From Where She Sits
 

From where she sat comfortably on the floor of the captain's quarters, Lieutenant Nicole Fowler, Voyager's current executive officer, although that was only a temporary position since Commander Chakotay, the starship's true first officer, continued his lengthy stint on their sister vessel, the Alaxiat and the next in command after him, Commander Tuvok was focusing on his Security duties and his Elite Force command, leaned slightly forward from where her back was resting against the cushy, black couch in relative excitement as the action on the console television picked up immediately. When the pale, raven-haired, athletic woman on the screen, who was decked out in patent leather, threw a series of punches just as she was apprehended, then jumped into a martial arts maneuver called a crane kick, but hung, suspended in the air as the camera panned around before she proceeded to seriously work over two, bulky, 'I've had a few too many donuts,' police officers, Nicole smiled widely as she surged toward the screen, wearing her black, nylon workout pants as well as a dark tank top since they'd all just finished a moderate workout session, and typically spent the evening together afterward to relax and 'goof around,' and laughed, "Aha! Oh, oh Miss Thang…marry me, darlin'…look…ohlook, I'm right here."

"Nick," Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, the vessel's chief engineer, fellow Elite Force member, and the ship's only Klingon, demanded from where she too sat comfortably, although on the couch, with the head of her youngest and tired partner in her lap, "back the hell up already…I can't see shit!"

Scooting backwards but keeping her eyes locked on the screen as the attractive and 'impressive' character, as Seven had quietly described, during Fowler's proclamation of 'lust at first sight,' ran and jumped across a series of rooftops, Fowler absently reached over to her right where the large bowl of popcorn sat on the floor, and hurriedly stuffed a palmful into her mouth, not bothering to apologize to Torres since they rarely said please or thank you to each other, even if they were best friends. When the woman, who was as of yet unnamed, dove off the roof, but soared in the air, then busted through the window of a building across the way, rolled down an flight of steps and came up with both of her pistols drawn while she laid on her back, Fowler, still fairly new to the whole television experience, twitched in excitement again and said, feeling rowdy, "Ohyea…tear it up, sister!" When B'Elanna leaned forward at the same time, trying not disturb the lounging Borg, transfixed by the tough little human, and stuffed her hand into the bowl of starchy snacks as Seven, anticipating the move, lifted the container off the ground, Nicole smacked her leg and said, "T, did you see that?"

"Mmmhmph," the engineer nodded with her mouth full, now comfortably dressed in a pair of navy sweat pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt, and leaned back onto the couch, absently petting the blonde's head, while her attention continued to focus on the screen. Since she had a penchant for old superhero comic books, and the female on the screen was not only defying gravity while she displayed her physical arsenal, but looked mighty good while she did so, reminding Torres of Catwoman in her sexy, skin-tight leather outfit, B'Elanna was instantly hooked on the flick that had been suggested by her ex-boyfriend, Lieutenant Paris.

Tilting her heavy, due to her mounting exhaustion, head more toward the screen as she too became intrigued by the woman, Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01, formerly Annika Hansen, who was the vessel's Astrometrics officer, as well as an Elite Force member, remarked as the character stopped for a moment to pause before she took off for a telephone booth while a large, motor vehicle loomed nearby threatening to run her down, "Unwise." When the massive tractor plowed into the booth the woman had run into to pick up the ringing device, Seven cocked an eyebrow as both Fowler and Torres sighed and cursed, obviously disappointed since it seemed the woman was now 'terminated,' to say the least, and finished, depressed as well since she found the lady appealing to observe, "And…unfortunate." Although, she was honestly too pooped and distracted to get wrapped up in the movie, even if she found television more than acceptable.

Snapping her fingers as Fowler snatched up her glass of thick vegetable juice, which she drank consistently to help keep her body the finely tuned machine it was, especially since taking her temporary position considering it left her with little time to sit down and eat every few hours, as she preferred, and frowned because her dream girl was now a presumed, unflattering hood ornament, B'Elanna rallied, "She's not dead…she's too hot to be dead." When Nicole turned to her, B'Elanna turned up one corner of her mouth and informed, most familiar with Twentieth Century entertainment thanks to her failed, but informative, three year relationship with Paris, and added, "Trust me…I know about these things…they never killed the hot chicks."

"Tuvok to Fowler," called the Vulcan's even voice over the pilot's communicator just as the three women had turned their attention back to the movie, The Matrix, they were just starting to watch.

Tapping her comm-badge immediately, Nicole responded as B'Elanna turned the volume down on the television with remote that was resting on the armrest of the sofa, "Fowler here."

"Condition Orange," Tuvok informed, speaking cryptically on purpose. "Alpha two in ten."

After a beat of shock-induced silence before she snapped to duty, the tall brunette responded, "Acknowledged. Fowler out," standing, and nodding out of habit while Torres and Seven of Nine both jumped to their feet.

Seven turned off the television then immediately started for the bedroom while she queried the computer for a location of Captain Janeway, and then to run a scan of the woman and report her vital stats out of concern since a Condition Orange was a fairly severe situation which meant that there was some imminent, high risk Security situation that would presumably affect either of the starships, and that loss of life was probable. While that occurred, Fowler took a very quick moment to down her vegetable drink since she had no idea when she'd get to eat next and as many were aware, she tended to get rather testy when she was hungry for long periods of time.

Condition Orange also required that they don their standard Elite Force uniforms the were equipped with several high-tech features that not only helped to protect their bodies from injury, but allowed them to move undetected throughout the ship. They also contained built-in heating and cooling systems, communicators and universal translators, and they were also water and fire resistant, and had been designed by Seven of Nine, Tuvok and the Doctor since he'd done such a good job keeping the ex-drone healthy and comfortable, not to mention highly appealing, with the creation of her infamous biosuits.

Starting to the door with B'Elanna right behind her, Fowler said to Torres, "Stop by Sam's place on your way, and tell her to keep their door sealed…quietly. I'll contact Wang." When the chief didn't hesitate to acknowledge the 'order,' even if it was technically breaking protocol to inform any member of the ship, other than the Elite Force, that there was a situation until it had been deemed that they should go to a ship-wide alert status, then took off barefoot toward the turbolift, Nicole charged forward in a sprint as well, turning left down a hall and starting toward the other side of the ship where her quarters were.

As she bounded down the empty corridor since this deck was notoriously quiet because only the command staff resided on this section of the starship, Fowler once again tapped her communicator and said, "Fowler to Wang." Once Samuel Wang, the only non-senior officer member of the Alpha squad, came back, she repeated Tuvok's message, which told them all other than that there was something going on and what clothing to wear, but to gather in the Security office on Deck Two in ten minutes.

Slipping into her darkened quarters, she didn't bother to bring up the lights since the two fairly large bay windows let enough light in from the stars that resided in the space they were soaring through. Hurriedly, she moved to her triangular closet in the corner, pulled open the door and quickly gathered up her necessary apparel. Then shuffling off to the bathroom, she set everything on the toilet seat, next jumped into the shower, activating the sonic setting because she hadn't much time, but since she'd finished working out less than a half hour ago she didn't want to go without a shower of any kind because she had no idea how long she'd be up and about, and Nicole was as of big a fan of feeling grungy, as she was of feeling hungry.

As she let the powerful sound waves work their magic, she stripped down with haste, and in less than a minute she was stepping out from the confines of her comfortably sized shower and reaching for her undergarments. After pulling up her standard issue Starfleet underwear, she pulled on a short, tight tank top sport's bra that was really just a formality since she'd never been a busty woman, and now that she was so muscled, her breasts, although present, were nothing but firm, small spheres that just barely protruded from her pectoral muscles.

Fowler had contemplated often just having what there was of her mammary glands removed since she didn't ever plan to bare child, and she thought it would be rather nice to have a completely flat chest and not have to worry about such things as sports bras, but she'd never had the procedure because there was a small part of her that wondered if she did so, if women that she became interested would be turned off. She certainly hoped not, but it was a possibility she figured since she knew she probably wouldn't be as interested in a woman, at first glance, if she didn't have any breasts. Nicole knew that if she really liked someone, it wouldn't make a difference to her, but first impressions were important, and physical attractiveness was as well…it was just natural to gravitate toward things that one found visually appealing. Although, Fowler knew that argument was somewhat lame considering that she looked to not have any breasts now simply because she wrapped her torso, and had done so for many, many years, and she'd never had a problem finding women that were attracted to her yet.

It wasn't that Fowler wanted to be a man, quite the opposite actually, for several reasons, but she'd just never felt the desire to be outwardly, and traditionally feminine, even though she definitely appreciated that quality in the women she'd been involved with during her lifetime. Since she was so tall, solid and had the frame of a man, more than a woman, she often wore men's style clothing because it simply looked better on her, in her opinion, but she'd always been annoyed that whenever she had to go out in something other than her uniform, she constantly had to wear a nude wrap around her chest to press what breasts she did have down flat so the shirts would fit her as they were meant to be worn. She was certain she'd never miss her breasts and also thought it would be kind of nice, although strange, to be able to walk around without a shirt like men were granted the social privilege, but she wasn't sure she'd ever do it simply because, although it wasn't unheard of, it was still considered 'drastic,' and Nicole Fowler was often not too comfortable drawing that kind of attention to herself.

She was comfortable on stage playing music, or in a boxing ring, but didn't like being something people felt the need to look at because she was 'abnormal' more than she knew she already was considering her height and musculature. That kind of attention was something that she'd had to put up with her whole life, and even though she was comfortable with herself now, and didn't take offense to the jokes her friends made, making more than a few herself, but that hadn't always been the case, and to this day, although she'd never asked her, she wondered how Seven of Nine managed to walk around in her skintight attire, being built like the more than shapely blonde was, and seemingly pay absolutely zero attention to the plethora of lingering glances she received day in a day out. The way Nicole figured it, the Borg could be considered 'abnormal' as well.

Fowler never felt like it was her place to say anything since she'd admired that view a few times herself, finding it rather impossible not to, but she was honestly curious how Seven did it because Nicole was certain if she had people looking at her body all of the time, regardless of the reason, she'd get downright tired and end up cleaning someone's clock. The tall pilot was fairly certain Seven could act so cool all of the time because she considered the admiring looks irrelevant, except the ones she received from her lovers, and even though Fowler knew that she should feel that way too and not let people get to her or keep her from doing something that would make her more comfortable with herself, she just didn't think she'd ever be able to be that oblivious. Since she'd gotten to know the beautiful, blonde, Borg better, especially in the last month after Seven had finally come talk to her and they'd reached something of a truce, although Fowler always felt like it had been a one-sided battle since she'd done her best to remain kind to the Astrometrics officer, she'd thought a couple of times about getting Seven's opinion about her desire to have a breast reduction procedure because she knew that Seven would give an honest, unbiased opinion and she also hoped to maybe get some advice, if she decided to do it, on how to ignore 'irrelevant' comments and the like, but she'd yet to find the time for such a discussion, or felt comfortable yet bringing it up.

Nicole was a simple person, or at least that's how she viewed herself, and often referred to herself as hick with close friends since the typically derogatory term was something of an endearing and empowering label for the pilot. She preferred to not be the center of attention, whether the attention be good, bad, or just driven by scientific and natural curiosity. She liked feeling like she was somebody, somebody important as she was honestly starting to truly feel for the first time in her life as of late, but she didn't like to be that somebody.

Pulling on the jumper that had built in padded feet so socks weren't needed, she pulled the black and grey outfit—that was fairly form fitting, and reminded her of old-fashioned fighter-pilot suits since they zipped up from the waist and the bottom half were somewhat loose and had several built in pockets—over her shoulders then quickly zipped up the front. Once that was done, she pulled on the mid-calf high combat boots, and once her foot was situated inside, she pressed the sensor on the side that pressurized the footwear, and completely sealed them to her feet, comfortably so. Not only did they provide the best kind of support for practically any kind of mission, they also had an anti-gravity function which would allow the squad to move about areas of the ship where the artificial gravity systems had been compromised.

Then removing the hair tie out from her lower back length straight, sandy brown hair, she snatched up her hairbrush and pulled it though her fine mane with haste and quickly secured it once more into a free flowing pony-tail, not having the time to worry about braiding it as she preferred and figuring that if they had time during the debriefing, she could just ask Seven to do it for her since the Borg was more than capable of listening to a discussion, giving her insight, and performing simple, and complex tasks at the same time.

Recently her best friend, B'Elanna Torres, had been trying to talk the pilot into cutting her hair into something more like the captain's shorter mane, but more haphazard and choppy, and even though Fowler thought B'Elanna's interest in 'dressing-up' her 'big sister' was cute, the tall pilot wasn't interested in cutting her hair since she was more than attached to it, and she also knew from experience that since she was rather masculine in much of her appearance, although her face was clearly feminine, the fact that her hair was very feminine in appearance was another factor in her own, somewhat unique sexiness. Fowler certainly didn't flaunt it, but she knew in the back of her mind that at least the type of women she was typically attracted to found her sexuality confusing to the senses, mysterious and more than a little exotic…and Nicole certainly was not ready to mess with a good thing because she was a big believer in the adage: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." As her captain and friend and told her not so long ago, she was a lady's woman…and Fowler thought that if someone like Kathryn Janeway, who Nicole considered a lady of the first order, thought such a thing, then she was doing mighty good, and she was certain her dad would be damned proud of his 'big-little girl,' as he had always called her, if he was still alive and if they were anywhere close to Earth, considering he was something of a lady's man himself until the day he died, in fact.

Exiting her bathroom with speed, Fowler made a quick stop at her closet again, pulled down one of her nun-chucks and her ninja stars from the shelf, and after stuffing the leather pouch that contained the deadly stars into a side pocket, she pulled back a velcro strap she had especially added to her right pant leg that secured her preferred weapons, other than her arms and legs, to her outfit.

Still with a few minutes to spare, Nicole rushed out of her quarters, and while she trotted down the hallway, she queried the computer for the location of the captain, curious as to if she was with Tuvok, since she didn't figure the redhead was in any danger because such a situation would typically mean that the ship and the squad would go to red alert instantly, which was standard practice if there was a known situation occurring currently. Condition Orange meant that a situation was probable in the near future, not that something was going down at that minute. When the computer confirmed her suspicions that the compact commanding officer was currently in Tuvok's Security office, she wondered to herself as she entered the turbolift and requested the next deck up what in the world could be happening that required the Elite Force and not a typical Security detail. As the carriage stopped and the pneumatic doors hissed open, she got a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach that their desperate attempt to flee this territory before Venkat's bounty-hunters received a fix on their location had been unsuccessful.

In fact, so determined were they to flee the area as quickly as possible, the captain, at Seven of Nine's advise, had ignored something they detected on the sensors that looked to possibly be a wormhole of some sort, which had left more than a few crewmembers infuriated at the redhead for not risking checking it out. Fowler had honestly been a little shocked herself, but ultimately she'd agreed with the captain's quick decision to absolutely not stop for anything and keep going. The reason for that, other than the fact that Fowler wasn't not at all in the habit of not following orders, was because not only was it a wormhole like they'd never seen, and seemed to be fairly unstable at first glance, but the Borg had been adamant, more impassioned about anything Nick had seen before, and practically begged Janeway to ignore it and not take the risk. Apparently, the Borg's enthused response was enough to convince Kathryn to not even take a peek to see if they could at least find out where the other side opened up at, although the tall pilot also thought that when the discovery was first reported, the captain didn't seemed too surprised. Over all it was a downright strange situation that Fowler wasn't sure what to make heads or tails of, but considering they currently had a very big price on their heads, Nick agreed that they couldn't risk stopping for anything as marginal as an unfamiliar, unstable, spatial anomaly that resembled a wormhole, especially when the ship's resident Borg had practically stated that it was an unacceptable risk and basically futile.

It had already been decided by Janeway, Tuvok, and Fowler that if an unknown vessel was detected on their sensors and seemed to be paying an interest in the intrepid class starship, the Elite Force would be sent to check it out and destroy it in one manner or another, if need be, which Nicole thought was the single most selfless order ever given by a commanding officer, considering the Delta Flyer was a fairly small, although hearty shuttle, thanks to the Borg enhancements and impulse engine upgrades, and both of her lovers were members of the squad. If this wasn't the Elite Force, Fowler would object adamantly, but this was what they were trained to do and it was their primary object to protect, at all costs, the entity that was the Starship Voyager and her precious crew.

When she breezed into Tuvok's office, being the first to arrive and she saw the stone cold look on her captain's face, she knew, just knew without having to ask, that that was exactly what was going on, and she instantly, albeit inwardly, steeled herself and prepared her mind to make the ultimate sacrifice, no matter what it took, to ensure that her captain, whom she knew couldn't go on such a mission because she was needed here first and foremost, wouldn't have to face the ungodly pain of losing those she loved, like she loved her mates. Fowler, of course, knew that she couldn't completely prevent such an event, but she was prepared to do everything in her power to ensure at least Seven of Nine's survival.

The reason for that wasn't something that Fowler would ever discuss with anyone, but between the Klingon and pilot, they had made a secret pact to do everything in their power to see to the ship's resident Borg's survival because they both agreed that Kathryn could recover from Torres' death, considering she was a Klingon warrior and dying in the line of duty was considered the best way to die, and they hoped Janeway could take solace in that, but she would most likely take a rather big plunge off the deep end if Seven died. They didn't really believe Janeway would suddenly lose her mind and ability to command since they were both certain she could carry on as captain despite any situation, but they believed that if Seven died, the wonderful woman they'd come to know as Kathryn would cease to exist and leave an empty, emotionless and distant shadow in her place. There were several reasons for that, but considering the reaction of the tough-as-nails woman when everyone thought the A.I. had killed the Borg, and her somewhat lengthy depressed and pensive demeanor after Seven's counter-part had destroyed herself shortly thereafter, even though her Seven was still very much alive, they felt it was fairly accurate.

Fowler certainly didn't want anyone to die, especially B'Elanna, whom she cared for like a sister now, but she was a Starfleet officer and her duty was to protect their vessel's interests, and if Janeway lost Seven of Nine, it would be a very, very bad day for Voyager indeed, so with that thinking, she'd accepted the pact with her best friend and was prepared to follow through with it. There were several variables that they'd never be able to have control over, Seven of Nine being probably the biggest since as much as the perfection driven woman worshipped her captain, mentor, best-friend, and lover, she certainly would never choose between her lovers, and both of them knew she'd never abandon B'Elanna…not even for her perfect Kathryn. They didn't have any contingency plans or anything of that nature because they felt it was a waste of time and energy to try to predict how Seven of Nine or anyone would react to an unknown situation, so their pact was more of a bonding ritual between them, one they'd do their very best to carry out if it came down to it. Also, other than agreeing that for the duty to her vessel's sake it was best to ensure Seven's survival, in her own way, Fowler had agreed to honor her Klingon sister, since she knew, without having to ask, Torres would much rather see Seven and Kathryn carry on without her, knowing there wasn't a single thing—except infidelity, but that was about as probable as them discovering Elvis Presley in the Delta Quadrant—other than death that could divide them at this point, than have to watch the redhead slowly come apart and die on the inside without her Borg.

Although after Torres had left her quarters that evening, Fowler had had a quick notion that perhaps there were more reasons than B'Elanna was explaining for her request to help her keep Seven alive at all costs, other than the brunette's love for the blonde, but since it was just a feeling and she figured part of it was because both Seven and the chief engineer had been acting slightly peculiar lately, she hadn't questioned; the chief's reasoning had been convincing enough as it stood, and Nicole was content to leave it at that an not pry, even if she was curious.

Seated in front of Commander Tuvok's desk, Fowler listened carefully as the commander and the captain started to brief them on the situation while Seven of Nine, standing behind her, continued to braid her hair as she had requested. Nicole wasn't surprised that Janeway was taking an active leadership role in the squad since not only was she their commanding officer in all other aspects of their professional existence, but she'd put herself at risk, by dressing provocatively and coming onto a known criminal, to gain the information that made this meeting possible, and even though Fowler thought Tuvok was a very good leader of this group, Janeway's point of view and cunning simply couldn't be duplicated. There was also the fact that her presence, with this group, was comforting, uplifting, and inspiring at the same time since, even though it wasn't spoken or did she show any signs of her distress, everyone knew she had to be having serious difficulty with the knowledge that she was sending four of her senior officers, two of whom she loved madly, out on a very high-risk mission that she couldn't responsibly attend herself. But Kathryn Janeway was true to form, and even though her eyes were a steely grey and her jaw was solidly set into a position which made her look about as intimidating as she ever had, there was nothing to her voice or demeanor that wasn't all business. She was clearly the captain, and Nicole was glad she was present, besides the aforementioned reasons, because she felt that she could do good to learn not only how to command, but the importance of it, from this woman.

As Seven finished her hair, slipped the long braid over her shoulder to inform Fowler her task was complete, Nicole glanced over quickly as Seven sat down in the empty chair next to her and nodded, giving her silent thanks as the captain jumped into Tuvok's previous monologue.

"I've already discussed the situation with the first, and she agrees that the Alaxiat should continue on course since we still have two days before our last course change and we start for Respite," Janeway explained, speaking of the Class M planet Seven had deemed as the best choice for the ships' purposes, which had quickly been named by the captain after she and Devin decided that was where they would take their much needed break and see to upgrading the first's vessel's warp capabilities and finishing the construction of the new shuttle, which was still unnamed as of yet. "Voyager will stay here and work as backup in case any other vessels come into range. Once the mission is successful, we'll both rendezvous with her. Voyager will continue from here, assuming we aren't required to join you, and you'll take the shortest route from your location." When the squad all nodded to her, Janeway turned back toward Tuvok and simply said, "Commander…" as she stepped away and gave him the floor, then fairly casually perched on the edge of the smaller desk in the corner that was Nicole Fowler's new office space, them all deciding it was better for her to share space with Tuvok than with Chakotay considering the work she did on the Elite Force.

After nodding, Tuvok pivoted to the console on the wall and brought up the graphic of the vessel that was their target as he started, "From the data our sensors have been able to gather, and the intelligence we gained before our previous mission, this vessel matches the description of Venkat's preferred contact, Juguketara." Then turning to the blonde, the swarthy Vulcan, who was still dressed in his normal habit, said, "Seven of Nine…"

Understanding that she was required to detail to them the data she'd collected because her primary responsibility before their away mission to Burnhouse was to scan the communication channels, and since she never forgot facts, she was the best choice to give an explanation, the Seven stood and began as she started for the console while Tuvok took a few steps back to give her the center stage in front the rest of them, "Juguketara's tactics are well known…however, he continues to hold the designation 'The Siege' because he and his crew continue to be successful in overtaking their targets despite the fact that he is 'reputable.'" After bringing up a more detailed schematic of the vessel as Fowler leaned forward, paying very close attention, Seven went on, "His vessel, the Jugket, was specifically designed to promote his agenda. It is only thirty point two five percent that the size of Voyager, and would undoubtedly be destroyed in a confrontation with this vessel since its weapons systems and shielding are unremarkable…however," cocking her eyebrow as she noticed the slight smirk on Janeway's face at that description, "those facts are relevant due to the fact that he uses that to lure vessels into proximity of his long-range transporters…which are remarkable." Turning front and center, the Borg absently folded her hands and rested them at the small of her back as she went on, doing her best to remain solid and alert as possible and hoping she didn't look as tired as she actually was...although, she was not concerned that she couldn't perform her duty efficiently, "Apparently, they have the capability to penetrate most shield matrices. Once a vessel is within range of his transporter technology, two things typically occur. The vessel's commanders are transported to his vessel, while his mercenaries, which number anywhere from ten to thirty, are sent to the target vessel. From the 'stories' I have heard, these mercenaries could be considered 'pirates' and not only are they unscrupulous individuals, but they are highly trained and will 'stop at nothing' to seize their target vessel."

Before anyone could begin asking her questions, Seven of Nine turned slightly toward Janeway, unwound her hands and stated, "Fortunately, although his communications array is comparable to ours, the nature of this 'work' dictates that he will not request assistance from other vessels since that would mean he would have to 'share' in the earnings. However, it will be vital to monitor the long-range scans considering that he is so 'reputable' and lesser bounty-hunters have been known, from the intelligence I gained, to monitor his activities. Considering the monetary sum our capture is likely to produce, this is a high possibility. Although," she added, quirking her eyebrow again, "his vessel is not easy to detect by standard scanning equipment that a majority of the vessels that inhabit this sector utilize. Voyager's scanning capabilities are now superior," speaking of the recent upgrades she'd arranged and made mostly herself, considering the reasoning for the necessity wasn't something she was yet ready to unveil to anyone but B'Elanna Torres who had authorized the upgrades then merely informed the captain that they were making them, and the it was just something they could and should do since they had the resources and the time, which Kathryn had easily agreed to, leaving it in the chief's hands as the engineer had requested, "to say the least, which is undoubtedly why we were able to detect his vessel at such a great distance. Most vessels would not detect his approach until he was almost within range of his transporters at which time he often attempts to make contact with the vessel. Depending on his own intelligence of his target, he will send out a distress signal, threaten, or inform his target that he wishes to make a trade of some kind…whatever it 'takes' to get within range of the vessel before they attempt to flee."

"What are their warp capabilities?" asked Fowler as she sat back.

"Unfortunately, that data is unknown, but considering the previous data," Seven replied, "I would 'guess' that his vessel isn't considered 'fast.'" When everyone nodded at that, Seven turned to Tuvok and stated, "That is all the data I have, Commander."

"That will suffice," the Vulcan informed, then bobbed his head at her silently, telling her to reclaim her chair.

Pushing up from the desk she was silently sitting on, Janeway began to explain the mission she and Tuvok had already worked out, but given Seven the time to brief the rest of the squad as a way to get them all involved and also to gain any insight that might force them to change tactics in case Seven knew something they didn't, which hadn't been the case, "Alright, we can't be certain, but we're betting that the Flyer's multiphasic shielding will keep your approach completing undetected. If that's the case, then your mission is fairly simple." Turning toward them and leaning with her hands on Tuvok's desk, speaking evenly and completely serious, "You'll beam a type six photon torpedo aboard their vessel, detonate it, and then be on your way." Standing up straight, she pointed to the blonde and said, "Seven, it might take a little while, but I'm sure, if their shields are as unremarkable as you say they are, you'll be able to figure out a way to break through them without having to destroy their array."

"That is correct," Seven came back with confidence, already processing the data in her mind and compiling a list of options she planned to use to accomplish their objective.

"And if our approach isn't silent?" Torres had to ask, dressed as the rest of the group, except she continued to wear her thick, meshed, metal sash, or her 'honor,' as she called it, which Janeway and Tuvok agreed was a prudent allowance considering what the woman went through to gain and keep it, and would only request that she take it off for a covert operation, if she needed to hide her Klingon identity. Considering they didn't plan to leave the confines of the Delta Flyer and weren't trying to mask who they were and what their deadly objective was, it was unlikely that situation would arise anytime soon.

"There is a higher probability that they will detect us," Tuvok rejoined the conversation, "than there is that they will be able to penetrate our shields with their transporter. From our intelligence, it seems that the Delta Flyer's weapons array is inferior to the Jugket's, but not by a great degree, and the Flyer is much more maneuverable, which will give us a tactical advantage. If it is required, then we will attempt to destroy them by engaging their vessel. Since we will be carrying a photon torpedo as part of our payload, there is also the possibility that we could beam the torpedo into space and detonate it in their proximity. That will not do as much damage as detonating it inside the craft, however, if executed properly, it has the ability to significantly damage their vessel." Shaking his head slightly from side to side as he finished, Tuvok said, "Time is of the essence. We will have only a small window from the time we disrupt their warp bubble before we come under fire and will be forced to raise our shields again…however, as long as we are able to devise a way to penetrate their shields before we are detected," cocking his eyebrow, "they will not know what hit them."

"Bottom line," Kathryn added, low and cold, nodding to Tuvok, silently dismissing him so he could go change into his special forces uniform, "we take them out of the equation." When everyone grew very still and silent at that statement as the Vulcan slid through the small doors, Janeway went on, "I'll be monitoring your progress each step of the way…if you have to engage them and I feel you're outmatched, I can be there in less than three minutes at maximum…so don't take any chances if things get ugly. Just stay out of their way as much as possible and I will," she said with emphasis, "be there to assist you." Turning, she went on as she started pacing behind them, having already given this speech, although its delivery was much more pointed and aggressive the first time, to her Security Chief since she was letting him alone command the vital and unexpendable group, "I want this to go smooth and by the numbers, and I will not accept anything less. This is what you've been trained to do, and I expect to see each and every one of you back aboard this vessel tomorrow morning…is that clear?"

"Yes, Ma'am," rang out the chorus as they all stood up and snapped to attention.

Walking in front of them, she looked each one of them over and then said, "Good, then we won't have any problems. Ensign," pointing to the middle-aged Asian who was notoriously quiet, but everyone knew, not counting Seven of Nine's enhanced systems, was the single most capable member of the group in hand to hand combat and whether or not his opponent was armed rarely mattered, "get down to the shuttle on the double and recheck all the medical and emergency supplies. Dismissed."

When Samuel Wang pivoted and trotted out of the room, she said, still speaking with the utmost authority, "Torres, Seven…you two get down there and prep the shuttle for immediate departure. I need to speak with Miss Fowler for a moment, but I'll be down there to see you off," she added so that they would know, as she believed they probably guessed, that she'd never let them leave her in such a manner without telling each of them she loved them. "Dismissed."

Once her partners were gone and Fowler continued to stand at attention, Janeway relaxed and said, "At ease, Lieutenant." When Fowler loosened up and looked down at her, Janeway said softly, but seriously, "Go get Samantha and Naomi, tell them to pack a few things quickly…then take them to the nearest transporter room, it will be unoccupied, and have them beamed over to the Alaxiat…Devin's expecting them…keep it quiet please." When Fowler nodded in silent understanding for the captain's concern that if Voyager did have to engage the Jugket, it was possible they'd be faced with ruthless mercenaries roaming the ship since the starship wasn't equipped with the fairly experimental, Borg enhanced shielding, Janeway finished, "Once you're done, report to the Shuttle Bay. Dismissed."

"Aye, Captain." Turning around, Fowler started through the door, then stopped quickly, and said softly over her shoulder, duly grateful that she was being given such a duty, beyond her relationship with the scientist, because not only did she know how much the Wildmans meant to the captain, but it also meant that the captain believed Fowler wouldn't judge her, or more so, that she wouldn't make the request public knowledge since it was somewhat special treatment; although it was unlikely anyone would protest since Naomi was just a child and certainly shouldn't be expected to go anywhere without her mother, but there was the possibility since it was now widely known that Trisha Elliot-Caster was pregnant, "Thanks for asking me."

The captain simply nodded as she crossed her arms over her chest and then replied, smiling weakly since it was all she could currently manage, "Give my assistant a kiss for me and tell her I'll see her tomorrow."

"It's Nick," Fowler replied when Samantha requested the person at her door identify themselves, obviously due to the fact that B'Elanna had been by and told them to stay holed up until she or Fowler said it was safe. When Samantha immediately opened the door, smiling in obvious relief, which quickly turned to a look of relative fear when she saw what Nicole was wearing, Fowler gently eased Samantha out of the doorway and stepped into the cabin saying, "I need you to go pack a few things for yourselves…I'm taking you over to the Alaxiat until things are settled." When Samantha frowned and hesitated, Fowler reached down, squeezed her shoulder and informed, understanding her concern that if she went along with Nicole's idea she'd possibly be breaking protocol, "The order came straight from the top, Sam…hurry, we don't have much time."

As Wildman finally nodded and rushed into her bedroom, Fowler announced, "I'll get Naomi," since it was fairly late in the evening and past the child's bedtime, she knew. Opening the door to the child's small, brightly colored, and softly lit bedroom by the side panel lights that were acting as a nightlight for the child, Fowler came over to the bed where Naomi was sleeping soundly, bent down, pulled back the covers, and easily scooped her up. When the tiny carrot-top stirred against her chest, Fowler said softly as her mother came into her bedroom with a small duffel and stated toward her closet to get her daughter a change of clothing and some shoes, "Hey, little miss…sorry to wake you, but the captain needs you and your mama to go on a little mission for her."

Rubbing her eyes, Naomi replied, shocked and groggy, but coming out of it fairly quickly, "She does?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Fowler reported back quickly. "You're gonna go over to the first's ship for a spell…diplomatic duty. You ready?" she asked Samantha as the blonde, still wearing her full uniform, zipped up the bag and slung it over her shoulder.

"All set," Samantha replied, speaking as easy as she could manage so her daughter hopefully wouldn't catch on that they were going over there to stay out of danger.

As they started out of the bedroom, Naomi said, "Mommy, I can't go without my necklace…I'm supposed to wear it on duty," as she pointed over Nicole's shoulder to her nightstand where she set her precious rank insignia each and every night. Once her mother snatched up the necklace and handed it to the child, who started to put it around her neck and close the clasp as she had finally learned how to do by herself, Naomi asked as Fowler moved quickly out of their quarters and started for the turbolift since there wasn't a transporter room on Deck Ten, "What does the captain want me to do?"

Reaching down, Fowler took a hold of Samantha's hand, giving it a soft squeeze as she easily carried Naomi, who was barefoot and wearing her white, nightgown, in her other arm, as she answered, "Well, she wants you to go over there and go back to sleep first, and then give her a report when you get back on the crew quarters to make sure they're acceptable." When Samantha let out a slight laugh, although it sounded anxiety and not humor driven, at Fowler's attempt, Nicole smiled as they stepped into the turbolift, "Can you handle that? Deck Eight."

"Oh yes, Lieutenant…I can do that," Naomi responded, now fully awake and remembering to use professional names since she was on a mission. Looking over at her mother, Naomi said, "Mommy, isn't this so cool?"

"Yes, sweetheart…it's very cool."

"Lieutenant," Naomi started, confused, "how come you're wearing that suit…what's that for?"

Fowler held back her sigh and explained as the lift stopped and they stepped out, moving quickly, "It's my special uniform, little miss. While you're on your mission, I've got a special mission too…so this is what I wear when I have special missions."

"Oh," the child allowed, nodding seriously as if she understood everything that entailed. "Well, I think it's so neat…I can't wait 'til I can have one too."

Once they were in the transporter room that was empty as the captain had arranged already, Fowler set the child down on the dais and said after she kissed her on the cheek, "Okay, that's from the captain and she says that she'll see you tomorrow and looks forward to hearing your report." Patting her bottom, she requested, "Now go on and stand on the transporter pad while I talk to your mama for a minute."

"Aye, Lieutenant."

Standing up straight, Nicole turned to Samantha, then sighed as she saw the dreadfully worried look on the blonde's face, and said before she kissed her sweetly, "Awwwe, come here." After a few moments when Naomi could be heard snickering since she'd never seen anyone kiss her mother like that before, Fowler chuckled when Samantha did so as well, the whispered as she leaned over into her ear, "No worries, darlin'…careful's my middle name."

"I thought fun was your middle name?" Samantha came back fairly seriously, trying her very best not to seem too attached to the tall brunette since she knew Fowler wasn't looking for a serious relationship, as she rested her hand flat on Fowler's upper chest while she looked up at her. Wildman wasn't really looking for one herself, and even though she hadn't talked to anyone about it yet, she could feel herself falling in love with the woman, despite herself. She wasn't sure if it was the kind of love that would last and last, or if it was mostly just lust and love for her easy, kind and honest personality, but she recognized the feeling inside of her, especially when it was screaming at her to grab Nicole, kiss her madly and freely and beg her to come with them and not to go do whatever it was she was going to do that would put her in danger.

Smirking, Fowler replied, purposefully adding more of a southern accent to her words than she actually had since that always made the blonde laugh, as she gently rubbed the back of Samantha's neck with her right hand, "We's got big names where I's from, Miss Sam."

"You're such a hick, Nick Fowler," Wildman shot back, shaking her head and commanding herself to laugh wistfully and play it off, as she moved away and climbed onto the dais when Fowler urged her to do so.

Since the lieutenant was wearing her Elite Force jumpsuit, she didn't need a communicator, so to open the channel, she started, "Open channel," then after a beat, once the built in communications function of her suit was activated, she added, "Transporter Room Three to Bridge."

"Rodham here."

"Ensign, Fowler here...we've got a priority crew transport to the make…contact the Alaxiat and tell them to drop out of warp with us, then let me know when it's clear to energize."

"Acknowledged…stand by." After a few short moments, the ensign came back, "Okay, Lieutenant…you're clear."

Looking up, Fowler forced a smile and said before she initiated the transport, nodding and winking to Wildman and then her daughter, "See ya soon, ladies."

As she breezed into the Shuttle Bay and immediately noticed Janeway standing in front of Seven of Nine and B'Elanna Torres, but didn't see anyone else around, she figured they were having a private moment, knowing from experience Janeway wouldn't let it go since she'd acted similarly in the Delta Flyer when they were forced to eject the warp core, so she merely said when the captain turned to look at her, "It's done, Captain…I'll see you soon," then trotted off to the open hatch of the shuttle, knowing if Janeway wanted to speak with her, she'd tell her to stop and come back, and wouldn't take offense to not waiting for her to be dismissed considering the circumstances.

Once Fowler was out of range, Kathryn turned back toward her lovers, who'd just finished giving her a report on the shuttle status, informing her that everything was set and ready to go, and said, softly, but keeping most of the crazed emotions she was feeling out of her voice, "Well, that's it then."

Jumping in, keeping the captain from having to fight with the decision of whether or not to kiss them, and wanting to give Janeway and Seven a few moments alone, since it was always important to her that her girlfriends had those, especially after the Borg's 'death' and especially since her counter-part's mysterious visit, after which she insisted that the two take a whole week to themselves to do whatever they needed to do to deal with the emotional repercussions, B'Elanna stepped up, grabbed Kathryn by the back of the neck and kissed her squarely and purposefully. When Janeway didn't resist and latched onto her, pulling the brunette, whose medium length hair was pulled back and wrapped with a dark, thin ribbon around and down the ponytail to keep it secured, impossibly close, B'Elanna deepened the kiss for just a moment, then eased away, and whispered as she rested her forehead against the redhead's, "I love you, cowgirl." Then quickly as Janeway professed her love in return, B'Elanna moved to her ear and whispered, "I'll take care of the kid," trying to make a small joke since although Seven was the youngest and could be naïve to many things, they both knew she was hardly a child and could outsmart both of them if she so desired, "…trust me."

Stepping back, Torres nodded as Janeway swallowed and bobbed her head hurriedly, and said louder, "Okay, see ya soon," then as she turned and trotted away, she rallied, raising her fist then smacking the center of her chest, "Qapla'!"

Seven of Nine cocked her eyebrow as she smirked and turned to face back toward Janeway after she watched Torres jog away, remarking, "I'm growing fond of that phrase…despite its consistent usage." When Janeway sighed and then chuckled just once, the tall Borg, whose buttery mane was secured in a long braid, the style the same as Nicole Fowler's, stepped up to Janeway, put both of her hands on her shoulder, wanting to pick her up, but knowing she shouldn't at this moment and also worried about expending unnecessary energy due to her lethargy, and said, "I will remove this threat from our existence, return the shuttle and its crew in tact and we will continue on our path." As Janeway sighed, unable to help herself, and looked down for a minute, her neverending fear of once again losing someone she loved bubbling to the surface faster than she had the will to stop it, Seven lifted Janeway's chin and reminded, "I am Borg…and resistance is futile."

Somehow managing to smile at the cocky expression on her tall lover's paler than normal face, Janeway noticed, not for the first time, Seven's worn appearance, which she knew was being caused by the woman's excessive work schedule and lack of adequate regeneration. However, recently, she'd been hit with a somewhat cold shoulder when she'd tired to point it out to her lover in a non-threatening way, which made her wonder if she was going to finally have to step in a pull rank to get Seven to take it easy. But she hadn't done so yet since she feared it wouldn't be greeted well, and she also knew the Doctor was more than capable of giving a similar order.

Kathryn tapped her mouth and whispered, husky, "Kiss me," then added quickly, even more serious, "kiss me like you mean it."

Dipping her head and pulling the captain into her chest, Seven did as she was requested, and proceeded to kiss Kathryn, as if it was Janeway who was heading off into danger instead of herself, until the slight older woman's head was completely arched back and she made an involuntary soft and high-pitched sound in the back of her throat. Upon detecting that sound, which occurred at the same moment that the redhead tightened her grip on her lover, Seven of Nine carefully slowed their oral dance until just the tips of their lips where touching, and when Janeway rubbed her nose against hers and whispered faintly, "Oh, I love you, darling…I love you so much, Seven," the blonde kissed her quickly again, then stood up straight, retracted her hands and folded them behind her back to keep them from continuing to touch the captain, and replied, "I love you as well, my beautiful Kathryn. B'Elanna Torres and I will return to you shortly. Don't 'worry'…we will be efficient."

Janeway cleared her throat and swallowed down all emotional obstructions as she nodded and replied, "I know you will." Then gesturing toward the shuttle with her chin, she smirked and added, "Time to go…your team's waiting."

"Yes, Captain," Seven smirked back, then pivoted and marched confidently away, but stopped at the hatch, turned half-way around while she proceeded inside quickly, and lifted her thumb towards Janeway, hoping the cultural gesture would please and lighten the mood of her captain, as anytime she did something 'human' seemed to do.

Kathryn watched unmoving while she crossed her arms over her chest as the sleek crafted lifted off the ground while the Shuttle Bay outer doors pulled apart, and when the Flyer turned and then easily slid through the opening, causing the forcefield to appear for just an instant as the craft passed through its protective barrier, Janeway closed her eyes and whispered, simply, praying to whomever or whatever would listen, "Please…" not feeling like she needed to say anything more because she felt that if there was some divine force in the universe, he or she or it would know exactly what she was requesting.

Then turning on her heels, unwinding her hands and slamming down her command mask over her face, Janeway started for the Bridge, instantly becoming the captain again…and not just the captain, but the consummate, unbreakable, fearless, god-like commanding officer she needed to be considering she was left with only two of her senior officers currently, and she knew for them to be successful if they had to assist the Elite Force, her younger, less seasoned staff would need her to lead them without any trace of the personal anguish she was currently feeling. Thankfully, Tom Paris was still on her ship, and his advanced piloting skills would definitely give them an edge, and even though she was without her finest Tactical officer, she knew Lieutenant Byers was quite capable.

Byers was Tuvok's second in command as far as Security went, and his second in command of the Elite Force's Beta Squad, that was also now on alert and dispatched throughout the vessel in case they were boarded, so she knew it was possible if they were boarded, things could get dicey if he was required to fight someone off on the Bridge, or leave it completely, but Kathryn knew, from experience, that she was perfectly capable of manning Tactical and barking orders at the same time. Tactical certainly wasn't her forté, and she'd easily say it was her weakest area, but she'd been in Starfleet for over two decades, so weak was a rather loosely defined term.

Marching onto the Bridge, walking smooth and graceful, and showing absolutely no signs of anything other than unadulterated confidence and coolness under pressure, Janeway said easily, but in a business-like tone, "Lieutenant," speaking to Byers, who was also dressed in his special forces uniform, "yellow alert." Coming around to her command chair, Janeway asked simply, "Harry?" as she reached behind her console, grabbed the hand phaser there as well as the uniform attachment, and quickly adhered it to her trim waist before she took up her lonely, but supremely familiar chair, between the two empty ones next to her.

"The Flyer's gone to warp, Captain," Ensign Kim started immediately, understanding the information she wanted, and not for the first time left wondering how Janeway managed to always seem so composed. "The Jugket changed course when we stopped to compensate, but they're still headed right for us…no signs that they'll go after the Alaxiat first, or that they've detected the Flyer…and no other vessels have been detected by our scans."

Nodding over and up to Operations, Kathryn came back, "Let me know the moment that changes," then to helm, she ordered quickly, "Tom, keep us out of range of their transporters, but be prepared to bring us into the mix quickly."

"Aye, Captain," Paris came back seriously, but gamely since it had been some time since he'd been able to test out his skills, and even though he didn't like the idea behind the need to be prepared, he was a pilot first and foremost, and albeit it was dangerous and lives where often lost, the best piloting experience came during a battle.

Hitting her point home, Janeway looked over her shoulder and up at Tactical as she said, "We've got a singular objective, people…to keep our family safe." Turning back forward, she crossed her legs and sat back as she finished, "They started this…and we're going to end it…"

Comfortably seated in the pilot's chair of the Delta Flyer, Lieutenant Fowler gently and so very carefully eased the triangular vessel underneath their target, keeping plenty distance between the crafts since both were still traveling at Warp Five and if she didn't watch the distance, she could collide each of the warp bubbles which would send them both careening off course and possibly bring them crashing into each other at five times the speed of light. Once they were set and the Jugket showed absolutely no signs that they had any idea the Federation vessel was anywhere near them since it continued straight on for Voyager, Fowler set the autopilot which commanded the computer to keep them on course and recalculate for any course adjustments that were made immediately to keep the safe distance between them. Then turning to her left where Seven of Nine continued to scan the vessel and gather the necessary information so she could make her calculations as to how and where to penetrate their shields, she asked, "What's our time frame?" speaking of the amount of time they had until Voyager would either be in transporter range, or would have to have to back off, which they worried would give them away since the starship was attempting to show that they had no idea that they were being hunted.

"Voyager will be in transporter range in twenty point three five minutes," Seven droned fairly flat and mechanical since she was now completely in her single-minded, Borg mode as her neural processor calculated, complied, and cross-referenced a multitude of data at inhuman speeds. Turning in her chair, Seven arose, climbed the short stairs up to Tactical which was currently empty since Tuvok and Torres were currently arming the photon torpedo and awaiting Seven's final instructions, while she informed the lieutenant, "Their shields are not as unremarkable as our intelligence suggested, and they are not modulating on any predictable frequency…however, there is a small fluctuation in the anterior section caused by their plasma emissions. It seems that their venting system on the port side is malfunctioning, causing the starboard system to compensate…and the greater amount of plasma ventilating from that section has weakened that section's shields. I am programming the exact coordinates into the computer as we speak, however, we will be required to reposition ourselves directly behind the vessel. I do not suggest that we do that until we are prepared to 'go' since the plasma emissions could disrupt our shields as well."

"Understood," Fowler replied immediately, "just tell me when then."

"I will comply," Seven responded absently as she finished her task of targeting that section and stood while Tuvok and Torres emerged back into the forward compartment. Turning toward Tuvok, Seven informed, "I have discovered a weakness in their shields that we can use to simultaneously drop them from warp and transport the photon torpedo. The coordinates are in the computer."

When Tuvok nodded at that then sat down, saying nothing since he wasn't surprised Seven had been successful since all of them knew that when it came to technology, there wasn't much the ex-drone couldn't analyze, modify and either discover weaknesses in and/or make more efficient, Seven turned to Torres and said, "The 'down side' is that we will have to position ourselves behind the vessel to hit our target at the appropriate angle in order to pierce their shields. There is significant plasma flow behind this vessel which will undoubtedly disrupt our shields as well and create 'turbulence.'" Looking back over at Tuvok, she went on, "I cannot give you an estimate on the extent our shields will be affected. These shields were designed by the Hansens," Seven informed without feeling and little inward emotion for the people that were her parents since she had very little memory of them as being such and preferred to think of them as deceased individuals that were of no relation to her, "to operate in proximity to Borg vessels. Transwrap technology generates no emissions, thus it is possible the shields will become ineffective. Unfortunately, there is no other way to penetrate their shields unless we engage them and attempt to destroy their matrix."

Jumping into the conversation, Torres said, "I think we should do it, Commander. We'll still have the element of surprise on our side," then went on as she looked up from her console, "the flow won't affect us in the least unless we're within two hundred meters. We come in behind, hit them hard, transport the torpedo, then back off and raise shields again…they'll barely have time to scan us before they're toast."

Placing her hands behind her back, Seven finished while Tuvok thought it over, "This plasma flow will also disrupt our transporter signal, but I should be able to compensate. Despite the increased risk, this remains the most efficient way to accomplish our objective. If we disengage our multiphasic shielding and use the standard matrix, we could easily be boarded or transported to their vessel. I believe this is the 'best' option."

Nodding, Tuvok turned the group and informed, "Agreed. Then our plan will occur as follows. Lieutenant Fowler will move us into position, at that point, I will target this section of their vessel which will cause them to drop from warp. Once that occurs, you," looking to Torres, "will drop our shields and then Seven of Nine will beam the torpedo aboard their vessel. At that time, we will then raise shields again and remain in a stand by position until they have been eliminated. The torpedo is set to detonate ten seconds after the transport is initiated, so it is unlikely they will have sufficient time to attempt to disarm it."

"What if they try to beam it out into space?" asked Wang, who sat in the back near the small science station. Wang was a geologist, so none of this type of technical work was ever something that he normally partook in, however, his presence was vital, and not just because of his advanced skills, but because he was their field medic, so even though he rarely got involved in these aspect of their missions, no one ever questioned his inclusion or felt he was an unnecessary addition.

Smiling crookedly, B'Elanna informed, "I programmed it to detonate immediately if anything other than a Federation transporter signature is detected…so, let'em try…they'll be sorry either way."

"Efficient," Seven of Nine reported, smirking as she made her way back to her station, certain B'Elanna's days with the Maquis had assisted the Klingon's thought processes for that modification.

"Lieutenant Fowler," the commander informed, "you should direct this aspect of the operation since you must act first and last."

"Aye, Commander," Fowler nodded her head then took a quick deep breath. Over her shoulder, she asked as she put her hands on the controls and got comfortable, "Everyone ready?" Once the group informed her they were prepared to carry out their individual tasks in the correct order, Fowler said, "Okay, here we go…"

Somewhat nervous since maneuvering any craft at such high speeds was more than a little tricky, even a small, highly pilot friendly vessel such as the Delta Flyer, Fowler backed off the shuttle and allowed their target to move ahead of them. Once that was done, she checked their distance and then quickly increased their speed until they were right behind them and six hundred meters from their backside. Once she was set, since this was the most critical part for her because she'd have to act in a split second, although with the help of the computer that would slow their speed in conjunction with the Jugket's, and make certain she stayed in relatively the same position, she said crisply, "Fire."

As both of the Flyer's phaser banks burst to life and honed in on one small section of the larger, wider and fairly flat vessel, the hull design also assisting their enemy with their ability to allude most scanning devices until they were within transporter range, Nicole instinctively tensed and used her hand and eye coordination for all it was worth as the vessel in front of them slowed and veered to starboard drastically while their pilot attempted to compensate for the sudden disruption. Having to back them off for a second, spreading their distance to one thousand meters to make certain none of the superheated plasma coming out of the back of the vessel would disrupt their shields quite yet, the lieutenant informed, "On my mark, drop shields and initiate transport." Then urging the Flyer forward again as the Jugket stabilized and she pulled up right behind them, Nicole said, "Go," and immediately she had to fight with the turbulence and burn both thrusters one after the other to compensate for the energy that was attempting to displace them from their mark.

"Shields are down," Torres informed Seven at the same instant.

"Energizing," the tall blonde came back in the next moment as she ran her hand over the panel in an upward motion to pull the lethal torpedo into the pattern buffer, then sent the matter through the transporter array and into the tiny breach they'd created in the Jugket's shields. Then shaking her head, Seven said clipped, sounding furious, which she was at herself for not being able to completely compensate for the interference as quickly as she'd hoped, "The plasma is disrupting the transport…I am attempting to compensate." Looking up, the Borg informed, calming down again and sounding now deadly and robotic, "The torpedo is lodged between their inner and outer hull…it will not be as effective."

"Raising shields," Torres reported in the next beat, then snapping her head up, she informed, growling on instinct, "Back us up…the plasma's disrupting our shields!"

"Shit," Fowler cursed under her breath while she threw them into a full reverse as fast as she was able while the seconds ticked down, then yelled, "Everyone hang on!" just before the torpedo detonated, only seven hundred meters from them just as B'Elanna was able to raise the shields.

After the small vessel was rocked backward in the explosion—although they incurred only very minor damage other than being knocked around and tossed slightly off course—which completely destroyed the Jugket's engines and a good portion of the aft section of the larger ship, Seven of Nine reported once Fowler got control of their backward movement, although the turbulence had increased, "The explosion has released a significant flow of plasma…we must alter course before it disrupts our shields again."

"Too late!" B'Elanna shouted as she slapped her hand down on her sensor board while Fowler battled through the bouncing turbulence, only able to use the thrusters at this point since they were still too close to the vessel to engage impulse engines. "Shields are down!" Looking up she informed, "Nick, get us out of that flow! If any of it gets into our nacelles...they'll burn up!"

As she pulled the Flyer hard back and the turbulence died down, Fowler requested, abrupt and commanding, "What's the status of their transporter array?"

"It has not been damaged, but their power output has been compromised," Seven of Nine reported quickly, having the same worries as everyone else. Turning only her head toward Tuvok, she stated, "We should attempt to destroy them before they are able to stabilize their systems and their weapons are operational."

As Tuvok nodded and informed Fowler what attack flight pattern to utilize, Torres announced, in a cautionary tone, "Whatever you're gonna do…do it quick, their power output is stabilizing…"

"Acknowledged," Fowler returned as she zipped the shuttle over the top of the ship where Tuvok hit it with several quick bursts, then quickly took them vertical for several hundred meters and when she looped the shuttle and they started back for the Jugket, she informed, "She's all yours, Commander."

As both arrays honed in on the ship's massive transporter array toward the front of the ship, which was their greatest threat at the moment since with their shields down they could be abducted or boarded at any moment, Nicole flipped the shuttle on a horizontal axis so their weapons array could continue to fire as they swung around the wounded vessel in a circle and allowed the talented commander to continue to focus their attack on the transporter array. When it exploded into million pieces at the hands of their leader, and left a gapping hole in the top of their vessel, Fowler pulled up on the shuttle and said, feeling recharged, "Aha!" Then swinging the shuttle back around, she asked, "Alright…what's next?"

"We should move out of weapons range," Seven of Nine informed, smirking and looking toward Fowler. "I believe the captain wishes to 'do the honors.' She is approaching…quickly."

Not surprised, Fowler nodded and immediately brought the Delta Flyer about, backing them off as in a burst of light, Voyager loomed onto the scene and the captain's voice sounded over their communications network, "Voyager to Delta Flyer…stand down…we'll take it from here." And with a fairly big smile on her face, Nicole watched with pride as their mothership launched a torpedo from each of the forward banks and easily finished off what was left of the vessel that had been on a capitalistic mission to see to their demise, and because of that, she didn't feel the least bit of remorse for the individuals aboard that just perished and hoped that in their next life they'd make better choices as far as their occupation went.

When Seven of Nine jumped up and pointed to the aft compartment, but remained silent, Fowler stared, confused at her for a moment until it sank in that the Borg had detected something, mostly likely with her enhanced hearing, and instantly Nicole jumped to her feet as well since there had been several moments before they were able to destroy the array that they had been vulnerable. Fowler pulled her clubbed weapons from her legs as Wang and Torres jumped to their feet as well and stood on either side of the hatch, while Tuvok pushed himself up and came up next to Seven as they approached from the front.

Coming up behind Seven, Fowler whispered into her ear, "Can you tell how many?" When the blonde held up three fingers, but then moved her hand form side to side to inform them that she couldn't be certain, Fowler nodded then informed her to go stand of to the side next to Torres. Turning to the commander, who then nodded to her, silently informing her that the two of them would go first, which is how it should be since they were the highest ranking officers, Folwer was about to approach the door, when she stopped, having a thought. Holding up her hand and clenching her fist to stop Tuvok from proceeding, she then quickly said, not bothering to ask permission while they were hailed by Voyager, although no one attempted to answer just yet, "Computer, erect a forcefield between the forward and aft compartments," remembering how B'Elanna had done so the night of the warp core breach so she could open the outer hatch without compromising the rest of the small vessel.

When Torres seemed to catch on and gave her a swift pat on the shoulder for thinking fast and creatively, Fowler smirked and requested as Tuvok cocked his eyebrow in curiosity and obviously impressed by her thought process, "Computer, open the outer hatch."

Turning to the sensor board as they were again hailed by Voyager, the captain more than likely curious, as well as a little anxious as to what was happening, Seven of Nine remarked, "Efficient," as she scanned the debris field and detected three bodies now floating in space, adding, just being her cocky self, "and I was correct…there were three intruders…however, they are no longer functioning under acceptable parameters."

"Someone better answer the captain," Wang reminded, "before you give her another heart attack."

"Lieutenant," Tuvok informed, looking fairly pleased for a Vulcan, "you may do the honors."

Chuckling as everyone else laughed, since they were all certain Janeway would be none too happy at first for not answering her immediately, and Wang and Torres gave her a commiserating pat on the back, Fowler shook her head while she went over to the communications stations and activated the visual display. When a rather cranky looking captain appeared and barked, "It's about damn time, Lieutenant…what the hell is going on?" Nicole tried to keep the smirk from her face since for once, Janeway's ire and piercing stare wasn't intimidating her, as she said, "Looks like we had some stowaways, Captain…but as Seven says, they're not functioning so good anymore…"

After docking with Voyager and transporting the various cargo containers, cots, bedding and scientific equipment that had been displaced into space when Lieutenant Fowler opened the hatch to the shuttlecraft, back aboard the starship, although they left the bodies of their aggressors in space as a warning sign for anyone who might come looking for Juguketara and his unscrupulous crew, the special forces team converged into the Conference Room to debrief the captain immediately. No matter what the situation or the hour, Janeway was fastidious about her log entries and official reports and preferred to get all of the information gathering over as quickly as possible before details were forgotten or became misrepresented by contemplation and speculation.

Even though the mission had been a success, the captain's demeanor was fairly unreadable at the start of the meeting, and although she hadn't said anything to the fact, as of yet, Janeway didn't seem as pleased with the way they'd handled the situation as Fowler thought she would be, but part of Nicole was wondering if perhaps her lack of enthusiasm was because she was attempting to mask her great relief that her crew, especially her lovers, had been returned safely. Fowler certainly couldn't blame the captain for feeling that way since even though the mission had only taken a few hours to complete, it had gotten pretty dicey and certainly could have gone much less smoothly, but she honestly hoped the captain would consider this an enormous success for them, all things considering, and focus on the positive work they'd done, the knowledge they'd gained about the multiphasic shielding as far as its capabilities and weaknesses, and not let herself get bogged down in the fact that they'd been at serious risk while their shields were down, that Voyager had to come to the rescue, or that they were forced to destroy yet another vessel thanks to the Fynth government. The more Fowler thought about it while Tuvok gave a synopsis of the events and answered the captain's specific, technical questions, Nicole wondered if that was what was keeping Janeway from expressing her satisfaction for their victory.

When Janeway turned her crystalline stare her way and said something to the pilot who, although was looking in the direction of her commanding officer, wasn't paying attention to what was being discussed due to her inward contemplation of the situation, which was something of a habit these days because she constantly looked to Janeway to teach her, by example, how to react and how to command, Fowler blinked her green eyes a couple of times and then allowed, sighing, "I'm sorry, Captain…could you say that again please?"

The captain withheld her frown, not because she was offended that Fowler had drifted off, but because it was really unlike her to not pay very close attention in meetings, even if she rarely said anything, and repeated, keeping her voice fairly even, but shaded more toward the light side, "I asked you if there was anything you thought could have been done better." When small creases formed in Fowler forehead, Kathryn titled her head slightly and explained, as she sat back, but spoke with her hands, "Don't get me wrong, I think under the circumstances considering the lack of preparation, our intelligence which was merely word of mouth and so on, you all did a fine job, but," she held up her finger, "this is the Elite Force, and this is a new endeavor for us, and," leaning forward again and resting her forearms on the table, "I think it's best for us to examine these situations closely…not only for our future benefit, but for Starfleet's…and I'd like this to be a team aspiration since you all function best when you work as a unit and not merely separate links in the chain of command." Turning toward Tuvok, she added, "Wouldn't you agree, Commander?"

"Undoubtedly, Captain," Tuvok replied, raising one of his dark eyebrows and looking about the room.

"So," Janeway managed a smirk, then carried on the conversation, despite the hour, even though all she really wanted to do at the moment was crawl over the table and kiss both Seven of Nine and B'Elanna Torres, who were seated together at the end of the table, and then promptly haul them off to her quarters and hold them close all night long, "even though the commander and I will most likely discuss this situation again later and form our final opinions, I'd really like to have your input before I compose my log because, like I said, this is all a learning experience for us, and I don't think we should let that opportunity pass us by." Turning back to Fowler, Kathryn leaned back again, folded her hand properly on her lap as she crossed and legs and finished, "Miss Fowler?"

The tall pilot pursed her lips as she took a deep breath to help her think. Then jumping up from her chair, which seemed to surprise everyone but the captain, Fowler said out of habit, "Don't be alarmed, Captain…I just think better on my feet." When she heard Torres, then Janeway snicker slightly, Fowler turned around, leaned on the back of the chair and said, "Well, all in all, I think it went great considering all of the circumstances, but," she added standing up again, "I think the biggest thing we should take from this is the fact that if we're going to continue to use the Elite Force in this kind of protective manner, we really have to seriously think about equipping the new shuttle with the best of everything we have…and I mean everything."

Pushing away again after looking around, she went on when no one stopped her or told her she was getting off target, and started slowly pacing around the table with her hands clasped behind her back, "Phasers just aren't enough…if we would have had torpedo bays, we could have come in behind them and completely knocked them out before they had any idea what hit them." Stopping behind Seven's chair, Fowler added, "Then," looking down and patting the clearly tired Borg's shoulder, "and no offense at all, Seven, we wouldn't have to rely so much on Seven's capabilities." Looking up at the captain, she informed, "My honest opinion, that's what went wrong…we were too dependent on Seven to find the solution and execute it…and if she weren't as talented as she is, then we would have had to engage them from the beginning…and honestly, now that I think about it, we were probably pretty damn lucky that she got the torpedo to even materialize functioning."

Inwardly smiling since that was the answer she was hoping for, because Kathryn was very much aware how much she herself relied on Seven to figure things out, and on a larger and safer starship that was better than in a small group of advance tactical officers whose mission was to put themselves at risk, Janeway nodded her head as she leaned forward and reported, "I agree." When Seven of Nine raised both eyebrows immediately at that, Janeway smirked at her and said, just to the Borg, "Don't take offense, Seven, we'll always need and want your help, but under these circumstances, it's not safe to rely on you to use your enhanced capabilities consistently to execute this kind of a high risk mission." Looking around the table, she added, "And the rest of you, I'm not asking that you be able to do everything that Seven does…clearly that's not possible, but," she leaned back again, "we should attempt to use this so that we can enhance the systems that we use to give us other options in case things don't go so smoothly next time."

As Fowler returned to her chair, the captain rose from hers as she went on, while placing her hands behind her back and slowly circling the table, "You all did an honorable," she smirked slightly at B'Elanna while saying that, "job tonight, and no one, least of all me is looking to dismantle that…however," she stopped behind Seven and said, "we'd be fools to not look for weaknesses and regions in which we can improve since none of you," turning serious and looking at each and everyone one of her group, patting Seven's shoulder to include the Borg, "is expendable." Leaving her spot behind the blonde, Kathryn went on, still speaking with a clear graveness to her tones, "Each of you has talents that the rest of you don't possess…that's your strength as a group and," stopping behind Tuvok this time, "your weakness…and it's especially a weakness if we don't address that and continue to simply assume that you all will be together at any given time to do your duty."

Walking back to her chair, the captain slid back into the comfortable seat and explained further, "I'll do everything in my power to make certain you have the tools at your disposal to operate in this manner, but there is something that I need from each of you." Turning front and center and leaning on her elbows, Janeway said plainly, "I need you to be smarter than you were tonight. You're not cowboys…you aren't the first and last line of defense, and I don't like," pointing to Fowler but looking to Tuvok and Torres, "that only one of you considered raising a forcefield instead of physically engaging an enemy." When her security chief lifted an eyebrow in agreement, which only the captain could read as such, and Torres sighed and nodded her head, the captain leaned back and went on, hitting her point home and speaking softer to do so, trying to show them that she understood the burden they felt to protect, "Don't let the fact that you're capable of defeating an enemy in hand to hand combat blind you to other possibilities." Sitting forward again, Kathryn added, "Use your brains, not just your fists…that's what makes you the Elite Force and that's why you're here. You're the best of the best…and that means you make the best decisions…not that you throw the best punches." Sitting back again, the captain continued almost whispering, "No one is questioning your bravery…you don't have anything to prove to me, or anyone else…I know you're tough and I know that each of you is willing to die to protect this family, but I'm not willing to let that happen. I will never abandon you, but I expect the same treatment." Sitting forward again, she smiled softly as she concluded with feeling, "Don't abandon me by believing that you can't ask for assistance. You are my crew…you belong to this family and there's nothing in this universe that's worth taking an unnecessary risk like you almost took tonight."

When she received several soft affirmations and everyone nodded, the captain sat back, bobbed her head once and said, "Alright…thank you again. Dismissed."

As each of them rose, and the captain didn't request that Tuvok remain as Nicole had honestly expect Janeway to do, Fowler glanced back over her shoulder at the redhead to see her turning in her chair and looking out the window, but then resisted the urge to stop her forward progress and request a moment of the captain's private time since she wasn't certain that underneath the calm, collected and always contemplative captain wasn't a very tense woman…and possibly a disappointed one as well. Allowing everyone else to exit before she left, the tall brunette started to leave the room as well, but then changed her mind again, remembering that there was something important she had to tell Janeway in private. So turning back around and waving to B'Elanna and Seven, who had glanced back for the brunette to most likely wait to see if she wanted to chat with them before they headed off to bed, she asked, half standing in the door and half out, still not sure Kathryn wanted to talk to anyone at this moment, "Captain…have a minute?"

Janeway raised her eyebrows as she turned only her head and merely said, "Yes, Lieutenant?"

Stepping back into the room completely, Nicole stopped just beyond the door, placed her hands behind her back and said, almost standing at attention, "I just wanted to warn you that tomorrow you're going to get a report from your assistant on the condition of the crew quarters on the Alaxiat. So, if you could just pretend like you asked her for it…I'd appreciate it." When Kathryn sighed but chuckled at that and visibly relaxed somewhat, Fowler relaxed her stance as well, and added, smiling just a little and shrugging, "Sorry, Captain…but it was all I could think of."

Janeway shook her head and said as she stood up, "No apologies necessary, Nick…thank you for taking care of it for me." Coming around the conference table to Fowler's position, then perching on the edge there, Janeway folded her hands over her chest and asked as she looked up, "You don't think she knew something was happening…do you?"

"No…it's fine," Nicole replied warmly, inwardly shaking her head at herself for every believing that someone as compassionate as Kathryn Janeway didn't truly care for her crew as she believe a captain should. Smiling, Fowler reported, "She was all smiles…and even remembered to get her necklace." When Janeway sighed, then rubbed her neck and shook her head, but managed a soft smile as she looked down, the brunette felt comfortable enough with her captain to say, "You know," coming up to the table and sitting on it as well so Janeway didn't have to look up so much at her, "I hope you don't mind me saying…but Naomi's real fortunate to have you as kind of a god-mother." When the older woman looked up at Fowler and blinked her surprise, Nicole quirked one side of her mouth and added as she reached over and patted the redhead's shoulder, "Trust me…I know about these things, besides," she chuckled, "you're just the 'coolest,' Kate…didn't you know?"

Barking in laughter once and getting the distinct impression that Fowler was teasing her again for her soft spot, but at the same time showing her silent approval, which meant quite a bit to Janeway since the pilot had raised her 'kid' sister by herself, the redhead batted her friend's arm away and said, "You're getting to be as bad as Chakotay." Then patting Nicole's leg, she said softly, "Thank you, Nick…and," looking up to her, "excellent work tonight. You've made me proud…that could have turned out a lot different."

Nodding once, Fowler replied, equally soft, knowing there was silent, personal gratitude behind that statement concerning the safety of Seven and Torres, "Thank you, Captain."

Kathryn lifted her hand to Fowler's thick upper arm, patted it once soundly and said pushing off, "Come on, let's go make the rounds and then I'll walk you home."

"B'Elanna Torres," Seven of Nine began as she exited the bathroom, holding her hair brush and dressed in her plum cotton t-shirt and matching underwear which she often wore to bed, "will you 'brush' my hair?" When the brunette, who was wearing her standard sleepwear which consisted of only a pair of boxer shorts, looked up from one of Janeway's gothic romance novels that she had been thumbing through and snickering at since she found it hilarious that their captain would actually enjoy one of these books, and seemed confused, Seven explained, "Kathryn typically does so since the length makes it difficult for me to be efficient…but I am not certain how long she will be detained."

"Oh, right," the Klingon nodded and then set the book quickly back on the captain's nightstand. Then sitting up from under the covers, long since over her shyness around the Borg, Torres crawled over to the edge of the bed where Seven was now perched, holding the brush over her shoulder and remarked as she accepted the 'grooming utensil' and settled in behind the blonde, "You know…I don't think I've ever brushed anyone's hair before." Pulling the comb through the long mane that was now almost to Seven of Nine's waist, just shy by a three centimeters, she asked, tentative, "Is that too hard?"

Cocking her eyebrow in surprise for the soft tone of Torres' voice, Seven responded, "It is 'fine,' bang pong. You are not hurting this drone." When Torres chuckled then lightly pinched the softer backside of her arm, the blonde queried, speaking softer and looking down into her lap, "B'Elanna Torres, do you believe I am a weakness to the Elite Force as does Kathryn and Nick Fowler?" Looking over her shoulder, she demanded, but not harsh, "You are required to be honest."

Torres instantly set the brush aside and said quickly as she wrapped her arms around her lover's waist, "No, dollface…never." Kissing her shoulder, B'Elanna sighed and said, "Red doesn't think you're a weakness, Seven…and neither does Nick. No one thinks that." When Seven started to remind her of the discussion in the Conference Room, Torres cut her off, not typically in the habit of doing that since she often had to allow Seven to finish her whole thought before she understood it fully, but in this instance, she felt she had a good grasp, so she explained, "Dollface, Red gave us our orders. She knew we'd be relying on you heavily to execute this op…so she hardly thinks we did anything wrong." Sighing and shaking her head slightly, wishing, and not for the first time that she understood Kathryn better, B'Elanna tried to explain as best she could, "She was just hunting for evidence, babe. She wanted to know if we realized how bad we almost fucked up tonight. That bit about us being too dependant on your ability wasn't a put down, Seven…Nick was just telling Red that we need to really beef up the shuttle's capabilities…for all of our sakes." Squeezing her a little tighter, knowing that had to be tearing Seven up inside, she added, "And Red only agreed because she has to…that's her job…and it is true, dollface. If you hadn't been there, we'd have had to engage them and that could have gotten dicey in the Flyer. That's all that was…just to prove the point that the new shuttle needs to be a powerhouse to keep us all safe…especially you …so you don't have to constantly be the hero…so no one has to be the hero. We're a team…and that means we all have to hold our own. Get it?"

Raising both of her eyebrows slightly, Seven replied, "I believe so…although I am uncertain as of yet." Over her shoulder, she asked, "Then you do not believe Kathryn wishes me to adapt?"

"No…you did exactly what she told you to do." Resting her head on Seven's back, Torres continued, "Don't take this on yourself…she's the captain…she knows what she's doing and the risks of doing it. If she didn't want you to do what you did, she would have given us different orders…she was just asking what we thought. She's just doing her job, babe…she has to make sure we don't get complacent, but we'll always need you." Lightly kissing Seven's shoulder, Torres smiled as she moved over to her neck and said, "You'll always be our secret weapon, Seven." Kissing her neck, she nipped at the pale flesh and reminded, "Plus, you know you'll always be my best superhero…and I don't ever want that to change…and neither does Red."

Turning around slightly, understanding the term and knowing such a statement was a very high compliment, Seven asked, surprised and pleased, which came out in the higher pitch of her voice, "I am your 'superhero?'"

Smiling brightly, B'Elanna replied, "You're goddamn right, you are." As she snatched up Seven's mesh encased hand, Torres said, "You're cooler than the Silver Surfer, Wonder Woman and Batman combined." Kissing the knuckles of her girlfriend as Seven smiled at that, showing teeth, B'Elanna added, "And you're hotter than Catwoman in your catsuit…and let me tell ya…she's tough to beat...she's got a whip..."

Cocking her eyebrow and smirking, Seven grabbed B'Elanna, picked her up fairly easily and brought her across her lap as she said, "I believe I hate you."

Instead of her usual humor, Torres came back instead as she straddled her blonde lover and said when she threw her arms around her neck and hugged her tightly, "Not hate, dollface…love." Smiling and pulling away, she informed, "I love you, babydoll…and I don't care who knows it anymore." After she lightly kissed the Borg's cleft chin as the blonde once again smiled brightly, B'Elanna added, "You're absolutely the best there ever was…you're my bang pong," smiling lightly at their private joke, "you're my very own superhero…and the best sidekick in the universe."

Putting on her best arrogant face, Seven stated, "I believe it is you who is the 'sidekick'…I am Borg."

Torres laughed at that, throwing her head back lightly, then said as she climbed off Seven's lap and crawled behind her tallest lover and resumed brushing her hair, "One of these days, Borg…I'm gonna knock that cocky grin right off your face."

"You will fail," Seven came back right on cue, quirking her eyebrow purposely as she looked over her shoulder.

Rising up and wrapping her arm around Seven's neck, Torres growled playfully, "I'm a Klingon, dollface…we don't surrender."

With that, Seven grasped Torres by her arm and easily rose off the bed. When Torres snarled and tried to tickle her with her free hand as she wrapped her legs around her waist, the Borg informed as she started to squirm and laugh out loud, something she was becoming more accustomed to as her relationship with the engineer developed further and they began engaging in their wrestling sessions where she learned that in B'Elanna's eyes, tickling was a perfectly acceptable defense. Spinning them around a few times as they both giggled, Seven waited until the brunette relented before she pried Torres' arm away and flipped her onto the bed. As Torres hollered while she bounced harmlessly, then jumped to her feet, standing on the middle of the bed, shirtless in her semi-hunched position, showing the blonde that she was ready for whatever the Borg had for her, Seven smirked at the sight before her, then stated, "I would engage you at this moment if such an action would not disturb the appealing view."

Growling, B'Elanna was just about to launch herself at Seven, knowing from experience she wouldn't hurt the amazingly strong Astrometrics officer and would furthermore be caught and gathered up when the front door was heard hissing open. Instantly they both relented, not because Kathryn didn't approve of their wrestling or anything like back, but simply because they honestly had no idea what kind of mood she was going to be in. When Seven pivoted toward the living room and placed her hands behind her back, Torres didn't have any time to think to get off the bed as Janeway appeared in the doorway, sans her tunic, but still wearing her boots, which told her the redhead was eager to greet them. As Kathryn didn't stop for anything as she cut a direct path to the first person she saw and threw her arms around Seven, B'Elanna, still somewhat nervous because these moments between them were still new since this had been the first mission the Elite Force had completed without the company of the redhead, sighed and then hopped down from the bed as the blonde reached down and picked up Kathryn, despite her exhaustion, saying, "It is 'alright', my Kathryn…we have returned to you."

As she buried her head into Seven's neck and squeezed her tightly as she wrapped her legs around the blonde's tiny waist, Kathryn didn't totally feel reassured until she felt B'Elanna come up behind her and wrap her arms around them both as best she could. While Torres rested her cheek on her back, and Seven support the captain's weight soley with her enhanced hand and she brought her right arm around to B'Elanna's shoulder, the captain sighed in relief, not allowing herself to express the acute fear that had caused her heart to pound in her chest when Ensign Kim had informed her that the Flyer's shields had been compromised and she commanded Paris to jump to maximum warp in the next minute as she bounded to her feet, and merely whispered before she kissed Seven's exposed neck, where her somewhat ragged breath was falling upon, "I love you…oh, I love you both so much."

After migrating her small kisses to Seven of Nine's full lips and lingering at them for a moment as she softly rubbed her nose against the Borg's, Janeway whispered, "Please let me down, darling," as she started to unwind her legs, knowing from experience if she didn't ask to be set down, the blonde was perfectly happy to continue to carry her around like her child. Once her youngest lover did as she asked and B'Elanna then wrapped her arms around her waist and rested her head on her shoulder, Kathryn slowly turned around, twisting her right arm back to keep in contact with Seven. Resting her forehead on B'Elanna's while Seven stepped up and held them both fairly close for a moment, kissed each of their heads then disengaged as she took a seat on the bed and began brushing her own hair while Janeway and Torres were busy, Kathryn whispered as she pulled B'Elanna into her chest, squeezing her tightly, "Oh, I'm glad you're home tonight."

Pulling away and brushing the Klingon's wavy mane that was just past her shoulders off of them with one hand as she cupped her face with the other, Janeway softly pressed her lips to Torres', then pulled her neck down as she slipped her hand behind it and whispered again as she kissed her soft ridges, "Qapla'."

B'Elanna smiled softly as the redhead showed her affection, then said as the captain migrated from her cheeks to her mouth again them hummed softly as she dropped one hand from her shoulder to her stomach, then up slightly to her bosom for only a moment before she returned to her abs, "There's no place I'd rather be, cowgirl…you know that." Pulling away herself and kissing Janeway's forehead, B'Elanna commanded, "Now get your skinny butt into that nightgown I like so much and come to bed with me and dollface…and yes," she smirked, kissing her lips smartly, "that's an order."

Once Kathryn complied, not having to be persuaded in the least and tooled off into the bathroom to change and wash up, Torres came back to the bed behind Seven, asked for the hairbrush and continued the Borg's efforts of making certain to brush her hair even if the blonde's hair was now efficiently groomed since she found doing so, "pretty nice." When the redhead came out of the bathroom now dressed in her standard pink silk nightgown with a clean, fresh face and traveled to the bedroom door to close it, which was a ritual for them now whenever all three of them where able to sleep together since all of them had been interrupted during their private time together in one manner or another, but had never been interrupted as a group, B'Elanna asked, "So, who gets the middle this time…I forget?"

Answering for Janeway since the captain had stopped, opened her mouth, then closed it quickly which told the blonde that the redhead also couldn't remember, Seven reminded, "It is your 'turn,' B'Elanna Torres." Seven, herself, never slept in the middle because she found that she felt confined and unable to relax, which still could be a difficult task to accomplish for the ex-drone, although she was adapting more and more as each month passed. Since Kathryn and B'Elanna both enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded and cradled by her lovers, Seven had developed their plan to take turns since typically Kathryn tried to get Torres to take the middle by being 'sneaky,' and although the blonde and the engineer constantly appreciated Janeway's selflessness with them, they also got tired of knowing the captain wasn't ever putting herself first in this matter. Since Janeway refused to ever lower the temperature in her cabin, which now matched that of Torres' constantly, even when she woke up uncomfortably warm and glazed over with perspiration, and also insisted on taking cooler showers when she bathed with the Borg, despite that they often left her skin pebbled and shivering slightly, Seven thought that developing a routine for them to 'take turns' was a compromise Kathryn might submit to, and thankfully, it seemed that the oldest woman truly did love being in the middle since she hadn't argued and happily went along with Seven's plan.

Not certain she liked that answer, even if she did indeed like being firmly planted between Janeway and Seven more than anything in the universe, simply because she felt Kathryn would appreciate the middle space more tonight since she'd had to hang back and watch her girlfriends risk their lives, B'Elanna queried over her shoulder as Janeway slipped in behind her, grabbed the brush from her hands since Seven's hair was done and started brushing Torres', "You mind if we switch tonight?" And then she added, fibbing, but thinking it was fine since she was just trying to do what was best for Kathryn…and Seven, since she was still worried the blonde was possibly still feeling uneasy about the discussion in the Conference Room, and she figured all the blonde would need for reassurance was to wake up with Janeway halfway on top of her, which was typical, "I'm feeling a little jumpy tonight…"smirking, "I'm afraid I might kick you right out of bed."

Normally such an event would make her sigh since the good captain was perfectly aware of what Torres was trying to do, but instead she said as she stopped brushing her hair, pushed up and whispered into her ear, although pretty certain Seven would hear her, "I don't believe you for a minute, Lanna." Then kissing her once behind her ear and wrapping her arms around the engineer's waist, using one to rub Seven's back, she added while the Borg agreed with the captain's assessment with a flat, "Indeed," "Mmm…thank you, sweetheart…I'd like that…the middle, I mean…not you kicking me out of bed."

B'Elanna laughed once and responded, "Hey, don't knock my tactics, Red…it was all part of my plan," patting Seven's bottom once as she rose up, "right, dollface?"

"It was efficient," Seven reported, smirking as she turned around. Taking the hairbrush from Janeway's hands as the captain handed it off to her, silently requesting that while she was up that she put it away, which Seven was more than happy to do, as Kathryn well knew, the blonde said as the captain cuddled with Torres and rubbed her thumbs across B'Elanna stomach, "However, I still do not believe it was your 'plan,' and neither does Kathryn."

As Janeway chuckled against her back and Seven pranced into the bathroom, Torres pointed to the blonde's back and said, "You just think whatever you want, Seven…I know what I'm doing…trust me."

Kissing Torres' bare shoulder, Janeway snickered and said, "Hmm…famous last words, ringleader."

"What's that supposed to mean?" the engineer questioned on the next beat, but the lightness of her tone gave her away.

As B'Elanna turned around, grinning and urged Janeway to crawl into bed, Kathryn smiled and said as they came to a rest facing each other, "It means I love you, darling…and that you're full of it." Kissing Torres once more softly as Seven returned to the bedroom, commanded the lights off and crawled into bed, she whispered her goodnight and her thanks to B'Elanna, then immediately turned over to the blonde, who was lying next to her, on her side, but not touching her, which was unusual. Easily sensing exactly what the problem was as Seven refused to looked up at her, Kathryn brought her hand to the blonde's face and whispered as Torres snuggled up to her back, but buried her head into her hair, doing her best to give them a little privacy, "Seven of Mine?"

"Yes, Kathryn?" the Borg whispered back.

Her voice barely audible, she requested, "Will you look at me?" When Seven blinked, then did so, sighing, Kathryn couldn't help but smile brightly as she reminded, "You're everything I could ever ask for a more, Seven…please don't ever forget that."

Nodding softly, Seven sighed again, and responded, "Very well."

Understanding the reaction in her Borg since as of late Seven had been struggling every so often with the feeling of being different than the other beings aboard this ship, where as before she'd practically reveled in that fact, Kathryn slid her arm under Seven's neck and whispered into her ear as she pulled her in close and down some, glad when the blonde finally gave in and started clinging to her and B'Elanna, "You did an amazing job tonight. You did exactly what I asked of you…so please don't think any differently." Moving her head in front of Seven's and resting their forehead's together, Kathryn added, supremely soft, "You don't have to be perfect all the time, Seven…that's not fair to you." Lifting Seven's chin and pulling her head back slightly so she could look at her in the eye, the captain added, "All you have to do is do what I ask of you…and let me worry about the rest…alright?"

Needing an answer to understand, Seven questioned instead of asking as B'Elanna picked her head up, reached over and gently stroked Seven's thigh, not feeling so strange about being a witness to this private conversation since their small group was undoubtedly growing closer and closer as each day passed, "What is there to 'worry' about, Kathryn?"

The captain gave her best lopsided grin and responded, "There's nothing, Seven…only areas where we can get better as a group." Tracing her fingernail along the starburst on Seven's jaw, Kathryn smirked and added, coy, "Don't you think the Borg would approve?"

Smiling at that answer, finally comprehending fully that Kathryn was simply trying to get her Collective to adapt and grow…grow in a way that not only benefited them but that she also wasn't adverse to utilizing Seven as a catalyst for that, which the blonde understood should be taken as a compliment, Seven replied, "It has been some time since I have 'spoken' with them…but I believe that is a possibility, my beautiful Kathryn." When the captain chuckled at that, then kissed her forehead and whispered that she loved her, Seven of Nine raised her head and said, "You're required to kiss me now…comply"

"Mmm…I will comply," Janeway said as she cupped Seven's angelic face and pressed her lips to the Borg's. When almost immediately she felt Seven draw her right hand from B'Elanna's side to her hip, then down as she slipped it through the slit her in her nightgown and slid it up until the blonde was grasping her bottom fairly firmly, Kathryn hummed then deepened the kiss, and when Seven didn't hold back at all and began kissing her passionately, the captain smiled on the inside as she heard Torres snarl happily into her neck as the Klingon reached over and pulled them closer together. Reaching down, Janeway entwined her fingers with B'Elanna's hand that was resting on Seven's hip as Seven continued to kiss her freely, although started to do so with less vigor and softer, while B'Elanna unabashedly watched and smiled her famous grin. When Seven finally disengaged from her lips, the redhead didn't bother to open her eyes and merely murmured as she slid down somewhat and pressed her head to Seven's sternum as the Borg rested her chin on the top of her head, "I'm the luckiest woman in the universe." And when she felt Torres rise up higher and could detect the sound of her lovers kissing softly above her head, Kathryn whispered, smiling, "Definitely the luckiest," as she was firmly encased by her one and only Borg and Klingon for the entire night.

Seated lax at their usual table in the Mess Hall, which was toward the back, near the window, Lieutenants Fowler and Torres conversed pleasantly, although their friendliness to each other often sounded as if they were fighting, and freely as they consumed their hearty breakfasts, while the others around them paid the two little attention for the moment because they were alone, and because it wasn't any secret that the two tough brunettes were like two peas in a pod, even if there were distinct diversions in their personalities. There were moments, however, when much more attention was given to their actions, but that typically required either a guest at their small table, or a Klingon insult to be spat with enough force and coarseness to make a few of the crew wonder about its authenticity. As far as their guests went, sometimes they were joined by Ensign Kim, but typically only when Paris wasn't around, or it looked like the youngest senior officer was purposefully trying to stay away from the blonde pilot. More than often however, they were joined by Seven of Nine, and sometimes the captain came along as well, but those times were pretty rare since not only did both of their guests typically drink nutritional supplements as their first meal and those were often consumed in the captain's Ready Room, but it was also pretty widely known that Janeway purposefully tried to stay away from public gathering places in an attempt to give her crew some breathing room from the chain of command.

Lately, Ensign Samantha Wildman had been spotted stopping by their table for a cup of coffee and a fairly quick conversation with the two, and not only when her friend, Seven, was around, and because of that, the rumor mill had finally started spinning fairly rapidly about the implications of such an event.

Currently, there were several theories…most of which involved the captain, who sadly just seemed to get dragged into the most far-reaching tales whenever she showed the least bit of her humanity and actually spoke to someone in a personal manner…heaven forbid:

Apparently, there was some pretty big speculation as to the status of the triad, which several people thought was a doomed mission before it began, and that it was only a matter of time before Voyager's topic of speculation crashed and burned in a fiery show of female retribution. Considering the subjects: a Starfleet captain, a half-Klingon, and an ex-Borg…and they were all female, as well as the long precedent of each of their shouting matches with each other, those that believed the group was a house of cards just waiting to topple also believed that when it did, it was for certain to be a collision of wills of epic, history making proportions.

One reason the threesome's integrity was in question was because Torres and Fowler were often seen together off-duty, and even though no one really believed that they were involved, they thought that it was important however simply for the fact that B'Elanna wasn't with her so-called girlfriends. There was also the fact that Samantha Wildman and Seven of Nine were also freely seen walking about the halls, and the tall Borg had been spied coming out of Wildman's quarters late one night a few weeks ago. Because of that, and because of the relationship Janeway had with the scientist's child, people were starting to wonder if the threesome was expanding, or if possibly B'Elanna was on the outs and Wildman was on her way in.

One area of gossip that had finally started to lose steam was the story that Janeway and Fowler were more than friends, which Nicole was thankful for, even if it had never much bothered her since she took it as a compliment because she certainly thought she could do a heck of a lot worse than being hooked up with Miss Kate. That rumor had been short lived and had come to life after the Elite Force mission. Once people got word of some of the things that went on there, although everyone that had been present only told stories that wouldn't compromise the captain's dignity, or left whole details out, and then afterward it became fairly obvious just by the way Janeway and Fowler interacted that they were growing closer, all sorts of speculation came about. However, after Seven's birthday party, information about what had went on in the holodeck became pretty public knowledge, most likely thanks to the Delaney sisters, the ship really didn't have a leg to stand on with that one anymore, even if Fowler and the captain had danced a few times and freely enjoyed the other's company. But after that night, there was absolutely no questioning, at least with the redhead, who exactly it was that she loved because the intrepid captain had practically followed Seven and B'Elanna, both of whom she'd barely seen that week, around like a smitten puppy dog. So much so—although she never lost her grace or seemed ill-at-ease, but just didn't pretend to not be head over heels in love with the younger women and show it by her laugh, her smile, her twinkling eyes, small touches and a few kisses as often as she could—that Chakotay had come up to Nicole, handing her a beer and asked as he elbowed her, "What do they have that we don't?"

Nicole had been perfectly aware that he was simply joking a remarking as to the glow of their commanding officer, and probably adding on the fact that both he and she had been hooked up with the redhead thanks to the ship's rumor mill, so she'd laughed as she put a commiserating arm around the fellow bachelor, clinked their bottles together and said, whispering into his ear, "Must be the boobs," which had caused the reserved first officer to spew out his beer and then turn a ruddy brown as he laughed so hard, he cried.

There were other rumors as well that were more accurate about Wildman and Fowler, but since those weren't nearly as scandalous, no one seemed to be paying as much attention to that one and continued to concoct theories that revolved around Janeway and her ever-changing harem, which Fowler never discussed with the captain, well she never initiated the conversation, but laughed boisterously about with her best friend, B'Elanna Torres. At first, Nicole had been uneasy about bringing up the latest rumor about Wildman taking her place, but when B'Elanna came over to her cabin one evening laughing so hard she was doubled over and told her about the story she'd picked up from one of her 'sources,' Fowler had relaxed easily and joined in the giggle-fit, while she inwardly sighed in relief since until then, she wasn't certain if such knowledge getting back to the Klingon would now cause her to go off like a time bomb due to the perceived 'dishonor.'

Truth be known, the green-eyed brunette wasn't very fond of being involved in rumors, so there had been a couple times when Samantha Wildman was in proximity in the Mess Hall that she was tempted to go put her arm around her or do something fairly subtle, but open to show her affection and put an end to most of the theories, but because she hadn't discussed the situation with the scientist yet, she had refrained. Since her schedule had been so jammed with her temporary posting, she and the pretty blonde hadn't had much time at all to spend together alone, so she'd yet to feel comfortable bringing it up. Fowler had had dinner over at her place several times and even stayed a little over an hour after Naomi had gone to bed on most of those occasions, but since those times were typically filled with each of them sharing parts about their lives in an attempt to get to know each other, their 'relationship' status really hadn't come up. And, honestly, Fowler really wasn't in a huge hurry to move things along quicker because the more she got to know Samantha, the more she respected and liked her…and the more she wanted to make certain she wasn't hurting the scientist or using her. Plus, there was the fact that Nicole had acutely enjoyed lounging on the couch with Wildman and making her laugh and smile, and stealing a small kiss every so often. As far as Fowler was concerned, things were moving along just fine and she was perfectly content to let Samantha set the pace since she honestly enjoyed her company, and felt that was fair since it seemed the ensign had much more to lose simply because she had a small child to think about.

The only downfall to that was that Fowler couldn't simply display her affection for the scientist in public and put an end to all the speculation, but she figured that sooner or later someone, probably Janeway, would do something that would remind everyone just who it was that she loved since the pilot had come to realize that the smaller redhead seemed to be rather fond of surprising the hell out of everyone every so often. She also figured that if Janeway didn't do that, then Seven or Torres wouldn't have a problem stepping up to the plate and taking care of business since neither one of them seemed to give a damn what anyone thought, or were afraid to make a point.

When Samantha Wildman breezed into the Mess Hall as Torres asked her if she wanted to join her in the gym this evening and go a few rounds in the boxing ring, something Fowler was usually never adverse to doing, Nicole held up her hand, and said, "I'm not sure yet," as her slight grin turned into a soft frown as she noticed the fairly tense look on Samantha's face as the blonde scanned the room and then headed straight for them. Once Samantha was within earshot, Fowler asked the blonde as she approached, "Hey, Sam…everything okay?"

Wildman stopped to the side of Fowler and replied, quickly, rather clipped, "B'Elanna…I need to borrow Nick for a minute." Then turning to face Nicole as the taller brunette raised her eyebrows in curiosity and anxiety since Samantha wasn't acting quite herself, Wildman took a quick breath before she leaned down and kissed her girlfriend squarely on the mouth for a handful of seconds.

Releasing Fowler, who was just sitting in her seat stunned, all of her usual smooth confidence gone right out the door, while B'Elanna looked on, smirking but trying to hide it as she sipped her coffee and slowly scanned the room, Samantha whispered as she pulled away, "I'm sorry…I'll explain later." Then asked louder, "Mind if I sit?"

"Uh…no…no," Nicole bumbled, as she blinked and then jumped up, causing a small commotion on the table due to the abrupt movement, as she realized she'd forgotten her 'manners.' Fowler realized many of her actions were considered strange and even offensive to some in this day and age, but she knew not to everyone, and most importantly, not to Samantha. Tossing her napkin from her lap onto the table as B'Elanna finally couldn't hold back her laughter and started snickering behind the hand covering her mouth while the pilot blushed then steadied the glass of water on the table that she'd threatened to knock over, the pilot offered, "Have a seat…I'll just get another chair." After grabbing a chair from a nearby table and returning, she lightly swatted the engineer on the back of the head as her friend continued to giggle, and said, "Stuff it, shrimp."

Far too amused to attempt a comeback, B'Elanna set her coffee mug down on the silver table and said to Samantha, who was pushing Fowler's tray over to the pilot's new position, "Welcome to the party, Sam…nice entrance."

Becoming more and more comfortable with B'Elanna Torres, who used to scare the wits out of her, through her relationships with Seven and Fowler, as well as her daughter's relationships with them all, Samantha smiled and said quiet, "Thanks…I'm sorry for making a scene in front of you."

Laughing fairly loudly, Torres glanced over at Nicole, who looked like she wasn't sure what to do with herself except just eat her food, then said, "It's cool…I love to make a scene…ask anyone." Slapping Fowler's shoulder soundly, she added, "Right, Nick?" When her friend expelled the air from her lungs and just shook her head, B'Elanna asked, blunt, "So…what's up," then added quickly, "if you don't mind me asking?"

Sighing, Samantha reached across the table and placed her hand on Fowler's, who then looked up and became attentive, "I'm just tired of everyone talking."

B'Elanna gave her a rueful smile and reminded, softer, "Don't take this the wrong way…but…now they'll probably just talk more."

"Well," Wildman smiled as Fowler finally understood and squeezed her hand gently, "at least they'll be talking about the right person." Leaning forward and resting her head in her hand, Samantha whispered, "You can't believe the things that someone asked me today." Shaking her head, she said even softer, "Things about the captain…of all the people."

Snickering, the engineer, who was more than used to being talked about and being hooked up with the craziest of characters, said as she rose up and decided to give the new couple some time alone, "Welcome to my world you two." As she walked away, Torres turned around, wanting to make a scene herself and said, "Oh, Nick." Once Fowler looked over to her, as well as did most of the room, B'Elanna smirked and reported, "Since it looks like you'll be busy tonight…I'll let you off the hook." Shrugging and turning away, she announced, "I'll just have to wait to kick your butt tomorrow, I guess…have fun."

"Okay…remind me," Fowler replied loudly, nodding in her direction before she turned her head back to Wildman. When the scientist withdrew her hand and mumbled her apologies for putting her in a bad situation, Nicole sighed and said as she reached over and gently rubbed the back of Samantha's neck as the blonde frowned, "Hey, don't worry about it." Smiling, she whispered, "I'm not upset. I was just…well, surprised."

"Well, I just don't want you to get in trouble with the captain, but I just couldn't take it anymore," Samantha informed as she, still propping up her head with her arm, looked over at the pilot. "I won't do that anymore…I just needed to make a point."

Fowler chuckled lightly and reassured, "Janeway's not going to throw me in the Brig for being kissed, Sam…in fact," she winked, "she'll probably use it to raz me." When Wildman sighed once and then nodded, Nicole turned more serious and whispered, "Hey…and …thanks for doing that." Glancing around the room, she added, still speaking soft, "I would have done it already, but I wasn't sure if you were okay with it." Turning back to Samantha, who was now smiling softly, but had to look down at the table when Fowler's eyes met her, she added, purposefully trying to get Wildman to relax and cheer up, "By the way…you look real nice."

Expelling the air from her chest and rolling her eyes as she blushed visibly, Wildman finally got the nerve to look at Fowler again and said, "I swear, Nick Fowler…one of these days that's not going to work anymore."

"Probably," Nicole chuckled as she released Wildman's neck and snatched up her coffee while she sat back, grinning, "but it worked today…and that's all that matters." Turning back to her food before it got cold and she ran out of time, Fowler asked when Samantha didn't say anything further and became rather pensive, "How'd everything go last night?"

"It was fine," Samantha replied softly, picking up Fowler's coffee mug and taking a sip, knowing from experience the pilot didn't mind in the least. "Naomi took a while to get settled down and back to sleep, but mostly because Commander Chakotay came by to make sure everything was alright…so," she chuckled once, "of course Naomi had to tell him all about her mission."

"When did you two get back?"

"Just a few minutes ago," the ensign answered. Sighing, she whispered, looking down into the coffee cup, "Someone," not saying who since she didn't want to sound like a tattle-tale, considering she was currently dating the first officer, a situation Wildman honestly never saw herself getting into until she was, and also considering the offender was an engineer and the blonde was worried the information would get back to B'Elanna if Nick knew, "saw Naomi and me coming back with our overnight bag and since it was so early, I didn't bother getting her changed until we came home…so," she shook her head, "they thought we'd stayed at the captain's place." Looking up and trying to hold back her irritation and temper, Wildman added, "It's so ridiculous…I don't know how they put up with that. Especially the captain," shaking her head again and setting down her drink, "god…that must be terrible. I don't know how she does it." Before Fowler could jump in, Samantha said, "And she's just the sweetest thing…how people can talk about her like that…I don't know."

Smiling and laughing softly, Fowler reached over, pat Samantha's forearm affectionately, and said, "Sam, don't worry about the captain…she can take care of herself just fine." When the blonde sighed and frowned, clearly cranky but nodded, Nicole resisted the urge to laugh out loud at the sweetness of the situation since she knew that Naomi's relationship with Janeway and Seven, as well as the blonde's growing friendship with the cool blonde was driving the mother's natural protective instincts. Not only did the pilot find Samantha cute when she was being motherly, but she found it hilarious that she would feel protectiveness for the captain, someone Fowler knew made the scientist pretty damn nervous, although not as much as she used to, and she found it doubly comical that she would call Janeway 'the sweetest thing.' Nicole knew for a fact that the redhead could indeed be a big softy, but that knowledge wasn't something most were privy to, nor was it a very 'captain-like' term. She also knew, from experience, the captain could be equally scathing if she was so provoked, which was more widely known…so for an ensign to refer to her commanding officer as 'sweet' just seemed crazy to Fowler…but not so crazy after serving more than seven long years aboard Voyager were the line drawn between personal and professional was as grey as she'd ever known.

Deciding to change the subject before the scientist jumped back on her high horse, which Fowler knew she could definitely get on when she was irritated enough, Fowler asked, still speaking quiet, "Do you wanna come over to my place tonight for dinner?" It wasn't that Nicole didn't understand the scientist's annoyance, or agree, and she'd always been attracted to a woman who had a little bit of a temper for some reason, but she honestly didn't want Samantha to worry about it because she did indeed know that not only did the rumors not bother Kathryn…at least the one's she'd heard, but she knew the captain normally found it rather amusing that people would think she was exciting enough to attract so many different types of people, not to mention talented enough to juggle all of that. When Janeway had approached her a few weeks ago and asked her if she knew about the rumor that the two of them were more than friends, Nicole had been as nervous as she'd ever been around the redhead as she merely nodded, but that had quickly changed when the slightly older female had come up to her and whispered in her smoky voice, informing Nicole that she rarely took offense to them since she figured that meant that she still had it…it meaning sex-appeal, which had caused the tall brunette to laugh and immediately relax as she informed her captain that she wasn't in jeopardy of losing 'it' any time soon. When Kathryn had laughed wistfully, waving her elegant finger in the air as she returned, wryly, "You're right…as usual," while she retrieved a cup of coffee, both of them had shared a hearty laugh at that show of confidence and the subject of the so-called 'affair' had never come up again or caused one single problem in their professional or personal lives.

Having wanted to do so, but always a little tentative about requesting to spend time with the lieutenant since she knew just how busy she was, Samantha smiled fairly meek and answered, "Okay…what time?"

Nicole tapped her fork a couple of times as she thought over her workload, then said, "Is 2100 hours too late?"

"That's fine," Wildman returned quickly, having already planned to speak with Neelix later about watching her daughter for the entire evening, which she knew he would be happy to do for her. Before she got her hopes up higher than they already were, she had to ask, "Do you just have plans for after dinner…or are you free tonight?"

Leaning forward and picking up her coffee mug, Fowler mumbled against the rim as she glanced around the room and tried to keep their conversation completely private, "The only plans I have are to relax…did you have something in mind?"

"No…not really," Samantha fibbed mildly since she indeed did have more than a few fantasies about Nicole Fowler floating through her mind at any given minute of the day, but she didn't want to come across as a lustful woman only interested in sex, since that was hardly the case. "I was thinking it would be nice to have a little while to ourselves, though."

Fowler grinned and said as she nodded her head, "That'd be real nice."

"Real nice," Wildman rolled her eyes again and huffed, doing her very best not to fall all over herself whenever Fowler grinned at her and tried to make her laugh. Standing and deciding it was definitely time to go before the butterflies in her stomach caused her to be sick or kiss the brunette again, Samantha said as she passed behind her and swished the pilot's long braid off her back and over her shoulder, "You're such a hick, Nick Fowler…a cute one though."

Turning and watching Samantha walk away, having always enjoyed the view, Fowler rallied, "That's right, Miss Sam…now don'tcha be forgettin' it none neither," purposefully drawing out her speech until it was very far removed from the subtle Southern twang that commanded her usual timbre. When Wildman laughed at her over her shoulder, then waved her hand at her in play disgust before she entered the kitchen to go speak with Neelix, who was busy washing the dishes since breakfast was nearly over, Nicole smiled to herself and said under her breath, "Gets'em every time," as she returned to her food, perfectly aware that part of her charm was her ability to poke fun at herself, and thus make some of her traditional Southern qualities that much more endearing. She'd had success with that from her first days at the Academy and she certainly was not planning to stop using that to her advantage any time soon.

After she'd finished her breakfast and while she could feel the eyes in the room honing in on her still, even though she was now alone, Fowler stood up and took her tray to the kitchen counter. As she set it down, Nicole smirked to herself, and decided to use a tactic right out of the Janeway book of command as far as keeping the crew guessing. So, turning around and starting toward the door, she waited until they parted then stopped in the middle of the seam and turned around quickly, then said, bright and smiling, "Folks, I'm leavin' now…but feel free to tell all your friends a real nice woman hauled off and kissed me today." Spinning, she finished before she left, shrugging and smirking, "I can't say I mind…just makes me look good."

As she held the last of Janeway's mission log entries that she'd been doing her best to catch up on since she's missed a lot before the time she was promoted to a senior officer and thus resumed her command training, Nicole Fowler sat comfortably in her own command chair that offset the captain's to the right while she tried very hard not to become distracted by the knowledge that currently Commander Tuvok was in a meeting with the captain, and had been so for well over an hour. The lieutenant couldn't possibly know what was being discussed inside the redhead's office, but she had a pretty good idea it was concerning last night's Elite Force mission, and she furthermore was fairly certain the Vulcan was currently being dressed down somewhat for not thinking in a more logical, Starfleet manner. Nicole couldn't know this for certain either, but she had a notion that Kathryn expected more out of Tuvok than probably any other of her officers simply because they had worked together for so long and were also such close friends. The fact that an officer knew their captain, her history, her tendencies, and style as well as the commander knew Janeway's was often a double-edged sword. It made his job easier as far as dealing with her and tending to his own duties in a manner that he knew she'd approve of, but it was also tougher because when moments like last night came up, she became easier to disappoint and quicker to reprimand. The pilot certainly didn't blame the captain for finding some fault with their actions last night, once she took a step back and saw the situation from a command perspective, which she had done as she laid in bed, but she also didn't feel too comfortable knowing, or at least thinking, Tuvok was taking the heat.

For some reason, it just didn't seem right with the Elite Force. Yes, they operated under a chain of command, but it wasn't as apparent as normal duty was, and honestly, they didn't push it because they all worked better when they worked as equals…or as close to that as they could come. Tuvok was clearly their commander, and they treated him as such, but Nicole had worked very hard to become the bridge between the command and the rest of the group. She didn't treat Seven, Torres, and Wang as her subordinates…she treated them as her teammates, and thus she felt they treated her as such too, which made for a much better group dynamic and zero animosity. Since that was the case, even though she knew it would never happen, she would rather be included in such a meeting and accept any verbal reprimands as well, even if she had been the one to think as the captain had wished they all had.

It wasn't that Nicole Fowler didn't approve of the chain of command or Starfleet ideas…far from it actually, but as she'd learned from her current captain, paying attention to group dynamics was critical, and she honestly believed that for the Elite Force to be truly successful as well as truly elite, they needed to adapt. The pilot always believed a leader was required, and she felt that Tuvok was the perfect person for that since he had the ability to not only dictate to them how the captain would wish them to respond, but his emotionless presence often helped them to focus their own emotions and persevere when things could get unsettled quickly. That had yet to be truly tested in real life, but the commander had programmed several very realistic training scenarios for the holodeck that they'd all engaged in, and it hadn't taken them long to forget for a short time that what they were doing wasn't life and death because they'd been so intense and remarkably detailed…not to mention physically and emotionally taxing.

But after the commander was selected, she thought it was best to leave rank at the door for the rest of the group and that's pretty much what she, and the others tried to do. It had taken she and Wang the longest to get used to since Seven and Torres had much more experience operating outside of the chain of command, but once they did, things went a lot smoother. Now, if Torres told her something, she did it without question because she trusted B'Elanna, and the same was true for Seven and Wang. As Janeway had said, they all had their own talents, so if someone was telling her about something she knew they knew more about, she didn't waste time second-guessing or double-checking…she did what she was asked to do. It was a different sort of trust in the Elite Force. It was riskier, but that was part of the territory and they all understood that. Before someone made a snap judgment, they made sure they were right because they knew that no one was going to question them. If Seven of Nine informed the group that certain changes needed to be made to something for whatever reason, they made them. If B'Elanna informed them to drop shields due to a problem with some component, then they dropped them. That was simply how it needed to be in a group that was specifically trained to risk their lives for the greater good…if they didn't implicitly trust, then everything else would simply fall apart and they would surely fail.

And Nicole Fowler was perfectly comfortable with that…but only with the Alpha squad, and only because they operated in the close manner that they did. She knew they knew their stuff. She'd trained right next to them and watched them tough it out with her. She'd watched them succeed and watched them all fail. No one had been able to do everything…not even Seven of Nine, and the pilot had learned that that was part of Tuvok's plan all along. They needed to have great confidence and humility…and as Janeway had said, they weren't cowboys. They needed to know they weren't invincible and Tuvok had done a great job teaching them that without breaking them down.

Fowler believed that was a lesson they could still use to learn since they'd all jumped up and thought first to fight last night rather than think of a different solution, and because of that, she wished to be included in Janeway's discussion with Tuvok purely so she could help point out their group's weaknesses in a way that was better received than simply hearing it from their commanding officer. The Vulcan was a great man, as far as Fowler was concerned, but he wasn't a real big people person, and Nicole knew that that was one of her biggest strengths. She believed she was better suited for this task simply because she could approach the group on their level.

As one of the turbolift doors hissed open behind her, Fowler decided to talk with Tuvok later today about the situation and request permission to champion this issue with the group since she was fairly certain the Vulcan wouldn't make the same mistake twice simply because he wasn't concerned with things like pride. Turning her head around out of curiosity and also to make certain that no one attempted to disturb the captain during this time, Fowler grinned as Naomi Wildman trotted down the steps and waved at her, then said quickly, remembering to be professional since she knew it was important to the child to feel like she was on duty, "Miss Wildman…why don't you come over here and have a seat. The captain's in an important meeting right now."

"Aye, Lieutenant," Naomi responded as she placed her hands behind her back and turned away from Janeway's door, inwardly hoping Kathryn wouldn't be long since she had practiced giving her report several times before she was required to report for duty. Stepping up toward Fowler carefully, this being the first time she'd ever been up on the command deck of the Bridge, Naomi came over to the brunette and then whispered, "Where should I sit?"

Smiling, Fowler extended her thumb and pointed at the captain's empty chair, absolutely certain Kathryn wouldn't mind the child getting a thrill of actually sitting in it, and said, "Why don't you take the captain's…she'd not using it." When Naomi's eyes grew big, but then she shook her head quickly and informed that she couldn't do that, Nicole said, "Well, I have the Bridge right now…and I say you can," pointing at the chair, "so have a seat," winking at the carrot top, "and that's an order."

"Okay," Naomi said excitedly and then scurried over to the chair. After she'd carefully pulled herself up into it and folded her hands neatly in her lap, not wanting to disturb anything, she glanced around, then asked as her curiosity got the better of her, pointing to the console to her left, "What's that?"

Standing up and migrating to Chakotay's chair, Nicole reported, "That's just a console so the captain and commander can find out whatever information they need." Tapping the top of it to activate the spring mechanism, which raised the terminal, she explained as it opened, "You just tap on the top to open it. See here," she pointed as Naomi situated herself so she could look over at it, "that's the sensor readings from Operations where Ensign Kim is working." After they both looked over at him, and the youngest senior officer smiled while he waved, Fowler turned back toward the console and said, "Push that blue sensor in the corner."

"What's that now?" asked the child when a new screen was displayed.

"That's our course heading and speed information," the pilot informed. "If we wanted, we could fly the ship right from here, but it's much easier to do that at the helm," she pointed toward the back of Lieutenant Paris. Quirking the side of her mouth, she said, "In fact, there's really not much you can't do from this console…which is why it's the captain's…since she's the boss."

"That's so cool," Naomi reported smiling, but whispering and trying to memorize everything she could understand about the readouts in front of her.

As the child dared to finally touch the armrests with her small hands before she gently rubbed the slightly worn black leather, Fowler closed up the display and said as she stood up and started for Paris, "Come on…that's nothing…this," now behind Tom, "is what's really cool. This is where the real action happens…right Paris?"

When Naomi came up next to him, and peeked over his shoulder, Paris swiveled in his chair and said, smiling, "That's right. We couldn't do any of the things we do if it weren't for pilots."

As Kim and another ensign manning Tactical while Tuvok was busy, snickered and shook their heads at that statement, Fowler shook her head at them and informed Naomi not to listen to them and that Tom was absolutely right. Then to hit her point home, she informed that the captain was a very good pilot herself, while Paris scooped up Naomi and sat her in his lap. While they turned toward the helm, she explained, "We're running at Warp Six right now and our course is already laid in, so the ship's running on autopilot."

While Tom started explaining all the different parts to the console, Fowler turned and left for a moment as she got an idea. Coming up in front of Operations, she requested quietly, "Ensign, contact the Alaxiat and tell them we'll be conducting a little flight training exercise, so they should just stay on course and we'll catch up to them in a few." After Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise, them smiled and said, "Aye, Lieutenant," and quickly produced the message and sent it, Nicole left the upper deck and said as she made her way back toward the command deck, "Helm…all stop." When Tom snapped his head around and said, "Huh?" Fowler resisted the urge to laugh as she remained standing and made her way down toward him and the child still in his lap, then whispered as she drew near, "Don't worry, Paris…I'll take the heat." Patting him on the back as he turned around with the girl, she said again, louder, "All stop."

"Yes, Ma'am," Tom smirked as he grabbed the child's hands and explained that he was going to move her hands for her so she could learn how to perform the fairly simple task.

Once the ship had slowed and was just floating due to the inertia of their movement, Nicole said quickly, hoping to get as much excitement into the moment before Janeway either hailed her or came out onto the Bridge to find out for herself what was happening, "Take us to half impulse and roll the ship."

"You want me to roll the ship?" Paris allowed, flabbergasted.

"That's what I said, Lieutenant," Fowler responded on the next beat, fairly stern. The cocking her eyebrow, she asked, "You can still do that…can't you?"

Giving her a little playful, competitive attitude himself, Tom whispered to Naomi to just observe his hands then said as he engaged the impulse engines, "Watch and learn, Nick." As Voyager accelerated again and then began to spin on a horizontal axis, the movement so smooth and seamless even if the inertial dampers and artificial gravity had been operating at half, no one would hardly noticed the change, Paris smiled as Naomi paid very close attention to the movement of his hands. Once they came back around, the male pilot snatched up the child's palms again and said, not bothering to ask and hoping himself now to get a little more play time in before Kathryn caught on that something out of the ordinary was going on, surprised she hadn't done so already, "Let's go again…you ready to help?"

"Okay…I'm ready," Naomi replied gamely, then bit her bottom lip as Paris started moving her hands carefully.

Leaving the helm, Fowler pivoted and came back up to the command deck, but simply turned around and stood in the center as the ship once again completed its maneuver. Crossing her arms over her wide, flat and muscled chest, the brunette said, "Well done, Miss Wildman…now speed us up to full."

"Aye, Lieutenant," Naomi said loudly as Paris took her hands and manipulated them across the console easily. Snickering as they finished the maneuver, the girl whispered to Tom, "This is so cool!"

Just as she was about to give the order to engage the warp engines and get them back on course with the Alaxiat, the door to Janeway's Ready Room swished open as the captain's curiosity for what was occurring got the better of her, even though no alert had been sounded nor had she been hailed. While Tuvok returned to his post as the redhead followed after him, asking in an even tone, "Something going on, Lieutenant?" Fowler turned toward Kathryn and reported, smiling, "Just a little pre-Academy training, Captain."

As Paris, with Naomi still in his lap, swiveled in his chair and waved at her as she stopped next to Fowler, quirking her eyebrow in confusion, Janeway blinked once, then forced herself to relax immediately before she gave them all the wrong idea. The captain certainly wasn't upset since she trusted her senior officers implicitly and knew that they would never do anything foolish and put the ship or especially the girl at risk. Her reaction was one of pleasant surprise at the sight before her because suddenly she was enveloped with a sense of family that she hadn't felt in what seemed like ages. Just seeing her crew do something as thoughtful and caring as let a little girl fly a starship was enough to bring tears to the woman's eyes in pride and gratitude, but since she certainly wasn't going to let herself be seen at such a sap, Kathryn smiled instead and used humor to express her emotions. Wryly, she asked, looking over at the helm, "Having fun?"

"Oh yes, Captain! This is so neat!" Naomi replied bouncing slightly.

Glad she'd guessed correctly, never really having believed Janeway would become upset for her small allowance, even if it did violate protocol, Fowler looked down at the captain as she chuckled and shook her head, informing, "We were just about to go to warp, Captain…care to do the honors?"

Smiling and nodding her head, Kathryn said as she pivoted and turned to face front again, "Miss Wildman…Mister Paris, lay in a course for the Alaxiat and prepare for warp speed." Once Wildman, saying verbatim what Paris was whispering her to, reported, "Course laid in, Captain," Kathryn took a few steps forward until she was at the top step of the command deck before she descended toward the pilot's chair and said as she placed her hands on her hips and spoke a single word with the utmost authority, "Engage."

Clapping her hands along with everyone else, the captain asked as Tom turned them around again and Naomi jumped down gamely, now bubbling with excitement for actually commanding their home to move faster than the speed of light, "So, how was that?"

"That was so cool!" Naomi said as she came up next to Janeway and grabbed her hand. "Thanks for letting me fly your ship, Captain…that was the coolest thing ever!"

As everyone laughed softly, Janeway said, "Well, you're welcome, but why don't you thank Lieutenants Paris and Fowler since it was their idea." Once Naomi got done giving her polite thanks as she continued to hold the captain's hand, Janeway gave her arm a little tug and said, "Come on…why don't you go wait in my office and get ready to give me your report…I'll just be a second."

After watching Naomi trot over to her office door and then go in once Tuvok opened the door for her from his Security station, Janeway patted Tom's shoulder and said fairly loudly and in a tone which meant that she wished to have their attention, once she returned to the command level, "You know, it's not every day that a captain is so pleasantly surprised by her crew." Continuing on her way toward her office, she added over her shoulder as she stopped and turned halfway, speaking with certainty and feeling, "Thank you for that," then added smirking just before she went into her office, "She's all yours, Lieutenant."

Right after the doors closed on the captain, Tom said, looking up to Nicole, smiling and shrugging, "Who knew the captain was so easily impressed?"

"That'd be me, flyboy," Fowler rallied as she spun on her heels, snickering and winking at Harry, who was having a small little laugh of his own from his station. Lightly jogging up the stairs to where Tuvok was working once again and remaining as stoic as ever, not even seeming to be at all interested in their behavior which was not really like him, the tall brunette came up to him and whispered, "Can I talk to you for a minute, Commander?"

Raising his eyebrow and looking over at her, Tuvok replied, "Certainly, Lieutenant."

After nodding quickly, Fowler moved her body to the front of his console to block their conversation from anyone else and said, "I was thinking about the mission last night…and what the captain said, and I think she's got a point, a good one actually."

"I'm in agreement," the Vulcan replied as he continued to work but remained attentive.

Leaning over closer, Fowler sighed and said, "I know this really isn't my place, Commander, but I don't really feel good about letting you take the heat for what went down." When Tuvok looked up and raised both of his eyebrows in curious surprise for the statement, Nicole shrugged somewhat and added, "I mean…we're a team, and I think it's all of our jobs to think like that…not just yours." Glancing over and down at the captain's door, she finished, "So, if you don't mind…I'd like to talk to her about it…maybe give her a little insight on how we operate. What do you think?"

Tuvok titled his head slightly then turned back to his work as he reported, "The captain is aware that we prefer to be addressed as a group, Lieutenant, which is why she did so early this morning. Although I…appreciate…your concern for the situation, I assure you, there is nothing amiss." Looking back up at Fowler, who seemed confused, he informed, "The Elite Force mission was not a topic of discussion this afternoon."

"Oh," Nicole allowed, then sighed and said, shaking her head, suddenly feeling like an idiot, "I'm sorry, Commander…I didn't mean to assume."

"It was a logical assumption," Tuvok jumped in fairly quickly and perfectly even, "and I too believed our mission would be discussed, but the captain informed me that she had every confidence in us and 'has faith' that we will continue to improve as we gain experience." When Fowler breathed out the air from her lungs once, smirked and shook her head, Tuvok nodded in understanding, and added as he turned back to his work, "You do not owe me an apology either. Your concern for your crew and our operations is praise-worthy and in line with Starfleet ideals…and I know that the captain would agree. There is merely nothing to discuss at this time…she is not displeased in the least…nor do I feel as though we are not accomplishing our goals as a unit."

"So, basically," Nicole laughed and said before she walked away, "you want me to hush up and go sit down." When Tuvok cocked his eyebrow as he again returned to his work, Fowler chuckled and shook her head all the way down to her chair, where she once again snatched up the PADD and took a seat, then quickly settled into the black leather, stretching out her long legs as best she could without seeming too lax and concentrated on putting everything out of her mind except for her 'studies.' Thankfully for her, Janeway had a strange sense of humor that often came out subtly in her mission logs since without that, Fowler wasn't certain she'd have been able to read almost seven years worth of them without going crazy.

"Nick Fowler," Seven of Nine announced with her back to the entrance as she expertly manned the primary imaging station in Astrometrics as the small door to the room hissed open and the tall lieutenant proceeded through them casually. Raising her eyebrow at the same moment and only looking over her shoulder as the brunette stopped where she was and quirked one side of her face in confusion, the shorter, but still sizeable Borg queried, "How can I assist you?" since the helmsman and commander in training didn't often stop by the space lab alone. Seven never took offense to that since she figured the reason why Fowler often didn't check up on Astrometrics as she did the other departments was because Seven was efficient and not prone to errors or 'goofing around', nor was she in need of supervision. This was clearly the ex-drone's domain and that was rather widely known.

"How'd you do that?" Fowler asked as she glanced behind her and looked for some sort of alert system that possibly Seven had set up to detect the presence of 'guests' or 'intruders' as Nicole often felt like whenever she entered Astrometrics. She and Seven had gotten over their differences, or rather, the blonde had finally decided Fowler wasn't some sort of opportunistic traitor that would stab her and her small Collective of friends in the back as soon as she was had the chance, but that didn't mean that she always felt entirely comfortable in the younger woman's presence when they were alone, and she had a notion that the feeling was mutual. That didn't really bother Nicole any more and she believed that the more they got to know each other, as well as work closely together, that in time would too pass…so she just did her best to not be put off by the cold shoulder Seven sometimes gave her, or squirm when she felt the Borg 'observing' her for whatever reason.

Seven returned her head toward the viewer as she continued to examine the planet for which they were currently on course, as she answered, understanding the question, "Your footfalls are unique due to your mass and length of stride." Truth be known, there were only a spare few of the individuals aboard this ship that the Borg ever bothered even attempting to detect a pattern to their amble in order to prepare for their arrival, and there were even fewer aboard whom she greeted in such a way that would dictate to them that Seven retained specific information about them. Ensign Kim was a decent example of this. She was able to detail his presence in the same manner as Fowler's, but she never let on that she knew it was him before he proceeded inside because this was also Seven's own way of expressing to someone that she was fond of them since she'd come to learn that most people were flattered by the knowledge that Seven had taken the time to analyze their walk. Seven certainly didn't dislike Ensign Kim, she was merely just not as interested in him as he was in her. And even if Kim did finally stop holding a torch for the former drone, which he seemed to slowly, but steadily be doing, Seven wasn't certain she'd ever be able to think of him as a close friend. She considered him a friend now and was normally comfortable with him, but a 'close' friend wasn't a designation that was easily gained.

Despite what Kathryn said to her, Seven of Nine didn't think it was prudent, nor was she comfortable with giving people the benefit of the doubt. She continued to do so often, although not all of the time, but the Borg felt that she'd seen and heard enough that told her such an action was unwise a majority of the time. There was also the fact that she did trust several members of this Collective, trusted them implicitly, and she felt that was enough for now. Sometimes she wondered if her continued resistant with certain members was an attempt to keep herself from having to interact with several individuals constantly in a 'close' manner, but the blonde wasn't as fond of analyzing herself as she was at analyzing the behavior of others.

"Oh," Fowler allowed, then added quickly, laughing her surprised, nervous laugh just once, "well, I guess that's a pretty handy talent to have. I know I wouldn't mind knowing just who it was coming to see me…especially the captain."

As Fowler approached her, Seven smirked at that last statement and informed, "It is a useful attribute, particularly with regards to her and B'Elanna Torres."

Chuckling and patting Seven's back in commiseration since she knew both of those women well enough to know they each could seriously get their britches in a twist from time to time, Nicole whispered, although it wasn't necessary, "I'm sure it is…although, I bet you can hear Torres coming all the way from Engineering on some days…the way she stomps around."

Understanding that Fowler was purposefully exaggerating and making a joke, although Seven could indeed detect B'Elanna's approach from a greater distance than anyone's because she did indeed tend to bound down the hallways, the blonde replied, "That's correct." Pushing away from her work for a moment, Seven questioned again, "What can I do for you?"

Fowler turned slightly so she could lightly rest on the console while she explained, "There's a couple things I'd like to bounce off you…do you have some time?" Before Seven could answer, she added, "Most of them aren't business…and it's nothing that can't wait if you are."

Intrigued, the Astrometrics officer replied as she placed her hands behind her back, "You may proceed…I am merely detailing the attributes of Respite to 'pass the time.'" That wasn't exactly accurate since the former drone knew such a phrase meant that it wasn't a critical task; however, since she didn't want to let anyone know that this planet they were on course to had been recommended to Janeway for more reasons than the Borg was willing to explain at this time, she felt it was an acceptable misrepresentation, and because time was passing while she worked, it wasn't an outright lie either.

Nodding, Nicole pushed off of the console and said as she patted Seven's shoulder again and urged her to follow her by doing so, "Okay good…come on…let's go to my office so we won't be interrupted." As Seven didn't question her and simply complied, then quickly fell into step with the taller pilot, Fowler looked over at her quickly, dipped her head back slightly and remarked, "Man…your hair's really gettin' long. You still like it?"

Since she had discussed her new hair style, which was similar to Fowler's on several occasions, she was aware that Nicole often used the subject to 'break the ice,' so Seven answered easily, "I'm uncertain. It requires a great deal more effort to maintain…however," she went on as they entered the turbolift and Fowler requested Deck Two, "I find that I enjoy grooming it at the greater length. You could say, there are 'pros and cons.' However, currently, the pros 'outweigh' the cons…thus I have not returned it to a shorter length." As they stepped out the lift and Fowler nodded her understanding, Seven of Nine asked, "What is your opinion?"

Fowler laughed a little lightly and replied, "Honestly, the length of someone's hair has never really mattered to me. The color is what catches my eye…I like lighter colors…but red's always been my favorite…well, it's been my favorite for a long time." When Seven cocked her eyebrow at that and smirked, Fowler elbowed her and said, "Don't you tell Sam that."

Seven smirked even more at that as she droned, sarcastic, while the stepped into the Security office, which was currently empty since Tuvok was manning the Bridge, "I will comply."

Nick chuckled as she shook her head and made her way over to her new desk, "Yea…I bet. I know you girlfriend types…all of you talk. Don't try to deny it either. Have a seat," then added remembering that Seven usually didn't, "if you want." When the blonde didn't hesitate and sat in the chair in front of her desk, Fowler leaned back, kicked her feet up on her desk and finished, "But, if you really want my opinion…I think it looks nice, but it looked nice before too…so." When the blonde frowned slightly at that, Nicole held up her hands and said, "I know…don't tell me, I'm not helping."

"That's correct."

Fowler nodded as she retracted her feet and scooted forward while Seven remained perfectly still and waited for Nicole to explain the reason for this meeting. Sighing softly as she rested her elbows on her desk, the lieutenant said, "Seven, some of this is going to be a little hard for me to talk about…honestly, so you'll have to forgive me if my indirectness annoys you...okay?"

Now thoroughly curious, Seven titled her head to the left a small amount and said, "Very well." Then felt the need to ask immediately, keeping it professional, "Have I done something to displease you, Lieutenant Fowler?"

"No…no," Fowler replied immediately, shaking her head. "I just want to make sure…before we talk about the personal stuff…that I haven't done anything to hurt your feelings." On the very next beat, she leaned back into her chair and explained, "Last night, in the Conference Room when the captain asked me what we could have done better and I brought up that I thought we were too dependant on you…do you understand why I said that?"

Now almost perfectly at ease with the subject from her conversation with B'Elanna, and Kathryn last night, another conversation about the subject this morning during her and the captain's breakfast, Seven nodded and answered, speaking fairly soft, no longer feeling as though she was required to be so professional, "I understand. At first I was dismayed by yours and Kathryn's words, but I have discussed the situation with both Kathryn and B'Elanna Torres, and I now understand that you were merely attempting to point out that for us to continue to accomplish our objectives in this manner, the new shuttle will need to be more efficient than our current craft."

"Yes, that's part of it," Nicole explained, relaxing some because she knew that Seven only referred to Janeway by her first name when she was comfortable around an individual and trusted them, "but also…and I don't want you to take this the wrong way because I'm saying this for your benefit, but it's not fair to put that kind of burden on you all of the time." When Seven furrowed her brow slightly, Fowler leaned forward, smiled a lopsided grin and reported, "We're a team, Seven…we all have to pull our own weight day in and day out. We can't simply assume that you'll always figure it out for us…that's just not safe, not for you, not for the group…and not for Voyager." When the blonde looked away and seemed to start to get upset, Nicole jumped up, skirted the table and said as she perched in front of her, "Listen, I don't want this to upset you…that's not the point…I promise. The point is that just because you can work ten times harder or faster than anyone else…doesn't mean that you should have to." Leaning forward and squatting down, Fowler patted Seven's leg and said, "You're one of us, Seven…you deserve a break just as much as anyone. It's just not fair to you to constantly rely on you like that. It wouldn't be fair to anyone, and," she smirked, "the only person on this ship that would disagree with me would be the captain…and only about herself, but that's how she is, and she's the boss…so that's allowed. But it's not okay to expect you to do it all if we can figure out a way to harness all that talent and make better tools with it."

Raising her eyebrows at that and finally turning back to Fowler, Seven asked to clarify, wondering if perhaps Kathryn had come to Nicole and requested that she speak to her about the amount of hours she'd been working recently that were clearly starting to wear on her body, "Then you do not believe I am hindering the Elite Force?" Whether Seven said it directly or not, she did indeed trust Nick and furthermore trusted her as her superior officer since she believed she had enough data on the woman to allow for that. She trusted Fowler because the brunette constantly proved she was trustworthy, especially during their first Elite Force mission and with her friendship with B'Elanna Torres, and Seven also knew that Nicole never questioned the captain's orders, ever. The ex-drone suspected that there had been some times that possibly she had discussed them with Janeway, but Seven knew if that occurred it had been done in private. When Janeway spoke, Fowler listened and immediately did as she was told, which Seven of Nine more than appreciated and really demanded, even if she didn't do so constantly herself. Because of that, she believed that Fowler was capable of making comments as to how she should act. The only other officers on this ship that Seven of Nine gave such attention to, other than Janeway, were Tuvok and B'Elanna Torres; Tuvok because he had treated her with the utmost respect from the beginning and because she knew that Janeway loved him dearly, and B'Elanna Torres for obvious reasons.

Smiling, Fowler said, "No, Seven, not at all…I just don't want you, yourself, to turn into the Elite Force." As the Borg seemed pleased by that statement and grew more relaxed, for many reasons, but mostly so she wouldn't be questioned about the work she'd been doing, the pilot patted her leg again as she stood and continued, returning to her desk, "I haven't discussed this with anyone else yet…but I have a feeling that the captain is concerned about the same things, but I think she's also a little resistant to step in yet because this is Tuvok's brainchild. But, I am the first officer right now, you're under my command on Voyager and on the Elite Force, so I didn't think there was anything wrong with us talking one on one before we do anything more." When Seven didn't say anything, Fowler asked, "Do you have any opinions?"

The blonde looked away for a moment, then turned back front and said fairly quickly, "I am not dismayed by your words, Nick Fowler, and I believe you are correct about your assessments of Kathryn's feelings regarding this matter. She was 'vague' at times this morning and I had the 'feeling' that she was withholding some of her concerns." Taking a breath and sighing slightly, Seven admitted, "However, I am not certain how I 'feel' about this, as of yet. It is difficult to understand completely since it seems in contradiction."

Fowler bobbed her head as she replied, "Well, it sort of is, honestly. We're here because we've all got special talents that no one else has…and that's what makes us a team, but at the same time, we shouldn't stop learning and getting better as a group. In a perfect world," she smirked, "if we were all Borg, then we'd all know how to do everything, but since we aren't Borg, we've got to find middle ground. And I'm not saying we're doing a bad job…I'm not saying that at all…I'm just trying to do my job and make sure we're aware of the areas we need to improve at, and do my best to make sure that we do."

"What is it that you suggest, since," Seven smirked back, "I assume you are not going to recommend to the captain that we all utilize neural transceivers?"

The helmsman laughed once at that as she sat back and said, "Heck no…I don't want anyone to know all the crazy things that go through my mind." Smiling, she leaned back and kicked her feet up again as she joked, "Shoot, Janeway would probably boot me right off the ship if she knew some of the ideas that I come up with." When Seven nodded at her and said, "It is a possibility," Fowler chuckled again, then turned back to business and explained, "I was thinking that you and I could head this up. I'd like to start with the new shuttle since that's our biggest problem right now. I think we should probably bring Torres and Paris in too, but not until we bring this to Janeway and Tuvok." As she leaned forward, she went on, "I'm thinking you and I could start just by talking…brainstorming about things we know work, things we know don't…and then start thinking about things we can either improve upon or completely reinvent." Pointing at Seven as she sat back again, she said, "Like what you and Kim did with the Astrometrics lab. That place is amazing…the best of Borg and Starfleet…and that's the direction I think we should go with the new shuttle." Chuckling softly, she added as Seven cocked her eyebrow, "Although, I'm not flying a Cube…so don't get your hopes up, lady."

Not taking offense since she knew that Fowler was merely attempting humor, although Seven of Nine didn't feel comfortable enough with anyone but her lovers discussing her anxiety about the Borg Collective enough to make comment that she would never wish to be aboard any vessel that reminded her of a Cube. So, instead, she merely stated, "I will not." Then nodding just once, she added, "I am not disagreeable to this." As possibilities began to compile in her neural processor, specifically possibilities about the Slipstream project, considering she was only days away from unveiling the project to Janeway and there were several areas of concern she had regarding that event, she asked immediately, "When do we begin?"

Sensing the enthusiasm in Seven's tone instantly, Fowler breathed and inward sigh of relief that she'd done an 'acceptable' job at discussing this sensitive subject with the blonde without causing her further dismay, and responded, nodding once, "I was thinking tomorrow evening. Torres and I have a workout date, but that's not 'til late…so how about after our duty shift?" Quirking one side of her mouth, she included on the next beat as Seven gave her affirmation that such a time was acceptable, "I'd like to keep this pretty quiet right now…just until we have something to report…so why don't you come over to my place? We could eat and work? I don't about you," she smirked, "but I think better when there's food around."

Knowing that indeed was accurate since Seven of Nine was continually impressed by the amount of nutrition the tall, amazon-like helmsman consumed on a regular basis, the Borg responded easily, not having spent a significant amount of time alone with Fowler, but no longer completely uncomfortable with the idea, "Very well. Kathryn is accustomed to me not returning until the late evening due to various personal endeavors that I engage in, so she will not inquire." When Fowler frowned a little at that, Seven guessed as to what she was going to say, and informed, "Do not 'worry'…I do not feel as though you are requesting that I attempt to deceive her. I was merely informing you that she will not ask since she," now speaking softer and fondly of her oldest lover, whom she simply adored, "is not in the practice of being 'nosey,' and continually encourages me to seek out my own interests, and typically only inquires as to if I enjoyed myself." Seven knew that wasn't entirely true, but it was mostly accurate since it was only very recently that Janeway had started asking her a little more as to what she was up to, but the blonde knew those questions were driven by concern for Seven's welfare since she'd been so incredibly busy and was starting to show signs of exhaustion, and not driven by jealousy or lack of trust, so she didn't feel like she was being dishonest with Fowler.

Not at all surprised to hear that, really, since the week Torres was away, Janeway had spent two evenings in the pilot's company since Seven had been 'busy with something,' as Kathryn had explained, and even though Nicole could tell that the redhead missed the ex-drone's company, there was no jealously, malice or anything in her tone other than the softness that came with true love, the pilot said, "Okay, but if she does ask…don't feel like you can't tell her either. This isn't a secret…I just don't want to have to deal with everyone and their brother's ideas until we've had some time to discuss our own, ya know?"

"Tha," Seven sighed and shook her head, frustrated at her own difficulty in adapting her conversation skills consistently, then amended quickly, "Yes." When Fowler looked at her in a silent questioning manner as to why the blonde seemed unsettled suddenly, Seven ignored it since she didn't like talking about how she was finding it extraordinarily difficult to adapt to a more relaxed form of communication, especially when contractions were involved, since she felt that in part, she was failing. Failure never sat well with Seven, especially when she felt she was failing Kathryn. Since the Borg had told the captain that she was willing to attempt to adapt to support Janeway in her own adaptation to the changes that were happening in her life, she felt that her inability to truly adapt instead of having to continually remind herself was unacceptable since Kathryn seemed to be doing rather well in her endeavor to open her eyes to Voyager's situation and let go of her past guilt. She didn't feel in competition with Janeway, merely that if Kathryn could adapt to something as big as her outlook on the past, present and future, then she surely should be able to adapt to something as insignificant as saying 'yes' rather than 'that is correct.' However, this insignificant endeavor was proving to be a great deal more trying than Seven had ever thought possible, which frankly pissed her off, although lately, the Borg's patience was much less than normal since almost all of her energy was focused on the Slipstream project.

Moving along quickly, Seven of Nine queried, "What other matter did you wish to 'bounce off' me?" When Fowler's demeanor changed instantly and she suddenly seemed to grow nervous, which was accurate since Nick had forgotten that there was more after getting wrapped up in the previous conversation, Seven raised both of her eyebrows and asked, "You did wish to converse further…correct?"

"Yea, yea," Fowler nodded and then got up from the chair. As she moved over to the replicator and ordered a glass of vegetable juice, she questioned, "Did you want something to drink…it's on me?"

Seven opened her mouth to respond, then stopped herself before she spoke in her usual manner, sighed once in irritation and then said, curt, but the tone wasn't directed at Fowler, "No...thank you."

Pulling out the glass, Fowler sighed and said, somewhat jumping to conclusions, "Ya know, Seven…you don't have to act differently around me." Sitting back down, she went on quickly, "Just talk how you normally do…it's doesn't bother me." When the Borg frowned then looked away, Fowler took a sip of her ruddy, thick drink and asked, "Have I given you the impression that it does?" adding before Seven could respond, "I'm sorry if I have…I mean it…I didn't realize."

Seven of Nine sighed again and said, somewhat testy as she looked up, "You have not. However, I would prefer to not discuss it." Folding her hands in her lap properly again, she added with haste, "Was there anything else?"

Fairly used to this behavior from Seven, although it didn't make her feel any better about the thought of engaging her in private subject matter since she could rarely tell if the blonde was irritated at her or something completely different, Fowler nodded and said, "Yea," then sipped her beverage for a moment. Setting the tall glass in her lap and leaning back again, she kicked up her feet and started as she leaned far back and looked into her glass, "Um…this is going to seem strange since it's a really personal subject, but," looking up and sighing, "after giving it a lot of thought, I decided that you're the best person to talk to at this point since…um, well," exhaling and laughing some at her own nervousness while Seven raised her eyebrows in surprise and curiosity, "since one thing we have in common is that we both know how it feels to have people look at us because we're different." Shaking her head as the blonde looked at her as if she had no idea what she was talking about and said as she sat up abruptly, set her drink down and stated, "Seven, this is kind of…strange for me to talk about with anyone, even Torres, so I'm just gonna be blunt, but I don't want you to take offense, if at all possible, since I'm no good at this pussy-footing crap…okay?"

"Very well."

"You know you're extraordinarily beautiful…right?" Fowler asked, certain that Seven would speak honestly since she'd never known the Borg to not, so she didn't feel as though she needed to remind the younger woman to be frank as well. Seven was always frank…something Fowler rather liked, although a lot more once the Borg stopped thinking she was irrelevant.

Raising both eyebrows again, having no idea where this conversation was headed, but fairly certain Nick wasn't suddenly 'coming onto' her since she was believed the pilot was only interested in Samantha Wildman, and doubly-certain she wasn't Nick's 'type,' Seven answered truthfully, but in a way she knew that most people were comfortable with, "I am aware that many of this crew find me aesthetically pleasing. However," she felt the need to add, just to make certain she hadn't miscalculated, "their opinions are irrelevant to me…only B'Elanna Torres' and Kathryn's approval, as well as my own, is relevant."

Fowler pointed to Seven and said, "Exactly…how do you do that?"

"Explain."

Leaning back again, starting to grow more comfortable—Nick had no idea Seven had included the reference to her lovers as a way to inform her that if she was attempting to hit on her, and that such an action was futile, since Nicole Fowler wasn't at all interested in Seven of Nine sexually, even if she thought she was undeniably beautiful. Nick never even considered Seven would ever think that's what her motives were, honestly—and said, speaking forwardly, "How do you ignore all the looks you get? You've got to notice them…I mean," smirking, "come on, dollface…you seem to notice almost everything." Holding up her hand as Seven of Nine seemed to grow uncomfortable visibly, Fowler leaned forward and explained, "I know what that's like…well, sort of, except, I don't get the same kind of looks." Smiling, she said, honestly and without jealously or anything, "I turn heads because I'm abnormally tall and muscled for a woman…not because I'm their wet dream." When Seven continued to frown, Fowler asked quickly, not thinking Seven would be uncomfortable, but having to make sure, "Is this bothering you?"

"I am uncertain as to your 'point,'" Seven of Nine answered immediately, firm and flat, about ten seconds away from either walking out, or belting Fowler from making comments about her physical form and dishonoring B'Elanna Torres and Kathryn by doing so.

Changing tactics immediately, deciding that she was taking too much for granted and that Seven might be more sensitive to this than she first thought, Nick relaxed and said, softer, "Hey, listen…I'm not trying to make you feel uncomfortable…I just need some advice." Leaning forward again and resting her hand on her desk, propping up her chin, she added, "I need some advice from a friend…someone who knows what it feels like to be…well, different…different enough that people look." After glancing down at her desk, she looked up to Seven and asked, "We're friends…enough that we can talk about personal stuff…right?"

Seven relaxed almost immediately, now that she was certain Fowler was wanting to discuss herself, the pilot, and not the blonde, and responded as she rose and decided to retrieve a glass of water to assist with the conversation since she was aware that human's often felt more comfortable conversing about personal matters while consuming beverages, "What 'advice' do you require?"

"Honestly, Seven, I'm not sure yet," Fowler answered as Seven grabbed the glass out of the replicator. While the blonde turned to look at her and then started back to the seat, she went on, "I've been thinking for a long time…a real long time, honestly about um…" sighing and shaking her head, "well, about having an operation to…well, to…" pausing, then slapping her hand down at her own frustrations with why this was even a discussion she felt she needed to have, uncomfortably, "shit…"

The ex-drone narrowed her features in curiosity to Nicole's obvious discomfort, then quickly raised her eyebrows as she quickly extrapolated the cause and stated, rather than asked, fairly certain she was correct from what she knew of Fowler, "You've been contemplating removing your mammary glands." When Fowler snapped her head up at her and looked bewildered, the Borg understood the reaction and explained after she sipped her water, "It was a logical conclusion. You have made several comments recently about your displeasure with having to wear additional garments when males are not required to do so, and I am also aware that you prefer to wrap your torso so that your breasts are not visible."

Laughing to herself, and shaking her head, Fowler finally said, "See what I mean…you don't miss a thing." Then sighing, she looked up and said, "Yea…I've been thinking about it a lot recently…and thanks, by the way," she smirked, "for saving me the trouble of having to say that."

"No problemo." After Nick stopped chuckling and shaking her head, then grabbed her drink, sipped it as she sat back, Seven followed suit, then informed, "I am aware of why this subject is difficult for you. During my research of human behavior, including sexuality as I was discovering my own, I read several articles on 'gender issues,' and I am aware that although the Federation is a great deal more 'open-minded' than it used to be, it can still be a sensitive subject. It is similar to polyamory." When the tall pilot nodded, Seven questioned, "I am curious, however, how I can be of assistance?"

Sighing, Fowler shook her head slightly and answered, speaking with much less confidence than she normally had, "I don't know really…maybe we can just start with your opinion?" When Seven tilted her head slightly, Fowler sat forward, feeling better as she thought that was the best idea and said, "Yea…what do you think…be honest, you won't hurt my feelings."

Seven furrowed her forehead slightly and answered, "I 'think' it is your decision. If you wish to have the procedure, then you should do so…it is none of my 'business.'"

Nick nodded while she sat forward and said, "Yea, I know that…and that's not what I'm really asking for. I'm just curious what your opinion is…like you asked me about your hair. That's your decision, but you were curious…it's the same thing."

The Borg thought that information over for a second, then titled her head slightly and said, "Very well." Then looking away for a moment as she thought it over, she then turned her head back to the lieutenant and queried, "May I ask you a question?"

"Sure…"

"Why do you wish to remove them?"

Sitting back, Fowler kicked up her feet again while she answered, "Because I honestly would rather not have them. It's not that I don't want to be a woman…that's not it at all, but," she looked down and gestured at her wide, flat chest, "I've never really had much in that department…ever, and especially since I got into kick boxing. They're kind of non-existent now…and honestly, that's how I like it." Sighing and shaking her head, she said, "I don't know…I…I, well I just kind of like being a woman who sort of looks like a man…in a way, does that make sense?"

Nodding, Seven responded, "Yes. Considering your sexuality, your personality and your physical attributes, it seems a logical desire. I, myself, cannot relate to such a desire, even though we are both only attracted to females, but I do not feel as though that you are abnormal by wishing to express your individuality in such a manner." Seven took a sip of her water and added as she reached over and set it on the desk, "I am assuming that you have concerns about that…correct?"

"Yea…yea, I'm worried about that," Nicole sighed. "I know it seems stupid that I would care what other people thought, but…I just don't like being an 'attraction,' ya know?" Shaking her head, the brunette went on, "That used to really bother me when I was younger growing up…being so tall, and now I've gotten over that and I'm used to it, but I don't know…I guess I'm not sure I want to take on this kind of thing. I know it shouldn't matter…but it does, and I'd be fooling myself if I didn't believe that people wouldn't be curious and look at me because of that…it's just human nature."

"That is correct," Seven of Nine jumped in, "however, maybe you are unaware, but in your current state," gesturing to Fowler's chest with her hands, "you do not appear to have breasts. This is how you typically present yourself, and if I had never observed you without clothing, I would be unaware that you have them." When Nicole opened her mouth, then closed it and looked down as if she was thinking about that, the blonde informed, "I do not believe it would be of any consequence."

Fowler laughed and said, "You know what…you're right." Shaking her head, she admitted, "I didn't even think about that…but you're right." When Seven smirked and nodded her head once, the pilot shook her head again then added, "I guess there's just a difference in my mind…I don't know." Then pursing her lips a little and bringing her hands up to her chin as she thought about it, she turned to look at Seven and asked, "So, let's say I do it…and no one knows except you and T, don't you think people would know that something was different if the next time we all go swimming I only wear shorts?"

Sighing, Seven said, "More than likely…yes. I find this 'issue' difficult to comprehend, however. The social rules of the Federation are often contradictory, which makes it difficult to say for certain, but I believe you are correct." Smirking, Seven stated, "Do not take offense, but humanity is peculiar."

Fowler rolled her eyes and said, "Tell me about it." The tall lieutenant let out a heavy sigh and stated, "I know it sounds stupid to you, but I just don't want to look like a freak…I guess. I know I shouldn't care what people think or say, like you do, but…it's just tough…I don't know. I guess I'm just nervous…I don't know."

Seven sighed herself and admitted, "It is not 'stupid,' Nick Fowler, and I am not as impervious as to the views of others as you believe." Once Nicole looked over to her in surprise, the blonde nodded and said openly, suddenly feeling much closer with Fowler, as well as much more comfortable discussing her private life since the pilot was obviously sensitive and respected her opinion, "As my humanity continues to reassert itself, and I become more accustomed to dwelling within a social group and under its rules, it is becoming more difficult to 'ignore' the sensation that I am different…and I no longer find it as appealing as I used to."

That revelation striking a chord in Fowler's mind, the pilot sat up, slapped her hand down on the table and said, "You know what, this is nuts. Everyone on this ship is different in some shape or form and I think it's time we all got over ourselves and got used to it." Standing up, she went on as she came around the table to deposit her drink, patting Seven on the back as she made her way toward the replicator, "Thanks, Seven…and I know I can't tell you what to do, but I think you shouldn't try to be anyone other than who you are for any reason. It would be a really boring universe if we all looked and acted the same." Coming back over to her desk and sitting on the front of it, she went on, "If I've ever made you feel bad about you being you…then I'm truly sorry, and if that ever happens again, I want you to stop and tell me immediately because that's just not okay."

"You have not," Seven of Nine informed easily, not telling the complete truth but knowing that the few times Fowler had said something that made her feel different due to her cybernetic systems, the pilot was merely utilizing the subject to be humorous and show her approval or affection, thus she didn't consider it 'bad,' "but I will inform you it that occurs." Raising one eyebrow, she said, "You may inform me as well if I ever make you feel 'bad' about your differences." When the pilot smiled and said, "Deal," Seven titled her head and questioned, "Does this mean that you are going to undergo the procedure?"

"I'm not sure yet," Fowler came back easily, "but I'm gonna stop worrying about all that other junk and concentrate on myself…my own reasons…well, at least try real hard." As Seven nodded her approval at that, Nicole got up from the desk and said as she came back around it to sit down, "You have some more time to talk ship's business…all this gives me an idea I'd like to bounce off you?"

Grabbing her water, Seven of Nine said pleasantly, trying to be funny, "You may continue to 'bounce.'"

Fowler chuckled, and had to ask, keeping the running joke between them, "Was that a joke?"

"It was not," Seven smirked.

"Good…thought maybe I fell into alternate universe or something…"

Nicole Fowler was fairly comfortable with her commanding officer, although as she sat patiently in the chair in front of Janeway's desk while the slightly older woman perused the proposal the temporary executive officer and Seven of Nine has whipped up 'efficiently' in a half hour, the brunette was honestly having some difficulty not tapping her foot or scratching behind her neck, which she knew would give her anxiety away since Kathryn had pulled her aside just a few days ago and told her that if she wanted to be in command, she was going to have to break those nervous habits. Fowler, of course, hadn't taken offense to the conversation since Janeway continually treated her with the utmost respect and had pretty much taken her under her wing while Chakotay was gone, and she was duly grateful that the captain had pointed it out because she honestly didn't realize that she did that as often as she did. The captain's explanation of the nervous habits that she used to have: clinching her hands at her waist and brushing her hair behind her ears, also assisted her with the process and gave her faith that she too could break them since she couldn't recall once ever seeing Janeway do that, or do anything consistently that made the pilot think Kathryn was nervous. She was aware of many of Janeway's habits and expressions since she was a fairly animated woman, but they had never once tipped her off that she was nervous.

In truth, the only time she could recall ever thinking that Janeway was feeling out of her element was the evening they'd had dinner together and Fowler had told her about Francis Sheldon. That discussion had come about after Kathryn had brought up the away mission in an attempt to make certain that Nicole wasn't feeling any negative repercussions from having to embrace her commanding officer's body in a rather sexual manner. The pilot had been so humbled and frankly moved that Janeway would take an evening out of her insanely busy schedule to speak to her officer about the event one on one, that Fowler had felt the need to explain to Janeway that she hadn't been upset at all, and she'd honestly been honored to be given the duty, and to make certain Kathryn didn't take that the wrong way, she told her how the love of her life, Francis, or Fancy as Fowler had referred the beautiful redhead when they were involved, had been assaulted and how the event had irrevocably changed her life, more so than any other event, except maybe taking a post aboard Voyager. For the first few minutes of the story, Janeway had seemed to grow inhumanely tense and seemed utterly conflicted. Her face had shown compassion, but her body was as rigid and determined to remain the aloof captain as Nicole had ever seen it, but finally the redhead had given up the battle, reached across the couch and hugged her tightly, whispered her sympathies, kissed her on the cheek, told Fowler she thought she was a wonderful person and then promptly excused herself with tears in her eyes.

At first, Fowler had been completely nonplussed by the reaction, but after a few moments while she took a few deep breaths to keep herself from crying herself, Nicole realized that Janeway had figured out why she had told her that story, and that it was to show Kathryn that she would no sooner take advantage or disrespect her than she would wish to go back to the Gamma Shift. Furthermore, she figured that something like that would affect Janeway deeply simply because she was a woman in command, and although she'd never been faced with such a thing, the knowledge and fear of it was always present in dangerous situations. It wasn't something the was spoken of because commanding officer's weren't in the practice of discussing fear, but from what Fowler knew of sexual assault, she knew from experience that for women like Janeway it was something that was feared above death because the lose of control was often devastating to them simply because they had to fight almost twice as hard to gain the same amount of respect as their male counterparts with many species in the galaxy.

Looking up from the PADD, Kathryn Janeway smirked and said, lightly, "Twice in one day, Miss Fowler…are you going for a record?" When Nicole smiled humbly at that, understanding that such a statement meant that she'd 'pleasantly surprised' her captain again, Kathryn set the data device on her desk and went on as she removed herself from her chair, "Well done, Nick…I think this is a marvelous idea."

As Kathryn passed behind her, patted her back and asked her if she wanted some coffee, which the lieutenant had finally figured out meant that the captain wished to continue to converse on a more personal level, Nicole said as she stood and followed Janeway to the upper level as she poured herself a fresh cup of java from her sterling silver coffee set, "No thanks, Captain…do you mind if I have some juice, though?"

"Not at all…help yourself," Kathryn replied, chuckling soundlessly at Fowler's continued etiquette during their meetings; although, she never said anything to Nicole as far as informing her to loosen up because she honestly appreciated the respect that her lieutenant consistently gave her. Being the captain of a stranded starship with a mixture of a green behind the ears Operations officer, a dear friend at Tactical, an ex-convict for a pilot, a hologram from a Chief Medical Officer, a former Borg for an Astrometrics officer, and Maquis as her engineer and number one often left Kathryn having to explain, justify and repeat her orders. It wasn't nearly as bad as it used to be, and some of that was because Janeway had honestly grown accustomed to the lesser form of the chain of command simply because she knew she would have to adapt with them and meet somewhere in the middle to make this whole thing work, but that didn't mean it was always easy. When Nicole Fowler had stepped onto the scene in all her Starfleet glory and proceeded to follow every order without question, speak her mind after asking for permission and while in private, and basically set a silent example by simply doing her duty as she knew it, Janeway had honestly wanted to smack Chakotay upside the head for not paying closer attention to the abilities of the obviously capable brunette, but she knew that Fowler had purposefully kept herself out of the lime light and that Kathryn was merely being selfish and should simply be happy that Fowler had finally found her way into a senior position.

It wasn't that Janeway disliked her crew or how they operated, far from it actually, but she'd be lying if she said that Nicole Fowler's present hadn't changed some things for the better, in her opinion, since in the last few weeks she'd noticed that Kim, Torres, and even Paris—although the helmsman changes were much more due to his past indiscretions—were much less apt to question or remind her of something they felt she had suddenly forgotten, which normally irritated the hell out of her because Captain Janeway prided herself on knowing her stuff inside and out. Chakotay would still question her, she knew, but she welcomed that, most of the time, simply because that was part of this job, and she and him honestly had much different outlooks so his perspective was always important to her, and since he never did so in public anymore, she was perfectly comfortable with that. Seven of Nine still continued to question her as well, probably more than anyone, but again, Seven's perspective as completely unique and the Borg no longer did so in public and most of the time she was merely hoping to understand precisely Janeway's reasoning just so she could know. Because of that, and because Kathryn truly respected Seven's point of view and her attempt to adapt to the command structure, the captain allowed the conversations regularly and had learned that they were honestly good for her since they simply reaffirmed to Janeway that she was making the correct decision…which was always a nice thing for a starship captain; it certainly helped her sleep instead of staying up pondering events until the wee hours.

However, during crunch time, it was also a very nice thing for a starship captain to have an officer such as Fowler that she could depend on to do what she asked immediately, without question, and who seemed to have a decided influence over her younger officers, even if she was pretty quiet most of the time. In fact, there was no question in Janeway's mind any more that Fowler would make a fine first officer, and even though Kathryn was beginning to miss Chakotay simply because they were they were close and she truly adored him as a person, she was also enjoying the small opportunity to work this closely with Nicole, and glad Fowler was having the opportunity to grow as an officer.

As Fowler snatched her juice from the replicator and started toward her, Kathryn picked up her cup and asked as she sat carefully on her curved couch, "I'm curious…how did you get Seven involved in this idea?" Before the lieutenant could answer, Janeway smirked and added, "I hope you don't mind me asking…but I'm honestly curious since…well," she smiled more, "she's never been one to show much interest in social gatherings…especially ones that are for the purpose of highlighting diversity." Clearing her throat mildly, Janeway set her mug in her lap and informed softly, "I'm not sure if you know this," not feeling as though she was breaking any trust since part of Fowler's job was looking after the crew and their needs and this fell under that more than it fell under the captain's relationship with the ex-drone, "but she's been struggling lately with this issue." Propping her head up with her elbow as she turned sideways, Janeway went on as Fowler remained attentive and didn't seem as though she wanted to speak yet, "I'm not sure what's bringing it on really, since before she was perfectly comfortable with herself…'She is Borg,'" Kathryn orated with endearment, which caused Fowler to chuckle slightly, "but lately, I don't know…she seems to be less comfortable with that. So much so that," she sighed, "the Doctor had to order her to regenerate a few night's ago because when she'd gone in for her check-up he'd found that she was showing signs of acute fatigue because she hadn't been allowing her cycles to complete and was just working during the times I thought she was regenerating."

Sighing, Fowler made a move to scratch the back of her neck, then caught herself and reached for her drink instead, which caused Kathryn to give her a commiserating grin and said, "Man…I had no idea." Shaking her head, Fowler said, "No wonder she was so uneasy with that whole Elite Force discussion…that probably made her feel ten times worse." When Kathryn nodded and sighed herself, since it was a fact of life and nothing they could really do anything about, Nicole leaned back and said, "Well, I came to see her today to make sure she understood the whole discussion last night and didn't take it the wrong way, and we came up with some ideas about that." As Janeway raised her eyebrows, Fowler held up her hand and said, "If you don't mind, Captain…I'd like to take this on for now…work with Seven a little more before we bring it to you?"

Janeway took a sip of her coffee to hold back her grand smile, and then said once she was certain she could keep her personal feelings in check and replied, "That's fine, Lieutenant. So," changing the subject quickly, still curious for many reasons, she asked again, "how did a this proposal come about?"

"Well," Fowler sighed, then laughed at herself and reported, clearing her throat softly, "I came to Seven to ask her opinion about something I've been contemplating for a while since, well…well since she knows what it feels like to be…well, different." When Janeway furrowed her brow, but remained attentive, Nicole sighed and informed, "It's a personal thing." Once the captain nodded in understanding and then seemed to relax, Nicole went on, "Anyway, we talked about it…and that's when it came out that she wasn't as comfortable being who she is as she used to be, and, well, I had no idea…honestly, and realized I was taking too much for granted with her just because she seems like such a cool customer all the time." As Kathryn sighed at that, then turned and looked out the window, obviously now feeling conflicted for her Borg, Fowler said, "Well, that really ticked me off, honestly…and I realized that my concerns were foolish and that's when I came up with the idea of the diversity festival, and asked Seven if she'd like to help me put it together…and well, she did."

As Janeway looked back over at her, Fowler took a sip of her juice and said as she set the cup down, "I'm not saying that we're not diverse, but it certainly can't hurt to celebrate that…especially during the shore leave. I think it will be really good for everyone…especially the crew of the Alaxiat. I think this crew could use a dose of reality…a reminder of where we come from and why we're Starfleet officers and what that means."

The captain chuckled mildly and said wryly, "Well, you won't get any argument from me, Nick," knowing she didn't have to explain further since even though she never talked about it, some of her crew's insistent focus on her romantic relationships was really starting to get on her nerves. Janeway never felt like she had any room to talk since she had been uneasy with the idea of polyamory when she was first faced with it, and she knew that it certainly wasn't for everyone, nor did she expect everyone to understand since she felt that she might not comprehend if she weren't smack in the middle of it, but that didn't mean she didn't believe her crew was within their rights to not respect it. The fact that she knew that some of her crew did not respect it as a true love relationship and merely felt that it was all about kinky sex really bothered Janeway, on many levels as a captain of a Starfleet vessel and as a person. And, truth be known, it also bothered her because she worried the longer her crew was isolated, the more narrow-minded they'd become simply because they weren't continually exposed to 'life' as they were in the Federation...and because she was the captain, and she'd made the decision to keep them in the Delta Quadrant, it made for a rather unhappy paradox.

Nodding, Fowler continued, "I guess my own personal insecurities with myself really hit home with her, and when I finished sharing my ideas, she told me that she wanted to help me with the planning. She didn't say anything more than that though."

"Well," Kathryn came back, slightly concerned for Fowler since she'd never guessed she was at all insecure with anything about herself, but letting it go, not wanting to pry, "the fact that she offered to help says a lot in of itself." Setting her coffee down and crossing her arms over her chest, Janeway went on, "It also says a lot about you, Nicole…and I want you to know, that I'm very proud and grateful for your continued patience and protectiveness of Seven's interests."

Fowler bobbed her head once, finding it funny that when Janeway used her full name, it didn't grate on her teeth as it did when others presumed to use it, and finding it doubly funny that her captain would continue to do so at times when she was giving advise one on one, "Thank you, Captain."

Smirking, Janeway shook her finger at Nicole and said as she reached forward for her mug, "I knew you two would become friends…it was only a matter of time." Now smiling as Fowler chuckled lightly and shook her head, Janeway said, "You're much too kind and willing to help…and she's too curious and observant, not to mention appreciative, in her own way," Kathryn smirked, "to ignore someone like you for long." Snickering slightly and shaking her head, the captain added with fondness to her tones, "Especially if you're friends with B'Elanna." Smiling, she finished softly, "Seven just adores her…I'm not sure people have any idea how close they really are."

Fowler laughed at loud, although not boisterously, while she said, "Kate," knowing it was acceptable to use her personal name for the captain, "you should hear Torres talk about Seven." Chuckling, she shook her head and announced, "I swear, I'm not sure that girl can make a decision about anything anymore without talking it over with Seven first. Seven says this…Dollface thinks that." As Janeway smiled brightly and laughed along with Fowler, Nick added, "You would think they were joined at the hip or something. It's cute though…that must be real nice for you."

"Mmmhmm," Kathryn nodded sipping her beverage, then held up her finger, "although, that also means that I always get ganged up on." As Fowler laughed and nodded in understanding, Janeway smiled openly and explained further, "But yes, it's nice to know that they look out for each other when I can't…for obvious," waving her hand around her office, "reasons. Mmmnt," she started quickly as she sipped, just having a recollection and not changing the subject because she was uncomfortable, "so, what's this I hear about Samantha kissing you in the Mess Hall?" When Fowler blushed and couldn't help but scratch the back off her neck as she shook her head, Janeway laughed and remarked, "Seems like I'm not the only one who gets ganged up on, huh?"

"No, Ma'am," Fowler shook her head and sighed, chuckling, but not wanting to get into the reasoning behind it since she was pretty certain Kathryn wasn't aware that there was a rumor, or at least there had been one, that speculated about Wildman's place in the captain's life. Glancing over at Janeway, who was silently laughing to herself and looking out the window again, Nicole pursed her lips in contemplation, then requested as she set her glass back down, "Captain…can I talk to you about something? It's personal, but," as Janeway turned her head to her and raised her eyebrows, she added, "well, I respect you and I'd honestly like to know your point of view…as a woman."

Turning back around, Kathryn answered as she rested her head in her hand again and held her coffee in her lap, "What's up?"

The brunette nodded and started as she leaned back and looked down at her hands, "What's your opinion of gender issues?" Looking up, she added when Kathryn seemed a little confused, "I mean, I guess…when you think of me, do you think of me as a woman? Please…be honest…you won't hurt my feelings."

Setting her cup down immediately, realizing this was a more than personal, but rather private and obviously sensitive, Janeway answered softly, but serious, "Yes, I do." As Fowler seemed not so convinced, Kathryn explained, feeling as though she understood, for the most part, "And I can say that for a fact because it's the truth. You remind me a great deal of Chakotay, but there are things that I've discussed with you…that I've done with you, specifically the whole Burnhouse mission, that were naturally easier for me to do with you because you're a woman. And," she added raising her finger, "it has very little to do with your outward appearance or your genetic makeup. You have the mind…the experience, and voice of a woman…you think about things from a woman's perspective." When Fowler nodded at that in agreement, Kathryn asked, "Is that what you were talking about…or were you speaking of physically?"

Sighing, Fowler looked down at her hands as she stretched out her legs, answering, "I guess both." Shrugging, Nicole looked over to her captain and said, "This whole thing with Sam has kind of brought this to the surface again. You know," looking back down, "she's never been involved with a woman before…never even considered it, and she's pretty much told me, in way or another, that she's attracted to me because I'm…well, me." Swallowing, Fowler looked up quickly and asked, "Does this make you uncomfortable…talking about this?"

"No," Kathryn answered softly as she leaned forward again and snatched up her coffee. "We're all we have out here…and I trust you, so don't worry about it, alright?" When Fowler nodded and looked back down, mumbling her thanks, Janeway asked, with compassion, "Does that bother you…that she's attracted to you because of your…masculinity?"

"No…no, it doesn't," Fowler answered honestly and quickly. "It's not the first time and honestly," she shrugged, "that's just who I am. And," she smiled softly, "it's always served me well in that department." When Kathryn smiled, chuckled and nodded as she sipped her coffee, Nicole continued, "I'm sorry, Kate…I don't really know what I'm getting at…"

"Why don't you just ask me what you want to know?"

Fowler expelled the air from her chest at that in humor and surprise for being surprised and said, blunt, "Alright…would you think of me differently…would you see me differently if I had a breast reduction procedure?" Looking over at the captain, she added before Janeway could respond, "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, but…well, I'm just concerned, slightly, that that would be a turn off…and," she shrugged, looking away again, suddenly feeling entirely too shy while she ran the pads of her thumbs over the tips of her callused fingertips, "well, I'm just curious…since you're…well, you're…"

Finishing for Nicole, hoping to make it easier on her, clearly able to tell that Fowler was feeling very much out of her element since the brunette had never shown a problem speaking directly with her before, Janeway offered, "I'm typically the type of woman you're attracted to…"

"Yea…yea, that's right."

Nodding, Kathryn smiled and said, perfectly at ease with that since it was just apparent in Fowler's behavior around her and other females, "Honestly, Nick…I was under the impression that you had already done so." When the brunette looked up at her surprised, yet again, Janeway set her coffee down and went on, "So, no…I don't find that a turn off at all. Truthfully," Janeway spoke freely, feeling as though she really was required to as this woman's friend and captain, and not concerned in the least that it would cause any problems since not only was Kathryn completely devoted to her current lovers and certainly not interested in anyone else, but she knew that Fowler was a forthright enough person to allow for such frankness without reading into it, "I think you're a beautiful woman…I've always thought so. And yes," she nodded, "some of your physical appeal, in my opinion," speaking with her hands, "is your duality, but it certainly isn't limited to that."

As Fowler bobbed her head at that, but remained quiet and rather within herself, which again, really wasn't like the brunette, Kathryn asked softly, concerned, "Don't you think of yourself as a woman?"

"Oh, I do," Fowler replied equally quiet, "but that's not what's bothering me." Looking up, she informed, "What bothers me is the thought that folks will pay more attention to me if I have this done." Shaking her head and standing up, needing to move around, Nick said, "I know I shouldn't care about that…but you know me, Kate…I don't like to make a fuss. I don't like to be the center of attention…I'm not real comfortable with it…at least not in my personal life. Sure," she shrugged, "I can stand on stage and play music…but that's different." Turning around, she placed her hands on her hips and said, "I'm having a hard enough time getting used to people taking about me and either ignoring it, or doing something that makes people think it doesn't bother me, but this," she shrugged again, "ah, I don't know…I'm just having a hard time deciding, and it bothers me that this is even a consideration, but I'd be a fool if I pretended like it wasn't."

"Honestly, Nick, I think you're skirting the real issue here," Janeway spoke plainly, but still with a great deal of respect and compassion. "If you were Seven of Nine, and suddenly you no longer had breasts, then yes, I'd agree with you, people would notice and be naturally curious, but like I said," she gestured to Fowler's torso as the female stood on the lower level near the railing, "I was under the impression you'd already had the procedure, or simply weren't born with them. It's not unheard of, you know? In fact," Kathryn said as she set her coffee back down and folded her hands in her lap, "I was honestly surprised that you wore a shirt at Seven's birthday party, but I figured you just didn't feel comfortable exposing your chest for whatever reason, and don't think I don't understand modesty, or being uncomfortable with drawing that type of attention to yourself. I know it's not the same with me since my resistance is mostly due to my position, but the effect is the same." When Fowler sighed and nodded her head, the captain said, "Nick, you're much too open-minded and accepting, not to mention comfortable with yourself, for me to believe that this is the real issue. So, why don't you just say what you're really afraid of…"

When Fowler sighed, turned around, and rested on the hand rail as she looked down and her feet, then shook her head, Kathryn removed herself from her couch, came up behind her and said utterly softly, as she placed her hands on her shoulder in support, "I know it's difficult for you to relate to men…and I understand that, Nick, but your breasts don't define your femininity. I know that you put on a good show around your male friends…and no," she continued as Fowler looked over her shoulder quickly, "it's not obvious that you struggle with that…I'm just in a position to see the difference." As Nicole turned around, but continued to look down, Janeway said as they stood face to face, there height difference great enough that when the pilot when on the lower level, she was still a centimeter taller than Janeway, "Sex and gender are two entirely different things. Sex is definitive…gender isn't…just like sexuality isn't always definitive…there's a very big spectrum and we all fall within it somewhere. You define you, Nick…no one else." Gently the captain raised Fowler's chin, saying with a soft firmness, "Don't let the actions of other's take your individuality away from you…don't give them that power. I know you know better, but I also know that it's easier said than done." As Fowler blinked once, her kind, pleasant face as confounded in conflict as Janeway had ever seen, the captain finished, "All that matters is how you feel inside. If you feel like a woman…then that's what you are, and no one can change that or tell you it's wrong for any reason, especially over something as trivially subjective as your physical appearance."

Laughing once soundlessly as Kathryn released her chin and nodded at her, Fowler remarked, "And I'm the one who's supposed to be a counselor."

"Let's just say," Janeway whispered, leaning in and affectionately rubbing Nicole's shoulder, chuckling, "I've had a little practice recently looking inward." As Fowler sighed heavily and looked down, Voyager's matriarch rubbed Fowler's cheek with her thumb softly and said, "And I know I can't tell you what to do with this, but I think you should take some time to think this over and consider the emotional repercussions, but whatever you do, don't lose confidence in yourself. You're a lovely, talented, wonderful human being…and that's all the matters at the end of the day, and," she smiled lightly, and whispering again, "I think you can trust me when I say that that's your most redeeming quality, and that's what Samantha sees in you first and foremost." As Nicole looked up and raised her eyebrows slightly, Kathryn explained, "Miss Wildman is also a wonderful person…I know this because her daughter isn't socialized to any contrary or opinionated notions…even though she's very observant and susceptible to influence."

Thinking that information over for a few moments, Nicole nodded while she did so, then pulled Janeway into hug before she lost her nerve, the thin bar of the handrail keeping Fowler from probably lifting the redhead off the ground as she'd been known to do in the past when showing affection and appreciation, saying, softly, "Thank you, Kathryn."

Hugging her pilot back with equal strength, Janeway smiled her misty grin over Fowler's shoulder as she replied, "Oh, you're welcome." As Nicole sighed heavily and began taking a series of long deep breaths, pressing her forehead into the captain's shoulder, Kathryn whispered as she gently rubbed her neck and her back, certain the pilot was conflicted about crying in her commanding officer's presence, "It's okay to let it out…I won't tell the tough girl association." If Kathryn had thought about that statement, she was certain it would give her more than a few moments pause because she'd grown up in Starfleet, operating under the rule that forebade crying if you were in command, and she still operated under the belief that rule was just...but there she was, giving completely different advise...advise, again if she'd thought about it, that wasn't advise she would have given seven years ago. Although, seven years ago, she'd never dream of having this kind of dicussion with a member of her crew.

Sniffling and laughing, Fowler pulled away, not surprised when one of Janeway's hands immediately came to her face to wipe away a tear and said, allowing the contact, "Didn't you know…I'm the president of the tough girl association." When Kathryn sighed once, mostly in humor, at that, the pilot grabbed her hand, kissed it quickly and said as she turned around and went into the bathroom, her Southern dialect sounding surely, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm done cryin' about this bullshit." After blowing her nose, Fowler emerged and said to Janeway who was still standing against the handrail, frowning somewhat in her concern for her friend, "I know it's not my place to say this, Ma'am…but I'm gonna say it anyway…this crew is damn fortunate to call you its captain, and so am I." Nodding and turning toward the door, she informed just before and during her quick departure, "Thank you again, Captain…now if you'll excuse me…I think I've taken more than my fair share of your time today."

Slumping into her couch, still dressed in her uniform, minus her tunic and boots after a fairly quiet meal with Samantha Wildman, the helmsman still fairly pensive and within herself, Fowler stretched out her long legs and said to the blonde that was kindly clearing the table, having informed Nicole that she was perfectly capable and to go sit down, "Man…I'm beat." Watching the scientist pick up the dishes, she offered with sincerity and sweetness, "Hey, thanks again for making dinner…I really appreciate it."

As Wildman told her it wasn't a problem, Fowler, not for the first time this evening, noticed that her 'ladyfriend' was dressed somewhat more provocatively than she usually was, and asked as she admired the view, especially enjoying the sheer shirt that was unbuttoned far enough to expose a great deal of the younger woman's cleavage, "So, how long can you stay tonight?" Truth be told, Nicole was hoping Sam could stay well into the night because for once in what seemed like ages, Fowler was feeling the need to be comforted, although sometimes comfort to Nicole was different than what most people required since she found solace in giving attention, especially when she felt attention was due.

Depositing the last of the dishes into the replicator, Samantha answered over her shoulder, "I can stay as long as you'd like." Facing the device mounted on the wall as the dishes dematerialized, she added, "Neelix is watching Naomi for the night."

When the blonde turned toward her and started walking her way, Fowler grinned and stated, "Well, honestly, that's the best news I've heard all day," not completely sexual, but not completely not either since she wanted Wildman to know that she found her more than attractive, but was also willing to let her set the pace. As Sam smiled, came to a stop in front on her and held out her hand, Fowler took it, asking, "What now?"

"Just scoot forward some," Samantha requested. While Nicole did so, Wildman climbed in behind her, sitting on her legs to give her more height, then said, "Now sit back some and let me take care of you for once."

Sighing as Wildman placed her hands on her shoulders, kissed the back of her neck a few times before she started to rub them, Fowler looked down at her hands and asked, sounding defeated, "Am I really that obvious?"

The blonde pulled Nick back into her chest as she slipped her right arm underneath Fowler's, answering as she affectionately rubbed her upper torso, "Don't worry about it…you just look like you could use a little sweetness of your own." Resting her head on Fowler's shoulder, Wildman smiled and informed, "I like being nice to you too, you know." Kissing her neck softly, Wildman hummed, "Besides, it helps me unwind too." After sitting up straighter again, Wildman started in on Fowler's tight, boldly strong shoulders, then asked, "Can you feel that at all…you're really tense?"

"Sam," Nicole chuckled soundlessly and modest, "I'm not sure Seven is strong enough to work out my kinks today…so don't worry about it." As Wildman ran her hands down the length of her back firmly, then up again and down her arms somewhat, squeezing her biceps and triceps nicely while she did so, Fowler made a small, abrupt sound of pleasure in her throat, deeply, then whispered, "But that feels real nice…"

Pressing her chest to Fowler's back as she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend, Samantha kissed her neck, whispering, "Mmm, your such a hick, Nick Fowler…a real nice one though."

That caused Nicole to laugh, then look over her shoulder and request, "Why don't you come sit here in front so I can see you better?" As Samantha smiled, then slid out from behind her, the brunette sat back into the sofa as Wildman climbed into her lap and straddled her legs, saying softly as she placed her hands on the blonde's hips that were clothed in a pair of grey slacks, "Oh yea, that's better…you're much too pretty not to be able to see."

Samantha rested her palms on Nicole's upper chest, as she pinched her lips together shyly at the compliment, then leaning forward quite a bit since Nicole was slouched down a ways with her feet kicked way out, Samantha looked back, then snickered, asking, "Aren't you uncomfortable?"

Being granted more than a nice view as Wildman leaned forward, Fowler smiled as she unabashedly made it known what she was admiring for a few seconds, then looked up into Samantha's bluish green eyes and said, "Oh, I'm fine, Miss Sam…although," lifting her hands to Wildman's stomach, then up her sides, she said, "not nearly as fine as you, darlin'."

Her heart racing increasing just at Fowler's lingering, appreciative glance, Sam smiled as she leaned down further, hovering her lips over Fowler's face, asking, flirting, "Can I kiss you now…or are you too tired?"

"I'm definitely too tired to resist you, lady," Fowler came back in her charming drawl. Then using her more than capable stomach muscles, Fowler slipped her hands behind Samantha's neck, and pulled her to her lips as she sat them up in one fluid motion. As their lips met firmly, but gentle, the blonde hummed at the change in position. When Nicole felt the ensign open her mouth slightly, she extended just the tip of her tongue and flicked it against the crease, and when in the next instant Sam made a hungry sound as she repeated the gesture, although lingered for longer, while she ran her hands along the bruenette's arms, squeezing the muscles gently, Fowler moaned softly in return as she dropped her hands to Wildman's bottom and back, then pulled her closer. When Samantha deepened the kiss as she complied and wrapped her arms around her neck, Nicole moved her hands to the scientist's waist before she pressed them higher and rested her fingertips against the side swell of the blondes' bosom, as she had on two previous occasions. Then moving her hands yet again to Samantha's hips as their kiss grew deep, sensual and wanton, Fowler pulled up on Samantha, requesting that she sit all the way up as she broke the burning contact of their lips, but immediately moved her neck, having to tilt her head slightly to reach it. As Wildman murmured her approval, Fowler moved down slowly, letting herself lean back into the couch again. When she reached the top of Samantha's cleavage with her lips as she scouted down some again, pulling the blonde forward with her, Nicole reached around and gently cupped her breasts, whispering, "Mmm, you're so beautiful, Sam."

"Mmmyes, Nick…I want that," Wildman informed breathless right after the touch and the gentle but insistent kneading that told her the pilot wasn't planning to stop unless asked. As Fowler squeezed a little harder at that, when Samantha arched somewhat toward her palms and titled her head back, and she used her tongue to tease the partially exposed area, Wildman snapped her head forward before she slid down some and kissed Fowler's mouth again.

As their position became somewhat displaced on the couch, Nicole, starting to feel her ability to keep herself in line, as far as moving slowly start to dwindle by the second, pushed them up into a sitting position again. Using her right hand as Wildman kissed her hotly and demanding in her movements and moans, Fowler unbuttoned the top clasp to the blonde's shirt and quickly cupped the woman's left breast, then after kneading the heavy mass with her large hand several times through the fabric of her bra, the pilot could no longer resist as the blonde's kisses grew fevered, so she eased back the cup enough to slip as much of her hand inside as she could. When she felt an already firm, large and protruding nipple skid against her fingertips, demanding that she stop for a moment to pay it attention, Nicole hardly noticed until she felt the end movement as Samantha quickly unbuttoned her blouse and slipped it off her shoulder, tossing the delicate material to the floor.

Pulling away from the kiss, Wildman pressed the side of her flushed face to Nicole's, and requested against her nose, soft, but crisp, "Can I take your shirt off?" as she ran her hands over the brunette's shoulders.

Fowler retracted her hand from Wildman's bra, and when Samantha sat back some to give her room, Fowler reached over her back and pretty much tore her tight undershirt from her body, leaving her thick, clearly etched torso clad only in the thin, light, flesh colored wrap that she opted for rather than a standard issue bra, which was a slight breach in protocol, but she highly doubted anyone would ever mention it. When Wildman smiled as she hummed, once again returning her hands to Nicole's shoulders, Fowler sat back farther then pulled on the edge of the long wrap which edges adhered to the rest, until the material was loose. As Samantha took over and easily unwound it, the pilot arched her back slightly to let it come away completely, perfectly willing to be completely disrobed before the scientist and generally let her set the pace since Fowler was still slightly concerned for the blonde's welfare since she'd never been intimate with a woman before. While Samantha disrobed her slightly, naturally tanned torso, Fowler smiled at the pale, soft and highly appealing view in front of her, honestly not able to remember the last time she'd seen a woman wear a traditional bra and look that good in it. As the blonde set her wrap aside and began running her hands across her entire midsection, teasing her small nipples with her thumbs every so often, the brunette remarked, "Sam…you look," shaking her head, "mmm…honey, you're a real nice sight."

Knowing from experience that Nicole was turned on by her womanly figure, and always having appreciated a lover's attention to her bosom, although after having Naomi she was much more well endowed than before, all around actually, Sam moved her hands away from the brunette's chest, bracing herself above Fowler as the woman slouched far back into the couch, as she smiled and flirted more, although it wasn't like she wasn't really serious, "Is there something you want from me, Fowler?"

Chuckling sexily, Nicole smiled at that, surprised but excited, and said as she reached around to Samantha's back, "There are several nice things that you have to offer a girl." After rubbing her thumb firmly down to spin, then back up again, she deftly used her nimble fingers to unhook the blonde's bra with little effort. As Wildman raised her eyebrows as the material instantly loosened and started to fall away, which caused her to sit up and slip it off, Fowler smiled, but resisted making a comment as to how she'd been concerned she'd lost her one handed touch, since it had been some time since she'd undone a woman's bra double, let alone single handed.

Smiling impishly, her sea colored eyes twinkling with energy as she bit her bottom lip and ran her hands greedily up Nicole's torso again, Samantha said, "How did you get so damned sexy?" Not giving Fowler a chance to answer, Wildman once again braced herself over Nicole, giving the brunette full access to her upper half to either use her hands or her mouth, or both, while she informed as the pilot took her time and ran her hands up and down the sides of her torso, and every now and then brushed her fingers against the rounded flesh and underneath it, "Mmm…I've been thinking about you all day, Nick Fowler," and when the pilot finally resumed her previous fondling with her large hands only, Sam added, "Yes, Nick…mmmhmm…all day…ohyes…you have no idea how hot you're making me right now." Then when Fowler sat up slightly at that and wrapped her mouth around one of her large nipples, Samantha moaned at the long forgotten feeling of a lover's lips against her bosom, "Ohgod, mmmmI've missed that…mmmNick …mmmhmm…god…you make me so wet."

The brunette grinned at that, letting her concerns fall away since it seemed as though Miss Samantha Wildman knew exactly what she wanted, so moving away from her chest and back up to her lips, Fowler sat forward and kissed her passionately, reveling in the feeling of the blonde's flesh against her own. When the scientist wrapped her arms around her neck, pulling their bodies tighter together in her own delight, Nicole mumbled into her lips, "Wrap your legs around me," as she leaned forward, cupping the ensign's bottom with both hands and started to push up off the couch.

As Nicole showed her physical prowess by easily standing both of them up, Wildman whispered into ear while she held on tightly as Nick had requested, "Oh, I want you, Nick Fowler…please don't make me wait right now…I need you so much."

Inhaling deeply as she set them down on the bed, then instantly began kissing the scientist as she held herself above the woman put pressed her lower body into the blonde's center as Samantha keep her legs mostly wrapped around her, Fowler pulled away from her lips and moved to her neck as Sam whimpered slightly, while she reached down and pulled Fowler harder against her as she arched up, Nicole questioned, "Tell me what you want, Samantha…I want you to have what you need." As Wildman moaned and grew somewhat fevered, Fowler added on the next beat, "How do want me to make you happy, darlin'…tell me what you want."

Samantha practically cried out as her body began to burn from desire while she pulled Fowler toward her again, "God, Nick…please…inside." Tilting her head and biting Fowler's neck slightly as her squeezed the muscles in her back as best she could, she hissed, wanton and needful, "Do it now, Fowler…I can't wait this time." As Nicole started liberally and aggressively kissing her way down Samantha's torso while she pressed her large hand to the juncture of her spread legs through her pants, Wildman lifted her pelvis at the sensation as she inhaled quickly and pressed her head back into the pillows, demanding as Fowler reached her button and zipper and started on them, "God, Nick…hurry!"

"Jeeessssus," Nicole rattled low and throaty, as just the crack to the usually more reserved scientist inflamed her senses, the brunette always having appreciated a woman who knew what she wanted, how she wanted it, and wasn't afraid to express that. Pulling Samantha's pants and underwear down in one move, throwing them from her hands as she practically ripped them off. Not bothering with her own as soon as Wildman spread her legs and Fowler saw the glistening extent of her lover's arousal, even in the dim light, the brunette's heart began to beat wildly in her chest when at the same moment the blonde begged her again to take her quickly. Running her hands quickly up Samantha's long, smooth, very shapely legs on the inside of her thigh, the brunette smiled when she dipped her head, unable to resist and pressed her face to the blonde's center, that always having been Fowler's favorite thing in the universe, honestly, at least since the age of fifteen when she did it for the first time.

Moaning audibly into the flesh as Wildman twitched and cried out her intense pleasure and need, Fowler took several heavy swipes across Sam's crease, spreading some of the moisture around and delighting in the texture and flavor on her tongue as well as she greedily consumed it. When Samantha arched her back, while she fondled her own bosom and said loudly and in intense pleasure, "Ohgod, Nick…yes…ohyesthankyou!" Fowler took just a few quick seconds to dip her head a little lower as she used her hands to open the blonde up her for more. Tracing her tongue around Samantha's tight and aching opening, the pilot gently pressed into her, tasting her deeper and rattling in her throat again at the pleasing difference, the intense heat and the increased volume of the blonde's cries at the modest penetration. As Wildman shouted, "Please…ohgod…please go inside, Nick!" the pilot inhaled again as she felt her own wetness start to tease her sense as her skin pebbled, and groaned as she pulled away and surged up and over the ensign, "Lord woman, you're burnin' me up."

Pressing her hand to Samantha's inflamed sex and quickly lubricating her fingers by rubbing the entire region hotly as Samantha sobbed at the touch, then heaved and licked her own moisture off Fowler's chin and around her mouth during her kisses, Nicole whispered at the same moment as she slipped inside of Samantha with two fingers while she blonde pressed her head back instantly at the entry and bit down on both of her lips, "Easy, Sam…I'm right here, honey." Once her long, fairly thick digits were buried completely inside the scientist, and her muscles were starting to adapt as her breathing grew more steady and Wildman had pulled her down over some and was kissing her neck while she rubbed half of Fowler's bare chest with her other hand, the older female informed, "Mmm, Sam, you feel so nice." When Samantha dipped her head and rested her forehead against her chin while she breathed deeply, Fowler asked while she kissed her nose, "Are you alright?"

"Mmmhmm," Samantha purred, starting to look up again. "God, you feel so good inside of me…mmm…just give me a minute to relax." Smiling, as she closed her eyes and continued to delight the skin of her left hand on Nicole's hard and muscular chest, she whispered, "It's been so long, and," opening her eyes, she admitted, "I'm not sure I've ever felt this excited before." After biting her lip for a minute and humming while Fowler grinned at and gently moved her fingers just a small amount, Sam requested as she relaxed fully, "Mmm…make me come, Nick Fowler…I need you to make me come."

Leaning down and kissing Samantha softly but with definitely purpose, Fowler asked as she moved her lips to Wildman's neck and right ear while she scientist turned her head slightly, purring, "Do you want me up here with you?"

"Ohyes, please stay here," Samantha whispered back, then arched her back some and requested again, but having fun doing so, "Mmm, please, Nick…I need it so much."

Very slowly as she released Wildman's neck so she could look into her face as the blonde closed her eyes and moaned softly while she turned her head just slightly away, the brunette began moving her fingers in and out of the blonde, taking great care and watching Samantha's reactions so she'd know when to increase the speed and intensity of her stroke. When she increased the beat just slightly the first time and Samantha opened her mouth, gasping in pleasure as she once again grasped one of her breasts and began kneading it soundly, Fowler opened her mouth as well as a quick wave of excitement zinged throughout her body, then growled lightly, "Mmm...I like that," as Samantha began pressing her hips down counter her hand, and started taking control of the pace, quickening it again.

As the scientist let go of her own bosom and latched onto the side of the bed, while she started driving her hips harder, and crying out for Fowler to use more force, Nicole moaned in a much higher pitch than she normally would under these circumstances, but for some reason watching Samantha's pleasure unfold was causing her body to pulse with crazed energy, although the woman's erotically moving body wasn't helping her cause either, and when Wildman shouted, "Ohgod, ohgod, Nick…yes, Nick…ohgodrighthere!" Fowler licked her gapping, drying lips and groaned, "Jesus, lady…that's so good."

"Yes…yes…ohgodthere!" the ensign cracked as she arched up, balling her fist and driving her hips down hard and quick until Fowler was no longer moving her hand and just pressing as far as she could into Sam, letting the younger female move how her body needed to gain release. "Ohgod…Nick…yeeeessss!"

Fowler watched helplessly enthralled and completely taken with the sight of Samantha jerking against her strong hand as her arching chest heaved and bounced, then stilled as she tensed and flushed, and as soon as she thought it was okay for her to do so, Nicole started kissing Wildman's cheek, and then her mouth as soon as the blonde turned her head. The pilot kissed Wildman deeply and passionately while Sam continued to moan softly into her mouth and slowly move her pelvis against her hand as she body began to recover. Once her lover's hand returned to her chest and began rubbing it affectionately and sweetly, Nicole pulled away, rested her forehead against Samantha's and whispered, somewhat breathless herself, "Sam, oh that was nice." Smiling softly, she begged, "Please, please, lady…don't let that be the only time I get to see that."

Ensign Wildman smiled as her eyes twinkled, then whispered, "Nick Fowler…you're too sweet." After raising her head slightly and kissing her softly, not able to hold herself up for long currently, she added, "Oh, I wanna do that again…mmm…as many times as you'll have me." Then quickly, she included as she ran her hands over Fowler's nipples and firm, flat spherical breasts, "God, you're so sexy…and strong…and yummy," snickering as the pilot chuckled, "and cute…and, you're very, very neat, as my daughter would say," she laughed happily.

Moaning softly again as Nicole slowly withdrew her hand, then gently brought it to her much softer stomach and stroked her flesh gently, Samantha allowed Fowler to pamper her for several minutes, then said as her lover returned to her bosom and treated her soft fleshy mounds with supreme kindness and flattery, "Thank you for being sweet to me." Sighing some, she stated, softly, "I don't know what got into me tonight…I just needed you in a bad way suddenly."

"Hey now," Fowler broke in softly, taking Samantha's hand and bringing it to her mouth to kiss her knuckles, "you don't need to explain, Sam." Smirking as Wildman dropped her hand and pressed it flat to the center of her chest, she added, "I didn't mind."

Smiling shy as she blushed somewhat, having never acted that needy in all her life, although she was getting over her slight embarrassment fairly quickly since she'd never gone over seven years without any sexual interaction before either, the scientist requested softly, "Okay…but do you mind if we just relax together for a while?" Running her free hand over Fowler's arm that was holding the brunette's body up over her where she perched, Sam explained quickly, "I just feel like I kind of need to be close to you for a while…I don't know how to explain it," sighing again, "Do you understand?"

Nicole nodded and grinned softly at that, saying, "No worries, darlin'…I'm not goin' anywhere." Kissing her girlfriend's forehead, she whispered, "Why don't you just let me take care of you tonight…I don't need any attention, and," looking back down at Samantha, "you deserve this to be special for you." Kissing Wildman's hand again, she informed quickly, "I wanna make this night special for you…it's important to me."

"Okay," Samantha said weakly, suddenly feeling slightly emotional, nervous and far too close to crying, or telling Fowler she was falling in love with her, then sighed, trying to steady herself, and whispered, looking down, "thank you."

Kissing Wildman's lips again, Nicole said, "No thanks needed…take my word for it…it's special for me to be able to be here with you." When the scientist smiled at that, then finally nodded and took a deep breath to settle herself, Fowler gave her one more kiss, smartly, and announced as she started to pull away, "I'm just gonna go jump in the shower for a minute before we get comfy…I feel kind of grungy from workin' all day…and don't be afraid to make yourself at home. I'll be quick."

As Wildman chuckled since she'd expected that because Fowler often came over after work and requested the use of her shower before dinner, the scientist discovering the pilot almost always showered twice day, then stretched languidly, Nicole unabashedly watched the pleasant movement, then said under her breath as she shook her head and turned toward the bathroom, forcing herself to not scratch her neck, "Lord have mercy, girl…" knowing that if Samantha Wildman continued to make movements and noises like that, it was going to be a very, very long night for her.

Less than five minutes later, Fowler emerged from her bathroom with her long hair wet and combed back, but left free to dry, wearing a white towel around her waist, which offset her slightly tanned skin nicely. When Samantha lifted her head, then propped herself up on her elbows where she lay half under a sheet, and smiled at the tall, thickly muscled bare chest in front of her that was slightly obscured by the pilot's long, fine hair, Nicole smirked as Wildman bit her bottom lip and hummed, asking, "What are you grinnin' at?"

"My god, Nick Fowler…you're the sexiest thing I've seen in my entire life," Wildman said immediately and fairly plainly. Dragging her eyes over Fowler's wide chest, barely able to notice in the dim light the slight spheres that extended beyond her pectoral muscles. The only thing that made them more noticeable was that Fowler's nipples, although smaller than most, weren't quite as small as a male's. When Fowler laughed at the excited look on Samantha's face, not making fun but just finding it cute, then turned around slowly to give her a look at the back, and came back around, then waved her arm at Samantha in play disgust as she chuckled and started toward the living room, Wildman laughed as she said, "Hey, where are you going?"

"I'm gonna pick up your stuff so it's not all wrinkled…and get some water. You want something?" Fowler said from the other room.

"No thanks…I'll just have a sip of yours if that's okay." When Fowler came back into the room in a pair of pajama pants with a glass of water, Samantha didn't bother to ask why Nicole was wearing clothing since she figured she was doing so to make it easier for them to pace themselves as far as intimacy went, and asked as she accepted the water and sat up while Nicole perched on the bed and dried out her hair with her towel, "Are you tired?"

"I'm kind of a night owl," Fowler informed, then laughed once as she shook her head, "but lately, with this new gig, I'm lucky if I make it past eleven." Sighing slightly as Samantha leaned back and rested her arms behind her head, Nicole asked, "Do you mind if I wear my pants to bed?" Before Sam could answer, she offered, "If you want a shirt or something…I've got plenty." Smirking, she said, "Don't get me wrong, I like you just fine the way you are…I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable or anything."

Smiling, Wildman reported easily and pleasant, "I don't feel uncomfortable…but thanks for the offer, and I don't mind…I think you look real nice."

Laughing, Fowler nodded and said, "Okay." Standing and taking her towel into the bathroom to hang up, she announced, "It just makes it easier for me to keep myself in line since, I gotta tell ya, Sam, you're a damn fine woman…I tend to be a sucker for those." Coming back out of the ensuite and shutting off the light, she smiled at the sight of Wildman laying in her bed waiting for her and finished, "Did I mention damn fine?"

"Mmmhmm," Samantha nodded as Nicole got to the end of the bed and started crawling towards her grinning. Bringing her hands to Fowler's chest and running them over her bare torso in a manner she'd wanted to do for weeks on end, not certain she'd ever get tired now that she'd been granted the privilege, the blonde hummed and said, "Mmm…I'm not tired anymore either." As Fowler chuckled and then eased down until their chests were touching and started kissing her again, the ensign ran her fingers through Nicole's hair, down her back and across her sides as they kissed fairly passionately, Sam arched up some which caused Fowler to sound her appreciation into her mouth.

When Wildman spread her legs and urged Fowler to settle between them, there only being a thin sheet separating their bodies, Nicole reached down to the blonde's left leg that she'd pulled from out of the confines of the material and said as she rubbed her outer, curved thigh, "Sam, you're not making this any easier on me."

Smiling, Samantha replied as she started kissing Nicole's neck, "Maybe that's my plan…"

After she laughed once, Nicole reported, "I didn't know you had a plan?"

Kicking down the sheet until her other leg was free, Wildman chuckled sexy and informed, "Nick Fowler, you should know better…I'm a scientist…we plan everything." Once Fowler laughed at that, then pressed her body up an into Samantha's, Wildman said as Nick smiled down at her while her long hair draped over her shoulders, giving her an omnisexual quality that pressed all of the scientist's buttons…the good ones, "Mmm…I don't know what it is about you, Nick Fowler," bringing her hands to the brunette's chest again and rubbing the hard, smooth surface briskly, "but you make me insane…and a fibber."

Grinning, Nicole pressed herself into Wildman again and asked, "Does that mean you what more?"

The scientist moaned at the friction Nicole's movement caused, and whispered as she closed her eyes and arched her back again, "Yes, Nick please…just one more time…and then I'll be good." As Fowler hummed her approval, telling Sam she was more than good and shouldn't ever not tell her what she wanted while she started kissing her neck, Samantha turned her head to give the brunette full access as she informed, "Mmm…do whatever you want with me…I want you to have me how you want me this time. Be greedy…I'll like it." Then softer, she informed as Fowler moved her head and looked at her face, "I promise, I'm okay now…and I do feel close to you when we're like this too."

Wildman kneaded Fowler's shoulders as she announced, "You make me feel so beautiful when we're alone…especially when you touch me."

Blinking once, somewhat stunned by that for some reason, Nicole felt the need to ask, "For real, Sam?" When the ensign smiled softly and nodded, the pilot grinned back, saying, "Well, good…that's good because you are." Pouring on the Southern charm which she knew the blonde was a total sucker for, she added, "And I'm real fortunate, Sam…real fortunate to be here with you."

The ensign smiled, giggling, then rolled her eyes and said, "Real fortunate…I bet you say that to all your women…?"

"Only the good ones, Miss Sam," Fowler answered, chuckling and shaking her head, "and only when it's true." Then using her feet to pull the rest of the sheet from between their bodies, Nicole moved her kisses back to Samantha's mouth before she easily slipped her arms underneath the blonde and rolled them over. As she brought up her hands while Wildman sat up some as she palmed her breasts, the pilot's large hands big enough to contain the fleshy masses, Fowler asked as Samantha drew one hand across her chest and traced the outline of her musculature, "Is there anything you really want…because I'm happy as long as you are?"

Smiling, Samantha leaned down, held herself over the pilot and requested, "I want you to teach me what you know."

Charming in her confidence, Fowler grinned and said, "Well, that could take all night."

"I'm not going anywhere…"

"Okay good, because there's something I've wanted to do since you walked into my place tonight," Fowler reported as she lowered her strong hand and slipped them underneath Wildman's hips. Using her incredibly strong arms, Nicole picked up Samantha just a tad and she drew her closer while she slid farther down the bed, and when she settled the blonde's body over her head, the pilot smiled and requested before her lips and tongue made purchase as she once again raised her arms to Samantha's bosom, "Sing for me, Sam…"

"Sorry I'm late," Fowler offered to Chief Engineer Torres as she set down her tray that wasn't as overflowing with food as normal due to her tardiness, and slid into their booth at the Mess Hall that pretty much no one dared to occupy, at least not during breakfast. As Torres nodded while she chewed down her food, then raised her eyebrows in silent questioning, Nicole answered, "Everything's cool…just kind of got a late start."

"Join the club," B'Elanna reported evenly, doing her very best not to give herself away at all since Nicole had recently told her that she could always tell when Torres had 'got some' the night before. Fowler furthermore stated that she could also tell who'd she'd been with. One night while they were working out, the pilot had said that when she was with only Seven of Nine, she was downright sickening in her perkiness. When she was with Janeway she was cockier than normal, which had caused Torres to smirked and shrug like it should be obvious since 'Red' was the captain, and when she'd been with them both, she was either quiet because she was exhausted, or quiet because she was humbled, which B'Elanna had agreed with easily, although didn't inform that the humbled demeanor was usually caused by witnessing Janeway and Seven make love, something that Torres knew she'd never get tired of seeing, even if it typically made her overly emotional, in the Klingon's eyes.

When Fowler looked up at her and eyed her closely, obviously trying to guess which of her girlfriend's she'd been with since B'Elanna was ritualistic about her morning routine and rarely deviated from it, Torres finally had to laugh out loud as the brunette narrowed her emerald eyes and smirked at her.

As Torres shook her head and reached for her coffee smiling, Fowler nodded and said, not having a clue honestly and merely guessing, "Blondie."

Snapping her fingers, Torres reported, "Ha! Neither."

"Problems in Engineering?" Nicole asked plainly, knowing the chief would understand she was inquiring because the younger brunette looked rather tired.

"No," B'Elanna sneered lightly at her friend, understanding the unspoken part completely. "If it hadn't been for you, friend, the answer would have been both." When Fowler raised her eyebrow in confusion as she sipped her coffee, Torres asked, leaning forward and whispering, "Seven was wound up like a top about something and spent the whole night at her desk researching something that she wasn't at 'liberty' to discuss…what the hell did you two talk about anyway?"

"What makes you think I had anything to do with it?" asked Fowler lightly as she dug into her scrambled eggs that were lightly coated with chili pepper.

"Because she said, and I quote, 'Nick Fowler requires my assistance with a matter that I am not at liberty to divulge at this time,'" the Klingon volleyed as she turned to her food as well. "I thought Red was gonna have to order her to bed."

Sighing, Fowler asked, tentative, "She didn't have to do that…did she?"

"No," the engineer answered, chuckling, "but it was a close one." As Nicole laughed at that and nodded, inwardly relieved since it was obvious from her discussion with Janeway yesterday that the good captain was growing mighty concerned for Seven's recent behavior, Torres reached over and smacked her arm, saying, "So…come on…what's up?"

"She's just helping me plan a little party for both crews," the pilot replied easily. When Torres quirked the side of her mouth at that and didn't at all look like she was satisfied with that answered, Fowler added, "It's still in the planning stages right now, but let's just say you'll get to show the crew of the Alaxiat how cool it is to be a Klingon…that is if you want to participate." Shaking her head as she chew a large piece of toast, Nicole said, "We'll talk about it later…promise. I'll need your help with the music anyway."

Shrugging and nodding at that, the engineer said, "Okay…well, let me know. You know I'm always ready to party. So," she nodded to Nicole, "what's up? Have a bad night or something?" Before Nick could answer, she said, "Don't take this wrong way…but you look like you got about as much sleep as I did."

"Less," Fowler mumbled against her coffee mug. "Although," she finally smiled, "I'm not complaining, T…no complaints at all."

Dropping her fork on her plate, Torres said, loudly, surprised since she was certain she'd know the minute she'd seen Fowler the morning after she first slept with Samantha Wildman, since B'Elanna Torres considered herself something of a sleuth when it came to such things, "Get out of here!" As the crowd around them stopped talking and looked over at them, and Fowler sighed, then laughed lightly against the rim of her mug, Torres turned her head to a group of people that continued to pay them attention and growled, "Mind your own business." And when those particular crew members quickly turned back around, some of them mumbling under their breath to her, knowing better than to say anything too loud to the irascible Klingon, B'Elanna ignored them, turned back to Nicole, snatched up her coffee mug and merely asked, "Well…yea?"

"Oh yea," Fowler drawled as she set down her coffee. Standing and picking up her tray, not wanting to get drawn into a lengthy conversation since she wanted to check up on a few things before the start of her Bridge duty, Nicole leaned down and whispered into B'Elanna's ear before the Klingon got irritated that she was leaving her in the dark again, "Five times, sister…count'em five." Patting her friend on the back as Torres exasperated, "Kahless…five?" Fowler added as she walked away, "Later days, Torres…don't choke…'cause I'm gonna whoop your tail tonight."

"Bring it, Fowler," B'Elanna rallied over her shoulder as she turned around, "and we'll just see who's had more cake."

Laughing silently, Nicole patted her flat stomach as she started toward the door, grinning, looking over her shoulder at her best friend, "I already had my cake…so you better chow down."

"Won't be a problem, Nick," Torres smirked, wondering if anyone in the room had any idea just what they meant by 'cake,' then included as Nicole approached the door, "didn't you know…cake is what Klingon's do best." As the helmsmen nodded to her and then turned back to the door as it opened to produced a radiant Ensign Wildman, B'Elanna watched carefully as Fowler stepped to the side, bobbed her head to the blonde, who's eyes immediately twinkled along with her smile, and when Nicole said something to her that B'Elanna couldn't hear which made the scientist roll her eyes and smack Fowler's shoulder, just as they parted ways after just the quick and fairly innocent looking exchanged, the engineer shook her head while she turned back to her food and mumbled, "Five times…that's a hell of a lot of cake."

"Mornin', Captain," Lieutenant Fowler greeted with only a moderate amount of pleasantness to her tone from her command chair as she turned around and nodded to the redhead as she emerged from the turbolift, since, although at first glance Kathryn Janeway looked as alert and rested as she normally did, which really boggled the brunette's mind since she had first hand knowledge how little sleep the captain typically got, she also knew first hand that she'd had a long night trying to coerce Seven of Nine to stop working and come to bed.

"Lieutenant," Janeway replied fairly cheerfully, descending the steps smoothly, patting her hand on top of Tuvok's station as she passed in a silent hello to her dear friend. Turning the corner and starting to her command deck, she queried as she passed by Fowler and eased comfortably into the center chair, "Status?"

"We're a little over five hours away…long range scans remain clear," Nicole reported on the next beat in her even, professional tone.

"Any word from the Alaxiat?" the captain asked as she glanced over at the viewscreen that was showing the back of their sister vessel. When Fowler shook her head no, Janeway looked over her shoulder to Kim, up at Operations, and merely bobbed her head, knowing he would understand her request.

"On screen," Harry reported once the Fynth vessel had responded to his hails.

When Chakotay and Ensign Roxanne Baker appeared on the viewer, not at all surprised since she'd learned from her commander's updates that Devin was taking this time to train her own permanent first officer one on one and teach him about the philosophy of the Fynth's former way of command before the new regime had come to power and changed the way their Defenders operated, Janeway raised her hand, moving her fingers back and forth quickly, smiling and said, "Hi there…remember us?" Laughing along with the ruggedly handsome man and the demure brunette, who'd left her crew to become the Alaxiat's primary helmsman since Shreen was Devin's personal yacht pilot, assistant—although the nature of Shreen's work was rather illusive—and 'much too accomplished to be bolted to a seat,' according to the first, Janeway nodded and said openly, "It's good to see you both…Ensign," waiting until Baker looked up at her, she smiled warmly and asked, "enjoying the flight training?"

Baker forced herself not to look down as she answered, which was habit, and instead nodded once and said, "Yes, Ma'am," then looking back down at her board, she added, softer, "It's good to see you too."

Nodding at that, Janeway reigned in her smile, since Chakotay had also informed her that Baker was getting along very well, since the captain made a point to quietly inquire about all of her former crew members, but kept closer tabs on Baker since she'd left for positive, rather than negative reasons, and said, "Commander…we've got a meeting today at 1000 hours…would it possible for you or Devin to sit in?"

"Shouldn't be a problem," Chakotay came back on the next beat as he sat in the large chair that was placed in the middle of the Alaxiat's Central. "Is a teleconference alright, or do you need us to come over?"

"There's no need for you to come over," Janeway replied, letting her selfish desire to speak with her friend face to face go since within half a day they'd all be able to beam back and forth between vessels at will. "The meeting shouldn't be that long." Then sighing, she shook her head and said, "Well, unless there's anything else, Commander…that's all I had."

Chuckling lightly since he understood Kathryn's sigh perfectly, Chakotay pointed at Fowler and said, "Don't wear out my chair, Nick."

"I'll have it polished myself, Commander," Fowler came back as they all laughed softly.

"See you later, Chakotay…Ensign…Voyager out." Glancing over to Fowler, Janeway smirked and added in her flirtatious tone, "I don't recall you ever offering to polish my chair."

"Well, you're chair's always spotless, Captain," Fowler came right back grinning, "So, I didn't see a need."

The captain laughed and said, wryly, "Flattery will get you no where, Miss Fowler," as she rose and turned to Tuvok, "Isn't the right, Tuvok?" When the Vulcan merely cocked his eyebrow, Kathryn chuckled and added, "Nevermind…don't answer that." Starting back toward her Ready Room, the captain requested simply, looking over to her Tactical officer, "Commander…" nodding toward her door.

With her back to her door as she requested a cup of coffee and the Vulcan's preferred tea, Janeway said over her shoulder as she heard the door open and close, "Have a seat." Turning and starting toward the upper level where Tuvok was now sitting perfectly erect and patiently, Kathryn handed over his tea and queried as she went around the glass coffee table and came to a rest next to him, "Did you have a chance to read my message?"

"Yes, Captain," the Vulcan replied evenly before he took a sip of his tea. Setting it down on the coffee table, he turned to her where she was sitting with her legs crossed, fairly lax as she leaned back and enjoyed her beverage. "I am in agreement. Not only do I feel that such an event would benefit this crew, but the fact that she was able to requisition the assistance of Seven of Nine speaks to her ability to interact with this crew and take into account their sensitivities in a positive manner." When Janeway nodded and leaned forward to set her beverage down as well, he went on, "I'm curious…how did this come about?"

Sighing softly, Janeway turned farther toward her friend as she pulled one leg underneath her, resting her head on her hand and answered, "Well, basically," she titled her head and quirked her mouth, silently informing him that some of it was personal subject matter that she couldn't divulge, which caused him to immediately nod once in understanding, "Nick approached Seven, looking for advise…and when it came out that Seven's been having some difficulty recently," Kathryn looked down and shook her head slightly, "apparently, Nick was concerned by that…somewhat protective, if you will," looking back up as Tuvok raised his eyebrows in subtle surprise by the captain's word choice, "so, she came up with this idea to celebrate our diversity. She was just speaking with Seven about the idea…and," now smiling wryly, "she sparked Seven's interest enough that she decided to help."

Sighing, Janeway shook her head as she reached for her coffee again, feeling more than a little tired since once she finally got Seven to come to bed, although she, and everyone else was under the impression Seven was working on the diversity project and not the Borg's other secret endeavor, she'd woken up every hour on the hour to check on the blonde quietly reading and imputing data next to her until she finally woke up close to 0500 hours to find Seven of Nine asleep with the PADD in her arm. After that, she'd pried the device out of Seven's grasp and managed to curl up next to her as she was accustomed, especially since B'Elanna typically ended up taking up half of the bed by curling up into a ball and sliding down until she was almost entirely underneath the covers while she snored softly. Laughing to herself and shaking her head in endearment for her Borg, even if she was still mildly concerned Seven was still having some issues, Kathryn reported, "Let's just say Seven's bound and determined to assimilate all available knowledge in preparation for the event."

When Tuvok nodded as he too retrieved his glass again, saying, "Undoubtedly," Janeway went on, "Well, in any event, I think this show of creativity and thoughtfulness, for both crews' interests, pretty much seals the deal." As Tuvok nodded his agreement, Kathryn said, "Normally, as you know," she smirked, "I like to make senior promotions something that is celebrated by only the senior staff, but this whole event has got me thinking, and I think in this case, perhaps it would be nice to make it a public event…during the festival. What do you think about that?"

"I see no harm in it."

Nodding, Janeway sat back all the way, and continued, "I know she's not entirely comfortable when she's the center of attention, but she seems to be at home in social gatherings, and," she smiled softly as Tuvok bobbed his head, "I think it will be good for everyone, including Devin's crew if we celebrate this event in a more open setting." After sipping her coffee, Janeway sat forward again to set it down, then cleared her throat softly and said, with a great deal of compassion and understanding to her melodic tones, "You haven't said anything about how this affects you…do you have any thoughts that you'd like to share?"

Tuvok set down his tea and informed as he folded his hands in his lap, utilizing his typical cultural hand gesture, "I am assuming you are concerned that I will feel my status aboard this vessel will be lessened considering Miss Fowler is in command and I am not?" When Janeway nodded softly at that, the lieutenant-commander informed, "That is not the case, Captain…I assure you. Her previous promotion has in fact allowed to me to focus my efforts where I prefer. My Security squad is functioning at a level we had never done so before because I have more time to dedicate to them, and the Elite Force, I believe, is making a great deal of progress. The beta squad, in particular, has impressed me a great deal in our training exercises and I believe they will undoubtedly be second to none in the event that we are ever boarded. As you know," he went on as he moved his head slightly from side to side as she spoke, "command has never been my tour de force, nor do I have the desire to make it so. I am satisfied with the recent changes and look forward to continuing to developing systems aboard this ship that will not only help to ensure our safety but give me options to further my career when we return."

Smiling, Janeway reached across the couch and said as she placed her hand on top of his and squeezed gently, "Okay…and thank you…you know," she smirked, "the very last thing I want is for you to be unfilled." When Tuvok raised his eyebrows and nodded at that, she released him and said as her voice crew higher and more professional again, "Well, officially, you're still the third highest ranking officer on this ship…seniority wise, but of course, this will make you and she equal but separate, at the same time." Sitting back and crossing her legs, she gestured to the Bridge and went on, "This whole change up with Chakotay going over to the Alaxiat came at a good time, I think, and unless you have any objections, I'd like to keep things the way they are. She seems to be growing more and more comfortable on the Bridge…and she's certainly easier to replace in the pilot's chair than you are at Tactical. So, on this ship and when she's not operating as a member of your squad, she'll be three and you'll be four, but if she's working as a member of the Elite Force, for whatever reasons, you'll still be in command." Shaking her head easily, the captain said, "Honestly, I don't think there will be a problem in the least. She respects you a great deal and doesn't seem to have problems with the chain of command whatsoever. I think she knows her place, but I'll make it known to her if there is ever a disagreement, your seniority will override her command rank…and the ship's logs will ensure that."

"I do not believe it will be a problem either, Captain," Tuvok came back almost immediately. "She and I have not incurred any problems with the current command structure, and the times that she has come to me with concerns, it has only been in private and never in a disrespectful manner. As far as the Elite Force's operations, we have adapted a different approach to command." When Janeway raised her eyebrows in curiosity, and somewhat shock since the Vulcan was about as by the book as someone got, Tuvok nodded and informed, "Of course, I continued to lead the group, but depending on the situation, the authority to lead and make the decisions migrates. Our last mission is a perfect example. Miss Fowler commanded us as to when we would execute our plan since she was required to act first and last. It is a logical progression in this type of squad where the skills are specialized and all involved are required to rely upon the others without question. There is no time to question. There is only time to trust that the others will act in the best interest of our objective and our protocols…and that is how we have trained. I believe it is for the best and makes for a more efficient squad, and my team is aware that there is a difference as to how we act while completing an Elite Force operation and how we operate under normal duty."

Impressed and proud, Janeway shook her head and remarked, "Well, I guess I'll stop worrying then, but it seems to me, Commander," patting his arm then reaching for her beverage, "that you've got a little more of a knack for command than you give yourself credit for."

"Lieutenant," the dark, stoic Vulcan said as he exited Janeway's office more than an hour and a half later after discusssing Fowler, all of the aspects of the Elite Force and a few minor areas of ship's business that Tuvok was seeing to as part of them all dividing up Chakotay's duties while he was away, "the captain would like to speak with you."

Nodding and standing up from her chair where she'd been working on the duty roster for the shore leave schedule—both ships would remain in orbit during the entire stay, so a decent sized crew would need to remain aboard Voyager to maintain the systems and be prepared for any problems that might develop since there was a silent understanding that although they believed that they were out of the woods as far as Venkat's bounty hunters went, they could not be certain, and if the Alaxiat wasn't in desperate need of a stop then she assumed they'd just continue forward for a few more weeks before they attempted to slow—Nicole Fowler took the PADD with her to the captain's office since she wanted to get her advice about a few of her ideas. Taking something of a deep breath as she tapped the sensor since she was feeling rather nervous about this meeting considering how the last one had gone, especially how it had ended, and if she knew her captain like she thought, Janeway would ask her how she was doing and more than likely not be satisfied with, "I'm fine, Captain," although she couldn't be certain since she was still having a hard time trying to guess when Janeway would do something and when she wouldn't.

When she was granted entrance and the doors parted on the next instant for her, Fowler slipped into her relaxed version of professionalism, knowing if she came across as anything but her normal laid-back self, Janeway would see right through her. Turning toward the upper level where Janeway remained seated easily perusing one of many report PADDs she was handed almost every day which Nicole had become aware that the captain had a meticulous system of organizing as far as priority went and rarely deviated from that schedule, Fowler said as the captain set the data device down on the couch next to her and looked her way, "You wanted to see me, Captain?"

"Have a seat, Nick," Janeway said as she rose and quickly negotiated the steps to refill her cup, certain she needed one more before she would feel completely alert. "Want some juice?" she asked, noticing recently that her pilot requested juice instead of coffee almost exclusively.

Still much too tired to resist, Fowler replied, "No thanks, Captain, but I'll have some coffee if you're going that way."

That telling Janeway what she feared since she had to admit that Nicole looked a little blurred-eyed this morning, Janeway ordered two black coffees and then said, "Looks like you had a long night too." Turning around and starting up the stairs, she went on easily, "I'll have you know, Seven's really taking this diversity festival seriously…she was up most of the night doing research, so I'm sure she'll have plenty ideas for you whenever you start the actual planning." Handing the lieutenant her beverage as she sat down next to her, Janeway chuckled and reported, "I haven't seen her this enthused about something…since…well," shaking her head, "not for a while. She was adamant that she needed to finish her research before the two of you spoke tonight." As Fowler grinned weakly then sipped her coffee, Kathryn queried over the rim of her mug, "Everything alright?"

Nodding, Nicole replied, "I'm fine, Captain." Then doing her best to stifle a yawn, she shook her head and mumbled, "I'm just not quite used to all this excitement yet." As Janeway gave her a commiserating grin, Fowler included, "But don't worry…there's nothing wrong. Just a little tired…this will help," holding up her mug. When Kathryn smirked and toasted her, the pilot asked, "So, what can I do for you?"

"Oh nothing," Janeway reported, smiling, "you just looked like you could use some coffee." When Fowler looked at her confused and surprised, Kathryn patted her shoulder and whispered loudly, "Don't worry about it, Nick…everyone deserves a break. You've earned it. Besides," she went on as she kicked her feet up and rested her head back, "I need a break too and it's always better to enjoy coffee with friends…and Tuvok never talks much." Glancing down to Fowler's lap, she asked, "What's that?"

"The shore leave duty roster," Fowler informed as she stretched out her long legs as much possible to the side of the captain's coffee table. "I have a few questions about it, but it can wait." When the captain nodded and then resumed her silent resting, Fowler sipped her coffee a few times, then said, lightly, "So, what's new?"

Snickering, Janeway informed as she kept her eyes closed, "Relax, Nick…I'm not here to get you to talk about yesterday." Lifting her head and opening her eyes, she said, more seriously, "But if you want to talk…I hope you know you can?"

"I appreciate that," Nick responded turning toward Janeway more, "but I don't really wanna talk about it anymore. I kind of need to figure it out on my own, ya know?" Swiveling her body more until she was looking out the window, Fowler rested her head in her hand and remarked, "But I do appreciate the offer, and I appreciate what you said yesterday…and you're right…all those things you said were right on, and you've given me a lot to think about." Turning her head to Kathryn. who had moved her body so she was facing Nicole, the brunette asked, "Honestly, do you think it's obvious…that," sighing and turning back toward the window, "that I'm more comfortable with women than men?" Before the captain could answered, she shook her head and said, "I don't honestly try to be different…I just…"

Placing her hand on Fowler's hand that was on the sofa between them, Kathryn said softly, "No…it's not obvious at all, and you don't have to apologize either." Rubbing her skin softly, Janeway rested her head on the top of the sofa and went on, "I'm sorry if I made you doubt yourself. The only time I've ever noticed a difference has been in your personal life…how you react to women…how you treat them. You just simply show more respect and consideration and honestly," she smiled softly, "I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. I doubt there's a single person on the ship that has anything negative to say about you. Everyone likes you…is comfortable with you, but respectful at the same time…you're a likable person…male or female, you treat everyone a lot better than most. You've been through a lot." As Fowler sighed heavily and shook her head, the captain entwined her fingers with her friend's much larger hand and whispered with emphasis, trying to get through to the pilot, "You're a person, Nicole…you're not a machine and you're not made out of steel. Someone you loved more than anyone was terribly hurt, and so were you because of it, and take my word for it when I say that there are some things in life that you never get over. I can't even begin to tell you how much I admire your courage to not only better yourself, but better the lives of people that have been hurt in a similar manner." Shaking her head, Janeway said, "I don't know how you do that, honestly…how you can come face to face with those kind of reminders and not lose sight of who you are and what you believe. It's quite remarkable, actually. So, don't be so hard on yourself, okay?"

"I swear," Fowler laughed, letting her slight southern draw come out as she let go over the captain's hand and wiped her eyes quickly, "when did I become so sappy?" Looking over at Janeway, she asked, "Do you know?" Turning all the way back around and stretching out her legs again, she took a deep breath, then said, "Oh, hell, I don't know…I'm just tired of thinking about it, but I can't seem to stop. I know everyone makes mistakes…it's part of life, and I know this sounds stupid, but I honestly can't figure out why I made such a huge mistake…or why I can't just let it go after all this time…after twelve years, you'd think I could get through one stinkin' day without thinking about that…without thinking about her."

"It doesn't sound so stupid, Nick," Kathryn said seriously and with compassion.

"Torres says I'm in love with Francis' ghost," Fowler reported as she looked up at the ceiling and rested her hands on her stomach, "and you know what, she's right." Turning her head to Janeway, Nick informed, "I never got to say goodbye. I came home, we fought, she walked right out the door with only the clothes on her back and never looked back. There was no 'Goodbye, Nick'…there wasn't even a 'Go to hell, Fowler'…there was just her turning around and walking out the door…that was it…she was gone for good. I guess I should have known," Nicole sighed, "she was never one to bluff. She made a decision and she never looked back…like I said," she shook her head, looking at the ceiling again, "she'd have made a good captain. When Francis Sheldon did something…she did it all the way."

After a heavy sigh, Nicole closed her eyes and continued on, not really expecting Janeway to say anything, "Sometimes…sometimes I think I wanna get back to her just so I can say goodbye, but then," she managed a smile, "sometimes I think about her, and all I can do is smile." Laughing slightly, Fowler shook her head and said, "It was love at first sight. She walked into the room and I was gone like the wind…talk about a downward spiral." Looking over at Janeway, who was smiling softly at her, Fowler smiled back and asked, honestly curious and hoping to get the conversation off of her since she didn't think after twelve years of reliving the same events over and over, and talking and crying about them that it would do any good this time either, "Has that ever happened to you…love at first sight?"

"Well, I'm not sure about love," Kathryn smirked and spoke in her grave, scratchy voice, "at first sight, but," smiling and leaning her head back, she admitted, "the first time I saw B'Elanna on the Ocampan homeworld, there was a definite amount of fascination." Laughing softly to herself and smiling at the thought of her feisty little Klingon, Janeway continued as Nicole chuckled and nodded, always having thought that her best friend was more than enough woman to turn heads, "She was so angry," lifting her finger to make the point, "and very passionate about it. And honestly, I was rather in awe of that…I've never done angry with much grace at all, but Lanna," Kathryn sighed happily, "she has it down to an art form." Janeway turned more toward Nicole, resting her head in her propped up palm, and explained more, "Most people haven't a clue as to the battles that she faces and wins everyday…I can understand more than most because I see all sides of her, but still I can only sympathize. She had this marvelously strong will to contain and hone her inner contradictions and sometimes it's like she feeds off of that struggle that she rarely loses…but there's so much power in her at those reckless times." Shaking her head slightly, the captain continued, "She's rarely, if ever, beyond reason, even at the most heated of situations, but I've come to understand…and appreciate the way she operates during those times." Smirking slightly, Kathryn informed, "It's rather noble, in my opinion…simply because she doesn't make any apologies or try to hide from the consequences of her actions. She so extraordinary when she lets it all hang out…I've rarely seen it in action myself, but it's like this switch goes off in her and she's in full control, even when she seems completely out of it. She's the most impassioned person I've ever known, quite frankly…probably the gutsiest too. It's taken her some time to become truly comfortable here and to return to the passion she had with the Maquis, and even though Chakotay says there's an enormous part of her that is a completely different person, he recently told me that he feels like his little sister has finally returned because she lives now as she did then…just for a different cause." Looking down at her hands, the captain finished, "It's taken me about as long to understand who she really is…what drives her, and sometimes, truthfully," Kathryn looked back up to Nicole, "I wish I could just find a quiet corner out of view and watch her simply be B'Elanna."

Nicole was just about to ask about Seven of Nine since Torres had told her once that she believed Kathryn fell for the ex-drone immediately, Nicole was cut off by the captain's admission…one she'd never actually said aloud before.

"With Seven," Janeway started softly, sighing and shaking her head, "I'm not sure what it was, but I'd be lying if I said that there just wasn't something about her that immediately caught my attention." Turning her body toward the window more and looking out it, the captain went on, "At first it was because I realized there was a human underneath all that Borg technology, so that instantly struck a deeper nerve in me since it was something I'd never been face to face with before, but then," she sighed, talking with her free hand, "all hell basically broke loose, as you know, so there wasn't a whole lot of time for introspection…for it to really sink in. She was clearly Borg…she was the enemy, and that whole situation was as precarious as I've ever known, but," her voice softened as she looked down and spoke quietly, "after we severed her, and after Kes left us, I came face to face with her again in the Brig, but this time there was nothing else to do but be face to face with her. And," looking up as her eyes grew sad but utterly expressive, "she looked at me…and there was the worst kind of ungodly hatred that I've ever seen in her face…that was so clearly driven by fear," enunciating each word with a bob of her head, "pure…unadulterated…fear. She was so completely lost without the Collective at that moment that it honestly broke my heart to know that I had played a part in taking her away from the only family she'd ever known." Shaking her head and sighing as silence swept upon them and the mood instantly changed, Kathryn admitted, "There was actually a small part of me that wanted to take her back to them just so she wouldn't be so terrified…to see that kind of fear and to know your actions have caused it is…" sighing, "I'm not sure there's a word to describe how unsettling it is. But then," the captain's timbre lighten as she managed a soft smile, "the Doctor tended to her and removed her armor and several of her implants, accelerated the growth of her hair and I saw her again in the Cargo Bay. I remember," almost whispering now, "walking in and catching her examining the sensitivity of the flesh on her palm. Just to look at her made me smile and she renewed my sense of purpose and responsibility like nothing I've ever come across. She was stunning, colorfully alive …just standing there amidst the dim light, cargo containers and the rest of our junk, she practically took my breath away…and there was so much personality just in her face, even if she emoted very little. She was the most complex and simplistic thing I'd ever seen, and so incredibly unique." Janeway finished softly, smiling brighter, "That's when she spoke to me for the first time…she as in the individual, and I knew from then on that there was more than hope for her and that she'd never feel alone again…if there was anything I could do about it."

"What did she say?" asked Fowler, now thoroughly enthralled and honestly rather stunned to some extent. Not so much because of what Janeway was saying about Seven, although she had to admit to hear the captain describe it added a whole new spin to the recollection of events, but what'd she'd said about B'Elanna. Nicole certainly didn't agree that Kathryn Janeway didn't do angry well since she'd seen the redhead on the Bridge when the A.I. had put Seven of Nine into a state of suspended animation, and the pilot wasn't sure she'd ever be able to forget the malevolent look on her captain's tear stained face, or the sound of her voice that to this day still gave Nicole the chills if she recalled it. However, she didn't mention that and just let the captain think what she liked to think since she figured that Janeway didn't feel she did angry well because it wasn't very becoming of a Starfleet captain to succumb to anger, and she was honestly surprised that Kathryn seemed to revere the reckless and impulsive qualities, and the fact that B'Elanna could control it, in Torres above all the others. And furthermore, she was amazed at how two totally different people could attract and evoke such similar emotions that diverged from their inception, but converged at the end, from the likes of Kathryn Janeway, who wasn't anything like Torres or Seven, but to hear the captain talk, it sounded like she considered herself boring and banal compared to them. Part of that, Nick figured was because generally, although not totally accurate in all situations, Janeway was a rule driven and bound individual, where as Seven was directive oriented, but she often did whatever was necessary to accomplish that directive, and B'Elanna just all around seemed like she lived to break the rules and whether they were big or little, rarely mattered.

"She told me over her shoulder as I left…that," Kathryn said in a soft, almost whisper, "her favorite color…was red." Smiling as Fowler expelled the air from her chest and shook her head, Janeway took a sip of her coffee and added, "And I guess the rest you know."

When the door call sounded on the next beat, Janeway blinked, surprised that someone would attempt to speak with her while she as in a meeting, and said as Fowler sat up straighter and made herself look more professional, "Come in," allowing the entrance since she and her current first officer weren't discussing business.

"Captain," Seven of Nine greeted immediately as she entered the room quickly, dressed in her blue and grey biosuit and turned toward the upper level, placing her hands behind her back, then added on the next beat, "Lieutenant Fowler."

Not able to keep the supreme smile from her lips, Janeway responded as she set her coffee down, "Seven…were your ears burning?"

Familiar with the meaning of the phrase now since the last time Janeway had used it, but hadn't explained, she'd taken the time shortly thereafter to research the adage, Seven cocked one eyebrow as she smirked at the knowledge Kathryn had been speaking of her, and understanding that it was a pleasant and probably personal conversation since the redhead was smiling openly, and replied, teasing, "That is correct." When Janeway and Fowler both chuckled, Seven informed, "I apologize for the interruption, however, I thought it prudent to inform you both that it is ten minutes after 1000 hours." As Janeway and Nicole both seemed confused for a split second, Seven queried, smirking, always finding it cute when her lover forgot such things since she knew that meant that Kathryn had been wrapped up in the conversation, "Did you wish to delay the staff meeting?"

"Oh, right," Kathryn barked as Nicole jumped to her feet, thanking the captain for the coffee break and starting for the door immediately. Getting to her feet, snatching up the used cups and hurriedly coming down the steps as Fowler exited, Janeway walked with hasty pace to the replicator and said, "Thank you…I guess we lost track of the time."

"It's typical behavior," Seven came back, smiling slightly, pleased with herself for deciding to come into the captain's officer rather than just let Tuvok hail her.

Turning around, narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips at the tall blonde, in mock disapproval, Kathryn reached out her left arm to the Borg as Seven turned and started toward the door, saying, "Seven of Nine," in a rather soft, loving tone, considering she was late for a staff meeting and had just been caught 'goofing off.'

Curious as to the reasoning for the change in Janeway's voice and demeanor, Seven stopped her forward movement immediately and turned to the captain, as she said, "Yes, Kathryn?" When in the next instant Janeway slipped her hand behind her neck and pulled her down into a kiss as she wrapped her other arm around her, the ex-drone was momentarily stunned, but recovered quickly while she wrapped her arms around the captain as well.

Pulling away after a few moments, Janeway rested her forehead against her lover's, then brushed her nose against Seven's as she whispered, "God, I love you…"

As Janeway moved her head away and rubbed her thumb across Seven's lips to remove the small amount of lipstick that had been transferred, the blonde furrowed her brow as she stated, now slightly concerned for the redhead since Seven had only been joking when she informed Janeway that she was acting typically, and this current, unprompted display wasn't normal when there was business to attend to, "I love you as well, my Kathryn…however, I am not the deity your culture refers to as God."

Hugging Seven tightly as she laughed softly, the good captain whispered into the Borg's shoulder, "Some days, angelia," using the name the merchant had given Seven, rather fond of the mysterious man now, "I'm not so sure of that…"

Freshly showered, dressed in a nylon pair of workout pants and a tank top since after her dinner meeting with Seven of Nine she was planning to meet B'Elanna Torres in the ship's gymnasium, and picking at her twelve string guitar, Nicole Fowler said, "Come on in," as she stopped her playing and resisted the urge to query the ship as to the time, curious if it was exactly 1900 hours, as she suspected.

As the tall lieutenant removed herself from the floor, a blonde, although it wasn't the one she was expecting, emerged from the hallway, as Nick said, without looking up as she pickup up her guitar and started to the bedroom to put it away, "Hey, Seven…make yourself at home."

Stopping quickly just inside the doorway, Samantha Wildman quirked the side of her mouth, and replied, teasing since she was aware Seven of Nine was having dinner with her girlfriend this evening, "So, how many other women do you entertain regularly?"

Spinning around in the doorway, Fowler blinked as she realized the scientist was only teasing her, then sighed as she laughed and said, "Sorry, Sam…I'm expecting Seven." Walking into the bedroom, she added loudly as she set her guitar against the wall, "At least I got the hair color right." Coming back toward the living room as Wildman started toward her, Fowler questioned, "What's up?"

"I just came by to pick up my clothes," Samantha informed easily as she squeezed past Nicole in the doorway, smiling as she let her hand brush against Fowler's thigh. Retrieving them from underneath the nightstand where she'd left them this morning, she said, "I'll just be a sec."

"There's no rush," Nicole said quickly as she leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms over her chest. When Samantha turned around, and started toward her, Fowler asked, "How'd your day go? Did you get that…experiment to work out," she sighed, "sorry, I forgot the name again…"

Stopping in the doorway with the much taller pilot, leaning against the other side as she held her clothes and sandals to her chest, Wildman looked up as she reported, snickering since although Fowler was very intelligent, and talented in many things, science wasn't one of them, "Not yet, but we're close…maybe tomorrow." Then sighing, she leaned heavily on the wall, pushing her head all the way back and chuckled, "I'm a tired though…I don't know how I'm going to manage to stay awake to help Naomi with her…"

"Janeway to Wildman."

Fairly used to the captain hailing her directly now, although each and every time Janeway did so she froze for a split second, the scientist stopped her sentence as Nicole smiled at the shocked reaction on the ensign's face, tapped her communicator and responded, "Go ahead, Captain."

"Ensign, can I speak with you privately for a moment?"

"Certainly…give me a second, Captain," Wildman came back immediately, tapping her badge again to suspend the communication as she started to smile. When Fowler began to move out of the doorway to give them privacy, Wildman grabbed her hand and whispered, although it wasn't necessary, "No…stay, please." As Fowler stopped and looked at her funny, Samantha informed, "I want you to hear this…just so someone can corroborate how sweet she is. She only hails me like this when it's about Naomi." When Nicole laughed, having some pretty first hand knowledge in the last two days of how sweet Kathryn Janeway could be already, then leaned on the door again, and said, "You're the boss, lady," Wildman turned around, leaned back against Nicole's chest, pulling her arms around her waist, then tapped her comm-badge and said, "Go ahead, Captain."

"Samantha…I was wondering if you wouldn't mind if I had my assistant over for the night?" Before Wildman could answer, Janeway went on, "She said this afternoon that she was supposed to read tonight…and since Seven and B'Elanna are both busy until late, I was just planning to relax with a book myself. If you have other plans though, don't worry about it."

On purpose, Samantha asked, just so Fowler could hear for herself some of the things that Kathryn said to her regarding her child, "Are you sure it's not a bother, Captain? She tends to get pretty frustrated when she practices reading…"

Chuckling softly, Kathryn answered, "Oh, I'll be fine…we read for a little while this afternoon and there wasn't a problem."

Again purposeful as Fowler chuckled once soundlessly, brought up one hand and softly rubbed her neck, Samantha smiled at the touch and her own slight mischief, while she requested, "Well, I know Naomi would just love that…so if you're sure, I don't have a problem with it. She didn't get a bath this morning, though…so…"

"Oh, I'm sure. We can just read in the tub…she'll love that." As Fowler expelled the air from her lungs and Wildman covered her mouth with her hand to hide her amusement at the whole idea of her daughter and her commanding officer lounging in a bubble bath reading, the captain, who was completely unknowing, finished, "Thank you, Samantha…do you want me to come get her?"

"There's no need…I'll pack some things and send her over shortly. And thank you, Captain…you know she just adores you."

"There's no need to thank me, Samantha…the feeling is quite mutual, I assure you. Janeway out."

"She takes a bath with her?" Fowler asked, laughing slightly a moment before the door call sounded. Right after Wildman turned around and said, "See…I told you…she's just the sweetest thing," Nicole chuckled as she kept her hand on the blonde's neck while granting entrance, "Come in."

As Seven of Nine stepped into the living room, stopped just beyond the doorway and immediately placed her hands behind her back, carrying a PADD and smirked at the sight before her, Fowler said, "Hey, Seven."

"Good evening…both of you," Seven said pleasantly and doing her best to keep her voice soft and less forceful, then questioned immediately, "Do you require privacy?"

"It's fine…I was just leaving," Wildman responded, still smiling. Then looking up at Nicole, who was still gently rubbing her neck, the scientist stepped up to her, poked her chest and whispered, "Now don't you forget…you're my only witness."

Holding up her hand, Fowler said openly, knowing it was futile to whisper around Seven, "I, Nick Fowler, do solemnly swear that I will not forget that she is sweet." When Samantha bit her upper lip and lightly punched the tall brunette in the stomach for teasing her, Nicole laughed out loud then questioned after she pulled the blonde in for a soft kiss on the mouth, speaking in hushed tones out of habit, "When can I see you again?"

"Why don't you come by tonight after you're all done being important," Wildman whispered against her lips, not at all feeling shy in front of Seven of Nine since not only did the blonde pretty much know the whole story since they'd shared lunch together today, but she was growing rather used to having the ex-drone observe her behavior, which she could see out of the corner of her eye that she was indeed doing. As Nicole told her it might be late before she could get there, Wildman pulled away and said as she started for the door, yawning, "That's fine…just come on in. Have fun talking business you two…I'm gonna go hand my daughter off to the world's sweetest captain and then sleep the night away."

"Pleasant dreams," Seven offered, smirking and turning her head to watch the ensign leave. Then turning toward Fowler again and unwinding her hands, the Astrometrics officer said, "I apologize for the interruption. Since I assume that Kathryn and Naomi Wildman will be engaging in a sleepover, would you be agreeable if I joined you and B'Elanna Torres in your recreational activities this evening? I wish to give Kathryn adequate time to enjoy herself alone with Naomi Wildman before I am required to return to her."

"Sure, yea," Fowler said as she headed over to the replicator. "Make yourself at home, Seven…can I get you anything to drink?"

Setting her PADD down on the arm of the sofa, Seven answered as she took a seat, remembering all she had read about how to be a pleasant dinner guest and determined to follow it to the letter now that she no longer felt that the knowledge was irrelevant, "I will consume whatever beverage you select…thank you."

Quirking her mouth as she looked over her shoulder, Fowler asked as she ordered the tall blonde a water, since that's what she saw her drink regularly, "Everything okay?"

"Yes."

"Okay, sorry," Nicole chuckled lightly as she produced a water and motioned that Seven should migrate to the table, "don't take this the wrong way, but you seem a little…off."

Ignoring that statement, Seven said as she picked up her PADD and traveled to the table, "I'm 'fine,' but thank you for inquiring. What will we be consuming?"

"I hadn't thought that far ahead," Fowler remarked as she sipped her own glass of water. "What are you in the mood for…I'm not a real fussy eater?"

Stymied, somewhat, since in her research this situation had never come about, Seven pulled out one of the chairs and responded, "I do not have a preference," hoping that would allow Fowler to select their meal so that the evening could continue on as it was required.

Fairly certain something was going through the Borg's head that she wasn't aware of, Fowler shook her head and said, "Well, okay…then I'll pick." After thinking for a few minutes about how hungry she was, and taking into consideration that she was supposed to work out later that night with Torres, knowing from experience that they'd work up quite a sweat, the brunette asked, "Is spaghetti okay…or have you had that recently?"

Sighing since this wasn't at all going as she knew it was supposed to, Seven answered, "Kathryn replicated that for us last evening, however, if that is what you wish to consume, I am not disagreeable."

Laughing once, Nicole turned around and said, "Okay, Seven…what's up?" When the Borg raised her eyebrows, she smirked and said, "Again, don't take this the wrong way…but why are you being so polite?" As creases formed in Seven's forehead and she seemed suddenly frustrated, the pilot snatched up her water and added, starting to have a feeling what was going on, "This isn't a diplomatic function…it's just food and brainstorming…just be yourself."

After thinking that over a moment, Seven raised her eyebrow and said, "You are correct…my apologies. I merely wished to act in an appropriate manner for this ritual." Relaxing immediately, Seven reached for her water and said, "Very well, I do not wish to have 'spaghetti'…Kathryn replicates that particular dish often." After taking a sip and setting down her glass, she went on, "I do not want sandwiches either…for the same reason."

Snickering softly, remembering how she'd walked in on Janeway fighting with her replicator the night she was informed she been promoted to a senior positing, and since then she'd yet to eat anything replicated by the captain except for pasta and sandwiches which had very few differences from the ones available in the database, Fowler said, "Okay…hmm…oh, how about pizza? Pizza's good thinking food."

"Very well…although, I have never consumed 'pizza' before," Seven replied.

"You're never had pizza! Some girlfriend's you've got," Nicole rallied in a joking manner as she turned back to the replicator, "Girl…you've been missing out. Pizza is a food group of its own…just wait…you'll love it…I hope," she finished under her breath, already knowing this evening was going to be interesting since she'd never spent time one on one with Seven in this manner…especially when the Borg was attempting to act in an 'appropriate manner.'

"So," Fowler said after she swallowed, while Seven reached for her second slice of pizza after having devoured the first one, informing the pilot between chews that she approved, which was fairly obvious from her reaction, "what's in the PADD…or is that just your data?" not certain since every time she'd asked the Borg about the information in the PADD she was often seen imputing information into every spare moment she had, Seven had merely said, "It contains my data."

Chewing and swallowing, Seven reached for her glass of water, took a large drink since she found the pepperoni salty, although not unpleasantly so, then said, "Tha…yes, however, I believe the time has come to share it with you." When Fowler raised her eyebrows in surprise and a certain amount of trepidation since the pilot honestly had no idea as to what Seven had been working on for so long, the blonde set her glass down, wiped her mouth with her napkin and then informed, "I do not wish to put you into a compromising situation…however, it is not public information. The only individual aboard this ship that is aware of my data," she cocked her eyebrow in an attempt to be humorous, "is B'Elanna Torres, and she agrees that until I have completed my research, we should not bring it to Kathryn." As Fowler nodded slowly while she chewed, but seemed hesitant, Seven added, "If you cannot assure me that you will not make this known to Kathryn, or anyone else, until B'Elanna Torres is prepared to make her proposal, then I will not share it with you…however, I believe our 'best' course of action is to attempt to incorporate this technology into the new shuttle for testing purposes."

Since Torres was the chief engineer, the brunette figured that meant that whatever Seven had been working on was something that fell under the Klingon's responsibility, and understanding that neither Seven or B'Elanna would do anything that would put Janeway in a bad spot at this point, Nicole nodded and said, "Okay, Seven…you have my word…I'll keep it under wraps. I trust you two."

"Very well," Seven nodded at that, then slid the data device over to Fowler as she took another bite of her pizza. As the lieutenant set her food down, leaned back in her chair and started scanning through the information, the ex-drone informed as the pilot seemed rather lost, which Seven understood because the information was highly technical, full of complex alogrithms and theoretical physics, Seven explained, "That is all of my data on Slipstream technology."

Confused immediately as to why they were keeping this from the captain, Fowler sighed, doing her very best to keep her emotions in check, not get her hopes up or do anything but remain even and logical, and said as she set it down, only able to understand very little of the Borg's information, which didn't bother her at all because she knew there were only very few members aboard this vessel that could have a decent technical conversation with the hyper-intelligent drone, and she'd never been much of a theoretical person, "You two want to build a Slipstream drive…is that what you're telling me?"

"That is correct," Seven answered immediately, far too focused now on her objective to make a logical argument to attempt to modify her speech. Setting down her food, the drone went on quickly and seriously, having developed something of a 'passion' for this project that spanned many emotional levels for her, "This technology has the capability of returning this vessel to the Alpha Quadrant, specifically Earth, in less than two days time. However, it is experimental and will require a great deal of resources to construct…some of which we do not currently have, although they will not be difficult for us to acquire. By my estimates, from the time that all the resources are acquired, it will take approximately three months to construct a drive capable of returning this vessel. I have not had the time to adequately calculate for the differences necessary to construct a drive for the shuttle, however, it should not take more than two months."

As Fowler took a deep breath and reached for her water, Seven continued, "The planet we are currently in orbit of contains all of the necessary natural resources we require, which is the reason why I made the recommendation that we stop here." When Nicole face started to lose its color as the depth and immediacy of this all started to sink in, the blonde explained further, "As soon as B'Elanna Torres deems it appropriate, which will be soon, she will approach Kathryn on a professional level and inform her that we are ready to gather the materials and begin construction. I have come to you with this information because we believe that Kathryn will be resistant to allowing the construction of this drive because it is experimental, thus, I believe we should attempt to utilize the shuttle as a test subject. A Slipstream drive on a shuttle will not be as powerful as one aboard a vessel of this size, so, although I am merely estimating, it would take several more days, if not weeks for the shuttle to return to the Alpha quadrant. There is also the fact that in order to fit the shuttle with this drive, several changes will need to be made to the power distribution system, and the sensor capabilities will need to be enhanced to match that of Astrometrics'. Since you have informed me that you wish this shuttle to incorporate the 'best' of Starfleet and Borg technology, this," nodding to her PADD on the table, "is what I have to 'offer' you."

"Shit, Seven," Fowler allowed, shaking her head and standing up, "I thought we'd talk about adding some aft torpedo bays and maybe a deflector array…if we wanted to get really spiffy." Scratching the back of her neck as she paced around, completely unable to help herself at this point since her stomach was now officially tied up in knots, Fowler turned toward Seven and asked blunt, "How confident are you that this will work?"

"There is little more B'Elanna Torres and I desire than to return Kathryn to her Collective safely," Seven of Nine replied immediately, knowing that would answer her question perfectly. When Fowler nodded at that then sighed and started pacing again, Seven stood and said, "I realize that you are not accustomed to operating in this fashion…however, I assure you that we are doing so at the benefit of this Collective, and of Kathryn. We have merely done the research and made certain that we could see this endeavor to the point that our proposal would be feasible immediately."

As the pieces all started to fall into place, Fowler asked, "This is what everything has been about, isn't it?"

"Explain."

"This is what you've been doing while you were supposed to be regenerating, and this," the brunette continued as she placed her hands on her hips, turning to look at the drone, "is why you two upgraded Astrometrics…isn't it?"

"That is correct," Seven stated quickly and crisp. "The modifications were required to utilize the Slipstream drive…however, they also assist this vessel in other areas of research and it was not a significant undertaking, which is why B'Elanna Torres authorized it."

Shaking her head, Nicole said, "I'm not reprimanding you, Seven…I'm just trying to figure all this out." Nicole sighed as she scratched the back of her neck while she looked down and paced, then caught herself succumbing to her nervous habit, and pulled her hand away, remarking, "This is what you were doing last night…not the diversity festival…you were preparing to bring this to me…" When the blonde nodded and told her she was right, Fowler looked up and asked, "Why, Seven…why have you let Janeway think that you haven't been regenerating because you've been rebelling against your need to do so?"

The Borg raised her eyebrows in surprise, then stated immediately, "I was not aware that Kathryn believed that." Looking away for a minute, Seven of Nine admitted, "It is true that recently I am finding it more difficult to accept certain…realities…of my existence, but those feelings are irrelevant at this time, nor have I deceived Kathryn. I have merely not informed her of the specifics of my research, and she has not asked." Once the brunette nodded at that, but sighed, Seven finished her explanation, "I realize that my reasoning is subjective to interpretation…however, it was vital to complete my objective unbeknownst to Kathryn and this crew to maintain efficiency."

Still walking about her room, Nick thought all of the information she'd just been given over, as well as what she knew of the Borg and the ship's chief engineer, then felt the need to ask as she stood in front of Seven, but kept a fair distance, "Why me…why are you telling me this…there's got to be more to it than what you said before?"

The blonde remained calm while she answered, placing her arms behind her back, although again only including the information relevant to Fowler. There was one reason, above all others, behind Seven of Nine's behavior, but that was between the Borg and her lovers, and no one else, since she honestly believed no one else was worthy to hear the words B'Elanna Torres and she would speak to Janeway soon, with or without Nicole's assistance, "There are two other reasons. One, you are a third party, and a Starfleet officer, which should assist our 'case.' It is possible no assistance will be necessary, but B'Elanna Torres and I do not believe you would hinder our 'case' either." As Nicole nodded slowly, telling the ex-drone to continue, Seven explained further, "Two, if you volunteer to pilot the first test flight of the craft, it will also assist Kathryn in believing that B'Elanna Torres and I are not 'playing around,' and that this is a serious proposal, and furthermore that we are certain that we will be successful in producing a functioning Slipstream drive." As Fowler crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes slightly at Seven as she contemplated the data, the Borg finished, "This technology is experimental, to say the least…thus B'Elanna Torres and I are concerned that Kathryn will not wish to take the 'risk,' in part because she could be influenced by our relationship with her and believe we are being 'hasty' in our attempt to see to her happiness."

Fowler bobbed her head a couple of times, then remarked, blunt, "It's possible, especially since she has no idea this is coming…but you've got to know that if she lets us build this drive on the shuttle, she's not going to let anyone else pilot it but herself…at least for the first test."

"I am aware of how Kathryn typically behaves," Seven of Nine came back, fairly annoyed, although doing her best to reign in her irritation since she knew her exhaustion was driving most of it.

Stepping up into Seven's face and looking down at her, Nicole asked, whispering gravely, "Are you telling me that you two are so confident that this will work that you're willing to let her pilot the shuttle without you?"

Firm and hard, the blonde answered the question, finding even the thought unacceptable, even if she partly understood why Nick was asking, "That is correct."

Fowler inhaled deeply, blinking at the implications since she knew first hand how protective Seven and Torres were, remembering how less than two months ago she and Kathryn had taken the Sri Lanka out for a spin to give Fowler some time to hone her skills and Janeway some time to get to know her newest senior officer, and the redhead had had to basically order Torres and Seven out of the Shuttle Bay since they were holding up their launch by running practically every scan imaginable on the vessel. The twosome had basically informed Janeway that they were just doing routine maintenance checks since the older, less capable shuttle hadn't been used in a while, but their attempt to hide their protectiveness for Kathryn specifically was rather lame, and they certainly hadn't fooled anyone. Thus, for Seven of Nine to make such a statement was indeed profound and spoke more than volumes about the woman's confidence. If Seven was saying that she, herself, would fly the shuttle, that would be a different story, but since she was saying that Kathryn could, and that she was perfectly agreeable to that, was really all the reason Fowler needed to bob her head, while she took a step back and said, "Okay then…I'm in."

After swallowing down her nervousness and forcing herself to focus on only gathering information right now, the brunette sat back down and ordered as she reached for her water, "Tell me everything we need to do…exactly."

"Aren't you going home?" Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres asked Nicole Fowler after she kissed Seven of Nine goodnight, who hadn't relaxed much since her tense meeting with the tall brunette, even if it had gone fairly well, and now looked to be completely exhausted, inside the turbolift and the lengthy blonde exited the carriage on Deck Three but the green-eyed brunette did not.

"No…aren't you going with her?" replied Fowler as the pneumatic doors hissed closed.

"No…where are you going?"

"Sam's…why not?" laughed Nicole, honestly curious as to why her best friend wasn't spending the night with her girlfriends, especially after the information she'd just learned tonight, and doubly when Seven of Nine was feeling so run down due to her secret activities, since apparently Torres' job recently had been twofold: to settle the Borg and keep her from growing too cranky or emotional as her project wore on and grew to a conclusion, and to distract and settle Kathryn Janeway and keep her from asking too many questions. From what the tall pilot knew of both women and the amount of patience typically exhibited by the feisty hybrid, Fowler was honestly confounded by how Torres had managed that at all, certain she, herself, would have cracked under such a trying duty and blown the top off the whole thing...although, truth be known, Fowler still wasn't sure she felt that they had gone the correct route keeping everyone in the dark, but was willing to go along with them from here on out since they were so close to informing the captain, and because she had given her word that she would assist them. If it had been anyone other than Torres and Seven approaching her, however, Nicole would have balked, but the tall brunette did indeed trust them and would prove that by sticking by her guns.

"Deck Ten," Torres snickered, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back against the wall as the turbolift descended immediately. "The kid's over tonight…which I'm assuming you know," she smirked at her friend, "and I like to give them time to do their whole family thing…besides, the bed's not big enough."

Shaking her head in wonder and a good deal of astonishment at that as well, at mostly just B'Elanna in general, the helmsman remarked, "I tell ya, Torres…sometimes your partnership with those two is…weird." Holding up her hand, she added right away, "Don't take offense…you impress the shit outta me…I just don't see how you do it." As the lift stopped and the doors opened, Nicole waited until they were free from the lift and made sure no one was around before she asked, "Honestly…don't you ever get jealous?"

Normally such a question would royally piss the Klingon off, but since it was coming from her best friend, it wasn't the same, and she furthermore knew that the pilot was most likely just curious and probably a little protective of her, B'Elanna's, interests. So, she answered easily, "How can I get jealous if I'm the one that gives them that time? It's not like they ask me not to be there…or don't even want me there." Shrugging, Torres said as they turned the corner and started down the main hallway, that was pretty much empty so she only quieted her voice a small amount, "I don't know…I just feel better knowing Seven has plenty of time alone with Red…she needs that…especially right now, and Red's not going to question her with the kid around…so it's cool for tonight. They'll just do their family thing…and that will help Seven relax and sleep better. Besides, I get to see Seven more than anyone…between this project, our regular shifts, the Elite Force training…we're together all the time."

When they turned the corner and Nicole followed after her and didn't go the other way, B'Elanna figured Fowler wanted to talk to her in private for a few minutes, which was fine with her since she was far too wound up after working out to think about sleeping for a while, so she went on, easily, "Red's the one who gets left out most of the time, but that's how we knew it would be since," walking into her quarters, "you know how she is…one woman show." Proceeding to her replicator, B'Elanna asked over her shoulder, "You wanna beer?"

"No thanks…get me some water though," the ranking officer responded as she turned one of the Klingon's chair's around and sat on it. "Well, you got my vote for the one with the most guts, my friend…I doubt I could handle one of them…let alone both." As Torres handed over her water and gulped her beer, Fowler asked, "How the hell can you drink beer after working out?"

Pulling the glass away and grinning crookedly, Torres rallied, "I'm a Klingon, Nick…we can handle it." When Fowler laughed soundlessly while she sipped her water and shook her head at her friend, B'Elanna took a seat at her table and asked, "So, why are you here and not at Sam's again?"

Chuckling, the taller woman said, "It's nice to see you too."

"Fuck off," B'Elanna came right back, laughing as she stood up and went over to her bed. Since B'Elanna always worked out barefoot, she reclined in her disheveled bed after sipping her beer again and said as she set it on the nightstand, "So, what's up?"

"I wanna talk to you about this Slipstream deal you two cooked up" Nicole reported evenly. "I told Seven I was in all the way, and I mean it…I am…"

"But…" Torres jumped in as she folded her arms underneath her head, not letting herself jump to conclusions that Fowler wasn't trusting them.

"But," Folwer started, "why…why like this?" When B'Elanna played dumb, Nick sighed and said, "Come on, don't screw around with me, Torres…it's me, Nick…remember?"

Sighing herself and shaking her head, the chief answered, "Nick…it just had to be this way…can't you just understand that?"

"What, you didn't want to get her hopes up…is that it?"

After a moment of pause, Torres sat up and explained, "That's part of it, but," sighing and running her fingers through her head, she continued, "it's hard to explain…but this time…it needs to be this way." Looking directly at Fowler, she informed, "We're not fuckin' around, Nick…this is it…this is the real deal…home again, home again, jiggity fucking jig, you get it?"

Shaking her head, dumbfounded, Fowler responded, "Yea…I get that, but why all the cloak and dagger bullshit?" When Torres looked up at her seriously, then looked away and sighed, she asked, fairly stern, "B'Elanna," hoping to get her attention, "what the hell aren't you telling me?"

Clenching her jaw, B'Elanna sighed and said, standing abruptly, "We're doing this for her, Fowler…just her…no one else!" Rubbing her forehead as she paced around, her moments edgy and aggressive, Torres reported, "If everyone on this ship found out what we were doing it would be hell for her…don't you get it. Everyone would have an opinion…she'd have no other choice but to use it."

Still bewildered, Fowler asked, "Well, so what…why wouldn't she use it?"

Angered, Torres whirled around and snarled somewhat, "Have you ever considered that maybe going home isn't the best thing for her?" Not giving Nicole a chance to answer, B'Elanna said, heatedly, "Nick, she could be into some serious hot water if we get back. I know you don't know her like I do, but if they trash her like I think they will, you might as well say goodbye to her now because it will kill her. You don't see what she goes through…Starfleet, her old man's legacy…all that shit is what makes her who she is…if they take that away," sighing and turning around, rubbing her forehead again, "I just don't know, Nick…I don't know what it will do to her," softer, "to us…" Turning back around, she went on, "We know she's gonna use it…we know it and we're ready, but we want it to be her…it's gotta be all her…no one else who makes the call. No influence, no bullshit…just her. It was her call to keep us here…and it will be hers to take us home. It just has to be that way…it's the best way for her…it might be the only thing that will save her…if she makes the call alone. Then if those Starfleet windbags take her command away, at least she knows it was her choice from beginning to end, because frankly," the chief added, "Seven and I don't give a shit if we ever make it back…we only care because she does…because she needs it. That's it, that's the bottom line…this is for her…from us, and it's her choice." B'Elanna knew she wasn't being totally honestly since there was actually a part of her that wanted to get back home to see her mother, even if just once, but since that was completely private to her and her alone, she didn't bother clarifying and figured what she'd said made her point better.

Sighing again, the Klingon offered, "Look, I'm sorry we had to drag you into this…I know you want to get home, but we need you to help us convince her that we're serious and this is real, and we know you won't screw us over by telling anyone…and we need your help to keep it quiet as long as possible." B'Elanna laughed somewhat sardonically and said, "If you hadn't gotten so goddamned gung-ho about taking over the shuttle project, we wouldn't have had to involve you, but that's too late now…and we need you, Nick…we need your help to make sure this goes down how it needs to happen and not turn into some kind of ship-wide event. Not until we're ready to build it here…on Voyager…then we can't stop it, but by then she'll have made up her mind on her own, and it won't matter."

Fowler took a few deep breaths as she shook her head, still not understanding totally but letting that go and figuring it was mostly because she was coming into this so late in the game, then said, "Yea…yea, okay. I don't get it…totally, but I'll do it." When Torres nodded then slumped back down into her bed and breathed deeply herself as she stared up at the ceiling, Nicole asked once she came over to the bed and perched on the edge, "You don't really think Starfleet will do that…do you?"

Lifting her head, B'Elanna said with a fair amount of spite, "Let's just say I don't trust them as much as you do…Starfleet and the Federation isn't as benevolent as they like to make themselves out as…and I wouldn't put it past them." Throwing her head back into the pillow again, Torres admitted, "She never talks about it…other than to make a joke about them thinking she's crazy…but I know she's worried. That won't stop her, of course…and she'd accept it probably without even fighting, but I know she thinks about it." Rubbing her forehead, Torres sighed before she got too angry and added, "She cares too much about her old man's legacy…she does what she has to do, but I know it tears her up inside some days…and I know she doesn't talk about it, but I know she knows she's a threat to them now. All those admirals in Starfleet don't know shit about honor…her honor…what she's done out here…what's she had to do…just her…so, yea, I think they just might…just to keep her down and quiet."

"Quiet about what…why is she a threat?" asked the pilot. When Torres closed her eyes and shook her head, Nicole added, "Torres, don't take this the wrong way, but I think I know how Starfleet works a little better than you…and just because Janeway can manage to hold her own for seven years doesn't make her a threat…it makes her a treasure…like goodbye Captain and hello Admiral."

"It's not that simple, Nick," B'Elanna came back quietly, shaking her head. "And it's not just about the rules that she's broken…and you can trust me on that. I know what I'm talking about."

Nicole patted her friend's leg again and said as she stood, knowing from experience that B'Elanna's demeanor probably wasn't going to improve any since she was obviously tired, and working herself up over nothing, as far as Nick was concerned, "Well, I don't think they'd do it…too much experience…I'm talkin' balls to the wall kind of experience would be lost, and they need that right now, but," she added, "if the shit starts to hit the fan, you call me if I'm not in the middle of it and we'll just turn the tables on them."

"How's that?" asked the chief, not enthused.

"Publicity, T…we'll make Janeway the most popular name in the sector. If there's one thing Starfleet can't afford to lose right now, other than experience, it's popularity." When Torres' features narrowed in contemplation, Fowler shrugged happily and said, "It's perfect. The daughter of an admiral gets taken the other side of the galaxy, where she proceeds to sacrifice herself and crew to save a race of sweet, helpless people…joins forces with the Maquis, then sets a course for home and picks up every lost soul along the way. She fights off the Kazon, a Cardassian in disguise, the Vidiians, the Hirogen, and the Borg…just to name a few. And somehow, she manages to fall madly in love…and," she snapped her fingers, "she still found time to play god mother with the ship's only child and keep her boots shinny…basically humanity conquers all." Laughing out loud, Nick shook her head and said, "Torres, people will eat that shit up like it was goin' out of style…if there's anything you have to worry about when we get back is how to handle being hooked up with a celebrity."

Grinning, although it was forced to keep her friend from questioning her more, as she had an idea how to at least save the redhead's name from being dragged through the mud via the hallways of Starfleet by utilizing some of Fowler's advice and combining it with the game plan she and Chakotay had devised years ago to save themselves from being obliterated by the Federation upon return, something that both of the ex-Maquis knew was a very good possibility considering the things they'd done, and more so what knowledge they had, B'Elanna shrugged her shoulders and said, "Eh…I'm used to it already…comes with the territory."

"True," Nicole chuckled. Then lifting her chin at B'Elanna quickly, she said, "We'll talk later about when we should go to the captain…I'll have the duty roster posted by 1000 hours…so we should be able to decide when to go."

"Alright…I'll talk to Seven tomorrow after breakfast," B'Elanna said as she stood and took her beer over to the replicator to recycle it. Stopping halfway and turning toward her friend, Torres offered, "Hey…thanks…for saying that stuff about Kathryn, and offering to help. I know you didn't always thinks that way about her…and I know that doesn't mean anything anymore, but I still appreciate it."

Lifting one side of her mouth, Nick said, "Well, I'm not as smart as I used to be." When Torres grinned at that and nodded, Fowler turned and said, "Now I gotta get before I end up in the dog house."

As Nicole started through the door, B'Elanna rallied quickly before it closed, "Don't choke on your cake…"

Once it was closed, Torres spun around and ran over to her workstation, not bothering to speak with Seven of Nine first in this matter because frankly, the less the ex-Borg knew, the better for her own cause. Pulling up her communications function, she quickly imputed some data, then sent the following encrypted memo to the Alaxiat, utilizing the various techniques she'd learned from Seven, and some of her own from her days with the rebellion to keep the subject matter completely private and undetectable, even by Voyager's notoriously tedious Security officer, knowing her single phrase would tell her long time friend everything he needed to know for now:

"The time is 0630 hours," informed the ship's computer softly as the lights were brought up to a quarter in the windowless bedroom of Ensign Samantha Wildman.

After quietly entering Wildman's quarters, never having done so without knocking first and feeling slightly uneasy about doing so simply from her upbringing and the fact that she respected the ensign's privacy a great deal, not to mention she didn't want to startle her since she'd assumed the blonde was fast asleep, Nicole Fowler had crept easily through the darkened quarters that were illuminated very softly by the overhead lights that were set to minimum. When she hadn't seen Samantha right away, she'd proceeded to the scientist's bedroom where'd she had indeed found her snoozing. Once she took a seat on the bed next to the blonde and carefully stirred her from her deep sleep by stroking her back that was clothed in a thin, Starfleet issue grey undershirt, which Fowler honestly found rather funny since she'd always assumed Wildman would be the type to wear a nonstandard nightgown or something like that, the lieutenant informed the groggy ensign that she was there and was going to take a shower. Samantha had been more than agreeable and had promptly nodded back off to sleep, which had made Fowler chuckle soundlessly since she figured the blonde would have been agreeable with just about anything she said at this point…as long as it didn't require that she rise.

Once she was clean, Nicole used Samantha's replicator to run her clothes through the recycling function and then ordered a pair of standard issue pajama bottoms because not only did she not want to give the ensign the wrong idea by crawling to bed without attire, but she purposefully didn't don a shirt since she was trying to get used to the idea of going without one in an attempt to make her final decision about having the breast reduction procedure. During their fairly one-sided coupling last night—although toward the end it had been much more like mutual exploration that was driven by the simple fact that they been engaged in intimacy for several hours and were both slick with perspiration and other fluids, not to mention completely wrapped up in the moment—Samantha had paid a great deal of attention to Fowler's muscled chest and stomach and had whispered on several occasions how attractive she found Nicole's torso, as well as several other things. She'd also admitted to having the fantasy at Seven's birthday party, while Nicole and B'Elanna were entertaining them, of causing some accident which would have forced the tall brunette to removed the tight, half tanktop she'd been wearing just so she could see Fowler walk around without one since with her hair down, which the ensign said made her look like the sexiest woman she'd seen in all her life. That had caused Fowler to smile brighter than she could remember doing, honestly, and demanded, in her mind, that she repay Wildman for her unprompted confidence boost by making love to her with such reckless abandon she'd been concerned Tuvok, her neighbor, had possibly overheard the blonde 'singing.'

When she'd entered the bed and Samantha had woken long enough to query if she had fun 'being important' with Seven while the blonde turned toward her and wrapped her body around Fowler's and hummed her pleasure and gratitude for the bare chest before she snuggled into her neck and returned to sleep, Nicole had watched with curious interest while the ensign mindlessly palmed one of her breasts and grazed her thumb across the tips slowly. The pilot wasn't certain, but she believed that Samantha wouldn't be put off it she had the very slight and firm, flat spheres that made up her breasts removed since it would hardly change the way she looked. She still would have her large pectoral muscles, she'd still have her feminine looking nipples which were highly sensitive for the pilot…the only thing she wouldn't have was the slight swell underneath each of them. However, Fowler also knew that there could be a difference in someone's mind because there was a difference between them being hardly noticeable and non-existent, and even though she'd never make that kind of a decision solely based on the preference of a girlfriend, especially one like Wildman since they'd both been pretty clear up front that they weren't looking for a serious relationship, she was still curious as to the ensign's opinion…and she knew that was a natural desire because she was contemplating changing a part of her body, and she and Wildman did have a physical relationship, as well as a steadily growing friendship. Although, she wasn't sure if she'd ever bring herself to actually ask Samantha because she was worried that such a question would put the woman in a strange position, and make her wonder if Fowler was taking their relationship too seriously.

Ever since Francis Sheldon had walked right out of her life, never to return, Nicole Fowler had had a difficult time taking any of her other relationship's after that too seriously, even if she'd honestly felt love, or as close to it as she'd believed she'd ever come to it again, and although Nicole wasn't sure what she was feeling for the pretty blonde, she did know that she not only liked her for her personality, intelligence, honesty and musical talents, she also respected her for being all of those things and for being such a wonderful parent. And, of course, there was the fact that Fowler more than appreciated her traditionally womanly figure and made a point to express that in one way or another as often as possible, just to make certain Wildman knew she thought Samantha was a generously wrapped package, inside and out.

Nicole Fowler had always been attracted to all types of woman…she just liked women, whether they be tall, short, petite or ample was rarely a concern since she honestly thought most people were attractive and rarely found herself in the position where we found someone completely unappealing. However, that didn't mean she didn't have a personal preference, one that really pushed all of her buttons, and Samantha Wildman fit that bill almost exactly. The only thing missing was the red hair, but Nick knew that was just some of Francis' memory lingering in her mind since she'd never had a hair color preference until after falling for Francis and then losing her as she had. Ever since then, she'd noticed redhead's first above all others, and part of Nicole wondered if that was just her hoping that one day one of those redhead's that she spotted would be her illusive ex-fiance.

The scientist was taller than the average woman by a few centimeters, but still only met Fowler at her shoulders, which Nicole had grown used to over the years and furthermore grown to like. Wildman was also very feminine in her demeanor and personality, wasn't afraid to express that in everything that she did, which Fowler also approved of and respected since she'd always thought that such a woman's mind was keener and more fascinating than all others, and she figured that was because she didn't think like that most of the time, well, not to that degree, and it had always mesmerized her for some reason. Samantha was also younger, a little more than she usually liked, but since the ensign was a mother and had already been married, she acted much older, responsibility wise, than typically her age would allow for, so that was never a consideration. Furthermore, Wildman was of moderate build. She was shapely, healthy, fit but not muscled, and not bony, and honestly, the first time Nicole had seen the scientist in her green bikini, skirt combo the pilot's blood pressure had gone up quite a few beats per minute. The first time Fowler had seen Kathryn Janeway in her red swimsuit, she couldn't help but smile at that view either but that was because her commanding officer was simply stunning in her simplicity, and there was just some quality about the petite redhead that was unforgettable which had very little to do with her rank, but everything to do with her presence that was at least ten times bigger than her physical body. But truth be known, going just on body type alone, the lieutenant would pick Samantha Wildman's more earthly shape over all others.

Blinking open her eyes and groaning slightly since it was a half an hour earlier than she was used to rising, Fowler asked lazily as she felt Samantha stir against her right side and press her body farther into her own, "Mmmornin'…you always get up this early?"

"I have a daughter, remember," Wildman chuckled, sleepy into Nicole's neck, "it's habit." As Fowler started absently rubbing her bare thigh that was draped across her body, Samantha hummed as she pushed herself farther up until she was almost laying completely on top of the brunette, knowing from experience Fowler could take her weight easily, and said softly as she started lightly kissing Nicole's neck, "Mmm…I like waking up to you."

"It sure beats putting up with Torres' grumpy mood," Fowler chuckled as she urged Wildman to straddle her hips, recalling on the away mission how B'Elanna had growled at the sound of the computer and been rather grumpy before she'd gone into the aft compartment and met up with her girlfriends, whereupon her mood had improved instantly. Drawing her hands up the pale blonde's thighs, reaching underneath the cotton shorts that she was wearing and took a fairly firm hold of her buttocks, Fowler squeezed gently as Samantha purred into her neck and whispered, "Did you sleep okay?"

Sitting up and smiling brightly, Samantha nodded as she racked her eyes over Fowler's body, and when Nicole moved one hand to her waist, slipped it underneath her shirt and softly started rubbing her stomach as she said, "Good…you look real nice, by the way," Wildman giggled as Fowler tickled her, then bit her bottom lip in excitement as Nicole used her other hand to rub her hip and her upper thigh, still operating underneath her clothing. Letting her head lull back as her lover drew her hand between her breasts, up to her neck and back down again several times, the ensign whispered toward the ceiling, "Oh no, Nick…mmm...you're the nice one."

As Samantha's large nipples hardened visibly against the thin material of her t-shirt as she arched her back slightly and instinctively pressed her hips down while she closed her eyes and moistened her lips slightly, Fowler said as her own skin pebbled at the visual stimuli alone and she inhaled softly, keeping herself in check and from removing any of the blonde's clothing until she had permission, "I hope you don't take offense if I say you look downright wicked, darlin'." When the younger female brought her head around and smirked at Nicole, clearly in devilish approval and arousal, Fowler grinned back and she looked her girlfriend up and down, shook her head as she added, "Because it's true, Miss Sam…you're puttin' me under one hell of spell."

Reaching to her waist and pulling her shirt over her head, Wildman braced herself over Fowler as the pilot drew her hands up to her bosom, slipped her hands underneath her heavy swells but didn't touch them further, and said, "If you want me, Fowler…you can have me."

"You make it too easy on me," Fowler informed as she starting rubbing the blonde's back with one hand.

"Mmm," Samantha allowed as she arched farther into Fowler as the brunette pressed firmly on her spine as she slid her hand up and down the slightly indent, "why in world would I want to make it difficult? Besides," she went on as she looked back into Fowler's green eyes, "we don't have a lot of time…and I want you." Leaning down and whispering into Nicole's ear, she added blunt and sexy, "So, why don't you save the seduction for your other women…because I'm hot and I want you to fuck me."

"Jeeeesssusss," Fowler rumbled low and deep in her throat as Samantha started kissing and licking her neck, proving her point successfully. Swallowing down her shock, which only inflamed her senses more since whenever a woman showed such confidence and determination at a time she honestly didn't expect it, the event completely turned the pilot on, as Wildman quickly traveled down her body, slipped one hand underneath her waistband and rubbed her hotly three times before she released her and practically yanked off Nick's pajamas. In the next instant, the ensign was standing at the foot of the bed kicking off her own shorts, and Fowler barely had time to recover from the first attack before Samantha was at her again with an electric fierceness that surpassed that of their first encounter that started on the helmsman's sofa.

As the blonde pressed her hand to the juncture of her legs that were slightly parted, dipped into the building moisture there and started swirling her hand around the entire area as she straddled one of her thickly muscled thighs, leaned down and lavished her chest with wanton kisses and nips, Fowler drew up her thigh slightly and said and she inhaled and brought one hand to the back of Sam's neck, "God, woman…that's so good." When the blonde pressed against her leg immediately, rose up as she gasped, "Yes, Nick…mmm," then began to grind her pelvis into her flesh to the pace of her hand, Fowler threw her head back into her pillow at the feeling of Wildman's slippery sex rubbing into her tanned skin, and said loudly and in her native tones as she began kneading one of the woman's breasts, "Good Lord, lady…mmm…you're on fire this mornin'."

Laughing sexily and truly enthralled, Wildman moaned, cracking with a crispness at the end when her own movement caught her body just right and sent a quick surge of pleasure straight to her head, "Mmmhmm…mmmthatsgood…yes!"

When the scientist heaved and fell forward slightly as she started having difficulty due to her own chaotic and obviously mounting pleasure, Fowler grinned as she reached down between her own legs, put her hand over Samantha's to assist with her own climax, very much doubting the blonde would mind since she was doing so to hurry hers along so she could grant Wildman's release in the way she knew she needed. When the younger woman lifted her head and bit her bottom lip as she looked down at their entwined hands and mumbled her approval, Fowler commanded her lover with her hand to press harder to increase the friction as she closed her eyes and said, "Yes…ohthat's right…right there…like that, Sam." As Wildman left her own need for the moment and crawled up slightly as she started using her mouth on Fowler's breasts, swirling her tongue around her nipple quickly before she sucked then bit lightly on it, Fowler twitched as her hips started moving counter their hand, "Yes, Sam…oh yes, right there."

"God, Fowler…you make me insane," the scientist said in a raspy whisper while the pilot clenched her jaw, pressed her head back and held her breath as she started to climax. When Nick halted the movement of their hands, exhaled as she cried out and pulsed against her palm, Wildman murmured in acute lust while she continued to liberally lick Fowler's wide chest and mumbled, "Mmm…I liked that…I like you…you're so good."

When Samantha pulled her hand away after Nicole did so, drew it up her tight abdomen as the tanned woman breathed deeply, then slipped down to her stomach and liberally skidded her tongue across the trail of moisture deposited from her hands, reporting afterward that she also liked how the pilot tasted once again, having done so several times last night, Fowler came back to herself fairly quickly. Pulling Samantha higher and kissing her mouth, both of them deepening the oral embrace immediately, Nicole rolled them over, and quickly slid slightly off to the side, using her thighs to part Wildman's legs as they continued to kiss while she pressed her hand to Wildman's burning body. As she released the blonde's mouth and slid two of her long, fairly thick fingers into her lover at the same moment, Fowler growled hotly, "Christ, you're so hot," while the blonde gasped and arched somewhat, pressing her head back, yelling, "God yes!"

Biting her bottom lip for an instant as she tensed at the pleasurably abrupt penetration, Samantha took a quick breath then demanded, opening her eyes and looking her lover directly in the eye as she grasped a handful of the bedding in preparation, while Fowler's long digits stopped their forward progress and were buried inside of her, "Fuck me, Fowler…fuck me right now."

As the brunette started stroking the blonde's inflamed center, Nick hummed her approval as Samantha demanded that she do so harder and then faster, and when in what the pilot thought had to be less than a minute, Wildman's hips started bucking as she literally screamed her pleasure, Fowler smiled and absolutely did not try to stifle the noise even if she was fairly certain if there was someone next door they could hear the blonde since she was indeed a singer and had one heck of a set of powerful lungs. The moment was much too nice, in the lieutenant's opinion, to worry about such things and she was honestly getting a rather big charge out of hearing her name being called out in such a manner, even if a similar event had happened several times the night before. When Samantha's body came to a shaky rest as she clung to Nicole's sweaty back, only then did Fowler resume kissing her girlfriend, starting first at her forehead, then slowly moved down to her cheeks, and only returned to her pink lips when Wildman started responding to her and kissing the side of her cheek as she hummed almost inaudibly.

After kissing the scientist softly, each of them thanking the other with the tips of their tongues and taking delight in the joy of feeling alive, Samantha giggled slightly, then bit her bottom lip as Fowler pulled away before she said, softly, "Mmm…thank you…I liked that too." As the brunette grinned and carefully withdrew her fingers, but only from inside of her, then gently rubbed her intimate flesh in a languid, soothing manner, Samantha closed her eyes as she smiled and added, "And your so nice, Nick Fowler…how'd you get to be so nice?"

Kissing the blonde's cheek softly, Fowler whispered as Samantha cuddled as best she could with the brunette, humming happily all the while, "Was the way I's brung up, Miss Sam." When Wildman chuckled and nodded, content, Fowler added, somewhat seriously, "And if I'm ever not nice…you have my authorization to shoot me dead because I'd rather be gone than not treat you right."

Opening her eyes, Wildman drew her hand up to Nicole's face, cupped her cheek and informed, "You're the nicest thing in the world…I don't think you could do wrong if you tried."

"Well," Fowler leaned down and kissed her smartly, "let's hope so…come on," she added, ignoring the inquisitive frown on Wildman's face, "let's shower and then go eat. I'm starved."

Letting the moment go since she didn't feel it was her place to pry, Samantha teased as Nicole pulled her up and out of bed, "I swear…aren't you ever not hungry?"

Chuckling as they walked toward the shower hand in hand, Fowler came back, "Only after I eat."

"Awwwe, would you look at that," Nicole Fowler leaned over and whispered in the woman's ear that she was sitting next to as she casually bobbed her head toward her girlfriend's daughter, where the young strawberry blonde child was sitting with their commanding officer in the Mess Hall having breakfast. As B'Elanna Torres and Seven of Nine—who were sharing a table with them across the way in an attempt to give Janeway and Naomi time alone together to interact in front of the crew, which the captain had requested of Seven, who easily went along with that, smiling inside the whole way to the Mess Hall since Kathryn continued to do small things almost every day now that proved to the blonde that Janeway was succeeding in her quest to gain a new perspective about her life and her crew, but it was also extremely important to Seven that they spent as much time together as possible since she knew as soon as they returned to the Alpha quadrant, that was not going to be a regular occurrence—started to turn around to what Fowler had been looking at, Nicole whispered quickly, "No…don't…they might notice."

Turning back around quickly along with B'Elanna Torres, Seven of Nine asked, whispering as well, something she'd become accustomed to doing in the this particular room where it often felt as thought all eyes were on her, or the general area, "What is occurring?"

Samantha smiled softly at what she saw, then had to look down quickly and snatch up her coffee as she blinked back her tears that leapt into her eyes instantly, suddenly feeling rather emotional for several reasons, and replied quietly, "She's mimicking her." Sighing and looking up as Fowler heard the slight crack in her lover's voice and instantly brought her hand to the back of her neck and rubbed it gently, she explained further as Seven seemed to suddenly be more interested in observing Fowler and Wildman than hearing what her oldest lover and smallest friend were doing, and B'Elanna was trying to casually look around and see if she could sneak a peek while she tried to keep their little conversation from looking too serious, "Naomi's doing everything the captain is…she's even sitting in the same position." Looking over at Fowler as Seven's curiosity finally got the better of her and she had to make an attempt to look for a moment while Torres shook her head and snickered, Sam said softly, "I've never seen her do that before."

"It's no big deal," Fowler leaned in a little as she sat back, but kept her arm around Samantha, as she joked, hoping to settle the mother a little since she knew how much it honestly touched Wildman to simply know her daughter was being cared for by the captain, let alone see it, in public, "I do it all the time." As that got a small round of laughs, mostly from Torres and Wildman, although Seven did smirk and cock her eyebrow and as turned back around and seemed rather pleased for the normally impassive Borg, or irritable as her demeanor had been as of late, Fowler smirked and made a proclamation about something that she'd recently noticed that struck her as funny, "Ah, it's all divided up by hair color anyway." When everyone looked at her like she was speaking a foreign language, Nicole laughed and said, "It's true…look, Seven and Sam, you two do your thing and you have the small hair color. Me and T…we do our thing and we're both brunettes…and those two are redheads. See how that works…two sets of twins…kind of."

As Torres shook her head and rolled her eyes, while Wildman looked over at Fowler and smiled while she settled back into the seat and seemed pleased that Fowler didn't remove her arm from around her, Seven of Nine raised her eyebrows and remarked as she reached for her sweet, decaffeinated coffee, always eating a 'real' meal when she joined Torres and Fowler for breakfast, "Intriguing…I had not made such an observation." Glancing over at Torres who was finishing up her coffee, Seven queried, recognizing the downturn look to her girlfriend's face to know she was thinking about something, "You do not agree that it is intriguing, B'Elanna Torres?"

Standing up, Torres wiped her mouth and said as she set down her napkin, "It's called coincidence, dollface…don't let Nick's crazy ideas fool you." Leaning down, she kissed Seven's lips and said, "I love you…and I'll come see you later in Astrometrics…will you pick my tray up for me?"

"I will comply only if you kiss me again, bang pong," Seven smirked as she looked up at B'Elanna.

Chuckling and shaking her head, Torres allowed a slight smile even though she was starting to feel rather nervous about many things that revolved around the Slipstream project because before Seven of Nine finished it was all in theory, but now it was fact, then leaned down as she snarled lightly and kissed Seven's full lips again, still quicker than normal since she pretty much had her game face on. After pulling away while Seven informed her that she would now comply, Torres grinned at Nicole and said as she straightened the metal sash the lay heavily across her chest, "See ya, Sam…watch my back, Fowler."

As Nicole said, "Huh?" to B'Elanna while the Klingon turned and started toward Janeway, Samantha furrowed her brow as she watched as well, then glanced over to Seven who was merely sipping her coffee smirking and asked, "What's going on?"

Answering the question, Seven reported what she believed to be accurate, knowing she could usually predict the actions of her Klingon lover almost as well as her redheaded one, "B'Elanna Torres is now required to kiss Kathryn in 'public.'"

When Samantha leaned in toward her and whispered quickly as the Klingon approached the table where the captain was sitting with her back to the wall, "She's not really going to do that…is she?" Fowler whispered back, "I guess we'll find out…although, I don't think Torres bluffs very often."

"She does not," Seven reported, forcing herself not to turn around and watch, feeling as though there should be at least one person in the room not looking at Kathryn when it was all said and done.

Walking up to the captain's table, inwardly smiling as she passed by Tom Paris and Harry Kim since she knew in her gut that both of them were about to learn a lesson, in one way or another, B'Elanna said fairly pleasantly, "Hey shortcake, mind if I borrow the captain for a sec?" When Naomi shook her head no, got up from the table and started toward her mother to give them privacy, as she felt was her duty, while Janeway looked over and up at her, raising her eyebrows in question, Torres said, "I need to tell you something important."

"What's that?" questioned Janeway, smiling some as she admired the Klingon's 'honor', feeling a joyous sense of pride for her lover in the knowledge of where Torres had come from to where she was now, although she was growing slightly concerned since she recognized the determined look in B'Elanna's dark eyes and knew something was brewing inside her mind.

Not giving herself a chance to hesitate since for some reason right now she needed to connect with Janeway, on many levels, Torres snatched up Kathryn's hand that was in her lap and knelt down in front of her, and vowed as the entire room grew deathly silent except for the shuffling sound of bodies turning to look and people attempting to quiet others, "I'll never let dishonor come to your name, Kathryn."

Snapping her head around as she heard what B'Elanna said to Janeway, Seven of Nine grew instantly worried beyond all acceptable levels as Fowler furrowed her brow and asked her, "What's going on?" Uncertain as to what to do, trying to decided whether she should attempt to stop the brunette before she said too much and risk a confrontation in front of the crew since she had a feeling B'Elanna would get angry, or to just do nothing, Seven looked quickly over to Fowler, then back to Janeway and B'Elanna, and decided to intervene and risk the consequences of Torres' wrath, but as she started to stand, she felt Fowler reach across the table and grab her hand tightly.

As Seven turned to face her, Fowler didn't risk saying anything, but she kept a firm grip as she shook her head no and looked her square in the eye, trying with all of her might to not only settle the Borg, but inform her that whatever was going to happen needed to remain between them and that any interference would only make it worse…all the while praying that she was guessing correctly. When Seven stared at her for a moment with her jaw firmly clenched, then nodded just once and settled back into her chair, Nicole patted her arm, snatched up her coffee and then just looked down into her lap after glancing around to see that half of the Mess Hall was looking at her and Seven and the rest were looking at Torres and the captain, and she resisted the urge to sigh because she figured that little move of grabbing Seven's hand was going to be enough to send the rumor mill churning as fast as it ever had.

As Janeway frowned deeply and opened her mouth to question, more than a hint of worry in her bluish grey eyes, the chief continued before the captain could speak, drawing her hand to her wildly beating hearts and pressing the palm against her metal sash, "You are in my heart…in my blood…and always with me, so you are mine to protect from dishonor. "

Scared out of her wits that Torres was telling her this and then preparing to go kill someone for dishonoring her, Janeway ignored the fact that forty or so people were all watching her as she brought her free hand to B'Elanna's face immediately and said as strongly, but quietly as she could manage, shaking her head quickly, "Lanna, no one's dishonored me."

"Good…and that's how it's gonna stay…or else," B'Elanna turned up one corner of her mouth, taking both of Kathryn's hands in hers then kissing her knuckles. "I'm sorry for making a scene," she then whispered, smiling, not really sorry at all, before she leaned forward and kissed the captain's lips smartly as she stood, adding on the next beat, speaking louder and to everyone, as she walked away backwards, pointing at the fairly stunned and bewildered captain, "but I just wanted you to know that this is the real deal, KJ…and I'm ready to rock and roll. Qapla'!" As Janeway smirked at that, then shook her head and looked down at her hands, B'Elanna turned on her heel, waved at Naomi who was standing by her watching in awe and said, "Thanks, shortcake…you can have her back now."

Fowler watched in unadulterated amazement at not only her best friend's show of gumption, remembering back to what Kathryn had said yesterday about Torres' determination, but of her commanding officer's ability to move through the supremely awkward moment after Torres' departure with a confident grace that was unparalleled to anything Nicole Fowler had ever witnessed. As Janeway smiled while she shook her head wistfully, then sipped her coffee and resumed her previous comfortable position as all eyes continued to be turned on her, although some of them were still moving back and forth between Seven of Nine, who was sitting quietly and unmoving as she looked down into her lap, Fowler resisted the urge to scratch the back of her neck just in nervousness for witnessing the event. When Janeway made no attempt to remove herself form the table and depart the room, or show the slightest sign of unease, embarrassment, disapproval or further concern and instead tore off a piece of her slowly disappearing muffin and nibbled on it while everyone finally turned back to each other and began speculating and concocting theories as to what was happening, Nicole cleared her throat mildly and said, "Hey, little miss…heard you got to bunk with the boss last night? Have fun?"

Nodding as she glanced over at the captain, trying to decide if she was supposed to go back and sit with her now, Naomi replied, "Yes…it was real cool." Then looking to her mother, who smiled, although nervously and brushed the hair off her shoulder, the child reported quickly, "We practiced reading like I promised, Mommy…I read almost twenty pages before I got tired…honest." When her mother thanked her for being a good girl, Naomi asked quickly, "Mommy, can I go finish my breakfast with the captain now…pleeeease?"

Just about to tell her daughter that she thought the captain needed some time alone, she felt Fowler's hand tap her shoulder gently as she draped it across the back of the booth, and said instead, trusting the lieutenant knew what was best, "Sure…give me a kiss." After Naomi kissed her mother quickly then trotted over to the captain's side, asked if she could sit down and was greeted with open arms, Wildman said once she watched Janeway turn to her tiny assistant, then laugh at something Naomi said, reach over and pet her daughter's head, turning to Nicole, "Thank you…I wasn't sure." Upon glancing up and noticing that Seven of Nine continued to look down toward the floor and seemed to be completely lost in thought, Samantha turned back to Nicole who was watching the Borg, pushed herself up to whisper into her ear before she kissed her cheek and departed, "And thank you for coming over last night…and for that nice business this morning. I'll talk to you later."

As Samantha Wildman removed herself from the table and squeezed her shoulder gently as she passed, Seven finally looked up, turned her head quickly to watch her friend start away, then looked back to Nicole. As Fowler took a sip of her coffee and quietly questioned if the ex-drone was okay, Seven raised her eyebrows and said with a fair amount of humility in her voice, "Yes…and…thank you for keeping me from intervening. I was in error for attempting to do so." Sighing and shaking her head, Seven stated, distracted by the conversations occurring in the room and doing her best to ignore some of the things people were whispering, "I am not certain why that did not occur to me then."

"Hey, don't worry about it," Fowler came back easily leaning forward a little as she spoke softly. "It was a tough call and you've been workin' on this project for a long time…I would have done the same if I were in your shoes, but I'm not," she shrugged, and leaned back casually, "so that means I've got a clearer head about it. It's no big deal." When Seven looked away for a moment, blinked a few times, then nodded and seemed to accept that, Fowler questioned, hoping to just start any conversation with Seven at this point because she was clearly uneasy, "Any idea what time we can get together today and talk about the party?"

When the Borg did not answer her and only grabbed her side of the table with her enhanced hand and began to squeeze on it tightly, enough that Fowler could hear the hallow metal table start to give way at that point, Nicole tensed and said, "Seven?" Just as she was about to call out to the captain, knowing that sometimes only the redhead could get through, or seemingly understand the ex-drone, Seven of Nine snapped her head to the right as her jaw bulged visibly and her alabaster cheeks flushed while the table continued to take the brunt of her wrath.

As the sleek and deadly form of Seven of Nine rose from the table abruptly as she stared at a small table where a few engineers sat, clenched her fists and started to move forward, Fowler swallowed and said, "Shit…" as she scrambled out of the booth to try to once again stop the Borg from acting too hastily, having a good idea that the blonde was about to rearrange someone's face over at that table, more than likely for talking trash about one or all of them. However, Seven made no move to harm anyone, and instead stopped short, a meter from the table as the group grew quiet and looked up at her, while she craned her neck around and glanced over at the table where Janeway and Naomi sat at the other side of the room conversing about the child's studies and were currently oblivious to what was occurring, as was most of the Mess Hall since the Borg wasn't one to announce her intentions. As Fowler grew within an arm's reach of the ex-drone, Seven pivoted on the balls of her feet and marched out of the cafeteria without saying another word, or unclenching her fists.

Sighing and placing her hands on her hips as the Borg stalked away, doing her best to negotiate around the group of people standing near the door conversing without having to accost them, and being fairly successful, Fowler turned her head toward the captain's table as Janeway caught the end of the movement, Seven's silver form and buttery locks constantly catching her attention enough for a glance. The captain obviously saw right through the look on the pilot's face, but before Janeway started to her feet to investigate, Fowler held up her hand, which hopefully Kathryn would understand meant that she wished to handle the situation at this time. When the redhead nodded, then turned back to Naomi and quickly gestured to the girl that they should get going, Nicole turned to the table where the group of engineer's was sitting, most of them gathering up their things and preparing to go as well. Looking them over carefully, having no idea which one to them she was going to need to keep her eye on since she figured the only reason Seven didn't belt one or all of them was because Janeway was in the room, and was worried that Seven would simply bide her time and then strike since she'd never seen the blonde so clearly 'enraged' before, Fowler shook her head and said openly before she walked away, "You got lucky today…so take my advice and don't press it."

As she gathered up the various trays of food on the table that everyone had left, not purposefully though, Nicole looked up just in time to see Kathryn and Naomi walking out of the Mess Hall and the captain pinning, just for a split second though, Lieutenant Carey a warning and fairly hostile look as she passed by the man, which told her that either Janeway did indeed see and hear everything around her, or that there was more to this story than she knew, which made her instantly think the worst, simply because it was fairly clear that both Torres and Seven weren't afraid of much of anything. Taking her tray that was loaded down with dishes to the back of the kitchen to set it down near the sink and take a moment to say hello to Neelix out of duty and desire since he continued to be very helpful to the Wildmans, Fowler emerged from the kitchen doorway, chuckling and waving goodbye to the Talaxian, and was just about to leave through the back entrance when Harry Kim called out to her to wait up.

Stopping near the door, Fowler said easily, "You going to the Bridge?"

"Yea, but I want to talk to you, if that's okay?" Kim said quietly as they started through the back door and stepped into the hallway.

Seeing the look in Harry's eye that told her it was private, Fowler nodded, patted him on the back and said, "Sure…let's go to my office so we can't get in trouble for being late." When Kim nodded then smiled at her, Nicole leaned over and whispered, "I might be the first officer right now…but I like to keep me tail clean…you know what I'm saying?" knowing the ensign did indeed understand since he too preferred to stay far away from trouble, even if it gave him a reputation for being a kiss up.

Once they were inside, Fowler didn't bother offering him a seat, turned around just inside the doorway and said, "What's up?"

"I'm not sure this is any of my business," the younger ensign started, "but I wanted to let you know that I saw what happened today with Seven and Carey, and I think maybe you should keep an eye out for them." Holding up his hands, he said, "I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble…I'm just trying to help."

"What do you know?" Fowler asked directly, folding her arms across her chest and leaned casually against the wall. When Kim sighed and seemed uneasy, Nicole said, "It's cool…I won't rat you out…I promise."

Nodding, Kim leaned in a whispered, unable to help himself, "The day the distribution center blew up, just before then, the captain walked in on Carey bad mouthing the three of them…Seven mostly. I wasn't in on it…and I tried to get him to just be quiet and work, but he was frustrated and said some things…the captain overheard it and laid into him and warned him to be careful of B'Elanna." As Nicole remained even and nodded, now understanding the look the redhead had shot the engineer, Kim finished, "I was sitting next to the captain today and heard what B'Elanna said. She said that she wasn't going to let anyone dishonor her…and that it was her job to protect the captain's honor. I'm not sure what's going on, that's all I know, but I think maybe something's about to go down in Engineering." Sighing, he added as he shook his head, "I don't want to see anyone get hurt…and I don't want to see B'Elanna or Seven get into trouble just because Carey's a jerk…that's all."

Again giving nothing away, now understanding why B'Elanna had approached the captain today, since she hadn't heard anything but the end of the conversation when Torres stood up, although not believing it had anything to with Carey and everything to do with the possibility of them returning home since she figured if Torres had known that her right hand man was trash talking Seven or Janeway he'd have faced the consequences already, Fowler nodded, patted Kim's shoulder and said, "Thanks, Harry. I'll keep my eye on them, and if you hear anything more, I want you to come to me first, alright? I'd like to try to keep Janeway out of this, if there's anything to it…just so we don't have to worry about that complicating the situation." When Kim nodded and then sighed in relief, Fowler nudged him toward the door and finished, "Come on…let's get a move on…I'm going for the record of most consecutive shift's without being late."

"I didn't know there was a record for that?" Kim replied, frowning as they started away.

Laughing out loud and slapping his back, Fowler shook her head and said, "Harry…I'm sure if there was you'd have broken it." When Harry smiled then laughed at himself, Nicole finished as they entered the turbolift, "Let's start keeping track today…and see who lasts the longest…you in?"

"What's the reward?" Kim asked.

"Bridge," Fowler commanded, once the doors closed and she leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest while pondering. "I don't know…what do you think?"

Using a technique out of the Janeway book of command, Kim said as the doors opened, speaking quietly, "How about…whoever loses has to make an announcement to the entire ship…that way, no one really loses and we both look good for almost always being on time?"

Patting the Starfleet ensign on the back as he made his way to Operations, Fowler said, "I like it…alright…I'm in…you?"

"Aye, Lieutenant," Kim smiled as she excused the ensign manning the station for him. As Fowler walked away toward her command chair, Harry grinned and said out loud, "And Nick, did I forget to mention that my personal best was three-hundred and twenty-seven days?"

"Keep talkin', Harry," Nicole said as she sat down in Chakotay's chair so she could use the command console to finish her duty roster, chuckling and grinning herself, "but just remember, I was flying shuttles when you were in diapers."

In the dimmed lighting of her quarters, three nights later, comfortably propped up against the headboard of her slightly longer than standard bed, with the covers pulled up to her waist as Samantha Wildman, who was also without clothing, relaxed against her chest, straddling her hips, Nicole Fowler stopped the steady picking of her guitar as the smooth surface rested gently against the blonde's bare back. Setting the instrument aside as the scientist stirred lightly, sleepy and curious as to why the soft, almost continuous music had stopped, Fowler wrapped one of her long, thickly muscled arms around Wildman's back and drew the tips of her callused fingers down her spin softly while she said, "Hey…can I talk to you about something?"

Squeezing Fowler slightly tighter were her arms were firmly draped around the brunette's lower torso, in the free space between the pillows support Nicole's lower back and the headboard, Samantha titled her head so she could reach the skin at her lover's neck and mumbled into it, "Mmmhmm."

Nicole looked down slightly as she reached up and brushed the shoulder length hair off of Samantha's shoulder so she could kiss the pale, slightly salty skin underneath it. When Samantha smiled against her upper chest, sighed blissfully and dropped her hand to Fowler's right breast and began absently tracing the defined line of her pectoral muscle and the firm, but modest circular swell of her breast tissue above that, Nicole grabbed her hand gently, laid it flat against that region and reported, quiet, "I'm gonna have these," she squeezed their hands against the dense tissue, "removed…for good."

Blinking, Samantha queried for clarification, "A mastectomy?"

"Yea."

Wildman pushed herself up so she could look into Fowler's face, and asked, her tone giving away her surprise, "Why…is something wrong?" Being a scientist, she knew that most conditions and diseases that afflicted a woman's breast tissue and the surrounding area, some of them alien to humans but a fact of life since interstellar space travel became a way of life, were now nonexistent, or almost completely treatable, but that wasn't true for everything…or every one, because some people simply reacted poorly to treatments for various reasons. Suddenly concerned that Fowler had contracted some rare, or alien disease that simply couldn't be treated on a starship in the Delta quadrant as successfully as in the various medical facilities in the Alpha quadrant, Wildman brought her free hand to Nicole's face and asked quickly, "You're not…sick…are you?"

Smiling softly, Fowler replied, "No …I'm as healthy as a race horse…always have been." As the blonde sighed heavily then looked at her inquisitively as lines formed across her brow, Nicole explained, "And there's nothing…wrong…I just, "sighing and looking down as she brought her hands to Samantha's waist and drew her thumbs across the soft, modestly rounded flesh of the blonde's lower stomach, "well, I just don't really…like them." Lifting her head quickly, she said, "Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against breasts." Running her hands up to Samantha's much larger bosom and palming it, Fowler smiled weakly while saying, "I love them…I love yours, on you…but for me, on my body…they don't do anything for me, except kind of get in the way. Does that make sense?" Shrugging and not expecting an answer, Fowler dropped her hands back to Samantha's waist, looked down again and went on, "I always wrap my torso…I used to have to do it more before I developed my muscles to this extent, but I still do it because I like myself without them. It's not that I want to be a man…far from it, honestly, but," looking up as Samantha placed her hands on her shoulders and started rubbing her neck softly, "I like looking kind of like both…it works for me. I don't know…I just don't feel any need to keep them…ya know?"

From conversations they'd had previous to this about Fowler's life and ambition, Samantha knew that Nicole would never bare children since if the day ever came where she was without children around her and she wanted to raise one, she planned to adopt, feeling it was her duty to do so since she was adopted, Wildman couldn't honestly think of any argument, other than sexual stimulation. However, she was a biologist, so she knew that simply removing the breast tissue wouldn't make much of a difference and that most of her nerve endings still would be present, so with that knowledge, she asked, "Are you worried that I won't…that I won't be attracted to you if you don't have breasts?"

"No…not really," Fowler informed fairly quickly and looking up. Softly rubbing Samantha's thighs with her large hands, the pilot said, "I know I'm the only woman you've ever been with, the only one you've ever wanted to be with…and I know that you're attracted to me because I'm a masculine woman…and that doesn't bother me because that's me, and you're certainly not the first woman to like me for that quality." Sighing and looking down again, she shook her head and said, "I don't know, Sam…I really like you…I just don't want to freak you out. I know you're open-minded and considerate, but that doesn't mean you want to be with someone whose sexuality and gender isn't so common. I wouldn't hold that against you…never, that's your prerogative…it doesn't mean you think I'm weird, but it just doesn't jive with you. I know there's a difference between not looking like I have any…and not actually having them."

"Nick Fowler," Samantha said softly as she ran her hands down to the brunette's chest and leaned forward slightly, "you're the only person on this ship that I've ever wanted. And yes," she nodded as she ran her hands over Nicole's muscles on her stomach, shoulders and upper arms, "I like how you look. I like that you're tall and so much stronger." Moving her hands to Fowler's neck and to her face, she said, "I also like that your face, your hair…your eyes and your smile." As Nick moved her hands back to her waist, smiled almost shy and looked down, Samantha rubbed her thumb across her lips and said, "I like the curve of your lips and your voice…and I like that you're a woman…and I like that we're the same, but different too." When Fowler looked up at her, Wildman smiled and whispered, "I'm not settling for you because I don't like any of the men on this ship…and I don't want you to be a man. I like touching you and knowing what you're feeling. I might not want to be with any other women, but that's just because I think I've got the best one already."

When Fowler sighed at that and shook her head, Samantha leaned forward, kissed her forehead and said, "You're such a great person…you make me feel so good…you make me feel real and I like that. And," the blonde went on as she sat back down and looked at Nicole's face, "I don't care if you have breasts or not. I like you for you…and its not like you're making some drastic change. Truthfully, I wasn't sure you had them until I saw you without your shirt for the first time, and it didn't matter to me either way…it was just curiosity for your body in general. Besides," she grinned, partly joking and partly not since honestly, Wildman didn't know why Nicole wore a shirt most of the time when she could go without, since the only reason Samantha ever wore a bikini top now was to give her bosom support truthfully, and in her younger days before she'd had a child, she'd rarely visited a beach without going topless, "maybe now I can see you walk around without a shirt all the time without me having to cause an accident…and you know how much I'd like that."

Chuckling, Fowler said, "Okay…thanks…I mean it, and I'm sorry if I assumed too much about you."

"It's okay," Wildman said softly, leaning forward again and wrapping her arms around Fowler's torso. "We never really talked about it that much, and I didn't want to scare you off, but," she grew quieter as she snuggled into her neck, "I like being here with you, Fowler…only you, and I'd like to keep being here with you." Sighing, she whispered, "You make me happy," then nipping her neck trying not end too serious, "and you're cute too."

Rubbing the scientist's back, Nick said tilting her head and resting it against the blonde's forehead, "I like you being here too." Squeezing her softly, she whispered, "Mmm…you feel so nice to me. I'm glad this doesn't bother you because that, woman," running her hand down the blonde's spin again and stopping at the small of her back, rubbing her thumb across the small indent, "would be a cryin' shame 'cause you're the prettiest package I've seen in years." When Samantha pressed her chest farther into Fowler's as she hummed and started kissing her neck very modestly, Nicole informed, "I'm gonna go talk to the Doc tomorrow and set up an appointment…find out what all has to occur and make sure I won't be out of commission for more than a few hours since things are too hectic right now to take a whole day off." Sighing, Fowler kissed her girlfriend's shoulder and said, "I know we've been spending more time together than we planned to, but do you think it will be possible for me to see you afterward…maybe just have dinner and relax for a spell?"

Biting her upper lip and keeping her supremely ecstatic smile from showing as she kept her face hidden, Samantha hugged Nick soundly and said into her neck, "Mmmhmm…do you wanna come over and have dinner at my place?" Kissing Nicole's neck quickly, she added before the lieutenant could answer, "Naomi just loves you…and if you wanted to spend the night, I'm fine with that. She knows you're my girlfriend…we talked…and she thinks that just 'cool.'"

Chuckling, Fowler responded, "Okay…thanks…that's sounds nice, besides, she gives me a good reason to be a goofball…and I can't be as goofy now like I used to be."

"Well, whenever you're done being important," Wildman whispered sexily into the brunette's ear as she sat up some, "you just come find me and I'll let you be goofy all night long."

Throwing the covers back across the bed, Fowler said as she swiveled her legs and stood, holding Wildman up easily before and woman grasped onto her tighter and wrapped her legs around her waist, giggling and purring her appreciation for Nicole's physical prowess, "Speaking off being goofy…before you go home…I think it's time for you to sing in the shower with me…"

"So," B'Elanna asked as she took a sip of her coffee, once again seated at their table in the Mess Hall, not terribly enthused and speaking mostly just to fill the time since they were expecting another person this morning, although she'd yet to show up, speaking in code on purpose since after the incident four days ago, it seemed all eyes were on them at every turn, "how's the cake?"

Clearing her throat mildly, Fowler snatched up a piece of toast and requested, "Do me a favor and don't call her that anymore." Then sighing as she heard her own tone, Nicole shook her head and whispered, "I'm sorry…I'm just tweaked..."

Not taking offense, Torres held up one hand and said, "Hey, it's cool…we're all entitled to be a bitch." When Fowler smirked at that and shook her head again as she sipped her coffee, B'Elanna managed a slight grin and said, "So, seriously…things okay?"

"Yea…yea," Nicole nodded as she set her mug down. "She's great…and I know it's just code, but if it got back to her…"

"No more cake…got it," the chief said easily shrugging, and understanding perfectly, not wanting to dwell on it. "So if it's not, Sam…what's up? Or," B'Elanna smirked, "is it her…more than you expected?"

"Yea, a little, but that's not it," Nick came back while she took a bite of her potatoes. Clearing her throat again and looking around, the pilot informed, "I've got an appointment with the Doc today," figuring her best friend would understand since she'd spoken with her first about her contemplation a few months ago, but had said then that she still wasn't sure and wanted to think about it for a while more.

Growling slightly at her despise for the hologram, although he'd done better recently about keeping his wisecracks to a minimum in her presence, and hadn't made any further comments about the threesomes' relationship, or show any jealousy to the regard in some time, the reason for her friend's visit not sinking in yet, Torres asked, "Mister Personality harassing you about a physical or something?"

"No," was all Fowler said as she looked the engineer square in the eye.

Quirking the side of her cheek, then raising her eyebrows as she finally understood, B'Elanna grinned her crazy smile as she set her coffee cup down and said, excited, "No shit? You're gonna do it?" When Nicole merely nodded then turned back to her food, the Klingon asked, confused since she figured that the taller brunette would be a little more excited since she knew she'd contemplated having the procedure for the good part of ten years, "Well…that's good, right?"

"Yea," Fowler said quietly, "I'm just a little nervous." Smirking slightly, she looked up and informed, "I've never liked doctors very much…never had much of a need for them, so I dunno…just nervous. Plus," the ranking officer shook her head and she shrugged, "I guess I'd feel better if he were a she…ya know?"

Grinning wickedly, hoping to settle her friend some since she knew that her friend was often uncomfortable around males, B'Elanna whispered, "Don't give me any more ideas about reprogramming him than I already have…but if you want…I've got the pigtails idea all ready to roll."

Snickering, Fowler shook her head and said, "I love you, T…I don't care what they say…thanks, I'll keep it in mind." When B'Elanna laughed soundlessly and said, "Anytime," Fowler took a bite of her eggs, then looked around and questioned, "Did she say when she'd be here…I've only got a few more minutes before I gotta head out?" since she wasn't about to be late this early on in she and Kim's contest.

"She just said she'd meet us for breakfast," Torres came back looking around as well. Slightly concerned since Seven of Nine was late about as often as they landed the ship, the chief tapped her communicator and said, "Torres to Seven." After a few beats when nothing came back, before she panicked, B'Elanna held up her hand as Fowler snapped her head up in worry as she chewed her foot, and said, "Sometimes she still has a hard time waking up…and she's been tired lately." When still nothing came back, the engineer tapped her communicator again, hailing, "Torres to Janeway."

"Janeway here," the captain's even voice responded almost directly after the hail sounded.

"Captain," B'Elanna started, always using that designation whenever she didn't know where the woman was or with who she was, "is Seven with you?"

"No…she left a while ago to come have breakfast with you. She's not there?"

Standing immediately as Fowler jumped to her feet as well and queried the computer for the location of the Borg, B'Elanna said hurriedly, suddenly fitfully worried since there had just been too many times in the past where aliens had infiltrated their ship, and furthermore too many times where it seemed their target was the unique Borg alone, "She never showed up and isn't responding to hails." The chief then informed after a beat as they started for the door, bewildered as the pilot cursed and took off like a bullet down the hall, "Kathryn, she's in Engineering…we're on our way!"

"B'Elanna," Janeway barked immediately as she too jumped to her feet where she was sitting at her dinning room table finishing the last of her first cup of coffee, "stop right where you are and go back to the Mess Hall! Don't leave until I tell you!"

"What?" Torres came back flabbergasted as she continued to tear down the hall after Fowler, doing her best to catch up the pilot who was moving as fast as B'Elanna could remember.

As she ran out of her cabin and sprinted for the turbolift, running instantly at full throttle, Janeway cracked with the utmost authority, putting everything she had into her voice because it was currently the only way she could get her officer to do as she wished, "Lieutenant, that's an order! Janeway out."

Jumping into the turbolift and turning around as B'Elanna skidded to a halt in front of the turbolift as the captain cut the transmission, wide-eyed and confused, Fowler said quickly, "Trust me, Torres…just go back. Engineering." As she saw the Klingon huff, then spin around while she cursed and stomped away while throwing her arms about in her irritation, the doors closed and the lift quickly started downward. Taking a few steps forward until she was right at the doorway, Fowler rolled her neck back and shook out her hands quickly as the carriage stopped and the doors started to open. Once there was the smallest amount of light seeping through the doors, Fowler forced her fingers into the crack, shoved it open, leading with her body and came bounding into the main level of Engineering. When she didn't see Seven, or Carey immediately, Nicole moved forward quickly as the few officers that were on duty looked at her inquisitively from their posts.

Spinning around and looking up at the upper level, Fowler barked, "Where's Seven?" to no one in particular.

"She's in the chief's office, Lieutenant," Ensign Dawson reported since she was currently in charge of the ship's engine room. "Something wrong?"

"As you were," Nicole clipped as she ran over to the door while the turbolift opened a second time and deposited the captain onto the deck, which caused everyone to stop what they were doing and tense as Dawson sounded her arrival crisply, feeling the need to do so considering the look on the redhead's face. As Janeway marched toward her, ignoring the respectful call, Fowler didn't bother knocking and merely opened the door, saying, "Seven?"

"Captain!" Fowler called as the doors opened and she saw the blonde sitting at the chief's desk, slumped against the smooth frame holding a PADD in her hand. Running over to the Borg and pressing her fingers to her neck as the redhead zoomed into the office, took one look at the blonde and went for her communicator to inform the Doctor that they had a medical emergency, Fowler said, "Wait…Seven…" as the ex-drone started to stir and blinked open her eyes.

Groggy and pushing up into a sitting position immediately, Seven queried as usual, "What has occurred?"

"Seven," Kathryn jogged over to the table, moving past Fowler who was backing away to make room for the blonde's lover, "are you alright?"

As Janeway pressed her hand to her forehead, instinctively checking for a fever, Seven recalled her memory files, then sighed and said, "Yes, Captain." When she started to stand and Janeway pressed on her shoulders, telling her to sit, Seven resisted the urge to get irritated, but had a difficult time since she was feeling rather cranky due to her own inefficiencies and explained, "Kathryn, I am 'fine.' I merely…" almost spitting the words through clenched teeth, "fell asleep," sighing again, "while downloading this data."

Sighing and taking a deep breath, Janeway turned to Fowler and said, "Thank you, Lieutenant…would you give us a few moments please…and tell B'Elanna that she's free to leave the Mess Hall…thank you."

"Why is B'Elanna Torres being confined?" Seven of Nine questioned as Nicole left and Janeway pressed the sensor on the door to close the door.

"That doesn't matter," Kathryn came right back, but without any testiness to her tones. Leaning against the desk next to the blonde, Janeway reached over to her girlfriend, brushed back a few small, rebel wisps of hair that where hanging in Seven's face and asked softly, for now, but prepared to be the captain if it was necessary, unsure of the answer since Seven often regenerated during the early evening while Janeway was still busy, or at least used to, "When's the last time you used your alcove?"

"It has been several days," Seven of Nine replied, evenly, "and although I am 'tired,' I assure you that I will do so tomorrow evening."

"Don't you think that you should do so now…or at least tonight?"

"Tomorrow will suffice," the ex-drone snipped as she stood with the last of her data on hand that she continually stored in Torres' personal file system since the Klingon continued to take extra security precautions for her personal logs and holoprograms, however she'd given Seven of Nine full access to them because, truth be known, if there was one person in the universe the B'Elanna Torres trusted above all others it was Seven of Nine, and that was for many, many reasons…one of them being she wasn't Starfleet and could never be forced to talk, not to mention anyone that tried would probably be hurting in a real bad way, which the Klingon appreciated. It wasn't that Torres didn't trust Kathryn Janeway…she most certainly did, but her redheaded lover was constantly faced with a rather large conflict of interests, for which both of them she was equally passionate about, so the chief did her best not to put Janeway in such a position as often as possible now…especially now that the possibility of returning to the Alpha quadrant soon looked to be very, very real.

As Janeway sighed and started to speak, Seven added, "The Doctor has stated that regenerating once a week is enough to maintain my systems, and it has not been a week. Tomorrow will suffice."

"Seven," Kathryn came back, still being patient but sighing, "he also said that would work only if you developed a strict routine and didn't push yourself." Standing up in front of the Borg, Janeway rubbed her girlfriend's left arm softly, and said, "Darling, you've been going non-stop for weeks now…and that's not the kind of routine the Doctor was talking about." As Seven sighed and started to protest, Janeway continued stronger, asking rhetorically, "When's the last time we relaxed…when's the last time we played Velocity, or you jogged with me? All of those things that we did at the beginning to help you…you haven't done in weeks." When Seven sighed and suddenly seemed forlorn as she looked away, Kathryn cupped her face and informed, "I'm not angry or jealous, darling…but I am worried about you. I'm not sure what it is that you're doing all the time, but whatever it is, it's not worth your health. You don't have to do everything by yourself." When Seven opened her mouth again to protest, the captain recognizing the contradictory turn to the blonde's lips, Janeway dropped her hand and asked and she crossed her arms over her chest, "What is it that you think is so important that you can't ask for help?"

"Kathryn," Seven of Nine jumped in as she stepped away and walked over to the replicator to order a nutritional supplement since she'd missed her breakfast and now had only a few minutes before she had to report to Astrometrics, "do not 'worry' yourself over this. It is merely a personal endeavor, therefore, I am required to 'do it all myself,'" she added a little acidly.

While Seven grabbed her nutritional supplement and started gulping it, Janeway sighed, starting to get tired of the 'personal endeavor' response, and looked down rubbing her forehead. When her eyes fell upon the PADD sitting on the desk and she recognized several of the equations listed on the screen as having to do with spatial velocity and theoretical physics, she dropped her hand from her forehead as the blonde turned to face her. Having no idea that this data device was Seven's personal endeavor and not something that the blonde was using for her work in Astrometrics or wasn't something of B'Elanna's Seven was retrieving for the chief, Kathryn started to reach for it so she could bring the tiny characters closer to her eyes and scan down through it, instantly curious since she'd never seen anything like it before, but was quickly stopped as Seven yelled, "Kathryn…don't!"

In two steps Seven was at the desk, slamming her hand down on the PADD's screen and snatching it up as the redhead snapped her head up, nonplussed. As the Borg brought the device around to her back, then sighed and started to walk out the door, Janeway barked, now realizing much more was going on, and that it was not only time to find out, but it was time to be the captain, "Stop right there!" When the Borg did halt, but then twitched and looked as if she might continue forward, Kathryn came around the desk quickly and said in a warning tone, "Seven…"

Sighing, now furious at herself for leaving her data in plain view and for reacting in such a manner, and knowing from experience that Janeway's tone wasn't to be taken likely, and considering the Borg's recent behavior, she wouldn't be satisfied with any answer but the full truth, Seven turned around, kept the data behind her back since she knew the good captain was one of few people aboard this vessel that could understand most of her calculations, lifted her chin and said, "Captain."

Janeway stepped up to Seven, lifted her chin as well and questioned quietly, but with authority, "What's in that PADD?"

"It contains my data," Seven answered, truthfully but defiant. When Janeway titled her head and clenched her jaw at the obtuse answer, again warning Seven not to test her, the Borg nodded and stated, "Very well…I will tell you, but this is not the time. I will contact you later this afternoon," she added to make a point, "on my honor."

Not satisfied yet, Janeway remained close and demanded, "No… now."

"I will not comply," Seven of Nine held her ground, looking Janeway dead in the eye.

"Seven of Nine…" the captain said low and threatening.

"I will not comply at this time," Seven didn't give in.

Speaking in terms the Borg understood above all others, Kathryn demanded, directly in the tall blonde's face, pinning her with her most aggressive, commanding glare, "Explain."

"I require more time, Captain," Seven said plainly and flat.

"Insufficient," the captain spat on the next beat.

Sighing, Seven tried a new tactic and explained softer, relaxing her face and her posture, and pleaded, "Kathryn…I require your trust in this matter. Please comply."

The Borg's words ripping through her command mask like it was made out of tin foil rather than durianium, the redhead sighed as she looked down, then nodding, she informed, coarse, "Alright…I trust you, but," she looked and became more forceful, but not loud or harsh, "you are going to regenerate tonight, and that's not negotiable." When the Borg sighed and started to protest again, Janeway warned again, "Seven…"

Letting the air out of her chest quickly, the blonde gave in, partly, "I will comply, but I will do so after we speak this afternoon so that I may be with you tonight."

Sighing again, having a hard time remembering the last time she had to get this authoritative with the Borg over a professional matter, Janeway said, "Seven…your body needs a full cy…"

The Borg rolled her eyes in frustration as she too sighed, but once again stood her ground and said forcefully, "I am aware what my body requires…three hours will suffice for now!" When the captain's jaw once again turned into her defiant tilt and she began staring her down, Seven added, "I will utilize my alcove again tomorrow as you wish without protest, but not tonight."

Racking her brain, trying to think of why on earth tonight was so damned important, thinking maybe she'd missed some kind of anniversary since the Borg was rather fond of celebrating month-a-versaries of just about everything from a first hug to the first time they made love, which created quiet a few of the dates considering she kept track of not only hers with Janeway, but with Torres, and with all three of them, Kathryn finally sighed, far too bewildered at this point to recall and asked, with curiosity, although her tone wasn't clear, "What's tonight?"

Frustrated and beyond exhausted, fighting with Janeway draining her about as fast as anything else, Seven turned away from her, took a gulp of her supplement, set it forcefully into the replicator and yelled, "This is inefficient! My reasoning will become clear when I speak with you later…as I stated!" Turning around, she added, "It is unacceptable for you to not trust me, Kathryn…and I do not understand why you cannot! Explain!"

Taking a deep breath at that hurt in her chest that the Borg's words caused her, not able to recall when such a simple phrase had wounded her so, Kathryn blinked away the tears that immediately sprang into her eyes since trust had never been a factor, and she'd merely wanted to know if not only she'd forgotten something, as she tended to do due to her enormous work load, but what was so important to risk potentially damaging Seven's sensitive systems, and informed, "Trust is a two way street, Seven." As she turned around immediately and left, unable to keep the hurt out of her voice as the quiet tone broke slightly, she finished, "Your welfare was my only concern…maybe you've forgotten that's my job since you're so busy keeping things from me…"

"Nick," B'Elanna shouted as the tall pilot came into the Mess Hall, stopping her pacing back and forth after ordering everyone out that was left out of the cafeteria, "what the fuck is going on with Seven!"

As the Klingon stomped toward her with her fists balled and speaking through partially clenched teeth, as she thrust her right arm toward the ground to emphasis her request, Fowler held up her hands and said, quickly, "Calm down…it's cool."

"What!" B'Elanna shouted, raising her arms, aggravated and downright furious for being left out of the loop, especially when it involved Seven, "What is cool!"

"She's fine," Nicole replied, speaking easily and crossing her arms over her chest, used to having to calm down the irascible warrior. "She was downloading a PADD in your office and fell asleep…that's all."

When the pilot didn't go on, B'Elanna figured that her answer was enough to tell her she could leave, so she moved past her and growled, "If no one's going to tell me what's going on, I'll find out for myself!"

"Hold up," Nicole said as she grasped B'Elanna by the shoulder rather forcefully and kept her from getting away, knowing it was a dangerous move, but also not believing that Torres would ever try to hurt her, and also knowing that if her Klingon side got the better of her, she was quick and strong enough to fend off her blows without having to strike the engineer. When the shorter, but still powerful brunette snarled as she shrugged away from the grip and whirled around, fairly wild and coiled, Fowler kept her cool, held up her hands again and said, "Just chill for a second…alright?" Once Torres nodded once forcefully, but did nothing in the way of calming down, Nicole figured that was as good as she was going to get and explained, "Listen, I know this bothers you, but she's fine…Janeway's taking care of it."

"Taking care of what goddammit!" B'Elanna boiled over. "What's going on with her that I can't know about!" When Fowler sighed, crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head, then turned around and scratched the back of her neck, the chief sighed, ran one of her fingers through her hair, some of it coming out of the confines of her short pony tail with her stalking about, and explained, growing softer, "Nick, please…please, alright…I promise, I won't go ape-shit…on my honor. Will you just tell me?"

Turning around, Fowler placed her hands on her hips and said, "No, T…I won't, because I'm not sure you can keep that promise…alright?"

Flaring her nostrils, B'Elanna asked, "Someone's dishonored Seven…is that what this is about?" When Nicole remained even and gave nothing away, although her previous words and her silence was plenty enough to tell her she was right, the Klingon spun and said, "Nevermind…this isn't your business."

"Computer, seal the room…authorization Fowler, jammer, five, three, two!" Nicole barked as Torres turned and started for the door. As B'Elanna stopped in front of the door, then pounded her forearm and fist to it swiftly before she whirled around, Nicole said, "Lieutenant, you're not going anywhere…"

"Don't pull that Starfleet bullshit with me, Fowler," B'Elanna rallied. "This isn't about that. This is about honor and you have no right to stop me. Now open the fucking door!"

"Torres," Fowler started with authority and feeling, "I'm not going to let you do this because I jumped the gun. Nothing happened, nothing went down…I overacted, that's it. So, if you're gonna fight someone, then it's gonna be me because I'm not letting you out of this room until we're settled."

"Then why did you tell me to wait here…what are you two hiding from me!"

Understanding the only way out of the corner she painted herself into was to tell the whole story, Fowler sighed and said, "Alright. The captain heard someone talking smack a while ago. The day you did you're little number in here with Janeway, Seven overheard them saying some shit after you left, and I'm pretty sure if Janeway and Naomi hadn't been here at the time, his ass would have been grass and she'd have been the lawnmower…you read me?" When B'Elanna nodded, terse, at that and put her hands on her hips, Fowler crossed her arms over her chest as she sat on top of one of the tables, and finished, "So, when she didn't respond and I found out she was in Engineering…I overacted and assumed she was finishing the job. That's it…that's the story, and obviously Janeway thought so too because she knew about the first incident and saw Seven hesitate to cream him the other day before she left."

Not bothering to ask who, since from the info she knew that meant that the person was an engineer, B'Elanna asked, still aggressive, "What did he say?"

Shrugging, Fowler answered, "I honestly don't know…I wasn't there, I heard this from a source, but I'm sure it was your typical trash talk."

"That's it!" B'Elanna shouted, somewhat laughing, although fairly angry as well. Turning around and shaking her head and she ran her fingers through her hair again, B'Elanna shook her head and said, "No offense, Nick…but fuck you." Facing her friend again, the chief pointed to her chest and said, "I'm a Klingon…I'm not crazy and I don't go around killing people for shooting off their mouths." Holding up her hands as Nicole stood up and tilted her head in a manner that told B'Elanna she didn't believe her, B'Elanna said, "Yes, I'd get pissed and probably threaten them, but give me some fucking credit will you? There's a big difference between talking trash and actual dishonor…and you know that…especially right now with all that's going on. I wouldn't fuck that up just because someone's a dick."

Placing her hands on her hips, Nicole came back, "Well, no offense, but fuck you too, T. Yes, I know that, but you and I both know that Seven might not get that…and you and I both know that if she got into it with someone and it became physical you would get involved." As Torres sighed and turned around again, Fowler said, "That's what this is about…and no matter what was happening, I know you'd risk it. "

"Why didn't you tell me you were worried about Seven?" B'Elanna whirled around again and shouted. "I could have told her that shit didn't matter…she listens to me…she trusts me about these things. That's my job…not yours!"

"No, it is my job to handle personnel situations," Fowler rallied. "It is specifically my job, and this falls under that…and maybe I screwed up, but put yourself in my shoes for a minute, Torres. The captain knew, she's your lover and Seven's lover…there's only so much I can butt my nose into without making it seem I don't trust that she knows what's best." Shaking her head, she added, "I'm not blaming her or you or anyone…even me. This is a tough situation and we're all just trying to do our best to keep both of you out of the Brig, alright?" Pointing at her friend as B'Elanna sighed and shook her head as she looked down, Nicole added, "And you're not fooling me, T…I know you're wound up about something you're not saying. That whole song and dance in here the other day was more than it seemed…I know it. So, I did what I thought was best, maybe it wasn't, but that's what went down."

Approaching her friend, Fowler put her hand on B'Elanna's shoulder and said, "I'm sorry if I didn't trust you enough, but I know what it's like to feel protective of someone you love, and I was just trying to be a friend to you and take care of it so you didn't have to. Remember," she managed a half smirk as the chief looked up, "big sister and all the blood is thicker than water shit? So are we square or do I have kick your butt now?"

Pushing Nicole's arm off her shoulder as she smiled, Torres held up her fist and growled, playfully, "Bring it, Fowler…and let's see who's had more cake."

The tall pilot smiled as she grabbed the Klingon's arm, twisted it behind her and put her into a headlock. As the engineer snarled and squirmed, trying to get away, Fowler laughed, and said, "Pipe down, squirt," as they spun around, just in time to see the doors to the Mess Hall parting evenly to reveal a very fierce looking captain. Letting go quickly and standing at attention as Torres stood up and did so as well, while Janeway cracked, "What's going on here!" Fowler replied, immediately, "Just horseplay, Ma'am…nothing more."

Eyeing both of them closely, Kathryn barked as she marched toward them, knowing from Seven's birthday party that both of them were prone to such behavior, but never having seen it while on duty, at least not from Fowler, "Then why's there a seal on the door, Lieutenant?"

"The chief and I were having a private discussion, Ma'am," Nicole answered as she stared straight ahead. Deciding to go on and that there had been far too many private discussions happening recently for their own good, and that they were all shooting themselves in the foot by trying to protect the others, Fowler added, "It was in regards to the situation with Seven. I was concerned it would become heated, Ma'am…so I sealed the door."

"At ease," Janeway said softer. "Miss Fowler…if you'll excuse us…I'll speak with you in a few moments."

Automatically Fowler nodded and started to take a step forward, then stopped and said, "With the captain's permission…I'd prefer to stay and discuss this situation." When Janeway turned to her and raised her eyebrows, Nicole added, "I think it's in our best interest if we do so, Captain…so that I don't make the same mistake again." When the redhead merely nodded once, allowing the request, Fowler fell back into line and said, "Thank you, Captain."

Rubbing her forehead, Kathryn looked up at Nick again, then over to B'Elanna and said, simply, "So, you know why I didn't want you down there?"

"Yes, Captain," the chief answered. Then sighing slightly, she said softer, "Permission to speak freely?"

"Granted," Janeway answered while she looked B'Elanna square in the eye and silently told her to keep herself in check at this time.

Nodding at the silent request, not taking offense since she knew that she tended to get a little 'overzealous' sometimes, Torres said, "I'm not happy that no one told me about this, but it's not like I don't understand either." Sighing and turning away as she started pacing, B'Elanna went on, "I just wish that the both of you would have trusted me, and let me talk to Seven if you were so worried that she was going to go off on someone for talking trash, but," she ran her fingers through her hair and as turned around, "I realize that you were also trying to protect me…so I'm not really mad…just, I don't know…I don't like it."

Kathryn bobbed her head once at that, understanding perfectly, then looked over at Fowler, querying, concerned the Carey had been causing more problems that she hadn't heard about yet, "Lieutenant, how did you come by this information?"

"Ensign Kim came to me after the day in the Mess Hall," Fowler explained easily. "He saw Seven stand and start toward Carey, then change her mind and walk out."

"Carey!" B'Elanna allowed, honestly surprised as she placed her hands on her hips. When Janeway turned toward her and raised her eyebrows in warning, Torres held up her hands and said, "Sorry…I'm fine…just…surprised."

Nodding at Torres, Janeway turned back to Nicole and said, "Go on."

"Harry told me he saw Seven, and informed me generally about what went down in the distribution center, and that he was worried something was gonna go down and that maybe I should keep my eye on things since he figured I didn't know what had happened…and he also heard what the chief said to you about dishonor, so he was concerned."

"What the hell did Carey say?" asked B'Elanna.

"That doesn't matter," Kathryn came back quickly, shaking her head and pacing around.

"Captain…"

"B'Elanna," Janeway said as she turned around and looked at the engineer, "it's nothing that we all haven't heard before and I'm not going to get into it." Placing her hands on her hips, she turned to both of them and said, "What I need right now is two things." Holding up her thumb, she said, fairly forcefully, "One, if either of you hear anything from Carey, you bring it to me immediately and I'll deal with it." Turning her head to Torres, she barked, "Is that understood, Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Torres came right back, hoping to hell her second engineer didn't do anything that would make her break her promise to the captain.

"Two, I need both of you to make sure he doesn't have a legitimate gripe with Seven," Kathryn went on. Shaking her head, she said, "I can't be down there all the time…I don't see what goes on, but if we're going to nip this in the bud, then I have to know if she's out of line…and if that's the case, then I'll deal with her too." Looking over to Nicole, she said, "I don't honestly thinks that's the case because I haven't heard anything from anyone else…have you?"

"No, Captain…nothing."

"Captain," Torres jumped in, hoping she wasn't offending, "don't take this the wrong way, but what's the issue here?" As Janeway turned to her, furrowing her brow, B'Elanna smirked some and said, "Seven basically did everything in her power to countermand my authority in Engineering the whole first year and everyone told me to just deal with it." Holding up her hand, she went on, "I'm not complaining…this isn't about that, but not only doesn't Seven do that anymore…why are we suddenly concerned when we weren't before?"

"Seven knows better now, for one," Janeway answered as she approached Torres and spoke softly, "and two, she's involved with us, B'Elanna…so that means we just have to be careful. I can't afford to have this crew think that you or I treat her, or anyone, differently because we love them."

"We're not, Kathryn," Torres said quickly, but softly as well. "Seven's ten times better than she was before…and yea, sometimes she gets a little demanding down there when things get tense, but she gets the job done." Shaking her head, she said, "I don't know what Carey's problem is, but he's full of it, Captain…there's no problem with Seven. She's rarely down there, and when she is, it's at my request and she uses my workstation or my office to do what she needs to do. If he has a problem with that, then he needs to come to me because she's just doing what I tell her to do…and most of it is just research and development…like with the Astrometrics upgrades."

"You're sure, Chief?"

"Positive," B'Elanna came back. "It's crap."

"Alright," the captain responded, nodding. Then turning to Nicole, she said, "Thank you, Nick…keep an eye on things."

Understanding the she was being dismissed, Fowler asked before she left, "Do you want me to talk to her?"

"No, but thank you…I'll handle it from here on out," Janeway answered. Once Nicole bobbed her head and then left, Kathryn sighed, as she turned back to the Klingon on said, "Thank you for keeping a cool head about this. I know it's difficult, but it's for the best that you let me deal with this."

"I will, but I'm still going to talk to her," Torres said as she perched on the edge of a table and crossed her arms over her chest. Looking up at Kathryn, she explained, "Trust me, Red…I know how to explain this to her better than anyone, and if I'm telling it to her, she'll know it's true." As Janeway nodded and said, "Alright," B'Elanna looked up and asked, "Did you really think I was going to hurt him for being an asshole?"

"No," Janeway said softly as she placed her hand on Torres' arm and squeezed the firm muscles there gently, "but I couldn't risk both of you getting involved in an altercation, and I know you'd step in for her if that was occurring." Sighing, she shook her head and said, "I just couldn't risk it, Lanna…I need you both too much. It was a decision I couldn't responsibly not make. Do you understand?"

Placing her hands on Kathryn's hips and rubbing her thumbs across the material of her uniform, B'Elanna said, "Yea…yea, I get it." As she pulled Janeway close to her and pushed her face to her sternum, inhaling the spicy, freshly showered scent of her lover deeply, Torres whispered, "Kahless, I love you two so much it hurts me sometimes, cowgirl."

While Torres pulled her closer and whispered into her uniform, Janeway sighed heavily at the acute desire to seek comfort in the embrace after her argument with Seven which was still dancing across her mind relentlessly, but instead, merely kissed B'Elanna on the top of her head, and said as grabbed Torres' wrists and requested that B'Elanna release her, "I love you too, darling…but I can't do this now."

Not liking the sound of that at all, Torres released Janeway as she requested, but asked, "What's wrong?"

Shaking her head, Kathryn allowed, "I'm not sure, but I just can't…please don't ask."

As the captain turned around and started away, B'Elanna jumped to her feet and said, "Don't walk away from me, Red…don't do that."

Coming to a halt immediately, Janeway said over her shoulder, "Lanna, I'm not walking away from you, but I can't walk to you right now…it's not fair to you."

Stymied, B'Elanna questioned as she quickly made her way to the older woman, "What? What's going on?"

Kathryn sighed, turned around rubbing her forehead and looking down, admitted, "I had a fight with Seven…and it's not fair to you for me to come to you." Dropping her hand and looking at Torres, then looking up higher as her eyes threatened to well up in tears for all of her recent worry and frustrations with Seven's welfare, and the impossibly difficult balancing act she felt she was having to pull off everyday, she shook her head and took a deep breath to get herself under control, and whispered, "I'm sorry…I just can't…" Sniffling once, she sighed and asked, "Can you understand?"

"Yes, but," Torres whispered back, "I love you…and you're not asking me to take sides…I know you're not doing that." When Janeway sighed and opened her mouth, B'Elanna reached up and grabbed her neck softly, immediately running her thumb across Kathryn's jaw line. As the captain closed her eyes at the contact, and turned her head slightly into it, unable to help herself, Torres drew her head down and kissed her forehead softly, whispering, "Please don't ever expect me not to help you if I can…besides," she let Janeway stand up straight, although didn't remove her hand as she smiled crookedly, "you two can't stay mad at each other for more than a few minutes at a time. Now me and dollface, we can fight…but you're no good at it."

When the captain expelled the air from her chest once and then looked down and drew her thumb across the Klingon's sash as she took a deep breath, Torres asked, "So, can we kiss and make up now…because I'd really like to do that?"

Smiling softly as she looked up into B'Elanna dark eyes, Kathryn whispered as she nodded, "I'd like that." When B'Elanna smiled and then pulled her into her chest, Janeway wrapped her arms around her tightly as their lips met softly for just a moment, before the Klingon gently increased the pressure and requested that she open her mouth with her tongue. Complying easily, Kathryn moaned softly when Torres turned her head to the other side of her face, and moaned back as she deepened the kiss quickly. Latching onto her lover tightly as their eager tongues impacted as they had so many times before, and each time was as electric as the first, Janeway responded with vigor and began kissing Torres back passionately and with love for a few moments until she had to force herself to stop considering they were in a public place and the door they were standing in front of had windows.

Resting her forehead against Torres' as she pecked her lips softly a few times and placed her palms on her upper chest, Janeway whispered between kisses, "I love you…thank you."

"Are gonna be okay?" B'Elanna questioned seriously as she continued to rub the redhead's jaw.

Pulling away, Janeway answered, "Yes…she's coming to talk to me later today, and I'm sure we'll work it out then." Kissing Torres' parting lips one more time smartly, the captain said, "I love you…we'll talk later," then turned and headed out quickly before she was spied doing something she knew she shouldn't responsibly be doing for any reason where she could so easily be seen.

Torres let Janeway pull away and exit the room without saying anything else as her mind started racing wildly thanks for the captain's last comment. Then rubbing her forehead, it occurred to her that very possibly what her lovers had fought about was the reason why Seven had been so busy lately and ended up falling asleep in her office, and suddenly she realized that it was very possible she'd just made the situation ten times worse by comforting Janeway about something she was a part of…a big part of.

Seated quietly on her bluish grey sofa, with her thin legs crossed and cradling a cup of coffee in her lap, Kathryn Janeway sat perfectly still and almost completely motionless, as she had been doing for some time, while she stared into the richly dark liquid filling her silver mug. When her door call sounded softly, filling the deathly quiet room with the announcement of a visitor, the captain blinked her stormy eyes several times, pulling herself out of her mind and her confused sadness. Clearing her throat softly, Janeway said, "Come," before her took a sip of her java.

As Seven of Nine appeared in the doorway, calm and collected in her silver biosuit, her long, buttery braid cascading down the left side of her body, just past the definite swell of her bosom, carrying a PADD, and stopped just inside the doorway so that it could close, then turned toward and her placed her hands behind her back, Kathryn set her coffee down on the transparent surface of her coffee table, sat back, folding her hands in her lap and asked plainly, not hiding her emotions completely on purpose, "Is it later…or are you here to push me away again by manipulating me?"

Expecting some of the cold shoulder from her lover, and honestly believing that she deserved it for what she'd said in the chief's office, the knowledge that she'd let her exhaustion and frustration get the better of her and cause her to use unfair tactics against Kathryn to deflect her justified inquires, knowing that she'd hurt her significantly by accusing Janeway of not trusting her when she knew full and well that wasn't the case, Seven remained even for the moment as she reported, "The time has come, Captain, and we are required to go to the Conference Room…however," she looked away for a second to settle herself, then back to Janeway as the captain frowned at that, "I wish to speak with you privately before we do so. Will you allow it?"

Getting to her feet and starting down the stairs, although stopping at the bottom one as Seven started towards her, Janeway said with worry in her voice, far too concerned for the blonde's welfare at this point to let the wound Seven had caused with her words influence her actions further, "Seven, what on earth is going on with you?"

The Borg dropped her PADD to the floor carelessly and said as she threw her arms around Janeway, "Kathryn, I am 'sorry' for my behavior this morning, and as of late." Clinging to the redhead tightly, Seven took a deep breath, doing her very best not to weep and went on, "It was unacceptable for me to speak to you in such a manner, and I will not do so again." When Kathryn sighed against her chest, then held her tightly and started rubbing her back, telling her that she forgave her and that is was okay, and to please tell her what was going on because she was terribly worried, Seven pulled away and said with moisture filling her large eyes as she cupped Janeway's face with her human hand, "It is not 'okay,' Kathryn. You have been patient and have not once questioned me about my recent activities that have kept me away from you and acting in a unusual manner, and you did not deserve to be treated as if you were untrusting." Closing her eyes and bowing her head some, Seven said honestly, "I do not know why I spoke those words…I did not mean them. It was unacceptable."

Sighing, Kathryn snatched up Seven's Borg hand and held it to her chest as she lifted the ex-drone's face then wiped away her tears as the blonde dropped her hand in defeat to Janeway's shoulder, saying, "Darling, you're exhausted…for god sakes, Seven…you fell asleep downloading a PADD." When Seven frowned, then opened her mouth, Kathryn pressed her thumb to it and said, "Lesson number two today…I love you and I forgive you. Period. Besides," Janeway shook her head and looked down, "I shouldn't be so fragile…and I'm sorry for walking out on you."

"Kathryn," Seven sighed, slightly frustrated at Janeway's continued stubbornness and selflessness, "you should not have to hear such things, nor are you required to do so when I am not. That is unacceptable." When the captain expelled the air from her lungs in humor, knowing that what Torres said was true and they simply couldn't stand to be angry at each other for more than a few hours, and releasing the ungodly tension building within her since almost the start of this day, Seven lifted her human hand again, this time it being her turn to lift Janeway's chin and said, "I am in love with the perfection that is you, Captain Kathryn Janeway…and I am 'sorry' that my objective to see to your peace has caused me to damage you…I will endeavor to not do so again." Holding her finger to Janeway's lips, Seven added, "Please refrain from speaking at this time. Your vocal talents are not required…only your lips." When the captain smiled softly against her hand, Seven smirked and requested, "May I kiss the captain? I do not believe the event will be witnessed by her crew."

"Mmmhmm," Janeway hummed as Seven pulled her finger away, then quickly slipped her hand behind the Borg's neck and started kissing her freely, not having to pull the blonde down to her since she was still currently standing on the bottom step which made them equal in height. Not letting herself get too wrapped up for long since she still was undeniably concerned about this event that she was starting to get the feeling wasn't going to be an ordinary, run of the mill, Seven revelation, Janeway pulled away slowly and whispered as she ran her knuckles along the blonde's somewhat gaunt cheekbones, noticing again that it seemed her Borg had grown even thinner in the recent weeks, "I love you …and thank you for coming to see me."

"I was required to do so, my beautiful Kathryn…'besides,' I am never disagreeable to being in your presence."

Sighing slightly as she looked into Seven's eyes, Janeway traced her finger along the blonde's ocular implant and said softly, "Darling, what's going on? Why haven't you been taking care of yourself?" Rubbing her thumb across her cheeks, she said as deep creases of worry formed near her lips and across her forehead, "I don't like to see you like this…tell me what it is…whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. Tell me what it is…let me worry about it now."

The blonde backed away and reported as she reached down and retrieved her PADD, "The research portion is complete, Captain. All that is required now is for you to decide how to proceed." Handing the PADD over to Janeway, Seven of Nine said plainly, "This is my 'gift' to you."

Snapping her head up from the screen of the handheld device at the words that brought back the memory of Kes, and how the sweet woman's transformation had not only catapulted Voyager past Borg space and ten years closer to home, but had taken the Ocampan away from their lives forever, an event that still plucked at Janeway's heart strings on some days when she sat alone and remembered the petite blonde who'd been as close to a daughter as she'd ever had at the time, then looking back down, Kathryn asked, coarse and unsteady, "What is this?"

Having recalculated before entering the captain's Ready Room and deciding to fill her in on the 'jist' before bringing Kathryn into the Conference Room so that she didn't feel as surprised, or ambushed, Seven informed, "That is all of my data on Slipstream technology." When Janeway looked up at her, unreadable in her sudden daze, Seven said seriously and with a fair amount of feeling, "It is complete, Kathryn. It has the capability of returning you to your Collective, as well as your vessel and crew." As the captain merely blinked at her and remained frozen, the blonde stated, "B'Elanna Torres and Nick Fowler have further information about this and are currently awaiting our arrival in the Conference Room. No other individuals are aware of this information and that will not change unless you wish it. B'Elanna Torres believed it best for her to inform you considering her position aboard this vessel…however, due to today's events, I believed I was required to do so privately to adequately prepare you." Sighing as Janeway clenched her jaw as her emotions started to build up, then looked back down at the PADD for a moment, Seven said softer, but still even, "It was never our intention to deceive you, Captain. B'Elanna Torres made it possible for me to conduct my research unbeknownst to anyone in hopes that this moment would become a reality." As Janeway looked up with tears in her swirling eyes, Seven finished, "I merely wished to be able to give you this data in a manner so that all that would be required of you was to decide whether or not to use it. B'Elanna Torres and I will stand behind you in either case…as will Nick Fowler, I am certain."

While a single tear rolled down each cheek, Janeway croaked, overwhelmed with emotions, some of them breaking her heart once more, but not why Seven and the others feared, as well as shattering her reality and scaring her senseless, "How long?"

Understanding the question, Seven answered, placing her hands behind her back and preparing herself to be reprimanded, "I began my initial research when I became aware that I did not only desire you, but was in love with you, which was one hundred eight-seven days ago. I requested B'Elanna Torres' assistance the evening of the severe thunderstorm while you were required to take a walk to contemplate your misery. We have been working in tandem since that moment. I approached Nick Fowler five days ago when my research was complete because I believed she could be of assistance if you choose to go forward."

Swallowing as more tears flowed at that revelation, Kathryn said, weak as her voice broke apart unstoppable, "You did this…for me? All this time you've been working until you've been exhausted and could hardly make it to the bedroom…are you telling me…you did that for me?"

Looking down and sighing, Seven took a deep breath, then looked up directly into Janeway's marred face and said, "Not only for you, Kathryn. I did so for myself as well because I cannot stand to see you suffer as you do sometimes." Having to look back to the floor and away from the redhead's tears before she lost her own unsteady composure, the Borg said, "I find that unacceptable, and knew that I was capable of giving you this peace that you require…for which you are worthy." As Janeway slid down to the floor, cradling the PADD in her hands as she somewhat hung her head between her knees and rested her other hand on her forehead, Seven sighed, now supremely relieved that she had made the decision to unveil her data in private, and said, "I am 'sorry' if I have made you feel as though I did not trust you. That was never the case, Captain. I merely…"

"Seven…" Janeway croaked as she wiped her tears away from one cheek and looked up, "please stop apologizing…please, I can't take it."

"Very well," Seven said softly. Looking about and shifting some, she added, suddenly sounding rather helpless for a Borg, "What do you require of me? I am uncertain as to what is appropriate."

"Come sit with me," Kathryn requested, wiping more tears away. When Seven nodded then took a seat next to her on the steps, the captain grabbed her hand, then her thigh in a clinging manner, and next finally crawled into the Borg's lap, straddling her thighs and wrapped her arms around her neck tightly. As Seven held her firmly while she took a series of extremely deep breaths, Janeway finally sat up straight, opened her mouth as she looked into Seven's eyes that were clearly in certain amount of distress, then closed her mouth again and shook her head, finally whispering as she looked down at the PADD, "I don't know what to say…"

"You are not required to speak at this time," Seven informed quietly. "There is much more information to be gained from B'Elanna Torres and I know that she wishes to share in this moment with you since without her assistance, I would have not been able to conduct the necessary research in private and you would have been unduly burdened by this crew's influence. It was our goal to remove this burden from your existence, not increase it."

More tears forming in her eyes at that, Janeway shook her head again and whispered, sniffling, "Why are you two so good to me?"

"Because we love you, my Kathryn," Seven explained, "and because you sacrifice yourself for our well being consistently and will undoubtedly continue to do so. This is our 'way' of saying thank you to you as our partner and as our captain. A lesser gift would have been insufficient for the remarkable individual that is you."

From where she sat in her normal chair in the Conference Room, Lieutenant Fowler forced herself to stop tapping her foot while she waited for Seven of Nine to fetch the captain from her Ready Room, since the Borg informed both Torres and herself that she was required to speak with Janeway privately for a few moments before the meeting. Truth be known, at this point, Nicole Fowler was as nervous as she'd been on her very first one on one meeting with Kathryn Janeway several months ago when she'd been given the nod to fill in for Tom Paris while he served his punishment, and she was fully aware that so was B'Elanna Torres, and for the exact same reasons. If the situation with Seven of Nine hadn't occurred this morning, she assumed that they'd both be fairing much better, and furthermore silently believed that so would the captain after they unveiled their proposal. At first, Nicole honestly hadn't seen anything wrong with how the Astrometrics officer and the chief had gone about their plan to revitalize the Slipstream project, even if she didn't understand it totally, but now that she was fully aware of the details, particularly the details revolving around Seven of Nine and at what lengths the Borg had gone to complete her work, as well as all of the other tasks she completed on a daily basis, Fowler was now mighty concerned Janeway was going to be more than an unhappy camper at the end of this meeting because instead of coming to Janeway and allowing the captain to assign someone to assist the Borg, she'd done it all herself and it had obviously taken a toll on her body. Shaking her head just a small amount, she closed her eyes for a moment and thanked her lucky stars that B'Elanna and Seven had decided to bring this to the captain first before they'd gone after the minerals themselves, discovering just today that had been a consideration but they'd changed their minds since Fowler was the current executive officer and they figured Nicole wouldn't allow the trip without running it by the captain first since she was so new to her post and still in training, certain that would have been the icing on the cake that would have sent Kathryn into a first class rant.

Biting her nails, B'Elanna Torres looked over at her friend and asked, curious and wanting to keep the conversation off the topic of their impending conversation, "So, how'd it go with the Doctor?"

Fowler wiped her nose hurriedly, another small nervous habit she had, but tended to only do when she was trying to stifle her others, and replied, "Good…good, I go in tomorrow right after my shift. Um…he said it will only take two hours…tops, and then I'm free to go, but that I should take it easy for the rest of the night because I might be a little sore. Nothing major, but just enough to bug me a little…typical stuff."

"Right," the chief nodded, nervously, but not about the subject matter, "So, you feel good about it?"

"Yea…yea," Nicole bobbed her head, relatively absent in her reply. Then forcing herself to focus and truly answer the question, or at least do as best she could, since she knew B'Elanna was curious and concerned for her, Fowler went on with more emphasis, "It'll be weird for a while, I'm sure…but mostly just because I won't have to do the other stuff I used to do…ya know?" Shrugging Fowler said, "I don't know, I mean…I've always had them…well," she smirked, "kind of," which caused Torres to laugh since Nicole always teased her about the shorter brunette's fairly sizable bosom and constantly asked how she managed and assumed they got in the way, which was all in jest and the pilot's way of getting her friend back about the jokes about her height, something between them they never took personally. "I guess it will be sort of like not having to wear socks anymore."

"Well," B'Elanna offered, not making a big event out of it though because she knew Nicole wasn't comfortable with that, "call me when you're done…you know, so I know how it went…if you want." The Klingon would normally not feel so nervous about making such a request of her friend, but considering their fear over how Janeway would react, the lingering unease after their shouting match earlier, although they both knew that would be gone by the end of the day and it certainly wouldn't be the last time they would butted heads, they both figured, as well as the chief's anxiety about Kathryn and Seven's argument because it was clear from the redhead's reactions that she wasn't so mad as she was hurt, made such a simple thing as requesting information to check up on Nicole more difficult than normal.

"Alright…thanks," Nicole said evenly, then sighed and laughed, reporting openly, never feeling like she had to pretend to be anything she was or wasn't around B'Elanna, "Christ almighty." Shaking her head, she pushed herself up, needing to walk around and went on, "It's stupid…this is good news, so why do I feel like we're preparing to hijack a Borg Cube?"

Knowing her friend wouldn't take offense to her words, Torres laughed and said, "Welcome to the big time, Nick. We're either about to get praised or pulverized, but either way," B'Elanna grinned, showing her teeth that were only very slightly sharper than a human's, "it's going down."

"You really go in for this stuff…don't you?" Fowler asked as she perched on the table near Torres, not for the first time noticing it seemed the engineer operated best, although she was never poor, when the situation was tense and there was no time to discuss or consider, or when it was truly game time. That's when she was best at rallying the troops, seemed to come up with the best ideas, and also was at her most dangerous since if anyone showed the least amount of hesitation, B'Elanna was there to do it herself and wasn't worried about hurting someone as she knocked them out of the way. Nicole knew that she'd missed a lot of moments of watching the Klingon in action over the years, but from what she'd seen so far, especially during their Elite Force training maneuvers in the holodeck, some of which had gotten more than a little hairy in spots, that's what she'd learned about the chief. Fowler herself was quick on her feet and could handle tough situations she knew, but she didn't have the same excitement or glint in her eye as B'Elanna did during these moments.

"I'm just used to it," B'Elanna came back with little enthusiasm. "I'm Maquis, remember?" Shaking her head and looking down at her nails and she picked at their shabby ends, she said, "You all seem to forget that I was an outlaw…not that I'm complaining. Chakotay and I made big decisions like this almost everyday before noon. The only difference is," looking up and raising her eyebrows, "we didn't have to ask for permission. There were no rules to live by except to fight and stay alive so we could fight again…and that's what we did, and we did it well."

Blinking as it occurred to her that going home could possibly be a very bad thing for her best friend too, and not just Janeway—although she had no idea what B'Elanna had done during her days with the Maquis and it was something that Torres never discussed in any detail, at least not with her, she now knew from some of the high-level logs that she'd read, although she figured Janeway and Tuvok were the only Starfleet on Voyager the knew the whole story, that Chakotay's crew had been highly sought after for some time—Fowler frowned and opened her mouth to ask Torres if that's what had been bothering her recently when the door to the Conference Room hissed open. Standing up immediately as B'Elanna turned her head toward the opening and raised her eyebrows in surprise, Nicole spun around, automatically standing at attention and watched, holding her breath as Janeway entered…alone and her face was as unreadable as it had ever been, with some secret gratitude to the fresh coat of make-up Janeway had donned after taking several minutes to silently embrace her youngest lover, before she her ordered to go regenerate, which Seven did not protest.

When Janeway, carrying Seven's PADD, proceeded immediately to the head of the table and Seven of Nine was still no where to be found, Fowler swallowed, then blinked as Kathryn slid into her chair, saying, "Have a seat before you hurt yourself, Lieutenant."

While Fowler bobbed her head and then quickly took a seat in the closest chair to her position, which was next to B'Elanna and the one Seven of Nine typically utilized during their normal staff meeting, Kathryn set the handheld device in her lap as folded one hand around it, still clinging to the silver portable data display tightly since she felt as if she was very possibly holding the ticket to her crew's homecoming, as well as the catalyst for some other enormous changes, and said softly as B'Elanna, clenched jawed, looked down at her hands, "You're off the hook, Chief…Seven already told me."

B'Elanna let out the breath she was holding very slowly, then swallowed as quietly as she could while she lifted her head and turned halfway toward the captain, asking, "Where is she?" hoping she wasn't butting in, but honestly wanting to know just what exactly Kathryn's mindset was.

"She's regenerating," Janeway responded easily. "She gave me the general overview, but said that you two had specifics…so I didn't see a need to keep her longer, and she agreed. So," Kathryn said rather lightly, getting comfortable and leaning back as far as she could, she finished, "you have my attention, Lieutenants…tell me where you want go from here…exactly."

As B'Elanna turned to her for a split second, Fowler got comfortable as well while she folded her hands in her lap and sat back, nodding very quickly to the chief, informing her that she understood that this was B'Elanna's show from here on out and that she would do as they asked and back them up if it was required, although suddenly Nicole got the feeling that they'd missed something along the way because this was playing out completely opposite of how they'd planned it. Fowler couldn't possibly know what went down in Janeway's Ready Room, but now she had a feeling Seven of Nine had contemplated the situation and done whatever it was that she managed to do consistently with regards to Kathryn that gave the redhead the air of unprecedented determination and confidence that she was currently exuding. She'd expected to watch B'Elanna and Seven pretty much bombard the captain with information in a show of technological fortitude and innovation, and now she was watching Janeway already in the driver's seat requesting information at will. And once again, Nicole Fowler took a moment to think about the tall Borg and she had to keep herself from shaking her head and chuckling softly since it seemed she'd showed them all up again and proved that when it came to their commanding officer, she really did know best, and after just a moment as she let go of the thoughts and focused on the conversation, she remembered Paris' first warning about Seven of Nine, and how it was better to just leave her to Janeway, which made the green eyed brunette want to laugh out loud since it seemed to her that the warning should have been for her to not mess with the captain, and leave her to the Borg.

"Well," Torres started as she leaned forward and turned completely toward Janeway, resting half of her upper body on the table, "the first thing we need to do is run some preliminary tests on the holodeck. Seven's data is complete enough that we can plug in the info and we should be able to create a fully functioning simulation. If that goes well, which we believe it will, we'll need to send a team…me and Seven can do it easily…to the surface of this planet and gather the natural supplies we'll need." When the captain raised her eyebrows at that, B'Elanna pointed to the PADD and said, "They should all be listed in there…there's nothing hazardous, but we'll want to get that done before we leave since they're pretty rare."

As she scanned down through the data, Kathryn stated rhetorically, not looking up, her voice filled with a certain amount of dry amusement, "I'm assuming that's why she picked this planet?"

"Yes, Captain," Torres said immediately. "It was basically a jackpot…it fit both of our criteria exactly."

"Well, it's about time we had a little good old fashioned luck," Janeway mumbled, mostly under her breath. Glancing back, up, she asked, "Assuming the simulations go well and we gather the materials…then what…give me a time frame?"

"Two months to build it, tops," the chief answered, "but, we'd like to put it in the shuttle to test first." As Janeway looked back up, but said nothing or seemed surprised or anything really, B'Elanna decided that meant she should just keep going without asking permission about anything, "That's going to require some serious upgrades to our original planned design, but," glancing back at Fowler, "Nick already came to Seven a few days ago about ideas on how to make it better after our last mission, so that's when we brought her in and decided this was the best way to go…for starters."

Not bothering saying why that was since if they lost a shuttle and a few officers, that was nothing like losing a starship and an entire crew, Kathryn nodded her head and said, "How long for Voyager?"

Holding up her hands to slow them down for a moment, Torres added, "There's a small catch for the shuttle. This technology can work in a shuttle, but not as well, meaning…and we're guessing 'til we can run the simulations, but it would take probably a little over a week to send a shuttle to the Alpha quadrant." When Kathryn blinked at that number, then sat forward, although not at hurriedly as she could have, keeping herself in check for the moment, and asked her question again, Torres sat forward as well and said seriously, "Three months to build…and two days to fly…non-stop."

Pushing herself up from her chair at that, needing to keep moving since the thought of a two day trip home was efficiently sending her cardiac system working overtime, and not entirely for good reasons, Kathryn paced slowly around the table as she rubbed her forehead and looked down at the ground, trying to decide what questions were necessary and answerable at this time, then finally stopped at the back of one of the chairs across from Torres and questioned, "What about the Alaxiat?"

Sighing, Torres shook her head and said, "If we build the shuttle with the drive and it works, then when we build one for Voyager, they'll have to come aboard and leave their ship behind when we go. It's much too old…it would take a year to upgrade all of their systems to this level, and even then, it'd be risky. We'll even have to do a few upgrades ourselves…but nothing major, and all of it will be power distribution wise. Seven's upgrades to Astrometrics have made sure that we won't have a problem staying on course, so only Engineering will need some work." B'Elanna sat back and offered, "I know I don't know Devin like you do, but I didn't think it would be a problem…but I don't know." Before Janeway said anything, Torres suggested, "I know this is getting a little ahead, but there's always Devin's yacht…we can fit that in our Shuttle Bay too so they at least have something when we return."

"Well, we'll worry about that when we come to it," the captain said easily as she shook her head lightly showing it wasn't a concern at this point and knowing that she'd be the one that had to deal with it. Looking back down at the PADD and pursing her lips, Janeway continued her pacing, retracing her steps until she reached the window. Bracing herself with once hand on the partition as she gazed out at the mostly brownish planet they were orbiting, starting to wonder if this was the end of the line for them in the Delta quadrant because these kind of upgrades and such were always better and easier to accomplish in orbit since most of the ship was in standby mode and it allowed a great deal of personnel to focus on one task. For few more moments she once again let her gaze turn back to the data in her hand, feeling a bond with it like she'd never experienced before, part of that being no matter what occurred she was essentially holding Seven of Nine's mind, probably her soul as well, in her palm, then finally broke the lengthy silence as she lifted her head again and asked, turning around once her sentence was spoken, "Okay…so what's the big catch?"

Smiling as she too stood up and came over to Janeway's position, perching on the side of the desk in front of her as Kathryn looked up and held her breath, obviously expecting a very big catch, B'Elanna said, crossing her arms over her chest, "The catch is…there isn't one." Pointing at the data, the chief said openly, "That's it, Captain…Seven thought it up…I can build it for you," nodding her head backward, "and Nick can fly it home." When the captain glanced over to Fowler who merely nodded at her once, the Klingon said as she sat farther back on the table, "If you want to do this…we can do it. It's gonna take some doing…bigger than anything we've ever done…but it's solid and it's not guesswork."

Kathryn stepped up to Torres, looked at her directly in the eye and asked, "Are you telling me there's nothing…nothing that we don't know...nothing that makes this too risky, besides the speed alone?"

"She did it all, Kathryn…everything," B'Elanna said openly, although slightly quieting her voice. "I've been through it more times than I can count in the last three days…there's nothing left to chance. The only thing left is the simulations to prove that, but we knew we couldn't do those without telling you…we'll need your help to keep it quiet until we're done…if you want to keep it quiet."

Crossing her arms over her chest as her eyes twitched back and forth between B'Elanna's, the captain pursed her lips as her mind started racing, then bringing one hand to her chin and rubbing her index finger across her thin lips, Janeway finally said, "Alright…let's do it." After taking one step to the side, she finally addressed the silent pilot, "Nick, we need to keep this quiet right now, so I want you to modify your duty roster for the Alaxiat's Engineering staff. We've got to continue the work we planned to do on their warp drive or they'll know something's up." Starting to pace around slowly, she ordered, "Send Carey in place of B'Elanna…that might be best to keep him happy and out of trouble right now anyway since the two of you," speaking of the engineer and the Borg, "are going to have to work closely…I'm assuming."

"Aye, Captain," Fowler nodded easily, then stifled her grin and wonder at how Janeway always managed to remember those little details without having to contemplate the situation for more than a few seconds.

"We'll take this one step at a time, and when I feel we need to bring others into the mix, I'll make that call, but for now, it's just the four of us," the captain continued. "I'll create a secure database with level ten clearance that the four of us can use to store any information regarding this…and I mean everything. Your holodeck programs, this data," holding up the PADD, "your personal logs if you feel you have to talk about it…whatever you've got that mentions this project, put it in that database for now." Back to the window, Janeway braced herself in the same manner as before and went on, "We've also got to be careful about meeting like this, so let's hold any further discussions in my quarters since no one would think anything of that…well, nothing more than they already do," she added wryly, which caused both brunettes to snicker that the fact that the captain would actually make a joke about such a thing during this kind of discussion. "That way, if this doesn't work out like we hope before it becomes public knowledge, we can stop at any time and the crew won't know…understood?"

"Yes, Captain…Yes, Ma'am," sang both Torres and Fowler almost in unison.

Standing up straight and crossing her arms over her chest as she brought the edge of the PADD to her lips while she continued on her slow trek around the Conference Room, the captain went on, looking down and still walking, "Nick, I know you're busy…so budget your time as best you can, but I want you in the simulator with them, and I'm putting you in charge of overseeing the work on the shuttle. As far as the necessary upgrades go, you have my authorization to make them happen since even if we don't build the drive, I'm sure they'll still come in handy. Chakotay will be back in a week, so just do your best until he returns and feel free to come to me if you need any help. For the time being, I'm going to tell Tuvok that the Elite Force's alpha squad is on vacation since none of you need that extra strain, and I'm sure he'd appreciate the extra time to see to the beta squad anyway." Turning around and looking at the tall pilot, she asked, "Can you think of anything else?"

Managing a smile, Nicole said, "No, Captain…I think you just covered it."

Janeway nodded at that, then added quickly, "If anyone asks you what you're doing…just tell them you're working on upgrades for the new shuttle…it's not a lie." When both of them sounded their affirmations, Kathryn said softly, "Thank you, Miss Fowler…if you'll give us a few moments please."

"Aye, Captain," Fowler nodded, then stood immediately and started out the door toward the Bridge, saying before she exited, "See ya, Torres."

"Later, Nick," B'Elanna nodded where she was standing with her back against the window, arms and legs crossed. When the door closed behind Fowler, and Janeway finally set down the PADD for the first time as she stopped near her chair, Torres said, joking in the literal sense, but not the figurative, "You're not going to kill me…are you?"

"No," Kathryn said softly, sighing as she looked down and slowly made her way to B'Elanna. Stopping in front of her as the Klingon stopped slouching so much, but kept her arms crossed, Janeway unwound her own hands, reached up to her lover's crossed arms and pulled them open. Grasping onto Torres' hands, entwining her fingers with the engineer's as they both looked down, the captain leaned forward until the tops of their heads were resting together, cleared her throat and said quietly, "You know I don't like to jump the gun, but in this case…we have to be prepared." When B'Elanna sighed too and squeezed her hands, Kathryn started from the top before she got to what was on both of their minds, "First off, I need to know, Lanna…between you and me…how confident are you that this will work?"

Still looking down, but smiling softly, Torres whispered as she brought up one of Janeway's hands to her lips and kissed the back of her palm, "Seven and I both are confident enough that we'll let you pilot the first run…without us…that's how confident we are." Looking up, the Klingon went on as Janeway looked up as well, "Like I said, this is the real deal, Red…and I can build this for you if you want me to." Smirking as Janeway breathed deeply as her eyes misted again in agony for Torres' words, B'Elanna whispered as her eyes began to fill with moisture, unable to help it, "I'll get you back to the farm, cowgirl…'you and your little dog too.'"

Pulling B'Elanna forward and throwing her arms around her, Janeway cried quietly at the enormous sacrifice the engineer was making, knowing full and well that as the years had passed the more the ex-Maquis had realized that the Delta quadrant was probably the safest place for her. As Torres clung to her and buried her head into her neck, Janeway vowed in return, "I won't let them do it, Lanna…I won't let them take you all…not you, not Chakotay…no one." Pulling away and cupping both of B'Elanna's cheeks with her hands, she said seriously and determined, her voice strong in her turmoil, although quiet, "I'll use every tactic…every favor owed to me…the Janeway name for all that it's worth, and throw the biggest stink they've ever seen, but I won't let them take you away. I don't care what it takes, Lanna…I'll trade my command and everything I have before I let that happen."

Sighing, Torres grabbed Kathryn's hands and said holding them to her mouth, "Baby, you've got enough problems to worry about on your own…remember the book and the desk? Chakotay and I can take care of ourselves. We're used to it…we're ready for it…just let us take care of it."

"No, goddammit...no," Kathryn said adamantly, although not yelling as she shook her head and sniffled. "You're part of my crew…you've been my senior officers for over seven years…and you and Chakotay are my family, just like Seven…I won't abandon you either, ever." Pulling the Klingon's head down and kissing her softly rigged forehead, she said, "I told you I'd never let you go and I meant it, B'Elanna Torres…I won't let you go." Back to resting their foreheads together as they both sniffled and held each other's hands, Kathryn said, "You meant what you said in the Mess Hall…I know it, and I mean it too…I'm ready."

"Alright," B'Elanna nodded looking up and taking a deep breath, "but we need to talk, Kathryn…all of us, Chakotay too…and you have to listen." When Janeway nodded at her, her eyes still swirling with emotion, the chief engineer took another deep gulp of air, then said after the exhale, "Red…you know what this means, right?" Not giving the captain a chance to answer, she forced a smirk and warned, "You're gonna have to meet my mother."

Laughing once and releasing more tension, Kathryn practically mauled B'Elanna's face and chest with her hands as she bit her bottom lip and nodded quickly to keep herself from crying further, then finally grabbing a handful of the Klingon's uniform as they both breathed deeply, Kathryn Janeway pulled Torres into her, kissing her wildly and fierce, saying just before, almost growling, "Qapla'…"

Still feeling fairly dazed as she sat in her command chair that she'd just recently acquired, and now there was the very real possibility that not only would they be getting home very soon, but that she would be faced with so many changes, Fowler stared down at her hands that were in her lap as she realized that some of those changes, she wasn't so certain she wanted. Yes, she wanted to see Earth again, to see her sister and to visit all of the places she used to frequent almost every week and took terribly for granted that they'd always be there, but she wasn't ready to say goodbye to some of the people aboard this ship. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to Voyager, a ship that she was just starting to feel comfortable with and had worked herself well beyond the state of tired learning how to really fly like it was meant to be flown.

She wasn't ready to say goodbye to her captain.

She knew that through her relationship with Torres which she just believed would continue on, even from a distance, she'd stay in contact with the trio, but the Starfleet in Fowler knew it was very unlikely that Kathryn Janeway would be her captain again. After hating the woman for so many years, then being trust into a position which she'd done out of duty for herself and her uniform at first, then found herself not only not hating the redhead anymore, but actually liking her as a person and as her captain, discovering at what great lengths Janeway would go to spare her crew, and finally serving as her first officer, even if it was only for a short period of time, it seemed downright wrong to have to stop serving under her because she felt like she'd just begun, and knew now that it was a privilege because Janeway was one of the all-time greats…Nicole was beyond convinced of that.

And then there was Samantha and Naomi Wildman. As much as she enjoyed the woman's company, and her sweet daughter's, and knew that she'd enjoy continuing to be a part of their lives, Fowler couldn't pretend that that would most likely not occur. The Wildman's had lived on Deep Space Nine and Fowler had lived in Lousiana, and that was much too long of a distance to carry on such a casual relationship, and Nicole honestly cared for both of them far too much to be that selfish. Nicole knew she had too much to accomplish immediately when they returned, professionally, personally and everything in between, and the longer she thought about it, the more she realized that Janeway and company would more than likely need her assistance with all three of their causes like they needed air to breathe, and the pilot was more than willing at this point to go to bat for each of them, and even burn a few bridges along the way if necessary.

Fowler, of course, planned to stay in touch with the Wildmans, and would make it known to the blonde that if she ever needed anything that she was only a communiqué and a few shuttle trips away, but Nicole knew the scientist was much too fine of a catch to stay single for long, and honestly, the tall brunette, as much as she liked Samantha and thought they could make a mighty nice couple, she believed Samantha and her daughter simply deserved better; if not for any other reason other than Francis Sheldon, who Nicole Fowler also knew she had to track down and come face to face with once and for all to answer the question that haunted her every day: what if. There was also the fact that it was not only her decision, and she knew it was very possible, if not likely that Wildman wouldn't wish to continue to see Nicole as anything other than a friend and would more than likely be so darn busy herself that they'd be lucky if they saw each other more than once in the first six months.

As a certain melancholy started to wash over her, despite the true and tremendous sense of anticipation and eagerness, which left the emerald-eyed lieutenant feeling at opposite poles and unable to do much of anything but sit quietly and think, she was tapped on the shoulder by Ensign Rodham. Blinking her eyes and looking up, coming out from the recesses of her mind, Fowler took a deep breath through her nose before she rose, and merely mumbled, nodding at the male, "You have the Bridge, Ensign." Then stopping and turning around, she put her hand on his arm, leaned down and ordered quietly, "If anything comes up that requires the captain's attention tonight…I want you to call me first. Understood?"

"Yes, Lieutenant," Rodham nodded easily at that, it not being the first time he'd been given such an order, although it had only come from Chakotay before, and not expecting to have to follow it since they were in orbit and he figured he'd spend the entirety of his duty shift chewing his nails and sharing stories with the Bridge crew to pass the time.

Patting his shoulder, and then turning away, Fowler walked up the steps to the starboard turbolift and stepped inside, then quietly requested Deck Fourteen and decided she'd make a circuit of the ship before she attempted to go home to her quarters and brood the night away while she picked at her guitar. When she stepped onto the empty and quiet hallway of the ship's lowest deck, Fowler wished, not for the first time, that the Starfleet uniform had pockets because she was definitely in the mood for a silent, contemplative stroll. Crossing her arms over her chest instead and slowly her long stride until she was practically at a crawl as she walked, looking at the ground, visions of fairly recent and defining moments in her life came back to her.

As she recalled standing on this deck with Janeway the evening of her last sparring match with Samuel Wang, and having been basically called a cry baby by the woman, but in a manner that had given her so much to think about, and had finally been the catalyst for her change of attitude. After that night, she decided to take a risk and follow the captain's advise to the letter and started acting like the job that was now hers, was already in the bag. While she continued to walk, Nicole also recalled how later that evening, less than an hour in fact, they'd all been called to the Bridge and had watched in confusion and a good deal of wonder as a temporal rift had opened and out of it had flown the Delta Flyer, piloted by Seven of Nine. To this very day, Fowler wondered often what had been the cool blonde's motivations for destroying the unknown vessel, then make her cryptic farewell while essentially informing the entire Bridge staff of the threesome's relationship, and Nicole had to admit that it was one of the most memorable and gutsy things she'd ever seen. Even still she recalled the shock on her captain's face and the heartache in her eyes when Ensign Kim had reported that the Flyer from the future, along with Seven of Nine, had been self-destructed, and also remembered with a strange sense of understanding of how Kathryn had immediately queried the computer for Seven of Nine's whereabouts and how she'd breathed one of the biggest sigh's of relief she'd ever heard when the computer informed the questioner that the Borg was in the captain's quarters. When Fowler had been relieved of duty that night and went back to her quarters, she'd realized then and there that there was something special about those three women's love and got the feeling that as long as one of them had air in their lungs, they'd do whatever was necessary to save the others by any means possible, and that was something that Nicole Fowler respected more than most knew, and that night was also the first time she'd ever wished to be a Borg, so she could have the capability of going back in time and avenging Francis' dishonor in such a manner.

Finishing her uneventful tour of Deck Fourteen, Fowler stepped back into the carriage of the turbolift and requested Deck Twelve instead of the next deck up, deciding to pay a visit to the ship's resident Borg who she now honestly considered her friend since she knew that she was still regenerating, and would still be doing so for at least another hour. Once on Deck Twelve, which wasn't as quiet as the previous, but still fairly empty currently, since other than the Cargo and Shuttle Bays not much was down here, the tallest woman on the ship made her way to the second Cargo Bay slowly, as her thoughts once again turned to memories. She remembered her first boxing match with Seven, and how they'd both decked each other, and she laughed to herself as she recalled the pissed off look on Janeway's face as the woman, who hadn't time to join them due to her work load, had popped in while on a small break just at the right, or wrong, depending on your point of view, time, and she'd honestly been surprised the little fire devil hadn't bore holes in her head at the look she'd been given for belting the blonde.

As she turned the corner and the Cargo Bay came into view, Nicole recalled how she'd had to use Seven as makeshift latter at Burnhouse to get out of the service tunnel and ended up hauling the deceivingly heavy Borg up by her vest and doing a serious number on her back muscles, and then she laughed to herself again as she remembered how Seven had swept the captain off her feet while running down the stairs, throwing the slight redhead over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes and telling Kathryn she'd release her "when the surface is sufficient for you to tread upon," then sighed and chuckled again as she remembered watching Torres come flying out of the air tunnel with her bat'leth in hand, snarling and ready to strike. And just before she reached the door to the Cargo Bay, Fowler recalled how Seven and Janeway, mostly Seven, had made themselves into human doorstops and risked getting smashed beyond repair while they saved the Klingon warrior from certain death thanks to the malfunctioning holodeck. Shaking her head while she saw, in her mind, B'Elanna, bloodied and near death, grab Janeway and tell her it was a good day to live, then snickered out loud as in the next instant, Seven, who she'd been laying on top of informed her that she was "required to disengage" from her body, which in any other circumstance would have made her laugh, but considering her best friend was coughing up blood and other fluids as she went into shock, all Nicole had done was roll off before the Borg launched her over her head, which she knew she was more than capable of doing.

When the doors to the Cargo Bay parted evenly, producing a fairly loud, mechanical sound, Fowler expelled the air from her lungs once in endearment for blondie, and believed she finally understood why those that loved her, cherished her personality exactly the way she was, and as she lifted her head and started into the room, Nicole made a mental note to herself to express to Seven that she liked her just the way she was and hoped she never felt pressured to be any different because diversity was indeed a very good thing. As her eyes immediately fell upon the form of her commanding officer where the woman sat quietly on a cargo container as she quickly turned her upturned head that was resting in her palms, from the regenerating Borg to her position, Nicole came to an abrupt halt just inside the door, and finally got to see what was reported by B'Elanna Torres as one of the sweetest things in the world: Kathryn Janeway watching her Borg regenerate.

Suddenly feeling like she was intruding upon something intimate, Fowler held up her hand in apology and was about to speak her reasoning for entering this domain, when Kathryn raised her index finger to her lips and silently requested that she be silent, then come to her sit next to her. Fowler quickly glanced over at Seven where she stood, seemingly frozen and ramrod stiff with her arms partly extended at her sides, looking like some kind of techno-angel in her perfect peace, then started forward, finding herself walking on the balls of her feet, trying to keep the soles of her shoes from clicking on the metal floor. As the hum of the alcove drowned out most of the sound of her movement, the tall pilot took a seat next to the captain, still feeling somewhat uneasy until Janeway put her arm around her quickly and patted her back, then whispered, "What brings you by?"

Fowler shrugged weakly and said back, copying the captain's soft timbre, "No reason really…just walking." Then looking back over to Seven, having never seen anyone regenerate before, then back to Janeway, she asked, "Can she hear us?"

"Mmmhmm," Janeway nodded as she looked over at the blonde fondly, "but she'll only pay attention if she deems it relevant or can't detect who's in the vicinity." Smiling softly, Kathryn spoke freely, although still soft as she reported, still facing the Borg, "She knows I'm here…so she'll stop paying attention in a minute and go back to sleep." When Fowler rested her forearms on her thighs as she leaned forward and rubbed her thumbs across the flat, callused tips of her fingers, the captain softly patted her officer's hunched back again and asked smoothly, "Are you okay?"

Sighing, Nicole nodded slowly, the softness of their voices, the dimmed lights, the sound of the regeneration unit, the constant sound of the warp core and her suddenly uncertain future keeping her form responding any more emphatically. Turning her head to Janeway, she lifted her chin once and questioned, "You?"

"I'm not sure yet," Kathryn spoke honestly, then looked to Seven, smiled and said, "but I'll be alright." Shaking her head and chuckling softly, the captain said, "Some day, huh?"

"Yea," Fowler sighed heavily, shaking her head as well. "I don't think it hit me 'til today." Shrugging again, she explained some, "I guess I've been too preoccupied with everything else to really let it sink in that this could really be happening." Holding up her hand quickly, she said, "Don't worry…I'm not getting my hopes up, but it's hard not to think about…what it all means."

"Mmm…yes," Janeway said as she once again rested her head in her hand as she looked over and up at her lieutenant. "It certainly does give one a moment of pause." When Fowler nodded at that then turned her head away and back to her hands, Kathryn watched her for a few beats, then asked, "I'm curious, Lieutenant…if this goes the way we hope it will…what are your plans, as far as Starfleet goes…if you don't mind me asking?"

Shrugging again, Nicole sighed and whispered, "I honestly don't know, Captain…I think that's the hardest part for me. Out here," she said looking over and quirking one side of her mouth, ruefully, "I'm somebody…back home, I'm just a lieutenant in a long line of lieutenants." Turning back to her hands, she went on, "My sister's old enough now to take care of herself. I don't have any strings left as far as that goes…so I guess once I see to some things and make sure things are square, I'll just start hunting for a commission and hope I don't have to take a step backward for too long." Back to the captain, she nodded and said, "What about you…you callin' it quits…leave on a high note?"

Smiling and chuckling at that, Kathryn turned her vision back to Seven as she said, "Oh, I don't know…there's too many variables right now for me to even try to make a decision, but," Janeway indulged herself, "forgetting all of that, and after taking a lengthy vacation, I'm torn between settling down and staying planet-side and requesting another command." Scuffing her feet across the floor once, Janeway smiled and said, "As much as I love this lady…I think it will be time to say goodbye to her and ask for something a little different…something not designed to get in and out of tight spots. I think we've all fought enough for one lifetime."

Fowler elbowed the captain softly and said, "I think you should go for the flagship…give Picard a run for his money…he's been there too long anyhow…well, that's assuming he's still around," she finished quiet. As Janeway chortled soundlessly, but shook her head negatively, not interested in having to be that much of a diplomat and although not adverse to a galaxy class vessel, she was hoping to return to a more science and discovery centered duty, Nick smiled and joked, although not entirely, "Think about it…with the gruesome twosome behind the scenes, you in the chair…me in the pilot's seat…we'd leave the boys in the dust." Turning back to her hands, she laughed softly and said, "I know some good women in command…I'll send them your way since," she finished quietly, "something tells me the commander won't be back. He seems like he'd be ready to hang it up and settle down."

"Is remaining under my command something you'd like to do?" Kathryn asked frankly but soft and humble.

Sighing heavily, Fowler kept her face toward her hands and whispered, "Yes, Ma'am…it would be an honor, but," she sighed again shaking her head, "I was just jokin' around…I know that's not going to happen. I know they'll break us all up and maybe they should…although," she shrugged, "I honestly can't figure out what's so wrong with keeping folks together. Who knows," shrugging again, "maybe us hangin' together will teach them a thing or two…although," she smirked, "I won't hold my breath, but yes," looking back over to Janeway, "I'd like to be your pilot."

"How about my first officer?" Holding up her hand as Fowler blinked, Janeway said, "Just hypothetically since I can't make any promises…can't even be sure I'll have a commission, or even want one, but hypothetically speaking…is that something you'd be interested in?"

Swallowing and turning back to her hands, Nicole shook her head and said, "Captain…I…I don't know what to say to that?" Looking back at Janeway, she felt the need to ask, "Do you think I'm ready for that?"

"Don't you?"

Back at her hands, then looking up at Seven, Nicole sighed and answered, "Honestly, Kate…I don't know." Dropping her head again and playing with her hands, Fowler said, "I guess I've done alright so far, but I don't know…I guess I never considered it." Blinking her eyes and turning back to Janeway, she asked, blunt, "Why me?"

"Why not?" When Fowler expelled the air from her chest, then shook her head and replied, joking, somewhat, "I'm just a hick pilot who couldn't get her shit together for seven years?" Kathryn smiled softly and said, rather hoarse and smoky as she leaned over and continued to rest her head in her hand, "I think that's a reason why…not a reason why not. You learned from your mistakes and you won't make them again." Sitting up straighter and leaning back on her hands as she gazed up at Seven, the captain informed, "To quote our Fynth comrade, I'm old and set in my ways, Nicole. If I do go back, it will be for the love of exploration and nothing more, and I'm not interested in starting fresh with a new face." Resting her chin on her chest as she looked down at her feet, Janeway whispered, "This whole experience has taught me a lot about myself and about what works best for me…and I'm not interested in going back to working with someone who's just a uniform…who doesn't know when to call me Captain, when to call me Ma'am…and when to call me Kate." Smirking slightly, she continued, "I don't want someone who doesn't know when to speak up, and when to keep quiet without me having to remind them…someone who knows where I've been, and what exactly someone means when they tell them not to fuck with Seven." When Fowler snapped her head toward her in shock, Janeway turned up one corner of her mouth and said, "Yes, I heard it all…and he was right," looking back up to her Borg, "it's generally not a good idea. So, it seems to me," looking back to Nick who was knowing smirking herself, "that you're the right person for the job…that's if you want it."

Patting Fowler on the back, Janeway said as she sat up, "Think about it…make sure it's what you want when it's all said and done, but just know if that's what happens, and I go back, you're at the top of the list since no, I highly doubt Chakotay would be interested." Smiling softly, she whispered, "I think he's had enough of fire devils for the time being."

Nicole laughed modestly at that, then sighed and said, "Thank you, Captain…even considering me is an honor, and I will." Then nodding, feeling even more dazed than before, she stood and said, "Well, I'll give you two some privacy…thanks for your time, Captain." Turning away as Kathryn wished her a good night, Fowler stopped after a few steps, and said as she turned back around, "Oh, and before I forget…I'll be out of commission for the night, tomorrow after my duty shift…Doctor's orders." When Kathryn furrowed her brow in concern, the pilot turned up one corner of her cheek and reported, "It's nothing major…just a little, and I do mean little," she laughed quietly, "cosmetic surgery."

Smiling at that news, Kathryn bobbed her head twice and said, soft and warm, "Well, good luck…and call us if you need anything, or," she smirked and turned back to Seven, "is my assistant's mother taking care of that?"

"Shit," Fowler allowed under her breath, "I'll say it again, Miss Kate," then rallied as she walked away, shaking her head, "Torres has nothing on you in the sleuth department…not a damn thing…"

Propped up against the headboard of Ensign Samantha Wildman's bed with the blonde's workstation in her lap that was covered in a sheet, but her bare, muscled and still slightly sensitive chest was exposed to the temperate, still air of the scientist's bedroom, Lieutenant-Commander Nicole Fowler—after the news of the Slipstream drive, Janeway had changed her mind, wanting to give Fowler her promotion immediately now that returning was a very real possibility, which forced her to do some fast talking with Tuvok and explain the change, but having been successful in just explaining that with the new upgrades to the shuttle Fowler would be working on would push the promotion off farther than she wished, and decided to just hold a private, luncheon ceremony since it was unlikely they'd have time to put together the diversity festival for a few weeks, if ever, but she had invited the Alaxiat's senior staff, the Elite Force alpha and beta sqaud as well as Samantha and Naomi Wildman, a fairly presumptuous move for the good captain, but one she felt was allowed and wouldn't go unappreciated, to make the celebration a community event—glanced down to her left where Samantha slumbered next to her at the sound of the woman's daughter calling out to her mother from the other room while she finished reading the last of the reports that she was required to keep up with due to her continuing duty as Voyager's executive officer. When Samantha immediately stirred and started to come out of her sleep, Fowler reached down, rubbing her cheek with her thumb and said, "I've got this one, boss…go back to bed."

As Fowler climbed out of bed, wearing her typical pajama bottoms, Samantha asked quickly, rather sleepy, "Mmmare you sure?"

"Be right there, little miss," Fowler said loudly as she turned around, her long hair cascading down the front and back of her chest, then said with amusement to the child's mother, "I think I can handle it, Sam." When the blonde stuck her tongue out at her, then whispered her thanks, Fowler chuckled softly as she turned to the open door and proceeded into the child's bedroom that was directly next to her mother's. As the soft, amber lights from the wall paneling illuminated Naomi's bedroom, the pilot walked quickly over to the redhead's bed where she was sitting up, asking, "What's up, little miss?"

Rubbing her eyes while Fowler perched on the side of the bed, Naomi asked, "Is Mommy still here?"

"Yep, she's sleeping in the other room," Fowler answered easily. "Why don't you tell your old pal Nick what's wrong so we don't have to wake up your mama?"

"I'm thirsty," Noami frowned as Fowler perched on the side of her bed. Poking her head around and looking out into the living room, the child reported as she pulled her long hair off her forehead where a few strands were tangled in her cranial spikes, "But I thought I heard a noise out in the living room." Looking back to Nick, she questioned, "Did you hear a noise?"

Shaking her head, Fowler said, "Nope…what did it sound like?"

"I don't know…I was asleep when I heard it," the youngest Wildman informed as she once again looked out into the darkened depths of the living room. "Are you sure you didn't hear anything?"

"Yep, I was awake reading when you woke up."

Frowning, then sighing, the captain's assistant said, "Oh." Glancing back to the room, she asked, "Will you go with me to get some water?"

"Sure…I could use some myself," Fowler reported as she stood up and extended her hand. As the child climbed out of bed in her white nightgown, reached far up to the tall pilot's large palm and took it, Nicole glanced back and said as they started forward, "Okay, I'll go first and you cover me."

"Okay," Naomi nodded as they crept toward the room.

Stopping at the doorway and peeking out, Nick whispered, "Looks clear to me…you?"

Daring to glance around the corner, the child finally nodded, then gave a thumbs up, whispering, "It's clear."

Fowler stepped into the living room with the child at her heels, slightly hiding behind her, and once they were in the center of the room, she stopped and said, snapping her fingers, "I know what you heard…that was your just your mama snoring."

"I heard that, Fowler," came Samantha's voice from the bedroom.

As the child covered her mouth as she giggled, Nicole snicker, then asked, "Do you mind if we turn on the light, Sam?" Once the blonde said that was fine, Nicole ordered the lights up, then looked around and said, "That must have been it…guess the coast is clear?"

Relaxing immediately, Naomi nodded then let go of the brunette's hand as the pilot went up to the replicator and ordered them two waters, then said, "I didn't know Mommy snored?"

Chuckling, Fowler fibbed, "I think she was just really tired. Here," she offered, handing the child her water. After taking a few large gulps for herself, while the child did so, she asked when Naomi handed it back and reported that she was finished, "Feel better?"

"Mmmhmm," Naomi nodded, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, "What were you reading?"

As she set the glasses back into the device and recycled them, Fowler answered, "Just stuff for work…nothing as exciting as the books you and the captain read." Turning around and gesturing to her mother's bedroom, she said, "Why don't you go give your mama a kiss, then I'll tuck you back in." After Naomi trotted into her mother's room, climbed on the bed and kissed her good night once more, they returned to the child's colorful domain.

As the girl climbed back into bed, pulled the covers up while Fowler perched on the edge, Naomi asked, "Nick…how come you call Mommy, my mama?"

Smiling, Fowler explained, "Because where I grew up we say mama instead of mommy, but it means the same thing…kind of like neat and cool."

"Oh," Naomi nodded, then followed up, "Is that why you say darlin' and the captain says darling?"

"Yep."

"Nick…"

"Little miss…"

"Why do look like a boy?" asked the child out of curiosity since she'd seen her mother, Seven, and the captain without a shirt, as well as several males, and had drawn several conclusions about the differences just from her observations, as well as things her mother had explained to her about the body.

Honestly expecting the question, and having purposefully not put on a shirt since she wanted to get it over a quickly as possible, figuring explaining it to the child would do her good and probably help to settle herself, Fowler questioned softly, to make certain, "What part of me looks like a boy to you?"

Pointing to the pilot's chest, she said, "Your chest…you look like Commander Chakotay, but you're not a boy like him."

"Well," Nicole started easily, "no…I'm not a boy. I'm a girl, just like you and your mama…I just look a little different. I look this way partly because that's just the way I look, and partly because I like to look this way. Like my muscles…I exercise and work out a lot so I can keep them. Do you understand?"

"Is it like the captain?"

"How do you mean?" requested Nicole, confused.

"She doesn't look like Seven or my mommy either," the child reported easily. "She's a lot smaller than them and she says that she can't help it and that she's just a small person. She has freckles too…like me, and my mommy and Seven don't have freckles…neither does B'Elanna Torres…that's what the captain says."

"Oh, well," the commander continued, "that's some of it, yea. I can't help that I'm a big person, and I don't have any freckles either," the tanned brunette smiled, then lightly poked the child's stomach. After Naomi got done giggling, Fowler added, "But I'm different than the captain…I like to look like both a boy and a girl...that's why I don't wear make-up like the captain and your mama...but," she added quickly, "some boys wear make-up too, but mostly they don't."

"How come you like to look like both?"

"Because I just like to," the woman explained plainly. "That's just me…that's who I am…that makes me an individual," hoping to appeal to her by using the term that she knew Seven of Nine utilized often, "that makes me special…and everyone's special because everyone's different." Bringing up her hand to Naomi's forehead, the tapped one of her cranial horns and said, "Just like you're different because of your spikes…and Seven is different because of her implants. Everyone is different in some way…and that's good because that makes us all cool in our own special way." Nodding her head, she added, "And sometimes it's also cool to have things in common…like how you and the captain have freckles and red hair, but that's not as important as being yourself and respecting others for being themselves. I'm myself by looking like both a boy and a girl, and you are yourself by," smiling and tickling the child again, "being little miss."

After laughing, Naomi nodded seriously and said, "Well, I think it's cool 'cause you can throw me in the water just like Seven, but you don't need implants." Then snickering and covering her mouth, she whispered, "Mommy thinks you're cool too…she told me so."

Chuckling, Fowler whispered back, "Well, that's good because that wouldn't be so cool if she didn't since she's pretty cool herself."

"Nick…"

"Yep?"

"Do you think my mommy is pretty?"

Smiling, Fowler nodded and replied, "Yes, Ma'am…she's mighty pretty."

"My mommy thinks you're pretty too," Naomi giggled again, whispering, "she told me that too."

"Well that's good too." When the child smiled then nodded her agreement, Fowler asked, "Any other questions before I go?"

"No…that's it."

"Alright," Fowler said as she bobbed her head then stood up. "I'm gonna turn of the light now so we don't bother your mama…okay?"

"Okay. Good night, Nick."

"Night."

"Nick…"

In the seam of the doorway, Fowler stopped and turned without frustration or impatience, responding, "Huh?"

"Will you shut the door so Mommy doesn't wake me up again?" On the very next beat, almost without a pause, the youngest Wildman continued, "I'm not used to having the door open when I sleep, so I never heard her snore before."

"Sure," Fowler nodded, not bothering to ask why Naomi had requested that her mother leave the door open since she figured the child was possibly uneasy about the tall pilot's presence for the simple fact that she'd never come over for the evening and made it known that she planned to stay the night. Nicole would have been slightly worried if the child continued to show changes in her behavior that expressed being unsettled in her presence, at least in this manner since she knew that Naomi certainly didn't dislike her, but since the child was requesting now to go back to her normal routine the pilot figured that was as good indicator as any that she'd been given the ultimate seal of approval: the trust of a woman's only daughter. Before she closed the door, Nicole offered, "I'll be up workin' on my log for a spell, so if you need anything, just let me know…okay?"

"Okay…goodnight."

"You too…sweet dreams, little miss," Fowler offered again then shut the door to the child's bedroom. After commanding the lights off the lights in the living room, she came back into Samantha's very dimly lit room and asked since the woman was awake, turned toward the door and propping head up on her elbow smiling, "Do you usually shut your door?"

"Mmmhmm," the blonde nodded, putting her head back on the pillow, not bothering to inform the pilot that her daughter was now comfortable with Nick staying over since she figured Nicole was aware of that, and if she wasn't she also didn't want to make it seem like a big event, even if was in the scientist's book. As Nicole shut the door then started back toward the bed, she said, "I can't believe you told her I snore," but the light, airy tone to her voice gave her away.

"Well, it's true," Nicole chuckled as the crawled back into bed and resumed her sitting position.

Swatting Fowler on the leg, Samantha came back, "You're such a liar," then added as she smiled and snuggled up to Fowler's thighs, "a cute one though."

Chuckling, the brunette reached down and said as she brushed the hair off of Samantha's neck and shoulders, then rubbed the area softly as she set her workstation back into her lap, "I'll make it up to you."

Nuzzling Fowler's leg, Wildman said, "Why don't you hurry up being important and then let me make it up to you for a little while…what are you doing, anyhow…or is it top secret?"

Fowler snickered as she slipped her hand underneath the back of Samantha's tank top and rubbed her warm skin, reporting, "Just finished the last of the boss lady's reports, and now I'm gonna write a personal log. I'm not real good about keeping them, but I thought I should make done today to kind of…reflect." Looking down, she added, "But don't you worry, I'll type it so you won't know all my secrets, and," she grinned and rubbed Samantha's back with more purpose, "I can do it one handed."

Humming, Samantha carefully turned over to give her lover privacy, guiding Fowler's arm out of her shirt, around her torso, then back down the front of it, saying, sexy but sleepy, "Mmm, I'm sure…you're very dexterous, Commander." As she moved her body until her back was against Nicole's legs and her head resting in the spot between the pilot and her thick, Samantha kissed the skin near hear elbow as Fowler cradled one of her breasts and whispered, "Are you comfortable?"

Smiling as she accessed the manual input interface and opened a log while she gently rubbed the invitingly soft flesh around the fingers of her left hand, Nicole said, "Oh, don't you worry about me, darlin'…I'm just dandy."

As the brunette squeezed her bosom once with a little more purpose and said, "Fine and dandy," Wildman flicked her tongue against the flesh of Fowler's arm, then nipped her quickly before she nuzzled her forehead against the skin, smiling and murmuring, "Mmmgood…don't stay up too late."

"Yes, boss," Fowler laughed softly. When Samantha elbowed her, but smiled as she relaxed completely into the position, Fowler did so as well while saying, "I won't, darlin'…you're much too nice to resist for long." Once Wildman gave her approval with a small peck on her arm, then sighed happily and fell silent, Nicole watched her for a few moments, her delightful grin slowly turning to a more serious look of regard, before she rubbed her chest once with the thumb and turned to her log entry, taking a few minutes to think before she wrote, and afterward utilized the captain's secure database to store the file:

Stardate: 50412.9     Subject: Second Chances Once again here I am trying to compose one of these things…you know I'm not any good at them, never have been, never will be. But as always, I'm going to give it my best shot because I know I'll regret it later if I don't, and honestly, I think I have enough regrets that if I never have another one, I'll be doing just fine. I've been thinking a lot of my dad today. Maybe that's because I don't have tits anymore??? or more probable because he never liked it too much that I chose Starfleet over music. Anyway, along with all the other things going through my mind, he's been fresh in my thoughts today…and as I sit here next to this beautiful, sweet woman sleeping next to me, I think maybe I should just go with my gut and speak how he, not Starfleet, taught me, because as Pops always said, life sounds best when it's sung in rhyme: Second Chances by N. Fowler If I'd known she was Second Chance, I'd never have waited 'til the last dance, And have tried at the first glance, To find my place at her side… I'd have jammed to a fresh tune, Beneath the shadow of a new moon, Please, sister, it seems too soon, To become a cousin to you… Second Chance may ask me in Heaven, to stay, Though like it or not, we'll face Hell anyway, And lady, come this Judgment Day, With the angels, I'll fall… Is gone with the wind, my regret to cry? If even tomorrow, we dance or die? Sailing steady as she goes, and kissing goodbye, To Second Chances and time… Maybe my circle will spin thrice about? Perhaps I'll rectify that cold, silent shout? While cutting the strings on this puppet of doubt, And find my Second Chance in flights of Fancy again… Yet tomorrow feels too soon, Nor am I ready for a fresh moon, Or to groove to a new tune, Since I just learned to fly…

fin