Isn't that so neat!" Then running up to her and grabbing her hand where she was standing next to Janeway, Devin, and Wang, while Neelix and Chakotay fired up the grill, and Paris and Kim took off in their desperate attempt to gain some female companionship for the evening, she pulled her toward the shanty and said, "Come on, Mommy! She needs our help...come on, hurry, Mommy!"

Excusing herself quickly, Samantha followed her daughter and then schooled quietly, "Naomi, it's not polite to interrupt the captain and the first. Next time wait until they're done talking, alright?" When the child nodded and said she was sorry, then frowned at the knowledge that she had interrupted the captain, of all people, Samantha couldn't let her child feel bad since Naomi was normally wonderfully polite and it was clear the excitement of the day was just getting the better of her since the child was exposed to this kind of experience far too infrequently, so she said, "It's okay, sweetheart. I'm sure the captain's not mad at you and knows you didn't mean to. Don't worry about it okay?"

Sighing with relief, Naomi said as they approached Fowler who had her back to them and was leaning over just a little bit so she could peer into the panel, her height being too great for her to see inside standing straight, "Okay." When she heard Torres' barking something in Klingon that she couldn't make out and then saw Seven fling herself off the peer into the water yelling "Weeeehoooo!" with as much excitement as she ever had, Naomi instantly forgot about her faux pas, bounced and shrieked, "MOMMY! Did you see Seven? Can I go...can I go...pleeeeeaaaase, Mommy, please can I go play?"

"Alright, but take off your shorts first," Samantha replied, as she knelt down and helped Naomi untied her shorts as fast as she could while the child twitched with excitement and Fowler turned around and laughed out loud as Seven picked up B'Elanna in the water and threw her at least two meters into the air as the Klingon growled at her to "Put me down!" then finally yelled to Fowler, "Nick, get this crazy woman off of me!" before she came for a splashdown. Once Naomi was out of her clothing, spun and tore down to the sandy beach screaming to her friend, "Seven, Seven...throw me too!" Samantha sighed, folding Naomi's shorts, turned toward Nick who was chuckling and said, "I don't think I've ever seen her this excited."

Noticing the sad look on the scientist's face, Fowler put her arm around her, patting her shoulder affectionately and said urging her over to the console, "Well, anytime you need a night to yourself, you just bring her over to her pal Nick's." Taking her arm away, but winking, Fowler added, "Didn't you know...fun's my middle name." When Samantha laughed then gave her thanks, Nicole went on, more seriously, "I know how tough it is, Sam...I raised my kid sister all by myself from the age of nineteen. It's got to be just about the hardest thing in the world. So I mean it...if you need a break, don't be afraid to ask," smiling crookedly, "that's an order."

Flattered, and grateful, Samantha replied, "Thank you, Nick...I'm sure Naomi would just love that."

As Torres hollered for her again, yelling, "Nick, get your too tall tail over here and help me out before I go get my bat'leth," Fowler responded to Samantha somewhat forwardly, but still polite, "Well, I love kids, so you just let me know, but if you ever need to have some fun, I'd also like that too." Adding as she walked away backward, she said, "I'm sure Seven would be happy to watch Naomi...why don't you pick some music that you like...I've got to go rescue fancy feet before she breaks out the weaponry." Then turning before Samantha could respond, Fowler picked up the pace and jogged to the shore, yelling, "Girl, I thought Klingons were supposed to be tough?"

As Fowler ran down the peer and and dove off the edge into the water, then proceeded to surface, nabbed Torres and catapult her through the air in a pure show of her awesome strength considering she wasn't cybernetically enhanced, and only a human, Seven raised her eyebrow and stated as Naomi paddled over to her and grabbed onto her back, "Impressive." When Fowler gave her thanks and then started splashing B'Elanna back as the frustrated Klingon resurfaced, again, and started attacking the tall pilot for taking Seven's side, Seven said to Naomi over her shoulder as she turned toward the shore and eyed Janeway who was now standing, sipping some beverage next to Devin, who was elegantly dressed, which seemed to be her preference, in another supremely lightweight, sheer, layered garb that flowed steadily along with her equally white hair in the slight breeze, "Naomi Wildman, will you accompany me while I go give my thanks to everyone and then attempt to persuade the captain to join us in the water?" When Naomi agreed, Seven nodded, wrapped the child's legs around her waist, told her to hang on tight and exited the lake with Naomi strapped to her back.

Stopping by the barbecue where Chakotay, Neelix and Wang were gathered around, drinking beer and doing their 'manly' duty to make sure the meat was prepared accurately, even though the commander was a vegetarian, but all operating under the assumption that Janeway and Devin would wish to chit chat alone for a spell, Seven nodded and said, looking down at the heating device, "This is a peculiar means in which to prepare the 'food.'" Then looking up, she went on as they smiled at her and Naomi, "I wish to thank each of you for this offering on my birthday. I am appreciative and I am having 'fun' as is required. Thank you." Without anything further, deeming that as sufficient and a great deal more than she had offered in the past, they all know, she turned and headed toward the female commanders who had stopped talking and where watching her. Smiling brightly, Seven nodded to Devin and greeted, setting Naomi down, "First Regal, it is good to see you. I am pleased that you could attend this event. Thank you for coming."

The golden elder smiled warmly and replied, "The honor is with me, Seven of Nine." Then holding out her hand, she continued, "If you will permit me, I will show you the traditional Fynth ritual to celebrate a 'birthday?'" When Seven nodded without trepidation and held out her human hand, Devin smiled as Janeway observed closely out of admiration and scientific and cultural curiosity, took Seven's hand, placed it to her chest, put her hand on Seven's chest, palm down and said softly, "The sun spirits rose on this cycle with a purpose, which was to bless this domain with the creation of your soul, my child. May you continue to honor us with your presence, detail that which you believe to be light, turn your face from the dark, and carve a wide path, with no meandering, letting the spirits guide your truth. Flourish today, fear not tomorrow, and remember yesterday, then so it will dwell." The taking her hand away, and chuckling and clicking away, she added with emphasis, "Resistance is futile...aha!"

Seriously, Seven nodded and responded, humbled, which didn't happen very often for the ex-drone with anyone else but Kathryn Janeway, "I will comply." When Janeway and Devin both shared a knowing glance and then laughed warmly, Seven placed her hands behind her back and said, turning toward the captain, "Kathryn, I do not wish to interrupt or keep you from your 'fun,' however, it would please Naomi Wildman and me if you would join us in the water. If you are unable to do so, I understand, but I wished to inform you that I believe that would be," looking down at Naomi quickly, "'neat.'"

Not giving the captain a chance to use her as an excuse, Devin stepped up, placed her hand on Seven's shoulder quickly and informed, "Kathryn and I were merely talking small. I have kept her from your grasp for great enough length on this cycle. Go be like babes, my children, the pathway to my escort is beckoning," and with that, she glided away and made her way over to Chakotay, who was now over at the picnic table unpacking some of the food and beverages they had brought in a rather large cargo container.

Giggling, Naomi took up the captain's hand as the redhead watched Devin walk away, approach Chakotay, who smiled at her warmly and started explaining all of the new things that Devin was being introduced to, which were quite a few, and whispered, "I like how she talks, Captain...it's so neat." When Janeway looked down at her and replied that she thought so too, Naomi asked, "Are you gonna come swim with us, Captain?" Then seriously, she added, "I won't splash you...honest...on my honor."

Janeway chuckled, glanced around, and since Chakotay and Devin were busy, Neelix and Wang where talking and trading stories near the grill and Samantha was now sitting on the peer while Fowler looked to be trying to persuade her to come into the water, she honestly didn't have an excuse not to go splash around with her crew, nor anything better to do, so she smiled and said, "Okay, you two, but no," looking at Seven and pointing, "throwing me around like a rag doll, and yes, that's an order."

Seven cocked her eyebrow, raised her chin defiantly and then said, "I will comply."

Seeing the mischievous glint in Seven's azure eyes, Kathryn had a feeling that was one of many orders she had given that her tall Borg wasn't going to follow, but since it wasn't like tossing the captain around in the water was a punishable offense, Janeway narrowed her eyes playfully at Seven, who smirked right back, clearly challenging her. Finally smiling her trademark smile, Janeway stepped up to Seven, poked her stomach lightly, then palmed it an said against her lips, "I will comply, my foot." She then kissed her softly, giving up on her rules for public displays of affection today, figuring it was much too late for that, so she might as well just keep right on breaking her own rules, and while thinking that she would just start fresh tomorrow, she pulled away and said, "Go on ahead...I'm going to use the bathroom. I'll be out in a minute."

Seven stole another kiss as she replied, "Acceptable," then turned, snatched up the child's hand and said, walking with purpose back to the water but not dragging her friend, "Naomi Wildman, I believe you should demonstrate your superior running and jumping skills for your mother at this time." Then looked down at her, she said, tapping the child on the shoulder, "'Tag,' you are 'it,'" then took off for the peer while her friend squealed gamely and started after her.

As Seven of Nine waltzed out of the lake with Naomi clinging to her back, Torres splashed to tall pilot once in the face and snarled, "Thanks a lot...some friend you are." Then jumping on her back and wrapping on arm around Fowler's throat, B'Elanna warned once the child was out of earshot, "Okay, Romeo give it up...or you're dead!"

"Give what up?" replied Fowler, purposefully not giving in yet even though she knew exactly what her friend was referring to. As Torres tightened the grip on her neck and wrapped her legs around her waist, Fowler chuckled, held up her hands in mercy, even though they both knew if Fowler wanted to, she could work the Klingon over in less than a minute with her advanced skills, and the chief was not ashamed to admit that since there was no dishonor to falling to a superior opponent and said, "Okay, okay, killer...mind letting up on the death grip?"

Patting Fowler on the shoulder and disengaging from her back, the chief paddled over to the front of her until she could stand on her tip toes since she was still fairly new to swimming and knew she'd never be all that good at it, then asked, quietly, "So, come one...I tell you about my love life...don't hold out on me." Holding up her hands, she added, "I won't say a word...on my honor."

Fowler rolled her eyes and said, "Thanks, Torres, but if I didn't trust you do you think I'd let you wrap her arms around me neck without breaking your face?" When Torres splashed her and told her to quit stalling, Fowler glanced over at Samantha, who was still at the display, and informed, "I don't know...just testing the waters out. You know how it is?" Then smiling a little crookedly, she added as she glanced back over at the blonde, "She's mighty cute...seemed like good as time as any to see if she was interested?"

Torres shrugged and said, "Sure, I guess? So, why now...other than the bikini top?" B'Elanna smiled wickedly and added, "Bye the way, that look on your face right now says, 'Hi, I'm Nick…great top, wanna fuck?'"

Fowler laughed since Torres was the only woman on the ship, other than herself, that could talk trash with the best of the men, she knew from experience, and whispered, "I past her in the hallway last week, took a look back to admire the view and she had already beat me to it."

Smiling, B'Elanna splashed Fowler, and responded, impressed, "Smooth...real smooth." Then glancing over the tall pilot's shoulder, she reported, remaining casual and splashing Nicole lightly again, "Don't look now, slick, but she's coming this way."

Slowly Fowler turned around toward the shoreline, waved at Samantha quickly as she walked next to the water's edge and started toward the peer. The blonde, who was wearing a simple green bikini top that moderately covered her slightly above average breasts, and bottoms that were more modest briefs that had a built in short, flared skirt that flattered her shapely figure, took a seat on the peer next to Seven's things. While she folded the sheer wrap neatly after admiring it, the tall, green-eyed brunette, whose hair was now free from the confines of the long braid she usually wore, swam over toward the dock and asked, looking up at the blonde to where she was sitting, three meters above her, and asked, "Aren't you coming in?" Then adding quickly, she nodded to Torres and said, "Don't worry about fancy feet...her bark is worse than her bite."

Splashing Nick, Torres looked up at Samantha and said, trying to assist her friend's cause, "Come on, Sam...the water's great...it's not cold at all."

The scientist shook her head and replied, shy, "Maybe later...I'll just watch right now and enjoy the sun."

Thankfully for the woman, Fowler or Torres didn't have any more time to try to persuade her for just as Fowler opened her mouth to say something, Naomi shrieked, and they all looked over to see Seven of Nine pounding out a moderately quick path toward them so as to not leave the child in the dust. Everyone simply had to stop and watch because just to see Seven, who was undeniably gorgeous, especially when she smiled and ran as the child chased her; it was also a sight that truly warmed heart, just knowing from where the beauty had come from. Samantha watched in wonder as the tall Borg started down the peer, quickening her lengthy stride even more, ran all the way down the wooden panel, pushed off the edge, gaining an awesome height with her enhanced strength, spun around with her arms and hair flinging about and then crashed down into the water with Naomi trailing after her, yelling at her to wait before she courageously leapt right over the edge of the peer, shouting at her mother to watch her the whole way down.

As everyone cheered her, Naomi paddled over to Seven, tagged her, and then paddled as fast as she was able away toward Fowler yelling, "Nick! Nick! Help me before she gets me!" Once Fowler picked up the girl and returned her to her shoulders, the child waved up at her only present parent and asked, "Mommy, did you see me jump? Wasn't that neat...did you see me, Nick?"

"Sure did, little miss. That was cool alright." Walking back to the shore, she moved toward the peer, set Naomi down and said, "Come one...let's jump." Once they were to the edge, Fowler took a large step to the side so she didn't have to worry about getting in the child's way and said, "Okay, this is how we did it where I'm from. You run and jump like before, but when you go down you have to yell, 'Yee haw,' and then do a cannon ball. Do you know what that is?" When the child nodded enthusiastically, Fowler smiled, leaned down and said, "Okay, and you've really got to whoop it up when you yell...no weak yee haws, ya hear?" Once Naomi nodded and gave her a thumb's up, she and Fowler took several steps back, then saying over her shoulder, and looking at Samantha, she asked, "Are you watching, Miss Sam?" When the blonde nodded, Fowler said, "Okay, you go first and I'll be right behind you."

Getting in her ready stance, Naomi said, "On your mark, get set....go!" then tore down the peer as fast as she could, and bounded off the edge with a high-pitched, "Yee haw!" Once Noami was airborne, Fowler followed right after, her long legs taking her to the edge in three bold steps, and pulling her body tight, she let out and rowdy, crackling yee haw, her southern roots clear in its exact traditional, wrangling execution, and then came down in an enormous displacement of water. Bobbling to the surface as the child paddled over to her, Fowler laughed and said, "Now that's how you do a cannon ball."

"Kahless sakes," Torres laughed as Fowler and Naomi swan back over to the shallower section of the lake where she and Seven were, "I'm surprised there's any water left in the lake." When Fowler splashed her and then dove under the water, obviously starting after her, B'Elanna turned around and started away, even though she knew it was hopeless since Nick was obviously a very good swimmer, but when a flash of red caught her eye, she stopped dead in her tracks, as Seven noticed the bright movement as well and turned around while Captain Kathryn Janeway walked lazily toward them.

The chief had to admit that even though the slight redhead wasn't anywhere close to being as curvaceous as Samantha and Seven of Nine, and didn't have the athletic sexiness of herself and Fowler, there was just something about her that was classic and irreplaceable in her stunning simplicity. Not only did her beauty never fail to catch B'Elanna off-guard and immediately cause her to inwardly thank the gods for allowing her to call such a masterpiece hers, but the knowledge that whenever Kathryn entered a room, no matter what the occasion, everyone took a few moments to notice her never ceased to baffle her, as far as how she always managed to keep her grace under such study and act as if she had no idea anyone was paying her any attention. When Fowler came up behind her, grabbed her waist and then obviously caught sight of the captain as she remarked, clearly pleased by the sight, under her breath, "Well, how do, Miss Scarlet," B'Elanna elbowed her friend sharply in the stomach, and snarled, warningly, but only playing since she knew her best friend would never try to get too friendly with the captain, for several reasons, the most prevalent being that it was no secret that most people, well the smart ones, which indeed Fowler was, had a great fear of the captain's sometimes fiery temper, "Watch it, Nick!"

Recovering form the blow quickly since it wasn't the first time she had received one of those from Torres and she had expected it because she was perfectly aware that it was just in jest and B'Elanna knew that she wasn't remotely interested in the captain romantically, but did like her as a person a great deal and also thought she was beautiful since she was exactly the type of woman Fowler always noticed first , and quickly exited the water. Meeting Janeway at the shore, Fowler smiled as she leaned down and said, quiet, "Once again, Miss Kate, you put the rest of us to shame…but would you mind not lookin' so darn pretty tonight? I'm trying to work the crowd here." Then as Janeway rolling her eyes and slapped her shoulder lightly, saying, "You're as bad as Chakotay," but then gave her honest, but modest thanks, used to the pilot's compliments, and always flattered by them since Kathryn really did think it was high praise indeed coming from such a fine female specimen, Nick chuckled and said, "Okay, watch out for fancy feet...I think she's foaming at the mouth again."

Then before the captain could say anything, Fowler turned away and jogged lightly for the peer, making toward Samantha, who was watching her daughter do circles in the water below her. Walking up to her, Fowler rang the water from her hair and asked, "Mind if I sit with you for a spell?"

Samantha looked up, squinted somewhat due to the sun that was slowly starting to grow dimmer and replied, smiling, "Not at all." Once Fowler sat next to her, leaving a comfortable space between them and let her legs and feet hang over the edge, Samantha remarked, whispering as Seven of Nine came out of the water, on another single-minded objective, met the captain, who was slowly wadding in, snatched up Janeway's hand, kissed her knuckles while stepping up close and gazing down at the redhead, as B'Elanna gave them some private time and started playing with Naomi, "My word…she's just the sweetest thing." Looking over at Fowler, she smiled, still speaking softly, "Please don't tell her I ever said this, but I had no idea she was so...delicate. I think if I stood next to her now, I'd feel like a giant. It just seems so...backwards."

Fowler nodded, chuckling and replied, whispering as well, "You'd feel like a giant? How do you think I feel…and I have to work next to her practically every day." When Samantha laughed at that, Nicole went on, "But I know what you mean." Laughing just once, soft and pleasant, Fowler watched Janeway wrap her arms and legs around Seven as they floated in the water, whispered and kissed softly every few seconds, seemingly lost in their own little world, and then continued, "She's a real lady, I can tell you…through and through. Tough as nails, though," then slapping her leg, she barked in laughter and said, "and shoot! Lord, has she ever got an aim…and quick on the draw...regular Annie Oakley, that one…puts me to shame. We played Velocity a few weeks back," she laughed, shaking her head, "let's just say it wasn't pretty…and it ain't a wonder why she's undefeated." As Torres growled and snatched up Naomi, then tickled her, Fowler looked down and added, "She's got a great role model in the captain...that must be real nice for you?"

Samantha sighed and replied, softly, "You have no idea. I was really nervous about it at first...certain Naomi would just get in the way…but she's been so sweet...all three of them really. Naomi picks so much up from Seven, for a while I was worried about it because she was so serious all of the time, although Seven has always been so patient with her, but since she's been spending time with the captain more, she's really coming out of her shell." Laughing, she whispered, "That's all she talks about some days...the captain said this...the captain does this...I want to be just like the captain…the captain's so neat!"

Fowler had to laugh, then leaning over, she whispered into Samantha's ear, "Sounds just like Torres and Seven...it's like listening to a broken record some days. Kathryn this, Red that," then pulling away, she added, "it's sweet...really sweet the way they adore her." Then leaning over again, she finished, "But if I had to honestly say, from what I've seen, as much as they love her, I don't think anyone really knows how much she loves them. She shows it a little differently, but she carries and protects them with this selfless kind of grace…that is just beyond me, really." Sitting up straighter, although leaning closer to Samantha, she went on, "It's hard to explain unless you get to see them together...especially one on one...and especially with Seven," both now looking over at the couple that continued to talk and embrace as they bobbed around in the water, "like now, although I've never seen them that outwardly affectionate, but when they're in a room together, and it's all business, but somehow, you can just feel it, that they're silently communicating and looking out for each other. They watch the other every now an again, not obvious, just hold the look for a split second, but it's intense." Fowler smiled down at Samantha, who was looking up at her listening closely, and said, "It's a nice thing to be around. I always feel real fortunate."

Samantha bobbed her head and confessed, "I'm glad Naomi gets to be around that too...it's important." As Paris, Kim, and the Delaney sisters came through the holodeck, and Janeway and Seven immediately, although not abruptly, disengaged from their embrace, not having to say a word to each other, Wildman sighed and said, "That's a shame," turning to Fowler, she whispered, "I was enjoying watching them be sweet," then pointing to Fowler, "and don't you dare tell them I said that."

Fowler laughed, crossed her heart and replied, "I'd never tell...since I'd have to admit to it to." Then softly nudging Samantha, she requested, "So, how about you come on down to the water and play with me for a while before duty calls?" When it looked like the blonde was going to resist, Nicole smiled crookedly and said, "Come on...I'll let you dunk me." Then standing, she leaned down, held out her hand and informed, "Either you go in this way, or we go off the side of the dock...and don't think I won't pick you up and toss you in…'cause I'll do it."

Wildman took Fowler's hand, saying, "I don't believe you for a second, Nick Fowler...you're much too nice."

"Well," Nicole replied, still holding her hand and pulling her down the peer, "I do have my moments, I guess." As they walked down the plank and Samantha didn't make any move to let go over her hand, nor did she look uncomfortable, Fowler took a quick breath, stopped at the edge of the peer where it met the sandy ground, and asked, turning toward Samantha, "Sam...you're not here with Sammy, are you?" Before Wildman could say anything, she added, "He's a good friend of mine...and I don't want to step on any toes." Sighing, she said, "I know that's really forward, but I don't like to make a fuss. I'm just enjoying your company...and well…I'd like to know if I should back off? If that's the case...it's cool, I promise…no hard feelings."

Wildman squeezed Fowler's hand and asked, "Do you mind if we walk?" When Nicole shook her head negatively, Samantha let go of her much larger palm and remarked, "Let me just go ask the captain to keep a look out for Naomi." After returning from the shore where Janeway was sitting close to the water's edge so only her bottom half was in the lake as she watched and smiled as Naomi showed off her underwater handstands while Seven and Torres wrestled each other, and asked if her commanding officer wouldn't mind watching Naomi for a while, who, of course, told her it wasn't a problem and to take her time, Wildman took up Fowler's hand a second time, and said once they were a few steps away, "No, I'm not here with Samuel." Then looking up and smiling, she said, "And thank you for asking...you're a very polite flirt." Before Fowler could respond more than nod, she went on, "So, I won't lie to you either...although, I'm not here with anyone, I'm not sure Neelix is going to be your biggest fan if you keep being so nice to me. If that bothers you, I don't blame you for not being interested…no hard feelings, I promise." Looking to her right at the breaking waves where Paris and Kim where splashing around with the beautiful, blonde twins, Samantha said, "Oh, let's sit here...I love the ocean...do you mind?"

Sitting down, Fowler replied, "No." As Samantha leaned back on her elbows and smiled at her colleagues, then waved back to them while they greeted her and tried to get the two females to join them in the surf, Nicole asked after a few quiet moments, "So...just so I'm clear...you're not here with anyone...and it's okay if I ask you to dance later?"

Taking a deep breath, Samantha rose to her feet, held out her head to Nick and said, "Come on, Nick Fowler...I'm ready to play with you now...are you?"

Standing up, Fowler smiled and replied, "Well…honestly…I like to think I'm always ready to play." As Samantha laughed and they walked toward the beach, Nicole asked once they were in the water and approaching the waves, "Is that top you're wearing tied tight?" When Samantha turned around, shocked, but not offended, Nicole laughed, scooped her up and said as she pushed past as waved and wadded into deeper water, "Just making sure since I'd feel just awful if it came off when I did this..." and with that, she heaved the woman into the deeper water as Paris came over to her, laughing and gave her a high five. When Samantha resurfaced with determination on her face, Nicole widened her eyes, backing up as she was lifted by a sizeable swell, and said, laughing, "Paris, evasive maneuvers!" as Samantha lunged at her, and Fowler allowed them to fall backward into the forgiving tide.

Bobbing to the surface and humming softly as she was pulled closer to the tall brunette's muscled body, Samantha punched her very lightly in the stomach and said, "I can't believe you did that. I thought you were nice!"

Fowler sank down into the water, somewhat surprised that Samantha continued to press her hand to her stomach, but certainly not going to balk at such a pleasant happenstance and said, "Like I said, I have my moments." When the swell of a wave lifted them so Fowler was temporarily unable to touch the ground, and Wildman rose up some, letting her hand trail up her chest, then secured her arms around Nicole's neck, and pressed her bosom to her chest, Nicole smiled while she said, glancing down for a few seconds, obviously admiring the pale, inviting cleavage and somewhat heavy, soft masses pressed against her much harder, flat chest, "I guess that means you don't mind if I ask you to dance later on?"

"I don't mind," Samantha replied, coy and flirting, instantly aroused just knowing that Fowler was admiring her body, then had to force herself not act on the acute sexual charge she got when one of Fowler's thumbs from the hands that were at her torso grazed just once against the bottom of her breast. Although she was definitely wishing for some large wave to toss them around a little more hoping such and event would bring the pilot's hands into greater contact with her bosom that was aching to be caressed intimately at this point since not only could she tell by the look of Nicole's face that she was enjoying the view, and probably thinking the same thing she was, but her boyfriend before her husband had been a guitar player as well, and he had had the best hands she'd ever experienced to date; although something told her that Fowler could definitely give him a fun for his money.

As another holographic tidal surge lifted them up, the blonde wrapped herself around Nicole tighter, using her legs as well, which made the tall pilot laugh once in a mixture of disbelief and joy, and then question, "So, would you mind if I asked you to have dinner with me the night after tomorrow?" When Wildman replied saying, "Well, that depends," Nick quirked one side of her mouth and queried, "Depends on what?"

Pulling away, letting her fingers that were tipped with slightly less than medium length nails trail down Fowler's thick arms all the way to her hands before she broke the contact, clearly playing hard to get, or at least attempting to, and having a great deal of fun even if she wasn't convincing, Samantha replied, "Depends on how good of a dancer you are."

Chuckling and sighing at the same time as she sat next to the captain on the shore while Naomi and Seven continued to leap from the peer, each time trying to out do each other with their acrobatics, Torres whispered after she took another moment to watch Fowler and Samantha bob in the water, clearly embracing, "I knew she was smooth, but Christ...I didn't think it was possible to be that smooth."

Janeway, curious since she knew her chief engineer was speaking of the tall pilot since even though Janeway knew that Fowler acted differently around B'Elanna when they were alone, she knew from experience that Nicole was definitely smooth around anyone she considered a 'lady,' glanced over at her female crewmembers quickly, not surprised by what she saw considering Torres' words. Turned now to B'Elanna, Kathryn questioned seriously, concerned for her pilot and friend's interests, "Lanna…does Nick know that Sam's…married?"

Torres chuckled just once since she thought the captain was joking for a second, but she quickly changed her mind when she snapped her around to look at her and saw the honestly worried look on the redhead's face. Sighing heavily, having a pretty good feeling what was coming next and doubly knowing this was absolutely the worst possible time for the captain to hear the news, but since she couldn't very well lie, she informed, "She's not married any more, cowgirl," using her extra loving pet name on purpose, hoping to keep Janeway happy, "...I thought you knew that?"

Surprised, which came out loud and clear in her tone, Janeway replied, quietly, "No...no, I didn't know." The information sank in quickly for the starship captain, and noticing the tense look in the Klingon's eyes, Kathryn's face instantly hardened as she set her jaw and looked away out into the lake while the sun continued to sink and was now starting to shade the holographic sky a collage of oranges and reds, and she stated, not needing to ask, "He left her, didn't he? She got a letter from him and he left her," and as Naomi shrieked and jumped off the peer again, she added, her turmoil not filtered, "and he doesn't even know he has a little girl." As Torres put her arm around her and rubbed her neck, the captain had to shrug away, feeling as though she absolutely couldn't be consoled since yet again she was taking all the blame for this event squarely on her shoulders and feeling the neverending ache in her heart fiercely, her adoration for her tiny assistant driving the stake in deep, she stood and mumbled, "Watch Naomi for me please," as she walked away down the shore of the lake, away from everyone.

As her hearts beat against her chest while she tried to figure out quickly what to do before Kathryn got too far away, B'Elanna stood up as Seven came out of the water, moving toward her, obviously wondering what was going on since Janeway was walking away rather hurriedly and the engineer looked panic-stricken, something as Klingon didn't happen very often, and informed, "Dollface, I need you to keep the kid busy right now."

Before Torres could get away, Seven placed an insistent hand on her shoulder and questioned directly, "What is happening with Kathryn?"

Turning around, B'Elanna whispered, "She just found out that Sam's not married anymore...and she's doing that whole crazy guilt thing…again."

"Then I will go speak with her and inform her that Samantha Wildman is not dismayed," Seven of Nine reported.

Now it was the Klingon's turn to stop with a palm to the shoulder as she said, "No, babe...that's not a good idea." When the Borg asked her to explain, she informed, "Not us...this isn't something we should talk to her right now because she won't hear it. She'll just think we're saying that to make her feel better and that we don't really mean it and that we're only saying it because we love her." After Seven raised her eyebrow at that, then nodded, knowing the brunette was correct, Torres said quickly, "I think this is a job for Chakotay...just watch the kid, keep her busy, and I'll be right back."

"I will comply," Seven nodded, turned around and asked loudly, "Naomi Wildman, will you assist me while I build a 'sand castle' as we did before?"

As Seven queried Naomi about the 'tradition', Torres made serious tracks through the sand as fast as she could toward Chakotay and Devin, who were sitting underneath the large tree talking. Stopping in front of them, Torres sighed and said to the Fynth, "I'm sorry to interrupt, First, but I kinda need to talk to the Chakotay for a second."

"Worry none, Lieutenant," Devin relied quickly, seeing the fear on the Klingon's face and having spent enough time with her in the last week to be able to read her fairly well, and know for such a seemingly brave woman to become fearful something of importance was occurring. Then glancing to where she had come, noticing instantly that the captain was no longer sitting with her on the shore, but was now disappearing from sight, she informed quickly before anyone could speak, standing, "Come with me." Putting her arm around Torres and leading her away, but looking back at the tanned, handsomely rugged commander, "We will return in a short length." Then turning back toward a nonplussed B'Elanna, who was doing her best not to get irritated, but having a hard time since she knew that the farther Janeway got away before someone talked to her, the worse the situation would most likely become, she said, "Find no crime, B'Elanna...tell me what wears your beloved so, that she must flee on Seven of Nine's cycle?"

About to respond with her hopefully sincere sounding thanks but that it was private and that only Chakotay could help, she blinked while she thought about the predicament. Remembering what Janeway had said to her before about them having a private discussion and that it was captain to captain, she realized the golden woman was exactly the person that should talk to Janeway, and possibly the only one she would listen to, so she turned around and fired off the words rapidly, "She just found out that Sam, the kid's mom, isn't married anymore, and now she's feeling guilty again for stranding us here in the Delta Quadrant...not like she ever stops feeling guilty, but whenever something like this happens, it gets ten times worse." Sighing, she stepped up close and whispered, "Please, please don't tell her I told you this, but Seven says that she's had a really bad week, and I know how she gets...she's so," said through clenched teeth, "goddamn hard on herself," then sighing, and wilting some, "she just doesn't need this right now, Devin, but I know she won't listen to me or probably anyone." Looking up desperately, Torres asked, "Will you go talk to her, please? I think you're the only one she will listen to because you're a captain too."

Without anything further, the first regal smiled brightly, turning back toward Chakotay, who was watching them closely and said, ushering Torres toward him, "Worry none for yours. I'm accomplished to this task," then turning and starting away, she said over her shoulder joking and teasing Chakotay, "there is no need for escort...the pathway is clear."

Chucking once, the commander turned to B'Elanna, who flopped down in the chair Devin had been sitting in, huffing and rubbing her forehead, then asked, "What's going on?"

Torres sighed, and whispered, "She's killing herself over everything again," looking over at her old friend, she added, "you know how she gets." B'Elanna shook her head and informed, "She just found out that Sam isn't married anymore," picking at her stubby fingernails that she habitually chewed, Torres whispered, "I swear to Kahless, Chakotay...I thought she knew. I just made a joke about how smooth Nick was with women, and she, of course, because she's so goddamned concerned about everyone, asked me if Nick knew Sam was married." Torres looked back over at Chakotay when he reached over and grabbed her hand, and finished, "Then I realized she didn't know...but I couldn't lie to her...not like I would have had to...she figured it out on her own. Fuck," she added through clenched teeth, "she so does not need this right now, Chakotay...she just doesn't need it."

Sighing because he had sensed, especially in the last few days his captain was struggling with something since she had been abnormally quiet and secluded, the commander said, "B'Elanna, this isn't your fault, and she'll get over it soon enough. I've seen it a hundred times." Standing, he pulled Torres up and said, "Come on, I see a sand castle contest coming on." When Torres sighed, but followed him, he put his arm around her shoulder as they walked slowly toward Seven and Naomi and said, "I don't know what drives her to hold onto guilt, but whatever it is...it's got a powerful hold on her. I'm just guessing, but I think this stuff goes way back...long before the Caretaker's array. She's never talked to me about it...and I wouldn't be surprised if she's never talked to anyone, but something inside her makes her believe that if she forgets, if she doesn't make herself take responsibility for everything, she's doing us all a disservice. That's just who she is...I'm not sure she'll ever change." Then smiling ruefully, he squeezed her shoulder and whispered, "By the way, thanks for coming to me about this," then chuckling some, "but I've never had much luck getting through to her either when she clams up...although, I think Devin might be just what she needs right now. Someone in the same position, but older and wiser." Stopping before they reached Seven, he turned to Torres, looked down and said, "Plus, I think she's the only person this side of the galactic core that the captain doesn't intimidate."

B'Elanna nodded, took a deep breath and said, "You're right...and I'm not going to let this freak me out today. We're going to have a great time...and I know Red won't let this get her down long right now...for Seven's sake, anyway." Then smiling, she patted Chakotay on the shoulder and said, grinning crookedly, trying to change the subject, "So, old man...what's the word? You and the first, hmm?"

Chakotay laughed at Torres, rolled his eyes and replied, "B'Elanna, don't you ever get tired of being on the prowl all the time?" When B'Elanna said, "No, now talk!" the commander smiled his mirth-filled grin, scratched the side of his face near his tattoo with his thumb and informed, "Well, it's not what you think. She's very nice and incredibly wise...and she reminds me of my great aunt." Once B'Elanna got done laughing, Chakotay pinched her arm and continued, "So do me a favor, and when the crew starts coming to you for the dirt on us, set them straight alright." Then pointing at her, he reminded, "You owe me a few anyway…by the way, did you know you're back is scratched?"

"Uh huh," Torres answered evenly and quick, not giving anything away this time. "Don't worry, old man," slapping his shoulder, "I'll make sure you're still considered the ship's most eligible bachelor." Then stepping up close, she whispered as she noticed Fowler and Wildman coming out of the surf with Paris, Kim and the Delaney sisters, all of them laughing and joking around, "Although, I think that title is officially the Tower of Power's at the moment."

Silently the tall, radiant, golden first followed the crooked path of the slight form of Kathryn Janeway until she spotted the redheaded beauty standing with her back to world, and her arms crossed over her chest, while she stared out over the lake where it curved around into a small, fairly private cove, not looking at the scenery in front of her but into the past, into the torturous pain that had been sometimes, in her no-so-distant past, all she knew as truth...was sometimes the only thing that could remind her that she was still alive. Undaunted, Devin came up behind Janeway, placed her hands on her shoulders and said softly when Kathryn flinched, "The demon is relentless...if only such longevity could dwell within us...hmmm...yes..." When Janeway tensed after she got over her initial shock and uneasiness since she hadn't heard the agile elder's approach, but said nothing, Devin went on, lifting one hand and stroking Janeway's hair for a second, "This cycle brings my Alaxia back to my thoughts." Sighing, she whispered, "My glory, her memory is now...but my demon it was for such a length."

"Devin," Janeway turned around and said, putting on her best fake smile, "thank you, but I'm fine...really. This day has just been difficult and I just need a few moments to relax. Don't think I don't appreciate what you're trying to do, but..."

"Spirits!" Devin interrupted, laughing and clicking, "I wish you could detail the similarities between my late daughter and yourself, Kathryn...perhaps this alliance was destiny?" Then turning more authoritative as she hovered over Janeway, she went on as the captain opened her mouth to speak, "Stubborn and willful, it is quiet clear in more than your amble, my child. Listen to a voice who knows of the path you are carving...straight to the demon it leads...with no meandering!"

Swallowing at the first's piercing sunlight stare and the words that grabbed the memory of the merchant's warning to her and thrust it to the forefront, Janeway turned around quickly, put her hands on her hips and said, "Devin...it's not that simple…just because I'm going to hell in a hand basket, doesn't change anything. I'm still the captain and I'm still responsible. Period."

The first approached Janeway a second time, and again put her hands on her shoulder, and replied, ignoring the captain's words, "I have never detailed to anyone the circumstances of my Alaxia's fate. There was speculation, of course, but the truth remains only with me...it seems just to let it rest with you as well now since through no length have I encountered such an equal in my turn for duty." When Kathryn sighed and looked down, crossing her arms over her chest again, Devin confessed, "Her father never detailed her, you see...she was my babe only...my glory. He was a first, as well, although at that length I was a second, an infant to my position. We converged for only a single cycle...love," she chuckled, "no, it wasn't...passion, ah...yes, with exclamation." As Janeway relaxed at that somewhat, and titled her head slightly as she looked down at the sand underneath her bare feet and expelled a small amount of air in understanding, the first went on, "He was criminally charismatic, a lunatic...the will to resist simply did not dwell within me, and he perished fifteen cycles afterward…with gratitude to his swagger, sadly. Love maybe could have been, but it wasn't to be in this domain...but from that passion came Alaxia, and," chuckling again, "I should have been able to detail from her birth what a path she would carve…stubborn and willful from her first shrieks to her last. Never did she want to listen to what anyone could detail...and her path was as bent and far reaching as I've detailed, but somehow, the truth followed her always...and it seemed so did the demon because of it."

Softening her voice, Devin took a quick breath, pulled Janeway close to her heart as she looked out onto the water and went on, resting both hands on Kathryn's shoulders, "When she joined the defenders, I was as proud a first as had ever dwelled. These speedy and sharp feats she accomplished regularly, which now helps me understand how it was that she uncovered the seething pool of lies that the new regime embraced unbeknownst to my people." Devin sighed again before she said, "And it was my turn to not listen to what she detailed...old and carved in my ways, even at that length, I surmise...but I didn't listen to my own babe, didn't listen to my instincts that told me that she wasn't merely an over-zealous child attempting to accomplish the impossible, but that there were truth in her contradictions."

As tears began to roll down her sharp, hollow cheeks, the old woman whispered the next part, her voice like a fleeting phantom, "That atrocious machine that she detailed murdered my babe and her companions...told lies to hide the truth of her death...then supplied me with the Alaxiat to honor her as a plummeted, heroic solider to their lecherous string of tales." Clearing her throat as Janeway sniffled, reached across her shoulder to clasp onto Devin's hand, she added, "A length it took for me to spy the truth that had dwelled from the beginnings of the new order, but once I did, my domain became the very home of the demon. I was guilt-ridden almost to insanity, for a length a lunatic myself, I was...the universe became my bane, vengeance and retribution was my cause and I worked until I became a mirror image of the machine that I loathed. And then I realized that I didn't loathe it...I loved it, well, perhaps not love, but I certainly cared for it. I fed it, protected it, gave it all the things it needed to dwell within my belly, just as I had for my Alaxia. My mission from then didn't change so great, and I continued to do my duty all the while working in silence, with very few allies, to create a new existence though...no longer to conquer. That battle finally was exorcised from my soul, and when I let it flee and fall to the soil, my glory came back to me...and it is through it, through her that I dwell here today with you and yours...and me and mine have destination and purpose in our sights. It may not be my path to see this Federation, but I will fade knowing that the Fynth will not be caged as they have been. We will flourish and create a new regime, one that has seen the demon and knows to tread straight from him."

Stroking Janeway's hair, she smiled down at the captain as the redhead continued to look at the ground and said, "Your path has brought you here to the domain where you have discovered your greatest purpose...do not let your demon disparage you, my child. Dwell in the light of your glory...and let him be blinded and die in the handsome beacon that is your heart." Turning Janeway around and lifting her chin, Devin smiled and informed, "I know the demon who haunts you, my child...he travels the pathway with all firsts...and I was him for a length, and you don't want to be him too. It is not a task to detail this, Kathryn...for you fight him the same as you nurture him." Wiping the tears off Janeway's cheek, she whispered, "Let him fall to the soil as your tears...don't tend to him anymore...he's suckled enough from your bosom."

As her bottom lip trembled while she fought to keep herself together, Janeway admitted, as one, thick, wet tear after the next poured down her cheeks, silently as she did her best to ignore them completely, "I'm not sure I know how." Shaking her head, she pulled way from Devin's grasp and informed, "It's all I know..."

"Spit on him," Devin replied blunt. When Janeway turned to her, questioning, obviously thinking the descriptive woman didn't mean to literally spit, the Fynth turned to the side, did just that and repeated, "Spit or shriek...or swear, if you prefer, and then visit your angel, and he will relent with haste. He cannot dwell in the light that surrounds Seven of Nine. This is why you must flee from her each time he calls you." Snatching up Janeway's hand, she ordered, "Spit...and then let us tread to the gathering. Chakotay detailed that there shall be something called 'music.' I am unknowing to this but intrigued by the concept." Raising her eyebrows, she cracked, "Spit, Kathryn...resistance is futile!"

Exhaling in exhaustion, humor, gratitude, humility and so on, Janeway spat on the ground, wiped her mouth with the back of her free hand as Devin nodded once firmly and said, shaking her head, "I will comply."

"I thought you were supposed to be an engineer?" Fowler cackled as the absurd 'creation' B'Elanna was attempting to build from the wet, packed sand of the shore continued to crumble at the hands of the Klingon.

"Fowler," Torres growled as she put her fist through the collapsed sand castle, grabbed a handful of dirt and flung it at her friend while Chakotay gave up trying to outdo Seven of Nine, Naomi Wildman and her mother, "have I mentioned lately how much Nick sounds like hick?"

Turning her back quickly so she didn't get pelted in the face, Fowler laughed, then whirled back around and replied, "That's it, Torres...you better run like the wind, sister...'cause you're goin' down."

"You have to catch me first, lumberjack," Torres rallied as she jumped to her feet and took off down the shore, running hard and pushing her muscles almost to the limit of their capability, knowing if she didn't, the much taller pilot's impossibly long stride would catch her quickly. Fowler certainly wasn't the fastest sprinter on the ship, and B'Elanna knew she could out run her, but in close proximity, Nicole's extended reach was hard to overcome if she didn't get out in the open. As she glanced over her shoulder and saw Fowler almost right on her heels, B'Elanna grinned, dug her heels into the packed surface and upped the tempo, yelling, "Come on, Fowler...can't you go any faster!"

As she tore down the shoreline and saw Janeway and Devin come into view, her first impulse was to stop, but she didn't because she knew that if she did, Fowler would more than likely pick her up and fling her into the water, so instead, she hollered as she saw Janeway smile at them and start laughing, "Call Security!" Then taking another quick glance over her shoulder to see Fowler giving up the hunt and slowing down, B'Elanna slowed as well, turned around sideways and bouncing steadily toward Janeway, then shouted with emphasis, raising her fist, "Qapla'...ahhhhh ha ha ha!" When Fowler sneered at her, then quickened her pace again, turning on the speed still, Torres whirled around and said, "Oh shit!" then shrieked as Fowler caught up in a flash, grabbed the waist band of her shorts and slung her over her shoulder, "Captain! Red alert! Giagantor's out of her cage!"

Setting Torres down kindly, put grabbing her by her wrists so she couldn't get free, Fowler nodded to Janeway and Devin as they walked up to them and stopped, "Ladies," then looking down, she added to Torres who was snarling and trying to wiggle free, "Pipe down, squirt...can't you see I'm trying to talk to the nice women? Where'd you learn your manners anyhow?"

As Fowler finally let up on her, Torres whirled around, hair and eyes wild and reminded, producing her lethal fist, "I'm a Klingon, Nick...we don't believe in manners. If something's in our way, we knock you down!"

"You're full of it, Torres...has anyone ever told you that?" Nick came back, standing her ground, placing her hands on her hips and towering over the compact Klingon.

Sneering playfully, B'Elanna snarled, "Yea...once...and then he choked on his own tongue...so watch yourself!"

"Darling," Janeway laughed, coming up behind B'Elanna and wrapping one arm around her waist, "don't cut off Nick's tongue...then who'd you sing with?"

"Thanks, Kate," Fowler replied, grinning crookedly, "I think." Then pointing at Torres as she started walking backwards as Naomi called out to her as the child ran toward them, she informed, "I'll get you, fancy feet...the captain can't protect you forever."

"Anytime...anywhere, Fowler…you just let me know," B'Elanna replied pointing back. Then as Janeway sighed against her back and chuckled, hugging her tighter, Torres laughed once, then turned around and asked as Devin discreetly shuffled away moving toward Chakotay, Seven of Nine and Samantha, who were also headed their way, "Are you okay?" adding quickly as Kathryn started to nod, "I'm sorry you had to find out that way, but she's fine, Red...she's really fine. She wasn't even upset...I guess she...umph...mmm."

Grabbing Torres' face and kissing her freely to silence her, Kathryn chuckled softly against B'Elanna's firm chest as the usually dominant Klingon had to take a small step back to steady herself as a soft sound of pleasure was emitted from the back of her throat, that was very far removed from the deep, rattling growl such an event usually produced. Pulling her lips away slow, and smiling softly, Janeway rested her forehead against Torres' and whispered, "Shut up, Lanna."

Chuckling herself, B'Elanna whispered back smiling, and replied, "Yes, Ma'am." Retracting her head enough so she could look at Kathryn's face as the redhead did the same and also backed away from her body, the engineer looked down, smiled her crooked grin and said, "By the way, cowgirl...this outfit...it's almost as good as the uniform." Then grabbing her hand and pulling her down the shore with her to where to group was gathered, admiring the sand castle that Seven and the Wildman's, mostly Naomi, built, Torres added, "Although, you're sitting next to me tonight at the dinner table so I know that you've eaten." When Janeway rolled her eyes and started to say something, Torres held up her finger and replied, "No arguments...don't make me sick Nick and Chakotay on you."

Snickering, Janeway held up her free hand and said, "Okay, okay...I promise to eat a full meal tonight...well, I'll try my best."

The chief nodded, letting go of Kathryn's hand and opting to put her arm around her bare waist instead and replied as they met the group, "Deal." Then asked loudly as Nick picked up Naomi and put her on her shoulders at the child's request, "So, when do we eat anyway...I'm starved!"

As Seven of Nine came over to Janeway's side and the captain wrapped her other arm around her waist and rested her head against the tall blonde's shoulder while Devin eyed her carefully, making sure Kathryn didn't resist, Fowler added, "You're hungry! If Neelix and Sammy don't hurry up with that chicken...well, it's not going to be pretty, folks."

"'Pretty' would not be appropriate terminology in reference to your nutritional intake requirements, Nick Fowler," Seven of Nine smirked. "I believe 'impressive' is more accurate."

Laughing heartily along with everyone else, Fowler looked over at Seven and asked, "Was that a joke?"

Cocking her eyebrow, Seven returned, "It was not."

Chuckling again and shaking her head, smiling openly, Nick remarked, "Just checking...thought for a minute we fell into an alternate universe or somethin'."

Wrapping her arm around Kathryn's shoulders and squeezing her slightly, Seven said as Neelix and Samuel whistled for them, "You have not...I assure you. However, if that occurs, I will inform you of the event since you seem to be troubled by that possibility."

As they all walked toward the picnic table, Nicole rallied, turning around and walking backwards in front on them, "Shoot yea, I'm troubled...what if in some alternate reality you and Torres actually turn out to be nice." Smiling, she said, "Lord, can you imagine...what a nightmare!"

As the holographic sun set and the tree in which the long picnic table was seated under was set aglow with colorful lights, and the small torches Paris and Kim had programmed into the matrix were lit, casting a warm glow over the cheerful group as they consumed their traditional, North American barbecue feast of roasted chicken, potato, macaroni, and vegetable salads, and various melons, Seven of Nine sat comfortably between Kathryn and Naomi as she ate her dinner in relative silence, happy to listen to the others around her converse and be surrounded by her two favorite redheads. Since it was clear to the tall blonde that Torres was sitting on the end of the table in an effort to put Janeway between the two of them so that she couldn't fade into the background as she tended to do whenever she wasn't feeling well, or during large social gatherings once things settled down and she felt she had completed her duty as captain so interact with everyone, Seven wasn't the least dismayed that she couldn't spend this time next to her Klingon partner whose companionship she had missed a great deal this last week, especially during her lunch break which she regularly took with Torres in the Mess Hall, or during the early evening before Kathryn returned to their cabin.

Seven was also pleased that Nicole Fowler seemed to be just as attracted to Samantha Wildman as she blonde scientist was to the brunette pilot and commander in training. Last week while Seven had been invited to dinner over at the Wildman's, the Borg had become aware that Samantha was interested in Fowler after Naomi had gone to bed and while the two females shared a cup of coffee and desert. Wildman had come to Seven since between the triad, she knew Seven the best, and even though she was comfortable with the captain and Torres, she didn't want to talk about such things with them, and also knew that Seven would give her an honest opinion about Nicole and not sugar coat anything just because they were friends. The pretty and pleasant scientist's questions had certainly surprised the Borg because even though she was aware that Sam was no longer married since Naomi Wildman had told her that one day during the child's visits to Astrometrics between her classes recently, she hadn't known Samantha was interested in females as well as males. Naomi had queried the Borg as to what 'being married' meant, but it was clear that since the child had never seen her father, had never seen a married couple since there were none aboard Voyager--although there were big rumors that one couple was planning to ask the captain soon to marry them, but it seemed as though they were waiting for the right time to approach Janeway and ask her to preform the ceremony, since everyone, that bothered to pay attention, would admit that she was becoming rather withdrawn from everyone other than those really close to her--other than those that were married before they were stranded in the Delta Quadrant but their spouses were still in the Alpha Quadrant, so the concept was difficult for Naomi to comprehend completely. She understood as much as she could about adult love and the idea of couples, and often made reference to her mother and father in such a manner to clarify the concept, but since she had never seen her mother involved with anyone with her own eyes, the idea seemed still out of her reach considering her age and lack of sufficient examples; however, Seven had also been able to detail lately that since her relationship with Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres had developed and Naomi was finally exposed to partnerships and the idea of people spending their lives together and being in love, the child was starting to be curious about such things and inquisitive as to why no one love her mother.

Wildman hadn't been technically married in three years, when Voyager made contact with the Federation and received several personal letters from home via a Hirogen long-range communication relay system, but she hadn't discussed it with anyone until just recently because she didn't feel her daughter was old enough to understand in the least, and she wasn't interested in pursuing another relationship herself either, so she saw no need. However, since Naomi was a little older now, starting to understand and see with her own eyes what love was about through the threesome, and Samantha had also been pondering her own situation, the scientist had finally released the news after discussing it with her daughter as best she could, which, of course, had sent the child right to her hyper-intelligent best friend the next day full of queries. Seven had answered some of the questions as best she could in an appropriate manner for a child of Naomi's age, deflected the others, and finally on one occasion had to inform the girl that she should ask her mother because her mother had better data on the subject. The Borg felt she had done a sufficient job with the small girl, but had to admit to herself that sometimes answering the always curious and observant child's questions was more difficult than operating Astrometrics on some days.

When Samantha and approached her about Nicole, Seven had informed her that she did not dislike Nicole Fowler, and even though she wasn't as 'close' as her lovers were to the woman, she considered her a friend and continued to adapt to her constant presence. Seven furthermore informed Samantha that she could not say one thing about the woman that she should be wary of, and that her own unease with the pilot steamed from her discomfort with strangers, and that it was not a reflection upon the tall brunette, but only her own inefficiencies. Although she didn't detail any of the events, she also added that from all the evidence that she had, Fowler was a respectful individual and treated other individuals, especially females, with a great deal of respect and kindness. After that, she had queried Sam on how she felt about the pilot, and the scientist had told her that she didn't really know her that well, but she had interacted with her a few times in the past and more recently due to Nicole's work in command and personnel. She also went on that Samuel Wang, whom she worked with every day, liked Nick a great deal, and her daughter also raved about how 'neat' she was after spending an evening with Torres, Seven and Fowler while she had had dinner with the captain, since Janeway insisted on taking care of that business personally and not leaving it in the hands of her first officer, but not because she didn't think he would take care of the Wildmans, but because she felt it was her duty to do so, and also because she was obviously becoming rather close with her assistant; they discussed Naomi's schooling, the mother's concerns for Naomi's up-bringing since she was the only child about the ship, their holodeck and ration needs, and future plans. Samantha also admitted that even though she had never been attracted to a woman before, she certainly wasn't adverse to it, and there was just something about the lieutenant that 'gave her butterflies' every time she saw her; honestly, Samantha thought she was downright 'yummy.'

After Seven had left Samantha's cabin and informed her that she would not discuss this information with anyone, not even the captain or Torres because Wildman said she hadn't decided yet what she wanted to do about it, the ex-drone had walked home with a rather pleasant look on her face, thinking it was nice to have a 'girlfriend' herself to talk about things with outside of her intimate relationships. She was even further pleased that when she returned home late that evening, and retired with Kathryn promptly afterward, that when Janeway had asked her about what she had done with Samantha after Naomi went to sleep, and she informed Kathryn that they had discussed a variety of subjects, and that she was not at liberty to divulge the content of them out of respect for Samantha's privacy, the redhead had smiled brightly, kissed her sweetly and said, "Ah, more girl talk," then snuggled with her and informed Seven that she wouldn't ask anymore and that she was happy Seven had a girlfriend to talk to.

The one thing Seven had been concerned about, but hadn't discussed with Samantha since she felt it was not her place, was Naomi's reaction to her mother becoming involved with anyone other than Neelix. There had been speculation on the ship for years that those two were more than friends, but because Seven knew Naomi and her mother very well, she knew those rumors were not true. She did wonder from time to time if Neelix had hopes for more since it was clear in his reactions to the captain, Samantha, and herself, as well as a few others, that he was attracted to human females. She wasn't so much concerned with Neelix's feelings as she was how he would react, and if Naomi would lose him as a caregiver, but as she sat quietly and ate her salad, after moving the tomatoes from her plate over to Kathryn's since she knew the captain liked them and she absolutely did not, and observed the scene around her, she was no longer concerned. Not only was Neelix having a marvelous time chatting it up with Tom Paris and Harry Kim, but Nicole Fowler was not only being very attentive to Naomi, but continued to laugh and play food games with her, and let her mother, who was sitting next to the tall pilot, relax and talk to Devin and Chakotay, who were across from her. If Seven didn't have enough knowledge to know better, she would be concerned that Nicole was using Naomi to get to her mother and that she didn't really care for the child, but Seven knew better than that from personal experience, and it was also clear in Fowler's laughter and easy way that she enjoyed children and 'goofing around.'

When she felt Kathryn's hand on her bare thigh and her intensely soft, "You're awfully quiet," Seven blinked her eyes, realizing she was lost in thought again, turned her head to Janeway and informed, smiling softly, "Do not distress. I am 'fine.' I was merely pondering recent events. Today has been…unusual, but I am enjoying myself."

Since Seven had told her as they embraced while they whispered softly in the water earlier that she had engaged in 'journal writing' on two occasions today and found that task curiously intriguing, even though she completely strayed from the topic she had attempted to discuss, Janeway patted Seven's thigh, removing her hand and said, "Sounds like you've got plenty of material for your journal, huh?"

"That is correct," Seven nodded once, then turned back to her plate. After taking a bite of potato salad, she turned back to Janeway, who was placing her napkin over her dish, which was her habit, and asked, "You are finished?"

Standing, ignoring the disapproval Torres and Seven were both shooting her silently, thankful that they cared but honestly not able to stomach much of anything, which was always the first thing to bite the dust when she was feeling abnormally stressed, either personally or professionally, in this case, both, she leaned over, kissed Seven's forehead and mumbled, "I'm saving room for birthday cake," then snatched up her glass, Torres' empty beer bottle and went over to the large cooler where the beverages were being kept ice cold. Returning with a fresh glass of peach iced tea, and a beer for B'Elanna, she took a sip of her beverage, set it down on the table, then came behind Seven, feeling too antsy to sit down, and asked Fowler as she absently combed her fingers through the blonde's long mane, "Nick, are you going to grace us tonight with your other musical talents, or is the drumset just for show?"

Answering for the pilot, Torres piped up, "Heck no, it's not for show! She's gonna rock out tonight…right, Nick?"

"Whatever you say, fancy feet," Fowler replied, chuckling at her friend's enthusiasm, always finding Torres completely cute when she got excited, and was always flattered since she knew there were some areas in which B'Elanna truly looked up to her. Then looking down at Naomi, she asked, "Wanna learn how to play the drums later, little miss?"

When Naomi nodded excitedly and then said, "Please…please can I, Mommy?" Samantha turned to Nicole, and remarked, teasing, "You just had to pick the drums…didn't you?"

Smiling, Fowler leaned over and whispered, "I promise to make it up to you," then turned to Naomi, leaving her mother with that open ended statement, and said, since it looked like the child was finished with her dinner, "Come on, little miss…let's go warm up the set…I need to save some room for cake anyhow."

As Fowler, Naomi, and then Torres, who was practically bouncing with excitement, jumped up from the table and climbed up on the stage, Seven placed her napkin over her plate as well, deciding that she too would save plenty of room for desert since that was always her favorite part of any meal, although she didn't eat it very often since Kathryn didn't care for it, and she realized that if she ate it all of the time, she probably wouldn't like it as much. When Fowler sat down on the drumset stool, put Naomi in her lap and started explaining to the child each of the various parts to the set while she twirled a stick in her right hand, warming up her fingers and wrists while Torres sat on the edge of the stage, snatched up Fowler's electric/acoustic guitar, flipped the switch to the electric setting, but turned down the volume and began plucking out the few riffs that she had learned from her 'goofing' sessions with Nicole, Seven of Nine turned to Samantha and asked, "Sam Wildman," remembering to use the woman's preferred designation, "would you 'like' to take a 'walk' with me?" When Samantha nodded, rose and then informed that she would go get their wraps, the Borg turned toward Janeway, and asked, "When are we required to return?"

Chuckling, Janeway replied, "Take your time, darling…but don't be gone longer than an hour, alright?" Kathryn smirked and then whispered, "You still have presents to open, you know?"

Seven of Nine smiled brightly, teeth and all, and replied, "There will be more presents?" When Janeway nodded laughing, Seven nodded once, turning serious and added, trying to be charming for her redheaded partner, "I find this acceptable." Then stealing a kiss, she turned on her heels as she heard Samantha approaching, accepted the offering of her sheer wrap, tied it quickly around her waist, the scientist already donning her green one which perfectly matched her swimsuit, placed her hands behind her back and questioned, "What is our destination?"

Pointing to the area that the moonlight was keeping the lake and the shore fairly well lit, Samantha replied, "That way…let's see what's down there." Once they got further away, Wildman turned to Seven and said, "Thanks for asking me to walk…I wanted to talk to you, but I didn't want it to seem too obvious…do you think it's obvious?"

Not entirely certain what Samantha was concerned about, Seven replied, "I believe it is 'obvious' that you and Nick Fowler are enjoying each other's company and that there is a sexual attraction between you. However," she added quickly, "I do not believe you are being any more 'obvious' than Ensign Kim is with Ensign Delaney, or Lieutenant Paris is with her sibling." Smiling, Seven of Nine looked over at Samantha and stated, "I am pleased that Nick Fowler is responding well to you and that Naomi Wildman is enjoying her company as well."

Nodding, Samantha crossed her arms over chest and came back softly, "Me too. I was really worried about that…but Naomi really seems to like her…although, I don't see how she couldn't." Looking over and only having to look slightly up at Seven since the scientist was a fairly tall woman, she remarked, "I had no idea she was that good with children. You don't think it's an act…do you?"

"No," Seven answered quickly and surely. "Nick Fowler is not the 'type' of individual to do anything that she does not mean. I have personal experience regarding this." As they slowed their pace and Samantha walked just as the edge of the shore in the water, the ex-drone went on, "After my implant was removed, and before I was allowed to return to Kathryn's cabin to recover, Nick Fowler came to visit me, retrieved a PADD from Kathryn's office for me, and at the time, I was curious as to her actions and believed that she was merely attempting to make a good impression on Kathryn so that she would be permanently promoted. I was not 'nice' to her, suffice to say...however, she continued to show me kindness and patience, and after some time, I realized that she was attempting to do what she had claimed from the beginning, which was to get to know me better since we would be working closer than before, and also showing her remorse for my situation and offering her assistance while I was unable to function efficiently." Looking back over to Samantha, she added, "Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres would agree that she is trustworthy and honest. She is also 'frank,' which I know Kathryn admires a great deal about her, and she is not in the habit of lying or holding back the truth. I do not know her 'story' as much as B'Elanna Torres and Kathryn do, however, I am aware that she was 'close' with her younger sibling. I believe she is enjoying Naomi Wildman's company just as much as Naomi Wildman is enjoying hers."

"Me too," Samantha replied. Then turning toward Seven and stopping, she went on, "It's not that I want to marry her or anything…that's not what I'm really interested in at this point in my life. I've already been married once…and I know now that I got married way too early and it would have never lasted if we hadn't ended up out here. I don't know," she shrugged, "I just want to have some fun, you know…but responsibly. I'm tired of being alone every night." Sighing, she added, "I'm not even thirty years old yet and I feel like I'm going on fifty some days. I'm not saying I just want sex either, but I'm not interested in anything terribly serious right now…but that's really hard to do when you have a small child to care for. What do you think…do you think Nick's looking for a wife, or just a girlfriend?"

"I do not know," Seven replied. "However, I believe it you explained the situation to Nick Fowler, she would inform you what she was 'looking' for, and I do not believe she would take offense, even if she is interested in a 'serious' relationship." When the shorter blonde sighed, then nodded and agreed, saying that's what she would do, Seven questioned, "May I ask you a personal question?"

Smiling at Seven, Samantha chuckled and said, grabbing Seven's hand and pulling them down the shore more, "Sure, Seven…I wouldn't talk to you about this stuff if I didn't trust you."

Seven took a moment to make note that Samantha was holding her hand, and found it odd for a split second, but then recalling the teraquads of data she had on human behavior and cross-referencing that knowledge with discussions she had with Kathryn about some of her female friends and her sibling on Earth and how they interacted when they were alone and speaking privately, she understood that this gesture was a bonding ritual, just as she had held Kathryn's hand while they 'relaxed' before they became involved, and that pleasing her, Seven switched sides with Samantha and stated, "Although I appreciate that you are attempting to reaffirm our friendship and the fact that my implants do not frighten you, this mesh is capable of damaging your flesh and I feel more comfortable when I do not have to 'worry' about that event." When Samantha nodded and informed her that she didn't know that, Seven went on quickly before she got too far off track, "That is correct. Kathryn, B'Elanna Torres and myself are rarely in a setting where we feel comfortable to hold each other's hands as we walk...however, when we do, I insist that Kathryn either hold my right hand, or my arm…although she often does not comply because she also attempts to reaffirm that she is not 'put off' by my implants. B'Elanna Torres' Klingon physiology and her occupation has left her with less delicate hands, so it is not as of a concern with her, but it 'worries' me, nevertheless, when I am not the only individual in control of the movement." Then changing gears quickly, she asked, "Are you concerned with Mister Neelix's reaction to your attraction to Nick Fowler?"

Used to Seven's detailed explanations and her ability to consistently keep a conversation efficient, Samantha replied, "At first I was really worried, but after I talked to you the other night, and thought about it, I decided to just take a chance…but yes, I'm a little worried he'll take it poorly and need to distance himself from us. Although, he's never said anything to me to the effect that he was interested in being anything more to me other than a friend, and sort of an uncle to Naomi, but you know how it is…sometimes it's kind of obvious that he's attracted to me…although, that doesn't really mean anything either, really." Shrugging, Samantha went on quickly, "I don't know, but it's not like I'm stringing him along or anything…or using him…he's always been terribly helpful and sweet, and if it ever came up, I'd tell him the truth. It's not that I don't like him…I love him like family…I really do, but I don't love him like that. He just doesn't do anything for me…as a woman, but I feel like I can't just sit him down and tell him that since it's never come up. I guess I'll just have to wait and see…and hope for the best." Wildman sighed heavily and informed, "That's the hardest part about all this…knowing what's best…what's best for Naomi."

Seven stopped their movement and stated, "Although I do not have any practical experience with this, I have done significant research on the subject of child-rearing, and it is clearly stated in the various journals I have read that parents should resist the urge to remain together for the sake of their children when they are not content because their offspring can sense that event, even if they are too young to understand it completely. Therefore, you can extrapolate from that data that it is not wise for you to settle for a relationship that you are not fulfilled by simply because that individual is helpful to your child. Naomi Wildman may not comprehend all of this, however, I am certain that she wishes you to be 'happy' and I know that as long as she has you as her mother, she will continue to flourish. I do not know if you are aware of this, but she has recently been inquiring me as to why no one 'loves' you as I love Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres. Therefore, that suggests that she does not believe Mister Neelix 'loves' you…in 'that way,' and I know from experience and research that children are highly perspective as to behavior that occurs around them."

When the sound of music began to sound in the distance, Samantha urged Seven to start back since even though she appreciated the Borg's advice and time, she didn't want to keep Seven from her party, and said, "I guess you're right. I don't know…I'm just going to have think about this a little more…I just don't want to be selfish. It's hard to know what's being selfish, and what's being a good parent."

"I would agree with that statement," Seven replied easily. "That is an ongoing theme of many parenting journals. I believe, however, if your intentions are just and you are honest from the beginning, that you are being a good parent. I do not believe the fact that you wish to have a 'girlfriend' and someone to express an instinctual need of your humanity with in private makes you a 'bad' parent. If you were attempting to become involved with Lieutenant Paris, I would be concerned," when Samantha laughed and then shook her head, clearly not interested in the man, who although was handsome, was simply not responsible enough in her eyes, she smirked, and went on, "but I believe Nick Fowler is a sufficient choice. She is respected, successful, intelligent, talented, responsible, not adverse to the company of children, and you find her aesthetically pleasing. I cannot be certain, and I have not discussed this with her, but I believe Kathryn would concur, and she is wiser to these aspects of humanity than I am." To clarify, she looked over and added, "I told you that because I know that you respect her opinion, but that you would not feel comfortable discussing such matters with your commanding officer."

Snickering, Samantha shook her head and said as they started around the bend and the gathering area came into sight, "No…I think I'd fall all over myself in nervousness. Although," Samantha added, squeezing Seven's hand slightly, "I don't feel nearly as uncomfortable around her now…thanks to you." Smiling, she went on, "By the way, I think you two make the cutest couple I've ever seen. Oh," bringing her hand to her chest, wistfully, "and when you came in and kissed her like that…I thought I was going to cry…that was so sweet. Why did you do that…did you plan on it…or did you just see her looking as cute as she does today and couldn't resist?"

Seven of Nine smiled brightly and informed, "There are several reasons…some of which I cannot divulge, however, she gave me a 'poem' that she composed herself as a birthday present, and left it in her Ready Room for me, as part of her 'plan' to surprise me with this 'party.'" Seven sighed for a moment, and then said softer, "It was perfection, and after I read it, I was required to embrace her in the manner in which I did. I had to wait several minutes before I could complete my objective, which is why I was focused as I was when I arrived." Then smiling brighter as they started toward the group and Kathryn, who was still wearing her swimsuit but also had her skirt and belt on, could be seen dancing to a style of music Seven knew now was designated as Country with Nicole Fowler, Seven added, "The fact that she looks exceptionally beautiful today was also a factor, however, there has never been a time when I thought that she was not beautiful, but I am enjoying her current attire."

Samantha smiled and said slowing their pace down, "You know, I honestly had no idea she was so…pretty…and petite…my word, she's just a little-bitty thing." Wildman shook her head and added, "I guess it's that whole captain thing…it's just hard to see her as anything else than the boss sometimes." Looking over at Seven, she went on, squeezing her hand, "Please don't ever tell her I told you this…but I think she's just the sweetest thing. Naomi tells me all about the stuff they do, and how she sometimes takes her to the holodeck during their time and they play with clay and paint, or how sometimes they just sit and talk the whole time." As Seven smiled happily, she informed, "She's going to be the most wonderful mother someday, Seven…take my word for it." When Seven sighed and nodded, smiling brightly, Sam finally saw the truth, the real, undeniable truth that she knew was there, but was sometimes hard to see since Seven could be so logical and the captain could be so professional, and remarked, squeezing her hand again, "You really do love her, don't you?"

"I love Kathryn more than those words can ever express. She is the universe in which I dwell." Then stopping, she leaned down, hugged Samantha and stated after she pulled away and placed her hands behind her back, "Thank you for walking with me and for attending this gathering on my birthday. I am pleased that we have bonded, and I know Kathryn will be equally pleased. She regards you highly, and I will not divulge the context of our private discussion…on my honor."

When she heard Torres yell as she stomped toward the blondes, "Dollface, get your skinny, Borg bootie over here so you can blow out your candles and have some cake already! What kind of party do you think this is," Seven smiled and informed as they turned and started to walk again, "I also love B'Elanna Torres for many reasons…one of them being that I find her demeanor humorous." Raising her eyebrow, she informed, "We will undoubtedly be exposed to several of her preferred methods to express her individuality once Naomi Wildman is required to regenerate." Then thinking about that, she queried, "Will you be required to depart at that time?"

Wildman shook her head and informed, "Susan Resse's coming by at 2100 hours to take her home and watch her until midnight…so I can stay 'til then."

Happy with that, Seven remarked as she caught Fowler eyeing Samantha before she turned away and reached for her beer, "I believe Nick Fowler will be pleased by that information." When B'Elanna took a running leap for her, growling playfully and smiling, Seven caught her easily and stated, "B'Elanna Torres, you are required to kiss me…comply."

"Happy birthday, dear Seven…happy birthday to you…"

Standing in front of the absurdly huge circular cake that was frosted in a shinny blue icing and was topped with twenty-eight burning candles, Seven of Nine placed her hands behind her back and did her best not to expel air in humor at her redheaded lover's quiet and out of tune addition to the melody of voices singing to her, finding it 'cute' that someone who had such an appealing speaking voice couldn't sing such a simple song without going off key, but was warmed that Kathryn sang along despite that fact, since Seven was aware that Janeway never sang, and only hummed every now and then due to her lack of precision in that arena. When the song was finished, and everyone nodded at her, Seven did as she was instructed by the captain prior to the beginning of the song. Closing her eyes, Seven said in her head, having processed through her various wishes and determining this one the most important, "I wish for Kathryn to sleep through this night without nightmares," then opened her eyes, inhaled as much as she could, determined to blow out each candle in one breath to allow for her wish to come true, and in an impressive display of her lung capacity, she did just that. When everyone cheered and clapped, Seven sighed and stated as the cheers died down and Janeway hugged her, "It is a relief that I was able to complete that task successfully." Squeezing Janeway tightly to her chest and kissing the top of her head, Seven waited for the captain to lift her head and request a kiss, which she knew would happen, and when the redhead acted typically, Seven whispered before their lips connected, "You are my sunshine."

After Seven kissed her so sweetly, the gesture alone bringing tears to her eyes, Janeway wrapped her arms around Seven's neck and whispered back, "Oh, I love you, darling…you're my smile…thank you." Then pulling away, she sniffled once, kept back her tears, smiled brightly and said, "Okay, everyone…bring out the presents," holding up her finger, she added, chuckling, "but you have to explain their function."

As everyone went over to the cargo container and pulled out their presents, Torres taking care of Seven's other present from them, Kathryn slid up next to Devin and whispered, turning her back on them all and wiping her eyes quickly, "I'm never going to make it through this night…I think she's on a personal mission to say and do the sweetest things she can think of." Sighing, she turned to Devin and informed, "And let me tell you, she's never out of ideas." Kathryn took a quick breath, settled herself, turned around smiling, snatched up B'Elanna's beer, took a healthy swig and focused all of her energy on not balling like a baby in front of her crew, and breaking her father's rule about letting her crew see her cry.

Since Tom Paris had given up a significant portion of his free time in the last two weeks to build this holoprogram, he went first, handing Seven a PADD that contained an authorization to deduct three of his precious holodeck hours from his monthly allotment to use however she wished. After thanking him as graciously as she could manage, which wasn't nearly as cool as most everyone knew she could be, she opened a simply wrapped box from Harry Kim. Comfortable with the idea of opening presents, Seven didn't need any further direction, and pulling away the tissue paper, Seven quirked her eyebrow in curiosity as she pulled out a strange looking item. Upon further inspection, she realized it was a hairclip that was intricately decorated, pleasingly so, with Borg hardware, most likely from the containers of Borg junk they kept in the Cargo Bay in case they ever needed it to repair Seven's alcove or some of the still Borg enhanced systems on the intrepid class starship that Janeway had ordered to remain since they increased efficiency. After thanking the young ensign, Seven turned to Kathryn and stated, holding up the present, "It is a hairclip…constructed from Borg components." Smiling, she added, "It is 'pretty.'"

Janeway was fairly certain Seven of Nine was the only person who would use such a term to describe Borg hardware, but Kathryn had to admit that even though she would never wear such a thing, it had Seven's name written all over it, and because of that, she knew she'd love seeing it on her cybernetic Astrometrics officer. Patting Harry Kim on the back as he came over to stand beside her, the captain asked, "That's very creative, Harry…did you make that yourself?" knowing that he most likely slaved over it for hours, since it was still clear by his reactions to Seven that he still had a slight crush on her, but hoping to make him more comfortable, finding it rather hilarious that she would attempt to console someone who carried a torch for a woman she loved more than life itself.

As Kim informed the captain how he had put the clip together, Seven accepted another gift, this one from Wang. After opening the large box, Seven's eyes widened quite a bit as she pulled out a crisp, black, silk kimono with a golden stitched picture of a rising sun. Nodding to Wang, bowing slightly, Seven spoke in Japanese, "Doomo arigato, Wang san (Thank you, Mister Wang)."

"Itashimashite, Shichi san (You're welcome, Miss Seven)," Samuel replied nodding as well.

Slapping Wang on the back as she handed her present to Seven, Fowler said, "Not bad, Sammy." Then looking over at Seven, she added, "That's a real nice one, Seven…much better than mine." When Wang rallied with, "I didn't think they made kimonos in your size, Nick," Fowler pulled him into a head lock and said, "Ha ha, very funny…shrimp."

As everyone snickered while Fowler and Wang play fought, Seven gamely opened her next present, finding this process highly enjoyable now that she was starting to see the appeal of having 'stuff', and when she opened the box and read the message in big, bold, black letters on the front of a simple tank top, the gesture caught the ex-drone off guard and before she knew what was happening, she was laughing out loud, just once, but it was a definite laugh. Since an outburst like that had only happened once when Kathryn was applying lotion to her abdomen and tickled her, Seven brought her hand to her mouth as everyone grew silent in shock. Looking up at Torres, she took her hand away and stated, "B'Elanna Torres, I have laughed again." When everyone busted out in hysterics at that, and then Torres managed to ask what was so funny, Seven reached into the box and held up the tank top her chest that simply read, "Back off: I am Borg."

While everyone laughed heartily at that again, Fowler came up to Seven and explained, putting her arm around her, "I thought you could wear it whenever you're feeling 'displeased,' or kicking my butt in the ring."

Seven cocked her eyebrow, and stated evenly, "I will comply." Then nodding to her as Fowler chuckled and patted her on the back, she offered, "Thank you, Nick Fowler. I believe I will get a great deal of use out of this."

"Just do me a favor," Fowler came back, backing away, holding up her hands in mercy, "and don't rearrange my face…I'm kind of used to it."

After opening Chakotay's present which was a piece of buckskin so she could start building her very own medicine bundle since she had expressed interest in exploring spirituality, then Samantha's present that was a small, simply, but beautifully carved cedar box, in which the scientist informed she could put in the bathroom to hold her hair clips and other small things, and next Commander Tuvok's, who had joined the party only for a short time to send his well wishes and give his offering, a traditional Vulcan meditation lamp, Seven accepted the colorfully wrapped package from Naomi, smiling. When she received a picture, drawn by Naomi, that depicted herself and the child holding hands underneath a tree, next to the water, Seven smiled down at Naomi and said, "Thank you, Naomi Wildman. It is impressive, and I will display it near my alcove, so that when I am required to regenerate I can see if before and after my cycle."

Stepping up, Torres informed, "Okay dollface, last one…this one's from me and Red."

Seven set down the drawing of Naomi's and took the box that was similar in shape and size as the present Kathryn had given her in the morning. Tearing through the paper quickly with her enhanced hand, excited by what she would find inside because no matter what gifts she received today, Janeway's were simply the best, Seven hurriedly opened the box as Kathryn inwardly steeled herself for the reaction she knew was coming. When she pulled back the wrapping paper and another picture stared back at her, this one of Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres, and the look on Janeway's face was the one that the Klingon always evoked from the redhead, and it being absolutely one of her favorites, not to mention Torres looked as adorable as she ever had in her fussed state, Seven picked up the picture and said to Janeway while she continue to examine the entire offering, "You have given me another picture." Looking up at Torres, she informed, "I now have two pictures." Smiling brightly, she returned her sights to the holoimage as she came around the table and put her arm around B'Elanna, and then stated, "It is perfection as well. I find you especially 'cute' in this picture. Thank you. " Hugging and then kissing B'Elanna, she handed it to the Klingon and requested, "Please show this to everyone for me…I must speak with Kathryn."

As Seven turned around to her and smiled brightly, Janeway mumbled, "Here it comes," and held her breath as the blonde stepped up to her, picked her up and hugged her tightly. Kathryn wrapped her arms around Seven, buried her face in Seven's neck and took one deep breath after the other in her desperate attempt to remain dry-eyed.

Sensing Kathryn's unease, Seven merely said, "Thank you, Kathryn. I love my picture." Then releasing the captain, Seven leaned down, kissed her quickly and reported, smiling, "The unique expression that B'Elanna Torres elicits from you is captured in it."

The captain sighed, rolling her eyes and shaking her head, pressing her head back to Seven's shoulder in exhaustion for the desperate fight she had put up all day to remain composed, and said, "Well, you can thank my very helpful assistant again. She took that one all by herself."

After Janeway and Seven were done embracing and once Seven thanked Naomi for taking such a good picture, Devin stepped up to Seven and said, "Seven of Nine, my gift still awaits you…however, privacy is required." Putting her arm around the Borg, she continued, "Come, let us tread to the waterside for a length." Once they were to the edge of the lake, Devin took the thin, silver ring she was wearing on her pinky, that was similar to the one she always wore on her index finger, only slightly smaller and said, "This was my daughter's defenders ring. The engraving reads, 'Courage, Sacrifice, Vision, Truth.' Take this for your Kathryn. It is meant to dwell with her now. Give that to her when you feel the moment has come to make such an offering. Chakotay has detailed to me enough of her culture that I know such an offering signifies commitment."

As Seven took the ring and nodded, not arguing, Devin smiled, grateful and went on as she put her hand on Seven's shoulder and urged her to turn around to face the water with her back to the gathering, "I know not all that troubles that child, nor will I inquire, but listen to me when I say that she is haunted like I've never detailed before. She's detailed me none of this, you know, but," looking over at Seven, she smiled, "when you are as aged as I am, my child, you learn to know some things just by looking into someone's eyes…although, with that one, it is not a task to detail, in the least. The Borg have given you this gift in your youth…trust what you know, what you see her doing, and keep her near you because the demon hounds her relentless, and I'm afraid he might have swallowed her whole if you were not with her. So, right now he takes her bit by bit, but in the finish, it's the same truth…he'll have her all." Turning back to Seven, she added, "I don't mean to terrify you on this honored cycle, my child, but I know where your duty lies at this length…within that one, it does…it is clear in your amble."

Seven nodded one, absolutely serious and said, "That is correct. I am uncertain how to assist Kathryn with her 'demon,' however. What are your instructions?"

Devin lifted one bony finger and stated, "It is not as taxing to let him in, as it is to expel him…this I can detail from experience. That child dwells in yesterday…even when she ponders tomorrow, it is through the mind of the past. Stubbornness is her vice and her virtue. This has kept the demon at bay, but the same will keep him within. Show her that the courage it takes to look to tomorrow with a babe's eyes, is more than the courage it takes to be as a relic. A new cycle waits for her; she only has to believe she is worthy. This is her curse, you see…she feels worth in her worthlessness." Urging Seven back toward the gathering, she went on, "This is the curse of many firsts. In a twinkling of an eye, monumentous decisions we carve that touch many, but rest on our shoulders alone. This kingdom she has molded here is majestic and benign to hers, but it's a cancer to its creator…but only because she continues to see it through the past. A life she desires, freedom she requires, but will not have it until she lets that go."

Stopping their forward movement, Seven asked, "Then you believe for Kathryn to be free from her 'demon,' she has to adapt to the situation as it is now, and not how she wishes it to be, or believes how Starfleet would demand that it be." When Devin smiled and nodded, Seven cocked and eyebrow and went on, continuing to walk again, "That will not be an 'easy' task to accomplish. Kathryn clings to those ideals tightly. I believe she does this so she will not become 'complacent,' as she sees it. Those ideals make her suffer, which she believes she should until she has returned this crew. There is also the fact that the majority of this crew is Starfleet, and that is what they are accustomed to."

"No great change is required…you misunderstand. Only a change in her eyes of what she details. She fears on this cycle to weep in joy for your steps into her realm of knowing, so she is tainting this memory in her mind by fighting it. One says she is weak to weep, the other says she is weak to not…you see?"

"Yes, and you are correct," Seven came back quickly. "You believe that nothing has to change, except how she sees the events around her." Nodding adamantly, Seven went on, "I have made note of this myself, and she and I have had several discussions regarding similar subject matter. She fears her crew's companionship. She believes if she lets them see her as an individual, as a human, then they will not be able to function. I do not agree with her in this case because of Voyager's unique situation, and she is aware of that, but she is resistant. Even though I see her adapting slowly, I am not certain she believes what she is doing is correct. I believe that is the 'trouble.' She must believe what she does is for the better of her Collective before she will believe it for herself." Looking over at Devin, she finished, "She is a true matriarch. This is one reason I admire and love her as I do, but this attribute also makes her complicated."

"My child, if she were not complicated, you would not be intrigued."

The Borg stopped again and finished, "I will heed your words, First Regal, and I will continue to ponder this situation. Thank you for your insight and for this offering. I am not certain when the time will be for me to give this to her, but I am certain it will 'come to me.'" Then smiling, she said, "I believe it is time for the birthday cake. B'Elanna Torres had just informed Kathryn that if we do not return soon, she will not wait to partake in the desert."

Clicking as she laughed, Devin raised her arms wide as she spoke and remarked, "Spirits! You have a chaotic bunch of mates, Seven of Nine…a joy it is to watch you three tread through your differences…but envy your task to dowse those eruptions of wills," pointing to B'Elanna and Kathryn, who were mumbling to each other, the captain telling Torres she would do no such thing and that whenever Seven was ready, that's when they would cut the cake, and Torres coming back inquiring about what kind of birthday party was this anyway, "I do not."

After the birthday cake in which it seemed that Seven of Nine, Nicole Fowler, B'Elanna Torres, Tom Paris and Chakotay tried to outdo each other in the absurdly large piece contest until Samantha Wildman and Kathryn Janeway began to turn green just from watching them shovel away the gigantic amount of desert, everyone pitched in to move the picnic table back, pick up the mess they had made, laid out a large blanket, and settled some of the chairs in front of the small music stage. While Fowler and Torres warmed up and joked around in their arena, everyone else settled in for the show, except Tuvok, who had only stayed long enough to pay his respects, give Seven her present and have a very small piece of birthday cake while he conversed with Devin and did his best to engage in small talk and keep the conversation away from business.

Devin and Chakotay took up two of the lounge chairs off to the left of the blanket, Seven of Nine and Kathryn decided to sit on the blanket, next to the commanders, but Seven was pleased when Janeway allowed her to plant the compact captain between her legs and recline slightly back against the cargo container that contained all of her presents. Before she had put them away, the blonde had quickly slipped the ring the Fynth had given her into the small wooden box Wildman had given her, knowing that was as good a hiding place as any because Janeway was not a snoop, and never went through the few things Seven had unless she asked first. As Kathryn relaxed against her chest while she sipped her iced tea, Seven wrapped her arms around Janeway's chest, pulling in her in tight and whispered into her ear after she kissed her temple, "I am enjoying this day's activities, my Kathryn. Thank you for not 'giving up' on me in your attempts to introduce me to this tradition. I am glad I finally 'saw the forest for the trees.'"

Chuckling softly and smiling, as she always did whenever Seven used a phrase correctly, Kathryn turned her head and looked up slightly, and requested, unable to help herself, despite the voice in her head that said she had engaged in far too many public displays of affection for one day and that she was just "one big, fat contradiction," whispering, "Kiss me." After her Borg did so while the Wildman's, Wang, and Neelix, settled down next to them on their right and Paris, Kim, and the Delaney sisters came to a rest to the right of them, Kathryn whispered again, "Mmm…thank you, darling. I'm glad you're having a good time." Smiling brightly, she winked and remarked, "You really made out this year, huh?" Glancing over to Wang, she added, "That kimono is gorgeous…that was awfully nice of him."

Seven of Nine nodded and said as the warming up got louder and more chaotic on the stage, and it seemed that Fowler and Torres were preparing to 'tear shit up,' as they liked to refer to that type of rowdy behavior, "He is a 'nice' individual. He and I have conversed at length about his culture and I find it admirable and intriguing, especially their emphasis on rituals and honoring ancestors and elders." Smiling some as Janeway got that look in her eye that she always did whenever Seven started rambling about something new she had learned, the Borg abbreviated her discussion since it seemed that the music was about to begin and finished, "I have read several 'proverbs' since then that are technically considered Chinese, but are embraced by most Asian cultures, including the Japanese, as is the pictograph form of written language, Kanji, and even though I do not understand all of them in their context, I find them admirable since their function is to set guidelines to obtain perfection, as the ancestors saw it." When Janeway chuckled as her eyes twinkled and she smiled, Seven cocked her eyebrow and stated, rather than asked, "You are finding me 'charmingly pedantic' at this time. This event also evokes a unique expression on your face, which you are demonstrating at this moment."

Snickering, Kathryn rubbed her nose against Seven's cleft chin softly and replied, "That is correct." Then turning around to the front and settling back in, she asked, "Any idea what they're going to play tonight?"

"They have several songs which they 'play' whenever they 'goof around;' however, I do not know what their 'set list' consists of for this evening." Then raising her eyebrow, she stated, "However, I will request a specific song before the end of their 'routine.' It is my favorite song, next to You Are My Sunshine, and Nick Fowler plays it exceptionally well."

Turning around again, Kathryn queried, smiling slightly, "That's not the first time you've called her that tonight. Does that mean what I think it means?"

Seven nodded once and replied plainly, "That is her preferred designation, and I have adapted." When Kathryn smiled softly and proud of Seven, she went on quickly as Fowler stepped up to the microphone, "She is acceptable."

"Worthy of assimilation?" Kathryn questioned, smirking, knowing that such an event, although unwanted, was considered a compliment by the Borg.

"That is correct."

Nicole Fowler stepped up the right microphone, brushing her flowing, long, straight, light brown hair off her muscled and slightly tanned shoulders, that were naturally so, and said while she moved her twelve string guitar down to hang at her side and stuck several picks into the microphone's pole where she could grab a new one at any time in case the one she was using broke or became too pliable, "Okay, folks…Torres is passing around a PADD that has a list of all of the songs I know. The one's in red are songs that we plan to play tonight, the ones in blue are songs that she also knows and can sing along with me…so, if there's something specific you want to hear, or just feel like pressing your luck, go ahead a pick out one or two and we'll try to fit them all in." As B'Elanna jumped off the stage and handed the PADD to Harry Kim, then took a seat next to Janeway and Seven, snatched up Naomi and set her in her lap, tickling her slightly, Fowler reported, "I'm gonna start things off tonight…which will give me a chance to warm up a little before fancy feet gets up here and makes me work for it, and feel free to dance and sing along…especially you, little miss." When everyone laughed, Nicole nodded, and said, "Of course, I can't play all the parts on these songs, so instead of programming holocharacters to back us up, we've just made a few modifications to the original tracks, so we can have a real rock concert effect. Okay, this one's always been one of my favorites since I'm from Louisiana. It's called Down at the Twist and Shout…and if you laugh at me, Torres, I'll whoop your butt good this time."

About a half an hour later after Nicole and expertly warmed up herself, and the small crowd until they were all clapping along, smiling and cheering her and Naomi who continued to dance in the sand in front of the stage with a series of fun, easy, feel-good folk songs, she set down her twelve string guitar, pointed down to Torres who jumped up and bounded to the stage and explained, "Okay folks…now the real fun begins." Looking over to B'Elanna who was adjusting the microphone, she asked, "You ready to rock?"

Smiling, Torres pointed to her chest and reminded, "I'm a Klingon, Nick…we rock better than anyone." Then looking out to the crowd, she went on, "First Regal, that stuff Nick was playing before…that wasn't real music…this is real music." When Nick and Kathryn rolled their eyes, she pointed to Seven of Nine, who was still sitting with her arms around Janeway and reported, "This one's for you, dollface…it's called Real World." Then looking over at Fowler, she nodded as Fowler flipped the switch on her guitar to the electric setting, played a quick riff to test out the volume, and said, "Let's do it."

I wonder what it's like to be a superhero," smiling, as she sang that and Kathryn, Seven, Paris, and Chakotay all laughed since they all knew Torres' penchant for old, superhero comic books, she went on, animated and doing her best superhero stance as she sang:

"I wonder where I'd go if I could fly around downtown…yea
From some other planet, I get this funky high on a yellow sun
Boy, I bet my friends would all be stunned…they're stunned…"

Now singing directly at her blonde girlfriend, she pointed as she rallied, while Fowler backed her up on the vocals and smiled at her ham of a friend:

"Straight up, what did you hope to learn about here
If I were someone else, would this all fall apart
Strange, where were you, when we started this gig
I wish the real world would just stop hassling me
And you, and you, and me…"

Now pointing to Kathryn, she stood with her hands on her hips, and did her best Janeway impression, making sure to lift her chin slightly, and went on:

"I wonder what it's like to be the head honcho
I wonder what I'd do if they all did just what I said."

When everyone laughed, the captain clapping her hands in response for getting the 'Janeway look' down fairly well, she smiled, continuing her mimicking as she pointed in a warning, commanding way, and sang:

"I'd shout out an order, I think we're out of this man, get me some
Boy, don't make me wanna change my tone…my tone…yeaaaaa."

(chorus)

Singing again only to Seven, she became herself again as Nicole jammed on the electric guitar over the accompanying music coming through the speakers, and begged as she said:

"Please don't change, please don't break
'Cause the only thing that seems to work around here is you
Please don't change at all for me
To you and you to me…"

After the chief's first of many songs was over and Devin stood up, cheering B'Elanna's passion, the Klingon laughed, jumped up and howled her success with a rowdy "Qapla'" since she had won over the Fynth who had never heard music before tonight, they took a small break while Ensign Resse entered the holodeck to pick up Naomi and take the child home for the evening. Once Naomi left the stage after saying good bye to Nicole and herself, B'Elanna headed over to the drumset where Fowler was sitting, since due to the next few songs that had been selected, she preferred to play percussion since the electric guitar wasn't her tour de force, the tall pilot more schooled in the ways of classic, acoustic guitar picking, and asked quietly, "So, it looks like she's staying…what are you gonna do?"

Fowler chuckled once, shook her head and whispered, "I don't know, honestly. Something tells me she's been thinking about this for a little while." Looking over at B'Elanna, she admitted, "I didn't really expect her to be so interested right away…I know I have my moments, but I'm not that smooth."

"Don't sell yourself short, slick," Torres winked, patting Fowler's shoulder. "But I think you're right as far as she's thinking about you." Smiling devilishly, B'Elanna stole a quick glance over her shoulder, admired Samantha's bikini top which she had yet to attempt to cover with something less revealing, although it wasn't like they all weren't running around in similar attire, and added, turning back around, "Nice pick, by the way…so, what are you going to do if she wants to go home with you?"

Fowler pursed her lips and said, "I highly doubt that's going to happen, but thanks for the vote of confidence."

"I don't know," B'Elanna came right back. "Don't tell me you didn't see the smile on her face when you were jamming." Smacking her best friend's arm, she added, "Don't think I don't know you know you're hot." When Fowler laughed and then gave her thanks, the engineer said, "Just don't be surprised…that's all I'm saying. Trust me on this one…she wants you…big time."

"Well, don't get me wrong," Fowler whispered as Torres moved in front of her to block anyone from seeing or overhearing their conversation as background music played during the break and while everyone mingled for a spell and refilled their drinks and Seven of Nine shared yet another piece of cake with Janeway, "I wouldn't mind going a few rounds with her either, but that's not going to happen tonight. She's got a kid…and I have to make sure we're on the same page...and I doubt we'll be having that discussion tonight. I don't just want her for her body, but I'm not looking for anything other than a ladyfriend either. I think she's real nice, and her kid's a hoot…so I'm not going to let anything like that happen until we're clear."

"I could be wrong," B'Elanna returned, "but that look on her face wasn't saying 'love me'…it was saying 'do me.'" When Fowler threw her head back in laughter, slapped her knee and told Torres that she was absolutely a riot, she replied, "Hey, just call it like I see it…besides, I've got some experience with those type of looks."

"Oh really?" Nick replied, raising her eyebrows.

"That's right," Torres nodded, turned around, walking away and pointing at her back where her scratches were no longer visible but she knew Nicole would get the point, which caused Fowler to laugh again and play a rim shot on the drum set.

On her feet and clapping as the small group around her rallied loudly, whistling, cheering, and basically making as much noise as they could at the end of the live entertainment portion of the evening which was beginning to ease down, as Fowler stood up from behind the drumset while Torres, who had completely let loose during the song, resorting to howling and punching the air where she bounced and yelled out the chaotic, angst riddled, and sometimes profane lyrics, which everyone agreed only B'Elanna could pull off without offending, while Nicole demonstrated her impressive rhythm and arm speed, smiled as she pointed to Nicole and clapped, Seven of Nine left Kathryn's side, climbed up on the stage and asked as Nicole wiped the small amount of sweat from her brow after three rousing rock songs in a row, "Nick Fowler, would you be agreeable to playing Devotion at this time? If you are too fatigued, I understand."

Smiling, Fowler asked, "Will you sing with me?"

"Yes," Seven nodded, then informed quietly, "I wish to sing it for Kathryn in thanks for the effort she has put into this day on my behalf. Do you believe she will like it?"

"Are you kiddin'...she'll love it…trust me." Patting Seven on the back, she said, "Just let me go wet my whistle and take a small breather."

After leaving Seven's side, Fowler bounced off the stage and quickly made her way over to the group that was waiting for her, all of the hovering around the beverage cooler since even though the 'sun' had set, Paris had obvious programmed the environmental controls to keep it warm, most likely so the woman wouldn't get cold and cover up their bodies, she was sure…although, it wasn't like she was complaining, but would probably only admit to Torres, other than herself, that she was enjoying the rare opportunity to see Samantha and Kathryn walk around in their shirts and bikini tops.

Since she was on the Elite Force with Torres and Seven, she was more than knowing as to what their bodies looked like, and even though she thought they both were especially beautiful, they were her pals, and she just didn't think of them in a sexual manner. Of course, Fowler was also aware of what the captain looked like without apparel, but considering the highly unfortunate circumstances of that incident, and the fact that she had been beat over the head and killed someone just prior to that, although it had just been an advanced hologram, she was never able to think of that as anything but something she just wanted to forget completely, and she certainly wasn't the type to take any pleasure out of that knowledge. However, since she had gotten to know her commanding officer, and especially after the 'work' they did at Burnhouse, Nick finally got over her unease with seeing her captain as a woman, and furthermore a sexual being, and even though they were simply just friends, she rather enjoyed the knowing that Janeway wasn't afraid to be a real person around her and that it was understood between them that they both thought the other was highly attractive, and that part of their friendship was based on their mutual compliments, and their attempts to support and maintain each other's self esteem in a life where personal time and thus pleasures where few and far between most often. Excusing herself past the captain, having to move the slight redhead over just a tad so she could bend down and grab a beer, she easily twisted off the top, flipped it into the waste cargo container that would be recycled into the replicator system later, and remarked after sipping the brew and putting her arm around the captain, as B'Elanna talked to Chakotay and Devin who was enthralled by the whole experience, "Miss Kate, I think fancy feet had a little too much cake tonight."

Laughing, Janeway poked Fowler in the stomach and replied, "She's not the only one. I'm surprised you didn't break a whole in each of those drums." The patting her stomach, she pulled away so she could stand in front of her and offered, "You were really terrific." Shaking her head, she added, "Like I said before…I don't know how you do it, but thank you. Live music is always so much better." Glancing up on the stage where Seven was standing next to the drumset by herself and holding the snare drum in her hands while tapping on it as she looked at the bottom, inquisitively, obviously trying to figure out how it worked, exactly, Janeway chuckled and informed, "Well, you definitely impressed Seven. She really loves music…this was perfect."

Taking a quick sip, she handed the beer to Janeway and said, "Well, thanks, but we've got one more song to do…hold this for me, please." Then before the captain could inquire, Fowler moved past Samantha who had been making her way toward her after taking to Paris and the others, winked at her, then jumped on the stage and said, "Okay, dollface…let's do it." Pulling up a stool, she instructed Seven to move B'Elanna's microphone over right next to her since this song was better performed in close proximity. After adjusting her microphone height since she was lower than Seven now that she was perched on a stool, and helping Seven raise hers to the appropriate height so she could stand behind Fowler, and slightly to her right side, just behind the neck of her guitar, Fowler asked quietly as everyone turned their attention to the stage again, "Do you want me to talk…or do you?"

"You may 'do the honors,'" Seven replied quickly, feeling slightly nervous all of the sudden.

Sensing that, Fowler said over her shoulder, "Don't worry…you'll do fine. You're Borg, remember?" When Seven sighed and nodded, Nick bobbed her head once in reassurance, knowing that Seven would do more than fine now that she had the hang of the style of music and didn't object to using contractions while singing the lyrics to a song, Fowler said into the microphone, "Okay folks…we've got one more for you tonight. This one's a real special treat for me because not only is it one of my favorite songs, but I finally found someone who can sing the harmony…perfectly, at that." When everyone chuckled, Fowler smiled and added, "This one's called Devotion and it goes out to someone named…Kathryn?"

Smiling and laughing, Fowler shook her head, tapped her foot and began strumming her guitar after she verbally queried the computer to play the selection and accompany them with only percussion and rhythm guitar, Fowler always preferring to play the more technically challenging lead, especially when she played her twelve string, which she was doing now.

When a death hush fell over the group who had been laughing and talking freely during a majority of the other musical numbers, Fowler's easy way bringing that familiarity out of everyone without them even knowing it, Seven placed her right hand on Nicole's shoulder as the brunette started singing, adding a good deal of her naturally southern twang to her sound of her words and pronunciation, to help steady herself, and swallowing quickly, Seven took a deep breath and began harmonizing at the appropriate part, closing her eyes after a few beats without thinking about it. Then opening them again after a few bars and glancing over at Torres, who was now standing behind Kathryn, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her head on her shoulder, smiling at her, Seven continued to sing her part, changing the inflections of her voice to match the folk style, and finally let her gaze fall upon Janeway's face. When an enormous, true, trademark Janeway smile met her eyes, Seven couldn't help but smile too while she sang, and before she knew what she was doing, she was steadily tapping her foot and rocking her shoulders and hips slightly along with Fowler who looked to be having the time of her life, which came out quite clear through her happy finger picking and small, dialect driven laugh, then the happy, high hum in the back of her throat as the lyrics ended and she finished the song.

Once the song ended and everyone cheered just as loudly as they had before even though the song was much more subdued than the previous, Seven was uncertain how to act, so she took her cues from Fowler, but when the tall pilot quickly hopped off the stool, set her guitar down, then came up to her, wrapped one arm around her, pulling her into a semi-hug while she pointed at the blonde with her other hand and cheered her on, laughing, Seven finally looked over at Fowler and questioned, "How do I proceed?"

Chuckling, Nicole leaned over and whispered, "Just nod your head, say thanks, and then go give your girls big, fat kisses before they beat you to it."

Seven smirked at that, then did as was required, nodding her head, saying, "Thank you," evenly, then jumped down from the stage where she was promptly met by B'Elanna Torres, who acted typically by jumping up and latching onto the Borg. Holding Torres up easily, Seven kissed her purposefully for several seconds while everyone, even Tom Paris, laughed and clapped. When they stopped kissing and B'Elanna informed her that she was "Great! Even if it was cowgirl music," Seven smiled and replied, setting her down, "Thank you, B'Elanna Torres…for…everything. I believe I love you."

Hugging Seven tightly, Torres mumbled, "I love you too, kid…happy birthday." Then easing up on the vice grip hug, she whispered, "Okay, now go say hi to Red before she starts that mushy stuff."

"I heard that, B'Elanna," informed the captain as she came up to them and slipped her arm around B'Elanna's waist. Kissing Torres quickly on the chin as Seven stood right in front of them, Janeway said looking up, "Darling, that was wonderful…really wonderful…thank you."

"You are welcome, my Kathryn," Seven said as she leaned over, pulled both of them back into a hug and kissed Janeway sweetly over Torres' shoulder. The Klingon was firmly trapped in the middle during the entire embrace, but she certainly didn't complain, thinking to be stuck between Seven and Kathryn as they kissed was just about as good as it got in life. When she heard Fowler teasing her about being stuck in the middle, B'Elanna blinding lifted her hand and flipped Nicole off in the general direction of the pilot's voice as she hugged Seven while the Borg kissed Kathryn fairly quickly. Immediately after that, she felt Janeway chuckled against her back while Seven pulled away, and when Janeway mumbled an apology about smashing her, Torres whispered back, "Hey, I'm not complaining…I'm the one whose been away for a week."

During the next hour, everyone basically lived it up, ate more cake, drank more beer and various other non-alcoholic beverages, talked, laughed, and danced to the various music selections they picked. About a half hour into that, Paris, Kim and the Delaney sisters left the holodeck, and minutes later, Wang, Neelix, and Devin called it a night. Chakotay had walked the first to the transporter room and authorized the quick exchange, but he returned shortly thereafter, obviously wanting to spend some private time with his friends now that most of the officers were gone, and even though it was never said, other than Samantha, the five other people in the holodeck were the closest out of the senior staff, and felt perfectly comfortable acting as regular people without the need for concern for rank and duty. Since Samantha was there specifically to enjoy Nicole Fowler's company, which she was rather obviously doing, although not distastefully, no one gave her presence any cogitation, and all of them were secretly thinking that if things between the scientist and the pilot continued to go so well, she'd be a regular; that not being a concern either since everyone liked her, and she was Naomi's mother, whom the entire ship now knew was in like flint with the captain.

While the captain selflessly took up a chair next to Chakotay and talked quietly with him, planning to give B'Elanna and Seven the rest of the evening to spend together and have fun, which they were currently doing as they fooled around with Fowler's guitars, Seven of Nine instructing B'Elanna how to hold her hands since the Borg now had all the chords memorized, but could not play the instrument since the mesh in her left hand, which was the hand used to manipulated the strings on the neck, could easily snap them, and would most certainly wear them out. While they did that, Fowler and Wildman continued to dance to various Country songs, both of them being fairly skilled two steppers, in the good captain's opinion since she regarded herself as one.

As the song ended and Fowler dipped Samantha slightly, pulled her back up easily and then sighed, "I don't know about you, but I'm roastin'. I'm gonna go for a dip…wanna come?" When Samantha smiled and untied her long wrap, Fowler looked over her shoulder and said to Torres and Seven, glancing over at the captain and Chakotay first, but since they were huddled together, talking quietly, and looking somewhat serious, although it was clear they weren't talking about business since Janeway's cackle was audible every now and then, she figured they wouldn't want to join them as she asked, "We're going for a midnight swim…wanna come?"

Just starting to get down the three chords she was working on, Torres replied without looking away, "Yea…we'll be there in a sec," then turned to Seven and informed, "Okay, I think it got it this time…"

Looking down at Samantha as they walked toward the water and were covered in quickly in a blanket of moonlit darkness once they were a few meters away from the softly lit gathering area, Fowler elbowed Wildman lightly and said, "I'll race ya?"

"I don't think so," Samantha came back, elbowing Fowler back. "There's no way I can run as fast as you. As tall as you are…you're probably the fastest person on the ship."

Laughing, Nicole informed, "Not even close…I'm not sure, but I think that title is officially the captain's." When Samantha came back unbelieving, Fowler crossed her heart and said, "I shit you not. She can out run Sammy, who can blow me away any day of the week. I think Seven could give her a run for her money, but she's quick…I mean real quick." At the water's edge, Nick tapped Sam's shoulder and said, "Last one in's a rotten egg," and then bounded into the water, diving once the water was deep enough. When she came up to the surface and smoothed her hair back, and saw Samantha slowly making her way toward her with a fairly seductive smile on her face, Fowler glanced around, realizing they were completely secluded, not to mention it was pretty dark, then said, in light of that, "Did I mention that you look real nice tonight?"

"Mmmhmm," Samantha came back, now standing directly in front of Nicole, who was bending her legs in the water so she didn't tower over the blonde as she towered over practically everyone on the ship except for a spare few males. Dipping down some and leaning her head back to wet her hair, clearly giving Fowler an eye-full of her bosom as she pressed back, she added once she came back up and stepped up close to Fowler, "You said that when I came in with Naomi. You look…real nice too, you know?" As Fowler smiled at her and placed her large hands on her hips to hold her steady as she slowly moved them back into deeper water, Samantha went on, wrapping her arms around Nick's neck, and pressing her chest closer to Fowler's again, who was obviously appreciative, "In fact, you look better than real nice, Nick Fowler…although, I'm not sure I know a word to describe how good you look to me right now…but sexy and irresistible are coming to mind."

Swallowing and having to take a quick breath before she either laughed in disbelief that this was happening or the twitching sensation in her hands urged her to be more exploratory in her soft grasp, Fowler continued to smile, and lowering her left hand to Samantha's now dangling legs since only Fowler could touch since the water was to their shoulders, she wrapped Wildman's legs around her waist as she informed, soft and low, "Miss Sam, there's not a whole lot more I want to do right now but kiss you, but I'm not going to do that here because the bosses are right over there, and I'm afraid if I kiss you, I'm not going to want to stop for good long while…and I don't like making me people feel awkward." When Samantha nodded and whispered that that was a very good idea, Fowler swallowed and nodded again, then reported as Samantha hummed thanks to the light stroking Nicole was doing on her back, and pushed her body all the way into the pilot's, resting her head on her shoulder, "Lord, lady…you're burning me up."

Kissing Fowler's shoulder, Samantha chuckled then admitted, "Welcome to my world, Nick Fowler." Moving her lips to Nicole's ear, she continued, "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since that day you passed me in the hall last week and caught me looking back at you." Kissing her cheek next to her ear once, she added, "You're so sexy when you're polite like you were then. Mmm…I loved how you just nodded, smiled and went on your way." When Fowler expelled the air from her lungs in humor, Wildman finished, "I'm very glad I finally had the nerve to look back at you after all of this time."

"So am I," Fowler replied. Then sighing and trying to cool her jets before the afterburners kicked in and she acted in a manner she didn't approve of, Nicole said, "Sam, I'm not going to lie to you. I think you're beautiful, and a real nice, and I'd like very much to take you back to my place for the night to show you that, but I'm not looking for much more than that right now." Sighing again, she urged Samantha to pull away so she could look into her face and said as she brushed her blonde, wet hair from her forehead, "I'm just interested in a ladyfriend that I can spend some time with…I can't be anything more to anyone right now."

Wildman had to laugh, and than allowed, "Oh, thank god." Then pulling Fowler closer to her again, she informed, "Nick Fowler, you've got to be the sweetest thing. Thank you for thinking of me and my interests." Kissing her cheek again quickly, Samantha migrated back to her ear and informed, "I can't go home with you for the night tonight. Susan's has to be on duty at Midnight…but I so want to…and I'm not looking for anything more than that either, I promise." Kissing her around her ear, she whispered, "I think I'd like to be your ladyfriend, Nick Fowler."

"Are you sure, Sam?" Fowler had to ask the younger woman for several reasons. One, she didn't know if Samantha had ever been with a woman, and two, she couldn't ignore that fact that she had a young, impressionable daughter to raise.

"Oh, I'm very, very sure," Samantha came back. "I know what you're thinking…and believe me, I've already thought about all of this ten times over, but I can't keep on like this." Pulling away so she could look at Nicole's face again, she explained, "I'll be thirty this year. This isn't some kind of early mid-life crisis…I just want to feel like a woman again…and not just a mother…and even though I am a mother first and foremost, I don't see anything wrong with spending private time with someone else so I can be a woman too. I just need to be a real person again. Can you understand that?"

Now it was Fowler's turn to laugh, and hugging Samantha tightly, then rubbing her back, she replied, "You took the words right out of my mouth. Hey, would it be okay if I kissed you now? I think I can manage okay." When Wildman pulled her head away and then nodded an affirmation, Fowler brought her hand to the back of Samantha's neck, grazed her temples with her thumb a few times as she looked at her face. Smiling back to Wildman, she finally had to ask, "What are you smiling at?"

"You," Samantha replied. "As my daughter would say…you're so neat." As they both chuckled, she went on, "And I'm smiling because I've never kissed another woman before…not like I want to kiss you…and I'm kind of excited." When she saw the slightest bit of doubt in Fowler's face all of the sudden, Samantha grabbed Nick's neck, pulled up some and kissed her squarely. When she felt the difference immediately, noticing how Fowler's lips and face were softer than anyone else's she had ever kissed, Wildman smiled on the inside, thinking kissing a woman was pretty nice, and then she realized kissing this particular woman was extraordinarily nice when Fowler got over any trepidation about Samantha's lack of experience with women, pulled her in tighter and expertly took control of the kiss until Samantha's head was tilted all the way back and Fowler was leaning slightly forward. Once Nicole moved once of her large, nibble hands to her hip and then down to her thigh that was wrapped around her waist as she urged Sam's mouth open with her tongue and sweetly deepened the kiss, the scientist clutched onto the pilot as a small sound of pleasure escaped her throat and was accepted and then returned with a deeper, although more quiet hum from the pilot.

When she heard Torres and Seven enter the water and then the engineer's snicker, "Hey, dollface look…sucker fish…oh wait, that's Nick," Samantha chuckled as Fowler did the same, and as the pilot pulled away from the kiss and spoke to B'Elanna, Wildman had to blink her eyes a couple of time while she rested against Fowler's chest, who continued to hold her close, pressing one of her hands to her flat chest in the middle, which made Wildman smile since she thought that was absolutely the sweetest thing…for some reason.

"Torres, you're damn lucky I've got a lady in my arms," Fowler warned. When Torres held open her arms, and gestured with her hands, saying, "Bring it, Fowler…and let's see who's had too much cake," Nick laughed at her best friend's never-ending wit, not thinking B'Elanna had heard her say that to the captain, turned to Samantha and said, "If you'll excuse me for a moment…loud mouth needs to be taught a lesson." Then letting Wildman go as she laughed, Fowler turned to Torres and started for her as Seven ignored B'Elanna for the moment and quickly made her way over to Samantha smirking in success for her friend.

Coiling her body as Fowler rose out of the water and started toward her, knowing they wouldn't really hurt each other, but both enjoyed to rough house, and that other than Seven, who wasn't especially fond of wrestling, finding it inefficient as opposed to simply breaking necks, she was the only woman Fowler would wrestle on the ship, and taking that as a huge compliment, Torres snarled then lunged at the pilot's midsection, pushing her shoulder into it and tackling her back into the water. Of course, B'Elanna knew that if they were really fighting, Fowler would have easily deflected that and most likely cracked her over the back with a lethal forearm chop, but since they were playing, she laughed and growled at the same time as they came back up. When Fowler made a move for her, smiling, Torres did her best to fend her off, but it only took less than ten seconds for the highly trained pilot's advanced skills, arm speed, greater strength and enormous reach to give her the upper hand, and as Nicole spun her around, B'Elanna didn't fight it when Fowler picked her by her waist and heaved her all the way over her head, back into the deeper water.

Resurfacing, Torres came up and said, flat, "Okay…you had more cake." Swimming over to Seven quickly, she jumped onto her back, wrapped her feet around the Borg's waist and said, "Hey, Sam…so, you having a good time?"

Nicole came up behind Samantha as the scientist answered that she was having a great time, and said as she wrapped one arm around her waist, "Torres, do us a favor and beat it for a few, huh?"

Sliding off Seven's back, B'Elanna said, "Come on, dollface…let's go over by the peer…Nick wants to play sucker fish again." Then over her shoulder, she added, "Hey, let us know if you wanna go skinny dipping though."

Shaking her head and laughing, Nicole remarked, "That girl is a crazy as they come." Then wrapping her other arm around Samantha's waist as she pulled them back out to deeper water to give them more privacy, although the only person that could see them that wasn't only a few meters away was Seven of Nine, she asked as she kissed Wildman's cheek and after she hooked one of Samantha's arms around her neck since the blonde couldn't touch anymore, "Do you want to have dinner with me the night after tomorrow?" Before Sam answered, she explained, "That little redhead over there cracks a mean whip, and I've still got a little bit of catching up to do on her mission logs from all those years when I wasn't a senior officer…so I'll be holed up in the commander's officer until bedtime tomorrow, I'm sure."

"Can I get back to you tomorrow?" Samantha asked as she leaned her head back against Fowler's right shoulder while the brunette kissed her neck. "I've got to see if I can find someone to watch Naomi…mmm," she whispered as Nicole's right hand grew more exploratory and she palmed her stomach, then trailed her fingertips across her ribcage, "for the night," arching slightly, urging Fowler on, she added, "mmm…the whole night…I want to stay with you the whole night."

When Fowler inhaled into her neck, started nibbling on her earlobe, then made a very bold, but not clearly not unwanted move considering what the scientist had just said with and mouth and body, to cup one of her breasts after she slipped her hand past the thin material covering it, Wildman arched slightly again and gasped when the pilot squeezed and rasped her thumb against her erect nipple, still whispering, "God, you have the most amazing hands, Nick Fowler."

Calming things down for the moment, Fowler wrapped her up tighter, after taking Sam's arm that was around her neck and bringing it back to her waist, and said, still slowly massaging her left breast, "That's fine…just send me a message and let me know what night is good for you, and I'll do my best to arrange my schedule." When Sam nodded and smiled, settling into the embrace, feeling as though she was being pampered now rather than acutely aroused, even though she was still very much so, Fowler added, "My schedule doesn't change too much from week to week, so I'll send it to you, and maybe we can pick an evening each week to spend together. Is that okay with you?"

"That's perfect," Samantha replied, tracing the groves in Nicole's other hand with her fingernails. "Naomi and I are settled into a comfortable routine and there are several people aboard that have offered to watch her for me…but I don't usually take them up on it because I never had anywhere I really wanted to go."

"Hey, I wasn't lying before when I said I'd watch her for you some time," Fowler added, no longer kneading her flesh, but just holding her. "If you ever need some private time, or want to hang out with some other friends, don't be afraid to ask me, okay? I can't promise you that I'll be able to, but I be between Torres, Seven and me, we could work something out so the little rug rat can have some fun too." Since they were facing the shore, Fowler released Samantha's bosom, thanking her for the privilege and pleasure, as Chakotay and Janeway stood up, gave each other a sweet hug and a kiss on the cheek, then the commander yelled a good bye and a happy birthday to Seven as he left. When Janeway slipped off her skirt and belt and then started walking for the lake, and Seven of Nine's crisp voice was heard off in the distance, "B'Elanna Torres, you will return that garment to me at once…comply!" Fowler whispered, "I think maybe we should hit it." But she added when Torres ran out of the water, waving Seven of Nine's top around, cheering as she started toward the captain who was shaking her head, and no doubt rolling her eyes, although her cackle toward the end was loud and clear, "Or maybe we should stay?"

When B'Elanna threw Seven's top down the shore, turned and then started stalking toward the captain, who held out her arm, telling her to stay back, which of course, B'Elanna paid zero attention to, and then Janeway spun around, tore down the shore, and flew across the peer, completely leaving Torres in the dust, Nicole remarked, "See, what did I tell you…she's faster than she looks."

Pushing away from Nicole, Samantha said, "Come on…let's go say goodnight, and let them have their own time." Turning around and walking backwards, she informed, "If you're interested, I'd like an hour or so more to spend with you?" When Fowler grabbed her hand and said she'd like that, but she didn't think they had that much time, Wildman smiled and replied, "Naomi's used to being by herself at night from time to time when I have to work the third shift. She knows that if she ever gets scared, she can call me…it's fine…don't worry." Thinking it over, she said, "Why don't you just go home, and I'll go back to my place, thank Susan and tell Naomi where I'll be for a little while, alright?"

Not questioning since Samantha was Naomi's mother, and it was obvious that she was a very good mother since the child was happy, healthy, and well-mannered, Fowler nodded and said, "Alright…do me a favor and say good night for me, and tell them I'll see them all tomorrow at the staff meeting."

Nodding, Samantha said, "Okay…I'll see you soon then." After Nicole kissed her cheek, Wildman turned around, snatched up Seven of Nine's top and tossed it back into the water toward the tall blonde that was requesting it. As Torres finally gave up chasing the zippy captain who had dove into the water and could out swim Torres even more than she could out sprint her, she came into the water to her shins and said to Seven after she put on her shirt and started toward her, "We're calling it a night. Nick says good night and that she'll see you all tomorrow." Then hugging Seven quickly she added, "Happy birthday, Seven…I'll see you soon. We'll have lunch or something, okay?"

"Thank you for retrieving my 'top.' As for 'lunch,' I would enjoy that." Smiling, Seven added, being as gracious as she was able, "Thank you for staying as long as you have, and for the present. I will convey Nick Fowler's words to Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres. I hope you have a pleasant dreams."

Samantha smiled, then winked at Seven and replied, "Oh, don't worry about that…it shouldn't be a problem."

Seven cocked her eyebrow at that as Wildman turned and walked away, going over to the gathering area, grabbing her wrap and sandals, waving good bye to Fowler as she exited. Then turning around as she heard B'Elanna Torres snickering behind her, she said to the brunette as Kathryn rested against her back while they bobbed in the water, "B'Elanna Torres, you are incorrigible."

Holding up her hands as Kathryn chuckled, Torres replied, "Hey, at least I waited for the old man to leave." Then glancing around Seven as Fowler headed for the exit waving at them, Torres yelled, "See ya, Romeo!" When Fowler flipped her off and then left the holodeck, Torres laughed and said, "Oh yea, they are so going back to her place tonight." Nodding, she went on, "I told her that look on Sam's face wasn't saying 'love me.'" Looking over at Seven as the blonde came back into the water, she said, "Isn't that right, dollface?"

Coming up in front of Torres, Seven of Nine replied plainly, "I am not at liberty to discuss that."

Torres huffed and returned, "You're not at liberty," pointing over her shoulder, "Red's not at liberty!" Then standing tall, she informed, pointing at Seven of Nine, "No one needs you two anyway…I'll find out on my own."

"Maybe we should leave then?" Janeway rallied, flirting with her voice.

Quickly, Torres grabbed the arm Janeway had around her waist, pulling her tight against her back, and using her other arm, urged Seven to come closer, and said, "Oh no you don't. I've been gone all week…and we're finally alone…now give me some sugar...I deserve it."

Seven raised her eyebrows again and stated crisply, "Computer, seal the door to the main holodeck. Authorization, Borg, epsilon, three, alpha." When Torres smiled wickedly, then growled and pulled her in close, Seven complied happily, and kissed the brunette passionately, wrapping her human hand around to Janeway's neck and massaged the tension in it softly, which the exhausted captain was duly grateful for.

For several seconds they remained embraced like that, and it wasn't broken until the romantic and loving mood changed drastically when Janeway gasped loudly, the sound not a sound of pleasure, but one of distinct shock and fear. At the same moment, Seven and B'Elanna felt the redhead tense to extremes they hadn't witnessed since the procedure in Sickbay where they attempted to discover exactly how the implant in her brain was affecting her, and both of them pulled away at the first sound of Janeway's unease. As Janeway stood ramrod stiff and looked down as she rubbed her forehead and took quick breaths, Torres turned around to look at her, while Seven asked, "Kathryn, what has occurred?"

When Janeway shook her head and whispered, "It's nothing, darling... I'm sorry," B'Elanna took a little more of an aggressive approach, grabbed her shoulders and demanded, since the captain had never reacted like that before while they were expressing their affection, and had only once asked her to stop, but that was supposedly because she wasn't feeling well, "Kathryn, dammit... please, what is it?"

Sighing heavily in relative disbelief for her own, now obvious and undeniable 'issues', Janeway looked past their shoulders, surprised when she continued to see the sizeable, shadowy figure of the man that had stalked her three months ago, and still haunted her dreams, and even sometimes the shadows when she was feeling particularly uneasy about something, and asked in a weak voice, already knowing the answer, but having to ask, hoping, praying she wasn't going as crazy as she thought she was, although, she wasn't certain if that was worse, since if he was really there, she didn't know if she could handle that, "Do you see anyone over there?"

Torres and Seven both spun around immediately, and tensed as Torres pulsed, "Jesus Christ!" then snapped in the next instant, shoved Seven toward Janeway, who had already taken one protective step toward the redhead, as Kathryn asked, shocked and impossibly anxious, her voice so far removed from what they were used to if they had time to think about it they would wonder if she was really their Kathryn and not an imposter, "You see him?" and screamed as she bounded out of the water, moving directly toward the darkly dressed man who was walking slowly toward their position, completely fearless for her own safety even though he was quita a bit larger than she was and she wasn't armed, his long, black hair and clothes flowing steadily in the soft breeze, "You filthy, fucking maggot! Come on, you chicken-shit coward... look at me," she raged as he continued to stare only at the captain, "right here, fucker! I'm the one you want!"

Scrambling out of the water with Janeway as the captain yelled at the computer, informing Security that there was an intruder on board in the holodeck, Seven processed the data quickly, leaving Janeway's side, telling her to please stay back, and ran after Torres, modifying the implants in her hand until they were razors, then adjusted her eye sight to ultra-violet to detect whether or not this apparition was indeed a real person or just another advanced projection. When no body heat was detected by anyone other than Torres, Janeway and herself, Seven barked quickly as B'Elanna barreled toward the man at full throttle, and lunged at him, "Computer, end program!"

"What the fuck!" Torres spat after she came crashing down onto the hard floor of the brightly lit holodeck that was now empty except for the cargo container that stored Seven's presents, the waste container, and their other clothes which where somewhat strewn about. "What the fuck is going on?"

Not certain of all of the details yet, but absolutely certain she would discover them, Seven stated, "He was merely another hologram. I cannot give anymore details as of yet, but I will discover them." Then spinning around, realizing she had left Janeway alone and that more than likely such an event would be somewhat traumatic for the redhead, she was about to take a step toward Kathryn who had her arms crossed over her chest with her back to them and was looking at the ground, when Nicole Fowler came barreling through the door, loaded for bear and ready to strike with a small Security detail right behind her.

Not seeing any threat immediately, Fowler looked over to the captain, noticed the stance as one of personal unease, having seen it before at Burnhouse after they talked quietly while waiting for Torres and Seven, and the captain had ended up crying, and since B'Elanna looked more than slightly frazzled and Seven of Nine was also flushed, she quickly turned back around and said to the Security team, "I'll handle it. You're dismissed."

Shaking with fury and fear, Janeway took a deep breath, laughed once supremely sardonic, and cursed, since she preferred that to spitting, "Damn," then turned around and shuffled quickly toward Seven of Nine who was walking to her slowly again. Throwing her arms around the Astrometrics officer and burying her head in her chest, Kathryn latched onto her as tight as she ever had as the Borg picked her up and held her close, saying, "I am here, Kathryn. He was merely a hologram. I will discover the cause of this malfunction and eliminate it completely and efficiently from our existence forever. There will be no further occurrences. I will do this, Kathryn…I will do this."

Walking up to Torres, who was pacing back and forth, running her fingers through her hair, and obviously doing her best to reign in her temper since she knew that aggression right now wasn't what Janeway needed, Fowler asked softly, but professionally, "Report."

"Nick," Torres sighed, "that," clenching her fists and her teeth as she seethed, "that…P'TaQ was in here! I don't know how or why…but he was here…right the fuck here…and it was him. Seven and I both saw him!" Spinning around, Torres snarled, "Paris…he built this program! If he did this, I'll kill…oh, I swear to Kahless, Nick…I'll rip his spine out!"

"Whoa! Hang on!" Fowler yelled, holding her hand to B'Elanna's upper chest, pointing down at her. "You just stow that shit. Paris wouldn't do this to the captain and you know that! Just chill out!" When Torres clenched her teeth, then sighed and nodded, Fowler relaxed as well, feeling for her friend in the worst way, but having to do her duty to protect the captain, which included calming the Klingon down, and asked, "Is there anything else I need to know before I let you go?" When Torres shook her head, saying that was everything that happened, Fowler nodded and ordered, "Okay, I want you two to take the captain home and wait for me. I'll take care of this and see to getting your stuff delivered later."

As Seven set Janeway down who was requesting that she do so, Fowler stepped up to them both and said, "Captain, I want you to go home with Seven and Torres and let me handle this. You don't need to be involved in this right now. I'll keep you informed and be by later tonight. We'll figure it out…this sounds to me like just more mind games…I'm sure that's all this is."

Nodding several times quickly, Janeway swallowed before the ocean of tears and secrets she'd been holding back for three months burst forward of their own volition, then croaked, still dry-eyed, but she knew it was only a matter of minutes before all that changed, drastically, "Thank you, Lieutenant."

Then looking over at Seven, Fowler informed, "I want you to start analyzing this holoprogram. You should be able to access that information from the captain's desk in your quarters once you're settled. Let me know the minute you find anything."

"I will comply," Seven returned, serious and monotone as Janeway left her side and made her way over to where B'Elanna was, her step quickening as she felt herself losing control with each second that passed. When Janeway touched Torres' shoulder, who had her back to the them all as she stood with her hands on her hips and tried to calm down, and B'Elanna turned her head, then her whole body and wrapped her arms around Janeway, over her aggression in less than a heartbeat when she saw the look on her lover's face, who finally broke and started sobbing, and Torres' eyes in turn welled up, as she said, "It's okay, baby…go ahead and cry…it's okay," Seven swallowed, blinked back her tears at the sound of Janeway weeping again, turned to Fowler and requested softly, "Will you authorize an intra-ship transport for the captain and B'Elanna Torres…please? I do not wish for her to have to walk though the corridors of her vessel at this time."

When Fowler nodded softly and said, "Yes, of course," Seven bobbed her head once, motioned that she required a moment, then turned to Janeway and Torres, walked up to them, wrapped her arms around their bodies and whispered, "Lieutenant Fowler will have you both transported to our home, my Kathryn. I am required to speak with her briefly, but I will return as soon as possible." Kissing Janeway on the top of my head, she said, "Please allow her and I to handle this situation at this time." Then kissing Torres' forehead as the brunette looked up and wiped her slightly wet eyes, Seven of Nine said, "Do not leave her side for any reason until we have discovered the cause for this event and do not attempt to harm any individuals aboard this vessel. I love you."

Turning around quickly after Torres nodded and promised on her honor to do just that, Seven motioned to Fowler, who then queried the computer and authorized the transport. Seven of Nine was perfectly capable of authorizing the transport, but she felt that at this time, she would adhere to the chain of command in respect for Kathryn and the lieutenant who was obviously operating under the rules to do whatever was in Janeway's best interest, first and foremost. However, Seven also knew that if she felt that at any time the chain of command wasn't working, or that more drastic measures were needed, she would have no qualms over taking matters into her own hands and remedying the situation, uncaring if she would once again find herself confined to the Cargo Bay for several days. All that matter was Kathryn's welfare, and everything else was irrelevant.

As Janeway and Torres disappeared in a sparkling of light, Seven of Nine sighed, walked about, picking up all of their clothing and barked, "This is unacceptable! Kathryn cannot take any more of this…'bullshit!'" she cursed for the first time in her life, not counting the time she had inquired as to the difference between 'making love' and 'fucking,' knowing she had done so properly and rightfully so. Holding all of their clothes, she marched over to the cargo container, as rigid and robotic as when she was still connected to the Hive mind, set the items down and began folding them neatly as Fowler came up to her, "I must speak with you regarding this matter in confidence. You cannot divulge the information I am about to tell you." Once Fowler said she understood, Seven went on, "I do not know how to 'handle' this situation appropriately as Kathryn requires. She has been unsettled as of late and has suffered terrifying nightmares on three occasions this week. I believe part of her unease was the brought on by B'Elanna Torres' absence. As you have witnessed, she is unable to suppress her emotions regarding her attacks any longer, especially in the presence of B'Elanna Torres, whom I believe she feels more comfortable expressing her 'humanity' with since B'Elanna Torres is more knowledgeable about the acts of defective individuals than I am, and Kathryn is highly protective of me."

Sighing heavily at that as she folded, Seven went on, "I am not certain which event is more harmful to her. The fact that she is continually suffering affects of her attacks, or the fact that she cannot resist the urge to show her fear for her personal safety. This is unacceptable to Kathryn as an individual or as a captain. However, I believe she has reached or is growing near to her 'breaking point.'" Finishing her tedious task, not able to help herself since she found comfort in order, she turned to Fowler and informed, "I believe your services are required at this point before Kathryn's 'demon' damages her further. I will speak with her on this matter as soon as she has settled and regenerated. She will undoubtedly be resistant, but I believe the time has come. Do you concur?"

Fowler sighed, shoved her hands into the pockets of her shorts before she spoke, thinking for a moment. She was still wearing her swimwear because she had been on Deck Three, right down the hall from her quarters when the call came out that there was an intruder in the main holodeck and had instantly snapped into action, dropping her guitars in the hall and bounded into turbolift to offer her assistance since her three best friends were in there, not to mention her captain. Clearing her throat and nodding, Fowler began, "Well, honestly, I think you're probably right, Seven. You seem to know her better than anyone, and I trust you, but there's two things we have to think about. One," she held out her thumb, "you're probably right…she'll most likely resist since she's never brought it up to me, and two," she extended her index finger, sighing and looking at Seven, "I'm not so sure I'm the best person for her at this point."

Furrowing her brow, Seven demanded, crisply, unable to help herself and desperate for exact data at this time, "Explain."

"Well," Fowler sighed again, scratching the back of her neck, "before, we weren't nearly as close as we are now. I've never counseled someone I'm friends with…someone, well…someone I care about like I care about her. That makes keeping my objectivity tough." Pointing at her chest, she admitted, "I have emotions about this too. She's my friend, my captain…she's the love of my best friend's life, and yours too. I'm not sure I can be…detached when I like someone as much as I like her." Stalking around a bit herself, she added, "I hate that this is happening to her…that any of it happened…I'm not sure I can suppress that enough not to just make things worse."

Seven placed her hands behind her back and stated, "I believe being 'detached' is not what Kathryn requires at this time. She is the most intelligent and resilient human I have encountered as of yet. I believe she has all that she requires to 'heal' herself from these experiences. She has been in several situations in her lifetime where she was damaged and mistreated. Granted, never was her body mistreated in a sexual manner, but at those times she had someone with which to 'talk.' What she does not have is someone to be only Kathryn with and does not feel the need to protect. She will not speak of these things with me, for many reasons, I am certain, most prominent because she does not wish for me to know of what she experienced. I do not believe, although I am merely speculating, she will discuss it with B'Elanna Torres because she fears that B'Elanna Torres will have a dramatic emotional outburst and become enraged and then feel guilt for not protecting Kathryn. It is possible resentment could come from this, and Kathryn would never allow that to occur, even at the cost of her own well being." Unwinding her hands, Seven went on explaining, "Kathryn knows that you are knowledgeable about such things and she obviously trusts you or she would not have allowed you to take control of this situation as she did. I believe Kathryn merely requires to 'talk.' Perhaps she will ask for guidance, but that is unlikely. She requires a confidant…and friend outside of her romantic relationships. Are you agreeable to and capable of providing this service?"

"Yes…yes to both," Fowler said softly. Then shaking her head, she added, "But I don't know, dollface…I'm just not sure she'll even think that's anywhere near a good idea." Shoving her hands into the pockets, she said, "It's just not very Starfleet or a captain-like thing to do…and, no offense, but like you said, this is speculation…I'm not sure any one of us have a real clue as to what's going on in her head right now. I can guess, and some of what you said makes sense…but I just don't know…"

"That is correct," Seven admitted picking up the folded clothes and holding them to her chest. "However, she has little alternative at this point…except for the holodeck. I am certain you and I could create an efficient counselor for her, but I do not believe that she would feel comfortable speaking to a hologram…especially after this incident. I would be 'surprised' if Kathryn enters the holodeck again for a great deal of time. I cannot say that I would 'blame' her for that." Nodding, Seven finished, "Thank you for speaking with me regarding this sensitive matter. I will speak with Kathryn when I feel it is appropriate. Unless you are disagreeable, I wish to return to our home at this time and see that she is functioning. Once that is complete, I will comply with your orders."

"No, that's fine…and you're welcome." Gesturing to the cargo container, she said, "I'll have your things taken to the Cargo Bay, and you can pick them up whenever you want them…and as soon as I update the commanders of the situation, and see to locking out access to the holodeck, I'll stop by. Let me know right away if you find anything…I'd like to stay in charge of this."

"I will comply," said the Borg as she exited the chamber.

For several minutes Fowler stood in the holodeck with her hands in her pockets, talking to herself silently, calming herself down before she picked up one of the containers and chucked it across the room in frustration and confusion for the very thought that someone could treat another person so poorly. Then sighing, she left the facility and quickly proceeded to her quarters, needing to pick up her guitars and change into her uniform before she alerted the commanders of the situation, figuring they were awake after the call, but since they hadn't been hailed and the all clear had been given, it was protocol for them to remain patient until the captain briefed them, or the ship went to red alert. Since neither of that had happened, she figured they were probably gathered together somewhere, most likely in Tuvok's Security office on Deck Two.

When she stepped off the turbolift and came around the corner, not seeing her guitars, she mumbled, "What the hell?" then quickly jogged to her cabin, figuring someone had been nice enough to put them in her dwelling. Opening the door, she sighed as she greeted, having completely forgot about the rendezvous, "Hey," when Samantha Wildman, who was now dressed in a white, cotton dress, that was much more modest than her last outfit, looked up from her workstation.

"Hi... was just writing you a note," Wildman came right back, deleting the note she had just started and logging off. "I ran into Byers outside the holodeck after the all clear, and he said it was just a false alarm…so I came up here, but when I saw your guitars in the hall, I figured you had gone to the holodeck. Is everything okay?"

Sighing again and scratching the back of her neck, Fowler came up to Sam, put her arms on her shoulders and said, "I think so…but I don't know yet. So, I want you to go home and seal your quarters and call me right away if anything strange happens…and don't let Naomi go anywhere until I tell you it's safe, alright?" When Samantha nodded once, and said, anxious, "Okay," Fowler cupped her face, leaned down, kissed her softly and said, "I'm probably just being over-protective, but I'd feel better if I didn't have to worry about the two of you as well." Sighing, she kissed her again quickly and said, "I've got to take care of this…I'll come see you in the morning before your shift and let you know as much as I can." Walking backward toward her bedroom as Samantha started toward the door, Fowler smiled and said, "By the way, you look real nice…thanks for taking care of my babies."

Wildman managed a smile over her shoulder and said, "Real nice...you're such a flirt, Nick Fowler…a cute one though."

Hurried, Seven of Nine, formerly of the Borg Collective waltzed into the quarters she shared with Kathryn Janeway. Two steps into the habitat, she stopped dead in her tracks as a console television with a big red bow on top greeted her where it sat somewhat off to the side of the couch. Blinking, Seven processed the data quickly, realizing that this was yet another birthday present. Sighing, Seven set her jaw, forced herself not to react too harshly to the fact that a dead man was somehow still stalking her beloved Kathryn and quickly turning this day into one she wished to end quickly, not to mention tarnishing the splendid event that had been her birthday party.

There were many things making her angry at the moment, but the fact that this event was keeping Kathryn from experiencing the joy of watching her discover this wonderful offering was definitely pissing the Borg off. "This emotion is irrelevant. It will not assist Kathryn. My primary objective is to see her to welfare and then discover the cause of this event and eradicate it. I must comply." Nodding once, Seven continued on her path to the bedroom.

When the light from the ensuite illuminated the otherwise darkened room, but the sound of the shower was not apparent, Seven quickly moved to the lounger, set the clothes on it and said, "B'Elanna Torres, I have returned." When she heard Torres come back with, "We're in here, dollface," Seven deemed that as sufficient a response to allow her entrance, so she tentatively walked to the bathroom door, still wearing her bathing suit and barefoot and poked her head through the opening.

Looking to her left as she noticed B'Elanna's head beyond the shelf that was directly next to the doorway which held spare towels and the like, Seven asked before proceeding father in, able to tell that they were in the bathtub and Janeway was laying against her chest, on her stomach since the back of Kathryn's head was visible, "May I enter?"

"Sure," Torres smiled slightly, nodding her head.

Stepping into the bathroom, Seven placed her hands behind her back as she stood in front of the tub and looked down at Torres and Janeway. Other than the small portion of the captain's finely boned back that was visible through the billowing bubbles in the steamy water, Seven wouldn't have been able to tell if Janeway had felt comfortable enough to remove her clothing if they hadn't left them on the floor in front of the tub. Not certain how to proceed since Kathryn, who looked to be straddling Torres' legs as she laid against her chest with her head turned to the wall, had yet to acknowledge her presence, and Seven could hear her continue to sniffle softly, Seven bent down, retrieved their suits and said as she hung them on the shower door to dry, "I wish you to know that I am…pleased…by the television that is in the living room. I will undoubtedly enjoy utilizing it and look forward to observing Lucy again. Thank you."

When Kathryn sighed against her chest, shuddered once, then turned her head back into her bosom and started crying again, B'Elanna wrapped her arms around Janeway's back tighter as Seven turned around in agony, and said quickly, "We're glad, dollface…every I Love Lucy and X-Files episode ever made is programmed in there, so you'll never run out of stuff to watch. Will you go get some coffee for us…I think we could use it?"

Nodding, Seven spun and darted out of the bathroom before the sound of Janeway crying tore a wider whole in her soul than there already was and quickly made her way to the food replicator on the far wall. Ordering a black coffee for Kathryn, one with cream for B'Elanna Torres, and then her extra sweet, extra creamy decaffeinated blend, feeling as though she should partake in this ritual with them, she carefully took the cups back into the bathroom, set them down on the edge of the tub and then sat down herself on the toilet. Taking a sip of her coffee after cooling it with her breath, she set it down on the sink shelf and stated as Kathryn, who had stopped crying for the moment, but continued to sniffle and hiccup every so often, had still had yet to say anything, "Kathryn, if you would prefer to be alone with B'Elanna Torres, I will not take offense."

When Janeway shook her head from side to side and mumbled into her flesh, Torres rubbed her back, looked over at Seven and said, "No, you're fine, babe…Red doesn't want you to leave." When Seven looked as distressed as she had ever seen her, B'Elanna explained, "It's going to be fine, dollface…don't worry. Red's going to be fine…we all need to just cry sometimes." Smiling, she added, trying to lighten the mood, "Welcome to humanity, Seven…you think this is bad, just wait until it's my turn…you ain't seen nothing yet." When she felt Janeway expel air against her chest, she asked, "Hey, was that a laugh, cowgirl?"

"Mmmhmm," Janeway nodded. Then moving her head enough so she could speak somewhat clearly, she croaked, "Will you get me a washcloth please?"

Standing, Seven reach across to the shelf and pulled down a fresh, white washcloth, then handed it to Torres, who in turn gave it over to Kathryn. The Borg watched pensively as Janeway pushed herself up into a sitting position, still straddling Torres' legs, hiding her face as best she could with her hair as she kept her chin low, dipped the wash cloth in the water and them brought it over her face. After a few seconds, Kathryn pulled it away, still looking down and wiped her face cleaned of streaks until it was rosy due to the warm water. When Janeway cleared her throat and whispered, "Thank you," still unable to look B'Elanna in the eye, Seven was glad when B'Elanna sat up, hugged her and said, "Don't thank me, baby…don't do that…it's my job…you're my girl…I love you…Seven loves you…no one expects you to not be upset, Kathryn…right, dollface?"

Nodding adamantly, Seven stated, "That is correct."

"See," Torres said, pulling away and brushing the hair out of Janeway's misery laden face, "and you and I both know that she's always right." When Kathryn rolled her eyes, then sighed and swallowed as her eyes misted over again when she finally managed to look B'Elanna in the eye, the Klingon smiled and said, "You go on and cry as long as you need to cry…you've earned it, Red…take my word for it."

Sighing heavily again and taking a deep breath, Kathryn nodded, wiping her nose once, snatching up her coffee and said before she took an insanely large gulp, "I'm done for now." Setting it down rather hard, she leaned forward kissed B'Elanna smartly and said, "Come on, let's go watch TV." Standing up, she accepted the towel from Seven, let the blonde wrap it around her shoulders and help her out of the tub, saying, "Thank you, sweetheart." Turning to her, she opened her arms, wrapped them around Seven's waist and said, "I'm so sorry this happened on your birthday, darling."

Seven kissed the top of Janeway's head as Torres stood up and grabbed a towel from the shelf them let the water drain from the basin, and replied, "I love you and I do not want you to distress about this. I have many wonderful memories to recall about this day, and I will not allow this event to ruin my first birthday. You are required to do the same." Pulling away and lifting Janeway's chin, she cocked her eyebrow and stated, "You must comply. Resistance is futile."

Expelling the air from her lungs, Janeway nodded and whispered, "I'll try. Kiss me please." As Seven picked her up and carried her to the closet, as she kissed her, the Borg perfectly capable of treading almost the entire expanse of their quarters with her eyes closed, having memorized the placement of each piece of furniture and the dimensions, without having to think about it, no less, Kathryn sighed and said as Seven set her down, lying, "I feel better already…thank you."

While Kathryn dried off, Seven, who knew better than to believe the redhead when she said such things, reached up and pulled down her flannel pajamas, certain that was what the captain would wish to wear. When Janeway sighed yet again, although smiling softly, and regretful, and then shook her head in wonder as to how Seven always seemed to be able to read her mind, Seven reminded, understanding what she was thinking about, "I love you, Kathryn Janeway. This is how I know these things…just as you always know what it is that I require. It is reciprocal."

When Seven began dressing her, Janeway didn't fight it, deciding to take Devin's advice, at least for now, and give into the need for Seven of Nine to take care of her, even though there was always a part of her that waged a war within herself, screaming at the woman inside for being weak and that she was supposed to be strong for Seven because she knew how very difficult it was for the Borg to function when Janeway wasn't certain how to function herself. But since it seemed that Seven was doing far better than herself, and there was the fact that B'Elanna was now home to help Seven when she couldn't, she gave in completely and stepped into the pants that she was holding open for her. After that, she put her one arm through the shirt, let the blonde take her other arm and guide it into the second sleeve, then turned around and allowed Seven to push together each of the tiny, silver snaps that closed the front. After that, she relaxed against Seven's chest, knowing what was coming next and continued to not resist, letting the Borg treat her as she wanted and knowing it was exactly what she needed at the moment to feel protected as a person, but wasn't certain how to reconcile that with the ever-present captain in her, but deciding she would just figure that out, as well as a hundred other things, tomorrow. Although, she knew it was very unlikely that tomorrow wouldn't be an easier on her, or any day after that…or so she felt currently.

Picking Janeway up again as Torres came out of the bathroom wearing her long white, cotton robe which suddenly made the Klingon look much smaller than she really was since it hung all the way to the floor, Seven carried Kathryn to the living room, telling B'Elanna to get their beverages, as the captain rested her head on her shoulder as she wrapped her arms and legs around the tallest female. Setting her on the couch, Seven snatched up her afghan, placed it over Kathryn's body as Janeway curled up into the corner, next turned to the television, snatched up the remote control, handed it to her and said while Torres entered the living room, "I am required to begin analyzing the holoprogram at this time, but the television, nor anything else you need to do, will not disturb me."

Taking the remote control and then handing it to B'Elanna, Janeway said to Seven as the Borg went to her desk and sat down, "Let me know if you need any help."

"I will comply," Seven returned, not surprise in the least by the response since it was absolutely typical, pulling up the captain's workstation. Then logging on as herself, she realized that wasn't going to be good enough since Fowler had obviously sealed access to all holodeck controls, including shutting them completely down and forbidding entry, and restricted access to any holoprograms, including the Emergency Medical Hologram, which they had taken offline as a security measure until they could figure out what was happening, to level ten clearance, which was in essence: Captain's Eyes Only.

Looking over at Janeway, who was now resting in the crook of Torres' arm as they cuddled under the blanket, the captain not looking at the television, but deep into the mug of coffee in her hands, Seven decided she didn't want Janeway to have to rise, so she stated as she completed the task, "Kathryn, I am now using various Borg decryption algorithms to 'break into' your workstation. I am required to utilize your clearance level to gain access to the holoprogram since security measures have been put into place." Raising her eyebrow, she informed further after only a few beats, "I now have access, and I am sending a priority one message to Commander Tuvok, informing him of the security breach and that I am responsible, which he has undoubtedly detected since I did not try to conceal my methods. He will not inquire further."

"That's fine, darling," Janeway smiled weakly, although truly endeared knowing Seven certainly would never access anything she wasn't supposed to at this point in their relationship, especially right now. "Just don't tell Starfleet I let you do that, alright?"

"I will not," Seven replied smirking, then frowned as the priority message light appeared on the screen. "You have a priority one message." When Janeway told her to go ahead and read it and that it was probably from Tuvok, Seven nodded then accessed it and furrowed her brow in confusion as she read:

Noticing the strange and perplexed look on Seven of Nine's youthful, pale face as she glanced over at the ex-drone when she heard the soft beep informing her that she had yet another priority message, the captain asked, "Seven...what's wrong? Who's it from?"

As she answered the question, Seven accessed the second message not understanding, but deciding she would obtain more evidence before she located Crewman Alter and demanded an explanation and before she broke several bones in his body, "It is from Crewman Alter," then silently read:

"Terrance Alter sent me a priority message?" Janeway repeated, the captain in her instantly coming to the forefront unbidden, as B'Elanna almost spat out the coffee she was sipping in shock since he worked under her on the ship's third rotation, the surprise clear in her tone since although the captain did get memos from a good majority of her crew, she rarely got any from crewman, and she even more infrequently received a priority one message from anyone other than a senior officer or department head…it just wasn't considered good form to send the captain such urgent communiqué without going to a higher ranked officer first.

Pushing off the couch, Kathryn started toward Seven, asking further, concerned that something dreadful was going on with the man for him to contact her directly, "What did he need?"

As yet another message was received, Seven accessed that one as well, starting to understand by the order in which Janeway was receiving them, and as she read, she deleted the others before the captain saw what they said:

Speaking quickly as Kathryn came up to her and still more messages were received, the Borg understanding that she'd probably get one from her entire crew compliment since they were coming in alphabetical order, Seven stood, and replied, blocking her view of the workstation, "It is 'nothing,' Kathryn. There is a malfunction and you are receiving irrelevant messages from every member of this crew. It is possible you are not the only one experiencing difficulties," she told a half-truth since it was possible, but only because she was trying to protect the captain. "Please return to the couch and continue to observe Lucy. I will remedy the situation."

"Seven," Janeway smiled slightly, although it wasn't certain if it was in humor or a warning, "you're the worst liar I've ever met. Now, what's going on? Is something wrong with Alter?" When Seven just looked at her and said nothing, Kathryn sighed, crossed her arms over her chest as Torres got off the couch, realizing that something 'bad' was definitely happening since Seven never lied, and her Astrometrics officer was trying to keep it from her or protect her, she wasn't certain yet, and said evenly, but clearly being the captain, "Seven of Nine, you either tell me what's going on, or stand aside and I'll see for myself."

The Borg lifted her cleft chin and responded plainly "I will not comply," as she had on several occasions previously, although this was the first time she had taken such a defiant stance with the captain since they became romantically involved. Before such a move would just have forced Janeway to get awfully threatening in a trice, and she would have ended up in the Cargo Bay with her privileges restricted until Janeway went and talked to her, and they argued fiercely, until the captain walked away and restored her status practically the next day since the Borg always made one hell of an argument for her defense; however, today, she would hope that the fiery captain would see that for Seven of Nine to make such a move now meant that the Borg thought that complying would be going against her primary objective, which she hoped Kathryn understood was her well being, and that such knowledge would dictate that the captain not persist further. She wasn't sure if it would work, but it was all she could think of for the moment, short of picking up the workstation and holding it above the captain's head so she couldn't reach it, but she had a feeling such a move would land her in the Brig just about as fast as one could get there. Seven wasn't disagreeable to going to the Brig if it meant protecting Janeway, but she could do nothing in that facility to discover the cause of this situation, so that wasn't an option.

Pursing her lips, Janeway stepped up to Seven, looked her directly in the eye for a few seconds and then asked acidly and cold, "They're from him…aren't they?" When Seven of Nine refused to answer that question as well, Janeway sighed and muttered, "Don't bother, I already know the answer…I'm sure I know what they say too." Turning around, she rubbed her forehead for a few moments and then asked, "Can you tell me if this is a some kind of cruel practical joke or a real physical threat we're dealing with again…or just more technology tricks?"

"I am not certain as of yet," Seven replied hurried and crisp. "I will discover this information as soon as you return to the couch." When Janeway turned around and put her hands on her hips, Seven stood tall, stepped up to her and said softly, "Allow me to take care of this for you. You do not need to be concerned in this matter as of yet."

"Seven," Janeway came right back, slightly angered, not at Seven, although she was taking it out on her, but at the situation she hadn't believed possible even though her instincts about such things had been screaming at her for weeks now that she hadn't seen the last of him and that even though she was almost certain he was dead, he had obviously been cloaked for sometime following her ship and since his holographic, cloaking, and transporter technology was much more advanced than their own, there was no telling what he was doing for all those days while she was in hiding and he wasn't watching her, "this is my ship, dammit! If there's a possible threat, I need to be involved…end of discussion!"

"Please, Captain," Seven begged, putting her hand on her shoulder, while B'Elanna hovered close, not certain as to how to act, at all, "you must trust me. If I believed that there was a physical threat to this vessel, I would tell you…and if I discover information to corroborate that, then I will alert you immediately. I do not believe that is the case, however…and I do not believe this is a 'joke' by a member of this crew…and although I cannot prove that to you, I am asking that you trust me."

Folding for the time being, inside knowing it wouldn't take much more of anything to set her off again, Janeway nodded and whispered, "I do trust you, Seven." Shaking her head, she turned away and started back to the couch, saying, "Do whatever you have to…just get rid of whatever is left of him for good."

"Yes, Captain," Seven of Nine replied, then looked over at B'Elanna Torres who was now standing in front of Seven's desk, logging into the terminal to check and see if she had any messages. When she heard the beep from the workstation and watched as B'Elanna quickly accessed it, then clenched her jaw and unconsciously growled in her throat, Seven was about to whisper to her to remain calm, but she ran out of time; however, she was surprised by the behavior of Torres since she had expected her to pick up the terminal and throw it across the room…although, she decided that B'Elanna probably wouldn't do that in the captain's home.

Snarling, Torres laughed, more than a little bitterly, as she stalked around the captain's desk and access the sensor board that was built into the side where she could access any system of the ship, no matter how insignificant at the touch of just a few sensors, then mumbled, "Oh, you better pray to god that I go to heaven, because if I see you in hell, you'll wish you'd never been born." When Seven of Nine came over to her to see what she was doing, Torres looked up instinctively as Kathryn got off the couch and started pacing around the room, obviously having a hard time letting someone else handle this situation, and said, "Torres to Engineering."

"Dawson here," replied Ensign Sydney Dawson, who was in charge of Engineering during the third rotation, and one of B'Elanna Torres' better friends aboard the ship.

"Syd," B'Elanna spoke informally, since in her engine room, she preferred Chief or Torres, rather than Lieutenant, and she preferred to use first names, unless she didn't like someone's first name, in that case, she'd use their last name; although, she had long since stopped getting irritated when the Starfleet under her continued to call her Lieutenant out of habit and respect, "we're having a problem with the communications network…so I'm dumping the memory back log and shutting down the messaging system until we can find the cause. If you get a call from some pissed off people…now you know why…and tell them to go take a walk a talk face to face."

"Aye, Chief. Dawson out."

As Torres was working on that and conversing with her engineer, Seven went over to her side of the desk, deleted all the messages Torres had received so far, all of the saying the same thing, which was, "She's mine," and then logged B'Elanna off. Once that was complete, she logged in as herself to test her theory and was not pleased that she was correct, considering the circumstances, but it did give her more evidence to work with since it seemed that now, even though Janeway was still his 'target,' he was not ignoring the fact that Seven and B'Elanna cared for her and was trying to use their protectiveness of the captain to further ruffle them all.

Processing more data with computer speed, she further realized that, although she was again speculating, that it was possible this event had been triggered by his appearance in the holodeck, and that further more, he didn't appear in the holodeck, or at least they didn't see him, until they were alone, and finally, she made note that tonight was the first time they had all been in the holodeck together, alone. Then thinking about that further, recalling that he had also played 'tricks' on Nicole Fowler, and that the pilot was the last one to leave the facility and had only been gone a minute when Janeway saw him, she deleted all but one of the messages, noticing that they had finally stopped coming, Torres obviously taking care of that, then stood up again, came around to the sensor board where B'Elanna continued to work and whispered to her, "Open a communications channel." When the chief nodded at her that it was done, Seven said, "Seven of Nine to Lieutenant Fowler."

"Report," was all Fowler said, her normal, easy and friendly voice now sounding much more commanding and agitated.

"Lieutenant Fowler, have you received any priority messages this evening?"

"No, but I'm not logged into any workstation…what's going on?"

"I am not certain as of yet. Log onto the nearest terminal and inform me if you receive any messages…please," Seven of Nine added as Kathryn had finally had enough standing around, being useless for one day and came up between them, trying to peer over their shoulders. Noticing the captain's presence, Seven decided that it would probably be more damaging at this point to continue to push her away since they all were now receiving messages, and because B'Elanna had gotten rid of them, at least for now, the blonde could no longer object, so stepping to the side slightly, she let Janeway squeeze between them, and was relieved when the captain slipped her free arm around her waist and leaned into her as they waited for Nicole to respond.

"Okay, Seven…I'm logged in, but I don't have any messages."

"Nick," Torres jumped in, "the captain, Seven and I all got priority messages from this guy…one sent from each member of the crew right on top of each other. He's not real wordy, but it was him. I've dumped the memory back log and shut down the messaging system…so, you might have had some messages too, but if you just now logged in," she sighed, "then they were deleted before they could get to you."

"Hang on…woah…I've got a shit-load of priority memos though," Fowler reported, than after a few beats sighed and went on, "and…they're from that ass-wipe alright. Did you get memos…where's the captain anyway? Is she alright?"

Clearing her throat to announce her presence since it was obvious by her language that she didn't think the captain was listening in because it wasn't the redhead's practice to not lead conversations when she was present, Kathryn had to control her snicker since even though she knew from experience Fowler could swear with the best of them, and tended to do so, especially around B'Elanna, it wasn't the tall pilot's practice to do so while on duty, or ever in the presence of the captain unless she had been surprised and that usually only amounted to, "Shit," then a quickly, "sorry, Captain." Then adding quickly to the small, warning sound she had made in the back of her throat because she didn't particularly like her command staff to use such language while on duty, but she figured Fowler was in private, she said, "I'm fine, Miss Fowler." When Nicole sighed and apologized, Janeway came back quickly, "What do the memos say?"

As Torres and Seven both twitched uncomfortably, Fowler reported, purposefully obtuse, "Same junk as before, Captain…nothing we have heard already. They're all the same. Seven," she spoke to the Borg figuring she was best suited to handle this kind of communications problem, "do you need me to keep these for analysis or can I delete them?"

"You may delete them. I have saved one of my messages, and if I received any memos, I will save one of those as well to trace the message thread," Seven replied.

"Okay, I'll check with the commanders and see if they've got anything…but something tells me they didn't. I'll be by soon to check in. Fowler out."

"I think we should save one of the captain's too," Torres chimed in after the communications channel was cut, turning toward Janeway and Seven. "I'm guessing, but I'd say yours are different since my messages made reference to you."

Sighing, Janeway said, "Ladies, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but you seem to forget that I've already dealt with this man's ideas about me before. I'm sure there's nothing in those messages that I haven't already heard." Nodding back at the Borg, she said, "Seven, why don't you go change out of your bathing suit and get comfortable…I'll access my messages and save one of them." Then turning to Torres, and she went on, "B'Elanna, use Seven's workstation and pull up yours and save one as well. I don't want to delete all of our evidence just because we don't like what he says."

When each of them sighed, but didn't move an inch, Kathryn took a deep breath, closed her eyes and counted to ten to keep herself from getting angry, then opened her eyes, took another quick breath and said softly, "I love you both for trying to protect me, but I have to be involved with this…and no," she said quickly, "not just because I'm the captain." Setting down her coffee mug, she crossed her arms over her chest and continued as she perched on her desk near the sensor board, "I…me…I need to protect myself too, and if this just turns out to be some kind of program he installed while he was here, then there's nothing to protect me from." Janeway shook her head, sighed and admitted, "I can't take this…I can't let him do this to me…I've never been that kind of person, and I'm not able to start now."

Hopping off the console, she pushed past them, grabbing her coffee and heading for the replicator, deciding coffee wasn't nearly strong enough of a beverage at this point, and went on, spitting in anger, "He's already had me hiding once and it didn't do me a damn bit of good. Whiskey…double!" she barked at the replicator.

Grabbing the drink, she tossed back the entire contents in one gulp, forced herself not to cough at the burning sensation in her throat, palmed the glass, rolling it around in her hand as her rage grew from a slow simmering in her stomach until she was a seething, caustic pool, and she was no longer able to deny how she felt. Whirling around as Torres and Seven both started toward her when she continued to stare at the glass in her hand and slowly began to breath quicker as she tensed, Janeway screamed, "God, I hate you!" as she threw the glass against the wall near the window, demolishing it, an act that would have made B'Elanna Torres proud if it didn't scare the bejesus out of her since she had never seen Kathryn do that, nor had she ever heard her shriek while making such a proclamation; hate just wasn't Kathryn Janeway's style, and it became obvious very quickly to both Torres and Seven of Nine just what it was the was eating away at their captain, friend, and lover…hate. Although, the one thing that was puzzling them and scaring them both to extremes was the unknowing of what was driving someone like Kathryn Janeway, who was a Starfleet captain, through and through, and often seemed to be incapable of such an emotion, to it.

Still speculating as she had been forced to do from the beginning of this dreadful experience as to what was happening to her partner, Seven of Nine calculated that for Janeway to have this kind of reaction, there was more going on with her than she had first surmised, and was certain more going on than anyone knew. When B'Elanna twitched as the captain shrieked and then launched the glass into the corner where it burst into a hundred pieces, then made a move to start toward the captain, Seven put her hand on her shoulder and stopped the Klingon, fairly certain the captain did not wish to be consoled or touched at all for the moment.

And indeed, Janeway did not.

Seven watched in equal parts amazement, agony, anger, and her own Borg induced apathy as Kathryn whirled around again, fist clenched, eyes narrowed and as hard and malevolent in their steely grey hue as she'd ever seen, and growled at them, "I hate him, you see…I hate everything about him!" Her breathing ragged and labored, Janeway stalked around with a lethal, deadliness to her swagger, "I hate that I regret not destroying him when we first met him. I hate that I couldn't do that!" Ranting and speaking with her hands now, not really talking to anyone but herself, Seven continued to watch with her hand on B'Elanna's shoulder as Janeway went on, "I hate that he tricked us again and again…that he or his fucking holograms were on this ship…in these quarters. I hate that he watched me live my life." Spinning around, she pointed at Torres, "That he watched me make love to you," now to Seven, "that he watched me spend time with you…heard all of the private things I told you about my life while we played cards."

Swallowing as Kathryn spun around again, Seven didn't realize she was holding her breath until she began to feel light headed, and while she forced herself to breathe and sent instructions to her nanoprobes to adjust for her heightened anxiety, the captain went on still, "I hate the way he smells…I hate his face…his voice! I hate that every time I see him, I'm afraid…I hate that fear!" Spinning around again, she pointed at them and said, "No one has ever made me feel weak…ever! But every time," she turned around again as her voice cracked, and her anger started to give away to her pain, she continued, "I see him in my dreams, or think I see something in the hallway, I feel weak. I hate that the only men I'm comfortable around any more are Tuvok and Chakotay…and lately I haven't even wanted to be alone with Tuvok! Tuvok…the man is a Vulcan for Christ sakes…I've known him longer than I've known all of you! He has a wife and children…and he'd give his life in a split second to save me from harm!"

When Torres started to tremble and cry at that, Seven of Nine pulled her close as they continued to watch and listen to Janeway confess her 'sins' "I hate that I didn't stop that goddamned procedure in Sickbay…I hate that I couldn't take it! I hate that I couldn't ignore those feelings…that I couldn't just tell myself that it wasn't real." Janeway finally sat down on the couch before she fell down, feeling dizzy with her flailing about and shouting, hung her head somewhat between her knees, rubbed her forehead, and then said, quiet, "I hate what he did to me…I hate that he…god, I hate that I can't even tell you…that I can't even say it to myself..."

As tears welled up in Janeway's eyes again and her bottom lip started trembling, B'Elanna couldn't take anymore, so pulling away from Seven, who let her go easily, she sat next to her, reaching for her as the captain turned toward her at the same moment, and whispered, pulling her across her lap until she was straddling her and burying her head in her neck, "You can say it, Kathryn…say why you hate him." When Kathryn whispered that she couldn't, shaking her head, and admitted that she was afraid to tell them, B'Elanna said, "Let it out…it's okay to let it out…tell me why you hate him…I'm here…I'm here…don't be afraid…let it out, Kathryn…"

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Sobbing into her shoulder as Seven of Nine stood nearby with her hands clasped tightly behind her back as she attempted to remain as calm as possible and show Kathryn, although Janeway couldn't see her, that even though she knew of very few things sometimes, she was a logical individual and capable of dealing with this effectively, Janeway said, shuddering, "He had his hands on me, Lanna." Between sobs she confessed, "In the turbolift…he crawled on top of my back…and he…he," sobbing into her neck, "he pressed himself against me…and I couldn't get away…I couldn't move. No matter what I did…I couldn't even breathe."

Taking a deep, terribly ragged breath, Janeway went on, pulling away some and looking down at her hand that wasn't covering her eyes, "In Nick's quarters…he attacked me in the shower and I woke up on her bed…and…and he had tied up my hands and gagged me so I couldn't call for help…and, um…he grabbed my legs and," she buried her head into B'Elanna's neck again, "he bit my legs…and said terrible things to me…and I tried…I tried so hard to block it out, Lanna," shuddering, "but it hurt…and he talked about you and me…and then he had his hand on my breast, and he was mean…he was so mean to me…and I kept thinking why…I didn't understand…and he pushed himself against me again, and he put his hands," crying harder now, it took her a few moments to continue, "he put his hands between my legs…and I could feel him untying his clothes…then he just stopped. I don't know why…and I was so mad at him…god, I was so angry...I just wanted him to do it already and leave me alone…but he wouldn't…he wouldn't shut up…and I hated him so much for the things he said about us."

As Torres rubbed her back and held her firmly, all of her Klingon aggression set completely aside now, Janeway took a few deep breaths, and went on, "Then his hand was on me again, and he started saying what he was going to do to me as he…he put his hands back on me…and he," sobbing again, "he started to push inside of me…and I couldn't stop him, Lanna…there was nothing I could do to keep him from doing that." Pulling herself together slightly, although barely able to see now that her head was pounding as her eyes continued to pour out tears, she lifted her head, looking at B'Elanna, but only from her chin down and said, sniffling, "I thought if I fought him, he'd kill me…and I couldn't let that happen. I didn't know what had happened to Nick…and I couldn't just let him get away and try to hurt someone else…all I could think about was that we had to get him before he went after someone else…before he went after one of you…or Naomi." Bitter, she whispered, "God, I hate that I couldn't fight him…that I couldn't just forget about all that and just let him kill me instead of touch me…and I hate that all of that didn't even matter!" Throwing her hands over her face, she yelled, "That he's still here…that he was still in my head…god, why did I ever go through with that procedure! I hate that I did that…I hate that it didn't even matter! And I hate that I couldn't just ignore that feeling…I knew it wasn't real…I could tell you exactly which areas of my brain that fucking thing was manipulating…but I couldn't help it." Crying again, she informed, while Torres held her firmly in place by her waist, "It felt like his hands were all over me...underneath my uniform...under my skin…and I could hear him in my head…and it felt like he was," lunging forward, she clutched onto Torres and whispered, "it felt like he was inside of me."

When B'Elanna shuddered at that and cried with her for several reasons, but one because she had been in that room, at that time, wanting so much to put a stop to everything, but feeling as though she couldn't because Janeway was the captain, Kathryn Janeway finally admitted, only able to whisper, what she knew had been truth from the time it was occurring but never allowed herself to say it even to herself, not even once, for fear that not only would it break her clean in two, but that she wouldn't know how to go on without becoming a completely different person, and was so dreadfully scared, like she had never been scared before, that such an event would take Seven of Nine and B'Elanna away from her, since that was just how everything else had happened in her life, "He...he raped me, Lanna…and the whole thing didn't even matter…I let him do that to me and it didn't matter…nothing matters...he's still here. I didn't stop it...I let him hurt me...and it didn't even matter."

If Seven of Nine hadn't been assimilated by the Borg Collective at age six, she was certain she wouldn't have been able to detect those deathly quiet words, but since she was, she was glad she had heard them because they were all she needed to hear to know exactly what it was that she had to do…and nothing would stop her from completing her objective this time…nothing. She was Borg.