I Regret to Inform You
 

"Report," Captain Kathryn Janeway, commanding officer of the U.S.S. Voyager asked crisply but without the demand's normal crack, walking up to Lieutenant Nicole Fowler, the intrepid starship's current primary pilot, from the aft compartment of the Delta Flyer, who was still manning the midsized, streamlined shuttle's helm.

Waiting for the captain to take a seat next to her, Fowler responded smoothly, "We're holding steady, Captain. Voyager's maintaining their position as well. I told them to stay back until the lieutenant has had a chance to check everything out."

"Good," Janeway nodded, leaning back, hardly able to hide her happiness, but since she was a professional at masking her emotions, at least most of the time, although she had to admit she'd been slipping a great deal lately, she was certain that she just looked pleased that they had managed to salvage the warp core and not get them all killed in the process. This, of course, was not untrue...however, if someone were to ask Kathryn, not the captain, why she was so happy at this moment, honestly, she would have answered simply, "B'Elanna Torres." Looking over at Fowler, Kathryn remarked, "Not bad for your first time in the hot seat."

Smiling a little once she felt that Janeway wouldn't mind since the captain seemed to be quite happily herself, Nicole nodded and said, "Thank you, Captain…I probably shouldn't say this, but since I know that you're ranked higher than me as a pilot…well, it means that much more." "So that's why I'm here...testing to see if I crack under pressure. How the hell did she think of that when she was in the process of ejecting the core?"

Not taking any offense, Janeway said, "Well good…but I'm not just talking about your piloting skills, Lieutenant…you knew when to keep your mouth shut and just do your job. I appreciate that." Before she could continue, she was hailed over the Delta Flyer's communication system.

"Torres to Janeway."

"Go ahead, B'Elanna," Janeway said quickly, straightening her shoulders and looking at her sensor board and returning her focus to their mission without difficulty.

"I'm ready, Captain. I don't think we should risk transporting me outside…I'd like to keep any kind of energy fields away from the core until I can check it out," Torres explained. "I've set up a forcefield just outside of the aft compartment's door, so you can depressurize the room and open the hatch whenever you're ready."

Knowing that B'Elanna knew what she was talking about and trusting that she was making the best decision as far as the warp core went, Janeway asked before she would allow it, the safety of her crewmember overriding even the most important piece of technology to her ship, "How are you going to get to the core?"

"I've got on a jet pack, Captain…and I'm tethered to the Flyer…don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."

"Alright...be careful…I'm depressurizing the compartment now," Janeway exhaled softly, once in laughter at the hidden meaning of Torres' comment. Once that was done, she said, "Okay…opening the hatch…I want a report every five minutes."

"Aye, Captain. Tool-pusher out."

Powering down the weapons and the manual targeting system, Janeway laughed quietly as she brought up transporter control and locked onto Torres' coordinates, tapping the blue and pink sensor strips with the long, thoughtful fingers, hardly having to think about what she was doing she was so accustomed to the movement, just to be safe. Leaning back again, the redhead sighed, "With any luck, I might just get a few hours of sleep after this mess is over."

"What happened?" asked Fowler, relaxing a little herself, B'Elanna's banter with Janeway assisting her with knowing how to act around the ranking officer.

"I don't know yet," Janeway sighed again, this time in frustration. Rubbing her forehead, she explained, "One minute, I'm in my quarters trying to relax…and the next…I'm ejecting the warp core…that's about what happened." Letting her hand fall heavily against her leg, all the implications of this evening's events with regards to the ship coming into scope now that she didn't have to worry about losing the core all together, she said, "So…I guess you'll be attending your first staff meeting bright and early tomorrow…this is going to set us back a bit…and just when we didn't need it." Janeway pushed herself up form her chair and asked, "Want some coffee?"

"Yes, thank you," Nicole replied, continuing to try to go with the flow.

"Black…right?" asked the captain at the replicator. When Fowler responded affirmatively, Janeway programmed two cups of black coffee and took them back over to their chairs, looking at her sensor board to make certain the transporters were still locked onto Torres. After sipping her drink for a few minutes, eyeing Fowler, trying to gauge how to best broach a subject she knew she didn't have to, but probably should, she cleared her throat and said, "Lieutenant, this isn't something that I would normally discuss, but unfortunately, you were privy to information that isn't widely known as of yet. I'm not going to order you to keep your mouth shut, but I would appreciate your discretion for Seven's sake."

Blinking once, Fowler turned to Janeway and asked, "For Seven's sake?" Then amending quickly, she added, "I mean…yes, of course, Captain. I won't discuss it... you have my word." Then scratching the back of her neck, she added, "But I thought you'd be concerned for your sake? I already planned on keeping quiet for your sake..." then giving a semi-crooked grin, she finished, "and for mine."

Chuckling softly, just once, really admiring this woman's candor, Janeway explained, "It's complicated for many reasons…but mostly because, as I'm sure you're aware, Seven is…ill…at this moment."

"Yea, I heard Harry say something about it the other day," Nicole admitted, hoping that would draw more information out of the captain, just so she could understand why she was being asked to protect Seven of Nine's interests and not her captain's.

"Well, at the end of the week," Janeway said looking down, "she'll be undergoing a delicate procedure to remove one of her more vital implants…and she'll have a lengthy recovery time." Bringing her coffee to her lips, she said, "So, I would rather save her any extra stress than having to worry about things such as rumor…whether it be true or not."

"I understand," Fowler nodded. Then looking away, hoping that her tendency to engage in conversation wasn't about to get her pulverized by a woman who she knew at times, from word of mouth rather than personal experience, was very capable of doing so just with her voice, she said, sheepishly, "That sounds serious…the procedure, I mean."

"It is," Janeway said equally quiet, "but I have every faith in the Doctor and the rest of the crew assisting him."

"Well…I hope she feels better soon…I mean that," Fowler offered, indeed meaning her words. She might not be the captain's biggest fan, but she certainly was gaining a great deal more respect for her as the days passed, and Nicole Fowler would never want anyone to lose someone they loved. That was something she knew quite a bit about and she wouldn't wish that kind of hurt on her worst enemy, just wanting the whole idea to disappear from reality, truth be known.

"Thank you," Janeway responded, looking down as the sound of her voice vanished like a ghost, "I'll tell her you said so." Then laughing a little, she continued, "You know, you two would probably get along pretty well."

"How's that?" questioned Fowler, uncommitted.

Smirking, Janeway informed, "She tends to speak her mind too."

"Torres to Delta Flyer."

Sitting up in a flash, Janeway said, "Janeway here."

"I just reached the core, Captain…just checking in. I'll start my scans immediately."

"Acknowledged. Janeway out," the captain said, setting down her coffee on the sensor board before she slouched back again. "Well…I guess all we can do is wait."

The rest of the night felt like it was one of the longest on record for the captain. After Torres returned to the Delta Flyer, reporting that the core was in good shape and could be returned to its home, they performed the delicate process of tractoring the device into position so that Voyager's system could latch onto it and guide it safely back into the ship. Ejecting the core certainly wasn't something they did every day, so that process took nearly two hours. Once that was complete, Fowler landed the shuttlecraft back into the main vessel's Shuttle Bay and Janeway left with B'Elanna immediately, leaving Fowler to see to powering down all the systems and performing a routine maintenance diagnostic since they had had no time to run through any pre-flight system checks. Then seeing Torres to Engineering and giving her instructions, wishing that she could just tell her to go to bed and prepare for tomorrow, but knowing that the warp core had to be dealt with before anything, she met her first officer and Commander Tuvok in her Ready Room where she debriefed them and discussed the situation. Since the core had been manually shutdown in such a hasty manner, it was a good chance that not even their marvel of a tool-pusher could get it back online for several hours, if not days, and they still had to find out why the plasma injectors were malfunctioning in the first place before they could even attempt to restore their primary engine. That, on top of knowing that Seven's surgery simply could not be delayed, especially after having such a difficult day, and understanding that Torres' presence was required there as well, plus the fact that the thrusters still needed work, as well as the landing struts, and that there was an unknown ship still bearing down on them, now only two days away, didn't bode well for the captain's mood. During her discussion with her two highest ranking officers, Janeway had sat on he couch, put her hands over her face and did the only thing she could think of to keep herself from screaming, she hailed the Doctor and demanded that he go to her quarters and look after Seven until further notice. Once they worked out the majority of the duty roster, Janeway dismissed them, informing them before they went that there would be staff meeting tomorrow at 0800 hours.

Then taking a few minutes to calm down and keep her frustrations and nerves in check, she left her office for the night and went back to Engineering. Stepping through the large doors to the ship's center, she nodded to an ensign, who announced her presence and headed straight for Torres, who had donned her tool jacket, her other tunic still being in the captain's quarters. Janeway was still prancing around without her jacket as well, since she really hadn't expected to be gone this long. Standing over Torres, who was lying on her side, scanning one strut of the locking mechanism of the core, Janeway asked, her tone reserved, "Report."

The chief didn't bother looking up and over her shoulder since her captain's voice was unlike any other person's on the ship, or the galaxy, she assumed, even if her presence hadn't been announced, and answered, "Do you want the whole run down…or just a report on the locking struts?"

Not liking the sound of that, the captain folded her arms over her chest and sighed, "Give me all of it."

Finishing her scan, she offered, "Why don't we go into my office?" Once they were inside, Torres pressed the sensor on her desk that shut the door and said, "Have a seat." When Janeway did that as well, her mood darkening by each request, Torres sat on top of her desk, facing Janeway and said, "Frankly, Kathryn…we're fucked."

Not offended by Torres' words since she had heard them before in such a manner, knowing that her engineer wouldn't sugar coat anything, she stood up, and began pacing, rubbing her neck, "How bad?"

"Well, the core is offline until we can find out what caused the problem in the first place," Torres explained, rubbing her neck as well, feeling the tension. "I don't think that will take very long…but when it happens, is up to you. We don't have the resources to repair the thrusters, and the struts, and the core, without me, all at the same time. So, how ever you want us to do it…that's how it we'll get it done."

"With this set back, will the thrusters still be fixed by tomorrow?"

"Yes, if we keep working on them like before," B'Elanna nodded. "After the deck was pressurized, Carey got everyone right back to work…so they only lost a half hour."

"Well, that's good news," Janeway said, walking back over to Torres and leaning against the desk next to her. "How about the struts?"

"If we leave the core alone for now, they'll be fixed by your requested time," the Klingon answered, "but if you want warp power back, they'll have to wait."

Pushing off again, running her fingers through her hair, Janeway spat, angered, "Dammit!" Then breathing, she continued to pace and decided, "I want the warp core back online and running as soon as possible. Forget the damned struts… they'll just have to wait. I'm not going to have us here licking our wounds when that ship arrives. Do you have any idea how long it will take?"

"It's a guess…but a day," Torres said, easily, not intimidated by Janeway's ire in situations like this anymore, at least when it wasn't directed at her. "Possibly two, but I doubt it. I might take us longer to find out exactly what happened, but we can continue with the investigation after the core is online. I've secured all the sensors logs, and if it's okay with you, I'd like to out and out replace the malfunctioning injector…and keep the other one for analysis."

"Do it," Janeway said, nodding with her back to Torres, pacing slowly, looking at her feet. Then turning, she brought her stare to B'Elanna and said, "Lieutenant, I want to know exactly why this happened and how to prevent it from every happening again, is that clear?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Torres answered, now feeling the intimidation as Janeway's crystalline glare was directed soley at her. "I'd like Commander Tuvok here through the night while we dismantle the injector…if that's doable?"

"Tuvok?" Janeway asked, shocked. Then hardening, she questioned, incensed, "You don't think…this was sabatoge?"

Hopping down from the desk, she said, "Honestly, I don't know? The only other time we had to eject the core was when we were trying to create a transwarp conduit…nothing like that was going on today. Teams were dispatched all over the place working on the thrusters and the struts…and well, we're in orbit. I can't explain it. I'm not saying that it was…but considering I haven't been around to keep and eye on things, and the circumstances…well, it smells fishy." When Janeway continued to look very displeased by her train of thought, Torres held up her hands in understanding and said, "Captain, I just want to be cautious. I don't like the idea any more that you do…but I think it's best."

Janeway eyed her carefully for a moment, remaining silent and then finally nodded and said, quiet, "Alright…I'll inform him of the situation." Then rubbing her neck again, she asked, "I'm afraid to ask…is there anything else?"

"No…that's it."

Sighing heavily, the redhead turned to the chief and said, "Alright. Thank you…let's go."

"Where are we going?"

"I'm going to personally walk you to your quarters so I know that you aren't spending the whole night here trying to fix everything yourself," Janeway explained rather cranky. "This situation is bad enough without me having to worry about you too. The Doctor still needs your help, and I need your report for the staff meeting tomorrow morning."

"Captain…but I," Torres started.

"Lieutenant..." Janeway warned, her voice letting Torres know she was walking the line, "I don't want to hear it. Now grab your things and let's go. I, myself, would like to get some sleep tonight."

"Aye, Captain," Torres responded without further protest, having heard the tone from her captain more than once and knowing it wasn't one to be taken likely. After they exited the chief's office, she grabbed a few of her personal tools that she brought with her to work each day, not trusting them in the hands of anyone else, and followed Janeway to her quarters. The walk there was made in complete silence, so when she opened her door and stepped inside, turning to say goodnight, she didn't expect Janeway to follow her, but of course, didn't protest either when she did. Setting down her tools on her table, she said, "Some day, huh?"

"Definitely had its highs and lows," Janeway yawned, coming up behind Torres and wrapping her arms around her waist, resting her tired head against her back. "I can't stay but a minute, but I wanted to say thank you for dinner, and for trying to make me feel better…it worked, well, at least for a while."

Turning around, she brought Kathryn into her chest, holding her softly and responded, "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Red. I had a good time…and thanks for asking about what I like…it means a lot to me." Then titling her head and lifting Kathryn's chin so she could kiss her, she did so, softly and finished, "And thank you for loving me…and telling me. I love you so much…I don't think you'll ever be able to know."

Kissing Torres back, and then resting her head on her shoulder again, she said, "I love you too, Lanna." After staying there for a minute, trying to gain a few moments of peace amongst all this chaos, Janeway straightened, kissed her smartly on the mouth and said, "I have to run…goodnight, darling."

"You too…and don't run yourself into the ground," Torres said, sitting on her bed and kicking off her shoes. "We'll all pitch in and get this done…Seven still needs you."

"I know…I'll get some rest, I promise…sweet dreams."

After leaving Torres' quarters, not caring if anyone saw her, although no one did since it was now the middle of the night and everyone was either asleep or at their posts, Janeway went back to Engineering for a while, looking over things and informed Lieutenant Carey of the situation, well, as much as he needed to know. Then after that, she met up with Tuvok in her office and requested that he report to Engineering and oversee the dismantling of the faulty injector. Tuvok, being the Chief of Security, agreed with Torres' request and accepted the task without any coercing, considering he was going to be up all night, and probably a good deal of tomorrow. If Janeway didn't have to take care of Seven, she would have insisted that he pick up the task in the morning, while she took care of tonight's, but since she was the only one that really could take care of the sometimes, high-maintence Borg, all circumstances considering, she had to just accept that sometimes she couldn't do everything. Once all of that was complete, she recorded a detailed log entry about the incident and finally at 0430 hours was able to start back to her quarters.

Walking in the door, feeling like she had been awake for days and been blasted out an airlock some time during them, she barely looked up at the Doctor who was sitting on her couch, watching the television. Rubbing her painful neck, she asked as he stood and turned off the set, "How's Seven, Doctor?"

"She's doing fine," the Doctor said softly, and warmly, seeing the tension and exhaustion in his captain. "She's sleeping."

"Did she get sick again?"

"Once…but she informed me that this time she did not 'puke' as much as she normally does," he laughed, amused.

Having the energy to only expel a small amount of air and raising one corner of her mouth, she informed, "She's been talking to B'Elanna again. When should I take her temperature next?"

"At 0600 hours," he responded. "If you want, I can come and do it for you…you probably won't even know I was here, unless there's a problem."

Yawning, she said, "No offense, but I don't really like the idea of anyone coming into my quarters while I'm sleeping. Thank you for offering, but I'll take care of it. Anything else?"

"No, that should do it…of course, call me if you need me, Captain…I'm a hologram, remember? I don't need to sleep like some of us do."

Patting him on the arm in appreciation, but unable to smile, she said, "Thank you for coming, Doctor." Walking toward her bedroom, drowsy, she mumbled, "Please show yourself out."

"Good night, Captain…get some rest," he whispered loudly, leaving the darkened quarters, making a silent note that B'Elanna Torres' jacket was lying on her desk, and that there were two wine glasses on the table…and that there were candles scattered everywhere.

Once she knew she was out of sight from the Doctor, she tore off her clothes, leaving a trail as she went in to the bathroom. After using the facilities and informing the computer to wake her at 0600 hours, she didn't bother putting on nightwear because she simply had no energy to do so, and collapsed onto her bed, flat on her stomach and didn't bother getting under the covers, feeling like if she did that, there was no way she was going to be able to get out of bed in a few hours to take care of Seven, or make it to her staff meeting.

Kathryn Janeway was asleep in less than five minutes.

At 0700 hours, after being asleep for forty-five minutes, Janeway was woken again by the sound of the ship's computer. Normally, that was a voice that comforted her and reminded her that no matter how far away from home she was, she was still on her ship, today made the captain groan in pure agony and think for a second about reprogramming the ship's vocal processors just to make someone pay for her exhaustion. Rolling out of bed before she let herself even think about all of the reasons why she should just postpone the staff meeting and go back to sleep, Janeway stumbled into the bathroom, her stomach sour and her head incredibly heavy.

Turning on the shower to the setting she reserved for extreme measures, the water immediately pouring out of the facet and fogging the smoky, glass door to her shower within in a minute, she held her breath and stepped underneath the hot water, forcing herself to get used to it. Then bracing herself against the wall with both hands, she let her head lull between them and allowed the water to beat against her back, hoping it would help relieve some of the tension in her muscles.

When she heard the shower door open, Janeway said, her voice hoarse and grave, "Seven…don't come over here yet…the water's too hot for you. Just…give me a minute." After a few more seconds, she turned down the temperature to something much cooler which instantly pebbled her red skin and startled her out of her daze, somewhat. Then putting her face under the stream of water, she held it there for a moment and then turned her head to where she thought Seven was, opening her eyes and pulling her head back out of the water.

Seven did not look happy.

"Kathryn, you are not well," Seven stated, now walking up to Janeway as she felt the cooler splashes on her bare feet and steam ceased to rise.

Grabbing the soap and quickly washing her body, not worrying about her hair since she had washed it the day before, and honestly didn't think she could manage to stay under the cold water for much longer, Janeway said, "I'm fine, Seven…it was just a very long night. Nothing I can't handle, I assure you." Then turning around to face the blonde, she forced herself to soften even though she was having a difficult time not being testy, and asked, "How are you?"

"I continue to function," Seven stated quickly, not wanting to change the subject as the captain was attempting to do. "Why were you aboard the Delta Flyer? The Doctor was unable to give me specifics and refused to contact the commander as I requested on several occasions."

That admission was enough to cause the captain to grin as she was able to picture the scene in her mind since she was very aware of how demanding Seven could be at times. Leaning forward and resting her head on Seven's chest, Janeway sighed as Seven pulled her in as close as she could without irritating her skin and said, "I'll explain everything later…but we better get moving because I've got a staff meeting at 0800 hours…and that means you have to come with me. Everyone that could possibly watch out for you while I'm gone will be there. Do you think you'll be up for the walk?"

"Yes," Seven said, kissing her on the forehead. "I would enjoy that. I am finding this 'rest'…unsettling. I am not accustomed to not spending my time efficiently."

"I know," Janeway said, "but you are being efficient, darling…you're efficiently resting." Then pulling away, she kissed Seven's mouth quickly and said, "Now, I think we should efficiently shower or we'll be efficiently late."

"Efficient," Seven smirked, pulling Janeway close and again and urging them both under the water. "Showering together is a more efficient use of resources."

Still feeling like she'd been used as a landing pad of a hover craft, Janeway couldn't disagree and since she was done, she just rested her tired body against Seven's as the Borg continued to get used to wetting her hair and relaxing under the feel of water beating down on her face. However, as always, even when she was not feeling well, Seven was indeed efficient and just as Janeway was starting to feel like something similar to a human, Seven shut off the water and said, "I have completed my shower."

Sighing, Kathryn pulled away from the serenity of her lover's body and headed out of the coldness, saying, "Alright…let's go get you something clean to wear. I'm assuming you still can't wear your biosuit?"

Seven followed behind the captain, stepping carefully as Janeway had taught her so she didn't slip on the tile and said, "That is correct." Accepting the towel from the captain and wrapping it around her body instead of drying off, as Janeway was doing, she followed Janeway into the bedroom and asked, "Are the garments you replicated for me unsuitable for a staff meeting?"

"No, they're fine…whatever makes you comfortable," Janeway answered, pulling up the display. "Do you want a new color…just to be different?"

Thinking carefully for a minute, Seven finally stated, "I would 'like'…purple."

"Purple it is then," Janeway informed, attempting to be pleasant. Programming the selection and a pair of matching slippers with rubber soles, she handed them to Seven explaining, "I don't think you want to go to the meeting barefoot though."

Now both of them dressed in fresh clothes, Seven's hair returned to its normal, austere bun and wearing her purple cotton pants that she had to wear low on her hips to keep the waist band, as loose as it was, from irritating her skin, and the matching t-shirt which she tucked into the pants, as well as her slippers, and the captain wearing her normal habit, although donning a little more makeup than usual to hide her exhaustion, both of them sat at the table drinking their nutritional supplements. Janeway found that this form of nutrition had another benefit, especially during mornings like these where she wondered if she could even stomach coffee. The liquid certainly soothed her acid stomach, and by the time they were headed out the door, she felt somewhat better, walking slowly since Seven was still very tired. Even though the ex-drone's temperature had maintained itself for almost twelve straight hours now and her skin condition continued to remain only slightly irritated, the captain was still worried about putting too much strain on her since she had such a tough day yesterday.

As they entered the turbolift and Janeway requested the Bridge, she informed Seven that if she started to feel sick to her stomach in the least, she was to interrupt Janeway immediately and that she would have the Doctor, who would also be at the meeting, escort her to her Ready Room where she was to remain until the lengthy meeting concluded. As the doors to the Bridge opened, Janeway let Seven go first and said, "Go on without me…and tell everyone I'll be there in a minute." Then remembering that there would be one extra body at the meeting which meant that they would be short a chair, she said quietly, "Go ahead and take my chair…we'll have a full house today."

Looking at Janeway, about to protest that she would not sit in her chair, then seeing Janeway's lift her chin, informing the Astrometrics officer that she was being given an order, Seven said, "Very well, Captain." Without further protest, Seven entered the door to the Conference Room as Janeway went quickly to her Ready Room for some unknown reason. When the entire room became completely silent, Seven froze for an instant as everyone smiled warmly at her. Then nodding her head, she went over to the captain's empty chair, and stated, "The captain will be with us momentarily."

Not at all surprised that the blonde was there and that she was sitting in the captain's chair, a chair that he felt completely uncomfortable in even when Janeway was off the ship or unable to lead the meeting, Chakotay turned to Seven and smiled, saying, "It's good to see you out and about, Seven. How are you feeling?"

Before Seven had a chance to say anything, everyone else in the room nodded their heads and said, "Yea, how are you?" Taken back by the apparent concern for her well being, Seven answered, tentatively, "I am functioning. I am…pleased...to see you all as well. I have received and read your messages... however, I have been unable to compose responses since I have been required to regenerate for several hours more every day than I am accustomed."

"No one expects a response." Harry Kim explained, smiling warmly, still having a rather large soft spot for the beautiful Borg, although, he wasn't nearly as nervous around her as he used to be. "Everyone just wants you to know that we hope you feel better soon."

Seven was about to respond when Janeway walked into the Conference Room, drinking a rather large cup of coffee. As was the custom, whenever the captain was the last to arrive, which was not very often at all, she usually being the first to arrive anywhere, Seven grew silent with the rest of the group and turned her attention to the dynamic redhead.

Carrying a glass of water in her other hand, Janeway set it down in front of Seven, silently instructing her to drink it without protest and said, coming to a stop behind her lover, leaning on the back of her chair, trying her best to be upbeat and pleasant. The task wasn't as difficult as it was earlier in the morning, but it still wasn't coming easily. Clearing her throat, she said to the full room, "Thank you all for being prompt. I know some of you have had a rather long night. We've got quite a bit to discuss…so, if anyone wants to go get a cup of coffee or something from my Ready Room, please feel free." When everyone but the Doctor and Seven jumped to their feet and headed out the door, Janeway chuckled once and said, "Well, I guess that was a good idea?"

"Captain," the Doctor said, starting to stand, "do you want to use my chair? I don't really need to sit."

"Thank you, Doctor, but no," the captain said, "I'd rather stand." After shooting Seven a small, teasing look, who was smirking at the captain for sounding very much like Seven, although more polite, Janeway continued, "But I'll let you know if I change my mind."

When everyone filed back into the Conference Room, almost all of them drinking coffee, except for Tuvok, who preferred Vulcan spiced tea, and Neelix, who was drinking some kind of juice, something probably very tart, Janeway continued, "Well, now that we're all comfortable…did everyone have a chance to read my report on what happened last night?"

"I have not," Seven said, pulling the glass of water from her lips and looking up and Janeway, who had taken a place behind her chair, leaning comfortably against the head rest.

Reaching down and patting her sickly officer on the shoulder, she whispered, "Everyone but you." When the rest of the group nodded and muttered a series of different affirmations, Janeway said, "Good, then let's start with you, Tuvok…what have you learned?"

"The evidence that I have been able to examine is inconclusive, Captain," Tuvok explained. "Early this morning, Lieutenant Carey and I dismantled the damaged plasma injector. It's currently being held in stasis in the Cargo Bay until I have the opportunity to examine it closely."

"What about the sensor logs…have you had a chance to look at those?" she asked.

"Captain?" Carey finally piped up, looking uneasy and concerned. "Forgive me, but this sounds like you think the injector malfunction was…wasn't an accident."

"Lieutenant…I don't think I have to remind you that ejecting the warp core is a serious event," Janeway said back quickly and crisply. "Commander Tuvok is heading up the investigation as to why we had to go to such extreme measures. Right now we don't know anything, and as much as I'd like to just write it of as an accident, I can't take the chance that it wasn't, understood?"

"Yes, Captain," Carey answered leaning back in his chair, looking down at his hands pensively.

"You were saying, Commander..."

"The sensor logs show no evidence of foul play," Tuvok announced. "Only authorized personnel accessed any critical systems and at no time were the injector's system modified or compromised." Looking over at Carey, he said, "I would like Lieutenant Carey to work with me on examining the faulty injector since it seems that the answers lie within it alone."

Sighing, she said, "Thank you, Commander." Then looking at Torres and Carey, Kathryn said, "Before we decide when to examine the injector, I need to know how the repairs are coming. Lieutenants?"

Speaking for them both since Carey had briefed her earlier in the Mess Hall, Torres said, "The new injector should be completely installed by 1200 hours, Captain. After that, we'll need to run a series of tests on it, as well as the others before we can even start to power up the core." Looking over at Carey, then back at Janeway, B'Elanna continued, "We're almost certain that the injector was the lone cause of the failure, but we can't be entirely certain…so, I'd like to take this slow. I'd like to shoot for bringing the core back online early afternoon…tomorrow."

Before she could make that decision, she turned to Harry Kim, who was directly to her right and questioned, "Ensign Kim, what's the status of that unknown vessel?"

Getting up from his chair, he went over to the Conference Room's sensor display panel on the far wall, and said, bringing up the data, "They haven't increased speed, but they're still on a direct heading to intercept us. If they continue at their present speeds, they'll be here in fifty-two hours."

"Have you been able to gather any information on them…any idea who they are and what they're up to?" Janeway asked coming up to the panel and sipping her coffee.

"Nothing, Captain," Kim said. "They're still too far away for the sensors to gather any significant details. Their warp signature isn't anything we have encountered before, and from what can see, neither is their ship design."

Standing slowly, Seven walked up to the display and touched a few sensor strips, analyzing the data further as Janeway frowned at her, then said, "The Borg have encountered this…intelligence before."

Taking Seven by the elbow and urging her to go sit back down, she asked, "Intelligence?"

Seven did not fight the captain's attempt to sit her back down since she did not require the use of the board anymore once the she had acquired enough data to give a report, now able to rely on her eidetic memory. Once she was seated, she looked up at Janeway, who was leaning against the table, looking down at her, and explained, "Yes, Captain…Artificial Intelligence. The Borg encountered a small group of these vessels that are each operated by an artificial intelligence, six point five years ago. Considering the vessels themselves are the artificial intelligence, the Borg were not capable of assimilating them. Borg technology requires organic tissue to function correctly. Since the vessel did not attempt to engage the Borg, we deemed them as insignificant and did not destroy them."

"So, this…A.I. wasn't hostile…in any way?" asked Janeway, a little uneasy.

"No," Seven answered. "They performed several scans on our vessels as did we, and then they continued on their course. The Borg were intrigued by the 'A.I.', but since it was not possible to assimilate them, the encounter was uneventful."

"Did the Borg talk to them at all…find anything out about what they…do…what their directives are?" asked Chakotay, intrigued and starting to feel anxious as well about the possibility of encountering an intelligence that possibly had no ability for compassion or no qualms for destroying life.

Raising her eyebrow just a tad, amused that Chakotay would use the word 'talk' since the Borg were not in the habit of doing anything but assimilating, Seven responded, "Yes, Commander, the 'A.I'…'talked' with the Borg for the duration of the encounter. They were capable of interfacing with our central plexus, however, the Borg were never able to 'talk' back. We could feel their presence, but could not hear their thoughts...possibly because their thoughts do not function as the thoughts of an organic being."

"Then it's possible that this A.I knows everything the Borg knows?" asked Tuvok.

"Not everything, Commander," Seven answered, taking the glass of water as Janeway urged it back toward her subtlety. After taking a sip, she said, "The 'A.I.,' at that time, had the capability of storing five million teraquads of data in its memory systems…this is a significant amount, however, not enough to 'know' the Borg."

"Were you able to determine if they acquired any information?" asked Janeway, the enormity of that number running through her mind quickly and definitely setting her nerves farther on edge.

"No," answered the Borg. "Again, we were able to sense their presence, but never able to communicate. It is a good possibility that they did obtain some information since they accessed our central plexus. If they could hear the Borg, then it is logical to assume that information was retained. The central plexus does not function like Voyager's computer core, so we were unable to determine if information was gathered."

"How long were they in contact with you?" asked the captain.

"Fifteen point three seconds."

"That's it?" asked Fowler, who had remained quiet but very attentive.

Looking over at Nicole Fowler, Seven said plainly, "The 'A.I' is capable of processing data at three times the speed of Voyager's main computer processor. Fifteen point three seconds would have been sufficient time to acquire a great deal of information about the Borg, if that is what occurred."

"Wow," Fowler came back modestly, deciding that she should continue to just be quiet and listen.

"Did you gain any tactical information on the A.I.?" asked Tuvok again, obviously becoming concerned himself now.

"Yes," Seven stated quickly. "They have no conventional weapons systems."

Pushing up from the table and starting to pace around the room, Janeway said, "Well, at least they didn't. And, if this…A.I…is capable of accessing the Borg's central plexus in less than twenty seconds, then they might need not need weapons to protect themselves."

"Captain?" asked Kim.

"Think about it, Harry…they were able to break into the Borg's central plexus. We know how tough that can be…if they can do that, then who knows what they can do? They could possibly disable our shields, shutdown life support, and overload the core just as easily. With that kind of power…who needs phasers?" Coming up behind Torres without even thinking about it, she continued, "However, we don't have any reason to believe that they would do that either. It sounds to me…like they were just curious as to who the Borg were. Maybe that's their directive…maybe," she continued, putting her hand on her hip and smiling some, "they're explorers…just like us..?"

"Do you think we can take that chance?" asked Chakotay.

Leaving Torres, she responded, talking with her hands, "As much I'd like to…no, we can't…there's too much happening right now for us to even consider it." Looking at the sensor data on the wall, she asked, "Seven, were the Borg able to determine their warp capability?"

"They are capable of a warp factor of eight, Captain," Seven answered, still sipping her water. "However, from the data we collected, they rarely exceed a warp factor of five."

Rubbing her neck for a few seconds, Janeway turned to Torres and Carey, saying, "Alright…then our main priority is getting the warp core back online. Carey, take your direction from B'Elanna, but you're still in charge for the time being. I want the core operational by lunch time tomorrow, understood?"

"Aye, Captain," said both the engineers.

Leaning forward, Fowler spoke up again and asked, "We still have impulse engines, Captain…do you want to get a head start on them?"

Coming back over to Seven, Janeway answered, "No…they haven't changed course or speed since we've maintained our position…and even though we moved around a little bit last night, we're still hanging around. I'm afraid if we leave orbit, they'll get curious and increase their speed." When Seven coughed, Janeway looked down and put her hand on her forehead automatically, checking for a fever. Not feeling any change, she asked quietly, which was futile since everyone was watching them, "Are you okay?"

"I am 'fine,'" Seven answered quickly, trying to silently tell Janeway that possibly she shouldn't touch her in such a manner in front of the crew.

"Okay," Janeway whispered back. Then putting her hand on Seven's shoulder and patting it softly, she went on, acting like nothing out of the ordinary had occurred, and continued, "When the warp drive is back online, I want you, Mister Carey to report to Commander Tuvok and get to work on the damaged injector. I'll also need you to see to getting the thrusters and the struts repaired as well, so budget your resources as best you can…if you need any help, let me know right away and I'll see to it."

"Aye, Captain."

"Doctor," Janeway said, "I know this is going to make your job more difficult, but I'm going to need for B'Elanna to take a few hours at the beginning and end of each day to see to things in Engineering."

"It shouldn't be a problem, Captain," the Doctor informed. "Most of the lieutenant's work is complete. She will still need to be present during the simulations and the actual procedure, but only to monitor the equipment we've created. Mister Paris and I can manage without her for a few hours for now."

"Good…then I'll let the two of you go so you can get to work right away…thank you both," Janeway said, nodding and dismissing them. After the hologram and Torres left, she forced herself to go away from Seven and sit down, even though she really didn't want to and said, "Now, that only leaves you, Neelix."

"Me, Captain?" Neelix asked with a mixture of excitement and fear.

"Yes," she smiled softly. "I think it's high time that this crew had a real party. I think when all of this is over…we'll have plenty of things to celebrate." Leaning back, she said, "We'll have to put if off for a few weeks until everything and everyone," she looked over at Seven and grinned crookedly, "gets back to normal…so you'll have plenty of time to prepare. You have my authorization to use whatever resources you need…within reason, of course. I'll leave the rest…to the professionals."

Smiling brightly, the furry man said, clapping his hands once, "That's a fantastic idea, Captain…this will be the biggest celebration this ship has ever seen. I'll see to it."

Chuckling, Janeway nodded and said, "I'm sure you will, Neelix. Well, if there's nothing else, you're all dismissed." When everyone but Chakotay vacated the room, Janeway came over back toward them, retrieved her coffee that she had left over by Seven and asked, "I'm assuming there's something else?"

"Yes, Captain," was all he said.

Nodding, understanding, she put her hand on Seven's shoulder and said, rubbing it gently, "Seven, why don't you go wait for me in my Ready Room?"

"Yes, Captain…Commander," Seven nodded, getting up carefully and walking slowly out the door.

Sitting down in her chair, she queried, "You're still concerned about the A.I?"

"A little," he admitted bobbing his head once and leaning into the back of the chair. "I don't like prejudging them…but…I can't help it. It makes me nervous."

Janeway leaned back and slouched some, saying quietly, "I know…I feel the same way, but what else can we do but runaway and hope that they don't follow us?"

Sighing, Chakotay leaned in on the table and said, "Maybe we shouldn't run away? Maybe we should repair the thrusters and the struts first and land the ship?" When her brow furrowed some, he explained, "It seems like they are purely technology based. Maybe if we landed the ship and…well, ran for the cover of nature, we could avoid any kind of technological confrontation?"

"You mean leave the ship completely?" she asked, still quiet but with more of an edge to her tone.

"Yes," clarified the commander. "Let them come and scan us, do whatever they want or need to do, and hopefully they'll find us less exciting than the Borg and be on their way?"

Shaking her head, Kathryn responded, "What if they decide that they like Voyager more than a Borg Cube? What if since we're not around to defend her, this A.I. gains control and takes off with our home? We'd be left on this planet for the rest of our lives. I won't do that, Chakotay…not only is this planet's weather not quite ideal, but I'm not going to let this crew down just because we're scared. I won't do it." The hardenning even more, she cracked, "Plus, there are two members of this crew that need this ship...Seven and the Doctor. I won't sacrific them."

"Okay, I figured you'd say that," he nodded easily. "Then maybe we should think about sending a shuttle to investigate the A.I…give us a heads up on what their intentions are before they get here?"

The captain crossed her hands under her chin and sat pensive for a half a minute thinking everything over, and then finally said, crisply, "No. I can't go, and I'm not going to send you or anyone else in my place on some kind of suicide mission to save the rest of the crew."

"It may not be a suicide mission…and at least we'd know?"

Shaking her head and sighing, she finished with emphasis, letting him know that there would be no further arguments, "No, I can't take that risk. We're going to stay here until the warp drive is repaired and then we're going to be on our way. If the A.I. tries to follow, then we'll out run them as long as possible. If they persist, then we'll make a stand together if we have to, but I won't break us up. We do this together…all of us."

"Alright," Chakotay nodded. "You know I had to suggest it though?"

"I know…and thank you," Janeway said standing, taking a deep breath and stifling her frustration because he was only doing his job. "I'm going to be in my Ready Room for most of the day, but I'd appreciate it if you could make sure I'm not disturbed unless it's an emergency."

"I'll see to it, Captain," Chakotay came back, standing as well and following her out of the Conference Room. Sitting down in his command chair, always refusing to sit in hers even when the Bridge was his, he said to her, smiling and trying to releive the tension that those discussions always seemed to conjure, as she started toward her office, "Oh, and tell Seven that the slippers were a nice touch."

"Thank you," she said, wryly, over her shoulder, slipping back into their friendly banter with ease, "footwear designs by Kathryn Janeway…they're all the rave in the Delta Quadrant."

Entering her Ready Room, chuckling lightly, Janeway looked up toward the couch and then said, "Seven?" when she didn't see her tall, Astrometrics officer as she had expected. Then hearing a noise from the small bathroom that was tucked away, practically out of sight, she rushed over there, saying, "Seven…are you alright?" Seeing Seven of Nine hunched over the toilet, Janeway set her coffee on the floor and knelt beside her, rubbing the blonde's upper back and saying, "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have left you."

Seven spat into the toilet, breathing heavily and said, "It is 'fine', Kathryn…I am familiar with this procedure. Your presence was not required."

"Do you want some privacy?" Janeway asked, stroking her back.

"That is not what I meant," Seven explained, leaning on her arms, her face still hanging close to the bowl. "I meant...that I am capable of 'puking' on my own. Do not distress yourself over the fact that you cannot be with me all of the time."

"Okay," Janeway smiled ruefully, finding that the perfection driven woman would use such a term as 'puking' to describe her sickness rather cute, the captain stood, grabbed the wash cloth hanging on the bathroom wall and wet it in the sink. Then handing it to Seven, who had sat up some and was reaching behind her back, she asked, "Are you able to hold down anything?"

Wiping her mouth, Seven flushed the toilet and said, still on the floor, "I believe my digestive system is beginning to adapt...however, the process is not as efficient as I would prefer."

Janeway downed what was left of her coffee, rinsed out the cup in the sink and then filled it with water, handing that as well to Seven and said, "Darling…most things aren't as efficient as you're prefer them, but try not to be so hard on yourself. I think after not using your stomach for twenty years, it's doing a pretty good job adapting."

"Perhaps," Seven stated, then took a drink of the water. "Would it possible to utilize your oral hygiene products?"

"Sure…I have some right in here," Janeway explained, opening the mirror and taking out the toothpaste. Wetting her toothbrush and applying the paste, she handed it to Seven, who was sitting on the toilet now. "And if you need some lipstick…I've got that too."

Accepting the toothbrush, she asked before she put it in her mouth, "Why do you keep these products in this room, when you have them in your quarters?"

As Seven brushed her teeth, Janeway leaned against the wall and responded, "Well…although this isn't common knowledge, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell on me, but I spend more time in my Ready Room than I normally do my quarters. If things get real bad, I can go weeks without setting foot inside them, unless it's to get something I need."

After she finished cleaning her teeth, Seven put the captain's toothbrush away and said, "That does not come as a surprise to me, Kathryn. It is typical behavior."

Janeway laughed once, and said, patting her on the arm, "Well, you still sound like the Seven I know…that's a good sign, huh?"

Sighing, Seven replied, "I do not feel as depleted as I did yesterday." Then leaving the bathroom, she stated, "I require the Doctor's lotion as well as the data B'Elanna Torres brought to me yesterday. I will return shortly."

"Seven," Janeway clipped, sternly, "you'll do no such thing. I know you feel better, but you're a white as a sheet…I don't need you collapsing in the turbolift."

"Kathryn, I am capable of…" Seven started, determined.

"Uh," Janeway stopped her, "no arguments…you're in the captain's office now." Ushering Seven to her couch, she said, "Now, I want you to sit here."

Sitting, Seven informed with spite, "I am growing tired of you performing simple tasks for me when I can do them myself!"

"Fine…then I'll have someone else go get them," Janeway said, walking back to her desk, having heard that tone in the blonde's voice enough to know that if she didn't compromise somewhat, a heated argument would ensue. "I don't want to argue with you." Tapping her communicator, she said, "Janeway to Fowler."

"Go ahead, Captain."

"Would you please come to my office?"

"On my way."

Within less than ten seconds her door call was sounding, and looking up from her workstation where she had just logged herself in, she said, "Come in."

"Captain," Fowler greeted nodding. Then noticing Seven over on the couch sitting up straight and looking rather unhappy, the tall, athletic brunette nodded again, saying, "Seven."

"Nick, I need a personal favor," Janeway admitted, now fairly glad that her newest pilot was aware of the situation between Seven and herself since asking this of anyone else would probably be giving herself away just a little. When the tall woman nodded, understanding, Janeway said, "Would you please go to my quarters and get the container of lotion on the nightstand in my bedroom, as well as the PADD next to it?"

"Sure…anything else?"

Glancing at Seven, Janeway asked, testy, "Anything else?"

"No."

"Okay, I'll be right back," Fowler said, wanting to vacate the captain's office as soon as possible, feeling like she had just walked into the middle of a lover's quarrel. Then just before she left, she turned and asked, "Uh, Captain…how am I going to get into your quarters?"

"Oh, right," Janeway allowed, "well, your authorization codes have been updated, so just override the seal."

"Just…override it…right," Fowler said, smiling some. "I'm not going to get thrown in the Brig by some unknowning Security ensign, am I?"

"No," Janeway said rather shyly. "If anyone asks what you are doing, just tell them to mind their own business…you're a senior officer right now, remember?"

"Aye, Captain," Fowler nodded, leaving before she said something she'd regret about how screwed up this whole situation was. Then leaving the Bridge, pretending not to notice that everyone was watching her, obviously curious as to what was going on simply because she was new to the Alpha rotation, Fowler entered the turbolift and asked, not remembering since she had no reason to care, "Computer, what's the location of Captain Janeway's quarters?"

"Captain Janeway's quarters are on Deck Three, section five."

"Deck Three," she said, leaning against the back of the rail, feeling a little uneasy, but also curious as to what Janeway's quarters would be like. Since she wasn't aware of any crewmembers that also served as the captain's housekeeper, a duty she always thought was the most grotesque misuse of authority in all of Starfleet, she wondered if they would be as messy as her quarters got whenever she was busy. Once she had taken an interest in learning about her commanding officer, now that she was working so closely with her, Nicole found out rather quickly that Janeway was definitely the busiest person on the ship, something that made Fowler proud. She had served under many Starfleet captain's during her various and short-lived tours of duty, and except for a few, she had found most of them rather lazy and too willing to let everyone else do the work for them. But considering Voyager's situation, she figured Janeway didn't have that luxury; although, the more she got to know her, the more she figured that even if they were in the Alpha Quadrant, Janeway wouldn't be much different…maybe just a little more rested than she seemed to be today.

Exiting the lift and looking around for anyone who might be curious as to why she was on this deck, walking down a short hallway and then making a right around the corner, she rounded the final corner and spotted the captain's cabin which was the end of the hallway. Making note that Chakotay's was next to hers, putting that to memory in case she ever needed to come here again, she accessed the sensor pad. When the computer informed her that she was not authorized to enter this room, she entered her command code, half expecting it to not work and held her breath as the computer beeped twice and granted her entrance. Stepping inside, she came to a halt just at the door as B'Elanna Torres, who was at the other side of the room near the replicator, barked, "What the hell are you doing in here?"

Jumping, startled by Torres' angry tone and the fact that she hadn't expected to find anyone inside, she said quickly, "I'm here at the captain's personal request." Then as the oddness of this situation hit her, she instantly grew suspicious. The problems with the warp core and the possibility of sabotage, which if were true had obviously been done by an engineer, and now she had walked in on the lead engineer standing over by the captain's personal replicator, doing god only knew what, Nicole turned to her, straightening, showing the irascible Klingon that she wasn't intimidated, since Fowler was well seasoned in self-defense as well as a rather fine female specimen, and questioned, "Would you care to explain to me why you're here, Lieutenant Torres…before I call Security?"

Sighing, Torres said approaching Nicole, "Relax, Nick…I'm just…well, I'm just picking up a few things I left here. I had a little time before the Doctor needed my help, so I thought I'd just drop by and clean up while the captain was gone." When Fowler folded her arms over her chest and continued to look at her like she didn't believe her, Torres said, "Look…there's my jacket. I already have one on…I left this here last night. Remember…I didn't have one on in the shuttle?"

Thinking for a moment, recalling that she thought it odd that both Janeway and Torres had been without their tunics, Fowler finally sighed and relaxed some, "Okay…sorry…I…well, I just didn't expect to see you in here…and with that whole thing with the warp core, I got nervous. No offense."

Slapping her on the shoulder, Torres smiled, "None taken…makes you a good officer…protect the captain at all costs…I like that." Then curious, she asked, "So, why are you here again?"

"I have to get some things for her…but I think they might be for Seven," Nicole explained, walking into the captain's bedroom. She smiled some when she saw the unmade bed and the uniform trail from the bathroom to the bedroom, but other than that…the quarters were pretty clean, they just looked lived in. Spotting the items she needed, she asked Torres, who had followed her to the doorway, "So, you come here…often?"

"Not really," B'Elanna replied easily, trying to play it off like it was nothing, knowing that if she got mad at her for asking or acted like she had anything to hide the lid would be blown on the whole thing since Nicole already knew about the captain and Seven. "She and Seven are friends of mine. She and I were having dinner when the core went ape-shit. I felt bad for leaving my stuff all over the place for her to pick up, so I thought I'd just sneak in here and take care of it before she got home."

Picking up the lotion and the PADD, curious as to what was on it, but keeping herself from examining the data, she said, turning around and walking back to the door slowly, talking her time to have a look around before she left, not thinking she'd ever be in here again, and said, "Well…must be nice…dinner with the captain and all. Nice place she's got. Sure beats my dump…hell, beats the apartment I had back on Earth."

Laughing, Torres said walking over to the table to pick up the wine glasses and recycle them, "I bet your place isn't as bad as mine is…now that's a dump, but that's the way I like it." When Fowler stopped by the door and didn't attempt to leave, obviously still not completely trusting that Torres wasn't there to rig Janeway's replicator to blow up in her face or something, the chief said, quickly, still trying to play it off like her relationship with the captain was nothing all that exciting to think about, "Wait for me, will you? I'll just be a minute."

"Sure…not like I have much to do but sit and chew my nails while we're in orbit," Fowler said, leaning on the wall.

Deciding to just leave the small candles scattered about since that would give her away, and hoping that Fowler didn't notice them, or if she did, didn't think about them, Torres grabbed the food tray and lid, her jacket on the desk and said, "Well, if you have any engineering experience, we could sure use your help down there…we're swamped." As they left the room, she went on, "But I guess that's how it is around here. Either we're dying of boredom or running to catch up…not too much middle ground."

"I guess," Fowler shrugged, not feeling like she had done much of anything useful in the last seven years aboard this vessel; she just being happy to stay out of the way most of the time and do her best to not run into the captain. Her attitude had changed some though in the recent year, which is why she figured Chakotay had started to make note of her capabilities, but the reason behind her change was simply because no matter how much she missed her sister, she just didn't have it in her to hate for that long. After a while Fowler found that it really was useless and completely self-destructive, so after digging down deep for a few weeks, actually requesting a few personal days off, Fowler had made up her mind to get back into her life and do the job she was trained and loved to do. She was the first to admit that she hadn't been as successful as she had hoped, but she also knew that she certainly was doing much better than she was at this time last year. Then looking down at the tray as they rounded the corner and started toward the turbolift, the tall, emerald-eyed brunette asked, "So, is food to go a captain's privilege…or can anybody request it?"

"I think it's a captain thing," Torres said, "but Neelix is pretty helpful. As long as you pretend to like his food, I'm sure he'd be accommodating." Once they were in the lift's carriage, she said, "Deck Two."

"I'll have to keep that in mind…thanks for the advice," said the taller woman. "Um, am I supposed to pretend like I didn't see you?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Torres asked quickly, jumping to conclusions but not able to help herself since her nerves were now completely shot.

"Woah," said Nick, throwing up her hands, "I just didn't know if it was okay to ruin the surprise…I wasn't implying…"

"Oh," said Torres sighing. "I'm sorry," she offered trying to think of a recovery. "I guess I'm just jumpy…people tend to like to talk shit about me." As the doors to the next deck up opened, she said, "Yea, if you could just forget it…I'd appreciate it."

"No problem," Fowler nodded before the doors closed again. "Bridge," she requested next, and then rubbed her head feeling very much out of her league. "Nick…this is some weird fuckin' place…just keep your mouth shut and do your job," she said out loud, and when the computer beeped at her, letting her know that it didn't understand the command, and automatic sensor feature that was activated when a single person was in the lift, she lifted her head and said before the doors opened, "Oh shut up, you."

Stepping off the lift onto the Bridge, Fowler quickly went to the captain's Ready Room door, hiding the small container of lotion in her large hands fairly well and holding the PADD where everyone could see it, hoping to draw their attention to that while she pressed the door sensor. Once she was granted admittance, she waited until the door closed behind her and said to Janeway, who was now sitting up on the sofa with her laptop, sipping coffee while Seven's long frame took up the rest of the couch as she reclined, her head right next to the captain. Setting the items on the coffee table, she said, "Your things, Captain."

Setting down her workstation on the coffee table, Janeway said, "Thank you, Nick…I appreciate it. Can I get you something to drink? There's no need for you to rush off…it's the least I can do."

"No thanks, Captain," Fowler said out of habit. Then thinking for a minute, she decided to take this opportunity for what it was worth and asked, "With the captain's permission, could I use…the facilities?"

"Of course…over in the corner," Janeway nodded pointing.

After she used the captain's private bathroom, Nicole came out and stopped in the middle of the room. "Thank you, Captain. Did you need anything else?"

"No, that will be all, Lieutenant. Dismissed."

"Kathryn," Seven asked, once Fowler was gone, "I am curious…why did you request Lieutenant Fowler's assistance instead of the commander's?"

Used to explaining herself to Seven when she would never even think to do such a thing to anyone else, normally, Janeway said without pause, "Because I want her to feel like part of this group. I don't want her to be an outsider…or just Tom's replacement…and because…well, she knows more than she lets on…about us. I just felt more comfortable asking her than asking anyone else, except Chakotay, but like I said, I also want her to feel like I trust her."

"I was not aware that Lieutenant Fowler knew of our relationship. How did this occur?"

"She was on the Flyer last night when I hailed you…she overheard everything," Janeway explained.

"You were not in private?"

"No," Janeway sighed. "I couldn't be…but I wanted to call you and tell you that I loved you."

Seven remained silent for several seconds as she processed the data. Then sitting up, she stated plainly, "You were in mortal danger. You believed you were about to perish. Why did you not inform me of the severity of the situation?"

Lowering her head, Janeway closed her eyes and said, "There was a possibility that we could have died last night, but I didn't want to worry you…you're sick and your body is undergoing a tremendous amount of change and stress…I couldn't tell you and have you up worried about me all night…or worse, taking off for the Bridge and demanding an explanation." Looking up and putting her hand on Seven's leg, she asked, "Can you just understand that all I could do was tell you that I loved you?"

"Yes," Seven answered after thinking it over. Placing her hand on Janeway's, she said, "It does not please me...however, but I understand your reasoning. I believe if I was in your position, I would have done the same." Then putting her arm around Janeway, she asked, "Would it be acceptable to kiss the captain at this moment?"

"Oh…I think so," Janeway smiled, leaning in and placing her lips against Seven's gently. Then pulling away, she asked, "Can I offer you assistance with the lotion?"

"Acceptable," Seven said, kissing Janeway again. As Janeway eased off her shirt, Seven laid down on her stomach and asked, "We will not be disturbed?"

Scooting off the couch, grabbing the lotion and then straddling Seven's legs, Janeway said, "I doubt it…I've got Chakotay on door watch duty."

As Janeway started to apply the lotion, Seven informed, "You are utilizing an abnormal amount of privileges for my benefit. I wish to inform you that I realize this, but that I will not continue to take advantage once I have recovered."

"Seven," Janeway sighed, starting to grow tired of this conversation, "you can't take advantage if I do it willingly. I know you're not going to always expect this kind of treatment from me while we're on duty. Why are you so worried about this?"

"It is only for your benefit, Kathryn, I assure you," Seven explained. "It is irrelevant to me what the majority of the members on this ship think about me... however, it is not irrelevant what they think about you, with regards to me. I do not wish to burden you."

Inside her mind Janeway was beating her head against the wall as she said, "Seven, let me handle my crew, alright? And please, stop saying you're burdening me…because I swear, if I hear that one more time I'm going to scream." Leaning down, she said, "For the last time, you are not a burden to me. I love you…end of story."

"Very well, I will not 'mention it again,'" the Borg stated. "If you are not concerned then I have no reason to be as well."

"Well, I'm not concerned about you and me," Janeway admitted. "I was at first, but now…well everyone seems like they expected it…and looking back, I can't say that I didn't give them every reason to expect it. You've always been special to me…I've always shown you more attention than anyone."

"You have a 'point,'" Seven agreed. "You are concerned about your relationship with B'Elanna Torres, or my relationship with B'Elanna Torres?"

"I'm not worried about you and B'Elanna…neither of you are the captain, so the crew can't really say anything…but, yes, I'm a little concerned about me and B'Elanna," Janeway explained. Then requesting that Seven turn over, she started in on her stomach and said, "She's not like you. She's been here from the beginning…holds a higher position…used to be involved with Tom…it's different, I guess." Sighing, Janeway said, "I'm just worried that people won't believe that I love her as much as I love you…and I'm worried that the crew might give her a hard time…treat her like less than an equal part of my life."

"Kathryn," Seven asked, surprised "you love B'Elanna Torres?"

Smiling shyly, Janeway nodded and said, "Yes…yes I do, darling. I love her very much."

Seven sighed in contentment and stated, "This pleases me more than I can express. I was beginning to feel that due to my condition and that you were required to spend your time with me, I was hindering your relationship with her. I am glad to have been in error. When did you arrive at this conclusion?"

"Oh, I think it's been coming for a while…but it really hit me yesterday while I was responding to a personal message from her. I realized how much I was looking forward to seeing her…she was on my mind all day, even though you were there the whole time," Janeway said.

"Have you informed her?"

"Yes, I did last night…on the Flyer."

"Then Lieutenant Fowler is also aware that you are in love with B'Elanna Torres?" asked Seven.

"No," Janeway answered. "After we salvaged the warp core, I took B'Elanna in the back and told her. I would have hailed you from the aft compartment as well, but I couldn't take the risk in case I was needed right away."

"I was curious as to why B'Elanna Torres seemed unusually pleasant this morning," Seven noted as Janeway continued to carefully rub the lotion into her swollen skin around her ribs. "She is not usually so, and considering that you and she were interrupted during a sexual encounter and required to eject the warp core shortly thereafter, I thought her 'good mood' was peculiar, but this knowledge explains it."

Chuckling some, Janeway sat up straight, letting go of Seven for a minute and said, "Yes, that was a rather unfortunate series of events." Then trying not to blush any, she queried, "I know it doesn't bother you…knowing what Lanna and I were doing…but I'm still sorry that you had to walk in on it. Was it terribly uncomfortable?"

"No," Seven responded as if the answer should have been obvious. "If there had not been a need to inform you of a problem with this vessel, I would have enjoyed observing you." When Janeway's face began to change to shock, she said, "I would 'like' to observe you and her make love without the need for an interruption again."

Her mouth falling open, now blushing hotly, Janeway asked, "You want…to watch?"

"That is correct."

"Really?"

Amused, Seven said, "Why is this such a surprise to you? I am in love with you…I…care for B'Elanna Torres a great deal. I am sexually attracted to her and wish her to be 'happy,' as I wish you to be 'happy.' It is then logical that I would enjoy observing the two of you being 'happy.'"

Handing Seven back her shirt and crawling off of her, the captain muttered, "Well…I don't know…I guess it makes sense."

After she put on her t-shirt, Seven asked, "Would you not wish to watch B'Elanna Torres and I make love?"

"Should have seen that one coming a kilometer away, Kate!" her inner voice laughed at her. Sitting down next to Seven, Janeway blushed fiercely and stammered, then finally admitted, throwing her hands over her face, "Yes…probably…ohgod."

Highly curious and intrigued at her lover's behavior, Seven stated, "You are blushing. Why does this cause you embarrassment?"

Needing to keep moving and getting a fresh cup of coffee, Janeway snatched up her mug and practically ran to the replicator saying, clearing her throat, trying to regain control of herself, never a fan of feeling so witless, "Well…it's just not something I've ever done before." After getting her coffee and bringing it immediately to her lips, ignoring the slight stinging sensation on her tongue from the heat, she laughed, "I'm just an old Starfleet captain…who was raised on a farm…and pretty set in my ways. Just be patient with me, darling…this is all…very new to me."

Walking somnolent back to her quarters, Captain Kathryn Janeway looked forward to crash landing onto her bed for the second night in a row. After the end of Torres' duty shift, the engineer had come to the captain's Ready Room and offered to take Seven back to Janeway's cabin and look after her for the rest of the night. Since Kathryn had barely left her office but a few times during the day to see to various things that required her personal attention, she accepted the gesture, knowing Seven would object adamantly if she did not, and also knowing that this would give her an opportunity to spend some time in Engineering assisting with the repairs. She wasn't nearly the engineer that Torres was, or even Carey, for that matter, but she had been around starships for most of her life, so she was very familiar with how they operated, and had standard, as well as a few non-standard maintenance certifications on her resumé. The time was now close to 0200 hours, and she knew that if she didn't get to bed soon, she was going to have another dreadful morning. When she entered her quarters and Torres was no where to be seen, Janeway sighed, thankful that she hadn't waited up for her, or decided to fall asleep on the couch, which would have made her feel worse than she already did. Taking off her jacket, hanging it on the back of her desk chair, she picked up Torres' that was thrown across the seat and folded it neatly, smiling warmly at the memory of the Klingon telling her how she liked to be messy. Then kicking off her boots and leaving them by her desk, which was habit, although a habit she had forgotten about last night since she barely recalled tearing off her clothes as she slowly went into the bedroom, leaving them any where they fell. Remembering that she hadn't picked them up this morning, she made her way to the bedroom soundlessly, searching the floor for any signs of her uniform, but it was obvious that Seven had picked them up this evening since they were no where to be found now. Then looking up, her breath caught in her throat as she saw Torres curled up in a ball, which seemed to be her preferred sleeping position, as Seven of Nine rested behind her...her long, pale arms wrapped around the engineer.

Although the sight didn't arouse any sexual desire in the captain, she believed she finally understood what Seven was talking about earlier about how it pleased her so to see Kathryn and B'Elanna together. Leaving them, Janeway went into the bathroom, closed the door so she wouldn't wake them and took a quick shower, needing to get the grime she felt all over her skin from climbing around Jefferies tubes and doing general maintenance the entire night to free up resources so that her more capable staff could concentrate on the warp core. Once she felt clean, Janeway donned her nightgown and exited the bathroom.

Quietly, she went back into the bedroom and came over to Seven's side. Opening the medical tricorder, she took a quick scan of the Borg, not surprised that her temperature was normal since it hadn't risen the whole day. Still silent, she walked into the closet and after fumbling around in the dark, she cursed silently and finally had to turn on the light inside as she searched for the blanket she normally kept on her couch that she had put away a few days ago when Seven started developing fevers for fear that she would try to use it and only worsen the situation.

The captain jumped and almost shrieked when Torres came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist, whispering, "What are you doing?"

Sighing and clutching her chest, she whispered, "Heavens…you almost scared me to death." When Torres apologized and started kissing her neck, Janeway relaxed and explained, smiling and enjoying the feeling of B'Elanna against her, even though she was quite tired, "I'm trying to find my afghan…I swear I put it in here the other day…but I can't find it."

"That's because it's on the bed," Torres explained. "I got cold." Then kissing the captain's neck lazily, still feeling sleepy, she said, "Mmm…I like this." Tracing her finger down Janeway's significantly exposed back, she continued, "Much better than the flannels…although, those were adorable." Then turning Janeway around, she asked, "You weren't going to sleep on the couch, were you?"

"Well, I didn't want to wake you," Janeway said, settling into Torres' arms and kissing her lips quickly. "And I don't think there's room for all of us…"

Grabbing Janeway's arms and taking a step back, spreading Kathryn's limbs out wide so she could admire the view, B'Elanna said, softly, "Kahless woman...you could stop traffic in that...good people could get hurt...killed possibly."

Janeway blushed and titled her head, rolled her eyes as she scoffed, then looked down, and muttered, "Thank you." When Torres pulled her back in close, she wrapped her arms around her and said, "You're too good to me."

"No such thing," Torres whispered, "besides, it's true...you certainly do wreck me." Then kissing Janeway sweetly for several seconds, she said, her lips against the captain's, "And you're not sleeping on the couch. If all three of us could fit on two cots, then we can fit in your bed. I just won't hog as much as I normally do."

"I guess that means you're staying?" Janeway said softly, brushing her lips over B'Elanna's. Then flicking the tip of her tongue out before she kissed her with more intent, deepening it immediately, she ran her hands up and down her spine, pressing into the strong muscles. Finally pulling away when Torres started to breathe heavier, she said seductively, surprised at how easily she could be aroused by this woman despite her exhaustion, "Mmm...that's good, because I don't want you to go. I missed you."

"Oh, I'm not going anywhere," Torres exhaled, recovering from the captain's lips, "trust me."

"Do you want something to wear…or do you normally sleep in your uniform?" Janeway asked sarcastically.

"I'm assuming wearing you isn't an option?"

Grinning, Janeway said, "No…but I like how you think."

"Get me the flannels," Torres sighed, as if she was put off by the idea, but the grin on her mouth gave her away, "that way I won't sweat you out of the bed with the extra blankets."

Pulling down the warm, soft garments, tossing them at Torres, she said, "I'm going to go set the computer to wake me at 0600 hours and try to get Seven to move over a little bit."

"0600 hours!" Torres whispered loudly, pulling off her grey t-shirt.

"I have to check her temperature every four hours…and it's two in the morning right now," Janeway explained walking away, not wanting to watch Torres undress for fear it would arouse her more than she already was. After she walked into the living room so she could talk to the computer in a normal tone and not wake Seven, Janeway went back into the bedroom, catching a glimpse of Torres' bare bottom, forcing herself to not stop and watch and went over to Seven, who was closer to the middle of the bed. Gently stroking her face, Janeway asked, "Darling…can you hear me?" When Seven mumbled that she was awake, but didn't open her eyes, Janeway smiled and said, "Sweetheart, I need you to move closer to the end of the bed…I'll help you…just move a little bit." Thankfully, Seven managed to accomplish that before falling firmly asleep again. Planting a very loving kiss on her forehead and whispering an I love you, Janeway turned around to see Torres coming out of the closet in her flannels. Bringing her hand to her mouth, holding back a hearty laugh, she said, "You're the cutest thing I've seen…in at least a year."

"Shut up," Torres said, trying to keep herself from laughing as well and putting her hands on her hips. "And if you tell anyone I ever wore flannel pajamas, I'll kick your skinny butt."

Walking up to Torres, who was at the foot of the bed, Janeway wrapped her arms around her and whispered, "Such hostility…does your mother know you talk that way?"

Giggling silently along with Janeway, she said, "Of course…she's the one who taught me." Then kissing her quickly, Torres growled, feeling playful, smacking her bottom, "Now get in the bed, woman."

After poking Torres in the stomach calling her 'my Klingon cowgirl,' Janeway crawled into the bed, leaving the middle open for Torres, who readily accepted the position since she was guaranteed to stay warm that way. After Janeway huffed and threw the extra blanket off her, saying, "God…how can you stand that?" Torres pulled her close and whispered, "I can't help it…this ship is cold. Didn't you notice that my room was warmer than normal?"

Kissing Torres softly since they were facing each other, Janeway smiled and said, "I just thought it was because I was so…excited."

"I have the environmental systems programmed to keep it eight degrees warmer in there than normal," Torres whispered. "That way, I don't have to worry about extra blankets and pajamas. Poor Tom, he used to hate staying over my place…always accused me of trying to purposefully torture him."

Chuckling, Janeway said, "Well, now that I know how cold you really get, I won't think you're just trying to make me sweat." Kissing Torres again, keeping it soft, she said, "I'll just have to adapt."

Touched that Janeway would try to adapt to Torres instead of the other way around which was the case for all of her other previous lovers, who had called her temperature preference everything from slightly warm all the way to oppressive, she said, "Red…I love you."

"Mmm…I'm glad, darling…I love you too." Then settling into Torres' arms, not surprised that she didn't want to be let go of since she had recently discovered that at least with these two woman, she liked to cuddle all night long, and said softly, "Goodnight, Lanna."

Relaxing herself, kissing the top of the captain's head that was not under her chin, she said, "Night night, cowgirl."

"The time is 0600 hours."

"Uhh," Janeway moaned against the warm skin of B'Elanna Torres, who had begun to stir as well, although not as quickly. Opening her eyes, her tiredness gave way somewhat to bliss as she saw an inviting neck and felt strong arms wrapping around her tighter as she woke up. Feeling the heat of Torres' skin against her hand, Janeway chuckled, realizing that again, her hands had had a mind of their own through the night. Although, this time she completely welcomed their exploration and brought them up slighting, brushing against her firm right breast as she kissed B'Elanna's neck, whispering, throaty, "Mmm…good morning."

"It is now," Torres croaked, opening her eyes as a rare morning smile graced her lips. When Janeway continued to tease her breast lightly, Torres brought her hand down to the captain's and urged her to be slightly more aggressive as she turned her head so she could kiss her lips.

Happily complying with Torres' wishes, the captain enjoying the sensation of them both fondling the engineer, Janeway surged up just a little and began attacking Torres' lips and then her entire face with kisses. Then before she got too wrapped up, she slowed down her pace and said against Torres' rigged forehead, "Mmm…hold that thought."

Disengaging from B'Elanna, she rolled out of bed, catching a slight chill from the air since her body had gotten used to the extra heat put out by the Klingon and walked to the other side of the bed. Taking a seat in the small space left by Seven, who was now on her side, facing away from the other females, something that the captain knew was not on purpose, that just being her preferred side to rest on, Janeway felt her skin first, growing accustomed to checking her temperature in this manner in the last four days. Not able to be certain since her own body was warmer than normal, Janeway opened the tricorder and ran a scan. Then kissing her forehead and brushing the hair out of her face, she whispered to the brunette, who was turned toward them watching rather anxiously, "She's fine. I think her nanoprobes were finally able to keep up with the changes…at least for now."

Sighing, Torres said, "Good…the Doctor was worried that if they didn't adapt soon…it was going to make this whole process than much harder on her afterward."

Still stroking Seven's hair lightly, Janeway smiled and said, "Nanoprobes…amazing little things…saved our butts more than a few times."

"Speaking of butts," Torres whispered, "get yours back over here and warm me up."

Kissing Seven one more time, Janeway suggested, "Come on…I've got a better idea."

Torres didn't move from the warmth of the bed until she saw Janeway turn on the light of the bathroom. Then realizing that she was suggesting a shower, she jumped out of bed as quickly as she could and ran into the ensuite, knowing that one of her fantasies was about to be fulfilled at last.

Stepping out of the shower after setting the water to a very warm setting, Janeway smiled and whispered, closing the door on the bathroom, knowing that even though Seven was a heavy sleeper, at least when she wasn't feeling well, Torres and she would undoubtedly make quite a racket in the shower, at least that is what she hoped. Then sliding into B'Elanna and running her hands heatedly up her side as she pressed her smaller body against her, she said, "There are three things I like extra hot, my friend…coffee, baths…and," biting her neck, "sex."

Inhaling deeply, Torres hissed, "You have no idea how long I'vewantedtodothissssss."

Smiling, Janeway took the lead once she realized that this was something that Torres had fantasized about in her now infamous Janeway logs, albiet only Torres, Paris, Tuvok and herself knew of them, and began unbuttoning B'Elanna's shirt, kissing her way liberally down her chest as more of it was exposed. Once it was totally unbuttoned, Janeway flung it open and tore it off of her, all traces of her tiredness gone with the wind. Then standing straight again, pressing her body into Torres' welcome, firm chest, Janeway slipped her hands under the waistband and eased them over her hips, knowing they would fall to the ground once they had cleared the womanly curve of the Klingon. After allowing Torres to slip the thin straps of her nightgown from her slight shoulders, her garment pooling at her feet, gracefully, Janeway took her hand and led her into the shower.

Stepping under the water, sighing at the intense warmth, Torres said as Janeway ran her hands through her brown hair for her, wetting it, "Don't take this the wrong way…but hooking up with the captain certainly has its perks, Red. This shower's kick ass."

Laughing, not taking offense at all since she was well aware of what starship life was like before one was promoted to a first officer, and then the command, she said, "There are definitely some rewards that come along with commanding a starship. I imagine if there weren't, they wouldn't have many volunteers."

Switching places with Janeway and repeating the favor, Torres said, "Again, don't take this the wrong way…but even if I had all of this…and all the beer in the galaxy, I still wouldn't want your job. I don't know how you keep from just setting the self-destruct sequence some days."

"Some days…I don't either," Janeway laughed. "Guess it's a good thing I love this ship so much?"

"Yea…I guess, " Torres teased, glad that Kathryn could laugh about the incomprehensible pressure she lived with day in a day out.

Grabbing the soap, Janeway stepped forward just a tad so the water was beating down on her head and started washing Torres, bringing the previous sexuality back to the moment. Once there was plenty of soap on her hands and on Torres' upper chest, Janeway handed the soap to her partner and said, "Hold this." Then placing her hands flat on B'Elanna's chest, she slowly let them fall to her breasts and 'washed' them readily, not taking her eyes off her hands. After she was happy that Torres was significantly aroused, Janeway moved down to her stomach and lingered there, admiring the firmness. Tracing the muscles with her fingers, she said, her voice supercharged with wanton desire, "Have I ever told you how incredibly sexy your stomach is?"

"No," B'Elanna replied, feeling breathless. Then swallowing, she finished, "I'm pretty sure I would have remembered that."

"Mmm…well, I do," the redhead came back, biting on her own bottom lip to show that her lover that she was rather randy this morning. Palming it and pressing against Torres who instinctively tensed her midsection, making the already prominent muscles rock hard, Janeway hissed, "I love all of your muscles…but especially these."

"Well, that certainly is good motivation to keep doing my sit-ups."

Moving the Klingon under the water, helping the rinsing process with her greedy hands, the captain pulled her out of the water once she was free of suds, and turned her around so she could wash her back. Taking the soap as the engineer offered it to her, she lathered her up again and then handed the soap back to her. Knowing from her courses in the Academy that a Klingon's, even hybrids, back was an erogenous zone, Janeway took her time, pressing into the muscles at her shoulders and on each side of her prominent, denser spine. When she got to her waist, she pressed her thumbs into her muscles there hard, making small circles, and Torres threw her head back and braced herself on the wall with her free hand, Janeway asked, already knowing the answer, "Do you like that?"

"Yes," Torres growled through clenched teeth, her nostrils flaring.

Not wanting to get her too worked up yet, Janeway stayed there for a minute more and then moved down to her firm, well rounded buttocks, her second favorite area of Torres' body. Her overall favorite area was her face, but not counting that since Janeway had always loved faces the most, after Torres' stomach, her bottom ran a close second. Even though the captain enjoyed her breasts very much, something about B'Elanna's muscles just drove her crazy, and she found herself wanting to touch them more, just out of need to feel their power in her hands. After she brought some of the soap from her back to her hands, she clasped onto Torres' butt and squeezed it hotly, saying, "Oh, and I like this part very much too."

Squeezing her muscles back, Torres laughed and said, "Well, looks like I'll be keeping up on my squats too…Chakotay will be thrilled."

The captain fondled her bottom for several more minutes, then grabbed the soap again and lathered up each of her legs. As the chief stepped back under the water to keep the soap on her back from drying, Janeway stayed on her knees and turned up the heat of this encounter again. Urging Torres legs apart a tad, Janeway ran her hands languidly up and down the stocky, but finely etched limbs, coming closer to the juncture of them with each stroke. After letting the tips of her fingers touch the sensitive tissue a few times, each graze causing her lover to shudder a little more each time, Janeway finally settled her hand in between them, not surprised at what she found. "Mmm…you're very wet."

"This is the shower we're in, Red," Torres responded, trying to maintain her composure.

However, the captain didn't want her to maintain her composure right now; far from it, actually. So, increasing the pressure of her hand, letting her middle finger fall between the quicksilver folds, spreading the copious moisture around liberally, she whispered, "Ah…is that all this is? Funny…I thought you wanted…something…" inserting her middle finger into the Klingon, not completely, but enough to push past the first band of muscles, the feeling sending shooting tendrils of passion throughout her own body as Torres growled deep in her throat.

When Torres put the soap down, practically pounding the bar into the small indent of the shower forever with the power of her hand, Janeway released her as she requested that she turn around and lean against the wall. Once B'Elanna did so, Janeway scooted over to her, keeping her head out of the water, and kissed her stomach, licking the muscles before she moved down again. Urging Torres to spread her legs wider, knowing that she wouldn't collapse since they were quite strong, Janeway moved her hand back up her engineer's heat and teased her until her fingers were well lubricated. Then slowly, she pressed inside of her again, sitting up straight so she could pay more appreciation to the tanned female's wonderfully toned stomach. "Mmm…god, Lanna…youfeelsogood."

Breathing heavily, trying very hard not to howl since she knew that she would undoubtedly wake up Seven, and probably Chakotay next door, which would inform him of exactly who was in her quarters a few nights ago, Torres brought one hand to Janeway's head, rubbing her neck firmly and said through clenched teeth, "Kathryn…I can't keep quiet if you don't shut up. You drive me nuts when you say things like that."

"Good," Janeway said, adding more seductiveness to her tones. "I don't want you to be quiet. Tell me how much you like this." Increasing her ministrations and reaching up with her other hand to fondle her breast, she continued talking, "I didn't bring you in here to lull you to sleep, B'Elanna…I brought you here to make you hot…to hear you beg me to make you come."

Gasping, Torres grabbed onto the shower head for support, praying it was firmly bolted to the wall, and said a little louder, "YESSSSS …mmm…but…what about…Chako…tay?"

"Let me worry about him," Janeway answered with desire enriched haste. Back at the darker woman's stomach again with reckless abandon, the redhead kissed, licked, nibbled, and downright feasted on her skin as she slowly moved down her lover's body, taking her time to prolong this encounter. Then finally dipping her head, the captain pushed her face into Torres and began loving her with her hungry mouth as well.

Since that was her absolute favorite way to be made love to by the captain, finding that out the other night which caused the ship's rumor mill to start working overtime to find out who had made Torres howl like a banshee, Torres released Janeway's head as she finally let lose, and began slapping her palm against the wall as the captain's tongue centered on her most sensitive region. "YES!…yes…oh, Kathryn…Kathryn…don't stop…JESUS!"

Smiling as she continued her loving assault on her chief engineer, knowing the constant pounding was sure to get Chakotay's attention, if her strong lungs didn't, almost glad that at least with him, her secret was out. When the brunette began to pant and squirm as her leg muscles tensed visibly, Janeway increased the pressure of her mouth and began flexing her fingers deep inside B'Elanna. Bringing her other hand away from Torres' breast to her bottom, squeezing it tightly and holding her body close to her mouth, Janeway hummed into her seering flesh, showing her appreciation, and confidently took complete control of their love making.

All of her senses igniting like fireworks in the heavens, Torres growled down in her throat, snapping her head back which impacted fairly squarely with the wall, but was barely noticed thanks to her excitement and her dense cranium, as she started to spasm. Her words slipping into her mother's native tongue which she only usually used when she was made as hell or being pleasantly ravaged, she snarled happily and wildly through clenched teeth, "Qu'vatlh…nom…mmm…nom… majQa'…tugh…tugh…DaH!" In her final declaration that she had arrived, B'Elanna held onto the shower head tight, testing the metal's strength for all it was worth, as she quivered, ceasing her wall pounding and hoped she wasn't moaning as loud as she knew she could.

The captain continued to guide her younger lover through the waves of pleasure, and held onto her lower body firmly so she didn't slip and hurt herself since the Klingon looked to be very much out of control of her faculties at the moment. Once the olive skinned engineer unclenched her jaw and her fists, her body quickly loosening and becoming pliable again, the captain eased up on her focus. After a few more moments of pampering her body, Kathryn completely released Torres, and kissed her way up her still shaking body, grinning from ear to ear as she helped B'Elanna straightened her legs. Then moving them back under the water, letting it run down between their bodies that were pressed together, Kathryn kissed her passionately, holding nothing back. After a few minutes when B'Elanna started to come back around and began kissing her back with greater intensity, Janeway pulled away and chuckled, against her lips, "I never knew you were so fluent in Klingon."

Smiling, Torres picked up Janeway, and turned her against the wall, happy when Kathryn allowed it and wrapped her legs around her, glad that she kept her body in such good shape and that she was part Klingon, something that she often loathed, at least in the past, because she always had the ability to recover from any kind of physical exertion quickly. "It only comes out when I'm really worked up…sometimes I don't even realize that I'm speaking it. What did I say…do you know?"

"Basically, you were just encouraging me to keep up the good work," Janeway said, enjoying being held so securely by Torres, and more than ready to let her aggressive lover take back the command she normally had when they were intimate. "I'll have to brush up for next time, though…I missed a few words here and there."

"She was informing you to increase your movements, that you were pleasing her, that she was almost at the point of release, and when she had finally achieved it," Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01 informed as she smirked, standing outside the shower door, but tall enough that her head was visible over the top.

"Christ!" Torres exclaimed a split second after she'd jumped in shock, turning to look at Seven. Setting Janeway down, who didn't seem nearly as shocked as the brunette figured she would be, but keeping her body pressed against Kathryn's, Torres relaxed somewhat, breathing heavy again after being startled, an said, "Hiya, dollface…wow…I didn't see you there. You been there…long?"

"I had been in this room for one hundred and sixteen seconds before I spoke," Seven detailed, still looking at Torres with keen interest, but the expression on her face was one of scientific curiosity and excitement rather than pure arousal. Then looking over to Janeway, who seemed pleasantly amused, but was remaining quiet as she was pinned to the wall by the engineer, the tall blonde said, "Good morning, Kathryn. Did you sleep well?

Janeway was now having an extraordinarily difficult time holding back her laughter as Seven continued to stand and look at them, but seemed as though nothing was out of the ordinary. Closing her mouth and holding her hand to it, she mumbled and then said after she held back her burst of laughter for the moment, "Yes...thank you." Then straightening her face which was turning red rather quickly, she asked, cheerfully, "How are you?"

"I am functioning under acceptable parameters at the moment," Seven answered. "I apologize for the interruption again...however, I thought it prudent to inform you both that perhaps you, B'Elanna Torres, should endeavor to not pound of the wall in the future. The commander undoubtedly heard you...and I am aware that you operate under the social rule that copulation is a private ritual."

That statement sent both the engineer and the captain into a first class laughing fit, so much that Torres had to retract from the cover of Janeway's body so she could kneel on the tile floor as she held her ribs. Once the captain had recovered somewhat, she turned to Seven, who continued to watch them with unwavering interest and managed, "Thank you, darling…we'll try to keep that in mind next time."

"Are you finished with your shower?" asked the Borg.

Janeway looked down at Torres, who was finally starting to regain her composure as she nodded, and said, "Yes…I think we're done. Did you want to use it?"

"I will utilize the 'bathtub' this morning. I merely was inquiring so that I would know whether there were to be more rituals to observe."

"Oh…right," Janeway mumbled, shaking her head, then turning off the water, the surprise interruption and the hysterics ebbing her previous desire comfortably. Kathryn pulled Torres up, thinking the Klingon was very adorable in her shyness as she went directly behind her to hide her body from Seven, having a feeling that the cool blonde was the only person in the universe that brought that quality out in Torres, and asked, "Darling…will you get a couple of bath towels?" When Seven did so, handing them over the shower door, Janeway thanked her and handed Torres one over her shoulder. Since the captain was now accustomed to being exposed in front of both women, she didn't bother wrapping herself up as Torres did, and simply began drying her hair as she exited the shower, still cheery. "Computer, state the time."

"The time is 0632 hours."

"Is that all?" Janeway said surprised, assuming that they had only maybe a half-hour left before she had to return to the Bridge. With everything that was happening with the ship, she had talked the situation over with Seven, who was still under her direct supervision, and they had decided that until her surgery, Seven would simply accompany the captain to her office, since she could be cared for in there just as easily as in her quarters, unless Seven started to feel extremely ill, and in that event the captain would retire back to her quarters were Seven could use the bathtub and the bed.

When Seven of Nine sat on the edge of the tub and began filling the water, Janeway looked over at her and had to say, just to be certain, "Don't make the water too much warmer than normal."

"I will not, Kathryn," Seven sighed, but did not roll her eyes, knowing that the reminder was something her caregiver was forced to do out of duty and concern. When Kathryn finished drying off and wrapped the towel around her small body, sitting down on the edge of the tub next to her, the blonde asked, turning her attention from the water to her lover, "When did you return? I remember that you woke me for a brief period, but I cannot recall the time."

Janeway put her hand in the water to double-check the temperature. Happy that it was cool enough for Seven's body so that her nanoprobes wouldn't have to work overtime to continue to keep her temperature at an acceptable rate, she answered, "It was late, almost two in the morning. Did you girls have fun last night?"

"Yea," Torres answered, getting over her embarrassment for being interrupted while making love to Kathryn, again, "We had dinner, watched a couple episodes of The X-Files and then watched one of Tom's horror flicks. What was it called again?"

"The Evil Dead," Seven stated crisply, obviously not impressed with the movie in the least.

"The Evil Dead?" Janeway asked laughing again. "Sounds…well, bad."

"I was not impressed," Seven answered nodding. "However, B'Elanna Torres assured me that it was 'great.'"

Laughing again, the engineer took a seat on the toilet next to Janeway and Seven as the tub stopped filling and said to Kathryn, "It's supposed to be bad…that's what makes it good." Then to the blonde, "You just have to stop thinking of it scientifically and just find the humor in its craziness...just like you do with Lucy."

"Lucy has never driven a wooden object into an individual's ankle," Seven reminded without emotion or intonation. "It was obscenely gortesque and the plot lacked a definitive center." Then standing without further preamble, she removed her shirt and folded it neatly, handing it to Torres, whose mouth had fallen open on its own.

Noticing the Klingon's reaction, Janeway asked, quickly, "Um, dear…do you want some privacy…perhaps?"

"It is not required," Seven stated.

When B'Elanna began to grin, Janeway leaned over on one arm, looking Seven up and down, pursing her lips, putting on her best scientific face, which didn't fool anyone, and said, "Well, them by all means…proceed."

After Seven had removed her pants, handling them to her in the same manner as her shirt, which Torres accepted readily, the blushing Klingon stammered, "Uh…wow, dollface…you've got nice…feet there."

Raising her eyebrow, Seven bent over a tad so she could see her feet over her ample bosom. Then leaning over, she kissed her brunette girlfriend on the lips as she had done many times before and stated, hovering over her like a goddess, "Thank you. Your feet are pleasing as well." Quickly, she turned to Kathryn, who was smirking in amusement, kissed her passionately, causing Janeway to clutch at the side of the tub so she didn't topple backwards, and said, "I enjoy your feet also."

Breathless, Janeway muttered, "Thank…you," feeling like she just been swept off her 'feet' by the Borg, whose kisses were becoming something of a narcotic to the captain. Seven's kisses were unlike anything she had ever experienced. Whenever the blonde kissed her in such a manner, Janeway temporarily lost all ability to think about anything but what Seven was doing to her. She had thought about the experience a few days ago and decided that Seven's kisses were probably so unique because she had the ability to separate, most of the time, her thought processes into the emotional and analytical, thus she could remain completely focused on her task. This made her an efficient officer as well as an extraordinary lover.

B'Elanna Torres kisses were another story altogether. They ellicted the similiar, breath-taking response, but with the Klingon...most of the time, she couldn't concentrate on anything at all during the liplock and usually for a few seconds afterward ...and if she had to describe them, she'd simply grin crookedly and say, "When B'Elanna Torres kisses you...by god, you know you've been kissed."

Feeling a little bit brave, B'Elanna set Seven's clothes on the side of the sink and said to the Borg as she pulled the captain to her feet, "Dollface, you don't mind if I play with Red for a few minutes, do you?"

As Torres pulled the captain into her lap where she sat on the toilet, the captain straddling her legs, Seven smirked and said, "I do not."

"Hello again," Janeway exhaled after Torres had kissed her squarely. "You know, you two really are spoiling me rotten."

"Don't pay any attention to her, dollface," B'Elanna informed, looking over at Seven, who was watching them as she wiped her legs with the washcloth. Then turning to Janeway, she said, "There's not a rotten bone in your body, and you know it. Now, Seven," she nodded over to her, "she's rotten...to the core." And then she proceeded to kiss the captain properly for several minutes while Seven observed, which only ended once the bathing Borg began humming You are my Sunshine, which promptly sent the other two women into another round of hysterical laughter.

After the triad got ready from their duty shifts, Torres kissed them each on the cheek as she exited the turbolift on Deck Two so she could grab a bite to eat in the Mess Hall, while Janeway and Seven of Nine continued to the Bridge. They were fifteen minutes early for the start of the captain's shift, so as the ensign in charge stood and announced her presence from the command chair, she raised her hand to him, letting Seven go ahead of her to her Ready Room, and said, "As you were," telling him that he would maintain the Bridge until the commander arrived for his duty shift, something that Janeway was starting to get rather nervous about. She wasn't sure what had gotten into her this morning, and even though she didn't regret making love to her engineer in the shower which she knew Chakotay had to have overheard, she was curious as to her own motivations. Never thinking she could ever be so brazen, she finally settled on that for one, she was tired of hiding her passionate love for the both of these women, and two, B'Elanna Torres just brought out a wild, and rather wicked, for Kathryn, side to her she never knew existed. Maybe it was just making up for lost time, not having been intimate with anyone in seven years, or more likely it was her darker lover's heady sexuality that sent her hormones into overdrive, but whatever it was, the captain decided that she certainly wasn't going to balk at such a wonderful happenstance.

Janeway immediately went to her desk, as was habit, and logged into her workstation. Then just as she was about to stand and get another cup of coffee, Seven set one down on her desk for her, as well as a nutritional supplement, which the captain had forgotten to drink in the rush to get ready since she had to allow enough time for Torres and Seven to utilize her ensuite as well. That was something that the captain had found rather irritating during her days at the Academy since she had grown up with a sister that always seemed to care way too much about her appearance, in Kathryn's opinion, but this morning, as she had traded spots with the two women several times, so they all could brush their teeth and their hair, the captain being the only one who wore makeup consistently, Janeway had found the process rather pleasant, if not a little more domesticated than she had assumed they would be for quite some time. "Thank you...I forgot."

"If you are agreeable, I will program your replicator today to produce this supplement for you as we discussed," Seven stated.

Janeway leaned back and sipped her supplement, eyeing Seven for a moment, trying to decide if she should allow it since that would require the Borg to stand for some time. Then nodding, she said, "If you feel up to it, then go ahead…but don't over do it," she finished, shaking a long, elegant finger at her. "I mean it."

"Yes, Captain," Seven nodded, and then proceed directly to the replicator and began accessing the controls.

Janeway watched her for a few minutes, and then smiled, getting back to her workstation. When she saw the enormous amount of reports and messages that were waiting for her, she sighed and muttered quietly, "It never…ever…ends."

Speaking as she worked, Seven stated rather than asked, "You have a great deal of work to do today."

"Mmmhmm," Janeway hummed as she sipped her breakfast. "I'm afraid that I'll have to hand you off to B'Elanna again tonight."

"It is not unacceptable," the blonde informed and then pulled off the cover of the captain's replicator with ease, which Janeway knew was no easy task. "I enjoy spending time with B'Elanna Torres, even though she insists on subjecting me to her peculiar sense of humor. My only wish is that soon all of us will be able to spend time together under less stressful terms as we did when we were 'camping.'"

"We will…I promise, darling," Kathryn said, taking a minute to look away from a science report and gaze at Seven. When the door call sounded, the captain blinked, her stomach instantly tightening and she said, turning toward the door, "Come in."

"Morning, Captain," Chakotay said, his face not giving much away except for the small crinkles near his eyes as he tried to hide his smile. "Seven."

"Commander," Seven nodded over her shoulder and then got back to work quickly, attempting to inform her captain that she would not engage them in conversation, no matter what the subject matter.

"Seven, could you give us a minute, please…just go sit in my chair," Janeway requested, looking away from the commander and over to the blonde, still sitting in her desk chair, although no longer slouching.

Standing immediately, Seven said, "Yes, Captain," and left, making for the captain's command chair as the Bridge staff paid her little attention, getting used to seeing the sickly woman sit in the captain's various spots.

Once the door was closed, Janeway said, rising from her chair and walking over to her couch, "I'd offer you some coffee, but Seven's tinkering with my replicator." Since this was undoubtedly about to be a highly embarrassing and personal moment, she thought her sofa was a more appropriate place to have it. Then turning to face Chakotay after setting down her coffee, she said, still standing, trying to look at ease, "By the look on your face…I think I know why you're here."

Finally letting his mirthy smile out, he requested, his voice warm and pleasant, "Come down here please."

Sighing as she felt her cheeks start to burn red, she did as requested, remaining on the bottom step so that they were eye level, and said, sincerely and reticent, "Chakotay…I'm sorry…I don't know wh…"

Before she could finish, her first officer and dear friend wrapped his arms around her and kissed her sweetly on the lips, fairly quickly and then said, hugging her tightly, "Shut up, Kathryn…I'm so happy for you. I just wanted you to know."

Once she got over the shock, Janeway hugged him back and patted his stronger shoulders. Then pulling away, wiping her forehead, still feeling a little stunned, she said, "Oh…well, thank you." Then laughing as he released her, she said, "Just don't let Seven see you do that…she's still in her over-protective mode…I'm not sure she'd understand."

"Seven?" Chakotay queried without missing a beat, confused. Then as Janeway turned away quickly and clinched her fists, obviously mad as hell at herself for letting that out, he bellowed, "Kathryn Janeway!" as he realized what was going on. When she sat down and put both of her hands over her face, he asked, rather loudly, "Both of them?"

"Shhhh," she hushed, unable to stop herself. Then seeing the look on his face, her embarrassment gave way with speed to more hysterical laugher. Now laying on her back across the couch, holding her ribs, she managed between fits, "If you…could see," more laughter, "the look on…your face, Chakotay!"

Sitting down by her feet, his dark eyes crinkled warmly, making his already attractive face that much more inviting to the eye, the Native American commander explained, whispering, which was really unnecessary since this room was more soundproofed than any other since it was where the captain lectured unsatisfactory crewmembers and held top secret meetings, "I don't mean to look shocked. I was starting to suspect that there was more going on with you all…but well, I'm a little surprised that you realized it...that's all."

Finally recovering, she said, still laying down, "I know…I'm surprised too." Then sitting up, she said, "And I am sorry about this morning…really. That must have been terribly awkward for you."

Smiling brightly, he responded, honestly, "Well…there are worse things I've overheard." When Kathryn started to blush fiercely again, he went on, cheerfully, "You scared the hell out of me for a minute, though…I was about a half a second a way from running over to your place as I called Securty." Clearing his throat, obviously a little embarassed himself, although, not nearly as much as Janeway was, Chakotay finished, smiling, "But, when I heard Klingon…I figured it out."

Throwing her hands over her face again, she mumbled, "Ohgod…thank you…that would have been awful." Then laughing, she said, "Although, I'm sure Seven would have just told you all that B'Elanna was repairing my shower or something and sent you on your way."

"I was going to ask if Seven had some how made a miraculous recovery," he chuckled, "but I guess I understand now."

Slapping his leg, the captain schooled kindly, "I hardly think Seven's in any condition for…that."

"Hey, I'm just trying to keep up," Chakotay answered quickly. "So, am I allowed to ask what the 'arrangement' is?"

Leaning back and crossing her arms over her chest, she glared at him, playfully and responded, "Well, I'm certainly not keeping them all to myself, if that's what you're getting at. This is an equal partnership…all around." Then amending, she said, "Well, at least that's what we're hoping for…although…" looking away, she whispered, "it is a little more centered around me due to Seven's condition."

"Lucky you," he teased. Then patting her on the leg, he said, "Well, I can't speak for Seven…you know her better than I do, but as for B'Elanna…I just wanted you to know you have my blessing. I honestly couldn't be happier for the two…three of you."

Knowing how much Chakotay adored B'Elanna, thinking of her as something similar to his little sister, Janeway grabbed his hand and squeezed it, saying, "Thank you, Chakotay…that means a lot to me…and I want you to know that…well, that I love her…I love her very much."

"I'm glad to hear it," he smiled honestly. "Of course, off the record by the way, I'd much rather see you with her than Tom...Seven too, but like I said, I can't really speak for Seven." Then laughing, he went on, "Well…now I feel like we're in-laws or something."

Laughing along, Janeway said, smacking his arm, "Just don't try to pull any of that big brother stuff with me, Mister. I'm still the captain of this barge."

"Aye, Capt'n." Then releasing her hand, he asked leaning back, "So, is this still classified information?"

Now growing slightly solemn, Janeway turned her body toward him, resting her head on her arm that was propped on the top of her blue-grey couch, "Yes…for the moment, but I don't know for how long."

"Well, you know I won't tell anyone."

"Oh, I know," the captain said quickly. "It's just that…well, there's one other person that knows about me and Seven only…and even though I don't think she'd saying anything, I'm not certain." When he looked at her inquisitively, she said, "Nicole Fowler…she overheard me talking to Seven…telling her that I loved her."

"Ah," he nodded, not at all phased by hearing Kathryn speak that way about Seven since he'd honestly known for a long time that his friend was falling for the cool blonde, "well, I haven't heard anything at all…so I think she's keeping her mouth shut. Probably for her own sake, but who really cares why as long as she does?"

"True." After sitting silent for a few seconds, she asked, "Chakotay, you're closer to the crew than I am…how do you think they'll take this…with regards to me and B'Elanna?" When he looked at her as if he didn't totally understand, she clarified, "I'm not really concerned about what they think about me and Seven…especially after this week…but I'm worried about Lanna. I'm worried that the crew will give her problems with regards to…to making her feel like she isn't an equal partner."

Understanding, he said, "I don't know, Kathryn…honestly. Although, I think people will be more shocked to find out that you're not just sleeping with both of them, but that…well, that B'Elanna and Seven are involved as well."

"Really? I thought people were beginning to suspect something since they'd been spending so much time together in the recent weeks. They really are a marvelous pair, you know?"

"Well," he sighed, "I think you've gotten to see them interact in ways that others haven't yet. Let's face it, B'Elanna wasn't too quiet about her feelings for Seven the first year she was here. I think people will be surprised to know that they're involved romantically." After a moment of contemplation, he continued, "But, I see your point. They're officers…they aren't the captain, so no one can really make too much of it. And, I can see why you might be worried that because you and Seven have always been sort of together that they'd have problems seeing you and B'Elanna together."

"What do you think I should do?" Kathryn asked, more than a little desperate now.

"Do you really want to know what I think?"

"Yes," she nodded, "you're the only one I can talk to about this…you're my first officer and my friend. I really want to know."

"Make a public display of your love for B'Elanna before you make one with Seven, or the both of them," he stated plainly.

Straightening, Janeway took a deep breath, and then nodded, asking, "What do you suggest? What would you do? I'm not very good at this kind of thing."

Smiling, understanding that as a captain and a woman who had gone without love for far too long, she probably really wasn't certain how to handle it, he said, "Take her out. You know, one night a week the main holodeck is open to the public as 'date night.' A good portion of the crew goes and has dinner there. Most of them are just groups of friends, but it's also become kind of the ritual for couples to announce that they are more than just friends."

Intrigued, Janeway said, "Really? I had not idea. I mean, I knew about the open holodeck night of course, but I had no idea it had turned into a dating spot. How long has this been going on?"

"About eight months now," he chuckled, "but since you're never out of your office until long after it's shutdown, I guess you wouldn't know."

Steeling herself, she nodded very captain-like and said, "Alright, then that's what I'll do. Thank you."

"It's a date, Kathryn…not an away mission," Chakotay teased as Janeway took her coffee and started back toward her desk, signally that it was time to get back to work. Coming to a stop in front of her desk, he asked, "Have you heard anything from Engineering on the warp core?"

"Just that they're still on schedule," Janeway said from her chair. "We should be ready to power it up this afternoon. B'Elanna's supposed to get back to me on their progress before she joins the Doctor in the holodeck."

"I'll keep my fingers crossed," he came back. Then turning toward the door, knowing the didn't need to be dismissed, he said, "I'll send Seven back in before you run out of coffee."

"Thank you, Chakotay…for everything."

"Torres to Janeway."

Kathryn Janeway glanced up from her workstation, blinking and looking at the clock on her screen, realizing she had lost all track of time, and said, tapping her communicator, "Janeway here."

"We're all ready, Captain…I thought I'd come down to Engineering during the power up sequence."

"Standby, Chief," Janeway said, getting to her feet. Then looking to Seven, who was 'busy' studying her PADD, imputing data every now and again, the captain said, "Seven…come on…I don't want you in here alone in case something goes wrong."

Seven got to her feet and walked out of the captain's office without muttering a word or looking up from her data, using her peripheral vision to negotiate the terran. Once she was out on the Bridge, she immediately proceeded to the captain's chair, without having to be asked to do so, still not paying any attention to anything but her work.

As everyone looked on and paid Seven as much as attention as she paid them, Janeway came to halt in the center of the command deck and tapped her communicator again, saying, placing her hands on her hips, "Janeway to Torres."

"Go head, Captain."

"B'Elanna, I want to do this in stages. You'll be in charge…and we'll monitor your progress up here. Keep this channel open, however."

"Aye, Captain. We'll begin initializing the plasma injectors in one minute. Standby"

Walking down the small flight of steps toward the helm, she came up behind Fowler, placed her hand on Nick's back and said, "I want you at the ready. If something goes wrong and we have to dump the core, be prepared to get us out of here as quickly as possible."

"Yes, Captain," Nicole nodded and did exactly as she was told without pausing.

After patting Nicole on the back, she came back up to the main deck and pointed to Tuvok saying, "Commander, bring all phaser banks online and keep them at the ready." Then pointing to Operations, she said, "Harry, be prepared to divert all power including life support to the shields and emergency forcefields."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Quickly before she ran out of time, Janeway walked over the auxiliary Engineering station tucked away at the side of the Bridge so she could monitor Engineering's progress and said, under her breath, "Here we go."

"Plasma injectors are initialized, Captain. The auto-sequencers are going online now," the chief engineer reported over the ship's communication system.

From the chair of the auxiliary Engineering station on Voyager's Bridge, the captain monitored the progress as Torres reported accurately what she was seeing. Once the sequencers were online for a good thirty seconds, and her board wasn't reporting any problems, Janeway said, "Alright, B'Elanna…engage the antimatter containment systems and power up the core." Then leaving the chair, now that her place was back in the center of the action, if there was going to be any, Janeway came to the command deck and walked over to the handrail next to the helm, since Seven of Nine was sitting in her chair.

"Core containment systems are functioning, Captain…I'm initialing the plasma flow…now." After a few second delay as the slow, normally comforting hum of the warp core started to slowly build while the device came back to life after its unfortunate rest, Torres reported, "Power output at twenty percent and rising steadily, Captain. Thirty…forty…fifty…sixty…"

When Janeway heard the small beep of an alert sensor from over the open channel they had with Engineering, she tensed and asked, "What's happening?"

"I don't know yet…we're stuck at sixty percent…hold on."

Sighing, Janeway said mildly irritated, "I need a better answer than that, Chief."

It took a few seconds, but Torres finally said, "One of the magnetic constrictors is slightly out of alignment…it's keeping the plasma from flowing correctly. It will just take minute, Captain. Standby." After less than thirty seconds, Torres said, "That did it…power output continues to rise…eighty percent…ninety…ninety-five…we have full power. Warp core is back online."

Closing her eyes for just a moment, Janeway nodded and then said, "Thank you, Miss Torres…well done. I'd like to see you as soon as you've finished your monitoring. Janeway out." Then stepping down to the helm, Janeway said, "Stand down weapons, Commander. Miss Fowler," she said standing next to her with her hands on her hips, "put us back on course for the Alpha Quadrant and take us to warp as soon as we've cleared orbit."

Once the view screen began slightly distored by the warp bubble that was created right before the ship jumped to the speed of light, Janeway climbed the steps back to the command deck, smiling wryly at Seven of Nine, who hadn't taken her eyes off of her PADD the whole time, she was certain. "She certainly is a cool customer," the captain thought fondly.

"Captain," Harry Kim said from the upper deck, "the A.I. vessel has changed course to follow," as his hands flew over his sensor board, he sighed and looked up and her, reporting a little dismayed, "…and they've increased their speed."

"Time to intercept?" Chakotay asked, getting to his feet.

"They're traveling at Warp Seven right now," Kim answered. Still working his board, he said, "If we both maintain our present speeds, they'll catch up to us in thirty-six hours."

"Helm, how fast are we going?" asked Janeway, crossing her hands on her chest, frowning.

"Warp Six, Captain," answered the tall brunette, turning in her chair to watch what was happening since she didn't need to pay attention to her board now they were at warp and the ship's automatic piloting system took over.

Tapping her comm-badge, Janeway said, "Bridge to Engineering."

"Torres here."

"Chief…is the core up to anything higher than standard cruising speeds?"

Torres sighed audibly, obviously not liking that question and said, "Yes, Captain…but I can't recommend it right now. Can you give us a couple of hours to do a full run down…just to make certain?"

"Alright, let me know as soon as you've completed your diagnostics. Janeway out." Walking up to Operations, Janeway came around the panel to have a look at the data herself. After a few moments, she nodded and said, "Let me know of any change in their course and speed immediately, Mister Kim."

"Yes, Captain."

To Chakotay, who had come up next to her, she said quietly, "Well, I guess all we can do is hold them off as long as we can until we can get the rest of the ship repaired."

"And then?"

"And then…I'll decide what to do next," she said, walking away toward her Ready Room, signaling to Seven to follow her. "You have the Bridge, Commander."

"Seven," Janeway said from her workstation. "I think it's time you had some more water, and maybe something to eat." When Seven didn't answer, Janeway looked up from the latest Engineering report at her couch to see Seven sleeping on her couch. Getting up, the captain walked slowly over to her and knelt beside her silently. Placing her hand on her forehead, Janeway's pulse quickened when the skin that touched her back felt much cooler than normal. Grabbing the medical tricorder from the coffee table next to her, she began to scan her as she said, louder, "Seven…Seven…I need you to wake up."

"Kath," Seven murmured groggy, "I'm cold."

The fact that Seven just shortened her name and used a contraction was enough to tell Janeway that something was wrong, and as she looked at the tricorder, she read that Seven's body temperature was almost two degrees lower than normal, which was usually worse than it being warmer. "I know, darling…I'm going to get the Doctor…hold on." Tapping her communicator, Janeway said, "Janeway to the Doctor."

"Go ahead, Captain."

"Doctor, Seven's temperature has dropped two degrees below normal."

"I'm on my way."

Taking off her uniform tunic, she draped it over Seven's chest and started rubbing her arms, trying to stimulate heat, saying to Seven, who looked to be nodding off again, "Seven…Seven…I want you to stay awake for me. The Doctor's coming right now." When her Astrometrics officer didn't respond, Janeway pulled her up into a sitting position and slid in behind her, wrapping her arms around her chest and saying, "Seven…wake up…you need to stay alert, alright."

"Can't," Seven whispered.

Shaking her a little, not roughly, but just trying to keep her lucid, Janeway ordered with authority, "Seven of Nine…you must wake up. Comply."

Opening her eyes, the Borg took a ragged breath and said, listlessly, but coherent, "Yes, Captain." Then starting to shiver as her mind caught up to her body, she asked, her precision returning, for how long was anyone's guess, "What has occurred?"

"You're temperature has dropped too low, darling…but don't worry…the Doctor's coming right now," Janeway explained, rubbing her arms. Then pulling off her jacket, she helped Seven slip it on. Next, reaching around in front of her she zipped it up as far as she could. Since Seven had a much larger bust line than she did, it couldn't be zipped completely up, but she hoped that it was enough to at least add a little more warmth to her body. Then helping the blonde sit up by herself, she went over to the cabinet on the side of her couch and pulled out the blanket she kept there whenever she used her office as her quarters. After that, crawling back behind the freezing female, Janeway draped the blanket over her and continued to hold her close to her body. When the door call sounded, she said quickly, "Come in."

"Captain," Nicole Fowler started, walking into Kathryn's office. Then stopping when she saw the scene before her, she thought about apologizing and turning around immediately, but then sensing that this wasn't a private moment, and figuring the captain wouldn't be caught in this kind of situation, she asked, "Is she okay?"

"Get me a cup of hot water please," Janeway requested without hesitation.

"Sure," Fowler said, running over to the replicator and ordering a cup of hot water. Then bringing it quickly to Janeway, she asked, "Is there anything I can do?"

"No…thank you…the Doctor is on his way," answered the captain. When Seven started to slouch heavily against her, she said quickly, setting the cup down before Fowler got away, "Maybe you could help me keep her sitting up until the Doctor gets here?"

Fowler was at Seven's side in an instant, clearing the steps in one leap. Wrapping her long and thickly muscled arms around Seven's body, she picked her up with a fair amount of ease, although expelling air in surprise, and sat her up straight as Janeway got out from behind her and offered her assistance which wasn't really necessary. When Seven began to slump forward, Nicole said, "Woah now…hey, Seven…wake up."

When Seven opened her eyes at the unfamiliar voice, she looked at Nicole somewhat unhappily and confused and asked, "Lieutenant Fowler…what are you doing?"

"Trying to keep you from squashing the captain," Nick laughed nervously.

"Seven…Seven…look at me," Janeway demanded. Once Seven turned her head toward her and tried to focus, blinking her lidden eyes, Janeway grabbed her face and said, "I'm ordering you to stay awake."

"I'll comply," Seven said a little clearer.

Sighing, Janeway spat, "Where the hell is the Doctor?" And just before she was about to hail him and tell him to get his photonic ass to her office before she put him on report, the door call sounded. "Come in," she barked as Fowler continued to talk to Seven, keeping her awake. "It's about time, Doctor."

When he saw that two crewmembers where hovering over his patient, the Doctor snapped into action with haste, opening his own medical tricorder, explaining, "I'm sorry, Captain…we were right in the middle of a critical moment…it took us a few seconds to get to a point where we could stop. We would have lost hours of work."

Moving out of the way so the Doctor could work, Fowler asked, "Captain, do you need me to stick around?"

"No…but thank you. Can what you came in here for wait?" the redhead commander asked, holding Seven's hand.

"Why don't you let me know when you have time…it's not important."

"I will…thank you," Janeway nodded then turned her attention back to Seven and the Doctor. "What's wrong, Doctor?"

Closing his medical tricorder, "Now her nanoprobes are overcompensating…and cooling her body to extremes," the hologram sighed. "I didn't expect this."

"What can we do?"

"Keeping her warm is all we can do right now," he answered. "If her temperature continues to drop, then I'll administer a stimulant to increase her blood flow, but again, I'd rather not. We can't predict what side effects that will have on her, and I'm sure her nanoprobes would simply attack the stimulant and undermine our efforts quickly since they think that Seven's body temperature is normal right now. We really don't want to try risking draining her power reserves any more than is absolutely necessary."

When Seven started to doze off again, Kathryn asked, worried, "Is it alright for her to sleep when she's like this? She's wasn't quite herself earlier."

"Yes, let her rest, but keep her warm as best you can." Then seeing the hot water cup, he said to Seven before she fell completely asleep, "Seven…Seven…wake up for a minute."

"I'm awake," Seven slurred, with a definite irritation to her tone as her eyes continued to look distant and hazy.

Grabbing the cup, he handed it to the captain and said, "Have her drink this before she falls back asleep, Captain…it will help."

Nodding, Janeway took the cup and asked quickly, "Anything else?"

The hologram stood and said, "No…you're doing a fine job. This is all we can do for the next day and a half. Just try to keep her comfortable and make sure she rests as much as possible."

"Alright…thank you. I'll keep you informed," Janeway nodded and then turned back to Seven. As the Doctor was showing himself out, Janeway said, "Seven…Seven…wake up. Can you tell me where you are?"

Sighing, tired, Seven said, irritated that people continued to talk to her when all she wanted to do was sleep, "I am in your Ready Room, aboard Voyager in the Delta Quadrant, Kathryn. Do you not know our position?"

Her laughter coming out in a short bark, which was purely a release of tension, Janeway said, "Just making sure, darling…I know you're tired, but I want you to drink this cup of water before you go back to sleep."

Eyeing the cup, Seven asked, "Will you allow me to sleep if I comply?"

"Yes, sweetheart…I'll stop bothering you, I promise."

"Very well," Seven said and took the cup, bringing it to her lips. Feeling the heat of the cup around her hands, she sipped at it carefully at first. Then finding that it wasn't too hot for her, she gulped until it was gone. Finally handing it back to Janeway, her head instantly starting to ease toward the captain, she said, "My task is complete."

Helping Seven lie down, Janeway moved off the couch and then covered her body with the blanket. After retrieving the pillow from the cabinet, she managed to lift Seven's head enough so that she could slip it underneath her. Grabbing her communicator from her jacket that was on her sleeping Borg, she attached it to her shirt and tapped it, saying, "Janeway to Fowler."

"Go ahead, Captain."

"Could you come to my Ready Room, please?"

"I'm on my way."

Meeting her at the door, Janeway said to the tall pilot once the door was closed, "I've got to go get some things to help keep Seven comfortable. Would you just wait here while I'm gone? I'm sure she'll just sleep, but I don't want to leave her unattended."

"Of course, Captain," Fowler said. "Take your time."

Nodding, Janeway walked out into the Bridge where Chakotay stood immediately and asked, "Everything alright?"

"Walk with me," she requested, climbing up the stairs, tense. "Tuvok, you have the Bridge." Once they were in the turbolift and she requested the deck where her quarters resided, she explained, "Seven's taken a slight turn for the worse. I need to get some stuff from my quarters to keep her comfortable."

"What happened?"

"Her nanoprobes think that her body is too warm now, so they've managed to drop her temperature to almost two degrees below normal. She's freezing, and already showing some signs of acute exhaustion," Janeway sighed, rubbing her forehead tightly. "The Doctor says that there's really nothing we can do but keep her warm."

As they stepped off the lift and walked quickly toward her quarters, the captain's stride long and crisp as it always was whenever she was highly stressed, Chakotay asked, "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"I don't see what," she said turning the corner. "This isn't any different than when she was running a fever constantly."

"Well, that might be true," Chakotay said, following her inside, "but you seem much more worried than you were two days ago. And two days ago we didn't know about the A.I. and two days ago we hadn't ejected the warp core."

Stopping in the center of her bedroom, she rubbed the back of her neck, turned toward him and said, "I know…and you're right, this is starting to get to me, but really…what more can we do?"

"Nothing, I guess," he admitted, "but if you need anything…just let me know, alright?"

"I will…will you grab the extra blanket from the bed while I replicate her some warmer clothes, please?"

"Sure," Chakotay said going over to the bed and grabbing the extra blanket that was folded neatly at the foot.

Walking into her Ready Room, carrying the extra blanket, a navy blue pair of sweats and a thin, cotton long sleeved shirt, Janeway nodded to Fowler who was sitting on the edge of the upper deck on the stairs. When Fowler stood and made a move to start for the door, Janeway said, "Nick…one more favor please."

"Yes, Captain?"

"I need you to help me get her changed into some warmer clothes," Janeway said climbing the stairs. Then putting down the contents of her arms on the couch, she turned around and asked, "Are you comfortable with that?"

"Sure," Fowler answered easily, climbing the stairs, "we're all girls here."

"Thank you," Janeway sighed. "She's a lot heavier than she looks."

"No kidding…is that because of her implants?" asked Nicole, coming up to the couch and then maneuvering in next to Seven's head at Janeway's direction.

"Yes," responded the captain. "If you could just sit her up, I think I can take care of the rest."

The tall lieutenant slipped the pillow out from underneath Seven's head and replaced it simultaneously with her hand. Then with her other hand, she lifted Seven's torso until she was sitting up. When during all of this Seven of Nine barely stirred at all, Nicole asked, "Is she always this heavy of a sleeper?" As she realized what she was assuming, she said, "I mean…"

Chuckling, Janeway replied, "It's fine. Yes, she's a heavy sleeper…at least right now. She only started sleeping instead of regenerating this week because she can't use her alcove any more…so I'm not sure she'll always be like this. Hopefully not…or if there's an emergency, I'm going to have to devise a way to wake her."

As the captain began pulling off her shirt, slowly, which was difficult since Seven wasn't cooperating in the least by waking up at all, Fowler said, trying to lighten the mood, "Well, maybe you could rig a water bucket over the bed?" When the captain chortled, Nicole smiled and then helped her with one hand to pull the shirt from her hand. Then seeing a flash of red, she looked down and said, "Captain, she's bleeding," as she examined a cut on her back. The breath caught in the back of her throat as she saw Seven's abdominal implant for the first time. The sight striking a nerve in her, angering her instantly, she clenched her jaw to keep from cursing the Borg for torturing innocent people in such a manner. As the blood began to run down her back, Fowler instinctively put her hand to the wound and put pressure on it as the captain darted into the ensuite, moving faster than Fowler thought her small, thin legs could carry her.

Returning from the bathroom with a warm washcloth, Janeway quickly went over to where Fowler was holding Seven's back and pressed the towel to her wound once her pilot removed her slightly bloodied hand. After she had wiped the fluid away, she bent down and examined it closely. It was a little worse than the last one, but she knew it wasn't anything her nanoprobes wouldn't have sealed up in no time. Handing the washcloth to Nicole, she grabbed the ointment and started to rub it into the dry, cracked area, trying to keep the skin from splitting any more.

"What happened?" asked Nicole, wiping the blood from her hand with the cloth. "I didn't do that, did I?"

"It probably happened when we were moving her around...it's not your fault," Janeway explained as she carefully applied the lotion to the area right around the Borg's wound.

Amazed, Nicole asked, "Is…all of that…her implant?"

"Yes."

"All of that has to be removed?"

"Unfortunately, the time has come…we can't stop it," Janeway answered, her voice growing quiet. "Her skin can't even adapt anymore…that's why she's bleeding." Then noticing that the wound was starting to close up just a little bit, and the blood had completely stopped flowing, Janeway smiled warmly and whispered, "Beauty bugs save the day again."

"Huh?" queried the pilot.

"Oh," Janeway chuckled, "see," she pointed, "her nanoprobes are already healing her. Amazing little things…too bad they're also making her an ice cube right now."

Standing, Nicole said, "I'm just going to wash my hands, Captain."

"Take your time…I want to let this heal before we try to put on any clothing," Janeway informed, holding Seven up. When her patient started to stir, Janeway whispered into her ear, stroking her arm, "It's alright, darling…go back to sleep if you can." When Seven did not protest or ask as to what the captain was doing, having no idea she was damanged since the nerve endings in the back of her abdomen, where the implant was denser, were completely dead, Janeway rested her head against her shoulder and sighed as Nicole started out of the bathroom. When the door call sounded, Janeway sighed again, pulling the blanket up over Seven's nude torso, and said, "Nick, if that's anyone but B'Elanna, tell them to go away."

Swallowing, hoping she wasn't about to have a confrontation with Chakotay or worse, Tuvok, Fowler stood to the side of the door, blocking anyone's view of what was occurring inside with her solid form and opened the door. When Torres appeared in the doorway and then looked at her funny since the captain didn't normally have someone answer her door, Fowler said quickly, "Hurry in, Torres."

"What the hell is going on?" asked B'Elanna rather loudly, and then stopped short when she saw Seven's bare shoulders and Janeway behind her, looking a little worse for the wear. "Oh...sorry, Captain."

"That's fine, B'Elanna."

Looking back at Nicole and then over at the captain and their blonde partner, the engineer asked, "Is this a bad time?" not sure what was going on and not sure she wanted to know since Nicole looked rather freaked out and Janeway was paler than normal.

"Yes, but I could use your help," Janeway answered.

After the captain explained the situation to Torres, and didn't send Fowler away even though she really didn't need her anymore, but feeling that doing so would be rather rude considering how helpful and remorseful she'd been, and deciding that three set of arms were better than two, the three of them began undressing and then redressing Seven once her back was healed, and after Janeway had applied a fresh coat of the Doctor's lotion to her torso, front and back. To pass the time with idle chatter while the helpless Borg was stripped in front of practically a complete stranger, Torres told Nicole her favorite Seven of Nine stories, which included their recent wrestling match in the river, leaving most of the dressing part to the captain, and just lending assistance when Seven's limbs proved a little too heavy in her state for Janeway to lift and dress at the same time.

Once they had finally put on all of Seven's clothes and laid her back down, Seven only stirring every now and again, and then promptly nodding off once she heard Kathryn's voice, the three woman all took a deep breaths and then shared a commiserating sigh. Putting on her jacket and adjusting her communicator, Janeway said, "Well, I don't know about the two of you, but I could use some coffee."

Chuckling, Torres remarked, talking a seat on the captain's steps next to Fowler, "Well, there's a surprise. I'd love a beer." When Janeway shot her a look over her shoulder that told her not to get too comfortable, but also had a small hint of flirtation, B'Elanna said quickly, laughing, "Coffee's fine, Captain."

Bringing the coffees, one black and one with cream, back for her helpers before she retrieved her own, using the rations as captain's privilege again, she said, "Thank you both for your help…there's no way I could have done that without you…and I don't think Tuvok or Chakotay would have been of much more assistance."

Laughing, Nicole said, comfortably, starting to get a feel for what would and wouldn't be tolerated from her commanding officer, with a little help from Torres, "Captain, if I would have known this is what Bridge duty was like on Voyager, I would have knocked Paris off a long time ago."

"This is nothing, Nick," Torres snickered, deciding against making a comment on how much she liked the way Fowler thought, with regards to Paris. "You should have been up here when the captain and Tuvok were on that Borg Cube, trying to cut a deal with the Collective…it was a regular three ring circus when species 8472 attacked."

After chuckling softly, Janeway sighed and said, "Well, not to ruin the mood, but I'm assuming you came here to update me on the warp core?"

"Yes, Captain," Torres nodded, getting back to business, but still sitting and drinking her coffee, looking up at her commanding officer. "All systems have checked out. We can increase our velocity at any time, but I can't responsibly recommend anything past a warp factor of eight for at least a couple of days. I just don't feel comfortable pushing the new plasma injector harder than that until it's been broken in."

"How long can we run at Warp Nine before we slow down?"

Sighing, Torres scratched her head and said, "Two days…tops…and I mean tops, Captain."

"How long at maximum?"

Feeling like she was going to cry, Torres started through clenched teeth, "Ten hours," then relaxed, knowing the captain would only do that if she had to, she continued, "and then we'll have to cut warp engines altogether for at least a day to let the converters catch up and restore our reserves."

"What if we modulate our speed?" Nicole asked, feeling like she should try to add something to the conversation just so the captain knew she was paying attention and not taking advantage of her good nature to slack off. "What if we run at maximum for a few hours and then slow back to Warp Eight? If we did that a few times…that would increase our distance form the A.I."

Having only been updated on the A.I. vessel this afternoon after she had left Engineering and downloaded all critical reports to a PADD after she ate lunch and while she monitored the final diagnostics on the warp core before she rejoined the Doctor and Tom in the holodeck, Torres shook her head and said, "Actually, that puts more stress on the core. It saves the reserves, but it taxes the source, so I can't recommend that either. If you're going to go to maximum, Captain, run it for as long as you can…that's the best way to keep from permanently damaging something that we can't replace easily, or at all."

"If we run at maximum for a nine hours, can you give me at least warp speed afterward?" asked the captain seriously.

"Nothing faster than Warp One…and only for a few hours…after that, the converters will automatically lock down the core and start refueling…it's not something that can be stopped," Torres answered, equally serious. "Built in safety feature."

"Understood," Janeway said, turning and heading for her desk, hoping Fowler and Torres realized that it was time get back to work. When she looked over her shoulder and saw them both depositing their cups in the replicator, she smiled some, and then said, straightening, "Miss Torres, will you inform the Doctor of Seven's condition for me?"

"No problem," Torres replied, heading for the door. "See ya, Nick," the Klingon said over her shoulder and left quickly, knowing that was Janeway's way of dismissing her.

Before she walked them both to the Bridge, Janeway took a moment and said softly, "Thank you…I know this has to be somewhat awkward for you, but you've been very kind, and I appreciate it."

"You're welcome, Captain," Fowler straightened and bobbed her head once.

"Well, shall we?" Janeway said, motioning toward the Bridge, letting Fowler go first so she could have one last look at Seven before she left her for a few minutes, hoping she wouldn't wake up, but not really thinking that she would be for several hours.

As Fowler took her seat at the conn, dismissing an ensign who had taken her place when the captain hailed her, Janeway sat down in her command chair and leaned over close to Chakotay, who she knew was about to ask her a question. When he asked if Seven was okay instead of what was the status of the warp core, Janeway was warmed and said, "She's okay…it took three of us to get her changed, but she seems to be sleeping comfortably now."

"Did the warp core check out?" he asked next.

"Yes, but I have a feeling our chief is going to be rather ticked off at me in about a minute," she whispered. Then looking up to Operations, she asked, "Harry, what's the word?"

"No change, Captain," Kim looked down answering. "They're still gaining slowly."

Nodding, she said to Chakotay, "Let's see if they've improved their technology, hmm?" Then standing she said, "Helm, increase our speed to Warp Eight."

"Increasing speed, Captain," Fowler said, rotating her hand over the circular sensor board. "We're at Warp Eight now."

"Harry?" asked Janeway turning around toward him.

"They've increased speed, Captain," Harry reported as the long range sensor data came in. "Looks like they're at Warp Eight as well."

"Alright," she said, turning back up front again and marching down to the helm. Putting her hand on Fowler's shoulder, she said, softly, "Take us to eight and a half, Nick."

"Aye, Captain," Nick said, equally quiet. "We're there."

"Harry…did they increase their speed?"

"Standby, Captain," Harry said, moving to another board as the speed in which they were traveling and the large distance between the two vessels was making it difficult to get an accurate reading. After realigning the sensor grid, he moved back to his main board and then sighed, saying, "Yes, Captain…they're matching us."

"Damn," she said, emphasing her displeasure with a jerk of her head.

"Carey to Bridge," came the lieutenant's voice over the speakers.

Tapping her communicator, Janeway said, "Janeway here..what's the problem?"

"Has Lieutenant Torres informed you on the status of the warp core, Captain?" the engineer asked in a way he hoped was telling the captain that she was pushing the engines beyond recommended limits without having to actually say it.

Crisply, Janeway replied, "I'm aware of the situation, Mister Carey. Janeway out." Then leaning towards Nicole Fowler again, she said, "Slow us to eight, please." Once her pilot had done so, Janeway said over her shoulder to Ensign Kim, "Harry, did they slow down?"

After a few second delay, Kim slapped his hand down and his board and said, "No, Captain…they've increased velocity to Warp Nine."

Snapping her head around, she rushed up the stairs asking, "How long to intercept?"

"Calculating…" he said, running his hands over his board, "on our current course, they'll catch up to use in fifteen hours."

Rubbing her forehead, taking a few moments to think, she looked up to Kim and said, "I want you to go down to Astrometrics and see if we can put some distance on that time frame by changing course. I'll be there in a few minutes." After Harry left, she shook her head at Chakotay and said, "You have the Bridge, Commander. Lieutenant Fowler..."

Swiveling in her chair, Nick answered, "Captain?"

"Go look after Seven while I'm gone…and call me if she wakes."

"Yes, Captain," Fowler responded and immediately headed for the captain's Ready Room.

"It will take a couple of minutes for the computer to process this," Harry said as he looked up from one of the sensor boards in the Astrometrics lab. When the captain nodded and took up a post on the stairs that lead to the main viewing platform, he asked, "How's Seven doing? I saw that the Doctor came in there earlier."

"Well," Janeway sighed leaning back on her hands, "she's been better." When Kim turned a little paler than he normally was, she said, reassuring the young ensign, "She'll be fine, Harry…you know, Seven…she's tough."

Sighing, he smiled some and said, "It's kind of weird not having her here…I've gotten so use to seeing her all the time…I guess I kind of miss her, even if she can run circles around me."

Chuckling, Janeway smiled fondly at her youngest senior officer. It was no secret that Harry Kim still had quite a crush on the beautiful Borg...although, he did better to hide it now than he used to. "I don't know anyone that Seven can't run circles around…don't take it so hard. You don't have a neural processor assisting you. I'm sure if you did, you'd be just as efficient."

"Maybe," Kim smiled. Then as the data from the computer started coming in, he turned around and said, "The computer's bringing up the possibilities now, Captain. I'm putting them onscreen."

Getting up from her spot, she walked up the stairs and stood in the middle of the large Astrometrics dais with her arms crossed over her chest and she viewed the five separate course change possibilities that the computer had complied. Pointing up at the screen, she said, "Bring up the first one, and zoom in on spatial grid three." When the screen zipped forward, a motion that used to make Janeway a little sick to her stomach until she got used to it, she looked closely at a the green polygon highlighting the area and asked, "What is that exactly?"

"It's a star cluster, Captain," Harry reported reading the data from his panel. "Fifteen separate stars within a single sector."

"Fifteen…" Janeway repeated to herself, amazed, "and the computer is suggesting this course...why?"

"With the intense gravimetric forces, we'd be forced to slow to impulse…and so would the A.I.," Kim explained. "I programmed the computer to account for the fact that the A.I. doesn't have any weapons systems, so I assume the computer includes shields in that. If the A.I. followed us here, they'd more than likely be destroyed or crippled."

"So would we, Ensign," Janeway came back, moving her finger around in circles, she requested, "Move along please." After Kim pulled up the next course possibility, Janeway stared at it for a few minutes, walking up closer to the viewscreen. After requesting that he zoom in on a specific area, she asked again, "What's this?"

"It's a nebula…dark matter, class five," Kim reported. "I think this is the same idea as the last…moving on?"

"I'd rather not destroy this ship on my own, thank you," she smirked. Turning back to the screen again, she was about to ask him to zoom in when it changed quickly to a new course.

"Same idea, Captain…I think the computer has it in for us today," Kim joked.

"Probably pissed that Seven's not here," she laughed back. Then looking back at the screen, almost expecting it to change again, she finally asked when it didn't, "Okay, so what's so special about this one?"

"Not sure, Captain…hold on," Kim said, reading the information quickly. Then understanding, he zoomed in on one area and said, "There, spatial grid fifteen…it's a star system. From Seven's data, it's home to the Biub'Ta. The computer is suggesting we go here in hopes that tha A.I. will lose interest in us."

Narrowing her eyes and frowning, Kathryn said, "Remind me to have Seven look at programming morality subroutines in to the computer when she's better," Janeway shook her head, and went on, "I'm not going to endanger the lives of innocent people, Mister Kim. What's next?"

"Spatial grid nine…a Mutara Class nebula," Harry said a little brighter since this seemed to be something that was somewhat of a possibility. "It's three point six light years away…we could get there before the A.I."

"Mutara huh?" Janeway muttered, rubbing her neck, hoping the movement would help stimulate her brain and keep her sharp. "Well, that would certainly disrupt their sensors…ours too unfortunately. How big is it?"

"Not very big…approximately fifteen cubic A.U's but plenty big enough to hide and move around in."

"Not without thrusters," Janeway reminded. Coming down from the dais, she said, "Thank you for your help, Harry."

"Any time, Captain," Kim nodded and then left, heading back to the Bridge, knowing she was asking him to leave her alone so she could think in private.

Coming up to the Astrometrics primary imaging station, pulling up the data on this course change and the nebula, making sure that the only systems that would be compromised were the external sensors, she stood there silently for a few minutes thinking about all the possibilities. Since it seemed the A.I. was determined to make contact with Voyager, albeit, the purpose of that contact was unknown, Kathryn felt that under normal circumstances she would take refuge in the nebula without pause, but considering that their thrusters were still not operational since they had put all man power to repairing the warp core, and they'd be flying manually in a nebula without their most experienced pilot, it took Janeway many minutes to make her decision.

Tapping her communicator, the captain said, "Janeway to Carey."

"Carey here."

"How are the repairs on the thrusters coming?"

"I've got Vorik and Nicoletti on them now, Captain…they should be complete by 0800 hours tomorrow morning."

"You've got ten hours, Carey…get it done," Janeway said crisply, walking out of Astrometrics after she uploaded the new course heading to the conn.

Entering the Bridge, Janeway nodded at Harry and then Chakotay, who stood up immediately. Bypassing him, she walked smoothly down to the helm and said to the ensign who was sitting in for Fowler, "You're relieved." As she heard Chakotay's heavy footsteps coming up behind her, she quickly entered in the new course and brought the ship to Warp Nine.

"Captain, what's going on?" Chakotay asked quietly as he came up behind her.

"Change in plans," she said back crisply, then turned toward Operations and asked simply, "Harry?"

"They're following, Captain…matching our speed as well," he informed ominously.

"What a surprise," she spat and stood up, pointing at the ensign that she could resume her post. Then walking toward her Ready Room, she motioned for her first officer to follow her over her shoulder with her index finger. Once inside she nodded at Fowler, who was sitting on her steps again, reminding herself to ask her why she preferred the steps when there was half a couch and two other perfectly comfortable chairs in her office.

"Captain," Nicole nodded and stood as Janeway went immediately to her workstation. Before she could ask if there was anything else the captain needed, Chakotay walked in behind her. Straightening even more since he didn't look very pleased, she nodded and started for the door, "Commander."

"Miss Fowler, you're needed in here for a while...have a seat," Janeway said, motioning to the stairs as Chakotay took a seat in the lone chair in front of her desk. She thought for a minute about going to the closet to retrieve another chair, but since Fowler seemed perfectly comfortable where she was, Janeway stood up and said, leaning on her desk with her hands, "We're heading for a Mutara Class nebula. At present speeds, we'll get there in ten hours."

Hardly a second after Janeway stopped speaking, Chakotay asked, almost certain of the answer, but having to make certain, "You're hoping that the A.I. won't go inside since…well, that would make it blind?"

"Yes."

"We'll be blind too," the commander reminded, as was his duty.

"I'm aware of that…but, we, meaning the crew, won't be…just impaired slightly," Janeway explained further. Then looking over to Fowler, she asked, "Have you ever piloted a starship manually, Lieutenant?"

"Fuck me!" Fowler cursed in her head as the captain turned to her. "Of course, this is happening right now!" Sighing, Fowler answered honestly, "Yes, Captain…but, honestly, that was a long time ago. I was in the Academy…that hunk of junk was nothing like Voyager."

"Well, it will have to do…I want you to spend two hours in the simulator, and then get to bed…report back to duty in ten hours. Dismissed."

"Yes, Ma'am," Fowler nodded and hurried out the room. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

Scratching the side of his tattoo with his thumb, the commander inquired, "Do you think she's ready for this?"

"I don't know," Janeway said, sitting back down, "but if she wants to be my pilot, then she better be."

"And if she's not ready?"

"Then I'll do it."

Lieutenant Nicole Fowler bounded briskly down the main corridor on Deck Seven, headed toward the secondary holodeck since the primary one was currently being used by the Doctor and company, cursing under her breath the entire way. As she came to a halt in front of the sensor panel which read that it was currently being used, she bobbed her head once, throwing her hands in the air and said, "Great…just want I need right now." Accessing the systems, not surprised to find that two people were inside, she sighed and quickly accessed the communication channel saying, "This is Lieutenant Nicole Fowler. I require the use of this holodeck immediately at the express request of Captain Janeway. You have three minutes before I come in." Then folding her arms across her broad chest, she leaned against the bulkhead and waited patiently.

When she heard the sound of the other holodeck door opening, she turned in time to see the Doctor and Lieutenant Torres leaving quickly. They were talking about something, in which both of them were fairly heatedly enthusiastic, so she didn't interrupt them. As Tom Paris meandered out, and didn't follow them, but started her way, she suppressed the urge to knock his block off for getting her into this mess and instead said, "Well, look who it is…Mister Paris."

"Hey, Nick," Tom said brightly at first, and then when she didn't return his pleasantness, which was unusual for her, he stopped in front of her and asked, "Something wrong?"

"Oh, I just have two hours to prepare to manually fly this bird through a Mutara Class nebula in ten hours…so, other than the shit stain in my pants, I'm fine," she informed flippantly. "Having fun playing Doctor?"

"Why are we going into a nebula?" Tom asked, ignoring her attitude for the moment.

"We're going there to pray that the A.I. won't follow us, as it seems dead set on doing," Nicole explained, corrosively.

"The A.I.?"

Rolling her eyes, she spat, "You haven't read the captain's report yet." When two ensigns came out of the holodeck wearing their wrinkled uniforms, trying to smooth down the creases, one of them still zipping up his tunic, and both of them muttering 'excuse me's' and not making eye contact, Nicole slapped Tom on the arm soundly and said, "Thanks a lot, Tom."

"Hey, no one made you take this position, Nick…you can't blame me," he said back, finally having enough of her whining.

"You're wrong…I can blame you…and I can blame the captain," she reported rather loudly. "If you didn't insist on always hogging all of the decent piloting work around here, maybe the rest of us would know how to do something other than go to warp. And, I can blame the captain for allowing it." When he looked at her like he had no idea what she was talking about, Nicole sighed in frustration and headed into the holodeck.

"Well, do you want some help?" offered Paris lamely as the door closed behind her with a clang. After pacing back and forth for a few minutes, scratching his head and trying to figure out what he should do because even though he wouldn't admit it to Fowler, he did feel partly responsible, he took off toward his quarters to read up on the captain's report before he went to see her.

"Is that you I see there?" Janeway asked warmly as Seven stirred and then opened her bright blue eyes, looking up at the captain, who was sitting right next to her.

"What has occurred?" Seven asked regaining her normal clear concise tones, although the captain noted that there was a definite hoarseness to her voice, most likely due to lack of use since Seven had been asleep for almost six straight hours.

"You've been asleep on my couch for some time," Janeway answered, setting down her workstation on the coffee table. When Seven immediately moved her pillow to the other side of the couch and placed her head in Kathryn's lap, something Seven of Nine had never done before, Janeway smiled, a little concerned though, and asked, "How do you feel?"

"I believe the accurate term is 'bad,'" Seven stated, but as Janeway started stroking her face, she sighed and said, "However, I am feeling better now that you are touching me." As she looked up into Kathryn's face, she asked, "What is 'wrong?'"

"Nothing's wrong, darling," Janeway lied through her teeth, but only doing so to protect Seven since she absolutely did not want to worry her already unsettled officer.

"What is the time?"

"Um," Janeway muttered, squinting at her workstation trying to read the small time readout. "It's around 2100 hours."

"It is late. Have you been waiting here for me to wake before you retire to your quarters?"

"No…I've been working," Janeway answered, carefully reaching forward for her never-empty cup of coffee. "I have been waiting for you to wake up, though." After taking a long pull on her mug, she asked, "If you want to go home, I'm sure B'Elanna would come look after you. She was here earlier, but I told her to not worry about it until you woke up."

"I do not wish to leave you," Seven answered, cuddling with Janeway's lap more. "Is it required that I leave?"

"Don't you want to go rest in bed? I know that this couch isn't nearly as comfortable," the captain offered, running her fingers through Seven's hair.

"It is acceptable. I do not want to leave you. I am…malfunctioning severely," the Borg replied, growing more upset by the syllable. Then as her eyes started to become red and her eyes misted over a small amount, she whispered, "This is upsetting."

"I know…and you don't have to go if you don't want to," Janeway said. Then bringing her hands to her lip and pressing them to Seven's she said, "You can stay here as long as you need to if it will make you feel better, okay?"

Nodding, Seven said, "Perhaps B'Elanna Torres could come here?"

Janeway smiled ruefully and said, "I'm sorry, darling…but I still have a lot of work to do…and I'm expecting several reports. I can't have her here right now too. Do you understand?"

"It is 'fine,'" Seven of Nine said surely. "Then I will continue to rest in your company alone." When Janeway brought her laptop to the side of her couch, next to her, she asked, "Do you require the use of your 'lap,' Captain?"

"Was that a joke?" Janeway chuckled once, looking down at Seven.

"It was also a question."

"You're fine, darling…it's not everyday that a Starship captain has an excuse to work with the head of a beautiful woman in her lap…I plan to take advantage of it," Janeway stated, turning back to her portable workstation. As Seven grew quiet, understanding that even though the captain could be here for her, she still was very busy, Janeway continued to stroke her face and hair with her fingers, the movement completely unconscious, and just as Seven was starting to fall asleep again, the door call sounded, waking her. "Go back to sleep," Janeway whispered, giving her a hand to mouth kiss one more time and then said louder, "Come in," knowing that this scene she was displaying was rather unlike her, but certainly not going to sacrifice the small amount of comfort Seven could attain just because her visitor might think she was being unprofessional. At this point, Janeway was ready to lay into anyone who dared question her decisions or behavior in any respect, and even when she started questioning herself, she promptly schooled her own mind in the same manner as she would anyone else, informing them that this was her ship, and if they didn't like the way she did things, they could leave at any time. Sometimes it was nice to be the captain…sometimes.

When Tom Paris appeared in her office, looked at her and Seven but didn't even blink, as if he had seen the captain and Seven in this position before, she nodded at him and asked, "Can I help you with something, Mister Paris?"

Walking up closer to the captain, but stopping at the stairs, he looked at Seven and then said, "I need to talk to you, Captain…can we go to the Conference Room?"

Already iritated that Paris was on the Bridge, although not making a mention of it since she was required to stay here and work due to Seven's condition, she said without missing a beat, "I'm afraid this is as alone as you're going to get. What's on your mind?"

Looking at Seven again, who still hadn't opened her eyes or moved, thus he assumed she was asleep, so he said, "The nebula, Captain. That's going to take some fancy flying. We'll have to bring down the blast shield and fly with only our eyes."

Starting to harden quickly, having a feeling where this was going, she said, her voice low and tense, informing him that he should get to the point quickly, "I'm aware of that, Lieutenant. Do you have a point or did you just suddenly decide that I needed a brush up on stellar phenomena?"

"I've read the report on the A.I. and I'm requesting that you let me pilot Voyager…only until this is over," the fair-haired helmsman asked quickly.

"No," Janeway replied equally fast. "If that's all…you know the way out."

"Captain," Tom said, his voice somewhat pleading, "I don't think Nick is ready for this. She was pretty upset when I saw her outside the holodeck. Please reconsider…this could mean our lives."

"You're right about that, Mister Paris…it could mean our lives," Janeway responded, her voice cool and calm. "Perhaps you should have thought about that before you forced me to replace my best pilot? Request denied, Lieutenant. Dismissed."

Still not giving in, Tom managed, "Captain, please list…"

If Seven of Nine's head were not in her lap, Janeway would have been on her feet and in his face before he had seen her twitch, so instead, she used her eyes and her vocal talents, which were quite capable of causing the same reaction, "Mister Paris, you are going to be silent right now! And then you're going to do an about face and go back the way you came, or I will have Commander Tuvok help you find your way…and if the next words out of your mouth are not 'Yes Ma'am' you can forget about ever piloting a Starfleet vessel under my command. Is that clear?"

Backing down without even having to think about it, the captain's words and intonation causing his ears to flatten somewhat, Tom nodded once and said, tersely, "Yes, Ma'am," then turned and left her office as fast as he could.

Sighing heavily, Janeway looked down at Seven, who had opened her eyes, and said, "I'm sorry you had to hear that. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't make mention of it to anyone."

"I will not, Captain," Seven stated surely, having been reprimanded by Janeway in such a manner more than anyone else aboard Voyager, so she was well aware of the seriousness of the redhead's statement . "We are headed to a nebula to escape the Artificial Intelligence?"

"I'm hoping that it won't follow us inside...since it won't be able to see where it's going?" Janeway explained.

"You believe that it wishes to do us harm?"

"I don't know, but," Janeway sighed again "it certainly seems dead set on catching up with us."

"This vessel's warp capabilities outmatch the A.I.'s, Kathryn," Seven reminded. "We cannot simply outrun them until they desist?"

"Apparently," Janeway explained without taking offense to the Borg's reminders since she knew they were driven by completely different motivations than Paris', "it's made a few upgrades since you encountered them last, darling." Continuing on the next beat as Seven's features narrowed in confusion while she processed the data, stroking her face, the captain added, "We're traveling at Warp Nine, and it's matching us stride for stride."

"It is illogical for the A.I. to make such upgrades considering the power needed to maintain those speeds is significant," Seven responded as she thought it over. "This behavior is not consistent with the information the Borg gathered. It is curious that the A.I. would to go to such extreme lengths to pursue this vessel. However, I do not believe the A.I. is interested in destroying us. Why would it continue to pursue us in this fashion to simply destroy us? That is an inefficient use of resources."

"I don't know what it wants from us, and I can't take the chance either way," the captain reported. "I can't risk a confrontation that could cripple the systems on this ship so close to your procedure…not without doing everything in my power to buy us time until it's over. If the A.I. still insists on making contact with us after your procedure, then we'll deal with that then…but right now, we're going to hide, and hope to hell it's afraid of the dark."

"Kathryn!" Seven exclaimed, sitting straight up. "I am malfunctioning!"

Now seated back at her desk, Janeway was jolted out of her report induced trance and looked up at Seven, who was clutching her stomach. On her feet and bounding up the stairs, she asked, "What is it?"

"My abdominal implant…there are sounds being emitted from it," Seven explained wide-eyed. When she heard and felt the sound again, she laid down and said, scared, "It has occurred again…did you hear it?"

"No," Janeway said, sliding in beside and pulling up Seven's sweatshirt and the undershirt she was wearing to protect her sensitive skin. "Does it hurt?" she asked, looking at the implant for anything out of the ordinary, but not seeing anything, almost expecting to see Borg starburts exploding out of her midsection, though.

"It is not painful…but it is not normal," Seven stated, starting to breath quicker as she began to panic, her exhaustion and recent feelings of helplessness making it difficult for her to maintain her typical cool, passionless persona. "Perhaps we should call the Doctor?"

Just as Janeway was about to tap her communicator, she heard a peculiar sound coming from Seven's abdomen. When Seven twitched and informed her that it had occurred again, Janeway softened just a tad and put her ear to Seven's mesh covered implant. When she heard the distinct sound of a very angry stomach informing its owner that it required nutrition, Janeway chuckled warmly and lifted her head. When the Borg looked at her like she had lost her mind, Janeway pulled down her shirt and explained, "That's just your stomach, darling…it's telling you it's time to eat something. Aren't you hungry?"

"I do not know what 'hungry' feels like," Seven informed her, starting to relax, trusting Janeway, but when her stomach grumbled again, she clutched it and said, "I have simply consumed food at regular intervals because I was required to do so."

Getting up from the floor, Janeway went down the stairs and over to her replicator, saying, "Well, that's what hungry feels like. I'm not surprised, you haven't had anything to eat since this morning."

"Captain to the Bridge."

Sighing, she gathered up Seven's nutritional supplement and asked quickly, "Seven, do you think you're up for going out on the Bridge, or do you want to stay here?"

"I will accompany you," Seven replied, getting to her feet. Feeling a chill once she was out from under the blanket, she asked, looking down at the couch, "Will it be acceptable to take this blanket with me?"

"Sure…come on," the captain nodded, holding Seven's supplement as they walked out on the Bridge, arm in arm since the blonde was very weak and rather wobbly. Helping her to her chair as the Bridge crew looked on in sympathy for the younger woman's condition, Janeway sat her down, tucked the blanket around her tightly and handed her the nutritional supplement, while saying, "Report."

"We're almost to the nebula, Captain," Chakotay said, reaching over to pat Seven on the arm, who merely looked his way as she drank and nodded. "Comfy, Seven?"

Taking the glass away from her mouth, she said, "No," and then continued to guzzle her drink.

"Not so fast," Janeway whispered, frowning at Seven who, was chugging her food. Then straightening, she asked looking over to Kim, "Harry, how close are we?"

"We'll need to drop out of warp in three minutes, Captain," reported the ensign. Then fielding her next question before she had to ask, he reported, "The A.I. is now three hours behind us…their course was closer to the nebula's than ours…but they haven't increased speed."

"Thank you, Mister Kim," Janeway nodded and then turned center. "Yellow alert. Commander power up the weapons array and prepare to lower the blast shield. Mister Kim," she said, turning her head only toward him, "as soon as we enter the nebula, I want a full report on what's being affected." Then walking down to the helm, she placed her hand on Fowler's tense shoulder, squeezed it gently and whispered, so only she, and probably Seven of Nine, could hear her, "And I want you to breathe."

Exhaling, Nicole whispered back, "Yes, Captain."

"I know you can do this, Nick…trust your instincts…you'll be fine," Janeway whispered back. After standing quietly next to her new pilot for a minute, watching the readout on the helm display, she finally said, clearing her throat, "Disengage warp engines, Lieutenant…and take us in nice and slow, one quarter impulse power." Since she had yet to get a final report on the thrusters, she tapped her communicator, hoping she wasn't about to be severely disappointed and said, "Bridge to Engineering."

"Torres here."

Not at all surprised that her chief engineer was on duty, even though she clearly remembered telling her to get rest, she sighed, letting her irritation show clearly, "Lieutenant Torres…why am I not surprised? Where are my thrusters?"

"We're running the final diagnostics now, Captain…ten minutes."

"Keep me informed. Janeway out." As the nebula started to grow rather large in the viewscreen, which began to flicker slightly as the effects from the gaseous cloud were already starting to be felt, she said quickly to Kim, "Get as much sensor data about this thing before we can't."

"Sensors are scanning as we speak, Captain," Harry responded, not looking up from his board.

For several minutes everyone remained silent as the small, intrepid class starship drifted slowly toward the nebula. Once they were right on top of it, the purple and pink cloud taking up the entire electronic window, the flickering viewscreen finally became utterly useless, and with their last look at the world through technology, Janeway said, "Tuvok, do it." As everyone watched silently, the large blast shields were lowered as the viewscreen slipped into the floor, leaving the entire Bridge illuminated in a soft, pink light. "Well, that's going to take some getting used to," she squinted.

"At least it's not green," Nicole whispered. "Then we'd all look like we had too much too drink."

Chuckling, Janeway patted her pilot on the back and said, "Good point…take us in steady." Then leaving her pilot to herself for a moment, she walked to Operations and said, "Mister Kim, transfer all sensor data from the nebula to the helm so she can tell how deep she is into it." After he did that, she asked, "What's our status?"

"Right now, I'm only reading external sensor malfunctions, Captain…all departments are at the ready…I'll know more once we get inside," he said.

"I guess I'll wait then," she smirked, patting his arm as she was hailed.

"Engineering to Bridge."

"Janeway here."

"Thrusters are online, Captain…two minutes early."

Shaking her head and not able to hide her smirk, she said, "Thank you, Chief. If you're not going to go to bed as I requested, then perhaps you wouldn't mind coming up here and lending a hand."

"On my way, Captain. Torres out."

"That'll do," Janeway said to Fowler after they had entered the nebula and descended so that if the A.I. did follow them in, Voyager wouldn't be directly in its path. "I want you at the ready…keep your eyes peeled, but I'll make sure you have help." Turning around, she said to her Bridge staff, "I know this isn't how we normally operate, but we need to stay focused. We have no way of knowing if the A.I. has increased speed, or if they've given up. I need each and every one of you to keep your mind on your task and your eyes on that nebula. We'll do this in one hour shifts. If you start to feel tired, switch. We can't let our guard down for a moment. My Ready Room is available to you all. Understood?" Once everyone nodded, she pointed to Chakotay and said, "Commander, you have first watch."

"Aye, Captain," he said, getting up from his chair and going up to the helm, taking up a quiet post next to Fowler and leaning against the hand rail. Then looking down, he sighed and took a seat on the steps next to the helm and pretended not to hear the captain's small snicker, feeling like she had purposefully picked him first just so she could see him hesitate to sit. Kathryn Janeway had one of the strangest senses of humor he had ever encountered, and he had always marveled at her ability to crack the wittiest joke at the worst possible time, or do something just like this, just to get a rise out of him.

Taking a seat in the commander's chair, she leaned over to Seven, who looked rather unhappy and asked, "Do you need something?"

"I believe I am still… 'hungry,' Captain," the blonde, ex-drone answered.

Nodding, Janeway patted her arm and went into her Ready Room to retrieve her another nutritional supplement, as well as a glass of water. Setting them down on the small console between the command chairs that was closed since all external sensors were now completely useless, she said, "Go head and drink your supplement, but take it slow." Then looking up past Seven to Torres, who was at the Engineering station, busying herself but smirking visibly, Janeway decided it was time to go pay a visit to her defiant engineer. Walking casually over to her, she put her body in between her and the rest of her crew and whispered, "Something funny?"

"Not at all, Captain," Torres smirked more, but didn't look up.

Pinching her arm, Janeway said, "You know I appreciate your hard work, B'Elanna…but I'd also appreciate it if you didn't run yourself into the ground. You still have to help the Doctor tomorrow evening. Don't you think it's time you called it a night?"

"I'm fine, Captain," Torres replied automatically. Then looking up, she said, "With the captain's permission, I'd like to stay on duty until the three hour mark. If nothing happens, then I'll go straight to bed."

Sighing, Kathryn responded, "Alright…but if all is well in the morning, I want you to rest if the Doctor doesn't need you…and that isn't negotiable. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain," Torres nodded, "thank you." Then grinning, she said very quietly, "And what was so funny is you and Seven. I wish I had a holocamera, so I could take a picture of Seven wrapped up in a blanket wearing sweats in your chair while you sat in Chakotay's. It's the most screwed up thing I've ever seen."

Looking over her shoulder at Seven, who was following her orders and drinking her supplement slowly, Janeway chuckled, shaking her head and said, "I guess it is pretty bizarre…don't forget about Chakotay sitting on the steps looking out the viewer like a watch dog…I think Starfleet's going to think I've completely lost my mind when they read my log."

"I'll stand up for you, Captain," Torres offered, then started to laugh more as she realized what she was saying, "although, I'm not sure I would help or hurt your case."

Laughing along with her engineer and her lover, she patted her on the back, allowed her hand to move up to her neck for just a moment and rubbed it once, then said, "Well, as long as we get home…I'll be happy to face the music."

With the three hour mark quickly approaching, each of her senior staff took turns using her bathroom to take care of business and throw some cold water on their faces. Janeway was now sitting on the steps, insisting that she be on watch at this critical moment. When Fowler looked down at her and requested a potty break, Janeway nodded quickly and took up her position for her, keeping her hands at the ready, but her eyes on the view. So focused was the captain on what she was doing that she visibly jumped when Fowler tapped her on the shoulder after returning from the bathroom. A little reluctantly, although it didn't show, Janeway gave way to her pilot and sat back down, grabbing the cup of coffee she had seated near the handrail.

"If the A.I. has not deviated course, it would be entering the nebula now, Captain," Tuvok announced without feeling from Tactical.

Standing immediately, Janeway began barking orders quickly since she had spent a good deal of the last three hours deciding how they would handle this instant, "Red alert. Chief…go to my Ready Room and watch out that window. Set the door to stay open. Harry, do the same for the Conference Room." Then coming up behind Fowler, she instructed, "Nick, I want you to use the thrusters and turn us on a vertical axis approximately ninety degrees every fifteen minutes, starting now."

"Aye, Captain," Fowler whispered, although not sure why she was being so quiet, but just feeling like she should whisper as long as the captain continued to do so when she spoke to her. "Engaging thrusters a minimum."

As the view of the nebula began to change, Janeway said, "Nice and easy." When Nicole cut the thruster output, Janeway patted her shoulder and said, "You know, when this is all over…I think I'm going to make a recommendation to Starfleet to give pilots more time flying like this…we're too dependant on technology."

"Captain! I see something!" came Torres' voice from her Ready Room.

In an instant, Janeway was bounding toward her Ready Room as Chakotay followed. Running up her stairs trying to see what Torres was seeing, she climbed on her couch with the brunette and peered out the window requesting, "Where?"

"There!" Torres answered pointing. "It's small…I can't tell what it is…but it's definitely some kind of metal."

"I see it," Chakotay said, pointing in the same direction as Torres.

Looking around, her eyes finally caught a glimpse, and then leaning forward squinting some, she thought out loud, "I can't tell what it is…it's doesn't look like a ship, does it?"

"No," Chakotay acknowledged. "Well, not like any I've ever seen…looks too small, but it's hard to tell how far it is."

"Has it moved, B'Elanna?" Janeway queried, not taking her eyes of the mystery object.

"Not that I can tell," the Klingon answered, squinting as well. Then pounding her hand down on the sofa once, she growled, "This is nuts! It could be a piece of space junk for all we know!"

His mind working quickly, letting it slip back into his Maquis mode of having to use whatever was at his disposal and not constantly worrying about protocol and things that he thought Starfleet put too much emphasis on, he snapped his fingers and suggested, "Maybe we could take a picture of it with the Doctor's holocamera, and use Astrometrics' imagining capabilities to identify it?"

About to tell him that was an astoundingly brilliant idea, Janeway turned around at the sound of Seven of Nine's voice.

Sipping her water, Seven stated plainly from the doorway, "That object is a piece of an unidentified vessel's outer hull. It is fifteen meters by sixty meters and is approximately five hundred meters away."

"You can tell all of that from there?" Torres asked, flabbergasted.

"That is correct."

Sighing, Janeway said, "Thank you, Seven." Then patting Chakotay on the arm, she continued, "I still like the camera idea though…we can't rely on Seven all night. See to it."

"Aye, Captain," he nodded, shaking his head at Seven as he walked past her and started toward the turbolift.

Standing in the doorway between her Ready Room and the Bridge as Lieutenant Torres maintained her post at the captain's office couch, Janeway said to her Astrometrics officer, who continued to hover around the action, "Seven, thank you for your help, but I think you should go sit down before you fall down."

"Captain! Quick…I see something," yelled Ensign Harry Kim excitedly as his thick, raven hair popped out from the doorway that lead to the Conference Room across the other side of the Bridge.

As Janeway sprinted across the room while Tuvok looked on and Fowler maintained her post at the helm, trying to be prepared for anything, the captain silently reminded herself to inform her Operations officer that perhaps he shouldn't use words such as 'quick' when speaking to his commanding officer. Zipping into the Conference Room, using her hand on the side of the doorway to help her swing her momentum so she didn't crash into the large table sitting into the middle of the room, she barked at Kim who was back over by the window, "Where?"

"Right there," Kim said quickly. "I can't tell what it is…but I saw it for a split second, then it disappeared, and then I saw it again."

Peering through the window, squinting again at the dark object that was slightly below eye level off to the left, the captain also reminded herself to contemplate having her eyes checked since it seemed that she had been squinting an awful lot today. Finally giving up, she turned her head over her shoulder to see if her Borg was watching this. Not surprised when she was walking slowly toward her, using her hands on the backs of the conference chairs to steady herself, Janeway sighed, then went over to help her, hating that she had to ask for Seven's assistance when she was so visibly weak, but also knowing that she didn't have much of a choice until Chakotay returned with the Doctor's camera. "Can you see it?" When Seven didn't answer right away and her eyes continued searching the gaseous, dense cloud, Janeway looked back at the window, searching for the object again. Her heart jumped in her throat as it disappeared, and she asked, "Where the hell did it go?"

"Unknown," Kim said tense, searching frantically. "Maybe it's just the cloud making it seem like it's disappearing?"

"There," said Seven pointing, then after less than two seconds, she turned to Janeway and reported, "It is a similar hull fragment, Captain. There is no danger."

Rubbing her forehead, Janeway huffed, "This is ridiculous…we can't keep up like this for another thirty or so hours…there has to be a better way?" Then nodding and wrapping her arm around her ailing officer, she said, "Okay…thank you, Seven…now you really need to go sit down. Come on."

As she walked Seven slowly back to the Bridge and down the steps, Chakotay came bounding through the doors of the port turbolift, holding the Doctor's camera, saying, "Got it, Kathryn!"

Tucking Seven back into her chair, and bringing her hand to her forehead to check her temperature, Janeway frowned slightly as the skin that touched her back was quite a bit colder than it had been earlier in the evening when Seven's head had been resting in her lap, but before she could tend to her patient, she had to take care of her ship, so she said to Chakotay who had come to a halt beside her and was looking at Seven very sympathetically, "Commander, I'd like to test this theory out. See if you can take a picture of the object Seven just identified in the Conference Room. Then have Harry go down to Astrometrics and see what he can do with it."

"Aye, Captain," the ship's first officer nodded and quickly ran up the steps talking them two at time before she disappeared into the Conference Room.

Looking up at Tuvok who was keeping his eyes on the large front window, Janeway said, "Commander, I want you to dispatch security teams to make a continual circuit of the ship from stem to stern on Decks Five through Seven. Tell them to break up into groups, one section monitoring port, and one starboard. Tell them to report anything that can't be identified as space junk to the Bridge immediately."

"Tuvok to all security teams…report to Deck Five, section three alpha," Tuvok said as he walked toward the turbolift and then disappeared as the doors closed behind him.

"I think we got it, Captain…I'll let you know as soon as I can download the image," Harry said, coming out of the Conference Room as the captain knelt in front of Seven and began whispering to the Borg whose head had started to lull forward a little more than it normally did.

"Make it fast, Mister Kim," Janeway ordered, not looking away from Seven's face. Then glancing around, about to ask for assistance, but realizing that all of her senior staff was occupied, and the single ensign manning the Bridge, other than Fowler, was doing her best to go from station to station, running checks and maintaining order, the captain sighed and said loudly towards the Conference Room, "Chakotay…I need you for a minute."

"Yes, Captain?" he asked poking his head out the door before his whole body.

"I want to move Seven to my Ready Room before she collapses," Janeway explained, now holding Seven's shoulders straight as she started to nod off again. "She's fading fast."

Coming down the steps, Chakotay said, "Grab her blankets…I'll get her." Then speaking to the former drone whose eyes were lidded as she mumbled something about Kathryn that no one could understand, he said, "Seven…I'm going to pick you up…can you move forward a little?" When she didn't budge or respond to him, he sighed, did his best to slip his arms around her and managed to slide her out enough so that he could get a better grip. Then lifting her fairly easily, he walked her quickly into the Ready Room saying to her, "What's the captain been feeding you…rocks?" As he set her on the Ready Room couch as Torres moved out of the way and put a pillow down for her head, he asked Kathryn who was right behind him, he knew, "Is she always that heavy?"

"Deceiving, I know," Janeway replied, cranky, throwing the blanket over her, getting very tired of answering that question simply because that meant that someone other than she was lifting the Borg; not to mention that Seven was having to be carried at all. "Thank you, Commander."

"I'll get back," he said quickly, turning and walking down the stairs headed back to the Conference Room.

"B'Elanna," Janeway sighed, rubbing her forehead in exhaustion and irritation, "I need you to stay here for a while until I can get a suitable replacement for you."

"No problem, Captain," Torres nodded looking away from the window for just a moment. "There's no way I could fall asleep anyway. This is way too freaky."

"All right…if she wakes up at all, try to get her to drink some hot water, will you?"

"Sure."

"I'll be on the Bridge if you need anything," Janeway sighed, rubbing the back of her neck now and walking away, nodding at the ensign manning Operations in Kim's absence. Walking over to Fowler, Janeway took up a seat on the steps and said, "You hanging in there?"

"Aye, Captain," Fowler nodded. "Is Seven okay?"

"Well, you know how she gets when she's tired," Janeway said wryly, "like a sack of potatoes."

"More like fifty of them…but yea, I remember," Nicole joked back. Then as the small beep on the console sounded, she reported, "Time to turn again."

"Kim to Bridge."

Tapping her communicator, the redheaded captain said, "Tell me good news, Harry?"

"It worked, Captain…I'm sending the data to Operations now, as well as a data cable so we can link up the Doctor's camera to the Bridge console. Then you can transmit the pictures down here for processing, and I can send back the results. Piece of cake, Captain."

"Good work, Ensign. Janeway out." Then to Fowler, she said walking up to Operations, "We might have tunnel vision, but it's better than nothing." Coming around the console, she said to the diminutive, dark-haired ensign manning the post, "Pull up the images from Astrometrics." Looking at the fairly clear picture of a floating fragment of a heavily damaged hull, the captain smirked some as she was able to make out some identification markings on the edge of the fragment, which told her that this method could give them enough detail to effectively target weapons, engines, and anything else she might feel like blasting to bits this late night. Since all external sensors were offline, that also posed a problem for her tactical officer since he would have to manually target weapons as well, but thankfully, Tuvok was something of an old hat at such archaic methods of combat, so the captain was only slightly worried about that at this moment. Hearing the soft hissing sound of the turbolift doors, Janeway nodded quickly to Tuvok who did the same, informing her that his teams were in place, and then reached out and accepted the Doctor's camera and the data cable from Lieutenant Ryan who had accompanied the Vulcan in the turbolift. "Thank you, Ryan."

Without another word, the captain did an about face and went over to the side panel of Operations, pulling back the protective covering to reveal this station's central data processor. Attaching the free end of the cable, which on the end contained a data chip that allowed the interface with this system, she slipped it into a free slot, reconfigured the main logic board to read data from that slot first, and then snapped a quick picture of the processor. "Ensign, try to access the picture I just took."

After a very short delay, Susan Reese, reported, "I've got it, Captain."

Unhooking the camera from the data cable, leaving the one end attached to the main logic board of Operations, Janeway stood up, hoping she wasn't groaning as loud as she thought she was and peered over the small, brunette's shoulder. Once she was happy with that, she placed her hand on Susan's back, tapping her own communicator and said, "Bridge to Astrometrics."

"Kim here."

"Harry, I've got the camera hooked up and I took a test picture. Ensign Resse is sending it down now," she informed, nodding at Resse and telling her to transmit the data, then continued, "I want you to process it, zoom in on the main logic board, and then send it back up to us so we can see approximately how long this is going to take."

"Acknowledged…it's coming through now…Standby," Kim said over the communications network. After approximately thirty seconds, he informed, "Got it, Captain…it's coming back to you right now."

Looking over at the ensign who was working the board to access the file and then stepped aside a little so she could have a look at the picture, Janeway smiled and said, "That'll do, Harry. Grab some coffee and pull up a chair…could be a long night. Janeway out." Then patting Resse on the back one more time, she said, "You too, Miss Resse…I'll need you here for a while."

"Aye, Captain," the ensign nodded and then walked away, moving quickly to the captain's Ready Room to use the replicator. Once she came back, she nodded and said to Janeway who stepped aside and made room for her, "Thank you, Captain."

Taking the camera with her, Janeway went quickly into the Conference Room where Chakotay had taken up a quiet spot in her chair, which was facing the window. Coming up behind him, making sure to make a little noise so she didn't startle him, the captain handed over the camera as he turned to her and said, "By the way…excellent idea, Commander. I'll give this to you since I'm not much of a photographer."

"Thanks," he said. Then setting down the camera on the table, the tall, darkly handsome man asked, "Keep a look out for me? I'm going to get some coffee."

"I'll get it," Janeway offered quickly, nodding at him to stay put. "That's one thing I can do very well…plus, I'd like to go check on Seven…be back in a few." Shooing off his thanks as if she had nothing better to do that run around filling up coffee mugs like she was some kind of waitress, Janeway walked down the stairs and across the Bridge as Fowler engaged the thrusters again, turning the ship at a right angle vertically, the small Interpid starship now one hundred-eighty degrees opposite from how it was a half hour ago. When Fowler didn't miss a step and continued to man her post expertly, Janeway continued on her way without further pause or encouragement, reminding herself not to tell her that she was doing a fine job every five minutes because she knew that Fowler didn't require or want the attention, and descended the small steps into her Ready Room where Seven lay on the couch, fast sleep and B'Elanna Torres knelt peering out the window, the tension clear in her straight, muscled shoulders. Moving to the stairs silently, she perched on the edge of her sofa next to Seven and pressed her hand to her forehead. She wasn't any colder, but didn't feel much warmer either. Quickly, she opened the medical tricorder and ran a scan, then closed it soundlessly once it revealed that her temperature was lower than normal again, but not any lower than the last time her blood turned to ice. When Seven moved her head a small amount to the left and looked up at the captain through lidded eyes, Janeway whispered, "Go back to sleep, Seven…everything's fine." After the blonde did so rather quickly, Janeway pressed her lips to her hand and then to Seven's mouth, saying to B'Elanna, "Want some coffee?"

"No thanks, Captain…I'm wired enough," Torres whispered back, not taking her eyes off the window.

The captain had to smirk a little bit when she saw what appeared to be a slight snarl on the Klingon's attractive mouth, her chief engineer looking like any moment she could bust through the window and attempt to wrestle whatever was waiting out there for them. Getting up from her couch, Janeway went over to her replicator and ordered two coffees, one with cream and extra sugar, whispering to her ship, "You've been busy today."

"Captain, I'm fine…really," Torres said over her shoulder, a little testy.

Snickering, grabbing the mugs, Janeway informed, "I wasn't talking to you, B'Elanna…I was talking to my replicator."

"Oh," Torres sighed and then relaxed her shoulders a little. "I'm sorry…I'm just tense."

Janeway came up to the railing and asked, "Are you sure there's nothing you need?"

"Well, there's a few things I could go for right about now…but unfortunately, you're busy," Torres responded, extra quiet since the door to the Ready Room was forever open.

Biting back her laughter, Janeway volleyed, "Well that's subtle." Then with a little more authority, but adding a hint of tease to her tones, she said walking away, "As you were."

"Aye, Captain."

"Another false alarm, Captain," Harry Kim reported over the intercom from Astrometrics, "it's just another hull fragment…this one's pretty big, though. I'm sending the picture back up to you in case you want to have a look. Kim out."

"It's coming through now, Ma'am," Susan Resse reported, accessing the imaging sequencers. Once the picture was fully formed, she gasped a little as the saw the gapping whole in the middle of the large hull fragment, and said, under her breath, "God..."

Having practically the same reaction, Janeway ushered her aside so she could access the picture and the imaging equipment from the Operations console. Putting the picture up on the side console that was seated in the wall, she turned one-hundred and eighty degrees as Fowler engaged the thrusters again, and zoomed in on the already high resolution picture. It took a little filtering but she was able to clear up the image a little bit, enough to confirm that the hull markings of this vessel were consistent with a Hirogen hunting ship. That meant that Hirogen had been to this sector before, which wasn't really a big surprise since they seemed to enjoy traveling all over this section of the quadrant hunting their prey, but what was really troubling the captain was that obviously, some one, or some thing, turned out to be a little more resilient than the hunters had expected. Hirogen ships were always heavily armed, extremely durable, and the weapon the caused this kind of damage had to be significant, unless they were caught without their shields, but the captain thought that was pretty damned unlikely. Then as she examined the debris closer, she realized that she was looking at the outer section of the hull, and from the damage it seemed that this weapon, or explosion had occurred from within the vessel, since the blast markings pointed outward, not inward. Speaking to herself, she whispered, "That would explain how it penetrated their shields…

"Captain?" asked the ensign.

"Send this picture and the others we took earlier to my workstation so I can have a look at them later," Janeway asked, walking away and heading back into the Conference Room to speak with her first officer, who had spotted the large hunk of metal floating far off in the distance, practically out of sight completely. "Just more debris," Janeway said, coming into the room. "Hirogen debris."

"Hirogen?" Chakotay asked, turning around quickly. "Damn…that's all we need right now."

"Well, I'd rather not have to add them into the mix either," Janeway agreed, "but, if there's a hunting party lurking about…it's possible we could use them to our benefit."

"How's that?"

The captain walked up to the window, holding her countless cup of coffee to her lips with one hand, while the other rested on her hip, and explained, staring out the window and looking around, "We're not exactly sworn enemies with them…sure, they don't like me much…and the feeling is entirely mutual, but it's possible that they could work as sort of a middle man between us and the A.I….assuming it's still out there."

"I don't think the Hirogen would be interested in hunting the A.I.," Chakotay said from his chair. "No body…no trophy."

"Maybe the A.I. would be interested in hunting the Hirogen?" she came back, still staring out at the pink and purple space cloud. "I'm not going to purposefully put them in danger, but I'm certainly not going to cry about it if they get themselves in hot water either." Turning around and looking at him, she smirked, "The Hirogen are tough…they don't back down easily…if the A.I. is looking for a fight, they'll get a quicker one out of them than they will us…probably a better one too."

Shaking his head, he said, "I never knew you were such a fan of Hirogen hunting tactics?"

"Always respect those that would rather make you an ornament on their bulkhead, than a guest at their table," the captain said, shaking her finger and continuing on her rounds.

By 0800 hours the next morning, the entire Bridge crew was quite blurry-eyed and more than a little on edge, especially the captain who had done what was in her nature, fill in for everyone else when they had to rest or collapse at their posts. The only two that had made it through the whole night, other than the captain, was Tuvok, whose mental capabilities allowed him to remain focused long after a human would have started to become delirious, and Nicole Fowler, whom the captain had ordered to sleep the day previous, but even as the new day started, Janeway could tell that she was beginning to fade as well.

The captain was a completely different story altogether.

Her mind was wide away, achingly so, becoming almost hypersensitive to the smallest amount of stimulus, but her body was starting to fight her aggressively. She figured that part of it was the fact that she had consumed practically lethal doses of coffee, and had only managed to down one of Seven's nutritional supplements during the night, drinking it so quickly before something else caught someone's attention and all of their blood pressure's went through the roof, that it almost came back up as fast as it went down. After she had recovered from her upset stomach, which thankfully had only kept her out of commission for a few minutes, she had started filling in for the rest of her Bridge crew so that they could at least take a few minutes to walk around and maybe grab a bite to eat.

Seven of Nine had woken around 0500 hours long enough for the captain to convince Lieutenant Torres that by insisting on staying awake she was putting Seven's health at risk, and a little begrudgingly, her two lovers had made the slow walk back to the captain's cabin, where Janeway had insisted that they stay, and where she had said she would to go soon, although, even as the words had left her mouth, she knew that she was lying, and she had a feeling that Torres knew it as well. Even though there were some tense moments between them as the captain finally had to get down right threatening with Torres, and her Klingon engineer had left in a rather fowl mood, she knew that all it would take was one kiss and all would be well between them. Janeway was supremely glad that Torres understood where the line had to be drawn when it came to her rank. The question if Seven would understand was not easily answered, but the captain didn't really believe that much would change between them because Seven had never been one to bow down to Janeway just because she was the captain.

During Seven's first year on Voyager, Janeway had lost count after the tenth time she had had to confine the defiant ex-drone to the Cargo Bay, where her alcove resided, and even though Seven followed Janeway's orders without so much protest and direct confrontation now, every now and then still, Seven got that look in her eye, and all Janeway could do was pray that the blonde had sense enough to wait until they were in private to express her displeasure or annoyance, and still, even rarer, Seven would lift her chin, turn and go, and in the back of Janeway's mind, she wondered if she was going to find herself staring the Borg down from behind a forcefield in the Brig. Her independence and the way she stuck to her beliefs no matter what was one of the things that drew Janeway to her, but the captain had to admit, that those same qualities made her job more than a little tough from time to time.

Exiting the bathroom of her Ready Room after throwing another round of ice cold water on her face and taking a few minutes to attempt to work out the knots in her shoulders and thighs with her hands, the only part of her body that didn't ache, the captain slowly made her way back to the Bridge, straightening her shoulders and raising her chin before she entered, and walked quickly over to the helm. After fighting with practically all of her officers most of the night trying to get them to take a break when she refused to do so herself, Janeway decided to take more of an aggressive, no-nonsense approach. Slapping the back of her forearm across Fowler's broad, muscled and fairly flat chest, lightly but soundly enough to make a point, Janeway said, curt, "You're relieved. Report back in three hours."

Surprised by the move, immediately knowing that this was not the time to be a martyr, Nicole quickly slid out of her chair in one direction as the captain replaced her almost simultaneously from the other, and said, "Yes, Captain," then exited the Bridge promptly.

Once she was at the sensor board, the captain ran a quick set of diagnostics on the thrusters and the impulse engines, just to double-check that if she needed to, she could maneuver her precious ship and crew that it housed without delay. Looking behind her quickly, finally realizing that only Tuvok, Resse and herself were still on Bridge duty, Harry Kim being down in Astrometrics where the captain had told him to catch a few winks of sleep in between sightings, Janeway said, "You know, Commander…I could do without the constant threat of the A.I., but it's kind of nice to have things this quiet for once. The view could definitely be worse too."

"Indeed," was all Tuvok said, hoping that the captain would not continue to engage him for fear that he would eventually have to point out that perhaps she was suffering more than a few effects of sleep deprivation.

Noting the extremely subtle inflection in her long-time friend's voice, Janeway turned her head, giving him her best wry smile and then faced forward again, saying, "Do I detect a hint of sarcasm, old friend?"

"Vulcans are not sarcastic, Captain," Tuvok stated plainly. "Such a comment who suggest that I have an emotional response to this situation…which I do not."

As Susan Resse looked on, secretly trying to remember every single word that was uttered, sure it would bring more than a few laughs at the next crew gathering, Janeway shook her finger in the air slightly behind her and said, "You know, one of these days I might just believe you…but not today, huh?"

"As you wish," Tuvok responded rather pleasantly. As Janeway chuckled softly, the Vulcan very much aware that his commanding officer of several years enjoyed their banter a great deal, Tuvok monitored the periodic updates he received from his second in command who notified him that practically the entire ship was up and about at this time, most of them sticking rather close to the windows, keeping one eye on the 'horizon' and one eye on their various tasks which was making their ability to move around the corridors a little difficult, but since that meant more eyes were on the windows than before, his lieutenant didn't think he should object. If Tuvok were in command of this vessel, he most certainly would object since that undoubtedly meant that the crew was neglecting their duties; however, he was very much aware of the captain's view on this matter, or what he presumed was her opinion, so he did not attempt to inform his lieutenant to order them back to their regular posts. If there was one part of his job that Tuvok 'dreaded,' it was whenever he was put in command of this motley crew for long stretches of time. They had all become so accustomed and dependent on the captain's unwavering expressions of compassion, empathy, and faith, that whenever the emotionally anorexic commander was faced with giving the same orders that the captain had given several times, this crew, the same crew that would follow Kathryn Janeway into the pit of a quantum singularity, trusting that somehow she would see them through unharmed, suddenly became detached, irascible, defiant, and barely able to function. It was the most difficult quarry that the stoic and highly respected Security Chief had faced as a Starfleet officer, and for several reasons, but none more so that him taking such a post would mean the fall of this great captain, he hoped that he was never put in that position ever again. Vulcans might not feel emotions as humans did, however, that didn't mean that they didn't have friends, dear ones at that.

During the next three hours, the captain somehow maintained her focus by rotating the ship ninety degrees every fifteen minutes, and every so often engaging the quiet ensign manning operations in conversation until Chakotay reported back for duty. He, of course, had attempted to sit in for the captain, and even though she would never tell him, there was no way in hell she was going to let him pilot this ship manually. Chakotay was notorious for having a very long string of bad luck with Voyager's more maneuverable shuttle craft, and even though it was probably simply just the luck of the draw, part of her wondered if he really was that bad of a pilot. Instead, she had insisted that he take up a post in her Ready Room, which would give them a broader range of 'eye-sight.'

At 1000 hours the captain thought she was headed for certain death as her head began to pound and throb in pain from exhaustion, but as all good captain's did, she fought her way through it silently, her face barely showing any signs of distress, and just as she thought she was getting the upper-hand, Fowler tapped her on the shoulder, waking her out of her intense focus and informed her that she was reporting back for duty.

Nodding, Janeway slipped out of the chair and headed immediately for the Conference Room to put her eyes to work there, but Chakotay came up behind her, who had apparently signaled to Tuvok some how and clutched her arm, keeping her from going into the side room. Turning around, giving him a look that contained a volatile mixture of surprise, anger, and curiosity, she asked, eyeing him up and down, "Can I help you with something, Commander?"

"Yes, Captain…you can help me by not fighting me and going to bed…now," he replied seriously.

Sighing, Janeway softened some, hoping to put on a little of her, always at the ready, Janeway charm to deter him and said, rubbing his arm affectionately, knowing that usually did the trick, "I appreciate your concern, Chakotay…but I'm fine…really."

"That's not going to work this time, Kathryn," he said quietly, releasing her arm, but hovering close. "I want you to go to bed. You've had enough…we'll take it from here for a while."

Just about to ask him who exactly the hell he thought he was, Tuvok stepped up to her, hovering close as well, but remained silent. Pursing her lips, looking back and forth between them quickly, she said, snidely, "I'm sensing a mutiny, gentlemen." When they both raised their eyebrows at her, silently informing her that they would not back down this time and if they had to, would have her removed from the Bridge, something the captain would never let happen as long as she had half a mind left, she threw her arms in the air and barked, pushing her way between them harshly, "Fine…you have the Bridge, Commander…I'll be back in two hours."

"Four hours, Captain," Chakotay rallied before she entered the turbolift.

"Three," she spat back, getting the last word before the doors closed on her. Crossing her arms over her chest, she said acidly, "Deck Three."

As the captain stepped out of the carriage and into the quiet corridor, since there were only high-level crew quarters on the this section of the deck, feeling like she was seeing something other than the Bridge of her ship for the first time in days, Janeway followed the familiar path to her quarters and entered their darkened depths barely remembering how she got there. Taking off her tunic and hanging it over her desk chair, shaking her head in mirth as she, yet again, saw Torres' jacket crumbled, half hanging on the floor, Janeway picked it up, stiff, and folded it neatly, putting it on the chair, just as she had done before. Then kicking off her boots, she walked silently to the bedroom and poked her head around the corner, taking a minute to glance out the window, checking for anything out of the ordinary, before she let her eyes fall upon Seven of Nine and B'Elanna Torres who were rather intimately wrapped up, the Borg curled up farther down the bed, resting in the crook of the engineer's arm as they lay facing each other somewhat. Sighing, Janeway left them alone and made her way into the ensuite, leaving the light off and activating the shower to the hottest setting she could stand. Then as quick as her forty-something body would allow after being pushed to it's limits without any drug, other than caffeine, intervention, she disrobed, folded her uniform on the toilet and stepped into the mostly dark shower, the ambient light from the nebula doing enough to light her way, even from in here.

When the practically scalding flow struck her back, tears of pain and relief welled up in her bloodshot eyes as she took her position, leaning both hands against the wall and hanging her head between them, letting the water beat down on her small back and perform its duty for the captain. When she could no longer stand in that position, the heat of the water making her dizzy, she knelt to the floor, curling her chest to one leg as she kept most of her body off of the tile. It wasn't that she thought the tile was dirty, but she worried that if she sat down, she'd never be able to get up again, even to turn off the water. She had thought about taking a bath, but she hadn't for the same reason, knowing that once she got into it, she would have just had to remain there until her three hours were up, and even then she wasn't certain she would have made it out without assistance. When the captain heard the small click of the shower door closing, she sighed and attempted to push herself up, which was harder than she thought it was going to be, and before she could redouble her efforts, she felt the strong, and slightly rough hands of her engineer on her back and then those hands were wrapping around her arms, urging her backward, which she couldn't fight.

Ending up in Torres' lap, who was kindly sitting on the hard tile for her, she didn't even care that the water was beating down in their faces, as she twisted so she could kiss her, the only action she felt she could manage with any grace at this moment.

As they kissed soundlessly under the cascading pellets of water, Captain Kathryn Janeway felt as wretched as she could remember feeling physically and as marvelous as she had ever felt emotionally, and all it took was a week and a half of inhuman amounts of stress, the love of Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, and the knowledge that just in the next room lay the individual that had haunted her dreams, then exorcised her ghosts, and finally salvaged her humanity: Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01, formerly Annika Hansen. From what Janeway knew personally and had read about starship captains, she was living up rather well to all her expectations, and even surpassing a few every now and again along this great star trek to the other side of the galaxy.

After Torres had carried Janeway to bed and proceed to make slow, passionate, silent love to her until her captain climaxed, breathlessly humble and fell to sleep in practically the next instant, the engineer tended to Seven's needs which were little since she was still asleep, making sure to check her temperature and wake her up long enough to feed her some warm water, B'Elanna donned her uniform, downed a large cup of lukewarm coffee so she could get it down her throat quickly and headed back to the Bridge until she was needed with the Doctor to prepare for Seven of Nine's upcoming procedure later in the evening, or ordered to go back to her quarters to rest.

As she had feared—approximately three hours after she started her Bridge duty, which of course wasn't something she normally did, but considering the circumstances, she felt she could be better utilized as a watch dog rather than an engineer since the work to the struts was coming along fine and most likely would be finished by the end of the day—when the captain appeared back on the deck, with an extremely weary Seven of Nine in tow, she was immediately summoned into the captain's Ready Room and asked to close the door behind her. Standing at attention, although not as ramrod stiff as she had been during some of her previous lectures, she waited patiently for the captain to help Seven get situated before the shit hit the fan. When Janeway stood upright and turned to stare her down, Torres swallowed down her apprehension, prepared to take the tongue lashing and follow the captain's orders to the letter, just happy that she'd gotten to help out as long as she did. It was a curious sensation to be so completely in love with this woman, whom she had loved physically more tenderly than any other just a few hours ago, and so totally in fear of her as her captain at the same time. B'Elanna surmised that was a good sensation because it meant that they would be able to maintain the delicate balance between their personal and professional lives where there was a notable grey area in the middle, just because their duty to this vessel was constantly hounding them in the back of their minds.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Janeway walked silently down the stairs and came to a halt directly in front of Torres, looking down at her feet for a few seconds before she sighed and looked up, saying softly, "Lieutenant, it's difficult for me to reprimand you for your unwavering dedication to this ship's well being and security." Then setting her jaw, her beautifully expressive face hardening visibly, she said a little louder, "However, we are both aware of why we are hiding out in this nebula in the first place, and since I have made the decision to do so, even at the risk of this ship, I don't think its too much for me to ask that you allow me to deal with this situation while you see to ensuring that I have not made this trip in vain. Am I making myself clear, Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Torres said, looking her directly in the eyes.

"You will report to the Officer's Mess where you will feed yourself, and then you will report directly to your quarters where you will rest, however you see fit, until the Doctor summons you," the captain ordered crisply. "Is anything I just said ambiguous?"

"No, Ma'am."

"Dismissed," Janeway nodded, but made no attempt to move.

Torres continued to stare directly back at the captain for several seconds, watching her stormy grey eyes swirl and start to twinkle, hints of their crystalline indigo resurfacing. When Janeway continued to look at her and didn't throw her out of her office, B'Elanna said quietly, "Permission to speak freely, Captain?"

Inhaling in relief, Janeway breathed, her voice but a whisper in the tension-saturated air, "Granted."

Taking a brave step forward as Seven of Nine watched them closely but inconspicuously, the engineer whispered, "Permission to touch the captain?."

Janeway's voice was no longer something she could rely on, so instead she shyly nodded. When Torres stepped up again, her chest resting against the captain's arms that were crossed over her own, Janeway closed her eyes instinctively as the younger woman brought up her hand and grazed the captain's high cheekbone softly whispering, "I love you, Red."

Pulling the redhead into a warm hug, she whispered kissing her ear, "I can't stay long…the captain's burned at me…but I just wanted to tell you that I love you."

Shuddering slightly, Janeway kissed her ear back, pulling her impossibly close to her, saying "Thank you for this morning…I can't tell you how wonderful that was…how wonderful you are to me."

Torres took her head back a little and kissed her lover sweetly, then said against her lips, "I've got to go…but I'm going to go say goodbye to Seven."

Nodding, Janeway let her go, trailing her hands on her body and then went over to the wall near the door and waited, leaning back against it as she watched Torres take a few moments with Seven.

Perched on the sofa, Torres put one arm on the other side of the Borg's long body, leaning in and said, "Hiya, dollface…big day, huh?"

"That is correct," Seven answered quiet and a little solemn. "I am…apprehensive. However I am glad that you will be there with me, B'Elanna Torres."

"No where else I'd rather be, babe," Torres smiled. "You going to keep Red company all day?"

"I will attempt to do so. Although, she is displaying typical behavior this morning. She can be extremely difficult to reason with when she is like this."

"That's what we get for falling in love with Wonder Woman," the engineer chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, she's not the only one in this room who is thick-headed, you know?"

"You can be equally difficult," Seven smirked.

Pinching Seven's arm, B'Elanna came back, "I was talking about you, Borg."

"You are the one with the denser cranium, Klingon."

Laughing happily, Torres leaned down and said, "Okay…I'll let you have that one…this time. Now kiss me before the captain tosses me out on my ass." After kissing Seven softly, Torres pulled away and said, "Give her hell for me." Then coming back down the stairs, she smartly kissed Janeway on the lips, and then said, "Captain," as she departed.

Sighing and shaking her head, Janeway opened her door and set it to remain open before she climbed the stairs and came down to sit next to her aligning Astrometrics officer as Chakotay came into her office and knocked on the door saying, "Have a minute, Captain?"

Turning her head, she replied, "What is it?"

"Just wanted to know if everything was alright…B'Elanna left in quite a hurry," he said, coming into the Ready Room so they could speak privately, ignoring the fact that Seven was listening because that just couldn't be helped right now.

"How were things while I was gone?" the captain asked changing the subject, not wanting to get into it with Chakotay since she was a little pissed at him for not sending Torres to bed and leaving the task, that was technically his, to her. But since she had no idea what had happened while she was gone, and figured Torres gave him much more lip about leaving the Bridge, she decided to let the incident pass without mentioning it…still too tired to expend any more energy than was absolutely necessary.

"Quiet," he reported, coming up the stairs and leaning against the handrail. "I think you gambled correctly…absolutely no sign of anything other than that blasted apart Hirogen vessel."

"How's the crew holding up?"

"Everyone's a little frazzled, but they're hanging in there," he answered. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," she lied easily. Then changing the subject again, Janeway asked, "When can we get a replacement for Harry and Susan…they've got to be exhausted?"

"Silva took over for Harry two hours ago," Chakotay responded. "Ryan should be here any time to take over for Reese. Tuvok's still holding strong…no big surprise. He said that when he requires rest, he'll take it…so I figured I'd leave him to you, if it's necessary."

"I'm sure it won't be," Janeway smiled crookedly. "You know, Tuvok…protocol all the way." When Janeway noticed that Seven had closed her eyes again, she stood and went down the stairs to get a cup of coffee, asking, "How's Nick?"

"Good, but I think we should give her another few hours off in a while."

Over her shoulder, the captain said, "Agreed…want some?"

Shaking his head, holding his stomach, Chakotay answered, "No thanks…I've had too much already."

Janeway grinned, brought the steaming cup to lips, and after swallowing, she clicked her tongue and winked, "No such thing, Commander." When she saw Ryan approach Resse across the Bridge, the captain stopped for a minute and watched, then once she was certain that Resse was explaining their imaging set up, she looked back to Chakotay and said, "Well, I think I'll man the Ready Room duty for a while…still have a patient to look after for a few more hours."

"How's she doing?" he whispered looking over at Seven who was definitely asleep now since her mouth had fallen open just a hair.

"She's completely exhausted," Janeway informed softly. "I almost thought I was going to have to throw cold water in her face to wake her this morning. She can't stay awake long enough to do much of anything other than mumble a few sentences, and she can't have anything to eat or drink until after her procedure now…so, I guess it's best that she just remain asleep."

As Janeway started rubbing the back of her neck, something he knew she did when she was worried about something, Chakotay put his hand on her neck and asked, "How are you handling all of this?"

Sighing, Janeway looked down and managed, her words humble and barely audible, "I'm so scared for her…I can't see straight. Her body is so tired…and to think that she's about to lose such a vital part of it…I…"

Quickly, Chakotay put both hands behind her neck and said surely, "She's Borg, remember? She'll adapt. Seven's the toughest woman I know. She's tougher than you, who's hard to beat. She could kick both of our sorry butts from one side of this ship to the other with one hand tied behind her back. She's going to get through this…and so is this ship, and then we're all going to have one hell of a party."

Smiling and sniffling, holding back her tears as she pictured Seven beating the crap out of them with ease, Janeway knowing first hand how tough she really was when she had to be, Janeway bobbed her head, then took a deep breath, putting back on her captain's face and said, "You're right. She is Borg…god love her…she'll adapt."

Standing immediately as she saw the Doctor and Tom Paris appear in her doorway and an anti-grav floating easily behind them, the captain's face drained of all color as she swallowed back her fear and said, "I'll wake her…if you would give me a moment, please."

When the male medical staff nodded and took a step back as for a moment the entire Bridge staff stopped what they were doing, even Tuvok, and watched as the captain closed the door, everyone knew, somehow, what the captain was about to say. Some knew she had said it already, most did not, but everyone knew that this was not a time even the tough as nails Kathryn Janeway could hold back her clear, deep emotional feelings.

After Janeway closed the door, she turned around and her hands immediately came to her waist, clutching them together in nervousness. She felt like she stood drop to her knees and pray…pray to an entity that she wasn't even sure she really believed in…but she knew that if she did that, there was no way she was going to be able to convince Seven that there was nothing to fear, so she steeled herself until she was rigid, dropped her hands to her sides and marched up the stairs.

Sitting down next to the woman that she loved like no other person in the universe, Janeway gathered up Seven's finely meshed hand, held it to her chest and stroked her forehead with the other saying, "Seven," but when her voice croaked and caught in the back of her throat, she cleared it of the obstruction loudly, and said with more control, "Seven…Seven of Nine…it's time."

"Kathryn?" Seven queried, her blue, hazy eyes fluttering open slowly.

"Yes, darling," Janeway responded smiling…the sound of her given name on the Borg's lips the sweetest music to her ears. "It's time, Seven. The Doctor and Tom are here for you."

Squeezing the captain's hand that she was holding, Seven began to cry, "Kathryn…I am not ready. You will inform them that I wish to delay the procedure until tomorrow...comply."

"Seven…I"

"Please, Kathryn," Seven pleaded as tears formed in her eyes and started to trickle down her cheek, "I…I cannot. I do not wish this drone to be terminated. I do not wish to go to Sto-Vo-Kor. No…I will not comply!"

Grabbing Seven's head and wiping the tears away from her face as her own eyes filled with agony, the sight of her lover crying killing her reserve at the moment, "Listen to me, Seven…you are NOT going to die. Do you hear me…I will NOT allow it. I am the captain of this ship, and I am telling you that you will NOT die."

"I am scared, Kathryn. I do not 'like' this. I wish to remain here with you. I do not know how to function any other way," Seven continued to beg the captain to allow her to remain how she was. "Please…please…do not leave me. I do not know what to do."

"I'm never going to leave you, darling," Janeway said, wrapping her arms around Seven as she sat up. "Never…never…I'm never going to leave you." Pulling away a little so she could look at her face, she cupped it firmly and said, tears freely flowing, "Oh how I love you, Seven of Nine. You are my smile," she kissed her, "you are my soul," again, "…you are my sunshine…you are my beautiful Seven." Then wiping her tear stained cheeks with her sleeve, Janeway said, growing stronger, "Now…I want you…to let the Doctor and Tom…take you to Sickbay and take care of you for me. You are strong, Seven…you're Borg…and you will adapt. I need you to do this now, Seven...I need you to comply."

Wiping the tears from her eyes as well, she hiccuped, "I will only...if I am allowed to walk. I will not be carried."

Sighing with relief, her lover starting to sound much more like the Seven she knew, Janeway said, "Fine by me…come on…I'll walk you to the turbolift." Then standing up, she gave Seven room and did not offer her assistance unless she asked for it, which she did not. When Seven met her at the bottom of the steps, they turned, shoulder to shoulder and walked out the door. As the Doctor started to protest, Janeway snapped, silencing him effectively, "She'll walk, Doctor…stand aside." And together they started up the stairs as Janeway said, trying to lighten the mood a little, "Now Seven…I want you to be nice to the Doctor…don't try to assimilate him…he's a hologram."

"I will comply…however, perhaps Lieutenant Paris should be accompanied by a member of Security…for his own protection," Seven came back, keeping her hands behind her back, even though it was difficult to maintain her balance that way.

Chuckling, Janeway asked as they reached the turbolift, "Was that a joke?"

Seven stepped to the side to let the Doctor and Tom, towing the anti-grav, into the lift and answered, putting on her best, 'I am Borg…do not underestimate me' face, "No."

When Seven stepped inside and turned around, Janeway stood in the seam to keep the doors from closing, braced herself against them and ordered, "Take care of her, gentlemen." Once they both nodded nervously and muttered, "Yes, Captain," she smirked, letting the doors go, "I'll see you soon."

Unclenching the hand she was hiding behind her back, she turned to face her Bridge crew, all of whom were watching her with various expressions on their faces. Deciding it was time for one of her not-so-funny, Janeway jokes, just to remind them all who it was that they were gawking at, she put on a mock face of terror, covered her mouth and starred out the window. When all of them jumped, turning around, she walked cheerfully down the steps and said, "I'll be in my Ready Room, Commander."

Quickly she stepped inside, kept the door open, but proceeded to the bathroom where she promptly shut the door and collapsed into the heap on the floor, keeping as much dignity for her reputation for being unbreakable as she could muster, while she held back her tears and used that control to settle and return to the woman she was used to being.

All in all, Captain Janeway was a woman of moderate patience. Certainly there were many other people in the universe who handled themselves better with regards to waiting, and there were definitely much worse people that the captain had encountered herself, but now, four hours into Seven's procedure, Janeway had reached her limit, and after her last update from the Doctor, informing her that there were still at least three more hours to go, the captain was fairly certain that she could feel the grey hairs popping out of her temple by the handful, and if she didn't stop to think about it to stop herself, she knew she would have chewed all her nails down to the quick about an hour ago.

The Borg's procedure notwithstanding, there was still the fact that the ship was on continual alert as they waited for the A.I. to make an appearance that they couldn't be certain would ever come until it was right on top of them.

Now sitting in for Nicole Fowler, the captain less than silently drummed her fingers against the edge of the sensor board as she stared out into the seemingly endless cloud of spatial gases, feeling as though she had fallen victim to some half-crazed, maniacal witch doctor who recently rediscovered his favorite Janeway voodoo doll. With half of the magick pins stuck in the chest, and the others in her various patience testing pressure points, most of which resided in her temples, the captain rolled her neck around a few times and forced herself to take a deep breath, and to cease the drumming before she yelled at herself aloud and worried her Bridge crew more than they already were.

When a blanket of darkness fell over the fairly brightly lit Bridge, the captain knew that the moment of truth had arrived. Bracing herself for anything and everything, she tapped her communicator and said quietly, afraid to make too much noise, "Bridge to Fowler."

"I'm on my way," was all Nicole had to say as the captain's ominous tone gave her the chills.

"Everyone…just relax and remain quiet…Tuvok, send a ship-wide message that everyone is to be silent and try to hold still," Janeway said as soft as she could, hoping her voice would carry. Watching carefully as something rather large started to pass achingly slow above their heads, she got up from her post when Nicole Fowler started toward the helm, and quickly, but quietly walked toward the main window, peering upward.

Coming up toward the captain, Chakotay whispered, "Can you see it?"

"No…our angle isn't right…it's just out of sight," answered the captain. "I don't want to risk engaging the thrusters…it might not even know we're here." When the dark shadow stopped its forward movement, settling directly over the smaller ship, Janeway swallowed and said, "Then again, maybe it does?"

"Weapons are at the ready, Captain," Tuvok said quiet when the captain looked over and up at him.

Leaving Chakotay, she hurried up the stairs to where Ensign Ryan was at Operations and said, "Any sign that we've been scanned…or hailed?"

Ryan did not answer aloud, but shook his head from side to side, informing her that they had not.

"Keep a close eye on all systems, Ryan…anything out of the ordinary, I want to know about it pronto," Janeway ordered. Once she was happy with that, for now, she went back down the way she came and took up a post next to Fowler, whose hands were poised and ready to snap into action at a moments notice.

For ten, excruciatingly long minutes, the large, shadowy mass loomed over Voyager, unmoving, and the captain felt as though she had aged a year with each passing sixty seconds, but nothing happened, and the captain was forced to continue to wait still. Wait for destruction, wait for answers, wait to breathe…wait forever it seemed. It was infuriating, it was humbling…it was every single thing that could drive a starship captain to the point where given the slightest amount of provocation, she could go against practically every rule she stood for and destroy this ship, or whatever it was, without warning. This was not the time to hesitate, Janeway knew. She would do what she had to do without pause if she felt for one instant that the lives of her crew were in mortal danger. The air was malevolent, yes, but nothing had yet occurred. And even though it was killing her, she would wait. She would wait for this thing to make the first move, and if it was the wrong one, in her opinion, then it would be its last.

"Captain," Ensign Ryan said from Operations in a raspy, semi-whisper, "someone's accessing our data files."

"Stop them!" Janeway barked, no longer caring how loud she got. Running up the stairs she pointed to Tuvok telling him to be prepared to fire, she zipped around the console.

"I can't stop themn," Ryan replied cranky and rather acidly, which he hoped the captain knew was not directed at her. "Their using…well, I don't know…some kind of high-level encryption algorithm…like Borg, but better."

Nudging him out of the way, she began tracking the intruder's course through her ship's computer systems, which was difficult to keep up with since it was processing data at an astronomical rate, but when security sensors started to blink all over the board informing her of ship wide breaches in security protocols, all of them occurring in various data archives, the captain's instincts told her that their mission logs were being accessed. She wasn't sure how she came to that conclusion before the actual evidence was in front of her face, but as the ship's computer processor was taxed beyond level's she had ever seen, the A.I., or at least that's what she assumed was doing this, downloading data as fast as Voyager would allow, she began barking orders quickly as the lights began to flicker due to the power drain, "Back us up, Nick…I want to see this thing. Tuvok, ready all weapons and prepare to fire on my command. It's accessed our data logs…the computer processor is maxed out."

"Captain, I can't free up enough resources to engage thrusters!" Fowler yelled from the helm.

"I'm shutting down systems on all non-essential decks," Janeway responded as her hands began flying over the console. When it didn't respond in the least, their computer speed now at a stand still, she slapped her hand on console, and said, "Dammit! The computer's not responding…I'll try diverting some resources to the secondary processor."

"Torres to Bridge…what the hell is happening?"

And suddenly the full impact of this process came down on the captain like a kiloton of duranium, quaking her soul and shattering all of her remaining reserve. Without the computer, there was no Doctor unless he was wearing his mobile emitter, but since Torres was hailing her and not the Doctor, she knew that wasn't the case. And with no computer resources, that meant that the machines that Seven of Nine was hooked up to would not be responding as well.

Slapping at her comm-badge she said, as the lights on her board and over her head began to flicker quickly, "The A.I. has gained access to our computer and is taking up all available resources…what's your status?"

"The Doctor is gone, Captain…we tried to download his program to his mobile emitter, but the computer wouldn't respond fast enough before he went off-line. I can't get him back!"

"How's Seven?"

"If we don't free up some resources…her temporary digestive system will shutdown. It' s operating on internal battery power…which gives up less than an hour…it' s just too complicated of a machine."

"Can you add some time to that? Modify some phaser power cells if you have to…" the captain said quickly.

"I'll try, Captain…but you've got to get this thing out of here! I built this machine to use to the computer like a brain…the computer controls its functions…without it, it's no use…no matter how many batteries we have."

"Understood…keep me informed…Janeway out," said the redhead. Turning to Tuvok, she asked, "Commander…do you have weapons?"

"Yes, Captain," Tuvok noted. "However, I do not know for how long…aft phaser banks are unresponsive, as are all torpedo launchers.

"Just shoot the goddamned thing until you hit something!" Janeway snapped, still waiting for one of her commands to be processed through the computer. At this rate, she figured it would take her at least an hour just to access the secondary processor to request that it work as a load balancer, rather than an altogether secondary computer in case the first one was destroyed. "Maybe that will get its attention?"

"Firing phasers," Tuvok replied as Chakotay came around toward him and stood nearby.

Since they had no sensors, and couldn't see what they were shooting at, they had to rely on the phaser's internal power output readings to know if they had made contact. If they didn't make contact, the phaser bank would automatically recharge itself every two seconds and fire again, as Tuvok had the system programmed to fire at two second intervals on a rotating axis until something solid was impacted. If the phaser did make contact, it would not cease its fury until the commander manually disengaged the deadly laser pulse. Watching closely, Chakotay pointed and said, "There…you hit it!" Then looking to the captain, he said, "It's right on top of us."

Shaking her head, the computer still not responding as the entirety of Voyager's enormous databases continued to be downloaded, she watched helplessly as life-support and artificial gravity began to fail on Decks Thirteen and Fourteen. Slapping her comm-badge, she said, "All hands, this is the captain. All personnel are to evacuate Decks Thirteen and Fourteen immediately. Be prepared for ship wide system failures." Then speaking to Chakotay and Tuvok, she said, "It's not taking the hint…hit them again…and don't stop until it does."

"Captain," Fowler said, getting up from her chair and running up the stairs since helm was of absolutely no use whatsoever, "what about the Delta Flyer? It has its own systems…maybe we could distract it long enough to get Voyager some breathing room?"

Looking up quickly, she eyed Fowler up and down as she made her decision in a split second and said, "Do it! Commander…go with her." Then back at her board, she shook her head and warned, "I can't access the Shuttle Bay doors…you'll have to punch through them."

"Understoood," Chakotay said, running into the turbolift saying to Fowler. "Let's go before we lose the lifts."

"All weapons are offline, Captain," Tuvok reported taking his hands away from his console. "The A.I. has sustained at least four direct hits…apparently to no avail."

"Engineering to Bridge."

"Report!"

"Captain," Carey answered, "the main computer processor is losing ground fast. The more systems we lose, the more the resources the A.I. is taking…it can't keep up like this. We've got power conduits going all over the place."

"We're going to try to give the A.I. a little distraction, Lieutenant…if you gain any control… route any available life-support systems to the secondary processor…helm control if you can, but it's not our priority," Janeway ordered.

"Aye, Captain."

"Ryan, take over here," Janeway said quickly, coming out from the main Operations console and walking down to the helm, sliding in the seat, and readying herself if she gained some ability to pull their ship back, hoping any distance would disrupt the A.I.'s hold on them.

As the ship was jolted, and the captain braced herself against her board, Ryan reported, "Captain, the Flyer just blasted through the Shuttle Bay doors…emergency forcefields are holding, but I don't know for how long."

"All hands…hull breach on Deck Twelve…drop what you're doing an get out of there now!" Janeway ordered after accessing her communicator. Then doing to the same once again, she said, "Bridge to Sickbay, report."

"Captain, we've increased the battery life to ten hours…but the computer still hasn't responded to a single command. Tom's taking care of Seven…but we can't keep this up…we need the computer!"

"Can you stop the procedure?"

"Not without the Doctor…half of her implant has already been removed…that's like asking me to stop after I've cut her in half. What!...I've got to go, Captain…she's going into shock. Torres out."

"Ryan…can you open a channel to the Flyer?" asked the captain, her heart beating against her chest so hard it was actually hurting her.

"Negative…even if I could get the damned computer to respond, there's too much interference."

Just before Janeway was about to run up there an wring his scrawny neck for telling her anything but "Yes, Ma'am", Janeway saw the Delta Flyer zoom over the bow of the ship, phasers blazing, igniting the gases directly around them which made their impact more lethal. And suddenly the large black mass that was hovering just above them out of sight, began to move.

"Carey to Bridge."

"Report!"

"Captain…the A.I. is letting up some," Carey said panicked but energetic. "But now the computer is trying to keep up with the back log!"

"Dump the memory now! Then transfer life-support, all Sickbay systems, including the Doctor, to the secondary processors…do it now!"

"Dumping memory…almost done…come on, baby…come one…got it!" Carey reported, speaking freely over the commincations network that had yet to be compromised for some reason. "Second processor is on-line, Captain…life-support is being routed as we speak. Okay…now for Sickbay…done. The Doctor will take a minute, Captain." After a less than a minute, Carey continued to report, "Okay, Captain…it's done…I've got time…what else?"

"Transfer helm and weapons if you can…I want thrusters, impulse and warp engines in that order."

"Captain," Tuvok reported, "the A.I. had not engaged the Delta Flyer with standardized weapons, however, it is coming about."

Lookng up into the window quickly as the massive ship slowly spun and started back for them as the Delta Flyer continued to blast away at it without any noticeable effects, the captain flinched when suddenly her shuttle craft stopped it's attack and came to a screeching halt. Then as Carey began to speak to her, she watched as the small shuttle looked to be caught in some kind of invisible tractor beam, but was being escorted away from the A.I. vessel rather than to it. In fact, as she watched for another second, the Delta Flyer looked to be coming back to Voyager.

"Captain…helm and weapons have been transferred...what now?"

"That's good enough for now, Lieutenant. Janeway out." Still sitting at the helm, Janeway said as she attempted to engage the thrusters and back them off, "Computer, lock out all unauthorized access to the secondary computer processor systems, level ten clearance only. Authorization: Janeway, one, one, five, three, red. Enable." When the computer beeped at her, letting her know that her request had been granted, which meant that only she could reenable access to the secondary processor, except for the ship's automated systems that ran life-support and so on, which did not need command code authorizations to function, the captain tried a second time to get the thrusters to respond, but nothing was happening. All systems were reporting normal, but they simply would not engage.

"Captain, the Delta Flyer had returned. Emergency forcefields have been reactivated and that deck is being repressurized."

"What?" Janeway said, turning around and staring wide-eyed at the ensign.

"I don't know, Captain…I'm not doing it," Ryan said frantically. "It's just happening."

"Captain, weapons are available at your disposal," Tuvok reminded.

"Standby, Commander," Janeway said getting to her feet, the situation starting to make sense to her. "Ryan, is the A.I. still downloading our databases on the main processor?"

"Yes…it's not touching any systems on the secondary though…not even attempting to gain access," Ryan explained. "I think you did it, Captain!"

"Save that for when we're sure, Ensign," Janeway clipped as the lights on the Bridge began blinking on and off in what seemed like a four or five second interval. "What's going on…how did it get to the environmental systems?"

"Unknown," Ryan said quickly scanning through the ship's systems. "No other decks are reporting malfunctions…it may be a faulty power conduit…scanning for power fluctuations."

"Captain!" Chakotay said, running out of the turbolift with Fowler who practically leapt from the top of the stairs and ran back to the helm. "Hold your fire…I don't think it wants to hurt us. It's trying to communicate…with the lights!" he explained, pointing up. "Once for yes, two for no...I think."

"Commander, if this thing can cripple every system on this ship, why can't it simply send me a message over our communication's systems?" Janeway questioned crankily, certainly not about to trust that ship.

Coming up to her, he whispered in her ear, "I don't know…but it's so smart…it's like a child. It doesn't know how to behave. It didn't know it was hurting us…it just wanted to know about us. Once we hurt ourselves, our ship, trying to hurt it…it stopped. I can't explain it, but it communicated with us the same was as it flew us back to Voyager. We lost all control of the Flyer."

Whispering back, she asked, "Am I supposed to just…talk to it? It can hear me?"

"Only yes or no questions…it's too smart to answer the other ones…we couldn't understand."

Clearing her throat, Janeway turned, looked toward the viewscreen and started, "Well…hello." When nothing happened, she went on quickly, "My name is Kathryn Janeway…captain of the Federation Starship Voyager. Did you already know that?"

One blink.

"Okay. I see that you've been reading our mission and personal logs. Do you understand that we do not wish to harm you?"

One blink.

"Do you wish to harm us?"

Two blinks.

Sighing and closing her eyes, the captain continued, "Do you understand that by accessing our systems in the manner that you did, that you did harm us?"

One blink.

"Will you do this to us again?"

Two blinks.

"Do you have a specific purpose for contacting my vessel?"

One blink.

"Was it to read our logs?"

Two blinks.

Turning toward Chakotay, Janeway shrugged her shoulders and then said, "Was it to...talk?"

One blink.

"Alright…is there a specific person to whom you want to talk?"

One blink.

"Do you want to talk to me?"

Two blinks.

Crossing her arms over her chest, the captain whispered to Chakotay, "Do you have any ideas who it wants to talk to?"

"No, Captain…I guess we could just go down the list?" he answered, shrugging his shoulders as well.

Janeway rubbed the back of her neck in frustration and whispered, "That could take two hours like this…."

"Captain," Fowler said getting up from the helm, "what about Seven…he knows her…well, maybe?"

Her eyes growing wider as they sparkled, she came up to Fowler, grabbed her arm and said, "Do you want to talk to Seven of Nine?"

One blink.

"Well done, Nick," Janeway whispered patting her arm. Then turning around, she walked back over the Chakotay, placing her hands on her hips and saying as she looked down at the ground, "Unfortunately, Seven of Nine can't talk to you right now. She is in our infirmary undergoing a procedure. She's heavily sedated. Do you understand?"

One blink.

"Will you wait until she is conscious before you attempt to communicate with her?"

Two blinks.

Her back growing rigid, Janeway replied, "You said you wouldn't harm us. Do you wish to harm Seven of Nine?"

Two blinks.

"Well, talking to her now could harm her. Do you understand?"

One blink.

"Will you wait?"

Two blinks.

Angered, Janeway responded, becoming harsh, "You traveled all this way to speak to Seven, and now you won't wait for a few hours?"

One blink.

"Why?" Kathryn asked, aghast and confounded.

"Captain…" Fowler whispered as the ground beneath them started to tremble, "I don't think it liked that question."

"Ryan…what's happening?" Janeway demanded, holding onto the handrail as the turbulence increased.

"Unknown, Captain…the A.I. is generating…some kind of…Captain…I don't know what the hell that is!" he admitted as the ship was hit with an intense bright blue light which practically blinded the entire Bridge crew.

"Bring up the blast shields," Janeway groaned, feeling her way over to Tactical via the handrail. Once they were up, she said, "Report!"

"Captain, that…beam," Ryan informed stymied, "is penetrating our hull. It's working like a transporter beam and a scanning device all at the same time. It's searching deck to deck."

"It's looking for Seven!" she gasped. "Tuvok…can we raise shields?"

"Not unless we clear the nebula," answered the Vulcan, holding onto his post as the ship was shook steadily.

"Helm…anything?"

"Nothing, Captain…not a goddamned thing!" Fowler growled, slapping her board.

"Tuvok, prepare a full spread of photon torpedos…and get ready to fire on my mark," Janeway announced coming up to him. "Throw everything we have forward…we've got to hit something."

"Torpedoes are ready," Tuvok announced.

Taking a deep breath, Janeway opened her mouth and the instant before she gave the order, the ship stopped shaking. Looking over to Ryan, she yelled, "Report!"

"It stopped, Captain. The beam has been disengaged."

After Janeway ran over to him and started working the board along with him, trying to gather a damage report and see what systems were still being affected, her engineer's voice came over her communicator, "Torres to Janeway."

"Janeway here," the captain responded immediately…holding her breath.

"You better get down here, Kathryn."

For what was only three seconds, but seemed like an eternity, Captain Janeway was paralyzed by fear and the worst kind of ungodly wrath she had ever known. All sound faded away, leaving only the steady beat of her pounding heart to keep her believing that she was still alive. And even though she couldn't move, all of her senses were acutely alive with electricity. Her vision was crisp, clear…the lights on the console brighter and more vibrant than she had ever noticed. Her body ached as it remained inhumanly rigid. She could feel the hum of the warp core beneath her feet...feel the sweat beading on her neck, chilling her skin. The captain could taste the sour flavor of old coffee and acid on her tongue, and with it, just a hint of the last nutritional supplement she had consumed as she had thought of her darling Seven. There was a supremely glorious moment of peace, before her vision started to quake and the panicked sound of life and death came rushing back to her with her breath. Turning quickly, she said, "You have the Bridge, Commander…try to keep it busy for a few moments…Tuvok…keep weapons at the ready, but only fire on my command."

Once inside the lift, she said, "Deck Five."

Now that her moment of serenity had passed, the captain was literally shaking with fury and hatred, and no matter how much she prayed and hoped for this all to be some kind of dream, or the cruelest of jokes, she knew that it was not, and further more, she knew…knew the truth in her gut like she knew her own name, that Seven was gone.

And this time, unlike the time Seven been captured by the Borg, but unforgivingly similar to the time Kathryn had lost her father and her fiancé, there was nothing she could do to change it.

Janeway sprinted down the hallway on Deck Five bounding for Sickbay as the staff in the hallway made way for their commanding officer, looks of fear and bewilderment on their faces. So focused was she on her only current care, seeing what, if anything, was left of Seven of Nine, that she didn't slow or stop to apologize as she rounded the corner and mowed down two rather large male crewmembers. She did her best to slip between them, but when one of them had moved in the wrong direction, expecting her to go around them, she stuck out her forearms and tossed them aside as if they massed nothing.

She took the final curve just as sharp, prepared to charge her way through any other obstructions, and when she saw a clear path to Sickbay, she quickened her pace still, now barely able to feel the impact of her speedy heels on the threadbare carpet of her ship. Skidding to a halt, Janeway didn't bother taking a moment to compose herself before she entered the doors that parted for her evenly without command. And for the second time in as many minutes, Janeway felt a wave of serenity wash over her body, followed by a tsunami of ire.

Waiting for her were the Doctor, Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres, who looked as helpless as the captain could ever remember seeing her feisty, irascible, Klingon lover. When no one moved, not even the captain at first, all of them just starring at her as she stared at what she could see of the biobed that cradled the broken body of the ship's resident Borg, Janeway somehow found her legs and started for the bed, barking, "Why are you all just standing around, dammit! Do something for her for Christ sake!"

Intercepting the captain before she reached the biobed and saw Seven of Nine splayed out like some kind of sarcrifical lamp, half of her torso still exposed to the continually cleaned air of the Sickbay, Torres grabbed the ranking officer by her shoulders, stepping in front of her and said, "You don't want to go over there. There's nothing we can do for her."

Lashing out, Janeway grabbed Torres' forearms that were much stronger than her own and spat, "No! She's strong! Her nanoprobes can revive her after seventy-two hours. Let me go goddammit…if you're not going to do something I will! Now stand aside, Lieutenant!"

As the Doctor started toward them, obviously hoping to calm the situation before something very serious occurred, Torres said, hurting and angered, not at the captain, but for the captain, and for herself, "You can throw me in the Brig for the rest of my life, Kathryn…but I'm not going to let you go over there! You don't want to see her like this. I won't let you!" When the captain started to claw at her arms desperately as she started to lose all composure, the chief pulled her into her chest, the captain fighting her the whole time and just held her tight, letting her tug at her uniform, pound and scratch on her back as she said, adamantly, over and over again, "No! No, Lanna…please."

As the Doctor retreated for an instant and returned with a hypospray, obviously to sedate the hysterical captain, Torres swung Janeway around, protecting her, growling, "If you give her that I'll delete your fucking program! I swear to Kahless…I'll do it!"

Running quickly over to the nonplussed hologram, Tom Paris grabbed the hypospray from his hand quickly and said, "Let it go, Doc…it's okay…she'll be okay…just give her a minute."

Now shuddering against Torres' chest, still clawing at her uniform, desperate for something to hang onto as she felt herself slipping away, Janeway asked a question she had asked once before when faced with such a loss, "Why…why, Lanna? Why..."

"I don't know," Torres whispered back, taking the pain the captain's nails were starting to inflict on her back and arms, since she was only wearing a long sleeved undershirt, feeling like it was right that she should somehow suffer…feeling like if she didn't feel the pain on her flesh, she wouldn't know if she was feeling anything at all. "I don't know…she was doing better…and then she was just gone."

After a few seconds, finally letting up on B'Elanna, Janeway pushed herself way, refusing to wipe the tears from her face and asked, her voice hoarse and tense, "What happened, Doctor?"

"I don't know, Captain," the Doctor said as his eyes pleaded for forgiveness for losing his patient since he, nor anyone else, had ever seen such an emotional display out of his captain. "We'd just stablized her…when…when everything in her body just shutdown. Her neural processor, her implants, her organs…her nanoprobes…there's nothing. I've tried everything, Captain…there's nothing more I know to do."

Dropping her eyes to the floor as she started to take deep, quick breaths, Janeway looked back up, her level eyes a steely grey and said, curt, "Thank you, Doctor…for everything…as well as the rest of you. I won't forget what you all put into this." Then spinning, she started toward the door, knowing that Torres was following her and said, "I'll be back soon…I'd like to see her then…see to it."

"What are you going to do?" asked the hologram.

Janeway stopped for an instant, her fists clenched into balls of pure anger, her nails digging into her palms painfully, she vowed, "I'm going to teach the A.I. a lesson about hell."

"Give me an order, Captain," Torres asked through clenched teeth as they walked quickly to the turbolift, the captain still refusing to wipe away the tears that had dried, leaving long, shining stains on her lifeless face, informing her commanding officer that there wasn't a single thing that she wouldn't do at this moment to avenge Seven's death for them both.

"You're with me," Janeway drone, unfeeling, as they entered the turbolift. "Bridge."

Stepping off the lift first, Torres following close on her heels, Janeway looked straight forward at the A.I. that had yet to move and proceeded to the center of the Bridge where she knew everyone was watching her. Coming to a halt in the center, Chakotay falling in beside her on the right and Torres on the left she asked, cold, "You lied, didn't you?"

When the A.I. didn't respond, she growled, "Answer me!" As nothing but silence was given, she looked back to Tuvok, and asked loudly, even though she knew the answer, hoping the A.I. would understand that she was threatening it, "What's our weapons status, Commander?"

"All weapons are at the ready."

"You have ten seconds to answer my question…I suggest you do it," Janeway warned, looking back front and center, placing her hands on her hips. Counting down the seconds in her head, when she reached zero, she whispered, hissing, "Your mistake." Then louder, she ordered, "Commander, give the liar something to think about." As five distinct impacts were made with the phasers, doing visible damage to the craft, since the starship's phasers were a great deal more potent than the shuttle's, Janeway demanded, "Now will you answer the question?"

One blink.

Mad as hell and not afraid to show it, Janeway took a step forward and yelled, "Why! Why did you kill her?" When there was no answer, Janeway barked, "Answer the question, dammit! Why…you said you didn't want to hurt her, but you did. Why!"

"Captain…it doesn't understand," Chakotay reminded softly.

"I don't want to hear that bullshit!" the captain seethed, her body animated and half-crazed. "You've read our logs…you've encountered probably hundreds, if not thousands of species…you accessed a Borg central plexus…now don't tell me you don't understand! You do understand, don't you?"

One blink.

"And you lied," Janeway snarled, low and menacing.

Two blinks.

Nostrils flaring, Janeway laughed in wrath, "No? Well maybe you don't think ending a life isn't harm…but where I come from, it certainly is…and you know that since you've read everything there is to know about us." Her face darkening as well as her voice, she finished, "You've harmed Seven of Nine. You've killed her," and just before the captain was about to inform the Artificial Intelligence that she was going to return the favor, the lights overhead blinked twice. Her eyes widening, Janeway growled, "What?"

Falling to one knee as the ship was stuck by another intense, blinding light, shielding her eyes, she ordered, "Raise the blast shields! As soon as they're up, fire everything we have at it!"

"Raising…blast shields," Tuvok managed, having difficulty seeing what he was doing in the ultra bright light. Once he heard the shields click into place, he set his long, dark hands on the console and fired all phaser banks as well as the five torpedoes he had at the ready from Voyager's forward torpedo bays, but when nothing responded, he tried it again, and then said, "Captain…weapons are unresponsive."

"You sonofabitch," Janeway snarled under her breath, on her feet and starting toward Tactical, yelling, "Nick…full reverse! If we can't fight this thing in here…then we'll do it under normal conditions. Ryan, do something with yourself and give me a damned report!"

"It's the same thing as before, Captain…the…beam is centered at Sickbay," Ryan reported, quaking in his boots.

Up at Tactical, Janeway urged Tuvok aside as she attempted futilely to fire the torpedoes. When she heard the word 'Sickbay,' the captain slapped her communicator and said, holding onto the sensor board as her ship continued to shake violently, "Bridge to Sickbay…Tom, get out of there!" Then turning to Tuvok, she nodded down at the board and said hurriedly, "Commander, see if you can get the launch doors open…we'll leave a trail of torpedoes if we have to."

As the shaking suddenly ceased just as before, she slapped her comm-badge again and said, "Bridge to Sickbay…Tom respond…anyone…respond if you're reading this!" When no one answered, Janeway started to the turbolift and said, "Open the blast shields so she can see and get us out of here! Torres, you're with me…move it, Lieutenant!" Once Torres was inside the lift, Janeway let the doors close and barked, "Deck Five."

Running once again, this time accompanied by B'Elanna, Janeway said as they rounded the final corner, "I don't know what we might see…can you handle it?"

"HIja'," Torres snarled, her fists already balled and ready to strike. When they grew close to the door, B'Elanna picked up her speed, surpassing the captain and slipped through the doors as they opened just in time before she crashed into them, eyes wide and lips pulled back over her teeth, her blood boiling to the point that if she so much as saw one thing that didn't look natural to the ship, she was prepared to do whatever it took to tear it apart with her bare hands.

When she saw Paris lying on the floor next to Seven's biobed, Torres rushed over to him saying, "Tom…no!"

Following Torres quickly, Janeway slid to the ground next to Tom's limp body and pressed her hands to his neck as the engineer pressed her head to his chest, listening for a heartbeat. Feeling a steady pulse, the captain said, "He's alive…help me get him on the bed." Together the two women picked him up, Torres taking the brunt of his weight. Once that was done, Janeway said, "Computer activate EMH."

"Unable to comply. EMH is not accessible."

"The mobile emitter!" Torres explained quickly. "We downloaded his program after the first attack."

"Where the hell is he!" Kathryn asked exasperated, placing her hands on her hips, keeping her eyes off Seven's body for the moment.

"There it is!" the chief shouted, running to the doorway of the Doctor's office off to the side. Picking up the small device, she said, "It looks like that beam damaged it some…I'll try to download it."

As Torres did that, Janeway grabbed a spare medical tricorder and ran it over Paris' body. Noticing a bruise forming near his ear, she scanned that area and said, "He looks like he hit head…he's got a mild concussion."

"Got it, Captain," Torres sighed as she managed to download the Doctor back into the computer's systems. "Computer, activate EMH."

"Please state…what happened?" the Doctor started his hardcoded beginning, then modified as quickly as he was able to do.

"I think he was knocked back, or something and hit his head…he's got a minor concussion, but he'll be fine," Janeway said, handing the tricorder to the Doctor. "Do you remember anything at all, Doctor?"

"I was in my office preparing my log…when Tom started yelling at me. I couldn't understand what he was saying, so I came out to investigate and then suddenly…B'Elanna was activating me," the hologram explained as he administer the needed medicine to relieve Paris' ensuing pain and wake him.

"Kathryn?" came the softest sound from the other side of the room. "Kathryn, why is there a sheet over my head?"

"What…I didn't hear you?" Janeway asked, turning and looking over at B'Elanna who had turned as white as a ghost and was staring toward the main medical center where Seven's body lay, unmoving. When Janeway heard her name again but it wasn't coming from Torres' lips which were gapping open as she stumbled backward and clutched onto the side of the medical sensor board, Janeway whirled around and said, her voice a whisper, "Seven?"

"Kathryn, remove the sheet from my head. I cannot move my arms at the moment," Seven asked impatiently, then added, "please."

When the captain clutched at her mouth, as she wobbled just slightly, and braced herself against the wall, the Doctor took over for his comrades and ran over to where Seven's formerly lifeless body had been unhooked from the machine that Torres had created and covered in respect, and pulled the sheet back from her face, not certain as to what he would see. If Torres and Janeway weren't beside themselves in shock, the Doctor would have immediately deactivated himself and run a full diagnostic, fearing that he was malfunctioning, severely. When the furrowed brow of Seven appeared, and then her large, azure eyes, and finally her pouted lips which had a definite downturn to them, he gasped and said, "Seven?"

Sighing and rolling her eyes, Seven stated, "That is correct. Were you expecting someone else?" Since she was unable to move her body since it was still under the semi-restrictive cover of the biobed medical scanner, Seven moved her head as much as she could and asked, "Where is Kathryn?" As the Doctor refused to answer her questions and began scanning her rapidly, Seven asked, "Doctor, where is Kathryn…and why are you acting in this manner?"

"How do you feel?" asked the Doctor, putting down the medical tricorder and rushing over to the main medical scanner hovering over her midsection and started a full series of tests.

"I am functioning," Seven said quickly and with little patience. "However, I wish to speak with the captain immediately. I heard her voice." As loud as she could manage since the Doctor continued to ignore her and as she started to become slightly panicked that he was malfunctioning, Seven yelled, "Captain Kathryn Janeway…assist me!"

Somewhat bent over, clutching her chest as she struggled to breathe and not lose consciousness, the captain braced herself on the wall with her other hand, keeping her head low as the floor spun rapidly around her, the stresses of day, the previous week of worry, the memory of when she had lost her father and her fiancé because she hadn't reacted quick enough, and her acute exhaustion finally taking it's natural toll on her ability to control her reactions. As she continued to hear Seven's distinct, defiant and crisp tone, Janeway tried and failed to find her voice, her breath too shallow to allow for anything more than an incomprehensible murmur, but when she started to hear distress lacing Seven's normally monotones, Janeway fought with everything she had left, her protective instincts rearing its practically omnipotent head, and when she heard Seven's desperate cry for help, the captain broke out of her trance, and locked her knees, standing upright.

It took her a few steps to get her legs back, and suppressing the retching sensation in her stomach, she swallowed, croaking, "Seven…Seven…I'm here."

Turning her head at the sound of her lover's voice, Seven saw the top of Janeway's head, sighed and stated, more calm, "Captain…assist the Doctor…he is malfunctioning." When Janeway surged toward her, clasped onto her face, and began kissing her face fervently, and finally her lips, Seven allowed the moment, even though she thought this behavior was very unlike her captain, considering they were not alone, or in the presence of B'Elanna Torres. When she tasted the salty sweetness of the captain's tears, Seven twisted her head, and asked, "What has occurred? Why are you crying?" As Janeway continued to stare at her as if she didn't believe the sight before her, Seven began to feel panicked again, and yelled a second time, "B'Elanna Torres! B'Elanna Torres, I require your assistance! Comply!"

Realizing that she was scaring the hell out of Seven but having a difficult time keeping herself upright let alone try to make a rational explanation, Janeway glanced over her shoulder where Torres was sitting on the deck, her head hung between her knees, breathing heavily, or crying…or both, Janeway turned back to Seven and was barely able to mumble, "Seven, she can't come right now."

Seven of Nine looked back at Kathryn who was still clasping her face and questioned, once the captain had started speaking to her again, "Kathryn, what is happening? You are frightening me."

"I can't explain it, Captain," the Doctor reported. "All of her implants are functioning…her nanoprobes are working correctly and repairing her damaged tissue as we speak. What's left of her abdominal implant is…well…it isn't working, but the rest of her internal organs are. Brain activity is normal, respiration, circulation…everything is normal."

"How can that be, Doctor?" asked the captain quickly. Then turning back to the blonde's face, she said, "Seven, I need you to be patient for just a few more minutes..."

"I will not comply. You will inform me of what is happening at once," Seven informed the captain. "I demand it, Kathryn. Comply!"

Sighing, Janeway replied, "Seven…please…" When the Borg narrowed her eyes some, Janeway knowing that she was about to resist, the captain softened, leaned down close and said stroking her face, "Darling, I love you, just trust me, alright? It's for the best if we let the Doctor work right now. I promise to explain everything later."

Worried like she had never been before, but trusting that Kathryn would not do anything that was not in her best interest, Seven answered softly, "Very well. You will not leave me?"

"I'll be here the whole time," Janeway smiled and then kissed her forehead sweetly. Feeling much more like herself as she saw Tom Paris help Torres to her feet, Janeway stood up straight and tapped her communicator, saying, "Janeway to Bridge…report."

"The A.I. is gone, Captain," reported Chakotay, anger clear in his usually soft, utterly kind voice. "We're about to make it to open space. We'll try to track it as soon as sensors are back…it won't get away, Kathryn…I promise."

Still very angry at the vessel that had played with the life of Seven and the lives of her crew like they were toys, a very big part of the captain still wanted to hunt that ship down and destroy it before it did this to anyone else, but since it seemed that Seven was in fairly good condition, and at least was alive, and her ship was in one piece, the captain said, quietly, "No, Chakotay…let it go. Stand down weapons and red alert…I don't think it will be back."

"Captain, we just can't let it get away wit…"

Cutting him off before he said too much, Janeway smiled and informed happily, "Seven's fine, Chakotay…she's going to be just fine. I'll explain later. Janeway out." As Tom Paris and Torres slowly approached the biobed, the Doctor starting to get irritated that his work space was being crowded, she said to Paris, "Tom…how's your head?"

"It's fine, Captain," Tom nodded rubbing the knot lightly. Peering over the captain's shoulder, he whispered, "Whatever that was, it knocked me back... I must have hit my head."

"Are you well enough to make a small trip to the Bridge to inform the staff of the good news?" she asked.

"I thought I wasn't…" Tom started.

Smiling wryly, Janeway said, "This doesn't really count…but make it a quick trip, Mister Paris…I'm sure the Doctor will need your help."

Sighing, smiling some, then looking down and Seven and shaking his head, he turned and left Sickbay saying, "Only on Voyager…"

"Hiya, dollface," Torres greeted, carefully coming up behind the captain and barely looking over her shoulder, afraid that she was going to faint if she saw too much of Seven at one time, her Klingon and human emotions swinging her body from one pole to the next with reckless force, and not for the first time.

Pensive, Seven queried, "B'Elanna Torres, why are you attempting to conceal yourself behind Kathryn?"

Chuckling once, Torres brought her hand to her mouth, shaking her head, making a little more of herself seen. Then taking a deep breath, she swallowed and answered, "I just…I wasn't sure if you had any clothes on."

The Borg frowned and stated plainly, "You are not an efficient liar."

Looking at Janeway who was laughing softly, blinking away more tears before they sprung loose, Torres grabbed the captain, threw her arms around her, picked her up and swung her around the small space between the biobed and the wall, howling loudly in joy and amazement. As the captain held on tight while she buried her face in the Klingon's neck, Torres finally set her down, grabbed her neck and kissed her squarely on the lips. Then after she released the captain's lips that quickly formed into a smile, she left the slight redhead, ran over to Seven, and kissed her happily. When the Doctor cleared his throat, Torres stood up, wrapped her arms around the captain again and kissed her a second time, this time adding a little more passion to it. When she felt the captain's mouth open slightly in an involuntary moan as she head lulled back, Torres held her firmly and continued to love her openly until the Doctor finally said, "Lieutenant Torres, please!" Trying to figure out what to say other than, "You're kissing the captain," he said instead, "You're disturbing my patient!"

"I assure you, Doctor…she is not," Seven responded quickly.

"Oh…well," the Doctor stuttered, obviously not up on current events, "well…she's disturbing me…this is a medical facility!"

Smiling and blushing, Janeway brushed the hair out of her face and said, "I'm sorry, Doctor…we just got a little carried away. It won't happen again."

"Well, see that it doesn't," the Doctor replied, pompus and uneasily, getting back to his patient shaking his head.

"Kathryn!" Chakotay said, bounding into the Sickbay smiling brightly and wide-eyed, obviously not totally believing the story until he saw the evidence himself. The smile on the captain's face as she left the biobed and walked toward him was all the proof he needed, and as she quickened her pace, he did the same. By the time they reached each other, Chakotay threw his arms around her as she did the same.

Picking her up easily, he squeezed her back tightly and said, "God…I didn't believe it. Then it's true…she's…"

"Yes," Janeway whispered back, which was all she was able to manage since her first officer's bare hug was constricting her chest. "Chakotay…I can't breathe."

"Sorry," he laughed, setting her down. "How?"

"We don't know yet," she whispered. Then gesturing for him to lean down so she could tell him something private, she said, "She doesn't know she was…she doesn't know…so don't say anything…I'll tell her."

Nodding, the commander straightened as Torres came over to him quickly. Releasing Janeway, catching B'Elanna as she leaped at him, wrapping her arms and legs around him, hugging him tightly, he sighed heavily, hugging her back fiercely as Torres buried her face in his neck for several seconds, finally seeing the evidence for himself that B'Elanna really did love Seven.

As they whispered quietly back and forth, Chakotay still holding her easily, Janeway smiled and walked away, giving the old friends some privacy and went back to Seven quickly, asking, "Doctor, what's the status of her abdominal implant?"

"It's inert, Captain," the Doctor reported, "what's left of it. I was able to remove fifty percent before…well, before we had any problems. Which means that it'll still have to come out."

Stroking Seven's forehead, smiling at her as Seven remained patient, but was obviously not liking it, Janeway asked, "When?"

"I'd like to begin as soon as Mister Paris decides to join us," the Doctor reported entering data into the medial sensor.

Her head snapping up, Janeway asked, "That soon?"

"Yes," nodded the hologram. Then sighing, he looked up and said, "This procedure will be only minor surgery, Captain…her digestive system is fully functional, there are no signs of trauma or shock. Believe me…if I thought she would be in any danger, I wouldn't do it."

"Alright," Janeway nodded. Then looking back at Seven, she asked running her knuckles along her cheek and winking, "What will this entail?"

"I'll remove the implant from the surrounding tissue, while Mister Paris monitors her vitals signs," the hologram explained. "It's mostly just cosmetic surgery at this point…but needed cosmetic surgery because her body will simply continue to reject it until it becomes painful."

"And after it's removed?"

"She'll have to remain here for three days while the new skin forms fully…and I'd like to run some more tests, of course," the EMH answered. "After that, it's the same story as before. She'll need plenty of rest, quarters in which to rest, and if you wouldn't mind…I'd prefer that she stay with someone for the first week…just to help her develop a routine." The Doctor came over to Seven's head and said looking down, "Routine is going to be your new best friend for a while, Seven…it's very important that you get into one as soon as possible…it will make all of this a lot easier on your body." Then looking back up at the captain, he said, "I'm assuming of course that you won't object to taking Seven in again, Captain…since you did such a fine job last time?"

"Of course not, Doctor…she can stay as long as she needs to," Janeway answered, looking at Seven.

Raising her eyebrow and smirking, Seven asked, "And if I wish to stay forever?"

"I think we should talk about that later," Janeway smirked back.

"Hmmm," muttered the hologram walking away. "Ah, Mister Paris…enjoy your trip to the forbidden land?"

Ignoring the hologram completely, Tom nodded to Chakotay and Torres who were still talking quietly but not embracing any more and came up the captain, saying, "Sorry, Captain…there was a lot to talk about."

"That's fine, Tom…thank you for taking care of it," Janeway said, looking over at him. When she caught the Doctor motioning for him from his office, she nodded toward the small room and said, "I think the Doctor needs you."

For a few precious moments, Janeway, Seven, Torres and Chakotay all shared some pleasant time as the Doctor filled Tom in on what they were going to do. Then before the Doctor sedated Seven again and prepared her for surgery, Janeway and Torres both gave her words and small kisses of encouragement, promising to be right back here when she woke up. After leaving Sickbay, Janeway called an emergency senior staff meeting where they went over the damage to Voyager, which was relatively minor, and the captain was briefed on the situation with the A.I. that had jumped to a warp factor of nine point six and was long gone by the time Voyager found its way out of the nebula. There was still a lot of tension in the air, especially with the captain with regards to the vessel, but since they were clearly out-matched, the captain couldn't afford to risk her crew and her ship to hunt the vessel down, get back the information it acquired, some of which was high-level tactical data that the captain and Tuvok had collected during their tenure in the Delta Quadrant, let alone make it pay for so recklessly putting innocent lives at risk.

It was a conundrum that Kathryn Janeway knew she would wonder about for probably many years to come, going over each of her decisions, second-guessing herself until she finally put it to bed for good, but since they had managed to come out in one piece in the end, without losing a soul, even if Seven's recovery was still a mystery, although it was clear the A.I. had restored the life it took from her, she knew that eventually she would get over it.

There was still much work to be done, but after the staff meeting, Janeway had sent all her senior staff to bed, letting the Gamma shift take over, and informed them all that as soon as she could, she would see to it that each of them had a little extra time to relax. There were also many notes to be made as far as personnel, so after she dismissed her staff, she kept her first officer behind for a few minutes longer and they discussed some of the pleasant surprises that this situation had brought about, Nicole Fowler being the main point of focus.

Even though there were several weeks left before Janeway had to make a decision as to keep Fowler in the pilot's seat, or return it to Paris, she didn't hold back on her praise for Fowler's professionalism throughout this event or her willingness to do all that she could to save the ship, even at the risk of herself. Chakotay agreed wholeheartedly, and informed the captain that while they were in the Flyer, he had to actually ease her back a little, she was so gung-ho, actually suggesting that they ram the ship. Janeway had smirked at that, remembering the conversation she had overheard between her two pilots, but decided not to mention it.

Susan Resse had also impressed the captain, and she informed Chakotay that she would like to have her transferred to the Beta shift a few times each week, to start out, if she was agreeable, of course, since the captain didn't believe in promoting people that weren't interested, as soon as possible. Ensign Ryan was a little bit of a sour spot to the conversation, but the captain said that even though she felt he could have done better, he hadn't done a terrible job, and that Chakotay should keep up on his progress and possibly try to challenge the young man a little, just to see if he had the right stuff. And just before he left, she informed him that his camera idea was still making her head spin, and that she was going to suggest that it be added to the Officer's Field Manual as part of the 'Things To Do When You Can't See Shit' section, which gave them both a hearty laugh.

When Janeway left the Conference Room, both Torres and Fowler were waiting for her near Operations, talking to Susan Resse about the crazy two days they all had endured. At first Janeway wasn't certain if they were waiting for her, or just taking a moment to chat, but when they both stopped their conversation and looked her way, Janeway, who had planned on going to her Ready Room to have a partial nervous breakdown on the couch as she waited for Seven's surgery to be complete, which the Doctor had informed her would only take another three hours at the most, changed her course and stopped at Operations, saying, "Ladies…can I help you with something?"

Fowler looked immediately to Torres, who she figured would be the one to ask since she and the captain were friends, but when B'Elanna nodded to her, Fowler looked back at the captain and said, "Yes, Ma'am…we thought that since Seven's still in surgery that perhaps you would like to join us for a bite to eat?"

The captain's first reaction was a polite, "Thank you, but I think I'll sit this one out," but when she glanced over at Torres who was giving her one of her, 'Don't make me drag you on your ass' looks, which only the captain, Chakotay, and probably Tom Paris, could identify, Janeway smiled slightly and said, "Thank you…I'd like that. Just give me a minute." Walking toward her Ready Room, she nodded at the officer who was in command, who did the same, as mutual show of respect. After she used her bathroom to freshen up a bit, applied a fresh coat of lipstick and mascara to try to keep her face looking as vibrant and cheerful as possible, Janeway came back out to the Bridge and said to the man, "You have the Bridge, Ensign…call me if you need me."

"Aye, Captain," Michael Rodham said from her command chair.

Meeting Torres and Fowler at the turbolift, she held out her hand, signaling that they should go first, stepped inside and said, "Where to?"

"Deck Two," Torres stated from behind the captain. Then glancing over quickly at Fowler, who was rather discreetly admiring the compact captain's form from the side, and slightly behind, Torres bit back her laugh as the lift's pneumatic doors opened and Janeway stepped out quickly walking straight ahead, but slowing enough so that her two lieutenants could catch up to her.

Falling in beside the captain as Fowler did the same, the engineer asked, "Are you off duty, Captain…or just taking a break?"

Smirking, Janeway looked over at Torres and said, "Subtle, Lanna."

"Just making sure," Torres responded, turning back front and smiling a little. As they approached the Mess Hall, the thought of hot food leading B'Elanna the whole way, she grabbed her stomach, quickening her step and said, "I don't know about you two, but I'm starved."

"You can't be nearly as hungry as I am," Nick offered. "I hope someone informed Neelix that I was coming…wouldn't be the first time I cleaned him out."

Following the two younger woman, Janeway informed, "Well, you can have half of mine if there's not enough…I'm not that hungry."

"How can you not be hungry?" Nick asked quickly as they came up to the kitchen bar.

"Because she eats like a bird," Torres answered for the captain. Then looking around, noticing that the Mess Hall was almost empty, and to her dismay, Neelix had closed down for the night, the brunette sighed and said, "Well, looks like we missed it."

Walking back into the kitchen, Janeway said, "But I know where he keeps the leftovers…and by the way, if I ate like a bird, I'd eat my own weight in food every day."

"Hey, I wanna be a bird in my next life," Nick came back laughing. "Do you need some help, Captain?"

Janeway poked her head around the corner and said, "Does anyone know how to heat this stuff up?"

"Sure…I'll get it," Fowler answered, walking into the back of the kitchen as Torres followed. "What is that anyway?"

Holding the round, ceramic dish at arms length, eyeing it closely, the captain said wryly, "Well, I think it's a casserole."

"Is that all there is?" asked Torres, sniffing it and wrinkling her nose.

"Don't you think it will be enough?" When Fowler and Torres looked at each other and started laughing, then captain rolled her eyes, put back the casserole and said, "Well, I guess that means no."

"Captain," Nick said between laughs, "I could eat almost that whole thing by myself."

When the captain opened her mouth in shock, then closed it quickly, holding her abdomen, Fowler and Torres busted out in hysterics again. And as they continued to laugh, slapping their legs and leaning on each other and the wall for support, Janeway crossed her arms over her chest, and pursed her lips, but when Fowler snorted loudly, the captain couldn't contain her laughter either, and by the time they left the Mess Hall, all of them were wiping tears away from their eyes and holding their stomachs.

"Heavens," Janeway breathed, "I don't even know why that was so funny…"

"Too much stress," Nick responded, finally getting herself under control. Then as they continued down the hall, both of them following the captain out of habit, she asked, "So, where are we headed then?"

"My place," Janeway announced. "Just don't eat the furniture, alright?"

"You cooking?" asked Torres, elbowing her slightly as they entered the turbolift and the captain requested that it take them one deck down.

"Mmmntmn," Janeway hummed, shaking her head back and forth. "I leave that to the professionals…I just live here, remember?" Then before Torres could say another word, she stepped out into the deck and started for her cabin.

Sighing, Torres slapped Fowler, who was a head and a half taller than her, on the arm, and asked, "Can you cook?"

"Sure…it's just a replicator," Fowler answered. "Why…can't you?"

"Well…yea, I can make stuff…but that doesn't mean you want to put it in your mouth," Torres smiled, proud at her less than adept skills at such things. "Can you make pizza?"

As Janeway opened the door to her quarters and stepped inside, the two lieutenants close behind, Fowler chuckled, "How the hell can you screw up pizza?" When she saw her captain stop in the middle of the room, staring at her desk at a vase full of red roses, the tall pilot stopped as well, smiled at the expression on the captain's face, elbowed Torres and whispered from the doorway, "How sweet is that?"

"Ohshit," Torres cursed under her breath as all the color drained from her face. She berated herself for forgetting that after leaving the captain's Ready Room she had made a quick stop by the Airponics Bay and picked these for her, knowing that someday soon Kathryn was going to get off-duty and come back home. Stuck between a rock and a hard spot, Torres couldn't decide what to do as Janeway went up to the flowers, smelled them delicately and removed the card. She knew she could just play if off like Seven had done this for the captain, somehow managing to find time to have someone take flowers to the redhead from her sickbed, but other than not really wanting to bring up Seven right now, or let someone else take the credit for her romantic gesture, something that had never come easily to the engineer, Torres looked down at her feet, kicking the ground and said as Janeway finished reading the card, "Um…I knew red is your favorite…so, you know…just trying to be a friend, Kathryn."

Before the captain turned around, Nick mumbled quietly, "Ballsy move, Torres…not bad."

"Thanks," Torres grunted back as Janeway turned to look at her smirking slightly. "Sorry…I didn't mean to embarrass you or anything…I forgot all about it."

Chuckling, Janeway smiled brightly walking up to Torres and said, "Would you stop apologizing already?" When she saw Fowler smirk and look away, obviously trying to give them a moment of privacy, Janeway came up to Torres and hugged her saying, out loud, "Thank you, B'Elanna. They're beautiful…you're too sweet to me sometimes."

Torres sighed with relief, glad the captain didn't feel pressured to say anything more to her than she would say to any friend who had sent her flowers, B'Elanna hugged her back and said, "You're welcome, Red…just don't tell Chakotay, or he'll be on me asking when I'm going to send him flowers too."

Janeway pulled away, kissed her chaste on the cheek, although looking into eyes intensely for a moment, and whispered, "My lips are sealed."

Once she felt like she could say something, Fowler cleared her throat and started with a joke, as was her way, "So, Romeo, I mean Torres…what do you like on your pizza?"

As Janeway pulled away and started unzipping her jacket, trying to make the incident pass without further comment on her part, although she did let out one small chuckle at Fowler's comment, which was a must or the pilot would for certain think the captain was having an affair with Torres behind Seven's back, if she didn't already, B'Elanna went up to her and said, punching her solid arm, lightly, "Have I ever mentioned how much I hate you?"

Accepting the punch without taking offense, even though she didn't know Torres that well, she understood that contact and words like that meant that she was actually fond of someone, Nicole replied, "Not recently…but I'll keep it in mind. So, are we having pizza or what?"

"Yea…lots of sausage and olives…and if you put mushrooms on it, I'll kill you," Torres responded. "Want a beer, Nick?"

Before she said anything, Fowler came up to Torres and asked, "Is that…cool…I mean, with the captain?"

"Sure…we're not on duty…she won't have one, though," Torres explained, programming two beers, using the captain's personal recipe. Then taking hers and handing the other one to Fowler, she said walking toward the table, "She's all yours…if you pay for the first one…I'll buy the second?"

"Fair enough," Nicole nodded and then got to work at the replicator as Torres sat down and enjoyed her beverage.

When Janeway emerged from her bedroom, still dressed in her uniform pants, sans the boots, but in stockings, and replaced her undershirt with a slightly oversized, black, long sleeved sweater, that had a rather impressive v neck, the engineer turned her back on the captain immediately, knowing that if she did not, she was going to stare at captain's bare upper chest for much longer than normal curiosity and approval allowed. Feeling a little warm under the collar as the captain perched on the sofa, bringing her legs under her body and just looked at her, now in her direct line of sight, while Nicole worked the replicator, the engineer stood up, unzipped her tunic and tore if off her body as she went over to the desk, chucking it on the chair where the captain's was hanging over neatly. "Aren't you done yet…I'm dying here?"

Finishing what she was doing, Nicole programmed the replicator to produce her creation following her specific instructions and said, "Didn't anyone ever tell you to be nice to the people that prepare your food?"

Walking back over to the table, Torres reminded, "I'm a Klingon…we're not nice."

Fowler rolled her eyes, carrying the large pizza to the table, and said going back to order some plates, and a set of utensils, having a feeling that the captain would eat pizza with a knife and a fork, "I guess that was your twin sister that just gave the captain flowers?"

As the tall pilot came back to the table with her beer in one hand and the plates in the other, Torres answered, "That's right…and don't forget it."

"Captain…can I get you something to drink?" asked Fowler, ignoring Torres.

"I'll just have some water, Nick…thank you," Janeway said, pushing herself to her feet, groaning slightly. When Torres looked over at her, Kathryn said, "I think my body has finally caught up to my head…god, I feel a hundred years old."

B'Elanna got up quickly and pulled a chair out for Janeway, picking the one right next to her on purpose, hoping that if she sat next to her she wouldn't be looking at her partially bare chest all throughout dinner and said, "Well…don't be so hard on yourself, Red…let's face it, you've had a tough couple of weeks. Even Wonder Woman had to rest, ya know?"

"Who?" laughed Janeway, sitting down in the chair Torres pulled out for her, saying quietly, "Thank you."

"Wonder Woman…it was a television show, and a comic book," B'Elanna explained. "One of my favorites."

"Speaking of television," Fowler chimed in, handing the captain her water and then a plate and the utensils, "I didn't know you had one, Captain?"

"It's Tom's," Janeway explained, talking the contents of her pilot's hands and setting them down in front of her. Then picking up her water, she turned slightly to the side, facing Torres and explained, "We brought it over for Seven…hoping it would help keep her occupied while she rested."

Laughing, Fowler sat down at the head of the table so she could see Torres and Janeway clearly, the captain sitting farthest away from her which gave her a really nice, unobstructed view of her commanding officer, who Nicole Fowler couldn't help but find utterly beautiful through and through, and laughed, "Really? Seven? I know I don't know her that well, but…it just seems that she would think television was, well…irrelevant."

"Mmm," Janeway responded, shaking her head from side and side as she swallowed. Holding up her finger, the redhead explained while Fowler dished a piece of pizza up for her, "Seven's a scientist…and scientists love to observe. It's actually quite stimulating for her. Plus, most of what she sees on the is completely new to her, which makes it that much more intriguing."

"Guess it makes sense," Fowler nodded, and that was the last word that was uttered by the two lieutenants for a good ten minutes as they devoured the entire pizza, minus the solitary slice the captain was slowly working on, her stomach too upset and tense to eat quickly or anything more. Chugging the last of her beer, she said to Torres, "Want another…I'm buying?"

"Yea," Torres answered readily before attacking the last of her crust. Then seeing the flash of white of the captain's smile out of the corner of her eye, Torres turned and asked, "What?" with her mouth half-full.

Bringing her hand to her mouth as Fowler sat down with their beers, Janeway laughed, "Not a thing."

"Want some more?" asked Nick picking the stray olives from her plate, still feeling like she could have at least another piece or two.

"Okay," Torres nodded and then took a swig of her beer. Looking over at the captain again, who was putting her napkin over her plate and getting up from the table, she asked, "You don't want anymore?"

"No, thank you…I'm done," she answered, going over to the replicator before Fowler took it over for a few minutes.

Sighing, Torres said, "I don't know how you manage to function at all…if I ate like you do, I'd be completely useless."

Ordering herself a coffee, Janeway turned around and came back to the table, saying, "I've never had much of an appetite on starships…keeps me wiry, I guess."

"That's because you're jacked up on caffeine all day," Torres informed, getting up from the table on going over to the replicator to enter in her authorization so the pizza wasn't deducted from anyone else's rations. "Right, Nick?"

"I plead the fifth," Nick came back on the next beat, obviously not comfortable commenting about any of the captain's personal habits, be they vices or virtues.

"Chicken," Torres whispered and then went back to the table where the captain was sitting quietly, tracing her finger along the rim of the mug, looking at it, but obviously her mind far off somewhere else. Chuckling, Torres reached over and rubbed her neck for a second, saying, "Coffee's that good, huh?"

"Hmm?" Janeway blinked, looking back at Torres, then seeing the look on her face, she sighed and asked, "I'm sorry…what were you saying again?"

"It wasn't important," the engineer answered, continuing to rub her neck softly. When the captain's head lulled forward some due to Torres' ministrations, Torres whispered, "If you want to go lie down…don't feel like you have to stay here because of us. I'll take care of things."

"No, but thank you," Janeway whispered back, although knowing that Fowler could most likely hear them. "I don't want to go to sleep until I know Seven's okay."

Torres reached over, kissed Janeway on the temple and said, "Okay…but don't fall face first on the table."

"Really, Lanna," Janeway sneered playfully, accepting the kiss easily as Fowler turned back around just in time to catch the tail end of the comment, although missing the kiss and the neck rub, but not the flirtatious look on the captain's face, which really wasn't all the odd of an occurrence since she'd seen Janeway given half of her senior staff similar looks in the last four days, herself included more than once, but the look on Torres' face was what got her mind working.

Nick didn't know the half-Klingon well at all, but being a woman who loved women, she could spot a crush a kilometer away. Since Fowler was very much aware now just how important Seven of Nine was to the captain, she knew that for the sake of her new friend, she was going to have a talk with her really soon before the enamored engineer took the captain's warmness and easy personality, for the most part, the wrong way. It wasn't that Fowler could blame the engineer at all. Even though the pilot wasn't certain how she felt about Janeway as a captain, although knowing she wasn't nearly as terrible of one as she had first thought, Fowler admitted to herself that as a woman, she rather liked Kathryn...well, what she had seen so far, which wasn't much, but Nicole had always believed she was a fairly descent judge of character. She also knew that Kathryn's physical appearence certainly didn't hurt her case, in her eyes, either, but Nick knew that it was her sometimes mysterious personality that was so alluring. It was odd, to say the least, the tall brunette thought. Even though Janeway could seem to be perfectly open and comfortable, there was always a part of Fowler that wished, if just for a moment, she could be a telepath and find out just what exactly it was that was going through her mind, because some of the things that the captain did really surprised the hell out her.

When the two women dug into another pizza, although this one wasn't nearly as large, Janeway brought her coffee to her lips and asked, "You two aren't really going to eat all of that…are you?"

"Probably," Nick smiled, raising her glass and nodding. "Growing girls need their nutrition, right Torres?"

"Right," Torres returned, just before she bit into another piece of pizza. "Although, if you get any taller, we're going to have to raise the roof on the Delta Flyer. How tall are you any how?"

"One hundred eighty-seven point four centimeters…barefoot."

"Your parents tall too?" asked the Klingon.

"I don't know…I'm adopted," responded the pilot easily, that fact no longer bothering her anymore. In the Twenty Third Century, unwanted pregnancies were virtually unheard of, and what small amounts there were, usually caused by malfunctioning contraceptives, were almost always terminated, which made adoption something of an urban legend.

"No shit?" Torres came back, figuring she wasn't offending the pilot since she seemed to pretty fairly tough skinned.

"It's true. I think my parents had to be Traditionalists or something…they seem to be the only one's left on Earth that have a moral problem with abortion," Fowler explained while eating. "Which is good…'cause if they didn't, I wouldn't be here."

"Hey Red, you have any long lost children on the farm?" Torres teased, dogging the captain's slap of the back of her head.

"I'm not that old!" Janeway spat. When Fowler looked confused, Janeway explained, "I grew up in a Traditionalist community, which Miss Torres here thinks is rather comical, for some reason."

"Get out of here," Nick said, putting down her second piece of pizza. "You…you grew up as a Traditionalist, Captain?"

As B'Elanna started to laugh hysterically, Janeway said frowning at Torres, "Yes…all my life. Well, until I entered the Academy. Really, B'Elanna…I don't see what's so funny about it."

"I just would never had guessed, Captain…not in a million years," Fowler explained, trying not to laugh as well, but only because the engineer was having such a tough time stopping. "Most Traditionalists I've met are…well, weird…no offense, Captain…I'm sure you're family isn't weird. They just usually aren't the Starfleet type."

"Mmmhmm," Janeway said grabbing her drink, pinching Torres saying, "Laugh it up, you," and went over to the couch to sit.

Coughing some, Torres managed, "Ah, come on…you know I'm just playing. I love all your…farm…stories."

As Torres broke out into hysterics again, the captain had half a mind to go dump her java right over the top of her head, but not wanting to expend the energy, or undoubtedly the ensuing wrestling match, which the captain knew she didn't stand a chance in, in any condition, she stuck her tongue out at Torres and said to Fowler, who was watching and eating in amusement, "You'll have to forgive her, Nick…she doesn't get out much."

After the laughter had died down again, Torres and Fowler turned their attention back to the pizza and between them ate all but one piece. Now both thoroughly satiated, drinking another beer each, the lieutenants sitting on the captain's couch, which she had graciously insisted that Fowler and Torres do since they were off-duty and couldn't possibly consider going to bed after consuming that much food. Janeway had taken up the chair that was adjacent to the sofa, her feet tucked to her chest as she sat sideways, leaning toward the back, still sipping the same mug of coffee, listening to Fowler tell stories about some of the captain's and commander's she severed under, some of her roommates, some of her lovers, which the captain was not at all surprised to find that they were all women since Nicole was a fairly masculine woman. Not overly masculine, but there was just a way that she carried herself that Janeway had noticed right from the beginning, and somehow she had always just known that Nicole preferred her lovers to be women, and if the captain had to guess, she would assume that they were all probably a little more feminine and most definitely smaller, since Fowler was the largest human female Janeway had ever met. She knew that such a thought was rather stereotypical, but for some reason, that is just the kind of woman she saw Nicole Fowler with.

Finishing her beer, Fowler said, "Well, I think I'm going to call it a day, Captain." Standing, she handed her bottle of beer to Torres, who was offering to take it and said, "Thank you…I had fun, and I sincerely hope that Seven makes a full and speedy recovery."

"Thank you, Nick…I'm glad you had a good time…so did I," Janeway said warmly, looking up but not standing since she really was too tired and knew that Fowler wouldn't think she was rude.

"Will you let me know how she's doing?" asked the pilot.

"Of course…and I'll tell her you were asking about her," the captain nodded. "Good night."

"Night…see ya, Torres…"

"Later, Nick," the engineer replied, getting to her feet and raising her beer as Fowler left the captain's cabin. Heading toward the replicator to deposit the empty bottles, she said, "I really like her, Red. I'm not trying to persuade you, I swear…I just think she's a breath of fresh air, you know?"

"I couldn't agree more," Janeway yawned, snuggling into her chair and resting her tired eyes. Smiling, she informed, softly, "Thank you for the flowers, darling…I really do love them. You're too sweet to me."

Sitting down on the couch, after kicking off her shoes, Torres said, "There's no such thing, besides…I'm kind of sweet on you. I can't help myself."

Opening her eyes, the captain titled her head and asked, "Only 'kind of sweet?'"

"Well, maybe if you come sit with me for a while, your stock will go up?" Torres smiled back. When Janeway raised her eyebrow at her, Torres B'Elanna and said, "You know I'm crazy about you…now come over here and give me some sugar." As the captain unwound her legs, and set her mug on the coffee table, Torres leaned back into the side of the couch and asked, "Is that shirt new?"

Walking lazily over to Torres, throwing one leg over her body so she could straddle her, the captain replied, "No…do you like it?"

The engineer put her hands on the captain's hips, her light weight feeling perfect against her and said, "Honestly, I'd like if more on the floor of my bedroom…but yea, it's nice."

Chuckling, Janeway leaned down and kissed Torres softly saying, "Mmm…I'd like you on the floor of my bedroom."

Slipping her hands underneath the captain's loose sweater so she could caress her bare back, knowing that Janeway wasn't wearing anything underneath it, which seemed to be something of a regular occurrence, since she had been treated to a quick, but rewarding view a few times when Janeway had leaned forward getting up from her chair, Torres sighed, "That can always be arranged." After the captain kissed her softly for a few moments, then snuggled into the base of her neck, Torres slid the captain off her easily and to the side, and then pulled her into the crook of her shoulder, so they could both stretch out on the sofa.

When Janeway started mindlessly tracing the lines of her stomach muscles that were a little more prominent right now because she had just eaten such a large amount of food, Torres hissed a little in pain, then bit down quickly, hoping that the captain didn't hear that.

Well, Janeway certainly did hear that.

Kathryn stopped her movement, looking up and asked, "What's wrong? Were you injured?"

"It's nothing, cowgirl," the engineer said readily. "Why don't you rest for a little while, and I'll wake you when the Doc calls about Seven?"

"You're avoiding the question," Janeway reminded. Pulling up Torres' shirt before the Klingon could stop her, she gasped as she saw a deep, long, dark red bruise on Torres' stomach. Then upon further inspection, she saw that there were smaller, similar marks all over her torso, and said in question, "Lanna…?"

Sighing, Torres pulled down her shirt, not irritated that Janeway had lifted it since she would have done the same thing, and explained, "Things got tense today…it's nothing that won't be healed in a few days. I've got tough skin," As she did so, she silently prayed that Janeway would let it go and not inquire further since she obviously hadn't put two and two together and realized that she was the cat who mistook the Klingon for a scratching post.

The captain pushed herself up on her elbow, frowning and said, "B'Elanna, I want to know who did this to you? Was it the A.I.?"

"No!" Torres squawked immediately, not wanting to give the captain anymore reason to fret about that situation. "No…it was," she stopped, her shoulders tensing. "Okay, I'll tell you, but you have to try not to get upset…it wasn't on purpose, I swear to Kahless."

"Alright, " Janeway sighed, laying back down. "What happened?"

"It happened in Sickbay," Torres started obtusely, trying to decide if she should lie to her and tell her that Seven accidentally scratched the hell out of her torso, not to mention her back while she was in surgery. As she contemplated her next move, the chief felt the captain go rigid against her, and she knew that her indecision had given her away.

"I did that, didn't I?" the captain whispered, almost afraid to say the words.

Turning so she could see Janeway's face, which was visibly upset, Torres pulled her close and said, "I don't want you to be upset. I'm going to be fine…it's no big deal."

Getting up, Janeway said, "No big deal? B'Elanna, you have bruises all over your stomach because of me! That is a big deal…that's just not something that I think is okay."

Torres stood up after the captain pushed off of her and sat down on the other side of the couch, saying, somewhat dismayed, "Kathryn, you didn't beat me…stop acting as if you have, alright? You were suffering, and I was the only one there that could have helped you."

Standing as well, Janeway responded, "That's no excuse, B'Elanna…why didn't you tell me I was hurting you? Yes, I was upset, but nothing in this world could ever justify me doing that to you knowingly."

"I can't believe we're fighting about this!" the Klingon huffed, now getting angry. "Fine, I'll show you why I didn't tell you," Torres spat, pulling off the rest of her shirt and then ripping her tanktop over her head. Turning around to show Janeway the worst of it, she said, "This is why I didn't tell you, Kathryn. That is your heart and soul being ripped out of your chest, but you let me…me experience some of that pain with you. You didn't clam up, you didn't hide behind your rank…you were a person who was dying, and I got to protect you from the world for a minute. That's why I didn't have the Doctor patch me up. I didn't want to share that with anyone else." Turning around to see Janeway covering her mouth as large tears ran down her cheeks, she went on, "Can you just understand that what happened was good, not bad? You needed me and I was there for you…you would have done the same…I know it." When Janeway nodded, covering her face with her hands and saying, "I'm sorry," over and over again, Torres wrapped her up in her arms and said, "I know you are…hey...I know you are…and I'm sorry you ever had to go through that."

Feeling like the worst kind of person, and having no idea why Torres loved her so much, Janeway went around to her back and began kissing her bruises and scratches, saying, "I love you. I'm so sorry I hurt you, B'Elanna. I love you so much. Please, forgive me...I didn't know."

Shaking her head, knowing that was a close as she and Janeway were going to come to an understanding on this, Torres said, "I do forgive you, Red…I know you would never hurt me on purpose."

Reaching a nasty scratch on her back where she had actually broken the skin, Janeway kissed it softly, promising herself to cut her nails first thing tomorrow morning, and asked, sniffling, "Will you have...the Doctor take care of it for you?"

"No," B'Elanna said surely. "It's nothing that can't heal on it's own…and I don't want to share this with anyone."

"But you might have a scar," Janeway whispered. Starting to cry again, she explained, "I made you bleed here."

Looking over her shoulder, Torres finally turned back around and said, "Then I'll have a scar…and wear it with honor." Wiping the tears from Janeway's face and then pulling her back into her chest, she sighed, "Kahless…I sound like my mother." When Janeway chuckled once against her chest and then started to sob again, obviously way beyond her ability to stop it from everything that occurred recently, Torres said, kissing her head, "I love you, Red. I don't want you to be upset about this anymore."

After a few minutes, her weeping subsiding, Janeway pulled back, kissed Torres on the lips and said, wiping away her tears, "Well…I am going to be upset for a while…it's not something that I can help, but I promise not to let it come between us." Then kissing her more, the captain explained, "Just don't be surprised if I spoil you rotten for a while to make it up to you."

Smiling, Torres replied, "Hey, I can live with that."

"Sickbay to Janeway," came the Doctor's voice over the captain's communicator.

Slapping it quickly, she said, wiping her nose and sniffling, "Janeway here."

"Good news, Captain…we just finished removing her implant…she's going to be fine."

Janeway squeezed Torres' forearm gently, looking at her and asked, "That's wonderful, Doctor…when can I see her?"

"Not until the afternoon…she's heavily sedated, and I'm keeping her behind a forcefield for the night to make sure she doesn't develop any infections as her new skin forms."

"Very well, Doctor…I'll be there in the afternoon…please tell her that if she wakes," Janeway requested.

"Of course, Captain…Doctor out."

Sighing heavily, Janeway allowed Torres to pull her into another hug as she croaked, "Darling…if her ocular implant ever has to be removed…do me a favor and sedate me until it's over."

"Aye, Captain," Torres exhaled as well. Then reaching down, she picked up the captain, carrying her in her arms and said, "Bed time."

"I thought I was supposed to be spoiling you, not the other way around?" Janeway whispered, holding on tight, still sniffling.

As she eased the captain onto the bed, and then joined her, Torres explained, "I'm not ready to be spoiled yet...you can start first thing tomorrow, though."

"She's still asleep?" Captain Janeway asked the hologram with a slightly concerned look on her face as she peered around his body at the biobed that held Seven of Nine.

"She woke up earlier for a few minutes looking for you," the Doctor explained, "but I told her that you were undoubtedly sleeping still…which she said was acceptable and then proceeded to go back to sleep." Raising his eyebrow and crossing his arms over his chest, he said, "It might have been nice if she would have thanked her physician…"

"Don't take it personally, Doctor," Janeway said automatically, although not paying the pompus man much attention at all. "Can I see her now?"

Rolling his eyes, he sighed, disengaged the forcefield and said, "Go ahead…but make it quick, she still needs her rest."

"Thank you," Janeway replied, not looking back at him and making a straight path to Seven's biobed while Torres stood back and watched, having told Kathryn earlier that she wanted to go see Seven as well, but that she thought that Janeway should have some time with her alone. Coming up beside the sleeping Borg who was covered with a sheet, that was raised somewhat around her torso where the Doctor had informed Janeway that she had new skin gelpacks covering her stomach which had to be completely reconstructed and couldn't be done with a dermal regenerator alone, Janeway set one hand on Seven's bare shoulder, while she stroked her forehead with the other one softly.

After a few moments of watching Seven sleep, a habit she hoped she never grew out of, the captain said, "Seven…darling, can you hear me?" When Seven opened her eyes slowly and squinted due to the light, then smiled as she saw Kathryn, she said, "Hello there, Sleeping Beauty."

"Good morning, Kathryn," Seven said back, her voice somewhat scratchy from lack of use.

"Actually…good afternoon," Janeway corrected, smiling. Then running her knuckles over her face, she asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I am functioning," Seven answered. "Although, I am depleated. What is my status?"

"The Doctor and Tom managed to remove the rest of your implant successfully," the captain explained. "The pressure you feel on your abdomen are medical packs that are assisting the new skin"

"How long must I remain in this position?"

"Until the day after tomorrow…if everything continues to go well, you can come home with me at the end of my shift," Janeway responded smiling warmly. "I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke…but the Doctor said that you had to remain behind the forcefield for a while."

"I was not distressed," the blonde informed. "When the Doctor informed me that you were resting, I deemed that acceptable." Bringing up her hand slowly so she didn't upset her tight abdomen that was uncomfortable, Seven took a hold of the captain's hand at her shoulder and said, "I look forward to returning home to you, my Kathryn. The bed and the lighting systems are much more accommodating."

Chuckling, Janeway leaned down and asked, quietly, "Oh…is that all I'm good for?"

"I do not believe it would be prudent to discuss the other reasons I wish to continue to wake up with you at this time," Seven stated smirking some. The sighing, she turned serious, and said, "It is time for you to explain recent events to me. I believe I have remained patient for an acceptable amount of time."

Sighing, Janeway closed her eyes and said, "Let me go talk to the Doctor and make sure I'm allowed to stay that long, okay?"

"Very well."

Leaving Seven's side, shaking her head at Torres who was sitting on a nearby biobed, she went up to the Doctor who had his back to her and asked, quietly, "Doctor, Seven's requesting that she be informed about what happened to her yesterday…and I think it's time I told her."

"I don't think that's such a good idea," the hologram whispered quickly. "She's still very weak…this will undoubtedly upset her."

"Doctor, you know Seven as well as I do…" Janeway started.

"I wouldn't go that far, Captain," the Doctor stated, just a hint of jealousy in his tone.

Setting her jaw quickly as Torres attempted to make herself invisible, Janeway said, clipped, staring him down, "Doctor…I don't think she'll remain patient for any longer…which could make her just as upset, and possibly do more damage to her in the long run. I think we should tell her." Then relaxing a little, she crossed her arms over her chest and eased up on the piercing stare some, and asked, "Is there anything I should know about the technology the A.I. used on her…I'm sure she'll have questions?"

Motioning that the captain should follow him, he said once they were in the office, and the door was closed, "I've had a chance to do a little more research on what happened," the Doctor said. "It seems that the A.I. didn't actually kill her as I thought, but rather put her into a state of some kind of suspended animation. I mean, essentially, she was dead to us, but after running through the sensor analysis of the beam that enveloped her body, it seems that the A.I. somehow transported her, meaning her bio-electrical signals, from her body and then put them back. It also restarted her digestive process, which we had halted and bypassed by B'Elanna's machine, and also repaired her damaged kidney, spleen, and pancreas, which I was worried we would have to remove completely. However, it didn't repair her small intestines, which are fine now, but she'll always have to be a light eater."

Rubbing her forehead, Janeway asked, "Doctor…how is that possible? Do you have any idea why…any notion at all as to why the A.I. would target Seven, other than because she's Borg?"

"Unfortunately, yes and no," the Doctor explained. "From what I've read of the commander's report, he says that the A.I. said it wanted to talk to Seven…and didn't want to harm her, and insisted to the end that it didn't do just that."

"Correct."

"Well, at first I was as stymied as you," the Doctor explained, going up to the sensor board, "but I think the answer lies within Seven and what it repaired and what it didn't. Seven could function with one kidney, without her pancreas, but without her spleen, and not all of her small intestines…well, she would have never been the same," he said, somewhat sadly. "She would have had to be on strict diets...and she would have been easily susceptible to malnutrition, listlessness, and a string of other problems. Since she's Borg, finding suitable donors isn't as easy as you would think. Her nanoprobes are just as much a part of her as is everything else. They might help Seven heal, but introducing a foreign specimen into her system is just asking for them to go to war to stop it. The Borg don't perform transplants. When a drone is malfunctioning, if I cannot be repaired, it's terminated."

"Why am I just now finding out that Seven's internal organs were in such bad shape?" asked the captain, cold and angry.

"It wasn't something that we could say for certain until her abdominal implant was shutdown completely," the Doctor replied quickly. "Once that happened last week, well, it was too late to do anything about it. I couldn't have stopped the process, Captain. I knew Seven could survive…I just didn't think it was something that you needed to be burdened with. She needed to remain upbeat, and for that to happen, so did you."

Looking down and pursing her lips, she said, "Doctor, I appreciate what you were trying to do, but from now on, as far as Seven is concerned, I want to know everything…unless she objects. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Captain."

Then nodding and putting her mind back to what he had been saying, Janeway thought out loud, "So, you think that the A.I. tracked us all this way, crippled this ship, put Seven's body into…stasis…and repaired her injuries…the ones we couldn't…so that she would make a full recovery?" Janeway rubbed the back of her neck slowly and finally looked up saying, "I'm sorry, Doctor…but it just seems too…circumstantial. For one…how would it have known Seven was ill in the first place?"

"Maybe it didn't?" he suggested. "Maybe, it came just to talk to her? We've met plenty of species…someone, somewhere must have made mention of her in one of their logs. Maybe," he continued leaning back against the wall, "when it accessed our computer, it discovered she was ill…and decided to intervene?" When the captain looked much less than convinced, he said, "Okay, I know it's a stretch…but that's all I have to go on."

"I'm not critcizing, Doctor…for all I know, you could be absolutely right…it just seems…strange," Janeway said. "But then again…this whole thing was less than normal." Looking through the window at Seven and Torres who had come over to the blonde and was talking to her, Janeway asked, "Has she said anything that makes you believe she has any idea what happened?"

"Nothing. I considered accessing her memory files…but that seemed rather intrusive, so I thought I'd wait until she knew before I asked her if that would be appropriate."

"Well, considering she hasn't said anything…I'd say she doesn't remember anything." Janeway said. "I'd like some privacy with her, if you don't mind?"

"Not at all, Captain, but I'd like to remain in my office…I still have a lot of work to do."

"Of course…and I'll call you if I need you," Janeway said, walking out of the hologram's office and back up to Seven. Coming up behind Torres, she placed her hand on her back and asked, "What have I missed?"

"Just girl talk…you know how it is?" Torres smiled.

"Ah, yes…the infamous girl talk," Janeway chuckled. Then sighing, she patted Torres on the back and said, "Lieutenant, if you could excuse us for a while?"

"Aye, Captain," Torres nodded quickly. Then patting Seven on the arm, she winked and said, "See ya later, dollface…let me know if you need anything later, okay?"

"I will undoubtedly require your assistance. Thank you, B'Elanna Torres," Seven nodded. When Torres left and Janeway pulled up a stool and took Seven's hand, the Borg sighed and stated, "Kathryn my patience is wearing thin."

"I know…and I'm going to tell you everything I know…but I want you to do your best to remain calm…your body is still very tired," Janeway started rubbing her hand.

"I will endeavor to comply," Seven acknowledged. "Proceed."

Leaning over and propping her head up with her elbow on the side of the biobed, bringing her head close to Seven's, which was turned toward her, Kathryn brought the blonde's mesh covered hand to her lips and kissed them, asking, "Do you remember anything between the time you were sedated in Sickbay before your procedure and when you woke up with the sheet covering your head?"

The blonde looked away for a beat, searching her memory, and then stated, "No."

Shifting in her chair some, the captain cradled Seven's hand near her cheek and started with a heavy sigh, "Well, about four hours into your procedure the A.I. made contact with us." Clearing her throat, Janeway continued, trying to keep the spite out of her voice, "It accessed our databases and began downloading data…taking up all of our processing speed." Shifting again, Janeway propped her other elbow up and rested her head that way, against Seven's palm and used her other hand to stroke her lover's forehead and hair, reciting, "It practically shutdown the whole ship…one system after another went offline because the computer couldn't keep up. The Doctor's matrix was also taken offline before he could be downloaded into his mobile emitter. The artificial digestive system that B'Elanna made for you also shutdown, and was only running on battery power, but unable to keep your system from going into shock because it had lost the computer to guide its actions." Looking away for a moment as Seven continued to stare at her paying very close attention as she always did, Janeway said softly, "And then it stopped after we attacked it with the Delta Flyer…and it told us that it wanted to speak with you. I told it that wasn't possible since you were in surgery, but…it didn't like that answer very much. And…" Janeway said stroking her cheek now, her voice growing more quiet by the syllable, "it attacked us with some kind of transporter beam…I don't know really what it was yet, and I'm not sure I ever will…but it went searching for you with this beam."

"Did it find me?"

"Yes…it found you here in Sickbay, and," the captain paused, swallowing back her emotion as best she could, being fairly successful except for the slight mist covering her eyes, "…and, it took you away, Seven."

"It took my body from Voyager?" Seven queried as her brow furrowed.

Shaking her head, Janeway said, "No, darling…it took…" pausing again to fight another round of emotion, less successful this time, she breathed, "it took your life from your body." When Seven seemed confused, which was entirely appropriate since she was very much alive right now, Janeway continued, "And then when I threatened to destroy it, it attacked us with a similar beam. When I came down to Sickbay to investigate, that's when you woke up and asked me to take the sheet from your head."

Seven turned her head back to the ceiling and stared up at it for a few moments, pensive, before she stated, "I understand your behavior now." Turning back to the captain, she said, "I was…'dead.' The A.I. terminated my lifesigns."

"That's what we thought…yes," Janeway whispered, wiping a rebel tear from her eye before it started down her cheek that had been stained with tears much too often in recent weeks, in her opinion. "We think now that maybe it didn't kill you…just transporter your bio-electrical signal out of your body."

"For how long?" asked Seven, her voice growing colder.

"I don't know yet…but it was about a half an hour," Janeway answered, increasing the intensity of her stroking, trying to keep Seven calm, and herself as well.

"What did it do to me?"

"I don't know…but whatever it did…as hard as this may seem to understand, it didn't do any damage to your body," Janeway said softly. "It actually repaired several of your internal organs that weren't responding as the Doctor had hoped." Trying to smile some, she continued, "And, the Doctor says that you're going to be fi…"

"Why did it do this, Kathryn?" Seven asked desperately, interrupting. "I did not wish to be terminated, no matter what repairs were made to my body. It is unacceptable for this to have occurred. Why did it take me away without my consent?"

"I don't know…it wouldn't tell us why…I'm not sure it knew how to explain itself," Janeway answered. "Seven…I wish I could give you more answers, but I just don't have them. It came in here," the captain's voice started to crack as more tears were held back, "and it crippled this ship…and it took you away from us…and there was nothing I could do, and then it brought you back and left. I don't think we'll ever know, and I want you to know that you have every right to be upset about this. What that thing did was inexcusable…no matter what pain it may have saved you farther down the road, that doesn't give it any right to play with your life like that. I'm not going to ask you not to be upset…as much as I wish that you could just shrug it off, I can't expect you to…"

"I do not know how to…feel…about this," Seven said, looking back at the ceiling. "I am angry that it would attack your ship. I am angry that it would attack me…that it would take me away from you." Her jaw tightening, she said through clenched teeth, "That it would make you believe that I was terminated…that it would make you believe that you failed me. I wish to destroy it for causing you pain in this manner, Kathryn." Sighing, Seven shook her head slightly and said, "This is unacceptable! and illogical!" Looking back at Janeway, she pleaded, "Kathryn, I want to know why. I require this knowledge."

"Seven," Janeway sighed, sniffling, "I want to give you the answers…I want you to know why more than anything…but I don't have them. The Doctor," she explained, clearing her throat some, "thinks that possibly it came after us to talk to you, since it had interfaced with the Borg Collective before…and he thinks that maybe after it accessed our logs, that it discovered that you were ill, and decided that it wanted to help you. I know that's not nearly as definitive an answer as you or I would prefer, but it's a start."

"You are attempting to console me by believing something that I do not know is accurate," Seven stated instead of asked. "That is not something that I do."

"I know…I don't make a habit of it myself," Janeway replied, "but, we don't know that it's not true either. The A.I. could understand us very well in some respects, but I think that its intelligence was so far beyond our comprehension, that it didn't know how to communicate with us. I had to ask yes or no questions…and even after I thought you were dead and had attacked it, and was preparing to destroy it, it remained adamant that it had not wished to harm you, and that it hadn't, and then you were returned, and it was gone." Kissing Seven's hand, Janeway said, "And no matter how much I hate what it did…it did bring you back to us…back to me, and it made repairs to your body that will keep you functioning just as you've been growing accustomed to. And once you're fully recovered…you'll be as good as new…just maybe a little more human, and a little less Borg…but still very much Seven of Nine."

Seven sat with that for several minutes, breathing deeply as Janeway continued to stroke her forehead and hair and kiss her hand, and then finally, she sighed and informed, "If you will attempt to believe that the Artificial Intelligence assisted me in the only manner it knew how, then so will I. However, I will not if you will not. I do not know how to proceed in this manner without your guidance. It is not something I have ever attempted before."

Smiling, the captain nodded and replied, "Okay, then that's what we'll do. I'll even put that in my official log…that even though we don't know, we believe that the A.I. was simply trying to save and better the life of my Astrometrics officer," kissing her hand again, she finished, "and the woman I love."

fin